Chamberlink June 22

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The official publication of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

CHAMBER June 2022

Free to Members £5.00 where sold

LINK

Law firm’s patron brief Long-standing members Mills & Reeve step up - See page 5 • The global star taking Royal Ballet to the world • Catch up with latest arts news in new feature

Picture: Marc Kirsten

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Contents Chamberlink June 2022 Business News

Chamber Group

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Editor’s View John Lamb discusses the importance of transparency in a filtered age

36 International Trade: Opportunities in Georgia

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Business News National law firm becomes Chamber patron

12 President’s Focus Tony Elvin, president of Solihull Chamber

38 ABCC: Nominations open for annual awards 40 Cannock Chase: Wellbeing trail helps families get outdoors 41 Burton & District: How 2022 is shaping the region

16 The Griffin Report Carlos Acosta, director of Birmingham Royal Ballet

42 Lichfield & Tamworth: College plans relocation

20 Where do you fancy?

Jacques of Knowle

43 Sutton Coldfield: Crackdown on fake reviews welcomed

Features

44 Solihull: Awards night makes return

Chamber Patrons 32 NEC Group to deliver EV charging hub

46 Future Faces: Sponsors announced for awards

34 Birmingham welcomes indie marketplace

50 Charitable Causes, Promotion & Partnership: The benefits of a domestic abuse policy 52 How Midlands Air Ambulance Charity can support your business 55 Tourism & Hospitality: The key to corporate hospitality

Events 1813 Club and Premier Members

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48 The latest comprehensive list of Chamber training courses and events

56 Libraries aren’t just full of books

Sector Focus 58 Business Travel: New stations for train line 60 Finance: Increase in borrowing as cost of living rises 62 The Arts: Return of dance festival 63 Technology: IT firm partners with EE 64 Legal: Law firm embark on jobs drive 66 Property: Rates hike for industrial units 69 Manufacturing: Zero-emission tech creates jobs 70 Sport: Medal designs revealed

Member Section 72 New Members Chamber welcomes new members 73 News Extra Midlands team support European acquisition

16

35

74 …any other business News from Chamber businesses

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

CHAMBER LINK

The official publication of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Cannock Chase

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

Chamber of Commerce

Sutton Coldfield

Greater Birmingham

Chamber

Commonwealth

of Commerce

Chamber of Commerce

Greater Birmingham

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

Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce

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

June 2022 CHAMBERLINK 3

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Opinion

Editor’s View

By John Lamb

Putting transparency first he camera, they used to say, cannot lie.

That has never been true. Pictures have been doctored for years. Innocent practices like reversing a picture of a person in a news paper page so that the subject was looking into the story not away from it was and is commonplace.

I remember a night editor asking for a picture of Margaret Thatcher looking left. It was also meant as a joke, of course.

Then there was a contract issue involving a famous tennis player when he gesticulated at the umpire during a Centre Court singles match at Wimbledon.

The agency photograph of the incident had a wide gap of nothingness between the player and the umpire’s chair so the picture editor on one newspaper chopped out the middle to bring the two warring partiers closer. In doing so, he managed to delete the player’s bag which had the branding of a well-known tennis gear manufacturer emblazoned on it.

The player was contracted with the kit manufacturer to place the bag in a prominent position near the umpire’s chair so that the branding was picked up by television and other media coverage.

There was an ensuing dispute between all parties which, in the end, was settled out of court, I believe.

Many people of a certain age will remember the Spot the Ball football competitions which provoked a circulation war between red top newspapers. It would show a goalmouth scramble but the ball was deleted.

The reader had to guess where the ball was when the picture was taken. However, the powers that be decided this was a game of chance and broke some form of gambling

T

FRONT COVER: Chamber CEO Henrietta Brealey and Mills & Reeve’s head of Birmingham office Jayne Hussey.

See page 5.

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

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regulation. So it was decreed that a panel of “experts” should decide where they thought the ball should be so that the competition became a game of skill with the reader pitting their wits against the experts.

I only mention this because these issues took another turn when Liquid, a PR agency in Birmingham, decided they would not work with companies which engaged in filtering (see page 10). The long-standing city agency revealed it would no longer be partnering with “influencers” who filter their images for social media to present a contrived version of themselves to the online world.

You know the sort of thing – the tucking of a chin, elimination of bags under the eyes, tweaking of a nose to make it perter, the enhancing of eye colours etc etc.

All of these practises are so much easier today by using sophisticated cameras which can alter images entirely. But Liquid’s decision should be taken seriously. It is a brave move on their part, especially by going public.

Their COO, David Colcombe, explains: 'Seeing edited photos on social media feeds can be detrimental to mental health, as it causes people to aspire towards an appearance which simply isn’t real or achievable. As an agency, we have a duty of care and want to make people aware of the negative consequences that can arise from influencers presenting unrealistic images of themselves to their followers.”

Definitely a bold decision and one with which, I guess, many people would agree.

But if you want immediate evidence that the camera can lie, witness the picture above – the original would be far too terrifying for our gentle readers. Only joking, but it might need updating – one day...

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Whenever we process data for these purposes, we always ensure we treat your Personal Data rights in high regard. If you wish to, you can visit www.kempspublishing.co.uk to view our full Privacy Notice and to learn more about our legitimate interests and your rights in this regard.

CHAMBERLINK is produced on behalf of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce by Kemps Publishing Ltd and is distributed to members without charge. The Chambers and the publisher are committed to achieving the highest quality standards. While every care has been taken to ensure that the information it contains is accurate, neither the Chambers nor the publisher can accept any responsibility for any omission or inaccuracies that might arise. Views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Chambers. This publication (or any part thereof) may not be reproduced, transmitted or stored in print or electronic format without prior written permission of Kemps Publishing Ltd.

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Business News

Business News Latest news from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

Best company to work for becomes Chamber patron...

By John Lamb Mills & Reeve, for 19 years ranked as one of the best companies in the UK to work for, have become patrons of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC).

The national law firm, which has a Birmingham base in Colmore Row, joined the Chamber 25 years ago and have been involved closely in shaping its activities during that time.

Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of the GBCC, said: “I am delighted that a firm with such a long association with the Chamber, and shared passion for genuine partnerships and innovation, has become a patron.

“Mills & Reeve have an enviable reputation for being among the best businesses in the UK to work for. They have supported our Future Faces and Transatlantic divisions for a number of years, and Steve Allen, who has just stepped down as the company’s head of office, is the Chambers’ immediate past president.

“I am looking forward to building on this partnership with Jayne Hussey and the Birmingham office team as we work to Connect, Support and Grow Greater Birmingham’s business community.”

Jayne Hussey, partner who has succeeded Steve Allen as head of office for Birmingham at Mills & Reeve, said: “Mills & Reeve is proud of its strong and long-standing relationship with the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

“If the past few years have taught us anything, it is that the Chamber is invaluable for the city region's business community, from acting as its voice on key issues in regional, national and international circles to delivering crucial resources and support on the ground.

“Looking ahead, it has a key role to play in helping businesses to navigate future challenges and seize new opportunities to drive growth. Becoming a patron reflects our firm's steadfast commitment to helping it to fulfil this role, and our shared ambition to support the region.”

Patron partners: Henrietta Brealey and Jayne Hussey

The Birmingham office has been ranked in the top 10 employers in the West Midlands’ Best Companies to Work For league tables.

The results, which also marked Mills & Reeve becoming the only law firm recognised in the top 10 employers in the region, came as it celebrated a double-record breaking year, achieving its bestever position in the UK 100 Best

Companies to Work for 2022, released in February.

It was placed 18th in the UK’s 100 Best Companies to Work For list for 2022, its highest ever position and an improvement on 23rd place in 2021 and retained its “world-class” ranking with a threestar Best Companies rating, adding to a strong 19-year track record in the annual rankings.

...and appoints head of office to drive growth Jayne Hussey, a partner in the commercial team who also spearheads the firm's national midmarket strategy and In-house in Focus programme, has succeeded former Chamber president Steve Allen as head of the Mills & Reeve office in Birmingham.

She took on the role at the end of May, bringing more than 30 years’ experience across the legal sector in the region. As head of the 290-strong office, she will drive forward the firm’s further growth across the region.

Jayne, who joined Mills & Reeve in 2015, is an established commercial contracts specialist with a wealth of experience in advising businesses on complex supply chain arrangements, including outsourcing contracts, contract manufacturing arrangements, logistics and warehousing arrangements and long-term supply and purchasing agreements.

Boasting decades of regional, national and international expertise, she has worked on a considerable number of cross-border arrangements for a wide range of businesses, both in the Midlands and beyond.

Hand-over: Jayne Hussey and Steve Allen

Partner Steve Allen will continue with the firm, specialising in commercial litigation and arbitration. Under his stewardship over the past 10 years, Mills & Reeve’s Birmingham office experienced a significant increase in turnover and growth in staff numbers including several highprofile partner hires. During his tenure, Steve oversaw the refurbishment of the firm’s Colmore Row offices and the establishment of the office as one of the top 10 employers in the league table of “West Midlands Best Companies to Work For”.

Steve was recently named “Partner of the Year” at the Birmingham Law Society Legal Awards.

Jayne said: “Mills & Reeve is a wonderful, multi-faceted firm full of talented people with their finger on the pulse of the region. I am honoured to take the position of head of the office, where I will aim to build on the success of Steve’s leadership over the past decade.”

Steve said: “Acting as the head of Mills & Reeve’s Birmingham office for the past 10 years has been one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling experiences of my career and I am immensely proud of everything the firm has achieved.”

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Business News

UB40 hometown Christmas show Birmingham’s world-renowned reggae band – UB40 – are coming home for Christmas.

The band’s Bigga Baggariddim Tour will include a special hometown performance at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena on Sunday 18 December following a string of dates across the UK in May and June.

The show will see new member Matt Doyle make his UB40 touring debut as the band’s new lead singer following Duncan Campbell’s retirement.

Guitarist and vocalist Robin Campbell said: “We’re so excited to finally be back on the road and feel the vibe and love of a live crowd, and for all UB40 fans to meet Matt as well. They can expect a phenomenal show. We’ll be sure to bring the party.”

Back on tour: UB40 are returning to Brum

Game-changing initiatives putting city on the map

By Claudia Congrave and Sophia Corness-Parr HS2 and the Commonwealth Games have been hailed as ‘transformational initiatives’ which will put Birmingham and the business community on the map.

Ruth Todd, chief commercial officer at HS2, and David Grady, chief financial officer at Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, highlighted the high-speed rail project and the summer sporting spectacular respectively as key game-changers for the region.

The two keynote speakers were addressing business leaders at Birmingham City University at an

event hosted by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce to reflect on the performance of the region’s business community in Quarter 1, as outlined in the Chamber’s Quarterly Business Report (QBR)..

Providing key updates on the progress of the high-speed railway line and its legacy for the future, Ruth Todd explained that 90 per cent of enabling work was now complete as HS2 enters “its peak construction period.”

Between London and Birmingham there are now over 340 active sites. 6,500 jobs have been created from Birmingham to Crewe and over 900 apprentices have started working with HS2.

Ms Todd said: “We are working to attract diverse and underrepresented people; to support young, local and diverse groups.

“Some of the people I meet haven’t worked in this environment before and they are thriving. Before a single train starts running, we’re hoping Birmingham businesses are already seeing the benefits of HS2.”

Meanwhile, David Grady said that investment in the Commonwealth Games was akin to buying into an opportunity which businesses would regret missing out on.

Mr Grady reminded businesses that the eyes of 2.5 billion people would be on the city this summer, giving organisations across the region the chance to take centre stage.

Action needed on cost crisis The Chancellor must look at ways to help businesses tackle rising costs after the announcement of a £15bn package to support households, business leaders have said.

Rishi Sunak’s package of cost of living support included a £400 discount on energy bills for all and a £650 one-off payment to the poorest eight-million households.

He said the measures will be funded by a ‘windfall tax’ on oil and gas companies whose profits are soaring due to rising prices.

The intervention comes after inflation reached a 40year high and energy bills expected to climb further in the Autumn.

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) said that while the package of support was welcome, the Chancellor must now acknowledge the rising costs facing businesses.

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Henrietta Brealey chief executive of the GBCC, said: “As the country continues to experience a worsening cost of living crisis, the Chancellor’s announcement of a £15 billion package of support for the most vulnerable households was welcome.

“However, there were no interventions aimed at tackling the rising costs of doing business. Businesses are the essential ingredient in economic growth and creating sustainable employment opportunities.

“Early analysis of our Quarterly Business Report shows that firms are undoubtedly feeling the pinch as overheads rise and inflation continues its rocky upwards trajectory.

“As such, we are joining the UK Chamber network in calling for both fiscal intervention and an emergency budget to give businesses the breathing space necessary to recover and grow.”

Queen’s baton route revealed The countdown to the Commonwealth Games has reached a major milestone – with the unveiling of the highly-anticipated route for the Queen’s Baton Relay.

More than 180 communities in England will experience the Queen’s baton on a route spanning 2,500 miles, including a UK journey as far south as Cornwall and north to Northumberland.

The Baton will spend 11 days travelling through the West Midlands, from Keele, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Kidsgrove and Stoke-on-Trent on July 18 through Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire before making its way to the Black Country and Birmingham on 27 and 28 July. A full route for the host city will be announced in due course.

Ian Reid, chief executive of Birmingham 2022 said: “We have worked closely with Local Authorities in England to devise a route that engages with hundreds of communities, passing sport venues, historic sites, local schools and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Yet the Queen’s Baton Relay is far more than just a journey. It symbolises connecting people from every corner of the Commonwealth, celebrates batonbearers who take on challenges, and marks the countdown to the biggest sporting event in West Midlands history.”

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Business News

Read all about the latest arts news

New investment – GO Car Wash

Raising stakes in car wash The Richardson family business has raised its stakes in GO Car Wash Group - the fifth largest chain of its kind in the whole of the US. Founded in May 2019 with its headquarters in Denver, Colorado, GO Car Wash has grown rapidly since its launch, operating nearly 100 car washes across seven states. It is expected to hit close to a $200m turnover this year.

The management team behind the car wash chain were inspired by Carroll Shelby, the first American to win the Le Mans 24-hour race, the world’s oldest endurance-focused sports car race.

The business has ambitious plans to continue its rapid growth, with the new investment helping to facilitate future acquisitions and expansion.

A spokesperson for RCL Partners, the retained advisors to the Richardson Family who advised on the deal said: “We are delighted with this investment in GO Car Wash, a business we already knew well through a small previous investment.

“The management team have done a phenomenal job in successfully scaling the business up in less than three years of operations, and they have an exciting vision to be the world’s most admired car wash company.

“The US is one of our key strategic markets for the future, and our investment in GO Car Wash complements other investment stakes we hold in businesses based across the US, from New York and the East Coast, through Chicago and the MidWest and over to San Diego and the West Coast.”

Chamberlink is moving into the arts world – with a special page dedicated to Greater Birmingham’s vibrant artistic scene.

Theatre shows, music from rock to classical, comedy and all manner of on-stage performances will be showcased in the magazine from this edition (see page 62).

Chamberlink editor John Lamb said: “Greater Birmingham’s arts scene caters for all types of followers and enthusiasts and with the BBC investing in the region and ‘Peaky Blinders’ a national phenomenon there is so much to enjoy. We are keen to ensure that Chamberlink readers are aware of the wide variety of events on offer and we look forward to keeping our readership as well informed as possible through our new coverage.”

For advertising opportunities in the new arts page and all other sections of Chamberlink please contact advertising manager Jon Jones at Kemps Publishing on 0121 765 4144 or email jon.jones@kempspublishing.co.uk

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Business News

Celebrate Jamaica’s independence Birmingham is gearing up to celebrate 60 years of Jamaican independence – with a Caribbeanstyle cultural spectacular for all age groups.

The showpiece summer events marking six decades of independence for the sunshine island include a wide array of musical performances from reggae to poetry, starring international, national and local artists.

Organiser Beverly Lindsay, chair of the Association of Jamaican Nationals, said: “This is a very special landmark year, for Jamaicans all over the world. The Jamaican diaspora in the UK and indeed the Birmingham community will be in the spotlight with the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of Independence.

“All our usual popular outdoor spaces will be occupied by the organising committee of the Games, so we are unable to host our signature event ‘Jamaica in the Square’ as we had previously hoped. However, we cannot allow this significant milestone in our island’s history to pass without celebrating in true Jamaican style.”

Celebrations start on 23 July at Birmingham Town Hall with a special cultural extravaganza and salute to the Commonwealth Games featuring a string of local and international artistes including Jamaican tenor Steve Higgins,

Caroll Thompson, the Bee Niice Choir, Winston Francis, Abigail Kelly, the Note Benders featuring Sweto Kinch, Melika Queely and others.

Meanwhile, on 6 August, organisers will be hosting a flag raising ceremony in Victoria Square, starting at 3pm, with the entire day dedicated to a Jamaican theme.

And later that day, a Jamaica 60th Grand Gala Fundraising Dinner and Awards will be held from 6.30pm at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham, when guest speaker will be US Federal Judge Norman Hemming III. Beverly, who is among West Midlanders selected to be a batonbearer for the Games, said: “The awards presentation will recognise some of our country’s most inspiring individuals who have made selfless contributions to the Jamaican diaspora at home and abroad. There will also be a great opportunity to develop networks with an audience of approximately 500 community and business leaders.”

The celebrations conclude on 14 August with a special service of praise and thanksgiving from 3pm at New Testament Church of God Handsworth, recognising and giving thanks to the hosting and delivery of the Commonwealth Games.

• For more information on sponsorship opportunities and tickets, contact Beverly at ajnjamaica60@outlook.com or visit www.ajnbirmingham.org

Landmark: Beverly Lindsay, chair of the Association of Jamaican Nationals

Black Business Show comes to Birmingham The biggest UK Black Business Show outside of London – showcasing the skills of more than 100 entrepreneurs – is on its way to Birmingham to help create exciting new workplace opportunities for Black talent.

The 18 June event at the NEC will highlight an array of talent and expertise from a variety of different sectors, from health to food and beverage, fashion, beauty and professional services.

From the team which organises UK Black Business Week and the Black Tech Achievement Awards, the event is set to attract over 2,000 attendees who are expected to join in main stage sessions, career workshops, roundtables and investor pitches. Leading employers will be on hand to meet attendees and help create equitable job opportunities for Black candidates.

Michael Adeniya (pictured), chief operating officer of UK Black Business Show, said: “The West Midlands entrepreneurial spirit hasn’t diminished despite the economic impact of the pandemic. In fact, over 18,000 new start-up enterprises launched during the pandemic, and Wolverhampton alone is seeing 11 new businesses launch every day.

“It’s an honour to be able to give the Black business community in the region a show that celebrates this.”

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Honour: Michael Adeniya

Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of event partners Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce said: “We are delighted to be supporting this event that will showcase the

entrepreneurial talent of the region’s Black business community. The West Midlands is one of the most diverse regions in the UK and home to an exciting business ecosystem. Our mission at the Chamber is to Connect, Support and Grow local businesses and we are looking forward to working with the Birmingham Black Business Show as they do just that – share learning, celebrate success, inspire and link delegates to opportunities.”

Headlined by HSBC UK, the Birmingham Black Business Show has also secured partnerships with Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, the British Business Bank, Metro Bank, Accenture, Experian, BT, HS2 and many other high-profile Midlands companies. The Birmingham Black Business Show has been created to inspire and connect Black business owners and professionals. With the use of exhibits, workshops, interactive panels and seminars delivered by leading industry figures, the event aims to encourage personal, professional and corporate development.

The show will highlight the achievements and contributions made by Black businesses to the economy.

Attendees will gain cutting-edge insight and advice in entrepreneurship, leadership, soft skills and cultural development from some of the UK’s leading Black business owners.

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Business News

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Business News

Comms firm stands against photo filtering New challenge: Nicky Burgess

New sales chief just the ticket NEC Group Ticketing & Arenas has strengthened its management team with the appointment of a new head of sales to lead a newly-formed Premium and Groups department.

Nicky Burgess joins NEC Group Ticketing & Arenas and will take the reins of the new department as part of plans to enhance the overall fan experience from the ticket purchase to the event itself.

With over 20 years’ experience in sales and business development, Nicky will lead the development of Amplify – Utilita Arena Birmingham and Resorts World Arena’s premium hospitality provider. She will also oversee a Groups team at The Ticket Factory, responsible for large bookings, including those made from coach companies, social clubs, businesses and schools.

Nicky said: “I love live events so I’m delighted to join the UK’s leading live events business. There’s no better time to join in my opinion as the company goes from strength to strength, leaving behind the challenges of the pandemic.

“I look forward to this new challenge, being able to bring my knowledge and experience to the table, and of course, meeting my new team.”

Andy Price, commercial director of ticketing and Arenas, NEC Group, said: “With business beginning to return to pre-pandemic levels, we took the decision to review our commercial team structure with the objective of creating further integration of key business areas, to help deliver against our growth strategy.

“I’m delighted to welcome Nicky on board to help drive forward our new Premium and Groups business. It’s an exciting outlook that promises to create more opportunities.”

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Birmingham-based communications consultancy Liquid has announced a ‘no filter’ veto on influencers who edit their faces and bodies – to ease mental health fears among young women.

The long-standing city agency has revealed it will no longer be partnering with influencers who filter their images for social media to present a contrived version of themselves to the online world.

The innovative move follows the introduction by the government of a new law forcing influencers and brand spokespersons to disclose edited content to consumers.

A recent study by London's City University found that 90 per cent of young women surveyed would edit pictures to reshape their nose

or jaw, brighten their teeth, or alter their waist before posting on social media, as they felt pressured to present a perfect image of themselves online.

David Colcombe, COO at Liquid, said: ''Mental health is extremely important at Liquid and, working day-to-day in the social media sphere, we understand how much of a negative effect it can have on mental health, especially for young people.

“Seeing edited photos on social media feeds can be detrimental to mental health, as it causes people to aspire towards an appearance which simply isn’t real or achievable. As an agency, we have a duty of care and want to make people aware of the negative

No filter: David Colcombe

consequences that can arise from influencers presenting unrealistic images of themselves to their followers.

“Ultimately, we hope that our move sparks a change in the world of influencer marketing. More importantly, we hope that, by presenting authentic images of influencers, our social media channels will be a more positive environment and our audiences will feel less pressure to change their appearance and look a certain way.’’

Cast set for ‘Bugsy Malone’ show Birmingham Rep has announced casting for blockbuster family musical ‘Bugsy Malone’ ahead of its midsummer stint at the venue.

The production is a fully professional revival of London’s Lyric Hammersmith Theatre’s acclaimed, sellout show produced by Theatre Royal Bath Productions, Birmingham Rep and Kenny Wax. The world-famous musical, ‘Bugsy Malone’ is based on the hit 1976 movie by Alan Parker whose long catalogue of films have won nineteen BAFTA awards, ten Golden Globes and six Oscars.

‘Bugsy Malone’ launched the careers of Jodie Foster and Scott Baio and received eight BAFTA nominations and three Golden Globe nominations including Best Motion Picture for a Musical.

‘Bugsy Malon’ stars a talented cast of young performers, aged between 9 and 15 as well as adult performers.

Directed by Sean Holmes (Holmes’ Hammersmith Lyric production of ‘Blasted’ won an Olivier Award for

Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre), Choreographed by Olivier Award-winning Drew McOnie, and designed by multi award-winning international stage designer Jon Bausor, this will be the first ever professional production of ‘Bugsy Malone’ to tour the UK and star a young company of 39 actors.

Joining Sean, Drew and Jon on the creative team for the s production are Franny-Anne Rafferty (associate director), Phil Bateman (musical supervisor, arranger and orchestrator), Phil Gladwell (lighting designer), Ben Harrison (sound designer), Leanne Pinder (associate choreographer), Verity Noughton (casting director for the unders), Will Burton (casting director for the overs), Susannah Peretz (wig designer).

‘Busy Malone’ runs at Birmingham Rep from 27 July to 14 Aug 2022.

To book tickets visit Birmingham-rep.co.uk, call 0121 236 4455 or visit the box office during opening hours.

Protection against whistleblowers A rise in workers speaking out has triggered a legal whistleblowing blueprint for employers from leading Midland law firm Thursfields Solicitors.

The advice comes as the Covid19 pandemic has highlighted concerns about the legal standing of those who make their concerns public on issues ranging from workplace safety to furlough fraud.

Lisa Kemp, an associate director in the Employment & HR Law team at Thursfields, said it was not always obvious that a worker was whistleblowing, which is a

‘technical area of law’ with lots of angles. Ms Kemp said: “While this is a complex subject, if a whistleblowing complaint is not spotted or is mishandled, an employer may find themselves on the receiving end of costly litigation.

“It is therefore crucial to understand that whistleblowing, in broad terms, is a worker disclosing information about past, present or imminent wrongdoing in the workplace or an attempt to conceal the same. The disclosure of information can be oral or in

writing and need not be formal, which is why a whistleblowing complaint can be easy to miss.

“We have a team of experienced lawyers who can support businesses by providing bespoke management training and drafting effective policies, and we also undertake investigations and defend whistleblowing claims.”

Any company or organisation needing more guidance on whistleblowing can contact Ms Kemp at lkemp@thursfields.co.uk or by calling 0345 2073728.

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Business News

AI traffic lights to reduce congestion Long queues at traffic lights could be a thing of the past, thanks to a new artificial intelligence system developed by Aston University researchers which reads live camera footage and adapts the lights to compensate, keeping the traffic flowing and reducing congestion.

The system - the first of its kind uses deep reinforcement learning, where a program understands when it is not doing well and tries a different course of action – or continues to improve when it makes progress.

In testing, the system significantly outperformed all other methods, which typically rely on manually designed phase transitions.

In 2019, it was estimated that congestion across the UK’s urban areas leads to the average UK resident wasting around 115 hours of time – and £894 in fuel waste and lost income – every year. A major cause of congestion is inadequate traffic signal timings.

The researchers built a state-ofthe-art photo-realistic traffic simulator, Traffic 3D, to train their program, teaching it to handle different traffic and weather

scenarios. When the system was tested on a real junction, it subsequently adapted to real traffic intersections despite being trained entirely on simulations. It could therefore be effective in many realworld settings.

Dr Maria Chli, reader in computer science at Aston University, explained: “We have set this up as a traffic control game. The program gets a ‘reward’ when it gets a car through a junction. Every time a car has to wait or there’s a jam, there’s a negative reward. There’s actually no input from us; we simply control the reward system.”

At present, the main form of traffic light automation used at junctions depends on magnetic induction loops; a wire sits on the road and registers cars passing over it. The program counts that and then reacts to the data.

Because the AI created by the Aston team ‘sees’ high traffic volume before the cars have gone through the lights and makes its decision then, it is more responsive and can react more quickly.

Dr George Vogiatzis, senior lecturer in Computer Science at Aston University, said: “The reason we have based this program on

Smart work: AI traffic lights functioning in the rain.

learned behaviours is so that it can understand situations it hasn’t explicitly experienced before.

“We’ve tested this with a physical obstacle that is causing congestion, rather than traffic light phasing, and the system still did well. As long as there is a causal link, the computer will ultimately figure out what that link is.”

The program can be set up to view any traffic junction and will start learning autonomously. The reward system can be manipulated, for example to encourage the program to let emergency vehicles through quickly.

The researchers hope to begin testing their system on real roads this year.

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Business News

President’s Focus This month’s President’s Focus comes from Tony Elvin, president of Solihull Chamber and general manager at Touchwood Solihull.

Tony is excited about the growth of the Solihull Chamber and business community, as well as the increasing occupancy and footfall at the retail heart of the borough.

t’s a hugely exciting time here in Solihull. Here at Touchwood we have a wave of new openings over the coming weeks with Miniso, Dirty Wild Wings, Alioli tapas y vino, Love Cookie Dough, Café Artari, Miele, Rituals, Bubble CiTea, The Real Greek and Excelerate all opening their doors for the first time.

This will take Touchwood tenant occupancy to over 95 per cent, an incredible feat in this climate. Footfall and sales are continuing to rival pre pandemic levels and the future is looking bright.

And we’re just as busy at the Chamber. Membership is growing again, and we have four fantastic new patrons in Hogarths, Birmingham Business Park, Hilton Birmingham Metropole and Wavenet. I would like to offer a big Solihull Chamber welcome to these businesses for their support. We are looking forward to working with them and helping them drive great success.

We’ve had a shakeup of working groups within our exec team to support work inspiration for our young people, to help drive business through our #KeepBusinessMoving team, and to deliver ever more engaging events through our events, social and charity committee. You’ll see plenty of output from these groups and there are also many ways you can get involved.

I

We are currently seeking support from the business community to: • Host a workplace trip for a local school • Support with mock interviews online or in person • Host either a half day am, pm or a full day virtual or face to face work experience opportunity. Dates to be discussed between employer and school, but it will be sometime in June/July before the schools break up.

• Work placements for year 10 or year 12 students If you would like further information, check out the Careers Hub website or contact the Solihull Careers Hub team at lifeready@solihull.gov.uk.

As you will likely have seen from our events, the world really has woken back up with bristling attendance at our events from our regular Pro Solihull Networking at Crowne Plaza to our Spring Expo at VOCO St John’s and various Speaker Breakfasts.

We’re especially looking forward to #SolihullHour LIVE, a chance for tweeters to unite and meet up in person, discovering the people behind the twitter accounts of proactive businesses across the region. Keep an eye on our revamped #SolihullHour session, every Tuesday between 7pm-8pm to find the latest top tips, topical shout outs, likes and retweets to support fellow Solihull businesses.

We have also launched our Solihull Annual Awards celebration for 2022, taking place on Friday 7 October. We are expecting 500 guests in attendance to celebrate a region brimming with talent across 11 different award categories. We are delighted to announce that Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council have signed up as headline sponsors and welcome interest from other leading organisations across the borough to join us in this celebration. More news on categories, sponsorship opportunities and award applications very soon.

Isn’t it great to be busy again?

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Business News

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Business News Economy surge predicted for city Birmingham is set to see its economy surge by £1bn by the end of 2023 – challenging the North-South divide and meeting demands for levellingup, a new report forecasts.

Irwin Mitchell’s UK Powerhouse report, produced by the Centre for Economics and Business Research, reveals that Birmingham delivered 6.9% GVA growth in the 12 months to the fourth quarter of 2021, placing it seventh out of the best performing cities in the UK for economic output.

By the end of 2023, Birmingham is forecast to be one of the few cities outside the South to retain its position, remaining seventh for growth, with year-on-year GVA of 2.3% and an economy worth £27bn. The city is also set to improve its employment performance, rising to seventh in the report’s league table and delivering over 24,000 new jobs.

Southern cities set to prosper Eight of the top 10 fastest growing cities in the UK by Q4 2023 are expected to be located in the South and East of England, with Birmingham and Edinburgh the others.

The report from solicitors Irwin Mitchell highlights several factors behind Birmingham’s strong performance, including major projects like HS2, plus a regional housing boom fuelling a burgeoning real estate sector.

Significantly, the West Midlands is also the highest placed northern region for attracting Foreign Direct Investment, a factor the report highlights as a vital component for economic growth enjoyed by cities in the South and East of England.

Bryan Bletso, partner and Head of International at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Birmingham’s performance to date and its projected strong economic outlook in terms of growth and jobs is an example to the rest of the UK of what levelling up could start to look like in practice.

“As the county looks to improve its economic position on a global stage post pandemic and Brexit, we will need our big cities in the North and Midlands to continue to prosper.

Luring more FDI northwards will be key if the much vaunted levelling up agenda is to bear fruit.”

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£4bn partnership to help regenerate West Midlands West Midlands Combined Authority has joined forces with the UK’s largest investor to unveil a huge £4bn regeneration programme in a massive shot in the arm for the region’s economy.

West Midlands mayor Andy Street Andy Street, and Legal & General (L&G) CEO Sir Nigel Wilson, have signed a partnership agreement with L&G committing to invest the multi-billion pound sum in regeneration, housing and levelling up across the West Midlands.

The landmark agreement, L&G’s first with a combined authority, sets out a commitment to a sevenyear programme of L&G investment, building on the region’s 2022 Investment Prospectus.

L&G, which manages £1.4tr as the UK’s largest investor, has financed over £30bn of regeneration in UK

‘This major investment will help regenerate long neglected areas across the West Midlands’ towns and cities outside London. It has already invested over £2bn in the WMCA’s region, including the £210m Birmingham Health Innovation Campus and multiple housing projects.

The 2022 West Midlands Investment Prospectus launched in March provides a range of possible development opportunities spread across the region in which L&G and other investors can invest.

These prioritise creating thriving and more prosperous places and communities, including “corridors” and city and town centre development.

The agreement will also support the region’s target to

Site deal: West Midlands mayor Andy Street with Sir Nigel Wilson, CEO of L&G at the Good-Yards housing development in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter

deliver 215,000 new homes by 2031, set out in its Housing Deal with government in 2018, and the WMCA’s drive for wider inclusive growth.

The first scheme for the partnership will be The Junction, a brownfield site in Oldbury which has lain empty for over 20 years. The site will be brought back into economic use through the investment of L&G. Andy Street said: “This major investment will help regenerate long neglected areas across the West Midlands, provide affordable homes in the communities where the need is most felt, and supercharge economic growth in the years ahead.”

Sir Nigel Wilson, CEO of L&G, said: “We have been investing across the UK in partnership with cities and universities for a decade. It’s part of our ‘Inclusive Capitalism’ approach and has delivered terrific economic and social results.”

£33bn investment portfolio unveiled A pioneering new investment programme unveiled by the Midlands Engine partnership could create a staggering 220,000 jobs in a £33bn boost to the economy, it is claimed.

The Midlands Engine has launched the Midlands Investment Portfolio – a ‘digital front door’ opening up investment opportunities across the region.

The Midlands Investment Portfolio showcases exceptional investment opportunities across Midlands core sector strengths including: Health and Life Sciences, Energy, Transport Technology, Cyber and Data, Materials and Products, and Agri-food.

Within this, opportunities are available in the Industry, Infrastructure, Retail and Commercial, Research and Development, Residential and Education spaces.

The portfolio has been developed in collaboration with

Midlands Engine partners, including the region’s local authorities, local enterprise partnerships, and leading promotion and investment agencies.

Sir John Peace, chairman of the Midlands Engine, said: “The Midlands offering to the world has always been prodigious – from our heritage as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, to the cutting-edge technologies that are being developed right now in sectors as diverse as health and life sciences, digital and clean energy.

“The Midlands Investment Portfolio showcases the exceptional breadth of our region’s investment potential in one place. As Midlands Engine partners continue our work, together, to accelerate growth and prosperity in our region, the portfolio will be a vital tool in our collaborative efforts to drive inward investment.”

Minister for Investment Lord Grimstone said: “This government

Exceptional investment: Sir John Peace

is committed to supporting the Midlands Engine through trade and investment, thanks to my department’s support and ambition in signing FreeTrade Agreements that will benefit every region of the UK.” Minister for Levelling Up Neil O’Brien MP said: “The Midlands is home to a hotbed of talent across a range of important sectors. With this investment portfolio, the Midlands Engine have done a great job of showcasing the very best investment opportunities across the region.”

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Business News

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Business News

The Griffin Report He escaped the grinding poverty of Cuba and a “very volatile” father to become a global star in the ultra-competitive world of ballet. Now Carlos Acosta is guiding the fortunes of Birmingham Royal Ballet as it recovers from near collapse in the trauma of the Covid-19 pandemic. Jon Griffin went to meet the son of a truck driver who is seeking global recognition for a Birmingham institution.

e has been described as the greatest male dancer of his generation, a Messi or Ronaldo-like colossus in the world of ballet – and now he’s focusing his worldwide talents on Birmingham…

The Carlos Acosta story is a genuine, real-life rags-to-riches fable which is as entrancing in its own way as any performance of ‘Swan Lake’ or ‘The Nutcracker’ – and the star of the show is now at the head of one of the Midlands capital’s biggest cultural assets.

Carlos, director of Birmingham Royal Ballet since January 2020, sits in his tiny office at the city’s Hippodrome Theatre and reflects on a life so extraordinary it has been adapted into film and stage versions, a rollercoaster journey which has taken him from poverty in Cuba to the pinnacle of artistic achievement in his chosen field.

As he says: “There is no way that a person like myself – coming from the background that I came from – will ever have the imagination that one day I will be in the position that I am today…there is just no way.”

The facts speak for themselves.

Carlos was born in Havana into a family of 11 children in Cuba, the son of a “volatile” truck driver who would often beat his youngest child in front of neighbours.

He escaped from the grinding poverty of the Caribbean island to become a global star in the ultracompetitive world of ballet, dancing with the world’s most prestige companies, eventually making London’s Royal Ballet his home for 17 years.

He finally retired from classical ballet in 2016 after a 28-year stage career, having performed every classical role from Spartacus to Romeo. Now he is guiding the fortunes of the Birmingham Royal Ballet as director following the trauma of the pandemic, which had sparked fears that the company could collapse as revenue dried up due to the lockdown.

But Carlos, now 48, is insistent that none of his many achievements and his subsequent global fame would have been

H

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Global ambitions: Ballet star Carlos Acosta is firmly driving Birmingham Royal Ballet to worldwide recognition

possible without his father Pedro, who remains the hero of his life, “My father always had a mission for me, to be the best black man in ballet, and all these kind of dreams that he had. Since I was his last child, I was the last chance for one of his sons, at least one of them, to get it right.

“There was all this pressure – my father was a very fierce man in our community, very volatile. It was a very strange relationship. I loved my dad but I was also afraid of him. He was brutal, he pushed me so hard, he would beat me up…whenever I was outside playing, he was looking

‘My father always had a mission for me, to be the best black man in ballet’ for me. He would smack me all the way home in front of everyone. He came from a completely different world. There was a lot or racism going on in Cuba.”

Carlos realised he had a talent as early as eight, break-dancing in the tough streets of 1980s Havana. His skills took him to ballet school – but his hopes of a career in dance were almost dashed before he had reached his teens.

“They kicked me out of the

school – serious things happened.

My dad was in jail, my mother was very ill. I didn’t have any guidance, I began to skip classes because I didn’t like ballet in the first place.

But then I went to boarding school and saw the National Ballet of Cuba for the first time… I realized that could be me in a few years.”

Eventually, encouraged by a boarding school teacher who had spotted his potential, young Carlos found himself by his mid-teens

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Business News dancing in Turin, in his own words “another galaxy” compared to Cuba, “from mango trees to Italy”.

It was the start of a stellar career performing with many of the world’s leading ballet companies, starring as a Principal with the Royal Ballet for 17 years and gaining a reputation as one of the greatest dancers of all time.

Today, the famous dancer who has been compared to Baryshnikov or Nureyev, has an influential role as director of the Birmingham Royal Ballet – but his introduction to the Birmingham arts world in January, 2020, could hardly have been more dramatic, as the pandemic struck within weeks of his appointment.

“It was terrible, traumatic. There was a need for the company to stay active. We switched our calendar, our schedule online and tried to develop online capabilities so that we could connect with our audience.

“We were successful with the cultural package that we applied for so that there was some money and there was the furlough as well.

Some of the dancers couldn’t handle it – they felt very lonely and some of them left the company.

“I had a lot of anxiety myself, all these meetings on Zoom, I was the leader of the entire team… I doubted myself, what I was doing, and my abilities.”

Now, with the pandemic largely consigned to history, Carlos is concentrating on strengthening Birmingham Royal Ballet’s longstanding reputation as the UK’s

Carlos Acosta with member of Dance Track

‘I want this company to be recognised worldwide, to really help the company to place it in the world domain’ leading classical ballet touring company, while raising further its profile overseas.

“We can again go back to planning ahead and dreaming longterm, medium-term.

“We need to bring people to the theatre and to embrace what we do and we are working in that direction.

“I think that the company is one of the jewels of Birmingham and that there is an opportunity for the company to climb to the next level.

“I want this company to be recognised worldwide, to really help the company to place it in the

world domain, not just within the boundaries of the UK. “There is a lot of work to do – this is predominantly a touring company – we go everywhere in the UK, we tour in Europe and the world every so often but not regularly.

“I am working on it so that every

year we have got a system that incorporates international touring.”

It would seem that Birmingham Royal Ballet could soon have the world at its dancing feet if the truck driver’s son whose talents took him from poverty-stricken Cuba to worldwide fame gets his way…

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Business News

Launching in 2023 Precision Health Technologies Accelerator (PHTA) Innovation never happens in a silo. For life sciences entrepreneurs, start-ups and scale-ups to succeed in translating their innovation to clinic, they need easy access to academic and clinical leaders; a like-minded community of complementary businesses; and support at all stages – from proof-ofconcept through to spin-out and beyond.

PHTA, University of Birmingham’s new life sciences business innovation facility provides innovators and small enterprises with access to expertise, resources and infrastructure they need, including phase I to III clinical trials and real-world evaluation – at a single, state-of-the-art location.

Access cutting-edge research Working alongside Birmingham Health Partners, PHTA offers access to a wide range of clinical research, trials and health data, and opportunities to work with key opinion leaders across the academic and clinical spectrum. The facility features wet/dry lab space; prototype development and small-batch manufacturing; business incubation space and flexible hot-desking.

Where is PHTA? Set to occupy three floors of No.1 BHIC – the flagship building of the ambitious Birmingham Health Innovation Campus, being developed in partnership with experienced investor-developers Bruntwood SciTech – providing 70,000 square feet of incubation and collaboration space.

Totalling 133,000 sq ft, BHIC itself will become the only science park in the region dedicated to health/life sciences – the largest UK park of its size and scale to be colocated with a world-leading University and renowned NHS research and teaching hospitals. www.phta.co.uk

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Sponsored by: The University of Birmingham

Big Fish Landscape’s Memories of Mountains

Landscapers shortlisted for garden spaces

Birmingham-bound BBC Gardeners’ World Live has shortlisted three inspiring landscapers for a national award to celebrate the best in garden design.

BBC Gardeners’ World Live which takes place from 16-19 June at the NEC – promises an inspirational day out for gardening enthusiasts and budding designers.

Each year, The Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) challenges landscapers from across the UK to submit designs for a themed garden and compete for the Best APL Avenue Show Garden.

This year, three talented landscapers from Surrey, Cheltenham and Newquay have been shortlisted for the award.

Taking the theme of ‘Work, Rest and Play in a Sustainable Way,’ each shortlisted landscaper has designed a typically-sized back garden which highlights how any green space can be transformed, no matter what size.

Big Fish Landscape’s Memories of Mountains - a Garden Retreat, designed by Cheltenham-based Jonathan King, is influenced by

the tranquil and spiritual mountain retreats in China’s Zhejiang Province, which aims to bring a sense of calm to an urban terrace.

The winners will be announced on Wednesday 15 June.

Visitors will experience a variety of live stages with expert advice from green-fingered royalty such as Monty Don, Adam Frost, Joe Swift, Frances Tophill, Arit Anderson, the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine editors, plus Alan Titchmarsh.

For more details on the event and to purchase tickets, visit: www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com

‘Job ready’ qualification on offer A Birmingham school is delivering a new ‘academically rigorous’ digital qualification in a bid to prepare 16 to 18-year-olds for the fast-changing job market.

Bishop Challoner Catholic College, based in Kings Heath, will deliver the Digital Business Services T-Level qualification from September 2023.

T (Technical) Levels are two-year qualifications (equivalent to 3 A’ Levels) which have been designed alongside employers to prepare students for growth industries.

T-Levels provide students with an academic course, within which they learn the industry specific knowledge and skills, and complete a relevant 45-day industrybased placement.

Marsha Moon, assistant principal at Bishop Challoner, said: “This is a win-win scenario because by bringing their innovative ideas and fresh perspectives to the industry placement, students will benefit partnering companies as well as learning from them.”

Director of study Luke Ravenscroft said: “This T Level covers a huge array of content relatable to work in the digital industries, in particular focusing on the skills and approaches required for data analysis, a skill vastly sought-after due to our ever-increasing practice of databases and the large-scale gathering of information.”

Careers leader Emma Darby said: “This is such an exciting time for Bishop Challoner; offering our

Luke Ravenscroft: delivering sought-after digital skills

students the chance to become ‘job ready’ in the country’s fastest growing tech region.

“I’m looking forward to seeing students working in purpose-built facilities, bringing the Digital Business Services T-Level to life and bridging the gap between education and the Tech industry in the local area.”

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Business News

Scholarships for refugees launched Aston University is launching a new scholarship scheme for students seeking refuge in the UK – in memory of a former student’s grandfather who left school at 12 to work in a coal mine.

Up to four sanctuary scholarships are on offer, due to a generous donation by prominent businessperson Matthew Crummack, currently chief executive of Domestic & General.

They will be known as The Ernest Edward Scholarships in memory of the donor’s grandfather, Ernest Edward Crummack, who left school aged 12 to work in a colliery.

Matthew graduated with a BSc in International Business and French at Aston University in 1993. His career to date has taken him into wellknown companies such as GoCompare, lastminute.com, Expedia, Nestlé and Procter & Gamble. He was awarded an honorary doctorate

by Aston University in 2016, in recognition of his professional achievements and service to the University.

Ernest Edward Scholars will receive a full tuition fee waiver and up to £25,000 throughout their course to help with living costs.

Language assistance will also be offered if required, as well as support from Aston University Students’ Union and professional mentoring support. To be eligible for an Ernest Edward Scholarship, applicants must be an asylum seeker, the partner or dependant of an asylum seeker or an asylum seeker/refugee/partner/dependant who has been granted Discretionary Leave to Remain (DLR) or some other form of temporary status. Applicants need to apply for an eligible Aston University course - any three-year undergraduate or one-year postgraduate programme - before applying for a scholarship.

Applications will close on 12 June for the 2022 round.

Matthew said: “My grandfather, whom I sadly never met, had little choice but to leave school at 12 to work in a coal mine.

“100 years on, so many young people and especially young refugees, still find themselves challenged to grow and fulfil their potential. I hope that these scholarships will create that opportunity and pave the way for some of tomorrow’s leaders.”

Saskia Loer Hansen, Interim Vice-Chancellor of Aston University, said: “Young people seeking asylum in the UK are likely to have experienced trauma and will have lost much which cannot be replaced.

“The Ernest Edward Scholarship can contribute to a brighter future, made possible by education.

“On behalf of Aston University, I would like to express my deep gratitude to Matthew for his generous and compassionate support in helping to make Aston University a safe haven.”

BDO reveals new boss Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO has unveiled a new regional managing partner for the Midlands to oversee a 450strong team.

Audit partner Kyla Bellingall takes over the role from 1 July to head up the audit, tax and advisory team across the region.

Kyla joined the firm six years ago, initially focusing on building a portfolio of large complex charity, university, and housing clients. In 2020 she took over the leadership of BDO’s Midlands audit practice and has driven transformation of the group as well as double digit growth in revenue and headcount.

BDO, which has offices in Birmingham and Nottingham, has experienced strong growth in the Midlands, increasing headcount in the region by 20% over the past 12 months.

In her new role, Kyla will be responsible for spearheading the future strategy and vision for the region with support from 28 partners based in the Midlands, as well as BDO’s wider business.

The firm is continuing its investment in people locally, having welcomed 35 new trainees in 2021.

Another 50 trainees are set to join in September and over 140 employees have been promoted in the last 12 months, Kyla said: “As a firm we’ve experienced strong growth in a period of significant change over the past two years.

“What sets BDO apart is our people and culture. I look forward to working with our people to achieve their own ambitions while helping clients navigate the everchanging backdrop and reach their goals.”

T: 0121 745 8444 E: sales@midland-fire.co.uk W: midland-fire.co.uk June 2022 CHAMBERLINK 19

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Business News

Where do you fancy?

Jacques is located on Knowle High Street.

The restaurant invites guests to indulge in an exceptional Great British fine dining experience, from ‘smoking’ whiskies to afternoon tea.

Breakfast, lunch or dinner…

Food and drink

Jacques of Knowle

Jacques carefully crafts plates to balance taste, texture, colour and aesthetic.

The menus boast flavours of classic British cuisine – always organic, prepared fresh in house and using locally sourced ingredients.

Address 1630 High St, Knowle B93 0LB T: 01564 393333 W: jacquesrestaurant.co.uk

Lunch

Head Chef: Mark Walsh

Jacques offers three courses and a glass of Gusbourne Sparkling for £45 per guest.

Starters include creamed somerset brie, home smoked salmon and English asparagus.

Mains include corn-fed chicken breast, roast hake and spaghetti of monksbeard. Desserts on offer include vanilla panna cotta, fresh fruit and a selection of British cheeses.

Opening hours Wednesday – Saturday 12pm - 11pm Sunday 12pm - 4pm

Afternoon Tea menu: 12pm – 2pm

Dinner Jacques’ à la carte evening menu showcases a passion for innovation.

Recent collaboration between the restaurant’s existing team and new recruits has been key to the reimagination of its seasonally evolving menus. From beluga caviar and wagyu beef to truffleinfused dishes, creating an experience is key.

The restaurant caters for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets.

A la Carte menu: 12pm – 11pm

Wines Jacques has a host of wines from countries such as Spain, Italy, America and France. Its collection from Bordeaux features wines from exclusive regions like Margaux, St Julien, Pomerol and St. Emilion.

Business facilities Jacques’ offers a private dining room space providing the ideal 20 CHAMBERLINK June 2022

setting for business lunches, client entertainment and anniversary receptions for up to 16 guests.

For more information, view the Private Dining Rooms Brochure on the Jacques of Knowle website: www.jaquesrestaurant.co.uk

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Business News

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Business News ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

The real cost of recruiting nurses overseas Detailed calculations and comparison An overseas nurse in the UK

Article by Liza Moroz The Covid19 pandemic combined with the effect of Brexit heavily impacted the care sector, causing severe staff shortages. Traditionally the UK healthcare sector relies on foreign workers to fill about 15% of the positions, and the care industry may use the same path to find quality talent from abroad. Still, for many recruitment and home managers, overseas recruitment remains a complex operation related to too much uncertainty, especially regarding its cost. In this article, we will try to answer how much it costs to hire an overseas nurse.

FINDING THE RIGHT PEOPLE Finding the right people could be complex and cost your organisation a lot of effort and time.

Unless the organisation has dedicated personnel who deal with the task, you may seek external help from agencies who will connect with the right candidates. The fee often is equal to one month salary, starting at about £2K to £3.5K. Issuing the Visa will cost, £232 plus a TB health check for £55. To transport then to UK the place ticket will cost around £500-£700 depending on the country of origin.

GETTING LICENSED The primary and more complex step is getting the Certificate of Sponsorship that covers four years of sponsorship but could be extended.

Under this license, the employer may recruit for all their roles, and the chosen recruits are getting their visa to come and work under a multiyear contract. The cost of the Certificate of Sponsorship is £536 for small businesses and charities and £1,476 for medium and large organisations.

Additionally, the government charges Sponsors an Immigration skills fee for each overseas employee. The sum depends again on the size of the organisation and the length of the contract.

• small or charitable organisations pay £364 for the first year and £182 for every additional six months after • medium and large organisations pay £1000 for the first year and £500 for every additional six months after.

MANDATORY TRAINING Upon arrival overseas nurses have a strict timeline to cover the mandatory UK training and take exams: three months for OSCE and CBT, six months for OET. In total, candidates have eight months to obtain their PIN and become Registered nurses. When an employer pays for these courses, OET and OSCE may cost between 22 CHAMBERLINK June 2022

£1000 to £2000 each depending on length, personalisation, and quality of the coaching.

The actual exam also costs you as CBT is £130, OET £315 and £794 for OSCE. It is important to know that during the period of training, candidate nurses can work limited hours under supervision. The employer has an obligation to provide time for study and the opportunity to attend the exams.

OTHER RELATED COSTS NMC Application Fee of £140 is paid to Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) when a new nurse applies to the register. Upon receiving the PIN another £153 are paid to the same organisation.

Health Surcharge Fees of £200 per year are paid for access to free NHS healthcare.

Recruiting foreign personnel also increases the time load on people dealing with HR, compliance, and welfare as it will require monitoring, reporting and regular counselling. The whole process is time-consuming and requires specific knowledge. The sum of all related indirect costs will affect your bottom line with an additional £300 to £500 as working hours.

to selection, transportation, training and registration are covered entirely by the candidates during the initial period of their training in the UK. When introduces to the employers they are already Registered nurses ready to work.

In this case, the main expenditure will remain the licence and paying the compulsory government charge. The cooperation with QAQF will also reduce the indirect cost offering Legal, Compliance and Welfare support to the trainees before they settle successfully in the country.

QAQF partners with UK care and nursery homes in recruiting talent from all over the world directly from our training courses avoiding complications and reducing the related costs more than half.

DRAWING THE LINE After adding up all the related costs, the total sum may reach an impressive number over £10K. It could be 'money well spent' to guarantee long-term employment and access to a broader talent pool for some organisations. The cost will also spread if the organisation recruits and trains more nurses at the same time.

With Agent

With QAQF Difference

Approx.

Summary of costs 10.6K 3.9K

62%

Still, the cost is significant, and can be reduced with the QAQF Discover – Train Deploy scheme, by an astonishing 62% as the expenses related

Liza Moroz (pictured) is part of QAQF BD Department. She likes connecting with people, solving problems and finding new opportunities.

You can connect with Liza for more information about Discover – Ttrain Deploy via elisaveta.moroz@qaqf.co.uk

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Business News

A well-rounded community effort “It’s like a social club with moral conscience.” Gerald Manton explains why he loves being part of a group of like-minded men who want to spend time raising money towards all sorts of community work. Steve Dyson reports.

A decision to fund Christmas dinner for a battered women’s refuge and buy presents for their children was the life-changing moment when Gerald Manton realised he wanted to join the Round Table.

The new chair of Westside Business Improvement District (BID), who has just ended a twoyear stint as the West Midlands regional chairman of Round Table, was recalling his very first meeting at the charity.

“It was back in 2012 and I’d sent a message asking them about what they did,” recalled Mr Manton. “A guy just called me back and said: ‘I’ll pick you up to join our Santa collection in Solihull.’

“We walked through the local streets shaking buckets and then went to the pub afterwards to

‘You’ve basically got a group of likeminded young men who want to spend time raising money towards all sorts of community work’ decide what to do with the £880 we raised. It was my first ever meeting and I didn’t know anyone, but they instantly included me in their discussions.

“They had a list from the council and one of the potential recipients was a battered women’s shelter who wanted £250 to fund a Christmas meal. There was a quick vote and it was immediately approved.

“But then one of the guys said: ‘Hang on a minute, these mums have children, so why don’t we make it £500 to buy all the children

Selfless: Gerald Manton and fellow Round Tablers

presents too?’ Again, this was immediately approved, and it really struck a chord with me, as my mother suffered from physical abuse in her first marriage.

“Watching all these guys, everyone from bus drivers to lawyers and accountants, spending their time and efforts raising money to help others, and the way they quickly decided who to help just made me feel: ‘Wow! I want to be part of this’.

“You’ve basically got a group of like-minded young men who want to spend time raising money towards all sorts of community work, like a social club with moral conscience. I was impressed at that first meeting and joined.

“A few months later, when we were looking for more people who

might benefit, I heard about a mum with a young disabled son who needed a specialist wheelchair. I wrote a proposal and once more was taken aback when it was instantly approved by fellow Round Tablers.

“But as well as voting ‘yes’, one of them said: ‘If he has problems walking, why don’t we donate more money to buy him a specialist hoist as well.’ Everyone voted ‘yes’ for this too. The wheelchair and hoist were in kit form, so me and another Tabler went over to his home to build it.

“After we’d done this, his mum was suddenly crying her eyes out, and I said: ‘Are you okay?’ She replied: ‘This is fantastic. You’ve really reset my faith in humanity.

You’ve thought about me.’

“That’s the simple reason why I’ve spent the last 10 years with the Round Table. In short, I do it because it makes me feel good. It’s a weird thing, but it’s almost about being selfless for selfish reasons, and I think if more people realised that then even more would want to be a part.”

He’s now 43, and the Round Table is strictly for ‘young men’ up to the age of 45. His role as chairman of the West Midlands area came to an end on 30 April, and he now plans to spend his last two years in the background, guiding others on activities they are planning.

Mr Manton has been a Westside BID director for the last three years, and has now taken over as chair from Dipesh Mistry, a regional director of NatWest Bank.

Family firm invests in ambitious dental practice The Richardson family business has invested into Todays Dental Group Limited, an ambitious UK-based dental platform.

It currently comprises eight dental practices across the country and aims to grow to more than 50 dental practices through a buy and build strategy.

The investment has been made alongside Lonsdale Capital Partners, a private equity firm focused on the mid-market in the UK and Europe.

Todays Dental is led by CEO Rob Paxman and a senior team who have significant commercial, clinical and operational experience in the sector as a result of previous extensive tenures within larger dental corporates.

Todays Dental offer an attractive model to non-corporate-owned dentists through the centralisation of certain of their back office and administrative functions, as well offering the opportunity to participate in the future financial success of the group as a whole.

A spokesperson for RCL Partners, the retained advisors to the Richardson Family who advised on the deal said: “We are delighted to be able to partner with Todays Dental and are excited by the growth prospects for the business.

“Rob Paxman and his team are very experienced and well regarded within the dental sector and are well placed to develop a platform that can scale and deliver a patient focused service in a sector that we know well.”

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Business News

Natural step: Jak Whitehouse

OSC improves job prospects OSC Recruitment, a dedicated recruitment consultancy set up by Solihull-based distance learning provider Open Study College, has successfully placed 25 candidates onto the career ladder in just six months since its launch.

Headed up by specialist recruitment consultant Jak Whitehouse, who has more than 15 years’ experience in the industry, OSC Recruitment is a sub-division of Open Study College, dedicated to enhancing its offering for job seekers and employers alike.

Jak, recruitment and careers coordinator at OSC Recruitment, said: “Open Study College is already supporting thousands of people by enhancing their career prospects via distance learning, so launching OSC Recruitment was a really natural next step for the business and its ethos as it comes full circle and is now able to support its students even further to secure employment and start their dream careers.”

As a result of its placement success in under a year, OSC Recruitment, has already secured a number of positive endorsements from clients.

Neal Simmonds, building manager of UKO Serviced Offices, said: “We were presented with a number of high quality candidates who had been fully briefed on the role and company. We’re delighted with the outcome and would recommend OSC Recruitment to any employers looking to recruit.”

To find out more about OSC Recruitment, visit www.oscrecruitment.com or contact jak@oscrecruitment.com

24 CHAMBERLINK June 2022

Beloved Birmingham institution: Georgie Moseley and David Bagley

Birmingham Walkathon returns in honour of Harry The hugely popular Pertemps Birmingham Walkathon is back – thanks to the charity which honours the memorable life of local youngster Harry Moseley.

The Walkathon will be held in the city on Sunday 11 September in memory of Harry, from Sheldon, who raised thousands of pounds for Cancer Research UK after being diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2007.

Harry, who sadly died aged just 11 in October 2011, sold homemade bracelets and raised an astonishing £500,000 for his Help Harry Help Others campaign.

The Help Harry Help Others charity preserved Harry’s memory by continuing fund-raising after his mother Georgie dedicated herself to helping other families – and now is gearing up for the September 11 event.

The walkathon follows the city’s Number 11 bus route with 11 set to be a key theme for this year – 2022 marks the 11th anniversary of Harry’s death in 2012.

Georgie Moseley said: “The Birmingham Walkathon is a much-loved historic event that will see participants walk around the number 11 bus route.

“This is now an inclusive event for all, with all ages and abilities able to participate with an option for 1,3,5 or 10 laps around Kings Heath Park. There is a junior walk for friends and families which is 11.5 miles and the full route is 26 miles. It’s a huge challenge and thanks to our main event sponsor Pertemps Network we can get into the thick of the planning.”

Businesses interested in signing up and taking part in the walk should visit www.brumwalkathon.co.uk whilst there is also a range of sponsorship packages to suit all sizes of firms and their budgets.

Volunteers are also being sought to help the day go smoothly. Georgie said: “We need people on both Saturday 10 September and Sunday 11 September to help with event set up and dismantling. We also need event volunteers to help keep all the walkers safe helping them cross roads safely.”

More information is available at www.brumwalkathon.co.uk

Law firm launches EV leasing scheme National law firm Browne Jacobson – which has an office in Birmingham - has launched an electric vehicle (EV) leasing scheme to help reduce its carbon footprint across its entire UK network.

The benefit will be available to all the firm’s employees across its five offices, which include Birmingham, Exeter, London, Manchester and Nottingham.

The scheme is provided by SG Fleet and will allow employees to lease an EV at a more competitive rate than a private lease agreement and will also see them benefit from income tax and national insurance savings. The cost of the lease will also include insurance and maintenance of the vehicle.

Browne Jacobson’s People Director Declan Vaughan said: “We are delighted to be able to offer

Delighted: Declan Vaughan

this accessible and affordable way of leasing an EV to our people. It is an exciting, and valuable employee benefit that not only enhances our employer value proposition but clearly demonstrates our firm commitment to keeping Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues at the top

of the agenda and to actively reducing our carbon footprint, as a business.”

Partner Giles Parsons, who heads up Browne Jacobson’s automotive practice, added: “From 2030, sales of new conventional petrol and diesel cars and vans will be banned in the UK and from 2035, that ban will extend to hybrid vehicles.

“As specialists in the automotive sector, we know it will take a lot of work to achieve these huge targets but there is a fantastic opportunity for industry to come together and work collaboratively to accomplish these goals. This starts with businesses funding and endorsing great EV schemes like this.

“I am proud to be part of a business that not only promotes a greener and cleaner landscape but is actively contributing to climate change in a positive way.”

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Business News

New manager at the helm of BID Sutton Coldfield Business Improvement District (BID) has appointed Michelle Baker as its new manager.

Michelle’s new role will be to deliver the five-year business plan voted for by local businesses in November 2021 and provide a fresh vision for the BID for 2022 to 2027.

Michelle has held multiple BID, town and city centre management roles over the last 12 years, including development of the Lichfield BID and developing and managing BIDs across Surrey and London.

Working for a council in Staffordshire, Michelle also launched a market that was shortlisted for the top six Markets in the UK and regularly delivered events that attracted more than 10,000 visitors.

Key to her new role will be increasing footfall in the town centre, making Sutton Coldfield a more desirable place to shop and do business and ensuring that the voices of local businesses are heard as part of future BID and regeneration plans.

Michelle said: “I am absolutely thrilled to join Sutton BID and will work diligently to boost trade and footfall for local businesses and raise the profile of Sutton Coldfield town centre.

“My first step will be to deliver a town-wide business survey to ensure the BID is responding to the needs of local businesses and invite new members to join the BID Board to help to shape the future of Sutton Coldfield town centre.

“Sutton Coldfield BID will be planning high profile events for the town and exploring events such as car shows, open air cinemas, speciality markets and much more. I know Sutton very well and I am looking forward to making a difference.”

• More Sutton Coldfield news – page 43

Fresh vision: Angela Henderson (left), BID chair and centre manager of Gracechurch Shopping Centre, with Michelle Baker

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Business News

Start-ups soar but insolvencies rise Benefits: Sara Abbott

How to attract and retain staff A Sutton Coldfield HR expert has told firms to think beyond salaries and look at other job benefits in a bid to retain staff.

It comes after a job board found that 77 per cent of professionals are planning to look for a new role in 2022.

The top reasons for leaving were wanting or needing a career change, obtaining a higher salary, seeking more flexible workout opportunities and feeling burnout.

Sara Abbott from The HR Dept North Birmingham, has shared some tips to help businesses retain their staff.

While salaries are attractive, she believes other benefits such as flexible working, training and company culture are also a significant factor.

Sara said: “Knowing these employee motivations is a great starting point for addressing issues of recruitment and retention.

“For many of these points, introspection regarding your company culture could be invaluable. Quite simply – is your company a nice place to work?

If there is room for improvement it may well be a forewarning that some of your team may want a career change.

“The survey also confirmed what many of us already know – that flexible working is becoming a must-have for many professionals. Have you fully explored if or how you can make it work for your business?

“When looking at remuneration packages, employee benefits are a smart way for an SME to stand out.

“Training and development are hugely prized and costeffective solutions like health cash plans, cycle-to-work schemes and employee assistance programmes are all ways to give value to employees and show them that you care.”

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More than 6,800 start-up companies launched in the West Midlands in March in a major boost to the region’s job market – but the number of insolvencies also doubled.

Latest research from the Midlands branch of national insolvency and restructuring trade body R3 reveals a challenging picture across the region, with local business start-ups increasing at the same time that companies are having to fight harder to survive.

R3’s figures, which are based on an analysis of data from business intelligence provider Creditsafe, highlight that the West Midlands recorded 6,845 start-up companies in March, an increase of 1,260 on the previous month’s figure of 5,585. But conversely, the region also had 426 insolvency-related activities last month, more than double February’s statistic of 182.

The R3 research also indicates that, in March, the number of West Midlands companies with late payments was 50,597, a marginal decrease on February’s figure of 51,084.

R3 Midlands Chair Eddie Williams, partner at PwC in Birmingham, said: “This R3 report reveals the extent to which local businesses are having to fight to survive and grow in this current economic climate.

While the increasing number of start-ups in the region is positive, it is obvious that late payments are likely to be a significant contributory factor in local business distress.

“Both the global and local economies are hugely challenging at present, and it is crucial for local business owners, whether in start-ups or established companies, to be on top of their invoice ledgers and tackle late payments and the impact of bad debts as soon as they become evident.

“For those businesses which are already struggling, or whose directors may be worried about its situation, the sooner professional advice is sought, the more opportunities may be available for finding the best possible outcome.”

Challenging times: Eddie Williams

Co-heads: Rachel Lyne and Mike Jackson

Law firm appoints co-heads of office Partners Rachel Lyne and Mike Jackson have been appointed coheads of office for law firm Browne Jacobson in Birmingham.

The duo will lead the firm’s 180strong Birmingham office for the next three years.

The announcement is part of a series of new head and deputy head of office appointments for Birmingham, Exeter, London and Manchester offices.

Both heads will combine their new responsibilities with their

existing client facing role within their specialist area of expertise.

Rachel Lyne is a regulatory lawyer with extensive experience advising clients in association with investigations and enforcement action brought by the Health & Safety Executive, the Police, Food Standards Agency, Environmental Health Officers, the Environment Agency and Fire Authorities.

Rachel also has an extensive public inquires practice advising most recently on the Covid-19,

Grenfell Tower and Manchester Arena public inquiries.

As well as Rachel’s contentious work she also undertakes advisory work for a range of clients on all regulatory issues including food, fire safety, health and safety and product safety and compliance.

Mike Jackson is a well-known and experienced corporate lawyer and a tech and venture capital specialist. He regularly advises corporates on M&A, growth capital and cross-border transactions.

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Business News

A show of support for Muslim charity Midlands law firm Shakespeare Martineau are supporting British Muslim charity Mercy Mission UK in launching a new mentoring scheme.

A hundred businesses across Birmingham will take action to help young people from across the region, improving their life chances through confidence and resilience building.

The scheme will offer mentoring and work experience placements to Muslim youth across the city directly tackling the long-term inequities they face as people of faith.

Initially centred in Birmingham, those first 100 businesses will take part in the scheme championed by Shakespeare Martineau in partnership with Mercy Mission’s ‘Faith in Our Cities’ initiative.

Azim Kidwai, CEO of Mercy Mission UK, urged business leaders to find out more about the youth empowerment programme and shift the dial domestically for a generation of young people, marginalised through lack of cultural understanding and fit-forpurpose employment opportunities.

Mohammed Saqub, partner at Shakespeare Martineau and head of

Support: Mohammed Saqub (left) and Jehangir Malik

Islamic finance, said: “It’s estimated that 17 per cent of UK prisoners are Muslim, despite Muslims making up just over four per cent of the UK population.

“A core challenge is that there is an issue with young people heading for a life of crime, as they see little alternative in their future or simply not fulfilling their true potential. Increased mentoring – especially from people who speak

and look just like them and share the same cultural heritage – could make all the difference in the path a person chooses to follow.

“When I was at school in the centre of Birmingham, I was influenced by a lawyer who came into our school to talk about what he did. Without him, I’m not sure whether I would have chosen this path – his mentoring opened up possible options for a career and I

am passionate about doing the same for others.”

Spearheading the scheme is local civil society leader Jehangir Malik, from Mercy Mission UK. He said: “We are really excited about launching this new scheme and are very optimistic by the initial response we’ve had from diverse local businesses in Birmingham.

“The project is co-created by young people and local businesses as part of an intergenerational approach to strengthening British Muslim civil society. We recognise the untapped potential of British Muslim youth and the positive role they can play in shaping and enriching our society.

“To this end, we are focussing on creating a multi-faceted developmental approach that ensures that Muslim youth in Britain can fulfil their true potential by launching the Muslim Youth Connected Youth Futures Programme in Birmingham.”

For more information about the Muslim Youth Connected Futures Programme, please visit mercymission.org.uk or get in touch with jehangir.malik@mercymission.org.uk

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Business News

National recognition for inspiring entrepreneur

By Sophia Corness-Parr Real-term cuts: Louise Long

Staff affected by pay freeze Cash-conscious firms across the West Midlands face losing talented staff to rivals - with pay freezes on the agenda in many organisations struggling with rising costs.

With more than 48 per cent of businesses reporting that no pay rises were being offered to staff this year, regional experts HR Caddy say that employers may face difficult pay decisions in the weeks ahead.

The new study from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) found that only half of the 1,000 companies it surveyed planned to provide basic pay awards. HR Caddy said that the decision not to offer significant pay rises or any pay increase at all would be tough for employees - but understandable in the face of cost crises facing many businesses.

Louise Long, senior HR manager at HR Caddy, said: “The decision for so many co mpanies to not offer any kind of pay rise to staff isn’t surprising. The recent increase to National Insurance rates, energy prices and the many other cost increases that businesses are having to deal with mean that resources are already stretched within many organisations. Unfortunately, the finances of most employees are also strained due to rising living costs.”

Louise added that the CMI’s research showed that the average pay rise for those receiving an increase this year would be around 2.8 per cent.

She said: “For workers, this represents a real-term cut to their pay this year and many will be feeling disheartened by employers’ tough decisions to limit pay rises. Employers risk losing talented staff who decide to seek higher earnings elsewhere. So, they need to consider how pay rises are managed and communicated to their workforce.”

Janet Douglas has been listed as one of the UK’s 55 most inspiring entrepreneurs – after coming up with an alternative to state education.

Janet, founder and CEO of Feed My Creative CIC, launched the company after she became frustrated with the education system for pushing students “into subjects they didn’t choose or enjoy.”

Now the Aston-based businesswoman has been included in the Social Entrepreneur Index 2022, celebrating entrepreneurs who run businesses driving social change. The index shines a spotlight on the UK's most purpose-driven entrepreneurs and their businesses, acting as a benchmark for good practice.

Feed My Creative works with young people and adults to inspire creativity through craft workshops and create more sustainable communities.

The workshops give individuals the opportunity to discuss common issues and experiences such as bereavement whilst being creative and reducing waste through the enterprise’s sourcing of recycled fabric.

Janet, listed in the index for the second time, said: “I’m extremely grateful to be chosen as one of 55 of the most inspiring entrepreneurs in the country especially with it being a national list not just regional, it’s even more humbling.

Mighty steps: Janet Douglas

“It is such an amazing achievement for me and for the work I do with Feed My Creative as imposter syndrome had me for a long-time questioning ‘am I doing enough?’.

Being an SME, you don’t always get seen, especially as a creative, but this recognition goes to show that people do see you even when you don’t think they are watching.”

Janet has over 30 years of design experience and taught in secondary schools and alternati ve provisions for 11 years.

Janet has gone on to win a number of accolades including former ‘Dragon’s Den’ entrepreneur, Theo Paphitis’ Small Business Sunday and Company of the Year at All Women Achievers Awards.

She has been a Great British Entrepreneur of the Year finalist in the Midlands Creative Industries Entrepreneur of the Year category in 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Ms Douglas added: “There is much more to come from me, just watch this space.”

Law firm welcomes partner

Thrilled: Micky Yang

Birmingham law firm Gowling WLG has welcomed Micky Yang as a new corporate partner to strengthen its indirect real estate practice in the UK. Micky joins with a wealth of experience advising clients on a wide range of corporate matters, including structured investments and joint ventures, exclusively focusing during the last decade in the real estate sector.

Before joining the firm she was at Herbert Smith Freehills in London where she spent her whole career as an English solicitor.

Micky said: "I'm thrilled to have been given the opportunity to join such a talented group of professionals with a real passion for real estate.

"I am looking forward to building on an already great indirect real estate practice and to playing my part in cementing Gowling WLG's reputation as one of the strongest teams around in the real estate sector, working hand in hand with my new property colleagues as well as my corporate, funds, finance and tax colleagues focusing in the sector.

"I am joining the team full of enthusiasm, energy and optimism for what the future holds for my practice and this firm which has welcomed me with open arms."

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Cargo specialist designs plan for net zero target Freight forwarding specialists Millennium Cargo have joined forces with local digital design experts Cocoonfxmedia to help reduce their carbon footprint and hit a net zero target.

The Sutton Coldfield business has taken a huge step towards achieving its environmentallyfriendly goal thanks to the design firm’s new carbon calculation and offsetting tool.

Millennium Cargo decided to turn to the CocoonCarbon tool created by Cocoonfxmedia Ltd to help achieve its net zero goal.

Both businesses are members of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and share a commitment to help the planet.

Cocoonfxmedia achieved its net zero carbon goal last year and since then has been working to develop technologies that help others do the same.

CocoonCarbon is sophisticated software that enables businesses to

measure their carbon footprint by estimating the carbon, nitrogen oxide and particle matter emissions of an entire journey from door to door, through road, sea and air travel.

Enhanced subscription-based versions of the software also calculate the exact number of trees needed to offset the carbon impact of that journey - and provide the option to purchase those trees there and then.

Using the software, Millennium Cargo can now easily measure door to door to C02 emissions for road, sea, air and freight shipments whilst instantly purchasing the number of trees needed to offset a journey.

The digital knowhow also allows the firm to report on their emissions and share access with clients so they can also see the impact of the measures.

Chadd Blunt, founder and CEO of Millennium Cargo Ltd, said: “As a

Instant benefits: Chadd Blunt

freight forwarder we know that by the very nature of our services, CO2 emissions will be contributing to the climate emergency and we were desperately seeking a way that we, and our clients, could reduce this impact.

“We recently saw the news about fellow chamber member, Cocoonfxmedia, and their carbon calculation tool which seemed to tick all the boxes.

“We had a quick demo and were impressed with how easy the system is to use. We could see the instant benefits it can bring to Millennium

Cargo and our clients too. We’re looking forward to getting started and making some real inroads into our net zero target.”

James Blackman, Cocoonfxmedia managing partner and former Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber president, said: “Millennium Cargo is precisely the type of business our tool was built for – those who are forward-thinking and serious about making positive changes to the environment.

“We very much look forward to working with Chadd and Ali and help them towards being net zero.”

Death of longstanding office sector expert Malcolm Gloster, a highly respected figure in the West Midlands property industry who clocked up a remarkable 52 years’ service with the same company, has died aged 74.

Malcolm, who was also a former chair of the British American Business Council (BABC) Midlands Chapter, now the Greater Birmingham Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce, had been suffering from advanced prostate cancer.

He joined Grimley and Son in 1966, the week England won the World Cup, as a graduate trainee straight from Wrekin College.

He became the firm’s youngest partner at 28 years old, specialising in the office sector in the Midlands.

He was appointed regional managing partner of the GVA Grimley Midlands office in the late 90s. Malcolm retired as a partner in 2008. He continued part-time in the capacity as a consultant for another 10 years, mainly acting as property adviser to the Schools of King Edward VI in Birmingham. He retired in 2018.

Carl Potter, managing director Birmingham, Avison Young, said: 30 CHAMBERLINK June 2022

“In a long and successful career, Malcolm became established as a leading professional in the field of urban development and regeneration. He was a man who lived life to the fullest, highly committed and respected as a chartered surveyor and much loved for his positivity and compassion by colleagues and friends alike.”

52 years’ service: Malcolm Gloster

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Chamber Patrons

Chamber Patrons Greater Birmingham Chambers’ leading supporters

Contact: Raj Kandola T: 07815 952462

NEC deliver EV charging hub The NEC Group is to deliver one of the largest electric vehicle charging hubs in Europe at its campus.

Planning permission has been granted to the NEC Group and its partner The EV Network for the hub which will contain ultrafast 300KW DC chargers capable of charging 32 electric vehicles at any one time.

Served by 16 high speed DC chargers, each will be able to fully-charge a vehicle in 15 to 30 minutes.

A solar canopy is also being created to help generate electricity for the hub.

The hub will be accessed via a new entrance from the main Campus through road, just off junction 6 of the M42 and close to the M6.

Plans for the hub also include the build of an adjacent, drive-thru national coffee franchise to cater for visitors while they wait for their vehicles to charge.

The hub is set to go live from Autumn 2022.

Paul Thandi, CEO of NEC Group, said: “As the UK’s leading live events business, we also want to be a leader in sustainable

practices. Creating an EV charging hub of this scale is a step change for the UK’s green travel strategy.

"We know that many electric vehicle drivers suffer from range anxiety and that this is a barrier to others switching to greener modes of transport.

“Providing greater reliability and access to high quality charge points in partnership with bp pulse at a key part of the UK road network, is a great move forward and one we are proud to support.”

Electric dream: The NEC Campus which will house the new charging hub

Blueprint for boosting EMBs

Professor Monder Ram: Tackling barriers faced by ethnic minority businesses

32 CHAMBERLINK June 2022

A report from Aston University has set out a plan for advancing the growth potential of ethnic minority businesses (EMBs) in the UK. The Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship (CREME) has partnered with NatWest for the Time to Change report which sets out ten evidence-based recommendations to promote greater success and inclusion of ethnic minority businesses (EMBs) in finance and business support in the UK. Experts say the recommendations could help tackle the multiple barriers faced by EMBs, particularly in accessing finance, markets and quality business support.

They could increase their GVA contribution from the current £25 billion a year to £100 billion, highlighting the significant potential of EMBs to the UK economy.

The report says that to combat racial inequality, there should be a UK-wide support for ethnic led businesses should be a standard feature of all future plans.

The report calls for a strong action to eliminate the longstanding challenge of discouragement of ethnic minority entrepreneurs from seeking finance and business support.

It found EMBs have been particularly hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic due to the sectors in which they tend to operate and recommends recovery support is focussed on the businesses that need it most.

Professor Monder Ram, director of the Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship at Aston Business School, said: “The entrepreneurial ambition of ethnic minorities can play a crucial role in the UK Government’s vision of ‘Levelling Up’ prosperity across regions, promoting trade opportunities of ‘Global Britain’ and creating a more cohesive society.

“Drawing on the latest research and examples of international best practice, the report presents a comprehensive approach to tackling the barriers faced by firms owned by ethnic minority communities.

“We pinpoint key challenges and present recommendations – informed by extensive consultation with business support practitioners and entrepreneurs – that invite policymakers, corporations and entrepreneurs to collaborate in a new partnership to advance entrepreneurial activities and the UK’s diverse communities.”

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Chamber Patrons

Universities praised for research Two of Birmingham’s flagship universities, Birmingham City University and Aston University, have been recognised as ‘worldleading’ institutions for their ground-breaking research projects.

BCU and Aston University are two of 157 UK universities to have taken part in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF2021) an independent review assessing the excellence of research in higher education.

Four UK higher education funding bodies use the REF to inform the allocation of around £2bn of research funding per year.

BCU’s REF2021 submission involved research carried out by 310 individual staff members including 56 early career researchers - more than double the number (151 individuals) submitted to the last REF which took place in 2014.

World-leading: BCU’s campus in Birmingham

It included research that has informed the first UK guidance for endometriosis treatment, projects helping Indonesia to transform waste to clean energy, and expertise that has redefined Islamophobia and influenced antiMuslim hate crime policy in Britain.

BCU’s REF2021 submission was driven by £16m of funding and

included 34 research impact case studies - nine more than in 2014.

According to the review, research

by BCU had become ‘bigger, better and broader’.

Professor Philip Plowden, Birmingham City University vicechancellor, said: “We are proud of our research, which is achieved through inquisitive study, sharing

our knowledge, learning from others, and harnessing and developing important partnerships with collaborators.

“As a university that prides itself on producing graduates who are powering the front line of public services including the health profession, it is particularly heartening to see our research in applied health is having a true impact and ensuring our students are being taught by leading experts.”

Aston University took a highly inclusive approach to its REF return, making a 100 per cent submission of eligible staff across seven REF assessment.

Seventy-four per cent of the impact of the university’s research has been rated “very considerable” or “outstanding” for reach and significance.

Charlotte on track for dream career An Animal Behaviour and Welfare graduate from Birmingham, who is passionate about wildlife conservation, has launched a new career on HS2 which is allowing her to fulfil her dream of caring for animals and the natural environment.

Charlotte Moore is embarking on a new career focused on ecology and the environment.

And, thanks to a collaboration between HS2’s construction partner Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) and Birmingham Metropolitan College (BMET), nine trainees have also progressed into environmentalfocused roles supporting BBV’s construction programme.

As part of a drive to address a skills shortage, the two organisations joined forces to develop a new environmental

Inspired: Charlotte Moore is pursuing a career with HS2

technicians training programme that combines classroom learning and accreditation with hands on work experience. On completion, trainees transition onto a paid employment trial working alongside BBV’s team of ecologists.

Charlotte hoped to become a zookeeper when she graduated and never imagined that a job in construction would enable her to work with animals.

But after a meeting with Balfour Beatty VINCI’s skills and employment team, she was encouraged to take up a work placement to discover if working alongside a team of ecologists might provide the career kickstart she yearned for.

Charlotte said: “So far, I’ve helped to protect a cete of badgers, taken a hands-on role in translocating protected species, and learnt a lot about the different plant and tree species that we are protecting and replacing.

“I had no idea about the role ecologists play in protecting the environment during construction projects but seeing this first-hand has really inspired me.”

Julie Venn-Morton, HS2’s skills manager for the West Midlands said: “HS2 is creating careers, not just jobs, for people right across the region, and this initiative is one of many that really demonstrates we are on track to create the lasting skills legacy that we set out to achieve.”

International partnership: Alice Wilby and Bharat Sakhuja with staff at Chitkara University

Academic links build skills in India University College Birmingham has forged new links with a range of academic institutions and organisations in India as part of drive to boost skills development in the country.

Staff from the university travelled to India to visit Chitkara University, GD Goenka University and the Institute of Management Studies (IMS) Noida, meeting with counterparts to discuss opportunities for cooperation and progression.

They also met with representatives from the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and the British Council in India.

The links offer a range of potential benefits and opportunities for both University College Birmingham and its partners, covering key areas including student mobility and upskilling, progression arrangements, teacher training and cooperation, as well as collaborating in joint conferences and seminars.

Discussions were also held towards creating more opportunities for Indian students to attend short courses in the UK. The visits were conducted by Alice Wilby, pro vice-chancellor (Access, Participation and Student Experience) at University College Birmingham, and Bharat Sakhuja, associate director of the university's international department.

Alice said: “We were delighted to meet with such impressive and welcoming partners, and to open up genuine collaboration between our institutions.

“We look forward to working together on a range of projects, including international mobility and skills development.”

The collaborations were welcomed by senior staff from each organisation, who commended the benefits of working with the university.

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1813 Club and Premier Members

1813 Club and Premier Members Greater Birmingham’s leading companies

BHSF receives accreditation Health and wellbeing provider BHSF has been awarded quality accreditation from the Safe, Effective, Quality Occupational Health Service (SEQOHS).

SEQOHS provides independent and impartial recognition that an occupational health service provider has demonstrated its competence to a team of trained assessors.

It represents a quality mark for workers in both public and private sectors.

BHSF occupational health (OH) provides a range of support services including new-starter health screenings, role specific medicals, immunisations and vaccinations, health surveillance and sickness absence referrals.

It also offers additional services, including ergonomic, physiotherapy and mental health support.

Fiona McGill, clinical lead at BHSF said: “We are thrilled to have received this official recognition from SEQOHS assessors.”

Premier Membership Contact: Gary Birch T: 0845 6036650

Investment brings Yuup to Birmingham Birmingham is the first city selected to welcome indie experiences marketplace Yuup - as the business embarks on UK expansion after a successful first year of trading and a crowdfunding round that secured almost £1m in investment.

Launched in its HQ city of Bristol in the midst of the pandemic, the platform has offered small independent businesses and indie creators a platform to host unique experiences.

Customers are able to find 100s of local experiences to do and to gift: from pottery making to food tours, silversmithing to wine tasting, and from paddleboarding to immersive cinema events.

The company plans to launch in Birmingham next month. Side hustlers, and local businesses are now invited to join the platform as hosts.

Those living in and visiting Birmingham will be able to

experience the city from a local’s perspective while injecting money into the local economy.

The Bristol-born marketplace has welcomed Yuup with open arms, with 300 hosts joining the platform and over 24,000 experiences sold since Yuup’s launch in September 2020.

‘Customers are able to find 100s of local experiences to do and to gift’ Since launch, Yuup has injected more than £600,000 of income into the local economy.

Now Yuup has set its sights on Birmingham as the location for its first steps outside of its HQ city.

The platform will highlight the best of Birmingham’s hidden gems, bustling independent scene, while providing a service that generates income for local people.

Dominic Mills: championing local independents

Dominic Mills, co-founder of Yuup, said: “It’s the people of Birmingham and the West Midlands that sold it for us.

“A city, like Bristol, that is full of creative people, champions local independents and is made up of diverse communities united by a collective desire to share their passions and new experiences.”

For more information on becoming an experience host visit yuup.co/join

Arboretum included in Queen’s Baton Relay

Celebrating sports, service and friendship

The Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay is visiting the National Memorial Arboretum in the heart of the National Forest in Staffordshire, as part of the full England route.

Several batonbearers, each with inspiring backgrounds and stories, will have the honour of carrying the baton as it makes its way across the 150acre site.

Mark Ellis, interim lead at the National Arboretum said: “The visit from the Queen’s Baton Relay on 20 July will be a huge highlight for our visitors, volunteers and staff as the nation looks forward to Birmingham 2022.

“The Arboretum is home to many memorials that honour the service and collaboration of diverse communities from across the Commonwealth, including members of the Armed Forces who have served, and continue to serve, alongside each other in times of war and peace, working together to protect our freedoms and way of life.”

The visit is set to be a highlight of the Arboretum’s summer of ‘Sports, Service and the Commonwealth’.

The programme of exhibitions and activities celebrates sports, service and friendship between the nations and territories of the Commonwealth.

For further information, visit: www.thenma.org.uk/queens-baton-relay

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Charging towards positive change: Kyle Raffo

Brand makeover up for grabs Printing and merchandise company Embello is looking to give a Midlandsbased charity, community group or not-for-profit organisation a ‘brand makeover’ worth £10,000, free of charge.

The plot twist is that the winning organisation will have to work with the Embello team in a BBC TV ‘DIY:SOS’ style challenge to achieve the rebrand in a 48-hour period.

Kyle Raffo, managing director, said: “Giving back is an important ethic within our company. We work with hundreds of other companies nationwide and overseas to produce their branded merchandise, yet many worthy charities and local community groups simply don’t have sufficient funds to cover these kinds of marketing assets.”

Any Birmingham or West Midlands-based charity, not-for-profit organisation or community group can apply as long as they can demonstrate that they have made a positive change to their local area.

Kyle said: “Being able to showcase your charity, community group or project in a professional way elevates profile and engenders confidence.

This kind of branding provides numerous benefits that smaller organisations can struggle to access.”

The rebrand project will also be filmed for a mini-documentary to be shown on Embello’s social media and YouTube.

Alicia Hulland, project team member at Embello, said: “In 48 hours, our Brum:SOS challenge is to give the chosen charity a brand refresh, which will include help from our design team to create new marketing materials.

“Included within the £10k budget, we are offering a range of branded goodies such as merchandise, uniform and team clothing, building signage and vehicle graphics, and printed promotional materials.

“Not only are we designing and printing these, our talented team of installers will be on-site to fit the new signage and graphics.”

The closing date for entry is Monday 6 June.

Any organisation interested can complete the online application form at www.embello.co.uk/Brum:SOS

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International Trade

International Trade

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

Georgia has taste for exports

By Dan Harrison Georgia’s appetite to increase food and drink exports to the UK was highlighted during talks with Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

A delegation from the Georgian Embassy in London and its exporting arm Enterprise Georgia visited Chamber House in Edgbaston to discuss bilateral trade opportunities.

The visit coincided with the Food and Drink Expo at the NEC, at which Georgian food and drink products – including dried foods, fresh juices, honey and bay leaves – were showcased.

The total value of trade in goods and services between the UK and Georgia was worth £194m last year, according to the Department for International Trade (DIT) – but deputy head of mission at the Georgian Embassy, George Saganelidze, believes there is potential to increase this.

Wine is currently Georgia’s biggest export to the UK and Mr Saganelidze says there is a thirst to have more products on shelves in UK supermarkets.

He said: “Georgia has not really had very big trade with the UK but we are trying to develop it a bit more.

Food for thought: Stefanie Bowes (left), Mandy Haque (third from left), George Saganelidze (third from right) and members of the Georgia delegation

“With the support of the Georgian Embassy in the UK and Enterprise Georgia we have been able to have around 10 Georgian products exhibiting here in Birmingham and we hope it will lead to some great results.”

The Chamber’s international director and international business manager Stefanie Bowes also discussed opportunities for Greater

Birmingham firms to collaborate with Georgian counterparts in sectors such as transport, tourism, technology and agriculture.

Ms Bowes said: “It was fantastic to welcome Minister George Saganelidze and his colleagues from the Embassy of Georgia to Birmingham, as part of their visit to the Food and Drink Expo at the NEC.”

German firms upbeat about UK operations

Dr Ulrich Hoppe: German-British firms are buoyant about their activity in the UK

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German-British businesses are more upbeat about their own activities in the UK than the British economy overall.

That’s according to the German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce, the Londonbased organisation representing around 75 British and German firms.

The war in Ukraine and global supply chain issues present new challenges, which are increasingly affecting the business community, the survey says.

On the other hand, addressing climate change will offer significant business opportunities, although current initiatives in the UK are not yet seen as sufficient.

Similar to the autumn of 2021, half of GermanBritish companies are positive or very positive about their own current and expected future performance in the UK, with half planning to increase their investment and to recruit more staff.

However, more respondents are expecting the UK economy to continue to ‘cool’ in the coming 12 months.

Thirty-eight per cent expect a worsening performance and only 23 per cent expect it to perform better.

Logistical problems remain the largest challenge for businesses, but for the first time, rising energy and other input costs are listed as key challenges, indicating a significant economic impact of the war in Ukraine.

Shortage of skills and trade barriers/customs formalities have been pushed down the list of challenges. With the lifting of most Covid restrictions, travel restrictions are also no longer major issues. Concerning climate changemitigating policies in the UK, fewer than five per cent of respondents see them as very effective.

Dr Ulrich Hoppe, director general of the German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce, said: “The survey results suggest that, despite the recent significant decline in bilateral trade, the German-British business community remains positive about their own operations in the UK. “In other words, the companies which are already successful in the UK will continue to be so.

“In addition, future business opportunities are seen in the field of climate change-mitigating technologies but Brexit-related issues and the war in Ukraine continue to have a negative impact on businesses and may become even more challenging in the near future.”

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International Trade Greater Birmingham

Commonwealth

Commonwealth Chamber Patrons

Greater Birmingham

Transatlantic Chamber Patrons

Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce

Chamber of Commerce

Contact: Mandy Haque T: 0121 725 8994

A masterclass in sales now available

By Sophia Corness-Parr Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce has launched a new sales training masterclass.

‘A Sales Training Masterclass’ is being led by sales expert, Keith Rozelle director of Sales Marvel, who has 30 years’ experience in technology sales with companies including HP, BT as well as a host of SMEs. He said: “Whatever you’re selling, I believe the principles of sales are surprisingly similar. The ability to build trust and articulate ‘difference’ is vital for all businesses in order to stand out from the crowd.”

Attendees can complete all of the modules as a full package or attend individual modules.

The modules consist of: • Module 1- Telling your story: Get a ‘handson’ approach to increase sales within business. Learn how to pitch to potential buyers, gain new customers and keep customers returning.

•

Module 2 - Generating (the right kind of) leads: Learn how to ask the correct questions, understand customer needs and take the right approach to create a sale.

• Module 3 - Qualifying the opportunity: Gain the guidance to understand the needs of any customer, who they are and what they need.

• Module 4 - Negotiate & close: Learn to close a deal confidently and professionally, leaving the customer happy and willing to return.

The modules are split between two days.

Modules one and two take place on Thursday 21 July and modules three and four on Thursday 1 September. The price per module is £75 + VAT for Chamber members, £115 + VAT for nonmember price. The full masterclass is £240 + VAT for members and £368 + VAT for nonmembers. Booking onto the full masterclass

US-UK expo goes virtual Greater Birmingham showcased businesses opportunities alongside UK and US regions at a major transatlantic trade expo.

The US-UK Virtual Trade Expo was hosted by the BritishAmerican Business Network, of which the Greater Birmingham Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce is part.

The Transatlantic Chamber joined forces with the West Midlands Growth Company to represent the region at the expo, which took place via an online platform which offered an immersive and interactive experience for those participating.

Greater Birmingham was represented alongside Boston, the Carolinas, Chicago, Georgia, London, Miami, New York, Nashville, Northern California, Orange County, Scotland and Texas.

Each region had its own exhibitor booth with local agencies and experts available to share information and answer questions live.

International business manager Stefanie Bowes represented the Chamber.

She said: ”We were delighted to exhibit at the US-UK Virtual expo, alongside the West Midlands Growth Company.

“The expo allowed us to showcase the region and connect with many businesses trading across different states.

“It also enabled us to reengage with other chapters within the BritishAmerican Business network, understand the specific sectors each one is focusing on and learn more about market entry into these regions.”

Stefanie Bowes: Connecting the region with US states

Training masterclass: Keith Rozelle

package saves delegates 20 per cent. A further 15 per cent discount is given to businesses who book on five or more attendees.

Individual bookings can be made via the Chamber website or full masterclass and multiple attendee bookings by emailing training@birmingham-chamber.com

Efforts to improve trade ties welcomed Transatlantic business chiefs have welcomed efforts by the UK and US to reduce existing barriers to trade.

It follows a second round of talks as part of the UK/US Trade Dialogue on the Future of Atlantic Trade, which took place in Aberdeen.

The transatlantic dialogues - which bring together government ministers, senior officials, trade unions, businesses and civil society from both sides - are aimed at deepening trade and investment ties between the UK and the US. The first round of discussions took place in Baltimore earlier this year.

Duncan Edwards, chief executive of BritishAmerican Business, of which the Greater Birmingham Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce is part, welcomed the talks and is hopeful of progress in a number of areas such as digital and green trade and supply chain initiatives.

He said: “The discussions held at the Trade Dialogues are an opportunity to strengthen the transatlantic trade and investment ties between the UK and the US and continue to reduce existing barriers to trade.”

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

Asian Business Dinner and Awards 2018

Edgbaston Stadium during Eid al-Fitr

Edgbaston Stadium hosts Eid celebrations Edgbaston Stadium has hosted one of the biggest Eid al-Fitr celebrations in the country - welcoming around 2,000 visitors for prayers through a partnership with Birmingham’s Green Lane Masjid & Community Centre (GLMCC).

Staged on Edgbaston’s Colts Ground, families from across the country came to Edgbaston to celebrate the end of Ramadan with prayers.

Softball cricket sessions were subsequently delivered by Warwickshire Cricket Board coaches to children on the stadium’s outfield and a lunch event was hosted in the Banqueting Suite.

Stuart Cain, chief executive of Edgbaston, said: “GLMCC have been a key supporter of our work in the local community over the last 12 months. Despite the impact of Covid, we were able to work together at shortnotice last year to stage prayers for 500 friends of GLMCC. “However, we’ve proven that without the restrictions and with more planning time that we can quadruple the number of people that we have accommodated.

“We both share ambitions to further develop the annual prayer event, but we want the relationships with our community partners to be constant and to make Edgbaston a hub for the local community that consistently hosts cultural events and celebrations for all to enjoy.”

Sajjad Akram of GLMCC said: “A brilliant event organised through collaboration between two great Birmingham organisations – GLMCC and Edgbaston Stadium. Superbly organised, with all attendees having an enjoyable experience.

We’re hoping the event can be even bigger in future.”

GLMCC and Edgbaston hosted 500 visitors for Eid al-Adha prayers in July 2021, which was followed by a conference in December in the Edgbaston Banqueting Suite on Islamophobia and Racism.

GLMCC was also one of eight religious institutions in the West Midlands to help develop Warwickshire County Cricket Club’s Multifaith Charter, which launched in February.

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Nominations open for annual awards The Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) will celebrate 35 years of heritage this year in the launch of their highly anticipated annual awards and dinner taking place in November.

The Asian Business Chamber Annual Dinner & Awards 2022 will take place on Saturday 19 November at the National Conference Centre in Solihull and will be the first in-person awards ceremony hosted by the ABCC since the pandemic.

This year’s awards will welcome two new categories, including Small Business of the Year and Tech Business of the Year.

This year’s 10 award categories are: • Outstanding Charity of the Year • Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year • Outstanding Finance Business of the Year • Outstanding Hospitality Business of the Year • Outstanding Legal Services Business of the Year • Outstanding Small Business of the Year (NEW) • Outstanding Start-Up Business of the Year • Outstanding Tech Business of the Year (NEW) • Outstanding Young Achiever of the Year One business will also be crowned Asian Business of the Year.

The deadline for award applications is Friday 30 September.

Anjum Khan, director of the Asian Business Chamber, said: “We are really excited to launch this year’s annual dinner and awards, especially as it will be our first physical annual dinner and awards since the pandemic.

“Once again, we are hoping the awards will be a fantastic celebration of the outstanding, diverse and inclusive businesses in Greater Birmingham.

“The call to action is for all businesses, members and non-members of the ABCC to nominate themselves for any one of our award categories to be in with a chance to be highlighted as a business outshining in their sector and community.

“Our awards have become a key event in the business calendar and this year will be no different, particularly as we celebrate 35 years of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce.”

Jason Wouhra, president of ABCC and chief executive officer of Lioncroft Wholesale Limited, said: “We are very much looking forward to celebrating our annual awards in true form at the National Conference Centre this November. This will be an event not only to recognise the achievements of the Asian Business community in the past year, but also to reflect on the 35-year heritage of the Asian Business Chamber and the vitality it gives to our business network. The Asian business community are at the beating heart of serving many grass roots local communities and it’s most important that we promote and celebrate our immense contribution to the UK economy.”

Please visit the Chamber website to apply for an award, book your tickets, or explore sponsorship opportunities.

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ABCC Premier+ Partners

ABCC Patrons

Shani takes on ambassador role Lets Sanify Ltd, a world-leading natural antiseptic and antibacterial liquid solution manufacturer, has introduced Shani Dhanda as their new global brand ambassador.

Lets Sanify was established in 2020 to deliver a natural disinfection as an alternative to existing harmful and chemically-based disinfectant products.

Their products have been rigorously tested in hospital microbiology departments worldwide and in independent UK laboratories, proven to kill 99.999 per cent of all bacteria and viruses including SARS, E. COLI, MRSA, CoV-2 and COVID-19.

Shani Dhanda is a multi-award-winning inclusion specialist and social entrepreneur, listed as one of the UK’s most influential disabled people by the Shaw Trust and BBC's 100 Women List 2020.

She was featured in LinkedIn's first-ever TV ad, featured across digital, print and radio channels with over 17 million views.

Shani is also a LinkedIn changemaker and sits among the most influential members in the UK, using her platform to make work more accessible for all.

Lets Sanify have already begun been working with Shani to create a video podcast covering the importance of sustainability, zero carbon and using a 100 per cent natural product which is kind to people and to our planet.

Shani Dhanda, global brand ambassador and Mahmudur Jaigirdar, managing director of Lets Sanify

Amina Hussain, managing director of SME Outsourcing and non-executive director of Lets Sanify, said: “The team at Lets Sanify are extremely thankful to the Chambers of Commerce for making this introduction and will be working closely with Shani Dhanda to create awareness

around the danger of chemical cleaning products, what impacts it has on our health, and why it should be replaced with our nontoxic sanitising products.”

For more information visit www.lets-sanify.co.uk

New commercial director appointed at NatWest NatWest has appointed Pam Sheemar to the role of director of commercial banking for Staffordshire and Shropshire.

In her new role, Pam will lead a team of relationship managers as they support SMEs with their everyday banking needs and as they achieve their long-term business goals related to enterprise and climate.

Pam has worked for NatWest for more than 10 years, previously working as entrepreneur development manager at NatWest’s Accelerator Hub in Birmingham. She is currently the global cochair of NatWest’s Multi-Cultural Employee Led Network.

In addition to this, she is an influencer in the West Midlands eco-system as director for Birmingham Tech and executive committee member for the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce.

Pam has completed a one-year placement in the bank’s commercial and corporate banking team in the Midlands and East region as part of an intensive, disruptive, placement programme.

The programme has been run as a pilot and NatWest’s ambition is for it to evolve, supporting colleagues to bridge skills gaps and prepare for new opportunities.

Pam said: “I am incredibly excited about the new role supporting customers across Staffordshire and Shropshire as we continue to rebuild the country post Covid-19.

“There are some fantastic businesses in the region and I look forward to working with them as well as the wider business ecosystem in the coming months.

“My one-year placement has been an incredible experience. The programme provided me with a unique opportunity to develop specialist skills and knowledge, and it’s an opportunity that I am sure will continue to benefit others in the future.”

Supporting the business ecosystem: Pam Sheemar

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Cannock Chase Chase Chamber Patrons

Cannock Chase

Chamber of Commerce

Contact: Steve Mattin T: 07971 144056

Wellbeing trail helps families get outdoors Over the last few months, Cannock Chase Council and Inspiring healthy lifestyles have been working closely with Heath Hayes and Wimblebury Parish Council to develop an interactive Wellbeing Trail at Cannel Mount (off John Street) as part of the Cannock Chase Can programme.

The short trail follows a route which incorporates five wooden animal sculptures within the woodland setting and seeks to engage children and families with the outdoors.

The team have been working with local schools, nurseries and the Council’s Sheltered Housing Scheme, Caxton Court to develop content for unique QR codes which have been assigned to each animal.

A new challenge has now been added to the Cannock Chase Can App so that users can visit the trail and scan the QR codes in order to bring the animals to life, score points and receive rewards for their efforts.

Dean Piper, head of Economic Prosperity, said: “This is the first of many Cannock Chase Can wellbeing projects that are due to be rolled out across the district over the next 12 months and its great that Heath Hayes and Wimblebury Parish Council have supported the programme.

“Over 150 local children have been involved in the creation of this content as well as residents of Caxton Court. These have included storytelling workshops, dance sessions and songwriting and singalong classes.

“It is hoped this project will encourage families to have fun and explore their local area as well as improving their overall health and wellbeing and learning more about the wellness themes featured on the app.

“If you haven’t done so already - download the app for free today by visiting Google Play and the App Store and searching for ‘Cannock Chase Can’”.

Emmy, aged seven, taking in the local woodland

For more information visit www.cannockchasecan.co.uk

Dual stream recycling service launched in Cannock Chase

Councillor Justin Johnson showcasing the district’s new blue recycling bags

40 CHAMBERLINK June 2022

A new dual stream recycling service has begun to roll out over Cannock Chase with the aim of improving the quality of the district’s recycling.

New blue bags to recycle paper and cardboard made their way to residents in May and will give residents additional recycling capacity and result in better quality recycling by avoiding contamination.

The council’s contract for the sorting of dry mixed recycling came to an end earlier this year and their new contract includes the requirement for paper and card to be collected separately to all other dry recycling materials.

If the council were to continue to recycle as before they we would have seen a fourfold cost increase to Cannock Chase taxpayers for the processing of dry recycling per tonne.

Improvements in quality mean that more of the

materials collected can be recycled instead of being incinerated or landfilled.

Councillor Justin Johnson, portfolio leader for Environment and Climate Change, said: “The introduction of the blue bag, alongside our neighbouring authorities, is to ensure that our service reflects the national changes in the waste and recycling industry.

“The dual stream service will not only give residents additional capacity to recycle, it will also ensure that any paper and card recycled, isn’t contaminated, by keeping it separate from other dry recycling.

“I know this is a big change for residents but it’s a change we need to make to future proof the service.

We are extremely grateful to all of our residents who continue to recycle correctly and help ensure we don’t have any contaminated loads.”

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Burton & District Burton & District Chamber Patrons

Contact: Steve Mattin T: 07971 144056

District bursting with ambitious businesses

by Steve Mattin, head of Burton & District Chamber of Commerce.

Just five months into the year, it is hard to believe that there is so much to reflect on in such a short space of time.

2022 signalled the turning of a new leaf for many, and there was certainly a buzz to be felt among local businesses as vaccinations and easing restrictions promised to breathe life back into the retail and hospitality venues that we all know and love.

While this is still true, we all know that the fall-out from the pandemic has meant that economic recovery has been hard hit by rising costs and an uncertain business landscape. And, of course, these anxieties have only been heightened by the devastation taking place in Ukraine, for which I highly commend the fundraising efforts and support from all corners of our community.

If there’s one thing I’ve learnt in my brief time as head of the Burton & District Chamber, it is that our network is bursting with ambitious and innovative businesses who have and will remain resilient in the face of whatever hardship is thrown their way.

Evidence for this can be found in the results of the Chamber’s Quarterly Business Report (QBR) for Q1 which was released during April.

Sentiments for Q1 were that business confidence is building across the region, despite thirty-three per cent of firms being more concerned about inflation than in the previous quarter, while half of those surveyed reported pressure to raise prices.The results revealed that while businesses are still finding recruitment difficult, 40 per cent of those surveyed grew their workforce over the past three months and 50 per cent expect their workforce to grow over the next three months.

‘Sentiments for Q1 were that business confidence is building across the region’ Domestic sales remain at a record high, with 54 per cent of firms reporting an increase, and export sales have improved for service firms (38 per cent increase) but dropped for manufacturers.

Growth in turnover remains steady, with 66 per cent of businesses confident of an improvement over the next three months and 55 per cent expecting profitability to grow in Q2.

Similar insights were shared in the Stoke-onTrent and Staffordshire LEP’s Situation Report

Steve Mattin

(SITREP), with business owners reporting that they were largely confident for the year ahead, scoring a seven on a scale from one to 10.

With all of this in mind, I echo the words of our Chamber CEO Henrietta Brealey in that the latter part of this year will be a time for the business community to work together to determine what the new ‘business as usual’ looks like.

I look forward to seeing more of our members working together and with ourselves to boost their brand awareness, support each other in their future ambitions, and put the buzz back in Burton’s businesses. Should anyone have an interest in how the Chamber can help their business, please feel free to contact me at s.mattin@chase-chamber.com.

This column was originally published in the Burton Mail.

St Mowden Park - the home of Gousto’s new fulfilment centre

Hundreds of jobs cooked up by Gousto The recipe box retailer Gousto has agreed a £40m deal for a 295,000 sq ft fulfilment centre at St Modwen Park Burton in a move expected to create hundreds of jobs across the district.

The sustainable warehouse space will increase Gousto’s operational capacity by 40 per cent and will be home to an automated, chilled fulfilment centre where Gousto recipe boxes are picked and packed before being delivered to homes across the country.

Jobs to run the operation range from engineering and warehouse managers to operatives and frontline leaders.

Timo Boldt, chief executive and founder of Gousto, said: “The future is incredibly exciting for Gousto, as we capitalise on the accelerating trends of convenience, health and sustainability that are driving change within the grocery market.

“We look forward to embarking on our next stage of growth, as we get closer to achieving

our vision of becoming the UK's most-loved way to eat dinner.”

Commenting on the news, Shaun Gray, president of Burton and District Chamber and managing director of Ginho Europe, said: “This is fantastic news for Burton and our region, it further establishes Burton and District as a central hub for UK companies in food production, logistics and manufacturing. The different positions and level of jobs this brings to Burton is great news.”

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

Zoe Lyons

BBC comedian to star at Lichfield Festival Stand-up comedian Zoe Lyons, host of BBC2’s Lightning and Live at the Apollo, and QI and Mock the Week regular, will be heading to Lichfield Festival this year.

The festival’s 40th anniversary celebrations will take place from Thursday 7 July to Sunday 17 July.

The event will kick off with a concert by pop icon and Festival patron Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet fame with various other headliners on the bill, including singer/songwriter Ayanna Witter-Johnson, Ballet Cymru, folk group The Longest Johns, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and jazz coupling James Pearson, artistic director at Ronnie Scott’s, and Lizzie Ball.

Widely-recognised and featured across national and local media, including BBC Radio 3 and BBC Midlands Today, the Festival is expected to attract over 30,000 people this year.

Caroline King, head of development at the Lichfield Festival, said: “As an arts charity, post-pandemic, we are hugely grateful for such wonderful support from our corporate sponsors, including Florette, Pegasus Group, Roxane UK (Aqua Pura), EQUANS and our new 2022 Principal Festival Sponsor, McArthurGlen Designer Outlet West Midlands.

“If you want your marketing budget to go further and really engage your target market, please contact me on caroline.king@lichfieldfestival.org.

"And if comedy’s not quite the right fit, there are still a few other opportunities for 40th anniversary sponsorship including the Festival’s inaugural Midlands Choir of the Year Competition, Paperback Theatre’s family-friendly ‘The Wind in the Willows’, or something to get the brain cells whirring as in Dr Nira Chamberlain’s multi-media talk on the role of mathematics and Artificial Intelligence in today’s world”.

Visit: www.lichfieldfestival.org

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College plans town centre relocation South Staffordshire College has been successful in its bid to secure funding to relocate Tamworth College to the heart of the town centre in St. Editha’s Square.

A brand-new state of the art college building will be built within the square where the Co-operative building currently resides.

It is expected that the new college will bring around 1,500 students, staff and visitors into the town centre from its base in Croft Street, giving a boost to the local economy.

The college will offer a broad range of courses and apprenticeships aimed at helping address the skills shortages faced by employers within the region.

Claire Boliver, chief executive principal at South Staffordshire College, said: “Our

ambition to bring Further Education into Tamworth town centre would bring economic and social benefits to the community as well as an exceptional learning environment for the development of the workforce of the future.

The central location would make the college’s high-quality courses and apprenticeships even more accessible to people from across the region.

"Our focus is on ‘careers not courses’ which means we don’t just teach courses - we help local people get the skills required by local employers. With the new proposed location, our ambition is to help more businesses fill their skills gaps, and get more local people into their dream careers, whatever their starting point.”

Apollo reaches major milestone Tamworth-based Apollo is celebrating its 50th anniversary - five decades after its initial launch was inspired by the famous NASA space missions.

The Staffordshire liquid adhesive, sealant, coating and primer manufacturer was launched in 1972 by Robert Saunders and the business has grown and remained under the Saunders family guidance ever since.

The company is now looking forward to the future under the ownership of H.B. Fuller, global adhesives provider with a string of worldwide locations.

From day one, Apollo was passionate about addressing customer and market needs and one of its first innovations was moisturecuring adhesives.

In the last 20 years, the company has revolutionised adhesive application techniques in the flat roofing market and was the first adhesive

manufacturer with the expertise to create a moisture-curing polyurethane in a canister. Apollo was also the first to conduct independent dynamic wind uplift tests for roofing products and gain the revised ISO 9001, putting customer experience at its heart.

Ian Cornelius (pictured), vice president Apollo & EIMEA Synergy, said: “Apollo is excited to be celebrating 50 years of innovation. The development of innovative products through customer collaboration, as well as delivering excellent customer experience, has always been at the heart of what Apollo does.

“Now as part of the global and well-respected manufacturer, H.B. Fuller, we excitedly look to the future together. Our aim is to allow customers to thrive in a challenging and changing environment through fostering relationships and developing innovative product and service solutions.”

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Sutton Coldfield Sutton Coldfield Chamber Patrons

Sutton Coldfield

Charity of the Year

Chamber of Commerce

Contact: Chris Brewerton T: 0845 6036650

Crackdown on fake reviews is welcomed New laws designed to clamp down on fake reviews have been welcomed by a Sutton Coldfield customer service expert.

The government has announced new rulings to be better protect people from fake reviews and ‘subscription traps’.

Proposals include making it illegal to pay someone to write or host fake reviews.

A competition watchdog will get new powers to fine firms up to 10 per cent of their global turnover for bad business practices.

Shaun Cremins, CX director of customer experience consultancy, insight6 said: “This is a welcome change - consumers should be able to put their trust completely in third party reviews.

“It’s a sad realisation that some businesses opt to buy fake reviews rather than invest in improving their customer experience and generate genuine positive reviews.

“Businesses shouldn’t be afraid of some negative feedback. Managed correctly, it offers an opportunity to learn and improve, resulting in an improved customer experience and new genuine positive feedback.”

Mr Cremins said firms must have better processes in place to monitor feedback – while offering customers an outlet to vent frustrations.

He added: “Genuine customer insight is priceless in the pursuit of five-star reviews.

“As a customer experience specialist, when working with businesses who have had some negative feedback, I often find that it is a very simple fix.

Claire Greenwood: Expansion plans

Raft of new contracts leads to expansion

Shaun Cremins: New laws on customer reviews are welcome “The first step to positive reviews is becoming aware of issues and giving your customers the outlet to vent their frustrations.

“Many have no process in place to request or monitor feedback, and that’s when people head to the internet.

“Once a feedback process is established, we can help implement new strategies to improve the whole customer experience – this could include ironing out a glitch in the customer journey, or upskilling staff.”

A telecommunications company is expanding after landing several new contracts and moving to new premises.

G Comms, a member of the Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce, has secured a series of new contracts with major mobile operators, which has necessitated its move to a new unit in Coleshill.

The firm specialises in providing products and logistics to the UK installer market, so the move has created room for a new technical build area and a dedicated fibre/cable assembly space.

As a result, G Comms is now recruiting more staff locally as well as making internal promotions.

Managing director Claire Greenwood said: “With the expansion of the business, we are consistently recruiting new staff locally but it has also meant that we can promote from within.

“This has been really exciting for us as we’ve seen people who started with us from years ago move into more senior management positions.”

Woodland tree planting project underway Trustees from Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust have started the next phase of their plans to replant English deciduous broadleaved trees at Manorial Woods.

Keith Dudley, Tina Swani and Jane Mosson joined the planting of more than 4,000 trees at

Planting project: Little Sutton Primary School pupils have been assisting with tree planting

the site, assisted by children from Little Sutton Primary School, following the newly-harvested Corsican Pine.

The entire site is due to be restocked with 4,500 trees of both UK-grown hardwoods and an intimate mix of conifers.

The next phase of planting is taking place ahead of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations, where a central feature Yew Tree will be planted.

The Trust will enlist the help of local schools again to help with a further phase of planting in the autumn.

Tina Swani, chief executive of Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust, said: “It’s hugely rewarding to see our long-held plans come to fruition at Manorial Wood, which will support a greater mix of woodland plants and wildlife. The previous Corsican Pine trees were in dire need of harvesting and replanting, due to the stock reaching its potential, lack of undergrowth and ongoing fire risk.”

Rachel Davis, headteacher at Little Sutton Primary School, said: “We are very excited about being part of a project to plant 4,500 trees.

"Our pupils are passionate about playing their part in making the world a better place, and this fantastic project will enable them to do this by looking after the local environment.”

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

Victorious: Winners of the 2021 Solihull Dinner & Awards

Accessible education for all: Samantha Rutter

Upskill staff with Open Study College Leading distance learning provider Open Study College has announced the launch of its B2B (business-to-business) arm supporting businesses to upskill and retrain their workforce.

The Solihull Parkway firm’s B2B solution offers more than 700 knowledge-based courses and accredited qualifications across a variety of subjects - including 50 courses and qualifications to help people working in health and social care, over 40 opportunities in childcare and education and more than 31 health and fitness courses.

The launch of the courses coincided with Learning at Work Week (LAWW), an annual event which encourages businesses to foster a learning culture by promoting the importance of learning and development (L&D) in the workplace.

Samantha Rutter, CEO at Open Study College, said: “We feel a lot of synergy with LAWW; and just how the awareness week encourages employees to learn something new and to expand their skill sets, our ethos is to make education accessible to all which is why we’re helping businesses across the UK and beyond achieve this in a realistic way with an emphasis on having zero impact on productivity.

“While we know this may seem a timeconsuming and daunting task for employers to implement, distance learning offers complete flexibility to staff, taking ‘location’ out of studying. Employees can study from wherever they like, whether that’s at home or on the train during their commute into work.”

Open Study College offers tailored solutions for businesses and can process individual or multiple enrolments, providing employees with online access to their course materials within 24-48 hours.

To find out more, visit www.openstudycollege.com/corporate

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A night to remember Businesses can throw their hats in the ring for the Solihull Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner and awards ceremony – which returns in October to the Hilton Birmingham Metropole hotel.

This year’s awards will take place on Friday 7 October from 6pm at the flagship hotel which became patrons of the Solihull Chamber earlier this year. The event promises to welcome over 500 attendees and several high-profile guests.

Hilton Metropole, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, and Solihull College & University Centre are headline sponsors of this year’s event, which features a total of 10 categories, including an overall Business of the Year.

Samantha Frampton, head of Solihull Chamber, said: “We are beyond excited to launch the Solihull Chamber’s Annual Awards and are equally as thrilled to be able to host the event in partnership with new Chamber patrons at the beautiful venue of the Hilton

Metropole. I would like to say a huge thank you to the Hilton Metropole, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and Solihull College & University Centre for sponsoring our awards and for their continued support of the Chamber and our network.

“I would urge businesses to fill in their applications and put themselves in the running to be recognised as a leading figure in our borough’s business community.

“In addition to the dinner and awards we will also be fundraising on the night for our chosen charity, Solo Life Opportunities (SoLO).”

If you would like to book a table of 10 there is an early bird price of £80pp for members and £90pp for non-members until Friday 1 July. Please email events@birminghamchamber.com to confirm.

To apply for an award or for sponsorship opportunities visit www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com

Jumar’s new identity unveiled Technology and application development specialist Jumar has completed a major rebranding – bringing together two arms under a single unified banner.

The company, which runs two complementary businesses from its head office in Solihull, Jumar Technology and Jumar Solutions, says the move reflects the firm’s expansion within the public sector, financial services and corporate sectors.

Known simply as “Jumar,” the new brand will allow the company, which operates nationally but employs more than half of its staff in the West Midlands, to market its services in a clearer way and to a wider audience.

Jumar’s CEO Wendy Merricks (pictured), said: “This is a really exciting time for Jumar. We

recognise that the world of technology and digital services has changed significantly over the last decade and our new brand direction allows us to respond to those market changes faster.

“Bringing together our team across our existing businesses under one single brand allows us to provide a unified offering of digital services to our clients.”

For more than 20 years, Jumar has been delivering technology and resourcing solutions to clients across five continents. Projects have spanned digitalisation programmes for major household names to providing teams of resources to a range of clients, including insurance, finance, public sector, and utilities, amongst others.

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Solihull Solihull Chamber Patrons

Chamber welcomes Wavenet as patron

(Left to Right) Huw Thomas, business development director at Wavenet, Samantha Frampton, head of Solihull Chamber, and Stewart Motler, chief operating officer at Wavenet.

We work with many small and medium-sized companies that are owner managed, and often see various owners spending differing amounts of time in the day-to-day running of the business.

We also often see senior employees at SMEs incentivised with shares so that they can receive dividends that are linked to their contribution to the company’s success.

These arrangements mean that the shares held by an SME’s various shareholders are split into what are described as ‘alphabet’ shares. This means you have A shares, B shares, C shares, and so on, where dividend amounts are varied between these shares to reflect varying contributions made by the shareholders.

For example, the A shareholder may be an investor shareholder and not work in the company, and so would receive a basic dividend each year. In contrast, the B Shareholder may be a major shareholder who also works full-time, and so would receive a larger dividend per share. And then the C shareholder may be a minority employee shareholder who will receive varying dividends based on their performance each year.

Solihull Chamber of Commerce has added another patron to its ranks this month – in the shape of multi-award-winning telecoms and technology solutions provider Wavenet.

Headquartered in Blythe Valley Park, Wavenet has been working with thousands of businesses and enterprises across the UK since its inception in 2000.

The company, which has grown to over 300 employees, prides itself on being at the forefront of disruptive technology, providing customers with the innovation and infrastructure to outperform their competitors.

Stewart Motler, chief operating officer at Wavenet, said: “We are delighted to be joining the Solihull Chamber of Commerce; as a business that is headquartered in Solihull it’s great to be investing back into our local community. We are looking forward to strengthening our ties with local businesses, (many of whom we already

In each case the dividends are proposed by the SME’s board of directors using their discretion and the shares are treated as different classes of shares. However, this treatment of the A, B and C shares as different classes may not be correct and, if that is the case, it leave the dividend payments open to challenge.

Quite often, we have seen that the only description of the rights attaching to the varying shares are those detailed in the statements of capital lodged at Companies House. In many cases, these make no mention of differing shares in the Articles of Association. What this means is that even though each of the A, B and C shares are described as though they are separate classes, the rights which each has will be stated as identical in each case.

Therefore, each of the A, B and C shareholders will be described as having a right to attend and vote at company meetings, a right to participate in dividends and a right to participate on a winding up or return of capital.

If such cases, if the Articles of Association of the company fails to states more explicitly that each of the A, B and C shares constitute separate classes which differ for the purposes of

provide multiple services to across our telecoms and technology portfolio). Wavenet is a dedicated B2B managed services provider growing rapidly every year, using the very latest technology to give our customers a true competitive edge.

“We are proud to be a significant employer of local talent with more than 150 of our employees based in Solihull. We have also recently launched our Academy, bringing on fantastic local graduates into a dedicated scheme aimed at equipping them with the skills and experience to kick-start their careers.”

Samantha Frampton, head of Solihull Chamber, said: “We are so pleased to welcome Wavenet as our new Solihull Chamber Patron.

Having Wavenet on board adds another notch to our belt and will not only diversify our network, but also position them as a key pillar for the Solihull business community to learn from.”

dividends, companies could be challenged over their dividend payments.

This is because the much overlooked section 629(1) of the Companies Act 2006 provides that shares are of one class if the rights attached to them are in all respects uniform.

This means that the A, B and C shares are not different classes of shares but merely differing name designations within the same class of shares.

Crucially, this would technically mean that A, B and C shares should have identical dividends paid on them, which took place in the recent Routledge v Skerritt (2019) case.

This potential banana skin could have serious and costly consequences for any SME. But fear not: such disasters can be easily avoided by ensuring appropriate provisions are included within the Articles of Association of the company and by having a properly adopted dividend policy.

Article by: Fiona Boxwell who is an associate director in the Corporate Law team at Thursfields.

T: 0345 20 73 72 8 E: info@thursfields.co.uk W: thursfields.co.uk

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Future Faces Future Faces Chamber Patrons Contact: Jodie-Lee Perks T: 07951 245985

Future Faces Annual Awards 2020

Awards sponsors announced Educational institutions across the West Midlands have pledged their support for the region’s young professionals’ network as Aston University and University College Birmingham & University of Warwick have confirmed their headline sponsorship of the Future Faces Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Dinner and Awards.

The highly anticipated awards ceremony celebrating young professionals’ achievements will return this summer and is welcoming guests to celebrate live from the ICC in Birmingham on Friday 26 August at 7pm.

The awards this year will also mark another special occasion as the Future Faces Chamber of Commerce celebrates 10 years since the division was established.

José Lopes, executive director, external engagement at University College Birmingham: “University College Birmingham and our partners, the University of Warwick, are proud to serve as headline sponsor for this year's Future Faces Awards. As two distinctive higher education institutions dedicated to both developing the next generation and meeting the needs of our local economy, we are keen to support the Chamber in opening doors for young professionals and entrepreneurs in Greater Birmingham to excel and make a real difference in their sectors.

“Our commitment to enhancing employment and economic growth within the West Midlands and beyond is backed by our universities’ growing partnership, which aims

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to widen access to our shared employer networks and learning resources, alongside offering progression routes which capitalise on our individual strengths. The outstanding opportunities provided for young people through Future Faces align superbly with this same mission, and we are delighted to support this celebration of those leading lights who are the future of our region's success.”

As part of their sponsorship, Aston University will provide the winner of the Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year award with a fully funded MBA course.

As a leading provider of degree apprenticeships, Aston University focuses on filling skills gaps across different sectors.

Through its award-winning business school Aston University offers a fantastic range of degree apprenticeship programmes which will allow you and your employees to discover a new route to management. The Aston Executive Leadership Apprenticeship at Level 7 offers those already established in their careers the chance to gain management expertise and become informed and confident business leaders.

Dr Lloyd Parsons, director of Aston MBA & CMI Programmes, said: “The Aston Executive Leadership Apprenticeship and the iteration that came before it, have been one of the biggest steps forward in adult education in modern times. The programme offers the opportunity for those in management and leadership roles to develop a broader set of

knowledge outside of the specialist domain by studying an apprenticeship that can ultimately lead to an Aston Executive MBA in the future.

“We often hear of “accidental managers”, but this initiative allows those managers and leaders to hone and develop a broad range of skills that will help them, their people, organisation and customers in the future. It’s a large commitment on behalf of both learner and employer, but for those that take those steps, it’s a huge platform for personal and professional development”.

Jodie-Lee Perks, manager of Future Faces, said: “I am absolutely thrilled that two of the most celebrated higher education institutions in the region have become the headline sponsors of the Future Faces Annual Dinner and Awards 2022. Aston University are a patron of Future Faces and do so much to support and develop the young talent in the region.

“Further to their amazing prize donation of a fully funded MBA, it is such an exciting time for applicants. University College Birmingham & Warwick University have followed suit in a powerful partnership, and after visiting UCB’s state of the art facilities recently, we are thrilled for them to be such an integral part of celebrating young professional achievements.”

To apply for an award or explore sponsorship opportunities visit www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com

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Future Faces

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

Programme helps graduates get hired An employment programme aimed at students and graduates in Birmingham is highlighting entry-role opportunities to promote young up and coming talent across the city.

‘Get Hired’, a three-day employment programme aimed at recent graduates and final year students from Birmingham-based universities, offers those seeking work in the West Midlands the chance to build their skills and confidence to get hired.

The event is open to student and recent graduates, from the University of Birmingham, Newman University and University College Birmingham.

The programme aims to bolster employment opportunities particularly for under-represented groups such as individuals from ethnic minorities, those with a disability and students who are the

Taking time to unwind: Sabah Hussain and Will Crawford

The importance of music to beat stress Pressurised youngsters should use music to manage stress and help improve their mental health, according to the Future Faces Chamber of Commerce’s latest podcast episode.

The episode featured Will Crawford, founder of quietnote - a company helping people better experience mindfulness through music, with Future Faces president Sabah Hussain as host.

In the podcast, Will shares how music and meditation have enabled him and his business to better people’s personal approach to wellbeing.

Will also introduces a five-minute meditation track to encourage listeners to take time for themselves and understand the positive impact of music first hand.

You can listen and subscribe to Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast now on a variety of streaming platforms at anchor.fm/futurefacespodcast

first generation to enter higher education in their family.

The Get Hired programme is inviting members from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce with live graduate entry roles available in growth sectors such as life sciences, the public sector, education and hospitality, to get involved.

Matt Haskey, project manager for Transformation West Midlands, said: “Transformation West Midlands’ goal is to build a diverse local graduate talent pipeline - to help stimulate business growth and enable local underrepresented graduates to gain graduate level employment in their home region.

“Get Hired is a fantastic opportunity to develop that pipeline. Engage and share your vacancies with our local graduates and discover their full potential.”

Get Hired takes place from 27 June to 29 June at ThinkTank Birmingham Science Museum at Millennium Point.

To discuss opportunities, please contact Matt at M.Haskey@bham.ac.uk

Financial firms demonstrate commitment to young talent Lloyds Bank, BNP Paribas Personal Finance and HSBC are investing in young talent – by introducing a new cohort of young professionals to the Future Faces Chamber of Commerce.

As the region’s biggest network for young professionals, the new memberships add to the growth of the Future Faces Chamber this year, which celebrates a decade of growth this year.

‘We are delighted to have such a large cohort join Future Faces this year’ Hannah Ellis, associate director, Coverage Capital Management and Corporate and Institutional Coverage at Lloyds Bank and new member of Future Faces, said: “I moved to the Midlands after finishing my degree to be with my husband (boyfriend at the time) and join Lloyds.

“In an increasingly virtual world, it’s important for the city’s young professionals to get together, share ideas and inspire each other. I am really pleased to be joining the network with nine of my colleagues and I know that this will be an important relationship for our young professionals, the businesses, and the Midlands.”

Lasting relationships: Andrew Connors

Andrew Connors, head of higher education and charity and corporate and institutional coverage Midlands at Lloyds Bank, said: “We are delighted to have such a large cohort join Future Faces this year. As we emerge from the pandemic the importance of this network as an opportunity to build lasting professional relationships and friendships as colleagues grow their careers in the city region has never been more important.”

For more information about the Future Faces Chamber, contact j.perks@birminghamchamber.com June 2022 CHAMBERLINK 47

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Chamber Events

Live events are back in action The Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s events programme is one of the largest in the British Chambers network.

A new month brings a fresh events programme. Stand-outs in June include exciting collaboration between Future Faces and Gymshark and the return of the Royal Business Fair. For further information and to book a place, visit: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/networking-events

Back to business: Ark Media were among the exhibitors at the last Royal Business Fair

Networking Lunch Date: Time: Venue: Division: Cost:

07/06/2022 12:00 – 14:00 Pierelli Stadium Burton & District Members: Free Future Faces Members: £15 +VAT Non-members: £15 +VAT

Cost:

Speaker Breakfast Date: Time: Venue: Division: Cost:

Meet the Neighbours Date: Time: Venue: Division: Cost:

09/06/2022 15:45 – 17:00 Online GBCC Members: Free Future Faces Members: Free Non-members: Free

Future Faces: Building the mindset for Resilience and Overcoming Adversity with Charlie Fogarty MBE +MAAC Date: Time: Venue: Division:

09/06/2022 17:30 – 19:30 Foundry Future Faces

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Future Faces Members: Free Members: £15 +VAT Non-members: £15 +VAT

15/06/2022 7:30 – 9:30 Assembly Rooms Lichfield & Tamworth Members: Free Future Faces Members: £15 +VAT Non-members: £15 +VAT

Start-Up Networking Date: Time: Venue: Division: Cost:

16/06/2022 8:30 – 10:30 TBC Birmingham Members: Free Future Faces Members: £15 +VAT Non-members: £15 +VAT

The Royal Business Fair 2022 Date: Time:

17/06/2022 10:00 – 15:30

Venue: Sutton Coldfield Town Hall Division: Sutton Coldfield Cost: Members: Free Future Faces Members: Free Non-members: Free

Networking Lunch Date: Time: Venue:

22/06/2022 12:00 – 14:00 Holiday Inn Birmingham City Centre Division: Birmingham Cost: Members: Free Future Faces Members: £15 +VAT Non-members: £15 +VAT

Future Faces X Gymshark Fitness Social - Bootcamp Date: Time: Venue: Division: Cost:

24/06/2022 18:00 – 20:00 Gymshark Lifting Club Future Faces Future Faces Members: Free Members: £15 +VAT Non-members: £15 +VAT

Future Faces X Gymshark Fitness Social – Lifting Workshop Date: Time: Venue: Division: Cost:

24/06/2022 18:00 – 20:00 Gymshark Lifting Club Future Faces Future Faces Members: Free Members: £15 +VAT Non-members: £15 +VAT

Networking Lunch Date: Time: Venue: Division: Cost:

29/06/2022 12:00 – 14:00 The Beech House Solihull Members: Free Future Faces Members: £15 +VAT Non-members: £15 +VAT

Social Networking Date: Time: Venue: Division: Cost:

30/06/2022 17:30 – 19:30 TBC Cannock Chase Members: Free Future Faces Members: £15 +VAT Non-members: £15 +VAT

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Chamber Events

1

Picture gallery Key findings from the Chamber’s Quarterly Business Report for Q1 were outlined at a briefing event at Birmingham City University. Key speakers were Ruth Todd, chief commercial officer at HS2 and David Grady, chief financial officer at Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

2

1. Making tracks: Ruth Todd speaks on the job opportunities HS2 is creating 2. Collaborating locally (left to right): Joanna Birch, director of innovation, enterprise, employability, and business engagement at BCU and Henrietta Brealey, Chamber chief executive

3

3. Food for thought: Dani Grieveson (founder of Lift This Life) and delegates listen to the key findings of Q1

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Feature

Charitable Causes, Promotion & Partnership

The benefits of a

domestic abuse policy and workplace training

By Tracey Secker, enterprise manager, The Haven Wolverhampton

he Haven Training work with organisations to support the introduction of domestic abuse policies, awareness of domestic abuse, how to recognise, respond and refer, and how to support disclosures in the workplace.

Why do we feel this is so important?

Domestic abuse costs businesses £1.9bn every year, with the majority of employees affected by domestic abuse saying that it has adversely affected their work performance or their safety at work. An abuser may attempt to harass, stalk, threaten or injure a victim at work. This behaviour can endanger co-workers and clients as well as victims, putting an entire workplace at risk.

Mental health wellbeing is often linked to domestic abuse that may be happening in the home behind closed doors. By you becoming a zero-tolerance employer, telling people you have a domestic abuse policy and training people on how to recognise and support, you will be encouraging work colleagues to talk about how they may have been subjected to domestic abuse and giving them a safe space.

T

Only five per cent of organisations in the UK have a domestic abuse policy, but they can provide the following: • Guidelines to advise line managers, HR and employees on how to respond and support individuals experiencing domestic abuse.

• It will give employees more confidence to disclose to a manager or colleague.

• Raising awareness and showing employees and customers you are a zero- tolerance organisation when it comes to domestic abuse.

• Other policies will link to your domestic abuse policy and provide further wellbeing 50 CHAMBERLINK June 2022

support for your employees – health and safety, wellbeing, safeguarding, modern slavery, stalking and harassment etc.

‘Mental health wellbeing is often linked to domestic abuse that may be happening in the home behind closed doors’ When you are implementing a domestic abuse policy, make sure you have something that is robust and provides the right message to all employees. For example, by having something that uses ‘victim blaming’ language, you could be mirroring what an abuser says to someone, or make the person who is being subjected to abuse feel they won’t be believed.

Here are some things to consider when you are writing and implementing a domestic abuse policy: • Have introduction and principle sections about why you are introducing the policy, what it will mean for employees, what support will be available and who you are working with on it.

• Link the domestic abuse policy to your stalking policy as they are closely related.

• Have statutory definitions of domestic abuse and stalking.

• Include the different types of domestic abuse so people can recognise these.

• Cover the impact domestic abuse has on a workplace so everyone understands that home and work issues cannot always be separated.

• Include other important legislation around health and safety, human rights, sector legislation and equality.

• A section on general measures you will put in place to support employees who disclose abuse.

• Confidentiality and information sharing – let people know they are in control of their information.

• Duty of care for all – you will more than likely have perpetrators as well as survivors in your organisation, so how do you support everyone?

Once you have a policy either written or in place you will then need training to support.

Everyone needs to understand the policy, what it means to them and ideally be able to recognise and respond in the first instance to domestic abuse.

Domestic abuse workplace champions can become part of your organisation’s overall wellbeing support. They can work with mental health first aiders, safeguarding officers and wellbeing advisers.

Finally, do not stop telling people about the support you provide. Use resources such as posters on notice boards, toilet doors to tell people about local and national support. Make it part of your induction programme and ongoing wellbeing programmes.

Although you may think your organisation doesn’t have anyone being subjected to abuse or have survivors, you may do. They may not have disclosed to you, but if they know you will listen to them and believe they will.

The Haven’s Purple Pledge campaign provides domestic abuse policy templates, consultation on other policies, domestic abuse awareness training, domestic abuse workplace champion training, posters free of charge and many other resources for your domestic abuse support programme.

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Charitable Causes, Promotion & Partnership

Feature

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Feature

Charitable Causes, Promotion & Partnership

How Midlands Air Ambulance Charity can support your business

By Pam Hodgetts (pictured), corporate partnerships The critical care paramedics and pre-hospital emergency medicine doctors on-board Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s three helicopters and three critical care cars rapidly respond and treat the region’s most critically injured and unwell patients. They bring advanced lifesaving skills, hospitallevel equipment and enhanced medicines to give them the very best chance of recovery and survival and in the last three decades have responded to more than 68,000 incidents. o operate a pre-hospital air ambulance service requires the very best teamwork. This ethos is also carried through to the charity’s corporate partnerships; working together to not only raise lifesaving funds, but to also help meet corporate partners’ business objectives.

Pam Hodgetts, corporate partnerships manager for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, discusses some of the ways in which the lifesaving charity can support your business: “We are passionate about creating mutually beneficial partnerships with the wider business community. As a corporate partner, the benefits you receive in return for your generous support include a varied range of activities and opportunities, which will help increase engagement with your company’s brand, and will ultimately help us save more lives in your area.”

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‘Midlands Air Ambulance Charity prides itself on being in the business of saving lives, are you?’

This vitally important service relies on donations from the public and local businesses within the communities it serves to remain operational. It costs £10m each year to operate. That’s why corporate partnerships are so important to the organisation’s existence and helping it plan for the future.

Some of the key benefits that organisations can receive from a corporate partnership with Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, particularly from a brand engagement perspective include: • Supporting corporate social responsibility (CSR) objectives

• Encouraging internal engagement and helping to boost staff morale • Generating a strong brand and PR impact through cause-related marketing As well as helping to endorse organisation’s brand profiles, Midlands Air Ambulance Charity can also provide the following: • A full schedule of diverse business networking events and opportunities • Provision of Mission Support training sessions for staff – the training includes vital lifesaving skills such as CPR and bleed control training • Team building opportunities • Meaningful employee volunteering opportunities

• Invitations for employees to visit one of the charity’s three operational airbases with opportunities to meet the aircrew and find out more about the vital lifesaving work of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.

Pam added: “With our bespoke approach to creating successful and mutually beneficial partnerships, we are proud to consider many of the Midlands’ leading businesses as corporate supporters, without which our daily lifesaving missions would simply not be possible.

“Midlands Air Ambulance Charity prides itself on being in the business of saving lives, are you?”

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Chamberlink

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Feature

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Tourism & Hospitality

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Tourism & Hospitality

Feature

The key to

corporate hospitality Whether you are a start up or a wellestablished business, corporate hospitality may well be just what you need to make, strengthen and maintain professional relationships.

Chamberlink identifies the key considerations for businesses considering investing in corporate hospitality.

First impressions A well-considered approach to corporate hospitality will help showcase the best of your business to potential new customers. Hosting a high-quality event can leave a lasting impression, while making your guests feel important and valued will have a positive influence on your brand value and ultimately increase your return on investment.

Maintaining existing relationships It can be hard to build up a client base, but it can be even harder to maintain it. Fostering long-lasting, positive relationships with your customers is important but increasingly difficult in a competitive world – so corporate hospitality can provide a timely reminder of your value and your relevance.

Standing out from the crowd How do you stand out from your competitors? By demonstrating that you’re willing to go the extra mile to keep your customers engaged with your business. Unique events, such as race days, golf tournaments, or private screenings will keep your clients interested in what you have to offer.

Thanking loyal customers A well-organised event is a great way to extend your thanks to existing customers, which may in turn make them more inclined to stay loyal. However, failure to properly tailor such events to your clients can be a waste of resources

and worse, a loss of long-standing clients. High-value clients should be catered for with an event that demonstrates your knowledge of their business and their aims.

Remember your staff If you look after your employees, your employees will look after you. It is important you maintain excellent relationships with your staff as well as your clients, as a little motivation can go a long way. Events, such as team building exercises and away days, can be used as a reward for hard work, or as an incentive.

A different setting Corporate hospitality is a great way of demonstrating a side of your business that customers might not see outside of a boardroom. As opposed to a formal, professional setting, a tasteful event, held in a chic bar, restaurant, or even a sporting ground, can provide a much more social and relaxed setting, providing better opportunities for forging personal connections.

Launching new products You can use corporate hospitality as a platform to launch new products in style. However, careful consideration is needed – would an intimate setting be more suitable, or should you opt for a larger, conference-style event?

Speedy rewards As the organiser of the event, you can establish relevant contacts with key businesses and build up new relationships face-to-face.

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Feature

Tourism & Hospitality

Business and reception services: Libraries aren’t just full of books!

By Yvonne Barker, library services manager: business, reception, retail & tourist information services, Library of Birmingham. ollowing the challenging months of Covid19, all services at the Library of Birmingham have been fully restored!

The Business & Reception team in partnership with the British Library and libraries across the UK, are inspiring a thriving community of new and existing business owners and entrepreneurs.

Based on Level 3 the Business & IP Centre team support entrepreneurs in setting up businesses and protecting intellectual property, to successfully launching and growing a business. Delivering free 1:1 business advice, workshops, webinars and local events, the Birmingham BIPC team advise and guide throughout a potential overwhelming and challenging time.

BIPC Birmingham has one of the most comprehensive ranges of free business databases, with qualified and experienced staff on hand to guide customers through the range of resources needed to start a business. Market research databases, company information, patent searches plus books available for loan enable our customers to successfully pinpoint their customers, competitors and find an opportunity in the market.

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Tourist information and the library shop Whether you’re a Birmingham ‘local’ or visiting the Heart of England, start your day with a trip to Tourist Information at the Library of Birmingham for the best tips to maximise your time in Birmingham, the city of a thousand trades!

Your first stop should be exploring the Library of Birmingham. This is a RIBA award winning building, designed by Francine Houben, founder and creative director of Mecanoo. See how Francine’s vision to create ‘A People’s Palace’ has created an iconic landmark development for Birmingham that integrates and complements the surroundings.

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The impressive Book Rotunda, at the heart of the Library houses tens of thousands of volumes and symbolises the importance of the book for learning, information and culture. A walk around the Book Rotunda balconies gives further views through the building.

‘To fully explore the Library of Birmingham takes approximately one hour and is free’ The Terraces on Level 3 and Level 7 are beautiful elevated outdoor garden spaces, the ideal places to meet friends and enjoy the views of the City.

The planting is designed to give colour, scent and interest throughout the year and includes herbs, fruit and vegetables. The garden on Level 7 is more densely planted and has a more secluded feel, with quiet places to sit high above the bustle of Centenary Square below.

The Shakespeare Memorial Room on Level 7 is the original feature from the city’s Victorian Library, designed by John Henry Chamberlain in 1882. The Room is wood panelled with glass printed shelves inspired by the Elizabethan age with carvings, marquetry and metalwork representing birds, flowers and foliage.

The Level 9 Skyline Viewpoint is the pinnacle of the Library of Birmingham, with stunning panoramic views across the city. At this point, visitors are now 51 metres above street level and on a clear day can see as far as Shirley to the South, Corley Hills to the East and Clent Hills to the West.

Any visit to Birmingham should include speaking to our team of local Tourist Information experts, receive insider knowledge and

suggestions on how to plan your ultimate visit; from where to find a mouth-watering Balti, the city’s top attractions, galleries and hidden gems, our team will create a bespoke experience to suit your needs.

As well as revealing Birmingham’s best kept secrets, the team will provide you with maps, leaflets and directions from our large collection of printed resources. Our helpful team are always happy to answer questions or point you in the right direction to ensure you have an enjoyable visit.

Not only will you have the chance to take in a tour of the incredible street art, explore the vast canal network or indulge in the amazing array of delicious food; you can take a piece of the city home with you by visiting our exclusive Library of Birmingham Shop where you can browse our crafted unique gift items created by the city’s top artists, businesses and creatives, at prices to suit all pockets.

Run and managed by the Business & Reception team, the Library Shop concentrates on selling Birmingham related souvenirs with over 70 per cent of merchandise having a Birmingham connection through design, production and development. One key aspect of the Library Shop is to offer a platform for any new business established through the BIPC Centre or Enterprise for Success project. With over 4,000 – 6,000 visitors per week, the Library Shop provides an ideal opportunity for new businesses to enter the marketplace, with the full support of a business team to advise on how to develop their business further.

To fully explore the Library of Birmingham takes approximately one hour and is free – the library is designed to be highly accessible to all. Getting around the building is easy, with a step free entrance and lifts to all floors in addition to ramps, escaltors, travelators and stairs.

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Sector Focus

Business Travel

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

On track: The design for the new Moseley Station

Manchester HS2 site acquired HS2 Ltd has reached an agreement with property providers Bruntwood to purchase Square One on Travis Street in readiness for construction of Manchester’s new high-speed railway station.

The sale marks HS2’s second major property acquisition in the city centre in just over 12 months, following its purchase of the Store Street site in April 2021.

Both sites have been purchased by HS2, on behalf of the Department for Transport, and pave the way for the creation of the new high-speed station that will be built adjacent to the existing Piccadilly Station.

Manchester’s new station is forecast to open between 2035 and 2040 and includes six platforms at surface level, allowing passengers to access both HS2 and future Northern Powerhouse Rail services.

Ruth Todd, chief commercial officer at HS2, said: “HS2’s purchase of Square One is a vote of confidence for investors locally and internationally to leverage the wider regeneration potential of the surrounding area, knowing that Manchester is set to become so brilliantly connected.”

Pete Bearpark, asset management director at Bruntwood, said: “We are committed to creating thriving places and communities, and after 15 years under Bruntwood stewardship, we have agreed to the sale of Square One and the land surrounding it to HS2 in advance of a formal compulsory purchase process.

“We will use the proceeds to continue to reinvest into regional cities to drive economic growth and have a positive impact on businesses and communities.”

HS2 has agreed leasehold terms with Square One’s existing tenants to enable them to remain in situ until the site is required.

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New stations for train line Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) has appointed construction firm VolkerFitzpatrick to build three railway stations on the Camp Hill line in south Birmingham.

It is part of the £61m scheme to reintroduce passenger train services to Moseley, Kings Heath and Hazelwell for the first time in 80 years. Work on the site is scheduled to begin in November, with the stations expected to be completed later next year after which passenger rail services can start.

This will give commuters from Hazelwell station in Stirchley a 14-

minute journey into the city centre by rail compared to a peak time journey by car of up to 45 minutes.

The project is being led by TfWM, which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE).

The WMCA is providing £36m towards the cost, with £20m from the Department for Transport (DfT) and the remaining £5m from Birmingham City Council’s clean air zone fund.

Malcolm Holmes, who is both executive director of WMRE and director of rail with TfWM, said:

“This is a major milestone towards seeing passenger trains restored on the Camp Hill line. We are now entering the final phase and it will not be too long before these stations are complete and open to the travelling public.”

VolkerFitzpatrick is currently also working on the University Station redevelopment for TfWM. Mike Evans, operations director for VolkerFitzpatrick, said: “Our team are excited to be part of these ambitious plans to create an improved transport network, that will support the region’s ambition to be net zero carbon by 2041.”

Green approach: Birmingham Airport is making strides towards net zero

Airport’s future is Bryt Energy Birmingham Airport is now using electricity generated solely from renewable sources.

The airport says it is the latest step on its journey to net zero carbon by 2033, which it set out in its roadmap.

By switching to Bryt Energy, the airport and all its retail and food concessions – including Costa, Greggs, Burger King, World Duty Free and others – are now powered by electricity generated from a mix of solar, wind and hydro.

Tom Denton, head of sustainability for Birmingham Airport, said: “This reflects our sustainability ambitions and is a small but important step towards

our eventual goal of net zero carbon by 2033. We’re pleased but, with so much more work still to do, it’s still way too early to celebrate.”

David Taylor, sales and marketing director, of Bryt Energy, added: “We’re excited to be supplying Birmingham Airport with zero carbon, 100 per cent renewable electricity and supporting them in their sustainability journey.”

Birmingham Airport has already reduced the carbon emissions it controls by 33 per cent through a range of measures such as introducing low-carbon alternatives into its operation, including solar, electric vehicles and other energy-efficiency measures.

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Business Travel

Sector Focus Dramatic drive: The Range Rover Sport tackles Iceland’s Karahnjukar Dam

Range Rover making a splash The New Range Rover Sport has made its global premiere with a dramatic climb up a flooded dam spillway in Iceland.

The vehicle resisted the surging torrent of water flowing down the ramp of the Karahnjukar Dam – the biggest of its kind in the world – at a rate of 750 tonnes per minute.

A loss of traction risked plunging down the perilous 90m drop at the base of the spillway to the valley floor below.

Land Rover has described the third generation of its luxury performance SUV as “the most desirable, technologically advanced and capable yet”.

Customers can choose from mild hybrid petrol and diesel Ingenium engines, while pureelectric propulsion will be available in 2024.

The successful spillway ascent was screened for the first time at an exclusive launch event at Jaguar Land Rover’s Advanced Product Creation Centre in Gaydon, UK.

‘The power of the water surging down the spillway was breath-taking’ Official James Bond stunt driver Jessica Hawkins was behind the wheel for the climb.

She said: “The power of the water surging down the spillway was breath-taking from the side of the valley.

“Driving into it knowing that a 90-metre drop was waiting behind me at the bottom of the

slope, if things went wrong, made this the most challenging drive I’ve ever undertaken.

“Despite the steep slope and rushing water, New Range Rover Sport made it look easy. Its traction, composure and commanding visibility inspired so much confidence I was able to enjoy the whole experience.”

The spillway climb was the final obstacle on the drive from the valley floor to the summit of the dam, taking in a flooded riverbed, the concrete tunnels of the hydro-electric dam and the rocky dam wall itself.

The final 294m stretch of spillway rises at 40degrees and climbs 193m, with water cascading down to provide the ultimate test of traction and driver confidence.

Planned return for Broad Street buses Buses are returning to one of Birmingham’s most popular areas this month following successful infrastructure tests.

Those travelling will be able to alight at several new bus stops along Centenary Square and Broad Street which were installed as part of ongoing construction for the Birmingham Westside Metro extension.

Buses have been calling at alternative stops since May 2019 when construction for the Metro first got underway. Final tests have been taking place, including testing the interface with the tram network.

Public transport users are being asked to check with their bus operator to stay updated on when exactly buses will service Broad Street and Brindleyplace once again.

Mark Corbin, director of network resilience at Transport for West Midlands, said: “So many local people depend on public transport for work, education and leisure.

“It is really important that we let customers know about changes as soon as we can so have written, with our colleagues at Midland Metro Alliance, to a number of key stakeholders in this area of the city.”

Further testing and commissioning and driver training on the Westside Metro extension will continue through June and a start date for passenger tram services will be determined in due course.

As the testing draws closer to completion remaining traffic management measures and site fencing will be removed to allow the road to fully reopen to public transport.

After which, Broad Street will become a red route with motorists unable to stop to load, unload, park, board or alight at any time.

Loading to businesses fronting Broad Street, that do not have alternative off-street provision, will be from loading facilities located on the side streets.

On the buses: Services are returning to Broad Street

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Sector Focus

Finance

Increase in borrowing as cost of living rises

Anna Anthony: People will rely more on credit

Demand for credit from UK households is expected to rise this year as cost of living pressures bite, according to a new forecast from EY. The EY ITEM Club UK Bank Lending Forecast predicts consumer borrowing will grow to a fiveyear high of 7.9 per cent in 2022 - equivalent to almost £16bn in net terms.

This is a trajectory reversal of the past couple of years when consumer credit fell by 12 per cent during the pandemic and reflects the expectation that consumers will increasingly turn to credit - and especially credit cards - to fund spending and cover bills.

The forecast says inflationary pressures, exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, will prompt a significant rise in credit card lending.

However, the related price increases of essential goods may force some households to cut spending on discretionary purchases and big-ticket items, creating pockets of suppressed demand for unsecured loans.

Increased uncertainty and supply chain disruption may also depress business investment, with knock-on consequences for business lending.

Anna Anthony, UK Financial Services managing partner at EY, said: “The current economic pressures, exacerbated by geopolitics,

are likely to weigh on appetites for most forms of bank lending, with the exception of credit card borrowing as people rely more on credit to finance essential spending.

“Banks, though, remain well capitalised and committed to helping consumers and businesses through this period of challenge, while also maintaining their focus on new regulatory requirements, sustainability pledges and the digital transformation agenda.

‘Increased uncertainty and supply chain disruption may also depress business investment’ “The industry will also be focused, post-Brexit, on continuing to forge new international relationships and deals, ensuring UK financial services continues to maintain its leading role on the global stage.”

Although economic conditions are moving back towards pre-pandemic norms, the EY ITEM Club predicts the business lending outlook for this year and next to be somewhat mixed.

In addition, firms face a more uncertain global environment, higher costs for capital goods and a rise in the corporation tax rate from 2023.

Sustainable approach: Paul Clifford and Dominic O’Brien

Sustainability partnership is launched Experienced Energy Solutions (EES) have launched an energy and sustainability partnership with accountancy and business advisory firm, Azets.

As a trusted energy partner, EES will work closely with the Azets team nationwide to help their commercial clients to procure energy, save money and implement sustainability strategies.

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Azets will offer EES’ services which can help businesses drive costs down.

Steve Harcourt, regional managing partner at Azets, said: “I have recently introduced EES to some of my key clients through our pilot and they have been fantastic.

“They have already added value to them, most notably Notts County FC, who were sick of

getting hounded by energy consultants calling on the phone.

It’s clear EES’s approach to energy and sustainability is something that our customers are already benefitting from and can certainly benefit from as a partnership between us for the future.”

Dominic O’Brien, managing director at EES, said: “We are delighted to launch our strategic

partnership with Azets and look forward to supporting businesses to really understand their energy journey especially in the current volatile energy crisis.

“Our team provide transparent advice and easy to understand information when it comes to assessing the energy market, ensuring you have the clarity to make the right decisions.”

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Finance

Index reaches record high A stark rise in commodity and energy prices has driven BDO’s Inflation Index to an all-time high.

The Inflation Index experienced the largest month-on-month increase in its ten-year history during April, jumping 4.29 points to 115.26.

The last time the Index had a comparable jump was in October 2016, with a monthly uptick of 3.93 points in the aftermath of the Brexit referendum. The index now sits well above 100 points, which denotes the average rate of growth. This is fuelling considerable cost pressures for manufacturing businesses as the price of key materials and commodities continues to climb.

Elsewhere in the report, BDO’s Output Index fell 7.30 points to 103.66 in April. This fall took the Output Index to its lowest level since March 2021, driven by ongoing supply chain disruption and a decline in consumer spending as inflation soars.

The manufacturing sector has been particularly impacted by these constraints, leading to a drop of 1.93 points in the Manufacturing Output subindex, slipping below its long-term trend level to 98.14 following three consecutive months of decline.

Richard Rose, partner and head of BDO in the Midlands, said: “Businesses are feeling the full force of rising costs, more of which will be passed onto customers in the coming months with consumer inflation set to intensify. The resulting squeeze on households’ disposable incomes is beginning to hurt our post pandemic economic recovery – and the very real risk of prolonged stagflation continues to haunt businesses and consumers across Richard Rose: Firms are feeling the country.” the full force of cost pressures

Sector Focus Promotions at accountancy firm Dains Accountants has made 20 promotions after recording 10 per cent growth this year.

Among the promotions are partners Adam Longmore and Terri Bruce, who both have experience working for ‘Big 6’ firms.

Adam will lead corporate tax in the East Midlands, while Terry will head the indirect tax (SME and not for profit) service line.

Chief executive Richard McNeilly said: “Adam and Terri are typical of the people we are seeking to recruit.

“They are ambitious for growth, committed to outstanding client service via advisory support and work well as part of a team.

“There is much media hype currently surrounding the ‘great resignation’, but we have been largely unaffected because people join Dains for a rewarding and challenging career, not a fast buck and a stepping-stone to another role.”

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Sector Focus

The Arts

Dance group DEVA by Urja Desi Thakore & Hetain Patel (credit: Parag Dhanani)

Return of Dance Festival

Forging new partnerships: Judith Greenburgh and Neil Holloway, managing director of Wilson Brook Consulting

Theatre welcomes corporate partners Birmingham Hippodrome has welcomed two new corporate partners.

The partner firms are Wilson Brook Consulting, an executive search and consulting firm, and Voice Fostering, who work to provide safe and secure foster placements for young people in care.

The new partnerships will support the Hippodrome’s work with schools across the region, offer mentoring opportunities to young people and support the development of new produced work which will create professional roles for local creatives.

Judith Greenburgh, head of fundraising and development at Birmingham Hippodrome, said: “We are delighted to welcome Wilson Brook Consulting and Voice Fostering as new associate partners for the next three years.

“Our corporate partnerships offer businesses a range of fantastic opportunities including social events to reconnect their teams, a unique space to entertain clients or opportunities to volunteer at one of our Relaxed performances, all whilst supporting an independent charity and helping the Hippodrome open its doors to more people.”

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Birmingham International Dance Festival, the largest dance festival in the UK, gets underway this month.

Produced by FABRIC, the festival is taking place from 17 June to 3 July and is presented this year in partnership with Birmingham 2022 Festival.

An array of dance artists will perform in theatres and takeover Birmingham’s public spaces.

Across three weeks, the festival will feature newly commissioned work by UK artists plus dance from the Commonwealth and around the globe.

Much of BIDF is free and outdoors with many opportunities to participate and get dancing, plus a theatre programme showcasing some of the best in current choreography, online screen-dance and professional industry events.

Lucie Mirkova, head of artistic programmes at FABRIC, said: “We are bringing world-class dance to the city’s theatres, outdoor spaces and online platforms.

“This year the festival is presented as part of Birmingham 2022 Festival with the programme featuring artists from Commonwealth countries such as India and South Africa and the first nations of Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Work will be exploring themes of identity, home from home and diaspora journeys.

“Our ambition is to showcase Birmingham as a global dance destination, a dancing city with its public spaces as a dance floor. We hope everyone will see dance as a joyful part of their cultural life.”

The festival’s opening weekend titled ‘Birmingham is A Dancefloor’ will hold performances in Centenary, Chamberlain and Victoria Squares as well as Brindley Place and invites audiences of all backgrounds and abilities to join in.

To view the full programme, visit: www.bidf.co.uk

Concert in celebration of Brum B:Music, the music charity responsible for Birmingham Symphony Hall and Town Hall, is hosting a large-scale concert on Symphony Hall’s stage, which will form part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival.

‘Beyond the Bricks of Brum’ will feature more than 100 musicians in the celebration of Birmingham’s music and spoken word scene.

The BBC Symphony Orchestra will play brand new arrangements and compositions from the likes of internationally renowned a cappella quintet Black Voices, Birmingham poet laureate Casey Bailey and rapper and MC Sanity, plus other invited guest artists.

Shereece Storrod, artistic director of B:Music associate artists Black Voices said: “Black Voices are delighted to be

involved in this amazing concert, collaborating with some of Brum's finest talent and celebrating the variety of musical styles and art forms that this wonderful city has to offer.

“Where better to hold this extravaganza of singing, spoken word and live orchestra than at Symphony Hall?”

Shereece Storrod: ‘Prepare to be moved, challenged and experience great talent’

Beyond the Bricks of Brum will take place at Symphony Hall on Friday 17 June at 8pm.

Tickets from £38 are available from bmusic.co.uk/events/beyondthe-bricks-of-brum-feat-bbcsymphony-orchestra-blackvoices-casey-bailey-sanity

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Technology

IT firm partners with EE IT service provider Intercity Technology has become one of the first companies in the UK to boast partnerships with all three major mobile networks.

The Birmingham-based firm has been handpicked as one of EE’s select strategic partners – meaning it now has agreements with EE, Vodafone and Virgin Media O2.

Intercity says the partnerships mean its customers will benefit from wider connectivity across the UK and the fastest possible network speeds.

It will also enable them to help customers set up employees across the business on the different networks all under one tariff that is covered under a single invoice.

David Owen, managing director of Intercity Technology’s communications division, said: “With hybrid and remote working set to stay, having access to multiple networks whilst remaining on the same tariff will be extremely beneficial to our customers, whose colleagues no longer need to be tied to areas covered by their current plan.

“EE is a fantastic addition to our lineup of mobile service providers. The partnership further benefits our

unified communications solutions and smart working practices with technology that is fast, accessible and on-demand, ensuring employees can collaborate and communicate from anywhere.

“Our customers can have peace of mind knowing they are receiving the best connectivity and service, no matter their location.”

David Owen: Bringing wider connectivity to customers

Sector Focus Old passwords a security issue Almost three quarters of UK employees are not changing their work log-in and email passwords enough – putting businesses at risk of cyber attacks.

And, according to research from cyber and data security experts CSS Assure, almost a third admitted to never changing their work passwords or only doing so when prompted. Furthermore, one in eight employees said they use the same passwords personally and professionally.

Mike Wills, director of strategy and policy at CSS Assure, which has office hubs in Birmingham and Solihull, said: “At a minimum, businesses should encourage and remind their employees to change their passwords at least once every three months as this will stop or prevent access to accounts if data has been breached.

“While this may seem like a faff, doing so is the single greatest defence a business can take towards protecting itself against a cyber attack.”

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Sector Focus

Legal

New trainees: Ella Ward and Amy Steventon, (front l-r) Parris Williams, Pav Suraj and Shabina Khatoon.

Law firm embark on 100 jobs drive with new appointments A law firm has announced the next stage of a recruitment drive which is creating more than 100 new jobs across its offices in Birmingham, the Black Country and Worcestershire.

Talbots Law, which became an Employee Owned Trust in 2021, is celebrating the qualification of two new solicitors and the start of five new training contracts as the company carries out its five-year plan to grow to £25 million in annual fees.

Based in the Halesowen and Stourbridge property teams respectively, Terri Keenan and

Ben Puplett have both undertaken a training programme allowing trainees to specialise in one area of law for the duration of their contract compared to the traditional rotational model of working across different disciplines.

‘We invest heavily to ensure employees are work-ready and a retention rate of 98 per cent speaks for itself’

Hoping to emulate the duo are Amy Steventon, Ella Ward, Parris Williams, Pav Suraj and Shabina Khatoon, who all began their training contracts in April.

Rachel Pardoe, HR director at Talbots Law, said: “We invest heavily to ensure employees are work-ready and a retention rate of 98 per cent speaks for itself.”

Newly qualified Terri Keenan said: “I started as a paralegal and have been able to progress consistently thanks to the support I’ve received, and I’ve seen a huge development in my confidence and self-esteem as a result.”

Dealmakers advise on buyout of measurement services firm

Dealmaker: Browne Jacobson’s Ryan Brown

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Private equity dealmakers at Browne Jacobson have advised a provider of on-site testing services on a major acquisition.

Palatine Private Equity-backed Construction Testing Solutions Limited (CTS) has acquired measurement services company, GT Certification in a move designed to boost its calibration and materials testing offering.

Leicester-based CTS specialises in the construction testing, inspection and compliance services.

The business works with various sectors within construction, including commercial, rail, road,

residential, airports, tunnelling, mining, and utilities as well as brownfield regeneration.

GT Certification, based in Tipton, works with a UK-wide client base and specialises in construction materials testing and torque and force calibration services The deal team, which included specialist lawyers from across Browne Jacobson’s Manchester and Birmingham offices, was led by partner, Ryan Brown, with assistance from associate, Bethany Pickup and associate, Harpinder Nahl.

Senior associate Rebecca Burge advised on the corporate tax

element of the transaction, while client relationship partner and PE specialist, Gareth Davies supported the team in the delivery of the transaction.

Ryan Brown said: “Having advised CTS on all of its bolt-on acquisitions, we feel we have a deep understanding of their business and the strategic objectives they want to achieve with each acquisition.

“CTS is a very ambitious business with a clear vision of what they want to achieve. We are delighted to be helping the team reach their growth strategy goals.”

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Legal

Sector Focus

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Sector Focus

Property

Rates hike for industrial units Prime industrial and logistical units in the West Midlands face average business rate rises of up to 25 per cent with bills set to surge following next year’s revaluation, a new survey reveals.

The predicted steep increases come amid a clamour for warehouse space in recent years due to a dramatic rise in consumer demand for online goods and services which has been further exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Occupiers will see significant rises in their business rates bills following the next revaluation in 2023, according to latest forecasts by commercial property specialists Colliers’ business rates team.

The rises are due to the sustained rental growth for industrial and logistical property between the last time the Valuation Office Agency revalued property for business rates in April 2017, when rates were based on market rental levels of 1 April 2015, and the current

valuation which will be based on rental levels of 1 April, 2021.

In the West Midlands, rental levels for prime industrial and logistical space have increased by over 23 per cent during the period.

‘This will have a significant impact on their overheads from 2023 onwards’ The rises mean a prime industrial or logistics unit in the West Midlands, with a current rateable value (RV) of around £3m, will find its rates bill rise from £1.5m a year to £1.9m a year following the revaluation - a rise of around 25 per cent.

Since 2015 demand for warehousing has surged as consumer demand has shifted to online goods and services, a trend further accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Companies have sought to realign and streamline their supply chains whilst buying and developing distribution hubs nearer to consumers.

These factors, coupled with a constrained supply pipeline, has resulted in unprecedented rental growth for industrial and logistics space across the UK. John Webber, head of business Rates at Colliers, said: “As a result of the significant rental growth witnessed across the industrial and logistic sector, Colliers is forecasting an average increase of 18.7 per cent on rates payable from April 2023.

“For those occupying a large number of properties in the sector, such as Amazon or even retailers such as Next or John Lewis, these rises will mount up, particularly for operators who have prime sites in London and the South East and those in the South West.

“This will have a significant impact on their overheads from 2023 onwards.”

Jewellery Quarter ‘live-work’ unit sold

Landmark: Trinity Point East 1

Seven-storey space brought to market A prominent office building in Halesowen which has planning permission for 87 apartments has been brought to the market – with offers sought in excess of £2.695m.

West Midlands commercial property agent Siddall Jones has been selected to sell Trinity Point East, New Road, Halesowen.

Managing director Ed Siddall-Jones said: “We are offering for sale the main seven-storey building known as the East Wing with the associated car parking area offering 70 spaces.

“The property provides 52,107 sq ft over a ground and six upper floors and planning permission was granted in December 2021 for the conversion of the first and upper levels to 87 residential units, and more recently permission has been granted for the refurbishment of the existing façade to include new windows.”

Trinity Point East is situated on the south side of New Road, the A456, at its junction with High Street, some 0.1 miles north of the Cornbow Shopping Centre in the heart of Halesowen town centre.

The property is seven miles west of Birmingham and just two miles from Junction 3 of the M5.

The building has a large reception area with two passenger lifts, a main central staircase and a secondary staircase with access to all levels.

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A property in Birmingham’s renowned Jewellery Quarter where the new owner can both work and live has been successfully sold by Siddall Jones.

The commercial property agency dealt with numerous approaches for the office and living premises at 6 and 4B Victoria Works on Graham Street. A final deal was reached with the buyer paying the £297,500 asking price. The property is in a gated development on the corner of Graham Street and Vittoria Street, with a net internal space of 1,500 sq ft and two car parking spaces.

Edward Siddall-Jones, director of Siddall Jones, said: “We had plenty of interest in this property which makes a characterful office or live-work premises arranged over the ground and first floors.

“We had three viewings within the first week and quickly arranged the sale at the asking price.

“This successful sale reflects how there is still significant demand for front door offices with the demand being fuelled by the relatively low cost of borrowing and the tax advantages of acquiring a commercial property through a SIPP (self-invested personal pension) or SSAS (small selfadministered scheme). The JQ has always fared well in this sector and there is a lack of available properties for owner occupiers to acquire.”

The property is only a short distance from St Paul’s Square and just over half a mile from Brindleyplace and Birmingham city centre, in an area well served by public transport.

The St Pauls and Jewellery Quarter Metro and train stations located close by, and frequent bus services across the Jewellery Quarter.

The unit is currently set out for offices with the first floor having consent for residential use and boasting a large open plan area with kitchen, bathroom and further space.

In demand: The Victoria Works premises

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Property

Sector Focus

Office market breaks average Birmingham’s office take-up at the start of the year beat the 10-year average and the market will continue to grow, according to commercial property agents KWB. KWB’s Birmingham Office Market Research for Q1 2022 shows office take-up reached 175,261 sq ft across 32 deals, compared with the 10year average of 167,000 sq ft and just 49,837 sq ft in the same period last year.

The positive start to 2022 is even more significant due to the lack of a landmark transaction which often dominates the figures.

The largest letting of the quarter was to the government’s Office of the Public Guardian, which took 27,132 sq ft at Victoria Square House, bringing its total space in the building to 37,284 sq ft.

This was followed by serviced office operator Cubo securing the entire fourth floor of Two Chamberlain Square, totalling 24,000 sq ft.

Offices were also snapped up at other city landmark developments by major occupiers looking to benefit from prime location and high-quality, environmental, social and governance-compliant workspaces.

This included legal firm Browne Jacobson who signed up to the 15th floor of Colmore 103.

Malcolm Jones, director of office agency at KWB, said: “The future of the city is bright, with enquiry levels for space across the Birmingham office market increasing.

“With this in mind, and the number of negotiations for office space already underway, there is a very promising outlook for the market’s year-end.

“Growth will continue and the number of deals will increase, as we see more of the ‘bread and butter’ requirements returning to the market.”

Malcolm Jones: Enquiry levels are increasing

New role created to lead sustainabilty strategy West Midland based IM Properties, one of the UK’s largest privatelyowned property companies, has appointed Andrew Swain group sustainability manager to help deliver its future vision for the business.

The new role follows a lengthy review by the Solihull group of all its operations in consultation with its people, key stakeholders and supply chain to deliver its sustainable futures strategy.

Andrew, who is a chartered environmentalist with significant experience assisting major blue-chip companies achieve their sustainability goals, said: “There’s no doubt IM Properties is committed to the process.

“They’ve invested considerable time and money in ensuring they move forward with genuine intention and get ahead of the curve. It’s very important to them that they’re not just seen to be ticking boxes.

“They’ve taken a holistic view, seeing sustainability as more than the impact on the planet. The strategy looks at people and place too and the long-term value we can deliver to the communities we develop in.”

IM Properties’ Sustainable Futures Strategy creates a pathway for 2030 and beyond focused on three key pillars, people, planet and place, with a target to be a net zero carbon company by 2030 and all its developments to be net zero ready.

Tim Wooldridge, managing director of IM Properties, said: “When we began our journey of formalising our approach around sustainability, we were adamant we had to arrive at a robust strategy, with real substance.

“I’ve got to be honest, it’s a complex and often confusing pathway to navigate and the real skill is in distilling it down to what’s important and then continuing to evolve in an ever- changing landscape.

“Andrew is a calm and very considered person who brings with him significant industry experience and I’m confident he will keep us focussed and help us maximise our considerable influence as a business to deliver real change in line with our vision and values.”

Real change: Andrew Swain

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Sector Focus

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Manufacturing

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Manufacturing

Sector Focus

Zero-emission tech creates jobs Hundreds of jobs could be created in the West Midlands with zeroemission technology advancements creating global export opportunities for Grayson Thermal Systems.

That was the clear message presented to West Midlands mayor Andy Street during a visit to the firm’s Tyseley base, with bosses at the 44-year-old firm convinced that the switch to greener transport solutions presents a ‘once in a generation’ opportunity for their company and the region as a whole.

Managing director Stuart Hateley believes the area’s traditional strengths in innovation and research and development (R&D) are already paving the way for new contracts across the world and wants the government to get behind this drive by making sure that all publicly funded projects feature initiatives that ensure UK-produced goods are given a boost.

His own company is doing its bit, investing £2m in R&D, employee upskilling and state-of-the-art testing technology to help it bring a range of zero-emission vehicle products to market that are now being sold into the battery, electric and hydrogen fuel cell, on-highway, off-highway and rail markets.

These solutions are headlined by its Battery Thermal Management

Driving a greener future: From left - Stuart Hateley Andy Street (Mayor of the West Midlands), Ian Hateley and Matthew Hateley

System (BTMS), which keeps zero emission vehicles batteries at a stable temperature improving efficiency and extending life.

There has also been significant interest in its complete Vehicle Thermal Management System (VTMS), MagDrive Pump and Electric Water Heater, the latter providing an instant source of clean heat generation that can be transferred for passenger or driver comfort.

“West Midlands manufacturers have really embraced the electrification drive and are exploring ways where they can take conventional technology and transform it into products that will help OEMs achieve zero emission targets,” said Stuart, who runs Grayson Thermal Systems with his brothers Ian and James.

“From the beginning of 2021 we have enjoyed significant success in

the UK, mainland Europe, North America and even further afield with our new suite of products and this is just the start.”

Mr Street: “The visit to Grayson Thermal Systems gave me a firsthand insight into the technology we have here in the West Midlands and the opportunities this can bring both locally and on a global scale, as well as the challenges faced by our regional manufacturers.”

Engineers finally celebrate anniversary following delay

Alan Lusty: Continuing to invest in employees

An engineering and construction firm has finally been able to celebrate its 30th anniversary and is predicting 70 per cent growth over the next three years as well as becoming a £200m business.

Midlands-based adi Group host a highly-anticipated conference-come-birthday bash last to celebrate 30 years of excellence.

Although the firm has now been in business for 32 years, the pandemic meant celebrations had to be put on hold.

The business held its celebratory event at the Vox Conference Centre in Birmingham – with the theme being ‘Engineering a better future’.

With a workforce of almost 750, adi’s guestlist was made up of the firm’s employees, with the addition of a few special guests, including the evening’s host, renowned celebrity magician, Richard Jones.

Alan Lusty (pictured), CEO and founder of adi Group, said: “We’ve come a long way since I founded the business in 1990.

“What began as a team of two has progressed into something extraordinary, and we’re consistently seeing growth in the form of our people, our skills, our client base and operating locations.”

Alan explained the business’s goals for the coming years, emphasising the importance of the investment in its team.

He said: “We are continuing to invest both time and money into the wider Group and its employees.

“Our team is at the centre of our business, and therefore our future, too.

“And as we expect to grow 70 per cent by the end of 2025, the future looks incredibly exciting.”

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Sector Focus

Sport

The Business of Sport Medal designs revealed ahead of 2022 Games

Going for gold: The Birmingham 2022 medals

Birmingham 2022 has unveiled the official medals which will be awarded to athletes at the Commonwealth Games this summer.

The jewel-like medals have been designed by three students from Birmingham’s School of Jewellery and manufactured by Toye, Kenning and Spencer in the city’s Jewellery Quarter.

The three students - Amber Alys, Francesca Wilcox and Catarina Rodrigues Caeiro - were also part of the team that has designed the ribbon and the box for the medals.

Amber Alys, the lead designer for the medals, said: “We really thought about the athletes when designing the medals – the connection between athletes and the journey they go on to achieve

their dream of standing on top of the podium.

“We wanted to create something with a jewel-like quality so that the athletes had something that they could treasure for the rest of their lives. We really hope the athletes like them.”

Toye, Kenning and Spencer, a family-owned business that has been based in Birmingham for more than 200 years, has been chosen as the medal fabricators.

The company is also making the adjustable gold, green and blue medal ribbons, which feature a celebratory confetti pattern, in their Bedworth factory.

1,875 medals will now be produced, to be awarded to the athletes placing first, second and third in the 283 medal events that are part of the Games.

Open Clubhouse duo appointed to rugby club roles Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club have appointed Open Clubhouse duo Mike Turner and Pete Geddes as chief executives.

Open Clubhouse – a company that offers a range of services to help sports clubs below professional level or at the lower echelons of the professional game – were engaged by Birmingham Moseley to boost its sales and marketing strategy.

The club’s board decided Open Clubhouse were best placed to deliver its future objectives, with the chief executive roles described as “a natural progression”.

Pete Geddes said: “We are excited to become even more embedded into the fabric of this fantastic club, especially at this 70 CHAMBERLINK June 2022

time as the club approaches its 150th year.

“Open Clubhouse plan to be with Birmingham Moseley for many years and work with everyone associated with the Club to build on the great work that has already been done and ensure that the Club is here for at least another 150 years.”

Birmingham Moseley chairman David Warren, said: “The board are looking forward to working with Mike and Pete in their role as chief executives of the club.

“We are confident that with their support we will continue on our journey to becoming one of the leading rugby clubs in the country once again.”

Joining the club: Peter Geddes and Mike Turner

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Chamberlink

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Member Section

New Members

New Members Your guide to new sign-ups

Whatever your business size and requirements, the Chamber has a membership scale to suit your needs.

For more information visit: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/membership

Aimhire Training Ltd Other activities of employment placement agencies Nova Arkney 01827 795147 aimhire.org.uk

MK Career Solutions Other activities of employment placement agencies Mohammed Kasujee 0203 778 1790 www.mkcareersolutions.com

Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Number Eight Tamworth Other business support service activities n.e.c.

Dawn Candy 01827 62400 numbereighttamworth.org.uk/ contact-us

Aluinox Wholesale of metals and metal ores Simon Cullen 01527 336237 www.aluinox.co.uk Transatlantic Chamber

Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce

Birmingham Film and TV Market Television programme production activities Louise Osbourne 01905 948438 www.birminghamfilmmarket.co.uk

Teamwork Global Management consultancy activities other than financial management Dani Grieveson 07921 910693 www.liftthislife.co.uk

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Bistrot Pierre Licenced restaurants Sarah-Jane Comert 0121 616 0730 www.bistrotpierre.co.uk

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Blue Sky Guttering Remediation activities and other waste management services Nathan Ellis 02039 767979 www.blueskyguttering.co.uk Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Cloud Accounting Support Services Bookkeeping activities Paul Barnes 01827 780550 www.cassonline.co.uk Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce

Engage Outdoor Media Ltd Advertising agencies Eve Frazer 07967 254341 www.engageom.co.uk

Festen Other food services Caroline Evans 07854 286 182 www.festen.co.uk

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Fire Compliance Services Ltd Combined facilities support activities Pat Ryan 0121 448 4404 www.fire-cs.co.uk

Ivy Rose Interiors specialised design activities Rebecca Lewis-Knight 07867 983 452 www.ivyroseinteriors.co.uk

UK Black Business Show Limited Activities of exhibition and fair organisers Michael Adeniya 0230 302 65136 www.birminghamblackbusinesssho w.co.uk

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Jono's Tourism Activities of tourist guides Jonathan Oates jonotourism.co.uk

Warren Wealth Limited Financial intermediation not elsewhere classified Matt Warren 07383 823387 www.warrenwealth.co.uk

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Harvey Nichols & Co Activities of head offices Rebecca Jukes 0121 616 6028 www.harveynichols.com Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Home Instead (Cannock) Other social work activities without accommodation n.e.c.

Peta Mandleberg 01543 572349 www.homeinstead.co.uk/cannock

Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce

Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce

Fairfield School of Business First-degree level higher education Michael Hill 0121 634 1590 fsb.ac.uk

Hubtel Communications Ltd Other telecommunications activities Neil Bayliss 01675 437307 blueclickit.co.uk

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Solihull Chamber of Commerce

72 CHAMBERLINK June 2022

Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Experienced Energy Solutions Limited Collection of non-hazardous waste Charlotte Burkinshaw 0121 274 3573 www.experiencedenergy.co.uk

Ignitewebs Advertising agencies Muktadir Choudhury 0121 517 0752 www.ignitewebs.com

The HR Consultants Management consultancy activities other than financial management Jenny Rimell 01789 614336 www.thehrconsultants.co.uk

Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce

Justice Fire and Security Other service activities n.e.c.

Kevin Watkins 0121 369 9893 www.justicesecurity.co.uk Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce

Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Zel Exhibitions Activities of exhibition and fair organisers Hannah Lazell 01926 813399 Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

M Hall Management Limited (Insurance Relationship Management) Activities of insurance agents and brokers Martin Hall 07368 628598 mhallm.com

Zero Technologies Repair of computers and peripheral equipment Joshua Thompson 0800 055 4565 zerotechnologies.co.uk

Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce

Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce

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NEWS EXTRA

Midlands team support European acquisition The corporate finance team in the Midlands office of national audit, tax, advisory and risk firm Crowe has advised a pan-European business that supports exporters and importers on the acquisition of two UK businesses.

Netherlands-based Customs Support Group (CSG) first expanded its operations into the UK with the acquisition of UK Customs Solutions in October 2021.

Now CSG has also completed the acquisition of two further UK businesses - Osborn Customs Services, the Rochester-based customs clearance experts; and the Dover export agents KSI Portlink. The deal values have not been disclosed.

Crowe’s corporate finance team was led by partner Andy Kay and director Chasz Coulsting, supported by colleagues Phoebe Turner, Jason Daft and Nick Martin.

Adam McGiveron and Emma Bryant from law firm Pennington Manches Cooper provided legal support to CSG. Andy Kay said: “Crowe acts for CSG internationally and our colleagues in France, Italy and Ireland have also been advising on EU deals.

“The Midlands corporate finance team has been instrumental in assisting CSG with the recent acquisition of two UK businesses and provided financial due diligence and transaction support services on both deals.

“With international trade being such a key component of growth for both EU and non-EU

Key growth: Andy Gray

businesses, the skills and expertise of CSG are crucial in helping to keep trade flowing smoothly, in both directions.”

Sebastian Ootjers, mergers and acquisitions director of CSG, said: “We are pleased with the excellent support from Crowe’s corporate finance team, as they provided us with vital insights needed to realise these acquisitions. We look forward to working with Andy and his team again, as we continue to build our presence in the UK.”

Member Section BBC Proms come to city The BBC Proms is bringing its chamber music series to Birmingham for the first time.

Claire Barnett-Jones will give a song recital as part of the world’s largest classical music festival on Monday 29 August at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire’s, part of Birmingham City University.

The mezzo-soprano, who is an alumnus of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, won the 2021 Dame Joan Sutherland Audience Prize at the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World. She is now a soughtafter voice on both the operatic stage and the concert platform.

Claire Barnett-Jones said: “It is an absolute honour to have been asked to create and perform a recital for the BBC Proms this year and also very special to be performing as part of the inaugural ‘Proms At’ series at the Bradshaw Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, where I spent my formative years.”

Tickets can be bought at: www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts

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June 2022 CHAMBERLINK 73

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Member Section

...any other business A roundup of news from Chamber members

Inspired: Paula’s painting, featuring the Black Sabbath bench Glynn Purnell: Cooking up a treat for The Rep

Chefs team up to help theatre

Artwork captures bench

Two Brummie chefs have teamed up to help raise £23,000 for the city’s only producing theatre.

Michelin-starred chef, Glynn Purnell and Amadeus’ executive chef at the ICC Birmingham, Simon Hellier, providing the catering at Birmingham Rep’s 50th anniversary gala. The menu paid homage to several of The Rep’s most famous productions including ‘East Is East’ and ‘The Snowman’.

The money raised will aid the recovery following enforced closure during the pandemic and help provide opportunities for creative talent across the city.

Glynn Purnell said: “It has been an absolute pleasure designing a menu that suitably celebrates The Rep, a brilliant Brummie theatre at which I have enjoyed many fantastic evenings of entertainment over the years.”

Simon Hellier said: “Working at one of The Rep’s neighbouring venues, the ICC, I was thrilled to get involved in this event. The local community is important to Amadeus and helping to raise funds for the venue by bringing an element of theatre to the table service was great fun alongside Glynn.”

The event was attended by 130 guests and hosted by The Rep’s patron of youth and education, Baroness Floella Benjamin and associate director, Iqbal Khan. Entertainment included words from Sir David Suchet and music from star of hit Rep production, ‘What’s New Pussycat?’, Kelly Price.

A new painting that looks down on the canal over the Black Sabbath bench on Broad Street has been created by local artist Paula Gabb.

The artwork captures the view from the Barajee Indian restaurant which lies opposite the ‘heavy metal’ bench and features visitors admiring what has become a major landmark for tourists to Birmingham.

Paula, who is also the founder of Birmingham Art Zone, has even picked out Westside BID’s logo on the right-hand side of the bench.

Paula said: “The Black Sabbath bench has always been one of those things that I wanted to capture in a painting and I was thrilled when it was in the view from the Barajee.

“The painting just captures everything I wanted – the length of

74 CHAMBERLINK June 2022

the canal, the edge of Brindleyplace and the lovely bench which is in such a great spot on the canal bridge.”

Paula explained that her work is inspired by how the great impressionism painters captured the light of their images without detail but with bold colours.

‘The painting just captures everything I wanted’ She added: “My greatest inspiration comes from artists such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet and in particular Alfred Sisley, whose composition of landscapes gives you

the sense of walking into the landscape itself.”

Painting has allowed Paula to express herself in ways that would otherwise not have been possible, due to suffering from dyslexia and verbal dyspraxia, plus being diagnosed in her 20s with macular degeneration, a painless eye condition that leads to the gradual loss of central vision.

Fortunately, the condition has not prevented Paula from her passion for painting abstract art.

The view of Broad Street is just one of Paula’s new collection of paintings that will be displayed at the Gunmakers Arms on Bath Street as part of a Birmingham Art Zone exhibition from Sunday 5 June through to August.

Nine-day lullaby part of project Ikon Gallery is set to collaborate with Icelandic artist Ragnar Kjartansson on a major off-site project in the shape of a nine-day sung lullaby.

‘The Sky in a Room’ involves young professional singers from vocal ensemble Echo taking turns to perform an ethereal arrangement of ‘Il Cielo in una Stanza’, the famous song by Gino Paoli, originally released in 1960.

Performances take place at St Mary Magdalene, Tanworth-in-Arden between 25 June and 3 July (2pm to 7pm).

Accompanied by the church organ, the singers repeat the piece uninterrupted for five hours a day for nine days, creating the effect of a never-ending lullaby.

‘The Sky in a Room’ engages multiple mediums, creating video installations, performances, drawings and paintings.

Ragnar Kjartansson said: “Il Cielo in una Stanza is the best song I know about the transformation of space.

“Gino Paoli wrote it in the 50s and got the idea when lying in bed with a woman at a brothel he had fallen in love with.

“Thinking of that lovely moment and how feelings transform space, how the walls of the room changed into endless woods he got that melody into his head.

“It is a song all Italians know, it is almost the Italian national anthem of love. “ The event is free and attendees are invited to drop in to the daily performances.

Lullaby: ‘The Sky in a Room’ will combine multiple artistic mediums

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