Chamberlink June 21

1. Chamberlink June 1-28.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:18 Page 1

The official publication of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

CHAMBER Free to Members l £5.00 where sold

June 2021

LINK

A Grand awakening Manager tells of his pride as ‘Sleeping Beauty’ opens its doors Picture: Marc Kirsten

1. Chamberlink June 1-28.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:18 Page 2

1. Chamberlink June 1-28.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:18 Page 3

Contents June 2021 Business News 4

Editor’s View Better public transport will ease CAZ

5

Joint collaboration to build HS2 station

6

Optimism in the region is on the rise

8

UK railways prepared for ‘shake-up’

11

Hotel will put Birmingham back on the map

12 President’s Focus Tony Elvin, president of Solihull Chamber 13 Director role for former apprentice 14 Language skills vital for SMEs 15 New sponsor joins Birmingham 2022 16 Where do you fancy?

Peel’s Restaurant

11

18 Welcoming new deputy lieutenants

40 Transatlantic: Canada’s new envoy welcomed

19 Major milestone for clean energy firm

41 Future Faces: Award sponsors revealed

20 The Griffin Report Peter Kienast, general manager at The Grand Hotel

42 Cannock Chase: Promotions at manufacturing firm

22 Support ahead of Clean Air Zone

43 Burton & District: Bosses join committee

25 Work starts on smart-enabled building

44 Lichfield & Tamworth: New chief at council

26 Plastic packaging tax to come into force 27 Touchwood shopping centre is sold

45 Sutton Coldfield: Sale of innovative firm

43

29 Growth for innovative firm

46 Solihull: Town primed for an employment boom

30 Fleet firm strikes deal with racing car club

48 ABCC: Festival celebrates saint

32 Call to boost trade links with Germany

Sector Focus

Chamber Patrons

58 Business Travel: Call for hard shoulders to be reinstated

34 Aston student wins scholarship

60 Finance: Sustainability-linked loans launched

1813 Club and Premier Members

62 Technology: Tech start-ups on the rise

36 UK must take a lead on solving climate change

63 Retail: Long-awaited return of the high street

Chamber Group

64 Legal: New rules for freelancers come into force

38 International Trade and Commonwealth: Free trade deal for UK and Australia

63

66 Property: Slow quarter for office market 69 Manufacturing: Transformation of car factory 70 Sport: Wasps stadium renamed

Features Charitable Causes, Promotion & Partnership 51 Tackling poverty in our communities

Member Section 71 Member Profile Kevin Blair, Atmos VR Ltd 72 New Members Chamber welcomes new members 74 …any other business News from Chamber businesses

52 How businesses can support youth unemployment

Tourism & Hospitality 54 The future of events in a post-Covid landscape 56 Covid-19 events checklist

74 June 2021 CHAMBERLINK 3

1. Chamberlink June 1-28.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:18 Page 4

Opinion

CHAMBER LINK

The official publication of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

Editor’s View

By John Lamb

Cannock Chase

Chamber of Commerce

Sutton Coldfield

Chamber of Commerce

Greater Birmingham

Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce

Greater Birmingham

Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce

Front cover: Peter Kienast, general manager at The Grand Hotel. See page 20

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 Reporter Jessica Brookes 0750 8317356 j.brookes@birmingham-chamber.com Reporter Claudia Congrave 0775 7798567 c.congrave@birmingham-chamber.com You can now read the latest issue of CHAMBERLINK and view back issues online at: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com

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 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.

4 CHAMBERLINK June 2021

Better public transport can ease pain of CAZ have to admit it. My car’s a bad boy diesel.

But it has all the modern gizmos to pass the tests that allow it into Birmingham now that the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) has kicked in.

By the way, a colleague who is an expert on CAZs, tells me that the DVLA has changed regulations and it is best to re-check if your vehicle is still compliant. I’ve checked, and it’s still ok and can travel into Birmingham – and Bath for that matter – without charge, saving £8 a day.

It’s only the second diesel-powered vehicle I have owned, all the others being petrol.

But I can’t help feeling a degree of guilt when I hear of friends and colleagues who have gone electric or at least part of the way there.

I

‘The Chamber has worked closely with Birmingham City Council to help businesses prepare for the start of the zone and secure financial assistance where needed’ Am I really destroying the world with my twolitre gas guzzler? Not that it has done much damage since I bought it eight months ago. It’s hardly been off the drive since we were forced by you-know-what to give up commuting into Birmingham at least five days a week.

The savings have been enormous and, as for many people, the biggest blow of having to return to the office will be expense of filling up the tank every week.

However, the prospect of being permanently back in the office any time soon does seem remote.

Of course, most of us would leave our cars at home if there was an effective public transport system. And, thankfully, we are getting our act together in Birmingham. Joining the vastly improved bus network will soon be the extended Metro system.

And when the Midland Metro stretches from New Street Station to Five Ways I will have little excuse for not using public transport because from then on it’s but a short walk to the office.

I will still have to drive two miles to the station at the other end of the journey and the bonus is that parking is free. Perhaps that old bike will have to hit the roads again.

Any nervousness about travelling on public transport in the wake of the pandemic should be assuaged soon as more people are vaccinated.

And judging by the number of people who are trying to travel abroad on airplanes, the bus, train and tram operators should have no problem.

The introduction of CAZ into Birmingham (see page 22) is an important step in dealing with the poor air quality that has blighted the city for so long. That is why the Chamber has worked closely with Birmingham City Council to help businesses prepare for the start of the zone and secure financial assistance where needed.

Our Business Toolkit can be found on our website and offers a raft of information on how businesses can access financial support, upgrade their vehicles and raise awareness of the zone among their networks.

Happy travelling!

1. Chamberlink June 1-28.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:18 Page 5

Business News

Business News Latest news from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

Joint collaboration to build HS2 station joint venture between two major construction firms has been appointed to design and build HS2’s Birmingham Curzon Street station.

In a deal worth up to £570m, Mace and Dragados work with HS2 Ltd in two stages to finalise the detailed design and then build the landmark station.

A

‘Birmingham Curzon Street is right at the heart of the HS2 project’ The station itself will be net zero carbon in operation and adopt the latest eco-friendly design and sustainable technologies, including capturing rainwater and utilising sustainable power generation, with over 2,800m2 of solar panels located on platform canopies.

It is designed to meet a ‘BREEAM excellent’ standard, which is an industry recognised standard for buildings that reduce energy usage and materials waste and minimise their impact on the natural environment.

Mace and Dragados are also working together in a separate joint venture delivering HS2’s London terminus at Euston.

HS2 Ltd’s chief executive Mark Thurston said: “Birmingham Curzon Street is right at the heart of the HS2 project, providing a fantastic terminus for trains running right into the heart of the city centre. The station will play a vital role in the long-term economic future of the West Midlands, creating hundreds of jobs during construction and boosting the region after the pandemic.

“Mace and Dragados have some incredible experience delivering some of the world’s most challenging and exciting infrastructure projects, and I look forward to welcoming them to the team.”

West Midlands mayor Andy Street said: “HS2 is at the heart of my plans to create 100,000 jobs in just two years to help the West Midlands recover from the coronavirus pandemic, and so I am absolutely thrilled by today’s news.

“Not only is this a major shot in the arm for our region’s construction sector that was performing so well pre-Covid, but the building of Curzon Street is also set to create hundreds of jobs. That’s local jobs for local people at such a difficult time, and I will ensure we continue to run construction training courses so residents can get the skills they need to take on these new roles. I’m also excited to see the commitment from HS2 ltd that the station will be net-zero, helping the West Midlands in its battle against the climate emergency and in our aim to become carbon neutral by 2041.”

HS2 worked with WSP and Grimshaw Architects LLP on the design for Curzon Street.

This is ‘Florence’, the giant digging machine which HS2 has launched as the first of 10 that will tunnel 64 miles between London and the West Midlands. The enormous 2,000-tonne boring machine, named after Florence Nightingale, is operating HS2’s South Portal site next to the M25 in Buckinghamshire. A second machine ‘Cecilia’ will launch next month to excavate the second tunnel at the South Portal site.

June 2021 CHAMBERLINK 5

1. Chamberlink June 1-28.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:18 Page 6

Business News Confidence up, amazing resilience, exports holding and signs of recovery in the jobs market. Doesn’t sound like a region slowly coming out of the lockdown caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. But this is the picture from a variety of sources and on these two pages we look at some of the reports that are giving everyone optimism.

Exporting levels rising, says economic report

By John Lamb

Confidence rising: Amanda Dorel

Confidence at two-year high Business confidence in the West Midlands rose four points during April to 31 per cent, the region’s highest reading since January 2019, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.

The Lloyds Bank Business Barometer questions 1,200 businesses monthly and provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.

In April, companies in the West Midlands reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-onmonth, up seven points at 31 per cent. Taken alongside their optimism in the economy, which is down two points from 30 per cent, their headline confidence reading sits at 31 per cent.

Amanda Dorel, regional director for the West Midlands at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “It’s promising to see confidence among businesses in the West Midlands continue to rise after a significant increase last month. The easing of some restrictions in April will, no doubt, have been a boost to many. With the further loosening of restrictions on the horizon, it’s likely that confidence will continue to rise, but we know that businesses will face challenges as they continue to adapt and get back to business as usual.

“We’ll be by the side of the region’s business community as firms build back better and set their sights on growth.”

6 CHAMBERLINK June 2021

Export levels in the West Midlands grew slightly in the first quarter of this year despite ongoing disruption caused by the pandemic and the new requirements for trading with the EU, a Chambers of Commerce economic report has revealed.

Twenty per cent of businesses surveyed reported an increase in international sales compared to 17 percent the previous quarter. However, at a time when UK firms were getting to grips with the new EU trading arrangements, the percentage of businesses expecting their international output to increase over the next three months fell from 19 percent to 17 percent.

This is particularly evident in the manufacturing sector with 33 per cent of firms surveyed expecting their export orders to fall over the next three months compared to 23 per cent the previous quarter. On the other hand, the percentage of service firms expecting to see an increase in international sales increased from 11 per cent to 13 per cent this quarter.

In terms of UK sales, there was only a slight improvement overall in the number of firms reporting an increase at 32 per cent compared to 31 per cent in the previous quarter. This is the highest figure recorded since the start of the pandemic and contrasts starkly with the 11 per cent recorded during the first national lockdown (Q2) last year.

‘The first quarter of 2021 represented one of the most difficult periods for British exporters in recent history’ However, there is again a discrepancy between manufacturing and services sector firms with the number of manufacturers reporting an increase in domestic sales falling from 45 per cent in Q4 2020 to 30 per cent in Q1 2021. The percentage of service sector firms reporting an increase in UK sales rose slightly to 32 per cent from 28 per cent the previous quarter.

Business confidence has improved significantly with 62 per cent of firms expecting to experience an increase in turnover and 54 per cent of businesses reporting that their profitability was likely to increase over the course of the next three months. This is an increase of 19 per cent and 15 per cent respectively when compared to the previous quarter.

The survey, which covers the West Midlands Combined Authority area, is the most comprehensive regular report of its kind in the region. The data is collected from quarterly surveys conducted by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), Black Country Chamber of Commerce (BCCC) and Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce (C&WCC).

Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of the GBCC, said: “The first quarter of 2021 represented one of the most difficult periods for British exporters in recent history with firms having to get to grips with the new rules and

Increase in funding needed: Henrietta Brealey

regulations following the UK’s departure from the EU. Brexit has resulted in more red tape for businesses with many firms experiencing shortages and delays during the past three months which has pushed up the cost of exporting to the EU. “Despite this upheaval, it is encouraging to see that the number of companies overall reporting an increase in exports rose from 17 per cent in Q4 2020 to 20 per cent in Q1 2021. However, the outlook for manufacturers’ in particular remains challenging with the number of firms expecting their export orders to increase over the next three months falling by 10 points compared to the previous quarter.

“While some short-term disruption is to be expected, it is clear that some of the issues facing businesses cannot be attributed to just teething problems and will have a permanent impact on trade. While the £20m SME Brexit support fund is a start, we would call upon the Government to increase the amount of funding available under the scheme and take a more long-term approach to supporting businesses.

“To help businesses adapt to the new requirements for trading with the EU, the GBCC, in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority, is running a series of free webinars and offering fully funded places on various international trade courses over the next four months. Our documentation team are also on hand to help firms with any customs and export documentation queries.”

For more information go to: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com

1. Chamberlink June 1-28.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:18 Page 7

Business News

UK economy fights back as jobs market defies the Covid crisis Positive trend: Saira Demmer

By Jess Brookes Latest figures indicate further recovery in the jobs market, amid a pay bump for employees across the country.

According to figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), from January to March 2021, the employment rate in the West Midlands rose by 0.2 per cent to 74.2 per cent and unemployment fell by 0.4 per cent to 5.7 per cent compared to the previous quarter.

Unemployment figures nationally fell at a slower pace, by 0.3 per cent, to 4.8 per cent, while

employment figures rose by 0.2 per cent to 75.2 per cent.

Early estimates by the ONS also indicate that nationally, median monthly pay increased by 9.8 per cent in April, compared with the same period of the previous year.

In April, 97,000 more people across the UK were in payrolled employment when compared with March 2021.

Early estimates show that since the start of year, growth rates of payrolled employees have started to recover on the lower rates seen since the pandemic, but still remain in negative territory.

The ONS has also said that figures suggest that recovery in job vacancies available started in April as Covid restrictions began to be lifted, especially in sectors such as hospitality and entertainment.

Saira Demmer, chief executive of SF Recruitment, commented that the figures indicate further signs of recovery in the job market, but there has been some slowdown in prospective candidates.

She said: “Positive news as we see further signs of recovery in the employment market. The strong vacancy data being seen across both the Midlands and the UK

means that this positive trend is likely to continue into the summer at least as businesses seek to make up for lost time.

“We are however seeing a slowdown in available talent to fill vacancies as businesses have worked hard to keep their staff engaged and well-rewarded, as evidenced by the very strong 9.8 per cent increase in median pay.

“We expect this will change once lockdown is fully eased, as some employees will start to prioritise career development over job security again, thus opening up a larger talent pool.”

June 2021 CHAMBERLINK 7

1. Chamberlink June 1-28.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:18 Page 8

Business News

All change: A new centralised body will take over the UK’s rail network

UK railways prepared for ‘shake-up’ A new centralised body will take control of timetables and ticketing in the biggest shakeup of the UK’s rail network in three decades, the Government has announced.

Great British Railways (GBR) has been created to set timetables and prices, sell tickets and manage rail infrastructure.

However, private operators will still be contracted to run most trains.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the aim was to offer more punctual services and cheaper tickets.

The changes follow a review by Mr Shapps and former British Airways boss Keith Williams.

GBR will replace the current operator of infrastructure, Network Rail, but is not expected to be established until 2023.

Andy Street reelected as mayor Business leaders in Greater Birmingham have pledged to work with re-elected West Midlands mayor Andy Street (pictured) to help the region get back on its feet.

The Conservative candidate defeated Hodge Hill Labour MP Liam Byrne in the second West Midlands mayoral election, held in May, by 47,043 votes.

Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), congratulated Mr Street on his election win, and said that the Chamber stands ready to work with the mayor to support business.

She said: “We congratulate Andy on his re-election as West Midlands mayor – it’s been a hard fought campaign.

“Having worked closely with Andy and the senior team at the West Midlands Combined Authority WMCA for a number of years, the Chamber look forward to building on that spirit of collaboration and ensuring that the voice of business is central to the mayor’s plans for revitalising the region.”

8 CHAMBERLINK June 2021

The Government says the new system should look more like Transport for London, with multiple operators under one brand, offering greater accountability when things go wrong.

Raj Kandola, head of policy at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “Rail passengers have been demanding change to the UK’s fragmented rail system for some time, so we welcome any changes that ultimately lead to greater efficiency and better services.

“However, it remains to be seen what impact a central body will have on local services. An over centralised system could lead to less input on timetables in our region, as well as other decisions that require local knowledge.”

Maria Machancoses, CEO of transport body Midlands Connect, said the changes could be

positive for passengers if implemented properly.

She said: “This raft of changes is what the rail industry and its passengers have been waiting for, and if implemented correctly, could have huge benefits for travellers. This concession model will reward operators for delivering what passengers want most – trains that run on time, friendly service and clean stations.

“Coordinating the network via a centralised organisation, the ‘Great British Railway’ presents many opportunities, including providing the public with much needed clarity on decision making. However, this centralisation also presents risks – namely that the new structure will be less agile or have a lesser understanding of local issues than the previous franchising model.”

High-profile sponsors join Chamber’s trade conference

By Dan Harrison Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s Global Trade Conference has received backing from some high-profile sponsors.

Following the success of the 2020 Global Trade Conference, and the Transatlantic Conferences of 2018 and 2019, the Greater Birmingham Commonwealth and Transatlantic Chambers are hosting another event which will help businesses learn more about new markets and trading internationally.

‘After a year of uncertainty, connecting with others on a global scale becomes ever more important’ The conference will take place on 23 June as a half-day digital event.

It will also be part of a five-week Festival of Business campaign, celebrating the business communities that are part of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce group.

The Global Trade Conference has received highprofile backing from three headline sponsors – Birmingham City University, Lemonzest and Dyke Yaxley.

Dyke Yaxley is a chartered accountancy firm with a presence on both sides of the Atlantic.

Christy Woskobojnik, tax manager at Dyke Yaxley USA, said: “Dyke Yaxley USA is pleased to be a headline sponsor of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s 2021 Global Trade Conference. We’re honoured to be included with the international group of experts being brought together to provide a post-Covid analysis of the global economy and to share our transatlantic experiences as an accountancy firm specialising in providing UK/US tax and business advisory services to clients in the UK and US.” Lemonzest is a Birmingham-based events management and production company for global live events, award ceremonies, conferences, seminars, fashion shows, gala dinners and exhibitions.

Commercial director Louise Connor said: “The Lemonzest team are proud to be selected as headline sponsor for the Chamber’s Global Trade Conference. After a year of uncertainty, connecting with others on a global scale becomes ever more important.

“To be providing our expertise to deliver an online virtual conference, and make the event accessible in real-time and on-demand will extend the reach of this global conference.”

For more information, visit greaterbirminghamchambers.com

1. Chamberlink June 1-28.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:18 Page 9

Business News

June 2021 CHAMBERLINK 9

1. Chamberlink June 1-28.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:18 Page 10

Business News

10 CHAMBERLINK June 2021

1. Chamberlink June 1-28.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:18 Page 11

Business News

Madeline bar

Grand will ‘put Birmingham back on the map’

By Jon Griffin he £45m relaunch of Birmingham’s Grand Hotel can act as a catalyst to help galvanise the city’s post-lockdown recovery, says general manager Peter Kienast.

The new man at the helm of the Grade Two listed Victorian hotel in Colmore Row says the longawaited re-opening last month can help bring new prosperity to Birmingham after more than a year of Covid-19 restrictions – with the Grand at the heart of the action.

T

The refurbished Grand Ballroom

“We are proud to be where we are, we are part of Birmingham’s landscape and we are also a hotel where businesses will be able to meet, welcome international guests and we can represent Birmingham as a national and international platform.

“Birmingham is on the up and we will be on the up. At the end of the day, Birmingham has a great opportunity and a great offer and this is a great location in the heart of the city centre.

“The BBC are moving here, Goldman Sachs are coming to the city, it is going through the same

Isaac’s, Grand Hotel’s brasserie-style restaurant

sort of phase as Manchester four or five years ago. Connections with London are brilliant – Birmingham has everything to be successful.”

The re-opening of the Grand after nearly 20 years of closure marks a welcome return to the public arena for one of the city centre’s best-known landmarks dating back to its launch on 1 February, 1879, when Benjamin Disraeli was in his second term as Prime Minister and Old Etonians beat Clapham Rovers 1-0 in the FA Cup Final at the Oval.

Peter said the ‘stunning restoration’ of the building had seen one of Birmingham’s bestknown buildings restored to its former glory. The renovation includes a huge facelift for the ornate Louis X1V-style Grand Ballroom, scene of lavish entertainment from the Victorian era through to the new Millennium.

Meanwhile, visitors will be able to stay in one of the hotel’s 185 guest rooms and suites and to meet and drink in Madeleine, the

Grand’s glamorous cocktail bar, where afternoon tea will be served every Wednesday to Saturday, priced £29, including a glass of Champagne.

When the hotel is fully open from 21 June, it will also include two bars and a brasserie-style restaurant, a gym, nine additional meeting and event spaces – and the newlyrefurbished Grand Ballroom.

Until early September the Grand will be open Tuesday to Saturday while Madeleine will open from 3pm on Tuesdays and 12 noon Wednesday to Saturday, closing at 11pm.

“We are subtle about service delivery and genuine about the warmth of our welcome. The hotel is part of Birmingham again. With its history and name, The Grand deserves the right to put Birmingham back on the map,” added Peter.

• A Sleeping Beauty awakes – Jon Griffin talks to general manager Peter Kienast. See pages 20 and 21 June 2021 CHAMBERLINK 11

1. Chamberlink June 1-28.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:18 Page 12

Business News

President’s Focus Tony Elvin, president of Solihull Chamber of Commerce and general manager of Touchwood, reflects on his first few months as president and his own experience reopening the popular shopping centre he manages, after months of closure. ust two months into the role and I am hugely excited to take over the president’s role from Robert Elliot, someone who held the position with care, sincerity, good humour and great commitment. I certainly hope to reflect those same values during my tenure.

My own connection to the Solihull Chamber goes back to 2009 when I opened the Village Hotel in Shirley.

I was new to the area, both at home and at work, when Chamber legend Jane Jackson took me under her wing and helped introduce me to everyone I needed to know.

It was a great platform to open a new business from and comforting to know that you had such a fantastic support network around you.

After a successful three and half years at Village in Solihull, during which time TripAdvisor even named us within their Top 50 hotels worldwide, I took on the general manager role at Hotel du Vin in Birmingham.

I had enjoyed similar success linking in with the Chamber, this time as patrons of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce where Anjum Khan and the team helped us raise our profile and find new business opportunities.

J

‘People are positively fizzing to be back out and about’ Six years later I was understandably eager to reconnect with Solihull Chamber again when returning to Solihull for Touchwood. As you would expect, the Chamber has been a fantastic resource for us as we’ve navigated this choppy waters.

I hope like me, you can feel the palpable buzz of positivity that is building.

When Touchwood reopened for non-essential retail in June of last year there was an understandable nervousness from the visiting public.

The centre felt very quiet despite the positive footfall figures, there was no vaccine in sight and it was only when hospitality reopened was there any feeling of normality.

Our reopening in April this year has been quite different. People are positively fizzing to be back out and about, obviously buoyed by the success of the vaccination programme, giving us genuine hope that we’ve emerged from the last lockdown.

Touchwood, like so many other businesses, is not coming out of all this unscathed.

Understandably we have lost a good number of tenants over the past 12 months but we’ve done everything we can to support our occupiers and protect them during this time.

It seems to be paying off as we’ve been overwhelmed by the large number of lease renewals and new enquiries for this year.

12 CHAMBERLINK June 2021

Tangible reasons to feel optimistic.

Within my own sphere of retail and hospitality, stores are reporting exceptional sales figures, restaurants are taking unprecedented levels of bookings and through our Chamber networking events, a large number of businesses are declaring a wave of new sales and contracts, often through some hugely innovative pivoting of their business models as the shackles of lockdown are thrown off and people just want to get going again.

As a wider Chamber we must harness this positivity for the tough times that lie ahead through economic recovery, Brexit and the like.

Success or failure can often be defined by the attitude we choose to take when faced with a challenge.

Well, let us take these challenges head on, with a smile on our face and some comfort in knowing that we have the support of the Chamber family behind us.

Together, we can ‘Keep Business Moving’.

1. Chamberlink June 1-28.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:18 Page 13

Business News

New director role for former apprentice

By Claudia Congrave A new chapter begins for video content agency Tinker Taylor as a former apprentice becomes a director in 50/50 partnership.

After starting as an apprentice at the Digbeth-based production company just eight years ago, Sam Slingsby will now become the official director and dual business partner.

Tinker Taylor was established in 2003 and has since produced a range of films seen across Europe and the US, working with public sector and corporate clients, as well as charities and higher education institutions.

Last year, the company was responsible for the production of the ‘After the Vaccine’ animation for NHS England to encourage people to continue following Covid-19 guidelines after being vaccinated.

They also produced the #WeNeedYourSkills campaign for West Midlands Police, increasing applications to the WMP six-fold, as well as creating over 20 inspiring campaigns for fellow Chamber member Aston University.

Founder and creative director Sam Taylor said: “I founded Tinker

Togetherness: Sam Taylor (left) and Sam Slingsby

Taylor video content agency 18 years ago after a whirlwind nine years in the television industry.

From humble beginnings as producers of beautiful wedding videos, Tinker Taylor has evolved into a highly respected business, with a reputation for excellence, creativity and results.

“What has made the adventure all the brighter is the interesting people I have had the privilege to interview and work with – and noone has inspired me more than the

talented, bundle of energy that is Sam Slingsby.

“Sam joined TT eight years ago as my apprentice. At age 18, fresh out of school, full of A-levels, ideas and ambition, she blew me away at her interview and after only a dayand-a-half of her supposed weeklong trial, I’d offered Sam the post.

Undoubtedly the best decision of my professional career.

“What Sam brings to the team, aside from her boundless enthusiasm and business acumen,

is her outstanding work ethic. Over the last eight years together, Sam and I, with the support of our awesome team, have grown the business into what it is today.

“Sam has become such an integral part of the company. TT without Sam would just not feel ‘TT’.

“From here-on-in, ‘the two Sams’ are officially at the helm. TT is now ‘our story’ and we are already super busy writing and producing the next chapter.”

June 2021 CHAMBERLINK 13

1. Chamberlink June 1-28.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:18 Page 14

Sponsored by: South Asian Cricket Association

Business News

Comprehensive and realistic solutions Mattia Group are performance management consultants in education, business and sport.

With a particular interest in cricket, we work with professional cricketers, before, during and after their careers in areas including elite performance, mental health and career management.

In addition, we work with educational providers, businesses and sporting organisations to develop and implement performance and business strategies. Finally, we continue to give our time, free of charge, to help young disadvantaged people from all cultural backgrounds improve their lives through sport.

Chairman Roger Newman is a recognised expert in performance management in education, business and sport.

He turned down the opportunity to play professional cricket to pursue a career in education and then business.

Having sold his businesses in 1997, he returned to cricket as director of cricket at Oxford University and then academy director at Warwickshire. During that time players like Jim Troughton, Ian Bell, Kabir Ali, Chris Woakes and Moeen Ali all progressed into the professional game and Andy Flower, the England coach, once said: “When we worked together at Warwickshire and Oxford, Roger’s cricket knowledge and man-management skills ensured our success and enjoyment. These qualities are founded on openness and honesty not often seen in any walk of life and will, in my view, always guarantee a positive influence on individuals and teams he is working with.”

We are pleased to discuss our range of services with potential clients and can always assure them of a positive return on any investment they make with us.

Whether you are involved in education, business or sport, Mattia has the expertise and experience to help you.

Contact: Roger J Newman, chairman, Mattia ltd.

Email: rogerjnewman34@gmail.com Call: 07399 887503

14 CHAMBERLINK June 2021

Language skills vital as SMEs seek export success New research from Aston University has found language capabilities are a key driver for boosting exports for UK SMEs. The results, presented in the LO-C 30 Report published by the Association of Translation Companies, reveal that SMEs making use of language capabilities are 30 per cent more successful in exporting than those who do not.

‘SMEs can significantly increase their export sales, growth and profits by hiring people with language skills’ Aston Business School researcher Ankita Tibrewal’s quantitative research on 415 UK SMEs across different sectors examines their organisational-level language capacity and its drivers through statistical analysis and modelling.

The research analyses the impact of language capacity (LO-C) on companies’ export performance and identifies key drivers that facilitate LO-C within an SME. LO-C, a key concept within the research, indicates the company’s motivation, preparedness and attitudes

towards developing language-related capabilities, as well as the actual use of available language capabilities.

SMEs play a critical role in the UK economy, and their contribution increases year on year. SME companies represent 99.9 per cent of the business population with six million businesses and around half of all turnover in the UK’s private sector. SMEs employ 16.8 million people, 61 per cent of the total workforce.

The LO-C 30 Report is the first comprehensive, country-wide quantitative research study investigating how language capabilities at an organisational level can facilitate the internationalisation of UK SMEs. Dr Geoff Parkes, senior lecturer at Aston Business School, said: “Previous academic research on UK companies has shown a strong link between exporting and growth and, for SMEs, a key way to generate growth is through exporting products and services to international markets.

“The results of the research strongly indicate that SMEs can significantly increase their export sales, growth and profits by hiring people with language skills and high cultural intelligence, providing language training to existing staff and investing in professional translation services using sophisticated language technology.”

Government tries to stem rates appeals Latest Capital Cost Allowance (CCA) business rates appeals figures to end March 2021 show that since 1 April, 2020, 409,430 checks (the first stage of the appeals process) have been registered by businesses, most of whom had been impacted by Covid-19.

This figure dwarfs the 158,910 number of checks registered in the previous three years - since the start of the list in April 2017 to end of March 2020 - and shows the total disruption to hundreds and thousands of businesses caused by Covid-19.

The Government has taken the unprecedented step of announcing it would legislate that Material Change of Circumstance (MCC) appeals for businesses impacted by Covid-19 would not be valid for the appeal system - a move that was lambasted by the rating profession at the time.

John Webber (pictured), head of business rates at Colliers, said: “These latest figures explain why the Government acted as it did and why its Valuation Office Agency (VOA) was allowed to change the law - to prevent 400,000 business rate payers who felt their bills were unfair - from contesting them. It’s a disgrace. The Government ripped up the rule book retrospectively, purely because the numbers were too high. Over 400,000 businesses had gone to the trouble of registering through the tortuous CCA appeals system in good faith, to find the goal posts moved before their very eyes.

“The Government offered a £1.5bn business rates relief fund instead - but this comes nowhere near compensating what businesses have lost through the pandemic. Given both the smoking ban and foot and mouth were accepted as grounds for MCC appeals, it’s shocking that Covid-19 has been rejected, despite earlier assurances from the VOA. This is pure and simply retrospective legislation, amounting to a retrospective tax increase - and created because dealing with the true problem is just too difficult.”

Other figures of note revealed by the latest figures further illustrated how appallingly slow the appeals system remains in resolving those rate payers who had managed to get past the Check system. Of 101,260 challenges to the list to date, there are still 66,370 outstanding, four years into the list. And of the 29,340 resolved, only 50 per cent have been “agreed”.

Sponsors back Chamber festival Businesses across Greater Birmingham have backed Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s five-week Festival of Business campaign.

Digital Innovators, Leap IT and Utility Works have signed up as sponsors of the campaign, taking place throughout June.

The campaign aims to celebrate the business communities in Greater Birmingham that are a part of the Chamber group.

Leap IT are headline sponsors of the second week of the campaign, starting from 7 June.

During that week, several events will focus on key Solihull-based issues including a webinar on how to support the town’s future generation, being sponsored by Digital Innovators and taking place on 9 June.

Utility Works are sponsoring a webinar taking place on 10 June, focusing on how to reduce net zero carbon emissions by 2041.

For more information visit greaterbirminghamchambers. com

1. Chamberlink June 1-28.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:18 Page 15

Business News

Partnership (left to right): Ian Reid, chief executive officer, Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, Nicola Turner, director of legacy, Kevin Ellis, chairman, PwC UK

New sponsor joins Birmingham 2022 PwC UK are the latest addition to the family of sponsors supporting the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

With just over a year to go to the opening ceremony, PwC will be providing professional advisory services in the run up to the biggest sporting event in the UK for a decade.

With 22,000 UK-wide employees, and 3,000 working across the Midlands alone, PwC plays a vital role in the continued growth of the region and UK. This new relationship with Birmingham 2022 seeks to maintain that momentum and provide even more opportunities for people, communities, and the businesses of the Midlands and beyond.

PwC will continue to work with local charities and non-profit organisations to maximise the social and environmental impact of the Games and its footprint.

The ongoing benefits of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth

Games are already being felt throughout the region through increased procurement and contract opportunities and as the Games approach, Birmingham 2022 will create 35,000 new jobs and skills opportunities.

Together, PwC and Birmingham 2022 have an ongoing commitment to support and grow opportunities for local communities, particularly those from disadvantaged groups, the unemployed, and disabled individuals. As an active contributor to the Midlands economy, PwC is committed to growing its workforce through inclusive recruitment to ensure that talent is wholly representative of the region.

John Crabtree, Chairman of Birmingham 2022, said: “Welcoming PwC on board marks a great milestone. Not only do they deliver outstanding services and uphold the highest of standards, they share a set of values with us that seek to deliver benefits and contribute to society.”

Cyclists take on challenge A team of 25 amateur cyclists will begin riding the full 21 stages of the 2021 Tour de France route, one week ahead of the professionals.

The Tour 21, which takes place from 19 June to 11 July, aims to raise in excess of £1,000,000 for national blood cancer charity Cure Leukaemia and the team are over halfway to their fundraising total after surpassing £600,000. From 6 June global users of the social network for cyclists, Strava, will be able to sign up to The Tour 21 Strava Challenge. The Challenge will be to ride the distance of the longest stage of this year’s Tour de France route, a staggering 238km. To pre-register for the challenge go to TheTour21.com/Strava.

Leading the team on his final Tour de France challenge is ex-England footballer, blood cancer survivor and Cure Leukaemia patron Geoff Thomas (pictured).

June 2021 CHAMBERLINK 15

1. Chamberlink June 1-28.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:18 Page 16

Business News

Where do you fancy?

Situated on the historic, 45-acre Hampton Manor estate, Peel’s offers Michelin-starred food to guests in a fresh, warm and inviting setting. In April, Masterchef: The Professionals 2019 winner Stuart Deeley announced that he would be joining the restaurant as a development chef. In light of the restaurant’s reopening, Chamberlink takes a closer look at the award-winning Peel’s, situated in picturesque Hampton-in-Arden.

Breakfast, lunch or dinner…

Peel’s Restaurant Address Hampton Manor, Shadowbrook Lane, Hampton-in-Arden B92 0EN T: 07866030434 E: reservations@hamptonmanor.com W: hamptonmanor.com Owners Derrick and Jan Hill Opening hours Wed-Sat, 18.30-late

Restaurant description Hampton Manor is a historic estate, dedicated to crafting two-night stays for food lovers. At its heart is its kitchen walled garden and Peel’s Restaurant which has held a Michelin star since 2016.

The estate formerly belonged to Sir Robert Peel, founder of the police force and prime minister to Queen Victoria.

The restaurant also received four AA rosettes, AA UK Best Wine List 2019 and the UK Welcome and Service Award from Michelin.

Hampton Manor has been listed in the Telegraph’s top 10 UK hotels list of the year.

Menu description Modern British with inspiration taken from our walled garden where we grow pesticide free.

Breakfast/Lunch Peel’s Restaurant doesn’t serve breakfast or lunch for non-residents but the bakery, located in the restaurant’s walled garden, serving brunch and deli lunches, will open 16 CHAMBERLINK June 2021

Dinner Tasting menu: £110 JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE Toasted yeast CHICKEN LIVER TART Crispy chicken skin, lemon thyme

SPRING LAMB (OR ROASTED GNOCCHI) Purple sprouting, smoked ricotta, onion broth

WILD GARLIC SOUP Pink fir potatoes, cultured cream

CHEESE ON TOAST (£10 supplement) Colston Bassett, fruit & walnut toast, grape & apple chutney

WYE VALLEY ASPARAGUS Lardo, morels, Parmesan

YORKSHIRE RHUBARB Almond cake, yoghurt sorbet

SHRIMPS Leek, XO

CHOCOLATE (£10 supplement) Sherry, vanilla from 11 June and will be open to non-residents. The restaurant’s head baker is Min Go who was lead baker at Meyer Bageri in Copenhagen, the bakery, set up by Claus Meyer who also set up Noma, winner of the best restaurant in the world, four times.

Dietary options Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are all available.

Wines Winner of the AA Wine List of the Year for the United Kingdom 2019.

Peel’s champion small production winemakers who handcraft wines. Each course of their menu offers wines marked with story and passion.

Private dining and conference facilities The Courtyard is a dramatic space with its own private bar and terrace. It can host up to 60 guests.

Package includes arrival drink, canapes, four-course menu from the Michelin Starred team, half a bottle of wine/soft drink per person, still or sparkling water, coffee and sweet treat. £100 per person.

Peel’s specialise in curating overnight ‘food led’ experiences.

Hampton Manor has 19 bedrooms available for guests.

Each experience is tailored to your personal requirements with one of the event planners and directors.

1. Chamberlink June 1-28.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:18 Page 17

Business News

Providing beautifully designed and expertly installed flooring and soft furnishing solutions to commercial properties throughout the Midlands and beyond since 1946.

Clients include retail, hotels, pubs, offices, airports, leisure centres, nursing homes, hospitals and public holdings.

June 2021 CHAMBERLINK 17

1. Chamberlink June 1-28.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:18 Page 18

Business News

Mixed skills of new deputy lieutenants Business leaders, academics and an Olympic medallist have been appointed as deputy lieutenants of the West Midlands.

The new deputy lieutenants are Fiona Allan, artistic director and chief executive of Birmingham Hippodrome, Katharine Merry, former sprinter and Olympic bronze medallist, broadcaster and host, Professor Stuart Croft, vicechancellor and president at the University of Warwick and Wade Lyn, who owns Cleone Foods Ltd, the largest manufacturer of Jamaican patties in the UK. John Crabtree, Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, has 61 deputy lieutenants which support community activities for the second largest Lieutenancy in England and Wales.

The region includes seven local authorities of Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton and supports a growing population of more than three million people.

Mr Crabtree, a former president of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “The new

18 CHAMBERLINK June 2021

deputy lieutenants all have different talents and will be an assets in our activities.

“We are nearly into Coventry’s year as the capital of culture and Fiona’s background in theatre will be invaluable as we celebrate the grassroots culture we are fortunate to enjoy in the region, and also work towards establishing the Midlands art ‘brand’ in its rightful place on the national and world stage.

“Katharine Merry is a superb commentator and her sports passion will be perfect as we host the Commonwealth Games next year.

“The Lieutenancy is aware of the many hundreds of fantastic sports clubs, often run by volunteers, that bring so much pleasure and wellbeing to all ages and with Katharine’s engagement, we can lend our weight to supporting the post- commonwealth Games health and well-being agenda.

“Over recent years we have been able to forge closer links with education and young people to help encourage a model of good citizenship. Professor Stuart Croft

Fiona Allan

Katharine Merry

Professor Stuart Croft

Wade Lyn

will improve our reach and appreciation of this sector and how we engage with young people.

“Wade Lyn is not only an enterprising company owner, but gives back so much to the local area. He plays a big role in the Jamaican diaspora and supports other young entrepreneurs as well as helping others less fortunate.”

“I am proud of how our region has supported each other in this uniquely challenging last year with so many people giving their time and energy to help and support their neighbour. We have a future to grasp and look forward to and our new deputy lieutenants are determined to make a difference to people in the region.”

1. Chamberlink June 1-28.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:18 Page 19

Business News

Major milestone for clean energy firm Adelan, the UK’s oldest fuel cell firm, is celebrating 25 years championing a clean energy technology that is set to transform lives for the better.

The Birmingham firm has been leading the push for hydrogen technologies, offering technology and advice on decarbonisation. The company was founded on the creation of patented low-carbon technology.

Adelan, whose chief executive is Dr Michaela Kendall, a member of the Greater Birmingham Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce committee, pioneered microtubular solid oxide fuel cell (mSOFC) technology more than 30 years’ ago. Adelan’s patented and scalable technology gives the fuel cell unprecedented flexibility, allowing the system to run cleanly on a range of commonly available fuels such as LPG, natural gas or propane/butane mix.

As a result, though Adelan, fuel cells can also run on hydrogen, they offer considerable additional operational flexibility and ease of use benefits while retaining a small, compact and lightweight footprint.

This world-class breakthrough allows the users of mainstream fuels like propane and LPG, as well as hydrogen, to operate without expensive and complex reformer technology needed by alternative fuel cell designs.

It means Adelan’s quiet, compact and efficient clean energy technology can be rolled out, deployed and is in widespread use today, achieving immediate carbon reductions at competitive costs, using widely available fuels.

As a result, the UK is ready to take maximum advantage of the new momentum to build a better world and achieve the greatest possible benefits in terms of climate change impact, air quality improvements and economic advantage.

Adelan is celebrating its founding and renowned scientist Dr Kendall is the UK Hydrogen Champion for Mission Innovation, based in the UK’s Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and has worked with the UN as well as European, US and Chinese governments.

‘With the clean energy transition now at the top of the international agenda, we’re excited to see what the next 25 years brings Adelan’ With many international alliances and success stories under its belt, Adelan say they are proud to be based in Birmingham, making it a testament to the city’s long heritage as an industrial powerhouse. As clean energy alternatives now come into sharp focus, it sets the city up to continue its historical role in leading energy revolution, with Adelan at the fore.

Dr Kendall said: “We are humbled and thrilled for the Adelan A-Team to reach this milestone having led the hydrogen revolution for the last 25 years.

Humbled: Dr Michaela Kendall

With the clean energy transition now at the top of the international agenda, we’re excited to see what the next 25 years brings Adelan. We see our region as the heart of the UK Green Recovery and we will work here with our international partners to create positive environmental change globally.”

For more information, contact Dr Kendall and the rest of the Adelan team at: Adelan Ltd, 15 Weekin Works, 112-116 Park Hill Road, Birmingham B17 9HD (UK).

Tel: +44 (0)121 427 8033.

June 2021 CHAMBERLINK 19

1. Chamberlink June 1-28.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:18 Page 20

Business News

The Griffin Report She has stood for 140 years majestically overlooking Birmingham’s St. Philip’s Cathedral. It has been dormant for 20 years but The Grand Hotel is coming to life again after a £45 million refurbishment.

Chamberlink columnist Jon Griffin went to meet general manager Peter Kienast, the man charged with awakening a Sleeping Beauty.

t’s been called La Grande Dame of Birmingham, a Sleeping Beauty for nearly two decades, a city institution where the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin once stalked the corridors…

“If only these walls could talk,” says general manager Peter Kienast, just days before Birmingham’s much loved Grand Hotel finally re-opens after the best part of 20 years dormant, a sad, almost forgotten slice of Victorian architecture quietly slumbering in the heart of the city’s foremost business district, Colmore Row.

I

‘No architect can build you that history, no money can buy you that history’ “The Grand is part of Birmingham, the hotel has always been a key part of the history of the city, a symbol of Birmingham’s hospitality nationwide. With that history and name, it deserves the right to put the city back on the map,” says Peter.

“No architect can build you that history, no money can buy you that history. There is no question about the excitement of this – this is the most loved hotel in Birmingham.”

Peter, an affable German with around 35 years’ experience worldwide in the hotel industry spanning a variety of roles in Munich, Dallas, Madeira, London, the Swiss Alps, Manchester and elsewhere, is the man charged with overseeing the long-awaited renaissance of the Grand, 140 years or more after it first opened its doors in the latter stages of Queen Victoria’s long reign.

And what an extraordinary story lies behind the facade of this Grade Two listed building overlooking St Philip’s Cathedral and its churchyard, opening on 1 February, 1879, just a week or so after the infamous Battle of Rorke’s Drift during the Zulu Wars subsequently immortalised for later generations by Michael Caine, Stanley Baker et al in the epic film ‘Zulu’.

20 CHAMBERLINK June 2021

Peter Kienast: “This is not a stuffy hotel. It is exclusive for everyone…”

Nearly a century and a half later, the Grand echoes not to the sound of Zulu warriors but to the final touches of renovation work which have at last brought this grand old lady of Birmingham hospitality back to the top table, where she surely belongs. But it’s been a long, hard road for the Grand from those distant early years of the British Empire through to today’s postBrexit digital era.

Victorian property group Hortons – still today the owners of this unique piece of Birmingham real estate dating all the way back to developer Isaac Horton –

transformed the original building into a luxury venue whose reputation and cachet were to resound far beyond the boundaries of industrial Birmingham for many decades.

By the early 20th Century the Grand was regularly playing host to Royalty, politicians and film stars with a VIP guest list which included the likes of King George V1, Winston Churchill, Neville Chamberlain, Charlie Chaplin, James Cagney, Laurel and Hardy and Joe Louis. The stardust continued to sprinkle throughout the hotel well into the 1960s and in

February this year a visitors’ book signed in 1965 by the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Shirley Bassey, Andy Williams, Lonnie Donegan – and subsequent Prime Minister Ted Heath – sold at auction for £6,700.

But it hasn’t always been rock-star glamour and silver screen glitz for the Grand, with financial difficulties and closures in the late 1960s and mid-70s before the hotel finally closed under the banner of Queens Moat Houses, in August 2002, seemingly for good. Demolition was only staved off after protests by the Victorian Society and the Grand was designated with a Grade Two listing.

1. Chamberlink June 1-28.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:18 Page 21

Business News Now, nearly 20 years later, the hotel where the Beatles and the Stones once slept has at last awoken from its long slumber, prolonged still further by Covid-19, following a £45m refurbishment over a period of several years– and is ready to rock again.

The rebirth of the hotel has been made possible by a joint initiative involving Hortons Estate, the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership, Birmingham City Council, Finance Birmingham and a global private investment group. A grand new era beckons for the Grand, as Peter Kienast is keen to point out.

‘We are where we should be, at the heart of Birmingham’ “There has been a complete overhaul. The original structure is still there but the investors have agreed to do a proper (renovation) job. The main contractors, Graham Construction, have done a superb job. You needed to take out the asbestos, all those things. It was in a state where it could not be repaired.”

Peter said the Grand aimed to reflect the culture of Birmingham and the surrounding area.

“There is artwork featuring Mini Coopers, Led Zeppelin lyrics, ELO,

Black Sabbath. We really want to celebrate Birmingham in all its diversity.

“This is not a stuffy hotel. It is exclusive for everyone – it is not a case of ‘Oh, it is the Grand, we cannot go in there,’ that is not what we are about. We are confident about what we do, we are not arrogant.

“The great thing about Birmingham city centre is that you can walk everywhere. Most of the bars and restaurants we have nearby are all different. You have the Ivy across the square, you have

Gaucho, you have Tattu – we do not compete, we complement each other.”

Peter and his team are now looking forward to a post-lockdown rebirth of the hotel which has already risen phoenix-like on several occasions over the past 140 years.

“We are now up to 60 staff, by the end of July we will be up to 100 and our aim is to have 150 staff, we would hope that we will reach that by the autumn.

“But you need to have the entertainment business back, music, concerts, international travel.

At the moment we cannot make any projections. Nobody can tell or foresee.”

Covid and its aftermath notwithstanding, the 54-year-old father of two is crystal clear about his ambitions for the Grand.

“We are not saying we are the best hotel but we are where we should be, at the heart of Birmingham.

“We want to be the place where people look for something special, something different. For me personally, I cannot imagine a better job.”

June 2021 CHAMBERLINK 21

1. Chamberlink June 1-28.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:18 Page 22

Business News

Sponsored by: Invest Northern Ireland

Support for businesses ahead of Clean Air Zone See.Sense - bringing technology and people together to make cycling safer With the further easing of restrictions allowing shops and businesses to re-open, it is a chance to re-imagine our public spaces and re-energise our towns and cities.

Providing greater choices for active and sustainable travel is an important part of this, and businesses can really help by encouraging employees who commute for short journeys, to choose active travel, such as cycling or walking.

See.Sense is proud to launch an innovative new scheme in Birmingham and across cities globally that not only encourages, but enables your employees to cycle, by providing much needed data insights that will help Birmingham transport planners design and plan for safe and connected cycle infrastructure.

Employees receive a highquality See.Sense bike light that helps improve their safety by reacting to their environment to flash brighter and faster at moments of risk, and provides the data insights needed by planners to improve cycle infrastructure on their routes.

As an employer, you get access to a data dashboard that provides you with data to support your ESG goals, such as reducing emissions and offering incentives to employees, possibly improving retention.

The data gathered can also help your employees learn about the best/safest routes to your workplace.

The past year has been hugely challenging but it has also presented an opportunity to do things differently and better.

Reach out to See.Sense today to find out more.

Contact: team@seesense.cc for more information.

22 CHAMBERLINK June 2021

By Jessica Brookes The launch of Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone is an “important step” in tackling the longstanding crisis of poor air pollution in the city, business leaders have said after the city’s mandated zone charges came into force this month.

Drivers of the most polluting vehicles in Birmingham will be charged to enter the city, within the A4540 Middleway.

Raj Kandola, head of policy at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, commented that a raft of information and resources has been made available for firms impacted by the implementation of the zone.

He said: “With dangerous levels of air pollution contributing to hundreds of deaths a year in the city, the launch of the Clean Air Zone will be an important step in helping to tackle this longstanding crisis.

“We’ve worked closely with Birmingham City Council to help businesses prepare for the start of the zone and secure financial assistance where needed.

“Our Business Toolkit can be found on our website and offers a raft of information on how businesses can access financial support, upgrade their vehicles and raise awareness of the zone.”

In further efforts to support residents and businesses, Birmingham City Council launched a Clean Air Zone Vehicle Scrappage and Travel Credit Scheme.

The £10m scheme aims to support people working in the Clean Air Zone, and who earn less than £30,000 per year, with the option of scrapping a vehicle that would otherwise be subject to the daily fee. In return for scrapping a vehicle, successful applicants to the scheme receive a £2,000 grant which can be used on a ‘travel credit’ or to purchase a vehicle that meets the emission standards of the Clean Air Zone.

Inset: Raj Kandola Main Picture: The Clean Air Zone boundary

CLEAN AIR ZONE FACT SHEET • Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone will cover all roads within the A4540 Middleway Ring Road but not the Middleway itself • Only the most polluting vehicles will be charged to enter • Diesel vehicles of Euro 6 standard or better, petrol or LPG vehicles or Euro 4 standard or better, gas vehicles of Euro 6 standard or better, fully electric and hybrid electric vehicles, (the diesel/petrol engine must meet the relevant criteria listed) will NOT be charged to enter • The Clean Air Zone will only charge the most polluting vehicles, it is NOT a congestion charge • Private cars, taxis and vans will be charged £8 a day • Buses, coaches and lorries will be charged £50 a day • The Zone operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year • One financial charge is applied per 24-hour period • Payments can be made six days before the day of travel and up to six days after the day of travel • Vehicles entering the zone will be picked up by automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras. Failure to pay on time will result in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of up to £120

Funding for five air quality projects The University of Birmingham-led Transition Clean Air Network has awarded £48,000 to fund five new research projects aimed at improving air quality by reducing harmful transport emissions.

The five projects, led by both commercial and academic organisations, aim to characterise changing travel patterns, measure exposure to pollution in different transport modes, progress real-time identification of pollution sources, reduce the emissions of pollutants from so-called ‘zero-emission’ vehicles and minimise public exposure at the roadside.

It comes after the UK Government announced it has set the world’s most ambitious climate change target into law to reduce emissions by 78 per cent by 2035 compared to 1990 levels.

Dr Suzanne Bartington, Transition lead investigator and public health clinician and environmental epidemiologist at the University of Birmingham, said: “We are delighted to fund these innovative projects spanning UK road, rail and bus transport. The outputs will advance our knowledge, understanding and tools to reduce health harms of transport emissions.”

1. Chamberlink June 1-28.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:18 Page 23

Business News

June 2021 CHAMBERLINK 23

1. Chamberlink June 1-28.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:18 Page 24

Business News

24 CHAMBERLINK June 2021

1. Chamberlink June 1-28.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:18 Page 25

Business News

Work starts on smart-enabled building The construction of Birmingham’s first smart-enabled building Enterprise Wharf is underway at the Innovation Birmingham Campus and is expected to provide a major boost to the city’s economic recovery.

The development marks the expansion of the region’s leading digital and tech campus, which is already home to an established cluster of more than 150 businesses working in high growth areas such as fintech, proptech, edtech, 5G and VR and will provide muchneeded grow-on space for tech businesses looking to expand or relocate to the city.

Located next to Aston University and Birmingham City University, in the heart of the Birmingham Knowledge Quarter, the 10-storey, 120,000 sq ft Enterprise Wharf will feature a large, open plan reception and collaboration space, cycle storage with kit drying room, space for electric vehicle charging, showers and a roof garden with stunning views over the city.

Embedded with smart, Internet of Things (IoT) technology, Enterprise Wharf will collect and have the ability to monitor data from the Building Management System, HVAC, lighting and CCTV.

Stunning views: Enterprise Wharf

Data from a range of sensors will be displayed in a purpose-built dashboard; allowing air quality, lighting and energy consumption to be managed and optimised, creating a healthy, productive and sustainable workplace.

Enterprise Wharf will be the first new development at the Innovation

Birmingham Campus to incorporate measures towards the achievement of Net Zero Carbon.

David Hardman, managing director at Bruntwood SciTech Birmingham, said: “Enterprise Wharf will be a valuable and important addition to Birmingham’s already thriving tech ecosystem.”

Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership has invested £5m from its Local Growth Fund to support the development of Enterprise Wharf, in line with its strategic aims to support the region’s digital and innovation sector.

Enterprise Wharf is due to complete in late 2022.

Electric vehicle maker zooms into Solihull Spanish electric motorcycle and scooter business Silence is opening its first UK based flagship retail shop and headquarters in Solihull.

The business has opened its new premises at a regenerated site on Haslucks Green Road, and stocks a full range of Silence’s ‘e-moto’ allelectric motorcycles and scooters available for test rides.

The business’ new site will also house a training centre and warehouse facilities.

The 100 per cent electric Silence ‘e-motos’ are equivalent to 50cc and 125cc mopeds and scooters, travelling up to 91 miles on a single charge while eliminating emissions, noise and vibrations and reducing running costs to around one pence per mile.

Ten jobs will be initially created in Solihull with an estimated 200 jobs to be supported across the UK as the business expands.

John Edwards, one of founding partners of Silence UK, said: “Solihull makes the perfect location for investment, in the first phase of our launch and establishment of our UK headquarters. Not only is the West Midlands already a hub for electric

In charge: Sarah (left) and Jeni

Help for young people Standing out: The new Silence retail shop in Solihull

vehicle businesses and research, but its leaders are focused on ecomobility and infrastructure.”

Councillor Ian Courts, leader of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council welcomed the move.

He said: “We’re delighted that Silence have chosen to base their UK headquarters here in Solihull. Their investment reflects the confidence in the region as we position ourselves to be at the forefront of low-carbon future mobility.”

• More Solihull news on pages 46 and 47

More young people across the West Midlands could be helped into longterm employment, thanks to the growth of Birmingham-based charity Sport 4 Life UK, which has recruited a new manager and promoted an internal team member to bolster its Kickstart Scheme.

Sport 4 Life UK provides sports-themed personal development programmes to youngsters aged between 11 and 29-years-old. The charity has appointed Sarah Kerry, who joins from the Scout Association, as employability partnerships manager, and promoted Jeni Bennett, formerly employability mentor, to mentoring project manager, to strengthen its work with businesses in the region offering Kickstart placements to young people.

Kickstart is a Government scheme which offers six-month placements to people aged between 16 and 24 and who are not in education, employment or training.

Businesses interested in participating in the Kickstart Scheme are invited to contact Sport 4 Life UK at kickstart@sport4life.org.uk or 0121 4561818 (option 3) to discuss how the charity can help it add value to youngsters on placement.

June 2021 CHAMBERLINK 25

1. Chamberlink June 1-28.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:18 Page 26

Business News

Plastic packaging tax to come into force next April Tens of thousands of businesses importing or manufacturing plastic packaging will be hit by a new tax coming into force next year.

Government have confirmed that from 1 April 2022, firms which import or manufacture more than 10 tonnes of plastic packaging a year, that has less than 30 per cent recyclable content, will be charged £200 per tonne of packaging.

The tax aims to increase the use of recycled plastic to drive down waste to landfill and incineration.

More than 200,000 businesses are expected to be impacted by the tax.

Despite the impact on business, Will Hargreaves, environmental policy lead at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce says that the tax is a step in the right direction to drive down harmful plastic pollution.

He said: “The plastics packaging tax is another step in the right

Championing diversity A group of established leaders from across the business, professional and financial services (BPFS) sector have joined forces to create a network that champions diversity and inclusion.

BPFS Black Leaders Network has been established to promote and encourage best practice across the sector and demonstrate that diverse and inclusive leadership is a true driver for change.

The network was founded by Joel Blake, CEO of GFA Exchange and president of the Greater Birmingham Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce.

Joel said: “Having a succinct strategy around how to make racial diversity more effective has huge commercial benefits and can aid innovation. By focusing on practical and actionable solutions, alongside a commitment to diversity, BPFS firms can secure their own future; open up new inclusive talent pipelines, reach out to new customer markets; and establish a leadership style and culture that better suits an inclusive and modern workforce.”

26 CHAMBERLINK June 2021

direction towards sustainability, and reducing our reliability on singleuse plastics. However, we urge businesses to start preparing for the tax through communicating with suppliers, keeping accurate records of packaging and obtaining evidence of recycling.”

‘It’s good to see an increased nudge towards a green recovery’ In a further bid to drive down plastic use, the levy on plastic bags has doubled.

All retailers in England are now required to charge 10 pence for single-use plastic carrier bags.

The Government expects the use of plastic bags to fall by a further 70 to 80 per cent following the increased levy charge.

War on plastic: Will Hargreaves

Mr Hargreaves welcomed the move, and said it provided businesses with an opportunity to consider more sustainable carrier bag alternatives.

He said: “As we start recovering from the coronavirus pandemic, it’s good to see an increased nudge towards a green recovery with the aim of further plastic reduction through this successful Government scheme. The majority of citizens are concerned about plastic waste

and support the new charge, and with it now in effect, retailers can donate the additional revenue to charitable causes, which can boost their reputation.

“The 10p charge and the upcoming plastics packaging tax are welcomed and present the opportunity arises to focus on a more circular economy, where waste is eliminated through reuse, potentially generating income for companies.”

Pride festival to make its return Organisers of Birmingham Pride have confirmed that this year’s festival will return in September.

The main festival was cancelled in 2020 due to Covid restrictions and was instead held virtually on social media.

The hugely popular Birmingham Pride carnival parade will take place on 25 September, leaving Victoria Square at 12pm before eventually reaching the LGBTQ village within Southside District.

The carnival parade is free for all to attend.

Chamber patron HSBC UK is backing this year’s Birmingham Pride.

The bank’s chief executive, Ian Stuart, said: “As an organisation with deep roots in the West Midlands whose success is driven by the strengths of different people, experiences and voices, we’re exceptionally proud to support Birmingham Pride.

“We’re determined to use our position in society to support diversity and inclusion in all its forms. We look forward to coming together in celebration and solidarity with Birmingham’s LGBT+ community this September.”

Birmingham Pride organisers have introduced ‘Smithfield Live’ for the very first time, where the main stage, dance arena, cabaret stage, funfair and more will be held

Celebration: The Birmingham Pride parade in 2019

on the site of the former wholesale markets. This arena has been supported by Birmingham City Council, who become partners for the event in 2021.

Additionally, a subsidised ‘Street Party’ and community event will be held in the LGBTQ village, with reduced ticket prices available.

Festival director Lawrence Barton said: “I am delighted that, for the first time, we are hosting an

all-inclusive, free, fully accessible, LGBTQ event as part of our festival programme.

“Since 2015, Birmingham Pride has raised, awarded and distributed grants and accessibility subsidies totalling £390,000. I am encouraged that community contributions are set to increase significantly this year with the introduction of our free community event, which is fully subsidised.”

1. Chamberlink June 1-28.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:18 Page 27

Business News

Popular restaurant announces closure

Solihull Touchwood sold to US-based firm Solihull’s Touchwood shopping centre has been sold to US-based real estate investment and asset management firm The Ardent Companies, according to reports.

Knight Frank acted on behalf of Ardent who have acquired the 650,000 sq ft shopping centre from Lendlease Retail Partnership (LLRP), who were represented by CBRE. Touchwood is Solihull’s primary retail spot and attracts an annual footfall of 13 million.

The deal will see the handing over of the centre's retail, restaurant and leisure offering, anchored by the last remaining

John Lewis store in the West Midlands and home to the likes of Apple, Zara, Next and Cineworld.

Matt Shulman, CEO at The Ardent Companies, said: “Touchwood is in a particularly strong location and already has an impressive retail and leisure line up. The opportunity to work closely with top brands, Solihull Council and the community at an exciting time for the wider area was an important part of our decision to invest.

"We’re looking forward to bringing our expertise and experience to the table to continue improving the retail environment at Touchwood.”

Popular Birmingham city centre restaurant Opus has closed for good, its owners have announced.

In a statement, the owners of the Cornwall Street venue - headed up by managing director Ann Tonks - announced the “devastating” decision to close the restaurant’s doors.

The announcement came just a few days before indoor dining was allowed to resume in hospitality venues.

The statement read: “We are heartbroken to announce we will not be able to open our doors as planned.

‘It’s been a pleasure to serve you for over 15 years’ “Our conclusion that it is not viable to carry on trading is devastating for each and every one of us. This past year has created such sorry and pain for so many businesses and families – and family is what you are for us – from our loyal customers to our long-standing suppliers. It’s been a pleasure to serve you for over 15 years and an honour to be part of our vital and energetic city centre.

“We apologise to customers who have booked with us for the last few weekends in May and we will be contacting each of you in due course. Thank you, Birmingham.”

Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “This is very sad news for one of the most popular social venues in the heart of the city’s business sector.

“Ann and her team have been valued members of the Chamber for a number of years and Opus has been a regular and successful venue for many Chamber events. We can only wish everyone at Opus the very best for the future and thank them for the marvellous service they have contributed to city life in recent times.”

June 2021 CHAMBERLINK 27

1. Chamberlink June 1-28.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:18 Page 28

Business News

28 CHAMBERLINK June 2021

2. Chamberlink June 29-56.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:21 Page 29

Business News

Exporting success: 3P Innovation’s Fill2Weight technology

Growth for innovative firm

By Jessica Brookes business producing cutting edge custom automation machinery has bolstered its export turnover from £1.5m to £5m in just three years.

3P Innovation, based in Warwick, is described by Dr Dave Seaward, projects director at the firm, as being a high-tech engineering business that “makes the machinery and automation that makes things”.

The “things” in question include medical technology and pharmaceuticals. Their equipment is used by pharmaceutical and medical technology organisations across the world.

3P’s bulging export success has won them a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category.

Dave says that part of the firm’s expanding export order book is partially down to the success of its Fill2Weight technology.

The technology is a worldleading powder dispensing system, promising high-accuracy precision powder filling and reduced drug development lead times.

Dave explained: “It is a precision way of putting powder, mainly pharmaceutical powder, into injector pens, inhalers and the like, and can also be used to deliver personalised medicines.

Cutting edge: Dr Dave Seaward

A

“We’ve got this very unique piece of high-tech pharmaceutical technology and it enables us to obtain large contracts.

“Many of our exports have actually come off the back of that piece of patented technology.”

Tom Meredith, commercial director at 3P, said that “Fill2Weight technology demand is being driven not just by returning customers, but longstanding ones as well”.

He said: “Effectively over the three-year period of this Queen’s Award application, it has not just been new customers, it has been customers coming back to us and being built up over the last 10 years or so.

“As they need to expand their operations, they need more equipment from us.

“Fill2Weight is a small part of the products that we end up selling, but it is integrated into a whole production line and is a critical process step.”

Dave added: “I suppose an analogy would be that we’ve come up with the best seatbelt on the planet… and because we’ve got the best ‘seatbelt’, everybody wants our ‘car’.

“On the back of a relatively small piece of protected technology, it opens us up to very large contracts.”

Dave and Tom describe the business as a niche player in the global industry of custom automation, with the sector typically dominated by Italian and German competitors.

But unlike other industries, according to Tom, cost isn’t

always the most important factor when bidding for contracts.

“Even when we do have a competing bid with a competitor, the customer is usually deciding between two different approaches to solve a problem rather than a pure cost exercise. We can be more expensive than a competitor, but the better technical solution to the problem wins the day,” he said.

Despite their success, 3P Innovation shows no signs of slowing down.

‘3P’s bulging export success has won them a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category’ The business is currently working on machinery for new medicines including what is known as Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products otherwise termed ‘Cell and Gene’ technology – which many in the industry speculate will soon provide cures for a number of common cancers.

Dave predicts that such cures are just around the corner and suggests these may be commercialised within the next five to 10 years.

June 2021 CHAMBERLINK 29

2. Chamberlink June 29-56.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:21 Page 30

Business News

Sponsored by: National Business Register

Raring to go: The Jaguar XF being used as the club’s safety car

A dedicated community specially built for SMEs National Business Register (NBR) offer a range of professional services to over 3,000 customers including sole trader/company formation, business name protection and trade mark registration.

Established since 1984, NBR has built a trusted reputation with its customers as experts in our field with highly qualified team members having over 30 years’ experience in their specialities.

‘We are very excited to become part of the Chamber of Commerce and are looking to connect with SMEs’ In August 2020, two entrepreneurs purchased the business with a view to build on that success. Their vision was to create an invaluable resource for, and a national community of SMEs. While improving the existing offering, they have created Start.biz as an umbrella brand, which is partnering up with other industry innovators that provide essential products and services to help business owners setup, survive and thrive.

We are very excited to become part of the Chamber of Commerce and are looking to connect with SMEs to help with their business needs alongside building partnerships with companies offering support services and products to business owners.

Visit: www.start.biz Call: 0121 678 9000 Email: sales@start.biz

30 CHAMBERLINK June 2021

Fleet firm strikes deal with racing car club A leading fleet management firm has agreed a twoyear partnership with the British Racing and Sports Car Club (BRSCC).

As part of the partnership, runyourfleet, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s preferred fleet management partner, will supply a Jaguar XF Sportbrake as a safety car for use by the club.

In return, runyourfleet will receive website brand visibility, TV and livestream branding, runyourfleet association and branding on the CityCar Cup Championship, as well as various other initiatives and corporate support from the club.

‘The BRSCC has a rich history in domestic motorsport’ Having historically relied on the provision of course cars and safety cars by the race circuits, the BRSCC made a decision that the club should take ownership of this key part of race meetings by way of obtaining a suitable car for these purposes.

Investigating various options and solutions, Trevor Parry, BRSCC Midland centre chairman introduced the club to Steve Whitmarsh, managing director of Multifleet Vehicle Management Ltd, of which runyourfleet is a trading name. runyourfleet services include fleet management, fleet funding, breakdown cover, vehicle lease and rental packages, all of which are supported by a cloud-based fleet management platform.

BRSCC chairman Peter Daly said: “The BRSCC are very well positioned in the motorsport market to offer visibility and value to all of our partners, and as both we and runyourfleet are progressive and ambitious organisations, this new partnership is one that I’m sure will deliver great mutual benefits.”

Mr Whitmarsh said: “The BRSCC has a rich history in domestic motorsport, running and assisting a wide range of championships – catering for all tastes and budgets from grass roots to senior formulas. The BRSCC’s unending commitment to inclusivity demonstrates a set of values well matched to our own, and we are delighted to be associated with such a well-regarded organisation.”

PR agency secures new clients A PR agency has secured a tasty set of new hospitality and leisure contracts.

On the back of its most successful year to date, Birmingham-based East Village has been appointed to supply PR and event management services in launching Treetop Adventure Golf in the Bullring, The Cross Guns Inn in Bolton and The Hen and Chickens in the Jewellery Quarter.

The trio of wins adds to the agency’s impressive client roster, including the likes of Revolución de Cuba, Malmaison Hotels, and Millennium Point.

East Village founder and managing director, Tara Tomes, said of the agency’s business success: “After a year of missing our favourite places, we’re now starting to see our much-loved cafes, bars, restaurants and leisure destinations re-open their doors once again… and it’s just such a milestone.

Proud: Tara Tomes

“I’m so proud of the way we have supported, promoted and guided both clients and friends in the industry through what has been such a tough time. After the hard work and changing goalposts, I cannot wait to see leisure and hospitality properly re-open, and working with these three incredible venues is the icing on the cake.”

East Village has also been appointed as PR partner for the

upcoming MBCC Awards 2021, which celebrates multicultural business and community champions across the UK. The awards will take place in this November.

Tara added: “For the past seven years, East Village has helped the best in the business to open their doors and I’m so glad that we start planning launches and supporting events once again.”

2. Chamberlink June 29-56.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:21 Page 31

Business News

June 2021 CHAMBERLINK 31

2. Chamberlink June 29-56.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:21 Page 32

Business News

Call to boost trade links with Germany

By Philip Parkin Dr Ulrich Hoppe: Anglo-German trade returning to normal

A key Anglo-German business leader believes both countries should work to boost trade links as the recovery from the coronavirus pandemic begins.

Dr Ulrich Hoppe, director general of the London-based German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce, says there are now signs that trade between the two countries is returning to normal, despite coronavirus and the gloomy predictions prompted by Brexit. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Chamberlink, he added that there were still great opportunities for both countries to trade with each other, and that his organisation was committed to building links between the UK and Germany.

Dr Hoppe said that his members were now more optimistic about bilateral trade between the two countries than they had been in autumn 2020, which he put down to ‘distorted’ trade figures caused by stockpiling and the implementation of lockdown restrictions across Europe.

He said: “Whatever the aspirations of the UK Government, this decline in trade with geographically close partners will not be easily compensated by trade with more far-flung regions. International trade generally facilitates efficiency gains for all sides involved and opportunities for growth are now somewhat reduced. Therefore, we at the German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce would like to encourage British companies to continue to look at Germany and other European markets, because opportunities so close to home are still relatively easy to seize.

“The same is true for German companies looking at the UK, which continues to be an important market with 67 million consumers who hold German products in high esteem.”

He said that a priority for both countries had to be the continuing fight against coronavirus, and he added that it was in both their best interests to ensure the roll-out of vaccines to poorer countries.

He added: “Otherwise, borders will need to be kept closed for longer, with all the negative effects on economic growth which we must address in addition to the many other challenges in this world, ranging from climate change to migration. Germany will see an election later this year with a new Chancellor heading the next government. A modernising agenda, especially with regard to digitalisation, is urgently needed.

“The industrial sector has largely embraced the new digital world, but public administration and some in the service sector lag far behind. In my opinion, Germany could well benefit from looking at a number of best practice examples from the UK. “Over the coming months and years, the Chamber will continue to build linkages over the Channel as, despite Brexit having made the Channel a bit ‘deeper’ and thus sometimes more challenging to cross, there are many areas of potentially fruitful cooperation, which both sides should continue to explore.”

Home of industrialist Watt is unearthed Archaeologists have unearthed the remains of the former Birmingham family home of industrialist James Watt.

The footprint of the large Georgian semi-detached villa, where Watt lived with his family between 1777 and 1790, was discovered on the site of the former AE Harris factory in the Jewellery Quarter.

Joint venture partners Galliard Homes and Apsley House Capital (The Galliard Apsley Partnership) are redeveloping the four-acre site into a mixed-use residential-led scheme of 305 apartments and 100,000 sq ft of commercial space, called St Paul’s Quarter.

During the site excavations, archaeologists discovered the foundations and basement of the central block of the villa, which was split into two back-to-back houses.

The two houses were set in a large garden and had kitchens housed in ancillary buildings on either side of the main block.

The house was originally called Harper’s Hill, and later renamed Regent’s Place. After Watt moved out of the house it had several other occupants and gradually became subsumed into Birmingham’s growing Jewellery Quarter. By the 1870s it was 32 CHAMBERLINK June 2021

An aerial shot clearly showing the large footprint of the villa (Photo courtesy of: Archaeology Warwickshire)

Archaeologists on site at St Paul’s Quarter in the Jewellery Quarter (Photo courtesy of: RPS)

surrounded by workshops and small factories and was eventually demolished in 1885.

Jonathan Bloom, from Galliard Homes, said: “James Watt was a resident of the area today known as the Jewellery Quarter for a number of years in the late 1700s, but it was still a surprise when the archaeological team unearthed the remains of his former home after all these years. Unfortunately, there’s not enough of the house remaining for us to retain within the scheme but in a nod to James Watt we will be naming the new road, linking

Newhall Street to Regent Place, Harper’s Hill.”

James Watt was a Scottish inventor and mechanical engineer, renowned for his improvements in steam engine technology.

Together with fellow industrialist Matthew Boulton, who owned an engineering works in Birmingham, at the time the largest factory in the world, Watt pioneered the manufacture and mass production of steam engines.

Their company, Boulton & Watt, became the most important engineering firm in the country,

with their steam engines being used in paper, flour, cotton and iron mills, as well as distilleries, canals and waterworks.

The Galliard Apsley Partnership has commenced groundworks at St Paul’s Quarter. The £125m+ scheme is the largest development within the Jewellery Quarter Conservation Area.

As well as apartments and commercial space, which will include affordable business and ground floor retail space, there will be a new public square in the centre of development.

2. Chamberlink June 29-56.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:21 Page 33

Business News

June 2021 CHAMBERLINK 33

2. Chamberlink June 29-56.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:21 Page 34

Chamber Patrons

Chamber Patrons Greater Birmingham Chambers’ leading supporters

Contact: Henrietta Brealey T: 0121 274 3266

Aston student wins scholarship An Aston University neuroscience student has beaten off stiff competition to secure a place on the British Neuroscience Association’s (BNA) inaugural Scholars programme.

Tamara Tasnim Wahid, aged 21 from Small Heath, is in her final year of study at Aston University and was one of only seven students from across the UK to be awarded a place on the competitive BNA programme.

Tamara was also the only undergraduate student to be accepted. The BNA is the largest UK organisation representing and promoting neuroscience and neuroscientists.

‘I feel very fortunate and thankful for this opportunity’ The BNA Scholars programme, which launched this year, was created with the aim of supporting students from diverse backgrounds in neuroscience in consultation with BNA members and others interested in improving representation, diversity and equity in neuroscience.

Rising neuroscience star: Tamara Tasnim Wahid Tamara said: “I feel very fortunate and thankful for this opportunity because the BNA team is so supportive. Recently I was encouraged by the team to attend the BNA2021 Festival, which helped me gain an insight into research from neuroscience institutions across Europe.

“Also, with guidance and direction from Aston University’s

Neuroscience Department, I got the opportunity to give a presentation at the festival. This was an amazing opportunity and enabled me to develop skills in public speaking and research dissemination.

“Through the BNA Scholars mentorship programme, I have gained a new support network. This takes away some of the intimidation of being an early

Young musician on song in composers’ competition A budding musician from King Edward’s School in Birmingham has struck the right chord with judges to win the win the Benslow Music Young Composers Competition 2021.

Year 12 student Christopher Churcher won the 18-years-and-under category for his piece ‘Very Early Spring’, which will be performed as part of the Benslow International Concert Series in August.

The competition involved applicants from across the country composing a piece of music for one of five poems on the subject of spring, to be performed by two professional musicians.

Five shortlisted composers took part in a workshop in which they heard their compositions performed by soprano Sarah Leonard and pianist Stephen Gutman, before the winner was announced by the judging panel comprising the two musicians, Benslow Music

34 CHAMBERLINK June 2021

president and Master of the Queen's Music, Judith Weir, and chief executive of Benslow Music, Peter Hewitt.

On winning the award, Christopher, who is currently studying Higher Level Music as part of his International Baccalaureate Diploma, said: “Writing for Sarah Leonard and Stephen Gutman and hearing my song brought to life so beautifully was a real privilege. I’m so grateful to the judges for giving such detailed and useful feedback – the workshop was a truly invaluable learning experience.”

Dr Martin Leigh, director of Music at King Edward’s School, said: “Christopher is an outstanding and hardworking young musician and composer, and to win this competition is an incredible achievement.”

career researcher, as I get to learn from my more experienced cohort peers. I look forward to the next three years of the BNA Scholars scheme and diversifying my experiences as a scientist.”

The three-year scholars programme aims to build a supportive community through networking opportunities, bursaries and mentorship.

The scholars will receive at least four to six sessions with their mentor each year, free membership to both the BNA and the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS), funding towards attending the Festival of Neuroscience, as well as funding towards the European FENS Forum and other networking opportunities within the association.

Gavin Woodhall, professor of neuropharmacology and codirector of the Aston Institute for Health and Neurodevelopment at Aston University, said: “We are delighted and proud that Tamara has received this recognition, which is testament to her drive and enthusiasm for neuroscience – she is a real credit to our course.”

Hitting the high notes: Christopher Churcher

2. Chamberlink June 29-56.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:21 Page 35

Chamber Patrons

IT services giant renews Prince’s Trust patronage International IT services business SCC has renewed its arrangement as patron of The Prince’s Trust for the next three years.

SCC, which has been a patron of the charity for seven years, has supported several of the trust’s regional and national schemes and campaigns, most notably a significant investment of £100,000 in 2018, donated via The Rigby Group, owners of SCC, to help create a new hub in Birmingham that helps thousands of young people secure work, education and training opportunities.

Sharon Arbuckle, senior head of corporate partnerships at The Prince’s Trust, welcomed SCC’s continued support, with the renewal taking the firm to a decade of patronage.

She said: “Youth unemployment rates are rising, and young people across the UK have been heavily affected by the pandemic. We must support young people to upskill, retrain and access job opportunities, or else we risk losing their ambition and potential to long-term unemployment, to the detriment of their future and to the recovery of our economy.

“SCC is already showing amazing dedication when it comes to helping turnaround the lives of disadvantaged young people.

Renewed support: Mike Swain

Through their new patronage of The Prince’s Trust, and membership of our Technology Leadership Group, we hope we will be able to empower thousands more young people to transform their lives and give them the confidence and skills to succeed in life.”

SCC CEO Mike Swain said that the work that the charity does with young people has been ‘outstanding’, especially during the Covid crisis.

He said: “The pandemic has been a huge blow to all of us in many different ways and it will take a long time to recover. In the IT sector we have been in a more fortunate position, but sadly, the same cannot be said for everyone.

The youth demographic has been severely hit, and those already disadvantaged now face even bigger obstacles.

‘The Prince’s Trust, welcomed SCC’s continued support’ “Young people are the future and we’re so pleased to be able to help those more affected by the crisis through our partnership with The Prince’s Trust. The work this charity does with young people is outstanding and they’re making a real difference to many lives. We look forward to seeing how we can continue to support them.”

University leads infection study A new study aims to explore the immune response to natural Covid-19 infection and vaccination in patients with antibody deficiencies.

The study is being led by a trio of medical experts and academics at University of Birmingham, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, and University College London.

Funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), ‘Covid infection in patients with Antibody Deficiency’ (COVAD) is part of a portfolio of national studies examining the immune responses in patients considered at high risk.

Immunodeficiency patients are considered vulnerable or extremely vulnerable to infection and have had to undertake preventative measures to minimise their risk of exposure to the virus.

Patients with antibody deficiency do not make good responses – if any – to most vaccines, but it is unknown whether they will respond to Covid-19 vaccines.

COVAD chief investigator Alex Richter, professor of clinical immunology at the University of Birmingham, and consultant clinical immunologist at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Nationally, a number of patients with immunodeficiency have had severe or prolonged illness with Covid-19.

“Understanding why some patients do well and others don’t is so important. Being unable to clear the virus is not just a problem to the patient but is potentially a public health problem too.”

The researchers will be using Oxford Immunotec’s ‘T-SPOT’

covid test to research immunological responses. Samples will be taken from patients to measure the presence and level of antibodies in the blood and antiSARS-CoV-2 T-cells.

Researchers say that results of the study will help inform the development of vaccination strategies as well as strengthen the understanding of risk for continuous virus transmission.

Professor Richter and Siobhan Burns, professor of translational immunology at University College London, are leading the COVAD research team at immunodeficiency centres at NHS hospital trusts across the UK, in what will be the largest study of its kind in this rare patient group world-wide.

The centres will screen patients and will invite those who are eligible and meet specific criteria to join the trial.

700th business signs Covenant Seven hundred businesses and organisations across the West Midlands have pledged their support to the Armed Forces community.

Valiant Integrated Services Ltd has been hailed as the 700th company within the West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (RFCA) region to sign the Armed Forces Covenant.

The Armed Forces Covenant was introduced by the Ministry of Defence in 2014 and is used across the country for businesses to pledge their support to the Armed Forces family.

The organisations who hold a Covenant recognise the value serving personnel - both regular and reserve - veterans and military families contribute to their business and the country.

Valiant is a trusted partner to government military clients and the broader defence sector, providing vital resources, high-value solutions, and critical support services for essential missions around the world.

“Valiant is proud to show our support to the Armed Forces community through the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant,” Emma Sharma, the firm’s chief administrative officer said.

“We demonstrate our commitment to actively serving personnel, veterans, and their families by funding and supporting initiatives that provide opportunities to those who serve. Veterans and reservists make up 28 per cent of our worldwide workforce, and they and their families are an important and integral part of team Valiant.”

Colonel (Ret’d) Richard Maybery, chief executive of West Midland RFCA added: “It’s great to see our Covenant network continuing to expand rapidly across the region and I am delighted that Valiant Integrated Services have just become our 700th Armed Forces Covenant signatory in the West Midlands.

“Since establishing themselves in the UK they have very quickly jumped aboard this and as well as their commercial links with Defence, they are already actively supporting the wider Armed Forces Community.”

June 2021 CHAMBERLINK 35

2. Chamberlink June 29-56.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:21 Page 36

1813 Club and Premier Members

1813 Club and Premier Members Greater Birmingham’s leading companies

Premier Membership Contact: Gary Birch T: 0845 6036650

UK must take a lead on solving climate change A green energy expert at law firm Clarke Willmott says that this is the year the Government needs to ‘get serious’ about climate change.

Dale Edwards, a strategic consultant in green energy at the firm, which has an office in Birmingham, said the UK needed to take a lead on efforts to tackle climate change.

He said that there were opportunities to do precisely that in 2021, via this month’s G7 summit in Cornwall and COP26 in Glasgow in November, which is a climate change conference.

Mr Edwards said the government had already kicked things off by announcing bold new targets to cut emissions.

He said that this was a 68 per cent emissions reduction on 1990 levels by 2030, increasing to 78 per cent by 2035.

However, he added that previous environmental announcements by UK governments had fallen flat, including a pledge made in 2006 which claimed that by 2016 all new homes would be zero carbon due to changes in planning and a new code for sustainable homes.

This pledge was officially adopted in 2011 but by 2015 the proposed regulations governing this measure were scrapped, which meant builders were no longer required to achieve zero carbon status on new builds. The result was that in 2016 only nine per cent of new homes achieved the highest environmental rating.

Mr Edwards said: “One of the barriers to achieve these ambitious targets is infrastructure development. If we look at transportation, in 2030 the plan is to ban selling new petrol and diesel cars, which requires a comprehensive and reliable charging network for electric cars.

“I have heard people who have recently bought electric cars of having ‘re-charging anxiety’ when going on long journeys. Confidence in available infrastructure for people to switch early to electric cars is essential as this will start to change behaviours in society.

“On a positive note, with the Covid-19 pandemic many business owners who I have spoken to have taken the opportunity to reset their business with environmental considerations starting to play a bigger role in decision making.

“Increasingly businesses are creating, developing and driving corporate social responsibility strategies, which in turn will support the ambition to reduce emissions.”

Dale Edwards: Future is in our hands

Registry tackles modern slavery Businesses are being urged to sign up to a new Government-sponsored registry, which aims to crack down on modern slavery.

The registry has been introduced by the Home Office as part of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

The purpose of the registry is to provide consumers and investors with easier access to statements about modern slavery, in the interests of promoting transparency.

According to law firm Trowers and Hamlins, which has an office in Colmore Row, any commercial organisation trading in the UK which has an annual turnover in excess of £36m is now required to publish a modern slavery statement.

The firm said that the Home Office had been contacting organisations directly to remind them of this requirement, and said that anyone receiving such correspondence should sign up the registry and

36 CHAMBERLINK June 2021

submit their modern slavery statement. Trowers added that publishing on the registry was currently voluntary, though the firm said that it believed that many companies would opt to publish on the registry from a transparency point-of-view.

Moad Giebaly, senior associate at Trowers’ Birmingham office, said: “We encourage companies, particularly those in high-risk sectors, to consider if they are legally required to publish a modern slavery statement and to register the statements on the modern slavery statement registry.

“High risk sectors include Industrial, cleaning, hospitality, construction, manufacturing, agriculture and fishing.

“Smaller organisations whose turnover is under the £36m threshold should also consider producing a voluntary statement if they are bidding for contracts with larger businesses above the threshold.”

Fantastic opportunity: Darren Hodson

Big opportunity after buy-out A leading designer, supplier and operator of critical communication infrastructure has been bought by its management.

Derby-based Team Telecom Group (TTG) and its subsidiaries Affini and Simoco Wireless Solutions are now wholly owned by its existing management team, in a deal put together by the corporate team of Smith Cooper.

The management team previously held a partial stake in the company. TTG operates around the world, delivering communications products and services to sectors where reliability, integrity and security are important, such as airports, utilities providers and emergency services.

The buy-out team includes chairman Peter Burridge, CEO Mike Norfield, chief commercial officer Phil Williams, and executive directors Ian Carr and Andy Woodhall, who have more than 70 years of combined experience between them.

Smith Cooper Corporate Finance’s deal team was led by Darren Hodson, who said: “The business has been decisively managed by the existing management team, becoming one of the UK’s leading designer, supplier and operator of critical communication infrastructure.

“This was a fantastic opportunity for the management team to conduct a complete buy-out.

“The team’s extensive domain knowledge will no doubt ensure TTG continue to lead the way in the communications sector but will also provide them with the opportunity to tap in to new markets.”

2. Chamberlink June 29-56.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:21 Page 37

1813 Club and Premier Members

The unexpected cost of Covid-19 on company cars An unexpected downside of the coronavirus pandemic is that the disease has hit the pockets of company car drivers.

According to tax and audit firm Crowe, company cars have spent the last year sitting unused on driveways – but their employee drivers are still being taxed for having them.

And Crowe tax partner Richard Bull believes it may be the right time to think again about company cars. Mr Bull, who is based at the firm’s Midlands office, said: “As we enter a new financial year, it could be a good time to look at your company car policy afresh.

“The company car has always been seen as a major management perk, but as most have been parked on the drive for the last 12 months, the benefit has been minimal.”

Employees are still taxed on the benefit in kind for whichever kind of vehicle they drive and many are unsure if the sums still work in their favour, he added.

“When managers and directors were covering many miles a year, there were clear benefits such as not having to pay for servicing,

companies, and low benefit-in-kind rates for employees.

“Employers can pay for charging points at their employees’ homes and there is no benefit-in-kind charge for the employee and the company gets a full tax deduction.

‘Employers should be asking whether now was the right time to go electric’

Richard Bull: car perk is parked up

brakes and tyres as well as the company paying for fuel.

“However, with the pandemic having a significant effect on the use of these vehicles, as well as other factors, such as the Birmingham Clean Air Zone coming into force on 1 June 2021. There is much to reconsider with company cars.”

He said that employers should be asking whether now was the right time to go electric with 100 per cent first year allowances for

“The same 100 per cent write off against company profits applies if the company installs charging points at work. If employees choose to charge their cars at work, they can do so, again without any benefit-in-kind issue.

“We know from speaking to clients that many company directors have been thinking about moving their fleet across to electric, and I think now is the time to move this topic to the top of the agenda.”

He added that it was a complex subject with factors such as environmental considerations and the company’s image and reputation, as well as financial issues all to be considered.

Action needed on sustainability Family businesses in the UK risk falling behind other countries in their commitment to prioritising sustainability, according to findings from PwC’s latest ‘Global Family Business Survey’.

While more than half (53 per cent) of UK family businesses surveyed believe they have a responsibility to fight climate change and its related consequences, only a third (33 per cent) have developed and communicated a sustainability strategy compared to the slightly higher global average of 37 per cent.

The survey reveals 79 per cent of respondents in mainland China, 78 per cent in Japan and 49 per cent globally report ‘putting sustainability at the heart of everything we do’ compared to 39 per cent in the UK. Neil Philpott, PwC Midlands family business leader, said that UK firms needed to show more commitment to ESG (environmental, social and governance – or sustainability) by taking meaningful action.

He said: “A commitment to a wider social purpose has always gone hand in hand with family business in the UK, but there is growing societal pressure from employees and business stakeholders to demonstrate more meaningful action around sustainability and wider ESG issues.

“Listed companies have started to respond, but our survey shows that UK family businesses have a more traditional approach to social contribution such as contributing to the local community or philanthropy.

“At a recent round table with Midlands family businesses, there was a clear message coming back from business leaders, that while most recognised the

Neil Philpott: More ‘meaningful’ action needed

strategic importance to them, there was a real breadth in how developed their planning was, ranging from some with an integrated plan in place for their business, to others with a blank sheet of paper in front of them, challenged by where they should start.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has shown UK family businesses remain resilient in the face of a crisis, underlined by the efforts they have made to retain staff, provide extra help for employees and make financial sacrifices.

“With society slowly moving towards some kind of normality, family businesses will look to build on their digital capabilities, while managing family dynamics and looking to invest in more sustainable business practices.”

In brief St Paul’s Square-based corporate hospitality specialist Eventmasters is to sponsor the entire card at an evening event at Worcester Racecourse next month.

The fixture – on 15 July will be named The eventmasters.co.uk Race Night and will include seven races.

Eventmasters sales manager Stuart Parsons said: “While this is the first event we have staged with the Racecourse, we hope it will become an annual event as we have had a terrific response from our clients with five of the seven races already taken.”

Midlands-based hospitality group Caviar & Chips is to create more than 50 new jobs as it recovers from lockdown.

Caviar & Chips, founded by Jonathan Carter-Morris and Marc Hornby four years ago, was originally a wedding catering company but has since expanded.

It has bought a 16th Century pub in Warwickshire, an 18th Century boutique wedding venue in Shropshire and the firm is now busy reorganising the 100 weddings it would have catered for last year.

Birmingham based Intercity Technology, has appointed Christina Pendleton to the role of ‘chief people officer’.

Ms Pendleton has risen through the ranks at Intercity, having joined the organisation as an HR adviser in 2014 before being appointed to the Board of Directors as head of people and engagement last year.

She said: “I’m very excited to be taking on this new role.”

Training provider In-Comm Training has launched a new campaign to boost the number of apprentices taken on by UK businesses.

In-Comm Training has launched ‘Equip the Recovery’ to help more employers look at investing in apprentices by removing some of the barriers.

The firm has committed to creating an additional 200 positions for young or mature learners between now and September and is asking businesses to get involved by creating roles.

June 2021 CHAMBERLINK 37

2. Chamberlink June 29-56.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:21 Page 38

International Trade and Commonwealth

International Trade and Commonwealth

Free trade deal planned for UK and Australia The UK and Australia have agreed ‘the vast majority’ of a free trade deal, which is expected to be confirmed this month.

After talks between UK International Trade Secretary Liz Truss and Australian Trade Minister Dan Tehan, a statement was released which said: "Both countries are confident the remaining issues will be resolved, and will now enter a sprint to agree the outstanding details with the aim of reaching agreement in principle.”

It is estimated a deal could add £500m to the UK’s gross domestic product (GDP). It is known that the UK wants to see tariffs slashed on whisky and cars, while the Australians want to see a reduction in taxes levied on meat exported to Britain.

Either way, the deal will be good for UK businesses, among them West Midlands-based Richardsons, who have interests in property and private equity investments around the world, including Australia.

Richardson family growth capital investments in the Pacific Rim region include an Australian-based sustainable aquaculture enterprise, a Singapore-based artisan bakery chain and the largest avocado grower in New Zealand.

Golden opportunity: The Richardsons (from left, Carl, Martyn and Lee)

Carl Richardson, who jointly runs the family’s international business, said: “We already have multiple business interests around the Pacific Rim and a deal which, among other advantages, reduces or eliminates tariffs will encourage further investment and make business simpler.

“We hope that the Australia deal progresses well because it will act as an incentive to push ahead with the UK’s application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).”

The CPTPP is a free-trade agreement between 11 countries around the Pacific Rim: Canada, Mexico, Peru, Chile, New Zealand, Australia, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Japan.

Mr Richardson said there would be ‘enormous’ potential benefits of full membership for the UK.

Making connections with European Chambers

By Philip Parkin The Chamber has been hosting a number of special link-ups with European Chambers of Commerce in a bid to reconnect UK business with the continent.

The link-ups will feature four major online events hosted by the Chamber and its European partners, with events focusing on Germany and Italy having already taken place.

The events are aimed at helping exporters find their feet again, after the punishing effects of the coronavirus pandemic and the loss of the UK’s membership of the European Union.

Both had been a factor in the drop in exports which had been reported by UK businesses at the start of the year, although more recent evidence is that trade with the EU is returning to normal.

However, in order to strengthen ties with Europe, the Chamber has joined forces with colleagues representing Germany, Italy, France and Ireland, in an online programme funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

The Italian event was the most recent, and examined the opportunities presented by the Mediterranean country.

Among speakers were Aaron Pugliesi, secretary general and CEO of the British Chamber of Commerce for Italy (BCCI), and Steven Sprague, chairman of the BCCI Brexit committee and BCCI councillor at Milan law firm Castaldi Partners.

38 CHAMBERLINK June 2021

Italy is in the South-Eastern part of the European Union, and is a great hub for UK companies, providing easy access to its neighbouring countries.

The country ranks alongside France, UK and Germany in terms of population, which makes it an important market for any business.

According to the BCCI, although Italy’s tax and legal framework is complex, it is quite stable and capable of securing business growth.

Italy’s economy is eighth out of 205 in terms of nominal gross domestic product (GDP), according to the World Bank.

The country’s strongest sectors are the automotive, pharmaceutical, food, fashion and tourism sectors, and BCCI says all products designed for these industries will find in Italy ‘a great outlet’.

Aaron Pugliesi said: “Trading with Italy offers the chance to combine important business opportunities and marvellous human experiences.”

Stef Bowes, international manager at Birmingham Chamber, said that the event was one of the first times that the organisation had engaged with its European partners since Brexit.

She said: “We were delighted to be reacquainted with a key European partner in the British Chamber of Commerce Italy.

“This event was an important opportunity to further develop understanding on the new ways

Aaron Pugliesi: Italy offers important opportunities

of working together post Brexit.

“It examined in detail the current trading situation between the UK and Italy, and showcased some of latter’s most economically important sectors.

“The expert advice from the British Chamber of Commerce Italy highlighted the opportunities that UK businesses have available to them to grow across the many Italian regions.”

The events featuring France and Ireland are yet to be held.

2. Chamberlink June 29-56.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:21 Page 39

International Trade and Commonwealth Commonwealth Chamber Patron

Greater Birmingham

Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce

Contact: Mandy Haque T: 0845 6036650

…and business with India will double

By Philip Parkin Britain and India have paved the way for a fullblown trade deal after agreeing on an initial proposal worth £1bn.

The preliminary deal will see new co-operation and investment, focused on health and technology, which could create 6,500 jobs in the UK. Part of this will include The Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer, opening a new UK base, which will include a research and development centre.

The agreement will also create new opportunities for British businesses in India, particularly in the food and drink, life sciences and services sectors.

It is hoped that Britain and India will double the value of their trading partnership – currently £23bn annually – by 2030.

Among those welcoming the deal is Professor John Bryson, from the Department of Strategy and International Business at the University of Birmingham’s Business School.

He said: “There are two things to draw from this development. First, the initial numbers related to this deal are comparatively modest over £1bn.

“Currently, trade between the UK and India is worth around £23bn a year. Second, the expectation is that this new partnership will double the value of UK-India trade and investment by 2030.

“This is important in the context of the West Midlands, the West Midlands Combined Authority and the Chambers of Commerce. Andy Street has commenced his second team as mayor of the WMCA by highlighting the importance of job creation as the West Midlands enters a post-pandemic era.

“It is absolutely critical that businesses across the West Midlands focus on business opportunities that will be facilitated by the new UK-India trade agreement.

“Between 2017 and 2018 UK exports to India increased by 19.3 per cent. The size of the Indian market makes it an appealing market for West Midlands firms.

“At the moment, one could argue that the UK is

Professor John Bryson: India trade opportunity is ‘extremely large’

technology, food and low carbon, both countries have the tangible opportunity to ensure that the latent potential of innovation, commercial and social mobility that is offered through this trade deal can be filtered from the boardroom, right through to grassroots communities at scale."

Steve Page, PwC’s Midlands International Markets leader and executive board member of the West Midlands India Partnership, said: “I’m pleased to see the £1bn UK-India trade deals.

“It will be interesting to see further detail on specific investments and how barriers around immigration and tariffs are addressed by the enhanced trade partnership.

“Moving forward, I expect increased interest and discussions with Indian investors looking at the UK and West Midlands, particularly in the automotive and electric vehicle sectors, which play to the strengths of our region.

‘It is hoped that Britain and India will double the value of their trading partnership’

underperforming in terms of exports to India and there are important opportunities to explore the myriad of family connections that bind the West Midlands with India. The opportunity is extremely large and perhaps by 2030 trade and investment with India could be worth over £100bn.

“It is important that West Midlands firms draw upon the historic links that exist between this region and India to ensure that new and existing jobs in the region are underpinned by developing the economic ties that currently exist between the West Midlands and India."

Also welcoming the deal is Commonwealth Chamber president Joel Blake, who said: “The £1bn UK-India trade deal is a positive testament to the global social and commercial benefit for both countries that can be achieved by harnessing the power of diversity. With an estimated 6,500 new UK jobs to be created across key sectors such as life sciences,

“I also see huge opportunities for the 1.5 million Indian diaspora in the UK, who are passionate about their UK and India ties, and have made valuable contributions to the British economy to play a big part in supporting this.

“The UK and India have been strategic partners for many years, this has been further reinforced over the last year with the establishment of the West Midlands India Partnership.”

The latter is a new initiative aimed at boosting trade and investment between the West Midlands and India, and its chairman, Jason Wouhra, also president of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce, said that the deal was a vote of confidence for the Commonwealth.

He said: “This announcement shows just how important it is to trade with Commonwealth partners.

“India and the UK already have incredibly strong trade ties, and this £1bn trade and investment package will help bolster both economies and expose UK-made products and intellectual property around the world.”

Major milestone for G&P’s Hungary office Quality management provider G&P - which has its UK headquarters at Fort Dunlop - is celebrating 15 years in Hungary.

Based in Mór, G&P’s Hungarian team is deployed in various manufacturing facilities around the country, primarily in the automotive supply chain.

G&P was founded in 1994 and now has 1,000 employees worldwide. The company operates

in a number of sectors, including automotive and aerospace, and provides inspection, rectification and technical services.

Its Hungarian office – G&P Quality Management Kft - was opened in 2006, offering a full range of quality management services to manufacturers and their suppliers.

G&P CEO Dino Kyriacou said: “It is fantastic to celebrate 15 years in Hungary, helping

manufacturers and their suppliers through our expertise in quality management provision.

“Over past year we have successfully navigated the challenges due to the pandemic and we can now look forward to the future, providing a full range of quality management services, together with specialist engineering skills, so that quality is a continued focus for all those in the manufacturing process.”

June 2021 CHAMBERLINK 39

2. Chamberlink June 29-56.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:21 Page 40

Transatlantic Transatlantic Chamber Patrons

Greater Birmingham

Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce

Contact: Mandy Haque T: 0121 725 8994

Canada’s new envoy welcomed 1971, and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1972.

He has practical experience in business, law, agriculture and broadcasting, as well as federal and provincial politics.

Mr Goodale was first elected to the Parliament of Canada in 1974 at the age of 24, representing Saskatchewan’s sprawling rural riding of Assiniboia.

‘The UK has a strong trading relationship with Canada’

A new High Commissioner for Canada in the United Kingdom has been appointed.

Ralph Goodale (pictured) has assumed responsibilities as the Canadian High Commissioner in London – his latest post in a long and distinguished career.

Raised on a family farm near Wilcox, Saskatchewan, Mr Goodale received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Regina in

In the 1980s, he served as leader of the provincial Liberal Party, and was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan in 1986.

Mr Goodale returned to the House of Commons in 1993 as the Member of Parliament for Wascana, and was subsequently re-elected seven consecutive times, becoming Regina’s longest-serving MP. A member of the federal Cabinet under three Prime Ministers, he was appointed minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food (1993-1997), Minister of Natural Resources (1997-2002), Leader of the Government in the House of Commons (2002),

Minister of Public Works and Government Services (2002-2003), Minister of Finance (2003-2006), and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness (2015-2019).

In March 2020, Mr Goodale became a special adviser to the Prime Minister for Canada’s response to Iran’s shooting down of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752, which claimed the lives of 55 Canadian citizens, 30 permanent residents of Canada and dozens of others with Canadian links.

His appointment has been welcomed by the Greater Birmingham Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce.

Mandy Haque, the Chamber’s international director, said: “We welcome Ralph Goodale’s appointment and look forward to working with him as part of our ongoing drive to encourage trade between UK businesses and those in Canada.

“The UK has a strong trading relationship with Canada and it is set to become even more important over the coming years with the two countries ready to began negotiations for an upgraded comprehensive trade deal and the UK applying to join the CPTPP trade agreement.”

Expert council formed to attract overseas investment Largest monthly flight schedule for United United Airlines has announced its largest monthly schedule since before the pandemic – with more than 400 daily flights running during July.

The airline says it plans to fly 80 per cent of its US schedule compared to July 2019, as well as increasing services to reopened European destinations.

Bookings for summer travel are up 214 per cent compared to 2020 levels, United have said.

In the US, United will add new routes to Bozeman (Montana), Orange County (California), Raleigh (North Carolina) and Yellowstone/Cody (Wyoming).

The airline is also adjusting its flight times at its hubs at Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport to provide more convenient options for customers.

“This July we’re taking a big step toward flying at pre-pandemic levels for our domestic network,” said Ankit Gupta, vice president of domestic network planning and scheduling at United.

40 CHAMBERLINK June 2021

Transatlantic business leaders have welcomed the formation of a new body set up to attract overseas investment into the UK. The Government says the newly-formed UK Investment Council’s purpose is to provide a platform to influential global investors so that they can highlight their perspectives, priorities and concerns relating to UK inward investment.

The council is chaired by the Minister for Investment at the Department for International Trade (DIT) and features 40 members from a range of sectors including financial services, aerospace, technology, food and drink, telecommunications and agriculture.

Leading transatlantic trade body BritishAmerican Business, of which the Greater Birmingham Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce is part, said the creation of the council was a welcome development that will enhance the UK’s prospects for foreign investment.

Emanuel Adam, executive director and director of policy and trade at BritishAmerican Business, said: “We welcome the establishment of the UK Investment Council and with that the UK Government’s efforts to

seek private sector advice how to improve and enhance the UK’s business environment for foreign investors.

“The UK is at an important juncture in formulating its future proposition for foreign investors.

“We are delighted that many members of the transatlantic business community can help ensure the UK continues to be a good place to do business.”

Investment drive: Emanuel Adam of BritishAmerican Business

2. Chamberlink June 29-56.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:21 Page 41

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

Headline sponsors of annual awards revealed Aston University and BNP Paribas Personal Finance UK have been confirmed as headline sponsors for this year’s Future Faces and Birmingham Young Professional of the Year (BYPY) awards.

The annual flagship event will go ahead virtually this year on 27 August, set to welcome an online audience of up to double usual attendees following the division’s merger with Business Professional Services (BPS Birmingham) last year.

Returning as headline sponsors of the awards this year are Future Faces patrons Aston University and long-standing BYPY awards supporters BNP Paribas Personal Finance UK. Mark Smith, executive director of business management at Aston University, said: “We are delighted to be the headline sponsor for this year’s Future Faces awards.

“Endorsing the efforts of the region’s young people is incredibly important to us at Aston University, especially after a year of such adversity. I am very much looking forward to coming together, albeit it virtually, to celebrate so many great achievements and the hard work that the Future Faces team have been doing.”

Stephen Hunt, chief executive of BNP Paribas Personal Finance UK, said: “At BNP Paribas Personal Finance UK, making a positive impact is at the heart of everything we do.

“After what has been a particularly

Delighted: Mark Smith

New Members Freya Dearman (Magma Legal Services Ltd) Katie West (Ronald McDonald House) Charlotte Smith (Ronald McDonald House) Hannah Parkhouse (Handelsbanken Solihull) James Perry (Rund Partnership Ltd) Laura Daly (Irwin Mitchell) Amy Jacklin (Virgin Money)

Upcoming Events FF Social Networking Date: 8/6/2021 Game-storming, Creativity and Innovation (Aston Business School Leadership Series) Date: 15/6/2021 challenging year for young people taking their first steps into the world of work, we’re delighted to once again be supporting these young professional awards and celebrating the abundance of talent that the region has to offer.”

Anna Assinder, head of Future Faces, said: “I am so glad to announce Aston University and BNP Paribas Personal Finance UK as our headline sponsors for this year’s Future Faces and BYPY awards. We very much look forward to working closely with them to ensure that this year’s celebration is a night to remember for our young professionals.”

Further sponsors will be revealed via Future Faces’ social media channels and in Chamberlink Daily.

FF Professional development Date: 24/6/2021 Festival of Business: FF – Meet the young professionals Date: 30/6/2021 For more information and to book a place contact events@birmingham-chamber.com

For more information about sponsorship opportunities, please email r.ashman@birmingham-chamber.com Graham Allsopp

Lessons in financial security

By Claudia Congrave Financial advisory firm Tilney Smith and Williamson shared their expertise in a Future Faces event to prep the future generation on financial resilience.

Birmingham-based Tilney team included business development director Lucy Minton (pictured), investment manager Tom Cadwallader and financial planner Khaled Hawwash.

They used their joint expertise in investment consulting, lifetime financial planning and employee benefit solutions to stress the importance of setting foundations for financial security early on in careers.

Tom explained that a good way to start building these foundations was to understand the expense of our future goals. In order for us to save for these events, he said that being able to account for those more mundane costs, such as rent and bills, is essential.

“As our income increases, most people tend to accumulate more expenses without even realising it”, he said. “The solution lies in choosing where your money is spent, rather than just spending your money.”

As a way of building different levels of savings, Khaled detailed a three-stage approach. Firstly, he suggested that young professionals build an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenditure. The next step is to open a short-term savings account to retain any money that might be needed within the next three years in a current or fixed term account.

Finally, Khaled advised pooling money into a long term savings account, either an ISA or a pension scheme, which potentially result in an increase on investment over time.

Lucy said:“To any young people looking to start becoming more financially savvy, I’d always recommend our services at Tilney to guide them on their journey.”

Visit: www.tsandw.com

Video series highlights mental health week Award-winning video production company, Ark Media, produced a series of videos for the Future Faces committee in aid of Mental Health Awareness Week last month.

As mental health resonates as an important and relevant topic for young people, the Future Faces Chambers of Commerce (FF) launched a video campaign as a contribution to this year’s awareness week for mental health.

The series of videos was shared across social media throughout the week and featured members of the FF committee providing their top tips on taking care of their own mental health.

Graham Allsopp (pictured), head of production at Ark Media and Future Faces executive committee member, said: “Mental Health is such an important topic, especially at the moment given the situation we’ve all found ourselves in over the last few months. It was great to work on these videos for the FF team and play our part in raising awareness.”

The videos can be found via the Future Faces social media accounts.

June 2021 CHAMBERLINK 41

2. Chamberlink June 29-56.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:21 Page 42

Cannock Chase Chase Chamber Patrons

Cannock Chase

Chamber of Commerce

Finance veteran joins business loans firm BCRS Business Loans has appointed a former chairman of the Peer-to-Peer Finance Association as its own new chairman.

The West Midlands-based not-for-profit lender announced that Paul Smee has taken over from Rob Hill.

Mr Smee has more than 20 years’ experience leading British trade associations as well as being chairman of Peer-to-Peer, the industry association which represents online debt-based alternative finance companies.

Since September 2020, Mr Smee has been a member of the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission and was previously chief executive of UK Payments and the Council of Mortgage Lenders.

He is also heavily involved with social housing regulation, as deputy chairman of the Regulator of Social Housing.

He said: “I am delighted to be joining BCRS Business Loans as chair and relish the opportunity to be part of a rapidly growing organisation that continues to do so much to support the growth and survival of businesses that are unable to access finance from traditional lenders.

‘Paul brings a breadth of knowledge from across the financial services sector’ “I have watched BCRS’ progress with interest in recent years, especially during 2020 when it worked tirelessly to support businesses in the West Midlands that were struggling as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

“I am very much looking forward to meeting the whole team in person when coronavirus rules allow and getting to know my fellow board members.”

BCRS chief executive Stephen Deakin said: “I am so pleased to share the news that Paul Smee will be joining our board as chair.

“Paul brings a breadth of knowledge from across the financial services sector and is held in high esteem for his strategic thinking and regulatory mind set. I know his standing and experience will be invaluable for BCRS. “I look forward to working closely with Paul. He joins at an exciting time as we look to provide SMEs with the funding they require to kick-start growth plans and drive our economic recovery from the pandemic.”

Established in 2002, BCRS Business Loans supports businesses across the West Midlands region that are unable to access finance from traditional lenders, such as banks.

42 CHAMBERLINK June 2021

Contact: Chris Plant T: 0845 6036650

Promotion: Derek Carr (left) and Steve Lloyd

Promotions at Addfield Burntwood-based manufacturer Addfield Environmental Systems Ltd has promoted operations director Derek Carr to managing director.

He takes over from Steve Lloyd, who becomes chief executive officer.

Addfield has successfully been supplying agricultural incinerators to the farming sector since it was founded in 1982, and began to expand rapidly when Mr Lloyd took over in 2007.

The company now exports to more than 110 countries, supplying not only agricultural but medical, aquacultural, and specialist bespoke incinerators, including pet cremators.

New managing director Derek Carr has risen through the ranks joining the company as general manager in 2010. He became production director in 2015 and then operations director three years ago.

He said: “I am very proud of the team here at Addfield, I recognise our growth is down to a clear vision of building the most robust, reliable and thermally efficient incinerators on the market.Every business will have challenges and competition, we have grown because we have direction and a team

that accepts this ethos. This is shown with our growth, repeat business and investment into the industry through innovative designs.

‘The company now exports to more than 110 countries’ Mr Lloyd said: “It has always been the natural progression for Derek to take over the managing director’s role within the Addfield Companies.

“Derek has played a leading role in the growth and development of Addfield over the years, without him we would not have achieved the level of success that we enjoy today.

“His continued dedication and commitment to the business its employees and partners makes him the perfect fit to oversee the day-to-day operations and continued growth of the Addfield businesses.”

Addfield has remained in full operation throughout the coronavirus crisis, supplying dozens of machines to combat the increased waste created from treating the virus whilst helping developing countries to reduce the risks of contagion through correct disposal.

Trio scoop Queen’s Awards Three companies from Staffordshire – including one from Cannock - have been recognised in the prestigious 2021 Queen’s Awards for Enterprise.

These awards represent the gold standard for recognition of business achievement and provide winners with the opportunity to develop their businesses further.

Awards are made for outstanding achievement in four categories: international trade, promoting opportunity through social mobility, innovation and sustainable development.

The 2021 winners from Staffordshire are: Laundry Efficiency Limited, Cannock, in the sustainable development category; LA International Computer Consultants Limited, Stoke-on-Trent, in the international trade category; and YMCA North Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, in the promoting opportunity category.

Laundry Efficiency is run by Graham and Colin Oakley, and, as the name suggests, helps laundries run in a more efficient and more environmentally friendly manner.

Managing director Graham Oakley said: “From day one, I have aimed been to make the world a greener place. Winning a Queen’s Award is a testament to the transformation and high eco-standards we get our customers to reach.”

An official certificate and commemorative crystal trophy are to be presented to the winners by the Queen’s Lord Lieutenant for Staffordshire, Ian Dudson.

David Gage, Staffordshire Deputy Lieutenant and Panel Champion for Business and Enterprise, said: “Once again it has been shown that Staffordshire is a truly enterprising county. I offer warm congratulations to our winners.”

2. Chamberlink June 29-56.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:21 Page 43

Burton & District Burton & District Chamber Patrons

Contact: Chris Plant T: 0845 6036650

PR and IT bosses join executive committee

By Jessica Brookes PR and IT business bosses have joined Burton and District Chamber as executive committee members.

Simon McAlpine, chief commercial officer at Infinity IT Solutions, and Karen McElroy, managing director of FCM PR and Communications, were elected as Chamber council members during its annual general meeting, which took place last month.

Simon founded Infinity IT Solutions alongside Anthony Cartwright and Lee Haynes more than a decade ago. Since then, the business has gone on to provide IT services for a host of national and international clients, such as Leeds United Football Club, Tyrells and Selfridges.

Karen founded her own business, FCM PR and Communications, in 2005. It provides a range of public relations, media and communications services to a myriad of clients, including Willshee’s Waste and Recycling, the National

Karen McElroy

Long-serving staff member retires YMCA Burton’s longest serving member of staff, Kath Stokes, has retired.

She joined the YMCA as an ancillary team member in 1988 and has helped change the lives of hundreds of residents and rough sleepers in the town.

She said: “Thirty-three years have gone by so quickly. I have met so many wonderful residents, staff and volunteers.

“I have watched residents grow in confidence through the support the YMCA offers and see them move on to have an independent life.”

YMCA housing manager Maxine Bennet, said: “I have worked with Kath for three years and she is such an integral part of the team. We wish her lots of love for her retirement.”

Forest Adventure Farm and Molson Coors.

During the event, Shaun Gray, European managing director of Ginho Group, also took over the presidential reins from Nik Hardy, managing director of Hardy Signs.

Mr Hardy will continue to serve as vicepresident of the Chamber alongside newly elected vice-presidents Chris Else, managing partner of Else Solicitors, and Stacy Brown, commercial services manager at Dains LLP. On his appointment as president, Shaun said: “We should be very proud of the past and history of Burton but we must also look to the future and engage with local, regional and international business to bring sustainable growth at all levels and sectors within our town.”

Shaun further cemented his commitment to the Chamber by announcing that the Ginho Group, specialist manufacturers of precision castings, components and assemblies, has become a Chamber patron.

Simon McAlpine

Burton waste firm make key finance hire John D’Aubney has been appointed as finance director at Burton waste and recycling firm, Willshee’s.

Mr D’Aubney brings over 30 years’ experience to the family run business, which is currently enjoying double digit year-on-year growth as demand for commercial and domestic waste and recycling services continue to increase.

He has joined Willshee’s from Staffordshire-based Leavesley Group, where he was group finance director.

Earlier in his career, John also worked in a number of finance and system development roles, including Lloyds TSB and KMPG audit and compliance. He has a degree in accounting and finance from the University of Birmingham and is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Dean Willshee, managing director of Willshee’s, said: “John has tremendous pedigree and a strong, impressive track record so we are very pleased that he has joined our leadership team, bringing skills and experience that will help us to grow and fulfil our ambitions.”

John said: “I am delighted to have joined Willshee’s at such an exciting time.

“Alongside rapidly increasing domestic demand, the facilities, quality, experience and the management team that Willshee’s has in place will enable the huge potential here to be realised.

“My particular focus will be leading the team in first class financial processes, controls and reporting to support the business as we look to achieve some very ambitious targets over the next five years.”

Young poets win international contest

Two Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC) students have won prizes in an international poetry contest that involved reciting a poem in Korean during a live virtual event.

The pair are fashion students Mihnea Teodor Nica (pictured, left) and Hannah Zaki.

The contest was organised by Jeonju Kijeon College of Korea, and was a celebration of the life and poetry of Yun Dong-Ju. The judges were looking for good understanding of the poem, recital skills and confidence.

June 2021 CHAMBERLINK 43

2. Chamberlink June 29-56.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:21 Page 44

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

New chief at Lichfield Council Lichfield District Council has appointed Simon Fletcher to the role of chief executive.

Mr Fletcher was previously deputy chief executive for the government of the Falkland Islands.

He was also strategic director for the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead and currently works for IT firm Agilisys Ltd, as head of business change practice.

During the appointment process, the council’s appointments committee reviewed all the applicants in the original search and invited two candidates who scored highly in the first stage but had withdrawn before progressing to the next stage, to be considered.

Having completed the interview process, Mr Fletcher was chosen and will take over as chief executive later this year.

Enlighten celebrates five years in business A Tamworth based hi-tech firm is celebrating five years in business.

Augmented reality (AR) company Enlighten says it has had an eventful five years, which has included hosting a South Korean governmental mission, building AR for ex-service men and women suffering from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and offer life-changing mental health support to companies, schools and colleges.

AR is an interactive experience of a realworld environment where the objects that reside in the real world are enhanced by computer-generated information and images.

The company was founded by Suzanne Edwards, who said: “There’s several moments that will live long in my mind but there’s one that stops me in my tracks every time.

“Enlighten has a reputation for building ‘tech for good’ and this includes AR support around mental health. On one occasion I got a call from a college welfare officer who said she had to tell me about a student who had come to her with her mental health issues. The member of staff mentioned there were 24/7 advice services available accessed through the AR work Enlighten had done for the college and the student said: ‘I know, that’s why I’m still alive today’.

“It’s such a privilege to think that our work helps on that deeply personal level.”

Enlighten was originally based at Pacific House, Tamworth, but has since become the first tenants of the Tamworth Enterprise Centre.

The four strong Enlighten team has also recently recruited a 3D modeller, which it says will add many new possibilities to its current offering.

44 CHAMBERLINK June 2021

Mr Fletcher said: "I am honoured to become chief executive and am excited to start working with the leadership team on delivering our corporate priorities.

“We will face challenges and opportunities as we continue the recovery from Covid-19, but I know we have a talented team at the council, ambitious and capable elected members and strong and supportive partners and stakeholders, all of whom I will work hard with to shape a great future for the district.”

Tony McGovern took over as interim chief executive at the beginning of this month when the current chief executive, Diane Tilley, left the council.

He will be in post while Mr Fletcher works his notice at Agilisys Ltd.

Simon Fletcher: Honoured

Expansion leads to office move Legionella and Fire Safe Services (LFS) is moving to a new headquarters in Lichfield as part of its expansion plans.

The two storey 1,680 sq ft offices in Britannia Way will allow the growing Legionella and fire compliance company to expand its team.

LFS business manager Kym Darby said: “We are really excited about our move to Lichfield as it shows just how much Legionella & Fire Safe has developed since the company began trading in 2017 and meet our needs with our

plans for further expansion. We really are going from strength-to-strength. We have seen a consistent and significant increase in workload and incorporated additional divisions into the business.

“In addition, we have secured the resources of some of the industry’s top talent who bring with them a wealth of experience. This ensures our high end service delivery for all our valued clients” "We are looking forward to being part of the thriving business community in Lichfield.”

Hands-on experience for students

Lights, camera, action: Lichfield College students filming with Brave New Beast

Two Lichfield College students have been working with a professional video production company to film live performances by a variety of artistes for a forthcoming fringe festival.

James Fox and Martha Leicester, who are in the final weeks of completing their BSc Film & Television Degree at the college, filmed poets, musicians and actors, and the result will be edited and streamed live for the virtual Rugeley Rose Theatre Fringe Festival this summer.

First year degree college students will soon be training with the video company, Brave New Beast, to enable them to work directly with the Rugeley Rose Theatre for future video productions.

Leanne Knapman, course leader of the BSc Film & TV Degree at Lichfield said: “Our degree students take work-based training with Brave New Beast as part of their course and are encouraged to get involved with professional projects to help kick-start their careers in the film and TV industry.”

2. Chamberlink June 29-56.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:21 Page 45

Sutton Coldfield

Sponsored by: Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council

Sutton Coldfield Chamber Patrons

Sutton Coldfield

Charity of the Year

Chamber of Commerce

Contact: Chris Brewerton T: 0845 6036650

Landmark sale of PML is ‘vote of confidence’ The founder of a Sutton Coldfield company which finds sustainable uses for the mountains of ash left over by power generation at coalburning power stations has described the firm’s sale as ‘a vote of confidence in the sector and the UK’.

When Power Minerals Ltd (PML) was founded

by Nigel Waldron and partner Peter Brennan in 2003, it was an ambitious start-up with two desks and two telephones.

It now employs people across three UK sites, directing millions of tonnes of power station ash by-product for re-use in manufacturing, construction and many of the key infrastructure projects that are reshaping the country.

Now PML has changed hands in a landmark deal, with EP Power Europe (EPPE) purchasing the company for an undisclosed sum from German energy firm STEAG GmbH, who acquired it in 2010.

Nigel, the firm’s managing director, said: “This deal is a huge vote of confidence in PML, the broader sector and in the UK. “It will open up new opportunities for us and take the business in exciting new directions as well as ensuring our employees having a bright future.

“It provides a huge European network within which we can operate, as well as potentially opening up investment in plant and processing which will take us forward as the energy markets evolve. However, while this deal represents a

Nigel Waldron: Bright future

change in ownership, it doesn’t mean we will be changing the close way we work with our key partners, such as Drax and SSE. “It is the strength of these relationships that have made PML a success, and we are committed to their continued success.”

The fly ash created by coal-fired energy generation serves as a highly ecological and cost-effective substitute for clinker in cement production and as an additive replacing cement in concrete.

Fly ash significantly reduces the CO2 footprint of cement, as well as costs and improves cement quality for the construction industry.

Design studio joins partnership The Curry Design Studio is the latest company to join Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School rapidlyexpanding Corporate Partnership.

It means the Sutton Coldfield firm will be able to offer a wide range of design and creative services to fellow partnership members.

Since joining the Corporate Partnership, the Curry Design Studio has also agreed to support

Kate Curry: Building relationships

the school with an upcoming design project, which involves creating a historic timeline to be displayed in the school’s corridors.

Director Kate Curry said: “We are delighted to become an official member of the BVGS Corporate Partnership.

“As a business, we are keen to share our expertise and support those who need it, so joining a growing and successful initiative will allow us to build important relationships with other local businesses.

“After having a conversation with development director, Brian Davies, his commitment to the partnership was clear to see, which made our decision to join the initiative an easy one to make.”

Mr Davies said: “Despite the current challenges, it is great to continue this period of growth, adding established businesses like The Curry Design Studio to our expanding membership portfolio. At our current size, it is crucial that we continue to attract exciting and passionate members, who will deliver immediate value to the other partners and the school itself.”

Hannah Simnett: Team effort

Pride of Birmingham award for Cherished The founder of charity Cherished, which provides support for girls in primary and secondary schools across Birmingham, has won a ‘Pride of Birmingham’ award.

Hannah Simnett picked up the ‘Community Hero’ award during a virtual version of the annual event, hosted by BirminghamLive and supported by TSB. Hannah established Cherished a decade ago in Sutton Coldfield, aged just 18.

Today, the charity works with hundreds of children and teenagers across Birmingham.

The charity provides self-esteem workshops and mentoring schemes to help empower and develop the ‘true potential of young girls’.

According to Cherished, more than 1,000 girls have been nurtured through its one-toone mentoring scheme, Blossom Groups and Conferences.

The charity has also trained more than 700 women to be skilled mentors for young girls.

Hannah said: “Obviously the award has got my name on it but it’s a team effort. I can do a lot on my own but I can’t do half as much without my team on my side.

“The trophy is not going on my mantelpiece - it’s going in the office.

“I do feel touched that people have got on board with the vision I had at 18. I don’t feel like I go to work, I have found what my purpose is.”

June 2021 CHAMBERLINK 45

2. Chamberlink June 29-56.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:21 Page 46

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

Theatre launches City of Culture with climate change play Belgrade Theatre kicked off Coventry's City of Culture programme in May with a digital performance of the climate change play, ‘Like There’s No Tomorrow’.

In 2020, in recognition of the Belgrade Theatre’s ground-breaking co-creation Theatre in Education practices, the National Theatre (NT) commissioned the Belgrade’s Young Company to create a piece of theatre about climate change as part of its NT Connections programme. This was the first play to be commissioned from, and cocreated by, young people.

The words and ideas of Coventry’s Young People on the key issue are now being amplified around the country through the NT Connections Festival 2021, in which 20 different youth groups from Plymouth to Falkirk are staging the play in various formats, both live and digital.

As part of the festival, ‘Like There’s No Tomorrow’ returns to the Belgrade with a new digital version from the Belgrade Young Company, which will be available to view online until 13 June. Tickets are free, with an optional donation to support the Belgrade. Ten per cent of all the online donations will also go to support the vital work of the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.

Justine Themen, one of the Belgrade’s three artistic directors, who co-created and directed the original stage version of ‘Like There’s No Tomorrow’ said: “We chose to make a piece about climate change because it is the urgent issue of our time - and what better way to have impact than to be reaching and inspiring young people across the country.”

Occupied: The Dodd Group’s new premises at Quartz Point

Solihull is primed for an employment boom Investment deals in Solihull confirm that the region is set for an employment boom, according to a local expert.

Malcolm Jones (pictured, inset), head of office agency for KWB, says the welcome news that VGC, The Dodd Group and Inspired Selection have all taken office space along the Solihull-M42 corridor is revealed via a close inspection of the Q1 data for property transactions.

“A glance at the headline figures shows just over 20,000 sq ft from six lettings, which wouldn't immediately grab most people's attention, but you need to consider the quality of the companies involved, and also the niches in which they operate, to get the true perspective,” he says.

“The arrival of VGC, Dodd Group and Inspired Selections during Q1 is important for the reasons why they chose to take space here - and why they made that decision now.”

VGC, which has taken space at J4 of the M42, specialises in training personnel, and recruiting civil engineers and sub-contractors for the UK's largest infrastructure projects and is a long-term partner of HS2 Ltd, Highways England and Network Rail.

The Dodd Group, which took just over 2,500 sq ft on Quartz Point at J6 of the M42, has been working with Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council for almost a decade.

Inspired Selections, which took 4,550 sq ft at Fairway House, specialises in recruiting skilled staff for opticians and is the UK's largest in its niche.

Malcom added: “VGC already has an office in Birmingham, and Dodd's have one in Smethwick, but they wanted to establish a presence along the Solihull-M42 corridor because they realise its economy is set for a sustained period of growth.

“If you then factor in the construction of 3,000 new homes at the Arden Cross site, you can see why an agency recruiting trained staff for opticians would want to be here, and it's interesting that Inspired chose to relocate their headquarters from Birmingham to Solihull, rather than just open a satellite office.

“The M42 corridor has been a pillar of the region's economy for years, and the desire of companies and individuals to be in the Solihull area is equally well-established, but as we look ahead towards 2030, I believe we'll see the steady and consistent creation of jobs at a level which hasn't previously happened here.”

Volunteer hero presented with top award

Volunteering hero: Paul Cobb

46 CHAMBERLINK June 2021

A volunteer at Solihull Moors Football Club has been hailed for his efforts by the Vanarama National League.

Paul Cobb has been presented with the Volunteer of the Month award by organisers of the league.

He has also been honoured by the Solihull Moors Foundation as their ‘Hero of the Week’.

Paul has been an instrumental figure in getting the Birmingham County over 45s league off the ground, and is now vice-chairman of the League.

He has taken over all Moors related over 45s work and runs Monday Night Stay and Play sessions at the club.

Alongside his voluntary efforts at the club, Paul also supplies food banks and is an avid charity supporter. Recently, Paul also helped a fellow Moors Over 45s player who was diagnosed

with prostate cancer, by raising £1,000 towards the costs of treatments.

On his award, Paul said: “I’m amazed and it’s absolutely fantastic.

“I can’t thank the Moors enough and especially Ant and Claire Hasker.

“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for those two and the lads who play football with me on a Monday night – the over 35s and over 45s. It’s going really well, so happy days.”

Head of youth and junior, Ant Hasker, added: “Paul has gradually grown into a true ‘Solihull Moors person’ in the last three years.

“He is a genuinely nice guy who prides himself on helping others, and especially to those who are less fortunate. He is a constant charity champion and is a total asset to Solihull Moors Football Club.”

2. Chamberlink June 29-56.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:21 Page 47

Solihull Solihull Chamber Patrons

High praise for aspiring student An art and design student from Solihull College and University Centre has been honoured with an award for ‘Outstanding Achievement’ from the Open College Network West Midlands (OCNWM).

Jasmine Morris, aged 19 from Shipston-on-Stour, studies Access to Higher Education (Art & Design) at the college’s Blossomfield Campus.

Access to Higher Education courses focus on students’ passion for a subject and other experience rather than relying on formal entry requirements. They prepare adults to move into a university level course either at the college or at universities across the country.

Initially studying at a sixth form, Jasmine struggled with anxiety and decided to take a year off to work. It was not until her mother discovered the access course at Solihull College and University Centre that she knew her next step.

Jasmine said: “I wanted to do something creative – I was sure of this. It was really hard to find access courses that were creative so when my mom found the course, I knew it was perfect for me.”

Jasmine said that her previous concerns about her anxiety disappeared as she began her one–year course: “I felt immediately at ease, the class sizes were small, there were a variety of age ranges of students, and the one-on-one support was invaluable to me especially as I live alone too.”

Jasmine has now been accepted onto her dream course at Gloucester University to study Editorial and Advertising Photography.

Snapping success: Jasmine Morris

Her tutor, Emma Jukes, could not be prouder, and said: “Jasmine has excelled in all areas of the course, embracing every aspect. She is highly skilled in her photographic practice and has adapted to every genre to date. She is highly regarded by the teaching team for her commitment to her studies and her positive energetic personality.”

June 2021 CHAMBERLINK 47

2. Chamberlink June 29-56.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:21 Page 48

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

Festival celebrates life and music of saint Dancers, musicians and businesses gathered virtually to attend an annual festival, commemorating the 174th birthday of the South Indian singing saint and composer Thyagaraja.

The Birmingham Thyagaraja Festival, organised by South Asian arts organisation ShruthiUK, featured 100 performances of Indian classical and folk music and dance, during the event, livestreamed to a global audience.

Performances paid homage to Saint Thyagaraja, an 18th century composer who has been hailed for his contribution to Carnatic music.This year’s festival was supported by Consul General of India in Birmingham, mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, Touchwood shopping centre in Solihull, Solihull Chamber of Commerce, Asian Business Chamber of Commerce, The Royal Asiatic Society and a host of other premier partners.

The festival was also backed by Sridhar Ranganathan, CEO and founder of Shankar Mahadevan Academy, and legendary Bollywood musician and composer Shankar Mahadevan as special festival partners.

The festival was presided by Dr Shashank Vikram, Consul General of India in Birmingham, as the chief guest.

Celebrating South Asian art and culture A non-profit organisation will be producing an exhibition alongside a series of events, entitled ‘Voices of the Unheard’ as part of South Asian Heritage month.

The programme is being delivered by the HeARTivism Project, alongside The Birmingham Contemporary Art Gallery, and SAHM Birmingham Committee.

The first event of the programme will be held on 18 July and will feature live music, poetry, dancing and esteemed guest speakers.

The event and exhibition will explore and showcase the history and culture of South Asians, and the contributions they have made and continue to make, to Britain, to its economy and to the world.

Asif Ahmed, non-executive chairman of the HeARTivism Project and executive chairman of MirZyme Therapeutics, said: “The HeARTivism Project is bringing the people and businesses of Birmingham together to celebrate South Asian Heritage Month and we hope to recognise and celebrate some of the people who have made a difference to the lives of others in the West Midlands.”

48 CHAMBERLINK June 2021

Dr Chithra Ramakrishnan (pictured), founder and artistic director at ShruthiUK, and curator of the Birmingham Thyagaraja Festival, commented: “Festivals such as the BTF, further strengthens the cultural links between the UK and India, defining India’s unique cultural heritage and its national identity and help preserving them in the years to come.

“The format of the festival being online is completely new to us. Curating the festival required a lot of coordination and planning. It has enabled successful partnerships and to connect with people from across the globe.

“These classical Indian festival and art forms have evolved and passed on from many generations and are still practiced with great respect and fervour globally and to wider communities.

“A huge thanks to the team, and everyone involved in putting together this amazing event at such challenging times.”

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce chief executive, Henrietta Brealey, was one of three leaders presented with an award during

Celebration: More than 100 performances took place as part of the Birmingham Thyagaraja Festival

the event, recognising their achievements as outstanding and inspiring women. Diana Crabtree, country president at St John’s Ambulance and Deborah Cadman, chief executive at Birmingham City Council, were also presented with awards.

Magistrate raises vital funds Worcestershire magistrate Chris Devney has walked 150 miles in aid of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, raising more than £4,700.

Over six days in May Chris, who is also a devoted volunteer for the charity, walked between each of the charity’s airbases, three of its shops, its Stourbridge HQ and the original airbase at Hagley Hall, to mark the organisation’s 30th anniversary of operation.

On arrival at Hagley Hall, where the charity was first based in 1991, Chris presented the organisation’s chief executive, Hanna Sebright, Walking fundraiser: Chris Devney (right) with Hanna Sebright

with a bouquet of red lilies symbolising friendship and loyalty, and presented Lord Cobham with bulbs of the same lilies to be planted in the grounds of Hagley Hall.

Chris said: “This has been the hardest physical challenge that I’ve ever taken on, and I’m over the moon to have completed it. All the blisters, aches and pains have been worth it for such an amazing charity.

“I would like to say thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout this event; from original idea to its completion. But I also want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has so kindly donated. Your incredible support will ensure the operational crews of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity continue to provide worldclass critical care and keep on saving lives.”

Hanna Sebright said: “What a feat! It is outstanding that Chris has once again conquered such an arduous challenge in aid of our lifesaving local charity and raised so much in the process.

“His endurance fundraising challenge will go directly towards supporting our service, funding ten critically important missions, one air ambulance and nine in our service’s critical care cars. As we receive no Government or NHS Charities Together funding, we’re hugely grateful for all he has done in our 30th anniversary year.”

2. Chamberlink June 29-56.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:21 Page 49

ABCC ABCC Patrons

Expansion for medical group opening numerous sites across the UK, Romania, A medical group, with branches scattered Italy, Turkey, and Bangladesh. throughout the UK and overseas, has opened two Managing Director, Sam Cinkir, joined Este new practices in London and Manchester.

Este Medical Group, which opened its Medical in 2012 and opened the first UKbased branch in 2015. first UK branch in Birmingham in The openings are part of 2015, has opened new clinics in managing director Sam Cinkir’s Salford in Manchester and in vision to grow Este Medical Earls Court in London.

Este’s London branch is the Group rapidly across the world. largest aesthetic clinic in the Sam has said that his UK, treating up to 300 vision is to make aesthetic clients a day. Both new locations offer the same procedures affordable and available to everybody, non-surgical no matter a person’s treatments and background, religion, or procedures as the other UK based race.

On the business’ branches, including expansion, Sam said: the HydraFacial laser “We are expanding hair growth treatment our family worldwide. and laser hair removal I don't even see Este as treatment. a business, or a clinic, or a The business was brand; Este is a culture, an established in Turkey in 1994, environment, a family.” and has since expanded by New venues: Sam Cinkir

Premier+ Partners

Progress report on inclusion released A progress report aimed at boosting Asian participation in football has been released

by The Football Association.

Asian communities comprise the largest ethnic minority group in the UK, but within grassroots football, male and female Asian participation of those aged 16 and over stands at 10.7 per cent and 13.5 per cent respectively. But the number of professional players of Asian heritage is significantly lower.

The ‘Bringing Opportunities to Communities’ inclusion plan progress report highlights steps which have been made to make Asian inclusion a priority, ensuring Asian inclusion is embedded at grassroots level, raising the profile of women in football and improving engagement with Asian communities.

The FA’s head of diversity and inclusion strategic programmes, Dal Darroch, said: “We’re proud of the progress made so far and we will continue to work closely with Asian communities and our stakeholders so that we can strive to make our game truly inclusive.”

June 2021 CHAMBERLINK 49

2. Chamberlink June 29-56.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:21 Page 50

Feature

Charitable Causes, Promotion & Partnership

Then look no further than Club 3000.

We are a community of those looking to build a better future for young people and families facing challenges and hardship in the Nechells area of Birmingham.

Club 3000 members support the work of free@last, an organisation working with the mission to ‘improve the lives of the

50 CHAMBERLINK June 2021

children and young people of Nechells and to turn a community of poverty into a community of prosperity and opportunity’.

Our members also benefit from being connected to a likeminded community of business owners and enjoy a variety of discounts, from flowers to dining, jewellery to photography, and many more.

2. Chamberlink June 29-56.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:21 Page 51

Charitable Causes, Promotion & Partnership

Feature

Club 3000 members celebrating the new free@last centre opening

Tackling poverty in our communities

By John Street, director and founder at free@last he news often paints bleak view of our cities, especially those where there are multiple challenges from poverty.

It partly makes sense as the painful loss of another young person’s life is headline grabbing.

Millions of pounds worth of resources is ploughed into trying to stop youth violence, but nothing changes, and lives continued to be lost daily.

Twenty-one years ago, a new hope dawned with the purpose to enable and equip a particular section of our city’s residents to improve their opportunities and live life to its fullest potential.

The challenge was taken up by a newly formed charity, called free@last, which focused their efforts in the Nechells neighbourhood – between Millennium Point and Star City.

On 13 March 2012, the BBC news published a news report stating that ‘in the Nechells area, 50 per cent of children live in poverty and NHS figures suggest people there die younger.’

An inquiry began, and a few projects popped up to try and address the problem, but a decade on the poverty figures within

T

Nechells stands at 53 per cent, showing an increase, rather than decreasing.

What these projects lacked – like all ‘projects’ – is to not have a strategic understanding of the root causes of poverty and the need for a strategic approach to eradicate this disease.

Strategic thinking is defined as a mental or thinking process applied in the context of achieving a goal or set of goals in an endeavour.

When applied in an organisational strategic management process, strategic thinking involves the generation and application of unique business insights and opportunities intended to create competitive advantage for a firm or organisation.

If a business or organisation does not have a strategy, customers and service users will not truly understand our offer, our customers or our competition, which could be one of the reasons why we may struggle to see change and prosperity.

As we move from fighting Covid19 to living with the virus as a part of societal norms, our nation’s leaders have thought strategically about the impact of this pandemic

on every one of us – individuals, families, businesses, statutory services – and in a relatively short time of history we are now returning to some sense of normality.

Poverty is a virus, with far reaching effects that takes lives and damages those who live under its control.

For us, at free@last, we have a created a strategy to overcome child poverty in our community, meaning that, once implemented, if a family doesn’t want to live in poverty, they won’t have to! We understand our ‘offer’, our ‘customers’ our ‘competition (or enemy)’ and we are on the right road to recovery.

However our journey is much harder and longer than our country’s Covid-19 journey, as poverty has infiltrated our land for centuries, but our strategy puts an end to sticking plasters on gaping wounds and starts the fight against the cause that’s killing our children today.

This journey is only made possible due to the many, individuals and businesses who support free@last and provide the opportunities to enable and equip

the children, young people and families whom we support, to experience new opportunities, take control of their own lives and live life to their full potential.

We have had many businesses support our youth-led business, Brum Ting Ltd, which provides a variety of products for tourists and local Brummies.

Linked with the Commonwealth Games our young people (15 and 16- year-olds) have been able to do some amazing things – www.brumting.co.uk We have also had many businesses join our Club 3000, showing support for our work through a membership that opens opportunities for networking, local business discounts and selfsatisfaction that you are making a difference. www.freeatlast.st/club3000 Strategic thinking is crucial for all of us to recognise that our city’s resources are sufficient for all of us to flourish, we just need to redistribute them in a strategic way, to where they can be more effective.

For more information email: jstreet@freeatlast.st June 2021 CHAMBERLINK 51

2. Chamberlink June 29-56.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:21 Page 52

Feature

Charitable Causes, Promotion & Partnership

How businesses can support youth unemployment

By Tom Clarke-Forrest, founder and CEO at Sport 4 Life UK t’s been well reported that young people have suffered some of the biggest economic impacts from the coronavirus pandemic. But there is hope and with the right support in place, businesses across Greater Birmingham can make a real difference. To my mind, there are four key ways in which they can do this:

I

1. Embrace the KickStart Scheme We’ve all heard of the World War II campaign ‘Dig for Victory’ in response to the conflict-induced food rationing. Similarly, as we combat the pandemic we should ‘Employ for Victory’ to help our young people secure the future they deserve. Businesses can do this by taking part in the Government’s KickStart Scheme, which provides funding for new jobs for 16 to 24-year-olds who are on Universal Credit and are at risk of long term unemployment.

Employers of all sizes can apply.

Further funding is also available for training and support while on the scheme. Sport 4 Life UK can help with setting up placements, as well as delivering and supporting the training and employability for the young people, to ensure companies and young people optimise the benefits of participating in this scheme.

2. Employ more young people There’s a compelling business case for employing more young people.

With young people, businesses are able to shape their workforce to suit existing and emerging needs especially if cohorts of their clients include younger generations.

This is particularly pertinent when it comes to technology, whose adoption is now critical to the survival of many businesses those who don’t innovate risk being left behind. But as digital natives, tech-savvy young people bring a wealth of knowledge, understanding, creativity, 52 CHAMBERLINK June 2021

innovation and energy that many organisations may not have known they needed.

Additionally, an increasingly young workforce gives businesses a competitive advantage. Consumers exercise choices in favour of those organisations with positive social values - which includes those responding to the challenge of youth unemployment. In addition to this, there is strong evidence that recruiting and investing in young people encourages loyalty and reduces attrition - key longterm indicators of workforce success.

3. Make recruitment as youth friendly as possible The way organisations recruit can sometimes hinder young people’s employment chances. Recruiting informally, through networks often less accessible to young people - can create a real barrier to finding work for the next generation.

Without a doubt, there’s scope for employers to do more to ensure that their recruitment practices are youth friendly. Critically evaluating

internal recruitment processes and policies is vital to making progress in this area.

In particular, the use of qualifications should only be used as filters when absolutely necessary and when essential to jobs in question. Business can also sign up to the ‘Good Youth Employment Charter’ with our friends at Youth Employment UK: youthemployment.org.uk/thegood-youth-employment-charter/

4. Offer ‘encounters’ within the workplace Young people need support to compete with older jobseekers, and action must be focused on improving young people’s relative job prospects.

Part of this solution includes hiring apprentices, allowing young people to gain work experience while still learning. Training apprentices from scratch is often far more cost effective than bringing in and hiring already skilled staff, which in turn reduces overall training and recruitment costs.

In addition, businesses can promote a positive culture of

exposing local young people (both current jobseekers, and those still in education) to the workplace through mock interviews, career days, mentoring schemes or workplace tours. This will dramatically improve job prospects and increase earning potential for the young people involved.

Sport 4 Life UK can help your business Employers have a fundamental contribution to make in tackling youth unemployment. They can provide key job opportunities which enable young people to enter the labour market, as well as engage with young people in other ways to help them prepare for the world of work. Not only is this socially and ethically progressive, it makes business sense. And it’s the solution we need for a speedy economic recovery.

To find out more about how Sport 4 Life UK can help your business make a difference to young people across the West Midlands, go to: sport4life.org.uk/work-with-us

2. Chamberlink June 29-56.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:21 Page 53

Charitable Causes, Promotion & Partnership

Feature

June 2021 CHAMBERLINK 53

2. Chamberlink June 29-56.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:21 Page 54

Feature

Tourism & Hospitality

An example set up of The Belfry Live

The future of events in a post-Covid landscape

By Katie Niland, sales director at The Belfry Hotel & Resort t has been a challenging year for everyone, and the events and hospitality industries in particular have been hit hard by the pandemic. We are seeing light at the end of the tunnel now that millions of people have been vaccinated and venues are beginning to fully reopen. The pandemic has meant that virtual events have played an important role for businesses, but how will this shape the industry going forward?

I

Adapting for the future Over the last year, venues have had to rethink and redefine their options for delegates. At The Belfry we have introduced new facilities and equipment to enable businesses to stay connected, including The Belfry Live and Belfry Studio, our professional virtual 54 CHAMBERLINK June 2021

meetings and events solutions that allows organisations to connect live with audiences across the globe.

Virtual meetings have been vital during the pandemic and this will continue to be the case even as physical meetings and events start up again. New tech was always going to come; however it has accelerated because of the pandemic.

Having no option but to host hybrid events much more frequently has given us the opportunity to innovate and create new ways for us to run conferences and events, and it won’t be temporary.

Virtual events allow brands to be seen by a lot more people as it enables them to increase the size of their audience. The content is being recorded and reused and has a longer life span, which will likely

2. Chamberlink June 29-56.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:21 Page 55

Tourism & Hospitality

Feature

The virtual Women in Security Awards 2020

encourage companies to invest more in their brand and their messaging which will in turn have benefits to the company.

With greater awareness of what a virtual event can now deliver, we have seen an increase in enquiries for hybrid events throughout the year. It enabled us to provide a platform for a new product into an established meetings market as both an alternative and an exciting new way to host events.

The best of both worlds While the number of attendees is restricted at physical meetings and events due to venue capacity or travel restrictions, hybrid events allow planners to extend their reach. This makes it more cost effective and a more inclusive experience for both planners and attendees, which is a real positive.

I believe hybrid events are here to stay, but we know that many people, including our clients, are looking forward to the return of face-to-face meetings.

As the industry recovers, we have the benefit of a variety of options of how we host events going forward. We are still taking lots of enquiries for large events as our clients still want events to take place in person, when it is safe to do so.

Hybrid events have introduced a whole new way in how our industry will work in the future as it offers a number of new benefits to the sector and is a cost-effective way to communicate and connect with a larger audience. This isn’t the end of face-to-face events but virtual events offer a terrific alternative when meeting in person isn’t possible.

June 2021 CHAMBERLINK 55

2. Chamberlink June 29-56.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:21 Page 56

Feature

Tourism & Hospitality

Events checklist All being well, on 21 June all lockdown restrictions will come to an end and indoor events will be allowed to take place once more. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has, perhaps irreversibly, changed the corporate hospitality industry, and there are a number of factors to plan for when organising an event that you may not have considered before. With this in mind, Chamberlink provides a handy checklist to help you navigate events planning in ‘the new normal’.

Where to start When planning your event, consider the following as a starting point: • Does your event need to take place in person, or could you switch to a virtual model?

• What can you do to make your guests and staff feel comfortable? Can you remove or reduce the risk of close contact?

• Will travel restrictions affect how attendees will reach your event?

• Are you flexible enough to adapt to changing Covid-19 guidance?

• Have you considered the scenarios that would necessitate postponing or cancelling your event? How can you prepare for these scenarios?

Health and safety The health and safety of your guests, speakers and staff should be your major priority. Although lockdown restricts will eventually ease, many people will still be concerned about the cleanliness of the places they visit, and may decline to attend events if they feel health and safety isn’t being taken seriously.

• Have you carried out a risk assessment, and does this include all Covid-19 related risks?

• What additional hygiene measures must be put in place across the site, and how will these be monitored and maintained?

• Do you need PPE, and can this be secured in time?

• Will your chosen site need to be deep cleaned before/after your event, and are you responsible for organising this?

• Assuming social distancing may still be a requirement, how will this be implemented? Will you need a one-way system and separate entrances and exits, and how will you manage queues?

Catering Pre-Covid, it was a given that corporate events would be catered in some capacity.

However set ups that involve delegates queuing at buffets and using the same utensils to serve themselves may well be a thing of the past.

• If your event is catered, have you considered the Covid-19 risks associated with serving food and drink? Could you consider varying the food offer, such as providing hampers or table service, in order to minimise contact in dining spaces?

• If guests will be given the option to buy food on site, can you implement cashless payment systems?

Communication While much is still uncertain surrounding the easing of Covid restrictions, you will need to develop a communications method that will allow you to quickly share vital information with your delegates and staff. It might be difficult to text or call everyone on your guest list, so consider developing a website or even an app.

• How will you communicate with delegates in the lead up to, and during your event? Consider how you will share the following information: - General information, welcome materials, emergency protocols etc.

- Covid-19 information (track and trace details, protocol if a delegate develops symptoms etc.)

- What happens in the event of cancellation and how the refund process will be handled.

Finance • Do you have sufficient finances and cash flow to manage ‘sunk costs’ if the event is cancelled or postponed at the last minute for reasons beyond your control?

• What are your contractual obligations to your venue, staff and suppliers? Do they have cancellation policies in place?

• If you are operating at a reduced capacity, is your event still financially viable?

• Do you have sufficient event insurance in place? Is cancellation due to Covid-19 and the surrounding risks included in your policy?

56 CHAMBERLINK June 2021

3. Chamberlink June 57-76.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:23 Page 57

Tourism & Hospitality

Feature

June 2021 CHAMBERLINK 57

3. Chamberlink June 57-76.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:23 Page 58

Sector Focus

Business Travel

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

Call for hard shoulders to be reinstated on smart motorways Rolling in: The new trams being delivered in Wednesbury

New trams on the block Eight state-of-the-art trams have arrived in the West Midlands from Spain, ahead of expansions to the region's metro network.

The first of the third generation Urbos trams were shipped from a factory in Zaragoza, Spain and arrived at the Metro depot in Wednesbury, on a 40m lorry, driven under escort.

The eight trams, manufactured to order by CAF, are arriving in the West Midlands over the next few months and the first five will be put into service later this year ready for the opening of extensions to the network in Birmingham and Wolverhampton city centres.

A further 13 trams will be delivered in 2023 ahead of the opening of the Metro extension currently under construction between Wednesbury and Brierley Hill.

The Metro expansion programme is being planned, designed and delivered by the Midland Metro Alliance.

The bright blue liveried trams are able to run under power from overhead electric cables, while recharging the on-board battery ready for cable free sections of track.

Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street said: “These are incredibly exciting times for the Metro in the West Midlands, as we undergo a huge expansion of the network. Not only are our trams a quick and easy alternative to the car, but they’re also far more environmentally friendly, helping to reduce air pollution and tackle the climate emergency.”

58 2021 58 CHAMBERLINK CHAMBERLINK June May 2021

A Birmingham lawyer has called for the reinstatement of hard shoulders on Britain’s controversial ‘smart motorways’, before more lives are lost.

Manjinder Kang, of motoring defence experts Kang and Co Solicitors in Victoria Square, Birmingham, says the use of these roads should be suspended until an urgent review has been carried out into their safety.

Smart motorways do not have traditional hard shoulders, and are a cheap way of increasing lanes on existing roads, including stretches of the M6 and M42 around Birmingham.

According to the independent Transport Network body, there were 11 deaths on smart motorways in 2018, compared to just five in 2017.

It said that the number of fatalities on these roads was rising faster than the network was expanding, with the number of deaths per mile of smart motorway rising from one every 43 miles in 2016 to one every 17 miles in 2019.

An independent review of these roads is currently being carried out by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), but only to ensure that safety data around the controversial roads is ‘robust’.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has also ordered that all smart

Manjinder Kang: Suspend smart motorways until safety concerns are addressed

motorways must have vehicle detection radars by September, so that traffic speed can be slowed or lanes closed, if needed.

However, Mr Kang, who has been involved with a number of highprofile cases involving accidents on smart motorways, believes the measures don’t go far enough and is calling for the government to suspend the use of smart motorways until safety concerns are addressed.

He said: “To continue using these stretches of road while safety concerns still remain and people are still losing their lives is appalling.

“A review is needed and a clear decision made but while uncertainty remains the only safe thing to do is suspend their use and stop allowing live traffic on to the hard shoulder.”

“The only way to actually protect lives and make smart motorways safe is to reintroduce the hard shoulder.

“Motorways are dangerous roads anyway and by using the hard shoulder for live traffic it means if someone breaks down they have no where to go, and as we have seen all too often stranded motorists unfortunately find themselves involved in serious high speed collisions.

“The announcement (about the review) means that more lives will be lost as yet another review is carried out without actually pausing the roll out of smart motorways while a decision is made. It means people are still using the roads while this concern over safety remains.

“A decision needs to be made and the use of smart motorways needs to be suspended or scrapped while the safety risks around them are properly reviewed. Anything other just means unfortunately more accidents will occur and sadly lives will be lost as smart motorways remain open.”

Line-up: Some of Ketra’s new Ryder trucks

Ryder delivers DVS compliant trucks Truck rental firm Ryder has delivered 14 DAF rigid lorries to distribution firm Ketra, based in Thamesmead, south-east London.

The fleet has cabs that are designed to be compliant with the requirements of London’s Direct Vision Standard (DVS).

The new trucks will not only work for Ketra, but also for its sister business IEFS Logistics in Barking, east London, with both businesses members of the Palletways pallet network.

Both businesses are owned by former Palletways MD Martyn Young, who said: “This is the biggest trading decision for Ketra since I took it over.”

DVS compliance was a big issue for Ketra, and Mr Young said: “We needed to make the commitment to vulnerable road users in London; we wanted our trucks to be as safe as possible – and our old fleet would not have been DVS-compliant.

“This new fleet not only means that we’re compliant now, but also when the standard becomes tougher in 2024 and sets the minimum requirement at three stars – and this means we won’t need to worry about retrofitting vehicles or replacing them in three years’ time.”

Paul Eve, enterprise support manager at Ryder, said: “I’m delighted that, following a thorough and robust tender process, Martyn has put his trust in Ryder.”

3. Chamberlink June 57-76.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:23 Page 59

Business Travel

Sector Focus

June 2021 CHAMBERLINK 59

3. Chamberlink June 57-76.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:23 Page 60

Sector Focus

Finance

Europe’s first sustainabilitylinked loans are launched

Richard Bearman: Help for entrepreneurs

Gen Y leads the way for start-ups Millennials are leading the way when it comes to starting new businesses in the West Midlands, according to a start-up funder.

Start Up Loans – part of the British Business Bank – says that millennials (or generation ‘Y’) have taken up the majority of the loans it has issued in the nine years it has been operating (54 per cent).

That is based on offering more than 2,500 loans to unemployed people in the West Midlands since 2012, with the total funds pledged topping £11.3m.

Start Up Loans said it had continued to support would-be entrepreneurs during the coronavirus crisis, delivering more than £1.2m of funding in the region in the 12 months up to March of this year.

Richard Bearman, managing director, Start Up Loans said: “Start Up Loans is uniquely positioned to drive the nation’s investment in creative, entrepreneurial talent of any age, thanks to our extensive network of delivery partners and support services.

“As well as a loan, we support individuals with the practical steps they need to take to begin their own enterprise from writing business plans, accounting and marketing, as well as access to learning with partners such as The Open University.

“It is paramount that we do everything to empower the next generation of young working talent, who have an important part to play in unlocking the UK’s economic recovery, by giving them every chance to succeed, whatever their circumstances.

“Unemployment can have a catastrophic impact on an individual’s financial security, selfconfidence and ability to apply for finance from lenders, and the support provided by Start Up Loans can be of particular use to younger, less experienced business owners.”

60 CHAMBERLINK June 2021

of them had managed to put into Virgin Money has become the practice. first bank in Europe to link loans More than half (57 per cent) to business going green. said that cost made it difficult for The self-styled ‘new disruptive their business to be more force in UK banking’ says its sustainable. sustainability-linked loans (SLL) Graeme Sands, corporate and will reduce the cost of finance for mid-market director, Virgin Money those businesses whose core (pictured), said: “While businesses activities are helping the economy overwhelmingly recognise the become more environmentally importance of sustainability many, friendly. especially SMEs, struggle to The scheme was developed by translate good intentions into a Virgin Money in partnership with clear plan and are worried about Future-Fit Foundation, and is the cost and time involved in delivered through what is called implementing an ESG programme. an ‘environmental, social and “This is why we partnered with governance (ESG)’ assessment, which basically questions a ‘We firmly believe that Future-Fit Foundation, to help SMEs and other businesses business to find out how ‘green’ it we, and other banks, manage and measure sustainability. is. have a duty to direct “The benchmarking tool The FF Foundation is a charity enables us to identify those that wants to make the world capital responsibly’ businesses with capabilities that economy more environmentallyproactively drive other companies or consumers to friendly. create a more sustainable society and the loans will Virgin Money, which brings together Clydesdale help these companies grow faster and help relieve Bank, Yorkshire Bank and Virgin Money, says it is the some of the cost pressure. only bank outside the ‘Big 5’ that boasts a genuine “We firmly believe that we, and other banks, have full-service personal and business banking capability. a duty to direct capital responsibly.”

Under the new loan initiative, any business that FF Foundation co-founder Martin Rich said: “Every wants to borrow at least £250,000 and has a business must play its part in solving today’s most ‘sufficiently strong’ ESG assessment, any loan pressing social and environmental challenges, not only provided by Virgin Money won’t incur an to ensure we transition our economy to operate within arrangement fee. planetary boundaries and to meet societal needs, but Virgin Money has committed that five per cent of also because it makes sound business sense. all its business loans will be to firms driving “Any organisation which fails to step up is at risk environmental and social change by September of losing its customers and potentially its licence to 2022. operate. Getting started can be daunting, not least To back up the initiative, Virgin has carried out a for SMEs, which is why we’re excited about our survey among the UK’s small to medium enterprises collaboration with Virgin Money, who share our vision (SMEs), to find out how sustainability is to them. not only to make a positive impact but to help others Virgin says the survey revealed that a massive 85 do the same.” per cent said it was important – but only 43 per cent

Borrowing falls as economy recovers UK firms are now expected to slash their borrowing this year – and it’s all down to the economy rebounding more quickly than expected.

According to a new report into bank lending

by EY’s ITEM Club, UK firms will want to borrow £19bn this year, down from an expected £26bn just last February.

The reduction is due to less money being needed for recovery purposes.

Banks lent businesses £35.5bn in net terms (including Covid-19related Government-backed loans) last year – an eight per cent yearon-year increase – primarily to help firms through the pandemic.

With the economy re-opening, growth in lending volumes is set to

halve by the end of this year (to four per cent) and slow further in 2022 to 1.6 per cent, as businesses increasingly focus on repairing their balance sheets.

These forecast figures are modelled on the Government’s strategy for easing pandemicrelated restrictions.

The decrease in lending volumes has been accompanied by an upturn in consumer spending levels, to near pre-pandemic levels.

Anna Anthony (pictured), UK Financial Services managing partner at EY, said: “Given how difficult the last 15 months have been for millions of families and businesses up and down the country, it’s encouraging that the economic recovery will be quicker and stronger than initially

forecast. That’s not to say though that there won’t continue to be challenges ahead.

“For the banking sector, the lockdowns have had a unique and divergent impact on lending volumes. While many businesses borrowed more than normal just to survive and millions of consumers repaid record levels of personal debt and borrowed less, these patterns will likely be relatively short-lived.

“The banks will continue to support businesses and households through the pandemic and beyond, but modest lending growth on some fronts combined with the ongoing very low interest rate environment means the pressures on profitability will remain front of mind for the sector for the foreseeable future.”

3. Chamberlink June 57-76.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:23 Page 61

Finance

Sector Focus

Dan Hurd: Temporary breathing space

Firms report drop in profit warnings There has been a massive drop in the number of Midlands companies declaring profit warnings this year, despite the continuing coronavirus crisis.

According to a new profit warnings report by Ernst & Young's global strategy consulting arm, EYParthenon, Midlands quoted companies issued eight profit warnings in Q1 2021, a 78 per cent decrease from record levels in Q1 2020, when 37 were issued.

Nationally, Q1 2021 saw the biggest year-on-year percentage fall in UK profit warnings on record.

Midlands quoted companies issued the third highest number of profit warnings during the first quarter of the year, behind London (16) and the South East (10).

Profit warnings were pushed to record levels in Q1 2020 at the onset of the pandemic but began to fall from the middle of last year.

Most FTSE sectors saw significant falls in profit warning numbers at the start of 2021, as the global vaccine roll out bolstered the economy and earnings forecasts, according to the report.

However, the continued withdrawal of forecasts by 15 per cent of FTSE 350 companies indicates ongoing uncertainty.

Consumer sectors are expected to benefit from a pent-up release in demand and household savings in 2021 — especially in the second quarter, as the economy re-opens.

A stronger than expected economic outlook, is also likely to boost confidence. There will be some issues to look out for though, not least inflationary risks, which will grow as the recovery gains pace, and monetary policy remains accommodating.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the FTSE sectors issuing the most profit warnings in Q1 2021 were retailers (eight) and travel and leisure (five).

When measured by the percentage of companies in a sector issuing a warning, the top FTSE sectors were beverage (22 per cent), personal goods (20 per cent) and retailers (17 per cent).

‘This is a time for UK business to reset and ready themselves to rebuild’ Dan Hurd, EY-Parthenon UK&I turnaround and restructuring partner in the Midlands, said: “Low levels of profit warnings are an indication of a temporary breathing space for companies.

“If they haven’t already, this is a time for UK business to reset and ready themselves to rebuild. The impact of the pandemic won’t automatically reverse when lockdown ends.

“For many businesses, pressures will intensify as they restart operations.

“With Government support set to taper away this summer, we are likely to see the start of three overlapping waves of insolvency in the UK. “Companies which would have otherwise become insolvent in the past 15 months are back under pressure - the withdrawal of government support is also challenging companies weakened by the pandemic, and there are those companies which may be unable or too slow to adapt to rapid market change.”

June 2021 CHAMBERLINK 61

3. Chamberlink June 57-76.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:23 Page 62

Sector Focus

Technology

Sponsored by: NTS Communications

Tech firms are flocking to the West Midlands Hybrid working and data security When we are talking to clients at the moment the term we are hearing regularly is “hybrid work”. This is the new flexible arrangement that allow employees to split their time between the office and working remotely – often from home.

Hybrid working is likely to have huge benefits for the wellbeing of any workforce, offering employees choice and flexibility in a way that we couldn’t imagine pre-Covid. But very few businesses have the technology in place to truly ensure seamless business operations. Our solutions allow our clients to take advantage of this way of working, introducing effective methods of team collaboration leading to high levels of employee performance and customer satisfaction.

Data security and cybersecurity is a key concern when employees are working routinely from home. Phishing attacks have risen substantially in the last year and according to global insurer Hiscox, one small business in the UK is successfully hacked every 19 seconds. Cisco estimates 53% of small businesses suffered a security breach globally in 2018. When employees are using their own equipment, or working by themselves, the risks are increased. When working with clients we identify any potential data security issues as part of the specification, and we ensure the finished solution builds in data security in as standard.

If you are looking to ensure your hybrid working arrangements keep your data secure, please get in touch: Alan Pallett and Steve Ward Directors, NTS Communications Promoting Growth Through Technology Specialists in Unified Comms, Contact Centres, Cloud T: 0345 450 0333 E: info@nts-comms.co.uk W: nts-comms.co.uk

62 CHAMBERLINK June 2021

The West Midlands is becoming a clear favourite for aspiring technology businesses, as according to new analysis from leading audit, tax and consulting firm RSM, the number of technology start-ups set up in the region rose by 40 per cent last year.

A whopping 821 technology businesses were incorporated in 2020, according to data published by Companies House, compared to 585 in 2019.

Nationally, technology business incorporations rose by 13 per cent in 2020.

Amy Burton, head of RSM’s technology and media team in the West Midlands, said: “Despite the acute impact of the Covid-19 and lockdown restrictions, it’s encouraging to see such strong growth in the West Midlands tech sector as entrepreneurs seize the opportunities that the pandemic has revealed for technology to support new ways of working and digital entertainment.

“In 2020, the UK attracted $15bn in investment and sits third internationally for tech incubations according to the latest Tech Nation report – demonstrating that the UK continues to stride ahead of other European countries, despite Brexit, and remains the first-choice tech hub after the US and China.

“The UK will always be a target for investment due to the financial and private equity infrastructure; but it’s great to see growth in the West Midlands where there is a thriving and diverse tech industry with the software development, FinTech and gaming sectors fuelling regional growth.”

Amy Burton: Tech start-ups rocket

Innovators to lead smart city revolution Innovative businesses in health, social and public services industries are being challenged to lead the 5G revolution across the West Midlands, via a new project.

5PRING – the consortium delivering the UK’s first 5G commercial application accelerators – is now working with West Midlands local authorities to launch the ‘Smart Cities’ challenge.

The project is challenging start-ups and small businesses to shape the future of so-called Smart Cities, by exploring how 5G technology can be used in a variety of circumstances. A ‘Smart City’ is a city that uses technology enabled solutions across a variety of sectors to address urban issues.

The Smart Cities challenge will provide start-ups and other small businesses with support in developing and scaling 5G innovations targeted at the health, social, and public sectors.

Organisations will be working with experts from local councils across the region including Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall, and Wolverhampton. Successful applicants will have access to cutting edge technology via a private 5G network at the University of Wolverhampton Science Park and a tailored acceleration programme, as well as coaching, mentoring and expertise provided by experts from the seven West Midlands local authorities, three LEPs and the 5PRING consortium members Telefonica UK (O2), Deloitte, Wayra and Digital Catapult.

Robert Franks (pictured), managing director at WM5G, said: “At WM5G, we are committed to support the region’s recovery post-Covid – smart city technology will make a genuine and measurable difference to our towns and cities and innovation will be crucial to ensure the region thrives.”

Applications for the accelerator are open until 25 June.

Partnership extended to support students Intercity Technology, a communications, cloud, security and managed services business, has extended its partnership with social enterprise Ahead Partnership, and looks to continue supporting the career development of young people.

The partnership involves Birmingham-based Intercity delivering a number of critical programmes including work experience weeks, the campaign #TechTreksBrum, which focuses on promoting STEM subjects to students, as well as a host of opportunities for Intercity staff to showcase technology careers in local schools.

Since the partnership began in 2019, Intercity has supported more than 3,400 young people from 18 schools, colleges and universities across the West Midlands.

Stephanie Burras, chief executive at Ahead Partnership, said: “We are very proud to be working with Intercity Technology again to inspire young people from across Birmingham about career opportunities. They have shown a heartening commitment to young people who have been disadvantaged the most by the Covid19 recession.”

3. Chamberlink June 57-76.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:23 Page 63

Business bouncing back

Retail

Sector Focus

Long-awaited return of the high street Birmingham’s high-street offering is a huge part of what makes the city such a vibrant place to live, and it has been encouraging to see the return of our thriving retail and hospitality communities over recent weeks.

April saw the long-awaited easing of restrictions, with online scrolling swapped for in-store shopping, and recent figures from the British Retail Consortium show just how much people have missed the presence of bricks and mortar stores.

UK retail transactions increased by 7.3 per cent in April versus the same time in 2019, when life was once ‘normal’, boosted by fashion sales as customers prepared to get dressed up, out and socialising once again.

However, there is still much to be done as we work towards a path of recovery. Share of spending has been limited until recently, with ongoing restrictions for indoor entertainment and travel, and as lockdown eases further, there will be increasing competition for consumer spend across the market.

That said, if retailers strike the right balance between offline and online experiences, and stay engaged with their audiences, I am

Retail Therapy

By David Pardoe Head of retail, marketing and tenant engagement, The Mailbox optimistic about the future success of the sector.

A testament to the ongoing investments being made to create a customer-first, Covid-safe shopping environment, is the boost in the UK Consumer Confidence Index.

As of April 2021, the index is at its highest level since before the start of the pandemic – an encouraging indication that customers are ready to get back to the high street and enjoy in-person shopping once again.

Although some may argue that one-way systems, face-coverings and appointment-only services disrupt the nature of the customer

journey, there is little in comparison to the try-before-you-buy experience that can only be found in-store.

At Mailbox, we are embracing this next chapter, taking it as an opportunity to cement our position as a leading mixed-use development. Work is well underway at level one, which is currently undergoing its transformation into ‘Spaces’, a vibrant co-working space, and we continue to bolster our broader offering with exciting projects across retail, hospitality and leisure.

Birmingham is not only a hub of culture, but is built upon a strong

corporate community. With the news that Goldman Sachs will be establishing a new base in the city centre later this year, it is clear to see the footfall opportunities that neighbouring businesses have to offer.

Employers will be looking to promote a balanced and healthy lifestyle as their colleagues return to the workplace, and location is key to ultimately ensuring a retailer’s success. Mailbox offers prime accommodation for offices, shopping, living and leisure, with a flexible ‘on-the-doorstep’ design that can be enjoyed throughout the day.

New venue for luxury wine bar and shop A luxury wine bar and tasting house has opened its third retail shop in Knowle after securing an £80,000 loan from HSBC UK. Loki Wine used the funding to revamp an empty, run down 1,600 sq ft retail unit to create a sleek, ultra-high-end wine bar and tasting house on Station Road in Solihull town centre.

Ian Coulson, HSBC UK area director for Greater Birmingham, said that Loki Wine’s opening was a sign of commitment and confidence in high-street retailing. He said: “It’s been an extraordinary challenging year for retail, but what’s refreshing is Loki Wine’s commitment and confidence in our local high streets. The team has worked hard to get to this point and deliver a third, high-end wine shop and bar.”

As well as its growing physical retail offering, Loki Wine has diversified during the pandemic to create an online retail service. It includes a series of virtual tastings delivered by wine experts from across the globe. The business expects its online offering to grow to 40 per cent post-Covid.

Phil Innes (pictured), owner of Loki Wine, said: “Opening our third venue this month to coincide with the reopening of indoor hospitality has been an extraordinary experience and certainly wouldn’t have been possible without support from HSBC UK. At Loki Wine, we’re passionate about Britain’s high-streets and wholeheartedly believe that despite the boom of online shopping during the pandemic, our town centres will continue to play a crucial role in society and, most importantly, British culture post-Covid.”

June 2021 CHAMBERLINK 63

3. Chamberlink June 57-76.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:23 Page 64

Sector Focus

Legal

Sponsored by: Thursfields Solicitors

Warning as new rules for freelancers come into force

Paddy Eaton: Key deals

Firm oversees games service sale Law firm DWF, which has an office in Birmingham, has advised an Irish-based video games services company Keywords Studios plc on two acquisitions.

Keywords has bought games developer Climax Studios for £43m and acquired an 85 per cent interest in similar firm Tantalus Media. Climax is a UK company and Tantalus is based in Australia. These acquisitions join a list of dozens of companies bought by Keywords since 2014.

The firm was founded by exMicrosoft employee Giorgio Guastalla in 1998, in Leopardstown, and first became involved in the video game industry in 2004.

It was after the firm floated on the Alternative Investment Market in 2014 that it embarked on a strategy of expansion by acquisition.

The latest transaction follows others in the past six months, including Jinglebell Communications SRL (Italy), a provider of audio recording, music production and sound design services to the video games and advertising industries, and Indigo Pearl Ltd (UK), a full-service PR agency specialising in the video games sector, on which DWF also advised.

DWF’s corporate teams in the UK, Australia and Italy acted for Keywords on the two latest deals, led by London corporate partner Paddy Eaton.

He said: “We are hugely proud of our work with Keywords Studios, using our global platform to support such a dynamic business with its international growth.

“We look forward to seeing these businesses flourish as part of the Keywords family.”

Andrew Kennedy, head of legal at Keywords, said: “We were very pleased with the support provided

by Paddy and the rest of the DWF team on these transactions and we look forward to working with them again as we continue to deliver on our growth strategy.”

64 CHAMBERLINK June 2021

A Midlands employment lawyer has warned businesses across the region that sweeping changes to rules on using contractors or freelancers have now come into force.

The warning is from Sally Morris, partner and head of employment at Worcestershire law firm Mfg Solicitors, after the so-called IR35 changes came into effect last month.

The new rules see employers of medium and large businesses having responsibility for determining whether a contractor is ‘inside’ or ‘outside’ the business, either in the public or private sector.

‘In many ways the rules are an unfair burden on businesses’ These rules have been introduced by HMRC to crackdown on what it sees as people avoiding national insurance and income tax by supplying their services through personal service companies.

The issue has been rumbling on for years, and is widely seen to be aimed at well-heeled celebrities, such as footballers, TV presenters and actors.

Eamonn Holmes, Lorraine Kelly and Gary Lineker are among those caught up in the row.

According to the ‘Financial Times’, a tax tribunal last month heard that ‘Match of the Day’ presenter Lineker allegedly owed

Sally Morris: New rules are an ‘unfair burden’

the taxman £4.9m after passing himself off as a freelancer, even though he was ‘effectively employed’ by the BBC. The case is ongoing, and it should be pointed out that the taxman has already lost a number of these tribunals, with one organisation, ContractorCalculator, reportedly calling the Lineker situation ‘grossly unfair’.

Ms Morris said: “I am concerned that many businesses here in the Midlands are unaware of the seriousness and complexity of the new rules which came into force on 6 April. But they are here now and here to stay.

“In many ways the rules are an unfair burden on businesses who rely on using specialist contractors as from now a number of liabilities pass over to them. This includes them having to determine the

status of the contractor for tax purposes and being responsible for issues such as National Insurance contributions and employment taxes if the contractor is a deemed employee.

“It’s an issue many don’t need but must understand if they are to stay on the right side of the new rules in relation to engagements with existing and new contractors.

Those who don’t risk impact on their finances and their reputation.”

Ms Morris added that small businesses in the private sector are currently not subject to the same obligations but still have to comply with certain guidelines and conditions set out by HMRC in relation to IR35.

The new rules could rake in as much as £1.3bn in 2023/24, according to Mfg.

Switching off might impact flexibility A Birmingham employment law specialist has warned that giving employees the ‘right to disconnect’ could have a negative impact on flexible working policies.

Eileen Schofield, of Schofield and Associates and vice-president of the Greater Birmingham Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce, believes that implementing the right to disconnect would mean some of the flexible working benefits could be lost.

The right to disconnect has been enshrined in law in Ireland, and means that employees have the right to switch off from work outside of their normal hours, which includes responding to emails and other digital communications.

Ms Schofield (pictured) said that calls for a similar clause to be inserted in a forthcoming bill in the UK – the Employment Bill – have gained momentum, but this could potentially have a detrimental impact on future flexible working polices.

She said: “The principle of the right to disconnect is good and I believe that the UK should follow in

Ireland’s footsteps - however, the timing needs to be right to work effectively. The pandemic has allowed companies and employees to realise the benefits of truly flexible working hours, which supports colleagues working around their home responsibilities.

“While some staff have benefited from this flexibility, clearly others have struggled to truly switch off after work.

“The right to disconnect is the right of an employee to not routinely perform work outside normal working hours – however, over the last 12 months not everyone has worked ‘normal hours’.

“The challenge with applying a right to disconnect just now is that employees are becoming accustomed to choosing different working hours every day, but the right to disconnect is likely to mean that this total flexibility will not be completely viable.

“In my view, any such change as part of the Employment Bill should be deferred until at least late 2022 to allow employers and employees to determine the ‘new normal’ for their business.”

3. Chamberlink June 57-76.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:23 Page 65

Legal

Sector Focus

Prepare for the cost of redundancies Smaller businesses looking to reduce their workforces should urgently prepare for the costs of redundancies, following changes to the coronavirus job retention scheme made late last year.

That’s the warning from human resources experts The HR Dept, which provides human resources advice and support for more than 6,500 small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) across the UK and Ireland.

Rule changes last December mean that furlough grants can no longer be used to contribute towards notice pay, something that HR Dept believes many smaller businesses will be unaware of.

The firm believes this will prove a major challenge for some small businesses, many of which are struggling to survive this crisis, once the furlough period comes to an end in September.

HR Dept director Sara Abbott said: “Last year, employers could use the furlough grant to cover the redundancy notice period, topping up the remaining 20 per cent to full pay.

“Employers might not realise that this 80 per cent contribution towards notice can’t happen again. As things stand, changes in furlough rules mean that the employer will not be able to use the furlough grant and will need to pay the notice in full, without government support.

“Other employers may not understand employees’ statutory rights to notice periods, or age factoring when considering redundancy pay.

“In any case, employers need to be aware of these issues and start preparing now.

“Particularly where the employees facing redundancy have long service – this is likely, as they are the most experienced and will have been the most expensive to make redundant last year and remain on furlough – the coming costs could well push businesses under.”

‘Employers might not realise that this 80 per cent contribution towards notice can’t happen again’ To avoid this, the HR Dept is calling for a further change to the rules to allow the furlough grant to once again be used to contribute towards notice pay again, as was the situation last year.

Ms Abbott said: “If the furlough grants could be put towards notice pay again, employers could potentially start the redundancy process now.

Then, if the situation proves less dire than expected, they simply retain the employee and stop the notice period – at no additional cost to the business or the taxpayer. If the redundancy still needs to take place, much of the notice pay cost has already been absorbed.

“It wouldn’t cost the Government any extra.

However, with the reality of redundancies rapidly approaching, this measure would let small businesses take those decisions now, so we can avoid a mass of insolvencies further down the line.”

Sara Abbott: Government should reverse furlough regulation changes

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

You have a Business, but do you have a Lasting Power of Attorney?

Ian Bond

Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) appoint people to make decisions for you if you are unable to do so yourself. These decisions can be in relation to financial or healthbased affairs.

However, did you know that you can also have an LPA for your business affairs?

It is often assumed that someone can make business decisions for you, if you are unable to do so yourself. Unfortunately, this is not necessarily the case.

decisions for reasons such as incapacity, illness or being away on holiday. Your nominated attorney(s) would be able to pay wages, fulfil orders, sign documents and more.

A business LPA can be tailored to suit all types of businesses e.g. sole traders, partnerships and directorships and works alongside Partnership Agreements and Articles of Association.

Business decisions can be covered by a normal financial LPA, but we recommend that you have separate documents to avoid conflicts of interest. After all, decisions in your best interests may not be in the best interests of your business!

If you decide to take this step, it is important to choose an attorney who is: • Suitably qualified to make business decisions • Trustworthy

What is a business LPA? This is where a business LPA comes in. This document acts as a safety net if you cannot make business

• Profession specific – For a law firm, you should consider appointing at least one lawyer to act as an attorney.

Choosing the right attorney is vital.

Family or friends are good for your personal affairs, but are they the right people to run your business if you cannot do this yourself?

These are key factors to consider not only for your own peace of mind but also for the continuity of your business.

What happens if you lose capacity without a business LPA? Businesses are usually based on Partnership Agreements or Articles of Association. These background documents outline what should happen if an owner loses capacity or is otherwise absent. However, if you are unsure of what might happen to your business in these circumstances, it is important to check or seek legal advice.

Without having your affairs in order, an application to the Court of Protection may be needed to appoint a deputy instead.

The court process is often lengthy and costly, and you might

find that the court applies restrictions to what the appointed Deputy can do. There is also the risk that the court may appoint a deputy that you may not have approved yourself.

This could leave your business in a vulnerable position and so it is well worth considering your options sooner rather than later.

For advice please contact Ian Bond of Thursfields Solicitors on 0345 20 73 72 8 or ibond@thursfields.co.uk Visit www.thursfields.co.uk to learn more about the full range of services available for you and your business.

June 2021 CHAMBERLINK 65

3. Chamberlink June 57-76.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:23 Page 66

Sector Focus Gensler moves to new home The Birmingham branch of global architecture and design firm Gensler has settled into new offices at No. 4 St Philip’s Place.

Gensler Birmingham made the move after outgrowing their previous home at the Custard Factory in Digbeth, where the business has been located for the past six years.

The firm has grown by 30 per cent in the last year alone.

The new office, Gensler Birmingham says, will showcase its latest workplace research and celebrate the firm’s culture and the evolution of its growth.

Tariq Shaikh, managing director at Gensler, said: “We’re excited about our move to the St Philip’s Place and the opportunity to further grow our network and partner with clients from within the Colmore Business District.

“Relocating at this time offers us an ideal opportunity to determine the next generation of working environment, tailored around the needs of our design teams and informed by our research and learnings over the last year.

“Our new home will provide a flexible range of work settings, perfectly suited to our hybrid workforce, allowing us to create together and consistently deliver industry leading design.”

Property

String of new developments to pick up slow office market Birmingham’s office market had a sluggish and quiet first quarter of the year, according to real estate adviser Avison Young’s latest ‘Big Nine’ office market update.

Take-up of office space amounted to just 49,837 sq ft in the city centre and 20,326 sq ft out-of-town, a staggering 73 per cent below the ten-year average.

The largest city centre deal was 16,499 sq ft of space secured by Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) at B1 Summerhill Road, building on an initial 49,000 sq ft deal in 2020.

‘The flight to quality over size is a clear and accelerating trend’ The out-of-town market was led by recruitment firm Adecco’s 9,114 sq ft letting at T3, Trinity Park, Solihull.

According to the report, 19 of Birmingham’s deals in the first quarter were for under 5,000 sq ft of space, including two 4,000 sq ft lettings, to law firm Clarke Willmott at 9 Colmore Row and Sandwell College at 13 Bennetts Hill.

Despite subdued demand, Avison Young has said that a string of developments under construction were likely to make a dent on the city’s office market activity.

Key schemes under construction include Tristan’s 228,000 sq ft at 103 Colmore Row; 40,000 sq ft at

Slow start: Charles Toogood

STEAMhouse by Birmingham City University; 280,000 sq ft at 1 Centenary Way, Paradise and CBREGi’s major refurbishment of 213,000 sq ft of space at 8/10 Brindleyplace.

Charles Toogood, principal and managing director, national offices team at Avison Young, is confident that as Covid restrictions continue to ease, activity is likely to increase later in the year.

He said: “A combination of lockdown and the traditionally slow start to the year has not surprisingly resulted in well below average take-up activity for the Big Nine office markets during Q1, particularly in Birmingham.

“However, sentiment is improving noticeably, enquiries are increasing and there is enough

recent activity in both the occupier and investment markets for us to be confident that as restrictions ease, activity will increase throughout the year.

“In both the city and out-of-town markets in Birmingham, the flight to quality over size is a clear and accelerating trend, seen in the volume of smaller deals coming through, with occupiers looking for less but better-quality space.

“However, there is limited stock and some buyers are understandably cautious about the quality of covenants and length of leases. With this in mind, Birmingham’s strong pipeline will provide much needed quality supply that will be in demand as 2021 and 2022 unfold.”

Blythe Valley Park neighbourhood hub complete

New neighbourhood: Richard Knight and Tom Holdcroft, of IM Properties, at the £7.5m centre 66 CHAMBERLINK June 2021

A £7.5m neighbourhood hub developed at Blythe Valley Park (BVP) has been completed.

Situated adjacent to BVP’s Virgin Active Gym, the new centre includes a convenience shop and space for a retail or food outlet, with the potential for an outdoor seating area and 48 modern apartments, 36 of which will be rented and retained by IM Properties, which owns the park.

Renewable green technology provides power to communal areas at the hub, and residents can access an electric pool car for short journeys, electric car charging points and cycle storage for up to 40 bikes at the centre.

The neighbourhood hub is part of a residential development being constructed at the park, which is home to business giants such as Arup and Gymshark.

More than 750 new homes are currently being built at BVP, with Bloor Homes and Crest Nicholson on site constructing homes, and affordable housing being built by Bromford Homes. An 80-bed care facility is also currently under construction by Macc Care Group.

Richard Knight, technical director at IM

Properties, said that as the residential community at the park expands, the firm has plans to open more public spaces.

“We’ve invested significantly at BVP to create high quality spaces which underpin our ambition to create one of the first truly mixed-use schemes in the Midlands which seamlessly blends residential and commercial uses.

“With a site wide focus on wellbeing, we’ve made the most of the 122 acres of surrounding parkland and incorporated green open spaces and high-quality working and living environments which promote a good work life balance and healthy, happy lifestyles.

“As the residential community grows, we’re phasing the implementation of new public open spaces and play areas to encourage a flow of movement across the entire scheme, connecting up cycle routes and walkways, so everyone can enjoy the benefits of the wide-ranging assets.

“The new neighbourhood centre helps to connect the commercial and residential phases and add to the buzz of community life at the heart of the scheme, with people living, working and enjoying leisure time alongside.”

3. Chamberlink June 57-76.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:23 Page 67

Property

Green light for student accommodation scheme A £24m managed student accommodation block in Stirchley has been given the green light by Birmingham City Council.

Developer Alumno has been granted planning permission to construct the accommodation on the former BT Telephone Exchange brownfield site on Dogpool Lane.

The residence will accommodate the growing number of students attending the local universities and dental hospital, taking pressure off private housing in the area.

The development has been designed by Glenn Howells Architects.

Dav Bansal, partner at Glenn Howells Architects, said: “The elegantly crafted red brickterracotta design of Dogpool Lane responds to several key local landmarks, including the red brick Selly Park Church and Dogpool Lane Hotel.

“Once completed, it will provide students with an attractive place to live, study and socialise in a healthy and sustainable environment. The project also reinstates a piece of underutilised green space as a matured setting for the building for

New kid on the block: The new Dogpool Lane development

both students and the local community to enjoy.

“The scheme has been a culmination of the many lessons learnt and experiences working with our long-standing client Alumno, and we believe this will not only provide a much needed and sustainable home to embed students in the wider community, but also a catalyst for regenerating this local neighbourhood.”

The development will house 167 residents, and include a reception

and communal areas. The site will also feature public art being created via an initiative led by Birmingham poet laureate Casey Bailey in partnership with the Ikon Gallery, Writing West Midlands and pupils of the neighbouring Selly Park Girls School.

Promoting a cleaner local environment, the development will be car free, with students prohibited from bringing vehicles to Birmingham through their tenancy agreements.

Sector Focus Affordable homes for sports ground Affordable homes built at former Victoria Carpets Sports Ground in Kidderminster, developed by Living Space Housing, have been handed over to social housing provider Stonewater.

Forty-eight homes are part of the first tranche to be completed at the complex 5.4-acre site, which has a project development value in excess of £8m.

The site located on Spennells Valley Road has lain derelict for a number of years, as previously planned uses for the site were seen as uneconomic because of the work needed to mitigate flood risk.

The developable area at the site has been raised by at least one metre and a pluvial flow water course has been created below ground to mitigate damage, if a flood was to occur.

Steve Davies, managing director of Living Space Housing, said: “Transforming this derelict former sports ground has been our most technically challenging project to date. We have worked successfully with all stakeholders to fully mitigate a number of complexities faced from the geographical position of this site and the whole team is proud of what has been delivered.”

June 2021 CHAMBERLINK 67

3. Chamberlink June 57-76.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:23 Page 68

Sector Focus

68 CHAMBERLINK June 2021

Manufacturing

3. Chamberlink June 57-76.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:23 Page 69

Manufacturing

A new lease of life for former Daimler car factory

Powerhouse: James Davies (front left) with Mike Vining (Wigley), Chenine Bhathena, Roger Medwell, (Godiva Awakes Trust, which Imagineer is part of), Zamaurd Hussain, Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, and Robert Wigley, with aerial artistes Luka Owen and Daniel Connor

The major transformation of the only remaining part of the Daimler car factory in Coventry into a £2.4m creative hub in time for UK City of Culture 2021 has been completed on time and on budget

by Midlands developer The Wigley Group.

The company, which has its headquarters in Stockton, Warwickshire, owns Sandy Lane Business Park, where the building that will house the Daimler Powerhouse Creation Centre is located, and the refurbishment works have been carried out by its construction arm, Wigley Building and Development.

The creative hub will be run by Imagineer Productions and has been funded through £1.9m from the Cultural Capital Investment Fund from Coventry City Council and the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s Growth Deal.

The site will include a sound recording studio and edit suite, and a newly installed sprung dance floor and vertical dance wall.

The Powerhouse building is the only remaining part of the original Daimler factory where the first Daimler car was built in 1897 - the rest of the factory, a disused cotton mill, was destroyed during Second

World War bombing.

The first Daimler was a Panhard engined vehicle, but Coventryengined cars soon followed, and by mid-1897 the factory was building three vehicles a week.

The factory’s transformation is the first phase of the wider regeneration of the seven-acre site on Sandy Lane in north Coventry, with phase two being a new residential-led, mixed-use development, subject to planning permission.

‘Plans to create a vibrant new neighbourhood for living and work, culture and leisure’ Wigley managing director James Davies said: “Imagineer has been based at our Sandy Lane site for many years and we have been working with them on plans for a creative hub for a considerable amount of time, so it’s great to see it almost ready to open.

“It has been a joint project with a number of partners to create a cultural legacy on a site of great historical importance to the city and we look forward to seeing how

it can develop the talents of existing and emerging artists and creatives well beyond this important year for Coventry as UK City of Culture.

“The Powerhouse is of course the first phase of the wider regeneration of the industrial estate and in the coming weeks we will be bringing forward detailed proposals for phase two of our plans to create a vibrant new neighbourhood for living and work, culture and leisure.”

Chenine Bhathena, creative director of Coventry City of Culture Trust, said: “This new creation centre in the heart of the Coventry Canal’s creative corridor will be a laboratory for new artistic innovation.”

As well as providing a home for Imagineer’s innovative education and training programmes aimed at young people and people with disabilities, the Daimler Powerhouse will also be home to five resident companies, Imagineer, Highly Sprung, Media Mania, Open Theatre and Talking Birds.

Daimler Powerhouse will open to the public in August as part of Coventry’s UK City of Culture Programme with a weekend of special events, performances and opportunities to visit the building.

Sector Focus PureSan system is always on A new ground-breaking ‘always-on’ room sanitiser system has been launched to help businesses create a clinically clean indoor environment.

The device will prevent the transmission of harmful viruses and bacteria, including coronavirus, says its maker, Bangor-based PureSan. The room sanitiser system uses innovative atomising technology to continuously eradicate viruses, bacteria and fungi from the air and on all surfaces within an indoor environment.

The system produces a micro mist that produces no harmful by-products and is approved for use on food contact surfaces.

Each system is programmed to operate over a particular timescale, and at a certain frequency at which it emits the sanitiser solution. It also reports on when it requires a refill.

It is designed to operate in many commercial environments, including dental practices, large office spaces and schools, and can create a clinically clean indoor area within just two to 24 hours.

Peter Barnes, product director of PureSan, explained: “The new PureSan room sanitiser system is a truly ground-breaking solution that will help businesses across the country protect both staff and customers as lockdown measures continue to ease.

“Its ability to create an ‘always clinically clean’ indoor environment creates peace of mind and is demonstrated by independent lab test results, which showcase the efficacy of the product when in constant use.

“For example, when tested in a busy dental practice and 350-seat contact centre, PureSan successfully eradicated all viruses, bacteria and fungi within a 24-hour period despite continuous use of the space by staff.

“Therefore, as public facing businesses re-open and increasing numbers of people start to socialise within indoor environments, PureSan not only keeps people safe and in work, but also prevents the cost of staff absenteeism due to sickness and the cost of manual sanitisation.”

June 2021 CHAMBERLINK 69

3. Chamberlink June 57-76.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:23 Page 70

Sector Focus

Sport

The Business of Sport Belfry welcomes iconic tournament The Belfry Hotel & Resort has successfully hosted the 2021 British Masters golf tournament.

It was the first time that the British Masters has been held at the Belfry since 2008.

The Belfry hosted the championship three times between 2006 and 2008, and the latter was actually the last time it was played until 2015.

Belfry general manager Chris Eigelaar said prior to the event: “We are very proud to be hosting Betfred British Masters 2021 at the resort and look forward to welcoming players back to our iconic Brabazon course. We are honoured to add another first-class event to The Belfry’s rich golfing heritage.”

The Belfry has a lengthy history of hosting significant golf tournaments – it has held the Ryder Cup four times, as well as 17 European Tour events.

The latest event took place behind closed doors but was broadcast live on Sky Sports.

Wasps stadium renamed as new owner is announced Coventry’s Ricoh Arena is being renamed the Coventry Building Society Arena, venue owner Wasps Group has announced.

Electronics firm Ricoh had been the venue’s sponsor since it opened in 2005, but their sponsorship – worth a reputed £10m – ended after 13 years.

Wasps – best known for its toptier rugby team – has been searching for a successor ever since.

Coventry Building Society Arena has agreed to be the stadium sponsor for the next ten years from this summer, for an undisclosed sum. The building society is UK’s second largest building society, and the sponsorship agreement comes as the venue prepares to once again welcome back Coventry City Football Club for next season.

Wasps Group chief executive Stephen Vaughan said: “We are thrilled to be joining forces with

Name of the game: (from left) Adam Benson, Steve Hughes, Stephen Vaughan and Darin Landon

Coventry Building Society as we embark on a hugely exciting period for the venue with the imminent return of Wasps and Coventry City supporters.”

Coventry Building Society CEO Steve Hughes said: “Two of the

biggest brands in the area joining forces shows our commitment to the city and it comes at an exciting time when UK City of Culture and the Commonwealth Games brings Coventry into the international spotlight.”

Bet on us: Blues’ stars Lukas Jutkiewicz (left) and George Friend

Birmingham City extend main shirt sponsorship Birmingham City has announced that its main shirt sponsor has extended its partnership with the club for another two seasons.

Bookies Boyle Sports has sponsored the Championship club for the past two years, in what was the Blues’ biggest sponsorship deal for more than a decade.

Blues said that during its tenure as main kit sponsor, Boyle Sports has also donated to its charity partners, including University Hospitals Birmingham.

Founded in 1982, Boyle Sports is Ireland's largest independent bookmaker. Headquartered in 70 CHAMBERLINK June 2021

Dundalk, County Louth, the organisation has more than 320 branches throughout Ireland and the UK. Blues chief commercial officer Ian Dutton said: “It is no secret that the sports industry has been severely impacted over the past 18 months, so for Boyle Sports to pledge its future to the club before the season has finished is fantastic news for players, staff and fans alike.

“On behalf of the board and everyone associated with the club, I would like to thank Boyle Sports for its continued support for the next two seasons.”

3. Chamberlink June 57-76.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:23 Page 71

Member Profile

Member Section

Chamber Insight Focus on a member

Name: Kevin Blair Company: Atmos VR Ltd Job Title: Managing director

What does your company do?

Atmos VR Ltd is a virtual, augmented and extended reality technologies company, providing corporate bespoke solutions. This summer, we’re opening In a Box, In a Box, In a Box – a sociallydistanced, multi-player, arenascale, free-roaming, 4D, VR game experience in Digbeth.

How did it all start?

I had my first experience with VR while serving in the Royal Air Force.

Later, while running my own events business, Pokemon Go AR became popular. It seemed obvious that Virtual Reality would be a great entertainment technology. The pandemic has accelerated the digital transformation.

What’s your greatest achievement so far?

My son is my greatest achievement. Business-wise, and with the help of my fellow director, securing £1m funding for a public entertainment business in the middle of a pandemic is something I’m really proud of.

What is the biggest risk you’ve ever taken – and did it work out?

I came up with the idea of running a public golf show, based at the NEC in 2006 and although it was great, it was a very stressful learning experience.

What keeps you awake at night?

Opening a public entertainment experience in a pandemic. Will the Government bring in another lockdown and will we have to delay our opening?

If you could turn the clock back, what would you do differently?

Nothing, I’m a firm believer in being where you should be at the present time, because of past decisions. There’s no such thing as a mistake; every stumbling block is simply a life lesson – an opportunity to learn and grow.

What has surprised you most in your job?

The patience of my wife, which I do test sometimes, it’s like an unbreakable elastic.

What advice would you give to someone starting out?

That’s a good question. Make sure that you’re solving a problem.

Persevere and don’t doubt yourself. But, at the same time don’t be too arrogant to listen to those with more experience than yourself. You can always keep learning.

Which business do you most admire?

Space X – I’m a massive Elon Musk fan and love what they are doing with Starship.

What exciting projects is your business working on?

We’re opening In a Box, In a Box, In a Box – an arena scale fully immersive 4D free roaming Virtual Reality Experience in Digbeth this summer, there is nothing like it in the world, literally.

What made you join Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and how are you making use of your membership?

You can’t succeed in anything without support. The Chamber offers multiple opportunities to expand connections and share in the successes and learnings from other members. Birmingham has a thriving tech community and a brilliant social one too, I couldn’t imagine being based anywhere else. We’re offering Chamber members early bird group deals for their people to enjoy the experience at favourable rates. A great way to team bond in person, while staying socially-distanced, so I'd urge them to get in touch with me so we can work something out.

Tel: 0121 514 2279 Visit: www.atmosvr.co.uk

June 2021 CHAMBERLINK 71

3. Chamberlink June 57-76.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:23 Page 72

Member Section

New Members

New Members

Whatever your business size and requirements, the Chamber has a membership scale to suit your needs.

For more information visit: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/membership

Your guide to new recent sign-ups Achech UK Limited Manufacturing Wen-Nu Hsu 0121 243 6630 www.achech.co.uk GBCCC Aldridge Air Conditioning Construction Liam Margetson 01543 505005 www.aldridge.af Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce AMMO and Company Ltd Supplier of ceremonial accoutrements and bespoke fieldwear Tommy Dalman 0121 772 2999 www.ammoandco.co.uk Transatlantic Chamber Barclays Bank PLC Financial and insurance activities Kurt Pollard 0800 015 4242 www.barclays.com Asian Business Chamber of Commerce Beaver Floorcare Consultants Administrative and support service activities John Campton 01564 742095 www.beaverfloorcare.co.uk Solihull Chamber of Commerce BoConcept Birmingham Retail, furniture and interior design David Brimson 0121 661 4980 www.boconcept.co.uk Birmingham Chamber of Commerce BodyPR Limited Manufacturing Akkshada Shah 07505 050555 www.technoshape.net Birmingham Chamber of Commerce BritAsia TV Ltd Information and communication Tony Shergill 0333 444 0840 www.britasia.tv Birmingham Chamber of Commerce C R Products Ltd Automotive and manufacturing Mike Westwood 01384 210613 www.c-rproducts.com Birmingham Chamber of Commerce 72 CHAMBERLINK June 2021

Chaps Contracting Services Ltd Professional, scientific and technical activities Busara Bates 07885 813231 www.gochaps.co.uk Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce Chauffeur Services Direct Transportation and storage Dave Griffin 07767 206042 www.csdchauffeur.co.uk Solihull Chamber of Commerce DORCAS Human health and social work activities Tessa Clarke 07943 173 766 Asian Business Chamber of Commerce Fruition Accountancy Professional, scientific and technical activities John Moore 01543 483 500 www.fruitionaccountancy.co.uk Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce Healthcare Supply Solutions Human health and social work activities Ken Hall 07557 508 349 www.healthcaresupplysolutions.co. uk Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Lawyers Arts Club Other service activities Alexander Mahrra 07506 406057 www.lawyersartsclub.com Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Library of Birmingham/BIPC Birmingham Arts, entertainment and recreation Yvonne Barker 0121 242 4242 www.birmingham.gov.uk/libraryof birmingham Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Partners with Industry Community Interest Company Professional, scientific and technical activities Richard Pugh 07862 759138 www.partnerswithindustry.org.uk Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

3. Chamberlink June 57-76.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:23 Page 73

New Members

Member Section

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

connect, support and grow.

Prospot Ltd Manufacturing Karen Jewkes 01827 254829 www.prospot.co.uk Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce Recoup Business Consultants Ltd Professional, scientific and technical activities Jeff Caddick 01827 264487 www.recoupconsultants.co.uk Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce Right Digital Solutions Professional, scientific and technical activities Tim Hubbard 020 7466 4700 www.rightdigitalsolutions.com Birmingham Chamber of Commerce SH Projects Construction Sam Harper

01564 335820 www.shprojectsltd.co.uk Solihull Chamber of Commerce Sovereign Exhibitions and Events Ltd Administrative and support service activities Brett Healy 01676 549 000 www.sovereignexhibitions.co.uk Solihull Chamber of Commerce Stoer Studio Manufacturing Chris Stoer 07715 887520 www.stoerstudio.com Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Telecom Central Information and communication David Hamilton 0333 320 9920 www.telecomcentral.co.uk Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

June 2021 CHAMBERLINK 73

3. Chamberlink June 57-76.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:23 Page 74

Member Section

Competition

...any other business A roundup of news from Chamber members

Funding to improve Digbeth and extend transport links Cheque this out: Ashley Kensington with Sian Dhillon (St Basils)

Homeless charity gets funding boost A Property firm St Joseph has raised £10,000 for Birminghambased youth homelessness charity, St Basils.

The firm’s kind-hearted staff raised the cash after taking 10 million steps in just 10 days, travelling some 3,798 miles in the process. The donation is set to be used by St Basils to accommodate and provide support to some of the most vulnerable people in the region.

Established in 1972, St Basils helps 5,000 young people per year, and housed more than 1,200 vulnerable young people last year at its 37 supported accommodation sites.

Jean Templeton, chief executive at St Basils, said: “We are incredibly grateful to St Joseph’s staff team who have put so much personal effort into raising funds for St Basils.

“This is way beyond the extra mile, literally. Young people tell us that being cared about is really important. Colleagues at St Joseph have really demonstrated how much they care about keeping young people safe and ensuring their lives are not blighted by homelessness.

Thank you to everyone one of you. It means a lot.”

Ashley Kensington, managing director at St Joseph, said: “St Joseph shares St Basils’ commitment to supporting young people.

“The charity provides vital services in the West Midlands, preventing and combatting youth homelessness, while helping many young people to regain the stability they need to rebuild their lives.”

The £10,000 raised includes match funding from the Berkeley Foundation – an independent charitable foundation set up by the Berkeley Group.

74 CHAMBERLINK June 2021

The revival of Birmingham’s ‘creative quarter’ has taken another step forward with the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) ploughing £15.4m into the redevelopment of Digbeth High Street.

Starting next month, the development will transform Digbeth High Street into a pedestrianfriendly space, with major improvements to public transport, and a reduction in traffic.

The work will be completed as part of construction for the Birmingham Eastside Metro extension.

The £227m extension will only be approximately just over a mile in length and will run from Bull Street to Digbeth, adding four new tram stops to the Metro network.

More than half of the route will have no overhead wires, similar to the recently opened extension from Grand Central to Centenary Square.

LEP chairman Tim Pile said: “Digbeth High Street is at the heart of Birmingham’s Eastside. This redevelopment will transform how visitors, business and residents use this major city centre corridor.

“The £15.4m Enterprise Zone funding will make a difference through enabling wider public realm works that will complement the West Midlands Metro as well as proving improving the environment for walkers, cyclists and public transport users. These

improvements will also maximise upon Digbeth’s location near the landmark Curzon HS2 station.

“Across Birmingham, our Enterprise Zone locations have acted as the catalyst for wider investment and development. This scheme is just another example of how working with our partners in Birmingham City Council, we are driving inclusive economic growth while creating better places for our communities to live and work in.”

‘Support jobs and investment in the Digbeth area for years to come’ West Midlands mayor Andy Street said: “These improvements to Digbeth High Street demonstrate how investment in transport infrastructure, in this case our Eastside Metro extension, can have a transformative effect and trigger further investment in our towns and cities.

“It is great that work is set to start this summer, creating local jobs at what is a critical time as we recover from the Covid pandemic. The improved transport links and street environment will also help support jobs and investment in the Digbeth area for years to come.”

Thinktank opens doors to visitors Thinktank, the Birmingham Science Museum, has reopened to visitors and has introduced a new gallery, ‘Our Changing Planet’.

Our Changing Planet has been opened at a time when climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity.

The exhibition will explore how humans have impacted the world and its other residents, the planet’s wildlife.

The exhibition features more than 150 items, from pre-historic tools to the first plastic invented in Birmingham, and from the first prototype vehicle to travel under its own power on Britain’s roads, to part of the first computer used at the Longbridge car factory.

Our Changing Planet investigates how pollution, habitat destruction, species extinction and climate change are radically altering landscapes and lives all over the world. A green sea turtle, corals, platypus and other vulnerable species will illustrate how humanity’s impact on the natural

Open again: Thinktank Museum

world has intensified through time.

Thinktank museum manager Laurence Butler said: “We’re over the moon to be able to welcome visitors back to Thinktank. Our steam engines will be pumping, the city of MiniBrum will be open for play and the brand new Our Changing Planet gallery will be ready to explore. We’ll be limiting capacity and admission will be by pre-booking only, to ensure our

visitors have a safe and fun-packed day out.”

Before the coronavirus pandemic forced Thinktank to close its doors the museum had one of its most successful years on record with more than 243,000 people and 45,500 school children visiting.

Thinktank has more than 200 hands-on displays, and showcases many amazing items from the city’s science and engineering collection.

3. Chamberlink June 57-76.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:23 Page 75

3. Chamberlink June 57-76.qxp_Chamberlink 28/05/2021 10:23 Page 76