Business Direction 29

Direction

Business

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Issue 29 January/February 2016

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January/February 2016

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FIRSTWORD

HAPPY NEW YEAR AND WELCOME TO THE FIRST 2016 EDITION OF BUSINESS DIRECTION

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ce 2013 r of Commer THE YEARshire rshire Chambe & Worceste CHAMBER OF Hereford published by

Issue 29 2016 January/February

Business Direction

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.

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EDITORIAL businessdirection@hwchamber.co.uk 01905 673600

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SUBSCRIPTIONS www.hwchamber.co.uk/business-direction 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.

First Word

3

Chamber News

4-5

Business News

6

Business News

10

Policy

11

A New Year offers the perfect opportunity to reflect upon success and to think about our vision for the future, as well as to consider what we can develop and improve.

Business News

13

Business News

16

2015 was an eventful year for the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce. We took on two new contracts; Visit Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Business.Central and we now employ over 60 staff, a dramatic increase since I first became Chief Executive in 2007. The Chamber’s growth is a sure sign of its success over the years and we continue to develop better support for businesses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Business News

18

Business News

20

Visit Worcestershire has been delivered by the Chamber for four years, supporting tourism businesses and promoting the county in the UK and beyond. We were pleased to win the contract for delivering Visit Herefordshire in August last year, and we look forward to using our experience to better engage with Herefordshire businesses and to develop support for tourism in the county.

Last year we also welcomed the Worcestershire.

Business.Central team, who further enable us to support Worcestershire businesses by providing advice about funding, starting a business, training, apprenticeships and much more.

Business News

22

Chamber Events

24-25

Chamber Training

28-29

Big Interview

30-31

Cover Feature

32-33

Visit Herefordshire

40

Visit Worcestershire International Trade

41 44-45

Conference Worcestershire

46

Charity News

48

Members Services

53

New Members

54-55

Movers and Shakers

56-57

Last Word

58

2015 included many Export opportunities for our businesses – including Export Week and an Export Insight Visit to Latvia, which I was fortunate enough to attend. We are pleased to have won the UK Trade & Investment contract for the next five years and we continue to look for opportunities for our exporters.

Looking at 2016, the Chamber will continue to work with Herefordshire Council, Worcestershire County Council, the six District Councils and the Local Enterprise Partnerships to progress business support in the two counties and to tackle issues that businesses face. Last year we focussed on the skills shortage that many companies experience, and we will continue to work with partners to develop a solution in 2016.

This Food and Drink themed edition of Business Direction features an interview with one of the two counties’ biggest entrepreneurs, William Chase, Founder of Tyrrells Crisps and Managing Director of Chase Distillery, (pages 30-31). Food and Drink is also the theme of the next Chamber Business Expo: our October Expo was the biggest yet and we look forward to repeated opportunities in March – find out more on page 24.

Mike Ashton mikea@hwchamber.co.uk

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Our Patrons are:

January/February 2016

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

03

CHAMBERNEWS

BUSINESSES TAKE THE LEAD ON EMPLOYEE HEALTH Over 50 people gathered at the Guildhall in Worcester for the Worcestershire Works Well bi-annual event.

Seven businesses received Worcestershire Works Well accreditation certificates

The event coincided with International Men’s Day and focussed on men’s health and staff engagement. David Elliot, Regional Workplace Wellbeing Lead at Public Health England, was the keynote speaker, followed by Mike Brown, CEO of Bromsgrove District Housing Trust and Gerry O’Donnell, Board Member at Wychavon District Council.

Midway through the event, teams were challenged to create a poster about men’s health. Teams used the concepts of sport, the father son relationship and looking after a car to engage with men with the winning poster challenging men to “Tackle your Tackle: Kick your Health Issues into Touch”.

Jackie Askew, MacMillan Prostate Cancer Nurse, gave an informative talk about the symptoms and treatment of prostate cancer and Ian Jukes, Chief Executive of Praybourne Ltd, talked about his own experiences.

Head of Employee Services at Mainstay Group, Karen Fox, spoke about her involvement with Worcestershire Works Well and seven businesses were presented with accreditation certificates: Interserve, Wychavon District Council, Mainstay Group, Phoenix Group, BOBST, Worcestershire City Council and Worcester Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

NATIONAL RECOGNITION AT CHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS Two Chamber members were recognised at national level as runners up in the British Chamber Business Awards 2015.

Awards Host Steph McGovern with Sam George, winner and Mike Ashton

Karen said: “We have been with Worcestershire Works Well for 12 months now, and I was delighted to receive my certificate and play a part in the event today. Yet again I have left with more knowledge than I came with”.

Christopher Smart, Client Services Officer at Wychavon District Council said: “A very informative and enjoyable event...all the presentations were interesting and really held your attention”.

Worcestershire Works Well is a multi-agency partnership between Worcestershire County Council, Worcestershire Regulatory Services, Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, Wellness Works and the Sports Partnership, designed to support businesses to improve the health and well-being of their employees through a free accreditation scheme. www.worcestershireworkswell.co.uk

The awards ceremony, held at the Brewery in London, attracted over 500 guests from across the country. Guests were treated to an elegant drinks reception and dinner before the ceremony began, hosted by BBC Breakfast Presenter Steph McGovern.

Over 70 businesses from across the UK were put forward for the national awards in eight different categories, including five Worcestershire businesses who had been crowned West Midlands regional winners in September.

Rock Power Connections Ltd, based in Worcester, were runners up in the People Development Award and L.G. Harris & Co Ltd, based in Bromsgrove, were runners up in the Export Business of the Year Award.

Both businesses did extremely well and we are sure that this achievement will will bring significant benefit to both the companies and the county. www.chamberawards.co.uk

CHAMBER CELEBRATES WORCESTERSHIRE APPRENTICESHIPS The Chamber was proud to sponsor an award at the Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards 2015, a prestigious event which seeks to recognise the county’s best apprentices, apprentice employers, schools and training providers.

The Awards were launched

by Worcestershire LEP and Worcestershire County Council in 2014. This year’s ceremony attracted over 300 people and was hosted

by BBC Breakfast Presenter Steph McGovern at West Midland Safari Park.

Sam George, a former apprentice at TBC Digital in Kidderminster, won the Advanced Level Apprentice of the Year Award, sponsored by the Chamber. During his apprenticeship, Sam was a Mobile Apps Developer and developed an app with several thousand downloads.

Gary Woodman, Executive Director at Worcestershire LEP said: “These awards really show the value that apprenticeships add to the workplace and I hope that they inspire other companies to offer apprenticeship opportunities.”

Cllr Simon Geraghty, Worcestershire County Council Cabinet Member for Economy, Skills and Infrastructure, said: “Congratulations go to all of the finalists. It was a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of apprentices as well as the schools, training providers and employers from across Worcestershire”.

Rock Power Connections Ltd team with Mike Ashton and Jim McBride from Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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January/February 2016

CHAMBERNEWS

NEW STRATEGIC MEMBER – ESP LTD esp Ltd is one of the leading independent manufacturers and converters of disposable tissue products in the UK. Formed in 1990, esp supply products to wholesale distributors serving the AFH market in the HORECA, janitorial, facilities management, industrial and healthcare sectors.

In 2014 esp was certified to ISO 9001:2008 Quality and ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management Standards. By design the standards ensure esp are continuing to meet and exceed customer expectations as well as being an environmentally aware organisation which fulfils its corporate social responsibility.

Currently employing over 60 people, esp has maintained its Worcestershire location and profile as an important local employer.

Combined investment in manufacturing capability and staff has allowed esp to successfully expand and culminated in a Chamber of Commerce Business Award for Commitment to People Development earlier this year. 2016 will see the new 19 acre site at Blackmore Park developed into a world class manufacturing plant, which will allow for further expansion into new markets. www.espenigma.com

ESP being presented with their ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004 certification

Chamber staff George Gibson and Dawn Hardman with winners Barnards Green U11/U12 Cricket Club.

British Chambers of Commerce Business and Education Summit, December 2015

ADDRESSING THE SKILLS SHORTAGE IN THE TWO COUNTIES Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is committed to ensuring that businesses are equipped with the right skills to grow and succeed. The Quarterly Economic Survey results for Quarter 3 2015 showed that over 50% of companies in the two counties that tried to recruit staff experienced difficulties in finding the right candidates. The Chamber worked with businesses and education providers to address this issue in 2015 and will continue to provide support in 2016.

Last October, the Chamber hosted a lunchtime event at the House of Commons, sponsored by Worcester, Bosch and Robin Walker MP. This saw members from the local business community and local MPs come together to discuss the skills shortage and listen to an presentation by Marcus Mason, Head of Business, Education and Skills at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). Local MP Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills also dropped by to say a few words of encouragement and support.

several careers events in Worcestershire, in partnership with Worcestershire County Council, to help bridge the gap between local businesses and education providers.

These events were a good opportunity for pupils to learn about apprenticeships, meet employers and think about their future options. The next all day event is on Thursday 9 March at Sixways Stadium.

In December, several Chamber businesses attended the BCC Business and Education Summit at the BT Centre in London. The event brought together some of the nation’s most influential leaders from business, education and government and featured some inspiring speakers.

In 2016, the Chamber will continue to work with partners to address how we can bridge the gap between education and business.

We have recently put together a paper entitled “What Businesses Need from the Education Sector”, in collaboration with a number of leading companies, which we hope will highlight the need and encourage the education sector to find a solution.

CHAMBER SPONSORS JUNIOR TEAM OF THE YEAR AWARD Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is always looking for ways to support the local community and at the end of last year, sponsored the Junior Team of the Year Award at the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Sports Partnership Awards 2015.

The Awards, in association with BBC Hereford and Worcester, celebrated sporting talent, achievements and contributions of individuals and clubs across the two counties.

The event took place at Sixways Stadium and featured a keynote speech from former Commonwealth Gold Medallist and Olympic Silver Medallist Gail Emms MBE. The Chamber’s Head of HR, Dawn Hardman and Business Development Manager, George Gibson were delighted to present the Junior Team of the Year Award, which recognises a junior sports team that has achieved significant sporting success throughout 2015. The winners of this award were Barnards Green Under 11’s and Under 12’s Cricket Club. www.morethansport.com

In 2015, The Chamber also supported

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BUSINESSNEWS

300 HEREFORDSHIRE BUSINESSES TURN SOLAR If you believe in mitigating the effects of climate change whilst adding value to your business, join the 300 businesses in Herefordshire turning to solar.

Take up is one of the highest of all UK local authorities which can be attributed to the inspiring individuals making things happen. With a passion to link planet and profit, Gareth Williams of Caplor Energy

Lock in energy prices by capitalising on your business’ roof space

has been instrumental in promoting home grown energy.

“It is amazing how quickly technology changes, making solar more affordable” said Gareth. With roots firmly on a family farm for over 90 years he sympathises with businesses experiencing rising energy bills and insists that if you have roof space but not the capital, there are alternatives to buying your own solar system.

“One customer generates 40,000

kilowatts of energy and saves 17 tonnes of carbon each year; however we installed and maintain the solar panels on his roof.

It’s low risk for investors and crucially there’s less reliance on grid power and cost savings for the business.” www.caplor.co.uk/energy

Laura Hewett

CORE TREE ASSIST LAUNCH OF REVOLUTIONARY DNA TECHNOLOGY

HEWETT RECRUITED TO JOIN THE BOARD! Laura Hewett joined the family business in 2013. Her background as a Senior National Account Manager at EA Games involved her looking after high profile clients such as Tesco, Amazon and Argos, and managing a team of people.

Since joining Hewett Recruitment, Laura spent a year gaining valuable experience and fast track training as a Recruitment Consultant. She gradually moved into a management position, contributing to the business with new sales and marketing strategies, financial planning tools and employee engagement projects.

Ben commented: “Louise and I are delighted to welcome Laura to join the Board of Directors as Commercial Director.

We have so many projects to work on in the year ahead – it’s exciting times. Laura and I have known each other since school days so it’s great to be working together.”

Louise added: “There is much hilarity and a lot of hard work going on at the moment – we have a great team – it makes coming to work every day a pleasure!” www.hewett-recruitment.co.uk

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Bewdley based Core Tree have been working alongside Key Forensic Services (KFS) to promote the revolutionary RapidHIT DNA testing instrument.

Key Forensic Services became the world’s first forensic organisation to receive UKAS accreditation to load DNA samples generated by the RapidHIT DNA instrument to the National DNA Database.

Core Tree has been providing social media and online PR assistance aiding the global launch of the product. The instrument will produce DNA profiles in under 90 minutes, compared to 3 days – allowing police to check suspects against the National DNA Database on the same day.

KFS Marketing Manager Paul Whitehouse said: “I have been delighted with the work done by Core Tree to create awareness of this amazing technology. Social Media is a hugely important marketing channel for us and the specialist skills provided

by Core Tree have been pivotal in generating maximum exposure for this ground-breaking DNA technology.” www.keyforensic.co.uk www.coretree.co.uk

First delegates receive their certificates in Leading to Excellence

UNIVERSITY DELIVERS TRAINING FOR FIRE SERVICE The University of Worcester’s Business School is working in partnership with West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) to develop the leadership capability of managers and leaders.

The Leading to Excellence programme enables businesses to access bite-size short programmes which can be taken individually or accumulated into a full management or executive qualification up to MBA level.

Mark Richardson, Head of Worcester Business School, said: “This is a further example of Worcester Business School’s growing reputation in corporate and executive education.”

Sarah Warnes, Strategic People Lead for West Midlands Fire Service, added: “Having a University Accredited programme, which is delivered in the workplace and tailored to meet our current workplace challenges, is really important to us to.”

If you are interested in learning more please contact Lisa Dawson on 01905 855279 or l.dawson@worc.ac.uk www.worcester.ac.uk

January/February 2016

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FOCUSONLEGAL

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 What do I need to know?

Stephen Wyer

Corporate/Commercial Department

detailed professional advice in relation to the price reduction or final right to reject. new rules.

If a consumer exercises his final right Where businesses supply goods or services to reject after the first six months, any over the internet or away from their business refund to the consumer may be reduced by premises, most business will be aware that deduction for use to take account of the use pre-contract information and notices are The Act: the consumer has had of the goods in the • reforms the law on rights and remedies for required to be given to consumers advising period since they were delivered. During the them of their rights to cancel the Contract. defective goods and services; first six months such a deduction for use The new Act consolidates existing law in • introduces new rights and remedies for is only available where the goods consist this area and confirms that the requirement of a motor vehicle or otherwise are of a digital content; to provide such pre-contract information is • reforms the law on unfair terms and description specified by order made by the consumer contracts and consumer notices. now a required term of the Contract itself.

Secretary of State.

Any failure to provide such information in In addition the Act also makes some general the correct form will, therefore, of itself be a Importantly, the Act now provides a default breach of Contract. and ancillary changes to consumer law. It: delivery date which must be within 30 days • extends the range of remedies and of the date of order.

The new remedies and delivery measures that consumers can impose on requirements businesses breaching consumer law; What changes do I need to make to my The Act introduces, importantly, a new • reforms the powers of enforcement documentation? statutory right for consumers to reject authorities under some (but not all) Many of the new consumer rights cannot goods. There are two rights to reject faulty consumer protection legislation; and be excluded or restricted by contract and, goods: • enables consumers to bring private even if they can, contract terms will only • a short term right to reject within 30 days; be effective if they are transparent and collective actions in respect of antiand competitive behaviour by businesses. prominent and meet the Act’s requirement • a final right to reject. of “fairness”.

The main provisions of the Act came into The consumer loses his short term right force on 1st October 2015.

What happens if things go wrong? to reject if the 30 day time limit passes, The Act gives consumer law enforcers although this right can extend by at least additional civil powers to help them remedy What standards now apply?

The Act largely repeats the requirement that 7 days if the trader has to repair to replace breaches of consumer protection law. These the goods during that time. remedies extend to public enforcers (such goods and services provided should be of as local authority trading standards) and satisfactory quality, should comply with their private enforcers (the only private enforcer description, should be fit for purpose and, in The consumer has a series of tiered remedies. Once the short term right to currently being Which). Trading Standards the case of services, should be carried out reject is lost, the consumer has the right may now seek compensation or other with reasonable care and skill. to repair or replacement. You as the trader redress for consumers. will have one opportunity to repair or The Act also introduces new similar It is therefore essential that you review your standards for digital content although, unlike provide one replacement before moving to existing terms and conditions of business with goods, there is no right to reject faulty the next tier. If repair or replacement are impossible, or the trader’s one attempt to when you are dealing with consumers and digital content because there is no way to repair fails, or the first replacement is also return it. If you are involved in the supply all your pre-contract notices in relation to defective, the consumer has the right to rights of cancellation. of digital content you should seek further The Consumer Rights Act 2015 modernises and simplifies key parts of the UK’s Consumer Protection Law. It forms part of the most extensive consumer law reform programmes seen in the UK in decades.

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 What you need to know

Contact

Stephen Wyer

on 01562

820181 or by email: stephen.wyer@mfgsolicitors.com

Tel: 0845 55 55 321 www.mfgsolicitors.com 21885 mfg BD Magazine full page 4.indd 1

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

@mfgsolicitors 16/12/2015 15:25

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BUSINESSNEWS

Karen McLellan (Managing Director of Haines Watts Hereford) and Jim McBride, Chairman of Lesk Engineers

EXPO SURVEY REVEALS BUSINESS CONCERNS Haines Watts surveyed visitors to the Chamber Business Expo October 2015 to find out what local business owners considered to be their key business challenges.

Responses were compared to data from clients nationwide. Some key findings include: n ‘Improving sales growth’ was the top challenge in both the Expo and national surveys. n ‘Management Capability’ was a key business challenge locally. n ‘Keeping Customers’ was the top ranked competency in the local survey, but nationally, businesses did not enjoy such good customer loyalty. n ‘Finding Better Quality Customers’ and ‘Improving Marketing’ as issues. n ‘Increasing Business Value’ and ‘Moving from a “Big Small” Business to a “Small Big” Business’. These strategic challenges weren’t acknowledged in the Expo survey.

The full report is on the Haines Watts Hereford website. All respondents went into a draw for an iPad and the winner was Jim McBride, Chairman of Lesk Engineers.

Stanford Marsh celebrate 50 years of trading

STANFORD MARSH LTD CELEBRATE 50 YEARS TRADING From humble beginnings in Arboretum Road, the company’s founder and namesake Stanford Marsh began supplying drawing office supplies and consumables.

In 1982, they relocated to Buckholt Drive, which remains group HQ today.

The company now have 5 regional offices throughout the UK, employ over 100 staff and turnover in excess of £15 million. A lot has changed over 50 years, but Stanford Marsh’s awareness of the market and ability to provide independent impartial advice on the next generation of design processes or printing applications has remained constant.

To celebrate, the company held a corporate golf day at the Belfry, followed by a fun day at Stanbrook Abbey. Adrian Painter, Group Director, said: “These events have truly capped what has been a fantastic land-mark and wonderful journey for those of us who have played a part in the success of our company. We hope to continue this story over the next 50 years”. www.stanfordmarsh.co.uk

L-R: Mark Minton of The Wilson Organisation, Sue & Peter Appleton of ISO Quality Services Ltd and Andy Hough of Royal London (sponsor of the award).

ISO QUALITY SERVICES NAMED EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR Following their recent success at the Regional Final of the National Apprenticeship Awards, Worcester based ISO Quality Services Ltd have also been awarded the title of ‘Employer of the Year’ at the Midlands Family Business Awards.

The company, who specialise in implementation and certification to the ISO Management Standards, was awarded the title at an awards ceremony held at the Athena in Leicester on Thursday 12 November.

Competing against five other businesses, the judging panel commented that ISO Quality Services’ presentation interview demonstrated their commitment to supporting their staff through training and personal development.

Jennifer Appleton, Operations Director, said, “We are extremely honoured to have been chosen for this award. We take our responsibilities as an employer very seriously, looking after our existing staff both within their professional development but also their general well-being”. www.isoqsltd.com

www.hwca.com

WRAGGE PARTNER NAMED POWER PART TIMER Patron firm Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co’s Health and Safety Partner, Sue Dearden, has been named as a Power Part Timer by Timewise, the third consecutive year the firm has been listed. The annual list aims to create role models and debunk the myth that you cannot be successful in a high-level job while working part-time.

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Sue said: “Part-time hours have certainly helped me to raise my family and meet the demands of being an equity partner in an international law firm.”

Sue works four days a week on a flexible basis to ensure she always has time for clients, colleagues, her team and her family. It’s an approach that means she’s rarely missed a school play or birthday

party for her children, while delivering exceptional client service in a fraught and often emotive area of law.

30% of all WLG employees work flexibly.

In mid-January 2016, WLG is combining with Canadian law firm Gowlings to form Gowling WLG. www.wragge.com

January/February 2016

POLICYNEWS

LOOKING FOR SKILLS SOLUTION AT BCC BUSINESS AND EDUCATION SUMMIT Chamber representatives and two members from the Business and Education sector attended the British Chambers of Commerce Business and Education Summit on Thursday 10 December at the BT Centre in London.

At a time when youth unemployment is three times the adult average, the Summit brought together some of the nation’s most influential leaders drawn from business, education and government, challenging them to address the question of how we can bridge the gap between education and business.

There was a great line up of speakers including Sir Michael Wilshaw, Chief Inspector at Ofsted, Lord Baker, former Education Secretary and Nick Boles MP, Minister of State for Skills.

Policy & PR Executive, Sophia Haywood and Business Engagement Manager, Phoebe Dawson attended the full day event with local Business and Education leaders, Angela Joyce from Warwickshire College Group and Tim Maxfield from Worcester University.

Tim Maxfield, Sophia Haywood, Phoebe Dawson and Angela Joyce

MILLIONS AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS Private developers, housing companies and companies that have expansion plans are being encouraged to take advantage of £4million of funding that will help bring forward development projects across the Marches to create much needed homes and jobs.

The funds, announced by The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), are part of its Marches Investment Fund which was initially launched in July last

year and is open for applications until Friday 19 February 2016.

The fund was launched following an award from the Government’s Growing Places Fund and provides capital loan funding for stalled projects that will then be able to quickly start and create economic growth. It also provides loan assistance to projects needing to complete their final stage feasibility studies.

More information on the eligibility criteria for the Marches Investment Fund can be found by visiting www.marcheslep.org.uk. Expression of Interest forms can be requested via the Fund Manager Caroline Cattle on 01743 462 026. Shortlisted applicants will be informed by mid-March 2016.

CHAMBER REACTION TO THE AUTUMN STATEMENT George Osborne’s Autumn Statement was a mixed bag for businesses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

London and the North, and instead have a fair distribution of infrastructure spend to support growth across the two counties.

The Chamber is delighted to hear that the Chancellor has listened to the business community’s concerns on infrastructure and on increasing investment in science and technology. However we must make sure that there is not a sole emphasis on

Another positive announcement by Osborne is the extension of the small business rate relief scheme which will support business locally, while the broader shape of a reformed business rates system is determined.

That withstanding, it is concerning to see cuts of 17% for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Whilst we don’t know where these cuts will be made just yet, we do need to see continued funding for business support programmes such as UK Trade & Investment, if the Government wants to reach their targets for exports and economic growth.

WORCESTERSHIRE’S PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH THE BEST IN ENGLAND Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has announced that in recent years Worcestershire’s productivity growth was the highest in England.

The most recent statistics released by the Office of National Statistics, showed that Worcestershire’s productivity grew by 2.7% between 2012-13, the fastest rate out of all 39 LEP areas.

The announcement follows the recent success of Worcestershire being the

third fastest growing economy between 2008-13.

Rt. Hon. Sajid Javid MP, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, said: “The Government is committed to making the Midlands an engine for growth and Worcestershire is leading the way with the highest rise in productivity of anywhere in England. With high employment rates, a strong skills base, and plenty of local support businesses are well placed to grow and create jobs.”

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Gary Woodman, Executive Director of Worcestershire LEP, said: “All partners in the LEP recognise the challenges we still face to bring even greater economic growth in the coming years and today’s announcement shows the great strides that have already been taken.”

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FOCUSONRECRUITMENT

BUILDING TALENT FOR GROWTH CASE STUDY #2 – SOUTHCO MANUFACTURING Local employer Southco Manufacturing was introduced to the ‘Good Recruitment Campaign’

by Hewett Recruitment this year and Su Harding - Director, Human Resource Development & Customer Service explains how they are benefiting from taking a fresh look at their recruitment processes.

“Finding the right people for your organisation has always been a challenge.

Matching the long list of requirements we all have with the candidates that are available. From a company perspective, selecting the right person is an investment for the future and from a candidate perspective a wrong job move can be seriously detrimental to their career.

In the past companies have been in the driving seat in being able to select the candidate who best matches them whilst the candidate has been very focused on presenting themselves as the best person to get the job. The skills drain has now put candidates in the driving seat. Social media has given them access to make judgements about your organisation long before they get to meet anyone.

Companies have been slow to respond to the change in the recruitment market and need to wake up to our new norm.

Southco has been challenged to obtain the talent we need to execute on our growth strategy and needed a fresh perspective on how to best recruit and make a positive impact in the job market. The Good Recruitment Campaign has completely changed the way we looked at recruiting.

We have started a journey of looking at: What social media is telling prospective candidates about us? When we looked it from a candidate point of view it doesn’t quite present the image we are looking for.

Conducting the interview has required a major rethink: n

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Putting equal emphasis on what the candidate is looking for as well as the hiring manager. Not giving the candidate the last 10 minutes for any questions.

L-R Kevin Green, CEO of the Recruitment & Employment Confederation with Su Harding, Southco n

Making sure we are ‘selling’ Southco as a great place to work in everything we do.

n

Improving responsiveness - A slow process gives the wrong impression and means missing out on the opportunity to hire the best. We have set timelines for each stage of the process to increase responsiveness.

n

Investing in better quality / constructive feedback for the candidate. They might not be right for this job but could be for another job in the future.

Finding out what candidates think of the interview experience. This has been an invaluable ‘mirror’ to understand what we need to do differently. When you have speeded up your process based on milestones set and the candidate tells you, you are too slow to respond benchmarks your process with the only person who counts – The Candidate!!!!

We, at Southco, believe the power of choice now sits with the candidate and is our future. Change takes time but with commitment and passion and getting the right result will drive the approach to be permanent change and not a ‘flavour of the month’.”

The ‘Good Recruitment Campaign’ is free to join and provides an invaluable resource of advice and information to benchmark and improve your organisations recruitment processes. Louise Hewett of Hewett Recruitment is a Director of the Recruitment & Employment Confederation who have created the GRC for employers with employers. For more information contact Louise Hewett: louise@ hewett-recruitment.co.uk

January/February 2016

BUSINESSNEWS

MOBILE MINDSHOP Alexanders and The Brick Room

SOCIAL HOT SPOT CELEBRATES FIRST ANNIVERSARY Vice Chancellor Prof David Green and HLC Principal Ian Peake with UoW Ambassadors Samantha May Martin and Ellie Treasure

UNIVERSITY CENTRE LAUNCHED IN HEREFORD The latest addition to Herefordshire’s higher education provision was launched in November at Herefordshire and Ludlow College.

The Hereford University Centre is jointly run and funded by the University of Worcester. It was unveiled by the MP of Hereford and South Herefordshire, Dr Jesse Norman, with the College’s Principal and Chief Executive, Ian Peake and the University of Worcester’s Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive, Prof David Green.

The vision of the centre is to contribute to Herefordshire’s vibrant educational and cultural hub, centered on Folly Lane. It will offer public lectures, workshops, performances and research seminars in a wide variety of subjects.

Ian Peake said, “The opening of the Hereford University Centre is an important milestone in our long-term partnership with the University of Worcester.”

Julia Davis, the Centre’s Coordinator said, “I am thrilled that so many people have attended to support this centre for encouraging aspiration and increasing knowledge about higher education.” www.hlcollege.ac.uk

Worcester’s most premium late night venue, Alexander’s, has celebrated its first anniversary in style after exceeding the venue’s forecasted budget by 20%.

Inspired by top London establishments and the lifelong vision of Owner and Creator Alexander Fell, Alexander’s is a luxurious late lounge ideal for casual drinks, a fun night out and celebrations big and small.

Since opening in October 2014, the venue has welcomed a massive 40,000 people through its doors, wowed by its offering of quality drinks, exemplary customer service and optional VIP experiences.

To coincide with the venue’s one year anniversary, Alexander Fell has also introduced a new food menu to Alexander’s secondary social space, The Brick Room, using the very best in local produce to offer delicious breakfasts, light lunches, and sumptuous desserts any time of day.

In this fast-paced mobile world, working smarter is imperative. Business leaders need access to advice, tools and courses at their fingertips to improve efficiency and effectiveness. That’s why Mindshop has delivered the power of Mindshop Online to the palm of the hand with their new mobile site – Mindshop Mobile.

John Painter, Managing Partner at CB, Chartered Accountants became an accredited MindShop Facilitator in December 2005, having completed his training over two years. John said, “Designed to be easy to use day-to-day by business leaders, key features of the full Mindshop Online are now accessible via a mobile device, giving the agility and responsiveness to drive success. Importantly, leaders maximise the efficiency of their day, saving time by completing actions and accessing hundreds of Mindshop tools while on the go.”

Contact John at jhp@ cbcharteredaccountants.com, to find out how you can further leverage the power of Mindshop Mobile. www.cbcharteredaccountants.com

HIGH HOSPITALITY AT WEST BROMWICH ALBION Albion has been named the second best Premier League club for hospitality by Visit Football.

Narrowly missing out on the top spot to Manchester City, the Baggies finished ahead of the top flight’s established clubs Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea. The survey, conducted in the form of a “mystery shopper”, graded clubs’ matchday hospitality during 2014/15 based on match experience, post-match experience, service welcome and friendliness and service efficiency.

The Baggies’ overall score of over 80% was above the Premier League average of 72% and an increase on Albion’s figure of 71% last year.

Adrian Wright, Sales & Marketing Director, said: “To finish above the likes of

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

High Hospitality Standards at West Bromwich Albion Football Club

Manchester United and Chelsea is a great achievement. It falls in line with all the hard work and effort we have put in. Hopefully we can strive for the top spot this coming season.” www.wba.co.uk

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ADVERTORIALFEATURE

IS NOW A GOOD TIME TO OWN BUSINESS PREMISES? Whether you are looking to grow or want business stability, buying commercial property could be the next logical step for many businesses, it could give you freedom from future rent increases and better control over your cash flow.

Confidence within the business community is high, which is also helping to fuel a move towards buying over leasing. Research conducted by the bank in 2014* reveals that half of smaller SMEs and nearly a third of larger SMEs currently renting would consider buying. And across the board, 48% of SMEs think now is the time to do it, while only 19% believe that today’s climate is better for renting.

So why buy? Every business case is different and you need to consider the intricacies of how your business operates now and where you want to be in the

future. Our recent research revealed that 75% of UK SMEs believe purchasing can facilitate growth, 61% admit renting is really money down the drain, 20% buy their own premises for more control and stability and 28% to increase the value of their business.

One of the key advantages to buying is that the property itself becomes an asset which may increase in value. This means it can offer an additional income stream in the future because it allows you to borrow against it, sell it to raise capital if needed or even lease out some space if you do not need the whole premises. Purchasing your own premises also gives you more control over your cash flow and in some respect, a degree of certainty because there are no fears of a landlord terminating your contract or increasing rental rates. This certainty lends itself to business owners investing more in upgrading premises, which will also benefit staff and customers.

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step in to provide assistance if funding is required to support this type of activity.

We take our role very seriously in helping SMEs to achieve their growth ambitions through investment.

Herefordshire & Worcestershire have a wide range of thriving business communities and we are proud to have local offices in Worcester, Hereford and Kidderminster. We are actively working with a wide range of business owners to support their business strategies which includes expansion with purchasing new premises.

For further information on how we can support your business please contact: Sarah Browne Dip ACB Senior Relationship Manager, Royal Bank of Scotland Tel: 01905 22770 Mobile: 07881 853642

* The 2014 Commercial Mortgage research conducted by The Royal Bank of Scotland surveyed 401 Businesses across the UK. Quotas were set to ensure that London and the SE did not dominate the survey, similarly a good spread of turnover was ensured. 40% of respondents had just one premises. The survey was structured to ensure a good representation of key sectors. 8% were main banked with RBS. Security may be required. Product fees may apply. Over 18s only

ANY PROPERTY USED AS SECURITY, WHICH MAY INCLUDE YOUR HOME, MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT The Royal Bank of Scotland plc. Registered Office: 36 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2YB. Registered in Scotland No. 90312.

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January/February 2016

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BUSINESSNEWS

CELEBRATING APPRENTICES IN THE TWO COUNTIES It is good to see so many businesses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire committed to offering apprenticeships. We look forward to seeing continued support for apprentices and for our businesses in 2016.

DOUBLE SUCCESS FOR GROUP APPRENTICESHIP WIN L-R: Steph McGovern, David Chantler and Marina Banner from Vestia Community Trust and Michelle Wood from Sanctuary Housing, Sponsor

The Community Housing Group (TCHG) achieved double success at the 2015 Worcestershire Apprentice Awards. The Group celebrated after receiving the award for ‘Large Apprenticeship Employer of the Year’ and then went through to take the overall award for ‘Worcestershire Apprentice Employer of the Year’ as well.

During the night, employee Kathleen Sandford, who is

West Midlands Intermediate Apprentice of the Year, presented the award for ‘Traineeship of the Year’ which was sponsored by Vestia Community Trust.

Marina Banner, Executive Director of Vestia Community Trust and TCHG Corporate Services, commented: “Thanks go to everyone in the Group and Vestia for the commitment that has made us leaders in the field. It’s all about the work that everyone in the Group has done together to get us to this position.” www.vestia.org.uk/training/ apprenticeships.php

HARRISONS TAKE ON LOCAL APPRENTICE Lily Pinder left Weobley High School in June 2015 having achieved 11 GCSEs graded A*- B. Over the Summer, Lily worked at Harrisons Business Recovery and Insolvency Ltd in the Hereford office. Harrisons have recently offered Lily the opportunity to undertake a BTEC Diploma Apprenticeship in Business Administration with the framework being overseen

by Riverside Training. This is an excellent opportunity for Lily as she will have the platform to learn basic level Business Recovery and Insolvency strategies and processes as well as learning Business Administration skills.

Louise Hookham, Director of Harrisons Business Recovery

Lily Pinder, Apprentice at Harrisons Business Recovery and Insolvency Ltd

and Insolvency Ltd, said: “We were delighted that Lily accepted our offer and we at Harrisons are also delighted to support a young person starting their career.”

Lily said: “I am really looking forward to my training and thank Harrisons for giving me the opportunity.” www.harrisons.uk.com

ACCOUNTANTS CELEBRATE AWARD SUCCESS

HEREFORDSHIRE OPEN EVENINGS 2016 School and College leavers, as well as local businesses, are invited to join Herefordshire Group Training Association at one of their open evenings, to find out more about the Apprenticeship programme and the benefits that it can bring.

Association, Holmer Road, Hereford, HR4 9SX.

There will be the opportunity to talk to businesses that are already involved in the scheme and as well as current apprentices, who will be on hand to share their experiences of working whilst gaining their qualifications.

www.hwgta.org

The Open Evenings will take place on Wednesday 17 and Thursday 25 February 2016 at Herefordshire Group Training

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Everyone is welcome to join any time from 4 - 7pm each evening.

For more information please call 01432 274310 or visit the website.

L-R: Steph McGovern, Apprentice Ollie Maiden, Jayne Spiers from Ormerod Rutter and Sam Morgan from eResponse (sponsor)

A flourishing apprenticeship programme developed by Worcestershire accountants Ormerod Rutter has been recognised at a prestigious county awards evening, having been named Medium Apprenticeship Employer of the Year at the Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards.

Partner Colm McGrory said: “Our apprentice training programme has gone from strength to strength with all successful apprentices being offered a permanent role at the end of their training. It’s a key part of our business strategy and also allows us to address the skills gap in the industry.”

Ormerod Rutter launched its apprenticeship programme in 2012 in response to a skills shortage across the sector and will begin the search for its 2016 cohort in January.

Jayne Spiers, senior HR advisor, added: “We’re very proud of our apprentices, past and present, who have taken part. www.ormerodrutter.co.uk

January/February 2016

FOCUSONLEARNINGANDDEVELOPMENT

WORKPLACE RELATIONSHIPS FOOD FOR THE JOURNEY IN 2016!

Food is often best when shared with others. When we sit round a table, as you probably did over the Christmas period with colleagues, family or friends, the experience of eating together is (almost) always a pleasure. Over wafting aromas from a tasty dish, we chat, tell stories, exchange ideas, make plans. We thank the cook for serving something delicious.

It’s probably the oldest way in which human beings reinforce social bonds – reconnecting us to our tribe.

There are two types of cook in the world: the one who follows the recipe to the letter and the one who approximates the measures “by eye” and adds some extra ingredient “for good measure”. So it is with leaders and managers of teams in the workplace. Some go by the book following the method they’ve always used, others go off the page to add a new ingredient appropriate to the people and circumstances.

A DISH WITH THE RIGHT INGREDIENTS Getting a team performing well together can be as tricky as raising a cheese soufflé!

Patrick Lencioni, author of the New York Times best seller, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, says “Not finance. Not strategy.

Not technology. It’s teamwork that remains the ultimate competitive advantage, because it’s so powerful and so rare.”

Why so rare? Well there different personalities in the mix, so people have different ways of communicating, of managing relationships. They have different ways of getting work done and different ideas about what’s important in getting results, including whether it’s about results for me or the team! Then there’s the effect of wider company culture and the culture this team creates for itself.

And why so powerful? Because teams that work well together achieve more, achieve better/faster, create and realise opportunities. They experience lower staff turnover and absenteeism, so cost less.

So what’s the key to raising the team soufflé? Past experience and international research says that it’s helping people to n understand, value and utilise the differences in the team n deal with unuseful behaviour and solve problems together

n commit to the benefits and behaviours of achieving collective results n learn how to manage the effect of culture on those results.

Only the most insightful leaders understand the bottom line benefits of investing in a cohesive team. They too are so powerful and so rare!

HIDDEN GOODIES IN THE MIX? What does great team-working have to do with competitive advantage? Maybe it’s the causal link identified in a study by the University of Warwick. Published in the Journal of Labor Economics (October 2015), it confirmed the link between people’s happiness at work – where they have good relationships with colleagues, enjoy their work and get their goals, have better health – and their productivity.

Happiness made people around 12% more productive.

how soon will you make a start? What one thing will you do differently this year to enable that rare and powerful teamwork?

Add some expert insight, follow a simple recipe, sprinkle your own spice over the mix and your team soufflé will rise to feed the business for the year ahead. May it be a bountiful one!

Liz Watkins-Young is a Director of Rubus.

She can be contacted on 01684 878067 www.rubus-services.com

Rubus specialises in improving performance from people. Our powerful programmes transform the way teams perform together and re-model role effectiveness in individuals.

YOUR NEW BUSINESS RESOLUTIONS FOR 2016 If your New Year’s Resolutions for 2016 include an ambition for getting more from your team (productivity, sales, creativity, customer service, resource efficiency)

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

John McConnachie

Liz Watkins -Young

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BUSINESSNEWS

Warriors’ Ben Howard hands off a player as he goes on the charge against Newcastle Falcons.

EXCITEMENT BUILDS AT SIXWAYS After a fine start to the 2015/16 Aviva Premiership, Worcester Warriors are set for an exciting second half of the season.

Following a summer of change to facilities, resources and playing staff, the club is on the move as it looks to achieve its ambition of becoming a top-class European rugby club. The New Year provides more mouth-watering rugby action at Sixways, with Warriors set to host Exeter Chiefs, Bath Rugby, Sale Sharks and Italian side Zebre Rugby, all before March.

Sixways is the ideal place to enjoy top-class sport, conveniently located just off the M5 Junction 6. It’s not just all about the rugby though: the venue’s brilliant location and fantastic facilities mean that it is also a great place to host conferences and events, parties and even weddings. www.warriors.co.uk

James Osborne, Solicitor at Harrison Clark Rickerbys’ Family Law Team

WORCESTERSHIRE LAWYER JOINS YOUNG RESOLUTION COMMITTEE James Osborne, a solicitor in Harrison Clark Rickerbys’ Family Law Team, is the first Worcestershire lawyer to join the West Midlands’ Young Resolution Committee.

James, who works in the firm’s Worcester and Birmingham offices, was recently voted on to the committee, which is open to those with ten years’ experience or less in the field.

The group works closely with Resolution, an organisation which believes in a constructive, non-confrontational approach to family law matters.

James said: “I am very pleased to be able to take part in the committee’s work and to represent young family practitioners across the county, as the first member from a Worcestershire-based firm.”

Andy Caldicott, Head of the firm’s Family Law Team, commented: “I was delighted to see that James has been elected on to the Young Resolution Committee. I am confident that he will do an excellent job.” www.hcrlaw.com

STUDENTS’ LES MISERABLES SUCCESS A stage production with a cast of over 40 boys and girls has been hailed a total success as senior school students at Kidderminster’s Holy Trinity School performed Les Miserables to packed audiences.

The School’s latest theatrical offering was produced and directed by Deputy Head and Head of Music, Mrs Vikki Vincent, with lighting, stage decoration and scenery created by the school’s student Tech Club, under the creative supervision of Mrs Lindsey Schofield.

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L-R: Marc Fleetham and Prof Ian Oakes from the University of Wolverhampton, David Harlow, Herefordshire Council and Gary Dimmock, Hereford Business Solutions Centre Manager

HEREFORD BUSINESS SOLUTIONS CENTRE An award winning business support service has opened in the heart of Hereford’s Enterprise Zone, run by the University of Wolverhampton.

The Hereford Business Solutions Centre - based at Skylon Court, Rotherwas – offers local businesses based in the Marches a wide range of support services and activities to help them achieve sustainable growth.

The Centre is working collaboratively with key business organisations in the region through the Marches Growth Hub, Herefordshire, also based at the Centre.

For businesses looking for a base, there is an enterprise hub with hot-desking facilities, incubation space and breakout areas.

Dedicated space can be hired out for meetings and events, including a contemporary boardroom and a flexible, large seminar room.

For more information telephone 01902 321272 or email hereford@ businesssolutionscentres.co.uk www.wolverhamptonbsc.com/ hereford

Mrs Vincent said: “Congratulations to a magnificent cast and crew for delivering such strong performances and a stage set worthy of any West End star. This is a very difficult show to produce but the students have risen to the challenge magnificently with some very strong performances.

“A huge vote of thanks must go to all our actors and stage crew behind the scenes... we are already concentrating on future shows of equal dramatic scale!” www.holytrinity.co.uk

The Cast of stage success Les Miserables

January/February 2016

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

POSTGRADUATE INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME Worcester Business School is offering local employers the opportunity to participate in this programme, which offers recent graduates who are studying for a master’s qualification, the opportunity to spend 3-6 months in a relevant work placement.

KEY FEATURES OF THE PROGRAMME: n Internships are for a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 months. n Commencing June 2016.

Interns will have a degree and background knowledge in one of the following areas: n Finance n International Management n Marketing n General Business

n The design of the programme allows for the employer to benefit from the skills, knowledge and enthusiasm of the intern at NO direct cost to the business.

might benefit your business please contact Kat Jones on: 01905 855556 or email k.jones@worc.ac.uk

n Interns will have a variety of cultural backgrounds, offering potential insights If you are interested in the opportunities advert for Chamber magazine 2016_Layout 1 04/12/2015 14:25 Page 1 offered by this programme and how they into emerging markets.

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Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BUSINESSNEWS Helen Gough, Agricultural Specialist at mfg Solicitors

L-R: CGM Creative Partner Brendan McMahon, Fay Hildred, Co-Founder of Wild Wood Rooms and Chris and Teresa Green. Photo: FT Images.

BUSINESS MEDIA CLUB CELEBRATES SECOND BIRTHDAY A flourishing media training club founded by Worcester-based communications consultancy Chris Green Media has celebrated its second anniversary.

The CGM Business Media Club, which meets on the last Friday of every month at Wild Wood Rooms, Worcester, offers a blend of media training, personal development and networking for company owners, managers and marketing staff.

At the anniversary meeting, CGM managing partner Chris Green unveiled the club’s revised structure, which will cover ten major media topics each year split into three themes: Communications, PR and Marketing and Image and Reputation.

“We were thrilled to see so many members and visitors from the Worcestershire business community supporting us,” said Mr. Green.

“Since our first anniversary, we’ve launched a second club at Longbridge in Birmingham and are also planning to set up a club based in Worcester city centre.”

Meetings are free for first time visitors. For more details, email info@chrisgreenmedia. co.uk

L-R: Rheece, Alex, Esmée

MFG WARNS FARMERS ABOUT TENANT TROUBLE Helen Gough, an Agricultural Specialist at mfg Solicitors, has been warning farmers across the two counties about the need to comply with Assured Shorthold Tenancy rules which came into force last October.

Helen, an expert in the subject, is concerned that many farmers are not aware of the new rules and could find themselves unable to evict tenants from their properties after the new laws gave greater protection to tenants. Farmers must now provide tenants with Energy Performance Certificates, gas safety documents and a government ‘checklist’ on renting. Failure to do so could see anyone letting a rural property entering a long dispute with a tenant – especially if a farm worker has been dismissed and their employer has not followed AST rules.

The new rules are part of sweeping changes being introduced on rural tenancies over the next two years.

For further information or advice email helen.gough@mfgsolicitors.com www.mfgsolicitors.com

www.chrisgreenmedia.co.uk

MINSTER MICRO WELCOMES NEW ENGINEER RECRUITS With skilled IT engineers in such demand, Kidderminster-based Minster Micro Computers Ltd is delighted to have secured four new trainee engineers.

Minster Director Susan Marlow stated: “Recruiting the right calibre of young people continues to be a challenge.

However, we are delighted to have found young people with the right aptitude, interests and attitude to become successful IT engineers. Their current technical capacity marries well with their keen interest in learning. Alongside this, they all have fantastic, enthusiastic personalities that can’t be taught; only encouraged!”

Ryan, who is studying Business Information Technology at University, secured his placement as part of his course. Rheece, Alex and Esmée secured their positions through the Council’s Apprenticeship Scheme.

All budding engineers will be given training on a range of products. They join an established team delivering business software, hardware and IT support services to customers in Worcestershire and beyond. www.minstermicro.co.uk

A PIVOTAL MOMENT FOR HALO LEISURE The £9 million of refurbishments and renewals that Herefordshire has watched unfold at their leisure centres over the last year is the biggest thing that Halo Leisure has done in its 13 years in business, and will be pivotal in shaping their growth and the county’s health for the future.

At a time when cuts have meant many

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leisure organisations have been forced to reduce the services they offer, Halo has embraced the opportunity to think differently, harder and smarter. The relaunch of Hereford Leisure Pool a few years ago increased footfall to such an extent that it has given Halo complete confidence that their latest multi-million pound refurbishments in

Ross, Leominster and the city centre will match a growing demand from the public and support their mission to get more people more active more often.

The Leisure group operates 19 leisure facilities across Herefordshire, Bridgend County and Shropshire, employing 350 in Herefordshire. www.haloleisure.org.uk

January/February 2016

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Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BUSINESSNEWS

WORCESTER TOPS THE WHICH? BOILER REPORT Leading manufacturer, Worcester, Bosch Group, has once again come out on top in the Which? Boiler report, having been awarded Which? Best Buys for the sixth year running across its complete range of Greenstar gas-fired boilers.

The manufacturer scored five stars for reliability, customer satisfaction and build quality as well as achieving the maximum star rating in five of the six categories.

The annual survey compared eleven manufacturers in total, revealing Worcester

to be the most reliable with its boilers remaining fault free for the longest time. This quality and reliability enables installers to give their customers that extra peace of mind whilst ensuring maximum comfort and efficiency.

The report noted that Worcester offers: “extremely reliable products across the range…a Worcester, Bosch Group gas boiler is worthy of its Best Buy status.”

COTSWOLDS ENTREPRENEUR SPEAKS AT EUROPEAN COMMISSION L-R: Pete Marsden, MD of National Windscreens with Steve Adams, MD of Pepperneck Ltd

NEW WEBSITE INCREASES ONLINE SALES Leading windscreen repair and replacement specialist, National Windscreens, has seen a 156% increase in online job bookings since launching a new website designed by Malvern based marketing agency, Pepperneck Ltd. Pepperneck has supported National Windscreens with all aspects of its marketing for more than 15 years, helping the company to grow from a £45 million annual turnover in 2009, to its current figure of £109 million. The new website is the latest stage in a coordinated marketing strategy designed to accurately reflect the company’s position as a UK market leader.

National Windscreens’ Managing Director, Pete Marsden, said: “Our website not only showcases the services we offer – it is also a vital tool for motorists that need to book repairs and replacements. We are extremely pleased with the increase in business generated so far.” www.pepperneck.com

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Worcester, Bosch Group’s Award Winning Boilers

Also highly rated was the company’s oil-fired boiler range, which supplies heating for homeowners with properties located in off mains gas areas. www.worcester-bosch.co.uk

Emma Heathcote-James outside the European Commission

Emma Heathcote-James, Founder and CEO of Broadway based Little Soap Company, was recently invited to speak at the European Commission in Brussels.

The UK’s National Enterprise Research Centre (ERC) lead the session for the Regional Studies Association, chaired

by Professor Mark Hart, Deputy Director of the ERC. The session focussed on the role of micro-enterprise in stimulating job creation and innovation at local, regional and national levels. Looking at the latest research and policy developments, Emma was invited to speak about the reality of

being a micro-entrepreneur and share the ups and downs of her journey from being a one woman band to employing eight staff.

Emma said: “It was an amazing experience and fantastic to be given a voice in something so important - small businesses play a huge role in job creation with micro businesses comprising just under 90% of all UK employer businesses.” www.littlesoapcompany.co.uk

SMARTER PARTICLE SIZING, BETTER REFRESHMENT! Malvern Instruments have released new accessories for the Mastersizer3000, which optimize the particle size analysis of chocolate and coffee. The two new, innovative additions – Chocosizer and the Funnel Sample Feeder - enable faster analysis and make it easier to develop and apply the robust particle sizing methods.

the Aero S dry Powder Disperser offer a superior alternative to traditional sieve analysis for the routine measurement of the particle size distribution of coffee samples.

Particle size directly impacts both the flavor and strength of coffee. Consistent production of the correct grade of coffee therefore relies heavily on the quick and reproducible measurement of coffee ground particle size and size distributions.

Used in combination, the Mastersizer 3000 and the new Funnel Sample Feeder for

Controlling the particle size of chocolate ensures desirable taste and texture.

Malvern’s state of the art Chocosizer kit enables efficient and reproducible measurement of chocolate samples by streamlining the analytical workflow. www.malvern.com

January/February 2016

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

NEW YEAR NEW BUSINESS!

New Year New Business campaign is inviting employers to think differently, and look to provide a comprehensive workplace health solution, and more importantly encourage your employees to lead an active lunch break which could save your business money.

26,363,000 people are employed across England with an average daily wage of approximately £107. Taking into account that nationally 5.31 sick days are taken per person per year, this is costing the business a total of £14.9 billion in lost working days.

Did you know? NHS research has shown that employees who are physically active are 20% less likely to take time off sick and 27% more likely to return to work quicker if they do.

Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire are looking for companies across the two counties to make a New Year’s resolution to revolutionise their business’ lunch break and we want to help get your workplace active.

We are challenging employers to save

Images courtesy of Razorlight

Time is often cited as a barrier to participation in sport and physical activity with many workers spending 8 – 9 hours at work, often in sedentary positions. In addition, during winter the lack of daylight hours often provides many workers with a ready-made excuse to avoid exercising outside of work hours.

Businesses from across Worcestershire took place in a Workplace Challenge wheelchair basketball event.

one sickness day per year per employee saving businesses across England an estimated £2.8 billion per year* - simply by supporting the lunch break revolution and encouraging employees to increase their physical activity levels.

We can also help advise and support for your business, no matter how big or small or nature of your industry, to access to equipment, instructors or facilities to help you provide physical activities for your employees to try. Whether it be advice on how to set up a running club for you and your colleagues, utilising the space in your offices to host sessions, setting up inter-competition leagues, competitions against other workplaces or trying new sports.

You can take part in the Sports Partnership Workplace Challenge competitions which

are events for businesses to play against other business and have a go at unique sports every couple of months. Businesses are encouraged to enter teams either on a one off basis or at every event to (each event will have a minimum charge per person dependent on the activity.)

Sports Partnership’s Director, Stephen Brewster, said “New Year New Business is really asking Herefordshire and Worcestershire has been created to encourage businesses to promote sport, physical activity and health improvements across their workplaces and it is essential we provide opportunities to not only get active but to also unite workforces.”

Just remember a healthy, re-energised workforce is better for your bottom line!

For more information on the New Year New Business campaign or the Workplace physical activity, please contact Emma Gardner at e.gardner@worc.ac.uk or call on 01905 542031. Alternatively sign up to the Workplace Challenge website www.workplacechallenge.org which is kept up to date with the events and other opportunities across Herefordshire and Worcestershire for your staff to get active including an interactive tool to monitor and reward the amount of physical activity accomplished. (*This figure is based on the calculation of time lost at work, not the cost of productivity from staff whilst at work.)

A team from Redditch based firm Interserve who took part in the Workplace Challenge wheelchair baskeball event.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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CHAMBEREVENTS

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES AT THE SPRING EXPO Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce will be returning to the Three Counties Showground, Malvern on Thursday 3 March for the Spring Chamber Business Expo.

Once again, the overall sponsor of the event will be Hewett Recruitment.

Louise Hewett said: “Hewett Recruitment are proud to sponsor such an excellent event that provides a platform for firms to network and develop business opportunities. The Expo is a fixture on the business calendar and every year we love hearing about the success stories of local organisations and the new relationships that have been formed on the day.”

The Autumn Expo was our biggest and busiest yet, with more than 140 exhibitors from many different business sectors and 1000 visitors throughout the day.

It has now become a regular fixture in the business calendar and is not to be missed!

Year after year, people continue to win business at the Expo. This is your chance

to meet new suppliers, generate sales and increase awareness of the products and services that you offer.

Mike Ashton, Chief Executive of Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Williams, Regional Director of Water Cooler World

An exhibition stand (including one free breakfast) will cost Members £275.00+VAT and Non-members £375.00+VAT.

The 2016 Autumn Expo date has been confirmed as Thursday 6 October at Three Counties Showground.

Feedback from the Autumn 2015 Expo: “We really enjoyed the networking breakfast - the speaker was captivating and informative” - Charlie Newcombe, Operations Manager at 3CF Ltd

To find out more please visit www.hwchamber.co.uk/expos.

This time was even bigger and busier than usual, there was a greater buzz and record number of stands and visitors” – Michael

2016 CHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS 10 REASONS TO ENTER THE HEREFORDSHIRE AND WORCESTERSHIRE BUSINESS AWARDS 1. Invaluable press coverage and numerous publicity opportunities 2. A great boost to staff morale 3. Impress potential investors 4. Gain prestige and recognition from peers 5. Network with fellow business people 6. A powerful tool to raise your profile 7. Gain increased respect from existing customers 8. Help attract high quality new staff 9. Stand out against your competitors 10. Increase your business growth

AND IF YOU’RE STILL NOT CONVINCED...

The public relations opportunities available for finalists and winners are second to none. Winners and finalists will be provided with a logo to use on marketing literature and letterheads and

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winners will receive official images from their presentation on the night.

Orchard Valley Foods Ltd, 2015 Business of the Year Award Winner, sponsored by Sanlam

You will also benefit from increased brand awareness amongst the business community and, above all, receive recognition and respect for your company’s success and hard work.

of Orchard Valley Foods Ltd are absolutely delighted to be crowned the Chamber Business Awards 2015 Overall Business of the Year...The awards are a great acknowledgment of our team approach, with commitment and engagement from staff across all disciplines within our organisation.”

Entrants will also have the opportunity to attend the Business Awards ceremony, which provides you with the unique opportunity to network with more than 500 local business leaders and respected entrepreneurs. All finalists are guaranteed coverage in Business Direction – Herefordshire and Worcestershire’s most popular magazine for businesses.

Sponsorship opportunities are available to further enhance your profile at this prestigious event, contact the Events team on 01905 673612 for more information.

2015’s Overall Business of the Year winner Cherry Blumberg, Managing Director at Orchard Valley Foods Ltd said: “The Shareholders & Board

January/February 2016

CHAMBEREVENTS

NETWORKING CALENDAR JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2016 JANUARY 2016 Kidderminster Networking Lunch Tuesday 12 January - 12.30-2.30pm Hogarths Stone Manor Hotel, Chaddesley Corbett, Kidderminster DY10 4PJ £20.00+VAT Members and £35.00+VAT Non-members Hereford HR Forum in association with Hewett Recruitment Wednesday 13 January - 9.30-11.30am Thorne Widgery, 2 Wyevale Business Park, Kings Acre, Hereford HR4 7BS FREE to Chamber Members and clients of Hewett Recruitment Worcester Networking Breakfast Thursday 14 January - 7.30-9.30am Worcestershire County Cricket Club, New Road, Worcester WR2 4QQ £17.50+VAT Members and £35.00+VAT Non-members Maximise Your Membership in association with ISO Quality Services Friday 15 January - 8.30-11.00am Worcestershire County Cricket Club, New Road, Worcester WR2 4QQ FREE event for Chamber Members Hereford Networking Breakfast Wednesday 20 January - 7.30-9.30am Burghill Valley Golf Club, Tillington Road, Burghill, Hereford HR4 7RW £17.50+VAT Members and £35.00+VAT Non-members Bromsgrove Networking Lunch Friday 22 January - 12.30-2.30pm Holiday Inn Birmingham-Bromsgrove, Kidderminster Road, Bromsgrove B61 9AB £20.00+VAT Members and £35.00+VAT Non-members Ross on Wye Networking Lunch Monday 25 January - 12.30-2.30pm Orles Barn, Wilton, Ross On Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 6AE £17.50+VAT Members and £35.00+VAT Non-members Auto-enrolment Seminar in association with Aviva and BCC Thursday 28 January - 8.00-9.30am Bank House Hotel, Bransford, Worcester WR6 5JD FREE to Members and Non-members

FEBRUARY 2016 Redditch Networking Breakfast Tuesday 2 February - 7.30-9.30am Abbey Hotel Golf Club and Spa Resort, Hither Green Lane, Dagnell End Road, Redditch B98 9BE £17.50+VAT Members and £35.00+VAT Non-members

Hereford Women’s Business Forum in association with Thorne Widgery Accountancy Tuesday 2 February - 9.30-11.30am Thorne Widgery, 2 Wyevale Business Park, Kings Acre, Hereford HR4 7BS £10.00+VAT Members and £20.00+VAT Non-members Malvern Networking Breakfast Thursday 4 February - 7.30-9.30am Abbey Hotel, Abbey Road, Malvern WR14 3ET £17.50+VAT Members and £35.00+VAT Non-members Worcestershire Funding Growth Forum in association with University of Wolverhampton Tuesday 9 February - 8.00 – 10.00am Malvern Instruments, Grovewood Road, Malvern, WR14 1XZ FREE to Chamber Members - 12+ employees Malvern Curry Club in association with Sharpmonkeys Tuesday 9 February - 6.00-8.00pm Anupam, 85 Church Street, Great Malvern WR14 2AE £20.00+VAT Members and £30.00+VAT Non-members Redditch HR Forum in association with Hewett Recruitment Wednesday 10 February - 9.30-11.30am Abbey Hotel Golf Club and Spa Resort, Hither Green Lane, Dagnell End Road, Redditch B98 9BE FREE to Chamber Members and clients of Hewett Recruitment Worcester Wine and Cheese Evening Thursday 11 February - 6.00-8.00pm Casablanca Wine Bar, 7 Copenhagen Street, Worcester WR1 2HB £20.00+VAT Members and £35.00+VAT Non-members Food and Drink Forum in association with mfg Friday 12 February - 8.00–10.00am Meadow Cheese Company Ltd, Hazel Park, Dymock Road, Ledbury HR8 2JQ FREE event exclusive to food and drink producers Ledbury Networking Lunch Monday 15 February - 12.30-2.30pm The Talbot Inn, 14 New Street, Ledbury HR8 2DX £20.00+VAT Members and £35.00+VAT Non-members Droitwich Networking Breakfast Thursday 18 February - 7.30-9.30am St Andrews Town Hotel, St Andrews Drive, Droitwich, Worcestershire WR9 8AL £17.50+VAT Members and £35.00+VAT Non-members Worcester Women’s Business Forum in association with borwell Ltd Thursday 25 February - 9.30am-12.00pm Alexander’s, New Street, Worcester WR1 2DL £17.50+VAT Members and £35.00+VAT Non-members

To book your place on any of these events visit www.hwchamber.co.uk/events Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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ADVERTORIALFEATURE

KIDWELLS – RUBBING SHOULDERS WITH THE BEST When it comes to providing quality care for its clients, Kidwells Law Solicitors is ranked at the top of the list, rubbing shoulders with the very best in the business.

Based in Hereford, Kidwells was the first law firm in the area to attain the coveted Law Society Lexcel accreditation, a quality mark for excellence in legal practice management and excellence in client care.

Formed in 2008 by Managing Director Michael Horne and now employing 25 people with more recruits to come, the firm first gained Lexcel after just months of trading and has retained it ever since.

Lexcel, which covers not just customer care but the safe and secure management of case files, is a regularly reviewed accreditation and this year saw the firm achieve Level 6, the newest and highest level available.

Practice Manager and Director of Client HR, Rebecca Hardy, said: “We are very proud that we were the first law firm in the area to gain Lexcel accreditation, it really means a lot to us.”

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“Having the accreditation acknowledges our high level of customer care and gives the clients peace of mind that they will receive the standard of service one would expect.”

new legal experts to strengthen its team, as well as seeking to recruit an Apprentice.

Kidwells regularly employ apprentices in all the support departments and have a history of excellent apprentice support.

“The accreditor who granted us level 6 this year commented that our procedures were the most comprehensive he had ever seen, that it was an outstanding review with no non-compliances and many areas going beyond the standard. He went on to say that ‘the Firm has swallowed Version 6 whole.’

Rebecca said: “We are pressing ahead with recruitment of new talent as part of the expansion of the business and are keen to strike a balance between highly-trained and experienced professionals and people we can train to work in the Kidwells way.”

“The comments recognised that having such a high ranking gives our clients confidence in the service they will receive and the comments received from Lexcel were the icing on the cake. It makes me very proud to be a part of such a successful and growing team.”

Underpinning the Kidwells approach is an expert team that combines local presence with city professionalism to bring a fresh approach to the business of law. The firm’s lawyers are a mix of people who have moved from jobs with big City law firms and talented local lawyers that Kidwells has trained itself.

Their success means that Kidwells is expanding to meet the demand for its services and is in the process of taking on

Kidwells’ commitment to potential clients begins with a free initial consultation – they will not charge you, no matter how long it takes, until they fully understand your needs and have agreed upon the next course of action.

Kidwells takes a new approach to law, they offer a full range of legal services through its specialist departments in categories including Employment Law, HR Law, Company & Commercial Law, Debt recovery, Litigation, Dispute Resolution, Mediation, Wills ,Trusts and Probate, Family Law, Criminal Law, Military Law and Immigration.

To find out more about Kidwells visit their website www.kidwellssolicitors. co.uk or contact Rebecca Hardy, Practice Manager and Director of HR on rh@kidwellssolicitors.co.uk

January/February 2016

FINANCEFOCUS

IS IT STILL WORTH BEING A LIMITED COMPANY? From April 2016, changes to the way dividend income is taxed could result in a significant increase in the tax liability for limited company owners.

WHAT’S CHANGED? Dividends are paid from a company’s post-tax profit. The current system therefore provides an element of tax relief for the shareholder by way of a notional “tax credit” to reflect the fact that the company has already paid corporation tax. This means that basic rate taxpayers currently have no further tax liability on their dividends.

However, with Corporation Tax currently at 20% and set to fall further, the “double charge” is now less of a burden.§ In the Summer Budget George Osborne deemed the tax credit an unnecessary feature of the tax system and intends to simplify the way taxation of dividends works.

From 6 April 2016 the 10% tax credit will be abolished, and instead each individual will have a flat rate dividend allowance of £5,000 (although this is not an outright exemption and the mechanics are rather complicated). Any dividends received in excess of this allowance will then be taxed according to three new dividend tax bands that will be introduced, in line with the basic, higher and additional tax bands respectively.

HOW WILL THIS AFFECT ME? The full impact of these changes will vary significantly depending on your personal situation, although directors/shareholders of owner-managed limited companies

will invariably be worse off. For example, a director/shareholder who currently receives a £27,000 net dividend which falls entirely within their basic rate band will pay no additional tax on this in 2015-16.

However with no change in strategy for 2016-17, the same dividend could create an extra personal tax liability of £1,650.

IS IT STILL WORTH BEING A LIMITED COMPANY? Director/shareholders whose income consists primarily of dividends are likely to be facing a higher tax bill next year.

Compensating for this by increasing your salary would incur 12% employees’ National Insurance Contributions and 13.8% employers’ NICs, so this is probably not a viable solution.

In some circumstances and depending on profit levels, it may be necessary to

reconsider the structure of the business to find a more tax efficient solution.

WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT? There are planning options available, including changing the scale of dividends taken before 6 April 2016. It may be necessary to reconsider the structure of your business to ensure your affairs are as tax efficient as possible and minimise the impact of the changes.

Business owners need to start planning for an increased tax bill from next year.

It is highly recommended that you seek professional advice as soon as possible to prepare for the changes.

Contact Ormerod Rutter to arrange a free initial consultation with our expert team today.

Big firm capability Family firm personality Contact us for a free initial consultation

01905 777600

www.ormerodrutter.co.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

@OrmerodRutter 027

CHAMBERTRAINING

FOCUS ON DIGITAL MARKETING AND PR Before running a Digital Marketing agency that works with SMEs, Ben spent over five years working in the corporate Digital Marketing sector with big household names. He found that as technology improves, the techniques and ideas that corporate businesses are using have started becoming accessible to smaller businesses. The issue was that many SMEs are not aware of how to do this effectively.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 3 TIPS FOR ANYONE CONSIDERING THEIR MARKETING AND PR? Make your website the focus and driving point of your efforts, it should be the source of most of your information and the online hub of your business, as it is one of the few things you have complete control over.

Bring your content in-house. The greatest successes always come when our clients provide their unique insight and experience to the content.

Be pragmatic, not everything will work for your business and you don’t need to do everything. Use what is right for you and measure everything you do.

WHAT ARE THE TOP THREE THINGS THAT ANY BUSINESS COULD DO NOW FOR FREE? n Create, verify and install Google Analytics & Google Webmaster toolkit; these are some of the most powerful Digital Marketing tools around and are completely free of charge. n Sign up for Google for Business, it’s free and will improve you local search listings, natural search listings and the online perception of your brand with star ratings and testimonials on the search results. n Attend the Introduction to Digital Marketing and PR workshop that we run with the Chamber, free of charge to all members.

WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL BE THE BIGGEST CHANGE TO DIGITAL MARKETING IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS? New payment channels for online e-commerce. You can already purchase online via Pinterest in the US and the UK via Facebook stores, but this is just the

start. Soon most, if not all, social media and digital marketing platforms will have options to sell directly.

IF A COMPANY ARE ABOUT TO SPEND MONEY ON MARKETING, WHERE WOULD YOU ADVISE THEM TO SPEND? Always start with your website, especially on the design, user experience and content.

It’s an investment that will provide a continuous, cumulative return. All of your marketing efforts direct traffic to your website, but it’s the website that retains and converts and it can always be improved.

By Ben Feltwell, Marketing and PR Trainer

COURSES IN THIS SERIES: All courses run from 9.30am-1.30pm and cost £80+VAT for Members and £100+VAT for Non-members, excluding the introductory course which is free to members.

AN INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL MARKETING & PR Learn how to use your time most effectively with Digital Marketing and PR to grow your business.

FREE to all members of the Chamber

SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMISATION The most popular and powerful form of marketing, which 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.

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EMAIL MARKETING

EFFECTIVE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Email marketing is one of the best forms of direct marketing.

How Social Media can help your business and how to use it effectively and efficiently.

Learn how to segment your database information to send personalised e-shots. Measure and understand the effectiveness of your email campaigns so that you can look to improve their efficiency.

Including an overview of Social Media and platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Forums and YouTube.

GOOGLE ANALYTICS

WRITING EFFECTIVE MARKETING COPY

The definitive website reporting tool, it is free-to-use and available to anyone.

Clear, concise and credible copywriting is an essential part of all successful business communications.

From the essentials to the more advanced features including how to create a Google Analytics account, understanding the key metrics and putting them in context for your business.

Showing you how to easily and quickly write effective marketing copy that connects your business to both your current and potential customers.

January/February 2016

CHAMBERBUSINESSTRAINING

TRAINING CALENDAR JANUARY - MARCH 2016 JANUARY COURSES

FEBRUARY COURSES

MARCH COURSES

IOSH Managing Safely Tuesday 12-Friday 15 January - 9.30am-4.30pm £495+ VAT Members, £595+VAT Non-members

Effective use of Social Media Tuesday 2 February - 9.30am-1.30pm £80+ VAT Members, £100+VAT Non-members

Intrastat & Trading in EU Wednesday 2 March - 9.30am-4.30pm £225+VAT Members, £250+VAT Non-members

Role of the Team Leader Tuesday 12 January - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Manual Handling Tuesday 2 February - 9.30am-1.30pm £80+ VAT Members, £100+VAT Non-members

Letters of Credit Tuesday 8 March - 9.30am-4.30pm £225+VAT Members, £250+VAT Non-members

Understanding Free Trade Agreements Thursday 14 January - 9.30am-1pm, £125+VAT Members, £150+VAT Non-members

Writing Effective Marketing Copy Wednesday 3 February - 9.30am-1.30pm £80+VAT Members, £100+VAT Non-members

Assertiveness and Confidence at Work Wednesday 9 March - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Introduction to Excel Friday 15 January - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Introduction to Digital Marketing and PR Tuesday 9 February - 9.30am-1.30pm FREE to Members, £100+VAT Non-members

What’s New - Changes in International Trade Thursday 10 March - 9.30am-4.30pm £225+VAT Members, £250+VAT Non-members

Effective Presentation Skills Tuesday 19 January - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Managing Performance in the Team Wednesday 9 February - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+ VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Advanced Microsoft Excel Friday 11 March - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Organising a Distributor Meeting Wednesday 20 January - 9.30am-1pm £100+ VAT Members, £125+VAT Non-members

INCOTERMS (2010) Friday 11 February - 9.30am-4.30pm £225+VAT Members, £250+VAT Non-members

Creating a Customer Care Culture Tuesday 15 March - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Basics of Import Procedures Wednesday 20 January - 9.30am-4.30pm £225+VAT Members, £250+VAT Non-members

Advanced Letters Of Credit Tuesday 16 February - 9.30am-4.30pm £225+VAT Members, £250+VAT Non-members

Advanced Export Documentation Wednesday 16 March - 9.30am-4.30pm £225+VAT Members, £250+VAT Non-members

Introduction to Digital Marketing and PR Tuesday 26 January - 9.30am-1.30pm FREE to Members, £100+VAT Non-members

Professional Telephone Techniques Wednesday 17 February - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Basics of Export Documentation Thursday 17 March - 9.30am-4.30pm £225+VAT Members, £250+VAT Non-members

Tariff Classification Tuesday 26 January - 9.30am-4.30pm £225+VAT Members, £250+VAT Non-members

VAT on Exports Thursday 18 February - 9.30am-1pm £150+VAT Members, £175+VAT Non-members

Employment Law Update Tuesday 22 March - 10.00am-3.00pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

IOSH Working Safely Tuesday 23 February - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Conducting Effective Team Appraisals Wednesday 23 March - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Finance for Non-Finance Managers Wednesday 24 February - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Advanced Import Procedures Wednesday 30 March - 9.30am-4.30pm £225+VAT Members, £250+VAT Non-members

Export Licensing Thursday 25 February - 9.30am-4.30pm £225+VAT Members, £250+VAT Non-members

For more information and bookings contact us on 01905 673 611, training@hwchamber.co.uk. www.hwchamber.co.uk/training

Intermediate Microsoft Excel Friday 26 February - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+ VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Key:

Chamber Business Training Courses Import and Export Training Courses

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BIGINTERVIEW

GLOBAL SUCCESS TO DRINK TO guarantees good taste and flavour.

“Right from that first batch, it was perfect, but the shock was how little volume we produced; 16 tonnes of potatoes made only 1,000 litres of alcohol which after 40 hours was very disheartening.

Nestled in the Herefordshire countryside is a remarkable success story, a distillery that is exporting to the world, all based on the humble potato.

“However, we knew that we had produced something special so we set about scaling up our operations to produce more gins and vodkas.

The story of Chase Distillery, which is based at Rosemaund Farm, Hereford, and employs forty people, can be traced back the best part of three decades.

“Today, we are growing rapidly. Sales of our GB Gin alone are up 400 per cent year on year and we are selling mainly to independents.

Founder and Owner of the family business William Chase grew up in Herefordshire and had been farming potatoes for 20 years, mostly supplying supermarkets, which had left him feeling disillusioned.

“We have found that by concentrating on quality and price we appeal to retailers who focus on the fact that you cannot get the product in the supermarkets.

“We do some trade with supermarkets but not if they focus on price. For us, business is not about price and if they want to talk about price first we are not really interested.

He said: “For me, business is all about respect, but we were getting perfectly good potatoes rejected from supermarkets who were very fussy about the product.

“We would even store large amounts of potatoes, until they needed them, only to have the rejected at the last minute.

“We were not receiving the respect we required as a supplier. I wanted to remain in farming and produce great tasting products from potatoes, but we were not making any money dealing with supermarkets.

“It was proving too expensive for us, so in 2002, we moved into supplying potatoes for crisps.

“We had supplied potatoes for kettle chips and gradually came up with the idea of producing our own crisps.”

The Tyrrells brand was born in 2002 to produce quality crisps mainly for the independent sector, rather than supermarkets.

William said: “Tyrells grew very quickly and the experience of dealing with independents restored my sense of humanity in business. It was a culture shock but very much a good one.”

However, William realised that potatoes could also be used to produce gins and vodkas and the idea of a distillery was born in 2003.

It took him time to turn the idea into reality but in 2008, the distillery produced its first drinks, using traditional techniques that distillers a century ago would have

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“The challenge for us is that it is an exceptionally competitive market because everyone is an entrepreneur these days.

However, we think that by concentrating on quality we will do well.”

William Chase

Founder and Owner, Chase Distillery recognised, rather than those use in modern mass production.

William said: “I thought there would be a market if we could make a quality product and sell it with the provenance and pedigree that characterised our approach to business.

“The special thing about our drinks is that they are produced from scratch. They are not amalgams of other mass-produced ingredients that are brought in. We do everything ourselves.”

Export is crucial to the business. Indeed, Chase Vodka was voted the World’s Best Vodka in the prestigious San Francisco Spirits Competition.

William said: “A lot of our drinks go for export, 30 per cent this year and hopefully 50-60 per cent next year.

“We sell across the world, including America and Spain, where we do very well, we’re even selling vodka to the Russians.

“I was always confident that with our supreme quality over all the other mass-produced drinks that we would have success and we are confident about the future.”

Key to success is the way the drinks are produced, allowing the product extensive access to copper throughout the process, rather than the stainless steel vats used by some larger companies. That is achieved by a 70 foot tall rectification column, the tallest in Europe.

William said: “Ensuring constant contact with copper is important because it

January/February 2016

BIGINTERVIEW

Today, we are growing rapidly. Sales of our GB Gin alone are up 400 per cent year on year and we are selling mainly to independents.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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COVERFEATURE

FOOD FOR THOUGHT IN A BURGEONING SECTOR The food and drink sector is increasingly important to Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and is worth millions of pounds a year. At the heart of its success is a relentless commitment to quality, an eye for new markets and a strong commitment to the area. Business Direction set out to find out more about some of the success stories.

DAIRY COMPANY EXPANDS FOR THE FUTURE Also enjoying success is Ledbury-based Meadow Cheese, a centre of excellence for heat processed dairy manufacturing within Ornua, the home of Irish Dairy.

COMPANY’S FORTUNES ARE ON THE RISE Orchard Valley Foods started in 2004 and now employs over 70 staff, with an annual turnover of almost £25 million

Another key driver for the growth of the business has been export. It now exports to 30 countries, including Europe and the Middle East, Indonesia, Canada and Australia.

The largest part of the business is in supply of confections and ingredients to the food manufacturing sector. The company is the sole distributor for a number of European and UK specialist manufacturers for fudges, sugar strands, pearls, caramels and decorative sweets.

Mike said: “It has been a very deliberate strategy. Two and a half years ago, we decided to increase our international business and took on our first export manager.

About half of the Orchard Valley Foods workforce is employed in its blending, bagging, sacheting and other packaging lines.

One of the biggest growth areas has been products for cake decoration.

Chairman Mike Forrester commented: “The popularity of television shows like The Great British Bake-Off has been really good for us because people’s aspirations and expectations of what they want to do with their baking have increased.

“Customers want quality and they also want to buy natural products. Where colour and flavours are present in our products, these are all natural. We have British Retail Consortium A+ accreditation, RSPO (palm oil) certification and Organic and Halal certification.”

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“Export has, as a result, become a very significant part of the business. Three years ago we exported £300,000 of products, today it has reached £2.5 million, equivalent to about ten per cent of the business.”

Throughout its growth, the company has stayed loyal to the area and its own production facilities in Burford, near Tenbury Wells.

Orchard Valley Foods also recently agreed a 10-year lease on a warehouse on Clinton Road in the Leominster Enterprise Park, thus consolidating its external storage. The site is its UK distribution hub, serving 700 customers in the UK and abroad.

Mike said: “There are challenges in being based in the area, not least for distribution because getting to the motorway can be difficult, but we stay here because we have a fantastic, loyal workforce and a superb network of local service suppliers.”

Managing Director Michael Harte said: “Using a selection of technologies, across a range of applications and formats, we strive to realise the unmet needs of our customers and their market. We aim to add value through innovation and quality, allowing our partners to excel within a competitive and ever adapting environment.

“Dairy is an exciting and fast-moving industry. 2015 has seen the removal of milk quotas which has opened up the dairy market to increased milk levels, pushing the price of milk down to the lowest levels the industry has seen in the past five years.

“Yet the food industry is going through a period of awakening, consumers want more value and interesting products. This is the time for development and innovation. Our exceptional Product Development team are experimenting with new flavours and food concepts daily to ensure we are in front of market trends.”

Meadow Cheese is developing further as a result of merging with its sister company, The Cheese Warehouse, looking to enter 2016 with a new corporate identity as Ornua Ingredients UK. The combining of the two companies will create a business with the necessary scale and complementary capabilities to provide customers with a comprehensive range of quality products, category insight, greater NPD & innovation, and enhanced levels of customer service and support.

January/February 2016

COVERFEATURE

S&A - THE SOFT FRUIT AND ASPARAGUS SPECIALISTS Another successful company is S&A, a leading independent grower, packer, importer and exporter of berries and asparagus.

The company is a third generation family-owned business originating at Brook Farm in Marden, Herefordshire.

John Davies, the owner of the company, was one of the first pioneers of modern strawberry production in the late 1990s.

S&A has two soft fruit farms in Herefordshire and together with two others producing asparagus, they employ more than 120 permanent staff in the County and, at the peak, about 1,000 seasonal workers.

They also have glasshouses in Kent and South Wales, enabling them to supply strawberries to their customers from March to December.

As the largest independent strawberry grower in the UK, they are not part of a marketing cooperative, enabling them to sell direct and be flexible, responsive and innovative. S&A supply high quality berries to many of the leading supermarkets in the UK and together with like-minded growers worldwide are able to offer a 52-week supply of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. They also have a rapidly expanding business overseas.

S&A’s state-of-the-art automated pack-house facilities offer the flexibility to grade and pack for individual customers.

The logistics team ensure their customers receive the fruit in the freshest, most consistent quality throughout their refrigerated global supply chain.

Growing, harvesting, packing and distribution, S&A are specialists in supplying premium soft fruit with the expertise and passion for quality and excellence. Their philosophy is to provide the highest standards of quality for

appearance, taste, freshness and shelf life.

S&A’s own Quality Assurance technical protocols ensure strict controls on product quality, traceability and safety testing worldwide.

S&A strives to maintain its position at the forefront of the industry and is investing heavily in programs to develop their own varieties and genetics in all mainstream berry categories.

Trevor Gregory, S&A’s Finance Director, said: “At S&A we are proud of our Herefordshire heritage and were delighted to be asked to participate in this opportunity to showcase the many examples of good food and drink from across Herefordshire. This article also illustrates the important part that companies such as ourselves play in supporting the local economy.”

KANES FOODS - A GROWING STORY Kanes Foods Ltd is one of the leading processors of fresh, chilled produce within the UK.

It is not by accident that the family-owned company has developed such a successful business within the heart of the fertile Vale of Evesham.

With an annual turnover of £110m and a permanent staff of 1,800 local people, the company depends upon Vale growers just as much as local growers depend upon Kanes.

The fresh, chilled processing industry is one of the most demanding within the food market because of the need to minimise the time between harvesting and eating; freshness is all.

The company produces ‘ready for plate’ salads, stir-fry components, sauces, fresh noodles and coleslaw for the major supermarkets.

Within its existing site the company has recently completed the final stage of a bagged salad factory costing £30m; this factory is recognised as the most advanced of its kind within Europe.

Roger Beard, Finance Director at Kanes Foods, said: “As part of our innovative profile Kanes has food research projects with leading universities as well as an extensive department which concentrates on New Product Development; within the world of fresh food the mantra is ‘delay means decay’.”

Unusual within the food industry is Kanes’ insistence on the recruitment and development of its own

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

permanently contracted staff, thus avoiding the unpredictable use of ‘gangmaster’ labour services so favoured by others.

Kanes is proud of its role as an integrated part of the local business community and social activities of Evesham and Worcestershire and will continue to expand that role.

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FOCUSONFOODANDDRINK

ORCHARD ORIGINS AT HEREFORDSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST Orchards are an integral part of both the landscape and social history of Herefordshire and Worcestershire. The fields filled with blossom, trailers spilling over with apples and glasses filled with golden cider mark the seasons and our celebrations.

Orchard Origins, a community interest company based at Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, harness all of this but much more too. Traditionally managed orchards are wonderful for wildlife and support a huge range of flora and fauna. Ageing fruit trees provide hollow branches for nesting birds and mice including lesser and greater spotted woodpeckers and little owls while their branches provide a perfect habitat for lichen, mosses and fungi. Fallen fruit is a wonderful food source for visiting thrushes in late autumn and you can often

see redwing and fieldfare feasting on windfalls.

The tending and harvesting of orchards can also themselves be beneficial to wellbeing. Whether recovering from a mental illness, building confidence in new skills or simply de-stressing from a busy week at the office, spending time in nature and seeing the fruits of labour can boost both our physical and emotional health.

produce wonderful juices and ciders, cater for events, offer pruning and picking services and run corporate volunteering days.

For more info about Orchard Origins see orchardorigins.org or get in touch at orchards@herefordshirewt.co.uk or on 01432 356872

Managing orchards for the benefit of people and wildlife, Orchard Origins

SWINE DINING

WOBBLY BREWING CO. Producers of fine real ales and craft beers. Our brewery shop is now open to the public 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday selling our ever popular Wobbly range and other beers and ciders from our favourite brewers.

We Provide a professional; and friendly service offering our newly constructed hog roast machine. We offer a bespoke service roasting various meats with all the trimmings. We can arrange marquees, bands etc. Give us a call for further details

W O B B LY B R E W I N G . C O . U K The Wobbly Brewing Co. LTD Unit 22C Beech Business Park Tillington Road Hereford HR4 9QJ

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January/February 2016

FOCUSONFOODANDDRINK

CRAFTY COOKING AT THE JINNEY RING CRAFT CENTRE The restaurant is in an authentic timbered barn building, full of charm and character with rustic beams and real log fire. The chefs are always busy, serving an average of over 100 lunches each day, cooked from fresh, and they also produce an irresistible selection of puddings and cakes. At the weekend you can also enjoy breakfast, as well as cream teas and a fantastic Sunday carvery.

By night the restaurant becomes the setting for private parties. The restaurant is a superb venue for family occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and of course weddings, for which the chefs create all sorts of bespoke menus, ranging from picnic buffets for sharing to fine dining with silver service.

The Jinney Ring Craft Centre in Hanbury is the home of twelve working craft studios and a must-see countryside escape. As craft is the soul of the Jinney Ring, then the heart of it has to be food, as the large Farmhouse Restaurant plays a leading role, day and night, all year round.

The Jinney Ring chefs are as creative as the crafts people on site, and so they are never bored. At the moment they are occupied with inventions for Pancake Day, when sweet and savoury pancakes are available for the whole day, and Pudding Night, when you can enjoy as many as

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

you like from the counter. Also coming up is Mothering Sunday’s All-Day Carvery, and Easter Sunday, with delicious treats, Simnel cake and hot cross buns.

Call us on 01527 821 272 or visit www. jinneyring.co.uk

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FOCUSONFOODANDDRINK

“Worcester’s Best Kept Secret…”

A warm and intimate venue ideal for the “last meeting” of the day.

• Fine Wines by the Glass • Premium Beers • Cocktail Menu • 16th Century Historic Inn • Available for Private Hire & Special Events Contact us: 7 Copenhagen Street, Worcester casablancabar@btconnect.com

01905 745861

Hotel & Restaurant Grafton Manor is a picturesque Elizabethan Manor house located on the outskirts of Bromsgrove, 5 minutes from Junction 5 of the M5 and Bromsgrove Railway Station.

Founded by John Morris in 1980, Grafton Manor has become established as a well known venue in Worcestershire as a Hotel, Restaurant and Wedding Venue.

John Harper, his eldest Grandson, is now bringing Grafton Manor into the 21st Century, with a modern, stylish approach.

In February 2016, Grafton Manor is launching it’s new restaurant and bar. Come and enjoy a fresh approach to dining in spacious and contemporary surroundings. All of our food is cooked using fresh and local ingredients. Or you can simply enjoy a drink with friends, choosing from an extensive menu of fine wines, all British beers and

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anything else that might suit your taste.

For any enquires please do get in touch with us!

We have nine individually decorated bedrooms which means you can turn your visit to Grafton into a night

01527 579007 office@graftonmanorhotel.co.uk

away!

www.graftonmanorhotel.co.uk

January/February 2016

FOCUSONFOODANDDRINK

OPENING HOURS 9–5 MONDAY TO FRIDAY

HOP TO OUR BREWERY SHOP If you’re looking for presents or the finest real ales, Those are the things our brewery shop sells!

We’ve T-shirts, tankards and witty slate coasters, Bottle openers, key rings and Wye Valley posters.

We’ve ceramic jugs and mugs in various sizes, Hop-themed jewellery for unique surprises.

We’ve bar towels, tea towels and new calendars, Notebooks, cookbooks and fun playing cards.

We’ve bottled-beer gift packs with one of our glasses, And 20-litre polypins for serving the masses.

So whatever you need, don’t get caught on the hop, Head to our brewery or website and visit the shop!

Stoke Lacy HR7 4HG T 01885 490505 www.WyeValleyBrewery.co.uk Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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FOCUSONFOODANDDRINK

QUALITY THE WATCHWORD AS FOOD AND DRINK MARKET GROWS

Food and drink is the largest manufacturing sector in the UK with a turnover of £76 billion, according to Government figures.

There are more than 8,000 companies in the industry, which between them employ 400,000 people.

In addition, the industry invests in research and development, which results in 10,000 new products being introduced to the market every year.

Among the companies working hard to develop the industry are those in the Hereford and Worcestershire area, ranging from quality drinks makers to producers of speciality cheeses.

For many of them, the focus on specialities is driving impressive growth driven by changes in shopping trends.

More and more customers have become increasingly conscious about what they eat due to growing awareness in health and general well-being.

As a result, companies large and small are looking to develop products which are healthier and whose provenance can be easily traced by the shopper.

Also important is the growing focus on the distance that food travels with the result that more food and drink is sold locally, reducing the miles that it is transported.

However, that does not mean that all food goes into local outlets and a number of Hereford and Worcestershire brands go to national and international markets.

The rapid growth in the food and drink industry, including increasing export opportunities with UK products in demand abroad, means that UK manufacturers distribute more than 6.3 billion cases of products each year.

SAUCY PEARS, SPECIALIST OFF LICENCE Until August 2014 Worcester didn’t have a dedicated retailer for bottled beer and cider. The city itself has a great range of pubs to drink in but if you wanted a bottle of locally produced real ale or a selection of craft beers for your party, choices were limited. We provide a variety of quality brews from all the local breweries as well as craft beers from the UK and abroad along with some Belgian beers.

We have gift vouchers and presentation boxes if you’re buying as a present and we can supply kegs of beers and bags-in-box of cider if you’re having a party. Come see us at 53 George Street (next to St. Martin’s Gate car park) or check us out on Facebook and Twitter!

Phone: 07714 232465 Email: info@saucypears.co.uk /saucypears

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/saucypears

January/February 2016

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

NEW YEAR, NEW BUSINESS RESOLUTION

Putting relationships at the centre of your business is so vital to success that it should probably be one of your New Year resolutions. Good business relationships built on firm foundations, whether with partners or shareholders, employees, suppliers and customers, or regulators, provide a platform for your success.

At Harrison Clark Rickerbys, we make business easier for you by taking care of the legal details at every stage. We know how important it is to have the right agreements in place right from the start – if you have flexible and far-sighted partnership or shareholder agreements, they will stand you in good stead for the future.

The right agreements enable you to negotiate your way through all the changes and developments your business will encounter. Although time and resources spent on these initial stages seems frustrating when you really want to forge ahead with your business, when your business develops and grows, those initial agreements will be invaluable.

Establishing the right relationships with your employees right from the start is also crucial to your success – you will need

to make sure that you keep the business boundaries clear while making the most of their skills and rewarding them for their efforts.

The same is true of your relationships with your suppliers and customers – drawing up contracts which work for you and protect your position should not be neglected.

Making sure that your products, ideas and data are protected is also central to any business, and you may need to use non-disclosure agreements, trademarks or patents to protect your intellectual property.

As your business flourishes, you may want to expand into other countries, and high-quality advice on exporting will make a daunting experience much easier to handle. Our international team is well-placed to advise on trading relationships and export and import arrangements, as well as the detail of negotiating in other business cultures.

Delicate negotiation is sometimes needed when dealing with regulators, from the Health and Safety Executive through to local authorities. While you will come to know your way around the system of regulations which affects your business,

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

we can make sure you have the right licences and permissions, as well as supporting you if problems arise.

Unexpected challenges aside, competitors will always want to be one step ahead and may not always be scrupulous about how they get there. Cyber security is not just a problem for giants like Sony and TalkTalk – keeping your customers’ and your employees’ data safe, and making sure that your systems are as secure as possible, is an issue for all businesses, especially with the latest Data Protection Act regulations.

Building on good relationships is especially important when your business needs to expand, or when you decide to bring in new investors. Your original agreements will come into their own at this stage, and we can back these up with our expertise in mergers and acquisitions.

For all your business legal needs, contact Robert Capper at rcapper@hcrlaw.com or on 01905 744 814 or any other member of the team at Harrison Clark Rickerbys.

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VISITHEREFORDSHIRE

VALENTINE’S DAY AT THE GALLERY A heart throbbing display of unusual romantic gifts is available at Old Chapel Gallery’s Valentine’s Day Exhibition, in the heart of rural Herefordshire.

Visit the Gallery for some hand made cards, jewellery, beautifully made wooden jewellery boxes, sumptuous scarves, cushions, warming British-made throws, dreamy mixed media art,

love-themed metalwork, fused glass hearts and coasters, soft lambs wool scarves, hats, snoods, jackets and more.

Established in 1989 in a Victorian Chapel, the Gallery is a centre of excellence where casual browsers and serious collectors of British contemporary art and crafts can find work by established, local and nationally-known artists and

makers, alongside talented newcomers.

Exhibitions are held throughout the year, as well as a Garden Sculpture show which opens each May. The Gallery’s Spring Exhibition will open on Sunday 6 March and run to the end of April. www.oldchapelgallery.co.uk

TOP MARKS FOR HEREFORD IN TRIVAGO AWARDS Leominster Tourist Information Centre

PAY A VISIT TO LEOMINSTER TIC Leominster is one of the few towns left in the country with a Tourist Information Centre. Whilst other towns close their doors, Leominster's office is flourishing, thanks to the Town Council, the support of local people and dedicated volunteers.

The TIC sells tickets to many local events, including those organised by Leominster's Playhouse Company, as well as a range of local gifts, produce and books. You can find calendars from local photographers, jewellery, ceramics and an interesting array of honeys, oils and preserves, including 'Chuckleberry' jams.

There are six popular window displays, which showcase local businesses, artists and crafts and are let on a monthly basis.

These provide the TIC with a source of income and help advertise start-ups and established businesses without a town centre presence.

Additionally, the TIC is involved with the development of Leominster Country Tourism Group, the 'leominstertourism. com' website, Leominster in Bloom, and the recent very successful Leominster Food Fayre. www.leominstertourism.com

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Two Hereford businesses were listed in the top 20 in the West Midlands in Hotel search website trivago. co.uk’s 2015 Top Hotel Awards.

Somerville House in Hereford was the most highly ranked in the county, coming eighth in the West Midlands with a rating of 90.10. Castle House in Hereford was also featured, coming eighteenth in the region with a rating of 88.96.

Rosie and Bill, Partners at Somerville House, said: “We are delighted that Trivago have placed Somerville House eighth in the Trivago Top 20 Hotels in the West Midlands and first in Herefordshire. This is an inspiration to maintain and improve the 5 Star service we offer in the boutique hotel style accommodation at Somerville House.”

Clare O’Reilly, Tourism Development Executive at Visit Herefordshire, said “We’ve always known there are some wonderful accommodation providers in the county and it’s great to see some of them being recognised”. www.somervillehouse.net www.castlehse.co.uk

Wheelchair Rugby at thePoint4. Image courtesy of Jon Reynolds Art & Photography.

ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL The Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) in Hereford enjoys an outstanding reputation as the leading education and training provider in its field, but some people may not realise its facilities are enjoyed by a much wider audience.

The college offers a unique opportunity in Herefordshire to host fully accessible, residential events for choirs, faith groups, disability sports squads, summer schools and international sports events. It was entirely full in August during the European Blind Football Championships, when flags of many nations decorated the campus!

ThePoint4 (the college’s state-of-the-art gym and leisure facility) is home to the RNC’s sports academy, teaching Blind and Partially Sighted Football, Goalball and Visually Impaired Golf. It is also used regularly by the local community, including a number of disability sports groups.

Income generated through booking RNC for functions or accommodation helps support visually impaired and blind students prepare for higher education or the workplace. www.rncb.ac.uk

January/February 2016

VISITWORCESTERSHIRE

TREAT YOUR TASTE BUDS WITH WORCESTERSHIRE DINING The Visit Worcestershire 2015 - 2016 Eating Out Guide is now available, containing all the information you need about the county’s restaurants, cafes, country pubs and bars.

Worcestershire is a county renowned for its food, producing an array of meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables and it is also home to a wonderful variety of eating and drinking establishments.

Whether you are looking for an evening

of top quality dining, somewhere to enjoy afternoon tea or the best places to get food on the go, the Eating Out Guide, complete with high quality images and a list of facilities available at each establishment, is the first place to look.

The guide is supported by Worcester BID and is free to pick up from Worcester Tourist Information Centre in the Guildhall. Copies are also available to distribute to visitors – email

tourism@visitworcestershire.org to request a supply.

The Manor Coach House in Hindlip, Worcester

Winning photograph of Norfolk Terrier Hetty at Croome Park

Living History weekend at the Commandery, Worcester

2000 YEARS OF HISTORY The Commandery is busy preparing for its biggest event of the year – Living History – which takes place in Worcester on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 February as part of the Love Worcester Heritage Festival.

In partnership with The Worcester Re-enactors, more than 150 re-enactors bring 2000 years of history to life with a weekend full of ancient Greeks, Viking warriors, the two World Wars and much more, with living history encampments, military drill displays, crafts and vintage vehicles.

The event has grown year on year and last year welcomed 2,000 visitors to the site, which was most famously the Royalist Headquarters during the Battle of Worcester; the final and deciding battle of the English Civil War. The Love Worcester Heritage Festival is a week of events taking place in heritage venues across the city from Saturday 13 Sunday 21 February. www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk www.visitworcestershire.org/loveworcester

AWARD SUCCESS FOR MANOR COACH HOUSE The Manor Coach House in Hindlip, Worcester has been voted the top hotel in the West Midlands in Hotel search website trivago.co.uk’s Top Hotel Awards 2015.

The property, owned by Terry and Sylvia Smith, achieved an overall rating of 94.24.

Terry & Sylvia commented: “We have been running the award winning Manor Coach House Bed & Breakfast for eight years, and are absolutely delighted to have been awarded first place.

Worcestershire is an ideal place to run a business like ours and it is exciting to share this vibrant county with visitors from all over the world. We believe our commitment to providing guests with outstanding service and value has helped us to become one of the UK’s best accommodation providers.”

Dormy House in Broadway was also listed in the top 20 for the West Midlands, coming 13th place with a rating of 89.35. www.manorcoachhouse.co.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

WINNER FOR WOOFCESTERSHIRE Visit Worcestershire and Fish4Dogs have announced the winner of their photo competition which challenged pet owners to take the perfect picture of their pooches in Worcestershire’s countryside.

The competition formed part of the Visit Woofcestershire campaign, which aims to help visitors enjoy the summer holidays with their dogs.

The photo of Norfolk Terrier Hetty, taken by her owner Geoff Turrell at Croome Park near Worcester, was selected as the winning picture, earning Geoff and Hetty a year’s supply of dog treats from natural food and treat specialists Fish4Dogs.

The Rushock based company supply foods which benefit a dogs coat and skin condition, joint mobility and weight control and provide them with a healthy balance of naturally occurring Omega 3.

Geoff said: “We are delighted for us and for Hetty that we have won this competition.

With the Malvern Hills right on our doorstop and dog friendly attractions like Croome nearby, Worcestershire is a fantastic place for people who love dogs and for the dogs themselves”.

www.fish4dogs.com 041

FOCUSONDIGITALMARKETING

Full article online at

Measure to Manage - How to make sense of your website analytics data Website Analytics is defined as “the measurement, collection, analysis and reporting of Internet data for the purposes of understanding and optimising web usage,” Every business will review financial data to see how they are doing.

Not analysing digital marketing is like not looking at your accounts.

You cannot neglect the data as it could end up costing you money.

There is so much web data available, and most is collected automatically once initially set up. Sometimes it can be overwhelming and you may not know where to start.

The most important thing is that any data collected has the following three attributes:

1. Proper Quality Whatever tools you are using to measure data, you need to make sure you’re getting high quality data.

2. Accuracy Your website and your data are specific so some analytics tools may require minor adjustments to make sure the data you are gathering is accurate.

3. Relevancy Analytics should inform and be informed by business goals. Any data you search for should be relevant to you, your company, your website and your digital marketing activities.

Measurement starts at the beginning From the very start, your business needs to determine what you’re going to measure and how it will show whether you are improving or not.

All websites have a purpose. Tracking the basic metrics such as visitors, traffic sources and page views is important but it doesn’t really give you impactful data.

When measuring the effectiveness of your Digital Marketing it can be helpful to consider the following:

Business Objectives Websites can be categorised into various types. The goal of a Commerce website is to get customers to purchase directly from the site. A Lead Generation website aims to gain information to nurture potential customers. Content websites provide a stream of content to encourage repeat visitors. Finally, Support websites seek to provide customers with the ability to find their own answers and gather information they require.

http://tiny.cc/ Web-Analytics

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) A good KPI must be relevant and useful. Potential KPIs could be: n Conversion Rate: The number of conversions divided by the number of visits to the website. n Days/visits to purchase: How many days or how many visits does it take someone to make a purchase. n Loyalty: The number of times a visitor returns to your website. n Time: How long does it take the visitor to return to your site?

Segments By segmenting data gathered you can understand the data and take quicker action. Example segments could be: n n n n

New vs. Returning visitors Traffic Sources Location Device used to access the website

Targets To gain any benefit from gathering data, you will need to assign numerical values to the level of success.

If you cannot measure something you cannot improve it. Focus on the factors that make the difference to you and your company, track them, analyse them and improve them.

WSI Digital Marketing Consultants can help define business KPIs, develop a Digital Marketing Strategy and provide Website Analytics to measure your Digital Marketing efforts. For more information, contact us today.

Phone: 01905 758034 Email: simon.thompson@wsinetmarketing.co.uk www.wsiworld.com/simonthompson

Once you know what type of website you want you can start to identify achievable business objectives.

Goals Goals are specific strategies or tactics designed to help achieve your business objectives.

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January/February 2016

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

ARE YOU GOING TO STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD IN 2016?

It is surprising how few small businesses (and some not so small) have an up-to-date Business Plan in place. A Plan to help them drive their businesses forward and build for the coming year.

It is also surprising how even fewer have a longer range Plan in place. A Plan setting them up to stand out from the crowd. It follows that if most business don’t have a Plan they are safely in the crowd. That may well be where you wish to sit, so good wishes – I am sure you will have some surprises in the coming year some pleasant, perhaps some not so pleasant.

The Managing Director of a business when asked why they don’t have a Plan said – “something always turns up”. An interesting way to run a business – but what does it say about the leadership, the focus on developing the team, on developing the individual.

How often have you heard people say that their biggest asset is their people? How often have you said the same words? And

when you said them, did you a) say the words with pride because you do invest regularly in your people, linked to your Plan or b) said the words but deep down you knew you were not congruent?

Leading a business can be a daunting and lonely challenge – that is why it can be helpful to bring in someone to provide a fresh perspective. And when better than at the start of a new year!

Do make sure you start the year well with a great Business Plan in place. It won’t take long to write, it will give you focus. When you have finished reading this article start right now! If, however, you need a helping hand why not turn to Worcester-based Project in Mind, run by experienced consultant, mentor and facilitator Peter Johnson, to unleash the potential in your business with the right Plan? In fact he wrote the book and made the recording.

be heard. Don’t let it be yours!

Do you wish to make 2016 the year when you stand out from the crowd? Is now a great time to get your Plan in place. And if not now……when?

Find out more, email on peter@peterjohnsononline.com or visit www.peterjohnsononline.com

To slightly adjust the quotation: Live your business life as if your dreams have come true and then, with your Plan, challenge reality to catch up.

Too many businesses in our wonderful counties will never let the music in them

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INTERNATIONALTRADE

KUDOS BLENDS – EXPORTING IN TO 2016 For this edition of Business Direction, we spoke to the Chamber’s 2015 Exporter of the Year Award winner, Kudos Blends.

Dinnie Jordan, Managing Director, told us about their exciting export plans for 2016.

Winning the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber Exporter of the Year Award for 2015 was a real honour for Kudos, and something we are very proud of. Not only has it raised our profile within the bakery market in the UK, as a fledgling exporter we feel it has given a massive boost to our credibility overseas.

As we look into 2016, we’ve set our expectations for export sales even higher; by researching new markets we are actively looking to start supply into many new countries. So far it’s looking promising, with early indications of orders for supply into both South Africa and Fiji.

By visiting our distributors, we are continuing to build relationships with both them and new potential customers they

BIOFACH: WEDNESDAY 10 – SATURDAY 13 FEBRUARY The Tradeshow Access Programme is supporting a group led by the Food & Drink Exporters Association (FDEA) to Biofach, one of the leading trade fairs for organic food. Experience the broad spectrum of organically produced food and hear an update on current developments in the sector.

Location: Nurnberg Messe GmbH, Nuremberg, Germany.

Email sandra@ukfdea.com for more information.

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could supply. As a company that prides itself on the level of customer service and technical support it offers, ensuring our distributors work to the same level is one way we feel that our export business can continue to grow.

As with previous years, we will continue to exhibit at international bakery and ingredient exhibitions, with the focus for 2016 on America. With no major exhibitions in Europe next year, the focus will be on promoting our products at two exhibitions in America, the IFT in Chicago and the IBIE in Las Vegas. With possible speaking slots already identified, these exhibitions are a great opportunity to identify and start dialogue with potential customers from as far afield as Suriname, Guatemala and Honduras.

With a product rebrand in the pipeline, along with a re-vamp of all product literature and the launch of a new website, as well as predicted sales increase for both UK and export sales, it will be a busy year in 2016.

FOODEX: TUESDAY 8 – FRIDAY 11 MARCH The Food & Drink Exporters Association (FDEA) is offering UK businesses the chance to attend Foodex 2016, a premier event for the Food and Drink industries.

Around 2,400 exhibitors will participate, showcasing Agricultural Products, Confectionery, Herbs and Spices, Frozen Food Products, Meat and Meat Products, Delicatessen and much more.

Location: Makuhari Messe, Japan For more information contact sandra@ukfdea.com

Kudos Blends continue to increase export sales at Food Ingredients Europe 2015

www.kudosblends.co.uk

GULFOOD: SUNDAY 21 – THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY Gulfood is the world’s biggest annual Food and Hospitality show, attracting over 86,000 visitors from 160 countries.

This year, The Catering Equipment Suppliers Association (CESA) is leading a group to the event, an ideal opportunity for businesses looking to export into the United Arab Emirates.

Location: Dubai World Trade Centre, United Arab Emirates.

For more information contact keith. warren@cesa.org.uk

January/February 2016

INTERNATIONALTRADE

UNIQUE EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES AT TAVOLA 2016

Alison Avery

MEET ALISON AVERY UK Trade & Investment Brussels is offering UK Companies the unique opportunity to exhibit at Tavola 2016, the only fine food exhibition in the Benelux Union.

Tavola is held every two years, attracting over 400 exhibitors and more than 17,000 purchasing managers from the food distribution, delis and catering sectors from over 30 countries.

It features quality products from dynamic market leaders as well as exclusive fine foods crafted by artisan producers. Products range from fresh produce to prepared meals, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), seafood and meat, dairy products, halal and kosher food, regional and ethnic products.

Benelux has open and close by-markets at the heart of Europe which make good test markets for all companies in the food and drink industry.

The exhibition is taking place between Sunday 13 – Tuesday 15 March and exhibitors will be provided

with one of 20 individual stands which make up a fully built up island stand. This is located in Hall 4 of the Kortrijk Expo site, Brussels, where most importers are located.

Exhibiting with UKTI at Tavola is a fantastic opportunity for Herefordshire and Worcestershire Food and Drink businesses. The cost is £780 plus an Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS) of £200, which will ensure that your company will have buyers at the event*.

As well as the exhibition, companies will partake in a local buyers event and a cocktail reception. On the last night, delegates will enjoy a meal in Brussels, with the opportunity to try some local beer.

Registration is on first come first served basis as this is a fantastic opportunity and we expect places to go quickly. Companies will be assessed for suitability. To register interest, contact Alison Avery at Email: alison.avery@mobile.ukti.gov.uk or Mobile: 07710 733260. *Additional costs not covered are travel and accommodation, however travel grants of up to £200 per company will be available. Travel and accommodation arrangements will be issued as soon as possible. Exhibiting independently would cost companies between £3000-£5000.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

- OUR NEW INTERNATIONAL TRADE ADVISOR FOR THE FOOD AND DRINK AND CREATIVE SECTORS. Alison has been based with Herefordshire & Worcestershire UK Trade & Investment for the last four and a half years, working in the Commercial International Trade Team.

In her past role, she has been responsible for Export Documentation as well as Import and Export Training and supporting UTKI with Client Management.

From November 2015, Alison has joined the Advisor team, with a new focus on helping companies in the Food & Drink and Creative sectors. She will be taking over from Paul Thompson, who is retiring after having worked for UKTI for 14 years. Alison is looking forward to the challenge that her new role will bring.

She said: “This is an exiting new opportunity and I am looking forward to working with and supporting companies new to the world of export or already established, to share their experiences and really get Herefordshire & Worcestershire on the global map, following in the footsteps of some of our already successful businesses.

We have so much to offer and by working together we can help to grow UK plc and share our expertise around the world.”

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CONFERENCEWORCESTERSHIRE www.conference-worcestershire.com

ENJOY THE VIEW AT THE GRANARY HOTEL The Orangery Suite is the largest conference and banqueting room at The Granary Hotel & Restaurant, with access to a patio terrace area overlooking a beautiful landscape of open fields.

projector screen, flip charts, PA, dividing screens, lectern and stationery.

The room can seat up to 120 people with dimensions of 10.33m by 16.5m. It is air conditioned with plenty of natural daylight, numerous electrical sockets, Wifi, and its own Bar which can be used as a Reception area. It can also be laid out to your exact specification and equipped with a stage,

The Orangery Suite can also be extended to include The Terrace Suite which is adjacent and ideal for a break out area or can be opened up to extend the overall capacity.

REDDITCH PALACE THEATRE Redditch Palace Theatre is a beautiful historical Grade 2 listed building with good transport and motorway links. The venue offers a selection of areas for hire, ranging from the main auditorium seating 420 to the more intimate space of The Room Upstairs for smaller performances, events and meetings, with seating for up to 62.

Being a versatile space, the Palace Theatre can accommodate meetings, conferences, corporate events, award ceremonies, product launches and seminars. As a Film and Television Location, the venue also boasts an impressive Edwardian main auditorium and a modern studio/meeting space. It also comes equipped with professional technical systems and support plus full wi-fi connectivity.

The theatre can provide all you need for a truly successful event! www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk

Refreshments including morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea and cakes can all be served within this room.

THE ABBEY HOTEL: THE PERFECT THE PUXTON VENUE FOR CONFERENCE ANY EVENT CENTRE: SIMPLY LIMITLESS www.granary-hotel.co.uk

The Puxton Conference Centre at Simply Limitless offers facilities ranging from 1 to 1 meeting rooms through to conference facilities for 300 attendees. There is free parking on site and use of WiFi throughout the building. You can choose high quality home made food for as little as £5 per person and break out rooms are provided for use during the day.

The historic setting of The Puxton Conference Centre, formerly Puxton Mill, is an old carpet warehouse on the river Stour, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It is widely known as a hidden gem, situated in the centre of Kidderminster but tucked away from the busyness of the town.

Whether it is training, external meetings, or a party, please get in touch to discuss you specific needs on 01562 751144.

The Abbey Hotel is ideally situated for your business needs with an AIM accredited conference centre offering 11 flexible meeting rooms that can accommodate from 2 to 180 delegates. There is a dedicated event management team, modern AV equipment, free Wi-Fi internet access as well as ample free car parking.

To complement their business facilities The Abbey Hotel offers 100 contemporary en-suite bedrooms, health club with indoor pool, ESPA spa, championship golf course, floodlit driving range, Bramblings restaurant, Tawnys Bar and Terrace, plus 6 acres of land for outdoor activities.

Being a family owned business for over 30 years, the Abbey Hotel has grown into a successful company passionate about hospitality. Doing business your way has always been their belief and their flexible approach ensures that you are fully in control of how your event will run. www.theabbeyhotel.co.uk

www.simplylimitless.org

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January/February 2016

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

ARE YOU PLAYING RUSSIAN ROULETTE WITH YOUR DATA SECURITY? Online security and data protection has become a massive issue, and with the new EU General Data Protection Regulations coming into force in the near future, it will continue to be a talking point.

had in finding an instant messaging system that was EU based. Or the time it took to establish that our email provider stored all our data in the EU.

Security breaches can happen and you’ll read a lot about providers monitoring and strengthening their framework as a preventative action. But in today’s world the likelihood of a breach is high enough that businesses need to think about what they can do to minimise the impact of anyone infiltrating the system.

Another example, and one that I think everyone struggles with, is the issue of passwords.

DATA LOCATION AND SECURITY FOR ALL SYSTEMS One particularly hot topic at the moment is the issue of data location. At OpenCRM we’ve taken steps to ensure that all of our data centres (and those of all the systems we use) are based in the EU. And that includes the back-up data centres.

Even if the primary data centre is in the EU, if the back-up data centres are in the US, then so is all of your data.

And that’s just your primary data, what about those ‘low risk’ systems? When I talk about this issue, the surprise always comes when I mention about the difficulty we

When you break it down, it’s easy to see how the ‘low risk’ systems can generate a slow leak of client data.

PASSWORDS

My own team were having trouble coming up with enough passwords that were both strong and memorable. So we decided to use a password manager, which allows us to generate extra secure passwords that didn’t have to be memorable.

viruses, malware, and cyber threats – companies need to be aware of the security of the actual data itself, including where it will be stored, how it is accessed, and the security of the device that is being used.

Customers need to be going into this level of detail with any cloud provider before signing on the dotted line. The ramifications, which could include hefty fines and worse, reputational damage, don’t bear thinking about.

If you have any cloud-based security questions, concerns, or feedback, please get in touch. I would love to hear from you.

Find us at www.opencrm.co.uk or drop us a line at security@opencrm.co.uk

ENCRYPTION One relatively simply thing you can do to protect your data is to encrypt it. By encrypting your computers, phones, etc., you know that if anyone were to actually steal the device, they would be hard pressed to make any sense of your data.

Add to this your strong password control and cloud hosting of your data, any opportunistic thief isn’t going to walk away with a list of your customers.

Graham Anderson, is the CEO and founder of OpenCRM, one of the UK’s leading customer relationship management systems.

CHECKING OUT YOUR PROVIDERS It’s no longer enough to assume your providers will protect your data from

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

047

CHARITYNEWS

drp welcome the great rickshaw rally

REDDITCH CHARITY GETS INVOLVED IN NCS PROGRAMME Carers Careline, a charity that supports unpaid informal carers in Redditch, recently became involved with the NCS programme (the government backed National Citizen’s Service for 16/17 year olds). This programme, advocated in particular by David Cameron, runs a four week course for young people, supporting them to build and deliver a social action project in their local community. They learn skills that are widely recognised by employers and by educational institutions, such as planning, marketing and public speaking.

The teams from Redditch chose to get sponsorship for the weekly park run in the Arrow Valley Park, organise two awareness raising events for the charity, and organise a barn dance. The dedication and commitment was inspiring, from their understanding of the charity’s aims through to their enthusiasm and hard work in ‘making it happen’ which saw them raise in excess of £850.

The Gryphon Room at Malvern College

MALVERN COLLEGE HOSTS BONHAM’S VALUATION DAY Local people from Herefordshire and Worcestershire are invited to attend new Strategic member Malvern College’s Bonham’s Valuation Day, in support of Midlands Air Ambulance on Wednesday 17 February. The event will be taking place in the Gryphon Room at Malvern College, between 11am and 2pm.

This event will be a fantastic opportunity to get your special item valued by a Bonham valuer, and to meet Henry Sandon, from BBC’s Antiques Roadshow. There will also be a Midlands Air Ambulance pod that will be branded Air 25, as part of the charity’s 25th Anniversary celebrations. There will be a small charge for each valuation, with the proceeds going to the Midlands Air Ambulance. www.malvernevents.co.uk

www.carerscareline.co.uk

Improving the design of the community café will make it much more inviting for the public. The café will provide affordable and healthy

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The drp team have completed their pledge to undertake 35 CSR projects in their 35th year two months ahead of schedule.

Dale Parmenter, Group CEO, announced at the beginning of 2015 that the team would take on the task to mark their 35th Anniversary, celebrated in June this year at West Midlands Safari Park.

Challenges ranged from abseiling the ArcelorMittal tower for Springboard UK and hosting the YSS Young Carer’s Conference, to preparing and serving breakfast at local homeless shelters.

Larger projects included the great rickshaw rally. This saw the drp team use nothing but pedal power for 130 miles on a rickshaw from their Covent Garden office to the main studios in Hartlebury, raising over £4,000 for MIMN (Meetings Industry Meeting Needs). The Ergo challenge marked number 30 of the 35 CSR projects, with the team rowing the mammoth distance of over one million metres in just 24 hours, raising £1,400 for MIMN. www.drpgroup.com

NEW OPPORTUNITIES AT WORCESTER’S YMCA With Support from Social Enterprise West Midlands, YMCA Worcestershire is planning the remodel of their dining room in their Henwick Road Hostel.

This would be impossible to achieve without the support and expertise from Spella Metcalf and other organisations.

DRP COMPLETE 35 CSR PROJECTS FOR ANNIVERSARY

The Current Dining Room at YMCA’s Henwick Road Hostel

food for students at the university and it will offer opportunities for young people to work and volunteer.

Changing the dining room will enhance the environment and make an area in the community for all to be proud of, as well as increasing the sustainability of the charity by becoming less reliant on statutory funding. YMCA Worcestershire will use funding from the Café to continue making

a difference in the local area, by providing a large number of services across the county that benefit families, young people and adults. www.ymca.org.uk

January/February 2016

FOCUSONCHARITIES

Make a Difference …..Volunteer!

Volunteering not only changes the lives of the people we work with, but it can change yours too!

Reconnections Reconnections aims to support lonely older people across Worcestershire by connecting them with interests and activities in their local area. We are looking for people who could spare a small amount of time every week to help make a life less lonely. @AgeUKHW

Home from Hospital After a stay in hospital many older people feel vulnerable, isolated and unable to cope with day to day life.

We are looking for people who can support older people to regain their independence and improve their quality of life.

Footcare Assistants Our footcare service provides regular toe nail cutting to older people who are struggling to manage their own footcare.

We are looking for people who could provide this service in people’s homes or at clinics in the South of Worcestershire.

Professional Support To help us identify older people who need our services, we also look for individuals who can offer skills and experience in supporting roles such as: photographers, digital media experts, marketers and data inputters.

What we offer       



Training Personal Development Expenses Events and Social Activities DBS checks Flexible roles Office and community based roles And much more…

To find out more, please contact us: Tel: 01905 740950 Email: volunteering@ageukhw.org.uk Website: www.ageukhw.org.uk Malvern Gate, Bromwich Road, Worcester. WR2 4BN Charity No: 1080545

Dudley Dudley Castle Castle Abseil Abseil Resolution Resolution RunRun 19 & 20 March 19 &2016 20 March 2016 Dudley Zoological Dudley Gardens Zoological Gardens Castle Hill, Dudley Castle Hill, DY1Dudley 4QF DY1 4QF

5K/10K 5K/10K

Sunday 6 March Sunday 2016 6 March 2016 Ragley Hall,Ragley Alcester Hall, , Alcester , 11:00am start 11:00am start Sunday 13 March Sunday2016 13 March 2016 Hagley Hall,Hagley Hagley,Hall, Hagley, 11:00am start 11:00am start Sunday 20 March Sunday2016 20 March 2016 Warwick Castle, Warwick Warwick Castle, Warwick 10:00am start 10:00am start

Getting fit Getting in 2016? fit in 2016?

Sign up for Sign ourup Resolution for our Resolution Run Run stroke.org.uk/dudleycastle stroke.org.uk/dudleycastle

stroke.org.uk/resolution stroke.org.uk/resolution

For more details get in touch with us at our Life after Stroke Centre in Bromsgrove Tel: 01527 903 501 E-mail: WMEvents@stroke.org.uk Registered as a Charity in England and Registered Wales (No as 211015) a Charityand in England in Scotland and (SC037789).

Wales (No 211015) Also registered and in Scotland in Northern (SC037789).

Ireland (XT33805) Also registered Isle of inMan Northern (No 945) Ireland and (XT33805) Jersey (NPO Isle 369). of Man (No 945) and Jersey (NPO 369).

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

049

FOCUSONHEALTH

Wellbeing at Work with Kathy Scott from Hands on at Work massage therapies

Getting the Healthy Message Company bosses are increasingly coming to realise that a healthy workplace has many benefits for their businesses In the past, when people thought about health in the workplace, they mostly envisaged health and safety but recently there has been a growing concern with a good work-life balance as well.

According to ACAS, the benefits of promoting a healthy workplace include more motivated workers, improved customer service, fewer absences and greater creativity.

The organisation advises companies to have in place effective policies for managing people issues, high levels of trust between employees and managers and line managers who are confident and trained in people skills ACAS also says that a healthy workplace is one where workers feel valued and involved in decisions.

The organisation advocates managers who identify problems at an early stage and seek to resolve them using informal methods.

It says that such companies make use appropriate health services, such as. occupational health, where practical, to keep employers healthy and get them back to work quickly if they do have problems.

ACAS says it helps if managers have been trained so that they who know how to manage common health problems such as mental health and musculoskeletal disorders Another suggestion from health advisors is healthy options in the canteen, including plenty of salads and fruit.

As for employees, NHS experts say they must play their part to support the company.

The NHS say that knowing how to deal with pressure at work is critical and its advice includes learning to identify the symptoms of stress as well as learning to prioritise your workload.

How to build a healthy and happy workforce (that will want to stay with you) To build a happy and motivated team around you, you will need to ensure that everyone involved has the following: 1. An understanding of the overall aim Every employee must have a clear understanding of (and be able to take ownership of) the overall organisational aim.

They must also be able to read the map which takes them there and understand the ways of working.

2. Individual goals Personal goals are also critically important and a good goal is one that is challenging but achievable. Ideally, the goal will be easy to measure and be broken down into monthly or quarterly milestones.

3. Recognition and thanks And when they do hit those key performance indicators, all employees need recognition and thanks.

4. The right support mechanisms The means giving your team members both the right tools to do the job and an appropriate environment to work in; people in a positive and pleasant environment for example, will usually respond in a positive and pleasant way.

5. A sustainable work-life balance Nowadays employees often face long working hours.

Everyone needs a sustainable work-life balance so, whilst the occasional early morning or late night is fine, if this becomes the norm, people will soon get fed-up and burnout.

6. Support to stay healthy Helping employees stay healthy may mean providing benefits such as gym membership but it could even be something simple, such as providing a workplace kitchen that gives employees somewhere to prepare and eat a nutritional lunch.

The perfect workplace benefit Hands on at Work deliver a range of professional massage treatments in just about any workplace environment and with minimum disruption to the day.

These relaxing or invigorating therapies are performed with the recipient fully clothed and seated.

To build a healthy, happy and loyal team, call me Kathy Scott on 07989 367669 or email info@handsonatwork.co.uk

Certainly, if you work on a computer a lot, it’s important to take regular breaks. That means for every hour at your keyboard you should rest for at least five to ten minutes.

The need for regular exercise is also advised by occupational health experts, whose suggestions include walking over to someone’s desk at work rather than speaking to them by phone, take the stairs instead of the lift and using your lunch break to exercise.

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www.handsonatwork.co.uk January/February 2016

FOCUSONHEALTH

Essential First Aid Training Workplace-training packages n 3 day QA Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (QCF) n 2 day QA Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (QCF) Requalification n 1 day QA Level 2 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work n 3hr Annual Refresher training n AED training (Automated External Defibrillator)

Independent Medical Solutions

Limited

Schools / Nurseries-training packages

Established in 2002 and based in Redditch, Worcestershire.

n 2day Mandatory (Ofsted Compliant) Paediatric Emergency First Aid n 3hr Annual Refresher Paediatric training.

We deliver high-quality First Aid training, equipment and services, helping your organisation to meet all its Health & Safety requirements and keep you on top of Health & Safety legislation.

Bespoke-training packages n Evacuation Chair training n Health and Safety Awareness and Assessment training.

Specialist bespoke-training packages n Anaphylaxis, Diabetes and Asthma Awareness training

NEW ON THE WEB SITE Try out our NEW CALCULATOR Find out how many First Aiders you require for your business.

The future of your business could depend on it...

For information on mandatory H&S requirements, or to simply to get your training started, please call today on:

Tel: 01527 457527 Email: info@imsfirstaid.com www.imsfirstaid.com

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

051

COMMERCIALPROPERTY

GJS DILLON MOVES MAJOR MANUFACTURER INTO REDDITCH BUSINESS UNITS

TRADITIONAL VALUES LOCAL KNOWLEDGE REGIONAL COVERAGE

HELPING BUSINESSES THROUGH THE COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MAZE SO

LD

LE

T

Sales & Lettings Acquisitions Management Dilapidations Surveys Rent Reviews Investment Advice Valuations Visit our website for a full list of available properties: www.gjsdillon.co.uk

Bromsgrove Office

Worcester Office

13 New Road Bromsgrove B60 2JG

01527 872525

9 Edgar Street Worcester WR1 2LR

www.gjsdillon.co.uk

01905 28684

Worcestershire commercial property consultancy GJS Dillon has acquired more than 7,500 sq ft of office and industrial space in Redditch on behalf of a major manufacturer and seller of compressed air systems.

Advised by John Dillon, partner at GJS Dillon, which has offices in Worcester and Bromsgrove, Beko Technologies has taken a new 10 year lease on 11 and 12 Moons Park, Burnt Meadow Road, Redditch, B98 9PA, at a rent of £8 per sq ft.

11 Moons Park is a 3,875 sq ft modern business unit, with ground floor workshop and storage unit. 12 Moons Park is the adjoining 3,863 sq ft two storey office building. Beko Technologies will combine the two buildings into one unit and incorporate a customer centre on the ground floor of 12 Moons Park.

Beko Technologies develops, manufactures and sells compressed air components and systems worldwide to customers in the automobile, chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, electronic and the food and beverage industries. The company is relocating from Bromsgrove to its newly refurbished premises in Redditch.

Further information about GJS Dillon’s new business relocation service can be found on its website – www.gjsdillon.co.uk – along with case studies about the firms it has successfully relocated, or by calling John Dillon on 01527 872525 or tel 01905 28684 or by email: johndillon@gjsdillon.co.uk.

To Let For enquiries please call

• New & Refurbished Industrial Units • Pleasant and Convenient Location

01384 569556 or 01299 822731

Wilden Industrial Estates Wilden lane, Stourport-on-Severn DY13 9JY

d Industrial Units enquiries@wildenestates.co.uk venient Location 052

wildenestates.co.uk

January/February 2016

MEMBERSSERVICES

BECOME BETTER CONNECTED BY JOINING YOUR LOCAL CHAMBER

Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce exists to support local businesses to start, survive and thrive.

n Export & Import Services: Practical advice and support for new and experienced exporters.

Currently, over 1400 businesses benefit from being a member of Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce.

Membership with the Chamber allows businesses to raise their profile, become better connected and access a wide range of support services including professional expertise, export advice, networking events, discounts and training.

n Training: Develop your workforce with over 70 different training courses.

INCLUSIVE BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES

n Policy & Representation: Get your voice heard by Westminster, Whitehall and Brussels.

of AA’s Roadside assistance services for Chamber members.

Primary Health Plan Members’ employees can reclaim the costs of their healthcare through the Westfield Healthcare Chamber plan.

Private Healthcare Discounted private medical insurance from

RAISING YOUR PROFILE WITH OVER AXA. Designed to get you back to health and work as soon as possible.

1,400 MEMBERS n Members Directory: Unlimited access to our exclusive online members directory.

n HR Support: 24/7 HR professional advice and support for employee issues.

n News & Opportunities: Send us your latest press releases and good news stories.

n Legal Support: 24/7 legal advice on commercial & employment law, taxation and VAT issues.

n Networking Events: Access 250+ networking events annually across the two counties.

n Legal Expense Insurance: £1 million cover for unexpected legal fees.

DISCOUNTED BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES

n Healthcare Phone Service: 24/7 phone line to speak with qualified health professionals.

Roadside Assistance

ChamberFX Access bank beating foreign exchange rates through Moneycorp – the UK’s leading independent foreign exchange specialist.

DHL Express Chamber members receive 50% off shipping costs with DHL Express.

Providing up to 64% off the standard rates

JOIN NOW - To find out more about how your business can benefit from becoming a member of Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, please contact the membership team on 01905 673611.

Quote BD16 to get a 10% discount* *T&C’s apply: Discount is only applicable for 1-249 employee sized businesses. Offer expires January 31st 2016.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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NEWPEOPLETODOBUSINESSWITH Posiweigh Ltd

ActionCoach

www.posiweigh.co.uk

www.actioncoach.com/andrewlavoipierre

www.firstserviceicecream.co.uk

MALVERN

Beco and Associates Uk Ltd (Beco Shipping Ltd)

GTAccess Ltd. (AXS Sales Ltd)

Hado Polythene

BROMSGROVE

01531 640941

07999 942105

First Service Frozen Foods Ltd

01527 882444

01527 871123

www.hadopolythene.co.uk

Strategic Professionals Ltd

PERSHORE DRG Interior & Building Solutions LTD

DROITWICH

01386 710383

Droitwich Action For Future Youth (DAFFY)

Vivhula Fun and Fitness

EVESHAM Tableware Distribution Ltd

01386 833643

www.drg-solutions.co.uk

07482 935377

ROSS-ON-WYE

Moonrise Media

07446 232739

Wow Photos

07775 915127

01432 370514 www.rural-concierge.co.uk

UPTON ON SEVERN

01432 382020 www.rwbglobal.com

01905 612001 www.hcrlaw.com

Hill HR Consultancy Limited

07483 253984

Venture Public Relations Ltd

01905 560207

OUT OF AREA Prospects Services

02083 151500

www.prospects.co.uk

Value for Business

01684 591355

www.valueformoneyshop.com

WORCESTER

MacIntyre

01908 230100 www.macintyrecharity.org

Nicklin LLP

0121 5509916 Abacus 98 Ltd

01905 780080 RWB Global

Harrison Clark Rickerbys Ltd

www.wow-photos.co.uk

www.moonrise.media

Rural Concierge

www.h360graphicdesign.com

www.ventureprmarketing.com

www.tabledl.co.uk

HEREFORD

H360 Graphic Design

07854604120

www.strategicprofessionals.co.uk

07773 507764

www.becoshipping.co.uk

01684 574800

www.gtaccess.co.uk

01527 831330

07748 234223

www.abacusnetwork.co.uk

www.nicklins.co.uk

Stoford Properties Ltd

0121 2346699 www.stoford.com

SlySpirit

01432 263340 www.slyspirit.com

The Better Bun Company

07540 945030 Vennture

0330 2020730 www.vennture.org.uk

Wellington Consulting Ltd

0870 7664982 www.wcon.co.uk

Wye Valley Canoes Ltd

01497 847213

www.wyevalleycanoes.co.uk

LEDBURY Land Rover Experience

01531 638779

www.eastnor.landroverexperience.co.uk

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January/February 2016

NEWPEOPLETODOBUSINESSWITH

CELEBRATING HEREFORDSHIRE’S ARTISTS

LONDON SWEETS London Sweets is a young British brand which produces premium quality biscuits and confectionery. The company was established in 2014 and is based in Worcestershire.

The company’s range currently includes three distinctive products: the Caramel Wafer bar, coated in milk chocolate, is their top seller and comes in a pack of four and eight. The Crunchy Biscuits bar is a chocolate loaded snack, available as a pack of five. The milk chocolate coated Four Fingers wafer bar with a chocolate filling is sold in a pack of three. All products come in attractive shelf ready packaging.

London Sweets has been exporting to the Middle East with great success, and they are now looking to sell their range on the British market. The company is confident that London Sweets will be a great addition to biscuits and confectionery aisles across the country.

h.Art is Herefordshire’s open studio annual event for artists, craft makers and creative businesses. It offers visitors the chance to see an array of artwork at group exhibitions in fabulous locations such as castles and manor houses, as well as have personal encounters with some of the UK’s finest artists and makers, in the intimacy of their homes and studios.

In 2014, Will Hopkins, of start-up video production company Moonrise Media, was inspired to visit every venue and film a little at each, to give the participating artists a sense of the whole of what they are involved in. Will visited 250 artists across 104 venues, travelling 832 miles in 9 days, whilst carrying a full set of production equipment on his BMW 1200 GS Adventure motorcycle.

The self-funded film captures the essence of h.Art in an engaging 45 minutes, which is summed up in one word, “variety” - the variety of art, styles, venues, locations and of course Herefordshire’s wonderful geography. www.moonrisemedia.co.uk

www.london-sweets.co.uk

Penny Lowe, Wellington Consulting

ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY In 2000, Penny Lowe moved from Warwickshire to Berkshire, due to work and family commitments. Fifteen years later, she, her husband and their horses have moved to St Owen’s Cross, Herefordshire, to enjoy the scenery and the benefits of living in the country again.

Penny set up her accountancy practice, Wellington Consulting, in 2003. In addition to the usual accountancy work, she also spends time offering business coaching and training. “I told my clients in February 2015 that I would be moving and was happy to help them find an alternative, local accountant”, Penny said. “None have chosen to take this route. They know they can contact me by phone and email”.

As part of re-establishing herself, Penny attended the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Business Expo in October 2015. She has recently joined the Chamber as she has always found it a good way to source services as well as to make friends. www.wcon.co.uk

POSITIVE ACTION FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS Droitwich Action For Future Youth Ltd (DAFFY) is a group of experienced youth workers who provide positive activities for young people in Droitwich.

The charity was set up after the youth service was decommissioned by the County Council and offers young people a safe space to come together, as well as running open access sessions, football training and more recently the

highly successful music project.

The music group meets every Saturday, teaches young people music skills and brings together talents and abilities.

It has lead to the formation of two bands: The Switch and The Bermuda Square. The bands recently had their first headline gigs at Droitwich’s Salt Fest, the biggest festival in the town’s calendar, where they enjoyed performing

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

to local businesses and members of the public.

DAFFY have joined Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce to connect with local businesses to offer a wider range of services and build long term relationships in the business community. daffycollective@hotmail.com

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MOVERSANDSHAKERS

HARRY RYAN, CURO CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS L-R: Leyla, Phoebe, Simon, Sophia, Rebekah, Trudy and Chris

THE CHAMBER IS ‘MOVING AND SHAKING’ INTO 2016 There have been some big changes over Autumn and Winter 2015 here at the Chamber and as a result we have lots of new employees.

Trudie Bowman has joined the UKTI team based at the Chamber as our Commercial International Trade Manager and Leyla Eroglu has joined as an International Trade Advisor.

Having recently taken over the Worcestershire.Business.Central

(WBC) contract, the Chamber is currently building up its team of experts to help businesses start up in Worcestershire. We would like to announce that Phoebe Dawson, Chris Pinder, Peter Mackenzie-Shaw, Randesh Kalar and Simon Wood have all started as Business Engagement Managers in recent months.

Sophia Haywood and Rebekah Harris are now officially Chamber employees. Rebekah has started her role as Marketing and PR Assistant and Sophia as Policy & PR Executive.

2 NEW STARTERS AT GTACCESS Bromsgrove based company GTAccess Limited has had two new starters at Head Office in December Katy Holden, Credit Controller has joined the Accounts Department and Lauren Croxton, Business Admin Apprentice, has taken over from Brandon Burrows who has now been promoted to the Accounts Department.

GEORGIA SMITH, CORE TREE Core Tree, a Social Media management company based in Bewdley, has welcomed their first employee, Georgia Smith, as an apprentice.

Georgia joined the company after finishing the first year of her A-Levels. She stated: “Throughout my school life, I never settled on a specific career path that I wanted to follow. But, after having spent time at Core Tree during my work experience, I knew that that was the path I wanted to go down”.

Lauren is the sixth apprentice the company has taken on at Head Office, all five of the others still work for them today having completed their qualifications. www.gtaccess.co.uk

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www.curoca.co.uk

ADELA STRAUGHAN, MALVERN COLLEGE L-R Emma Harris, Christina Darling and Rebecca Green

Prime Mix Marketing Ltd has helped a variety of clients in Worcestershire to grow and develop their businesses. The expansion of the company continues with the addition of two new members of staff to support their growing client base.

MARIE LACEY, DRP

www.drpgroup.com

Harry was recruited following the Bromsgrove Jobs Fayre, organised by Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid which took place earlier this year. The event was attended by local and regional recruiters, including Tesco, the Army and some of north Worcestershire’s leading professional service firms.

www.coretree.co.uk

REBECCA GREEN & EMMA TOWNSEND, PRIME MIX

drp are continuing their rapid growth plan with the appointment of Marie Lacey in the Client Account Management team. Marie Lacey brings a wealth of industry experience to the agency and will look after drp’s financial sector clients. She previously worked at Ashfield Meetings and Events within a variety of roles over the years, her most recent being Project Account Manager.

Bromsgrove-based Curo Chartered Accountants is delighted to formally welcome on board its latest apprentice, Harry Ryan.

Malvern College has recently appointed Adela Straughan as their first Commercial Marketing Manager. Adela has been working at the College in other roles for over four years, and has a detailed understanding of all three brands managed through the College’s Commercial Department Malvern Active, Malvern Events and Malvern Weddings.

Matthew Reed has joined as a graduate surveyor from the Royal Agricultural University with a degree in Rural Land Management.

Rebecca Green, Content and Social Media Manager, is currently in her final year of studying for a Journalism Degree, whilst Emma Townsend, the newly appointment Operations Manager, has a background in medicinal chemistry with a degree from the University of Leeds, further strengthening the Marketing and PR support services to scientific companies.

Allan Walker, Commercial Director, said “As the College’s non-core business interests continue to grow it has become apparent that we needed someone to co-ordinate our marketing, to support the team and encourage further expansion.

I am delighted that Adela has taken this role, and look forward to her contribution to our strategic development”.

www.berrybros.com

www.primemixmarketing.co.uk

www.malverncentral.co.uk

MATTHEW REED, BERRYS Expanding property business and planning firm Berrys has taken on an additional surveyor at its Hereford office.

January/February 2016

MOVERSANDSHAKERS

GOUGH BAILEY WRIGHT MAKES KEY APPOINTMENTS CHARLOTTE LAKIN, DRIVER HIRE Charlotte Lakin has joined Award Winning Driver Hire (Hereford & Worcester) as Recruitment Consultant covering Herefordshire. Her focus will be to build and maintain relationships with clients throughout the Region and offer advice and support with regards to the recruitment of temporary and permanent driving and non-driving related staff.

A graduate of Chester University, Herefordshire born and bred Charlotte will operate from Driver Hire’s Hereford office and is relishing the opportunity of working alongside local businesses.

THURSFIELDS WELCOMES NEW TEAM MEMBERS Thursfields’ Wills & Estates department welcome Alexandra Bayliss from mfg Solicitors, Abigail Wells from a highly regarded Leicester law firm and Clinton Townsend who joins the firm’s new Sedgley office.

Sonali Obhrai joins the Family department from a well regarded West Midlands practice, Kiran Bi joins the Residential Property team at Halesowen and Tracey Ashford joins the Litigation team from a well established Gloucestershire firm. www.thursfields.co.uk

www.driverhire.co.uk

Bromsgrove Marketing Communications Company Gough Bailey Wright (GBW) has made two key appointments as it continues to grow at its new offices in town.

The multi award-winning agency welcomes Mathew Teague to its expanding Digital Department to help develop websites for GBW’s growing client portfolio, whilst Nienke Boekraad joins the PR Team to support GBW’s specialist Property Communications Team and the wider PR Department.

The appointments come as the full service creative agency enjoys further client growth after moving to bigger offices, specially designed to inspire and promote enhanced integration of the teams’ various marketing skillsets.

NEW MEMBERS P&C WELCOME NEW RECRUIT New members of Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, P&C Infrastructure, welcomed a new edition to its team recently.

Sam Watts joined the company as Sales Manager, specialising in catering equipment. P&C are exclusive distributors of Ovention Ovens and Simply Coffee machines, which are ideal for restaurants, coffee shops, offices, quick service restaurants and small to large catering establishments wanting to offer a cost-effective, convenient way to provide fresh, fast food and coffee. www.p-cadv.com

www.gough.co.uk

Centre Manager, Lisa Shaw (right) welcomes Andrea Dalton

Dougie Spencer, Account Executive and Claire Humphries, Branch Director

LOUISE HARDIMAN, ORCHARD HEALTHCARE

DOUGIE SPENCER, THOMAS CARROLL

Louise Hardiman has joined Orchard Healthcare as General Manager, having previously held Marketing Management roles at leading local companies including LG Harris, Vax, and Forest Garden.

Thomas Carroll, the insurance broking, financial planning, health, safety and employment law consultancy, has appointed Dougie Spencer as Account Executive at the company’s Hereford office.

In his new role Dougie, who joins Thomas Carroll from NFU Mutual, will be providing insurance broking advice and support for local businesses throughout a range of trade sectors.

Louise commented: “This is a really exciting time to be joining the company. With the recent rebranding as Orchard Healthcare combined with the new website we are in a great position to grow our membership. Orchard Healthcare’s Health Cash Plan scheme enables people to claim back money against both routine and more specialist treatments making it much more affordable to look after your own health.”

www.thomascarroll.co.uk

www.orchardhealthcare.co.uk

This latest expansion follows the arrival of Claire Humphries as Branch Director and Annette Evans as Account Broker.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

LOCAL CHARITY WELCOMES NEW TRUSTEE HANNAH LUDWIG, SOLAR SENTRY WINDOW FILMS Solar Sentry Window Films is delighted to announce the addition of Hannah Ludwig to the team. Younger sister of Director Tom Ludwig, Hannah brings with her a wealth of customer service skills, social media experience, and administrative ability.

Tom Ludwig, who started the business just two years ago, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that the business has grown so quickly that I’ve needed to take on my first full time member of staff. It’s been my aim since the beginning to build a family business, and Hannah is already proving herself to be an invaluable asset to Solar Sentry.” www.solar-sentry.co.uk

The Hereford MS Therapy Centre has recently welcomed a new Trustee to its Board.

Andrea Dalton joined earlier this year after working in the Secretarial and Admin field for many years. Andrea has quickly settled into her role by helping to arrange a successful fundraising fashion show at Hereford Sixth Form College; this raised a fantastic £1,800 to enable the Centre to continue to offer therapies to local people affected by MS. Andrea, along with Centre Manager Lisa Shaw, has created a dedicated fundraising team to build a calendar of fundraising events to raise awareness of the Centre and MS within Herefordshire and its surrounds. www.herefordmscentre.com

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LASTWORD

SPORTS & LEISURE – THE FOCUS OF THE NEXT EDITION OF BUSINESS DIRECTION For the Last Word, we spoke to Jo Davies from Land Rover Experience Eastnor, a new strategic member of Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce.

TELL US THE STORY BEHIND LAND ROVER EXPERIENCE The iconic Land Rover was designed on a beach in 1948 and Land Rover Experience was introduced to create unforgettable experiences in the world’s most capable vehicles. In 1989 Eastnor pioneered a package that opened up training drives to private individuals. There are now 49 Land Rover Experience venues across the world, including 10 in the UK, but we believe that Eastnor remains the best.

WHAT MAKES YOUR DRIVING EXPERIENCE DIFFERENT? Land Rover has been operating on the Eastnor Estate for over 50 years. The Estate is used to showcase the unrivalled breadth of capability of all our products and our guests have the opportunity to drive tracks that are still the test standard

for vehicles and are famous across the globe. Eastnor welcomes over 12,000 off-road drivers each year, including professional users from the Military, Utility Companies and Emergency Services.

CAN YOU TELL US SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACED LAST YEAR? Eastnor is a working estate and comes with many challenges, one being that the Experience operates within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Sites of Special Scientific Interest status (SSSI). It is therefore imperative that Land Rover Experience continue to demonstrate responsible driving and environmental consideration. We are used as a case study for Natural England and pride ourselves on the good working relationships we have with them and the Estate. With access

to over 5000 acres, we help manage the diverse ecology and make sure that the land is not scarred by our vehicles.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 2016?

The future for the partnership with Land Rover Experience and Eastnor is bright and 2016 will continue to see developments in team building and networking events for large and small businesses. We can provide unique state of the art meeting rooms, a choice of catering options and a wide variety of activities within the grounds, from blind fold drives to falconry, treasure hunts to night drives. Land Rover Experience Eastnor continues to be Herefordshire’s premier destination for team events with a difference - in the mud!

HEREFORDSHIRE & WORCESTERSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS GOLF SOCIETY AGM & CONFERENCE The inaugural Business Golf Society AGM & Conference was held last November in the Costa del Sol, Spain, sponsored by Nicklin Business Advisers in association with Amros Golf Event Management.

A group of Delegates headed up

by Mike Ashton, Chief Executive of Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, departed from Birmingham Airport to Malaga for an exhausting but enjoyable and productive trip, which included two games of golf. The event cemented new and old relationships and was a great way of networking. The agenda included many points for discussion, including the Golf Event calendar for 2016. It was decided that an extra Charity Golf day would be added to the calendar and the AGM for 2016 would be held in the Costa del Sol again.

The Chamber’s Business Golf Society was set up in 2013 and has hosted a number of enjoyable and successful events throughout the years. Each event provides excellent networking opportunities for like minded business people looking to make new contacts or strengthen existing ones, while perfecting their golf swing!

Money is raised to support local Charities at the events which to date runs into many thousands of pounds.

The Principle Sponsor of each event decides which Charity will benefit from the money raised and there are several sponsorship opportunities available for each event to promote your company.

Golf Days are open to male and female players of all abilities; members and non members of a golf club or the Chamber are welcome to attend either as teams of four or as individuals.

UPCOMING 2016 EVENTS Charity Golf Day, Sponsored by HomeXperts Thursday 21 April The Bank House Hotel, Spa & Golf Charity Golf Day, Sponsored by Nicklin Business Advisers & mfg Solicitors Wednesday 29 June 2016 Kings Norton Golf Club For more information go to www.amrosgolf.co.uk, contact: sales@ amrosgolf.co.uk or call 07792 620355

We’d love to hear about your business, please email stories to businessdirection@hwchamber.co.uk by Monday 1 February 2016 058

January/February 2016

BUSINESSNEWS

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BUSINESSNEWS

Stand out from the crowd in 2016!

Have you prepared your Business Plan for 2016 to ensure that you stand out from the crowd?

Need some help?

Contact Peter at peter@peterjohnsononline.com for a brief conversation to see if he or his team can help.

www.peterjohnsononline.com 060

January/February 2016