Business Direction 67

Business Direction

SKILLS Issue 67 May/June 2022

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FIRSTWORD

BRIDGING THE SKILLS GAP

ction Business Dire

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People have always been a major strength of every business, and our recently released 2022-2023 Manifesto highlights the

Policy News

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Business News

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Chamber on behalf of all businesses within the two counties, based on issues and concerns identified by our Membership.

There is a vital importance of activity between business and

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are gaining the right skills. The British Chambers of Commerce

Cover Feature

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are working with the Department of Education to create Local

Events

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Two Counties

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feedback, our Quarterly Economic Surveys (QES), roundtables

Movers and Shakers

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and more, to allow us to reach out to our partners such as

New Members

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Business News

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Skills Improvement Plans.

01905 673600 (option 5) marketing@hwchamber.co.uk

the British Chambers of Commerce to seek solutions and

EDITORIAL & SUBSCRIPTIONS

and Workforce planning, so whilst reporting on activity each

lobby government. The QES analyses areas such as Skills quarter, we can also assess planning for our future workforce.

With ongoing challenges and an ever-changing environment, the business community will no doubt be looking to grow and recover, but it is important to not forget the need to upskill existing staff whilst recruiting, attracting and retaining the right talent.

FEATURES EDITOR

Karen Southern karen.southern@distinctivegroup.co.uk

International Trade

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People to do Business With

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Business News

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Business News

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Charity News

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Worcestershire Works Well

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Chamber, with ticket sales now open for our 2022 Business

Member Benefits

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Awards, taking place on Thursday 7 July at the Worcester

Last Word

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Moving into the summer sees exciting times ahead for the

Angie Smith Business Development Manager, Distinctive Media Group Ltd 0191 5805472 angie.smith@distinctivegroup.co.uk

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Big Interview

MARKETING TEAM

ADVERTISING

Business News

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As a Chamber we continue to listen, through Member

www.distinctivegroup.co.uk

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Chamber Training

Please send all submissions to marketing@hwchamber.co.uk

Distinctive Media Group Ltd, 3rd Floor, Tru Knit House, 9-11 Carliol Square, Newcastle, NE1 6UF

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Chair’s Report

of Commerce are working closely with local schools and colleges, ensuring that course content is relevant and students

PRODUCTION & DESIGN

Skills

education, therefore Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber

Business Direction, Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce’s full colour bi-monthly publication. Designed and produced by business people for business people, with a total readership of 10,500.

01905 673 639 www.hwchamber.co.uk/business-direction

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Manifesto also outlines the major policy objectives for the

BUSINESS DIRECTION

Chamber News

Business News

environment and personal development. The Chamber Business

Issue 67 May/June 2022

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Presidents Column

need to recognise our existing workforce, its wellbeing, working

SKILLS

First Word

Arena. The evening will celebrate the best of local firms, spotlighting the fantastic efforts put in by the business community over the past year.

As we focus on bridging the skills gap, I am delighted to introduce you to the latest edition of Business Direction, which is packed full of news, advice and insights from businesses across the region. This edition, titled ‘Skills’ looks at areas such as apprenticeships and traineeships, attracting and retaining skilled staff, updates on government schemes, training portfolios and higher education.

University of Wolverhampton,

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Cyber Quarter and NMITE make up our cover interview 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.

features, talking about the importance of cyber security and the future of engineering.

Best regards Sharon Smith Chief Executive of Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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Our Patrons are:

May/June 2022

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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CHAMBERNEWS CHAMBER RECEIVES HIGHEST PLATINUM ACCREDITATION The Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is absolutely delighted to share the news that we have been awarded the We invest in people Platinum accreditation.

CHAMBER TO SPONSOR RED PAINT IN ECHO’S PLATINUM COLOUR FEST Thanks to local charity ECHO, a Fun Run with a difference will be part of the Leominster Festival on Saturday 4 June.

The run will start and finish at Halo Bridge Street Sports Centre. Dressed in white, participants will be able to run, jog, walk or dance their way through a series of Paint Stations, so that by the time they reach the finishing line, they’ll all be covered in (fully biodegradable) paint – and broad smiles!

Platinum is the highest level of accreditation possible to achieve and it’s something only 2% of organisations obtain. It means policies and practices around supporting people are embedded in every corner of Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce and in a platinum company, everyone – from the CEO to our apprentices – knows they have a part to play in the company doing well, and is always looking for ways to improve.

Mike Cook, Chief Officer of ECHO, explains: “The event is all about having fun with family and friends, giving back to your local community and it’s part of the Leominster Festival too! Since medieval times the image of the lion has been associated with the town – so each participant will be given a pair of lion’s ears and can have a lion face painting.”

He added, “We’re delighted that several prominent and generous organisations are sponsoring and taking part in this event.”

One of these is the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce.

Elizabeth Hardman from the Chamber says: “We are all so happy to sponsor a paint station. We’ve chosen the red one as that’s our corporate colour. We can hardly wait to paint the town red! We know what important and special work ECHO does for people with learning and other disabilities, so we’re delighted to have this great opportunity to support them”.

Entry fees, which include a pair of lion’s ears, a face painting, neon sunglasses, a professional warm-up and plenty of paint, are £10 per adult, £5 for children (children under 12 need to be accompanied by an adult) and £25 for a family of four.

Tickets can be obtained by emailing echo.info@echoherefordshire.co.uk

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We believe that the success of an organisation begins and ends with people.

If we make work better for everyone, we make work better for every organisation.

Every single one of our employees is involved in supporting each other and

THE CHAMBER’S HEREFORD DROP-IN DAYS ARE BACK! Membership. This event is also a great way for Non-members to meet our Herefordshire team in an informal setting and allows local businesses to ask questions and share ideas.

The Fun Run is a major fundraising event organised by ECHO, Leominster’s local charity which supports adults with learning and other disabilities across Herefordshire.

The full distance is around 5 km – that’s a little over three miles – but people can choose shorter, easier routes if they prefer.

The event is intended for anyone who fancies enjoying a bit of exercise and a good laugh during the Platinum Jubilee Weekend.

is doing their best to make work better.

Our We invest in people assessment was a great opportunity for us to hear from the team and learn about what we’re doing well as an organisation, and what we can do to make it even better. With the feedback our team gave us, we’ve got recommendations and an action plan so that we can keep making changes, keep improving and keep moving forward.

On the first Wednesday of every month our Herefordshire Membership team will be hosting a drop in event at our Hereford offices in The Shell Store.

Our drop-in days give Members the opportunity to discuss business growth, engagement, successes and struggles exploring new ways to best utilise Chamber

The purpose of this event is to encourage Herefordshire businesses, both Members and Non-members, to engage with their local Chamber and identify ways in which we can work together to set realistic goals and meet targets.

Our Hereford Drop-In Days will be taking place on the first Wednesday of every month, 10:00am-12:00pm, at The Shell Store Hereford.

To book your place or to express your interest, please email bethi@hwchamber.co.uk.

FREE EXPORT DECLARATIONS FOR GROUPS COLLECTING AND TRANSPORTING HUMANITARIAN AID (please note that this is currently being waived by PL) Guidance for what the customer will still need to do: If you are sending humanitarian aid to Ukraine, ChamberCustoms can help with the customs process in the UK. ChamberCustoms will be offering FREE one off-export declarations for goods leaving the UK for humanitarian reasons.

What we will do: Create an export declaration Create a GMR for the truck going out Create a GMR for the empty truck returning back to the UK Provide guidance on the steps to follow What we will not do: Transit documentation Import declaration in the receiving country

EAD export declaration using single commodity code (provided by ChamberCustoms free of charge) GMR in GB (ChamberCustoms can provide free of charge) T1 Transit from GB to destination country ENS in France SI Brexit in France Physical transportation of goods Closure of Transit movement in destination country Import entry (may not be required as currently PL authorities are waiving it) Find out more and get in touch here: https://www.chambercustoms.co.uk/ukraine

May/June 2022

PRESIDENTSCOLUMN

UNLOCK THE POTENTIAL OF YOUR COMMITTED STAFF

In my first President’s Column back in early 2021, I commented on how our people are our single most important resource in our businesses. This has never resonated more so than right now, when we find ourselves in a hugely competitive labour market. Amidst the economic bounceback as Covid-19 restrictions were eased, long term challenges around an underinvestment in careers advice and the “skills gap” in the UK have combined with short term shocks such as Brexit and the global pandemic, resulting in the number of vacancies far outstripping the supply of eligible candidates. For many businesses struggling to recruit, there has been real concern about having the resource to deliver their product or service to expectant customers.

It is at times like this that we must adopt different approaches to the status quo and not hope against hope that the right candidate will simply “turn up”. More and more firms are looking at the human resource that they already have and are realising that by unlocking its potential they can answer their recruitment prayers. By re-training and upskilling committed members of the team you can not only resolve short term issues but, also start to effectively address longer term questions around workforce and succession planning.

Away from the technical skills and qualifications required to do specific positions that are in short supply, many employers complain about a deficiency in the softer skills of the individuals that

they do interview… the personal and cultural fit of someone to your business.

How powerful it could be if we already have people within our business, living and breathing our values, who we look to develop, grow and promote.

still need to recruit, but for a wholly different,

Exactly how you decide to approach the training and development of your team tracks all the way back to properly understanding what it is that you feel your business is lacking in terms of resource. It is far too easy to dust off an old job spec and think “we need another one of them” - by analysing where the gaps are you open up the possibilities of moving people around and/ or identifying those that would be able to fill those spaces with the right support. Once you have done this, you may indeed find you

you can boost engagement and retention

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

and possibly easier to fill position.

Finally, it is important to note that if you do decide to go down this route the added bonus is that by investing in your people, and become a more attractive proposition when recruiting for those positions that you simply have to recruit for externally. Training existing staff is by no means a silver bullet for all your recruitment needs, but a business that works to enhance personal and career development opportunities, that actively gives to employees rather than just takes, is one that stands out in the uber-competitive labour market that I have already mentioned.

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BUSINESSNEWS

BRIDGING THE SKILLS GAP IN UK ENGINEERING

The latest UK data highlights 170,000 Engineer vacancies are unfilled, up from 90,000 just a few years back. Projections show both a continuation and worrying acceleration of this upward trend, with unfilled vacancies projected to rise above 250,000 within the next 5 years.

SO WHAT’S BEHIND THE NUMBERS, AND WHO’S DRIVING THIS? Much has been documented regarding the supply of skilled engineers to industry. From early stage academia involvement in STEM subjects, increased University graduate programmes through to the retraining/ upskilling within the current active workforce.

Much has been done and continues to be done to improve numbers in these areas. However, successes gained in these areas are overshadowed by the one single overwhelming issue: the baseline reduction of Engineers leaving the workforce.

ENGINEERS LEAVING THE WORKFORCE This is not just an engineering but rather symptomatic of today’s wider workforce.

However the demographic of certified engineers is already heavily skewed toward the more mature age group. So a problem that’s simply been stored up and become more acute, more quickly than most areas of the workforce. It’s only recently become truly visible, manifesting itself as an ever-decreasing pool of skilled engineer

talent needing to fill an ever increasing number of vacancies. Sound familiar?

SO WHAT’S THE ANSWER? Firstly, we need to change! But not just a small change. We need to think BIG and differently. As business leaders, we need to target staff retention as a key metric, we truly need to “walk-the-walk” on inclusivity and operational flexibility, we need to constantly challenge ourselves and our teams to become more social as an enterprise and create more meaningful and engaging work experience.

But equally, there is another way where employers alone DON’T have to shoulder ALL of the responsibility?

A COMMUNITY OF SKILLS ON DEMAND FOR INDUSTRY As a business lead, you will have a core team of full-time employees to operationalise your business. This is the basis for success. However imagine a parallel work-force, operating alongside your business in those times of peak demand, supplying that special skill-set, on-demand, just for a week (or so) to solve your “burning” short-term issue and then when the “gig” is complete, they leave and you’re not left carrying unnecessary fixed overhead nor recurring costs. Would you take it?

Taking the “lift” away from employers and “democratising the future workspace” would provide a new national freelance talent pool of the very best engineers that simply wouldn’t otherwise be available and would have left the industry! Your local action would affect diversity and inclusion at a national level. Now that’s a BIG change.

The model for this new way to work is already built. Would you like to help us all change convention? For those interested to know more, please feel free to check out www.giganeer.com

SPRING STATEMENT AND TAX RISES There has been a lot in the press made of the squeeze on household spending and the Chancellor was under much pressure to help with this when he approached the dispatch box on 23 March. His increase of the primary threshold for National Insurance is meant to be his key answer to that issue, but it is worth noting that from a business perspective this increasing threshold is not being mirrored to the secondary threshold for National Insurance and hence the 1.25% increase to Employers’ National Insurance is going ahead in full.

When this is combined with the 1.25% increase in dividend tax from April 2022, and the 6% increase in corporation tax from 2023, a business owner’s take-home pay may be over 10% lower than 2021/22 as a result of tax alone, and of course that is without the effects of inflationary rises that may not be fully passed on in the selling price. Those with large staffing costs will be hit hardest, as the 1.25% extra National Insurance applies across

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the payroll bill. Businesses were promised some continuing attractive tax reliefs on investment in plant and machinery going forwards, but details were light with the Chancellor going away to investigate how best to manage this. I was also somewhat concerned by the comment about making the tax system ‘simpler, fairer, and more efficient’. This to me was at least a hint that the government could move ahead with the long awaited reforms to capital gains tax and inheritance tax, as arguably the bits of the tax legislation that could be perceived to be ‘complex and unfair’ would be the reliefs to these taxes which business owners benefit from. Although the Spring Statement was never meant to be a budget, there was little in there to help concerned business owners get through the next 12 months, with business taxation being simply another inflationary pressure to add to the long list of other inflationary pressures currently out there.

MAKING THE MOST OF THE APPRENTICESHIP LEVY Any business with a payroll of £3million or more will be contributing each month to an apprenticeship ‘levy pot’. The pot is available to all businesses, whether levy payers or not.

If you are a small business and don’t pay the levy, you can still use apprenticeship funding to significantly reduce the amount it costs you to train apprentices.

Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to develop inexperienced new employees quickly, or to provide development to more experienced or older staff (there is no age limit for apprenticeships).

If you take into account the current incentive payments (see below) it could cost you nothing to train your apprentices, and you may well be better off.

If you’re a levy payer, you will contribute 0.5% of your payroll above £3million to the pot, and the government then tops this up by a further 10%.

That money is for you to use, provided it’s to pay for apprenticeship training; if you haven’t used it within a couple of years, it gets returned to the Treasury.

If you spend more than your levy pot on apprenticeships, the Treasury will then ‘match-fund’ any further training, meaning you still won’t pay the full cost of the apprenticeship.

INCENTIVE PAYMENTS In case that’s not enough of an incentive, the government is encouraging take-up of apprentices with two different incentive schemes.

The first is an ongoing incentive, which pays a bonus if you employ apprentices who are aged 16-18.

Secondly, as part of the Covid recovery programme a recruitment incentive was introduced, which is now in its third iteration; this pays you an additional £3000 for each apprentice you recruit before 31 March 2022.

It’s an opportunity to make use of money that is frequently returned to the Treasury unused, and is really not to be missed.

If you have no need to spend your levy (for example, all your employees are highly qualified or there are no suitable apprenticeships for your industry) you can transfer up to 25% of your levy funding to another business, which could be in your supply chain, or for a business in an industry that you want to support.

Any business can apply through the ‘pledge page’ for funds to pay for apprenticeships.

Further information about hiring an apprentice can be found here.

www.gov.uk/employing-an-apprentice/ get-funding

May/June 2022

For you and your business WHISTLEBLOWING: WHAT EMPLOYERS NEED TO KNOW With Covid-19 highlighting concerns ranging from workplace safety to furlough fraud, it is hardly surprising to have seen a rise in workers ‘speaking out’ about such issues.

However, what amounts to whistleblowing is a complex and technical area of law with lots of angles, and it is not always obvious that a worker is whistleblowing.

But if a whistleblowing complaint is not spotted or is mishandled, an employer may find themselves on the receiving end of costly litigation.

It is therefore crucial to understand what whistleblowing is. In broad terms, whistleblowing is a worker disclosing information about past, present or imminent wrongdoing in the workplace or an attempt to conceal the same – typically to their own employer or a regulator.

The disclosure of information can be oral or in writing and need not be formal which is why a whistleblowing complaint can be easy to miss.

Workers disclosing such information must believe that doing so is in the public interest and that belief must be reasonable in all the circumstances.

A worker acting purely in self-interest will not be protected, although they could well be protected for blowing the whistle about breaches of individual employment rights where the disclosure is also in their own personal interest.

Whistleblowing legislation protects workers, including employees, from being subjected to any detriment on the grounds that they have made a ‘protected disclosure’.

Lisa Kemp

Employees are further safeguarded against dismissal. And if the principal reason for an employee’s dismissal is that they made a protected disclosure, they shall be regarded as automatically unfairly dismissed.

This is crucial, and employers need to know that there is no cap on the amount of compensation which can be awarded in such cases, where interim relief is also available in some circumstances.

Organisations should therefore be encouraged to see effective whistleblowing procedures as part of their good governance strategy.

Effective whistleblowing procedures can uncover hidden occupational issues, and dealing with a complaint promptly will help to avoid issues escalating, therefore mitigating litigation risk and reputational damage.

Fostering an open culture can also create better working relationships with loyal employees more likely to make an internal report than complain externally or publicly.

Employers must also remember that prohibiting staff from speaking out is not allowed. Any provision in an agreement, including a worker’s contract, trying to prevent them from whistleblowing will be void, as will non-disclosure agreements in settlement agreements which seek to gag workers from making a protected disclosure.

Here at Thursfields, we believe that good governance and a clear, meaningful whistleblowing policy encourages a culture where wrongdoing can be addressed quickly and potentially before any litigation, regulatory action or damage to reputation.

We have a team of experienced lawyers who can support businesses by providing bespoke management training and drafting effective policies. We also undertake investigations and defend whistleblowing claims.

Lisa Kemp Associate Director, Employment & HR Law lkemp@thursfields.co.uk 0345 20 73 72 8

Tel: 0345 20 73 72 8 | info@thursfields.co.uk | www.thursfields.co.uk S O L I H U L L | B I R M I N G H A M | WO RC E S T ER | K I D D ER M I N S T ER | H A L E S OW EN

TECHADVICE

How your business will benefit from outsourcing your IT We all know how important IT is to running a business. We only have to look at the way the working world is changing to understand that having the right IT and technology in place can quite simply make or break your business. That’s why many businesses turn to outsourced IT services for the range of benefits they can provide.

What is IT Outsourcing?

Qualified & Experienced:

IT outsourcing is the business practice of using an external provider to manage your IT function and can include a range of services including IT helpdesk, software development, infrastructure solutions and software support. Many companies are also outsourcing the management of their cloud services, such as, Office 365, data storage, back-up and disaster recovery.

Outsourcing to the cloud is usually cheaper and provides a greater degree of both flexibility and security.

It’s understandable that many businesses simply don’t have the budget to employ an expert in every available field of IT. When a business chooses to outsource their IT, they are buying into a range of expertise, with technicians who are experienced, certified and trained to offer top level support and guidance that might otherwise be unattainable.

IT costs: Keeping your IT Support costs in line or saving money will certainly be high on the agenda for most organisations and can be achieved in several ways. Fixed costs, where you only pay for what you need or use allows for effective budgeting whilst the cost of updating and supporting IT software or hardware is greatly reduced.

Additionally, the assurance that your IT is maintained and monitored safeguards against any costly surprises.

The latest technology: Just keeping up with the latest technology is a job in itself. IT outsourcing companies have direct access to the latest news and updates and can help you take advantage of new advances and trends. What’s more, IT projects that would ordinarily take weeks, or even months to prepare and implement, can be deployed quickly and seamlessly by a team of qualified experts.

Better productivity: Employees only have a limited amount of time and attention that they can divide amongst all of their business’ IT demands.

Whether you have an in-house IT person or you’re juggling multiple roles in the business, valuable time could be lost

attending to menial IT tasks or trying to understand complicated IT projects.

Outsourced IT services can transfer the responsibility of maintaining your IT systems, freeing up your time to spend on more meaningful projects.

Compliance & Security: Every business carries risk. But nominating just one employee to look after your data and system security could prove to be a compliance risk. With the increasing variety of online threats, businesses need to be confident that they can keep up with changing security risks, and the technology needed to counter this. Outsourcing your IT to a partner who is accredited and adheres to strict security regulations and practices means you’re better protected.

EBC Group have been helping businesses with their IT for over 30 years. We provide a full range of award-winning outsourced IT services to support your business with their IT needs. We can work with you to fully outsource your IT or work with an existing team on specific aspects. To find out more, visit www.ebcgroup.co.uk or contact us on 0121 3680154 or hello@ ebcgroup.co.uk.

The simplicity of one Managed Service Provider for all your technology needs IT Services | Cloud | Security | Telephony | Print & Data

0121 3680187 www.ebcgroup.co.uk

BEST OF WORCESTERSHIRE CELEBRATED AT THE TOURISM AWARDS 21/22!

Businesses in Worcestershire are celebrating after the Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards!

A total of 37 finalists were shortlisted by expert judges, with 12 winners being awarded for their service to the sector.

Sponsored by Love to Visit, the glamorous awards evening, hosted by award-winning comedian and author, Dominic Holland, took place at the stunning Stanbrook Abbey Hotel. The event attracted over 200 guests and included a Worcestershire inspired menu.

Two years since the industry was forced to close due to the pandemic, the evening represented a chance to commemorate the resilience and determination of all tourism businesses across the county.

Rowley Farm Holidays were awarded the Winner of Winner’s Award for their excellent accommodation offering and great contribution to net-zero targets.

The accolade was a surprise award to the evening acknowledging the highest scoring finalist and outstanding feedback from the judging process.

Dominique Bray, Business Growth Manager for Visit Worcestershire said “We are delighted with the success of our first inaugural Tourism Awards at Stanbrook Abbey. We could not have asked for better feedback from the guests in attendance, which is a great reflection on the work and effort put in by the Visit Worcestershire team. I am truly thrilled for all our winners and those who received ‘highly commended’.

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We are all looking forward to seeing how far the winners progress at the National Awards in June”.

LIST OF WINNER’S

The awards ceremony was the first to be hosted by the new Visit Worcestershire team and the event is now set to be an annual occasion in the tourism annual calendar.

B&B and Guest House of the Year Award Willow Pond Holiday Properties

Following the awards, three Worcestershire businesses have been shortlisted for the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence highlighting some of the best tourism businesses across the country. All shortlisted businesses will receive either a bronze, silver or gold award gaining national recognition for their fantastic contributions to the visitor economy.

Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year Treeopia

Hotel of the Year The Elms Hotel & Spa Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year Hopleys Family Camping Pub of the Year The Flyford Taste of Worcestershire Award The Cottage in the Wood, Malvern, 1919 Restaurant

FINALISTS – VISITENGLAND AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE

Experience of the Year Astley Vineyard

New Tourism Business of the Year – Rowley Farm Holidays, Worcester

New Tourism Business of the Year Rowley Farm Holidays

Resilience and Innovation Award – Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year Attwell Farm Park

Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year – Treeopia, Tenbury Wells

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year West Midland Safari Park

Entries for the 2022/2023 Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards are now open and Visit Worcestershire are asking all tourism and hospitality businesses in the county to get involved.

Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Award Little Al’s Kitchen

Further details will be announced via www.visitworcestershire.org/ tourism-awards/ and on relevant social media channels.

Resilience and Innovation Award Severn Valley Railway Winner of Winner’s Award Rowley Farm Holidays

May/June 2022

POLICYNEWS be underestimated in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Be it food and drink to heavy machinery, businesses in the counties are contributing to local and national prosperity.

The International Team will continue to represent the membership and use connections with the International Chamber of Commerce and 120 Embassies and High Commissions around the world.

However, 42% of businesses report supply chain issues as a barrier to trade. At the same time, 34% of importers/exporters reported regulation and documentation as a problem.

CHAMBER MANIFESTO RECOGNISES CHALLENGING YEAR AHEAD FOR BUSINESS Yamazaki Mazak in Worcester hosted the recent Economic Conference which included the launch of the Chamber Manifesto for 2022/2023. Speakers from Herefordshire and Worcestershire reported on successful outcomes in the last year and looked to a challenging year ahead.

The Manifesto outlines activities that the Chamber will undertake to represent the interests and address the challenges faced by the membership. These challenges have been identified as a result of 12 months of research through the Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) and hundreds of consultations conducted by our Membership team.

a series of industry forums such as the Growth, Manufacturing, and Food and Drink Forums, brand and profile raising events like the two Expo’s, and regular networking events across both counties such as lunchtime networking and breakfasts to help businesses make new contacts and develop existing relationships.

BUSINESS COSTS Cost pressures are real. In recent QES’s 63% of businesses have expressed concern about increasing energy costs. 42% of businesses were experiencing supply chain delays and 21% cited changes to import and export regulations as a cost pressure.

The QES provides valuable insight into performance, and most importantly outlook for businesses. Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce consistently return more surveys than any of the 53 Chambers in the UK and were recognised by David Bharier, Head of Research for the British Chamber of Commerce, at the conference.

As a Chamber we will actively seek Members feedback in this area so that we can, through the BCC, lobby and highlight to central government the challenges at local level. We will also continue to share best practice through events such as the Manufacturing Forum and where possible highlight funding and schemes that will help ease the burden of riding costs.

The most recent survey was enlightening for a change in outlook. The survey completed in November 2021 indicated a “cautious optimism” for business in terms of sales, cash flow and profitability. This was contrasted by in March 2022 with 14% of businesses expecting sales to decline in the next 3 months, 22% expecting cashflow pressures, and 19% expecting profitability to decline.

This is where wider information sources can be utilised. The Salary and Benefits Survey commissioned by Hewett Recruitment allows businesses to benchmark wage costs, Bank of England Briefings give a national view, and the Chambers “Finance Finder” can assist in the search of funding to ease cost pressures.

The Manifesto, however, is not a snapshot of current opinion, it is a culmination of research over a wider period of time and a greater sample of surveys and membership consultations. The 2021/2022 Manifesto had Covid 19 as an underlying factor. This year’s does not ignore the impact but does look forward as society tries to live with the virus.

As with last year, the Manifesto has six key sections, and these are Business Growth, Business Costs, People, International Trade, Technology and Sustainability.

BUSINESS GROWTH

PEOPLE This section was referred to as Skills last year, but there is more to this section, possibly our most important asset, than training and development and as such we have widened the subject. We will be connecting business with education and in turn preparing our future workforce.

49% of businesses reported recruitment would be a key challenge in the year ahead, and 39% of businesses viewed retention of existing workforce as a challenge.

This is why in our activities moving forward we will champion workplace wellbeing, identified by 38% of businesses as a priority, mental health awareness, and encourage equality and diversity.

This section was called Covid Recovery last year – Business Growth is more appropriate as we try to emerge from a Covid world. Whilst a degree of caution is attached to any business growth, of those recently surveyed 65% still expected turnover to increase in the months ahead.

The Chambers training and development offer, covering a wide range of subjects, virtually, and in person, in both Worcester and Hereford will support this activity for members.

To help facilitate this the Chamber will deliver

The importance of international trade cannot

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

This is where relations with the Chamber’s documentation team, ongoing liaison with DiT, and the provision of international trade training will be a vital support service for Members and customers in terms of translation, ATA Carnets and Letters of Credit.

TECHNOLOGY Technology was in the manifesto last year, rightly so as business strives to make processes more efficient and use tech to do so.

This year, there is an emphasis on one critical area of technology – Cyber Security. Even today there is a higher risk of cyber-attack from foreign parties, but prevention is certainly better than cure! 31% of businesses cited cyber security as a challenge to their business.

Equally, as business adopts more technology, our schools and colleges need to work with business to ensure curriculum matches need and the Chamber’s contribution to the Skills White Paper will ensure this is made possible. The Chamber will continue to champion the Midlands Centre for Cyber Security at Skylon Park in Hereford.

SUSTAINABILITY Sustainability and climate change could not be more important in terms of business growth and general wellbeing. The Chamber, along with local LEP’s, and of course local councils have been driving the green agenda forward in recent years and will continue to do so.

In recent surveys. 24% of companies reported pressure from clients to become greener. 28% of companies see the use of more sustainable energy as a key action, and most interestingly, 68% of businesses requested more information on funding to help the process.

As a result, and reassuring that this is the case, the Chamber will continue to deliver the BEEP and LoCOP programmes and run Sustainability Forums in conjunction with these programmes.

At the same time the Chambers sustainability hub, sitting on the website, will complement activities around the Herefordshire Citizens Climate Change Assembly, and Worcester’s Zero Carbon Objectives.

Business Growth, Business Costs, People, International Trade, Technology, and Sustainability. Areas identified by the members and challenges to be addressed and supported

by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce in the year ahead.

Download your free copy of the report here: https://hwchamber.co.uk/wp-content/ uploads/2022/03/Business-Manifesto-22-23.pdf

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May/June 2022

TRADITIONALLY ACCOUNTANCY HAS BEEN ALL ABOUT NUMBERS AND COMMERCIAL CONSIDERATIONS; BUT NOT HERE AT HAINES WATTS Our client’s problems become our problems, they’re never just a number to us – we really care about the success of the businesses we work with and as a lot of our regional partners are business owners themselves, they can really empathise and advise on a peer level.

We really strive to build lasting, valued relationships and to make a tangible and meaningful impact. It is our clients’ success that drives us and we are proactively committed to helping our clients and colleagues achieve their business and life goals in a passionate and authentic way, as these are the key traits that underpin everything we do.

At the heart of our firm is our colleagues, which is why team engagement has become more important than ever before.

We have achieved 1-Star recognition from Best Companies for this and we are also one of the Top 10 best accountancy firms

to work for in the UK, investing heavily in colleague wellbeing and mindfulness.

As the face of the workplace has shifted since the pandemic, we have adapted and challenged what the working environment looks like for our teams, creating an environment fit for the future.

We’re here for the long haul. Whatever challenges you face from starting up, right through to exit strategies and everything in between. Our national presence gives us a broad overview, and you, access to many different specialist services. www.hwca.com

Looking beyond the numbers. www.hwca.com

Scan here to find out more

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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May/June 2022

ARE YOU DRIVING YOUR BUSINESS BLINDFOLDED? The facts and story your numbers tell you matter for: BUSINESS GROWTH AND BUSINESS EFFICIENCY Financial facts and data aren’t always the “sexy” part of the business. But how do you make decisions without facts and data that are accurate?

In business, accurate data is critical to growth and efficient operations. If you don’t know your numbers, you can’t effectively set up strategies or action plans to make improvements. It’s imperative that you keep track of the data so you can adapt and pivot strategies for effectiveness.

FINANCIAL METRICS Financial metrics are the first line of defence and offense for a business owner. Knowing the following numbers are fundamental to running a successful business.

Total revenue

Total expenses

Profit

Profit margin

Cash on hand or cashflow Debt & debt ratio Total inventory

Equity Account receivables & payables Net Income

Once you know your financial position you should review monthly or even weekly depending on your industry.

WHAT GETS MEASURED GETS MANAGED Peter Drucker said “what gets measured gets managed” and this is true in most cases, therefore choosing the right metrics to measure in your business is important.

Measure the areas in your business that are meaningful to what you are trying to achieve, that could be Project Costs, A,B or C Grade Customers, Cost of Sales, etc.

As a Business Coach, when I start working with a new client, the first things I look at are the numbers, typically: What is the Primary Objective of your Business?

Who is a good customer?

How do you “Win & Keep” customers?

When does this happen?

If you can’t answer these questions without hesitation, you have work to do!

For help setting up your numbers email or text “numbers” to phillipnicholls@actioncoach.com or mobile 07947 718594

N AT U R A L T H E R A P Y I am a meditation teacher and bodyworker serving Herefordshire, Worcestershire and beyond. I have studied the healing arts since 2004 and practised since 2016.

depression, stress, insomnia, chronic fatigue, pain, injuries, ADHD/Autism and other issues. You are welcome to a consultation to discuss therapy.

I recovered from serious illnesses myself and have a strong track record in helping people with a wide range of challenges. I am also a horse healer.

My book ‘The Foundations of Self-Healing’ explains the holistic system I invented to regain my health and which I now teach others.

Clients have reported improvements in mental illnesses including anxiety and

For more information, please see my website: www.williamgeehealer.com

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BUSINESSNEWS

EMPLOYING SKILLED STAFF FROM OVERSEAS

The combination of Brexit, COVID 19 and the national skills shortage have had a significant impact on the UK skilled workforce and the ability to attract and retain skilled staff from within the UK in many sectors. Many companies are starting to think outside the box and look at whether it would be a viable option to recruit skilled staff from overseas. But what are the options and what benefit will this bring to UK companies?

THE BALANCE BETWEEN SKILLS AND PERSONALITY Servicing and repairing multifunctional printers requires a pretty specific set of skills. The engineering team at Clarity Solutions, led by Service Director Mark Berryman, have decades of experience between them and they’re generous with their knowledge.

Having recently recruited two new engineers, Clarity focused on finding the right people and were prepared to invest in developing their skills if needed.

Attitude and the ability to learn quickly can often be as valuable as skills, providing that training is easily accessible, as it gives companies the chance to instil their values and best practice from the outset.

Specialised manufacturers’ training and current staff prepared to share their knowledge with new recruits (as well as learning from them) makes for a

highly skilled team at Clarity Solutions.

Printer problems are fixed fast and the opportunity to develop skills further benefits the company, individual staff members and customers alike. www.claritysolutions.co.uk

The main benefit will be certainty for the employer as visas can be granted for up to 5 years so there is security in the knowledge that the employee will work for them in a Skilled Worker role for a significant period. This means that companies will be investing in not only the individual employee but also in the company’s future as they will be required to sponsor workers from overseas in accordance with the Home Office guidance. The employer will therefore be assured that they will be employing overseas workers legally and without fear of reprisals.

For Skilled Workers in a Shortage Occupation, which includes the healthcare and education sectors, as well as IT and Engineering, employers will be able to pay their employees lower salaries which is a further advantage to widening the net of employing non UK staff. In 2021 a total of 203,707 work visas and extensions of stay were granted by the Home Office and with the new Immigration and Borders Bill about to be published on 6th April, with other routes such as the Global Business Mobility Route where UK based companies can sponsor employees from overseas branches to work for them, the opportunities for companies to expand their skilled workforce are only set to increase.

For further information on how to employ skilled staff from overseas please contact Alex Kaleniuk at alex.kaleniuk@live.co.uk

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SOFTWARE PROVIDER HOGE100 BENEFIT FROM NEW CLOUD SOLUTION FROM EBC GROUP EBC Group are pleased to announce that software provider Hoge 100 have recently renewed their contract to host their platform within EBC Group’s managed cloud environment, following a successful 2 year IT partnership between the two local businesses who are both members of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce.

Hoge100 are a Worcester-based software company who provide finance software to schools, businesses and charities across the UK. Hoge100 have been established

for over 30 years and work with 24 education trusts and many leading businesses. EBC Group are an award-winning Managed Services Provider based in Halesowen offering a range of managed IT Services from telephony and print to connectivity and full system infrastructure solutions across a wide range of sectors.

EBC Group created Hoge100 a cloud environment within their data centre allowing them to offer their customers financial software which is resilient, protected by the highest levels of security and fully backed up.

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SKILLS

As the government funded Kickstart scheme now draws to its conclusion, we at the Chamber have been evaluating our experiences of the scheme over the last 18 months. For those of you who have been involved with the project, it comes as no surprise that this period of time has been mixed with highs and lows. There have been many frustrations, but our overriding feeling is that we are proud to have been involved in a scheme which has achieved so much good – both for the young people in need of work, and also the businesses we have helped support.

The Chamber of Commerce has helped to facilitate over 260 placements for young people throughout Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Our role has been much more involved than originally anticipated, and whilst this required much more focus, it has been a genuine pleasure to support the businesses that applied for Kickstart via the Chamber.

As with all recruitment, it is not always plain sailing, and there have been examples of candidates starting roles that were not for them. We have seen 79 resignations, but this means we have also seen 183 young people either fulfil their role in a kickstart placement or are currently working in position.

More than half of the candidates who

have completed their placements have gone to work in permanent positions or apprenticeships within their company.

We have become close with many of the businesses we have worked with, speaking with them regularly and supporting them. Two examples of businesses who have had a very ‘mixed bag’ experience are My Netball Limited, and Redditch United Football Club.

Based in Stourport on Severn, My Netball Limited are a start-up with the drive to become a well known brand.

The business run country wide netball leagues, as well as supplying netball products - encouraging people to get active and develop a passion for netball.

Founder and owner, Kerry Bannister, had just begun the business when the pandemic first hit which halted all progress. Kerry needed more help with the workload, and fresh ideas to help her diversify. She employed 4 kickstart candidates. Whilst not all of them worked out, Jess and Jamie, have become indispensable to the business. They have huge plans for sponsorship and social media campaigns and we are delighted that Kerry has found employees she can place so much trust in.

Redditch United Football Club have taken on 18 placements throughout Kickstart.

The organisation is driven and motivated to grow. Their kickstart candidates were all placed within different departments.

Football matches were heavily restricted for a portion of the placements, but the club thought creatively about how to make the placement of use to both the candidates and themselves.

Redditch United Chairman and CEO David Faulkner commented, “We are extremely proud to have worked with the Kickstart programme over the past 18 months. As our business came back from Covid we have had significant growth and due to this were able to host a number of candidates in several different roles.

Whether the placement was completed or not, the candidates have managed to develop some essential skills for their working life. I am very pleased to report that we have now taken on two of our Kickstarter’s on full time roles after their time on the scheme came to an end. We currently have six candidates still to finish placements with us and we hope to be able to offer more permanent positions to some of those too.

The Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all Kickstart employers for their dedication to the project. It has been an experience!

Are you a Worcestershire based business? Is your business looking to expand its workforce?

Would you like to hear about the different options available to you?

Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce are currently working with businesses within Worcestershire on the Skills for Worcestershire contract. This project is part funded by the European Social Fund.

We want to increase the number of quality training opportunities available to young people within Worcestershire and help you address your businesses recruitment agenda and workforce planning.

Please contact Lauren Ashford, Business Engagement Advisor, for further information.

laurena@hwchamber.co.uk

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May/June 2022

CHAIR’SREPORT Mike Forrester, Chair

MIKE FORRESTER: CHAIR’S REPORT Taking up the Chair role on February 1st was a very exciting event in my career to date.

Having previously spent time on the Chamber Board, I relish the opportunity to be involved again in the organisation that provides so much support for businesses of all sizes across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

One of my personal goals in life is to help businesses and individuals get closer to their full potential and Chamber Membership provides a great channel towards that outcome.

I’ve been able to renew old relationships in the Chamber team and meet new faces too. It’s always been a hard working team, who support Members while managing the same internal challenges all

businesses face i.e. recruitment, retention, rising costs and growth, whilst being able to provide a sustainable wide range of services throughout the two counties.

I’ve enjoyed attending a number of events as part of the Board, including the spring Business Leaders dinner at Crumplebury and the well-attended Chamber Expo at the Three Counties Showground. It was a delight to be able to sell a record number of stands and welcome around 800 visitors on the day - creating a real ‘buzz’ in the rooms.

I’m looking forward to visiting the next Expo on October 13th - please contact the Events team if you would like to book a stand.

Other events have included a tour of NMiTE, the Food and Drink Conference, attending the ‘Meet the Neighbours’ event, the latest joint area council meeting hosted at Malvern Hills Science Park and a visit to my old company’s

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

new £1 million facility at Orchard Valley Foods in Leominster. Plus a recording with the BBC and discussing the rising impact of food inflation and supply chain challenges, the Economic Conference, hosted by Mazak, and more. Please head over to the events calendar on the Chamber website and book your place at forthcoming events.

It’s been a busy start and very encouraging to see the buoyant attendance of Members at these events. We’re seeing a real desire for Members and visitors to meet face-to-face and get back to networking and interacting together.

I look forward to working with you all. Please connect and see if I can help. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ mike-forrester/ Until next time, Mike.

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Keeping your company on track with the latest employment updates

Whether you work in HR, operations or management, understanding employment law is vital to the success of any business. In the ever-changing employment landscape, keeping on top of the latest updates can be challenging.

That’s why we’re inviting you to our popular employment law update on 23 June at Sixways Stadium in Worcester.

The day runs from 8.30am to 2.15pm, featuring five 45-minute talks from industry experts about the latest employment and HR topics, along with tea, coffee and a buffet lunch.

The day will start with ‘The changing UK immigration landscape and compliance’ from our immigration specialist, Raj Bhambra. She’ll be exploring the changes to the immigration system that have come into force since Brexit such as the revamped skilled worker route and the newly established Global Business Mobility visa route –– and discuss the positives and negatives of the current system.

The changes in Right to Work checks as of April 2022 will also be covered, along with compliance and reporting obligations. These changes mean employers are no longer able to accept physical documents when conducting Right to Work checks on all nationals other than British and Irish nationals, instead having to use the Home Office’s previously optional online checking service.

Then follows our ‘Employment and HR update: the essentials’. Harpreet Kaur from our employment and immigration team will cover all the key developments in employment law, including the recent high-profile P&O mass dismissal case.

‘Issues in the modern workplace: the effect of homeworking on businesses and employees’ will be explored by Elaine Fisher, director of Eagle HR, and Katherine Dakers. With Covid-19 changing the hybrid working landscape forever, it’s more important now than ever to understand and act on post-pandemic issues.

A PASSION FOR PEOPLE

From Covid hesitancy around jabs and returning to the office, to flexible and smart working, Elaine and Katherine will be surveying the unexpected consequences of lockdown and how employers are dealing with them. For instance, our Future Workspaces report showed that employees much preferred a mix of working from both home and the office, rather than just working from home full-time; how is this now being reflected in day to day working life?

Understanding employment law is vital to the success of any business.

Our penultimate talk of the seminar, ‘The menopause – finally!’ comes from Heidi Cooper and Michael Stokes.

Following an increase in the menopause being referred to as the cause of discriminatory treatment or dismissal in the last five years, the effects of the condition – including exhaustion, forgetfulness and joint pain - are now being openly discussed and recognised by employers.

In an employment appeal tribunal last year, it was concluded that women suffering from menopausal symptoms could be considered disabled. This seminal ruling has led employers to rethink how women suffering with the menopause are treated in the workplace. Heidi and Michael highlight recent data and explore key cases.

The final talk, ‘Mental health issues in the workplace’, will be given by our guest speaker, Kevin Gani, director and general manager of SFPD at Renishaw. As we all start to return to the office and begin to socialise in a post-pandemic world, looking after our mental health is as important as ever.

Whether through organising wellbeing events, ensuring employees are checking in on each other regularly or arranging team outings, wellbeing is becoming central to how employers recognise their employees – and in turn how employees interact with their employers. Kevin will be discussing health and wellbeing in the workplace and the role of leadership.

This will be an informative and thought-provoking day, bringing together employment and HR experts from across our firm to provide you with the most up-to-date employment law information on the matters affecting your business.

To find out more, please contact: Elaine Fisher Partner (non-solicitor), Senior HR Consultant

Harpreet Kaur Associate, Employment and Immigration

T: 01905 746 446 M: 07807 797 947 E: efisher@hcrlaw.com

T: 01905 675 826 M: 07816 591 406 E: hkaur@hcrlaw.com

www.hcrlaw.com

BUSINESSNEWS 70% of businesses that receive mentoring support survive for five years or more. (Source FSB) Double the rate of those without mentors.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO DOUBLE YOUR CHANCES OF BUSINESS SUCCESS? If you’ve recently started a business, you may be interested to learn that, according to a government report in 2019, the number of small businesses in the UK has increased every year since the year 2000 and is expected to do the same throughout this decade, too.

However, the same report also finds that fewer than half of UK start-up businesses make it beyond the five-year mark. Ouch! That’s not great news, is it?

Here’s what you can do to beat the odds…

It’s simple, get a business coach or mentor!

According to The National Mentoring Day website, a mentor is defined as: Someone who provides support and helps the mentee to review their situation through a process of reflection, questions, signposting, challenge, advice and feedback.

Richard Branson is quoted as saying, “If you ask any successful businessperson, they will always have had a great mentor at some point along the road.”

And it’s true! From Steve Jobs advising Mark Zuckerberg on the launch of Facebook, to Warren Buffett advising Bill Gates on growing Microsoft; the history of the business world is jam-packed with stories of successful mentoring partnerships.

A recent survey by the UK’s Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, found that 94% of small businesses using external support (like mentors and coaches) have seen great benefits, particularly as these organisations are now more ambitious and have higher turnovers compared with those without mentors.

The National Mentoring Day website identifies other advantages of using a mentor such as; access to resources, contacts, support, feedback and being given a fresh and/or a different perspective, as well as a newfound ability to resolve challenges. Mentees find that goals can often be achieved more quickly because an experienced mentor can help to identify new skills, inspire, motivate, and increase self-confidence, whilst providing accountability for the business owner.

Running a business can be an isolating experience and we are here to help you.

Research shows that there is a strong link between businesses that survive and those that get mentorship and/or coaching support.

At RWC our coaches can wear mentor hats and vice versa. We are here to help businesses to grow, lead and adapt. Here are 7 ways in which we do this…

93% of small business owners say that mentoring helps them to succeed. (Source Sage.com)

At RWC we:

67% of businesses report an increase in productivity due to mentoring. (Source mentorsme.org)

RECOVERY OF COMMERCIAL RENT ARREARS

communicate clearly and listen attentively.

For both coaching and mentoring, it is important to set expectations and provide feedback. demonstrate respect and trust.

For those rents which fall within the ringfenced period, a binding arbitration process has been introduced, allowing landlords and tenants to fully conclude the impasse on any outstanding rent arrears.

Both landlords and tenants should consider obtaining advice on the changes to ensure that they understand the implications.

For more information, readers can email Sam Pedley at mfg Solicitors through, samuel.pedley@mfgsolicitors.com, or by calling 01562 820181.

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make room for flexibility.

Goals are important for both coaching and mentoring sessions. The coach or mentor and you, the business owner, will agree on a plan.

People often worry that changing course is a sign of weakness. It is the opposite, as it demonstrates both maturity and confidence. are skilled in asking great questions.

This will help you explore your options and help you to get a clearer way forward, simply by talking things through. offer you the opportunity to grow and develop yourself.

There’s a fine line between business and personal coaching or mentoring and it’s almost impossible to grow your business without growing yourself. are trained in problem-solving.

We are there to help you to work out what you really want and then help you create a clear roadmap to get there. We offer an impartial and encouraging ear to support you. We are completely nonbiased and totally impartial. are not there to set goals for you.

We are not there to do the actions for you, and we are not there to tell you what to do. We will often draw on our own experiences to point you towards tools, frameworks and best practices which could help you. We can advise you, based on things that we recognise, from what we have seen work well with other businesses, too.

A good business coach and mentor is about unlocking what you want and helping you to find a clear way of getting there. If this is of interest, do get in touch and we can have a chat about how we can work together; we’d love you to double your chances of business success.

KEEPING THE SKILLS ALIVE where I’m less capable and they shine.”

Commercial landlords and tenants should note significant changes in the enforcement of commercial rent arrears.

As of 25 March, the blanket moratorium on enforcement or recovery methods such as forfeiture, Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery (CRAR) and winding up petitions, was replaced by the Commercial Rent (Coronavirus) Bill. This legislation carves out a ‘ringfenced period’ of rent debt which, if applicable, will continue to carry significant exemption from enforcement methods. Commercial tenants with arrears falling outside of this period will no longer enjoy statutory protection.

Coaches and mentors should encourage individuals to think freely. We believe that it is important to show that we trust you to be successful, so that you feel confident to take action and make progress.

The associates’ skills include project management, awards/nominations forms and tenders, paid for social media advertising and website amends and additions.

The You Do Better PR Futures Programme aims to support the team’s talent bank to convert their ideas into reality.

Chamber Member You Do Better are looking to the future when it comes to attracting and retaining their talented associates.

Ruby Edwards, Owner, works with associates rather than employees, enabling her to manage peaks and projects as well as tap into specialist talent when needed.

Ruby says: “Our associates are people who often work in larger PR Agencies and want to earn a little more as a side hustle. They add to their pockets and skills in addition to their main job and we attract and retain the experience and knowledge we need to support our clients. I work with the associates to undertake projects in which they excel,

New and existing associates within the team’s talent bank will be encouraged to gain their dream client by using their creative skills to formulate a campaign.

Then, together, they’ll pitch it to the business.

Ruby continues, “Whether we gain the work or not, we win. Not only do we gain time working together but also learn new skills, gain knowledge and experience of the creative and pitching process plus feedback from a dream client.”

More about being part of the You Do Better Talent Bank of Associates and a chance to join the Futures Programme can be found on their website: www.youdobetter.co.uk

May/June 2022

Tech and Digital Apprenticeships and Training Level 2 to Level 6 BSc Degree Retain, reskill and recruit tech talent. Digitally transform with employer-responsive Tech and Digital training and coaching specialists, providing an Ofsted certified outstanding quality of education.

96% of our apprentices achieve a Pass or above 90% of our apprentices stay with their employer after the End Point Assessment Helping individuals to become skilled Software Developers, Digital Marketers, IT Helpdesk Support, Data and Digital Support Technicians, through adult qualifications, career entry Apprenticeships and integrated degree Apprenticeships.

Being able to tailor the work-based training programmes to the job roles in our field of assistive technology has helped us recruit and upskill employees to quickly meet the needs of our business and it's a huge help that the formal training and qualifications are all handled by a training provider.

Worcester Based Software Company

www.thedevelopmentmanager.com

enquiries@tdm.co.uk

INSPIRINGWOMENINBUSINESS

Stephanie Turner Managing Director

Business Owner

ZEBRA LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS

EG PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT

“Jump; you might just fly!”

Mark Twain famously said “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” It was at the point I defined my ‘why’ when I took the leap from the corporate training world to establish EG People Development – it was a liberating and inspirational moment. Since then, I’ve simply loved everyday – enabling people to be the best version of themselves.

My Dad said these words to me nearly five years ago and they’ve stuck with me ever since. I’d reached a point in my career where something had to change, so I seized an opportunity to set up my own Landscape Institute Registered practice.

Zebra Landscape Architects was born in 2017 from a desire to control my destiny and ultimately create a business that would be built on individual strengths and be diverse, equitable and inclusive.

Females now hold more leadership roles in landscape architecture than ever before, but few have positions at the highest level. I take pride in being one of these women.

I’d be lying if I said it hadn’t been a learning curve; juggling the enjoyable side of the job with the more serious day to day running of a business presents its own challenges but, with the right mindset, anything is possible.

In 2020, I launched Zebra Ecology and Zebra Trees to provide the ultimate environmental consultancy. We now offer the full suite of services conducive to successful development for our residential, commercial and leisure clients.

We take pride in working with our clients to make sure their development is the best it can be. The forthcoming Environment Act 2021 will present pressures like no other for developers as it strives to make provision about targets, plans and policies for improving the natural environment. It’s an exciting chapter for us which brings landscape, ecology and trees to the forefront of projects.

I have an amazing team and without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Find out more about us: www.zebralandscapes.co.uk www.zebraecology.co.uk www.zebratrees.co.uk

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Liz Gait

Working with individuals through to Executive teams, either through training or coaching, the purpose is to inspire and enable opportunities for growth and learning – all whilst having fun in the process!

My favourite leadership programmes where I see the greatest increase in people’s confidence are in self awareness, performance enablement courses, coaching skills and how to positively lead people through change. The key to these programmes is getting a good balance between achieving the results and inspiring and motivating people to achieve those results. Getting the balance right often starts with self awareness and this is where Insights Discovery comes in. This fun and colourful personal profiling tool is an essential first step in effectively leading and inspiring others. We cannot hope to do this well unless we first understand ourselves.

If you’re a bit stuck, need some inspiration or simply want to realise your own potential or that of people you work with, please do check out my website – www.egpeopledevelopment.co.uk or drop me a message via the website – I don’t charge for a chat either!

May/June 2022

INSPIRINGWOMENINBUSINESS

Penny Lowe

Michelle O’Hara

Accountant

Managing Director

WELLINGTON CONSULTING

THURSFIELDS SOLICITORS

Finance or Frustration

In the middle of a pandemic Michelle O’Hara became Thursfields’ first female managing director. Thursfields is a heavyweight regional law firm with offices across the West Midlands.

Do you prefer to work in your business rather than doing the paperwork that is needed to ensure it is profitable?

Perhaps you love numbers and spend hours analysing costs to make sure you earn the most and pay the least tax you legally can? At Wellington Consulting, we have clients with a wide range of attitudes to accounts and tax with turnover from £10,000 to £10 million, although most are at the lower end.

Penny Lowe set up her independent accountancy practice, Wellington Consulting Ltd, in 2003 and kept it small to individually know her clients, their circumstances and future intentions. This enables her to give the best tax advice and also tailor her teams’ level of involvement.

Non-computer clients send in their papers and books for us to load onto a system, for others, the clients themselves use QuickBooks (our favoured software), Xero, FreeAgent or Sage. We oversee everything and help out making sure they stay on the straight and narrow for their VAT, payroll, accounts and tax submissions whether individuals, sole traders, partnerships or companies. We also offer company secretarial services (for limited companies).

Penny moved to St Owens Cross, Herefordshire, nearly seven years ago as she loves the countryside, spending time with her husband, horses and the Women’s Institute. She also has a holiday let and buy to lets so is familiar with the joys and challenges of small businesses.

Visit www.wcon.co.uk for more details, book a free call on 01989 730713 or email: admin@wcon.co.uk.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

What do you enjoy most about running a law firm?

Leadership is a mindset not a job title or a position. I learn something new every week in my role and hope this makes me a better leader. I have particularly enjoyed being able to identify and nurture talent and create a strong leadership team to drive the business forward.

In 2021, Thursfields won the National Law Society’s Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award. Why does that matter?

We were delighted to win such a prestigious national award but for us this journey has only just begun. The legal profession, like many other industries, has a long way to go to become genuinely diverse and inclusive. We are currently leading a “Commitment to Change” Initiative which invites employers in professional services to join forces and collaborate on D&I. Fairness in pay is an important foundation for building inclusive culture. Thursfields is not legally required to conduct gender pay reporting due to our headcount. We have chosen to do this in line with our Values. A Gender Pay Gap is the difference between the average hourly earnings that female and male staff receive. The UK average pay gap is 15% between men and women. Our recent pay reporting showed less than a 1% pay difference but we are not complacent and will continue to keep this under review. We will also now focus on ethnicity pay reporting.

Law firms sell their services through the expertise of their people. Our goal is to create an inclusive workplace culture where colleagues can feel valued and be themselves, therefore able to bring their best to our clients. www.thursfields.co.uk Tel: 0345 20 73 72 8

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CHAMBERTRAINING

“PEOPLE – YOUR MOST VALUABLE ASSET – WHY INVEST IN TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT?”

Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce have recently published the Business Manifesto for 2022/2023 and one of the key drivers in that document is People.

Retention of current employees, and attracting new talent, is at the heart of a healthy organisation. Add to this mental health awareness, workplace wellbeing, and a strong ethos of equality and diversity and a business will be in a strong position.

Developing the team, refreshing existing skills and introducing new opportunities is vital. But what are the benefits of training and development?

Training and development increases employee retention rates. Retention is a huge challenge for companies. However, you can retain strong employees by focusing on career development. Effectively training and developing your employees can be used as competitive tools when hiring new employees. Career development activities help employees to feel valuable; this enhances loyalty, thereby helping companies to retain more employees.

Training and development enhances business growth. Training employees with leadership skills can contribute to the growth and evolution of a business. HR professionals can choose managerial candidates from their current employees. An established leadership development program plays a key role in helping a company focus on future goals.

Training and development empowers team members. Leaders that are empowered in an organisation usually influence employees and also gain employees’ trust. As a result, the employees will feel valued and will become more confident in their work. More so, the

employees will feel independent and make decisions about the duties they perform.

Training and Development can improve a businesses profitability. The greatest assets of an organisation are the employees. The right team can contribute to the growth and development of a company. Learning and development programs that focus on employees’ strengths can help companies to increase their profits. Equipping your employees with the ability to perform their duties better is a good way to improve your company’s bottom line. The best way to get the best out of your employees and empower them to succeed is to train them and help them develop their skills.

Improve customer satisfaction. Customers consider employees as experts in their niches.

They believe employees can give them the information they need through conversation.

When a customer decides to speak with an employee, the employee must know about the company’s products and services to hold a fruitful conversation. Training and development will help employees to communicate with customers and provide the answers they appreciate. It empowers employees to handle effective conversations with customers. This helps in increasing customer satisfaction.

Finally, Training and Development can reduce risk. Training and Development of employees reduces risk through workplace safety training and compliance training initiatives. Companies must ensure that employees discharge their duties in a safe environment. Companies must train their employees to maintain a safe workplace. By implementing the right ethics training program, employees will be able to work more productively and also reduce the risk of lawsuits for not adhering to industry standards in terms of safety.

Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce can help achieve all the benefits outlined here.

The highly acclaimed Leadership Development Series allows team members to develop their skills, either in individual sessions or as part of a complete series of training sessions.

Compliance, a vital element of any organisation can be developed through a series of IOSH courses being offered by the Chamber. These include, Managing Safely, Working Safely, Managing Occupational Health and Wellbeing.

Health and Safety continues this theme with courses in Mental Health First Aid, Emergency First Aid at Work, and Fire Marshal Training.

Analysis and accuracy can be achieved through a range of Excel courses from basic introduction to an advanced “Masterclass” session. Additionally, in terms of technology and modern markets, a course is available in Digital Marketing and Public Relations.

All these courses can be delivered at our training facilities in Worcester and Hereford as well as Bespoke Training being possible at your own business.

These Chamber facilities are also available for meeting room hire and a number of companies have recently used these rooms for their own meetings.

All courses can be viewed at www.hwchamber.co.uk/training and co-ordinated via our Training Team at training@hwchamber.co.uk

All courses can be found here: www.hwchamber.co.uk/training.

Can’t find what you are looking for? Email training@hwchamber.co.uk with your course suggestions.

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May/June 2022

CHAMBERTRAINING MAY COURSE DATES 2022 Mailchimp & Email Marketing Tuesday 10 May 9.00am-12.30pm £90+VAT Members £110+VAT Non-members

Mental Health First Aid Wednesday 11 May 9.00am-4.00pm £200+VAT Members £250+VAT Non-members

JUNE COURSE DATES 2022 Fire Marshal Training Tuesday 7 June 9.00am-4.00pm £90+VAT Members £110+VAT Non-members

HR for the Non HR Manager

Wednesday 8 June 9.00am-4.00pm £160+VAT Members £200+VAT Non-members

Search Engine Optimisation

An Introduction to Finance for the Non-financial Manager Thursday 9 June 9.00am-4.00pm £160+VAT Members £200+VAT Non-members

Advanced Microsoft Excel

Communicating for Success

Tuesday 14 June 9.00am-4.00pm £160+VAT Members £200+VAT Non-members

Successful Telesales Tuesday 24 May 9.00am-4.00pm £160+VAT Members £200+VAT Non-members

IOSH Working Safely

Role of the Team Leader

Thursday 19 May 9.00am-4.00pm £160+VAT Members £200+VAT Non-members

Thursday 19 May 9.00am-4.00pm £160+VAT Members 200+VAT Non-members

Wednesday 15 June 2022 9:00am-4:00pm £200.00+VAT Members £250.00+VAT Non-members

Thursday 16 June 9.00am-4.00pm £160+VAT Members £200+VAT Non-members

Emergency First Aid at Work Thursday 12 May 9.00am-4.30pm £90+VAT Members £110+VAT Non-members

Mental Health First Aid

Tuesday 21 June 9.00am-12.30pm £90+VAT Members £110+VAT Non-members

Creating a Customer Care Culture Wednesday 22 June 9.00am-4.00pm £160+VAT Members £200+VAT Non-members

Intermediate Microsoft Excel Thursday 23 June 9.00am-4.00pm £160+VAT Members £200+VAT Non-members

An Introduction to Digital Marketing and PR

Effective Time Management

Tuesday 14 June 9.00am-11.00am Free to Members £110+VAT Non-members

Tuesday 28 June 9.00am-4.00pm £160+VAT Members £200+VAT Non-members

Introduction to Microsoft Excel Tuesday 24 May 9.00am-4.00pm £160+VAT Members £200+VAT Non-members

Intermediate Microsoft Excel Wednesday 25 May 9.00am-4.00pm £160+VAT Members £200+VAT Non-members

Conducting Effective Team Appraisals Monday 30 May 9.00am-4.00pm £160+VAT Members £200+VAT Non-members

Whilst the Chamber are continuously expanding our offering, please get in touch if there are any training courses you would like the Chamber to deliver in the future. All up to date courses can be found on our website: www.hwchamber.co.uk/events-and-training-calendar.

Delegates have now been welcomed back to the Chamber office for our potfolio of training courses. For more information on any training courses, please see the website or email the training department training@hwchamber.co.uk.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BIG INTERVIEW

GET CYBER SECURE AT CYBER QUARTER Cybercrime affects everyone, so don’t think your business will fall under the radar. It won’t! However, simple steps can boost your defences, explains Professor Prashant Pillai, of University of Wolverhampton and Cyber Quarter – Midlands Centre for Cyber Security.

Cybercrime doesn’t just hit you in the pocket. It damages your customer base and reputation too.

The past two years have been stormy to say the least, and cyber security has taken a back seat as companies focus on staying afloat.

The centre’s Research and Development hub aims to attract specialist local talent with its state-of-the-art facilities and offices, and form trailblazing partnerships with the region’s Cyber Valley, home to 15% of the UK’s top cyber companies.

But it’s time to put the issue at the top of the agenda because criminal attacks are a very real and growing threat.

Prof. Pillai is the University’s Associate Dean for Research and Knowledge Exchange, and Director at Cyber Quarter.

Cyber Quarter helps companies in the region upgrade their cyber skills.

The centre is a joint venture between the University of Wolverhampton and Herefordshire Council, and part-funded by the Government’s Local Growth Fund, via the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

He says it’s crucial for companies to meet minimum cyber security requirements at least – and Cyber Quarter can help achieve that goal.

The University’s Cyber Research Institute offers business support, skills training, and enhanced security testing and development on-site.

He explains: “Obviously a very large organisation will have lots of points of attack, which can be protected by investing in the right resources, including training, to provide the necessary security. But an attack can have real and lasting damage on much smaller companies further down the supply chain.

“Small businesses need to be aware they are being used as an entry point to attack

bigger ones. We’re seeing a rise in supply chain attacks – for example, there’s a lot of smaller manufacturers feeding into large Tier 1 and 2 companies. If they don’t have proper cyber protocols in place, they could well be the weakest link. It’s an easy way to get at the bigger companies.”

Cyber-attacks – both homegrown and overseas – have grown exponentially over the last three years, and there’s been a huge recent spike in criminal activity.

This is fuelled in part by state-sanctioned attacks on critical national infrastructure by the likes of China and Russia, but opportunist hackers and criminal gangs in the US, Turkey and Taiwan also rank in the top five offenders.

Prof. Pillai is keen to stress that all organisations – no matter how big or small – are in the criminals’ crosshairs.

“Even if you’re a micro company, you are vulnerable. In fact, attackers are increasingly aiming for the ‘low hanging fruit’ because it’s easy money.”

With new sophisticated threats popping up almost weekly, how can companies protect their interests? “Cyber Essentials is the absolute minimum level of protection you should consider,” Prof. Pillai says.

This doesn’t mean buying lots of fancy software and kit. It means taking five basic steps to ensure: The right processes and security ---configurations are used on your devices ---and softwares.

Firewalls are used to secure Internet ---connection.

Patches and antivirus malware software ---are up to date.

Regular backups are done to save ---precious data.

Control access to important data and ---systems and regularly update passwords.

Prof Pillai speaking at the centre’s launch event.

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May/June 2022

BIG INTERVIEW State-of-the-art facilities at Cyber Quarter.

He adds: “It’s important to remember that cyber isn’t just an IT problem. All employees need to do their bit, whether it’s changing passwords regularly or thinking twice before clicking on a link.”

We’re not all tech-savvy, of course, so local businesses are welcome to contact the centre at any time for general advice and help with certification. “Cyber Essentials is simple and straightforward, especially for SMEs. I would recommend that they read up about it and get in contact for support and training.”

Bespoke expert help is also available at the centre, and over 40 local businesses have already taken advantage of its Cyber Security Health Check to beef up on security measures and best practise.

Eligible businesses can receive over 12 hours of funded access to University

expertise, and short courses are available for employees looking to upskill or reskill.

just for financial gains, it is designed to cause huge economic and personal disruption.”

Prof. Pillai points to a recent government survey which threw up some interesting results about SMEs and cyber security.

Last year 39% of UK companies reported a cyber-attack – the most common was phishing (83%), while one in five identified a problem with service, malware or ransomware.

That’s why Cyber Quarter aims to become a national Research and Development hub, helping businesses stay those few crucial steps ahead of the criminals. Prof. Pillai concludes: “We want to engage with SMEs and create a flourishing cyber ecosystem.

We’re keen to hear from anyone with a cyber-related product or service who would like to work alongside us at our centre on mutually beneficial activities.”

He adds: “The survey found that larger businesses had invested in training, were relatively well covered, and could identify and report attacks. However smaller businesses are still largely unprotected, so a lot of attacks may well be going unreported.

Cyber Quarter - Midland Centre for Cyber Security is based at Skylon Park, Hereford.

More information at www.cyberquarter.co.uk.

“Criminal gangs will encrypt your data or steal it, and if it’s not backed up, they’ll demand a ransom. Even if you pay the ransom, they might still destroy your data. Hacking isn’t

It’s important to remember that cyber isn’t just an IT problem. All employees need to do their bit, whether it’s changing passwords regularly or thinking twice before clicking on a link.

– Professor Prashant Pillai, University of Wolverhampton and Cyber Quarter – Midlands Centre for Cyber Security.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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COVERFEATURE

NMITE: RE-ENGINEERING THE WORLD OF STUDY AND WORK NMITE is shaping the future of engineering with its flagship accelerated Master’s in Integrated Engineering (MEng) course – a first in the UK. It’s also championing a whole new set of skills for our next-generation workforce.

The dream has been a long time in the making, but NMITE (New Model Institute for Technology & Engineering) finally opened the doors of its Hereford campus last September.

It all began back in 2009 when NMITE’s team of academic and industry experts sat down with one shared vision in mind: to redesign the world of engineering education and create a pioneering generation of work-ready engineers.

The result is NMITE’s Integrated Engineering Undergraduate Master’s Degree (MEng), which is unique for a whole host of reasons.

Course spokesman Matt Brown explains: “It was time to tear up stereotypical ways of thinking. The team spent years working on the curriculum, researching best practices in engineering education around the world.

“Above all, they recognised that theory-based learning wasn’t meeting the needs of today’s industry. The focus is now on helping students reach their full potential by combining engineering disciplines with an emphasis on practical skills and real-world learning environments.

“This means communication, encouraging students to make decisions, think laterally and solve problems. It’s about resilience and having the confidence to meet complex challenges head-on.”

NMITE’s pioneering approach means there are no lecture halls on campus. Students work in small teams in engineering studios designed to mirror a working environment, and employers set real-life challenges with sprints concentrated on concepts and themes to help them understand real-world issues.

The accelerated learning programme ensures undergraduates can complete their degree in just three years, with no traditional exams at the end – instead, each student has a personal learning portfolio with assessments from each learning module, which can be used to demonstrate their real-world experience to

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potential employers after graduation.

The NMITE course is also the only one in the UK which doesn’t require designated Maths or Physics A-Levels. “It’s a way to encourage more diverse applications, and broaden participation”, Matt points out.

“Our students work on the maths and science capabilities they will need to apply in industry, rather than having to gain specific qualifications beforehand, which can put a lot of people off.”

More about the MEng course at nmite.ac.uk/study

HEREFORDSHIRE SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE PROJECT Local small businesses have long voiced concerns about skills shortages and filling job vacancies.

Increasing automation and technological advances are only accelerating these challenges – which is why NMITE is working hard to bridge the gap between academia and business.

Communication, leadership, listening and day to day interactions in the workplace are already part and parcel of NMITE’s MEng degree. Now these skills are being championed more widely through partnerships with local schools, businesses and education providers.

Matt explains: “When talking to local businesses initially, we got a lot of feedback about their chronic skills shortages. This applies to all sectors, from engineering to farming, and it’s a really pressing issue.

encourages creative thinking and professional behaviour. In essence, it’s about developing the next generation of entrepreneurs.”

Joint-funded by the European Social Fund and NMITE, Herefordshire Skills for the Future has three aims: Help SMEs and microbusinesses in the region identify gaps and opportunities in their labour market skills, focusing on ‘soft’ rather than technical skills Link these businesses up with schools, colleges and further education centres to build skills awareness through courses and workshops Encourage youngsters to develop enterprise skills and grow their own businesses.

For youngsters, this means carrying out meaningful work experience placements.

They are also invited to workshops to raise awareness of entrepreneurship as a career choice.

SMEs can take advantage of networking events, skills audits to identify skills gaps and create action plans, and partnerships with education providers to promote skills needed for the future.

Find out more about the Herefordshire Skills for the Future project at nmite.ac.uk/herefordshire-skills-future.

“Our project is a way of helping to future-proof the local economy. It

May/June 2022

THERE IS NO PLANET B At BioPak, it’s our mission to produce the most sustainable, environmentally friendly packaging on the market.

We champion compostable packaging and we’re focused on reducing tree-based paper and fossil fuel-based plastic used in foodservice ware by offering an eco-friendly alternative.

From tumblers to plates and everything in between, get in touch to find out more. It’s what the planet would choose.

Carbon Neutral Certified Home Compostable Profit for Purpose Custom Print Available

sales@biopak.co.uk www.biopak.com/uk

EVENTS

UPCOMING CONFERENCES - SAVE THE DATES! Each conference provides thought-provoking speakers on a range of topics from stories of inspirational growth, or overcoming challenges to ensuring businesses can access support and insight from leading industry experts.

Networking forms a large part of all Chamber conferences and we encourage attendees to build relationships and make new connections in a supportive environment.

Women’s Business Conference, sponsored by Harrison Clark Rickerbys Thursday 8 September | 9.00am-3.00pm £40.00+VAT Chamber Members / £50.00+VAT Non-Members

HR Professionals Conference, sponsored by Hewett Recruitment Thursday 10 November | 9.00am-3.00pm £40.00+VAT Chamber Members / £50.00+VAT Non-Members

STAND SALES ARE OPEN FOR THE CHAMBER BUSINESS EXPO

CHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS 2022 SPONSORED BY KARNDEAN FLOORING Tickets for the annual Chamber Business Awards are now on sale! The black-tie ceremony with over 700 attendees will take place on Thursday 7 July 2022 at the Worcester Arena.

The Chamber Awards offer an excellent opportunity for local businesses to raise their profile, celebrate their successes and boost team morale. Winners of 16 different categories will be announced at this spectacular awards ceremony, one of the most anticipated events in the business calendar. Any business, not just finalists, can purchase tickets for this event to enjoy the networking opportunities and a great corporate night out!

Single Ticket price – Chamber Members £99.00+VAT / Non-Members £119.00+VAT Table of 10 price – Chamber Members £890.00+VAT / Non-Members £1,070.00+VAT

What’s included in the cost of your tickets?

A delicious three course dinner, followed by tea and coffee A complementary glass of fizz on arrival, sponsored by Yamazaki Mazak Four bottles of wine per table, sponsored

by Matcon A wellbeing table gift for all guests, sponsored by Southco Manufacturing & Worcestershire Works Well Access to the After Party, sponsored by TechTeam hosted at Alexanders in Worcester City Centre For any ticket enquiries, please contact events@hwchamber.co.uk Thank you to all our event sponsors!

The Chamber Business Expo, sponsored

by Hewett Recruitment, returns on 13 October 2022 at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern. With over 120+ exhibitors from lots of business sectors, a dedicated Networking Zone, free speakers, and seminars – don’t miss the chance to raise your profile with others in the Herefordshire and Worcestershire business community. This is the go-to event for anyone starting or growing a business as well as for business professionals looking to improve skills and develop key relationships through networking.

“This event has been invaluable and ticks all the boxes for me. I came along as a prospective exhibitor and left with new contacts, new suppliers, new customers, and other leads. I would highly recommend.”

Neil Jinks - Court Enforcement Services Ltd Exhibition stands start from £239.00+VAT, and more information on visiting can be found at www.hwchamber.co.uk/events/ business-expo

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MONTHLY LUNCHTIME NETWORKING VIA ZOOM Sign up to our Virtual Lunchtime Networking meetings to raise your business profile and make valuable business contacts. Each session will provide the opportunity for attendee’s to participate in a 60 second introduction and have further conversations

in smaller groups in the breakout rooms.

Places are FREE to Chamber Members.

Thursday 12 May | 12.00-1.00pm Thursday 16 June | 12.00-1.00pm Thursday 21 July | 12.00-1.00pm

May/June 2022

TWOCOUNTIES

CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES IN HEREFORDSHIRE TO INSPIRE COUNTY-WIDE CLIMATE ACTION AMONGST THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY organisations across Herefordshire to counter climate change and ensure a future for the county that we all want.

BUSINESSES IN WORCESTERSHIRE ARE CELEBRATING AFTER THE VISIT WORCESTERSHIRE TOURISM AWARDS A total of 37 finalists were shortlisted by expert judges, with 12 winners being awarded for their service to the sector.

The glamorous awards evening, hosted by award-winning comedian and author, Dominic Holland, took place at the stunning Stanbrook Abbey Hotel. The event attracted over 200 guests and included a Worcestershire inspired menu.

A campaign has launched in Herefordshire to encourage employers to plot their journeys to meet the county’s zero carbon ambition by the end of the decade.

The campaign ‘30 for 2030’ will involve putting the spotlight on 30 employers from the private, public and third sector to track their progress and achievements along the way and help inspire other organisations to do the same.

The initiative forms part of the Greener Footprints campaign launched by the Herefordshire Climate and Nature Action Partnership in January 2022. Its aim is to create a movement of positive action amongst individuals, communities, and

Two years since the industry was forced to close due to the pandemic, the evening represented a chance to commemorate the resilience and determination of all tourism businesses across the county.

The Chamber were delighted to be sponsors of the New Tourism Business of the Year Category, received by Rowley Farm Holidays. Rowley Farm Holidays were also awarded the Winner of Winner’s Award for their excellent accommodation offering and great contribution to net-zero targets. The accolade was a surprise award of the evening acknowledging the highest scoring finalist and outstanding feedback from the judging process.

FREE AGE-FRIENDLY SUPPORT FOR EMPLOYERS

The campaign is being supported by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce and Herefordshire Rural Hub who will work closely with the Greener Footprints campaign team to identify 30 organisations to participate in the initiative.

Robert Elliot, Director of Business Development and Engagement at the Chamber, commented: “We are delighted to be supporting the 30 for 2030 initiative and would encourage businesses from across the region to sign up and help inspire others on their journey to net zero.”

For more information on getting involved in the initiative, interested businesses can download an information pack here. https://zerocarbon.herefordshire.gov.uk/ media/1221/30-for-2030-backgroundinformation.pdf

FINANCE OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO DRIVE BUSINESS GROWTH Businesses across the Marches have been challenged to kickstart a new era of growth across the region by taking advantage of the huge range of finance now available.

Paul Kalinauckas, the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership’s access to finance champion, says there is a wider range of funding and finance options on offer to businesses looking to grow than ever before. He said the vast range of funding opportunities could help transform any business which was serious about expanding: “The finance landscape has changed enormously in recent years and there is a wealth of options for businesses

Employers in the Malvern Hills and Wychavon Districts of Worcestershire can benefit from free support to help them become more age-friendly employers. Helen Astill of Cherington HR has been appointed to run some free workshops and provide 1:1 support for local businesses between March and June 2022, as well as resources to help them develop their own age-friendly working practices.

Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils have received more than £283,000 from the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund to support a range of activities to boost skills, help businesses grow

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

which want to invest in their growth, with millions of pounds of funding available. The Hub was established to be the gateway to every fund available in the region and be here to help all businesses. It can offer truly impartial, expert advice, signpost you to the right options and help with all the business support needed to turn your ambitions into reality.”

For more details of the range of finance options available visit https://www. marchesgrowthhub. co.uk/funding/

and support people into work as part of the Upskilling in Malvern Hills and Wychavon project.

You will come away from the workshop with an action plan and some tools and ideas that will allow you to make positive changes in your business. There will also be free 1:1 follow up meetings for any businesses who would like additional support in implementing their age-friendly policies.

If you would like to take advantage of that support please get in touch with Helen to register via helen@cheringtonhr.com.

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WHAT DOES HEALTH MEAN TO YOU? The word ‘health’ is such an individual term which can mean different things to different people – for some, health may solely be about their physical condition, but it can mean so much more.

As individuals, families, communities, and employers, we all have a role to play in recognising and supporting the many different aspects of financial and mental wellbeing.

Physical health: More than 95% of the world’s population has a physical health condition, and a third of us have at least five physical ailments.

Accessing healthcare support such as a virtual GP at the earliest opportunity and attending regular appointments such as dental and optical can help prevent more serious future issues.

How can employers support the physical health of their team? Offering Health Cash Plans and access to services such as a GP app can help promote early access to healthcare, and focus on preventative as well as reactive support.

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Financial health: Over a fifth of people cite debt as a reason they feel stressed.

Financial problems needn’t be taboo, by talking about money worries it can help alleviate stress relating to them.

Stephen Burton-Pye

Wellbeing and mental health: 7% of adults feel stressed every single day.

Seeking support can be a huge help, whether that’s from a family member or friend, or a confidential counselling service or crisis line.

There are lots of options out there to help support your wellbeing – acupuncture, reiki, hypnotherapy and much more.

How can employers support the emotional and mental health of their team? Adopting a policy of ‘ask twice’ when enquiring how staff members are, and encouraging open conversations. Having an Employee Assistance Programme in place gives team members opportunities to talk to someone confidentially about any concerns they may have.

Seeking regular specialist advice can help keep your finances in check, as can making use of discount schemes.

How can employers support the financial health of their team? Access to discount schemes, expert advice and helplines can all be arranged through you as an employer. Providing an employer-paid Health Cash Plan can help with money worries associated with the cost of accessing healthcare.

After more ideas on supporting your employees’ health? Why not download Paycare’s Workplace Wellbeing brochure at www.paycare.org/ workplace-wellbeing.

Or if you’d like to find out more about Health Cash Plans, you can do so at www.paycare.org/health-cash-plans.

May/June 2022

GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR HEAT PUMP INSTALLATIONS The government’s new “Boiler upgrade Scheme” (BUS) can help to reduce your fuel bills and carbon foot print by providing funding to replace your current boiler with a heat pump.

The BUS is an upfront scheme of £5000.00 for Air source heat pumps and £6000.00 for Ground source heat pumps in domestic properties.

For more information and advice on Heat pumps both Ground and Air source

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Government funding

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Landlords

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Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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MOVERSANDSHAKERS

Peter Spence

INTRODUCING A NEW NAME AND LOOK FOR WORCESTERSHIRE’S PREMIER TELECARE ALARM MONITORING SERVICE From 1 April 2022, amica24’s 25,000 customers will notice a new name and branding; Community Housing Technology Enabled Care Services. This is the final part of Community Housing’s consolidation of brands under one name.

Matt Cooney, Chief Executive explained “The new name for amica24 reflects how technology is helping us to move from an emergency alarm monitoring operation to a service which provides tailor made solutions to keep customers independent and safe at home. We are still there, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year when emergencies occur but now with the use of sensors and equipment, we can support customers and their families to manage conditions such as dementia, epilepsy and recovery from strokes.”

For more information about Technology Enabled Care, please visit www. communityhousingtecs.co.uk

PRINT AND SIGNAGE SPECIALISTS APPOINT NEW STAFF AS GROWTH CONTINUES Malvern-based print and signage specialists PB Signs have appointed a production manager and two designers to help meet a continued upsurge in demand.

Production manager Ryan Gibbons has more than 20 years’ experience in the print and signage industry, and has worked on high profile projects such as the London Olympics. Designers Josh Neal and Liz Handley also bring a wealth of expertise, and have worked with Help For Heroes and Deliveroo amongst others.

The new additions bring the total number of employees at PB Signs to nine – and with further growth planned, they are currently on the lookout for new premises.

The past 12 months has seen the company invest in new tools and equipment to meet increased demand from customers.

Esther Passingham has been appointed to the newly created role, Voluntary and Community Sector Strategic Lead, aimed at bringing together VCS groups and organisations with Worcestershire County Council and NHS to make the county a better place to live and work.

Esther will be responsible for developing partnerships and collaborative working across the sector, including an important role in the development and implementation of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care System.

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The new Spiritual Care Lead at St Michael’s Hospice says he couldn’t have wished to join a more caring environment. Peter Spence has been in post at the Bartestree-based Hospice since the end of February and says he has been made to feel very welcome.

Peter joins from the Worcestershire Royal Hospital where he was a Chaplain during the pandemic. He replaces Jill Groves at St Michael’s, who retired in December.

It’s a role which has become even more vital in light of the Covid pandemic, but Peter says it’s important that people realise the Hospice provides far more than just end-of-life care.

For more information please visit https:// www.pbsigns.co.uk/

STRATEGIC LEAD APPOINTED TO REPRESENT WORCESTERSHIRE VOLUNTARY & COMMUNITY SECTOR

Esther Passingham

NEW SPIRITUAL CARE LEAD AT ST MICHAEL’S DESCRIBES “WELCOMING AND UPLIFTING” HOSPICE

If you would like to learn more about the VCS in Worcestershire and how to engage with the sector, please contact Esther Passingham – Esther.Passingham@ hwchamber.co.uk

Sarah Hughes

LOCAL INSURANCE BROKER JOINS THOMAS CARROLL LTD Local insurance broker Sarah Hughes has recently joined Thomas Carroll (Brokers) Ltd and will be based at their central Hereford office in Broad Street bringing a wealth of skills and 15 years experience in the industry.

Sarah is particularly passionate about promoting the insurance sector as a career to anyone wishing to become involved in a rewarding and often overlooked profession. She is hoping to pursue this project within the community locally as well as be involved with the Chartered Insurance Institute by helping to promote the various career paths available. Sarah also actively enjoys her day job by endeavouring to provide outstanding customer service and advice to clients where no two days are ever the same!

May/June 2022

NEWMEMBERSPROFILE

INTRODUCING CLOVER HR and the end-to-end employee lifecycle.

Clover HR provides you with not only expertise, but with peace of mind, to know your people priorities and challenges are being taken care of.

Clover HR specialise in providing both retained HR services and bespoke HR consultancy services and solutions, to SMEs across the UK. With over 36 HR Business Partners, the team has been carefully chosen to provide clients with a complete HR Service, wealth of knowledge and sound advice, spanning all areas of HR

With a partnership focus, collaboration is key at Clover HR. They will pair you with a dedicated HR Business Partner who best meets your requirements and ensure a true understanding of your business and your people. They ensure your Business Partner is as local as possible to provide the most responsive and flexible services as well as offering you remote support 7 days a week (including out of hours advice and support).

Clover HR are proud to have been awarded the ISO 9001 accreditation in 2021, having realised that the growth of the business was ahead of plan they recognised that business processes were robust enough to deliver a quality service

to the existing and ever-expanding client-base. It was therefore an obvious decision for them to embark upon the implementation of our their Quality Management System to ensure that they were able to consistently deliver the highest level of service, with the appropriate structure in place to do so.

Clover HR also offer a bespoke recruitment service, enabling them to find the right people to join your business.

“We are delighted to become Strategic Members of the Chamber of Commerce, we are really looking forward to meeting current Members and getting to know you all. It is really important to us to have a strong brand awareness and knowledge of how we can support SME’s achieve their goals.”

BAXTER WILLIAMS “CONNECTING EXCEPTIONAL PEOPLE”

We are pleased to welcome our new strategic Members in Baxter Williams.

Founded in 2016, Baxter Williams recruit across several sectors to include executive search and commercial appointments both temporary and permanent.

Whilst it’s founder Nick Baxter was originally from Birmingham, after graduating he played pro rugby for Worcester Warriors where he represented England Students, England 7’s and the Barbarians.

“I’m proud to call Worcester my home and relish the opportunity to build

strong working relationships across the Herefordshire and Worcestershire business community.

We are very fortunate to work with some amazing organisations and leaders in the region including Bosch, Sanctuary Homes, Karndean and Tyrrells to name a few.”

As a Non-Executive Director of the Worcestershire LEP, Nick is aware of the much-documented candidate and skills shortages across the region and gets immense satisfaction in leading, advising and transforming businesses through their most valuable asset - their people.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

“Recruitment is just one of the great things Baxter Williams do which includes delivering a range of employee engagement programs.

Having had considerable exposure to both national and international elite sports environments I recognise the importance of culture in creating high performing and productive teams. We also help with defining an organisation’s succession planning so that companies provide their staff with the opportunities to grow, develop and progress in their organisations and to significantly improve retention and productivity.

In addition, we are often involved in the annual business planning process by creating robust people strategies to underpin planned growth. One of our key value adds is connecting our clients with each other where we see any potential synergy across their respective supply chains.

We are delighted to join the Chamber as Strategic Members and welcome the opportunity to meet business leaders who want to attract and retain the best talent.”

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CASHFLOW FRIENDLY EMPLOYEE INCENTIVES – THE EMI SCHEME Martin Adams

Martin Adams, Tax Partner at Ballards LLP chartered accountants, shares his thoughts on EMI share incentives.

at a predetermined price. The following key benefits arise from using this scheme: Future growth in value of the shares is normally taxed on the employee only at the lower capital gains tax rates rather than income tax and possibly national insurance.

Both businesses and employees are facing pressure on their finances arising from the recent tax hikes and the high levels of inflation that we are all experiencing.

Business Asset Disposal Relief (10% tax rate) normally applies to the shares acquired through the EMI scheme when they are sold.

Now is therefore a good time to consider staff incentive options that have minimal upfront cash outflow whilst providing potentially significant long-term rewards.

This will help motivate and retain key members of your workforce.

The company can be selective about who receives the options.

For companies these can take the form of share incentives where an employee is provided with either shares, or ‘options’ to acquire shares at a future date, normally on the occurrence of certain events or performance targets being achieved.

A particular tax efficient way to provide share incentives is to issue options under

the Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) scheme. Don’t fear the word scheme as this is a government created arrangement that HMRC will provide confirmation of a company’s qualifying status, if requested (note however that not all trades qualify).

The criteria to exercise (when the employees can buy the shares) can be very flexible, including only being on a full company sale.

For more information regarding the EMI scheme or other tax planning matters contact Martin Adams on 01905 794 504 or email martin.adams@ballardsllp.com.

Under the EMI scheme, share options are provided to employees giving them the right to acquire shares at a future date and

In need of additional funding to drive your business forward in 2022?

Do you have strong growth potential but limited trading history or lack of security and can’t get support from High Street lenders?

Need funds between £15,000 and £50,000 (subject to business status) We are a Worcestershire based lender who have government legacy funds available for lending to businesses in the West Mercia Region (Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire & Telford & Wrekin)

For more information and the link to begin the application process, please visit our website.

www.impetus-marches.co.uk email: lending @impetus-marches.co.uk MRRT Ltd, The Garden House, WR10 1PZ Registered in England 05112041

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May/June 2022

BUSINESSNEWS

SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE

Working in collaboration with Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, Kidderminster College has taken a huge step forward in its plans to build its new Construction and Automotive Skills Centre (CASC) which was approved by the planning committee in March.

Construction work is due to start at the Stourport Road site imminently, with a planned opening date of Spring 2023.

Cat Lewis, Principal said: “The new centre provides an opportunity for the college to build on its existing strong relationships with key local stakeholders, both in business and the wider community, and to have a significant impact on closing regional skills gaps and providing the expert technical skills that businesses need to grow. We look forward to bringing regular updates on the CASC, and to engaging with Chamber of Commerce Members on developing our apprenticeship and curriculum offer.”

OFSTED GOOD Kidderminster College are extremely proud to announce that we have received a rating of ‘Good’ from Ofsted following a

full inspection of all NCG’s seven colleges.

The report highlights many positives across NCG including the quality of work experience and work placements, how the college respond to employers and the needs of the students and communities, the motivation of students to develop their skills and knowledge and much more.

The report highlighted key strengths since the previous inspection: “…Senior leaders have successfully transformed the organisational culture of the group and its constituent colleges so that they work more effectively together to pursue their mission to enable social mobility and economic prosperity through high-quality education.”

“Colleges within the group now share a set of strong policy frameworks for quality, teaching, equality and diversity, and safeguarding. They implement these policies effectively to provide learners on education programmes for young people, adult learning programmes and provision for learners with high needs with a consistently good quality of education.”

NEW COLLEGE WORCESTER HAVE BEEN SUPPORTING VISUALLY IMPAIRED AND BLIND STUDENTS FOR OVER 150 YEARS There is currently a huge emphasis on businesses supporting educational establishments to help get young people into the world of work. However, the sad truth is that very few businesses are willing to support students that suffer with sight loss. These students are then put at a huge disadvantage when compared to those students attending mainstream schools.

Businesses are concerned around the responsibility that comes with a visually impaired student, but Kevin Hateley, from NCW, would like us all to know that this is not the case.

Their students are amazingly resilient and more capable of work than most

people expect. Modifications can be put into place to support the student whilst in a placement, and this is something that the college arrange by doing an assessment of the work environment prior to a placement taking place.

The Chamber of Commerce has worked closely with NCW to support the importance of their students getting the work experience placements they deserve. If your business believes that it could help with a work experience opportunity, please contact Kevin Hateley for more information: KHateley@ncw.co.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

GRADUATE SURVEYOR IS BUILDING SKILLS

Many young people find it difficult to acquire the skills they need to follow their chosen career path. Late last year, Kyle Pugh was about to move from Worcester to London to pursue his dream of becoming a Surveyor. But then he spotted a Graduate Surveyor opportunity at Worcestershire commercial property consultancy GJS Dillon.

Three months later, Kyle’s skillset is expanding rapidly to include technical and legal knowledge, negotiation, planning and organisation skills. In his role in GJS Dillon’s Commercial Agency he works closely with the rest of the team on commercial property sales and lettings across Worcestershire. As soon as a property comes onto the market, Kyle is responsible for viewings, negotiating terms and liaising with other professionals such as solicitors to finalise the sale or letting.

Work and study are closely intertwined as Kyle explains: “I’m following the Real Estate pathway to my qualification which gives you a range of mandatory and technical competencies. I have to keep a diary for 2 years and provide evidence that I’ve met the relevant standards for knowledge, application and advice. After that there’s a final assessment interview with the RICS where you present a case study and answer questions.”

Kyle will finish his training next autumn and in the meantime he’s enjoying life at GJS Dillon: “One of the things I enjoy most about working in a small team is the camaraderie. We all support each other. Everyone bounces ideas off each other and I can ask questions at any time. That applies right across the organisation.”

GJS Dillon is currently recruiting for roles in Surveying and Property Asset Management. For further information see www.gjsdillon.co.uk/situations

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INTERNATIONALTRADE

UPSKILL WITH ACCREDITED TRADE TRAINING

The Chamber is proud to supplement its expert International Trade advice with a detailed course portfolio that attracts businesses from all sizes and sectors. Our courses are aimed at all company personnel involved with and/or have and understanding of customs procedures in International Trade.

Working with Strong & Herd LLP and other trainers of merit, we deliver a programme of International Trade training courses that are practical, current and essential learning for any businesses importing or exporting.

Courses are open to all with up to 20% discount for Chamber Members.

Whether you are dealing with challenges post-Brexit, reviewing your export procedures or need support with international trade finance, businesses can access a range of courses delivered by our professional and highly-qualified trainers.

The sessions have been developed to support delegates at all levels of international trade knowledge. The training

is relevant and up to date with the latest factual legislative information, and has been adapted to respond to the new way of working, with courses delivered both face to face and virtually. Accreditation awards are available for selected courses.

We are also able to offer bespoke Training courses, tailor-made to fit the specific development needs of your company. https://hwchamber. co.uk/internationaltrade-training-courses/

BESPOKE TRAINING Can’t find the training you are looking for? The Chamber’s dedicated International Trade team may be able to facilitate your training needs and offer Bespoke courses tailored to your companies needs. Thanks to their extensive network of International Trade partners and experts.

Please contact Internationaltrade@hwchamber.co.uk for more information.

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In addition to our comprehensive portfolio of international trade training courses, the Chamber offers a wealth of other services to support businesses of any size or export and import experience to trade internationally, with access to a commercial network that extends to over 100 countries worldwide.

Chamber international trade services are available to both Members and Non-Members, with Members receiving a discount across most services.

Services Include: Translation & Interpretation Export Documentation (Certificates of Origin, EUR1, Apostille and legislation services) Customs Declarations (We are a fully accredited and approved HMRC Customs Agency) Moneycorp (FX & International Payments) ATA Carnet & Letters of Credit Find out more: https://hwchamber. co.uk/international-trade/

May/June 2022

INTERNATIONALTRADE

UPCOMING COURSE DATES

JUNE COURSE DATES 2022

7

8

BASIC EXPORT DOCUMENTATION

IPAFFS

INCOTERMS 2020 RULES

(VIRTUAL 2 HOUR)

(VIRTUAL 2 HOUR)

(VIRTUAL 2 HOUR)

9

16

21

28

28

ADVANCED EXPORT DOCUMENTATION

QUICK GUIDE TO TARIFF CLASSIFICATION

ATA CARNET PROCEDURES

EXPORT CUSTOMS DECLARATIONS

(VIRTUAL 2 HOUR)

(VIRTUAL 5 HOUR)

(VIRTUAL 2 HOUR)

(VIRTUAL 2 HOUR)

JULY COURSE DATES 2022

6

13

14

21

BASIC IMPORT DOCUMENTATION

IMPORT DUTY & VAT MANAGEMENT

BASIC EXPORT DOCUMENTATION

INTRO TO CUSTOMS PROCEDURES

(VIRTUAL 2 HOUR)

(VIRTUAL 2 HOUR)

(F2F 5 HOUR)

(VIRTUAL 2 HOUR)

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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MP PRAISES MAJOR EVESHAM COLLEGE REDEVELOPMENT PLANS An MP has praised major redevelopments at Evesham College after attending a consultation event showcasing the plans.

Nigel Huddleston, MP for Mid Worcestershire, visited the week-long consultation alongside residents, councillors and employers to find out more about the Evesham New College plans.

Evesham College, part of college group WCG, held four events over the course of a week to help people to better understand its plans to create a college focused on developing technical skills and meeting local and regional economic needs.

The event displayed boards that detailed the plans for the college site, which include retaining the three key buildings that house all the workshops, studios and salons required for technical programmes.

Planned changes to pedestrian access and car parking were addressed, with the £1.2 million investment by WCG in colleges in the south of Worcestershire also highlighted.

The college is part way through its major redevelopment already, which will create a more compact, focused site, and see remaining buildings renovated and revitalised.

Representatives from Wychavon District Council, Evesham Town Council and Worcestershire County Council spoke with the senior leadership team about the plans and the provision the new college will be providing for the district.

Residents from the immediate area around the college were given a guided tour of the information board before being given the chance to raise concerns and have questions answered.

And finally, businesses from across Evesham and Worcestershire headed to the college to see how the changes and development will improve on its apprenticeship delivery and ensure that it is developing skills of importance to the local economy.

To find out more about the Evesham New College development plans visit wcg.ac.uk/evesham.

More than 70 prospective students and their parents/guardians attended an open evening where it was highlighted how the changes will benefit the delivery of courses and overall vibrancy of the college environment.

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May/June 2022

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Find your digital voice!

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Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

043

NEWPEOPLETODOBUSINESSWITH BIRMINGHAM Clover HR Services Limited

07872 929185 www.cloverhr.co.uk Active Listening for Wellbeing

HARVINGTON

REDDITCH

Abbey Gate Media Limited

Seetec Pluss

07887 621856

07548 096 729

www.AbbeyGateMedia.co.uk

www.seetecpluss.co.uk

KIDDERMINSTER

ROSS ON WYE

07852 974500 www.activelisteningforwellbeing.com Babington Business College Ltd

03333 234050

Pat-Man 24/7 Ltd

Aqua Thermae Limited

www.babington.co.uk/contact

07891 531257

01989 770909

www.pat-man247.com

BROMSGROVE Toes In Video Production

HEREFORD

07748 701525 www.toesin.com

FläktGroup UK Ltd

0845 6084449

CHELTENHAM

www.flaktgroup.com

The Job Guru

Woodard Ltd t/a Sarah’s Hire

01242 644344 www.thejobguru.co.uk

DROITWICH Giganeer

07773 771128 www.giganeer.com

Stone Technologies

01785 285632 www.stonegroup.co.uk

0203 935 6851

Growth Water Ltd

www.sarahhire.com

01384 397713 www.yourwater.store

Cooking Cooks Ltd (Cotto)

07954 323145

WORCESTER

www.cottohereford.co.uk CUP Ceramics Community

Land Attic Ltd

www.cupceramics.com

07855 868771

01562 547090 The Good Estate Agent Sales & Lettings (Hereford)

HALESOWEN

STafford

STOURBRIDGE

HAGLEY

www.landattic.com

www.aquathermae.co.uk

01432 619222

M- Studios

07989 979384 www.m-studios.co.uk Individual Marketing Solutions

07859 897645 www.individualmarketingsolutions.com

www.thegoodestateagent.com IJP Consultancy Ltd

07504 056368 www.ijpconsultancy.co.uk

LONGBRIDGE St. Modwen Properties Limited

Bacchus Associates (Trading as Baxter Williams) Your Limitless Travel

03335 445566

01432 804 410

www.baxterwilliams.com

www.yourlimitlesstravel.com Age UK Worcester and Malvern Hills Trunkquility Treehouse

0121 222 9400

07884 256744

www.stmodwen.co.uk

www.trunkquillitytreehouse.com/welcome#

01905 724294 Braemar Frankland Limited

01905 886444 Outliers Wellbeing

07415 004284 www.outlierswellbeing.co.uk

SE Leadership Consulting

07826 331829 Dragon Star Security Limited

07412 616032 Caption Data Limited

01905 754078 www.captiondata.com

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May/June 2022

BUSINESSNEWS

FACING UP TO REALITY - LOOKING LONGER-TERM AT THE RECRUITMENT CRISIS The Development Manager (TDM), a Worcestershire-based Tech and Digital Training Provider is urging organisations to look beyond just recruitment to address their capacity and skills needs, and employ longer-term strategies to face up to the wider challenges related to workforce demographics, future-proofed skills and the regional and national economies, these being: A national crisis where competition is fierce for available recruits across sectors and roles at all levels An existing workforce where the vast majority will still be employed for years to come Stagnant skills development and progression opportunities for employees, and challenges retaining current workers A lack of opportunities offered for career beginners and investment in the local population to create social mobility Changing skills needs and job roles driven by new technologies TDM recommends organisations employ a longer term view of their development and skills needs. This can be done by considering available tech to digitally transform and facilitate growth, ensure existing staff are developed /upskilled or are redeployed/ reskilled to support retention and ensure important skills remain in the organisation, and support the career entry of local people via Apprenticeships and available qualifications.

Digital transformation approaches organisations can consider include the use of productivity software (e.g. Teams), growing sales through effective digital marketing, implementing internal tech support, making more effective use of data, developing bespoke solutions via coding and implementing wider ranging digital solutions, linking key systems together such as websites, databases and CRMs. Yet these technologies are useless without the requisite skills to properly implement them. The best news for employers is the substantial amount of Government funding available in the form of Adult Education to attain first tech qualifications and apprenticeships all the way up to Level 6 integrated Degrees designed for both new recruits and existing employees.

WCG PRESENTED WITH PRESTIGIOUS PRIZE IN ROYAL CEREMONY for more than 25 years and has seen its engineering apprentice numbers grow from 40 in 1996 to 1,195 in 2021.

The group now delivers engineering courses at three of its colleges including Warwick Trident College, Rugby College and Evesham College.

His Royal Highness Prince Charles and Her Royal Highness Princess Anne have presented leading college group WCG with a prestigious prize which recognises its pioneering work in developing future engineers.

WCG (formerly Warwickshire College Group) was presented with The Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education in a ceremony at St James’s Palace.

The prize, which was first announced in November 2021, is in recognition of the college’s work in the engineering sector over the last quarter of a century.

WCG is the only college from the Midlands to be recognised among the 2020-2022 winners, one of 21 winning universities and colleges from across the UK with only five other colleges receiving this accolade.

Angela Joyce, CEO of WCG, was joined by Peter Manford, Chairman, Chris White, Vice Chairman, Peter Husband, Group Principal, Alan May, Director of Apprenticeships and three engineering apprentices at the ceremony.

The ceremony followed the prize winner’s dinner at London’s Guildhall the previous evening, which celebrated the achievements of all the winners of this year’s awards.

WCG has been a trailblazer for employer-centric engineering provision

Angela Joyce said that it was an ‘incredibly proud day’ for the college and that the group strives to continue to lead the way in the delivery of education provision in the engineering sector.

“We have been looking forward to this moment since we were told we had won the prize in November and it was an incredibly proud day for everyone associated with WCG,” Angela said.

“The ceremony was a great opportunity to speak with leaders from across the education sector and we were proud to represent the Midlands and showcase WCG’s pioneering approach to engineering training.

“The Government’s latest skills strategy has sought to put employers at the forefront in the development of post-16 education, but this is something we have been doing at WCG for more than a quarter of a century.

“This award celebrates the dedication of the engineering staff team at Warwick Trident, Evesham and Rugby colleges, but also reflects an approach to working with employers that we take right across our colleges in Warwickshire and Worcestershire.

“Despite winning this prestigious prize, we won’t rest on our laurels and will continue to innovate with our engineering training provision. It’s vital that our provision continues to react to the ever-changing needs of industry and we will continue to work with our network of employers to ensure that remains the case.”

LOCAL APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING PROVIDER HEREFORDSHIRE & WORCESTERSHIRE GROUP TRAINING ASSOCIATION SECURE EUROPEAN SOCIAL FUND MONIES FOR A ‘SKILLS FOR WORCESTERSHIRE’ PROJECT HWGTA are committed to delivering the best outcomes possible for young people in Worcestershire and recently secured funding from the European Social Fund (partnered with Worcestershire County Council) which will help to support over 300 young people aged 15-24 into training or employment as part of the ‘Skills for Worcestershire’ Project.

HWGTA specialise in apprenticeships in Engineering, Accountancy, Business Administration, Leadership & Management and Customer Service. At HWGTA, we have a state of the art, all singing, all dancing, engineering workshop which provides a fantastic learning environment for students. In addition, there are several well-equipped classrooms for our classroom-based courses and top-quality tutors and support staff.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Did you know?

You get paid and employed whilst you study as an apprentice.

All HWGTA’s apprenticeships are nationally recognised.

Different course lengths are available.

HWGTA offer other short courses if an apprenticeship isn’t what you’re looking for.

Are you keen to know more?

Visit www.hwgta.org Get in touch at info@hwgta or call 01905 729993

045

BUSINESSNEWS

OUTDOOR BRAND, OLPRO, EXPANDS WITH MOVE INTO NEW HEADQUARTER SPACE company now has plans to employ 5 more people throughout the year. On top of this, OLPRO has invested in buying twice the amount of stock it normally purchases for the year ahead, as the outdoor and camping industry continues to see a boom in the number of customers and demand for products.

The outdoor brand has moved into its new headquarter space at Castle Farm, Holt Heath, Worcester. Following two years of rapid growth, OLPRO’s new premises will accommodate the growth in the number of staff the company employs and the need for additional warehouse space to hold more stock.

OLPRO’s new head office has the capacity for 50 members of staff in total and includes a purpose-built meeting space with modern conference facilities as well as benefitting from a picturesque countryside backdrop to show off OLPRO’s outdoor products.

The Worcester-based brand will continue to use its existing KDO Business Park warehouse as warehouse space and half of the company’s warehouse staff will continue to operate from the building.

In just the space of 2 years, OLPRO has grown from a team of 8 to 20 and the

For more information on OLPRO, visit the company’s website www.olproshop.com

HARD WORK BEATS TALENT “Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard” - Tim Notke In a market that can be described as anything but fixed… a ‘fixed mindset’ is a dangerous attribute for any business leader or employee.

People with a fixed mindset have an external locum of control meaning that things happen to them. We hear these people saying “it’s the market”, “that will never work”, “I don’t need training”.

Conversely, people with a growth mindset have an action bias – they decide to make things happen, despite the circumstances. These individuals demonstrate resilience, coach-ability and are open to challenge - they are the innovators.

There are ‘fixed-mindsets’ in every organisation, we may even find

ourselves in that camp from time to time. The good news is that we can switch fixed-mindsets to growth-mindsets using some simple coaching tools. Our use of language is key to this – if we are praising effort and new ideas, rather than just the end result, this will build confidence in our teams that it is okay to fail, as long as we learn from it. We can also use questions to remove barriers and alter self-limiting thinking patterns. When someone tells us “that won’t work”, we can ask “what if it did?”. We can also apply this technique ourselves if we slip into a rut of negative thinking.

In this market agility is king, agility of thinking is what will make the difference between surviving and thriving. www.hewett-recruitment.co.uk

In March 2020, a week before lockdown, Eclarity Solutions Ltd joined the Chamber. No one could have predicted the struggle businesses would face over the coming months. For this Bromsgrove based IT company of 20 years, the challenge was to keep their customers communicating remotely whilst they themselves switched to home working too.

As a managed service provider, Eclarity specializes in Cloud Services, Office 365,

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Sharing their story, the Directors aim to increase an understanding of their business and encourage new team members to join them for a career in insurance.

Group Managing Director, Gordon Hazelton, specialises in property insurance, including owner and developer insurance, landlord and contents insurance, and oversees HM tenant referencing.

Director, Jake Mountford, specialises in, general commercial, fleet and haulage insurance.

Just like they had been, the Hazelton Mountford Directors have each encouraged their team members to grow through apprenticeships and further study.

Director Simeon Chapman shares that his Grandfather encouraged him to study and gain qualifications, saying: “Once you have them, no-one can take them away.”

His Grandfather’s wise words, and many hours of study, now mean that Simeon is one of 4 members of the Hazelton Mountford team with Chartered status. Simeon specialises in Faith and Church insurance as well as Social Enterprise and CICs insurance.

PANDEMIC RETROSPECTIVE

This young team, led by experienced director, Phil Gillam, found themselves in a strong position to support their customers, able to quickly provide hardware and networking solutions to connect users to enable remote working.

OUR INSURANCE JOURNEY BY HAZELTON MOUNTFORD

Cyber Security, Hosted Telephony and Network Connectivity. The company were well placed to assist customers and keep their business resilient. With support from the Chamber they exhibited at the October 2021 Chamber Expo.

Hazelton Mountford are the only Independent Chartered Insurance Brokers in Worcester and welcome a chat if you’d like to talk more about a career in insurance.

Call the team on 01905 611951 and ask for Gordon, Jake or Simeon.

May/June 2022

CHARITYNEWS

SUTCLIFFE & CO WINS £20,000 FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER CHARITY Jen Kelly, CEO of the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust says, “We are truly grateful to Sutcliffe & Co for the wonderful support they have given the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust over the last few years. This Aviva Broker Community Funding will make a big difference to our family support service at the Trust.”

Worcester based Sutcliffe & Co Insurance Brokers celebrate winning a £20,000 funding grant for the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust, through the National Aviva Broker Community Fund.

The Aviva Broker Community Fund which runs every year is designed to help local projects that really matter to brokers across the country, with a cash injection to help good causes and community initiatives. With applications for awards ranging from £2,500 all the way up to Grand Awards of £20,000, the Grace Kelly Childhood Trust hit the jackpot with the maximum funding being awarded.

The fund has been granted to help a very special project at the charity, to aid the therapeutic support work for families affected by childhood cancer, to enable them to spend much needed increased time with families, as well as starting to set up therapeutic groups in their new safe family therapy room.

Duncan Sutcliffe, Managing Director at Sutcliffe & Co explains “Grace Kelly Childhood Trust has always been a charity that has been close to our hearts and we have supported many fundraising activities over the years, such as Oscar Saxelby’s treatment appeal. It’s an amazing scheme which Aviva runs and we’re over the moon the charity won the maximum funding!”

Jen adds, “We are proud that we are currently able to support local families financially, practically and emotionally following the diagnosis of their child with cancer. The Trust receives no statutory funding, so we are reliant on our fundraisers and supporters to help us raise the funds needed to keep our service running. Support from businesses, such as Sutcliffe & Co makes a big difference to the support that we are able to offer. We are also very grateful to the Aviva Broker Community Fund for giving us this funding opportunity.”

The Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust is a national charity working to help children and young people affected by cancer. Focused on early diagnosis, raising awareness, supporting families and research, it’s a charity committed to helping both cancer sufferers and their families.

Sutcliffe & Co Insurance, one of Worcester’s oldest insurance brokers is a fourth generation family business, driven to provide a personal service in a commercial world. Their commitment to support the local community is unwavering, supporting many initiatives since the business was founded in 1984. As Sutcliffe & Co enter a new phase of growth, this news comes at what is hoped to be a successful year for the team.

For more information about Sutcliffe & Co supporting the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust please contact their Head Office on 01905 21681 or alternatively email Enquiries@ sutcliffeinsurance.co.uk.

WORCESTERSHIRE ACUTE HOSPITALS CHARITY ANNOUNCED AS THE 2022 CHARITY PARTNER FOR THE WORCESTER CITY RUNS Head of Fundraising Sophie Burt said “We are so excited to be announced as this year’s charity partner. It is such a great event to be involved with and a wonderful opportunity for the charity to raise awareness of our work as well as much needed funds.”

The 2022 Worcester City Runs returns bigger and better than ever on Sunday 4th September. The eighth Worcester City 10K and Half Marathon will set off on Sunday morning, alongside the popular Junior run returning at 8.45am.

This year’s charity partner is Chamber member Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity. Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity supports patients, staff and services in Worcestershire’s acute hospitals by providing enhancements and added extras that make the experience more comfortable or the working day easier.

Sophie continues “As well as looking forward to getting involved on the day, we are also delighted to say that they have a number of free charity places available for both the 10K and the Half Marathon for people looking to take part and fundraise along the way. Funds raised by Team Worcestershire Acute will be used to improve the hospital environments, support staff wellbeing and provide additional equipment.”

If you would like to join Team Worcestershire Acute please get in touch at info@ wahcharity.org or call 01905 768954.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

THURSFIELDS’ TEAM TO WALK 121 MILES TO RAISE £1,000+ FOR MIDLANDS AIR AMBULANCE CHARITY A team of seven keen walkers from Thursfields Solicitors has taken on a 121-mile route march to raise more than £1,000 for the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.

The activity has been planned as part of the charity’s Airbase Challenge 2022 where fundraisers can walk, run, swim or cycle a variety of distances in the first five months of the year.

The Thursfields’ team has decided to walk the longest route known as the Helicopter Challenger, which at 121 miles represents the total distance between its three air bases at Tatenhill, RAF Cosford and Strensham.

Courtney Litwinko-Smith, a trainee solicitor in the Family team at Thursfields, explained that she and her colleagues decided on their challenge as part of their community work planned on Thursfields’ Junior Lawyer Committee.

She said: “The Midlands Air Ambulance Charity does some terrific work across the area that Thursfields serves and we thought it would be marvellous to join their challenge and take the longest walk on.

“We’ll be walking the route in a mixture of individual and group sessions with the aim of each walking just over 17 miles, together totalling the full 121-mile route.

“We’ve already launched a fundraising page on JustGiving.com and hope to raise a minimum of £500 which Thursfields has generously pledged to match-fund, creating a donation of at least £1,000 for the charity.”

Joining Ms Litwinko-Smith on the challenge are Thursfields’ colleagues Megan Jewkes, a trainee solicitor in the Commercial Property team, Kim Virk, a trainee solicitor in Wills and Estates, and Ruby Momoh, a trainee solicitor in Residential Property.

Also on the team are Michael Kokkinoftas, a trainee solicitor in the Corporate team, Ellie Bryan, a paralegal who is also on the Corporate team, and Kiran Shinjin, a legal assistant on the Residential Property team.

Since 1991, the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity has undertaken more than 66,000 missions via one of its three air ambulances, or two critical care cars, making it one of the UK’s busiest pre-hospital, air ambulance-led services.

To sponsor the Thursfields’ Helicopter Challenge team, visit www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/thursfieldssolicitors1

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WORCESTERSHIREWORKSWELL

WWW AT THE #HWEXPO In March, Worcestershire Works Well were excited to be exhibiting at the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Business Expo, as part of the new Health and Wellbeing Zone. Faizal and Chris from the Public Health team worked tirelessly carrying out blood pressure and lifestyle checks throughout the day. It is so important to have our blood pressure checked regularly; the British Heart Foundation offers a wealth of advice and guidance.

The Worcestershire Works Well accreditation scheme aims to improve employee health and wellbeing across the county. The scheme is free to join for any organisation in Worcestershire with 5+ employees. Business benefits include: Reduced sickness and absenteeism/ presenteeism Increased employee productivity Motivated and resilient workforce Reduced staff turnover For more information about Worcestershire Works Well, contact our team on wwwadmin@worcestershire.gov.uk

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May/June 2022

MEMBERBENEFITS

INTRODUCING OUR MEMBER 2 MEMBER REFERRAL SCHEME, UNLIMITED! The launch of our new Member 2 Member referral scheme encourages current Members to refer Non-member organisations to the Chamber. In exchange for a successful referral, you’ll receive a 10% discount off your membership fee at your next renewal.

A successful referral is defined as a Member referring an organisation to the Chamber Membership team and that organisation converting into a new Chamber Member.

can refer as many organisations as they wish and potentially earn up to a 100% discount on their next membership fee. This essentially means FREE membership!

If you would like to know more about our unlimited Member 2 Member referral scheme, get in contact with your account manager. *Please note that the Member 2 Member referral scheme is capped at £1160 for Patron and Strategic Members.

This incentive has now been uncapped*, meaning Members

A GOOD BUSINESS NEEDS GOOD COMMUNICATION As part of your Membership with Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, you have access to a wide range of Marketing & PR opportunities to help you shout about your success.

From creating a buzz through to celebrating your achievements, the Chamber can support you when raising your business profile to connect you with companies across the two counties.

The Chamber helps to promote Member companies across all sectors of business by providing: Free listings in the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Website Directory, complete with live hyperlinks to the Member’s own website and email account.

Opportunities to have free editorial published in the Chamber’s bi-monthly business magazine Business Direction.

Opportunities to take part in case studies and testimonials.

Promoting your Member to Member Offers on the Chamber website and access to other Member offers.

Access to a range of courses specialising in PR and Marketing, discounted for Chamber Members.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Two free places on an introductory course to Digital Marketing and PR opportunities.

Discounted advertising rates in Business Direction magazine (prices start from £300+VAT) and the Chamber’s website.

Members receive a 20% discount off the media pack rates.

Your good news stories featured in Business Direction Online and via monthly newsletters to business people in the two counties.

For more information about Member benefits and how you can make the most out of your membership, please visit: https://hwchamber.co.uk/membership/

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LASTWORD

CHAMBER SKILLS HUB

As we continue to repair and grow our businesses after Covid-19, conversations around skills and the changing labour market have become increasingly more prominent, and as a result have become a critical topic in businesses’ agendas across the two counties.

The Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce have recently launched our online Skills Hub. In this hub, you’ll be able to access a plethora of information around the topic of skills and useful resources in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, including:

TRAINING

MARCHES GROWTH HUB

Chamber Training courses and our bespoke solutions are delivered to the highest standards by professional and highly qualified trainers and consultants, going the extra mile to help you upskill.

SKILLS FOR WORCESTERSHIRE

SALARY & BENEFITS REPORT

Whether you are employing someone for the first time or taking on extra staff, the Marches Growth Hub provides practical guidance and advice, as well as funding packages, allowances and grants designed to help you develop the skills of your workforce.

If you are a Worcestershire based business and are keen to find out how the Chamber can help you with your future workforce needs, our Skills for Worcestershire page contains all the information you need to know.

APPRENTICESHIPS Are you looking to grow your team and develop a skilled, qualified and motivated workforce? Hiring an apprentice will enable you to grow your talent and expand your business.

TRAINEESHIPS Traineeships allow young people to become ready for the working environment and gain experience that’ll prepare them for their future career.

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To support businesses who are looking to recruit and retain staff, the Chamber produce an annual Salary & Benefits Report, in partnership with Hewett Recruitment. This report allows businesses to benchmark the salaries and benefits packages they offer.

WORCESTERSHIRE GROWTH HUB There are a variety of grants and programmes available to Worcestershire businesses in order to support you in growing and developing your workforce.

Worcestershire Growth Hub can guide your business as you grow, helping you to find the solutions to your recruitment, HR and skills issues.

Additional information available includes: Hiring from the EU Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) T Levels Our Skills Hub is constantly being updated, so keep an eye out for new updates and information.

Visit the skills hub here: https://hwchamber.co.uk/skills-hub/

May/June 2022

A PASSION

FOR PEOPLE

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This continues to be a difficult time for both employers and their employees. We’re here to help you navigate the twists and turns so your business and your workforce are ready for the future.

Michael Stokes, Partner, Head of Employment and Immigration Team

01905 678 545 | www.hcrlaw.com Harrison Clark Rickerbys is a trading name of Harrison Clark Rickerbys Limited.

The Queen’s Anniversary Prizes For Higher and Further Education

2021

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS APPRENTICESHIPS Want to grow your own workforce?

WCG is the largest provider of apprenticeship training in the West Midlands area, training more than 2500 apprentices each year in a variety of sectors, including Motor Vehicle, Veterinary Nursing and Land-based Engineering.

T LEVELS Not ready to commit to an apprentice?

The T Level programme allows you the opportunity to offer a 45-day industry placement to students looking to kickstart their careers.

From September, WCG will be offering the following T Levels:

• • • •

Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction Digital Support Services Engineering (Manufacturing, Design & Development) Health

INDUSTRY PLACEMENTS Looking to recruit for the future?

Offering an Industry Placement will allow you to trial the abilities of a potential employee or apprentice and are completely flexible, meaning you can vary them to suit your particular business needs.

Contact our Business Development team to find out how you can boost your business:

0330 135 6940 | employerenquiries@wcg.ac.uk

wcg.ac.uk/worcsemployers