Business Direction 37

Business Direction

e Till. ne” - Joann li y k S r o ss ci st Place. “S etition, Fir p m o C to o h Chamber P

"IT'S TIME TO TAKE THE POLITICS OUT OF BREXIT"

THE EFFECT OF BREXIT ON OUR BUSINESSES

PAGES 26-27

PAGE 28-29

Issue 37 May/June 2017

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FIRSTWORD

MAY-JUNE 2017

ction Business Dire

Place. , First etition to Comp ber Pho Cham

TAKE THE "IT'S TIME TOT OF BREXIT" POLITICS OU

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OF BREXIT THE EFFECT INESSES ON OUR BUS PAGE 28-29 Issue 37 May/June 2017

PAGES 26-27

BUSINESS DIRECTION Business Direction, Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce’s full colour bi-monthly publication. Designed and produced by business people for business people. Distributed to 4,000 businesses.

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

EDITORIAL & SUBSCRIPTIONS businessdirection@hwchamber.co.uk 01905 673 639 www.hwchamber.co.uk/busines-direction

PRODUCTION & DESIGN Distinctive Publishing, Unit 6b, Floor B, Milburn House, Dean Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1LE Tel: 0845 887 3810 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk

ADVERTISING Distinctive Publishing Tel: 0845 884 2333 helen.flintoff@distinctivegroup.co.uk

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

2017 has already been a significant year for local businesses, as we now enter the transitional period before leaving the European Union. Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce will continue to support businesses through the changes that lie ahead, and as the new Chief Executive, my aim is to make sure that local business priorities are heard.

Through what has been a time of uncertainty, the Chamber will continue to support businesses, helping them to grow and thrive, and celebrating their success. Despite the challenges ahead, I believe that 2017 will also be a year of opportunity. As the eighth largest Chamber in the UK, our organisation engages with over 10,000 businesses every year, and our vision is to grow the local economy by being the first choice business support organisation.

In 2017, we will continue to assist businesses of all sizes and sectors, by providing advice, support and opportunities to raise their profile. We will continue to support exporters, who make up nearly one third of our membership, and will ensure the government secures the best possible trade deal with the EU and negotiates free trade deals with countries around the world.

We are committed to responding to a new generation of businesses and business owners, embracing new technologies and providing opportunities for young people. We will also continue to support the Tourism sector in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, increasing visitor numbers to the two counties from both inside and outside the UK.

First Word

3

Chamber News

4

Business News

5

Business News

6

Business News

10

Policy

11

Skills

16

Business News

18-20

Chamber Training

22-23

Chamber Events

24-25

Big Interview

26-27

Cover Feature

28-29

Visit Herefordshire

32

Visit Worcestershire

33

International Trade

36-37

Worcestershire Business Central 38

Conference Worcestershire

39

Members Services

42

Charity News

44

New Members

46-47

Movers and Shakers

48-49

Last Word

50

This edition of Business Direction discusses how 2016’s vote to leave the European Union has affected businesses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Some companies have faced significant challenges; with uncertainty, difficult trading conditions and unfavourable exchange rates, but others have benefitted from new opportunities.

Looking forward, Thursday 15 June is the date of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Business Awards ceremony, taking place at Worcester Arena.

We received over 100 entries for the Awards - I look forward to joining our finalists and guests at our Best of British themed ceremony, which promises to be a brilliant evening.

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I look forward to further developing existing partnerships and forming new relationships with local businesses in 2017.

Sharon sharons@hwchamber.co.uk

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Our Patrons are:

May/June 2017

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

03

CHAMBERNEWS

WINNERS REVEALED FOR CHAMBER PHOTO COMPETITION Guests, sponsors and finalists of the Chamber Photo Competition enjoyed seeing the top three revealed at an event at Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum on Tuesday 28 March.

The Photo Competition aimed to engage with local businesses in a new and creative way, whilst offering them the opportunity to showcase their business visually. It also recognised the importance of images in 21st century business and the value of personalised images.

Attendees were welcomed by Rebekah Harris, Marketing Assistant at the Chamber, and enjoyed a presentation from Gavin Allen, Managing Director at

Second Place: “Nail Art!” – Jon Williams

Third Place: “Substation at Sunrise” – Mark Williams

Photoglide Ltd, who shared his top tips for capturing products, people and places.

at Sunrise”. Second place went to Jon Williams, Eastnor Pottery – “Nail Art!” and first place was won by Joanne Till, GT Access – “Scissor Skyline”.

Third place was given to Mark Williams, Rock Power Connections – “Substation

LOCAL BUSINESSES HONOURED WITH QUEEN’S AWARDS FOR ENTERPRISE Six businesses from Herefordshire and Worcestershire have been recognised with the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise, one of the highest accolades for business success.

The Smart Actuator Company Limited and Titania Ltd were both recognised with the Innovation Award. Four companies; Fish4Dogs Limited, Metrasens Ltd, Oakland International Ltd and Propath (UK) Ltd were recognised for International Trade. Oakland

International were also awarded for Sustainable Development.

Sharon Smith, Chief Executive of H & W Chamber, said: “It’s brilliant that six businesses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire have been recognised with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise. These Awards highlight the innovation we have within the two counties and show the strength of local exporters - congratulations to all the winners"

CHAMBER SAY GOODBYE TO MIKE ASHTON Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce said a final goodbye to former Chief Executive Mike Ashton who retired at the end of March 2017.

Former and current staff as well as board members attended a leaving party for Mike at the New Four Seasons in Powick, where they enjoyed a Chinese buffet and a quiz. Mike was presented with several gifts, including a personalised Business Direction signed by members of staff and the business community.

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The celebration followed a Business Leaders dinner on Wednesday 29 March at the Abbey Hotel in Malvern, attended by 90 business leaders. The event was hosted by Jim McBride, Chairman of H & W Chamber and included speeches from Clare Marchant, Worcestershire County Council, Sharon Smith, H & W Chamber and Mike Ashton. In addition, Worcestershire County Council presented Mike with the Black Pear Award for his pioneering work at the forefront of the business community.

Rebekah and Mel, H & W Chamber, practice the Sixways circuit

H & W CHAMBER SET TO CLIMB EVEREST! Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is delighted to be supporting the Bizfit – Couch to Summit Challenge on Friday 23 June.

The challenge will see 500 people working together to reach the height of Mount Everest by climbing 70,000 steps on the East Stand of Sixways Stadium in Worcester.

The event promises to be a fun, if challenging, day. As well as networking with local businesses, the event will raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society and other charities chosen by participants.

The Chamber is looking for members to join their team. If you would like to join, please contact melaniee@hwchamber.co.uk or call 01905 673 600. To find out more about the Bizfit - Couch to Summit Challenge, visit www.biz-fit.co.uk/the-challenge

May/June 2017

BUSINESSNEWS

L-R Angela Joyce, Group Principal and CEO, Rich Large and Steve Malkin, founder of The Planet Mark.

WCG AWARDED THE PLANET MARK™ FOR THIRD YEAR Warwickshire College Group, one of the largest further and higher education providers in the Midlands, has been awarded The Planet Mark™ in recognition of its commitment to continuous improvement in sustainability. The college group reported a 3.7% cut in its total carbon footprint in the year ending July 2016.

The certification marks the third consecutive year WCG has retained The Planet Mark™; over that period the college group has managed to slash its carbon footprint by 25%.

The Planet Mark™ Certificate was awarded to WCG for showing good practice in sustainability. This included reducing its carbon footprint by 3.7% in tonnes of CO2e, investing in the Eden Project to support education on climate change, protecting one acre of endangered rainforest, and committing to engage employees and suppliers to drive improvements. In addition, WCG has also created a “green team” to influence behavior change and to action further sustainability measures across the college group.

TECHNICAL TRAINING BOOST TO BENEFIT MALVERN INSTRUMENTS Malvern Instruments is one of many local businesses set to benefit from the Government’s investment plans for technical training in the UK. Malvern, a major employer for the region’s technical sector, has a well-established apprenticeship programme, focusing on training the best talent and providing practical experience in the workplace.

The Government’s plans for the introduction of t-levels will overhaul the current system by consolidating 13,000 qualifications into just 15 different routes, along with a £500 million cash injection. The extra funds will support STEM dependent industries, like Malvern’s, and secure their future.

UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER ENTERPRISE BOOTCAMPS The University of Worcester is now offering free summer start-up bootcamps beginning on Monday 19 June.

The programme (Principium) is aimed at people within Worcestershire who are in the process of, or are interested in setting up a business. Each participant will be supported over a ten week period to start their business with a range of support, including a mentor, tailored to ensure they have the skills and knowledge to take advantage of the opportunities.

This programme is part funded by the European Commission’s, ERDF fund. If you are aware of any likely candidate who might benefit from this support, please refer them to Jo Murphy at joanne.murphy@worc.ac.uk on 01905 542445. For further details, visit www. worcesterenterprise.org/summer-startupbootcamp

Natalie Chatley, UK HR Manager at Malvern Instruments, said: “Malvern is passionate about supporting people’s strengths and providing opportunities, so it’s great to see the Government committing to improving the future workforce’s skills and expertise. This targeted investment comes at such an important time to address the UK’s skills shortage, supporting scientists and engineers of the future to create a healthy industry.” www.malvern.com

www.wcg.ac.uk

UTILITY HELPLINE CELEBRATE 10TH ANNIVERSARY Utility Helpline has just celebrated its tenth year in business. A decade of good client retention and low rates of staff turnover stand as testament to the Hereford based energy broker’s commitment to high quality service.

Managing Director Richard Bonelle started

Utility Helpline from a room in London before moving back to his native Hereford.

Previously, Richard had worked for some of the biggest suppliers in the City, including Total Gas & Power.

Looking back through old sales records, Richard realised that many of the clients

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

he helped in his first few weeks are still repeat clients today.

Richard and the team would like to thank everybody who helped make the last ten years so special, and they look forward to what the next decade holds. www.utilityhelpline.co.uk

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BUSINESSNEWS

VISITOR NUMBERS GROW FOR PLANTFEST Retailers visited two nurseries in Hereford recently to attend their PlantFest and to see new product developments for the coming year.

Rachel Wallace and Lorraine Spooner from Nicholsons with Ben Gregory, Wyevale Nurseries

Wyevale Nurseries and Allensmore Nurseries held the joint open day on Wednesday 8 March for both existing customers and those who may not have been supplied by either nursery.

Adam Dunnett, Sales & Marketing Director at Wyevale Nurseries, said: “The event was a great success with more visitors this year.

The feel for the day was a relaxed festival vibe with our despatch glasshouse filled to the brim with stunning, eye catching displays of topical spring stock for immediate order.

“Our nursery tours were very popular and gave attendees the chance to have a look behind the scenes.

LOCAL BANK BEST FOR SMALL BUSINESSES Handelsbanken, the local relationship bank with branches in Hereford, Worcester, Bromsgrove and Stourbridge has been rated the top provider of current accounts in a Government-backed survey of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The Business Banking Insight (BBI) survey, run by the Federation of Small Businesses and the British Chambers of Commerce, asked 20,000 SMEs to rate their bank’s performance in twelve areas, including: clear and transparent, understands your business, and treats you fairly. Handelsbanken came top, or joint top, in ten of these twelve categories.

Customers were also asked to provide an overall score for their bank - Handelsbanken was, for a second year, comfortably rated highest by its customers across all three SME size categories.

Andy Williams, Branch Manager of Handelsbanken Hereford, commented: “As a bank built on strong and lasting relationships, we focus first and foremost on satisfying our customers by providing the best local advice and service we can every day.” www.handelsbanken.co.uk/hereford

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“Ben Gregory, our Product Development Manager, was heading up our ‘Introducing Stage’ showcasing new and exciting products in the running for

future introductions.” www.wyevalenurseries.co.uk www.allensmore.co.uk

INNOVATE WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON The University of Wolverhampton offers a range of innovation support through the Hereford & Wyre Forest Business Solutions Centres.

Looking to bring new skills and knowledge into your business? Operating as a three-way partnership between a company, highly qualified graduate and university expert, options include: • Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) - a UK-wide, part-funded programme designed to help improve the competitiveness of your business, productivity and performance through the better use of knowledge, technology & skills.

• Knowledge Exchange & Enterprise Network (KEEN) - a regional business improvement programme, part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and designed to help you increase profitability & achieve sustainable growth.

Innovation Vouchers are another way to access external expertise. Also part-funded

by ERDF, they enable eligible SMEs to apply for financial support, worth £2,500, to help improve their efficiency and bring new products & services to market.

To find out more, contact 01902 321 272, email info@businesssolutionscentres.co.uk or visit businesssolutionscentres.co.uk

NEW STRATEGIC MEMBER - AKW From a small Worcestershire business which started in the 1980s, Droitwich based AKW has since grown to become the UK’s market-leader in showering, daily living and kitchen solutions for people with mobility needs. Choice, competitive pricing, stylish designs and first-class customer service has helped AKW achieve over one million satisfied customers.

With over 250 staff, AKW work closely with Occupational Therapists and healthcare professionals to design and manufacture a full range of easy access and inclusive showering and kitchen products. AKW’s clients include care homes, the majority of local authorities, housing associations as well as national and regional contractors.

AKW sets itself apart from its competitors by operating its own fleet of over 40 delivery vehicles nationwide. This has reduced damage rates to zero, shrunk packaging use by 70% and reduced delivery times. www.akw-medicare.co.uk

May/June 2017

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BREXIT - LIFE BEGINS AT 50 The phoney war has ended with the triggering of Article 50 on 29 March and the UK is now beginning the process of negotiating its exit from the EU. The process will be long and complex, but once it is concluded and the UK leaves the EU it is likely that the first practical impact will be felt on the VAT and customs duty treatment of sales of goods to and from the remaining EU. The fact that the government have been clear that they do not expect the UK to remain within either the single market or the customs union means that some of the implications can be set out with some certainty.

The EU Commission guidelines on the process indicate the likelihood of a transitional period of some kind before the final agreement takes effect, so there is also likely to be a significant period of time where the treatment of these transactions will be subject to change.

Key practical implications are as follows:

BUSINESSES WHICH SELL GOODS TO THE EU With the UK outside the single market and the customs union, goods which are dispatched to customers in the remaining EU will need to cross a customs barrier of some kind. This is likely to result in delays at the border, which may impact businesses selling perishable products and other time-critical supplies.

Although it is possible that the UK will negotiate a free trade agreement with the remaining EU, without such an agreement there may be customs duties on goods imported into the EU, which will affect the competitiveness of UK goods against similar EU produced goods.

Businesses which have complex supply chains involving the movement of goods to and from the remaining EU, for example for processing, will need to assess the implications in more detail.

For businesses which sell to private consumers in the EU, the creation of a customs barrier could have significant practical implications, unless special arrangements are put into place. Without such arrangements, consumer customers

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may have to pay import VAT and customs duties before they can take delivery of goods they have ordered from a UK based website.

BUSINESSES WHICH BUY GOODS FROM THE EU Purchases by a UK business from an EU supplier may also need to cross a customs barrier, leading to potential delays and the need to pay import duty and VAT. VAT is likely to be reclaimable, but could lead to a cashflow cost if it has to be paid at or soon after importation and reclaimed on the next VAT return. The level of any customs duty imposed on goods arriving from the EU will depend on the eventual agreement, but if there is duty on imported goods it will make them more expensive than locally produced goods.

CONSUMERS BUYING FROM THE EU Goods which have been purchased from an EU based website may need to have import VAT and duty paid before they can be delivered – this will increase the cost and make the process more difficult.

CONCLUSIONS In view of the current uncertainty about the detail of the final settlement, or even the transitional period, it may be too soon for businesses to restructure their operations to minimise any negative effects, or take advantage of any

opportunities. However, this is a good time for any businesses which trade in goods with the EU to assess the potential effects on them of the likely changes, so that these can be monitored during the negotiations with a view to taking action if it becomes clear that there will be direct effects.

For businesses likely to be affected by customs duty on imports into the UK from the remaining EU, trade associations are likely to be best placed to lobby government on the levels of these.

ACTIONS n Assess the likely level of impact on transactions, especially for suppliers of goods n Estimate the likely level of customs duties without a free trade agreement n Consider lobbying with trade associations to influence the level of duty n Review the legal structure and other changes required when the final position is clearer.

Wendy Andrews is the VAT director based at Bishop Fleming’s Worcester office and can be contacted on 01905 732100

May/June 2017

FOCUSONLEGAL

Stephen StephenWyer Wyer

Partner and corporate lawlaw expert Partner and corporate expert

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BUSINESSNEWS

CONTINUED INVESTMENT FOR LESK ENGINEERS Lesk Engineers in Worcester have recently completed the final stage of investment in their facility in Wylds Lane.

Following the factory move three years ago, over £100,000 was invested in improving the factory facilities and last year a further investment of £50,000 was made by installing solar panels on the roof.

In March, the company extended its capital investment programme with further investment, with a complete redesign and refit of the office suites. This will not only enhance the company’s reputation as a 21st century manufacturing operation, but will also help new and start up companies in Worcester to thrive.

For the second year running, Herefordshire Health and Safety Group (HHSG) have won a Gold Award in the prestigious Alan Butler Awards run by the national organisation, Safety Groups UK. The Group is one of 70 similar voluntary groups spread across the UK. It is run by volunteers to help raise awareness among local businesses of latest developments in workplace health and safety, and to signpost SMEs particularly to find solutions.

Phil Chandler and Trevor Smith, joint Chairs, said, “We are delighted that our work here in the County to help make

Helping you plan for a cyber attack, or any number of unexpected events, EBC Group provides the means and advice to help devise a robust and forward thinking

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www.leskengineers.co.uk

BBR SAVES SIGHT OF HEREFORD WOMAN A Hereford woman whose eyesight was saved thanks to the intervention of BBR Optometry wants to raise awareness of the Primary Eyecare Acute Referral Scheme (PEARS) available to patients throughout Herefordshire.

Mike Burge and Adrian Gale receive the award from Lord Jordan

workplaces safer - and to tackle health risks at work - has been recognised again in this way. Good health and safety is good business! ” www.herefordhsg.co.uk

EBC GROUP OFFER CYBER SECURITY REVIEW FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS As we move toward a world that is more connected online than ever, many businesses still fail to address the risk of cyber crime, as they continue to use out-dated systems and processes.

But what if your business critical data, applications and systems all stopped working?

If you would like to see what we can offer please contact Janis McBride on 07730 731481 or enquiries@leskengineers.co.uk

The company is making its facilities available to any business looking for affordable workspace and meeting

VOLUNTEER NETWORK HONOURED AT HOUSE OF LORDS

Members of the Group’s organising committee received the award from SGUK president, Lord Jordan, at a presentation ceremony at the House of Lords on Monday 30 January.

facilities. The offices can be used by the hour, day, or week either for meetings or as your company base.

disaster recovery and cyber security plan.

As an IT specialist, EBC Group provide multi layered network security and disaster recovery solutions that add a vital later of protection to companies of any size.

Helping Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber members tackle the growing threat of an online attack, EBC Group are offering a free cyber security and DR review. To claim your free review visit www.ebcgroup.co.uk/cyber-security

The woman noticed redness in her eyes and made an appointment at Hereford’s only independently-owned practice. As the Optometrist suspected Glaucoma, she was immediately referred to the eye clinic at Hereford Hospital.

Nick Black, BBR’s Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to offer PEARS which aims to help people access quality eye care without putting an additional burden on A&E services. At BBR we set aside appointments every day so that we ensure that patients with symptoms that may be serious can be seen promptly.

“The scheme, initiated by the CCG, is designed to ensure that patients with eye-related problems can access a response from a qualified optometrist within 48 hours – without the need for a GP referral.” www.bbroptometry.co.uk

Nick Black, chief executive at BBR Optometry.

May/June 2017

POLICYNEWS

SURVEY SHOWS POOR BUSINESS BROADBAND

BCC PUBLISHES BREXIT BLUEPRINT The BCC has published its Brexit Business Priorities report as a guide for UK government in its EU negotiations. The report synthesizes feedback from focus groups, including one held in Malvern, along with nearly 20,000 Chamber survey responses. It puts forward priorities for action across seven key areas:

for global businesses to Europe.

Tax: the government should guarantee that HMRC is appropriately resourced to help businesses through the transition process, and provide clarity on whether VAT legislation will continue to mirror current core VAT principles.

Labour Market: the government should provide certainty for businesses on the residence rights of their existing EU workers, provide clarity on hiring from EU countries during the negotiation period, and avoid expensive and bureaucratic processes for post-Brexit hires from the EU.

Regulation: the government should ensure stability by incorporating existing EU regulations into UK law and maintaining these for a minimum period following Brexit. The government should also ensure that product standards are aligned with, and recognised by, the EU to keep UK products competitive.

Trade: the government should aim to minimise tariffs, seek to avoid costly non-tariff barriers, grandfather existing EU free trade agreements with third countries, and expand the trade mission programme.

EU funding: the government should maintain UK access to the European Investment Bank, and ensure there is no funding ‘cliff-edge’ for areas in receipt of EU funding.

Customs: the government should develop future customs procedures at the UK border in partnership with business, and seek to maintain the UK’s position as an entry point

Northern Ireland: the government must avoid any return to a hard border, so that businesses can move people and goods as freely as possible.

CHAMBER INPUTS INTO MARCHES FREIGHT TRANSPORT STRATEGY The Marches LEP are launching a new strategy for freight transport across the region, which aims to reduce congestion, shorten journey times and find ways to support businesses moving goods from A to B. The Chamber and a number of its Herefordshire members attended a Business Breakfast in March which sought to identify key areas requiring investment.

The biggest issues facing local businesses in relation to freight include journey length; passing places; lack of route choice and the impact of congestion on nearby motorways on the trunk network.

Particular networks that were discussed included the A49, the A41, the A5 and the M54, including how it connects to the M6 and other main trunk roads in the region.

Businesses across the UK, particularly in rural areas, are still without reliable broadband connections, despite companies saying functional broadband is extremely important to their operations, according to a BCC survey.

All companies surveyed said a reliable broadband connection is important, (82% said extremely so), yet nearly one in five suffer from unreliable connections.

The findings also show that firms in rural areas are at least twice as likely to have unreliable connections (30%) as those in towns (15%), inner cities (13%), and suburban areas (12%).

Smaller businesses are the most likely to suffer from unreliable broadband, with nearly a quarter of sole traders and 21% of micro-businesses reporting problems.

Nearly half of businesses say if the reliability of their broadband connection was improved it would allow them to use more applications, particularly cloud-based services, transfer of large files, and remote server access for employees.

QUIZ CANDIDATES AHEAD OF THE ELECTION Join us at one of our Chamber Hustings events for the chance to quiz parliamentary candidates and party representatives ahead of the election.

Sophia Haywood, Policy Manager, commented: “It’s vital that the Marches Freight Transport Strategy addresses some of the biggest issues for Herefordshire, such as the redevelopment of the A49, road maintenance and the serious lack of passing places on key routes.

However, this is a long term strategy and businesses need a much quicker solution if we want to see continued economic growth and investment in the county.”

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Herefordshire Business Hustings Tuesday 23 May - 8.00–9.30am The Courtyard, Penhaligon Way, Hereford HR4 9YJ Worcestershire Business Hustings Thursday 25 May - 8.00-9.30am Worcestershire County Cricket Club, New Road, Worcester WR2 4QQ Hustings are free to attend but booking is essential. Please contact the events team on 01905 673 600, events@hwchamber.co.uk or visit www.hwchamber.co.uk/events.

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FOCUSONRECRUITMENT

ROCKET SCIENCE…

To the casual observer, it may come as The latest Midlands Report on Jobs, face, including advising on and managing a surprise that the Summerfield site in produced by IHS Markit on behalf of the the AWR process for Temporary Workers Kidderminster has been at the forefront of Recruitment & Employment Confederation, and helping to design and implement Defence technology since the 1950s …in fact confirmed Engineering was again in a Service Level Agreement to ensure many people probably drive past it without the top 5 skills in short supply, on both effective management of the Permanent even realising it is there. However, since a Permanent and Temporary basis. recruitment process.”

1951 – formerly as ICI/IMI then from 1988 Furthermore, a report by Engineering UK Paul Adams, Head of HR at Roxel UK Royal Ordnance and since 2003 as part of last year estimated an additional 1.8 million commented, “In the defence market, finding the Anglo-French Group, Roxel – this has engineers and technically qualified people good technical people and retaining them been home to Roxel (UK Rocket Motors) are needed by 2025 to meet the rising is critical to business success. We have been Ltd, involved in the research, development, demand and bridge the skills gap. working with Hewett Recruitment for over ney from another design and manufacture of solid propellant The internet as we know it runs standards protocols.

One of 10 years and they have helped us to fill both With allon this in mind, itand has been imperative motors missile systems ing yourocket can do is for tactical those protocols is Simple to Mail Transfer Protocol, generally Roxel UK that they have been ablereferred to temporary and permanent vacancies…and for air, sea and ground forces. to identify and work with partners who more recently have been engaged working

myself?

by calling them

The Techy Bit

as SMTP.

Jointly owned by MBDA and Safran can help source the specialist skills they SMTP was developed in the early 1980s and went on to become theon a requirement for highly skilled technical Ceramics, Roxel was formed in February require, within a very niche industry. contractors. The Hewett Recruitment staff accepted standard by which all emails are sent onnow theworked internet.

When 2003 by the merging of Celerg of France Hewett Recruitment have with areitalways willing to assist, including a recent (a JV born of the combining operations Roxel for over a decade, helping to sourcewas recommendation for local training providers.” was developed there were very few servers online and security not ress and reply-to of SNPE and Aerospatiale in 1993) temporary and permanent a priority, whichand meant there was no provision for members checking of that sender cking 'reply' to see Rocket Motors of the UK staff, as well as offering advice on guidance Royal Ordnance addresses were valid. The core func onality of SMTP has not changed (a division of BAe Systems). The company on all areas of recruitment. dress looks much in that me which means it is very easy to send an email with an is now the European leader in tactical “We have developed an excellent working propulsion systemsinvalid and the third largest email address (spoofing).

Thewith sender's display nameUKcan be set relationship the team at Roxel in the world, whilst Roxel UK has gone enjoy look working on themedia wide variety to anything, so these daysand a quick on social will find valid strength to strength. This continued of requirements they have…often with sac onfrom a�er being names for a company, which can be put on a fake email making it look success has come against the backdrop very interesting job titles!” explained Ben ou know exactly of one of the sameconvincing. key issues that a more Mannion, Director of Hewett Recruitment.

Ben Mannion typical engineeringAcompany comehave variety ofmight a empts beenmore made to implement to verify “Even pleasing has beenfeatures the and also what the up against - skilled people and where to opportunity to work with the HR which sender informa on, but these have not beenclosely universally adopted find them. team on some of the other challenges they

ur free step-bymail012 system to

limits their effec veness. Un l a new standard implements sender checking features on all servers this will con nue to be an issue and will con nue to be exploited by spammers. Spam filters can help, but can only do so much, end users need to be wary of emails.

May/June 2017

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As youso know, being sent data? and received, businesses need to be are extra vigilant received, businesses need to be extra vigilant with the web than ever. With over 269 billion emailsthe themore data shared. data shared. sent daily, how many of these do you think contain sensitive data?

With so many emails &being sent Chamber and of Commerce Business Direction published

by Herefordshire Worcestershire received, businesses need to be extra vigilant with the

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regulations on data protection.

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to ensure it is robust. If your system was hacked, you could be liable to possible penalties.

Do you have data stored with a cloud provider? The

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Payroll systems need to be assessed security.

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Obviously, consider moving your cloud host to UKfor based company.

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Your payroll supplier also Your payroll also to be very on GDPR so theyof within HRsupplier and can beneeds dangerous if clear put into the hands needs to be very clear on GDPR so they are less likely to are likely to breach Your the newpayroll data protection laws. theless wrong people. system needs to be breach the new data protection laws.

reliable and use very secure.

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If you’d like to discuss further or have any supplier and prospect data. It is important you review concerns, please feel free to contact on If you’d like to discuss further orMinster have any your internal systems to ensure they are reliable and 01562 68211please or email concerns, feelsales@minstermicro.co.uk. free to contact Minster on kept up to date.

01562 68211 or email sales@minstermicro.co.uk.

If you’d like to discuss further or have any

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ADVERTORIALFEATURE

NAVIGATING BREXIT WITH A STEADY HAND ON THE RUDDER – FOREIGN LABOUR Article 50 has been triggered, Brexit has begun and we are setting sail out of the European Union. For businesses navigating their way through the uncharted waters of a post-EU economy, legal advice and support, especially with international connections, will be vital in the years to come and Harrison Clark Rickerbys is well-placed to help.

The one certainty about Brexit is that it will affect every area of business life and a great many areas of our personal lives too. Employment, immigration, tax, property prices, health and social care costs and systems, data protection and even our pubs and restaurants will all feel the impact and we need to be ready to respond.

Having the right legal advice so that you can support your employees, manage your property and investments and ensure that your firm has the flexibility to enable it to adapt to changing times, will be vital for commercial success in the years ahead.

Nicolas Groffman, head of Harrison Clark Rickerbys’ international team, said: “The UK attracts the most foreign direct investment in Europe, largely because of the business climate, the institutional support for investors, the legal system and our employment regimes. Our membership of the EU has contributed to that success, but our withdrawal will not affect the other factors that led to the UK’s success, and therefore it is very unlikely that the UK will be knocked off the top spot.

“Many sectors, including health and social care, hospitality and retail and agriculture, are worried about the lack of migrant workers available in the future. But the EU contains only eight per cent of the world’s population and is obviously not the only source of labour. Policy appears to be to focus first on our own labour market, which will drive business costs up, but then to open access to non-EU migrants (as well as EU migrants under the same rules) to supplement our own workforce.

This ultimately will make us more, not less, competitive, although employers who have been relying on cheap foreign labour will

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have a tough two years. ”

an application for British citizenship.

Many businesses can act now to protect their existing workers’ rights and status.

The best way to do this is to help them to formalise their right to residence in this country, so that when employment rights are considered as part of the Brexit process, existing workers have maximum protection.

Even if the worker is eligible and has provided the correct information and documentation, application numbers are rising and are taking longer to process, so eligible employees should act quickly.

The first step is to apply for a registration certificate which can make it easier to prove a right to work in the UK. A permanent residence card is the next step, followed by

For advice on how to steer your business safely through the unknown waters ahead, both to meet Brexit’s challenges and to welcomes its international opportunities, contact Nicholas Groffman on 0118 945 0161 or at ngroffman@hcrlaw.com

May/June 2017

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

Hassle Free HR – taking the hassle out of managing performance One of the regular services provided by Hassle Free HR Limited, a HR Consultancy which specialises in keeping their clients on the right side of employment law, is advice and guidance with the management of employee performance.

Haines Watts’ For Love of Money study looks in depth at what it means to run a business, revealing the wealth, spending habits, financial security, motivations and concerns of the UK business owner

4%

“Many managers often say they don’t have the time to focus on performance management,” said Kirsty Denslow, an Associate Member of the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) and the main point of contact for the Hereford and Worcester region, “but if you can make the time there are many benefits, such as higher levels of motivation and productivity, higher levels of employee engagement, and enhanced communication levels, all of which benefit customers! Sometimes it is better to remind people of the risks of not managing performance, that helps to put the importance of it into context.”

The “risks” associated with not managing employee performance can include poor customer service, low productivity, or regular mistakes which may result in the employee becoming “entrenched” in an unsatisfactory level of performance and time being spent on corrective work. It can also negatively impact upon the team; if employees feel that other employees “get away with” poor performance or that there are no routes for progression, or no-one to support them with their performance or development, there could be low team morale.

Communication could suffer, and employees could incorrectly perceive the lack of performance management as a sign that they don’t have a “career” with their current employer, potentially resulting in low levels retention or a damaged employer brand.

of business owners describe their work-life balance as tipped towards life, while 59% say it goes the other way

54%

feel their company could only survive for a week or less without them

45%

“The type of support we offer depends upon the needs of the client and their employees,” explained Kirsty Denslow, “we regularly provide assistance in the form of…

say that their sleep has suffered as a result of running a business

n A detailed and informative Performance Management Policy. n Delivering bespoke “Performance Management” training. n Specific advice and guidance, via our HR Helpline, when a client has a query relating to a particular employee. n Helpful and necessary documents that can assist our clients with performance management e.g. appraisal forms, template performance development plans, etc. n Writing letters and / or any follow up documentation which may be required so our client can demonstrate the steps they have taken in specific cases of performance management. n Practical hands-on support with some of the more time consuming aspects of performance management such as appraisals or, when performance management does not yield the desired results, we can accompany our clients with meetings associated with formal capability management.”

If you are an employer within the Hereford and Worcester business community who is interested in receiving more information about performance management and/or if you lack confidence with managing performance and are currently frustrated with an employee, then Kirsty welcomes you to get in touch.

To find out more, contact; Kirsty Denslow at kdenslow@ hasslefreehr.co.uk or Elaine Hedley at ehedley@hasslefreehr. co.uk or call the main office on 02476 992 869.

8%

of business owners took no holiday at all last year

Find out more about the secret life of business owners and benchmark yourself at: www.hwca.com/for-love-or-money

Hereford 01432 273 189 Worcester 01905 612347

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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SKILLS

SAFARI PARK TO LAUNCH SAFARI ACADEMY Training providers, employers, schools and apprentices are being urged to nominate themselves or to enter the Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards 2017 by Friday 30 June. Tables are now on sale as well as sponsorship opportunities for the awards which will take place on Thursday 16 November at West Midland Safari Park.

The outstanding, sustainably-built facility will feature five classrooms designed specifically for visiting schools. Each classroom will be equipped with everything it needs to provide interactive education for groups of all ages, from pre-schools and nurseries, to university groups and adult learners.

Artist’s impression of West Midland Safari Park’s Safari Academy

Groups can take part in curriculum linked guided tours, hands-on Discovery Sessions and workshops.

said: “We have built a fantastic team of educators over the years, who are dedicated to providing wildlife education to visiting schools and colleges, as well as delivering accredited animal qualifications. I am thrilled that we are able to expand our support for wildlife education in the West Midlands with our brand new, purpose built Safari Academy. "

Caroline Richards, Head of Learning,

www.safariacademy.co.uk.

Winners from the 2016 Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR WORCESTERSHIRE APPRENTICESHIP AWARDS 2017 Training providers, employers, schools and apprentices are being urged to nominate themselves or to enter the Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards 2017 by Friday 30 June. Tables are now on sale as well as sponsorship opportunities for the awards which will take place on Thursday 16 November at West Midland Safari Park.

• Small Apprenticeship Employer of the Year (<50 employees)

The Awards, now in their fourth year, have consistently attracted an audience of over 300 people and were hosted most recently by business owner and winner of the first series of BBC’s The Apprentice, Tim Campbell MBE.

• Training Provider of the Year

The 2017 Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards include: Apprentice Awards • School of the Year • Intermediate Level Apprentice of the Year • Advanced Level Apprentice of the Year • Higher Level Apprentice of the Year • Worcestershire Apprentice of the Year Employer Awards

• Medium Apprenticeship Employer of the Year (>50 employees) • Large Apprenticeship Employer of the Year (>250 employees) • Apprentice Ambassador of the Year • Worcestershire Apprenticeship Employer of the Year Once again, the two main awards are being sponsored by: Yamazaki Mazak (UK) Ltd for Worcestershire Apprenticeship Employer of the Year and Worcester Bosch Group for Worcestershire Apprentice of the Year. Other sponsors include Minster Micro Computers, Worcestershire Business Central and Apprentices in Business (AiB).

For more information about apprenticeships and to nominate yourself or somebody else, visit www.worcsapprenticeships.org.uk

Philippa Dressler-Pearson, winner of the Best of British Engineering Award

OUTSTANDING APPRENTICE WINS “BEST OF BRITISH ENGINEERING” Philippa Dressler-Pearson, apprentice at Southco Manufacturing Ltd with training provider Herefordshire and Worcestershire Group Training Association, was recently presented with the Best National Advanced Apprentice Award at a prestigious SEMTA ceremony in London. At the end of the evening, in front of government ministers and high ranking British business executives, Pippa was also announced as the winner of the final award, Best of British Engineering.

Pippa said: “This is an incredible honour.

I started my apprenticeship four years ago and after 18 months the company I previously worked for went into administration.”

“I picked myself up, my training provider (HWGTA) and college were incredible. Southco came along and the rest is history. I would say to anyone be enthusiastic, enjoy what you do and you will succeed”.

Pippa was very generous in her praise of all HWGTA staff who have supported her throughout her journey and graciously accepted the honours on behalf of HWGTA. www.hwgta.org

• Newcomer Apprenticeship Employer 016

May/June 2017

LEGALMATTERS

HEREFORD LAW FIRM UNVEILS REFURBISHED OFFICES A law firm in Hereford is celebrating an expansion into newly-refurbished offices in the city centre.

Lanyon Bowdler is now based in Offa Street, having previously worked from two offices in Hereford following the merger with Beaumonts Solicitors.

Charles Almond, partner at the Hereford office, who was with Beaumonts for 30 years prior to the merger last year, said this was a landmark moment for the firm.

“We are delighted to be consolidating our presence in Hereford by moving all of our staff into the Offa Street offices, rather than being spread between Offa Street and Lanyon Bowdler’s previous base in Broad Street,” he said.

“We are fully committed to providing a comprehensive range of services to people and businesses in Herefordshire, and the firm has made a significant investment into the Offa Street offices to provide a thoroughly pleasant environment in which to do business.

“Our full range of legal services can now

be accessed from the Offa Street offices, including employment, commercial property, planning, corporate, education, agricultural law, dispute resolution, PI and medical negligence claims amongst other specialisms.”

accessible right here in Hereford.

“David Brammer, who heads up our planning team, has just been named as one of the top planning lawyers in the country by the independent national ‘Planning’ magazine, which is a real accolade.

Will Morse, head of the firm’s market leading education team, said demand for the firm’s professional services had steadily increased over the past year.

“We have expanded the planning department in recent months and are keen to continue our work with a wide range of organisations and individuals across Herefordshire and the Marches.”

For more information about how Lanyon Bowdler visit the website at www.lblaw.co.uk or call 0800 652 3371.

“It’s a busy time for the firm at the moment,” he said. “We have just welcomed a new partner to the Hereford office, Laurence Lucas, who joins us from Willans in Cheltenham and has a wealth of experience across a wide range of commercial property matters.

“We are also working with a growing number of schools who are converting to academies and we have seen strong demand for support with development, renewable energy and planning services in particular.

“We are proud of our growing reputation as a firm of warm, friendly lawyers who have the expertise of a city firm but are

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

Incorporating Beaumonts Solicitors

01432 378379 www.lblaw.co.uk Supporting People, Businesses & Communities

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Beaumont House, Offa Street, Hereford HR1 2LH 44 High Street, Bromyard HR7 4AE Offices also in Shrewsbury | Ludlow | Oswestry | Telford

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BUSINESSNEWS The first Broadway Brunch

BROAD STREET PROFESSIONALS LAUNCH BUSINESS BRUNCH Thomas Carroll, the insurance broking, financial planning and health & safety group, has hosted the first Broadway Brunch, a new networking initiative for Herefordshire businesses.

Founded by the businesses at Broadway House on Broad Street, the quarterly brunch will alternate office locations, with the businesses in the building taking it in turns to host.

The first brunch was well supported with resident professionals from Haines Watts Chartered Accountants, TA Matthews Solicitors, Boultbee Brookes Real Estate and Handlesbanken, in addition to Little Princess Trust, Wye Valley Group and Hereford Football Club.

Claire Humphries, Branch Director at Thomas Carroll Hereford, said; “The idea for the Broadway Brunch came about when our team realised that Broadway House is quite the hub for professional services in Hereford... the brunch encourages us to work closer together which is beneficial for our clients.”

The next Broadway Brunch will take place in June, to register your interest email claire.humphries@thomas-carroll.co.uk www.thomas-carroll.co.uk

HEALTH & WELLBEING TOPS THE AGENDA AT HEWETTS Hewett Recruitment is proud to have achieved their Level 1 accreditation from Worcestershire Works Well, a free accreditation scheme designed to support businesses to improve the health and well-being of their employees. Improved employee health and well-being has been shown to improve profitability and productivity of businesses.

Laura Hewett, Hewett’s Commercial Director and Worcestershire Works Well Board Member, said: “Happy, healthy people are significantly more productive. We have found this to be the case within our own business and we are now proactively spreading the message to other businesses across Worcestershire”.

Joanne Watkins, Hewett’s Operations Manager, has recently been awarded with her Level 2 in Understanding Health Improvement. She said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the training and have taken away practical ideas I can implement within the business to move us towards our level 2 accreditation”.

For further information email laura@hewett-recruitment.co.uk or visit: www.worcestershireworkswell.co.uk www.hewett-recruitment.co.uk

Joanne Watkins and Laura Hewett

The remarkable vintage was launched at Kensington Palace

TOP VINTAGE LAUNCHED BY CHAMPAGNE POL ROGER On Thursday 9 February 2017, in the intimate and secluded oasis of Perk’s Field, Kensington Palace, the Champagne Pol Roger Brut Vintage 2008 was launched.

Currently the official London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Kensington Palace was a suitably spectacular setting to match the release of this landmark vintage. Champagne Pol Roger was first awarded a Royal Warrant in 1877 by Queen Victoria and is now one of the few houses to hold a Royal Warrant for supplying Her Majesty The Queen.

The 2008 harvest was characterised by outstanding conditions in the vineyard; the grapes were healthy, and the balance of sugar and acidity was perfect. All indications thus far suggest that the champagne will reflect the qualities of this remarkable vintage and the family believe it will rival the iconic vintages in the house’s history. Indeed, it promises to be one of the top twelve vintages since the house’s foundation in 1849. www.polroger.co.uk

ACCOUNTANTS LEAP TO 42ND IN SUNDAY TIMES TOP 100 Accountants Bishop Fleming have been ranked 42nd in The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2017, as well as being awarded a coveted Two Star status accreditation from the “Best Companies” organisation.

The firm, which has offices in Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth, Torquay, Truro, and Worcester, has 29 partners

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and 330 staff. This was the second time that the firm had entered the awards, being ranked 49th in 2016.

acknowledges those employers that regard employee development as a key element of their success.

The Sunday Times rated Bishop Fleming as an “outstanding” employer, with a clear commitment to workplace engagement and with the determination to strive for the top position. The accreditation is based on employee feedback and

Matthew Lee, Managing Partner, commented: “This is fantastic news for the firm and is a reflection of the hard work that we put in to make sure that our business is a great place to work”. www.bishopfleming.co.uk

May/June 2017

BUSINESSNEWS

RAPID RETAIL SECURES £250K FINANCE DEAL Players and sponsors enjoy lunch at Sixways

WARRIORS HOST SPONSORS LUNCH Worcester Warriors recently hosted a Sponsors Lunch at Sixways and welcomed the businesses which sponsor the Club’s players.

Players including Francois Hougaard, Chris Pennell and Bryce Heem were in attendance as they enjoyed a three-course lunch with some of their biggest supporters in the business world.

Ireland legend Donncha O’Callaghan took to the stage alongside South African World Cup winner Wynand Olivier and Darren Barry to discuss the season and answer questions.

Meanwhile, earlier this season Matthews Construction, who sponsor Olivier and England RBS 6 Nations star Ben Te’o, visited Worcester Snoezelen to help out with a DIY SOS-style build. Hougaard and Olivier were invited along to don their hard hats, lend a hand and meet fans.

Rapid Retail has secured a £250k finance deal to expand its portfolio of tailored and fully fitted merchandising units. The funding, acquired through banking partners NatWest and Lombard, will give Rapid Retail a new revolving line of asset finance.

The company will use the credit line facility to expand its rental assets – pop up shops and retail units – nationwide, as well as introduce new products to its range.

The finance facility will also provide additional funding to support overseas expansion.

Rapid Retail’s co-founder and MD Nick Daffern said: “The deal comes at an important point in the development of our business and provides us with the solid foundations we need to continue our expansion.” www.rapidretail.co.uk

CELTIC MARCHES MOVES INTO BOTTLING AND PACKAGING The team behind Celtic Marches, the independent Herefordshire cider makers, is embarking on a new venture with the launch of Marches Bottling and Packaging Ltd, a brand new bottling and packaging facility.

Celtic Marches made drinks industry news last year when they brought out Status Quo Down Down Cider, in conjunction with rock legends Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt. The opening of Marches Bottling & Packaging adds another string to the business’ bow. Susan Vaughan, a Director of Celtic Marches and the new company, said: “It’ll be great to work closely with other smaller producers. We’re supporting our friends in the industry and giving them a boost. It’s an exciting project all round.”

To find out more about sponsoring a player please email jack.royle@warriors.co.uk.

www.celticmarches.com www.marchesbp.com

www.warriors.co.uk

BLUE SKY HELP POUNDSHOP.COM SECURE £1.7 INVESTMENT Bromsgrove based finance and business consultants Blue Sky Corporate Finance has successfully assisted the management team of Midlands based online retailer, Poundshop. com, to secure a £1.7m investment from Foresight. The investment will

enable the business to upgrade its IT infrastructure, expand warehousing capacity and implement its marketing strategy.

Poundshop.com was founded in 2014

by Chairman Steve Smith, founder of

Poundland. Now the largest UK online single priced retailer, Poundshop. com offers a wide range of everyday household essentials available with the convenience of home delivery. www.blueskycf.com

KEEPING YOU ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF REGULATORY ISSUES Over the past 12 months, the Regulatory team at Chamber patron mfg Solicitors has worked scrupulously to defend individuals and businesses in the event of them facing investigation, prosecution, or being subjected to Abatement or Enforcement Notices.

Led by partner Tom Esler and assistant Rebecca Rogers, the experienced team recognises that these types of private

prosecutions can be a worrying experience.

The team’s particular specialisms are representing individuals and businesses that are subject to prosecutions or enforcement being brought against them in a Magistrates Court. These include Health and safety, Product liability, Noise/ smells, Proceeds of crime, Taxi Licensing, Planning Enforcement, Waste

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

management and Trees and Hedgerow protection.

Should members have any questions regarding regulatory law, please contact tom.esler@mfgsolictors.com or rebecca. rogers@mfgsolicitors.com, or telephone 01562 820181. www.mfgsolicitors.com

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BUSINESSNEWS

NEW DIVISION SET TO BOOST STAFF RETENTION Laura Bligh and Sam Turner from recruitment and executive search firm, Headturner Search in Worcester, have set out to change the recruitment landscape in the two counties with the launch of their new division “Retain and Recruit”.

time on constant recruitment drives from high turnover of staff. We want to help businesses get to the core of this problem by working with them on key areas such as Employer Branding, Staff Satisfaction Audits, and Staff Retention strategies.”

Laura and Sam have worked in recruitment on a regional, national and international basis for over 12 years and are delighted to be bringing this knowledge back home.

Sam added “It’s all about fixing the problem at the root cause - we have coined a phrase “Prevention leads to Retention”, which we think sums it up nicely!”

Laura comments: “We have witnessed clients spend large sums of money and

Laura Bligh and Sam Turner

www.retainandrecruit.co.uk

CB, CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS REVEAL SECRETS OF PEAK PRODUCTIVITY David Collett, The Good Soil Trust and Tim Davies, Worcester, Bosch Group

GOOD SOIL TRUST PUTS WORCESTER RECYCLING TO GOOD USE Giving new purpose to the pallets and wooden boxes that are usually recycled, Worcester, Bosch Group has teamed up with local charity The Good Soil Trust to ensure that these sturdy structures are put to a better use.

Many of the parts arriving at the factory are received on pallets or in wooden crates so when the Good Soil Trust, which aims to provide a safe, family environment for people who find themselves struggling with life, approached Worcester regarding reusing the pallets as part of its gardening and building projects, the company jumped at the opportunity.

To date, 100 boxes and pallets have been used as part of the Trust’s therapeutic, land-based programme at Top Barn Farm, forming compost bins, raised flower and vegetable beds, and even becoming part of a boat building project. www.worcester-bosch.co.uk www.goodsoil.org.uk

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Since its inception CB, Business Leaders, part of CB Business Advisory Support has gone from strength to strength.

The CB, Business Leader concept involves commercially focused workshops with business peers. The workshops run on a quarterly basis and emphasise ‘learning by doing’, driving internal improvements during the learning process.

John Painter, Managing Partner, said: “A highly productive workforce is a key metric for a highly profitable business. Busy managers pushing for more productivity for themselves and their teams often find it challenging to find a balance between ‘doing’ and ‘leading/coaching’ their people.

Where do you prioritise time? How do you manage the millennials in your business effectively?

Our productivity workshop which takes place on Monday 19 June will outline strategies you can implement immediately into your business to boost the productivity of your teams and improve your leadership effectiveness.”

To book your place contact John on 01905 454854. www.cbcharteredaccountants.com

Celebrating success with the Global Strategic Initiative of the Year Award.

GOWLING WLG IN AWARD WIN TRIPLE Chamber patron Gowling WLG was in the awards spotlight three times in March, winning prestigious accolades from peers and industry professionals.

They won the Global Strategic Initiative of the Year award at The Lawyer European Awards 2017. This award recognised the game-changing nature of the combination of Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co and Gowlings Canada in 2016, and how the combined firm has gone from strength to strength, increasing its global reach and client base.

At the Legal Business Awards, the firm won Real Estate Team of the Year (jointly with Hogan Lovells) for its work on the £4 billion Brent Cross Cricklewood regeneration scheme in London, which will provide significant economic and community uplift.

Also at the Legal Business Awards, they picked up the award for CSR Programme of the Year for their collaboration with West Midlands businesses to set up Suited for Success, a charity helping homeless and long-term unemployed people return to work. www.gowlingwlg.com

May/June 2017

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CHAMBERTRAINING

www.hwchamber.co.uk/training

ANOTHER STRING TO YOUR BOW - TURNING UNCERTAINTY INTO OPPORTUNITY How Brexit will affect businesses is still unclear, however, as Theresa May has stated time and again, Brexit means Brexit.

It isn’t enough to “wait and see” - change is imminent and businesses need to be proactive to ensure they are thriving, ready to take advantage of new opportunities.

It is anticipated that Brexit will affect the number of skilled workers available. With likely changes to Employment Law and Trade agreements, there are numerous considerations for businesses. There is a fresh opportunity for companies to attract the brightest talent through improving the benefits they offer their staff. Offering training opportunities can help develop the next wave of experience. This is something that every business can do now and is a tactic that has already been adopted by many throughout the region.

We have seen a general increase in training locally as companies prepare staff with the skills they need. Having numerous strings to your bow is an advantage for

businesses and can benefit employees as well, boosting morale, aiding retention and increasing employee effectiveness throughout the organisation.

There has been a considerable increase in bookings on our Introduction to Management series as well as the PR and Marketing courses as staff take on further responsibilities and have a greater need for digital strategies. Our “Internal Auditor” courses and “Audit Manager” courses have a healthy increase in bookings as processes are streamlined in line with ISO9001 and the recently added “Introduction to Project Management” course has been very popular from the outset.

HR, LEGISLATION AND REGULATION Quality Management systems and suitably qualified Safety personnel can be integral to an organisation.

DIGITAL MARKETING AND PR SERIES The Introduction to Digital Marketing and PR course is a free entry into the subject for Chamber members. (£100+VAT for Non-members and not suitable for those working in marketing companies). This is followed by half day specific courses on related topics.

Courses in the series: Internal Auditor Training Quality Manager Training Environmental Manager Training IOSH Working Safely IOSH Managing Safely

A series of courses specifically focused on the needs of new managers as well as those with no previous formal training.

They are designed as a series but can also be taken as stand alone courses.

The Role of the Team Leader (Introduction to Management) – examines communication techniques of management, ensuring that you are clear and understood. Discusses how to delegate work effectively and motivate good performance, your role as a representative of that team and how to achieve team goals and targets.

Managing People in the Team – learn how to take responsibility for the standards of your team, managing poor performance and motivating good performance. Learn techniques to deal with and develop more demanding team members as well as managing conflict and behaviour to create an environment of trust.

Managing Performance in the Team – how to set goals and standards to work to and measure performance, putting practical strategies in place.

Improve impact of feedback so that it is effective and constructive and learn basic coaching techniques resetting standards and managing competence.

Other courses in the series:

Other courses in the series:

Effective Time Management

Search Engine Optimisation

Conducting Effective Team Appraisals

Google Analytics

Communicating for Success

Effective use of Social Media

Train the Trainer

Email Marketing

Assertiveness and Confidence at Work

Writing Effective Marketing Copy

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A commitment to quality, safety and customer satisfaction is taken all the more seriously in an environment of change.

INTRODUCTION TO MANAGEMENT

May/June 2017

CHAMBERBUSINESSTRAINING

TRAINING CALENDAR MAY - JULY 2017 MAY COURSES

JUNE COURSES

JUNE/JULY COURSES

An Introduction to Digital Marketing and PR Thursday 11 May - 9.30am-1.30pm FREE to Members, £100+VAT Non-members

Managing People in the Team Thursday 1 June - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Introduction to Project Management Wednesday 28 June - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Conducting Effective Team Appraisals Friday 12 May - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

IPR (Inward Processing Relief) Thursday 1 June – 9.30am-4.30pm £250+VAT Members, £275+VAT Non-members

Managing Performance in the Team Wednesday 5 July - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Basic Export Documentation & Procedures Thursday 18 May – 9.30am-4.30pm £250+VAT Members, £275+VAT Non-members

Train the Trainer Tuesday 6 June - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Quality Manager Training – IS09001 Thursday 6 July - 9.30am-4.30pm £236+VAT Members, £295+VAT Non-members

Role of the Team Leader (Introduction to Management) Thursday 18 May - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

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

Basic Import Documentation & Procedures Monday 10 July – 9.30am-4.30pm £250+VAT Members, £275+VAT Non-members

Employment Law Update Thursday 8 June - 10.00am-3.00pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Emergency First Aid

Finance Skills for non Finance Managers Thursday 8 June – 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

VAT on Exports Tuesday 11 July – 10.30am-3.30pm £150+VAT Members, £175+VAT Non-members

Internal Auditor Training Thursday 13 June – 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Professional Telephone Techniques

7 Steps to Closing the Deal Wednesday 14 June - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Intermediate Microsoft Excel

Introduction to Microsoft Excel Friday 16 June - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Basic Export Documentation & Procedures Thursday 13 July – 9.30am-4.30pm £250+VAT Members, £275+VAT Non-members

Assertiveness and Confidence at Work Tuesday 20 June – 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Email Marketing

AEO Awareness Wednesday 21 June – 9.30am-4.30pm £250+VAT Members, £275+VAT Non-members

IOSH Managing Safely

Introduction to UK Export Licensing Tuesday 23 May – 9.30am-4.30pm £250+VAT Members, £275+VAT Non-members Effective use of Social Media Tuesday 23 May - 9.30am-1.30pm £80+VAT Members, £100+VAT Non-members What’s New – Changes in International Trade Wednesday 24 May – 9.30am-4.30pm £250+VAT Members, £275+VAT Non-members Fire Marshal Training Wednesday 24 May - 10.00am-4.00pm £80+VAT Members, £100+VAT Non-members Communicating for Success Thursday 25 May - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members Tariff Classification Friday 26 May – 9.30am-4.30pm £250+VAT Members, £275+VAT Non-members Surviving a Customs Audit Wednesday 31 May – 9.30am-4.30pm £250+VAT Members, £275+VAT Non-members Appointing & Motivating Distributors and/ or Agents Wednesday 31 May – 9.30am-4.30pm £225+VAT Members, £250+VAT Non-members

Search Engine Optimisation Thursday 22 June - 9.30am-1.30pm £80+VAT Members, £100+VAT Non-members IOSH Working Safely Tuesday 27 June - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+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

Tuesday 11 July - 10.00am-4.00pm £80+VAT Members, £100+VAT Non-members

Wednesday 12 July - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Thursday 13 July - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Tuesday 18 July - 9.30am-1.30pm £80+VAT Members, £100+VAT Non-members

Tuesday 18 July – Friday 21 July 9.30am-4.30pm £495+VAT Members, £595+VAT Non-members Effective Time Management

Monday 24 July - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

KEY: Chamber Business Training Courses Import and Export Training Courses 023

CHAMBEREVENTS

www.hwchamber.co.uk/events

SPEAKERS, SEMINARS AND SUCCESS AT THE MARCH BUSINESS EXPO SPONSORED

BY HEWETT RECRUITMENT Over 800 business professionals attended the Chamber Business Expo on Thursday 2 March at the Three Counties Showground to network, hear from keynote speakers, promote their business, and meet local suppliers. 132 exhibitors hosted interactive stands from a variety of sectors including hospitality, financial services, manufacturing, marketing, legal services, charities, designers and motor traders.

With people like Digby to enthuse us the answer is a big YES.”

The Networking Breakfast event attracted 250 people, who enjoyed listening to Keynote Speaker Lord Digby Jones who discussed “The Regional Economy in a post-Brexit World”.

Elizabeth Armstrong, Marketing Manager from mfg Solicitors LLP, said “The Google Seminar ‘Micro Moments - the future of online marketing’ was informative, eye-opening and inspiring. A very welcomed opportunity to learn more.”

Jim McBride, Chairman at Lesk Engineers, said: “What a pleasure to listen to one of the inner circle who talks common sense backed up by facts with solutions and with humour! Do we have the wherewithal to come out on top on the international stage?

Following a recent survey from Exhibitors at the Expo, 26% were exhibiting for the first time, 100% of respondents met new contacts on the day and 70% said they would expect to do business with those contacts in the near future.

David Meade will be the host for the 2017 Awards Ceremony

2017 CHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS CEREMONY SPONSORED BY SANLAM The Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber Business Awards Ceremony, sponsored by Sanlam, is one of the highlights in the business events calendar. This year, the prestigious black tie event will take place on Thursday 15 June at the Worcester Arena and will follow a Best of British Theme.

The Awards are designed to showcase excellence in business and give all industries the opportunity to raise their profile within the local business community. Enjoy the anticipation of the evening’s celebrations at the networking drinks reception, followed by a fine dining experience and entertainment.

Kevin Green and representatives from Hewett Recruitment at the 2016 HR Conference

HR PROFESSIONALS CONFERENCE SPONSORED BY HEWETT RECRUITMENT This much anticipated gathering of HR professionals throughout Herefordshire & Worcestershire will once again address the most pressing issues facing the HR and business community.

We are pleased to confirm the following guest speakers for the event: Keynote Speaker: Kevin Green, Chief Executive of the REC

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Employment Law Expert: Sally Morris, Partner and Head of Employment at mfg Solicitors Date: Thursday 23 November Time: 9.00am-3.00pm Venue: The Bank House Hotel, Bransford, Worcester, WR6 5JD Cost: £37.50+VAT Members and £50.00+VAT Non-Members

We are excited to announce our host for the evening, David Meade.

David is a Researcher and Lecturer in International Business with one of Ireland’s leading Universities and his many successful BBC One TV projects have made him one of the most recognizable faces in the industry.

The supported charities for the awards are #JSYOUCANDOIT and the Prince’s Trust. Tickets are now on sale for the event until Friday 26 May. Single tickets: £90.00+VAT for Members £110.00+VAT for Non-Members Table of 10: £810.00+VAT for Members £990.00+VAT for Non-members For more information about the Awards Ceremony please visit www.hwchamber.co.uk/awards or email awards@hwchamber.co.uk

May/June 2017

CHAMBEREVENTS

NETWORKING CALENDAR MAY - JUNE 2017 MAY 2017

JUNE 2017

Golf Day in association with Amros Wednesday 10 May – 12.00pm Shotgun Start Droitwich Spa Golf Club, Ford Lane, Droitwich, WR9 0BH Please email sales@amrosgolf.co.uk to book

Maximise Your Membership Event Friday 2 June - 8.30-11.00am Worcestershire County Cricket Club, New Road, Worcester WR2 4QQ FREE to Chamber Members

Worcester Women’s Business Forum in association with borwell Ltd Thursday 11 May - 9.30am-12.00pm Hagley Hall, Hall Drive, Hagley, Stourbridge DY9 9LQ £17.50+VAT Members and £35.00+VAT Non-members

Malvern Networking Breakfast Tuesday 6 June - 7.30-9.30am The Abbey Hotel, Abbey Road, Great Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 3ET £17.50+VAT Members and £35.00+VAT Non-members

Hereford Networking Breakfast Wednesday 17 May - 7.30-9.30am Burghill Valley Golf, Tillington Road, Burghill, Hereford HR4 7RW £17.50+VAT Members and £35.00+VAT Non-members Worcester Wine and Cheese Evening Thursday 18 May - 5.30-7.00pm Bottles Wine Bar, 22-24 New Street, Worcester WR1 2DP £20.00+VAT Members and £35.00+VAT Non-members

Chamber Business Awards 2017 in association with Sanlam Thursday 15 June - 6.30pm until late The Arena, Hylton Road, Worcester WR2 5JN Single Tickets - £90.00+VAT Members and £110.00+VAT Non-members Table of Ten - £810+VAT Members and £990+VAT Non-members

Ledbury Networking Lunch Monday 22 May - 12.30-2.30pm The Talbot Inn, 14 New Street, Ledbury HR8 2DX £20.00+VAT Members and £35.00+VAT Non-members

Hereford HR Forum in association with Hewett Recruitment Wednesday 21 June - 9.30-11.30am Hereford Business Solutions Centre - Building B, Units 1-4, Skylon Court, Rotherwas, Hereford, HR2 6JS FREE event for Chamber Members and clients of Hewett Recruitment

Herefordshire Business Hustings Tuesday 23 May - 8.00–9.30am The Courtyard, Penhaligon Way, Hereford HR4 9YJ FREE event

Worcester Networking Breakfast Thursday 22 June - 7.30-9.30am Whitehouse Hotel, Foregate Street, Worcester, WR1 1EA £17.50+VAT Members and £35.00+VAT Non-members

Pershore Networking Breakfast sponsored by Wychavon District Council Wednesday 24 May - 7.30-9.30am Pershore College, Auon Bank, Pershore, WR10 3JP FREE to Members and £17.50+VAT Non-members

Ross-on-Wye Networking Brunch Tuesday 27 June - 9.30-11.30am Penyard House, Weston-under-Penyard, Herefordshire HR9 7YH £17.50+VAT Members and £35.00+VAT Non-members

Worcestershire Business Hustings Thursday 25 May - 8.00–9.30am Worcestershire County Cricket Club, New Road, Worcester WR2 4QQ FREE event Apprentices in Business Wednesday 31 May - 5.30–7.00pm Worcestershire County Cricket Club, New Road, Worcester WR2 4QQ FREE to Members & Non-members (aimed at Apprentices and Young Professionals aged 18-24)

Kidderminster Networking Lunch Wednesday 28 June - 12.30-2.30pm Hogarths Stone Manor Hotel, Chaddesley Corbett, Kidderminster DY10 4PJ £20.00+VAT Members and £35.00+VAT Non-members Chamber Business Expo in association with Hewett Recruitment.

Thursday 5 October 2017 – 9.30am-3.00pm Malvern Three Counties Showground, Malvern, WR13 6NW Stand prices start from £299.00+VAT

“95% of exhibitors met new contacts on the day and 84% of them expect to do business with those contacts in the near future.”

To book your place on any of these events visit www.hwchamber.co.uk/events, email events@hwchamber.co.uk or phone 01905 673 600.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

025

BIGINTERVIEW

IT’S TIME TO TAKE THE POLITICS OUT OF BREXIT With Brexit negotiations under way, we asked Lasse Hansen, CEO at Seafresh Group in Redditch, to assess the impact of the past year on business and also to look to the future.

One of my major worries with Brexit is that it has become a political issue when we in reality should be focusing on the practical extraction from the EU. It is a practical issue and one could argue that politics has no place.

We need to remember that the political decision was taken in June last year when the people of the UK voted to leave the European Union and that now Brexit is all about how we make it work.

There is no need for politicians making political points or speculating because it creates an unstable and unhelpful business environment and politicians should start to show a level of maturity reflecting this.

There are more than 6,000 individual trade agreements that need to be renegotiated by a group of highly qualified civil servants. Politicians should recognise this and start to focus on the process ahead as this will not be resolved in two years.

This is going to take 5-10 years to resolve due to the sheer amount of work involved with each individual trade agreement. The process will not be achieved in two years despite what the politicians say. The reality is that the majority of politicians would have left office long before this process will be concluded.

The other fundamental thing to understand is that Brexit has not started yet. People are pointing to high levels of business confidence and questioning the gloomy predictions about the negative impact. It must be recognised that we are still two years away from understanding the true impact as this is when we exit from the EU. At the moment, it’s about currency and politics. If you are an exporter the Exchange Rates will be in favour but if, like us, you an importer the Exchange Rate has a negative impact. We import most of our raw material and have seen our cost base go up 12-15 per cent and we are in an industry where margins are already tight.

026

However, what the true long term effect of the negotiations are will not be known for several years. What we currently see are just early side-effects. It’s a complex issue and the Government need to prioritise out of the more than 6,000 trade agreements to support UK economy and industry in the best possible way. The sheer number of trade agreements cannot be renegotiated all at the same time and certainly not in two years.

We need to draw up priorities. There will be some low hanging fruit, things that can be resolved quickly, but apart from that we need to work out what is important to the UK economy and its manufacturing base.

I am currently concerned that the main focus is within the areas of old industries such as automotives and aeronautics, and that nobody seem to be lobbying for the food industry despite it being the largest manufacturing industry with significant importance to the UK economy.

It is crucial that the food industry is taken into account when the priorities are drawn up. We must not be neglected.

One of the issues we have to resolve quickly is the movement of people. The UK food industry relies heavily on a full time and seasonal workforce and is already seeing people from Europe looking to work elsewhere because of a lack of visibility for a stable future within the UK. Our company is not as badly affected as

those that are more seasonal but we are still feeling an effect. We have 350 staff, of which half come from the EU, including myself, and there is no clear message what Brexit means.

The sooner we get the issue surrounding movement resolved the better as it is already impacting on the food industry.

Also, what about food safety certification?

At the moment, any country trading within the EU conforms to one set of rules. Exiting the EU means all these rules needs revisiting and, once agreed upon, need final approval from all remaining 27 member states.

What is also lost in the information is that our current trade with the rest of the world is based on established EU trade deals.

As the UK no longer forms part of the EU we will need to establish new agreements with individual countries around the globe we seek to trade with. These are on top of the 6,000+ EU agreements.

We are still to learn about the true impact of Brexit and, if done correctly, it should present the country with opportunities. But one thing is certain – anyone who thinks it will all be sorted in two years’ time has got it very wrong indeed as it will take significantly longer to conclude the process.

A good start would be to get some grown up talk about the situation, less politics and more discussion about the practicalities.

May/June 2017

BIGINTERVIEW

By Lasse Hansen,

CEO at Seafresh Group, Redditch

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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COVERFEATURE

THE EFFECT OF BREXIT ON OUR BUSINESSES Brexit has cast a long shadow over British business since the Referendum vote in June last year.

Uncertainty, volatile trading conditions, worries surrounding migrant workers and unfavourable Exchange Rates have all made for challenging trading conditions.

As we approach the first anniversary of the vote, Business Direction asked four local companies about their experiences – and found a mixed bag of replies from businesses that are thriving in the new landscape to those struggling.

INTERNATIONAL APPEAL FOR HEREFORDSHIRE HOTEL For the team behind family-owned Hereford hotel Castle House, the potential to expand the City’s international trade after Brexit offers encouragement.

Castle House, Hereford

George Watkins, Business Development Manager, said: “We think at this stage the effect of Brexit is very difficult to call but we are optimistic that our family hotel business will continue to thrive with our current mix of British, European and international guests.”

Castle House was recently over the moon to be included in the Top 20 most Charming UK City Hotels by The Good

Talk to David Beech, managing director of Malvern-based closed circuit television specialist LT Security, about Brexit and his frustration is clear.

The company imports the bulk of its product from China but the fluctuating Exchange Rate has created volatile trading conditions as the value of the British pound has dropped 25 per cent against the US dollar in the past year.

He said: “I am having to behave more like a currency trader than an industry specialist because we live in a situation of flux. It is like being a ship on a stormy sea.

“Trump says one thing in America, someone else says something here and suddenly you have more volatility.

“It’s not necessarily based on fact.

People see the headlines and the speculation and you are knocked sideways. The uncertainty has stifled growth for me and our turnover has been flat.

The owners, the Watkins, are a Herefordshire farming family who have farmed at Ballingham Hall, near Holme Lacy, for more than 120 years.

Ten years ago, they bought Castle House hotel, a Grade II listed Georgian villa, with 15 individually decorated, luxury ensuite bedrooms. With an ever-increasing demand for guestrooms, seven years ago, the family bought another Grade II listed townhouse, Number 25, just yards from the hotel, thereby adding another eight rooms to its offering.

‘IT IS LIKE BEING A SHIP ON A STORMY SEA’

Hotel Guide 2017 and then subsequently featured in USA Today, America's leading newspaper and website.

“Yet in reality nothing has changed.

UK PLC is still in business, employment is at an all-time high, but as a company we have to continually review our budgets. It is having a profound effect and it will continue for at least the next two years.”

Mr Watkins continued: “We have great confidence in Hereford’s future. With plans for the new university in the making, the City will undoubtedly attract many students from around the UK and the rest of the world.

“Added to that, Hereford is currently hoping to win the bid to be City of Culture, 2021. If successful, it would be of enormous benefit to the county’s cultural and economic life, and ensure national and international awareness of Herefordshire’s businesses, education facilities, its historic culture and reputation for being a place of outstanding natural beauty.”

David Beech, LT Security

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May/June 2017

COVERFEATURE

LOW POUND USHERS IN BUSY TIMES FOR EXPORTER Brexit has not been bad news for all businesses, as illustrated by the experience of Evesham-based Spearhead Machinery, which is enjoying boom times when it comes to exports.

Mark Bayliss, Spearhead Machinery

The company’s core business is centred around the maintenance of green areas with the most extensive range of rotary, flail, amenity and reach mowers available in the green area maintenance sector.

Mark Bayliss, Export Regional Sales Manager, said: “Since the Referendum, I have never been so busy and the reason is that the drop in value of the pound makes the UK very attractive.

“I am securing deals from clients all over the world and I am seeing replies to emails I sent two years ago because the low level of the pound suddenly makes us attractive.

We are selling to clients in everywhere from Europe to Canada and South Africa.

“The big question is what will happen

if the pound rises again but my view is that even if we go through turbulent times, once we have started trading with companies and they have seen the quality of what we supply we can build relationships with them. I am

viewing the next two years of the Brexit negotiations as an opportunity.

“We will also be able to assess what the market will stand and go back to our production and work out where we need to make economies to remain competitive.”

EXCHANGE RATE A CONCERN FOR IMPORTER of the pounds that the workers would earn is much less now. They are looking to countries like Germany instead.

One company feeling profound effects since the Referendum is Hereford-based S&A Produce, which imports a lot of its soft fruit and plants from Europe and relies heavily on seasonal labour, much of it from Eastern Europe.

Group Finance Director Trevor Gregory said: “We do not feel that much that comes out of Brexit will be positive and the uncertainty is unhelpful.

“We do not fully understand all the effects yet but what we can say is that we import a lot of plants and fruit but due to the Exchange Rate the cost has gone up 15 to 20 per cent which means that our margins are tighter.

“We struggle to pass that onto the

“We are lobbying hard for the Government to come up with a scheme that does not restrict the number of seasonal workers we need to bring in.

“The UK horticulture industry employs 85,000 seasonal workers and if access to Eastern European labour is to be severely restricted there would be a major problem because you just cannot find the workers in the UK.

supermarkets because we know how competitive their business is so we have to increase productivity.

“The Exchange Rate has other impacts.

We rely on seasonal labour from Eastern Europe but already we are seeing a significantly lower level of interest because the Exchange Rate means that the value

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

“We are confident that the UK Government will come up with a new scheme because we cannot believe that it wants to see the horticulture industry fail.”

Group Finance Director Trevor Gregory

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ADVERTORIALFEATURE

TAKE ANOTHER LOOK AT APPRENTICESHIPS: THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERY BUSINESS Farriery apprentice Oliver Laker with Rt Hon Robert Halfon MP

Peter Husband, Group Deputy Principal Apprenticeships, Higher Education and Innovation at WCG, explains the changes in the new apprenticeship system and the opportunities they offer to businesses in the region.

WHAT ARE THE HEADLINES ABOUT CHANGES IN APPRENTICESHIP FUNDING THAT REGIONAL BUSINESSES NEED TO KNOW? Very simply, there are four things businesses need to know: First, apprenticeships are going to be easier for employers to understand: the new standards are in essence a single side of A4 job description.

Second, employers now have the ownership and accountability for apprenticeships, through funding.

Levy payers will be funding their own apprentices and the unused levy pot will support non-levy payers.

The third part, which I think is the most exciting, is the freedom and flexibilities.

Under the old system there were a lot of constraints regarding who could be funded as an apprentice. Under the new arrangements, post April, you can be an apprentice regardless of whether you’ve been an apprentice before or whether you’ve got a degree as long as you are doing sustained and substantial training towards a new role. That makes it a lot more accessible for employers.

The final thing is the ability to use it for upskilling. So not only can new entrants – 16 to 18 year olds – come into the system but hopefully the development of what I would call mid-career apprenticeships.

This is where you have people already in a business – they are very valued by the business and you have other staff retiring soon. In that case a person who’s further down the career ladder can become an apprentice and train to move into that new role. So what you’ve got then is the development of the existing staff cohort.

WHAT ARE THE KEY HEADLINES FOR LARGE BUSINESSES TO TAKE NOTE OF? Large businesses will need to understand whether they are levy payers or not. So in essence if their PAYE bill in England is £3m or more, then they will pay 1/2 % of that into a digital apprenticeship account.

The money will stay in that account for up to 24 months and can only be used to pay for training and support for apprentices.

What they’ve got to get their heads around is how they can use their levy in order to recoup the money they’ve put in and how to use apprenticeships more strategically.

AND FOR SMES? One of the most interesting things for SMEs is the benefits that the changes make. Historically apprenticeship training for 16-18 year olds was free. For 19+ onwards a company had to contribute 50% of the training costs. From this April

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

those age limits have been removed so all apprentices if you’re a non-levy payer will be funded at 90% by the Government and you only have to put a 10% contribution in. As a small business of 50 employees or less, if you take on a 16-18 year old, you will get £1000 back off the Government. There are no strings attached to those payments.

HOW CAN LARGE EMPLOYERS USE THE NEW SYSTEM TO RETHINK THEIR STAFF DEVELOPMENT? What the changes to the system mean is that employers can look at their existing staff and identify progression frameworks to help people move up to a higher level.

And they can make savings too. For example a company spending £15-20,000 of its CPD budget on a CIMA course could make that staff member an apprentice for a period of time, get 90% funding and save around £13,000.

SO WE NEED TO RETHINK OUR VIEW OF WHAT AN APPRENTICE IS DO WE? If I talk about apprenticeships, companies think about young people. If I talk about formal structured development programmes, businesses think of mature people. An apprenticeship is just a formal structured development programme.

We need to start having these two conversations at the same time. Being an apprentice isn’t just for the start of your career but in fact you can be an apprentice many times over.

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VISITHEREFORDSHIRE

www.visitherefordshire.co.uk

COUNTY AWARDED £748,000 FOR “HEREFORDSHIRE’S A GREAT PLACE” Herefordshire Cultural Partnership (HCP) announced in March that the County will be one of only 16 pilot areas for the Great Place Scheme, jointly funded over three years by Arts Council England (ACE) and Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to put heritage, arts and culture at the heart of its communities. HCP’s project called “Herefordshire’s a Great Place” has been awarded £748,000.

Through an ambitious programme of events, activities, competitions, promotion and research, local communities will be able to work with artists, arts and heritage organisations to celebrate and promote the very things that make where they live

special. Working closely with tourism, education, health and wellbeing sectors, “Herefordshire’s a Great Place” will demonstrate ways in which culture can play an integral role in the economic and community development of the County.

This major award is a huge boost to Herefordshire’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2021. Roger Morgan, Chair, HCP, said: “It is wonderful news that HLF and ACE have recognised the potential of the Herefordshire Cultural Partnership to make a difference to the wellbeing of the people of Herefordshire and its economy.

It demonstrates the power of the arts and heritage organisations working together

with the county’s business groups and the local authority. This vote of confidence is a big boost to our bid to be UK City of Culture in 2021”.

“Herefordshire’s a Great Place” has been supported by Herefordshire Council, Elmley Foundation, EF Bulmer Benevolent Fund, the Becket Bulmer Fund, and Friends of Herefordshire Museums & Arts.

Rural Media Charity will be leading the delivery of the “Herefordshire’s a Great Place” project on behalf of HCP. For further information, contact Nic Millington, CEO of Rural Media, by emailing nicm@ruralmedia.co.uk or phoning 01432 344039.

POSTON MILL THROUGH TO VISITENGLAND FINALS L–R Sandra Dudley (Finance Manager), Phillippa Slinger (Festival Manager) and Chloe Garner (Artistic Director)

LEDBURY POETRY FESTIVAL In 2017, Ledbury Poetry Festival, the UK’s original, biggest and much-loved poetry festival will present a truly dazzling programme of events to celebrate its twenty first year. It takes place in Ledbury from Friday 30 June – Sunday 9 July with a star-studded celebrity line-up including actors Hugh Dennis, Juliet Stevenson, Ann Mitchell and Larry Lamb.

Stand up comic and poet Sean Hughes will appear as will former politician Paddy Ashdown and world class poets including Vahni Capildeo, Denise Riley, Helen Mort, Sash Dugdale and John Hegley. The Festival’s poet in residence

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will be Fiona Sampson who has been freshly awarded an MBE for services to literature. The festival culminates in a huge town party on Sunday 9 July.

There are so many ways to get involved: sponsorship of well-loved poets and celebrities start at laughable rates – and every penny raised goes towards supporting the Festival’s valuable work in schools and vulnerable community groups. Contact Phillippa Slinger manager@poetry-festival.co.uk - for ways to support this truly unique community festival!

Poston Mill Holiday Park has been announced as a finalist in the 2017 VisitEngland Awards for Holiday Park of the Year.

This comes after they were the winner of the Best Touring, Camping & Holiday Park in the Visit Herefordshire Awards for Excellence 2016. All finalists were then put forward to the VisitEngland Awards to be shortlisted.

The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence highlight those who excel in the tourism industry. Last year, Poston Mill won Silver for “Dog Friendly Business” and Bronze for “Holiday Park of the Year”. www.postonmill.co.uk

www.poetry-festival.co.uk

May/June 2017

VISITWORCESTERSHIRE

www.visitworcestershire.org

CANVAS & CLOVER GREEN TOURISM ACCREDITATION Canvas & Clover, a glamping site based on a working farm in Holt Heath Worcester, has become the only campsite or Holiday Park in the West Midlands to have been awarded a Green Tourism accreditation, and it is Gold!

Stuart Park from Green Tourism says: “Guests are given a real ‘Green’ experience – a local welcome pack features food with minimal food miles, while fair trade tea and coffee, ethical and upcycled furnishings make all the difference”.

The historic fountain is back in action after a major refurbishment

WITLEY COURT FOUNTAIN ROARS BACK INTO LIFE The historic Perseus and Andromeda fountain at Worcestershire’s Witley Court and Gardens was officially fired again for the first time on Saturday 1 April, following major refurbishment works by English Heritage.

The Victorian fountain has been out of action throughout the winter as stonemasons conduct intricate masonry repairs and clean its Portland Stone features, including replacing Andromeda’s right arm.

The fountain depicts the action-packed Greek myth, with Andromeda chained to a rock as a sacrifice to appease a sea monster sent by Poseidon, as hero Perseus swooping down in winged sandals to rescue her. The sculpture’s central jet reaches a height of up to 30 metres, complemented by nearly 30 more jets hidden among shells, sea nymphs, dolphins and a huge serpent designed by James Forsyth in Portland Stone.

The owners Wendy and Matt Field say: “We try to give our guests all the fun of camping, and toasting marshmallows around a campfire without compromising on comfort or sustainability. We worked really hard to achieve a Gold which indicates the highest levels of sustainability, so whether guests are celebrating a wedding, a hen party, or just catching up with friends, they can help the environment at the same time!”

Canvas & Clover is based in Holt Heath, Worcester

www.canvasandclover.com

VALE ASPARAGUS GIVEN EUROPEAN PROTECTED FOOD NAME STATUS Vale Asparagus must officially come from Worcestershire, thanks to its European Protected Food Name Status.

It joins the elite group of food and drinks which include Champagne, Cognac and Roquefort to name but a few.

If you’re eating out during the Asparagus season (Sunday 23 April to Wednesday 21 June) make sure Vale Asparagus is on your menu! www.asparafest.co.uk Explore Worcestershire Guide Now Out! Visit your local Tourist Information Centre to start planning your day out.

Witley Court is now open from 10am–6pm every day throughout the summer. From April, the fountain will once again be firing on the hour from 11am–5pm every day to entertain visitors. www.english-heritage.org.uk/witley

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Businesses are invited to enjoy the spectacular view of the Malvern Hills in the newly refurbished restaurant

COTTAGE IN THE WOOD EMBARKS ON £2.5MILLION REFURBISHMENT Julia and Nick Davies, the new owners of 30-bedroom The Cottage in the Wood in the Malvern Hills, have started a complete £2.5 million refurbishment project.

Beginning in January 2017 with the restoration of The Main House back to its Georgian glory, the project will honour the property and the surrounding location’s history, including links with literary greats and good friends C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, and the composer Elgar.

London-based interior design studio Nelson Design has been hired to redesign the entire property comprising of The Main House, with a 2 AA Rosette restaurant, bar and lounge and seven bedrooms, Beech Cottage and The Coach House.

The Main House was recently relaunched in April 2017, with further plans to refurbish all 30 bedrooms in 2018/2019. The orangery will be built in 2020 and the refurbishments will conclude with the launch of a new spa in 2021. Julia and Nick Davies, Owners, invite businesses to come and enjoy the redesign. www.cottageinthewood.co.uk

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ADVERTORIALFEATURE

WHY DO VARICOSE VEINS HAPPEN? WHO IS AFFECTED?

Varicose veins develop when the small valves inside the veins stop working properly.

In a healthy vein, blood flows smoothly to the heart. The blood is prevented from flowing backwards by a series of tiny valves that open and close to let blood through.

If the valves weaken or are damaged, the blood can flow backwards and collect in the vein, eventually causing it to be swollen and enlarged (varicose).

Certain things can increase your chances of developing varicose veins, such as: n pregnancy n being overweight n old age

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Varicose veins are a common condition, affecting up to 3 in 10 adults. Women are more likely to develop them than men. Any vein in the body can become varicose, but they most commonly develop in the legs and feet, particularly in the calves. This is because standing and walking puts extra pressure on the veins in the lower body.

TREATING VARICOSE VEINS For most people, varicose veins don’t present a serious health problem. They may have an unpleasant appearance, but should not affect circulation or cause long-term health problems. Most varicose veins don’t require any treatment.

If treatment is necessary, your Consultant may first recommend up to six months of using compression stockings, taking regular exercise and elevating the affected area when resting. If your varicose veins

are still causing you pain or discomfort – or they cause complications – they can be treated in several ways, the most common being endothermal ablation (treatment where heat is used to seal affected veins), sclerotherapy (using special foam to close the veins), and ligation and stripping (which involves surgery to remove the affected veins).

Our consultant vascular surgeons offer minimally invasive treatment, by laser or injection, some of which can be performed in an out-patient environment. We offer one-off private treatment with a fixed price agreed in advance for patients who do not have private medical insurance.

For more information, or to book an appointment with one of our specialists, please call 01905 362 252 or email at cservice-sb@spirehealthcare.com

May/June 2017

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

COMPLEX MORTGAGES DELIVERED

BY HANDELSBANKEN ACROSS HEREFORDSHIRE & WORCESTERSHIRE Handelsbanken’s aim is to provide the best possible service to customers, with their satisfaction the focus of everything we do. It is a global bank with a local model, offering personal service and traditional values to its individual and business customers. We have branches across the Midlands including Worcester, Bromsgrove, Stourbridge and Hereford, part of a network of over 200 branches in Great Britain.

REFRESHINGLY DIFFERENT The bank is decentralised, with experienced bankers in each branch working with local customers, and each branch manager responsible for their own business. The aim of each branch is to build up long-term relationships with its customers, supporting them with their needs now and in the future, free from product campaigns linked to short term bonus incentives.

By taking a holistic view of each customer’s situation, and by working closely with other local professionals, the branch is able to put the right products and services in place at the right time to suit each customer, and key decisions, including the majority of lending decisions, are made within the branch. We have a wide range of products and services, including current accounts, loans and mortgages, wealth management services and a suite of corporate banking facilities; supported by online and mobile banking. This different approach has helped the bank to be rated top for customer satisfaction for eight years running in an independent survey of British banks’ personal and business customers (EPSI Rating, October 2016*).

“We have a customer at Worcester who runs a fantastic business. Recently he approached us as he wanted to buy a second home and needed a mortgage in order to complete on the purchase. His income was made up primarily of director’s loans, which do not show on his tax returns, and so the customer knew this would be a problem elsewhere as it looked, on the face of it, like he had little income. His Account Manager worked with the company’s Financial Director and their Accountant, taking the time to understand the client’s income both now and moving forward. This meant we could go from the initial enquiry to providing a credit approved mortgage offer in a matter of days, enabling the customer to complete on the purchase with ease.”

MORTGAGES TO SUIT YOU

Stephen Ellis, branch manager of Bromsgrove, added, “We were approached by a couple who had been recommended by their Accountant, looking to purchase their dream home. They had been given an agreement in principle by their incumbent bankers and so purchased a property at auction, paying a 10% deposit. Their bank subsequently pulled out. We reacted quickly as they had only three weeks to complete on the purchase, taking the time to understand their income streams and proceeded to offer within a matter of days.

With the help of local valuers and solicitors we were able to complete the purchase within the required time scales.”

Our branches across the Midlands have built up specific expertise in supporting local business owners with their mortgage needs. An already stressful life event can become more difficult when individuals have multifaceted income streams, but Handelsbanken’s approach involves taking the time to understand each customer’s full financial picture in order to deliver the right long term solutions, however complex their needs. Importantly, every step of the mortgage process is managed in-house, allowing customers the peace of mind knowing that their branch is there to support them from the first point of contact through to completion, and beyond.

Worcester branch manager Phil Dutton said,

relationship approach then please contact your local branch:For enquiries please contact Emma Rivers at Handelsbanken Worcester on 01905 360 728 or worcester@handelsbanken.co.uk Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

The value of any investment and the income from it is not guaranteed and can fall as well as rise, so that you may not realise the amount originally invested.

Please note that our lending facilities are only available to persons aged 18 or over and are subject to status. Written quotations and terms and conditions are available on request.

Handelsbanken is the trading name of Svenska Handelsbanken AB (publ).

Registered Office: Svenska Handelsbanken AB (publ), 3 Thomas More Square, London, E1W 1WY. Registered in England and Wales No, BR 000589. Incorporated in Sweden with limited liability. Registered in Sweden No, 502007-7862. Head Office in Stockholm. Authorised by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finansinspektionen) and the Prudential Regulation Authority and subject to limited regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority. Details about the extent of our authorisation and regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority, and regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority are available from us on request.

Handelsbanken Wealth Management and Heartwood Investment Management are trading names of Heartwood Wealth Management Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the conduct of investment business, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Svenska Handelsbanken AB (publ). Registered Head Office: No.1 Kingsway, London WC2B 6AN. Registered in England Number: 4132340. * Source: EPSI Rating, October 2016. For more information on EPSI Rating Group (Extended Performance Satisfaction Index) visit www.epsi-rating. com*. Please note this link will take you to an external website not owned

by Handelsbanken.

If you feel would benefit from Handelsbanken’s personal, long-term

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

035

INTERNATIONALTRADE

LIONS TOUR BRINGS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN NEW ZEALAND Phillip Wild, Duomo, with Robert Janssen, SenseAir VP Operations

DUOMO (UK) LTD CELEBRATE RELATIONSHIP WITH SENSEAIR Phillip and Shirley Wild, Directors at Duomo (UK) Ltd, recently visited SenseAir’s manufacturing site in Delsbo, Sweden to formally sign a document officially confirming Duomo as their Distribution Partner in the UK and Ireland.

Duomo has been SenseAir’s distributor for many years, recently being named as their “Worldwide Distributor of the Year.

The achievement and acknowledgement of their excellent relationship was celebrated with the signature ceremony.

Robert Janssen, SenseAir VP Operations, had already confirmed that Duomo had grown their business in the UK substantially, and presented the company with a specially made trophy last year.

SenseAir have over 20 years’ experience and are one of the world’s leading manufacturers of cost effective IR gas sensors. They specialise in infrared carbon dioxide (CO2) sensors and controllers. www.duomo.co.uk

BOOST YOUR SKILLS Don’t miss the opportunity to boost your skills with some upcoming Export Masterclasses: Export Logistics - Tuesday 16 May 9.30am-4.30pm Open Space Rooms, Upper Interfields, Malvern, WR14 1UT Market Research and Selection Thursday 29 June: 9.30am-4.30pm Open Space Rooms, Upper Interfields, Malvern, WR14 1UT To find out more and register to attend, visit www.eventbrite.co.uk

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With the forthcoming British Lions tour, New Zealand is expecting a large influx of rugby supporters from the UK in June and July. New Zealand has been identified by the UK government as one of the first countries it wishes to sign a trade agreement with following the UK’s planned exit from the European Union in 2019, and meetings have already taken place between the two countries.

The British Chambers of Commerce has a relationship with The British New Zealand Business Association (BNZBA), based in Auckland, and has been furthering this relationship for 100 years. It can assist in making appropriate introductions to local businesses, industry bodies, service providers and UK and New Zealand government representatives, as well as offering general support to UK exporters and investors.

If you would like to fit in some business development alongside cheering on the Lions, please contact the BNZBA by email at info@bnzba.co.nz or through their website at www.bnzba.co.nz. To find out more about opportunities in New Zealand, please visit www.exportbritain.org.uk

Steven Borwell-Fox at the Cyber Maryland Conference 2016

CYBER MARYLAND VISITS THE MIDLANDS ENGINE Following the success of the regional business delegation to Cyber Maryland last year, the Midlands will host a return US delegation in June 2017.

A number of companies and representatives from the Midlands Engine region will exhibit at InfoSec Europe 2017, Europe’s number one information security event in London, between 6 - 8 June, where they will welcome the Maryland business delegates. Malvern-based QinetiQ will then host an industry day on 8 June where local cyber companies can attend, participate and learn more about potential opportunities with US partners.

The US delegation from Maryland will also join Midlands companies in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalise the cyber sector’s long lasting business partnership with the USA. Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), the Marches LEP and Hereford Enterprise Zone have worked in partnership with the Department for International Trade and Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce to develop the three year programme which includes June’s return visit from Maryland as well as a potential second Midlands delegation to Maryland later in 2017.

The mission has been funded by the Department for International Trade on behalf of the Midlands Engine to further business development opportunities between the UK and US. For more information on the delegation, contact Linda Smith by emailing Linda.Smith@mobile.trade.gov.uk or phoning 01905 673 621.

May/June 2017

INTERNATIONALTRADE

WORCESTERSHIRE CARTOON SERIES SET FOR GLOBAL SUCCESS An animated cartoon that was created in Worcestershire could be aired across Europe and Asia – 30 years after it narrowly missed out on being commissioned by Fox TV. Droitwich-based Corny Capers, the brainchild of brothers Scott and Lee Garrett, has worked with International Trade Advisers to find out how to get the cartoon commissioned.

The brothers first accessed DIT services when they secured grants towards the costs of visiting MIPCOM, the entertainment festival, in Cannes, France, last year. Here they met representatives from Marquis Entertainment to discuss the cartoon. The following month, they travelled to India for a follow-up meeting with a major investment company.

The French company is working with the brothers to raise funds and finish the pilot episodes of Corny Capers and Scott and Lee are working with a top US-based scriptwriter Bill Matheny, whose credits include The Flintstones and Scooby Doo, to develop storylines. The pair are also due to sign a deal with an Indian production company after Nickelodeon India expressed interest in the action-chase comedy.

SAVE THE DATE! – EXPORT TASTER FOR HEREFORDSHIRE BUSINESSES Budding entrepreneurs are invited to a free workshop on “How to Start Exporting” for new businesses on Tuesday 13 June.

Scott and Lee Garrett, the brains behind Corny Capers Naomi Steemson, International Trade Adviser for Herefordshire and Worcestershire, has been supporting the brothers. She said: “When businesses think about exporting, they often think about manufactured goods, but the Corny Capers story demonstrates that we can support companies across a huge range of sectors. By helping to secure grants so that Scott and Lee could attend those two important TV conferences and advising on a variety of exporting matters, they are now well on their way to realising their 30-year family dream of getting their animation out into the world.”

The workshop will be delivered as part of a business networking and knowledge sharing event at Hereford Racecourse, organised by the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership in collaboration with Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, Herefordshire Council and the Federation of Small Businesses.

The event is a great opportunity to learn about taking the first steps towards exporting and meet the local International Trade team. To find out more, contact Linda Smith by emailing Linda.Smith@mobile.trade.gov.uk or phoning 01905 673 621.

www.cornycapers.co.uk

TRADING WITH CHINA – BUSINESS BREAKFAST BRIEFING Local companies interested in doing business with China are invited to a breakfast briefing on behalf of Santander Corporate & Business Banking and Harrison Clark Rickerbys.

EXPORT CHAMPIONS Two local exporters, Jo Hilditch, Managing Director at Whittern Farms, Herefordshire and Gaena Martin, Creative Director at The SundayGirl Company, Worcestershire have been announced as Export Champions for the Midlands Engine.

Export Champions are experienced exporters ideally placed to offer their expertise and advice to inspire companies to export and support existing exporters looking to expand into new markets.

Friday 9 June: 8.00-10.00am Sixways Stadium, Warriors Way, Worcester, WR3 8ZE The event will feature a wide range of expert speakers, promising plenty of thought-provoking ideas, views and vision on the opportunities of trading with China.

If you are interested in becoming an Export Champion for the two counties, please contact the local International Trade team on 01905 673 600 or email Alison at alison.avery@mobile.trade.gov.uk

Speakers include Santander’s Dennis Lin, China Desk Director, who will share his experience and expertise on routes to market, as well as Harrison Clark Rickerbys’ Nicolas Groffman, Partner and Head of International, who will explore reducing trading risk.

from the Department for International Trade and the China-Britain Business Council will also be in attendance.

Attendees will be able to enjoy networking and a Q&A with experts. Representatives

To book your place, please email john.hyde@santander.co.uk

28 Export Champions were announced at the inaugural Midlands Engine Trade Summit

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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WORCESTERSHIREBUSINESSCENTRAL

www.business-central.co.uk

LAUNCH OF WORCESTERSHIRE EUROPEAN FUNDED BUSINESS SUPPORT PROGRAMMES Regional Development Fund, available until 2019 delivering a range of dynamic business support projects and grants to help businesses to start up, grow, innovate and expand in Worcestershire. Grants from £1,000 up to £100,000 can be accessed for capital and revenue projects.

Worcestershire Business Central would like to invite local businesses to join us for the launch of the Worcestershire European Funded Growth programmes.

This is an exciting time for businesses in Worcestershire with a £15million programme, part-funded by the European

This informative session offers Worcestershire SMEs the opportunity to learn more about this latest range of support and grant funding available across the County and hear from previous recipients how this support has benefited their businesses.

project managers who will be able to answer any programme specific questions.

We are holding two events: Wednesday 17 May – 8.00am Sixways Stadium, Warriors Way, Worcester WR3 8ZE Thursday 25 May – 9.00am Avoncroft Museum, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove B60 4JR To book your place, visit www.business-central.co.uk/erdflaunch.

We look forward to seeing you there.

The Worcestershire Business Central team will be on hand to talk you through the support available, regardless of the stage of your business. We'll be joined by the

THE SUNDAYGIRL COMPANY – AVENUES FOR GROWTH The SundayGirl Company is a creative, award winning British design brand which manufactures beautifully printed retro aprons and accessories.

In 2016, Gaena Martin, founder, started working with Worcestershire Business Central (WBC) to discuss a strategy for growth. It was established that the company need to produce a higher volume of products, whilst keeping their hand-drawn designs fresh and current.

Consequently, they are hoping to purchase a digital fabric printer to enable them to print their own samples and to perfect the designs before production. The company are also looking to move to a warehouse with adjoining offices in the county as they look to increase their work with distributors.

Randesh Kalar, Business Engagement Manager at Worcestershire Business Central, met with Gaena to provide advice on the financial options available, including the Business Accelerator programme.

Randesh promised to do some research into available premises in Worcestershire and suggested the company contact Worcestershire Apprenticeships to discuss taking on an apprentice to bring additional resource, skills and experience to the business. As the company is looking to expand its reach internationally, Randesh informed Gaena about a planned Department for International Trade mission to India and forwarded the company’s expression of interest.

Worcestershire Business Central also recommended that The SundayGirl Company become a member of Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce. Through membership, the company would benefit from networking opportunities, comprehensive legal advice, and bank beating foreign exchange rates, as well as 50% off export documentation, discounted translation and training services.

Gaena said: “There really is some excellent support within the county for new start up

businesses and for companies looking to grow. The advice and assistance we’ve had from both Worcestershire Business Central and the Department for International Trade has been invaluable and it gives micro businesses such as ours the confidence to grow.” www.thesundaygirlcompany.co.uk

For more information on the various programmes and to see how Worcestershire Business Central can support your business visit www.business-central.co.uk or contact the team on 01905 677888

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May/June 2017

CONFERENCEWORCESTERSHIRE www.conference-worcestershire.com

BROCKENCOTE HALL HOTEL The beauty and grandeur of Brockencote will turn your business meeting into an event!

Top level board meetings are a perfect fit with The Library and Heron Room, which are also perfect for corporate hospitality and private dining.

The luxurious feel of the house and estate makes Brockencote the ultimate venue for state of the art product launches. The

sweeping drive and impressive Victorian frontage would be the perfect backdrop for a luxury car launch or set for a photo shoot.

Just leave it to our dedicated Events Team who will help you put together your perfect corporate event, whatever your requirements.

Prices start from £67.50 for day delegate rate with a maximum of 70 delegates. www.brockencotehall.com

ECKINGTON MANOR

Eckington Manor is the perfect venue for business and team building cookery activities. Set in 260 acres of stunning Worcestershire countryside with unique meeting rooms, beautifully appointed award winning accommodation, sumptuous local produce cuisine and a state of the art purpose built cookery school on site, our friendly and attentive team will ensure you won’t want to leave.

Our Apple Store meeting room offers unique character with an apex beamed roof, fine slate floors and plenty of natural daylight. The calm space of our surroundings provide the perfect platform for encouraging creativity and decision making, allowing participants to escape from their hectic schedules and take some quality time to focus.

Why not combine your meeting with a little team building in our fantastic on site cookery school. Courses can be tailor made to suit your group - from a simple two hour demonstration to a full “hands on” day, we can inject something a little different to your usual meetings. www.eckingtonmanor.co.uk

BANK HOUSE HOTEL Business customers are always welcome at Bank House. We pride ourselves on being able to offer a wide range of business facilities to meet our guest’s requirements/needs.

Our function rooms range in size from the intimate boardrooms, perfect for meetings of 2 to 20 people, up to expansive suites to hold as many as 500 delegates for a regional conference or event.

Our small boardroom can accommodate up to 24 delegates, whereas our larger boardroom can accommodate up to 40. We offer a range of great value day delegate

packages, which include room hire and equipment. As well as this, we have a number of 24 hour delegate packages.

Prices start from £32.50 for day delegate rate with a minimum of 8 delegates. www.bankhouseworcester.com

EASTNOR CASTLE AWARDED BEST LOOS AT HUDSON’S HERITAGE AWARDS A Herefordshire heritage attraction has won one of the prestigious 2017 Hudson’s Heritage Awards.

Established in 2011, the awards are an independently judged, annual, national scheme open to historic houses, gardens, museums and heritage sites.

Penelope, Viscountess Cobham, CBE, Chairman of VisitEngland presented the awards at Goldsmiths Hall in London with invited guests including owners and managers of the winning entries, representatives of the heritage tourist industry and the media.

David Littlewood, General Manager at Eastnor Castle, said: “We are delighted to have won a 2017 Hudson’s Heritage Award. It demonstrates the high standards and commitment we offer our visitors to ensure their experience is the very best. We are delighted to have the acknowledgment and recognition that Eastnor Castle is amongst the elite of heritage attractions in the UK”. www.eastnorcastle.com

TOURISM AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE 2017!

Visit Herefordshire and Visit Worcestershire will shortly be launching the Awards for Excellence 2017 which will take place this year at Malvern Theatres on Tuesday 19th September. To enter, visit www.hwchamber.co.uk/tourismawards. To find out about sponsorship opportunities and engaging with over 60 tourism businesses, contact Emma Wheeler at ewheeler@visitworcestershire.org or Andy Black at andy.black@visitherefordshire.co.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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ADVERTORIALFEATURE

UK’S MOST ESTABLISHED AND SUCCESSFUL INDEPENDENT SPECIALIST NETWORK Three Pillars Commercial Finance are part of the UK’s most established and successful independent specialist network providing Commercial Finance support to SME businesses.

a genuine and viable alternative to the High Street lenders.

Whether your business is well established or a new start we can provide support with Commercial Mortgages, Property Development Finance, Business Loans , Short Term ‘Bridging’ Finance, Factoring , Asset and Equipment Leasing.

Time and again we prove to our clients that we can secure funding where others fail and, in the majority of cases, our advice will save you very significant amounts of money over the course of the loan. The majority of specialist lenders in the current marketplace will only accept qualified and packaged mortgage and loan proposals from Specialist Brokers such as ourselves.

Three Pillars Commercial Finance are genuinely independent, wholly impartial and will offer straightforward honest advice, given freely and without obligation.

Through our established Lender Partner network we give you immediate access to over 250 alternative UK based Commercial Lenders and Private Banks. All of our Lending Partners have funds available to lend and are genuinely still keen to support the right proposition and provide

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Often your bank will not help or they set such prohibitive terms that it becomes impractical.

Whatever your Commercial Funding requirement we offer you a free, impartial and totally confidential initial consultation and we will quickly assess the funding options available to you. We guarantee there are no ‘up-front’ fees to pay until we have secured your Agreement in

Principle for the required funding and we will allocate a qualified and experienced Consultant from our team to provide you a single point of contact throughout and to progress your case through to completion.

Please call us today to see how we can help.

Three Pillars Commercial Finance Specialist in Business & Commercial Finance 13 Church Street Stourbridge West Midlands DY8 1LU Phone: 0845 519 5697 Mobile: 07876 120066 Email: enquiries@threepillarfinance.co.uk www.threepillarsfinance.co.uk

21/02/2017 16:22

May/June 2017

BUSINESS LOANS | BRIDGING FINANCE | MORTGAGES | FACTORING & ASSET FINANCE DEVELOPMENT & CONSTRUCTION LOANS | BROKER TRAINING & BUSINESS SUPPORT

All Finance for Business in one place Commercial & Business Finance Property, Business Purchase & Buy to Let Investments. Up to 75% of property or business value. Specialists in pub, hotels, offices, manufacturing & retail premises.

Unsecured Business Finance Facilities available for up to £500,000 + for established businesses (2 years+ of accounts) from 4.9% APR. Start-ups also available, security generally required.

Property Development Finance Funding for residential and commercial new build and refurbishment projects. Up to 100% of the total funding requirement can be provided.

Bridging & Short Term Finance Home-mover ‘GAP’ Bridging Finance from just 6.5% p/a.

Non-status and investor loans from just 0.69% per month flat rate. Quick to organise, we can have funds to you in days.

Phone: 0845 519 5697 Email: enquiries@threepillarsfinance.co.uk Website: www.threepillarsfinance.co.uk Three Pillars Finance is a Credit Broker Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Our Financial Services Register Number (FRN) is 733671

MEMBERSSERVICES

MARKETING RESOURCE HUB Access a range of comprehensive material with the Chamber Marketing Resource Hub Marketing your business properly is essential for your company identity, raising your profile and for customer communication. Through our online Marketing Hub,

you can access a range of articles, blogs and FAQs on anything from SEO Keywords to Using Instagram to creating a Sales Strategy.

n Media advertising

The hub features eight sections which are filled with content to inform and inspire your marketing strategy. Topics include:

n Direct marketing

n Marketing strategy

To access the full range of content, visit www.hwchamber.co.uk/marketing-hub

n Online marketing

n Sales n Market research n Exhibitions and events n PRÂ

CHAMBER BLOG

Since the New Year, the Chamber has introduced member bloggers to its busy blog schedule. Topics so far have ranged from photography to apprenticeships, from motivating staff to cyber essentials.

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Blogs are a great way for Chamber members to raise their profile, show their expertise and engage with other members.

Blog posts must be between 300-600 words and will be shared on the Chamber website and social media channels. They

should be informative and applicable to a wide range of businesses and can be humorous. If you are interested in submitting a blog, please contact socialmedia@hwchamber.co.uk

May/June 2017

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

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Every vineyard has its own distinctive character shaped by the location, the soils and the micro-climatic. Here at Frome Valley we have a warm sheltered site, protected from the prevailing weather and a gently sloping well drained silty soil which warms readily and provides fertility and a rich balance of minerals for our vines.

Our grape varieties include Pinot Noir, Bacchus, Reichensteiner, Madeleine Angevine, Schonurger and Rondo. This selection has proved well suited to the conditions and benefits from a long growing season and slow ripening.

Our wines are classically English in style with vibrant acidity, a fresh floral nose and clean on the pallet with plenty of fruit. This style of wine fits well with the current interest in lighter styles of wine from cool climate regions.

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Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

3 King Street, Worcester, WR1 2NX

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

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CHARITYNEWS

HILLS FORD TAKE TO TWO WHEELS FOR ST RICHARD’S HOSPICE Plans are underway for a team of fourteen cycle riders from Hills Ford showrooms in Malvern and Kidderminster to take on the annual London to Brighton Cycle Ride, taking place this year on Sunday 17 September. The riders are looking to raise at least their target of £5,400 for St Richard’s Hospice in Worcester – that’s £100 for each of the 54 miles of the ride.

The company will be holding two

additional days of fundraising on Thursday 1 and Friday 2 June where staff will ride 183 miles on a static push bike in the showroom in Kidderminster.

If you would like to find out more or donate, visit www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/GFITeamHills or visit www.hillsford.co.uk to follow the team’s day to day exploits as they prepare for the event.

Hills Ford team set to cycle from London to Brighton

WASTE EFFICIENCY WALK WORCESTERSHIRE WAY Waste Efficiency, a Worcester based Waste Management company, have decided to sign up a team to take on the Worcestershire Way challenge on Friday 23 June.

The challenge is to walk the whole 31 miles of the Worcestershire Way and will involve climbing over 5000 feet

of hills culminating in the beautiful Malvern Hills. The walk will begin at Bewdley and will finish at Great Malvern, all taking place in one day!

The challenge is one of the many fundraising activities undertaken by St Richard’s Hospice to support the services they provide to those affected

by life limiting illness in Worcestershire.

Tim Reed, Director at Waste Efficiency, said: “We are delighted to be supporting St Richard’s Hospice by taking part in what promises to be a very stiff challenge!” www.wasteefficiency.co.uk

SUTCLIFFE & CO RAISE OVER £600 FOR HEARING LOSS CHARITY Local insurance brokers Sutcliffe & Co recently put their best feet forward to raise funds for hearing loss charity Deaf Direct.

A team of eight brave employees raced in the Pulse Pursuits Arden Attack Duathlon in February, taking on a 5k gruelling off-road run and an 18km road bike route, finished by another 3 km off-road run.

The team raised an impressive £635 for Deaf Direct to help local deaf and hard of

hearing children and adults.

Duncan Sutcliffe, Director at Sutcliffe & Co, commented: “Deaf Direct is a great charity that benefits so many people. We were really excited to grab this opportunity to raise funds for them and challenge ourselves at the same time - many of our team members had never taken part in such an event before! Everyone trained hard for the Arden Attack Duathlon and it was worth all the pain to raise funds for Deaf Direct.”

The Sutcliffe & Co Duathlon Team with Deaf Direct CEO Philip Gerrard

www.sutcliffeinsurance.co.uk www.deafdirect.org.uk

NATIONAL CRIMEBEAT AWARD FOR HEREFORDSHIRE VENNTURE The Lean-on-Me team from Herefordshire Vennture are delighted to have won the National Crimebeat award. A group of volunteers under the age of 25 attended the ceremony in London to collect this national award, which recognises their contribution to reducing crime in Hereford by providing a safe place. The High Sheriff and Mayor of Hereford were both in attendance and thoroughly support the scheme.

High Sheriff Bill Jackson said: “This is an incredible scheme and the students

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have been recognised nationally for their hard work”.

Lean-on-Me provides a safe place in the centre of Hereford that is open every Saturday night to care for vulnerable individuals. The shifts are covered by a group of volunteers who are extensively trained in first aid, communication skills and Lean-on-Me protocols. The volunteers assess and supervise the recovery of intoxicated individuals to keep them safe and out of A&E. www.vennture.org.uk

The Lean-on-Me team received the national award at a ceremony in London

May/June 2017

Law Firm of the Year Everything as it should be Seen as fair yet formidable opponents

Respected for our insight and knowledge

Reassuringly friendly and down to earth

Contact our Worcester office on 01905 730450 Birmingham Sedgley

Solihull Halesowen

Stourport Kidderminster

Integrity & Expertise www.thursfields.co.uk Residential Property | Wills and Estates | Dispute Resolution | Employment | Family Law Personal Injury | Employment | Commercial Property | Corporate & Commercial Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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NEWPEOPLETODOBUSINESSWITH BEWDLEY

HEREFORD

LEDBURY

Jabin Solutions Ltd

One Minute Wonders

CellCreative

Sarik Hobbies Ltd

01432 860751

01531 631605

Business Advisors www.jabinsolutions.co.uk

Graphic Design studio www.cellcreative.co.uk

3D Printing & Vacuum Moulding www.sarikhobbies.com

AD-Vantage Digital Ltd

BROMSGROVE

Little Notes Music Club

LEOMINSTER

CEB Ltd

Childrens musical entertainment/ parties littlenotesmusicclub.vpweb.co.uk

07973 463932 Sixty Second Videos www.oneminutewonders.org.uk

07956 573 428 Energy Broker/Water Broker www.cebltd.com

Asea

01527 577074 Health & Wellbeing www.yvonneackrill.teamasea.com

Charter Auctions

01527 337107 Industrial Auctioneer www.charterauctions.co.uk

BROMYARD

01785 876379 07539 529865

Malvern Riding School

Claines CE Primary School

01634 573 267

01905 451235

Equestrian www.malvernridingschool.co.uk

www.clainesceprimary.co.uk

Manufacture & Supply Metal Raised Access Flooring www.permaflor.co.uk

Breast Cancer Haven

01432 361061 Charity www.breastcancerhaven.org.uk

07702 886 730

Matrix Consultancy Group

07799 060547

Business Services themarchesbusinessimprovement.blog

Business Consultancy/ Project Management www.matrixconsultancygroup.co.uk

DROITWICH

Nimbus Fire Ltd

Black Pear Electrical

01905 700490 Electricians www.blackpearelectrical.co.uk

A A Salt Services Ltd

01905 391144 Gritting & Snow Clearing www.aasalt.co.uk

01981 241325 Fire safety consultancy www.nimbusfire.uk.com

Insurance www.clearguide.co.uk

EVESHAM Sandettie

01386 881744 Independent consultancy www.sandettie.co.uk

Media Training Masterclasses

01386 859664 Communication, Strategy, Consultancy and Coaching www.mtmleadership.co.uk

Cyber Q Limited Corporate Venue Solutions LTD

01905 612670

01684 893712 www.venuesolutions.com

Escape Rooms www.cyberq.co.uk

M & M Cars Private Hire

Building Property Services

01684 438010

www.bps-parkwood.co.uk

GPD Contracts Ltd

Dressed By Lauren Ltd

01684 593431 Specialist Render & EWI Contractor www.gpdcontracts.com

07939 061822

Manufacturing Control Solutions Limited

OUT OF AREA

01527 909770 www manufacturingcontrolsolutions.com

The Green Room

07850 907002

01527 918949

01562 741524 Education www.baxtercollege.worcs.sch.uk

Stellar Communications

Quattro Display Ltd Exhibition Contractors www.quattrodisplay.com

ROSS-ON-WYE Indian Wellness Acadamy

07552 442963 Yoga and meditation classes www.indianwellnessacademy.com

07475 578528

STOURPORT-ON-SEVERN

Communications www.stellar-communications.co.uk

A-Z Wedding Services

01299 879888 Crystal Thought Limited

01584 890725

www.a-zweddingservices.co.uk

Creative Agency www.crystalthought.co.uk

WORCESTER

Plan2Plant

01905 455 422 Education

07980 728136 Soft Landscapes & Horticulture www.plan2plant.com

www.dressedbylauren.co.uk

Huw Richards Coaching Ltd

Voluntary www.rivercarnival.org

Baxter College

01905 27300

REDDITCH

Expert Music Tuition

KIDDERMINSTER

01905 388550

www.mmprivatehire.co.uk

Hereford River Carnival 01432 266611

Clear Guide Limited

01905 676565

01886 853201

MALVERN

Security Services and Consultation www.conquestcsl.co.uk

Retail Butchers www.checketts.co.uk

The Baiting House

Health Promotion www.elumed.co.uk

01432 347722

Cider, brewing and beverages www.marchesbp.com

Checketts Fine Foods 01905 620284

07548 484400

Pub, restaurant, hotel and luxury holiday lodges www.baitinghouse.co.uk

Conquest Consultation and Security Limited

07720 616543

Elumed

Digital Display Screens www.ad-v.co.uk

Bathgate Flooring Ltd T/A Permaflor

Marches Bottling & Packaging Ltd 01885 489812

The Marches Business Improvement

01905 384233

www.huwrichardscoaching.com

John Kilby and Son T/A Kilby Packaging

01564 823176 www.kilby.co.uk

Coface UK Services Ltd

0207 3257500 Credit Insurance Company www.cofaceuk.com

Zomma Bookkeeping

01743 762244 www.zomma.biz

Three Pillars Finance

0845 519 5697 Business & Commercial Finance www.threepillarsfinance.co.uk

Mercedes Benz of Stourbridge

01384 918585 Mercedes Benz dealer mercedes-benzofstourbridge.co.uk

The Aspire Academy

www.theaspireacademy.org.uk

OLPRO Ltd

01299 896959 Wholesale/ Retail Outdoor Products www.olproshop.com

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May/June 2017

NEWPEOPLETODOBUSINESSWITH

ALIMENTI Alimenti Food Sciences Ltd is a consultancy that specialises in food safety and regulatory compliance. The company was set up in response to a need that was identified for growing businesses that do not have this expertise, or for larger businesses that need a temporary solution. They cover a wide range of disciplines, including technical management; business

continuity, training and supply chain management.

Led by MD Louise Roberts who is a Chartered Scientist and Registered Food Safety Manager, Alimenti is well positioned to help food businesses in the area to grow. They joined the Chamber as a new business to meet firms in the area that are planning

growth, and to provide opportunities to engage with the local business community.

The website www.alimenti.co.uk has recently been relaunched, following a rebranding exercise. Alimenti are offering a 10% discount to Chamber members as part of the rebranding launch.

PARK LODGE INTERNATIONAL Park Lodge International is a fire safety and investigation consultancy. It offers advice on planning, Building Regulation liaison for planning, physical assessments or checking an existing risk assessment.

It offers a range of training for fire safety and has recently launched its Distance Learning package.

ESCAPE ROOMS Tired of those old dull and conventional team building corporate events? Cyber Q is a live escape games that is designed to be an exciting and challenging team building experience which caters for small and large corporate events throughout.

We offer a number of live escape games designed to challenge your logic, teamwork, communication, leadership skills and confidence. This is a great way to help staff build relationships, friendships and confidence and frankly is just a whole lot of fun.

As our service is perfectly suitable for Team Building Exercises and Corporate events, we thought it would be a great opportunity to join Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce to become known by other businesses.

Please visit our website www.cyberq.co.uk for more information or drop us a line at info@cyberq.co.uk

PLI’s pedigree is from a Fire Service qualified safety and investigation background and has an impressive list of organisations that have benefited from its consultancy, including Fire & Police Services, Hotel groups like Movenpick, Motor Manufacturers like Ferrari, Kia and Ford, Insurance companies like NFU, AXA and Zurich, right through to small village halls and churches in Herefordshire.

With fire losses in the region of £7 billion and large fires not uncommon in the UK, it is not a good policy to say, ‘it’s OK we are insured’! The fines for infringement and in some cases custodial sentences are too big a risk for today’s businesses. www.parklodge.org.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

The Southco India Team

ONE MINUTE WONDERS A One Minute Wonder is a professionally produced sixty second video that communicates your business and brand with maximum impact.

One example is the company’s recent work with Southco India. Whilst visiting India, Pascal Testeil, Managing Director of Southco Europe, shot some great video footage. On his return, One Minute Wonders worked with Southco to edit the footage and add it to a previous video they had created, a short video capturing the Summer Fete held for Southco’s employees and their families.

This video is now being used by Southco to show prospective employees what life is like at the Worcester based manufacturer, as well as at board meetings where it is proving to be more engaging to the board members than a PowerPoint.

The video is also proving to be a great recruitment tool, giving employees in other regions the chance to see what their Southco colleagues are doing round the world.

For more information, contact mick@oneminutewonders.org.uk www.oneminutewonders.org.uk

047

MOVERSANDSHAKERS

MARK REDWOOD, THE COTTAGE IN THE WOOD

SOPHIE POWELL – HAINES WATTS HEREFORD

The Cottage in the Wood Hotel and 1919 Restaurant in the Malvern Hills has appointed new head chef Mark Redwood.

Haines Watts Hereford is delighted to welcome Sophie Powell to the Accounts team.

Sophie has over 18 years’ experience working in local and national accountancy practices.

Gloucester-born Mark has held an illustrious career in some of the South West’s finest restaurants, including six years at Sir Christopher Wren’s House in Windsor, three years as head chef at the Painswick Hotel in Gloucester and most recently, ten years as head chef at the Old Passage in Gloucester, where he gained two AA Rosettes for the restaurant. www.cottageinthewood.co.uk

hwca.com/accountants-hereford NEW OFFICE AND HIRES FOR BEACON ASSET FINANCE The specialist business funding firm Beacon Asset Finance has completed its move into new premises in Rotherwas as the next stage of its 2017/18 growth plans get underway.

The company’s expanding team will now be based there, including new compliance officer Donna Bourne, and more sales support roles planned for the summer.

JANICE LEYLAND, THURSFIELDS Thursfields is delighted to welcome Janice Leyland as a Senior Associate Solicitor to its busy Family team. Janice’s recruitment comes in response to increased client demand and following on from an extremely successful 2016 for the firm.

Janice joins Thursfields from Somerset firm Maitland Walker with 17 years legal experience.

She has acted for a large number of clients and specialises in all areas of family law.

LAUREN SALISBURY – H & W CHAMBER Lauren Salisbury is the new Training Co-Ordinator at the Chamber. Lauren has been at the Chamber for over a year, supporting the Events and Training Departments. She looks forward to her new role engaging with local businesses and increasing the Chamber’s training portfolio. www.hwchamber.co.uk

www.thursfields.co.uk

www.beaconassetfinance.co.uk

Vince Hopkins and Yvonne Tivey

YVONNE VOTED ONTO AMBASSADORS’ BOARD

048

The Worcestershire Ambassadors have announced the appointment of Yvonne Tivey to the Board.

New joiners: George, Andrew, Oliver and Margaret

NEW JOINERS AT GABBS SOLICITORS

LEYTON WILLIAMS, WORCESTER WARRIORS

Yvonne, who is Managing Partner at SME Solicitors in Worcester, has been actively involved with the Ambassadors for three years, alongside other volunteers.

JUNE PATEL, ST RICHARD’S HOSPICE

Leyton Williams has been promoted to the role of Head of Corporate Sales at Worcester Warriors.

With specific interest in sponsorship, Yvonne is currently working closely with Ambassadors’ Chair Vince Hopkins identifying and selecting community projects across the county for funding by the Ambassadors.

St Richard’s Hospice has announced that the current Care Director, June Patel, is to take up her new role as Chief Executive of the Worcestershire charity at the end of May, following the retirement of Chief Executive Mark Jackson.

Gabbs welcomes two highly experienced solicitors to their Hereford office; Andrew Perrett who specialises in Commercial Property and Margaret Harrison who will be heading up their Probate and Trusts team.

worcestershireambassadors.com

www.strichards.org.uk

They also congratulate solicitor George Carter who completed his legal training with the firm in September 2016 and welcome a trainee solicitor, Oliver Black.

Leyton joined the Warriors from the Scottish Rugby Union in August 2015 as Head of Partnerships. In his new position, he will be responsible for securing new Partners for the Warriors as well as long term hospitality clients, advertisers and player sponsors.

www.gabbs.biz

www.warriors.co.uk

May/June 2017

MOVERSANDSHAKERS

IAN PEAKE, MARCHES LEP The Marches LEP has announced that Ian Peake, Principal and Chief Executive of Herefordshire & Ludlow College, has joined its business-led board and will focus specifically on championing Further Education.

Ian is passionate about the importance of delivering first class education and training across the region. He comments: “I am committed to the importance of strengthening the links between training, education and business and my new role will enable me to contribute meaningfully to this.”

EMMA SWAN, LANYON BOWDLER A Herefordshire law firm is expanding its education team as it continues to advise an ever-growing number of schools as they convert to academies.

Education specialist, Emma Swann, has joined Lanyon Bowdler as a consultant with more than 15 years’ experience of dealing in education law.

Emma is based at the firm’s Hereford office and will advise clients across the county, Shropshire and the Midlands. www.lblaw.co.uk

www.marcheslep.org.uk

Maqadas Ali, newly qualified Solicitor

HILLS FORD RECRUITS NEW RALLY DRIVER

THOMAS GUISE INVESTS IN FUTURE TALENT

Hills Ford are delighted to announce Osian Pryce as their new rally driver for the 2017 season. The family run Ford dealership appointed Osian full-time following his success in the 2016 season.

Osian will be driving in both the British Rally Championship and also the FIA World Rally Championship for the 2017 season.

Thomas Guise is delighted to announce two promotions and a new appointment for the firm.

After completing his training contract, Maqadas Ali qualified as a Solicitor in March. He will continue to work in the commercial property team.

“This is my biggest year ever,” said Pryce, “it’s what I’ve been working towards since I started in the sport at the age of 16.”

Thohura Bibi, who is currently Paralegal to the litigation and conveyancing teams, has been offered a training contract.

The firm also welcomes Kersha Bennett as Paralegal.

www.hillsford.co.uk

www.thomasguise.co.uk

NEW APPOINTMENTS STRENGTHEN HOTEL’S MANAGEMENT TEAM

PAUL GALLAGHER, HAINES WATTS WORCESTER Paul Gallagher has recently joined Haines Watts as Associate Tax Partner. Paul, who is both a Chartered Certified Accountant and a Chartered Tax Advisor joins Haines Watts from PWC in Birmingham, bringing extensive experience advising owner managed businesses and corporates. hwca.com/accountants-worcester

The owners of Droitwich’s St Andrews Town Hotel have made four new management appointments following growth in the number of guests and event bookings.

Charlotte Stokes has been appointed to the new role of Operations Manager, Amanda Wallis has joined as the group’s first Marketing Manager, Sally Prosser becomes the group’s Financial Controller, and Sarah Tanner will manage its office and administration teams. www.standrews-hotel.com

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

CHELSEA HOPKINS, STIRLING

DRP EXPANDS TECHNICAL SERVICES TEAM

She said: “I’m always on the look out for new fresh ideas to market our new and used cars, so if you have any events on, drop me a line!”

Local Worcestershire based creative experience agency drp has seen a substantial expansion across the team, including the growth of their technical services team.

Richard Fitzgerald has joined as Technical Warehouse Manager, and both Sam Bailey and Sam Dougan have joined as Live Event Show Technicians.

stirlingbusinesspartners.co.uk

www.drpgroup.com

Chelsea Hopkins has started at Stirling of Hereford as the new Social Media and Marketing Executive, bringing previous experience in the motor industry.

049

LASTWORD

JULY-AUGUST FOCUS – BUSINESS GROWTH For our next issue we’ll be looking at examples of business growth in the two counties, and asking companies for their tips for unlocking growth. For the Last Word, we speak to Arrivista Limited, Business Coaching and Training specialists based in Worcester.

CHAMBER GOLF SOCIETY Join the Chamber Golf society for some brilliant networking, the chance to raise money for local charities and improve your swing.

1-1 Coaching Session with Gez and Annette, Enterprise Electrical

WHAT IS THE GROWTH PLAN FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

Tuesday 4 July - sponsored by Nicklin Business Advisers and mfg Solicitors Kings Norton Golf Club Charity: Midlands Air Ambulance

Over the last 10 years, Arrivista has worked with businesses from a wide variety of industries, helping to develop leadership skills, build great teams, free up time and increase profitability across the business - the main factors in significant business growth.

Friday 14 July – sponsored by Harrison Clark Rickerbys and Acre Accountancy Limited The Herefordshire Golf Club Charity: Megan Baker House

The focus is always to help firms develop from within, providing a structured programme of coaching and training built on the critical need to ensure clients are held accountable.

Arrivista’s definition of accountability is the difference between ACTION and INTENTION - no more “I was gonna…”

One of the secrets of success is having written goals. This gives a feeling of meaning and purpose – a sense of direction. This can become a cornerstone for growth and success when you are truly accountable for achieving those goals.

A useful analogy is: A consultant does the work, provides a fish and feeds you for a day, whereas coaching is about teaching people to fish so they feed themselves for a lifetime. Arrivista introduce clients to the systems and techniques required to build a better business, they agree a set of actions and are helped by their coach to deliver on these commitments.

Often, people presume that the focus of Business Coaching is on failing companies that are struggling to grow and make a profit, whereas it actually attracts successful and established businesses where there is a desire to get to the next level of achievement. All of Arrivista’s clients have the right attitude for business growth as they are hungry for success, prepared to invest in their business and open to new ideas.

Arrivista help clients build a road map for the future of their business, to work on a step by step process. They know that by utilising proven systems and award-winning coaches, if they do the work, results will be achieved. Whether it’s improving performance in all areas associated with profitability, building great teams or freeing up time; Arrivista has a comprehensive tried and tested route for business owners to realise those ambitions.

Wednesday 20 September sponsored by CB, Chartered Accountants The Vale Golf & Country Club Charity: The Onside Advocacy Events include arrival refreshments, 18 hole of golf and a Presentation Dinner.

To book, contact Neil Bettridge at sales@amrosgolf.co.uk, 07792 62035 or visit www.amrosgolf.co.uk

Simon Williams, Founder, Arrivista Ltd said: “It has been a privilege to see individuals develop as outstanding business leaders, whilst driving ever better results and achieving goals which at the outset may have appeared a fair distance away.” www.arrivista.co.uk

SEND US YOUR STORIES The deadline for the July/August edition of Business Direction is Wednesday 26 May. Please send 150 word editorial articles to businessdirection@hwchamber.co.uk for consideration.

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May/June 2017

Want to steer a Want totowards steer a course course towards new markets? new markets?

Our international legal Our international legalteam team can help secure your future can help secure your future For expert advice on how to:

For expert advice on how to:

Maximise trade opportunities inside and outside the EU Protect and secure your workforce Maximise trade opportunities inside and outside the EU Optimise personal and company tax

Protect and secure your workforce Manage multiple properties around the world

Optimise personal and company tax

Contact Nicolas Groffman

Manage multiple properties around the world 0118 945 0161 | ngroffman@hcrlaw.com

Contact Nicolas Groffman Local National International 0118 945 0161 | ngroffman@hcrlaw.com Local COMV141917D

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