Business Direction 30

Direction

Business

LIFE AT THE TOP WITH WORCESTER WARRIORS PAGE 34

SPORT AND LEISURE – A BEDROCK OF THE ECONOMY PAGE 36

British Chambers of Commerce Accredited

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

Issue 30 March/April 2016

TEAM BUILDING AT EAsTNor

Inspiring scenery, testing challenges and an environment where everyone is on an equal footing: it’s the Eastnor recipe for turning individuals into a true team.

To find out more just call us on 01531 638779, email eastnorevents@landroverexperience.com or visit www.eastnor.landroverexperience.co.uk QUOTE: CCMA16.

Land Rover Experience Eastnor. The Bothy, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury, Herefordshire HR8 1RL. 01531 638779. eastnorevents@landroverexperience.com. www.eastnor.landroverexperience.co.uk March/April 2016

Bu sin ess

Dir ect ion

FIRSTWORD

WELCOME TO THE MARCH/ APRIL EDITION OF BUSINESS DIRECTION

TOP LIFE AT THE ESTER WITH WORC WARRIORS PAGE 34

LEISURE SPORT AND OF THE – A BEDROCK ECONOMY

First Word

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Chamber News

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Business News

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Business News

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Policy

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Spring is nearly here and we are beginning to look forward to the longer, lighter days at the Chamber. The first few months of 2016 have been instrumental in establishing a number of initiatives and we look forward to seeing these delivered in the coming months.

Business News

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Business News

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Business News

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Business News

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Business News

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Our previous policy groups have highlighted the skills gap which is a problem in the two counties, especially for engineering companies. In light of this, we are continuing to work closely with Worcestershire County Council, Worcestershire LEP and Herefordshire Council to bring schools and businesses closer together.

Chamber Events

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British Chambers of Commerce Accredited

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

Issue 30 2016 March/April

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.

EDITOR Rebekah Harris 01905 673 639 rebekahh@hwchamber.co.uk

EDITORIAL businessdirection@hwchamber.co.uk 01905 673 600

PRODUCTION & DESIGN Distinctive Publishing, Unit 6b, Floor B, Milburn House, Dean Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1LE Tel: 0845 884 2385 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk

ADVERTISING Distinctive Publishing, Unit 6b, Floor B, Milburn House, Dean Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1LE Tel: 0845 887 3805 helen.gowland@distinctivegroup.co.uk

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

SUBSCRIPTIONS www.hwchamber.co.uk/business-direction Tel: 01905 673 600 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.

2016 will continue to hold many opportunities for our exporters. UK Trade & Investment Herefordshire & Worcestershire assisted over 400 companies in the two counties with export support in 2015 and there have already been several opportunities for businesses to begin exporting or to develop their export strategy this year, including a market visit to Düsseldorf in February.

March is the month of our bi-annual Chamber Business Expo and we expect that this will once again be an excellent event. Each time, the Expo attracts even more people and our businesses make new contacts and importantly win business.

This month also sees the launch of the Chamber Business Awards, which celebrate the excellence, success and innovation of businesses in the two counties. The Awards offer businesses the opportunity for local, regional and national recognition: in 2015, 11 businesses were awarded at the event, five claimed the Regional Award for the West Midlands in their category and two, Rock Power Connections and LG Harris, became finalists in the National Awards.

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Business News

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Chamber Training

32-33

Big Interview

34-35

Cover Feature

36-37

Visit Herefordshire

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Visit Worcestershire

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International Trade

52-53

Conference Worcestershire

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Charity News

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Members Services

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Business News

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New Members

62-63

Movers and Shakers

64-65

Last Word

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Sport and Leisure is the theme of this year’s Awards ceremony and it is also the focus of this Business Direction. Our main feature this edition is an interview with Jim O’Toole, Chief Executive of Worcester Warriors, who explores managing both a successful sports team and a business – see pages 34-35.

I hope that this edition makes an interesting read.

Mike Ashton mikea@hwchamber.co.uk

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Our Patrons are:

March/April 2016

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

03

CHAMBERNEWS

CHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS 2016 Sponsored by Sanlam

2015 Overall Business of the Year Winner, Orchard Valley Foods Ltd

Applications open this month for the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, an opportunity for businesses in the two counties to achieve local, regional and national recognition.

The Awards, in their 15th year, celebrate the success, innovation and hard work of businesses in the two counties. Entrants can apply for one of eleven categories, seven of which include the opportunity for regional or national recognition with the British Chambers of Commerce. In 2015, 11 businesses became winners for the two counties, five claimed the Regional Award for the West Midlands in their category and two, Rock Power Connections and LG Harris, became finalists in the National Awards.

n Excellence in Customer Service sponsored by Orchard Valley Foods n Export Business of the Year - sponsored

by Malvern Instruments n High Growth Business of the Year sponsored by Hewett Recruitment n Small Business of the Year

Winners will be announced at the spectacular awards ceremony on Thursday 9 June at the University of Worcester Arena. This black tie event is one of the most anticipated in the business calendar, attracting over 500 members of the business community. The theme for this year is Sport and Leisure and we are delighted to announce that Colin Jackson, Olympic Silver Medallist, will be speaking.

INDEPENDENT CATEGORIES:

BRITISH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE CATEGORIES:

n Overall Business of the Year sponsored by Sanlam

n Best use of Technology - sponsored by TechTeam n Commitment to People Development n Education and Business Partnership

n Entrepreneur of the Year - sponsored

by Handelsbanken n Excellence in Innovation - sponsored by Central Technology Belt n Manufacturer of the Year - sponsored

by QinetiQ n Most Promising New Business sponsored by mfg Solicitors

For more information and to apply, please contact the events team at events@ hwchamber.co.uk, 01905 673 600 or visit www.hwchamber.co.uk/awards

YOUR FUTURE CAREERS FAIRS Apprenticeships are good for both businesses and individuals. They are an important way of improving the UK’s skills base and they provide young people with practical experience and help develop them for the world of work.

The British Chambers of Commerce and

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St Helens Chamber are co-ordinating Your Future Careers Fairs, a project that will see 250 careers events delivered by local Chambers across the country. We are pleased to support this in Worcestershire and the next event, in partnership with Worcestershire County Council, is on Wednesday 9 March at Sixways Stadium.

SUPPORTING SPORT AT WORCESTER TIC Worcester Tourist Information Centre is proud to be a ticket provider for many Worcestershire events, including the county’s sports matches. Since December 2015 the TIC has teamed up with the Worcester Wolves Basketball Club and Worcester Arena, the Wolves’ home venue, to sell tickets for the team’s home matches.

Located in the South Wing of the Guildhall on Worcester’s High Street, the TIC is ideally placed as a ticket seller for events throughout Worcestershire.

In 2015, the TIC sold over £10,000 worth of tickets for Worcester City Football Club, as well as hundreds of tickets for concerts, choirs and other events in the county.

Ruth Smith, Manager, said: “It’s great to have linked up with the Worcester Wolves as a ticket provider. We love to get involved with the local sports community and promote our Worcester teams.

If you’re holding any kind of event we’d love to hear from you!”

To find out more, contact the TIC at touristinfo@hwchamber.co.uk or 01905 726 311 or pop in to the shop in the Guildhall on Worcester High Street, WR1 2EY.

March/April 2016

CHAMBERNEWS

TWO FINALISTS IN AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE ANNUAL BUDGET BREAKFAST WITH CB, CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS CB, Chartered Accountants and Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their annual Budget Breakfast on Thursday 17 March 2016 at Browns at The Quay in Worcester from 7.30am.

George Osborne will stage his first full budget of the parliament on Wednesday 16 March as he seeks to steer the public finances into the black by 2020.

The Chancellor, who already has an emergency Budget and Autumn Statement under his belt since the Conservatives won the election last May, is expected to maintain a course that will generate a £10bn surplus by the end of the parliament.

But will there be any surprises?

Join our expert team, including John Painter, Managing Partner of CB, Chartered Accountants, his Tax Partner Chris Hobbs and Mike Ashton, Chief Executive of Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce for all the latest reaction.

Two Worcestershire businesses have been annouced as finalists in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2016.

The Awards stretch back over 25 years and are firmly established as representing the highest accolade in English tourism.

They recognise businesses that incorporate best practice and demonstrate excellence in customer service and the very best in quality and innovation.

Eckington Manor, a country house on the border of the Cotswolds, was shortlisted for the Tastes of England Award. The Fleece Inn, a National Trust property in Evesham, was shortlisted for the Tourism Pub of the Year Award.

Winners will be announced at an Awards ceremony at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool on Tuesday 8 March. To find out more visit www.visitenglandawards.org Applications for the VisitWorcestershire Awards for Excellence 2016 will open in May.

LINDA SMITH NOMINATED FOR DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR Linda Smith, Director of International Trade at Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, has been nominated for the Director of the Year Award as part of the Wonderful Worcestershire Women Awards.

As the head of a team of International Trade Advisors, Linda delivers strategic UK Trade & Investment support for exporters in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. She has travelled the world promoting British exports and last year her team assisted over 400 companies with export support and achieved £34.4 million of export business wins. Linda is a double survivor of cancer and has supported the work of Macmillan and The Haven Breast Cancer Support Centres, raising over £1000 for The Haven through the Moonwalk 2015.

Linda was one of 72 Worcestershire women to be nominated in the awards.

The Chamber was delighted to see her short-listed, as well as so many Chamber members.

You can expect analysis of all the announcements as well as practical and innovative tips and ideas on how to plan your financial affairs in light of George Osborne’s latest budget announcements.

The finalists from each category will be awarded at a ceremony at Worcestershire County Cricket Club on Friday 29 April.

To book your free place e-mail events@ hwchamber.co.uk

www.wonderfulworcestershirewomen.co.uk

SUPPORTING VULNERABLE WOMEN AND CHILDREN Several Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce staff were recently involved in helping vulnerable women and children through supporting two charities.

Many staff donated toys last Christmas to the Toys for Tots appeal, which aims to make Christmas special for disadvantaged

children around the region. The scheme was set up by Richard Soper CBE at the Worcester Community Trust in collaboration with the Chamber and the Worcestershire Ambassadors and saw over 3000 presents donated by local businesses.

Staff also donated 25 filled handbags for The Helping Handbags project, which supports homeless women and women

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

in crisis worldwide by providing snacks, sanitary items and hygiene products.

Ruth Thomas, Destination Worcestershire Membership Executive, said: “We were really pleased to be able to support these two charities and it was great to see so many staff involved. I am looking forward to how we can continue to support local charities in 2016”.

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BUSINESSNEWS

Basepoint has it covered!

Richard Lane, Managing Director of EBC Group

Simon Williams, Arrivista Business Coaching & Training and Ciaran Leaden, Lloyds Bank

NEW BUSINESS g your dog GROWTH youCAMPAIGN at our res?

Expert training, one-to-one coaching and specialist advice are amongst the countless opportunities the business community across the two counties can access through an innovative new business partnership programme.

The Business Growth Campaign will provide local businesses with professional support, potential development funding and access to a variety of partnership opportunities to help boost long-term profitability and create jobs.

The pioneering campaign, led by Simon Williams from Arrivista Business Coaching, is backed by Chamber Chief Executive Mike Ashton, Robin Walker MP, Lloyds Bank and Worcester Warriors.

HEREFORD BUSINESS SOLUTIONS CENTRE WELCOMES FIRST TENANT The Hereford Business Solutions Centre, run by the University of Wolverhampton, has welcomed its first tenant company to take up residence at the newly opened building at the popular Skylon Business Park in Rotherwas.

SlySpirit, a professional corporate and creative video company, is co-owned by Michael Sandiford and his partner Joanna Ely. Michael said: “We are delighted to be the first new business to be based at the Centre and to be able to access all the support on offer. As a new business just starting up, these offices have been ideal for somewhere to meet our clients and to have our own workspace in such a professional environment.

The Centre always has visitors from other organisations, giving me excellent networking opportunities”.

NEW STRATEGIC MEMBER - EBC GROUP Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce has welcomed local IT and Technology providers, EBC Group, as a new strategic partner.

As an award-winning provider of IT, telecommunications, print solutions and document management, EBC Group have been providing Worcestershire based businesses with a host of IT and technology solutions for over 25 years.

Operating from three regional locations, EBC Group have invested heavily in their infrastructure, to uniquely position themselves as a complete solutions provider.

Independently owning duel data centres, EBC Group provides a range of on-premise and cloud based solutions, delivering simple, secure and high-end performance systems that meet the demands of any businesses.

To find out how we can help your organisation achieve its growth ambitions, email hereford@businesssolutionscentre. co.uk or call 01432 344424.

EBC Group already work with a range of leading businesses in the area and are looking forward to meeting and assisting the Herefordshire and Worcestershire business community with their technology needs.

www.wolverhamptonbsc.com/hereford

www.ebcgroup.co.uk

Mr Williams said: “Local businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and help our region to thrive. The Business Growth Campaign is here take that success to another level.

SNAPSouth Education, a recruitment service ut thetoMidlands, Wales and It’s a partnership initiative purely specialising in the placement of teacher arest for centre at commits basepoint.co.uk businesses which to and teaching assistants to schools across help them prosper through unique the West Midlands, has recently appointed p you support your business. coaching, support and expert advice.”

Worcestershire based Blue Sky Corporate Finance to provide day-to-day support The campaign’s showpiece launch with its financial accounting requirements, event will take place on Friday 4 including day to day bookkeeping.

March at Sixways Stadium. For

BLUE SKY SUPPORTS SNAP EDUCATION

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details contact Kellie Wooldridge on 01905 342080.

Keith Greenaway, Managing Director of SNAP Education, said: “Our intention is to offer support to as many schools as possible across the West Midlands.

By using Blue Sky’s expertise to reduce

Contact us today

www.arrivista.co.uk

the burden of the financial accounting requirements, we are left with the necessary time to focus on the day-to-day running and future growth of the business.”

Tony Seaton, Associate Director, Blue Sky Corporate Finance, added: “We always strive to offer clients a one-to-one accountancy and support service based on their specific needs, and to ultimately ensure we help our clients generate the very best value for their business long term.”

www.blueskycf.com hellotewkesbury@basepoint.co.uk

@basepoint_tewks

March/April 2016

Basepoint has it BasepointBasepoint covered! has it has it covered! covered!

...you can bring your dog your dog can bring dog to...you work with youyour at our ou at toour work centres? with you at our business

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business centres?

With 31 Centres throughout the Midlands, Wales and South

the Midlands, With 31 Centres Wales throughout South thecentre Midlands, Wales and South of England, locate yourand nearest at basepoint.co.uk est centre of England, at basepoint.co.uk locate your nearest centre at basepoint.co.uk to find out how we can help you support your business. you support to find out your how we business. can help you support your business.

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basepoint.co.uk basepoint.co.uk @basepoint_tewks @basepoint_tewks @basepoint_tewks

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

WALK, NIGHT, DOG Story is how we deliver our truth – our message – to our audience, our potential customers and in an age of fast-moving media, video has become an exciting new way for companies large and small to get their message out.

What’s the first thing that came to mind when you saw this title? Walking a dog at night perhaps? You probably even saw it; a mental picture of the dog, its breed and colour, the pavement and the night sky.

They’re just three words, barely a sentence, yet your mind tries to create a narrative by tying the elements together into a story.

For example, there are many theories on the purpose of dreams, the most prominent suggesting that during sleep, our brains are processing tangles of information, and dreaming is the result of our brain’s attempt to put all of that random information into something it can understand. While we’re dreaming, everything makes perfect sense. We only recognise the strangeness once we wake

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up, demonstrating just how hard our brain works at trying to make connections out of chaos, trying to put things together into a story, to make them fit and flow.

Stories are not just for bedtime and entertainment. Story is hard-wired into our DNA and we can’t escape it. Stretching back to a time before we could use even the simplest methods to record them, human beings have always used stories; to mark an occasion, set an example, warn about danger, to gather food, or even explain what seemed inexplicable. Sharing experiences is a natural part of being human; it’s something you’ll encounter each and every day. The power of story gives this experience meaning and value and moves people to action and when we lead our audience with a story there’s a much better chance that they will hear our message, buy our product or try our service and that we will be remembered.

My name is Will Hopkins. I’ve had a successful career as a software developer for over 20 years and now I’m following my passion and starting up a video production company and I firmly believe in the power of story to engage and connect to people.

At Moonrise Media, we see that our challenge is not just in simply telling a

story, it’s in the craft of storytelling, the process of being able to professionally build not just a story, but rather a REMARKABLE story. The result is a commercial film that will connect to your viewer, one that leads with people, creating an emotional connection with your audience, bringing him or her on a journey that leads to the product or service we’re looking to promote.

I’m just getting started on my own “Hero’s Journey”. The crossing of paths often leads to new adventures, and as the chapters of my story unfold I would welcome the opportunity to help you tell yours. will@moonrise.media www.moonrise.media

March/April 2016

FOCUSONLEGAL

Right to Rent What landlords in the two counties need to know Maynard Burton

Partner, Commercial Property Division

What documents should be checked?

Passports will do for British citizens, people from EEA countries or Switzerland. For anyone else, permanent residence cards, ‘indefinite leave to remain’, ‘indefinite leave to enter’ or ‘no time limit cards’ issued by the Home Office are acceptable. Our team can take landlords through the full list if It started in December 2014 as a West required but these are the most common Midlands pilot scheme in Birmingham, documents which have been presented Walsall, Sandwell, Dudley and Wolverhampton but from 1 February this to landlords through the West Midlands pilot scheme. year, it covered the whole of England.

What exactly is ‘Right to Rent’?

In simple terms, the 2014 Immigration Act swept in a new legal requirement for all landlords to check that anyone they were about to let a property to had the right to be in the UK legally. It’s a Whitehall-driven means of cracking down on illegal immigration.

I’m concerned, as are other specialists, that many landlords don’t fully understand the implications, not to mention the hefty fines, of this significant change in the law.

How does it affect landlords?

Landlords must make sure anyone occupying their properties is allowed to be in the country and that their right to be here in the UK hasn’t lapsed. If they don’t act, landlords face a penalty of up to £3,000.

What evidence should be recorded?

Landlords should keep records of the full names and dates of birth of all adults in their properties. They’ll also need the names and dates of birth of any children (under 18s). They should check the original documents in the presence of the person they relate to and then make copies of them, with a record of the date they checked them.

subject to certain conditions. We will advise landlords on exactly what they need to look out for.

What if things look suspicious?

If landlords suspect documents are false, or if they believe the tenant is trying to deceive them, they should call 0800 555 111 or visit www.gov.uk/report-immigrationcrime Don’t get caught out For advice on the impact of the new Right to Rent rules, contact Maynard Burton on 01562 820181, email through maynard.burton@mfgsolicitors.com, or visit www.mfgsolicitors.com

Who is banned from renting a property?

Under the new legislation Do all tenants have to be checked?

Anyone aged 18 or over who starts living this is anyone who does not have official permission in their property must have their status to remain in the UK, or checked and confirmed. Landlords will anyone whose status to also have to check any lodgers or any remain in the country is people who sub-let from their tenants.

The Right to Rent Rules What you need to know

Contact

Maynard Burton

on 01562

820181 or by email:

maynard.burton@mfgsolicitors.com

Tel: 0845 55 55 321 www.mfgsolicitors.com 22037_mfg Focus on Legal - Advertorial Business Direction.indd 1

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

@mfgsolicitors 27/01/2016 14:37

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BUSINESSNEWS

UNIVERSITY ENCOURAGES FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS Succession planning is a vital element of any businesses success.

With this in mind, the University of Worcester, in collaboration with Pera Consulting, is launching a new programme for aspiring future leaders.

The Future Business Leaders programme will combine Business theory and real life commercial experience. It is aimed at talented staff with the potential to take on leadership roles in the future to equip them with the skills they need to lead a business to future success.

The programme combines the academic excellence of the University of Worcester with the extensive business coaching expertise of Pera Consulting, to ensure theory learnt in the classroom is put into effect in the business.

The eight one day modules will cover Strategy and Business Planning, Leadership and Management, Effective Communication, Innovation, Sales and Marketing, Fundamentals of Finance, Operational Improvement and Project Management.

For more details call 01664 501274 or email futurebusinessleaders@peraconsulting.com www.worcester.ac.uk

PARTNERSHIP OR SHAREHOLDERS AGREEMENT? When two or more people begin a commercial venture together with a view to profit, they are a partnership.

Director Ben Feltwell outside the new Grade II Listed office

RELOCATION FOR MERCIA DIGITAL Mercia Digital, a Worcestershire Digital Marketing and Design firm, has recently relocated to the centre of the beautiful market town of Evesham.

The two year old business continues to go from strength to strength, working with small and medium sized businesses to help them develop their ideas and become successful. The relocation is the next step in Mercia’s journey which will enable them to expand the team and work in a more creative environment. The new office is within a Grade II Listed 16th Century Tudor building called “The Walker Hall”, which has views over the church yard and the Bell Tower refurbishment.

Director Ben Feltwell and his team are widely involved in the local community and they hope this relocation, coupled with their understanding of local companies, will improve their own creativity as well as help Evesham and Worcestershire thrive. www.merciadigital.co.uk

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It is a fundamental principle of a partnership that all partners are jointly liable for debts and obligations - with partners entitled to share equally in the capital and profits of the partnership. To avoid the partnership presumption, many entrepreneurs will form limited liability companies or limited liability partnerships.

KINGTON GAINS GREATER ELEVATION

Whether a limited liability partnership or company, it is entirely appropriate that the parties have either a partnership agreement or shareholder agreement in place. These agreements are vital, especially when there is a 50:50 shareholding, specifically in respect of many rules including decision making and exit planning. Without an agreement, these and many more issues become complex and can result in expensive litigation.

This makes agreements vital for any business.

Club professional Sarah Walton has become the first woman to be accredited with the PGA Director of Golf qualification.

Sarah graduated top of her class and was Titleist PGA Assistant of the Year in 2013.

She joins just 50 other PGA professionals in gaining the coveted qualification.

For more information please contact Tom Esler at tom.esler@ mfgsolicitors.com www.mfgsolicitors.com

Kington Golf Club is already England’s highest 18-hole golf course and is ranked number one in Herefordshire. But its status is rising. In the National Club Golfer magazine’s Top 100 UK Courses (to play for under £100), it now is ranked 28th.

Kington GC, on the top of Bradnor Hill close to the Welsh border, is building a reputation as a “must play” course. In his book The Confidential Guide to Golf Courses, renowned course architect Tom Doak states: “If you enjoy seeing something different, you’ll remember Kington long after you’ve forgotten some of the championship links.” www.kingtongolf.co.uk

March/April 2016

POLICYNEWS

OUR CHAMBER: AT THE HEART OF POLICY MAKING Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce knows the importance and the value of a strong bond between our elected representatives and the local business community. As a Chamber we strive to get our voices heard at local, regional, national and European levels – and work towards a better deal for the local and national business community.

Herefordshire MP Jesse Norman, Elizabeth Truss MP and Ian Oakes, Vice Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton

ONE STOP SHOP FOR BUSINESS SUPPORT PRIME MINISTER WELCOMES VISION FOR NORTH COTSWOLDS RAIL Prime Minister David Cameron has welcomed efforts to secure long-term rail improvements which would benefit Herefordshire and Worcestershire, at a conference hosted by Great Western Railway (GWR) in February.

The conference brought together over 120 delegates from the business community, local authorities and LEPs in Worcestershire and Oxfordshire, including your Chamber of Commerce, to build a business case for improved services.

Mark Hopwood, CEO of GWR, laid out his vision for the North Cotswolds: n Two trains per hour between Worcester and London n Journey time between Worcester and London to be less than two hours

Business owners, sole traders and start-ups across Herefordshire can now access more than 100 different products and services to help grow their businesses, all in one place, online.

The Marches Growth Hub, which was launched in Autumn 2015 by the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership, is a business-friendly website which offers a single point of access to business support information and guidance.

The website has now been joined by a physical hub at the Business Solutions Centre at Skylon Park which opened its doors at the end of 2015. Operating in partnership with the University of Wolverhampton, the physical hub will be able to access business facilities and a calendar of events to support businesses at whatever stage of development they are at. www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk can be used by businesses to search for support relevant to them. Assistance is also available through a dedicated helpline number at 0345 6000 727 or via email at enquiries@marchesgrowthhub.co.uk.

The start of Automatic Enrolment for small and micro employers has been a success, with more than 90% of the first group to reach their staging date now compliant.

With a significant rise in the number of employers having Automatic Enrolment, The Pensions Regulator has developed a “Duties Checker” to confirm your staging date and to provide you with the information you need to meet your duties.

It’s important not to get this wrong to avoid risking a fine. You can also use this to enrol your staff into the workplace pension and pay contributions into the scheme.

If you are an employer and you are concerned that you might not be able to comply, visit The Pensions Regulator’s website for clear information on what you need to do and when. www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/en/employers

BUSINESSES INVITED TO WLEP WORKSHOP

n Faster services between Hereford and London

Worcestershire businesses of all sizes are being encouraged to register for the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership’s (WLEP’s) Business Plan Workshop at the University of Worcester Arena from 7:00–10:10am on Wednesday 13 April 2016.

Speaking after the event, David Cameron said: “Let’s keep up this momentum and build on it...let’s come up with the strongest business case in the country. The challenge has been set!”

Presentations will highlight the four key areas of the WLEP’s Business Plan to further grow the economy and improve productivity: planning, infrastructure and development, employment and skills, business growth and profiling and promotion. As part of the

n One train per hour from Great Malvern to London

DON’T IGNORE THE WORKPLACE PENSION

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

working session, businesses will then be able to provide feedback on these topics and how they can be involved.

Gary Woodman, Executive Director of WLEP, said: “We are keen to meet local businesses to discuss the WLEP’s plans to increase economic growth and productivity and to help businesses understand how they can be further involved.” Places are limited so please register by Friday 18 March on the website. www.wlep.co.uk

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FOCUSONRECRUITMENT

BEN MANNION EXPLAINS HOW HEWETT RECRUITMENT IS BUILDING ITS OWN TALENT FOR GROWTH… One of the biggest challenges facing businesses right across the UK is securing the talent that will support their future growth plans.

This is not just limited to ensuring the technical capability is maintained within a company but also about identifying individuals who will lead the company through the next generation.

Last year saw Hewett Recruitment celebrate 35 years in business.

Hewett Recruitment provides help and support regarding these key issues to a wide client base across the local area, whilst also facing up to them in their own right. The last 3 years has seen a considerable change in the structure of the company – with new markets developed and key new people installed – whilst also retaining the values that the success of Hewetts has been built on. This has included Ben Mannion and Laura Hewett joining the Board of Directors along with a number of new recruits within the team of Consultants.

In seeking out these new team members, Hewett have had to revisit how they go about their own recruitment. Identifying experienced Consultants who also buy in to the ethos of the company can sometimes be a tricky endeavour.

Therefore much of the recent focus has been on finding people with the attitude and aspiration to succeed in recruitment, with a structured 12 week training plan providing the technical framework that they need to succeed.

This approach has seen Joe Allsopp rise to the position of Senior Consultant within the IT & Technical Division after only 12 months with Hewetts, with Sam Birtwistle recently joining to support Joe in growing this part of the business. Experienced recruits in the shape of Harriet Sampson (Temporary Consultant), Mitchell Hampton (FMCG Consultant) and Alice Dale (Finance Consultant) have also undergone the structured training plan, combining their local recruitment experience with the “Hewett Way”.

It’s not only the Consultants who make a team like Hewett “tick” though. The last 18 months have also seen a number

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of key changes within the operational side of the business. This has seen Jo Watkins be promoted to Operations Manager – a key move ensuring that Jo’s 19+ years of experience with Hewett is retained and fully utilised. Steve Clarke (Payroll Administrator) and Nicola Jones (Recruitment Administrator) have also joined the Kidderminster and Worcester offices respectively. Strengthening these central services allows the Consultants to focus on what they do best – solving their clients' recruitment problems.

The final piece of the puzzle has to be ensuring that your people have everything they need to do their jobs to the best of their ability. Hewett Recruitment’s annual Employee Engagement survey makes sure the Board understand the areas where they can work with the team to improve productivity. There has also been significant investment in both offices and a new IT infrastructure and CRM system put in place to enhance the high quality service that Hewett already provides.

Ben Mannion

Hewett, Managing Director, commented: “Last year saw Hewett Recruitment celebrate 35 years in business. With the changes we have made and successful approach to spotting new talent I feel confident the business is in the right shape to deliver high value recruitment solutions for another 35 years and beyond!”

The net result? A business that is ready for the next phase of growth and the challenges that this can bring. Louise

March/April 2016

BUSINESSNEWS

ON THE BALL AND READY FOR BUSINESS Print Strategy Europe has been supplying major sporting events for 20 years, including World Cups, the Olympics and the Euros.

Co-founder Rob Newton shares some of his thoughts: While many of us still look back with disappointment to “that” penalty at Euro ’96, the team at Print Strategy remember it fondly. It was their first big break, landing a major contract to supply print for the event’s branding. Since then, the company has supplied many prestigious events, including presentation documents for the London 2012 Olympics bid and print and promotional material for South Africa’s 2010 World Cup. As a company, we also get involved through local sponsorship, currently with the Wyre Forest Sports Awards for Coach of the Year and Unsung Hero of the Year.

Kerry, Anja, Ellie and Adam on the ball and ready for business

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS FOR SUPPLYING A MAJOR SPORTING EVENT? 1. Forget 9-to-5 - In the run up to an event, your work finishes when the job is delivered.

2. Only work with those you trust 100% There’s simply no time for things to go wrong, no margin for error.

HOW CAN SPORT IMPROVE BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS? Every year we take clients to sporting events throughout the country, from Newmarket Races to the British Grand Prix. It’s an investment that pays off and it has been vitally important for our long term relationships with both clients and our team. Sport provides an exciting and fun focal point for the day, allowing everyone to get to know each other in a relaxed and informal environment.

3. Keep your eyes on the prize - Don’t get distracted, focus on the date as this will never, ever change.

4. Be prepared for ridiculous lead times and requests - Sometimes you just have to knuckle down and get things done.

5. Make the most of opportunities - If you can deliver in this environment, you could become a vital supplier www.printstrategy.eu

Gabriel holding the award with Sue Leeuwangh

STUDENT ARTIST CREATES RUGBY MEMORIAL AWARD A BA (Hons) Artist Blacksmithing student from Hereford College of Arts (HCA) has created the Clubman of the Year: Junior Section award in memory of Hereford Rugby Club stalwart, John Leeuwangh, who passed away in 2015.

Gabriel Chaille, from Illinois, USA, presented the award to Sue Leeuwangh at HCA’s University-level campus on College Road. “Mrs. Leeuwangh was brought to tears on seeing the award, and said that it was better than she had dared hope,” said Gabriel. “That moment made all the frustrations of the project fade away as I was struck by the power of something I had made eliciting such an emotional response.”

The BA (Hons) Artist Blacksmithing course at Hereford College of Arts is the only artist blacksmithing degree course in the country. The course attracts students from all over the world who want to study in a dedicated arts environment. www.hca.ac.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

L-R: Duncan Sutcliffe, Director with Polar Explorer Dr Mike Stroud

SUTCLIFFE NOMINATED FOR NATIONAL ADVENTURE AWARDS Worcester based insurance brokers Sutcliffe & Co have reached the finals of the National Adventure Awards, which will be held in Glasgow on Wednesday 16 March. The awards celebrate those from England, Scotland and Wales who have demonstrated remarkable adventurous spirit or provided essential support to those that do.

Sutcliffe & Co have been nominated in the category of Service Provider as they supply insurance to numerous individuals and organisations involved with outdoor pursuits.

Consequently, they have gained

a reputation within the industry for being able to insure some of the most extreme adventures and activities.

Many of the other finalists are clients of Sutcliffe & Co, who have been able to carry out their adventurous activities confident that they are comprehensively insured.

Duncan Sutcliffe, Director, commented: “we are absolutely delighted to be considered for this award, but also humbled to see our name alongside some of the greats in British adventure”. www.sutcliffeinsurance.co.uk

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FOCUSONFINANCE

March/April 2016

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By focusing on our innovative ‘Let’s make IT simple’ approach, we’ve become one of the UK’s most forward t: 0845 1234 766 thinking IT service providers. We provide a complete range of flexible and scalable IT services aimed at e: sales@oosha.co.uk By focusing on our innovative ‘Let’s make IT simple’ approach, we’ve one of thewe’ve UK’s become most forward By focusing on our innovative ‘Let’s make IT become simple’ approach, one of the UK’s most forwardt: 0845 1234 766t: 0845 1234 766 delivering real 'business benefits' and improving the day-to-day operations of businesses across the UK. www.oosha.co.uk thinking service providers. range We provide a complete range IT of services flexible and scalable IT services aimed at thinking IT service providers.

We IT provide a complete of flexible and scalable aimed at e: sales@oosha.co.uk e: sales@oosha.co.uk By focusing on our innovative ‘Let’s maketheIT simple’ we’ve become onetheofUK. UK’s most forward t: 0845 1234 766 delivering 'business benefits' andapproach, improving the day-to-day operations ofthe businesses across the UK. delivering real 'business benefits' andreal improving day-to-day operations of businesses across www.oosha.co.uk www.oosha.co.uk thinking IT service providers. We provide a complete range of flexible and scalable IT services aimed at e: sales@oosha.co.uk delivering real 'business benefits' and improving the day-to-day operations of businesses across the UK. www.oosha.co.uk

The Boathouse Upton Upon Severn

The Boathouse is Upton Upon Severn’s premier venue for business meetings and events.

Our Ground floor cafe serves breakfast and freshly ground coffee from 9am daily. Our stunning first floor function room seats up to 110 guests and is available for private hire and public use 7 days per week.

With views over looking the Malvern Hills and the River Severn, large windows and sky lights the room is light and airy, both our floors have a fully licenced bar and tea/coffee counter.

The Boathouse is Worcestershire’s number one tapas restaurant serving British and Mediterranean tapas we also provide canape receptions and tapas style buffets for our private hire customers as well as bespoke 2 course meal options.

To book a table or for any enquiries email info@theboathouseupton.co.uk or call 01684 438161 To view our restaurant visit www.theboathouseupton.co.uk and check out our virtual tour of the first floor

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BUSINESSNEWS

CRICKET CLUB LOOKS TO THE FUTURE Worcestershire County Cricket Club are hoping that 2016 will be the launch pad for another period of success on the field, after the previous memorable twelve months marking the club’s 150th Anniversary Year.

The County will be one of the favourites to make an instant return to Division One of the Championship, while last year a first ever home quarter-final was secured in the NatWest T20 Blast under their “Rapids” brand name.

Whether it is the battles of a four-day Championship match or the excitement of a Rapids night out at the T20, New Road has so much to offer the sporting visitor to the city.

Away from the heat of the battle on the pitch, there are many functions and events for supporters to enjoy. The club has established itself as a 365 days a year business with the facilities to back it up, including The View and the Graeme Hick Pavilion. www.wccc.co.uk

Potter Logistics, which in 2015 celebrated 50 years of trading, chose Allott & Associates because of the agency’s experience in the logistics, food, transport and pharmaceutical sectors.

The changes are with immediate effect; Allott & Associates will be handling the media relations for all aspects of the business including Group, senior shareholders and the different Potter Logistics sites.

During the course of 2016, Allott & Associates will be working with the Directors of Potter Logistics to help them expand the firm’s property holdings. www.pottergroup.co.uk

Rod Thomas, Managing Partner at Harrison Clark Rickerbys

NEW STRATEGIC MEMBER – HARRISON CLARK RICKERBYS

POTTER LOGISTICS APPOINTS ALLOTT & ASSOCIATES Award winning Potter Logistics, which last year won a host of awards including Motor Transport Haulier of the Year, is pleased to announce that Allott & Associates has been appointed to handle its external media relationships.

Worcestershire County Cricket Club Ground overlooking the Cathedral

HEREFORD FITNESS FACILITY EXPANDS Ady Watts, experienced local personal trainer and owner of Hereford’s innovative fitness business, is expanding with the opening of a second location within Hereford FC’s Edgar Street ground.

The gym is being created in the old gymnasium in the Merton Stand at Edgar Street. Work is ongoing on site right now and Ady’s aim is to open the gym in a few weeks time. As soon as a launch date is confirmed, it will be announced on the club’s official website and on Ady’s.

Ady commented: “I am really excited to be opening a second premises in the city and the Edgar Street location is fantastic for me as it means I now have sites on both sides of the river.”

Backing business, from start-ups to those expanding through merger and acquisition, Harrison Clark Rickerbys combines City-level expertise with dedication to client service. As a leading law firm, we work with businesses on issues from data protection and patents to contracts and overseas trade.

We attract lawyers from all over the country and have created flexible and multi-talented teams to handle business needs. Start-ups can keep costs down with our fixed-cost packages, while more established firms benefit from our in-house corporate tax expertise.

Employees are central to any business – our leading employment team can handle even the most complex employment disputes, while our sister company Eagle HR offers leadership and development training and strategic HR advice.

We specialise in sectors including construction, health and social care, education, agricultural and rural affairs, hospitality and leisure, defence, security and the forces.

Quite simply, we make business easier. www.hcrlaw.com

www.adywatts.co.uk

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March/April 2016

FOCUSONLEARNINGANDDEVELOPMENT

REMOTE CONTROL OR REMOTE EXCELLENCE 14% of UK employees (4+million people) are working from home, according to a 2015 TUC labour market analysis. Despite the recessionary trend of rationalising and centralising sites, millions more are based at local/satellite company locations. It’s clear to see why. Take away travel time/ costs and large-office distractions, remote workers have more and more focused time on the job. A recent Vodafone survey of 8,000 companies globally reported that 83% of respondents think flexible working has improved productivity and 61% think it’s helped increase company profits.

TRANSITION TO A FLEXIBLE WORKFORCE These statistics are manifesting themselves in the training room however. The value and effectiveness of remote working is a topic that’s come up several times recently in leadership and team development workshops I’ve been running. It’s highlighted mismatches in expectations between managers and remote workers, perceptions of worker under-performance by managers and manager disinterest by workers. Businesses that have made the move to flexible working in the widest sense (eg using remote office sites, supporting regular home-working as well as flexible or adjusted hours) are clearly learning the lessons of how to get the best from staff and contractors not based at a central site.

INGREDIENTS FOR SUCCESSFUL REMOTE WORKING It’s easy for a business to think about the practical enablers of people’s remote working: IT, broadband, telephony, health & safety, security. What’s less obvious are the cultural and management adjustments needed for people to work well remotely, considerations like Job design/suitability; Recruiting and selecting the right qualities and capabilities for remote working; Management approach; Business culture; Corporate commitment to supporting people to perform at their best whether they work centrally or remotely. And of course the training and development needed by both remote workers and their line managers to succeed at working and managing remotely – and that’s not about being able to manage IT breakdowns!

While remote workers need support with.... n Recognising the benefits and requirements of remote-working eg cost savings, family flexibility –vrequired autonomy, responsibility

n Understanding what successful remote working looks like (beyond usual performance expectations) eg connecting with the centre, contributing fully to team life, speaking up when there’s a problem n Resilience and self-reliance – understanding the attributes and values at the heart of remote working eg solution focus, proactive communication, results orientation, personal responsibility and accountability Managers of remote workers need support with.... n Understanding the business benefits of remote working eg access to high calibre talent beyond the commute catchment, retention of valued team members n Building trust – With the likelihood of less face-time, more attention is needed to building/maintaining mutual trust with remote workers n Managing objectives and outcomes not hours at the desk n Performance management at a distance – How will they manage differently to get results from remote workers?

the same access to development and promotion opportunities n Cultural acceptance of remote working – openly acknowledging the mutual benefits to the business and workers.

Be like Best-in-Class employers, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Ernst&Young and Intuit, who recognise that, to reap the bottom line benefits of flexible working, we need to ensure everyone in the business has adjusted to this way of working and have the capabilities they need to succeed.

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. We equip people in teams to adopt a results-focus and the behaviours, skills and mind-set for success.

We help you generate positive, productive, creative workplaces.

n Workflow/Resource planning – Getting creative in using flexible resources to meet business objectives n Building a culture of trust, fairness and consistency of management approach eg ensuring remote workers have

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BUSINESSNEWS

OAKLAND FOUNDATION LAUNCHES YOUNG PEOPLE’S PROJECT Redditch-based charity, the Oakland Foundation, have launched a new and innovative young people’s project, The Oakland Programme, as part of their ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility development and partnership with Ipsley CE RSA Academy.

The programme will run over a six-month period from January 2016

An Artist’s impression of the NMiTE campus

HEREFORD UNIVERSITY WILL ENGINEER THE FUTURE “I hope this will allow the institution to start teaching the engineering students of the future that our country needs” George Osborne on pledging government support with start-up funding for NMiTE, the brand new university in Hereford.

The UK has a shortage of 110,000 engineering graduates per annum.

Companies of all sizes bemoan the struggle to recruit new talent.

We need to, and WILL, reignite the UK’s love affair with engineering. We will have a radically different approach to engineering education. Students need a theoretical foundation, but they, and employers, need a curriculum that solves “real life” problems. Our graduates will be “work ready” and rounded individuals through experiential and multi-disciplinary learning – who happen to be engineers.

NMiTE has widespread industry and cross party county and city council support. It will transform the local economy and give Britain the engineers it so desperately needs.

For further information call 01432 371111 or email info@nmite.org.uk www.nmite.org.uk

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and will offer valuable workplace insights designed to enrich students’ academic experiences, with structured sessions aimed at raising aspirations and supporting future career choices.

Wearing a personalised hi-viz provided by the Foundation, students will shadow members of the Charity’s key sponsor Oakland International’s team as they undertake daily routines.

Mazak enables Worcester students to participate in Industrial Cadets activities

MAZAK INVESTS IN FUTURE SKILLS Computerised machine tools specialist Yamazaki Mazak UK has been investing in future skills around its Worcester Head quarters. It has been running work experience weeks, accredited by Industrial Cadets at Silver Level, for young people from local schools.

Marcus Burton, Managing Director of Mazak’s European Operations, explains Mazak’s motivation: “Offering workplace experience to secondary school pupils provides a valuable approach to making them aware of the opportunities in the local engineering and manufacturing industry. We can encourage them to study the subjects required for rewarding careers in industries of which they may previously have known little.

“Industrial Cadets accreditation means that we can be sure we are applying the best possible balance of programme components in the workplace experience to inform the students, as well as providing them with important skills and competencies for their futures. Industrial Cadets is also nationally recognised, giving young people a CV entry that is known to potential employers.” www.mazak.eu

Ipsley CE RSA Academy Principal, Nicola Beech, commented: “Helping children to prepare for the world of work is an important part of education.

Through The Oakland Programme we are able to help pupils start thinking about the skills and qualities needed for employment from Year 7.” www.oakland-foundation.com

Tom Churchill with Guest Speaker Frank Myers and Helen Thomas, Managing Director of Westons Cider

WESTONS WINS HORTICULTURE APPRENTICE AWARD A Westons Cider employee has been recognised with the “Horticulture Apprentice of the Year” Award from Herefordshire & Ludlow College. The event, held at the Hereford campus, gave recognition to students who have demonstrated extraordinary determination throughout their programmes.

Apprentices gathered with the local community to celebrate achievements across both intermediate and advanced apprenticeship schemes. Awards were given to those achieving high standards throughout the year and to students who have made significant progress.

Tom Churchill, employed with Westons Cider since 2011, was best in his Intermediate Year for Horticulture. Tom began his apprenticeship in 2012 working in the factory and helping the farm during the pruning season. His passion for horticulture was obvious and both the company and Tom felt that his future was with the farm. Tom commenced the Top and Cider Fruit Traineeship at Holme Lacy College, which then developed into the Horticulture Apprenticeship through Herefordshire & Ludlow College. www.westons-cider.co.uk

March/April 2016

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

BRIDGING THE SKILLS GAP

How can we bridge the skills gap between formal schooling and the working world?

been largely left to employers themselves in collaboration with the FE sector.

The answer is a complex process of changes to systems, attitudes and partnership working. Whilst schools traditionally deliver careers information, advice and guidance, the building of employability skills has been a very different matter. There is no agreement on what those skills are, how they relate to high school education and how we might develop them. The result is that they have

At North Bromsgrove we are ready to grab this problem with both hands and turn it on its head, based around an exciting innovation of the studio school concept. Rather than one quite narrowly defined specialism to which students have to commit at age 14, we will build an employability curriculum over the coming years around employment themes of Engineering Solutions, Life Sciences, Media Arts and Public Professions. We are confident that the breadth and depth of these four themes will allow us to work meaningfully with any local employer who wishes to partner with us.

L-R - Noah Dixon, Head Boy, Dave Hadley-Pryce, Head teacher, Sajid Javid, Business Secretary and MP for Bromsgrove, Emmeline Trenchard-Mole, Deputy Head Girl, Tina Lusty, Company Secretary ADI Ltd, (Tina is our Business in the Community Link and a School Governor), Richard Taylor, School Governor and Sarah Figg, Head of Sixth Form, at the official opening of our relocated Sixth Form facilities on 20 November 2015

By stretching our GCSE offer over 3 years, we are able to offer all of our lower school students a half day each week to work on employment projects. These professional learning experiences will sit alongside our already strong and improving GCSE provision, offering a broad and balanced curriculum of 9 GCSE qualifications. The concept is that employers will work with small (4-6) groups of students on projects based around the employers’ normal work on a weekly basis. The employer will lead and school will support, using the CREATE framework designed by the Studio Schools Trust to develop employability skills in

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

a progressive and structured way. We anticipate most project work taking place in school for logistical reasons.

Sixth form students will be offered placements of a day each week, principally of a more traditional nature at employers’ work places. These will be much more bespoke and specialised, fitting around employer needs and student aspirations.

A core part of the philosophy behind the programme is to merge seamlessly with apprenticeship routes so that they are seen as progression opportunities of equal status to any other route. Starting with year 9 and year 12 in September 2016, every student in the school will develop a weekly link with a local employer.

We are delighted that through our BITC engineering partnership with ADI Group Ltd, we will be developing a pre-apprenticeship course for our year 10 students next year, which will act as a prototype for much of this work. We are also grateful for the support of our MP, Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills. We are in the process of applying to the Department for Education for substantial funding to support this project. If you would like to know more or to be involved, please contact Dave Hadley-Pryce, Head Teacher at the school, who is leading this project.

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BUSINESSNEWS

The Worcesters – Worcester, Bosch Group's recent advertising campaign

AD HIGHLIGHTS WORCESTER’S RELIABILITY Leading boiler manufacturer, Worcester, Bosch Group, took to the screens last month in February with a brand new advertising campaign, which showed how much more comfortable life can be with a Worcester boiler.

The 30 second advert followed Rose and her family as they navigated daily events such as dropping toast jam side down, or their favourite team losing another match. This was all in contrast with the reliability of their trusty Worcester boiler.

The father of the family was a heating engineer, reiterating the fact that 9 out of 10 plumbers and heating installers would choose to install a Worcester boiler in their own home.

The advert ended on the brand’s recent Which? Best Buy achievement, awarded to the entire Greenstar range in 2015.

The advert was shown on ITV 1, Sky 1, Sky Sports and Sky Movies, as well as Video on Demand channels. www.worcester-bosch.co.uk

Mark Fisher and Rachel Beaumont from the RNC

Sam Birtwistle and Joe Allsopp

HEWETT IS WHERE IT’S AT! Hewett Recruitment’s growth continues, following the promotion of Joe Allsopp to Senior Consultant and the recruitment of a new IT team member in the shape of Sam Birtwistle.

Joe, who heads up the IT Team, explains: “Sam is a 1st Class Degree Law graduate – his obvious brain power and sales and marketing background will be fully utilised in his new position. He is already enjoying his comprehensive training programme – we feel sure he will be a huge asset to the IT Team.”

Louise Hewett added: “Building our consultant’s expertise and knowledge to be the best in the industry is what we aim for; our team of consultants are continually honing their skills – we never stop learning!

Mentoring and coaching new team members like Sam ensures that they begin their careers in recruitment with no bad habits and the confidence to perform at their best for the benefit of themselves and our customers.”

RNC COMES SIXTH IN DIVERSITY AWARDS The National Centre for Diversity have recently placed The Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) sixth in the 2016 Top 100 Index for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).

RNC Principal Mark Fisher and Residential Manager Rachel Beaumont have led the College steering group for EDI, and were influential in seeing the RNC gain the Stage 2 Award as Investors in Diversity in 2015.

“This is a really proud moment for the whole of RNC”, said Mark Fisher. “Over 600 organisations were assessed, so for us to come sixth is extraordinary!

It is recognition of all the hard work everyone in the College does in line with our vision: ‘A world where every person with a visual impairment has true equality.’”

For more information on how EDI underpins daily life at the campus in Hereford, visit the College website. www.rnc.ac.uk

www.hewett-recruitment.co.uk

STILO HELPS SCANIA DRIVE CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT Worcester-based design and branding studio Stilo has worked with Scania Trucks GB to launch their pioneering vehicle handover mobile app, “Your Scania”.

Working across both mobile and tablet on iOS and Android platforms, the app guides drivers through the wealth of advanced features and systems in their Scania trucks. It also features over 30 instructional videos, together with useful links and contact numbers.

Creative Director Ian Woodley said: “We were thrilled to continue our relationship with Scania.

The app brings together our studio design, video production and project management strengths: from design and development through to video production and editing, and finally coding and testing. Having the app content stored locally on their device helps build the user experience, particularly if they are travelling in rural areas without data reception.” www.brandstilo.co.uk

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March/April 2016

Professional IT Support Services for Herefordshire Businesses

2016 our 10th year providing IT services to Herefordshire.

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DISASTER RECOVERY

SECURITY

Professional IT support for small businesses with between 5 to 250 members of staff.

Fixed rate, all inclusive, UK based cloud backup and disaster recovery solutions.

A comprehensive range of network security services to protect your IT assets.

Herefordshire Chamber Members, claim your FREE 2 HOUR network security/disaster recovery audit

01544 327310 www.opsoftware.net /OPSoftwareLtd

/opsoftware

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Lower House Farm, Canon Frome, Nr. Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 2TG

e-mail: enquiries@thestablesconferencecentre.co.uk www.thestablesconferencecentre.co.uk 01531 670730

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BUSINESSNEWS

OP SOFTWARE CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY OP Software is proud to announce its tenth year as the provider of IT Support Solutions in Herefordshire.

In an era when support companies come and go, OP Software has achieved a decade of innovative solutions and steady growth. The company will commemorate the occasion with a yearlong celebration and by providing special offers and promotional events throughout the next twelve months.

OP Software began in 2006 when Ozan Pakyuz, the company’s founder and CEO, started offering free IT Support services to schools within Herefordshire. This quickly built a reputation for experience and the ability to resolve issues quickly and so the business started on its journey.

As the business expanded, so did its portfolio of services, as customers demanded more cost effective and innovative solutions, from day to day support services to cloud based virtual disaster recovery solutions.

BREAKFAST GIANT SNAPS UP GOWLING WLG Patron member Gowling WLG – formerly Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co – has been appointed as global adviser to breakfast giant Weetabix, the UK’s second largest branded manufacturer of cereals and cereal bars.

The client selected the legacy firms in a joint appointment prior to the combination. It is a major client win for Gowling WLG’s IP team, which has been appointed to provide global management, protection and enforcement of Weetabix’s brand portfolio for the next three years.

Gowlings, who flew over from Canada to meet the client.

Weetabix’s general counsel, Chris Thomas, said: “Weetabix has business interests across the globe and so we need to work with a team which offers a single global solution, servicing our interests across all continents. Gowling WLG will do just that.” www.wragge.com

The pitch was co-ordinated by Kate Swaine, IP partner at legacy WLG, and Shelagh Carnegie, IP partner at legacy

www.opsoftware.net

HEREFORDSHIRE SAFETY GROUP WIN NATIONAL AWARD Herefordshire Health and Safety Group, a voluntary organisation and one of seventy groups operating under Safety Groups UK, has been awarded SGUK’s top award in their Alan Butler Awards for Excellence scheme.

Group Chairs Rob Arnold and Roy Sevier were presented with the Gold Award by SGUK President, Lord Brougham and Vaux at a special ceremony at the House of Lords in January.

PARTNERSHIP SPEEDS UP PARTICLE IDENTIFICATION

The Herefordshire Group, which now has over 100 members, organises a programme of high quality seminars to keep its members abreast of latest developments. It also acts as a hub to signpost members to other sources of advice and health and safety solutions.

A collaboration between Malvern Instruments and Bio-Rad (Hercules, California) has delivered new analytical tools for the rapid identification of unknown particles.

Having won Bronze Awards previously and a Silver in 2014, the Group’s organising Committee made a clear commitment to make 2015 the year it went for Gold.

New software to support Malvern’s Morphologi G3-ID, which analyzes particle size, shape and chemical composition, enables the direct comparison of measured Raman spectra with reference spectra in the extensive database of Bio-Rad’s market-leading KnowItAll software. The result is powerful, robust particle identification capabilities for

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The company would like to thank customers for their continued support and look forward to another 10 years supporting IT in Herefordshire.

Kate Swaine, IP partner at legacy WLG

scientists working in forensic analysis and pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical development who are trying to determine the nature and origin of unknown particles.

The Morphologi G3-ID provides fully automated size and shape measurement, capturing images of tens of thousands of particles in just a few minutes. The Raman spectroscopy capabilities of the system can then be applied to particle populations of interest to provide reliable chemical identification where size and shape alone do not provide sufficient information.

Success was down to the quality and variety of its seminar programme and to a special Occupational Health Awareness Day in October in partnership with the Chamber and Herefordshire Council. www.herefordhsg.co.uk

www.malvern.com

March/April 2016

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

HARRISON CLARK RICKERBYS – SHARING YOUR TASTE FOR EXCELLENCE Top-quality products, satisfied customers and great plans for the future – just a few of the objectives we at Harrison Clark Rickerbys have in common with the outstanding food and drink producers from Herefordshire and Worcestershire represented at the Chamber’s Business EXPO in March.

Having the right product, putting your finance in place and knowing your market are the first major steps for any firm. But we help business go further by providing companies with a full range of legal services, from advice to keep them in line with health and hygiene regimes to assistance when they need to expand.

We are also an invaluable support when problems arise – if you have to recall a product or if you need to protect your brand, we can give you all the help you need to resolve your difficulties and move forward.

Most food and drink producers know how important compliance with regulatory regimes – food safety and food hygiene rules have a major impact on how you set up and run your business.

From equipment and premises to employee training and daily checklists, knowing your legal obligations is vital, both to build trust in your brand and to comply with the law. We can not only advise you on how to deal with a problem but also stress-test your systems to see how they would hold up under the scrutiny of a regulator.

If you know that you’ve had a manufacturing problem, we can help you to deal with the recall and liability issues which follow. Facing these difficulties head-on is important - if they are dealt with smoothly and swiftly, your product and your brand will be less affected than if you bury your head in the sand.

Planning ahead can prevent those problems occurring, so investing in advice at an early stage, whether on protecting your brand or setting up emergency response procedures, could save time, money and anxiety in the long-term.

terms and conditions within agreements with shareholders and partners which support business growth will help to keep you flexible and responsive to changing markets.

Setting up the right agreements with agents and distributors will enable your products to reach the market at the right prices and will protect your business, preventing your products being sold at marked-down prices which devalue your brand.

Brand management also includes ensuring that your intellectual property is not infringed – if you have created a product, you want to be sure that it remains under your control and is not counterfeited. We can provide the legal structures which will guard against this, and are ready to help you tackle it if it occurs.

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.

That preparation time will stand you in good stead as your business grows, especially when you take on new partners or merge with other companies. Creating

Local

National

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

International

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CHAMBEREVENTS

TOP TIPS FOR NETWORKING NEWBIES

2015 Business of the Year Winner, Orchard Valley Foods Ltd

2016 CHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS It’s not about who you know, but who knows you and what you can do for them!

already have a grasp of the coffee machine and room plan which can be a great help to the flustered late arrivals! Those early, quieter conversations can be all important.

Very few people begin as “Networking Naturals” and to those of us suffering from “first day at school” syndrome, it can be assured to make your heart beat faster.

Be Positive – Don’t waste your time networking if you are doing it with reluctance or have a negative attitude.

Be mentally and emotionally prepared and positive before you attend. Don’t be scared, everyone in the room was once new to networking.

Yet networking is one of the most important ways for business leaders to build relationships with those who have similar requirements and, when approached correctly, can be a great way to improve your business connections.

When we look at a group photograph, who is the first person we look for? It is invariably ourselves. It is important to remember this when networking. Everyone has their own goals and objectives and if you are able to help them achieve this then you are the one person in the room they most want to meet.

Networking, when done well, can promote you and get your face and business known. You will meet people from all areas of business and build mutually beneficial business relationships. Here are a few tips to help you: Arrive Early – Don’t give yourself the pressure of a possible late arrival and then a roomful of people who already seem to know each other. Arriving early can mean that you start with fewer people and

Set Your Goals – Promise yourself that you will introduce yourself to a set number of people and don’t break that promise. Go beyond thinking “What’s in it for me?” to “How can I help?” Successful networkers do not come away from an event with a handful of sales; they leave with connections that are mutually useful and relevant.

Be Interested, Not Interesting - Don’t sell – this hinders your ability to build relationships. Instead work out how you can help others in the room.

How Can You Be Useful? - Remember that nobody is unimportant, ask questions and listen with interest. You never know who you or they may need in the future valuable connections grow. Find out what they need, connect with them, exchange cards and follow them on Linked in.

Follow Up – If you said you’d get in touch then do so. Reaffirm your intent to help.

The annual Herefordshire and Worcestershire Business Awards are taking place on Thursday 9 June at the University of Worcester Arena.

The theme for this year’s ceremony is Sports and Leisure and Colin Jackson will be the keynote speaker.

Entries for the awards categories will commence in March. Here are 11 reasons why we think your company should enter: 1. IT’S FREE! 2. Invaluable press coverage and numerous publicity opportunities 3. A great boost to staff morale 4. Impress potential investors 5. Gain prestige and recognition from peers 6. Network with fellow business people 7. A powerful tool to raise your profile 8. Gain increased respect from existing customers 9. Help attract high quality new staff 10. Stand out against your competitors 11. Increase your business growth Tickets for the event will go on sale in April.

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

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March/April 2016

CHAMBEREVENTS

NETWORKING CALENDAR MARCH - APRIL 2016 MARCH 2016 Worcester HR Forum in association with Hewett Recruitment Wednesday 9 March - 9.30-11.30am Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, Severn House, Prescott Drive, Worcester WR4 9NE FREE to Chamber Members and clients of Hewett Recruitment Maximise Your Membership Event Friday 11 March - 8.30-11.00am Worcestershire County Cricket Club, New Road, Worcester WR2 4QQ FREE to Chamber Members Pershore Networking Breakfast sponsored

by Wychavon District Council Tuesday 15 March - 7.30-9.30am Civic Centre, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Pershore WR10 1PT FREE to Chamber Members and £17.50+VAT Non-members Women2Web Event – Worcester Tuesday 15 March - 6.00-8.00pm Stanbrook Abbey, Callow End, Worcester WR2 4TY FREE to Members and Non-members Hereford Networking Breakfast Wednesday 16 March - 7.30-9.30am Burghill Valley Golf Club, Tillington Road, Hereford HR4 7RW £17.50+VAT Members and £35.00+VAT Non-members Kidderminster Networking Lunch Wednesday 16 March - 12.30-2.30pm Hogarths Stone Manor Hotel, Chaddesley Corbett, Kidderminster DY10 4PJ £20.00+VAT Members and £35.00+VAT Non-members Budget Breakfast in association with CB, Chartered Accountants Thursday 17 March - 7.30-9.00am Browns@ The Quay, South Quay, Worcester, WR1 2JN FREE to Members and Non-members

Ross on Wye Networking Brunch Thursday 31 March - 9.30-11.30am Orles Barn, Wilton, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 6AE £17.50+VAT Members and £35.00+VAT Non-members

APRIL 2016 Worcester Networking Breakfast Thursday 14 April - 7.30-9.30am Worcestershire County Cricket Club, New Road, Worcester WR2 4QQ £17.50+VAT Members and £35.00+VAT Non-members Redditch Golf Breakfast Tuesday 19 April - 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 Maximise Your Membership Event Friday 22 April - 8.30-11.00am Worcestershire County Cricket Club, New Road, Worcester WR2 4QQ FREE to Chamber Members Hereford Women’s Business Forum in association with Thorne Widgery Accountancy Tuesday 26 April - 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 Redditch HR Forum in association with Hewett Recruitment Wednesday 27 April – 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 28 April – 6.00-8.00pm Casablanca Wine Bar, 7 Copenhagen Street, Worcester WR1 2HB £20.00+VAT Members and £35.00+VAT Non-members

Women2Web Conference Thursday 17 March - 9.00am-3.00pm Worcestershire County Cricket Club, New Road, Worcester WR2 4QQ FREE to Members and Non-members Bromsgrove Networking Lunch Thursday 24 March - 12.30-2.30pm Ewe and Lamb, Hanbury Road, Bromsgrove B60 4DN £20.00+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

HOW BUSINESS CAN SUPPORT WILDLIFE TRUST’S WORK Herefordshire Wildlife Trust is the perfect example of an organisation that works well with businesses in its area and people are proudly wearing the proof.

The Trust, the largest membership-based wildlife organisation in Herefordshire, has been in partnership with Hereford jewellers Henryka since Spring last year.

Much of Henryka’s jewellery is wildlife-inspired and the organisations jointly designed four pieces along the same lines, with a proportion of each sale going to the Trust’s work inspiring people about wildlife and creating wildlife havens.

Development Director John Clark said: “We launched the new jewellery just before Christmas and buying the pieces is a really fun way to support our work.”

Another example of business supporting the trust is the link-up with Tarmac Ltd, which has supplied support from its Landfill Community Fund to help with work restoring a historic farm.

help us protect and restore its flower-rich meadows, relay its hedgerows and support other work done by our volunteers.

“Both the link up with Henryka and Tarmac Ltd show how businesses can support our vision for a Herefordshire richer and more diverse in wildlife that is valued, and cared for, by its people to the benefit of all.”

Herefordshire Wildlife Trust is creating a flagship nature reserve on a 60-acre site at Birches Farm, near Kington, after buying it for £850,000.

The farm was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 2014, reflecting the stunning wildflower meadows and ancient field boundaries that have been left unchanged for hundreds of years John said: “It is such an important site and the funding from Tarmac Ltd will

Herefordshire Wildlife Trust How wild is your business?

At the Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, we know that the wild side of Herefordshire is important to the people that live here – and why so many people come to visit.

From the meandering valleys of the Lugg River to the orchards scattered across the Woolhope Dome, this is a county rooted in its landscapes and its wildlife and we’re looking for partners who believe it should stay that way.

At Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, we have opportunities for businesses large and small to join us as corporate members.

Working with you to enhance your business’s green credentials, you will have access to our skills and expertise as well as chances for your staff to attend events or break out of the office for a day and see what happens on one of our beautiful nature reserves. However, our partnerships are always personal so we will tailor the membership to suit your needs, creating the approach that is right for you and your organisation We also have a fantastic range of sponsorship opportunities which support wildlife and connect people to nature.

Full details can be found on our website or get in touch by calling

01432 356872 or email enquiries@herefordshirewt.co.uk

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Supporting the funding of a barn owl box or maybe sowing a wonderful wildflower meadow can make a real difference to our county’s wildlife and is a great way to show your support for our wild Herefordshire.

Our membership rates are discounted for businesses that are part of the Chamber of Commerce.

Full details can be found on our website www.herefordshirewt.org/corporate or call John Clark on 01432 356872 to discuss our partnership opportunities.

www.herefordshirewt.org

March/April 2016

FINANCEMATTERS

NATIONAL LIVING WAGE: ARE YOU PREPARED?

Several new Acts will come into force over the next twelve months that all businesses need to be aware of. Compliance isn’t optional, but by preparing for the changes early you can ensure you’re in the best possible position to manage the potential additional costs and administration these may bring.

One of the most significant changes will be the introduction of the National Living Wage, due to take effect from 1 April 2016.

This will push up the minimum hourly rate for workers aged 25 or older from £6.70 to £7.20 and will then increase gradually to £9 per hour by 2020. George Osborne announced the move in his budget last summer, and it is expected to increase the wage bill for more than half of UK employers.

The changes have been met with mixed reactions. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) surveyed around 1,000 employers across the UK and

found that the majority believe it will lead to higher productivity. However, another study found that many employers intend to pass the costs on to their customers or even reduce their headcount as a result of the increase.

Research has also found that many employers are failing to prepare early enough. Just 39% of employers surveyed have communicated the upcoming changes to their staff, and less than half have updated their payroll systems to take the increased rate into account. Business Minister Nick Boles has warned that underprepared employers risk litigation if they fail to comply on time.

The government have advised all employers to familiarise themselves with the correct rate of pay as soon as possible, find out which staff are eligible and communicate the changes to them. It is also essential that employers update their payroll systems in time.

The current minimum wage still applies to employees below 25, and ranges from £3.30 to £6.70 per hour depending on the age of the employee. Employers should also be aware that HMRC are currently targeting those who have not been paying their employees the correct minimum

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

wage, or have made any errors with this, under the National Minimum Wage Campaign.

Employers with any discrepancies on their records are urged to come forward voluntarily, as voluntary disclosures will result in more favourable terms. Those who don’t do this and are caught by HMRC face penalties of up to 100% of what they owe (up to a maximum of £20,000 per employee) and will be publicly named on a list of employers who don’t pay national minimum wage.

With new wage regulations coming into force, now is the time for employers to check that their affairs are in order and start preparing for the changes. At Ormerod Rutter we can help you plan for the cost increases in the most effective way and keep you compliant, as well as providing a full range of payroll and HR services to put your business in the strongest possible position. Contact us today to arrange a free initial consultation and find out how we can help.

Tel: 01905 777600 mail@ormerodrutter.co.uk www.ormerodrutter.co.uk @OrmerodRutter

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ADVERTORIALFEATURE FOCUSONDIGITALMARKETING

Link to full article at

3 Tips to Get More Out of Your Next Facebook Ad If you already use Facebook to promote your business, you know it’s harder than ever to reach your fans with organic Facebook content, based on Facebook’s algorithm that determines what users see in their News Feed.

In fact, it’s estimated that organic Facebook posts reach less than 2 percent of their fans.

Social media may not be free anymore, but you don’t have to invest a lot to get in front of the people you want.

Running a Facebook Ad is a great way to generate awareness and interest by extending your reach to thousands of potential customers for your business. This can help drive more registrants for your events, more sales in-store or online, and more meaningful results from your marketing efforts.

Use these three tips to get the most out of your Facebook Ad: 1. Keep your post short and sweet Tell your story in 90 characters or less to prevent your message from being cut off on smaller screens.

With over 40 percent of Facebook’s users accessing the site solely from a mobile device, it’s important to keep your text clear and concise.

http://tiny.cc/ FacebookAdvertising

3. Create a compelling call to action Tell people why they should click on your ad. What’s important about your offer?

Is it new? Does it have an expiration date? Tell people why they need to take an action right now.

This Facebook Ad from Magyar Bank states exactly why someone should click on their ad to learn more by offering a free first mortgage payment for people who use their services.

Want to reach more people with a Facebook Ad? Constant Contact makes it easy to promote your emails on Facebook in just a few simple steps with Constant Contact’s tool for Facebook Advertising.

WSI are partners with Constant Contact for the good reason that along with their low fees comes support in the form of real people at the end of a phone who will work with you to ensure you get the best from your marketing efforts.

To sign up for your free trial of Constant Contact’s Email Plus service go to http://tiny.cc/CTCTsignup

Use the message here to win over new customers. This Facebook Ad from Feat on the Street promotes their 5K and 10K races and tells the audience exactly why they should click on the ad in just 85 characters.

2. Be strategic with your images Facebook scans the images you use and it won’t allow images that have more than 20 percent text, so keep text promotions on your images to a minimum. The image in your ad should showcase the products or services you’re talking about.

Just your logo isn’t going to cut it here. Give your audience a look at your product or service in action. Help them picture themselves doing what you’re promoting. This Facebook Ad from Heyday Footwear does just that by using a photo of their shoes at the gym.

Phone: 01905 758034 Email: simon.thompson@wsinetmarketing.co.uk 028

www.wsiworld.com/simonthompson

March/April 2016

LEGALMATTERS

2016 A GOOD YEAR FOR BUSINESSES 2016 already looks like being a good year for businesses and many companies are now looking to expand by taking on new employees.

New recruits can freshen up your staff team and give your productivity a boost, but there are some important things you can do to make sure recruitment is a success.

Think about your employment contracts - they are your opportunity to mould the employment relationship in your favour, and there are some useful things to add to the basics (such as working hours, pay and holidays).

These include a right to deduct monies owing to the employer from the

employee’s pay, an obligation on the employee to repay holiday pay received in excess of accrued entitlement at their termination date, and an ability to recover sick pay where absence is caused by an event giving rise to compensation, such as a car accident.

For staff with access to confidential information, it is also important to include a clause which protects that information, during and after their employment; and restrictive covenants should be considered for key employees to protect your goodwill, customer base and stable workforce.

To ensure that all of the terms included in a written contract are binding you should issue it to a prospective new employee at the same time as their job offer.

William Morse is an employment partner at Lanyon Bowdler in Hereford.

T: 01432 377152 E: william.morse@lblaw.co.uk

There’s a lot to think about, and it’s a good idea to talk to an experienced employment law solicitor to protect your business for the long term.

Transparently priced, practical advice and support delivered by legal specialists in Herefordshire Our specialist corporate, commercial property, dispute resolution and employment lawyers provide support to help you grow and protect your business, giving you a solid foundation to build upon

Supporting People, Businesses & Communities

01432 629037 www.lblaw.co.uk Broadway House, 32 - 35 Broad Street, Hereford, Herefordshire, HR4 9AR

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Offices also in Shrewsbury | Telford | Oswestry | Ludlow

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BUSINESSNEWS

SPECTRA RANKED IN INMARSAT’S TOP TEN Spectra Group (UK) Ltd has been recognised as a 2015 Top Ten Global Government Partner by Inmarsat, the leading commercial global satellite network company.

In recognition of Herefordshire-based Spectra Group being one of the top ten revenue earning companies for the Inmarsat Global Government business in 2015, Simon Davies, CEO of Spectra, was presented with an award by Andy Start, President of Global Government Inmarsat.

Spectra Group is a leading international provider to Defence and Security, Aid and Emergency and Commercial organisations, of secure voice, data and satellite communications, in locations with limited or compromised infrastructure. Its ground-breaking SlingShot® system exclusively uses the Inmarsat L-TAC™ service, whilst the growing popularity of the SHADE (Spectra Hostile Area Deployment Environment) has led to record airtime revenues, reflected in this award. www.spectra-group.co.uk

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP ENABLES VIRTUAL PROTOTYPING OF CAR SEATS JMDA, global child car seat design and development specialist and ESI Group, pioneer and world-leading solution provider in Virtual Prototyping software and services, have announced their strategic partnership.

By signing this agreement, JMDA, based in Worcestershire and ESI Group, with headquarters in Paris, are joining forces to enable child car seat manufacturers to reach new levels of technical understanding and to achieve design excellence. The main benefit of combining child car seat design and virtual prototyping, through the use of ESI’s Virtual Seat Solution, is to virtually test the proposed design and gain additional information about product performance and compliance in a test situation before committing to major investments.

For more information email design@jmdadesign.co.uk or call 01386 426100. www.jmdadesign.com

Writing Winning Proposals – 2 day workshop For over 30 years, Shipley has helped leading companies win major contracts through effective competitive tendering. Training in the Shipley approach is now available in an open 2-day workshop, providing cost-effective access to the techniques that have been proven to help bidders increase win rates.

During the workshop you will learn how to:

Mention BD30 for a 5% discount off the Workshop price of £890.00

n Make better bid/no bid decisions n Develop practical proposal strategy that says why your solution should be selected and importantly, why competing solutions should not be selected n Use straightforward communication techniques to write persuasive proposals “All I can say is - do this! I have attended in previous years. I thoroughly endorse the course content and delivery. It transformed my approach to proposal writing and capture planning, and I have embraced the benefits at the SME that I am privileged to now run. We have most definitely won £M of business as a direct result of this approach that we may not have won otherwise. In terms of return on investment this is a no brainer.”

Ian Pain, Managing Director, Horstman Defence Systems Limited.

To book your place, call Amanda Moran on 01935 434333 or email amanda.moran@shipleywins.co.uk

Courses now booking: 16-17th March, 11-12th May in London.

www.shipleywins.co.uk

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March/April 2016

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

FIRE SAFETY: ARE YOU COVERED? If you are the owner or manager of a property, are you aware The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) that came into effect in October 2006 makes you responsible for the safety of anyone using your building? After 10 years we are still finding customers who are unaware of their legal liabilities.

THE LAW APPLIES TO YOU IF YOU'RE: n Responsible for business premises; n An employer or self-employed with business premises; n Responsible for a part of a dwelling where that part is solely used for business purposes; n A charity or voluntary organisation; n A contractor with a degree of control over any premises; n Providing accommodation for paying guests.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN RULES UNDER THE ORDER? You must: n Carry out a fire-risk assessment identifying any possible dangers and risks; n Consider who may be especially at risk; n Get rid of or reduce the risk from fire as far as is reasonably possible and provide general fire precautions to deal with any possible risk left; n Take other measures to make sure there is protection if flammable or explosive materials are used or stored; n Create a plan to deal with any emergency and, in most cases, keep a record of your findings; and review your findings when necessary.

HOW DO I MEET THE ORDER? If you are the responsible person, you must make sure you carry out a fire-risk assessment although you can pass this task to some other competent person.

However, you will still be responsible, in law, for meeting the order. The responsible person, either on their own or with any other responsible person, must as far as is reasonably practical make sure that everyone on the premises, or nearby, can escape safely if there is a fire. This is different from previous legislation in that you must consider everyone who might be on your premises, whether they are employees, visitors or members of the public, for example, at an open-air entertainment venue. You should pay particular attention to people who may have a disability or anyone who may need special help. The order says that you must manage any fire-risk in your premises. Fire authorities no longer issue fire certificates and those previously in force will have no legal status. You must still carry out a fire-risk assessment but any fire certificates you have may be useful as a good starting point. If your premises have been designed and built in line with modern building regulations (and are being used in line with those regulations), your structural fire precautions should be acceptable. You will still need to carry out a fire-risk assessment and make sure that you keep up all fire precautions and maintenance routines.

Hereford & Worcester Fire Brigade is currently visiting premises to conduct business fire safety checks to make sure your building complies. This risk based approach to fire safety makes you responsible for your employees and customers safety whilst on your premises.

Vale Fire & Security always strive to ensure that the fire protection systems we are responsible for meet the required BSEN Standards and your current fire risk assessment as required under the FSO. If you are unsure that your fire detection system is appropriate, then don’t hesitate to contact us.

We will carry out a free no obligation assessment of your fire protection systems and provide a quotation for maintaining and updating them.

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE No matter what systems you have installed if they are not professionally maintained they may not be working properly, if at all?

We regularly get calls from customers with faults on their fire alarm that has not been looked at by a professional for years; some systems should have been updated / replaced years ago. Just because you have a fire alarm installed does not mean that you are being protected by it.

Unless you are Weekly testing and recording your finding and having your systems inspected by a professional installer as identified within your risk assessment you could still fall foul of the Fire reform order.

Vale Fire & Security install and maintain fire and intruder alarms, CCTV access control systems for industrial, commercial, public sector and domestic clients, so why not ask for a free no obligation quote for us to install a new system or look after your existing installations?

If you would like further information on any of the services we provide email us now on sales@valefireandsecurity.co.uk or call 03333 440 812.

T:03333 440812 T:03333 440812440812 E: sales@valefireandsecurity.co.uk T:03333

E: sales@valefireandsecurity.co.uk WWW.valefireandsecurity.co.uk E: sales@valefireandsecurity.co.uk WWW.valefireandsecurity.co.uk T:03333 440812

WWW.valefireandsecurity.co.uk

E: sales@valefireandsecurity.co.uk Vale Fire &Fire Security Ltd. Unit 4 Brookend Farm, Brookend Kempsey, Worcester, WR5 3LF. Protection, Security Alarms, CCTV, Access Lane, Control Systems, WWW.valefireandsecurity.co.uk Bespoke System Design & Integration, Gate / Barrier Automation.

Vale Fire & Security Ltd. Unit 4 Brookend Farm, Brookend Lane, Kempsey, Worcester, WR5 3LF.

Vale Fire & Security Ltd. Unit 4 Brookend Farm, Brookend Lane, Kempsey, Worcester, WR5 3LF. Fire Protection, Security Alarms, CCTV, Access Control Systems, Bespoke System Design & Integration, Gate / Barrier Automation.

Fire Protection, Security Alarms, CCTV, Access Control Systems, Bespoke System Design & Integration, Gate / Barrier Automation.

Vale Fire & Security Ltd. Unit 4 Brookend Farm, Brookend Lane, Kempsey, Worcester, WR5 3LF.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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CHAMBERTRAINING

HOW MUCH OF YOUR TRAINING BUDGET IS WASTED? n Consider bespoke and tailored training for groups of your staff - this can work out considerably cheaper. If you have six or more staff that need training then a bespoke course will be more cost effective. n Consider sending key members of staff on either Train the Trainer or Mentoring in the Workplace courses - so that they have the skills to pass on their knowledge of your company procedures to other staff. n Implement and follow up your training on return to work - What have you learnt? How do you put this into practice? What questions now need to be asked? Which alterations to processes will improve productivity?

Set a date in your calendar to review these changes, check they are being applied and begin to look at how successful this has been.

Suzi Boddy, Training Co-ordinater at the Chamber, provides some helpful tips.

When a company invests in a programme of measurable improvement, this doesn’t just mean sending one person on a training course.

At its best, it puts the training budget to good use many times over.

The most successful training programmes that we run are those that involve the input and commitment of everyone, with sustained efforts and a focus on outcomes that have been considered from the start and are linked to business objectives.

In short, if your company can express what it wants to achieve and how this can be measured, then training will be more likely to have a lasting impact on improvement and performance.

SIX WAYS TO MAKE YOUR BUDGET GO FURTHER: n Agree desired outcomes before considering the courses - discuss your needs and requirements before choosing the course, especially with the person you are training. n Consider the Business Plan and Company Objectives - it is important to take both of these into account to decide which training is appropriate n Use your training and course materials wisely - training key members of a team who will inform and instruct others.

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Britain’s productivity was lagging behind every G7 advanced economy bar one last year, according to the Office of National Statistics. Part of the answer lies with high numbers of UK staff who are either untrained or poorly trained, with the training that is provided being poorly considered.

Well informed employees are more effective in dealing with your customers. They make fewer mistakes and complaints are reduced.

At Chamber Business Training, we are more than happy to help with training needs and aspirations. When working with a customer recently, I asked him what he wished to achieve from the bespoke courses he had booked with us. The reply, more sales! This is ideal.

It’s a measurable achievement that we can all consider throughout the process.

It begins with us looking at how things have been working up to now, gaining an overview of the customers and team members and tailoring courses to gain more confidence, greater skills and wiser processes that can achieve the requirements. Asking questions of the delegates and giving an insight into others ways and considerations that may alter conception. It does not mean that we will send a trainer for the day and the rest is up to you. We can offer another day or half day of follow ups later that can really help to focus the training outcomes.

For more information about Chamber Business Training, or to book any of our courses, contact us on 01905 673 611, email training@hwchamber. co.uk or visit www.hwchamber.co.uk/training

March/April 2016

CHAMBERBUSINESSTRAINING

TRAINING CALENDAR MARCH - MAY 2016 MARCH COURSES

APRIL COURSES

MAY COURSES

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

An Introduction to Digital Marketing & PR Tuesday 5 April - 9.30am-1.30pm FREE to members, £100+VAT Non members

Understanding Free Trade Agreements Tuesday 10 May - 9.30am-1.00pm £125+VAT Members, £150+VAT Non members

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

Export Finance Thursday 7 April – 9.30am-4.30pm £225+VAT Members, £250+VAT Non-members

Communicating for Success Tuesday 10 May - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

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

Managing Agents and Distributors Tuesday 12 April – 9.30am-4.30pm £225+VAT Members, £250+VAT Non-members

Fire Marshal Training Wednesday 11 May - 10.00am-4.00pm £80+VAT 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

Search Engine Optimisation Tuesday 12 April - 9.30am-1.30pm £80+VAT Members, £100+VAT Non-members

Google Analytics Thursday 12 May - 9.30am-1.30pm £80+VAT Members, £100+VAT Non-members

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

Surviving a Customs Audit Wednesday 13 April – 9.30am-4.30pm £225+VAT Members, £250+VAT Non-members

International Trade Compliance Management Thursday 12 May – 9.30am-4.30pm £225+VAT Members, £250+VAT Non-members

Introduction to Microsoft Excel 2010 Monday 14 March – 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Emergency First Aid at Work Thursday 14 April - 9.30am-4.30pm £80+VAT Members, £100+VAT Non-members

INCOTERMS (2010) Tuesday 17 May – 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

Email Marketing Thursday 21 April - 9.30am-1.30pm £80+VAT Members, £100+VAT Non-members

IPR (Inward Processing Relief) Thursday 19 May – 9.30am-4.30pm £225+VAT Members, £250+VAT Non-members

IOSH Managing Safely (4 day) Tuesday 15 March – Friday 18 March – 9.30am-4.30pm £495+VAT Members, £595+VAT Non-members

Intermediate Microsoft Excel 2010 Friday 29 April – 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Role of the Team Leader Thursday 19 May - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members Introduction to Excel 2010 Friday 20 May - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

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

Professional Telephone Techniques Tuesday 24 May - 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 Employment Law Update Tuesday 22 March - 10.00am-3.00pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

KEY: Chamber Business Training Courses Import and Export Training Courses

Export Licensing Wednesday 25 May – 9.30am-4.30pm £225+VAT Members, £250+VAT Non-members

Conducting Effective Team Appraisals Wednesday 23 March - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members Managing People in the Team Thursday 24 March – 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Chinese Business Culture & Social Etiquette Tuesday 24 May – 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

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

AEO Awareness Thursday 26 May – 9.30am-4.30pm £225+VAT Members, £250+VAT Non-members

033

BIGINTERVIEW

LIFE AT THE TOP WITH WORCESTER WARRIORS owners wanted to take the club.

Few things better promote an area than a sports team competing at the highest level, which is why the presence of Worcester Warriors in Rugby Union’s top flight is so important to the city.

Having come up from the Championship last season, the club is now playing in the Aviva Premiership, the sport’s top tier, with all the challenges and opportunities that can bring.

Responsible for guiding the business is CEO Jim O’Toole, who was appointed in February 2015, having previously been Commercial Director at fellow Premiership club London Irish.

He has more than 25 years of experience in the sports industry, having been a Founding Director of Premiere Consulting, a consultancy delivering sponsorship-related solutions to clients.

Following its sale, he remained with the organisation, firstly as Group Managing Director of Premiere Group before becoming Chief Executive of 141 Sport & Entertainment.

Jim was appointed Chief Executive of Powerboat P1 in 2007, where he oversaw the management of the Grand Prix of the Sea seven times. Three years later, he took up the same role with the World Match Racing Tour, the leading match racing series for professional sailing.

He became a Founding Director of Armstrong Kennedy Consulting LLP in 2009 and, in June 2013, joined rugby union club London Irish, where he played a key role in increasing the club’s commercial revenues.

Jim said: “I had been watching rugby for years but it was only when my son started playing it that I really became involved in the sport.

“I enjoyed my time at London Irish and when the opportunity came along at Worcester Warriors I was pleased to be approached by headhunters.

“The thing that impressed me about the club was the owners’ long-term vision. The team were not playing in the Premiership at the time but I could see where the

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“I think you need to have that long-term vision. You have to plan for the future and acknowledge that success doesn’t always happen overnight.

“We are committed to establishing ourselves as a Premiership club, then going on to challenge for a place in the top six.

“I hear people saying that they are disappointed that we are in the lower third of the table this season, but you have to remember where we were a year ago.

“We were playing the likes of Doncaster, Rotherham and Moseley, fine clubs though they are. Now, we are playing the likes of the Sarries, Harlequins and Bath.”

Although he is delighted that the club is in the Premiership, it does bring its challenges, not least of which is finance.

Money is always a challenge for clubs like the Warriors, with bigger teams having the advantage of securing more compensation when they provide players for the England national team – at the moment Worcester has had just one, whereas the bigger clubs have more.

However, five Warriors players were named in the England Under 20s squad ahead of the Six Nations, which began in February, and similar successes are being recorded in the youth set-up.

Jim said: “Our long-term vision includes developing more international players.

“It is important that our Academy continues to provide the next generation of talent to help us achieve our goals on the pitch and off it.

“We are focused on developing a sustainable business and a strong club.

The presence of international players not only brings income when they go to play for England, but also attracts bigger crowds when they play for your club.”

Another funding stream is off-the-field activities on the site containing Sixways Stadium, a multi-purpose venue which is used 24/7, 365 days a year. The stadium has a capacity of 12,024 and the 65 acre site is also home to Warriors’ Conference and Events business.

Since the professional era in rugby, the stadium has undergone a number of facelifts, firstly with the new West Stand, with an indoor training centre, followed

by the impressive South Stand and, most recently, the East Stand which holds 6,000 people on matchdays.

Jim said: “The business is divided into two parts, matchday income and income from events on the days when we are not playing.

“It is important that we use the site on as many days as we can. It could be everything from a sales conference to a formal dinner, from annual general meetings to two people having a meeting in one of the boxes.”

Jim believes that the club plays a key role in promoting the area. He said: “We are very conscious of our club’s role as an ambassador for the city, which is something of which we are very proud.

“Ourselves, the Racecourse, the Cricket Club, the Basketball Club and the Football Club help raise the profile of the area and, given the media exposure that the Aviva Premiership receives, we probably have the highest profile of all.”

Warriors recently announced that their successful long-term partnership with City Signs is to continue after the family signage and leading display firm was confirmed as an official partner for the next two years.

City Signs, who provide bespoke signage, digital printing and vinyl graphics, has enjoyed a thriving relationship with Warriors that extends back over the last decade. The firm is based at Ball Mill Top Business Park.

It is important that our Academy continues to provide the next generation of talent to help us achieve our goals on the pitch and off it.

March/April 2016

BIGINTERVIEW

Five Warriors players were named in the England Under 20s squad ahead of the Six Nations.

Jim O’Toole Chief Executive, Worcester Warriors Rugby Union Club

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

035

COVERFEATURE

SPORT AND LEISURE A BEDROCK OF THE ECONOMY A thriving leisure sector is crucial for the economic prosperity of an area, often bringing national exposure and generating income from visitors. Herefordshire and Worcestershire are fortunate to have a number of popular tourist attractions and sporting clubs. BD looks at some of their stories.

A BRIGHT FUTURE Worcester City Football Club has been in existence for well over a century – 114 years to be precise.

During that time there have been euphoric highs, desperate lows and plenty in between.

In 1959, 17,000 fans watched City defeat Liverpool in the FA Cup at St George’s Lane, their home until 2013, but they have also been to the brink, coming within 24 hours of administration in 2010.

Leaving the Lane, which was sold for housing in the summer of 2013, threatened to spell the end, yet it acted as a new dawn. Not only was the move to Kidderminster Harriers embraced by supporters, but it lifted the club from its slumber.

THE CLUB THAT REFUSED TO DIE A key to a successful sports club is the passion of its followers and nowhere is that more pronounced than in the story of Hereford FC, the football club that rose from the dead to continue the game’s proud tradition in the city.

The club was formed by a group of lifelong Hereford United supporters who, working in conjunction with Hereford United Supporters Trust, came together with the aim of ensuring football continued at Edgar Street after the demise of Hereford United Football Club in December 2014.

In late March 2015, the group reached a deal with Herefordshire Council to become the new tenants at Edgar Street for five seasons, meaning that an application could be made to the Football Association to participate from the start of the 2015/16 season.

The group’s business plan aims to create a community-focused club of which everyone in Herefordshire, or with links to the county, can be proud.

Commercial Manager Chris Ammonds said: “The reasons everyone worked so hard to resurrect the club was that it was such a big part of many people’s lives and something special would be missing on a Saturday afternoon without it.

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“We simply had to make sure the club played at Edgar Street because it was the direct link to the old club and because the infrastructure and facilities were already there.

“Having a football club also gives a city a sense of identity. So many people remember 1972 and Ronnie Radford, and people outside the area know Hereford through things like that.

“As the club is rebuilt, we will be extremely careful and cautious. However, we have been blown away by how things have gone so far. Our original plan was based on 250 season ticket holders and crowds of 800, but we have now sold more than 1550 season tickets and have average crowds of around 2,800.

“Although the new club has had to start five promotions from the Football League, we are ambitious and our target is to return to our former level as quickly as we can. However, we will only do it in a way that avoids the problems of the past.

“The backing of the community and local businesses has made it much easier to develop the new club - we are hugely grateful for the support we have received.”

Joint Manager Carl Heeley, who played for City more than 500 times, and fellow boss Matt Gardiner, have kept the team in non-league’s second tier.

FA Cup dates with Coventry City and Scunthorpe United last season, and Sheffield United this, once again put the club on the national football map. More than 3,000 fans cheered the team to victory at Coventry, while Aggborough was packed for a replay against Scunthorpe, which, agonisingly, Worcester lost 14-13 on penalties, the longest shoot-out in FA Cup history.

However, the club still faces their biggest ever fight – returning to the city of Worcester.

Although there are plans for a stadium at Perdiswell, the project becoming reality can be measured in years.

Under Chairman Anthony Hampson, much is being done to secure a prosperous future now, continually looking to seek out and develop sponsorship opportunities.

There is a community focus, with a youth structure from under 11s through to an academy run in partnership with Heart of Worcestershire College.

Further links have also been forged with junior clubs from Worcester, whose players act as mascots at home matches.

March/April 2016

COVERFEATURE

RAILWAY PREPARES FOR A BUSY 2016 The story of the Severn Valley Railway (SVR), which last year celebrated its Golden Jubilee and is preparing for a busy 2016, shows the importance of tourism to an area.

Run largely by a dedicated body of more than 1,500 volunteers, the line attracts more than 200,000 visitors per year and runs steam-hauled passenger trains along a 16-mile route between Kidderminster in Worcestershire and Bridgnorth in Shropshire.

With six stations as well as the Engine House Visitor Centre at Highley, there is plenty for all the family to do.

The famed Spring Steam Gala will be returning from 18th-20th March, while the Diesel Enthusiasts Gala moves from its usual October slot to become the Spring Diesel Festival, from 19th–21st May. Two heritage steam superstars will be certain to draw the crowds when they visit in September. Flying Scotsman, one of the world’s most famous locomotives, will be making an appearance alongside fellow steam star Tornado from 22nd-26th September – marking the first meeting of these two world-renowned engines.

The busy 2016 schedule follows a successful 50th Anniversary year featuring Royal Visits, record-breaking event numbers and famous locomotives. The Railway was also voted Heritage Site of the Year in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards and Best Preserved Railway for Groups in the Group Travel Awards.

Clare Gibbard, the SVR’s Marketing and Communications manager, said: “Our Golden Jubilee was an incredibly special landmark for us, a chance to look back and reflect on how far the railway has come, and to recognise the momentous achievement of getting it off the ground in the first place.

“We have faced some immense challenges along the way, and the dedication of our staff and volunteers, as well as a great deal of goodwill and generosity from the public has got us through.”

COUNTDOWN IS ON TO EASTER Eastnor Castle, near Ledbury, is on the final countdown to Easter when they will open their doors to visitors for the 127th year.

Situated at the foot of the Malvern Hills, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Eastnor Castle is surrounded by a 5,000 acre Deer Park, an arboretum of fascinating trees and a spectacular lake.

Every January, February and March, Eastnor undergoes an extensive improvement programme throughout the Castle and grounds to ensure that the facilities meet the increasing expectations from their 40,000 annual visitors.

This year, amongst other things, Eastnor have invested in a new "natural play area" for the children and have re-designed their Visitor Entrance to help improve the visitor’s experience

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

from the moment they arrive.

Eastnor Castle is an important and well-known heritage site in the Herefordshire and Worcestershire area but has to constantly evolve to attract a wider visitor audience.

To that end, it is well known for its family-friendly events and is probably best known as the host venue for the Big Chill Festival from 2007 to 2011.

Now, five years later, a new festival is starting its legacy on the Eastnor Deer Park as Lakefest will be taking place in August.

Music festivals are important for the local economy as they bring in thousands of weekend visitors, who spend money and enjoy time in the local area, as well as the festival itself.

Local suppliers and contractors are also used whenever possible for setting up these events which contributes positively towards local employment.

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Bring your colleagues for a Company off site day with a difference!

Arrive in time for breakfast on the decking of the River Café.

The Welsh Baptist Chapel next door has had a very modern makeover and makes an ideal venue for a meeting or to stay the night. Sit around the boardroom table and discuss business or relax on the large sofas and talk about life.

Use their tubular steel slide to whizz down to the café for lunch or pick up a packed lunch and head off downstream by canoe for an afternoon on the water (with instructors) Alternatively we can guide you on a mountain biking tour of the hills. Stop in Hay for a drink before we collect you and return you to Glasbury.

If you would like to sleep over - the bunkhouse sleeps 14 and a further 10 beds available in rooms above the café.

Great food, beautiful location and a day to remember.

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March/April 2016

SPORTSANDLEISURE

An Under 9 boy in action for the county

The Herefordshire Cricket Centre at Pentland Gardens

Our youngsters enjoying indoor training

HEREFORDSHIRE CRICKET IS THRIVING, BUT WE NEED MORE SUPPORT At Herefordshire Cricket Limited (HCL), we are tasked with promoting and providing the sport in the county and our aim is to inspire more people – young and old – to choose this country’s summer game, and ensure that cricket flourishes locally by helping, supporting and inspiring the players, clubs and organisations in order to develop their full potential.

But, to achieve that, we really do need help from as many sources as is possible.

Our team of experienced coaches – who are mainly part-time (or even volunteers) – focus mainly on the county’s boys and girls

representative teams from the Under 9s age group, right up to Under 17s, while our staff also continue to work in the county’s schools, introducing many children to cricket for the first time in the hope that they then move on to play for local clubs.

To ensure cricket locally has the chance to thrive, we are very keen to attract sponsors to assist the important work we do with youngsters across Herefordshire and would love to hear from any business or individual who feels they’d be willing to help us ensure our young cricketers get the opportunities they really deserve.

Please do contact us on 01432 275 189, or by e-mail at edd.oliver@ecb.co.uk, if you’d like to find out more about the important work we do and ways in which you can help us develop cricket in Herefordshire.

We have some rewarding opportunities on offer and will be proud to discuss them with you.

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Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BUSINESSSUPPORTANDTRAINING

GREAT BUSINESS = AMBITION + EXPERTISE? Ambition ~ a strong desire to do or achieve something. If we’re in business we all have it. But ambition alone isn’t enough deliver success.

The 2016 UK economic outlook is being characterised by commentators as 'steady,' 'modest' and 'marginally improved'. The wider global economy is less sparkling – 'soggy' said one expert. So when business ambition meets the realities of the market what do you do?

Mark Zuckerberg, who through Facebook learned a thing or two about building a valuable business, said “The only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.” The question is which risks, and therefore opportunities, to take and when?

CHANNELLING YOUR AMBITION External specialists (‘externals’, ‘professional advisers’, ‘Business Support Providers’) can be vital in realising business ambitions. Some external specialists work strategically helping you build for long-term success, some tactically to advance current projects or initiatives.

Their input may cover finance and taxation, marketing, operations, HR, learning and development, R&D, international trade, legal and possibly with an industry focus. Input might come in the form of advice, consultancy, coaching, training or mentoring.

With a plethora of great business advice and resources available today, both human and web-based eg government’s Great Business site (www.greatbusiness.gov.uk): How do you choose who to bring in?

WHO SHOULD YOU BRING IN? It’s a question I put to some of my ‘external specialist’ colleagues who, like me, have worked on both sides of the fence – as external specialist and as client.

The answer boils down to: Know what results you want to achieve.

Devise a “brief” that sets out your goals and what part they play in the wider plan for your business. Be honest about your business landscape and open to suggestion about how you could be supported.

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Do your research. Ask your network for recommendations for external specialists but don’t take those at face value. What works in one business may not work as well in another. Research who else is out there. Review their website, LinkedIn profile and testimonials.

advance your ambition? What action will you be ready to take as a result?

Scrutinise. Meet or at least talk to prospective providers. Using your brief, ask questions about what they do, how they work, how they get results and what’s important to them in working with you?

Listen carefully to what they say. Get written proposals that address your brief.

Manage your team’s expectations and experience of the external specialists’ work. It will impact on them and their work. Lead their engagement with the external specialist and broker a productive environment that works for everyone. For a short time, you’re all in it together for the good of the business!

Trust your gut. The human dimension of the work is paramount. This person may be an expert but that expertise needs to take root in your business. Do they speak your language? Do they ‘get’ your problem and your goal? Do their values chime with yours? Would you trust them to advise you? Can you imagine acting on their input? If your gut says ‘no’, move on.

IT’S STILL YOUR BUSINESS Getting help to take your business to the next level should be an exciting time, right?

It might even be a pleasure to be working with expert guidance? Well, even after choosing your external specialist carefully:

Be a 'good client'. Take responsibility for the way the work is going. If you don’t like the direction or the experience, act swiftly to refocus it. The external specialist should be OK with you speaking your mind.

Liz Watkins-Young is an Organisational Development Consultant, Coach and Trainer, based in Malvern and working nationally. Active in the business advice community for 15 years, Liz has supported business leaders as well as local and regional economic development agencies. She’s a Director of Rubus and writes in Business Direction on Learning & Development. She can be contacted on 01684 878067 or via uk.linkedin.com/in/lizwatkinsyoung/

Take ownership of the results you’re expecting. How exactly will external input

March/April 2016

BUSINESSSUPPORTANDTRAINING

AVOID MAKING COSTLY HR MISTAKES With Claire Hill from HillHR Consultancy It is all too easy to take your eye off your HR issues especially at busy times. Here are 6 common HR pitfalls and how you can avoid them.

1. Poor recruitment practices, hasty processes and inadequate job descriptions can result in costly, inappropriate hires. Avoid by creating meaningful job descriptions, ensuring the right people are interviewing and asking the right questions. Recruit for a cultural fit.

2. Having no, or out of date HR Policies & Procedures. Avoid by ensuring they are in place and keep them updated. Have a Company Handbook and ask staff to read it.

3. Businesses cease investing in their people, especially when time or budgets are tight. Don’t freeze training.

Explore alternative delivery. Benefits are increased job satisfaction, lower staff turnover and enhanced business image.

4. Putting off dealing with HR issues, such as poor performance and sickness.

Don’t put them off - deal with them promptly. When managing these issues document, document, document.

5. Don’t ignore employment law compliance. Stay within the law every step of the way. Protect your business.

Stay ahead and prepare for legislative changes.

6. Don’t rely on an ‘open door’ policy – go out and get to know your people and what is going on in your business. Nip issues in the bud before they come back to bite you.

HillHR provide businesses with HR advice and guidance.

Call Claire Hill on 07483 253984 or email claire.hill@hillhr.co.uk

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

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

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

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Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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

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

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

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BUSINESSSUPPORTANDTRAINING

“We have been customers of Insightconxs for a couple of years now and have always found the service quality both in terms of the provision of our hosted telephone system and the customer service provided

by Anthony and his team is outstanding. If we ever encounter any issues they are resolved quickly and without fuss. I have and will continue to recommend Insight.”

TIM PEARCE, MANAGING PARTNER, HAINES WATTS WORCESTER LTD

HAVE YOU SWITCHED YET? Over the past couple of years newly established businesses have enjoyed taking advantage of the latest cloud telephony and Superfast connectivity offerings, supporting increased mobility of staff, improved internet access for business applications all whilst reducing operating costs. These new market offerings are now delivering real results for local businesses.

With a timeline now in place for the ISDN switch off, and the ever-increasing demands for greater, faster Internet access, more and more companies are considering changing their traditional services for new Cloud/ Internet based technology and communication services.

When businesses grow they need the flexibility within their operational procedures to aid growth and not hinder it, this includes and is not limited to what telephone system or connectivity they use.

With cloud based technology this works to the needs of the business and gives the business the scope to grow the system, operating over multiple locations, at home or international if you have internet access you have access to your business.

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Evesham based company Insightconxs is playing a key role within the community in delivering these new services.

Insightconxs, since formation has grown from strength to strength providing buyers who are looking to achieve more from their communications with value for money, hosted telephony, mobile and superfast broadband solutions that work for their business.

Supporting the company’s growth, Insightconxs can also boast increasing its headcount from the local community employing two new apprentices’ in 2015, with further recruitment planned in 2016. As a keen member of the chamber, Insightconxs is also supporting discussions with local councils to help accelerate the deployment of new superfast broadband services in the area.

If you are interested in learning how you can benefit from 'making the switch', please contact Anthony Gander on tel: 01386 579000, or email: anthony.gander@insightconxs.co.uk

“We moved over to Insightconxs, who provide our VOIP system in 2015, having previously been with a ‘well known larger provider’. Insightconxs are genuinely focused on us as the customer and truly go that ‘extra mile’ to provide a personal service.

I’d recommend them to anyone…and have!”

KIRSTEN CLUER. CLUER HR “Insightconxs supported our transition out of a large corporate, reacting at short notice to transition a multi-site distribution business onto a flexible new telephony platform whilst meeting a number of operational challenges on the way, we have and are enjoying a 1st class product and service”

JONATHON GROVE, DIRECTOR OLIVER ASHWORTH LTD

March/April 2016

BUSINESSSUPPORTANDTRAINING

WHY APPRENTICESHIPS AND GOOD TRAINING MAKES SENSE For employers, apprenticeships present the perfect opportunity to find the next generation of young workers.

With more than 80 different types of apprenticeship available, covering everything from Providing Financial Services to Creative and Digital Media, Modern Apprenticeships now go far beyond traditional trades and offer a great career start for both men and women.

For employers of all sizes looking to attract new young talent, fill vacancies or simply plan for the future, Modern Apprenticeships offer a great way of ensuring their business has the skills it needs to grow.

Three quarters of Modern Apprentice employers report improved productivity as a result of employing apprentices, while 71 per cent said Modern Apprentices improved service or product quality – so the benefits to businesses are clear.

In addition, investment in training can be the difference between a company surviving and a business that takes advantage of the opportunities as they open up. Train your staff to spot those opportunities and anything is possible.

So investing in training is important because: It allows improved recruiting and holding onto staff. When people know that a company believes in their personal development, they are more likely to join and stay with that company for a longer period of time.

It allows improved output A well trained team that wants to stay with company produces stability and results in a more productive, enthusiastic and motivated workforce.

It can fit in with the company’s aims.

Training should fit in with the company’s strategic plan. Training should help employees develop both technical mastery and interpersonal skills such as effective communication, dispute resolution, quality management and team building, and it should be wrapped up within the company’s strategy for growth.

EARN AND LEARN WITH OUR NEW DEGREE APPRENTICESHIP IN LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT Become a better manager and leader ‘while you work’, through our new FdA and BA (Hons) in Leadership & Management programme Key features: l Study for one day each week at your local University through day-release from your employer. l Study for two years part-time for the Foundation Degree or three years part-time for the Honours degree. l These Work-Based courses use an apprentice-style approach to learning whilst you continue to be employed in the workplace. l 50% of each course is assessed and delivered through work-based experience. l Flexible courses with opportunity to progress to higher awards. l A bespoke approach to learning that gives you and your employer real benefit. l Choice of options in year 2 and 3 l Real-world and work-based focus – taught by tutors with experience of leadership, business, management and consultancy in the workplace l With accreditation and recognition, from organisations including the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, Federation of Small Businesses, and Chartered Management Institute. For the very latest course information, please visit: www.worcester.ac.uk/courses/wbs-leadership-andmanagement-fda-ba.html

For more information about how our NEW Degree Apprenticeship programme can help your own development and improve your business, contact Scott Andrews on 01905 543336 or e-mail s.andrews@worc.ac.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BUSINESSSUPPORTANDTRAINING

SUPPORTING BUSINESS GROWTH IN HEREFORD the Centre, with hot-desking facilities, incubation space and breakout areas all at highly competitive rates. There is dedicated space within the Centre to hire for meetings and events including a contemporary boardroom and a flexible, large seminar room. Both rooms are equipped with cutting-edge technology allowing for video conferencing and there is also digital signage, which can be tailored to create a professional feel to any event.

Looking for support for your business? The Hereford Business Solutions Centre is now open to assist you with your growth plans.

Brought to you by the University of Wolverhampton along with the Marches Growth Hub, Herefordshire, the Business Solutions Centre team are here to support you to drive your business forward, finding the right growth options for you. This includes supporting your innovation ideas, business start-up support and access to funding. One such programme is Green Shoots Plus, which is supported by the

Government’s Regional Growth Fund and is available to eligible SME’s in the West Midlands who are looking to invest in capital or premises. “We are delighted that the Green Shoots Plus Programme is now available in Herefordshire in addition to the Black Country, Shropshire and South Staffordshire and I would encourage any businesses looking to grow to contact the Business Solutions Centre to discuss their needs further” Rob Croton, Greenshoots Plus Project Manager.

We are also looking forward to hosting a series of events and networking opportunities from start-up seminars to industry-specific training on subjects such as BIM and we will also be screening the 2016 Budget live on 16th March followed by a panel debate. To find out more: Telephone: 01432 344424 hereford@businesssolutionscentres.co.uk www.wolverhamptonbsc.com/hereford @BSCentres Business Solutions Centres Business Solutions Centres

For businesses and new start-ups looking for a base there is an enterprise hub at

WANT TO GAIN COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE IN A TOUGH CLIMATE? INVEST IN YOUR GREATEST ASSETS – YOUR PEOPLE Strategic Professionals are people development partners offering short courses in business skills and qualifications in management and leadership.

As an approved Chartered Management Institute (CMI) training centre, Strategic Professionals are committed to promoting and setting the standards in management excellence. n Study for a range of CMI qualifications from Team Leader to Strategic leadership (Level 2 -7). n Courses are delivered via blended learning, a method consisting of a mixture of workshops, tutorials and self guided study, offering maximum flexibility for the busy manager. n With no fixed start or end date, no set day of the week. Tutorials to suit you.

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n Choose Modules relevant to your role

Follow us:

n Assessed via coursework. No exams

For more information email Sharon Southcott on sharon@ strategicprofessionals.co.uk and visit www. strategicprofessionals.co.uk

@Strategicprofs www.linkedin.com/company/ strategic-professionals-ltd

Invest in your future. Invest in your people.

March/April 2016

14–18 14–18 March March

Warwickshire College Group is one of the UK’s leading Warwickshire College Group is one of the UK’s leading providers of apprenticeships. providers of apprenticeships.

Apprenticeships offer businesses a cost-effective route to harness fresh Apprenticeships offer businesses a cost-effective to harness fresh new talent. Apprentices can help your organisationroute to increase productivity, new talent.

Apprentices can help your organisation to increase productivity, improve competitiveness and ensure you have a committed and competent improve competitiveness ensure you have a committed and competent workforce to meet future and challenges. workforce to meet future challenges.

Employees can train for a nationally recognised qualification whilst Employees canwill train nationally recognised qualification whilstthe they work. We dofor all awe can to support employers throughout they work.

We will do all we can to support employers throughout the apprenticeship process from the initial queries through to completion. apprenticeship process from the initial queries through to completion.

Why hire an apprentice?

Why hire an apprentice?

• Fill your skills gaps – ‘grow your own’ staff • your training skills gaps – ‘grow own’ with staff minimal days in college • Fill Flexible to suit youryour business • training to suitimprove your business with minimal days in college • Flexible Reduce staff turnover, productivity and avoid skills shortages • Reduce staff turnover, improve productivity and avoid skills shortages • Apprentices increase motivation. 92% of employers taking on apprentices • noticed Apprentices increase motivation.

92% of employers taking on apprentices a more motivated work force noticed a more motivated work force • Apprentices boost productivity. 80% of employers saw an increase in • productivity Apprenticesinboost productivity. 80% of employers saw an increase in the workplace productivity in the workplace • 81% of customers would rather use a company which hires apprentices • 81% of customers would rather use a company which hires apprentices Apprenticeships are available to businesses of all sizes and can deliver real Apprenticeships available to businesses all sizes and can deliver real returns, includingare improved productivity and of competitiveness. returns, including improved productivity and competitiveness.

Thinking of hiring?

Thinking of hiring?

We’ve made it easier for you to start an apprenticeship programme with We’ve madeservices it easiersuch for you to start an apprenticeship programme with convenient as apprenticeship vacancies online. convenient services such as apprenticeship vacancies online.

Our service includes: Our service includes: • Free national advertising of your vacancy on the National Apprenticeship • Free national advertising of your vacancy on the National Apprenticeship Service website Service website • Free vacancy advertising on the college website • advertising on the college website • Free Free vacancy training needs analysis • training analysis • Free Interview andneeds assessment of potential apprentices • Interview and assessment of potential apprentices • Outstanding teaching, learning and assessment • Outstanding teaching, learning and assessment • Flexible management and delivery of training • and delivery of training • Flexible Progressmanagement reviews and development plans • Progress reviews and development plans • Advice on safeguarding, equality and diversity • Advice on safeguarding, equality and diversity

For more information please get in touch: For more information please get in touch: 03004 560049 03004 560049 www.warwickshire.ac.uk www.warwickshire.ac.uk @WarwickshireCol @WarwickshireCol

National National Apprenticeship Apprenticeship Week Week

WHAT WHAT do do the the employers employers say? say?

“Having apprentices is invaluable “Having as it has apprentices enabled me is toinvaluable accelerate as it has enabled me to accelerate the growth of my business in a cost the growth of my business in a cost effective manner.” effective manner.”

Charlie Rodman, Doodletogs Charlie Rodman, Doodletogs

“Qualified technicians are the heart “Qualified technicians the heart of our company and byare investing in of our company and by investing in training apprentices we can ensure training apprentices we can ensure we have a supply of qualified people we a supply of force.” qualified people for have our future work for our future work force.”

Mark Wolfe, BT Fleet Mark Wolfe, BT Fleet

We have We have

2,000 2,000 apprentices training with apprentices training with us at any one time us at any one time

900 We work with over We work with over

employers across employers across both the Midlands both Midlands andthe nationally, and nationally, from national from national apprenticeship apprenticeship accounts to accounts local soleto local sole traders traders

OUTSTANDING APPRENTICESHIP OUTSTANDING SUCCESS RATE:APPRENTICESHIP SUCCESS RATE:

80% 80%

Well above Well above the national the national average of 69% average of 69%

VISITHEREFORDSHIRE

Castle House’s terraced garden overlooking the water

CASTLE HOUSE IN TELEGRAPH’S TOP TEN Yet another feather in a cap of accolades for Hereford’s famous boutique hotel, Castle House. The family-run hotel, owned by local Ballingham Hall farmer David Watkins, has been picked by The Sunday Telegraph as one of its 10 Best Hotels for 2016.

The paper’s hotel guru, Fiona Duncan, selected the acclaimed hotel in Castle Street as her Best Memorable Moment, remembering the opening concert of last year’s Three Choirs Festival at the Cathedral.

She recalls how, afterwards, “we strolled across the Close to lovely, cosy Castle House Hotel for supper and bed, the music still in our heads.

The evening will stay with me for many reasons, not least because Elgar, Cathedral and hotel fit together in perfect harmony. Like so many of our towns and cities, Hereford has much to offer the visitor, and Castle House, with its Georgian proportions and waterside setting, makes an ideal base for a visit.” www.castlehse.co.uk

The new bar at Glewstone Court

GLEWSTONE COURT WIN GOOD HOTEL AWARD Glewstone Court Country House Hotel, Ross-on-Wye, are thrilled to announce that they have been handpicked to receive the prestigious “Good Hotel Award” 2015, 1 of 11 winners selected out of 38,939 hotels in the UK. Glewstone Court was one of the first Hotels to receive the award and the only one in the area!

The judges commented: “Glewstone Court recognises that the attraction of this charming Country House Hotel and Restaurant lies not only in the splendour of the Georgian listed building, but in making guests feel truly at home with a warm, friendly welcome, character-filled comfortable lounges, open fires and breath-taking views. Over the last twelve months, we have evaluated customer feedback and these premises have demonstrated exceptional levels of room quality, service and value.”

Owners Gary and Karen Homewood said: “We are absolutely delighted. This is a superb achievement in our first year at Glewstone Court.” www.glewstonecourt.com

ROSS-ON-WYE BEER AND CIDER FESTIVAL Tickets for the 2016 Ross-on-Wye Beer and Cider Festival – showcasing locally produced beers and ciders – are on sale now.

The Rossbeerfest is being held on May Day holiday weekend - Saturday 30 April and Sunday 1 May at the Ross Rowing Club. It is organised as a charity fundraising event by Ross Lions and Ross Rotary Clubs, with live bands, music and food available. Entry is £5 to include a free glass and beer guide. Full details, location and ticket sales can be found on the website and camping is available. Updates will be posted on Facebook and Twitter @Rossbeerfest.

Alongside the beer and cider event will be an jamboree with the theme “May Day on the Wye” from the organiser of two successful family days at the Hope and Anchor pub by the banks of the Wye. www.rossbeerfest.org

TRULY GOING PLACES Recent news regarding the reopening of Hereford’s well known and loved Racecourse has met with widespread praise.

Mike Truelove, Operations and Marketing Manager at the Hereford Business Improvement District (HBID) said: “this is fantastic news for a City that has worked

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hard to become an exciting and highly competitive destination for shoppers and tourists looking for a great day out.

Decisions such as these are not taken lightly and Arena Racing will have studied hard the trends that are happening in Hereford, such as the inward investment of the Old Market, our new multi-screen cinema and the plans to reinvigorate the historic centre.

Hereford now boasts an incredibly buoyant and thriving shopping experience and it is earning a glowing reputation. There is record unemployment in the County and we enjoy one of the highest proportions of self-employed business owners in the Country - this is all evidence that points towards a City that is truly going places”. www.herefordbid.co.uk

March/April 2016

VISITWORCESTERSHIRE

2016 YEAR OF THE ENGLISH GARDEN

Croome Court, credit James Dobson

WITLEY COURT & GARDENS – A WORCESTERSHIRE WONDER In its Victorian heyday, Witley Court was one of England’s great country houses, famed for hosting extravagant parties in the palatial mansion. After a devastating fire in 1937 it is today one of the country’s most spectacular ruins.

Imagine a bygone era of decadent house parties, balls and concerts as you arrive at the sweeping driveway, and picture the past splendour as you walk amidst the stunning ruins. A lively audio tour helps you imagine the sights and sounds of Witley’s heyday and a packed programme of events throughout the year bring the Court’s Victorian past to life.

The court is surrounded by impressive grounds featuring landscaped gardens, a lake, woodland walks, and the amazing Perseus and Andromeda fountain. Don’t miss the fun-filled Play Area - there’s a tree house inspired by a seed pod, outdoor musical instruments and even a grass-covered amphitheatre – perfect for family picnics.

“CAPABILITY” BROWN TERCENTENARY CELEBRATIONS Born 300 years ago, Lancelot "Capability" Brown changed the face of landscapes in 18th century England, designing country estates and mansions, moving hills and making flowing lakes and serpentine rivers, with Croome being one of his most significant landscapes.

His work involved digging up formal gardens, draining marshland to create new lakes and streams and even moving entire villages out of sight.

The parkland at Croome was nearly lost, but is now great for walks and adventures with a temple, folly or statue around every corner. At the heart of the park lies Croome Court which Brown remodelled, which tells the story of its electric past in creative ways with four floors waiting to be discovered.

REVIVAL FOR SPETCHLEY PARK 2016 sees the gardens at Spetchley Park open, having been through one of the biggest revivals in its 400 year history. The garden lake has been completely restored, the old cart sheds have been converted into a heritage learning and interpretation centre and the parkland put back to its 19th century landscape. In July, the park will welcome back the 19th century Sovereign Coach from being conserved, one of only 20 such coaches in the country.

To celebrate the tercentenary of Brown’s birth, the National Trust Croome is holding a series of lectures, walks and exhibitions throughout 2016.

This spring, there is an exciting events programme planned at the park. Highlights include a Specialist Plant Fair on Sunday 24 April and on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 August, 800 military re-enactors descend on Spetchley with their “History Comes Alive” weekend. There will also be smaller events throughout the summer.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/croome

www.spetchleygardens.co.uk

www.english-heritage.org.uk/witley

RHS MALVERN SPRING FESTIVAL

OUT NOW:

RHS Malvern Spring Festival will return to the foot of the Malvern Hills at the Three Counties Showground this May. Celebrating the very best in gardening and food, RHS Malvern brings to the fore the finest in both stunning show gardens, nursery displays, mouthwatering morsels from local and international food producers, eclectic shopping and top tips from celebrity chefs and garden experts alike.

For more information about attractions to visit and places to stay in Worcestershire, please look out for the 2016 Explore Guide or the Visit Worcestershire Spring/ Summer Official Tourism Guide available from the Worcester Tourist Information Centre at the Guildhall, or contact 01905 726 311 touristinfo@visitworcestershire.org to request a copy.

RHS Malvern Spring Festival marks the RHS event season. The Godfather of gardening,

Alan Titchmarsh, and National Treasure Mary Berry head up the 2016 celebrity line up. BBC Gardener’s World’s Carol Klein and Joe Swift rub shoulders with other garden experts and share their bountiful gardening knowledge in the Festival Theatre. The One Show’s Christine Walkden with share her practical advice and planting tips in the Get Going Get Growing arena and CBeebies star Ben Faulks as Mr Bloom will inspire budding gardeners to get green fingered. www.rhsmalvern.co.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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CHAMBEREXPO

THE CHAMBER EXPO: THE TWO COUNTIES' BIGGEST BUSINESS EXHIBITION

The renowned Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Business Expo returned to the Three Counties Showground in Malvern on Thursday 3 March.

One of the biggest events in the local business calendar and free to attend, the Expo attracts around 1000 people from the business community. Twice a year, it gives businesses from the two counties the opportunity to meet over 800 potential customers in one place, and importantly, win business.

The Expo began with the networking breakfast, sponsored by Worcestershire Business Central, where 200 attendees were joined by keynote speaker Mark Berrisford-Smith, Chief Economist at HSBC UK Commercial Banking.

Afterwards, visitors explored the 100 stand business exhibition, met associates in the Networking Zone and enjoyed sampling

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award winning cheese, fudge and hand crafted beer in the Food and Drink Market Hall, sponsored by mfg Solicitors. Overall Sponsor, Hewett Recruitment, delivered a free seminar on Building Talent Growth, which discussed the trends and challenges facing businesses in the “war for talent”.

Print Strategy Europe, based in Droitwich, exhibited at the Expo in October 2015 and March 2016. Managing Director and Co-founder, Rob Newton, said: “Where else can you meet 800 potential customers in one day? I’m pleased to say we didn’t get a moment’s peace on our stand, with business owners visiting us all day. We generated a great deal of leads and have some new customers as a result.”

The next Chamber Business Expo will take place on Thursday 6 October 2016.

For more information contact: 01905 673 600 / 01432 803 236 events@hwchamber.co.uk www.hwchamber.co.uk/expos #hwexpo

March/April 2016

CHAMBEREXPO

LET US QUOTE we can offer

Midshire Communications Limited FULLY MANAGED PRINT SERVICE

M U LT I - F U N C T I O N P R I N T E R S K I P W I D E F O R M AT I.T SUPPORT SERVICES CLOUD PRINT SER VICES REMOTE SUPPORT

NATIONWIDE

& MUCH MORE

Centrally located in the heart of Worcestershire, we provide a variety of managed print services to fit any office requirements, small or large, local or national. As one of the UK’s leading suppliers, we offer reliable and cost effective solutions for any business. Call us for a quote today!

midshirecom.co.uk

01386 551000

CATERING, CLEANING & CONSULTANCY SERVICES

Recognising that students of any age are customers is what sets us apart from our competition. We know that great customer service, attention to detail and a passion for good quality, locally sourced food are vital ingredients to a successful meal provision.

From the smallest primary school to the largest secondary school, academy or college, our experienced teams are motivated to look after our most important asset – the relationship between Aspens and the people we serve.

We are based in Hindlip, Worcester and have schools in the area.

If we have provided some food for thought about your current service, please talk to us. Our open and honest approach has helped build our growing portfolio of lasting relationships.

Aspens Services Ltd Suite 5, Offerton Barns Business Centre Offerton Lane Hindlip Worcestershire WR3 8SX E info@aspens-services.co.uk T 01905 759613 W aspens-services.co.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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CHAMBEREXPO

The UK’s No.1 Professional

PEOPLE AGENCY With the backup of a National Agency, the knowledge & service of a local agency

PERMANENT RECRUITMENT

TEMPORARY STAFF

TRAINING

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We are recruiting and supplying the following: Driving – Cat C, Cat C+E, 7.5 Tonne, Moffett, Vans, Cars, Fork Lift, ADR, HIAB, Multi-drop Managerial – Logistics Managers, Operations Co-ordinators, Depot Managers, Non-Driving – Mates, Warehouse Operatives, Pickers/Packers etc Office – Administrators, Finance, Clerical Technical – CNC, Operators, Welders, Assembly Fitters

ENTERPRISING WORCESTERSHIRE GROWTH BUSINESS WINNER 2015

Driver Hire Hereford

Driver Hire Worcester

01432 298700

01905 617000

Fir Tree Lane, Hereford HR2 6LA

hereford@driverhire.co.uk www.driverhire.co.uk/hereford

3 King Street, Worcester, WR1 2NX

worcester@driverhire.co.uk www.driverhire.co.uk/worcester

YOUR SINGLE SOURCE SOLUTION FOR ALL YOUR OFFICE TECHNOLOGY NEEDS Established over 25 years ago, EBC Group have grown to become one of the most successful and respected office technology specialists in the UK. As a ‘Complete Solutions Provider’ we are able to provide a single source for all your office technology needs.

MANAGED PRINT SERVICES We help businesses take control of their document workflows, printing and print devices and save up to 30% of time and cost.

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT Improve the quality, security and value of the data within your business by enhancing the way it stores, analyses and shares information.

IT SERVICES We offer a comprehensive range of services from IT support, cloud computing, disaster recovery and hosting.

TELEPHONY & CONNECTIVITY Improve your workplace technology with a range of solutions including unified communications, telephony, connectivity and Wi-Fi.

For more information contact us today: T: 0121 585 4412 E: hello@ebcgroup.co.uk W: www.ebcgroup.co.uk

EBC Advert 185mmx120mm.indd 1

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11/02/2016 10:20

March/April 2016

advert for Chamber magazine 2016_Layout 1 03/02/2016 11:10 Page 1

CHAMBEREXPO

Large Format Expo & Display Printers • Wide range of portable ‘roller banner‘ • & ‘pop up‘ display systems available

SIMPLY MOBILE SOLUTIONS LTD Since 1987, Simply Mobile Solutions Ltd has been predominantly just that, Simply Mobiles. Due to an ever changing landscape, we have recently expanded into the fixed line, mobile data and now broadband service arenas.

YOUR PRINT D I S P L AY & PROMOTION SPECIALISTS

• We can re-graphic your old units • Indoor & outdoor quality printing • Posters, mounted boards & canvases • Help with your artwork from our team

This has resulted in us receiving the Best for Business Telecommunications Solutions Award (Worcestershire) for 2016.

We are most proud to announce this to our fellow chamber members and all of our past, present & future customers.

With approximately 120 mobile phone dealers in the county, we suspected the competition would be tough, even with our pedigree but with the recent expansion to the team in Anna (Financial) and Jade (Digital Marketing) we are still growing and succeeding in promoting the services we can offer people with limited resources or time constraints when dealing with their business’ telecommunications.

For any further information about how the best in the business might be able to save you money please email us at nathan@simplymobilesolutions.co.uk

We can supply you with new displays or refurbish your existing expo units with updated graphics, giving them a new lease of life

01886 812160 • www.sbprint.co.uk

OAKLEAF COMMERCIAL SERVICES

oakleafcs.com

0800 169 5454

Providing high quality, professional, property maintenance, grounds and construction services since 2000. Including property repairs, building construction, modernisations and adaptations, and a complete grounds maintenance service. We also have a modern PVC-u factory and bespoke joinery workshop.

Operating from Kidderminster, Worcestershire, we have additional depots in West Bromwich and Castle Vale, enabling us to deliver services across the West Midlands and surrounding counties, including Shropshire and South Staffordshire.

Doors & Window s

tenance Main ng ldi

Bu i

n Oakleaf Construction/Refurbishment and Development – offering modernisation and adaptations alongside a specialist development team n Oakleaf Repairs and Customer Service – complete building maintenance and property management service

Fle e

n Oakleaf Doors and Windows – manufacturing PVC-u doors, frames and windows for commercial and residential contracts

t S er vice s

n Oakleaf Bespoke Joinery Services – for made to measure quality timber products such as staircases, doors, windows and garages n Oakleaf Grounds Services – for all large scale and contract grounds work including sports and playing field maintenance and tree care n Oakleaf Fleet Services – a full MOT, repairs and servicing garage for light commercial vehicles, vans and cars. Fleet servicing contracts also available.

For a no obligation quote, please contact us on 0800 169 5454 or email enquiries@oakleafcs.com

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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INTERNATIONALTRADE

EXPORTING FITNESS There are many opportunities for exporters in the Sports sector.

Ultimate Sports Nutrition, a market leader, provide an insight into their business and their involvement with overseas markets.

At USN we pride ourselves in offering only the best sports supplementation and expert advice. Aimed at fuelling the ambition of any fitness enthusiast across the globe, our ambition is to help any individual with a goal or objective to reach higher and push harder.

The exciting journey of USN started back in 1999 when owner Albé Geldenhuys, a mountain bike enthusiast, formed Ultimate Sports Nutrition, with the promise to develop and deliver only the most advanced sports nutrition to those of any discipline, in any sport, with any goal.

We have products over a range of disciplines to help people with weight loss, toning, building muscle or endurance for sport, from shakes, bars and gels. We try to support everyone; no matter what disciple or experience level.

USN Athletes at the World Famous Body Power Show

We have many customers in EMEA region (as USN UK), as well as other export accounts handled through USN SA or USN US. We have coverage all over the EU, as well as in former Yugoslavia, the Baltic States, Russia and the Middle East. Our partners are very different and specific - from the typical wholesalers/resellers (such as Naskor Sports - able to sell across the whole of Europe), through to the local distributors or chain stores (such as Proteini.si franchise in former Yugoslavia). Many of our partners also participate in various local events, such as the Power Pro Show Moscow.

Finding new - and reliable - partners is always a challenge. The export manager will use the distributor lists of other top brands to identify potential leads.

We are sometimes contacted by the distributors themselves or (rarely) get a recommendation from some of our

USN’s most popular sports nutrition product

existing accounts.

Currently a very dynamic and promising region for us is the Middle East, where we have four partners.

With one of these, Wawan Protein, we are seeing very promising growth (this company started in Kuwait and is now expanding to Saudi Arabia and other countries). We also have partners in Iran, Iraq and Egypt and we have just launched a new account in Libya. www.usn.co.uk

TAP INTO ERASMUS PLUS Whether your company exports to the EU or not, it can benefit greatly from the Erasmus Plus Program, which provides students and apprentices in EU countries with the opportunity to come to the UK on unpaid work placements or internships.

In 2015, Pershore-based Principia School of Language provided 160 such placements in the Worcester area for participants from Germany.

Most are three-four week placements, predominantly in business administration, IT and primary education. However, the company is now seeking eight week internships for trainees in metalworking, carpentry, baking, health care, IT and motor vehicle maintenance.

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The trainees, who are aged between 20-34, are due to start work on Tuesday 26 April and return home on Thursday 23 June. Accommodation will be with some of Principia’s 65 host families in Worcester. Hosting companies are invited to contribute towards travel to and from work or provide lifts, otherwise no cost is incurred.

Southco, Atkins Global, Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, G-Tech, Acorns, Heart of Worcestershire College and ISO Quality Services are among local companies who have offered placements to Principia in 2015-16.

Anyone keen to find out more should contact Peter Corbishley on 01386 556434 or at info@principia.eu.com

March/April 2016

INTERNATIONALTRADE

SOCIAL MEDIA

ONLINE ADVERTISING

E-COMMERCE AND E-MARKETPLACES

Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, Periscope, Snapchat, International (WeChat, Weibo, YouKu, Ren Ren, Vkontakte, Odnoklassiniki, Xing) and many more

Social Media Advertising

E-Commerce Web Review

Search Engine Marketing

Ecommerce Platforms

Display Advertising

Mobile Commerce

Mobile Advertising

Social Commerce

Video Advertising

Global E-Marketplaces and specific UKTI terms

STRATEGY

Internationalisation Social Media Strategy Content Strategy

DATA AND ANALYTIC TOOLS

Google Analytics, MOZ, Hootsuite, Facebook / Twitter Analytics and more

Online Advertising Strategy Mobile Strategy

CONTENT

Internationalisation, SEO User Experience, Customer Journey Content Marketing, Blog

EMAIL AND CRM

Imagery / Videos

INTRODUCING UK TRADE & INVESTMENT’S E-EXPORTING PROGRAMME! OUR E-COMMERCE ADVISORS UKTI’s E-Exporting Programme aims to help UK companies showcase their brands to millions of global consumers and grow their business through online exports.

WHY SELL ONLINE? Opportunities for online sales are huge and growing. By selling online UK companies can: n Find new customers in overseas markets n Do business 24/7 n Build brand awareness n Access new markets in a low cost way n Monitor real time sales and use data to make informed business decision The support is ideal for companies who are new to selling online and for those who already sell online but need help with specific issues.

The E-Export service is delivered through our specialist E-Commerce Advisers. West Midlands based Teresa Gualtieri and Sarah Lumley-Holmes are examples of just two of many based across the nine UK regions.

TERESA GUALTIERI Teresa provides practical support and strategic advice to ensure that companies’ online presence is maximised for trading internationally. Her areas of expertise range from E-Marketplaces to Social Media, E-Commerce Platforms, Online Advertising, Internationalisation, SEO and much more.

Before UKTI, Teresa worked in Digital Marketing Management roles, mainly in the retail sector, where she had the opportunity to develop and execute multichannel digital strategies to reach overseas markets. Her early experience includes working for integrated marketing agencies based in the UK and Italy.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

SARAH LUMLEYHOLMES With over ten years’ experience, Sarah has a breadth of knowledge in all aspects of digital marketing. She has extensive strategic and practical experience in a range of disciplines, including Social Media, Advertising, Analytics, Email Marketing and Mobile Marketing. Having previously worked for E-Commerce businesses and large scale organisations across the UK she has a passion for digital marketing.

For further information please contact Digital Lead for Herefordshire and Worcestershire, Naomi Steemson, on 01905 673 629.

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COMMERCIALPROPERTY

“BEST TIME TO SELL” AS DEMAND WILL REMAIN HIGH FOR WORCESTERSHIRE FREEHOLD COMMERCIAL PROPERTY IN 2016 A shortage of offices and industrial units in Worcestershire means continuing upwards pressure on prices throughout 2016, as demand for commercial property remains strong.

John Dillon says that lack of available stock saw fewer deals completed in 2015, than in the previous two years, but demand for freehold offices of up to 10,000 sq ft, and for freehold industrial units of between 2,000 sq ft and 30,000 sq ft remains particularly high.

TRADITIONAL VALUES LOCAL KNOWLEDGE REGIONAL COVERAGE

HELPING BUSINESSES THROUGH THE COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MAZE SO

LD

LE

Sales & Lettings Acquisitions Management Dilapidations Surveys Rent Reviews Investment Advice Valuations

T

Mr Dillon says: “Recent changes to the SIPPs rules continue to make smaller freehold properties very attractive. Continuing low interest rates and the increasing willingness of the banks to lend also make them more affordable. All this means that for freehold owners it really is the best time to sell since the credit crunch”.

Last year (2015) GJS Dillon Limited sold and let over 85,000 sq ft of office accommodation and over 135,000 sq ft of industrial and warehouse accommodation. In addition to sales and lettings the firm launched a bespoke commercial property acquisition service and they are currently acting for a number of high profile Worcestershire businesses looking for a range of different industrial and office buildings. Businesses are now aware that there is a distinct lack of good quality commercial accommodation on the market and if they are going to find the right premises then they need the services of a specialist Chartered Surveyor who is able to find properties off market using an established network of developer, investor and land owner contacts throughout the County.

According to Mr Dillon, the leasehold market will also continue to be active, with businesses attracted by Worcestershire’s excellent communications, through easy access to the M5, M42, and M40, and to Birmingham, London and international airports, its flexible workforce, significant industry clusters, key lifestyle factors, and useful assistance from the LEP, County Council and other public sector bodies.

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

LOW COST, FLEXIBLE,

OFFICE AND WORKSHOP

SPACE IN REDDITCH.

“With Worcestershire named only last November (2015) as the most productive LEP area in England, it’s no wonder businesses want to stay and grow, or relocate into the county.”

REDDITCH business centres

“With Worcestershire named only last November (2015) as the most productive LEP area in England, it’s no wonder businesses want to stay and grow, or relocate into the county.”

• Easy In Easy Out Terms

• Short Term Licences

• No Legal Fees

• Conference Rooms

• Wi-Fi

• Secretarial Services

• 24 Hour Access

• Free Parking

• Close to Motorway Links

• No Hidden Costs

• Electric Car Charging Point

01527 517165

businesscentres@nwedr.org.uk www.redditchbc.gov.uk/businesscentres

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

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March/April 2016

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

ALTITUDE AERIAL IMAGERY Altitude Aerial Imagery is a Worcestershire company who are one of the select few operating in the UK able to legally offer aerial imaging services using Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS), and joining the Chamber has given the opportunity to reach out to the local business community has been invaluable, as company Director & pilot Stevie Hazelden told us when we spoke to him recently.

“The Chamber helped bridge the gap between my business and the other businesses in the area, both big & small, providing me with invaluable advice & opportunities to network & cultivate relationships, a bi-product of these being sales & success.”

The company mission statement is 'To provide safe & affordable aerial imaging services to local SME's', & we want to ensure property agents, surveyors & media production companies can keep pace with their competitors on the national stage, where this technology is already starting

to be exploited. The applications are endless & now within reach of business, regardless of size or scale.

Counties Showground on 3rd March & see their demonstration flights taking place throughout the day.

Altitude offer services in to Media production companies for film & TV work, promotional videos for outdoor leisure & activity centres, weddings & all at a cost which makes this technology accessible to any sized business!

For more information contact Stevie on: Mob: 07445 845556 Free: 0808 189 34221 Stevie@AltitudeAerialImagery.co.uk http://AltitudeAerialImagery.co.uk

Make sure you visit them on Stand 18 at the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Expo at the 3

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

hed Industrial Units enquiries@wildenestates.co.uk onvenient Location

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

wildenestates.co.uk

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CONFERENCEWORCESTERSHIRE www.visitworcestershire.org/conference-meetings.aspx

The Abbey Hotel, Great Malvern

Hogarths Stone Manor, near Kidderminster

AN EXCITING THE ABBEY FUTURE HOTEL Stone Manor, near Kidderminster, has been ever present in Worcestershire’s conference offering for nearly 50 years. In February 2015, Helena Hogarth and her husband Andy bought the hotel and set about making improvements, principally to the hotel grounds. This led to the conversion of the outdoor swimming pool in to the Pump Rooms Outdoor Events Venue.

This was just the start and with the first phase of restaurant, bar, reception and lounge being completed in March 2015, the hotel is currently enjoying a two million pound refurbishment. This will restore the hotel to standards expected of conferences, buyers, event organisers and team building specialists. Partial bedroom refurbishments will be finished in March 2016 and finalised in May. Local staff, local suppliers, a family and above all an independent business allows Hogarths Stone Manor to welcome between 2 and 150 to enjoy a country house venue.

The Abbey is a 4-star hotel in the historic spa town of Great Malvern.

Located at the foot of the Malvern Hills, with landscaped gardens and spectacular views over the Vale of Evesham, it is the perfect location for business or pleasure. The hotel’s stunning location is easily accessible from junction 7 of the M5, and is just a 5 minute walk from Great Malvern train station.

The hotel boasts 103 en-suite bedrooms, 24 hour room service and free onsite parking. The Abbey is an impressive venue for meetings and events, catering for up to 300 delegates. Seven conference suites are available, each featuring natural daylight, flexible seating arrangements, and complimentary WiFi. Full catering can be arranged for all types of events, alternatively, delicious meals are available in the Priory View Restaurant. www.sarova-abbeyhotel.com

www.hogarths.co.uk

SIXWAYS STADIUM Conveniently located at Junction 6 of the M5 and with excellent road, rail and air links, Sixways Stadium is the perfect venue. It provides exceptional services and versatile facilities for large stadium events, business conferences, exhibitions, meetings, weddings, private dinners and parties from 2 to 1,000 guests.

With parking for 1,000 cars, Sixways has 60 modern meeting and event rooms all with natural daylight and complimentary WiFi. Matched with quality catering and underpinned by warm, friendly personal service, your event is guaranteed to be a complete success.

At Sixways, we serve only the highest quality food. Our experienced chefs use the finest and freshest products and we plan our menus by season, using UK produce where possible.

We provide tailored, flexible packages and our dedicated team of Event Organisers will give you all the help and support you need to arrange your exhibition, conference, team building session, training day or private event. www.sixwaysstadium.co.uk

THE COTTAGE IN THE WOOD With breath taking views across the Cotswolds and Severn Valley, The Cottage in the Wood is the perfect place for all your business and leisure needs.

The conferencing suite can accommodate between 14 and 20 delegates and both the boardroom and adjoining syndicate room are completely private and peaceful with lots of natural light.

The facilities are ideal for

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boardroom-style meetings, seminars, interviews and training sessions. Serving lunch, dinner, afternoon tea and drinks, all of your conferencing requirements can easily be catered for. The Cottage in the Wood also offers private dining serviced by the award winning Outlook restaurant, for up to 40 people.

With plenty of parking, easily accessible from the M5 and 40 miles from

The Cottage in the Wood, Malvern

Birmingham, The Cottage in the Wood makes a convenient point for delegates to converge. www.cottageinthewoodhotel.co.uk

March/April 2016

FOCUSONHEALTH

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

Taste the new you - How to spring into spring!

Spring is here and one of the great things about the warmer, lighter and longer days is that they make getting fit and adopting a healthy diet so much easier.

Here are some health, fitness and foody tips to help you do this.

Health tips Our mental health is often overlooked and, as we all lead such busy lives these days, it’s really important to be able to get away from it all and create some quiet time. This could be simply taking a 30 minute meditative walk or finding 20 minutes to sit and listen to a beautiful piece of music.

Fitness tips Spring is a great time to take your fitness regime outside. How about setting out for a run in a city park or down a country lane, getting the bike out of the garage or, if you’re a swimmer, checking out your nearest lido?

Foody tips Eating healthily is not always about self-denial.

Good food is delicious food, so do take time to make informed choices and enjoy delicious pasta and rice dishes, tasty mixed salads, good quality bread and lots of fresh fruit.

Boost it all with a beneficial massage The perfect addition to any health programme is a professional massage and, with Hands on at Work treatments starting at just £25 for a 30 minute appointment, they’re affordable too!

To find out more about home and workplace visits call 07989 367669 or email info@handsonatwork.co.uk

FIRST AIDERS ARE AN ASSET TO YOUR COMPANY IT’S ALSO LAW! Having established in 2002 and based in Redditch, Worcestershire. Our experienced former Paramedic and medical trained teachers deliver high-quality First Aid training courses, equipment and services, helping your organisation meet all its Health & Safety requirements and keep you on top of Health & Safety legislation.

WE INCLUDE IN OUR 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)

SCHOOLS/ NURSERIES TRAINING PACKAGES n 2day Mandatory (Ofsted Compliant) Paediatric Emergency First Aid n 3hr Annual Refresher Paediatric training. n Bespoke training packages n Evacuation Chair training n Health and Safety Awareness and Assessment training.

Phone for information on mandatory Health & Safety requirements or to simply just get your training started.

Call today on: 01527 457527 | Email: info@imsfirstaid.com Web: www.imsfirstaid.com 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...

www.handsonatwork.co.uk Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Independent Medical Solutions

Limited

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CHARITYNEWS

Aircrew with MAAC CEO Hanna Sebright and M6 Toll CEO Andy Pearson

Gary Booth, Hope for Justice and Joe Alekna, eResponse

ZERO TOLERANCE FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING Recruitment experts eResponse Group are supporting the fight against human trafficking and the modern day slave trade by linking up with charity Hope for Justice.

The Worcestershire firm held a training session for staff to underline their stance on the national problem – with Gary Booth from the charity explaining how many trafficked people may have no passport, documents or a bank account.

Staff have now put the updated training into practice with every applicant for work or training.

Operations Director of eResponse Group, Joe Alekna, said: “For many people it’s hard to believe that in Great Britain in 2016 there still exists a form of the slave trade.

“Anyone who might be trying to exploit a worker has no business with eResponse.

We are determined to make sure that if anyone comes to us for employment and they are being trafficked, we will rapidly spot the signs and take action.”

Anne-Marie Stokes, Santander and Malcom Jelfs, Hospice volunteer

HOSPICE HOLDS GOLF DAY St Richard’s Hospice is inviting golfers to join them on the fairway for a fundraising golf day, sponsored

by Santander.

The event, to be held at The Worcestershire Golf Club on Thursday 14 April, follows the success of the Hospice’s annual event at the Droitwich Golf Club.

Tickets are £300 for a team of four, which includes a bacon roll with tea or coffee on arrival, an 18 hole round with tee off times from 11am, a two course dinner with prize giving and a charity auction.

Anne-Marie Stride, spokesperson for Worcester’s Santander said: “We are keen to support local charities when we can and St Richard’s is well known locally for the wonderful care they provide to patients and their families.

We had the opportunity to visit and see first-hand the special care and attention given and the fantastic people that work and volunteer there.” www.strichards.org.uk

www.eresponsegroup.co.uk

AIR AMBULANCE CELEBRATES 25 YEARS 2016 marks the 25th Anniversary of the vitally important emergency pre-hospital service provided by Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.

Throughout 2016, supported by Corporate Partner M6Toll, the charity will be running a series of events and activities to celebrate 25 years of Air Ambulance operations across the Midlands.

As one of the first Air Ambulance services in the country, Midlands Air Ambulance is proud of its heritage. The charity now has three helicopters serving a population of six million people and to date the service has responded to over 43,000 missions.

To mark the launch of “Air25”, Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and M6Toll hosted an event at the RAF Cosford Airbase, kindly supported by Charity Ambassadors, Lee Pearson CBE, Neil Back MBE, “Blind” Dave Heeley and Mickey Bushell MBE. Throughout the anniversary celebrations, the charity will be hosting a number of commemorative events, including a prestigious garden party at Hagley Hall, where “Air5” was first launched in May 1991. www.midlandsairambulance.com

SPORT RELIEF AT THE SPA! Droitwich-based fitness and nutrition specialists SpaFitness UK have teamed up with local businesses in aid of Sport Relief in 2016.

“Sport Relief is such an important event for our team at SpaFitness UK, that on Saturday 19 March, our ‘pop-up’ fitness stall will be back in Droitwich” said Jeremy Drew, Senior

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PT at SpaFitness UK. “Throughout the day, we will be running three unique 60 second AMRAP fitness challenges (as many reps as possible!): 60 seconds of Press-Ups, 60 seconds of Burpees and 60 seconds of Dips.

Each event will cost £1 with all proceeds going to Sport Relief. The person who completes the most reps

will win and there will be a very special raffle prize which will be drawn from all entrants. Not only will you be donating to a great cause, but you might win a prize, as well as being one step closer towards achieving your fitness goals for 2016!" www.SpaFitness.co.uk

March/April 2016

FOCUSONCHARITY

TRADING DAYS FOR ST MICHAEL’S HOSPICE a tangible way of showing our staff and customers that we are doing something meaningful for the community. We canvassed local opinion and St Michael’s was overwhelmingly the charity of choice.’

Local businesses, of all sizes, are doing their bit to help St Michael’s Hospice raise the £3.8million needed to continue providing their vital care services for the local community. The challenge is providing a wealth of unexpeceted benefits for the businesses who get involved.

Ruth Denison, Director of Income at St Michael’s said, ‘It’s not all about giving cash. St Michael’s relies heavily on volunteer support, and we are finding that the companies who give their time or are organising Hospice fundraising events see a real benefit to the profile of their business.’

One of the many organisations getting stuck in is Tesco. In Hereford they have organised a bag pack at Belmont and a volunteer day at a Hospice shop. In the

Ruth Denison believes that business support plays a crucial role in delivering end-of-life care, ‘St Michael’s only exists because of the thousands of people who support us. It’s good to know that we are also benefiting the local business community by providing opportunities for team building, employee retention, networking and promotional activities.

Ledbury store, they are providing space for St Micahael’s to display publicity material, and a team of staff are helping to keep the Hospice shop in Ledbury open on Wednesdays.

If your business is interested in ‘Trading Days for St Michael’s' please call Ruth Denison on 01432 851000

Dawn Davies, the people manager at Tesco in Ledbury, said, ‘Supporting St Michael’s fits perfectly with our corporate values. It’s

reducing loneliness in Worcestershire

Are you or do you know someone who feels lonely?

“Reconnections has been a lovely way of getting out of my house and meeting new people. I have enjoyed every minute”

People all over Worcestershire are using Reconnections to find and connect with people, activities and interests in their local area.

01905 740954

email reconnections@ageukhw.org.uk www.reconnectionsservice.org.uk RECC001-ReConnect-Advert-02-BC-185x110.indd 1 Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

05/02/2016 08:51

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MEMBERSSERVICES

CHAMBER HR – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW It’s not just if you have a problem – we are here to help with positive aspects of HR as well

Members of Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce have access to ChamberHR, an essential service that is designed to support your business. Access is unlimited and is available 24/7, 365 days a year.

n Advice Line – call 01455 852037.

You will be asked for your name and company name and which Chamber you are a member of.

That’s the good news…the even better news is that the service is FREE to members!

n Chamber HR Website – www. hwchamber.co.uk/hr-website-advice-line.

You will need your personal username and password. If you don’t know it, you can call the Chamber or the advice line for assistance.

CHAMBERHR – WHAT IS IT?

WHAT CAN I USE CHAMBERHR FOR?

n Advice Line – unlimited access to experienced HR advisors available 24/7, 365 days a year. n Chamber HR Website – access to over 500 template documents, letters and policies to download and edit plus an HR Health Check.

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HOW DO I ACCESS CHAMBERHR?

Anything related to HR and employment law. So it’s not just if you have a problem – we are here to help with positive aspects of HR as well.

You don’t have to wait until you have an issue or a serious problem before you

call. The advice line will help answer any questions you may have.

DO I HAVE INSURANCE? Yes you do - through your Chamber Legal Expenses policy which provides an overall total of one million pounds of excess free insurance, including employment indemnity cover.

ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL HR SERVICES? Yes there are! ChamberHRPlus – for a more personal service with bespoke documentation.

For more information call us on 01905 673 600 / 01432 803 236 or visit www. hwchamber.co.uk

March/April 2016

BUSINESSNEWS

National Living Wage – are you and your business ready?

L-R: Major-General Richard J A Stanford MBE, Councillor Brian Wilcox and Brigadier Robin J Anderton-Brown

SILVER AWARD FOR HEREFORDSHIRE COUNCIL Herefordshire Council has been presented with the Silver Award under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), which encourages employers to support defence families and inspire others to do the same.

Councillor Brian Wilcox, Chairman of Herefordshire Council, collected the award at a special dinner held in the Cold War Museum, RAF Cosford. Major General Richard Stanford MBE presented the award, which acknowledged that Herefordshire Council is a key provider of employment, services and facilities to the local community.

In May 2012, Herefordshire Council signed the Herefordshire Armed Forces Community Covenant. Since then, it has been working with partners to support the armed forces community, help integrate them into local life and recognise the sacrifices made by them.

In November 2014, the Council signed the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant, pledging a number of actions to support the armed forces community and recognise the value serving personnel, reservists, veterans and their families bring. www.herefordshire.gov.uk

RELOCATION FOR HAINES WATTS HEREFORD In March 2016, National Accountancy firm Haines Watts will move their Hereford offices into Broadway House.

The firm will become the latest professional services firm to occupy the building on Broad Street, cementing it as a hub for specialist financial, legal and property advice.

Haines Watts Hereford’s Managing Director, Karen McLellan, said: “We needed new premises large enough to accommodate our practice and allow for future growth. We wanted to maintain a central location for the convenience of clients and to remain integrated with Hereford’s business community. The fact that we will share a building with many professional practices is a bonus.” www.hwca.com

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

All employees, and most workers, are entitled to be paid at least the National Minimum Wage (NMW). The hourly rates of pay vary depending on the age of the individual and are assessed annually.

In April 2016 a premium for workers aged 25 and over will be introduced to the current rate of NMW. This rate with the premium of 50p will be known as the National Living Wage (NLW) and will result in a higher NMW of £7.20 per hour for older workers. This will place an additional salary cost burden on employers who employ staff at the lower paid spectrum often with tight margins.

Employers who are affected by the increased NLW will need to do two things; firstly, to ensure that they will be in a position financially to meet this increased cost and, secondly, to ensure that they pay the correct rate. It is important for employers to keep records to confirm that they have done this. It can be a criminal offence if an employer doesn’t keep records or falsifies records.

Employees/workers can pursue underpayments in the Employment Tribunal or through the civil courts.

Failing to pay the correct rate for whatever reason can lead to serious penalties. Now is the time for employers to consider how it will affect them, to plan and to budget.

For further information: Sarah Everton - Director of Employment 01432 278 279 se@kidwellssolicitors.co.uk www.kidwellssolicitors.co.uk 061

NEWPEOPLETODOBUSINESSWITH BROMSGROVE

PERSHORE

Cantaloupe Ltd

Altitude Aerial Imagery

JMDA (John Martin Design Assoc Ltd)

www.cantaloupemarketing.co.uk

0808 1893422

01299 832161

01386 426100

www.altitudeaerialimagery.co.uk

www.jmdadesign.com

Perpetual Wellbeing

STOURPORT ON SEVERN

www.ldckitchens.co.uk

www.perpetualwellbeing.co.uk

True Potential Wealth Management LLP

Mettawellbeing

LDC Kitchens

01905 355408 01527 877622

DROITWICH

01299 407158

www.benlloyd.tpllp.co.uk

Chloros Environmental Ltd

Umter Technology Solutions Ltd (UTS)

www.chlorosenvironmental.co.uk

www.uts-uk.co.uk

County Infrastructure Service Ltd

UPTON UPON SEVERN

www.ciservice.co.uk

Roberts & Egan Estate Agents

Hourglass P.A Services Ltd

www.robertsandegan.co.uk

www.hourglasspaservices.com

WORCESTER

01285 721110

01905 770882

07835 568770

0843 515 9625

01684 594337

07999 700266 www.mettawellbeing.com

Safekeeping Solutions Ltd

01886 888466 Spin UK

01905 749300 www.spinuk.com

Stilo Design & Branding

01905 371374

www.brandstilo.co.uk

Artic Signs Ltd

OUT OF AREA

South Worcestershire College

www.articsigns.com

EBC Group Ltd

www.sworcs.ac.uk

Aspens Services Ltd

EVESHAM 01386 712600

HEREFORD

01905 384274

01905 759613

www.aspens-services.co.uk

A R Graham Consultancy Limited

Brookes Catering Ltd

www.grahamconsultancy.com

www.brookescatering.co.uk

01905 921029

0121 585 4400 www.ebcgroup.co.uk

Hector Finch Lighting Ltd

01584 871607

www.hectorfinch.com

01905 356282

Hereford College Of Arts

01432 273359 www.hca.ac.uk

Herefordshire Golf Club

01432 830219

www.herefordshiregolfclub.co.uk

The Likeaword Consultancy Ltd

020 8133 6002

www.likeaword.co.uk

LEOMINSTER Swan Brewery LLP

07508 207928

www.swanbrewery.co.uk

MALVERN AACE Ltd

01173 707755 www.aace.co.uk

Citizens Advice South Worcestershire

03444 111 303

www.citizensadvicesw.org.uk

Selcraft UK Ltd

01886 833444 www.selcraft.com

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March/April 2016

NEWPEOPLETODOBUSINESSWITH Anna Metcalfe, Cantaloupe Marketing

Stevie filming the windmill at Avoncroft Museum

ALTITUDE AERIAL IMAGERY

NEW MARKETING COMPANY BEARS FRUIT

Altitude Aerial Imagery is a Worcestershire company who are one of the select few operating in the UK able to legally offer aerial imaging services using Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS).

After 15 years of freelancing, Worcestershire based Anna Metcalfe has created Cantaloupe - a refreshingly personable marketing company that is helping both local and regional businesses with their marketing direction and workload.

Stevie Hazelden, Director/Pilot, said: “The Chamber helped bridge the gap between my business and other businesses in the area, providing me with invaluable advice and opportunities to network and cultivate relationships”.

Anna Metcalfe started her Marketing career back in 1995 following a Marketing degree. Attaining full membership of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Anna developed an effective freelance career in 2000, helping companies of all shapes and sizes. This immense amount of knowledge and practical experience now creates the backbone of Cantaloupe. Having joined Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce at the end of 2015, Anna plans to help many businesses across the two counties.

He continues: “Take a roof damage survey. An inspection could be viewed in real time at remote locations via HD streaming, meaning Loss Assessors, Loss Adjusters, construction companies and insurers can come to a fast, efficient and safe settlement which eliminates the back and forth of heavy expensive access equipment. It’s a win-win-win situation”.

She commented: “Somewhat refreshingly, Cantaloupe creates the right team to suit the project – whether one-to-one or much larger, ensuring cost effectiveness and the optimum skillset exactly when you need it”.

Altitude offer services in to Media production companies for film and TV work, promotional videos for outdoor leisure and activity centres and weddings.

For more information please contact anna@cantaloupemarketing.co.uk.

www.altitudeaerialimagery.co.uk

The tubular slide at The River Cafe

WYE VALLEY CANOES AND THE RIVER CAFE Overlooking the Wye, the River Cafe, near Hay-on-Wye, is a contemporary style restaurant with a 16 bed bunkhouse and a huge tubular slide to get you down to the ground floor. The canoe centre is located in a converted Grade II Welsh Baptist Chapel a few yards from the river and, as well as hiring canoes and kayaks, also has a fleet of mountain bikes and Vespa scooters. The place has a very relaxed friendly feel and is always an interesting spot to sit and have a coffee or enjoy some great food and local beer.

Jane is celebrating 15 years in business and was delighted to receive the 2015 Gold Award at the National Tourism for Wales Awards in Cardiff. She is keen to invite businesses to see the meeting space, guided activities, accommodation and of course food from the café that is on offer. www.wyevalleycanoes.co.uk

www.cantaloupemarketing.co.uk

RWB GLOBAL The team at RWB Global are recruitment experts who provide staffing and human capital solutions to a diverse range of industries, from small specialist enterprises and progressive SMEs to blue chip organisations operating on a global scale.

We deliver bespoke permanent recruitment programmes, including strategic resourcing, a rigorous selection

process, face to face interviews, high levels of candidate management, excellent value and importantly, we listen – to make sure we fully understand the specific requirements of your business.

A collaborative permanent recruitment partner with national and international reach, our team of talented recruitment and people experts will support your

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

business by identifying, recruiting and helping you to retain the very best people for your organisation.

With our depth of experience we are quick to assess and understand each requirement, including core skills and competencies of the role and its place within the culture, strategy and aims of the hiring organisation. www.rwbglobal.com

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MOVERSANDSHAKERS

STEVE THOMAS, WORCESTER WARRIORS Worcester Warriors have confirmed the appointment of Steve Thomas as their new Head of Sales.

Thomas, formerly Head of Hospitality and Advertising Sales at Sky Bet Championship Football Club Wolverhampton Wanderers, has extensive experience in sports marketing, having worked in the top five divisions of English professional football during stints at Wolves and Kidderminster Harriers. www.warriors.co.uk

Sam Morgan & John Hope, eResponse Group

JOHN HOPE, ERESPONSE GROUP NEW OWNERS AT THE COTTAGE IN THE WOOD Nick and Julia Davies recently took over ownership of The Cottage in the Wood Hotel and Restaurant. Nestled on a plateau half way up the Malvern Hills, The Cottage commands magnificent, panoramic views across the Cotswolds with direct access to the hills for walkers. The hotel continues to provide the standards of service that have always been enjoyed with head chef Dominic amazing guests with fabulous, locally sourced food from the restaurant’s award winning menu.

Worcestershire recruitment and training experts eResponse Group have appointed compliance specialist John Hope as their new Director of Data and Compliance.

With almost 20 years’ experience of working in further education and training, John’s role will be to make sure that the Worcestershire-based Group’s data is kept safe and secure and ensuring it complies with strict rules for accessing vital government funding streams. www.eresponsegroup.co.uk

SIMON GERAGHTY, WORCESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL Councillor Simon Geraghty is the new leader of Worcestershire County Council.

The 39 year old becomes the youngest leader in the Council’s history and the youngest County Council Leader in the country.

He represents the Riverside Division in Worcester and started his involvement in local politics at just 23 years old when elected to the City Council. For the past five years, Simon has been the County Council’s Deputy Leader and the Cabinet Member responsible for Economy, Skills and Infrastructure. www.worcestershire.gov.uk

www.cottageinthewood.co.uk ABIGAIL APPLETON, HEREFORD COLLEGE OF ARTS Hereford College of Arts (HCA) has welcomed its new Principal, Abigail Appleton, who has joined the College from a long career with the BBC. Abigail started her career at the BBC as a production trainee, assigned first to BBC Radio 1, working her way up to becoming Creative Director of BBC Learning. www.hca.ac.uk

SIMON MILNER, SPIRE SOUTH BANK HOSPITAL

ANDREW CROPLEY, WARWICKSHIRE COLLEGE GROUP Warwickshire College Group have welcomed Andrew Cropley as their new Group Deputy Principal (Curriculum).

SARAH EARDLEY, HOPE HOPE Centre for Children, Families and the Community is delighted to welcome Sarah Eardley as their new Chief Executive Officer. Sarah has worked for nearly 15 years in the Third Sector and for the last six years has specialised in women’s services. www.hopefamilycentre.org

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Andrew was most recently the Executive Director for Strategic Planning and Business Development at The Sheffield College and Chair of the UTC Sheffield Governing Body and Academy Trust.

Group Principal and Chief Executive, Angela Joyce, said: “We are delighted that Andrew has joined us. He brings much experience and will be a great addition to the team here at Warwickshire College Group.” www.warwickshire.ac.uk

A former intensive-care nurse who went on to be a Director of Clinical Services in Australia has become Hospital Director at Spire South Bank Hospital in Bath Road, Worcester.

RACHEL SMART, SME SOLICITORS SME Solicitors has secured the expertise of lawyer Rachael Smart as the latest addition to the firm’s Business Services Department.

Simon Milner, who has worked extensively in healthcare services around the UK, will also be responsible for the Spire Clinics on Worcester Road, Droitwich and Regent Street, Cheltenham.

Rachael qualified in 2003 in Corporate law. She will be available to assist clients with all aspects of business law, from start ups to established businesses. She also has commercial property experience.

www.spirehealthcare.com/southbank

www.smesolicitors.co.uk

THE LEADERSHIP TRUST

most recently as part of the team responsible for the success of government backed business growth service, Growth Accelerator.

Following recent investment and with ambitious growth plans, the Leadership Trust has strengthened its Sales and Marketing Team with two new appointments.

Janet Coulthurst joins as Head of Marketing. She has a strong track record in B2B marketing in private and public sectors,

Sam Powell will support the Sales and Marketing team. He has a strong background in the area, specifically within the IT sector. www.leadership.org.uk

March/April 2016

MOVERSANDSHAKERS

L-R: Steph, Ellie, Peter and Wes

WORCESTERSHIRE BUSINESS CENTRAL (WBC) Worcestershire Business Central (WBC)has had four new starters in recent months. Stephanie Price and Ellie Brown have joined as Business Engagement Officers and Wes Dance has joined as Business Information Officer. Peter MacKenzie-Shaw has joined as a Business Engagement Manager.

WBC is part of the national Growth Hub network, co-located at Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce. It offers a single point of access for all business needs, including support for growth, funding, training, inward investment and help and advice for start-ups.

Brian Evans and David Battisby

TONY WHITE, RWB GLOBAL Tony White, Operations Director, joined RWB Global in January 2016. Tony is a highly accomplished and commercially aware Recruitment professional with extensive experience in the professional services industry, including HR and Legal services. Tony is delighted to join the RWB Team supporting clients nationally and internationally. www.rwbglobal.com

BRIAN EVANS, LANYON BOWDLER Hereford-based law firm, Lanyon Bowdler, is looking ahead to another successful year with a change in management signalling the start of a new era.

David Battisby, who has been with Lanyon Bowdler for 35 years, is retiring as Managing Partner in the spring, with Brian Evans making the step up to replace him.

Brian is currently a partner and head of the Agricultural Law and Dispute Resolution Teams.

He has been with Lanyon Bowdler since 1992. www.lblaw.co.uk

www.business-central.co.uk

Jamie Turner and Guy Mucklow

JAMIE TURNER, PCA PREDICT President and former CEO of technology company PCA Predict, Guy Mucklow, has announced the appointment of current CTO, Jamie Turner to the position of CEO. Turner will be taking over Mucklow’s role as CEO to drive the company’s product strategy, while he will be taking on the role of President spending more time in the US helping to develop the market for PCA Predict’s services.

Guy’s new remit will be to build upon the brand and reputation the company has established in the UK and mirror the same success across the pond. www.pcapredict.com

Tracie, Rachel and Leanne

THREE NEW STARTERS AT THE CHAMBER

INGER ANSON, HARRISON CLARK RICKERBYS

Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce the appointments of Tracie Knight, Leanne Pouch and Rachel Gent.

Inger, who was with the firm between 2002 and 2009, was a driving force behind the growth of the firm during that period.

She has recently been living in Cambridge but has now taken up the offer to return to the firm as Partner in the Corporate team in Worcester.

Tracie has joined the Chamber as Premises Administrator, working with the Corporate Services team. Leanne has started as a Documentation Advisor, working in the Export Documentation team. Rachel moved to the Chamber in 2015 as a Business Relationship Manager and has now taken up the role of Business Development Manager. She is responsible for Chamber membership sales and retention and the delivery of the Chamber’s commercial contracts.

www.hcrlaw.com

www.hwchamber.co.uk

Leading Three Counties law firm Harrison Clark Rickerbys recently announced the return of highly-regarded Corporate Partner Inger Anson.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

MARK FISHER, RNC The Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) is delighted to announce the appointment of a new Principal, Mark Fisher, following the retirement of Sheila Tallon.

Mark joined the RNC in 2002 as Deputy Residential Manager, with a remit to enhance the Ofsted inspections of the residential and pastoral offerings at the College from “good” to “outstanding”. Following his success in this area, Mark continued to work within the student services directorate and became Director of Student Services in 2012. www.rncb.ac.uk

L-R: Alexandra, Kate, Maynard and Amanda

MFG SOLICITORS Three experts at mfg Solicitors have been promoted to Associate level: Amanda Piper, a Wills and Probate specialist, Employment expert Kate Jones and Alexandra Phillips, an award-winning Land and Farm Business solicitor.

Maynard Burton, Chairman of the Worcestershire firm said: “All three promotions are fully deserved and each have excelled, especially in recent years, showing the level of professionalism and dedication our clients expect.” www.mfgsolicitors.com

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LASTWORD

DEFENCE AND SECURITY – THE FOCUS OF THE NEXT BUSINESS DIRECTION Cyber Security and Defence is a priority sector in the two counties. For the last word, we spoke to Chris Pinder, Business Engagement Manager for Worcestershire Business Central, who leads in the Defence and Security sector.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT THE LOCAL DEFENCE & SECURITY SECTOR Worcestershire is certainly equipped with an interesting array of defence and security solutions. Whatever the security requirement of a business or home owner, there is a solution which can be sourced within the county’s borders.

A number of companies across the sector offer cutting edge solutions and the county is home to respected individuals, experts within their particular fields who have driven and shaped their respective sector standards.

The county is particularly strong in the Cyber Security sector which has been identified as one of Worcestershire’s three priority sectors.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THIS SECTOR? The main challenge for security organisations is to get “security” addressed on the boardroom agenda. The protection of people, property, assets, IP and data should be taken that seriously.

The Government sees Cyber as a Tier One

threat. When you consider the potential for cyber attacks and the effect they have on businesses, this is hardly surprising.

The Government aims to make the UK the safest place to do business online; I think we have a great opportunity to make Worcestershire the safest county to do business online.

Another great opportunity for many companies in this sector is exports. UK security products and services are well respected and trusted globally. If your products are exportable then I’d strongly recommend contacting your local UK Trade & Investment team.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS FOR BUSINESSES TO REMAIN CYBER SAFE? There are a number of simple things that individuals and businesses can do: n Ensure security software and operating systems are kept up to date. n Ensure passwords are long ones you can remember (try combining three random words). Have a different password for each online account. n Remember that one of the weakest

Chris Pinder, Business Engagement Manager at WBC Defence and Security

links is the human factor. Make sure you have a policy that your staff are aware of. This should include simple actions such as locking your computer or laptop when away from your desk. n Cyber Certifications such as “Cyber Essentials” are very cost effective and provide both the company itself and their supply chain with added peace of mind.

HEREFORDSHIRE & WORCESTERSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS GOLF SOCIETY In association with AMROS Golf CHARITY GOLF DAY - SPONSORED

BY HANDELSBANKEN HEREFORD and West Midlands Business Thursday 23 June - 12.00pm Golf Society CHARITY GOLF DAY SPONSORED BY HOMEXPERTS Thursday 21 April - 12.00pm The Bank House Hotel, Golf Club & Spa Charity: West Bromwich Albion Foundation

The Herefordshire Golf Club Charity: TBC

CHARITY GOLF DAY - SPONSORED Golf Days are open to male and female players of all abilities, members and non

BY NICKLIN BUSINESS ADVISERS members of a golf club or the Chamber. & MFG SOLICITORS Wednesday 29 June - 1.00pm Kings Norton Golf Club Charity: TBC

For more information go to www.amrosgolf.co.uk or contact sales@amrosgolf.co.uk, 07792 620355

We’d love to hear the news from your business - please email your stories to businessdirection@hwchamber.co.uk by Monday 21 March. For more information visit www.hwchamber.co.uk/business-direction 066

March/April 2016

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