Business Direction 13

Direction

Business

Online Revolution page 7 Take the risk out of exporting page 15 Are you leaving your business open to prosecution page 38

How technology is changing the business world Big Interview: Kevin Savage - Director Ventutec Ltd - page 24/25

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce BD13.indd 1

ÂŁ2.00 where sold

May/June 2013 Issue 13 3/5/13 11:07:12

WINNER Best Upper Medium Car

(SOMETIMES THE HEADLINE WRITES ITSELF)

No other car in this segment has SKYACTIV Technology. That’s why no other car in this segment has CO2 emissions as low as 108g/km. That’s also why none of them can deliver 67.3mpg^ from a 2.2-litre 150ps diesel engine. In fact, SKYACTIV Technology is so good it was recently awarded the WhatCar? Ultra-low-carbon award. But the carbon isn’t the only thing that’s ultra-low. Even with a high level of spec as standard you get BIK from just £55^^ as well as surprisingly low monthly payments from £239*. The all-new Mazda6 isn’t the obvious choice. It’s the smart choice.

Order today at Bengry Motors (Leominster) Ltd

P11D Price

C02 emissions (g/km)

BIK Percentage

BIK @ 20% (Year / Month)

3-Year BIK Costs (Savings)

Fuel consumption (mpg)

Max Power (PS)

Mazda6 2.2 150ps Saloon SE Diesel

£21,740

108

16%

£695 / £57

£2,260

67.3

150

Audi A4 2.0 TDie SE

£26,650

112

17%

£906 / £75

£2,931 (£671)

65.7

136

BMW 3 Series 2.0 EfficientDynamics

£28,355

109

16%

£907/ £75

£2,948 (£688)

68.9

163

THE ALL-NEW M{ZD{ 6. DEFY CONVENTION.

Bengry Motors (Leominster) Ltd

Southern Avenue Industrial Estate, Leominster, Herefordshire HR6 OQF www.bengry-mazda.co.uk

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*Offer available to business users for orders received between 01.04.2013 and 30.06.2013. £239 (exc VAT) figure is based on an all-new Mazda6 2.2 150ps Saloon SE Diesel, without Metallic paint, on a non-maintenance contract hire package over 36 months, 10,000 contract miles per year. Advance payment equal to 6 monthly payments is payable followed by 35 monthly payments. Excess mileage charge applies if contract mileage is exceeded. For full terms and conditions and specification please refer to the Mazda Contract Hire Master Agreement and your local dealer. All quotations are subject to availability, status and agreement. Free Metallic paint is only available in conjunction with Mazda Contract Hire offer and applies to selected models only. Guarantees may be required. Terms are unavailable to existing customers under specific end-user terms with Mazda Motors UK Ltd. Details correct at time of publication and may vary, e.g. if list price changes. Mazda Contract Hire Limited does not offer tax advice to individuals: company car drivers should consult their accountant on their tax position. Contract hire by ALD Automotive Ltd, trading as Mazda Contract Hire, Oakwood Park, Lodge Causeway, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3JA. Models shown with monthly payment: all-new Mazda6 2.2 150ps Saloon SE Diesel. OTR £21,795. Model shown features optional Soul Red Metallic paint (£660). ^mpg figures shown are combined. ^^BIK values are at 20% rates based on a car with non-Metallic paint and are valid from 1 April 2013. On the road prices include 20% VAT, number plates and 3 years’ European Roadside Assistance. Test drives subject to applicant status and availability. Table sourced from manufacturer sites, March 2013.

The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the all-new Mazda6 range: Urban 36.2 (7.8) – 55.4 (5.1). Extra Urban 57.6 (4.9) – 78.5 (3.6). Combined 47.9 (5.9) – 67.3 (4.2). CO2 emissions (g/km) 136 – 108.

DEFY CONVENTION

3/5/13 11:07:23

Dir ec tio n

The Chamber

Bu sin ess

Automotive Ltd, trading as Mazda Contract Hire, Oakwood Park, Lodge Causeway, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3JA. Models shown with monthly payment: all-new Mazda6 2.2 150ps Saloon SE Diesel. OTR £21,795. Model shown features optional Soul Red Metallic paint (£660). ^mpg figures shown are combined. ^^BIK values are at 20% rates based on a car with non-Metallic paint and are valid from 1 April 2013. On the road prices include 20% VAT, number plates and 3 years’ European Roadside Assistance. Test drives subject to applicant status and availability. Table sourced from manufacturer sites, March 2013.

All your Import

and Export needs

Training Centre

The Chambers

biggest expo

page 15

page 34

FIRStWORD

ever page 43

weLCOMe TO THe eaRLY SUMMeR eDITION OF BUSINeSS DIReCTION How technology is changing the business world : Kevin Savage - Director Big Inter view Ltd - page 24/25

n published Business Directio

£2.00 where

Ventutec

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by Hereford

May/June 2013

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Issue 13

HWCHAMBER.CO.UK Business Direction, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce’s full colour bi-monthly publication. Designed and produced by business people for business people. Distributed to 6,000 businesses including selected retail outlets across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

EDITOR Kelly Key 0845 641 1641 ext 213

kellyk@hwchamber.co.uk Lauren Whiles 0845 641 1641 ext 279

laurenw@hwchamber.co.uk

EDITORIAL businessdirection@hwchamber.co.uk 0845 641 1641 ext 213

PRODUCTION & DESIGN Distinctive Publishing, 8th Floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU Tel: 0845 884 2385

The Chamber has just completed its year end on the 31 March and for us, like any other SME business we had a flurry of activity.

I look forward to meeting you all at our events over the summer.

Mikea@hwchamber.co.uk

This activity has included a number of key events.

Our biggest event, by far was the Expo at the Three Counties Showground. With 160 stand holders and a footfall of nearly 1000 people, much business was achieved. This was a joint Herefordshire and Worcestershire event and was very successful. Big thanks to all the sponsors especially Louise Hewett, Hewett Recruitment for their headline sponsorship.

The event coincided with British Tourism week and we are all optimistic that the two counties and tourism companies can benefit from a better summer than last year.

The Chamber has launched a Golf Society and the first golf day was held at Wharton Park on Wednesday 10 April. 48 players enjoyed the day in another great opportunity to generate new business contacts. Details on the next three events can be found at www.hwchamber.co.uk./chambergolfsociety

This edition features Online Revolution and an interview with Kevin Savage. Businesses have had to grasp the many changes in technology over the past few years, those that haven’t will fall by the wayside. The two counties can show a wide range of successful businesses who are adapting to these new technologies.

www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk

ADVERTISING Distinctive Publishing, 8th Floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU Tel: 0845 884 2337

CONtENtS 3 First word

23 Destination Worcestershire

4 Chamber news

24 Big Interview: Kevin Savage

5 Business news

26 Cover story: Technology

John Dean & Francis Griss

7 Business news

38 Chamber training

deangriss@btinternet.com

8 Business news

39 Training planner

SUBSCRIPTIONS

9 Business news

40 Chamber Events

www.hwchamber.co.uk/view-our-businessmagazine Tel: 0845 641 1641

12 Business news

42 Business news

15 International trade

43 New Members

17 International trade

44 Chamber news

18 Policy

47 Chamber Expo

19 Business news

48 Skills and Education

20 Business news

49 Movers and Shakers

22 Conference Worcestershire

50 Last word

Helen.smith@distinctivegroup.co.uk

FEATURE EDITORS

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, the publisher accepts no responsibility for omissions or errors within this publication. Editorial submissions are included at the discretion of the editor. The opinions expressed in articles and letters within this publication are not necessarily those of the Chamber.

All offers, promotions and competitions appearing in Business Direction are the sole responsibility of the advertiser/ promoting party and Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce does not accept any responsibility for any representations made within them.

24

26

Our Patrons are:

May/June 2013

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Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

03 3/5/13 11:07:46

CHAMBERNEWS

New Dawn Dawn Hardman, HR Services Manager at the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, recently gave an enlightening talk to RGS Worcester Sixth Form students.

Dawn is responsible for the HR and all related services for the Chamber and passed on her wealth of knowledge.

With the number of applications per job being higher than ever, Dawn explained the importance of the CV. She gave the Sixth Form Students tips on how to ensure their CV stands out from the many others employers have to read, ensuring they have the best chance of progressing to the next stage of the application process.

Daniel Goodyear, Lower Sixth, says: “It was a very worthwhile and beneficial talk. I feel that career workshops like these are vital in helping us to prepare for the world of work that, as we are now in the Sixth Form, is getting ever closer.” www.rgsw.org.uk dawnh@hwchamber.co.uk

GRAB A GREEN GRANT Worcestershire businesses can now benefit from a new green support programme.

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce have teamed up with Worcestershire County Council through Worcestershire Business Central to offer grants and free assessments to help businesses reduce their costs of energy, waste, water and raw materials and improve profitability.

Resource Efficient Worcestershire have been awarded funding through European Regional Development Funding and can provide grants and free assessments to help businesses reduce their costs of energy, waste, water and raw materials, and improve profitability.

A NEW WAY FORWARD FOR TOURISM DELIVERY IN WORCESTER CITY Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce have recently taken over responsibility for delivering the Tourism contract and managing the Tourist Information Centre in Worcester City.

The Chamber already manages Visit Worcestershire which is responsible for attracting visitors to the county so this is an excellent opportunity to join up marketing to ensure that Worcester and Worcestershire is a destination of choice for residents, businesses, visitors and tourists.

Over the next few years, the Chamber will be developing the offering of the Tourist Information Centre based at the Guildhall, and ensuring that Worcester City is a vibrant tourism venue. There are already plans for a number of key events and marketing

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campaigns which will increase footfall in the city, one of these will be the Christmas Victorian Fayre which will take place on Thursday 28 November to Sunday 1 December and has been very successful in previous years.

Mike Ashton, Chief Executive of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce commented: “Worcester City has seen a number of major developments recently with the Arena, The Hive and a new hotel and conference centre at the Cricket Club which are all opportunities for promoting the city. We are excited about working with these venues as well as with the long established venues to ensure we build on the good work that Visit Worcester have done in the past to bring visitors to the city.”

Companies receive a free resource efficiency assessment and recommendations report identifying ways in which they can reduce energy and water, waste and raw materials costs, increase business profitability, reduce CO2 emissions, help businesses become more environmentally aware and leverage private sector investment. Following the assessment businesses can apply for the supporting grant fund up to the total value of £15, 000 (including 55% match funding contribution by the SME) to help them implement the recommendations from the assessment (e.g. lighting, heating, air conditioning, insulation, boilers).

To be eligible for an assessment and grant, businesses must be located in and trading from Worcestershire, employ fewer than 250 people and have a turnover of under 50 million Euros (approximately £40 million). Businesses sectors that are not eligible for support include agriculture, retail, businesses that primarily serve the public, social welfare and education. www.business-central.co.uk/resourceefficiency-grants

May/June 2013

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BUSINESSNEWS

MP MEETS SANCTUARY APPRENTICES Worcester MP Robin Walker recently spent time with Top 100 Apprentice employer Sanctuary Group to hear young people’s views of apprenticeships as a career path.

Two of Sanctuary’s horticulture apprentices who are attending Pershore College of Horticulture, met Robin and took him to a Sanctuary owned property in the city to show him a new eco project taking place there.

Calum Ashton and Luke Ward, both aged 22, along with six other Sanctuary apprentices, have been asked to design and create an eco garden at one of the Group’s houses as part of their two-year course.

Robin Walker MP says: “Apprenticeships are such a wonderful opportunity for people to get valuable experience of working for an employer whilst also getting qualifications that can last a lifetime. As Sanctuary’s range of apprenticeships show, there are a wide variety of different opportunities available and it is good to see apprentices not just at entry level but also progressing on to greater things.” www.sanctuary-group.co.uk

WRAGGE & CO ADVISES SANCTUARY ON ITS ACQUISITION OF COSMOPOLITAN HOUSING GROUP Wragge & Co’s corporate specialists have advised Sanctuary Housing Association on its acquisition of Cosmopolitan Housing Group (CHG). A team led by corporate partner Peter Smith advised on the deal, which brings an additional 13,500 homes under the group.

BUY YOUR SEASON TICKET THROUGH DIRECT DEBIT Worcester Warriors have introduced a new direct debit scheme for 2013/14 season which allows fans to pay on a monthly subscription.

Since launching the Season Tickets in March Worcester Warriors have already seen a host fans take advantage of the Direct Debit Scheme and Introduce a Friend Scheme.

The final deadline to buy your Season Ticket through the Direct Debit Scheme is Thursday 13 June and the total amount payable will be spread over the number of months until December 2013.

This year Warriors are offering great savings on Season Tickets. Prices have been frozen for Season Ticket holders, an ‘introduce a friend’ scheme has been launched and once again they will be continuing with Under 10s for FREE campaign.

This means that a full season of Aviva Premiership, European and Anglo-Welsh Cup action starts with our Early Bird offer from just £130 for juniors and £215 for adults. www.warriors.co.uk

Peter Smith says: “As a long-standing client, we have seen Sanctuary go from strength-to-strength. Our corporate, banking, real estate, commercial, pensions and employment experts worked well with the client’s in-house team to achieve the best commercial outcome on this latest deal under tight timeframes.”

CHG comprises Cosmopolitan Housing Association, Cosmopolitan Student Homes, Cosmopolitan Enterprises and Chester and District Housing Trust. It owns and manages around 13,500 homes in North England.

Sanctuary manages more than 94,000 homes in England and Scotland, from its Worcester headquarters.

The acquisition was supported by social housing regulator the Homes and Communities Agency.

Wragge & Co’s corporate practice provides a partner-led service and commercial legal advice to listed companies, private companies and institutional investors in the UK and internationally. www.wragge.com

LADIES DAY AT NEW ROAD Worcestershire’s most stylish event returns to New Road for the sixth year in succession.

2013 marks the 25th Anniversary of The Lady Taverners Charity. During this time the charity has raised over £12million to help give children with special needs and disabilities a ‘sporting chance’ in life.

This summer, Ladies Day will be held on Thursday 20 June when Worcestershire CCC face Glamorgan CCC in the LV= County Championship.

Get together with your friends and colleagues for Ladies Day at New Road for just £49per person or a table of ten for £450 (inc VAT).

Ladies Day at New Road is an un-missable event where guests can enjoy the First Class hospitality synonymous with Worcestershire CCC whilst raising valuable funds for The Lady Taverners Charity.

For further details about Ladies Day and other corporate events at New Road please contact Rachel Ivins on 01905 337933 or e-mail

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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events@wccc.co.uk

05 3/5/13 11:08:00

f

2013

Festival for Young Singers

Worcester International Festival for Young Singers

wIFYS – THe HOT TICKeT THIS SUMMeR! presents

Worcester International Festival for Young Singers

This unique event will bring together young people from around the world to share their music-making in a sparkling array of concerts and performances for the public enjoyment.

There are numerous opportunities for the local community to contribute to the success of WIFYS: supporting the range of concerts throughout the week – most events are free! – volunteering in the week’s activities and special

with the European Choral Association–Europa Cantat

opportunities for local young singers to take part. Local businesses and organisations will have the chance to support a major international event that will put Worcestershire at the forefront of innovation in the arts and education, as well as complimenting its attraction as a tourist destination.

Want to get involved?

Contact admin@singuk.org

x The UK’s first non-competitive international festival for young choirs – more than 400 singers from 10 different nations will come together to celebrate their passion for singing x Gala concert with the world première of a specially commissioned work from UK composer Bob Chilcott – “Five Days That Changed the World” – to be performed in Worcester Cathedral on Friday 26 July x Diverse musical cultures shared in an internationally cooperative event under a banner of “Peace & Unity between Nations” x Concerts, street singing and accessible performances by the visiting choirs at venues in and around Worcester x Conducting Course led by ’abcd’ – the Association of British Choral Directors

It’s coming ...

19 – 27 July 2013 www.singuk.org/wifys 06 business-direction-ad-250x88mm.indd 1

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BUSINESSNEWS

LOCAL COMPANY BREAKS INTERNATIONAL BARRIERS

BLUe TeLSa MaRKeTING’S THRee TOP TIPS FOR a weB 2.0 wORLD BRAND YOUR EMAILS Nothing says amateur like a company email address using Hotmail, Yahoo or other free email provider. Get your emails branded by using @ yourcompanyname.com – if you’ve already got your own website then it’s just a few clicks to set them up, or ask your web team for more details.

USE GOOGLE PLACES If your company isn’t listed on Google Places then you may be missing out on

In many industries and professions, businesses are now required to show evidence of approved standards or qualifications and appropriate insurance before business will be transacted.

While it is impossible to enter a construction site, supply a supermarket or give financial advice without meeting

James from webCRM says “It has been a pleasure working with McTip IT Ltd, we are pleased that the relationship has evolved to the point that our other countries are now undertaking the skills that McTip IT have to offer”.

McTip IT hope that they can continue with this success and continued growth over the next year. www.mctipit.com

a lot of web traffic. Listings on Google Places often appear higher than the normal search results, so you’ll miss out if you’re not listed. – and it’s free!

WEBMASTER TOOLS If you have a website, ask your web team about Google Webmaster Tools.

It’s an invaluable utility that Google can use to let you know about errors or problems with your website, and a whole host more - it’s also free! www.blueteslamarketing.com

SUTCLIFFE AND CO GET SET TO LAUNCH NEW CYBER LIABILITY INSURANCE SCHEME Worcester-based insurance broker Sutcliffe and Co has joined forces with cyber assurance accreditation body IASME to launch a combined cyber security assurance and insurance package which it believes is a first in the UK.

Over the past year digital marketing agency McTip IT Ltd has been working with the webCRM (UK),one of the leading Cloud CRM providers, managing their internet marketing. During this time they have managed to build a strong alliance with the company and have now begun working with the international branches of the business.

WebCRM are originally a Danish company who now have 14 offices throughout the world, ranging from Brazil to Germany.

a range of pre-conditions, cyber threat however, is generally overlooked.

Duncan Sutcliffe, Director, Sutcliffe & Co comments: “The cyber threat is not around the corner, it is already here.

I think the combination of assurance with insurance will go a long way to improving the safety and resilience of SMEs in this country.” www.sutcliffeinsurance.co.uk

IS LINKEDIN PART OF YOUR SALES STRATEGY? Uniquely in the world of Social Media, LinkedIn offers an opportunity to reach qualified sales leads, build a meaningful business relationship and have a balanced business conversation. Despite this an inordinate number of LinkedIn members still use it to collect scalps!

starts with you being really interested in their business and how you can help them, then often, eventually, you will get permission to introduce your business and possibly you will do business with each other, or they may introduce you to their connections.

Unfortunately just connecting with someone is a worthless act and none more so than in LinkedIn.

So now is the time to take LinkedIn seriously, and to make it really work for you. If you want to find out more Life’s a Peach run courses in Hereford offering a practical step by step guide to using LinkedIn as part of your sales strategy.

Book your place today.

If you treat each connection on LinkedIn as a person not a number, if you make your communication personal, find out a little about them and seek a two-way conversation with each connection, if you make sure that the conversation

www.lifes-a-peach.co.uk

CHaMBeR HR weBSITe aND aDVICe LINe

Trained HR Professionals are on hand 24 hours a day to offer advice on employment issues via the telephone or dedicated website.

Contact your Chamber representative for a Username and Password.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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07 3/5/13 11:08:13

BUSINESSNEWS

STORM GEORIVER IS HIGH END RIVER MODEL DATA PREPARATION SOFTWARE THAT CREATES RIVER MODELS FAST Borwell have partnered with Storm Geomatics, experienced surveyors, to create a brand new software solution for the river surveying and hydraulic modelling industry.

This expert partnership provides a dual approach to a software package that offers surveying companies and consulting engineers value for money and improves output immediately.

The software appeals to two groups of user:

River surveyors who capture vast amounts of position and height data within the river channel and flood plain.

Hydraulic engineers who use this data to create a river model in order to simulate its behaviour.

Available now and easily accessible it is great value if you have river models to prepare. Flexible licensing allows this specialist software to be used from £100 for a 30 day cloud licence or even less per month if you take the annual subscription. www.storm-georiver.com www.borwell.com

TERMS AND CONDITIONS – ONE SIZE DOESN’T FIT ALL

GET READY FOR BUSINESS SEMINARS Have you got a business idea that you’d like to turn into a reality? Do you need help creating or strengthening your business plan? Would a final check of your plans give you greater confidence to start your business?

If you have answered ‘yes’ to any of the above, then Get Ready for Business seminars are for you.

Get Ready For business seminars are free and interactive. You’ll enjoy support and advice on the essential steps for starting-up so you can get your business off to the right start.

Seminars cover a range of areas including: n Writing a good business plan

It is vital for any businesses to undertake a legal review of their terms and conditions of sale, supply or purchase at least every three years to ensure they are enforceable.

n Sourcing finance n Managing cash flow

In the UK, the landscape of the market place is changing – changes which are a move away from ‘standard’ terms and conditions to more bespoke drafted terms and clauses for use by a business for specific customers or market sectors.

n Meeting your legal obligations

Why? Well, the circumstances of most recession-conscious businesses have changed and they’ve quickly found they must improve processes and work far closer with suppliers, customers and other stakeholders.

n Finding the right banking solutions

n Taxation and VAT n Marketing What’s more, you will have the opportunity to network with other budding entrepreneurs.

Recent court cases have hit home the message to some high-profile businesses that it’s important to have specifically drafted terms and conditions of contract relevant to the industry sector– and why it’s equally essential to ensure they work. In a recent Court of Appeal case involving Manchester Central Convention Complex and its contracting caterers, the court refused to allow the Convention Complex to rely on its exclusion of liability for loss of profit clause when it terminated the catering contract early.

CASE STUDY:

www.mfgsolicitors.com

NEW LEASE OF LIFE FOR 150-YEAR OLD STATION BRIDGE Vital work to an important under bridge in the centre of Worcester has been completed by contractors J. Murphy & Sons Limited on behalf of Network Rail, the owners and maintainers of Britain’s rail infrastructure, and has returned the grade two listed structure back to its former glory.

First built in 1860 and last replaced in 1906, the bridge which crosses over the A38, has deteriorated over the years and its overall condition meant it was placed on the Council’s Heritage ‘at Risk’ Register. The work undertaken by civil engineering and rail specialist J.

Murphy & Sons Limited for Network Rail has achieved extensive repairs to the old heavy steels which make up the bridge, along with repairs to the fractured cast iron fascia and the replacement of the bridge’s drainage system.

The project has been followed with great interest by the local media since its beginning. The project team’s hard work, previously under cover for the past 10 months, is now revealed. Sympathetically and sensitively restored, Worcester Foregate Street Rail Bridge, was officially reopened on Friday 22 February.

“I first heard about Business Initiative from a friend and colleague who had attended the business start up day.

Business Initiative has been a vast wealth of knowledge for me whilst undergoing the procedure of starting up my own business. The information, support and advice that I have received has been extremely influential. The mentors are patient, understanding and, at times, entertaining. The ‘New’ Masterclass that I attended on 25 February 2013 gave me new insight towards marketing, web design and accountancy. I now feel that I am ready to enter the whole new world of self-employment.”

Beverley Woodward For more information call Linda or Charlie today on 01782 202222.

FUNDING FINDeR

A funding search which provides details of a range of funding opportunities and grants available to businesses, including European, public sector, lottery, Venture Capital and loan funds. Chamber members have the additional benefit of email alerts when new relevant funding opportunities are available.

Tel: 0845 614 1641 or email www.hwchamber.co.uk/funding-finder 08 BD13.indd 8

May/June 2013

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BUSINESSNEWS

ECO2SOLAR SET TO SMASH ACORNS CHARITY PLEDGE Kind-hearted renewable energy specialist Eco2Solar is on track to exceed its original charity pledge to Acorns Children’s Hospice Trust, having successfully raised more than £4,500 towards its £5,000 annual target.

The Kidderminster firm has been raising vital funds to support all three hospices – Birmingham, Black Country and Three Counties - since last autumn after adopting Acorns as its chosen charity of the year.

As well as donating £10 for each solar PV installation completed over the year, Eco2Solar has pledged Christmas card money and donated funds from its ‘Making Sense of Green Energy Day’.

Team members also took part in Acorns’ Santa run and are planning on completing the ‘Free Radio Worcestershire Walk for Kids’ this year. www.eco2solar.co.uk www.acorns.org.uk

PIONEERING PARTNERSHIP Malvern Instruments and Community First forge pioneering strategic Partnership in Herefordshire and Worcestershire to support local voluntary organisations and community groups

Elizabeth Morawiecka and Roger Oliver

EMPLOYEE FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR AWARDS LAUNCH Business leaders from across the county attended the launch of the St Michael’s Hospice Employee Fundraiser of the Year Awards at the Hospice on Monday 18 March.

These newly created awards recognise and reward employee fundraisers who have gone to the greatest efforts in raising funds and awareness for St Michael’s Hospice, whether organising events or through individual efforts such as sponsorship. The Hospice is delighted to be working in partnership with another local charity, The Vivat Trust, which has provided the prizes three self-catering weekend breaks in one of three historic properties.

Partnership Development Manager Elizabeth Morawiecka says: “We are

very grateful to the local businesses that are supporting the Hospice by adopting it as their Charity of the Year or by becoming a Corporate Partner and hope these new awards will be mutually beneficial. We work hard to create long-term partnerships that deliver clear value to our business partners as well as raising significant funds for our work”.

Community First is a local charity whose expert staff work to help frontline voluntary organisations,

The strategic partnership with Malvern Instruments is a pioneering venture for Community First in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

While Malvern will make a regular financial contribution to Community First, the real potential of the longer-term partnership will be to enable joint working in a number of areas. www.comfirst.org.uk/home www.malvern.com

The evening was also an opportunity for businesses to discuss the Hospice redevelopment plans and its Once-in-a-Lifetime Appeal to support its mission to double the number of local people who can access its care and support in the years ahead. www.st-michaels-hospice.org.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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As part of a continuing commitment to support local communities at its sites around the world, Malvern Instruments in the UK has entered into a five-year strategic partnership with Community First.

social enterprises and communities to achieve their aims and ambitions by providing, for example, specialist advice, information, business coaching and training.

Paul Walker (left), Managing Director of Malvern Instruments, with Richard Quallington (right), Chief Executive of Community

09 3/5/13 11:08:22

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Because NEWS never stops

A dedicated workspace, be it on a permanent or intermittent basis, can be crucial in broadening your business profile and increasing your productivity. Of course, not all businesses require full-time office occupancy and with the availability of high-speed internet and a variety of ‘cloud’ based servers, sometimes the answer is to base your business from home.

That’s all great, but what do you do when you need to host a potential client meeting or source a motorway accessible base for a regional team catch-up – one that isn’t the lobby of a well-known celebrity endorsed hotel?

Penyard House in Weston-under-Penyard, Herefordshire, has been home to The Leadership Trust, a provider of renowned and respected leadership and management development. Working closely with the Trust for the past three decades, has enabled Penyard House to develop and establish its first-class corporate facilities.

Their emphasis is on the importance of a dedicated off-site venue, providing corporate services designed to enhance and facilitate their client’s delivery of business and training excellence. Surrounded by 30 acres of parkland and gardens in the beautiful Wye Valley, Penyard House is located off the A40, within 2 miles of the M50 which connects with the M5, giving excellent access for travel North or South.

Accommodating both day and residential occupancy with over 80 double en-suite bedrooms, a purpose-built Business and Training Centre, numerous period and modern meeting rooms and presentation suites and a 130-seat Lecture Theatre, their capacity confidently supports delegate groups of all sizes.

Complimentary audio and visual equipment, IT support, concierge and administration resource are inclusive with each booking and their business support team work closely with you to ensure your meeting or event runs smoothly and without complication.

So, if you are looking for a dedicated venue to deliver your training, host a conference, seminar or product launch, or perhaps you are seeking somewhere discrete and professional to meet your clients, Penyard House can offer you the ideal location for all the above; it’s the perfect workspace solution.

Enquiries: corporate@penyardhouse.co.uk | Tel: 01989 760716

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May/June 2013

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FOCUSONlegal

End of time : Tenancy renewal and termination Part 1of 2 after the current one ends. As above, the proposed termination date cannot be sooner than the end date specified in the lease.

If a tenant serves a counter-notice in response to the landlord’s section 25 notice, stating that they are unwilling to give up possession, it must be served within two months failing which the tenant’s rights to a new tenancy are normally lost.

In this the first of a two part guide, David Bayliss, commercial solicitor at QualitySolicitors Parkinson Wright, explains some important steps to take when a commercial lease is coming to an end.

A business tenancy may end in a number of ways.

One such situation is when time passes and the end date stated in the lease eventually arrives. However, a tenant may have legal rights (unless specifically excluded under the lease – also known as “contracting out”) to remain in the premises and renew the tenancy. Contracting-out is possible if the lease is for a fixed term and the landlord and the tenant follow a statutory notice procedure.

Landlord’s “section 25” notice.

If a landlord wishes to end a protected tenancy it must serve notice on the tenant, between 6 and 12 months before the landlord’s proposed termination date in a prescribed form. The proposed termination date cannot be sooner than the end date specified in the lease.

Tenant’s “section 26” request.

The tenant may consider that the existing rent on the lease is too high. Rather than waiting for the landlord to serve a notice, they may wish to take the initiative, and within 6 and 12 months before the proposed termination date, serve notice on the landlord requesting a new tenancy at a lower rent

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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If the landlord gives a counter-notice to a tenant’s section 26 request the notice must state their grounds for opposition and be served within two months, failing which the landlord loses their right to oppose the grant of a new tenancy. (Further detail in the second part of this article).

Unless lease terms are agreed in the meantime, a tenant must apply to Court before the termination date specified in the section 25 or section 26 notice even if the landlord does not object to a new tenancy.

If a tenant does not apply to Court by this date (or agree with the landlord to extend the time limit), its right to a new tenancy is lost.

The time limits are strictly applied and professional advice should be followed from the outset of the procedure described above.

If you are a tenant or a landlord, contact David Bayliss in good time before your lease is set to end so that you obtain the best advice on your options.

For a free initial discussion, contact David Bayliss:

T:

01905 726 789

E: dab@parkinsonwright.co.uk W: qualitysolicitors.com/parkinsonwright

011 3/5/13 11:08:31

BUSINESSNEWS

CONSIDeRaTe CONSTRUCTORS IN THe LOCaL COMMUNITY Malvern building contractor Speller Metcalfe has been recognised for its positive efforts in the local community, receiving two Considerate Constructors Scheme awards this week.

The two awards relate to two projects, a multi-million pound private school redevelopment at Bromsgrove School and the Master’s House restoration project – a Grade II* listed building set in the heart of Ledbury.

The Considerate Constructors Scheme’s annual National Site Awards recognise sites’ exceptional standards of consideration towards local neighbours and the general public, the workforce and the environment and are recognised as the top 10% building sites across the UK. Speller Metcalfe also work hard across all their sites to employ sub-contractors within 30 miles of the project to help boost the local economy and reduce carbon emissions. www.spellermetcalfe.com

SCANNING STUNNING HERITAGE BUILDINGS Bury Associates have recently completed a highly detailed Revit model of a Heritage building in Belgravia, perhaps the first of its kind. The model picks up on all the beautiful late Georgian features, for example the scrolls seen at the top of each column in the picture. The project has taken place over three months, with surveyors scanning the whole building in minute detail with top-of-the-range 3D laser scanners.

Bury Associates’ modeling experts then produced an accurate 3D model of the facades and internal layout of the building.

The project follows on after a number of high profile Building Information Modelling (BIM) projects, including the Blackpool tower and Manchester

SMOOTH MOVING wITH PeDaL POweR They may not be as speedy as the four wheels on his removal vans, but the two wheels on alan Bennett’s bike, from Britannia Bennetts, will be clocking up the miles for charity.

library. BIM is the latest technology used in construction projects to demonstrate changes to clients and reduce costly mistakes, and Bury Associates are market leaders in producing accurate as-built models for architects. www.buryassociates.co.uk

Alan, a director of Britannia Bennetts in Malvern, is currently in training to cycle 750 miles across France in April. Pedalling to raise money for prostate cancer, Alan will cycle from Caen in Northern France, all through the country down to Monaco, to the Britannia annual conference of all international member businesses.

Commenting on his challenge, Alan, aged 47, says: “The removal industry is male dominated, and prostate cancer is one of the most common male cancers, so I wanted to support the cause in a way which could raise awareness amongst the Britannia group and help fundraise too. I’m training hard cycling over the Malverns and around Worcestershire in readiness.”

Those wishing to donate to Alan’s bike ride, please visit his Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/AlanBennett-Prostrate-Cancer-2013 or contact Alan at Britannia Bennetts on 01684 892236. www.prostatecanceruk.org

CHaMBeR LeGaL aDVICe LINe

This service offers members unlimited access to free help and advice on commercial and employment law, environmental health, taxation and VAT issues.

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All your business needs.

All in one place.

For free business support and advice go to:

Six01

www.business-central.co.uk 0300 123 14 40 BD1

NICKLIN CONTINUeS eXPaNSION wITH FURTHeR MeRGeR

61009 WBC Business Direction F.indd 1

Nicklin LLP is continuing its expansion across the west Midlands and beyond by merging with worcester-based Crowther Beard LLP, the second merger for Nicklin in the space of eight months.

The merger completed on Friday 1 March and will see Crowther Beard, which also has an office in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, changing its name to Nicklin LLP, although it will continue to operate from its two existing offices.

08/04/2013 11:23

Harvey Owen, managing partner at Nicklin, said: “This merger will enable both firms to share ideas and continue building on their existing strengths in order to enhance the services we offer to our clients which, in turn, will help to grow the practice.”

John Painter, who was managing partner at Crowther Beard and will remain as a partner within the new practice, said: “We have known Nicklin for some time and have found the firm to be very similar to ours in terms of its values, goals and approach to client service.” www.nicklins.com

All Crowther Beard staff are transferring to the new practice, with partners Sarah Costello-Byrne and Chris Hobbs taking on consultancy roles.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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DREAM BIGGER 013 3/5/13 11:08:41

ADvERtORIAl

TaX SaVING OPPORTUNITIeS FOR eQUIPMeNT INVeSTMeNT



Where a trading period straddles 1 January 2013, under the Feed in Tariff or Renewable Heat Incentive. the AIA is time apportioned.

So a business with a 31 If the biomass boiler qualifies under the ECA scheme, The autumn Statement gave a welcome March 2013 year end would be entitled to a maximum the cost can be written off without using the £250,000 tax incentive for investment in plant AIA of £81,250 (although straddling periods are split AIA, which then remains available for other costs such and machinery over the next two years. to limit the amount that qualifies for the AIA before pipe work and pellet handling equipment, or other Baker Tilly’s of producers, tax investigationand("TRIM") specialists understand how as disruptive an This presents foodteam and drink after the change), and the full £250,000 for year plant/machinery purchases. investigation by HM Revenue & Customs (“HMRC”) can be.

That's why we strive ending 31 March 2014.

With planning, the timing of processors and retailers with a tax saving Those contemplating capital projects should ensure capital can be managed to resolve matters quickly and secure thepurchases best results for to maximise the opportunity. the tax consequences and connected timing issues are AIAs available. properly considered. individuals and businesses.

We do see many food and drink sector clients looking Author: Tom Morgan From 1 January 2013, the Annual Investment at heating and energy options. Photovoltaic generation Allowance (AIA)“dash was increased two years to the business has been popular recently, as is biomass. Both include HMRC’s for for cash” and Tom Morgan is a Partner for Baker Tilly, covering £250,000 per annum.

Government support schemes providing income Herefordshire and Worcestershire. He is a qualified records checks will undoubtedly lead to streams based on energy production to encourage Chartered Accountant with 15 years’ experience The AIA allows businesses to write off capital expenditure more investigation cases as HMRC investment on top of reduced energy bills. They also providing accounting, audit and business advisory in full, up to the annual limit, against their taxable profits bridge the gap. have specific tax treatments. services. He specialises in dealing with larger owner inattempt the year of theto purchase.

Without thetax AIA, qualifying managed businesses and is also Baker Tilly’s Regional capital expenditure attracts capital allowances at either Along with reductions in feed in tariffs, tax rule Sector Head for Food and Drink.

8% or 18% on the balance of unclaimed cost. changes mean that expenditure on PV panels from To speak to your local Baker Tilly specialist April 2012 attracts capital allowances at only 8%, but Tel: 01432 352222 The AIA can be used against expenditure on plant and Jackie Hall such expenditureplease can be setcontact against the AIA. With the or Ian Hodgson on 01482 607200 or machinery such as tractors and feeding systems, through Email: tom.morgan@bakertilly.co.uk new £250,000 AIA, there is an opportunity to get full to bottling lines and food processing/packing equipment. email jackie.hall@bakertilly.co.uk or ian.hodgson@bakertilly.co.uk tax relief at time of purchase.

It can also be used for qualifying ‘integral features’ in buildings including heating, water and electrical systems.

Biomass presents another opportunity as part of the

Tax risk and investigation management services

We successfully resolve disputes day in and day out because we know how the taxman thinks

installation may qualify under the enhanced capital Where buildings are being built, modified or extended allowances (ECA) regime. This is an additional relief there is an opportunity for tax savings on ‘integral Baker Tilly UK Audit LLP, Baker Tilly Tax Andallowing Advisory Services LLP, Bakertax Tillywrite Corporateoff Finance LLP and Bakerof Tillypurchase Restructuring if a 100% in the year features’ which otherwise obtainAnd noRecovery tax relief.

With the LLP are not authorised under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 but we are able in certain circumstances to of investment services because we are members of the Institute Chartered in England and Wales. the equipment has been ofcertifi edAccountants under ECA rules, and AIA allowing immediate tax reliefofferona limited up torange £250,000 We can provide these investment services if they are an incidental part of the professional services we have been engaged to provide. thebyelectricity generated payments the cash flow benefits can be substantial.

Baker Tilly & Co Limited is authorised and regulated the Financial Services Authority to does conduct anot range attract of investment business activities.

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www.bakertilly.co.uk

May/June 2013

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INTERNATIONALTRADE

ONLINE CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN APPLICATIONS The Chamber International Trade Centre provides access to an online, electronic documentation system called e-z Cert, which saves Herefordshire and Worcestershire businesses thousands of man hours and cost savings. e-z Cert allows you to submit your export documentation online, it simplifies and speeds your ability to exploit international trade and gives significant financial savings on each document. Use our ‘Express’ service for an even faster delivery.

Print documents at your own premises avoiding postage delays or travelling time. You’ll also have absolute security in the processing of your documents and because you’re cutting out processing time you save on costs!

LETTERS OF CREDIT SERVICE TAKE THE RISK OUT OF EXPORTING Did you know that 75% of Letters of Credit are rejected on first presentation, and over 50% on second presentation. Save time with a 95% first time approval rate on Letters of Credit.

The Chamber International Trade Centre provides a comprehensive and cost effective Letters of Credit service. This service ensures preparation of all your documentation and presentation to the bank for payment allowing you to concentrate on your core business.

What are Letters of Credit? A Letter of Credit guarantees payment for goods exported, provided you meet all of its conditions. When you export your product or service, your buyer’s bank opens a Letter of Credit. This contains details of the strict terms and conditions you need to adhere to for the bank to make payment. If your company meets all of the stated conditions payment is guaranteed.

Through our Letters of Credit service we can:

This service provides a number of safeguards and several benefits to you:

■ Check your Letter of Credit conditions to make sure you can meet them

■ Save time and money

■ Inform you of any amendments within two working days

■ Secure payments for goods exported

■ Prepare all the relevant documents

■ Avoid bad debts

■ Liaise with freight forwarders, shipping companies, inspection agents etc.

■ Enhance your reputation for efficiency and reliability ■ Increase your profitability ■ Reduce the risk of your Letters of Credit being rejected

■ Check all transport and third party documents ■ Present all documentation to the bank on your company’s behalf

BENEFITS OF USING E-Z CERT AND E-Z CERT EXPRESS: Speed - Forward your export documentation electronically and reduce processing time.

Service - Use e-z Cert Express for an extremely fast service with documents returned without delay.

Support - Trained members of staff at the end of the phone to guide you every step of the way.

Simplicity - Forward and receive documents electronically, and with e-z Cert Express print at your own premises.

Security - By using e-z Cert Express you have absolute security in the processing of the documents.

“Using e-z Cert is simple and so efficient. We are now able to achieve same day dispatch even where shipments require EUR1s or Certificates of Origin to go forward with the goods.”

Nikki Preece - Micron Sprayers Take advantage of our electronic export documentation and certification service at no extra cost.

Visit www.e-zcert.com to register as a user and start benefitting from the service immediately.

www.hwchamber.co.uk/lettersofcredit

TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETATION

75% of the worlds population don’t speak English, translators and interpretors on behalf of the Chamber are highly skilled in more than 150 languages to help trading overseas easier.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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INtERNAtIONAltRADE

LANGUAGE-RELATED ISSUES FOR ExPORTERS & “THOSE” EMERGING ECONOMIES UK companies are set to enjoy a boost in exporting opportunities thanks to the growth of new, emerging markets.

This is according to a recent HSBC Global Connections Report, which names Vietnam, Indonesia, Egypt, Turkey, Mexico and Poland as rapid growth markets, expected to play a significant role in an increase in the volume of worldwide trade.

CANADA POST LAUNCHES EASY-TO-USE ONLINE ADDRESS VALIDATION PLATFORM

Other points in the report include: n World trade growth is forecast to rise to approximately 5% in 2013 and continue to pick up to about 6-7% in 2014-16.

Canada Post today launched AddressComplete, a web service that allows for cost-effective and efficient address data capture and validation using Canada’s most current and accurate address database.

n The UK’s export growth to China from 2013-2015 is forecast at 9.9%. n The UK will feel the benefit of emerging market development and experience a boost in trade activity, in particular with China.

The new product was developed through a strategic relationship with the leading provider of address validation web services. Worcester based Postcode Anywhere helps reduce costs related to incorrect addresses and improves the end-user address capture experience.

If the predictions prove to be true, now could be an ideal time for UK businesses to look to new markets.

“Delays in payment receipt, parcel delivery failures and poor customer experiences can often be the result of inaccurate address data,” says Kerry Munro, President of the Digital Delivery Network at Canada Post.

“The highly intuitive user interface of AddressComplete enables businesses to close those gaps and enhance their customer experience and reduce costs in their web and customer contact environments.”

“We believe that there is a significant requirement for a service like AddressComplete in the Canadian market,” says Guy Mucklow, CEO Postcode Anywhere.

“We are delighted to be working with Canada Post who has had exceptional vision and determination to make this happen.”

AddressComplete is built on a pay-per-use subscription model making it affordable to businesses of all sizes and it can be added to a business’ website in minutes.

It offers an intuitive address validation and completion experience, benefiting from the most accurate source of address data in the country. The services will be of particular interest to major mailers, retailers and e-retailers as well as government organizations and can be integrated into any application with a network connection including: point of sale systems, call centre programs, and proprietary systems. www.postcodeanywhere.co.uk

But what should companies do next if they intend to make the most of these apparent opportunities?

Obviously there is a lot to think about when it comes to exporting, particularly when considering emerging markets in which there are bound to be language barriers to overcome.

So to get you started we’ve developed five top tips of language-related issues that you might want to think about before you decide on a potential new market.

1.LANGUAGE DIFFERENCES It may sound obvious but if people speak a different language then it is highly likely that your company will need to speak a different language too! You are likely to need the assistance of translators and are advised to translate all of your marketing and communication materials, including your website. You should also bear in mind that the name of your product or company might not have the same appeal in another language – or could even, in some cases, cause offence!

2.THE CULTURE As well as being aware of language differences you should also study the culture of any potential new market. Cultural issues can play a huge role in whether your product will be a success or not. You might find that you need to adapt your product or service to suit your new target customers.

3. DIFFERENCES IN TASTE Even once you have got the language right and overcome any cultural issues, you might want to consider things such as the way your product looks or how it is delivered. Customers in some countries may have different preferences to those in others. This might mean adapting your packaging, labelling, pack sizes, measures, colours, logos and images to appeal to your new potential customers.

4. WEBSITE AND MARKETING LOCALISATION Before starting to sell in another market it is important that you are fully set up to deal with incoming orders from new overseas customers. This includes internationalising your website accordingly. This does not just mean website translation, but the inclusion of a currency converter, shipping information and anything else that will make the ordering process clear for overseas clients. Don’t forget that some customers might wish to contact you for further information – and might expect to receive feedback in their own language – so it is important to have translation and interpretation plans in place, tailored to suit the market you choose.

5. THE LAWS AND REQUIREMENTS Different countries have differing rules when it comes to customs requirements and legal issues. It is therefore vital to do your research properly before attempting to sell to customers in another country.

Issues to consider include health and safety standards, labelling laws, pricing issues, insurance, customs and many others. Unless you are able to obtain these documents in English it might be well worth using a translator to ensure you fully understand all of the country’s requirements. The last thing you want is for your company to get in trouble as soon as it attempts trading!

Of course these are only a few of the many issues you will need to consider. There is much more to exporting than this, and you are advised to seek the help of experts before you decide on a new target market. UK Trade & Investment offers a great deal of advice for first-time exporters or those looking to export to new markets. www.ukti.gov.uk

eXPORT DOCUMeNTaTION

The E-cert online provides you with a fast, easy and secure way of submitting your export documentation.

Chamber Members receive a 50% discount.

UKTI Herefordshire & Worcestershire 016 BD13.indd 16

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INtERNAtIONAltRADE

PaSSPORT TO eXPORT – HeLPING YOU TO eXPORT Passport to Export is a 12 month programme of support that will help you identify, understand and make the most of your international business opportunities. The programme puts together in one simple responsive process all the tools that exporting companies need to grow their business.

A dedicated International Trade Adviser (ITA) will work closely with you to develop an action plan based on your objectives and resources, helping you to understand more clearly the different stages of exporting specific to your business.

wORCeSTeRSHIRe HaS eYeS ON THe wORLD – MeeTING THe eXPORT SUPPORT NeTwORK Herefordshire and worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, in association with worcestershire LeP and UK Trade and Investment, recently welcomed business leaders from across the region to a one day conference about how they can grow their business through exporting.

The conference was held at Yamazaki Mazak’s head office in Worcester and Robin Southwell, Chief Executive of EADS UK and UK Trade and Investment Ambassador, was the key note speaker.

Robin stated that it was vital to increase the number of exporting companies as figures are currently below the national target.

Passport to Export is a skills-based and assessment programme. To start, UKTI will provide a one day export development seminar, up to £3000 (match funding) towards international activity, access to 3 free Export Master classes and links to UKTI services, funding and external signposting. The next Passport to Export seminar will be held on Tuesday 18 June in Malvern and Wednesday 31 July in Hereford.

For more information about Passport to Export plus any of the other services UK Trade and Investment Herefordshire and Worcestershire provide, please visit www.hwchamber.co.uk/doing-business-overseas, email internationaltrade@hwchamber.co.uk or call 0845 641 1613 to speak to an International Trade Advisor.

To achieve this, the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce and UKTI working in association with the Worcester Local Enterprise Partnership and the private sector, are developing a focus plan of international engagement for trade links and promoting the county to the world.

Through the high calibre programme of guest speakers, attendees were guided through the impact of exporting and presented with the current opportunities in emerging markets to generate jobs and economic growth for Worcestershire.

If you would like more information or to find out how your company can participate, contact internationaltrade@hwchamber.co.uk or call 0845 641 1613 to speak to a trade advisor. www.hwchamber.co.uk/doing-businessoverseas.

0845 641 1613 internationaltrade@hwchamber.co.uk Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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r figures!).

POlICY

TELL DECISION MARKERS ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS AND FEED INTO NATIONAL AND REGIONAL POLICY Quarter 2 of the Quarterly economic Survey (QeS) opens on Monday 21 May and Herefordshire and worcestershire businesses are being urged to get involved!

The survey takes just 3-4 minutes and all you need to do is answer some questions on how your business is performing and what barriers are preventing you from achieving more.

The Quarterly Economic Survey feeds into the British Chambers of Commerce national survey which is the

largest and most representative independent business survey of its kind in the UK, and is closely watched by policy makers such as the Treasury and the Bank of England, as well as the national media.

Each quarter, over 5,000 businesses across the country participate in the QES and the results are closely watched by policymakers such as the Treasury, Bank of England and the Office of Budget Responsibility.

Our ability to improve our local QES performance is totally dependent on the feedback. The more businesses who give us their feedback, the stronger the data and response.

Below is a sample of results from Quarter 1:

Q1 2013 SUMMaRY HOw MUCH INVeSTMeNT RISK aRe YOU TaKING RIGHT NOw? The answer is that it doesn’t matter. Well, that is if your money is invested into a portfolio which is suited to your chosen time frame and of course tailored to how comfortable you are at taking investment risk.

163

49%

believe The major concern for businesses is ‘competition’

Respondents

1-19 employees 20-199 employees 500+ employees

41%

The problem is that all too often we make decisions about money, particularly when it’s for the long-term, and then walk away and forget about it.

What many people forget to do, is keep talking to their financial adviser and this is where an investment portfolio that was once tailored to your needs, stops working.

Speak to your financial adviser and ask what percentage of your money is currently invested into risky assets. Have a conversation about how and where the money is placed and make sure you still feel confident and comfortable with the answers given.

Ask when your portfolio was last rebalanced. This means when it was last reviewed to make sure that the funds that were originally chosen are still performing and that the portfolio continues to provide the right balance of risk versus reward.

English Mutual review and (where appropriate) rebalance the investment portfolios of clients every quarter, to make sure the holdings have not drifted.

They have a strict investment process which controls the exposure to risk of their investment portfolios and ensure they remain tailored to meet the needs and objectives of each client.

To find out more about investing, or to talk to an English Mutual Financial Planner about reviewing your portfolio call 0845 603 3679 or visit www.englishmutual.com

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Export orders balance has increased

12%

19%

200-499 employees 38%

4%

37%

61% believe turnover will improve

reported an increase in UK sales

1%

lower than the last quarter

58% 6% think profitability will improve

higher than last quarter

believe inflation is a major concern

believe exchange rates are a concern

Export sales balance has increased

2%

27%

31%

36%

reported an increase in UK orders

(both higher than last quarter)

30%

expect their prices to rise over April, May and June 2013

APR MAY JUN

27%

£

£

££

believe cashflow has improved over the last quarter

23% 73%

are working below full capacity

expect an increase in workforce over the next 3 months APR MAY JUN

27%

are operating at full capacity

50% 48%

had experienced recruitment problems having problems recruiting skilled manual/technical staff

To complete the Quarter 2 survey visit www.surveymonkey.com/s/qesq22013

May/June 2013

3/5/13 11:09:04

BUSINESSNEWS Henry Pepper PR’s Team

A MINI ADVENTURE FOR OAK LEAF GATES Oak Leaf Gates’ Managing Director Richard Eccleston unveiled his company’s brand new corporate identity to the public for the very first time when he collected the keys to his company’s new sales vehicle – a 2013 Mini Clubvan.

The grand unveiling of the new Oak Leaf Gates brand, which was revealed for the first time on the fully sign written vehicle, also coincided with the opening of the dealership’s new showroom on Legion Way recently.

RE-BRAND FOR GROWING COUNTY PR AGENCY Worcestershire public relations agency and Chamber member Red Pepper Marketing & Communications has rebranded as part of their ambitious growth plans.

The Bewdley-based firm, who manage PR and media relations accounts on behalf of many Worcestershire and Herefordshire businesses, is now known as Henry Pepper PR.

www.oakleafgates.co.uk

Managing Director, Lorraine Henry says: “The rebrand is a move that will prepare us for the future. The agency has gone from strength to strength over recent years and has expanded with new client wins and more businesses looking to use our services and advice.”

Two of the new services being offered by Henry Pepper PR include a media consultancy for small businesses and a talent management division. www.henrypepperpr.co.uk

APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME A WINNER FOR AGENTS, GRIFFITHS & CHARLES Last year, Griffiths and Charles were looking to find an energetic and presentable person to assist their ever busy Rental Department.

A suggestion to contact Worcester College of Technology and enquire about their Apprenticeship Scheme resulted in Olivia Hill joining the Agents to undertake reception and general administration duties.

Now she is almost halfway through her initial 12 month appointment and Olivia has proved to be a most able, dedicated and adaptable member of the team. With funding from Worcester City Council and Central Government available for a two year placement, Olivia has been offered an extension to her original posting. This will allow her to learn more about the business, take on added responsibilities and plan a career for the future.

Oak Leaf Gates’ recent growth has also led to the recruitment of a new 3D CAD designer who will support the expanding sales and design departments. The sales team will utilise the new Mini Clubvan to visit clients with a full range of samples and scale models of the gates.

Richard Eccleston (left) receives the keys to his brand new Mini Clubvan from Steve Liddle at the opening of the new Cotswold Mini Showroom.

GOUGH BAILEY WRIGHT LAUNCHES NEW E-COMMERCE SITE FOR LESLEY ASHWORTH Gough Bailey Wright has successfully launched a new e-commerce website this month for client, Lesley Ashworth Accessories, www.lesleyashworth.co.uk

Olivia at work Griffiths and Charles’s offices

“I would recommend any employer to embrace this Scheme which is carefully monitored through the College; it has certainly proved a winner for us!” concludes Charles. www.griffiths-charles.co.uk www.wortech.ac.uk

The new transactional website is part of the agency’s expanding digital marketing portfolio further into the area of e-commerce.

Michelle Wright, Client Services Director at Gough Bailey Wright, said: “Since the new Lesley Ashworth website has gone live we’ve had a great response from the public. The whole GBW team and our digital department especially have worked extremely hard to create this first class e-commerce site. www.gough.co.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BUSINESSNEWS

ACCOUNTANCY FIRM ON THE MOVE After more than 30 years at its Bridge Street office, leading Herefordshire accountants Thorne Widgery has moved to new offices at Wyevale Business Park.

Managing Director, Stephen Smallwood, says: “The move is due to our continued expansion. We’ve been growing steadily in recent years and our faithful Bridge Street offices simply became too small for us. Our new home at Wyevale Business Park gives us ample space and parking, and room to expand even more which is vital as we expect to be employing more people over the coming months.” www.thornewidgery.co.uk

Thorne Widgery staff outside their new offices

wHC ReDeVeLOP THeIR wORCeSTeR DePOT

SPRING INTO aCTION The Kingspan Insulation Community Trust is flying high in 2013, announcing the appointment of two new Trustees along with the award of over £25,000 in funding to a wide range of deserving local projects.

The new Trustees, Naomi Andersson and Caroline Palethorpe, will represent the catchment areas of Earl Mortimer College and Tenbury High School respectively. Their appointments follow the expansion of the Trust area last year which also includes the catchments of Wigmore High School and Lady Hawkins’ School.

The expansion has been a great success, with the Trustees awarding grants to 16 projects which met at least one of the Trust’s four objectives: encouraging conservation, biodiversity, health and fitness of young people and road safety.

Growing plant and tool hire company wHC is boosting its presence with the redevelopment of its worcester depot.

Application forms and details of other local projects that have already been helped by the Trust can be viewed on the website www.KingspanInsulationCommunityTrust.org Shobdon Primary School pupils have been enjoying learning about nature in their wildlife pond, one of many local projects to have received funding from the Kingspan Insulation Community Trust in its previous rounds of grants.

ENERGY PRICE COMPARISON WEBSITE PIONEERS POTENTIAL £230 MILLION COST REDUCTION FOR SMES The worcestershire-based company Simply Business energy has started on its mission to help UK businesses reduce their costs on gas and electricity.

The company that recently launched its price comparison website www.simplybusinessenergy. co.uk says that SMEs could save up to £230 million by smarter procurement of energy.

With no need to sign up with email addresses or the inevitable stream of phone calls that come hand in hand with the typical price comparison website, Simply Business Energy is quick and easy to use. Analysing a data base of 15,000 tariff combinations from leading energy suppliers, Simply Business Energy provides an independent comparison of prices.

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Founded in its current form around sixteen years ago, the company has grown substantially during that time and now offers a huge range of new plant and tools for hire at its high-tech depot in Tewkesbury. Its latest step forward is the complete refurbishment of its Bath Road depot in Worcester city.

WHC has always supplied hire tools to the DIY market, but is expanding this service through the development in Worcester. “The complete redevelopment at the Bath Road depot is designed to offer an excellent customer experience, for both contractors and DIY customers.

It will be a light, clean and welcoming environment,” says James Clutterbuck, company owner. “Our new media partner, Nexus Creative Limited, will be helping us to organise the depot launch day and helping us to continue developing our business, both locally and nationally, through a new website.”

WHC expect the redevelopment to be complete in June and will be inviting the public to a launch day. www.nexuscl.com www.whchireservices.com

Steve Fletcher and Paul Fox

Led by former npower director Steve Fletcher and Pershore businessman Paul Fox, their main focus is ensuring that SMEs receive the best possible deals by providing a simple online display of contract offers from 1 to 4 years and competitive prices that reflect individual businesses needs. www.simplybusinessenergy.co.uk

May/June 2013

3/5/13 11:09:29

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conferenceworcestershire www.conference-worcestershire.org

UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER ARENA

MALVERN THEATRES With its modern open-plan feel, flexible spaces and town-centre location, Malvern Theatres is an excellent location for conferences and meetings.

The Forum Theatre is the largest conference space with room for up to 800 delegates. It’s a flexible venue that can also accommodate exhibition-style events with space for up to 40 exhibitor stands. Room hire fee is £1500 plus VAT. The Malvern Cinema, which includes a stage area measuring, is a smaller conference space suitable for up to 225 delegates. Room hire fee is £500 plus VAT The Circle Bar area can seat up to 100 delegates and can also be used for open-plan breakout sessions (4 groups of 10 each might be typical). Hire fee is £200 plus VAT.

HILTON BIRMINGHAM BROMSGROVE The Hilton Birmingham Bromsgrove Hotel is the ideal location for your meeting or conference. Boasting 9 meetings and function rooms, this Midlands hotel houses the Elgar Suite which can hold up to 220 delegates, has its own lobby and bar and can be divided into 3 separate rooms.

The Hospitality Suite is ideal for small meetings. It can seat up to 50 people and is also a good venue for intimate dinners or family celebrations. Room hire fee is £100.00 plus VAT The Main Foyer is an open-plan area measuring 18m by 9m and can be used as a central catering point or as exhibition space for up to 10 exhibition stands. Hire fee is £300 plus VAT. Catering is extremely flexible in terms of the numbers for and range of menus on offer.

Malvern Theatres is a working theatre with excellent access to the latest technical equipment and access to broadband. emma@malvern-theatres.co.uk www.malvern-theatres.co.uk

options and WiFi access is available in all areas. Flexible room layouts are available as well as dedicated Event Coordinators. The hotel is perfectly located, with nearby motorway links. events.bromsgrove@hilton.com

The University of Worcester has opened the new 2,000-seat Arena on Hylton Road, Worcester. The Arena is incomparable to any other facility in the county and enables the University to provide unique, fully accessible services to local sports clubs as well as elite athletes.

As the biggest indoor venue between Birmingham and Bristol, the Arena will become a local, national and international attraction, contributing to the local economy, and adding to the reputation of Worcester as a national sporting City.

With spacious, high-tech facilities the Arena can further develop the University’s innovative sporting programmes, whilst also providing

Getting involved: As well as catering for large events, the Arena has a prestigious conference suite available for hire by external clients with outstanding views of the Worcester Racecourse and River Severn.

The Arena’s prominent location coupled with its high footfall provides excellent brand exposure to regional, national and international audiences. All marketing opportunities offer significant value for money and will enhance connections with the University of Worcester and its audiences. www.worc.ac.uk April White is the Arena Project Coordinator, 01905 855525

ENGLAND’S LOVELIEST SPORTING GROUND UNDERGOES £10 MILLION WORTH OF DEVELOPMENT Excitement is mounting by the week at New Road as the £10million development project gathers pace and the 2013 season approaches.

The main features of Worcestershire County Cricket Club’s £10million development of New Road include: n Eye-catching glassed entrance with raised walkway into the ground

The hotel feature can cater for every event from a simple meeting to a product launch or gala ball. The hotel can provide a range of Food & Beverage

a venue that will attract a variety of spectator events to the City, both sporting and non-sporting.

n Four-storey, 120-bedroom Premier Inn hotel

n New reception area, offices and meeting rooms n Hospitality facilities, including 170 executive pitch-view balcony seats n A new bar and over 500 new seats for spectators www.wccc.co.uk

Room Hire

The opportunity to hire spacious and well-equipped rooms at the Chamber’s head office in Blackpole, Worcester.

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May/June 2013

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DEStINAtIONWORCEStERSHIRE

ALLOW YOUR VISITORS A ‘HOME AWAY FROM HOME’ BUSINESS TRIP EXPERIENCE

Bluebells at the Knapp & Papermill, Paul Lane

Farm Stay UK is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2013 and the Worcestershire group of Bed & Breakfasts and Self Catering businesses are proud to be part of that organisation.

The member properties provide a unique and high quality experience for visitors because everybody is quality assessed by one of the two nationally recognised schemes run by Visit England or the AA using the easily recognisable star rating symbols, ensuring that standards are consistently high.

GIVING SOMETHING BACK TO THE ENVIRONMENT VIA THE WORCESTERSHIRE CARBON OFFSET SCHEME The Worcestershire Wildlife Trust operates a Carbon Offset Scheme whereby businesses can give directly back to help the survival of the local ecosystem and the wonderful habitats that exist in Worcestershire.

every donation from a visitor is worth £10 to help habitat restoration and creation in Worcestershire. In the last couple of years, more than £300 has been donated through this scheme by this one business.

The scheme started a few years ago when the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust were approached by an award winning self catering holiday provider and B&B with green tourism credentials. Hidelow House Cottages located on the borders of Herefordshire and Worcestershire came up with the idea of helping to put something back in the local environment in order to balance the carbon emissions of people holidaying with them.

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust would like to encourage more visitors to Worcestershire and businesses in the tourism industry to donate via this innovative idea that aims to get people thinking about minimising the impact their holiday can have on Worcestershire’s wonderful countryside.

It fits in well with the Green Tourism Scheme and the Trust would encourage any tourism business who’d like to improve their environmental sustainability to consider running a similar donation scheme.

The owners, Stuart and Pauline Diplock, encourage their visitors to donate £5 to Worcestershire Wildlife Trust to ‘offset’ some of the carbon footprint of their holiday. The money goes directly into the local area by investing in conservation work taking place, across the whole county. Stuart and Pauline match the £5 donation, so each and

If you are a non tourism business you too can donate to the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust. www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk

VISIT WORCESTERSHIRE MAGAzINE Would you like to have a supply of the latest Visit Worcestershire magazines for your visitors? This is a great way to encourage business visitors to return to the county as leisure tourists and help to boost the visitor economy in Worcestershire.

Please contact Victoria Carman on 0845 641 1542 or email vcarman@

visitworcestershire.org

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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or locally sourced ingredients. Many of the B&Bs have Breakfast Awards and our Self Catering properties are equally welcoming to business people who may need something longer term. In keeping with current needs, workspace and Free Wi Fi is available at the majority of properties, together with the availability of online booking at some. www.farmstayworcestershire.co.uk

In particular business guests receive a friendly and personal service – bookings are taken directly with the owner and not through an agency, comfortable accommodation, secure parking for vehicles large and small, and the peace and quiet of truly rural surroundings.

Also, the proximity of Worcestershire to the Midlands motorway systems means that whilst you may be deep in the countryside you are never far from your destination.

Providing high quality food is an integral part of the Farm Stay UK offering and members pride themselves on using produce from their own farms

BROCKENCOTE HALL HOTEL FINALIST IN THE SMALL HOTEL OF THE YEAR Brockencote Hall Hotel has been named as a finalist in The Small Hotel of the Year category of the prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2013.

Last October, Brockencote Hall won Hotel of the Year in the Worcestershire Welcome awards, organised by the VisitWorcestershire team at the Chamber of Commerce.

This then enabled them to enter the VisitEngland Awards, in which they have competed against 390 other hotels nationally to be in the top 5. Brockencote Hall are one of Worcestershire’s Hidden Gems and are proud to be representing the County at these prestigious, National Awards.

As a finalist Brockencote Hall Hotel now goes forward to the glittering Awards Ceremony which is being

held on Monday 20 May 2013 at The Point, Lancashire County Cricket Club, Old Trafford, Manchester.

Commenting on the finalists James Berresford, VisitEngland’s Chief Executive said “I would like to congratulate all those nominated as VisitEngland Awards for Excellence finalists this year. We received 320 applications and the quality of submissions was higher than ever. It is therefore no small achievement for Brockencote Hall Hotel to become a finalist and justifiably take credit and pride in earning a coveted place in the top five in their category in England. I wish everyone all the best for the final in May”. www.brockencotehall.com

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Biginterview

Looking to the future in a rapidly changing world “We developed a series of IPhone and Android apps, each one of which was successful but the most successful of which was Celebalike.

For Kevin Savage, the road to his career as a successful entrepreneur began when he dropped out of Art College because he felt he was not learning enough about the technological changes engulfing the world of design.

“It was a simple idea but one that has proved popular and very marketable. The idea for Celebalike was already around but we improved on it.

It was a belief that took him into the rapidly changing world of the Internet and a remarkably varied career.

“It’s always important to be thinking about the next thing, either a new idea or one that exists but which you can do better. That’s the challenge. I read a lot and watch and learn so I can spot the next opportunity.

Now leading several highly successful companies in the digital sector, he recalls those early days when he realised that the world appeared slow to realise that a revolution was under way.

“For me, the key to success is how you market your product. There are some brilliant Apps out there that are not great successes because they have not been marketed.

He says: “I come from a creative background so went to Art College. This was in 1993 and I felt that the tutors were not really teaching me what I needed to know.

For Kevin, the next challenge has included the music business and he has been collaborating with Dragon’s Den entrepreneur Duncan Bannatyne on their new record label Bannatyne Music Limited.

“I was teaching them more about the way computers were changing the world of graphic design.

The company is working to establish new artistes and its bands include Reconnected, the Britain’s Got Talent Finalists who broke into the charts at Number 32 with the label’s debut single.

“I dropped out and went to work for a company in Kidderminster doing design on paste-up boards. I call it ‘the cow gum experience’ but by the time I left three years later, they were completely computerised.

“I could see that big changes were under way and that the Internet was going to bring about a revolution.

“One opportunity was in the field of domain registering. In those days, it was a complicated and very manual process. There was clearly an opportunity for someone who could automate it and make it easier.

That‘s what we did.“ His first venture with business partner Jason Smith was with Se7en Internet Limited, of Worcester, of which he was founder and worked as Managing Director between June 1996 –December 1999. Se7en Internet changed its trading name in December 2000 to Phase8 Limited, which was bought by Names.co Internet Plc in December 2000.

Their next venture was Ventutec Ltd; the Worcester-based venture operates in the Information Technology sector and specialises in Web Development and Smartphone solutions.

Its biggest success has been Celebalike, which uses facial recognition software to match your image to a celebrity and has been a huge seller worldwide.

Kevin said: “In business you always have to look for the next new thing and it was clear to us that the idea of mobile Applications was going to change the world.

In January 2004, Kevin and Jason took over Namesco Internet PLC via a management buyout. In 2007, Namesco Ltd was, in turn, bought by Register.IT S.p.A which owned by Dada S.p.A in Italy.

Kevin said: “It’s a different world. With Apps, although you are always looking for the next big thing, a successful App like Celebalike will rank highly in the charts and stay there over a long period of time.

“That’s not the way with the music industry, which is the toughest one in which I have worked.

Reconnected’s debut single entered the chart at 32 then dropped out of the chart the next week.

“One of the challenges is getting people to buy your single. Music is so accessible and if a song is successful, people hear it all the time on radio or YouTube so they know about it, and like it, but they do not necessarily buy it.

“It is a tough market place but one that comes with rewards if you are successful. However, although it is different from the Web sector, there are similarities.

It is all about numbers, about selling units, and that appeals to me. It’s where I started out my career.

“I welcomed the chance to work with Duncan Bannatyne. I like surrounding myself with successful people so that I can learn from them.”

I dropped out and went to work for a company in Kidderminster doing design on paste-up boards. I call it ‘the cow gum experience’ but by the time I left three years later, they were completely computerised. I could see that big changes were under way and that the Internet was going to bring about a revolution.

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Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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May/June 2013

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Biginterview

Kevin Savage Director Ventutec Ltd 025 BD13.indd 25

3/5/13 11:10:06

COvERFEAtURE

HOw TeCHNOLOGY IS

CHaNGING THe BUSINeSS wORLD

Technology holds the key to business success, always has, always will, and one of the biggest areas in which it is so important is the development of new products and processes.

From the inventor of the wheel to the great Victorian bridge-builders, from the developers of the jet engine to the creators of the Internet, they have all harnessed the power of technology.

Now, the Government has identified what it calls the ‘eight great technologies’ which it says will propel the UK to future growth.

David Willetts, the Minister for Universities and Science, recently said that the £600 million announced for science in the Autumn Statement will support big data, space, robotics and autonomous systems, 026 BD13.indd 26

synthetic biology, regenerative medicine, agri-science, advanced materials and energy.

Money already allocated includes:

n £350 million from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) in Centres for Doctoral Training.

n £189 million for big data and energy-efficient computing

Mr Willetts says: “Strong science and flexible markets is a good combination of policies but it is not enough.

n £25 million of additional funding for the National Space Technology Programme

“It misses out crucial stuff in the middle – real decisions on backing key technologies on their journey from the lab to the marketplace. It is the missing third pillar to any successful high tech strategy.

n £35 million for centres of excellence in robotics n £45 million for new facilities and equipment for advanced materials research in advanced composites, high-performance alloys, low-energy electronics and telecommunications n £30 million to create R&D facilities to develop and test new grid scale storage technologies, helping the UK capitalise on its excess energy production, save money and reduce the national carbon footprint

“It is R&D and technology and engineering as distinct from pure science. It is our historic failure to back this which lies behind the familiar problems of the so-called ‘valley of death‘ between scientific discoveries and commercial applications.”

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COvERFEAtURE

KEEPING UP WITH RAPID KEEPING ON TOP OF THE CHANGE IN THE WORKPLACE MESSAGE IN A CHANGING The challenges as technology redefines the workplace WORLD were illustrated in a recent report issued by communications company Jabra.

Its study of 1,000 workers found that 83% of today’s office population regularly work from home or from another location in sectors including sales, marketing, finance, customer service and administration.

The research found that 46% of office workers use a mobile or smartphone for work, 35% use a laptop and 72% regularly take calls and respond to emails outside office hours.

The research also showed that 25-34 year olds are much more likely than their older colleagues to use their personal devices at work, almost one in 10 use a tablet to communicate with colleagues, one in five work mostly from a laptop and 14% use a softphone at work.

19% of 25-34 year olds said being able to use their personal devices at work would enable them to be more productive.

Marketing and communication technology is changing rapidly and the key reason is Social Media.

Marketing professionals, while concerned that it is more difficult to control the message on Social Media, can nevertheless see great opportunities in the new ways of contacting customers directly through the likes of Facebook and Twitter, not least because they can measure precisely how many people are reading their releases.

However, Social Media also allows a message to be questioned within seconds and keeping track of comment has become a major part of the marketing professional’s working day.

Marketing experts are showing increasing levels of imagination as they respond to the new technological world, experimenting with the likes of podcasts, audio files, flash banner advertising and film on U-Tube.

They are also taking advantage of the revolution in hand-held technology and the opportunities it offers for downloads by people who live on the move.

IT IS THe KeY TO wORKING SMaRT Another key facet of technology is its ability to make companies more efficient and provide the best service to their customers.

Forward-thinking companies realise that computer technologies allow them to ensure that their staff are directed to the best effect and that tasks that once took many hours can now be done quickly.

One of the biggest opportunities offered by IT is in the way companies can use technology to improve their Client Relationship Management.

Companies have realised that new technologies give them ways of directly getting in touch with large numbers of customers through databases.

Such databases allow them to send out mass emails which, rather than simply being advertising tools more likely to suffer the delete button than to be read, exhibit more thought, a sense of value for money.

Such messages update people on projects and products, answer the questions clients have been asking and seek their views on improvements that can be made. The ones which exhibit thought tend to be rewarded with higher customer satisfaction.

One of the other big IT changes has been the emergence of Cloud Computing. The idea is that the user can access services such as storage and word processing from the Internet, the Cloud in question, rather than on their own in-house servers. It means that companies can use the Cloud without having to worry about the systems behind it.

According to industry experts, Cloud technology leads to increased efficiencies, competitiveness and reduced IT costs.

The Cloud Industry Forum, an umbrella organisation for companies involved in the technology, recently carried out research that showed that more than 50% already use Cloud computing for email, storage, data back-up/ disaster recovery, collaboration solutions and web services.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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027 3/5/13 11:10:34

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WYRE FOREST DISTRICT COUNCIL AND KIDDERMINSTER COLLEGE JOIN FORCES TO ENHANCE LOCAL ECONOMY A grant scheme to support businesses in the Wyre Forest to take on apprentices has been launched

by Wyre Forest District Council. The authority has joined forces with Kidderminster College to help Wyre Forest businesses employ local residents.

The Council is making £50,000 available and businesses will be able to apply for up to £7,500 to help fund a two year apprenticeship.

Three young volunteers secure apprenticeships with KEMP Hospice

KIDDeRMINSTeR COLLeGe CO-ORDINaTeS OVeR £40,000 FOR BUSINeSSeS! Businesses recruiting apprenticeships via Kidderminster College have received a total of £40,000 from the apprenticeship Grant for employers (aGe) scheme. The scheme was introduced by the National apprenticeship Service as an incentive for small businesses to take on apprentices and reap the benefits of a skilled, increased workforce.

Cheques have been awarded to 25 companies so far, who have employed their first apprentice and there are a further five companies in the pipeline. Each business can receive up to £1,500 per apprentice, and even better, the AGE scheme is in addition to training fees met in full for 16-18 year old apprentices (or co-funded for those aged 19 and over).

Those who have seen the benefits are from a variety of industry sectors, with apprentices working towards vocationally relevant qualifications, all delivered by Kidderminster College. Employers have been really encouraged by the scheme and the grant has proved effective in growing businesses and investing in young people’s futures.

“We utilised the grant to cover the cost of training.

Once the training is complete we envisage that our apprentice will be generating more than enough income to allow us to offer her a permanent job following the completion of her accountancy qualification.” - Alan Price, Algar Accounting To take advantage of this fantastic opportunity, call The Business Unit at Kidderminster College on 01562 826501 or email bdu@kidderminster.ac.uk

“We utilised the grant to cover the cost of training. Once the training is complete we envisage that our apprentice will be generating more than enough income to allow us to offer her a permanent job following the completion of her accountancy qualification.”

ALAN PRICE

Wyre Forest Business student Helen Tovey (21) now works in the office at Vacuum and Crane Ltd in Stourport-on-Severn. Helen was one of the first candidates on the Wyre Forest Apprenticeship Grant Scheme. She attends Kidderminster College every Wednesday so she can work towards her Level 2 Business & Administration Apprenticeship.

Annabel Young, Sales and Marketing Director for Vacuum and Crane commented, “The Apprentice Scheme has been the ideal solution for us as we are a growing company and really value the support the scheme provides.”

The grant is available to small and medium sized enterprises located within the Wyre Forest District with up to 250 employees (there is a limit of two apprenticeships per business).

Financial support is based on a one or two year apprenticeship with 50% of the wages in year 1 being met (up to £5,000 max) and 25% of the wages in year 2 being met (up to £2,500 max).

Jennie Short, Head of Employer Engagement dept at Kidderminster College, said: “We’re delighted to be involved in this partnership with Wyre Forest District Council. I know how effective Apprenticeships are to businesses and how they enhance business productivity. The feedback I regularly receive from employers who have taken on an apprentice is so positive and simply serves to reinforce this. We want to make it easier for our local businesses to see this for themselves, our partnership will allow us to do exactly that”.

IS YOUR BUSINESS BASED IN THE WYRE FOREST? Contact The Business Unit at Kidderminster College on 01562 826501 or email bdu@ kidderminster.ac.uk to find out more about how we can help you benefit from the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers (AGE) scheme and the Wyre Forest Grant Scheme.

IS YOUR BUSINESS BASED IN ANOTHER DISTRICT? Contact us to discuss how we can help you make the most of the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers (AGE) scheme, call The Business Unit at Kidderminster College on 01562 826501 or email bdu@kidderminster.ac.uk

Algar Accounting

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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029 3/5/13 11:10:41

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economics, operations and business planning. Not only will your employees learn about these vital areas, and how they all integrate and function together, but they will see and learn how they can be applied in your organisation right now!

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Furthermore, many of your employees will be eligible to apply for non-means tested government-funded student loans to cover their course fees via Student Finance England.

May/June 2013

3/5/13 11:10:46

Skilled People, Better Business Babcock is the UK ’s leading training provider. We offer a range of Government-funded apprenticeships, tailor-made to suit individual business needs. In today’s markets, where customer loyalty is constantly shifting, staff training is increasingly recognised as a vital tool for those organisations that want to be competitive and remain profitable.

Babcock’s Apprenticeship Vacancies Online (AVOL) service will help you find the right apprentice for your business. To register your vacancy, simply complete the online form at www.babcockinternational.com/avol. Once recruited, Babcock will guide your new Apprentice through their programme with regular workplace visits, arranged at a time convenient for your business.

To find out more about our programmes and our free Apprentice recruitment service, contact Recruitment and Sales Manager - Charlie Goodings on: Telephone: 07764 502 107 | Email: charles.goodings@babcockinternational.com | Web: www.babcockinternational.com/training www.facebook.com/babcocktraining

www.twitter.com/babcocktraining

Swainston Training and Phocle Farm Cookery School can offer City & Guilds qualifications or Corporate Team Building Days at the same venue.

Swainston Training is a City & Guilds approved centre based in South Herefordshire, offering an extensive range of NPTC Certificates of Competence and City & Guilds vocational qualifications.

Our training courses are delivered by highly experienced industry professionals either at our large commercial training site situated in the peaceful picturesque countryside close to Ross on Wye, or at customers premises.

Swainston Training offers an extension selection of specialist short courses which are designed to strengthen your business and meet the stringent requirements required by quality assurance schemes and insurance companies.

We can offer training in the following areas: • Forklift • Pesticides • Forestry • Mowers • Plant Machinery • Manual Handling

To learn more about our courses and for further information please go to: www.swainstontraining.co.uk or www.phoclefarmcookery.co.uk Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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ADvERtORIAl

RCa ReGeNeRaTION ReaLISING OPPORTUNITY FROM UNCeRTaINTY It’s been just over a year since their last article in BD and in that time there have been significant changes for RCa Regeneration Limited, a worcestershire-based planning and development consultancy. at the time RCa were just embarking upon a plan for growth which has now seen the Company expand from its two Directors to five full-time, permanent employees and a sixth who is working as part of an internship.

Our growth has been more rapid than I ever imagined it would be and I can see us expanding further if things go as anticipated” said RCA’s Managing Director, Rob Csondor. “We have established relationships with several “blue chip” clients and believe that our performance for these has helped to secure repeat business as well as attracting new clients”.

The past 12 months has also been an interesting and turbulent time in the planning and development industry,where RCA’s expertise lies, with the emergence of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the continuing uncertainty created by the lack of adopted development plans at a more local level. The following is a run through of current issues and legislative changes that are taking place in planning.

CALLING ALL LANDOWNERS AND DEVELOPERS IN HEREFORDSHIRE AND WORCESTERSHIRE!

NATIONAL PLANNING POLICY FRAMEWORK The NPPF celebrated its 1st birthday last month but has it really made a difference?

The NPPF sought to speed up the plan making process and provided local authorities with a 12 month period in which to bring forward their Local Plans. However, many local authorities are still without an adopted Core Strategy/Local Plan (including Herefordshire, South Worcestershire, Redditch and Bromsgrove as detailed below) and a five year supply of housing land and from 27th March 2013 the NPPF’s “golden thread” of a presumption in favour of sustainable development takes primacy.

With planning consents 5% lower than in the same quarter in 2011 but planning permissions granted at appeal for large-scale residential schemes having increased by 11% since March 2012, this shows that there is an opportunity for landowners to realise the value of some of the land that they own. This is something that RCA has particular expertise in and can work with a landowner to achieve, from identification of sites to the grant of planning consent.

REGIONAL SPATIAL STRATEGIES Since the formation of the Coalition Government the planning and development industry has been subject to tweaks, alterations and overhauls. Nothing has typified the change to the industry more than the revocation of Regional Spatial Strategies.

After almost 3 years, and numerous legal challenges, the Secretary of State is close to ‘rapidly’ revoking the regional tier of the development plan.

However, a recent Planning Inspector stated that “The RSS figure…provides the only figure that has been scrutinised through the independent examination process”. This would seem to dent the Right Honourable Mr Pickles’ ambition of a quick abolition of the RSS’s as their evidence base is still very much a determining factor for planning applications.

DEVELOPMENT PLANS

If you have land in or adjacent to any established settlement in Herefordshire or Worcestershire and want to realise its potential, have a development project upon which you need planning advice or require assistance in any one of the following areas, please contact us:-

For those authorities seeking an alternative growth target than that proposed in the RSS, then ‘time (or more accurately ‘speed’) is of the essence’. Within Herefordshire and Worcestershire, local planning authorities are at varying stages of advancing their new growth plans. Herefordshire Council recently consulted on their emerging plan which proposed a new approach to growth in the rural areas; providing increased opportunities for landowners and developers alike.

n planning applications and appeals n development plan representations n viability assessments and negotiation of section 106

The South Worcestershire Development Plan (Malvern, Worcester and Wychavon) is scheduled to be submitted to the Government later this year for public examination.

However, concerns exist in the industry that too little growth is being planned for and ultimately this may affect the soundness of the document. In north Worcestershire both Bromsgrove and Redditch are also advancing their plans and recently started a housing growth consultation in which they have sought landowners to bring forward sites for potential development.

agreements n development and options appraisals n market assessments n land and commercial property valuations n capital grant funding applications

FREE INITIAL, CONFIDENTIAL AND NO OBLIGATION CONSULTATION FOR THOSE QUOTING THE CODE: RCAPLAN

www.rcaregeneration.co.uk Email: info@rcaregeneration.co.uk Telephone: 01905 887686 Unit 6, De Salis Court, Hampton Lovett, Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, WR9 0QE

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DEVELOPMENT VIABILITY While emerging plans and RSS’s have been grabbing the headlines, there are numerous bills moving through parliament of similar significance to the industry.

Tom Cruise once famously said “show me the money” and this phrase may be heard resonating around many Council buildings across the land. While good practice has seen many local planning authorities enter into negotiations with developers over financial obligations, the Growth and Infrastructure Bill introduces a statutory basis for renegotiating affordable housing provision on viability grounds.

With a background in planning and economic viability, RCA Regeneration is able to combine both disciplines to deliver a comprehensive package to ensure the deliverability of development proposals.

The issue about viability doesn’t just stop there; with Community Infrastructure Levy work being undertaken by many local authorities over the next 12 months, the challenges to development viability will keep increasing.

May/June 2013

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RCAREGENERATION

Permitted Development Rights The Coalition Government sought views on expanding permitted development rights between a variety of uses. It is interesting to note that, under the proposed changes, agricultural buildings could be converted to the following uses without planning permission; A1 (Shops), A2 (financial institutions), A3 (restaurants and cafes) B1 (Business) B8 (Storage and Distribution) C1 (Hotels) D2 (Assembly and Leisure) It is interesting to note that C3 (dwellinghouses) did not feature in the list. However, thedocument also proposed permitted development rights to allow changes from hotel accommodation to housing.

Therefore, based on the above, an agricultural barn could become a hotel and then this hotel could become a house…could this be a way of gaining planning permission by the ‘back door’? With large aspects of the counties comprising rural agricultural land, RCA Regeneration has delivered many rural development schemes, including recently winning an appeal for the conversion of a series of barns within the Green Belt.

During 2012, the Government proposed plans to allow offices to be changed to new homes. During consultation over 60% of respondents did not support this plan and accordingly they were shelved.

However these proposals are back! The impacts of these proposals could be far-reaching, particularly in calculating housing delivery and 5 year land supply.

Will local planning authorities know how many new units have been delivered in a monitoring year? Will empty offices be able to count towards 5 year land supply? And that’s before long-term impacts of loss of employment land is felt and potentially significant increases in employment land rents!

Moving forward While the above highlights the ever changing legislative background in which planning operates, significant opportunities exist to bring forward new developments. While RCA Regeneration has successfully obtained planning permissions nationwide for a variety of developments, our knowledge and experience in the West Midlands has allowed us to maximise development opportunities in both urban and rural locations. RCA Regeneration is actively bringing forward new developments and would welcome the opportunity to talk through potential schemes with landowners within Herefordshire, Worcestershire and the wider West Midlands.

MEET THE RCA TEAM! Back row from left to right:

Front row left to right:

Victoria Lane

Danielle Brill

Victoria was RCA’s first full-time employee, apart from its Directors, having joined RCA in April 2012. Victoria’s previous positions included working for local authorities in development control and in private practice.

Victoria is in the process of completing a Masters in Environmental and Spatial Planning and will, thereafter, obtain Chartered status. Victoria specialises in the submission of planning applications and appeals and, as part of her qualification, is studying the inter-relationship between the Community Infrastructure Levy and the provision of affordable housing.

Dani is RCA’s Office Manager and is in the process of completing an apprenticeship in Business Administration. Dani joined RCA in May 2012 and is often RCA’s first point of contact with prospective clients – so please be nice to her!. As would be expected in a Company of RCA’s size, Dani’s role is wide ranging from answering calls to finalising reports.

Sian Griffiths Sian is one of RCA’s Co-Directors and has a career that includes positions in planning policy, development control, economic development, the housebuilding industry and private practice for the likes of Redrow Homes and Crosby Lend Lease. Prior to joining RCA, Sian was the Project Manager for the South Worcestershire Development Plan which gives her an unrivalled insight into the evolution of planning policy locally. Sian is also both a Chartered Town Planner and a Chartered Surveyor and specialises in development plan representations and the preparation of planning applications and appeals for a range of private sector clients.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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Rob Csondor Rob is RCA’s founder and Managing Director and has a career that includes positions in planning policy, economic development, regional government and private practice for the likes of Advantage West Midlands and GVA Grimley amongst many. Rob is both a Chartered Town Planner and a Chartered Surveyor and apart from his management role, Rob specialises in development viability and negotiation of section 106 agreements, working for both local authorities and developers on an onging basis.

Phil Deeley Phil joined RCA towards the end of 2012 and has previously worked in private practice and at a local authority in both planning and housing roles. Phil’s most recent role was working for Herefordshire Council in its Strategic Planning Team working on strategic developments to be contained within the emerging development plan which gives Phil unparalleled insight into planning issues in Herefordshire. Phil is a Chartered Town Planner and specialises in the identification of potential development sites and all things legislative.

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Local Knowledge, Regional Coverage l

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May/June 2013

3/5/13 11:11:06

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www.magaccounts.co.uk

3/5/13 11:11:08

ADvERtORIAl

BENGRY MOTORS HELPS FLEETS LIMIT APRIL TAx RISE IMPACT WITH ALL-NEW MAZDA6 Changes to Capital Write Down Allowances effective from April 1* play to the benefit of fleet operators and business drivers of the economic (emissions as low as 108g/km) all-new Mazda6 in Herefordshire. The changes impact business costs and cash flow, irrespective of whether organisations buy or lease their company cars.

or lease their company cars, they are likely to see an impact on both costs and corporate cash flow. However, the impact can be limited by ensuring that vehicles operated are 130g/km or below to maximise tax relief as much as possible.”

On sale now at Bengry Motors of Leominster, all 24 diesel and selected petrol vehicles in the line-up of Mazda6 Saloon and Tourer models fall below the stated 130g/km threshold, limiting the impact of the tax changes.

“The all-new Mazda6 makes tax sense for businesses and company car drivers.

With emissions as low as 108g/km and with combined fuel economy as high as 67.3mpg - without any sacrifice in driving performance - the Mazda6 is the new class leader for CO2,” adds Vivian Melia.

“Low CO2 emissions, which are critical to keeping company car-related taxes and operating costs in check, are among the many attributes of Mazda’s unique SKYACTIV technology,” explains Vivian Melia, Dealer Principal at Bengry Motors.

The all-new Mazda6 – the third generation of the upper medium sector fleet favourite – is available at the Southern Avanue based showroom including two petrol and two diesels units mated to six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

“160g/km was previously the key CO2 emission threshold for businesses, but the recent tax changes have introduced a reduction in the benchmark figure.

Irrespective of whether businesses buy

On-the-road prices for diesel variants start at £21,795 for the 2.2-litre 150ps Saloon SE through to £28,045 for the 2.2-litre 175ps Tourer Sport Nav Auto.

Prices for petrol models start at £19,595 OTR for the 2.0-litre 145ps Saloon SE, rising to £24,865 for the 2.0-litre 165ps Tourer Sport Nav.

For more information about the all-new Mazda, or to arrange a test drive, call Simon Hughes or Kevin Heapey on 01568 612337 or visit the Southern Avenue showroom.

www.belvoirlettings.com

MAXIMISING your Buy To Let returns Are you looking for independent expert advice on the potential of the Evesham Buy To Let market?

Belvoir are holding a free seminar for all landlords and investors covering issues on the local housing market, optimising rental income, minimising tax liabilities and the current BTL mortgage market.

Belvoir is extremely fortunate to have secured the following acclaimed guest speakers:

Kate Faulkner of Propertychecklists.co.uk and author of the Which? property books. She is regarded as one of the UK’s leading UK property experts and is frequently featured on TV, Radio and in the national press, including The Times, The Independent and Telegraph.

Justin Heap of Franklyn Financial Management, representing St. James’s Place Wealth Management speaking on optimising rental portfolio income, exit planning from property investments and general wealth management. Belvoir introduces to St. James’s Place Wealth Management Plc, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority.

THE SEMINAR WILL BE HELD 6:30PM - 9PM AT DUMBLETON HALL HOTEL Dumbleton, Nr Evesham, Worcestershire WR11 7TS Refreshments will be available

Spaces are limited so please reserve your place by contacting us...

TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE CALL: 01386 388065 OR EMAIL: evesham@belvoirlettings.com 47 High Street, Evesham, Worcestershire WR11 4DA

Let. us do all the work!

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May/June 2013

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ADvERtORIAl

BUSINeSS INSURaNCe – THe IMPORTaNCe OF GeTTING IT RIGHT! Insurance isn’t the most exciting subject, but not insuring your business properly could be the costliest mistake you’ll ever make.

THE PROBLEM Competitive premiums and the convenience of being able to arrange cover with the minimum of fuss are obviously important but how can we be sure that our insurance broker or company is truly looking after our best interests. It’s a fact that as many UK businesses have evolved, their insurance cover hasn‘t. This can be disastrous, often resulting in dire consequences in the event of a claim. Sometimes, cover that was once useful has become obsolete and we end up paying for insurance that is no longer relevant…no questions asked - happy broker, happy client…until there is a claim.

THE SOLUTION Having the right insurance broker is essential - a broker who understands your business, a broker that listens, a broker who has local knowledge and a broker who cares about providing competitive premiums without compromising cover.

C J INSURANCE Established in 1993, C J Insurance is Herefordshire’s largest family owned independent insurance broker, and many of our clients have been with us since the very beginning. From our offices in Hereford we look after a large number of clients within the Three Counties. Our independent status and experience enables us to provide insurance cover for all business sectors and organisations. With old fashioned values we put the client at the centre of everything we do.

Think insurance – Think CJ Insurance www.cj-insurance.co.uk

BROKeR’S GOT TaLeNT evolving with the requirements of the security industry, CJ Protect has come a long way.

WHAT WE DO As the world has developed so has our business. We arrange specialist cover in the security, hostile and challenging environment sectors. We are the chosen insurance advisors to assist in all manner of varied contracts, including those providing security for Britain’s Got Talent “live” Finals and X- Factor Finals, in addition to International Development Projects, Armed Close Protection Teams, and Maritime Anti-Piracy Security Teams.

THE SECURITY INDUSTRY The private security ‘industry’ is not some clearly defined homogeneous group, but rather a multitude of industries, large and small, all related to the provision of security services, investigation, crime prevention, order maintenance, systems planning, technical consulting and security design. Often these industries are quite different from each other in structure, authority, purpose and method.

CJ PROTECT Since its creation CJ Protect has focused and developed business in the Security Sector, with the creation of its own exclusive insurance products underwritten in house. The creation of this niche product has allowed CJ Protect to become acknowledged across the world as professional advisors, whilst delivering a personable and dedicated service. CJ Protect prides itself on delivering tailor made products for each of its clients, with the focus on robust and responsive insurance policies.

With an ever growing client base built predominantly from referrals from existing customers, we are committed to providing insurance solutions for those involved in the security sector and much more.

CJ Protect, Protecting the Protectors. www.cpsis.co.uk

CJ Insurance & CJ Protect are trading styles of Clarke Jeffreys Insurance Brokers Ltd Java House, 8 St Nicholas Street, Hereford, HR4 0BG Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Tel: +44 (0) 01432 268007 | Fax: +44 (0) 01432 343131 | mail@cj-insurance.co.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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CHAMBERtRAININg

aRe YOU LeaVING YOUR BUSINeSS OPeN TO PROSeCUTION?

MeeT THe TRaINeR Dawn is a HR and Health and Safety Manager with extensive experience working within a range of industry sectors providing bespoke HR and health and safety consultancy and training.

Specific achievements include: n Management and co-ordination of national and local recruitment campaigns n Writing, implementation and execution of HR and Health and Safety policies and procedures n Management and execution of job evaluation projects n Provision of on-going HR consultancy to a number of external clients

74 businesses from across the west Midlands were prosecuted last year by the Health & Safety executive (HSe) or their Local authority for failure to comply with legislation.

With 18 fatal injuries to workers last year in the West Midlands alone, it is essential that all business owners take responsibility for ensuring their companies remain compliant.

Being a business owner or manager comes with many legal and employment obligations. This accompanied by rules and

laws from Westminster and Brussels changing all the time makes running a business very challenging.

To support businesses in this minefield, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce offer a range of courses and services to keep you one step ahead of the game.

As a member of the Chamber all businesses are given access to a free HR website www.chamberhr.co.uk and legal advice line which they can access as many times as they wish to download documents or for advice and support.

In addition to this the Chamber provides a range of public and bespoke courses focused on HR, legislation and Health and Safety.

UPCOMING COURSES: Internal Quality Auditor Training ISO 9001 Standard Date: Friday 10 May Cost: £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members

This one day course is designed to give those reasonably familiar or new to ISO 9001:2008 a general introduction and overview to the fundamentals of one of the most important tools associated with good and effective quality management.

n Management and achievement of Investors in People Bronze Award n Consultation process for re-structuring and redundancy programs n Delivery of psychometric assessments both in-house and on behalf of external clients to assist with recruitment and career development. n Execution and delivery of Training Needs Analysis for both internal and external clients.

Dawn’s role at Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce includes being responsible for the provision of HR and all related services to company across 3 locations. Ensuring compliance with legislation, HR strategy and development.

Drafting, implementing and monitoring HR policies and procedures. Provision of in-house training to employees and managers. Delivery of company’s HR and health and safety public courses. Provision of HR and health and safety consultancy to Chamber members.

IOSH Managing Safely (4 day course) Date Tuesday 21 May - Friday 24 May Cost: 495+VAT Members / £595+VAT Non Members

This course is for managers and supervisors in any sector, and any organisation. It’s designed to get managers up to speed on the practical actions they need to take to handle health and safety in their teams.

Emergency First Aid at Work Date: Wednesday 5 June Cost: £80+VAT Members / 100+VAT Non Members

This introductory level course is suitable for most low-risk employers in meeting their legal obligations for minimum first aid provision in the workplace. It is also suitable for employers with a higher risk who wish to provide appointed persons to support their First Aiders.

IOSH Working Safely Date: Thursday 6 June Cost: £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members

Working safely is for people at any level, in any sector, needing a grounding in the essentials of health and safety.

Working safely meets the government’s guidelines for introductory health and safety training and is a 100 per cent match to the Health and Safety Executive’s ‘passport’ syllabus

Managing Change Date: Wednesday 12 June Cost: £90+VAT Members / £110+VAT Non Members

The ability to welcome both change and development is a key asset for today’s effective managers, and this half day workshop will cover both organisational change and individual change.

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Our managers all enjoyed and benefitted from the IOSH ‘Managing Safely’ course held on our premises. It was pitched at exactly the right level and we were delighted with a 100% pass rate KATH TAYLOR Taylor Lane Timber Frame May/June 2013

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CHAMBERBUSINESStraining Colour & Grey

If your business requires any type of training, coaching or consultancy then the Chamber Training Centre can help you. Please find below a list of courses for May, June and July Colour & White

maY Courses Bullying / Harassment in the Workplace Wednesday 8 May 2013 £90+VAT Members / £110+VAT Non Members Internal Quality Auditor – ISO 9001 Standard Friday 10 May 2013 £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members Tariff Classification Tuesday 14 May 2013 £225+VAT Members / £250+VAT Non Members Intermediate Microsoft Excel 2007 Friday 17 May 2013 £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members IOSH Managing Safely Tuesday 21- Friday 24 May 2013 £495+VAT Members / £595+VAT Non Members Professional Telephone Techniques Wednesday 22 May 2013 £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members

JUNE Courses

JULY Courses Letters of Credit Tuesday 2 July 2013 £225+VAT Members / £250+VAT Non Members Managing People in the Team Tuesday 2 July £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members Incoterms (2010) Wednesday 3 July 2013 £225+VAT Members / £250+VAT Non Members Generating your first export Thursday 4 July 2013 £225+VAT Members / £250+VAT Non Members Micosoft Word - Essential Skills for office staff Friday 5 July £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members Assertiveness and Confidence in the workplace Monday 8 July £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members Selecting and Managing Agents & Distributors Tuesday 9 July 2013 £225+VAT Members / £250+VAT Non Members Advanced Import Procedures Wednesday 10 July 2013 £225+VAT Members / £250+VAT Non Members

Creating a Customer Care Culture Monday 3 June 2013 £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members

Managing Absence (1/2 day) Wednesday 10 July £90+VAT Members / £110+VAT Non Members

Effective Time Management Tuesday 4 June 2013 £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members

Customs Compliance (Surviving a customs audit) Thursday 11 July 2013 £225+VAT Members / £250+VAT Non Members

Finance Skills for Managers Tuesday 4 June 2013 £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members

Fire Marshal Training Monday 15 July 2013 £80+VAT Members / £100+VAT Non Members

Emergency First Aid at Work Wednesday 5 June 2013 £80+VAT Members / £100+VAT Non Members IOSH Working Safely Thursday 6 June 2013 £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members Direct Shipping Tuesday 11 June 2013 £225+VAT Members / £250+VAT Non Members Managing Change Wednesday 12 June 2013 £90+VAT Members / £110+VAT Non Members The Role of the Team Leader Thursday 20 June 2013 £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members Basics of Export Documentation Thursday 20 June 2013 £225+VAT Members / £250+VAT Non Members

Bespoke Training Courses If there is a course that you are interested in that isn’t listed please contact the Training Team on 0845 641 1641 To book for any of these courses visit www.hwchamber.co.uk/ businesstraining or call the Training Team on 0845 641 1641 or email training@hwchamber.co.uk White

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Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Colour & White

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CHAMBEREvENtS

HR FORUMS FOR HR PROFeSSIONaLS Run in association with Hewett Recruitment, the HR Forum is aimed at HR Professionals with responsibility for more than 15-20 people. The regular events provide a confidential, supportive environment in which attendees can learn new skills, be updated with changes in employment law and share best practice.

All events run from 11.30am until 2.00pm and cost

£22.50+ VAT Members, £30.00+ VAT Non-Members

FUTURE DATES HEREFORD HR FORUM AT BURGHILL VALLEY GOLF CLUB n Thursday 4 July 2013 n Thursday 24 October 2013 n Thursday 9 January 2014

REDDITCH HR FORUM AT THE SOUTHCREST MANOR HOTEL n Tuesday 21 May 2013 n Tuesday 10 September 2013 n Tuesday 26 November 2013 n Tuesday 4 February 2014

WORCESTER HR FORUM AT WORCESTERSHIRE COUNTY CRICKET CLUB n Tuesday 17 September 2013 n Thursday 5 December 2013 n Thursday 13 March 2014 Details of the next event are as follows:

REDDITCH HR FORUM n Tuesday 21 May n 11.30am-2.00pm n The Southcrest Manor Hotel, Pool Bank, Southcrest, Redditch, B97 4JS n £22.50+ VAT Members, £30.00+ VAT Non-Members

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

We will welcome two speakers to this event:

David Hoey, HR Director, Oakland International How Oakland International has succeeded with Employee Engagement Oakland International have an excellent record with implementing environmental policies and this is due in no small part to the engagement and commitment of their employees. David will talk us through some of the lessons the company has learned in this journey and share ideas that attendees can use in their own business.

Michelle Chamberlain, Partner at Thursfields Solicitors Employment Law Update All you need to know over lunch about changes to employment law. Michelle will take a look at the law in practice and guide attendees on what matters:Is someone your “employee” or your “worker”? Does the label matter and what difference does it make?

Recent case law on handling disciplinary matters – getting it right really can save you money Forthcoming Changes to Tribunal Rules – what difference will the plans to charge individuals fees to bring claims make? How will the new ACAS pre-claim conciliation service work in practice?

To book email events@hwchamber.co.uk or visit

www.hwchamber.co.uk

HR FORUM AND NEW HR CONFERENCE Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce and Hewett Recruitment HR Conference Wednesday 5 June – 7.30am – 1.30pm Worcester Arena, Hylton Road, Worcester £35.00+ VAT Members, £45.00+ VAT Non-members This event will include breakfast and lunch In a change to the normal programme of events, June sees a special HR Conference come to Worcester for the first time and all HR Professionals are invited regardless of company size.

We are privileged to welcome Kevin Green, Chief Executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, as Key Note speaker.

Before starting at the REC, Kevin worked for the Royal Mail from 2003 to 2008. His last role was HR Director for Royal Mail Letters; where he was responsible for all people-related issues for the business with 165,000 employees.

We have a full programme of interesting and informative speakers for this event: Nick Humphrey, Special Agent CTSA Sally Morris, MFG Solicitors Simon Williams, Arrivista Business Coaching Steve Borwell-Fox, borwell Ltd Louise Hewett, Hewett Recruitment This event is open to all HR Professionals.

To book onto any of these events, please visit www.hwchamber.co.uk/eventscal, email events@ hwchamber.co.uk or call 0845 641 1641 to speak to a member of the Chamber team.

We can now provide confirmation of attendance of the HR Forum, which you can use towards your CIPD CPD portfolio. If you would like more details or wish to book your place contact the Events team on events@hwchamber.co.uk or call 0845 641 1641 040 BD13.indd 40

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chamberevents

Networking Events Ross-on-Wye Networking Breakfast

Resource Efficiency Forum

Redditch Networking Breakfast

Bromsgrove Networking Lunch

In association with The Leadership Trust Wednesday 8 May - 7.30-9.30am The Leadership Trust Foundation, Weston under Penyard, Ross-on-Wye, HR9 7YH Free attendance for members (places are limited) £15.00+ VAT Non-members Thursday 9 May - 7.30-9.30am The Southcrest Manor Hotel, Pool Bank, Southcrest, Redditch, B97 4JS £15.00+ VAT Members, £30.00+ VAT Non-members

Malvern Networking Breakfast

Thursday 16 May - 7.30-9.30am Abbey Hotel, Abbey Road, Malvern, WR14 3ET £15.00+ VAT Members, £30.00+ VAT Non-members

Friday 21 June – 12 noon -2.00pm Holiday Inn Birmingham Bromsgrove A welcome opportunity to relax over a delicious two course lunch whilst making new business contacts from your local area, returning to the office refreshed and revitalised! £17.50+ VAT Members, £30.00+ VAT Non-members

Herefordshire Breakfast

Women’s Business Forum

Tuesday 21 May – 9.30am-12 noon Coomber Electronic Equipment, Brindley Road, Worcester WR4 9FB £17.50+ VAT Members, £35.00+ VAT Non-members Our speakers at this event will be Jane Brook from House of Colour and Anna Madden and Julia Whelan from Curo Chartered Accountants

Pershore Networking Breakfast

In association with Wychavon District Council Thursday 23 May - 7.30am-9.30am Civic Centre, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Pershore WR10 1PT Free attendance for members (places are limited) £15.00+ VAT Non-members

Hereford Networking Breakfast

Thursday 30 May – 7.30-9.30am Burghill Valley Golf Club, Tillington Road, Burghill, HR4 7RW

Start to Grow Forum

Tuesday 18 June – 8.00am – 10.00am Bosch Thermotechnology, Cotswold Way, Warndon, Worcester WR4 9SW FREE to attend.

Part of a series of free events aimed at encouraging SMEs to look at resource efficiencies they can make.

Thursday 30 May – 4.00pm – 6.00pm St Andrews Town Hotel, St Andrews Drive, Droitwich WR9 8AL Free for members Simon Williams, Arrivista Business Coaching will give attendees advice on How to Save a Day in 30 minutes.

Non-members first place free

Wednesday 26 June - 7.30-9.30am Burghill Valley Golf Club, Tillington Road, Burghill, HR4 7RW £15.00+ VAT Members, £30.00+ VAT Non-members

Evening Networking – Social Media Tips for your Business

Wednesday 26 June – 5.00 – 7.00pm The Leadership Trust Foundation, Weston under Penyard, Ross-on-Wye, HR9 7YH Join fellow businesses for an after-work networking event in Ross on Wye. John Chacksfield from Sharpmonkeys Ltd is a marketing expert with years of experience of getting more business for his clients. He will give businesses some useful tips about using social media effectively. £15.00+ VAT Members, £30.00+ VAT Non-members

Worcester Breakfast

CHAMBER’S FIRST GOLF DAY WAS A HUGE SUCCESS! Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce held the very first golf day for their newly launched business Golf Society on Wednesday 10 April at Wharton Park, sponsored by Hewett Recruitment. 48 members of the Chamber Golf Society played the course and the day turned out to be a huge success.

All proceeds raised on the day have been donated to Hewett Recruitment’s chosen charity, Worcestershire Community Foundation.

The next Chamber golf day will take place on Friday 10 May at Blackwell Golf Club, Bromsgrove.

The Club has hosted the Open Championship Regional Qualifying Event and was home to the Midland Boys Championship for many years.

The day will consist of refreshments on arrival, 18 holes of golf followed by a presentation dinner to end the day.

Team entry cost (team of four): £340.00+ VAT Individual entry cost: £85.00+ VAT For a booking form, please email golf@hwchamber.co.uk

In association with SME Solicitors Thursday 27 June - 7.30-9.30am Worcestershire County Cricket Club, New Road, Worcester Stacey Redman, SME Solicitors will present to attendees on Top Legal Tips for SMEs – a brief overview of the most common legal pitfalls for SMEs and how to avoid them Free attendance for members (places are limited) £15.00+ VAT Non-members

If you would like more information about the Chamber Business Golf Society or any of the scheduled Golf days throughout 2013, please visit www.hwchamber.co.uk/ chambergolfsociety, email golf@hwchamber.co.uk or call 0845 641 1641 and speak to a member of the Chamber team.

21st Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre Save the date for the Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre which takes place this year from Thursday 28 November to Sunday 1 December 2013 in Worcester city centre.

Worcester’s Victorian Christmas Fayre is the leading Victorian-themed street market in the West Midlands and is the perfect way to begin your seasonal preparations and celebrations The atmospheric streets of historic Worcester will be filled with more than a hundred stalls with many stallholders

expected to dress in traditional dress as 19th century ladies, gents, urchins and chimney sweeps.

This is the first year that Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce has managed the event and the team has a few Victorian themed surprises up their sleeves! Helen King, head of events at the Chamber, said, “Everybody at the Chamber is excited to be looking after such a great event and really keen to get lots of local businesses involved. We are planning a special local food and drink market as well

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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as making the whole Fayre feel really Christmassy and special for visitors and local residents alike.”

The Fayre will be open on Thursday between 4pm and 9pm, Friday between 11am and 9pm, Saturday 10am until

8pm, and Sunday 11am until 5pm.

To register your interest in becoming a stallholder or attending the Fayre, please email events@hwchamber.co.uk

or call 0845 641 1641.

041 3/5/13 11:11:36

businessNEWS

WEBBS ARE WINNERS AGAIN FOR BEST PLANTS TITLE Delighted staff at Webbs, in Wychbold, are celebrating success after their Houseplant Department has come out as top in the UK for the fourth year running.

The family-owned firm was the highest scoring in the UK once again after rigorous inspection by The Garden Centre Association (GCA), the organisation representing the best garden retailers in Britain.

THURSFIELDS IN THE RUNNING FOR MAJOR LEGAL AWARD Stourport-based, Julie Goodman, Head of Residential Property at Thursfields, will go head-to-head with major regional players at this year’s Birmingham Law Society Awards.

Webbs was also named the GCA Best Garden Centre in the Midlands, retained its Garden Centre of Excellence status and was crowned with the title Best Entrance, Grounds and Car Park in the UK. These awards come hot on the heels of Webbs, Wychbold being named as the winner of the Midlands Ruxley Rose competition. The competition focuses specifically on outdoor plant areas with judges looking at the quality, range and presentation of plants and the ‘wow’ factor. They also consider the layout including overall impression, access and use of demonstration areas.

Julie Goodman, Head of Residential Property, has already beaten off competitors from across the region to make it to the final five of the hotly-contested Chartered Legal Executive of the Year category.

www.webbsdirect.co.uk

WORCESTERSHIRE FIRM CROWNED MASTER BUILDER OF THE YEAR 3W Developments Ltd from Shrawley in Worcestershire beat the cream of the country’s builders to become the UK’s Master Builder of the Year at the 11th Master Builder of the Year Awards, which took place on Wednesday 20 March 2013.

The biggest in the regional industry calendar, the awards line-up international industry giants alongside smaller sector players.

Thursfields Managing Partner, Nick O’ Hara says: “The last twelve months have been truly outstanding for the residential property team at Thursfields. Julie is a superb Chartered Legal Executive and her short-listing is testament to her skill, commitment and professionalism.” www.thursfields.co.uk

Julie Goodman Head of Residential Property at Thursfields

3W Developments Ltd also triumphed to win the national award in the Large Renovation category, which is supported by Santander.

Master Builder of the of the Year Winners

George Clarke, architect and host of Channel 4’s Restoration Man, presented the highly coveted award to 3W Developments Ltd for a complex project that transformed a two-bedroom dormer bungalow into a spacious family home for clients Carol and Grahame Taylor.

WORCESTER-BASED ENTREPRENEUR WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD

www.3wdevelopments.co.uk

Phil M Jones, a young Stoke Prior-based entrepreneur, with a “mission to teach the world to sell” has picked up a prestigious national accolade at the BESMA (British Excellence in Sales and Marketing Awards).Phil was awarded the Sales Trainer of the Year award Phil’s training programmes are now taught the world over, his books have reached best-seller status and he is fast becoming one of the most in demand conference speakers at business events across the globe. www.philjones.com

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May/June 2013

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newmembers BROCKHAMPTON

KIDDERMINSTER

ROSS-ON-WYE

JFC Metris Ltd 01432 367181 Brockhampton

Really Marketing 01562 825397

Legacy In Stone 07920 291117

www.metrisleadership.com

BROMYARD The Total Event Company Ltd 0845 481 0881 Bromyard www.totalevent.co.uk

DROITWICH Droitwich Print 01905 795644

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Amada UK Ltd 01562 749500

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Bookkeeping4u 07792 080789

www.bookkeeping4u.biz

CJP Safety 07817822408

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New Channel Developments Ltd 01562 824799

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Chateau Impney Hotel & Exhibition Centre 01905 774411

Ultimate Chauffeur Services Ltd T/A Prestige Chauffeur Services 0870 486 6823

www.chateau-impney.com

Swimming Pool Fitness 01299 251010 www.swimmingpoolfitness.co.uk

EVESHAM Everlube Products 01386 425758 www.everlube.co.uk/index.php

Active Learning & Development Ltd 0800 988 2155 www.aldltd.co.uk

HEREFORD Bibus Metals Ltd 01432 842904 www.bibusmetals.co.uk

Black & Red Accounting Ltd 07791 180568

www.prestige-chauffeurs.com/

LEDBURY Good Intents 01531 636505

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Teazle Consulting 07770 822795

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MALVERN

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Penyard House 01989 760716 www.penyardhouse.co.uk

WORCESTER Abbey Spares & Supplies 01905 621 666 www.abbeyspares.co.uk

Annik Associates Ltd 01905 769521 www.annikassociates.co.uk

Benedicto’s Restaurant 01905 21444 www.benedictos.com/

Bolero Enterprises Limited 01905 22220 www.bolerovenues.com

Boughton Consulting 01905 426 402 British Red Cross 01905 454383 www.redcross.org.uk

Bury Associates Ltd 01905 622495

1st Drainage T/A DIY Malvern 08000 051596

www.buryassociates.co.uk/

Assure Technical Ltd 01684 252770

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Cargyll 01886 833888

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Wellness Counts Ltd 07917 897215

Celtic Marches Beverages Ltd 01684 569142 Endeavour Images 07765 202 817 First Finance Group Partners 07702 727403

www.wellness-counts.co.uk

HD Fleets 0800 1120093

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MONMOUTH

www.hdfleets.com

Eye Witness Protection Ltd 01432 373610

Bob Tabor 01600 713925

Brand Refinery 01432 376976

www.eyewitnessprotection.co.uk

Fine Furniture Ltd 01432 850455 www.finefurniture.co.uk

Herefordshire Voluntary Organisations Support Service 01432 343932

www.highsheriffherefordshire.org

PERSHORE

Kiss HR 07946 525569

www.masonsoliveandbean.co.uk

www.allvalves.co.uk

Minx Media Ltd 07713 243869

Williams Water World Ltd T\A Water Cooler World 01386 800888 www.watercoolerworld.com

www.mungoandmaisie.com

Oaker Wood Leisure 01568 780 111 www.oakerwoodleisure.co.uk

Serendipity Online Marketing Ltd 0845 170 1800 www.serendipity-online-marketing. co.uk

Upper Newton Farmhouse 01544 327727 www.hereforshireholidays.co.uk

REDDITCH Colins Couriers 07865 334283

Masons Olive and Bean 01905 330101 Midland Automobile Club 01886 812211 www.shelsleywalsh.co.uk

More is More Ltd 01905 909079 www.moreismore.co.uk

Naturally Exuberant 07748 987573 www.naturallyexuberant.co.uk

www.pro-tech-marketing.co.uk

Project Viva Ltd 01905 330177 www.mogmag.co.uk

Redditch Golf Club 01527 543079 www.redditchgolfclub.com

Rednet Systems 01905 612637 www.midland-data.com

SB Print 01886 812160 www.sbprint.co.uk

Simply Business Energy Ltd 0800 313 4231 www.simplybusinessenergy.co.uk

Spire Business Communications Limited 0800 0210100 www.spirecom.com

Stock N Lock 01905 749 496 www.stocknlock.co.uk

Tipple Tourism & Economic Solutions 07447 497444 www.tippletourism.com

Treads of Malvern 01905 427711 www.treadsofmalvern.co.uk

WinesULike 01905 745437 www.winesulike.co.uk

Wood Group Steam Turbines 01905 459 570 www.woodgroup.com

OUT OF AREA Arco Ltd 0121 500 6060 www.arco.co.uk

Day To Pitch Events Ltd 0121 439 59 58 www.daytopitchevents.co.uk

DHL International 01684 851500 www.dhl.co.uk

Hassle Free HR Limited 02476 664092 www.hasslefreehr.co.uk

Sarah G Media 07973 750198 www.sarahgmedia.co.uk

SMMT Industry Forum 0121 717 6600

Expense Reduction Analysts 01527 894561

Noema Solutions Ltd 077915 88228

www.expense-reduction.co.uk/

www.noemaltd.co.uk

Maid Marions Limited 01527 759171

Now Print 01905 616944

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www.now-print.co.uk

www.stbasils.org.uk

Perfect Personnel Ltd 01527 910100

Ocean Blue Graphics 01905 821318

The Duke Of Edinburgh’s Award 0121 308 9470

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www.dofe.org

www.perfect-personnel.com

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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Iviva Consulting Ltd 01299 896152 www.ivivaconsulting.co.uk

www.kisshrukltd.co.uk

Mungo & Maisie Ltd 01432 275826

www.houseofcolour.co.uk/janebrook

AllValves Online Ltd 01386 553190

www.hvoss.org.uk

www.minxmedia.co.uk

House of Colour Worcester 07970 293341

Pro Tech Marketing 01905 451601

www.industryforum.co.uk

St Basils 0121 772 2483

043 3/5/13 11:11:41

BUSINESSNEWS

aPPLIeD PRINCIPaLS aNOUNCeS SIGNIFICaNT GROwTH Applied Principles is excited to announce significant annual growth of 107%, after JJ Kotze, Managing Director, and his family took full ownership of the business on the 31 March 2012.

wHaT DO YOU NeeD TO aUTOMaTe? White Orca is a local ‘information management’ company which helps other businesses to simplify their business processes, and improve the way they organise and present their business management information.

Since starting the business, directors Adam Winter and Adam Bird had wanted to become consulting partners for Orbis TaskCentre; a business process management (BPM) software package that automates repetitive, employee administration tasks and integrates multiple business systems.

Over the last year the company has invested a significant amount of resources into delivering a national retail auditing system to one of the big 4 UK retailers.

The company has seen growth tied to strong demand for an innovative paperless data management solution, in order to allow customers to deal with exponential data growth and increasing complexity in meeting compliance regulations.

This has resulted in Applied Principles being able to strengthen its position in the markets in which it has an existing presence as well as being able to target new markets and industries such as general manufacturing. The substantial growth combined with ongoing projects in the UK, France, Portugal, Ghana and South Africa, has resulted in another significant forecast of growth for 2013/2014.

JJ KOTZE

www.appliedprinciples.eu

White Orca’s business is growing steadily with a range of their own online applications including a service Help Desk (Orca Helpdesk) and a staff leave and absence management application (Orca Team Manager). It has provided online training evaluation for the Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, created an iPad based coaching application for The Development Training Company, an administration system for the ChildCare Bureau, and developed a number of websites for local clients. www.whiteorca.co.uk

SOMETHING FOR THE WHOLE TEAM Days out for the whole team include problem solving, climbing trees, building rafts and conquering fears. This is all great, but having worked in the activity industry for many years, Marco Walker says he often hears participants moan and groan about how much they dread these days out.

Companies often spend money on team building days, that have the complete adverse effect before the team has even embarked on the adventure.

Marco suggests that managers and business owners should speak to the employees first and find out what they would like to do. To build moral and a love for your company, the team building day must be about the team, whether that’s racing Rage Buggies or learning how to make cocktails.

Marco Walker works for DesignaVenture specializing in activity breaks and events, hen party packages and stag do ideas. marco@designaventure.co.uk www.designaventure.co.uk

044

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GILL WOOLDRIDGE

THRIVING PeOPLe BUSINeSS CeLeBRaTeS FIRST BIRTHDaY A Worcestershire firm which supports the area’s small businesses by giving human resource and employment advice is celebrating a ‘whirlwind’ first year.

The HR Dept was set up last March by employment expert Gill Wooldridge.

The firm, which provides a full range of tailored human resource advice and support to businesses across the Wyre Forest and Stourbridge, was established after Gill was made redundant from her previous employer as part of recession cut backs.

“Starting my own business has always been something I’ve wanted to do but sometimes it’s all about timing.

So following my redundancy it was a case of now or never and I found the drive to make the idea a reality.” gill.wooldridge@hrdept.co.uk

BEN MANNION

HEWETT RECRUITMENT Hewett Recruitment are delighted to announce the appointment of Ben Mannion to Strategic Development Director. Ben has moved swiftly through the ranks since he joined in September 2009 in order to establish Hewett’s IT and Engineering divisions, being promoted to Branch Manager in January 2011, and finally to his current Directorship from April 2013.

Louise Hewett, Managing Director, commented: “Ben has been in recruitment ever since he left Cambridge as an Economics graduate. His talents have earnt him the admiration and respect of his peers and he has proved to be a natural leader. Ben brings a fresh approach and perspective that is ideal in our current mode of expansion and for the future development of the business.”

May/June 2013

3/5/13 11:11:46

Creating the Engineering Leaders of Tomorrow ...

Rotec Academy is a not for Profit training provider that sets out to be different. Developed not just to teach the academic skills of ENGINEERING, but to do so much more, creating WORK READY Apprentices and Engineers who really understand how businesses work and how they add value.

Is your business struggling to find people with the right skills, or are you worried about future proofing your workforce? Then the Rotec Academy in association with Hewett Recruitment would like to introduce its PARTNERSHIP scheme.

Designed to get young people out into industry while they are still training. The Academy is looking for companies who are interested in taking on apprentices in the future, but are nervous about who they might employ, or would like to increase their rate of success with apprenticeships.

HOW IT WORKS: PARTNER

LEARNER

n Have a learner working within your organisation for 1 day per week.

n Gains valuable awareness of how companies work.

n Identify the right person to offer an apprenticeship to as they finish their first year in full time education.

n Develops their knowledge of career paths available in industry and the variety of industry sectors engineers work within.

n Be able to influence the training your staff receive.

n Understand and see the application and relevance of what they are learning in industry.

n Be recognised and promoted as a company that is supporting the development of young engineers.

n Have an opportunity to develop a relationship with a future employer.

n 50% off Vocational Training courses including: Fork Lift Truck, First Aid, CAD, Lean Tool Kits, Internal Auditors etc, provided by the Academy.

In return the Academy asks for a small contribution of £75/month to support its ability to deliver its training. For more information contact Hewett Recruitment on 01905 613 413 Email: ben@hewett-recruitment.co.uk or louise@hewett-recruitment.co.uk

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3/5/13 11:11:59

F T IMAGES

FEAtURE

Professional Photographer

FT Images was formed 12 years ago in Worcester, initially specialising only in wedding photography.

25% off

for Chamber Memb ers

Things have progressed in leaps and bounds over the last few years, and a wide range of services are now on offer, including commercial, product, portraiture/head & shoulder shots, party & special occasion and corporate event photography.

Despite the economic downturn, one area of the business that has seen noticeable growth over the last 3 years, is from the commercial sector. Whether its product photography, images for web sites or staff portraits, it seems that local businesses are looking to return to professional photographers for their imaging requirements, rather than relying on the office digital compact!

Paul Barton

RESIDENTIAL AND RETAIL DEVELOPMENT UNDERPIN MALCOLM SCOTT’S WORKLOAD Malcolm Scott Consultants have had an excellent start to the new year. Despite the poor spring weather which has impacted on some horticultural clients, we have seen a continued increase in instructions in other sectors. An increase in assigned residential work is perhaps no surprise, but retail work has also increased. We see clients who are now looking to take advantage of the Government’s presumption in favour of sustainable development, whereby the National Planning Policy Framework is in place where local planning authorities do not have an up to date Development Plan.

Perhaps predictably, residential applications continue to grow steadily but we are also seeing growth in retail, especially convenience goods and deep discounter sectors, and expect these trends to continue for the foreseeable future. Malcolm Scott Consultants have developed a successful methodology to examine available evidence and present it in a manner which supports both residential and retail applications and such work is likely to account for a considerable percentage of the practice’s ongoing workload.

Paul Barton is a Director at Malcolm Scott Consultants.

For further information, please contact Paul Barton at: Malcolm Scott Consultants Ltd, Grove House, 1 Loves Grove, Worcester, WR1 3BU T: 01905 726353 F: 01905 611221 E: paulb@malcolmscottcons.co.uk

In light of this, FT Images would like to offer a special rate of 25% off, for Chamber Members, for bookings made up to the end of June 2013. So whether you’re looking to refresh your staff portraits, or looking to add images to your web site, please contact Simon on 01905 456083 quoting FTCH01 Offer, alternatively you can get in touch through the web site at www.ftimages.co.uk

T: 01905 456083 | M: 07771 868488

E: info@ftimages.co.uk

046 BD13.indd 46

May/June 2013

3/5/13 11:12:10

EXPO

EXPO WINNERS A number of the stands on the Expo day had prize draws on them. Below is a list of the winners. If you haven’t claimed your prize please contact the company that offered the prize.

New Contacts Made at the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Business Expo!

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Business Expo 2013 in association with Hewett Recruitment took place on Thursday 14 March 2013 at The Three Counties Showground Malvern. The first of its kind, this ‘A Focus On The Future’ expo combined the two separate Expos that had traditionally taken place annually within the two counties.

Set as 6 zones, the 150+ stands generated an estimated 1000-1250 person footfall with attendees visiting both the talks in the zones and private seminars in force. The introduction this year of a shell scheme layout for exhibition stands, as provided by Bromyard member, The Total Event Company, gave the event a professional feel with one exhibitor commenting that the “very smart stands looked better than the NEC!”

The zones at the event: Business Exhibition The Innovation Zone sponsored by the University of Wolverhampton, focused on developments in manufacturing and business.

The Tourism Zone, created to focus on the future of tourism in the two counties, attracting visitors and encouraging economic growth.

The Resource Efficiency Zone sponsored by Resource Efficient Worcestershire, concentrated on the future of the planet and how businesses can save resources and money.

The Export Zone sponsored by UK Trade and Investment, focused on the future of the country and getting more business overseas.

The Networking Zone sponsored by Universal Display Limited, offered attendees the opportunity to make relevant contacts and secure future business.

The Chamber of Commerce asked for feedback from all exhibitors and was pleased to receive an overall 94% positive rating for the event. The areas for improvement identified have been noted for future events and the team wishes to thank everybody who took the time to respond.

Comments included: “Of the 4 Chamber Expo’s that I have exhibited at, to date this was the most professional and felt how a trade exhibition should.”

“I liked the fact that it was a business expo and networking event rather than just an exhibition and also that we all had something in common - we were all local!”

“Great to see the Chamber trying different things for the Expo. The change of venue was refreshing and seemed to pull in different businesses.”

The Expo took the cooperation, enthusiasm and teamwork of all the Chamber staff both in the run up to and at the event and it would not have been possible without the support from Hewett Recruitment (headline sponsor) and the other sponsors, as listed below.

Watch this space for details of future Expos or email

events@hwchamber.co.uk to receive updates

about all Chamber events as they are confirmed.

VIDEO INTERACTIVE expo feature Whilst online video is becoming the “must have” promotional medium it’s now competing with its own success, viewer attention and memory retention.

Producer, Video Interactive (promotions), has never believed it’s enough just to have pretty moving pictures set over snazzy music. It needs a structured composition as well as a creative and memorable style.

When Video Interactive produced the Expo feature they decided upon a style that replicated a short, pacey, news feature with a reporter on the hoof. However, in practice, it was anything but “on the hoof”.

They obtained all the required filming permissions from those such as Dean Attwell and Louise Hewitt, as they

had planned to film whilst they were speaking in the backgrounds, the event organiser, venue owner and the Chamber published a public filming notice. Radio frequencies were also checked with PSG. A precise script was written for Michelle Scott, the reporter, to learn. This was rehearsed on location including delivery timings, the trackings and distances to travel.

The final video was uploaded within 24 hours and can be seen on both www.videointeractive.co.uk and hwchambercommerce YouTube Channel. www.video-interactive.co.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

BD13.indd 47

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Balloon Ride for two David Allision, Octaga Security Solutions ISO Quality Services Ltd Champagne and USB Stick Lisa Kemp, SME Solicitors RBS Champagne Anthony Andrews, Hewett Recruitment Stanford Marsh Canon Power Shot, A1300 Digital Camera Rebecca Usher, ISO Quality Services Ltd Wharton Park Golf & Country Club Either 6 month gold membership Bed and Breakfast for 2 or Conference for 12 Helen Cherington, Cherington HR Ltd Helen Buckingham, Auditel Linda Smith, UKTI Xitex Limited Spring Hamper Terence McBurney, Scientific Ltd Project in Mind Ltd A fully expensed workshop at Stanbrook Abbey inclusive of an Insights Discovery Profile – value £225+vat Martin Richards, Director – Xitek, Malvern All & Sundry CIC A pair of tickets to the performance of ‘Calendar Girls’ at Palace Theatre, Redditch Dana Young, Wharton Park Golf & Country Club WHCA A full years membership to the Orchard Healthcare Red Plan Kathryn Bennett, Environmental Solutions Kathy Scott, Hands on at Work JPM Group Champagne Winner Champagne Truffle Winners Rich Allen - the Marmalade Soup Elaine Beaumont - Basepoint Bromsgrove John Turrell - The Robert Owen Vocational School Jay Newman - JN Trading DJ Hire Tony Cant –PSG Events Ltd ABC Print Champagne for choosing ‘HAZEL’ as the Squirrel Helen Keegan, Greendawn Accounting at Ledbury

047 3/5/13 11:39:03

EDUCATION

Xcel 4: a winning combination

NEW College Students with TV Actor Tony Hirst with the Morgan 3 Wheeler outside the new Arts & Technology facilities at NEW College in Bromsgrove.

NEW COLLEGE STUDENTS OFF TO A RACING START TV Actor Tony Hirst was on hand to help media production students from North East Worcestershire College to make a film for customers of the new Morgan Three Wheeler.

The promotional film produced by NEW College Foundation Degree Media Students introduced customers to ‘3 Wheel Drive’, a new initiative run in partnership with the Morgan Motor Company.

Students worked with Morgan on location and in the

EYE T CHAMPIONS ClarkeWood Consulting have offered their support and skills in support of local Worcester charity Sight Concern to develop a new IT Program. The program aims to decrease the large waiting lists from around the county made up of people with varying degrees of visual impairments who desperately want to have the opportunity to learn how to use a computer either again or indeed for the first time.

By recruiting a group of volunteers which comprise of either job seekers looking to improve or boost their skills and students from the Worcester College of Technology who wish to build on their CV’s for future employment; ClarkeWood has placed the recruits through a “Train a Trainer” course with Dolphin Computer Access who develop specific software for users called GUIDE. This is the first year that the program has been run and we hope to make it an annual occurrence to ensure waiting lists are kept to a minimum whilst helping current and future job seekers continue to build on their personal skills and abilities.

film studios at the recently built £3.5 million NEW College Centre of Excellence for Arts and Technology in Bromsgrove.

Members of the public will have the opportunity to tour the new facilities and even have a go recording their own TV programme at the NEW College Family Fun Day on Saturday 20 April from 10am to 2pm.

Taking place at both Redditch and Bromsgrove campuses, the event will feature a host of activities reflecting the wide range of vocational courses taught at Worcestershire’s outstanding local college. www.3wheeldrive.co.uk

KING’S PUPILS CROWNED CHAMPIONS IN NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY COMPETITION A team of four King’s pupils have been crowned national champions after winning the final round of the National 4x4 In Schools Technology Challenge..

Four year 10 pupils from The King’s School; Daniel Austin, James Green, Nathan Moss and James Simpson formed the team ‘Xcel 4’ back in 2012 and took on the challenge to design and build a radio controlled 4-wheel-drive vehicle so they could compete in the National competition.

After winning their category in the Central Area Heat at JCB World Headquarters, Stafford in February, Xcel 4 secured their place in the National Final at the Big Bang Fair which was held at the ExCel Centre, London on 14 March. www.ksw.org.uk

RAISING STANDARDS AND PROVIDING CHOICE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE The Robert Owen Vocational School is a new School for pupils aged 14-19 based in Herefordshire and the surrounding region that will provide a flexible, balanced programme of general and vocational education for young people. Our curriculum will stimulate their intellectual, personal and cultural development as well as providing opportunities for effective preparation for work (including self-employment) and/or further work based training.

Being established as part of the Government’s Free School programme, The Robert Owen Vocational School is a revolutionary educational opportunity for families in the area. It provides the chance to be part of a brand new and innovative Academy School, with high aspirations for all its students and strong engagement with the local community and employers. www.robertowenschool.co.uk

www.sightconcern.co.uk

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moverSandshakerS

TOM KING, BORWELL Tom King has recently joined the MoD award winning borwell Defence Systems Team. Tom is a Computer Science graduate from The University of Plymouth. Under the guidance of Steve and the team, Tom is consolidating his C++ and Java Programming skills before commencing work on the Moonlight project, used by the RAF and Royal Navy in support of UK defence operations.

SHAKIB KHAN AND JOHNNY MARIE, FIRST SOLUTION First Solution has appointed two new members to its team as a result of a doubling its revenue over the last 2 years.

Shakib Khan has been appointed as Operations Manager whilst Johnny Marie has joined as an Apprentice IT Technician. www.firstsolution.co.uk

borwell’s Managing Director, Steve Borwell-Fox said: “I am delighted to welcome Tom to the team. He has settled in quickly and is really polite and keen to learn and prove himself.”

STEVE BINNERSLEY, MTCSS MTCSS, suppliers and installers of cold storage solutions and industrial doors, has announced the appointment of Steve Binnersley to its sales team.

Mr Binnersley joins as Sales Executive selling MTH industrial doors with nation-wide remit. The Italian manufacturer MTH is working in partnership with MTCSS in the UK and Steve is tasked with selling their modular cold rooms into the catering and hospitality sectors, and their expansive range of refrigerated doors into the retail and industrial markets.

VIVIEN DEAN, THE ROBERT OWEN VOCATIONAL SCHOOL The Robert Owen Vocational School, a brand new co-operative 14-19 school opening this September, has appointed Vivien Dean as its Principal Designate.

Ms Dean will become Principal once the School opens in September 2013, subject to a public consultation planned for the first half of 2013. More details about the consultation will be available on the School’s website soon.

The Robert Owen Vocational School continues to welcome applications from students entering Year 10 in September 2013 www.robertowenschool.co.uk

www.mtcss.co.uk

www.borwell.com

NEIL EVANS, GREENEARTH ENERGY Greenearth Energy is delighted to announce the appointment of Neil Evans as a surveyor and installer of photovoltaic’s and solar hot water systems.

TONY SMITH, TACKLESPORT Tacklesport are delighted to announce the appointment of Tony Smith as National Sales Manager. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge, experience and contacts in the professional sport arena and will be spearheading Tacklesport’s revised product catalogue for 2013.

www.greenearthenergy.co.uk

NEIL MAHJU, LAURA WHITE, AND MARK HUNABAN, POSTCODE ANYWHERE

www.tacklesport.com

ANDREW HAWKES, XITEK Malvern electronics’ company, Xitek, have expanded their software design capability by welcoming Andrew Hawkes. With a scientific background and over 27 years’ experience in embedded software development, Andrew is ideally equipped to complement Xitek’s engineering team.

SIMON EGERTON, SUTCLIFFE & CO

Andrew says “I get a kick out of solving control problems and seeing the finished product work.”

Former Managing Director of Clarke Roxburgh Insurance Brokers, Simon will join Worcester-based Sutcliffe & Co Insurance Consultants in a client facing role from early April 2013.

www.xitek.co.uk

www.sutcliffeinsurance.co.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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DARREN TOPLEY, CMCA(UK)

A passionate believer in renewable energy, Neil is also a director of www. mysolarport.co.uk, who build oak-framed car ports incorporating solar panels to generate electricity. He is also a director of Archenfield Solar Co-operative.

Postcode Anywhere are adding strength to their sales team with the appointment of Neil Mahju and Mark Hunaban. Mr Mahju joins the company as a Senior Account Manager and Mark Hunaban joins the company as an Account Executive.

Adding support to the busy marketing department is Laura White. Laura’s diverse role includes event planning and co-ordinating Postcode Anywhere’s busy international exhibition calendar. www.postcodeanywhere.co.uk

CMCA(UK) are proud to introduce their newest team member, Darren Topley, who joins the company as an Obsolescence Strategy Advisor within the Obsolescence Management Team. Darren’s appointment is a significant milestone in the expansion of CMCA(UK)’s portfolio of Proactive Obsolescence Management Services. www.cmcauk.co.uk

STEVE MORRIS, MORGAN GROUP The board of Morgan Directors and Shareholders are pleased to announce that Steve Morris, presently the Operations Director has now been appointed as Managing Director with immediate effect, responsible for the day to day running of the companies within the Morgan group.

Charles Morgan will concentrate on his vital role as the face of Morgan internationally, promoting the brand and selling the Companies products worldwide.

049 3/5/13 11:12:40

lastword

NEXT ISSUE OF BUSINESS DIRECTION... INVESTING IN HEREFORDSHIRE AND WORCESTERSHIRE The theme for the next edition of Business Direction is ‘Investing in Herefordshire and Worcestershire’. For the Last Word we spoke to Gary Woodman, Executive Director at Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership about inward investment in Worcestershire and the developments that will encourage this.

Who are the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership?

new strategic employment sites which are attractive to the market and importantly are where businesses want to locate.

The Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership is a strategic body which is a catalyst that listens to the needs of Worcestershire businesses. Our objective is to create the right environment within Worcestershire where all the partners collaborate to create new jobs, support business and grow the existing businesses.

Redditch East Gateway is in its early phases of planning permission across 3 District Councils, 2 County Councils and 3 LEP’s. However, this is being driven by all the partners to come forward over the next two years and Worcestershire LEP has supported this site through the ‘Growing Places’ fund.

We have a small board of 9 people of which Peter Pawsey is the Chairman and we have produced a business plan which outlines where the LEP can add value to its partners to deliver projects, initiatives, and developments to achieve these aims.

South Kidderminster was Worcestershire LEP’s chosen Enterprise Zone site. This bid was unsuccessful but working with Wyre Forest District Council and the developer we have supported this site in partnership with Greater Birmingham LEP through the ‘Growing Places’ fund.

What do they do in Worcestershire?

The role of the LEP is to provide strategic leadership related to Worcestershire’s economy and an insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the county. We portray the bigger picture of asset and attractions that Worcestershire has to the world; coordinate, share knowledge, best practice and intelligence across the partners and represent the business voice into Government.

How do you encourage inward investment in Worcestershire?

The LEP has a memorandum of understanding with UK Trade and Investment. We work with our regional partnership manager at UKTI to link to the national offer of inward investment. UKTI are nationally responsible for promoting inward investment overseas to the UK first, therefore Worcestershire’s strategy has to coordinate with this national approach.

Are there any plans for developments

Malvern Hills Science Park has recently had planning consent for phase four and growth of the site.

Finally, we await the decision on monies from regional growth fund on the Worcester Technology Park.

Gary Woodman

that might encourage inward investment in Worcestershire?

Locally we have started the process of developing our offer which includes defining what types of businesses would compliment our current strengths and developing four key sites; Malvern Hills Science Park, South Kidderminster Enterprise Park, Worcester Technology Park and Redditch Eastern Gateway.

These sites are not exclusive but provide an opportunity for our indigenous businesses to grow and attract inward investment.

Why is it important that companies invest in Worcestershire?

Worcestershire has punched below its weight considering its central location, motorway infrastructure and connectivity. The Worcestershire LEP and its partners see the opportunity for the Worcestershire economy to grow and expand. Inward investment is an important part of this.

Local authority partners are focussed on delivering

To include a news story in the Online Revolution edition of BD please send your stories to businessdirection@hwchamber.co.uk 050 BD13.indd 50

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