Chamberlink Feb 24

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The official publication of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

CHAMBER February 2024

LINK

Free to Members £5.00 where sold

The comic who’s coming to dinner TV star hosts Chamber’s major event See pages 14-15

• Night of naughtiness in city • Highways firm wins - AGAIN • Day dedicated to women

Picture: Marc Kirsten

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Contents Chamberlink February 2024 Business News 4

Editor’s View Glimmer of hope for HS2

5

Business News Chamber shortlisted in best business award

12 President’s Focus James Tait, President of Greater Birmingham Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce 14 The Griffin Report Noreen Khan, host of the 2024 Chamber dinner and awards

74 52

22 Where do you fancy?

Albert’s Schloss

Chamber Patrons

1813 Club and Premier Members

40 Arenas back women’s safety initiative

42 All aboard for extra rail services

66 Green Business & Sustainability: Going green is good sense 68 Ticking the sustainable box for event planners

Chamber Group 44 International Trade: Flexeserve to pay Living Wage

Sector Focus 70 Business Travel: Upgrade for rail station 73 Finance: Local firms make resolutions

46 ABCC: Leyla makes Diversity Power list 48 Cannock Chase: Staffordshire takes its place on global board 49 Burton & District: Willshee’s secures contract 50 Lichfield & Tamworth: Cinema project moves forward

74 Legal: Immigration rulings explained 77 Manufacturing: Hardy Signs in uni collaboration 78 Property: Regeneration is on the rise 80 Skills: Training programme wins award 82 Technology: Hefty fines for misuse of data

51 Royal Sutton Coldfield: Youngsters write to royal penpal

85 The Arts: Bhangra Nation announces cast

52 Solihull: Virtual marathon to raise vital funds

86 Sport: Cricketer shares sepis story

54 Future Faces: Unity eight join Future Faces

Member Section Events

87 Chamber Insight Professor Paul Cadman, Starting Point Recruitment and Steps To Work

56 The latest list of Chamber events

Features 60 Apprenticeships, Skills & Training: Leap into productivity

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64 Assessing your apprentice

CHAMBER LINK

88 New Members Chamber welcomes new members 90 …any other business News from Chamber businesses

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.

The official publication of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Editor: John Lamb 07814 539329 lambjohn@mac.com Deputy Editor: Dan Harrison 0121 274 3239, 0797 1144052 d.harrison@birmingham-chamber.com Assistant Editor: Jon Griffin 07963 405538 j.griffin@birmingham-chamber.com Reporter: Feron Jayawardene 0121 2743240, 07508 317356 f.jayawardene@birmingham-chamber.com Reporter: Darby Newman 07951 245985 d.newman@birmingham-chamber.com

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

February 2024 CHAMBERLINK 3

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OPINION

Editor’s View

BY JOHN LAMB

Glimmer of hope for HS2 n our parish, there are daily reminders of HS2. While half the nation seems to have written most of it off along with the government, you can’t travel around most parts of the West Midlands without seeing evidence of work steaming ahead.

And at the same time we get stories (see page 90) every week of the work progressing, job creation and the care that is being taken to ensure minimum impact on the landscape and the environment.

One of the latest involved an announcement from HS2 marking the start of construction on the landmark Birmingham Curzon Street Station – a new rail hub that will play a vital role in the long-term economic future of the West Midlands.

Birmingham Curzon Street Station, which will be net zero carbon in operation, will be the first new intercity terminus station built in Britain since the 19th Century. And there’s the rub, a great deal of the whole network is Victorian.

However, there is now speculation that the northern leg of the project could be saved.

Reports suggest that a cross-party plan has been drawn up to complete the northern stretch of the line with the private sector footing most of the massive bill – not taxpayers.

Apparently, a blueprint will be discussed behind closed doors at a Whitehall meeting between Transport Secretary Mark Harper and Andy Street, Conservative Mayor of the West Midlands, and Andy Burnham, Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester. Advice is reportedly being provided by leading engineering firm Arup, patrons of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, and others.

There was an outcry last year when Rishi

I

FRONT COVER: Noreen Khan to host Chamber dinner and awards See pages 14-15 Published by

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

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Sunak axed the Birmingham to Manchester section of the 225mph project due to delays and soaring costs, freeing up £36bn for other transport schemes. A southern section linking Birmingham and London is already under construction, costing £57bn.

This immediately raised serious doubt when industry insiders suggested the “other transport schemes” would be funded by old money, not from HS2 savings. And surely questions should still be asked why government “experts” got the costs estimates so wrong.

While some visionaries are still lamenting the fact HS2 wasn’t built entirely underground, others are pressing for radical changes to existing southern-leg plans.

They say that the appeal and economic prospects for the line would be greatly improved if it were inked directly with HS1 from London to the Channel Tunnel. That would mean passengers could jump on a train in Birmingham, Solihull or, hopefully Manchester, and go on to Paris without having to change.

When you see all the work and the enthusiasm that is still going on in and around Birmingham, the West Midlands, adjoining counties and further afield, it is difficult not to regret that the complete original project has been put on the scrapheap.

While, of course, we are having to grin and bear the disruption work causing on the roads, surely there should be a way back for what in future years could be hailed a magnificent engineering achievement.

So all power and high speed to Mr Street and Mr Burnham in their endeavours. Their plans might even survive the General Election.

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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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BUSINESS NEWS

Business News Latest news from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

Chamber shortlisted Inside in best business award Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) has been recognised among the region’s best medium-sized businesses in a prestigious awards shortlist.

The Chamber is one of six businesses shortlisted in the medium business (51-250 employees) category of TheBusinessDesk.com’s West Midlands Business of the Year Awards.

The category also features Absolute Collagen, Ardent, Bond Wolfe, Leek Building Society and Niyaa People.

Shortlisted companies were invited to make presentations to the judges, after which the winners in each category will be selected.

‘Our 80 colleagues work tirelessly to empower local businesses to reach their potential’ The winners will be announced at The Macdonald Burlington Hotel, Birmingham on 22 February, 2024.

Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of the GBCC, said: “2023 marks our 210th year in business, for business.

“It has also seen delivery of a key phase in our three-year business plan and strategy with

In business, for business: Henrietta Brealey

significant programmes of activity around our approach to people, premises, digital transformation and support for local businesses.

“Our 80 colleagues work tirelessly to empower local businesses to reach their potential. What many of our members and partners don’t see, is the hard work they put in behind the scenes to keep the Chamber moving forwards as an independent, purpose led business.

“We are delighted to see the impact of their efforts recognised by being shortlisted alongside such excellent organisations.”

Productivity conference returns The fifth annual conference of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s (GBCC) Growth Through People (GTP) campaign takes place on 21 March at The Studio in Birmingham.

It aims to help local firms boost productivity and grow by sharing the latest best practice in leadership and people management techniques.

Sponsored by Aston University, the conference is expected to share exceptional perspectives on topics including overcoming recruitment difficulties and attracting the right talent for business, fostering organisational culture and maximising the opportunities associated with machine learning and AI. It aims to help organisations across the region increase productivity by employing the latest techniques to getting the most out of their biggest asset – their people.

This year’s conference will feature a combination of inspirational keynote speakers, expert panellists, and interactive workshops, presenting the latest techniques, advice, guidance and viewpoints on getting the most

out of your staff. It is part of the GTP campaign – a series of standalone events, digital content and research spanning from March 2024 to February 2025 - sponsored by Aston University and Lumien. Last year, 84 per cent of GTP delegates learned something new to apply in their role or organisation.

Details of further GTP events and additional digital content will be shared in due course.

Emily Stubbs (pictured), senior policy and projects manager at the GBCC, said: “People are fundamental to the success of any business.

“Through this year’s Growth Through People Conference we’re excited to be working with our fantastic sponsors and partners to share practical new ideas for leaders, people managers, aspiring leaders and and HR professionals to drive and inspire positive change within their businesses.”

To register for the GTP conference go to the GBCC website: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com

Meet the comic who hosts region’s top event...

Pages 14-15

...and how you can join her at the ICC Page 56 February 2024 CHAMBERLINK 5

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BUSINESS NEWS

Biotech boss wins Chamber’s pitch competition

By Dan Harrison A female-led biotech firm which has developed a sustainable material designed to revolutionise the production of medical devices has been named the winner of a competition hosted by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC).

SymbioTex Ltd came out on top in the Women Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition following a successful bid from founder and CEO Olivia Simpson.

More than 40 women-led SMEs and start-ups entered the competition – organised by the GBCC, in partnership with NatWest and British Business Bank – with four finalists securing the opportunity to pitch to an expert judging panel at the Birmingham offices of law firm Browne Jacobson.

The judges were Paul Faulkner, of RCL Partners, Hannah Tapsell Chapman from Mercia Asset Management and Elizabeth Hobster, of Midven.

After a round of pitches and questions, Wolverhampton-headquartered SymbioTex emerged as the judges’ “one to watch”.

‘We had over 40 women-led businesses apply for this competition representing a very wide range of sectors’ SymbioTex uses sustainably-cultivated seaweed to produce home compostable filaments and pellets for the creation of cosmetic pots and medical devices such as inhalers.

The cosmetic packaging sector produces 120 billion units a year, of which less than 14 per cent reach recycling plants and less than nine per cent are recycled. This results in a large volume of cosmetic packaging and singleuse medical devices ending up in landfill.

But SymbioTex says its mission is to “disrupt this harmful cycle” by revolutionising the production of such items which are currently made from single-use plastic.

Judges praised Olivia’s “clear and well delivered pitch” and the company’s “amazing area of action”.

The competition’s other finalists were Cytecom, a University of Warwick spinout which created an innovative bacteria detection device, Essench, an ethical manufacturing service for the cosmetics sector, and Safe Queen, a

Praised: Olivia Simpson

tech platform allowing members of the public to rate the safety of hospitality venues.

Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of the GBCC, said:“We know how important access to investor networks and platforms to celebrate our innovative and high growth potential businesses are for ensuring business success. We also know there's still a great big gender gap in entrepreneurship and access to investment. We have been delighted to work with NatWest, the British Business Bank and West Midlands Women in Business Taskforce on this Pitch Competition.

“The businesses presenting on the night were all phenomenal emerging leaders in their fields. We had over 40 women-led businesses apply for this competition representing a very wide range of sectors, products, services and stages of their business journey.

“We look forward to continuing to champion entrepreneurship and connect businesses to our networks, expertise and partners.”

The Women Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition was designed to showcase the best of the region’s women-led SMEs and start-ups and address some of their barriers to growth.

Deb takes on role supporting scale-ups Deb Leary is to take up a new role as scale-up director with innovation support programme Innovate UK EDGE. The immediate past president of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) will be using her vast experience to support scale-up companies, comprising the top three per cent of Innovate UK EDGE clients nationally specifically those who have demonstrated compound annual growth rates (CAGR) of 50 per cent or more over the past three years.

Innovate UK EDGE provides support for ambitious innovative businesses to help them grow and scale.

Deb, the founder of pioneering forensics and threat intelligence firm Forensic Pathways, joined the GBCC 6 CHAMBERLINK February 2024

Deb said: “I’m absolutely delighted and excited to be appointed to the role of scale-up director. My passion for the past 22 years has been innovation, internationalisation and providing

‘This is an opportunity to work with some of the most ambitious high-growth potential innovative SMEs’ What’s not to love?: Deb Leary

board in September, 2019, and served as president between 2021 and 2023. On taking the new role, she will be stepping down as a nonexecutive director of the GBCC.

strategic support to other companies, whether through my role as CEO of Forensic Pathways or as president of the GBCC. “This is an opportunity to work with some of the most ambitious high-growth potential innovative SMEs in England, Northern Ireland

and Wales and support them in accelerating their journey to significant scale. What’s not to love about that?”

Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of the GBCC, said: “Deb has been a fantastic support to the Chamber both on championing member engagement and cyber security as an NED and through acting as a high-profile champion for our institution and advocate for SMEs, international trade and innovation.

“I will certainly miss Deb’s insight and energy around the boardroom but am absolutely delighted to continue working with her in this new guise. She will be an asset both to the Chamber and Innovate UK EDGE.” • Meet the Innovate team – page 32

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BUSINESS NEWS

Janie recognised in King’s honours

Pushing boundaries: Jean Frampton

Janie Frampton, vice-president of the Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce, has been recognised in the New Year’s Honours list – receiving the OBE for her services to equality for women in sport.

Janie, from Dorset, has worked for over four decades to advance gender equality in sports.

Her journey began as a football referee at the grassroots level, breaking barriers by eventually becoming the second woman referee to officiate in the men's professional game in England.

Beyond her refereeing accomplishments, she emerged as one of only eight FIFA Women Referee Instructors globally, traversing continents to share her passion for utilising football to foster skill development.

Having worked with The FA for several years, Janie co-founded Team You, a consultancy dedicated to empowering individuals through bespoke courses on gender leadership, social awareness, equality, diversity, and inclusion,

soft skills, and more, with a specific focus on supporting sports officials.

In parallel, Janie co-founded Ref Support UK, the sole charity devoted to football referees.

Her leadership as vice president of the International Federation for Sports Officials further underscores her commitment to elevating the status and well-being of sport officials globally.

Janie said: “I’m truly honoured and humbled by the award bestowed on me.

“This recognition fuels my dedication and commitment to excellence and motivates me to continue pushing boundaries and to uphold the values and standards set by this prestigious accolade.

“I extend heartfelt gratitude to those who believed in my work, fostering a spirit of achievement and innovation.

“This accolade serves as a testament to collective efforts, inspiring me to further contribute to the development of equity, diversity, and inclusion across sport and industry.”

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BUSINESS NEWS

Triumphant: All the award winners from the evening

Highways contractor crowned Business of the Year yet again AWARD WINNERS Royal Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield & Tamworth and Cannock Chase Large Business of the Year (Sponsored by Kind Consultancy) • Crown Highways Royal Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield & Tamworth and Cannock Chase Young Professional of the Year (Sponsored by South Staffordshire College) • Graham Allsopp (Ark Media Productions) Cannock Chase Business of the Year • Geogrow Ltd Lichfield Small Business of the Year (Sponsored by Crown Highways) • Haywoods Contracts Limited Tamworth Small Business of the Year (Sponsored by Cloud Accounting Support Services) • Bold IT

Presidential pair: Cannock Chase Chamber president David Mitchell and Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber president Fiona Rouse

leading highways contractor scooped the top prize at the Royal Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield & Tamworth and Cannock Chase Chambers of Commerce awards for the second time in three years.

Crown Highways, headquartered in Chasetown, Staffordshire, won the Large Business of the Year award in a ceremony at The Belfry Hotel & Resort, supported by headline sponsors Amazon and South Staffordshire College.

Eight category winners were revealed, with Crown Highways reclaiming the award they previously won in 2022. The awards

Royal Sutton Coldfield Small Business of the Year (Sponsored by 3D Facilities) • Ark Media Productions

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Lichfield & Tamworth Micro Business of the Year (Sponsored by Lichfield District Council) • The Career Owl Royal Sutton Coldfield Micro Business of the Year (Sponsored by United Carpets) • X2 Workspaces Cannock Chase Chamber President’s Award • Gill Durkin (Performance Through People) and Chris Wheeler (Auditel) Lichfield & Tamworth Chamber President’s Award • Peter Robinson (Prizm Solutions Ltd) Past and present: Royal Sutton Chamber president Naeem Arif (centre) with predecessors Phil Arkinstall and Katie Hale

Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber President’s Award (Sponsored by Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council) • Tracey Spare (Royal Sutton Fun Run)

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BUSINESS NEWS increased focus on training and development.

Meanwhile, the Young Professional of the Year award went to Ark Media’s Graham Allsopp, capping a successful night for the video production firm, who were also named Royal Sutton Coldfield Small Business of the Year.

Having first joined Ark Media in 2016, Graham has risen through the ranks and, at the age of 30, was promoted to the role of deputy CEO. He has been a driving force in the company expanding to become Ark Media Group which now encompasses three separate businesses – Ark Video, Ark Social and Arm Studio.

Graham Allsopp receives the Young Professional of the Year award from South Staffordshire College’s Claire Boliver

were judged by Aulfat Bi (Innovation 4 Business), Fajli Bi (Faj Transformation), Will Crawford (Quietnote), Johnathan Dudley (Crowe UK), Ruth Pipkin (Rewired PR) and chair, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s former international director Mandy Haque.

Crown Highways manages and delivers all specialist activities including detection, technology, motorway communications,

lighting, signs, civils and cabling for its clients on smart motorways, highway sector framework and term contracts.

The firm has established itself as a reliable partner for public and private sector clients, including National Highways, Tarmac and Kier.

Over the past 12 months, the company has prioritised investment in its people, with the launch of a new wellbeing strategy and an

Awards double: Ark Media and deputy CEO Graham Allsopp (fourth from right) toast an evening of team and individual triumphs

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BUSINESS NEWS

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BUSINESS NEWS

Retailers are expecting another tough year in 2024. And this is confirmed by a new KPMG survey which predicts that consumers are planning cutbacks, especially in eating out, takeaways and clothing.

However, the British Independent Retailers Association, while warning their members to expect challenging times, urges shopkeepers and other businesses to work together to create vibrant high-streets because that’s where consumers prefer to shop, they claim.

Consumers cut back as prices continue to soar...

Over 50 per cent of consumers are heading into 2024 planning to cut back on non-essential spending, according to new research from KPMG UK. Assessing confidence for 2024, KPMG’s latest Consumer Pulse survey of 3000 UK consumers shows those feeling worse about their financial security outnumber those feeling more secure by almost two to one.

The findings also showed that two-thirds of consumers say they will have to cut their non-essential spending in 2024, with eating out (78 per cent), takeaways (70 per cent) and clothing (57 per cent) the top three of a wide range of

cost cutting targets. This is the same top three as when KPMG polled consumers on their 2023 spending intentions 12 months ago.

A total of 58 per cent of people in the West Midlands and 62 per

‘Price is way out ahead as the main purchasing driver’ cent in the East Midlands will be cutting back, with eating out and clothing being the main targets.

They are also planning to shop for more own brands and discounted items and utilise more loyalty schemes.

Those surveyed say price is the number one consideration when it comes to cutting back, followed by quality and convenience.

Linda Ellett, UK head of consumer, retail and leisure for KPMG, said: “As was the case in 2023, large numbers of consumers tell us that they are going to combine stopping, reducing, and switching the things they buy to save money in 2024.

“As more households are exposed to higher mortgage rates or rent, the number of people needing to cut non-essential costs increases. Our survey also indicates that those consumers who have already adapted their shopping behaviour to

Cost-cutting continues: Linda Ellett

lower their costs during 2023 are going to continue these steps during the next 12 months. Around half of consumers we survey say they will buy more value, own brand, promotional, or discount produce.

Forty percent of consumers also intend to use retailer loyalty schemes more in 2024.

“Price is way out ahead as the main purchasing driver and retailers are going to be expected to continue to incentivise to compete. With margins under prolonged pressure and interest rates remaining elevated, this consumer and economic landscape will continue to challenge the structure of some businesses.”

...and shopkeepers are feeling the pinch too The British Independent Retailers Association has said 2024 is anticipated to be a challenging period for shop keepers as economic challengers are still set to bite.

Bira, which works with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, said they were expecting more challenges in the coming months - and urged businesses to prioritise resilience and adaptability.

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: “While optimism usually accompanies a new year, we anticipate 2024 to be another challenging period given the prevailing pessimism in economic growth. We expect inflation to stabilise, and interest rates to remain where they are.

Economic stability is crucial for us to focus on economic recovery. Bira recognises the need for a stable economic environment to empower its members and foster a climate conducive to business growth.”

Mr Goodacre added that consumer confidence also remained key. He said: “Consumers will still

Most people want to buy in shops: Andrew Goodacre

lack confidence and will be looking for value and strong brands. We are committed to supporting our members in meeting evolving consumer preferences, ensuring they remain competitive in the market.”

Contrary to the digital trend, Mr Goodacre said they had noticed a surprising shift, adding: “The penetration of internet shopping declined in 2023, and we do not expect it to increase in

2024 – most people will want to buy in shops.

This insight underscores the enduring importance of brick-and-mortar stores in the retail landscape.”

Bira also urged shops to not overlook other important opportunities.

“The older generation represents a real business opportunity – higher levels of wealth and disposable income. We ask that retailers recognise the potential of this demographic, and not to ignore the often-retired generation's significant purchasing power,” he said.

Looking locally, Mr Goodacre said there were many opportunities in community collaboration.

He added: “Other opportunities will still be local shopping and business communities working together to create a vibrant, diverse high street that people want to visit and where they want to spend time and money.

“We will obviously have a general election, and while many may welcome a change of government, it will lead to a period of instability.”

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BUSINESS NEWS

President’s Focus James Tait, President of Greater Birmingham Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce, examines how the UK and US can flourish without a formal trade agreement. The head of Browne Jacobson’s national employment law team, says that since both nations are outside the EU, they should work together.

ur relationship with the US can still thrive without a formal free trade agreement.

Investment flows across the Atlantic and millions of Brits work for US companies here and vice versa in the US, and this is only likely to grow.

Forging common frameworks to face new challenges is essential.

The Atlantic Declaration has been agreed and six Memorandums of Understanding were signed last year which focus on key sectors including life sciences, clean energy, space and tech.

The UK and US are deeply embedded in defence and security intelligence. The threat from misinformation and cybersecurity is increasing in the current geopolitical climate and is a key area of concern with the upcoming elections on both sides of the Atlantic.

Whoever the newly elected leaders of the US or UK are, there has often been a proactive and common outlook to challenges. The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), which is dominating discussions in the legal

O

‘The question for businesses based in the UK and in the Midlands is how do organisations commercialise their offerings which incorporate AI or are AI-centric’ industry in which I work, is likely to create new opportunities for our territories to collaborate but, at the same time, poses common threats.

There was a lot of enthusiasm and experimentation with AI in 2023 but the tech challenges for 2024 include the uncertainty around AI, the rapid growth of the cloud and a greater focus on how to regulate and optimise AI for the “public good”.

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Likely the UK will align with the US on AI: James Tait

approach and is likely to be published this spring. In comparison, the US looks to be taking a lighter touch and it is likely the UK will be more aligned to the US’s approach.

The UK government has an ambition to become an “AI superpower”. This might be less as an innovator, but rather setting an example of how to utilise AI responsibly and safely whilst empowering businesses to take advantage of the extraordinary opportunity that AI offers.

In the UK, a White Paper is expected this March and is likely to set out whether more regulation is needed in the UK. The question for businesses based in the UK and in

the Midlands is how do organisations commercialise their offerings which incorporate AI or are AI-centric and how do businesses address AI in their businesses, supply chains and legal contracts?

AI is not sector specific. It will, of course, impact tech companies significantly, but many businesses have a digital element and will be impacted one way or another.

For example, cookies, algorithms and chatbots are increasingly used for businesses with a digital presence. Consumers and regulators will be expecting transparency so documentation and understanding data in your organisations and supply chains will be increasingly important as

the legal and political landscapes evolve.

For US or UK businesses with an online presence in Europe, or those supplying services on the continent, they will still have to consider how European regulation and legislation around AI and data impacts their businesses.

The fact the UK and US are both outside the EU means that it would be more beneficial and costeffective if, together, we collaborate on the development of regulatory frameworks and commercial approaches to utilise the AI market both in Europe and globally. No doubt there will be significant advancements in this regard in 2024 and beyond.

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BUSINESS NEWS

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BUSINESS NEWS

The Griffin Report Noreen Khan has come a long way since she worked as a volunteer in hospital radio to now presenting top shows on national television.

Now the dedicated Liverpool FC fan is set to host the annual dinner and awards of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

JON GRIFFIN spoke to Noreen about her varied career.

he’s a woman of many distinctive parts – DJ, radio and TV celebrity, Commonwealth Games host, charity ambassador, comedienne – and she’s even famous in India and Pakistan for her love of Liverpool FC… Noreen Khan has come a very long way since starting as a volunteer in hospital radio in her hometown of Bedford, climbing the showbiz ladder to present some of the best known TV shows in the UK. She’s fronted the likes of Back in Time for Birmingham, Countdown, Sport Relief, appeared on Celebrity Mastermind and Celebrity Antiques Road Show, co-hosted the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games, is an ambassador for King Charles’s charity the British Asian Trust – and now she’s busy carving a new career as a stand-up comedienne.

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“I come from a family who absolutely love sport, particularly football and cricket, and I also used to watch a lot of snooker, darts and tennis. We are all Liverpool fans and I am probably the first person in the world to have a customised Liverpool sari made, which even featured on Match of the Day.

‘I posted pictures on my social media and they just went viral.

Liverpool actually contacted me’ She’s also preparing to host Birmingham’s biggest business awards night at the city’s premier black-tie dinner at the ICC on 15 February – just two months after being presented with the President’s Award by the Asian Business Chambers of Commerce for her outstanding contribution to society.

It’s an impressive CV for a woman who decided that she wasn’t sufficiently corporate to continue pursuing a career in banking – turning her back on the world of mortgages and investments to take her chances in the highly competitive world of TV and radio.

And now Noreen, who hails from a close-knit Bedford family as the youngest of eight, can claim to be one of the best known Liverpool fans on the sub-continent – thanks to the power of social media and a custom-made sari...

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Loves Birmingham: Noreen Khan

“I had contacted a London designer and said ‘I want to create a Liverpool sari, can you help me?’

She created this absolute masterpiece and the pictures went viral around the world. I went to India in 2019 – I got invited by the Liverpool Mumbai fan club and I was shocked by the amount of

people who knew me because I was a Liverpool fan.

“It was the same when I went to Pakistan – I got invited again to the supporters club and was asked to become an ambassador for them.”

Noreen had donned the Reds sari when she hosted the Asian Football Awards at Wembley in 2013. “I posted pictures on my social media and they just went viral. Liverpool actually contacted me - I went to their Melwood training ground and met Steven Gerrard, Glen Johnson, Daniel Sturridge… Liverpool helped raise my profile unintentionally through that sari. I think my social media profile grew because of my love for cricket and football.”

That profile has never been higher after years of TV and radio work, including a lengthy stint with the BBC Asian Network before she took the plunge to try her luck at stand-up comedy, a far cry from her first career role as a banking cashier. “I started working in a bank in Bedford when I was 19 for two years, but it was not me. I didn’t like wearing the uniform. I had to be very corporate and that is when I realised at a young age that I am not a corporate person. I cannot wear a uniform, look a certain way and smile at customers.”

The teenage Noreen realised she wanted to “do something creative and possibly showbizzy” and after researching the careers of the likes of Chris Moyles, Chris Evans and Sara Cox decided that volunteering for hospital radio in her hometown of Bedford was the way forward.

After hospital radio she landed a part-time job in London working for a new station for young British Asians before switching to Birmingham in 2007 to work at the Mailbox for the BBC Asian Network.

It was a move which would prove pivotal to Noreen’s career.

“I had only been to Birmingham a couple of times to do a bit of shopping and for concerts. I didn’t know Birmingham, I had no family or friends here, I didn’t know anyone. I started doing the Saturday chart show, I have loved being in Birmingham the whole time I have been here. I made good friends, I now know a lot of people

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BUSINESS NEWS here – it has been a good base for me. Once I got the full-time drive show on the Asian Network in 2010, I became quite well-known around Birmingham – the Network has got a big listenership of about 550,000.”

Noreen’s career has taken on an intriguing new direction in recent years after she decided to try her luck as a stand-up comedienne in a world previously traditionally dominated by white male performers. “I was asked to DJ at a comedy night at the Alexandra Theatre by a promoter – the line-up was all people of colour, Arabs, blacks and Asians. I thought I would love to do this one day, this is so much fun. I fell in love with the whole idea of brown people doing comedy.

‘A lot of my comedy is geared towards British Asian, or black people or women’

Dedicated fan: Noreen in her Liverpool FC sari

“Growing up, I just saw a lot of white comedians, mainly male of a certain age, doing comedy but here I saw black, Arab, Asian comedians, male and female, of different age groups, telling their stories through observational comedy. I don’t go for the whole ‘I am going to shock people.’ A lot of my comedy is geared towards British Asian, or

black people or women. Growing up as a brown person with our trials and tribulations, the struggles which the audience always find really relatable – I just kind of turn it into humour. I write all my own material.”

Noreen says her upbringing has allowed her to plough her own furrow regardless of ingrained cultures or family pressures. “Some of my friends had to go through arranged marriages or they weren’t allowed to go to university. My parents were very liberal hence I was able to just do the things that I wanted to do.”

Now this daughter of Punjabi immigrants who made their way to the UK in the 1960s is set to take to the stage at the ICC as host of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s annual awards dinner, the premier black-tie event in the city’s business calendar.

“I am very much looking forward to the dinner – I have got to know a lot of people over the years who are involved with the Chamber. It’s a real honour. I enjoy the spotlight but I’m quite introverted as well – I can quite happily spend three days on my own and not see or speak to anyone.”

And while it’s unlikely that Noreen will don her Liverpool FC sari at the Chambers awards dinner, there might well be a few laughs from the stage for the cream of Birmingham business to enjoy on the night.

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BUSINESS NEWS

STEM scholarship open for entries Millennium Point has launched its 2024 Scholarship Programme, which builds on a decade of science technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education and careers.

The life-changing programme offers one aspiring student the chance to pursue a fully-funded degree at Birmingham City University (BCU).

The Millennium Point Scholarship Programme, in partnership with BCU’s faculty of computing, engineering, and the built environment, is open to applications until 8 March.

‘It's crucial to support and encourage young minds to pursue careers in STEM’ The programme is renowned for covering tuition fees and providing mentoring across a diverse range of courses in computing, digital technology, and engineering. It stands as a beacon of opportunity for aspiring STEM students in the West Midlands region, particularly for those from underrepresented backgrounds.

Millennium Point remains committed to enhancing diversity and inclusivity in STEM. The programme not only provides financial support but also emphasises the importance of empowering young talents from all walks of life, thereby contributing to a more diverse and innovative future in STEM. Abbie Vlahakis, CEO of Millennium Point, said: “As we celebrate a decade of the Millennium Point Scholarship Programme, our focus remains

Empowering women: Safa Bibi

steadfast on nurturing the next generation of STEM leaders.

“In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, it's crucial to support and encourage young minds to pursue careers in STEM, ensuring a robust and diverse talent pool for the future.”

In 2023, Safa Bibi from Small Heath, was the winner of the Millennium Point Scholarship. A

passionate advocate for women in STEM, Safa is now studying for a degree in computer science at BCU. Safa said: “Winning the scholarship has made me feel seen and heard by more than just my community of family and friends, so I feel like I can do more and achieve more. I hope that winning the scholarship empowers other women and ethnic minorities to

start applying for scholarships and these roles in STEM.” The application window is now open at: www.millenniumpoint.org. uk/scholarship Opened in 2001, Millennium Point is home to event spaces including a 350-capacity auditorium, flexible workspaces, meeting rooms and offices, and tenants, including Thinktank and BCU.

Agency moves to employee ownership Wyatt International, Birmingham’s longest established independent B2B brand marketing consultancy and communications agency, has announced its transition to an employee-owned business.

It is the first Birmingham-headquartered agency to become employee-owned – the latest development in a long line of firsts during its 60-year history in the city.

Wyatt International has always defied convention, reinventing itself across six decades. The business is ranked as the number one B2B agency in Birmingham; it was the first to introduce a true multichannel agency model based on multidisciplinary clusters – as opposed to siloed departments – and the first to launch its consultancy arm of the business, Accelerator.

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Karen Bernie, CEO of Wyatt International, said: “Wyatt has been a family-owned business for approaching 60 years. Originally owned by the Wyatt family, my father – Brian Barrett – acquired the agency in the 1970s and I am immensely proud of the flourishing agency he built. I was delighted to join him in the 1990s and I have been at the helm for 34 years.

‘The fact that Wyatt is now employee-owned means a great deal to me’ “The decision to transition to employeeownership is part of our long-term succession strategy and creates new leadership opportunities for our entire team.

“From a personal perspective, the fact that Wyatt is now employee-owned means a great deal to me. For six decades we have been family-run and steadfastly independent, and now, this legacy will continue as we enter a new chapter.”

Wyatt International has created a trust for the benefit of all employees. Joining Karen Bernie as trustee directors are Ben BakerHollyhead, group account director, Simon Hall, brand and strategy director, and Adam Jones, senior PR and content manager.

Managing director Mark Fones said: “Our transition to an EO business is a real milestone for Wyatt International. This evolution is about ensuring the ongoing benefits of independence, protecting our brand equity and securing longterm success for generations to come.”

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BUSINESS NEWS

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

The remedy for effective

change

If you want the best from your people and for your patients, then it starts with culture ilvie Adams is one of Birmingham’s most experienced healthcare leaders.

Combining 15 years of managing hospitals with a passion for people, culture and clinical excellence, she discusses her approach to creating highly effective cultures.

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inaccessible, then you can’t expect them to help you to create the future.

Communication is essential in healthcare, whether in the operating theatre or in administration. During our recent £12m building programme, we encountered many challenges, so talking to our people about their needs and opportunities was really important.

Vision Developing a vision is very important. The starting point is reviewing current issues. I dedicated my first few months as executive director at The Priory Hospital to understanding the facility, its people and its challenges.

Once you know what you’re dealing with, then your objectives become fixing each issue. You’d be surprised how issues are often linked. Within three months we developed our vision for the hospital and what we wanted to achieve. Nearly three years later we’re still refining it.

The process is continuous. I believe that learning and innovating are essential to success.

Your challenge could be IT or staffing, but you still need to learn where the problems are, work towards fixing them, however long-standing and deep-rooted.

Leadership I believe you need to love the process. Culture change is hard work and you cannot fake authenticity. People often remember past experiences, so I suggest showing you are focused on them and their work. It will often pay dividends later.

The environment must support the development of the people around me and of course, this doesn’t happen overnight. Training and coaching are a significant part of a change in culture.

Our journey isn’t over, but the results are showing. We have recently improved significantly in our staff engagement survey and become a Best Companies 2-star organisation, we are seeing more patients than ever before in our 40-year history, and our patient satisfaction is improving – all because our culture empowers our people to do the best for our patients.

To find out more about The Priory Hospital, part of Circle Health Group, visit: www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/hospitals/thepriory-hospital

Visibility Once you have the vision, share it and live it. I visited a business once and noticed that while the speaker was talking about flat structures and the absence of hierarchy, out of the window, you could see the managing director’s personal allotted parking space.

This may appear trivial, but it illustrates something I feel all leaders should remember when implementing culture change. If staff don’t feel you are consistent or think you are

successful. I have found the biggest issues often begin to right themselves when you are available to listen.

Silvie Adams

With three hospitals, 400 staff and many doctors, there is always a lot to do. I have found that investing the time, showing you care and making the vision your brand is the key to being February 2024 CHAMBERLINK 17

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BUSINESS NEWS

Business leaders join forces to steer Kids’ Village charity

By Dan Harrison n ambitious national charity which will build the UK’s first holiday village to provide free breaks for children with critical illnesses has announced the appointment of two renowned West Midlands business figures.

Doug Wright and Paul Faulkner have been named as Chair and Interim CEO respectively of Kids’ Village.

Kids’ Village is aiming to support critically ill children and their families by offering an escape from their day-to-day trauma with a restful and magical escape in the Staffordshire countryside.

The project is the brainchild of Sam FletcherGoodwin, from Lichfield, who at the age of nine was diagnosed with a form of cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma.

During this traumatic and uncertain time, Sam and her family had the opportunity to experience the Give Kids The World Village resort in Florida.

Kids’ Village will create a similar experience for critically ill children in the UK, by building a resort in Wychnor, near Lichfield, comprising 10 four-bedroom lodges and a central facility known as “The Hive”.

Mr Wright, a McDonald’s franchisee who employs just under 3,000 people across 26 sites in the West Midlands, has been appointed as the charity’s inaugural Chair as it looks to raise £5m for a capital build project.

He has significant experience in the charitable sector, having spent six years as chair of Ronald McDonald House Charities in Birmingham – raising more than £10m during his tenure.

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‘I am delighted to have been asked to chair this exceptional charity and to head up creating this village for sick kids’ Mr Wright, also a Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands and a patron of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, received an MBE for Services to the Economy and Charity in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours.

He said: “I am delighted to have been asked to chair this exceptional charity and to head up creating this village for sick kids which will benefit many families across the West Midlands and beyond.

“It’s a great honour to have been asked by the Fletcher family to help them build their dream which will have such a positive impact in so many ways.

“It’s wonderful that the first site is located just outside Lichfield.

“It’s going to be a very exciting time as we look to raise the £5m required to build this wonderful and unique facility that will help over 4,000 people a year.

“We will be looking to engage with all of the West Midlands as we embark upon the capital fundraising campaign.”

Field of vision (left to right): Doug Wright, Sam Fletcher-Goodwin and Paul Faulkner

Mr Faulkner has previously been CEO of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, as well as Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest football clubs.

He most recently worked as chief of staff and operations for the Richardson family business, with whom he continues to work on an advisory basis.

He has held a number of non-executive director and trustee positions across the West Midlands – including in the charitable sector with Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital NHS Trust, Cure Leukaemia and Town Hall Symphony Hall.

Mr Faulkner said: “I am thrilled to be taking up the role of CEO of Kids’ Village on an interim basis, as the charity starts a period of intensive capital fundraising.

“With planning permission now secured for the Village, we are kick-starting the campaign to raise the £5m required to build the facility as soon as possible.

“The plans are ambitious, and I would urge any individuals and businesses who would like to learn more about Kids’ Village and how they can support or get involved to reach out to me directly.

“Another key task will be to lead the recruitment process for a permanent CEO over the coming months, and so watch this space for more information on that.

“When I first started discussing Kids’ Village with Doug, Sam and other trustees, I genuinely couldn’t believe that such a respite facility for sick children and their families didn’t already exist in the UK.

“As the parent of a child with a life-limiting condition myself, I can appreciate just how important the opportunity for families to take a break from daily challenges and create magical memories is.

“The opportunity to work in tandem with Doug, somebody whose success, drive and commitment to the community I have long admired, to help deliver the UK’s first such village here in the West Midlands is extremely exciting and a challenge I am relishing.”

Planning permission has been granted to build the Kids’ Village on land which is being donated to the charity by the Mercer family, who operate a collection of enterprises including the wellknown Packington Free Range pork and poultry brand. The family business is also involved in a number of other charity projects based at their Staffordshire farm.

Sam, now 29, said: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome both Doug and Paul to the Kids’ Village team. Their experience is invaluable and I know they will help us to bring my vision to life.

“I’ve dreamt of creating this holiday village since I visited America in 2004 and now we’re going to create something with the same magic here in the heart of the UK. “I hope to offer children and families that were in the same position as I was a chance to relax in the beautiful countryside and make special memories.”

Find out more information on Kids’ Village by visiting www.kidsvillage.org.uk or contacting Paul Faulkner directly at paul@kidsvillage.org.uk February 2024 CHAMBERLINK 19

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BUSINESS NEWS

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Milestone met with renewable investment has become one of the largest family-run packaging companies in Europe.

At the start of the anniversary year, company boss Björn Schumacher, who runs the company in the third generation with his brother Hendrik, explained: “Along our anniversary motto ‘Unboxing the Future of Packaging’, we are pursuing clear goals for the future. We see considerable potential to make packaging even more climate-friendly across the entire value chain. That’s why we want to further reduce the proportion of plastics in packaging across all sectors and replace it sensibly with the natural raw material paper.” he Schumacher Packaging Group, one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of customised packaging made of corrugated and solid board (www.schumacher-packaging.com), successfully continued its dynamic growth course in 2022.

This year, the company celebrates its 75th anniversary and is investing more in sustainability: the focus is on expanding renewable energies and reducing plastics in packaging by using natural raw materials.

By 2025, Schumacher Packaging plans to invest around €700m in the expansion of existing plants and the construction of new ones.

For 2023, however, the focus is on sustainability. This is because the packaging specialist is pursuing the ambitious goal of climate-neutral production by 2035 and is therefore relying on the most modern, efficient and environmentally friendly technologies.

Around €45m is being invested in the construction of solar power plants, and €10-20m is earmarked for the expansion of wind energy.

Currently, a solar park is under construction at the German site in Forchheim, and two more parks are being built in Poland.

The construction of five more solar power plants in Germany and Poland is planned for 2023 and 2024. The total output of all photovoltaic plants will be around 12 GW/h.

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Raw material supply and security of supply still important

To achieve this, the family-owned company is leading the way in the industry: it provides information, works on innovations and seeks dialogue with stakeholders. The management assumes that more than one fifth of the plastic packaging currently used can be replaced by paper-based solutions. By using plastic-free, biobased barrier coatings, packaging with protective functions can be produced that can be fully recycled. Plastics can thus be completely replaced - with the greatest potential in the food industry.

Replacing plastics sensibly

Corrugated and solid board as the basis for a sustainable circular economy

With its innovative solutions made of corrugated and solid board, Schumacher Packaging has grown continuously over the past 75 years and

Sustainability is of great importance to Schumacher Packaging’s business. “The biggest advantage of paper-based packaging is that it is

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completely natural. They are not waste, can be returned to the material cycle 100 per cent or decompose in nature within a short time without leaving any residues. Currently, more than 85 per cent of corrugated and solid board packaging is recycled – this means that it is reprocessed into packaging after use. Unlike plastic-based reusable systems, no CO2 is emitted during return transport and cleaning,” said Björn Schumacher. “We exploit this potential by leading the way and constantly developing new industryspecific and sustainable products. In this way, we can offer long-term security of supply and be a reliable partner - now and in the future.”

Despite the difficult economic situation due to the Ukraine war and the sharp rise in energy prices, Schumacher Packaging 2022 managed to grow.

The packaging manufacturer reacted flexibly and quickly in the crisis year and was thus able to guarantee supplies to its customers. Strategic decisions contributed to this, such as the acquisition of the Kaierde cartonboard mill, the majority stake in the Italian corrugated base paper manufacturer Cartiere Modesto Cardella SpA and the acquisition of the Leipzig Land GmbH cartonboard mill.

“The consistent expansion of our production and processing capacities represents an important contribution to securing the market's supply situation in the future and is part of our strategy for the future,” said managing director Hendrik Schumacher.

For more details contact Naomi Harvey at Schumacher Packaging sales_bir@schumacher-packaging.com

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BUSINESS NEWS

Where do you fancy?

ALBERT’S SCHLOSS In German, a schloss is a building similar to a chateau, palace or manor house built as a retreat for recreation, indulgence, pleasure and debauchery. The iconic venue at One Chamberlain Square goes some way to recreating that atmosphere. Their name is dedicated to Queen Victoria’s husband, Albert, who they say championed truth, beauty, freedom and love. Launched into many years of mourning by his untimely death, Queen Victoria named buildings up and down the country in his honour, including our flagship venue in Manchester.

Albert’s Schloss celebrates the beloved Prince’s values every day and all night long. We’ve built a retreat from the modern world where we invite you to discover new things, celebrate one another, and revel in the wünder of our Schloss. Influenced by our travels across Alpine Europe, expect roaring fires, raucous performances, tankards of Europe’s finest bier and endless naughtiness! Prost!

Breakfast, lunch or dinner…

Food The all-day menu of indulgent Alpine dishes includes traditional European dishes such as Tyrolean schnitzel, Spatzle and Fondue with a modern Schloss Twist.

Schloss Klassics also include crispy bier-battered fish and chips, Coquille Pretzel Pie and Paprikash Chicken, and many more indulgent delights.

Freshly baked pastries are served daily along with breakfast at weekends.

The Sunday service menu is accompanied by performances from our Haus Band and Gospel Choir. Enjoy all of this alongside roaring fires, raucous performances, tankards of Europe’s finest bier, and endless naughtiness.

Alongside the Cook Haus menu, there is a Bier Halle menu, a lunchtime option for quick business lunches including Pretzels, Skillet Toasted Sandwiches and Wursts.

Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are also available.

Drink A huge selection of drinks is available, including beers, wines, cocktails, spritz and artisan schnapps plus no-alcohol and soft drink options. Table service is available.

Business facilities Ludwig’s Tavern, a private mezzanine space, is dedicated to Alpine Schnapps + Vermouth.

From corporate meetings to big birthday celebrations, Albert’s Schloss can tailor the space for customers.

The mezzanine overlooks the Cook Haus and Bier Palace allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Albert’s Schloss.

This area has a private bar and toilets, a shuffleboard table, informal seating and a balcony view of the venue. This area does 22 CHAMBERLINK February 2024

Albert’s Schloss Address: One Chamberlain Square, Birmingham B3 3AX T: 0121 314 8858 E: eventsbirmingham@albertsschloss.co.uk W: albertsschloss.co.uk/birmingham Owner: Roy Ellis and Neil Macleod General Manager: Adin Memetovic (Birmingham venue) Head chef: Jack Cinense (Birmingham venue) Opening hours: Monday-Friday 11:00am to 2:00am Saturday-Sunday 9:00am to 2:00am

not have a lift and cannot accommodate guests with accessibility needs upstairs.

The maximum capacity is 60 guests.

There is a freestanding screen and projector available for events in Ludwig’s Tavern.

Exclusive offer for Chamber members Complimentary room hire for events in Ludwig’s Tavern, The Snug or Rear Bar area, available until Sunday 10 November 2024.

Email sales manager Sophie on sophiep@albertsschloss.co.uk to enquire. Additional packages and offers are available for Chamber members when speaking to Sophie directly.

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President leads mission to boost trade links with Pakistan Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) president Nasir Awan is supporting a trade mission to strengthen relations between the UK and Pakistan.

GBCC members operating in the agrifood, textiles and apparel (T&A), handicrafts, and home décor sectors are invited to express their interest to participate in the funded trade mission to Pakistan.

The trade mission—funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and organised by the International Trade Centre (ITC)—will visit Karachi, Lahore and Sialkot from 27 February to 3 March 2024.

‘The UK is one of Pakistan’s top five export markets, so a prosperous UKPakistan relationship matters’ A key part of the mission will focus on meeting Pakistani businesses, with a focus on women-led businesses that are part of the ITC SheTrades Initiative, which supports Pakistani businesses to access export opportunities in the United Kingdom.

The UK is Pakistan’s largest export destination in Europe and the third globally.

The trade mission organized by ITC will allow participating UKbased companies to:

Strong connections: Nasir Awan

• Gain an in-depth knowledge of the business environment and specific market requirements to import from Pakistan.

• Attend one-to-one business and networking meetings with potential suppliers in Pakistan.

(Karachi, Lahore and Sialkot) • Develop direct contacts with potential suppliers in Pakistan and increase the company’s

awareness of the full potential business linkages between UK and Pakistan.

GBCC president Nasir Awan, who was born in Pakistan and has strong business connections there, said: “The UK is one of Pakistan’s top five export markets, so a prosperous UK-Pakistan relationship matters.

“The Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) allows UK importers to bring in 94 per cent of products from Pakistan duty free. I am pleased to lead this mission as president of the GBCC, starting my theme of International which I intend to build on.”

• More international news – sees 44-45

Chamber calls for Spring Budget measures Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) have set out a series of measures they hope the Chancellor will include in his Spring Budget on 6 March.

Many will be watching closely ahead of the anticipated General Election later in the year and the GBCC asks Government to: • Upgrade the energy grid to unlock new business development and investment.

• Extend business rates relief for hospitality and retail businesses, freezing the multiplier, and consider reforming this system to better reflect affordability.

• Establish an exports council to focus on boosting the UK’s services, green, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing exports.

• Introduce tax breaks to encourage firms to offer Occupational Health support that can help keep people in work.

• Increase the flexibility of the apprenticeship levy, beginning with a 10 per cent allowance to spend on other forms of training.

• Match private sector investment on sponsorship of town planning and spatial planning qualifications.

Cameron Uppal, policy and public affairs advisor at the Chamber, said, “While it is a relief for many businesses that this year has begun with inflation nowhere near the double-digit highs seen at the start of 2023, it remains at four per cent - well above the Government’s two per cent target. Coupled with historically high interest rates, firms remain under immense cost pressures.

“We’re calling on the Chancellor to activate clear policy initiatives that will re-establish business confidence and encourage further investment to help tackle these cost pressures and enable economic growth.

“On 6 March we will be closely reviewing the announcements made in the Budget and publishing a full analysis of what this means for the Greater Birmingham business community.”

Cameron Uppal

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BUSINESS NEWS

M6 toll rolls out investment M6toll is marking the motorway’s 20th anniversary with a £20m technology investment.

The upgrade will make it quicker to get through the toll lanes, manage online accounts and secure cheaper rates for thousands of users.

An enhanced Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system, new contactless readers that accept smartphone payments and behind-the-scenes improvements to customer account management will combine to keep things moving.

The M6toll attracts up to 65,000 vehicles from the M6 and regional road network on weekdays and more than 300 million customers have used the road over the past 20 years.

Michael Whelan, general manager of the M6toll, said: “Thank you to our customers, partners, and dedicated team members who have played pivotal roles in our journey over the past 20 years.

“As a commercial organisation, we receive no subsidy from the government, so all investment comes direct from the private sector, whilst toll income is used to maintain and operate the road to a world-class level.”

Pedal power: Spectators use pitchside energy bikes which charged Edgbaston’s electric road sweeper

Go Green cricket match cuts emissions by a third Edgbaston’s Go Green Game – the first sustainable international match of its kind – cut carbon emissions by more than a third, a detailed report has found.

The stadium made wholesale changes to its match day operation for the England and New Zealand IT20 on 3 September, supported by commercial partners National Express West Midlands and Drax.

National Express West Midlands provided free bus travel to and from the stadium for ticket holders, while the game was powered exclusively by wind, hydro and solar energy sourced by Drax.

A final report into the impact of the game has found it emitted 33.7 per cent less carbon than the initial forecast which was based on a comparable major match day in 2022. A detailed forecast of the climate impact of the game, carried out in January 2023, projected a footprint of 494 tonnes of CO2 before the implementation of any reduction activity. The actual calculation, completed after the event and reflecting the reduction activity undertaken, showed the carbon

footprint was lowered to 327.79 tonnes. The forecast, reduction planning and reconciliation report were carried out by climate action specialists Net Zero Now. Edgbaston sustainability manager Lydia Carrington said: “We set ourselves a target of 25 per cent so to cut emissions by more than a third is really encouraging.

“We will be taking the learning from the Go Green Game and looking to implement more sustainable processes into our match day delivery both for international and domestic cricket.”

More than 3,600 fans arrived on a free shuttle bus service from New Street station. Groundstaff used electric mowers and rollers, while food packaging was made from compostable seaweed.

Spectators also played their part by signing up for stints on the pitch-side energy bikes which, when pedalled, charged up Edgbaston’s electric road sweeper.

• Lawyer turned cricket coach – see page 30 • More sports business news – see page 86

Two new appointments announced at Ginho Midlands-based automotive parts specialist Ginho has made two appointments to boost its quality assurance team as the business embarks on an ambitious growth plan across new and existing markets.

Neil Cranmer joins as European quality manager with Paul Gibney the company’s new European quality engineer at the Burton upon Trent European head office.

Neil Cranmer brings over 30 years’ experience of the international original equipment market and has been a quality assurance pioneer across numerous automotive and commercial vehicle manufacturers and component specialists. His expertise covers injection moulding, precision machining of aluminium and grey cast iron, pressure and gravity die casting, precision turned parts, plastic and stamped parts.

Paul Gibney’s passion for precision manufacturing began during semester breaks from his university studies when he worked as a machine operator at a manufacturing engineering factory that specialised in cast iron and steel rocker arm assemblies for automotive and off-highway customers.

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Backing expansion (left to right): Paul Gibney, Shaun Gray and Neil Cranmer

Shaun Gray, Ginho’s European managing director, said: “Having someone of Neil’s calibre as part of the team is great news for both the company and our customers.

“We are hugely impressed with Paul’s quality and project management skills alongside his customer service focus, and he has already immersed himself in our business.”

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BUSINESS NEWS

Easing the financial pressures of exporting UK Export Finance (UKEF), the government department which provides extensive backing for exporters of all sizes, types and experience, have joined Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) as Premier members. Here MARK LYNAM, UKEF Export Finance manager for Greater Birmingham, explains how business can get the right financial support in a challenging arena.

Whether you’re a seasoned exporter or making your first foray into overseas markets, international trade can bring unique rewards.

However, it also has its challenges.

If you want to go global and need to secure the right financial support, UK Export Finance (UKEF) can help. As a government department, we have the Treasury’s backing to help UK companies: • Win export contracts by providing attractive financing terms for your overseas buyers.

• Fulfil export contracts by working with banks and lenders to help secure new or additional funding for your business.

• Get paid by insuring against the risk of your buyer failing to pay – for instance, if they become insolvent or if you cannot complete the export owing to political events like new import restrictions or the outbreak of war.

International corporates, independent businesses, micro-enterprises – whatever your niche in the Birmingham and West Midlands ecosystem, we can help you to access the finance and insurance which will allow you to export.

Award win for Crown Highways Crown Highways triumphed at the Institute for Collaborative Working (ICW) Awards in collaboration with R&C Williams.

Entered into the micro, small, medium size enterprises (MSME) category, the Midlands-based duo scooped the joint award at the House of Lords. Crown Highways established its formal relationship with R&C in 2022 but has over seven previous years of experience of working collaboratively.

The ICW Awards, organised by the Institute for Collaborative Working, recognises and celebrates outstanding collaborative practices in various industries. Crown Highways says the achievement underscores the company's commitment to excellence and innovation in collaborative work environments.

Helping with funding: Mark Lynam

Recently, we saw UKEF announce its support for Mutt Motorcycles, one of the many businesses with whom we work in Birmingham.

Will Rigg, co-founder and CEO, describes starting Mutt Motorcycles as a small “hobbystyle business”. However, this small Birmingham venture soon began to expand rapidly into countries across Europe and around the world.

From the beginning, Santander had helped the business and provided funding for its development. As Mutt Motorcycles continued to expand at pace, Santander turned to UKEF, allowing them to increase the trade and working capital facilities available for the business.

UKEF supported with a “General Export Facility” guarantee, giving Santander the confidence to provide further funding to the business. This enabled Mutt Motorcycles to establish a new facility in Rotterdam and cement their expansion into Europe. Buoyed by this support, Mutt is now on its way to launching in new markets like Turkey, Mexico and the US. This is the kind of success story which UKEF, working with Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, is striving to enable time and again.

To put it into perspective, our General Export Facility product helped UK businesses access around £325m in financing last year. The facility is flexible, meaning that as long as the company is eligible as an exporter, funds are not tied to specific contracts.

So, if your business has a viable export opportunity, we are here to help ensure you have appropriate funding to bid for, win and fulfil the contract.

Guarantees aside, we also provide export insurance which can cover up to 95 per cent of potential losses under an export contract if you can’t get private sector insurance.

And last but not least – if you’re also looking to win new contracts, to seal the deal, we can even help your overseas buyers to access attractive financing options and incentivise them to buy British. As UKEF’s dedicated representative covering Greater Birmingham, I can help you understand the export financing options available to your business.

Email: mark.lynam@ukexportfinance.gov.uk Call: +44 (0)7768 558847

Inclusion and diversity champion takes seat on Chamber council The chair of a Midlands recruitment organisation has been appointed to Greater Birmingham Chambers of Com merce’s (GBCC) council.

Carmen Watson (pictured), who chairs the Meriden-based Pertemps Network Group, is to take up a position on the Chamber Council – the group of influential figures from the region’s business community who help to shape the GBCC’s policy priorities and objectives.

She has more than 30 years’ experience in recruitment and is responsible for promoting and delivering best practice in the field of attraction, recruitment and retention of talent on behalf of clients ranging from SMEs to Blue Chip organisations, servicing both the public and private sectors across the UK. A strong advocate for equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace, she is also a member of the Business in the Community Race for Opportunity Leadership Team, a Foundation Committee member of City & Guilds and Advancement Board member of

Aston University. Carmen received an Honorary Doctorate from Aston University in 2021 and is a Doctor of Business Administration.

In April 2023, she was appointed Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands.

Carmen said: “It is a great honour to join this council and to be working with such esteemed fellow council members.

“I am passionate about attraction, selection and recruitment of talent to support sustainability and growth of our employers in the region.

“It is clear to me that the Chamber’s work can help unleash the full potential of organisations in the Greater Birmingham area and being on board, with such an interesting year ahead, I feel sure there will be plenty of opportunities for West Midlands enterprises and the Chamber to collaborate.”

IT recruitment specialist Parity has merged with Pertemps Network Group to strengthen its position and help it expand into new markets.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Demand for green jobs remains high in the region Lawyer bowled over with new cricket career Warwickshire’s new youth pathway coach Alex Laud turned his back on a career in law to follow his passion for cricket coaching.

Alex spent the last seven years working as a solicitor in a Birmingham legal services firm. An experienced league cricketer who captains Earlswood CC’s First XI, he spent his spare time coaching cricket-mad youngsters and training for his advanced coach qualification. And now he’s chosen to follow his heart after successfully applying to become the club’s early years high performance coach for under-10s to under-12s.

Alex said: “It’s certainly not your standard route into cricket coaching. I spent 10 years in total studying law and then working in a law firm, but my passion has always been cricket.

‘Cricket is in my blood and I enjoy helping young players learn and develop’ “I wanted to do something I genuinely enjoy every day.

Cricket is in my blood and I enjoy helping young players learn and develop, as people as well as players. Being able to improve the state of cricket around the county is an amazing position to be in.”

The Independent Commission into Equity in Cricket (ICEC) report set out a number of recommendations for county pathways to adopt that are designed to identify and nurture young talent and promote cricket to more children.

Warwickshire head of high performance Paul Greetham said: “The ECB are working through what these proposals will look like but I have no doubt we’re on the right track – and Alex will be instrumental in delivering this work.”

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The number of green jobs advertised in the West Midlands has fallen from the record levels recorded in 2022.

According to PwC’s latest Green Jobs Barometer, there were 16,157 green opportunities advertised in the region in 2023, compared to just over 24,000 in 2022, a 32.8 per cent decrease.

However, green jobs accounted for 2.10 per cent of total overall roles in the region in 2023 increasing slightly from 2.03 per cent in 2022.

The report also found that green jobs in financial services (2.5 per cent) and the public sector (6.7 per cent) in the West Midlands have increased, while green jobs in sectors including manufacturing (-53.3 per cent) and construction (-39.9 per cent) have decreased.

The barometer results come during a challenging economic time which has seen the number of total advertised roles in the UK fall by 29 per cent, while the number of green jobs fell by 26 per cent.

Green jobs are the future: Becky Clayton

Becky Clayton, ESG deals partner at PwC Midlands, said: “Despite 2023 being an economically challenging year, it is positive to see that the West Midlands increased the proportion of green jobs advertised compared to total jobs.

“Green jobs represent the future of work and demand for these types of roles and skills will grow over the next decade, driven by the green agenda and the UK's commitment to Net Zero.

‘Embracing new, greener technologies and investing in skills will provide benefits for business operations’ “Employers in the West Midlands have an opportunity to innovate and consider how their operations can become greener, particularly in the manufacturing sector that represents a high proportion of the West Midlands economy.

“The decline in green jobs in this sector is, in part, due to economic challenges and businesses focusing on short-term needs instead of looking at future investments. However, while these jobs are future focused, investing in the right areas now could also help alleviate some current issues too.

“For example, there are new emerging industries such as CleanTech (renewable energy or electric vehicles for example) where demand for skills is expected to increase. Embracing new, greener technologies and investing in skills will provide benefits for business operations and more employment opportunities in the region, as well as making the West Midlands a more sustainable region.”

Overall, PwC’s Green Jobs Barometer, now in its third year, identified that green jobs tend to be higher quality, reflecting both higher levels of pay and greater levels of job satisfaction compared to non-green roles.

Share your career path with pupils Tamworth’s Landau Forte Academy Amington is inviting businesses to an employer speed networking event as they seek to raise awareness of different career paths among year 9 and 10 students.

The event takes place at the academy on Thursday 18 April, from 9.10am to 12.30pm.

The speed networking event will connect local employers with the academy’s Year 9 and 10 students to raise awareness of different career paths and the opportunities available to them both locally and nationally.

Emma Merryweather, careers lead at Landau Forte Academy, said: “We want to work with local businesses to help our students discover as much as possible about various careers, to raise their aspirations, and to help them understand how to progress in the world of work.

Seeking a career path: Students at Landau Forte Academy Amington

“To make this as effective as possible we want our students to decipher role of the person they’re interviewing, helping them discard stereotypes and getting a real understanding of what opportunities are available to them. Once the roles

have been guessed, we’re hoping the business representatives can then discuss what their workday looks like, how they came to work within the role, what skills they have developed along the way, and the opportunities within their sector.”

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Meet the Team INNOVATE UK EDGE

s an integral part of Innovate UK, Innovate UK EDGE are a publiclyfunded bespoke support service dedicated to fostering the growth and scaling of innovative small to medium enterprises (SMEs), spanning from start-ups to well-established companies.

Leveraging innovation is crucial for gaining a competitive edge, attracting investment, and achieving market growth.

Innovate UK EDGE focuses on three key areas: Exploiting innovation: Protecting and harnessing intellectual property, improving innovation management, and accessing the local innovation ecosystem.

Source funding: Providing support for investment, invest-ability intensive training, pitch

A

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Dynamic group: Amerdeep Mangat

panels, and post-investment assistance.

Entering new markets: Facilitating business networks, programmes, brokerage events, partnership tools, and international market entry.

The Innovate UK EDGE team is committed to guiding businesses through this process, offering a range of services including advice, networking, access to finance, navigating innovation challenges, internalisation and honing an effective strategy.

They offer tailored support to businesses across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, life sciences, and manufacturing, ensuring a comprehensive approach to sustainable growth and innovation across the nation.

Innovation and growth specialists, each with unique expertise in these diverse sectors, play a central role in the service. Depending on a business's industry, it will be assigned a

seasoned specialist with a substantial track record.

Experts work closely with businesses from early to high growth, emphasising the fundamental areas of exploiting innovation, strategically sourcing funding, and entering new markets.

These priorities are often interlinked, particularly for scaling businesses that need to align all functions to achieve a significant leap in growth and expansion – Innovate UK EDGE offer a dedicated scale-up programme, where a scaleup director is assigned to a high potential business to help further realise their ambitions.

Amerdeep Mangat, senior manager at Innovate UK EDGE, said: “Our team at Innovate UK Edge is a dynamic group of professionals with extensive expertise aimed at cultivating innovation and facilitating business growth.”

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BUSINESS NEWS

Interim report to steer growth Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) has published the interim report of the Business Commission West Midlands (BCWM), analysing evidence from hundreds of local businesses on unlocking business growth across the region.

The BCWM has been convened by the region’s three Chambers of Commerce. It is led by a panel of private sector business leaders, commissioners and advised by the region’s leading academics.

The Interim Report of the Business Commission West Midlands provides the business and stakeholder community with an update on the progress of the commission. It offers observations on the insight and evidence received from the business community to date.

Based on evidence received from hundreds of local businesses, the final report of the commission, due to be published in March, will provide strategic recommendations for local, regional and national stakeholders to unlock business growth across the region.

Henrietta Brealey, chief executive at the Chamber, said: “Under the steer of our academic advisory panel and private sector commissioners, the commission has undertaken evidence-hearing sessions with over 100 business and organisations.

“This interim report outlines what they have told us – the feedback from the business community on what they hold front of mind when it comes to strategies, barriers and opportunities for growth.

“We will use this Interim Report of the Business Commission West Midlands to engage businesses, stakeholders and partners from across all sectors and seek their insights on the emerging themes ahead of issuing the final report and recommendations in March 2024.

“As with everything we do as Chambers of Commerce, the commission has only been made possible by our partners, with particular thanks to Aston University, Birmingham City University, Douglas Wright T/A McDonalds, University College Birmingham and The University of Birmingham, and the engagement of our local business community.”

The interim report is available on the Chamber website – www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com

Henrietta Brealey

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B:Music ushers in spring with a varied line-up A spring programme packed with comedy, live music, dance and spoken word has been lined up by B:Music, the music charity responsible for Birmingham’s Town Hall and Symphony Hall.

The new season showcases an array of performances, from internationally-acclaimed comedian Jimeoin to Cumbrian indie rock sextet Sea Power during this month.

Live music includes two-time Grammy Award-winning singer and instrumentalist Rhiannon Giddens at Town Hall on 22 February with her spectacular brand of folk music.

Three-time Grammy Award-winning Lucinda Williams and The Pretenders, still going strong with 45 years of classics under their belts, perform at Symphony Hall in March.

And April marks the return of Rumours of Fleetwood Mac as well as Lemar performing chart-topping hits.

In a wide programme of dance, the awardwinning Daniel Martinez Flamenco Company presents its long-awaited Andalucia, a stunning flamenco production accompanied by a chamber orchestra on the Town Hall stage (15 March).

And Birmingham Royal Ballet and the Royal Ballet Sinfonia will celebrate the music of Tchaikovsky, the composer of the glorious scores for The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, and The Nutcracker at Symphony Hall on 28 March.

B:Music will host the London Concert Orchestra as they play Nick Urata’s calypso-infused score of the award-winning film Paddington, while the movie plays on a giant HD screen at Symphony Hall (5 April).

And there are even more award winners coming to B:Music’s stages, including 23-year-old jazz singing sensation Samara Joy, who performs at Town Hall (25 April).

B:Music is also providing a plethora of comedy A-listers to choose from.

Stand-up stars including Jonathan Pie: Heroes and Villains (2 February), Stewart Lee: Basic Lee (3 February), Ed Byrne: Tragedy Plus Time (9 February), Jimeoin: The Craic (9 February), Daniel Sloss: Can’t (23 February) and Ross Noble: Jibber Jabber Jamboree (24 February) will be taking to the Town Hall and Symphony Hall stages.

Other highlights of the Spring 2024 season include the nation’s favourite newlyweds, Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo coming to Symphony Hall.

NewlyWeds: The Honeymoon Tour will see Jamie and Sophie sharing their hilarious experiences navigating married life and leaving no stone unturned (21 April).

Jazz sensation: Samara Joy

Navigating married life: The NewlyWeds

To see the full programme and to book tickets, visit www.bmusic.co.uk

University welcomes new secretary Birmingham Newman University has announced the appointment of Yvonne Salter Wright as university secretary and clerk to council, joining the executive and leadership teams.

With over 25 years of professional and voluntary experience in education, Yvonne brings a wealth of knowledge in policy development, governance, and leadership within higher education and schools.

Committed to diversity and inclusion, she prioritises stakeholder voices in decision-making, fostering community engagement, and supporting staff and student well-being.

In her new role, Yvonne will lead the university’s strategic planning and oversee corporate governance, compliance, risk, and assurance.

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The university’s chair of council, Emeritus Professor Margaret A House, said: “Speaking on behalf of the University Council, we very much look forward to working with Yvonne to continue to strengthen our governance as an institution and help to drive our strategic objectives.”

Yvonne said: “I am delighted to be joining Birmingham Newman University at this exciting phase of growth and development.

“I am looking forward to enriching the already successful partnership between the University’s executive team and members of the Council and contributing to the development and realisation of the University’s future strategic vision.”

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Yuup boosts local community Yuup, the local experiences company, has delivered £3m income for independent businesses in less than three years on its mission to help communities thrive.

The company, which expanded into the West Midlands in 2022, helps people find and book things to do in their community.

Since its launch in Bristol in April 2021 by Dominic Mills, now CEO, Yuup has grown into a vibrant community of over 500 experience hosts.

From bread-making workshops to foraging adventures, Yuup provides an opportunity for individuals to experience the best their city has to offer.

By November last year, the total income earned by hosts on the Yuup platform since its launch in 2021, surpassed £3m.

Mills said: “Evolution marks a significant milestone in our journey. With a growing community of over 500 hosts, this event serves as a catalyst to bring a fresh, unparalleled experience to the UK. We hope to not only introduce a novel form of entertainment but also encourage more customers and hosts to join our community. Yuup is all about connecting people and making a positive change, and the more people in our community, the greater impact we can achieve.”

Flexibility is now part of the modern workplace For millions of people, logging in remotely for at least New research by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Insights Unit and technology firm Cisco, shows part of the working week is now routine. less than 30 per cent of firms expect their employees “This flexibility is valued by employers and their teams. to be fully working in person over the next five years.

Less than 30 per cent of firms expect staff to be working A survey of over 1,000 businesses, of which 96 per fully in person over the next five years. cent were SMEs, found just 27 per cent of respondents predict their staff would be fully in-person over the ‘Our data shows that hybrid next five years. Forty-seven per cent anticipate their working is now part of the fabric of staff to be mostly in-person, 16 per cent expect mostly remote and eight per cent fully remote. the modern workplace’ The research found a clear divide between different sectors, with business-to-business services firms (such “Flexible working makes good business sense. In a tight as the finance and legal sectors) more likely to labour market, where employers are competing for expect remote working. Only 17 per cent of skilled workers, hybrid working, and flexible B2B services organisations expect fully in working more generally, has become an person working, while the figure for important part of staff benefit packages. manufacturers is 38 per cent, and B2C “As well as boosting recruitment and services 37 per cent. retention, it can help employers unlock new Companies were also asked about and diverse talent pools. the connectivity tools they use, such “Employers still value regular face-to-face as video calling and cloud security. contact with staff, however, and our A quarter of firms (25 per cent) say findings show only 8 per cent of businesses they are not confident they have the expect staff to be completely remote.” knowledge to make the right purchasing Aine Rogers, managing director of small and decisions, while three quarters (75 per cent) medium enterprise at Cisco UK & Ireland, said: are confident. Over half (55 per cent) are “Small businesses are the heart of the UK relying on external experts when economy, and their most important making decisions about adopting resource is their people. We know technology. employees thrive in a hybrid Sixty-five per cent of working environment, as it firms say connectivity enhances their wellbeing, worktools are value for life balance, and performance. money.

“When it comes to choosing Jane Gratton, the right solution, the key deputy director of consideration is implementing public policy at the a simple, secure collaboration BCC, said: “Our data platform that can help shows that hybrid employees be just as working is now part productive remotely, as they of the fabric of the would in the office.”

Good business sense: Jane Gratton modern workplace.

Promotion for longstanding employee

Deeply honoured: Debbie Brown

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Debbie Brown has been appointed financial director at Simpex Express after starting 12 years ago as a part-time accountant.

The global freight transport company based at Birmingham Airport says Debbie helped nurture the company's aspirations as it expanded its horizons and she became a crucial player in the financial operations during pivotal acquisitions.

She said: "I am overjoyed and deeply honoured to have embraced this recent milestone in my journey at Simpex Express. From our humble beginnings, with just a handful of us in the office, to witnessing and contributing to the company's unparalleled growth and success—it feels profoundly rewarding."

Simpex Express takes pride in fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion. With women now comprising 56 per cent of their office teams, the company's ongoing commitment to gender diversity underscores its vision for a progressive and equitable workplace.

Managing director Simon Beechener said: "Debbie's recent promotion speaks volumes about her dedication and remarkable contributions over the past 12 years. Her efforts have been invaluable, shaping our success and embodying the essence of our ethos—recognising and rewarding exceptional talent.”

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CHAMBER PATRONS

Chamber Patrons Greater Birmingham Chambers’ leading supporters Investment to aid research Aston University is announcing investment of £18m in doctoral research funding to recruit and nurture the research leaders of tomorrow.

The investment supports the university’s vision to be a leading university of science, technology and enterprise.

It will fund research at the interfaces of science, health, technology and enterprise, socio-economic transformations driven by digitalisation, and pressing economic, social and other challenges addressed by researchers in Aston University’s colleges and research institutes.

Successful candidates will be recruited for the studentships on the basis of excellence and provided with the support they need to excel as doctoral researchers. They will drive forward their own research projects and make significant contributions to existing innovative research projects and teams.

A range of support will be available, including full studentships covering the cost of UK fees and student stipend paid at rates equivalent to UKRI-funded studentships, as well as a fund for research expenses.

Professor Phil Mizen, associate pro-vice-chancellor researcher development at Aston University, said: “This investment represents the university’s strategic commitment to supporting inclusive, entrepreneurial and translational research with a clear transformational impact so that the people, businesses and communities it serves can thrive economically, socially and culturally.

“I am delighted that, through these studentships, we are able to provide more opportunities for doctoral researchers to gain essential skills and to foster excellence in research and innovation.”

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Contact: Raj Kandola T: 07815 952462

Safety first: The Utilita Arena Birmingham

Arenas offer support to women’s safety initiative Birmingham’s NEC Group Arenas - Utilita Arena Birmingham and Resorts World Arena - are committing to reinforcing women’s safety in the West Midlands by pledging support to Safer Dance and the West Midlands Women’s Night Safety Charter.

They are the first UK arenas to pledge their support and become members of Safer Dance – an initiative aimed at helping to raise awareness and combat sexual violence against women at live events. In addition, the venue operator has signed the West Midlands Women’s Night Safety Charter.

The initiative, which is being formally launched by the West Midlands Combined Authority this month, asks businesses in the West Midlands to commit to ensuring the region is a place where all women and girls feel confident and welcome at night whether on the streets, on public transport or inside night-time venues.

Safer Dance was co-founded by Birmingham City University and Coventry University graduates Sam Hennerly and Jack Young to tackle sexual harassment and misconduct in nightlife spaces after

both felt that not enough was being done by nightlife venues.

By becoming members, both venues have committed to undertaking self-assessments which will lead to tailored, industry-specific training, guides on how to implement learnings and peer networking and seminars with other night-time economy businesses across the UK. Alan Goodman, director of event operations for NEC Group Arenas, said: “We’re proud to be pledging support to both of these initiatives.

“Although cases of sexual violence in our arenas are very rare, we can’t ignore this societal issue.

“As venues that host millions of people every year, we’d like to do what we can to combat this.

“Live events should be safe spaces for everyone and it’s great to see young, local people in the industry wanting to do more to highlight this issue.”

Jack Young and Sam Hennerly, co-founders of Safer Dance, said: “It’s imperative that the safety of our night time economy venues are prioritised and managed effectively.”

Biggest year for new events The National Exhibition Centre has reported its highest number of new events in a calendar year in 2023.

A total of 11 new shows were launched at the venue, with an additional 12 relocated from other venues.

This included diverse exhibitions such as The National Equine Show, The National Halal Food Festival and Smart Factory Expo, as well as special events and long-stay content such as Secret Cinema presents GREASE: The Live Experience, The FRIENDS Experience and Gravity Show.

In total, the venue welcomes around 2.3 million visitors and over 45,000 exhibiting companies to more than 500 events every year, including shows such as BBC Good Food Show, Spring Fair International, The National Motorhome and Caravan Show and Crufts.

Richard Mann, new business director at the NEC, said: “It’s been a fantastic year for our venue, both in te rms of delivering our standout, established shows and bringing on board a wealth of new ones.

“We’ve also seen encouraging growth at many events, including the recent Solar & Storage Live which welcomed more than 17,000 attendees from over 20 countries.

“We believe this year’s successes truly underline the positive impact of the exhibitions and wider events industry on UK trade. We’ve placed a focus on de veloping our offering this past year, from launching the UK’s largest electric vehicle charging hub on our campus, to developing Show Insights, which helps event organisers better understand visitor habits and profiles.

“Our outlook for 2024 is strong, with lots of diverse event content in the pipeline.”

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CHAMBER PATRONS

New heights for airport refurb...

Birmingham Airport (BHX) has begun bringing into use four 50-person lifts as part of its £50m project to build a state-of-the-art new security screening hall for customers.

BHX last month took delivery of its new security screening equipment, which will then be installed before staff are trained on it ahead of the planned operational switch-on in June.

In preparation for this, between now and January, BHX will phase into use the four Sheridan lifts.

These will become the main means of moving between the ground and first floors of the terminal, ultimately replacing the temporary lifts and staircases in use since the summer.

Old escalators connecting the ground floor check-in area and the first-floor departures area have been removed and the external façade of

the terminal building moved outwards, creating more space for customers.

Once completed the new security screening area will deliver a more efficient process and a better experience for customers.

‘Phasing the new lifts into use is an important step in our work to transform the BHX terminal’ Stephen Barker, development and construction director for BHX, said: “Phasing the new lifts into use is an important step in our work to transform the BHX terminal. It will deliver a more efficient pre-flight screening process and will make us compliant with new Government regulations.

...as aircraft stands get £10m upgrade Birmingham Airport (BHX) is halfway through more than £10m of aircraft stand upgrades to make its operation more efficient and reliable for customers.

The project is making all the stands on BHX’s South Terminal capable of accommodating Airbus 321 and Boeing 737 aircraft, which many airlines use.

Andrew Holl, airfield operations director at BHX, said: “Standardising these stands means, rather than having to wait for the right type of stand to become available, if any stand is free we can send an incoming aircraft straight to it.

“That makes our operation simpler and more resilient, reducing the chance of delays for customers and enabling us to process people on and off aircraft more efficiently. This investment is a key element of our growth plan to 18 million customers a year by 2033.”

The work involves reconfiguring existing aircraft parking areas, including power, lighting and stand indication, to dimensions which suit A321 and B737-size aircraft.

“Customers will have seen the extent of the work we are doing as they have passed through the airport since April 2023. We thank both customers and airport staff for bearing with us as we work towards delivering this fantastic new facility.”

Project teams have been working on-site 21 hours a day to safely deliver the project on time.

Above the new security hall is a newly constructed insulated roof clad with solar panels.

These panels will generate green electricity to help run the airport as it progresses towards its goal of becoming a carbon net zero operation by 2033.

The Next-Generation Security (NGS) hall project is part of BHX’s £300m capital investment programme over the next decade to create a more efficient terminal capable of serving 18 million customers a year by 2033.

Cutting waiting time: New aircraft stands at Birmingham Airport

The existing taxiway has been realigned with new lighting to allow the creation of more stands close to the terminal.

This project is due to be complete in the summer.

The aircraft stands project is part of £300m of capital investment over the next decade to make BHX capable of serving 18m customers a year by 2033, when it also aims to have become a carbon-net zero airport.

Arup Paradise move boosts connections Arup has moved to a new office in One Centenary Way at Paradise Birmingham.

With 800 staff and more than 90 specialisms offered, the Global sustainable development consultancy has established its second largest base of operations in the UK and one of its five largest globally in Birmingham.

The new Midlands’ office spans three floors, totalling 68,000 sq ft, of One Centenary Way. With a multi-million-pound investment into the move, Arup has cemented its commitment to city centre spaces and the Midlands region as a global business centre.

Arup’s investment aims to bring wider economic impact through employment and other business opportunities.

Returning to Birmingham city centre allows Arup to reinforce its connections with the city and the Midlands’ business community.

Completion of the fit-out of Arup’s space has been delivered in partnership with fit-out specialists Overbury-based on designs from HOK as lead architects who have worked alongside Arup to create a workplace focused on adaptability and flexible working.

The designs support inclusive health and wellbeing needs and enhance delivery of complex multidisciplinary projects for clients across the globe.

Working closely with developer MEPC, Arup has ensured One Centenary Way is the first building within the Paradise estate with all-

Committed to Birmingham: Arup staff move into their fifth largest office globally

electric heating and hot water along with a wide range of other sustainability features.

Additional bike storage, lockers and shower facilities have also been installed to support active travel.

Combined with improved access to transport links cutting emissions for employees and visitors, the new office plays a significant role in helping the firm reach net zero carbon by 2030.

Overbury has also installed a suite of SMART sensors to enable dynamic monitoring and future learning around utilisation, comfort, and energy use in the different workspaces throughout the new office.

To minimise embodied carbon, a choice of natural and recycled material has been sourced and incorporated into elements of the design, such as carpets, finishes, paints and internal finishes.

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1813 CLUB AND PREMIER MEMBERS

1813 Club and Premier Members

Premier Membership Contact: Gary Birch T: 0121 274 3236

Greater Birmingham’s leading companies

All aboard for extra rail services Starting salaries up: Kate Holt

Hiring stalled as year ended Sustained economic uncertainty hindered hiring activity in the Midlands at the end of 2023, according to the latest KPMG and REC UK Report on Jobs survey, compiled by S&P Global.

Recruiters registered a first reduction in permanent staff appointments in three months and one of the sharpest since the Covid-19 pandemic.

But recruiters in the Midlands saw the strongest rise in starting salaries across the four monitored regions in England. There were marked increases in the availability of both permanent and temporary staff, with the former rising at the steepest rate since November, 2020, amid increased redundancies and a lack of suitably skilled staff. Pay pressures in the Midlands also strengthened in December, as recruiters mentioned that clients were raising salaries to attract staff.

Kate Holt, people consulting partner for KPMG in the Midlands, said: "In keeping with the ebbs and flows of 2023, the Midlands jobs market saw hiring activity restricted due to ongoing economic uncertainty.

“After three months of strong growth, December saw a dip when it came to new jobs on offer – an unwanted end of year for those in the jobs market. However, those who did find employment enjoyed a seven-month high in terms of starting salary.”

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Rail passengers travelling between Birmingham, Derby and Nottingham are benefiting from more frequent and more reliable train services.

An extra service per hour has been introduced between Birmingham and Nottingham via Derby as part of the rail industry’s twice-yearly timetable upgrades.

For the first time, a total of four trains per hour are operating between Derby and Nottingham with services operated by both CrossCountry and East Midlands Railway.

CrossCountry’s long-distance customers will also benefit from faster journeys as services between the South West and the North East/Scotland via Birmingham will stop at fewer stations between Birmingham and Derby.

Cross Country say the timetable change is part of the regular upgrades to the national train timetable which help to ensure the best possible levels of service for customers across the country.

The additional hourly service between Birmingham and Nottingham has been made possible by the successful completion of work to repair concrete decks above the platforms at Birmingham New Street station.

John Robson, CrossCountry's regional director for the East Midlands and East Anglia, said: “We’re very pleased to deliver such a significant uplift in services for passengers travelling between the East and West Midlands as part of our regular timetable change.

“The new timetable will bring improved resilience and better train

Critical corridor: John Robson

performance for passengers using this critical rail corridor, and we really look forward to welcoming customers on board.”

As well as an increase in services for the East Midlands, the new and improved timetable is designed to deliver smoother and more reliable journeys for passengers elsewhere on the network.

Raft of promotions celebrated High achievers have been promoted across all departments at Midlands-based accounting and advisory firm PKF Smith Cooper following a year of significant expansion.

The string of promotions will bolster the teams behind PKF Smith Cooper’s advisory and compliance services.

Notable promotions include Julie Stringer, who has been promoted to audit director after 11 years at the company for her fundamental role in driving the audit service offering forward. Josh Gurton has been

Investing in home grown talent: James Bagley

promoted twice in six months, first to assistant manager and then to manager, after proving himself a key player in the PKF Corporate Finance team, which was named the sixth most active dealmakers in the UK

by Experian.

Deniss Sipovics has been promoted to transaction services manager, as the firm continues to expand and invest in its award-winning business advisory services.

PKF Smith Cooper’s internal team has also been strengthened by promotions, with Caitlin Monteath promoted to assistant HR manager and Lucy Campion to assistant marketing manager. The marketing and HR team celebrated award success in December, winning ‘Young Professional Team of the Year’ at the first Insider Midlands Young Professionals Awards.

James Bagley, managing partner at PKF Smith Cooper, said: “Congratulations to our promoted team members and our wider team for a successful year.

These promotion numbers reflect the high levels of skill and expertise we have across the company.

“We are dedicated to investing in our homegrown talent and giving high-achieving team members opportunities to develop and progress is a big part of this, as is rewarding excellence through our biannual promotion process. Alongside this and with our ambitious growth plans in mind, our search for new recruits is also ongoing and we are currently hiring for a variety of roles.”

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1813 CLUB AND PREMIER MEMBERS

‘Divorce Day’ just a myth, says law expert “We actually find that our peak periods for those Each year stories emerge of ‘Divorce Day’, the day of seeking to separate are after school holidays but the year most people begin divorce proceedings, inquiries are reasonably consistent throughout the usually on the first working Monday of January.

But leading family lawyers at national law firm year.

Clarke Willmott LLP say this is just a myth and there is “The latest figures from Legal and General suggest that 272,000 people (13 per cent) are delaying getting no significant rise in cases after the Christmas break. a divorce due to cost-of-living pressures.

In fact, they are more concerned by a new “This is worrying as divorce lawyers as we know emerging theme, backed by the latest research from Legal and General, that how emotional, stressful and exhausting the more and more people are putting process can be for some so we always advise taking legal advice early and working off divorce due to the cost of living collaboratively to reach a swift and peaceful crisis.

Chris Longbottom, partner and outcome. head of the firm’s family team, said: “There are cost-effective ways to divorce “Divorce Day is a great idea used by and couples should not only take legal advice but also financial advice as early as possible. the media but the reality of what we Now that ‘no-fault’ divorces are available, tools see as divorce solicitors is very different. like mediation can mean the process can be completed easily and promptly without the “It may be correct that some people need for lots of money being swallowed up take advice after having ‘one last Christmas together’ for the by court proceedings.” sake of the children or Clarke Willmott is a leading national law firm and is this make new personal year celebrating its 135th plans on the turn of a birthday. There are seven new year, but the decision to get regional offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, divorced is rarely London, Manchester, a knee-jerk, Myth: Chris Longbottom Southampton and Taunton. reactive one.

Finance expert switches firms Trowers & Hamlins have appointed sector expert Natalie Singh (pictured) to its market-leading housing finance team.

Natalie will head up Trowers’ banking and finance offering in Birmingham. She joins from Anthony Collins, where she led the affordable housing finance team. Natalie's practice focuses on advising affordable housing providers on all aspects of their funding needs and she is independently acknowledged as a market leader.

Adrian Carter, head of Trowers’ banking and finance team, said: “We are delighted that Natalie, as one of the sector's most highly regarded finance lawyers, has decided to join our team and add her extensive experience to our nationally respected practice.”

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INTERNATIONAL TRADE

International Trade Logistics firm partners with brewing experts Third-party logistics (3PL) provider Kammac has announced a partnership with Kegspertise Logistics.

Kammac, a patron of the Greater Birmingham Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce, will provide a sixth location for Kegspertise’s brewing industry services at its Warrington facility.

Working on behalf of KegWatch - an organisation which manages redundant keg, casks and dispense gas cylinders – Kegspertise Logistics ensures the efficient movement of goods across a network of 2000 breweries, pubs, and bars nationwide.

Kegspertise embarked on a search for a strategic storage location in the Northwest in autumn 2023. It identified Kammac’s Warrington facility in Cheshire for its prime location, transport links, storage space and floor capacity.

“Collaborating with Kammac and utilising their Warrington site meets our growing logistics needs by providing an ideal distribution location close to major road networks in the North West,” said Andy Dorr, managing director at Kegspertise Logistics Limited.

Ged Carabini, chief commercial officer at Kammac said: “We are thrilled to embark on this journey with Kegspertise, as its warehouse partner of choice in the North West. Its unparalleled reputation in the brewing industry makes this partnership a significant milestone for Kammac, enabling us to further strengthen our standing in the market.”

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

Supported: Flexeserve partners

Flexeserve commits to paying Living Wage Flexeserve – a patron of the Greater Birmingham Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce – has become an accredited Living Wage Employer.

The industry leaders in hot-holding and foodto-go say they have recognised and addressed the cost of living by paying all employees known as partners - at least the Real Living Wage.

It means the Leicestershire-headquartered firm has joined 14,000 companies in the UK officially classified as Living Wage Employers.

Jamie Joyce, global CEO of Flexeserve, said: “We are immensely proud to lead our industry in a variety of ways and, importantly, to now be an accredited Living Wage Employer. This demonstrates our commitment to supporting each of our partners in their wellbeing and

helping them achieve their potential. In addition, we have other accredited Living Wage Employers within our supply chain, and this means a great deal to us – knowing that our products are the work of people who are supported in this way.”

The Real Living Wage is the only UK wage rate based on the actual cost of living. Annual rates are calculated by the Resolution Foundation based on a basket of everyday goods and overseen by the Living Wage Commission.

Hayley Evans, Flexeserve’s head of people, said: “The cost of living has increased significantly in recent years. Paying every Partner at least the Real Living Wage is about delivering a quality of life for everyone in our team and recognising that each one of us contributes to our success.”

G&P make two key European appointments Key appointments: Levente Lassan (left) and Aleš Urban

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Quality management services provider G&P has made two key European business manager appointments as part of its growth and diversification strategy.

Aleš Urban has been appointed as G&P’s business manager for the Czech Republic while Levente Lassán takes up a similar role in Hungary.

Dino Kyriacou, CEO of G&P, said: “G&P has experienced strong growth throughout Europe, so we are delighted to welcome Aleš and Levente to the team.

“They both bring with them a wealth of experience in similar roles across the region, and we look

forward to them supporting and spearheading our growth.”

As part of their induction to the G&P family, both Aleš and Levente visited the company’s global HQ in Birmingham, which included an immersion into G&P’s systems and processes, an insight into G&P’s award-winning QTrak quality management system and visits to several UK-based automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers where G&P provides its services.

Aleš Urban said: “It’s clear from my visit to the UK how professional, forward thinking and customerfocused all the team are. I’m very excited to be joining the team.”

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INTERNATIONAL TRADE TRANSATLANTIC CHAMBER PATRONS

Global Chamber Patrons

Opportunities to be shaped

by US election This year’s U.S. elections are set to play a pivotal role shaping the future trade ambitions of West Midland firms seeking potential new transatlantic export markets, says Chamber global guru Sian Timmins.

Sian, who joined the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce in July last year as international partnerships manager after a varied 25-year career largely in the events sector, said the Trump factor could pose as yet unknown conundrums for regional businesses.

Sian, now the Chambers’ head of international divisions, said: “There is a real interest in the U.S. at the moment. If Trump gets in, will there be a free trade agreement with the UK or is he likely to impose tariffs? And what will that mean for exporters?”

She said a Memoranda of Understanding signed with seven U.S. states North Carolina, South Carolina, Indiana, Utah, Oklahoma, Washington and Florida - could prove fertile trading ground for West Midland firms with transatlantic ambitions. “It represents real opportunities for businesses in the UK to work with these states and we are working closely with the Department of Business and Trade (DBT) to get a greater understanding of these opportunities, and crucially, what they mean for our members.”

The Solihull-born businesswoman currently heads up the Chambers’ Global and Transatlantic divisions in her new role, undertaking a wide global remit. “I am responsible for all international activities at the Chamber. I lead the relationship with the commercial team at the U.S. Embassy in London, carrying on the great work that Mandy Haque did.

“The United States is the UK’s largest trading partner, accounting for 17.2 per cent of all UK trade, and we have a very strong Transatlantic Chamber,

Fast-moving role: Sian Timmins.

with the relationship with the U.S. Embassy key to that – I work closely with members who are keen to invest in the U.S. and the commercial team at the Embassy are a key part of those conversations.

“I also head up the Birmingham Chapter of the British American Business Network and am on the Birmingham-China Business Forum as part of a global remit. The role can be very fast-moving but an opportunity to build some really great relationships.

“I work very closely with James Tait, the Transatlantic president and Mark Smith, the Global president, and am very lucky to have their support. I now want to continue the relationship with the U.S Embassy, as well as representatives from other key markets, to help our members grow globally.”

Accountancy boss listed as a top Ohio executive The managing partner of accountancy firm Dyke Yaxley LLC (DY USA) has been recognised

by Smart Business Magazine as a Northeast Ohio ‘2023 Smart 50’ honoree.

Born and raised in the UK, Rob Whittall has decades of experience living and working in both the UK and US. Rob specialises in both inbound and outbound international taxation issues for UK and US businesses and individuals.

With a combined 30 years of professional experience at Dyke Yaxley Limited, a Big Four accounting firm and a top US regional accounting firm, Rob went on to open the Dyke Yaxley LLC US office in Cleveland, Ohio, where he is managing partner.

The Northeast Ohio Smart 50 Awards recognise the top executives of the 50 smartest

companies in the Northeast Ohio region for their ability to effectively build and lead successful organisations.

The listing said: “Rob Whittall opened Dyke Yaxley after spending 30 years working at companies including a Big Four accounting firm and a top regional accounting firm.

“As managing partner, he’s guided the firm’s success for the last 12 years, actively seeking out change rather than waiting for change to adapt.”

DY helps companies navigate tax systems in the US and UK. With operations in both countries, the firm says it is well positioned to understand the opportunities, challenges and rising costs facing company operations on both sides of the Atlantic.

Seeks change: Rob Whittall

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ABCC Updates and useful information from the largest ethnic support organisation in the UK Contact: Anjum Khan T: 0121 274 3255

Leyla makes Diversity Power list Leyla Okhai, an Asian Business Chamber of Commerce member, has been included in the 2023 Diversity Power List.

Comprising 50 champions of diversity and inclusion across the UK, this honours-style list highlights and recognises individuals who are working tirelessly to make a tremendous difference to other people’s lives.

Now in its second year, the 2023 Diversity Power List shines a light on people working hard in their local communities and networks to change opinions, attitudes, and behaviours.

The background of those on this year’s list is truly diverse: from digital marketers to community organisers, senior police officers to leaders of charities, athletes to journalists, CEOs of major businesses to human rights activists and leaders in education.

The full list is extensive and showcases 50 extraordinary individuals who are going above and beyond to champion diversity.

“Big changes start with small steps, typically taken in a social or work community,” says Paul Sesay, CEO and founder of Inclusive Companies

Desert endeavours: A group of Acorns volunteers

Make a resolution this year to support Acorns “Do something amazing and help us provide vital care for local children with life limiting conditions” – that’s the New Year’s resolution the public are being asked to make for Acorns Children’s Hospice in 2024.

Vicki Rowles, director of fundraising at the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce members, said: “We need your help. The New Year is the perfect time to make a resolution to give something back, and by supporting Acorns you’ll be helping us to be there for children who need us the most.”

All are welcomed to take part in fundraising events such as Glow Walk, the Great Birmingham Run and Half Marathon, Bubble Rush, the Great Wall of China Trek, the Birmingham Running Festival, a Sunrise Trek on the highest peak in Wales or even a once-in-a-lifetime trek across the volcanic landscape in Iceland. Go to www.acorns.org.uk for more information. Businesses can also get involved by partnering with the charity, or by joining the Acorns Business Club.

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Work to do: Leyla Okhai

which compiles the Diversity Power List.

“It often starts with a lone voice from a brave individual whose commitment, passion and dedication cascade and grow as they bring others with them. The Diversity Power List seeks to applaud these individuals and amplify their work to ensure lasting success.”

Leyla said: “I am incredibly humbled and thrilled to be included in the second Diversity Power List, alongside an array of extraordinary diversity trailblazers. When I look at the list, I realise how much work I still have to and must do.

“There are so many amazing people working in this space, I want to acknowledge I stand on the shoulder of giants.”

Paul added: “Our aim in publishing the Diversity Power List is to bring together the most ‘diversity conscious’ people in the UK. They deserve to be recognised for championing diversity for one or more of the protected characteristics of people who comprise society in the UK. “Dedicated to what they are doing and innovative in how they are doing it, they are an inspiration to us all.”

Talbots Law seals third acquisition in a year Talbots Law continued its expansion in Worcester after it announced its third acquisition in the space of 12 months.

The legal specialist, which has boosted its workforce to nearly 450 this year, has bought Scaiff LLP, giving Talbots its first presence in the city centre.

All 16 staff are being retained, with ambitious expansion plans already in place to recruit a further 10 solicitors and administrative employees over the course of the next 12 months.

There will also be significant investment in sympathetically refurbishing the Grade II listed offices on Foregate Street.

Dave Hodgetts, who joined Talbots Law as chief executive in 2021, said: “Whilst we’ve got offices in Kidderminster and Bewdley, we’ve never had a high street presence in Worcester.

This acquisition gives us an immediate footprint in a city and area rich in potential.

“Scaiff LLP has been operating here for more than 30 years and has a proven track record of offering family, personal injury, wills and probate

City presence: The new Worcestershire team for Talbots Law

and residential conveyancing services to local people.

“All this expertise is being retained and will be supplemented by the additional capacity and infrastructure we can offer and access to business services and dispute resolution legal advice.

“Annual fees are currently £1.2m and we expect these to increase to £2m by the end of 2024.”

Scaiff LLP is the third acquisition made by Talbots Law in the last 12 months and follows the purchase of Sarginsons in Coventry and Wright Solicitors with offices in Dudley and Bewdley.

The M&A activity, combined with strong organic growth, has seen revenues rise from £22m to £24m in 2023, with a £30m target set for 2025.

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ABCC PREMIER+ PARTNERS

ABCC Patrons

ABCC set to name executive committee

Busy 12 months: Anjum Khan and Omar Rashid

A new executive committee will be announced at the upcoming annual general meeting of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce.

The event is set to be held on Thursday, 22 February at which the result of the executive committee selection process will be announced.

The meeting will include an update on ABCC matters and will also be an opportunity for all members to network. The venue is yet to be announced.

ABCC president Omar Rashid said: “The past 12 months has been a pleasurable time as ABCC president.

“I had an engaged board who worked tirelessly on planning initiatives and events for the coming year. On a personal level I was able to bring my own style as president and grew as an individual.

As always, a massive thanks to Anjum Khan and the wider GBCC team for their support.”

ABCC director Anjum Khan said: “The largest Chamber of its kind, the ABCC acts as a gateway for any organisations looking to target the West Midlands Asian business community.

“I have no doubt the new executive committee will steer the ABCC to fresh waters and I encourage all members to attend the event.”

Rep’s Little Red Riding Hood to go on tour

Sampad adds to its board Sampad, a charity founded by Piali Ray in 1990 to promote South Asian arts and culture, has appointed two new members to its board.

Over the years, the charity has collaborated with numerous artists to bring their unique voices and talents to audiences across the UK and beyond.

Niti Pall, who is on the board of the Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital, will be joining as chair of Sampad’s board. She also currently chairs the board of Harbr, a Londonbased health tech accelerator and is senior digital health advisor for AXA emerging customers.

Niti was recently medical director to KPMG’s Global Healthcare Practice and she runs a boutique health system consulting firm Health4alladvisory Ltd. and is immediate past President of IDF Europe.

Niti’s dedication to universal healthcare extends to multiple countries, impacting over 11 million consumers with mobile health propositions.

Joining Niti as vice chair is Paresh Solanki. Paresh is a fervent advocate for social change, utilising media technology to amplify marginalised voices and uplift communities. His impactful work, marked by creativity and innovation, has earned accolades across broadcasting, events production, and community cohesion efforts.

Holding fellowships at the Royal Television Society and The Institute of Leadership & Development, Paresh’s recent projects include filming testimonies on the Ugandan Asians’ expulsion and responses to the Covid crisis.

Paresh served in pivotal roles at the BBC. Post-BBC, he contributed as a media expert for the Council of Europe’s intercultural programme and served as the assistant director at the Inter Faith Network, initiating the National Inter Faith Week.

Piali Ray, director of Sampad, said: “We are proud to announce the addition of Niti and Paresh to our board. Niti’s dedication to healthcare innovation and Paresh’s media advocacy, together with their interest in community empowerment embodies Sampad’s ethos of fostering creativity and cultural unity.”

Following on from a highly successful run at Birmingham Rep, Little Red Riding Hood will continue to tour 26 community venues and libraries across Birmingham and the West Midlands during February.

The production and the tour, presented

by Birmingham Rep and the Library of Birmingham, gives more people the opportunity to see this charming re-telling of the famous fairytale.

Tickets are free or at low cost thanks to the generous support of the Sir Barry Jackson Trust and Arts Council England.

The production is directed by Rep Associate Artist Caroline Wilkes and written

by Katherine Chandler, who also directed and wrote last year’s family favourite Jack and The Magic Beanstalk, making it another Rep Original that has been created especially for children aged three to six years old (and their grown-ups).

Director of Little Red Riding Hood, Caroline Wilkes, said: "We are truly thrilled to extend the enchantment of this magical production to a wider audience of young children across the West Midlands beyond our successful run at The Rep. “We’re delighted that hundreds more children can relish the joy of live theatre, perhaps marking the beginning of a lifelong love for the performing arts, a gift they might not have encountered otherwise.”

In addition to the tour, a number of the venues and libraries will be offering a workshop that explores the production with its creatives. Please check with the individual venues as to which ones are hosting a workshop.

Remaining tour schedule Sense TouchBase Pears (Tue 13 Feb 11am/1.30pm) Jubilee Park, Tipton Muslim Community Group (Wed 14 Feb 11am) Chinnbrook Children's Centre (Thu 15 Feb 2pm) West Heath Community Centre (Fri 16 Feb 11am/1.30pm) Dorothy Parkes Centre (Sat 17 Feb 3pm) Supported by Arts Council England Castle Bromwich Library (Thu 1 Feb 1.30pm) Hobs Moat Library (Fri 2 Feb 11am/1.30pm) The Core Library (Sat 3 Feb 11am/1.30pm) Balsall Common Library (Tue 6 Feb 11am) Coventry Central Library (Wed 7 Feb 11am/1.30pm) Tile Hill Library (Thu 8 Feb 10.45am) Allesley Park Library (Thu 8 Feb 2.15pm) Stoke Library (Fri 9 Feb 11am/1.30pm) Foleshill Library (Sat 10 Feb 10.45am) Bell Green Library (Sat 10 Feb 2.15pm)

New Sampad board members: Niti Pall and Paresh Solanki February 2024 CHAMBERLINK 47

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CANNOCK CHASE CHASE CHAMBER PATRONS

Contact: Richard Brooks T: 07796 242029

Staffordshire takes its place on global board Staffordshire has become the first UK location to join a leading international advisory board for place marketing.

We Are Staffordshire – which promotes the county as a place to live, visit and invest in – is made up of a broad range of partners including private sector businesses, the county, district and borough councils and its universities.

The campaign has now joined the City Nation Place Advisory Group – a network of leading decision makers from place brand, economic development, and destination marketing organisations from around the world.

Staffordshire is the first UK representative to join as a CNP Champion, alongside founding partners New Zealand, Tasmania, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and the Western Cape in South Africa.

City Nation Place provides

It’s for the youngsters really (left to right): Councillor John Preece, councillor Fred Prestwood, Cannock East ward member, chairman of the Council, councillor Alan Pearson, Kevin James, contracts manager, Dawkes & Co Ltd., councillor Tony Johnson, Cannock East ward member, and councillor Jacquie Prestwood, Cannock East ward member Working to make Staffordshire more attractive: The We Are Staffordshire delegation at the UKREiiF event

events, information and networking for place branding organisations, including government teams, funded organisations, agencies and consultancies.

At its annual international awards event in 2022, We Are Staffordshire was a finalist in two categories – including Place Brand of the Year, alongside Chile, Fiji, Estonia and Houston, Texas.

Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and

We Are Staffordshire board member Philip White said: “As we work to make Staffordshire a more attractive place for people to live, work, visit and invest in, understanding and learning from others is crucial.

“Our geographies, cultures and assets might be different, but we share many of the same challenges and opportunities.

By looking outwards, we can benefit from different ways of getting things done for the benefit of residents.”

Improvements made at busy children’s play area A popular play area, first installed in 1991, has had a revamp costing £88,000.

The play area is in the Cannock East Ward and borders Barnard Way and Cannock Road.

Nearby there has been significant house building over the past five years and so councillors from the ward requested that Community Infrastructure Levy Funds (CIL) money, be used to give the existing play area a makeover.

The money has enabled the installation of a new, fully accessible and equipped play area, new hard surfaced footpaths and fencing work, all supplied by Dawkes & Co Ltd from Stafford.

Kind couple take on new challenge as foster carers Expanding firm: Senior solicitor Natalie Mellors (left) and head of department and partner of the firm Sukie Shemar

Solicitors expands with appointment Enoch Evans Solicitors has announced the addition of a new senior commercial property solicitor Natalie Mellors to their team as part of its expansion strategy.

With almost 20 years of experience, Natalie Mellors brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the firm. With the continued growth of Enoch Evans Solicitors, they recognise the need to bring in experienced professionals to serve their clients.

Natalie’s extensive experience includes advising on complex property transactions, negotiating leases and licenses, and providing legal advice on property development projects.

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For James Wilson and his wife Juli, the New Year marked a new start as foster carers with Staffordshire County Council.

James, who has just started as an emergency foster carer, is backing the council’s latest recruitment campaign. He’s hoping to encourage more people looking for a change of career to consider becoming a foster carer.

James, from Stafford, found out about emergency fostering while taking part in the Council’s Open-Door programme that helps people find a job or change career by providing work experience placements.

As an emergency carer, James will be looking after children who come into care in an emergency, anytime during the night or over the weekend. He said: “My wife and I have talked about fostering on and off over the years; to give something back after our own children have flown the nest.

“We’ll be there day or night if a child needs emergency support. To provide them with a happy landing spot and a bit of brightness, for a short spell in a time which is incredibly stressful for them. To give them that safety and comfort.”

The council says that they want to dispel some of the most commonly held myths around fostering. They include that potential fosterers need lots of experience and skills, they can’t work and foster, can’t have any pets and need a big house. None of which are true, they say.

Visit: fosterforstaffordshire.co.uk

Foster carers: James and Juli Wilson

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BURTON & DISTRICT BURTON & DISTRICT CHAMBER PATRONS

Contact: Richard Brooks T: 07796 242029

Willshee’s secures top class contract Burton-based Willshee’s Waste & Recycling has been appointed by ground-breaking construction company TopHat to undertake a major waste management contract that showcases market-leading sustainability in practice.

TopHat, which has a site in Foston, Derbyshire, produces design-led, low carbon modular homes through a technology-enabled approach which has innovation and protection of the environment at its heart – from concept stage to manufacturing to waste disposal.

With ambitions to significantly increase output when it begins operations in its new factory in Corby this year, TopHat is committed to significantly reducing its percentage of waste.

TopHat group supply chain and logistics director Rachel Beech said: “We have been hugely impressed with the slick operation and level of technology at Willshee’s MRF site and also, in particular, the effort that goes into researching and implementing the reuse of materials.

Heads down: Part of the funding will go to developing expertise in hydrogen fuel

Financial boost for training partnership Simple solutions: Rachel Beech

“Once a month, we study the data provided through Willshee’s customer portal and look at trends and examine ways to further improve efficiencies in manufacturing. The insight has helped us to reduce the volume of materials such as timber and plasterboard that we dispose of. Having understood more about waste quantities, we have invested in new software that allows us to process the raw material in a more economical way - resulting in less waste.”

Willshee’s managing director Dean Willshee says: “We feel very pleased and privileged to be working with this innovative, highly sustainable business. Our programme delivers the most responsible methods of disposing with waste to support the company’s commitment to continually improving their carbon footprint.”

PR firm supports young stars MIH (Make it Happen) Solutions has made it a business priority to give back to the community in whatever way possible, with delivering social value now firmly ingrained into the ethos of the company.

In 2023, alongside a longstanding support deal for motorcycle team Hand Racing, Burton-based MIH, specialists

in strategy, communications and change, branched out into another sporting arena.

They opted to sponsor Dunstall Cricket Club because they were impressed by the East Staffordshire outfit’s aspirations to introduce the game to more children – regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, background or ability.

Making it happen: MIH fostering interest in cricket among children

The partnership has helped to encourage female participation in the sport, with a women’s team now in the process of being set up at Dunstall.

MIH Solutions managing director Jo Yeaman said: “Supporting causes that align with our values enables us to learn and grow as a company – it’s certainly been a two-way street. Working to improve social value in partnership with organisations like Dunstall Cricket Club is incredibly rewarding and leaves a lasting mark on communities, as well as helping us develop as a business too.

“We’ve been delighted to grow alongside the cricket club and have been equally as happy to watch the uptake in those getting involved in the game.”

A partnership between further education institutions in the Staffordshire area, including Burton and South Derbyshire College, has been awarded funding to help transform skills training.

The investment is for new facilities and industry-standard equipment and the development of new courses and curriculum to support people to gain the skills needed to launch careers in priority sectors and support the local economy to grow.

The Staffordshire colleges will receive a share of £3.2m from the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF) to help transform skills training, so that local businesses can continue to tap into the skilled workforce they need to thrive, while helping more people to secure good jobs closer to home.

The colleges will start to offer these exciting opportunities, which have been specifically aligned to the priority sectors identified by local employers in the Stokeon-Trent and Staffordshire Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP).

Across the Staffordshire region, employers identified skills including advanced manufacturing, advanced logistics, construction, engineering and digital as their priority areas.

John Beaty, principal of Burton and South Derbyshire College, said: “We are delighted to continue to collaborate with other colleges in the region to secure funding that will help us leap forward with our motor vehicle provision, developing expertise in hydrogen fuel cell, advanced driver assistance system and electric vehicle training.

“We firmly believe in aligning our curriculum with industry, and employers have been central to the design of our innovative, new courses and future plans.

“It provides us with the opportunity to invest in new equipment and specialist staff training, all of this will move us closer to developing an Advanced Specialist Motor Vehicle Academy.”

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LICHFIELD & TAMWORTH LICHFIELD & TAMWORTH CHAMBER PATRONS Contact: Chris Brewerton T: 07753 453624

First-hand experience: Lynsey Moore and Mathew Kind

Kind Consultancy launches new brand Lichfield-based Kind Consultancy has announced a major rebrand and the launch of a new website.

Since 2012, Lynsey Moore and Mathew Kind have built a reputation for exceptional service and technical knowledge born of their first-hand experience in the banking and financial services industry.

This has enabled them to connect banks, building societies and fin tech start-ups to game-changing top-tier talent in governance, risk and compliance roles.

Over the last decade that focus has expanded to include financial crime, change and transformation and complaints, with Kind continuing to work with financial services organisations of every type and every size across the UK and abroad.

Now Kind Consultancy is unveiling its first full rebrand, including an all-new website – with the new www.kindconsultancy.com going live.

Built in collaboration with Digbeth’s eSterling, Kind say the modern update and new logo establish a visual identity that’s fitting for their now well-established reputation as an outstanding specialist agency.

Lynsey Moore, managing director and cofounder, said: “The new Kind Consultancy website and branding are a chance for us to communicate our values and our message.

“It was important to us that we showcase how we work together as a team, everything we do is collaborative both within the office and how we operate with clients and candidates.

“We’re also demonstrating our commitment to our clients and letting anyone hearing about us for the first time know that we aren’t like any other recruitment firm they’ve worked with before – we really are specialists.”

Mathew Kind, chief executive officer and co-founder, said: “Being in business for over 10 years now and having the growth and success that we have achieved within our specialist field, we felt it was right for us to refresh. We wanted the Website to offer a clear path and direction for both our existing client base and candidates, and those who are new to Kind.”

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It’s lights, camera, action for cinema A much-anticipated multiscreen cinema development in Lichfield’s former Debenhams building has taken a step closer after decades of inactivity.

Lichfield District Council has approved a buy-out clause for the initiative, developed in partnership with Evolve Estates. It marks a significant step in the revitalisation of the city centre and means that the development work can start this year.

Council Leader Doug Pullen said: “This milestone is the result of extensive negotiations over many

months with our partners. I am thrilled to launch this gateway project for the Birmingham Road Site, which, after decades of inactivity, signifies a new era for our city.

‘It marks a significant step in the revitalisation of the city centre’ “We are committed to enhancing leisure and lifestyle opportunities in the district in line with the feedback we received during our extensive consultations

with our residents. This development is just the beginning of our five-year journey to rejuvenate our city centre.

“The buyback clause gives us the expertise, support, and funding to launch the project whilst giving us the opportunity to retain the future benefits of the scheme in the district.

“I am also looking forward to being able to share news of some exciting new food and beverage brands that will be coming to Lichfield as part of the development and will give details in due course.”

Vision: How the Lichfield cinema development might look

Councillor takes on chair role Councillor Ann Hughes (pictured) has been sworn as chair of Lichfield District Council after the former chair stood down.

Councillor Hughes will represent the district at a range of events, including royal visits, community events and formal openings.

She will also chair council meetings during her term of office, which runs until May. The representative of the Stowe Ward said: “I know the city of Lichfield very well and look forward to getting to know the wider district.”

Councillor Hughes said she intended to continue to support the former chair’s commitment to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia charities.

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ROYAL SUTTON COLDFIELD CHARITY OF THE YEAR

Contact: Chris Brewerton T: 07753 453624

Youngsters write to royal penpal His Majesty King Charles had a little light reading over the Christmas period, after hundreds of Sutton Coldfield students wrote to him to tell him about their school’s ‘Royal’ plans.

The pupils at John Willmott School – part of the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership – wrote to the King to tell him how their school will be reborn as the “Royal Sutton School” in September, complete with new school colours, logo and uniform.

Dawn Ward, Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands, visited the school to collect the hand-written letters, ready to deliver them to the palace.

Some students also chose to write to the Princess of Wales.

The Deputy Lieutenant, who is one of the Monarch’s official representatives in the region, also met headteacher Nicola Gould, school staff, students and local Councillor Richard Parkin.

She said: “It’s absolutely wonderful to be invited to meet such fabulous young people, who are a real credit to the school, and to receive all these amazing letters.

“I’ve looked at just a few of them and the detail in them, the handwriting and the thought and consideration that has clearly gone into each and every one of them is incredible, and it will be a great pleasure to pass these on now to His Majesty and the Princess of Wales.”

A consultation into the change of name to “The Royal Sutton School” received nearly 500 responses, which were overwhelmingly supportive of the changes. The town’s MP, Andrew Mitchell, has also expressed his support for the change.

Royal letter day: Ian Smith-Childs with Diane Ward and students, staff and some of the 200 letters

The school’s new name reflects Sutton Coldfield’s historic status as a “Royal Town”, with the 500th anniversary of its first Royal Charter set to be celebrated in 2028.

Headteacher Nicola Gould said: “Each of the pupils put a huge amount of effort into their letters, telling His Majesty about themselves and their ambitions, and the journey our school is on.”

Home care firm to ease stress with live-in service Home Instead Sutton Coldfield have launched their live-in care service, offering constant companionship and support to older adults living in and around Sutton Coldfield.

As part of the service, Home Instead Sutton Coldfield now offers short and long-term live-in care packages to support people in their own home, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, tailored to individual needs.

Aman Gill, owner of Home Instead Sutton Coldfield, said: “The benefits of live-in care are extensive, it’s an option that provides the

Home from home: Support from Home Instead

comfort of living in familiar surroundings amongst a local community, removing the stress of selling a family home or parting with muchloved pets.

“Live-in care also provides a great deal of peace of mind to the care recipient and their family, knowing they are receiving quality oneto-one personal care and unrivalled attention.

“Overall, it’s eliminating a lot of stress, vulnerability, loneliness and insecurity, so I’m really proud that it’s now a service we are able to offer as I know it will benefit so many people.”

The local home care company already provides personal care such as help with dressing and bathing, home help, companionship, dementia care and respite care as well as weekly memory cafes.

Hosting three memory cafes every week, Home Instead provides local families with the chance to attend with their older loved ones, receive advice, and socialise with people facing similar challenges.

Aman says: “Among the laughter at our memory cafes is a sense of relief that you’re not alone.

“Whatever challenges dementia presents, there are others who have experienced the same struggles, and our cafes are a chance for people to share advice on getting through it.”

Home Instead Sutton Coldfield hosts three memory cafes a week.

New roles: Nicola Davies and James Pike

Cookes Furniture adds to senior team Cookes Furniture has expanded its senior team with two new appointments.

Nicola Davies has joined as financial director and long-serving Simon Houghton has been appointed sales director.

Managing director James Pike said: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to welcome Nicola and Simon to our senior team, they both bring with them a wealth of expertise and a deep skill set, which will strengthen our boards capabilities.

“These appointments will support the next phase of growth and development across the Cookes group of companies.”

Nicola will join the Cookes Furniture Ltd Group board and will play a key role as the firm cements its position in the UK furniture retail industry.

Simon has been an integral member of the Cookes team since he joined 32 years ago. The appointment recognises his exceptional contribution to the business.

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

Virtual marathon to raise vital funds Better service: Philip Grannum

Cyber security firm celebrates acquisition Wavenet Group Holdings Limited (Wavenet), backed by Macquarie Capital Principal Finance, has announced the acquisition of Falanx Cyber.

By acquiring Falanx Cyber, Wavenet has further bolstered its CyberGuard division with additional penetration testing, detect & respond and red teaming services.

The acquisition strengthens the Blythe Valley Business Park-based company’s position as one of the UK’s foremost cyber security providers.

Wavenet’s existing security division, CyberGuard, is CHECK and CREST accredited and assists organisations with all aspects of cyber security including penetration testing, certification, incident response and the latest security solutions and services from its UK-based Security Operations Centre.

Philip Grannum, CCO at Wavenet, said: “I am delighted with our latest acquisition that deepens our expertise and resource in cyber security. CyberGuard is already second-to-none with its range of services and accreditations, and the acquisition of Falanx Cyber further cements our position as a leader in the field.

“The integration of our two businesses will allow us to even better serve our shared customers. I am looking forward to meeting and working with our newest team members and to welcoming Falanx customers to the Wavenet Group.”

Rick Flood, managing director at Falanx Cyber, said: “The opportunity to join the Wavenet Group gives Falanx Cyber even more scope to deliver its security services into new customers and markets.

“We are excited to be part of Wavenet’s continued growth in cyber security and look forward to adding our skills and capabilities to the group, whilst also allowing our customers to benefit from all of Wavenet’s core services across cyber security, IT, networking, voice and the Cloud.

52 CHAMBERLINK February 2024

Bike “Tour” partners: Becci Fox and Samantha Frampton

Solihull Moors Foundation and Solihull Chamber of Commerce are to host a “Tour de National League” event in Touchwood Shopping Centre on Friday 16 February.

The Moors Foundation caters to over 2,000 people across the Solihull Community, providing support, education and much more to ensure that those in the community receive the help they deserve.

The ‘Tour De National League’ virtual cycle marathon is an event which aims to raise funds for the foundation to help them continue their work across the wider community of Solihull.

The event will start at 3pm and the foundation target Gateshead as their first stop. They will look to tick a club off every hour and they will eventually finish at Ebbsfleet United’s Kufflink Stadium on Saturday, 17 February, at 3pm.

The foundation is reaching out to local businesses, members of the community and supporters of the foundation to play their part by signing up for a slot, getting on the bike whilst raising vital funds for the foundation to continue the work that they are doing within the community.

Within the first hour, the likes of Solihull Moors boss Andy Whing, Stephen Ward, Mark Palmer, Becci Fox and Sam Frampton, head of Solihull Chamber of Commerce, will get things underway. Partners of Solihull Moors Foundation and Solihull Business’ will then take part as well as members of the public.

Members of the Foundation’s support groups include: Solihull Moors Foundation Youth Club, St Anthony’s School Kingshurst and a whole host of volunteers will be on site to help collect donations during the 24-hour cycle.

Former Birmingham City forward, Dele Adebola, will also be in attendance and

completing some slots during the 24-hour ride.

The 48-year-old recently received the Mayor’s award in recognition of his work within the voluntary sector after he founded Strike9T in 2016, which was aimed at encouraging young people to engage in sport.

CEO of the Solihull Moors Foundation, Becci Fox, expressed her delight toward the upcoming event: “What better way to come together to have fun, raise awareness and fundraise at the same time. This will be an event available for you to take part in whether you have never cycled or are an avid enthusiast. We’re really excited to create an exciting community event and are truly grateful to Solihull Chamber of Commerce and Touchwood who have been fantastic in supporting us with this event.”

Head of Solihull Chamber Samantha Frampton encourages people to join in: “As the Solihull Chamber chosen charity, we are pleased to support this fantastic challenge that the Moors Foundation are doing and encourage our members to play their part.

“The Solihull Moors Foundation do amazing work in supporting the needs of the Solihull community and so, need our members help to achieve this 24-hour challenge and raise funds which will help them to continue to provide their services.”

Readers can donate to the GoFundMe page by scanning the QR code, which has been setup to help the Foundation raise £5,000 to enable them to continue doing their work.

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SOLIHULL SOLIHULL CHAMBER PATRONS

HS2 seeks contractor for APM HS2 Ltd has started the search for a contractor to lead the enabling works programme for the new Automated People Mover (APM) at Interchange Station in Solihull.

This is the first package of work to be procured for the elevated mass transit system, which will move thousands of passengers, every hour, between Interchange Station, the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham International Railway Station and Birmingham Airport.

The contract, worth up to £2m, is being procured through the government’s Crown Commercial Services Framework, which enables registered suppliers to bid for the work.

The APM enabling works programme includes topographical surveys, ground investigations and utility surveys. It is expected to take around 12 months to complete the works, paving the way for construction of the APM’s main infrastructure components, which include four stops, a 2.2km long viaduct, and a maintenance facility.

Ailsa Waygood, HS2’s Project Client for Interchange Station and the APM said: “The APM

Artist’s impression of the HS2 APM crossing Pendigo Lake at the NEC

is vital for both Interchange Station and the surrounding area. It will connect millions of people to new opportunities to live, work and play in Solihull.

“Arden Cross plan to bring new homes, learning hubs and businesses to the area around the station, and both the NEC and airport are turbocharging their growth plans in readiness for its arrival. This is a hugely exciting time for the West Midlands region, and we look forward to

onboarding our first contractor to help turn this vision into reality.”

Sean Butler, HS2’s Senior Project Manager the APM said: “Launching the procurement for the APM enabling works is the result of several years of collaboration and engagement across HS2, DfT and stakeholders in the region.

“This is the first step in the journey to deliver the APM in time for HS2 services arriving at Interchange station.”

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FUTURE FACES FUTURE FACES CHAMBER PATRONS Contact: Sophie Poduval-Morrell T: 07540 751590

Unity eight join Future Faces Eight team members from Unity Trust Bank have joined the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) Future Faces Chamber of Commerce, as part of the bank’s commitment to employee development.

The GBCC Future Faces programme is a growing network for young professionals and future leaders. The initiative exists to support, develop and recognise young talent from a range of sectors across Greater Birmingham.

Headquartered in Birmingham’s Brindleyplace, Unity is a member of GBCC. The bank takes an active role within the Chambers, alongside a community of organisations that are helping to shape the future of business in the city.

The bank is also committed to supporting the personal and professional growth of every employee and the aims of the GBCC Future Faces programme closely align to focus on career progression and development for all staff members.

Digital marketing manager Hattie Lewis, who joined the Future Faces initiative said: “I’m passionate about creating opportunities for young people and the importance of investing in and supporting employees at the start of their career.

“I’m so pleased that Unity is backing the Future Faces programme and I’m delighted to be a part of it. I work remotely for the majority of the week and I often miss interacting and working with younger members of staff in the

Joining FF: Unity Trust staff members

business - so this has provided a wonderful opportunity to join new networks and connect with like-minded young professionals.”

Amaraj Shocker joined Unity six months ago as regulatory and financial reporting assistant manager. She said: “As a relatively new recruit at Unity, joining Future Faces is a great opportunity to build new networks within the business, as well as with other organisations across Birmingham. I’ve really enjoyed meeting my fellow Future Faces members and having an

insight into different departments within Unity, which will no doubt help my future progression within the bank.”

Jack Clews is a relationship manager at Unity.

He adds: “Networking and building my professional profile has always been important to me, so this opportunity was perfect.

“I love to meet new people and this has provided an exciting avenue in which to network and socialise with fellow young people in finance, as well as other sectors across the city.”

Lichfield Council to back development of young leaders Young professionals working for businesses in Lichfield are being encouraged to apply for a fully-funded 12-month membership of the Future Faces Chamber of Commerce – backed by Lichfield District Council.

Lichfield District Council is sponsoring 10 Future Faces memberships for 2024. During 2023, seven organisations based in the city - including Palletways, Seated Furniture, Access Bookings, Adcocks Solicitors, Lichfield Garrick Theatre, Legionella & Fire Safe Services and CT Planning successfully applied to enrol members of their staff onto the programme.

Lichfield District Council are now set to fund a new intake, as well as continuing to offer memberships to their own staff.

Janice Silvester-Hall, cabinet member for High Streets and Visitor Economy at Lichfield District Council, said: “We are really pleased to be able to support young people across the district to become business leaders of the future. Through this programme our own District Council ‘Future Faces’ have also benefited from meeting and learning from peers and inspirational leaders from the private sector at a range of events and engagement opportunities.”

Fiona Rouse, Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber president and operations director at PI-KEM, said: “It’s fantastic that the team at Lichfield District 54 CHAMBERLINK February 2024

Future Faces links: Lichfield District Council CEO Simon Fletcher (second left), Future Faces manager Sophie-Poduval-Morrell (third left) and president Kasim Choudhry (back row, fourth from left) with some of the council's Future Faces cohort

Council see the benefit of offering this support to our local business community.

“As a business owner myself who has put many of our young employees through the Future Faces programme in recent years, I can absolutely see the benefit of encouraging the next leaders in your business to get out, meet their peers, learn from senior figures across the business community and learn skills that will hold them in good stead as their careers progress.”

Any business with an office in the Lichfield District Council catchment area can put forward a maximum of two staff for the funded places by downloading an application form from the Chamber website: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com

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FUTURE FACES

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

Saluting women through the lens Esteemed Midlands photographer and cofounder of the International Women’s Day Conference and Expo, Edwin Ladd, has carried out this year’s International Women’s Day Photoshoot.

As a gesture of gratitude to the women who have played a pivotal role in his journey, Edwin hosted a free week-long photoshoot campaign at the Grand Hotel Birmingham, aimed at capturing the essence of empowerment and diversity.

Edwin – a regular photographer at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) events - started the campaign in 2021 just after lockdown to say thank you to all the women that had helped him in his life and business journey.

With the support of Charlene Wall and Naomi Spencer, Edwin has gone from photographing just 50 people to 150 people and this year plans to photograph over 300 people as part of the campaign.

All the photographs were being professionally edited and could be used by individuals to

Celebrating women: As a gesture of gratitude from photographer Edwin Ladd, leading personalities from the Chamber are pictured (left to right): Sophie Poduval-Morrell, Future Faces manager, Lilian Elekan, head of membership at the GBCC, and Anjum Khan, director of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce, who are organising International Women’s Day Celebrations in Birmingham (see pages 56-57)

promote themselves and what International Women’s Day means to them.

Edwin said: “I would like to thank everyone that has supported me over the years, and I hope this small gesture will help empower and raise awareness for female empowerment and change.

“I am committed to recognising and celebrating the strength, resilience, and

Fitness community raises awareness of men’s health Gymshark, patron of Future Faces, organised a 24 Hour Farmers Walk to support men’s mental health and suicide awareness.

The event took place at Blythe Valley Business Park with participants carrying a 100lb weight throughout the entire duration of the walk.

Ben Francis, CEO at Gymshark, said: “I’m always amazed by the challenges that the team at Gymshark undertake each year to support Movember. Each year they get bigger and bigger and the fact that so many of the team have walked through the night and beyond, carrying farmers weights at all times blows my mind.

“It’s such a powerful message that ‘weight belongs in your hands and not in your head’ and hopefully it will go some way to helping those that are struggling.”

The choice of Blythe Valley Business Park added a unique touch, underscoring the importance of bringing attention to mental health in professional and corporate settings.

Gymshark’s commitment to mental health is not limited to this event, as the company continues to explore innovative ways to contribute to the ongoing conversation surrounding mental health awareness.

The '24 Hour Farmers Walk' has not only raised funds but also sparked crucial conversations about breaking the stigma associated with mental health issues, especially among men.

To support the team at Gymshark, go to uk.movember.com

achievements of women in our community.”

In addition to the photoshoot Edwin has teamed up with event expert and Future Faces Chamber of Commerce President Kasim Choudhry to launch the IWD Conference and Expo at the Millennium Point on 8 March 2024.

For more information go to: iwdexpo.com

New Members Amanda Whatmore Clarke Willmott Asha Johal Ambience Arts Belinda Kaur BK Networks Michael Bromfield Commercial Estates Group Nadia Johnstone-Smith Quilter Private Client Advisers Rajinda Sanghera Clarke Willmott Kobe Thomas-Bartley Claritas Tax Limited Nikhil Trivedi Claritas Tax Limited Jaskiran Deol Freeths LLP Lasharna Barnett Freeths LLP Andrew Horton Gateley Plc Quacy Thomas Gateley Plc Jamie Hale GMK Wealth Limited Victoria Boucher Higgs LLP Amaan Dad Our Community Foundation Furqaan Dad Our Community Foundation Ella Browning Rewired PR Ltd Laura Whitehead Rewired PR Ltd Jay Kumar True Potential Wealth Management LLP

February 2024 CHAMBERLINK 55

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CHAMBER EVENTS

1,200 expected at dinner as...

The shortlisted companies are: Excellence in Contribution to the Community - sponsored by runyourfleet Arrive Alive Emotion Dysregulation in Autism Gateley South & City College Touchwood Solihull Unity Trust Bank Wesleyan Word360

Top prize: Unity Trust Bank won the 2023 Business of the Year award

Awards shortlist is revealed...

Seventy-eight businesses are chasing glory at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s 2024 annual dinner and awards on Thursday 15 February.

Businesses have been shortlisted in 11 categories for the black-tie evening taking place at the ICC in Birmingham. One of the category winners will also be crowned the overall Greater Birmingham Business of the Year, sponsored by Crowe LLP. Around 1,200 people are expected to attend the event, sponsored by Birmingham City University and Elonex, which honours those firms who have gone above and beyond in the past year.

Judging the 2024 awards were Zoe Bennett BEM, founder of Training Personified; Andreas Antona, chef-owner at Simpsons restaurant; Alex Nicholson-Evans, founder and director of Living For The Weekend; Karl George, partner at RSM UK and GBCC board member; Gurmit Kler, trustee of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust; Raidene Carter, former creative director, Birmingham Festival; Omar Rashid, president of Asian Business Chamber of Commerce and managing director/owner of The HR Dept Bham Central & Wolves; Suzie BranchHaddow, vice principal - external development, Birmingham Metropolitan College; Steve Allen, GBCC past president; Rob Valentine, regional director – Birmingham at Bruntwood; Nicola Beckford, BBC Midlands Today presenter and journalist; Heike Schuster-James, head of partnership development at Birmingham City University.

Lillian Elekan, head of membership at the GBCC, chaired the judging panel.

She said: “I was truly honoured to chair and guide this year’s judging panel in recognising and celebrating the remarkable achievements of businesses in Greater Birmingham. There are some remarkable stories embedded in there and it is disappointing that we cannot formally recognise them all.

“But we pay tribute to all who went to the considerable task of entering and congratulate all of those who will be celebrating on the night.

“We were again delighted with the volume and quality of those who entered and the Chamber offers grateful thanks for the time and care the judging panel took to select the winners. The calibre of entries for these awards year on year is a testament to the region's vibrant business community and entrepreneurial spirit.”

The GBCC have received backing from a host of firms – including headline sponsor Birmingham City University.

Professor Julian Beer, deputy vice-chancellor (research, innovation and enterprise) at Birmingham City University, said: “Birmingham City University is proud to once again be supporting the annual Chamber awards.

56 CHAMBERLINK February 2024

Excellence in Customer Service – sponsored by Birmingham Airport Crown Highways EBS EiB Group Intercity Rhino Rohlig Unity Trust Bank Word360 Excellence in Hospitality, Retail and Events - sponsored by Shakespeare Martineau Birmingham Hospice Conference Aston Fazenda Hotel Du Vin Birmingham Malmaison Birmingham Millennium Point Selfridges Unique Venues Birmingham Excellence in Inclusive People Development – sponsored by South & City College Birmingham Agilyx Group Birmingham Hippodrome EiB Group Excelsior Multi Academy Trust Freeths Intercity Quilter Cheviot Wesleyan Excellence in International Business – sponsored by Gowling WLG Gensler GINHO Liquid Y International Excellence in Manufacturing – sponsored by Thursfields Evac & Chair KEP Print Group Shelforce Vaughtons

Excellence in Sales and Marketing – sponsored by Schumacher Packaging CUDOS Creative Evac Chair Hubtel IT R&Co Communications Rewired PR STORY The Alexandra Touchwood Solihull Excellence in Sustainability – sponsored by Aston University Arup Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust Conference Aston Gensler Lloyds National Express National Memorial Arboretum Voltage Excellence in Technology and Innovation – sponsored by Close Brothers Asset Management Agilyx Group CocoonFMS® Ltd CPIO Forensic Pathways Ltd res:harmonics Runyourfleet South & City College Swof Media Excellence in Third Sector – sponsored by Unity Trust Bank Acorns Children's Hospice Birmingham Hospice Carers Trust Solihull JERICHO Sepsis Trust St Basils Excellence in Training and Education – sponsored by AIM Qualifications and Assessment Excelsior Multi Academy Trust GuruYou Hayes Collins Media Ltd JPF First Aid Little Bird People Development St Basils University College Birmingham University of Birmingham

“The university has been part of the fabric of our great city for more than 180 years, with a strong focus on applied and practice-led education. Driven by our mission to be THE University for Birmingham, we work with hundreds of regional entrepreneurs and businesses each year to support, growth, and innovation – an ambition demonstrated by the recent opening of our 100,00 sq.ft STEAMHouse innovation centre. Reflecting our business focus and industry engagement, the opportunity to support and celebrate “the very best of Birmingham through the awards made perfect sense!

“We very much look forward to welcoming you on the night.”

Hosting the event will be award-winning TV and radio personality Noreen Khan (see the Griffin Report on pages 14 and 15).

Find out more information about sponsorship and tickets to attend the dinner and awards go to greaterbirminghamchambers.com

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CHAMBER EVENTS

...women seek more inclusivity The Birmingham business community will celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) with a dinner aimed at forging more inclusivity.

The event, organised by the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC), takes place at University College Birmingham on Thursday, March 7 (6.30pm).

Guest speakers will be announced shortly for the night, which is open to everyone, and sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are still available.

Paula Bates, head of marketing, digital and events at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), of which the ABCC is part, said: “The IWD event is designed to be a fun night with the serious aim of celebrating women’s achievements and raising awareness about discrimination.

“Lead ing personalities from all walks of business life in Birmingham will be there presenting an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, understand the importance of International Women's Day, hear inspirational stories and personal experiences and show support and be part of making change.

“Through an exhibition and sponsorship opportunities there is a chance to get brands in front of businesses.”

Anjum Kh an, director of the ABCC, said: “IWD is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

Additionally, it’s a call to action for accelerating gender parity, recognising the barriers women face, and celebrating the milestones in women’s rights and equality.

Inclusivity drive: Last year’s International Women’s Day event, hosted by the ABCC

“Today, IWD, which traces its roots back to the early 20th century, is recognised worldwide, drawing attent ion to issues like gender disparity, women’s rights, and celebrating the countless achievements of women throughout history.

“We look forward to celebrating women’s achievements with a diverse gathering of people from all elements of business life in the region.”

The event, which is being staged the day before International Women’s Day, on March 8 will open with a drinks reception, followed by dinner and d iscussions with a panel of speakers.

To reserve a place and for more information contact ABCC director Anjum Khan on 0121 274 3255, 07971 144080 or email A.Khan@birmingham-chamber.com

New Chamber events this month Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s events programme is one of the largest in the British Chambers of Commerce’s network.

February brings with it a range of events, from an exclusive gathering for 1813 Club/Premier members to the biggest event of the year – the Chamber’s annual dinner and awards at the ICC. Also the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce annual meeting is on 22 February.

1813 Club & Premier Exemplar Visit at Birmingham Cathedral Date: 1/2/2024 Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm Venue: Birmingham Cathedral Division: GBCC Cost: 1813 Club & Premier members only

Future Faces Professional Development - Self-Doubt and Imposter Phenomenon Date: 5/02/2024 Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm Venue: Deutsche Bank Division: Future Faces Cost: Future Faces members: Free

Meet the Neighbours Date: 2/02/2024 Time: 3:45pm – 5pm Venue: Online Division: GBCC Cost: Members: Free Future Faces members: Free Non-members: Free

Q4: Quarterly Business Report Date: 7/02/2024 Time: 9am – 11am Venue: Birmingham City University Division: GBCC Cost: Members: Free Future Faces members: Free Non-members: Free

Lichfield & Tamworth Networking Lunch and Speed Networking Date: 8/02/2024 Time: 12pm – 2pm Venue: Lichfield Cathedral Hotel Division: Lichfield & Tamworth Cost: Member: Free Future Faces members: £15+VAT Non-members: £50+VAT Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Awards 2024 Date: 15/02/2024 Time: 5.45pm – 11.30pm Venue: The ICC Division: GBCC Cost: General sale: £165+VAT Table bookings: £1650+VAT

Burton Networking Lunch and Speed Networking Date: 20/02/2024 Time: 5.30pm – 7.30pm Venue: TBC Division: Burton & District Cost: Members: Free Future Faces members: £15 + VAT Non-members: £50 + VAT ABCC Annual General Meeting Date: 22/02/2024 Time: 5.30pm – 7.30pm Venue: TBC Division: ABCC Cost: ABCC members only

For further information and to book a place, visit: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/networking-events February 2024 CHAMBERLINK 57

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CHAMBER EVENTS

Picture gallery

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Over the past few weeks, the Chamber’s busy events programme has included awards celebrations, international trade and economic matters, entrepreneur competitions and much more. Here are a few highlights.

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1. Performance group Bollywood Dreams provided the entertainment at the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner and awards, held at the National Conference Centre 2. Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber president Naeem Arif (right) and vice-president Kate Curry (left) are joined by the town’s mayor Cllr Tony Briggs at a celebration event for businesses shortlisted for the SLTC Awards 3. A launch event for the Chamber’s Q3 Quarterly Business Report. From left – Jane Hussey (Mills & Reeve), Henrietta Brealey (GBCC chief executive), Raj Kandola (GBCC director of external affairs), Jo Birch (Birmingham City University) and Paul James (Birmingham Royal Ballet) 4. The Transatlantic Chamber’s Thanksgiving celebration was also a farewell for the GBCC’s long-serving international director Mandy Haque (third from right) ahead of her departure for a new role at BAE Systems 5. SymbioTex Ltd founder Olivia Simpson won the GBCC’s Women Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition. The final took place at the Birmingham offices of law firm Browne Jacobson. Olivia is pictured with judges and sponsors

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CHAMBER TRAINING

Training courses During February and March Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) will be running a wide variety of courses designed to help all businesses with international trading ambitions, from understanding export and import documentation to methods of payment.

All GBCC members can enjoy reduced costs.

For more details contact Leah Quarmby, international trade training manager, on 07860258387

Understanding Commodity Codes (BCC Accredited) Date: 6 February 2024 Time: 9:30am – 12:30pm Venue: Online remote training Trainer: David Reader Cost: Members: £180 + VAT Non-members: £240 + VAT This course would be suitable for those working in an export or import environment and are interested in developing their understanding on what commodity codes are, what they mean and how to determine the correct code for their product.

Understanding Export and Export Documentation (BCC Accredited) Date: 20 February 2024 Time: 9:30am – 3:30pm Venue: Online remote training Trainer: Exporter Services Cost: Members: £295 + VAT Non-members: £345 + VAT Attendees of this course will see an overview of the end-to-end export process and gain an in depth understanding of the requirements of Export documentation, including knowledge on shipping, the correct way to use a freight forwarder and couriers.

Agents and Distributors (BCC accredited) Date: 21 February 2024 Time: 9:30am – 12:30pm Venue: Online remote training Trainer: David Reader

Cost:

Members: £180 + VAT Non-members: £240 + VAT This detailed course is suitable for anyone in an international trade environment who is currently leasing with different agents and distributors or are looking for opportunities to lease with an agent/distributor and would be interested in learning the best way how.

Risk and Rewards in International Trade Date: 21 February 2024 Time: 1:30pm – 4:30pm Venue: Online remote training Trainer: David Reader Cost: Members: £110 + VAT Non-members: £170 + VAT 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 on the risk it is prepared to take with different aspects of exporting and/or importing and where possible reduce/mitigate them.

Internal Auditor training Date: 28 February 2024 Time: 9:30am – 3:30pm Venue: Birmingham Chamber house Trainer: ISO Quality Services Ltd Cost: Members: £190 + VAT Non-members: £260 + VAT This training is suitable for any ISO management system including the popular ISO 9001 Quality, ISO 27001

Information Security, ISO 14001 Environmental and ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety. Our training is conducted by experienced and approachable auditors, who are well accustomed to applying theory to real life business scenarios.

Methods of Payment (BCC accredited) Date: 5 March 2024 Time: 9:30am – 12:30pm Venue: Online remote training Trainer: David Reader Cost: Members: £180 + VAT Non-members: £240 + VAT The course will provide an overview of all methods of payment available to exporters when they are trading internationally including the risks and benefits involved of each. The day will explore the most suitable options for different potential scenarios and the subsequent paperwork involved in each method.

Documentary Letters of Credit (BCC accredited) Date: 19 March 2024 Time: 9:30am – 12:30pm Venue: Online remote training Trainer: David Reader Cost: Members: £180 + VAT Non-members: £240 + VAT This course is suitable for those working in international trade who are involved in the management and presentation of letters of credit or who would like to

increase their knowledge on the process.

Delegates who are looking to learn about letters of credit in more detail as well as the alternative options to a letter of credit will benefit from this course.

Customs Procedures & Documentation (BCC accredited) Date: 20 March 2024 Time: 9:30am – 3:30pm Venue: Online remote training Trainer: Exporter Services Cost: Members: £295 + VAT Non-members: £345 + VAT This course would be suitable to those working in an Export environment who wish to further develop their understanding on the procedures of Customs compliance. The day will look at customs procedures in depth along with the documentation process for audit.

Combined Import and export – A detailed overview Date: 25 March 2024 Time: 9:30am – 3:30pm Venue: Online remote training Trainer: Exporter Services Cost: Members: £250 + VAT Non-members: £310 + VAT Our specialised full-day course provides a detailed overview of both import and export, all elements that are involved and a summary of what paperwork is needed to be able to complete procedures in a smooth manner.

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FEATURE: APPRENTICESHIPS, SKILLS & TRAINING

Leap into productivity

Mastering time management and achieving work-life balance in February

By Anne-Marie McDermott, head of subject for business management programmes at Birmingham Newman University t is 2024 and this February we are gifted an additional 24 hours; this year the leap year has made me reflect on the precious resource of time and how we manage it. In a world that seems to be constantly accelerating, finding a balance between work and life has never been more crucial. This additional day in the calendar is not just an extra date; it’s an opportunity to reflect on our time management strategies and redefine our priorities for a more balanced and fulfilling life.

In the relentless pursuit of professional success, many individuals find themselves ensnared in the fast-paced world of deadlines, meetings, and never-ending to-do lists. As managers, it is easy to fall into the trap of also expecting that from our employees. February, with its rare 29 days, serves as a timely reminder to pause and evaluate how effectively we allocate our time. It's a chance to leap into productivity, adopting strategies that not only enhance our professional efficiency but also nurture our personal well-being.

One key aspect of effective time management is setting realistic goals and priorities. In the business world, the demand for constant innovation and increased productivity can be overwhelming. However, taking a step back to assess what truly matters can lead to a more focused and intentional use of time. Identify key objectives for the month, break them down into manageable tasks, and allocate time accordingly. This approach not only streamlines your work but also allows for a sense of accomplishment as you tick off completed tasks.

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FEATURE: APPRENTICESHIPS, SKILLS & TRAINING Furthermore, the leap year provides an excellent occasion to reassess the elusive concept of work-life balance. In the relentless pursuit of professional goals, it’s easy to lose sight of personal well-being. This February offers a unique opportunity to recalibrate this balance. Consider incorporating breaks into your workday, embrace mindfulness practices, and make time for activities that bring joy and relaxation. By doing so, you not only enhance your overall quality of life but also boost your productivity and creativity in the workplace.

Technology, while a powerful tool, can also be a significant time drain if not managed mindfully. The constant barrage of emails, notifications, and virtual meetings can create a sense of being constantly “on”.

This February, challenge yourself to establish clear

boundaries between work and personal time. Designate specific periods for focused work and others for personal activities, turn off the emails from your phone, log off from Teams, or even put your phone away when you get home, allowing your mind the necessary space to recharge.

As we enjoy the extra day bestowed upon us this leap year, let’s use it wisely to reflect on our relationship with time, time for work and time for play.

By embracing effective time management strategies and reevaluating our work-life balance, we can ensure that the gift of an additional day translates into lasting improvements in both our professional and personal spheres. So, let’s leap into February with a renewed commitment to making the most of our time, achieving our goals, and living a more balanced and fulfilling life.

‘February, with its rare 29 days, serves as a timely reminder to pause and evaluate how effectively we allocate our time’

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FEATURE: APPRENTICESHIPS, SKILLS & TRAINING ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Business graduates knowledge VS skills and how we are fixing the gap

By Anne-Marie McDermott, head of subject – business management, School of Business and Law, Birmingham Newman University ow many times have you complained that graduates are all book knowledge and no practical knowledge? It is a common complaint of businesses about recent graduates and one that is easily rectified through careful development of the academic content while integrating cross functional skills (D’Souza et al, 2022). For the School of Business and Law, this is serious consideration as we start the process of redesigning many of our degree programmes. Is it enough to send graduates out to industry with only excellent theoretical knowledge about the subject matter, or do we as a university have a responsibility to help graduates be more prepared for work?

Birmingham Newman University was recognised by the Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 for its ability to recognise and enhance the skills of all students, particularly those from a widening participation background, through the personalised support that we offer, and declared the university First in England for Social Inclusion. This award immediately got the School of Business and Law thinking – how can we further support our students into becoming successful graduates? It is important to carefully consider industry requirements within the academic content, rather than alongside it, and Lasrado & Kaul (2021) emphasise that students should develop skills and abilities for the workplace ‘as a result’ of undertaking a degree.

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So how can a university create a strong academic course that also develops the skills required by industry? And more to the point, which industry? If we use the Business Management degree as an example, one could conceivably graduate and work in any industry or sector! Lasrado & Kaul (2021) recommend that the learning outcomes encompass both academic and industry skills requirements, so we ask again, which industry, and which skills? In the School of Business and Law, curriculum design is conscientiously considered, carefully balancing high academic content with cross-functional skills.

We value the importance of our relationships with industry leaders, taking advice on the soft skills required to help us to develop lectures, case studies, appropriate assessments and work experience.

We believe in applied knowledge and an industry-based pedagogy. This is the reason that there are no unnecessary exams on our programmes. When did you last have to do a task for work, without being able to ask for help, in exam conditions? Instead we focus on assessments that enhance skills that industry leaders tell us they desire of their employees.

Employer Advisory Board The Dearing Report of Higher Education in the Learning Society recommends working closely with industry, to enable our graduates to contribute to businesses from the moment they leave the classroom. D’Souza et al (2022) is more

Anne-Marie McDermott specific, in proposing working groups, where industries communicate their needs and gaps in both knowledge and soft skills, and the university adapts learning outcomes and programmes appropriately. It is important to Birmingham Newman University to listen to and embrace the business community to help us to prepare the graduate workforce for tomorrow.

If this resonated with you, and you are interested in shaping a degree programme for any of our courses in the School of Business and Law, please contact Anne-Marie McDermott a.mcdermott@staff.newman.ac.uk to enquire about being a member of our advisory board.

After all, our students are your future employees!

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FEATURE: APPRENTICESHIPS, SKILLS & TRAINING

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FEATURE: APPRENTICESHIPS, SKILLS & TRAINING

Assessing your apprentice

By Debbie Tuisawau, end-point assessment director at AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group throughout their learning, allowing them to master the skills and knowledge they’ll need to successfully complete their end-point assessments.

s a training provider offering apprenticeships, one of the most important decisions you'll make is picking the right end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to test your apprentices' skills and knowledge.

Making the right choice can ensure your apprentices are thoroughly and fairly assessed, giving them the best chance of successfully completing their training.

Here are some tips on choosing the best EPAO for your needs:

Research relevant experience

Get early engagement

Check accreditations

Don’t leave choosing an EPAO until the last minute.

Reach out to potential organisations while still designing your apprenticeships. This allows you to understand their approaches, services, and costs early on. It also gives them time to tailor their assessments around the specific skills and competencies your apprentices will develop.

Make sure any EPAO you’re considering is approved and accredited by the relevant authorities. This demonstrates they meet the standards and have the expertise required to carry out quality, fair end-point assessments. Most EPAOs will advertise their accreditations openly.

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Look for EPAOs with extensive experience in assessing the particular apprenticeship standards and sectors relevant to your programs. Their familiarity and specialisation in these areas can help ensure efficient, meaningful assessments of your apprentices.

Consider reporting Understand the assessment plans Each apprenticeship standard has a detailed assessment plan that lays out how the apprentice must be assessed at the end of their training. Make sure you fully understand these plans and what methods of assessment will be used, such as practical observations, interviews, portfolio reviews etc.

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Think about the reporting the EPAO can provide after assessments. Can they give you detailed insights into your apprentices' strengths and weaknesses? Their reporting should help you continuously refine and improve your apprenticeship programs.

By carefully choosing the right end-point assessment organisation early on, engaging with them regularly, and using their insights to prepare your apprentices, you’ll be setting your apprentices up for the best chance of successfully completing their training. Taking the time to make the right choice can pay off greatly.

‘Making the right choice can ensure your apprentices are thoroughly and fairly assessed, giving them the best chance of successfully completing their training’

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FEATURE: GREEN BUSINESS & SUSTAINABILITY

Going green is good sense

More and more businesses are pledging their commitment to the planet and adopting eco-friendly initiatives. But as well as doing your bit for the environment, implementing green strategies can also have a positive impact on your staff, your reputation and your bottom line. Chamberlink takes a look at just some of the benefits of going green.

Enhanced brand image Ramping up your green credentials could give you the competitive edge when it comes to standing out in a crowded marketplace. Consumers – especially the younger generations – are growing increasingly concerned about ethical business practices and brand transparency and going green is a straightforward way to improve your reputation in the eye of the general public. Your marketing campaigns should include the eco-friendly initiatives you already and have in place, as well as your plans for the future – if there’s more you could be doing, say it, and share how you plan to implement those changes and by when. This will help draw like-minded customers away from your competitors who may not be doing all they should for the environment.

Reduced costs It’s a known fact in business that efficiency saves money, so by thinking carefully about how to reduce waste and energy usage will have a positive impact on your outgoings. Whip out the green calculator and see how much you can save on necessary expenses such as lighting, heating, water and waste management by making a few simple changes; energy efficient light bulbs, overnight timers on lights and equipment such as computers

and printers, low flow toilets and water saving taps, finding and eliminating draughts, and encouraging staff to think before printing are all small tasks that could have a big difference.

Better opportunities With the government’s push for net zero, there is a range of investment and funding opportunities available for green start-ups and SMEs. Some initiatives include the Clean Growth Fund, the Bio-energy Capital Grants scheme or the Carbon Trust Green Business Fund. There’s help and funding available for larger or more established business too – visit www.ofgem.gov.uk to find a list services and support on offer in your local area.

There are also smaller changes you can implement in your business and be rewarded for. The Cycle to Work scheme, for example, can save up to 15.05% on employer National Insurance contributions, as well as provide many healthy benefits for staff. Additionally, the government’s Workplace Charging Scheme is a voucher-based scheme that provides eligible businesses with support towards the upfront costs of the purchase and installation of EV charge points.

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FEATURE: GREEN BUSINESS & SUSTAINABILITY

A healthier environment We mentioned the healthy benefits that going green will have on staff, but it’s such an important factor that it’s worth going into more detail. The employee benefits of going green do not have to be limited to a cycle scheme and, as we’ve already noted, small changes can really make a big difference. Improving ventilation and making the switch to LED lightbulbs can improve the physical health of staff, with a range of benefits that include reducing respiratory viruses and supporting better sleep. Adding greenery can also improve the mood and have a positive impact on employee wellbeing, while a hybrid working scheme will reduce your carbon footprint and improve the work/life balance of your employees at the same time.

Staff retention and recruitment When it comes to employee job satisfaction, it has been widely proven that a company that cares about sustainability has happier, more engaged employees. Your staff will show an increased sense of loyalty and pride in working for a company that is committed to sustainable and ethical practices, which in turn boosts productivity and quality of work. Adopting a CSR policy and allowing staff to volunteer for green charities or initiatives is a great way to get them on board with your new, green outlook too.

Additionally, going green is a great recruitment tool. Potential new recruits will want to work for you if you show that you are committed to important causes and improving the lives of your staff.

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FEATURE: GREEN BUSINESS & SUSTAINABILITY

Ticking the

sustainable box for event planners Akmal Shahzad (pictured) venue manager for IET Birmingham: Austin Court he commercial use of listed buildings is on the rise, giving a new lease of life to some of our most beautiful venues. But with sustainability high on event planner’s agenda and with estimates that the average conference attendee generates 1.89 kg of waste per day published by The Events Industry Council, are listed buildings able to tick that all important box?

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Knowledge is power Most venue teams are clued up on sustainability best practices and have a wealth of examples of how an event can keep the environmental impact to a minimum while having a positive impact on the local area. Venue teams should have a network of local partners and businesses to recommend.

Ideally, these connections will also extend to opportunities that benefit the local community, for example charity partners or social initiatives that can be incorporated into team building elements of the event.

Often, we calculate the carbon footprint of client’s specific event and provide suggestions during the initial stages of planning as to how they can minimise this throughout the event.

Catering a better world Sustainability isn’t always obvious A venue’s sustainability practices and credentials should take centre-stage during show arounds and should feel well embedded into the team’s way of working. What’s become second nature to the team, may not always be obvious for event planners to see without it being pointed out. For example, smart building management systems are critical to optimising energy consumption, and other measures such as deploying motion sensors in rooms, but these aren’t always obvious when a client is looking at the layout of the rooms.

There are a number of initiatives that should form part of any venue’s sustainability offer. Firstly, being energy efficient. This can be achieved by using energy-efficient lighting and appliances, and renewable energy sources. We work with Bryt, a zero-carbon energy supplier, which provides 100% renewable electricity from solar, wind and hydro power sources. Our toilets are fitted with low water systems and sensory taps are installed in the washrooms.

Embrace digital Hybrid events are here to stay, and importance is placed equally now on the in-person and online delegate experiences. Think about how to integrate digital into every aspect of an event, such as digital platforms for event planning, online registration, digital signage, or virtual planning meetings to reduce the need for travel and reduce the use of resources.

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When it comes to catering, we all know to use locally sourced and seasonal ingredients wherever possible, as this reduces the carbon footprint of transportation. But it’s important to consider what the venue is offering sustainability-wise, beyond this.

For example, in a bid to reduce waste we incentivise the chef’s choice of menu, and all food that remains edible after an event is offered to staff to consume on site at the end of the day. Any leftover food waste can then be recycled and converted into renewable resources such as electricity, heat, and organic fertiliser.

Recycling, but done right It isn’t news that recycling is now an essential part of modern-day life, and from 1 October 2023 single-use plastic cutlery, balloon sticks and polystyrene cups and food containers are no longer being sold in England.

However, efforts need to exceed simply pushing attendees to reuse coffee cups. For example, we moved to a net zero waste collection supplier last year, which provides us with monthly reports on our venue’s waste types and how they’ve been disposed of, providing vital insights that we can use to educate ourselves and our clients, and continually drive positive change.

Listed buildings can offer a truly sustainable option for your next event.

Now we need to work together to improve the overall impact business events have on the environment and work towards something meaningful – a healthier planet.

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SECTOR FOCUS: BUSINESS TRAVEL

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

Fast track for bus lanes Plans to install bus lanes on a busy east Birmingham commuter route have been brought forward to keep services running smoothly during a major long-term road closure.

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), has accelerated plans for the installation of dedicated bus lanes on Washwood Heath Road to support several popular bus services.

It is one of a wider range of cross-city bus route changes being planned to improve connections and help link communities across Birmingham city centre and the surrounding suburbs.

The cross-city bus routes are part of the region’s Bus Service Improvement Plan and are funded from a £70m allocation from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) awarded by the Department for Transport to the WMCA. Following the introduction of similar bus priority measures on the A34 and A45 last year Transport for West Midlands has reported that 82 per cent of bus passengers surveyed along the A34 noticed improvements in journey times and reliability.

Combined with a commitment to introduce additional zero-emission buses, these initiatives are expected to improve reliability of bus services and play a vital role in delivering a more connected and integrated public transportation network.

Making buses a more attractive alternative to the car will also contribute towards the region’s #WM2041 plan to become carbon-neutral within the next two decades.

As part of the High-Speed Rail (HS2) project, two road bridges across existing rail lines are being replaced and upgraded, with Aston Church Road set to close from the end of March 2024.

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Major upgrade planned at Villa Park rail station The increasing number of fans travelling to Villa Park by train should soon be able to enjoy improved facilities at Witton Station, built in Victorian times.

The West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE) has unveiled new design images for a revamped station as plans to overhaul the station take a significant step forward.

The designs have come from a feasibility study commissioned by WMRE, which has confirmed that a revamp of Witton Station is announced as Villa Park prepares to host Euro 2028 fixtures. With this study giving the initial green light, rail bosses will now press ahead as plans for the station gather pace.

Previously, despite the station’s poor state, a case for redevelopment had never been viable. Now, with more supporters travelling to Villa Park by rail than ever before and the stadium set to be a host venue for the Euro 2028 tournament, a more compelling case for investment can be made. It would also future proof the station

Vision: Fans make their way to Villa Park from an upgraded Witton Station in a computer image

should Aston Villa revisit their stadium expansion plans.

West Midlands mayor Andy Street said: “With its narrow platforms combined with frequent overcrowding, the station really does make for a miserable experience.

“This has been the case for some time, but a business case for redevelopment has never stacked up. But now - with the Euros just a few years away - we have the

catalyst we need to make this longawaited redevelopment happen.

“That’s why, following the feasibility study, we are now a significant step closer to redeveloping Witton Station.”

The proposed improvements to the station include new passenger ramps to both platforms to increase queuing capacity after matches, a new pedestrian and cyclist subway under the line at Station Road, wider and deeper platforms.

New flights to Istanbul announced Links with Istanbul have been improved by two airlines operating out of Birmingham Airport.

Turkish Airlines will offer customers 18 flights a week to Istanbul (IST) from the summer this year and Pegasus is now serving the route three times a week.

Turkey’s flag carrier currently serves this route twice a day (14 times a week). From June it will increase frequency to three times a day on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays while continuing its twice-daily services on other days of the week.

Eren Ozturk, sales manager at Turkish Airlines, said: “Customer demand from BHX to Istanbul is strong and growing stronger, so we’re pleased to be able to meet this demand with additional flights.”

Tom Screen, aviation director, added: “The popularity of Turkey as a holiday destination continues to grow and we are seeing this strongly reflected in our customer number forecasts.

Istanbul-bound: Pegasus launch their three days a week service from Birmingham

“More and more customers are also stopping in Istanbul before flying onwards to destinations on Turkish Airlines’ vast global network.”

Pegasus is now serving the route three times a week - on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays - with oneway fares from BHX starting at £39.99.

Nick Barton, CEO of BHX, said: “Many customers in our region now have even greater options for travelling to Turkey and beyond. I have no doubt these new services will be very popular with sunseekers, pilgrims, business travellers and people going to see family both in Turkey and across the vast array of destinations offered by Pegasus’s strong onwards network covering Asia, Europe and Africa.”

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SECTOR FOCUS: FINANCE

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SECTOR FOCUS: FINANCE

West Midlands firms make resolutions Research from Lloyds Bank has found that over a quarter (27 per cent) of West Midlands businesses are making New Year’s resolutions to improve their productivity, as businesses signal confidence in more positive macroeconomic conditions ahead.

This optimism comes after 2023 was a tough year for businesses, as they faced high inflation and a sluggish economy.

The data revealed the top three areas where firms are focusing their attention as they head into the new year, with a third (34 per cent) concentrating on staff training, another third exploring new technology (29 per cent), and a similar proportion aiming at developing their business (28 per cent).

As businesses take stock of 2023, many are reporting they are looking at ways to ensure they have a healthy cashflow, with two fifths (41 per cent) of firms reporting plans to keep a closer eye on costs over the next 12 months.

The data also shows that businesses are setting themselves up for growth, by building teams to support new opportunities, with almost half (48 per cent) expecting to hire more staff this year.

With the expectation of inflation continuing to fall,

more than two thirds (67 per cent) of firms are confident that they will see their business become more profitable in 2024 compared to 2023.

Almost 57 per cent expect their turnover to increase in 2024. Of those, a quarter (24 per cent) anticipate growth of 5 per cent-10 per cent and almost one in ten (8 per cent) have eyes on growth of 11 per cent-20 per cent.

Dave Atkinson, regional director for the West Midlands at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “After what has been a challenging year for many, it’s promising to see businesses across the West Midlands anticipating a more successful start to 2024. Through long-term planning, firms are looking to invest in their people and technology capabilities to help grow next year.

“While obstacles will of course remain, with the right support I’m confident the region’s businesses can navigate the year ahead and Guidance: Dave Atkinson maximise new growth opportunities.”

Women hit hardest by financial crisis The cost-of-living crisis has disproportionately impacted women’s finances and their ability to withstand the potential impacts of a recession, new research reveals.

Wealth manager Quilter carried out new nationally representative research with 2,001 Britons which was gathered by YouGov. It reveals that over a third (36 per cent) of women would not be able to afford their everyday expenses should the UK enter a recession, compared with just a quarter (26 per cent) of men.

The cost-of-living crisis also appears to be putting even greater pressure on women’s finances than the coronavirus pandemic, which was found to have disproportionately impacted women both economically and socially.

Thirty-one per cent of women said that they were in a worse position financially than this time last year. Comparatively, just 25 per cent of men feel the same way.

Previous research from Quilter revealed that one in five women (21 per cent) felt they were worse off financially at the end of 2021 than they had been the year before, compared to 18 per cent of men.

This latest research also shows that men are much more likely to consider themselves to be financially resilient to a recession.

One in five (21 per cent) men said they were in a better financial position that they were last year, and that their current finances and earnings would allow them to manage their daily expenses should the UK enter a recession. Just 15 per cent of women expressed the same sentiment.

‘More must be done to ensure women feel financially secure’ Angela Davy-Makwana, financial planning consultant at Quilter, said: “Though it is positive that the government is exploring the impact the cost-of-living crisis has had on women, more must be done to ensure that women feel financially secure.

“Making small changes, such as creating a budget to help you get on top of things or putting more money aside each month wherever possible to build up your emergency rainy day fund, can make a real difference to your financial security.”

Jobs safeguarded (left to right): Steve Grice of UKSE, Rick Kaul of Supreme Home Care and Louise Armstrong of BCRS Business Loans

Care home’s future secured by funding An entrepreneur has completed the acquisition of a home care agency after securing £350,000 in funding from lending specialists UKSE and BCRS Business Loans.

Rick Kaul purchased Supreme Home Care in Telford to become one of the first applicants to successfully receive investment from the newlyformed West Midlands arm of UKSE. The Tata Steel subsidiary provided £200,000 towards the purchase, with a further £150,000 from West Midlands and Wales-based BCRS Business Loans. As a result, 130 jobs have been safeguarded with a potential to create an additional 50 new roles following the acquisition.

Providing strategic loan and equity packages of up to £1m to generate growth, UKSE’s West Midlands team create local job opportunities and bolster the economy by supporting SMEs across Birmingham, the Black Country, Coventry, Staffordshire and Telford.

BCRS Business Loans provide funding to West Midlands and Wales businesses that are struggling to access finance from traditional lenders.

Businesses can secure loans from between £10,000 and £150,000 from BCRS Business Loans to support growth and recovery plans.

Rick Kaul said: “I plan to create additional job opportunities as we expand into complex critical care support and specialised care for adults and children. In addition, we will be working with Telford College to provide level 3-level 6 health and social care apprenticeships.”

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SECTOR FOCUS: LEGAL

Immigration rulings explained Skilled workers who are already in the UK will not need to meet the £38,700 salary threshold when they change sponsor, extend or settle, according to law firm Stone King’s head of immigration.

The government’s plan to cut net migration has led to confusion, with a changing picture on income thresholds.

Stone King’s head of immigration Julie Moktadir said: “The minimum salary for skilled workers overall will be raised to £38,700 from April this year. A significant number of vacancies across most sectors will no longer be eligible for sponsorship.

“This salary increase will not apply to those in health and care roles or those on national pay scales (including teachers) who will continue to benefit from a lower minimum salary in recognition of sector shortages.

“Skilled workers who are already in the UK will not need to meet the £38,700 salary when they change sponsor, extend or settle.

“The shortage occupation list, which identifies roles with UK skills shortage and allows a 20 per cent salary discount, will be reformed and/or replaced no earlier than April. Sponsorship may not be possible for current shortage vacancies (dependent on salary).

“British citizens and people settled in the UK will need to document a minimum income of £29,000 from ‘Spring 2024’ before they can bring their partner and/or children from overseas – a significant increase on the current threshold of £18,600.

“The minimum income will eventually rise to £38,700 but no timeline has been given for this. The new income does not need to be met by those who already live in the UK and need to extend their visa.”

Reforms: Julie Moktadir

Opportunities available with sustainable farming scheme Successful team (left to right): Kiran Munawar, Gareth O’Hara and Matt Workman, of Wilkes

Law firm completes sale Wilkes has successfully completed the sale of the assets and business of Backer Electric Company, a market leader in the design and manufacture of heating elements.

The Rotherham-based company, founded in 1938, has been at the forefront of supplying high-volume heating elements to a wide range of household brand names. After being a key player in its industry for several decades and working closely with the buyer over recent months, the company says the sale was the right decision.

Gareth O’Hara, senior partner at Wilkes, said: “We are pleased to have played a part in the successful sale of the business of Backer Electric Company. This deal is another example of us acting as a trusted business advisor and looking out for our clients’ best interests.”

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Landowners and farmers can consider layering various schemes together to ensure they maximise the environmental guidance DEFRA has published, a conference was told.

Regional chartered accountants Forrester Boyd and law firm Shakespeare Martineau, along with guest speaker Chris Winney, delivered an update to agriculture clients about the impacts and opportunities of Environmental Land Managements Systems (ELMS) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).

As the sector heads towards the end of the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), attendees heard from Chris Winney, head of TAG Consulting, who discussed the opportunities around the Sustainable Farming Incentive Scheme.

With so many elements within the ELMS package, there are numerous opportunities for farmer and landowners to ensure they maximise the DEFRA environmental guidance.

When the government first announced they were going to abolish the BPS in favour of sustainable farming incentives, many farmers were rightly concerned about the viability of their sector.

Agriculture partner from Forrester Boyd Chartered Accountants Nicola Massey, said: “The government really

needs to look at the definition of farming as it no longer fits into schemes such as ELMS and BNG in its current state.”

Amy Cowdell, agriculture partner from law firm Shakespeare Martineau, explained to the audience more about the regulatory side of the BNG secondary legislation.

“One of the key things that is a recurring theme within this legislation is being ‘nature positive’.

“As of January, it will be mandatory that any land development must put back at least 10 per cent more habitat than it removes. There are options for the purchase of offsite land for biodiversity banking and other ways to mitigate the impact.

“Any farmer or landowner looking at ELMS and BNG should ensure they have an experienced agronomist, financial and legal partner on board to help smooth the way.”

Mandatory legislation (left to right): Nicola Massey, Chris Winney and Amy Cowdell

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SECTOR FOCUS: MANUFACTURING

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SECTOR FOCUS: MANUFACTURING Sign of the times: Hoardings with a message

Hardy Signs in uni collaboration The University of Derby collaborated with Hardy Signs to promote a new business school with colourful hoarding signage.

While the school is under construction, the university leaders decided that they wanted the construction site to look more aesthetically pleasing. They approached Hardy Signs with vibrant designs of colour splashes, wildlife and innovative technology created by the university's marketing and design team.

The panels intend to emulate the school’s mission of being the region's only net-zero carbon business school, powering the next generation and partnering with local powerhouses such as Rolls-Royce and Great British Railways.

Hoarding signage makes construction sites safe and more attractive while allowing to advertise messages before the opening.

Programme manager Majit Paget said: “The university is very pleased with the professionalism, communication and flexibility by Hardy Signs in completing this print and installation for us.

“Great workmanship and collaborative working. Thank you to everyone involved at Hardy Signs.”

By 2025, the educational building will be ready to open the doors of its new business school, which is projected to have over 6,000 students by 2030, supporting the regional economy and adding to the diversity of the city.

The school has proposed to be a state-of-the-art facility home to cuttingedge research and a hub for education.

Coatings firm attend launch at Commons Birmingham-based coatings firm Indestructible Paint took part in a Parliamentary reception at the House of Commons as part of the launch of a new report published by the British Coatings Federation (BCF), highlighting the £4bn the industry contributes to the UK economy and the £1bn of products exported annually.

The event was attended by 100 guests including leaders from the coatings sector, representatives from other trade associations, MPs and Peers. Representing Indestructible Paint was long-standing employee Graham Armstrong, who also chairs the Aerospace and Defence Committee for the BCF. He was joined by his local MP, Sir Bill Wiggin, who has also supported him previously with his charity work.

The new report, titled “Essential Coatings”, includes five key “asks” of the Government to enable the coatings sector to thrive and maximise its contribution to the UK economy. This includes a call for regulatory and policy clarity; a long-term industrial strategy for manufacturing; support for businesses transitioning to net zero; a long-term focus on skills and training; and a greater focus on improving post-Brexit trade to drive growth and success for the industry.

Graham said: “After over 55 years in the industrial coatings industry, it’s great to see the importance of the sector to the UK economy continuing to be recognised.”

Support: Indestructible Paint’s Graham Armstrong (right) with MP Sir Bill Wiggin

Pioneering work: The Tyseley Energy Park

First production of recycled magnets UK production of rare recycled earth magnets on a commercial scale has started for the first time in 20 years at Birmingham’s Tyseley Energy Park.

Rare earth magnets are used in electric vehicles, wind turbines and other clean technology industries, and are critical raw materials for the transition to clean energy.

The start of production at the rare earths hub at Tyseley, set up by the University of Birmingham, HyProMag Ltd and Mkango, is a major milestone in securing a supply chain that will fulfil demand for these elements.

The hub uses a recycling method that was developed at the University of Birmingham, and subsequently licensed to HyProMag Ltd, which is the main industrial partner for the Tyseley development.

Called Hydrogen Processing of Magnet Scrap (HPMS), it is a short

loop recycling method, delivering materials that need only a few process steps to produce recycled ‘sintered’ rare earth permanent magnets that are made to recognised industrial grades.

Professor Allan Walton, head of the Magnetic Materials Group, University of Birmingham, and founding director of HyProMag, said: “A huge amount of work has been carried out over the last year on the existing pilot plant at the university to produce a spectrum of NdFeB magnets with a range of magnetic grades. This has allowed us to test recycled magnets in a range of products for the first time with extremely encouraging results.

“This is a massive step forward and re-introduces commercial sintered magnet manufacturing back into the UK for the first time in over 20 years.”

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SECTOR FOCUS: PROPERTY

KWB Residential expands portfolio Birmingham-based residential management specialist KWB Residential has added two new city properties comprising nearly 200 homes to its portfolio.

The largest property is Park Gate at Lyndon Place in Sheldon, a mixed use development of 126 apartments with an onsite gym, communal rooftop terrace, grounds and office space next to Sheldon Park.

KWB Property Management has also been appointed to manage the commercial element.

The other property is Timbermill Court in Harborne, a retirement housing complex with 55 flats, communal facilities and a convenient location close to Harborne’s shopping area.

‘Our goal is to ensure that residents are happy in their homes’ KWB Residential’s role across both properties includes maintenance, health and safety, security, upkeep of the common areas, liaising with residents and managing on-site staff and suppliers.

Nicola Fagan, associate director at KWB Residential, said: “Both Park Gate and Timbermill Court are high quality developments which we’re proud to be managing.

“Our goal is to ensure that residents are happy in their homes and we do this by using our decades of experience, high standards, technical knowledge and local contacts to offer excellent customer service and value for money.

“Since setting up in 2010 we have enjoyed excellent growth with over 2,300 homes across the Midlands now under our management.”

KWB manages both new and existing developments on behalf of housebuilders, landlords and residential management companies.

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Regeneration is on the rise, says property expert The regeneration of historic buildings into new commercial and residential opportunities as opposed to constructing from scratch is set to increase into 2024, a commercial property expert has predicted.

Charles Warrack, partner at leading property consultancy Fisher German, is seeing the commercial and buy-to-let residential market shift towards a preference to work with what is already on a site, rather than looking to build new. This is partly down to regenerated buildings having a reduced carbon footprint, as well as the generally quicker turnaround of completing the sale.

Charles is also seeing buyers pay an increased premium for sites with change-of-use planning permission already in place, or permission to build further units on existing land, as fewer buyers are willing to try and seek permission themselves with backlogs in the planning system slowing progress.

With interest rates predicted to stabilise in 2024, Charles believes that demand will increase and that sites with permissions will attract even more attention.

He said: “While regenerated buildings and sites with consent for changes have always been more desirable, we are seeing this demand increase as 2024 begins and we think it will only increase further when borrowing costs come down.

“In the past, conditional offers subject to gaining permission may have been suitable for particular sites, but now it is almost always worth it to get that change-of-use permission first. The time and money needed to secure consent is almost always paid back from the sale.

“When we are acting on behalf of vendors, we are often advising them to work with our planning team to earn the relevant permissions before looking to go to market.”

This trend has been highlighted by recent market opportunities in the Midlands, including the sale of a retail unit in Walsall with permission for the top two floors to be converted into 13 residential apartments, and a children’s play centre in Cradley with permission to have two flats on the first floor.

Charles added: “The sale in Cradley is particularly interesting due to the change of use permission for

Regeneration boom: Charles Warrack

the first-floor flats, but there is also planning consent to convert the adjacent barn into three terraced houses and for two detached houses to be built on the grounds.

“Sites like this, where historic buildings can be converted and new buildings created, offer the best of both worlds to buyers assuming consent has been secured.

“ESG (environment, social and governance) is becoming increasingly more important for buyers, so buildings which can be renovated to a high specification are seeing significantly more interest. It is often more energy-efficient to work with what you have rather than building it from the ground up.

“However, the scope to also build on-site alongside a conversion gives a buyer a chance of additional income after they have finished their renovation on the existing building.”

Siddall Jones in office sale

Speaking the same language: Emal Haidari, head of interpreting and translations department, Absolute Interpreting and Translations Ltd with Ed Siddall-Jones

Commercial agents Siddall Jones have sold a prestigious office building situated off St Pauls Square in Birmingham for £1.2m.

The purchaser of 34-35 Ludgate Hill in the Jewellery Quarter is Absolute Interpreting and Translations Ltd and Siddall Jones has sold the 4,946 sq ft property on behalf of a private investment company.

The building’s five floors had been refurbished and the property comes with secure parking behind roller shutter doors.

Siddall Jones was recently named top commercial agent in the third quarter of EG Radius rankings with 56 deals – a result achieved despite the challenging economic climate.

Managing director and founder Ed Siddall-Jones said the transaction underscores the resilience of the owneroccupier market.

He said: “This sale not only highlights the enduring strength of the owner-occupier segment but also showcases Birmingham's attractiveness as a hub for commercial real estate investments.

“We are pleased to have facilitated this transaction within a strict timescale proscribed by our client who needed to ensure completion before the end of the year.”

Stephen Gooden at law firm Standley & Co acted for the seller, with Cherry Elliott at Higgs LLP advising the purchaser.

Mr Siddall Jones added: “This strategic sale contributes to Siddall Jones' track record of successfully managing high-value commercial property transactions.

“The firm's comprehensive services extend beyond agency and investment, encompassing property management for both private and public sector clients.”

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SECTOR FOCUS: SKILLS

Engineers win award in training programme First-class degree: Chloe Pitt

Fashion success for former student Former Halesowen College fashion student Chloe Pitt is celebrating after securing a job with streetwear brand Hoodrich.

Chloe will be working as a junior garment technologist with Hoodrich, a top international fashion brand.

Chloe finished the Level 3 Fashion for Design course in 2018 and then went to study Fashion Design at Birmingham City University (BCU), where she achieved a first-class degree. She then worked for fashion brands Lovall and Spada.

Natalie Johnston, fashion course leader at Halesowen College, said: “Congratulations to Chloe on her success – we wish her all the best.”

Alan Lusty, adi Group’s CEO, said: “We are Engineering firm adi Group, who have dedicated honoured to have been awarded the prestigious themselves to tackling the skills gap, has been IChemE Award, and to be recognised for our efforts recognised at an industry awards ceremony. towards a cause that is of extreme importance to our The Birmingham business received the Training business. Since the very beginning of adi, we have and Development Global Award 2023, at IChemE’s been working to provide the engineers of tomorrow 2023 Awards dinner at Hilton Birmingham Metropole. with viable opportunities to embark on a successful Established in 1994, the IChemE Global Awards are engineering career, and we are incredibly proud of the world’s leading chemical engineering awards, the success of our programmes.” celebrating engineering Alan began his career as an excellence and covering a apprentice, gaining a deep awareness ‘We are honoured to broad spectrum of categories and understanding of the benefits that that recognise innovation, have been awarded come with such a practical and handssocial responsibility and on education. the prestigious sustainability efforts, Youth skills development has since outstanding projects and much IChemE Award’ become an integral part of the group’s more. mantra and mission to “engineer a With a strong entry focusing better future”. on its renowned pre-apprenticeship and James Sopwith, group strategic account director apprenticeship programmes, adi Group and head of the pre-apprenticeship academy, said: demonstrated its commitment to upskilling the next “We are deeply aware of the staggering national generation of engineers to help close the widening engineering skills gap and the threat it poses. This is STEM skills gap. why we have worked to link together industry and The Training and Development Award recognises education through opportunities that differ from more traditional academic routes. businesses that excel in the training and “Our objectives are to tackle the skills gap issue, development of staff or education of the wider change misconceptions about engineering and community, addressing skills and knowledge gaps support societal challenges on a more local level.” and overall having a positive impact on the industry.

Local college welcomes mayor James Watt College, part of BMet, had the opportunity to showcase their facilities and work to West Midlands mayor Andy Street.

The gathering enabled students and staff from different areas of the curriculum to talk with the mayor about their courses and the career pathways available through the college.

Directors in the college’s specialist areas of engineering, construction, media and games and health and social care directed the in-depth tour with BMet vice principal – external development, Suzie Branch-Haddow.

James Watt College is part of BMet and offers vocational courses, apprenticeships, as well as HE and access courses.

During the visit, the mayor commended the college for its continued commitment to supporting people across the region, by preparing students for employment and filling the local skills gap.

Suzie said: “It was a good opportunity to welcome the mayor to our bustling college, which plays a key role in supporting our community to find the right pathways that will lead to their desired careers and goals.

“As a college, we are fully set on raising aspirations and improving life chances for young people and adults in Birmingham and its borders and the visit from Andy Street was a fantastic way to share our plans for the future.

“The mayor and his office are champions of giving people in the region the right skills to progress and it was brilliant to showcase the work of our students and all we are doing to help our students realise their future ambitions.”

Andy Street said: “Colleges across the West Midlands play a critical role in our skills plan, helping local people get the skills they need to secure the quality, well-paid jobs of the future.

“It was therefore great to visit James Watt College to see their work first-hand, and I look forward to continuing to work with the BMet team moving forward.”

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Vicki’s ‘dream’ job at Solihull Council Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council has announced the first permanent job role through its initiative of supporting adults with learning disabilities into paid employment.

Vicki Reynolds, who has been providing admin support at the Council since September, 2023, has now been promoted to a permanent role. Although she had volunteered before, this is Vicki’s first paid job.

She said: “I love my job. I really enjoy working with the team and making friends here. Having this job is like my dreams have come true. It feels good to be more independent. I hope my mum is proud of me.”

This role has enabled Vicki to develop skills for work, as well as skills for personal life.

Michele Nolan, supported living lead at Social Life Opportunities (SOLO), has been supporting Vicki.

She said: “Vicki has felt more included and valued in the community. She has inspired others and proved that anything is possible by seizing an opportunity and getting the right support. Her confidence has grown.

“This has impacted her selfesteem and wellbeing. She is planning a trip to the theatre, with her own salary.”

Vicki’s manager is Richard Tapson, governance lead for economic and infrastructure directorate. He said: “Vicki has received wraparound support including IT training, independent travelling and personal organisation. All these helped and she settled in quickly. She completes her tasks efficiently and brings joy to the team.”

Council support: Vicki Reynolds with Council colleagues

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SECTOR FOCUS: TECHNOLOGY

Hefty fines for misuse of data sends warning to businesses The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) ordered 18 businesses to pay more than £14.3m in fines last year for misusing data, according to analysis by cyber security and data protection consultancy CSS Assure.

The ICO also reprimanded 36 companies, issued enforcement notices against a further 19 and prosecuted four businesses for failing to meet their information rights obligations.

At £12.7m, social media platform TikTok was hit with the largest fine for breaching data protection law, including failing to use children’s personal data lawfully – with the ICO estimating that up to 1.4m under-13s in the UK were able to use the video-sharing app in 2020.

Three marketing firms were fined a combined £310,000 for making a total of 483,051 unsolicited marketing calls to businesses and sending 107 million spam emails to jobseekers; two energy firms were fined a combined £250,000 for bombarding people and businesses on the UK’s “do not call” register with unlawful marketing calls; a business support consultancy was fined £30,000 for sending 558,354 direct marketing SMS messages without valid consent; and an appliance service and repair company was fined £200,000 for making more than 1.7m unsolicited direct marketing calls.

‘The fines imposed by the ICO in 2023 highlight the serious consequences of misusing data’ In the final six months of the year, 10 companies were collectively fined more than £800,000 for sending a total of 4,698,841 unwanted text messages, 39,906,342 emails, and making 1,937,028 nuisance phone calls.

Charlotte Riley (pictured), director of information security at technology at CSS Assure, said: “The fines imposed by the ICO in 2023 highlight the

serious consequences of misusing data. Mishandling personal information not only violates data protection laws but also erodes trust among consumers.

“TikTok’s £12.7m penalty underscores the importance of lawful use of personal data and implementing appropriate safeguards, especially when it involves children.

“TikTok is a large, well-known brand and its fine was substantial due to the sheer amount of data involved. However, much smaller SMEs were also subject to enforcement action and hit with financial penalties “The fines imposed on businesses for unsolicited calls and text messages, and spam emails, as well as firms for disregarding the 'do not call' register, demonstrate the significant impact of invasive marketing practices.

“These penalties send a clear message that companies must respect individuals’ privacy preferences and refrain from bombarding them with unwanted communications.

“Moreover, the enforcement notices and prosecutions against companies failing to meet their information rights obligations further emphasise the ICO’s commitment to upholding data protection standards. It is crucial for businesses to understand their responsibilities in handling personal information and take proactive measures to ensure compliance.

“Misusing data not only exposes businesses to financial penalties but also damages their reputation and undermines customer trust. Adhering to data protection laws and adopting ethical data practices are essential for safeguarding individuals’ privacy and maintaining a healthy business ecosystem.

“As data protection experts, we urge businesses to prioritise data privacy and invest in robust systems and processes to prevent data misuse. By doing so, they can not only avoid hefty fines but also foster a culture of trust and transparency, ultimately benefiting both their customers and their bottom line.”

Full fibre roll-out in six locations More than 80,000 homes and businesses across the West Midlands are set to get access to full f ibre, say Openreach.

The company has announced a £24m investment across six new locations, including Erdington in Birmingham and Fallings Park in Wolverhampton.

Openreach announced it had reached the halfway point of its nationwide plan to reach 25m premises with its full fibre broadband network by the end of 2026.

It also revealed 142 locations – including six in the West Midlands – where it will deliver full fibre to around 1.4m homes and businesses, including in some of the hardest to reach, most rural communities.

Openreach intends to keep building after it reaches its initial 25m target, reaching up to 30m premises with full fibre by the end of 2030.

Clive Selley, CEO of Openreach, said: “This is a national infrastructure project that’s a genuine success story. We’re delivering engineering on an epic scale, on time and on budget – and that’s thanks to a supportive policy environment which has led to huge investment and competition throughout the UK’s telecoms sector.

“From a standing start just a few years ago, we’ve now made this lifechanging technology available to 12.5m premises and counting and we’re building faster than any operator I’m aware of in Europe.

“Our build rate is still accelerating and it’ll take us half the time to reach our next 12.5m. But we won’t be stopping there. Ultimately, we’ll reach up to 30m premises by the end of the decade - unlocking a raft of economic and social benefits by supporting new models of commerce, healthcare and public services.”

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Reaching more homes: Openreach

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SECTOR FOCUS: THE ARTS

Bhangra Nation announces cast

Improvisor: Brendan Murphy

Fans can’t get enough of Spike The tour of award-winning Buffy Revamped has been extended again in 2024 due to its popularity and will be arriving at The Alexandra Birmingham on Tuesday 26 March.

This hugely popular, award-winning show based on the iconic 90s TV show Buffy The Vampire Slayer ,has garnered critical acclaim across the board including for a second Edinburgh Festival Fringe season, where it was recognised as the best-reviewed comedy show of the 2023 Fringe by The British Comedy Guide.

In this fast-paced new production, the producers bring the entire 144 episodes of the hit 90s TV show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, as told through the eyes of the one person who knows it inside out… Spike.

Brendan Murphy is a London-based actor, improviser and comedian.

He was nominated for the Spotlight Prize in 2008 and he has toured extensively across the US and Canada as part of the Olivier Award nominated Potted Potter. He also wrote the hit show FRIEND: The One With Gunther which will tour alongside Buffy Revamped in 2024.

Reaching for new creative heights Birmingham aparthotel Staying Cool at Rotunda has welcomed 2024 with a host of new events as part of its popular Creative Heights II programme.

From panoramic yoga to immersive theatre, new events are now available to book, all taking place at the skyscraping aparthotel in the heart of Birmingham city centre.

Working with fellow indies from across the city, Creative Heights II is a not-for-profit programme providing a platform for talented artists, local designers, well-being hosts and food and drink providers to celebrate Staying Cool’s 15 years in Birmingham.

In 2023 Staying Cool hosted open-house photography sessions, a make-your-own Rotunda show-and-tell and Wilderness Restaurant food and wine tasting night among other sell-out events.

This year Staying Cool partnered with Stan’s Cafe Theatre for Ultraopticon – an immersive theatre experience in a Rotunda penthouse. Guests witnessed a mysterious 24-hour webcast in 13-plus languages through 45-minute slots across the weekend.

The apartment hotel also partnered running group Run of a Kind for a 5k or 10k hosted run starting and finishing at Rotunda.

On Sunday 25 February, Ruth Millington, author of This Book Will Make You An Artist, will host an afternoon of art for children.

Tracey Stephenson, co-founder and joint managing director of Staying Cool, said: “Creative Heights is all about celebrating local, not only in the events we’re hosting, but the charities we’re supporting throughout the programme. Our event hosts have chosen a range of charities to benefit from ticket sales proceeds including SIFA Fireside, LoveBrum and Birmingham Women's Aid.” Visit stayingcool.com for more details

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Picture: Alexis Chabala

Joining the already announced creative team are: Michael Taylor (set Casting for the UK Premiere of Bhangra Nation – A New Musical, presented design), Linda Cho (costume design), Adam Fisher (sound design), Nick

by Birmingham Rep in association with Mara Isaacs, Tom Kirdahy and Richings (lighting design), David Bengali (projection design), Rebecca Howell Peggy Koenig, has been announced. (additional choreography and musical staging), Parambeer Samrai (bhangra Bhangra Nation – A New Musical is a powerful and consultant), Richard Morris (musical supervision), Kuljit Bhamra (additional pulsating new show about competitive Bhangra dancing, arrangements and orchestrations), Matthew Malone (orchestrations) and which will run at Birmingham Rep from 17 February to 16 casting by David Grindrod for Grindrod Burton Casting.

March.

The Tony Award-winning producers Mara When Mary and Preeti’s Bhangra team qualifies for Isaacs (Hadestown) and Tom Kirdahy the USA nationals, they set off on opposing quests to (Hadestown and The Inheritance) said: dance to their own beat.

“Bhangra Nation – A New Musical is a Drawing from competitive Bhangra and mixing it with joyful, exuberant celebration of other Indian and Western dance forms, Bhangra Nation – A Bhangra and a deeply felt exploration New Musical, is a brash, intoxicating and joyous of identity and community among musical comedy for today. young people finding their own way forward in The cast includes: Zaynah Ahmed (Preeti), the world. We can’t imagine a better home to help Gregory Armand (Jake), Siobhan Athwal (Sunita), launch Bhangra Nation in the UK than in Tia Antoine Charles (Lily), Lydia Danistan (Shilpa), Birmingham.”

Iván Fernández González (Billy), Kuldeep Goswami Birmingham Rep artistic director Sean Foley added: “I (Mohan), Bob Harms (Wallace), Raimu Itfum (Varun), am beyond thrilled to be welcoming the amazing cast, the RoMaya Jey (Swing), Sophie Kandola (New Mary), award-winning producing team, the extraordinary international Arysha Kelly (Shetal), Ai Kumar (Constance), Aaron creative team, and this Mistry (Swing) Jena Pandya (Mary), Ajay Sahota spectacular show, to the (Gobind), Edward Turner (Swing), Leo Udvarlaky Birmingham Rep. (Bob), Mervin Noronha (Amit) and Kyle Evans “In a city that has a claim to (Noah). Further cast will be announced in due be the modern centre of Bhangra, I’m course. looking forward to seeing the show With a book by Mike Lew and Rehana connecting with both our South Asian Lew Mirza, music and lyrics by Sam communities, and with all audiences Willmott, direction by Stafford Arima looking for a great night out. and choreography by Rujuta “The Rep is a theatre for everyone, and I hope Vaidya, this ambitious and many people who perhaps will have never been to exhilarating new musical will be the theatre before will come along to enjoy the sheer Bhangra action: Jena built and rehearsed at The Rep. talent involved in this feel-good new musical.”

Pandya in full flow

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SECTOR FOCUS: SPORT

The Business of Sport Cricketer shares sepis story to raise awareness England and Somerset cricketer Jack Leach has told how he came through a life-threatening encounter with sepsis.

He has shared his experience with the UK Sepsis Trust, which were founded and are headquartered in Sutton Coldfield. The England spinner says the encounter left him questioning whether he would wake up.

Jack, diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at the age of 14, is vulnerable to infections due to medications he takes to control his condition.

Despite being a professional athlete, he emphasises the importance of listening to one's body and working collaboratively with the disease rather than against it.

During a tour in New Zealand in 2019, Jack contracted sepsis after playing in the first Test.

His compromised immune system, a result of treatment for his Crohn’s disease, made him more susceptible.

After eating a chicken burger, Jack experienced severe symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhoea, and a high temperature.

Despite initial attempts to manage the situation with over-the-counter medications, his condition rapidly deteriorated. In a critical moment, Jack

realised the severity of his situation: “I remember thinking, don’t fall asleep. You won’t wake up.”

Rushed to a medical centre by the England team doctor, he was transferred to a hospital where he received antibiotics and fluids to treat sepsis. The experience, initially perceived as a common illness, turned into a life-threatening emergency.

‘I feel very lucky to get through sepsis and live to tell the story’ Jack said: “For a very long period through the night and that morning it felt like just a fever and sickness and a bug. And then really quickly, it started to feel like something different.”

He is now dedicated to promoting awareness of sepsis, encouraging everyone to familiarise themselves with the signs and to treat it as a medical emergency.

“I feel very lucky to get through sepsis and live to tell the story,” he said.

Dr Ron Daniels, founder and joint CEO of the Trust, which is a member of Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber, said: “As part of Crohn’s and Colitis

Susceptible: Jack Leach

Awareness Week, Jack Leach's story is a call to action, urging individuals to ‘Just ask: Could it be sepsis?’ if something doesn’t feel right.

“We’re so grateful to Jack for using his platform to raise vital awareness of this lifethreatening, but often treatable condition. His story shows anyone could develop sepsis from an infection.”

Visit: sepsistrust.org

Registration now open for Sport & Business Summit England Colleges call-up: Leo Delves

England hockey team call up Leo Halesowen College sports student Leo Delves will be part of the England Colleges Hockey team for the second year in a row.

Leo is in his second year of studying Level 3 Sport at College and has been nominated by his lecturer Simon Laidley.

Leo, 18, said: “At college I’ve been able to improve my fitness through testing and gym work. I am very happy to have made the team.”

Mr Laidley, head of student support for sport at Halesowen College, said: “Congratulations to Leo on being part of this top team – he has worked really hard for this success.”

86 CHAMBERLINK February 2024

World-class speakers are lined up for the SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit 2024 in Birmingham on 7-11 April, for which registration is now open.

The sport’s most influential industry gathering is expected to attract more than 1,500 delegates at the International Convention Centre (ICC) with the theme: The Power of Sport.

Registration has opened for the SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit 2024, with an early bird delegate pass offering an ideal opportunity to secure attendance at the biggest sport and business meeting of the year.

The summit will feature a host of local cultural activities on offer before and after the event.

The core of the summit consists of official assemblies and meetings, joint IOC/International Federation meetings. Full details of the Summit programme, including cultural events, dinners, receptions and networking can be found at: thepowerof.sport

A highlight of the conference programme on Wednesday, 10 April, will be an exploration of how the North American professional football league model has enabled teams to become ever more powerful rights holders, focusing in particular on innovation and the use of technology to deliver value for partners and build fan engagement.

Among the speakers joining from the US will be Scott Kegley, VP digital strategy at the Atlanta Falcons, and Rob Alberino, VP of content and production at the Kansas City Chiefs.

SportAccord president Uğur Erdener said: “We look forward to seeing familiar faces and making new friends and connections in Birmingham and the West Midlands at the SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit.

“Delegates can now register to secure their places at this highly anticipated event in the heart of the UK’s leading sport city and region.”

West Midlands mayor Andy Street said: “We all know how incredible the Commonwealth Games was for the West Midlands, but last year’s spectacle must be the start of a new sporting journey for our region – not the end.

“If we want to keep hosting the world’s biggest sporting events then showcasing our region to sport’s global decision makers is mission critical.

“That’s why this SportAccord conference is so important - and why I’m delighted we’ve been able to pull it off.”

Leader of Birmingham City Council Cllr John Cotton said: “As a fantastic sporting city with a global reputation for staging unforgettable events, Birmingham is the perfect home for the SportAccord Summit 2024.

“As a famously friendly city, we can also guarantee a warm Birmingham welcome to all visiting delegates.”

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CHAMBERLINK

Chamber Insight Focus on a member

Name: Prof. Paul Cadman Company: Starting Point Recruitment and Steps To Work Job Title: Group CEO and Managing Director of Starting Point Recruitment

What does your company do?

We are a people-powered company committed to finding great people to fill your roles and finding great roles for our people to fill.

How did it all start?

Founded in 2002, SPR was born out of servicing a master vendor contract for Walsall council - it’s now a diversified recruitment firm covering many sectors. It also works alongside Steps To Work, donating all profits to charity.

What’s your greatest achievement so far?

Helm of SPR/STW - 50,000 people over 24 years. Supporting multiple charities such as Acorns.

Food pantries and helping into employment.

What is the biggest risk you’ve ever taken – and did it work out?

Having spent 20 years in the Fire Service, there are too many close calls to crown one king. Every life saved was worth the risk.

What keeps you awake at night?

Ensuring Starting Point Recruitment continues its upward trajectory in a changing job market. But also the goal to support as many people as possible in realising their potential. There is a lot of untapped talent, and many are not given the right opportunities or are experiencing difficulties getting noticed.

If you could turn the clock back, what would you do differently?

I would make sure that we have more opinion and voice concerns on topics that are extremely important, raising more awareness about poverty in our communities, disability, and equal opportunities.

What has surprised you most in your job?

The resilience and adaptability of people when they need help – it is inspiring every day.

What advice would you give to someone starting out?

Be a relentless learner. Devour knowledge, chase curiosity, and flex your skills – growth fuels success. Network like a champ.

Build bridges, find mentors, and swap perspectives. And finally give relentlessly to good people.

Which business do you most admire?

NEC Group, led by Andy Cole and Paul Thandi and their commitment to social impact, supporting their communities and creating employment opportunities.

What exciting projects is your business working on?

We're expanding Starting Point Recruitment in Birmingham, building the team and tackling the challenge head-on by providing recruitment. But on a really good day. We’re also launching SPRSearch a hyper-local job board matching talent with opportunities in their local area.

What made you join Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and how are you making use of your membership?

Networking, collaboration, and championing Birmingham's business potential.

Contact: Josh Moreton joshua.moreton@davidand.co.uk 07828 133 445 Radost Dineva radost.dineva@stepstowork.co.u k07735802342

February 2024 CHAMBERLINK 87

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MEMBER SECTION: NEW MEMBERS

New Members Your guide to new sign-ups NOVEMBER Aquarius Ltd Nicholas Rogers 01214450339 www.fogtrap.com Treatment and disposal of nonhazardous waste Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Ashlee Mason Productions Ashlee Mason 07581 711826 www.ashleemason.co.uk Video production activities Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Cargo Flow Agency Ltd Andy Wells 01273 583000 www.cargoflowagency.co.uk Freight transport by road Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce

Circyl Jason Betteridge 03330 209969 www.circyl.co.uk Information technology consultancy activities Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

CN Tax Dispute Resolutions Ltd Neil Rollason 07831 185729 www.CNTDR.Co.uk Accounting and auditing activities Solihull Chamber of Commerce

F1 Arcade Birmingham Taylah Catlow 01212274010 f1arcade.com/uk/birmingham Public houses and bars Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

FareShare Midlands Stella Broster 0121 328 6640 www.fareshare.org.uk Other food services Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

GE Steam Power LTD (Energy Production) Christine Bresson 01788557423 www.gevernova.com Manufacture of electric motors, generators and transformers Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce

Whatever your business size and requirements, the Chamber has a membership scale to suit your needs.

For more information visit: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/membership

Growth Plans Ltd Liz Whitfield 07788 582573 www.growth-plans.co.uk Accounting and auditing activities Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Guudvitamins Haweya Abdikadir www.Perfectgummi.com Manufacture of other food products n.e.c.

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Hills Energy Management Solutions Ltd (H-EMS) James Hill 0121 285 6111 www.h-ems.co.uk Computer facilities management activities Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Hug Academy Limited Ian Seddon www.hug.academy Other education n.e.c.

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Lisieux Trust Andrew Thorley 0121 377 7071 www.lisieuxtrust.org.uk Residential care activities for learning difficulties, mental health and substance abuse Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce

Luxury Feature Walls Ltd TA Mike Singh Kular 07957421059 www.FeatureWalls.co.uk Other construction installation Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Maxi Automation Limited Christian Von Buchwald 02082424569 www.maxiautomation.com Wholesale of other machinery and equipment Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity Pam Hodgetts 0800 8402040 www.midlandsairambulance.com Hospital activities Solihull Chamber of Commerce

My Talent Partner

Pigeon Loft Limited

Lisa Bill 07470144975 www.mytalentpartner.co.uk Management consultancy activities other than financial management Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

John Morse-Brown 01212129857 www.pigeonposted.com Manufacture of paper stationery Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce

Nicola Hale People Consulting LTD

Ring Ring Recruitment

Nicola Hale 07545 078661 www.nicolahale.co.uk Human resources provision and management of human resources functions Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Claire Barber 07970 759 552 www.ringringrecruitment.co.uk Temporary employment agency activities Burton and District Chamber of Commerce

Northfield Community Partnership

Sustainable Habits Limited

Rob Jones 07458306508 www.misfitsmusic.org.uk Performing arts Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Maxine Shanahan 0121 4112157 www.northfieldcommunity.org Activities of other membership organisations n.e.c.

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

GE Steam Power Ltd (Engineering & Parts)

Mulberry Advisors Limited

Peaceful Cars Ltd

The National Energy Hub

Rob Beard 01788557423 www.gevernova.com Other service activities n.e.c.

Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce

Nap Ghag +447976585766 www.mulberryadvisors.co.uk Management consultancy activities other than financial management Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Sultan Ahmed 01217693082 www.peacefulcarsltd.co.uk Other transportation support activities Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Bradley Bevan 0330 111 1432 www.thenationalenergyhub.co.uk Security and commodity contracts dealing activities Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

88 CHAMBERLINK February 2024

Misfits Music Foundation

Jamie Walker 07885 608375 www.sustainablehabitslimited.com Environmental consulting activities Solihull Chamber of Commerce

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MEMBER SECTION: NEW MEMBERS

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

connect, support and grow.

Armour Coaching

Industrial Brushware Ltd

Bob Armour 07957967911 www.armourcoaching.co.uk Management consultancy activities other than financial management Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Jane Palmer 0121 559 3862 www.ibexindustrialbrushes.com Manufacture of brooms and brushes Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Bootcamp Media Jamil Shabir 0121 630 2350 www.bootcampmedia.co.uk Information technology consultancy activities Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Crystal Image Martin Smith 0121 439 7985 www.crystalimage.uk.com Non-specialised wholesale trade Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Diamond Logistics Birmingham Richard Westwood 0121 6678283 www.diamondlogistics.co.uk/branches /birmingham-couriers-fulfilment Unlicensed carriers Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Digital Momentum James Price 01217598989 www.digitalmomentum.co.uk Advertising agencies Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce

Evaccess Ukz services ltd

Acuity Law Limited

Usama Bin Tariq 07851082499 www.ukzss.co.uk Building societies Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Adele Carter 07814292177 www.acuitylaw.com Activities of patent and copyright agents; other legal activities n.e.c.

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Updesigners Jordan Pincombe 07375233572 specialised design activities Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

DECEMBER

Allegro Christina Charters www.linkedin.com/in/christinacharters Management consultancy activities other than financial management Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Acivico Limited

Althaus Digital

Al Robinson 0121 274 3464 www.acivicogroup.co.uk Construction of commercial buildings Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Darren Schrouder 020 3649 9000 www.althausdigital.co.uk Other education n.e.c.

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

ACT Solutions

Arcadis LLP

Charlotte Higgs 07814272482 www.actsolutions.org.uk Management consultancy activities other than financial management Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Simon Marks 0121 503 2700 www.arcadis.com Other specialised construction activities n.e.c.

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Jack Brevitt 0121 444 3690 www.evaccess.uk Other human health activities Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Global Manpower Services Ltd Kal Kukadia 0121 777 8300 www.globalmanpowerservices.com Human resources provision and management of human resources functions Solihull Chamber of Commerce

GMK Wealth Limited Rachel Woodward 01213866636 www.gmkwealth.com Financial management Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce

MAN Commercial Protection Ltd Laura McCarthy 0121 733 8484 www.mancommercialprotection.co.uk Security and commodity contracts dealing activities Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Medicare Limited Jayne Ward-Lucy 01543 495788 www.medicareltd.co.uk Other business support service activities n.e.c.

Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce

Neelam's Boutique Neelam Afzal 07826959586 Other retail sale in non-specialised stores Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Our Community Foundation Basharat Dad 0121 667 1000 www.ourcommunity.org.uk Other education n.e.c.

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

SA Carpets Northfield Limited Hasan Afzal Rana 0121 377 7373 Agents involved in the sale of furniture, household goods, hardware and ironmongery Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Sport Birmingham Dan Smith 0121 296 5190 www.sportbirmingham.org Physical well-being activities Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

The Dove Radio Company Limited John Haynes 07414 233312 www.doveradio.co.uk Support activities to performing arts Burton and District Chamber of Commerce

Translift Bendi Ltd Paul Berrow 01527 527411 www.bendi.co.uk Manufacture of lifting and handling equipment Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Iguana Group Benjamin Murphy +441527861111 www.iguanagroup.co.uk Activities of exhibition and fair organisers Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce

Volta Plastic Industries Pvt Ltd Danyal Ahmed 07904 117625 www.voltaplastic.co.uk Manufacture of plastics in primary forms Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce February 2024 CHAMBERLINK 89

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MEMBER SECTION

...any other business A roundup of news from Chamber members

Tunnel vision for HS2 contractors Chamberlink looks at work on the Birmingham to London leg, which continues at pace with the construction of a huge 3.5-mile long tunnel into Birmingham.

A team of 90 specialist engineers have completed the assembly of HS2’s giant tunnel boring machine (TBM) which will start digging the second bore of the 3.5 mile Bromford Tunnel into Birmingham this year.

In an assembly operation to move sections of the machine into a 12metre deep launch pit, two 600tonne cranes lifted the huge 125tonne cutterhead into place at the front of the 125-metre long machine in the pit bottom.

The first TBM, named “Mary Ann” after Mary Ann Evans – the real name of Victorian writer George Eliot who was born in Nuneaton – started digging near Water Orton in August this year.

The name of the second TBM will be revealed before it launches in the spring. ‘Mary Ann’ is set to break

through at the end of 2024, with the second TBM planned to complete its journey in the middle of 2025.

Both TBMs will remove 1.87 million tonnes of excavated material, which will be sifted at the on-site slurry treatment plant and reused on HS2’s nearby sites at Delta Junction,

where a complex network of nine viaducts is being built.

HS2’s senior project manager Catherine Loveridge said: “With the first TBM ‘Mary Ann’ well on her way building the tunnel to take high speed trains into central Birmingham’s Curzon Street Station,

Easy does it: The giant HS2 earth-boring machine is inched into place

it’s fantastic to see the second TBM assembled.

“We’re now at peak construction, with over 9,750 people working on HS2 in the West Midlands and around 450 people working on this site, including many from the local area.

Launching the second TBM next year means there will be more exciting jobs up for grabs for local people.”

Jules Arlaud, tunnelling director for Balfour Beatty VINCI, HS2’s construction partner for the region, said: “Completing the assembly of the second tunnel boring machine is another major achievement for the team working on HS2’s Bromford Tunnel. Over the next few months, the team will be busy testing, checking and carrying out the final preparations, to make sure the machine is ready to start digging in spring.”

Ballet appoints new music director Paul Murphy has been appointed Birmingham Royal Ballet’s (BRB) new music director and principal conductor leading the company’s orchestra, the Royal Ballet Sinfonia.

He will assume the role on 1 July 2024, following Koen Kessels stepping down as BRB’s music director on 30 June 2024.

Carlos Acosta, director of Birmingham Royal Ballet, said: “I couldn’t be happier for Paul. His unfailing energy and enthusiasm have been a source of inspiration to me, all of the Royal Ballet Sinfonia players, our dancers and the company as a whole.”

Paul has been a member of Birmingham Royal Ballet for 31 years since he joined the company in 1992. He was appointed Birmingham Royal Ballet’s principal conductor in 1997 and has been instrumental in developing exceptionally talented young ballet conductors through the Constant Lambert Conducting Fellowship.

An inspiration: Paul Murphy 90 CHAMBERLINK February 2024

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