Business Direction 9

Direction

Business

Human Resources

Supporting people at any stage of their career in business page 30 Big Interview: Jenny Jones - Embracing the next challenge as HR promises to make a difference - page 24/25

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce BD09.indd 1

ÂŁ2.00 where sold

September/October 2012 Issue 9 31/8/12 11:27:24

Graduate Day 18th July 2012 - Worcester Rugby Club Client: The Client Established in 2001 and based in Worcester, Postcode Anywhere are great at dealing with data. They offer over 250 web services which increase efficiency, including address validation, data cleaning, geocoding, route planning and optimisation.

The Challenge Postcode Anywhere are on a mission to grow and firmly fit The People Experts™ client criteria of a ‘high growth, inspirational and entrepreneurial business’.

They decided that emerging talent should form a big part of their recruitment drive and as such, sought the advice and expertise of The People Experts™ to fill a number of vacancies across their business, ranging from Finance to Sales.

Speed Interviewing Each candidate is given one minute to introduce themselves to the assessors before the day’s activities kick off!

The Solution The People Experts™ worked with the team at Postcode to develop a bespoke Graduate Recruitment Day, which was held at Worcester Rugby Club. The project included candidate attraction using easyvacancy.co.uk, local PR and social media.

Over 25 graduates attended and took part in various exercises to demonstrate their skills and experience. Many of them were fresh out of university so they enjoyed being able to demonstrate their skills, without the restrictions of a traditional 121 interview.

The Result At the time of going to press, Postcode Anywhere are conducting final interviews with a view to making 3 or 4 job offers. A great result for both the Graduates and the team at Postcode.

“We all had a truly enjoyable day.

Adam from The People Experts™ and his assistant Laura were highly professional and the event was well organised, enabling us to quickly identify a number of ideal candidates for our business.”

Guy Mucklow - CEO

Group Presentations The candidates get into small groups to do various exercises. At the end they deliver presentations to the entire group.

Great day, with lovely people and an interesting company. Very good experience.

Contact an expert today!

0845 474 0234

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Contents

hWchamber.co.uK

3

First word

39 Chamber training

4

Chamber news

40 Chamber Events

8

Member benefits

9

Business news

16 International trade

Business Direction, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce’s 60 page, full colour bi-monthly publication. Designed and produced by business people for business people. Distributed to 6,000 businesses including selected retail outlets and Tesco stores across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

kellyb@hwchamber.co.uk

ediToriaL businessdirection@hwchamber.co.uk 0845 641 1641 ext 213

ProducTion & design Distinctive Publishing, 8th Floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU Tel: 0845 884 2385 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk

adVerTising Distinctive Publishing, 8th Floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU Tel: 0845 884 2336 helen.gowland@distinctivepublishing.co.uk

FeaTure ediTors John Dean & Francis Griss deangriss@btinternet.com

subscriPTions www.hwchamber.co.uk/businessdirection Tel: 0845 641 1641 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 and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce does not accept any responsibility for any representations made within them.

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47 Policy

21 Business news

49 Education

22 Conference Worcestershire

51 Business news

23 Destination Worcestershire 30 Cover story: Mentoring

Kelly Betts 0845 641 1641 ext 213

45 LEP news

19 Business news

24 Big Interview: Jenny Jones

ediTor

44 Business news

53 New members 56 Business news

35 Education

57 Movers and shakers

37 Training planner

58 Last word

30

First word WELCOME TO THE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER EDITION OF BUSINESS DIRECTION Summer is over, not that we noticed it, sitting here in the office with the rain bouncing off the car park. The Olympics was the jewel in crown bringing out the best in UK’s organisation and planning skills, with the help of 70,000 volunteers and thousands of UK businesses Many of our businesses are now turning their thoughts to Sochi, Russia 2014 and Rio de Janeiro 2016. We will continue to play a role throughout the UKTI Trade team to ensure businesses maximise these opportunities.

Export week is also being celebrated on the week commencing the 12 November 2012 and there will be a number of opportunities for businesses to engage, find out more and make positive business decisions regarding opportunities to export.

Although we are still in interesting times, we have seen a number of improvements in certain industries, notably automobile and a gradual growth in exporting companies. As a Chamber we will continue to support companies at whatever stage of development and help them to achieve their ambitions.

This edition encourages you all to attend our annual awards at Three Counties Showground on Thursday 20 September, the highlight of the business calendar, with over 500 business people celebrating the wide range of success in the two counties.

Worcestershire Business Expo is another big event in the pipeline and will again be held at Sixways Stadium will have over 100 stands, a footfall of over 500 and a breakfast and lunch networking opportunity with up to 100 attendees, another must for business diaries.

mikea@hwchamber.co.uk

Our Patrons are:

September/October 2012

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Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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Chamber News

HP BULMER LTD (BULMERS) NEW STRATEGIC MEMBERS HP Bulmer Ltd (Bulmers) have been making cider in Hereford since 1887. They are the largest cider maker in the world, with a stable of world famous brands including Strongbow, Scrumpy Jack, Woodpecker and the Bulmers range. Since 2008 they have been owned by the UK’s biggest brewer, Heineken.

farmers growing cider apples in orchards on 25 year contracts. Annually they receive over 100,000 tonnes of cider apples from 10,000 acres of local orchards.

Bulmers are a significant employer in the County with over 250 employees, but also make a considerable contribution to the local, rural economy with 200 local

The Chamber was recognised for the involvement of staff throughout the organisation and the link between people strategy and business strategy. The commitment of the senior management team didn’t go unnoticed and was highly commended for the dedication and level of trust and reliability from other members of staff.

Nominations for Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Area Council take place annually and if you would like to nominate yourself to support the development of Chamber activities – the Chamber are looking for someone like you.

Each area council comprises a maximum of 15 members elected from representatives of a diverse range of member businesses and organisations in the geographic area.

INVESTORS IN PEOPLE AWARD SILVER STATUS TO CHAMBER Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce has been awarded silver status by the UK’s leading people management standard, Investors in People.

CHAMBER AREA COUNCIL NOMINATIONS

The Chamber has always been committed to the IIP not only as a way of benchmarking against other companies but also to provide a framework to help maintain and develop its management strategies and initiatives.

With the direction and advice from the assessor following the recent accreditation visit, the Chamber are now looking into areas which may further benefit from an increased focus in the future.

The strategic aim is to promote two way communication between members and the board, to also ensure members are maximising the services and support available to them.

In conjunction with the Executive to maintain close contact with local key players such as Members of Parliament, Councillors, Council officials.

Key resPonsibiLiTies n To ensure that local networking activities are taking place and to support those activities. n To identify key issues that need to be taken up by the Chamber. n To actively support Chamber membership recruitment and retention initiatives.

We are delighted with the silver status accreditation. I would like to thank the staff for their open and honest communication, both throughout this process, day to day work activities and for the eagerness and enthusiasm that is put into making the Chamber a success

n To approve new member applications.

Mike Ashton, Chief Executive

If you would like to nominate yourself to be part of the Area Council, please contact

NEW VICE PRESIDENT AT CHAMBER Stuart Speight is the newly appointed Vice President of the Herefordshire Area Council, following on from the excellent work of Ray Stone.

With over 30 years experience working with builders merchants, contractors and specialist historic renovation

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n To recommend the termination of membership because of inappropriate behaviour.

The Area Council meets six times a year and would approximately take up one day a month of a senior manager / owners time.

policy@hwchamber.co.uk

companies, Stuart will be representing the Construction Sector.

Director of IE Developments Limited, Stuart is aiming to help increase the skills and training in the County towards the emerging technologies to provide a sustainable future for the workforce.

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Business News

New initiative aims to encourage young people into science and engineering

MALVERN INSTRUMENTS ENCOURAGES YOUNG PEOPLE INTO SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING Malvern Instruments, a leading provider of scientific instruments for materials characterization, is launching an initiative with Malvern St James’ school for girls in Worcestershire, to encourage students into a career in science or engineering Wendy Milne-Bennett, Divisional HR Manager at Malvern said: “ We‘re keen to introduce as many young people as possible to the opportunities in science and engineering and this new scheme complements our established work with apprenticeships and student placements.”

As well as allowing a Year 11 student work experience within the company, the scheme includes the ‘Malvern Instruments Science Award’ for a student who presents an excellent piece of extracurricular project work to a Malvern Instruments panel of judges.

Among the many other activities, Malvern Instruments will participate in the school’s National Engineering and Science week and its careers fair, and will establish a sponsorship for A-Level students applying for a degree in a scientific or engineering subject.

The business direction themes FOR 2012/2013 are: Sept/Oct Human Resources Nov/Dec Business Growth Jan/Feb

Developing Global markets

Mar/Apr Herefordshire and Worcestershire as

a Tourism destination May/Jun Online Revolution Jul/Aug

Investing in Herefordshire

Sept/Oct Corporate Social Responsibility Nov/Dec Innovation If you have any press releases or articles please send them to businessdirection@hwchamber. co.uk

www.malvern.com

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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Business News

THE FUTURE OF INSULATION Kingspan Insulation is once again pushing the frontiers of insulation performance, becoming the first mainstream UK manufacturer to include Vacuum Insulated Panels (VIPs) in its product range VIPs are becoming increasingly common in Germany and Switzerland – countries that have a history of successfully embracing new methods of achieving very high levels of energy efficiency in buildings.

The panels are made from a microporous core, which is capable of being evacuated, encased and sealed in a thin, gas-tight envelope. This structure is capable of both withstanding atmospheric pressure, and maintaining the vacuum over time and offers a thermal performance up to five times better than traditional insulation materials.

With a typical aged lambda of just 0.008 W/m.K,

A local human resources professional has opened a new office to provide local and personal HR services to SMEs throughout the Wyre Forest and Stourbridge.

Gill Wooldridge has opened HR Dept Wyre Forest and Stourbridge to lend her expertise, advice and support to local employers.

the panels can be even thinner than the highest performing insulation materials that are currently commonly used. This offers great potential, particularly for retrofit projects, providing solutions for areas where space or depth is at a premium.

www.hrdept.co.uk Gill Woodridge, local Human Resources professional

Kingspan Insulation has become the first mainstream UK manufacturer to include Vacuum Insulated Panels in its portfolio with the new Kingspan Optim-R panel.

One of the County’s largest solar PV installations

LOCAL MANUFACTURER CELEBRATES SUCCESSFUL INVESTMENT IN TRAINING Malvern-based tissue manufacturer ESP (Essential Supply Products Ltd) has rolled out a training and development initiative that encompasses over 75% of their team. At ESP, the team are key to the excellent reputation of the company, and investment in training will ensure its longevity as an independently owned successful manufacturer.

In order to engage their whole team, ESP worked together with the local Worcester College of Technology to deliver a customised programme of training for their staff.

Caplor Energy recently completed its 140kWp solar system. It is expected that the entire system will generate over 100,000 units of green electricity each year, saving over 60 tonnes of carbon emissions.

The Ditton Farm project is part of a new Caplor Energy scheme introduced to allow commercial businesses the option to host solar PV systems on their premises whilst providing vastly reduced electricity bills. At any point over a 20 year period the business can buy back the renewable energy system, thus maximising

Gill says: “My aim is to offer local SMEs – whether they are taking on their first member of staff or have several hundred employees - a safe pair of hands backed by in-depth knowledge of HR issues and practical advice to take away the pressure of having to manage HR issues.”

www.kingspan.co.uk

SWITCHING TO SOLAR MAKES BUSINESS SENSE TO LOCAL AGRIBUSINESS A well-respected Herefordshire agricultural business is reaping the rewards from one of the County’s largest solar PV installations under an innovative new scheme developed by leading renewable energy company, Caplor Energy

NEW HR LOCAL SERVICES - HR DEPT WYRE FOREST AND STOURBRIDGE

the financial returns for the company and providing a totally flexible ‘try before you buy’ approach. www.caplor.co.uk/energy

To celebrate the success of the first year of this initiative, ESP arranged a presentation ceremony to recognise all production and warehouse personnel who had successfully completed their NVQs. www.espenigma.com

CHAMBER HR WEBSITE AND ADVICE LINE

Trained HR Professionals are on hand 24 hours a day to offer advice on employment issues via the telephone or dedicated website.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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Member Benefits AXA PPP HEALTHCARE INTRODUCE NEW PRODUCTS FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS AXA PPP healthcare have recently developed two new healthcare products to the Chambers Healthcare Package; Business Health Select and Business Priority Health.

The new products are modular so can be personalised to suit the specific needs of any business, including cover level and budget. For small businesses, who count on recruiting and retaining the best possible people, the flexibility to tailor health insurance products provides the opportunity to offer a competitive employee benefit that both current and future employees will really value. With prices from as little as 31p a day for a scheme with 3 employees; the Business Priority Heath product offers great value for money. If you are looking to switch to AXA from another health insurance provider why not see if they can match your needs and beat your renewal premium by in some cases up to 15%.

EXCLUSIVE BARCLAYCARD PACkAGE FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS

Contact your Chamber representative for information on 0845 641 1641 or email

n Reduced terminal rental from £12.95 per month

The Chamber has teamed up with Barclaycard Payment Acceptance to offer its members an exclusive package of benefits and savings when they use Barclaycard terminals. These include: n £150 saving on joining fees n Reduced merchant service charges on card transactions n Reduced minimum billing to only £5 per month

goodbusiness@hwchamber.co.uk

n Personal face to face on boarding process

CHAMBER LAUNCHES TWO NEW RESOURCES TO SUPPORT BUSINESSES The Chamber have launched two new resources in order to support businesses, the ‘Start up Donut’ and the ‘Marketing Donut’ The Start Up Donut is a free advice service offering professional and expert assistance to organisations and individuals wanting to explore and expand into different markets. So, whether you’ve spotted a gap in the market, want to solve a problem or even want to offer a new service in your existing business, implementing new ideas can be a daunting thought, the Start Up Donut will support you through this.

The Marketing Donut is another free service offered to businesses of any size and nature. Its aim is to help companies survive in today’s competitive market, by offering information on raising profiles and being more visible than competitors. From ‘HR Checklists’ to ‘Press Release Templates’, both Donuts provide a range of constructive tools simplifying processes and giving your company the opportunity to always be one step ahead.

Both Donuts also host a forum in which you can publicly discuss these issues with other people, potentially providing an answer. There is also a blog in which business experts are invited to write a short article that could be useful to anyone with a similar interest.

The Donuts provide offers, deals and business discount codes that are easily accessible and could save your business money.

To access the Donuts simply log onto the Chamber‘s website at www.hwchamber.co.uk or for more information contact the Chamber Team on

0845 641 1641.

n Help with PCI DSS Compliance n One stop shop n Contactless Payments Whether your business is just starting out or already well established, Barclaycard has a card payment solution that can help you generate extra income and tap into the growing market of card payment opportunities. For a fast, convenient way to accept card payments, there is a wide range of terminals on offer for all types of transactions. Whether you take payments in-store, online, by phone or mail order, there is the solution to suit your business.

Jon Sharman, Head of SME Direct Sales from Barclaycard said: “We are delighted to announce this fantastic offering exclusively to members of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce. Going forward we very much look forward to providing a first class personalised service to all those members we do business with.”

To get started with Barclaycard or find out more about the ways we can help your business, please call your Chamber representative for more information on 0845 641 1641

FUNDING FINDER A funding search which provides details of a range of funding opportunities and grants available to businesses, including European, public sector, lottery, Venture Capital and loan funds.

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Nuffield Health Hereford Hospital Venns Lane, Hereford, HR1 1DF Don’t just go private, go personal

Business News ENGLISH MUTUAL AND THE WORCESTER WARRIORS Having worked in partnership with the Worcester Warriors for the past seven years, English Mutual is to further enhance the relationship by signing up to feature on the shirts for the forthcoming season.

Providing Wealth Management solutions to Private and Corporate Clients, English Mutual has become an organisation of national substance, with offices across the West Midlands, the South West, London and the South East. The company however remains fully committed to its roots here in Worcester and is therefore delighted to strengthen ties with the Club.

Local MP checks in on refurbishment project

Mr Walker commented: “I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Warmstry Court, particularly getting the chance to meet the residents who benefit so much from the affordable accommodation and support services on offer from Sanctuary. It is so important to encourage redevelopments such as this and wider affordable home building, particularly in Worcester where we still have a shortage of affordable accommodation.”

Lauren Billington, Head of Corporate Engagement for English Mutual commented: “With our continuing expansion this is a very exciting time for our business and we’re proud to support Worcester Warriors. We have a strong business and client following here in Worcestershire and therefore it made sense, as a local brand with national presence, to work alongside the club. As part of our national marketing and expansion programme, it is our intention to strengthen both our position and our offering within the county, we see increased involvement with the Rugby club as an excellent way of achieving this. I hope that you will join me in wishing the Warriors well for the forthcoming season!”

www.sanctuary-group.co.uk

www.englishmutual.com/ www.wrfc.co.uk

WORCESTER MP CHECKS IN ON REFURBISHMENT PROJECT Worcester MP Robin Walker visited a city-centre retirement scheme to check on progress of a multi-million pound refurbishment project by Sanctuary Group. Mr Walker toured Warmstry Court and saw first hand how Sanctuary’s improvement programme is transforming the scheme.

The refurbishment of Warmstry Court is part of a wider £3 million investment by Sanctuary which includes the modernisation of Noele Court, another retirement scheme in Worcester.

The improvement works include a revamped residents’ lounge, modernised apartments incorporating new

kitchens and bathrooms and attractive landscaped gardens and decking.

JALOPY RUN RAISES MONEY FOR MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE A group of 14 travelled from Worcester to Nurburgring in Germany, with nerves of steel, they braved the famous racetrack to raise money for motor neurone disease.

Staff from back office IT, Rockhouse Resources and Hursty from Free Radio, travelled over 1500 miles in old jalopies bought for less than £500. Points made prizes, for best fancy dress and a series of challenges

made the going tough, but all returned safely raising over £1000 for the charity.

Adrian Griffiths, Director at back office IT said: “It was a great experience all for a fantastic charity, dressed as a Morris Dancer and driving an old Audi 80 , adorned in union jacks got some great ‘crazy English’ jokes, but we are back in one piece.” www.backofficeit.co.uk

Lauren Billingham with Worcester Warriors players

You’re in expert hands.

Nuffield Health Hereford Hospital Call 01432 355131 or email he.clinicbookings@nuffieldhealth.com Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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ADVERTORIAL

WORK-BASED qUALIFICATIONS WITH NEW COLLEGE North East Worcestershire (NEW) College is a successful General Further Education College which enjoys a strong reputation both locally and nationally. The college is currently recognised for the quality of its provision in the form of the Training quality Standard, The Cabinet Office’s Customer Service Excellence Award and LSIS Beacon College status In addition to the extensive range of full and part-time courses and qualifications available NEW College also offer a range of work-based qualifications in the form of National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) and Apprenticeships. These are often fully-funded (16-18 year olds) or partly-funded (19-24 year olds) by various government initiatives.

Grants for employers of £1500 are available. See www. apprenticeships.org.uk for more details.

NEW College have a Training Consultant who can meet with you to discuss the qualifications, the available funding and grants and explain the process for moving forward. Please contact Mark Darby on 01527 548869 / mdarby@ne-worcs.ac.uk or Ann Isherwood on 01527 548871 / aisherwood@ ne-worcs.ac.uk

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hoW iT WorKs Apprenticeships generally take either twelve months or two years to complete with the exception being Engineering which lasts for three years. The apprentice will work with you for a minimum of thirty hours per week and a maximum of forty hours and will attend college one day per week during term time. During college holidays the apprentice will attend work instead of going to college. In some cases block weeks may be required for candidates to complete assessments. Information and dates on this will be given at the start of the course.

Generally speaking, an apprentice will complete four qualifications during their apprenticeship. The first being the Technical Certificate, this is exam based and taught in college, then Numeracy and Literacy qualifications (Functional Skills), again, this is college based and assessed by examination (Candidates with good GCSE results may be exempt). Finally, a NVQ in the chosen occupation which is assessed wholly through evidence of competency in the workplace. The employers’ role is vital in validating the apprentices’ ability. The hope is that you will support the apprentice through the duration of the full program by offering employment and in-house coaching.

apprentice is over 18 years old you will be asked to pay a contribution toward the qualifications. This figure varies for each qualification.

can i choose The aPPrenTice?

Yes. You can interview candidates sent from NEW College or even find someone from another source. An apprenticeship is a job; you treat it as you would any other vacancy.

am i commiTTed To KeePing The aPPrenTice For The FuLL duraTion oF Their aPPrenTiceshiP? No. The apprentice is an employed member of your workforce and is therefore subject to the same terms and conditions of service as any other member of staff.

All the usual employment policies and procedures will be applicable, which operate within the employment law framework, including dismissal and redundancy.

FaQs hoW much WiLL iT cosT? You must offer an apprentice a minimum of £2.60/hr.

However, most employers opt to pay what they feel the job role dictates rather than the minimum wage. If the

September/October 2012

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Business News LOW COST, FLEXIBLE,

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OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Quality Consultancy (Established 1997 by Julia Meaden) Do you want to: Improve bottom-line results?

Improve efficiency and effectiveness?

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Improve people performance and satisfaction?

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Develop a culture of continuous improvement?

If so – we can help by delivering bespoke consultancy, coaching, training and facilitation, based on developing a sound understanding of your business and designed to have a measurable business impact.

Stop Press: For a complimentary place at the Business Improvement Network (Worcester) on 11th September or 27th November contact Julia Meaden 07931 369114 or jamtfx@globalnet.co.uk

DREAM BIGGER

www.quali t y c o n s u l t a n c y u k . c o . u k Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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Business News SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY – THE LEGACY The Severn Valley Railway (SVR) brings so much pleasure to over 200,000 visitors each year and makes a significant contribution to the local economy. This year they have been awarded a bronze medal in the English Tourist Board’s Tourism Experience of the Year category and were a key destination in the Olympic Torch Relay.

TV presenter and botanist James Wong laying the final turf

KANES FOODS OPENS ITS NEW GREEN FACTORY When designing their new 11,000 m2 bagged salad factory, Kanes’ late Chairman Dr John Randall was determined to minimise the impact on the rural location of Middle Littleton, Worcs It was his vision to develop a factory that truly worked with and respected the environment. He certainly achieved this with the wildflower meadow roof, hemp clad walls, solar panels and geothermal pump, arguably making this factory the most environmentally friendly building in the country. This facility will produce 2.2 million bags of salad a week using the most modern technology available such as optical sorting, air drying and robotic packing systems.

To mark the opening on Thursday 5 July, TV presenter and botanist James Wong went onto the roof to lay the final turf. James commented: “Buildings are one of the biggest contributors to global warming so it’s great to see this new factory for Kanes Foods doing its bit to reduce carbon emissions. With its green roof comprising an array of indigenous wildflowers, it also

promotes biodiversity. Not only is the factory good for the environment but the fresh salad leaves it packs are good for us too!”

Kanes Foods, a privately owned company employ 1,500 people and is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of fresh chilled produce to the major multiples. Jeremy Folkard, Commercial Director for Kanes Foods, said: “The area and local environment are important to us and have enabled Kanes to grow into a business with a £100million turnover. It seemed only right to make this investment to secure the future of the business, jobs and local growers but also maintaining the Vale of Evesham as a place of outstanding natural beauty.” www.kanesfoods.co.uk

However, maintaining and operating one of the World’s leading heritage railways is not an easy task. In 2015 volunteers will have run trains for 50 years, half the lifetime of the original SVR. This means the ageing infrastructure and rolling stock will need even more loving care and attention.

To raise awareness and some much-needed funds the SVR’s Charitable Trust have developed the Railway’s Golden Jubilee Campaign, and have some exciting plans. They are

John (pictured right) with Nick Paul CBE, Chairman of SVR (Holdings)

looking for volunteers and for people that will get involved to ensure the legacy continues.

To get involved contact John Leftwich, 01584 781120, john.leftwich@ btopenworld.com www.svr.co.uk

‘BRAND’ NEW IMAGE FOR SME

SME Solicitors has unveiled a new brand identity which signals the next stage in the firm’s evolution.

Since its merger 18 months ago, SME Solicitors has continued to grow and develop, and positive achievements such as its Lexcel accreditation, IT investment and now the new brand, have only reinforced this evolution.

“We feel that the new brand reflects the next stage in SME’s life,” explains Managing Partner Ian Stirzaker. “The firm has been well established and trusted as Stallard March & Edwards Solicitors since (and before) the merger, and we feel the time is right to move on to the next stage of our development.

This includes not just a new brand identity, but an enhanced website, expanded services and delivering a forward thinking approach to all aspects of our business, for the benefit of SME’s clients.”

Based from 3 city centre offices, SME Solicitors offers the full range of legal services, with some 40 staff and 7 partners. www.smesolicitors.co.uk

CHAMBER LEGAL ADVICE LINE

This service offers members unlimited access to free help and advice on commercial and employment law, environmental health, taxation and VAT issues.

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NEW BELVOIR OFFICE OPENS IN EVESHAM The new Belvoir Evesham office opened its doors recently and there is no doubt the new owner has a lot to offer her customers. Melanie Carter is a fully qualified chartered surveyor with several years’ experience in the property industry. Her career includes time spent working in Paris where she was responsible for the management of property investment portfolios for major multi-national companies.

She was attracted to Evesham as a suitable location for her new business because of the diversity of property in the area. “This ranges from small town apartment to large country mansions,” explains Melanie. “I am looking forward to embracing the challenge of dealing with them all.”

Melanie’s professional knowledge was very handy when it came to getting the office ready for opening. “Having coped with the challenge of obtaining planning consent for signage on a

Grade II listed building and getting phone lines installed I reckon I am ready for anything now!” laughs Melanie. www.belvoirlettings.com/lettingagents-evesham

EXPECT MORE FROM NINETYFIVE CREATIVE Worcester based marketing agency NinetyFive Creative have moved to bigger premises to accommodate their growing team Having established the business in 2009, Directors Matt Lloyd and Ben Barnes have developed the business to provide a full range of marketing services, including graphic design, web design, social media and campaign management. They now employ a total of seven members of full time staff.

As a result of their most recent phase of recruitment, the team has moved to a bigger office in Foregate Street where they have a design studio, meeting facilities and office administration.

Can your company help with sponsorship of students selected to represent Wadokai England?

This year 10 students from Hon Yoso Kai Karate School Worcester have been selected to represent Wadokai England in the Federation of European Championships on the 2nd 3rd and 4th November in Venice Italy.

The 10 students range between 10 and 19 years and are in need of help to cover their flights and Hotel costs, which are around £350.00 per student.

This will be the biggest contingent of students to be selected from all the clubs around England.

Matt Lloyd, Managing Director, said: “It’s a fantastic achievement that we’ve been able to expand to this size in a relatively short period of time. Our new office gives us the additional room that we need to accommodate our growing team, and as a result our capacity for creativity is set to get bigger and better.”

Katrina Wilson 19, current European Senior Ladies Champion and current under 18 World Champion leads squad

www.ninetyfivecreative.com

Courtney Smith 13, making her debut appearance

Joe Mulcock 19, making his debut appearance.

Kathleen Finney 17, current four times European medallist.

Sam Smith 17, also current four times European medallist Tara Wilson 15, on her return to the Wadokai England Squad.

Kirstie Emery 15, current double European medallist Ellie Sanders 15, making her debut appearance.

We are looking for sponsorship, can you help?

Sophie Hall 11, current European bronze medallist

COMEDY NIGHTS AT NEW ROAD The hugely popular ‘Comedy Nights at New Road’ returns with a new series of events from Thursday 27 September.

Held in the Graeme Hick Pavilion at Worcestershire County Cricket Club, with the stunning backdrop of the floodlit Worcester Cathedral in the background, pre-booked tickets are priced at £10 for WCCC members and £12 for non-members. Doors open at

7pm with a hot walk-up buffet available at £8 a head with comedy acts on stage from 8.30pm.

Email comedy@wccc.co.uk or call 01905 337933 for a copy of the menu and to order your tickets.

Acts are not guaranteed and the events are recommended for over 18’s as they may contain adult themes.

The students do not receive any funding at this time and they travel all over the country competing in competitions and training.

If you or your company can help please Contact David Wilson Mob: 07933 326 935 Email: david_wilson31@sky.com www.honyosokaikarateschool.co.uk

www.wccc.co.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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Melissa Griffiths 10, making her debut appearance.

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In this visual age don’t be left behind

Discover the power of Are you part of the environmental business sector or interested in the market opportunities the sector offers? metnet is the dynamic network for environmental technology businesses or businesses looking to diversify into the sector across the Marches For further information call 01584 838248 or visit www.met-net.co.uk Follow us on Twitter @metnet1 Join the metnet LinkedIn Group Looking for a local supplier?

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Date for your Diary The metnet Conference at Ludlow Racecourse Thursday 1 November 8.00am – 2pm For full details of the day’s programme, which includes a panel discussion on the ‘Green Deal’ visit www.met-net.co.uk/events or email metnet@shropshire.gov.uk

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GreenShed metnet is a partnership between Herefordshire Council, Shropshire Council, Telford and Wrekin Council and Worcestershire County Council, administered by Shropshire Council.

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creative video production

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September/October 2012

31/8/12 11:28:31

CREAM TEA TO HELP RESEARCH

Some of the cakes on offer.

ADVERTORIAL

Crowther Beard LLP raises funds for AtaxiaUK. Over 40 clients and friends of Crowther Beard attended a Charity Cream Tea on 21 June which raised £500 for the Crowther Beard Charity of the Year, Ataxia UK. Cakes and pastries were made by the Crowther Beard team led by Administration Manager, Wendy Youngs and Partner Sarah Costello-Byrne and were supplemented by strawberries from Hillers Farm Shop of Dunnington. Whilst they were being enjoyed a raffle was held with raised funds for Ataxia UK. Tax Partner, Chris Hobbs, who has the illness himself was delighted with the result. “It is a testament to the quality of the cakes and the generosity of our clients and contacts that we were able to raise so much money. It is also good to hear that people

who weren’t able to come along on the day were disappointed when they saw photographs on Facebook of the cakes! I can’t thank people enough for what they are doing to help research into Ataxia.

Our next main fundraising event is a Golf Day on Friday 5 October at The Worcestershire Golf Club and we are looking to raise in excess of £1,000 on that occasion.” www.crowtherbeard.co.uk

DID YOU kNOW THAT...

Each year St Michaels Hospice has 19,000 contacts with people affected by progressive life limiting illness and members of their family?

And that........ you don’t have to have cancer to use Hospice services

PUSH ON THROUGH! MARk’S TRIkE FOR SIGHT

we have recently developed a drop-in Living Well service for people to access far earlier in their illness?

Thursday 13 September will see a trike that took 7 years to build by hand being pushed through the streets of Worcester

we have recently developed the first multidisciplinary support group for people with Motor Neurone Disease in the County? we support over 120 young carers aged 5-14 each year?

Look out for a bearded biker pushing the trike - the man in question is Mark Hill aged 45, who lost his sight 9 years ago and his trike push is in aid of Sight Concern Worcestershire.

Mark has designed and built his ¾ tonne trike from scratch. Prior to his loss of sight as a result of diabetes, Mark used to build custom bikes for a living and decided to use his skills to do something positive for Sight Concern Worcestershire.

Mark says: “Adjusting to a life with no sight is harder than anyone can imagine. With the services Sight Concern provide at their centre in Sansome Walk in Worcester, I’ve re-gained confidence, learned new skills, including using a computer which has allowed me not only to keep in touch with friends, but to source parts for my trike online,

it costs just £10 to provide a Hand in Hand support sessions to carers and the person they are caring for?

Mark Hill and his hand built, 7 year project

and have made lots of new friends. I wanted to do something special to raise money for Sight Concern Worcestershire and what better way than pushing my trike around the city.” www.sightconcern.co.uk

30 MINUTES MEGA WORkOUTS FOR BUSY WORkERS An exciting new Fitness opportunity has begun in Kidderminster which understands the demands of the average office worker and the associated constraints on time during the day to attend fitness classes. Simply Limitless is a unique charity based in Puxton Lane in central Kidderminster which has a fully functioning fitness studio led by experienced instructors pioneering a ground breaking fitness regime. Recent medical studies have discovered that short, fast paced classes are more much effective for general health and weight

loss than long classes. For several months Simply Limitless have been offering a variety of ‘Mega’ classes all of 30 minutes duration. Each class focuses on different techniques, ranging from cardio to endurance which means every area of the body is targeted. All in just half an hour! Most businesses recognise that a healthy workforce is more productive and this is a fantastic way to encourage employees to become fitter. www.simply-limitless.org/fitness

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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of 360 admissions to our inpatient unit each year, around half go home?

we are helping to develop comprehensive bereavement services throughout the whole of Herefordshire? our education service recently uploaded its DVD, Living to the End of Life onto You Tube?

St Michael’s Hospice is dynamic, progressive and responsive to the needs of the communities it serves.

Our mission is to ensure that everyone in Herefordshire and immediate surrounding counties with a progressive life limiting illness and those who care for them, are able to access a comprehensive range of services easily and promptly. We also aim to provide professional and family carers with the knowledge, skills and support to enable them in their roles.

It costs just over £4m to provide our services. We receive 11% from the Government. The remainder is raised by donors and supporters through legacies, donations and fundraising.

Did you know that your business could be part of a very special future for the Hospice and the Community?

For more information please contact Ruth Denison, Head of Fundraising at rdenison@st-michaels-hospice. org.uk or Nicky West, CEO at nwest@ st-michaels-hospice.org.uk or by telephone on 014342 851000

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International Trade

FLOOD DEFENCE FIRM OVERCOMES BARRIERS TO SUCCESS Global Flood Defence Systems (GFDS) in Droitwich who specialise in products which protect communities from the havoc wreaked by floods is enjoying “meteoric” success in global markets with help from UK Trade & Investment Global Flood Defence Systems (GFDS) in Droitwich is a specialist manufacturer and distributor of a range of flood defence systems designed to reduce the impact of flooding in different terrains making the products attractive to a range of international markets.

Flooding is an increasing threat across the world, and it’s devastating effects have been witnessed most recently in South East Asia, where in 2011, Thailand endured its heaviest flooding in 50 years causing widespread disruption and the loss of 800 lives. Even closer to home, Worcester has seen unprecidented amounts of rain this Summer.

GFDS recently secured distribution of its range of Global Flood products throughout Thailand when it appointed Raydant International as its exclusive distributor. The company met Raydant at Aquatec - a

water industry exhibition in Amsterdam, where GFDS exhibited with some help from UKTI. Set up in 2010, GFDS approached UK Trade & Investment in 2011 to help them identify suitable global partners and develop their overseas sales.

The company took part in UKTI’s Passport to Export programme for new exporters.

It has also commissioned from UKTI Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS) reports into opportunities in Australia and Southern Ireland, and undertook an Export Communication Review which led to the company employing a full time Marketing Manager. www.ukfloodbarriers.co.uk

THINk YOUR BUSINESS DESERVES THE HIGHEST RECOGNITION? ENTER THE QUEEN’S AWARDS TODAY If you believe your business deserves to be recognised as one of the very best in its field, now is the time to enter The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise – the UK’s most prestigious and coveted business awards.

Only a select few businesses will make the grade. If you are one of them, the benefits are great. First and foremost, there is the worldwide recognition among your peers that only this unique accolade can bring – and you will be able to display the awards emblem for five years.

Winning can also lead to numerous press and PR opportunities, as well as improved staff morale and an enhanced industry profile, which can lead to increased sales at home and internationally. Winners will also be invited to a reception at Buckingham Palace with Her Majesty the Queen.

There are three categories: International Trade; Innovation; and Sustainable Development and the deadline is 28 September 2012 You can enter online at www.queensawards.org.uk

ExPORT DOCUMENTATION

The E-cert online provides you with a fast, easy and secure way of submitting your export documentation. Chamber Members receive a 50% discount.

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SO WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL ExPORT SALES MANAGER? “My advisor team and I are regularly visiting and mentoring exporters. The aspect with international trade that can cause real issues for export success is having the right level of skilled and experienced professionals to achieve success and develop sales in international markets. This article is written to specifically look at the importance of Human Resources in relation to developing export” – Linda Smith, Head of Herefordshire and Worcestershire UK Trade and Investment.

Today’s markets are constantly changing meaning competing and finding new markets is essential for any business to survive. Academic research confirms companies that export are more productive, perform better financially and are more likely to stay in business.

Exporting can stimulate business innovation and help raise productivity by offering endless opportunities in Research and Development leaving companies with a well defined competitive edge and supporting them in achieving a level of growth not possible in domestic industries.

The role of an Export Sales Manager is demanding and requires a specialist set of skills in order to lead the team to success. Local export professionals gave their views on what they thought made a successful Export Sales Manager;

Depth of Technical Ability – Customers respect technical capability, even in a salesman (Mike Southwell, Beakbane) Strategic approach – Target the key markets that are likely to provide sales growth. Look for markets that are investing in your particular equipment (Paul Butler, Foster and Freeman) Local knowledge – Get to know your customers.

There is no substitute for a face to face meeting in helping to develop a relationship between you and your customers or you and your local distributor (Richard Evans, Foster and Freeman) Understand Cultural differences - Be understanding and sensitive about time zones and cultural differences (Keith Flint, Pulsar) Provide good after sales service – Gain support from local agents/distributors that will be motivated to sell your products internationally (Keith Flint, Pulsar)

There are many ways to ensure that a company complies. The basics are ensuring that adequate

Language Skills – Most of our export customers are smaller companies that do not have English Language Skills (Mike Southwell, Beakbane) Do what you promise – Export areas are less accepting of being let down (Mike Southwell, Beakbane) International Trade HR decision making involves developing policies and strategies that will keep a business competitive in a cutthroat global business environment. Effectively investing in the correct people will enhance business and employee performance, leaving Human Resources a crucial part of the success of International Trade.

Adaptability – Adjusting your presentations, brochures and products to meet local markets (Richard Evans, Foster and Freeman)

LOOKING AFTER YOUR EMPLOYEES WHILST TRAVELLING ON BUSINESS When considering exporting for the first time it is important that employers are aware of the duty of care they have for employees that travel for business and ensure that their safety is not compromised through negligence

Support – Provide training, technical and commercial information. Answer technical queries quickly and accurately. Give first class responses to be quicker and better than your competitors.

(Paul Butler, Foster and Freeman)

insurance is in place, the consequences of employees travelling with out adequate insurance can be extremely distressing, not to mention expensive.

Perhaps the biggest risk to a business traveller is that of health issues and consideration of this should feature highly in a companies planning. Business travellers are often poorly prepared for their travels this may be from lack of knowledge of the health issues prevalent in the countries to which they are travelling, lack of appropriate equipment, little

understanding of local culture and custom or failing to get the appropriate preventative medical treatments prior to travel.

Levels of risk in a foreign country can change rapidly; companies should ensure that their employees are briefed prior to travel on those risks and what to do in a crisis.

Duty of care for a business traveller is more than just ensuring that the employee is booked onto a flight and into a good hotel. Rather it involves detailed planning, preparation and precautions. There is no excuse for travelling in ignorance. www.gsec-ent.com

FOREIGN ExCHANGE SERVICE Through Western Union Business Solution’s global network of dedicated foreign exchange specialists and extensive support system, the Chamber’s service can help you do business with ease across borders and time zones.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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Business News ADVERTORIAL

CURO LAUNCHES ESSENTIAL SERVICE FOR SOLE PROPRIETOR COMPANIES Rachel Carr - Director

TEAM GB #OURGREATESTTEAM Having been lucky enough to be in the main Olympic stadium on the Saturday night that Jess, Mo and Greg won Gold; the positive charge of a crowd of 80,000 people celebrating is an inspirational moment that will live a long time in my memory.

I believe there are many magnificent insights and great business examples that can be taken from our London 2012 Olympic success: Coach to succeed Just as Olympians need great coaches to reach their highest potential, high performing employees & managers need great coaching to do the same.

Sink or swim Just as you wouldn’t send an athlete to compete without proper preparation, don’t propel employees into sink-or-swim business situations; assign tasks and projects that stretch, but don’t overwhelm.

Keep moving on When the chips fall fast and hard and things don’t go to plan, learn the lesson, move on, refocus and look ahead to future projects.

Believe & succeed True dedication, hard work, focus and belief in yourself will bring gold and can in turn, unite a nation.

It is well documented that the hardest thing to do in times of economic hardship is to look away from the known and look to the unknown. I believe our Team GB Olympians provide a real testament to the merit and value of true people investment, the need to have a long term vision for success and how challenging the status quo can inspire the success of champions.

Rachel Carr - Director M: 07886 266617 E: rachel@businesscheckmate.co.uk www.businesscheckmatetraining.co.uk Business CheckMate Ltd are a specialized training & coaching organisation; we are offering 10% September / October 2012 discount to all BD subscribers. Please get in touch, we would love to support you.

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With self employment at its highest level since 1992, there has been a steady increase of individuals setting up and trading through their own companies.

Taking advantage of the benefits of trading through a company (limited liability and generally lower taxation), many individuals find they need to quickly understand their corporate obligations yet often aren’t sure of what they are.

Responding to this trend, Bromsgrove-based Curo Chartered Accountants has recently launched

‘Curo Lite’, aimed at sole proprietor companies. The competitively-priced offering is a package of services covering a company’s bare minimum filing requirements.

Ian Bailey, Senior Manager at Curo, “We know smaller businesses are desperately trying to keep costs down through necessity and for some, it is understandable that they are only interested in meeting their statutory obligations as far as accounts and tax are concerned”. www.curoca.co.uk

NEMESIS GB - 15 YEARS AND GROWING Born originally as a distributor of technology products, Nemesis GB Limited have grown and developed to encompass a bicycle distribution network and a full logistics service.

Chris Chance, Managing Director, brings a high level of experience and knowledge to the business which has helped the team of 20 succeed in achieving 15 years in service.

With this they bring to you their new service Nemo Express. Within walking distance from Worcester City centre and providing onsite parking, their new service is ideal for local businesses. It is suitable for both regular and occasional users that want to either drop in their

Chris Chance, Managing Director

parcel or need a professional packing solution. They provide online tracking and trade accounts for their regular customers. Sending parcels couldn’t be easier. www.nemesislogistics.com September/October 2012

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Business News

HEREFORDSHIRE COMPANY GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH Prometheus Medical, a leading supplier of pre-hospital emergency medical equipment, is celebrating this year, after the successful launch of two brand new products on the pre-hospital emergency care market. The Russell Chest Seal and the Prometheus Pelvic Splint were both invented by the company and are rapidly gaining both national and international recognition.

Prometheus is delighted to have recently won a contract to supply West Midlands Ambulance Service and London Ambulance Service with Major Trauma equipment, as well as a five year agreement to provide every Ambulance Service in the UK and Wales with the Prometheus Major Trauma Pack (which includes these new products). As a result, Prometheus continues to expand and has recently employed seven more members of staff, with plans to grow in the future.

Prometheus is extremely proud of its achievements during the economic downturn and looks forward to building on its successes in the future. www.prometheusmedical.co.uk

Paramedics in action using Prometheus’ Pelvic Splint

A PERMANENT MEMORIAL TO COMMEMORATE A CENTURY OF THE WORLD FAMOUS MORGAN MOTOR COMPANY’

Over the last few weeks the NHS has been asking Worcestershire’s residents, patients and patient representatives their views on the case for change for ensuring high quality, safe and affordable hospital services across Worcestershire into the future. Over 400 people so far have helped shape these discussions on the future of hospital services.

In early 2011 the Morgan Motor Company launched a campaign to fund a statue which will be located in Great Malvern. The statue will be a full size bronze Morgan 4/4 with Company founder H.F.S. Morgan standing alongside with his son Peter at the wheel.

It will be a reminder of the UK’s unique heritage in building sports cars and recognition of the contribution Morgan has played for over 100 years giving jobs locally and to the network of suppliers in the Midlands who rely on Morgan business.

Fundraising has now exceeded £129,000.

However, more is urgently needed to raise the remainder by the middle of 2013.

The County faces real challenges in designing services that are fit for tomorrow and affordable. Hearing your views is vital and we are committed to sharing information with you as together we work through this challenge. Formal consultation is planned to begin in November. You to get involved now by: help reach the target. If you would like to support this project then please send your contribution in favour of the ‘Morgan Statue Foundation’ to: Ms. Anita Minton, Morgan Motor Company, Pickersleigh Road, Worcestershire, WR14 2LL www.morgan-motor.co.uk

The Morgan Statue Foundation is appealing to the business community and the general public to make a contribution to

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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WHY WE NEED TO CHANGE OUR HOSPITAL SERVICES – WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Finding out more at www.worcestershirehealth.nhs.uk Email us your thoughts to worcsnhsjsr@worcestershire.nhs.uk Follow us on Twitter @worcsnhsjsr and Facebook at worcsnhsjsr Write to us at: FREEPOST RRXY-RKTX-GBXT, Joint Services Review, Executive Suite, Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Charles Hastings Way, Worcester, WR5 1DD www.worcestershirehealth.nhs.uk

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www.xitek.co.uk 020

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September/October 2012

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ADVERTORIAL

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT? nuFFieLd heaLTh is a chariTy People are often surprised to learn that Nuffield Health is a charity. In fact, we are Britain’s largest healthcare charity and one of the biggest charities of any kind.

When people think of a charity, they don’t usually think of large, professional organisations, particularly those operating in health.

nuFFieLd heaLTh’s chariTabLe PurPoses are (in brieF): To advance, promote and maintain health and health care of all descriptions and to prevent, relieve and cure sickness and ill health of every kind.

To fulfil our charitable aims we provide services to help people get healthy and stay healthy, to understand and manage their personal health risks, and to get timely diagnosis and treatment for any problems which arise.

As a charity, Nuffield Health must operate on a not-for-profit basis, and may not distribute profits to shareholders. We are regulated by the Charities Commission to ensure that we maintain the proper standards of conduct and accountability.

WhaT do i geT ouT oF nuFFieLd heaLTh being a chariTy?

Nuffield Health exists to provide beneficial services to the public, rather than to make money for shareholders. Most importantly, this means that the customer comes first. Nuffield Health is all about you and your health, not about making money. Nuffield Health aims to make a financial surplus each year which is re-invested to improve services for patients.

This allows us to grow and add new services, to reach new people, and to set ever higher standards for safety and customer experience. We’re also independent of government so we can make our own decisions about how to provide the best possible services for you without political interference.

hoW can nuFFieLd heaLTh be a chariTy When iT charges Fees?

Nuffield Health charges fees for its services in order to be able to provide those services, not to make profits for shareholders.

Charities are allowed to charge fees for their services, but must ensure that by charging those fees they do not entirely exclude any sections of society, including those in poverty, from the opportunity to benefit.

For treatment in hospital, some people have access to insurance schemes which help to spread the cost and ensure access to even very expensive medical help

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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should the need arise. Sometimes this is subsidised or even paid for by employers.

In recent years we have also worked extensively with the NHS, acting as a provider of NHS services to support the policy of patient choice or enabling NHS organisations to provide more or better care. NHS care is always provided free to patients, and NHS patients receive the same standard of care and accommodation as private patients. Unfortunately, we cannot provide all of our services through the NHS and availability is limited.

We invested £44m back into Nuffield Health in 2011.

We work with the NHS and provide 100,000 treatments a year We treat thousands of people who don’t have health insurance.

60% of our patients in our hospitals come through their health insurers.

20% of our patients pay for their own treatments 20% come through the NHS. In 2011 86,000 NHS patients had diagnostics and physiotherapy treatments 35,000 NHS patients were treated as in-patients in our hospitals.

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Conference Worcestershire

www.conference-worcestershire.org

seVern house Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Training Rooms are spacious and well-equipped. Situated 5 minutes away from Junction 6 of the M5 they are suitable for meetings, away days, your training sessions or even just some thinking space. Your visitors will be greeted in a courteous and professional manner and our rooms will provide the perfect setting, whatever your requirements. www.conference-worcestershire.org

sTanbrooK abbey - a greaT neW addiTion For conFerences, meeTings and eVenTs If you are looking for a stunning and unique location for your next business meeting, then look no further than Stanbrook Abbey. This iconic former monastery nestled in 31 acres of Worcestershire countryside provides amazing corporate experiences with a difference.

Perfect to host a premium product launch, a team-building weekend for your staff or an executive brain-storming session away from the day to day grind of the office, Stanbrook Abbey is a venue that offers a venue for meetings and events in the most unusual of settings.

Stanbrook Abbey has gone to lengths to ensure that it offers the best meeting facilities, including free Wi-Fi access in all meeting areas and bedrooms, plus the on-site catering facilities and attentive team can offer a range of catering options including private dining and light bites, all prepared fresh on site.

With the first phase of renovations now complete, the venue offers delegates a choice of meeting rooms plus unique overnight accommodation within the luxury Georgian Manor House, situated within the grounds of the Abbey. With 5 luxurious bedroom suites and its own kitchen and living area, the Manor House is the perfect location to host directors’ retreats and small conferences.

Start planning your next corporate event today! www.conference-worcestershire.org

Wood norTon haLL A fine Grade II listed Victorian house located in the Vale of Evesham,

Team buiLding aT ToP barn Farm The unique range of Corporate packages work exceptionally well as Top Barn clients influence the design and the specific goals therefore tailor made to suit your teams needs. Each package is focused on different areas of Corporate development offering; team building; environmental sustainability, community projects and charitable fund raising. Top Barn will stretch your employees/clients beyond their expectations with loyalties strengthened, experiences shared and team built. On the other hand, if you would like to reward your employees/clients with an exciting and enjoyable day,, we’re just as happy to oblige. Top Barn will provide you with an event that will end with beaming smiles on the faces of everyone taking part. It will be a day to be remembered. www.conference-worcestershire.org

The fifty bedrooms will offer everything from stately three bedroomed suite’s in the hall to beautifully crafted bedrooms in Pear Tree Mews.

In the hall, the original oak parquet, paneled walls and exquisite fireplaces all vie for your attention - enter The Wood Norton Bar and prepare to be dazzled by the pewter bar and widescreen tv’s - an eclectic mix of old and new.

For corporate clients the location is key – within easy reach of London, the South West & The Midlands and under 10 minutes from the M5, direct rail links to London Paddington within 2 hours and 45 minutes to Birmingham Airport.

Dining at The Wood Norton in The Restaurant or privately will not disappoint - superlative British cuisine will be on offer – nurturing local producers and ingredients – in a relaxed professional environment, dine overlooking or even on the terrace admiring the new formal gardens and the view beyond – a real window on Worcestershire. www.conference-worcestershire.org

eLim conFerence cenTre The Centre has been refurbished to a high standard and offers fully equipped conference/meeting rooms, a private informal coffee lounge with spectacular views and a 240 seat theatre.

Day conference rates start from £18.00 per person and include morning and afternoon refreshments, a choice from the lunch buffet, use of a meeting room /coffee lounge and access to our beautiful heated outdoor swimming pool and 35 acres of grounds.

We also offer all inclusive overnight delegate rates which include accommodation, all meals and refreshments, use of a meeting room/s and coffee lounge plus access to all our facilities. Prices start at £57.00 per person.

All bedrooms are en-suite, beautifully decorated and welcome you with a selection of tea/coffee and biscuits.

Linen, towels and complimentary toiletries are also provided and internet access is available in all rooms. www.conference-worcestershire.org

ROOM HIRE

The opportunity to hire spacious and well-equipped rooms at the Chamber’s head office in Blackpole, Worcester.

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September/October 2012

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Destination Worcestershire

HAVE YOU TAKEN A LOOK AT THE NEW VISIT WORCESTERSHIRE WEBSITE? The new official tourism website for Worcestershire is packed full of great ideas for days out, short breaks and holidays across the county. Are you interested in The Great Outdoors, Heritage & Gardens, Sports, Family Fun, Arts & Culture or Shopping?

The new website ensures you can find exactly what you are looking for whatever your interests.

You can now find out about the new Mind, Body and Soul campaign which includes Spa’s, Golf Courses, Fishing Lakes, Study Breaks, Cookery Courses plus so much more! Destination Worcestershire has also recently launched the Family Breaks and Romantic Breaks campaigns.

There are many events happening throughout the county and the What’s On section is now www. whatsonworcestershire.co.uk previously the Worcestershire Arts Partnership website. www.visitworcestershire.org

LET YOUR BUSINESS EARN COMMISSION FROM THE OFFICIAL TOURISM WEBSITE FOR WORCESTERSHIRE!

WORCESTERSHIRE WELCOME AWARDS IN ASSOCIATION WITH WORCESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL (WCC LOGO) favourite tourism businesses. This years awards has ten categories including the new Tourism Business Website of the Year sponsored by Guestlink which highlights the importance of a good website for encouraging visitors to the business.

Worcestershire has a huge variety of places to stay from country house hotels, homely bed and breakfasts and a variety of self catering options to choose from.

The Destination Worcestershire website allows you as a business to have online accommodation booking on your own website. This will not only enable your visitors to find out about the fantastic range of accommodation available in Worcestershire and help them plan their visit but you can earn commission on the bookings too.

To find out more information about this brand new facility please contact Victoria Carman 0845 641 1542 or

The annual tourism awards for Worcestershire have been launched and are the only tourism awards in the country where members of the public vote for their

The Worcestershire Welcome Award ceremony will be held on the afternoon of the HW Chamber of Commerce Worcestershire Business Expo at Sixways Stadium on Thursday 18 October 2012 at 2pm where the crème de la crop of the Worcestershire tourism industry will be given their awards.

If you would like to nominate your favourite business please visit www.visitworcestershire.org/awards

PLease see a LisT oF The caTegories beLoW: • Bed & Breakfast/Guest Accommodation of the Year

• Tourism Business Website of the Year

• Best Tourism Festival & Event of the Year

• Tastes of Worcestershire Award

• Best Hotel of the Year

• Sustainable Tourism Award

• Best Visitor Attraction of the Year

• Outstanding Customer Service Award

• Best Self Catering Holiday of the Year

• Business Tourism Award

vcarman@visitworcestershire.org

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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Big Interview

Embracing the next challenge as HR promises to make a difference Jenny Jones has always enjoyed a challenge and her latest one is to head up a new company which provides clients with commerciallyfocused HR advice in an increasingly complex workplace Her role as Director of Eagle HR is the latest stage in the career of the Head of Employment at law firm Harrison Clark, which has 220 staff and partners based in Worcester, Cheltenham, Hereford and Ross-on-Wye, as well as offices in central London and Birmingham.

Jenny, who is a specialist employment law barrister with more than 20 years’ experience in the field, began her career as a barrister at No. 5 Chambers in Birmingham, during which time she was repeatedly recommended in the legal press and Chambers & Partners as a leader in employment law.

After a period as an in-house barrister at national firm Mills & Reeve, Jenny joined Plexus Law, where she set up and led the firm’s employment law department.

In 2011, she brought her team to Harrison Clark to expand the firm’s employment and HR service. She herself is proficient in all areas of employment law and has expertise in equal pay, discrimination and whistle-blowing. She also sits as an employment tribunal judge.

Now, Harrison Clark has selected her to launch and lead its sister company, Eagle HR. This will provide guidance and support on human resource issues covering everything from drawing up employment contracts, handbooks and policies; the recruitment and training of staff; advising on grievances and discipline to delivering reward and organisational change projects.

Jenny believes that HR can play a crucial role in helping companies survive and thrive.

She said: “Sound HR advice is not just about avoiding the fall-out when things go wrong; it’s also about

reaping the rewards when things go right.

“A well-motivated, skilled, diverse and engaged team of people, working together, without the spectre of internal conflict, will achieve great things for any business.

Jenny said: “The unique thing about Eagle is the quality of the service we can offer, giving smaller companies access to highly experienced commerciallyfocussed HR practitioners that they could not normally afford.

“But very few can honestly say they have all their HR bases covered. When things do go wrong, how many business owners really know the most effective ways of solving these problems without damaging their business or ending up fighting costly tribunal claims?

“I think employees know their rights much more.

I blame Google! Now everyone is a barrack room lawyer. Sometimes employees get it right, but sometimes they misread information and think they have a claim when they don’t.”

“Great HR support is about helping managers to get the very best out of their people. This means high-performing staff, committed managers, happy clients and customers and a successful business. It sounds simple – but anyone who has tried it will know that it’s not.

Although successive governments have promised to tackle the burden of regulation on business, Jenny believes that there is little evidence to support the contention.

“I feel very strongly that HR is under-resourced. The classic thing is you get a company that reaches around 100 employees and thinks ‘we’ll get a HR manager now‘. That’s too late. Professional HR input should be sourced at the beginning when you have five employees – it’s a tool to help you grow.

“HR has moved on. In the old days, Personnel was regarded as being nice to people, having a cup of tea and a sandwich.

“Today, HR touches everything. Get it right and a company can rocket. Get it wrong and you have problems. Ask a Managing Director what keeps him or her awake at night and it’s probably an employee who is not performing as well as they should.

“HR is about human nature. For example, some of it can be about mental health, helping employees who may be stressed or depressed by things happening at home which can effect the way people relate to their colleagues and if left, can create conflict in the workplace.”

Eagle seeks to provide services to deal with all those challenges but Jenny sees one of its major strengths as offering access to senior HR professionals backed by employment lawyers.

She said: “I actually think that running a business is becoming more complex. The big challenge over the next year will be the impact of Pensions Auto-Enrolment.

“A lot of employers are relying on their finance teams and financial advisers to manage it but it’s just as much a HR issue.

“You have the Government telling employees to set aside money for when they retire and telling employers to ensure they add money to the pot at the same time as many employees and employers are struggling to keep up with everyday overheads. There is an inbuilt conflict there, a mismatch.”

Not that she is complaining. She said: “I have had many highlights in my career but the thing that gets me out of bed in the morning is the satisfaction of being able to provide a solution to a really complex staff issue - resolving something that could be business-stopping. I am very lucky.” * To find out more about Eagle HR, visit www.eaglehr.co.uk or call 01905 744530.

To find out more about Harrison Clark visit their website at www.harrison-clark.co.uk, or call 01905 612001.

I feel very strongly that HR is under-resourced. The classic thing is you get a company that reaches around 100 employees and thinks ‘we’ll get a HR manager now‘. That’s too late.

Professional HR input should be sourced at the beginning when you have five employees – it’s a tool to help you grow.

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Jenny Jones Partner (Barrister) and Head of Employment, Harrison Clark Director, Eagle HR

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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31/8/12 11:29:29

English Mutual: Strengthened Through Acquisition

and remains committed to Worcester, drawing new strength from its parent company.

So, who are Sanlam?

Lauren Billington Head of Corporate Engagement, English Mutual

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Patron, English Mutual Ltd* one of the country’s most respected financial planning businesses, has been acquired by Sanlam UK in order to create and develop what is planned to be, one of the most dynamic Wealth Management companies in the country.

English Mutual, founded by Alex Morley in Worcester in 2001, has grown steadily over the last decade to become a company of national substance; with over 100 employees across the country, assets under influence in excess of £400m, delivering service to more than 20,000 customers. As part of Sanlam, English Mutual will retain not only its brand, ethos and style, but also its management and advisory team

Although relatively new to the UK, Sanlam is a long term AA rated international financial group which has been advising investors around the world for almost 100 years, managing over £40 billion in assets.

The acquisition of English Mutual creates a national representation for Sanlam UK and is in line with their strategic plans to build and develop a quality wealth management business in the United Kingdom.

The upheaval within the financial sector over the past five years has created a culture of unease and quiet concern in all of us. The fact that so many institutions have been seen to fail or diminish – banks, financial advisers, insurance companies – and that the media is increasingly highlighting poor advice where client money has been invested inappropriately and seemingly without care, does nothing to boost consumer confidence; and as a result clients, whether corporate or private individuals, have been left without advisers, not knowing who to turn to for appropriate Wealth Management and Financial Planning; whilst good advisers continue to struggle to find a stable environment in which to work.

Becoming part of Sanlam is the perfect move for English Mutual, enabling the company to pursue its long standing mission to create and deliver the finest financial services experience in the United Kingdom.

“The fact that we, as a company, have remained profitable and have continued to grow during this “financial crisis” has always been a source of great pride for me.” says Alex Morley, CEO of English Mutual.“In recent times we have regularly been approached by a succession of leading financial groups, wanting to buy us, merge with us or engage in some form of joint venture; primarily as a result of the way we do things. We elected to join forces with Sanlam not only because of their financial strength and aspirations but also because of their reflective ethos, culture and ideologies; to do things right, to do things properly and to deliver satisfaction at every point of contact with the business.

Many challenges lie ahead for financial advisory practices in 2013; the result of new regulation which will change the way in which the industry operates.

Our association with Sanlam positions English Mutual beautifully; not only to meet these new rules ahead of schedule, but also giving the company enormous financial strength, enabling us to deliver a client proposition of real depth, backed by “award –winning investment management.”

Giles Cross, Head of Group Development, believes that English Mutual’s client proposition, combined with hard work, will be the key to the company’s ultimate success.

“Having such tremendous backing is, of course, a brilliant thing; it gives confidence to our employees,

*within the content of this article “English Mutual” is an abbreviation of “English Mutual Ltd” which is wholly owned by Sanlam UK.

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our advisers and hopefully to our clients too; but there is more to this deal than that. For too long the focus in the financial planning sector has been mistakenly placed upon the importance of variety; of products and providers, upon access to ‘exciting’ investment opportunities and the vague promise of high investment returns. Too many companies seem to have forgotten that is the quality, depth and strength of an offering that is important to clients.

The trends of the advisory sector have led to a fundamental loss of control: with advisers unable to control the administration and behaviours of the companies that they place client money with, making it difficult to avoid and resolve errors; and more importantly, manage or control the investment performance in line with a client’s appetite for risk.

The English Mutual client proposition is all about quality and control; driving efficiencies which can be passed onto the consumer, ensuring a uniform quality of advice, of service and ultimately delivering to the objectives of the client; the delivery of a first class financial planning experience, whether that be to our private clients, our corporate clients or indeed, our professional partners in the accountancy and legal professions.

We see our role as Wealth Managers and Financial Planners as a simple one; to effectively steward our clients affairs and ensure that their money is there for them at the time when they require it in

the manner they expect it. Our position delivers just that, but we mustn’t be complacent; we must always seek to improve.”

The result of our acquisition will be not only be seen in increased value delivered to our clients, advisers and professional connections; it will also trigger a new phase in the development of English Mutual. We are fully engaged in the growth of the business and are actively recruiting new Financial Planners and support staff in Worcestershire and across our wider footprint; in Bristol and the South West, London and the South East, Birmingham and the West Midlands, in Cheltenham, Oxford and across the Cotswolds.

However, taking a leading role in the Herefordshire and Worcestershire business community remains key.

We are delighted to be one of the shirt sponsors for the Worcester Warriors for the new 2012 season and look forward to our annual English Mutual charity Lecture (in aid of our Wealth of Happiness Foundation) at Worcester Cathedral in October; this year with Richard E. Grant, as well as the Worcester Business Christmas Celebration we are arranging with a number of high-profile local businesses.

English Mutual is also pleased to have recently renewed its Patron status of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, retaining its position as their elected Key Employee Benefits Partner.

In reality, despite all these changes, it

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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is business as usual for English Mutual.

As a business, we manage wealth.

Beautifully. But there is a bigger picture.

If you would like to find out more about English Mutual and our client proposition, receive our newsletter or join us at one of our many events please do not hesitate to get in touch.

We love to hear from you; business or pleasure. laurenbillington@ englishmutual.com www.englishmutual.com

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Council review of strategic economic priorities for the Malvern Hills district Malvern Hills District Council is undertaking a major review of its economic development priorities. The review will ultimately influence how the council organises its services, focuses resources and works with partners across the district.

As part of this process the council has held a series of themed discussions with key businesses, organisations and individuals which looked at the interests of particular business sectors. The sessions were supported by leading councillors from within the council, its Chief Executive, Chris Bocock and other senior officers.

The council has been extremely fortunate to secure input from Professor John Bryson, Professor of Enterprise and Economic Geography at the University of Birmingham, who has acted as facilitator for the discussions. Professor Bryson has recently been working with, Birmingham and Chicago universities on the development of economic development policy and related initiatives and was able to bring important insights to the table with respect to current research, policy development and practical initiatives employed elsewhere.

Businesswoman Emma Philpott of Key IQ attended one of the sessions and said: “The sessions were a good opportunity to have a focused discussion

with the strategy makers about the issues most affecting our businesses. I really hope we have more of these sessions in the future!”

Simon Smith, Economic Development Manager at Malvern Hills District Council said: “It was clear from the five sessions that there was a lot of common ground between contributors over the strategic issues and the need for a joined up approach. The council has already made arrangements with Professor Bryson to begin the work of developing priorities and associated actions. This has proven to be a great start to the process but it’s still very early in the process and there remains a great deal to be done to translate the feedback gained into a realistic and deliverable strategy.”

If you would like to be involved in the development of the Malvern Hills Economic Development Strategy then contact Simon Smith on 01684 862199 or email simon.smith@malvernhills.gov.uk

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PTH is a well respected local Occupational Health (OH) Provider We tailor OH services to suit every type and size of employer. We have nurses, doctors and other health specialists to meet each employer’s needs and we manage services to minimise costs.

These services can be on site at client premises, from our clinic rooms in Bromsgrove and via our remote service: ‘PTH Direct’, where nurses can screen forms, give advice and undertake telephone consultations. We use specialist software with on line screening and referrals.

Our comprehensive range of services includes: ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Health surveillance e.g. lung function, hearing tests, DSE user and work station assessments New starter health screening, statutory medicals, driver medicals and drug & alcohol testing Vaccination programmes / blood tests Sickness absence referrals and reviews, case management Health promotion events, lifestyle health screening Occupational health needs analysis / advice, policy writing We would welcome the opportunity to advise you on your requirements and provide a quotation without obligation

Put us to the test

Contact us at: Banham Court, Hanbury Road, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove, B60 4JZ

T: 01527 577242 E: sales@pthgroup.co.uk www.pthgroup.co.uk PTH is a member of COHPA.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BHSF Occupational Health t/a PTH Group

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Cover Feature - Mentoring

Project aims to transform young lives A project designed to help young unemployed people secure jobs has come to the Hereford and Worcester area Steps Ahead Mentoring is designed to draw on the extensive network of members of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), and was piloted in the Coventry and Warwickshire area in August 2011.

Having proved successful, it is now being rolled out across England and has started up in Hereford and Worcester, where 50 CIPD members are volunteering as mentors and 40 young people are registered for a mentor.

The project allows CIPD to work in partnership with Jobcentre plus to bring young unemployed people

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closer to the labour market and improve their employability skills through mentoring with CIPD members Kelly Duncan, CIPD Steps Ahead Mentoring - Project Executive, said: “We introduced the project because of increasing youth unemployment. Steps Ahead Mentoring aims to improve the employability of young job-seekers, and to ultimately bring them closer to the labour market.

“With the West Midlands highlighted as the region suffering most acutely from the recession, it was pitched as the starting point to trial the project. The CIPD asked members to help develop young people’s employability skills and improve the perception of young people to local employers.

“We also wanted to show that we can ‘give something back’ and use our members expert HR skills and experience to do this.”

Since the start of the project in August 2011, it has achieved 74 completed mentoring relationships, 49 of which had a positive outcome, including work experience, apprenticeship or employment.

The project also has political support, including from MPs in areas where it was piloted. Mark Pawsey, from Rugby, said: “The idea of having someone to guide the preparation of a CV and making applications is a brilliant one, and I am pleased that so many people have already taken advantage of it to find the career they are looking for.”

Nadhim Zahawi, from Stratford upon Avon, said: “I’m delighted to see that this project, which was piloted in Warwickshire, is moving towards a nationwide rollout. Young people often need help and guidance in negotiating the job market and this initiative shows just what can be done when a business steps up and takes on a challenge.”

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FEATURE

It is important that we do what we can to demystify recruitment practices and to make applying for jobs not so much an art or a science, as a transparent and widely understood process that everyone understands and has a fair chance of succeeding with.

Kelly Duncan said: “The future of Steps Ahead Mentoring is looking positive. With a future roll out plan in place, we’re confident that by continuing to work with our CIPD members and engaging with our branches we can help thousands of young people build on their employability skills.

“There are 525 JCP offices in England, and we aim to have moved from just the 17 Mercia district offices into all of the England offices by November 2013.”

One of those taking part in the programme in Hereford and Worcester is Cathi Shovlin, a HR consultant and a Trustee of Herefordshire Mind, who said: “I was genuinely excited when I heard about the Steps Ahead Mentoring initiative. It provides a fantastic opportunity for HR professionals to use their expertise in recruitment to the benefit of aspiring young people.

“It is important that we do what we can to demystify recruitment practices and to make applying for jobs not so much an art or a science, as a transparent and widely understood process that everyone understands and has a fair chance of succeeding with.

“And it is just as important that there is a demystifying of young recruits and a greater recognition of what they have to offer an organisation.

“As a Trustee of Herefordshire Mind, I am concerned for the mental health of young unemployed people.

Being unemployed has been shown to increase feelings of anxiety, depression, dissatisfaction with one’s life, negative self-esteem and other negative emotional states, and the prevalence amongst young people is rising in line with prolonged unemployment.

“I am committed to helping my mentees to achieve their potential in the workplace by helping them not just in their preparation for applying for jobs or being interviewed, but in helping them to better understand what they have to offer and how they wish to use that and where they might use it – in the short- mediumand long-term.”

hoW The ProJecT WorKs A young person criteria has been developed by CIPD and Jobcentre plus to establish the suitability of the young people taking part. All young people must be aged 18-24, claiming jobs seekers allowance, and show commitment and enthusiasm in finding work.

More information is available at cipd.co.uk/ stepsaheadmentoring

Email: k.duncan@cipd.co.uk Tel: 0208 6126406

“My involvement in this project is a way for me to understand that better, and to play some small part in minimising the impact and reducing the numbers affected.

If you feel that you and your business could benefit from being mentored but you’re not eligible for this scheme contact the Chamber on 0845 641 1641 to discuss other mentoring programmes.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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ADVERTORIAL

APPRENTICESHIPS BENEFIT BUSINESS

Apprenticeships can help businesses across all sectors by offering a route to increase their skilled workforce in a cost effective way.

Fulfilling certain criteria means that funding is often available to train apprentices.

At South Worcestershire College, based in Evesham and Malvern, we have a dedicated and experienced team of staff who work directly with employers and apprentices to ensure successful completion of Apprenticeships.

We work closely with businesses to provide excellent training for the apprentice which is complemented by the ‘hands on’ real work experience that they will gain in their place of work.

Once you have decided to progress down the Apprenticeship route one of our dedicated assessors will help you to decide which Apprenticeship is right for your business, find out if funding is available, help you to recruit an apprentice or support your existing staff into an Apprenticeship, and manage the training and assessing of your apprentice.

WhaT does TaKing on an aPPrenTice inVoLVe? Your apprentice is employed by you. Depending on the Apprenticeship being under taken your apprentice would come to South Worcestershire College for their training either once a week, on a block release basis or

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for short workshops. If your apprentice attends college once a week they will work within your business for the remainder of the week.

invest in the future of their companies” said Donna Harris, Work Based Learning Operations Manager at the College.

The Assessor will visit the apprentice once a month in their place of work to monitor the apprentice’s progress and carry out assessments.

souTh WorcesTershire coLLege oFFers aPPrenTiceshiPs in:

hoW can aPPrenTiceshiPs beneFiT your business?

Apprenticeships help to ensure that your workforce has the practical skills and qualifications your organisation needs now and in the future. The mixture of on and off job learning ensures they learn the skills that work best for your business.

n AAT Accountancy n Administration n Catering and Hospitality n Children and Young People’s Workforce n Customer Service n Domestic Heating n Hairdressing

The Apprenticeship programme can:

n Health and Social Care

n Improve your bottom line

n Land Based Service Engineering

n Help to improve productivity and so help your business to become more competitive. Training apprentices can also be more cost effective than hiring skilled staff.

n Light Engineering

n Fill your skills gaps n Deliver skills designed around your business needs providing you with skilled workers to take your business forward in the future. n Motivate your workforce n Provide you with loyal employees. Apprentices have made a choice to train for a specific career, and once they begin their Apprenticeship with their employer they tend to be keen to learn and loyal to the company.

n Motor Vehicle Engineering If you are interested in employing an apprentice it couldn’t be easier!

South Worcestershire College has an excellent track record delivering successful Apprenticeships and we make it as simple as possible for you as an employer.

To find out more contact our Work Based Learning Team on (01386) 712690, email apprenticeships@sworcs.ac.uk or visit our website www.sworcs.ac.uk

“For businesses, Apprenticeships offer a cost effective way to create a skilled workforce and to

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        

   

W SC

South Worcestershire College

 

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HR

CREATING A GREAT PLACE TO WORK - MUCH MORE THAN ‘HR’ human resources (noun) 1. The personnel of a business 2. The department that deals with personnel.

I looked this up on Google and it depressed me! I am happy with definition 1 but, unfortunately, many companies do operate according to definition 2. Surely it should read: 2 The department that helps managers to deal with personnel.

This is not to decry HR, if fact the role is vital. However when someone reports to you then it is not possible to shift the responsibility for that person to someone else, however well qualified they are in HR. The people who work for you are looking to you for leadership but what does that mean?

Every so often we are stopped in our tracks by the stories we hear. This happened to me when I heard the story of the Managing Director of an engineering firm His company had been in an unusual crisis – customer service results were improving but they were rapidly going bankrupt. As you would expect, there were many dimensions to how he turned the situation around. At the end (although the story continues) he and his fellow leaders had totally transformed the way people were organised and the results they achieved.

In conversations with him, four factors stood out which stimulated good questions for the leader of any organisation seeking to create a great working environment:

1. cLariTy oF PurPose Have you developed and communicated a clear vision of what you are trying to achieve and what is most important to achieving that success?

2. organise around sTrengThs Do you allow people to talk about what they are good at, what they want to do more of and what energises them?

3. groW your managers Do your managers share a vision of how people should be led and managed? How aware are you of the way your managers lead your people?

4. inVoLVe your PeoPLe in change Do your people have the opportunity to get involved in changing what affects them or do you expect them to be passive recipients of what other people have decided?

These abilities can be acquired and developed; contact us if you want to know more.

Black-Elk are focused on realising the value of people and business and have two main goals, to drive the value into business using our proven methods and tools and to enrich the business environment by developing people. e: enquiries@black-elk.co.uk www.black-elk.co.uk

At the heart of what he did was to get people talking about what really matters.

If you too are facing a crisis or would just appreciate a fresh pair of eyes to look strategically at how you engage your people, then do get in touch and start a conversation today.

Roger Wythe The Learning Connection www.learningconnection.co.uk

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Happy First Birthday to the Stables Conference and Meeting Venue!

The Stables Conference and Meeting Venue is part of af Thinking & Learning Company Ltd (afTLC Ltd). As a company we offer two exceptional services: • High quality professional learning • A Conference and meeting venue

Andrew Frapwell is the owner and he has a 20 year background of teaching in schools and tutoring initial teacher training at the University of Worcester. In 2004 he operated a sole trader consultancy business and in January 2010 formed afTLC Ltd with his partner Nicola Brant. In September 2011 afTLC Ltd officially opened the Conference and Meeting Venue aspect of our operation. We are therefore celebrating the first anniversary of our business premises!

Pride We are very proud to have been trading for this amount of time, especially as all of it has been during a very tough recession period. Unfortunately, not all small businesses have been so fortunate. Starting your own business is never easy and we should all acknowledge and celebrate these achievements for our businesses.

Clients Over the past year we have begun to build up a regular client base which includes: Droitwich Spa Business Forum; The Best of Droitwich and The Best of Worcester; Macmillan Cancer Support; Daisy Mobile Communications Ltd; Alan Pither Training Ltd; Worcestershire Association of Governors; The Police Credit Union; Ski Astons of Worcester; Mutuus Business Breakfast Forum; and recently E-on. In one of our first bookings we even had Peter Luff MP make a presentation at the venue!

Future Plans We have ambitious plans to see the company expand over the next five years. We are listed on the UK register for Learning Providers (UKRLP) and are currently undergoing a centre approval process with several awarding bodies to enable us to run regulated and unregulated accredited courses. These will include: Building winning teams; Coaching Skills for Leadership and Train the Trainer courses – but we have the flexibility to work with businesses to develop bespoke accredited courses for their professional learning.

Value Offer As a company we are values driven and we think that in the current economic climate a focus on support for our local community and small businesses and a high quality value for money service will continue to be our strength. However, like any business we are nothing without our customers. We would therefore like to present new and existing customers an anniversary offer in what is also a Jubilee, Olympic and Paralympic celebration of legacy: We will offer a 29% discount on our day delegate rate packages in keeping with the 29 Gold medals we achieved at the London Olympics for anyone making a booking and quoting this ‘Business Direction Advertorial’ before the end of October 2012.

Warm Welcome Whether you are a senior leadership team, a sales team, conducting interviews, meeting clients, facilitating training, hosting a launch event, running a conference (for up to 40 people seated) or seeking a venue for any occasion you will be warmly welcomed at our conference and meeting venue. We also provide our own in-house catering which has received outstanding reviews.

Location We are located approximately 600m from junction 5 of the M5 with idyllic views over local countryside.

For more information or to pay us a visit, please contact: Email. andrew@afTLC.com Tel. 07803 603450 Web. www.afTLC.com

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Apprenticeships at Herefordshire College of Technology Apprenticeships at HCT Herefordshire College of Technology is one of the largest training providers in Herefordshire and Worcestershire and is one of the highest performing colleges in respect of success rates in the West Midlands. At HCT we have a simple mission; ‘Success for our Students’ and work closely with around 400 employers.

The College has been guiding people through work-based learning for over 20 years. Achievement figures are well above national averages. In recognition of the outstanding work that has taken place in developing employees, HCT was awarded the coveted Training Quality Standard in 2011.

An apprenticeship offers the chance to mix on-the-job training, gaining real work experience, with classroom learning so you gain the exact skills needed for a particular role as well as nationally recognised qualifications.

For the Employer

We offer the following apprenticeships, as well as an exciting selection of new ones for 2012: t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t

Accountancy Agriculture and Mixed Farming Business Administration Construction Trades Electrical Installation Forestry Hairdressing Management Motor Vehicle Plumbing Welding NEW FOR 2012 Engineering Mechanical, Manufacturing, Electrical and Electronic IT and Computing Hospitality and Catering - Professional Cookery Customer Service Production Horticulture

£1,500 Apprentice Grant for Employers (AGE) Herefordshire College of Technology are pleased to inform employers that there is a new grant that they can receive if they take on a new apprentice.

The AGE is aimed at helping eligible employers to offer young people (aged 16-24 years) employment through the Apprenticeship programme, by providing wage grants to assist employers in recruiting their first apprentice.

The National Apprenticeship Service will provide up to 40,000 Apprenticeship grants to small-medium sized employers with less than 250 employees who are recruiting 16 to 24 year olds. These have a value of £1,500 and are designed to encourage employers to take on new apprentices.

What our Employers say

Dave Hall - Owner of Bromyard Tyres and Services Centre “Like many employers I started off as an apprentice myself and it is still a good route in to the industry. You still have to work hard as an apprentice, like many things in life; the more you put in, the more you’ll get out of it. As an employer, I believe it’s important to build my business around the right staff and my two apprentices are part of that.

They have brought a new life to the business and everyone takes part in teaching them, so they can develop their people and administration skills as well as their practical work. It has been a big morale boost to the senior mechanics to be able to pass on their trade like this. The apprentices are also bringing with them the latest knowledge of new diagnostics software that they are learning in their theoretical work at the College. Phil Dallow, HCT’s Motor Vehicle Assessor and Coordinator, has been great and overall we haven’t had any difficulties.”

If you are thinking of employing an apprentice and require further information call Rob Sparks on 01432 365 372 or email sparksr@hct.ac.uk BD09.indd 36

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TRAINING PLANNER sePTember courses Fire Marshal Training Friday 7 September 2012 ...................£96 (inc VAT) Members / £120 (inc VAT) Non Members The Role of the Team Leader Wednesday 12 September 2012 ......£180 (inc VAT) Members / £225 (inc VAT) Non Members Basics of Export Documentation Thursday 13 September 2012 ..........£270 (inc VAT) Members / £300 (inc VAT) Non Members Assertiveness and Confidence at Work Monday 17 September 2012 ...........£180 (inc VAT) Members / £225 (inc VAT) Non Members Effective Credit Control NEW COURSE Tuesday 18 September 2012............ £180 (incVAT) Members / £225 (inc VAT) Non Members Effective Sales & Business Development Thursday 20 September 2012 .......... £180 (incVAT) Members / £225 (inc VAT) Non Members Intermediate Microsoft Excel (2007) Friday 21 September 2012 ............ £180 (incVAT) Members / £225 (inc VAT) Non Members Getting the Most from Social media (Intermediate Session) .................................

Tuesday 25 September 2012............ £180 (incVAT) Members / £225 (inc VAT) Non Members Effective Time Management Wednesday 26 September 2012 £180 (incVAT) Members / £225 (inc VAT) Non Members Managing Agents and Distributors Thursday 27 September 2012 ..........£270 (inc VAT) Members / £300 (inc VAT) Non Members IOSH Working Safely (one day course) Friday 28 September 2012 ...............£180 (inc VAT) Members / £225 (inc VAT) Non Members Level 3 Qualification in First Line Management Register Now to start in September £538.80 (inc VAT) Members / £598.80 (inc VAT) Non members

Internal Quality Auditor Training - ISO 9001 Standard Tuesday 16 October 2012 ...........£180 (inc VAT) Members / £225.60 (inc VAT) Non Members Letters of Credit Thursday 18 October 2012.............. £270 (inc VAT) Members / £300 (inc VAT) Non-Members Advanced Microsoft Excel (2007) Friday 19 October 2012 .............£180 (inc VAT) Members / £225.60 (inc VAT) Non Members Effective Minute Taking and Meeting Skills Monday 22 October 2012 ...........£180 (inc VAT) Members / £225.60 (inc VAT) Non Members Export of Finance Thursday 25 October 2013.............. £270 (inc VAT) Members / £300 (inc VAT) Non-Members

The eFFecTiVe managemenT series WiTh Veena aLLison (1/2 day WorKshoPs) Equal Opportunities Dignity and Discrimination Wednesday 12 September 2012 £108 (inc VAT) to Members per session or £714 (inc VAT) for all 8 sessions. £132 (inc VAT) to Non Members or £834 (inc VAT) for all 8 sessions Bullying / Harassment in the Workplace Wednesday 10 October 2012 £108 (inc VAT) to Members per session or £714 (inc VAT) for all 8 sessions. £132 (inc VAT) to Non Members or £834 (inc VAT) for all 8 sessions Managing Change Wednesday 14 November 2012 £108 (inc VAT) to Members per session or £714 (inc VAT) for all 8 sessions. £132 (inc VAT) to Non Members or £834 (inc VAT) for all 8 sessions Managing Absence Wednesday 12 December 2012 £108 (inc VAT) to Members per session or £714 (inc VAT) for all 8 sessions. £132 (inc VAT) to Non Members or £834 (inc VAT) for all 8 sessions How to manage under performance Wednesday 9 January 2013 £108 (inc VAT) to Members per session or £714 (inc VAT) for all 8 sessions. £132 (inc VAT) to Non Members or £834 (inc VAT) for all 8 sessions

Level 5 Qualification in Management and Leadership Register Now to start in September Certificate: £646.80 (inc VAT) members / £718.80 (inc VAT) Non members Diploma: £2428.80 (inc VAT) members / £2698.80 (incVAT) Non members

Managing Disciplinary Issues Wednesday 13 February 2013 £108 (inc VAT) to Members per session or £714 (inc VAT) for all 8 sessions. £132 (inc VAT) to Non Members or £834 (inc VAT) for all 8 sessions

Level 7 Qualification in Strategic Management and Leadership Register Now to start in September Diploma only: £3508.80 (inc VAT) members / £3898.80 (inc VAT) Non members

Managing Employee Grievances Wednesday 13 March 2013 £108 (inc VAT) to Members per session or £714 (inc VAT) for all 8 sessions. £132 (inc VAT) to Non Members or £834 (inc VAT) for all 8 sessions

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Managing Conflicts in the Workplace Wednesday 17 April 2013 .£108 (inc VAT) to Members per session or £714 (inc VAT) for all 8 sessions. £132 (inc VAT) to Non Members or £834 (inc VAT) for all 8 sessions

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Export licensing Thursday 11 October 2012.............. £270 (inc VAT) Members / £300 (inc VAT) Non-Members

Professional Telephone Techniques Wednesday 3 October 2012........£180 (incVAT) Members / £225.60 (inc VAT) Non Members

Advanced Export Documentation Wednesday 10 October 2012 ......... £270 (inc VAT) Members / £300 (inc VAT) Non-Members

The eFFecTiVe Pr and marKeTing series (1/2 day WorKshoPs) Writing Effective Press Releases October .............................................. £90 (inc VAT) Members / £114 (inc VAT) Non Members Getting to Grips with Social Media November ..........................................£90 (inc VAT) Members / £114 (inc VAT) Non Members Writing Effective Marketing Copy December...........................................£90 (inc VAT) Members / £114 (inc VAT) Non Members

Microsoft Word - Essential Skills for Office Staff Friday 12 October 2012 ..............£180 (inc VAT) Members / £225.60 (inc VAT) Non Members

Raising your Profile January .............................................£90 (inc VAT) Members / £114 (inc VAT) Non Members

Managing People in the Team Monday 15 October 2012 ...........£180 (inc VAT) Members / £225.60 (inc VAT) Non Members

Making the most of your data and keeping it legal!

February .............................................£90 (inc VAT) Members / £114 (inc VAT) Non Members

BUSINESS TRAINING Business training, coaching and support delivered by highly qualified and certified trainers. Chamber members are eligible for discounts of up to 20%.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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01905 455227 greentreegameon@hoge100.co.uk www.hoge100.co.uk

There’s a new Game in town MDs, CEOs and FDs get a chance to win the big prize Greentree International, author of world-class business software for medium-size enterprises, is offering UK companies a chance to win a £150,000 prize of Greentree software, services and two years of cloud hosting.

We know there are many super businesses out there that could do even better, if they had the right management systems. So to celebrate Greentree’s worldwide success, we’re holding a competition with the ultimate business painkiller and multivitamin as the prize: up to £150K worth of fully installed business systems, including two years’ free cloud hosting services. Hoge 100, Greentree, and our cloud partner Six Degrees Group, will be with the winner all the way, ensuring seamless installation and staff training.

It’s the sort of prize that can help transform a company, making it primed for business.

Presenting Greentree GAME ON! th

Between now and October 19 we’ll be inviting businesses to tell us why they deserve to win this great prize. If you would like to try to win the Greentree business software, and we hope that you will, all you have to do is enter via the GAME ON page on our website (www.hoge100.co.uk), telling us what you would do with this terrific prize. You don’t have to be long-winded about it either. “The shortest case that you can put is great,” Greentree UK MD Harry Mowat says. “We’re not after verbosity; we’re after compelling.” th

The winner will be announced on November 28 .

But that’s not all: anyone who registers to receive GAME ON email updates goes into a draw to win a fabulous Apple iPad! In addition, all entrants will automatically be eligible for a 10% discount off Greentree business software, and all finalists will be eligible for a 25% discount.

ABOUT GREENTREE Greentree is a leading business software provider with over 12,000 users worldwide. We’re unashamed technology and business buffs; fanatics; addicts. Call us what you will, we have one obsession: building the best business software. Learn more about Greentree, its innovative software solutions, and its thousands of successful customers worldwide (www.greentree.com).

WHO ARE HOGE 100?

Hoge 100 Business Systems is a business-focused software supplier and developer. A Greentree partner based in Worcester that combines innovative business software solutions with practical experience to deliver an integrated solution that's exactly right for you and your business.

www.hoge100.co.uk BD09.indd 38

31/8/12 11:31:36

Chamber training

THE IMPORTANCE OF HEALTH AND SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE Every working day in Britain at least one person is killed and over 6000 are injured at work. As an employer, or a self-employed person, you are responsible for health and safety in your business.

You need to take the right precautions to reduce the risks of workplace dangers and provide a safe working environment.

If you think health and safety has to be complicated - it doesn’t. Chamber of Commerce Business Training can make it easier for you to comply with the law and manage health and safety in your business. For many businesses, all that’s required is a basic series of tasks.

PRESENTATION SKILLS Whether you are persuading colleagues, selling to a client, or energising a team, the power of your presentation makes the difference between success and failure. The Chamber has designed a series of courses that are useful for managers, executives, sales people, and anyone who might meet members of the media to develop their presentation skills.

PowerPoint for Presentations - Friday 16 November 2012 This course is intended for anyone who wishes to understand how to design a simple but professional presentation for showing on a PC or projector.

This course will equip delegates with the skills and knowledge to be able to create

For PeoPLe WanTing To creaTe more imPacT WiTh Their PresenTaTion: Visual Presentations - Thursday 25 October

For PeoPLe neW To PresenTing: For anyone new to presenting there are two courses that will provide you with the skills you require to deliver an effective presentation: Presentations Skills - Monday 26 November 2012 This course is aimed at developing your confidence when delivering presentations, attendees will learn how to overcome nerves through excellent preparation and professional delivery in order to give maximum impact to the presentation.

Most people’s brains organise and analyse information visually, so introducing mechanisms like colour, symbols, pictures and groupings into your presentations will bring the key information to life, capturing your audience’s attention and increasing their engagement. It will help them to connect with the information more quickly and to make sense of it, and remember it, more easily than when viewing large numbers of slides full of words alone.

For those who need to deliver presentations to camera, the Chamber are also able to provide Media Skills training to harness valuable skills, necessary to present effectively to camera, seizing opportunities for TV & Radio News coverage, as well as internal or external Corporate Video Communications.

THE HEALTH AND SAFETY SERIES These courses are designed to take the headache out of Health and Safety and ensure that you are compliant.

Venue: Severn House, Prescott Drive, Worcester, WR4 9NE

COURSE INFORMATION 7 September - Fire Marshal Training 27 September - Emergency First Aid at Work 28 September - IOSH Working Safely 8 November - Health and Safety in the Workplace (CIEH Accredited Level 2 Award) 12 - 15 November - IOSH Managing Safely 20 - 23 November - IOSH Managing Safely 7 February 2013 - IOSH Working Safely 5 - 8 March 2013 - IOSH Managing Safely For more information contact Michelle Scott on 0845 6411641 or email training@hwchamber.co.uk

HR IN ACTION Provides immediate access to a number of local, quality-assured and experienced HR experts, offering practical solutions to meet the people issues in your business. Call 0845 641 1641 for more information.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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Events LAST CHANCE TO BUY TICKETS FOR THE CHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS 2012 Chamber Business Awards 2012 in association with Worcester, Bosch Group, will culminate in a glittering awards finale taking place at Three Counties Centre showground, Malvern on Thursday 20 September. The evening will begin with a champagne reception and will move through to a sumptuous three course dinner and the Awards Ceremony.

An array of entertainment will accompany the evening.

Students from The Royal Grammar School will be showcasing their talent in a creative fashion show followed by a performance from singing sensation, Jack Cashion. Aerial silk dancer Eléna Marina will be presenting a stunningly intricate display throughout the evening as well as dance troop ‘Dance in Motion’ The Chamber Business Awards 2012 looks set to be another fantastic evening; this is an event not to be missed. Book now at www.hwchamber.co.uk/ chamberbusinessawards or contact the Events Team on 0845 641 1641, events@hwchamber.co.uk

HILLS FORD & HILLS CONTRACTS BREAKFAST MEETING

SKY’S THE LIMIT FOR CHARITY ‘BOND NIGHT’ Date: Thursday 25 October 2012 Venue: Odeon Cinema, Foregate Street, Worcester, WR1 1DX

CHAMBER GOLF DAY Date: Wednesday 26 September 2012

Price: £45.00 inc VAT

Time: 8am – late afternoon

The Prince’s Trust, in association with Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce and Worcester’s Odeon cinema, will host a charity film premiere of the new James Bond film ‘Skyfall’ on Thursday 25 October.

Venue: Bank House Hotel & Golf Club, Bransford Road, Bransford, Worcester, WR6 5JD

The black-tie event, celebrating the 50th anniversary of James Bond films, will be held at the Foregate Street cinema, to raise money for the Prince’s Trust and the Severn Valley Railway.

The evening will include a champagne and canapés reception with red carpet surprises for guests to enjoy. Businesses interested in attending the premiere of Daniel Craig’s latest Bond film can call The Events Team on 0845 641 1641 or email events@hwchamber.co.uk

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Prices: £190 inc VAT teams (4 players), £60 inc VAT Individuals The Chamber golf day is returning, taking place on Wednesday 26 September at The Bank House Hotel and Golf Club. Bacon butties and refreshments will be served on arrival and the day will begin with a putting competition before proceeding with a shot gun start at 9am. Throughout the day there will be nearest the pin and longest drive competitions, as well as use of the driving range and pro tips before a buffet lunch and prize giving at 2.30pm. Plenty of excellent opportunities for networking.

Be sure to Putt this in your diary!

To book email events@hwchamber.co.uk or call the Event Team on 0845 641 1641

Hills Ford & Hills contracts will be hosting a breakfast meeting on Friday 21 September at their refurbished car showroom along Worcester Road in Kidderminster. The breakfast meeting will not only give you a chance to view all the latest vehicles in the Ford range but you’ll also get to meet Paralympic swimmer, Claire Cashmore.

Claire competed in various swimming events at the 2012 Paralympics in London, where Hills Ford, who have supported Claire over the last 12 months, were cheering her on. Claire will be sharing her Paralympics experience, discussing how she became involved in the sport, the vigorous training regimes and her time at the games and other competitions that she has competed in.

This is one breakfast meeting not to be missed and we hope you can join us on Friday 21 September at Hills Ford, Worcester Road, Kidderminster, DY10 1JB. To book your place book online at www.hwchamber.co.uk or email events@hwchamber.co.uk

September/October 2012

31/8/12 11:31:40

HR FORUM (WORCESTER) IN ASSOCIATION WITH HEWETT RECRUITMENT Date: Thursday 4 October 2012 Time: 11.30am - 2.00pm Venue: Worcestershire County Cricket Club, Graeme Hick Pavilion, New Road, Worcester, WR2 4QQ. Cost: £27.00 (Inc VAT) for members, £36.00 (Inc VAT) for Non members HR Forums in association with Hewett Recruitment, offer HR professionals from businesses with 10+ employees the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and share knowledge and best practice on issues that face all HR departments. The speaker is Lisa Kemp, Solicitor from Stallard March & Edwards talking about Pension Auto-enrolment.

The Pensions Act 2008, which is due to come into effect in October 2012, will, for the first time place a legal duty on employers to enrol most employees into a pension scheme and contribute towards their retirement. When the act comes into effect, the changes will be phased in over three stages depending on the size of an organisation based on PAYE payroll data. Selected larger employers will be required to comply first, followed by small- and medium-sized organisations and, lastly, by the smallest employers.

With the workplace pensions law changing, every employer now has new legal duties to help their workers in the UK save for retirement.

We do hope you can join us on the 4 October, to reserve your place please contact the Chamber events team direct on: 0845 641 1641 or email: events@hwchamber.co.uk

START TO GROW FORUM – WEDNESDAY 26 SEPTEMBER As exciting and beneficial starting a new business may be, it can hold many challenges. Within the first few years of trading, implications such as finance, gaining customers and developing a solid foundation from which the business can grow can all provide a barrier.

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce’s Start to Grow Forum is an opportunity to gain practical and relevant information and advice from guest speakers and businesses in similar positions.

This month’s guest speaker will be Angelo Mastropietro. At just 23, Angelo set up a company specialising in IT recruitment during a market downturn in a foreign country. He will be sharing his journey and some of the initiatives that helped the company to win sales and grow. As well discussing how the company went on to be listed as one of Australia’s 100 fastest growing companies.

To book your place on this months Start to Grow Forum, visit www.hwchamber.co.uk

CAROL SERVICE 2012 In the sometimes forgotten true spirit of Christmas, English Mutual will host a carol service at Worcester Cathedral on the afternoon of the 17 December in association with leading local firms Harrison Clark, Hewett Recruitment, Firmingers and Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce. A number of other companies have also asked to be involved. Whilst at first glance this may not seem to be a particularly new idea, we are keen for as many businesses as possible, in the city and beyond, to close early on that day, bringing ALL staff members together to celebrate Christmas together – for no other reason than to give thanks for such a supportive and close knit business community. All year we strive for mutual, collective and individual success, with so much of that being achieved as a result of the work of those ‘behind the scenes’. This will be a great opportunity for everyone to close the year in an appropriately joyous fashion!

Further details will be available soon but should you wish to get involved please get in touch. laurenbillington@englishmutual.com

Networking Breakfast North Worcestershire (Redditch) Breakfast Wednesday 12 September 7.30am -9.30am The Abbey Hotel, Hither Green Lane, Redditch, Worcestershire, B98 9BE £18.00 inc VAT Members, £36.00 inc VAT Non-members

North Worcestershire (Kidderminster) Breakfast Friday 21 September 7.30am-9.30am Hills Ford, Worcester Road, Kidderminster, DY10 1JB FREE

Women’s Business Forum Tuesday 25 September 9.30am-12.00pm Gaudet Luce Golf & Leisure Complex, Middle Lane, Droitwich, WR9 7JR £21.00 inc VAT Members £42.00 inc VAT Non-members

Chamber Golf Day

Wednesday 26 September 8.00am – Late Afternoon Bank House Hotel & Golf Club, Bransford Road, Bransford, Worcester, WR6 5JD £190.00 inc VAT teams (4 players), £60.00 inc VAT (Individuals)

Hereford Breakfast

Wednesday 3 October, Wednesday 7 November 7.30am-9.30am Burghill Valley Golf Course, Tillington Road, Burghill, Hereford, HR4 7RW £18.00 inc VAT Members £36.00 inc VAT Non-members

Ladies That Latte / Men That Mocha Tuesday 9 October 9.30am-11.30am Dewsall Court, Callow, Hereford, HR2 8DA £12.00 inc VAT

Pershore and Evesham Breakfast

Thursday 11 October 7.30am-9.30am The Vale Golf Club, Hill Furze Road, Bishampton, Pershore, WR10 2LZ £18.00 inc VAT Members £36.00 inc VAT Non-members

North Worcestershire Lunch

Wednesday 17 October, Wednesday 21 November 12.00pm-2.00pm Holiday Inn Bromsgrove, Kidderminster Road, Bromsgrove, B61 9AB £21.00 inc VAT Members £36.00 inc VAT Non-members

North Worcestershire Breakfast

Tuesday 23 October 7.30am-9.30am St Andrews House Hotel, St Andrews Road, Droitwich, WR9 8AL £18.00 inc VAT Members £36.00 inc VAT Non-members

www.englishmutual.co.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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Business News

HOW ATTRACTIVE ARE YOU? The recruitment market has changed dramatically over the last 15 years.. The world is a much ‘smaller place’, more connected 24/7 and the up and coming generation have different expectations and demands compared to the ‘old school’ Values that matter, are gearing around culture, work environment, ethics and development opportunities. The days of simply posting a vacancy on a job board and waiting for the perfect, talented person to apply are over. The tranche of applications rarely delivers the quality applicants anticipated, and the time wasted in the process can be exasperating for the hirer.

Attracting good people has become a science in itself, requiring a multi faceted approach . One thing that all employers can do regardless of their chosen method of recruitment, is to look carefully at why that

talented individual should consider working for their organisation.

Employer branding is nothing new, but with an infinite audience at just one click,our reputation as a great place to work is key.

Exploring the reasons why people love to work for us …..or not is a good place to start, does our perception match the reality and where are the gaps?

Employer branding is not just a quick fix, it is to do with our whole organisational culture and has to be nurtured over time and needs ‘buy in’ from the top down. Having the right people in place is vital for the future success of any business and employer branding integrated within the overall marketing and communication strategy and fitting neatly alongside the corporate brand can give measurable results in terms of turnover/retention and flow of quality candidates. It’s a big subject, but results can show on the bottom line.

For more information contact

louise@hewett-recruitment.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT ON BENEFITS WORKING FOR AN SME As the media spotlight continues to shine on director’s pay, bonus payments to bankers, ongoing salary freezes within the public sector and private sector pay rises hitting 3%, what does this actually mean for local employers?

Unsurprisingly with the downturn in the economic climate and competition for business being strong, most employers can not afford to give pay rises that match the increase in the cost of living.

Latest CIPD research shows that employees have cut back on their spending to make ends meet, and generally employees are reporting that they feel less valued, less proud of their employer and less motivated to perform well.

So what can you do at this time to keep your employees engaged whilst freezing or minimising pay increases?

Business owners need to put much more effort into engaging with their employees explaining the business realities facing them and communicate the behaviour, skills, experiences and performances which are valued by the company.

It is also important to communicate the value of the total reward package, not just pay and bonuses, including the cash equivalent of other benefits such as annual leave, flexible working, pensions, and sick pay. www.harrison-clark.co.uk

Louise Hewett, Managing Director of Hewett Recruitment

HIGHLIGHTING THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY TO THE ECONOMY. BPF’s Rotational Moulding Group member JSC Rotational Ltd met with local MP, Karen Lumley, Conservative Member for Redditch, as part of the BPF’s campaign to promote the strategic future of the UK plastics industry. Karen was joined on the day

by Directors Karen and Mark Drinkwater and BPF Executive Jonathan Bloom.

During the meeting Karen Drinkwater, who is also the Rotational Moulding Group Chair, made it very clear that UK Government needs to do more to encourage school leavers into apprenticeship schemes. Karen stated ‘there needs to be a cultural change and a push from UK government to encourage people to work within the manufacturing industry.’

Karen Lumley MP is a keen advocate for local business.

She claimed that SMEs and local businesses were pivotal for regional and national economic growth.

Karen Lumley, in her role as Member of Parliament has set up a Local Business Council Group that meet once a month to update her on issues affecting local businesses, Karen has invited JSC Rotational Ltd to become members and attend the monthly meetings. www.jscrotational.co.uk www.bpf.co.uk

CHAMBER ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE Excellent preferential rates for company owned / leased vehicles on roadside assistance from the AA. Discounts of up to 61% are available. Call 0845 641 1641 for more information.

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LEP News

INNOVATIVE ENTERPRISE ZONE BRINGS NEW INVESTMENT AND JOBS TO LOCAL AREA Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has praised the innovation and ‘can-do’ attitude of Hereford Enterprise Zone for teaming up with global aerospace companies to create local jobs and stimulate growth.

Hereford Enterprise Zone has been promoting the strengths of the local area as a hotspot for high tech businesses investment, which includes immediate tax breaks for companies.

After seeing the huge benefits available, two global Aerospace companies, Tbilisi Aerospace Manufacturing based in Georgia and MARKET-MATS from the Ukraine, recently announced ambitious plans to locate in the area.

The two companies plan to create at least 500 hi-tech jobs each at two advanced manufacturing campuses. As planned, each campus will have its own

apprenticeship training school with at least 10 per cent of the workforce coming through the schools at any one time.

The move signals a major step forward in development of the Hereford Enterprise Zone with the potential to create hundreds of new jobs, bring wider benefits to the local area and mark out Herefordshire and Britain as a great choice for businesses across the globe.

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said: “This agreement shows that our low tax, light-touch regulation Enterprise Zones and Herefordshire’s ‘can do’ ambitions are a great combination that business are eager to take advantage of - Tbilisi Aerospace Manufacturing and Market-Mats will bring new jobs to the area and energise the local economy.”

Ihor Krol from Market Mats with Ray Stone a representative from Hereford Enterprise Zone and Eric Pickles

MINISTER BACKS WORCESTERSHIRE JOBS HOPE Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership Chairman Peter Pawsey has hailed another ‘leap forward’ for a massive brownfield development project which could create more than 5,000 badly needed jobs His comments came as Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles gave the proposed South Kidderminster Enterprise Park his full support.

Mr Pawsey said: “We are pleased that the Secretary of State is very much behind our ambitions for this enormously important site. Our central objective is to create the right environment to encourage investment from new and existing businesses. We believe Worcestershire has great untapped potential for economic growth and Kidderminster has a vital role to play in achieving this vision.”

Mr Pickles met regional business leaders, local school children, representatives of Worcestershire LEP and

Greater Birmingham & Solihull LEP and members of Wyre Forest District Council.

He watched as a long reach demolition machine took the first step to flattening silos at the former British Sugar site on Stourport Road. He was also presented with a copy of the Local Development Order for the Enterprise Park.

Mr Pickles commented: “This is a wonderful example of how a coming together of agencies can meet the needs of a local economy. “You have something to be proud of here. This is a very important part of the renaissance of Kidderminster. It will be a catalyst for change from the dependency on carpet manufacture.”

Eric Pickles, John Compton, Head of Wyre District

TRANSLATION SERVICES

The Chamber of Commerce offers a fast and skilful translation service to promote your business abroad, both face-to-face and written communications. Chamber members receive a discount on this service. Visit www.hwchamber.co.uk/translation-and-interpretation-service.aspx Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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FEATURE

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MALCOLM SCOTT CONSULTANTS’ CLIENTS BENEFITING FROM THE PRESUMPTION IN FAVOUR OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Malcolm Scott Consultants’ clients are benefitting from the Government’s policy that there should be a presumption in favour of sustainable development. The policy is enshrined in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which was published in March 2012, but it is only now that the effects are beginning to be seen.

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‘Sustainable’ is a wide ranging term. It can mean many different things to different people, and ‘sustainable development’ is no different. The Government has rejected providing a statutory definition for ‘sustainable development’; therefore it is likely there will be many instances where the sustainability of a project will be heavily scrutinised.

A number of the practice’s projects have been able to make use of the simpler guidance in the NPPF and in particular the presumption in favour of sustainable development. Whilst sustainable development is not a new concept in the planning system, Malcolm Scott Consultants have worked with clients to produce well thought through proposals in order local planning authorities can readily see a scheme is clearly sustainable: economically, socially and environmentally.

The presumption in favour of sustainable development has not led to a free for all, yet, as some predicted, but the 12 month window for local planning authorities to prepare their Development Plans (ending March 2013) will soon be upon us, at which point the policy in favour of sustainable development is likely to have even greater weight.

Malcolm Scott Consultants have recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, and now operates in the Waste, Residential, Retail, Industrial, Horticultural, and Heritage sectors amongst others. The firm has 7 professional staff, plus administrative support, and are looking forward to continuing to help clients make best use of Planning Policy.

Paul Barton is a Senior Planner at Malcolm Scott Consultants.

For further information, please contact Paul Barton at: Malcolm Scott Consultants Ltd, Grove House, 1 Loves Grove, Worcester, WR1 3BU T: 01905 726353 F: 01905 611221 E: paulb@malcolmscottcons.co.uk

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Policy

MASSIVE INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT IS WHAT IS NEEDED BCC TELLS WM BUSINESSES

DOES BIRMINGHAM AIRPORT AFFECT YOUR BUSINESS? Birmingham Airport provides vital connectivity for Worcestershire businesses to a range of markets overseas. Business travellers account for around 20% of the passengers using the airport.

Work is underway on the construction of a 400 metre runway extension that will ensure that emerging markets of the Far East will be fully accessible by direct, non-stop flights within two years, further enhancing regional competitiveness.

Pictured are Mike Ashton, Chair of the West Midlands Chambers of Commerce; John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce and John Morris, Head of Government and Industry Affairs at Birmingham Airport

“What is needed in the UK is a massive infrastructure development programme.” John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce told businesses at the first ever meeting of the West Midlands Chambers of Commerce and businesses He said he would be writing to the Chancellor to provide a long list of projects and how to finance them and called on businesses to add to the list.

He said: “The UK’s deficit reduction programme has not achieved growth and Whitehall stopped planning for infrastructure some 15 years ago so the UK’s infrastructure is not good compared to Europe. Good infrastructure in the long term will create confidence and in the short term, encourage businesses to have confidence to invest.

“It can be privately financed. We could have an infrastructure investment bank or a bank that pulls in pension funds. And we need to create a fund that locks the politicians into spending.

“It will not be dependent on trade and will be insulated from the Eurozone problems.

“Interest rates have never been so low, since the 1600s, so it would make good sense to develop some of that infrastructure now. By infrastructure I mean, road, rail, seaport, airport, energy, planning and skills. However, businesses can’t do this alone and the Government has to organise, plan and get the permissions. Some projects have already been brought forward but it is not enough.

“Businesses have already provided us with an infrastructure list and we will be asking again, through the Chambers of Commerce about what businesses want, in particular for road schemes.

To input to the list contact Gary Woodman, Head of Policy and Education on policy@hwchamber.co.uk

Against this background, the Government has recently published a Draft Aviation Policy Framework and will follow this, later this year, by issuing an open Call for Evidence inviting stakeholders to submit specific, evidence-based proposals for consideration in identifying the medium and long-term steps needed to meet its economic and environmental objectives for aviation.

Birmingham Airport will of course be responding fully and among its key contentions will be to argue for an end to aviation policies that confuse the needs of the south east with those of the UK as a whole. Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce will be pressing for unused capacity at regional airports, including Birmingham, to be fully utilised so that regional economies can benefit from better connectivity.

To help shape the Chamber’s response to Government, they are asking for Worcestershire businesses to complete a survey to better understand the travel habits and needs of business people in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. To complete the survey visit www.hwchamber.co.uk

Case studies of how better connectivity can benefit businesses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire and the voices of business people in the region who are prepared to speak up on the connectivity debate can help us build a more powerful case for the regions to put to Government.

DATA FOR MARKETING

Preferential rates for Chamber members to purchase data for marketing with BlueSheep and Marketingfile. Call 0845 641 1641 Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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FEATURE

MOORLANDS STUDIOS We are a commercial advertising photographic studio with the largest studio space in the midlands.

This enables us to shoot anything from an individual product to a large room set.

TOP 5 SEO TIPS Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is crucial in order to start earning and driving visitors to your website. Everyday we work with clients to improve their website visibility within Search Engines.

Our business is tailored to the client needs and we have a team that together can build and create any room to suit any product and prop to their taste alternatively we take delivery of individual components for specific brochures or catalogues.

our ToP seo TiPs 1. conTenT is Key Your content should be original, well written, useful and informative to provide value and interest to your visitors.

2. engage your cusTomers With the growth of social media, it’s vital for business to engage customers.

Encourage sharing of information, offers, posts, comments, follows, tweets and recommendations.

Hindlip Lane, Claines Worcester WR3 8SA T: 01905 340100 E: kevin@moorstudios.co.uk www.moorstudios.co.uk

3. eXceLLenT WebsiTe usabiLiTy For the benefit of both visitors and Search Engines, ensure your site is easy to navigate and more importantly that the goal of each page is easily understood.

4. seeK ouT reLeVanT inbound LinKs Search Engines view sites with good inbound links from relevant websites to be of greater authority within their industry, giving them a higher position in search results.

5. giVe iT Time SEO constantly develops to react to market and search changes. Give it time for changes to be reflected.

If you’re looking to boost the visibility of your website across Search Engines Ventutec can help, from reports on your current performance to full SEO management and optimisation.

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Education

BUDDING ENTREPRENEURS RECEIVE ADVICE FROM LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS More than 70 Year 10, 11 and 12 students from Pershore High School, Prince Henry’s High School and Evesham High School have been lucky enough to receive business advice from some of Worcestershire’s leading entrepreneurs and business owners The session, which took place at Pershore High School in July, formed part of the LEADER project - Connecting Education with Business. Delivered through Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, it aims to develop innovative ways to develop and enhance the skills of younger members of rural communities to enable them to contribute more effectively to the local economy.

Marketing a New Business - delivered by Ben Barnes, NinetyFive Creative.

Entrepreneurs - delivered by Miranda Ballard, Muddy Boots Real Foods Ltd, and Neil Westwood, Magic Whiteboard Ltd. Miranda and Neil gave an outline of their respective companies and their personal experience of setting up a business.

Finance - delivered by Diane Sheldon, Lloyds TSB. Diane encouraged the students to look into the practicalities of setting up a business, including hints and tips for writing a business plan.

Mike Ashton, Chief Executive of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce opened the event. He stressed the importance of young people in business, and their potential to take the UK economy forward as the next generation of ‘UK Ltd’.

From Top : Diane Sheldon, Miranda Ballard and Neil Westwood all share their expertise.

Marketing a New Business workshop. This lively and interactive session guided the students through the marketing planning process, encouraging them to create their very own marketing plan during the workshop.

Ben Barnes, Creative Director, NinetyFive Creative, discussing marketing options for students at the event.

The focus of the day was Starting up a Business, and students enjoyed three 50 minute workshops delivered by local business professionals. The workshops were:

Ben Barnes, Creative Director from Worcester Based Marketing Agency NinetyFive Creative, led the

Following the session, Ben said: “It just goes to show that young business talent is out there. Young people do want to learn, and interactive events like these provide them with structured real life examples, practical advice, and most importantly the inspiration they need to turn their business ideas into reality.”

CHAMBER HR WEBSITE AND ADVICE LINE Trained HR Professionals are on hand 24 hours a day to offer advice on employment issues via the telephone or dedicated website. Call 0845 641 1641 for more information.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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the BUSINESS unit

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Increase the efficiency of your business...

We are committed to enhancing business prosperity by delivering training solutions for businesses that are cost effective and delivered flexibly to meet your needs. We provide training, qualifications and services helping you to develop your staff, business and in turn, increase revenue. Business Training can be delivered at a time and location of your choice, courses include: - First Aid - Health and Safety

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We can hire an apprentice on your behalf, advise you on the latest schemes/funding available and help your staff gain a nationally recognised qualification in your industry.

High quality learning is strongly linked with worker productivity and is a crucial factor in enhancing international competitiveness and creating the right climate for strong and sustained economic growth.

Research has confirmed that a 5% increase in the proportion of workers training in an industry results typically in a 4% increase in value added per learner. We can bring the training to you, we can be flexible in the way that we deliver the training and the funded initiatives are designed to be delivered in the workplace causing minimum disruption to working patterns.

01562 826501 bdu@kidderminster.ac.uk

Kidderminster College, Market Street, Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY10 1AB

the BUSINESS unit BD09.indd 50

31/8/12 11:32:16

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WOULD YOUR BUSINESS PASS AN EMPLOYMENT LAW HEALTH CHECK? Business owners will probably admit that reviewing employment policies and procedures is quite far down their list of priorities during this period of economic uncertainty. Focus is understandably on maintaining stability and winning new work but in these times, well drafted contractual documentation can provide the employer with many more options and power.

So, to determine whether your existing policies and procedures can protect and shape your business, ask yourselves the following questions: Do you have up to date contracts of employment and are they really suitable for the type of employee or worker?

It is a legal requirement that you issue written particulars or terms of employment after 8 weeks of employment. Not having a contract of employment could result in Employment Tribunal claims and is generally seen as very bad practice.

Not only should you have a contract but it should be well drafted, regularly updated and suitable for the type of employee or worker.

If you get it right, your business will be able to make changes in staffing, structure and working practices more smoothly and without the risk of Employment Tribunal claims.

Do you have an up to date employee handbook?

It is good practice to have a printed or online manual available to all employees containing information about the firm’s policies and procedures. It promotes a clear understanding between employer and employee and reduces the possibility of a dispute at a later date.

Employment policies and procedures and contracts of employment should be reviewed every 12 months to ensure they take into account new legislation or changes within the business.

Are your managers fully trained on employment law and on how to best protect your business when dealing with equality issues, absence management, performance, disciplinary and grievance proceedings?

HR can provide advice but often it is managers who have to implement the decisions and carry out difficult and sensitive procedures. With this in mind, it is essential that managers have a basic understanding of employment law and be fully acquainted with the company’s procedures. Even if procedures are up to date and communicated effectively, failure to follow them properly could result in a breakdown in relationships and even tribunal claims.

The time it takes to update your policies and procedures, and put some training in place, is negligible compared to the time a protracted employment dispute would take up. Advice from your employment lawyer is a sensible investment if it improves efficiency and later prevents loss of a valuable staff member or having to pay out damages from an avoidable tribunal.

Helen Moore QualitySolicitors Gordon Lutton h.moore@gordonlutton.co.uk 01432 355 345 Experienced employment lawyer Helen Moore joined QualitySolicitors Gordon Lutton in July as a consultant solicitor to head up the firm’s employment practice.

Helen has more than 10 years experience in representing both employers and employees and has handled a number of high profile cases.

QualitySolicitors Gordon Lutton offer a free audit of employment documents and employment law workshops for SMEs. If you would like more information please contact Helen Moore.

QualitySolicitors Gordon Lutton

BD09.indd 52

01432 355345 qualitysolicitors.com/gordonlutton

31/8/12 11:32:17

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Magnetic Field UK Ltd 01905 676 777

www.reenu.co.uk

www.magnetic-field.co.uk

KIDDERMINSTER

Business Leads UK Ltd 01527 64336

J M Hoskins 07786 447041 D&D Network Services Ltd 0845 299 7828

Genvolt 01746 862555

www.genvolt.co.uk

BROADWAY Tudor House Broadway Trust

BROMSGROVE www.aspen-accounting.co.uk

www.dtsbromsgrove.com

www.avoncroft.org.uk

BROMYARD Polytec Car Styling Bromyard Limited 01885 483000 www.polytec-group.com

CRADLEY Cashbackpoint Ltd 01905 888777

www.cashbackpoint.com

CROWLE Bewley Public Relations 01905 381080 www.bewleypr.co.uk

DROITWICH St Andrews Town Hotel 01905 779677

www.st-andrewshotel.com

LBB Remote PA Services 07861 741013

www.lbbremotepaservices.co.uk

www.swainstontraining.co.uk

www.leisureleagues.net

www.dewsall.com

www.c2ukltd.com

www.stevehancox.com

Mak Services (2007) Ltd 0844 6929992

www.flexnetuk.com

www.business-leads-uk.co.uk

www.makservicesltd.co.uk

ROSS ON WYE

Sessions Meat Supplies Ltd 01562 755755

Stirling Business Partners Ltd 07860 540 550/ 07545 207 421

www.sessionsofworcestershire.co.uk

LGM Limited 01562 823700

www.lgm-ltd.co.uk

The New Academy At Kidderminster 0845 1550101

www.kidderminster2012.co.uk

Midweigh 01562 748276

www.midweigh.co.uk

LEOMINSTER Leominster Auctions Ltd (Leo Auctions) 01568 610330 www.leoauctions.com

www.stirlingbusinesspartners.co.uk

WBML ePublishing & Media Ltd 07580 972378 www.wbmlpublishing.com

Herefordshire Training Services 01989 560619

www.herefordshiretrainingservices.co.uk

MSC Associates 07003 496500 Jack Roe (CS) Ltd 01989 567474

www.jack-roe.co.uk

STOURPORT-ON-SEVERN

EVESHAM

Deep Secure Ltd 01684 217070

WORCESTER

www.wwasurveyors.com

Inline Engineering Ltd 01684 563369

www.inline-engineering.co.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

BD09.indd 53

HIT Training 07432 673403

www.hittraining.co.uk

Nemesis GB Ltd 01905 720 170 www.nemesisgb.com

OUT OF AREA Brand Motor 07753 683337

www.brandmotor.co.uk

Growth Accelerator 01684 891566

www.wba.co.uk

Three Counties Equine Hospital LLP 01684 592099

www.deep-secure.com

www.ateammedia.co.uk

TEWKESBURY

www.ogl.co.uk

www.spatelecoms.com

Chris Harrison (Ward Williams Associates) 07973 709 231

A Team Media Ltd 01905 28071

www.growthaccelerator.com

MALVERN

www.droitwichcvs.org.uk

www.dandd.org.uk

OGL Computer Ltd 01299 873873

Droitwich Spa and Rural CVS 01905 779115

Spa Telecoms 08435 6000 40

www.lowes-solicitors.co.uk

Patron West Bromwich Albion 0871 271 9871

www.tceh.co.uk

Rigidal Systems Limited 01905 750500 www.rigidal.co.uk

053

31/8/12 11:32:18

ADVERTORIAL

WESTLANDS TOYOTA, THE SMART CHOICE FOR FLEET MANAGERS As a fleet manager or company car driver, we understand that you have a wide range of requirements and pressures when it comes to fleet.

To help you get the results you need, Westlands Toyota have developed a combination of class leading products and services that can be personalised to support you and your business.

There’s a lot to think about when choosing the right vehicles for your business. What vehicles will help your people do their jobs better? And what about other considerations such as whole-life and running costs, tax implications, servicing, repairs, financing and after sales care? That’s where Westlands Toyota can help.

With a superior range, advanced technologies and long-term funding solutions our dedicated Fleet and business team can help with every aspect of running your fleet or business vehicles.

The combined strength of the experience of the Westlands Motor Group and Toyota is a recipe for providing high quality and excellence in customer service and we have made it our strategic priority

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Cost of Ownership, are also proud to have earned the Most Improved Fleet Manufacturer Award at the Fleet World. This is testament to the work they have put into listening to the industry, addressing your requirements and delivering on their vision of becoming the best automotive brand to deal with.

to apply these strengths to the fleet market. We are working with our customers to establish the foundations for long-term mutual success and to demonstrate that we have the ability to deliver a first class fleet proposition for years to come.

Toyota having achieved first position in most of the categories of the 2011 Sewells Fleet Operator Attitude Survey, the most prominent of which was for Total

With the extensive Toyota range having one the lowest CO2 emissions of any manufacturer without compromising on size or specification, and with the largest range of Hybrid vehicles attracting just 10% BiK Tax, it’s clear to see why so many companies are choosing Westlands Toyota to cater for their business needs.

If you would like a review of your current vehicle policy, covering cost of ownership, taxation, reliability and rentals please do hesitate to contact Linda Bates on 01527 836511 or via email linda.bates@westlands.toyota.co.uk or visit www.westlands.toyota.co.uk

0RG XVH EHW RƩ H September/October 2012

31/8/12 14:38:06

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- 10% BIK

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- Toyota Touch PlusTM Multimedia navigation

- total fuel economy at 70.6mpg - ÂŁ0 road tax Westlands Bromsgrove Westlands Worcester Westlands Hereford Westlands Stourbridge

- Electrocromatic rear-view mirror 24 Buntsford Drive, Bromsgrove Tel: 01527 836 511 Main Road, Hallow, Worcester Tel: 01905 642200 Ross Road, Portway Callow, Hereford Tel: 01432 379 085 Brettell Lane, Amblecote, Stourbridge Tel: 01384 393 047

Initial rental

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BiK per month 20% / 40%

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westlands.toyota.co.uk

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BD09.indd 55

31/8/12 11:32:33

Business News PTH JOINS BHSF BHSF Group Limited and PTH Group Limited have recently agreed an arrangement by which PTH will join a new division of BHSF Group to be called BHSF Occupational Health Limited.

PTH, a Midlands-based occupational health company, was formed in 2002 but traces its origins back to 1993 when it was based around an NHS Occupational Health Department, becoming a partnership trading as Performance Through Health. Today PTH has grown to become a key provider of occupational health services to clients in the Midlands, Wales and the South, with a strategy to expand elsewhere in the UK. BHSF can trace its roots back to the formation of the Birmingham Hospital Saturday Fund in 1873. The Group has two health insurance subsidiaries and two insurance brokerages which also offer a range of personal insurances, employee benefits and HR support products to the Group’s 3,000 client organisations.

400,000 people are covered under its health and personal accident insurances. www.pthgroup.co.uk

DO YOU REALLY KNOW YOUR EMPLOYEES? As an employer, what checks do you instigate during the recruitment process?

Do you screen your employees regularly during their employment to ensure they continue to reflect the values and integrity of your business?

These are questions that Chamber Patron and marketing communications agency Nexus Creative, were asked when they began working with GMS Screening and Vetting Ltd. The GMS Group provide a wide range of services including Security and Property Support but their screening and vetting service proves a key service for any employer.

“People are not always truthful when applying for jobs and all too many employers neglect to do a detailed background check, putting their businesses at risk,” comments Neil Male GMS Group Executive Director.

“Checking if a potential employee has a criminal record, has credit issues, the right to work or even a driving license is just common sense and should be done automatically, but you would be surprised how many companies fail to do this. But it shouldn’t stop there; employees should also be checked annually to make sure they continue to adhere to the conditions of their employment.”

At GMS Screening and Vetting, discretion is guaranteed so employees will not be made aware of the search with results only provided to the designated personnel. www.nexuscl.com

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SOUTHERN SOLAR ACHEIVE SILVER STATUS WITH GREEN ACHieVER SCHEME Southern Solar’s Hereford branch has recently achieved ‘Silver’ status with the Green Achiever Scheme. Southern Solar design solar solutions in order to provide a positive solution for energy use, pollution, fossil fuels and climate change In their day to day routines, the company try to think about reducing energy use, working sustainably and using products which are kind to the environment.

For a company like Southern Solar the main stumbling block is waste disposal. They must ensure that all of their waste is disposed of through licensed channels.

Another big impact comes through their fleet of vehicles. Southern Solar have opted for hybrid vehicles where possible alongside efficient, low emission diesel cars. They encourage ‘eco’ driving which has been shown to reduce motoring costs, and therefore emissions, by 10%.

Their next objective is to achieve ‘Gold’. They are proud of their environmental performance so far but want to show that they are serious about their green credentials through a continuing commitment to reduce their impacts further. www.southernsolar.co.uk

NASMA APPLICATION DRIVES FORWARD STUDENT FINANCIAL ADVICE NASMA (the National Association of Student Money Advisers) is this week launching a brand new, cross platform application in Apple, Blackberry and Android versions.

The app, which has been designed and developed

by Modus Creative in Worcester, and made possible through funding from the Big Lottery Fund Awards for All scheme, has two distinct sections for students and NASMA members. The main section of the application provides students with a calendar of key dates, a budget calculator, top tip videos, alongside a range of really useful information about current and future student funding. The member section provides up to date, relevant information for those working in universities, colleges and students’ unions as student money advisers, and bursary, hardship or fund managers.

Five Minutes with Paul Alekna of eResponse Recruitment What does your company do? eResponse provide flexible temporary staffing and Online vacancy management solutions to businesses across Worcestershire.

In what sectors are your clients?

We have 3 specialist divisions that operate across Industry & Commerce these include Office Appointments, Engineering & Technical and Industrial & Shop floor services. Each department boasts a service team full of talent that has come from the industry it serves ensuring we have a thorough understanding of the roles we fulfil.

What advice would you give firms about recruitment?

In many cases businesses looking to hire right now need to invest more time upfront understanding comparable rates of pay and benefits available to their target candidates elsewhere.

In demand people know their worth. Dress your business and the opportunities well and ensure you have slick recruitment processes that keep applicants captivated and informed at all times including those you decide against hiring right now; they could be perfect with a few more Year’s experience!

The Best Thing about Working at eResponse We have a long standing and very experienced team working across Redditch and Worcester branches and everyone involved in the business.

There is a very big sense of pride that runs across the team that spills over to a can do attitude for our temporary workers, candidates and long standing clients.

And the Worst Long hours can sometimes take their toll with many consultants hosting regular open evenings.

Fortunately we have great coffee, plenty of cake and a regular massage from Kathy at Massage2U! Paul Alekna is the co-founder and Managing Director of eResponse Recruitment; founded in 2003 we place several thousand people out to work across the Worcestershire County every year. www.e-responserecruitment.co.uk

www.moduscreative.co.uk

September/October 2012

31/8/12 11:32:33

Movers and Shakers

GAVIN FREEMAN CROWTHER BEARD DAVE HAMPTON, FIRST SOLUTION TECHNOLOGIES First Solution Technologies has announced the promotion of Dave Hampton to the role of Support Desk Engineer.

Dave, who has been with the IT solutions company since 2009, joined on a two year apprenticeship, also studying National Diploma for IT Practitioners & level 3 NVQ. Dave joined the First Solution Technologies’ team full time as a Junior Support Engineer, prior to this promotion.

Dave is responsible for all aspects of Support Desk delivery to customers, providing first line support to users for a wide range of network issues and situations.

Adding to recent appointments and continuing to develop its dynamic team of managers and partners, Crowther Beard LLP has recently appointed auditing specialist Gavin Freeman.

Gavin says: “My experience is mainly in the area of auditing. I have a particular interest in dealing with small and medium sized limited companies. I like to work closely alongside clients, getting to understand their businesses and adding value and profitability to them whenever possible. The Crowther Beard Executive Network is a new initiative from the company, which supports its clients in achieving their goals.”

PAUL NICHOLLS, DRPGROUP The drpgroup have expanded their growing sales and marketing team with the appointment of Paul Nicholls as Business Development Director.

Paul has over 23 years experience in the industry and have a vast amount of in-depth knowledge of client management, sales and development process which will help to bolster the group’s already impressive credentials in this area. www.drpgroup.com

www.crowtherbeard.com

www.firstsolution.co.uk

SIMON GRAVESTOCK DIP. PFS, JAN SULLIVAN DIP. PFS, CAIFS, ENGLISH MUTUAL English Mutual has recruited two Financial Planners to assist in the development of private clients in Worcester and Cheltenham. Simon Gravestock will be predominantly advising in relation to investments, pensions, and estate planning and tax mitigation. Whilst, Jan is a specialist in advising of high net worth clients especially following a relationship separation.

Atman Strategy Ltd, Worcester based training and consultancy firm has recruited two new team members. Strategic Relationship Manager, Stuart Crisp and Marketing Manager, Charlotte Wearden.

Stuart will be supporting clients to help them maximise the opportunities that are open to them from tendering. He is extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of tendering and strategic growth and will prove to be a great first line of support to businesses looking to grow their sales. Charlotte, also joins Atman after a successful internship, and is working to promote and establish the company’s brand nationally and internationally, whilst undertaking a Masters in Marketing Management. www.JoinedUpStrategy.com

STUART PARSONS, BORWELL LTD

JON KNIBBS, ENGLISH MUTUAL

ALAN TOWNSHEND, SANCTUARY GROUP

Jon Knibbs has joined English Mutual as a key employee building professional connections with accountants and solicitors across the company’s national footprint. He also works closely alongside both the Financial Planners and Employee Benefits team building key client relationships and assisting with the Corporate Engagement programme.

Sanctuary Group has appointed Alan Townshend to the position of Director of Sanctuary Supported Living. Alan brings a wealth of experience from a range of commercial, housing and public sector organisations and has a significant track record in driving service improvement, developing businesses and improving financial performance.

www.englishmutual.com

www.sanctuary-group.co.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

BD09.indd 57

STUART CRISP AND CHARLOTTE WEARDEN, ATMAN STRATEGY LTD.

Stuart has joined borwell with a particular expertise in the Security Sector having served in the RAF for 3 years as an aircraft engineer on Chinooks and completing two operational tours of Afghanistan.

On his appointment, Stuart said: “I chose to join borwell as it is a company that is growing quite rapidly.

I am looking forward to spending time at borwell to help push the company forward and develop myself professionally.” www.borwell.com

TOM MASON AND HANNAH ISHERWOOD, SUPERDREAM Two local students have been given a fantastic opportunity to kick-start their careers after securing year-long apprenticeships at Worcestershire based creative agency, Superdream.

Superdream has long been contributing to the learning of local youngsters – NEW College students Tom Mason and Hannah Isherwood join Superdream as Graphic Design and Business Administration apprentice respectively, alongside their studies at the college. www.superdream.co.uk

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31/8/12 11:32:43

Last Word

NEXT ISSUE… BUSINESS GROWTH The next edition of BD will focus on Business Growth so for the last word in this edition we are focusing a scheme supporting companies to grow.

GROWTHACCELERATOR: GROW YOUR BUSINESS If you’re an ambitious business you’re in a race for growth. You’re already good but you want to be bigger and even better. GrowthAccelerator is the new premier service that helps ambitious businesses achieve rapid, high and sustainable growth.

The aim is to help you double your business within three years. The advisors will help you seize new business opportunities, open doors to the right funding, match you with expert business coaches in your sector and area, and suggest ways to boost your innovation, your expansion, your products and your markets.

THE TEAM GrowthAccelerator is a new and unique partnership between four of the UK’s leading experts in business growth – Grant Thornton, Pera, Winning Pitch and Oxford Innovation and the Government’s Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

There is a team of over 120 Growth Managers and 900 Growth Coaches – an unrivalled network of business inspiration and commercial innovation. The individuals call on experience in every sector to provide relevant and practical help, uniquely tailored to your business needs.

WHAT YOU GET The experts and coaches will help you: n Appreciate your true potential for growth and set achievable goals n Identify and overcome the barriers holding you back n Attract investment by developing your funding proposition and introducing you to funders n Stimulate product development and commercialise your innovation n Energise your plans with one-to-one leadership and management advice n Meet the peers who’ve tackled the same barriers as you n Connect with business experts and networks to gain insight and build relationships So, it’s really is up to you. If you want to double your business within three years, bring inexpert help.

GrowthAccelerator is designed for you

GROWTHACCELERATOR CASE STUDY UK Flood Barriers are an example of one company that has used the GrowthAccelerator scheme.

Five years ago Chief Executive Frank Kelly spotted a gap in the market for providing sustainable, effective flood defence products, UK Flood Barriers, has achieved significant success, both in the UK and in the last 18 months worldwide with the creation of Global Flood Defence Systems, its international arm. A number is significant contracts including with Jewson Building Merchants and the Environment Agency has meant that they are now in a position to employ a number of local West Midlands’ companies to undertake the manufacture of its products, creating jobs and prosperity for the region. Globally, GFDS has broadened its reach with distribution partnerships secured in the last year in Thailand, Oman, Malaysia and the Benelux region.

The company attributes its success to the team’s commitment to working towards a strategic long term growth plan and being clear of the objectives and desired results.

Internally, the management team consistently measure against its high growth strategy, and collectively work towards the goal of becoming the leading provider of flood defence products globally. www.ukfloodbarriers.co.uk

For advice or assistance regarding any aspect of the service, please call Michelle Scott on 0845 641 1641 or email michelles@hwchamber.co.uk

Send your Human Resources stories to businessdirection@hwchamber.co.uk 058

BD09.indd 58

September/October 2012

31/8/12 11:32:43

ADVERTORIAL

ESTABLISHED FOR OVER 10 YEARS! Greenearth Energy has been established for over 10 years! We fitted our first solar hot water panel in Herefordshire in 2002, and installed our first wind turbine and biomass boiler in 2004.

Since then we have fitted over 5MWp of Solar Panels around Herefordshire, Wales and the South West.

From listed castles to village halls, churches to barns, we have installed more than 25,000 panels - enough to power 1000 houses! We believe this makes us the largest PV installer in Herefordshire and the surrounding counties - by a large margin!

At Greenearth Energy we look at the whole picture, working together with our customers to select and install the right renewable energy system for their

requirements. We supply and install Solar PV, Solar Hot Water, Biomass, Heat Pumps and Wind Turbines.

Our ‘whole house’ approach to renewable energy also includes rainwater harvesting, heat recovery and eco-electrics.

We work at the cutting edge of commercial and agricultural installations developing renewable energy packages that enable our customers businesses to effectively and efficiently manage their energy requirements. From site survey through to commissioning Greenearth Energy aim to make the process as smooth as possible providing support and advice with applications, surveys and incentives.

We are pleased to have provided energy systems for companies such as the Forestry Commission, National Trust and Countrywide Farmers amongst others.

As part of our 10th birthday celebrations this year, we are delighted to be sponsoring h.Energy Week in October. We look forward to seeing you there!

Our Bespoke Approach To Renewable Energy Solutions Domestic, commercial or agricultural, Greenearth Energy helps you to save money and the environment, working with you to select the most suitable energy solution for your needs. ● ●

Solar Photovoltaic Solar Hot Water

● Biomass - Wood Fuelled Heating Systems ● ● ●

Heat Pumps - Air / Ground / Water Wind Turbines

Rain Water Harvesting Systems

● Whole House Ventilation & Heat Recovery ● Low Energy Electrics & Underfloor Heating

SOLAR • WIND • BIOMASS

ENERGY FOR LIFE Greenearth Energy Limited, Unit 1a Westwood Industrial Estate, Pontrilas, Herefordshire HR2 0EL

TEL: 01981 241 399 | EMAIL: info@greenearthenergy.co.uk | www.greenearthenergy.co.uk Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

BD09.indd 59

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31/8/12 11:32:58

Business Training Solutions USP work very closely with us, supporting and motivating our staff whilst addressing all their individual learning needs. We will be working with NEW College for many years to come NEW College Employer Awards

Apprenticeships & NVQs

Delivering training across the West Midlands

Get in touch 01527 578869

info@uniqueskillspeople.co.uk www.uniqueskillspeople.co.uk BD ad.indd 60 1 BD09.indd

Business Administration Customer Service IT Users Team Leading Management Accounting (AAT) Hairdressing & Barbering Beauty Exercise & Sport Catering Childcare Mechanical Engineering

Motor Vehicle & Repair (Light Vehicle, Heavy Vehicle & Motorcycle) Carpentry Bricklaying Plastering

Part-time Courses Accounting (AAT) Management Marketing Mentoring Human Resources (CIPD) Health & Safety

17/08/2012 12:05 31/8/12 11:32:58