Business Direction 24

Direction

Business

150 NOT OUT FOR WORCESTERSHIRE COUNTY CRICKET CLUB PAGE 36

CHAMBER OF THE YEAR 2013 Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Issue 24 March/April 2015

A modern bank with traditional values Handelsbanken is one of the UK’s fastest growing financial institutions with three branches across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Here Phil Dutton, the Branch Manager of Worcester, talks about how the bank is different to others on the High Street and explains why the name Handelsbanken is synonymous with highly personalised banking services.

What makes Handelsbanken different?

We believe firmly that the branch IS the bank.

Handelsbanken operates a decentralised model, whereby each branch operates within its own local area, something we call the ‘church spire’ principle. This means the team at Worcester have responsibility for all decisions, including when it comes to lending, made on behalf of customers.

We have no central processing departments or call centres. Whatever your requirements, everything is done in-house, by the team here in Worcester. This has helped us to develop an intimate understanding of the needs of both local businesses and individual customers.

How did you develop this local knowledge?

We are active members of the Worcestershire community. I am a trustee of the Worcestershire Community Foundation, I head up the fundraising committee for Worcestershire for the Severn Valley Railway, and am also a board member of the Worcestershire Ambassadors. This latter role included leading two delegations of local

business people and politicians to China, with a view to developing trade links between the cities of Hezhou, Huizhou and Worcester.

Our customers are active in the community and we make it our business to get out there with them and participate in local events - even if that means being the ‘back end’ of a horse for the St. Richard’s Hospice Pantomime Horse Race. Whilst Handelsbanken began life in Sweden in 1871, here in the UK we pride ourselves on being a local bank and branch, with local employees, local customers and local decisions.

Who are your typical customers?

Primarily we look to build long-term relationships with individuals and businesses with a proven track record of managing and understanding their finances and cash flow. We take a holistic view of the customer as opposed to a transactional one, with the aim of growing a long-term relationship.

We offer everything you’d expect from a bank, from Current Accounts to Mortgages, Savings and Investments, and, Online and Mobile Banking.

Specialised products such as International Trade, Invoice Discounting and Asset Finance are also available. We offer all of these services on a bespoke basis, designed for each customer’s individual needs.

Why do people choose Handelsbanken?

Customers choose Handelsbanken because they want the benefit of a close working relationship

with their branch and, as a team of 11, we have collectively over 280 years of expertise.

One such customer, Andrew Grant, has worked with me on numerous community initiatives. He chose to move his banking to Handelsbanken because he found it refreshing to be able to deal with a local banking team who truly understood his business and his personal needs and were able to make decisions quickly.

Meanwhile Nick Grey, the founder and owner of Gtech, has praised our branch for the ease of doing business and for only ever being a phone call away. Our strength lies in our ability to provide a bespoke service, and it is for this reason we have grown so successfully in Worcestershire, and in the UK as a whole. This highly personalised service approach has led to Handelsbanken being ranked top for customer satisfaction for the last six years.

What would you say to anyone wanting to move their banking to Handelsbanken?

Just get in touch. We’re always happy to see if we can add value to potential customers longterm banking relationships. I can be reached on 01905360758, or by email at phdu01@handelsbanken.co.uk.

Bu sin es s

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FIRSTWORD

WELCOME TO THE MARCH / APRIL EDITION OF BUSINESS DIRECTION

R 150 NOT OUT FO E WORCESTERSHIR CLUB ET ICK COUNTY CR PAGE 36

Issue 24 2015 March/April

rce THE YEAR 2013& Worcestershire Chamber of Comme CHAMBER OF Herefordshire published by n Business Directio

HWCHAMBER.CO.UK Business Direction, Herefordshire & 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 & Worcestershire.

EDITORIAL TEAM mikea@hwchamber.co.uk Jack Stephens 01905 673600

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EDITORIAL businessdirection@hwchamber.co.uk 01905 673600

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FEATURE EDITORS John Dean & Francis Griss deangriss@btinternet.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS www.hwchamber.co.uk/view-our-business-magazine Tel: 01905 673600 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 & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce does not accept any responsibility for any representations made within them.

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Chamber news

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Business news

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Business news

10-11

Business news

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Business news

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Spring is on the way and we look forward to a positive and exciting period for businesses in the two counties.

Chamber events

24-25

Chamber training

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This edition focuses on Sport and Leisure, also touching on the many anniversaries taking place this year, including the 150th anniversary of Worcestershire County Cricket Club, the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta and the 750th anniversary of the Battle of Evesham, all of which make Herefordshire and Worcestershire great places to visit.

Big Interview

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Cover story

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This year also sees Worcester hosting the 2015 European Wheelchair Basketball Championships at the University of Worcester Arena. There will be teams from across Europe competing to qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Rio. We are expecting thousands of players, spectators, family and media in the area during this time, as well as lots of good publicity for Visit Worcestershire.

Mike Ashton 01905 673600

First word

The championships will also be featured as part of the March 2015 Business Expo, which is once again going to be held at The Three Counties Showground, Malvern. At the time of going to press we are well down the line of making this once again a top event for the two counties and this year we are joined by two top speakers, Kevin Gaskell, former Managing Director of Porsche GB and BMW, and Dr Adam Marshall, Executive Director of Policy and External Affairs at the British Chambers of Commerce.

We have now confirmed a date for our 2015 Chamber Business Awards which are to be held at West Midlands Safari Park, on the 11th June 2015. The opening date for entries to the Awards will be Monday 2nd March. Entrants to certain categories will be put forward for the British Chambers of Commerce Awards and have the opportunity to win an award at a national level. For more information on the Awards, contact the events team on 01905 673600 or events@hwchamber.co.uk.

The Chamber has been working closely with Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) on a number of fronts including the World Class Worcestershire Events and the Devolution event in February. We are also pleased to announce the new CEO of the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership, Gill Hamer, and we look forward to working with Gill who we know well from previous incarnations.

Finally, we are looking forward to a summer of sport, leisure and tourism and good business to all.

Mike Ashton mikea@hwchamber.co.uk

Conference Worcestershire

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Destination Worcestershire

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International trade

48-50

Business News

51

Charity news

60

Policy

61

New Members

62-63

Movers and Shakers

64-65

Last word

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Our Patrons are:

March/April 2015

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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CHAMBERNEWS L-R Allen Matty, Louise Bennett, Steve Havins

CHAMBERS WIN MAJOR CONTRACT TO HELP COMPANIES BOOST EXPORT TRADE Chambers of Commerce across the West Midlands have together won a major Government contract worth over £20 million over the next five years to help businesses in the region explore and grow export opportunities around the world.

The region’s six Chambers of Commerce will deliver the UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) International Trade Services contract to help businesses of all sizes to succeed overseas; a key priority as part of the Government’s ambitions to create economic growth.

The bid was put together by West Midlands Chambers of Commerce LLP’s (WMCC) Managing Director, Allen Matty, along with Head of Partnerships & Business Development, Steve Havins, and Louise Bennett Chief Executive of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

The winning bid was supported by all six West Midlands Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) as well as the region’s Universities, Science Parks, local MPs and many businesses. The Chamber teams will be working with the LEPs and other local partners to ensure that

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International Trade services are delivered in line with LEP priorities and meet the needs of local businesses.

Mr Matty said: “We have a strong track record of providing international trade support to businesses in the West Midlands, having delivered the programme for the past eight years. Our unique and model of local delivery by Chambers of Commerce, our vast connectivity, networks and market reach, together with our successful track record helped to win the contract, against some tough competition” “In the last 12 months our 43 International Trade Advisers across the region have assisted more than 3,500 companies win over £1bn of sales worldwide and we look forward to continuing this over the next 5 years by assisting all types and sizes of business, encouraging more companies to export for the first time and assisting current exporters to expand into new International markets” “The UKTI International Trade offering through the Chambers enables us to help companies with all aspects

of trading overseas, including help with researching markets, exploring overseas joint ventures, visiting overseas markets and exhibitions, help with export documentation, language and translation services, export training and specific support from experts with detailed knowledge of different markets and sectors” Mr Havins added “We are looking forward to introducing several exciting new and innovative services for the regions exporters or those looking to export for the first time, providing a better understanding of the help available that is easy to access, supporting them to develop strategic plans and giving practical support to access new markets win new business overseas” UKTI is targeted nationally by the government to double the number of companies it helps each year to 100,000 by 2020, and increase the value of exports to £1 trillion.

For more information on the services available, contact the international Trade Team on 01905 673629 or email internationaltrade@hwchamber.co.uk www.ukti.gov.uk

March/April 2015

CHAMBERNEWS

BRITISH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE ANNUAL CONFERENCE Tuesday 10 February saw the Queen Elizabeth Conference Centre in Westminster packed full of business delegates from across the national Chamber network for the British Chambers of Commerce Annual Conference.

Entitled ‘A Business Plan for Britain’, the conference saw high-profile political representatives from the two main parties take the stage with a number of leading national and international business leaders to discuss the future of business growth in Britain, the forthcoming general election, and the business of winning, amongst others.

Keynote speakers on the day included the Prime Minister, David Cameron MP, Nick Clegg, William Hague MP, Ed Balls MP, Chukka Umunna MP, Vince Cable MP, John Swinney MSP and Sir Clive Woodward amongst others. Executive Director of the BCC, John Longworth, and Director of Policy and Communications, Dr. Adam Marshall, also took to the stage to share details of the BCC’s Business Manifesto and planned activities in this year of monumental political importance.

Cassie Bray, Head of Business Engagement, and Jack Stephens, Policy & PR Executive, attended the conference with five A-Level students from the Royal Grammar School Worcester, giving them the chance to enjoy the benefits of being part of the wider Chamber network.

Commenting on the conference, Miss Bray said: “The BCC Annual Conference was a great chance to hear

from key political and business representatives in a year of seismic importance for British businesses. There was a great sense of optimism surrounding the economy and business conditions moving forward. It was fantastic

that students from RGS Worcester had the opportunity to attend the event and find out more about the wider Chamber network and its influence on the national and international scene.”

HEAD OF UK TRADE & INVESTMENT JOINS HEREFORD BUSINESS BOARD Linda Smith, Head of UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) at Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, has become the newest addition to the Hereford Business Board, joining as Vice-Chair.

The board, which is made up of prominent business delegates from across the county, is tasked with representing local businesses and helping to devise strategic economic visions that are conducive to growth.

Mrs. Smith, who gained extensive experience in the electronics sector before moving to international trade, now sits at the head of the local UKTI branch – the government department solely dedicated to offering support to Britain’s exporters and potential exporters.

Lord Livingston, the Minister for Trade and Investment, has said that only through exporting can

we truly achieve a sustainable, balanced economy, an argument that Linda wholly endorses. Linda said: “There is great potential for Herefordshire businesses to break into international markets, with many great examples, such as Weston’s Cider, already here. I am thrilled to have been given a chance to represent local business on the board and look forward to influencing things moving forward.

A balanced economy is only attainable with sufficient attention given to increasing the presence of British business on the global stage, something that UKTI seeks to achieve through a variety of support mechanisms, long-term programmes, events, workshops and seminars.”

The UKTI team based in Herefordshire & Worcestershire have a variety of export events planned for the new year, including a ‘Medium

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Sized Business’ lunch and a Regional Investment and Export Prospects event for the Gulf markets.

It is through this work that Linda has gained very valuable knowledge and experience that makes her a great addition to the Hereford Business Board.

The board works extremely closely with Herefordshire Council, Hereford Business Improvement District, Hereford Enterprise Zone and the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership, which will allow Linda to push the case for increased exporting to a variety of public and private sector stakeholders across the county.

For more information on the Hereford Business Board contact 01432 261758 and for more information on the range of services available through UKTI contact 01905 673614.

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WORCESTER IS HOME TO INTERNATIONAL SPORT

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SANCTUARY HELPS SCHOOL Enjoy the benefits of Basepoint Tewkesbury BLOSSOM Championships will take place in the city of Worcester between the 28th August and 6th September.

This will be not only the biggest wheelchair sporting event in Europe, but also the biggest sports event of any type in the Midlands for 2015.

The city will welcome 450 officials and elite participants from the mens and womens game who will compete at the iconic University of Worcester Arena for the sole European qualification places for the Rio Paralympics in 2016.

of people within the region the opportunity to engage in the event as volunteers, sponsors and spectators and there will be an exciting range of conferences, off court activities and demonstrations for a wide ranging audience. This is a fantastic opportunity to place Worcestershire ‘on the map’ as an inclusive and major international home for sport.

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Children from Dines Green Primary School will have a fruitful experience as they watch their newly planted orchard blossom into life.

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The school is one of the many local groups that is benefiting from community investment support through the development.

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Sophie Bell, Sanctuary’s Midlands Project Manager, said: We are really pleased that we are able to offer this opportunity to the local school and this particular project will mean children will benefit from the orchard for many years to come.”

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Set for completion in the Summer, Sanctuary Grove will comprise a 60-bed care home, a 60-unit extra care scheme and a mix of retirement living apartments and bungalows.

Laura Hewett recently initiated a project to analyse and measure exactly what that means in real terms. Laura explains: ”In the last quarter all our clients with jobs registered (filled or not) and candidates/temps working Basepoint Tewkesbury for us or put forward for a job (whether successful or

not) were asked to score us on a scale of 1-10 – How willing would you be to recommend Hewett Recruitment a friend or colleague?

Louise Hewett said: “The results were extremely pleasing and helps to explain why we continue to attract the best people in this candidate short market.”

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Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BUSINESSNEWS

FANTASTIC START TO THE YEAR Warriors have enjoyed a fantastic start to their 2014/15 campaign as they look to challenge on both the league and cup fronts.

After a summer of turnover within the player and staff ranks, the club is looking to build for the future with its ambition to become one of European Rugby’s elite sides.

The second-team have enjoyed a remarkable campaign reaching the Aviva A League final, beating big Premiership sides like Gloucester, Leicester, Northampton and Bath along their way, while the first-team are sitting healthily in the Greene King IPA Championship table as they yearn for a return to rugby’s top tier.

The first goal for Warriors is a place in the British & Irish Cup final in April after a 100% winning campaign, while the club’s ultimate goal is to bounce back to the promised land of the Aviva Premiership.

But with the business end of the campaign on the horizon, Dean Ryan’s men will need to be at their very best to overcome play-off contenders for a position back in the top flight.

Warriors have also been busy behind the scenes, strengthening their backroom staff as well as setting up Junior Academy Centres right across the West Midlands.

A huge emphasis has been placed on developing the youth and finding talent from across the region.

With a host of Centres being set up in areas such as Telford, Hereford, Leominster, Coventry and Warwick, the club have laid the foundations for helping local youngsters in providing them with a clear pathway into professional rugby.

There’s plenty to look forward to both in the remainder of this season and for the future, so come on down to Sixways and be a part of the action. www.warriors.co.uk

DIVORCE AND THE PROBLEM OF DIVIDING BUSINESS INTERESTS Dividing up marital assets when people are going through a divorce can be a tricky situation, but the complexities can double when business interests are thrown into the mix.

ED BALLS OFFICIALLY OPENS NEW PRODUCTION LINE AT WORCESTER’S CLAY CROSS FACTORY Shadow chancellor, Ed Balls MP, and North East Derbyshire MP, Natascha Engel, officially opened Worcester, Bosch Group’s new gas boiler production line at the company’s Clay Cross factory on Thursday 20th November.

The two MP’s were welcomed with a tour of the factory, which is home to Worcester’s Oil-fired Centre of Excellence and produces around 25,000 oil-fired boilers each year, before cutting the ribbon on a new £2.5 million production assembly line that will see gas boilers manufactured specifically for export to Belgium.

This new line marks the first stage in the company’s export plans, and it is expected that the line will go on 010

to produce gas boilers for the American market plus 20 other European countries.

Ed Balls, Shadow Chancellor, said: “I’m delighted to officially open the new production line for gas boilers by Worcester, Bosch Group. Touring the factory and meeting the workers here, it is clear to see why Worcester is one of the UK’s leading businesses. I congratulate the Board for showcasing the UK’s excellent and advanced manufacturing industry by developing and exporting boilers to meet the requirements of the European and American markets.”

There is a myth I often come across, which is that business interests don’t form part of the matrimonial pot to be divided as part of a divorce settlement. They do, and a court will always consider the value of the business.

When a divorce involves a business there are many factors which will be taken into account.

These include business debts, assets, property and, vitally, liquidity.

More importantly than anything, it’s extremely essential to take the best legal advice from the outset. That professional advice can save time, effort, money and more often than not, stress.

For advice on this issue members can contact Katherine Tippetts, associate and part of the Family team at mfg Solicitors. www.mfgsolicitors.com

www.worcester-bosch.co.uk

March/April 2015

BUSINESSNEWS

NEW PATRON MEMBER: ALPHAQUAD From content to analytics and branding to build, AlphaQuad is a full service marketing agency which uses an integrated approach to deliver great results to clients.

Whether you need a whole new website or some extra help with your online strategy, AlphaQuad will ensure that you receive a quality product, great results and optimum return on investment whatever your project may be.

Surrounded by the beautiful countryside of Bidford on Avon, the AlphaQuad offices are as welcoming as the staff, who have digital expertise in a range of disciplines, ensuring that they can meet all your requirements under one roof.

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JUMP FOR JOY AT WORCESTER RACECOURSE When spring gallops headlong into summer, it means only one thing at Worcester Racecourse; the new season of jump racing has arrived! With 20 fixtures from May to October, there is so much to look forward to this year.

National Hunt racing in Worcester was put firmly on the map in 2014 by Claines trainer, Dr. Richard Newland, who, with his horse Pineau De Re, won the most prestigious prize that most trainers will only ever dream of, the Crabbies Grand National.

Lewis, late wife of Jim, owner of triple Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Best Mate.

The Romford Pele progressed from that race to win the listed John Smiths Summer Cup at Uttoxeter and a Class 2 race at Cheltenham.

Dreams are born at Pitchcroft. Tales of Milan was purchased for 6,000 guineas out of a Worcester selling hurdle in September and went on to win a valuable chase at Doncaster, as well as the London National at Sandown on Tingle Creek day. The horse’s prize money earnings are now around £42,000 – an impressive return on his purchase price.

Second home to Pineau De Re was Balthezar King, who started his illustrious career with a win on his chasing debut at Worcester in 2010.

What makes these achievements all the more remarkable is that these horses run on turf that has often been under several feet of flood water during the winter.

Jump racing appeals to the first time visitor just as much as to the devoted punter. The sheer excitement of hearing the hooves thundering over the turf is a thrill to savour.

Over 45,000 people flocked to the races last season to support the course, which regularly defies the river Severn, and bounces back to offer great days out with universal appeal to all ages.

Interestingly, the course often provides a stepping stone on to bigger and better things for racehorses.

www.worcester-racecourse.co.uk

NEW PATRON MEMBER: MERICA DIGITAL Offering a full range of design, digital marketing and PR services, Mercia Digital brings the techniques and skills learned in the corporate sector to all businesses; from SMEs to start-ups and sole traders.

Mercia Digital works closely with the Chamber to provide a wide range of digital marketing and PR training workshops, including the ‘Introduction to Digital Marketing and PR’, which is currently free to all members of the Chamber.

So whether you are looking for a new website, a brand redesign, or help and support with any aspect of your marketing and PR, Mercia Digital’s friendly team will help you to grow and secure your business. www.merciadigital.co.uk

The winner of last year’s Ladies day feature was the Romford Pele. The race was run in memory of Valerie

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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FOCUSONRECRUITMENT

UNLOCKING POTENTIAL IN YOUR BUSINESS LOUISE HEWETT Finding out more about ourselves and why we connect with some people more than others can be hugely beneficial to all of us at every level of an organisation.

Improved communications, more effective team dynamics, higher level of motivation and better sales conversations are just some of the attractive outcomes of using DISC profiling or personality assessments. This tool is used worldwide in thousands of organisations and FTSE companies but as Hewett Recruitment proved recently, is just as effective for SME’s which makes up the majority of businesses across Herefordshire & Worcestershire.

Hewett Recruitment engaged the services of fellow chamber member Lucy Barkas from WhatWhenWhyHow? as part of their employee engagement initiative. The team thoroughly enjoyed the sessions and learnt more about themselves and each other in an engaging and fun environment. They all felt energised by the experience and are using these new techniques on a day to day basis.

Understanding behavioural styles in others is key to building effective strong relationships with each other and our customers.

Lucy Barkas commented. “I first encountered behavioural modelling 15 years ago. For me it was the key to unlocking potential in others and helping others play to their strengths. DiSC provided a simple, but really effective language that has proved to bring results again and again. Working with Hewett recruitment was such a great experience. Although the team is already high performing and supportive, when the team began to appreciate each other’s DiSC styles, I could see a new appreciation and understanding evolve. Sharing feedback and building on each other’s strengths is already creating stronger, more effective relationships.”

Louise Hewett added. “As a management team, we not only gained more understanding of our people and the geography of our teams we also intend to utilise DISC as part of the recruitment process. Now we more thoroughly understand the dynamics of our teams, we feel sure that the DISC profile will contribute to the final hiring decisions at shortlist stage.”

“We are always looking for ways to enhance our business through our people for the benefit of our customers. For the local employers yet to experience ‘Everything DiSC’, I would highly recommend that they consider exploring the benefits and I would be happy to discuss our findings with any chamber member who might be interested to learn more.”

Contact: louise@hewett-recruitment.co.uk or Lucy Barkas email: lucy@whatwhenwhyhowcoaching.com

Hewett Recruitment can provide your company with a ‘talent health check’ working with you to ensure you have the right people in place as you grow.

Whether it’s a financial wizzard, IT Guru, HR expert or a team of assembly operatives we will give your operation our expert care and support.

Let us ease your growing pains...book your free consultation with one of our qualified specialists.

Contact our Specialist Consultants 01562 69090 or 01905 613413

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louise@hewett-recruitment.co.uk www.hewett-recruitment.co.uk

March/April 2015

BUSINESSNEWS

SHELSLEY WALSH CELEBRATES 110TH ANNIVERSARY Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb, one of Worcestershire’s best kept secrets, celebrates its 110th anniversary this year. Located just outside Martley-and nestled in the Teme Valley 15 minutes from the centre of Worcester you can find the world’s oldest motor sport venue still running on its original course.

Throughout the summer, high octane action takes place with rounds of the MSA British Hill Climb Championship in June and August, with cars reaching speed of up to 140mph on the 1000yard course. The top competitors will be aiming for the hill record of 22.58 seconds, providing a thrilling day out.

If you are into vintage cars, July 5th provides great entertainment with cars ranging from Bugatti to Aston Martin and the ever spectacular Napier Bentley that always wows the crowd as it smokes away from the line.

Classic Nostalgia on the 18th and 19th July is fun for all the family with action on the track, and in the air, plus period entertainment in The Courtyard with live music and dancing.

There is something for everyone, with 6 race meetings a year for both classics and modern, plus the very popular and free to attend Breakfast Clubs. www.shelsley-walsh.co.uk Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb, then and now.

NEW STRATEGIC MEMBER: THORLUX LIGHTING The history of Thorlux Lighting began in 1936, with Frederick William Thorpe producing circular reflectors in his workshop in Birmingham, Central England.

Continuous product quality and innovation has assisted the Company’s long term growth.

LPW Technology uses Malvern particle characterization system to optimize metal powders for robust additive manufacturing

LPW TECHNOLOGY INVESTS IN MALVERN SYSTEMS Particle characterization systems from Malvern Instruments are helping LPW Technology, a UK-based global supplier of metal powders, to provide certified powders for additive manufacturing (AM) applications in the aerospace, automotive and biomedical sectors. Particle size and shape are performance-defining parameters for AM powders.

Malvern’s Mastersizer 3000 laser diffraction particle size analyzer delivers rapid, routine particle size measurement for all the powders that LPW supplies. The Morphologi G3, a microscopy-based automated image analysis system, enables quick, efficient and statistically significant measurement of particle size and shape parameters.

Dr. Robert Deffley, Research and Development Manager at LPW Technology Ltd said: “Malvern’s reputation and local presence in the UK were key factors when it came to buying the Mastersizer 3000, but certain features of the instrument are especially valuable. We use software capabilities, which were originally developed by Malvern for pharmaceutical industry users, to apply and demonstrate the analytical rigor required for certification of our powders. In addition, the performance of the dry dispersion system allows us to measure powders in the dry state. This makes measurement and analysis fast, easy and efficient so we achieve excellent analytical productivity.”

Thorlux specialise in designing and manufacturing lighting equipment for the specification market and employ 470 people.

Although each company in the F W Thorpe Group works autonomously, their skills and markets are complementary, with a focus on long term growth and stability achieved by developing market leading products.

Today, with a wealth of experience, Thorlux designs, manufactures and supplies a vast array of professional lighting and control systems to customers all around the world.

The modern 16,882 square metre factory in Redditch, England, is equipped with highly technical manufacturing processes enabling our business to meet even the toughest lighting challenges.

Excellent customer service and satisfaction has always been Thorlux’s goal. www.thorlux.co.uk

www.malvern.com/particlesize

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

L to R Jake Gittens, Gill Hodgson, Kelly Blumberg

NEW STRATEGIC MEMBER: ORCHARD VALLEY FOODS Orchard Valley Foods has entered its 12th year on a strong note, with investment and expansion in its manufacturing facilities; plenty of repeat new business coming in from channels such as retail, casual dining, wholesale and food manufacturing, and several projects relating to new business in the pipeline. With 70 permanent staff, across disciplines such as engineering, marketing, warehousing, procurement, finance, sales, technical and production, Orchard Valley Foods is a major local employer, regularly using local services and suppliers, and supporting nearby causes.

Mike Forrester, Managing Director said: “Orchard Valley Foods is proud to be the current holder of the Small Business of the Year Award from the Chamber. We offer unrivalled range and outstanding service in confections and ingredients: think sprinkles, mallows, fudge cubes and specialist ingredients such as sports nutrition proteins and you’ll have an idea of our product portfolio.” www.orchard-valley.co.uk 013

BusinessDirection_88x120mm_Advert:Layout 1 16/12/2014 11:47 Page 1

Arrivista would like to congratulate all of their clients on a prosperous and successful 2014.

We are proud to share our 6 Arrivista Excellence Award Winners of 2014: n n n n n n

Atwell International Communion Architects Ecl-ips Enterprise Electrical Services Ltd Managed Serviced Offices Pryor & Rickett Silviculture

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Whether it’s driving profitable revenues, building great teams or better utilising time, we are proud to have worked with over 650 leading businesses within the region (over the last 8 years).

Helping our clients become outstanding business leaders Contact us for a complimentary business review

call 01905 621566 or email info@arrivista.co.uk

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Adverts Newsletters Exhibitions Leaflets Brochures Annual Reports Corporate Identity

Call us for a quote Art Works Parker Court, Knapp Lane Cheltenham GL50 3QJ

01242 572559

Email: sarah@artworks-design.co.uk Website: www.artworks-design.co.uk @studioartworks

March/April 2015

ASKTHEEXPERTS

PROFESSIONAL LEGAL ADVICE WITH REAL LIFE UNDERSTANDING GABBS SOLICITORS IN HEREFORD, LEOMINSTER AND HAY ON WYE

JEREMY WILDING

JOHN SHURVINTON

QUESTION

QUESTION

My father has died, and in his will he has left everything to his housekeeper. What can I do?

My neighbours have started holding noisy drinking parties which go on late into the night on a regular basis. What can I do?

ANSWER

ANSWER

Contesting a Will is never easy, but if the Will has been badly drawn up, or made under duress or the undue influence of someone else, this can be challenged. If you are to act, timely intervention is essential.

Try calling the police first! If that does not work, consider taking out a court injunction and a claim for damages. Activities which amount to an unreasonable interference with your enjoyment of your property can amount to an actionable nuisance. Have you thought about mediation as an alternative to court action?

You may also have a claim against his estate on the grounds that his will fails to make reasonable financial provision for you. Such claims need to be made quickly as there are strict time limits of 6 months from the date of the Grant of Probate for claims under the Inheritance Act.

QUESTION

I own a house where the tenant hasn’t paid the rent for two months. I want him out. What can I do?

ANSWER It is unlawful to seek to evict a residential tenant except under a court order, and such action can be a criminal offence. It is therefore essential that you follow the correct procedure.

Written notice should first be given to your tenant of your intention to take possession proceedings. There is a prescribed form for this. Once that notice has expired, you can then issue possession proceedings out of the County Court. You can also claim for the rent arrears. We can help you with all of this.

QUESTION

I am in dispute with a business partner. I am worried about the potential costs, strain and uncertainty of going to court. Is there an alternative?

ANSWER Mediation can be a great way to solve traditional legal disputes and may well be a much cheaper, quicker and more pleasant process than litigation.

One of the primary reasons to choose mediation over typical litigation is if you are concerned about maintaining an important relationship with the person on the other side. Mediation is more cooperative and collaborative, so it is a good choice for disputes that involve business partners, co-parents, or next door neighbours. We will be pleased to advise you further on all of the options.

Contact Gabbs Solicitors or one of our Litigation Department

01432 353481, 01568 616333 or 01497 820312 or visit our website www.gabbs.biz to contact our team.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BUSINESSNEWS

AWARD WINNING WEB DESIGN Steele & Stovell are young, creative graphic designers based in Ross-on-Wye. This month, head designer Bekki Steele was awarded with a Mumpreneur Silver Website Award for the design of their portfolio website – www. steeleandstovell.co.uk Bekki created Steele & Stovell with partner Ewan Stovell in 2012 after they met studying Illustration at Cardiff School of Art and Design.

Bekki’s work has been displayed in Tate Modern, presented to The Duke of Edinburgh, and she has already won numerous awards.

With expertise in branding and web design, Bekki works closely with her clients, getting to know exactly what they are looking for and pushing their boundaries to ensure that every project is exciting, elegant and different.

If you have been thinking about re-branding, or are just looking for help with a creative project, Steele & Stovell will be more than happy to have a chat with you. www.steeleandstovell.co.uk

TRAINING PROVIDER OF THE YEAR The 2014 Business Skills Apprenticeship Graduation Ceremony was held in November, and Skills CFA welcomed individuals to Central Hall Westminster to celebrate the achievements of Advanced and Higher apprentices, employers and training providers in England, in the first graduation ceremony within the Business Skills area.

Business Skills Apprenticeships range from the widely recognised apprenticeships in Business Administration, Management and Leadership and Customer Service to the newly developed, niche apprenticeships in Public Relations and Social Media and Digital Marketing, as well as many other apprenticeships.

The Apprentice Training Provider of the year went to Herefordshire and Worcestershire Group Training Association. Their success rates for their apprenticeships are superb and shows that they not only ‘talk the talk’, but ‘walk the walk’, with so many ex-apprentices now employed within the organisation.

Tim Campbell presented the awards on the evening.

Tim first became known by the British public after being hired by Lord Alan Sugar in the first series of the BBC’s The Apprentice. www.hwgta.org

GET MORE ACTIVE MORE OFTEN

Based in Kidderminster, Clickspeed Photography is a corporate graphic design and photographic service for SME’S and new start up businesses within the Herefordshire and Worcestershire region.

As part of their continual development programme, Clickspeed is delighted to have been awarded a match funded grant in conjunction with Worcestershire County Council and the European Union. The grant is administered by the Enterprising Worcestershire Project based at County Hall.

As Halo’s latest multi-million pound refurbishments take shape in Herefordshire this Spring, they are mapping out a road to better health by getting more people active, more often.

A £9m capital development plan is currently underway with Halo centres at Ross, Leominster and Hereford Leisure Centre getting fabulous facelifts.

New Chief Executive Officer, Scott Rolfe, said: “This is our second decade in Herefordshire, and we’re committed to maximising the benefit of their social enterprise status, which allows us to plough every penny of profit back into the work we do. That’s not only allowing us to make sport and leisure available and affordable for everyone, of every age and ability, but it’s also allowing us to make that sport and leisure 016

ENTERPRISING WORCESTERSHIRE GRANT HELPING BUSINESSES GROW

experience the finest it can be. We know when people enjoy their time at Halo – playing sports, working out, enjoying a swim with family or a spa experience with friends – they want to come back and come back more often. It’s then they start to tune into their health and wellbeing in more positive ways, and seek our help with other relevant issues. That has got to be good for everyone who lives and works in the county.”

The generous Enterprising Worcestershire grant has enabled Clickspeed to purchase additional state of the art IT graphics equipment, giving them much greater work flow and capacity, enabling them to reach out to a greater number of corporate clients in Hereford and Worcester area. www.clickspeedphotography.co.uk

www.haloleisure.org.uk March/April 2015

BUSINESSNEWS

HELPING YOUR BUSINESS EXPAND AND GROW Do need help to grow your business? Here is just one example of how Worcestershire.Business.

Central helped a local company expand and grow.

FREE SEMINARS SUPPORT PENSION MONTH Worcestershire-based CB, Chartered Accountants are holding free seminars throughout March to help local businesses prepare for major changes to pension rules.

Changes to legislation, which mean that every employer must automatically enrol certain workers into a workplace pension scheme, known as ‘auto-enrolment’, will be explained at free seminars.

CB, Chartered Accountants will be holding ‘Auto-Enrolment Month’ from its offices on the Shire Business Park in Worcester. Each Tuesday in March they will be holding three, one-hour sessions a day, at 8.00am, 12.30pm and 5.30pm where, in conjunction with Paul Jones, Financial Advisor at True Potential, they will guide local businesses through the financial planning steps they need to take

when planning for auto-enrolment.

John Painter, Managing Partner at CB, Chartered Accountants said: “Most businesses think that auto-enrolment is all about pensions but this is only part of the answer. If you knew the fixed costs of running your business were going to increase from a specific date, would you plan? The answer would, of course, be yes, and planning for auto-enrolment is no different.”

To book your free place, on any session contact CB, Chartered Accountants today. www.cbcharteredaccountants.com

The sale includes the NEC and its Exhibition Halls, the Genting Arena (formerly the LG Arena) and the Resorts World development. Leasehold interests in the International Convention Centre, the Barclaycard Arena (formerly the NIA) and the Hilton and Metropole hotels on the NEC site are also included.

Always looking at innovation and new products, when it wanted to develop its iPyrid wireless Bluetooth beacon system, Ventutec was able to successfully apply for £30,000 in matched funding through the Worcestershire Proof of Concept fund.

Ventutec Managing Director, Kevin Savage, said: “Developing new innovations takes up a lot of time with little or no return; the funding allowed us to, not only do it a lot sooner, but on a larger scale than we would otherwise have been able.”

This growth meant the need for larger premises. Kevin then obtained matched funding of £15,000 through the Enterprising Worcestershire growth grant scheme to allow them make the premises fit for purpose.

Kevin added: “The application forms are all pretty straightforward, the advice and support very good and the grants have not only allowed us to expand, but also given us in-roads into working with other design agencies like ourselves.” www.ventutec.com To find out how Worcestershire.Business.

Central can help you, book an appointment with one of our Business Relationship Executives on 0300 123 14 40. www.business-central.co.uk info@business-central.co.uk Follow us on Twitter @WBCUpdates

Going for

WRAGGE LAWRENCE GRAHAM & CO SECURES EXCHANGE OF CONTRACTS ON HISTORIC £307M NEC SALE Patron member, Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co, has advised its client, Birmingham City Council, on the sale of the NEC to LDC.

Worcester-based web design agency, Ventutec has been the beneficiary of three separate programmes through Worcestershire.Business.Central, all of which have helped the business expand and grow.

Due to increased workload, Ventutec looked to expand the team and took advantage of the Graduate to Business Grant, this enabled them to employ recent graduate Alex Layton from the University of Wolverhampton.

Graham & Co team was clearly made up of a carefully selected group of individuals with legal expertise tailored to our exact needs.”

The transaction seals Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co’s position as a market leader for large scale, innovative and complex deals. www.wragge-law.com

Birmingham Partner David Vaughan led the cross-firm team on this complex, high-profile deal, advising on pre-sale structuring, pensions, leases and property arrangements, the sale process and negotiations with the preferred bidder.

Paul Dransfield of Birmingham City Council said: “The Wragge Lawrence Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

GROWTH

March 17th, 6.45am-noon, Sixways, Worcester

Looking to take your business to the next stage?

Need help and advice on how to grow?

Then come along to our FREE ‘Going For Growth’ breakfast meeting featuring a VIP guest speaker, plus • an exhibitor marketplace – meet experts in business growth and funding • workshops with practical guidance on how to grow your business To book your place to attend register through finditinworcestershire.com For more information about the event please call 0300 123 1440 Follow us @Finditinworcs

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ADVERTORIALFEATURE

PRODUCTION SUPPORT SERVICES LTD NAMED BEST SUPPLIER AT DIRECT SELLING AWARDS Bromsgrove based Production Support Services Ltd (PSS), has been named best supplier to the direct selling industry at the annual Direct Selling Association Awards. The company was among winners in seven categories announced at the ceremony held at Whittlebury Hall in Northamptonshire.

Hosted by the Direct Selling Association (DSA), the UK’s only trade body for the thriving direct selling sector, the awards celebrated the industry’s best individuals and companies. Direct selling is where goods are sold direct to customers outside of a fixed retail environment. Over 400,000 people are involved with direct selling in the UK making it the largest provider of part time earning opportunities.

The partnership award recognises the supplier company who has provided the best service to the direct selling industry. PSS beat Hunts and Yarrington to scoop the award.

Lynda Mills, Director of the Direct Selling Association says: “PSS have worked along companies such as Herbalife and Forever Living for over ten years, as well as us at the DSA for the last three years. Working collaboratively PSS are responsible for the planning, production and final preparations of some of the most prestigious direct selling industry events.”

The awards were judged by the Direct Selling Associations’ Hall of Fame made up of experts from the industry. Direct selling allows anyone, regardless of age, background or prior experience to set up and run their own business. The Direct Selling Association is the trade body for the industry, responsible for promoting the sector and regulating member companies.

From intimate board meetings to international conferences we specialise in creating fun, innovating and Award Winning events

We’d love to hear from you

018

0845 838 1123

www.production-support.net

info@production-support.net

@PSS_UK

March/April 2015

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

ARE YOU TOO BUSY TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR? When you’re busy, trying to juggle home, work and family, it is important to be able to access a doctor and other medical services rapidly and at a time convenient to you.

The Private GP Service at Nuffield Health Hereford Hospital offers a convenient service that enables you and our family to receive the help and advice you need at a time to suit you. The service is run by GPs Dr Judith Johnson and Dr Ivan Wall who between them have over 25 year’s experience.

A SPEEDY SERVICE WITH MINIMAL WAITING TIME One of the advantages of being based within the hospital is that we can usually arrange for investigations such as blood tests, x-rays and scans to be done at the time of consultation with a GP, or the following day. We can also ensure rapid referral to any one of the wide range of specialists that consult at the hospital if needed.

PRIVATE GP SERVICES We offer a full range of direct access GP services similar to those available at your local NHS surgery but with the flexibility to fit around your schedule. No registration with an NHS GP is needed. We also welcome visitors from abroad.

COSTS A consultation with one of our GPs costs £95, with additional fees if tests/treatments are required (a price list is available on request). Some insurance policies may cover consultation fees and investigations (please check with your insurer first).

See a GP when it suits you . . .

See a GP when it suits you ...

Private GP service at Nuffield Health Hereford Hospital Private GP Service at Nuffield Health Hereford Hospital Here at Nuffield Health Hereford Hospital we know how valuable your time is. That’s why Here at Nuffield Hereford Hospital we know how valuable your time is. That’s we offer a private Health GP service so you can get help and advicea whenever need itsowith why we offer private GPyou service you can get help and advice whenever you need it appointment times Monday to Friday, with appointment times Monday toincluding Friday, including early mornings and evenings. early mornings and evenings.

Our friendly and popular GPs, Dr Judith Johnson and Dr Ivan Wall have the time to Our friendly and popular GPs, Dr Judith Johnson listen in a comfortable, confidential environment. Plus if you need tests or scans, and Dr Ivan Wall have the time to listen in a many of these can be sorted out for you the hospital there and then. comfortable, confidential environment.

Plus at if you We offer a full range of GP services.

See a GP when it suits you . . . need tests or scans, many of these can be sorted out for you at the hospital there and then.

We offer a full range of GP services.

Private GP service at Nuffield Health Hereford Hospital Here at Nuffield Health Hereford Hospital

we know how valuable your time is. That’s why No registration with an NHS GP is needed

01432818543

we offer a private GP service so you can get help and advice whenever you need it with appointment times Monday to Friday, including early mornings and evenings.

he.clinicbookings@nuffieldhealth.com

Our friendly and popular GPs, Dr Judith Johnson

and Dr Ivan Wall have the time to listen in a Nuffield Health Hereford Hospital confidential environment. Plus if you Venns Lane, Hereford HR1 comfortable, 1DF

need tests or scans, many of these can be sorted out for you at the hospital there and then.

We offer a full rangeasof GP services. * Not including private patient units at NHS hospitals.

Local area defined within 15 miles of the Nuffield Health hospital.

We will match against writtenunits quotes only.hospitals.

Promise is validarea for defined patientsaspaying *Not including private patient at NHS Local withinfor 15themselves. miles of the Nuffield Health hospital.

** Where possible, we promise to assist you to receive any follow up advice, treatment or care that is clinically required

from your Consultant for as long as you may requireNo it. Ifregistration a prosthesis iswith used as of GP youristreatment anpart NHS neededthis is guaranteed We will match against written quotes only. Promise is valid for patients paying for themselves. for the manufacturer’s official lifetime of that prosthesis. “Clinically required” indicates where further intervention and/or ** Where possible, we promise to assist you to receive any follow up advice, care that is clinically required from your Consultant for as long as monitoring of a patient’s condition is deemed necessary as a direct resulttreatment of surgicalorintervention. you may require it. If a prosthesis is used as part of your treatment this is guaranteed for the manufacturer’s official lifetime of that prosthesis. “Clinically 01432818543 required” indicates where further intervention and/or monitoring of a patient’s condition is deemed necessary as a direct result of surgical intervention. he.clinicbookings@nuffieldhealth.com

Nuffield Health Hereford Hospital Venns Lane, Hereford HR1 1DF * Not including private patient units at NHS hospitals. Local area defined as within 15 miles of the Nuffield Health hospital.

We will match against written quotes only. Promise is valid for patients paying for themselves.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce ** Where possible, we promise to assist you to receive any follow up advice, treatment or care that is clinically required

from your Consultant for as long as you may require it. If a prosthesis is used as part of your treatment this is guaranteed for the manufacturer’s official lifetime of that prosthesis. “Clinically required” indicates where further intervention and/or

019

FOCUSONREGENERATION

A YEAR OF REGENERATION FOR RCA RCA have again had an eventful year involving high court challenges, some great appeal wins for residential development schemes, work on regeneration projects, negotiating S106 contributions and associated development viability work, applications for commercial developments and care homes, attending various Examinations in Public and acting as expert witness.

The team has grown to nine, and we’re pleased to say we will now be offering transport planning as a core service in addition to planning and development advice.

As this is a Regeneration issue – we wanted to highlight some of the great regeneration projects we have been involved with over the last year or so: Birmingham, Cincinnatti Building – we have been appointed as transport consultant for this major redevelopment project in Birmingham, and on a site with an iconic building. These proposals are for residential redevelopment, but the site is located on a busy major route into the city.

Birmingham, St Annes Court, Digbeth – we are appointed to support the viability case to justify

020

fewer Section 106 contributions including affordable housing. The site is located on the edge of Digbeth and regenerates a brownfield site which was formerly in industrial use.

Redditch, Prospect Hill – we are appointed to prepare and submit redevelopment proposals for this former Dairy site on the periphery of the town centre. We are currently promoting a residential-led scheme with retail on the ground floor. The application is currently being considered by the Borough Council.

Malvern, Pickersleigh Grove – this is a major residential redevelopment of 48 Cornish-style flats owned by a housing association. The new development comprises 92 new homes, with a mix of apartments and houses in a mixture of tenures, including market housing, providing a significant subsidy within the scheme. RCA secured planning permission in 2014.

Blakedown – this former goods yard has contamination issues and will need a degree of remediation before development can take place. It’s in an excellent position within the centre of this village, and RCA has submitted an application for new homes on behalf of the landowner.

protected because it may be employment land, and it will be for the developer to prove that such sites are no longer in demand or viable for a continued employment use. We can assist with this: we regularly have to make robust cases for redevelopment on behalf of clients.

RCA continues to go from strength to strength from our base in the heart of Worcestershire - broadening our client base to include leading volume housebuilders; land promotion companies; commercial developers; utilities companies; care home developers; registered providers and others. Over the last few years, we have grown in line with the economic recovery and have attracted a deserved reputation for excellent client care, providing diligent quality advice. If you have a project, large or small; or have land interests that you would like help with, please feel free to give us a no-obligation call: T: 01905 887686 W: www.rcaregeneration.co.uk E: info@rcaregeneration.co.uk

Whilst the national planning agenda no longer prioritises the redevelopment of brownfield land first, a lot of planning authorities are seeking investment in such sites. Previously developed land is often still

March/April 2015

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

Arrivista Excellence Awards The 2014 Team of the Year award goes to

Communion Architects for 1. Creating an environment where all staff are committed to contributing more to the overall business success.

2. Where all feel they have a key role in the success of the business, yet work as a single unit.

3. Team members are truly empowered, taking responsibility for all key business areas.

4. You can see and feel the sense of fun, freedom and caring for one another.

Communion is a multi-award winning Architecture practice based in Herefordshire specialising in residential, ecclesiastical and community architecture. They work closely with their clients to deliver exceptional projects that transform spaces and change lives.

www.communionarchitects.com

Helping our clients become outstanding business leaders

EFFECTIVE DEBT RECOVERY

Contact us for a complimentary business review

call 01905 621566 or email info@arrivista.co.uk

Effective debt recovery is vital to the continuation of any business. We at mfg Solicitors LLP undertake a comprehensive, swift and cost effective debt recovery service.

We offer a dedicated service focusing exclusively on recovering the debt.

We have particular specialisms in: n Pre-action collection (by way of letter before action) and the issuing of statutory demands

Secretarial Services

n County Court proceedings and enforcement

Providing pay as you go administrative support for your business.

Reduce your workload with

n Bankruptcy n Company winding up n Defended actions We like to be perceived as and extension to your credit control division. We endeavour to build close relationships with our clients, we take the time to understand your business terms and conditions in detail, and to ensure we appreciate the wider commercial environment in which you and your business operate within.

ACT NOW We offer an online facility to allow our clients the opportunity to provide us with instructions in regards to their debt and to have the debt recovery process initiated.

Please see the Debt Recovery Instruction Form on our website.

Should you have any questions or queries or require any further information please do not hesitate to contact us by emailing samuel.pedley@mfgsolicitors.com, or by phoning us on 0845 55 55 321.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

n Onsite Secretarial Support (within 50 mile radius of Leominster) n Copy Typing n Audio/Video Transcription n Document Formatting/Editing n Spreadsheet Creation n PowerPoint Creation

n Mail Merge / Mass Mail Shots n Internet Research n Data Entry n Email Marketing n Minute Taking / Preparation

If you require another service please contact us to discuss your requirements

Please contact Alison Calcutt on: Mobile: 07983 800228 Leominster: 01568 256012 | Stourbridge: 01384 930125 info@amcsecretarial.com

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BUSINESSNEWS

Integrity & Expertise

Everything as it should be

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Seen as fair yet formidable opponents

Respected for our insight and knowledge

Reassuringly friendly and down to earth

Halesowen 0121 227 3850 Stourport 01299 827 517

Kidderminster 01562 820 575 Worcester 01905 730 450

Integrity & Expertise www.thursfields.co.uk March/April 2015

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Chamber Members Only Free rental for first 6 months 2 x bottles of mineral water free 1 x sleeve of 100 cups free

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www.celticvalecoolers.co.uk tel: 01873 860295

Panic, say Yes, say No, or Trade?

What are you going to do, when you need to close a deal?

Whether you’re selling or buying, you’re leaving value on the table if you don’t negotiate well.

Join us for a 1 day hands-on essential negotiation skills course where you will learn: n How to prepare well n How to create options n How to negotiate the best deal n When to walk away The next course takes place in Worcester on 14 May 2015 and will be led

by Steve Mallaband and Ros Howard. Prices are £260 + vat or £235 + vat for Chamber of Commerce members. Call us on 01905 423774, or mail us at info@counterpointcourses.com to book your place.

On booking, you will receive a free copy of our book: Building Excellence in Commercial Negotiation.

Counterpoint Courses Ltd. is a consultancy/training business, based in Worcester, which specialises in building excellence in procurement, business communication and commercial negotiation.

For more information visit our website: www.counterpointcourses.com

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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CHAMBEREVENTS

THE CHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS IN ASSOCIATION WITH SANLAM Thursday 11th June at West Midland Safari Park The Chamber Business Awards in association with Sanlam, offers an excellent opportunity for local companies to showcase their achievements, celebrate their successes, get free publicity and boost staff morale. It is free and easy to enter and open to all businesses across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

The evening will commence with a drinks receptionsponsored by CB, Chartered Accountants THERE ARE 12 CATEGORIES THIS YEAR: Most Promising New Business (for businesses trading up to 3 years) – sponsored Worcestershire LEP This award is aimed at businesses who have started trading within the last three years and can demonstrate that they have developed and implemented strategies that will support the survival and growth of their business as it develops.

Exporter of the Year – sponsored by Malvern Instruments As the global economy becomes increasingly important this is the perfect category to show how you stand out in the International arena.

Manufacturer of the Year – sponsored

by University of Wolverhampton This award recognises manufacturers that can demonstrate that they have an efficient, innovative and profitable business.

The Sustainability Award This award is aimed at businesses who can demonstrate that they have implemented sustainable and responsible environmental strategies throughout their business.

Entrants for this award must show how they contribute to the well-being of their community and the environment.

Entrepreneur of the Year This award is to recognise the great environment that exists in the two Counties for business. It celebrates people with the desire to set up their own companies.

Best Use of Technology to Improve your Business – sponsored by TechTeam This award recognises businesses that have fully exploited the range of technology available in the 21st century to improve their overall business performance.

Entrants for this award must demonstrate how they have used the power of technology. This could include mobile, social, cloud and others, to transform their business.

Excellence in Innovation – sponsored

by Central Technology Belt This award is aimed at businesses who can demonstrate that their organisation has harnessed innovation by introducing new ideas, processes, technologies or products and services.

Small Business of the Year – sponsored

by Hewett Recruitment Open to organisations employing up to 75 full time members of staff, this Award will go to the company that can demonstrate high levels of growth and a robust plan for sustainable financial performance.

Commitment to People Development Award – sponsored by Sanctuary Group This award will be given to the business that demonstrates excellence in its approach to the promotion and implementation of a learning and development culture. Entrants should show a continued emphasis on supporting employees to achieve their full potential and communicate how this culture has contributed to the business achieving outstanding success.

Commitment to Supporting Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace (Worcestershire businesses) This award recognises those businesses that play a vital role in improving the health and wellbeing of their work force.

Growth Business of the Year – sponsored by GrowthAccelerator This award is for businesses who can show that their organisation has achieved consistent business growth, which has resulted in improved profitability, job creation and development of new or existing markets. This award is applicable to small, medium or large businesses.

Business of the Year – sponsored by Sanlam This ‘winner of winners’ award will be selected from the winners of each of the award categories and announced at the Chamber Award Ceremony.

Entries open Monday 2nd March and close Friday 17th April.

Tickets to the event are available now priced at £80+VAT for Members and £100 +VAT for Non-members. Tables of 10: £720+VAT for Members and £900+VAT for Non-members Contact the Events Team for more information and to book on 01905 673600 or events@hwchamber.co.uk

‘CHAMBER OF SECRETS’ TREASURE HUNT On Thursday 14th May 2015 the Chamber of Commerce and corporate event specialists, EML Events, will be hosting the ‘Chamber of Secrets’ Treasure Hunt, a fun-filled event that will take participants on a journey through the historic streets of Worcester city centre; allowing them to explore the intricate cobbles of the Faithful city, whilst collecting cryptic clues and cracking carefully constructed codes, on the quest to find the fabled Black Pear Diamond.

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We are inviting companies to send two members of staff - completely free of charge - to get involved in this innovative way of team-building and networking with fellow businesses from the local area.

The event will run between 2.00pm – 5.30pm, with registration and briefing taking place at the Guildhall, before being unleashed into the winding city streets.

There are limited spaces available, so book today to make sure that you don’t miss out on the best team-building event of the year.

For more information and to book, please contact the Events Team on 01905 673600 or events@hwchamber.co.uk

March/April 2015

CHAMBEREVENTS

NETWORKING CALENDAR MARCH - APRIL 2015 March 2015 Malvern Networking Breakfast Thursday 12 March : 7.30-9.30am Abbey Hotel, Abbey Road, Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 3ET £15.00+VAT Members £30.00+VAT Non-members Women2Web – Website Creation and Maintenance Thursday 12 March : 10.00am-12.30pm AM Session & 1.00-3.30pm Chamber of Commerce, Severn House, Prescott Drive, Warndon Business Park, Worcester WR4 9NE FREE to Members and Non-members, to book please email info@ business-central.co.uk Maximise your Membership Event in association with ISO Quality Services Ltd Friday 13 March : 8.30-11.00am Worcestershire County Cricket Club, County Ground, New Road, Worcester WR2 4QQ FREE event for Members Worcester HR Forum in association with Hewett Recruitment Tuesday 17 March : 9.30-11.30am Coomber Electronic Equipment Ltd, Brindley Road, Warndon, Worcester WR4 9FB FREE event for Chamber members and clients of Hewett Recruitment Hereford Networking Breakfast Wednesday 18 March : 7.30-9.30am Burghill Valley Golf Club, Tillington Road, Burghill, Hereford HR4 7RW £15.00+VAT Members £30.00+VAT Non-members

Hereford HR Forum in association with Hewett Recruitment Tuesday 14 April : 9.30-11.30am Thorne Widgery, 2 Wyevale Business Park, Kings Acre, Hereford HR4 7BS FREE event for Chamber members and clients of Hewett Recruitment Hereford Networking Breakfast Wednesday 15 April : 7.30-9.30am Burghill Valley Golf Club, Tillington Road, Hereford HR4 7RW £17.50+VAT Members £35.00+VAT Non-members Worcester Networking Breakfast Thursday 16 April : 7.30-9.30am Worcestershire County Cricket Club, New Road, Worcester WR2 4QQ £17.50+VAT Members £35.00+VAT Non-members NEW – Pizza Club Friday 17 April : 12.30-14.30pm Benedictos Restaurant, 34 Sidbury, Worcester WR1 2HZ £17.50+VAT Members £35.00+VAT Non-members Worcester Womens Business Forum in association with Borweel Ltd Thursday 23 April : 9.30am-12pm Stanbrook Abbey £15.00+VAT Members £30.00+VAT Non-members Worcester Evening Golf Thursday 23 April : 16.00-20.00pm Ravenmeadow Golf Club, Hindlip Lane, Claines, Worcester WR3 8SA £20.00+VAT Members £25.00+VAT Non-members

Hereford Women’s Business Forum in association with Thorne Widgery Tuesday 24 March : 9.30-11.30am Thorne Widgery, 2 Wyevale Business Park, Kings Acre, Hereford HR4 7BS £10.00+VAT Members £20.00+VAT Non-members

Hereford Curry Club in association with Harrisons Business Recovery and Insolvency Ltd Friday 24 April : 12.30-14.30pm The Den Restaurant, 17a West Street, Hereford HR4 0BX £15.00+VAT for Members and Non-members

Worcester Networking Breakfast in association with Worcestershire.Business.Central.

Thursday 26 March : 7.30-9.30am Worcestershire County Cricket Club, New Road, Worcester WR2 4QQ FREE to Members and Non-members

Ledbury Networking Breakfast Monday 27 April : 7.30-9.30am Venue TBC £17.50+VAT Members £35.00+VAT Non-members

April 2015

Droitwich Networking Breakfast Thursday 30 April : 7.30-9.30am St Andrews Town Hotel, St Andrews Drive, Droitwich WR9 8AL £17.50+VAT Members £35.00+VAT Non-members

Redditch Networking Breakfast Tuesday 7 April : 7.30-9.30am Redditch Golf Club, Lower Grinsty, Green Lane, Callow Hill, Redditch B97 5PJ £17.50+VAT Members £35.00+VAT Non-members Malvern Networking Breakfast Wednesday 8 April : 7.30-9.30am The Abbey Hotel, Abbey Road, Malvern WR14 3ET £17.50+VAT Members £35.00+VAT Non-members

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

PLEASE NOTE As of Wednesday 1 April 2015 the prices of a number of our events will be changing.

The new prices for these events are listed above. However, if you book onto these events prior to 1 April you will be charged in accordance with current prices.

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FOCUSONBUSINESSSUPPORT

SEEKING BREAKTHROUGH GROWTH Business Doctors is a business support network, dedicated to helping small and medium sized businesses to achieve their vision.

Their service is geared to driving business growth, from strategies for sales and boosting profits to advice for effective people management, accessing finance and acquiring other businesses. Business Doctors delivers business support with a difference.

Unlike traditional consultants, every single Business Doctor is a no-nonsense, commercially-minded doer who is committed to helping businesses across the board to up their game.

Demand for business support is at an all time high as businesses that have weathered the recession are now looking to grow and are seeking help.

Every hour of every day there are important decisions to be made and opportunities to explore that make the best of a company’s people and it’s commercial prospects.

Those who are capable of making the right calls, for the right reasons, will see their business thrive – and enjoy the ride. And those who don’t very probably won’t.

Business Doctors do things differently, turning the focus firmly on you, the leader in the hot seat. If they can truly help you, they know the business will thrive. It’s a belief and principle that guided Matthew Levington and Rod Davies when they founded Business Doctors back in 2004 and it still guides them today.

Business Doctors has experienced steady growth over the past 10 years and during this time they have helped transform hundreds of businesses.

Businesses seeking support can now benefit from the vast experience and insights of more than 40 Business Doctors throughout the UK. Experiences that have been captured in their new book, Breaking Big which was launched earlier this year.

Simon Offord (pictured centre below) opened Business Doctors in Gloucester in 2014, Having previously developed his own business, from grass roots level to a successful and profitable company, believes he is well placed to offer support and advice based upon personal experience. “My own career path has taught me about the highs and lows of running a company, and I am keen to support others to realise the potential of their businesses, across a broad range of sectors�.

Simon Offord (middle) launches Business Doctors in Gloucestershire and Worcestershire with founders Rod Davies (left) and Matt Levington (right).

DEDICATED TO HELPING SMALL & MEDIUM SIZED BUSINESSES ACHIEVE THEIR VISION

We don’t just coach, we get on the pitch!

Do you think your business could use a helping hand?

Business Doctors is a business support network, dedicated to helping small and medium sized businesses achieve their vision.

Drawing on extensive business skills and experience, Business Doctors SURYLGHV œKDQGV RQ¡ VXSSRUW WR EXVLQHVV

Contact Simon Offord on: 026

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T: 0845 4501874 E: simonofford@businessdoctors.co.uk W: http://www.businessdoctors.co.uk/doctors/gloucester March/April 2015

trol Ltd

GET YOUR INVOICES PAID

Arrivista Excellence Awards The Growth Achievement of 2014 award goes to

Enterprise Electrical Services Ltd for

Are you experiencing late payments?

Need local help that you can trust?

1. Finding a pathway for exciting financial growth year on year.

The team at Gravity have the expertise to collect your invoices without compromising your future sales. Outsourcing your Credit Control couldn’t be easier:

2. Coming through the recession leaner and fitter.

3. Winning much higher value major contracts including Jaguar Land Rover.

From 1 day per week to full time service Holiday & temporary cover Fixed monthly fee (no long term contract) Reduce Staffing and overhead costs Cash goes directly to YOUR bank Finalist for but faster!

‘Most Promising n We call as authorised New Business representatives of your company Award’ 2014 so your customers see a seamless service n Additional credit checking, reporting and risk management services available n Reduce factoring costs n n n n n

4. Developing a team from a group of talented, experienced individuals; with an ability to find solutions for tough situations.

Established in 1986, this Birmingham-based NICEIC accredited company is experiencing national growth and we believe this is reward for diligent high quality service delivered by competent professionals.

www.enterpriseelectrical.co.uk

Helping our clients become outstanding business leaders

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION AND QUOTATION Tel: 01905 700170

Contact us for a complimentary business review

call 01905 621566 or email info@arrivista.co.uk

info@gravitycreditcontrol.co.uk www.gravitycreditcontrol.co.uk

We’re here to help with your cash flow…

Expansion Plans for DeltaXML 24/01/2013 09:27

Document Management Software Company DeltaXML Ltd announce long term plans for growth on the Malvern Hills Science Park It’s already been a great start to 2015 for DeltaXML, with fresh plans for growth and a recruitment drive to expand the team at their Head Office on the Malvern Hills Science Park.

As specialists in managing changes in documentation and data using XML, DeltaXML have grown steadily since their first product was launched in 2001. Their flagship software product DeltaXML Core 7 that was released at the end of 2014, saves valuable processing time managing changes in XML. It’s easy to use and provides invaluable support for legal compliance and auditing.

DeltaXML have an impressive list of clients including Boeing, Oxford University Press, IBM and Thomson Reuters, and are well respected within the Content Management and XML community, presenting at conferences across the globe.

DeltaXML are currently recruiting for three new members of staff to join the team in Business Development, Digital Marketing and Software programming.

Robin La Fontaine, CEO at DeltaXML explains, “As we plan to double our turnover in the next three years, we’re delighted to announce we’re growing the team as part of our long term

DeltaXML’s 500 International customers include:

expansion programme”. Robin adds, “Although experience and qualifications are important, we know that finding someone with that spark, with plenty of ideas, will always win hands down!”.

If you’re interested in receiving more information about career opportunities at DeltaXML email info@deltaxml.com or call 01684 532 130.

Robin La Fontaine, CEO DeltaXML Ltd

n A trusted partner for enterprise solutions n 24 years’ experience in software development n Dynamic team with a fresh approach to XML and DITA software n Innovative cost saving software solutions n Supports local businesses

www.deltaxml.com DeltaXML Limited, Malvern Hills Science Park, Worcestershire WR14 3SZ

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

027

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

LOCAL COMPANY BUILDS 3D FUTURE WITH UNIVERSITY KTP PROGRAMME Local Geomatics Land Surveyor, Severn Partnership, recognised the competitive advantage it would have by developing strong digital technology expertise within its business. It turned to the University of Wolverhampton Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme to bring in the necessary skills.

The Severn Partnership Ltd, based in Shropshire, wanted to establish 3D modelling and building information modelling (BIM) as core services within its business, with the aim of providing diversification into other markets for the company. They set up a Sister company, SEEABLE, but they lacked the necessary knowledge and skills in their own staff.

By working with the University of Wolverhampton on a Knowledge Transfer Partnership, (a three-way partnership between a company, a highly talented Graduate and University experts), they hired a Graduate to work with them on a number of key projects, including SEEABLE, an application development company, creating interactive, bespoke, non-technical 2D, 3D & BIM visualisation APPs (Web, desktop & mobile). By using the 3D laser scanning and 3D modelling skills of Severn Partnership, SEEABLE is able to create new 3D models and building information models (BIM) from scratch where no data exists.

UNIVERSITY EXPERTISE One of the key benefits of KTP is the access the company has to firstly, the expertise of a recent Graduate who has first-hand knowledge of most recent technology, coupled with the highly sought after knowledge of University academics.

Two key academics from the University are lead members of the project. Thomas Hartle, a senior lecturer in Computer Science at the University of Wolverhampton, and Dr David Heesom, Principal Lecturer, currently reader 028

in Building Information Modelling (BIM). Both have extensive industry expertise and experience of working on KTP projects through the University.

Through the KTP project, Severn Partnership received an invaluable level of support and expertise, helping them to address challenges and find innovative solutions to enable their growth.

THE WAY FORWARD

Find out about our courses, including BIM, Architecture and many more at www.wlv.ac.uk BIM training / workshops available, visit www.wolverhamptonbsc.co.uk/events Severn Partnership and Sister company SEEABLE Email: nick.blenkarn@severnpartnership.com Visit: www.severnpartnership.com or www.seeable.co.uk

Mark Combes, Managing Director at The Severn Partnerships Ltd, commented.

“From conceiving the idea through implementation to completion, this KTP has been the ideal vehicle for our diversification project. We have seen the benefits from increased workload, reduced risk through wider diversification and increased training and awareness for staff.”

The benefits of KTP were seen so strongly in the business that the Severn Partnership are now collaborating with the University on their third KTP programme.

SEE US AT EXPO 2015 The University of Wolverhampton is a leading Midlands University for Knowledge Transfer. Staff will be present at the 2015 Expo and welcome the opportunity to talk to you further about KTP and other ways in which they can support your business growth.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KTP! KTP is 40 this year. Europe’s most successful Graduate scheme was established in 1975, formerly the Teaching Company Scheme. The gains from KTP for businesses are manifold with average benefits from each KTP, based on findings from Innovate UK, showing: n An average increase of over £290,000 in annual profits before tax n The creation of eight genuine new jobs n An increase in the skills of existing staff

FIND OUT MORE: University of Wolverhampton, Knowledge Transfer: Call University of Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre on 01902 321 272 or email: enquiries@wolverhamptonbsc.com or visit: www.wolverhamptonbsc.com

March/April 2015

BUSINESSNEWS

AUTO-ENROLMENT QUESTIONS & ANSWERS YOUR COMPLETE

AUTO ENROLMENT

SOLUTION

Why is auto-enrolment being introduced?

The UK has a pensions crisis. Too many people are not saving enough for their retirement, resulting in a pensions ‘black hole’ with too many people relying on the State pension alone. The

POWERED BY BARNETT WADDINGHAM & STANDARD LIFE

“”

THE REGULATOR HAS VARIOUS POWERS INCLUDING THE ABILITY TO ISSUE FINES

Government’s response was to focus on ensuring that people save, and the most straightforward way to do this seemed simple - place a duty on employers to ensure that all workers were put into a workplace pension scheme.

Once we understand if an individual is a worker, they need to be split into three groups, one of those being individuals who need to be auto-enrolled. It should be noted that this group includes those workers who are between 22 and State Pension Age (SPA), with earnings over £10,000 per annum, or £833 per month (other figures exist for other payment frequencies).

Which pension scheme should I use?

You have a lot of freedom over which pension scheme you can

Who does auto-enrolment apply to?

use – there are a number of different schemes which can be

Simply put, auto-enrolment will eventually apply to all UK employers. We have already seen this impacting larger employers, such as the supermarkets and banks and we are now seeing the impact on small medium enterprises (SME), before eventually seeing the impact on micro-employers.

Auto-enrolment will impact every organisation with more than one employee.

used. One key thing to remember is that this may not include your existing scheme! For a variety of reasons, not all pension schemes are qualifying, so if you are considering using your existing scheme for auto-enrolment, the key thing to do first is to ask your pension provider whether this will be possible.

What happens if I do not comply?

This is a simple question to answer – the Regulator has various

Do I need to auto-enrol all employees?

powers including the ability to issue fines. These can go into the

This is where it starts to get complicated! The legislation focuses on workers, and this group of people can include LLP members and even those who are on self-employed contracts. In order for employers to understand whether an individual is a worker

thousands, but it is important to point out that their focus is very much on helping employers comply with the legislation.

The Regulator has already used their powers, and issued fines and ordered remedial action where appropriate.

or not, The Pension Regulator provides a list of considerations.

The list includes the level of control an employer has over an individual (for example, does the employer control the number of hours an individual works, and/or require them to work

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

on their premises) and the financial side of things as well (for

Following the completion of a degree in

example, does the worker bear all of the significant financial

International Business Economics, Adam’s

risks in carrying out the work).

career has been focused in the Financial Services sector - in particular Employee Benefits. He looks to help employers provide suitable employee benefits which benefit both employers and employees.

A significant proportion of his time is related to ensuring that SMEs approach auto-enrolment in an appropriate way.

Adam Bexson is regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON AUTO-ENROLMENT PLEASE VISIT

WWW.BARNETT-WADDINGHAM.CO.UK/AE AUTOENROL@BARNETT-WADDINGHAM.CO.UK

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

01527 300091

029

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

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.

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

CONSIDERING BUILDING WORK? Getting the best value from building works is down to a number of factors, but most important must be seeking good advice - avoiding relatively small professional costs at this stage can cost tens of thousands of pounds extra in additional, unnecessary or overpriced works.

Adams Fletcher & Partners Hereford Office Contact: John Crooks Office 9 The Rural Enterprise Centre Vincent Carey Road, Hereford HR2 6FE Tel: 01432 355432

Gloucester Office Contact: Nick Denman 17 Brunswick Square Gloucester GL1 1UG Tel: 01452 306214

W: www.adamsfletcher.com

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Naturally, contractors are unwilling to offer their best rates for projects which are not adequately described, or where they are exposed to risk due to the extent of the work being undefined.

The role of the Quantity Surveyor is to minimise risks for both parties by defining the work content and terms of the contract as precisely as possible, thereby getting the lowest possible prices; and ensuring that stage payments made to builders are accurate, thus avoiding any chance of overpayment.

March/April 2015

Rural services With leading specialists based in the region, Baker Tilly has the expertise to support farmers, landowners, equestrian and bloodstock businesses as well as other rural industries with all their accounting, taxation and business advisory needs.

For more information please contact: Sharon Omer-Kaye T: +44 (0)1793 603300 M: +44 (0)7855 314990 sharon.omer-kaye@bakertilly.co.uk Lucie Hammond T: +44 (0)1793 603300 M: +44 (0)7809 629952 lucie.hammond@bakertilly.co.uk

www.bakertilly.co.uk Baker Tilly Corporate Finance LLP, Baker Tilly Restructuring and Recovery LLP, Baker Tilly Risk Advisory Services LLP, Baker Tilly Tax and Advisory Services LLP, Baker Tilly UK Audit LLP and Baker Tilly Tax and Accounting Limited are not authorised under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 but we are able in certain circumstances to offer a limited range of investment services because we are members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

We can provide these investment services if they are an incidental part of the professional services we have been engaged to provide. Baker Tilly & Co Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority to conduct a range of investment business activities. Baker Tilly Creditor Services LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for credit-related regulated activities. This communication is designed for the information of readers. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, information contained in this communication may not be comprehensive and recipients should not act upon it without seeking professional advice. Š 2015 Baker Tilly UK Group LLP, all rights reserved. 0429

CHAMBERTRAINING

CHAMBER TRAINING OFFER EXPANDS Chamber Training are delighted with the addition of our new patron member, Mercia Digital who will be working with us to deliver a new and updated series of digital marketing and PR courses.

Members of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce can take advantage of a free half day training course, Introduction to Digital Marketing and PR. We look forward to welcoming members onto these exciting and interactive events. We are running a series of Digital Marketing and PR courses that will be invaluable to businesses who are keen to approach the technologies available to them with a prior knowledge and understanding, rather than the bewilderment that can so often undermine our best intentions.

Would you like some free help with any aspect of your digital marketing or PR? Come along to our drop-in Digital Surgery at the Business Expo for some free advice and guidance. You don’t need to book, just visit us when you’re free and we’ll do our best to help.

From social media to search engine optimisation, we can talk through the different options available to businesses and what might best work for you.

Any Chamber Member who is uncertain of their digital marketing requirements can attend the Introductory, half day course free of charge and gain an overview of the various options available to businesses as well as an idea of what is ideal for their own needs with further options of attending one of the more focused half day courses as well as one of the free digital surgeries.

AN INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL MARKETING AND PR Learn how to use your time effectively with digital marketing and PR to grow your business. This free course will help you identify where your resources are best directed and give you a good understanding of the essentials.

The ‘Introduction to Digital Marketing & PR‘ course is designed to guide businesses on a step-by-step journey through the processes of digital marketing and PR campaigns, touching upon the content of the other new courses, without delving into the detail that the specific courses will cover in their own right Free to Members/£100+VAT Non-members

SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMISATION The most popular and powerful form of marketing, and is now easier than ever for businesses of all sizes to use.

Learn how to make the most of SEO to engage with your audience and increase traffic to your website and your business. £80+VAT Members/£100+VAT Non-members

EMAIL MARKETING Often underappreciated, or misunderstood, email marketing is one of the best forms of direct marketing and this course will demonstrate how to make the most 032

of it and optimise your conversion rates. £80+VAT Members/£100+VAT Non-members

GOOGLE ANALYTICS A corporate-level analytical tool that is free-to-use and available to anyone. We take a look at the essentials and the more advanced features of this essential business tool. £80+VAT Members/£100+VAT Non-members

RUNNING YOUR BUSINESS USING CLOUD TECHNOLOGIES Would you like to be able to access all of your work, from anywhere in the world, on any device? Then what’s stopping you? Cloud technologies are already available

and practical for businesses and this course will demonstrate some of the best ways to use them. £80+VAT Members/£100+VAT Non-members

EFFECTIVE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA It’s the biggest growth area the world has ever seen, but so few businesses take the right approach to social media. This course explains what it is, how it can help your business and how to use it effectively, and efficiently. £80+VAT Members/£100+VAT Non-members To book for any of these courses visit www.hwchamber.co.uk/businesstraining or call the Training Team on 01905 673600 or email training@hwchamber.co.uk

March/April 2015

CHAMBERBUSINESSTRAINING

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 March to May 2015 Colour & Grey

MARCH COURSES

APRIL COURSES

MAY COURSES

Writing Effective Marketing Copy Monday 2 March 2015 9.30am-1.30pm £80+VAT Members/£100+VAT Non-members

Professional Telephone Techniques Colour & White Tuesday 14 April 2015 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members/£188+VAT Non-members

Microsoft Word Essential Skills for Office Staff Tuesday 5 May 2015 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members/£188+VAT Non-members

IQ LEVEL 2 Organisation Award in Principles of Cyber Crime Thursday 5 March 2015 9.30am-4.30pm £435+VAT Members/£535+VAT Non-members

HR for the Non HR Manager Tuesday 14 April 2015 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members/£188+VAT Non-members

Running your Business using Cloud Technologies Wednesday 6 May 2015 9.30am-1.30pm £80+VAT Members/£100+VAT Non-members

Search Engine Optimisation Friday 17 April 2015 9.30am-1.30pm £80+VAT Members/£100+VAT Non-members

Internal Quality Auditing to ISO 9001:2008 Thursday 7 May 2015 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members/£188+VAT Non-members

Seven Steps to Closing the Deal Tuesday 21 April 2015 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members/£188+VAT Non-members

Effective Use of Social Media Thursday 14 May 2015 9.30am-1.30pm £80+VAT Members/£100+VAT Non-members

IOSH Working Safely Tuesday 21 April 2015 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members/£188+VAT Non-members

Effective Time Management Tuesday 19 May 2015 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members/£188+VAT Non-members

Email Marketing Wednesday 22 April 2015 9.30am-1.30pm £80+VAT Members/£100+VAT Non-members

Emergency First Aid at Work Thursday 21 May 2015 9.30am-4.30pm £80+VAT Members/£100+VAT Non-members

An Introduction to Digital Marketing and PR Monday 27 April 2015 9.30am-1.30pm Free to Members/£100+VAT Non-members

An Introduction to Digital Marketing and PR Wednesday 27 May 2015 9.30am-1.30pm Free to Members/£100+VAT Non-members

Google Analytics Wednesday 29 April 2015 9.30am-1.30pm £80+VAT Members/£100+VAT Non-members

Introduction to Excel Friday 29 May 2015 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members/£188+VAT Non-members

Managing Appraisals Tuesday 10 March 2015 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members/£188+VAT Non-members An Introduction to Digital Marketing and PR Wednesday 11 March 2015 9.30am-1.30pm Free to Members/£100+VAT Non-members Advanced Excel Friday 13 March 2015 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members/£188+VAT Non-members Introduction to Excel – Running in Hereford Tuesday 17 March 2015 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members/£188+VAT Non-members Essential Conflict Management Skills Thursday 19 March 2015 9.30am-1.30pm £80+VAT Members/£100+VAT Non-members Employment Law Update Tuesday 31 March 2015 10.00am-3.00pm £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 01905 673600 To book for any of these courses visit www.hwchamber.co.uk/businesstraining or call the Training Team on 01905 673600 or email training@hwchamber.co.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

033

BIGINTERVIEW

MANAGING THE DEMANDING BALANCE BETWEEN CONSERVATION AND BUSINESS Ivan Knezovich has had a remarkable life, ranging from working as a snake catcher as a young man to running the West Midland Safari Park for the past two decades.

Through it all, he has combined his love of wildlife and dedication to conversation with a hard-headed business approach that has seen the Bewdley park grow to attract 750,000 people a year and employ up to 550 people.

Ivan developed his love of wildlife early in life, catching snakes and frogs in his native South Africa as a young boy. Because snakes were unpopular when they turned up in people’s property, the young Ivan used to catch them for relocation or to give to reptile centres.

He said: “I learnt a lot about wildlife as a young man.

Catching reptiles got me out into the Bush, where I learnt about the animals and people that lived there. I must have caught 12,000 snakes in all.”

After that, his first proper job was as a flying trapeze artist in a circus and, after a few years, he decided that he wanted to be an owner, so set out to build his own travelling show with his brother, combining trapeze artists and gymnasts with a Sea Lion show which toured South Africa in the 1970s.

His journey to Bewdley began when he left South Africa with the show and worked around Europe in circus and cabaret before ending up in Monte Carlo at the annual World Circus Extravaganza.

After performing at the dolphinarium in Antibes and Paris, he was booked by a UK theatrical agent to work at the West Midland Safari Park, to replace the dolphin show that had closed. It is a connection that remains strong to this day.

After a few years, and a management buyout, Ivan found himself in charge of the safari park in 1985.

He said: “I have had an amazing life, catching snakes, being a gymnast, working as a trapeze artist but when I came to the West Midland Safari Park, I settled down and did not go back to South Africa for ten years.

“The opportunity came up to acquire the park, which the managemnet team did, and we set out about growing the business.

“It has not always been easy – the foot and mouth outbreak nearly killed off the business then, in 2006, a fire destroyed Spring Grove House, which was a tragedy for us as it was under-insured and cost £5m to rebuild.”

entrepreneurial spirit and conservation.”

For its part, the park supports the conservation of threatened species and habitats, nationally and internationally. Not only does it hold individuals of species which are endangered in the wild and takes part in more than 20 breeding programmes, including giraffe, white and Indian rhinoceros, African wild dogs and Cuban crocodiles, it also supports in-situ conservation happening abroad.

The park is part of the BIAZA Reserve Project, collaboration between the World Land Trust and BIAZA, to raise funds to purchase and protect threatened rainforest in Brazil.

West Midland Safari Park also contributes financially to the Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Programme, which protects vulnerable flora and fauna on the islands, and provides funding for a programme to protect wildlife in Namibia, including lion and rhino.

Back at home, education of visitors to the park is also important. Ivan said: “We are committed to conservation and part of that is through education.

The blaze in the historic house, which stood at the heart of the site and was popular with visitors, was started by an electrical fault and only the external walls remained.

“Many of our visitors are young people aged under the age of twelve, who then move onto other things as they grow older, so we educate them about the importance of our animals while they still want to come here.

Undeterred, Ivan and his wife Sonya set about rebuilding the house, retaining the original concept of its builder, the Regency Bewdley banker Samuel Skey, but rearranging and fitting out the rooms.

“Children are being born all the time so there is a constant stream of new young visitors and that has helped the park to grow. We are very proud that a lot of our visitors come from the local area.

The result is that it has been restored to former glories and is as popular now as it ever was with visitors.

Indeed, Ivan is a partner in a fruit farm and vineyard in Grabouw, South Africa, which produces more than 37,000 bottles of wine, some of which are shipped to Spring Grove house.

“There is scope to grow further but a lot depends on infrastructure, including the roads in the area. However, we are constantly coming up with new ideas.”

Ivan’s remarkable story has, it seems, plenty more chapters to be written. www.wmsp.co.uk

The Safari Park has continued to grow over the years, with Ivan and his team combining entrepreneurial spirit and conservation, with the result being that the complex includes both a wide range of species and a theme park.

Ivan said: “You have to strike a balance between the instincts of the entrepreneur, the need to attract visitors and the work we do to make sure that the animals are healthy and to support conservation programmes. It can sometime be a difficult balancing act.

“It may be a difficult message for some people, but animals are much better protected if they have a value.

If an animal has no value then people in some parts of the world will not care about it and will not seek to conserve its numbers.

“The rhino is an example. It has only survived because of hunting. I do not agree with hunting but, if people will pay to hunt , there is an incentive for people to ensure that the population remains. That can be a tough message but there is a connection between 034

I have had an amazing life, catching snakes, being a gymnast and working as a trapeze artist.

March/April 2015

BIGINTERVIEW

IVAN KNEZOVICH Managing Director, West Midland Safari Park

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

035

COVERFEATURE

150 NOT OUT FOR WORCESTERSHIRE COUNTY CRICKET CLUB 2015 marks the 150th anniversary of Worcestershire County Cricket Club, who are looking to add to their revered and illustrious history with a centenary and a half celebration to remember.

2014 was a year of huge achievement for the club, with Director of Cricket and county favourite, Steve Rhodes, who played for the club for 20 years before moving into his current role nearly 10 years ago, stewarding the team back to the top flight of domestic county cricket by securing promotion from Division Two of the LV= County Championship.

It seems fitting that the county, which was formerly known as ‘Fostershire’ in the early 20th century, will be part of the County Championship’s elite division for their 150th year, especially given their rich history and former successes.

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Crowds at the idyllic and picturesque New Road have been treated to successes over the years. From the golden era of five County Championship titles – and many more trophies and Lord’s finals – across a 25 year period encapsulating the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s, to last seasons promotion, New Road has played host to many historic moments under the watchful eye of the Glovers Needle and the instantly recognisable Worcester Cathedral.

Their promotion campaign has provided the perfect platform to build on for the anniversary year, with a change in league being supplemented by a change at the helm of the club. Lord Meryvn King, former governor of the Bank of England, and Stephen Taylor, an ex-England Hockey goalkeeper and prominent local businessman, will become Chairman and President respectively, replacing the hugely popular and highly respected duo of Martyn Price and John Elliot.

The arrival of the two has caused excitement that has only been amplified since the 2015 fixture list was

released in late November. The season’s traditional four-day curtain raiser will be played at New Road on Sunday 12th April, against one of the most fearsome opponents in English cricket, reigning Division One champions, Yorkshire.

The club are using the furore surrounding the forthcoming season and the 150th anniversary to, in the words of Commercial Director, John Graham, “make the season an unforgettable one”, by launching various off the field initiatives. Already organised are the 150th Anniversary Walk on the Worcestershire Way, a Golf Day, and a special badge to commemorate the year.

The crest, which will be worn for County Championship matches, is gold, tapping into the unique historical identity of the club, so today’s players will remember all that is special about what they are part of.

Graham added: “There are lots of things to look forward to, but for many I think it might be quite a nostalgic year. In the diary already are the Chairman’s Lunch and Presidents Dinner, a spectacular end of season ball and

March/April 2015

COVERFEATURE a New Years Eve Party to sign off our 150th year in style.

Beyond these, there are many more exciting events in the pipeline that will be revealed throughout the year.”

New Chairman Stephen Taylor, former owner of Taylors of Martley Logistics and current Executive Director of Taylors Properties Limited, and a Worcestershire supporter since the Ian Botham era, has been a board member for the past four years and is full of pride at taking on his new role at the county. Taylor’s family have been prominent in the local business community for years, with the 54 year old forging a career in international hockey before returning to follow in the footsteps of his father, Don. However, now Taylor has added time to devote to the club, he says he is relishing his new role, specifically looking forward to “commercially maximising” the Club’s potential and working closely with local businesses, members and spectators.

He said: “I’m very proud to be Chairman of this great club. I’ve lived in Worcestershire all my life, so the area means a massive amount to me. I’ve been on the board for four years and in that time I’ve got to know a lot more about how the club works from inside out.

We want to offer more commercial activities, not just in the cricket season, but also outside of that, allowing us to maximise what we can make out of the facilities in order to generate better re-investment opportunities moving forward.

The ultimate aim is to have a first class cricket team that is established in Division One of the County Championship. It would be great to win a trophy in the near future.”

The chances of this happening have been bolstered by the performance of key players. Notably, club captain, Daryl Mitchell, who has seen his stellar form in 2014 rewarded by being chosen to represent the Marylebone Cricket Club XI in Abu Dhabi this March, and the rapid rise to international stardom of club favourite, Moeen Ali, who, in under a year since he made his international debut for England, has become a regular feature in the England team across all formats of the game. Scoring runs quickly at the top of the order and taking wickets with his tricky right arm off breaks, Moeen, or ‘the beard

that’s feared’, as he is quickly becoming known, follows an illustrious line of Worcestershire cricketers that have starred at international cricket, joining Basil D’oliveira, Ian Botham and Graeme Hick as England stalwarts.

Moeen’s incredible form and rise to the top of the game has been reflected in him being represented on the cover of the cricketing bible, Wisden Almanack, a feat achieved by one of Moeen’s cricketing heroes, Sachin Tendulkar.

Moeen’s form is just one of the things that have got Meryvn King, former Governor of the Bank of England and new club President, excited to begin his tenure at the club. The long term patron and passionate supporter said: “My youth was spent at New Road watching the first Worcestershire side to win the County Championship exactly fifty years ago. With the 150th anniversary next year, there is much to celebrate in our

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

history and the future is even brighter. Today’s team of talented young players, and the redevelopment and transformation of the facilities at New Road, promise exciting times ahead.”

So, whether it is a lazy afternoon spent watching the team battle it out in top tier of the four-day Championship, a night with friends watching the Rapids – a name chosen as homage to the adversity caused by perpetual flooding of the ground – in the explosive, unpredictable and wholly absorbing T20 campaign, or taking part in one of the many non-cricketing events that the club hold, one thing is certain, Worcestershire County Cricket Club are ensuring that their 150th year will build on the traditions and success that makes the club a sporting institution to savour. www.wccc.co.uk

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New ambition for Herefordshire Wildlife Trust With the newly restored title of Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, the organisation previously known as Herefordshire Nature Trust is calling for new corporate partners and donors to support the purchase of one of the finest ancient flower meadows in the West Midlands.

Birches Farm, on the outskirts of Kington, offers a rare window to a landscape now long forgotten. Centuries of protection from the plough and modern fertilisers has preserved a stunning array of wild flowers across this beautiful patch work of fields, hedgerows and historic farm buildings. With over 98% of grassland meadows in the UK having been lost, Birches Farm is now recognised as a nationally significant site by Defra and Natural England.

E. Bowen-Jones

Herefordshire Wildlife Trust (HWT) were able to negotiate a temporary loan in 2012 to secure Birches Farm, but with a deadline of July this year to repay, the charity must raise £70,000 to ensure ownership of this rural gem for the foreseeable future.

If successful, the charity plan to raise additional funds to conserve the distinctive built heritage, and sustainably manage the farm. This will enable the public to visit, and provide facilities to host community groups and work parties wishing to learn traditional rural skills such as hedge laying and grazing management with traditional breeds.

In the spring, the meadows are a blaze of harebells and orchids, providing one of the finest wild flower spectacles in Herefordshire. To help support the appeal, please visit HWT’s Birches Farm ‘JustGiving’ webpage.

For details on becoming an HWT corporate partner please contact the Trust at enquiries@herefordshirewt.co.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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CONFERENCEWORCESTERSHIRE www.conference-worcestershire.com

NARNIA WEAVES A MAGICAL WINTER SPELL OVER FARNCOMBE It was only an end-of-year conference, but delegates couldn’t believe their eyes when they stepped into a winter wonderland at Farncombe Conference Centre near Broadway in the Cotswolds.

The largest meeting room had been transformed into the fantastical realm of Narnia, complete with Aslan the Lion and giant Polar Bears.

For one night only, the entrance to the 150-seater conference space was remodelled to resemble two enormous wardrobe doors. Once inside, guests were amazed to find a snow scene draped in white and sparkling blue light. There was a dashing white sleigh, an ‘ice throne’ photo booth and a winter’s disco.

“It was fabulous to see our lovely buildings transformed into a magical other world,” says Farncombe General Manager Gillian Roe. “Just the night before, we were host to a Masquerade Ball. We have such a beautiful setting and the only limit is the imagination.”

Real live Reindeer shared the terrace for pre-dinner drinks at the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe theme party.

Guests went on to dine and dance the night away, but the next morning, as mysteriously as it came, the fabled world of Narnia had vanished into the winter air. www.farncombeestate.co.uk

POWERFUL PRESENTATIONS...

A presentation can inspire your audience, turn them off or, even worse, send them to sleep. Keith Istead, Director of PSG Events, looks at how presentations are changing for the better...

“Ultimately it’s how professionals make some of their most lasting impressions in their respective industries and professions.

Strange as it might seem in this day and age, after 25 years of PowerPoint, business presentations are evolving.

Audiences today expect high standards of images, videos, charts and composition to keep them engaged and enthused.

To cater for these high standards, manufacturers have invested in developing solutions which help businesses truly capture the attention of audiences, whether that’s through interactivity or content collation. While there is a technological revolution taking place, many still rely on the old methods of delivery for their most important business messages. Why is this?

And what does the future of presenting in the corporate world look like?

Consumers now expect more from technology, in every way, whether at home, out and about or in the board room. Ultra high definition and HTML5 now pervade every walk of life. It’s 040

vital that businesses match and where possible exceed these expectations through the inclusion of this rich, immersive multimedia content within their presentations.

In addition to high quality content, audiences are now expecting presentations to include multiple media sources, encompassing live streamed video, text-based documents and high quality imagery.

This year has seen the introduction of several solutions that can merge content from as many as 10 sources onto one screen and make the objective of engaging audiences easier than ever. Through this dedicated software, presenters are empowered to capture and hold the attention of audiences by delivering attention grabbing and memorable presentations.

Perhaps the day has come when presenters will have to bite the bullet and pay for professional multimedia services to create their presentations for them rather than cobbling together some slides themselves or leaving it to their PAs or secretaries. Alternatively businesses must begin to invest in presentation software as they perform such a vital role in business development and can ultimately impact their bottom line.” www.psgevents.com

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DESTINATIONWORCESTERSHIRE

50TH ANNIVERSARY OF SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY The future’s not just bright; it’s golden for the Severn Valley Railway (SVR) as it looks forward to celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2015 with a special programme of dedicated events alongside its usual schedule of family favourites. 2015 marks 50 years since the birth of the Severn Valley Railway on July 6th 1965.

To mark the Golden Jubilee year there is a packed programme of celebratory activities and events to mark this incredible milestone in the railway’s history. On July 6th, marking 50 years since a group of railway enthusiasts met in a pub in Kidderminster to form the Severn Valley Railway Society, a special dining train for the early members of the SVR will depart from Kidderminster station, following an address on the concourse.

Opportunities to explore surrounding towns and beauty spots are endless; Bewdley is ideal for a refreshing riverside walk, and there are plenty of hungry ducks to feed at Arley. Peckish passengers can also enjoy lunch at one of the many picnic stops along the way, or can re-fuel at the Flag & Whistle Food Stop, in The Engine House at Highley. Home to the SVR’s impressive collection of reserve locomotives, The Engine House also boasts an array of family friendly interactive exhibits, a majestic Royal Carriage and a railway-themed children’s outdoor play area. www.svr.co.uk

WORCESTERSHIRE’S AMAZING VENUE HAS JUST GOT EVEN BETTER...

Not to be outdone, the Abbey’s interior will take your breath away. Experience the Callow Great Hall with its ornate vaulted ceiling and mesmerising stained glass windows, or relax to the sound of our grand piano in

2015 marks the 50th anniversary of The Swan Theatre and throughout the year the theatre will be celebrating with a series of special events.

The history of The Swan Theatre dates right back to 1946, with the formation of a forward thinking group, the Society for the Advancement of Music and the Arts (SAMA).

On 22nd June 1961 SAMA staged an open air demonstration around St Andrews Spire off Deansway, where members were joined by well-known actors from Stratford-upon-Avon and they walked the river bank, ‘looking for a theatre’!.

The official opening of The Swan Theatre took place on 20th June 1965. The auditorium rang to the sounds of the Cathedral choristers and choirs and with dance, drama and verse readings. Two days later the Swan’s first play was performed by the resident amateur drama group – One Wild Oat with a ticket price of 5 shillings.

Tucked away beneath Worcestershire’s famous Malvern Hills, Stanbrook Abbey is a venue packed full of extraordinary features.

Set within 22 acres of stunning grounds, which are themselves surrounded by an area of outstanding natural beauty, an extensive but sympathetic refurbishment has made the Abbey the amazing venue it is today. The former convent is constructed of red brick, with stone dressings and gothic windows. Together with the Abbey Church, the convent was designed by Edward Welby Pugin, son of the renowned 18th century architect Augustus Pugin.

Stanbrook Abbey’s extensive gardens and picturesque grounds include a beautiful, lavender-filled butterfly garden and weeping willows trailing into a private lake.

THE GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY OF THE SWAN THEATRE

At last a new Worcester theatre was in operation at a final total cost of £63,000.

the Piano Lounge. On March 1st, 52 bedroom doors will open to reveal the most charismatic bedroom suites the county has ever seen. Previously Nun’s cells, the bedrooms now play host to king size beds framed by cloister inspired bed steads, power steam showers and free standing baths ready to relax and unwind. As well as features such as flat screen TVs and luxury amenities, Stanbrook pride themselves on the quirky touches in each individually styled bedroom; from original word carvings to private balconies, each nook and cranny is waiting to be explored.

Among the special commemorative events taking place will be a Gala Night in May, with many well-known figures invited to return to The Swan Theatre, and a celebratory evening of entertainment on the 20th June at which all the amateur groups associated with The Swan Theatre have been invited to participate. Chris Jaeger, the current Director of The Swan, is writing a book about the history of the theatre, and will be undertaking 50 challenges to raise funds to keep the theatre open for the next 50 years! www.worcesterlive.co.uk/ the-swan-theatre.asp

www.amazingvenues.co.uk/venue/stanbrook-abbey/

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

041

FOCUSONTRAININGANDAPPRENTICESHIPS

APPRENTICESHIPS – MOVING BUSINESSES FORWARD Thanks to the many recent advertising campaigns in the press and on television employers are becoming more aware that apprenticeships may be the way forward for training new staff in a cost effective way.

Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes, with most of the training being ‘on the job’ at the employer’s premises. The type of apprenticeship being studied means that an apprentice attends college for either one day a week or on a block release basis.

Depending on the sector and job role, an apprenticeship can take anything from between one and four years to complete.

Apprenticeships are designed by the Sector Skills Councils, with business representatives from the relevant industry sector, around the needs of employers and lead to nationally recognised qualifications.

There are many benefits of choosing the apprenticeship route for the training of your staff, with some of these being specific to your own business’s needs. Your apprentice’s training can be tailored to fill any skills gaps within your business, helping to ensure that you have the correctly skilled staff to move your business forward in the future, improve productivity and increase your competitiveness within the industry.

Your apprentice will have the unique skill set which is necessary for the success of your business – something which may be almost impossible to source on the external job market.

Apprentices tend to be eager, motivated, flexible and loyal to their employer. An apprentice will be with you because they have chosen to be – they have made an active choice to learn on the job and a commitment to a specific career. This commitment leads to lower turnover of staff and subsequently lower overall training and recruitment costs.

The other side of the coin is that that your existing workforce can benefit from your apprentice’s new skills and knowledge which can help them to keep pace with the latest technology and working practices in your sector.

If you are considering starting out on the apprenticeship journey there is plenty of help provided by colleges and training providers. You will be assigned an assessor who will work closely with you and who will be able to advise you about: n Available funding from the National Apprenticeship Service.

042

n Choosing the apprenticeship programme which will be most beneficial to your business’s needs.

Your assessor will work closely with you and your apprentice throughout the training period, meeting you both regularly and also to carry out Progress Reviews and assessments of your apprentice.

n Assistance with the recruitment of your apprentice (both new and existing employees can be trained through an apprenticeship programme).

Advertising your apprenticeship vacancy is easy – the National Apprenticeship Vacancy Matching Service (NAVMS) is a nationwide system providing you as

an employer with the opportunity to advertise your apprenticeship vacancy to the widest possible audience free of charge.

The NAVMS system can be accessed via the National Apprenticeships Service website at www.apprenticeships.org.uk

March/April 2015

TECHNOLOGYFEATURE At South Worcestershire College we have a dedicated Work Based Learning Team who work closely with employers.

Move forward with

Apprenticeships • AAT Accountancy • • • • • •

Body Repair and Paint Business Childcare Computing & Programming Customer Service Domestic Heating & Plumbing

• • • • • • •

They can advise on the best apprenticeship programme to suit the needs of your business, assist with recruiting the right candidate, and guide you and your apprentice through the programme, helping to ensure success.

Electrical Engineering Hairdressing Health & Social Care Land Based Engineering Motor Vehicle Engineering Warehousing/Logistics

Fill your company’s skills gaps Improve your bottom line Motivate your workforce...

Take on an Apprentice

W SC

South Worcestershire College

If you are interested in finding out more about taking on an apprentice contact the

Evesham Campus, Davies Road, Evesham, WR11 1LP Malvern Campus, Albert Road North, Malvern, WR14 2YH

www.sworcs.ac.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Work Based Learning Team on (01386) 712690 or email apprenticeships@sworcs.ac.uk

043

Arrivista Excellence Awards

HCA Business is the business services section of the College and exists to meet the training needs of local businesses

The Sustainability award of 2014 goes to

Ecl-ips for 1. Structuring and systemising a business to ensure continued growth, whatever the external environment.

Course available include: • • • • • • • •

2. Driving consistency and quality in all aspects of the business and notably customer service.

3. Taking a pro-active approach to key business issues, all based on a longer term vision.

4. Delivering exceptional results in terms of profitability and cash flow whilst overcoming a variety of challenges including staff shortages.

Ecl-ips are dedicated to providing leading edge solutions with excellent aftercare. They enable customers to utilise Intelligent Monitoring and Asset Management tools that increase efficiency, maximise business up-time and protect their assets whilst providing a safe working environment.

Digital Photography Photoshop Indesign Illustrator AutoCad Web Design Final Cut Pro Marketing Workshops

Training can be offered as part of the short course programme, on a one to one basis or tailored to meet your company’s needs.

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us by email shortcourses@hca.ac.uk or telephone 01432 845302

Helping our clients become outstanding business leaders

Follow us on twitter @HCAbusiness Hereford College of Arts Folly Lane, Hereford HR1 1LT

Contact us for a complimentary business review

call 01905 621566 or email info@arrivista.co.uk

www.hca.ac.uk

3aaa - An Outstanding IT Apprenticeship Provider We are delighted to announce that we have recently opened a brand new Apprenticeship training Academy in the centre of Worcester where we are delivering Apprenticeships in Technology and Digital Marketing into industries which are constantly demanding young, passionate people as companies look for alternatives to the traditional recruitment routes to bring technical talent into their businesses.

3aaa is an Ofsted Grade 1 Outstanding training provider of Apprenticeships in England, specialising in the delivery of Apprenticeships in Professional Services. We are a national company offering a personalised, local service in over 30 locations across England as we look to change the lives of young people through our work with local employers, recruiting Apprentices and helping these young people to find a pathway into the career of their dreams.

By achieving Grade 1s for every category, this makes us the only independent training provider to achieve Ofsted Grade 1 Outstanding in all areas on a first inspection.

www.3aaa.co.uk 044

Our dedicated Recruitment Executives work closely with our partnering employers to understand the requirements of their business and help them to select the best possible candidate to suit their needs. This is part of a free ‘match and fill’ recruitment service that we offer our partner employers.

Key Benefits of taking on an Apprentice: • • • •

Apprentices increase motivation; 92% of employers taking on Apprentices noticed a more motivated workforce.

Consumers like to see that businesses are supporting Apprenticeships.

81% would rather use a company which hires Apprentices.

83% of Apprentice employers believe that they are investing in the future of their business as they can mould their own workforce.

Apprentices boost productivity; In fact, 80% of employers saw an increase in productivity in the workplace.

If you’re an Employer in the Worcestershire and Herefordshire area and you are looking to transform your business, Contact our local employer engagement team via christinesmith@3aaa.co.uk

3aaa Worcester | The Ground Floor Office Suite Virginia House | The Butts | Worcester | WR1 3PA

01905 611 410 March/April 2015

Adrian Russell

Arrivista Excellence Awards

Consulting Limited

Karen Costello collecting the West Midlands 1:1 Client of the Year award on behalf of James Keating, Managed Serviced Offices for

How much time do you spend thinking about the future of your business?

Do you spend most of your time managing the needs of today or the next few weeks?

Can I help you plan your growth for the coming 6-24 months?

Be it the big things to help plan the business direction: n Developing commercial business strategies n Driving sales growth by: - Identifying sales opportunities - Developing and implementing sales campaigns - Analysing customer portfolios to focus selling resource n Preparing monthly management accounts and financial reports

Or the small things to help free up thinking time for you: n Organising data and turning it into information n Running more effective meetings n Taking complexity out of business processes n Improving Excel and Powerpoint skills n Facilitating meetings

1. Making the most of a great opportunity.

2. Developing and rolling out commercial systems to ensure revenue opportunities through existing and new clients are maximised.

3. Working with Centre Managers across multiple sites to ensure focus on generating leads through to improved profitability.

Holding them accountable for delivering, measuring and reporting, on all associated activities.

Managed Serviced Offices Ltd have won many awards for their commitment and outstanding services when it comes to providing flexible serviced offices and meeting rooms in the best locations across the UK.

www.msoworkspace.com

Helping our clients become outstanding business leaders

If you have a need for any of these services or think I can add value to your business, please contact me for a chat to see how I can help.

Tel: 07909 688294 | ade@adrianrussellconsulting.co.uk

Contact us for a complimentary business review

call 01905 621566 or email info@arrivista.co.uk

YOU’RE HIRED! There are over 1,100,000 people in IT related jobs in the UK alone. This is only set to increase as technology pervades all aspects of our lives

For growing businesses, an IT apprentice is a great way of developing your in-house IT team as your business grows. As paper and spreadsheets are replaced with software and systems, and hardware is replaced with new computers, servers and associated services, your IT apprentice will grow into the role the business needs as the business requirements emerge over time.

One of our apprentices, who started working with us in 2010 is now our Network Engineer. He manages all of our servers, PCs, laptops, cyber security, IT and IA policies and procedures. He’s only 23 years old, yet has my confidence and trust, and his own skills and confidence to fulfil the role. He loves his job, and has been key to our business expansion, and maintaining our ongoing security against cyber-attacks, which are attempted every day!

This year I have recruited three apprentices. Two are on the higher Level 4 apprenticeship, and are likely to go on to attain a degree in Computing at the University of Worcester. They are 20 and 23 years old respectively, and

bring maturity and prior life experience to the business.

The third apprentice will be an office junior to start with.

He is just 16, smart, but unsure of a career path as yet.

As we train him up, he will be able to grow into a role that he enjoys and best suits his skills and personality.

Finding an IT apprentice starts with talking to an apprentice provider. Here we are lucky in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, in that there are several great providers available to help.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Think about how an IT apprentice could revolutionise and support your business’ growth in 2015, and pick up the phone to one of the training providers.

Steve Borwell-Fox 01684 377980 www.borwell.com

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Your Career Academy

How do you engage employees?

Employee engagement has always been a difficult nut to crack. Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) research states that 63% of employees surveyed said that recognition would improve their realtionship with their manager. Included in the survey 55% of employees did not feel appreciated or recognised by their manager.

This is alarming when we know that employees out perform their peers when they feel motivated, are recognised, rewarded, appreciated and appraised.

Brett Griffiths, Director of Your Career Academy comments, “All of these areas are well known about and it’s all common sense, however in my experience it’s not common practice. Our platform gives the employees at all levels the ‘enablers’ to make them feel recognised, and rewarded .”

Changing the way people are developed What is the ROI on a Learning Management Systems?

Your Career Academy have spent many years developing their people development platform (LMS) to ensure their customers get a true return on investment. What does the research say?

One large global IT company reports that for every £1 they spend they receive £4 back. Assessments completed by 3,560 partners who used an Academy portal reported a 74% improvement in the ability to sell or service clients and 76% said that customer satisfaction jumped by 50 percent or more http://www.workforce.com/section/11/feature/23/27/95/232799.html

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For a FREE consultation of your requirement contact Brett www.yourcareeracademy.com +44(0)1905 23928 info@yourcareeracademy.com

So why not increase your training budget and put employees through more training?

Huthwaite Research states that 87% of what is learnt in a training session will be lost after one month upon completion of the training programme, the key reason behind this is due to ineffective posttraining reinforcement and monitoring by managers.

Brett comments, “Like any other part of your business there is a strategic approach, many managers do not identify the CSF’s Critical Success Factors to the training leading to poor results. What is needed is the understanding of the “Human Factor”, what is the learning outcome, how will the employee be appraised, recognised or has this been built into their goals or competency framework? In many cases this has not been reviewed. Our platfrom has been developed with learning & development professionals, organisational phychologists and our customer base enabling us to thrive when it comes to March/April 2015 true employee development”.

From Data Centres, Secure Hosting to Telecoms

Arrivista Excellence Awards The 2014 International Achievement award goes to

Atwell International for

We are an ISO 9001 & ISO 27001 Certified Company As one of the UKs leaders in providing IT solutions we are able to provide Rack Space; Shared Colocation; Dedicated Servers and Cloud Solutions to businesses across the UK. Our bespoke data centres offer complete confidence that your data will be hosted securely at highly affordable costs.

Key Business Areas: t Data Centres t Dedicated Servers t Leased Lines & MPLS

t CoLocation & Rack Space t IT Solutions & Maintenance t Telecoms, VoIP & Broadband

New Tier 4+ Facility opened in the Midlands Tel: 01200 400600 www.datatechuk.com Prospect House, Fishing Line Road,

1. Successfully developing a new area of it’s business through partnering with a leading US provider of complimentary products.

2. Embarking on a new business direction by offering complete lifts manufactured in Spain to a highly competitive UK market and then exceeding initial targets.

3. Attracting great interest from markets in the Far East.

Providing the ultimate safety products and support to a well established customer base of multi-national and independent lift companies.

www.atwellinternational.com

Helping our clients become outstanding business leaders Contact us for a complimentary business review

call 01905 621566 or email info@arrivista.co.uk

HANDELSBANKEN PUT LOCAL DECISIONS AND RELATIONSHIP BANKING BACK IN THE DRIVING SEAT Handelsbanken’s Worcester branch has been praised by a local business that specialises in the sale of second-hand trucks. Paul May, Director of P M Commercials Limited, moved his business and personal banking to Handelsbanken in 2013 commenting “Moving your banking is a daunting prospect. My accounts were moved quickly and my Relationship Managers kept in regular contact with me during the process. The bank also helped me to purchase seven additional trucks for my hire fleet.”

Paul’s Corporate Manager Danielle Oliver commented “When Paul approached me I knew I could help him straight away as we make all decisions at the Branch for Personal Banking, Mortgages, Credit Cards, Business Overdrafts, Business Loans, Invoice Discounting and Asset Finance.”

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Top: Danielle Oliver (Handelsbanken Corporate Account Manager) Bottom from left to right: Joanne Watkins (Handelsbanken Individual Banking Manager), Paul May (Director of P M Commercials Limited), and Phil Dutton (Handelsbanken Worcester Branch Manager).

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INTERNATIONALTRADE

WORCESTER’S MAGIC WHITEBOARD NAMED BEST EXPORTER IN WEST MIDLANDS Magic Whiteboard in Worcester has been named as a West Midlands winner of the GREAT Faces of British Business competition. The Business is GREAT Britain campaign launched the competition in 2014, in association with BT Business, to find the most innovative and exciting UK businesses.

Named Best Exporter in the West Midlands, Magic Whiteboard is now in the running to win the national competition and the top prize of £30,000 worth of support. The winners will be decided by a combination of judging and public vote.

Neil Westwood, Managing Director, Magic Whiteboard said: “We’re thrilled to have been selected as a regional winner in the GREAT Faces of British Business competition. There’s a wealth of innovative small and medium-sized businesses out there and it’s great to be recognised as one of them by the competition. We would love to win the national award and so please show your support by voting for us on www.greatbusiness.gov.uk/competition.”

Magic Whiteboard allows you to create a whiteboard from a roll anywhere in seconds. After successfully securing investment on BBC Dragons Den, its sales have dramatically risen since 2008, exporting to 20 countries around the World including the USA, Australia, Egypt, Korea, New Zealand, and Germany. It supplies retailers such as Ryman Stationery, Office Depot and Amazon, as well as supplying over 1,800 schools.

The innovative Magic Whiteboard clings, using static, to any flat surface and leaves no marks. You write on Magic Whiteboard with any dry erase whiteboard marker then wipe clean and reuse. It has recently translated its web pages into French and German to increase sales in Europe: a potential market of 200 million customers.

announced on 3rd March. The prize includes a bespoke creative advertising campaign worth £30,000, along with an iPad Air and unlimited BT Wi-Fi for 12 months, all courtesy of BT Business.

The national competition consists of the regional winners from the three categories: Best Exporter, Most Innovative Business, and Best Growth Story. The grand prix winner, selected by a national judging panel, will be

In addition, the winner will also receive a package of export support from UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), which works with UK businesses to help them succeed in international markets and supports the Business

is GREAT Britain campaign, with the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS).

The Business is GREAT Britain campaign aims to celebrate and inspire small businesses and is run by BIS and UKTI. It provides relevant advice and information for small and medium sized enterprises looking to grow, hire, export, lead and access finance. www.greatbusiness.gov.uk

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Introducing an online ATA Carnet service. Now digital to support business in the 21st century Chamber members receive the discounted rate of £200+VAT

UKTI Herefordshire & Worcestershire 048

March/April 2015

INTERNATIONALTRADE

WORCESTERSHIRE FIRMS IN BID TO WIN MORE BUSINESS Two Worcestershire firms - Titania and Deep-Secure - are among a group of 12 UK cyber security firms which travelled to Washington to meet a host of US businesses in a bid to win more British business in a growing sector.

The Prime Minister was in the US for talks with President Obama, and cyber security was high on the agenda as the Government steps up its efforts to combat cyber threats against industry. In a bid to win more British business for the growing sector, a group of 12 UK cyber security firms also travelled to Washington to meet a host of US businesses.

Companies on the delegation included Titania (Worcester), launched commercially in 2010 and has since grown rapidly and supplies to over 60 countries, as well as Deep-Secure (Malvern), a cyber security software specialist with a considerable technology track record for helping organisations in defence, security, private and public sectors to securely share information.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: “The UK is already leading the way in cyber security and this government is committed to ensuring it continues to be a leader in this multi-billion dollar industry. That’s why on this trip I’ve been showcasing some of the leading UK cyber security small businesses, some of whom are already beating off the competition and opening offices and securing contracts in the US. We’re also stepping up the practical support we offer

DIGITAL ADVISOR 1-TO-1 E-EXPORTING CLINIC Judith McElhinney, a specialist Digital Advisor with UK Trade & Investment, will be visiting Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce on Monday 16 March, to hold free 1-to-1 exporting clinics with businesses who want to make sure they have got their online strategy right.

UK cyber security companies to make sure they have the best opportunity to win even more business in the US. We need to make sure the UK remains one of the most cyber secure places in the world to do business. It’s great news that even more companies have signed up to our Cyber Essentials Scheme to keep themselves safe and we will continue to invest in supporting companies of all sizes with their cyber security.”

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “The UK has a world-leading digital economy, growing three times as fast as our overall economy and employing over a million people. Our businesses earn £1 in every £5 from the internet, so it’s vital that we work with them to combat online crime, and make sure large and small firms alike are protected. The measures we’ve announced will boost the UK cyber security industry and ensure UK Plc can continue to stay safe and thrive online.”

The UK cyber security sector has world-leading capabilities and is worth over £6bn, employing 40,000 people. UK cyber security exports increased 22% from £850m to over £1bn during 2013 and are on track to meet a target of £2bn by 2016.

Improved cyber security information and advice for businesses is available via the Government’s Business Support Helpline, the Business Growth Service and www.greatbusiness.gov.uk

With a background in web development, digital marketing and e-commerce strategy, Judith can help businesses drive traffic and sales by developing effective e-commerce strategies. Judith has gained over 14 years’ experience across various industry sectors, including a senior management role at Amazon UK, before moving to UKTI to utilise her digital and e-commerce expertises as part of the e-Exporting Programme.

The 1-to-1 advisory meetings present the perfect opportunity to get free and impartial advice on exporting via your website, getting listed on the most appropriate e-marketplaces around the world, marketing via social media platforms and answers to e-Exporting questions and issues specific to your business.

To book a 1-to-1 session with Judith, contact 01905 454848 or email a.avery@uktiwm.co.uk.

Please note: On booking you will be required to complete a brief pre-meeting questionnaire and we cannot confirm your booking until it has been completed by you and assessed by the digital adviser team.

HIGH VALUE OPPORTUNITIES FOR BRITISH COMPANIES IN GLOBAL SPORTS PROJECTS Launched by UKTI in 2011, the High Value Opportunities (HVO) programme aims to support greater UK access to the wide range of large-scale international tenders and contracts that occur globally. The HVO programme focuses on significant opportunities, with several hundred projects in excess of £1 billion each, in sectors such as infrastructure, energy and transport.

There are currently several sporting opportunities identified on the list – including the Qatar World cup in 2022, opportunities in Brazil, as well as in Japan, Korea, Russia and central Asia. Through its network, UKTI can access project detail and intelligence about these opportunities. This provides an opening for UKTI to offer UK business a more intensive level of support to access the supply chain. Validation and

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

access to data are included in the service.

If you are interested in finding out more about these opportunities for your company, and whether you could compete for this level of contract, please contact your local International Trade Adviser, email internationaltrade@hwchamber.co.uk, or call the International Trade team on 01905 673614.

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INTERNATIONALTRADE

TRAINING COURSES WORCESTER - 2015/2016 What’s new – Changes in International Trade 11 March 2015 Sandra Strong Strong & Herd Basics of Export Documentation 19 March 2015 Anthony Griffiths Strong & Herd Advanced Export Documentation 24 March 2015 Anthony Griffiths Strong & Herd IPR (Inward Process Relief) 25 March 2015 Anthony Griffiths Strong & Herd Letters of Credit 16 April 2015 Mark Hayward MJ Hayward & Assoc Incoterms (2010) 28 April 2015 Strong & Herd

Basics of Export Documentation 11 June 2015 Strong & Herd

Customs Compliance 22 October 2015 Strong & Herd

Advanced Letters Of Credit 18 June 2015 Mark Hayward MJ Hayward & Assoc

Managing Agents & Distributors 10 November 2015 Keith Jones Link me to Export

Tariff Classification 2 July 2015 Strong & Herd

Advanced Letters Of Credit 19 November 2015 Mark Hayward MJ Hayward & Assoc

Managing Agents & Distributors 7 July 2015 Keith Jones Link me to Export

Basics of Export Documentation 9 December 2015 Strong & Herd

Advanced Import Procedures 9 July 2015 Strong & Herd

Tariff Classification 10 February 2016 Strong & Herd

IPR (Inward Process Relief) 8 September 2015 Strong & Herd

Incoterms (2010) 11 February 2016 Strong & Herd

Advanced Export Documentation 9 September 2015 Strong & Herd

Letters of Credit 8 March 2016 Mark Hayward MJ Hayward & Assoc

The Distributor Contract 13 May 2015 Keith Jones Link me to Export

Basics of Export Documentation 10 September 2015 Strong & Herd

Export Licensing 14 May 2015 Strong & Herd

Export Licensing 7 October 2015 Strong & Herd

Basics of Import Procedures 21 May 2015 Strong & Herd

Incoterms (2010) 14 October 2015 Strong & Herd

Customs Compliance 10 June 2015 Strong & Herd

Letters of Credit 15 October 2015 Mark Hayward MJ Hayward & Assoc

What’s New – Changes in International Trade 10 March 2016 Sandra Strong Strong & Herd Advanced Export Documentation 16 March 2016 Strong & Herd Basics of Export Documentation 17 March 2016 Strong & Herd

0845 641 1613 internationaltrade@hwchamber.co.uk 050

March/April 2015

BUSINESSNEWS

ARTRIX ARTS CENTRE CELEBRATES 10TH BIRTHDAY 2015 looks set to be an exciting year for Artrix Arts Centre in Bromsgrove which is celebrating its 10th birthday. During its 10 year history Artrix has welcomed a stellar cast of performers through its doors including John Bishop, Julian Lloyd Webber and Cara Dillon and plans to celebrate it’s birthday in style. On 25th April there will be a lantern procession in conjunction with schools and local community groups, followed by a spectacular outdoor performance of Spellbound

by Walk The Plank. Further celebrations will take place on 13th June to coincide with the opening of the Bromsgrove Festival. Motionhouse Dance Company, another leading producer of outdoor work, will stage a performance at Artrix and another with students from Heart of Worcestershire College on Bromsgrove High Street.

As well as joining in the celebrations, Members are welcome to contact Artrix to find out about the sponsorship opportunities available during this landmark year. www.artrix.co.uk

APPRENTICESHIP EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR ISO Quality Services Ltd scooped the Apprenticeship Employer of the Year, Small Business of the Year and the big prize of the night, Apprenticeship Employer of the Year 2014, at the Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards.

The awards were a culmination of all the hard work by every single one of those who work for the company.

First and foremost ISOQSL would not have been in the position to be nominated had it not been for the apprentices themselves.

Without the backing of senior management, the apprenticeship scheme would not have got off the

ground. The commitment they have shown to the apprentices’ development has been unwavering.

The patience and effort shown by every member of the team in the training of apprentices, making them feel welcome and part of the family is incredibly important to the success of the apprenticeship scheme.

ISO Quality Services would like to say massive congratulations to every single company and individual that was nominated as part of the awards. www.isoqsltd.com

UNIVERISTY OF WORCESTER’S MOON MISSION Between March and July 2015, the people of Herefordshire and Worcestershire – young and old – will be joining forces to travel the distance to the moon and back 477,714 miles - contributing through walking, cycling, wheeling, swimming – just about any physical activity!

THE KEY BENEFITS OF INCREASING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ARE SIGNIFICANT: n Increased energy levels n Improved concentration n Reduced risk of serious health conditions such as heart disease, obesity and cancer n Better quality of sleep n Lifts mood so helps mental wellbeing

SO WHY TAKE PART? n It’s a fun and focussed way to help your employees become more health aware and increase their physical activity n It’s a great free opportunity to help the community within Herefordshire and Worcestershire achieve a common goal n It can be linked to current or new fund raising activities So take that one small step, register to take part, and help Herefordshire and Worcestershire take a giant leap forward in health and wellbeing www.worcester.ac.uk/moonmission

WORCESTER COMMUNITY CENTRE TO RELAUNCH WITH NEW LOOK AND NEW NAME A community centre which has been part of life in Warndon Villages for more than 21 years has relaunched with a new look and a new name.

Lyppard Grange Community Centre in Ankerage Green is stepping in to its 22nd year and has worked with Worcester-based Modus Creative in developing a new name, logo and branding.

Centre Manager, Mo Bayliss, said: “Our board of trustees recognised that we needed a new name and brand which reflected who we are today and the services we offer.

Modus Creative really engaged with us to understand our vision and develop our ideas into a beautiful, new and professional look. We believe that our new name reflects our ambition to be the ‘hub’ of our community and to deliver services and activities that our community desires.”

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Over the years the centre has grown to host more than 55 activity groups such as martial arts clubs, reading groups, walking groups, carboot sales, play days for children and an annual fete which last year attracted more than 1,000 people. The centre is also the base for the monthly meetings of Warndon Parish Council. www.lyppardhub.co.uk

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March/April 2015

Simon Huges and Kevin Heapey, Sales Executives

AUTO-ENROLMENT

ARE YOU READY FOR IT? As Independent Financial Advisers, Kingfurness & Associates Ltd are able to fully advise and assist with the forthcoming changes. We will complete an analysis of the different business requirements and provide a formal recommendation.

Kingfurness & Associates Ltd will implement a bespoke package, including liaising with the entire workforce on your behalf, which is one of the keystages in the auto enrolment process.

NUMBER ONE FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE We are delighted to report that we have been ranked first for customer satisfaction in sales in a Mazda Customer Experience report.

The UK-wide report, covering July to December 2014, revealed that we scored 99.3% for customer satisfaction with 100% of respondents saying they would recommend us.

Our family-run dealership has established a reputation for providing first-class customer care and a personal yet professional environment for customers and staff. We have a long established hard working team who dedicate themselves to providing the highest level of customer service.

Dealer principal, Viv Melia explained: “We provide customers with all the support we can to reassure them that they are choosing the most suitable car for their needs. We pride ourselves on providing an unpressured environment while giving a professional service.

“Our customers are the most important element of our business, so it is crucial that we provide them with the best possible facilities, while making the car-buying journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible.”

Bengrys ensures high standards of customer service throughout the dealership. We offer a complimentary shuttle to and from Leominster town, collection and delivery within the local area and courtesy cars while vehicles are being serviced. Other plus-points include complimentary tea and coffee if customers choose to wait for their vehicle.

Customers also benefit from dedicated fully manufacturer trained technicians who will carry out a free visual health check on every customers car. Bengrys also provide a range of servicing offers and low cost MOT’s.

DO NOT delay contact Kathy Twigg at Kingfurness on 01432 277877 or email kathy@kingfurness.co.uk for further information What is Auto-enrolment?

As you are aware there have been a number of significant changes introduced by the Government in respect of Pensions.

The new Pension legislation will be complex and challenging for most employers. It will represent increased costs with extra Pension contributions, whilst also providing additional duties with extra communications and record keeping.

Every business has to automatically enrol eligible workers into a qualifying pension scheme if they aren’t already in one and the employer will need to make a contribution towards it. Failure to do so will result in substantial fines!

When is Auto-enrolment?

You will be issued with a ‘Staging Date’ which MUST be adhered to.

How long does the process take?

At least six months, in most cases. Larger employers may take even longer.

You’ll need to prepare as early as possible to give yourselves enough time to review and update your pension scheme, processes and systems.

If you leave it too late, we may not be able to help you get ready in time.

Can I delay the ‘Staging Date’?

NO, although you may be able to postpone it for up to 3 months. There are severe financial penalties for any Company that does not comply with the new regulations.

For more information about the Mazda range, call us on 01568 612337 or visit our showroom at Southern Avenue. Leominster.

BENGRY MOTORS leominster

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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Commitment to customer superb communication

Quality in Cleaning One of the largest cleaning companies in the West of England For a free no obligation consultation and quotation call

0800 3161111

consistent high standards

effective recruitment training flexible specification

D.B.S clearance

email sales@clearview-cleaning.co.uk

over 50 years experience 054

March/April 2015

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

A COOL APPROACH DHD Solutions Ltd was founded in 2013 and has two main business streams, firstly the provision of new cooling systems to a wide range of clients, and secondly the refurbishment and maintenance of already existing systems.

Working with some of the largest global OEMs of cooling equipment we support all markets ranging from large nuclear facilities such as Sellafield to food and beverage companies like Kerry Ingredients in Tenbury Wells or components manufacturers like JVM Castings in Worcester.

Almost all processes create waste heat whether it is a simple building air conditioning system, or a large chemical reaction vessel, and where possible this waste heat is put to good use. If this is not possible then this needs to be safely and efficiently rejected. DHD Solutions are able to offer unbiased advice to our clients on the available technologies to reject this heat, ensuring they receive the correct solution for their needs.

Evaporative Cooling Towers, Hybrid Coolers, Air Blast Coolers, Heat exchangers and Chillers provide the means to remove heat from almost any process, and it

is the efficient selection and operation of these systems that we dedicate our time to.

PERSONAL PROFILES Mark Donoghue - I am primarily focussed on the sale of Service and Maintenance for Cooling Systems.

With over 10 year’s experience selling to clients from the largest heavy chemical, power and manufacturing sectors who may have multiple cooling systems to small manufacturers who may have only one. I aim to provide a value add approach when reviewing cooling systems no matter the size or type. These systems are evaluated to ensure compliance with the latest Health and Safety legislation but also thoroughly assessed from a performance improvement perspective Many older cooling systems may now be inefficient and through our in house thermal performance evaluations these systems can be brought back to optimal operating efficiency which can lead to reduced running costs thereby offering our clients real time payback.

Gary Dicker - Working with engineers and developers my primary role is to support the development and design of new cooling installations across the UK and Northern Europe, in addition to this I work closely with Mark on the extensive installed base; testing, reviewing and optimising cooling plant performance.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Our environment is demanding change, and our focus is on gaining the best performance out of new and existing equipment to improve plant efficiency and reduce power consumption. As cooling systems are necessary in many applications, it is our focus to make them as safe and efficient as possible to reduce the burden on both the environment and our valuable industries.

If you have an existing system in need of refurbishment or are looking to grow or upgrade systems that require cooling, we can support you at all stages of your project and throughout the lifetime of your equipment.

For all your cooling needs, or for more information on our products and services please contact DHD on 01905 317370, or visit our website www.dhdsolutions.co.uk.

SOLUTIONS

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Get with the Cloud or get left behind

We’re Oosha – one of the leading providers of cloud, hosted and managed IT services in the UK. We deliver IT services & solutions to both SME and Enterprise level UK businesses.

Following a ‘Make IT simple’ approach, our core focus in on providing IT services that deliver ‘real business benefits’.

We pride ourselves on giving open and honesty consultancy & believe in educating clients on how IT services can improve the day-to-day operations, security and cost efficiency of their business.

List of our services n n n n n n n

IT Support & Managed Services Cloud Solutions Disaster Recovery Hosted Desktop Connectivity VoIP Telephony Hosting

Want To Move Your Business To The Cloud?

Although today’s business owners are becoming more tech savvy, ‘The Cloud’ is still very much a confusing concept for some. Some companies are yet to be convinced that moving to the ‘Cloud’ is right for their business whilst others fully understand & appreciate the benefits but still struggle with the question of ‘HOW’?

Want to migrate part of your organisations IT to ‘The Cloud’ or just understand the benefits of the technology for your business? Then speak to our friendly and approachable team here at Oosha. Whether you’re looking to move your entire infrastructure to the cloud or simply your email, data or a business critical application, we’re here to help.

Need Some Advice?

Call us on 0845 1234 766 or email us on sales@oosha.co.uk

www.oosha.co.uk Join us on

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Business Direction advert.indd 1

March/April15:06 2015 19/02/2015

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Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Harrison Clark Rickerbys Ltd is authorised and regulated by the SRA

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COMMERCIALPROPERTY HELPING BUSINESSES THROUGH THE COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MAZE

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MESSAGING EXPERT MOVES INTO ENIGMA BUSINESS PARK A leader in corporate messaging is moving into new offices in Malvern in a deal transacted by leading Midland independent property consultancy GJS Dillon.

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Visit our website for a full list of available properties:

www.gjsdillon.co.uk Bromsgrove Office

01527 872525

The purpose-built two-story offices at 2 Nimrod House consist of 2,416 sq ft of modern open plan office space with 10 dedicated parking spaces.

Worcester Office

13 New Road Bromsgrove B60 2JG

9 Edgar Street Worcester WR1 2LR

www.gjsdillon.co.uk

Icetrak Limited provides SMS and fax messaging services to over 1,200 UK organisations across a wide range of sectors including financial services, recruitment, estate agency, health, logistics, charities and local government. Neil Skinner, Managing Director of Icetrak said “Moving to the Enigma Business Park will provide Icetrak with the extra space and high speed communications links to manage the continued growth of the business. It also gives us much improved meeting and training facilities to extend and promote the range of services we can offer our clients.”

01905 28684

Lynne Davies of GJS Dillon, who acted for the vendors, insurance broker Balens Ltd, said, “This is a high quality modern office building in an attractive setting. The Enigma Business Park is very well located in Malvern’s main commercial district just north of Great Malvern and I am sure it will suit Icetrak well.”

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March/April 2015

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

ALLTEKO NO LIMITS Allteko Ltd is now in its ninth year of trading and is as strong as ever. Supplying the Oil and Gas markets predominantly in Kazakhstan where multi Billion Dollar investments are taking place at Kashagan, Karachaganak, Dunga and Tengizchevroil. Whilst supporting the refineries and fields we also work with Contractors Worley Parsons, Fluor and Wood Group.

The range and scope of products and equipment we supply is huge, encompassing complete Pressure Vessels and Heat Exchangers in exotic materials to a whole host of commodities such as Pumps, Valves, Pipes, Steel, Insulation and Buildings - far too many to state here.

Please take a look at our web site www.allteko.com for more details.

We are totally responsible for the design and manufacture, and use Manufacturers both in the UK and Europe who have the qualifications and expertise required. All project management is carried out by our trained staff. All documentation including Passports are supplied in dual language. Correct paperwork is essential, any errors and the goods will be held by customs. Our staff work with each supplier to ensure the correct paperwork is in place.

We pride ourselves on our ability to deliver on time. This is absolutely key to our business and our reputation.

Whilst we have qualified as an approved supplier to various customers in the Oil and Gas industry this does not mean we automatically receive purchase orders. As well as a competitive price and delivery time our performance is constantly measured. Our current delivery performance is 98%. All our approved suppliers have to ensure that they can achieve the date requested. Falling below 90% would result in a quick exit for Allteko from the approved supplier listing.

During the year we have qualified to ISO 9001 and invested in an Agent for the Middle East. We have started to win orders in this difficult competitive market, as always it will take time to firmly establish ourselves.

We are extremely optimistic in the coming year of a sales increase from £3.5M to £5M. Long term we envisage having a number of satellite offices around the world. Operating in country is a definite plus and can bring a number of concessions in order to help with our competiveness.

To Allteko communication is the most important element of sales and should never be ignored.

Potential and existing customers like to hear a voice and not some bland email. You have to demonstrate that you want the order and then present your capabilities, even if this involves getting on the next available flight.

Given our proven experience as an Engineering Procurement Specialist to the Oil and Gas industries I would very much like to offer our services, where applicable, to UK companies that are struggling to source materials, we may just be able to help and would welcome the opportunity to quote any UK business that may be interested.

Tel: +44 (0) 1905 26566 Mob: +44 (0) 07774 461204 Email: enquiries@allteko.com Web: www.allteko.com Allteko Ltd, 1 McNaught Place, St Mary’s St, Worcester WR1 1HA

We are always under pressure from competitors around the world and the high calibre service we offer is essential when winning new customers. We always treat every enquiry the same no matter how large or small. Each enquiry is acknowledged by return and quoted within the specified period, sometimes even the same day.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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CHARITYNEWS

MEMORIES ALL WRAPPED UP Quilts made with love and care by dedicated Worcestershire women are set to become the holders of treasured memories for families of St Richard’s Hospice patients.

Members of the Project Linus UK volunteer group recently donated a large bundle of the handmade quilts to the Worcestershire hospice’s Family Support Team.

LOCAL CHARITY PRESENTS THE SECRET ELEPHANT SHOW TO WORCESTERSHIRE BUSINESSES A unique and atmospheric charity dinner event is taking place on Thursday 26th March 2015, at 7pm at The Bank House Hotel.

The Secret Elephant Show promises good food, drink, company, theatre and music.

Worcestershire and Herefordshire based charity, Onside, in association with the University of Worcester’s Department of Drama and Performance, are planning ‘an unusual, amusing, entertaining and stimulating evening’.

Carol Chapman, Chair of the Onside Board of Trustees, said: “It’s a great opportunity for business leaders to network, enjoy a night out with colleagues, to tick that ‘Corporate Responsibility’ box and to have fun.

Most importantly, it’s an opportunity to support Onside in helping those in the community less fortunate than ourselves.

It’s a positive social and commercial thing to do – helping to build stronger communities, and our region to thrive.

It’s all about the ‘elephant in the room’, the things that people feel they can’t talk about, and we think he may just turn up on the night! The event has something of a Victorian music hall theme, but we’re not revealing too much about the content, which is very exciting.”

Tickets are selling fast, sponsorship packages are being taken and Grand Prize Draw donations are flooding in. It will be a very special evening indeed.

Local insurance brokers Sutcliffe & Co have joined the not-for-profit organisation Give01Day and a generous group of IT companies to provide free cyber security assistance to charities, including the Government’s new Cyber Essentials certificate and free cyber liability insurance.

Minister for Culture and the Digital Economy, Ed Vaizey, said: “The UK is leading the way in cyber security and we want to remain one of the most secure places to do business and operate online.

Our Cyber Essentials scheme helps businesses and organisations of all sizes 060

St Richard’s Hospice provides free specialist palliative care for patients living with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses and supports their families. Each year the hospice team supports over 2,500 patients and family members in Worcestershire.

Patients are cared for in Day Hospice, the 17-bed In-patient Unit or in their own

Lynne Adams of Project Linus and Alison Cooper Family Support Officer

homes by a specialist professional team, as well as many trained volunteers.

In the In-patient Unit, specialist staff are on hand 24 hours a day to manage patients’ symptoms and where, if appropriate, patients may spend the last few days of life in comfort and dignity. St Richard’s is an independent charity and is grateful for all donations to help it to continue its work. www.strichards.org.uk

HOOPLE ‘BUDDIES’ RAISE THOUSANDS FOR ST MICHAEL’S HOSPICE

www.thesecretelephantshow.com

FREE CYBER SECURITY FOR CHARITIES

Charities often hold sensitive or valuable data, but may lack the resources to maintain the levels of cyber security required. In addition, Charities that work with government are now required to hold the Cyber Essentials certificate in order to demonstrate an acceptable standard of cyber hygiene.

Alison Cooper, from St Richard’s said: “We give these beautiful quilts to patients and their families and they snuggle up in them so the quilt becomes part of the life of the loved one, capturing special memories.

Then when the loved one dies, those who are left behind can cherish the quilts and they give great comfort.”

protect themselves and their valuable assets against online threats. Achieving Cyber Essentials certification will help ensure charities can operate safely online and continue the fantastic work they are doing across the country.”

If you know a charity who would benefit from free cyber security support or if you are a cyber-security specialist and would like to join the programme then visit the website to find out more. www.give01day.com

Innovative Hereford-based business services company, Hoople Ltd, today announced that it had exceeded its 2014 fundraising target in support of St Michael’s Hospice, Hereford.

The company’s ‘Hoople BuddieS’ held their last fundraising event on 10 December, a Christmas Fayre staged at the business’ premises in Plough Lane, Hereford. Together with the proceeds from a wide variety of events organised throughout the past year, including concerts, parties, a sky dive and weekly ‘bonus ball’ competition, over £11,000 was collected – more than £1,000 from the Christmas Fayre. The BuddieS had set themselves a target of £10,000.

Hoople BuddieS is a group of Hoople employees who work together to raise funds for the company’s designated ‘Charity of the Year’. St Michael’s was chosen by staff for the second year running; previously, in 2013, they had raised more than £10,000 for the charity.

Hoople’s Interim Chief Executive, Stephen Biggs, said: “Hoople BuddieS have once again worked tirelessly to support our

LtoR: Hoople Buddies Louise Montgomery Sonia Lowther and Angela Jones

Charity of the Year. It’s fantastic that we have been able to donate more than £20,000 to our chosen charity over the past two years, thanks to the work the BuddieS have undertaken and to the generosity of our staff and the many members of the public who have attended BuddieS events. We’re also grateful to Hereford Welsh Club for allowing us to use their premises. We couldn’t have raised this fantastic sum of money without them and my thanks go out to them all.” www.hoopleltd.co.uk / www. st-michaels-hospice.org.uk

March/April 2015

POLICYNEWS

QUARTERLY ECONOMIC SURVEY Q4 of the Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) saw a record number of local businesses complete the highly influential economic indicator. Over 430 local companies took the time to complete the survey, resulting in Herefordshire & Worcestershire sitting 4th in the response rate table – the highest in the entirety of the Midlands.

WORCESTERSHIRE DEVOLUTION DEBATE GETS LOCAL BUSINESSES THINKING DEVOLUTION A private sector led debate successfully got local businesses thinking about the question of regional devolution and what repercussions it could have on the local business community.

Chaired by Mary Rhodes - most commonly known as the presenter of BBC Midlands Today - the debate brought together representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, Federation of Small Businesses, Institute of Directors and the Heart of Worcestershire College, to discuss the impact that the

decentralisation of powers could have on skills, transport and infrastructure, the local economy and funding.

Mike Ashton, Chief Executive of the Chamber, who sat on the panel of business experts, said: “To have over 70 local business delegates together in a room discussing what is a very important issue was highly beneficial.

Not only were the specifics of devolution debated, but the topic naturally allowed us to explore what the Worcestershire business community see as key priorities moving forward.”

GATWICK AIRPORT BREAKFAST GIVES INSIGHT INTO AIRPORTS COMMISSION After a successful breakfast event with Heathrow Airport, the other possible recommendation in the ongoing Airports Commission into aviation capacity, Gatwick Airport, spoke to members about what an extended runway at Gatwick could mean for businesses in Herefordshire & Worcestershire.

Commenting, Mike Ashton, Chief Executive of Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We remain fully committed to seeing regional expansion at Birmingham Airport, but for members to be able to hear about the positives that expansion at Gatwick could offer was invaluable.

Held at the Abbey Hotel in Malvern, Piers Warburton, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Manager at Gatwick Airport, detailed the case for expansion at Gatwick, exploring the issue of cost, the amount of additional flights and markets that would be accessible with expansion, along with how Gatwick expansion could help regional UK airports, including Birmingham.

It is important that when the Airports Commission make their recommendations later this year, that they are then acted on quickly to ensure that Britain does not fall behind in global connectivity race. However, they must look to utilise existing capacity outside of the south-east, helping to alleviate the current reliance on the region.”

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

The results continue to show that, locally, we are following a similar recovery pattern to the national economy, with slow but steady growth, mixed fortunes in export markets, and price pressures due to raw material costs.

Mike Ashton, Chief Executive of Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, commented: “We are thrilled that so many local businesses have completed this incredibly valuable economic indicator. This level of response will ensure that Herefordshire & Worcestershire concerns are heard by key decision makers in Whitehall, Threadneedle Street and beyond.”

QES-themed Networking Breakfasts (To be held at Worcestershire County Cricket Club) Thursday 16th April Thursday 23rd July Thursday 15th October Thursday 14th January

WEEKLY POLICY UPDATE The Policy team have begun to create the Weekly Policy Update, which documents the key business, economic and political happenings each week. Looking at stories of local, national and international importance, it aims to be informative but concise. The policy update is uploaded onto our website each week, but if you would like to be added to the mailing list to receive it directly contact jacks@hwchamber.co.uk.

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NEWPEOPLETODOBUSINESSWITH

ALVECHURCH

HEREFORD

Media4Mobiles.com

Compact Safety Solutions

0121 445 2102

01432 850285

media4mobiles.com

The Organised Company Ltd

BROMSGROVE

07585 556421

Barnett Waddingham

KIDDERMINSTER

020 7776 2200 www.barnett-waddingham.co.uk Blue Sky Corporate Finance 0845 2583 759 www.blueskycf.com

BROMYARD The Shack Revolution 01885 488325 www.shackrevolution.co.uk

DROITWICH

Jane Lander-Taylor 01886 833547 www.janelander-taylor.co.uk Resolve Information Technology 01684 899 403 www.resolvetech.co.uk The Best of Malvern Hills

Aspire Business Development

01684 216121

07527 576 530

www.thebestof.co.uk/malvernhills

www.aspirebusdev.co.uk Kolorkraft Professional Imaging Ltd 07761 498 169 www.kolorkraft.co.uk

The Malvern Hair & Beauty Emporium 01684 577577

WORCESTER Compco Fire Systems Ltd

REDDITCH Safety Technology International (Europe) Ltd 01527 520 999 www.sti-europe.com

01905 741600 www.compcofire.co.uk Leveldisc Systems 01905 356802 www.leveldisc.co.uk

Eco Tray 01905 451 074

EVESHAM 4om

ROSS-ON-WYE

Squareye Television Ltd

Balthasar

01700 808 609

01989 567460

www.squareyetelevision.co.uk

www.balthasar.co.uk

01386 45281

OUT OF AREA

MALVERN

Firestarter Business Solutions Limited

Adrian Russell Consulting Ltd

Chris Joules Consulting Ltd

01242 279 783

07909 688294

07821 988321

www.firestartersolutions.co.uk

Vale Security Solutions Ltd

Ecclesia (UK) Ltd

SaBRE West Midlands

01386 443588

07525 646236

0800 389 5459

www.valesecuritysolutions.co.uk

www.ecclesiauk.org

www.sabre.mod.uk

CHAMBER LEGAL EXPENSES INSURANCE

No matter how well you plan and manage your business you never know when you are going to face unexpected legal fees. Members are entitled to free Legal Expenses Insurance (terms and conditions apply). Call 01905 673600 www.hwchamber.co.uk.co.uk/legal-expenses-insurance

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March/April 2015

NEWPEOPLETODOBUSINESSWITH

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

063

MOVERSANDSHAKERS

KATE WALTON, HALLMARKHULME Worcester’s oldest law firm HallmarkHulme has bolstered its commercial property team by appointing a new Associate Solicitor.

Kate Walton arrives at the 224-year-old practice in Sansome Place following nine years with a West Midlands-based firm. Her role will involve the buying and selling of property, landlord and tenant agreements and advising on finance options.

Kate said: “The service we provide is tailored to the client’s exact requirements, whether it relates to retail premises, office units or factories. As a resident of Worcester for several years, I’m delighted to be working for an established and highly regarded firm in the city. I’m also pleased to see that the commercial property market in the county is picking up as business confidence grows.”

Miss Walton, who has degrees in law and history, is using Worcester as the basis for her dissertation for a Masters degree in history, focusing on the influence of women on the economy in 17th and 18th century England.

JEREMY HOARE, OAKLAND INTERNATIONAL

KATE BUTLER, DJD ARCHITECTS DJD Architects have made a key appointment at their office in Worcester to support the growth of their business.

Kate Butler has joined the company as Practice Manager to assist with strategic improvement whilst also providing support and office management for the Directors.

Kate brings a wealth of experience and breadth of skills to DJD having worked in high profile project management positions for the last ten years. Kate spent eight years working in London for well known organisations such as PricewaterhouseCoopers following her graduation from the University of Bath, and returned to her home town of Worcester in 2008. www.djdgroup.co.uk

Specialist UK and Ireland supply chain operator Oakland International has confirmed the appointment of Jeremy Hoare as the company’s new Finance Director to assist with delivery of its next phase of growth.

An accomplished FD, with the drive and desire to take Oakland to the next level, Jeremy has held a number of senior positions with several larger businesses, including Finance Director for Linpac Allibert, the second largest European supplier of Plastic Returnable Packaging solutions prior to the merger with Schoeller Arca Systems to become the clear market leader, based out of the Netherlands. With an impeccable industry track record, Jeremy, who qualified as a Chartered Accountant at PricewaterhouseCoopers, has operated at top level management delivering both financial management and strategic change. www.oakland-international.com

www.hallmarkhulme.co.uk

L - R: Simmie Korotane and Sarah Taylor

SIMMIE KOROTANE AND SARAH TAYLOR, GOUGH BAILEY WRIGHT The PR department at Gough Bailey Wright (GBW) has expanded, following a series of new business wins and the growth of existing accounts.

Both Simmie Korotane, who joins as Senior Account Manager, and Sarah Taylor as Account Manager, are already making their mark at the award-winning consultancy.

With a Master’s Degree in Marketing, Simmie discovered a passion for PR when she embarked on her career in the industry more than 13 years ago. It was the reputation of the Bromsgrove-based agency, that delivers the full suite of marketing disciplines, that attracted Simmie to the role, as well as the accounts she will be working on which include Bobby’s Foods and Thomas Horton LLP Solicitors.

Journalism graduate Sarah, also brings a wealth of PR and Internal Communications experience to the consultancy. Having started her career as a regional news reporter, she is looking forward to working on a variety of GBW’s exciting accounts including Drayton Manor, Bromsgrove District Housing Trust and Bovis Homes. www.gough.co.uk

PROFESSOR KEITH STILL, ERESPONSE RECRUITMENT

VINCE HOPKINS, WORCESTERSHIRE AMBASSADORS

CLAIRE BENTICK, SME SOLICITORS

The Worcestershire Ambassadors group of Business Leaders has announced the appointment of Vince Hopkins as its new Chair.

SME Solicitors has announced the appointment of Claire Bentick as an Associate Solicitor in the Litigation Department.

With more than 25 years’ experience, Professor Still, 55, has advised event organisers on a host of high profile occasions including 2011 wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Sydney and London Olympics and the 2014 Commonwealth Games. He has also advised the Saudi Arabian government.

The Worcestershire Ambassadors’ objective is to promote all the positives about living and working in this county, linking organisations together and developing the social and economic prosperity of the county. A group of influential individuals who care passionately about the future health and prosperity of the county, the Ambassadors share a commitment to creating a county to be proud of.

Claire, who originally trained as a Criminal Defence Lawyer, retrained as a commercial lawyer and joins SME after six years working at Else Solicitors LLP, based in Burton and Birmingham.

www.e-responserecruitment.co.uk

www.worcestershireambassadors.com

www.smesolicitors.co.uk

Crowd science and risk analysis expert Professor Keith Still has joined eResponse Recruitment to help develop the firm’s new crowd safety division, which is dedicated to training and advising events organisers.

He is working alongside Head of Department Andy Hollinson and will deliver a range of training to clients.

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As part of the SME Litigation team, Claire is bringing her extensive expertise across a varied caseload which includes contract disputes, professional negligence claims, property disputes, banking litigation and some insolvency.

ALISON DALE, SIMON IRVIN, BISHOP FLEMMING Bishop Fleming has made two senior HR appointments to support its continued rapid growth.

Alison Dale has joined Bishop Fleming as Learning and Development Manager to oversee the firm’s training and career growth systems for all 300 staff across seven offices.

Simon Irvin has also joined Bishop Fleming as a Senior HR Manager, having spent 14 years in HR leadership roles at Sainsbury’s. www.bishopfleming.co.uk

March/April 2015

MOVERSANDSHAKERS HARRY BENGOUGH, ZOE GREEN, DAVID ASHCROFT, HARRISON CLARK RICKERBYS

L-R: Jasmine Bradley, Kevin Hateley, Ryan Nokes and Zack Pemberton-Whiteley.

KEVIN HATELEY, ZACK PEMBERTON-WHITELEY, JASMINE BRADLEY, RYAN NOKES, ALEX HALFPENNY, LEUKAEMIA CARE Worcester-based blood cancer support charity, Leukaemia CARE, has welcomed four new faces to its team, as it continues to expand its offering to patients and carers.

Kevin Hateley joins the charity as Fundraising Manager and is responsible for leading the fundraising team to develop and drive forward initiatives that ensures the charity continues to deliver its vital support services.

Law graduate Zack Pemberton-Whiteley joins the charity as Campaigning and Advocacy Officer and will be supporting Leukaemia CARE in representing the views of patients and carers to policy makers.

Jasmine Bradley has been appointed as Communications Officer, whose role is to help drive awareness of the charity and ensure that communication with patients, carers and fundraisers is maximised.

The communications team has also seen further expansion with the promotion of Alex Halfpenny from Fundraising Assistant to Digital Communications Officer.

Ryan Nokes has also joined the charity as Finance and Admin Manager to oversee the administrative and financial management of the charity. www.leukaemiacare.org.uk

L-R Diana Mainwaring, Shirley Rabbetts, Caroline Irvine, Vangeya Mhone

VANGEYA MHONE AND DIANA MAINWARING, HARRISON CLARK RICKERBYS’ The leading law firm’s Residential Property department has recently welcomed newly qualified Solicitor, Vangeya Mhone, to the team.

Vangeya read Sociology with Social Policy at the University of Warwick before converting to law and undertaking the Legal Practice Course in London. She then completed her training at a niche property firm in London where she assisted the property team on a wide range of residential and commercial transactions, including freehold and leasehold transactions, right to buy and shared ownership purchases.

Diana Mainwaring has also joined the firm’s Private Client department as a Solicitor specialising the preparation of Wills, Powers of Attorney, Trusts and the Administration of Estates. Diana qualified as a solicitor six years ago, having studied law at the University of East Anglia before completing her LPC at Cardiff University. She then trained with a firm in Shropshire and spent the first four years post qualification with that firm, before working with an estate planning company and relocating to Worcestershire. www.hcrlaw.com

The firm was delighted to attract Herefordshire born and bred Harry back to the County. Since leaving Leominster, Harry has worked in Birmingham, London and Hong Kong and is now pleased to be back in Herefordshire as an Associate Solicitor within the Banking, Restructuring and Insolvency Department. His specialist banking and finance expertise brings new experience to the local marketplace.

HEREFORDSHIRE BASED MANUFACTURING COMPANY TOAST CHARLOTTE’S SUCCESS

Ormerod Rutter Chartered Accountants, who have offices in Droitwich Spa and Bromsgrove, have recruited seven young people – the third group to join the training scheme since it was devised in 2012 by accounts manager Doug Marshall, whose own career began as an apprentice.

He is also advising businesses and charities working closely with partner Peter Copsey. www.mfgsolicitors.com

www.premierplaces.co.uk

www.ormerodrutter.co.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

The Commercial team has also been pleased to introduce David as a Consultant within the department. David has extensive experience in both private practice and commerce, gained in the City of London and Holborn, as well as sound knowledge of the local market, having lived in the Three Counties for over ten years.

JAMES PRICE, MATHEW WHEATCROFT, SIMON ROBSON, CHARLOTTE BECK, JACK SCOTT-WALKER, GRACE HAINES AND DANIEL POXON, ORMEROD RUTTER CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

Worcester lettings agency Premier Places has appointed Jessic Hewlett as Property Co-ordinator. In her new role Jessica is conducting regular inspections of tenanted properties and liaising closely with the agency’s network of landlords. ARLA-qualified, Jessica also helps prepare information which allows properties to be marketed.

Paul, a construction and regeneration specialist, will develop the firm’s commercial property services working closely with clients in the construction industry where he has built a widely respected name over his 25-year career.

Team at Masefield Solicitors in Ledbury.

Throughout her career Zoë has acted for all manner of businesses and private individuals including farmers, investors and developers in a wide range of matters and is part of the firm’s Agriculture and Rural Affairs team.

www.hcrlaw.com

During the first 12 months, the apprentices will each spend three months in Ormerod Rutter’s tax, limited company, small business and audit departments working towards their Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualification. For the following two years, they will be allocated to a set department. If they are successful, they can then progress to the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification, which takes four years to complete.

JESSICA HEWLETT, PREMIER PLACES

L-R Zoë Green, David Ashcroft, Matt Hayes and Harry Bengough

Zoë, who relocated to Herefordshire in 2012, has been welcomed as an Associate Solicitor within the Commercial Property department. Zoë qualified as a solicitor in 2007 and has most recently worked in the Residential and Commercial Property

The new faces are apprentices James Price (Worcester), Matthew Wheatcroft (Stourport), Simon Robson (Stourbridge) and Charlotte Beck (Redditch). Graduate trainees Jack Scott-Walker, Grace Haines and Daniel Poxon hail from Droitwich, Worcester and Kidderminster respectively.

PAUL MOUNTAIN, MFG SOLICITORS mfg Solicitors has appointed Paul Mountain as a Legal Consultant in its commercial property department.

Increased client demand from local and national businesses has seen leading regional law firm, Harrison Clark Rickerbys, welcome Harry Bengough, Zoë Green and David Ashcroft to the firm’s Hereford office, located on Broad Street.

IA Technology Ltd is dedicated to developing and supporting its employees and this was demonstrated through supporting their Marketing Manager, Charlotte Wearden through her Master’s in Marketing Management at the University of Worcester.

Charlotte’s time in education alongside working has been of benefit in many ways. Her dissertation that focused on how UK Manufacturing SMEs embark upon internationalisation has been extremely valuable in her marketing role. Furthermore IA Technology is also supporting two of their engineers through part-time higher education.

Ensuring a continued commitment to the development of its staff has meant that IA Technology has benefited from both an increase in the motivation of its employees as well as the fresh ideas that they have been able to bring from their time in education. The experiences have been hugely valuable to both parties and IA Technology thoroughly recommends investing in the future of employees. www.iatechnology.co.uk 065

LASTWORD

INTERNATIONAL TRADE - THE FOCUS OF THE NEXT BUSINESS DIRECTION For the last word, we spoke to Linda Smith, Head of International Trade based at Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, about the most significant barriers to exporting and how UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) can help overcome them.

or legal documents, websites, training materials, multimedia and apps.

Furthermore, we are able to build up a vocabulary of phrases and technical terms that are unique or specific to your company and industry - something many of our clients have already found invaluable.

WHY ARE MARKET VISITS BENEFICIAL AND HOW WOULD YOU GO ABOUT ORGANISING ONE? FOR BUSINESSES LOOKING TO TRADE INTERNATIONALLY, WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO START?

UK Trade and Investment can help you rise to the exciting opportunities and challenges that globalisation offers through a range of unique services as well as free of charge export advice from a dedicated International Trade Adviser (ITA).

If exports account for less than 25% of your turnover, you are eligible for the UKTI flagship service, Passport to Export.

This is a 12 month programme of support that will help you identify, understand and make the most of your international business opportunities.

A dedicated ITA will work closely with you to develop an action plan based on your objectives and resources. UKTI will then provide practical support and some financial assistance for you to implement this plan and unlock your international trade potential.

60% OF BRITISH TRADE IS WITH NON-ENGLISH SPEAKING COUNTRIES, WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO OVERCOME LANGUAGE BARRIERS?

In today’s global competitive market, where 75% of the world’s population do not speak English, the importance of getting the language right when conveying information is one of the key components that determine the outcome. The Chamber International Trade Centre can offer specialised translation services and are also a leading interpretation supplier to a wide range of industry sectors.

With access to over 500 highly experienced translators, we can provide accurate and reliable translations in more than 150 languages, can translate all content types including marketing, technical, medical, financial, commercial 066

Market visits can help businesses make new contacts, and research overseas markets. UKTI supports a range of market visits every year to a wide range of destinations markets to allow companies within the West Midlands to research foreign markets. UKTI provides financial support for small and medium sized enterprises attending a UKTI supported market visit.

WHAT HELP CAN BUSINESSES RECEIVE IF THEY ALREADY TRADE INTERNATIONALLY BUT WANT TO EXPAND THEIR MARKETS?

Each business and market is unique. What may have worked for you in one country, will not necessarily work in another. UKTI research and support services mean that we can help you replicate your successes in new overseas markets.

The worldwide market is fast-moving and dynamic and companies cannot afford to stand still. To help them stay ahead of the game, our Gateway to Global Growth programme will provide support to engage successfully with all the export opportunities available, in a way that suits their business.

Whether you need: high speed documentation, guidance with complex import and export rules, assistance with overseas trade fairs, market visits, provision of bespoke market intelligence, assistance with overcoming language barriers, bespoke consultancy or essential training the International Trade Team can offer expertise, practical support and opportunities to help your business prosper in new and existing emerging economies.

For more information please contact the International Trade Team 01905 673614 internationaltrade@ hwchamber.co.uk www.hwchamber.co.uk/support/ trading-internationally

HEREFORDSHIRE AND WORCESTERSHIRE GOLF SOCIETY EVENTS H&W Chamber Night Golf - Thursday 26th March 2015 Shotgun Start @ 7.00pm Ravenmeadow Golf Club, Hindlip Lane, Claines, Worcester, WR3 8SA Using supplied glow in the dark golf balls, Texas Scramble Format & one course dinner followed by prize giving.

For more information or to book please contact Neil Betteridge on 077926 20355 or email sales@amrosgolf.co.uk £100+ VAT Team of 4 £30.00+ VAT Individual H&W Chamber of Commerce Charity Golf Day sponsored by HomeXperts - Wednesday 27th May 2015 Droitwich Golf Club, Droitwich, Worcester, WR9 0BQ A great day sponsored by HomeXperts to network with fellow businesses as well as raise money for a great charity. The day will consist of breakfast on arrival, 18 holes followed by dinner. You will also receive a goody bag on arrival.

For more information or to book please contact Neil Betteridge on 077926 20355 or email sales@amrosgolf.co.uk £300+ Vat per team of 4 H&W Chamber of Commerce Charity Golf Day sponsored by CB Chartered Accountants - Friday 2nd October 2015 The Worcestershire Golf Club, Malvern Wells, Malvern, WR14 4PP A great day sponsored by CB Chartered Accountants to network with fellow businesses as well as raise money for a great charity. The day will consist of breakfast on arrival, 18 holes followed by dinner. You will also receive a goody bag on arrival.

For more information or to book please contact Neil Betteridge on 077926 20355 or email sales@amrosgolf.co.uk £300+ Vat per team of 4 Worcester Evening Golf - Thursday 23rd April 2015 Arrival 4.00pm, Tee Off 4.30pm Ravenmeadow Golf Club, Hindlip Lane, Claines, Worcester, WR3 8SA Part of our series of networking golf events, this is an excellent opportunity to meet and network with your neighbours on the golf course. We will play 9 holes followed by a meal in the clubhouse and some more networking. £20.00+VAT Members £25.00+VAT Non-members For more information or to book please contact Vicky Young on 01905 673600 or email events@hwchamber.co.uk Hereford Evening Golf - Thursday 2nd July 2015 Arrival 4.00pm, Tee Off 4.30pm Burghill Valley Golf Club, Tillington Road, Burghill, Hereford, HR4 7RW Part of our series of networking golf events, this is an excellent opportunity to meet and network with your neighbours on the golf course. We will play 9 holes followed by a meal in the clubhouse and some more networking. £20.00+VAT Members £25.00+VAT Non-members For more information or to book please contact Vicky Young on 01905 673600 or email events@hwchamber.co.uk Worcester Evening Golf - Thursday 17th September 2015 Arrival 4.00pm, Tee Off 4.30pm Gaudet Luce Golf Club, Middle Lane, Hadzor, Droitwich, WR9 7JR Part of our series of networking golf events, this is an excellent opportunity to meet and network with your neighbours on the golf course. We will play 9 holes followed by a meal in the clubhouse and some more networking. £20.00+VAT Members £25.00+VAT Non-members For more information or to book please contact Vicky Young on 01905 673600 or email events@hwchamber.co.uk

WE’D LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR INTERNATIONAL TRADE SUCCESS, PLEASE EMAIL STORIES TO BUSINESSDIRECTION@ HWCHAMBER.CO.UK BEFORE MARCH 26TH 2015.

March/April 2015

Come and meet us at the Made In The Midlands Expo Thursday 14th May 2015

FINALLY, A SUPER MINI

ALL-NEW MAZDA2 Arriving 20.03.2015.

There’s not long to wait now to get behind the wheel of the stunning all-new Mazda2. Award-winning SKYACTIV Technology delivers impressive performance and economy to complete an attractive package. The Sports Launch Edition, featuring 16” Alloy wheels and an integrated navigation system, demands an even closer look.

Be the first to get in the driving seat° by contacting Bengry Motors today.

Bengry Motors Southern Avenue, Leominster, Herefordshire HR6 0QF 01568 612337 www.bengry-mazda.co.uk

The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the all-new Mazda2 range: Urban 43.5 (6.5) - 74.3 (3.8).

Extra Urban 68.9 (4.1) - 88.3 (3.2). Combined 56.5 (5.0) - 83.1 (3.4). CO2 emissions (g/km) 117 – 89.

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.

Model shown: all-new Mazda2 90ps Sports Launch Edition, OTR from £14,995. OTR price includes VAT, number plates, delivery, 12 months’ road fund licence, first registration fee, 3 year or 60,000 mile warranty and 3 years’ European Roadside Assistance. °Test drives subject to applicant status and availability. Details correct at time of print.