Business Direction 15

direction

Business

Exporting help and advice page 17 QES update page 20 Construction conference page 5

Big Interview: John Bird - page 26/27 ÂŁ2.00 where sold

Business direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce BD15.indd 1

September/October 2013 Issue 15 4/9/13 13:41:17

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WELCOME TO THE FIRST AUTUMN EDITION OF BUSINESS DIRECTION : John Big Inter view

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2013 September/October

Issue 15

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 Oliver Smith 0845 641 1641 ext 279

olivers@hwchamber.co.uk

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

production & design Distinctive Publishing, 6th Floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU Tel: 0845 884 2385

This period is a very important time for businesses in the two counties. We have seen the first signs of growth and improvement in the economy; even construction is showing positive signs of recovery. Here at the Chamber it is a very important period too. We have four major events in this autumn period.

In this edition, the theme is CSR. Businesses in the two counties have an excellent record in supporting their local community. Over the years we have seen numerous innovative ways of doing this. This edition both celebrates some of these examples and also gives tips on how you can get involved.

First, on Friday 13 September, the newly appointed Chairman designate of the Premier League Anthony Fry will be one of the speakers at the Beautiful export game event in Herefordshire. Read more on page 17.

I look forward to our large events, but also our many other supporting events and look forward to seeing you at one of them over the following months.

Secondly, the annual awards, which is a celebration of business success in the two counties. Previous winners have gone on to win national awards. Once again, the awards includes the Worcestershire Ambassadors awards for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Mikea@hwchamber.co.uk

I hope you had a nice summer.

The third event is the Chamber expo- featured on page 24. This coincides with export week and builds on the success of the UKTI team supporting companies to export for the first time and explore and develop new markets.

And finally, our fourth big event of the period is the Worcester Victorian Fayre, which takes place Thursday 28 November-Sunday 1 December. More information on page 25.

www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk

CONtENtS

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

3 First word

30 Feature: Business funding

4 Chamber news

Helen.smith@distinctivegroup.co.uk

5 Business news

36 Feature: PR & Marketing

feature editors

7 Business news

John Dean & Francis Griss deangriss@btinternet.com

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

8 Business news

41 Destination Worcestershire

9 Business news

44 Chamber training

12 Business news 15 International trade 17 International trade

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.

40 Conference Worcestershire

47 New Members

19 Business news

48 Business news

20 Policy

49 Business news

22 Business news 24 Chamber events

26

46 Business news

51 Business news

26 Big Interview: John Bird

52 Movers and Shakers

28 Cover story: Make a difference

54 Last word

28

Our Patrons are:

September/October 2013

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Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

03 4/9/13 13:41:24

CHAMBERNEWS

NEW STRATEGIC MEMBER ... KANES FOODs Kanes Foods LTD is one of the UK’s most important processors of fresh chilled food.

Strategically and economically positioned in the Vale of Evesham, the company has grown from a gleam in the eye of its founder John Randall to become, over the past twenty years, one of the foremost suppliers of chilled ready meals, prepared salads, stir-fry components, fresh noodles, coleslaw and sauces to the major supermarkets.

SPELLER METCALFE Speller Metcalfe is a national construction company that was founded in 1995 by Steve Speller and Andy Metcalfe - both experienced Surveyors who aspired to be at the cutting edge of construction. Under their leadership the Company has now grown to an annual turnover which exceeds £80m, working on projects across a variety of services and sectors including education, healthcare and social housing.

We now employ a skilled and experienced team of over 140 staff and trade operatives who are committed to delivering the highest building standards, on time, within budget and in a proactive manner.

Speller Metcalfe holds an unrivalled reputation for innovation and excellence, with a keen focus on sustainable construction and industry leading initiatives such as BIM. We have a reputation for developing long-term relationships, with a substantial part of our business being procured through direct negotiation. www.spellermetcalfe.com

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With a turnover of £110m and a workforce of some 1700 staff, the company is the largest employer in Worcestershire and is proud of its reputation for innovation and product development.

The company has recently opened its new state of the art salad factory which, designed aesthetically to fit into the folds of the Evesham escarpment, is recognised as the most advanced chilled food factory in the UK. www.kanesfoods.co.uk

ABI IS APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce apprentice Abigail Robbins has been awarded the ‘Young Apprentice of the Year Centenary Award 2013’ by the Herefordshire and Worcestershire branch of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

Abigail, who now works full time for the Chamber as Corporate Services Assistant, commented: “I am thrilled to have been awarded the Young Apprentice of the Year Centenary Award 2013. I really enjoy my work at the Chamber of Commerce and feel that undertaking an apprenticeship is a great way to get a foot on the career ladder. “

NEW STRATEGIC MEMBER: GELPACK Formed in 1962 in Hereford, Gelpack was formerly known as Excelsior Plastics.

1972 saw the beginning of refuse sack manufacture, and a merger with Gelpack in 1988 created Gelpack Excelsior Ltd. In the early nineties there were acqusitions of Optiplas Ltd & Plip Ltd, renamed Gelpack Recycling Ltd & Gelpack Plip Ltd, and in 2000 these companies merged to become Gelpack Industrial Ltd. The acquisition of Gelplas Ltd in 2004 and merger with Gelpack Excelsior Ltd has created one of the largest privately owned flexible packaging manufacturers in the UK. With an annual capacity in excess of 24,000 tonnes, Gelpack’s primary focus is in the development and production of high performance thin gauge films and the ability to supply on very short lead times. www.gelpack.co.uk

Membership Adviser of the CIPD Mandy Wynn added: “Abigail impressed the judges with how she had contributed to organisational projects; overcame challenges; worked with others and her overall approach to her apprenticeship. She has made a valuable and strong contribution to her organisation.”

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BUSINESSNEWS

BUILD. MAKE. CREATE Informing the Construction Industry in Herefordshire & Worcestershire Wednesday 16th October

9.30am until 3.30pm

The Bank House, Bransford, WR6 5JD.

Chamber Curry Club

£40.00+VAT Members, £60+VAT Non members With the construction industry showing signs of growth, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce and Forum Training are supporting this recovery by hosting a Construction Conference.

The Conference will offer anyone involved in the construction industry; the latest tender opportunities, tips on winning tenders, industry updates and a unique opportunity to network with industry experts, peers and business leaders from across the region.

Attendees will benefit from a series of short presentations on local, regional, national and international procurement opportunities, updates on legal developments and insights into new initiatives.

So, whether you’re a local construction company looking to grow, a supplier or manufacturer to the industry or have an interest in the construction sector this event is for you.

For more information, visit www.hwchamber.co.uk, contact 0845 641 1641 or email policy@hwchamber.co.uk

A high number of attendees are expected so booking is essential. For more information or to book on 0845 641 1641 or email policy@hwchamber.co.uk

Local business professionals will be getting hot and spicy on Friday 6 September as Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce’s Curry Club, in association with Harrisons Business Recovery and Insolvency Ltd, meets for the second time after its successful launch in July.

The Chamber Curry Club event will be held at Champagne Signature Restaurant in Hereford city and businesses from across the county are welcome to attend. Starting at 12.30pm and lasting for approximately two hours, the event is a relaxed networking opportunity that will give you the chance to try a range of tasty Indian cuisine whilst meeting new contacts and doing business. After lunch, attendees can stay on for the afternoon or head back to the office.

For more information or to book, visit www.hwchamber.co.uk, call our events team on 0845 641 1641 or email events@hwchamber.co.uk

Herefordshire Golf Day AT HEREFORDSHIRE’S BIGGEST BUSINESS EVENT Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce are encouraging Herefordshire businesses to get into the ‘swing’ of networking at their Herefordshire Golf Day on Friday 6 September at Burghill Valley Golf Club, sponsored by Heineken.

CHAMBER CEO SADDLED UP FOR 45 MILE CHARITY CHALLENGE Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce’s CEO Mike Ashton saddled up to complete a 45-mile charity cycle ride challenge across Warwickshire to raise funds for The Prince’s Trust in May. Mike was part of the team of businessmen named Batham Boyz Bikers that took part in the charity’s 2013 ‘Palace to Palace’ event on Sunday 19 May - an event which started and ended at Warwick Castle via Stratford Upon Avon.

A total of just over £350 was raised for the Chamber’s Charity of the Year, with a £100 contribution from Chamber of Commerce staff being matched by their

CEO and supplemented by donations totalling £150 from local businesses. The funds raised will be used by The Prince’s Trust on programmes to support young people across the region.

Mike Ashton commented: “It is always great to be involved in a fundraising event which is good fun, demanding and raises lots of money! This was one of the best- well done to the Batham Boyz and Neil Betteridge in particular for making it happen.”

For more information about The Prince’s Trust ‘Palace to Palace’ challenge visit: www.princes-trust.org.uk/palace

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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The Chamber’s golf days have been designed to give businesses the opportunity to network whilst playing golf in a relaxed atmosphere and raising money for local charities. The local charity, chosen for this event in Herefordshire, is St Michael’s Hospice, based in Bartestree. The Hospice relies heavily on the support of the local community and businesses, as less than 10% of its running costs are provided by the NHS, and yet all its services and care are provided free to those diagnosed with any life- limiting illness, along with support for their family.

Elizabeth Morawiecka, Partnership Development Manager for St Michael’s Hospice said, “We feel privileged that the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce has recognised the important role we play in supporting local businesses and the community, by nominating us as their chosen charity for the Business Golf Society in Herefordshire.”

To sign up to the golf society or book onto the event email golf@hwchamber.co.uk or call 0845 641 1641.

05 4/9/13 13:41:31

Is your company as efficient as it could be?

Do your teams communicate effectively?

Are your systems and processes overly complicated?

Hoople’s Lean Systems Thinking consultants can help reduce time, money and cost, developing a more efficient workforce Lean Systems Thinking is a methodology whereby managers analyse their organisation’s systems to make changes to improve their customer experience. This analysis can lead to maximising efficiencies and cost savings for the organisation.

Whilst the method originated in manufacturing, where it is still widely used today, the application of its key principles to other business environments is proving very effective.

Hoople’s Lean Systems Thinking consultants can support you by coming into your organisation, working with your teams, and running process reviews and redesign programmes.

We can even help you manage any organisational change to make sure you realise the benefits, and train your teams to keep the momentum going after we’ve done our job.

So if you’d like to learn more about how Lean Systems Thinking could help your organisation perform better and improve customer satisfaction, give Jane Hemingway a call on 01432 383686 or email enquiries@hoopleltd.co.uk

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BUSINESSNEWS

Grow your own social media expert Hewett Recruitment have introduced another new initiative in association with Kidderminster College to launch NEW Social Media Apprenticeships from September 2013. The use of social media within the business world has developed rapidly over the last ten years. This new apprenticeship will benefit local businesses looking to boost the presence of their brand online, and learners interested in securing permanent employment within the marketing, communications or business sectors.

PRINCE OF WALES PRESENTS NEW COLOURS AT SIXWAYS Thousands of people packed Sixways recently as the Prince of Wales arrived in Worcester to present new Colours to the Mercian Regiment at the home of Worcester Warriors and was able to meet soldiers and their families.

The visit was the second time in four years that Sixways has been given the royal seal of approval after the Princess Royal officially opened the stadium development in 2009. www.warriors.co.uk

After arriving at Sixways and being greeted by Warriors’ Chairman Cecil Duckworth, the Prince of Wales began his day by joining a reception for dignitaries and guests of the Regiment.

Jennie Short, Head of Employer Engagement at Business & Training, comments: “This new and exciting opportunity will equip apprentices with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully promote business brands in a creative, engaging and powerful way. It’s proving very popular so far.” Louise Hewett commented; “Businesses will now have the opportunity to ‘grow their own’ social media expert within their business. It’s a valuable and exciting development initiated by Kidderminster College and supported by Hewett Recruitment.”

For more information contact Business & Training at Kidderminster College on 01562 826501 or email bat@kidderminster.ac.uk

www.hewett-recruitment.co.uk

He then moved to the main pitch to receive a Royal salute, present the new Colours and make a short speech.

During the speech, the Prince of Wales said: “The presentation of new Colours is a special and symbolic moment in the history of a Regiment.”

MASTERSIZER 3000 USED TO DEVELOP HIGH PERFORMANCE NANOSTRUCTURED CARBON FOR ENERGY STORAGE EnerG2, a company working at the forefront of developing nanostructured carbons for energy storage, is using a Mastersizer 3000 laser diffraction particle size analyzer from Malvern Instruments to measure and characterize its high performance products.

Particle size distribution directly impacts the energy storage characteristics of the carbon and the Mastersizer 3000’s high resolution sizing capability allows designers to manufacture materials to exactly meet stringent customer requirements.

EnerG2 controls and modulates the physical, chemical and electrochemical properties of high-purity carbon

within a full-scale manufacturing environment using proprietary, patented technology. By monitoring and specifying pore-size distribution, the company produces nanostructured materials with performance that far surpasses the carbons used in regular energy storage applications, to support the evolution of next-generation energy storage solutions.

These find application in a variety of new electrochemical storage technologies, including lead acid batteries and ultra capacitors. www.malvern.com

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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The Mastersizer 3000 provides efficient, high sensitivity particle size measurement for nanostructured carbons.

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BUSINESSNEWS

WraGGe & Co is oNe of The besT WorKPlaCes iN The uK Wragge & Co has been named one of the Best Workplaces in the UK. It is the only law firm to feature in the annual list compiled by global research and management consultancy the Great Place to Work Institute®. The results are published in the Guardian and Financial Times.

The firm has also achieved ‘master’ status as one of just two organisations ranked among the top performers - featuring for the 13th consecutive year since the list began in 2001.

Senior Partner Quentin Poole said: “We believe that motivated and engaged people provide the best client

experience. The Wragge & Co single team - the way we all work together and with our clients - underpins our business and is why the firm is a great place to work.”

Other awards for the firm include scooping the Big Tick for Work Inclusion at Business in the Community’s Awards for Excellence 2013. Commercial partner David Lowe was also crowned winner of the UK Projects and Procurement category at the 2013 International Law Office Client Choice Awards. www.wragge.com

SUPPORTING ATAxIA UK’ Liz Collier from Hoge100

CONSULTANT OF THE YEAR WIN FOR HOGE100 Liz Collier, a Project Manager at software company Hoge100, has won the title of Consultant of the Year in the WE3 awards.

The award comes on the back of a nomination from Allen Webb Ltd in Stonehouse. At the end of September 2012 Allen Webb ordered a range of Greentree software for Accounts, Job Costing, e-CRM, Approvals & Alerts and WebView from Hoge100. Liz Collier was appointed as Project Manager and produced a project plan with an initial live date of January 2013.

Chamber Patron Nicklin LLP’s offices in Worcester and Tewkesbury raised over £3,000 in the year ended 31 March 2013 for Ataxia UK. The offices, then trading as Crowther Beard, raised the money by various events, including £2,700 with a highly successful Cream Tea in June 2012 and an excellent golf day in October held at The Worcestershire and won by MCL Copiers.

‘Ataxia’ means ‘lack of order’. People with ataxia have problems with movement, balance, and speech. Over 10,000 people in the UK have a form of ataxia. There is currently no cure but plenty of research is going on.

Partner, Chris Hobbs, who has the illness himself, said: “When it was suggested that Ataxia UK was to be our charity of the year I never thought we would raise so much money. A total of £3,080.64 is truly amazing.” www.nicklins.co.uk

John Hardcastle, Chairman at Allen Webb, commented: “We were all absolutely delighted when the project was delivered within deadline and almost without a hitch. I constantly came up with questions and observations and would email Liz at all hours. She either resolved my query or undertook to respond as soon as she could, often calling me and talking me through a resolution to my issue.”

FIRING LINKS WITH CHINA A former Worcester University business student from China returned to Worcester recently, bringing a trade delegation from Hezhou in China. Grace Pan Ming, the Vice Mayor of Hezhou, led a delegation to Worcester in order to meet local business leaders and further trade links between the two towns.

The delegation were returning following the successful Worcestershire Ambassadors visit to Hezhou in October.

Business and civic leaders from the county, including President of the Chamber Jim McBride, were delighted to welcome the delegation from Hezhou, which is enjoying an annual growth rate of 10.6%.

The Leader of Worcester City Council, Cllr Adrian Gregson, signed a letter of intent to develop a sister-city relationship with Hezhou and the Mayor of Worcester, Cllr Pat Agar, hosted a civic reception for the visitors at Worcester Guildhall with local business people and civic dignitaries.

www.hoge100.co.uk Chris Hobbs with Brian Davis of Ataxia UK and the cheque for the proceeds of the Golf Day and Cream Tea.

Following a business breakfast hosted by Worcestershire County Council, the visitors toured successful Worcestershire businesses.

For more information about investment in Worcestershire go to: www.business-central.co.uk or call 0300 123 14 40

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 641 1641 or visit www.hwchamber.co.uk/funding-finder 08 BD15.indd 8

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BUSINESSNEWS

ACCOUNTANTS OF THE YEAR New Chamber Patrons, chartered accountancy firm Nicklin LLP, have triumphed in one of the industry’s most prestigious regional awards.

The firm won the title of ‘Accountancy Firm of the Year (more than five partners)’ in the ICAEW West Midlands Chartered Accountant of the Year Awards, held on Monday 13 May 2013.

The awards were organised by the West Midlands branch of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).

The Horizon Community Centre children with members of The Albion Foundation

FOOTBALL MADE ACCESSIBLE TO YOUNG PEOPLE IN WORCESTER The Albion Foundation is a registered charity that works in partnership with West Bromwich Albion Football Club. The aim is to use the medium of football and the kudos of West Bromwich Albion Football Club to make a difference in the local community.

Formed in 1992, it became a registered charity in 2000 (Charity number 1081948) Our motto is ‘Inspire to Achieve.’

FREE sessions are currently running for children and young adults at Horizon Community Centre in Worcester. The sessions have been running for 12

weeks and are due to run until the end of September 2013. This has been funded by SPORTIVATE. On average we see around 50 young people from 6.00pm – 8.00pm.

These sessions have seen a significant reduction in Anti Social Behaviour.

If you or your company would like to get involved with The Albion Foundation contact Jon Ross – Business Development Manager 07984651806 or visit

www.thealbionfoundation.co.uk

The award win is the fifth time the firm has won the accolade. The previous four were under the ‘up to five partners’ category, which has included three wins in a row in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Managing Partner Harvey Owen said: “We are delighted to have triumphed in these prestigious awards for the fifth time, the first time we have been in this larger category.”

Nicklin became Chamber patrons when they merged with Crowther Beard earlier this year and Harvey went on to say:“This award win is a testament to the hard work of everyone at Nicklin who has helped put the firm where it is today.” www.nicklins.co.uk

NEW FORUM LAUNCH WILL GIVE FOOD FOR THOUGHT The new Food & Drink Producers Forum has been praised by the leading two-counties lawyer who originally tabled the idea.

Iain Morrison, Partner at mfg Solicitors, was one of two speakers at the inaugural Herefordshire event in July and has heaped praise on the session, which brought together over 35 county businesses from the food and drink sector.

He said: “It was really encouraging to see so many big businesses from across the industry attending the first forum. But more importantly, there was some fantastic sharing of best practice throughout the session, which has already built some new partnerships.

“We presented on a variety of legal issues which are affecting the food and drink sector – such as land ownership, property, employment and exporting. Those are vital topics which always create debate and it was excellent to see everyone engaged and keen to see how they can prepare for the years ahead.”

“Like the Chamber, we are looking forward to the next forum where there will be different speakers and topics.” mfg Solicitors are the sponsors for each event,

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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which aims to share good practice and encourage ideas amongst food and drink producers. www.mfgsolicitors.com

09 4/9/13 13:41:44

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BUSINESSNEWS

POSTCODE ANYWHERE TO REPRESENT THE UK IN EUROPEAN BUSINESS AWARDS The European Business Awards has announced recently that Postcode Anywhere is to represent the UK as a National Champion in the prestigious 2013/14 Awards programme, beating off stiff competition to be selected. Representatives from 31 European countries will now compete for Ruban d’Honnwue status in the next round of the competition. Final category Award winners will be unveiled in April 2014.

The European Business Awards has identified some of Europe’s brightest businesses based on their ability to demonstrate the three core principles at the heart of the Awards programme. The esteemed panel of judges were looking for organisations to represent the UK who exhibited the highest levels of innovation, business excellence and sustainability.

doN’T leaVe home WiThouT The NeW CiTyloCal aPP Citylocal, the local information web portal, has launched a free App that helps people find information about their locality, wherever they are, on their mobile device.

With over 400 locations UK-wide, including Droitwich, Bromsgrove and Worcestershire, the Citylocal App gives users unprecedented interactive granularity and businesses a neat communication channel, in one place.

Naz Daud, Citylocal’s Chief Executive, said: “If you travel around, the best sources of local information on the internet are often different town to town.

Citylocal changes this by presenting a single welcome screen and consistent format. It is a remarkable single source of local information and a must-have travel companion.”

The App cleverly screens information relevant to a location. Users can search for listed businesses from accountants to shops, hairdressers and restaurants, and upload reviews.

Weather forecasts, cinema times, local news, events, properties or cars for sale and jobs are all available too.

You can download the App and contact us from Citylocal Droitwich and Citylocal Bromsgrove.

Or call 07855 404660.

The European Business Awards is dedicated to raising the visibility and progress of companies who excel in delivering innovation twinned with successful commercial results. www.postcodeanywhere.co.uk.

Jamie Turner, CEO of Postcode Anywhere

NeW ProduCT lauNChed To WorCesTershire emPloyers To imProVe Their emPloyees’ healTh sCores Every £1 spent on employee wellbeing returns £6 in employee engagement, productivity and reduced absenteeism, according to research published by BITC (Business in the Community) in 2012.

With this in mind, Worcestershire company Wellness Counts Ltd have launched their new cost-effective online wellbeing system StepStone Challenge, incorporating award winning e-health programme Health Manager, to local employers - with 50% discount to employer members of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce for less than the cost of an annual eye check-up.

Based in Upton-upon-Severn, Wellness Counts have been trialling the system with 50 local people. The aim of the challenge is to lose weight and/or get fitter and, while participants have achieved this, they have also bonded as a group who meet weekly to discuss/ experience a wide range of wellbeing topics with their Health Promoter. One member of the group said: “I am so grateful for StepStone Challenge. It has made a great difference to my life.”

Register online at www.WellnessCounts.co.uk, using discount code WED50, or ‘phone Pauline (07958 614209) for a meeting to consider it for all your employees.

A MYSTERIOUS NIGHT OF FUN WITH THE PRINCE’S TRUST! An evening of intrigue and excitement awaits businesses across the two counties on Friday 11 October, with the Prince’s Trust holding their highly anticipated ’00 Experience – House of Cards’ event.

The black-tie event, which includes dinner, canapés served throughout the evening, live music and prizes, is a luxurious spy experience set in a casino amidst an underworld of spies and gangsters.

Organised by the Worcestershire Prince’s Trust committee, the event will be held at Chateau Impney in Droitwich from 7pm, with all proceeds going to support local teenagers across Worcestershire who benefit from the charity.

Single tickets are available from £65 with a ten-ticket group price of £500. VIP sponsorship tables are also available.

Businesses interested in attending can call the ticket hotline on 01905 792 806. www.00-experience.co.uk

www.citylocal.co.uk

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.

Website: wwwhwchamber.co.uk/legal-advice-line

012 BD15.indd 12

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focusonlegal

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AdvERtORIAl

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT TAx RELIEF AND THE FOOD & DRINK INDUSTRY 

tax purposes. Although the precise size of the tax credit

■ Preserve or extend shelf life

will depend on the size of the company, its tax rate and Significant changes have been made in ■ Speed up production or increase throughput rates how many of its activities are eligible, it could make recent years to the tax based incentives ■ Improve packaging the difference between survival and failure in these available for innovation. However, since the troubled times and should be carefully considered.

■ Be “greener” or more energy efficient introduction of the Research & Development Food & drink is a good example of a sector which (R&D) tax credit scheme in 2000, only a small generates many innovative projects which can give rise ■ Recycle materials (e.g. damaged stock) business involved in research and development percentage of British companies actually to possible tax breaks.

Here we note just some of thehow Any Baker Tilly’s team of taxare investigation ("TRIM") specialists understand disruptive an the possibility of making a activities should explore processes which might qualify for R&D relief: claiming it. Many more companies could be with their accountant. Even if you are still unsure, investigation by HM Revenue & Customs (“HMRC”) can be. That's why we claim strive benefiting from a claim. a conversation with an expert could be enlightening. product deVelopment

Tax risk and investigation management services

to resolve matters quickly and secure the best results for Many potential improvement processes are hiding in individuals and businesses. daily routines such as: Arguably, the issue is in the perception as to what activity qualifies for R&D relief. There is no clear ■ Adding, replacing or reducing ingredients statutory definition of R&D, so some companies HMRC’s “dash for cash” andmay the business ■ Recipe improvement not realise that checks their activities could qualify for the records will undoubtedly lead to ■ Reducing fats, additives or salt content generous reliefs available.

author Tom Morgan is a Partner for Baker Tilly, covering Herefordshire and Worcestershire. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant with 15 years’ experience providing accounting, audit and business advisory services. He specialises in dealing with larger owner managed businesses and is also Baker Tilly’s your local Baker Tilly specialist Regional Sector Head for Food and Drink.

We successfully resolve The exclusion of allergens disputes or ingredients thatday cause in and day out because intolerances (e.g. yeast and dairy) we know how the taxman thinks

more investigation cases as HMRC The reality is that eligibility for relief extends far attempt to bridge the tax gap. beyond laboratories and science based research

■

centres. R&D enhanced tax benefits can be equally available for work carried out in a factory, in software development and in many other circumstances.

■ Product/ingredients stability and performance (e.g. colourings, flavourings and additives) To speak

to Hall or Ian Hodgson on 01482 607200 or Tel: 01432 352222 Drinks engineering (e.g. brewing, fermenting and email jackie.hall@bakertilly.co.uk orEmail: ian.hodgson@bakertilly.co.uk tom.morgan@bakertilly.co.uk

■ The molecularplease composition of drinks contact Jackie

Furthermore, the expenditure does not necessarily ■ have to result in the creation of a tangible end product. distilling) It can be the analysis of a process, so long as an advance in science or technology is sought through process deVelopment the resolution of scientific or technological uncertainty.

Things to look out for include trying to find new ways Technical failure is also not a reason for exclusion - a to: failed project may still be eligibleBaker forTilly R&D relief.

UK Audit LLP, Baker Tilly Tax And Advisory Services LLP, Baker Tilly Corporate Finance LLP and Baker Tilly Restructuring And Recovery LLP are not authorised under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 but we are able in certain circumstances to ■ Mix, or oftransport materials limited range we are homogenate members of the Institute Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

Eligible companies can deduct upoffertoa 225% ofof investment services because

www.bakertilly.co.uk

We can provide these investment services if they are an incidental part of the professional services we have been engaged to provide.

qualifying expenditure when calculating their t forand regulated ■ byPrevent (e.g. bruising) Baker Tilly & Co Limitedprofi is authorised the Financialproblems Services Authority to conduct a range of investment business activities.

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INtERNAtIONAltRAdE

COULD YOUR BUSINESS BENEFIT FROM AEO STATUS? On Tuesday 17 September the Chamber will be running an event to inform exporters about the potential benefits of achieving authorised economic operator (AEO) status.

The course will review the potential benefits of AEO status, explain what your business has to do to comply and estimate how much it might cost in time and resources.

An AEO is a business involved in the international supply chain which has proved themselves to be compliant and trustworthy and, where applicable, safe and secure. The supply chain advantages of AEO approval include fast-tracking of consignments through customs controls and being subject to fewer physical and documentary controls.

Corkula, Croatia

Also, only companies with AEO status operating in the EU will receive the full benefits of a new system of customs procedures designed to reduce the paperwork burden of international trade, which will be fully implemented this year.

CROATIA JOINS THE EU: IMPLICATIONS FOR ExPORTERS

The one-day workshop is a guide to the key areas of the AEO application process and provides more information on the prospective legal, commercial and international advantages of AEO status.

Croatia became the 28th member state of the European Union (EU) on Monday 1 July 2013, which has significant implications for UK companies considering exporting to the country. Listed below are some of the main administrative implications for exporters resulting from Croatia’s accession to the EU:

Everyone who has any connection with international trade, including, for example, import and export administrators and managers, will benefit from attending this training course.

For more information phone 0845 641 1613, visit

■ Customs duty liability will no longer arise as a result of the movement of goods between Croatia and the UK

http://www.hwchamber.co.uk/export-training or email internationaltrade@hwchamber.co.uk

■ There is no longer any requirement to complete import and export declarations ■ Accounting systems will need to be changed to guarantee Croatia’s EU member status is reflected for VAT purposes ■ A license to export dual-use items to Croatia will no longer be needed (except for items listed in Annex IV to Regulation 428/2009)

■ Croatia is now a permitted destination to the Military Goods, Software and Technology Government or NATO End-Use and Certified Companies Open general export licenses (OGELs) The UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) team at Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce provides export documentation services to help UK companies intending to export goods and services to both EU members, such as Croatia, and non-EU members. It also runs a range of export documentation training courses to help you avoid making costly mistakes when completing export documentation.

For more information phone Alison Avery on 0845 641 1613, email internationaltrade@hwchamber.co.uk or visit www.hwchamber.co.uk/export-training

TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETATION

75% of the world’s population don’t speak English. Translators and interpreters on behalf of the Chamber are highly skilled in more than 150 languages to help make trading overseas easier.

Website: www.hwchamber.co.uk/translation-and-interpretation-service

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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015 4/9/13 13:41:57

INtERNAtIONAltRAdE

TRADE WITH AID: HOW YOUR COMPANY CAN HELP THE DEVELOPING WORLD In an age of austerity, the Department for International Development (DFID) is one of only three government departments to be ring-fenced from spending cuts, while the Government has pledged to give 0.7% of UK GDP to overseas aid. As a result, commercial opportunities have opened up for UK companies to benefit from aid-funded business.

The international community spends over US$ 140 billion each year on aid to the developing world.

Agencies such as the United Nations (UN), World Bank and the European Union (EU) contract out much of that work to private sector companies, particularly consultants, suppliers and work contractors. These contracts not only represent potentially profitable business, but also offer UK companies the chance to fulfil their corporate social responsibility (CSR) obligations through delivering projects designed to provide direct assistance and socio-economic development to the world’s poorest.

Aid-funded business can often be part of a wider exporting strategy, encompassing non-aid overseas trading opportunities as well. It can also be a useful way for businesses to diversify away from low growth developed economies, such as the EU and USA, to the booming developing economies, such as Niger, which recorded an average annual GDP growth rate of 11.2% in 2012 and is expected to be one of Africa’s key growth drivers in the future.

One of the main benefits of trade with aid is the variety of opportunity. Multilateral development organisations often need a host of different goods and services, opening up business opportunities for companies in a wide range of fields, including healthcare, construction, consultancy, ICT and the environmental and transport sectors.

Orders also tend to be appropriate sizes for small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and are always backed by funds, so receiving payment is rarely a problem. With English as the working language, British businesses are ideally suited to delivering quality aid-funded development projects.

Cheryl Boxall, Project Co-ordinator for UK Trade and Investment’s Aid Funded Business Service (UKTI AFBS),

summarised the advantages of aid-funded business: “Working in the developing world will always have its challenges, but companies working on Aid-Funded projects can be sure that if they meet the terms of their contract, they will be paid, either directly from the funding agency, or the recipient country using funds for the aid agency. This is good business in itself, but can also introduce companies to high-growth markets where there are many other privately funded opportunities. Companies can also rest assured that Aid-Funded tender processes will be transparent and free from any corruption issues.”

Opportunities may exist for British firms to engage in aid-funded business at both the bilateral and the multilateral level, but it is also crucial that they are fully prepared to target this area of business successfully. As with any venture overseas, planning and a clear, coherent business strategy are required. An international track record and a commitment to future overseas growth is crucial, while management skills and experience in exporting generally and aid-funded business in particular are also valuable assets.

Investing time and resources in acquiring market information is also vital to enter the market with knowledge that will distinguish your company from competitors in an International Competitive Bidding process that pits your firm against a multitude of rivals from across the globe.

That’s where UKTI can provide assistance. UKTI AFBS was set up to help British businesses gain a competitive advantage when bidding for contracts from aid organisations. It runs seminars and business clinics on the main development agencies and how to conduct business with them, while also organising events and overseas trade missions to build up contacts and links with those who can help your company win aid-funded contracts.

Cheryl explained: “UKTI AFBS has staff both in the UK, headquarter cities of the agencies and in recipient countries. In the UK our work focuses on helping companies understand the procurement processes.

A lot of information is available on the different aid agency websites, but they are large complex sites, so we help companies understand where the key information is.

Overseas, our Liaison Officers can help companies find out more information about specific projects, identify the project leads in the agencies, find consortium partners, and host trade missions organised by AFBS.” For more information on the UKTI’s Aid Funded Business Service call 0845 603 0084 or email info@ afbs.org.uk. Alternatively, visit http://www.ukti.gov. uk/export/howwehelp/aidfundedbusiness.html.

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. Website: www.hwchamber.co.uk/exportdocumentation

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INtERNAtIONAltRAdE

HOW UKTI CAN HELP YOU ExPAND THROUGH ExPORTING The importance of exporting to both the economy and individual businesses is well known. Economists label exports as an ‘injection’, pumping income into the national economy from overseas and contributing to prosperity and job creation. For individual businesses, meanwhile, exporting remains one of the best ways to expand.

Increased sales and economies of scale mean profitability can be improved noticeably, while an international presence also provides diversification, hedging against the risk of a downturn in the domestic market.

However, exporting often involves significant financial risk and is likely to cause immediate cost increases, particularly on administration and travel expenses. Moreover, conforming to other countries’ regulatory requirements can cause exporters a headache and cultural barriers may have to be overcome as well.

How, then, can UK businesses make the most of international trading while minimising the cost of exporting?

UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) are here to help. UKTI is the Government Department that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy, helping you rise to the exciting entrepreneurial opportunities that globalisation offers, while also combating the challenges of a competitive international market place head on.

UKTI runs six main programmes to help your business flourish on the global stage:

1. passport to eXport UKTI’s flagship service, Passport to Export is a year-long programme of support that will help you identify, understand and make the most of your international business opportunities. Working closely with an experienced International Trade Adviser, you will develop an action plan and act on it with the help of practical support and financial assistance, enabling you to unlock your exporting potential. http://www.ukti.gov.uk/export/howwehelp/ passporttoexport.html

2. gateway to gloBal growth For experienced exporters looking to grow and expand into their foreign markets, Gateway to Global Growth provides 12 months of assistance, offering a strategic review, planning and support to enable your business to improve profitability and increase market share.

3. eXport marKeting research scheme Before entering the overseas market it is important to conduct effective market research to develop a successful market entry strategy. UKTI’s Export Marketing Research Scheme is designed to facilitate structured market research and help your business analyse topics such as; market size and segmentation, regulations and legislation, customer needs, distribution channels, trends and competitor activity. http://www.ukti.gov.uk/export/howwehelp/ exportmarketingresearchscheme.html

4. eXport communications reView Personal interactions are intrinsic to conducting business. Linguistic and cultural differences can make these relationships hard to develop, however, representing a barrier to international trade. UKTI’s advisers recommend practical measures to maximise the effectiveness of your communications with your overseas customers to ensure that you get the right messages across in the most cost-effective way. http://www.ukti.gov.uk/export/howwehelp/ exportcommunicationsreview.html

THE BEAUTIFUL ExPORT GAME Britain’s trade performance is crucial. Long term growth will rely significantly on diversifying and restructuring our economy towards exports, and achieving a positive balance in our trade with the rest of the world. Business investment and exports will be central to the story of future growth, hence the need to hold more export-focussed events locally to expose increasing numbers of small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) to the opportunities of global trade.

On Friday 13 September 2013 ‘The Beautiful Export Game’ event will be held at Penyard House, Ross on Wye, HR9 77YH. Focusing on Herefordshire’s plan for international growth, the half-day event will feature speeches from Anthony Fry, newly appointed Chairman designate of the Premier League, MP for Hereford and South Herefordshire Jesse Norman, Managing Director for Trade Development at UKTI Crispin Simon and John Berry, Managing Director of Haygrove Ltd. To find out more email internationaltrade@hwchamber.co.uk, or call 0845 641 1613

5. oVerseas marKet introduction serVice Through the Overseas Market Induction Service your International Trade Adviser puts you directly in touch with overseas Trade Officers in British Embassies, Consulates and High Commissions, who can provide country and sector-specific business advice for your company, as well as offering support during your visit to an overseas market. http://www.ukti.gov.uk/export/howwehelp/ overseasmarketintroductionservice.html

6. tradeshow access programme Exhibiting at trade shows overseas can be expensive and time consuming but, handled effectively, it can provide your business with valuable opportunities for establishing contacts, raising your company’s profile and testing new markets. The Tradeshow Access Programme provides grants to eligible small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to help cope with the cost of attending exhibits at international trade shows with a view to increasing export recognition and sales. http://www.ukti.gov.uk/export/howwehelp/ tradefairsexhibitions.html

http://www.ukti.gov.uk/export/howwehelp/ gatewaytoglobalgrowth.html

The QueeN’s aWards for eNTerPrise If you think your business deserves to be recognised as one of the very best, enter The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise – the UK’s most prestigious business awards.

They are bestowed each year by Her Majesty The Queen in recognition of the winners’ outstanding achievements.

There are three categories: Innovation, International Trade and Sustainable Development.

Winning an Award can provide global recognition that your company is outstanding in its field, as well as boost staff morale and could even lead to an increase in sales. All winners will be invited to a reception with Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace.

Entry is free and open to all UK-based companies employing a minimum of two full-time people or equivalent. The closing date is Monday 30 September 2013.

To enter, or for more information, visit www.queensawards.org.uk

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

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017 4/9/13 13:42:00

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4/9/13 13:42:01 24/02/2013 11:34

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focusoncommercialproperty

Local Knowledge, Regional Coverage l

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www.belvoirlettings.com

ONE YEAR OLD!

Belvoir Evesham celebrates one year in business It has been one year since Melanie Carter opened the doors to Belvoir Evesham. Having worked for many years in commercial property, Melanie has enjoyed the challenge of running her own business specialising in residential lettings, supported by the strong brand of Belvoir.

The rental market in Evesham continue to be very buoyant, and Melanie is seeing a lot of activity in Buy to Let at the moment.

“It has been hard work, but very enjoyable, and we are definitely growing and going in the right direction,” she says, “Everyday is different and I meet so many people”.

“I have built some great relationships with landlords, tenants and contractors and I would just like to say thank you to everyone and we are looking forward to another enjoyable year” “Interest rates continue to be low, there are lots of fantastic opportunities for investors in the area. I would encourage anyone who is interested in finding out more about the Buy to Let market to pop in and see us for a cup of coffee and free, unbiased specialist advice.”

To book your free, no-obligation property and rental appraisal or register your property requirements then please call

01386 388065 or call in to see Melanie and her team at 47 High St Evesham WR11 4DA.

Let. us do all the work!

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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019 4/9/13 13:42:04

policy

INFLUENCE LOCAL AND NATIONAL POLICY BY COMPLETING QES The closing date for quarter 3 of the Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) is Wednesday 18 September and Herefordshire and Worcestershire businesses are being encouraged to provide feedback that will influence business policy at the highest levels.

The QES provides crucial business data that helps the Chamber to analyse the local economic conditions and formulate policy proposals based on the results.

It also feeds into the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) national survey, which is the largest and most representative independent business survey of its kind in the UK.

In the second quarter, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce ranked in the top ten in the country for number of respondents to the QES. A greater number of respondents to the survey, which should take no more that five minutes to complete, means more representative results and hence greater business influence.

Amongst the encouraging economic news from the second quarter was an increase in exports, sales and employment. Let’s hope quarter three’s results show a pick up in the pace of the economic recovery that appears to be underway.

Below is a summary of quarter two’s results: Q2 2013 Summary 228 Respondents 1-19 employees 57% 20-199 employees 33% 200-499 employees 7%

NORA SENIOR APPOINTED PRESIDENT OF THE BRITISH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

500+ employees 3% 68% believe turnover will improve (7% higher than the last quarter) 59% think profitability will improve (1% higher than last quarter) 57% are working below full capacity (73% last quarter) 43% are operating at full capacity (27% last quarter) The major concern for businesses is ‘competition’ - 56% ( Quarter 1 - 49%) 30% believe corporation tax is a concern 20% believe inflation is a major concern Export sales balance has increased 9% Export orders balance has increased 10% 52% reported an increase in UK sales

Nora Senior has been appointed the new President of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). She was officially appointed at the BCC’s AGM after previously serving as Vice President.

47% reported an increase in UK orders (both higher than last quarter)

Nora is the Executive Chair for UK Regions of global PR agency Weber Shandwick and has more than 20 years’ experience in the public relations and government affairs sector.

34% expect an increase in workforce over the next 3 months

24% expect their prices to rise over July, August, September 2013 39% believe cashflow has improved over the last quarter 48% had experienced recruitment problems, with 42% having problems recruiting skilled manual/technical staff and 50% professional/managerial

Commenting on her appointment as BCC President, Nora Senior said:

To complete the quarter three survey visit: www.surveymonkey.com/s/QESQ3

“The BCC is a leading voice on all issues relating to business and I look forward to championing its crucial work.

BECOME A MEMBER OF THE CHAMBER’S AREA COUNCILS

“I will be working hard to ensure that the views of the business community are heard at both a local and national level, and will continue to campaign for an enterprise-friendly environment so that existing and new businesses can thrive.

“At this crucial time for the UK economy, Chambers of Commerce are more important than ever.”

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Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is run by its members, for its members. Companies of all sizes, from sole traders to multi-national corporations (MNCs), can join the Chamber and influence policy at the highest levels by putting themselves up for election to one of the Chamber’s two Area Councils, one representing Worcestershire, the other Herefordshire.

Area Councils are composed of elected representatives of member businesses from each county. Up to fifteen specialists from fields such as agriculture, construction and manufacturing meet six times a year to supply feedback from their respective professions, which will then be used to formulate Chamber policy on the most

important economic issues facing the region’s businesses.

Consequently, Area Councils are the voice of Chamber members, providing a vital part of the Chamber’s governance structure and opening up opportunities for members to be at the forefront of our lobbying activities.

The Chamber is currently looking for new members to stand for election to an Area Council. If you would like to know more about getting involved in the running of your local Chamber of Commerce then contact Kelly Key on 0845 641 1641 ext 213.

Alternatively, email kellyk@hwchamber.co.uk or areacouncil@hwchamber.co.uk

September/October 2013

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EdUCAtION

massaGe ComPaNy ProVide WorK exPerieNCe for bliNd aNd ParTially siGhTed sTudeNTs

DRPGROUP BACKS APPRENTICE AND GRADUATE SCHEMES TO HELP IN HIRING FRESH NEW TALENT Local Worcestershire based company the drpgroup have had a successful year, and their most profitable so far. To add to this growing business the drpgroup have now successfully turned two of its apprenticeship

rNC WiNs deliVery orGaNisaTioN aWard The Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) in Hereford recently won a major award as 3SC’s delivery organisation of the month. 3SC manages public services contracts on behalf of third sector organisations and uses Gardner Hall at the RNC campus as an assessment centre for Access to Work clients, disabled students and private service users.

Royal National College Enterprises (RNCE) is the business and commercial arm of RNC, which has become the UK’s leading specialist residential college for students who are VI (visually impaired).

The RNC commenced its enterprise arm in 2009 and in 2010 introduced the availability of Gardner Hall as an assessment, conference and accommodation centre.

Now, both local and national businesses use RNCE facilities for day or residential meetings, conferences and courses, providing a valuable source of income and allowing RNC to continue establishing itself as a centre for excellence.

The additional income has enabled developments, such as hosting the IBSA World Blind Football Championships, training for the GB Paralympics team and adding other sports in 2013 as the Football Academy expands into a VI Sports Academy.

For more information on assessments or conferencing and accommodation opportunities, contact Gardner Hall on gardner@rnc.ac.uk or visit www.rnc.ac.uk

/ graduate roles into full time employment this year. At the moment the drpgroup have two apprenticeships running, one in their digital media team and the other in their design and print team. Since taking on the schemes, the group has built strong relationships with local colleges and universities, and will continue to bring young talent into the drpgroup, giving those the opportunity to gain new skills and training from all aspects of the business. www.drpgroup.com

Kathy Scott, from Hands on at Work, explained:“Both girls did brilliantly and showed a natural flair and ability to adapt to the different types of massage and environments and we had fantastic feedback from clients.”

Ann Johnson, New College Worcester Careers adviser, said: “I would like to thank Kathy Scott at Hands On At Work for providing a brilliant experience for our students.”

Sixth form student Laura added: “This work placement has taught me several new techniques I’d not come across in massage before, as well as teaching me what would happen in a working environment.” www.newcollegeworcester.co.uk www.handsonatwork.co.uk

THE HEREFORD ACADEMY: ONE OF THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY AT STUDENT PROGRESS AT GCSE The Hereford Academy qualified as one of the top 20% of schools in England for the progress made by its pupils between their Key Stage 2 results at primary school and their GCSE results at age 16, gaining the Academy national recognition.

John Sheppard, Principle of the Hereford Academy, said:“We are delighted to have been recognised by the SSAT for the continued effort put in to giving our students the opportunities to achieve their personal best.”

Every school in the country has been ranked according to how much value they have added to the scores their students were expected to achieve in their GCSE results in 2012. This is determined by the progress students have made between their national test results at age 11 and 16.

www.theherefordacademy.org.uk www.ssatuk.co.uk

Sue Williamson, Chief Executive of SSAT, said: “The Hereford Academy should be congratulated for their stunning performance in adding value to their students’ achievements. There is plenty that other schools could learn from the Academy’s success.”

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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Hands On At Work had the pleasure of providing work experience for two sixth form students from New College Worcester, a school and college for blind and partially sighted students. The students honed their massage skills at Wildwood Rooms, doing corporate onsite massage and a couch based oil massage for a client at home.

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businessnews

CAMPAIGN IN THE PINK AS SPIRE SOUTH BANK SHOWS SUPPORT FOR NEW BREAST UNIT Visitors to Spire South Bank can show their support for the Worcestershire Breast Unit Campaign by buying one of the pink re-useable shopping bags now available in various outlets across the county.

The private hospital in Bath Road, Worcester, has donated a substantial figure to fund the production of 5000 recyclable canvas bags, which are available to purchasers for a donation of £2.50 each.

Seniors at Bromsgrove School

BACK TO SCHOOL FOR TOP REGIONAL MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS AGENCY Nexus Creative Limited has recently been appointed by the prestigious and historic Bromsgrove School.

Bromsgrove School has a long and illustrious past; first recorded in 1476 as a charity school, it was re-established as a Tudor grammar school between 1548 and 1553. Today, it is widely regarded as one of the finest schools in the country with an excellent international reputation. Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce patron, Nexus Creative Limited, has recently been chosen to be the school’s media partner.

Nigel Harte, Managing Director of the agency, said: “We are delighted with the appointment and we are proud to be associated with such a historic institution.

Competition for this appointment was considerable, but the ideas we proposed for the development of the school’s promotional activity seemed to strike a chord. Bromsgrove School has a unique character and is situated in a wonderful environment. It also achieves excellent results. We will, of course, be reflecting these assets in our promotional work.” www.nexuscreative.com

AVONCROFT MUSEUM SCOOPS TRIPADVISOR AWARD Bromsgrove-based Avoncroft Museum is delighted to add TripAdvisor’s prestigious 2013 Certificate of Excellence to its growing list of awards for outstanding hospitality.

Founded in 1963, Avoncroft is England’s first open-air museum and now home to more than 30 historic buildings, structures and other exhibits which have been rescued and re-housed in rural Worcestershire.

The Museum also includes a wildflower meadow, period gardens, and a traditional cider and perry orchard.

Avoncroft’s Edwardian Tea Room housed in a 16th century building rescued from Shrewsbury, Shropshire

All proceeds will go towards the campaign, which is aiming to raise £1.8 million to establish a new dedicated breast unit at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

The campaign was started six years ago by consultant breast surgeon Steven Thrush who, alongside his work at the Worcestershire NHS Acute Trust, also has a private practice at Spire South Bank.

To support the campaign just pop into the Coffee Lounge at Spire South Bank and purchase a special pink bag. www.spirehealthcare.com/southbank www.everybodyknowssomebody.co.uk

BUSINESS QUIZ SUPPORTS LOCAL CHARITIES Three local charities are set to take a share of more than £1000 thanks to a quiz night organised by two Worcester based companies.

NinetyFive Creative and Peach Recruitment decided to use their connections within the local business community to organise a ‘Great British Summer Quiz’ and raise funds for New Hope, Guys Footprints and the Worcester Breast Care Campaign.

With BBC Hereford and Worcester’s Elliot Webb taking the role as Quiz Master, the event was held at Worcestershire County Cricket Club and focused on Great Britain 2012. Specialist rounds included the royal family, the Olympics and local current affairs. www.ninetyfivecreative.com www.peachrecruitment.net The winning team from HallmarkHulme

As well as fascinating insights into the past, Avoncroft has much to offer the modern-day business visitor.

The Edwardian Tea Room serves traditional high teas on vintage cake stands, perfect for informal meetings.

Conferences and events for up to 150 are held in Guesten Hall with its magnificent 14th century roof and the Long Room, part of a timbered 16th century inn, can accommodate up to 35. www.avoncroft.org.uk

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September/October 2013

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AdvERtORIAl

DISCOVER APPRENTICESHIPS NEW College is proud to deliver a range of Apprenticeships in Business & Administration, Accounts & Warehousing. These apprenticeships offer staff the opportunity to develop and acquire new skills, improve their performance and gain professional qualifications.

The learning outcomes which underpin the apprenticeship programmes were developed with key industry experts and professional body representatives and are tailored around the needs of your business.

The courses consist of some compulsory core units undertaken in the workplace. In addition the

Apprentices needs to have met or attain functional skills level 2 in Maths, English and ICT.

your vacancies through the National apprenticeship service for free.

North East Worcestershire College has been successfully delivering apprenticeship qualifications for many years and we are proud of our success rates. The College is accredited with The Customer Service Excellence and Matrix Standards, recognising excellence in customer service and support.

For further information on our Apprenticeships for the above courses e-mail Karen Skinner or call 01527 548871 to arrange a visit from our Work based Learning Coordinator who will carry out a free Business Training analysis to discuss the needs of your business.

For staff aged 16-18 there is the potential for full funding from the government. For anyone aged 19+ there will be a cost of ÂŁ500. Organisations that have not benefited from employing apprentices already may be eligible for a government grant of ÂŁ1500.

Additionally if you are looking to recruit staff we may be able to support your organization by advertising

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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023 4/9/13 13:42:17

CHAMBEREvENtS

PROJECT ARGUS AND PROJECT GRIFFIN A partnership between Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce and the Counter Terrorism Security Advisory Service proJect argus

CHAMBER ExPO EVENT

Friday 18 October 9.30am-12.30pm Bosch Thermotechnology Ltd, Cotswold Way, Worcester WR4 9SW

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce will be holding its next Business Expo on Wednesday 13 November from 8am-3pm at the Chateau Impney, Droitwich.

With 80 exhibitors from many different business sectors, don’t miss the chance to meet new suppliers, generate sales and increase awareness of the products and services that you offer.

About: Project ARGUS is a National Counter Terrorism Security Office initiative, exploring ways to aid you in preventing, handling and recovering from a critical event or even a terrorist incident .

The exhibition, one of the Chamber’s most popular, is a great opportunity for members to network and gain crucial business contacts, as well as promote their company and raise their profile within the business community.

An exhibition stand (including one free breakfast) costs members £250+VAT and non-members £350+VAT. An additional networking breakfast is £17.50+VAT and £22.50+VAT for members and non-members respectively.

Kick-starting with a networking breakfast for an hour before the official opening of the exhibition at 9am, the Expo will include a comprehensive programme of business seminars and speakers throughout the day to give you helpful insight into areas in which your company can innovate and expand.

www.hwchamber.co.uk/chamber-expos email events@hwchamber.co.uk or phone 0845 641 1641.

This is a free event which takes you through a terrorist attack using a multi-media simulation. A series of questions and challenges are put to you, both individually and as a group. You will work in small syndicate groups with other local business representatives and develop your responses to the attack. The event explores your options; what is likely to happen in the event of such a disaster; and what your priorities should be. Project Argus highlights the importance of being prepared and having the necessary plans in place to help. This event will benefit those at board level, senior and middle management who are engaged in formulating the business or organisation’s appetite for risk and the requisite response to those risks.

To find out more visit

proJect griffin Friday 25 October, 9.30am-12.00pm Bosch Thermotechnology Ltd, Cotswold Way, Worcester WR4 9SW

WomeN’s busiNess forum – NoW iN herefordshire Tuesday 15 October 9.30am -11.30am Thorne Widgery office, 2 Wyevale Business Park, Kings Acre, Hereford HR4 7BS £15.00+VAT Members, £30.00+VAT Non-members This popular Women’s Business Forum provides attendees with the opportunity to make business contacts and hear from interesting and informative speakers. It is not aimed only at women, but the time of the event has been specifically chosen to work for those for whom breakfast events are not always convenient.

After several successful years of the event running in Worcestershire, the team have responded to popular demand and launched a Herefordshire Women’s Business Forum, in association with Thorne Widgery.

024 BD15.indd 24

The first event will be held at Thorne Widgery’s new offices in Wyevale Business Park and will feature a talk from Andy Edwards, the firm’s Business Development Specialist. Debs Coles, Practice Manager for Thorne Widgery, said: “I am really pleased that the Chamber are re-introducing Women’s Business Forum events in Hereford. We have a large number of successful businesses that have been created, managed or owned by women in the county and these events will provide not only networking opportunities to meet like- minded people but also to gain knowledge and realise the support that is available.”

About: Project GRIFFIN aims to encourage members of the business community to work in partnership with the police to deter and detect crime and terrorist activity. This awareness event covers topics such as the current threat level, hostile reconnaissance, suspicious items and behaviour, firearms incidents as well as providing an awareness of the impact and disruption that may be caused by such an incident. The event is aimed at people who are involved in some way with the safety and security of a building, business or area and to empower them to recognise and report suspicious activity and behaviour to the police. These staff could range from security to front of house reception staff and provides support and guidance to those seeking to implement the requirements established as a result of management attending the Project ARGUS event.

To book, email events@hwchamber.co.uk or call 0845 641 1641.

www.thornewidgery.co.uk

September/October 2013

4/9/13 13:42:25

chamberevents

Networking CALENDAR september/october 2013 Herefordshire Curry Club in association with Harrisons Business Recovery and Insolvency Ltd

Friday 6 September 12.30pm-2.30pm Champagne Signature Bar and Restaurant, Pomona Place, Hereford HR4 0EF £14.50 including VAT Members and Non-members

HR Forum Redditch Tuesday 10 September 11.30am-2.00pm Southcrest Manor Hotel and Spa, Pool Bank, Redditch, B97 4JS £22.50+VAT Members, £30.00+VAT Non-members Herefordshire Exporters Event – The Beautiful Export Game Friday 13 September 8.30am-2.30pm Penyard House, Weston Under Penyard, Ross-on-Wye, HR9 7YH FREE EVENT

Resource Efficiency Forum Tuesday 24 September 8.00am-10.00am Southco Manufacturing Ltd, Worcester WR4 9FA FREE EVENT Start To Grow Forum in association with Hayward Wright Accountancy Ltd

Wednesday 25 September 4.00pm-6.00pm The Council Chamber, Avenue Road, Malvern, WR14 3AF FREE EVENT Chamber Business Awards 2013

Featuring the Worcestershire Ambassadors CSR Awards

Thursday 26 September 7.00pm – 11.30pm The Chateau Impney Hotel, Droitwich Spa WR9 0BN £70.00+VAT Members / £90.00+VAT Non-members (individual seats) £630.00+VAT Members / £810.00+VAT Non-members (tables of ten)

Kidderminster Networking Breakfast Friday 13 September 7.30am-9.30am Mercure Kidderminster, Habberley Road, Bewdley Nr Kidderminster DY12 1LA £15.00+VAT Members, £30.00+VAT Non-members

Hereford Networking Breakfast Wednesday 2 October 7.30am-9.30am Burghill Valley Golf Club, Tillington Road, Burghill, HR4 7RW £15.00+VAT Members, £30.00+VAT Non-members

HR Forum Worcester Tuesday 17 September 11.30am-2.00pm Worcestershire County Cricket Club, New Road, Worcester WR2 4QQ £22.50+VAT Members, £30.00+ VAT Non-members

Bromsgrove Networking Lunch Friday 11 October 12.00pm – 2.00pm Holiday Inn Birmingham Bromsgrove, Bromsgrove BG1 9AB £17.50+VAT Members, £30.00+VAT Non-members

Women’s Business Forum Wednesday 18 September 9.30am-12.00pm Worcester Racecourse, Pitchcroft, Worcester WR1 3EJ £17.50+VAT Members, £35.00+VAT Non-Members

Herefordshire Women’s Business Forum Tuesday 15 October 9.30am-12.00pm Thorne Widgery, 2 Wyevale Business Park, Kings Acre, Hereford, HR4 7BS £15.00+VAT Members, £30.00+VAT Non-members

Malvern Networking Breakfast Thursday 19 September 7.30am-9.30am Abbey Hotel, Abbey Road, Malvern, WR14 3ET £15.00+VAT Members, £30.00+VAT Non-members Powered Growth Forum in association with Arrivista Business Coaching Thursday 19 September 4.00pm-6.00pm Worcestershire County Cricket Club,WR2 4QQ The Powered Growth Forum has been developed by the Chamber & Arrivista for SME owners looking to take their growth to the next level.

FREE EVENT for members – Email gwene@hwchamber.co.uk to book The Annual Legacy – RESEC Lecture 2013 Thursday 19 September 6.00pm onwards Lecture Theatre, University of Worcester, Worcester WR2 6AJ FREE EVENT Email Deborahs@hwchamber.co.uk to book Maximise Your Membership Event in association NEW with ISO Quality Services Ltd Friday 20 September 9.30am-11.30am Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Head Office, Severn House, Prescott Drive, Worcester WR4 9NE FREE EVENT

NEW

Evesham Networking Breakfast in association with QualitySolicitors Parkinson Wright

Thursday 17 October 7.30am-9.30am The Wood Norton, Worcester Road, Wood Norton, Evesham, WR10 2LZ FREE to Members (limited spaces), £15.00+VAT Non-members Project ARGUS Event Friday 18 October 9.30am-12.30pm Bosch Thermotechnology Ltd, Cotswold Way, Worcester WR4 9SW FREE EVENT HR Forum Hereford Thursday 24 October 11.30am-2.00pm Burghill Valley Golf Club, Burghill HR4 7RW £22.50+VAT Members £30.00+VAT Non-members Project GRIFFIN Event Friday 25 October 9.30am-12.00pm Bosch Thermotechnology Ltd, Cotswold Way, Worcester WR4 9SW FREE EVENT

SAVE THE DATE -21st Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre Thursday 28 November – Sunday 1 December Discover....

• The leading Victorian-themed street market in the West Midlands • Hundreds of stalls amongst historical atmospheric streets • Magical dance displays and Victorian themed entertainments • Local and international arts and crafts, festive gifts area and a food court. events@hwchamber.co.uk 0845 641 1641

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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Biginterview

Shining a spotlight on companies working to support their communities An innovative project in Worcester which allows a housing company to work with homeless people is being hailed as an example of best practice by the man who founded the Big Issue.

John Bird MBE says that the project with Worcester-based housing and care provider Sanctuary Group shows what can be achieved through inventive approaches to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Sanctuary is supporting The Big Issue via a partnership which will help to facilitate a range of activities, including providing training and support to a vendor, and a staff engagement programme aimed at raising the profile of social enterprise among the Group’s employees.

It’s a cause close to the heart of the magazine’s founder and Editor-in-Chief, who gave staff an insight into the world of The Big Issue during an exclusive visit earlier this year.

“What the Big Issue is doing is oxygenating those kind of programmes and evangelising about what companies are doing.

“I think we have a duty to encourage businesses, from large ones to SMEs, in what they are doing.

“Take an example in Scotland which we have encouraged. There is a company there which makes soap and the soap is made by people with disabilities.

The soap then goes out to B and Bs across Scotland and the North.

“Those B and Bs are supporting CSR because, not only do they want the product, but they have also taken a decision that helps a business that gives work to disabled people. That‘s an example of CSR. “It’s not just big companies engaged in high profile charitable work, it’s any responsible business practice which benefits the wider community.”

He cites the case of Sanctuary as another shining example. His visit in May this year marked the launch of a partnership between Sanctuary and The Big Issue and during the visit he told staff how enterprise can be used as a tool for social change.

Born in London to a poor family, he became homeless at the age of five, resided in an orphanage between the ages of seven and ten, and went to prison in his teenage years. He slept rough on the streets of London and returned to prison in his late twenties.

John said that one of the concerns about CSR is that the good works that many businesses do are not properly recognised.

He said:“I think the problem with CSR is that it does not come with a handbook that explains exactly what it is.

“There is a lot of interesting work being done by companies, either with their staff or through grants, and it is not seeing the light of day. The media are not really interested.

026

“What Sanctuary is doing with us is phenomenal and we hope it will encourage others to get involved in helping tenants and communities and changing the profile of social housing so it will be seen as a springboard for people. It‘s a win-win situation.”

* Established in 1969, Sanctuary Group is responsible for the provision of social housing, care and management services across England and Scotland. It owns or operates over 94,000 units of accommodation and employs about 10,000 people.

Sanctuary aims to equip a local Big Issue vendor with the skills they will need to get back into employment.

This includes providing access to specialist tutoring courses, work experience placements and CV workshops from Sanctuary.

In addition, the vendor is helping Sanctuary in its work to support vulnerable young people who have experienced difficulties in their lives. He will mentor young people at risk of offending and aims to share his life experiences with 16-24 year olds at a number of Sanctuary supported housing schemes.

* The Big Issue is one of the world’s leading social enterprises, and is published in 12 countries worldwide.

It currently works with more than 2,000 homeless or vulnerably housed people in the UK every year. Vendors buy the magazine up front for £1.25 and sell it to the public for £2.50. For more information on its corporate engagement schemes, please contact

Lara.McCullagh@bigissue.com

www.bigissue.org.uk www.sanctuary-housing.co.uk

As part of the partnership, some of these vulnerable young people will also get the opportunity to spend time in the magazine’s editorial office, working with journalists to produce features about their experiences.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

BD15.indd 26

“For their part, they help our vendor support programme and their staff are given an opportunity to spend time volunteering with people who are homeless or in danger of being made homeless.

Ian McDermott, Sanctuary’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “Through this partnership we can work together to help raise awareness of the plight faced by homeless people and give the support that’s needed to help people turn their lives around.”

In spite of these experiences, he managed to turn his life around, and, in September 1991, he launched The Big Issue with the help of Gordon Roddick. The two set out with the groundbreaking aim of offering homeless people the opportunity to earn a legitimate income, rather than subsisting on charitable handouts. John remains Editor in Chief of the magazine and sits on the Company’s Board of Directors.

In June 1995 he was awarded an MBE for ‘services to homeless people’, and in 2006 he received the Beacon Fellowship Prize for his work raising awareness of homelessness and his support of homeless communities worldwide. He is also a Social Enterprise Ambassador, supporting a Government-backed scheme championing the use of business to address a social or environmental need.

John said: “The partnership with Sanctuary goes back 18 months or so. Big Issue was seeking to work more closely with housing providers because we are both in the same business and what Sanctuary is doing is a really interesting programme.

September/October 2013

4/9/13 13:42:29

Biginterview

There is a lot of interesting work being done by companies either with their staff or through grants and it is not seeing the light of day. The media are not really interested. What Big Issue is doing is oxygenating those kind of programmes and evangelising about what companies are doing.

John Bird Founder and Editor in Chief Big Issue

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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coverfeature

Why it makes sense to make a difference We hear a lot about Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the idea of businesses putting something back into the communities in which they operate.

Sounds a good idea but, to some business people, it can still be a nebulous concept. So what does CSR look like? How do you get involved? And can it really make a difference?

BD asked three organisations with similar needs to explain.

Going wild for wildlife Worcestershire Wildlife Trust relies heavily on its strong links with local companies.

Kate Thomas, Head of Resources, said: “Working with a charity can often help fulfil the CSR ambitions of businesses.

“To start with, the very ‘localness’ of Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and other organisations can be a positive feature in itself. The Trust also has a direct line of communication with more than 20,000 members and an established presence in the county through our 75 nature reserves and work with 5,000 children each year.

“Local charities like us are very much part of the community - including buying goods and services from many locally based suppliers, so it’s always heartening to have support reciprocated. “ And there are various ways for businesses to get involved. Kate said: “Our business relationships at their most straightforward can be a donation given towards buying a meadow, equipment or running an education session for children.

involve employees through a tailor-made membership offer for them or by facilitating staff fundraising activities.

“Due to the nature of our charity, we can also provide practical opportunities for hands-on conservation tasks or team-building.

“At Worcestershire Wildlife Trust we have also agreed to donations based on product sales, had permission to promote membership to staff and customers, received donations of goods or had support simply by businesses choosing to hire our meeting and conference rooms.

“Each charity and each business will have its own range of charitable and CSR aims, outcomes and resources making it essential to explore how these can work together. If we can meet CSR aspirations and benefit the people and wildlife of our county, it has to be a win-win situation.” *Kate can be contacted at 01905 754919 or kate@worcestershirewildlifetrust.org

“Clearly, this has innate benefit to people and the natural environment, features which may form part of a company’s CSR policy.

Long Tailed Tits Image courtesy of Dave Butler

028 BD15.indd 28

“Each business will have its own priorities and most charities will try to work flexibly to find a mutually beneficial outcome. For example, we might agree to

Goldfinches Image courtesy of Gillian Day

September/October 2013

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coverfeature

Hoople Charity Quiz night in aid of St Michael’s Hospice

St Michael’s Hospice – where excellence is standard St Michael’s Hospice is there for your staff, their families and friends, every day of every year. As a local charity, it relies on local businesses and the community to fund 90% of the annual running costs, as just 10% of funds come from the NHS.

For example, Western Power Distribution has regularly sponsored the St Michael’s Hospice Half Marathon and John Goode, the company’s Team Manager in Hereford, said: “Our staff know the Hospice well and so we are always happy to get involved.

Hospice staff say it is vital that local businesses recognise the role St Michael’s Hospice plays both in the community and supporting businesses.

“Furthermore, it makes the team feel that they are making a real difference to their community and proud that they are representing the entire organisation in such a positive way.”

Elizabeth Morawiecka, the Partnership Development Manager at the Hospice, said: “St Michael’s has been recognised and described as an organisation “where Excellence is Standard”. This is something many businesses aspire to.

“By linking with St Michael’s Hospice, this can help create a shared culture of excellence within the organisation.

Choosing to support a local charity, such as St Michael’s Hospice, can provide a range of opportunities for staff to get involved directly in the work of the Hospice or its events and activities, which build team spirit, increase company profile and reduce employee turnover, improving profitability.”

It’s not just big businesses who stand to gain from working with a local charity.

Radway Bridge Garden Centre held a Vintage Vehicle day to raise funds for St Michael’s. The event resulted in a big increase in footfall to both the nursery and the restaurant, and free positive publicity. *If you would like to discuss business opportunities with St Michael’s Hospice please contact Elizabeth Morawiecka on 01432 851000 or email

emorawiecka@st-michaels-hospice. org.uk

Hereford Half Marathon

Business challenged to make a difference Chris Jordan, Chair of The Emily Jordan Foundation in Kidderminster, believes that the CRS ambitions of businesses can be fulfilled by getting involved with the young people with whom the charity works.

He and his wife set up the charity in 2008 after their daughter was killed in New Zealand, and they have a son with learning disabilities.

The team works with young people with moderate learning disabilities – a group of individuals who Chris says effectively ‘fall off the shelf’ after leaving college.

He said: “This group get a lot of support when at college but after that they are really left on their own.

Consequently, some get into serious trouble and they are often preyed on by others who are, simply, after their money.”

The charity seeks to train the young people and help find job opportunities, also supplying worthwhile day projects involving bikes, gardening and woodwork.

Vintage Vehicle day

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

BD15.indd 29

Chris said: “A recent survey showed that only 6.6% of these individuals were in any kind of employment – a shocking statistic in today’s society.

But when these individuals get into work, companies state they are hard working, punctual and committed.

They make great employees because the job is a vital part of their lives – they take it very seriously indeed.”

So, what the charity is looking for is companies who want to get involved in offering work experience for this group, or helping with some volunteers to assist training.

Chris said: “If this work experience leads to some employment then great, but this is not a prerequisite.

In any case these individuals are only looking for a few hours a week.”

However, to date this project has been difficult to start, with companies having responded but so far no positive results.

Chris said: “I am aware of the pressures involved in running a business – I have been involved in this all of my life. But becoming involved can help the CSR aspirations of a business with just some time needing to be spent!

“These few weeks of experience are of huge benefit to the individuals– their self-esteem is dramatically improved - they are valued. They start to believe in themselves – the first step forward. Your staff will also benefit from this experience.

“So why not give it a go? I can absolutely assure you, you will not regret it. There is no downside – it is a complete win/win for all involved.” *Chris can be contacted on Chris.jordan@ theemilyjordanfoundation.org.uk

or 07980 770701

029 4/9/13 13:42:42

business funding feature

Universities working with business Businesses are able to gain a raft of support through working with regional universities. With significant funding available and a broad portfolio of business growth and improvement services, universities are able to work with businesses of all sizes in a variety of different ways, enabling beneficial collaborations.

Funded support Several highly successful part-funded projects are available to businesses, including Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP), the Knowledge Exchange & Enterprise Network (KEEN) and Innovation 1st.

KEEN, part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and KTP provide companies with the opportunity to develop mutually beneficial relationships across a wide range of disciplines, in order to support innovation and promote growth.

Knowledge is transferred into the business through

a skilled graduate recruited to work full-time on a bespoke growth project, developed in association with a university. The schemes are a great way for businesses to boost their profitability and performance.

Innovation 1st, run by the University of Wolverhampton, is a project part-financed by ERDF that provides businesses with the opportunity to explore and adopt new technologies. As part of a minimum of 12 hours free advice and support around technology, companies are able to use various cutting edge devices in demonstrator centres located in Telford and Wolverhampton.

Student and graduate recruitment Free recruitment services are also offered to businesses, incorporating a number of student and graduate programmes.

The Step programme helps companies to turn short or medium term business needs into feasible projects undertaken by an undergraduate or recent graduate.

This is a cost effective way of trialling future graduate employees and seeing their work up-front, with most of them being offered permanent positions on completion of their placements.

Several regional universities also deliver internships across the West Midlands through the Graduate Advantage programme funded by ERDF. Similar to Step, these internships are a low risk, low cost way of providing businesses with support for a project that it does not have time or resources to complete.

To take advantage of university expertise and the wide range of business opportunities available call 01902 321272 or email enquiries@wolverhamptonbsc.com

One business benefitting from the KEEN programme is Ultra Furniture Ltd who recently employed two graduates to work within their company as Furniture Designer and E-Commerce, Graphic and Digital Designer.

From left: Glenn Aston, Ultra Furniture Finance Director; Charlotte-Anne Smith, Furniture Designer; and Robert Cooksey, Senior Lecturer in Product Design at the University of Wolverhampton

030 BD15.indd 30

September/October 2013

4/9/13 13:42:43

KEEN to grow your business Forward thinking businesses are being encouraged to work in partnership with the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s universities on a Knowledge Transfer scheme, which has benefitted over 50 companies during its successful first year.

The University of Wolverhampton is leading the Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise Network (KEEN), part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) until July 2015.

Focusing on innovation and research, KEEN enables West Midlands based SMEs to increase profitability and achieve sustainable growth.

This is made possible through the transfer of knowledge into the business via a recent graduate who is recruited to work full-time on a bespoke growth project, developed in association with a regional university.

KEEN has benefitted businesses in a wide range of areas; including product design, construction, e-commerce and website development.

To find out more about the opportunities KEEN can offer: Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/wmkeen Call: 01902 321 272 Email: enquiries@wolverhamptonbsc.com Twitter: @wmkeen Facebook: /wmkeen

BD15.indd 31

4/9/13 13:42:43

BUSINESS fUNdINg fEAtURE

Integration can be your Weakest Link!

Most businesses today know that a fully integrated ERP system – where all functions are able to communicate with each other – is crucial to ensure best performance.

But when shopping for an integrated system, the uninformed run the risk of being deceived. A vendor might tell you that a product is “integrated”, but you need to know just what they mean by that word. A truly integrated system will have all the functions you want in its core structure, with those functions sharing data in realtime.

Discovering after purchase that some parts of the new system don’t interact fully can result in facing lower staff productivity, duplicated data entry, and a fragile, breakdown-prone system. What’s worse: throwing money at it won’t fix it.

To help avoid such an outcome, here are 5 of the most important questions to ask: 1. What is the level of integration?

If the data is only being updated across the modules using extract and import routines, then it’s not an integrated system. A truly integrated system updates data immediately throughout the application as it happens.

2. How many technologies are involved in the solution?

The more disparate technologies that are involved, the more likely you are to have a complex implementation, increased costs, e.g.: training, and ongoing maintenance.

3. Have you clearly seen the add-ons working with the core system?

Too often you get shown these add-ons in isolation without doing integration testing. You need to be assured that they will work together, before you buy.

4. Do all the modules and functions look and feel the same?

A system with different-looking modules and functions puts an extra burden on the operator if they have to enter information in a different way.

E K

5. Will I receive a single invoice for support?

Third-party application support costs can be quite expensive and can potentially increase with little notice.

8 (

With Greentree, Hoge100 are able to demonstrate its depth of functionality and configurability to you and you are far less likely to need add-ons. What’s more, if any specialised functions are required, Greentree’s architecture is such that they’re fully integrated.

This is critical, because your system is only as strong as the weakest link, and if the weakest link is poor integration, then your system is not very strong.

We have been developing business software here in the UK for around a quarter of a century and, cumulatively, our consultants have hundreds of years of experience of implementing systems throughout the UK. The expertise we’ve gained gives us an unbeatable ability to accurately assess your needs and deliver maximum impact with ease and confidence.

We want to help you to make your business more competitive and successful. With Hoge 100, Greentree and you, we will be sure you’ve got the clarity you need to reach your business goals. We3: the power of three.

Call now on: 01905 455227 or email; enquiries@hoge100.co.uk Hoge100 Business Systems Ltd, IMS House, Prescott Drive, Warndon, Worcester, WR4 9NE

C

http://www.hoge100.co.uk

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September/October 2013

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Holtek a

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HIGH FLIERS’ LEADERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER

•

The University of Worcester is recruiting now to its prestigious part-time study programmes for senior executives: Master of Business Administration (MBA): This is a general management qualification for current and future middle and senior managers seeking to gain a real edge in the business world, hone their professional skills, assume a significant leadership role, switch careers and boost their pay packet.

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA): The DBA is a life and game-changing experience designed to not only enhance your advanced understanding of business and management but also of yourself, your way of working and your own management style.

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To learn more about how either of these programmes can help you to move your business and career forward, and develop top-level business networks, contact: MBA: Dr Tim Sellick Worcester Business School University of Worcester e-mail: t.sellick@worc.ac.uk Tel: 01905 542498

DBA: Dr Jan Francis-Smythe Worcester Business School University of Worcester e-mail: j.francis-smythe@worc.ac.uk Tel: 01905 855242.

PalaCe eleVaTor deal GiVes The QueeN a lifT Atwell International have successfully completed a contract to install its in-house designed and locally-built braking systems to five lifts at the Queen’s London home “It’s quite a feather in our caps to get a job like this, with one of the lifts being for Her Majesty’s own personal use,” said Atwell International MD Russell Walker who, along with his team, have taken the business to new levels of success since its launch in 1996.

The royal household work is the latest in a series of lucrative contracts which has seen Atwell International’s home-grown design and engineering skills in demand from a variety of top-name clients across the world, including Universal Studios, Disney, the Eiffel Tower, the Ministry of Defence and Heathrow and Toronto airports.

“The diversity of our products, design expertise and ingenuity coupled with the on-going business 034 BD15.indd 34

Russ Walker receives a Business Excellence award from Simon Williams

coaching we receive from Arrivista has enabled us to develop an innovative yet consistent approach to marketing, sales and customer service. As we systemise we have also seen benefits in better leadership and team development, plus a greater overall ability to sustain and improve profitability.”

For further info please contact: Yvonne@atwellinternational. com and vel@arrivista.co.uk

Networking Support

Funding Skills

Brought to you by over 20 organisations

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

BD1

September/October 2013

4/9/13 13:42:49

Holtek ad amended:Layout 1 26/07/2013 12:39 Page 1

Taking the Stress out of I.T.

• I.T. Support • Cloud Services • Server Virtualization • Security • Telecoms • Line Rental • Call Tarrifs • Analogue • SIP Trunking • ISDN2 • ISDN30 BT NETWORK 3CX PBX

• Bespoke Support Packages • Monthly Contract • Tokens • Pay-as-you-go

• Server Virtualization • Consolidate Multiple Servers • Reduce Energy Demands • Reduce Environmental Impact of I.T.

Taking the stress out of I.T.

BD15.indd 35

• ADSL• SDSL • EFM • Fibre Ethernet • High Speed Broadband CLOUD • Email • Desktop • Phones / PBX • Disaster Recovery

• Firewall and IPS (Intrusion Prevention System) • Web Application Firewall • Email Security • Web Security and Filtering • Secure Remote Offices • Secure Mobile Users • Endpoint Protection (Viruses, Malware etc)

We do all this - allowing you to grow your business Holtek IT, Orleton, Ludlow SY8 4HH tel. 01568 667334 email. enquiries@holtek.co.uk

www.holtek.co.uk 4/9/13 13:42:49

pR ANd MARkEtINg fEAtURE

AdvERtORIAl

SPICE UP YOUR PR WITH A DASH OF SOCIAL MEDIA I was recently asked by the chief executive of a national company, “How has public relations changed over the years?” My answer was simple.

The purpose of PR has always been the same; it’s the art of delivering PR that has evolved.

The objective of PR has always been to implement publicity campaigns and strategies that help a company achieve its business objectives, by building its reputation and enhancing its credibility and trust amongst the target audience. But companies are now utilising more innovative methods of communicating key messages. In the past few years the biggest change in terms of delivery has been social media.

There’s nothing new about social media. What is new, and different, is how companies are increasingly recognising the importance of incorporating the various social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Four Square, Pinterest, Google+, Instagram, etc, into their PR and marketing activities.

Platforms are used in different ways to engage and interact with target audiences, but ultimately, the use of social media should be as a PR tool that works alongside traditional PR methods in order to achieve the desired objectives.

Traditional PR and social media PR complement one another. Traditional PR offers credibility through articles and features in key media, such as newspapers, magazines and radio. Meanwhile, social media PR has the ability to generate an instant buzz

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about a product or service through communicating and engaging with an active audience. Full service marketing agencies, like Gough Bailey Wright, can successfully combine traditional PR with social media PR in order to achieve maximum results for clients. In addition, we can use social media PR to quickly react to things, such as national news stories, and generate positive exposure for clients.

PR professionals are often asked to quantify the financial return on investment in social media. It’s a valid question, however guidelines from the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) stated that investment in social media PR is, by definition, an intangible asset. It is not more or less quantifiable than any other asset. In addition, the number of ‘likes’, ‘followers’, or ‘retweets’ are not accurate reflections of levels of trust and credibility.

However, depending on the nature of your business, they may be viewed as indicators.

Best practice social media aims to build reputation and credibility through conversation and engagement.

It underpins an organisation’s drive to grow relations with customers, rather than just transactions. A customer’s lifetime value can’t be attributed to one week, one month or one social media strategy.

here are my top tips aBout social media: ■ Social media requires time and commitment to grow your presence.

■ Your social media voice should have the same tone as the rest of your marketing material and corporate literature.

■ If a post or comment requires a response then ensure you give one.

■ Respond as soon as you possibly can. If finding out the answer to a specific question or query will take a while then make sure you respond to let the person know that.

■ Where possible respond online so that other users can see.

■ Don’t be negative about your competitors.

■ Never delete the post, no matter how negative (as long as it isn’t defamatory, racial or aggressive in content).

■ Influence is more important than popularity.

■ Determine how your social media campaign will be monitored and evaluated.

■ If you have the budget, hire an agency to help develop your strategy and deliver your campaign.

Michelle Wright is the Client Services Director and co-owner of Gough Bailey Wright, an award winning, full service marketing agency based in north Worcestershire. Email michelle.w@gough.co.uk or call 01527 579555 for further information about how your business could benefit from social media.

■ Set clear guidelines about the types of conversations you are going to engage in, and with whom, before you launch your campaign.

September/October 2013

4/9/13 13:42:51

PROACTIVE PROFESSIONAL PRACTICAL PRODUCTIVE PREPARED PROBLEM SOLVING PRIZE-WINNING PROUD PROFOUND PROGRESSIVE PRICE SENSITIVE PRAGMATIC

WE ARE PR PR. The big picture. Campaigns that’ll grab attention, social media that will engage.

That’s what we’re about.

We’re here to help you grow your business. To give you honest and straightforward advice and support. To deliver innovative, creative campaigns and strategies that achieve brilliant results.

To get the posh biscuits out when you fancy popping round for a chat.

We’re here with the combination of experience, expertise, creative thinking and integrity that sets us apart. But that’s enough of the PRomises.

Now let us PRove ourselves. Call us.

We are PR. We are Gough Bailey Wright.

Call Michelle Wright on 01527 579555 gough.co.uk BD15.indd 37

4/9/13 13:42:53

pR ANd MARkEtINg fEAtURE

We’ve written a book that you’re definitely going to want to read. It gives businesses everything they need to know about digital marketing. It’s called: Digital Minds: 12 Things Every Business Needs to Know About Digital Marketing.

Each chapter covers a different digital marketing tactic and is written by an expert (or ninja, or wizard) on the particular topic. It’s the perfect resource for people and businesses who want to delve into digital marketing.

Order your copy now on Amazon at http://amzn.to/1d26SF8 or via the QR code above.

Your local WSI Internet Marketing Consultant Simon Thompson can help in implementation of all the marketing tactics covered inside.

Call now for an informal discussion or contact us via our website.

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0845 331 2728

www.WSInetMarketing.co.uk

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First consultation free of charge Contact Joy Smith on T: 01562 631466 or email: joy.jcm@btinternet.com

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CONfERENCEWORCEStERSHIRE www.conference-worcestershire.org

worcestershire’s largest eVer conference Brochure Organising a conference, meeting or event in Worcestershire has never been easier, with the majority of the county’s fantastic venues appearing in the brand new Conference Worcestershire A4 Digital Brochure.

The brand new Conference Worcestershire Brochure will be a one stop shop for event organisers, enabling organisers to find the perfect venue for their event needs and budget. To provide further support for event organisers, the Conference Worcestershire service is now run in partnership with BookOTel, an industry leader in venue finding for national and

international clients. The new brochure will ensure BookOTel has more product knowledge of the Worcestershire venues, which will help direct more conference enquiries into the county.

The Conference Brochure will have various online distribution channels.

If you would like to request a copy directly please submit your enquiry to conference@visitworcestershire.org and you will receive a copy via email.

Alternatively, if you would like to submit your conference, meeting or event enquiry to conferenceworcs@bookotel.com or call 01905 732962.

unique conference facilities with an optional factory tour Morgan Motor Company offer a unique venue for meetings and seminars, combined with a guided tour of the Morgan factory to see the hand making of the Morgan sports car.

A guided tour of the factory creates an interesting and memorable day; it also encourages visitors to your event. Previous clients have experienced a much higher attendance due to the event being held at The Morgan Motor Company.

The Super sport conference suite is suitable for up to 150 delegates, with the smaller Aero max conference suite available for up to 25 delegates.

Both conference rooms are fully equipped with comprehensive technical equipment. Delegate rates start from £30 per person.

The day can be completely tailored to your event and you can even display a Morgan car in the conference room!

For further information regarding conferences at The Morgan Motor Company please contact Angela Hymas 01684 584580

Worcester Woods Country Park

hold your conference, meeting or eVent in tranquil surroundings The Worcestershire County Council’s Countryside Service provides idyllic alternative venues for conferences, meetings, training or team building.

The Christopher Cadbury Room, situated in the award winning Waseley Hills Country Park, offers superb panoramic views, a large picnic area as well as valleys and woodlands rich in wildlife. Whilst easily accessible from the M5, Junction 4 it still provides a peaceful escape to the countryside.

Alongside the meeting room, housed in a restored timber framed threshing barn, The Windmill Café offers an extensive menu of culinary delights, refreshments and buffets, available for any event.

located in an eco-building with turf roof and wood fuel boiler, set within 100 acres of woodland and meadows and surrounded by the landscaped Worcestershire Garden. Just 5 minutes from junctions 6 and 7 of the M5 and adjacent to the award winning Orchard Café, which specialises in local produce and can meet all your catering needs, it is an ideal location. All rooms offer wheelchair access and are available during the week and weekends. Each room is equipped with a projector screen, projector and flipchart. A TV and video is available for hire. Free Wi-Fi available. www.worcestershire.gov.uk/ countryside / countrysiderb@ worcestershire.gov.uk

Meanwhile, the Countryside Centre at Worcester Woods Country Park is

angela.hymas@morgan-motor.co.uk www.morgan-motor.co.uk

Morgan Motors Visitor Centre

Wasely Hills

ROOM HIRE

The opportunity to hire spacious and well-equipped rooms at the Chamber’s head office in Blackpole, Worcester. www.hwchamber.co.uk/book-a-conference-room 040

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September/October 2013

4/9/13 13:43:07

DESTINATIONworcestershire

NEW COUNTY PUBLICATIONS TO ENTICE VISITORS TO WORCESTERSHIRE Destination Worcestershire are launching a selection of printed publications to encourage visitors to not only visit for the day, but also stay for a short break in our beautiful county.

DORMY HOUSE RETURNS IN STYLE The waiting is over for the most eagerly-anticipated hotel event in the Cotswolds this year. The popular Dormy House at Broadway, part of the Farncombe Estate, has re-opened to guests in a major £10 million refurbishment.

The investment comes on top of the recent re-branding of Cotswold Conference Centre to Farncombe Conference Centre, and is nine months into the appointment of new Chief Executive Andrew Grahame. It will be followed with the opening of a new House Spa in January, which will be a destination in its own right.

The developments are part of a new strategy to place the hotel firmly within the luxury market and attract more international guests. Thirty new jobs have been created at the Dormy as a result.

There are 40 new bedrooms, 17 of those designed by the London design house Todhunter Earle Interiors, working alongside Cotswold architect Tony D’Alton.

A beautiful flower garden has been created especially for the Dormy by the award-winning garden designer and TV presenter Chris Beardshaw. This links to The Garden Room, a contemporary restaurant which features a range of set à la carte menus from £40.

For more informal dining, from brunch to evening cocktails, The Potting Shed has been introduced to offer relaxed dining and drinks around a large welcoming bar.

Its food style will be hearty and rustic, sourced from the best local suppliers.

The remodelled Dormy House will be the epitome of farmhouse chic; while an extensive afternoon tea menu will be an important feature of the Dormy day.

The stunning new House Spa will feature an infinity pool, gym, personal training, and a champagne nail bar. www.dormyhouse.co.uk

The publications include; Eating Out Guide; a Guide to Restaurants, Cafes, Pubs/Bars & Food on the Go.

Explore guide; a mini guide detailing the county attractions.

SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY CHARITABLE TRUST SECURES UP TO £500,000 LOTTERY FUNDING

Publication dates; Eating Out - August 2013 Official County Guide - Sept 2013 & Mar 2014 Explore - Jan 2014

One of Britain’s leading heritage railways has secured substantial lottery funding to help it unlock private money to protect its long term future.

For more details on advertising opportunities or to obtain a supply of any of the guides for your customers / visitors please contact Amanda Millichip at amillichip@visitworcestershire.org

The Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust (SVR Charitable Trust) is to receive up to £500,000 through the Heritage Lottery Fund’s (HLF) Catalyst programme.

The money will kick-start the Severn Valley Railway Heritage Endowment, which will create longer-term financial support for the Severn Valley Railway (SVR).

Official County guide; An inspirational glossy publication showcasing the best of the county, including attractions, accommodation & events.

BUY YOUR BUSINESS GIFTS FROM WORCESTER TIC Worcester Tourist Information Centre (TIC), located in the stunning Grade 1 listed Guildhall in Worcester’s High Street, is a treasure trove of local goodies and gift ideas.

As well as being the first point of call for visitors to Worcester, Worcester TIC offers a wonderful range of souvenirs and locally produced items ideal for business related thank you gifts or mementoes of a visit to your premises.

Products include; Worcester Cathedral Jacobean trinket boxes, and clocks made of fine bone china in England which are all boxed. Worcester gifts include fine bone china mugs, bags, tea towels, fridge magnets and key rings. Local history books of Worcester include The Worcestershire Souvenir book, Worcester cards, postcards and calendars, local cider, jams, chutneys and honey.

Worcester Tourist Information Centre is run by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce on behalf of Worcester City Council.

Opening Hours: 09.30 – 17.00 Monday - Saturday, 10.00 – 16.00 Bank Holidays. Telephone 01905 726311

The grant will enable the SVR Charitable Trust to access different funding options, attract more funding by increasing its fundraising potential and help to develop innovative approaches to securing private donations.

Every £1 the SVR Charitable Trust raises for the Endowment, HLF will match, up to a ceiling of £500,000 - money which will be put towards the substantial annual restoration costs of the Railway’s extensive and historic collection of locomotives and carriages, built during the heyday of steam travel.

Restoring such a large collection of rolling stock, together with the skills needed to maintain them, is a huge physical and financial task. The SVR currently has a large back log of locomotives and carriages that are in urgent need of attention before they corrode into history.

The restoration of the rolling stock will provide the perfect projects to support the Heritage Skills Training Academy that the SVR will launch in 2013. Through such initiatives, it hopes to become the UK’s Heritage Engineering centre of excellence. www.svr.co.uk

www.visitworcestershire.org

‘HAVE YOUR SAY’ ABOUT A 4/5 STAR HOTEL IN WORCESTER CITY CENTRE

Visit Worcestershire is carrying out a piece of research on behalf of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership to find out if there is demand for a 4 Star Hotel in Worcester city centre. A number of sites have already been suggested for the hotel, however attracting inward investment from a top end hotel brand is difficult without evidence from the visitor and business markets. Please complete a short survey to help us and be in with the chance to win dinner for two & a bottle of wine at Brockencote Hall Hotel www.visitworcestershire.org/hotelresearch Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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041 4/9/13 13:43:08

Best Upper Medium Car

(SOMETIMES THE HEADLINE WRITES ITSELF)

all-new mazda 6 2.2 150ps saloon se diesel

£239*

+ vat per month

Available to Business Users only.

• BIK £58^ per month • 108g/km CO2 • 67.3mpg^^

BENGRY MOTORS HP all-new mazda 6 2.2 150ps 2wd se-l diesel

£279*

+ vat per month

Available to Business Users only.

• BIK £69^ per month • 119g/km CO2 • 61.4mpg^^

The all-new Mazda6 and Mazda CX-5 feature SKYACTIV Technology, which increases performance while reducing CO 2 emissions. WhatCar? were so impressed, they’ve awarded SKYACTIV Technology their 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 surprisingly low monthly payments and the low BIK will feel like a pay rise. With both models collecting a host of Fleet World and Fleet News awards, Mazda isn’t the obvious choice. It’s the smart choice. Order today at Bengry Motors

Bengry Motors (Leominster) Ltd Southern Avenue Industrial Estate, Leominster, Herefordshire HR6 OQF Tel:01568 612337 www.bengry-mazda.co.uk

The MPG figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results obtained through laboratory testing. These are provided for comparability purposes only and may not reflect your actual driving results. *Offer available to business users for orders received between 01.07.2013 and 30.09.2013. £279 (exc VAT) figure is based on a new Mazda CX-5 2.2 150ps 2WD SE-L Diesel without Metallic paint, on a non-maintenance contract hire package over 36 months, 10,000 contract miles per year. Advance payment equal to 3 monthly payments is payable followed by 35 monthly payments. £239 (ex VAT) figure is based on 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 payment. 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 £21,995. Model shown features optional Soul Red Metallic paint (£660).

Mazda CX-5 2.2 150ps SE-L Diesel. OTR £23,295. Model shown features optional Pearlescent paint (£530). ^BIK values are at 20% rates based on a car with non-Metallic paint and are valid from 1 April 2013. ^^mpg figures shown are combined. On the road prices include 20% VAT, number plates and 3 years’ European Roadside Assistance. Test drives subject to applicant status and availability.

WINNER

The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the Mazda Range: Urban 25.4 (11.1) - 55.4 (5.1).

Extra Urban 45.6 (6.2) - 78.5 (3.6). Combined 35.3 (8.0) - 67.3 (4.2). CO2 emissions (g/km) 188 – 108.

DEFY CONVENTION

The adventure company making a difference in the community We want you to get involved in making a difference too and here’s how. You get fun, sociable adventure experiences, feel-good activities, fitness, improved wellbeing, and new sports. Having great stories to tell about your own adventures is an unusual way to contribute to our local community. Booking our activities, experiences, challenges and training helps us fund our good work.

We organise and deliver a very wide range of adventure activities locally and further afield, on water, in forests, up mountains and under them. Mini-adventures, middle sized ones and mega-adventures travelling under our own power over days in beautifully wild places.

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There’s something for everyone including our innovative Adventure Fit classes and team challenges for businesses.

My Big Adventure CIC is a not-for-profit social enterprise working with young people who are not benefitting from school because challenges in their lives means school gets low priority.

There are many reasons young people from all backgrounds drop off the education radar. We offer improved opportunities and alternative access to education, learning, knowledge and skills, improving life chances. Working with the wider community helps to generate vital funds and so we can pass on your love and passion for the great outdoors. It all draws us all a

little bit closer, the community supporting our young people.

Phone, email us or call in at the My Big Adventure Shop where we have a good range of adventures and events for everyone, items of pre-adventured and new kit and lots of expertise. We’re near the market in Pershore at 2, Cowleys Way, High Street, WR10 1EY. For further details go to: www.mybigadventure.org.uk you can find us on facebook and follow us on Twitter @mbigadventure Email mybigadventure@icloud.com Our office phone number is 01386 555590 and our mobile is 07810 645222

September/October 2013

4/9/13 13:43:16

BUSINESSNEWS

AdvERtORIAl How much!!!

Better get a quote from C J Insurance

nce Insuraewal Ren

BUSINESS INSURANCE DUE FOR RENEWAL? THINK C J INSURANCE Don’t renew your business insurance until you’ve spoken to C J Insurance! who are we We are one of Herefordshire & Worcestershire’s largest independent insurance brokers.

Since 1993 we have been providing cost effective insurance solutions for businesses in the three counties and beyond.

what do we do We provide and specialise in insurance solutions for a wide range of businesses including the following: Manufacturing • Engineering • Construction • Tradesman & Contractors Motor Trade • Transport • Retail • Wholesale Agriculture • Equestrian • Professional Services • Consultancy IT Services • Property Owners • Clubs • Charities

why choose c J insurance Because we are a local, friendly and forward thinking company that puts our customers at the centre of everything we do: Quotes & Cover - We will give you honest advice and search the insurance market for the best deal whilst providing you with the right cover for your business.

Claims – When it comes to claiming we work hard for you, managing your claim from beginning to end to ensure you receive a fair settlement with the minimum of fuss.

Risk Management – Risk management can be challenging and time consuming therefore, we give you practical advice on how to minimise your risks, resulting in safer working conditions and often lower insurance premiums.

IT WAS AN ACCIDENT! Accidents causing injury happen every minute of every day.

Accidents have a greater impact on some people more than others. The office based businessman who breaks his leg falling off of a ladder…yes, he is inconvenienced but generally still able to go about his work. For a company’s staff, however, this may not be the case as even minor injuries could mean they are incapacitated from their work duties, leaving the company short staffed and often with the additional expense of meeting their obligations of paying sick pay or hiring additional staff.

case study Bruce is an employee for a small manufacturing company called ABC Ltd. Whilst on holiday he trips and breaks his arm rendering him incapacitated from work for 2 months. Unfortunately, Bruce is off work during the company’s busiest period of the year and being a small company this has a significant impact on them being able to meet their orders on time.

Fortunately, ABC Ltd had the foresight to purchase group personal accident insurance covering all staff including directors. The pay out from their personal accident policy meant they could meet their obligations in paying Bruce’s salary whilst off work and at the same time hire agency staff for 2 months – all at no additional expense and with only minor inconvenience to the company.

solution At CJ Insurance we have tailor-made personal accident policies starting at just £200 for an annual policy, either for individuals or covering all staff 24/7, 365 days a year. Policies that will pay a weekly benefit should an accident render you or your staff incapacitated from work or a lump sum in the event of permanent disability, with the option to add sickness cover.

call cJ insurance now for a competitiVe quote.

thinK insurance – thinK cJ insurance

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

BEING A MANAGER – GETTING IT RIGHT! To be a successful manager in the modern, high pressure world, you have to maintain both your personal skills and technical knowledge when dealing with people issues.

Too often, managers implement the right decisions in the workplace, but in the wrong way, thereby causing avoidable conflict, cost and absenteeism. This series of courses is therefore designed to give managers and business owners the legal tools and people skills required to get the very best out of their staff teams.

the effectiVe management series SPECIAL OFFER - BOOK ALL 3 COURSES FROM £500 +VAT Individual courses cost £180+VAT Members / £210+VAT Non Members A programme of day long courses delivered on a monthly basis, this series is aimed at both new and existing managers who wish to gain clear guidance about how to deal with employment issues legally and in an appropriate manner. All courses run from 9.30am until 4pm and include course notes, refreshments and lunch.

COURSE 1 – MANAGING DISCIPLINARY ISSUES & MANAGING GRIEVANCE What to do if you are unhappy with an employee or if an employee is unhappy with you!

Wednesday 11 December 2013 9.30am - 4pm.

This is an area of management which often makes managers very nervous, particularly in light of the risk of litigation. In addition to ensuring compliance with the legislation relating to disciplinary processes, this course will give practical guidance on how to carry out effective investigations when looking into disciplinary allegations, particularly in light of the current ACAS Code of Practice, as well as how to document the evidence, and what to do in the disciplinary hearing.

COURSE 2 – MANAGING ABSENCE & HOW TO MANAGE UNDER PERFORMANCE What to do if you are concerned about excessive absence, underperforming employees and staff conflicts.

Wednesday 8 January 2014 9.30am -4pm The aim of this course is to provide a detailed overview of what managers and business owners can do if or when problems appear in the employment relationship. Specifically, this course will discuss how to manage absence issues and capability concerns, as well as personality conflicts.

COURSE 3 – MANAGING EQUALITY, BULLYING & HARASSMENT Wednesday 12 February 2014 9.30am -4pm This course will look at The Equality Act 2010, which replaced previous legislation (such as the Race Relations Act 1976 and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995) and ensures consistency in what you need to do to make your workplace a fair environment and to comply with the law. The Act extends some protections to groups not previously covered, and also strengthens particular aspects of equality law.

044 BD15.indd 44

meeT The TraiNer Veena Allison is a highly experienced employment law expert who specialises in representing business, as well as training and coaching managers in respect to Employment Law and Human Resource Management.

September/October 2013

4/9/13 13:43:17

White

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 September 2013 to January 2014 September Courses

Colour & White

OCTOber Courses

december Courses

The Exporter’s Guide to International Payment Tuesday 10 September £225+VAT Members / £250+VAT Non Members

Export Licensing Thurday 24 October £225+VAT Members / £250+VAT Non Members

Managing Disciplinary & Grievance Issues Wednesday 11 December £180+VAT Members / £210+VAT Non Members

Effective Presentation Skills Tuesday 10 September £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members

Advanced Import Procedures Tuesday 29 October £225+VAT Members / £250+VAT Non Members

Search Engine Optimisation* Wednesday 11 December £80+VAT Members / £95+VAT Non Members

AEO (Advanced Economic Operator Status) Tuesday 17 September £225+VAT Members / £250+VAT Non Members

NOVEmber Courses

january Courses

Communicating for Success Tuesday 17 September £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members

Assertiveness and Confidence at Work Tuesday 5 November £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members

How to Manage Absence and Under Performance Wednesday 8 January £180+VAT Members / £210+VAT Non Members

Basics of Export Documentation Thursday 19 September £225+VAT Members / £250+VAT Non Members

Letters of Credit Wednesday 6 November £225+VAT Members / £250+VAT Non Members

Managing People in the Team Tuesday 14 January £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members

Managing Appraisals Thursday 19 September £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members

Incoterms (2010) Thursday 7 November £225+VAT Members / £250+VAT Non Members

VAT on Exports Tuesday 24 September £225+VAT Members / £250+VAT Non Members The Role of the Team Leader Tuesday 24 September £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members Raising Your Profile* Wednesday 25 September £80+VAT Members / £95+VAT Non Members

OCTOber Courses PowerPoint for Presentations Friday 4 October £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members Tariff Classification Tuesday 8 October £225+VAT Members / £250+VAT Non Members Getting to Grips with Social Media* Wednesday 9 October £80+VAT Members / £95+VAT Non Members Direct Shipping Tuesday 15 October £225+VAT Members / £250+VAT Non Members Internal Quality Auditor - ISO 9001 Standard Tuesday 15 October £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members

Writing Effective Press Releases* Friday 8 November £80+VAT Members / £95+VAT Non Members Fire Marshal Training Monday 11 November £80+VAT Members / £95+VAT Non Members Customs Complience Wednesday 13 November £225+VAT Members/ £250+VAT Non Members Advanced Microsoft Excel 2007 Friday 15 November £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members Successful Telesales Tuesday 19 November £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members

Writing Effective Marketing Copy Wednesday 15 January £80+VAT Members / £95+VAT Non Members Introduction into Microsoft Excel 2007 Friday 17 January £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members IOSH Working Safely Tuesday 21 January £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members International Trade Complience Management Wednesday 22 January £225+VAT Members / £250+VAT Non Members Changes in International Trade Thursday 23 January £225+VAT Members / £250+VAT Non Members Effective Time Management Thursday 23 January £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members Emergency First Aid at Work (one day) Wednesday 29 January £80+VAT Members / £100+VAT Non Members

december Courses IOSH Managing Safely Tuesday 3 - Friday 6 December £495+VAT Members / £595+VAT Non Members Managing Performance in the Team Tuesday 3 December £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members

International Sales Online Wednesday 16 October £225+VAT Members / £250+VAT Non Members

Finance Skills for Managers and Team leaders Wednesday 4 December £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members

Intermediate Microsoft Excel Friday 18 October £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members

Basics of Export Documentation Tuesday 10 December £225+VAT Members/ £250+VAT Non Members

Employment Law Update Tuesday 22 October £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members

Creating a Customer Care Culture Tuesday 10 December £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members

Bespoke Training Courses Courses take place at Severn House, Worcester and start at 9.30 am.

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

*PR & Marketing Series Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BUSINESSnews

MS DYNAMITE JOINS THE CLIENT LIST OF THE SALES PERFORMANCE COMPANY LTD Ms Dynamite has joined the client list of The Sales Performance Company Ltd having spotted the business related inspirational tweets of Managing Director Stuart Allen (@StuartAllenFCMI).

rather than just advertise and, if you do this, clients will come to you based on your expertise. That is exactly what happened with Ms Dynamite and I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with her.”

Ms. Dynamite is an English hip hop and R&B recording artist, rapper-songwriter and record producer. She is the recipient of the Mercury Music Prize, two BRIT Awards and was nominated for three MOBO Awards.

The Sales Performance Company Ltd is based in Worcester and works with clients on a local, national & international basis on all aspects of their commercial and sales performance.

Stuart Allen commented: “I have always maintained that Twitter is a place where businesses should ‘give’

www.thesalesperformance.co.uk

Ms Dynamite

WORCESTER VOLUNTEER CENTRE Through employer supported volunteering, facilitated by the counties’ accredited volunteer centres, Chamber members can work with local community groups to make a difference.

Research shows that business benefits include increased job satisfaction, motivated staff, improved networks within and outside the company and better customer relationships.

5 MINS WITH MARTIN POPE, MANAGING DIRECTOR, DESIGN RELIGION

Some charities and community organisations are big enough to host a group to dig over a garden or paint a room, but most need something more specific.

Sometimes the right kind of support is a regular volunteer who manages the organisation’s social media, offers general maintenance for a community building, or gives strategic support as a trustee.

Through Worcester Volunteer Centre, Housing Partners helped SightConcern with a social event for its members and Halifax’s Worcester branch brought the ‘Big Lunch’ to volunteers at the annual Volunteering Fair in the Guildhall. Small or large, there is an opportunity for your business to ‘get social’.

What does your company do?

We help organisations build charismatic brands, develop great design, create memorable identities, powerful advertising and engaging websites.

In what sectors are your clients?

Halifax volunteers

www.worcestervolunteercentre.org.uk

INNOVATIVE KIDDERMINSTER BUSINESS INTRODUCES THE TRIP STICK A Kidderminster business has developed a first of its kind solution to accurate mileage capture and mileage expenses.

Utilising a GPS/USB dongle, which is easily installed into the lighter or USB port of any vehicle, the ‘Trip Stick’ uses GPS to track the driver’s journey with incredible accuracy.

Not only is it used by several of the biggest fleets, but by many small businesses and self-employed drivers too. Our special up-loader app uploads all journeys to our web-based mileage expenses portal. A clear overview of journeys appear, including date, time, start/ end address, mapped route, CO2, pence per mile and journey cost.

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Managing Director, Alex Baker, said: “Mileage capture is a chore. I love the idea of making it simple, accurate and quick. The mileage data can also be used to make key decisions relating to the company vehicles.” www.fleetinnovations.com

We have a wide range of experience from many sectors, including; Sport (at local level the Worcester Warriors), Service, Finance, Housing, FMCG, Engineering, Technology, Manufacturing, Construction and the Third Sector.

What advice would you give firms?

DesignReligion helps businesses to own a visual space that creates differentiation, positions themselves in the market and enables their key audience to feel instinctively that you are a good business ‘fit’.

Best Thing About Running the Business?

For me the best part of running DesignReligion is seeing the journey that we take our clients on unfold and the engagement and excitement as their new creative is launched into the market.

And the Worst Finding enough time to do PR ;-) Fleet Innovations ‘Trip Stick’

www.designreligion.co.uk

September/October 2013

4/9/13 13:43:19

newmembers BISHOPS FROME

MALVERN

Spiral Cool Limited 01531 641966

Hadopots Limited 01684 563338 Malvern

Bishop’s Frome

BROMYARD Wildesoft.net 01885 483006 Bromyard

www.wildesoft.net

EVESHAM

www.hadopots.co.uk

The Turnaround Team 0808 284 9513 Malvern

365 Safety Services 07814 944125 Malvern

www.365safetyservices.co.uk

Evenproducts Limited 01386 760950 Evesham

PERSHORE

Hinton Pest Control Ltd 01386 41762 Evesham

www.alpinegardensociety.net

www.evenproducts.com

www.hintonpestcontrol.co.uk

JohnsonVellen Centre of Excellence 01386 426191 Evesham www.jvce.co.uk

HEREFORD

Alpine Garden Society 01386 554790 Pershore Houston Clarke 01386 554828 Pershore

Glass Full 07857 834455 Worcester

Kintax 07766904918 Worcester

www.kintax.co.uk

NAP Computer Solutions Ltd 01905 611636 Worcester www.napcs.co.uk/

Sauce Creative Communications Ltd 07446 167582 Worcester www.sauce-creative.com

The Sales Performance Company Ltd 07557 919039 Worcester www.thesalesperformance.co.uk

www.houstonclarke.com

That Carpet Place 01905 612301 Worcester

PINVIN My Big Adventure CIC 01386 555590 Pinvin

Worcester Volunteer Centre 01905 24741 Worcester

www.thatcarpetplace.com

Charles Taylor Decorating, Building & Handyman 01432 269563

www.mybigadventure.org.uk

www.worcestervolunteercentre.org.uk

Hereford

REDDITCH

Great Brampton House Ltd 01981 251074 Hereford

Clifford Springs Ltd 01527 62876 Redditch

Worcestershire Health & Care NHS Trust 01905 760000 Worcester

www.greatbramptonhouse.co.uk

www.cliffordsprings.com

KIDDERMINSTER

ROSS-ON-WYE

Fleet Innovations Ltd 0845 600 6880 Kidderminster

Alastair Sanderson 01989 564390 Ross-On-Wye

www.fleetinnovations.com

www.alastairsanderson.com

Hannafin Contractors Limited 01562 827895 Kidderminster

The Royal Hotel 01989 565105 Ross-On-Wye

www.hannafin.co.uk

www.oldenglishinns.co.uk/ross-on-wye

LEDBURY

WORCESTER

Three Counties Liqueurs Limited 07794 215404 Ledbury

Castle Consultancy Worcester 01905 621845 Worcester

Postsaver europe Ltd 0845 6434089 Gloucester

GDK Engineering Co Ltd 01905 454261 Worcester

ThisIsGroup 01332 253650 Derby

www.cotswoldcountryliqueurs.co.uk

www.ccworcester.co.uk

www.gdk-engineering.co.uk/

www.hacw.nhs.uk

OUT OF AREA Holtek IT 01568 667334 Ludlow

www.holtek.co.uk

Lister Communications Ltd 01453 829200 Stonehouse

www.lister-communications.co.uk

Oncover Insurance Ltd 08456120011 Cheltenham

www.oncoverinsurance.co.uk

www.postsaver.com

www.thisisgroup.co.uk/

MAXIMISE YOUR MEMBERSHIP EVENT SUPPORTED BY ISO QUALITY SERVICES LTD Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce are hosting a free Maximise your Membership event for its members, in conjunction with ISO Quality Services Ltd.

Attendees will hear from the Chamber membership team and Chief Executive, Mike Ashton, with a brief update on current activity at the Chamber, as well as sponsors ISO Quality Services Ltd .

The event is intended to inform new members of the many benefits that membership of the Chamber offers and introduce them to new business contacts. Existing members are also welcome to attend and be reminded of the many services that they can take advantage of to maximise the return on their investment in the Chamber.

Jennifer Appleton, Operations Director at ISO Quality Services Ltd, said: “We joined the Chamber to be part of and reach out to the local business community.

Since then we have met new clients, referrals and suppliers. Being invited to support the Chamber with its Maximise Your Membership event is not only a great opportunity for spotlighting our business, but also

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supporting the Chamber at what it does best – making sure members maximum return from their investment.”

The Maximise your Membership Event takes place on Friday 20 September from 9.30am-11.30am at Chamber Head Office, Severn House, Prescott Drive, Worcester, WR4 9NE. For more information phone 0845 641 1641 or email events@hwchamber.co.uk

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BUSINESSNEWS

LOCAL LAW FIRMS MARKS EXPANSION WITH ‘THREE COUNTIES CHALLENGE’ FOR CHARITY Ninety six staff from regional solicitors Harrison Clark Rickerbys celebrated the firm’s expansion across Worcestershire and Herefordshire by completing a fundraising ‘Three Counties Challenge’, hoping to raise over £3,000 for local hospices and charities.

Ten teams travelled the 100 miles between all four of Harrison Clark Rickerbys’ Three Counties’ offices in one day – using only non-motorised transport. Transport methods included running, cycling, three-legged walking, skipping and tandem riding.

Funds raised are being collated via the Harrison Clark Rickerbys Charitable Trust, and will be split equally between four nominated charities: St Richard’s Hospice in Worcester, St Michael’s Hospice in Hereford, Leckhampton Court Hospice in Cheltenham and Hope Support Services in Ross-on-Wye.

KILIMANJARO CHARITY CLIMB A team from Oakland International recently undertook a gruelling once-in-a-lifetime adventure to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and help raise their target of £10,000 for the Oakland Foundation.

Sponsorship money raised went towards local youth initiatives based on Health and Nutrition, Education and Sport to support underprivileged children in the Redditch area and Bromsgrove district, with the money raised through donations from Oakland International team members, friends, family, customers, suppliers and retailers.

Harrison Clark Rickerbys team members celebrate with charity colleagues. L to R: Brenda Spain, Anita Lenegan, Jane Chandler, Sue Trevethan (CEO Hope Support Services), Christopher Allen Jones, Jonathan Brew, Sarah Patrick (St Richard’s Hospice), Carly Shaw, Mark Scriven

Jonathan Brew, Senior Partner at Harrison Clark Rickerbys, added: “My congratulations and thanks go to everyone who gave up their day to take part, and all those who donated towards our causes.”

Donations can still be made at www.justgiving.com/ HarrisonClarkCharitableTrust

Kilimanjaro is one of the world’s highest climbable mountains, so no home comforts were available. It was also very much back to nature with a bump for the group of eight who faced sub-zero temperatures during their 6-day climb.

“As well as climbing to Uhuru peak, we saw amazing views of Kenya and Tanzania and enjoyed local African wildlife. It was simply amazing,” stated Keith Davies, Oakland International’s key organiser.

Donations can be made by emailing marketing and events co-ordinator Hayley Smith at hayley.smith@ oakland-international.com or call 01527 593953.

Alex Acorn with Morrisons and Stock n lock staff

FROM LITTLE ACORNS…

(Kil2) The Kilimanjaro team discussing their charity climb with The Princess Royal.

L to R: (Kil1)Chris Shuker of Central IT Systems, acupuncturist and husband Ken and Edith Hurst-Earl, European customer support and development manager, business support analyst Keith Davies and Stuart Starkey of Starkey Electrical.

Worcester shoppers were able to do their bit at city supermarkets recently when Alex Acorn and local business supporters, including staff from Stock N Lock Self Storage in Lower Wick, encouraged small change donations to support Acorns Children’s Hospice. Over just a few hours over 2 Saturdays, generous shoppers donated £760 towards the work of Acorns caring for local life limited and life threatened children and their families. www.stocknlock.co.uk / www.acorns.org.uk

FREE RADIO WALK FOR KIDS CAME TO WORCESTERSHIRE On Sunday 7 July, 3300 walkers in scorching temperatures made their way to the three counties show ground, Malvern and walked 10.5miles to Worcester race course. This year’s theme was green and everyone made an effort. There were some fantastic costumes and personalised t-shirts.

The money raised from the walk is being split between ourselves and two other charities.

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The total raised was £124,000, and with the money we receive we are going to install an external specialised play area.

It really was a fantastic day, and we would like to thank all who walked, sponsored and volunteered.

For more information on Megan Baker House, visit: http://www.meganbakerhouse.org.uk/

September/October 2013

4/9/13 13:43:24

businessNEWS

HERE’S TO THE NEXT 10 YEARS! (L-R exc dancers): Alex Pattison-Appleton, Dennis Haines (CEO of Badger Office Supplies) Rod Young (Cartridge World Chairman and Global CEO), Hugh PattisonAppleton, John Richardson (President of Europe, Middle East & Africa, Chairman of Cartridge World Ltd).

NATIONAL AWARD FOR LOCAL HIGH STREET BUSINESS Proving that Herefordshire businesses can thrive with the right product and service, local entrepreneurs Hugh and Alex Pattison-Appleton have received a prestigious national award for ‘Franchisee of the Year’.

Cartridge World selected Hugh and Alex’s Herefordshire enterprise from 170 branches across the UK, honouring their achievements in growth and their innovative approach to the business.

The first half of 2013 has been a milestone for 5 members of the team at ESP (Essential Supply Products) who all celebrated 10 years of service with the tissue paper manufacturer based in the Enigma Business Park, Malvern. The company was established in 1990 with a team of 3 and has grown each year since then. These team members have been there for nearly half of this time and have now reached the “Top 10 Club”.

In early July the team gathered together to congratulate Dave Boswell, Lee Barnes, Chris Loader, Keith Sheed and Craig Walwyn on their achievement.

In addition to the 10 years service, the team also congratulated Arron Oseman on over 12 years of service. Chairman Carl Theakston said;“Thank you all for your loyalty and hard work over these years and helping ESP become one of the largest independent tissue converters in the UK. To celebrate this landmark, all those who achieve 10 years of service will be given their birthday off every year as an additional holiday.” www.espenigma.com

Businesses often comment that it is difficult to find employees with the right skill set and express concern over where future employees will be found. Caplor Energy was fortunate enough to play a role in providing one solution through development of both its own workforce and aspiring workers. Annabel, a local Year 10 student, completed a week of work experience to learn more about working within a business which takes its environmental commitments seriously. Meanwhile last week Caplor was delighted to host the Herefordshire Directors’ Forum, which is a development programme for professionals from local leading businesses.

Managing Director Gareth Williams led a session at the Directors’ Forum, which centred around why the company values and corporate responsibilities are an inherent part of the way Caplor does business.

Cartridge World Herefordshire recently celebrated the 10th birthday of the first Hereford City branch and the 2nd birthday of their Leominster store, and they also have four further partnership outlets in Ledbury, Ross-on-Wye, Bromyard and Longtown. 2012/13 saw the business grow by 25% and they now employ nine local people.

Caplor is proud to be able to offer youngsters the chance to test and develop their future career ideas.

As Annabel explained;“The experience has been really good, and it’s helped a great deal in deciding what I want to be when I’m older. It’s given me a good insight into what business is all about: the employees, the tasks and the outcomes.”

A delighted Alex Pattison-Appleton said: “It’s great to have our efforts recognised in this way. Of course this award isn’t just for us, it’s for the whole of our team.”

Commenting on their achievements, Cartridge World’s Chairman John Richardson added: “Alex and Hugh are a great example of what can be achieved through franchising.” www.hereford.cartridgeworld.co.uk

CAPLOR – INSPIRING DEVELOPMENT

Dave Boswell, Craig Walwyn, Lee Barnes and Carl Theakston (Chairman)

If you would like to find out more about what corporate responsibility is all about and what your business can do to demonstrate these commitments, please contact Caplor Energy. Enquiries regarding work experience or apprenticeship placements are also welcomed.

Please contact Mel Preedy on 01432 860644. www.caplor.co.uk

NEW BUSINESS COMMUNITY PUT THE DRIVE INTO ACCELERATE 2013 Matt May, Managing Director of Malvern based 3SDL, has been invited to join the ACCELERATE 250, a new business community championed by Sir Terry Leahy and Lord Young and made up of the fastest growing companies in the UK. They have identified the “vital six per cent” of companies that are creating more than half of the nation’s new jobs and the group calls on them to work together in identifying solutions to mutual obstacles that face all growing businesses.

3SDL provides defence and cyber security consultancy, training and niche products to government clients and defence primes around the world.

The Accelerate 250 met at Accelerate 2013, Britain’s first flagship festival dedicated to high-potential businesses, which aimed to raise the profile of the UK’s fastest growing businesses and their impact on the British economy.

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ACCELERATE 2013 saw more than 1,000 delegates descend on Liverpool, with Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, lastminute.com co-founder Martha Lane Fox, former All Black captain Sean Fitzpatrick and Tech City UK CEO Joanna Shields among the confirmed speakers. www.accelerate2013.co.uk

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ECL-IPS APPOINTED APC ELITE PARTNER FOR BUSINESS NETWORKS Stoke Prior based Ecl-ips have become a top tier partner for APC, the global leader of power back up solutions.

“This is a very proud moment for Ecl-ips, as our team have worked tirelessly, continually developing our knowledge of the equipment to seamlessly incorporate within our monitoring solutions. This will significantly help customers increase uptime as well as developing a better understanding of their IT infrastructure.” said MD Aaron Kernaghan.

Ecl-ips focuses on providing tried and tested solutions for new and existing clients and has recently completed projects delivering huge (300KW) UPS units for a well-known corporate client. Aaron adds: “The Elite partnership acknowledges our commitment and knowledge of the

FEATURE

marketplace and will also assist us in promoting Ecl-ips to a wider audience.

“We’d like to thank Arrivista for their high quality on-going coaching and support, which has helped us identify strengths within the business and develop these key areas organically.

This has led to better systems and greater success within our Sales, Marketing and Customer Support areas. We are experiencing very healthy and sustainable growth which will be reflected in our plans for further, local recruitment”.

For further info please contact: jodi@ecl-ips.com and vel@arrivista.co.uk

Paul Barton

RENEWED CONFIDENCE Malcolm Scott Consultants are pleased to note there appears to be renewed confidence in commercial and residential development sectors and are taking more enquiries and receiving more instructions than for a long time. Whether it can be sustained remains to be seen. A prime driver of this growth is the increase in residential work. The practice is being approached by landowners and developers both to submit applications and to work with authorities when preparing their Development Plans.

There remains considerable scope for appropriately located sites outside development boundaries to gain approval where local planning authorities do not have an up to date Development Plan and cannot demonstrate a 5 year housing land supply, which is the case for many local authorities falling within the Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire Unitary Authority. The window of opportunity to gain planning permission using the lack of 5 year housing supply is continually decreasing as Development Plans grind their way to adoption, but it remains the case that there are opportunities out there.

The practice has also recently been instructed on a number of Retail Impact Assessments, and their experience in the retail market has lead to approaches for assistance in locations which may not readily comply with ‘Town Centre First’.

Established in 1962, we are committed to providing a service equal to the highest professional standards, whatever your building project.

We have offices both in Hereford and Gloucester, but operate without geographical constraints and provide a full and comprehensive service to all our clients on every Project, from Inception to Completion.

Paul Barton says he is surprised that retail work has performed as it has but that it is welcomed, and he expects to see a continued increase in residential work as the demand for housing escalates, and supply struggles to keep pace.

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 E: paulb@malcolmscottcons.co.uk F: 01905 611221

We have a team of highly motivated, dedicated and professional staff with the skills required to work with a wide range of clients and contractors in both the Public and Private Sectors.

• Quantity Surveyors • Project Management • Design & Build Adams Fletcher & Partners Hereford Office Contact: John Crooks Office 9 The Rural Enterprise Centre Vincent Carey Road, Hereford HRW 6FE Tel: 01432 355432

Gloucester Office Contact: Nick Denman 17 Brunswick Square Gloucester GL1 1UG Tel: 01452 306241

W: www.adamsfletcher.com

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September/October 2013

4/9/13 13:59:54

businessNEWS

The Prince of Wales entertains cathedral supporters HRH The Prince of Wales hosted a reception and dinner for Hereford Cathedral Perpetual Trust on Monday 1 July at his Welsh Residence, Llwynywermod, near Llandovery, for a group of key Texan supporters.

“It was a truly memorable evening,” said Glyn Morgan, Chief Executive of the Perpetual Trust, “The Trust has been developing its links with the US for some time and we know that this event will further these bonds of friendship and partnership.”

The Prince was joined by a small party of trustees, including Christopher James (Chairman), along with his wife Lotty,

the Very Revd Michael Tavinor and Herefordshire’s current High Sheriff, Bob Tabor.

During the evening the Prince, who is a long time supporter of the Perpetual Trust and is its Patron, was presented with a stone carved by stonemason Saul Sheldon.

In addition to the dinner, the American guests also enjoyed a stay at Brampton Bryan Hall, home of Edward & Victoria Harley; visited the cathedral and attended Choral Evensong, and enjoyed getting to know Herefordshire and the diocese a little better.

HRH The Prince of Wales with Christopher James, Chairman (left) and Glyn Morgan, Chief Executive, Hereford Cathedral Perpetual Trust

MAKE YOURSELF MORE MEMORABLE, TRUSTWORTHY AND CREDIBLE! Now she is able to offer small business access to personal brand information previously kept for large corporate organisations.

In her Personal Brand series of workshops, Jane explores how you can gain a competitive edge by being clear about how you want to be perceived in the market place and using the language of clothes.

After all, we put a lot of thought into company brand but far less into the way we present ourselves.

Introduction to Personal Branding will be held at Wild Wood Rooms on Wednesday 16 October from 2-4pm and costs just £25.

Jane Brook of House of Colour Worcester has been in business for over three years, changing the way people look by finding the right colours and styles for them.

Please contact Jane on 07970 293341 or jane.brook@ houseofcolour.co.uk for more information or to book. www.houseofcolour.co.uk

ISO QUALITY SERVICES LTD – IN TRAINING FOR THE FUTURE OF ISO ISO Quality Services Ltd is boasting a brand new, on-site training facility thanks to a grant from Enterprising Worcestershire. Jennifer Appleton, Operations Director of ISO Quality Services Ltd, applied for £2,500, which the company match funded in order to buy equipment for their new training division.

ISO Quality Services Ltd helps companies to become ISO compliant, undertaking an assessment, producing recommendations, drawing up a plan and assisting with writing a manual. The company has seen exciting growth in the last year, expanding from four to twelve employees in the last twelve months.

Jennifer heard about Enterprising Worcestershire at a Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce networking event and decided that the opportunity to obtain £2,500 for free was too good to miss.

The company has now established a training division on-site at their head office in Worcester, to help businesses to embed the ISO philosophy by training employees, managers and internal auditors.

If you would like to be part of the Enterprising Worcestershire success story, then please go to: http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/ cms/start-up-and-grow/enterprisingworcestershire.aspx www.isoqsltd.com

TEXTLOCAL LAUNCHES MOBILE SURVEY TOOL FOR BUSINESSES Businesses looking to gain more immediate feedback from their clients or customers in the form of surveys, booking forms or applications can now do so using Textlocal’s new mobile survey tool.

Textlocal have designed and optimised their Messenger Survey Tool from the ground up for delivery and response on mobile devices. This new innovation

offers businesses and organisations the ability to create self-branded, mobile-optimised surveys and data capture forms to send directly to their customers’ mobile phones.

All responses are automatically stored in your Messenger account for real time viewing, complete with easy-to-access stats displaying your results.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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All surveys are free to create using Textlocal’s Messenger platform and come with free reporting. There is no cost to receive replies for you or the respondent. Each survey is delivered via SMS on the Messenger platform to the respondent’s phone.

employs 30 staff across two sites in Malvern. Textlocal’s clients account for 30 million texts sent every month since the beginning of 2010. www.textlocal.com

Founded by Darren Daws and Alastair Shortland in 2005, Textlocal works with over 100,000 UK businesses and

051 4/9/13 13:43:39

moverSandshakerS

DANIELLE OLIVER, HANDELSBANKEN

OLIVER HARKER, BORWELL Ollie Harker has joined borwell’s Business Systems Team.

Worcester College of Technology recommended Ollie for the position at borwell. Already, Ollie has achieved a triple distinction (DDD*) for his Level 3 Extended Diploma in IT. Alongside his work at borwell, he will continue his study towards a HND in Software Development. www.borwell.com

PROMOTIONS AT HARRISON CLARK RICKERBYS Harrison Clark Rickerbys is delighted to announce the firm’s most recent promotions, which have taken place in Worcestershire and Gloucestershire as a result of strategic planning.

Kevin Joynes has been promoted to Partner in the Worcester Commercial Property office, Constantine Berry to Senior Associate in the Worcester Commercial Property office and Steven

Conway to Associate in the Worcester Employment Law office. In the Cheltenham office, Mark Carter, Kristine Scott and Matthew Wolton have been promoted to Partner, Lucinda Baker, Tim Crane, Emilie Darwin, Steven Murray and Andrew Turner have been promoted to Senior Associates and Rachel Roberts has been promoted to Associate. www.harrison-clark.co.uk

Handelsbanken, Worcester has appointed a new Corporate Manager in response to increasing demand for its local relationship banking services.

Danielle Oliver joins the fast-growing relationship bank with over 12 years of banking experience. She will be involved in developing existing customer relationships, as well as welcoming new customers to Handelsbanken’s bespoke approach to local banking.

The branch has developed a reputation for traditional banking and financial strength, seeing the bank rated top for customer satisfaction four years running. www.handelsbanken.co.uk

TRISH VENABLES, HALLMARKHULME Worcester’s oldest law firm, HallmarkHulme, has appointed a new Partner. Head of probate Trish Venables rapidly established herself as a key member of the team after joining the 223-year-old practice’s private client department in June 2012.

Mrs Venables is one of a small group of solicitors in the West Midlands with the skills of deputyship administration, allowing her to look after a person’s financial affairs if they no longer have the mental capacity to do so themselves. She has also been a passionate member of the Solicitors for the Elderly organisation for the past ten years.

The mother-of-two’s wide range of specialist areas also includes funding for long-term care, estate planning and residential and care home contracts. www.hallmarkhulme.co.uk

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Photo caption: Dani James, the newly appointed chief executive at Premier Places

CHARLOTTE JENKS, KENDALL WADLEY Charlotte joins Kendall Wadley as Client Relationship Manager from Hazelwood’s in Cheltenham, and is ACA qualified with 8 years’ experience.

Her role sees her responsible for the daily management of certain Kendall Wadley clients across all three offices, to most efficiently and effectively manage and develop their accountancy work. www.kwca.co.uk

DANI JAMES, PREMIER PLACES Dani James has been promoted to the new role of Chief Executive at property management specialists Premier Places.

Part of a management restructure by Director Julia Williams, Dani is now responsible for business development and the agency’s future growth strategy. Julia Williams said: “She will shine in her new role and has the skills and leadership qualities required as we prepare to move the business to a whole new level.” www.premierplaces.co.uk

EMMA STONE, POSTCODE ANYWHERE Diglis-based Postcode Anywhere is delighted to announce the appointment of Emma Stone, who is joining the company as Associate Director of Sales and Support.

With a background in both people management and process improvement at nPower, Emma has been brought into Postcode Anywhere to help prepare the foundations for the company’s international expansion. www.postcodeanywhere.co.uk

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BUSINESSNEWS

BOOST FOR UK MANUFACTURING AS WASTE INDUSTRY LEADERS MERGE Droitwich based Taylor has acquired Oldham-based container manufacturer Sellers in a move that brings two renowned waste industry brands together and represents a coup for British-based manufacturing.

Artists’ impression of the new University Park development

SANCTUARY GIVEN GREEN LIGHT FOR CARE SCHEME AT UNIVERSITY PARK Leading housing and care provider Sanctuary Group has been granted planning approval of its reserved matters application for a care scheme within the new University Park development in Worcester.

This application is for part of the Health and Well-Being development area within the wider master plan that is being delivered by the University of Worcester at University Park.

Sanctuary’s application details a new care development, split into separate components of 40 close care

apartments, 60 extra care apartments, a community hub and a 60-bed care home. It is expected that the development will start on site during the autumn.

Peter Martin, Group Director, Development for Sanctuary, said: “Sanctuary is extremely pleased to be given the go ahead for the planning. This is an exciting project to deliver and we welcome the opportunity to be working more closely with our neighbours at the University of Worcester.” www.sanctuary-group.co.uk

TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS AT LOGISTICS COMPANY HELPING TO WIN NEW BUSINESS International logistics supplier AMCO is launching a range of technological innovations and fleet developments from its Worcester headquarters.

With its background in Formula 1 motor-sport logistics and as a supplier to high-end automotive companies, AMCO has extensive experience in the provision of precise supply, warehousing and logistics services.

In order to further enhance its service and to keep it at the forefront of the industry, it has recently implemented some new, advanced systems.

Nigel Piercy, AMCO’s Business Development Manager, explains: “We have introduced a sophisticated new telemetrics system. It tracks and monitors vehicle activity and statistics, and is a vital tool for managing

the environmental impact of our logistics service, helping us to minimise our carbon footprint.

PICK YOUR DAY One year after the start of a grant from the Big Lottery Fund’s Local Food scheme, Orchard Origins is keen for the local community to join in with this year’s fruit harvest.

They are organising picking days for groups and/or individuals, providing a great opportunity for team building while enjoying being outside in some beautiful traditional orchards. All the harvested fruit will then be processed into juice, cider and other products; which will be sold to aid our sustainability.

A partnership between Herefordshire Nature Trust and Herefordshire Mind enables Orchard Origins to work with Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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The deal has protected jobs and follows a period of sustained growth for Taylor over the last 12 months, in which it has won a series of high-profile domestic and international contracts.

The acquisition will consolidate operational efficiencies and build on the strengths that Taylor and Sellers have established in both their long and successful history of manufacturing.

The Sellers acquisition is the latest part of a growth strategy that has already seen Taylor expand into international territories such as Malaysia and Kuwait.

Brian Sellers, who founded Sellers in 1975, will join the Taylor executive team with Clive Gallagher, who will oversee the Oldham site; a deal that ensures that Sellers is a stronger business upon joining the Taylor Group board, allowing them to now focus on developing new products and services for both its home and export markets. www.taylorbins.co.uk David Williams, Chief Executive of Taylor

It is a web-based system, which tracks vehicle movement and allows direct contact with the driver.

Live reporting helps us to be even more flexible, re-directing vehicles at very short notice.” www.amcoservices.co.uk

volunteers who have experiences of mental distress, and regular sessions in orchards are providing opportunities for all-important training and skill. The glorious setting and gentle activity is of great benefit to overall well-being and one regular volunteer is quoted as saying: “Getting out of the house, the four walls, getting out of town and into the countryside, is really helpful, it gets me out of myself.”

If you or a group would like to support our work by booking on a picking day, please get in touch with Julia Morton on 01432 356 872 or email orchards@herefordshirewt.co.uk www.herefordshirewt.org/orchard_origins

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lastword

NEXT ISSUE OF BUSINESS DIRECTION... innovation The theme for the next edition of Business Direction is Innovation. For the Last Word we spoke to Worcester, Bosch Group a highly innovative company in our patch.

As the UK’s leading manufacturer of domestic heating and hot water technology, innovation is key for Worcester, Bosch Group to remain at the top of the industry.

From award-winning boilers and sustainable energy sources, to the revolutionary friction stir welding process used to make the new heat exchanger, Worcester pushes the boundaries of technology and efficiency to ensure the highest quality products for customers, as well as ensuring the best possible environment for its employees.

At the start of the year Worcester unveiled its new Greenstar Compact CDi which includes the revolutionary WB7 heat exchanger. Compact by name, and by nature, it is one of the smallest boilers on the market, and is manufactured using the state-of-the-art friction stir welding process – previously used only in the military and aerospace sectors – to provide users with the most efficient compact boiler to date.

Worcester adopted this approach after recognising the benefits of greater quality, reliability and performance it can offer, demonstrating how processes are designed with various customer needs in mind.

The plethora of bespoke manufacturing functions geared towards premium levels of quality and efficiency, including the introduction of a lean line manufacturing plant, also means Worcester has continued to build upon its reputation of quality and

innovation, recently being shortlisted to receive the Best Factory Award 2013.

Worcester’s plant flexibility means staffing levels and shift patterns can be adapted to meet order numbers.

This ensures that the business’s ‘pull-through strategy’ of only manufacturing products which have been sold, can be maintained without compromising efficiency levels. A commitment to environmental policies meanwhile, has resulted in a 23 per cent reduction in carbon emissions since 2007 whilst production volumes have been rising significantly, plus the ability to maintain a zero to landfill record, and a 100 per cent level of component recycling across its flagship Greenstar boiler range.

Carl Arntzen, Managing Director, Worcester, Bosch Group, comments: “With over 50 years experience, Worcester is well known for producing high-efficiency natural gas, LPG and oil-fired condensing boilers.

Designing and manufacturing a reliable and good quality product is not just something that happens overnight. From initial design, through to testing, final production and processes, we work very hard at achieving high standards at every step of the way and will remain doing so as the industry continues to change.”

For more information on Worcester, Bosch Group, please visit www.worcester-bosch.co.uk and to find out more about the Greenstar CDi Compact, visit

If you have any innovation stories please send them to businessdirection@hwchamber.co.uk

www.cdi-revolution.co.uk

To include a news story in the Corporate Social Responsibility edition of BD please send your stories to businessdirection@hwchamber.co.uk 054 BD15.indd 54

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