Chamberlink Dec 21 Jan 22 by Kemps Publishing

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The official publication of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

CHAMBER December 2021/January 2022 Free to Members £5.00 where sold

LINK

New president Deb ready to ‘shout about the region’ Full reports from the Chambers’ annual meeting – inside Picture: Marc Kirsten

• Get into the region’s special Christmas spirit • ABCC awards – wellbeing charity clinches top award • Happy landings! Flybe returns to Birmingham Airport

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Contents Chamberlink December 2021/January 2022 51

Business News 4

Editor’s View A commitment to diversity and inclusivity

Business News Round-up from the Chamber’s AGM 2021

12 President’s Focus Jason Challoner, Lichfield & Tamworth president 18 Where do you fancy? Sky By The Water 20 The Griffin Report Deb Leary, new Chamber president

Chamber Patrons 38 Zero emissions bus on display at COP26

1813 Club and Premier Members 40 The ageing population and property solutions

Chamber Group 42 International Trade: Building links with North America 45 ABCC: Addressing the issue of barriers to trade post-Brexit

16 46 Cannock Chase: Chamber hosts AGM

Sector Focus

47 Burton & District: Willshee’s wins waste contract

65 Business Travel: Cycleway gets the green light

48 Lichfield & Tamworth: Awards night set to return

69 Technology: How science can save the planet

66 Finance: ‘Tax grab’ predicted in 2022

49 Sutton Coldfield: BID secures renewal

70 Retail: Future proofing the retail sector

50 Solihull: Town to trial e-motos

72 Legal: Rise in DIY divorces

52 Future Faces: Helping firms communicate

74 Property: New director at Living Space Housing

Events

77 Manufacturing: Sector hit by skills shortage

54 The latest comprehensive list of Chamber training courses and events

78 Sport: Stadium naming rights secured

Features

Member Section

57 Executive Search & Recruitment: Getting the employment contract right 58 What is executive search?

80 New Members Chamber welcomes new members

60 Manufacturing: Manufacturing success for the Midlands

79 Member Profile Tim Hubbard, Right Digital Solutions

82 …any other business News from Chamber businesses

62 Coming through the Covid storm

The Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) is here to connect, support and grow local businesses. Accredited by the British Chambers, we have acted as the voice of local businesses since 1813.

CHAMBER LINK

The official publication of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Cannock Chase

Editor John Lamb 0121 274 3237, 0797 1144064 j.lamb@birmingham-chamber.com Deputy Editor Dan Harrison 0121 274 3239, 0797 1144052 d.harrison@birmingham-chamber.com Assistant Editor Philip Parkin p.parkin@birmingham-chamber.com

Chamber of Commerce

Sutton Coldfield

Greater Birmingham

Chamber

Commonwealth

of Commerce

Chamber of Commerce

Greater Birmingham

Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce

Reporter Claudia Congrave 0775 7798567 c.congrave@birmingham-chamber.com Reporter Sophia Corness-Parr 0750 8317356 s.corness-parr@birmingham-chamber.com

You can now read the latest issue of CHAMBERLINK and view back issues online at: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com

December 2021/January 2022 CHAMBERLINK 3

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Opinion

Editor’s View By John Lamb

Why we’re making great strides in equality drive n the Chamber’s annual report, details of membership of its board are spelled out. It points out that as part of the Chamber’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, the organisation completed a RACE Equality Code assessment with the Governance Forum this year. A comprehensive action plan to further improve work in this space is under way and the report pointed out the ethnic and gender makeup of the Chamber’s current board. It was: White 75 per cent (region 70 per cent); Black/African/Caribbean/Black British eight per cent (region six per cent); Asian/British Asian 17

‘The Chamber’s hierarchy is moving even more in the right direction’ per cent (region 18.6 per cent); female 48 per cent (region 50.5 per cent); male 52 per cent (region 49.5 per cent). So, by and large, we’re well underway. But in the annual report and, indeed, this edition of Chamberlink there is further proof that the balance of the Chamber’s hierarchy is moving even more in the right direction. We have the organisation’s third female president installed in Deb Leary. The first female president was Bridget Blow in 2008 and I remember at the time there was regret that it had taken 200 years for the organisation to take this bold new step. The prospect of any representative body being 100 per cent white male is unthinkable today – and rightly so.

FRONT COVER: New Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce president Deb Leary See pages 5, 20 and 21 Published by

Kemps Publishing Ltd Unit 8, The Courtyard, 707 Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 3DA 0121 765 4144 www.kempspublishing.co.uk Managing Editor Laura Blake Designer Lloyd Hollingworth Advertising 0121 765 4144 jon.jones@kempspublishing.co.uk Printers Stephens & George Print Group

4 CHAMBERLINK December 2021/January 2022

To further underline the Chamber’s progress in this direction, Suzy Verma was confirmed at the annual meeting as a new member of the board. The head of business development, Midlands for HSBC UK’s Corporate Banking Business, joins chief executive Henrietta Brealey, Helen Bates, chief financial officer, Kat Cooke, chief commercial officer and Mandy Haque, international director. And Deb, of course. Another story in this edition of Chamberlink highlights Greater Birmingham as one of the best places in Europe for entrepreneurs to start a business. On page 27 we focus on a group of amazing teenagers who are determined to create a career through their own enterprise. Charisma Meehan, Decrae Simms, Alex Yang and Ethan WidgeryPowell all met at the free@last youth club, which was set up to help young people in the innercity Nechells area. Aged just 15, 16 and 17, they created Brum Ting as a way of making some money and learning about business. It is already proving a success and they have big plans for the future with their sights set on turning the brand into a global franchise. And John Street, founder and director of free@last, is rightly proud of how hard the teenagers have worked to get their enterprise off the ground. • Chamberlink takes a break in January but we’ll be back in February with news, views and facts to keep members up to date. In the meantime, all at Chamberlink wish you a happy Christmas and prosperous 2022.

PRIVACY NOTICE: Kemps Publishing Ltd process personal information for certain legitimate interest purposes, which includes the following: • To provide postal copies of this publication to Chamber members and Kemps' customers; and • To offer marketing and promotional opportunities within this publication to Chamber members and prospects. Whenever we process data for these purposes, we always ensure we treat your Personal Data rights in high regard. If you wish to, you can visit www.kempspublishing.co.uk to view our full Privacy Notice and to learn more about our legitimate interests and your rights in this regard. CHAMBERLINK is produced on behalf of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce by Kemps Publishing Ltd and is distributed to members without charge. The Chambers and the publisher are committed to achieving the highest quality standards. While every care has been taken to ensure that the information it contains is accurate, neither the Chambers nor the publisher can accept any responsibility for any omission or inaccuracies that might arise. Views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Chambers. This publication (or any part thereof) may not be reproduced, transmitted or stored in print or electronic format without prior written permission of Kemps Publishing Ltd.

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Chamber AGM 2021

Business News

Business News Latest news from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

Deb steps up as new president D

eb Leary became only the third female president of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) in its 208-year history and pledged to put the region’s interests “front and centre”. Her two-year term as successor to Steve Allen was confirmed at the GBCC annual meeting at the Radisson Blu in Birmingham city centre where chief financial officer Helen Bates reported an income for 2020-2021 of £5.5m, generating a surplus after tax of £80,000. Deb is the chief executive of Forensic Pathways, a bespoke technology business covering everything from tackling paedophilia to reputational damage to celebrities on social media and wildlife trafficking. She said: “Being Birmingham born and bred, I am incredibly honoured to have been elected as the new president, even more so as only the third woman in the 208-year history of the Chamber to hold this position. “I should like to extend my own personal thanks to Steve Allen who has helped steer the Chamber through challenging times and I am committed to continuing one of his themes, that of innovation. “As CEO of Forensic Pathways for the past 20 years, I know the importance of continued innovation and its impact on growth. Innovation brings increased opportunities for collaboration and positive social impact regionally, nationally and internationally. “The past two years have been a test of our resilience and commitment. Brexit and the pandemic have shown how globally connected and reliant we are and whilst this brings challenges it also brings opportunity. “The pandemic has highlighted the brilliance of collaboration and innovation and the acknowledgement that on many aspects we have to come together globally in order to

‘It is about putting Greater Birmingham front and centre’ address fundamental challenges. Evermore so when we look at the challenges associated with COP26. “It is this sense of global trade, innovation and collaboration that is at the heart of my Presidency. It is about putting Greater Birmingham front and centre. It’s about not only reaching out but also showcasing what the region represents and with the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, the timing is perfect to focus on the best of what Greater Birmingham has to offer. “The challenges we have are global, whether it is climate change, or security threats through our increased connectivity. As a Chamber we have a focus on environmental challenges and sustainability and as a region we have a growth

Over to you, Deb: Steve Allen hands presents the president’s badge of office to his successor Deb Leary

in companies in the digital space, including security/cyber/medical many focussed on the development of innovative technologies for the national and global market. “Through our companies and world class universities we have the best of the best with the power to innovate and collaborate and develop international connections and trade. My Presidency will be about continuing to shine a light on its members and the Greater Birmingham brand as a whole, to challenge, when challenge is needed and to celebrate loudly on our successes. “The role as president brings with it the ability to nominate a charity for the duration of the presidency. As well as continuing to support charities such as Midland Met Hospital and Air Ambulance, my personal nominated charity for the duration of my presidency will be PANS PANDAS UK. “Pans and Pandas are medical conditions which present primarily with symptoms such as OCD, eating restrictions, anxiety and behavioural regression. These conditions are caused by a misdirected immune response to a common infection such as strep throat or chickenpox. “These conditions rob children of their childhood and the ability to function normally. The symptoms are severe and can appear virtually overnight. Awareness among medical

professionals is poor, yet something as simple as routine antibiotics or anti-inflammatory treatments can resolve the symptoms if caught early enough. “PANS PANDAS UK are a charity established in 2018 to support families affected by these life changing conditions and offer education to medical professionals and schools. The charity currently supports 4,500 families. My family is one of them. “It just leaves me to say I thank you for your support in appointing me as your president. I am incredibly proud of the Chamber and of this region and that I very much look forward to working to support you all over the next two years.” Previous female presidents of the GBCC were Bridget Blow (2008) and Christine Braddock (2010). David Waller, the GBCC’s chairman, said he was sure Deb “would conduct her term of office with the same forensic approach she applies to her business”. See pages 6, 7 and 8 for more coverage of the Chambers’ annual meeting at the Radisson Blu. Chamberlink reporting team: Claudia Congrave, Sophia Corness-Parr and John Lamb. Pictures: Jas Sansi December 2021/January 2022 CHAMBERLINK 5

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Business News

Chamber AGM 2021

The Chamber is a ‘force for good’ The whole Chamber team have demonstrated a determination to keep their commitment to members and customers during the Covid-19 pandemic, David Waller, the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce (GBCC) chairman, told the annual meeting. He said the year 2020-21 was like no other in the Chamber’s 208year history and added: “Despite the considerable trials visited upon us by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Chamber has come through as a business force for good and a consistent friend to its members and many others. “I’m proud of this achievement and particularly pleased that despite all of the negative issues we ended the year with an aftertax surplus of £80,000. This really is a testament to the whole Chamber team, who have demonstrated a determination to keep our commitment to members and customers at the heart of everything we do.

“And nothing epitomises that more than our documentation team, who have maintained a continual presence at Chamber headquarters in Edgbaston throughout the Covid-19 crisis. “During the year we underwent a change of chief executive with Paul Faulkner moving on after an exciting and transformational period in which he also spearheaded the sale of Chamber House. I am particularly proud that Henrietta Brealey, our youngest ever chief executive, has stepped into Paul’s shoes so ably. I know she will continue to develop the Chamber’s future robustly and ensure that we remain the voice of business throughout the region. “Steve Allen’s period of office became an experience beyond anything he could have imagined thanks, again, to the pandemic. “However, he has held everything together even though I am sure he would have preferred to host many events personally rather

David Waller: Proud of the Chamber’s achievements

than virtually. “We have welcomed Deb Leary as his successor and I’m sure she will conduct her term of office with the same forensic approach that she applies to her business. And I am delighted that the board has been further strengthened with the appointment of Suzy Verma, HSBC

UK’s head of business development, corporate banking, Midland region, along with Karl George from The Governance Forum and Mandy Haque, International Director at the Chamber. Finally, a huge thank you to our members who have supported us through one of the most difficult years in our history.”

Proud to lead during unprecedented times

Henrietta Brealey

Chamber chief looks back on historic year Chief executive Henrietta Brealey praised the strength of Greater Birmingham businesses in battling against the “challenges and headwinds” of the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit. In the Chamber’s annual report, she said: “2020/21 will certainly be a year for the history books. “Between a global pandemic and the biggest change to the UK’s political and trading relationships in a generation – Brexit, the challenges and headwinds were intense. But so too was the strength of the resolve of the local business community. “I could not be prouder of the response of the Chamber team who quickly activated campaigns and programmes of support, using our colleagues’ expertise and working with partners to connect and support local businesses. “I’d like to thank our previous CEO Paul Faulkner, the Chamber executive team and all 82 colleagues that make up Team Chamber for their dedication during this time. While we are an independent business ourselves, our first priority was always, and remains, making a difference to the business communities we serve through the mantra ‘keep business moving’.

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Outgoing president Steve Allen had to tear up his plans for his two-year period of office when the Covid-19 pandemic struck. And he added that he “couldn’t be prouder” of the way the Chamber team reacted. In the Chamber’s annual report, he said: “When I took office in December 2019, I learned quickly that it’s impossible to plan too much in advance for what you want to achieve. My number one priority was to use my platform as president to lobby our regional and national stakeholders to support members faced with the consequences of Brexit. “I also wanted to focus on the importance of innovation and to highlight the need for our regional economy to lead the way on innovation, focusing on green-tech. But then everything changed in March, 2020, with the arrival of Covid-19 and our first lockdown. “I cannot have been prouder of the instantaneous response of the Chamber team. Within hours, the Chamber was collating information for our members on what government support was available and contacting as many of them as we could to analyse their needs.

Outgoing president Steve Allen

“With the resignation of our outstanding former chief executive Paul Faulkner earlier this year, I must say I felt that I may have been an unlucky president for the Chamber. However, in adversity comes opportunity and I am proud that in the appointment of Henrietta Brierley we have a leader who will drive the Chamber forward to a confident future. “I know that my successor Deb Leary will be an amazing president. “Thank you for your support during my term of office and I greatly look forward to continuing my association with the Chamber – and to seeing you all in person again.”

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Chamber AGM 2021

Business News

Suzy ready to support all businesses By John Lamb Suzy Verma, newly appointed to the board of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), says she is passionate about promoting the West Midlands and its businesses. The appointment of the head of business development, Midlands for HSBC UK’s Corporate Banking Business, was confirmed at the GBCC’s annual meeting. Suzy was born and raised in the West Midlands but has spent most of her professional career working in London and Brazil. Throughout her various roles she has always played an ambassadorial role within the region and always called Birmingham her home city. At HSBC she proactively develops, coordinates and leads client acquisition, sector collaboration and wider stakeholder engagement locally and through leveraging the bank’s international network. Suzy has over 20 years corporate banking experience across a range of sectors including education, housing, charities, healthcare and professional services. She is an active member of the Mayor of

Suzy Verma: Passionate about the region

Birmingham’s Economic Impact Group; sits on the regional council of the CBI and works closely with many local organisations to support inward investment and capital attraction into the region. Prior to joining the Birmingham team, Suzy was the national head of public sector and education. Personally, Suzy is passionate about education and supporting young people and those from

disadvantaged backgrounds. She was also part of the Leadership Commission which was set up by the Mayor to attract and retain talent within the region. She considers herself a regional ambassador for equality, diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) and has been instrumental in launching a BAME mentoring scheme within the region as well as contributing fresh ideas to the Birmingham Economic

Review around the diversity of the workplace. She is now delighted to return to her roots in the West Midlands and says: “I am passionate about the region and am delighted to be adding value through HSBC for businesses here and will do the same through the Chamber. “In my role as HSBC’s head of education in London, I worked closely with universities, helping to attract and retain talent in the region. This is something I also work on in the West Midlands and we are certainly getting better at keeping the talent we create here. “And the region has become exceptional in attracting new and well-established businesses, including HSBC, whose head office was established in Birmingham three years ago. “I was delighted to move back to Birmingham in 2019 to take the role of area director. HSBC UK has generated wealth for the region since the new Birmingham head office was established and is committed to supporting businesses in the West Midlands. “I am looking forward to working with the Chamber’s board to support all businesses.”

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Business News

Chamber AGM 2021

Commitment to Chamber rewarded Aston University’s Mark Smith was awarded president Steve Allen’s medal for his passion for driving business activity across the region”. Mark Smith was the recipient for 2021 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Birmingham, the West Midlands and the wider business community over the past 30 years. Mark is currently executive director of business and regional engagement at Aston University. He takes responsibility for all business engagement activities at the university and showcases the commercial benefits of working with Aston to business, professional and public sector organisations. Mark joined Aston from Birmingham City University, where he was director of enterprise and employability. Currently vicepresident of the Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce, his career has involved working across government, regeneration and online education taking on big projects including establishing new airports and fostering enterprise in inner-city areas. Steve Allen said: “Mark’s passion for the Chamber and driving business activity across the region has been evident for a number of years. From a Chamber point of view, Mark has made a significant contribution to the Chamber’s

President’s Medal: Outgoing president Steve Allen presents his award to Mark Smith, of Aston University

policy output via his role as a Chamber Council member and Aston University’s sponsorship of key campaigns such as Growth Through People and the Sustainable Business Series.

“His commitment to the Chamber is also demonstrated via Aston University’s patronage across the Commonwealth Chamber, Future Faces (Aston University are also Partners on the mini MBA Series) and

the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce. In short, Mark is an incredible partner, ambassador and supporter with, for and of the Chamber with a genuine commitment to serving local industry.”

Recognition for longstanding members

Longstanding members: Megan Bradshaw, of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, and Brian Norton, of Indestructible Pains, with their awards for long membership of the Chamber 8 CHAMBERLINK December 2021/January 2022

Two companies were recognised at the Chamber’s annual meeting for their long-standing membership of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO), the flagship of musical life in Birmingham and the West Midlands and one of the world’s greatest orchestras, have been members for 24 years. Based in Symphony Hall, the CBSO typically gives over 150 concerts each year in Birmingham, the UK and around the world, playing music that ranges from classics to contemporary, film scores and even symphonic disco. With a far-reaching community programme and a family of choruses and youth ensembles, it’s involved in every aspect of music-making in the Midlands. After celebrating its centenary in 2020, the CBSO launched its five-year, £12.5m fundraising campaign, Sound of the Future, focused on musical life in the region and ensuring, more than ever, that the CBSO remains the beating heart of musical life in the UK’s Second City. Indestructible paint also received recognition for their membership stretching over 30 years. Established in 1978, Indestructible Paint have been members of the Chamber since the 1970s. Indestructible Paint’s core markets include primarily aerospace and aeroengine protective coatings, but they are also a supplier of speciality paint like products into other industries, including space, nuclear, defence, rail and other industries requiring high-tech coatings with resistance to temperature ; chemicals ; conductivity ; resistivity or having other unusual attributes. The business exports to a global customer base, in-excess of 70 countries and have done so since the company was founded. To help manage this issue, Distributors have been set-up in the USA, Spain, Germany, Singapore, India, Dubai, Japan who help with language and culture issues. The firm’s Despatch Department is trained to be able to ship by air, land and sea.

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Business News

Flybe moves headquarters to Birmingham Flybe Ltd has announced that Birmingham Airport will be its new company headquarters and first new crew base. One of the first UK airlines to be certified by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) since Brexit, Flybe will serve key regions across the UK and EU with operations scheduled to begin in early 2022. Birmingham Airport’s Diamond House will be the location of the company’s new HQ and operations centre, in a move that is expected to create approximately 200 direct new jobs in the region over the next three years, with an estimated 400 direct jobs to be created nationwide. Flybe chief executive Dave Pflieger said: “Birmingham was an ideal choice for us due to its great people and highly skilled workforce, its central UK location, and the fact that Birmingham Airport is a global travel hub where local and connecting customers have access to over 150 worldwide destinations. Our announcement marks the culmination of over 12 months of dedicated hard work by all involved, and it would not have been possible without the support of the CAA and the UK government.”

High flyers (left to right): Mark Firth (Flybe), Nick Barton (chief executive of Birmingham Airport), David Pfilger (chief executive of Flybe), Andy Street (West Midlands mayor) and Cindy Lewis (Flybe)

Nick Barton, chief executive of Birmingham Airport, added: “Flybe’s announcement that Birmingham has been chosen to become the headquarters for its launch next spring is fantastic news for our region’s connectivity needs, and it will bring with it some great new employment

opportunities.Dave’s vast experience in managing start-up airlines and turnaround situations, coupled with the recovery of the Midlands’ economy post-Covid, means that Flybe’s return to the skies from Birmingham is a shot in the arm for our airport as well as West Midlands businesses.”

The news follows the April 2021, sale of the business and assets of Flybe Ltd (in administration, now renamed FBE Realisations Ltd) to Thyme Opco Limited (now renamed Flybe Limited). • For more business travel news – see page 65

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Business News Scheme helps premature babies Cadbury owner Mondelez International has signed up to the ‘Smallest Things Best Employer Charter’ and become an ‘Employer with Heart’, in a bid to support the needs of premature babies and their families. As part of this, the company is giving its staff various additional benefits, including giving mothers of premature babies full pay until they reach what would have been the 37th week of pregnancy. Their partners will also get an additional two weeks of full pay. In the UK, there are 60,000 premature babies born a year. Catriona Ogilvy, founder and chair of The Smallest Things, an organisation raising awareness of the issues surrounding premature birth, said: “We are delighted that Mondelez International in the UK have become an ‘Employer with Heart’, giving parents of babies born prematurely the extra time they need. “Visiting a fragile baby on a neonatal intensive care unit for weeks, sometimes months, is a stressful and often terrifying experience and I know how much this will mean to employees at Mondelez who find themselves in this uncertain position. We hope that other employers continue to make similar changes."

Keen to help: Phil Arkinstall

Great honour: Howard Trotter

Regional businesses excel at British Chambers awards Two Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce members have been named as winners in the regional heats of the British Chambers of Commerce’s 2021 Business Awards. Sutton Coldfield-based video production company Ark Media won the Problem Solver award for the West Midlands, while manufacturer Shelforce came out on top for the region in the Equality Trailblazer category. Both firms will now advance to the national finals which are taking place online on 9 December. Ark Media, whose CEO is Sutton Coldfield Chamber president Phil Arkinstall, rose to the challenge during the pandemic by producing a suite of videos to help educate children across the country who were impacted by school closures. Mr Arkinstall said: “We are delighted to win the regional award from the British Chamber of Commerce in the Problem Solver category. “During the pandemic we were keen to help in any we could and this manifested in producing hundreds of

videos to help young people learn phonics online. “The programme has been a big success with millions of views of the content.” Erdington-based Shelforce is a PVCu window and door manufacturer that is renowned for its commitment to inclusivity and supporting disabled people on their entry to employment. Founded in 1839 as a workplace for the visually impaired as part of the Royal School for the Blind, Shelforce have carried forward their mission to change the perception of disability within the workplace. The firm won the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s Business of the Year award in 2021. Shelforce’s Business Manager Howard Trotter said: “It’s a great honour to win become a regional winner at the British Chambers Awards. Contributing to a much greater agenda than the manufacture of windows and doors is our social aims, and winning this prestigious award is a strong indicator of the commitment we have to promoting equality and inclusivity.”

New standard (from left): Adam Tipper, Stephen Mitchell and Fiona McGarry (both Make UK)

Discounts for local heroes

Kitemark flies apprenticeship flag An initiative has been launched to help identify the firms who are the best at developing engineering apprentices. It is hoped that this will encourage more students to take up engineering as a career when they leave school or college. The initiative has been developed by private sector organisation Next Gen Makers, whose remit is to ‘make it easier for engineering and manufacturing firms to proactively inspire the next generation of engineers in local colleges and secondary schools and recruit engineering apprentices’. 10 CHAMBERLINK December 2021/January 2022

Next Gen Makers has linked up with Make UK – the former Engineering Employers Federation - to create Kitemark, a new way of rating engineering companies who provide apprenticeships. Kitemark will identify those engineering businesses that have developed good practices with their apprentices. Adam Tipper, managing director of Next Gen Makers, said: “We are determined to help engineering and manufacturing firms get the recognition they deserve as employers of choice and also support those companies that aspire to reach that level.”

Birmingham’s Alexandra theatre has launched of its ‘Local Heroes initiative’, which give a 25 per cent discount on tickets to a range of professions including emergency service workers, armed forces, social workers and teachers. Theatre director Simon Creed said: “We’re extremely happy and proud to be able to offer Local Heroes discounts at The Alex, as a way of saying thank you to those in our community who have dedicated their lives to helping others. “We hope many will take advantage of our offers and enjoy a fabulous trip to the theatre while our friendly and dedicated front of house team look after them for a change.”

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Business News

Yummy Brum a must-visit for holidaymakers Birmingham has been named as a top holiday destination for foodiefocused 2022 holidaymakers. The city, famous for its culinary excellence and exemplary hospitality sector, was named ‘Best for Foodies’ as part of luxury travel magazine Condé Nast Traveller’s ‘The best holiday destinations for 2022’ list,

‘Our culture-rich city offers a colourful and eclectic calendar of festivals and events’ written by award-winning freelance journalist Lizzie Pook. Brum was featured in the list alongside cultural hotspots around the globe, including Beijing, Oslo, Edinburgh, Kingston and New Orleans. The listing has

been welcomed by a number of key stakeholders. Councillor Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “I am delighted to see Birmingham highlighted as one of the best holiday destinations in the world – our culture-rich city offers a colourful and eclectic calendar of festivals and events to attend plus a multitude of places to eat and rest. “It is fitting that our city is recognised for having so much to offer; currently the popular Frankfurt Christmas Market is bringing festive cheer to the city centre in the run up to Christmas. “And next year thousands of visitors will experience first-hand what Birmingham has to offer when we will be hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2022. “In addition, the Business and Tourism Programme (BATP) will build on the profile created by the

Rich culture: Ian Ward

Games to attract more visitors, trade, events and investment into Birmingham, the West Midlands and the UK, and will concentrate on nations and territories across the Commonwealth, plus the domestic UK market.” The Business and Tourism Programme (BATP) has been developed to capitalise on the significant economic opportunities

that the profile of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will bring, including the significant opportunities to boost the tourism industry within the region. The programme aims to attract an additional 39,000 visitors to the region and UK until 2027, with an estimated £12m in visitor spend through a variety of initiatives and schemes.

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Business News

President’s Focus Lichfield & Tamworth Chamber of Commerce president Jason Challoner is the managing director of VALYOU Recruitment – a firm that has been commended for its work with apprenticeships and training providers. Here, Jason dispels about apprenticeships and discusses why now is the perfect time for companies to explore taking on apprentices. write this article having attended the Greater Birmingham Apprenticeship Awards 2021 last month. It was a fantastic evening with more than 300 people from business, education and training recognising the talents, efforts and achievements of our region’s apprentices. The Ladder For Greater Birmingham initiative launched in 2018, but this was the first time I’d personally been involved in the celebrations. My own business, VALYOU Recruitment has been nominated by a third party for an award something I’m particularly proud of as our Education Partnering model had once again been identified as a positive and progressive step forward, demonstrating our firm commitment to scale my company through an apprenticeship programme. I took the opportunity to reward my loyal and talented team to a night out - a dress rehearsal for our Christmas Party, if you like. Our party included a long-standing customer from a regional building contractor based in the Black Country. Meeting in the reception lobby and after grabbing a couple of complimentary beers, he

‘I realised that the Covid pandemic will go down in history as our generational war’ began to explain that his company had just started to search for apprentices for the first time in over 10 years. The reason was that most of the skilled trades people were in the twilight of their careers, not far from retirement. This was the right time for their business to invest in new recruits, bringing a fresh energy and enthusiasm to their workforce. In fact, my client went on to confess that he entered the construction industry as an apprentice himself - and most of his senior management team also entered the industry as apprentices. Most of the applicants were in their thirties, looking to re-train from sectors that had been hit hard by the pandemic. From my point of view, this further dispels the myth that apprentices are only for school and college leavers. An apprenticeship can be a vehicle for anyone’s career aspirations. My eldest son who, at 16, has just started college to study Media & Journalism also came along. He was inspired to hear the host, Satnam Rana-Grindley, a former BBC correspondent, began her career as an apprentice. While at college he occasionally works in my business, gaining work experience in 12 CHAMBERLINK December 2021/January 2022

administration, sales and marketing. After watching the introductory finalist videos, he said that he did not realise the variety of apprenticeship opportunities on offer across all sectors. The event was a real eye-opener for him and he could not believe the diversity of ages from young and old using apprenticeships to find suitable employment. Earlier in the day, I attended the Let’s Do Business Expo at Uttoxeter Racecourse, organised by Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce. On my way, driving though one of the villages, I spotted a war veteran in full uniform, with medals pinned proudly on his chest, paying his respects for Remembrance Day. It got me thinking of the lives that had been

lost and the resilience of the people of that had to experience the horrific events of war. And then, I realised that the Covid pandemic will go down in history as our generational war. At 11am all exhibitors and attendees stopped for The Last Post and the two-minute silence and then continued with their networking conversations. At this point, I then felt the energy in the room and everyone’s desire to bounce back and rebuild their business, start making new face-toface connections, while renewing old friendships that had been held on Teams and Zoom for the past couple of years. This rebuilding phase is the perfect opportunity for companies and organisations to employ apprentices, as the economy recovers and we return to a period of business growth.

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Business News

Female-led firms close the gender funding gap Female-founded, equity-backed businesses have now closed the gender funding gap in GreenTech, according to a new report from the Female Founders Forum – a partnership by think tank The Entrepreneurs Network and Barclays. Having raised £2.8bn since 2018, female-led businesses have received 42 per cent of all venture capital going towards GreenTech businesses – more than an equal proportion of equity funding. The report, Inspiring Innovation, also reveals that female representation in GreenTech is higher on average than other sectors, with more than a third (34 per cent) of businesses being female-founded. One of these GreenTech companies, Greyparrot, is changing the way businesses deal with their waste. To date, they have raised £4.1m in funding from investors and £500,000 from Innovate UK. But the amount of GreenTech equity finance raised by female-led businesses has remained static at 15 per cent for the past five years, despite 25 per cent of businesses having at

least one female founder. This shortfall in equity funding is equivalent to £1.6bn. In sectors such as Life Sciences, the gap is even more stark. Almost a quarter of businesses are led by women (22 per cent), yet they only receive 4.5 per cent of all equity funding. Katherine Morgan, head of high growth and entrepreneurs at Barclays, said: “It’s inspiring to see female entrepreneurs leading the charge in GreenTech. Innovations from these companies will be vital in helping the UK reach its target of net zero by 2050. However, despite this sector setting the standard, overall progress is stagnant – and we need investors to help women in all sectors succeed. “At Barclays, we’re committed to connecting more women with the right finance and providing skills to this generation of female entrepreneurs, as well as the next. I’m continually amazed by the innovative businesses we work with, such as Greyparrot. “However, we need a collective effort to ensure we’re doing everything we can to make the UK the best place in the world to be a female entrepreneur.” Inspiring: Katherine Morgan

With the dark nights upon us, winter has truly started to bite and with it has come the return of wintery conditions on roads across the West Midlands. With miles of icy roads, paths and car parks to keep safe, the team at gritting and snow clearance experts AA Salt have been working round the clock to keep people safe – helped by the company using the latest weather forecasting technology app to stay one step ahead. Based on the netweather.tv system, through postcodes, the app pinpoints where snow and ice is most likely to hit hardest – this system also takes into consideration the type of road surface and elevations. A key automated feature of the app alerts customers each morning through email on the expected forecast that evening, allowing them to cancel any gritting up until 12pm – making the process hugely efficient and ensuring no clients are missed between the key months of October to April. Sales and Operations Director Ben Tanner believes it is a ‘game-changing’ technology for the company and its customers. He said: “We have used this type of technology for over 10 years now but what is vital are the

constant improvements and upgrades it receives. It is really powerful for our team and our customers as it is simple to digest the information they need. “It is also an automated service so takes away the risk of any human error and keeps our team constantly alert to ‘live sites’ without the need for much interaction from the management side. “A huge benefit we’ve also seen is the ability to add new customers quickly, and get them online so they can benefit from the system which forecasts where snow and ice is most likely to form, how deep we expect the snow will be, all formatted in a great summary of temperatures and conditions on the ground. “The feedback we’ve had from customers has been exceptional, given we know exactly where to grit and where not to. It is also reducing salt usage and helping our carbon footprint too, a topic which is high on the agenda following COP26. “Without this type of systemisation, I really don’t think we would have grown at the pace we have. We have also been able to work very closely with the talented team at netweather.tv and played a role in developing the technology. “We owe a big thanks to them. It has been a game-changer for us and our customers. It keeps us all one step ahead.”

Readers can visit AA Salt’s website through: www.aasalt.co.uk or for a further discussion on winter planning, call Ben on: 07967 012586

Ben Tanner

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Business News

Breakfast with Santa at Selfridges... Meet Santa Claus Book a slot to meet the big man himself and his trusty elf sidekick. Date: Saturday & Sunday 4 – 19 December, Monday 20 & Tuesday 21 December, 2 – 6pm Tickets: Selfridges Birmingham

Breakfast with Santa Step inside our Christmas of dreams as the guest of Santa Claus himself to enjoy a festive breakfast made for you and your loved ones. Date: Weekends 4 – 19 December, 9am & 10:30am Tickets: Selfridges Birmingham

Dial-a-Santa It wouldn’t be the Christmas of dreams without Santa on speed dial, and he’s cleared his busy schedule to make time to chat to you! Date: 1 – 23 December Tickets: Virtual, on Zoom or Facetime Visit the Selfridges Christmas hub at: www.selfridges.com/christmas

Festive fun and Christmas cheer in Birmingham Birmingham city centre has a huge set of attractions in the build-up to Christmas and the retail sector is hoping for a huge turn-out of shoppers to provide a pick-me-up after the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Chamberlink’s Sophia Corness-Parr (pictured) takes a look at what visitors can expect. Birmingham city centre is celebrating Christmas in spectacular style this year, with a host of new festive events for 2021 all within walking distance of each other. Birmingham’s Christmas season began on 4 November, 2021 and runs until 9 January, 2022. From Christmas markets full of crafts, gifts, food and drink, to gift shopping and festive trails, the city is fit to bursting with fun for all ages. The five city centre BIDs (Business Improvement Districts) – Colmore, Jewellery Quarter, Retail, Southside and Westside – have worked together to deliver and host a range of new attractions and a Christmas in Birmingham printed map to help visitors find their way across town to sample all the festive delights. The Christmas in Birmingham map follows The Walking with The Snowman sculpture trail across Birmingham city centre at locations such as Bullring & Grand Central, the Mailbox, Centenary Square, Victoria Square and House of Fraser where The Snowman™ will be in his very own fifth-floor Snow Village.

Families can enjoy Colmore BID’s new Christmas in Cathedral Square market until 19 December – a magical festive market in the grounds of Birmingham Cathedral. The famous Frankfurt Christmas Market returns to Victoria Square and New Street, until 23 December. Near the Mailbox, The Suffolk Street Queensway underpass has been transformed into Christmas at City Social – an independent street market dedicated to food, drink and live music running until 18 December. In Centenary Square, Ice Skate Birmingham rink neighbours the Big Wheel. Christmas shopping is covered with the city centre home to big brands at Bullring & Grand Central or Mailbox, alongside fabulous independents in Piccadilly and Great Western Arcades. Meanwhile across town, the Jewellery Quarter Christmas Window Trail features over 70 festive window displays created by independent businesses. The trail can be downloaded online at jewelleryquarter.net/, the DiscoverJQ app, or pick up a copy at a JQ venue.

Deck the halls with specialist decorators

Music to their ears: Services For Education's Youth Proms at Symphony Hall is one of the many activities supported by fundraising

Fundraise as you shop Birmingham music and education charity Services For Education has joined forces with Evesham-based Give as you Live Online as part of a fundraising initiative to take advantage of the Christmas shopping rush – and raise funds as the charity approaches its 10th anniversary. The partnership enables Services For Education’s supporters to shop online at more than 5,500 UK retailers with every order placed resulting in a donation to the charity – based on a percentage of the sales value. The charity, formed in 2012, uses the power of learning and of music to create and build confidence among children, young people and adults. Tracy Carlton, director of marketing and business development at Services For Education, “Our work is heavily dependent on fundraising which enables us to deliver life-changing programmes but there is a limit to how often we can ask our supporters to raise funds – so this is an easy way for them to donate funds without it costing them a penny.” 14 CHAMBERLINK December 2021/January 2022

The Christmas Decorators have been transforming homes and business spaces around Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield and the surrounding areas. The festive specialists are in their first year of business and, with Christmas extravagance no longer on hold this year, they have been busy decorating commercial spaces of all kinds - from pubs and restaurants to football clubs and shopping centres. The Christmas Decorators offer a bespoke luxury decorating service using high quality interior and exterior lights and decorations for homes, businesses and commercial properties. They pride themselves on decorating of all kinds encompassing everything from enormous 15ft trees to delicate floral wreaths. The Christmas Decorators have been established nationally and internationally since 1999. Across the West Midlands during this

Tree-mendous: One of The Christmas Decorators’ products

festive period, the Birmingham and West Midlands branch has decorated spaces at Millennium Point, Piccadilly Arcade and New York-inspired cocktail bar Mannahatta among others.

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Business News

WMCA interim boss is handed permanent reins Laura Shoaf has accepted the role of permanent chief executive of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). She has been the WMCA’s interim chief executive since June 2021. In that time has overseen the delivery of the region’s first international summit on climate change in partnership with UK100, helped to secure more than £1bn of government funding for transport, and led the development of the organisation’s ambitious proposals for a further devolution deal as part of the Government’s Levelling Up White Paper. Before taking on the role of interim chief executive, Laura was managing director of Transport for the West Midlands (TfWM). She has more than 20 years’ experience of working in regeneration across the West Midlands. She joined the authority when it was formed in 2016, having previously worked at the West Midlands Integrated Transport

Authority and as director of transport for the Association of Black Country Authorities. She continues to chair the Urban Transport Group, which comprises transport leaders from the Greater

‘I want the WMCA to be that great regional partner that helps the West Midlands make a bigger impact’ Manchester, Liverpool City Region, London, South Yorkshire, Tyne and Wear, West Midlands and West Yorkshire regions. Laura said: “I am proud to call the West Midlands my home because it’s a place with great people and great potential. I am delighted to be appointed as chief

Unlocking potential: Laura Shoaf

executive of the WMCA where our vision is to help the region unlock its full potential to become more prosperous, better connected, healthier, fairer and greener. “It has already been a busy few months but there are so many exciting opportunities on the horizon. I am particularly excited to welcome the Commonwealth Games in 2022 as a fantastic opportunity to showcase the West Midlands to the world. “I want the WMCA to be that

great regional partner that helps the West Midlands make a bigger impact in the UK and in the world.” Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street, who chairs the WMCA, said: “I am really pleased to offer Laura the role of permanent chief executive. During her time as interim Laura has shown great vision and leadership, and I know in her permanent appointment she will be able to take the WMCA and the region - from strength to strength.”

T: 0121 745 8444 E: sales@midland-fire.co.uk W: midland-fire.co.uk December 2021/January 2022 CHAMBERLINK 15

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Business News

Sponsored by: NTS Communications

Tram services halted after cracks found on vehicles Hybrid working and data security When we are talking to clients at the moment the term we are hearing regularly is “hybrid work”. This is the new flexible arrangement that allow employees to split their time between the office and working remotely – often from home. Hybrid working is likely to have huge benefits for the wellbeing of any workforce, offering employees choice and flexibility in a way that we couldn’t imagine pre-Covid. But very few businesses have the technology in place to truly ensure seamless business operations. Our solutions allow our clients to take advantage of this way of working, introducing effective methods of team collaboration leading to high levels of employee performance and customer satisfaction. Data security and cybersecurity is a key concern when employees are working routinely from home. Phishing attacks have risen substantially in the last year and according to global insurer Hiscox, one small business in the UK is successfully hacked every 19 seconds. Cisco estimates 53 per cent of small businesses suffered a security breach globally in 2018. When employees are using their own equipment, or working by themselves, the risks are increased. When working with clients we identify any potential data security issues as part of the specification, and we ensure the finished solution builds in data security in as standard. If you are looking to ensure your hybrid working arrangements keep your data secure, please get in touch: Alan Pallett and Steve Ward Directors, NTS Communications Promoting Growth Through Technology Specialists in Unified Comms, Contact Centres, Cloud T: 0345 450 0333 E: info@nts-comms.co.uk W: nts-comms.co.uk

Trams services in the West Midlands have been suspended after more cracks were discovered on a number of vehicles. Repairs are expected to take at least four weeks. And Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce (GBCC) said although the temporary suspension would be “incredibly frustrating” for city centre businesses, safety was paramount. Temporary repairs were carried out in June but the operator, West Midlands Metro, said inspections found the cracks to be more extensive. West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said he was seeking "urgent answers" as to what had gone wrong. West Midlands Metro said permanent repairs were required and all services were suspended.

‘The temporary suspension of the Metro will be incredibly frustrating for businesses operating in the city’ A spokesman for West Midlands Metro said: “Earlier this year West Midlands Metro discovered cracks on our trams, which resulted in a temporary interruption to services for inspections and repairs “Temporary repairs were carried out to return our fleet to service as soon as possible but inspections have found that more extensive and permanent repairs are now required. To ensure the future safety of our customers and colleagues, we have made the decision to suspend all services from 13 November.

“We apologise sincerely for the inconvenience this will cause and we are working with Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) to ensure measures are in place so that our customers are still able to travel safely and reliably around the region on public transport.” Raj Kandola, head of policy at GBCC, said: “The temporary suspension of the Metro will be incredibly frustrating for businesses operating in the city. “Nevertheless, safety is paramount and it is vital that this time is used effectively to make permanent repairs and ensure we are not faced with this scenario again in the future. In the meantime, we would urge commuters to explore alternative methods of travel and plan ahead well in advance to avoid delays.” • £1bn investment in West Midland green transport – see page 29

BDO welcomes new audit partner

Translating issues into reality: The Tinker Taylor film

Ads boost police numbers Tinker Taylor, a video content agency producing creative content to drive education, sales and recruitment campaigns have successfully increased West Midlands Police applications, especially from BAME communities. In Spring 2021, they were approached by West Midlands Police to aid in the recruitment of approximately 3,000 new officers. After just seven days of the video broadcasted on social media, applications rose to over 250 a week, a six-fold increase on the week before. Three short films were crafted and filmed by the Tinker Taylor team. In each scenario, a member of the public is presented - a lost elderly man with dementia, a female victim of domestic abuse, and a man whose home has been burgled. Each person is confronted by someone who appears to be a friend or relative, however as the story unfolds, it is revealed that the ‘helpful friend’ is, in fact, a police officer. The success of this campaign illustrates how impactful high-quality video is for translating relatable issues and stories. Sam Taylor, creative director at Tinker Taylor said: “It is especially gratifying when our work leads to a positive, meaningful social change. “The fact that the video driven campaign has shortlisted for a national Drum award makes me exceptionally proud.”

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Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP has appointed former Holland & Barrett’s chief financial officer, Greg Watts, as audit partner. Greg, based in the Midlands, previously spent 30 years at KPMG. He has considerable experience working alongside FTSE and private equity businesses in the region, with particular expertise in retail/consumer and automotive sectors. At BDO, he will utilise that experience and expertise by supporting large, corporate, and listed businesses on a national and regional basis. Greg is Chairman of his former rugby club, Dixonians RFC, and coaches the under-9s team. He said: “Having spent 15 months as CFO, helping to lead the successful turnaround of Holland & Barrett through a business-wide transformation project, I’m delighted to be back in practice, joining a dynamic and talented audit team. “I’m eager to harness my experience working alongside senior international executive groups and boards of directors.”

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Business News

Teenage talent alive and thriving... Photos Courtesy of Stuart James at Emotive Eye Brum Ting’s enterprising quartet (left to right): Decrae Simms, Charisma Meehan, Alex Yang and Ethan Widgery

On sale: Some of Brum Ting’s products which are aimed at promoting the city they love

our enterprising Birmingham teenagers have launched their own business selling a range of tourist merchandise promoting their beloved home city. Charisma Meehan, Decrae Simms, Alex Yang and Ethan Widgery-Powell all met at the free@last youth club, which was set up to help young people in the inner-city Nechells area. Aged just 15, 16 and 17, they created Brum Ting as a way of making some money and learning about business. It is already proving a success and they have big plans for the future with their sights set on turning the brand into a global franchise. John Street, founder and director of free@last, said: “I am incredibly proud of how hard they have all worked on this. Every step of the journey has been a challenge – from learning to Zoom and attend meetings through lockdown, to having enough money to buy products to sell, to finding the right suppliers who will help them on their journey. The biggest challenge now is finding the time to manage school, life, mental wellbeing and business.” John said the idea for the business was born when he launched a project asking young people

as they were all still at school and lockdown had begun, we decided to teach them how to run a business and set up a supply chain.” Business mentors were brought in to help bring their vision to life and their creativity and enthusiasm has already made it a success so far, with around £800 worth of products sold through social media and word of mouth alone. They plan to officially launch the business, selling goods including clothing and accessories, in the run up to Christmas. The Martin James Network provided an initial grant, and suppliers were Sandeep Nandra at Dr Print, Helen Butler at Thread A Pixel and Steve Quance at Steven Charles Quance Jewellery. Calum Sawford, programme director at the Martin James Network, a Birmingham-based organisation which aims to help families and vulnerable people, said: “We are delighted to see the growth of Brum Ting from a glimmer of an idea into a fantastic business through the engagement and enablement of young people under the stewardship of free@last.

A story of a group of amazing teenagers who are determined to create a career through their own enterprise. And below a jobs fair in Birmingham demonstrates powerfully that people DO want work, even though jobs figures tend to show the opposite. at the youth club to make jewellery which they then sold on a market stall in Sutton Coldfield. Charisma, 17, Decrae, 17, Alex, 16, and Ethan, 15, who are all studying at school or college, found themselves bitten by the business bug. They noticed there was a gap in the market for Birmingham-related tourism products, came up with the name Brum Ting and a brand was born. John said: “The initial idea was that they would make a variety of products in our workshop, but

Visit: brumting.co.uk. Visit: www.freeatlast.st

...and jobseekers prove thirst for work Hundreds of people have taken the first step towards securing a new job or training opportunity following the Birmingham Jobs Fair at Villa Park. The event attracted more than 1,000 job seekers and 63 employers and two weeks on, with data still being collated, 250 people have already been confirmed as securing a job or training place. But hundreds more are awaiting the outcome of applications and interviews while employers are still sifting through scores of CVs - meaning that more than half of the 1,007 attendees are likely to end up in work or training. Big name employers recruiting on the day included Greggs, B&M, getir, West Midlands Police and the NEC Group – the majority arrived with at least 25 local vacancies to fill.

Angela Walsh, apprenticeship co-ordinator at NEC Group, said: “Birmingham Jobs Fair was such a fantastic event - the whole atmosphere was great and it was a pleasure to be involved. We took details for more than 40 interested candidates across a variety of positions and have made contact with them to discuss the opportunities available.” The jobs fair was co-organised by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and Birmingham City Council with a wide range of partners including JobcentrePlus and the Aston Villa Foundation. Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA, said: “The Birmingham jobs fair proved that although our region was hit incredibly hard by the pandemic, there are still thousands of jobs available and eager people looking to fill them.”

At the Jobs Fair (from left): Uzair Janjua, trainee payroll officer at the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Cllr Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, and Cllr Bob Sleigh, Deputy Mayor of the West Midlands at Villa Park December 2021/January 2022 CHAMBERLINK 27

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Business News

Contact Monica If you are ready to secure audience support or convey confidence in that media interview: monicabrown.co.uk

Satori House’s education and development is delivered in bite-sized chunks with the bias being on fun and enjoyment. It’s very practical, there is no pressure to learn and progress is made at the individual’s pace as we like each and every individual to enjoy their time with us and to look forward to being with us. Satori House has recently been recognised by Solihull Chamber of Commerce and presented with awards for Outstanding Contribution to the Community and Outstanding Business of the Year. Satori House has recently acquired a property which will enable them to open its doors to more vulnerable young adults. Satori House is looking for funding/sponsorships to enable them to create a bespoke centre that will cater for the needs young adults with additional needs.

Should you feel you can help please do get in touch via our website: www.satori-house.co.uk

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Business News Promotion boom at city office

£1bn funding secured to expand transport network The West Midlands has been handed £1bn funding to expand the regions tram, train, bus and cycle networks and drive a green transport revolution. The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) secured the money from the government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) fund. Hundreds of millions of pounds will now be used to kickstart a wide range of projects from new Metro tram extensions to more electric vehicle charging points in a move to decarbonise the region’s transport system, create new jobs and opportunities for local people and bolster the fight against climate change. An ambitious bid document, developed in partnership across the region and submitted by the WMCA to the Department for Transport (DfT), set out priorities for transport investment which would help drive a green and inclusive economic recovery and support the region's target to be net zero by 2041. The bid set out how funding would: • Support early planning and development work on four new Metro extensions in Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton • Be used to build new rail stations and bus interchanges at Solihull, Sutton Coldfield and Aldridge and; • Support the roll out of the revolutionary Very Light Rail network in Coventry

Moves towards a zero-carbon transport network would also be accelerated with the installation of 1,000 electric vehicle charging points, as well as ultra-fast charging facilities for electric heavy goods vehicles, vans and buses. A raft of new safe cycling

Expanding: The West Midlands Metro network

routes would also be developed to encourage people to be more active on their commute. Following today’s £1bn announcement the region will now begin working up details of the projects that will be taken forward and presented back to the DfT. This funding will cover five years from April 2022 and over the next few weeks Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is part of the WMCA, will work with the DfT, local councils and transport industry partners to develop a detailed plan for investment. West Midlands mayor Andy Street said: “I am absolutely delighted that our ambition has paid off and we’ve secured more than £1bn of Government investment to continue our transport revolution here in the West Midlands. “It is the largest single transport sum we have ever received, and I know the team cannot wait to press on and start getting diggers in the ground on some truly game-changing schemes. “From more Metro lines and train stations to new bus routes and EV charging points, this cash will help us to continue to build a clean, green transport network that connects communities and tackles the climate emergency.”

Business advisory firm KPMG has promoted 128 people in its Birmingham office, including 17 new directors, as the firm continues to invest in its largest UK presence outside of the capital. The new directors are Bethan Jackson-Baker, Dan Burrows, Delight Nyoni, Dzena HidovicRowe, Emma Joynson, Emma Wilkinson, Jenna Ostrowksi, Joseph Finn, Murtaza Hinganghatwala, Paritosh Dagar, Raj Cheema, Rajinder Rai, Rebecca Moult, Sarah Bragg, Stuart Pilgrim, Thomas Swain and Tom Haddon. Also included in the latest round of promotions are 32 senior managers, 42 managers and 64 assistant managers. The Birmingham office is home to more than 40 partners and 1,300 staff providing audit, tax and advisory services to business and organisations of all sizes. Across the Midlands region, which includes KPMG’s Nottingham office, the firm has made 153 promotions in total. Karl Edge, Midlands regional chair and Birmingham office senior partner at KPMG, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many of our people recognised for their hard work, dedication and expertise. This investment demonstrates KPMG’s commitment to the Midlands region and it’s also testament to the incredible talent we have locally. “The last 18 months have brought along both challenges and opportunities and I’m really proud of how our people have adapted and continued to provide quality advice and tailored solutions to our clients.”

Piano competition moves to Conservatoire The Birmingham International Piano Competition is moving to the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, part of Birmingham City University. The 2022 competition is set to take place in the Conservatoire’s Bradshaw Hall - including early rounds on 23 and 24 June, and the final on 3 July. The globally-acclaimed event was founded in 1979 by Miss Gladys Lily Brant and named after her parents, Robert William and Florence Amy Brant. Miss Brant was a promising young pianist but had lacked the necessary financial support to study at an advanced level. She founded the competition to encourage young pianists and help the best to continue their studies and forge a career. Having been established as a charitable trust in 1986, the competition administration was later passed to Town Hall Symphony Hall (now B:Music) in collaboration with the trustees of the charity. In 2017, the event was rebranded as Birmingham International Piano Competition before being transferred to Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in November 2021. Colin Timms, former chair of the competition, said: “The former trustees are extremely grateful for the loyal support of the competition’s friends, donors and supporters over the years, and delighted that Royal Birmingham Conservatoire has become the home of the competition.” The Birmingham International Piano Competition is moving to the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, part of Birmingham City University.

New home: John Thwaites, head of the Department of Keyboard Studies at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, with the Birmingham International Piano Competition’s former chair Colin Timms at the Conservatoire’s Bradshaw Hall December 2021/January 2022 CHAMBERLINK 29

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Business News Chamberlink highlights some of the amazing achievements of the medical sector in Birmingham

£120,000 life-saving acts of kindness Birmingham is world-renowned for its medical genius and Chamberlink presents stories from some of the amazing breakthroughs, generosity and acts of kindness going on quietly behind the scenes. One is represented in the picture on the right of Cooper and his mum Claire Dean. He is one of the tracheostomy patients at Birmingham Children’s Hospital who inspired nurse Aisha Hamzah and speech therapist Jo Matthews to create the Raki the Raccoon soft toy mascot, who has the same problem, to comfort the young patients. University of Birmingham cancer experts have welcomed a £120,000 charity donation to purchase new equipment that will help to speed the development of new treatments which could save the lives of children and adults with the disease. The Azaylia Foundation’s contribution will enable Dr Francis Mussai’s team to buy a cell sorting machine which will separate cancer cells from normal blood and tissue cells more quickly. The Foundation was established in memory of Azaylia Diamond Cain by her parents Ashley and Safiyya, after they used a social media appeal to raise funds to take their baby daughter to Singapore for revolutionary treatment that was their last hope. Although Azaylia died earlier this year aged just eight months, former Coventry City footballer Ashley and his partner Safiyya have pledged to continue fighting to beat the odds against cancer. Dr Mussai, clinical senior lecturer in Paediatric Oncology at the

New scanner aids research Installation of a new £2.8m MRI scanner is due to start at Aston University in the Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment (IHN) to replace the existing ageing unit in the Day Hospital on campus. The state-of-the-art facility will be installed over a period of four months, including work being undertaken to remove the old machine from the building. This will involve several complex crane lifts outside the Day Hospital to remove the existing scanner. The internal spaces will then be refurbished before the new scanner is lifted into the building in February 2022. The new Siemens MAGNETOM Prisma 3T MRI scanner will enhance the world-class neuroimaging research facilities within the Institute. Professor Jackie Blissett, co-director, Aston Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment (IHN), said: “This state-of-the-art equipment is core to our child-focused research programme that delivers a new understanding of development and disease and the interventions that will make a difference.”

University of Birmingham, said: “Ashley and Safiyya donated some of Azaylia’s cells to our team and we continue to use them in our research. The cell sorting machine will be a game-changer…to potentially speed up the development of new cancer

treatments, especially for children.” Dr Mussai’s research in the University’s Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, focusses on understanding the interaction between children’s and adult cancers and the immune system.

Council Covid grants are still available Businesses across Birmingham who are still being impacted by the pandemic are able to apply for two grant schemes launched by Birmingham City Council. Businesses that did not qualify for the Restart Grant earlier this year may be eligible for support through the ARG Discretionary Restart Fund, which offers businesses a one-off grant of £5,000. To find out more visit the Chambers Covid-19 Support Grid on the website www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com A third of leukaemia patients do not generate antibody response to two doses of Covid jab. A University of Birmingham-led showed that in the two thirds of patients who do develop antibodies, levels are much lower compared to healthy people and also have a profoundly reduced ability to ‘neutralise’ the globally dominant Delta variant.

College goes ‘above and beyond’ to win award Staff and students at Queen Alexandra College (QAC) celebrate achieving the Leaders in Diversity Award from the National Centre for Diversity. The award recognises organisations going above and beyond in their commitment to the FREDIE values of fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion and engagement. Bev Jessop, Principal and Chief Executive, said: "We are amazingly proud to have been recognised for all of the work that we do and how far we have progressed as an organisation. The aspiration to become Leaders in Diversity has benefited students, clients and staff and we have built on our good practices, improved further and continuously learned how we can be even better and this has made QAC and the community charity an even better place for all stakeholders." 30 CHAMBERLINK December 2021/January 2022

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Business News

‘Green’ economy will usher in era of prosperity By Dan Harrison Innovation is crucial to kickstarting the green industrial revolution and achieving the UK’s net zero goals, a Chamber summit heard. But Conservative MP and net zero champion Bim Afolami said more must be done to incentivise businesses to invest in the field of climate change. Mr Afolami was addressing delegates at the Sustainable Business Summit, hosted by the Greater Birmingham and Coventry & Warwickshire Chambers of Commerce at Conference Aston. The Hitchin & Harpenden MP, who chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Renewable and Sustainable Energy, said that while there is a high cost to transitioning to net zero, it outweighs the potential damage caused by a lack of action. But he believes the ‘green industrial revolution’ also provides many opportunities for business. Mr Afolami said: “If you think back to the industrial revolution, this country’s transformation from what was effectively a middling European power to being the No.1 nation in the world because we were the first movers in the adoption of new technologies. “This adoption of new technologies allowed for new manufacturing processes which transformed the basis of our economy. “I believe that the net zero transition can do the same thing in the 21st Century. The economic opportunities in being the first mover in the applied technologies of carbon capture and storage, nuclear fusion, green and blue hydrogen, ever-improving battery technology will outgrow meat and many other things. It will be transformative for this country. “Wealth and prosperity and positive improvement is not by government. It is determined by that sense of purpose and you know that with your people who work in your businesses – that sense of purpose and a positive culture around innovation.

Growth through green economy: Bim Afolami

“It is that which the green industrial revolution gives us a chance to harness. I think that will allow us to grow our economies much more than they have in the past.” On incentivising and encouraging businesses through the net zero transition, Mr Afolami added: “If we want to do something like this and change people’s lives, if it doesn’t benefit people, they won’t do it. “We need to make it financially extremely attractive to invest in and innovate in the field of climate change.” Delegates also heard from Tom Anderson, CEO of Grid Edge – a start-up firm that helps buildings lower their energy consumption and reach net zero through data. Mr Anderson explained to the summit how Grid Edge is harnessing AI technology to manage energy consumption in public and commercial buildings. He said that 80 per cent of operational CO2 emissions come from heating, cooling and comfort management systems. “Data should enable you to see things that were invisible to you and then empower you to make better decisions,” said Mr Anderson.

Top team appointed ahead of bar’s Brum launch Albert’s Schloss - the Germaninspired bar that is opening its doors in Birmingham – has announced the appointment of its top team. The bar’s new general manager Adin Memetovic joins Albert’s Schloss Birmingham after a twoyear stint as senior general

manager at Bank Restaurant. With 18 years’ experience in managing hospitality brands, his previous roles include operations manager at The Alice and Ivy, general manager of PRYZM in Bristol and general manager of Bars & Leisure for Resorts World Birmingham.

Bringing Bavaria to Brum: From left - Eleni Constantinou, Nathanial Valentino, Adin Memetovic, Jack Cinense

Adin said: “I have experience managing brands across the hospitality sector, from sit down dining through to bars and clubs. “Albert’s Schloss perfectly combines the two together in a venue that is completely unique. I can’t wait to see how Birmingham responds to this new experience.” Joining Adin at Albert’s Schloss are a sales and events manager, head chef and entertainment manager. Eleni Constantinou has been appointed as sales and events manager. Eleni holds seven years’ experience within the hospitality and events industry and joins the Albert’s Schloss team from Gino D’Acampo My Restaurant, Birmingham. Previous roles include sales and events coordinator at The Edgbaston Stadium, event executive for The Renaissance Manchester Hotel and sales and marketing coordinator for The Marriott Hotel Birmingham. Jack Cinense has been appointed the head chef and will head up ‘The

Cook Haus’. Jack joins Albert’s Schloss from Gusto Italian where he was head chef. Previous roles include head chef at Hickory Smokehouse, head chef of Grill on the Market and sous chef at Busaba, Covent Garden. Nathanial Valentino joins the team as entertainment manager after a two-year stint as a marketing and events manager for Wild Events, Manchester. With nine years’ experience in events and operations, Nathanial joins the Albert’s Schloss team to bring their ‘seven days of showtime’ to life. With its ability to host 500 revellers, Albert’s Schloss at One Chamberlain Square will operate over two floors with three bars the largest of which is over 100 feet long - and has a huge outside terrace complete with a restored Citroen Van bier bar. Albert’s Schloss is brought to Birmingham by Mission Mars - the hospitality group that also operates the 2,500-capacity Manchester’s Albert Hall, Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza and Zumhof Biergarten in Digbeth.

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Business News

Google ruling could be the end of ‘frivolous’ data breach cases A data breach expert is hoping the rejection of a trivial data breach claim against internet giant Google will help spell the end of frivolous court cases. Specialist data protection lawyer Susan Hall, a partner with Clarke Willmott, which has an office in Birmingham, said the Google case involved the UK Supreme Court throwing out a claim brought by former Which? director Richard Lloyd. She said Lloyd attempted to make himself the ‘representative’ of some four million people resident in England and Wales who owned an Apple iPhone at a certain time, whose data was obtained by Google without their consent, and to be entitled to recover damages on behalf of all these people, whether they knew of his existence or not. He estimated damages at a flat £750 per head, putting Google potentially in the frame for more than £3bn in damages. In rejecting this, the Supreme Court said a minor breach of data law did not necessarily mean a windfall payout for everyone who may have been affected ‘without proof of material damage or distress’. The fundamental principle that anyone claiming damages for breach of their rights has to prove they have suffered loss which had been glossed over or ignored in the area of data breach claims. She said the result of the case was ‘good news’ for any businesses, public bodies such as schools and non-profit organisations facing a rise in claims for insignificant data breaches, fuelled by ‘no win, no fee’ law firms. She said: “This ruling should be applauded

as a bit of sanity in an area where we have seen a large number of organisations facing claims for minor data breaches. “In the detail of this ruling, the Supreme Court has made a distinction between a minor contravention of a requirement of the act by a data controller and an incident where someone has genuinely suffered damages. “Of course, all data breaches should be avoided. But it is only when a person suffers some tangible and quantifiable damage as a result that it should be the subject of litigation. An apology and putting the breach right is usually sufficient for inadvertent and minor breaches. “Organisations receiving long letters of claim from law firms demanding payment of compensation for data breach where, perhaps, the breach is nothing more than their having accidentally sent out a bill to ’14 Acacia Avenue’ and not the correct address of ’41 Acacia Avenue’ may panic and agree to settle for a low sum in compensation plus ‘costs to be agreed’. “However, the costs element can often be ten times the amount claimed in compensation, leaving them out of pocket to the tune of five figure sums. “The law firms making these claims often rely on organisations fearing court action and making settlements without the breaches being tested in court. “With the emphasis now rightly back on serious cases where genuine loss or damage has occurred it should free up the system and hopefully mean the end of some of the ‘pile em high’ data breach claims firms that have set Susan Hall: Ending trivial data themselves up in breach cases may get rid of the UK.” rogue claims firms

New trade diplomat Learning company supports legal sector An online learning company has launched a new service for the legal sector. The company is For Media Group, which has unveiled For Legal, a platform designed to help legal professionals with their ongoing professional development. Wayne Spencer, one of the founding members of For Media, said: “With over 75 per cent of professionals now regularly turning to digital for their online training, and this trend looking set to rise, we firmly believe learning should be accessible and inclusive which is why we provide a choice of flexible subscription plans and such a varied range of topics. “We are constantly innovating to ensure we are utilising the latest technologies and sourcing the latest industry experts to deliver video content. “Our platform is always available so professionals can learn and gain CPD at a time and place that suits them, and partners are able to reach their target audience, via extensive advertising opportunities. “We have already seen an incredible response to the platform from both subscribers and partners, with over 400 law firms already using the platform and over 100 sessions to view, and we are excited to see how this will continue to grow.”

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The British American Business Council has welcomed the appointment of Emma WadeSmith, Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for North America and HM Consul General New York. Ms Wade-Smith is a diplomat with more than two decades of overseas assignments in Africa, Washington, Mexico, New York, Chile and a secondment to the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills and the European Commission in Brussels. She also has extensive crisis leadership experience, and was given an OBE for leading the Foreign Commonwealth Organisation's crisis department. In June 2018 she became HMTC for Africa, where she had lived and worked since February 2016.

The British Consulate General in New York maintains and develops relations between the UK and the USA, providing services to British nationals living in and visiting New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Fairfield County in Connecticut. Services involve handling a wide range of political, commercial, cultural, security and economic interests to the UK and our region. The UK government's trade commissioner for North America drives trade and investment between the US, Canada and the UK. Jane Rosenberg, executive director, British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia, said: “We look forward to hosting a reception in Emma’s honor when she visits Philadelphia early in the new calendar year.”

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Chamberlink ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

The future of engineering

education The new £46.5m School of Engineering at the University of Birmingham has opened its doors with the Centre of Excellence for Digital Systems, commissioned by the UK Railway Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN), welcoming students, staff and industry for the first time. The building blocks for collaboration The state-of-the-art 12,000 sqm facility spans five floors and features a double-height atrium. The development not only brings together many of the institution’s engineering disciplines, but also provide opportunities for successful collaboration between academia and industry. Head of the school of engineering, professor Clive Roberts, said: “We are delighted to receive the keys to the newly built School of Engineering. We are committed to providing the best facilities for our staff, students and researchers, as well as enabling collaboration with our industry partners and encouraging different and more flexible ways of working. Procured through the Constructing West Midlands framework, the new building puts industry at the heart of the university’s campus with a view to collaborate on world changing projects, such as our recent collaboration with Porterbrook on the UK’s first passenger ready Hydrogen train.

Simulation booth at Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education demonstrating rail network digital twin

Cutting edge facilities

Professor Clive Roberts, Head of School of Engineering at University of Birmingham

The facility’s design was curated specifically with agile and collaborative working between academics, researchers, students, and staff, in mind. The development offers open plan spaces and cellular facilities including a dedicated Student Support Hub, a new 179-capacity Design Centre, a 50-seat electronics and electrical focused projects space, 20 flexi-bays specifically allocated for staff and student interactions, three 50-seat seminar rooms and also features 160 drop-in study spaces throughout the building. The basement also houses a full-size set of railway points, the university’s pantograph test rig and a test track for the scaled hydrogenpowered train – further expanding the university’s commitment to the integration of academia and industry.

Working with partners to make the world better

Newly opened School of Engineering at University of Birmingham

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Nick Gibb, deputy managing director for the Midlands at Willmott Dixon, said: “We are delighted to have completed such a significant development, both regionally and within the sector – the facility is set to pioneer advancements within engineering and digital systems research.

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Chamberlink

features such as the Design Centre and our expanded computer labs, our new building provides students with the opportunity to work with engineers across the disciplines. Their learning will mirror the workplace, encouraging and developing their understanding of industry and their role within it.” – Clive Roberts, head of the school of engineering. We’re incredibly proud to be making the world a better place, and we’re looking forward to collaborating with partners so that people can live happier, healthier, and more fulfilled lives.

“This development is the fifth major partnership we have entered into with the University of Birmingham, having recently completed the Teaching and Learning Building, along with the Green Heart campus development.”

Leading by example: energy efficiency on campus Key in the design of the building was the implementation of the university’s sustainability strategy to create a highly energy-efficient space. This included the optimisation of Passivhaus design measures and the adoption of Wilmott Dixon’s Energy Synergy™ process to predict that 45 per cent of the building’s energy consumption would come from unregulated sources such as IT equipment, lab equipment and external lighting – sources that are highly linked to occupant usage and will fluctuate throughout the building’s life cycle.

Committing to reaching higher Designed by Associated Architects, the School of Engineering demonstrates the university’s commitment to providing first-class engineering education. The development aims to improve student experience, allowing engineering

The new School of Engineering demonstrates the commitment to a first-class engineering education

Talk to the Business team today: www.birmingham.ac.uk/partners T: 0121 414 4002 E: businessteam@contacts.bham.ac.uk To find out more about the University of Birmingham’s research, visit Birmingham.ac.uk/engineering

undergraduate and postgraduate students to get involved in cutting-edge research and ensuring students graduate with a strong connection to the industry. “We are passionate about educating the next generation of engineers. Alongside accessing December 2021/January 2022 CHAMBERLINK 37

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Chamber Patrons

Chamber Patrons Greater Birmingham Chambers’ leading supporters Bringing nasal spray to market Birmingham Biotech Ltd and the University of Birmingham have signed a licensing agreement to commercialise a novel anti-viral nasal spray that protects against Covid-19. Covid-19 is both contracted and transmitted by inhalation of droplets or aerosols containing the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and the nose is the major viral entry point into the body, making it an ideal target for approaches designed to reduce person-to-person transmission. The formulation was engineered by Professor Liam Grover, from the university’s Healthcare Technologies Institute, and a team of researchers who also collaborated on its testing. Professor Grover said: “While existing measures like wearing masks and handwashing remain essential, this nasal spray provides an additional protective measure with the potential to reduce transmission. “We are thrilled to be working with Birmingham Biotech to bring the anti-viral nasal spray to individuals around the world.” Birmingham Biotech is an innovator in diagnostic tests, protective nasal sprays and mobile medical facilities. The anti-viral spray is designed to work by encapsulating and deactivating the virus while it is still in the nose, preventing its wider uptake by the body. The licensing agreement covers the entire duration of the patents and gives Birmingham Biotech exclusive rights to market and sell the anti-viral nasal spray worldwide, except for India. Birmingham Biotech also plans to establish a joint venture with the University of Birmingham to commercialise new products based on intellectual property and technical knowledge from the university.

Contact: Henrietta Brealey T: 0121 274 3266

The National express electric bus at COP26

En route to save the planet A National Express West Midlands fully-electric zero-emission bus was displayed in the space at the recent COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow. The West Midlands bus company lent the vehicle from their Birmingham fleet of electric buses usually based at Yardley Wood garage - to sit in the Blue Zone at the conference to demonstrate how innovation and transport can save the world. The UK government had asked the manufacturer of National Express’ 29 electric buses - Alexander Dennis Limited - to send one of their market-leading zero-emission double decker buses to Glasgow for COP26. David Bradford, managing director of National Express West Midlands, said: “National Express West Midlands is proud to be the UK’s greenest transport company. “We bought our last ever diesel bus in 2019, and our goal is that by 2030, our entire 1,600 West Midlands fleet will be zero-emission. “In addition, our parent company, the National Express Group, which operates transport all over the world, has committed to be net zero in fuel and power by 2040.

“Our 29 ADL fully electric double decker buses have been carrying happy customers around Birmingham, Solihull and Coventry for over a year now. So they’ve already stopped over 1500 tonnes of carbon dioxide going into the atmosphere.” Paul Davies, president and managing director of Alexander Dennis Limited, said: “Electric and hydrogen buses have critically important roles to play on the road to net zero. “With our zero-emission buses operating not only across the UK but around the world, it is a great honour for Alexander Dennis to have been invited by the UK government to present our zero-emission bus in the Blue Zone at COP26, reminding negotiators and world leaders that without investment in clean public transport, climate goals cannot be achieved. “We are extremely grateful to our colleagues at National Express West Midlands for making one of their buses available for this prestigious event. We have a longstanding partnership with them and we continue to work collaboratively to ensure that we can support their fleet strategies.” More than 1,000 battery-electric buses built in Britain by ADL in partnership with BYD are already on the road or on order in the United Kingdom.

Green target for Cadbury owner Mondelez International is committing to a target of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The Cadbury owner has signed the Science Based Targets Initiative’s Business Ambition for 1.5°C, aligning its long-term emissions mitigation targets with the ambitious aim of limiting temperature rise in accordance with the Paris Agreement. Mondelez has also joined the United Nations Race to Zero

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Campaign to help build momentum towards a decarbonized economy. Dirk Van de Put, chairman and chief executive officer, said: “For the last several years, we’ve worked with the Science Based Targets initiative to reduce our emissions footprint and this announcement will help accelerate our existing efforts to create a more sustainable snacking company. We’re transforming how we do business across our operations and with the suppliers and farmers we work with.”

This new commitment builds on the company’s existing sciencebased targets set in 2020 developed to contribute to combatting climate change. The company says it will focus its efforts across key areas such as sourcing 100 per cent cocoa volume for chocolate brands through Cocoa Life Program by 2025. It is also aiming to have 100 per cent of its packaging recycle ready by 2025, as well as reducing overall virgin plastic use by five per cent.

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Chamber Patrons Training academy opens its doors

Polluters are staying out of the city's clean air zone An expert in air pollution from Aston University has examined available data on how many vehicles have paid to enter Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone– and believes people’s behaviours are changing. Atmospheric chemist, Dr Stephen Worrall, praised the introduction of Birmingham’s CAZ which launched on 1 June, saying it was an important step in tackling air pollution in the city and would have a considerable impact on people’s health. While the full impact of the CAZ on pollution levels won’t become clear until 2022, Dr Worrall says traffic data reveals the number of non-compliant vehicles being driven in the zone was decreasing markedly. He said: “In the first two weeks of June before charging was

introduced, the daily number of non-compliant vehicles being driven within the CAZ was at an average of 18,787. “After charging was introduced, this dropped significantly to 11,850 for the remainder of June and this number has continued to fall, with the last reported daily average of 10,800 for August.

‘Some people are upgrading their vehicles to newer, less polluting models’ “This isn’t just your average motorist with a car either, as the data shows similar trends for other categories of vehicles with the biggest improvement observed in light goods vehicles (LGVs).

Over 75 per cent of these vehicles were complying with the CAZ in August versus just 63 per cent in June. This is a significant and sustained reduction which clearly demonstrates that people are modifying their behaviours.” Dr Worrall added that the data was also able to hint at the manner in which people were modifying their behaviour, with a possible increase in public transport use or a reduction in overall number of journeys. He added: “Some people are upgrading their vehicles to newer, less polluting models as there has been a small rise of about 2,500 in the number of complaint vehicles entering the CAZ on a daily basis. Fewer polluting vehicles in our city centre is a step in the right direction to improving our air quality and health.”

Students can offer ‘fresh’ thinking Employers are being encouraged to tap into the future workforce and bring fresh thinking to their Covid recovery by partnering with University College Birmingham on student consultancy projects. The university says it is keen to hear from employers across sectors who could benefit from students’ knowledge, research and criticalthinking skills as the business community navigates the ‘new normal’. With the guidance of expert lecturers, the consultancy projects allows students on degree and postgraduate courses to support employers with real-life challenges. Many students are millennials across a diverse range of backgrounds, giving employers access to untapped and informed consumer insights into new industry practices and opportunities. Previous students have proposed successful ‘pop-up’ tourism and event concepts, found more diverse and inclusive markets for various heritage attractions and destinations, conducted audits to identify new product and marketing opportunities, and established and enhanced social media activity. Students have also conducted environmental audits to identify new green initiatives and

Student insights: The UCB initiative allows firms to tap into the future workforce

conducted competitor analyses to create benchmark models. Rachel Gowers, executive dean of University College Birmingham’s School of Business, Tourism and Creative Industries, said: “We have a long history of working on these kinds of projects with organisations both in the UK and overseas; the central tenet being their value to the learning and employability experience of our students, along with offering a valuable output for employers. “The millennial status of most of our students enables access to one

of the most lucrative future consumer markets, and their collective insights on industry practices, challenges and opportunities is of great value to any organisation. Ultimately, these projects are a win-win for both industry and students, and our wealth of experience in consultancy ensures excellent output.” For the consultancy projects, students are required to conduct extensive research on the brief, justify their solutions, and communicate their work in a professional and creative manner.

A new training academy established by HS2’s construction partner for the West Midlands, Balfour Beatty VINCI, has opened its doors to the public. Based within South and City College’s Bordesley Green campus, the Balfour Beatty VINCI Skills Academy is a new partnership venture between the college and HS2’s construction partner for the region. The academy will upskill local people, who are out of work or looking for a career change, with the entry level skills they need to secure a broad range of jobs on the West Midlands section of Britain’s new railway – a 90km route spanning from Warwickshire, through to Birmingham city centre and up into Staffordshire. The Skills Academy, the first in the region dedicated to providing training in readiness for jobs on Britain’s new railway, will play an important role in helping HS2 to plug the local skills gap. Rebecca Young, Skills and Employment Strategy Manager at HS2 Ltd said: “The Skills Academy will help to ensure that HS2 leaves a lasting skills legacy, and that local people are given every opportunity to be part of this once in a lifetime project that is already transforming the region and supporting its economic recovery from the pandemic.” The Balfour Beatty VINCI Skills Academy is a product of that investment and a sign of the shared commitment to upskill local people ready for work on HS2. The Skills Academy will offer hands-on training, matched with classroom-based learning. Students will build and develop new skills, while securing nationally recognised accreditation that will prepare them for jobs on HS2. Mike Hopkins, principal at South and City College Birmingham said: “I am really pleased that we have been able to set up the training academy. “It is a fantastic partnership between the public and private sector which is for the good of everyone and will have a massive impact locally, providing a new route into jobs at all levels for unemployed people.” The academy will host drop-in sessions, supported by the National Careers Service and the Department for Work and Pensions, so people can find out more about the training courses available and how they link to HS2 jobs in the local area. The academy is open to everyone - not just those attending South and City College Birmingham.

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1813 Club and Premier Members

1813 Club and Premier Members Audio visual firm PSP has opened a new state-of-theart facility in south Birmingham. B30 Studios is a 6,000 sq ft purpose-built space can provide every format of content creation under one roof. It can host TV productions, music videos, product launches, fashion shoots or filmed podcasts. Managing Director David Woodcock: “We are really excited to be bringing a unique, versatile and state-ofthe art studio to the market. “Seventy per cent of PSP’s events now require some sort of virtual or digital integration; this year alone has seen us deliver over 250 events leveraging studio/hybrid. “B30 Studios is purposebuilt to give both our existing and new clients everything they require to shoot, record and stream anywhere in the world, thereby answering the current and evolving requirements from brands.’’

Membership Contact: Gary Birch T: 0845 6036650

Greater Birmingham’s leading companies

New facility for audio visual firm

Premier

Ageing isn’t all bad news Many western countries are finding that they are increasingly having to deal with an ageing population. In the UK, there is a long-standing debate about what to do about social care for the elderly, and there’s no easy answers to be had for this. However, an ageing population isn’t all bad news – according to a new report by law firm Clarke Willmott, there are some sectors out there who can benefit from the situation. Step forward the property sector – because Clarke Willmott’s inaugural ‘Retirement Living – consumer attitudes survey 2021’ could be good news. The report takes a look at the perceptions and attitudes of consumers to retirement living, and says there has been an upturn in demand for residential developments designed for retirees and older clientele. Paul Hinett, a partner in Clarke Willmott’s commercial property team, specialising in development, said: “In recent years we have seen an increased diversity of property solutions in the retirement market and we were keen to broaden our insight in relation to this market and to share this with our clients, contacts and others with an interest in this growth sector.

“It has been predicted by Age UK that by 2030, one in five of the UK population will be over 65. “This raises questions about the availability of housing and how pressure on the market can be relieved, whilst ensuring that our elderly population have homes where they are comfortable and their lifestyle can be maintained. “Whilst there are challenges that arise from an ageing population, there are also significant and exciting opportunities for property developers.” The results of the survey showed that retirement living is not just for the elderly, with more than 50 per cent of respondents open to moving to a retirement development before the age of 75, with a quarter saying they would consider it before they reach 65. When given the opportunity to choose what was important in a retirement property, location is the most important feature, with two thirds of respondents opting for this. For over 80 per cent of those interested in the idea of living in a retirement development, the green credentials of a site will also be important. Mr Hinett said: “The survey certainly makes for useful reading for anyone with an interest in the sector. Over the coming months we will be using the results to tailor our advice and services for clients and produce helpful articles Paul Hinett: Property developers could profit on specific aspects of from an ageing population the findings.”

Arboretum hosts BBC Remembrance special The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire was the host location for a special Remembrance Sunday episode of ‘BBC Countryfile’ last month. Presenter Ellie Harrison took viewers on a tour of the nation’s year-round place to remember, exploring the importance of remembrance and how volunteers are essential to the smooth running of the 150-acre garden and woodland site. During the hour-long programme, Harrison revealed how the Arboretum has grown over the 20 years since it opened to the public, transforming a tract of former quarry workings into an inspirational living landscape. The Aboretum now houses more than 400 memorials dedicated to members of the Armed Forces, emergency services and community and voluntary groups who have served the country. As it was Remembrance Sunday, the programme also explored the evolution of the Royal British Legion during the past 100 years. The Field of Remembrance at the Arboretum contains some 18,000 individual tributes, and the Poppy Appeal provides invaluable support to members of the Armed Forces community. Harrison also spoke to Philippa Rawlinson, managing director of the Arboretum and also interim Remembrance lead at the Royal British Legion. Ms Rawlinson said: “It was a pleasure to work with Ellie Harrison and the 40 CHAMBERLINK December 2021/January 2022

Countryfile team to showcase our stunning 150-acre site and emphasise the importance of year-round Remembrance. “It was fantastic to let viewers peek behind the curtain and discover how our incredible team of staff and volunteers keep the Arboretum running while sharing our ambitious plans for the future.” Special programme: Ellie Harrison chats with volunteer Sue Gallagher during the BBC show

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1813 Club and Premier Members

Reporting requirements: what you need to know In the second of a series of articles on sustainability by law firm Freeths - and what it means for Midlands corporates – Birmingham head of corporate LEE CLIFFORD and waste and sustainability director KIRSTIN ROBERTS look at what businesses need to do to comply with reporting requirements about how they impact on the environment. This subject is all about acronyms, the first of which is TCFD, which stands for the Task Force for Climate related Financial Disclosures. The TCFD wants businesses to disclose ‘clear, comparable and consistent information about the risks and opportunities presented by climate change’ and to that end have come up with a number of recommendations on how to do this. The TCFD’s aim is that ‘their widespread adoption will ensure that the effects of climate change become routinely considered in business and investment decisions’. Since 1 January 2021, all UK premium-listed companies have been required to state, in their annual report, whether their disclosures are consistent with TCFD recommendations, or to explain why not. The Government is also making TCFD-aligned disclosure mandatory across the economy from 2025. Businesses have also been asked to introduce a governance structure for climate-related risk and opportunities, reviewing the transitional and material impacts of climate change and identifying the right metrics to assess and manage these impacts.

The second acronym is ESOS, The Energy Saving Opportunity Scheme, a mandatory energy assessment scheme, introduced by the government to make sure large enterprises in the UK are energy efficient. Under the scheme, large organisations are required to assess their energy usage every four years and to find new ways to save energy. Next is CCA, or the Climate Change Agreements Scheme, which are voluntary agreements made between UK industry and the Environment Agency to reduce energy use and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The CCA scheme applies to businesses that operate high intensive processes, such as manufacturers of chemicals, paper, ceramics as well as supermarkets and agricultural businesses and encourages such businesses to invest in measures to reduce energy use, in return for reduced rates under the Climate Change Levy. There is also ETS, the EU Emissions Trading Scheme which is another measure designed to encourage businesses to reduce their emissions. And last but not least is SDR, or Sustainability Disclosure Requirements. The aim of SDR is to reduce the inconsistencies in voluntary sustainability related disclosures and builds upon the UK’s TCFD implementation. A discussion paper released last month outlines the proposed details of SDR and requests comments by January 2022. The responses to the paper will inform SDR policy proposals to be issued for consultation in Q2 2022.

Understanding sustainability: Kirstin Roberts and Lee Clifford

Cop26 wasn’t a cop-out

New starters join tax team

Last month’s Cop26 climate change produced a good deal more than just a vague promise to think about using less coal. One aspect of the conference will be to make businesses look more closely at the environmental, social and governance (ESG) agenda. Many businesses have already been putting great emphasis on this, according to experts at international law firm Trowers and Hamlins, but it’s something that is now assuming greater importance. The thing that businesses fear is what happens to their reputation when they fail to address a long range of issues covered by ESG – anything from engaging in bribery and corruption to polluting the environment, in fact. Alex Sharples, a senior associate in Trowers & Hamlins’ litigation department, said: “The discussion about consumer protections when making environmental claims and allegations of corporate greenwashing has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. Businesses operating in financial services or consumer-facing businesses need to be increasingly aware of the impact that their products have on the planet and what they have said about what that impact will be.” Colleague Lucy James, a partner and national head of commercial litigation at the firm, said: "The underlying legal issues aren’t necessarily new, but boards need to start looking at the way they conduct their business through an ESG lens.

Midlands-based tax, accountancy, and business advisory firm PKF Smith Cooper has boosted its tax team with six new appointments. At the firm’s Nottingham office, Megan Whiley and Adam Fox have joined the tax team in the positions of tax assistant and assistant indirect tax advisor, while the Birmingham office welcomed tax assistant Matthew Taylor. Simran Chohan is a new tax assistant at Derby while Rachel Leigh has a similar role at Ashbourne. A senior appointment at Derby is tax senior Vanessa Johnson, who said: “I’m looking forward to getting back into the world of tax, getting to know my new colleagues and clients across the firm, and working together to provide an efficient, professional corporate tax service.”

“An example is human rights issues which should now be part of general ESG compliance for businesses. Historically, these things may have been the remit of central and local government bodies, but the ESG conversation is bringing a human rights focus to the way businesses operate. “What is going on in your supply chain? Do you know that the people you are doing business with really adhere to appropriate standards? There are a lot of reputational issues at stake if you are not asking these questions.” Issues like these can have far reaching effects – for example, one is that government bodies entering into contracts with suppliers are now looking much more closely at their private sector partners and expecting them to meet certain ESG standards or uphold certain policies and practices. And asset managers are no longer willing to commit funds to companies without first conducting ESG due diligence. Trowers’ experts say that Cop26 showed that governments were committed to setting more rigorous environmental targets, a move which will create more of a burden for business, through new legislation and regulatory guidance. Lucy added: “New regulation will be needed to deliver on the commitments that governments are making. Where there is increased legislation and regulation coming through, it will be incumbent on boards to keep up with such developments."

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International Trade

T: 0121 725 8994 E: ibh@birmingham-chamber.com

Building links with key trade ambassadors The Chamber’s international business team has been boosting links with key trade partners across the pond. Both the US and Canada have appointed senior trade ambassadors, whose mission is to help grow business between those countries and the UK. At the US, Brenda VanHorn has been appointed commercial counselor at the country’s London office of the Commercial Service. The US Commercial Service (CS) is part of the US Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, and offers companies a full range of expertise in international trade. The UK branch - based at the London Embassy in Nine Elms Lane, Battersea - supports US businesses in the UK, and also works with UK companies to invest in the United States. Brenda VanHorn has worked at the US Department of Commerce for more than three years, and before her current role was a principal commercial officer in Mumbai, India.

Czech Chamber pays a visit to Birmingham The Czech Chamber of Commerce has visited Birmingham to shed some light on doing business with the Eastern European country. The Chamber’s vice president, Radek Jakubsky, gave an insight into Anglo-Czech business relations at an event at the Cube in Wharfside Street last month. He also outlined ways in which West Midlands firms could take advantages of opportunities in the Czech Republic. Also present were a number of leading Czech businesses, from the aerospace, automotive, healthcare, security, fintech and legal services sectors. An example of those attending was Aircraft Technologies Holdings, an aerospace company formed via the merger of two traditional Czech companies, Technometra Cesky Brod and Blanik Aircraft CZ. The former produces aircraft hydraulic and fuel system components,as well as gearboxes and small parts for the automotive industry. Blanik is based in Prague and makes and services training gliders, as well as manufacturing landing gear assemblies and other components for aircraft. ATH attended the Chamber event with a view to getting in touch with flying clubs and others, and also potential spare parts distributors. 42 CHAMBERLINK December 2021/January 2022

She has also worked for the Department of Commerce in Morocco as an international trade administrator and in Warsaw, Poland, as a commercial attaché. Before that she held several position in the graphics industry in the US. Chamber international director Mandy Haque was invited to meet Mrs VanHorn recently at a reception at the US Embassy. Also present was Rosemary Gallant, minister counselor for commercial affairs, and US charge d’affaires Philip Reeker, who has only been recently appointed himself. Ambassador Reeker took up his role in London in August. Prior to that, he led the State Department’s Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs as acting assistant secretary (March 2019 – July 2021). Mandy Hague said: “It was just so nice to be able to see people face-to-face and continue to build relationships with the USA embassy and help UK companies and Transatlantic Chamber members to invest and trade in US.”

Philip Reeker: Joining the US team in the UK

Sri Lanka’s low cost option The island of Sri Lanka is making a pitch to become a low cost logistics option for businesses looking to connect with the Middle East, Africa and South Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Up to now, those wishing to distribute goods in those markets have probably had to choose between using logistics hubs in Singapore and Dubai. Sri Lanka is halfway between those two locations, and has the advantage of being much cheaper. An event organised by the Chamber and the Sri Lanka High Commission in London and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board told delegates that the country was an ideal distribution hub to a number of emerging markets. As well as low operating costs, Sri Lanka can offer a flexible workforce who are often fluent in English. The country’s real estate industry is also modern and competitively priced. Andy Hipgrave, international logistics support manager at GBCC, said: “It is quite clear that Sri Lanka is perfectly positioned geographically to become a global base for any company with scale. “The infrastructure is ready made for expansive companies that either buy from or sell to Asia and beyond.

“The ‘freezone’ is a perfect example of forward thinking and is a real incentive for cross border companies to consider using the benefits of accessing global markets from such a strategic base.” Among those taking part in the event last month was Rohan Masakrala, CEO of Shippers Academy, Colombo, who said: “Sri Lanka has something novel and exciting to offer to the UK international trading community, in comparison to established maritime and logistics fulfilment locations of the world. “Shipping hubs are key to connectivity, distribution, and cost management to reach new markets. Sri Lanka is an island located 27km away from mainland India, is a gateway to the Indian ocean, linking the east-west main shipping corridor and opening new horizons in supply chain management for international traders and logistics services providers.” Another attendee, Dileepa Dissanayake, country manager, APL Logistics, said: “Sri Lanka is well-positioned between India and Bangladesh, two of the fastest growing economies in the South Asia region, and we can see a greater opportunity to facilitate logistics in a regional context. Colombo is the key connected port in the region, and is the only port which can accommodate mega vessels.”

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International Trade Greater Birmingham

Commonwealth

Commonwealth Chamber Patrons

Greater Birmingham

Transatlantic Chamber Patrons

Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce

Chamber of Commerce

Contact: Mandy Haque T: 0121 725 8994

US finally re-opens its borders UK business travellers are now able to travel to the US for the first time in nearly two years. The border reopened last month for UK travellers who can provide proof of vaccination in order to enter the US. Vaccinated people who have had a negative test taken no more than three days before travelling can enter the US without quarantining. Another test three to five days after arriving in the US is recommended. American travellers have been able to travel to the UK since 28 July. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the reopening was a ‘significant moment’ for UK-US travel. The re-opening coincided with the Cop 26 climate conference in Glasgow, and Mr Shapps used the opportunity to link US-UK flights with efforts to make air travel more environmentally friendly. He said: “Making these transatlantic flights greener is crucial for the aviation sector and we are investing record amounts to make that a reality.” Among those relieved that transatlantic flights have restarted is Rob Whittall, managing partner

of accountant Dyke Yaxley, who revealed some of his clients had not wasted a second in resuming face-to-face business with the US. He said: “Two of our clients travelled to New York and Texas the day the travel ban was lifted. Both individuals were understandably eager to jump start the business evaluation and relationship building opportunities they had started before Covid shut down travel and reshaped how we all conducted business.

‘Making these transatlantic flights greener is crucial for the aviation sector’ “While we’ve all adapted to conducting business virtually and can appreciate the benefits of such, there are still advantages to doing things like seeing and selecting a new site location first hand, meeting service providers in person, and experiencing US culture directly when you setup shop there. “Having the choice to see someone face to face, look them in the eye, is something those who do international business miss.

“Having the opportunity to do so again for a variety of roles within numerous industries will help resume some sort of return to the personal side of relationship building. “With transatlantic flights resuming, business owners now have the choice and opportunity to execute transatlantic decisions they may have been reluctant to do because they weren’t comfortable moving forward during the pandemic for whatever reason. “We’ve seen a number of businesses chose to start their US business during the pandemic and now that they have the chance to do their due diligence on the ground, they are taking advantage of that opportunity.” The relaxation of the rules relating to US travel comes as the UK’s ‘red list’ of overseas countries becomes zero, at least for the time being. Under red-list rules, travellers were only allowed to enter the country if they were a UK or Irish national, or a UK resident. They had to quarantine for 10 days, at their own expense, in a government-approved hotel. The last countries on the red list were Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Round table boosts Australian ties In the wake of this summer’s historic free trade deal between the UK and Australia, a round table event has been held in Birmingham to boost business relations between the two countries. Last month’s event featured Australia’s High Commissioner to the UK, George Brandis, who met a number of local businesses with links Down Under. Australia is an important trading partner for the West Midlands, which this year has been the third largest regional exporter to the country, exporting some £335m worth of goods. That represents 1.8 per cent of all global exports from the West Midlands, a rise from 1.4 per cent in 2020. George Brandis has been the Australian High Commissioner since 2018, and was previously a senator in the country’s parliament for 18 years. He has held several ministerial appointments, including the post of

attorney general, where he was responsible for the reform of Australia’s espionage and foreign interference laws. The trade deal secured by the UK with Australia – agreed in June after talks between Boris Johnson and Aussie counterpart Scott Morrison - will see the elimination

of tariffs on all UK goods. Chamber international director Mandy Haque said: “We are delighted that the High Commissioner is visiting Birmingham to hear from Midlands’ businesses and listen to how they can support business growth of our members.”

It’s a deal: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Australia’s Scott Morrison at the signing of the trade deal last June (picture courtesy of the Prime Minister’s Office)

DIT launches Irish campaign The Department for International Trade (DIT) in the Midlands is inviting locally based food and drink companies to find out more about exporting to Ireland. The DIT has launched a campaign to equip businesses with the knowledge they will need to get a foothold in this key market. Topics covered will include post-Brexit customs procedures, labelling for Ireland and other European Union markets, and logistics and support. The sessions will feature specialist speakers from a variety of businesses and other organisations. The first session has already gone, but on 27 January there is a virtual workshop event and on 30 March an online ‘meet the buyer’ event.

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International Trade

Training programme expanded By Sophia Corness-Parr Birmingham Chamber’s successful training programme is poised for expansion in the new year. The courses are a wide-ranging programme suitable for businesses of all sizes and at all stages of their business development. International trade courses provide comprehensive training for businesses who import and export both within the European Union and the rest of the world. International training courses have been particularly important this year, with the changes Brexit has meant for trade. Throughout the Brexit period, the Chamber’s various international trade courses have offered essential knowledge and skills to help the wheels of industry keep turning. The Chamber offers courses which are both British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) accredited and non-accredited. The BCC courses are highly detailed and each participant who completes six modules is awarded the Foundation Award in International Trade. This award is equivalent to a NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) and sets businesses apart through the advanced skillset it provides. Aneta Doroszuk, export co-ordinator from distribution specialist Anixter has successfully completed her Foundation Award in International Trade. She said: “The courses were extremely

Exporters caught out by changing regulations Major changes to the European Union’s ecommerce regulations are causing a massive headache for UK exporters. The changes – which happened in July – are Brexit related, and involve adding VAT to all items imported to the EU, even those with a value of 22 euros or less, which were previously exempt. Andrew Hipgrave, international logistics support manager at GBCC, said there had been ‘a lot of confusion’ since the rule change, which was linked to a recommendation for businesses to voluntarily register for a scheme known as Import One Stop Shop (IOSS). IOSS is a system which helps businesses calculate and collect VAT from customers upon checkout and pay it directly to the EU. However, Mr Hipgrave said that there had been a great deal of problems following its introd uction, with many companies not even knowing how to register for it. He said: “Registration will be crucial to any business-to-consumer e-commerce company, and more relevant is how to do this, which is not straightforward.” Any business needing advice can email A.hipgrave@birmingham-chamber.com

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knowledgeable, I have huge enthusiasm for the courses. The course instructor was approachable and helpful making me understand all the aspects.” Current BCC courses include: understanding exporting and export documentation (GBCC’s most popular course); customs procedures and documentation, import procedures including inward processing and outward processing; incoterms 2020; documentary letters of credit

and methods of payment, and more. Alongside the BCC courses, GBCC offers non-accredited courses which have proven to be equally as useful to businesses covering training in trade from a number of aspects. Courses span from a beginner’s practical guide to exporting to customs declarations. Notably, GBCC’s course ‘Trading after Brexit’ has proved useful to businesses dealing with this year’s post-Brexit climate. Training courses outside of trade also provide useful essential for businesses, such as health and safety for small businesses. Training courses are constantly being updated to reflect the latest knowledge and skills which businesses can utilise. As a result, training programmes are being bolstered to 11 BCC accredited modules from January 2022. Leah Quarmby, international trade training manager at the Chamber, said: “Since the UK left the EU, the need for companies to update their skills, learn new ruling, and follow legislation when it comes to international trade has been huge. The courses have flourished this year, with over 50 businesses booking on to at least one course throughout the year. “2021 saw 50 courses successfully take place. The 2022 calendar is already filling up with the aim to run 60 courses throughout the year. This includes brand new courses to support businesses along their International trade journey.”

Leah Quarmby: Next year’s calendar is already filling up

• The first quarter’s Chamber training courses are listed in full on pages 54 and 55.

Ohio delegation strengthens ties in the medical sector A delegation from the city of Mentor, Ohio, recently visited the West Midlands and met up with Chamber members from the medical sector. The delegation was primarily in the UK to attend the Med-Tech Innovation Expo at the NEC as a guest of partner organisation Medilink Midlands, but met up with Chamber members at a reception at the Grand Hotel, Birmingham. The city of Mentor is a manufacturing, healthcare, and retail economic hub just east of Cleveland, Ohio, USA, and the visit is one of several a delegation from the city has conducted over the last five years, resulting in bilateral visits of companies from the US to the Birmingham area, and vice versa on inbound trade missions hosted in the US. Kevin Malecek, director for economic development and international trade at Mentor, said: “The city of Mentor provides a soft-landing concierge-based approach to UK companies looking for business possibilities in the United States, particularly, but not limited to the healthcare and aerospace sectors, while also actively exploring partnership relationships with cities and organisations in the Midlands.” Several Midlands-based companies have visited Mentor in the last few years, with a

number now actively doing business in the area. Manufacturing costs are low, the region has a stable and experienced workforce, and the local government is committed to ensuring the continued economic success of the city.

Pictured back (left to right): Kevin Filipiak, Kevin Malecek (both city of Mentor); Jim Bourne (Chamber) GBCC); Ray Kirchner (Mentor); Rick Alphonso (RCS Logistics); Lloyd Broad (Birmingham City Council). And front (left to right): Andy Hipgrave and Mandy Haque (both Chamber)

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ABCC Updates and useful information from the largest ethnic support organisation in the UK Contact: Anjum Khan T: 0845 6036650

Barriers to trade must be addressed By Jason Wouhra, president of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce, and chief executive of Lioncroft Wholesale Ltd T/A East End Wholesale The appalling circumstances of Sir David Amess’ death reminds us that we must do everything we can to cherish and preserve the freedoms we enjoy in a democracy like ours. Following the brutal murder of the MP for Southend West, I do believe the time has come for public servants like Sir David to be offered more protection by the police. The risks are so high today that we must overcome the loss of some freedoms to ensure that MPs are safe and protected so that they can carry out their public duties without fear. Safety must come first and this stretches even wider when you consider that 81 women have allegedly been killed by men since the murder of Sarah Everard on 3 March this year. That really is a frightening statistic and one that should drive those in power to act now to protect every element of society from a tiny minority of individuals who have no respect for human life. My business is among most of those in the UK whose exports to the EU have been hit in the wake of Brexit and the global pandemic. A British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) survey of 2,600 UK exporters confirmed this last week when it revealed that the recovery in export sales has largely stalled in Q3. The proportion of firms reporting increased sales rose only three points (to 30 per cent) from Q2 (27 per cent), while the proportion reporting decreased sales fell by just two points (Q3:26 per cent/Q2: 28 per cent). I agree with William Bain, BCC’s head of trade policy, when he says that more focus needs to be given to lowering business costs with trade partners and addressing non-tariff barriers, which present roadblocks to exports. As with vexed question of exports to Northern Ireland, a large increase in the documentation needed to send goods into the EU is acting as a barrier to free trade with a group of nations that used to be one of our biggest export markets.

ABCC Patrons

This means that British businesses cannot be competitive on price because of the extra red tape and the value of the pound against the Euro. It seems the EU is deliberately introducing paperwork to slow trade with the UK and the fact that every sovereign state with the market has different regulations. Seeking new and further-afield markets takes time and expertise and most companies in the UK are not in a position yet to explore to wider destinations because things like checking credit-worthiness and complicated export platforms take time and expense. Clarity and simplification of red tape is urgently needed by UK businesses in order to get exports levels back up to where they were in pre-Brexit and pre-Covid days. And at the other end of business we are suffering supply-chain difficulties and in some cases we have been expecting 20 trucks of stock but only two or three have turned up. Another situation stifling British business today is the shortage of HGV drivers. One multi-national supplier cannot deliver goods to my depot through a lack of drivers and I think we over-estimated how attractive Britain is to foreign workers. There is not enough of them to fill the gaps and that is understandable when you consider they are paying higher taxes and exchange rates remain weak. I know through the experience of one of my drivers that qualifying to drive a heavy goods vehicle is not easy and it takes time. Maybe the time has come to pay more respect to them and only then might we start to address the shortage of 500,000 HGV drivers. But the problem of easing the shortage of shopfloor workers may be more difficult to crack. Again, Brexit is partly to blame but I feel the work ethic in the UK has changed. I hope this is not the case because this country has benefited enormously from the influx of generations of hard-working people from Asian countries and those who came over from the West Indies on the Windrush.

Risky business: Clare Murphy

Free online tool helps assess risks to businesses Law firm Harrison Clark Rickerbys (HCR) has joined forces with global security consultancy Blacksmiths Group to produce a free online tool to assess the risks faced by any business. The tool – ‘risk identifier’ – is focused on three areas: people, data and technology. If it flags up any areas of concern, it then points the user towards the resources needed to resolve this, including access to a full range of commercial, legal, insurance and security services, including people with experience at strategic level national security. HCR partner Clare Murphy said: “Stopping to find the warning signs, let alone read them and react, can present a real challenge when you’re putting everything into growing your business. “More often than not, management will either not identify something as an issue or will have a rough idea there is a problem there but will struggle to give it a shape or address it. “Sometimes that is down to lack of time, but it can simply be hard to know where to start. Risk identifier is designed to make the first step in that process quick and achievable and to signpost next steps, leaving you to take things forward at a pace to suit you. “From insurance, supply chains, employees or regulatory compliance, through to cyber security, intellectual property, fraud or international trade and sanctions, there is a lot to consider. “But with a good understanding of the issues that should really matter to you, you are in a strong position to move forwards from a position of knowledge and confidence.” *HCR Law and Blacksmiths Group are offering a discount of 10 per cent to any Chamber member taking up risk management services from them as a result of using the ‘risk identifier’ tool until the end of this month.

Premier+ Partners

December 2021/January 2022 CHAMBERLINK 45

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Cannock Chase Chase Chamber Patrons

Cannock Chase

Chamber of Commerce

Council benefits from Levelling Up fund Cannock Chase Council is to be allocated £20m from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund (LUF) programme and this has been described as a huge boost for plans to rejuvenate the local town centre. Cannock is one of 107 successful bids from across the UK to share in £1.7bn of funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. The council is keen to continue to engage with residents and businesses to help shape its thinking on the proposed regeneration. It is encouraging people to view its online consultation called ‘A brighter future for Cannock town centre – welcome to our virtual exhibition’ to share information, leave feedback and indicate their support for the visuals produced. The consultation seeks feedback across four key themes: leisure and culture, connectivity (or getting around), business and skills workspace and the removal of eyesores and celebration of assets. There is also a poll to participate in. Cannock councillor Phil Hewitt said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive news of this funding. This will enable the Council and its partners to transform the town centre. “There has been so much talk about the high street being dead, but we want to show that doesn’t necessarily have to be the case. This will enable us to address the multistorey car park, a current eyesore, and enhance areas such as Church Street. “The bid was built on previous work undertaken by the council when it unsuccessfully bid for the Future High Streets Fund when it also focused on Cannock town centre. “This was considered to be the only regeneration scheme developed sufficiently enough to stand any chance of attracting government funding. We appreciate that work is needed in all our towns, the council is now developing a pipeline of projects to ensure we are ready to utilise future opportunities. “We have worked collaboratively with key partners to secure this money, including with specialist consultants, the county council, both Local Enterprise Partnerships, lobbying government ministers and our local MP, and others to secure the necessary funding. “Having now succeeded, we are keen to hear from local people about our vision to transform the town centre. By viewing and feeding back on the proposals it will help the council shape the ultimate detailed designs we will produce over the coming months, followed by delivering the regeneration improvements we want to make.”

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Contact: Chris Plant T: 0845 6036650

President looks back on highlights at AGM Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce has held its annual general meeting (AGM), with its president, Gill Durkin, reviewing the region’s progress in recovering from the Covid pandemic. Local businesses and Chamber members attended the AGM and networking lunch at the Roman Way Hotel in Cannock Chase and were joined by Gill Durkin (pictured) and Councillor Olivia Lyons, leader of Cannock Chase Council. Ms Durkin addressed the meeting to discuss the highlights of her presidency during the past 12 months, as well as the activities taking place across the district that are contributing to postpandemic recovery. She said: “My first 12 months as president have been an interesting one and, like it has been for everyone, it has been challenging and rewarding at the same time. “When I became president, we were hoping for the government to start to relax some of its restrictions and looking forward to seeing family and friends at Christmas. “A few weeks later the government advised us to stay at home again. But despite the challenges of the past 12 months, we have had lots to celebrate in the Cannock Chase region. “A key milestone of this year must be the long-awaited opening of the McArthur Glen Designer Outlet Village in April. I was delighted to be invited together with fellow Lichfield president, Jason Challoner, to the official opening on 12 April. “Having worked in the training industry for almost 30 years with Performance Through

Gill Durkin: An ‘interesting’ 12 months as president

People, skills and employment are always close to my heart. “Over the last 18 months we have welcomed the financial support provided by government that has included much needed support helping people get back to work. As part of the support to help businesses recover, the £2bn investment in the Kickstart programme is providing much needed paid work experience for 16-24 year olds. “Alongside the government grants of £3,000 available to employers when recruiting an apprentice, we must thank the county and district councils for the additional funding through the Staffordshire Means Back to Business campaign. These funds are helping our businesses grow.”

Support for new businesses A new support programme for people looking to start their own business or who may have recently done so has been launched by the county council. The Get Started scheme will complement existing start-up mentoring and loans initiatives which are making a big difference to new businesses in Staffordshire as it recovers from the pandemic. It aims to bridge the gap between the two existing schemes and gives participants further support involving the services of marketing and accountancy professionals. This will help with branding, market testing, website guidance and financial support packages. Get Started has been launched thanks to a £60,000 county council investment. Applicants can either be a brand-new business or one that has been trading for less

than two years and be based in Staffordshire. Get Started, the start-up mentoring and startup loans schemes all form part of the wider Staffordshire Means Back to Business programme. This is co-ordinated by the county council and has just received £750,000 backing from the government through its UK Community Renewal Fund. Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader Philip White said: “The Get Started scheme is part of our wider Staffordshire Means Back to Business programme, which is helping us to deliver on one of our priorities of crucial support for new businesses. “Get Started strengthens the overall start-up support which we’re confident will make more of a mark. Anyone signing up will benefit from this free expert advice and guidance, enabling them to focus on getting through the critical early stages of managing a new business.”

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Burton & District Burton & District Chamber Patrons

Contact: Chris Plant T: 0845 6036650

Zero waste: Willshee’s recycling plant in Swadlincote

Award winner: Karen McElroy

Willshee’s wins contract South Derbyshire District Council has awarded Willshee’s Waste & Recycling a four-year contract which requires the handling of 8,500 tonnes of glass, metals, plastics, paper and card annually as part of the organisation’s zero waste to landfill commitment. Willshee’s is the largest independent waste and recycling company in the East Midlands region and has been providing waste and recycling solutions for 37 years. Alongside skip and other equipment hire services, the company can provide a tailormade service for the reduction, reuse, recycling, recovery and disposal of waste with a particular focus on achieving zero waste to landfill. Willshee’s will process the recycled materials after they have been collected by the council’s in-house teams. The work is being undertaken at Willshee’s new materials recycling facility (MRF) in Swadlincote, a £10m investment which has

Go Live’s expertise remains in demand Online educational training specialist Go Live has seen demand for its services soar in the coronavirus pandemic. The company has been hired to help the create digital learning experiences for education providers across the UK during the pandemic. The demand for Go Live’s expertise began back in April last year and in the last 12 months they have been involved in the training and support of 1,500 educators and school leaders across the UK. This surge in business on the back of the pandemic, and solely by word of mouth, has seen the specialist firm, based in Stokeon-Trent, recruit four additional staff. Among the wealth of packages Go Live now provides is the professional development training programme Edtech Leaders, which is thought to be the only one of its kind and is another key to its success story.

resulted in one of the most advanced recycling plants in the Midlands. Councillor Steve Taylor, chairman of South Derbyshire district council’s environment and development services committee, said: “We are committed to supporting local businesses and we are really pleased to be working with the team at the Swadlincote depot and extending the work we already do with Willshee’s in Burton. “The decision to award this contract to Willshee’s is part of a wider process which saw recycling collections brought in-house as part of the council’s commitment to the environment and to safeguard local jobs.” Willshee’s commercial manager Simon Lowe said: “We are delighted to be building on the great relationship we have with South Derbyshire District Council through this new contract. And it is exciting to see more and more business coming into our new state-ofthe-art facility.”

Double win for PR and communications firm Burton-based PR and communications agency FCM is celebrating a double award win at the Chartered Institute of Public Relations Midlands Awards 2021. FCM’s managing director Karen McElroy scooped the ‘Gold’ award for ‘Independent PR Practitioner of the Year’ and associate Bron Eames received the coveted ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award for her services to the public relations industry. Ms McElroy said: “It’s fantastic to win these awards. Special congratulations go to Bron who is a valued associate of ours. It’s been a challenging year but receiving recognition at these awards and others we’ve been shortlisted for this year is a real boost. “It’s also a clear signal that we are doing all the right things to achieve our mission to become a vital partner for ambitious growing businesses who are looking for value-for-money and flexible PR and communications expertise.” Judges from the Chartered Institute of Public Relations commented: “Judges were impressed by Karen’s commitment to the profession and how she is able to adapt and be agile for her clients.”

YMCA named best in the UK Staff, volunteers, and residents from YMCA Burton are celebrating being crowned ‘YMCA of the Year’ at the highly anticipated return of YMCA’s ‘Youth Matters’ awards on Friday night. The organisation, which has operated across East Staffordshire since 1887, won the title at a national ceremony at the exclusive Sheraton Grand Hotel in London’s Park Lane, hosted by comedian and expert quizzer from ITV’s ‘The Chase’, Paul Sinha. Youth Matters is YMCA’s national awards programme marking an integral part of the charity’s calendar since 2009. It celebrates the outstanding skills and achievements of young people from across the country and recognises the vital work that YMCAs deliver every day. The ‘YMCA of the Year’ award recognises a YMCA which has delivered an innovative and inspiring local project, programme or scheme that has created a tangible and positive impact on young people and the wider community. YMCA Burton triumphed over strong competition from other YMCAs across England and Wales during shortlisting, a public vote, and a final decision by judges.

It was praised for its dedication to the local community during an exceptionally challenging time, which saw demand for its foodbank more than double in just three months and vital family mediation support moved successfully online. In addition, YMCA Burton acted as trailblazers by organising its first-ever virtual Sleepout event, raising more than £42,000 and providing a blueprint for other YMCAs to do the same. Paul Laffey, chief executive of YMCA Burton, said: “We are absolutely over the moon to be taking home the amazing title of YMCA of the Year! Our staff and volunteers have worked incredibly hard to support our young people and community throughout the pandemic. I am immensely proud of everything they have delivered and achieved. Kath Stokes from Burton on Trent was also presented with the Red Triangle award for dedication and commitment to YMCA in recognition of 33 years’ service to YMCA Burton and the many people she has helped during this period. December 2021/January 2022 CHAMBERLINK 47

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Lichfield & Tamworth Lichfield & Tamworth Chamber Patrons Contact: Chris Brewerton T: 0845 6036650

Dedicated followers of fashion (from left): Jason Challoner, Samantha Storey and Chris Brewerton of Lichfield Chamber

Don your Christmas jumpers in aid of charity Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber president Jason Challoner has called upon businesses across the district to support chosen charity St Giles Hospice for a day of fundraising on 7 December, by encouraging employees to don their Christmas jumpers. The campaign was launched at a Chamber social networking lunch at Lichfield Garrick. St Giles regional fundraising manager Samantha Storey said: "Bringing together Chamber members across Lichfield and Tamworth for a specific day of fundraising and offering this opportunity for any business large or small to get involved is really exciting and I’d encourage anyone interested to get in touch.” Mr Challoner, managing director of Valyou Recruitment, based in Burntwood, who recently began his second year as Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber president, is offering a family ticket to the Lichfield Garrick, worth over £100, to the winner of the best Christmas jumper photo shared on social media during the day. He said: “We are excited to be using our connections across the area to help promote the fundraising efforts of our chosen charity.”

Steady growth during pandemic for EBY Tamworth-based marketing agency EBY has invested in new staff and become a ‘Staffordshire Ambassador’ after securing several new clients during the pandemic. The dramatic shift in the way business has been over the past 18 months has seen demand for its digital services increase by more than 30 per cent. Gavin Young, director and co-owner of EBY said: “We have seen many brands take the decision to transform their businesses during the pandemic and for many that has been the key to survival.” The company has also become a ‘Staffordshire Ambassador’ – this is a scheme run by Staffordshire County Council, which has signed up a number of local businesses to help promote the region.

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Cast of thousands: the SLT 2020 winners and sponsors

Chamber awards night is set to make a return Businesses of all sizes from across Sutton Coldfield and Staffordshire will have the opportunity to be recognised for their accomplishments at the Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield & Tamworth, and Cannock Chase Chambers’ annual awards and dinner early next year. The Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield & Tamworth, and Cannock Chase Chambers’ (SLTC) awards celebration will celebrate businesses from across the various divisions and recognise their hard work, despite the challenges caused by the pandemic. The awards ceremony will take place on 4 February 2022 from 6:30pm at Drayton Manor Hotel. Retail giant Amazon will also return as headline sponsor of the event. The awards will feature eight awards categories:

(sponsored by Haines Watts) Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield & Tamworth and Cannock Chase Young Professional of the Year (sponsored by South Staffordshire College)

Cannock Chase Small Business of the Year

Chris Plant, divisional membership director for Cannock Chase and District Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are delighted to announce the return of the Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield & Tamworth, and Cannock Chase Chambers awards next year. “After hosting our virtual celebration in January 2021, the opportunity to get back to physical events and celebrate the business community together will certainly be a welcome return to normality. “As the region’s businesses begin to get back on track, we’re really hoping that these awards can highlight what they have to offer, pay tribute to their resilience, and kick off the new year with some well-deserved positivity.” Phillip Arkinstall, president of Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce and chief executive of Ark Media, said: “It's fantastic to welcome back the SLTC awards in person. After a year of virtual award ceremonies it will be great to be back in the room with the shortlisted businesses, sponsors and Chamber members. It's a great accolade to be shortlisted for these awards and I'd highly encourage local businesses to get involved.” Judging this year’s applications will be chair Lillian Elekan, head of membership at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, alongside Tony Elvin, general manager at Touchwood Solihull and president of the Solihull Chamber of Commerce, Neelam Heera, founder of Cysters, Yung Lau, strategic consultant at Jacobs, and Hannah Montgomery, managing director at Golddust Marketing.

Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield & Tamworth and Cannock Chase Large Business of the Year

To book tickets for the awards dinner, please email events@birmingham chamber.com

Sutton Coldfield Chamber President’s Award (sponsored by Burley Browne) Lichfield & Tamworth Chamber President’s Award (sponsored by Lichfield District Council) Cannock Chase Chamber President’s Award Sutton Coldfield Small Business of the Year (sponsored by Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council ) Lichfield Small Business of the Year (sponsored by Crown Highways) Tamworth Small Business of the Year (sponsored by Tamworth Borough Council)

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Sutton Coldfield Sutton Coldfield Chamber Patrons

Sutton Coldfield

Charity of the Year

Chamber of Commerce

Contact: Chris Brewerton T: 0845 6036650

Backing for Town Centre Bid renewal Sutton Coldfield businesses have given a resounding yes to the renewal of the town centre’s Business Improvement District. The Town Centre BID has been backed for five more years after more than two thirds of businesses supported its renewal. Just over 60 per cent of businesses by rateable value who voted also said yes to the levy. Firms in the BID area will pay an initial 1.25 per cent of their rateable value for 15 months, rising to 1.53 per cent after the initial period for the remainder of the five years. That money is then pooled and spent on things like events in the town, deep cleans, fast fibre broadband, a town centre loyalty scheme, a what’s on guide and marketing. Only businesses with a rateable value of £7,500 or more are required to contribute. Sutton’s BID, which has been around for 10 years, and will now continue until the end of 2026, will spend the money in three key areas boosting the town’s profile, raising its safety and security and on business growth and investment.

Passion for fitness: Gary Smith

Gym moves into new city centre location Yes vote: BID chair Angela Henderson

Angela Henderson, manager of the Gracechurch Shopping Centre and chair of the BID, said: “The renewal takes us into the BID’s third term and we can now build on the work already and take its next term into the future at an exciting time for the town.”

Tackling recruitment issues A Sutton Coldfield HR expert has set out advice on how SMEs can tackle talent planning and resourcing issues that have occurred as a result of Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic. Many businesses – particularly in haulage, food and hospitality – have experienced welldocumented staffing issues over the past few months. As well as restricting the movement of EU citizens, Brexit and the pandemic have made people reprioritise what they are looking for in a job.

Tackling talent issues: Sara Abbott

Sara Abbott from The HR Dept North Birmingham, says there are a number of measures firms can take to deal with these challenges. She said: “A sensible place to start is with a workforce audit to understand your present situation. This does not need to be onerous, but make sure you collect useful information that will inform future decisionmaking. “For instance, profiling employee age will help you understand how many of your workforce are approaching retirement. Overseas workers are still permitted by a new visa system, so monitoring nationality could be useful. “With your audit complete, turn your attention to creating a priority list of the roles which have the highest impact on your business. Knowing where to expend your effort (and budget) most effectively is a key element of thinking strategically. “Having completed these initial pieces of work, you should be armed with data and insight to start targeting specific job roles. How can you make these more attractive? Perks are one costeffective solution. Another area to look at is improving the experience for staff doing your roles. “A key factor, especially for sectors looking to replace EU labour, is to recognise where training and reskilling is required.”

A Sutton Coldfield business consortium has hailed a ‘new era’ for fitness lovers in the town after investing almost £250,000 in an innovative new concept. Built Unique Co has opened on the former Birmingham Road Blockbuster video site, and is described as the new home of functional fitness and body building for the Greater Birmingham area. Functional fitness means doing movements that mimic everyday actions, engaging multiple muscle groups at the same time. The activity builds strength, stability, and mobility across the whole body, supporting comfortable living both inside and outside the gym environment. The boutique gym is the evolution of the CrossFit B76 concept, with ex-partner Gary Smith, heading up operations at Built Unique Co as managing director. Gary said: “I have always had a passion for fitness and in particular functional fitness - it’s how I met many of Built Unique Co’s investors. “We’ve always talked about opening a gym and with Sutton Coldfield’s vibrancy and ‘being on the up’, it felt like the perfect town to trial our ‘high street gym’ concept. “Everyone knows how challenging the high street environment currently is, but we are excited to play a role in driving footfall back to the town centre.” With a career spanning more than 15 years in the fitness industry, Gary has seen the benefits that fitness can bring to the lives of many. He said: “In addition to supporting people with their fitness and health, it’s great to be bringing jobs to the area. “We have already employed six people and we are still on the lookout for other roles such as front of house.”

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Solihull All the latest news, advice and events for the Solihull business community Contact: Samantha Frampton T: 0121 678 7488

Solihull gets a taster of new e-motos Solihull Council has partnered with Silence UK to host a taster session for local residents to test ride new state-of-the-art electric mopeds (e-motos). It’s hoped these cheap to run, fully electric vehicles could play a role in cutting both congestion and harmful carbon emissions along some of the town’s busiest routes. The taster day took place at the new ZF Group office and technical centre complex at Blythe Valley Business Park. Instructors from Birmingham Advanced Motorcyclists (BAM), who are based at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull, were on site to demonstrate some basic bike-handling skills as participants took the emotos on a 20 minute trial run. The session was open to residents who live along the Stratford Road and who regularly commute or travel by car. Following on from the test ride, participants can opt-in to an extended, free-of-charge trial period, lasting between two and four weeks, designed to further understand how these electric vehicles can reduce not only carbon emissions but also the number of single-occupancy cars on the road. This project forms part of the West Midlands Combined Authority’s efforts to introduce more walking and cycling improvement schemes to town centres. Councillor Ken Hawkins, cabinet member for Economy and Infrastructure, said: “As more of us are going back into the office and returning to previous travel habits, we have a unique opportunity to look at how we might start to do things a bit differently, especially when it comes to how we get around.

Future travel?: The e-moto trial

“Electric mopeds clearly have wide applications for couriering smaller items and food delivery but they also offer a clean, practical and affordable means of personal transport, and crucially an alternative to many shorter car journeys. This project is all about giving people the opportunity to try something different and see if they can be encouraged to leave the car at home.” Fellow councillor Andy Mackiewicz added: “This pilot is just one of the innovative initiatives we are exploring to help play our part in tackling carbon emissions. This trial scheme shows Solihull residents that there are accessible and greener alternatives to cars.” Silence UK founding partner Mike Rose, who recently opened an ‘urban eco-mobility’ headquarters in Solihull, said: “Silence e-motos offer an environmentally friendly transport solution and it was really encouraging to see so many residents recognise their potential.”

First responder charity appoints ambassador Arrive Alive has appointed Susie Ankrett from Plum Personnel as an ambassador. The charity is the only one in the UK dedicated to supporting community first responders approved and trained by West Midlands Ambulance Service. Ms Ankrett is a Solihull Chamber of Commerce Committee member as well as director of Solihull-based recruitment company Plum Personnel. She said: “Arrive Alive is an amazing lifesaving charity that makes a tremendous difference to saving lives on the frontline. I am so proud to be an ambassador of such a wonderful charity.” Those working for Arrive Alive are medically trained volunteers who are regulated and dispatched to frontline life threatening 999 calls by the ambulance

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service, and can arrive at the scene of a medical emergency in those vital minutes prior to a road or air ambulance due to being directly based within the heart of the local community.

‘Arrive Alive is an amazing lifesaving charity that makes a tremendous difference’ Debbie Roscoe, from Arrive Alive, said: “The Arrive Alive team are thrilled to welcome Susie as an ambassador, her enthusiasm for supporting and championing our lifesaving work is amazing. We look forward to working with Susie.” Arrive Alive is currently fundraising for additional lifesaving vehicles.

Telecoms firm has a makeover Telecommunications company Telephone Europe has undergone a rebrand. The company, founded 16 years ago, will now be known as Tel Group. Telephone Europe began life providing business telephone systems to the education and commercial sector, but has since diversified to offer various additional communication services, security systems and IT. Director David Murphy said: “Technology is evolving and so is our business. Over the past five years Telephone Europe has become more than just a telephone company and effectively we’ve become a strategic IT partner with many of our school customers. “We’ve therefore made the decision to make a small tweak to our name going from Telephone Europe to Tel group. This has been a long time coming, and we can’t wait to for the future as Tel Group.”

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Solihull Solihull Chamber Patrons

Students on path to discover healthcare Fifteen students at Solihull Sixth Form college have been accepted onto Aston University's ‘Pathways to Healthcare’ programme this year, which is designed to give them an insight into university life and what career to study for. The 18-month programme will help students make informed choices about their university courses and future career paths, and there is an emphasis on courses such as medicine, optometry, pharmacy, audiology, psychology and the allied professions. When the students reach next spring, they will be able to benefit from a boot camp and get an insight into work experience opportunities, which will include interview preparation days will be

available, as well as mentoring. Joseph Wright, curriculum leader for Natural Sciences, said: "Fifteen students accepted onto this brilliant programme, the most students we have ever had and we are delighted for these students. “There is a lot of fantastic potential in these students, which I hope the programme will help them to realise. Together with the students who are part of the college's Pre-Medical School enrichment, we will be working hard to support these students to ensure they get the most out of this fantastic opportunity." The Pre-Medical School is an environment designed to support students who have serious and realistic

aspirations to study medicine at university. Through a series of lectures, visits and practical activities, students strengthen their understanding of the medical profession and develop a greater appreciation of the essential skills and relevant experience required for a successful university application.

‘There is a lot of fantastic potential in these students’ Activities include university masterclasses, visiting speakers, attendance at university lectures and problem-based learning activities.

Lending a helping hand Volunteers from Paragon Bank based in Solihull have been giving a helping hand at St Basils’ Yardley House. Finance staff at the firm (pictured) supported the youth homeless charity by tidying the communal garden area. This included sanding and painting garden furniture, cutting back overgrown foliage, weeding and replanting garden beds as well as jet washing the patio area. The team of nine employees volunteered to spend the day at Yardley House. It was the first time that they had been able to work together, face-to-face, since the pandemic struck. Julia Brady, manager of Yardley House, said: “We would all like to say how grateful we are to the team for coming out to do our communal garden. All the young people commented afterwards about how lovely it looked. Everyone worked so hard and are always welcome back.”

Jingle Bell Jog: Raising vital funds this Christmas

Solihull BID in search of Santas to join festive charity fun run Solihull BID is searching for Santas to take part in its ‘Jingle Bell Jog’ and raise vital money for charity. The family fun run, sponsored by Touchwood, will see hundreds of Father Christmases running, dancing and jingling around the 2.5km course through Solihull town centre on 12 December. Entrants will receive their own Santa suit and they’ll also pick up a Santa medal and Solihull BID Christmas tote bag, filled with discounts for use at various town centre venues, when they cross the finish line. The fun event, while putting smiles on faces in the town centre, will also be raising cash for Change Into Action, a charity supporting rough sleepers and homeless people in Solihull. More than £2,000 was collected at the last the Jingle Bell Jog, in 2019, and it is hoped that amount will be comfortably surpassed this time around. Melanie Palmer, chief executive of Solihull BID, said: “This is the ‘Christmas Spirit’ in a nutshell. A great event bringing family and friends together in a fun environment, knowing that as they jog, they are also helping those less fortunate at this time of year. “It’s such a fantastic sight to see hundreds of Santas of all ages, and even the odd four-legged friend, bringing festive cheer to all.” As well as having plenty of fun, your entrance fee will be helping to raise vital funds for the Change Into Action charity. Registrations cost £12 for adults and £8 for children under 12, plus booking fees.

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Future Faces Future Faces Chamber Patrons Contact: Anna Assinder T: 0845 6036650

Helping firms to communicate By Claudia Congrave A young entrepreneur is shaping the region's start-up ecosystem with a new business aimed at helping budding business owners get better results from their pitches to investors, corporate clients, and other stakeholders. Davies Okeowo has built an impressive career centred on helping businesses grow and he has become an active member of the Birmingham business scene. He started his entrepreneurial career in January 2015 when he founded Enterprise Hill, a business development firm in Nigeria which has directly helped more than 100 businesses build strong growth structures, systems, and processes through a range of accounting, consulting, and strategy services. He also built a reputation as a business trainer and has facilitated hundreds of business training workshops, with the impact of his work being recognised by several awards and achievements, including winning Nigeria's version of ‘The Apprentice’ (‘The Next Titan’), and being named on the Forbes Africa ‘30 Under 30’ list in 2020.

He has also just been named as the region’s ‘Future Face of Entrepreneurship’ at the Future Faces ‘2021 Awards ’and since has been appointed to the Future Faces committee. Having come to the UK as a Masters in Entrepreneurship Student at Aston University, Davies co-founded Aston Entrepreneurs Club (AEC) with Janani Prasad, who is also cofounder of the pair’s software development company, Novel Innovations Ltd, where they

The next titan: Davies Okeowo

are developing an AI-driven business management software for micro and small businesses (due to launch in 2022). Recently, Davies has been busy helping entrepreneurs simplify their proposition and tell their stories through his new company, PitchHub Ltd. Davies’ idea for PitchHub Ltd was born out of the understanding that the success of any early-stage business lies largely in the founder's ability to communicate effectively to audiences that matter to their growth. Observing that many entrepreneurs often fail at this initial hurdle, he decided to build a business that would help entrepreneurs simplify and communicate their value proposition effectively. Davies said: “Compelled by my faith, the need to build a global business, and my desire to be an active contributor to a growing startup ecosystem, I moved to Birmingham in January 2021. Here, I found a business community that was welcoming and open to collaboration and thanks to this, I was able to engage with key stakeholders and create value in diverse ways.” For more information visit www.pitchub.co.uk

Recognising when we need support Yung Lau, a strategic consultant at Jacobs and Future Faces executive committee member and mental health champion, reflects on ‘Men’s Mental Health Month’ and the importance of recognising when we need help. Earlier this year, 14– 20 June was raised as Men’s Health Week. Now, the Mental Health Foundation in the UK is campaigning for November to be officially recognised as ‘Men’s Mental Health Month’, running simultaneously with the ‘Movember’ campaign that runs every year. In England and Wales, men account for three times more suicides as women. The rates are increasing, particularly within the construction industry. The Centre for Mental Health has estimated that the wider economic cost of mental illness in England is £105.2bn each year, while Forbes estimates specific work related stress and burnout to cost £142bn every year. It is often said that societal expectations, and the ways we expect individuals to behave, make it much harder to discuss or seek help when experiencing difficulties. For example, men are stereotypically assumed to be strong, in control, and not allowed to cry. Due to the pressure of these stereotypes, many men use different forms of escapism to hide their problems, sometimes through difficult or harmful means. 52 CHAMBERLINK December 2021/January 2022

Several years ago, when a colleague committed suicide, I ended up using holidays, and using my job as escapism – avoiding my university work. A year later, after an international incident, I found myself not being able to think properly. I couldn’t concentrate in lectures, and I felt numb. After some consoling sessions, I discussed that I felt like I couldn’t talk to anyone, which was a factor causing me to spiral into a poor state of mental health. It took a lot for me to ask for help, and we need to do more to help each other, encourage people to communicate their feelings. Businesses could be investing more into training opportunities and empowering their employees and, as individuals, we could be open to learning about mental health, knowing where to go for help and understanding the signs in others. For example, Jacobs sponsors a free to use application called ‘One Million Lives’ that allows anyone to check in with themselves and understand their own mental health better. Reaching out to someone who’s behaviour has changed, with no judgement, could be the first step saving someone’s life. It can be hard looking out for others, but it can be even harder to see the signs in ourselves. Remember to take care of yourself.

Yung Lau: Societal expectations damage men’s mental health

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Future Faces

The Chamber’s ever growing network for young professionals and the leaders of tomorrow.

Report reveals Covid’s impact on young people By Sophia Corness-Parr Engagement and insights agency Beatfreeks has published a report in collaboration with BMET College detailing the long-term impact Covid-19 has had on 16-25 year olds in the West Midlands. The 'Young People in the West Midlands' National Youth Trends’ report details the effects Covid-19 has had on young people and voices their attitudes and ideas towards a range of topics, such as employment, work and careers. It was found that young people in the West Midlands consider doing something they love to be the most important factor when pursuing any career. It was also found that this outlook has not been negatively impacted by the pandemic, with young people across the region and UK still feeling ambitious and passionate about their careers and future prospects. In fact, of all the participants from the West Midlands in full time employment, 67 per cent claimed they were in a job which was part of their desired career path. In addition, more young people in the West Midlands feel like they are fulfilling their career potential compared to the UK as a whole. The report also found that 54 per cent of young people said that the job they want in the

future is available in the place where they live, shining a positive light on the opportunities available to young talent in the region. Anisa Morridadi, founder and CEO of Beatfreeks, said: “Our report with BMET keenly demonstrates the career ambition and drive felt by young people in the West Midlands. “Our region has always been great at staying ahead of the curve by welcoming diverse ideas and talent, and these findings reflect positively that this is still the case”. The report also said that virtually all young people in the West Midlands (97 per cent) cared about global issues. The report added: ‘the most popular method through which young people want to provoke change in the region is by working as a CEO or leading a team.’ Jodie-Lee Perks, manager of Future Faces, said: “It’s great to see that the pandemic has not quashed the ambitions of the West Midlands’ 1825 year olds and that so many of them prioritise loving what they do. “The Great Resignation is forcing companies to invest in young talent to retain them and help them progress. At Future Faces we aim to support and nurture this young talent to develop the leaders of tomorrow, so knowing that the Gen Z-ers spirits have not been dampened by the pandemic is music to our ears.”

Changing lives with Cherished By Claudia Congrave Birmingham-based charity Cherished is on mission to support young people in reaching their full potential, turning pain and trauma into positive action through the provision of positive mentors and training. Cherished is a non-profit organisation based in Boldmere and nurtures the vision of every child being able to access the support they need to feel safe, seen, soothed and secure. Cherished was founded by Hannah Simnett in 2011 after seeing the attachment needs of young girls not being met. At the same time she was studying for a degree in Youth, Children’s and Community Work in Nottingham, but found the time to focus Cherished’s services on mentoring and training specific to trauma and attachment issues, and began delivering this as a course in secondary schools, to an overwhelmingly positive reception. In an ever-changing world, the charity provides a place for girls to make friends and explore topics in a safe way, while also having

fun using games and crafts in a relaxed group environment. Since its inception, Cherished has worked in more than 35 schools across North Birmingham and the Midlands, with the help of a dedicated team of 70 volunteers who are all trained in adverse childhood experience (ACE) and attachment theory. Hannah said: “Cherished is built on lived experience and what I’ve been through in my life. It’s about using that as a force for good and using pain as a purpose. For us, we believe in the power of relationships and connection, and, with our children, kindness is really important. The difference that we’ve seen because of what we do at Cherished is genuinely life-changing. We’ve got little boys and girls who have experienced things that no child should ever have to experience, so having a mentor and a level of consistency can change the course of someone’s life. “What’s truly amazing is that young people we worked with 10 or so years ago have rejoined us and are now working on our team. We’ve made that difference and are now able to give them that support and work as adults.”

Anisa Morridadi: Young people have ‘drive and ambition’

New Members Bianca Pryce (Fontein Life) Jordan Bignall (Correla Limited) Philip Costin (Correla Limited) Alexander Watton (FieldFisher) Sinead Thomasson (FieldFisher) Eilish Beeby (FieldFisher) Alexandra Kalu (FieldFisher) Esther Thomas (Fieldfisher) Jack Tranter (Tranter Media Management) Nick Martin (Crowe UK LLP) Parris Britton (Crowe UK LLP) Sam Stewart (HancoxRead Recruitment) Megan Croker (HancoxRead Recruitment) Katrania Lowers (Colmore Partners)

Upcoming Events Future Faces Social in South Staffordshire Time: 17:30 - 19:30 Date: 15/12/2021 For more information and to book a place contact events@birmingham-chamber.com

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Chamber Events

Live events are back in action Now that in-person events have returned, watch this space for a full 2022 programme of what the Chamber has to offer in the New Year

The Chamber’s international team has a portfolio of documentation training, aimed at those who are exporting goods to Europe and all over the world. The majority of the courses are British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) accredited. The courses cover everything from customs procedures to incoterms, a set of legal terms which define where the responsibility of the exporter ends and that of the buyer begins. The list below covers the first quarter of 2022. A beginner’s practical guide to exporting Date: Time: Venue: Trainer: Cost:

13/1/2022 9.30am – 3.30pm Online remote training Katie Fryer Members: £245 Non-members: £295 The attendee will gain knowledge and understanding on terminology used in an export role and understand why export procedures must be correctly actioned.

Introduction to Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Date: Time: Venue: Trainer: Cost:

18/1/2022 9.30am – 4pm Online remote training David Reader Members: £200 Non-members: £280 The attendee will gain an insight as to why their business should consider obtaining AEO status and how they could benefit in doing so.

Understanding export & export documentation (BCC accredited) Date: Time: Venue: Trainer: Cost:

25/1/2022 9.30am – 3.30pm Online remote training Sue Grewcock Members: £245 Non-members: £295 The attendee will see the end-to-end Export process and gain an understanding of the Export documentation requirements, including knowledge on shipping, using freight forwarders and couriers. A great follow on from anyone who has sat our beginner’s export course.

Trading after Brexit–12 months on Date: Time: Venue: Trainer: Cost:

31/1/2022 9am – 1.30pm Online remote training David Reader Members: £165 Non-members: £215 This course would be suitable for any business who trades Internationally, whether that be importing and/or exporting especially to/from the EU. The content will suit any team member who is handling the day-to-day processing of documentation, as well as those in logistics, negotiating sales and procurement

If your company has unanswered questions to trading after Brexit, this is the course for you.

Trading with Ireland & Southern Ireland Date: Time: Venue: Trainer: Cost:

31/1/2022 2pm – 4.30pm Online remote training David Reader Members: £100 Non-members: £150 Whether you are currently trading or looking to trade with Ireland or Southern Ireland, information will be provided on what procedures to follow, what the Northern Ireland protocol is when delivering goods and what paperwork requirements are needed.

Customs procedures & documentation (BCC accredited) Date: Time: Venue: Trainer: Cost:

9/2/2022 9.30am – 3.30pm Online remote training Sue Grewcock Members: £245 Non-members: £295 The day will include discussing & reviewing organisations involved in International trade, what an Export is, key information on international documentation, including commodity codes, Incoterms & licences, rules of origin covering preference & non preference and more.

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Understanding commodity codes (BCC accredited) Date: Time: Venue: Trainer: Cost:

16/2/2022 9.30am – 12.30pm Online remote training David Reader Members: £150 Non-members: £200 Key points delivered on the course include the background to Trade Commodity Codes, make up of a Commodity Code, general Interpretive Rules, building a Commodity Code, how to find a Commodity Code, hard To Classify Goods and more.

Agents & distributors (BCC accredited) Date: Time: Venue: Trainer: Cost:

16/2/2022 1.30pm – 4.30pm Online remote training David Reader Members: £150 Non-members: £200 This detailed course is suitable for anyone in an International trade environment who lease with different Agents & Distributors or are looking for opportunities to get involved with an agent/distributor and the best way how.

Incoterms 2020 (BCC accredited) Date: Time: Venue: Trainer: Cost:

24/2/2022 9.30am – 12.30pm Online remote training Katie Fryer Members: £150 Non-members: £200 The course will provide an overview of the changes that have taken place between the previous 2010 Incoterms to the new 2020 terms. It will also provide a guide on the obligations and costs to the buyer and seller during a sale to include when risk passes during the transaction from seller to buyer.

Risk and rewards in International trade Date: Time: Venue: Trainer: Cost:

9/3/2022 9.30am – 12.30pm Online remote training David Reader Members: £110 Non-members: £170 This bespoke half day course is to help businesses and their staff understand the different areas of risks of International Trade and therefore be in a position to make informed decisions as to the risk it is prepared to take with different aspects of exporting and/or importing and where possible reduce/mitigate them.

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Chamber Events

We are thrilled to have seen the return of many in-person events in the last few months, including the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Radisson Blu Hotel.

Health & Safety for small businesses Date: 15/2/2022 Time: 9.30am – 3.30pm Venue: Greater Birmingham chamber’s of Commerce – Edgbaston, Birmingham. Trainer: Beckie Staincliffe Cost: Members: £170 Non-members: £220 This is a general Health and Safety awareness course and is suitable for owners / directors / managers and supervisors of small businesses who have specific responsibilities with regards to managing and coordinating Health and Safety. Delegates do not need prior knowledge to attend.

Import procedures including IP & OP (BCC accredited) Date: Time: Venue: Trainer: Cost:

16/3/2022 9.30am – 3.30pm Online remote training Sue Grewcock Members: £245 Non-members: £295 The attendee will gain an overview of the end-to-end import process and all areas applicable. You will look at supplier risk, country risk, payment risk and learn about duty payments along with special procedures.

Preference rules of origin (BCC accredited) Date: Time: Venue: Trainer: Cost:

24/3/2022 9.30am – 12.30pm Online remote training Sue Grewcock Members: £150 Non-members: £200 Attendees will receive a detailed discussion & explanation on rules of origin, non-preferential origin rules, UK & Arab certificates of origin, preferential origin rules, trade agreements, UK EUR1 movement certificate’s and more.

Documentary letters of credit & methods of payment (BCC accredited) Date: Time: Venue: Trainer: Cost:

30/3/2022 9.30am – 3.30pm Online remote training Sue Wright Members: £245 Non-members: £295 The course will provide an overview of all methods of payment when trading internationally to include the risks and benefits involved. It will also guide you through the rules of managing a letter of credit and how to make sure documents are compliant, so payment is successful. All prices above are subject to VAT. For full course details, enquiries or to book, please email training@birmingham-chamber.com

The Chamber is also preparing to host the Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield & Tamworth and Cannock Chase Annual Dinner & Awards 2022 at the Drayton Manor Hotel in February, followed by the return of the flagship GBCC Annual Dinner and Awards which is back with a bang on Friday 4 March 2022 at the ICC. • See pages 5-8 for full coverage of the GBCC AGM • Visit www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com to apply for the GBCC awards or for sponsorship opportunities.

Attendees of the GBCC AGM 2021 gathered at the Radisson Blu Hotel

Sutton Coldfield and Lichfield & Tamworth Christmas Social Date: 08/12/2021 Time: 17:30 – 19:30 Venue: The Boat Inn, Lichfield Division: Sutton Coldfield and Lichfield & Tamworth Cost: Members: Free Non-members: £15 + VAT Burton & District and Cannock Chase Christmas Social Date: 09/12/2021 Time: 17:30 – 19:30 Venue: The Winery Division: Burton & District and Cannock Chase Cost: Members: Free Non-members: £15 + VAT Solihull President Christmas Drinks Date: 09/12/2021 Time: 17:30 – 19:30 Venue: TBC Division: Solihull Cost: Members: TBC Non-members: TBC 1813 Club & Premier Members Christmas Social Date: 17/12/2021 Time: 12:00 – 14:30 Venue: theStudio Division: GBCC Cost: Free for 1813 Club & Premier members only Good Business Forum Date: 11/01/2022 Time: TBC Venue: TBC Division: Birmingham Cost: Members: TBC Non-members: TBC Networking Lunch Date: 12/01/2022 Time: 12-2pm Venue: TBC Division: Sutton Coldfield

Cost:

Members: TBC Non-members: TBC

Social Networking Date: 12/01/2022 Time: 5.30pm-7.30pm Venue: TBC Division: Burton & District Cost: Members: Free Non-members: £15 + VAT Speed Networking Date: 18/01/2022 Time: 8.30am – 10.30am Venue: TBC Division: Birmingham Cost: Members: TBC Non-members: TBC

Social Networking Date: 24/01/2022 Time: 5.30pm – 7.30pm Venue: TBC Division: Lichfield & Tamworth Cost: Members: Free Non-members: £15 + VAT Networking Lunch Date: 26/01/2022 Time: 12-2pm Venue: TBC Division: Cannock Chase Cost: Members: Free Non-members: £15 + VAT Pro-Solihull Networking Date: 27/01/2022 Time: TBC Venue: TBC Division: Solihull Cost: Members: TBC Non-members: TBC

QBR & Making the Most of your Chamber Membership Date: 19/01/2022 Time: TBC Venue: TBC Division: GBCC Cost: Members: Free Non-members: Free

Meet the Neighbours Date: 03/02/2022 Time: TBC Venue: Zoom Division: GBCC Cost: Members: TBC Non-members: TBC

Start-Up Business Surgery Date: 20/01/2022 Time: TBC Venue: TBC Division: GBCC Cost: Members: TBC Non-members: TBC 1813 Club & Premier Members Event Date: 20/01/2022 Time: TBC Venue: TBC Division: GBCC Cost: Members: TBC Non-members: TBC Making the Most of your Chamber Membership Date: 24/01/2022 Time: 8:30-10am Venue: TBC Division: GBCC Cost: Members: TBC Non-members: TBC

Le Tour in 24 – Solihull Chamber Event fund raising for Arrive Alive Date: 04/02/2022 Time: TBC Venue: Zoom Division: Solihull Cost: Members: TBC Non-members: TBC Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield & Tamworth and Cannock Chase Annual Dinner & Awards Date: 04/02/2022 Time: 18:30 – 22:30 Venue: Drayton Manor Hotel Division: GBCC Cost: Members: £80 Non-members: £80

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Feature

Executive Search & Recruitment

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Executive Search & Recruitment

Feature

Getting the employment contract

right! By Ann-Marie Pugh and Emma Neate (pictured), directors at Neate & Pugh xecutive search and recruitment can be a time-consuming and costly process, and by the time the perfect candidate has been found, businesses have often already expended a great deal of effort and energy into sourcing their senior hires. Once a role has been initially accepted it can feel like the hard work is done, but the next stage of creating and agreeing the finer details of a contract is just as critical. It’s vital that companies take the time to review and amend their standard employment contracts for executive level roles. Paying careful attention to the terms of employment and clauses used to protect business assets upfront mitigates any unwanted problems further down the line.

How to protect your business Ensure that intellectual property, confidential information, and other protectable business interests such as customer and employee loyalty are fully protected by applying appropriate clauses in the contract. You can also go one step further by being specific about things like the use of company data on personal devices and social media platforms, and what the business requirements are on this when an employee leaves the company.

also makes sense to reflect this in the day-today too. The way in which you operate your business, your employees’ contractual terms and the corporate policies you follow should all be consistent in identifying these assets as important and valuable.

Think about the end as well as the beginning! It might seem odd to suggest thinking about somebody leaving a role, when they have only just accepted the job offer, but this is a key element to cover when drafting a contract. For example, the contract terms for very senior employees should ensure they can’t exploit the commercial advantages they’ve acquired with you by joining a direct competitor when they leave. Pay attention to other key points such as notice provision; garden leave clauses and payment in lieu of notice too.

Make it specific Ensuring that the clauses in senior level contracts are made as specific as possible to the individual role and the business you’re recruiting for, makes it easier to pursue a legitimate legal claim for any breaches of contract further down the line. The more generic the contract, the more difficult this is which can leave your business exposed.

Be consistent If you’ve taken the time to protect your business assets with specific clauses, then it

Keep it up to date As the individual then moves through the

organisation into different roles, their contractual terms should be kept under review and adapted to the changing circumstances. This can often be an oversight when internal promotions occur and it’s important to remember that the law and legislation changes too, so it’s prudent to stay up to date.

What if you’re the applicant? The other side of this picture is of course the applicant and what they should be looking for in a new contract, especially when considering a senior role. Don’t be afraid to take time to fully review a contract and ask questions. You should not feel embarrassed to negotiate the key terms of your contract either, it demonstrates that you have attention to detail too. Think longer term and ensure you fully understand any restrictions you may face finding a new role if you choose to leave the company in future. Consider how secure you will be in the new role, how long the notice period is, sick pay provision, and whether any additional support is being offered with health care schemes and insurance. Don’t be put off by a high level of detail in an executive contract, this indicates that the employer has taken extra care in making it specific to the role, and that they value full transparency in how they operate as a business and treat their employees. We would consider this a good sign! December 2021/January 2022 CHAMBERLINK 57

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Feature

Executive Search & Recruitment

What is

executive search? Recruiting can be a difficult task, especially if you’re looking for senior management or board level staff. You need the right level of skill and experience, but you haven’t got access to the top talent you’re looking for – so when it comes to hard-to-fill roles, an executive search consultant might be the answer. What is executive search?

How executive search works

Executive search recruitment is primarily used to find candidates for seniorlevel jobs, particularly niche or highly specialist roles that may be hard to fill. Executive recruiters usually operate within small sectors and are responsible for sourcing talent within that specific industry. Also known as search and selection, or, more commonly, headhunting, this kind of recruitment takes a proactive approach and doesn’t follow traditional recruitment methods.

Recruiters operate on a contingent model, and are often in direct competition with other agencies to fill the same position – which means they will only receive a commission if their candidate is placed – and they usually balance many clients and candidates at once. In contrast, an executive search firm operates on a retained basis; they will charge a retainer fee upfront, and then charge additional fees at regular intervals throughout the search process. While more expensive, this process will allow the headhunter to dedicate time to getting to know the organisation, its values and the specific skills and experience it needs, allowing them to conduct a more tailored and thorough search. Additionally, they only work on a small number of roles at any given time, which means they can also spend time getting to know candidates in depth, particularly their career goals – a beneficial process when persuading a passive candidate to take on a new role. Having been granted exclusive rights to work on the placement, an executive search firm will be involved with every step of the process, from approaching candidates and drawing up a shortlist, to making introductions to clients, assisting with negotiations and seeing a candidate placed in a role.

What’s the difference between a recruiter and an executive search consultant? The end goal for a recruiter and an executive search consultant is the same – they want to fill a role on behalf of an employer, their client. However, there are a number of key differences between the two and the way they operate. Although they can work across all industries and levels of skill, recruiters commonly focus on entry level and mid-management roles. They will advertise a job on behalf of the client and then draw from the large pool of active job seekers who express interest in the role. Candidates might be registered with multiple recruitment agencies and there may be a lot of competition for each role. Executive search firms focus only on technical specialists, upper management and executive roles. A headhunter’s role is to find the very best match to meet a very specific job description – and quite often, this might mean directly approaching a passive candidate who isn’t actively looking for a new role (or someone who is putting the feelers out for new opportunities but hasn’t started applying for roles yet). In a lot of cases, the best candidate for the job is already engaged in a senior position elsewhere (and may even be working for the competition) so it’s the executive search consultant’s job to contact them and discuss whether they would consider a move. In order to identify the very best candidates from a small pool of individuals, they will have excellent contacts and expert knowledge of the sector. 58 CHAMBERLINK December 2021/January 2022

When to use an executive search firm The choice to use an executive search firm over a traditional recruiter will depend on the role you need to fill. If the position is high profile, niche, or requires hard-to-find skills, you might consider retaining the expert services of a headhunter. While more expensive, engaging an executive search firm could actually save you time and money in the long run. A headhunter will eliminate such time-wasting risks as shortlisting and interviewing ill-qualified candidates, and reduce the chance of a bad hire. Additionally, by providing you access to the very best candidates in the field, they will help you gain an edge over your competitors.

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Feature

Manufacturing

Manufacturing success for the Midlands Throughout the turbulence of the last few years our manufacturing industry hasn’t just stood firm – it has pulled out all the stops to still be one of the world’s leading lights for innovation. Matt Shaw (pictured), managing partner at Forresters, looks at how manufacturing in the Midlands is still breaking new ground. Manufacturing has to be one of our most resilient industries. We’ve all seen how Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic affected a range of things, from supply chains to labour shortages. If that wasn’t enough manufacturers are now having to deal with a worldwide microchip shortage, leaving some car makers to slow down production and have temporary lockdowns. However, despite all this uncertainty, manufacturers continue to push the boundaries and lead the way with innovation and ingenuity. So, once the UK had left the European Union our manufacturers explored new market opportunities and supply networks, while investing in green technologies. Also, during the pandemic, dozens of our manufacturing companies switched production to ventilators and PPE to help in the national effort. It’s important that these companies protect their future, and one way they can do this is by securing their most important business assets – their ideas, inventions and designs. At Forresters we are proud to work with some of the region’s most innovative manufacturers. Over the last few years we have secured patents for incredible ground-breaking inventions and ensured each business is protected through various intellectual property (IP) laws.

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Here are some of the reasons why it’s important for companies to protect their IP: 1. Avoid theft: A competitor who copies an idea can bring your product out at a better price, because they’ve not had to shoulder the costs of research and development – this means they reap the rewards of your hard work. Manufacturers can avoid this by protecting their ideas and then action can be taken against copycats. 2. Save time and money: Coming up with an idea for a new product or process is an exciting time, but before you spend money on research and development check that you aren’t infringing someone else’s IP. That could lead to a legal dispute, as well as damaging your reputation with clients. 3. Cover every angle: It’s well known that patents can be obtained for new inventions, but a lot of people assume they can’t protect their production methods, or the way a product looks. This means some companies don’t protect bespoke production and logistics processes, even though these are often integral to their business’ success. 4. Tax benefits: Patent Box helps with tax relief on new and innovative products that are covered by a patent. These tax benefits can be applied to profits earned from qualifying patented inventions and it is a great incentive for

companies to ensure they have taken care of their IP. 5. Reassure customers: Protecting your IP can make your invention or product a more attractive investment, and it could even be used to secure future loans. Also, it gives you credibility with customers, who have a greater level of reassurance that their investment is secure. Manufacturing still accounts for nearly half of UK exports and the Midlands has thousands of manufacturing and engineering companies, which create incredible products that are sold around the world. It looks like things are only going to get better for the manufacturing industry in the years ahead. The government has set a target for the UK to be the most innovative country in the world by 2030. Part of this is looking at how science, research and creativity help support innovations that drive UK productivity. At the end of the day, if you invest your time and energy into a unique product or process it makes sense to do everything you can to protect it. This way it ensures a long and healthy future, not just for your business, but for the industry as a whole. For more information on protecting your IP visit forresters-ip.com

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Manufacturing

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Feature

Manufacturing

Coming through the

Covid storm stronger than ever By Matthew Bourne director at Vaughans/Castlefield Products ovid-19 has been a complex time for us at Monarch Works. However, we have found it important to take it in our stride and be optimistic, not just for the business but also for our stakeholders. We are remarkably thankful for our customers for continuing to support us during these times. We’re also thankful to our suppliers for continuing to keep sourcing raw materials so businesses like us could still operate, and finally a huge thank you to our amazing staff members who continued to keep the business performing during these times. A little bit about us; Based in the Black Country, Monarch Works is made up of Vaughans (Hope Works) and Castlefield Products. Vaughans (Hope Works) have been established for over a century and are providers of Anvils, tools and equipment for Blacksmiths, Tinsmiths and Foundries. We also provide equipment to colleges and schools to encourage students to learn about the blacksmithing industry here in the UK, also internationally via MOE (Ministry of Education). Castlefield Products manufacture and supply horticultural and agricultural equipment such as trollies, barrows, trailers as well as other bespoke metal fabricated products to garden centres, soft fruit growers and more. Over the past five years, we have widened our product portfolio to enable us to become a one-stopshop for all fresh produce growers with us being a wellestablished market leader in the UK. We have gained good relationships with manufacturers across the globe to enable us to supply products such as plastic crates, fertilisers and student accommodation equipment. During the last 18 months we have found it so important to use our skills, across both businesses, to our advantage. Utilising our metal fabrication equipment, we designed and made a large quantity of hand sanitiser stands which were distributed all over

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the UK to a variation of companies to help keep them safe and most importantly, open. This also helped attract new business as other companies had to sadly close or put staff members on furlough and as such turned to us. In addition to this, Brexit continues to play a massive part in the day-to-day operation across all industries, particularly the manufacturing sector. The major benefits of Brexit we have found have been increased UK trading where previously customers were more inclined to purchase raw materials and products outside of the UK for example Europe and Asia. Over the past 12 months transportation costs have fluctuated to the highest point in many years and have lead to unprecedented costs in shipping orders. These reasons have made the UK manufacturers review their procurement to obtain efficiency for example reviewing costs of materials and transportation. We are so proud that we successfully safeguarded our staff members’ jobs and did not have to put our staff on furlough. We had increased opportunities and employed agency staff members to help keep up with the demands of the business. These agency staff members now work for us full time and are thriving in their roles which we are thrilled to see. We also acquired two small business during Covid due to retirement of the owners so we are busier than ever with these, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. We are fortunate enough that Covid did not impact us too much, and now eighteen months later we can look back at the progress we have made and plan the next stages of progression for Vaughans and Castlefield Products. We are so positive about the future of British Manufacturing, and we are excited about what is in store for us and the industry in the coming years. We are so proud to be part of the Black Country manufacturing sector!

‘We are so proud that we successfully safeguarded our staff members’ jobs and did not have to put our staff on furlough’

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Business Travel

Sector Focus

Sector Focus The latest news from the sectors that matter to business

Pioneering cycleway in Coventry gets green light

BA’s back in town: Tom Screen with crew members of the new Birmingham to Belfast service

British Airways is back in Birmingham Birmingham Airport has welcomed back the British Airways tailfin as BA CityFlyer launches services to Belfast. The schedule provides 10 flights a week up to the new year, increasing to 16 weekly in early January. Birmingham Airport’s aviation director, Tom Screen, said: “It was great to see a British Airways aircraft land on our runway again after three years absence. “Domestic connectivity facilitated by regional airports can have a range of economic and social benefits, which are more important now than ever as the country recovers from the impact of the pandemic. “Belfast is currently our busiest route so we are incredibly pleased that BA CityFlyer will be providing additional capacity and regular flights for our region’s business and leisure travellers.” Flights are operated using an Embraer 190 with capacity of 98 seats, and flights are available at britishairways.com Tom Stoddart, managing director of BA CityFlyer which operates the route, said: "This year has shown how much customers want to stay connected with the rest of the UK. We’re responding by launching a new route from Belfast City Airport to Birmingham this winter.”

Work is set to start on the Binley Cycleway in Coventry following confirmation of £8.6m funding. The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) board approved the money for the 6km safe cycle route - the latest in a series of cycling and walking projects due to get underway in the next few months. The segregated cycle route will allow people to safely travel by bike from the city centre to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire via the Binley Business Park on Harry Weston Road. Coventry City Council and Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is part of the WMCA, have developed plans to deliver a cycle scheme that will form part of a wider 10km strategic east-west connection, linking with the Coundon Cycleway, currently under construction. It is designed to encourage more of the thousands of people who live, work and study along this busy route to swap their car for a bike on some journeys easing congestion, improving air quality and reducing journey times; ultimately benefitting all road users. The cycleway will be one of the first major routes delivered as part of the Starley Network, the West Midlands’ plan for a network covering 500 miles of existing routes and towpaths, planned cycling infrastructure and safe walking areas. This investment meets the WMCA’s #WM2041 aim of meeting the climate change challenge as well as

contributing to the UK’s ‘Race to Net Zero’ efforts in the lead-up to its hosting of last month’s COP26 climate change conference. The scheme went through two rounds of public consultation, which saw 69 per cent of responses in favour of segregated cycleways, with respondent feedback applied to designs to deliver a scheme that residents asked for.

‘We know that safety is a key barrier preventing many more people cycling’ A further public consultation is planned where residents will have the opportunity to share their views on the updated design. The final scheme has the potential to increase the number of daily cycle journeys taken in this area by over 400 per cent, greatly supporting the regionwide objective of increasing cycle journeys from 1 to 5 per cent of all journeys by 2023. West Midlands mayor Andy Street said: “We have set out ambitious plans for a 500-mile Starley Network of safe cycle routes. We know that safety is a key barrier preventing many more people cycling, which is why these new, safe cycleways are key to convincing more people to leave the car at home.”

Setting out a vision for a green future

RHA welcomes training review

The West Midlands is driving towards a clean and green transport future as the region seeks better ways of managing our road networks and harness new ideas and new technology. That was the message from West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) chief executive Laura Shoaf, in a keynote speech to transport industry leaders at a Highways UK conference at the NEC in Birmingham. She said: “To meet our ambitions for net carbon zero and encourage better use of our existing roads and highways, we must think about all types of road users, from cyclists to scooters, cars, taxis and buses. “A part of the £1bn awarded to the West Midlands from the government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement fund will be used to put measures in place to support this goal, including the installation of more than 1,000 EV charging points and the creation of new cycle lanes, alongside the expansion of our bus, train, and tram provision.” She said the transport sector faced a long and difficult transition to netzero, which would require a change in people’s thinking. “By continuing to consider the region’s transport methods holistically and through our ongoing focus on innovation and creative problem-solving, we will be able to reduce the damage that we are doing to our planet while ensuring faster, more efficient and more sustainable methods for transport - helping to keep the region and UK moving.” Ms Sheaf was formerly managing director of Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) and is the current chair of the national Urban Transport Group.

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has welcomed a review into HGV driver training – which is being carried out in a bid to reduce the burden on drivers and get more truckers behind the wheel. It comes after months of lobbying by the RHA, pushing for reform of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) qualification. An RHA statement said: “We are delighted that government has listened and heeded our advice. The RHA has long campaigned for urgent reforms, including an extension to the validity of Driver CPCs expiring this year and help retain drivers who may otherwise be tempted to retire or find alternative work.”

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Sector Focus

Finance

Sponsored by: BOOST&Co

SME tax expert predicts ‘tax grab’ in 2022 Principal Matt Vincent

Could M&A be the way to accelerate your growth? Since the coronavirus pandemic began, the past 18 months have been some of the most turbulent and uncertain for business owners in recent times, and the spectrum of success and challenge has been broad. As the world has begun to return to something resembling normality, opportunities have started to emerge for fastgrowing businesses that proved resilient during Covid-19. Conversely, some business owners are aiming to accelerate their exit plans owing to the strains of the pandemic, and this has created the opportunity for mutually beneficial M&A activity. BOOST&Co took second place in the list of top 20 debt providers in Experian’s latest M&A report, and we are able to fund this type of activity in ways that traditional banks cannot. We can fund multiple acquisitions and we will lend against the expanded company’s combined financials, not just your own. We will take synergies into account and we are happy to fund organic growth alongside acquisitions. We also value strong management teams, trusting you to deliver your business plan. We have recently completed a number of high-quality deals that have produced outstanding results for all stakeholders – and we see no let-up in the activity within this space. So, if you think M&A is the way to take your firm to the next level, BOOST&Co could be the funding partner for you. To discuss the options for your Midlands business, contact Matt on 07761 744755 or matt@boostandco.com

A Midlands-based SME (small to medium enterprise) tax expert is urging businesses to take advantage of the government’s special Covid measures while they still can, ahead of rising inflation and a likely ‘tax grab’ by the Chancellor in 2022. Praveen Gupta, national head of tax with UK top 10 accountant Azets, is predicting harsher financial rules could be imposed in the Spring, along with the withdrawal of the Covid support measures. He said this would lead to further challenges for SMEs, with inflation expected to rise to an average of four per cent next year, and demand exceeding supply across most industries, creating manufacturing delays and product shortages. Mr Gupta said: “The Chancellor delivered a relatively upbeat Autumn Budget, but more challenges lie ahead and, for many SMEs, the support measures available today won’t be sufficient to offset higher bills over the coming 12 months. SMEs should seek professional advice to ensure they take advantage of every available allowance, with inflation set to keep rising and the extended Recovery Loan Scheme ending on 30 June 2022.”

Praveen Gupta: Hard times are ahead

Rishi Sunak announced the extension of the Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS) during the Autumn Budget. He also announced a range of business rate cuts, with the retail, hospitality and leisure sector receiving a 50 per cent discount on business rates, worth around £7bn. Mr Gupta has urged SME businesses to take advantage of these schemes, with 1.25 per cent increases to National Insurance contributions already confirmed from April 2022, and Corporation Tax increasing from 19 per cent to 25 per cent from April 2023.

Crowe advises on acquisition The corporate finance team in the Midlands office of audit, tax, advisory and risk firm Crowe has advised Dutchbased Moving Intelligence on its acquisition of Phantom Tracking Systems in Stockport. Moving Intelligence is a Dutch market leader in the field of vehicle and equipment security, trip logging and fleet management. The purchase of Phantom Tracking Systems follows the acquisition earlier this year of PLT Software GmbH in Berlin. Crowe provided due diligence and transactional services on the deal, with a team led by corporate finance partner Andy Kay. Mr Kay said: “With this latest acquisition, Moving Intelligence grows to 84 employees in three countries. Phantom Ltd brings some 15,000 connections which means that Moving Intelligence now connects almost 100,000 vehicles and equipment with their customers. This is a significant step in the plans of Moving Intelligence to grow to 250,000 connected items in ten countries in the coming years.” Phantom was founded in 2002 to provide the UK market with a reliable track and trace system for motorhomes, caravans and cars.

Prime helps firms claim furlough Prime Accountants Group has helped businesses claim a staggering £13.6 million in furlough payments since April 2020. Prime, which has offices in Solihull, Birmingham and Coventry, helped local employers with more than 2,600 claims, which helped keep businesses afloat during the covid crisis. At the height of the pandemic, the UK government announced a series of wide-ranging support measures, including the coronavirus job retention scheme, otherwise known as the furlough scheme. Many businesses in the region signed up to this and most required assistance with submitting claims, particularly at the beginning. Kerrie Given, senior payroll manager at Prime, said a lot of research went into understanding the process so businesses would be in the best position to submit claims. She said: “The scheme was introduced at a time when there was a lot of change and uncertainty going on around us. “The country was effectively shut down and we wanted to assist our clientele as much as possible to make sure they didn’t have to close down their business permanently. “When we were approached with a request to help with furlough, our entire team went above and beyond to provide the client with as much advice and information as possible to make the submission of a claim easier. “I am happy to report that we made a total of 2,666 claims resulting in £13,599,999 being claimed from the government to help several businesses in the Midlands survive.”

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Kerrie Given: Covid support

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Finance

Sector Focus

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

A specialist team to help you with R&D tax credits We’re Cooden – R&D Tax Specialists, and we’re delighted to be featured in Chamberlink Magazine for the next 12 months (and maybe beyond). We’re here to give you some topical information about R&D Tax Credits. How the schemes operate, who can benefit and why you should be considering a claim. But I’ll start by introducing our small team. I am Simon, I am an accountant professionally, I’ve

been involved in R&D Tax Relief claims of one sort or another since 2005, initially in practice, then for my employers and since 2013 for my clients. Neep writes the majority of our technical reports, he has a PhD in Computational Fluid Dynamics, he’s been a serial researcher for a number of leading Universities around the world, was involved in the development of the fuel systems for Airbus and for the last seven years

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has been writing technical reports to support R&D Tax Relief claims, he’s been working with Cooden since April 2016. Then there’s Hana, she works with me on all of the financial elements and keeps the back-office functioning, she’s just celebrated her third anniversary. We’re a small but soon to be growing team and we’ve helped companies of different sizes in a diverse range of industries to claim back more than £20m in Tax Relief. Should you be having a conversation with an expert about your potential to claim? Simon Bulteel with his team

You can book a no-obligation discovery call with me at www.calendly.com/simon-bulteel.

December 2021/January 2022 CHAMBERLINK 67

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Sector Focus

Technology

Last Chance to Apply for £2,500 in ERDF Grant Funding for Your Business The Innovation Vouchers programme has a limited number of grants available, offered to eligible companies through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The Innovation Vouchers scheme targets SMART specialisation sectors and aims to develop new processes and systems to improve efficiency of small to medium-sized companies (SMEs) and to bring new products and services to market. A grant will support your business to engage with an external supplier for your project and help to get the highest quality results.* Here are some recent examples of innovative projects we have funded successfully:

• • • • • • •

DEVELOPMENT OF A BESPOKE APP INITIAL PRODUCT RUN OF A NEW RECYCLABLE FOOD PACKAGING BESPOKE SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANCY TO GAIN READINESS FOR ISO CERTIFICATION PRODUCT LAUNCH MARKETING CONSULTANCY TO ENTER NEW MARKETS MARKET RESEARCH TO DEVELOP EFFECTIVE NEW SERVICES

You can reach us on our website: www.innovation-vouchers.com or email the team directly at: innovation-vouchers@aston.ac.uk

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*Geographic eligibility & other criteria apply, see our website for more details. Grant payments are subject to an approved application.

Innovation Vouchers are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. To date we’ve allocated over 90% of available grants and the team are processing new applications daily. So make sure your business doesn't miss out. Innovation Vouchers are administered by Aston Business School in partnership with Birmingham City Business School.

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Technology

Why science can save the planet A firm of patent and trademark attorneys is highlighting the role that science and technology can play in saving the planet. Forresters, which has an office in Birmingham, used last month’s ‘World Science Day for Peace and Development’ to flag up how they are backing innovative scientists to help improve the environment and stop climate change. One reason that Forresters is backing science to save the day is that the majority of the partners at the firm have a background in either chemistry, physics or biochemistry. Partners with qualifications in chemistry are Dr Jack Gunning and Dr Mark Connell at the Birmingham office, Chris Bond at the London office and Dr Matt Barton at the firm’s Munich office. Partners that studied physics at university are Emma Johnson at Birmingham and Alex Beattie, who is based in London. Those with a background in biochemistry are Jenny Donald, Jon Gowshall and Charlotte Teall from the firm’s London office, as well as Ross Walker at Liverpool. Birmingham-based managing partner Matt Shaw studied chemistry at university before becoming a trainee patent attorney at Forresters. Although the majority of his practice now covers trademarks, he still works with many businesses, inventors and entrepreneurs that are at the forefront of scientific innovation. He said: “Scientists play an important role in helping us understand more about the health of our planet and how we can make societies more sustainable. Having in-depth knowledge in these areas ourselves is seen as a real asset. It is exciting to work with scientists that are pushing the boundaries by creating inventions, products and technologies that could be the solution to some of our planet’s environmental problems.

Leadership team in buy-out of IT firm IT solutions company Electronic Business Systems (EBS) has undergone a management buy-out (MBO), led by four members of its leadership team, for an undisclosed sum. Sales director Richard Bates, client services director Sandy Robinson, operations director Simon Pritchard and technical director Dan Price have taken over the business from the firm’s previous owner who has left to pursue new ventures. EBS has been in operation since 1979, and originally sold printers

New owners (from left): Richard Bates, Simon Pritchard, Sandy Robinson and Dan Price

and typewriters. Over the years, it evolved into a full-service IT support provider, specialising in hardware, network infrastructure, cloud services and Sage business management. Richard Bates said: “It was a logical step for us to buy the business. We’ve each been with EBS for many years, have built great relationships with our customers and we all felt very strongly about keeping our whole team together, which might not have happened if we’d have been bought out by a larger organisation. “Our previous managing director was proud to be based in Birmingham and had always focused on supporting other local businesses, which is something we’re very keen to continue. “It’s been a seamless transition for our clients and staff, and we’re thrilled to be carrying the torch for EBS as it enters the next phase of its development.” The new owners are now embarking on a period of steady and controlled growth across the Midlands, which will include creating five new jobs over the next 18 months and investing in sales and marketing to grow a stronger market presence throughout the region.

Sector Focus

Matthew Shaw: Scientists play an important role

“Forresters is proud to support World Science Day, which reinforces to us all the importance of science – especially when it comes to the health of our planet.” Alex Beattie, who is based in London, said that Forresters was an ‘ecoconscious’ business, one reason it had moved to the capital’s well-known and environmentally friendly ‘Gherkin’ tower. He said: “This iconic tower has some excellent energy saving methods, such as natural ventilation to cut down on air conditioning as well as natural insulation with air sandwiched between layers of glass. “The building is so light and bright, and the sunlight doesn’t just make it a pleasing work environment, it also cuts down on office lighting. “At Forresters we believe that technology has a vital part to play in the change to a climate-friendly world. Emerging technologies such as solar, wind and nuclear power have allowed us to make significant moves away from fossil fuels, and I am sure that when we finally solve the riddle of nuclear fusion that we will have abundant, clean power.”

Digital bootcamps relaunched in region The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has launched its next round of digital bootcamps to improve the digital skills of residents across the region. The bootcamps are free of charge for learners, and are designed to equip West Midlands residents with digital skills, thus giving them access to jobs in areas like coding, cybersecurity and digital marketing. They support the unemployed, those seeking a career change, as well as employed people looking to gain the digital skills required to secure more responsibility or a promotion with their current employer. Through a £7m grant, the WMCA has so far piloted more than 30 digital bootcamps, training around 2,000 adults who were unemployed or in low-paid jobs with vital tech skills. One of these pilots has seen 62 per cent of learners secure a positive outcome. Based on this success, the WMCA bolstered its bootcamp provision with more funding. A significant £21m funding has been made available from the Adult Education Budget to support the new bootcamps over the next three years, with a target of supporting more than 4,000 people. These will run from now until October 2024. Each bootcamp will be delivered by a training provider that has expertise in technology and digital skills, with links to businesses that are providing guaranteed interviews and job opportunities. West Midlands mayor Andy Street said: “The technology sector offers new, exciting, and future-proof jobs, and digital bootcamps are a great way of helping local people get involved. “Our bootcamps have been a great success and provided a clear pathway for people to move into work, and so I am delighted that we can now continue our great work and get more residents the skills they need to move into the high-quality, well-paid jobs of the future.”

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Sector Focus

Retail

Future proofing retail sector towards repositioning spaces and units in order to future This year has been a tale of two halves; during proof. the first the centre was mainly closed with the exception of essential retail and takeaway In May, our leisure offering had a major boost with the food, while during the second we reopened opening of Treetop Adventure Golf, which has been a and brought the centre back to life with massive hit with customers. activations, events and commercial Visitors to Bullring & Grand Central will have also seen partnerships as lockdown measures lifted. that we’ve added a number of new and exciting brands to The last few months have seen visitors our dining line-up including Vietnamese Street Kitchen, Mrs enthralled by our events programme with Chews, Haidilao and Wingstop. Birmingham Weekender proving to be a We’ve just announced that Marks & Spencer and TOCA highlight of the summer. Social have signed up join the scheme in 2023. The new In partnership with Birmingham Hippodrome M&S store will be spread across the Lower and Mid Mall By Steph Lacey we hosted over 100 free events including levels and will be our first significant food-led anchor with a General manager at Bullring performances, workshops and exhibitions which Food Hall alongside M&S’s collection of clothing and beauty. and Grand Central helped push footfall to 91 per cent of 2019 levels TOCA Social’s new space will boast immersive pitches over its August Bank Holiday weekend. where customers can play a series of football-based games Other events have included the B-Side Hip Hop ‘All eyes will be on enabled by innovative ball delivery and tracking technology. Festival, Birmingham Pride and a live immersive As we reach the end of the year we’re now in the thick of Birmingham next séance experience for Halloween; all bringing our Christmas campaign: ‘Go All Out’. Embodying the glitz enlivenment to the malls and external spaces of year as it welcomes and glamour of the festive season, the campaign celebrates the centre. the world for the the socialising, the parties and the general feel-good factor As well as engaging customers in real life, these Commonwealth Games’ of Christmas. Keep your eyes peeled for the Bull’s 11th events have lived online in the social space Christmas outfit! creating strong engagement as we partnered with All eyes will be on Birmingham next year as it welcomes the world for influencers such as Ginny Lemon and the Four Lads in Jeans who went the Commonwealth Games and we’re excited to be right in the heart of viral earlier in the year. Retail has evolved considerably and this year we’ve made major steps the action.

Retail Therapy

Another four years secured by Retail BID Retail BID has secured its fourth five-year term following a successful ballot of its member businesses in central Birmingham. The month-long ballot was conducted last month by the independent scrutineer Civica. A total of 94 per cent voted in favour of Retail BID continuing to 2027, from a 57 per cent turnout. The result means the BID, established in 2007, can continue providing the city-centre patrol team, the ‘City Safe’ digital radio network, floral and Christmas decorations, a programme of streetdeep-cleaning and business support alongside a series of marketing and promotions to encourage consumer footfall across the city centre. An example of this is the new ‘Walking with The Snowman’ family sculpture trail being held in Birmingham city centre for the first time this Christmas. A BID is a defined area within which local businesses work together to invest collectively in additional projects and services to improve their business environment. The BID works in partnership and collaboration with Birmingham City Council and neighbouring city centre BIDs on a number of projects and services. Sam Watson, chair of Retail BID and general manager of Selfridges Birmingham, said: “We are

absolutely delighted to have secured a fourth term representing citycentre businesses and thank our members for voting ‘yes’ during the ballot. “Retail BID’s fourth term will begin at an exciting time for Birmingham as we head into the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the global spotlight that will shine on the city during the sports and cultural events.

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“Retail BID will continue to work tirelessly to ensure central Birmingham is a safe and welcoming experience and the BID’s members benefit from the exposure, increased footfall and new transport connections during the event and long after the closing ceremony.” Steve Hewlett, Retail BID manager, said: “It’s a strong result, higher than the national average for BIDs, and shows that the businesses

value the hard work of the team and we can now help build a bright future for the city centre.” Council leader Ian Ward said: "This is great news. Retail BID has played a crucial role supporting businesses through a period of unprecedented challenge and will no doubt play a huge part in Birmingham’s post-Covid recovery and in the city’s golden decade to come.

On patrol: Retail BID has been awarded a fourth term

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Sector Focus

Legal

Pandemic leads to sharp rise in ‘do-it-yourself’ online divorces The coronavirus lockdown will probably turn out to have been a boom time for one industry at least – divorce. And it’s not just because of people spending months in close proximity to one another – it’s also down to the rise of the ‘do it yourself’ online divorce. From September 2021, all new divorce applications must be submitted using an online digital HMCTS (HM Courts and Tribunals Service) portal. This has been in use for some time, but it is only now that all applications need to be submitted electronically, rather than in traditional paper form. The aim is to speed up applications and clear a backlog in the courts. However, it seems that the new process is likely to encourage ‘DIY divorcers’ to rush to submit divorce applications – and get it as wrong as their marriages. Now one legal expert is warning that the rush to divorce could end badly, with problems ranging from incorrectly filled-in documents to regrets at not thinking things through properly. Sara Morton, a senior solicitor in the family team at Sutton law firm Enoch Evans LLP, said: “It is welcome news that the divorce process is being streamlined, but our main concern is that people will rush to submit an application online and may not understand the implications of what they are including in the documents filed, their position in relation to matters associated with divorce (financial or children matters, for

Nick Crisp: New role

DWF appoints new director to team Law firm DWF has appointed a new director to its corporate team in Birmingham. Nick Crisp, an experienced transactional lawyer, has re-joined the firm after two years at Shoosmiths. In his new role he will act for both national and international clients on a wide range of matters, including acquisitions and disposals, investments and group restructurings. Mr Crisp is particularly active in the retail, food and hospitality sector and has acted on some high-profile transactions, including PepsiCo's acquisition of Pipers Crisps. As well as his strong presence in the retail, food and hospitality sector, Nick also has extensive experience of private equity transactions and acting for various international investors. Mr Crisp has also recently taken a lead role acting for Jensten Group Limited on a series of acquisitions in the insurance sector. Jon Stevens, Birmingham office managing partner, said: "I am delighted that Nick is re-joining us at what is a really exciting time for the firm. Nick is a welcome addition to both our corporate team and the office and brings with him a wealth of experience." 72 CHAMBERLINK December 2021/January 2022

example) or may not take the time to consider, carefully, all the options available to them. “These issues would ordinarily be addressed by a solicitor when discussing divorce proceedings.”

‘Applications for divorce were increasing because of the challenges people were facing during the pandemic’ She added that applications for divorce were increasing because of the challenges people were facing during the pandemic, and many couples were trying to save costs with a ‘DIY’ divorce online. She said: “There has been an increase in divorce rates as many couples have struggled to keep their relationships on track because of the huge strain the pandemic has placed on family life. “Given that the last 12-18 months have been so difficult for so many, there is a tendency to seek out a stress-free way to get divorced so parties can move on as quickly as possible.” Current figures show that 42 per cent of marriages in England and Wales end in divorce. Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show there were 107,599 divorces in 2019, an increase of 18.4 per cent on the previous year.

Stone King rated among top law firms Birmingham law firm Stone King has once again been recognised for its expertise in both education and charity law by its inclusion in ‘The Times Best Law Firms 2022’ list of top 200 legal practices in England and Wales. The firm has been included since the list’s inception in 2018. The listing follows top rankings in the latest Legal 500 and Chambers independent directories. The annual list is compiled independently and based on peer review. Alison Allen, chairman and head of private client at Stone King, said: “It means a lot to us that our colleagues in the legal profession have been consistently recommending us for our expertise. “We thank them and are proud of the level of skill, knowledge and experience of our people across all our specialist fields of education, charity and social enterprise, business and private client and we always strive to provide the best service we can for our clients.” The new ‘Times’ list has been compiled independently based on more than 4,500 respondents, recommending who they consider to

be the best firms in respective legal fields. The firms that achieve the most votes are included in the list of top 200 legal practices in England and Wales. Checks are in place to prevent respondents voting multiple times or for their own firm. Stone King is a national law firm with more than 230 people based at offices in Bath, Bristol, Birmingham, Cambridge, Leeds and London. The firm provides specialist legal advice and solutions to the four sectors of education, charity and social enterprise, business and private client. Alison Allen: Listing success

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Legal

Sector Focus

Adoption support is essential A West Midlands mum has spoken out about how important it is for adoptive parents to receive support from their employers when going through the arduous process.

Rachael Pritchard and her husband Stephen adopted their son in 2015, when he was three and a half years old. The couple said the process was long, intrusive and intensive, and

without support from friends, family and colleagues, they said the process would have been ‘almost impossible’. Speaking during the recent National Adoption Week, Rachael, an HR operations manager for law firm Clarke Willmott, said: “Adopting our son was the best decision we’ve ever made but the process was an incredibly nerve wracking and difficult time and I’m so lucky to have been supported by my employers and colleagues. “We didn’t ever think adoption would be a path we would go down, but we always wanted a family and we felt that we could offer a child a good start in life.

‘Adopting our son was the best decision we’ve ever made’

Rachael and Stephen Pritchard: Employer support is vital

“Once we had made that decision, it was really important that I speak to my manager about it, as I knew I’d need time off for the courses we had to take and the panels we had to attend. “Thankfully, Clarke Willmott was hugely flexible and my colleagues all stepped in to help out if I wasn’t around.

“As the process progressed, more people knew about it and I really started to see the caring sides of the people I worked with. They went from being colleagues to people I could genuinely lean upon and who truly cared about what we were going through.” After attending an initial intensive course, Rachael and Stephen went in front of a panel, where they were approved as adoptive parents. Next, the couple had the difficult task of reviewing children’s profiles and selecting a good match for them. Rachael, who works in the Birmingham office of the firm, said: “It was really difficult to plan anything at this point. “I manage payroll, which is a lot of responsibility, but everyone was fantastic and the support network both professionally and personally was so incredible.” Rachael took nine months off on adoption leave and returned to her position part-time. Her son is now 10 years old and is thriving in school and at home. In the UK there are almost 3,000 children in need of an adoptive family and the number of adoptions in England has fallen by a third in four years.

The legal challenges of a vaccine mandate With Covid jabs seemingly set to become compulsory for NHS staff in England from next April, an employment law barrister is warning that the UK is now ‘entering unchartered territory’. Changez Khan, who is a member of No5 Barristers’ Chambers, says there are likely to many challenges associated with mandatory vaccinations. Instances in France regarding unvaccinated health workers, and at an NHS Trust in Southampton, show that making jabs compulsory does not result in 100 per cent uptake. Mr Khan said: “Employers need to consider the spectrum of reasons as to why someone may remain unvaccinated. “For some, there will be legitimate health and ethical reasons which inform their decision, for example, a concern that the vaccine may have side-effects on pregnancy or an underlying disability. That is where the Equality Act 2010 will have a key role to play in defining instances of discrimination. Large employers – and there are few bigger than the NHS in England – need to tread very carefully to ensure they are not falling foul of discrimination law. There is very little precedent for this kind of implementation, though it is worth noting a potential case study in the form of compulsory vaccinations in care facilities, which came into force on 11 November. “An ongoing legal challenge to this serves as a reminder that a one-size-fits-all approach is fraught with difficulties.” The number of NHS staff this will impact is significant, and if just five per cent remain unvaccinated, it would equate to between 50,000 and 100,000 individuals. At a time when the healthcare system is under extreme pressure, evidenced by the recent call for retired employees to return to work, a careful approach is required to avoid exacerbating the issue, said Mr Khan. He added: “The NHS will be eager to avoid disruption. This is where the phrase ‘redeployment’ needs greater clarity. If frontline workers who refuse the vaccine are set to be ‘redeployed’, what does this mean for a nurse or a surgeon? “The priority must always be the health and safety of patients – that is the primary function of the NHS. It is a challenging balancing act, and one which poses the question of whether or not vaccine refusal should cost an individual their livelihood. It Changez Khan: Jabs for all will be a challenge is critical that employers are careful not to find themselves in breach of the Equality Act 2010.” December 2021/January 2022 CHAMBERLINK 73

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Sector Focus

Property

Living Space Housing promotes Paul Breen

Carl Potter: Birmingham performing well

Post-Covid bounce for office market Birmingham’s office market is continuing to perform well, according to real estate advisor Avison Young’s latest ‘Big Nine’ office market report. The report says the city is maintaining a post-Covid bounce, exceeding 10-year average take up by a massive 41 per cent. This is largely due to firms moving to the city from London, with two of those happening in the last quarter. One was Aviva Investors selling Colmore Gate for £39.5m, the fourth largest investment deal outside of London in the third quarter. The other was the thirdlargest occupier deal outside of London with engineering consultancy Arup taking 68,479sq ft at One Centenary Way, part of phase two of the wider scale Paradise development. City centre take-up in Birmingham amounted to 242,901sq ft in Q3, 16 per cent growth on Q2 take-up, which amounted to 203,499 sq ft. Workspace providers are capitalising on occupiers’ increased desire for flexibility. A new entrant to Birmingham, ‘X+why’, has committed to 34,500 sq ft at 103 Colmore Row and 40,616 sq ft at 6 Brindleyplace. They will be joined at the former by recently merged wealth management firm Tilney Smith Williamson, who have taken 12,000 sq ft of space. Carl Potter, principal and managing director of the Birmingham Office at Avison Young, said: “Birmingham continues the upward trajectory we have started to see develop throughout 2021 as Coronavirus restrictions ease and people have been returning to the office. “The city has managed to maintain the bearing of a bigger performance in Q3, expanding on the promising activity experienced in Q2.”

Paul Breen has been promoted to managing director at affordable housing specialist Living Space Housing. Predecessor Steve Davies will take on a ‘brand ambassador’ role. The pair have worked closely together since Living Space’s launch in 2019 as the sister company to five-star housebuilder Hayfield. Since then, the Solihull-headquartered business has grown quickly, responding to the industry-wide issue of low output by ramping up production. Living Space has a total of 674 residential plots under control, representing a combined value in excess of £113m. The company is on track to commence at least 20 developments over the next two years. With more than 30 years’ industry experience, Mr Breen has been a pivotal founding member of the Living Space team and has managed the commercial function for the business, pre and post contract. More recently, he has also had operational responsibility. He said: “I am thrilled to become managing director and lead this highly able and committed team. Living Space’s growth has been defined by our desire to create positive partnerships and deliver quality new communities for all. “Our recent tranche of expansion has brought a new skills-set and it’s enhanced our social values and sustainability. Our ambition is for strong, but sustainable growth, and to become the partner of choice for our clients – one that is renowned for delivering a high-quality product.” The impact of the pandemic on the UK’s affordable housing sector saw the number of new homes being delivered reduced by 30 per cent last year.

Newly promoted: Paul Breen

Meanwhile, Living Space reassessed its business plan and committed to significantly increase production output to help to meet the unprecedented demand and help address the capacity shortage. Living Space co-founder Mark Booth said: “Paul Breen has been instrumental in driving Living Space’s remarkable growth, which will see this business achieve a turnover of £35m this financial year. “He has recruited a talented team and I am delighted that he will now be leading this business, as it enters its next chapter and takes on a number of exciting new projects.”

Armco appoints banking expert Armco, the property and finance services consultancy, has appointed commercial banking veteran Richard Ford as business development manager as the firm gears up growth and continues to expand its service portfolio. The Armco group, which comprises firms covering specialist finance streams, corporate support, land procurement and development, and insurance services, chose Mr Ford for this role due to his Richard Ford: Great contacts book

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extensive commercial banking career of 32 years at Lloyds Banking Group, where he worked in a number of director roles. His experience lies primarily in owner managed business support for firms such as manufacturing and engineering, and transport and logistics, and he has built an enviable network in these arenas throughout the Midlands region. He said: “I’m excited to join Armco and put the skills I have

gathered in more than 30 years in banking to great use. The firm offers a real breadth of services and targets a wide variety of sectors. I’m looking forward to supporting businesses who will benefit greatly from the array of specialist services the group has to offer.” Mr Ford’s skills will complement those of fellow Armco colleague, business development manager Mike Kelly. He said: “My vast network includes professionals, MDs and FDs in established businesses of around £5m to £100m turnover – but the scope at Armco is much wider. We have the services and expertise to help smaller and larger firms alike.” Armco founder Russell Martin said: “We’re delighted to have secured Richard for this role, as he holds a great contacts book and has the experience, expertise and tenacity to go after new business effectively. “He will be a great asset to us in delivering our services to a wider audience, both in terms of geographical and sector spread.”

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Property

Prime Digbeth site snapped up Birmingham-based property developer Cordia Blackswan has acquired its first site in the Digbeth area of the city. Following Cordia Group’s acquisition of Blackswan Property in 2020, the merged business outlined an ambitious expansion strategy for the UK. Cordia Blackswan is already a market leader in Hungary and has a presence in Poland, Romania, and Spain. To date, Cordia Blackswan’s activity in Birmingham has been centred on the redevelopment of redundant and under-utilised sites in the city’s Jewellery Quarter, where they are looking to deliver nine schemes. These have ranged from the transformation of an 19th Century Gothic pub and adjoining factories into apartments, to the Bradford Works sharedliving scheme and Lamp Works buy-to-rent development. The latest acquisition in Digbeth signals the next step in Cordia Blackswan’s growth strategy. Located between Moseley Street and Moseley Road, the 1.89-acre site was originally acquired by Rainier Developments, and Cordia Blackswan and Rainier have been working together to bring forward plans for a buildto-rent scheme. The development has received full planning consent from Birmingham City Council, and is formed of 366 flats. The development will feature a combination of one, two and three bedroom flats, in two ‘u’-shaped blocks of five and eight storeys, set around a landscaped public area. Marcus Hawley, managing director at Cordia Blackswan, said: “For our first development in Digbeth, this great scheme is ideal and large enough for us to create our own placemaking opportunity. “We have built an excellent relationship with Rainier and their team who have done an excellent job in securing the site and bringing forward the proposals. With great design potential to build on, we will now supplement these consented plans with additional amenities space to provide a better quality of living to all residents.

Sector Focus

Marcus Hawley: Digbeth is an ‘up-and-coming’ location

“We will be adding our own design and style, ensuring the building quality, spaces and every apartment are finished to the high standards that are synonymous with Cordia Blackswan. “Digbeth is one of the city’s up-and-coming locations with an undersupply of good quality accommodation and latent demand. “While its proximity to the city centre, great evening economy and existing transport already make it an appealing destination, we hope that adding some of our innovation and design flair to this exciting neighbourhood will be able to enhance the overall residential offer and the place.” Rainier chief Richard Mees added: “It has been a pleasure working with Cordia Blackswan with whom we have shared values in investing in the Midlands region with exciting brownfield led regeneration projects that provide much need new homes including affordable homes for the Midlands region.”

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Manufacturing

Manufacturing sector is hit by skills shortage A survey of more than 1,000 businesses produced by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has thrown sharp focus on the impact of skills and commodities shortages for UK firms, with spiralling prices in evidence. Among those most affected have been manufacturers, with the majority facing up to the prospect of raising prices. The survey shows an overwhelming majority of businesses are increasing prices as they face acute shortages and cost pressures - with vehicle fuel, shipping containers and utilities cited as the top areas of concern. When asked if they had seen a change in the price of their goods or services in the past year, 80 per cent of respondents in total reported increases, with 46 per cent reporting ‘significant’ increases and 34 per cent reporting ‘slight increases. Fifteen per cent reported no change with only two per cent reporting any kind of decrease. For manufacturers the above question drew an even starker answer, with 92 per cent seeing an increase in the price of their good and services. When asked whether they, or any business in their supply chain, had experienced either increased costs or shortages of a variety of

commodities over the past 12 months the results were striking. Of all respondents, 52 per cent cited vehicle fuel, 34 per cent shipping containers and 30 per cent utilities such as gas or electricity Of manufacturers, 50 per cent cited steel, 47 per cent shipping containers and 45 per cent vehicle fuel. Only two per cent of manufacturers reported that they had not faced increased costs or shortages from the items listed. Shevaun Haviland, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “These figures

Shevaun Haviland: Firms facing huge pressures

present a deeply worrying picture of the difficulties that businesses are currently facing, across multiple fronts as supply chain disruption persists. “Firms are facing huge pressures as they battle to keep on track for Christmas and provide the goods and services the UK needs, but we have yet to see any concrete steps to address these issues. “Unless action is taken soon, firms could be forced to cut back on their capacity or limit the range of products they offer. “The huge number of unfilled vacancies is placing further strain on staff having to cover, and Covid is also still with us. With more than 30,000 people a day having to isolate, it presents another ongoing disruption to the workforce which businesses must grapple with. “While there are some global issues at play, there are levers that the government can pull to improve current business conditions, for example, the introduction of an energy price cap for SMEs and providing more temporary visas in the hardest hit sectors through expansion of the Shortage Occupation List. “Firms also want to see a moratorium on all policy measures that increase upfront business costs for the remainder of this Parliament.”

Apprentice award success Aston-based manufacturer HydraForce Hydraulics won three award categories at the recent ‘Greater Birmingham Apprenticeship Award’ ceremony held at Edgbaston Cricket Ground. US owned HydraForce was crowned ‘Large Employer of the Year’ for the second time, with apprentice Ahmad Ford winning ‘Apprentice of the Year in engineering and manufacturing, as well as overall ‘Apprentice of the Year’. Ahmad, 29, is in the fourth year of his advanced engineering apprenticeship with HydraForce, and is soon due to start his foundation degree in engineering. He said: “I am completely humbled and honoured, to not only be shortlisted, but to go on and win in these two categories, and I’ve had a smile on my face since the winner was unveiled. “It has reinforced why I wanted to become an apprentice and shows how hard work and dedication pays off. I wouldn’t be here today without the belief and support from HydraForce, and I will continue to do my best to succeed in all aspects of engineering in the future.”

Ahmad is also an ambassador for the West Midlands Young Apprentice Ambassador Network. HydraForce managing director in Birmingham Jon Bradley said: “Ahmad is a fine example of everything that HydraForce Ltd Apprentices represent - a talented, professional, modest and a high performing team player. “His legacy will inspire generations of future apprentices and will further enhance the HydraForce brand, sowing seeds of excellence throughout the global engineering community for years to come.” This is the second time a HydraForce employee has succeeded at these awards, with Ritik Sharma being crowned ‘Apprentice of the Year in Engineering & Manufacturing’ in 2019. The company, which produces hydraulic valves and manifold systems, also won the award for ‘Large Employer of the Year’ for apprenticeships, and learning and development manager Sam WilcoxWright said: “We firmly believe that apprenticeship programmes add great value to businesses and they are pivotal in bridging skills gaps in sectors, such as Engineering.”

Sector Focus Scholarships to boost tech skills The University of Birmingham is to offer hundreds of scholarships to underrepresented groups in the Midlands to help them improve their skills and secure jobs in the technology sector. Delivered via £2.4m funding from the West Midlands Combined Authority, there will be 600 scholarships (200 per year over three years) of £4,000 each available as ‘Women in Tech’ or ‘Diversity in Tech’ awards. Successful applicants will attend boot camps in either web development or data analytics. The intensive 24-week parttime programmes aim to help adult learners and working professionals in underrepresented groups into digital careers, and students will have the option of studying remotely online or in-person at the University’s new city centre facility The Exchange. Eight boot camps will take place each year over the next three years, in partnership with 2U, Inc. brand Trilogy Education. Together, the University of Birmingham and Trilogy Education have successfully delivered boot camps to more than 180 people since 2019. Professor Nicola Wilkin of the University of Birmingham, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for personal professional development. The flexible part-time format of the boot camps makes it possible for people to diversify and develop the skills needed for alternate technical careers and reflects our commitment to increasing accessibility and diversity in the technology sector.” West Midlands mayor Andy Street said: “Retraining and upskilling have such critical roles to play in our region’s economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, and are a cornerstone of my jobs plan to help 100,000 people into work in the next two years. “We know that training in the skills of the future that employers want and need is a crucial way to help people bounce back into employment quickly, and technology is an area of huge employment possibilities that we must help people get the right skills in.”

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Sector Focus

Sport

The Business of Sport Stadium naming rights secured Solihull Moors has forged a new partnership with Birmingham-based financiers Armco. The deal will see the Moors’ 4,524 capacity Damson Park stadium renamed the ‘Armco Arena’ for the next five seasons. This deal brings to an end Moors’ partnership with previous stadium sponsors SportNation.bet. Armco is a collection of 11 consultancy businesses who specialise in a range of sectors, including finance and property. Moors chairman Darryl Eales said: “We are delighted to begin a longterm partnership with Russell Martin, Armco and the broader Armco Group. “Russell, and his key team, Dave Pinnington, Rob Lankey, Dave Totney, Ben Howell, Phil Moore and Andrew Powell are building a market leading full-service specialist financial services business, based on trust, integrity, outstanding service and long-term relationships. The commitment and support for Moors is hugely appreciated and I look forward to building the partnership to mutual benefit over many years to come.” Armco founder Russell Martin said: “I am delighted to support Solihull Moors and assist their strong ambitions to secure league football. “Darryl has evolved a very forward-thinking model which has added great stability to the club, and I am confident that his vision will be achieved in the short term.” On the pitch, Solihull Moors Women have appointed a new manager, exLeafield Athletic Ladies’ boss Tom Blaymires. Mr Blaymires has vowed to build on the work already achieved at Moors Women, including ensuring that there continues to be a pathway from the youth set-up to the first team. He said: “Moors are a fantastic club with big ambitions to get both the men’s and women’s first teams into the highest leagues possible. “They also have a fantastic education programme and a thriving youth section which shows how important future development is to this club.”

Naming rights (from left): David Totney, Russell Martin and Philip Moore

Commonwealth Games cycle and marathon routes revealed The cycling and marathon routes for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games have been revealed. Victoria Square in Birmingham city centre will be the official finish area for the marathon, which will be held on 30 July 2022. The square will be a welcome sight for the finishers in all four races that will be held on the first Saturday of the Games, with the men’s marathon, women’s marathon and the men’s and women’s T53/T54 events all taking place on the same course, which will start at Smithfield. As well as unveiling the full 42.2km/26.2 mile route for the Marathon, the games’ organiser has also unveiled the courses for the cycling road race which will be held in Warwickshire, and the cycling time trial which will start and finish in West Park in Wolverhampton, and the triathlon

and para-triathlon events, which will be held in and around Sutton Park. The course for the marathon is split into two distinct sections – a southern loop which the athletes must complete twice, followed by a shorter city centre section where the runners will pass through Centenary Square, the Jewellery Quarter, St Paul’s Square and St Phillips’s Cathedral, before crossing the finish line in Victoria Square. Birmingham Council leader Ian Ward said: “The Birmingham 2022 road event routes show how local councils and partners are making the Games about much more than the main competition venues and those lucky enough to obtain tickets for them. “Road events are free-to-view from many locations, and in the case of the marathon, triathlon and para-triathlon, are bringing the sporting action to the

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neighbourhoods of hundreds of thousands of Birmingham residents. “As a proud host city, they also provide us with a fantastic promotional tool to show off many of our districts and landmarks to a global audience, which is an invaluable opportunity we are ready to embrace.” The cycling time trial will take the cyclists through Dudley, passing the town’s famous castle and zoo, before heading into Staffordshire, and then Wolverhampton. The cycling road race will see the women complete seven laps of a 16km course, while the men will complete ten laps. The course will see the riders cycling past the Lord Leycester Hospital in Warwick town centre, as well as Victoria Park in Royal Leamington Spa, the venue for the Birmingham 2022 lawn bowls and para lawn bowls competition.

Bowler honoured at sporting event Former England bowler Darren Gough is the guest of honour at a dinner organised by networking organisation the Sporting Club. Goughie will appear at Edgbaston Stadium on 14 December. This dinner – the last of the year for Sporting Club – will take place midway through the Ashes series between England and Australia. As well as cricket, Goughie is known for being a past winner of the BBC’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ series. Last month, the Sporting Club held another dinner at the same venue with larger than life football manager Sam Allardyce. Sporting Club founder Ian Stafford said: “We are delighted to end a difficult year for the whole country with these special events at Edgbaston featuring two of the best raconteurs in the business.”

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Member Profile

Member Section

Chamber Insight Focus on a member

Name: Tim Hubbard Company: Right Digital Solutions (RDS) Job Title: Sales and marketing board director What does your company do? Right Digital Solutions are a nationwide workplace technology company with managed print and communications at our core. We offer a host of solutions including mobile and business telephony, information security software and IT solutions which enables organisations to achieve optimal results from the digital workplace. How did it all start? RDS, established in 1988, began as a manufacturer agnostic, managed print supplier providing independent maintenance for photocopiers and printers. We differentiated ourselves with tailored service delivery specific to client requirements. What’s your greatest achievement so far? Professionally it has been the past 12 months with the progression of RDS following the divestment from Capita Plc in 2020. We have successfully evolved from a managed print provider into a digital transformation partner, and we now support a much wider client base as a result. What is the biggest risk you’ve ever taken – and did it work out? Probably joining a managed print provider (RDS) in the middle of a global pandemic. But with the successful expansion of our product catalogue and the successful repositioning of our core offering we have been at the forefront of this new world of work. What keeps you awake at night? Sustainability. Print and the sustainability aren’t natural bedfellows but at RDS we see it as our job to minimise printing via the digitalisation of processes.

What has surprised you most in your job? How resilient UK business and people can be when faced with such severe adversity. The pandemic was a seismic shock for all industries but the determination to keep calm and carry on among my peers and customers was humbling. What advice would you give to someone starting out? To ensure you thoroughly understand your client’s business. What are their pain points? What do they want to achieve? We then assess where we can support. Which business do you most admire? Microsoft. They reinvented the way that modern day businesses operate, from ‘Outlook’ to the ‘Office’ suite. RDS is an official Microsoft partner and they continue to be trailblazers in the world of office tech and innovation. What exciting projects is your business working on? Our digital health check measures where you are on your digital journey in relation to the best practice solution in your sector. What made you join Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and how are you making use of your membership? The Chamber is the perfect place to build a relationship with the local business community. I thrive on meeting new people and attending the networking events, these are the perfect platforms for myself and some of my colleagues to engage with like-minded people. Call: 020 7466 4700

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Member Section

New Members

Whatever your business size and requirements, the Chamber has a membership scale to suit your needs. For more information visit: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/membership

Your guide to new recent sign-ups Blue Piano Licenced restaurants Maddie Aulak 0121 454 6877 www.thebluepiano.co.uk Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Bright Future Housing Ltd Renting and operating of Housing Association real estate Gohar Rehman 07860 201010 Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Built Unique Co Fitness facilities Gary Smith 07909 338 700 www.builtuniqueco.com Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce

Check Mart Limited Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet Arihant Kumar Jain 01212477884 www.checkmate-direct.co.uk Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

D2NA Other information technology service activities Abdul Haq 0330 159 5969 www.d2na.com Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

DBC Training Other business support service activities n.e.c. Jacob Roberts 01332 295588 www.dbc-training.co.uk Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Dr Sasha Hvidsten ltd Specialists medical practice activities Sasha Hvidsten 07866807153 www.sashahvidsten.com Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Enoch Evans LLP Not Known Lauren Green 01543 466941 www.enochevans.co.uk Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce

Fridge Spares Wholesale Limited Wholesale of hardware, plumbing and heating equipment and supplies Graham Hill 01543 437010

www.fsw.uk.com Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce

HancoxRead Recruitment Management consultancy activities other than financial management Guy Hancox 0121 794 6633 www.hancoxread.co.uk Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Haywyre LLP Business and domestic software development Catherine Hudson 01283 515223 www.haywyre.co.uk Burton and District Chamber of Commerce

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Jolene Modd Books Other publishing activities Jolene Modd www.Jolenemoddbooks.co.uk Burton and District Chamber of Commerce

Kenfield Ltd Manufacture of doors and windows of metal Jon Carn 0121 451 3051 www.kenfield.com Transatlantic Chamber

Kingfisher Professional Services Ltd Human resources provision and management of human resources functions Jennie Walters

0333 996 0666 kingfisherps.co.uk Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce

Lux Gallery and Photography Studio Support activities to performing arts Owen De Visser 0121 455 8884 www.luxgallery.co.uk Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Monarch Els Ltd Freight transport by road Carly Maher 01922 744 687 monarchels-logistics.com Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

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New Members

Member Section

As the voice of local business since 1813, we strive to help firms across the region

connect, support and grow. Nant Ltd Technical testing and analysis Jamie Green 01902 636355 www.nantltd.co.uk

Now Education Ltd Educational support services Marc Ashford 0121 4524443 www.noweducation.co.uk

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

NFU Mutual Central Warwickshire Agency Activities of insurance agents and brokers Greg Wheatley 07521931366 www.nfumutual.co.uk/agentoffices/centralwarwickshire

Premium Sales Consultancy Limited Management consultancy activities other than financial management Becky Smith 0330 058 0562 www.premium-sales.com

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Niglon Wholesale of electronic and telecommunications equipment and parts Oliver Hinley 0121 711 1990 niglon.co.uk Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce

Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce

Sword Training Solutions Ltd specialised design activities Robert Giles 07834550349 Swordtrainingsolutions.com Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

The Benefits Lab Limited Other activities auxiliary to insurance and pension funding David Pinner

www.uwmat.co.uk

07966 161605 www.thebenefitslab.co.uk

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Burton and District Chamber of Commerce

The Listening Centre EAP Ltd Management consultancy activities other than financial management Joanna Benbow 01543 300068 www.thelisteningcentre.co.uk Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce

Totum Finance Limited Activities auxiliary to financial intermediation n.e.c. Alecia Porter-Bent 0121 582 3112 totumfinance.com

Viva Nation Limited Other information technology service activities Atikur Rahman 07429 285600 www.vivanations.com Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Xacton Solutions Agents involved in the sale of a variety of goods Rhodri Taylor 07807 950945 xacton.co.uk Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

University of Wolverhampton Multi Academy Trust Technical and vocational secondary education Philippa Rickward 01902 518402

Xcelerate Gym Solihull Activities of other membership organisations n.e.c. Sera Wobin xcelerategyms.com/solihull Solihull Chamber of Commerce

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Member Section

Competition

...any other business A roundup of news from Chamber members Gro-Organic in call for support Social enterprise Gro-Organic is calling for more local support for its 'Dig-it crew' who are helping to support community members struggling with mental health challenges in the wake of Covid-19. Gro-Organic’s ‘Dig-It’ programme aims to break down barriers and stigma linked to those living with mental health and learning and physical disabilities. The activities are specifically designed so that people can gain practical and life skills, enabling them to become more independent and grow their social network. Gro-Organic's Dig-it crew have been volunteering in the community since 2011 and are hoping to increase their capacity to support more people. Tal Arrowsmith, the community engagement lead at Gro-Organic, said: “Despite the Dig-It members' personal challenges, they contribute so much to the area and now we want to support more people as we come out of this difficult time. We would be grateful for any donation. “I am really proud to work with the Dig-It crew and have seen the difference our community group can make.”

Rock legend meets his fossil Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi has come face-to-face with a pre-historic trace of life named after him. Heavy metal-loving scientists from Scandinavia were thrilled to discover a 469-million-year-old fossil in Russia, so much so they decided to name an entirely new species of conodonts Drepanoistodus Iommii – after their rock hero. To celebrate the momentous occasion, Westside BID manager Mike Olley set up a surprise Facetime meeting between Tony, his fossil and lead palaeontologist Mats Eriksson on the Black Sabbath bench in Birmingham. Tony said: “It was a real shock to hear that a fossil’s been named

after me. I’ve had a bit of abuse from my friends about it who’ve enjoyed calling me an old fossil, but I think it’s a real honour. “This has to be the weirdest thing that’s ever been named after me but I’m really proud of it and I wanted to thank Mats and his team in person for being such brilliant fans.” Speaking to Tony from his home in Sweden, Mats said: “What an absolute honour it is to meet you! The reason we do this is to have fun and to combine my love affairs with nature and with music. But this is just amazing. For me to publish academic papers published is fun but talking to you is priceless.” Mats was so thrilled by his

Fossil fame: Black Sabbath legend Tony Iommi

team’s discovery that he commissioned legendary 'heavy metal painter’, Joe Petagno, to create an honorary painting to mark the occasion. Mats said: “I love the painting that Joe affectionately refers to as ‘Tony Iommi conjuring an otherworldly gargantuan conodont.” The fossil is said to be from an ancient eel-like marine vertebrate known as a conodont. Mike Olley, manager of Westside BID, said: “I’m delighted we were able to set up the meeting and I want to thank Mats for his gesture to honour one of Birmingham’s greatest rock heroes.”

Gala dinner raises funds for home from home A ‘hybrid’ gala dinner raised £320,000 for a charity which provides free ‘home away from home’ accommodation for families with children in hospital. Ronald McDonald House Charities UK the event at the Grand Hotel in Birmingham – and it was also streamed live to a virtual audience. Guests were entertained by live music and dancers, as well as exclusive interviews with the likes of Brummie TV star Alison Hammond and Olympic gold medal-winning boxer Galal Yafai. Ronald McDonald House Charities UK has 12 houses across the UK situated in or near hospital

grounds to enable seriously ill children to have their families close by when they are undergoing treatment and to maintain a degree of normal family life. Chamber patron and board member Doug Wright is chair of the board of governors at Ronald McDonald House Birmingham. He said: “Raising almost a third of a million pounds in one night is amazing. I’m truly grateful to everyone. It shows what a special city we live and operate within and how the community works together to maintain this very special home away from home next to the Birmingham Children's Hospital.”

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Doug Wright: Thank you to a special city

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