Business Direction 74

Business Growth

THAT RECRUITMENT CROWD

Business Growth

In times of unprecedented inflationary pressure, energy prices and labour shortages, we highlight opportunities for growth throughout this edition of Business Direction.

This includes sharing of best practice, access to training and any financial support that may become available.

As your local Chamber of Commerce, we continue to deliver on our Manifesto objectives to support business growth, including working with the British Chambers of Commerce to lobby and work with the government and the Bank of England to implement greater financial investment, business support and ultimately, plans for business growth. We have also recently developed our Chamber Cost Savings Hub, which seeks to provide information and quick links to real cost savings for local businesses. More about our Cost Saving Hub can be found on page 49.

Throughout this edition, we’ll see examples of business growth from Chamber Members and the impact this has had on the wider two counties. We also bring you the latest news from your local Chamber of Commerce, including our extensive portfolio of networking events, forums and conferences, as well as our training portfolio of upcoming courses.

In this edition we have been delighted to interview Strategic Members, Lucart and hear about their exciting year ahead. We also interview Trueline Products, who discuss their continued growth, innovation, sustainability and strong community links.

Best regards, Sharon

Our Patrons are:

Celebrations All Round at the Chamber Business Awards 2023!

The Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce were delighted to welcome guests to the Worcester Arena for the Chamber Business Awards 2023, sponsored by Herefordshire Council.

Hosted by the amazing Paul Sinha, the Awards welcomed over 700 guests from businesses across the two counties. The Awards celebrated firms across Herefordshire and Worcestershire and were a fantastic way to raise awareness of local business success. The Chamber would like to thank all 140+ businesses that entered – every entry was of an extremely high quality, making the competition tougher than ever.

15 awards were up for grabs, with the winners of each individual category entered into the final coveted award, Business of the Year.

One of the winners, Britannia Dynamic Logistics, commented “BDL are thrilled to have been given this award by the Chamber and judging panel. During the last 12 months BDL has seen a significant growth in business and given the worldwide reach of the Chamber I’m sure it will play a vital role in building our profile even further.”

A huge congratulations to all our highly commended businesses and our Chamber Business Award Winners for 2023…

Best Use of Technology

Assure Technical & Rotherwood Healthcare

Commitment to the Community

Hewett Recruitment

Employer of the Year

Malvern Panalytical

Excellence in Customer Service

Hewett Recruitment

Excellence in Innovation ONE

Creative Environments (ONE)

Excellence in Professional Services

New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE)

Excellence in Sustainability

Kimal PLC

International Trade Business of the Year

John Martin Design Associates Ltd. T/A JMDA Design

Charity Business of the Year

Wyre Forest & South Worcestershire Nightstop & Mediation Service

Health & Wellbeing in the Workplace

REHAU UK & Ireland

High Growth Business of the Year

Indra Renewable Technologies

Manufacturer of the Year

Excool Holdings Limited

Micro Business of the Year

Eva Capital Management

Most Promising New Business

CJC (Worcester) Ltd

Small Business of the Year

Britannia Dynamic Logistics

Overall Business of the Year

Malvern Panalytical

Worcester-based small businesses given boost thanks to St John’s first co-working space

ever-increasing costs, the space offers flexible membership packages starting at just £25 per month.

Available to anyone that wants to work alongside like-minded locals, Oak House Workspace offers:

A 28-seat hot desk zone with spacious desks and comfy chairs

A quiet hot desk zone

Local small business owners looking for a quality co-working experience around St John’s in Worcester will now have the option of a new space thanks to the family behind ISO Quality Services Ltd.

The attractive 2,200 square-foot Oak House Workspace offers hot desks, meeting rooms and even breakout and relaxation areas for business leaders and freelancers keen to raise their productivity and utilise the facilities of a quality workspace. What’s more, to help members manage

Nine fixed desks split across three rooms

A meeting room with video presentation and brainstorming facilities

A Zoom/podcasting room

Superfast WiFi

An onsite Community Manager Office equipment for printing, scanning, copying and shredding

Community kitchen/break room

Complimentary tea, coffee and water

Janitorial cleaning services

Recycling points

Outdoor work and social spaces.

Oak House Workspace Director Debbie Farr comments: “With the need for quality flexible working on the increase we created a space that we would want to work in ourselves. It has everything that you need day to day but also helps your business to up its game with meeting rooms, fast broadband and videoconferencing technology. We also understand that it can be lonely working from home so Oak House offers the chance to work alongside other business owners and remote workers whenever you need it.

“The mix of stylish work zones and social areas gives users a high-quality experience without costly overheads. Oak House Workspace also meets the needs of hybrid or remote workers who miss the buzz of the office, but not the commute.”

Packages will start at £25 per month. For more information please email Debbie at hello@ oakhouseworkspace.co.uk

Accelerating Business Growth: Strategies for Success

Sustaining business growth is crucial for long-term success. From boosting revenues and securing new business opportunities, to safeguarding profits and fostering innovation, a comprehensive growth strategy is essential.

Growing income and developing new business paths are fundamental to expanding market share. By identifying untapped markets, businesses can expand their customer base, whilst at the same time nurturing existing client relationships. Businesses must also continuously monitor their operations to improve processes

and ensure that there are robust financial controls to secure profitability.

A resilient supply chain is vital for sustained growth, as we have seen in recent years. Working closely with suppliers, risks can be mitigated, and quality maintained. Also, establishing links with alternative suppliers diminishes potential disruptions and enhances flexibility.

In addition, product development and innovation are crucial. By investing in research and development, companies can stay ahead of the competition, adapt

Daniel Pitt, Tax Manager

to evolving consumer demands, and create distinct propositions.

For more information, please contact Dan Pitt to discuss possible strategies for you and your business.

dpitt@bishopfleming.co.uk

Franklin Hodge Celebrates 50 Years of Supplying and Installing Liquid Storage Tanks Worldwide

Created in the face of an energy crisis in 1973, with the UK experiencing economic turmoil, you could be forgiven for believing that not much changes in the world, despite the passage of the years. Much has in fact changed, but Franklin Hodge Industries remains a strong and successful company still based in Herefordshire.

On the 13th of March this year, Franklin Hodge Industries celebrated its 50th anniversary.

In the intervening fifty years Franklin Hodge Industries has become a major name in the site assembled water storage tank world,

setting the standard for design, manufacture and installation of tanks for the fire protection, drinking water and process industries.

Franklin Hodge’s reach extends from a supermarket in Glasgow with a Firestore* cylindrical tank connected to a fire sprinkler system, to a Liquistore* on a tower in The Gambia, supplying drinking water for a village, to a Firetainer* in the basement of a skyscraper in London, feeding a life safety fire sprinkler system.

Help To Grow Management Course

at CEO’s and senior leaders and covers strategies for growth and innovation.

The course is designed to be studied around existing work commitments and can be accessed through a blend of online and four face-to-face sessions, on alternate Wednesday afternoons starting in September.

Worcester Business School has announced the launch of the Help To Grow Management Course, following their successful Small Business Charter Accreditation.

Developed by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) in collaboration with Business Schools, the course is aimed

Course content covers approaches to digital adoption, as well as financial management and responsible business practices. As part of the course, you will receive 1:1 business mentoring to develop a bespoke growth plan.

The cost of this course is 90% subsidised by the Department of Business and Trade and is £750 per attendee.

Break Clauses

To be eligible for this course you must be:

A business or social enterprise (not a charity) based in the United Kingdom, with 5 to 249 employees.

A business that is more than one year old. A senior decision maker within the business e.g. CEO, Finance director

Have at least one line of management in business employment structure.

We are a welcoming and friendly Business School and our campus is centrally located in Worcester, with excellent road & rail links. To find out further information or book an informal discussion please email joanne. murphy@worc.ac.uk

Click here for further information and to book.

Approximately 35% of commercial leases contain a break clause but it is often clear, as case law provides, that landlords and tenants must ensure they take full professional advice around the drafting of a break clause due to the potential pitfalls and conditions. There are a variety of protections in place which can be drafted by a solicitor, but essentially tenants must make sure that any obligation placed on them within a break clause is complied with, including around alterations to the property. Any potential ambiguity around dates surrounding the break date should also be avoided and careful drafting is therefore essential. With around a fifth of all commercial property break clauses being exercised every year in the UK, it pays to have a professional across the detail from start to finish.

For more information or to ask any questions, Chamber members can email Lucy George at Chamber patrons mfg Solicitors through, lucy.george@mfgsolicitors.com

Can challenges be turned into opportunities in today’s climate?

Before you dismiss restructuring as extensive and costly, let us assure you that it doesn’t have to be. Restructuring involves adjusting areas that require improvement, allowing you to boost profitability without overhauling your entire organisation.

For example, we helped a niche company that wanted to invest in their own premises but relied on one major customer. By creating a new holding company and group structure, we helped them expand whilst reducing risk, ensuring tax efficiency, and preserving their identity.

In today’s business climate, where rising costs challenge growth plans, owners face a tough choice between growth and financial stability. However, there is an alternative solution: restructuring.

Partnering with a reliable advisory firm is crucial for sustainable growth in an unpredictable business climate. At Haines Watts, we’re ready to be that partner, offering tailored solutions and expert guidance to help you succeed.

Lucy George, Solicitor

Navigating Divorce and Financial Matters

In recent years, the introduction of “no fault” divorce applications and the rise of “DIY divorces” have made obtaining a divorce more accessible to individuals. While this change has brought about positive outcomes, such as increased autonomy and reduced costs, it has also given rise to some concerning trends.

The Rise of “No Fault” Divorce

For over 49 years, divorce law remained largely unchanged until the introduction of “no fault” divorce applications. This significant change has led to a surge in divorce applications, reaching the highest level in a decade. The ease of initiating a divorce without the need to establish blame has provided individuals with a simpler and less acrimonious path to end their marriages.

The Growing Trend of “DIY Divorces”

In line with the rise in “no fault” divorce applications, the prevalence of “DIY divorces” has also increased. Many divorcing spouses are opting to handle their divorces independently, often utilizing online services to streamline the process. However, it is crucial to recognise the risks involved in solely relying on these services without seeking legal advice.

The Importance of Financial Settlements

While divorce itself may bring a marriage to an end, it does not sever the financial ties between the parties. It is paramount for divorcing spouses to understand the significance of obtaining a financial settlement order. Unfortunately, recent data reveals that only 27% of divorce applications included a financial settlement application. This statistic raises concerns regarding the long-term financial security of divorcing individuals and their dependents.

The Risks of Online Consent Orders

With the increasing market presence of online consent order companies, divorcing spouses may be tempted to save costs by opting for these services to draft their financial consent orders. However, it is crucial to exercise caution and be aware of the potential risks involved. Without seeking advice from a solicitor, parties may inadvertently enter into agreements that do not align with the principles of fairness outlined in the Matrimonial Causes Act 1975.

Avoiding Future Financial Claims

A common misconception arises when divorcing couples believe that a financial order is unnecessary in situations where there are no significant marital assets. However, failing to obtain a financial order can leave individuals exposed to future claims. Obtaining a Clean Break Order is essential to prevent either party from making a claim against the other in the future.

Seeking Legal Advice

Throughout the divorce process, seeking independent legal advice from family law solicitors is vital to ensure that individuals are properly protected from future financial claims. Expert legal guidance can help divorcing spouses navigate the complexities of financial settlements, ensuring their needs and the needs of any relevant children are met, and preventing any unforeseen complications down the line.

Conclusion

While the recent changes in divorce law have made the process more accessible, it is crucial to understand the importance of obtaining a financial settlement order to secure one’s financial future. Relying solely on online services without seeking legal advice can expose individuals to potential risks and complications. By consulting with experienced family law solicitors, divorcing spouses can navigate the complexities of divorce and financial matters, ensuring their interests are protected throughout the process.

For anyone in need of expert legal advice on divorce or obtaining a financial order, our Family Law Solicitors are here to provide the necessary guidance and support. Contact us at info@thursfields.co.uk or on 0345 20 73 72 8.

The Essential Armour in Cyber Warfare: Cyber Security Awareness Training

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has added another layer of complexity to the landscape of cyber threats. AI technology can now mimic voices to an alarmingly accurate degree. Imagine receiving a phone call from your boss or a family member asking for sensitive information. The voice sounds exactly like them. Would you question its authenticity? This is not a far-fetched scenario. It’s a real threat that we must prepare for.

In this cyber battleground, awareness is our most potent weapon. Cyber security awareness training equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognise and respond effectively to cyber threats. It transforms the human element from the weakest link in the security chain into its strongest asset.

Effective cyber security training covers a range of topics, from understanding the basics of phishing scams and social engineering tactics to anticipating more advanced threats like AI-voice imitation. By arming employees with this knowledge, businesses can significantly reduce their vulnerability to cyber attacks.

Moreover, ongoing training ensures that individuals stay updated on the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape. Cyber threats change and evolve constantly, and so should our knowledge and understanding of them. Regular training sessions can help keep employees sharp and ready to respond to new threats.

In an increasingly digital world, the threats we face have evolved far beyond the physical realm. Cyber threats, particularly phishing scams and social engineering attacks, pose significant risks to businesses and individuals alike. In this context, cyber security awareness training emerges not as a luxury, but as a necessity. Phishing scams are a common tactic among cybercriminals. These attacks often come in the form of seemingly harmless emails or messages that trick recipients into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials or credit card numbers. As technology advances, these scams become increasingly sophisticated, making it harder for the untrained eye to recognise them.

Social engineering attacks are another widespread cyber threat. Cybercriminals use manipulative tactics to deceive individuals into performing actions or revealing confidential information. These methods prey on human psychology, exploiting traits such as trust and fear. The potency of such attacks lies in their ability to bypass even the most robust technical security measures by targeting the human element of security – the users themselves.

Cyber security awareness training is not just beneficial—it’s essential. It’s a crucial line of defence against an array of cyber threats. And as these threats continue to grow and evolve, the importance of such training will only increase. So, whether you’re a business owner seeking to protect your organisation or an individual looking to safeguard your personal information, consider investing in cyber security awareness training. It could be the difference between staying safe or falling victim to a cyber attack.

EBC Group provides robust cyber security awareness training, designed to train and educate employees at all levels on the dangers of poor security habits. The training modules emphasise the real-world implications of cyber threats, helping individuals to understand the importance of good cybersecurity practices in both their professional and personal lives. Whether it’s dealing with phishing attempts, recognising signs of social engineering, or implementing secure data handling practices, EBC Group’s training aims to empower employees to be the first line of defence against cyber threats.

In a world where technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace and cyber threats are evolving just as quickly, cyber security awareness training stands as our best defence. It empowers us to recognise threats, respond effectively, and stay one step ahead of the cybercriminals. As we look to the future, one thing is clear: knowledge is power, and in the realm of cyber security, it is our most crucial asset.

New appointment expands mfg’s Commercial Property offering

Long-standing

Chamber patrons mfg Solicitors have again expanded its respected Commercial Property department through the appointment of a new senior associate.

Based at mfg’s Kidderminster headquarters in Wyre Forest, commercial property expert Lauren Powers has joined the team, working closely with partners Clare Regan and Ben Rothery on a range of matters including complex transactions, refinancing, acquisitions and disposals of land and property, and landlord and tenant matters

Partner and head of department Clare Regan said: “We are now one of the largest specialist Commercial Property departments in the region with a team of 35. We continue to see extensive growth in the demand for our services and we have to constantly meet that demand and expand the team by adding specialists who have a broad range of experience.

“Lauren is the latest addition and is the perfect fit. She is first-class lawyer, with an eye for detail, and is already making her mark internally and with clients.”

Lauren Powers added: “The Commercial Property team here at mfg Solicitors rightly has a fantastic regional and national reputation. I am delighted to be part of the team and to play my role in enhancing that standing even further.

“Commercial Property is a unique specialism which encompasses an enormous amount of matters, so I feel extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to work alongside such a supportive team of lawyers.

“We’ve now moved into the second half of 2023 and it has been a hugely busy period. That looks set to continue with the industry going from strength to strength, owners looking at their portfolios, and studying new opportunities.”

Readers looking for more information on mfg’s Commercial Property services can email lauren.powers@mfgsolicitors.com or visit www.mfgsolicitors.com

The firm’s Commercial Property team is Shropshire and Birmingham. They offer

The firm’s Commercial Property team is spread across mfg’s offices in Worcestershire, Shropshire and Birmingham. They offer a variety of services for clients, including:

 Sales and purchases of industrial or retail premises

 Planning and development advice for landlords and tenants

 Finance and refinancing transactions

 Leases and licences

 Handling complex land issues

 Advising on commercial renewable schemes, and;

 Advise within specialist sectors, including medical and dental practices.

Lauren Powers

Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce has released the Quarterly Economic Survey Report for Q1 2023, sponsored by Worcestershire County Council and Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership

The latest survey was completed by 5258 businesses across the UK and 352 (6.7%) of these were businesses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. This survey had a focus on green skills and businesses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire have demonstrated through the QES that they are playing their part in becoming more sustainable, with 38% of local businesses saying they have taken steps to be more environmentally sustainable and it is an important consideration to their business.

In this survey we have seen a reduction in the number of businesses reporting inflation as a cause for concern to their business. 67% of businesses reported that inflation was a concern to their business, compared to 76% in the previous quarter. At the time of writing, the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has recently announced his Spring Budget. The Chancellor made it a priority to tackle inflation, attributing it to ongoing economic challenges. However, despite UK inflation easing in March, rising food prices has meant inflation remains higher than expected above 10%, adding to the speculation that the Bank of England will raise

interest rates again. Inflation fell to 10.1 per cent in the year to March from 10.4 per cent in February. It was widely expected to fall below 10 per cent, but food prices have risen their fastest rate in 45 years.

I am grateful to our partners at Worcestershire County Council and Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership for supporting us with this survey. The Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce are committed to supporting all activities that promote green skills development, opportunity, and workforce planning.

Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce attend British Chambers Global Annual Conference

The British Chambers of Commerce continue to command the attention of the UK’s political and economic leaders as the BCC demonstrates leadership in support of UK Plc, across the full breadth of the country’s business community.

The Chamber took our Patrons to the British Chambers Global Annual Conference at the QEII Centre in London. There were high profile speakers such as Sir Keir Starmer MP, Jeremy Hunt MP, and Andrew Bailey. We heard them deliver keynote speeches, and it was clear that they know just how many businessmen and businesswomen are affiliated with Chambers across Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Andrew Bailey was upbeat about the economy, expecting a very sharp inflation decline over the coming months. Along with Members of our Chamber Board and Patron Members, we were treated to high profile professionals including Jeremy Hunt, Keir Starmer and Andrew Bailey. We heard them deliver keynote speeches, and it was clear that they know just how many businessmen and businesswomen

are affiliated with Chambers across Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Andrew Bailey was upbeat about the economy, expecting a very sharp inflation decline over the coming months, and indicating current energy markets were almost at pre pandemic levels.

There were a range of break-out sessions to discuss and generate ideas and actions in key deliverables – skills development, sustainability, and business growth – the BCC has, once again, demonstrated its leadership in support of the business community.

As ever, please get in touch with any policy concerns your business may have, we are more than happy to take any concerns to our colleagues at the British Chamber in London to represent Herefordshire & Worcestershire in Westminster.

Herefordshire Company Expands Accredited Training Portfolio

With specific focus on keeping people’s environments safe and legally compliant, HSL Compliance specialise in providing solutions for water, asbestos, fire and occupational hygiene. As well as assisting our customers in their compliance with legal duties, we also provide a range of accredited training courses in order to support their learning and development.

The recent refurbishment of our training academy has enhanced the learning environment of our delegates. This, combined with the expert delivery from our qualified and highly recommended trainers, means we are able to provide a first class training experience in the heart of Herefordshire.

Accredited Training Portfolio

We are delighted to announce our portfolio of accredited training courses, which includes leading awarding organisations IOSH, City & Guilds, Highfields and UKATA. By incorporating a range of courses relevant to any industry, combined with a variety of learning options, we are able to offer a solution to suit everyone.

Our interactive training facility in Ross-on-Wye enables our delegates to benefit from practical as well as theoretical training. We also facilitate remote learning with a number of our courses now delivered virtually as well as several compliance based online e-learning modules. Our bespoke courses can be

delivered at our academy or at your premises, tailoring the training to your site and/or needs.

Health and Safety

To provide and promote a safety-first culture within the workplace, organisations can learn and implement core health and safety skills. These can be found within our IOSH accredited courses including: Managing Safely, Managing Safely Refresher and Working Safely.

Managing Safely is regarded as the leading health and safety course for managers. Regardless of your industry, this is the course to

enhance the workplace health and safety culture. Working Safely is the more interactive choice, encouraging learners to get involved and is suitable for anyone wanting to familiarise themselves with basic health and safety.

Train the Trainer

Another popular course is Train the Trainer, suitable for any level of experience. Successful completion allows you to become a competent trainer in any sector via our accredited programme.

Highfield

As a Highfield Awarding Body for Compliance training centre, we offer a Level 2 award in both Conflict Management and Customer Service. The former enables delegates to obtain a better understanding of preventing and conflict situations and the latter covers meeting customers’ expectations, communication techniques and dealing with challenging customers.

For further information or to book a course, email training@hslcompliance.com quoting reference BDM24. hslcompliance.com

HSL Compliance provides an impressive range of accredited training courses, suitable for every business sector.

Putting People at the Heart of Your Growth with EMI Schemes

In the face of a staffing crisis, businesses are recognising the need to prioritise employees to attract and retain talent.

To meet this challenge, many are turning to Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) schemes, which not only reward teams but also foster growth. By putting people at the heart of your business, EMI schemes provide employees with equity share incentives, enabling active participation in the company’s success.

When employees have a stake in the business, they feel a sense of ownership and responsibility, leading to increased motivation and productivity. By directly linking their performance to the company’s, EMI schemes cultivate a culture of loyalty and commitment among your workforce. This enhances employee retention and attracts new talent, creating a positive cycle that nurtures long-term expansion and growth.

Demonstrating commitment to employees can attract additional funding from investors, propelling growth further. EMI schemes show that the business has a dedicated and financially invested management team committed to long-term success. This alignment of interests strengthens investor confidence, reflecting a shared vision and commitment to achieving success together.

Share schemes also play a role in exit planning, particularly for management buy-outs. Implementing a share scheme during pre-exit planning is crucial for securing key personnel essential to company operations. Equity incentives incentivise these employees

to stay during the transition, enhancing enterprise value and ensuring a smooth exit strategy.

By putting people at the heart of your organisation through EMI schemes, you can ignite growth and success. At Haines Watts, we share this vision, recognising that success lies not only in numbers but also in nurturing strong relationships.

Take the first step towards a brighter future—Contact us today to help prioritise your people and watch your organisation soar to new heights!

Culture is the key to Innovation

Recently many NASDAQ companies exalted the virtues of giving staff free time each week to work on whatever they wanted, believing it would foster innovation for the organisation. Innovation is the fundamental corner stone of daily problem solving for developers, and the most important cultural trait for a technology company.

For 20 years DeltaXML’s R&D team has innovated world-leading products with patents and new ways of processing data and documents. More recently it’s been supported quarterly by the development team using 2 week Agile ‘Free Sprints’ to undertake a significant piece of work in

great detail, often producing a complete proof of concept.

It’s part of the culture and importantly the 5-year product development road map. Ideas aligned with the road map are continually captured and reviewed monthly with developers selecting from them or deciding to explore a new direction, generating exciting new ideas to extend products or support the developer community. The culture of innovation brings excitement, anticipation and recognition to the organisation as it helps find change that matters.  www.deltaxml.com

Worcestershire business celebrating growth from every angle

Property moves at SME

SME Solicitors is delighted to announce that Jack Smith has been promoted to the role of Head of Commercial Property within the city centre law firm. His scope of work and expertise includes commercial property transactions from basic leases and assignments to site acquisition. His work includes land and development matters, for instance, dealing with overage agreements, option agreements and promotion agreements.

In addition to commercial property matters, Jack has a wealth of experience handling residential property matters, with 12 years’ experience in property law. Jack pulls on this experience to understand the pressures his clients are facing while taking a commercial and pro-active view on getting the deal done.

Commenting on the news, SME Solicitor’s Senior Partner Ian Stirzaker says: “This promotion is well deserved; Jack has always been a very popular and hardworking member of the team. I know I speak for the SME partners and all the team here in congratulating him and wishing him every success in this role.”

Jack Smith adds: “I am very proud to have taken this promotion and to driving the commercial property team forward in the coming months and years.”

For further information on SME Solicitors’ commercial property work, please contact Jack Smith on jack.smith@smesolicitors.co.uk or call 01905 723561

Worcestershire business, Rock Power Connections, who design and build electrical infrastructure solutions across the UK, bringing high voltage power to the places it’s needed are celebrating growth from every angle.

Celebrating 10 years in business, Rock has seen their head count grow from 3 to 123, grown revenue in excess of £15 million and been acquired by leading FM company, Mitie. In the last six months, they have also completed some of their largest ever projects.

Richard Johnson, Business Implementation Director commented “Having the right people and culture has always been key to our success. Rock would not be where it is today without them. We are eager to see what the rest of 2023 has in store for us, whilst helping our customers to grow their business operations. As a company, we are on a mission to decarbonise built Britain, whilst driving the expansion of the national EV charging infrastructure.”

Jack Smith, Solicitor

People to do Business With

Agiotage & Advisory Ltd

0777 440 4449 / Birmingham www.agiotageandadvisory.com

National Business Register Group Limited

0121 678 9000 / Birmingham www.start.biz

Trowers & Hamlins LLP

0121 214 8822 / Birmingham www.trowers.com/locations/birmingham

Louise Claridge Life Coach & Holistic Healer

07784397035 / Bromsgrove www.justlou.co.uk

Hawkins and Brimble Ltd

07710 056525 / Cheltenham www.hawkinsandbrimble.co.uk/pages/ contact

LKJS Bookkeeping and Accounting

07542 826742 / Droitwich www.lkjsbookkeeping.com

Newland Hurst Ltd

01905 773156 / Droitwich Spa www.newlandhurst.org.uk

Martin Winfield

+447398166199 / Hay on Wye www.chemexuk.com

Hereford River Carnival CIC 07973 335010 / Hereford www.rivercarnival.org

HMS Automated Gates

01432 345762 / Hereford www.hms-automatedgates.co.uk

Itemeyes Inventories

Hereford

Shagok Pharma (UK) Ltd

01432 274462 / Hereford

APS Space Kidderminster Limited

07791 419027 / Kidderminster

EA-Optimised Limited

07815 045361 / Ledbury www.ea.optimised.co.uk

Newberry International Produce Limited

01531828453 / Ledbury www.newberryint.co.uk

Uncover Britain

07931 741029 / Ledbury www.uncoverbritain.com

LARC Development Trust 01568 737980 / Leominster www.grangecourt.org

Metis Solutions Group Ltd

01684876365 / London www.metissolutions.co.uk/contact

Community Action Malvern & District

01684 892381 / Malvern www.communityaction.org.uk

Green Business Events Limited Malvern

Heart Office Supplies Ltd

01684 259 559 / Malvern www.heartofficesupplies.com

Peninsula 07890 062114 / Manchester www.peninsulagrouplimited.com

JCS Procurement & Supply Chain LTD 07971 467409 / Pershore www.jcs-procurement.co.uk

The Malvern Smokehouse 07712 765583 / Powick www.themalvernsmokehouse.co.uk

MBCC Construction Chemicals Ltd

01527 512240 / Redditch

The Heartbeat Manufacturing Co. (Redditch)

01527 522020 / Redditch www.heartbeatuk.com

The Redditch Local History Museum

07340 511887 / Redditch www.rlhm.online

Control Energy Costs Ltd

01737 556631 / Redhill www.cec.uk.com

Alentar UK Limited

07368818274 / Stoke Prior www.alentar.co.uk

The Listening Herd 07718808118 / Stourbridge www.thelisteningherd.com

Affinity Social Media Marketing

01299 667422 / Stourport

www.affinitysocialmediamarketing.co.uk

Lyreco UK Ltd (Nespresso Professional) Telford www.lyreco.co.uk

Health Care - Private +447493222983 / Tenbury Wells

M M Hampers Ltd

+447715858474 / Tewkesbury www.mmhampers.co.uk

Carousel Coaching Ltd 07711200655 / Worcester www.carouselcoaching.co.uk

EBM Photography

07590012748 / Worcester www.ebmbrandphotography.com

Ellier Group Ltd

01905969300 / Worcester www.ellier.co.uk

Hatpin Productions CIC 07710054791 / Worcester www.hatpinproductions.co.uk

HND (UK) LTD 01905 756355 / Worcester www.hnd-uk.com

Managed Consultancy ltd 07811681819 / Worcester www.ITManagedConsultancy.co.uk

Josh The Wiz Ltd 01527 813755 / Worcester www.wizardpi.co.uk

Llamally www.llamally.com Worcester

Mayfly PPM Ltd

+447751226602 / Worcester www.mayflyppm.co.uk

Stowe Family Law LLP 0113 224 0580 / Worcester

Support Connect 01905 427815 / Worcester

College group WCG has joined forces with Off Limits Event Professionals

A UK event company has partnered with a leading group of Midlands colleges to provide corporate and leisure events across its sites.

College group WCG has joined forces with Off Limits Event Professionals which specialises in corporate events and team building.

Off Limits has been operating in the events industry for 30 years and owns global rights to the brand for the hit BBC ‘It’s a Knockout’ event.

The events company works with major multinational businesses and operates across the UK and Europe.

It has partnered with WCG to deliver events across its six colleges in Worcestershire and Warwickshire – including Pershore College and Evesham New College.

Events which are set to be held at the colleges will range from major outdoor events such as It’s a Knockout and Totally Wiped Out, to smaller indoor events such as Crystal Quest and many more.

Businesses and groups will be able to book events by contacting venues@warwickshire.ac.uk

Sarah Butterfield, Director of Commercial Development at WCG, said: “We have a range of modern, diverse and unique indoor and outdoor spaces across our colleges. By partnering with Off Limits we hope to fully utilise these spaces, providing a vital new revenue stream for the college group.

“Off Limits is widely respected in the events sector and has a reputation for delivering incredible events, particularly in the context of corporate events.

“We will be investing the proceeds of any events hosted at the college directly back into the education of our students.

“It’s fantastic to have partnered with Off Limits and we look forward to hosting events with the team across our venues.”

Martin Stephens, Corporate Director at Off Limits, added: “Off Limits are excited to work with WCG in heightening their client’s awareness of the vast range of event possibilities and maximising on the business event prospects to help raise further income for the education of students.

“The opportunities are endless, and all venues are so versatile – WCG is the perfect fit for any corporate event not only in terms of facilities but also location with several options geographically to choose from.

“We look forward to helping develop this aspect of the business with such a great group of venues and people.”

Martin Stephens and Sarah Butterfield at Pershore College

Inspiring Women in Business

In this issue, we celebrate Inspiring Women in Business. We take a look at the contribution that women-owned businesses are making to our local economy.

We also shine a light on women who are making their mark in fields of expertise from charity work to HR, chartered accountancy to financial advice and much more.

Globally, much more remains to be done to ensure gender parity in both the ownership and leadership of businesses. Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce are actively working to support more female leaders and role models who can inspire an inclusive style of leadership in business and civic life.

Women’s Business Forums

The popular Women’s Business Forum provides attendees with the opportunity to make business contacts and hear from interesting and informative speakers.

After several successful years of running the event in Worcestershire, the Chamber has responded to popular demand and launched a Herefordshire Women’s Business Forum. Worcestershire events are organised in association with Harrison Clark Rickerbys and take place in a number of different venues across the county.

hwchamber.co.uk/events/forums/womens-businessforum

When Preparation and Opportunity Meet

When I worked as a physio and medical tutor in football, the phrase, “success is when preparation and opportunity meet” was used a lot.

I don’t consider myself successful, I don’t have a big house or the Porsche that I dreamt of. I began to question how we quantify success.

My career history is eclectic to say the least. It seems to be based on luck rather than judgement, being in the right place at the right time. With several career changes and a list of further education courses, my CV could be perceived as someone that lacks focus or commitment.

But with a change of perspective, it could show someone that is driven by necessity to achieve. Someone that is astute enough to spot an opportunity and maximise it, that feels the fear but jumps anyway.

Luckily for me, this is how Midlands Air Ambulance Charity (MAAC) chose to see me 4 years ago when I applied to be their Corporate Partnerships Manager. I have been living my best life ever since. Their ability to see the value of my transferable skills allowed me to be authentic and work to my values.

If selling shoes, working as a concierge,, running my own business, creating rehab plans, teaching, and taking on my own personal fundraising challenges was all preparation and MAAC was the opportunity, maybe I am successful. Don’t conform to what you think success looks like. Be you and don’t stay in situations that no longer make you happy. I’ll never own the Porsche, but I’m having the ride of my life. Want to learn how your business can support the work of our lifesaving charity? Email me at pam.hodgetts@midlandsairambulance.com for more details.

Pam Hodgetts Corporate Partnerships Manager

We want to help create people-centric businesses

I believe businesses are still behind the times and there isn’t true equality yet for females. I have a real passion for working with businesses to help them focus on how the business can bring more diversity.

To support my ongoing work in this area, I have recently become part of the Henpicked Menopause Workplace Training Network. As a community of licensed trainers, I deliver trusted, CPD accredited training to organisations to help change the way people think and feel about menopause at work.

It is so important to create a more inclusive culture to retain talent and improve performance and motivation. 80% of the people going through menopause are still at work so it’s important that we support those people and also educate line managers within the business. 10% of people have left work due to menopause and 14% have had to go part time. We can help change these stats by being more aware of how we can support our people within the workplace.

At Elston HR, we take pride in working with businesses that want to do the right thing – the ones who work on their Corporate Social Responsibility and who put their employees at the heart of everything they do. We want to help create people-centric businesses who take time to invest and develop their employees to retain top talent.

Claire Elston is Managing Director of Elston HR working with businesses across Worcestershire and the UK. She has worked for many different businesses including large companies like Premier Inn and overseas holiday companies, spending 10 years in France. Claire is an executive coach, a GC index partner/trainer and a leadership trainer.

If you need support on how to create a people-centric business or would like information about our menopause training or any of our other training courses, please visit our website: www.elston-hr.co.uk, or email for a free consultation claire@elston-hr.co.uk.

Celebrating 20 years with Ormerod Rutter

My dad always said to me, “Go as far as you can go, until you’re happy with where you’ve landed.”

It was with this in mind that, as I filled my application in for my first ever job at Ormerod Rutter Chartered Accountants, I listed “become qualified” and “become Partner” as my career goals.

This year, I’m celebrating my 20th year with OR and have been fortunate enough to have recently been appointed as a Partner. During my time with the practice, I have enjoyed overseeing our production teams as well as advising my own clients.

Here at OR, we really take the time to understand our clients’ objectives and goals which enables us to offer support in driving their businesses forward. We pride ourselves on the advice and support we give to our clients all year round.

I am also heavily involved in the strategic development of the practice; transforming our internal systems to streamline efficiencies and optimise productivity.

The recent appointment of Partner really allows me to reinvest the support and encouragement I have had from OR throughout my journey. My progression hasn’t just been about gaining my qualifications; the values, culture, and work ethic that run through this firm have shaped my career. This is something that I’m excited to pass on to the team.

I love my job, and even as Partner, there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t learn something new. I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by a team of like-minded people who share our core values. No matter what point in their career someone is at; from apprentice to partner, we work as one team.

To go back to my dad’s advice; I can safely say that I’m happy with where I’ve landed!

Ormerod Rutter is one of the region’s leading independent firms of Chartered Accountants. Get in touch on hello@ormerodrutter.co.uk or visit our website: www.ormerodrutter.co.uk.

Rachel Smith Partner at Ormerod Rutter Chartered Accountants

Claire Elston Managing Director of Elston HR

Helping you achieve your goals through

award winning financial advice

In 2010 I made the decision to start my own Financial Planning firm to move away from the male-dominated persona of a financial planning firm and so that I could provide the service in the way that mattered to me most.

Females in the financial planning industry are still rare. According to the FCA, only 18% of advisors in the UK are women.

I like to keep things simple for my clients whilst offering a broad range of financial services so they can potentially achieve their financial goals.

My daughter Emily joined the firm five years ago and is currently one of the leading under-30 Financial Advisers. Between us we are consistently acknowledged as Vouched For’s Top Rated Financial Advisers and Top-Rated Firm. I am very proud that I have built a business my daughter can continue to run and succeed in her career.

Our staff are important to us, so we ensure that they are all well looked after and given the opportunity to continue their professional development, as I was able to do. I actively encourage them to attend training events, continue their education and share knowledge with each other.

As a local community champion, I strongly support local Worcestershire and Herefordshire businesses in a number of ways such as sponsorship, advertising, contracting or purchasing products and services.

Our office is a welcoming environment for our clients. Our dogs will also always give you a warm greeting, so if you prefer to talk to someone about your finances in a relaxed yet professional environment, please come and see us.

www.janenewmanfp.co.uk

01905 779193

Harrison Clark Rickerbys

I lead a team of industry specialists who help individuals and businesses manage risk, do business within the defence sector and make the most of their supply chains - while supporting those across the entire defence industry, including those still serving, when they need it most.

Harrison Clark Rickerbys’ (HCR) Defence, Security and the Forces sector has a long history, and was key in establishing the Specialist Defence and Security Convention UK, as well as the Three Counties Regional Defence and Security Cluster. These bring together businesses operating in the defence and security sector to create opportunities, collaborate and develop business.

Becoming head of this sector has highlighted the change in attitudes towards women in senior roles in recent years. It also shows the shift in perception of women both in the legal sector and in security and defence.

In every aspect of our business, from recruitment to learning and development and career progression, HCR is committed to improving opportunities for our people and allowing them to progress on merit, with their expertise being front and centre - no matter their background or circumstances.

However, there is still much to be done, and aligned with the firm’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, I lead our sponsorship of the Women’s Business Forum. I am also helping to establish a Women in Defence network to highlight the skills and unique offering that women bring to what continue to be male-dominated sectors.

Women in any business should be able to reach senior leadership roles. What’s more, you can’t be what you can’t see, and seeing women at the top of their game can make a huge difference in helping the next generation to smash through the glass ceiling. As the mother of a young girl, I can’t think of a better reason to champion women in senior leadership roles!

For more information, please contact Rebecca Kirk, Partner, Head of Defence, Security and the Forces Sector and Hereford Office

T: 01432 349 709

M: 07805 627 430

E: rkirk@hcrlaw.com

Jane and Emily Newman

Extending design capabilities in the two counties

Chamber members, Simple Design Works, has reached an exciting milestone as the company celebrates nine years of designing and developing products.

After moving to larger premises four years ago in Hereford, a new office has opened in Worcester to boost their industrial design capability from which to support more businesses with their innovation projects.

As well as creating new jobs in the region, the additional office compliments their ethos, passion and commitment to champion innovation in partnership with their national clients and local communities.

Simple Design Works has been busy connecting with academia, local government and community groups, as well as getting to know fellow Chamber members. As Founder, Kristo Shivachev, commented:

“Collaborating with a network of partners helps everyone get further faster”.

Simple Design Works is different to other design agencies. As well as creating elegant but simple solutions to problems, they help businesses to increase their internal capabilities, and manage innovation better internally alongside delivering project work. If you’re responsible for driving innovation in your organisation, Kristo is always happy to have a chat to discuss.

Showcasing insurance expertise for church & faith communities

Hazelton Mountford recently sponsored and exhibited at the Assemblies of God National Conference 2023 at the Harrogate Convention Centre.

The AoG National Conference ran from the 2nd-5th May 2023 with international guest speakers and worship leaders. The Conference provided the local Chartered Insurance Brokers with an opportunity to connect together nationally with Church Leadership Teams.

Hazelton Mountford were sponsors of the event, enabling them to take their expertise in church, faith and communities as well as charity insurance to the exhibitors, attendees and worshipers.

SMH IT Solutions

Simeon Chapman, Director at the local Independent Insurance Brokers, said: “AOG was a fascinating event and we were able to chat openly with a number of churches that were interested in us reviewing their current insurances. Many churches often roll their insurance over without reviewing their risks carefully. As churches grow, the risks increase and it’s wise for them to engage a broker to assist them. AOG is a growing church with plans to plant 30 new congregations across the UK this year.”

If you’d like to tap into Hazelton Mountford’s expertise in church, faith, community and charity insurance, please give Simeon a call on 01905 611 951

Although relative newcomers to the local IT scene, the team at Worcester-based, SMH IT Solutions has an impressive wealth of experience among its ranks.

Having worked in IT at different companies over many years, SMH’s joint owners have developed an excellent understanding of what businesses really need from their IT provider. And putting that experience and vision into practice, has seen the business go from strength-to-strength picking up an

impressive customer base in a relatively short amount of time.

Joint Managing Director, Nigel Marlow, explained: “It is immensely rewarding to see how far we have come in such a short amount of time, and the reviews and referrals we have from customers makes us immensely proud. We know there’s lots more hard work to do, and we want to continue to expand going forwards, but we’re up for it!”

For any further information, visit www. smhsolutions.co.uk or call 01905 955 035

Hazelton Mountford’s Group Managing Director Gordon Hazelton, Andrew Jackson and Director Simeon Chapman at the Assemblies of God 2023 National Convention at Harrogate Convention Centre.

Helping you achieve your business ambitions

Management accounts play a crucial role in the growth and success of businesses. They provide valuable financial information and analysis that enables owners to make informed choices and drive the growth strategies of the company. Here are five key areas good quality management accounts can help your business.

1. Financial Planning and Budgeting: Management accounts help businesses plan and set financial goals. By analysing historical financial data, managers can make accurate forecasts, establish budgets, and allocate resources effectively.

2. Performance Evaluation: Management accounts provide insights into the financial performance of the business. They track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as revenue, costs, profitability, and cash flow. Regular evaluation of these metrics allows owners to identify areas of strength and weakness, make necessary adjustments, and take proactive measures to improve overall performance.

3. Decision Making: Growing businesses often face critical decisions regarding expansion, investment, product development, or cost management. Management accounts provide the necessary financial data and analysis to support decision-making processes. By assessing the financial implications of different options, managers can make well-informed choices that maximise growth opportunities.

4. Cash Flow Management: Cash flow is the lifeblood of any growing business. Management accounts provide a detailed view of cash inflows and outflows, helping businesses monitor their liquidity position. By understanding cash flow patterns, managers can take proactive measures to manage working capital, improve collections, negotiate better terms with suppliers, or explore financing options when needed.

5. Monitoring and Control: Management accounts allow businesses to monitor their financial performance against targets and benchmarks. By comparing actual results with budgeted figures or industry standards, managers can identify any deviations, analyse the underlying causes, and take corrective actions promptly.

Hayward Wright are experts is making use of the latest advances in financial technology, to give owner managers real time financial information clearly and cost effectively.

North Worcestershire Business Awards 2023 now open for entries

The fourth North Worcestershire Business Awards organised by North Worcestershire Business Leaders (NWBL) and North Worcestershire Economic Development and Regeneration (NWedR) is now open for entries.

There are eight award categories, the winners of which will be presented a gorgeous glass trophy at the awards dinner at Hogarth’s Stone Manor Hotel near Kidderminster in November.

Melanie Hawkett from NWBL, organiser of the North Worcestershire Business Awards said, “It’s great to launch the 2023 awards. Local businesses have once again shown their support by sponsoring the event so enthusiastically.”

Jane Doyle from NWedR joint organiser of the event said, “This promises to be a fabulous celebration of the North Worcestershire business community.  We are asking businesses to self-nominate or enter their favourite local company for a chance to win an award.”

The categories for the 2023 North Worcestershire Business Awards are: Best start-up business, outstanding contribution to the community, outstanding customer service, best use of technology, business

leader of the year, business innovation of the year, stand out business of the year and best employer of the year.

Sponsors for the 2023 #NWBusAwards include Biz Smart, Worcestershire County Council, Indegu e-learning, Danton HR, Wassell Grove Business Centre, Surftech

IT, Platform 81, Key Biz Solutions, The Development Manager (TDM), Invoco Telecom, NWedR, NWBL.

To enter, go to www.NWBusAwards.org

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook @ NWBusAwards. Entries close on Monday 31 st July 2023.

Real World Consultancy Wins Coveted Business Award

Worcester-based Real World Consultancy (RWC) a leading business coaching company, is proud to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious Champions of Entrepreneurs in Worcestershire by Enterprising Worcestershire, part of Worcestershire County Council. This award is recognition of the exceptional work and dedication of the entire RWC team of business coaches in providing world-class business support and coaching to several hundred companies in their first 3 years of trading.

This Champions of Entrepreneurs award recognises that the coaching team at RWC demonstrates exceptional encouragement, motivation and inspiration to start up and grow businesses in Worcestershire, as well as outstanding customer service, and a commitment to excellence in their industry.

Malvern born Emma White, the founder of RWC said: “we are absolutely delighted to have won the Champions of Entrepreneurs award. At RWC we believe that success is a team effort, and I would like to thank my dedicated team for their hard work. We absolutely love the work we do, and we would also like to thank Enterprising Worcestershire for recognizing our achievements.”

At the award ceremony last week which took place at the stunning Wood Norton Hotel, near Evesham, the event was a fantastic celebration of the start-up businesses that have been on the Enterprising Worcestershire support programmes.

Several of the businesses that were supported by RWC were up for awards and Kate Bennett the Founder of The HR Hero who was shortlisted in the Innovative Business of the Year category said: “without the support I’ve received from Real World Consultancy I wouldn’t have been a finalist. I’m so grateful for all the help I’ve received, it’s been brilliant!”

About RWC

RWC is a leading business coaching company that specialises in providing support for new and showing businesses. With a team of experienced professionals, RWC is committed to providing the highest levels of customer satisfaction and delivering exceptional results to all our clients.

For more information about RWC please visit our website at www. realworldconsultancy.org

BUILDING FUTURES

BUSINESS GROWTH THROUGH STRATEGIC SKILLS INVESTMENT

FREE TRAINING NEEDS ANALYSIS FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS

BUILDING, TRADE & FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

WE IMPROVE LIVES AND ECONOMIC SUCCESS THROUGH LEARNING AND SKILLS

STRENGTHENING LOCAL BUSINESSES THROUGH STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

GLP Training, a leading provider of high-quality education and development services, is delighted to spotlight two vital partnerships within the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce. These collaborations, with Worcestershire County Council and Bradley Haynes Law, outline our commitment to fostering local economic growth and business excellence.

Our partnership with Worcestershire County Council focuses on delivering a broad spectrum of apprenticeships, specially tailored to meet the Council’s diverse needs. This initiative allows the Council to augment their workforce with well-trained, versatile individuals, while simultaneously offering employees invaluable career opportunities. By pairing the Council’s distinctive objectives with GLP’s vast training experience and expertise, we have effectively created a strong foundation for Worcestershire’s future workforce. We’re proud of the apprentices’ progress thus far and look forward to nurturing further growth in the region’s talent pool.

We have helped shape the careers of

10,000+ learners

In parallel, our collaboration with Bradley Haynes Law exhibits a different facet of our training expertise – bespoke management training. Recognising that every organisation has unique requirements and goals, we designed a programme specifically for Bradley Haynes Law that delivers actionable insights and practical management skills. This custom course not only propels the firm’s efficiency and productivity, but also cultivates a more confident, competent leadership. It’s an exciting journey, witnessing the transformation and empowerment of Bradley Haynes Law’s management team through our tailored programme.

These two partnerships exemplify GLP Training’s mission: to provide exceptional, tailored training that boosts local businesses’ competency and competitiveness.

We believe that by investing in our fellow Chamber members, we are investing in the long-term prosperity and resilience of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire business community. It’s a privilege to partner with such forward-thinking organisations, and we are committed to continuing these partnerships, creating more success stories within the Chamber. As well as offering a free training needs analysis to members.

At GLP Training, we understand that knowledge is a catalyst for growth. Through our comprehensive and personalised training solutions, we’re ensuring our partners have the tools they need to thrive, contributing to the vitality and innovation of our local economy.

We have partnered with 500+ employers

info@glptraining.co.uk

01905 670884

Trusted by

Growing your business in the cost-of-living crisis and energy price rises

There are many ways in which to grow your business, achievable via routes such as raising your company profile through branding and marketing, innovation in product development, expanding in market share or focusing on the customer experience. All of this takes time and resources, of which, businesses could be finding themselves in limited supply of, due to the cost-of-living crisis, growing inflation, and the continued rising of energy prices.

Global management consultancy McKinsey and Company reported that businesses grow faster and drive 40% more of their revenue from personalisation than that of their slower counterparts.

and type of training is the most cost-effective solution for your business.

2. When you’ve identified the training needs for your business, make sure the information is accessible

More information about each training course and upcoming dates can be found on the Chamber website hwchamber.co.uk/events-andtraining-calendar

When customers experience personalisation through products or services, they feel empowered to do more, to be more, and hopefully, come back for more! The same logic applies to your people. One of the biggest challenges that employers face when it comes to training their employees is how to do it effectively. How can they make training personal to their business and unique to their customer base. And, when the training is completed, how to retain talent to contribute to the growth and success of the business.

Last year, here at the Chamber we saw an unprecedented demand for bespoke and personalised training from businesses across the two counties. Developing their people in Leadership & Management, Sales & Customer Care, and IT were all at the top of their agendas. Training also extended to include the care of its own personnel, with HR, Legislation and Regulation training, to ensure businesses remained compliant.

If you’re looking to create a positive learning culture at work and grow your business, then here are our 3 top tips for successful continued learning and development:

1. WHY! What is yours?

Identify your business objectives for training to determine if the needs analysed are worth the investment. Then consider if the method

Encourage and empower your teams to take ownership for their personal development by investing in your workforce, the benefits are well known to increase productivity, boost morale and contribute to your bottom line.

3. Feedback

You only know what you know, and not what you don’t know! Ensure you make time to evaluate the learning outcomes and ensure that your staff feedback on the training. This may highlight an additional need, or the potential to rollout successful training to other areas of your workforce.

If you’re looking to personalise your business training in line with business objectives, then the Chamber is here to help.

Bespoke training is for you if you’d like the course tailored to your specific requirements, you would like to pick and mix content from multiple courses, or if you have several employees that you wish to train at the same time, and you’re looking for a cost-effective solution to achieve this.

For details of our bespoke services then head over to:

Bespoke Training Courses - Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber (hwchamber.co.uk)

Incredible things in the business world are never made by a single person, but by a team.

Steve Jobs, Co-Founder, Apple

Training & Development

July Courses Dates

An Introduction to Digital Marketing and PR

Tuesday 11 July, 9.00am-4.00pm

Free to Members /

£110+VAT Non-members Location: Zoom

Role of the Team Leader

Thursday 13 July, 9.00am-4.00pm

£160+VAT Members /

£200+VAT Non-members Location: Hereford

Assertiveness and Confidence at Work

Tuesday 18 July, 9.00am-4.00pm

£160 Members /

£200+VAT Non-members

Location: Worcester

IOSH Working Safely

Wednesday 19 July, 9.00am-4.00pm

£160+VAT Members /

£200+VAT Non-members Location: Worcester

Creating a Customer Care Culture

Thursday 20 July, 9.00am-4.00pm

£160+VAT Members / £200+VAT Non-members Location: Zoom

August Courses Dates

HR for the Non HR Manager

Tuesday 1 August, 9.00am-4.00pm

£160+VAT Members / £200+VAT Non-members Location: Worcester

Introduction to Microsoft Excel

Wednesday 2 August, 9.00am-4.00pm

£160+VAT Members / £200+VAT Non-members Location: Worcester

Successful Telesales

Wednesday 9 August, 9.00am-4.00pm

£160+VAT Members / £200+VAT Non-members Location: Worcester

Communicating for Success

Thursday 17 August, 9.00am-4.00pm

£160+VAT Members / £200+VAT Non-members Location: Zoom

An Introduction to Digital Marketing and PR

Tuesday 22 August, 9.00-11.00am

Free to Members / £110+VAT Non-members Location: Zoom

We would like to hear from you!

Introduction to Project Management

Wednesday 23 August, 9.00am-4.00pm

£160+VAT Members / £200+VAT Non-members Location: Zoom

Stress Management and Resilience

Tuesday 29 August, 9.00am-12.30pm

£90+VAT Members / £110+VAT Non-members Location: Zoom

Whilst continuously expanding the training offering, the Training department are always looking for new ideas for courses. It’s great to understand what topics will be most beneficial to local businesses.

For any suggestions, please email training@hwchamber.co.uk. More information about each training course and upcoming dates can be found on the Chamber website - hwchamber.co.uk/events-and-training-calendar

Lucart Hygiene: building a paper empire

The disposable paper specialists have increased their UK market share in only two years.

In 2021 the Company delivered revenues of £26m while this year they are set to hit the £45m mark. Monthly production output rose from 1,200 tons in 2021 to 1,700 tons today, and operational critical success factors like machine downtime have improved, reducing to 2% from a historical data point of 20%.

As Jonny explains, these impressive stats have been achieved, “Just by focusing on the fundamentals when navigating the complexities of the business: people, infrastructure and equipment.

“I’m happy to say we are having a great year, with record figures in terms of results and productivity and our Lucart Groups sustainability practices are second to none in the industry.”

Lucart acquired their Malvern Hills site from Essential Supply Products (ESP) in early 2021. The Italian parent company is a multi-national organisation and Europe’s second largest paper tissue manufacturer in the Away from Home market, who have always acknowledged the strategic opportunities of an expansion in the UK market.

Jonny adds, “Lucart identified various potentially viable strategic options before choosing ESP because it had the right synergy in terms of people and what they had achieved in their sustainability efforts.

“The previous ownership did an amazing job and built a fantastic purpose-built facility, but they knew significant investment was needed to take the

business to the next level.”

Since acquiring the site and an employee base of just under 100, Lucart have concentrated on three main factors: recruitment; retention; and health and well-being.

Jonny points out, “Production levels have grown significantly, supported by increased training programs, mentoring and coaching plans, combined with clear and effective communication of the core organisation targets.

“Significant achievements have been accomplished through exceptional teamwork, prioritising a long-term vision over short-term thinking to build a sustainable business for the future, encouraging a participative approach to change management. All those elements have contributed to a higher than anticipated performance.

“Quality compliance and operational efficiency have been successfully improved by the introduction of an Enterprise Resource System that has also vastly accelerated our ability to navigate a volatile business environment with real-time business intelligence in support to our decision-making. This system has allowed us to free up time and critical resources to be focused on growth, profitability, capital allocation and of course sustainability.

“The new ERP consistently offers insights into every aspect of the business; it provides support in achieving our value-creation objectives and has helped define a profit map by clustering customers and products by their degree of profitability.”

Lucart Hygiene Ltd have enjoyed a remarkable upward trajectory since settling in Worcestershire in 2021. MD Jonny Wilks explains how quality investment in people and sustainability has paid dividends.

‘Walking the walk’

Lucart could never be accused of ‘greenwashing’ (pretending their products are environmentally friendly to improve sales and ESG ratings).

In fact, their sustainability credentials have been a major factor in Jonny’s decision to relocate from Portsmouth as MD after the takeover. Lucart have since worked with regional partners, including the Chamber, to consolidate their green strategy.

Jonny explains, “Lucart has always been an innovative and forward-thinking organisation when it comes to sustainability. Just one example of that is their EcoNatural range of paper and dispenser systems.

“Derived from recycled beverage cartons, we are able to separate the three main components of the cartons and from the cellulose fibers we create Fibrepack™, from which we can produce paper products, and from the aluminum and polyethylene we make Al.Pe, which is a new raw material with which we make the dispensers for the paper products and also pallets for distribution, a full circular economy. These products enable our end users to choose real sustainability and communicates our environmental commitment.”

People power

Jonny emphasises the importance of effective leadership when implementing a transformation roadmap. After years in music, he started working life, “knocking on doors, looking for a job. I worked my way up from a factory laborer to machine operative, and then on to risk management, Health and Safety, lean manufacturing, production management and finally into an operations director role.

“I have been involved in a major organisational restructuring shortly before accepting this new role, so I know first-hand the implications these initiatives have on the workplace.

“The previous management team was here for 30 years, so in my first 3 months of tenure, I made a priority to build relationships across the Company: I wanted to communicate a vision of the future as an exciting opportunity rather than a threat and promote the idea that change can be a positive force that can deliver value for all the stakeholders, staff included.

“It’s my responsibility to make people feel that they are safe and part of a strong, dynamic team.

“We are investing in enhancing our in-house skills, competencies and knowledge levels offering

experiential learning programs that encourage staff to move around within the business and make use of their full potential: for example, moving from the shopfloor into finance and customer service roles. There’s a real chance for them to grow as the company grows.

“We have also improved the onboarding process to ensure the new starters feel immediately engaged with the Company.

“I also encourage the team to visit our factories in Europe to share ideas and practices with colleagues there.”

“After all, I know only too well that micromanagement is very destructive. I want to nurture an environment where people have the freedom to operate, make mistakes and learn.”

What’s next?

Put simply, more sustainable and inclusive growth.

Lucart’s distributors sell their products to janitorial, hotel, restaurant, facilities management, catering, industrial and healthcare sectors etc. “Demand for Lucart products continues to grow month on month, we are achieving record sales which is supported by record operational output, but we have to look at how we support this long term.”

Lucart will be investing in cutting-edge machinery and technology for a significant rise in production capacity. “And it will help us diversify our portfolio by introducing new products to the UK market.”

Plus, a new warehouse will be built next to the existing factory, “Our current facility is significant in size but for us to support our growth plans in the UK, we need to increase our warehousing footprint, this will not only bring the obvious space we need for handling the increase of finished products, but also improve our operational efficiencies and ensure we offer the very best service levels.”

Jonny concludes, “The Group has always been extremely supportive but it’s fair to say that in some ways we are exceeding their expectations.

“Our UK team is now regarded as one of their leading geographies. However, as mentioned before, what really makes me happy is the positive energy when I walk onsite every day. I work with a fabulous team in a great location.”

“This year we celebrate 70 years of Lucart, so we are planning a fantastic party in the summer where all the team can come together and celebrate Lucart’s amazing history and our achievements in the UK thus far.”

Find out more about Lucart Hygiene at lucartgroup.com/en

Lucart has always been an innovative and forward-thinking organisation when it comes to sustainability.

Jonny Wilks

Jonny Wilks, Managing Director, Lucart Hygiene

Trueline Products Have The EDGE For Future Growth

Trueline Products have much to be proud of, as Director Luke Wellings explains.

Continued growth, innovation, sustainability and strong community links underpin Trueline’s principles as an independent family-run business.

The Kidderminster company, which designs and manufactures EWI render beads & bespoke fabrications for the construction industry, is also immensely proud of its ‘Made in Britain’ manufacturing base, which continues to go from strength to strength.

Yet - with 30th birthday celebrations on next year’s horizon - they’re not about to sit back on their laurels.

Trueline have big plans and ambitions, and the all-round capabilities to make it happen.

One thing stands out in particular when talking to their team members, and that’s the family values running through every element of the business.

Take Ella, for instance. The Business Support trainee has just graduated from the company’s new Apprenticeship Academy and loves her job so much she’s staying on.

Ella’s team leaders have also nominated her for the Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards, and she says, “Trueline stood out to me as a family-run business when I was exploring

apprenticeships. I genuinely enjoy working here. The teamwork is fantastic, and Trueline has provided support throughout my college education and work placement. I’m excited to see how my new role will shape my career.”

Luke adds, “We encourage them to explore various departments and develop diverse skill sets. Rather than assigning them to a specific role right away, we believe in providing apprentices with a breadth of experiencefrom administration and sales to welding and fabrication. Through a valuable partnership with The Point business advice center at Kidderminster College, Trueline aims to recruit more apprentices, and are strongly committed to attracting new talent in all aspects of engineering.

“But we also look after our long-serving colleagues - some have been with us for over 25 years and we want to reward their loyalty and hard work. So, we’re encouraging people on the shopfloor to become team leaders and progress to management and technical positions.”

Trueline has invested heavily in all areas of the business since 2020, from employee training and support, R&D in new products and machinery of £1m. This includes state-of-the-art laser cutting machinery from

local specialist Amada. The two companies have formed a strong partnership and Luke says, Amada’s support and service has been second to none.

This camaraderie extends further into the community with Trueline’s support for Kemp Hospice, which offers specialist care for people dealing with life-limiting illness and bereavement. Team members have set up a dedicated fundraising team, with future plans including a skydive, canoeing along the Severn, and joint sponsorship of the town’s Santa Run.

Luke says, “A lot of our team members have had a connection with the hospice at some point, and adopting it as our local charity is a way of saying thank you for supporting our own families through the toughest time in their lives.”

Investment in the business also continues apace. Luke says, “We are very committed to sustainability, and dedicated to making our production processes cleaner and more environmentally friendly. This includes investing in technologies and processes to reduce waste and emissions, as well as working with like-minded suppliers.”

Trueline is also aiming for a hat-trick on the 2023 awards stage, having won INCA Component Supplier of the Year two years in a row. This accolade is all the more rewarding, Luke says, because nominations and winners are decided by their customers throughout the render and cladding industry. “You can’t get better recognition than that!”

He concludes, “Our overall focus now is continued growth in quality products and service delivery, sustainability and maintaining our competitive edge.

“We believe that by staying true to our values, we will continue to provide our customers with the best quality products and services, which also makes a positive impact on the world around us.”

More details at www.truelineproducts.co.uk

Supporting KEMP Hospice

INCA Winners

Trueline Products Amada

Charities & Charitable Organisations

The Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce have many charities and charitable organisations within the membership and many more exist locally and nationally. While no company can offer charitable support for every request, there is a strong rationale for choosing at least one long term charity partner. There are benefits for the supporter company that many not be immediately obvious or tangible. I’ve put together a summary of research by Rainbow Trust and Charities Aid Foundation highlighting these benefits:

The benefits of corporate and charity partnerships

In September 2021, a study revealed that four out of five corporate partners were expecting to increase their investment in charities in the medium term. Not only is this down to the need for corporates to align their values and invest in some of the biggest social and environmental issues facing society today, but it also bears witness to the true workplace benefits of corporate charity partnerships.

So why is partnering with a charity so beneficial?

1. Staff engagement and morale

It is no surprise that engaged staff produce better results and feel happier, leading to better workplace retention. Allowing teams the space to leave work behind for a little while and focus on doing something good, leads to staff having a more positive view of their organisation. A productive and enthusiastic workforce is, in turn, a great model to attract new talent to an organisation.

57% of respondents to a 2019 Charities Aid Foundation survey agreed that charitable giving in the workplace boosted morale. New research found that businesses who encourage staff to donate to charity and volunteer their time, enjoy the added bonus of a boost in employee morale.

The Charities Aid Foundation survey asked people about their employers’ attitude towards supporting good causes and found that 57% of respondents agreed that this

helps improve morale in the workplace. The polling found that 50% of respondents thought that all businesses had a responsibility to support charities, while 49% thought that employees should give staff time off each year to volunteer for a good cause - a growing trend among employers.

Forty-eight percent (48%) of respondents agreed that businesses and organisations that support charities and good causes make for better employers.

Both recruitment consultancies and the British Chambers of Commerce have reported that businesses in the UK are facing increased staff turnover and are struggling to recruit new staff.

Susan Pinkney, Head of Research at Charities Aid Foundation, said:

“This research shows that supporting charities is a great way to improve morale in the workplace. Not only does it help businesses and organisations to retain their existing workforce but showing support for charities helps employers attract new talent.

“If employers can also offer potential and existing employees the chance to volunteer for a good cause it would appear to be a win-win for all involved.”

In organising charitable activities in the workplace, companies can promote a sense of pride and ownership in their employees, particularly when a charity partnership is long term, creating yearly traditions. Charitable activities can also join up parts of the workforce who would not usually work together, which again creates a more unified working environment.

2. Developing important mutually beneficial business skills

Corporate charity partnerships provide ample opportunities to upskill both the charity and corporate employees. Whilst the traditional philanthropic model is based on corporates upskilling fundraisers (for example, via pro-bono training in skills such as marketing and legal support), there has been a shift towards the skills that charities can offer their corporate partners. This could be anything from helping teams foster a more creative, innovative, and proactive approach to challenges, through to specific cause related training, such as training a HR team how to deal with a grieving colleague or offering practical advice on becoming a more inclusive workforce.

Business models have changed significantly in recent years, with charitable giving forming an increasingly important role in business objectives. Alignment with a worthwhile cause is not only a more human approach to business and a way to engage with staff, but also now a real requirement of most businesses to stay relevant and marketable to a customer base which increasingly bases its buying decisions on causes that are important to them. Gone are the days when corporate charitable giving was a box ticking exercise. Today, there is real value in corporate charity partnerships –relationships that help both charity and corporate achieve their long-term goals. Until next time, Mike

Chair Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce with extracts from the Rainbow Trust and Charities Aid Foundation research.

Mike Forrester

Compassionate, specialist care homes in Hereford

Broomy Hill Nursing Home is a specialist nursing care home providing simple and complex nursing for residents diagnosed with dementia, also offering palliative and respite care. Our recent addition, the Day Care Centre is focused on building a compassionate environment, where we promote independence, creativity, and socialisation. Taster Sessions will be held in July on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Holmer Court Care Home prides itself on providing exceptional care to its residents who require either memory care assistance or general day-to-day residential care on either a permanent or short-term basis. Residents are able to enjoy afternoon tea in the conservatory and summerhouse, which can also be used for private family get-togethers. The historic city of Hereford is only a short walk away, allowing residents to enjoy the local markets and garden centres.

Broomy Hill and Holmer Court provide accessible gardens and communal areas, encouraging a sense of community and togetherness. Both homes facilitate 30-40 comfortable rooms with modern facilities, including Wi-Fi throughout the property, in-room call buttons, a communal dining room and lounges. Daily meals are prepared on-site with locally sourced ingredients where possible, every meal carefully prepared and

nutritionally-balanced to suit our residents needs. Physical and mental stimulation is important for cognitive health, both homes encouraging activities such as games, exercise, music, and art.

Both homes are committed to providing safe and comfortable homes for residents, striving to provide the highest standards. For more information visit:

www.ashberry-care-homes.co.uk

Enquiries-hc@holmer-court.co.uk 01432 351335

Enquiries-br@broomy-hill.co.uk 01432 274474

@HolmerCourtCareHome

@BroomyHillNursingHome

Celebrate our 20-year Anniversary along with the Broomy Hill team that made amazing progress from an ‘Inadequate’ to ‘Good’ CQC rating this year and Holmer Court that were awarded ‘Care Home of the Year’. These are two of Ashberry’s modern care homes located in peaceful residential areas on the outskirts of Hereford.

At Ashberry Care Homes, we take care of your loved ones with care focussed on dignity, sensitivity and independence.

Highlighted upcoming events

Maximise Your Membership

Tuesday 11 July , 8.30-10.00am

Bank House Hotel, Bransford, Worcester WR6 5JD

Free to Chamber Members and Non-Members

QES Launch and Skills Development Webinar

(Sponsored by The Development Manager)

Wednesday 26 July, 8.30-10.00am

Online via Zoom

Free to Chamber Members and Non-Members

Health & Wellbeing Forum (Sponsored by Lucart Hygiene)

Tuesday 8 August, 10:00-11:00am

Online via Zoom

Free to Chamber Members and £20.00+VAT Non-Members

International Trade Forum

Wednesday 9 August, 10:00-11:00am

Online via Zoom

Free to Chamber Members and Non-Members

Herefordshire Networking Breakfast

Thursday 10 August, 7.30-9.30am

Grange Court Community Hub

Free to Chamber Members and £20.00+VAT Non-Members

Annual Women’s Business Conference

(Sponsored by Harrison Clark Rickerbys )

Thursday 7 September, 9.30am-3.00pm

Crumplebury Farm, Whitbourne, Worcester, WR6 5SG £45.00+VAT to Chamber Members and £60.00+VAT Non-Members

Tickets are now on sale for the much-anticipated annual conference, hear from our inspiring female speakers, benefit from plenty of networking opportunities throughout the day and enjoy a delicious farmer’s buffet spread. Speakers will include:

Baroness Martha Lane-Fox CBE

Martha is an entrepreneur and internet activist. Martha became a crossbench peer in the UK House of Lords in March 2013. In March 2014, she was appointed Chancellor of the Open University. Martha is a director of Twitter and chairperson of WeTransfer where she helped them reach B-Corp Status. She is also a non-executive director of Chanel.

Kate Philp

Kate joined the Army after graduating in Classics from Oxford University. She was deployed on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, where her leadership, decision-making, technical skill and adaptability were brutally tested in the fast-paced environment of front-line operations.

Carole Cumino

Carole is an experienced Charity Chief Executive with skills of facilitating system collaboration, strategic and operational business development, change management and partnership building. She has a passion for working with others to improve the lives of carers and to tackle health inequalities and inequity.

Marches LEP driving economic agenda

An ambitious programme of activity to help drive forward the region’s economy and build a sustainable future has been unveiled by The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership.

The LEP and its business support arm, the Marches Growth Hub, work across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin to deliver growth, prosperity and business support.

Chief Executive Rachel Laver said the LEP was now taking the lead on a series of far-reaching initiatives which would bring huge added value across the area.

They include:

A comprehensive land use study to identify how much of the Marches is farmed, how much is woodland and how much is unmanaged, privately owned land. The study – by award-winning environmental consultancy TACP – will identify opportunities for the Marches to become a leading region for carbon offsetting and its potential to be a major exporter of sustainable energy by maximising use of the land in the region and showing landowners worked up examples of costs and benefits of different land uses.

A Marches wide Local Area Energy Plan to build on work developing a flexible, reliable and secure energy generation and supply system which is fit for the future and underpins the move to a net zero economy. The plan will build on the LEP’s Marches Energy Strategy and demonstrate the LEP’s commitment to low carbon, building on the support already provided to initiatives such as the Low Carbon

Technology centre in Herefordshire which will help deliver much needed green skills.

Awarding the first funding through the Marches Energy Grant scheme, which offers free advice, energy assessments and grants for energy efficiency and renewable energy measures to SMEs from all sectors in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin. The scheme offers grants of up to £20,000 and builds on the success of previous programmes such as the Marches Renewable Energy (MarRE) fund and the Business Energy Efficiency Project (BEEP) grant scheme.

Unrivalled business support across the Marches region through the LEP’s Marches Growth Hub. The Hub has built a reputation for being the first point of contact for access to business advice, support, expertise and finance, working with tens of thousands of businesses since its launch.

Bringing together finance experts to help ensure businesses can access the funding they need to thrive and grow. The Marches LEP and Marches Growth Hub is co-sponsoring an event at Skylon Park in Hereford on June 21 to promote the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF) and increasing applications from Marches businesses. The event will be hosted by Tracy Sherratt, UK Network Manager for the West Midlands at British Business Bank, where she will be joined by Rachel Laver and MEIF fund managers Victoria Copestake at First Enterprise and Surjit Kooner Investment Manager at Midven.

Rachel said: “This is just a snapshot of the LEP and Growth Hub in action, working to create a region

which is a great place to live, environmentally sustainable and has a thriving business base.

“We have recently hosted officials from the Government, strategic transport agency Midlands Connect and our three local authorities to highlight the need for investment across our transport infrastructure, and to ensure we don’t lose out to urban areas.

“We have appointed leading consultancy Aecom to help develop a prioritised list of strategic transport projects and create the evidence base to drive our case.

“And the Marches Careers Hub continues its work to transform careers education across the region by linking education with business and helping secondary schools and colleges achieve world class careers guidance.

“The LEP has a clear agenda to work with our partners in the three local authorities, with our education and skills providers and with the business community to help the region meet its ambition to become a high-skilled, high value economy which is a great place to live and work.

“These schemes are concrete proof of the value the LEP continues to add to the Marches by working with our partners for the greater good of the whole region.”

The Worcestershire LEP to continue delivering 20-year strategy for Worcestershire

The Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has confirmed that it will continue its operations in support of the delivery of its 20-year strategy for the county.

The Worcestershire LEP Board, chaired by Paul Walker MBE, is keen to reassure the local business community that despite the uncertainty surrounding the future of LEPs at a national level, the Worcestershire LEP Board and partners remain committed to the positive work of the LEP as it develops its delivery priorities for 2023/24 and beyond, across the important areas of skills, business support and innovation.

The Worcestershire LEP has been serving the county for over 10 years, acting as a strategic partnership able to facilitate the collaboration of the private, public and education sector to deliver meaningful programmes to support economic growth in the county.

The Worcestershire LEP, and its various programmes such as the Worcestershire Growth Hub, BetaDen, the Inspiring Worcestershire Careers Hub, Worcestershire Apprenticeships and more will continue to deliver value for the county.

The Worcestershire LEP has delivered many successes and achievements since its inception and will continue to collaborate effectively with partners including the district and borough councils, the county council, business membership organisations like the Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses and education establishments. Our partners remain fully committed to  the LEP’s strategy to ensure Worcestershire is a connected, creative and dynamic economy for all.

Paul Walker MBE, Chair of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “ The Worcestershire LEP board and its partners are united in their determination

to continue delivering value in support of Worcestershire and its future prosperity. This is evidenced by the unanimous decision for the Worcestershire LEP to continue with its operation.

“We have a strategy in place which all the partners are involved with and we are now able to confidently plan  the delivery of programmes and projects in support of our vision for Worcestershire.”

Find out more about the Worcestershire LEP’s 20 year Plan for growth strategy on the link here

Give sick leave the day off: reducing absence through strong workplace wellness strategies

Staff needing to take time off work through illness is an unfortunate but expected part of life for employers.

Whether it’s due to a seasonal cold, contagious stomach bug, or longer-term condition, calling in sick is inevitable from time to time.

It’s something most conscientious employees will avoid if possible, and yet the latest reports are all showing a steep rise in the sickness absence rate.

The Office for National Statistics recently revealed the percentage of lost working hours due to illness or injury had risen from 2.2% in 2021 to 2.6% in 2022 – the highest rate in almost two decades.

And a separate study by Access PeopleHR showed the number of days reported as sick days by the average UK SME rose by 30% from 2021 to 2022.

So what’s behind the rise?

It’s been speculated that the true extent of sickness was hidden during the pandemic when social distancing and multiple lockdowns prevented the spread of all viruses, not just Covid-19 (and any furloughed workers wouldn’t have been included in absence stats). Now we’re back to ‘normal’, we’re not just struggling because of being in close contact with other people – and their germs

– again, we also have a swathe of people struggling with Long Covid and the increase in mental ill health.

And how can employers support their staff?

Having a robust Workplace Wellbeing Strategy ensures team members: know how to access the support on offer; are more likely to seek preventative healthcare, not just reactive help; feel able to ask HR/management about their health needs; and have an all-round greater focus on their health and wellness, especially in relation to their work.

When it comes to sickness absence, have a think about these 5 questions:

1. With the cost of living crisis ongoing, does your Workplace Wellbeing strategy provide financial support to enable staff to stay healthy (for example, gym membership discounts)?

2. Can the team access preventative care as well as reactive (such as physiotherapy which could stop a bad back hindering their work)?

3. Where a staff member has ongoing problems causing them to be absent from

work, are further scans and tests needed to help diagnose the underlying reason(s)?

4. Do you have a robust system in place to pick up when a team member may need additional support, or where a pattern may be emerging in their absences?

5. Have you got your company culture right –so staff members won’t take unnecessary time off (absenteeism) but equally won’t come into work when they’re not well (presenteeism) because they feel taking leave is frowned upon?

Visit www.paycare.org/workplace-wellbeing for more tips on developing or refreshing your Workplace Wellbeing Strategy.

What you want is

• a bright, stand-out-from-the-crowd, professional website.

• an easily navigable and reliable e-commerce store.

• and fully functioning, CRM/ERP back-office support systems.

• all working in synergy and realising your business goals.

We are an established, family-run business in Herefordshire, offering to advise, build, optimize, host and develop your online presence … and everything required to support it … from the customer journey to cyber-security protection. www.wearethemissinglink.com

Chi Duong & Lauren Astley

Ballards LLP – Accountants Make Additions

Worcestershire based Ballards LLP

Chartered Accountants welcomes two additions to its Business Services and Corporate departments.

Chi Duong joins the Ballards Corporate Tax team as a Corporate Tax Associate. This comes after gaining experience at a well-known national accountancy firm. Chi will be working closely with clients, providing tax advice and compliance services.

Martin Adams Tax Partner said:

“We are pleased to announce that Chi has joined our growing team at Ballards LLP. As a company, we are committed to achieving ambitious growth and expansion plans, and

the addition of skilled professionals such as Chi to our team is integral to achieving this objective.

We believe that Chi’s expertise and experience will greatly benefit our team and contribute to the success of our company. We look forward to working with Chi and watching her contributions positively impact our business”.

Lauren Astley joins the Business Services team at Ballards LLP as an Accounts Associate; this comes after gaining experience at a well-known Worcestershire accountancy firm. Lauren will provide accountancy and taxation services to owner-managed businesses, while ensuring the continued provision of the exceptional level of service that Ballards LLP is renowned for.

Ben Allman Business Services Partner said: “We are extremely pleased to welcome Lauren into the Business Services team here at Ballards LLP. We have a wonderful group already, focused on top client service, teamwork and flexibility for our staff and it was clear that Lauren would fit in perfectly. We look forward to seeing her develop with the firm for many years to come”.

mfg Solicitors

Law firm mfg Solicitors has announced the appointment of partner Katherine Tippetts as the new head of its Family division.

Movers & Shakers

Read about the latest movers & shakers for this issue.

Katherine, who specialises in a range of family-related legal matters, takes over from widely respected partner Claire Backler who steps down from the leadership role after 11 years.

Based at the firm’s Kidderminster office, Katherine joined mfg Solicitors in 2010 and has gone on to play a key role in the substantial growth of mfg’s Family team.

The team specialises in all areas of Family law including divorce-related financial matters and issues relating to children, pre and post nuptial agreements, cohabitation and injunctions.

Ballards LLP has made two promotions for team members who joined on the firm’s graduate scheme. Alexandra Moore and William Culwick, have been promoted to Account Managers.

Alexandra and William, both former Accounts Associates who joined Ballards in 2016, have recently been promoted to Accounts Manager after demonstrating exceptional commitment and hard work. Alexandra, a Cardiff University graduate, was promoted to Assistant Manager in 2020, and her continued dedication has earned her this latest promotion. She will now oversee a portfolio of clients in the agricultural sector, providing them with expert support in accounts, compliance, queries, and strategic advice. Similarly, William, who studied at Exeter University, was promoted to Assistant Manager in 2021, and has now progressed to Accounts Manager. With his extensive experience and knowledge, William will ensure that his clients receive the highest level of service and support in managing their accounts, compliance, and strategic needs.

Ben Allman Business Services Partner said:

“We are thrilled to see Will and Alex progress to their new roles as Accounts Managers. Their hard work, commitment, and expertise have been instrumental in delivering exceptional service to our clients. We are proud to recognise their achievements and look forward to the continued growth and success of our firm with them on our team.”

mfg Solicitors (patrons)

Solicitor Maynard Burton retires after a 42-year career.

One of Worcestershire’s most popular and admired solicitors has retired after a career spanning over four decades.

Commercial property expert Maynard Burton, from mfg Solicitors, has retired from the legal profession after joining the Kidderminster headquartered firm as a trainee in 1981. Qualifying in 1983, Mr Burton went on to run mfg’s former Bewdley office for 14 years, going on to play an instrumental role in the firm’s regional expansion which he helped lead as a senior partner and Board member, including a record 17 years as chairman, a role which now passes to partner Iain Morrison.

Throughout his career, the 66-year-old has managed thousands of property-related transactions locally and across the UK, whilst also acting as a mentor to several junior solicitors.

Katherine Tippetts

Movers

Ballards Boosts Business Services with Double Promotion!

Alexandra Moore & William Culwick

Legal firm takes key role with Chamber

FBC Manby Bowdler is one of the West Midlands’ leading law firms, with branches across Shropshire, Worcestershire and Wolverhampton.

FBC Manby Bowdler are an award-winning, 29-partner law firm and have been a fixture in the Marches region since 1826, providing legal advice to both businesses and individuals. The company now employs more than 180 people across six branches and is focused on and committed to quality and excellent client care. Managing director Neil Lloyd said: “FBC Manby Bowdler is proud to be a strategic member of the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, which - along with our Redditch office - further cements our place in the fabric of the Marches community.

“Membership allows businesses to access a range of services and opportunities by raising their profile, making new connections and promoting their products and services to other members, and we are delighted to hold such a key role in the network.

“I believe our experience and expertise mean we are ideally placed to benefit the chamber’s member businesses, while also being able to connect ourselves with the 1,300-strong local network which has connections that reach regionally, nationally and internationally.”

For more information about FBC Manby Bowdler, visit www.fbcmb.co.uk

Membership allows businesses to access a range of services and opportunities by raising their profile, making new connections and promoting their products and services to other members.

Neil Llloyd, Managing Director, DBC Manby Bowdler

Frome Valley Vineyard – Come and see us and try our wines!

Frome Valley Vineyard is set amongst the hop yards and cider orchards of Herefordshire, tucked into a curve of the River Frome just by Bromyard. We make award-winning still and sparkling wines, cider and brandy.

Come and taste the wines in the winery and pavilion at our winery and see the vineyards. The tour takes us first to our model vineyard, a few steps from the winery where we discuss how grapes are grown around the world, and then on into the main vineyard where we talk about successes and failures at the moment. The back to the winery to taste everything and an opportunity to buy your favourites!

Frome Valley Vineyard was established over three decades ago, one of the first of the “new wave” of English vineyards and one of the earliest in Herefordshire. Our wines feature

heritage grape varieties from what are now beautifully mature vines!

We run the vineyard as sustainably as possible, and we focus a lot on soil health. A healthy soil grows healthy vines! So we are currently experimenting with biochar, a very pure form of charcoal. We hope very much to find that our “biochar-ed” rows are super healthy and productive whereas our control rows are merely healthy and productive. We are also seeing if wormcast tea can help keep the foliage healthy.

We are a family-run operation. Everyone is

now finally over 18 and legally able to offer you alcohol! We all take our visitors on our tours and tastings. We look forward to seeing you at Frome Valley Vineyard, Paunton Court, Bishops Frome WR6 5BJ.

Book a tour and tasting on www.fromevalleyvineyard.co.uk ;

Give your colleagues a new experience!

Send your friends and relations on a tour using our voucher scheme (see the website).

Give us a call on 01885 490768 to just come and buy some wine!

GJS Dillon to raise funds for lifesaving charity

Worcestershire commercial property consultancy GJS Dillon has launched a 12-month fundraising campaign for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity (MAAC).

The cause is close to the team’s hearts following a tragic incident involving one of their colleagues, who said:

‘I had reason to be involved in an incident where MAAC was called out. Unfortunately, in my case, the outcome

was not what we had hoped for, but I know that they did everything they possibly could to sustain life’.

Each air ambulance mission costs an average of £2,950 and the charity’s only source of funding is through donations.

Wiktoria Jaworksa, corporate partnership executive for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity said: ‘We are delighted to be partnering with GJS Dillon this year to help raise awareness and funds for our lifesaving charity.’

To make a donation to GJS Dillon’s campaign visit their Just Giving page on www.justgiving.com/page/gjs-dillon1683032101194

Considering the Impact of Index Linking on Premiums

As the economy continues to struggle and forecasts show significant fluctuation, there are many risks that businesses face. Many of these are naturally things that the board, or managing body, are aware of and covered for, but this isn’t always the case when it comes to debtors.

Very often the biggest asset on a company’s balance sheet, debtors and their potential to default, can often be the only risk a business isn’t insured against, so why is this risk mitigation not more commonly explored?

Simeon Chapman, Director at Hazelton Mountford, says: “A lot of turnover is needed to make up for a loss, even to standstill. Credit insurance is a great option to mitigate against it”.

We know that assets include all work done by business, so being owed money is a natural part of this process, but this

needs to be done without threatening the overall health of a company. This is why Credit Insurance is a valuable tool that is missing from so many businesses, the cost of omission being often far greater than outlay. By transferring the risk away from your business and over to an insurer, a credit insurance policy is your protection against a customer being insolvent or failing to pay what they owe.

With multiple types of credit insurance available, your business needs will guide the option that best suits you, including: Whole Turnover Credit Insurance, Major Buyer Policy, Single Risk Cover and Export Trade Credit Insurance. Triggered at the point of insolvency from your clients or customers, this form of financial security also covers defaults

although the point at which that comes into effect would be at the discretion of the business. By ensuring your business is covered under a credit insurance policy, you are also helping to mitigate risks associated with business growth.

We’re Here to Help

Whatever sort of business you might have, it is likely that you would benefit from a conversation around Credit Insurance. Since one size does not fit all here, speaking to a professional broker is vital to making sure that you receive the best advice and policy for your needs. We understand your business and will therefore knowledgeably put together an insurance policy that is specifically designed for you.

Contact us today to learn more about how credit insurance might be the missing piece of your business’ protection.

Public Relations is the most powerful marketing tool

You don’t need to tell everyone how good you are. Just be good. Work hard, do what you do - do it well - and others will know how good you are.

PR is the marketing tool that then leverages that knowledge. It’s the most powerful marketing tool that you and your business can have and You Do Better have made it easy to access - Ruby Edwards.

That’s the headline from You Do Better, a local Public Relations Agency, doing things a little differently when it comes to PR.

Not only does You Do Better deliver public relations on a pay-as-you-go basis - providing flexible options for businesses who do not have a year round marketing requirement - but it also provides accessible PR without the hassle, commitment and expense of retainers.

By outsourcing your marketing and allowing experienced marketers to take the lead, you can be freed up to do what you do.

Ruby Edwards, Director of You Do Better Limited, explains:

“Public Relations inspires people and employees to form an emotional connection with your brand and business. PR predominantly involves ‘free media’, the purpose of which is to develop a discussion and generate coverage without directly paying for it.”

Think PR stunts and media attention to help increase your brand profile. Indeed, You Do Better were responsible for the recent April Fool’s news about the world’s first pink sheep – called Baarbie - at Moreton Show 2023. Read all about how ‘Moreton Show prepares to welcome pink ‘Baarbie’ sheep’ online here: www.cotswoldjournal.co.uk/ news/23425691.moreton-showprepares-welcome-pink-baarbie-sheep/ Ruby concludes: “PR is all about selling a company or brand through positively

managing the communication channels between a company and its stakeholders and developing a positive reputation. Sharing our expertise, we can help you turn creative ideas into PR activity and raise your profile locally, regionally and even globally.

PR doesn’t need to be expensive. It can be accessible and fun with the You Do Better way of working.”

Become an expert in Social Media Marketing

Q1: Why is it important for brands to be on social media?

A: In today’s digital age, social media is one of the biggest marketing channels and presents an opportunity for brands to bypass more traditional media and interact directly with their customers. It is a common misconception that social media is ‘just for children and young people,’ in fact more than half of the global population now uses social media and the numbers keep on growing - in the last 12 months 227 million new users joined.

When we look at user statistics from the UK, the numbers are even more eye-opening as to why it is imperative for brands to be on social media. According to Statista, there are more than 57 million social media users in the UK, which equates to 84.3% of the population.

It is also important to recognise that with generational shifts in decision-makers and spending power, comes the need to adapt. For new generations, social media is one of the primary channels for brand discovery and if your brand is not utilising these networks, it’s likely that they will discover your competitors first.

Q2: Do I need to be on every social media platform, and should I invest in social media advertising?

A: Brands do not need to be on every social media platform and should look at which platforms they use with a strategic mindset. In my experience, platforms such as LinkedIn are immensely powerful for those in business-to-business markets, whereas those in consumer markets get greater returns from channels such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, although social media is fast-paced and ever-changing so remember to keep an eye on new opportunities. Before your commit to any social media platforms, think about who your customers are – What is their job? How old are they? What are their interests? What are their dislikes?

When it comes to paid advertising on social media, again brands need to look at the channels they are advertising on strategically, as well as their advert content and targeting. Without a well-thought strategy, paid advertising can often result in high-cost – low return. I would advise brands to invest in organic social media marketing first to build a solid foundation on their chosen channels and provide their customers with a window into their brand and products and/or services.

Q3: What content should I share? If I do not have time to create and share content, is it worth outsourcing to an agency?

A: The content you should share on social media depends entirely on your brand message, values, and what you are trying to achieve. You should look at your content from the eye of your customer – would you stop to look at it or scroll past without giving it a second glance? Brands need to make sure their content resonates with the needs and wants of their customers, whilst also ensuring it is creative and consistent (without being repetitive).

When developing a content strategy, understanding individual algorithms of social media platforms is also key. Like everything social media, algorithms are ever-changing, but by understanding them and monitoring changes, brands can share more favoured content that will rank higher in social media feeds. Understandably, social media marketing can be a time-consuming task and requires a resolute team to ensure efforts are not being wasted. Investing in social media management from a reputable, third-party agency can be an efficient and cost-effective route for those who simply do not have the time to do it themselves. Outsourcing additionally provides brands - particularly those who are yet to start - with an opportunity to benefit from the social media and creative expertise from an experienced marketing team.

Find out more from Adam Horn at Be Everywhere be-everywhere.co.uk

International Trade

Ways of paying duty and what they mean

Some of the common questions we are asked, are about duties and VAT on imports. This is a really useful link to understand more about this topic and how to pay:

How to pay duties and VAT on imports from outside of the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk/guidance/payingvat-and-duties-on-imports)

Investing in retention and training – it is cheaper than recruitment

A rapidly changing work landscape and general pandemic fatigue has resulted in many people leaving roles or actively planning to change their jobs. Job vacancies are at the highest level we have seen in many years, so what can we do about this?

Getting great people onboard is usually an employers priority, however as we know the onboarding process doesn’t stop once that person is employed and that contract is signed. It is just as important to retain existing talent within the company and avoid the unnecessary increase in staff turnover.

We have been working with hundreds of companies in the past few years and many of them have seen people who used to be responsible for the day to day admin of imports and exports, leave the work force or move on to pastures new. In some cases, we have found that other resources are being used to fill that

International Trade Forum

void, and sometimes without the organisation or person knowing how complex the role is.

In order to support the smooth transition of skills between changing employees and to ensure the ongoing smooth running of imports and exports, we have put together a selection of specialist training courses which focus on the areas of International Trade that really do keep the business trading. Topics such as Import Procedures, Understanding Export & Export Documentation, Understanding Commodity Codes and many more. Alongside reducing the risk of lengthy delays of goods at ports, it is invaluable to keep the work force well informed and invest in their time with the company to secure their tenure. If talented employees feel valued and invested in, they are far less likely to consider a role change, leaving the employer to recruitment costs and pulling on other unskilled resources to fill the gaps.

Book onto our International Trade Forum today: International Trade Forum - Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce (hwchamber.co.uk)

International Trade Courses

Preference Rules of Origin (V)

1st August 2023

An Introduction to Export and Import Procedures (F2F)

10th August 2023

A Beginners Practical Guide to Exporting (V)

16th August 2023

Incoterms 2020 (V)

22nd August 2023

Understanding Export and Export Documentation (V)

5th September 2023

ATA Carnets – A Practical Guide (V)

13th September 2023

Understanding Commodity Codes (V)

13th September 2023

Customs Procedures and Documentation (V)

19th September 2023

Import Procedures including IP/OP (F2F)

12th October 2023

A Beginners Practical Guide to Exporting (V)

19th October 2023

A Beginners Practical Guide to Importing (V)

25th October 2023

Please visit the Events & Training Calendar for the most up to date information about all of our upcoming International Trade Courses.

Courses may be subject to change from the time of printing.

Meet Our International Trade Team

Our International Trade Advisors are on hand to support you with any questions you may have. For further details, please don’t hesitate to contact the team on 01905 673614 or email internationaltrade@hwchamber.co.uk.

Kayla Ball Martyn Richardson Emma Harris

Newly qualified duo complete law firm training contracts

Two up and coming solicitors are celebrating after completing their training contracts with leading Worcestershire law firm, mfg Solicitors.

Kidderminster-based lawyers Lucy Harrold and Lucy George have completed their respective qualifications at the firm and have now been appointed into full-time roles as qualified solicitors.

Miss Harrold joined in 2018 and worked as a paralegal for three years across mfg’s Commercial Property, Corporate and Property Litigation departments. Now qualified, she has been appointed as a Corporate solicitor within the firm’s Corporate team.

Miss George, meanwhile, joined as a paralegal in 2019 and began her training in 2021, working in the firm’s Commercial Property, Property Litigation and Family teams across mfg’s Worcestershire offices.

She now begins a full-time role within mfg’s Commercial Property department.

Andrew Davies, partner and managing director at mfg Solicitors said: “Our firm has an extremely strong breadth of talent coming through which is vital as part of our planning for the future.

“Both Lucy and Lucy have been with us for some time now and during their training

they have impressed at every turn through their professionalism and hard work.

“It’s a big moment for them both to now be fully qualified solicitors and we look forward to them contributing to our success in the months and years ahead.”

mfg Solicitors has offices in Birmingham, Kidderminster, Worcester, Bromsgrove, Ludlow and Telford.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity

Corporate Sponsorship

Worcestershire Acute Hospital’s Charity are asking the Worcestershire business community to make the new Accident and Emergency Department at Worcestershire Royal Hospital be the very best it can be.

Will you please join us in supporting the very best healthcare for Worcestershire?

Worcestershire businesses are being offered the opportunity to sponsor a space on our Thank You Wall which will be displayed in the Urgent and Emergency Care Department.

There are three levels of support available but they will all make a huge difference to patients.

Sponsorship Packages

Each sponsor tile will be printed with your company’s logo and displayed as part of a dedicated Thank You Wall.

£1000 donations will feature on the largest and most prominent placed tiles on the wall.

£500 donations will feature on the middle sized tiles within the display.

£250 donations will feature on the smaller, but perfectly formed, tiles within the display.

A little bit about us

Our aim is to provide those added extras that improve the experience for everyone using or providing services. To make our hospitals the very best they can be.

Funds provided by the charity support developments and activities which are over and above core NHS services. No donations are used to

replace core NHS funding.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust manages three hospitals – the Alexandra in Redditch, Kidderminster Hospital and Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester – as well as providing a range of healthcare services from sites across Worcestershire.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity exists to support our wonderful NHS. To provide those added extras that can make the working day easier, the service more comfortable or the experience less difficult.

Donations support the following key areas:

Improving facilities for patients, staff and visitors

Supporting ongoing staff development and welfare

Funding additional medical equipment

Thank you for taking the time to read our proposal and if you require any further information please do not hesitate to get in touch.

www.wahcharity.org/uecappeal info@wahcharity.org

Unlocking Potential: How Life Coaching Ignites Business Growth and Success

In today’s fast-paced and demanding business landscape, the well-being and productivity of your workforce are more critical than ever.

As a forward thinking business leader you will already understand that Investing in your employees’ holistic development not only leads to happier and healthier individuals but also unlocks the untapped potential of your business.

As a skilled Life and Wellness Coach I act as a catalyst for positive change, offering guidance and support to individuals seeking personal and professional growth. With my specialised knowledge, experience and expertise, I empower employees to overcome obstacles, enhance their well-being, and thrive in all aspects of their lives.

Through my personal journey, I discovered the transformative power of coaching. It opened my eyes to my true desires and gave me the inner strength to leave a successful career in education and venture into the realm of being a Life Coach. Looking back, I have no regrets. Despite lacking experience in business management and marketing, I

firmly believe that the challenges I face are worth the sacrifices. After all, growth and truly experiencing life require stepping outside of our comfort zones.

In just nine months of running my own coaching business, I’ve had the privilege of working with various organisations. I’ve provided both one-on-one coaching and facilitated group workshops on topics such as stress management, the significance of quality sleep, and women’s wellbeing. I strongly believe that a “one size fits all” approach doesn’t maximise individual potential. Therefore, I closely collaborate with my clients, understanding their unique needs and working together to create tailored strategies that drive positive outcomes.

In a rapidly evolving business landscape, where talent retention and engagement are paramount, investing in the development of your workforce is a strategic decision that can yield tremendous benefits. By empowering your employees to achieve optimal well-being, you create an organisational culture that attracts and retains top talent while driving long-term business prosperity.

Your Business, Your Future, Your Choice.

Carrie Edwards

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• Increased resilience

Ballards LLP Empowers Resilience to Harness the Benefits of Digital Services

Ballards LLP, a leading accountancy firm based in Worcestershire, has successfully supported Resilience, a prominent tech company, in achieving significant growth and operational excellence through their comprehensive range of digital services. The collaboration between Ballards LLP and Resilience has resulted in remarkable outcomes, driving the company’s success in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

As part of their services, Sean Devlin, IT and Digital Transformation Partner at Ballards LLP, has played a pivotal role in Resilience’s digital journey. Sean’s responsibilities encompass various key areas, including chairing the IT Steering Committee, IT system and supplier selection and offering strategic IT guidance.

Furthermore, Sean manages the relationship with Resilience’s 3rd party Managed Service Provider (MSP), acting as a conduit to ensure operational risks related to IT changes are fully understood and mitigated. Simultaneously, he oversees the MSP’s adherence to agreed Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

Eric Drattell, General Legal Counsel at Resilience said “Sean and Ballards exceeded our expectations. Sean brought fresh thinking and objectivity

to our project, challenged us to think more critically about what we wanted, and stewarded each aspect of the project through to the end. To say Sean is knowledgeable about IT and systems is an understatement. He is a superb communicator and has the gift of making one feel as if they are his only client.”

Sean Devlin IT and Digital Transformation Partner at Ballards LLP said: “It has been a pleasure to work with Risilience as their fractional IT Director - it is a truly fulfilling experience witnessing first-hand the positive impact and value that our consulting services are having on the business. I look forward to continuing our partnership and driving success together”.

Please contact Sean Devlin on sean.devlin@ballardsllp.com to explore digital opportunities for your business.

Sean Devlin, IT & Digital Transformation Partner

Chamber Primary Health Plan with Westfield

Exclusively available to Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber Members, the Chamber Primary Health Plan starts from £6.74 per employee, per month and allows staff to claim money back, up to set limits, for things like sight tests and glasses, dental bills, therapy treatments and consultations. The plan also provides access to a range of valuable health and wellbeing services including:

DoctorLine – Speak to a practising UK GP or clinical pharmacist

24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There’s even the option to have a webcam consultation.

24 Hour Advice and Information Line including up to six sessions of structured counselling

Expert Medical Opinion/Best Doctors

Gym Discounts

Westfield Rewards

Introducing our brand new Cost Savings Hub!

Businesses, and their employees, across Herefordshire and Worcestershire have been and continue to face challenges with the costs of doing business and cost of living generally. These pressures combined, make business growth hard to maintain.

The Cost Saving Hub seeks to provide quick links to real cost savings and will be updated as our Chamber team find and receive new information.

We’ve split the hub into three separate sections to allow us to compartmentalise the various links we have acquired. These sections include: People – People are a business’s most important asset.

Business Costs – Businesses have reported increasingly that cost pressures are creating problems.

Growth – Growth of business supports the local community, creating prosperity for its people.

You’ve requested and we’ve delivered! Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce continue to carry out research

into business conditions, seek support locally and nationally, and share best practice from Members and business partners.

Explore our Cost Hub and let us know which cost saving opportunities you find more useful: hwchamber.co.uk/cost-savings-hub

HR Support with your Chamber Membership

When growing your business, the world of HR can be daunting. As part of your Chamber Membership, you have access to four services delivered by Quest, including ChamberHR.

Free HR and Health & Safety Health Checks are available to Members on the Quest website. The HR health check has been designed to identify the main areas and actions you will need to focus on to improve your existing HR situation. This will help you identify the areas where your business may need assistance and for us to assist in providing the best advice and guidance to your organisation.

Quest also deliver ChamberHS, to support your business with Health and Safety provisions, ChamberLegal and ChamberTax.

To find out more about Quest services included in your Chamber Membership, visit our website at hwchamber.co.uk

Friday 22nd September 2023

HOSTED BY TV’S ALISON HAMMOND AND HEART FM’S ED JAMES

Embracing Corporate and Social Responsibility: A Win-Win for Businesses

In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, corporate and social responsibility (CSR) has emerged as a key driver of success for companies across industries. Long gone are the days when profit was the sole measure of achievement; now, businesses are recognising the importance of going beyond financial gains and making a positive impact on society and the environment.

Embracing CSR brings numerous benefits for businesses. Firstly, it enhances brand reputation and customer loyalty. In an era where consumers are increasingly conscious about the social and environmental impact of their purchases, aligning with CSR initiatives helps companies cultivate a positive image, build trust, and attract a larger customer base.

Furthermore, embracing CSR can lead to improved employee engagement and productivity. When employees feel that their company is committed to making a difference, they become more motivated and dedicated to their work. They find greater purpose in their jobs, resulting in higher retention rates and increased job satisfaction.

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Embracing CSR also allows businesses to effectively manage risk. By proactively addressing environmental and social issues, companies can mitigate potential negative impacts on their operations and reputation, safeguarding their long-term sustainability.

Lastly, embracing CSR fosters innovation and creativity. Through a focus on sustainability and social impact, businesses are encouraged to seek innovative solutions that benefit both society and the bottom line. This drive for innovation can lead to the development of new products, services, and business models, opening up exciting opportunities for growth and profitability.

In conclusion, embracing corporate and social responsibility is essential for businesses striving for sustainable success in today’s competitive marketplace. Beyond financial gains, CSR offers tangible benefits including enhanced brand reputation, improved employee engagement, better risk management, and a platform for innovation. By championing CSR, businesses can make a positive impact on society while reaping the rewards of a thriving and socially responsible brand.

Sign our petition and make a difference to those suffering from brain tumours

Brain Tumour Research has launched a petition calling on the Government to ring-fence £110 million of current and new funding to kick-start an increase in the national investment in brain tumour research to £35 million a year by 2028.

For too long governments have put brain tumours on the “too difficult to think about” pile. Five years after the Government announced £40 million for brain cancer research, just £15 million has been spent.

Patients and families continue to be let down by a funding system that is built in silos and not fit for purpose. There needs to be a strategic plan using joined up thinking across the pathway of discovery, translational and clinical research.

Brain tumours kills more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer yet the national investment in brain tumour research still represents just 1% of brain tumour funding since records began in 2002. We ask the Government to recognise brain

tumour research as a priority, developing a strategic plan for adequately resourcing and funding discovery, translational and clinical research, ring-fencing £110 million of current and new funding to kick-start this initiative –in line with the spend on cancers of breast, bowel and leukaemia.

Help us reach 100,000 signatures for our petition to be considered for debate in Parliament. Sign the petition now by clicking on the link below and please share it with your colleagues, clients and friends.

www.braintumourresearch.org/ campaigning/brain-tumour-researchpetition

Record-breaking St Michael’s Hospice Plant Fair raises over £16,000

Record-breaking crowd numbers ensured the St Michael’s Hospice Plant Fair was the most successful in its history.

The Bartestree-based charity says more than £16,000 has been raised following the annual two-day event which saw more than 1,700 people attend.

A large number of Hospice supporters had grown plants to be sold at the Fair, alongside a vast array of traders’ products and, for the first time this year, an Artisan Market.

“The Plant Fair truly is a community event, with growers, stall holders and visitors all helping contribute to its success,” said Gaynor Warren, Events and Community Fundraiser at St Michael’s.

“We couldn’t have wished for better weather on the Saturday, and to see our beautiful

Hospice grounds visited by so many people was particularly special.

“One of the most endearing aspects of the Plant Fair is that it allows patients and their loved ones to stroll around the grounds, browsing the items for sale. Events like the Plant Fair provide a vital source of income which goes straight towards the care and support provided by St Michael’s.

“I must also say a huge thank you to our event sponsors, Lyonshall Nurseries, for their continued support and dedication to the Plant Fair, and St Michael’s as a whole. It’s greatly appreciated.”

The Fair took place in the extensive gardens of St Michael’s which are tended to by a team of volunteers.

“6 for 60 with Jon Legge”

In my 60th year I am undertaking 6 challenges reflecting some of the interests I’ve had over 60 years. These are in aid of my 3 chosen charities for 2023. Build it International – my cousin runs this charity which creates opportunities for young people and their communities in Zambia through skills training, work experience and essential community building

The gardens will be open for the public to explore on Sunday 9th July (2-5pm).

To book, and for more details about the St Michael’s Hospice 2023 Open Gardens season, just click here www.st-michaels-hospice. org.uk/event/opengardens.

UCB – A Christian radio charity based in Stoke which gives hope to many in need through the gospel of Christ

Inspire – a charity based in Winyates, Redditch which serves those with mental health issues and in difficult relationships

Donations can be made at the link below or passed onto me in the usual way . justgiving.com/crowdfunding/6for60

Two new starters join Sutcliffe & Co insurance brokers

Sutcliffe & Co Insurance Brokers welcome two new starters at their Worcester City based Head Office, with Thomas Mann and Thomas Field joining the expanding team.

As delivering service excellence in the insurance industry is the cornerstone of Sutcliffe & Co, their recruitment based on experience and dedication is key to the success of the business. The appointment of Thomas Mann and Thomas Field with a proven track record and knowledge of a diverse range of insurance products and services, ensures a sound base in the next stage of growth at Sutcliffe & Co.

Thomas Mann, Premier Team Account Handler explains, “With 14 years of experience in the industry, I like to get to know my clients, understand their business needs and wide range of risks. Sutcliffe & Co have a great reputation within the industry and locally, so I am delighted to join the team, as it’s a great opportunity”.

Thomas Field, Account Handler says, “I’ve received a warm welcome from everyone at Sutcliffe & Co and it’s great to be part of a team so passionate about insurance. I’m hoping to build on my experience in insurance and Sutcliffe & Co is the perfect fit for my career development.”

Cultural Compact

Duncan Sutcliffe, Managing Director at Sutcliffe, welcomes the new members of the team, “Recruiting the right staff is so important to any business but when ‘Delivering a professional service in a commercial world’ is your moto, the people really do make the business successful. I’m so pleased to welcome Thomas Mann and Thomas Field to the team and wish them both the best in their new roles”.

Multi-award-winning Sutcliffe & Co are fourth generation insurance brokers that are proud to be independent which allows them to provide insurance policies from over 100 different insurers, ensuring clients get the right insurance for their needs. They are firmly based in the heart of Worcestershire and closely involved with the local community, with clients across the UK in a diverse range of industries from manufacturing and engineering, to leisure and wholesales. For more information about Sutcliffe & Co and their latest recruits please contact the Sutcliffe Head Office on 01905 21681 or alternatively email Enquiries@sutcliffeinsurance.co.uk

There is much evidence to suggest that when a place thrives in cultural terms, with local people being active and creative, there are benefits for economic development, tourism, health and wellbeing. That is the central premise of ‘Cultural Compacts’ – a new term to describe cross-sector networks collaborating to make this kind of change in communities, towns and cities across the country.

Redditch and Bromsgrove was awarded Cultural Compact status in 2021, and more than 100 partners are signed up now to help deliver its ambitions for the area. As a Levelling Up place for culture, Redditch is also well-placed to benefit from additional funding from Arms’ Length Bodies of government.

The RSA Heritage Index 2020 listed Redditch Borough as No.3 in the top 10 for heritage potential. As such we are working to open up and better connect built and natural heritage, museums and heritage attractions, sites and works of interest, collections and stories.

For example, did you know that one of the most important pieces of public art in the whole of the West Midlands is inside the Kingfisher Shopping Centre? Installed 40 years ago, 12 epic mosaic panels created by Eduardo Paolozzi, one of the most significant British artists of the 20th century, adorn the upper walls of Millward Square, an atrium-like space at the heart of the centre. As a pilot project, we worked with games design students at Heart of Worcestershire College and arts organisation Ludic Rooms to bring the mosaics to life using digital animation and

augmented reality, interpreting them afresh and opening them up to new audiences.

We would love to hear from businesses that would like to support or get involved with this work, which we believe will enhance the prosperity of the area.

Email Louisa Davies, Cultural Compact Project Manager at louisadavies.arts@gmail.com

Corporate Social Responsibility

We aim to use our links with businesses to promote and encourage community engagement and corporate responsibility.

We believe that partnership working can enhance communications and understanding between different communities.

Our Vision – Working with the whole businesses community, to build sustainable economic growth in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Our Mission – To provide access to solutions that local businesses need to achieve their goals, through engaging, influencing and connecting. To be responsive to the external environment, offering responsive and relevant approaches.

Charities and other voluntary/ community organisations often approach the Chamber for support in promoting their activities, and to engage business people to support their development. The skills used to run and manage a business are useful in helping voluntary organisations to

become sustainable. Our voluntary Members can appeal for trustees or post a request for support on our website and use our weekly newsletter and publication to raise awareness amongst the business community.

Our Chamber of Commerce is acknowledged as being one of the most engaged when communicating with local enterprises about how we can support and further growth in the region.

Our Membership remains truly representative of the diverse community across Herefordshire and Worcestershire, with over 50% of our Membership employing less than 10 staff.

Your success is central to everything that we do. It is our drive, our vision, our passion and by joining us you will be in good company.

BUSINESS DIRECTION

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 over 10,500.

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

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

EDITORIAL & SUBSCRIPTIONS

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

PRODUCTION & DESIGN

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

ADVERTISING

Angie Smith

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

FEATURES EDITOR

Karen Southern karen.southern@ distinctivegroup.co.uk

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.

Our Membership remains truly representative of the diverse community across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

CLOSE YOUR TALENT GAP

Access new skills and grow loyal employees

APPRENTICESHIPS

Expand your workforce with WCG, the largest apprenticeships training provider in the West Midlands, training 2000+ apprentices in over 60 sectors annually.

T LEVELS

Like the idea of an apprentice but need a short-term solution? Take on a T Level student for a 45-day placement and help them kickstart their career.

WCG now offers T Levels in:

• Business

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• Craft & Design (SEPT 2024)

• Digital Support Services

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• Engineering & Manufacturing

• Health

• Media, Broadcast & Production (SEPT 2024)

INDUSTRY PLACEMENTS

Trial a potential apprentice or employee by offering a work placement that’s completely flexible to your business needs.

Find out how WCG can help your business gain a competitive edge today by contacting our Business Development Team:

0300 135 6940 employerenquiries@wcg.ac.uk

wcg.ac.uk/worcsemployers