1. Chamberlink July August 1-36 USE.qxp_Chamberlink 29/06/2022 13:01 Page 1
The official publication of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce
CHAMBER July/August 2022
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We’re ready to swagger… Eyes of the world on region in £1bn Games showcase - See pages 5-17 • New Chamber chairman and NEDs are named • Global packaging manufacturer becomes patron • Future Faces awards shortlist revealed
Picture: Marc Kirsten
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Contents Chamberlink July/August 2022 Business News
Chamber Group
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Editor’s View Region’s businesses poised to take advantage of an opportunity of a lifetime
54 International Trade: Mission forges links with Ghana
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Business News Birmingham prepares for the Commonwealth Games
56 ABCC: Chamber patron backs awards night 58 Cannock Chase: Council welcomes Cabinet members
12 President’s Focus Joel Blake, Commonwealth Chamber president
59 Burton & District: Pygmy goat named in honour of Platinum Jubilee
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60 Lichfield & Tamworth: Plan to improve access to nature
16 The Griffin Report John Crabtree, chair of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 Organising Committee
61 Sutton Coldfield: Cyclists raise funds for UK Sepsis Trust
32 Where do you fancy? Indus Restaurant
64 Future Faces: A decade of shaping young professionals
Chamber Patrons 50 Sir Lenny takes diversity tax breaks bid to No 10
1813 Club and Premier Members 52 Artist to explore forgotten military stories
62 Solihull: Summer Expo generates a buzz
73 Workforce Development: The employer’s checklist to attracting and retaining top talent 76 Developing your staff
Sector Focus
Events
78 Business Travel: Station finally reopens
66 The latest comprehensive list of Chamber training courses and events
80 Finance: Late payments on the rise
Features
82 Legal: Law firm warns of pension poverty risk
69 Connecting the Midlands: Sharing more than food
85 Manufacturing: New website drives JLR into the future 86 Property: Holiday homes cause £150m loss 88 Skills: HS2 contractor expands training programmes 91 Technology: BT Street Hubs go live 92 The Arts: Artists explore city’s links to Commonwealth 94 Sport: Spain trip inspires basketball club
Member Section 95 Member Profile Dominic Mills, Yuup 96 New Members Chamber welcomes new members
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98 …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.
CHAMBER LINK
The official publication of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Cannock Chase
Editor John Lamb 0121 274 3237, 0797 1144064 j.lamb@birmingham-chamber.com Deputy Editor Dan Harrison 0121 274 3239, 0797 1144052 d.harrison@birmingham-chamber.com
Chamber of Commerce
Sutton Coldfield
Greater Birmingham
Chamber
Commonwealth
of Commerce
Chamber of Commerce
Greater Birmingham
Reporter Sophia Corness-Parr 0750 8317356 s.corness-parr@birmingham-chamber.com Reporter Jon Griffin 07963 405538 J.Griffin@birmingham-chamber.com
Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce
You can now read the latest issue of CHAMBERLINK and view back issues online at: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
July/August 2022 CHAMBERLINK 3
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Opinion
Editor’s View By John Lamb
Take advantage of the opportunity of a lifetime t last, Greater Birmingham and the West Midlands can bathe in the glory of having a major event in their parish. For years, we have been the poor cousins – remember losing out on the Olympics in 1992 when Barcelona won; then we played second fiddle to Liverpool for the European City of Culture title in 2008; and the prospect of having the new Wembley on our doorstep near the M42 was scuppered when the FA eventually decided to go to, er, Wembley? And, of course, there were the moves to bring Media City and Channel 4 to Birmingham, missing out to Manchester and Leeds respectively. Former Chamber president John Crabtree alludes to these disappointments in an interview with Jon Griffin in this issue of Chamberlink (see
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‘Exports from the West Midlands to Commonwealth countries have consistently surpassed £2bn’ pages 16 and 17) in his capacity as chair of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 Organising Committee. We devote several pages to celebrating the Commonwealth Games in the West Midlands between 28 July and 8 August and the benefits this sporting and cultural spectacular can bring to business. The Chamber responded early by establishing a Greater Birmingham Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce in 2018 to seek opportunities in
FRONT COVER: Commonwealth Games and business powerhouse See page 5 Published by
Kemps Publishing Ltd Unit 8, The Courtyard, 707 Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 3DA 0121 765 4144 www.kempspublishing.co.uk Managing Editor Laura Blake Designer Lloyd Hollingworth Advertising 0121 765 4144 jon.jones@kempspublishing.co.uk Printers Stephens & George Print Group
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this largely untapped global market. This proved invaluable to Elisabeth LewisJones, who explains on Page 8 how her PR company Liquid has benefited because Chamber membership opened many doors worldwide and provided important business introductions. Exports from the West Midlands to Commonwealth countries have consistently surpassed £2bn since 2018 but since Brexit there has been a drive to vastly increase that figure. Greater Birmingham Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce was created in 2018 to help achieve that ambition and by 2021 exports from the region rose to £2.02bn as organisations sought to diversify their order books. Brexit forced companies, many of whom were already trading with Europe, to think about looking at other markets. So through the Commonwealth Chamber they were able to gather the information they needed to help them trade in these new territories. Among the huge value of trading in the Commonwealth over other parts of the world is that there are largely a common language and legal practices. In fact, over the years really valuable and long-standing relationships have been established despite the devastating impact of Covid-19. Birmingham’s is the only Commonwealth Chamber in the country and offers a ready-made opportunity for businesses to use the myriad of contact that have been established to their advantage. And between 28 July and 8 August there will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
PRIVACY NOTICE: Kemps Publishing Ltd process personal information for certain legitimate interest purposes, which includes the following: • To provide postal copies of this publication to Chamber members and Kemps' customers; and • To offer marketing and promotional opportunities within this publication to Chamber members and prospects. Whenever we process data for these purposes, we always ensure we treat your Personal Data rights in high regard. If you wish to, you can visit www.kempspublishing.co.uk to view our full Privacy Notice and to learn more about our legitimate interests and your rights in this regard. CHAMBERLINK is produced on behalf of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce by Kemps Publishing Ltd and is distributed to members without charge. The Chambers and the publisher are committed to achieving the highest quality standards. While every care has been taken to ensure that the information it contains is accurate, neither the Chambers nor the publisher can accept any responsibility for any omission or inaccuracies that might arise. Views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Chambers. This publication (or any part thereof) may not be reproduced, transmitted or stored in print or electronic format without prior written permission of Kemps Publishing Ltd.
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Business News
Business News Latest news from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Business, the Council and the Games unite for success (left to right): Deb Leary (Chamber president), Deborah Cadman (chief executive, Birmingham City Council), Ian Reid (chief executive, Commonwealth Games organising committee) and Henrietta Brealey (chief executive, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce)
Showcasing the brilliance of Birmingham to the whole world By Jon Griffin he Commonwealth Games will bring “11 days of swagger” celebrating Birmingham's biggest-ever sporting and cultural event – and giving the city an unprecedented opportunity to pursue further global ambitions. Birmingham City Council chief executive Deborah Cadman and Commonwealth Games CEO Ian Reid said “the largest multi-sport UK event for a decade” would see the eyes of the world on Birmingham, providing an enduring legacy for future generations - which could even trigger a future bid for the Olympics. Deborah Cadman told business guests at a special patrons’ networking event at Deutsche Bank hosted by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce: "We want to sell the city to the world. It is not just 11 days of sport, it is not just 11 days of culture - it is 11 days of swagger where everyone says Birmingham is pretty brilliant." Ian Reid said: “This is a once in a generation opportunity to showcase Birmingham to the world. We estimate it will create a £1bn
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economic benefit. It is an event that will never come here again.” And asked if Birmingham could realistically launch a future bid for the Olympics in the aftermath of a successful Commonwealth Games, Ian said a partnership event in tandem with the likes of Manchester and Glasgow was a “viable aspiration”. "I am not sure that Birmingham could host everything. But a multi-city approach is definitely realistic and I think that would be
‘We want to sell the city to the world. It is not just 11 days of sport’ incredible. It is a viable aspiration that it could be done in partnership.” Ian cited the example of the next Commonwealth Games due to be held in Victoria, Australia, which will be held across four state hubs. “The Olympics has only been held in big international cities, the likes of London, Paris, Tokyo, Barcelona. They are thinking now about
how they can adapt, and be more flexible.” Deborah Cadman said the two new or developed permanent venues for the Commonwealth Games at Alexander Stadium and the Sandwell Aquatics Centre were ideal locations for future large-scale international events. "The Aquatics Centre is absolutely brilliant and for that not to be used for national and international events would be a travesty. It (and the Alexander Stadium) can’t be just for 11 days. We have got to open it up to the community for large scale international events that we want to bring to the city. “But it (an Olympics bid) would have to be central Government working hand in hand - it would not just be Birmingham City Council.” The Birmingham City Council chief executive urged businesses to grasp the huge opportunities provided by the forthcoming Games to provide a lasting legacy, including the £1bn economic boost while raising awareness of the Commonwealth and its history among young children. Continued on page 11...
New chairman and three directors named by Chamber – see pages 20-21 July/August 2022 CHAMBERLINK 5
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Business News
Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 Special
Businesses can profit as world comes to region By Jon Griffin he Commonwealth will come under the spotlight in the West Midlands like never before for the duration of the Games – and forward-looking businesses can cash in to swell their order books. Businesses throughout Greater Birmingham can now tap into dozens of potentially lucrative markets thanks to the UK’s only dedicated Commonwealth Chamber set up under the umbrella of the area’s Chambers of Commerce. The Commonwealth divisional arm of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) was established in early 2018 as the first Chamber organisation to promote new business opportunities for firms seeking to trade in largely untapped markets across the globe. The Chamber has already made key inroads into forging new commercial links with the Commonwealth after Brexit forced many West Midlands companies to
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Common values: Mandy Haque
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re-assess their trading ambitions. One Chamber member, longserving Birmingham-based PR company Liquid, is one of several organisations grateful for the new opportunities afforded by the Commonwealth Chamber. Elisabeth Lewis-Jones, chief executive of Liquid, said: “We don’t have to explain to our clients in Canada, the United States, Luxembourg or South Africa where Birmingham is any more. Many are
‘We share common values, common languages and common legal practices with the countries of the Commonwealth’ already aware of the city and our links with the Chamber have helped to open doors and provide important business introductions. “When you’re looking at a new office you are making an important
investment both in terms of time as well as financially. The links Mandy and her team at GBCC have provided have reduced time spent on initial research and enabled us to move quickly on location, legals and the set up of our new venture.” Liquid, with a string of international clients and links to an array of worldwide locations including Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man, the British Virgin Isles, the Cayman Islands, Luxembourg, Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong and others, say the Chamber has been able to link the PR firm into offshore Trade and Investment teams and make invaluable introductions. Mandy Haque, the Chamber’s international director, said the establishment of the Commonwealth Chamber “served a real purpose” to promote bilateral trade for organisations seeking to diversify their order books. “It was post-Brexit, the fact that we were leaving Europe and wanted to encourage businesses to think about trading with other markets. Many businesses were trading with Europe already and as a Chamber we wanted to ensure that businesses had the support and the information that they would need to look at Commonwealth markets. “We share common values, common languages and common legal practices with the countries of the Commonwealth. It is a great opportunity to look at markets they would not have looked at previously. “Over the last three or four years we have established some really valuable relationships with High Commissions in the Commonwealth. Covid has been a challenge but we have done some
Chamber help: Elisabeth Lewis-Jones
excellent virtual events to showcase trading opportunities with the Commonwealth.” Mandy said trading with the Commonwealth – which comprises 54 largely English-speaking countries with a combined population of 2.5 billion covering one third of the globe – was still well below commerce with Europe. “It is still very low considering all the untapped opportunities and the enthusiasm of Commonwealth countries to trade with us. This is about promoting the ease of trading bilaterally with the Commonwealth. “This is the only Commonwealth Chamber in the country – I have a good relationship where I can ring up senior trade commissioners and say we have members here and they are interested in trading in your country. “We know the right people to speak to, we can speed up the process due to the relationships we have established. “If anybody would like to learn more about the Commonwealth division, they should get in touch via the website or approach myself personally at m.haque@birminghamchamber.com”
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Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 Special
Business News
Brexit drives exporting past the £2bn mark By Erin Henwood xports from the West Midlands to Commonwealth countries have consistently surpassed £2bn since 2018 but post-Brexit there has been a drive to vastly increase that figure. As a result, Greater Birmingham Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce was created in 2018 and by 2021 exports from the region rose to over £2bn. West Midlands’ statistics do not include all Commonwealth nations and only includes the trading information which the UK Government considers statistically significant. They are: Australia, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Canada, Cyprus, Ghana, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Trinidad and Tobago. With more than £1.3bn worth exported in 2021 alone, machinery and transport equipment firms contributed more than half of the region’s overall exports to Commonwealth countries. The largest exported commodities (by value) in 2021 were manufactured goods classified chiefly by material (£217m), crude materials, inedible, except fuels (£160m), and miscellaneous manufactured articles (£142m). Between 2018 and 2021, exports of animal and vegetable oils, fats and waxes increased by 49
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per cent to £2.2m, followed by chemicals and related products (+4 per cent to £124m). In 2018, the West Midlands was the fourth largest regional exporter of goods to Commonwealth countries, exporting £2.6bn worth of goods out of an English total of £21.5bn. Exports from the West Midlands to Commonwealth countries accounted for 8.2 per cent of the West Midlands overall exports in
‘Imports from Commonwealth countries accounted for 9.1 per cent of the West Midlands’ overall imports in 2021’ 2021, a decrease of 1.7 per cent compared to 2018 (£2.6bn out of £26.4bn). Imports from Commonwealth countries to the West Midlands totalled over £2bn in 2021, just two per cent down from 2018. The largest imported commodities by value in 2021 were machinery and transport equipment (£697m), manufactured goods classified chiefly by material (£584m), and miscellaneous manufactured articles (£537m). The largest increases between 2018 and 2021 were chemicals and related products (52 per cent), manufactured goods classified chiefly by material (50 per cent), and animal and vegetable
Erin Henwood
oils, fats and waxes (six per cent). Imports from Commonwealth countries accounted for 9.1 per cent of the West Midlands’ overall imports in 2021, up 0.5 per cent from 2018. In 2018, the West Midlands was the fifth largest regional importer of Commonwealth goods, accounting for £2.3bn of England’s £24.5bn worth of goods. Erin Henwood is a policy advisor at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.
T: 0121 745 8444 E: sales@midland-fire.co.uk W: midland-fire.co.uk July/August 2022 CHAMBERLINK 7
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Business News Local firm to deliver uniforms Incorporatewear Ltd has been appointed by Birmingham 2022 as Official Workforce Uniform Provider, responsible for designing, producing and supplying the uniform to the entire Games workforce, following a competitive tender process. The Coleshill-based company will also be responsible for delivering the uniform for technical officials, for Batonbearers during the Queen’s Baton Relay as it travels through the UK, and for the Commonwealth Collective; the 13,000 volunteers that will come together to help deliver the biggest sporting and cultural event the West Midlands has ever seen. Managing director of Incorporatewear, Ed Grigg: “We are extremely proud to have been awarded this contract. As a local company, it is a fantastic boost for us and we’re delighted that to supply and be associated with such a prestigious event.” Ian Reid, chief executive of Birmingham 2022, said: “I’m confident Incorporatewear Ltd will deliver a high-quality uniform that will instil a sense of pride in the thousands of people that will wear it.”
Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 Special
Members lend their skills to drive Games success By John Lamb Many members of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) have been involved in providing widespread support and services to create Games success. Leading the way and one of the six official partners is the University of Birmingham, who are also staging the hockey and squash events. University College Birmingham are hosting Scotland House for athletes, officials, families and friends visiting from north of the border. Official supporters Gowling have been providing legal advice to the Games and PwC have set up a large volunteering process among their employees as well as building inclusive growth through improved skills, jobs, diversity and social mobility. Bruntwood have extended their expertise to champion the promotion of health and wellbeing as official providers to the Games, seeking to enhance
‘Many Chamber members have played their part and they should be proud of contributing’ equality and inclusivity within the sporting arena. Incorporatewear manufactured the Games’ workforce uniforms and were joined as official providers by Aston University and Birmingham Metropolitan College (BMet), who have been involved in training volunteers. Kier have been one of the partners working on the Perry Bar residential scheme (former athletes village, now a legacy project) and Arup designed the redevelopment of the Alexander Stadium. The NEC Group are providing venues for a number of sports across Arena and NEC and are also hosting the Commonwealth Esports Championships at the ICC during the Games.
Hockey action: The University of Birmingham will stage the Games’ hockey competition
Clare Francis, commercial law partner at Pinsent Masons is vice-chair of Volleyball England and is leading the work around volleyball’s Birmingham 2022 legacy. She said: “I’m excited to watch what promises to be a thoroughly entertaining tournament. I know how hard they have all trained and wish them the best of luck on court.” The Commonwealth Games men’s and women’s beach volleyball events take place in Smithfield, the former markets area in Birmingham city centre. Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of the GBCC, said: “It is fitting that so many regional businesses have been involved in ensuring that the broad range of activities involved in organising a huge world-wide event have been able to contribute at so many levels. “From the infrastructure to the wellbeing of athletes and spectators, many Chamber members have played their part and they should be proud of contributing to Birmingham and the West Midlands being at the centre of a world stage.” • Homes from home for all – see page 14
Jewel-inspired medals revealed Birmingham 2022 has unveiled the official medals which will be awarded to athletes at the Commonwealth Games this summer. The jewel-like medals have been designed by three students from Birmingham’s School of Jewellery and manufactured by Toye, Kenning and Spencer in the city’s Jewellery Quarter. The three students - Amber Alys, Francesca Wilcox and Catarina Rodrigues Caeiro - were also part of the team that has designed the ribbon and the box for the medals. Amber Alys, the lead designer for the medals, said: “We really thought about the athletes when designing the medals – the connection between athletes and the journey they go on to achieve their dream of standing on top of the podium. We wanted to create something with a jewel-like quality so that the athletes had something that they could treasure for the rest of their lives. We really hope the athletes like them.” Toye, Kenning and Spencer, a family-owned business that has been based in Birmingham for more than 200 years, has been chosen as the medal fabricators. The company is also making the adjustable gold, green and blue medal ribbons, which feature a celebratory confetti pattern, in their Bedworth factory. 1,875 medals will now be produced, to be awarded to the athletes placing first, second and third in the 283 medal events that are part of the Games.
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Going for gold: The Birmingham 2022 medals
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Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 Special
Business News
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Business News
Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 Special
Picture: Getty Images
World Cup triumph: Rachael HeyhoeFlint celebrates with her team after winning the very first Women’s World Cup final at Edgbaston in 1973
At the forefront: Laura MacLeod
Women’s T20 cricket is coming home to Edgbaston Stadium By Jon Griffin he Commonwealth Games T20 tournament marks a huge global opportunity for women’s cricket – at the same Edgbaston venue where history was made nearly 50 years ago. The “exciting” prospect of women’s T20 reaching millions of TV viewers worldwide was heralded by one of the sport’s best-known figures, West Midlandbased former England Test cricketer Laura Macleod. Laura, whose illustrious international career spanned 13 Test Matches and 73 ODIs, is now at the forefront of pushing the boundaries further for the women’s game as director of West Midlands Women’s Cricket, one of eight regional hubs for elite women’s domestic cricket. She said: “The Games are a great global opportunity for women’s cricket. It’s not the first time that cricket has featured in the Commonwealth Games but it will be the first time that T20 cricket has been included. It will certainly grow the status and the reputation of women’s cricket. I think that these Games will be a pivotal moment for women’s cricket. They are a global event and people will be around elite athletes who you would not normally rub shoulders with.” All the matches will be played at Edgbaston, where the very first
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Women’s World Cup Final was played in 1973, in which England beat Australia by 92 runs in a 60over clash. On that occasion England rattled up 279 for 3 with Enid Bakewell scoring 118 and Rachael Heyhoe Flint 64. The Aussies replied with 187 for 9.
Cup Final, the late Wolverhamptonbased Rachael Heyhoe Flint, who helped drive the women’s game to new heights in the course of a distinguished career. “Rachael was somebody who just would not take no for an answer. She would challenge
‘I think that these Games will be a pivotal moment for women’s cricket’ That match predated the first men’s World Cup Final by two years – when the West Indies beat Australia at Lord’s in June 1975 – and Edgbaston sporting history is now repeating itself with the first T20 at the Commonwealth Games a women’s clash on July 29 between Australia and India. Laura paid tribute to one of the stars of the 1973 Women’s World
Edgbaston Stadium
people in a really respectful way – ‘why can’t we do that?’ She was a real trailblazer and would be really proud of the progress we are making, not just in this country but in the world.” She said the women’s game had moved on in leaps and bounds from its former amateur status. “We had to work, we sometimes got expenses, but now you are
talking about a reasonable career option. We have got between 70 and 80 professional players and the England centrally contracted players are paid a good wage. “The Aussies are still leading the way in terms of investment into the international game and the domestic game. It has been a gradual evolution but it is not just about playing the game, it is also about the volunteering and going to your local club – more and more clubs are going to be playing soft ball cricket.” All the matches at the Commonwealth Games are being played at Edgbaston with Australia, Barbados, India and Pakistan in Group A and England joining New Zealand, South Africa and Sri Lanka in Group B. The top two in each group will progress to semi-finals on 6 August with the final a day/nighter on 7 August. She said the Games would feature global superstars such as Ellyse Perry of Australia and Harmanpreet Kaur of India. “I have got tickets for the final. I know I am a little bit biased but Edgbaston is a fantastic venue. T20 is a very attractive brand of cricket, especially for a TV audience. “Maybe in a few years there will be other Commonwealth countries taking part. I am very hopeful for the future of the women’s game – it is going to get bigger.”
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Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 Special ...from page 5 "One million people work in and around the city. I want people to go out and be advocates (for the Games) and for businesses; to say to your staff 'get involved, encourage your people to get involved when they can.” Ian said a total of 45,000 people would be involved in a working capacity for the Games, including around 2,000 paid employees, 14,000 volunteers and 30,000 contractors, leading to the eventual creation of thousands of jobs. A total of 6,500 to 7,000 athletes and officials will flock to the region. Deborah added: “As a Brummie, I am really proud. I want every single child in this city to understand what it means to host the Commonwealth Games. I want the city to be beautiful, clean and safe.” She cited the example of the new temporary artwork installation surrounding the Queen Victoria statue in Victoria Square which depicts the monarch standing in a boat and leading a battalion of other statues, representing the home nation throughout the Empire. "It is purposely being provocative. Some people are going to love it, some people are going to hate it. I personally love it, I think it is good to start a conversation about what the Commonwealth means….it is about an enduring legacy as well." Ian said nearly 1.1 million tickets had already been sold with the athletics events particularly popular, with tickets still available for events ranging from T20 women's cricket to rugby, Beach Volleyball, boxing and badminton. Meanwhile, the wider cultural impact of the Games was already helping to transform the city
Business News million people. We have got Perry the Mascot going out to primary schools." He paid tribute to the collaborative approach by Birmingham City Council, Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, Transport for West Midlands, West Midlands Police and the West Midlands Combined Authority on helping to deliver the Games "on budget and on target”. “A lot of the time agencies across host cities can be quite protective and adversarial when delivering major multi-sports events. The collaborative working in the West Midlands has genuinely been refreshing. It is a powerful thing to bring people together. We are going to try to leave a legacy that can be used by communities well into the future.” Ian said the likes of Victoria Square and Centenary Square would be broadcast across the
‘I think it is good to start a conversation about what the Commonwealth means
Centenary Square will be broadcast to the world
ahead of the opening ceremony on Thursday, 28 July. “We are expecting a huge number of dignitaries, very important and influential people to come to the city. “Are these Games genuinely reaching out to the communities? There is a huge amount of work going on. We have got an incredible learning programme and the goal is to reach one
world to a global television audience. “When you watch the BBC presenters every day, every session, the backdrop will be the Library. Victoria Square will also be showcased all around the world.” Deborah said: “We are good to go. I am really proud of what Birmingham City Council has achieved. There were a lot of people who said it was not going to happen. We want everybody to say that it was worth every penny, we are really proud, and we can see what it means to the city. “For 11 days the eyes of the world will be on this city. We want to make this completely unforgettable.”
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Business News
Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 Special
President’s Focus Joel Blake, president of the Greater Birmingham Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce, asks: “What will be the legacy of business support post-Commonwealth Games?” Here he argues that SMEs now live in a “glocal” world and looks forward to a Games legacy of business support that could go from a bronze model to a winning gold medal position in the eyes of the rest of the world. he Commonwealth Games, one of the world’s leading sporting events, is set to take place in the heart of the Midlands region. Over one billion sets of eyes will have not only have the opportunity to view the highest levels of sporting excellence but also the fantastic opportunity to see the best of business support that we have. But what happens after the Commonwealth Games have come and gone? The Commonwealth Games provides an unprecedented opportunity to leave a positive legacy of inclusive business support for global SMEs, with the ambition to compete for success. But what is the legacy of business support for our micro, small and medium-sized businesses across the region? SMEs are the lifeblood of the region and dare I say the country, yet many are struggling right now. The negative impact of the pandemic is alive and well, with late payment and reduction in revenue levels, resulting in ongoing cash flow issues for many businesses. In addition, it has also become harder to source and retain quality talent. That is a paradox in that as part of the Autumn Budget 2021, Rishi Sunak announced that the National Living Wage would be increasing from £8.91 to £9.50 per hour from April 2022 onwards. This meant that full-time workers would make an extra £1,000 a year, so you may naturally think that more employees may wish to stay in their current job roles. But the reality is that this is becoming even more challenging for SMEs as both current and future employees are adopting a “buyers market” mentality on their skills, experience, and value. Minimum wage workers seek better-paid job roles leaving struggling SMEs without the essential talent they need but can no longer afford. In addition, the increased cost of living has now too trickled down into the flexible work practices of businesses that were already
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struggling to keep their heads above water, with increased fuel costs and existing health fears meaning that more people wish to continue working from home. Many believe that the businesses ought to be subsiding employee commutes, but that may not be sustainable for the majority of SMEs. Yet despite these and a host of other business growth challenges for SMEs, I still feel there is hope. The Commonwealth Games not only offer an insight into the power of inclusion on a grand scale but also an anchor opportunity for the region to see inclusive collaboration as a business imperative, not a baton for hidden competition.
Let’s be honest - for too long, we have endured fragmented global business support offering out of our region that does not show a
‘We no longer live in a world where your competition is on the same street, or even in the same region’ collaborative inclusive offer to a global audience. All respective business support organisations, networks, and agencies want their respective
Greater Birmingham
Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce
piece of the proverbial pie. I get it. That is business, and if you provide something of value, then it is to be expected to some degree. But, as a region, we may never have the chance again to truly showcase how we can all work together to offer overseas partners a wonderful kaleidoscope of business support for their businesses, so we can all connect, support, and grow together. At the Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce, we truly see bilateral international trade as a sustainable vehicle of growth for ambitious businesses, and we will continue to enhance our offering in line with our member’s needs. From tackling bureaucratic export and import processes, improving the use of digital technologies, to increasing supply chain opportunities, understanding what it’s like to trade with businesses from other target countries, and much more, we believe that SMEs need tailored support with a global outlook, to help them accelerate business growth opportunities. But I also hope to see a much clearer and sustainable legacy of SME support in the region that is owned by all relevant parties as a collective - my vision would be a centralised menu of all business support organisations where you can pick and choose what support and services you need in one place, and tailor your own road map of support, to your own business journey. We no longer live in a world where your competition is on the same street, or even in the same region - I believe that we now live in what I call a ‘glocal’ world, where the rise of digital technologies, data, and overseas talent, has increased the likelihood of your competition coming from anywhere in the world, at any one time. If we could view the Commonwealth Games as an example of how inclusion can add value to the whole, then I think the legacy of business support could go from a bronze model to a winning gold medal position, in the eyes of the rest of the world.
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Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 Special
Business News
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Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 Special
Business News Opening ceremony begins rehearsals Rehearsals have begun for the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony – to be broadcast to a global viewing audience of around one billion people. The ceremony, to be held on 28 July, will be staged in the newly redeveloped Alexander Stadium in front of a live audience of around 30,000 people. Volunteers have already started rehearsing under the watchful eye of chief choreographer Corey Baker and members of the ceremony’s creative team, including artistic director Iqbal Khan and writer Maeve Clarke. The voice, cultures and talent of the West Midlands will be at the heart of the opening ceremony, with volunteers including a 1,000 strong choir, telling stories through innovative broadcast, cutting-edge technology and spectacular production. The show will include the arrival of the Queen’s Baton following its tour of the Commonwealth, which has included visits to schools and famous landmarks, and athletes from throughout the competing nations. For both the opening and closing ceremonies, around 3,500 costumes will be made, equating to 19,000 individual items. A limited number of tickets are still available for the opening ceremony. Go to birmingham2022.com/tickets
Pride House supporters champion diversity
Pride House partnership celebrates region’s diversity fully integrated Pride House to exist at a major sporting Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) event this year, working in partnership with are championing the region’s ‘spectacular diversity’ Birmingham 2022 from Friday 22 July to Wednesday 8 through a new partnership with Pride House – August. ensuring the 2022 Commonwealth Games are an event As well as their venue in the heart of Birmingham’s for everyone. Gay Village, they will have a presence and visibility in The city’s premier business organisation has joined forces with Pride House to engage the business the Athletes’ Villages and Live sites. community in welcoming a diverse range of individuals Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of Greater and allies during the Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “Our Commonwealth Games. business community is just Pride House’s mission is to ‘Our business community is create a safe space and just like this great city-region like this great city-region – spectacularly diverse. The welcoming, inclusive – spectacularly diverse’ Birmingham 2022 environment for LGBTIQ+ Commonwealth Games spectators, athletes, staff, intends to be ‘the Games for Everyone’. At the volunteers, organisations, and allies at the Birmingham Chamber, we want to celebrate this focus on inclusivity 2022 Commonwealth Games- leaving “a lasting legacy and support the organisations leading the way in for LGBTIQ+ inclusion in sports in the West Midlands and celebrating the diversity of the second city.” making it happen. The Pride House movement first began in 2010 at the “We are delighted to be working with Pride House and look forward to amplifying, and enabling our Vancouver Winter Olympics, with London 2012 the first members to engage with, their work creating a time a Pride House existed at a sports event in the UK. welcoming space for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies.” Pride House Birmingham is set to become the first ever
Conference to explore equality in sport A Birmingham legal conference is to turn the spotlight on equality and diversity in sport ahead of the Commonwealth Games. Hosted by Birmingham Law Society, Commonwealth Lawyers Association and University of Birmingham, the conference on 21 and 22 July will see up to 500 delegates come together from 54 Commonwealth countries. Over the two days, attendees will be involved in critical conversations covering a range of topics, including exploitation, ethics, privacy, race, and gender equality. Stephanie Perraton, president of Birmingham Law Society, said: “There are a number of extremely important topics that require joined up thinking. “In bringing legal professionals together, we hope to spark actionable outcomes for equality and diversity inside and outside of sport, for the future.” 14 CHAMBERLINK July/August 2022
The first day will commence by exploring law in sport and its place in the modern game. Delegates can then attend sessions on child
‘By prompting gamechanging conversations we hope to inspire the legal sector to focus on preventing such crime’ abuse and exploitation, data and privacy as well as race and what it means to the Commonwealth. Stephanie said: “Instances of sexual abuse and exploitation in children’s sport as well as unsolicited use and sharing of data on a broader scale are threats that sadly still exist. By prompting game-changing conversations we
hope to inspire the legal sector to focus on preventing such crimes. “There are other factors in play too, which we’re keen to dive into on the second day of the conference.” Day two is about creating a level playing field and leads with arbitration and mediation. Subsequent sessions will explore gender equality and its legal challenges, sports contracts, and ethics and conduct in sporting regulation. The event will be held at the University of Birmingham and is backed by a number of sponsors including the CLOUD SYSTEMS Group, Gowling WLG, No5 Barristers’ Chambers, Cornwall Street Barristers and Tula Medical Experts. On day one, delegates can also attend the dinner for further networking opportunities, with several packages available to purchase.
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Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 Special
Business News
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Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 Special
The Griffin Report John Crabtree regards his appointment as chair of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 Organising Committee as “the biggest privilege of my life”. He relishes the idea that after years of missing out on major events, the West Midlands and Birmingham will take centre stage after decades of decline. Jon Griffin talked to John about an event he says should be a turning point in Birmingham’s history.
New chapter: John Crabtree pictured at the redeveloped Alexander Stadium, which will be part of the Commonwealth Games legacy
s the clock ticks down to an unprecedented sporting and cultural spectacular in the West Midlands, John Crabtree can barely conceal his excitement. “The Commonwealth Games should be a turning point in Birmingham’s history. It is a young city, half the people here are under 30, there is lots of energy here, lots of enterprise, a lot of young entrepreneurs. “This hopefully will light a torch for all these people. What could promote the West Midlands better than something on this scale? “We live in a dangerously fractured, fragmented world – the Games can be apolitical, a great social and economic event for Birmingham. They can bring people together at a time when, after the many pandemic challenges, we are in danger of diverging rather than converging.” John, who was President of the then Birmingham Chamber of Commerce in 2006 and is currently Lord Lieutenant for the West Midlands, was appointed chair of the 2022 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee
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for a four-and-a-half year period from July 2018. He admits the role is “the biggest privilege” of his life – and is passionate that the Games should leave a lasting legacy for future generations. “The legacy for the Games for me falls into two halves. One is what you might call the spiritual side of it, which I have always been very
‘I have always been very conscious of the need to knit our many communities together and we need to work tirelessly to that end, always’ conscious of. In my Lord Lieutenant’s role, we are engaged in the citizenship ceremonies where we welcome British citizens as new neighbours. Every three years people become British citizens, living in Birmingham, and come from about 180 to 190 different countries from around the world.
“The one thing that I really want the Games to do, is that at the end people will have come together and those communities will have come together. There will be a sense of ‘I understand what it is to be a Brummie, what it is to have a neighbour, I know where my neighbours come from,’…. I have always been very conscious of the need to knit our many communities together and we need to work tirelessly to that end, always. “Then there is the other side, the socioeconomic side, including jobs and skills, health and well-being, all the schools programmes. “The research suggested that there should be a £1 billion economic benefit to the region based on previous Games. There are over £300 million of procurement contracts, and we are on line for 70 per cent of those being based in the West Midlands. We are hoping to improve that in terms of main contractors using West Midlandsbased sub-contractors. “That is all skills, jobs, the economic uplift coming into the city from the Games. Those businesses you would hope would then be more sustainable going forward – that applies to employment as well.
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Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 Special “There is a jobs and skills academy being funded mainly by the Combined Authority and that is hoping to bring 6,000 young people into gainful employment with some training. “Some of them will be Games-time jobs but the ambition is that they will go into the supply chain that is running all the back-up for the Games. There is also a learning programme, with a lot of work going on with schools, trying to encourage children to get involved with sport, to get fitter, healthier. The plan is for the learning programme to reach a million schoolchildren by the Games, across the West Midlands.” The former lawyer’s career started at Wragge and Co in 1971, where he remained until 2003, by which time he had risen through the ranks to become the firm’s senior partner. He was voted UK Lawyer of the Year by Legal Business in 2003. But John is keen to stress that he is far more comfortable speaking about the forthcoming Games than he is about his own track record in business. “This is the biggest privilege of my life. If at the end, very selfishly, it has all gone really well, it will have been a fantastic privilege to have played a part– nothing would come near that. But in all honesty the credit will be entirely owing to Ian Reid, our chief executive and all of his team who have been working tirelessly on our behalf. “It does come back to understanding the scale of it. We are sitting here today saying we know this is going to happen but we don’t quite understand what it is going to be like. Assuming it all goes really well and Birmingham is on the world map and the Games are a great success and the cultural programmes are fantastic and
Mr President: John Crabtree pictured when he became president of Birmingham Chamber in 2006
‘This is the first time we have had a major event like this. We have missed out on everything’ everybody has got smiles on their faces, that would be beyond wonderful.” Like everybody else in the West Midlands, John has had to look on with gritted teeth through years of disappointment as Birmingham and the wider region lost out when the winners’ medals were handed out in the sporting and cultural arenas on a number of dispiriting occasions.
Business News “This is the first time we have had a major event like this. We have missed out on everything, there was the Olympics (in 1992), the European City of Culture went to Liverpool, there was talk about building a new National Stadium near the M42. This is the biggest event after decades of decline. “We used to have FA Cup semi-finals at Villa Park – I went there when I was a kid – and the atmosphere at Villa Park for the European Championships in 1996 was great, but it was nothing like a million and a half people coming here.” John also sees the Games as a unique opportunity to reverse social and economic decline which had seen tens of thousands of relatively well-paid manufacturing jobs sacrificed as a service economy replaced the industrial juggernaut which had powered the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution for so long. “When I started work in 1971, I didn’t know what recessions were. It was the beginning of 40 years of economic decline in Birmingham. Around 38 to 39 per cent of our GDP was manufacturing. Working in the city I saw year on year economic decline. That was Birmingham’s story, that decline.” But an extraordinary new chapter in the Birmingham story is now about to unfold. With more than a million tickets already sold, the Commonwealth Games promise to provide a once in a lifetime cultural counterpoint to the economic turmoil of previous eras… • This article an abridged version of an interview which previously appeared in ‘Birmingham Business’ magazine. To read the full article go to www.birminghambiz.co.uk
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Business News
High level talks: Delegates at the Nailcote summit with (seated in the foreground, left to right) Rick Cressman, Kate Nicholls and Saqib Bhatti
Hospitality bosses call for rates reform By John Lamb powerful group of West Midlands hospitality figures will throw its weight behind a national campaign to reform business rates in the UK. And Meriden MP Saqib Bhatti, former president of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), pledged his support during a hospitality sector summit at Nailcote Hall Hotel in Warwickshire. The group was urged by Kate Nicholls, chief executive of trade body UK Hospitality, to alert the government to the unfairness of the current system and focus on pressing for more frequent reviews. “We are not going to get anywhere with a campaign that says scrap the lot,” she told the gathering, which included Andreas Antona, chef/patron of Simpsons restaurant in Edgbaston, Tony Elvin, general manager of Touchwood in Solihull, and Rick and Sue Cressman, of Nailcote Hall. In his opening remarks, Mr Cressman described the business rates review system as an “absolute farce”. Ms Nicholls said: “We must press home the message that we are the only sector that has a turnover element in the assessment of business rates.You will get listened to more widely by joining our national campaign. We will work with Chambers of Commerce and other business support organisations to see if there’s a fairer system for business rates.
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“UK Hospitality aims to engage with the sector to drive home and reinforce the message that we pay 50 per cent business rates but generate only five per cent of GDP.” Both Ms Nicholls and Mr Bhatti said if the business rate burden is to be reduced for hospitality they must demonstrate to the government other ways of replacing the money. One of the alternatives discussed was reforming the tax for online retailers, many of whom are offshore or only have warehousing operations which attract much lower business rate valuations. Ms Nichols said: “We need to say to the government that they must nail the online sales tax and capture it in some form.” Mr Bhatti recognised that hospitality “has been at the forefront of hardship” and that in most cases their biggest expense was business rates. “I want greater transparency over why there is such a big difference between the rates imposed on various businesses. “There is a lack of information and transparency can help progress to reform.” Mr Bhatti promised to take the hospitality case to the heart of government by seeking talks with Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Michael Gove, the levelling up secretary. Mr Antona, who was part of a GBCC campaign to reduce VAT for the hospitality sector during the Covid crisis, said: “We must work with UK Hospitality. It’s the obvious answer.” July/August 2022 CHAMBERLINK 19
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Business News
Welcome to the chair: Greg Lowson with Henrietta Brealey
Former president welcomed as new Chamber chairman By John Lamb reg Lowson has been appointed chair of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) in succession to David Waller. The leading Birmingham lawyer’s appointment follows David’s decision to step down after being appointed the Chamber’s first chairman 12 years ago. Greg is Pinsent Masons Birmingham office managing partner and a partner in the dispute resolution and litigation group in Birmingham. He served as Chamber president from October 2014 to October 2016, becoming the first to introduce a two-year term of office for the position. Mr Lowson said: “I had the pleasure of being a Board member during David Waller’s 11 years as the Chamber’s first Chair and I would like to thank David for his stewardship, wise counsel and leadership. I will do my best to continue the high standards he has set. “The Chamber has nearly 3000 members; counts some of the region’s largest and most important companies and bodies as Patrons and is uniquely involved in all of the region’s leading business and civic groups. “It is accordingly in an unrivalled position to advocate the needs of business and to give it a recognised and respected voice. We are in for a challenging year or two economically when businesses will need the voice of the Chamber more than ever.
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“Notwithstanding the economic challenge, there is a real opportunity for the region through levelling up and the current devolution deal that the WMCA is preparing to bid for.” Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of the GBCC, said: “The GBCC Board plays a key role in developing the strategic direction of the Chamber and I am delighted to be welcoming further leading business representatives to this critical group. “Each of our newly appointed chair and non-
‘We are in for a challenging year or two economically when businesses will need the voice of the Chamber more than ever’ executive directors brings a unique skill set and perspectives that will support the Chamber in delivering its mission to Connect, Support and Grow local businesses through these complex times. “I would also like to add my thanks to the board members who took part in our appointments panel: Deb Leary, Steve Allen, Suzy Verma and Karl George and our recruitment partner SF Recruitment. “We were blown away by the calibre and range of applicants for these roles and am very grateful to everyone who put themselves forwards and became involved in this process.”
Greg has handled some of the firm's largest and most complex litigation having been in practice for 40 years. He is an accredited mediator with significant mediation experience, and a solicitor-advocate. He has been a partner since 1991 and office managing partner for 20 years. As head of office, Greg has responsibility for over 600 people. He chairs regular partner and management meetings and chairs office committees on CSR (corporate social responsibility), ESG (environment and social governance) and business planning. He is the firm’s longest-standing head of office and as a consequence has strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills and profile in the West Midlands. As a member of Pinsent Masons’ senior leadership team, he plays an active role in the management and operation of the firm. As well as being a experienced lawyer, Greg has significant business acumen. He is the longest serving director of the GBCC is the current chair of the CBI West Midlands’ Council, a non-executive director of Pertemps Network Group Limited, a former Trustee of the Birmingham Repertory Theatre and of the charity Cure Leukaemia and a former member of the Wesleyan’s Advisory Board. He has just stepped down after 16 years as a trustee and director of the Midlands Arts Centre where he was also vice co-chair. He is the Under Sheriff of the West Midlands having held that position since 2014.
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Sponsored by: Gera Solutions Limited
Media, tech and business experts strengthen board Three new non-executive directors with expertise in the media, technology and business transformation have been appointed to the Chamber board.
New NEDs: Chamber chief executive Henrietta Brealey (left) welcomes new executive directors (left to right) Amardeep Gill, Charlie Blakemore and Ruth Pipkin.
Ruth Pipkin Ruth Pipkin brings 20 years’ experience in marketing and communications, having worked both in-house for the Home Office and in-agency before setting up Birmingham-based consultancy Rewired in 2008. She has advised a broad range of clients from global brands to start-ups, across sectors including retail and leisure, community, finance, education and property. Having originally moved to the city to study at the University of Birmingham, Ruth is a proud adopted Brummie and a previous winner of Birmingham Young Professional of the Year. She spent over 10 years on the development trust at Birmingham Hippodrome, was a non-executive director of Birmingham-based publishers Tindal Street Press and a member of the GBSLEP Growing Business Board. Ruth said: “This is a pivotal time for Greater Birmingham’s business community as we emerge from the pandemic and face new challenges and opportunities across a range of fronts. “I believe the GBCC’s mission to connect, support and grow local businesses will enable members to drive innovation and opportunity and to support the Chamber and its members to navigate the road ahead.”
Charlie Blakemore Charlie Blakemore is group managing director of Intercity Technology, the Birmingham-based technology solutions firm. He has wide experience in the engineering and aerospace industry as a passionate leader. In his role at Intercity he ensures first-class customer service is provided efficiently and with a people-first focus. Before joining Intercity he held several board positions in the land, maritime and air sectors of the global defence and aerospace business BAE Systems. Charlie is a genuine people-first leader who started his career as a mechanical engineering apprentice and
went on to lead a £1.2bn global business with over 6000 employees in four countries. He graduated with an MSc from the University of Warwick and is a fellow of the Institute of Directors (IoD) and a fellow of the Association of Project Managers (APM) Throughout his career, Charlie has built a track record in delivering growth through the development and delivery of a clear business strategy engaging and leading teams to embrace new technologies and ways of working. He said: “I am delighted and very proud to be appointed to the board of the Chamber in supporting and promoting the fantastic business community and talent we have in our region.”
Amardeep Gill Amardeep Gill is a partner at national and international law firm Trowers and Hamlins. He specialises in advising the government, public bodies and businesses on transformation or business-critical projects. He heads Trowers & Hamlins’ Birmingham corporate commercial team and is nationally recognised as an expert in his field. Amardeep advises clients in relation to a range of transformation and business-critical projects, including commercial partnerships, joint ventures, supply chain arrangements, outsourcings and cross-border commercial transactions. He has experience of working in the in-house legal departments of both public and private sector clients. He said: “The Chamber is an essential source of support and information for regional businesses, whilst also having a national and international reach. “I am delighted to be joining the Chamber’s board at a crucial time for the economy and businesses in order to help to respond to emerging agendas, challenges and opportunities.”
Business News
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Business News RSM moves to flagship building Accountancy and business advisory firm RSM is relocating to 103 Colmore Row – signing a 10-year lease at the flagship office building in Birmingham city centre. The new workspace encompasses collaborative areas, breakout spaces and private meeting rooms. The firm – a patron of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce – says the move will support its hybrid working approach. There are also ambitious growth plans in the pipeline with 50 new starters. The 26-storey building is one of the most energy efficient buildings in Birmingham, and the first office to receive an EPC A rating in the city. Its heating and hot water is supplied by the low carbon district energy scheme, while its electricity is provided from renewable energy sources. RSM has signed a 10-year lease with joint venture partners Sterling Property Ventures and Tristan Capital Partners. Mark Taylor, regional managing partner at RSM UK, said: ‘As a premium building in the heart of the city centre, 103 Colmore Row aligns nicely with our brand and status in the market. “The building’s strong ESG credentials were a key attraction, along with its ability to accommodate our hybrid working approach – making it a home fit for the future. It also gives us plenty of scope for growth, which is a big focus over the next few years, particularly through boosting our graduate intake.”
Happy days: Bella Martin-Williams (left) celebrates her promotion with colleagues (left to right) Sophie Rashley, Bethany Person, Tia Patel and Katie Smith in the new Grayling building
Grayling finds a new home and a new way of working THAN and Dogs for Good UK, which aimed to curb Chamber member Grayling, the integrated global loneliness during Mental Health Awareness Week. communications company, has moved its Birmingham With a footprint in the Midlands for over 40 years, office to WeWork 55 Colmore Row to cater for the Grayling’s Birmingham team forms part of the agency’s team’s hybrid working culture, growing team and network of nine offices across the UK and 30 client needs. internationally. Grayling Birmingham’s clients include Bethany Pearson, director and head of Grayling Birmingham said: “Like most businesses, the way we Midlands Engine, The British Masters, HSBC, Intercity, work has shifted considerably over the last few years Great Western Railway, National Grid and The Ivy and we needed a new space to Collection. reflect this. ‘We’re thrilled to move WeWork 55 Colmore Row covers “WeWork allows us to be agile three of the six floors in the into our new home in and work in a way that’s optimal building totalling 55,000 rentable for our team and for our clients. sq ft. On site amenities include a the heart of the city’ We’re thrilled to move into our new barista bar, new parents’ room, bike home in the heart of the city and at the heart of the storage, and showers for those who like to cycle into action, making us better connected than ever before.” work or attend a fitness class at lunchtime. The move comes as Grayling announces a promotion WeWork 55 Colmore Row is designed to foster for Bella Martin-Williams to account manager. collaboration and productivity, and the artwork featured A Future Faces Chamber of Commerce member, in the building pays homage to the city, for example the Bella’s promotion follows her exceptional work across a Neon ‘handshake’ artwork demonstrates Birmingham’s range of clients in the Midlands and across Grayling’s multicultural community, and the neon ‘chimney’ artwork wider network, including a recent campaign for MORE makes reference to the city’s industrial heritage.
Rail station names selected by local residents Almost 6,000 residents have given their views on naming two railway stations set to be built on the Camp Hill Line in south Birmingham. Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) and West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE) were inundated after asking for help from local residents to name their stations ahead of full construction beginning this November. Now, after reviewing the feedback, West Midlands mayor Andy Street has confirmed the stations shall be called Moseley Village and Pineapple Road. The name of the third Camp Hill Line station, Kings Heath, had already been settled. A £61m project led by TfWM, which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), and the West Midlands Rail Executive 22 CHAMBERLINK July/August 2022
Name that station: Andy Street (left) with city council leader Cllr Ian Ward
(WMRE) will see the three stations built to enable regular passenger services to return to the Camp Hill Line for the first time in 80 years. There were 5,944 responses for the Moseleybased station with 55 per cent in favour of Moseley Village and 45% for Moseley. There were 5,855 responses for the Stirchleybased stations with 48 per cent backing Pineapple Road. Mr Street said: “My task in selecting the winning station names was made very easy as Pineapple Road and Moseley Village emerged the runaway popular choices. I hope the community will feel a genuine sense of pride as they see the signs for the names they’ve chosen going up and train services running.”
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Business News
Historic packaging firm joins as patron By Dan Harrison An international manufacturer of specialist packaging - with links to Birmingham dating back more than 70 years - has become a patron of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC). Schumacher Packaging – based in Marston Green - is part of the Schumacher Group, an €860m family-run business headquartered in Germany’s Bavaria region. However, the firm’s connections to Birmingham can be traced back through nearly eight decades. Three years ago, the Schumacher Group acquired Jaffabox – a packaging manufacturer originally founded in Birmingham by the Amyes family in 1946. Schumacher Group specialises in manufacturing corrugated cardboard and solidboard packaging, supplying customers in the UK
‘Schumacher Packaging are leading the way in innovative and sustainable packaging solutions’ and mainland Europe. As the company continues to grow, it has placed a firm focus on making its products even more environmentally and ethically sustainable by investing in state-of-theart methods of manufacturing and packaging design. Mike Owens, managing director of Schumacher Packaging, said: “We are delighted and excited to become a patron of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, with the opportunities and benefits this brings. “Schumacher Packaging Limited - previously Jaffabox - has a long association with the
Patron pride: Pictured at the Schumacher plant are (left to right): Russ Ashman (Chamber head of new business), Naomi Harvey (Schumacher business development manager), Henrietta Brealey and Mike Owens
Birmingham area, having been founded in the Camp Hill area and built up into the successful and highly-aspirational business we are today. “In my short time within the Birmingham area, I have been tremendously impressed by the drive and enthusiasm for success shown by everyone I have met. “Schumacher Packaging looks forward to working with GBCC to promote the real benefits of membership in a truly invigorating and ambitious region.” Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of the GBCC, said: “Schumacher Packaging are leading the way in innovative and sustainable packaging solutions – a key ingredient for our region that’s
both a centre for logistics and has aspirations of becoming an epicentre of the green industrial revolution. “They are a fast-growing international business, but very much one with a local heart. They share the Chambers’ passion for investing in and seeing Greater Birmingham’s business community succeed. “It’s been a pleasure getting to know the Birmingham team in recent weeks and I look forward to working with them to achieve their aims as a Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce patron.” • More patron news on pages 50 and 51
GBSLEP promotes former BBC correspondent Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) has promoted Satnam Rana-Grindley to the newlycreated role of director of communications and external affairs. Satnam joined GBSLEP in August 2020 as Head of Communications after 21 years at the BBC as a broadcaster, journalist and arts and culture correspondent. Over the past 21 months, Satnam has been instrumental in designing and delivering corporate communications as well as transitioning PR and media production in-house. She has also been key to designing GBSLEP’s Young People You(th) Matter strategy.
Impressed: Satnam Rana-Grindley
Anita Bhalla, GBSLEP Interim Chair says: “The value of GBSLEP’s contribution to inclusive and sustainable economic growth has been shared far and wide through corporate communications thanks
to the wealth of storytelling experience Satnam has brought to the organisation. “Her journalism background and strategic thinking has helped shape the direction of GBSLEP. This will be invaluable as we continue our negotiations with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), on how we will integrate LEP services following the publication of the Levelling Up White Paper.” As a member of GBSLEP's leadership team, Satnam has been integral in amplifying GBSLEP’s track record of delivering sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Henriette Breukelaar, GBSLEP chief executive, says: “As a member of the leadership team, Satnam is a
key ambassador for GBSLEP. Her regional reputation and profile are an asset for us at a time when we must keep shouting about the importance of our contribution to inclusive and sustainable growth in the region.” Satnam says: “Since joining in summer 2020, I have been impressed and humbled by the breadth of GBSLEP’s achievements from Paradise in Birmingham to our work with colleges to equip the next generation of our workforce with the right skills. “Our agile and flexible business support for SMEs across the region is making a difference every day. I look forward to continuing to lead the team to amplify the voice of GBSLEP through our transition year.” July/August 2022 CHAMBERLINK 25
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Business News
HS2 wetland habitats to create home for wildlife
Resilience: Carl Potter
Birmingham’s office market continues to rise Birmingham’s office market continues to bounce back strongly – with a nine per cent growth rate in the first quarter of this year. The boost to the city’s commercial sector is revealed in strategic real estate advisor Avison Young’s latest Big Nine office market report. The continued demand for high-quality stock also shines through, with three quarters of Q1 deals in the city core being for Grade A space. The same upward trajectory is being witnessed in the outof-town market, with a 14 per cent increase. Both the city and out-oftown results for Q1 represent some of the strongest results achieved in Birmingham since before the pandemic. Notable Q1 deals include the debut of established coworking provider, Cubo Work in Birmingham with 24,300 sq ft of space at Two Chamberlain Square, while the Government continues to grow its presence in the city. Carl Potter, principal and managing director of the Birmingham office at Avison Young, said: “Birmingham continues to prove its resilience, with increasing confidence in the market shining through in Q1 this year. “Beyond the volume and uptick in activity, the demand for Grade A space continues, and we’re pleased to see Birmingham responding to this with a healthy supply of quality options coming through now and later this year.”
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wetland exploration and education. The existing An intriguing glimpse of the future West Midlands hedgerow running along the towpath will also be landscape in the wake of the development of HS2 has reinstated to maintain bat flight corridors along the canal; been revealed for the first time. species-rich grasslands will provide homes for insects and Designers have released updated designs for the bees; and new trees will screen views of the M42. land surrounding the section of the high-speed rail line HS2’s senior landscape design that crosses the Birmingham and manager Steve Fancourt, said: Fazeley Canal. ‘We aim to integrate aim to integrate HS2 into the The Birmingham and Fazeley HS2 into the landscape “We landscape as much as possible, as Canal viaduct is located north of well as transforming areas around HS2’s Delta Junction, a triangleas much as possible’ shaped series of viaducts that the railway to provide community allows HS2 trains to travel between London, the benefits, protect wildlife and enhance local biodiversity. The updated designs for the Birmingham and Fazeley Midlands, and the North. Canal viaduct include exciting new wetland habitats The latest plans, developed by HS2 main works which can be enjoyed by people and create diverse contractor, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), respond to new connected areas for wildlife.” community feedback and include a series of wetlands Andy de Bell, head of community engagement for containing four new ecological ponds, expansive grass BBV, said: “Our detailed designs for the Birmingham meadows and approximately 22,000 square metres of and Fazeley viaduct have responded to feedback newly established woodland alongside the embankment to the north of the viaduct that is part of provided by the local community in 2021, and stem the green corridor planting. from how people wish to use and experience the canal. “Our plans, which include public open spaces and A potential new public green space could be created to environmental features for wildlife, will enhance the the south of the canal, with informal paths connecting the landscape, creating the potential for local people to towpath to Seeney Lane. There will be two species-rich have access to green spaces along the line of route.” ponds, seating and information boards encouraging New plans for wetland habitats
Uni helps hatch business dreams Birmingham City University has launched an innovative new intensive training programme to give 60 participants the opportunity to turn their business dreams into reality. The new 10-week STEAM Hatchery programme, based at the university’s new £70m STEAMhouse innovation centre, will offer third year, Master’s and PhD students as well as recent graduates the chance to develop and establish their own company by offering key support, facilities and resources. In the Hatchery participants will develop their business plan with expert input, and be in with the chance of earning a place in STEAMhouse’s Business Incubator, a hub that provides support and facilities to fledgling start-ups and entrepreneurs. Entrants will need to submit a business plan and present their
Helpful: Sanelisiwe Mafa
idea to a panel of judges, made up of local business representatives. The launch took place at the university’s new STEAMhouse building, a state-of-the-art fivestorey innovation centre which will also house the Hatchery participants during the course of their programme. Sanelisiwe Mafa, a Birmingham City University Master’s graduate and owner of an interior design agency, said: “We’ve just set up our business and could use some expert knowledge, but we lack the funds to pay for those services, so getting them as part of this programme will be incredibly helpful. “When you finish university, sometimes you wonder where you go from there. This programme gives you extra guidance, the kind you don’t get when you’re studying a specific subject, as well as the skills and confidence to navigate all the different things in setting up a business.”
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Put your business centre stage at the Belgrade With a £6M annual turnover, we are Coventry’s largest professional producing theatre. We engage 250,000 people annually through high quality performances, training and education, and community outreach. Our values of collaboration, evolution and authenticity, ensure that we remain relevant to the communities we serve. We are six months into a new future, led by CEO, Laura Elliot, and Creative Director, Corey Campbell. These young, diverse leaders have ambitious plans to build on the Theatre’s rich history of pioneering theatre, participation and talent development; and leverage our post City of Culture legacy - to realise a lasting place of sanctuary for creatives and communities. “I’m inspired by the Belgrade’s deep rooted, nationally renowned commitment to community engagement, diversity, learning, talent development and high quality entertainment. Corey and I are incredibly excited to collaborate with the team, our audiences and those who support our work, to build on the Theatre's plentiful past achievements, and propel it into an exciting, ambitious future.” - LAURA ELLIOT
YOU CAN SHOW YOUR SUPPORT BY: • Becoming a Corporate Supporter: memberships start from as little as £500 (ex-VAT) pa and include a variety of exposure, hospitality and ticket benefits – such as priority booking. • Hiring one of our spaces: range of spaces from a small meeting room to our Main Stage all at reasonable prices, with full hospitality and events packages available. Please email conferencing@belgrade.co.uk to discuss your bespoke requirements. • Sponsoring an event or production: In return, we can offer a range of benefits for you, your staff and/or clients – ranging from exclusive ticket packages, production-related events and/or hospitality.
NEXT STEPS: Please visit: www.belgrade.co.uk to find out more, or contact Helen Hotchkiss (Head of Development) at: corporates@belgrade.co.uk to discuss corporate membership and sponsorship opportunities. Thank you, and we look forward to welcoming you to the Belgrade very soon. Laura Elliot (CEO) & Corey Campbell (Creative Director)
• Making a donation: In aid of our general purposes, or our Making Memories campaign – to support local children in need to access theatre at the Belgrade. Following our £5.5M 2020 Redevelopment Project, we have two auditoria (858 & 250 seats), four studios, a production workshop, café, bar, conferencing facilities, and a new digital innovation space ‘The Jag’.
More details can be found at: www.belgrade.co.uk/support/donate-tous/making-memories
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Business News The gender divide of paraplanners A gender divide has emerged in the ambitions of paraplanners – with many females choosing to reject going on to become financial advisers. New research from Quilter Financial Planning’s behavioural consultancy has found that 77 per cent of female paraplanners do not want to become financial advisers compared to just 38 per cent of male paraplanners. The data found that just six per cent of female paraplanners said that they would like to go on to become a financial adviser while 17 per cent said maybe. Conversely, 41 per cent of male paraplanners said that they would like to become a financial adviser with 21 per cent saying maybe. Mark Pittaccio, business consultant and behavioural economist at Quilter Financial Planning said: “Paraplanning has previously been viewed as a gateway to becoming a financial adviser but this research shows that it is becoming a profession within its own right. However, while this is positive it is odd that there continues to be such a big difference between the aspirations of female and male paraplanners. “It is incredibly important that we breakdown whatever systems are in place that are contributing to these differences in aspirations and ultimately improve the profession.”
‘Mr McDonald’s’ is rewarded with MBE in Queen’s honours Doug Wright, a board member and patron of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, has received an MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours. Mr Wright, a McDonald’s franchisee who employs around 2,500 staff across the West Midlands, has been honoured for services to the economy and charity. In 2021, he celebrated his 40th anniversary as part of the McDonald’s organisation, where he began his career as a cleaner and worked his way through the ranks to become the owner of 21 restaurants. His charitable initiatives include a six-year stint as chair of Ronald McDonald House Charities, where he helped the organisation raise hundreds of thousands of pounds to provide accommodation for families with children under care at nearby hospitals. Mr Wright, who is also a Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands, said: “For somebody who started at McDonalds in 1981 I’m astonished to receive a national honour.
‘I’ve always tried to use my business success as a force for good’ “What makes it even more special is that the news came at the beginning of an incredible weekend celebrating the Jubilee. “I’ve always tried to use my business success as a force for good and to try to help people and communities who are less fortunate. I’d like to thank everybody across the business community who has been so generous with their time, advice and support to all of my charity work.” Meanwhile, Sarah-Jane Marsh, the chief executive of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, has received a CBE for services to leadership in the NHS. Alongside her BWC duties, she was asked to become director of testing at the NHS Test and Trace in response
Phenomenal contribution: Doug Wright
to the Covid-19 pandemic – working under huge pressure to create the capacity to perform more than 500,000 tests a day in less than six months. She said: “To be awarded a CBE for the honour of leading such a brilliant group of people, alongside the national work I have been afforded the opportunity to combine with it, is humbling, and I thank those who have taken the time to nominate and support me.” Rob Colbourne, managing director of Midlands training provider Performance Through People, has been awarded an OBE (see Cannock Chase page – 58). Other notable West Midlands figures recognised in the honours list include ITV newsreader Bob Warman, who has received an MBE for services to broadcasting and journalism. Meanwhile, a Birmingham City University nursing student has been recognised for his dedication to his chosen career path in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. Alex Griffiths, a second-year student on the University’s MSci Adult and Child Nursing degree, has been awarded a British Empire Medal for services to the NHS and community in the West Midlands during the pandemic.
Aston researchers play vital part in saving lives Researchers at Aston University are playing a key role in new lifesaving treatment aimed at stamping out serious lung infections. The antibiotic combination of imipenem/relebactam with amoxicillin was discovered to be highly effective against potentially deadly Mycobacterium abscessus – a bacterium that can cause lung infections in people with chronic lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis. The discovery was made by a team led by Dr Jonathan Cox, senior lecturer in microbiology at Aston University’s College of Health and Life Sciences. The combination has been used as part of the treatment for a patient in America, who subsequently recovered from their infection. The patient, who has cystic fibrosis, received the Aston University antibiotics as part of a complex treatment regime, including an experimental therapy known as phage therapy, which uses viruses to treat bacterial infections. The combination successfully treated the patient’s infection and resulted in their being able to receive a life-saving lung transplant. A paper which describes the treatment has been published in the journal Cell and states: “The combined treatment was successful at eradicating the infection and enabling the patient to receive the lifesaving lung transplant.” Dr Jonathan Cox said: “The successful treatment of this patient with the combination of antibiotics and phage demonstrates the impact of this combined approach for tackling antibiotic resistant Mycobacterium abscessus. “For my team at Aston University to have played a part in that success makes me incredibly proud.” 28 CHAMBERLINK July/August 2022
Incredibly proud: Dr Jonathan Cox
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Garden marathon: Harold Jones with Amanda Devlin, of the Motor Neurone Disease Association and supporter Mike Jordan, in the garden where the former soldier has walked more than 400 miles for charity
War hero walks in Sir Tom’s footsteps A 98-year-old World War Two veteran who was inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore has raised £20,000 for Motor Neurone Disease by taking daily walks in his garden – despite the fact he broke his back in three places in 2016. Great-grandfather Harold Jones, from Sutton Coldfield, started taking daily walks to get exercise during the first Covid lockdown. At first, he managed just two laps of the minute-long course around his bungalow’s garden, but soon increased the number to 40 laps a day, after choosing to raise cash for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Harold, who like Captain Sir Tom, served in the Army in India and Burma during World War Two, completes the laps aided by his late wife's mobility apparatus, having broken his back in a fall in 2016. Now he is celebrating hitting the £20,000 mark, having walked more than 400 miles – but has pledged to continue raising cash through his JustGiving account. He said: “I’m very pleased to have reached £20,000 because when I started, I thought raising £1,000 would be a real achievement! But now my new target is £25,000 and I’m determined to carry on. “I chose to support the Motor Neurone Disease Association because I have lost three friends to this terrible disease and there is a real need to help sufferers, support their loved ones, fund treatment and find a cure.”
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Hall of Fame: Roy Richardson
Business legend is inducted into Hall of Fame West Midlands business legend Roy Richardson has been honoured for his outstanding contribution to the UK property industry – by being inducted into the Property ‘Hall of Fame.’ Roy was honoured at the 2022 Property Awards, held at Grosvenor House in London in a ceremony
‘We are very pleased and proud of all that our family business has achieved and contributed to society over the years’ organised by Property Week to celebrate excellence in the commercial property industry across a range of categories. Every year the awards also honour outstanding individuals in the property sector by rewarding them
with the accolade of a lifetime achievement award and induction into the Property ‘Hall of Fame’, as nominated and judged by a panel of industry experts. Accepting the award, Roy Richardson said: “Thank you very much for this wonderful honour and induction to the Property Week Hall of Fame, and a particular thank you to Harvey Sonning, all of the team at Property Week and also the sponsors James Andrew International for making it possible. “We are very pleased and proud of all that our family business has achieved and contributed to society over the years, creating tens of thousands of jobs and supporting essential services such as schools and hospitals, as well as many charities, all over the country. “While our family office now operates all around the world, we come from humble Black Country roots. As such, it really does mean a lot to me to receive this sort of recognition on a national level.”
Student name UCB best in show University College Birmingham has earned a top accolade in a higher education awards category based on student choice. UCB has won University of the Year in the 2022 Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCA). The award was presented at a ceremony hosted by comedian Richard Ayoade at East Wintergarden in London’s Canary Wharf. It means the university has jumped 55 places in this category since the last full WUSCAs in 2020. Glowing student reviews that clinched the university the top spot included: “This university is amazing. My lecturers are so incredibly kind and supportive and helpful.” The university also won the top award in the UK for Student Support, testament to its commitment to student welfare and providing the resources and guidance students need to succeed. Professor Michael Harkin, vice-
Top award-winners: UCB students and personnel celebrate their award
chancellor and principal at University College Birmingham, said: “What an achievement. And one that's even more special considering these awards were voted for by our students and after two years of huge challenges due to Covid-19.
“To also receive the award for Student Support cements just how incredible our staff are, how committed they are to ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed. The biggest thank you to all our students and staff who made this happen.”
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Where do you fancy?
Park Regis’ new restaurant offering Indus has been inspired by a love of India. The name ‘India’ actually originated from the Indus River that runs through the Asian sub continent. The Indus chefs have taken inspiration from their homeland and been inspired to elevate their favourite dishes. Lovingly put together with freshly ground spices, great produce and authentic cooking techniques, they have evolved and adapted the best of Indian cuisine and made it truly special.
Breakfast, lunch or dinner… Food and drink Indus offers a menu flowing with traditional dishes that explores pan-Asian flavours synonymous with this majestic sub-continent. The menu takes a culinary journey across northern India, exploring the richness of tastes, contrasts and textures of the region with centuries of tradition. Head chef Manish Patel brings his experience of working in five-star hotels in India to create a menu offering an extensive choice of vegetarian, nonvegetarian and vegan dishes. Supported by his skilled tandoor chef, Manish uses his special arsenal of family spices and years of traditions handed down from generations to create a bespoke menu designed to arouse the more sophisticated palate. Chef’s signature dishes include Indus Haddi Wala Ghost (mutton on the bone slowly cooked in a rich almond, onion and aromatic spices) and a delicately flavoured Goan Machhi (spicy goan fish curry simmered in coconut milk and toddy vinegar). There are some tantalising desserts such as gulab jamun, chocomosa and home made pistachio ice cream (Kulfi)
Indus Restaurant Address Park Regis Hotel, 160 Broad Street, Birmingham B15 1DT T: +44 121 369 6666 E: hello@parkregis-birmingham.com W: parkregisbirmingham.co.uk/indus Owner: Switch Hospitality Head Chef: Manish Patel
Wines A wide selection of whites, red and rosés from Europe, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. Priced from £22 to £75.
Opening hours 5pm-10:30pm
Business facilities Deals, set menu, speedy lunches Happy Hour from 4pm to 7pm every Sunday - Thursday Indus does not have private dining but Park Regis has plenty of spaces for hosting a private networking event, launch a product or host a party. With 11 function rooms designed to fit all your needs, up-to-date amenities and panoramic views, they not only offer excellent meeting space, but pride themselves on quality service to make any event a memorable one. The building is equipped with free WiFi throughout. Park Regis also have a dedicated AV company onsite, Universal Live, who provide full audio visual support to all meetings and events. They bring with them over 16 years experience in hotel events, any sector, any scale, any location!
Exclusive members’ offer Indus are offering 15 per cent discount on food for Chamber members. Quote CHAMBER at time of booking.
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Gardens’ new CEO to lead growth Birmingham Botanical Gardens has appointed a new chief executive. Sara Blair-Manning joins the grade II* listed Gardens in Edgbaston with 27 years’ experience in the cultural and charitable sectors. She has significant experience of leading the development of beautiful gardens, heritage sites and environmental projects at two National Trust properties, Tattershall Castle and Gunby Estate, Hall and Gardens. While CEO with The John Clare Trust, she worked with Gardeners’ World presenter Adam Frost and sponsors Lands’ End to create The Rural Muse garden, which won gold at RHS Chelsea in 2012. Inspired by the 18th century romantic poet John Clare, the garden was relocated to the John
‘I can’t wait to start working with the trustees, staff and volunteers of this important charity’ Sue Beardsmore (left), chair of trustees at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, with Sara Blair-Manning, the newly appointed CEO
Clare birthplace museum in the village of Helpston, Peterborough. Sara, a keen gardener, said she was looking forward to guiding the Gardens, an independent charity that relies solely on revenue from visitors, members and charitable donations, as it looks to put in place ambitious plans to build on the nearly 200 years of heritage. “I can’t wait to start working with the trustees, staff and
Green light for truck cartel action The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has been given the green light to represent the haulage industry in a groundbreaking legal case against major European truck manufacturers who were found to have operated a price-fixing cartel between 1997 and 2011. The claim is the first opt-in collective proceedings to have been certified by the Competition Appeal Tribunal under the new regime. Richard Smith, managing director of the RHA, said “This judgment represents a huge endorsement of the RHA’s determination to stand up and fight not only for its members but the industry as a whole.”
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volunteers of this important charity,” she said. “Whether it’s cultivating a window box to grow herbs, rewilding areas on a landscape scale for improved biodiversity or working with nature and ecosystems to help reduce the impacts of climate change, we are all able to make and feel a positive difference through nature.
“I look forward to meeting sector colleagues and sharing future developments for Birmingham Botanical Gardens with our visitors, members and supporters.” Her appointment comes months after the Gardens appointed Rebecca Steen as operations director, while last year also saw former BBC Midlands Today news presenter and experienced board
member Sue Beardsmore being appointed chair of the trustees. Eight new trustees also joined the charity. Sue said: “We have many exciting plans to preserve and enhance the heritage of Birmingham Botanical Gardens for future generations and Sara is just the person to help us achieve our ambitious goals.”
Cover photographer rides for Poppy Appeal Chamberlink photographer Marc Kirsten is seeking support for his ‘Pedal to Paris’ participation to raise funds for this year’s Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. The event takes place in September, spread over four days, and will involve cycling a total distance of 460 km – that’s just over 285 miles. Marc will be taking part in the ride, together with his son Joel, in memory of his father, Severyn Markus Kirsten, who fought in the Polish Free Army alongside the British Army during the Second World War, most notably at the Battle of Monte Cassino. “The contribution and sacrifice that he and countless others made during that and other conflicts is immeasurable,” said Marc, who has worked in the West Midlands as a press, PR and commercial photographer for almost 30 years. “The Legion is here to help members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families, so I do hope that friends and colleagues will help us to help the Legion in their valuable work,” added Marc, who regularly produces the front cover photography for Chamberlink. So far, Marc and Joel have raised almost half of the target of £3,100 which they have set themselves. They are pictured here after taking part in the St Giles Hospice Cycle Ride, held in May, which the duo used as part of their training programme. Anyone wishing to donate is asked to go to Marc’s JustGiving page.
Pedal power: Father-and-son team Joel and Marc
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It’s been hard to miss the latest instalment in the Johnny Depp v Amber Heard saga, thanks in no small part to the army of TV cameras and the resulting social media frenzy. 1st June 2022 saw the Jury come down decisively on the side of Johnny Depp, awarding him $15 million in damages, with a token gesture of $2 million awarded to Amber Heard. Assuming the US legal system is similar to the UK system, the typical rule is that the loser is responsible for some of the winner’s legal costs. Johnny Depp’s team, impressive as they were, did not come cheap and his legal fees are estimated to be in the region of $5.5 million. Amber Heard, who hinted at financial concerns during her witness evidence, is therefore potentially facing a bill of several million dollars. This begs the obvious question – how is she going to pay? If she doesn’t have the money, even the best lawyers won’t be able to recover Depp’s damages.
Whilst Johnny Depp might not be too concerned with recovering his money - the verdict alone will no doubt be worth the legal fees for the sake of his reputation - the typical litigant does not have the same luxury. Spending thousands on legal fees to pursue a claim, only to find out your opponent cannot pay, makes for a pyrrhic victory. It is for this reason one eye should always be on the enforcement risk – at the end of the day, can you enforce any judgment if you win? Before pursuing a claim your lawyer can help you assess the risk of enforcement. For limited companies this can involve a detailed look at their accounts and searches to find out what property it owns. For individuals this would involve checking bankruptcy registers, and asset search reports can be invaluable in deciding whether your opponent is good for the money. The enforcement risk is not just a concern for potential claimants. Whilst a defendant won’t have the luxury of deciding whether they want to resort to a legal battle, any
successful defendant will be looking to the other side to reimburse the legal fees incurred. By the end of a trial these can be well into the hundred thousands, even if they’re not quite at eyewatering level incurred by Johnny Depp. If there are concerns about the claimant’s ability to pay any adverse costs awarded against them, applications like security for costs (where the claimant has to pay some money into court for safe-keeping) can be very effective. Whether you’re the claimant or defendant, at the early stages of the claim thought should always be given to the risk of enforcement – you don’t want to find out after an expensive and stressful legal claim that your hardfought victory isn’t worth the paper it’s written on.
Article by: Georgia Morris, Dispute Resolution Solicitor
T: 0345 20 73 72 8 E: gmorris@thursfields.co.uk W: thursfields.co.uk
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Band of Brothers clicker unearthed An extraordinary slice of Birmingham manufacturing history which helped the D-Day landings turn the tide of the Second World War has been unearthed an astonishing 78 years later. An archaeological dig at the former base of famed parachute rifle E company from the US Army and featured in the Second World War film drama ‘Band of Brothers’ has unearthed rare historical artefacts, including one of the ACME lost clickers used in the Normandy landings. The clicker, used by airborne troops during the D-Day landings to determine friend from foe behind enemy lines, was found feet away from two sets of dog tags also belonging to members of the famed Band of Brothers. The tags were unearthed at an archaeological WW2 dig conducted by Richard Osgood and a team of veterans from Nightingale and Aldbourne Heritage Centre supported by Breaking Ground Heritage in the lead up to the anniversary of D-Day. Images of the clicker discovered in Aldbourne, Wiltshire, where the 101st were stationed during WW2, were immediately sent to experts at ACME Whistles in Birmingham,
Rituals opens at Touchwood Touchwood has welcomed Rituals Cosmetics to its Solihull shopping destination, joining an array of local and global brands. Penny Grivea, managing director for UK and Ireland at Rituals, said: “We are so excited to be expanding the Rituals interactive experience in the UK. After an unexpected year, we understand more than ever the need for moments of joy. “The new Rituals store will help customers to transform daily routines into meaningful rituals. This opening marks an exciting time for the brand in growing our retail presence across the UK and Ireland.” Tony Elvin, general manager of Touchwood, said: “Rituals will add another new dimension to Touchwood in what has been a fantastic year for new and unique brands joining the centre.”
where they were made during the war, for authentication. Simon Topman, managing director at ACME and a former Birmingham Chamber of Commerce president, said; “This is a fascinating find for a number of reasons, but there was no doubt that it was an authentic ACME clicker issued for the D-Day landings. “Not only was there all of the telltale signs in the manufacture, but the material used got us really excited. “When Richard and his team sent pictures, we could clearly see the metal used had been repurposed as there was vivid colouration and patterning on the inside of the clicker. “Although this was not the case with every unit, our records show that the war effort required us to reuse metal from alternative sources, even repurposing tins and packaging from Cadbury, based just down the road.” The ACME clicker was discovered within feet of two dog tags belonging to Second World War servicemen Richard A Blake and Carl Fenstermaker.
Top: Historic find: Jack Robson (left), formerly of the Yorkshire regiment, who identified the clicker, and Adrian Ledbury, also a veteran, who found the clicker Pictures: Richard Osgood Inset: Friend or foe?: The broken Acme clicker
Carl Fenstermaker was a certified member of commander Dick Winters’ Easy Company from Band of Brothers. He made a remarkable three combat jumps during his service in the 101st including D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge at Bastogne. The surviving grandson of Carl Fenstermaker, Andrew
Fenstermaker, added: “We didn’t know much about his service, he wasn’t one to talk much about it. I was really excited to hear about what was found. The story of the discovery will be aired on the chart-topping Dan Snow’s History Hit featuring Richard Osgood.
Assay office guardians appointed The Birmingham Assay office has announced the election of four new Guardians of the Standard of Wrought Plate in the city – helping preserve a cherished city institution. Carla Goodfellow, Petro Nicolaides, Rachel Eade (pictured) and Charles Barwell are the new appointees, the Jewellery Quarter-based office revealed. The role of ‘Guardian of the Standard of Wrought Plate in Birmingham’ was defined within the 1773 Act of Parliament which created the company known today as the Assay Office. Primarily their role is to preserve and protect the Birmingham Assay Office. There are 36 elected Guardians of the Standard of Wrought Plate in Birmingham. No more than nine or less than six may be connected with the jewellery trade. Petro Nicolaides is CEO of the f-t Group whose activities include Commercial & Financial Consultancy, Property Development, Property Investment & Retail Enterprise. In June 2017 he was appointed Special Adviser to the Mayor of the West Midlands and Chairman of the Bid to revive the Birmingham Super Prix, using electric vehicles. Nicolaides said: “I am both humbled & honoured to have been appointed as a Guardian of The Birmingham
Assay Office. It is such a special institution that sits in the heart of Birmingham and that Birmingham has in its heart. I am excited to play my part in assisting the Assay Office to evolve.” Charles Barwell is an experienced company director, adviser and trustee having advised businesses and families in financial services for almost 30 years working for firms including Barclays, Gerrard and Albert E Sharp. He is a former deputy chair of the CBSO. Rachel Eade has over 20 years’ experience in business support and development, specialising in the automotive and transport manufacturing supply chain. She was awarded an MBE in the 2014 New Year Honours’ list for services to the automotive industry, and in 2015 received the Institute of Sheet Metal Engineers Gold Medal. She said: “I am delighted and privileged to support the Birmingham Assay Office as a Guardian both in its consumer protection role and developments for the future.” Carla Goodfellow, who has been in the jewellery industry for 35 years, including 18 working at the Birmingham Assay Office, said: “I am blessed to have been part of this great industry, and am pleased to be able to continue to support the business with my appointment as Guardian.” July/August 2022 CHAMBERLINK 37
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Royal Fair hears of regen plans By Dan Harrison Sutton Coldfield businesses heard there are “a lot of cogs turning” towards the town’s regeneration – as the Royal Business Fair returned after a three-year absence. The much-mooted redevelopment of Sutton Coldfield town centre was high on the agenda at the business expo, hosted by Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce. Around 300 delegates and 40 exhibitors attended the event at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, which was sponsored by law firm Enoch Evans and the Sutton Coldfield Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID). As well as having the opportunity to network and develop business contacts, attendees also received an update on the town’s highly-
anticipated regeneration plans from BID chair Angela Henderson and Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council regeneration programme manager Janet Rowley. Ms Rowley said the town centre is in the midst of some “real opportunities”, including development plans for key sites and a short-term strategy to bring vacant properties back into use. Central to those opportunities are the town centre ‘Masterplan’ document and key collaborations with the town’s ‘big three’ landowners – Birmingham City Council, who have acquired the Red Rose and Newhall Walk retail sites, Aldi, who plan to develop the derelict Brassington Avenue, and Gracechurch Shopping Centre owners M&G Investments.
Pictured (L-R): Reiss Matthews - Enoch Evans, Janet Rowley - Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council, Stephen Nixon - Enoch Evans, Angela Henderson Gracechurch Shopping Centre, Michelle Baker - Sutton Coldfield BID, Phil Arkinstall - Ark Media, Henrietta Brealey - GBCC and Olive O'Sullivan - Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council
Ms Rowley said: “It’s been a grim time for all of us but the sun is shining and things are moving. “We’re not going to wait for things to happen in a couple of years’ time – we need to do it now.” Phil Arkinstall, president of the Sutton Coldfield Chamber and CEO of video production firm Ark Media, said: “It was great to have the Royal Business Fair back after a three-year absence. Being based in the town centre ourselves, it was great to
hear the plans to improve it over coming years – and you can see that there are a lot of cogs turning. It shows that the town centre does have a positive future.” Agencies PLOTT Creative and EDGE Creative also joined forces to deliver a seminar on how businesses can maximise and build their brand and marketing potential. • More Sutton Coldfield news on page 61
Cost of living crisis slows leisure growth The hospitality and leisure sector’s post-pandemic recovery could be severely hampered by the cost-ofliving crisis and a widespread lack of staff, a new report warns. ‘UK Hospitality’s Next Challenge’, a study from Barclays Corporate Banking, shows that the release of pent-up consumer demand for socialising, holidays and experiences following the pandemic has given a boost to the sector. Around 77 per cent of operators are confident of growth this year. However, the predicted growth could be stifled by soaring supplier costs and a scramble for talent.
Strong sales in 2022: Mike Saul
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Hospitality and leisure businesses report that their transport costs have already spiked by over 38 per cent year-on-year on average, and their utility bills by 37 per cent. Meanwhile, 94 per cent of hospitality and leisure businesses are struggling to recruit personnel, with vacancies for cleaning staff (20 per cent), front of house staff (18 per cent), and delivery staff (16 per cent) causing the most issues. In response, operators are establishing new incentives to recruit and retain talent. Permanent flexible working arrangements (23 per cent) are the most popular measure, followed by an increase in staff welfare budgets and the introduction of bonuses (both 22 per cent). Mike Saul, head of hospitality and leisure at Barclays Corporate Banking, said: “The hospitality and leisure industry was undoubtedly one of the hardest hit by prolonged periods of lockdown during the pandemic. In the early part of 2022 however, in a society free from restrictions, the sector enjoyed strong sales, leaving many confident about their growth prospects. “The worsening cost-of-living crisis is now a serious threat to that growth, with the latest Barclaycard Consumer Spending Index showing that restaurants, bars, pubs and clubs have all seen a decline in May 2022, compared to the month before.”
Tackling danger on the dance floor: Jack Young and Sam Hennerley
Initiative to tackle violence in venues A new UK-wide initiative working with music venues, clubs and industry to tackle sexual violence through a framework of support, guidance and technology has been launched. Safer Dance, created by Birmingham City University graduate Sam Hennerley and business partner Jack Young, has launched after pilots with three major nightclubs in Birmingham, Liverpool and London. Launched in partnership with risk assurance consultants RSM UK, the Safer Dance initiative is an holistic suite of tools that provide support, guidance and technology for venues to help reduce sexual harassment risks and ensure a safer environment for music fans and staff. The new service was first outlined in Sam’s final year Music Industries university project. He said: “Jack and I have been involved in the night-time economy over the past five years and through conversations with the public and our own contemporary research, we became aware of the issues that are common in certain environments, such as at live gigs and club nights. “To propel change in attitudes towards sexual misconduct, accessibility to information, guidance and support has always been at the forefront of our thinking. We see the self-assessment tool as the first step for venues to start taking further action to improve fan and staff safety.” The duo plan to work closely with local authorities targeting geographical areas to improve overall nightlife safety, starting locally in the Midlands but expanding across the UK.
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Business News ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Wellbeing is a leadership issue
Resolving challenging relationships can improve teamwork
Change creates uncertainty leading to increased stress and differences of opinion. While most organisations now recognise the importance of managing the health and wellbeing of their employees, many have overlooked the biggest root cause of workrelated stress – the differences of opinion that occur in relationships and teams. When people lie awake at night worrying about work, it’s usually down to one of two things - high workload or difficult relationships. Unless you resolve challenging relationships,
you’ll continue to experience stress, which impacts productivity. When we think about changing behaviour, we usually think about changing somebody else’s. Most of us can instantly think of someone whose behaviour we want to change. You can’t change other people’s behaviour, but you can change your own, and in so doing, you influence a different outcome. Imagine instead a team who leap out of bed every morning, excited about the day and the week ahead. Imagine that same team
communicating openly, agreeing the priorities, letting go of things that are not business critical and holding each other accountable for success. Imagine the transparency of communication, the quality of conversation, the honesty around how you feel and what you think, without friction, tension and frustration. Few teams reach this pinnacle of high performance but most of them have both the desire and the potential. Coaching and leadership development are typically expensive options reserved for senior leaders or top talent, but every employee has challenging relationships to work with. Organisations who are serious about wellbeing will provide every employee with the skills and tools to work through their work issues without the anxiety of lying awake in the middle of the night. The quality of leadership and teamwork has the greatest impact on how employees think and feel about themselves, their work and their team. Strong emotional intelligence is critical if you want to attract and retain top talent. When every employee has the support they need to work through the inevitable differences of opinion that occur in teams and organisations, stress levels reduce and productivity and wellbeing improve. Contact us today to find out how AskOpus can improve the communication, productivity and wellbeing of your employees.
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IT service provider in telecom acquisition Birmingham-headquartered IT service provider Intercity has broadened its horizons with the acquisition of Northampton-based family-run telecommunications business Chandler Communications. Established in 1986 by Perry and Jo Chandler, Chandler Communications is a wellrespected business with over 350 customers across the UK. The company shares a people-first approach to business with Intercity, which is also family-owned. Andrew Jackson, CEO of Intercity, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Chandler Communications to the Intercity Group. Having seen how this well-managed business has grown over the last 30 years, and the care the team put into building long-term partnerships with customers, we recognised the huge synergies between our two organisations. “Chandler is a great fit for Intercity and this deal is an important step in our long-term plan to grow through careful and considered acquisitions.”
Delighted: Andrew Jackson
Perry Chandler, director and cofounder of Chandler Communications, added: “After thoroughly enjoying the past 36 years, and for very personal reasons, it’s time to hand over the reins. I’ve looked for a company
who hold the same important values at their core as I do and have found this in abundance at Intercity. “It’s fantastic to see two familyowned Midlands businesses coming together.”
Jazz charity’s festival line-up
Among the performers: The Alina Quartet
B:Music, the music charity responsible for Town Hall and Symphony Hall, has confirmed the line-up for B:JazzFest, which will take place from Monday 22 to Friday 26 August. Following on from the success of the inaugural festival last year, the week of music will showcase the full spectrum of jazz and includes performances from international touring artists to local community bands. With a range of guest tutors in the city for this year's Jazzlines Summer School, B:JazzFest, in partnership with Jazz FM, will allow audiences to enjoy free and low-cost performances at The Spotted Dog in Digbeth, on stage at Symphony Hall and in Symphony Hall’s Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space. Alongside B:JazzFest, the Jazzlines Summer School returns in August, as Symphony Hall opens its doors once again to young musicians from Birmingham and the surrounding areas. This year’s free, non-residential course will run from Monday 22 to Friday 26 August for young people aged between 11 and 19. The artists announced for this year’s festival include headline shows from international jazz harpist and Jazz FM Award nominee Alina Bzhezhinksa with her HipHarp Collective (Friday 26 August) and Jazz FM’s Instrumentalist of the Year 2021 Daniel Casimir with his quintet (Thursday 25 August). B:Music’s jazz and emerging talent programme producer Alex Carr said: “This year’s B:JazzFest is themed around community and collaboration. We want to deliver a programme that challenges artists who have never worked together before to come together on projects, to explore and share their experience of jazz music.”
Lawyers do their bit to clean canal Lawyers took to a litterstrewn canal towpath in Birmingham – filing an entire barge with rubbish as part of a clean-up campaign. Tyres, carpets and suitcases were among the items collected by Shakespeare Martineau’s lawyers as part of a litter pick along the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal towpath. An entire barge was filled by the law firm’s Birminghambased corporate team, who gave up their time to take part in the volunteering day, which was organised by the Canal and River Trust. The team started at Cambrian Wharf, which was developed in 1769, before making their way down the canal on a barge – collecting kids’ shoes, clothes, bricks, a step ladder, duvets, cans, bottles and umbrellas along the way.
‘The damage rubbish causes to our environment, aquatic ecosystems and wildlife is welldocumented’ Jody Webb, corporate partner at Shakespeare Martineau, said: “Canals provide vital access to green and blue spaces, which improve wellbeing and enhance communities. However, too often, litter is dropped along the towpath. “The damage rubbish causes to our environment, aquatic ecosystems and wildlife is well-documented. We were really surprised at the amount of rubbish we collected over the course of the day, but it shows how much can be done when people give up their time.” Tara Sexton, volunteer leader at the Canal and River Trust, added: “The work all volunteer groups undertake is essential to the management and maintenance of the heritage assets and environmental concerns prevalent throughout the region. As a wellbeing charity, it is vital we can provide accessible and safe spaces for everyone who visits the canals in Birmingham.”
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Business News
Cyber risks worsened by Russia-Ukraine war Trade boost: Dr Amer Rashid.
Opportunities in the Middle East Birmingham-based Halal Certification Organisation is helping boost trade in the Middle East in a major new export initiative for go-ahead firms. The Birmingham-based organisation is accredited by the Gulf Accreditation Center (GAC), one of the major accreditation centres in the Middle East, authorising HCO to issue its Halal export certificate on consumable products that are being exported to Middle East countries including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman. For UK exporters this opens new business opportunities in difficult economic times, enabling them to offer their Halal certified products to the bigger markets in the Middle Eastern countries. Dr Amer Rashid, technical director at HCO, said: “It gives me great pleasure to announce that we have recently acquired an additional category with the Gulf region GSO standard to help our UK business partners export to the GCC countries. Thanks to our team’s hard work, the following products categories can now be certified as Halal compliant for exporting under the GSO standard, helping our business partners expand their reach and help our government’s export targets. Product categories include meat and meat products, beverages, perishable products, ambient stable products, feed additives, vitamins, minerals, biocultures, flavourings, enzymes, processing aids, pesticides, drugs, fertilizers, cleaning agents, cosmetics, leather products, etc.” To find out more, please visit Halal Certification Organisation or email amer@hcoltd.co.uk
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technology transformation and Increasing numbers of West increased home working. Midland businesses are falling “I’ve noticed a marked increase victim to cyber ransomware in the number of West Midlands attacks – with security risks businesses who are reporting heightened by the Russian ransomware attacks. invasion of Ukraine. “In order to fully protect The alert was raised by themselves, boards need to ensure Birmingham-based audit tax and they receive the right information consulting firm RSM UK in the wake from their IT teams or suppliers of a report revealing that a third of and encourage a culture of trust, middle market businesses have admitted their board does not sufficiently understand the cyber threat landscape to assess the dangers. RSM UK’s ‘The Real Economy’ report also highlighted that 33 per cent of the 415 businesses surveyed had experienced difficulties recruiting cyber security experts with the right skills and experience to help safeguard against cyber threats. Mark Taylor, regional managing partner, RSM West Midlands, said: “The research is concerning, and suggests that in the current climate of increased risk, boards need to be much more attuned to the threats posed by the RussiaUkraine conflict, Increased risk: volatile financial Mark Taylor markets, speed of
openness and vigilance throughout the business.” The Real Economy report also identified that, despite cyber crime increasing by 100 per cent since the pandemic, a quarter of businesses have not considered cyber insurance, leaving themselves exposed to potential financial and operational loss and reputational damage. More than a third of businesses (35 per cent) say this is because they don’t understand what cyber insurance should cover. Of the 62 per cent of businesses that do have a cyber insurance policy in place, understanding of what the policy covers them for has declined over the past year, with only a quarter (25 per cent) saying they are ‘very familiar’ with what’s covered, compared to 40 per cent in 2021. The research also found confidence in current measures to safeguard sensitive customer data has dropped, from almost half of middle market businesses (47 per cent) feeling “very confident” in 2021 to 35 per cent feeling “very confident” this year.
Promotions at Unity Trust Bank Birmingham-based specialist bank Unity Trust has unveiled two internal promotions to lead its commercial banking teams in the South and the Midlands. Matt Conroy has been promoted to regional director for the South of the UK and Andrew Bird as regional director for the Midlands. With more than 30 years in the banking industry, Matt brings considerable experience to his new position. Matt joined Unity’s commercial banking team as a relationship manager in 2019 having previously held a similar role at Triodos Bank. Andrew brings more than 33 years of experience across both retail and commercial banking. Andrew joined Unity Trust Bank in 2021 from Nucleus Commercial Finance following relationship management and senior leadership positions at a number of high street banks, including Santander, Barclays and HSBC. For nearly 40 years, Unity Trust Bank has been helping businesses to prosper and contribute positively to economic, community and social change. CEO of Unity Trust Bank, Deborah Hazell, said: “We are delighted to promote Andrew and Matt to these significant roles. “Unity is committed to developing and recognising internal talent and these two promotions are testament to Matt and Andrew’s demonstrated banking and leadership experience.”
Midlands regional director: Andy Bird
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Business News ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
The real cost of recruiting nurses overseas Detailed calculations and comparison An overseas nurse in the UK
Article by Liza Moroz The Covid19 pandemic combined with the effect of Brexit heavily impacted the care sector, causing severe staff shortages. Traditionally the UK healthcare sector relies on foreign workers to fill about 15% of the positions, and the care industry may use the same path to find quality talent from abroad. Still, for many recruitment and home managers, overseas recruitment remains a complex operation related to too much uncertainty, especially regarding its cost. In this article, we will try to answer how much it costs to hire an overseas nurse. FINDING THE RIGHT PEOPLE Finding the right people could be complex and cost your organisation a lot of effort and time. Unless the organisation has dedicated personnel who deal with the task, you may seek external help from agencies who will connect with the right candidates. The fee often is equal to one month salary, starting at about £2K to £3.5K. Issuing the Visa will cost, £232 plus a TB health check for £55. To transport then to UK the place ticket will cost around £500-£700 depending on the country of origin.
GETTING LICENSED The primary and more complex step is getting the Certificate of Sponsorship that covers four years of sponsorship but could be extended. Under this license, the employer may recruit for all their roles, and the chosen recruits are getting their visa to come and work under a multiyear contract. The cost of the Certificate of Sponsorship is £536 for small businesses and charities and £1,476 for medium and large organisations. Additionally, the government charges Sponsors an Immigration skills fee for each overseas employee. The sum depends again on the size of the organisation and the length of the contract. • small or charitable organisations pay £364 for the first year and £182 for every additional six months after • medium and large organisations pay £1000 for the first year and £500 for every additional six months after.
MANDATORY TRAINING Upon arrival overseas nurses have a strict timeline to cover the mandatory UK training and take exams: three months for OSCE and CBT, six months for OET. In total, candidates have eight months to obtain their PIN and become Registered nurses. When an employer pays for these courses, OET and OSCE may cost between
£1000 to £2000 each depending on length, personalisation, and quality of the coaching. The actual exam also costs you as CBT is £130, OET £315 and £794 for OSCE. It is important to know that during the period of training, candidate nurses can work limited hours under supervision. The employer has an obligation to provide time for study and the opportunity to attend the exams.
OTHER RELATED COSTS NMC Application Fee of £140 is paid to Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) when a new nurse applies to the register. Upon receiving the PIN another £153 are paid to the same organisation. Health Surcharge Fees of £200 per year are paid for access to free NHS healthcare. Recruiting foreign personnel also increases the time load on people dealing with HR, compliance, and welfare as it will require monitoring, reporting and regular counselling. The whole process is time-consuming and requires specific knowledge. The sum of all related indirect costs will affect your bottom line with an additional £300 to £500 as working hours.
to selection, transportation, training and registration are covered entirely by the candidates during the initial period of their training in the UK. When introduces to the employers they are already Registered nurses ready to work. In this case, the main expenditure will remain the licence and paying the compulsory government charge. The cooperation with QAQF will also reduce the indirect cost offering Legal, Compliance and Welfare support to the trainees before they settle successfully in the country. QAQF partners with UK care and nursery homes in recruiting talent from all over the world directly from our training courses avoiding complications and reducing the related costs more than half.
DRAWING THE LINE After adding up all the related costs, the total sum may reach an impressive number over £10K. It could be 'money well spent' to guarantee long-term employment and access to a broader talent pool for some organisations. The cost will also spread if the organisation recruits and trains more nurses at the same time. With Agent
With QAQF Difference
Approx. Summary of costs 10.6K 3.9K
62%
Still, the cost is significant, and can be reduced with the QAQF Discover – Train Deploy scheme, by an astonishing 62% as the expenses related
Liza Moroz (pictured) is part of QAQF BD Department. She likes connecting with people, solving problems and finding new opportunities. You can connect with Liza for more information about Discover – Train Deploy via elisaveta.moroz@qaqf.co.uk
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Business News HDY to lead Wavemakers Birmingham content marketeers HDY Agency has added water company Severn Trent to its extensive portfolio of clients. The agency’s collaboration with the water company follows the launch of Wavemakers, a new annual ideas challenge that seeks out innovative ideas in the world of water. The first round of Wavemakers will nurture local talents and help future innovators aged 16+ develop ideas on how to reuse and/or save water.
‘The collaboration between the two Midlands-based businesses will see a driving force in innovative solutions’ In return one lucky participant will be rewarded with either a one-year university course or £2,000 cash-prize towards supporting their development. The collaboration between the two Midlands-based businesses will see a driving force in innovative solutions to sustainability in local communities. Specifically, HDY Agency will be supporting the business with the launch of the project while driving awareness and registrations. Richard Powell, innovation manager at Severn Trent, said: “We’re really excited to be launching Wavemakers, as we believe that working collaboratively is the best way to create innovative ideas that have the potential to change the lives of individuals within our communities. “The team at HDY understand what we are trying to achieve and we are confident that their creative flair and strategic expertise will lead to this project being a great success with the innovators of the Midlands.” Angel Gaskell, co-founder of HDY Agency, said: “HDY are proud to be working alongside Severn Trent in their mission to improve sustainability.”
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Virtual forest reaches 200,000-tree milestone The West Midlands has notched up a proud green milestone – by planting over 200,000 trees in just over two years. Since January 2020, West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has been encouraging residents and businesses to get involved in tree planting through its Virtual Forest initiative. As an official partner of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, Severn Trent have been a major contributor to the milestone, planting 72 Tiny Forests – one to represent each nation or territory taking part in Birmingham 2022 and named after a bird or flower of the country it represents. Most recently, over 2,000 people from schools and local communities took part in Severn Trent’s Tiny Forest planting day with 44,400 trees being planted. As well as the Tiny Forests, Severn Trent has also committed to planting 2022 acres of new forest in the Midlands through a Legacy Forest campaign. Much of this tree planting will take place in 2022/2023. Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and Chair of the WMCA, said: “It is wonderful news that, as a region, we have now planted over 200,000 trees since January 2020. This is not only essential work in support of our net zero by 2041 target but is also hugely welcome given the great benefits we all derive from trees – cleaning our air, making our neighbourhoods more beautiful, and helping us to tackle the climate emergency.” Ricky Dallow, Forest Creation Manager for Severn Trent, said: “We are delighted to have helped contribute to WMCA reaching the 200,000 milestone for their Virtual Forest through our Tiny Forest and Legacy Forest campaigns. “The Commonwealth Games is a wonderful occasion for the region, and our Tiny Forests provide a long term, sustainable way to honour the event while making sure communities get involved in the spirit of
Beautiful Neighbourhoods (L-R): Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, Coun Heather Timms, Warwickshire’s portfolio lead on climate, Kristie Naimo, director at ARC (Achieving Results in Communities) who manage the Children’s Forest at Leasowe Farm, Radford
the Games. The sites will help to deliver a lasting legacy for Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games as well as boosting access to green space in urban areas, supporting environmental education and increasing regional resilience against environmental issues such as flooding, heat stress and nature loss.” Cllr Ian Courts, WMCA portfolio holder for environment and energy and leader of Solihull Council, said: “Planting over 200,000 trees since 2020 is a magnificent achievement in support of our West Midlands Virtual Forest campaign.”
Constructing sustainability The UK construction sector will make significant strides in tackling sustainability in 2022 to meet the UK’s climate change targets, according to a Birmingham-based expert. Paul Fenner, partner and head of construction at BDO LLP, says reducing carbon emissions is the area of business performance that construction leaders think will change the most in the next 12 months. According to BDO’s Construction in 2022 and Beyond, 48 per cent of businesses surveyed as part of the annual report think their company’s carbon footprint will decrease in 2022. 66% of companies also have carbon neutral targets in place. Last year, the Government set the world’s most ambitious climate change target to reduce emissions by 78 per cent by 2035 compared to 1990 levels. Globally, the construction sector is responsible for 30 to 40 per cent of natural resource use and 30 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. Paul Fenner (pictured) said: “While many large companies have already embedded environmental, social and governance (ESG) measures into their
business, there is still a considerable way to go to ensure the entire sector is playing its part in meeting the UK’s ambitious climate change targets. “With a raft of Government regulations aimed specifically at construction, such as requirements to have a carbon reduction plan in place for any public sector contract over £5 million, the direction of travel is clear. “It’s promising to see that the wave of adoption and acknowledgement of ESG is gaining real momentum and viewed as one of the biggest areas of change when it comes to business performance in 2022. “This is particularly clear in our latest Rethinking the Economy survey, which shows 60 per cent of real estate and construction companies have declined to work with clients because of their ESG credentials.” The Construction in 2022 and Beyond report also showed that optimism remains high in the sector, after a significant number of companies (47 per cent) performed better than expected last year. According to the survey, 91 per cent of respondents feel positive about the prospects for construction in the UK – up from 87 per cent last year.
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Business News
‘Thrilled’ Anita joins uni board Champion of the creative industries and founder of the BBC Asian Network Anita Bhalla OBE has been named as the next chair of Birmingham City University’s board of governors. Anita will take up her position as deputy chair on the board from October this year, before taking over as chair when current incumbent Mark Hopton’s term of office finishes in May 2023. A passionate Brummie, Anita will bring her deep understanding of the region to the roles of deputy chair and chair, as the university continues working towards the goals laid out in its Strategy 2025. Anita’s 26-year career with the BBC has seen her take on a varied range of roles – from correspondent to head of political and community affairs and head of public space broadcasting. Alumna Anita also studied for her Master’s at BCU. Professor Philip Plowden, vicechancellor, Birmingham City University, said: “Anita is the ideal person to take us forward and I am so pleased that she will be our next Chair of Governors.
“Her experience across the fields of journalism, creative arts and of course, social mobility, is an ideal match for us as a University, and I very much look forward to working with her. “I have no doubt she will provide a fresh degree of constructive challenge to ensure everyone at BCU is doing all we can to provide the very best experience for our students and the communities we serve.”
‘Anita is the ideal person to take us forward’ Ms Bhalla said: “I am thrilled and excited to be joining Birmingham City University at a time when there are so many opportunities ahead of us as well as the inevitable challenges. “Our University and students are vital to the economic and social growth of the region and I hope to play my part in helping this to become a reality. “I am looking forward to working with a dedicated team to ensure we do the best for our students and the region.” Thrilled: Anita Bhalla
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Student shoots for LA dream Solihull Sixth Form College Basketball Academy captain Faaris Mughal is taking his skills to Los Angeles to pursue his dreams of a professional career. Faaris, a BTEC business student at the college, combines his studies with playing for the Basketball Academy, which is run in association with the City of Birmingham Rockets Basketball Club. He is the team’s leading scorer and star player and has ambitions to make it as a professional player in the future. He hopes his move to Los Angeles to play for Prep School next season will be a steppingstone to achieving that. Faaris said: “I have been playing basketball since the age of six, but I started playing competitive basketball at age 12. My ambition is to become a professional basketball player, but I wasn’t sure how to go about pursuing that dream. I got some help from the coach of one of the teams we played this year at St Helen’s, who sent my highlights tape off to some
of his contacts. Thankfully that paid off and I’m super excited to be going to LA.” Faaris will be playing basketball in Los Angeles from September this year until the season ends in April 2023. He hopes that his performances will earn him an NCAA scholarship in 2023 and from there college basketball could lead to a professional contract. City of Birmingham Rockets Coach Peter Mintoft said: “As captain of the College team, Faaris has led the team with distinction. He has developed into a very capable player, being able to light any court up with his highly effective three-point shot. “With his high level of personal performance, he has done a great job of inspiring his teammates to a greater level of effectiveness. His dedication is exceptional and if he maintains his application to the task he will fulfil his dream of reaching the professional levels of the sport.” Highly effective: Faaris Mughal
• More sport – page 94.
NUMBER EIGHT Tamworth is a local registered charity providing supportive accommodation for young mums and their babies and pregnant young mums to be.
Our support includes:
• Training in the essentials of caring for the newborn • Training in looking after themselves • Training in the setting up of a first home • Training in basic housekeeping including some cooking/baking • Provision of welfare and financial advice where necessary • Practical and emotional support • Help to enable them to pick up any lost education and move on to college or employment • Help to source ongoing accommodation and to furnish it • Healthy relationships We house young mums in an environment where they can not only feel safe and secure but where they can be assisted through the very difficult period immediately before and after the birth of their first child.
E: number8.tam@gmail.com W: numbereighttamworth.org.uk Charity Number: 1179171
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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Loganair: Strengthening connectivity from Birmingham Airport Improved Birmingham to Aberdeen schedules This year, business travel has been making a comeback following the pandemic and Loganair – the UK’s largest regional airline – is restoring that all-important regional connectivity that is crucial for the recovery of businesses across the country, including those in the West Midlands. The North Sea energy sector is thriving, and thus UK-wide accessibility to Aberdeen, or the "Oil Capital of Europe", has seldom been so important. Aberdeen Airport hosts significant numbers of helicopter flights to offshore fields in the North Sea, and the sector requires frequent and flexible UK airline routes to/from Aberdeen Airport to meet them. That’s why Loganair has been increasing its schedules from Birmingham Airport to Aberdeen, with now up to three flights per day taking to the skies; one morning, one afternoon and one in the evening. The airline has also promoted its innovative ‘EnergyFlex’ policy, standard on all flights to/from Aberdeen. The scheme allows those with Vantage Cards or valid offshore IDs extra flexibility, allowing date changes +/- two days on return journeys. This is expected to be welcomed by energy sector employees who often work on changing shift patterns and sometimes need to stay offshore a little longer or come home early to avoid deteriorating weather conditions. However, for full flexibility and to take advantage of fast-track security – Loganair's Fly Flex + is for you. 48 CHAMBERLINK July/August 2022
Join the Clan You might be travelling for business, but with Clan Loganair – Loganair’s customer loyalty programme – you'll be collecting Clan Points on every trip, so the more you take to the air, the more you can collect. You can then exchange these for Clan Reward Flights, where you only pay taxes – It might just be time to explore some of Loganair’s other routes and enjoy a weekend of leisure. For full details, terms and conditions or to sign-up, visit loganair.co.uk/clan-loganair Another key destination from Birmingham Airport is Inverness. Flying six days per week, the service lands in the capital of the Scottish Highlands and one of Europe’s fasting growing cities. Inverness is home to several global companies and hosts a world-class campus for research and academia. Closer to home, the Isle of Man’s key financial, manufacturing and tourism sectors bring people from all over the UK to this British Crown Dependency.
With a daily service from Birmingham, a quick 55-minute flight will have you reconnecting with associates and growing your network in this hub of innovation and growth.
Get in touch If you would like to discuss a more bespoke corporate package for regular and significant travel requirements, please contact Loganair’s head of revenue and sales, Donna McHugh, at: donnamchugh@loganair.co.uk. Flights can be booked at www.loganair.co.uk, or via travel agents and travel management companies using all major global distribution systems. All fares include a 15kg checked baggage allowance, all taxes, Air Passenger Duty and a GreenSkies contribution that fully offsets carbon emissions from all Loganair flights. To find out more about GreenSkies, Loganair’s sustainable flying programme, visit: www.loganair.co.uk/people-planet/greenskies.
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Chamber Patrons
Chamber Patrons Greater Birmingham Chambers’ leading supporters
Contact: Raj Kandola T: 07815 952462
Sir Lenny takes diversity tax breaks bid to No 10 Export accolade: Morningside’s Alex Claydon with Charlotte Horobin (Make UK Region director for the Midlands and East of England) and Mike Bushell
Export award for Morningside Morningside Pharmaceuticals has won a major accolade for its exporting work. The Loughboroughheadquartered firm came out on top in the Export category at the Insider Media Made in the Midlands Awards. The event took place at Birmingham’s Macdonald Burlington Hotel and was hosted by BBC presenter and Strictly Come Dancing contestant Mike Bushell. Judges hailed Morningside as a business that has “pivoted from one which manufactured other companies’ drugs to one which develops, makes and distributes generic medicines. This has led to major international growth.” Morningside’s founder and chairman, Dr Nik Kotecha said: “We’re delighted to have won this award, which has been achieved through the hard work and dedication of our people, who work tirelessly to ensure doctors and their patients globally receive the often lifesaving medicine they require. “Morningside is a proud Midlands based manufacturer, distributor and supplier of quality medicines. Over the past 30 years, since our inception, we have exported to more than 120 countries. “The Midlands is the manufacturing heartland of the UK, and we’re truly honoured to be recognised in this way alongside so many of the region’s best and brightest manufacturing businesses.”
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A project spearheaded by Birmingham City University’s Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity aims to lobby the government to introduce tax breaks that will encourage TV and film companies to put diversity at the centre of new productions. Developing research, data, and evidence around the positive impact of diversity tax breaks follows meetings between BCU chancellor Sir Lenny and Downing Street, the mayor of London, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and the Treasury. Guests at an event marking the second anniversary of the centre included Laurence Olivier award winning actor Adrian Lester, Soul II Soul’s Jazzie B, senior executives from Channel 4, BBC, and ITV, and journalists, producers, editors and academics from across the UK. Broadcaster, comedian and author Sir Lenny author said: “What I have learnt is that we must turn protest into progress. We need to transform our complaints about the lack of diversity into real tangible results. “We’re doing great work, including consultancy for the
Sir Lenny Henry: Turning protest into progress
Financial Times, Channel 4 and the BBC. “This centre has proved that change will happen – people are taking notice, broadcasters, newspapers and trade unions are all using our work to improve their policies and increase diversity.” The anniversary event, part of a wide-reaching programme running up until November this year to celebrate the university’s 2025 Strategy, coincided with the arrival of the third edition of the centre’s journal ‘Representology’ – a collaboration between industry
professionals and media academics at Birmingham City University and Cardiff University. The latest issue features an interview between Sir Lenny and founder of the MOBOs Kanya King. It also includes an article by Nadine White, the UK’s first race correspondent based at The Independent. BCU has funded nine key research projects through its Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity, including a collaboration with Cardiff University and work with Channel 4.
Fund helps female entrepreneurs A $1bn fund has been launched in a bid to break down the barriers and inequality faced by female business leaders when scaling their companies. HSBC’s female entrepreneur scheme, HSBC Roar, also features a programme of support. Access to funding remains one of the biggest hurdles for female entrepreneurs in the UK. Female-founded businesses received just 1.4 per cent of the €23.7bn invested into UK start-ups in 2021 and only 2.7 per cent of venture capital goes to female-led businesses. HSBC Roar aims to remove the barriers female entrepreneurs face when scaling their business, through increased financial knowledge and access to insights.
Following a successful pilot in 2021, the programme has been carefully constructed with feedback from a range of female leaders, along with support from HSBC’s partners, including AllBright, a global careers network for women.
Sam Cooper-Gray: Supporting female entrepreneurs
Sam Cooper-Gray, global head of market strategy at HSBC Business Banking, said: “The level of funding received over time by female-led businesses is significantly lower than male counterparts, while the recent impacts of the pandemic have seen these same businesses disproportionately affected. “Female-owned businesses are also less likely to have global networks, meaning international expansion can prove challenging. “As the global economy continues to rebuild from the impact of the pandemic, small and medium-sized businesses will continue to be the bedrock on which our economies and local communities are built, meaning we need to ensure that those led by women are given support.”
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Chamber Patrons Safe haven: The latest artist’s impression of Woodland House
Mondelez takes on plastic waste
£3m raised for safe haven A £3m fundraising target to build a ‘safe haven’ for families experiencing the heartbreak of pregnancy and baby loss has been achieved. Work will begin this summer on Woodland House, the new purpose-built bereavement centre at Birmingham Women’s Hospital. The standalone bereavement centre is completely charitably funded, with hundreds having championed the appeal and donated since its launch three years ago. Birmingham Women’s Hospital is one of only two dedicated women’s hospitals in the UK.
As well as featuring the largest single-site maternity unit in the country, delivering more than 8,000 babies every year, it is also home to a specialist fetal medicine centre, which deals with more complicated pregnancies from across the region and beyond. Mark Brider, CEO at Birmingham Women’s Hospital Charity, said: “Approximately 2,000 families experience pregnancy or baby loss at our hospital every year. “Many of these brave families have shared their heartbreaking stories throughout the appeal, each one reflecting on how different their experience might have been, if
somewhere like Woodland House had existed. “We’re grateful to them all for inspiring more and more people to give, to make things better for our future families. “We’re so thrilled to have reached this milestone. Woodland House will have a massive impact on our grieving families and we can’t thank our supporters enough for really championing this important cause.” Woodland House will feature separate and private access from the hospital, counselling rooms, a private garden, a communal area for support groups and a family room with its own private access and garden.
Cadbury owner Mondelez International is taking part in a multi-million pound plastic recycling scheme. The FlexCollect project is the largest pilot undertaken in the UK for household collections and recycling of flexible plastic. Mondelez has co-funded the project through the Flexible Plastic Fund, DEFRA, UKRI’s Smart Sustainable Plastic Packaging Challenge (SSPP) and Zero Waste Scotland. Its UK business co-founded the Flexible Plastic Fund, financing a £1m fund to make flexible plastic recycling economically viable for recyclers and easier for consumers. Mondelez International UK managing director, Louise Stigant, said: “Increasing the recycling rates of our flexible packaging and creating a circular economy for this material so our packaging does not end its life in the environment is a priority for us and something we know is important to our consumers.”
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1813 Club and Premier Members
1813 Club and Premier Members PwC UK has nominated 10 community-minded individuals to be official Batonbearers in the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay. The colleagues, including two who will take up the baton in the West Midlands, have been selected in recognition of the work in their communities. Philippa Donnelly will be a baton bearer in the West Midlands on 20 July. Following a diagnosis of MS in her 20s, Philippa has been determined to show that it is possible to live well with MS. She sits on the Northern Irish Council for the MS Society and ran over 100km in November 2021 to raise money for the cause. Meanwhile, Jacob Balchin will be taking up the baton on 22 July. In his spare time, Jacob supports a local community space with its treasury needs. During the pandemic, the centre was forced to close and they were unable to generate income from lettings or gather donations. Jacob researched and applied to various grant bodies offering Covid relief funds. Over six months of applications, he raised £25,000, covering all repair work while keeping the building open for the community. Birmingham born and bred Pippa Tilney will also be a baton bearer in the South West in July. For the last 31 years, she has dedicated her life to fitness as a group exercise instructor. Pippa has helped hundreds of people hit their targets. Matt Hammond, Midlands Region Leader & Birmingham Senior Partner at PwC UK, said: “We’re delighted for our 10 confirmed Batonbearers who will have the chance to be a part of sporting history.”
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Membership Contact: Gary Birch T: 0845 6036650
Greater Birmingham’s leading companies
PwC nominates Batonbearers
Premier
Telling forgotten stories Sparkhill-based artist Tasawar Bashir is to explore heroic military stories dating back nearly 90 years – with previously untold sagas of historic service and sacrifice from Birmingham’s South Asian communities. Commissioned by the Arboretum and Sampad, an arts charity that connects people with South Asian arts and heritage, the initiative at the National Memorial Arboretum will celebrate the forgotten men and women who contributed to many military campaigns between 1914 and 1947. These stories will be narrated by community elders with whom Bashir has been working in Birmingham for the past 12 months. During the First and Second World Wars, Indian Army recruitment was heavily concentrated on rural areas known presently as Pakistan Punjab, Indian Punjab, the North West Frontier, Azad Kashmir, and Bangladesh. Known as begaris, the landless, they were the forgotten unsung heroes, playing vital roles as low rank soldiers or non-military functionaries such as porters or stretcher bearers. Due to their low profile and less glamorous roles, their history was largely ignored by official military narratives and subsequent generations of British-born South Asians have either no knowledge or many unanswered questions about elders who took part in various military campaigns. “When these brave servicemen returned from their military campaigns, they returned with stories about the world they had seen, with money in their pockets and with military pensions, some were awarded tracts of land,” Bashir said. “The story of how South Asian communities came to settle in Britain from the 1930s onwards can, in part, be explained by the forgotten story of these men and
women. Those living in the Diaspora today, areas such as the West Midlands, have been left impoverished by having no officially-recorded history of this period.” “This summer at the Arboretum, we are shining a light on the relationships between people of the Commonwealth who have served alongside each other,” said Chris Ansell, head of participation and learning at the National Memorial Arboretum. “As the nation’s year-round place to remember, we wanted to seize this opportunity to explore previously untold stories from communities within the UK through an artist commission, and Tasawar’s proposal was thoughtful and challenging.” Heroic stories from the past: Tasawar Bashir
New staff at runyourfleet.com Henley in Arden-based fleet management and vehicle leasing company runyourfleet.com is broadening its horizons – with a new intake of 10 extra employees. The award-winning business has welcomed the new members of staff following an ever-increasing demand for their variety of products and services. Two new employees welcomed into the account management team are John Couppleditch and Dane Kierstenson. John has enjoyed a career in vehicle funding and management for over thirty years, having worked with some of the UKs leading leasing companies and supplying some of the UKs largest fleets.
For the last 13 years John has developed expertise in the minibus market, supplying schools, colleges,
New recruits: John Couppleditch and Dane Kierstenson
universities, charities and care homes. He has a wide knowledge of the compliance issues around operating minibuses in all sectors and helps keep users compliant on the right side of the law. Meanwhile, Dane started his career in the commercial vehicle industry back in 2016, working closely with customers nationwide to capture their bespoke vehicle requirements on a contract hire basis. Dane’s focus at runyourfleet.com is to maximise customer experience and maintain high levels of retention, develop his LCV knowledge and support customers to grow and transition to EV fleets.
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1813 Club and Premier Members
Housing development sells out on launch day Joint venture partners Wavensmere Homes and The Galliard Apsley Partnership have sold 115 homes at their Belgrave Village development in Birmingham - without laying a brick. The 12-acre site - which fronts the Belgrave Middleway and Haden Way, close to Highgate and Digbeth - comprises 438 homes, including 264 one and two-bed apartments and 174 two, three and four-bed houses. The homes are set around courtyard gardens, landscaped public realm and a linear park, with additional private gardens to all houses. The development includes 263 parking spaces and additional cycle spaces. The first phase of homes was sold on the first day of the launch. Donna Smith, sales director at Edgbaston-based Wavensmere Homes, said: “We have been overwhelmed with interest in Belgrave Village and the response to our first release, with more than a quarter of the homes sold offplan.
Sold out: Belgrave Village
Quintessential – Afternoon tea at the Belfry.
Hotel takes a bite out of competition
“The site has a combination of attractions, not least its easy access to the city centre. At the same time the homes are set in stunning gardens and generous parkland, which gives it an ‘urban village’ vibe you won’t find anywhere else so close to the city centre. Belgrave Village is the second joint venture between Wavensmere Homes and Galliard Homes. David Galman, sales director at Galliard Homes, said: “This site – formerly home to the Joseph
Chamberlain Sixth Form College and Birmingham Sports Centre has lain idle for more than two decades. We are thrilled to have a hand in regenerating it, creating high quality new homes and a new neighbourhood for the people of Birmingham.” Site works at Belgrave Village began in May 2022. Phase I residents will move in Q4 2023, with the site completing in 2025. A further release of homes is expected soon. Register interest at: www.belgravevillage.co.uk
Key venue: The Alexander Stadium has been added to UVB’s offering
UVB lands stadium contract Unique Venues Birmingham (UVB) has been awarded the contract to deliver interim sales and marketing services for Alexander Stadium – a key venue for this summer’s Commonwealth Games. The athletics venue, located in the Perry Barr area if Birmingham, has undergone a £72m redevelopment. The stadium will offer a range of conference, meeting and event spaces that will be available for hire from November 2022. There will be six hospitality boxes for smaller meetings and a main function room, all overlooking the athletics track. There is also a separate board room for meetings, while the South Lounge is available for private hire during the evening to host events. UVB is a subsidiary of Birmingham Repertory Theatre Ltd, jointly governed by Birmingham
Repertory Theatre and Birmingham City Council. It was created in 2017 to exploit the conferencing and hospitality opportunities offered within the shared buildings. UVB commercial director Suzanna Reid Barreiro da Silva said: “We are very excited to have Alexander Stadium’s conference, meeting and event spaces become part of our portfolio. “Whilst events will not start taking place before November 2022, under our contract, we are already speaking to a range of new clients nationwide about the great facilities on offer.” Cllr Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “I am delighted Unique Venue Birmingham have added another bold Birmingham venue to their already impressive roster and for them to proudly showcase the stadium to new clients both locally and nationally.”
The world-famous Belfry Hotel & Resort is in the running for a string of hospitality accolades – after receiving three nominations in the West Midland Food and Drink Awards 2022. The North Warwickshire venue has received the nominations for the Best Afternoon Tea, Hotel Bar of the Year and Bar Manager of the Year. Returning after a two-year hiatus, The West Midland Food & Drink Awards recognise and celebrate the region’s best establishments and people in the hospitality industry. Voting is now open for the final stage of the awards, with the winners announced at a July ceremony in Birmingham. Nominated for Best Afternoon Tea, The Belfry’s quintessentially British afternoon tea is served in the Brabazon Bar and has a contemporary twist, with special themed afternoon teas appearing on the menu. Currently, guests can enjoy the Platinum Jubilee Afternoon Tea to commemorate the Queen’s 70 years of service, including some of Her Majesty’s favourite dishes, to celebrate the remarkable milestone. The Brabazon Bar is in the running for the Hotel Bar of the Year. Located at the heart of The Belfry, The Brabazon Bar offers live music every weekend, along with an impressive list of cocktails, fine wines, beers and spirits. Jennifer Burton, Bar Manager at the Brabazon Bar, who has been shortlisted for the Bar Manager of the Year award, said: “After what has been a turbulent couple of years for the industry, we’re absolutely delighted to receive these nominations. The team works so incredibly hard, and it’s clear that it’s the first class and personal service our guests receive, that makes a trip to The Belfry so memorable.” Varun Shetty, F&B Director, said: “I am very proud of Jennifer and the team who deliver the excellent experience we are renowned for. It feels fantastic to be recognised for this.” July/August 2022 CHAMBERLINK 53
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International Trade
International Trade
T: 0121 725 8994 E: ibh@birmingham-chamber.com
Mission forges links with Ghana By Sophia Corness-Parr Delegates from Ghana have visited global manufacturer and wholesaler of PPE and workwear, Beeswift, as part of a week-long UK trade mission involving key Birmingham businesses. Papa Kow Bartels, head of trade and investment at the Ghanaian High Commission, Adjoba Kyiamah executive director at the Ghana-UK Chamber and Sherif Ouedraogo, a representative from Burkina Faso’s Chamber of Commerce were among the key speakers at the Business Forum held by the Greater Birmingham Commonwealth Chamber. Papa Kow told attendees: “When it comes to doing business in Africa, Ghana is the headquarters.” In 2021, the total trade of UK goods and exports between the two countries was £1bn, an increase on 9.1 cent since 2020. He added: “We are in the centre of the world, [the country’s] latitude and longitude are zero degrees.” Geographically, this allows easy trade with neighbouring countries such as Nigeria and Burkina Faso. Papa Kow noted that this is benefitted by the free trade agreement between the UK and Ghana which allows businesses to export duty free and quota free. In the country’s efforts to further extend its reach in the UK, it was also said that by 2023 the tax system would see rates reduced by 80 per cent. Adjoba Kyiamah spoke on the country’s digitalisation which was made more important by Covid. During the height of the pandemic, she said: “Digitally-ready businesses were able to recover quicker.” As such, the Ghana-UK Chamber of
L-R: Jonathan Smith, Sherif Ouedraogo, Adjoba Kyiamah, Papa Kow Bartels, Mandy Haque (international director at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce) and Darren Washbourne
Commerce’s work has helped digitise tax administration for businesses. It has also made steps since it was established in 2016 to break down barriers between the countries, this has included: trade missions, support on the justice system, training programmes and visa assistance. Sherif Ouedraogo said that Burkina Faso is interested in UK markets, particularly in exporting to Birmingham. The country is a big producer of agriculture and seeking investment in construction, energy, telecommunications and transport. Darren Washbourne, chief commercial officer and Jonathan Smith, export manager at Beeswift hosted the delegation at the company’s headquarters in Birmingham. The company’s Ghanaian ties date back to the 1990s when it began supplying protective wear to
miners. Founded in 1981 and in the infancy stages of its international trade, Beeswift secured a contract with a gold mining business which became the catalyst for its trade there. Jonathan put the win down to the business’ proactive outlook when opportunities arise, saying “I’m proud that we take every bit of communication seriously.” As Beeswift has expanded its supply chain, now boasting a medical division which supplies first aid equipment and defibrillators, so too has its customer base in Ghana which includes the Ports Authority, Coca Cola and Guinness. The trade mission also visited The Malmaison, Selfridges, Birmingham Wholesale Market, West Midlands Growth Company and Birmingham City Council.
Support scheme boost for innovators Young innovators looking to turn their ideas into a business have been given invaluable insights into how to turn their dreams into reality by applying for a major support programme. Innovate UK EDGE hosted a briefing event about its Young Innovators programme – an initiative which offers funding and support to 18 to 30year-olds with innovative business ideas. The programme’s benefits include a £5,000 grant, a two-day-a-week allowance to cover living costs and 12 months of one-on-one business coaching. Those participating in the programme can also benefit from dedicated PR support to promote their business, further networking opportunities and peer-to-peer support. Avalon Maison, innovation and growth specialist in the Innovate UK EDGE team based at the Chamber, said: “The Young Innovator
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programme presents a great opportunity for young entrepreneurs to gain 12 months of intensive business coaching from an innovation and growth specialist to support the commercialisation of their value proposition. “The briefing event provided a detailed overview of the programme for the 2022-23 cohort. Key areas discussed included an overview of the eligibility criteria, an insight into the application timeline and tips and tricks to keep in mind when applying for the programme. “It is expected that up to 100 young people from diverse backgrounds will be accepted onto the programme and will benefit from the networking opportunities, grant funding and one to one tailored support. “The deadline for the programme is Wednesday July 27, so if the programme is of interest, it is imperative that you apply prior to the cutoff date.”
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International Trade Greater Birmingham
Commonwealth
Commonwealth Chamber Patrons
Greater Birmingham
Transatlantic Chamber Patrons
Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce
Chamber of Commerce
Contact: Mandy Haque T: 0121 725 8994
Trade deal with Indiana
James Tait: Positive steps for trade
The UK has boosted trade relations with the US by signing its first state-level trade and economic development Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indiana. The government says the MoU will create a framework to remove barriers to trade and investment, paving the way for UK and Indianan businesses to invest, export, expand and create jobs. Indiana offers significant opportunities in areas like renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and pharmaceuticals. The UK is the seventh largest export market for Indiana, and the state buys $1.4 billion worth of goods from the UK. International Trade Minister Ranil Jayawardena said: “It’s been fantastic to see the depth and breadth of interest from Indiana industry in trading with the United Kingdom. “With the signing of this MoU, British businesses can capitalise on the great opportunities for collaboration in areas like innovation and manufacturing.” The agreement has been welcomed by
the Greater Birmingham Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce. James Tait, Transatlantic Chamber president and partner at law firm Browne Jacobson, said: “After the uncertainty of the transatlantic trade in the face of Brexit, Covid and now the war in Ukraine, there has been a very positive development with the signing of the first state-level Memorandum of Understanding between the UK and the state of Indiana.
‘This is a really positive start in what will hopefully lead to a number of state level agreements’ “There has been much talk of trade agreements since Brexit, and this is a really positive start in what will hopefully lead to a number of state level agreements. “Such agreements seek to take away the barriers to trade and investment and in this instance, there should be very positive steps to assist the UK to developing more meaningful avenues for bi-lateral investment and export between the UK and Indiana.”
James qualifies as documentation officer By Sophia Corness-Parr James Paddock has become a fully qualified documentation officer after joining the Chamber as an apprentice. The 19-year-old joined Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce two years ago via a South and City College Birmingham apprenticeship scheme. This was a vital time in the Brexit transition period when document certification, especially customs declaration services for UK importers and exporters, was changing to meet new regulations. Within one month of his role, James received his British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) documentation certificate certifying export and import documentation. Now, James is a fully-fledged documentation officer and qualified by BCC to issue documents on behalf of HM Government. His role covers full export documentation service to GBCC members and non-members, including the issue, certification and authorisation of export and import documents and the provision of accurate and timely specialised advice and guidance on international trade procedures. Speaking on his experience, James said: “After completing my apprenticeship, I now feel ready to start the next step in my career. I am hoping the skills I have learnt throughout my apprenticeship can now be applied fully into my full-time role. The best part about working in the docs team is being surrounded by knowledgeable, experienced, and friendly people who I learn off each day.”
Fully-fledged documentation officer: James Paddock
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ABCC Updates and useful information from the largest ethnic support organisation in the UK Contact: Anjum Khan T: 0845 6036650
Unified values: Zoe Lewis, director of coaching for The Leadership Coaches
Leadership Coaches partner with Unity Bank The Leadership Coaches, a team of inspirational, credible and goal-focused coaches, have been chosen as leadership partner for Unity Trust Bank. Unity Trust Bank and The Leadership Coaches were shortlisted for the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce (GBCC) Responsible Business Award at this year’s ceremony. In winning the award, Unity Trust Bank expressed a keen interest in working with an external executive coaching company that could provide one-to-one leadership programmes for directors and senior leaders. As the GBCC offers an excellent platform for businesses to network and ultimately create long-lasting business relationships, Unity Trust Bank approached The Leadership Coaches to learn more about the services offered. Having seen that The Leadership Coaches share the same value in giving back and looking after the world, Unity Trust Bank reviewed the high-quality profiles of The Leadership Coaches team and references. Following this, Unity Trust Bank commissioned The Leadership Coaches to be their coaching provider for executive coaching. Director of Coaching Zoe Lewis said: “We are thrilled to be the chosen partner for Unity Trust Bank to provide their executive coaching for directors and senior leaders. “More and more organisations are choosing to work with ethically-sound providers, and we are proud to be chosen for this, alongside our expertise in leadership coaching.” Julia Tarpey, human resources director at Unity Trust Bank, said: “I came across them when I saw that they were shortlisted alongside us for the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce award for Responsible Business. I thought it would be great to have access to external coaches who were from a like-minded organisation, and we now have an agreement in place.”
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Back in action: The ABCC dinner returns as a live event – this year at the National Conference Centre in Solihull
Patron backs awards Chamber patron and board member Doug Wright will be a headline sponsor at the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner and awards. The popular event takes place on Saturday, 19 November, at the National Conference Centre in Solihull and will be the first in-person awards ceremony hosted by the ABCC since the pandemic. It also marks 35 years since the Asian Business Chamber was founded. Mr Wright, the owner of Wright Restaurants T/A McDonald’s which operates 21 McDonald’s restaurants across the West Midlands, said: “We are thrilled and proud to be supporting the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce as a headline supporter. We look forward to this key event and being part of what will be a fabulous night to celebrate all of their achievements.” Aston University join Mr Wright as headline sponsors and their spokesperson said: “We’re delighted to be again sponsoring the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Awards. It’s always an honour to be part of celebrating the remarkable achievements of businesses across the region.”
Anjum Khan, director of the Asian Business Chamber, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Doug Wright and McDonalds and Aston University for becoming headline sponsors of this year’s Asian Business Chamber Awards once again.” This year’s 10 award categories are: • Outstanding Charity of the Year • Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year • Outstanding Finance Business of the Year • Outstanding Hospitality Business of the Year • Outstanding Legal Services Business of the Year • Outstanding Small Business of the Year • Outstanding Start-Up Business of the Year • Outstanding Tech Business of the Year • Outstanding Young Achiever of the Year One business will also be crowned Asian Business of the Year. The deadline for award applications is Friday, 30 September. For more information go to www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
Hotel makes sanitation switch Lets Sanify, the UK’s largest and leading manufacturer of non-toxic sanitising products, have successfully secured a contract with Edgbaston Park Hotel. They will provide all the hotel’s hygiene and sanitising needs while replacing all their chemical products, to achieve a safer environment for both guests and staff. Lets Sanify have achieved a revolutionary breakthrough by preserving the shelf life of the HOCL product, which is used as an active ingredient in sanitizers and disinfectants. This means it can preserve a longer lasting shelf life, having more effective use of the product than chemical products. Mahmudur Jaigirdar, chief executive of Lets Sanify, said: “Another satisfied customer who has gone green by replacing their chemical products with our non-toxic disinfectant product.”
Clean machine (left to right): Amandeep Sidhu (director), Andrew Ore (senior engineer, Lets Sanify), Shani Dhanda (brand ambassador, Lets Sanify), Krishna Pastakia (business development manager, Edgbaston Park Hotel), and Mahmudur Jaigirdar (chief executive and director of Lets Sanify)
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ABCC Premier+ Partners
ABCC Patrons
MotorServ UK opens new centre Solihull’s auto servicing and sales business, MotorServ UK, has celebrated the official opening of its new car sales and media centre in Monkspath Business Park. After three months of renovation and £235k worth of investment, the MotorServ UK team has expanded its premises to include Unit 27, the commercial space next door to its existing workshop; taking the operational space from 10.7k sq. ft to 17k sq. ft. Managing director Kamran Saleem and his team of 32 was supported by the attendance of over 170 guests, including the Mayor of Solihull, Ken
Meeson, and Meriden MP Saqib Bhatti, who together cut the new premises’ ceremonial ribbon. The occasion was marked by speeches from the MotorServ UK management team plus Big Business Events’ Adam Stott, who has mentored Saleem for six years. Birmingham’s PAK Catering provided an Indian buffet whilst Great British Bake-Off candidate, Abdullah Hussain from Krumbled, served up a two-tier branded cake, before Dr Atif Ghaffar took to the DJ decks later in the evening. During the celebrations, guests were encouraged to explore the premises which now
Celebration: Guests at the opening of Motorserv’s sales and media centre included the Mayor of Solihul Ken Meeson (centre), Meriden MP Saqib Bhatti (second right) and Nazir Awan (third right), chair of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce
include an indoor photo studio with an automated vehicle turntable, management offices, sales offices plus a luxury client lounge and kitchen facility. The new hexagon LED lighting feature proved particularly popular with guests, illuminating the showcase BMW M4 Competition convertibles, a Mercedes AMG GT, a Bentley Bentayga and an Audi R8 V10 Carbon. MotorServ UK’s managing director Kamran Saleem said: “Since MotorServ UK launched in 2014, I am so proud of the core team without whom none of our achievements would have been possible. They’ve stayed loyal during the inevitable challenges that any ambitious business experiences - not least coming out of the pandemic thriving, not just surviving some of the toughest years in commerce we have ever seen. “I’m honoured our hard work has been recognised through prestigious awards, local authority and charitable partnerships, however we are not resting on our laurels. “This latest milestone in our journey is a springboard to our next goals – enabling faster processes, improving the luxury customer service we’ve become synonymous for, increasing operations by 40 per cent, expanding the team by another 15 employees and pushing for a company annual sales turnover of £15m. “I’m grateful to everyone who has supported not just this special evening, but our entire eight years in business to date and our fantastic customers who we strive to continue assisting for many years to come.”
OFFA bank strengthens its offering with appointments The UK’s first Sharia-compliant short-term bridge property finance provider OFFA have announced the arrival of Amir Firdaus as their new chief financial officer (CFO) and Sagheer Malik as the chief commercial officer (CCO). The pair, who have over 35 years combined experience in UK Islamic finance, join OFFA executive chairman Sultan Choudhury OBE and chief executive officer Bilal Ahmed ahead of the company’s planned relaunch into the financial services market in Britain. Both new recruits have moved across from Al Rayan Bank – the UK’s largest Islamic bank. Amir will work with global banks, private equities and family offices to obtain and structure funding lines for OFFA. Formerly CFO and head of treasury at Al Rayan Bank, he has been at the forefront of growth in Islamic finance in Britain. The chartered accountant’s twenty-year career has also seen him work at Aldermore Bank and Sainsbury’s Bank.
With over 15 years’ experience in Islamic banking, Sagheer has developed and overseen a multi-channel distribution of Sharia-compliant products in the UK and worldwide, generating more than £1bn from property finance. In his new role, Sagheer will be responsible for driving OFFA’s sales and marketing of existing bridging finance products, as well as developing new real estate financial products and services. Sagheer said: “It’s great to be joining OFFA at the start of their new journey. The British market is ripe for growth in Islamic financial services, and the vision and ambition of the chairman and chief exec. made the decision to join OFFA an easy one” Amir said: “I’m looking forward to working with this formidable team to create the optimum Sharia-compliant financial institution that will make a major impact in the UK and internationally.”
Experienced: Amir Firdaus (left) and Sagheer Malik
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Cannock Chase Chase Chamber Patrons
Cannock Chase
Chamber of Commerce
Contact: Steve Mattin T: 07971 144056
Council welcomes Cabinet members Cannock Chase Council have made appointments to key roles at their annual meeting following the District Council Elections. Entering her second year as leader of the Council is Councillor Olivia Lyons. She was reelected as a councillor for Western Springs Ward in Rugeley and as leader of the Conservative Group. The Group managed to increase its majority on the Council from eight seats to nine. Councillor Martyn Buttery, who represents Heath Hayes East and Wimblebury Ward, was elected as chairman for the new civic year by his fellow Members. Elected-vice chairman was councillor Phil Jones, who represents Cannock North Ward. Details were also announced of the new Cabinet which will be led by Councillor Lyons.
‘It’s an honour to accept the leader position for the second time and the greatest honour to serve our residents’
The Cabinet members are: • Councillor Olivia Lyons, leader of the Council • Councillor Bryan Jones, deputy leader of the Council and community safety and partnerships portfolio leader • Councillor Val Jones, health, wellbeing and community engagement portfolio leader • Councillor Mike Sutherland, district and high street development portfolio leader • Councillor Justin Johnson, environment and climate change portfolio leader
“We are here to represent everyone, however they voted, and we are determined to bring a brighter future to all, building on from the successes of our £1.2 million investment in Rugeley Leisure Centre, launching the Cannock Chase Can health and wellbeing app, securing millions of pounds through our successful Levelling Up bid, working to put Cannock Chase truly on the map through the Commonwealth Games, breathing life into all our high streets, repairing our bridges and boardwalks, and creating a pipeline of future projects.
• Councillor Adrienne Fitzgerald, housing, heritage and leisure portfolio leader • Councillor Robert Hughes, innovation and resources portfolio leader Speaking at the annual meeting, Olivia Lyons said: “It’s an honour to accept the leader position for the second time and the greatest honour to serve our residents. I am proud that my group’s mandate has been strengthened after the election and thank all those who voted.
Charities: Martyn Buttery
“I particularly welcome all the new members to the Council and would like to praise Council staff for their dedication and hard work over the past year. Collectively, our aim is to improve the lives of each and every resident we serve.” Martyn Buttery said: “I thank all the members for electing me and I am looking very much forward to the year ahead. I am delighted to announce that my chosen charities during my term of office will be Heath Hayes Community Table and Help A Squaddie.”
Queen’s honour for local training boss Rob Colbourne, managing director of leading Midlands training provider Performance Through People, has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. Mr Colbourne has headed PTP Training, part of the BCTG Group, for nearly 18 years, and was behind the launch of The Ladder campaign that has created more than 4,000 apprenticeships across the region since 2018. He has received the honour in recognition of his services to the training and apprenticeship sector. Mr Colbourne, aged 52, who is married with three children and lives in Walsall, said: “I was genuinely surprised but very honoured when I received a letter telling me I was to receive an OBE. “I have never sought such an award, but am nevertheless very proud, especially because of the emotive response from my parents. “But most of all, I was very proud of all my colleagues at PTP who have worked so hard over the years to enhance the provision of training and apprenticeships across the Midlands regions. I may be picking up the award, but this OBE 58 CHAMBERLINK July/August 2022
really is a reflection of teamwork both here at PTP and across the wider BCTG Group.” Before his role at PTP, Mr Colbourne was the training manager at Walsall Chambers of Commerce for 13 years and was previously the training manager for the Debenhams group.
Surprised: Rob Colbourne
Over many years, Mr Colbourne has chaired a number of boards such as the Association of Employment and Learning Providers in the West Midlands, the Staffordshire Provider Network and more recently the Greater Birmingham LEP Education & Skills Board. He has also represented training providers in groups such as Wordskills, Ofsted and the government’s National Provider Panel. Chris Luty, chairman of the BCTG Group, which supports almost 10,000 young people and adults each year, said: “This is a great achievement for Rob personally and is very much deserved. He is passionate about workplace training, with two of his own children having completed apprenticeships, choosing this over academic routes. “One of the things that’s always impressed me about Rob has been his determination to provide a level playing field for all providers, whether they are in further education, the community or an independent organisation. “We feel very lucky and proud here at BCTG Group to have such an esteemed figure in the training sector working for us.”
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Burton & District Burton & District Chamber Patrons
Contact: Steve Mattin T: 07971 144056
Platinum pygmy goat has name fit for a queen Lizzie the Pygmy goat kid is a right royal presence at the National Forest Adventure Farm in Burton upon Trent – even though she’s only eight weeks old. The Staffordshire farm honoured little Lizzie with a suitably regal name to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Over the Jubilee weekend visitors were able to meet eight-week-old Lizzie in the attraction’s newly refurbished animal barn. Tom Robinson, one of the owners of the National Forest Adventure Farm, said: “We wanted to mark the Queen’s Jubilee this year and thought what better way than to name one of our gorgeous Pygmy goat kids Lizzie. Our animal barn is such a huge attraction for children and I’m sure Lizzie will get lots of attention this year - and she will love it!” The National Forest Adventure Farm opened the gates of its new Raptor Ranch as part of a
Will Jay and Chloe Hopper from the farm holding Lizzie the Pygmy goat kid
specially themed Dino Week during May halfterm, providing even more ‘roarsome’ fun and dinosaur adventures at the 40-acre farm attraction. In addition to the newly refurbished animal barn, the farm has an outdoor adventure playground, indoor soft play, plenty of undercover picnic areas and hot food available to purchase on site. As visitors explore the farm, they can also take a slow amble around the outdoor paddocks that are home to Shire horses, Miniature Shetland ponies, cows, alpacas, goats, pigs and donkeys. Book your tickets online via: www.adventurefarm.co.uk or call 01283 533933.
Volunteer first-responder wins jubilee medal Making a difference – Rob Stevenson
Rob Stevenson, a public services lecturer at Burton and South Derbyshire College, has been awarded a Platinum Jubilee medal for his services working as a volunteer for the ambulance service. Rob was awarded the medal by Cliff Medlicott, community response manager at West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust, in a ceremony at the West Midlands Ambulance Service’s main hub in Stoke. Rob has volunteered as a community first responder for the West Midlands Ambulance Service for 12 years, and currently runs the team based in Abbots Bromley. His role is to attend category 1 and 2 calls that come through to 999 call takers.
Committee trio welcomed Burton & District Chamber of Commerce marked its June AGM by laying on a warm welcome to three newly elected members. The new members of the Burton & District Chamber committee include Russell Jeans, CEO, Sefton and Associates, Richard Faulkner, director, Alexander Accountancy and Michelle Spaul, customer experience consultant, Delta Swan. Steve Mattin, head of Burton & District Chamber, said: “The recent Burton & District AGM was a chance to welcome newly elected members, say goodbye and thanks to those stepping down, and to sum up where we are as a division.
He is deployed from the Emergency Operations Centre and attends any life threatening emergencies within the area or if he is the closest first responder/medical help to the incident. Rob said: "Being presented with a Platinum Jubilee medal is a huge honour. “Helping people is a privilege; stepping in when people are having the darkest moments is an honour and knowing that your actions have saved that life is a feeling that cannot be measured. “Making a difference in someone's life fills me with joy and is the reason I want to be the best I can at what I do.”
Russell Jeans, Shaun Gray, Steve Mattin, Michelle Spaul and Richard Faukner
“The previous year was a turbulent one, with the challenges and uncertainties of a post-Covid world, the rising cost of living, fuel, and energy, with many difficulties with supply and resources for most businesses. However, despite all that, the membership level remained buoyant, and the higher-than-average retention rate is something to build upon. “So, as we move into my first full year as Head of Division, I’m very optimistic and looking forward to working closely with Burton & District council members to ensure we increase our support for members over the challenging months ahead.” July/August 2022 CHAMBERLINK 59
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Lichfield & Tamworth Lichfield & Tamworth Chamber Patrons Contact: Chris Brewerton T: 0845 6036650
Restoring heathland and recovering nature A new environmental project aimed at tackling wildlife loss will give more than 500,000 people in the West Midlands access to nature – and help protected species thrive. Purple Horizons will restore heathland and link it with wetland, woodland and grassland across an area of up to 10,000 hectares including Cannock Chase and Sutton Park, working with landowners to create habitats for wildlife and carbon storage. The scheme is one of five nature recovery projects in England unveiled by the Government and Natural England, the Government’s advisor on the natural environment. Lichfield District Council is among the partners driving Purple Horizons which is being
funded through a share of a £2.4m pot from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Natural England. Kristie Charlesworth, ecology officer at Lichfield District Council, said: “Heathland is good for lots of protected and priority species. Ground-nesting birds such as the nightjar like heathland as do invertebrates and reptiles.” Councillor Angela Lax, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Ecology and Climate Change, said: “I was delighted to attend the launch of the Purple Horizons project. “Its work to restore heathland will create sustainable habitats for wildlife while making these areas more accessible to residents, improving both mental and physical health.”
Wildlife pioneers (left to right): Kristie Charlesworth, ecology and climate change manager, Lichfield District Council; Marian Spain, chief executive, Natural England; councillor Angela Lax, Lichfield District Council’s cabinet member for housing, ecology and climate change and Emma Johnson, area manager, West Midlands Team, Natural England
Restaurant reaches finals in national wine award Family feeling: Staff and pupils enjoying life at Curdworth Primary School
Village school celebrates community Two educators who have taken over the running of a popular village school say they want pupils to experience the ‘best of both worlds’ – getting a broad education in a friendly environment. Since Easter Curdworth Primary School – which is part of the respected Arthur Terry Learning Partnership – has been run jointly by Head of School Jas Kang, 33, and Executive Headteacher Helen Hastilow, 39. Jas said: “Curdworth is a small school, with just 114 students in mixed-age classes and 18 staff members, but I don’t see that small size as a negative. I want us to celebrate that, and make the most of the fact it’s an intimate, friendly school that has a really strong relationship with our community.” Helen said: “Because this is a village school there is a real sense of family. That’s something that should be celebrated and embraced.” However, being part of the ATLP – which has six secondary schools and 13 primaries – means that despite its small size, Curdworth can call on invaluable support to ensure the children get a first-class education.
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The wine list at The Boat Inn restaurant in Lichfield has been selected as a national finalist in the 2022-2023 AA Wine Award, sponsored by Matthew Clark. Chef owner Liam Dillon and restaurant sommelier Harry Grinonneau are celebrating having both invested a lot of time in creating the 2022 wine list including many organic labels to bring out the best in his new dishes. Liam said: “Harry and I are delighted to get to the finals. Wine is such an important part of a meal. But for me what is very pleasing is recognition for the many organic labels on our list which is part of my desire to use as many organic products and local suppliers as I can. “One of our recent developments I am
Restaurant sommelier Harry Grinonneau of The Boat Inn with a selection of wines making the shortlist.
particularly proud of is our kitchen garden. We grow vegetables on site plus free range eggs in our chicken coop all under the watchful eyes of our head gardener Sadie. Adding organic wines to the list feels to me like the last piece of that organic and home-grown jigsaw.” All finalists will have a “Notable Wine List Symbol” on their entry in the 2022 AA Restaurant guide and the winner will receive their award at the AA Hospitality Awards to be held on Monday 26 September 2022 at the Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London. To book a table visit www.theboatinnlichfield.com or call 01543 361692
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Sutton Coldfield Sutton Coldfield Chamber Patrons
Sutton Coldfield
Charity of the Year
Chamber of Commerce
Contact: Chris Brewerton T: 0845 6036650
Cyclists raise funds for UK Sepis Trust A team of Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce members took to the streets of the capital to complete the 100-mile RideLondon cycle race in aid of the UK Sepsis Trust (UKST). Those who completed the ride included Sutton Chamber president Phil Arkinstall, Clive Poole from X2 Workspaces and Brian Davies from UKST, which is the Chamber’s charity of the year. Riders from Henwood Court Financial Planning and Quilter Cheviot also took part. Collectively, the team has already raised around £2,000 for the life-saving charity which is to raise awareness and encourage early diagnosis. The RideLondon event got under way from Victoria Embankment, with riders doing the 100mile route riding towards Braintree before returning to the capital, finishing at Tower Bridge. Phil Arkinstall, who is also the CEO of video production firm Ark Media, said: “I’m delighted to have taken part in the RideLondon 100-mile bike ride in London and Essex. “Along with Chamber member Clive Poole and committee member Brian Davies, who is also from our chosen charity the UK Sepsis Trust, we completed the race. “Later in the year, I will be taking part in the Great North Run on behalf of our chosen charity and if any members wish to take part then please reach out.”
Pedal power: Phil Arkinstall and Brian Davies
UKST’s fundraising manager Brian Davies became involved with the charity after his daughter developed and was treated for sepsis at just nine weeks old back in 2014. He said: “42 riders represented the UK Sepsis Trust (UKST) in Ride London 100, with a strong contingent from Sutton Coldfield. It was fantastic to see several local business leaders supporting the charity. This is particularly poignant in our 10th anniversary year, in the town where our small national charity was founded.”
Guest of honour opens store Sutton Coldfield MP Andrew Mitchell officially opened United Carpets’ new Mere Green store, saying it marked “another step in the resurgence of the area”. Mr Mitchell cut the ribbon to officially launch the new United Carpets outlet, which has rejuvenated the former HSBC bank building in the heart of Mere Green to create a bright and welcoming showroom.
Andrew Mitchell MP with Aziz Arif and Naeem Arif outside the new store, which has brought the former HSBC Bank building in Mere Green back to life
Mr Mitchell said: “I was delighted to open United Carpets in Mere Green, which has not only brought another thriving business into the area but has also helped bring a prominent site back into use. “Not so long ago, Mere Green was facing significant challenges but now it is seeing real investment and attracting the kind of businesses you would expect to see in an affluent, vibrant area. “United Carpets is exactly the kind of community-minded, friendly business that is turning Mere Green into a thriving shopping destination and marks another step in the resurgence of the area.” Friends, family, colleagues and well-wishers joined local leaders at the opening of the store, which sells carpets and beds as well as laminate, wood and vinyl flooring. United Carpets director Naeem Arif, who sits on the executive committee of Sutton Chamber of Commerce, said: “We were delighted to have Mr Mitchell launch the store – he has always been so supportive of the Chamber and businesses in the area, and I’m glad that he was able to come and support us today.”
Belfry manager named rising star A manager from The Belfry Hotel & Resort has been recognised as one of the brightest prospects in the hospitality industry. Jacques Hobson, food and beverage outlets manager at the four-time Ryder Cup venue, has been announced as one of Acorn Awards 30 under 30 for 2022. The Acorn Awards recognise the best and brightest prospects in the hospitality industry. Jacques joined The Belfry more than 10 years ago, starting in the meeting and events team where his role was to set up events. He was promoted from food and beverage assistant to team leader, supervisor, deputy manager and then floor manager before taking up his current role in. The 29-year-old is responsible for leading multiple food and beverage outlets ranging from sports bar Sam’s Clubhouse, Italian restaurant Rocca’s, Halfway House, the new outdoor bar, the 19th Hole, and all food and drink beverage options at the driving range. Jacques said: “Being listed as one of the 30 under 30 is an achievement I never imagined. Being part of The Belfry team for the last 10 years has meant that I’ve grown both professionally and personally. “I’ve been given the support and resources to be able to learn and progress in my position today. Here’s to the next 10 years!” Varun Shetty, food and beverage director at The Belfry, said: “We’re extremely proud to have Jacques as part of the team, his drive and energy is inspiring to all of us. We’re thrilled that all his hard work has been externally recognised, it is truly deserved.”
Excelling in hospitality: Jacques Hobson
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Solihull All the latest news, advice and events for the Solihull business community Contact: Samantha Frampton T: 0121 678 7488
Summer Expo generates a buzz Firms in Solihull proved they’re putting the ‘buzz’ back in business when they gathered at the Solihull Chamber of Commerce’s Summer Expo. The Expo, sponsored and hosted by voco St John’s Hotel, welcomed more than 50 businesses to set up shop for the day and showcasing their offerings for the first time since the pandemic. Tony Elvin, general manager at Touchwood and president of Solihull Chamber, said: “I was blown away by the sheer volume of people attending the Expo. “There was an incredible pick up on stands for people showcasing their businesses, but of course that doesn’t really work unless you have delegates attending, and we’ve been over the moon with the attendance. “There’s a great buzz clearly, and people want to get back out there again, they’re ready to do business and it really is great to be back.” Tony Rostill, account manager at runyourfleet, said: “It was good to be back in a room full of people again. “There were lots of great companies there and it was an incredibly positive event.” Integrated into the expo programme was a series of seminars, including the launch of the Solihull Economic Snapshot 2022 report and a lesson on cybercrime led by Jim Gee, national head of forensic service for Crowe UK LLP. Sitting on the panel to discuss the findings of the Solihull Economic Snapshot were Karen Grinsell, deputy leader of Solihull Council, Kim Hulse
from Visit Knowle, Kevin Johns, director of Prime Accountants and Andy Cole MBE, director of Property Partnerships and Media at NEC Group. The sentiment was that Solihull remains a thriving hub for businessrich in skills, talent, opportunity, commercial potential, and ambitious netzero aims.
Business buzz: Andy Cole, director of property Partnerships and media at NEC Group, Kim Hulse from Visit Knowle, Karen Grinsell and Kevin Johns, director of Prime Accountants
A taste of Spain: Inside the new restaurant
Family hubs receive government funding Solihull children and families are to benefit from new family hubs after Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council received £1m from the government. The hubs will offer a whole range of activities under one roof for families with children and young people up to 19-years-old. They also aim to support young people up to the age of 25 who have additional needs. The funding will allow the council to create seven hubs spread across the borough, ensuring they are easy for people to get to. Digital alternatives such as virtual appointments and online group sessions are to be set up for those who can’t. The council has worked closely on the project with the NHS and local. Now funding has been secured, it is anticipated the hubs will be up and running by the start of 2024. Councillor Tony Dicicco, cabinet member for adult social care and public health, said: “It’s great that we have been successful in getting this money so that we can invest in our families and children. “Experts agree that the care given during the first 1,001 days of life has more influence on a child’s future than at any other time in their life. Through our family hubs will be able to give families and children the help they need.”
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Alioli opens in Touchwood A new tapas restaurant has opened its doors in Solihull’s Touchwood. Alioli brings a taste of Spain to the borough and claims to be the first restaurant in the region to honour the culture of flamenco dancers and the largely misunderstood gypsy community. The southern Spanish region of Andalusia remains somewhat unexplored in mainstream media. But this culturally complex part of the world has introduced us to the likes of flamenco dancing, strumming guitars and the most bold and powerful artistry - dating back to the fifteenth century. Restaurant bosses say their offering takes inspiration from the free-spirited way of life in southern Spain’s Andalusia region. Alioli’s kitchen team is led by a skilled chef from the region and has a menu which boasts authentic Spanish flavours.
Touchwood’ general manager Tony Elvin, who is also president of the Solihull Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are extremely excited to welcome Alioli to Touchwood! Its Andalusian twist on the traditional Spanish Tapas restaurant is going to be a real show-stopping treat for our visitors. “We are proud of the multi-faceted visitor experience we deliver here at Touchwood and Alioli brings a new dynamic to the fantastic range of independent leisure and hospitality brands on offer.” “Earlier this month, Touchwood saw the opening of the quirky chicken-concept eatery, Dirty Wild Wings. “The insta-famous chicken wings are already drawing in the crowds and I wish Alioli all the same success.”
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Solihull Solihull Chamber Patrons
Lifesaving charity appoints new chair Arrive Alive, the UK's only registered charity dedicated to funding lifesaving voluntary operated vehicles and equipment for Community First Responders, has elected a new chair. Peter Armitage, who was previously a registered nurse and also received an MBE for services to the community and charitable causes, is taking on the role. Earlier this year, Peter was also awarded an MSTJ award for his services to St John Ambulance. He is also the president of Tamworth & Lichfield St John Ambulance and a community action coordinator for Royal Mail. Peter said: “I am incredibly honoured to be elected as chairman of Arrive Alive. I have been a proud trustee of Arrive Alive from the very beginning of the charity funding vehicles and equipment for CFR’s who support West Midlands Ambulance Service. “I am truly humbled to be given the opportunity as Chairman of such a unique lifesaving charity.
“I look forward to supporting Arrive Alive in its future endeavours.” Arrive Alive was founded by a Birmingham mother Debbie Roscoe following her daughter’s illness.
‘I am incredibly honoured to be elected as chairman’ With the support of the community she has gone on to fund a fleet of vehicles and other equipment to help to save lives. Debbie said: “I am extremely thankful for the support of each and every individual that has backed Arrive Alive throughout this extraordinary journey so far. “We have plans in place for the future with the support of the newly elected chairman of Arrive Alive, Peter Armitage.”
Peter Armitage: Humbled to be the new chair
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Future Faces Future Faces Chamber Patrons Contact: Jodie-Lee Perks T: 07951 245985
A decade of shaping young professionals Two past Future Faces presidents have been reflecting on their experiences with the young professionals organisation – as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. This year marks a decade of Future Faces, the dedicated Chamber of Commerce for young professionals across Greater Birmingham. In that time, the division has significantly grown its membership and expanded its geographical reach outside of Birmingham into areas such as Burton, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield and Tamworth. However, Future Faces’ biggest success has been the impact it has had on the careers of its members. Sian Averill, who was president in 2017-18, said the organisation helped her build confidence and overcome imposter syndrome. Sian, now a corporate partnerships manager at NHS Charities Together, said: “As I didn’t go to university, I started my career a few years earlier than many of my peers and so I definitely experienced imposter syndrome in different business settings. “I remember thinking I would have to fight to be taken seriously, but that all changed when I joined Future Faces. “Having a network of young professionals from so many different sectors in the city was a breath of fresh air and it was always such a
welcoming and inclusive environment. Not only did the socials help me to build my confidence and expand my network with people from all different industries, the leadership sessions were instrumental in my professional development. “It really is a great feeling knowing you are part of something that is helping to develop the next generation of leaders.” Adam Maguire, the president in 2015-16, was part of a subcommittee that organised the launch of the Future Faces annual dinner and awards in 2015. Now a partner in the Family Law team at Clarke Wilmott, Adams believes Future Faces acted as a major “springboard” in his career. He said: “I can say with confidence that Future Faces was a real springboard for my career. It helped raise my profile across the Greater Birmingham area and assisted me in building a network of professional contacts and friends I maintain to this day. “It is without doubt the premier networking organisation for young professionals in the region and many of my most successful peers can point to involvement in Future Faces in the early part of their careers. “After two years of remote events and young professionals being restricted in what networking they can undertake, an organisation like Future Faces is more important than ever.”
Sian Averill
Adam Maguire
Midlands Air Ambulance extends hours A lifesaving vehicle operated by Midlands Air Ambulance is now running into the night to meet increasing demand. The organisation – this year’s Future Faces chosen charity – has changed operational hours for its southern critical care car to aid patients in Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire. The car will now run until 2am, allowing the team to attend a greater number of critical emergencies. In the first month of operation, the advanced clinical team has responded to almost 30 medical and traumatic incidents between the extended operating hours of 8pm and 2am. Seven of these call outs were to serious incidents, demonstrating the direct need for the expertise of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s two critical care paramedics on-board. The car was dispatched to a variety of incident types including road traffic collisions, accidental injuries, assaults and medical conditions. Previously the rapid response vehicle, based at the charity’s Strensham airbase in Worcestershire, 64 CHAMBERLINK July/August 2022
ran between 8am and 8pm with one specialist critical care paramedic on-board. Ian Jones, clinical operations director for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: “We are committed to continuous improvement and delivering advanced patient care, which is why
Critical care: Paramedics Mike Andrews and Steven Mitchell
we constantly review patient data to ensure we provide the very best care to those who need it. “This change of operating model has enabled us to attend those critically ill or injured via our southern critical care car beyond the times our air ambulance helicopters can fly.”
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Future Faces
41 shortlisted in chase for crown The search is on for who will be crowned the West Midland’s most promising young professional. Forty-one shortlisted people will do battle at the Future Faces annual dinner and awards at the ICC Birmingham on Friday, 26 August, in a celebration of the region’s young talent. The headline sponsors this year are Aston University, University College Birmingham and the University of Warwick. This year’s awards mark 10 years since the Future Faces Chamber of Commerce was established. Future Faces is the established network for aspiring young professionals across a spectrum of sectors. The individual crowned overall Greater Birmingham Young Person of the Year will receive a fully-funded MBA. The shortlist for this year’s 13 categories are: The Future Faces Apprentice of the Year • Claudia Manley, Arup • Asiba Safi, Mott Mcdonald • Daisy Carter, Jacobs The Future Face of Education and Public Sector • Gurdeep Chima, Aston University • Ioana Axinte, ONE Learning • Myia Khela, Maze Tuition The Future Face of Industry and Engineering • Heather Williams, WSP • Kirsty Morris, Screed & Stone • Ashik Nazar, Arup
The Future Face of Legal • Caitlin Hindson, Irwin Mitchell • Freya Dearman, Magma Legal • Ashley Kerr, Mills & Reeve
The Future Face of Start-ups & Enterprise • Tom Field, Dakro • Davies Okeowo, Novel Innovations ltd • Ronan Hynes, Voilo
The Future Face of Health & Wellbeing • Arjan Bains, KPMG • Jeevan Singh Chagger, Evolve – A Social Impact Company • William Crawford, quietnote
The Future Face of Technology & Innovation • Yung Lau, Jacobs • Ravi Ranjan, Voilo • Kiran Shergill, Coventry University
The Future Face of Marketing & Communication • Faye Kent, Greater Birmingham & Solihull Institute of Technology • Gurdas Singh, Wanama • Emma Bateson, Intercity Technology
The Future Face of Sustainability • Maddie Booth, Scrubbee • Ingrida Vengalyte, Jacobs • Riona Ainge, Mott Mcdonald
The Future Face of Retail & Hospitality • Andreas Tashos, Genting Hotel • Mandeep Sidhu, Primark • Jacques Hobson, The Belfry The Future Face of Arts & Culture • Dan Wharton, Ark Media • Ben Wooldridge, The Rep • CJ Lloyd Webley, Black Pound Project • Gurpri Bains, Burnley Football Club The Future Face of Charity & Third Sector • Tal Arrowsmith, Gro-organic • Kiara McKay, Pathway Group • Abigail Coulson, Acorns The Future Face of Finance • Jamie Gibson, Mazars • Amy Jacklin, Virgin Money • Harriet Saunders, The FSE Group • Vishal Mishra, Hummingbird Fintech
Chris Brewerton, head of Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce and Lichfield & Tamworth Chamber of Commerce, led the judging panel. He said: “We’ve had over 80 young people apply for the Future Faces Annual Awards and Dinner this year. “It was a privilege to read through all the applications alongside the judging panel, and the very high quality of entries highlights the calibre of young people working in the Greater Birmingham region. We can’t wait for all the shortlisted nominees to be able to come together and celebrate their achievements at the awards at the ICC in August.” Tickets to the Future Faces Annual Awards and Dinner are available to purchase now at £95 + VAT. Sponsorship opportunities are also still available, email events@birminghamchamber.com to enquire.
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Chamber Events
Live events are back in action Now that in-person events have returned, watch this space for a full 2022 programme of what the Chamber has to offer
For further information and to book a place, visit: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/networking-events
Networking Lunch
Speed Networking
Speed Networking
Cost:
Date: 05/07/2022 Time: 12:00 - 14:00 Venue: TBC Division: Litchfield and Tamworth Cost: Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: £15.00 +VAT Non-Member Price: £15.00 +VAT
Date: Time: Venue:
Date: 27/07/2022 Time: 08:30 - 10:30 Venue: TBC Division: Lichfield & Tamworth Cost: Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: £15.00 +VAT Non-Member Price: £15.00 +VAT
Networking Lunch
ABCC Member Social Date: 06/07/2022 Time: 17:30 - 19:00 Venue: Blue Piano Division: ABCC Cost: Member Price: Free
Social Networking Date: 07/07/2022 Time: 17:30 – 19:30 Venue: TBC Division: Sutton Coldfield Cost: Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: £15.00 +VAT Non-Member Price: £15.00 +VAT
The Good Business Forum Date: 15/07/2022 Time: 15:00 – 17:00 Venue: Natwest Division: GBCC Cost: Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: £15.00 +VAT
Future Faces Professional Development: Leadership Series Date: 12/07/2022 Time: 17:30 – 19:30 Venue: TBC Division: Future Faces Cost: Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: Free Non-Member Price: £15.00 +VAT
Solihull Speaker Event Date: 13/07/2022 Time: 09:00 – 10:30 Venue: Solihull Division: Solihull Cost: Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: £10.00 +VAT Non-Member Price: £10.00 +VAT
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14/07/2022 08:30 – 10:30 Pavilion, Branston Golf & Country Club Division: Burton & District Cost: Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: £15.00 +VAT Non-Member Price: £15.00 +VAT
Quarterly Business Report Q2 Briefing Date: 19/07/2022 Time: 09:00 – 11:00 Venue: Birmingham City University Division: GBCC Cost: Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: Free Non-Member Price: Free
Speaker Breakfast Date: 20/07/2022 Time: 07:30 – 09:30 Venue: TBC Division: Burton & District Cost: Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: £15.00 +VAT Non-Member Price: £15.00 +VAT
Start-Up Business Surgery Digital Marketing Date: 26/07/2022 Time: 09:00 – 11:00 Venue: Gymshark HQ Division: GBCC Cost: Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: £15.00 +VAT Non-Member Price: £15.00 +VAT
Networking Lunch Date: 26/07/2022 Time: 12:00 – 14:00 Venue: TBC Division: Cannock Chase Cost: Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: £15.00 +VAT Non-Member Price: £15.00 +VAT
Pro Solihull Networking Date: 28/07/2022 Time: 17:30 - 19:30 Venue: Solihull Division: Solihull Cost: Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: £15.00 +VAT Non-Member Price: £15.00 +VAT
Future Faces Social Networking (Birmingham) Date: 28/07/2022 Time: 17:30 - 19:30 Venue: TBC Division: Future Faces Cost: Member Price: £15.00 +VAT Future Faces Members: Free Non-Member Price: £15.00 +VAT
Making the Most of your Chamber Membership Date: 29/07/2022 Time: 08:30 - 10:30 Venue: TBC Division: Birmingham Cost: Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: Free Non-Member Price: Free
Speaker Breakfast Date: 01/08/2022 Time: 07:30 - 09:30 Venue: TBC Division: Cannock Chase Cost: Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: £15.00 +VAT Non-Member Price: £15.00 +VAT
Meet the Neighbours Date: 04/08/2022 Time: 08-00 - 09:30 Venue: Online Division: GBCC
Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: Free Non-Member Price: Free
Date: Time: Venue:
09/08/2022 12:00 – 14:00 Cookes Furniture – Edwards Restaurant Division: Sutton Coldfield Cost: Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: £15.00 +VAT Non-Member Price: £15.00 +VAT
Future Faces Social Networking (Birmingham) Date: 11/08/2022 Time: 17:30 – 19:30 Venue: TBC Division: Future Faces Cost: Member Price: £15.00 +VAT Future Faces Members: Free Non-Member Price: £15.00 +VAT
Speed Networking Date: 23/08/2022 Time: 08:30 – 10:30 Venue: TBC Division: Birmingham Cost: Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: £15.00 +VAT Non-Member Price: £15.00 +VAT
Future Faces Dinner and Awards 2022 Date: 26/08/2022 Time: 19:00 – 22:30 Venue: ICC Division: Future Faces Cost: Member Price: £95.00 +VAT Future Faces Members: £95.00 +VAT Non-Member Price: £105.00 +VAT
Chapter Chat – TBC Date: 30/08/2022 Time: 16:00 – 17:00 Venue: Online Division: Transatlantic Cost: Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: Free Non-Member Price: Free
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Training
Training courses The Chamber’s International team has a portfolio of documentation training, aimed at those who are exporting goods to Europe and all over the world. The majority of the courses are British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) accredited and cover everything from customs procedures to intercoms. For more information, contact training@birmingham-chamber.com A beginner’s practical guide to exporting Date: Time: Venue: Trainer: Cost:
07/0722 9.30am – 3.30pm Online remote training Exporter Services Member price: £270 + VAT Non-Member price: £325 + VAT The attendee will gain knowledge and understanding on terminology used in an export role and understand why export procedures must be correctly actioned.
An introduction to authorised economic operator (AEO) Date: Time: Venue: Trainer: Cost:
12/07/22 9.30am-4.00pm Online remote training David Reader Member price: £200 + VAT Non-Member price: £280 + VAT The attendee will gain an insight as to why their business should consider obtaining AEO status and how they could benefit in doing so.
Trading after Brexit – 18 months on Date: Time: Venue: Trainer: Cost:
13/07/22 9am – 1.30pm Online remote training David Reader Member price: £165 + VAT Non-Member price: £215 + VAT This webinar would suit any business looking to learn about further changes that have arisen after the UK left the EU, and what is still to come.
Trading with Ireland & Northern Ireland Date: Time: Venue: Trainer: Cost:
19/07/22 9.30am – 12.30pm Online remote training David Reader Member price: £110 + VAT Non-Member price: £170 + VAT This webinar would suit any business that currently trades with southern or Northern Ireland or looking to trade and would like guidance.
A sales training masterclass – module 1: Telling your story Date: Time: Venue:
21/07/22 10am – 12.30pm Greater Birmingham Chamber’s of Commerce, Edgbaston Trainer: Keith Rozelle Cost: Member price: £75 + VAT Non-Member price: £115 + VAT The first instalment of the masterclass, attendees can sit any individual module or all four for the full masterclass experience.
A Sales training masterclass – module 2: generating (the right kind of) leads Date: Time: Venue:
21/07/22 1.30pm – 4pm Greater Birmingham Chamber’s of Commerce, Edgbaston Trainer: Keith Rozelle Cost: Member price: £75 + VAT Non-Member price: £115 + VAT The second instalment of the masterclass, attendees can sit any individual module or all four for the full masterclass experience.
Understanding export & export documentation (BCC accredited) Date: Time: Venue: Trainer: Cost:
26/07/22 9.30am – 3.30pm Online remote training Exporter Services Member price: £270 + VAT Non-Member price: £325 + VAT The attendee will see the end-to-end Export process and gain an understanding of the Export documentation requirements, including knowledge on shipping, using freight forwarders and couriers. A great follow on from anyone who has sat our beginner’s export course.
A beginner’s practical guide to exporting Date: Time: Venue: Trainer: Cost:
04/08/22 9.30am – 3.30pm Online remote training Exporter Services Member price: £270 + VAT Non-Member price: £325 + VAT The attendee will gain knowledge and understanding on terminology used in an export role and understand why export procedures must be correctly actioned.
Understanding export & export documentation (BCC accredited) Date: Time: Venue: Trainer: Cost:
18/08/22 9.30am – 3.30pm Online remote training Exporter Services Member price: £270 + VAT Non-Member price: £325 + VAT The attendee will see the end-to-end Export process and gain an understanding of the Export documentation requirements, including knowledge on shipping, using freight forwarders and couriers. A great follow on from anyone who has sat our beginner’s export course.
Understanding commodity codes (BCC accredited) Date: Time: Venue: Trainer: Cost:
24/08/22 9.30am – 12.30pm Online remote training David Reader Member price: £165 + VAT Non-Member price: £220 + VAT Key points delivered on the course include the background to Trade Commodity Codes, make up of a Commodity Code, general Interpretive Rules, building a Commodity Code, how to find a Commodity Code, hard To Classify Goods and more.
Agents & distributors (BCC accredited) Date: Time: Venue: Trainer: Cost:
24/08/22 1.30pm – 4.30pm Online remote training David Reader Member price: £165 + VAT Non-Member price: £220 + VAT This detailed course is suitable for anyone in an International trade environment who lease with different Agents & Distributors or are looking for opportunities to get involved with an agent / distributor and the best way how.
Customs procedures & documentation (BCC accredited) Date: Time: Venue: Trainer: Cost:
31/08/22 9.30am – 3.30pm Online remote training Exporter Services Member price: £270 + VAT Non-Member price: £325 + VAT The day will include discussing & reviewing organisations involved in International trade, what an Export is, key information on international documentation, including commodity codes, Incoterms & licences, rules of origin covering preference & non preference and more.
A sales training masterclass – module 3: qualifying the opportunity Date: Time: Venue:
01/09/22 10am – 12.30pm Greater Birmingham Chamber’s of Commerce, Edgbaston Trainer: Keith Rozelle Cost: Member price: £75 + VAT Non-Members: £115 + VAT The third instalment of the masterclass, attendees can sit any individual module or all four for the full masterclass experience.
A sales training masterclass – module 4: negotiate & close Date: Time: Venue:
01/09/22 1.30pm – 4pm Greater Birmingham Chamber’s of Commerce, Edgbaston Trainer: Keith Rozelle
Cost: Member price: £75 + VAT Non-Members Cost: £115 + VAT The fourth instalment of the masterclass, attendees can sit any individual module or all four for the full masterclass experience.
Incoterms 2020 (BCC accredited) Date: Time: Venue: Trainer: Cost:
13/09/22 9.30am – 12.30pm Online remote training Exporter Services Member price: £165 + VAT Non-Members price: £220 + VAT The course will provide an overview of the changes that have taken place between the previous 2010 Incoterms to the new 2020 terms. It will also provide a guide on the obligations and costs to the buyer and seller during a sale to include when risk passes during the transaction from seller to buyer.
Marketing workshop – build a brand which brings you customers Date: Time: Venue:
22/09/22 10am - 1pm Greater Birmingham Chamber’s of Commerce, Edgbaston Trainer: Mel Evans Cost: Member price: £75 + VAT Non-Members price: £115 + VAT Suitable for any business looking to create or reinvent their brand to increase business and meet new customers.
Import procedures including IP & OP (BCC accredited) Date: Time: Venue: Trainer: Cost:
22/09/22 9.30am – 3.30pm Online remote training Exporter Services Member price: £270 + VAT Non-Member price: £325 + VAT The attendee will gain an overview of the end-to-end import process and all areas applicable. You will look at supplier risk, country risk, payment risk and learn about duty payments along with special procedures.
Preference rules of origin (BCC accredited) Date: Time: Venue: Trainer: Cost:
29/09/22 9.30am – 12.30pm Online remote training Exporter Services Member price: £165 + VAT Non-Member price: £220 + VAT Attendees will receive a detailed discussion & explanation on rules of origin, non-preferential origin rules, UK & Arab certificates of origin, preferential origin rules, trade agreements, UK EUR1 movement certificate’s and more. July/August 2022 CHAMBERLINK 67
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Feature
Connecting the Midlands
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Connecting the Midlands
Feature
Sharing more than
food By Simone Connolly (pictured) CEO of FareShare Midlands
areShare Midlands is the region’s largest food redistribution charity, turning an environmental problem into a social solution. With 8.4m people in the UK struggling to afford to eat, and 131,000 children living in poverty in Birmingham alone, FareShare Midlands core mission has never been more vital. The charity continues to supply good quality surplus food to local community organisations who are tackling hunger, poverty and the effects of the cost of living crisis. At the same time, FareShare Midlands is expanding its services to vulnerable individuals, by creating access to work and training in warehousing and logistics, through their growing employability programmes.
F
People can find themselves unemployed for many reasons, and the rise in the costs of food, energy and fuel has only increased this. Unemployment frequently leads to financial hardship, debt, housing stress and family tension. It also has a negative effect on confidence, self-esteem and mental health – making it even more difficult to find a new job. FareShare Midlands’ employability schemes are designed to fight these barriers. The programmes target different age groups to offer a wide range of advice, support, comprehensive training and hands-on work experience, to empower participants to return to the workplace. The schemes offer Birmingham employers the chance to easily access a pool of potential
employees, who will be trained and ready to work, while also supporting FareShare Midlands in its charitable aims and ambitions. Employability Facts and Figures: • In October 2021 the UK reached a record number of job vacancies, 1.1 million, with over 1.5 million individuals unemployed. • The warehouse and logistics sector is one of the most heavily impacted. • The number of UK business premises used for transport, logistics and warehousing has almost doubled in the last decade. These premises are mainly located in the Midlands, East of England and Yorkshire and The Humber. July/August 2022 CHAMBERLINK 69
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• By 2024, FareShare Midlands aims to support 400 people into vocational training, placements or paid employment. • The FareShare Midlands employability programmes are developed in partnership with well-known projects like the PURE Employment Service and forward-thinking warehousing and logistics employers such as B2W, Cadbury and Ocado. • FareShare Midlands delivers a six-week programme of classroom and work experience to help unemployed participants (currently aged over 25) to develop the skills, knowledge and expertise they require to enter training, work placements and ultimately employment. • Employers with regular vacancies in the areas of warehousing and logistics can save time and money in respect of advertising, recruitment and hiring processes, by partnering with FareShare Midlands. At the same time, they are supporting the charity while providing valuable opportunities for individuals to re-enter the job market or secure a job for the first time. • FareShare Midlands delivers a steady flow of employees who are trained and ready to start work, with skills that are tailor-made to the positions that the employer needs to fill. Simone Connolly, CEO of FareShare Midlands said: “While our overarching mission will always be to redistribute surplus food to local community organisations, we want to help even more vulnerable members of society to improve their lives for the long-term. The loss of a job and earnings have such a devastating impact, and FareShare Midlands will develop our employability programmes to help those who
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are unemployed to gain skills, experience and confidence. Creating opportunities like this means that not only are we helping people in need to eat, but we’re also providing support to lift families out of the cycle of poverty.” As the region’s largest food redistribution charity, FareShare Midlands delivers good quality surplus food to 550 frontline charities and reaches 60,000 vulnerable people every week. To build on this support to families and individuals suffering poverty, food inequality and the increasing impact of the cost of living crisis, the charity is embedding and growing its employability services throughout the Midlands.
‘We’re also providing support to lift families out of the cycle of poverty’
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Workforce Development
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Workforce Development
Feature
The employer’s checklist to attracting and retaining
top talent By Sophie Filomena, creative marketing coordinator, Boardrm ou’ve just placed a job advert and now you want to get the best pool of candidates to apply. We’ve put together a checklist to help you attract and retain top talent and filter out the ones less applicable for the job. Keeping your new employee engaged and loyal to the company goes a long way in building a successful business, and a team who works towards a united purpose keeps productivity high.
emphasising what your brand stands for and help your team work towards a shared goal – no matter the role. This brings us onto the job description itself. Highlight their key responsibilities as well as the perks, salary and benefits of the role. This will place you in a good position of finding the right candidate for the position.
Know the company's mission
Create an environment where ideas, creativity and communication can flow freely. Encouraging innovation creates a positive culture and allows people to feel like they can express their ideas and feel valued.
Y
Mission statements create a core identity for a company and create a clear objective for everyone to base decisions off. Positive company values are important in
Build an employeefocused culture
This is important to put across in your manifesto, as well as explaining this during interviews to build excitement and sell the role to prospects. Remember, the interviewee will be selling themselves for the role, but you will also need to show some conviction behind the business.
‘Having a stand-out online presence is key to showing off who you really are as a business’
Implement an effective onboarding program Having a formal onboarding program will help your employees feel welcome and supported from day one. During this period, consider offering any support, mentorship, team building and training to improve quality of work, as well as retention and a happier work environment. July/August 2022 CHAMBERLINK 73
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You could even consider involving employees in recruiting, by encouraging referrals and growing the team from within. A team who works well together, encourages people to stay longer. It may be useful to gather feedback from new hires after a probation period, to gain useful insight into areas that need improvement.
Network Meeting face to face at events often means encountering people who show initiative and drive to
further their careers or gain new opportunities. This also allows you to present your company in an interesting and engaging way, as well as gaining you more contacts and connections.
Build your brand/site/content Having a stand-out online presence is key to showing off who you really are as a business. Appearing, and being established makes you a desirable company to work for, as this shows you are serious about hiring the best of the best.
If you lack creativity or initiative in your website design and have a lack-lustre attitude on your socials, it can come across as a lack of attention to detail. Therefore, it is important that you have a clean and efficient site and enough social media content to show trustworthiness and build reach.
Offer a competitive salary and benefits package Last but not least, having a reasonable salary for the role, as well as displaying this on your listing will encourage a large pool
of potential candidates. Knowing the expected salary upfront lets a candidate understand whether a job will be viable for them and helps streamline conversations later in the hiring process. Job seekers often value the transparency and helps cut out the middleman for both parties. Having desirable benefits like decent holiday pay and fair leave, either for maternity or illness encourages people to stay in a role, as they feel valued as a person.
HancoxRead Recruitment are a multi-sector award winning independent recruitment consultancy set up in March 2019 and based in Harborne.
We work with Public Sector Departments, Care Homes, Engineering and Industrial businesses across the Midlands and the UK.
• We have access to over 25 million CV’s Nationwide with all skills covered from SIA Security to Care Workers (all levels) to industrial. • We have access to all the premium job boards – all part of our service. • We offer temporary, fixed term and permanent recruitment options.
• We pride ourselves on our processes and procedures to ensure all workers are fully registered, reference checked and using our advanced biometric ID checking technology. • We guarantee no illegal workers in your business.
Call Guy Hancox today to discuss your recruitment issues/plans in the strictest of confidence on
07851 489 513 or email guy@hancoxread.co.uk Quote "Chambers Magazine" for a fixed fee Recruitment of £2000 with a free replacement option. Ask for details.
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Workforce Development
Developing
your staff Workforce development helps staff members grow the skills they need to offer the best work performance possible. It can also boost productivity, increase job satisfaction and lower turnover rate. But how can you implement a workforce development strategy in your workplace? Chamberlink considers some of the options.
ontinuing education and skills based training? Consider sponsoring your workforce to continue their education and assist them as they work toward degrees or postgraduate degrees. This could bring relevant and necessary qualifications into your workforce and demonstrate your commitment to yours staff. Learning doesn’t always have to be academic, however. Skills-based training will help your team stay at the top of their game and continuously refresh the skills they need to do job effectively. For example, if you work with technology and software that is continuously being updated, make sure your staff have regular training in the updates. This will make sure that they are well equipped to delivering the best possible service for your customers or clients. Additionally, by helping to further your staff’s education, you are not only helping them achieve their goals but also closing the skills gap in your own organisation.
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Identifying leaders If you have a particular staff member that stands out, you may wish to invest in them and give them a more prominent role in your company – before another firm poaches them. Leadership training is a great way to put in place a succession plan for the business, as well as show staff members that they are valuable and that you want to keep them around. A leadership training programme will help them develop the skills they need to become an effective manager and teach how to implement strategies to get the most out of their teams – learning which can then be passed down to new staff.
Communication Not all workforce development has to take place inside of a classroom, and you may be surprised to find out just how far a simple conversation can go. By having regular – and, most importantly, transparent – discussions with your staff, you can not only make sure that everyone is on the right page,
but also find out what is working, and what isn’t. What would you staff like and need in order to do their jobs better and to feel greater satisfaction? By discussing your business goals, employee relationships and asking for honest feedback, you can demonstrate your commitment to providing a safe and honest workplace, hear fresh perspectives and give employees a chance to shine and share their ideas.
Data reviews Key performance indicators (KPIs) are a measure of performance over time for a specific objective. They can be used to track net profit or expenses, customer retention and satisfaction or, in this case, staff performance. KPIs can provide targets for teams and individuals to aim for and track milestones to monitor overall performance. By allowing your staff to access their KPI, they will be able to see where they are excelling and where they might need more support. You can then discuss providing tailored support.
‘Learning doesn’t always have to be academic however. Skills-based training will help your team stay at the top of their game’
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Sector Focus
Business Travel
Sector Focus The latest news from the sectors that matter to business
Station finally reopens
Air-bound: Francesca and Georgia-Dee are ready for their new careers
Students take off on careers Two travel and cabin crew students from Solihull College & University Centre are set to embark on careers with British Airways. Francesca Barker, 19 from Smethwick, and Georgia-Dee Clifton, 18 from Warwickshire, are set to take their first flights in September after successfully applying and passing interviews with the airline. Both will now undergo an intensive summer of training before taking to the skies, where they will put into practice everything they learned during their college course. Georgia-Dee said: “I went on a lot of flights when I was younger and loved travelling. “On the plane, I would look at the cabin crew and dreamed to be them one day. “Everything we’ve been doing at the College is now going to actualise in our dream job. I’m so excited to learn about the different cultures of the world.” Francesca said: “I’m now going to be paid to travel and do what I love, I look forward most to helping customers and making sure they have a nice experience with us.” “This course has given us a really good insight of what the job will be like and the support from our lecturers has been excellent.”
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The new Perry Barr Railway Station has finally opened its doors to passengers – following a year-long rebuilding programme. The station stands at the heart of the area and will be a key gateway this summer for visitors to Alexander Stadium for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The station provides regular direct West Midlands Railway services to Birmingham city centre, Walsall and Wolverhampton. Building work began last May with the demolition of the old station and parade of shops and has continued at pace since with the project delivered on time and on budget. The railway station and bus interchange project partnership includes Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is part of the West Midland Combined Authority (WMCA), the West Midlands Rail Executive, Birmingham City Council, Network Rail and West Midlands Trains. West Midlands mayor Andy Street said: “This new station at Perry Barr is a great example of
On track: Jonny Wiseman (West Midlands Railway), Amanda White (West Midlands Rail Executive), Cllr Ian Ward (WMCA portfolio holder for transport and leader of Birmingham City Council) and Malcolm Holmes (Transport for West Midlands)
what that lasting legacy for our region actually means. It is a vast improvement on the old station – better lit, more spacious and equipped with much better facilities including lifts to the platform.”
Neil Gaskin, Network Rail’s programme director for the Commonwealth Games, said: “We can’t wait for station users from near and far to enjoy the new facilities as we begin Birmingham’s exciting summer of sport.”
Ebikes proving wheely popular Ebikes have proved popular with West Midlands Cycle Hire (WMCH) users with more than 30,000 rides since they were launched on the streets last December. Figures issued by WMCH for Bike Week show more than 8,000 individuals have used the ebikes and travelled an average of almost three-kilometres per trip. The power-assisted bikes, which can make cycling easier especially on longer journeys or hilly terrain, are available for hire in Birmingham, Coventry, Sandwell, Solihull, Stourbridge, Sutton Coldfield, Walsall and Wolverhampton. The ebikes, of which there are 150 available for hire, have also attracted new users to the scheme with more than 2,700 people using an ebike for their first WMCH ride. WMCH was developed by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), and is operated by Serco. The bikes and docking stations are manufactured here in the West Midlands. West Midlands mayor Andy Street said: “Our cycle hire scheme has been a phenomenal success and these latest figures show our decision to include e-bikes in our offering has been incredibly warmly received by the public. We’re keen to enable cycling uptake in our region given all of the health and environmental benefits. E-bikes are a great way for people to get started and experience the benefits of active travel.”
Adam Tranter, West Midlands cycling and walking commissioner, said: “West Midlands Cycle Hire has, in a short space of time, become a key part of our sustainable transport network. “E-bikes open up cycling to many more people, and it’s heartening to see their popularity so far.” It costs £1.50 to unlock an eBike and 10p per minute after that – or 5p per minute with a WMCH bundle deal which means a half-hour ride could cost as little as £3. The bikes are hired using the Beryl Cycle Hire app where the eBike locations are clearly marked.
Wheels in motion: West Midlands residents are embracing the eBikes rollout
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Business Travel
Sector Focus
Transport trial seeks volunteers Disabled volunteers are being sought by the West Midlands Combined Authority in an innovative trial to help remove barriers on public transport for people with long-term health conditions. The creation of the planner is part of IncludeMe WM, a regional approach to making the West Midlands a leading region for encouraging disabled people and people with long-term health conditions to be physically active. The trial will take place on transport routes serving four West Midlands leisure facilities in Coventry and Wolverhampton, including The Wave waterpark and the Alan Higgs Centre at Coventry, Wolverhampton Active Central swimming pool and the Bert Williams Leisure Centre. Those who participate in the trial will have their cost of the journey covered automatically on booking and will also receive Amazon vouchers at the end of each journey. West Midlands mayor Andy Street, said: “We are always striving as a region to make our transport network as friendly, welcoming and accessible as possible. With this aim in mind, I am pleased as a region
that we champion our IncludeMe WM agenda which sets out our ambition to be an exemplar region for engaging with and encouraging physical activity among disabled people and those with other longterm health conditions. We are inviting residents to volunteer to trial a new app that provides the less able-bodied with a journey
planner designed to remove barriers they may face while navigating public transport.” WMCA has teamed up with You Smart Thing, leading online travel planning platform, to produce the journey planner app. Antonis Kousoulas, product manager at You Smart Thing, said: “Working with WMCA and Sport
England to enhance our ‘request assistance’ feature has given us deep insight into the needs of disabled people in respect of public transport, multi-modal journeys, and destination management.” For more information and to take part, email IncludeMeWM@ wmca.org.uk
Trialling the app: Alongside volunteers will be Mark Fossbrook, Paralympian and WMCA IncludeMe manager
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Sector Focus
Finance
Late payments are on the rise More than a quarter (26 per cent) of UK SMEs have experienced an increase in late payments since the cost of living has gone up, according to new research from Barclays. The new findings indicate that rising prices are impacting payments between businesses, as 16 per cent of SMEs said that they are finding it more difficult to pay suppliers themselves because of the cost of living crisis. Late payments negatively impact a business’s income, which can result in cash flow instability, and are the single biggest cause of business failure. According to Barclays’ research, 10 per cent of firms said the amount they are owed in late payments could be used to recruit more staff and 12 per cent said they could expand their products or service offering.
Just over a quarter (26 per cent) of business owners said they have felt anxious or their wellbeing has suffered as a result of late payments, while 21 per cent claimed they have had sleepless nights. However, 58 per cent say they would refuse a job with a potential customer if they were known for paying late.
‘It’s more important than ever for businesses to have confidence in their cash’ Small Business commissioner, Liz Barclay, said: “The biggest companies with the deepest pockets must realise that if they delay payments or offer unfair extended payment terms the whole of their supply chain suffers.
“The talented people who keep them supplied with goods and services from which they make their money will go to the wall and struggle with mental health issues. “It’s expensive in time and money to find new suppliers. Now more than ever bigger customers must treat smaller suppliers fairly and #PayDontDelay.” Hannah Bernard, head of Business Banking at Barclays, said: “It’s more important than ever for businesses to have confidence in their cash flow, which is why we’re working with the Small Business Commissioner to continue our call for higher standards, and urging larger businesses to make good on their commitments and pay their suppliers on time.”
Crowe advises on pan-European deal The Midlands corporate finance team of national audit, tax, advisory and risk firm Crowe has advised a pan-European business that supports exporters and importers on the acquisition of two UK businesses. Netherlands-based Customs Support Group (CSG) first expanded its operations into the UK with the acquisition of UK Customs Solutions back in October 2021. Now CSG has also completed the acquisition of two further UK businesses this May: Osborn Customs Services, the Rochester-based customs clearance experts; and the Dover export agents KSI Portlink. The deal values have not been disclosed. Crowe’s corporate finance team was led by partner Andy Kay and director Chasz Coulsting, supported by colleagues Phoebe Turner, Jason Daft and Nick Martin. Adam McGiveron and Emma Bryant from law firm Pennington Manches Cooper provided legal support to CSG. Andy Kay said: “Crowe acts for CSG internationally and our colleagues in France, Italy and Ireland have also been advising on EU deals. “The Midlands corporate finance team has been instrumental in assisting CSG with the recent acquisition of two UK businesses and provided financial due diligence and transaction support services on both deals. “With international trade being such a key component of growth for both EU and non-EU businesses, the skills and expertise of CSG are crucial in helping to keep trade flowing smoothly, in both directions.” Sebastian Ootjers, mergers & acquisitions director of CSG, said: “We are pleased with the excellent support from Crowe’s corporate finance Team, as they provided us with vital insights needed to realise these acquisitions.”
Andy Kay: Instrumental role in the acquisition
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Done deal: Darryl Macready, Steve Holden, Sarah Ostins, Tim Lang (partner, George Green LLP), Steven Dickens, Paul Tonks (director, Edwards), Richard Burton, Sarah Ward (head of corporate and commercial, George Green LLP) and Gary Riley
Accountants direct successful MBO Midlands firms Edwards Chartered Accountants and George Green LLP have directed the successful management buyout of Steelstrip Services Ltd (t/a Servosteel). They advised the senior leadership team on the transaction, for which financing was provided by HSBC Bank UK. The team made up of commercial director Steven Dickens, operations director Darryl Macready, finance and HR director Sarah Ostins and IT and systems director Richard Burton will take full control. Former owners Mark Anderson and Phillip Guest are stepping aside following a successful eight-year tenure. Steven Dickens said: “We are confident we can lead the business into a new and even more successful era through further growth and diversification.
“Our advisers, Edwards Chartered Accountants and George Green LLP supported us through every step of the MBO – and as a team we knew we were in safe hands. They worked tirelessly to deliver on a tight timescale.” Steven Holden, head of tax at Walsall-based Edwards Chartered Accountants, added: “Working with existing management teams to ensure a smooth transition of business is always rewarding, and the team at Servosteel were no exception to that rule. “We certainly look forward to watching the team’s successes as they take the business forward into a new era of ownership.” Gary Riley, HSBC UK relationship director for West Midlands, added: “We were delighted to be able to assist this next generation of the management team in fulfilling their funding requirements.”
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Finance
Sector Focus
The importance of selecting a lasting power of attorney Fewer than one in three (29 per cent) well-off baby boomers have registered a lasting power of attorney - leaving them vulnerable in the case of an accident or medical emergency. That’s according to research from investment platform and financial adviser Quilter which also found that many of this generation have fears for their long-term health and wellbeing. Just 50.6 per cent of respondents to Quiter’s survey were confident they would not require long term nursing care during their lifetime. Meanwhile new data obtained by Quilter via a Freedom of Information request to the Ministry of Justice reveals that LPA registrations remain 18.8 per cent below prepandemic levels. The government has taken steps to bring LPAs into the digital age, to make the process as seamless and efficient as possible. However, Quilter believes more needs to be done to raise awareness of the importance of registering an LPA before it is too late. Shaun Moore, tax and financial planning expert at Quilter, said: “Some people believe that setting up an LPA will leave them
vulnerable and choose not to set one up, but this is not the case. “Additionally, many people only associate having an LPA with older people and therefore believe they do not need to think about it yet, but this is the very reason they should have one in place. “An LPA can provide clients and their families with the peace of mind that their wishes will still be carried out should they lose the capacity to do so themselves. “Having an LPA in place now provides protection for the future and helps avoid the risk that they leave it too late. “A financial adviser can provide a pillar of professional support to help guide people through the process of setting up an LPA to ensure that they are protected should the worst happen.”
‘Some people believe that setting up an LPA will leave them vulnerable and choose not to set one up’
Shaun Moore: LPAs provide protection for the future
Leading accounting, audit, tax, and advisory firm Bishop Fleming has announced the appointment of Pippa Clarke as its new Chair. Pippa is a tax partner and heads up the firm’s Technology, Innovation and Growth sector, having joined Bishop Fleming in 2019. She became Bishop Fleming’s Chair on 1 June, when current Chair Ian Smith retired. Pippa said: “I am delighted to have taken on this key strategic role as we embark on an ambitious plan to further grow our business. I am particularly passionate about the development of our people, and among several other priorities will be working with the team to attract more talented people to our business. Excellent people, who reach their potential, will be pivotal to this growth. “As a responsible business we are absolutely committed to improving inclusion and diversity and as someone who has a less traditional background, I am particularly proud of the important message my appointment delivers in promoting diversity in business, both internally to our own people and in our sector.”
Pippa took over the role from Ian Smith, who has been Chair since 2017. Ian added: “It is bittersweet to have retired from the partnership at this juncture. On the one hand I am immensely proud of what we have achieved during my tenure, but at the same time I am somewhat jealous of the opportunities that lie ahead for our business. I look forward to watching Bishop Fleming succeed further under Pippa and Andrew’s leadership and wish them, and all our people well.” The firm, which has offices across the West Midlands and the South West, is currently enjoying considerable growth and is on the verge of posting record growth for this financial year. This is coupled with record levels of apprentices and experienced hires coming into the business, resulting in its highest ever headcount. In welcoming Pippa into the role, Managing Partner Andrew Sandiford said: “Pippa’s appointment coincides with our intention to double the size of our business over the next few years.
Pippa Clarke, the new chair of Bishop Fleming pictured with Ian Smith and Andrew Sandiford.
“I would like to personally thank Ian for everything he has delivered over the last five years. He has made an indelible mark on our business and handed over the chairing reins to Pippa when our business is in fantastic shape. We are currently experiencing considerable growth in all areas of our business, and I look forward to working with Pippa to build on this success.”
For interviews or press enquiries please contact:
publicrelations@bishopfleming.co.uk
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Sector Focus Firm advises legal panel National law firm Bevan Brittan, which has an office in Birmingham, has been reappointed to the Places for People Legal Services Panel. This is the third major appointment for the top-100 UK firm in the past few months, after it won a place on the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Legal Services Panel and Sovereign Housing Association’s Legal Panel.
‘More than 500,000 people live in Places for People’s homes’ Places for People is a leading affordable homes-led placemaker. It creates and manages thriving communities that its customers are proud to call home and are sustainable – economically, socially and environmentally. More than 500,000 people live in Places for People's homes and 300,000 people visit its leisure centres every week. Bevan Brittan will provide legal advice and services across nine areas including property, development, corporate, finance, housing services, employment, commercial, compliance and healthcare.
Legal
Thursfields warns of pension poverty risk Failing to factor pensions into a said they had to use their savings, divorce settlement can lead to 20 per cent used credit cards for unnecessary poverty in the future, everyday living expenses and a according to experts in the family similar number, 18 per cent, had law team at Thursfields Solicitors. borrowed from friends or family Philip Rea, a director in the with just over 15 per cent regularly family law team, said: “There is no selling clothing, toys or other doubt that pensions are complex, household items to make ends however their complexity should meet. not be a reason for excluding them Mr Rea added: “Alarmingly, from the division of marital Aviva reported that 12 per cent of assets.” respondents admitted to having to His comments come as new go out to work, despite having not research from Aviva suggests that 15 per cent of divorced people did not realise their pension could be impacted by getting divorced. More than a third of those respondents made no claim on their former partner's pension so that it was not included as an asset in the settlement when they did divorce. Almost eight per cent of divorcees responding to Aviva say they did not have their own pension savings as they were relying on their spouse to finance their retirement and as a result of divorce 19 per cent said they will be, or are, significantly worse off in retirement. Aviva’s research also revealed that in order to supplement their income following a Alarming research: Philip Rea divorce, 32 per cent
Rebrand for growing law firm Rebrand: Davison’s Law staff (left to right): Umran Sadiq, Gary Davison, Darryl Wilkes and Samantha Ingram
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A West Midlands law firm has rebranded as part of an ambitious investment and expansion plan. QualitySolicitors Davisons has now become Davisons Law as part of plans to consolidate its position as a leading property law firm, while growing its nonproperty law services. Director Darryl Wilkes said the change would give the firm a “fresh, modern look, that dispels the view of law firms as old fashioned and stuck in their ways.” Davisons has also expanded the space at five of its existing offices – coming after it opened a new office in Stafford in 2021. In the latter half of 2022, Davisons plans to open in three new locations, with newly-acquired offices in Leamington Spa, Lichfield and London, bringing the network to 12 offices. Managing director Gary Davison said: “When I founded Davisons, the company philosophy was simple: strive to offer the best service we can for our clients. “I would like to think, 35 years later, that philosophy still holds true and underpins how we have expanded and grown. “Our long-term strategy has always been rooted in building strong relationships with local communities and we have achieved remarkable success in sticking with this philosophy.”
worked prior to divorce and 10 per cent got a second job.” He pointed out that it is common for a husband to have accrued the larger pension provision due to a wife often having time out of employment to raise the family leaving her with little if any provision. “It is not uncommon for the spouse with the larger pension to feel aggrieved at the thought of sharing their pension with an exspouse. However considering both spouse’s positions in retirement is a significant factor when dividing the marital assets.” All pensions accrued during the marriage are taken into account, including those accrued prior to marriage depending on the circumstances of the individual case. As a starting point in discussions, both parties should obtain their pension fund values known as Cash Equivalent Transfer Value or CETV. For more information concerning pension sharing, divorce, financial remedy and children matters please contact Philip Rea, Director on 0345 20 73 728 or email PRea@ thursfields.co.uk
Expansion for local lawyers Birmingham-based law firm Shakespeare Martineau is expanding into Bristol and the southwest following a merger with GL Law. Shakespeare Martineau brand, part of legal and professional services group Ampa, will transfer more than 60 people, taking the group’s turnover to more than £100 million for financial year 2022/23. Acting for businesses, people and their families, GL Law will bolster Shakespeare Martineau’s existing expertise, but also further expand its sector specialisms in the creative industries and leisure and hospitality, as well as increase its geographical reach.
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Legal
Sector Focus
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Sector Focus
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Manufacturing
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Manufacturing Choice: Customers will have greater options when ordering vehicles such as the Land Rover Defender
Mondelez ESG efforts praised
New website drives JLR into the future Jaguar Land Rover has unveiled a revamped online platform – bringing together new options for potential customers. The automotive giant’s new dedicated website includes an overhauled online buying process, as well as offering subscription and short-term rental options, under the overarching message of ‘Own. Subscribe. Rent’. Customers can configure their new vehicle, selecting engine, specification and options across any Jaguar or Land Rover model – and make the purchase entirely online should they choose. A selection of payment options are available - cash payment, Personal Contract Purchase or Hire Purchase. A selection of payment options are available - cash payment, Personal Contract Purchase or Hire Purchase. Customers can also get a valuation on their existing vehicle for part exchange, make a finance application and put down a deposit in one online visit.
Upon completion of the purchase, customers can select to either have their new vehicle delivered to their home, or have a full, personal handover and overview of the vehicle’s technology and security features with an expert in a showroom. For customers seeking a subscription alternative to ownership, ‘Pivotal’ offers a, flexible ownership experience, with a single monthly payment covering rental, insurance, tax, servicing and repairs. Rawdon Glover, managing director Jaguar Land Rover UK, said: “More luxury goods and experiences are consumed and shared in the digital space than ever before, and consumer expectations are high for both quality and convenience. “We strive to stay at the forefront of the latest innovations through a rigorous digital transformation, and bringing the luxury of choice to our customers is a key part in that journey. “We now have a market-leading online experience that delivers ultimate convenience and confidence in a tailored way for Jaguar and Land Rover customers.”
Narrow aisleways may pose safety risks VNA systems deliver many benefits, but warehouse designers risk compromising safety and productivity if they place too much emphasis on simp ly achieving the narrowest aisleways, says John Maguire, managing director of Narrow Aisle Ltd. He added: “With the fallout from the pandemic and Brexit continuing to impact on manufacturing and retail supply chains, UK warehouse space remains in short supply. “The problem has become so acute in some places that one leading industrial property consultancy has forecast that parts of Britain could run out of empty storage facilities within the next 12 months. “As a result, warehouse managers and intralogistics professionals are under huge cost pressure to utilise every square foot of space in the most effective way. At many sites
Sector Focus
The latest Mondelez International “Snacking Made Right” report confirms global progress by the owners of Cadbury against environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals, including a strong contribution from the UK. The report highlights many UK initiatives in support of goals including equivalent of five Olympic swimming pools of water saved annually at its Sheffield site, a switch to purchased renewable electricity in six UK production sites and removal of 6.4 million plastic windows in Cadbury Easter eggs. Several UK market initiatives are also highlighted that reduce the environmental impact of the business including reductions in packaging, water usage and greenhouse gas emissions. Dirk Van de Put, chairman and chief executive of Mondelez International, said: “A sustainability mindset has long been integrated into the strategy as we continue to create value, make our business more resilient and accelerate our ambition of building a more sustainable snacking company. I am proud of the strong progress our company has made against our ambitious ESG goals.”
Narrow margins: John Maguire aboard one his narrow aisle machines
this means reconfiguring the layout of the existing storage system around the narrowest aisleways.” Mr Maguire said that aisle widths can be reduced to between 1600 and 1800mm, which allow efulfilment customer orders to be picked at ground level shelves and locations. He adds: “Compared to traditional wide aisles zone picking, which usually need around 3000mm to allow two low level order pickers to pass, the space-saving potential of VNA systems to e-commerce companies is immediately obvious. “Because man-up Combi VNA trucks are physically big pieces of kit, storage schemes have to incorporate large transfer gangways at both ends of each aisle to allow these long trucks to switch aisles. This often means that the space savings achieved by reducing the aisle widths can be lost.” July/August 2022 CHAMBERLINK 85
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Sector Focus
Property
Holiday homes cause £150m loss The total loss to government from business rates relief for holiday lets in England and Wales alone is now around £150m a year, according to real estate firm Colliers. Property owners who make their properties available to rent as holiday lets for 140 days a year can claim they are a small business and can therefore elect to pay business rates instead of council tax. However, as small businesses they can claim for relief on 100 per cent of the business rates payable if their properties have a rateable value of less than £12,000. Those properties with a rateable value between £12,000 and £15,000 are also entitled to a relief on a sliding scale in line with the government’s business rates relief policy.
Brownfield site to deliver new homes Developer Living Space has secured a 2.3-acre brownfield site in the Birmingham suburb of Acocks Green – which could deliver around 50 new homes. Situated off A41 Warwick Road, the site sits approximately 5.5 miles southeast of Birmingham city centre. The brownfield land has been acquired from a private landowner and is in receipt of a lapsed planning consent for residential development. Living Space hopes to submit a full planning application to Birmingham City Council this summer and it is hoped that work can begin in the first quarter of 2023. The site is bounded by residential properties to the north, east and west – on Olton Croft, Lincoln Road and Culham Close respectively, with three primary schools nearby, and Archbishop Ilsley Catholic School for children aged 11 to 18. Chris Loizou, land and partnerships director for Living Space, said: “We are thrilled to have secured a prime development opportunity that is so close to our Solihull office. “This brownfield site has been vacant for some time and we are looking forward to submitting a planning application with a view to redeveloping it into an eco-efficient scheme that makes a highly positive contribution to the street scene. The site presents a great opportunity to provide muchneeded new homes in this popular suburban location. “The local amenities include supermarkets, food outlets retail stores, and schooling, while Olton train station is also very close by, providing frequent services to Birmingham city centre.”
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According to Colliers, there are now more than 79,150 holiday let properties in the business rates lists in England and Wales that are eligible for 100 per cent business rates relief - and do not pay business rates or council tax.
‘Colliers estimates this is reducing income to local authorities of around £150m a year’ Colliers estimates this is reducing income to local authorities of around £150m a year. John Webber, head of business rates at Colliers, is concerned that announcements made
in the Queen’s Speech could make matters worse. The government has proposed that under new rules, English local authorities will gain ‘discretionary powers’ to levy a premium of up to 100 per cent on council tax bills for second homes that are furnished but not occupied as a sole or main residence. Mr Webber said: “Although this measure is supposed to create extra funding that could be used to help local services and ensure council tax is kept low for local residents, in reality it will mean more second home owners in England will have an incentive to flip these second homes into ‘businesses’ to avoid paying a double council tax. “It certainly won’t deter the practice.”
New division: Burley Browne Residential sales manager Nicola Allen (centre) with joint managing directors David Hemming (left) and James Merrick (right)
The PLOTT to redevelop brand A branding agency has worked with property firm Burley Browne to create a brand identity for its newly-launched residential division. Burley Browne, a respected commercial property consultancy headquartered in Sutton Coldfield, announced the launch of its new residential land and new homes division earlier this year. Burley Browne Residential works with property developers throughout the development process, from sourcing land to marketing new homes schemes. The firm enlisted the help of fellow Sutton Coldfield Chambe r of Commerce member PLOTT
Creative to create a fresh brand and related marketing materials for the new arm of its business. They had previously worked with PLOTT on its parent company branding. The brief for Burley Browne Residential was to create a brand that stands out in a competitive market and reflect the ‘property done properly’ ethos of the parent company. PLOTT managing director Anna Plotnek said: “We’ve been working with Burley Browne for five years, so we understand them very well. “The Burley Browne brand is well established now. We knew we had to lean into this heritage and
Anna Plotnek
create a sub-brand that was sympathetic to what came before.” David Hemming, joint managing director at Burley Browne, said: “We are a well-established company with a strong brand that is recognised throughout Sutton and the surroundin g areas. “We needed an equally strong sub-brand for the residential division, and we needed an agency that really understood the product. PLOTT has delivered that for us before.” • More Sutton Coldfield news on page 61
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Sector Focus
Skills
Skills boost: Andy Street visits the HS2 Skills Academy
HS2 contractor expands training programmes HS2’s construction partner for the West Midlands has teamed up with five more further education colleges to increase access to its free job-ready training programmes. This latest development from Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) follows a successful partnership with South and City College Birmingham - leading to the creation of BBV’s dedicated Skills Academy in Bordesley Green. The academy focuses on upskilling those who are out of work, or looking for a new career, and in just four to six weeks, trainees can progress onto a paid work trial supporting HS2’s construction. To help more local people benefit and progress into employment on HS2, BBV has joined forces with Warwickshire College Group, Birmingham Metropolitan College, Walsall College, Solihull College and University Centre, and City of Wolverhampton College. Collectively they aim to train at least 600 new recruits who will then progress onto a paid work trial. Each college will deliver training programmes in line with the core skills that BBV needs to support its construction of the HS2 network from Warwickshire to the centre of Birmingham and on to Staffordshire.
BBV expects to support around 7,000 jobs through its programme of work on HS2. The training programmes at the four West Midlands colleges will be funded by West Midlands Combined Authority as part of their Construction Gateway programme. West Midlands mayor Andy Street said“It is vitally important for the future of the West Midlands that we ensure our people are effectively connected with the right training opportunities so that they can get the skills they need to achieve the high-quality and well-paid jobs they deserve. “The HS2 Skills Academy is just the right kind of initiative to enable us to do exactly that, with the jobs being created by HS2 a key part of my 100k jobs plan.” The training programmes will cover a broad range of specialist skills needed to support BBV’s construction works from steel fixing to formwork and concrete placing. Shilpi Akbar, head of stakeholders and communities at Balfour Beatty VINCI, said: “These new partnerships will allow us to expand the training programme we already offer and build on the success of our Skills Academy at South and City College which we launched last year.”
T-Levels helps firms boost their workforces South and City College are helping local businesses meet their skills needs through students who are studying T-Levels. A new range of vocational programmes are launching at the college in September - with specialisms include business support - which can provide support in almost any industry - as well as a host of IT skills including coding, design and development, digital support and digital infrastructure. T-Levels include a minimum of 45 days’ work placement, enabling employers to get a meaningful contribution from the students they choose to work with. Employers are able to work with students from the start of their course, offering them the chance to develop while also benefitting from their skills and expertise. Rebecca Waterfield, deputy director at South and City College, 88 CHAMBERLINK July/August 2022
said: “The new business and IT TLevels are offering employers a unique opportunity to work with young people from the start of their Further Education journey. “This means employers are able to choose the best students for their business and take advantage of our talented students’ skills and expertise, with the opportunity to employ them in the future. “These programmes are rewarding for the employers and the students, offering young people from diverse backgrounds to develop within local businesses to support the region become better equipped with up to date skills to meet their business needs.” The college is also offering valuable experience to students who studying their new science TLevel. Rebecca added: “With the current skills shortage in the Science sector, the timing couldn’t
have been better for us to start offering T-Levels to meet the needs of local employers. “Our courses are fully employer led and we’re working with local businesses to make sure we’re preparing our students with up-toT-time: Those studying T-Levels at South and City are also benefitting businesses
the minute information about current trends and regulations.” If you’d like to discuss how South and City College could support your business, contact Tonia Hoskins on 0121 694 5066 or email tonia.hoskins@sccb.ac.uk
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Skills
Sector Focus
The summer holidays herald much excitement around A-level results as many of the nation’s 18 year olds head off to university. But with life-long learning moving up the political agenda, it’s never too late to take those all-important steps towards the career you want. Whether you didn’t have the opportunity to go to university, you’re looking to boost your career with professional qualifications, or you’re keen to set out in a new direction entirely, Newman’s range of foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses offer a variety of routes into rewarding careers; from teaching and education to law, accounting, computer science, social work, counselling, nursing and physiotherapy, to name just a few.
juggling study with caring responsibilities, working full-time or need to study close to home, Newman offers the support and pathways you need to make your ambitions a reality.
Rated Number 1 in the UK for social inclusion of first generation students, we are actively supporting students who juggle their learning with their lives and responsibilities, including supporting commuter students and those studying part-time degrees.
With specialist staff who can advise on admissions requirements, funding and benefits, why not contact us to find out more about how we can help you build the future you want?
Our work-related learning for all threeand four-year full time undergraduate programmes help you develop your understanding of different industries and sectors, build professional networks and refine your career options.
This reflects our commitment to creating opportunities for those from nontraditional university backgrounds to reach their full potential; whether you’re
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Sector Focus
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Technology
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Technology
Sector Focus
BT Street Hubs go live across Birmingham Birmingham is the latest UK city to benefit from BT’s new digital street units - with the first three unveiled in Sutton Coldfield and more to follow across the city. As part of the launch, local businesses were given the chance to advertise for free on the new Street Hub units. BT is donating up to £7.5 million of outdoor advertising space to small businesses across the UK, as it continues its nationwide roll out of the new Street Hub 2.0 units. The units are helping to build the UK’s digital infrastructure and include services such as ultrafast Wi-Fi, an emergency call button and rapid mobile device charging. A BT study found that more than 60 per cent of small businesses believe that local advertising would help to increase awareness of their business, with 40 per cent saying it would encourage more people to shop on the high street. However, almost half (49 per cent) said that cost was a major obstacle to them investing in local Out Of Home (OOH) advertising. BT is now taking action to remove one of the biggest barriers to adoption, with the Street Hub’s digital advertising screens designed to help small firms attract more customers to high streets. The new digital units can also help local councils achieve their social and economic improvement and sustainability goals. With Birmingham City Council aiming to be carbon neutral by 2030, each Street Hub 2.0 unit is to be fitted with air quality and CO2 sensors. Birmingham participated in the first trials of air quality data monitoring with BT in 2019, with data collected from modular sensors installed on first generation Street Hubs units. The sensors provided insight to a group of researchers and scientists, led by the University of Birmingham, to help monitor air pollution in the area.
Street smart: Rebecca Hambleton and Raj Mack, head of digital innovation and partnerships at Birmingham City Council
Street Hubs can also help to enhance digital connectivity and services through features such as ultrafast Wi-Fi, access to charity helplines, and local wayfinding via an integrated tablet. Rebecca Hambleton, street manager at BT, said: “Our new Street Hub units can play a vital role in rejuvenating local high streets – whether that’s through building greater awareness of small businesses through free advertising, boosting local digital infrastructure or helping cities to reach their sustainability goals. “It's great to see the new units will shortly be providing valuable 'real time' data on air quality for the local council, helping to keep Birmingham a clean city to live and visit.”
Tech takes communications beyond 5G Birmingham scientists have revealed a new beam-steering antenna that increases the efficiency of data transmission for ‘beyond 5G’ – and opens up a range of frequencies for mobile communications that are inaccessible to currently technologies. Experimental results, presented for the first time at the third International Union of Radio Science Atlantic/Asia-Pacific Radio Science Meeting, show the device can provide continuous ‘wideangle’ beam steering, allowing it to track a moving mobile phone user in the same way that a satellite dish turns to track a moving object, but with significantly enhanced speeds. Devised by researchers from the University of Birmingham’s School of Engineering, the technology has demonstrated vast improvements in data transmission efficiency at frequencies ranging across the millimetre wave spectrum, specifically those identified for 5G (mmWave) and 6G, where high efficiency is currently only
achievable using slow, mechanically steered antenna solutions. The device is fully compatible with existing 5G specifications that are currently used by mobile communications networks.
The beam-steering antenna was developed by Dr James Churm, Dr Muhammad Rabbani, and Professor Alexandros Feresidis, head of the Metamaterials Engineering Laboratory, as a solution for fixed,
Dr James Churm: Ground-breaking technology
base station antenna, for which current technology shows reduced efficiency at higher frequencies, limiting the use of these frequencies for long-distance transmission. Around the size of an iPhone, the technology uses a metamaterial, a material engineered to have special properties not found in naturally occurring materials. The team is now developing and testing prototypes at higher frequencies and in applications that take it beyond 5G mobile communications. Dr Churm said: “Although we developed the technology for use in 5G, our current models show that our beam steering technology may be capable of 94 per cent efficiency at 300 GHz. “The technology can also be adapted for use in vehicle-tovehicle, vehicle-to-infrastructure, vehicular radar, and satellite communications, making it good for next generation use in automotive, radar, space and defence applications.” July/August 2022 CHAMBERLINK 91
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Sector Focus Commonwealth connections: South Africa’s Thenjiwe Niki Nkosi is one of the exhibiting artists
The Arts
Artists explore city’s links to Commonwealth Three artists from Toronto and one from South Africa are creating new artworks across Birmingham until August as part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival. Canadian artists Rajni Perera, Amy Ching-Yan Lam and Jon McCurley and South Africa’s Thenjiwe Niki Nkosi have been commissioned by Eastside Projects. They will explore Birmingham’s positions, affinities and complicities within the Commonwealth. Gavin Wade, Eastside Projects Curator said: “The approaches of the work are wildly different, based in different experiences and different cultural heritages but they’re all operating in a wider international art world, we wanted to bring some experienced artists who can talk about the Commonwealth to Birmingham and add to our own voices. “The works aim to exchange ideas and experience between Birmingham and other international voices both historically and in the present day. I think their work will spark a wider examination of the history of Birmingham and how we express our identity.” Rajni Perera’s ‘Traveller’ will be exhibited at Eastside Projects, with a mural launch in Highgate/Balsall Heath running until 6 August. Amy Ching-Yan Lam’s ‘Looty Goes to Heaven’ will be across Digbeth until 8 August. Jon McCurley’s ‘Monsters of the World’ project can be found in Bournville, including the location of the still-active Cadbury Factory, from the 25 June to 9 July. Thenjiwe Niki Nkosi’s ‘Equations for a Body at Rest’ is available across multiple community sites and poster sites across Birmingham until 8 August.
Loverly production comes to Birmingham Birmingham Hippodrome have announced that New York’s Lincoln Center Theater’s critically acclaimed and multi awardwinning production ‘My Fair Lady’ is coming to the theatre. It will play at the theatre from 826 March 2023 as part of a UK and Ireland tour which begins this September. Directed by Bartlett Sher, the production, which premiered in the spring of 2018 at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater, was the winner of the Tony Award for Best Costume Design, 5 Outer Critics’ Circle Awards including Best Musical Revival, the Drama League Award for Outstanding
Musical Revival, and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Musical Revival and Costume Design. Bartlett Sher said: “Getting a chance to revisit Shaw's extraordinary story of class and privilege in a new age is a rare and special event.” With a book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe, My Fair Lady’s score includes song such as ‘I Could Have Danced All Night’, ‘Get Me to the Church on Time’, ‘Wouldn’t It Be Loverly’ and ‘The Rain in Spain’. Visit: www.birminghamhippodrome.com
A fair production: The show comes to Birmingham in March
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The Arts
Sector Focus
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Sector Focus
Sport
The Business of Sport Spain trip inspires basketball club A Birmingham basketball club has been tapping into the expertise of a Spanish professional team as they look to shape their own long-term vision. City of Birmingham Rockets CEO Robert Palmer visited professional club HLA Alicante to learn more about their rise through the Spanish basketball system. With the Nechells-based Rockets currently reviewing their own long-term strategy, the trip allowed Rob to learn about the Alicante club’s operations on and off the court. The Rockets first developed links with HLA Alicante – who play in the second tier of Spanish basketball – four years ago when they collaborated on a BasketJoy Erasmus+ Inclusion Project, which promotes inclusive basketball initiatives. The two clubs share common ground with Alicante reforming as a foundation in 2015 and the Rockets established as a club with charitable and community purposes.
Rob said: “My time here has been very educational and I am looking forward to seeing how some practices can be implemented back into our plans in Birmingham for the betterment of our club, players and coaches. “I have been able to gain an insight into key decisions made relating to the club infrastructure, roster and coaching staff that will impact upon the club successes on the court. I have been given full access to club operations on and off court, from the youth programmes through to their first teams, gaining an in-depth look at how they are structured and function.” As well as learning about Alicante’s operational side, Rob was also keen to learn about how players are taught and developed in Spain. He added: “The basketball culture and teaching styles are something I am keen we learn from. There are areas from a coaching perspective that we can certainly learn from. We can have more impact with more contact time.”
Fact-finding: Rob Palmer (centre) with HLA Alicante president Tony Gallego and sporting director Luis Arbalejo
Rehabilitation - Sport for All Team Talk with the coaches
Supporting the Bears - Mark Chapman, director at Lord Combustion, Warwickshire fast bowler George Garrett and Stuart Smith, managing director of Lord Combustion
Initiative introduces sport to children Youngsters stumped by the Covid-19 pandemic for more than two years enjoyed a spot of cricket as part of Birmingham Children’s Hospital’s popular Sports for All initiative. A total of 14 patients, aged between six and 16, cared for by the hospital’s neuro-oncology team, took to the Indoor Cricket Centre at Edgbaston cheered on by their families and members of their medical team. The Sports for All series was a regular fixture in the calendar before the onset of the pandemic in 2020; offering an opportunity for young people with brain and spinal tumours to engage in sporting activity to help aid their recovery. Jane Guest, advanced physiotherapist from the Children’s Hospital and one of the organisers of Sport for All, said: “There is a lot of rehabilitation and reintegration that needs to be done after having a brain or spinal tumour – balance, vision, mobility, social skills and communication skills may all be affected by this condition. “Physical activity plays a vital role on the physical, social and psychological wellbeing of children and is essential to their on-going care, rehabilitation and long-term health. “Often patients feel they are not able to do a lot of things including sport. The Sport for All sessions aim to show them that they can and give them an idea of the resources that are available.”
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Energy deal for club Warwickshire County Cricket Club has joined forces with a Black Country heating specialist in a partnership deal driving energy efficiency at Edgbaston. The Bears have secured a twoyear extension with Oldbury-based heating services contractor Lord Combustion Services as an official partner as part of an initiative to create the most sustainable cricket stadium in the UK. Lord Combustion Services started working with Warwickshire CCC in 2019 and initially installed a new hot water system to supply the South Stand at Edgbaston, which incorporates player changing rooms, kitchens and corporate hospitality rooms. Through the new partnership, Lord Combustion Services brand will adorn the Bears new playing shirts for the Royal London Cup,
which are made from recycled polyester material to support the Club’s sustainability goals. It has also secured perimeter branding at Edgbaston for the stadium’s major match days, which include an LV= Insurance Test match versus India this summer and a Test versus Australia in the Ashes series of 2023. Ben Seifas, head of sales & partnerships at Warwickshire CCC, said: “Stuart and the team at Lord Combustion Services have been fantastic supporters to the Bears over the last three years. Their work as a partner plays a vital part in giving everyone who visits Edgbaston a great experience. “With plans to further develop Edgbaston, we’re delighted to continue working together and driving the partnership forward on a long-term basis.”
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Chamberlink
Chamber Insight Focus on a member
Name: Dominic Mills Company: Yuup Job Title: Founder
What does your company do? Yuup is an online experiences marketplace where dependent small businesses can curate and list their in-person experiences, workshops, and masterclasses to become Yuup hosts. We provide hosts with the tools and support they need to generate income. How did it all start? Yuup started when I was trying to find a special experience for my wife. I got frustrated with the difficulty of finding and booking something independent and spotted an opportunity to create a community platform which is now Yuup.
many people to discover fun experiences with family and friends post-lockdown. What has surprised you most in your job? How quickly a community has built up around Yuup with so many people invested in our success. This was made most evident when lots of our hosts and customers chose to invest in the company during our crowdfunding campaign. What advice would you give to someone starting out? Go for it, take risks, and give it a chance. Go all in.
What’s your greatest achievement so far? In the last 15 months Yuup has helped 330 small independent business owners use our platform as a means of generating income. Collectively they’ve generated £700k of income in our pilot city of Bristol.
Which business do you most admire? Square Food Foundation - it’s a not-for-profit CIC helping disadvantaged young people learn to cook, become chefs, and earn income. Very early on in our journey we united to provide experiences, we’d love to find a similar organisation in Birmingham.
What is the biggest risk you’ve ever taken – and did it work out? I have two. My first solo flight in a small plane, thankfully I landed safely. And the more serious answer is starting a business. And yes, Yuup is thriving.
What exciting projects is your business working on? Opening in Birmingham. We’re so excited to discover all the innovative independent businesses and create a network in the West Midlands.
What keeps you awake at night? Making sure we don’t just grow a business. We want to have a positive social impact on local communities and economy. Doing things in the right way is incredibly important to me.
What made you join Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and how are you making use of your membership? We want to get to know the communities, businesses, and people of Birmingham. We are using our membership to build a network with businesses that complement what we’re trying to achieve with Yuup. We’re really looking forward to networking with the GBCC community.
If you could turn the clock back, what would you do differently? Starting a business in the leisure space in the midst of a global pandemic wasn’t perfect timing but it’s helped the bounce-back of small businesses and enabled
Visit: www.yuup.co
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Member Section
New Members
New Members Your guide to new sign-ups
Whatever your business size and requirements, the Chamber has a membership scale to suit your needs. For more information visit: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/membership
Akers of Art Artistic creation Rachel Akers 07989 192376 www.akers-of-art.co.uk Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
Apex Outdoor Advertising Ltd Media representation services Hazel Robinson 0121 321 3133 www.apexoutdoor.co.uk Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce
ARMCO Holdings Ltd Financial intermediation not elsewhere classified Harmesh Singh Pooni FPC, CeMAP 0121 309 0444 www.f4b.biz Asian Business Chamber of Commerce
Beacon Learning and Performance Other service activities n.e.c. Amanda Jackson 07969 776 075 www.beaconlearningandperformanc e.co.uk Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce
Central Power Environmental consulting activities Tarsem Dhamrait 07701377692 Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce
Choice Interiors Joinery installation Iain Parker 0121 707 2077 www.choiceinteriorsltd.co.uk Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
Commissum Information technology consultancy activities Ceri Walsh 07817 659 067 www.commissum.com Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
CT Planning General public administration activities Chris Timothy 01543418779 www.ctplanning.co.uk Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce
Edwards and Gray Estate Agents Real estate agencies Charlotte Edwards 0121 368 1538 www.edwardsandgray.co.uk
Gloss Ltd Computer facilities management activities Dheeram Vadgama 07827778894
Integral Workplace Wellness Other education n.e.c. Bel Hardman 0800 779 7750 www.integralworkplacewellness.com
Sutton Coldfield Chamber of
Asian Business Chamber of Commerce
Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce
Glover Priest Solicitors Louise Dewell 01543 421840 www.btpsolicitors.co.uk
Just Mortgages Direct Ltd Financial intermediation not elsewhere classified Amy Kaur 07866 889129 www.justmortgages.co.uk
Commerce
Eudon Choi Ltd Specialised design activities Justin Mansfield +44 7743442698 www.eudonchoi.com Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
Data Neural Technologies Engineering related scientific and technical consulting activities Ankur Agarwal 07435383653 www.dataneuraltechnologies.com
Extrawurst UK Take-away food shops and mobile food stands Sam Shutt 01675 469 090 www.extrawurst.co.uk
Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
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Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce
HMP Dovegate Justice and judicial activities Charlotte Baker-MacDonald 01283 829586 www.serco.com Burton and District Chamber of Commerce
Asian Business Chamber of Commerce
Molly Ollys Other social work activities without accommodation n.e.c. Jennie Ludford 01926 698 735 mollyolly.co.uk Solihull Chamber of Commerce
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New Members Neuron Mobility Other passenger land transport Cormac Quinn 00353 874597587 www.rideneuron.com Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
OM Synergies Limited Wholesale of metals and metal ores Aman Pandey 07405540324 www.omsynergies.com Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
Phoenix Red Ltd Other specialist photography Matthew Humphreys 0121 699 8877 www.phoenixred.co Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce
Postern Leisure Limited Other amusement and recreation activities n.e.c. Nancy LLoyd 01283 533933 www.adventurefarm.co.uk
Reach Peak Performance Human resources provision and management of human resources functions Emma-Jane Bisseker 07870 556 407 www.reachpeakperformancecoaching .co.uk Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce
Redbridge Accountant Ltd Accounting and auditing activities Muhammad Saiful Islam 0121 725 4913 www.rbcca.co.uk Asian Business Chamber of Commerce
Rushton Hickman Limited Real estate agencies Mark Richardson 01283 517747 www.rushtonhickman.com Burton and District Chamber of Commerce
Burton and District Chamber of
Sovereign Landmark Ltd Information technology consultancy activities Shah Karim 07598 268 701 www.birminghambookings.co.uk
Commerce
Asian Business Chamber of Commerce
Pride House Birmingham Other social work activities without accommodation n.e.c. Piero Zizzi www.pridehousebham.org.uk Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
Staffordshire University First-degree level higher education Maria-Louise Feenan 0800 169 2148 www.staffs.ac.uk Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce
Member Section
Studio Forty Six Ltd Advertising agencies Reiss Barton 07762 225 334 www.studio-fortysix.com
Thorogood and Associates UK Management consultancy activities other than financial management Neil Thorogood 07771 955745
Solihull Chamber of Commerce
Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
Suburban Inns Operations Public houses and bars Leonie Martin 0121 355 8222
Traffix UK Other specialised construction activities n.e.c. Olivia Osborne 0800 819 9001 www.traffixuk.com
Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce
TEKSAN UK LTD Wholesale of other machinery and equipment Eren Murat Emre 01217690908 www.teksanuk.com Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
The English Indian Take-away food shops and mobile food stands Anna Riley 01543 897 730 www.theenglishindian.co.uk Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce
Solihull Chamber of Commerce
WANAMA Limited Information technology consultancy activities Gurdas Singh 07734391685 www.wanama.co.uk Asian Business Chamber of Commerce
Yuup Web portals Becky Eastwood 0117 442 0351 www.yuup.co Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
The Voice For Epilepsy Other business support service activities n.e.c. Kasam Parkar 07772 450 676 www.thevoiceforepilepsy.co.uk
Zettle by Paypal Other business support service activities n.e.c. Martin McNulty 07795628368 www.zettle.com
Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
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Store soundtrack: Key holders can choose a song to be played in Selfridges
Member Section
...any other business A roundup of news from Chamber members
Key holders to create soundtrack Selfridges is inviting Key to the City key holders – an initiative which gives individuals access to private and intriguing spaces around Birmingham - to select the soundtrack that plays in the Birmingham store. Access will allow key holders to choose a song from a curated playlist of Birmingham music legends and iconic artists that will play over the speakers. Sam Watson general manager at Selfridges Birmingham said: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming 15,000 visitors to Selfridges Birmingham as part of the Key to the City project this summer.
“With music and culture central to the city of Birmingham, we can’t wait to give people the opportunity to take over our store speakers and celebrate the vibrancy of the city through music.” The project, part of Birmingham 2022 Festival, will see 15,000 specially designed keys, sponsored and made by Yale, presented to recipients at the Key Exchange Ceremony site in Birmingham New Street Station until 10 July, giving access to 21 locations until 7 August. Paul Ramírez Jonas’ Key to the City in New York (2010) was a citywide intervention in which 25,000 keys to private or normally inaccessible
Birmigham Airport bees told to buzz off A colony of bees discovered on an aircraft stand at Birmingham Airport has being moved to safety. The bees’ nest was found by airport staff in a concrete nook on the outside aircraft stand 41, off the main terminal building at the Midlands transport hub. Expert apiarists located the nest’s queen bee, gently moved her into a box and set about the task of carefully coaxing the rest of the bees to join her. The BHX bees have been transported to a new home in some woods at nearby Meriden. Tom Denton, Birmingham Airport’s head of sustainability, said: “Bees are wonderful creatures which do a vital job - pollinating. “Without them we would not have potatoes, strawberries, coffee, cotton or chocolate. “But a busy airport is not the ideal home for bees, which is why we’re gathering them up and transporting them to more suitable spot. We wish them well in their new home.”
Busy bees: The colony which was found at Birmingham Airport
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spaces throughout New York City were bestowed, revealing that culture can still be a freely shared experience, while also highlighting the increasing privatisation of urban space. The free key exchange ceremony site, located beneath the departure boards at New Street Station, is open from 11am to 7pm, Wednesday to Sunday until 10 July. There is no need to register in advance. For more information visit www.wearefierce.org/key-to-the-city
Natural world: The new habitats are springing up in Warwickshire
HS2 in creation of woodland spaces HS2 has revealed an entirely new natural world springing up around Warwickshire woodland – including tens of thousands of new trees. Photos released by high-speed rail officials show new wildlife habitats around South Cubbington Wood near Leamington - with bluebells, red campions, primroses, violets, grasslands and ponds creating a vivid new landscape. Over the last two years, HS2’s enabling works contractor LM JV (Laing O'Rourke and J. Murphy & Sons) has planted 60,000 trees in the Cubbington area, including oak, hazel, birch, holly and hawthorn. Seven new ponds are attracting swallows and swifts and are now home to newts, frogs and insects. There are also refuges and basking banks for reptiles, bat boxes and fruit trees which will grow quicker than other trees to provide potential bat roosting habitat. Around 17 hectares of habitat have been created around South Cubbington. There are also approximately two hectares of relocated ancient woodland soils to join up South Cubbington Wood and Weston Wood. James Hicks, HS2’s biodiversity policy specialist, said: “Through our extensive environment programme, we aim to leave behind habitats that can sustain healthy populations of UK flora and fauna, creating a network of bigger, better-connected, climate resilient habitats and new green spaces for people to enjoy.”
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