Chamberlink Nov 22

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The official publication of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

CHAMBER LINK

November 2022

Free to Members £5.00 where sold

Lest we forget Arboretum offers a poignant Remembrance Day reminder of the futility of war…

See page 14

• Proud city insurance brokers become patrons • Russia’s brutal invasion tests regional economy • CEO’s podcasts take centre stage

Picture: Marc Kirsten

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Contents Chamberlink November 2022 Business News 4

Editor’s View John Lamb on the importance of honouring those who sacrificed their lives

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Business News Insurance brokers joins as patron

76

10 President’s Focus Fiona Rouse, president of Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber

Features

14 The Griffin Report Mark Ellis, National Memorial Arboretum

57 Tackling employee financial wellbeing

54 Business Banking & Finance: Accessing finance post Covid

58 Digital Media Services: Digital marketing and why it’s for everyone

37

26 Where do you fancy?

B1 Restaurant & Bar

Chamber Patrons

61 Using reviews to generate interest and maximise your business growth

1813 Club and Premier Members

36 Aspire acquire Morningside

Sector Focus

38 CBSO launches development scheme

62 Business Travel: India flights increased

Chamber Group

64 Finance: Financial support for hard hit firms

40 International Trade: Global Trade Conference postponed

66 Legal: Funding raised for biotech firm 69 Manufacturing: EV charging points launched

42 ABCC: Business awards shortlist announced 70 Property: Colliers move to new offices 44 Cannock Chase: New staff for recruitment agency

72 Skills: Mental health nurse turns his life around

45 Burton & District: Brewers launch CSR network

75 Technology: Steps to secure your passwords 76 The Arts: B:Music launches classical season

46 Lichfield & Tamworth: New president welcomed

78 Sport: Ambitious plans for Edgbaston stadium

47 Sutton Coldfield: Cycling team raises awareness

Member Section

48 Solihull: MotorServ named Business of the Year

79 Chamber Insight Dean Billington, Triton Telecom Ltd

50 Future Faces: Mentor scheme launched

80 New Members Chamber welcomes new members

Events

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82 …any other business News from Chamber businesses

52 The latest comprehensive list of Chamber events

CHAMBER

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.

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The official publication of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Editor: John Lamb 0121 274 3237, 0797 1144064 j.lamb@birmingham-chamber.com Deputy Editor: Dan Harrison 0121 274 3239, 0797 1144052 d.harrison@birmingham-chamber.com Assistant Editor: Jon Griffin 07963 405538 j.griffin@birmingham-chamber.com Reporter: Feron Jayawardene 07508 317356 f.jayawardene@birmingham-chamber.com Reporter: Darby Newman +447951245985 d.newman@birmingham-chamber.com

Cannock Chase

Chamber of Commerce

Sutton Coldfield

Greater Birmingham

Chamber

Commonwealth

of Commerce

Chamber of Commerce

Greater Birmingham

Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce

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

November 2022 CHAMBERLINK 3

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Opinion

Editor’s View

By John Lamb

Honouring those who sacrificed their lives mid all of the political turmoil we have been put through, it’s almost a blessed relief to read about a tranquil corner of Staffordshire that offers refuge in the name of remembrance for our war dead.

In its narrowest meaning, an arboretum is a collection of trees. But, as our columnist Jon Griffin records on pages 14 and 15, The National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas is the UK’s permanent centre of remembrance.

It is a spiritually uplifting place which honours the fallen, recognises service and sacrifice, and fosters pride in our country. It is a living and lasting memorial.

Our evocative front page picture is a poignant reminder of the brutal futility of war - a statue of a

A

‘The sort of shameful episode which blighted British military history in a less enlightened age’ terrified young man being led to his death by firing squad for not showing what was regarded at the time the appropriate level of bravery in battle.

The statue is of Private Herbert Burden of the 1st Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, who was shot at Ypres in 1915, aged just 17. He and the others executed were mercifully but belatedly granted posthumous pardons in 2006.

This was the sort of shameful episode which blighted British military history in a less enlightened age. But it offers an unforgettable counterpoint to the memory of all of the other

FRONT COVER: Mark Ellis, National Memorial Arboretum lead See pages 14-15

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men and women who sacrificed their lives in the service of their country and to defend the freedoms we enjoy today.

And it also puts into perspective all of the political shenanigans that inevitably dominate our lives every day. When you consider the price of dying for a cause it puts into the shadows the unseemly and perpetual political scramblings we are having to endure.

We seem to be hearing regularly about the misbehaviour and misdemeanours of those people who are supposed to be our leaders.

Thankfully, they are few and far between and our system of democracy, while not perfect, usually serves us well.

Honourable men and women who are passionate about their political beliefs can usually be relied upon to represent our interests with integrity and honesty.

And I do believe that to reach the highest levels of government and business you have to be a fairly exceptional person, no matter which political colours you wear or which sector you work in.

To reach the upper echelon of politics or business and at the same time survive takes an enormous amount of intellect, fairness, acumen and, above all, an unbreakable empathy with your colleagues. Having said that, many still reach the top of the greasy pole and forget what other people have sacrificed in order for them to reach those heady heights.

Perhaps a little humility and a reminder of people like Private Burden should always be part of our lives – not just on the 11th hour, of the 11th day of the 11th month.

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

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Business News

Business News Latest news from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

Proud firm of insurance brokers joins as patron

By John Lamb A proud Birmingham firm of independent chartered insurance brokers, which can trace its roots back to the days of the Man from the Pru, have become patrons of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC).

Adler Fairways, which specialises in property, construction and business insurance, was founded nearly 40 years ago by Andy Adler, whose son Anthony now runs the company from their Acocks Green headquarters.

Anthony said: “We have done extremely well over the years and are proud of Birmingham as our home city. It seemed a natural process to associate ourselves strongly with the premier business organisation in the city.”

Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of the GBCC, said: “We are delighted that a business that is part of the fabric of the Birmingham business community has joined as a Chamber patron.

“In doing so, we look forward to the significant contribution that Adler Fairways can make to the broader family of Greater Birmingham businesses we represent.”

The business was created by Andy Adler after working for the

Prudential, who created an army of Men from the Pru as agents to sell affordable insurance widely across the country.

Andy decided to set up his own business in 1982 and was based in the Small Heath and Yardley areas of Birmingham.

Anthony, who joined his father in 2003 after gaining experience in the insurance business at Royal and Sun Alliance in Birmingham, said: “Initially we had clients mainly from

‘It is our intention to continue to implement our ambitious growth strategy in years to come’ the construction industry but quickly expanded into almost every element of the insurance business.

“In 2015, when I went through a management buy-out, we only had the one office with 20 staff. Since then we have made eight acquisitions and now have over 70 staff in five branches.

“We currently have local offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Evesham, Newbury and the Thames Valley, with active growth plans in place to expand further across the UK.”

GET THE INSIDE TRACK FROM THE TOP…

Proud of Birmingham home: Anthony Adler

At the beginning of last year, Adler Insurance Brokers Ltd changed their name to Adler Fairways.

Anthony explained: “We added the word Fairways because one of my senior colleagues is a keen golfer and, more importantly, we felt it reflected the fair way in which we treat all of our clients. We are one of only a few independent chartered insurance brokers in the UK. We have grown the company

from four staff members to a medium-sized brokering business while maintaining chartered status.

It is our intention to continue to implement our ambitious growth strategy in years to come.”

On top of the name change, Adler Fairways has also brought in a chairman, Alex Alway, one of the founders of the UKGI Group. Adler Fairways has become part of the group.

Chamber chief executive Henrietta Brealey’s CEO Stories podcast series has been received with wide acclaim.

Catch up on her latest revealing chat with NEC Group CEO Paul Thandi (pictured).

Search for CEO Stories on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to check out what you’re missing…

…AND SEE PAGE 16 FOR CHAMBERLINK’S PREVIEW November 2022 CHAMBERLINK 5

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Business News

Businesses show their resilience to grab opportunities - report

By Jon Griffin Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine and the consequent energy crisis has tested the resilience of the West Midlands economy – but “significant opportunities” lie ahead for the region’s business sector.

The annual Birmingham Economic Review produced by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and the University of Birmingham City Region Economic and Development Institute (City-REDI) reveals that the region is well placed to counter ‘once in a generation’ events such as the energy crisis and make Birmingham the best location for business ambitions.

Henrietta Brealey, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce chief executive, said: “While challenges persist, we are encouraged to see positive sentiment about the future of the region reflected in commentary throughout this report from academics, industry leaders and experts.”

Professor Simon Collinson, deputy pro-vicechancellor for Regional Engagement and Director of City-REDI and WMREDI at the

‘There are significant growth opportunities in the region, many of which would also improve inclusivity’ Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham, said: “The West Midlands region has been hit harder than most by the effects of these shocks. Regional GVA declined by 11.8 per cent in 2020 and recovery has been slower than in other UK regions.

“Once again, lower income communities are feeling the impact most and we are seeing a growing polarisation between deprived communities and those with the capital assets,

Growth opportunities lie ahead: Professor Simon Collinson

skills and income to ride through the downturn.

“There are significant growth opportunities in the region, many of which would also improve inclusivity. Future growth, which is sustainable and inclusive, partly depends on improvements in our regional innovation infrastructure, which in turn depend on improvements in our skills base.”

The report cites a number of challenges facing the business sector, including record numbers of firms under pressure to raise prices driven by energy costs and staff shortages.

Meanwhile, the cost of living crisis is biting as inflation soared to 9.9 per cent in August, driven by price surges in food, energy and fuel.

Conversely, skills attainment continues to improve in the region, with the number of people at NVQ4+ increasing from 31.8 per cent

in 2017 to 39.7 per cent in 2022. And regional unemployment rates decreased from pandemic highs, with the West Midlands rate for the three months to July 2022 at 4.7 per cent, down from 6.5 per cent for the fourth quarter of 2020.

Other positive developments outlined in the report include the legacy of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

“It’s estimated hundreds of millions tuned in globally to watch the Games.

“Almost £800m of public investment continues to drive regeneration and investment across the city and the Business and Tourism Programme aims to continue the legacy of the Games by promoting the region’s reputation as a leading destination for tourism, trade and investment.”

On HS2, construction of the London to Crewe High Speed 2 route is well underway, with almost 25,000 jobs, over 800 apprentices and more than 2,400 UK-registered businesses already involved.

On the economy, Oxford Economics is forecasting Greater Birmingham’s GVA to be £56bn this year, above the pre-pandemic level and to subsequently grow at an annual rate of 1.4 per cent to £71.8 bn by 2040.

The forecasted rise would help offset Greater Birmingham’s 11.8 per cent decline in GVA in 2020, when it contributed an estimated £52.6bn to the national economy, accounting for 3.1 per cent of England’s total. In 2020, workers across Greater Birmingham produced £33.80 of GVA per hour of work compared to the UK average of £37.73.

The report launched with an event at The Exchange in Birmingham city centre, featuring speakers Professor Adam Tickell, vicechancellor and principal at University of Birmingham, Birmingham City Council’s deputy leader Brigid Jones, engineering consultant Dr Josh Ahmed and chair of the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Race Equality Taskforce, Yetunde Dania.

Industry leaders drive life sciences growth Industry leaders met in Birmingham to discuss opportunities to drive the region’s future as a cutting-edge life sciences innovation hub.

The life sciences sector looks for innovative solutions to tackle healthcare problems, including new medical technology such as self-administered treatments, datadriven clinical trials and the development of new drugs that can be tailored to the individual.

The sector aims to accelerate the pace of innovation, bringing new products and technology to life more quickly than has been possible in the past.

Hosted by NatWest at 6 CHAMBERLINK November 2022

Bruntwood SciTech’s Innovation Birmingham Campus, the event brought together organisations including the West Midlands AHSN (Academic Health Science Network), Blake Morgan, Birmingham Tech, BGF (British Growth Fund) and insurance brokers Gallagher.

Discussions centred on how organisations can collaborate to drive sector growth in the region, including providing access to the right funding to enable life science start-ups and SMEs to grow, innovate and thrive.

According to government data, the life sciences sector generates around £80.7bn turnover

nationally, with 6,300 business across the UK. Research from Bruntwood SciTech, shows that the West Midlands already has 10 per cent of the UK’s biological science research power and is in a prime position to grow its presence in the sector.

Cliff Dennett, head of commercial at Bruntwood SciTech, said: “Since the pandemic, life sciences has become a real focus of attention for government, with ambitions to make the UK a leading global hub for research and development in the sector.

“The West Midlands is in a really strong position in terms of its existing healthcare network, talent

pool and population to build on our existing momentum and become a vital hub for life-science innovation in the UK.” Barrie Davison, sector specialist lead at NatWest, said: “It’s been fantastic and enlightening to hear about the healthcare innovation that is happening in the region, from research into genome treatment to vast data studies that will advance new treatments.

“What came out loud and clear was that there is an immense range of life sciences talent in the West Midlands and that with access to the right funding and support network, there is huge potential for growth.”

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Business News

Champion sought to support nighttime economy The search is on to find a night owl to help the post-Covid-19 recovery of the night-time economy across the Midlands.

A high-profile business leader is sought to champion and support the region’s pubs, clubs, bars, concert venues, theatres and restaurants as they build back after the devastating impact of the pandemic on the hospitality sector.

The night-time economy advisor will act as a focal point across the West Midlands, bringing businesses together with wider stakeholders to push for investment and action to support the night-time economy.

This follows a difficult period for the sector which has been hit by lockdowns and restrictions during the Covid pandemic and whose recovery is being slowed by rising energy costs.

Working closely with the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) trade body, the West Midlands will build on the successes of this role

in London, Greater Manchester and Bristol where night time advisors have co-ordinated action for their sector - such as joint working to reduce anti-social behaviour.

This unpaid champion will be someone with significant experience and profile in the West Midlands night-time economy with the credibility to speak for the

‘It is right that we have someone in place who has direct experience and can speak up for the sector’ region’s businesses, lead plans and policies with partners, and ensure the region’s night-time economy thrives.

To kick start the process, the West Midlands Combined Authority

Awaiting support

(WMCA) is opening recruitment for a nighttime economy senior policy advisor whose role will pave the way for the Night Time Economy Advisor.

Cllr Ian Brookfield, WMCA portfolio lead for economy and innovation and leader of City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “Our restaurants, pubs, clubs, theatres, and other nightspots have had a torrid time recently from full closure during lockdowns to now being hit by soaring energy prices and other costs.

“We have already made some progress with the hospitality sector

– such as expanding training opportunities for kitchen staff – but now we need to go further.

“And it is right that we have someone in place who has direct experience and can speak up for the sector as we develop further plans and policies to support it through this difficult period and beyond.”

The creation of this role will build on the progress of the WMCA’s Hospitality Skills Taskforce, chaired by celebrity chef Glynn Purnell, whose work included funding for over 1,000 places to help businesses train recruits.

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Business News Businesses unite to address skills gap Goldman Sachs, PwC and John Lewis Partnership are among business, education, community and public sector partners that met to launch a collaborative, large-scale new social value initiative.

Delivered by Ahead Partnership, Growing Talent Digital West Midlands aims to address digital skills gaps, strengthen the digital talent pipeline and improve diversity in one of the region’s fastestgrowing sectors. The launch event took place as part of Birmingham Tech Week.

The West Midlands has been named the country’s fastest-growing tech sector, and this timely initiative will see regional employers from every industry connect with 1119 year-olds from all backgrounds, helping them to understand the importance of digital skills to numerous different roles and sectors.

Organisations can enquire to learn more about how the initiative could support their own objectives and enable them to promote digital career opportunities to the next generation at www.aheadpartnership.org.uk

Logistics company reports near equal gender split Logistics Simpex Express has achieved a near equal split of gender in recruiting. Women have taken up 53 per cent of the total team.

The 13-year-old company, based at The Gateway Estate in Birmingham, has enlarged its team throughout the post-Brexit period to continue its growth.

Women make up around 47 per cent of the UK workforce. Yet, this

‘There is still a massive disparity between women and men in top positions in the majority of logistics companies’ falls to 20 to 30 per cent in the transport sector. Only 15 per cent of this workforce are in top management positions.

Women remain underrepresented in an industry which is applicable to many business sectors including retail, life sciences, fashion, technology, construction, and manufacturing.

Gender success: Simpex Express

In addition to drivers and warehouse operatives, the industry also requires many office based positions such as traffic operations, business development, as well as customer relations.

Managing director Simon Beechener said: “As a company we’ve always looked to bring in talented, intelligent people, regardless of gender, and without consciously trying to balance this between men and women, we have found ourselves with a near-equal split, with women just tipping the

balance at 53 per cent of the team.”

Commercial manager of Simpex Express Birmingham Stacy Woodall said: “I have spent my full working life in the transport and logistics industry, and from the outset women were in the minority.

“There is still a massive disparity between women and men in top positions in the majority of logistics companies, but this is hopefully where companies like ours will encourage more women to join an ever-changing industry with opportunities in top roles.”

Refreshed branding to build on Entec Si’s growth

Foundations: Eman Al-Hillawi

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Business change consultancy Entec Si revealed its refreshed brand identity at the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Autumn Expo, as it embarks on the next phase of its growth journey.

Created in 1996, it began expanding in 2014 and now supports business change in the public and private sectors across the country, with a 25-strong team of expert consultants. With clients across local government, health, not-for-profit and transport, the consultancy specialises in technology, digital transformation and culture change. Having changed to a consultancy model in 2020, it has expanded the team to strengthen the company board and strategic leadership board, and has now invested in a new brand identity, with a new website being launched this month.

This includes a new logo and vibrant look and feel, which showcases its people who deliver its consultancy services.

Eman Al-Hillawi, chief executive and co-founder of the consultancy, said: “This year has been about laying the foundations for future growth by investing in our people and strengthening our leadership team. Now we are entering our next phase of our growth plan through a stronger marketing presence that places our people at the heart of our service offer.

“This will be particularly visible on our new website coming soon, and through our marketing activity going forward. We pride ourselves on being a values-based company that works with clients whose purpose is to serve people and communities, and this ethos will not change as we grow.”

Operations director Sarah Towers, who joined the business in January 2022, has become a company board member, joining co-founders Eman Al-Hillawi and Peter Marsden. Sarah’s extensive commercial experience and a data driven approach to management creates a stronger team at the top level.

The company has also promoted 50 per cent of its team this year, demonstrating its commitment to develop and invest in its people and deliver client excellence.

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Business News

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Business News

President’s Focus Fiona Rouse, director of advanced materials and equipment supplier PI-KEM, is the new president of Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce. In this month’s President’s Focus, she sets out three key pillars to help businesses be resilient. here are many challenges facing businesses right now – not least soaring costs and finding the right talent to fill job roles.

That’s why when I was asked to become president of the Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber, I decided that my term would focus on three pillars that are absolutely key to resilience in business.

The first concerns our future workforce and, in particular, continuing to improve links between education, training partners and local employers.

This is an area in which our Chamber has been very active over the past few years, thanks largely to the work of my predecessor Jason Challoner.

But there is still lots for us, as employers, to do in terms of supporting young people who face barriers to entering employment.

This could be through showcasing different routes into the workplace, promoting activities that Chamber members can support and highlighting the fantastic career development work

T

‘Sustainability goes well beyond recycling and LED lighting (although that is a start!)’ going on across our area.

A partnership between Jason’s firm, Valyou Recruitment, Chase Terrace Academy and Crown Highways is a shining example of what can be achieved.

Chase Terrace have established a successful work experience programme with Valyou Recruitment – and consequently three students have gone on to secure apprenticeships with Crown Highways.

Both Crown Highways and Valyou Recruitment, in addition to other Chamber members, have continued to offer support to Chase Terrace, with an array of initiatives 10 CHAMBERLINK November 2022

such as mock interviews and work experience.

As we go into the next chapter of business challenges – including rising energy bills and other increased costs – I’m also keen to highlight the importance of sustainability.

As Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s monthlong Sustainable Business Series demonstrated, sustainability goes well beyond recycling and LED lighting (although that is a start!).

It is about building businesses that are their own critical friends, forward-focused, striving to make sure they are secure and aware of what is going on in the wider world.

All of these factors affect the way in which we work and have implications on the bottom line of a business too.

As a local Chamber, we can support members on their sustainable journey by connecting them with organisations who can provide services, share best practices and promote funding and training which will enhance their knowledge.

Finally, diversity and inclusion in the workplace is an area in which many businesses have made great strides.

But, having been informed by my own experiences since being diagnosed with a complex autoimmune condition, I’m keen to ensure this topic remains at the forefront of firms’ agendas.

We hope to do some research into business profiles in our area, use positive case studies from our own members and facilitate links to local charities, health services, police and local job centres to learn more about where employment barriers exist.

This will help us better understand the support businesses need to be able to promote and improve diversity and inclusion within their organisation.

Diversity and inclusion is not just about equality. It is about equity and true acceptance.

• More on Fiona’s appointment as president – see page 50

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Business News

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Business News

Loves the idea: Paul Finch

Crime novel to inspire work of art Every picture tells a story… and in the case of an art competition launched in Birmingham, the ‘picture’ in question will tell the story of the latest crime novel by author Paul Finch.

Westside Business Improvement District (BID) has enrolled the services of Birmingham Art Zone, a community group made up of local amateur artists, for a ‘paint-off’.

In a combination of their creative talents, three members of the group are to paint their interpretations of Paul’s latest book ‘Never Seen Again’.

Artists Paula Gabb, Helen Roberts and Helen Owen are now working on their picture ideas, with the winning painting to be judged

by Mr Finch.

The successful artist will receive a prize of £500, with £250 each to the two runners-up, while Mr Finch gets to keep the winning painting.

The competition idea followed Mr Finch taking part in a ‘Meet the Author’ event in July, hosted by Lorraine Olley, wife of BID general manager Mike Olley, as part of the

Lights, camera, action: film festival shows 131 free screenings The 2022 Birmingham Film Festival will bring 131 free screenings to Millennium Point in a 10-day celebration of moviemaking.

Taking place from 4 to 13 November, cinema buffs will be treated to an incredible array of films shown on the biggest cinema screen outside London.

Thousands of visitors are expected to the free screenings, as well as seminars, workshops and conferences led by some of the top people in the business, making it the biggest film and media event in the West Midlands. It culminates again in a glittering red-carpet awards ceremony.

Kevin McDonagh, president of the festival, said: “This annual 10-day event is about celebrating every aspect of film and screen and establishing Birmingham as a hub of creative talent.

“We want to nurture and inspire budding filmmakers and actors of all ages.

“We’ve had over 1,000 submissions again and there’s some fantastic talent being demonstrated.

“Thanks to support from our generous sponsors, we’re able to make this event as accessible as possible, with all the screenings being free to attend, and the seminars costing just £10 each for the opportunity to learn from the film industry’s key experts and decision-makers.”

All screenings are free to attend, but places do need to be booked via the Birmingham Film Festival website. Panel guests include producer of Casualty and Doctors Loretta Preece, casting director Olissa Rogers, Richard Cambridge of WeAudition, Paul Ashton of Creative England, Stuart Thomas from BBC Midlands, and Natasha Wilson from the British Film Institute.

Visit: www.birminghamfilmfestival.co.uk

Demo: Damian Collins and BCU staff are shown a robot dog

‘It is two forms of artistic expression coming together’ Birmingham, Sandwell & Westside Jazz Festival.

Author Mr Finch, a former police officer, explained: “I happened to mention that my wife Cathy and I are fine art collectors, although strictly amateur. Mike showed me the painting of the Black Sabbath Bridge, which really impressed me, and I said it had long been my ambition to commission artists to paint interpretations of my books.

“So, Mike mentioned this Birmingham art group and suggested having a contest.

“It is two forms of artistic expression coming together. I just love the idea of an artist reading my book and then creating a painting, condensing 130,000 words into one canvas.”

‘Never Seen Again’ tells a story of redemption about a former top crime reporter who messes up a police operation with fateful consequences.

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Minister’s praise for tech students A government minister has praised the achievements of artificial intelligence (AI) and data science students and graduates at two UK universities, following a national recruitment initiative to build a more diverse tech industry.

Visiting the city for Birmingham Tech Week, minister for tech and the digital economy Damian Collins met with MSc scholarship students and alumni from Birmingham City

University (BCU) and University of Birmingham (UoB) at BCU’s new £70m state-of-the-art STEAMhouse innovation campus.

Mr Collins said: “Artificial Intelligence has immense power to boost economic growth and improve people’s lives. We want to see the whole country benefit from the revolutionary technology and these extremely talented graduates, who have successfully completed our

government-funded courses, can play a central role putting the UK at the forefront of this exciting field.”

Professor Julian Beer, deputy vice-chancellor of BCU, said: “The Midlands is now a leading player in global tech and digital innovation, with Birmingham City University firmly at the heart of it - educating and training the workforce of the future and transforming lives in the process.”

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Business News

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Business News

The Griffin Report One of the most emotional memorials set in stone at the National Memorial Arboretum, an 1813 Club Chamber member, is of a scared and blindfolded 17-year-old Private before being shot at dawn, probably for what was regarded as an act of cowardice. Now in this more enlightened age he, along with thousands of others who sacrificed their lives for their country in theatres of war, will rightly be remembered at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month. Jon Griffin visited the Arboretum and found an uplifting place in a tranquil corner of Staffordshire that honours heroism, bravery and sacrifice along with joy and laughter.

t happened well over 100 years ago during the “war to end all wars” – and today six cedar trees and a statue of a blindfolded teenager in Staffordshire bear deeply poignant testimony to one of the most shameful episodes in British military history.

In the words of Mark Ellis, the man in day-to-day charge at the National Memorial Arboretum: “This memorial is the one that evokes the most emotional response from people. These were scared young men, some of them of unknown age, so probably under 18, who were suffering from all sorts of trauma. They had been through hell and were executed by their peers.

“The memorial has six cedar trees which represent the firing squad and we think about the impact on those people as well. 309 wooden posts represent the 309 people that were shot at dawn in World War One for what we would now recognise as people who were likely to be suffering from post traumatic stress syndrome and other mental health challenges. They were shot for desertion, acts of cowardice or

I

The National Memorial Arboretum is the UK’s yearround centre of Remembrance refusing to follow a direct order. The memorial was installed before Gordon Brown’s Government issued an unconditional pardon to those people, which was probably long overdue.”

The memorial contains a statue modelled on the likeness of Private Herbert Burden of the 1st Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, who was shot at Ypres in 1915, aged just 17.

He and the others executed were granted posthumous pardons in 2006.

The Shot At Dawn memorial – on the eastern edge of the woodland estate marking the spot where dawn first breaks at the tranquil 150-acre site just off the A38 near Alrewas – is just one of over 400 memorials at the National Memorial Arboretum, the UK’s unique living tribute to the service and sacrifice 14 CHAMBERLINK November 2022

Spiritually uplifting place: Mark Ellis

of armed forces and emergency service personnel and members of voluntary groups.

“As the guide book says, the National Memorial Arboretum is the nation’s year-round place to remember and is part of the Royal British Legion, a spiritually uplifting place which honours the fallen, recognises service and sacrifice, and fosters pride in our country. It is a living and lasting memorial.”

Since its launch in 2001, the Arboretum – a project which was the brainchild of Commander David

Childs CBE who wanted to establish a national focus for remembrance and began with no money, no land, no staff and no trees – has attracted millions of visitors to reflect on countless extraordinary stories of heroism, bravery and sacrifice along with joy and laughter.

Visitors can reflect on life in the trenches when they pause at the Christmas Truce Memorial commemorating when the Allies and the Germans are said to have laid down their arms on Christmas

Day, 1914, to have a festive game of football, study more than 16,000 names engraved on the Armed Forces Memorial marking the nation’s gratitude to all servicemen and women who paid the ultimate price since the end of the Second World War ; remember tragic youngsters who were victims of war and terrorism in the Garden of the Innocents; view a Bronze Age Burial Mound dating back 4,500 years – and so much more.

As Mark Ellis says: “We officially opened to the public in 2001, the

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oldest building on site is the Millennium Chapel of Peace and Reconciliation. That was Millennium Commission-funded – now the National Lottery Heritage Fund – and we believe it is the only Millenniumfunded project that is still being used for its original purpose.

“There are just over 90 people on the payroll, some of them parttime, and we have 230 volunteers.

Our peak year (for visitors) was 2019, just before the pandemic, which was 342,000. This year will be around 330,000.

“We get lots of people who come and spend two or three days here. It’s good for the hospitality economy, hotels etc, Lichfield, Burton, and I am sure Birmingham and onwards as well.

“There are over 400 memorials, new ones being dedicated every year so it is always growing, along with 25,000 trees, which are just beginning to look absolutely spectacular.

“This is a living memorial – we have just got to the point over the last two or three years where the trees are becoming dominant in the landscape – it was always David Childs’ vision that it would be a woodland where you would find memorials.

“What often strikes visitors is the peace, calm and enjoyment of being in nature with the stories behind the memorials. For me, it is the stories

that make the difference – without the stories behind them, they are just monuments in a forest.

“When we tell people what they represent and why they are there that is when they come alive. There are stories of service and sacrifice, stories of heroism, of tragedy, of loss but the Arboretum also celebrates lives lived – there are stories of love and joy and happiness, the joyous ones come to the fore as well.

“The sound of laughter is very common here as well. Our volunteers do an amazing job of bringing all these stories to life.

“The Armed Forces Memorial is the nation’s memorial to our armed forces, that has the names of everyone in our armed forces who have lost their lives in active service, training or through acts of terrorism since the Second World

‘What often strikes people is the blank wall – and the names that will be carved on there in future” War. There are more than 16,000 names engraved on there and what often strikes people is the blank wall – and the names that will be carved on there in future.”

The Staffordshire site also commemorates the lives of

Captured in stone: a shameful episode in British miliary history

members of civilian organisations, including fire, police, ambulance, the RNLI, scouting, the Townswomen’s Guild and many others – and even has remembrance features that date back to the Bronze Age. “We have got a Neolithic Burial Mound on site, so remembrance is timeless. We are here for people to remember how they wish to and what they wish to.”

The timeless role of the

Arboretum will be captured further by its latest plans to remember those who served and those who lost their lives during the Covid-19 pandemic. “We have a very grand ambition to create a new 25-acre memorial woodland that will recognise the service and sacrifice and all those that died as a result of the pandemic. We are now looking to engage with major donors to discuss funding options.

“Our aspiration is that it will be the nation’s response to remembering the pandemic. The woodland will feature memorials to all those who worked through it, including key workers and the NHS.” Meanwhile, the Arboretum is keen to spread the word to those people who have yet to visit a uniquely evocative slice of UK heritage. “We want to encourage everyone to remember, we would love to welcome more people, people who have heard of us but who have not yet visited.

“The message to them is they will find a warm welcome, a lovely place to be, stories of joy and happiness, exhibitions and activities – it provides a really enjoyable day out with the opportunity to think about those who have gone before.”

The National Memorial Arboretum is free to enter but booking is recommended, and visitors are encouraged to make donations.

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Business News

Capital allowances Super-deduction – use it before we lose it!

The Super-deduction (SD) is due to end on 31 March 2023 and will be a big loss to businesses making investments.

A company planning investment in plant & machinery would be well advised to bring forward any planned investments.

Why? Let’s imagine a company leases a new industrial unit. They have a fitout spend of £350,000 which includes; lighting, air conditioning, power distribution, alarms, sanitary and welfare, mezzanine floor to the warehouse, partitions, etc.

We’ll conservatively assume that £300,000 of the work qualifies for capital allowances, split 60:40 between ‘Plant & Machinery’ and ‘Integral Features’ (the balance may qualify for Structure and Buildings Allowance).

Using both the SD and their Annual Investment Allowance (AIA), the value to the taxpayer will be: • £180,000 x 130% (Super deduction) = £234,000 • £120,000 x 100% (AIA) = £120,000 • Total capital allowances: £354,000 At the current 19% Corporation Tax rate, the firstyear cash saving on their capital allowances could be £67,260.

Without the SD, the cash saving would be £57,000, a significant difference in cashflow.

So, for any company planning property expenditure, consider two things; firstly, can you bring forward the investment to benefit from the Superdeduction? Secondly, obtain advice from a chartered capital allowances expert to ensure as much of the work qualifies as possible.

Be safe in your claim – ensure your advisor is chartered, regulated, and insured.

Braemar Frankland is a firm of Chartered Surveyors, Chartered Tax Advisors and Chartered Accountants with over 25 years of capital allowances expertise.

For a free consultation, contact us at office@BraemarFrankland.co.uk or call us on 01905 886444.

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Sponsored by: Braemar Frankland Limited

NEC chief outlines bold ambitions on podcast

By Jon Griffin The NEC has bounced back from the dark days of Covid to reach audience levels of up to 80 per cent pre-pandemic – and now aims to become “the number one leisure and entertainment complex in Europe”.

NEC Group chief executive Paul Thandi told Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce chief executive Henrietta Brealey in the latest CEO Stories podcast that the West Midlands leisure complex was fighting back hard from the coronavirus emergency.

“Our industry was hit incredibly hard and I would say penalised unfairly. It is a lack of knowledge at senior levels of Government and a lack of appreciation as well. We spoke to our customers and everyone kind of understood.

“But there were some dark days – are we still going to be alive as a business? We sent everyone home, thank God furlough was around because it saved the jobs of many, many people.

“We had to make nearly half our staff redundant because we couldn’t afford to keep them on furlough. You are running out of cash because you are not putting on events.

“I think we have come out of it better than I had thought. The market has not fully recovered because with the annual cycle of exhibitions, it takes a bit of time.”

Mr Thandi said the NEC Group was now re-hiring staff “at a rate of knots”. “Our audiences now are around 75 to 80 per cent. We need

New projects: Paul Thandi

them to be 100 per cent. Will they go back to 100 per cent? Probably by 2024. I have always said it is going to take us two or three years to recover from this as a business.”

He said new projects in the pipeline included plans to increase the Resorts World Arena capacity to up to 22,000, the launch of the largest electrical vehicle charging forecourt centre in Europe and plans for thousands of urban dwellings.

“What we are trying to do is build our real estate to become the

number one leisure and entertainment complex in Europe.

We have got to constantly keep ahead of the market.”

He said the sale of the group to private equity firm Blackstone in 2018 had transformed its future.

“You have got far more control over your economics and importantly your finances, where you put them, how you invest and what you are looking for in return.

“It is about continuous development and continuous investment in the business.”

Work begins at The Lamp Works Construction has started at Birmingham-based property developer Cordia Blackswan’s leading build-to-rent (BTR) development, The Lamp Works.

Enabling works are being delivered by contractor Clegg Construction to create 148 residential

‘The Lamp Works offers a unique proposition to modern city dwellers’ apartments and duplexes at The Lamp Works, alongside three contemporary commercial spaces.

The mixed-use development forms part of Cordia Blackswan’s innovative BTR offering, with a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, including affordable homes. It will sit within a series of attractive landscaped courtyards.

Located at the intersection of Great Hampton Street and Harford Street in the city’s Jewellery Quarter, The Lamp Works is a contemporary rental development that reflects the industrial history and character of the area.

Future residents at The Lamp Works will have access to high-quality communal facilities, which include a co-working space, a shared lounge, a studio, and a communal kitchen/diner, in addition to the popular Lord Clifton pub located just down the road.

Marcus Hawley, managing director at Cordia Blackswan, said: “The Lamp Works offers a unique proposition to modern city dwellers, providing quality amenities that are both practical and useful in everyday life. As always, this will be delivered whilst retaining the Jewellery Quarter’s renowned heritage and architectural design.”

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Business News

Ready to serve: Drop by Volt-Age

Charge point for hire launched by Volt-Age Volt-Age have released their latest product, Drop by Volt-Age, to fill the need for electric vehicle charge points for events and gatherings.

The new product is a ready-to-serve electrical charger which is available for hire. It will provide flexibility with four 22kw charging sockets from one supply which will be connected straight into the existing electricity supply.

Sales director Ian Rea explained that the demand for electric vehicle points can be tested by venues before investing in expensive groundwork infrastructure. He said: “With the back office software we use, venues can see the demand for chargers and plan accordingly. This will be especially beneficial to outdoor events when the supply can be provided by the venue.”

Funding secured at Learning Labs A Birmingham-based technology company has secured investment from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF), provided

by The FSE Group Debt Finance Fund and backed by the Recovery Loan Scheme, to support further growth of the business.

Learning Labs has developed FlashAcademy, a leading UK digital education platform, which is used by schools and colleges across the UK to support teaching English as an Additional Language (EAL). The £250,000 MEIF funding will be used to create new jobs and expand its digital marketing department.

The award-winning FlashAcademy app teaches English from almost 50 different languages, providing an independent learning experience on any device, smartphone, tablet or PC that can be used in a classroom setting or for remote learning.

Veejay Lingiah, Learning Labs chief execuitve, said: “At Learning Labs we believe that every child and young person across the UK deserves to be getting the best from their education experience.

Our product supports teachers in unlocking the potential of nonnative-speaking students without the need for time and budget resources that many schools and colleges do not have.

Learn English from 50 languages

“With this MEIF loan, FSE has provided the right funding at the right time to support this next phase of our growth.”

Harriet Saunders, portfolio manager at The FSE Group, commented: “Having already attracted significant equity investment, Learning Labs’ management was keen not to dilute ownership with further equity at this stage. We are delighted to provide this marketleading business with the funding needed to support it’s growth.”

The MEIF project is supported financially by the EU, using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2022 and the European Investment Bank.

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Business News Business expo a buzzing event Businesses reported “a real buzz” in the room as a major business expo hosted by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce attracted hundreds of visitors.

The Greater Birmingham Business Expo at Edgbaston Stadium featured 80 exhibitors from a range of sectors, including hospitality and events, professional services, environmental, digital, higher education and manufacturing. A number of exhibitors hailed the event a success, having received enquiries for new business.

Ian Humphreys, director at global environmental solutions firm International Synergies, said: “We had a good number of people coming by our stand who were interested in the environmental work we do. We’ve had enquiries about new business too. It was definitely worth the cost of the stand.”

Barry Lambert, director at private healthcare platform Medstars, said: “It’s great having 80 businesses in one room – there was a real buzz. We met lots of great people and had some really good leads, with people showing an interest in what we do.”

The expo also featured seminars from Zoe Lewis of The Leadership coaches about creating a coaching culture and Will Crawford from quietnote on mindfulness and wellbeing.

Partnership fully funds PhDs in childhood cancer Joining forces: Ashley and Safiyya from the Azaylia Foundation visit the hospital

A ground-breaking local partnership has been announced in the UK’s fight against childhood cancer.

Three of the region’s most prestigious organisations, Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, University of Birmingham and The Azaylia Foundation have joined forces to create the next generation of leaders in childhood cancer, collectively committing over £560,000 to co-fund two fully funded clinical PhDs in paediatric oncology.

The investment will provide expert clinicians, under the title of the Azaylia Childhood Cancer PhD Fund, the opportunity to complete research into the early diagnosis of childhood cancer and find new and gentler treatments to improve survival rates.

Professor Pamela Kearns, of Clinical Paediatric Oncology at University of Birmingham and honorary consultant paediatric oncologist at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, said: “We’re delighted to have funded the first two Azaylia childhood cancer clinical PhD scholars in paediatric oncology, thanks to an

outstanding gift of over £280,000 from The Azaylia Foundation, which has been match-funded by University of Birmingham and Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity.”

‘Our collaboration will help create the next generation of leaders in childhood cancer’ Mark Brider, CEO of Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, said; “It is an honour to partner with University of Birmingham and The Azaylia Foundation. Our collaboration will help create the next generation of leaders in childhood cancer.”

The launch of the Azaylia Childhood Cancer PhD Fund celebrates the one-year anniversary of The Azaylia Foundation, a charitable organisation created by exfootballer Ashley Cain and Safiyya Vorajee following the passing of their daughter Azaylia of Leukaemia in 2021.

Construction’s ‘dirty image’ a barrier to solving skills crisis A new survey by UK Construction Week Birmingham When asked what the construction industry (UKCW) revealed that those who work in the workforce will look like in 2050, the most popular industry believe better school careers advice and responses included ‘a more diverse/female improving the sector’s ‘dirty’ image are key steps to workforce’; ‘more use of AI’, ‘increase in resolving the current skills gap in construction. mechanisation/robotics’ and ‘it will be more lucrative The survey polled more than and attractive to graduates’ 1,100 people across the sector, Nathan Garnett, UKCW ‘It’s clear from the including architects, engineers, Birmingham’s event director, said: survey that we have “Our survey not only highlights the housebuilders, installers, joiners, contractors and consultants, and more work to do to challenge, but it also illustrates the was discussed at the UKCW variety and truly rewarding nature change perceptions’ of being part of the built Birmingham three-day show.

It was found that over a quarter environment – a message we will of respondents felt the solution to fixing the skills gap get across loud and clear.” was ‘better career advice at school/college to paint a West Midlands mayor Andy Street, a guest more attractive picture of construction to young speaker at the event, said: “Many of our young people’, and just under a quarter of participants said people – and indeed local job seekers of all ages the answer was ‘a long-term strategy to attract and have recognised that joining this industry can offer retain talent, not just a short fix’. an exciting, practical and well-paid career path for Key barriers to young people pursuing a career in those willing to grasp the opportunity. construction were seen as the industry being “However, it’s clear from the survey that we have perceived as ‘dirty job’, lack of careers advice, and more work to do to change perceptions and the sector being seen as male-dominated. highlight the positive side of this booming sector.”

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Firm’s pride in equipping soldiers Firmin and Sons have spoken of the pride they felt at being honoured with the task of making every badge, buckle and button for the soldiers on ceremonial duties at the Queen’s funeral.

Established in 1655, Firmin and Sons is the oldest manufacturing company in the UK. Over the ceremonial period, staff worked continuously to make repairs and replacements for the uniform accessories.

Tony Kelly, head of sales, said the firm has long-established plans in place for events such as the monarch’s funeral.

Mr Kelly said: "Watching the lying-in-state, the procession from Buckingham Palace - all those ceremonial uniforms with their accoutrement fittings, we manufactured them.

"We're very proud of the skills of the craftsmen and women of Birmingham who have manufactured these items with care over many, many, many years."

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Business News

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Business News

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Business News

Pertemps highlight barriers to work Labour shortages will continue to hit UK productivity unless companies can access untapped talent to help bridge the skills gap and fill thousands of job vacancies.

The warning came from recruitment specialist Carmen Watson, chair of Pertemps, at the launch of a new report highlighting Levelling Up work to remove barriers to people from all backgrounds following the career path they choose to pursue.

Carmen said: “We have a huge vein of untapped talent in this country that we simply have to access to ensure businesses, and the wider economy, can grow and flourish.

“If we don’t do that, and change business practices to embrace longer-term, strategic and sustainable attraction and retention strategies, there is a real threat of a productivity slump not seen since the 1980s.

“The Levelling Up work we have undertaken has really helped us review what we can do more of and where the gaps are. There has to be an increase in investment in skills training and development across the board, with support from the government.”

Seeking impact: The launch of Pertemps’ Impact Report. Pictured L-R: Pertemps director Lisa Duncan, cross-bench peer Lord Walney, Rt Hon Justine Greening, Pertemps chair Carmen Watson, Pertemps director Abigail Farnham and Pertemps head of quality and HR, Tracy Evans

The Levelling Up Impact Report has been produced through a partnership with The Purpose Coalition, headed by former education secretary Rt Hon Justine Greening and Lord Walney, a member of the House of Lords and

chair of the organisation. It highlights work by Pertemps in helping jobseekers who may have experienced barriers to employment, including young people, ex-service personnel, ex-offenders and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

At the launch event, Pertemps announced it would be setting up a key stakeholder group with clients, to host a series of events to look at the issues and seek solutions in collaboration with government and education establishments.

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Business News

All aboard as £690m new fleet of trains is unveiled

Storage system success

Storage solution for packaging giant Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) storage has been introduced with a new fleet of the latest ‘digital’ Flexi Truck warehouse trucks being commissioned to replace traditional trucks and forklifts, by Scottish packaging solutions provider Pitreavie Packaging.

Pitreavie Packaging has reconfigured the storage system and materials handling process at its Glenrothes and Cumbernauld distribution centre facilities. This new strategy has increased product storage capacity by over 25 per cent and allowed Pitreavie to reduce the size of its MHE fleet by some 30 per cent.

In all, five Flexi Trucks have been supplied on a rental package. Dedicated to meeting the requirements of Flexi Truck users in Scotland, the investment in the new setup will see coverage extended to the whole country and will enable rapid response to callouts across Scotland to ensure that Flexi Truck customers’ performance is always optimised.

Pitreavie Packaging’s new Flexi Trucks will be supported throughout their working life from Narrow Aisle Ltd’s extended warranty, service and parts operation in Scotland.

John Maguire, managing director of Narrow Aisle Ltd, said: “The Scottish market is extremely important to us, and we feel it is absolutely essential to have a dedicated long-term presence locally to support our distributors and customers.

“The new Scottish investment will enable us to strengthen relationships and deliver the highest levels of support to Flexi Truck users – such as Pitreavie Packaging throughout the country.”

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Rail passengers in the West Midlands will soon have the chance to climb on board a new train fleet - the first to be introduced in the region in more than a decade.

A total of twenty-six trains – known as Class 196s – are being introduced as part of West Midlands Railway's £690m investment in new trains and infrastructure.

The first trains in the fleet will enter service on the Shrewsbury Line in coming weeks, serving destinations including Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Telford.

A special event to celebrate the fleet’s impending launch was held at Wolverhampton Station in October,

‘These fantastic new trains will make a real difference for passengers’ with guests including West Midlands mayor Andy Street and passenger groups.

From next year, trains in the fleet will also serve the Hereford Line, connecting Birmingham with destinations including Bromsgrove, Droitwich and Worcester.

It has also been confirmed the first train in the fleet will be named ‘Charles Darwin’ in honour of the Shrewsbury-born naturalist recognised as one of the greatest Britons of all time.

Ian McConnell, West Midlands Railway managing director, said: “These brand-new trains will provide a much-improved travelling experience for our customers with smart air conditioning and power points at every seat.We have had to wait a little while to introduce these trains due to the pandemic, but I am delighted our customers will soon be able to experience the trains for themselves.”

Route to success: Ian McConnell and Andy Street

Andy Street, mayor of the West Midlands, said: “I want to see a golden era for rail travel in our region and this investment from West Midlands Railway is a vital element in realising that overall vision.

"These fantastic new trains will make a real difference for passengers, which is much needed as public transport usage continues to climb postpandemic.”

Cycling star becomes ambassador International cycling star Emily Kay is the latest role model to become an ambassador with West Midlands personal development charity Sport 4 Life UK. Emily, who specialises in track cycling, represented Ireland in the UCI World Championships in October. She hopes to inspire beneficiaries of the Digbeth-based charity over the coming months.

Activities with Sport 4 Life UK are set to include supporting workshops and sharing experience with youngsters aged 11 to 29 from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Speaking about her appointment, Emily said she wanted to enable others to realise the power of sport to change lives.

She said: “Having seen the work Sport 4 Life UK is doing with young people across the Midlands, I’m delighted to become an ambassador for this brilliant organisation. I grew up in Bromsgrove and feel a strong affinity with the area and want to

Cycling star: Emily Kay

help others live a life of achievement through sport.

“Sport 4 Life UK is going way beyond simply improving skills: they’re equipping young people with tools that will enable them to navigate the real world with strength and self-belief.”

Rob Wells, head of business development at Sport 4 Life UK, added: “We’re incredibly grateful to Emily for supporting us as an ambassador. Our values are strongly aligned, and she is living testament to the power of sport to change lives.”

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Business News

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Business News

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Business News

Meet the Team

This month’s Meet the Team series features the PRESS AND PR DEPARTMENT, responsible for producing the magazine and handling all media-related activities for Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

The Press and PR team is also responsible for publishing ChamberlinkDaily, which goes out every morning to nearly 14,000 businesses and individuals across the region, and sector and area newsletters. The team also produces the CEO Stories and Future Faces podcasts while liaising with national media organisations to provide exposure for Chamber members.

NEXT MONTH: Meet the Chamber translations team, who can deal with multiple language combinations overnight.

PRESS AND PR DEPARTMENT he team – with some fresh faces - is led by Press and PR director John Lamb. John has wide experience as a journalist in the Midlands and Fleet Street. His career began on the Kenilworth Weekly News before joining the Coventry Evening Telegraph, where he became deputy sports editor. He switched to a similar role on the Birmingham Evening Mail before moving to London, where he worked for the London Evening News until it closed.

After a spell as assistant editor at the Coventry Evening Telegraph, he returned to London and worked for the News of the World, the Sun, and the London Evening Standard. The opportunity arose to return to the Midlands and John became assistant editor at the Birmingham Post before heading a business development unit launching magazines and newspapers on behalf of other companies.

He joined the Chamber of Commerce in 1997 and his responsibilities include editing the monthly Chamberlink magazine, the daily ChamberlinkDaily newsletter, pro- and reactive public relations, the production of various directories, web-site editorial content and social media contributions.

He has also published a book called Telegraph People about his rise from office boy to assistant editor when the Coventry Evening Telegraph was a multi-edition evening newspaper.

John, a former chairman of Birmingham Press Club and now its vice-president, said: “One of the most rewarding elements of working in the Press and PR Department at the Chamber is the all-round involvement.

“We work closely with all members, covering a myriad of trades, industries, and commerce, all of whom seem to have a fascinating story to tell when we scratch the surface.

“And we have the same all-embracing relationship internally so that we can bring members the latest news of Chamber activities, which are numerous and varied, including a massive events and international programme.

“We also carry the voice of the Chamber to the media, locally, nationally and across the world. We are an apolitical organisation but our views are respected by global institutions for their fairness and balance.

“In recent months alone we have provided comment on various issues for important media outlets in Birmingham, London, Manchester, Paris, New York and Washington. We are grateful that our hard work in spreading the word and

T

Media sorts (back row, left to right): Dan Harrison, John Lamb and Jon Griffin. Front: Darby Newman and Feron Jayawardene

work of the Chamber has led to us being the business membership organisation of choice for comment by media organisations, globally.”

Second in command is Press and PR manager Dan Harrison who joined GBCC in 2016. Before joining, he worked at the Aston Villa Football Club, where he spent eight years in the media department as a club journalist and latterly as editor of the award-winning Villa News & Record matchday programme.

Dan began his career in newspapers, working across a series of weekly titles including the Stourbridge News, Dudley News, Halesowen News, Kidderminster Shuttle and Bromsgrove Advertiser. He then spent two years as sports editor of the Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa Advertiser newspapers. Outside of his day job,

Dan produces a podcast for the Birmingham social media entertainment and lifestyle channel Epic Brum and is a board member of the City of Birmingham Rockets Basketball Club.

Jon Griffin, who is the former business editor of the Birmingham Mail and contributed to the Birmingham Post, is assistant editor on Chamberlink, covering a wide range of subjects.

His column, the Griffin Report, sheds light on different inspiring businesspeople in the area.

Starting anew with the team are Feron Jayawardene and Darby Newman, both graduates from Birmingham City University. Feron has been working as a film critic and a freelance writer to various international magazines. Darby comes from a strong newspaper background in the Falkland Islands.

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Business News

Where do you fancy?

B1 Restaurant & Bar A modern and relaxed hotel, restaurant and bar at the Crowne Plaza in central Birmingham. It gives diners and guests the opportunity to experience a newly-designed menu, both laid back in the bar or with full table service in the restaurant.

Breakfast, lunch or dinner…

Food and drink The menu has been created by head chef Nik Turner and has something for everyone. The pick and mix tapas gives the opportunity to have a light bite sharer while trying the Cocktail of the Week, created by a talented bar team. All items on the menu are home made from our Asian inspired miso cod to the B1 Balti, with a selection of seasonal desserts to enjoy afterwards.

Traditional bar snacks are available, from home-made pork scratchings and olives to our homemade scotch eggs.

A “bottomless brunch” will soon be available each Saturday, with an chance to pick from tapas dishes while enjoying unlimited prosecco, bottled beer or a selection of cocktails.

B1 Restaurant & Bar Address Crowne Plaza, Birmingham, B1 1HH T: 0121 224 5000 E: mark.begley@cpbhamcity.com W: www.cpbirmingham.com Owner: Centre Island Hotels Head Chef: Nik Turner Opening hours: Food served from 11:00am until 10:00pm daily

Breakfast The breakfast buffet ranges from a full English breakfast to a selection of meats, cheese, fruits and pastries.

They are all served with a choice of teas, coffee, speciality coffees and juices. For something different, an additional menu features American waffles, omelettes and kippers.

Lunch The B1 menu is available all day in the bar area, including the “pick and mix” tapas featuring a variety of smaller dishes, as well as the inventive warm sandwiches on offer, like a delicious steak ciabatta or fish finger sandwich.

Business facilities There are loyalty cards that, once completed, offer the chance to get 20 per cent off a future visit to the B1 bar and restaurant.

The bar area has a variety of seating for one or a table for a small business meeting with Lavazza speciality coffees available.

Private dining

Dinner

The private dining room is situated within the B1 bar and restaurant and is perfect for a private dinner or event for up to 20 guests. Within this space cocktail masterclasses are held, providing a great teambuilding activity.

As above with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options

Conference facilities For more details call 0121 224 5000

Wines Wines have been carefully picked to pair with menu dishes and showcases vintages from around the world with prices starting at £26 a bottle. There is also a selection available to buy by the glass.

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Exclusive offer for Chamber members Twenty per cent off a first meal at the B1 restaurant and bar.

Identification needed to prove Chamber membership.

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Business News

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Business News

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Business News

Historic firms go the distance Two Chamber members are celebrating milestone anniversaries this month. Cookes Furniture, members of the Sutton Coldfield Chamber, are marking 75 years of business, while Equilibrium Security, based in Birmingham’s Colmore Circus, have reached their first decade. Both businesses are reflecting on how far they have come since first establishing themselves – as well as looking ahead to the future.

COOKES FURNITURE

EQUILIBRIUM SECURITY

Family affair: Back row (from left) - Graham Cooke, Vanessa Hoe and James Pike. Front row (from left) - Jennifer Davies and Michelle Pike

Independent Birmingham retailer Cookes Furniture is celebrating its 75th anniversary, with one family having steered its fortunes since the company was established in 1946.

Founded by the late Edward Cooke, fondly known as ‘Ted’, the Sutton Coldfield business is now chaired by his son Graham, and granddaughters Michelle Pike, merchandising director, Vanessa Hoe, marketing director and Jennifer Davies, commercial director.

The family link does not end there, as Michelle’s husband James Pike is managing director.

James said: “The challenge for us, the third generation of Cookes, is to continue to trade a successful business that secures a presence for the next 75 years, for the next generation and beyond.”

Cookes employs about 70 people across its two main showrooms, one in Birmingham and the second in Christchurch, Dorset.

The company has expanded to also include a Cookes Storage Service, a successful self-storage operation based in Sutton Coldfield and two Ripples bathroom showrooms.

Vanessa said the family wanted the 75th anniversary to be a celebration of Cookes’ longstanding and close relationship

with its customers and local communities.

She said: “We have so many very loyal customers, we truly want to thank them for their support over many years and also looking forward to welcoming potential new customers in the future by offering quality furniture, expert advice and exceptional customer service.”

The company also prides itself on actively contributing to the local community.

Cookes Furniture have been supporters of the Royal Sutton Fun Run from the beginning and this support has grown year by year.

Looking forward, James said there had been a big rise in demand for upholstery. “The pandemic has caused people to review their lifestyles, and as a result we are seeing an increase in them choosing to invest in key rooms in their homes,” he said.

On the secret of 75 years’ successful trading, Graham added: “As well as ensuring the quality of the stock we offer, there has to be trust at every stage of the furniture journey with our customers. They know that if they have a query, they can rely on us to be upfront and provide a positive response, as quickly as possible. Trust really is what underlines us as a business.”

Celebration: Anish Chauhan (right) with some of Equilibriums trusted security experts

Cyber security experts, Equilibrium Security are officially celebrating their 10-year anniversary.

A decade of protecting brands across the Midlands and UK is a major milestone for team Equilibrium. Looking to the future, they are excited to continue their mission to help clients shape, innovate, and supercharge their security strategies.

Anish Chauhan (pictured) founded the cyber security company in 2012, with the clear aim of providing trusted expertise to help businesses thrive, succeed, and remain secure.

Fast-forward to 2022, Equilibrium is proud to have developed loyal partnerships with firms across the UK. They also continue to provide expert guidance to many clients who have been there since day one.

Equilibrium believes this success is testament to their team, and their dedication to putting customers’ needs at the front and centre of their core mission.

Anish Chauhan, founder and director of Equilibrium Security, said: “In some ways I can't remember what it was like to not be running Equilibrium, as it's become such a key part of my life.

“But along with the good times and the somewhat tougher times, one thing that's remained a constant is my passion and excitement for what's round the corner. Our 10th Anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the how far we've come, the team we have built and of course the amazing clients we look forward to each new engagement with.”

This news comes in the wake of many recent initiatives and accomplishments of the company, including developing an in-house Security Operations Centre.

As a result of changing the strategic direction of the business and the focus of their services, they had a hugely successful year, reaching a £1 million turnover for the first time.

Looking ahead to the future, Equilibrium has plans for growth of their team, development of their services and continuing to strive towards achieving their company vision of becoming ‘the UK’s most esteemed and trusted security partner’.

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Business News

Baroness named as BCC president Entrepreneur and business leader Baroness Martha Lane-Fox has been elected the new president of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

Baroness Lane-Fox was elected by representatives of the accredited Chamber Network at the BCC’s annual meeting.

She will take up the role, which is unremunerated, with immediate effect.

Baroness Lane-Fox will be succeeding Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith as president, whose two-year term came to an end in accordance with the BCC Articles of Association.

As president, Baroness Lane-Fox will work alongside BCC chair Sarah Howard and director

‘I am very excited to be joining the BCC family and look forward to meeting with Chambers’

Knows challenges: Baroness Martha Lane-Fox

general Shevaun Haviland to represent the interests of Chamber business communities and trade in a crucial period for the UK. Baroness Lane-Fox co-founded Europe’s largest travel and leisure website, lastminute.com in 1998. She is a passionate internet activist and was a Digital Champion for the UK from 20092013, helping to create the Government Digital Service. She is a director of Twitter and chair of WeTransfer, and she co-founded and chairs

LuckyVoice, which has revolutionised the karaoke industry.

She is the chancellor of the Open University and was also made a crossbench peer in the House of Lords in 2013.

Sarah Howard said: “Martha brings with her all the qualities that will make her an excellent president. She is creative, insightful, and has a wealth of knowledge that will be invaluable to our Chamber Network.

“She was one of the very first pioneers of the dotcom boom for businesses and has continued to pursue the internet and technology as a force for good throughout her inspiring and impactful career.

“I also wish to thank Ruby for her service to the BCC. She is a passionate advocate for business and has represented the BCC with energy and dedication during challenging times for UK businesses.”

Baroness Lane-Fox said: “I am very excited to be joining the BCC family and look forward to meeting with Chambers and hearing from businesses across the UK. “Having founded and run my own businesses, I know first-hand the challenges firms are up against right now. Chambers provide invaluable support to ensure they can expand, invest and trade, and I look forward to helping British businesses thrive.”

Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), said: “We are delighted to welcome Baroness Lane-Fox as the new President of the British Chambers of Commerce.

“While the GBCC exists to connect, support and grow businesses locally, the British Chambers represents the Chamber of Commerce movement, and businesses’ interests, nationally.

“Baroness Lane-Fox’s impressive business acumen and national profile make her ideally placed to champion the business community.”

Pushing people into renting Law firm Shakespeare Martineau has stated that the government’s proposed investment zones to stimulate growth could push more people towards renting rather than home ownership.

Former Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng announced in his mini-budget plans to create investment zones, which would have tax incentives for businesses.

Neil Gosling, partner and head of residential development at Shakespeare Martineau, says the investment zones are focused on inner-city and apartment-led schemes which would most likely be purchased by investors as assets for rental income.

He said: “If the intention is for more inner-city high-rise, the likelihood is that this will be bought up by foreign investors who will use the asset for rental income. With increased interest rates, mortgage lending becoming more expensive and housing prices still hot, this revised planning strategy may be designed to start pushing people into a rental system.”

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Listening project (left to right): Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street, talks to housing clients Martin and Ryan, with Eddie Hughes MP

Funding to help rough sleepers More than £2.5m has been secured for the region’s flagship Housing First project to continue supporting hundreds of people who had previously been sleeping rough.

The money not only means the pilot project can carry on, but will be crucial in making sure those people who have already been given a roof over their head can continue to build their life away from the street.

The government announced the funding as part of its new Rough Sleeping Strategy to drive forward its manifesto commitment to end rough sleeping for good.

It comes on top of an initial £9.6m which was awarded to the West Midlands Housing First programme.

Housing First places individuals directly into independent tenancies with no requirement to progress through transitional housing programmes, and has helped 526 individuals across the region so far.

Andy Street, mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA, said: “Since the very start of my time in office, I have made tackling homelessness a key part of my mayoral mission. The regional Housing First scheme has contributed to reducing rough sleeping across the West Midlands, thanks to some brilliant collaborative work – but there is still more that needs to be done.

“With the additional £2.5m secured, it gives us the chance to deepen the support we offer to those who have fallen on tough times to rebuild their lives.”

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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 32 CHAMBERLINK November 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

Communications firm launches in Australia Birmingham-headquartered communications consultancy Liquid is continuing to grow its international presence with the opening of an office in Australia.

The new office is in Brisbane in Queensland and will be incorporated into Liquid Australia.

The creative consultancy already operates in 26 jurisdictions and will take on new opportunities through the Brisbane office.

Liquid Australia will support international and UK clients expanding into the Australian market, as well as Australia-based companies looking to strengthen their operations in Europe.

Hollie Jones, senior account director at Liquid, will head up a small team from Birmingham, who will be working in Brisbane to complete the set up.

Once established, Liquid Australia will be offering job opportunities and internships for local talent, as well as secondments to their team both in the UK and Australia.

Liquid’s chief executive officer, Elisabeth Lewis-Jones, said: “We

Going Down Under: Elisabeth Lewis-Jones

are very excited to announce Liquid Australia and increase our global footprint. The Brisbane office will allow us to support our UK based clients in new ventures as well as welcome a whole new roster of clients to the Liquid family.

“I’d like to extend my thanks to the teams at Brisbane Economic Development Agency and Queensland Trade and Investment for their support, and Birmingham

Chamber of Commerce for the role they’ve had in supporting our international growth.”

Liquid joined the World Communications Forum Association as a corporate member, following a sustained period of international recognition.

The consultancy was named global ‘Large Consultancy of the Year’ in PRCA’s international Platinum Awards for 2022.

The World Communications Forum Association is a global organisation of communicators, which aims to drive growth and catalyse change in the communications industry.

Maxim Behar, WCFA president said: "We are proud to have Liquid Public Relations as our member.

“No doubt the company will increase the professional standards in the Association and also will be able to expand its international relations.

“In the near future, we will rely on Liquid's active participation in all our events and bodies."

Death of paints firm founder Douglas Norton, the founder of Birmingham-based Indestructible Paints, the leading supplier of highperformance, niche aerospace products, died in late September aged 92, his family have announced.

Doug developed a passion for paint and surface coatings when he was apprenticed at Llewellyn Ryland from 1948 to 1950.

After National Service between 1950 and 1953, Doug’s career progressed with Permoglaze between 1954 – 1956 at Tenbury Wells; he then moved to Gittings & Hills Paint Company of Nechells, Birmingham.

Gittings & Hills then became Ault & Wiborg, where his career progressed, eventually becoming chief chemist, then export manager.

Ault & Wiborg closed their Birmingham branch around 1977. Doug was invited to move to London to the Perivale site but he did not wish to uproot his family.

With great pride, he opened the doors to Indestructible Paints on 4 July, 1978, which Doug referred to as his “Independence Day”.

Thanks to his passion for surface coatings, his expertise and dedication to customer satisfaction, the company grew from a small, independent workshop in Birmingham’s Acocks Green to a leading supplier of high-performance, niche aerospace products for international customers.

To add to Doug’s already impressive list of achievements, he was a past president of the

Birmingham Paint Varnish and Lacquer Club (B.P.V.L.C) and a proud member of OCCA, the Oil & Colour Chemists’ Association, having been a member for over 50 years.

Doug’s pioneering legacy lives on in the team he developed at Indestructible Paint, his work at B.P.V.L.C, his wife Sue, children, family, and friends.

Douglas Norton (left) with Peter Stanton, former president of OCCA

‘Don’t cut back customer service’ A customer experience expert has warned businesses against cutting costs when it comes to their customer service journey.

Many firms are dealing with rising cost pressures due to inflation and rising overhead costs.

Shaun Cremins of Sutton Coldfield-based insight6 said firms cutting costs on customer service will hinder businesses in the longer term.

Mr Cremins (pictured), the firm’s CX director, said this year could, in fact, be one of the most rewarding for businesses who get it right.

‘This is the time to really invest in the things that your customers will value’ He said: “It costs a business at least five times more to find a new customer than to keep an existing one, so it is vital to make sure that you are not losing customers before you invest in finding new ones – otherwise you are just throwing money away further down the customer journey.”

To help business owners across the West Midlands navigate the next 12 months, insight6 has produced a CX Business Pack that can be downloaded for free, giving businesses the resources to boost employee morale and improve the customer experience to drive profitability.

Shaun added: “When times are tough, businesses, like the rest of us, try to save money but a common mistake I see is businesses cutting back in the wrong areas.

“Trying to speed up processes or cutting out the small extra touches that set their business aside.

“This is the time to really invest in the things that your customers will value and remember you for, such as the time and effort you put into delivering them an experience.”

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Business News Event planning show returns A major show for event planners, agents and venue finders returned to Birmingham for a second outing.

CHS (Conference and Hospitality Show) Birmingham took place at the ICC, with a focus on personal and professional growth.

With the meetings and events industry continuing to return to pre-pandemic levels of activity and the opportunity of a Commonwealth Games legacy in the region, CHS Birmingham looked to encourage both professional and personal growth for every delegate and exhibitor at the show.

Emma Cartmell, CEO and founder of CHS Birmingham, said: “We put together an educational programme that is tailor made to the individual.

“Our research shows that the biggest demand from delegates is either to look at ways to enhance their own careers or look at developing themselves as people. There has been a lot of talk around how the industry is performing right now. For us though, it’s now about supporting individual event professionals.”

Steve Knight, senior business tourism manager, Birmingham and the West Midlands Convention Bureau, said: “It was fantastic to welcome back CHS Birmingham to the city’s event calendar, after an unforgettable first show last autumn. The West Midlands is buzzing after hosting the most successful UK-based Commonwealth Games during the summer, with our hospitality and event venues providing a brilliant backdrop for 1.5 million ticket holders, and more than five million people who visited Birmingham city centre during the Games fortnight.

“We joined forces with partners across our business events sector to once again show delegates why Birmingham and the wider region should be top of their list when hosting their next event.”

Outside of the educational programmes, CHS Birmingham introduced new venues and suppliers, so the delegates could take time to focus on cementing relationships with key destinations, venues, and event suppliers.

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Frosty glory: One of the Botanical Gardens glasshouses

Grant awarded to restore Botanical’s glasshouses Birmingham Botanical Gardens has been awarded £590,814 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund - with the potential to secure a further £4m - to restore its four historic listed glasshouses.

The Gardens, a Grade II* listed charity based in Edgbaston, has received the development grant so it can progress plans for its £13m ‘Growing our Green Heritage’ project.

The project aims to restore its historic glasshouse estate, as well as additional visitor and community resources, to create a place of horticultural excellence and outstanding green space.

As the project progresses, the Gardens will have the chance to secure an additional funding amount of £4,409,186 to deliver the project.

Sue Beardsmore, chair of trustees at the Gardens, said: “Our uniquely biodiverse natural environment is one of the UK’s most significant historic Botanic Gardens, and part of Birmingham’s richly diverse cultural history and way of life.

“The historic glasshouse estate is at risk. It needs urgent extensive repairs to continue to provide the right environment for our important living plant collection.

“Support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund will mean that we can preserve this historic estate and iconic glasshouses for future generations.”

Elizabeth Frostick, development director at the Gardens, said: “We are one of only two remaining independent Botanic Gardens in the country and receive no public subsidy.

“As a charity, we rely on income from visitors, members, grants, and the generous donations from trusts and individuals who share our vision, to preserve these unique Gardens for everyone now and for future generations.”

Printers secure future growth Family commercial printing company Charisma Design & Print Ltd has secured funding of £60,000 to build future growth.

The Tyseley-based company received funding from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF) Small Business Loans fund to assist with working capital and cashflow, following a successful application managed

by BCRS Business Loans.

The funding will also secure the thirteen current jobs at the company.

Founded by director Ray Gilliland in 1991, Charisma Design & Print predominantly supplies printed collateral to the hotel sector, ranging from branded key cards to admin stationery.

The company works with leading international hotel and hospitality brands, with Ray’s son Andrew Gilliland appointed as director while his daughter Joanne manages the sales and marketing.

With the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the temporary closure of the hospitality and hotel sectors, Charisma Design & Print will use the funding to continue to rebuild to pre-lockdown levels of revenue and profitability.

The MEIF project is supported financially by the European Union, using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank.

Ray Gilliland said: “After securing funding from BCRS and MEIF, Charisma Design & Print will continue our recovery, having seen the Covid-19 pandemic

Funding (from left): Ray Gilliland, director and founder of Charisma Design & Print Ltd and Louise Armstrong of BRCS

effectively shut down the hotel sector which has made up much of our client base for many years.

“Having had to make redundancies and place staff on furlough, we have been rebuilding our business as travel and hospitality move back to normal levels. As an established family company, we can now look forward thanks to the funding support.

Louise Armstrong, senior business development manager at BCRS Business Loans, said: “We were delighted to be able to provide the funding which the Charisma Design & Print team needed to re-establish their business, after seeing events out of their control impact their all-important hotel customer base during the pandemic.”

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Business News

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Chamber Patrons

Chamber Patrons Greater Birmingham Chambers’ leading supporters

Uni lends supply chain expertise Businesses affected by the fall in the pound’s value against the dollar and other economic challenges could benefit from Aston University supply chain expertise.

The university provides expert advice through UK Centric Supply Chains, which assists companies to assess and improve the capabilities of their supply chains here in the UK. The free service covers the Marches transitional (Shropshire, and Telford and Wrekin) and Greater Cambridge and Greater Peterborough Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) areas. It is offered to most small to medium enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 250 employees in the manufacturing, automotive, engineering, food and drink sectors.

Khadijeh Rahmani, project manager, said: “Over the past few years, British companies have been facing numerous challenges. These include driver shortages, Covid-19, logistics provider capacity issues, Brexit, shipping delays, increased freight costs, shortages, the war in Ukraine and the cost-of-living crisis.

“This has highlighted the importance of supply chains, and the solution to these challenges stems by taking a holistic approach of the supply chain system. We’re offering SMEs the opportunity to gain a better understanding of their supply chain to help them stay on track.”

UK Centric Supply Chains is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and part-funded by Aston University which provides a wealth of supply chain, business, and engineering expertise.

In August Midlands Enterprise Awards named the service as Supply Chain Support Enterprise of the year.

The consultations offered to SMEs include an assessment of the maturity of their supply chain in relation to existing capabilities.

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Contact: Raj Kandola T: 07815 952462

Aspire acquire Morningside Morningside, a patron of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, has been acquired by Aspire Pharma Limited.

The purchase includes the Morningside Pharmaceuticals and Morningside Healthcare (Leicester and India) arms of the Leicestershire business.

Established in 1991 by Leicestershire entrepreneur Nik Kotecha, Morningside develops and licences niche generic pharmaceutical products.

Morningside exports to more than 120 countries and is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of medicines to international charities, nongovernmental organisations and aid agencies.

Aspire, as a premier speciality pharma organisation in the UK, says the acquisition will provide new opportunities to support international growth ambitions.

Richard Condon, chief executive officer of Aspire Pharma, said: “We are excited to welcome the Morningside team to the Aspire family.

“This is a transformative opportunity for both companies to expand and enhance our market

Pharmaceutical partnership: Richard Condon of Aspire and Tim Brady of Morningside

position, as a result of both companies highly complementary product portfolios.

“The combination will create one of the largest and fastest growing UK pharma companies and see further accelerated growth potential in our current and future product portfolio, in the UK and internationally.

“Our commitment remains with our team, patients, and our

partners in the NHS and beyond, to ensure a smooth integration of businesses.”

Tim Brady, Morningside’s chief executive officer, said: “Aspire’s acquisition of Morningside is validation of the long-term growth plan that the shareholders and management of Morningside Pharmaceuticals and Morningside Healthcare have developed over the past 30 years.”

ICC makes senior appointments NEC Group Conventions and Exhibitions has brought in three new senior roles to the ICC Birmingham, with two individuals internally promoted.

Becky Bohemia is promoted to the new role of head of sales for ICC Birmingham, following six years’ experience working across the ICC and sister venue, the Vox Conference Venue.

Bohemia has been promoted from account director for NEC Group Conventions and Exhibitions, previously leading on sales for the Vox Conference Venue and NEC Conference Suites.

Ben Prior is promoted to head of technical production, following a period as production manager across a range of ICC events. Prior has worked with the NEC Group for 10 years, leading on technical production for events.

Richard Yeomans has also been recruited as head of events for the

ICC, Vox Conference Venue and NEC Conference Suites. Previously, Yeomans worked at The Convention Centre Dublin, and joins from the Royal Dublin Society.

Becky Bohemia, head of sales at

New appointments: Richard Yeomans, Ben Prior and Becky Bohemia

the ICC Birmingham, NEC Group Conventions, said: “The ICC is an incredible event venue. I’m looking forward to leading our sales strategy across association business and corporate conferences, showcasing the teams we have in place to deliver memorable moments for our clients.”

Head of technical production, Ben Prior said: “The focus on technology and what we can do for clients is growing, and I’m pleased to be leading a group of multiskilled technicians who enjoy specialisms in key areas of delivery for our clients."

Richard Yeomans, head of events, said: “It’s been an exciting start with the Conservative Party Conference in-venue.

“There’s a real buzz among the team and I’m looking forward to the events we’re hosting over the next few months.”

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Chamber Patrons

Mondelez backs health campaign Three schools across Birmingham have each been awarded a donation of £5,000, as part of a major programme funded by Cadbury owner Mondelez International.

The Health for Life initiative marked its 10th anniversary by offering schools that have engaged with the programme the chance to apply for an extra grant.

From a range of submissions, Elms Farm Primary School, Highfield Junior and Infants School and Hillstone Primary School were selected for their imaginative and exciting projects to receive the substantial Health for Life grant.

Sheldon-based Elms Farm Primary School, inspired by their pupils’ ideas, will use the £5,000 donation to create a brand-new outdoor fitness area which can be enjoyed at break and lunchtimes, with the aim to increase physical activity and encourage students to live an active and healthier lifestyle.

The facilities will also be available to the wider community and for holiday clubs.

Highfield Junior and Infants Schools, Saltley, will create a diverse outdoor classroom for use during lessons, breaktimes and for

family involvement. The grant will enable children to spend more enrichment time outdoors and learn how to grow their own food.

Shard End’s Hillstone Primary School’s grant will enable the school to extend their focus on cooking and healthy eating with the creation of a dedicated and fully equipped cooking classroom for students, which the local community will also be able to access.

Introduced by Chamber patron Mondelez International in 2011, the Health for Life programme has reached more than 230,000 children and adults in Birmingham.

With an investment of over £4.6m from the business to date, the initiative is delivered in partnership with Services For Education and The Conservation Volunteers (TCV).

Kelly Farrell, community affairs manager at Mondelez International, said: “We’re extremely proud that for over ten years, our Health for Life programme has inspired school children, their teachers, parents and local communities across the region to develop and sustain a healthy lifestyle.”

Grant donation: Hillstone Primary School

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1813 Club and Premier Members

1813 Club and Premier Members

Premier Membership Contact: Gary Birch T: 0845 6036650

Greater Birmingham’s leading companies

Support scheme: The CBSO is looking to develop musicians from under-represented backgrounds

CBSO launches development scheme Recruitment for a major scheme that supports musicians from under-represented backgrounds has been launched by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

The CBSO’s Career Accelerator programme is a paid career development scheme that will support five early-career string musicians from under-represented backgrounds through performance, training and development opportunities.

It is supported by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and the Foyle Foundation, The three-year programme will initially run from January to July 2023 and the String Fellows will be offered a minimum of 60 days freelance work with the CBSO - including opportunities to perform alongside the full orchestra, smaller chamber work, learning and

engagement activities, audition coaching and one-to-one mentoring.

The Career Accelerator also features a tailored training package to help develop the skills required of a 21st century orchestral musician.

Roger Wilson, director of operations for Black Lives in Music will be working with the orchestra as a consultant on the programme, which is aimed at musicians from under-represented backgrounds in the orchestral world.

Stephen Maddock, CBSO chief executive, said: “Change will not happen overnight, but it is happening, and this scheme is very much part of our ongoing strategy which also includes the opening of the new Shireland CBSO Academy in Sandwell in September 2023.”

Helen Edgar, cellist at CBSO and lead musician for the programme, said: “The CBSO’s

Expert offers tax relief help Accountancy and advisory firm PKF Smith Cooper is expanding its tax division with an enhanced Capital Allowances service, which will help businesses and commercial property investors maximise tax relief on their capital expenditure costs.

The company has recruited a new capital allowances consultant, Thomas Webb, to offer additional expertise and support in this area.

Thomas has more than 10 years of experience in providing capital allowances support to businesses and investors across a range of sectors including construction, agriculture, food processing, furnished holiday lets, manufacturing, engineering, retail and hospitality, student accommodation and commercial property investment.

In previous roles at KPMG and Grant Thornton, Thomas has worked with a number of high-profile clients including supporting 38 CHAMBERLINK November 2022

Pret A Manger with fixed asset additions on expenditure across the UK, USA and Hong Kong, as well as working with LEGO on cost estimation and cost re-build for its head office in Denmark and flagship store in London.

Thomas said: “I’m looking forward to developing the service that the firm provides for the benefit of existing and future clients.

“This is a great opportunity to make a real impact while supporting local businesses and investors in claiming the tax relief they are entitled to.”

Gary Devonshire, tax advisory partner and head of innovation and property taxes at PKF Smith Cooper, said: “I am thrilled to have Thomas on board and look forward to seeing his expertise being delivered to clients and contacts as part of the continued expansion of our tax services at PKF Smith Cooper.”

Career Accelerator programme is a stepchange in our approach to representation at the CBSO. Our sector is not yet representative of contemporary society and we are grateful to the programme’s supporters for helping us make an important impact on our own work and the future of the sector.”

Roger Wilson, director of operations, Black Lives in Music, said: “It is so important for organisations to take action to redress systemic imbalances and increase access to world-class opportunities. This is starting to happen across the orchestral sector, and Black Lives in Music are proud to see the CBSO making steps towards positive change.”

Applications for violin, viola, cello, and double bass players will open soon and be announced via the CBSO’s website and social media.

Tax relief: Thomas Webb

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1813 Club and Premier Members Milestone: Cllr Ian Ward, Gerard Nock, Wavensmere Homes sales director Donna Smith, and Wavensmere Homes managing director James Dickens

Sporting lunch with rugby star

Milestone for development Joint venture partners Wavensmere Homes and The Galliard Apsley Partnership have broken ground at Belgrave Village, the new development on Belgrave Middleway and Haden Way, close to Highgate and Digbeth.

The development comprises 438 homes, including 264 one and two-bedroom apartments and 174 two, three and four-bedroom houses.

Cllr Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, joined members of the joint venture partnership at the site for a ground-breaking ceremony to mark the milestone.

Wavensmere Homes and The Galliard Apsley Partnership are regenerating the 12-acre site, which has been vacant for more than 20 years and was previously occupied by Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College and Birmingham Sports Centre.

Stephen Conway, executive chairman of Galliard Homes, said: “We understand the challenges faced by Birmingham City Council to deliver the new homes needed for the city and together with our joint venture partners we’re proud to be playing our part in helping the council achieve its goals.”

One of the biggest names in world rugby will be the guest of honour at the 2022 Midlands Sporting Luncheon, hosted by Eventmasters.

Brian O’Driscoll, the former Ireland and British & Irish Lions international, is appearing at the event on Wednesday 7 December at Birmingham’s Macdonald Burlington Hotel.

Denise Sheasby, CEO of Eventmasters Group, said: “We often see Brian on our TV screens as an analyst for both ITV and BT Sport. It will be a real treat for our rugby clients.”

Brian said: “The Midlands Sporting Luncheon has honoured a who’s who of the game and I was delighted to accept the invitation to attend this year.”

The event is also part of fundraising activities carried out throughout the year by the Eventmasters Foundation, with funds raised going towards one of the nominated charities for 2022, Prostate Cancer UK.

November 2022 CHAMBERLINK 39

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International Trade

International Trade Getting the EDGE in new markets Two autumn events held by the Chamber-based Innovate UK EDGE team provided key insights into how to gain a commercial edge in the business sector.

EDGE Essentials How to give your brand storytelling an EDGE offered innovative SMEs an interactive workshop, access to industry speakers and the opportunity to network within the local business community.

Hosted by Innovate UK EDGE senior innovation and growth specialist Deepak Pathak, the breakfast event enabled entrepreneurs to learn how to open doors for business and resonate with stakeholders.

The West Midlands Regional Funding Roundup saw the EDGE team invite innovative SMEs to its first webinar, a sixmonthly online event. Innovation and growth specialist Avalon Adjei-Maison hosted speakers from Birmingham City Council, Coventry University Services, the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Growth Hub, Staffordshire BIC and the Department for International Trade.

Innovate UK EDGE aims to help cutting-edge firms across the UK grow and scale through bespoke advisory business support.

The team focuses on the wider West Midlands region, including The Marches, Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire, Coventry and Warwickshire and Greater Birmingham and Solihull.

One of the key areas is supporting SMEs keen to break into international markets by utilising EDGE’s connections and expertise.

T: 0845 603 6650 E: ibh@birmingham-chamber.com

Conference provides insight to opportunity Chamber members seeking to broaden their trading horizons overseas are being invited to a high-profile event in the New Year – in the shape of the Global Trade Conference.

The Conference – rearranged following its postponement in September in the wake of the death of the Queen – will now take place at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire on February 15 between 12 noon and 6pm.

The Conference has been hailed as a major opportunity to give Chambers members and non-members alike invaluable insights into the

‘The previous event attracted really good attendances and excellent feedback’ variety of global trading markets for ambitious companies.

Mandy Haque, International Director of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “In the morning we will be having exclusive member sessions with various overseas market representatives, where members will be able to learn about the advantages of trading with and investing in new markets.

“We are limited on capacity in the morning so that session will be an invitation-only member event. In the afternoon we are looking to attract about 250 delegates which

will be a mixture of members and nonmembers. It will not be broadcast online so people need to attend in person.”

February’s event will widen the scale and scope of the conference which in former years was held under the banner of the Transatlantic Chamber. “The previous event attracted really good attendances and excellent feedback, so we are very much looking forward to February’s conference.”

Speakers already confirmed for February include Amanda Brooks CBE, Director-General of Trade Negotiations at the Department for International Trade, Taran Singh, Founder and CEO of Taran 3D, Elisabeth Lewis-Jones, CEO of Liquid PR and Shaun Adams, Managing Director of Birmingham Case Makers.

Delegates will be welcomed by Chambers Chief Executive Henrietta Brealey while Mandy Haque will chair the opening International Trade Index Launch based on a report collated by the Chambers Policy Team on International Trade in the West Midlands. Other speakers include the Chambers Head of Policy and Strategic Relationships Raj Kandola and Dr Steve McCabe, Associate Professor at Birmingham City University.

Mandy added: “The last in-person Transatlantic event was in June 2019 and it has been virtual since then. The day is a great chance for members and non-members alike to get real insights into global trading opportunities and markets.”

New committee members to steer the future of Chambers Several new faces who will help shape the future of trade between Greater Birmingham, the Commonwealth and North America are set to be revealed this month.

The Greater Birmingham Commonwealth and Transatlantic Chambers are both welcoming new committee members at their forthcoming annual general meetings.

Joel Blake’s successor as president of the Commonwealth Chamber will be revealed at the organisation’s AGM, taking place at Aston University on Friday 11 November.

Mr Blake, the fintech entrepreneur who founded The GFA Exchange, is standing down after completing his two-year term.

40 CHAMBERLINK November 2022

Meanwhile, the Transatlantic Chamber is to announce several new committee members to support president James Tait and vice-president Eileen Schofield.

The AGM for the transatlantic trade body takes place on Tuesday 8 November at the Birmingham office of law firm Browne Jacobson.

Chris McFarlane Baxter, head of international divisions at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “This is an exciting time for both of our international divisions and we’re looking forward to welcoming some new faces who will help shape the strategy, events programme and future activities for both Chambers.”

Standing Down: Joel Blake

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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: Chris McFarlane-Baxter T: 0121 725 8994

UoB painting on show at NY museum

By Dan Harrison A historic painting with links to William Shakespeare has gone on display at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art – thanks to the University of Birmingham.

The university has loaned the painting – a portrait from the 1600s of Moroccan Ambassador Abd el-Ouahed ben Messaoud ben Mohammed Anoun – to the museum as part of the exhibition The Tudors: Art and Majesty in Renaissance England.

Abd el-Ouahed ben Messaoud ben Mohammed Anoun led an embassy to London in 1600 to deepen trade and diplomatic links between Britain and Morocco.

It is thought that the Ambassador may have influenced Shakespeare’s depiction of Othello.

The portrait of the Ambassador - which normally hangs in the Shakespeare Institute, in Stratford-upon Avon – is on display at The Met until 14 May 2023.

It will then move to the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco to be exhibited between June and September.

A delegation from UoB included Pro-ViceChancellor (International), Robin Mason, and director of the Shakespeare Institute, Professor Michael Dobson, who received private tours of the exhibition.

UoB also held a civic dinner and tour, where they welcomed the Mayor of Hamilton and Lord Mayor of Birmingham for a Birmingham2022 legacy discussion.

Through its Shakespeare Institute, the University of Birmingham is one of the major hubs for Shakespeare studies worldwide.

Professor Michael Dobson said: “Given the ongoing global popularity of Shakespeare’s work, the portrait adds a fascinating dimension to the exhibition, since Abdul el-Ouahed’s visit to London has many resonances with Shakespeare’s Othello.

“This portrait is one of the most vivid souvenirs of the London in which Shakespeare was living, around the time he began dramatising a little Italian short story about a well-travelled Moorish warrior whose allegiances between the Islamic and Christian worlds are called into question.”

UoB’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor( International) Professor Robin Mason, Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Maureen Cornish JP, and the Lord Mayor of Hamilton, Fred Eisenberger

Advice offered on trading in the US Businesses with ambitions to grow in the United States were given a wealth of information on setting up, investing and trading, during an event hosted by the Greater Birmingham Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce.

Delegates heard about the realities, challenges and opportunities of expanding into the US, including complex issues such as understanding the country’s tax structure and legal system.

The ‘Coming to America’ event took place at the Birmingham headquarters of HSBC in Centenary Square.

Highlights included addresses from Birmingham City Council leader Cllr Ian Ward who underlined the value of trade between the West Midlands and the US, and Christine Kelley, Trade Attaché from the US Embassy in London, who reiterated the continued importance of the USUK trade relationship.

Josh Seeberg, president of the Council of American States in Europe (CASE) provided some top tips on understanding the business community.

West Midlands companies with experience of trading in the US also had the chance to share their experiences – with Transatlantic Chamber president James Tait of law firm Browne Jacobson, Flexeserve’s Warwick Wakefield, Stephan Plant of Sales-i and David Green from The Mighty Shed highlighting some of the practical realities.

Other speakers included London-based US marketing expert Allyson Stewart-Allen, Tom Thorelli of law firm Thorelli & Associates and International Asset Solutions founding partner Antoine Guillaud.

Making a case for trade: HSBC’s Joseph Davis and Chris McFarlane-Baxter

Chris McFarlane-Baxter, head of international divisions at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “We were delighted to welcome some excellent guest speakers who not only reaffirmed the importance of the trading relationship between our two countries, but also provided valuable insight into the practical realities of expanding, investing and doing business in the United States.”

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

Star businesses take spot on awards shortlist

By Feron Jayawardene

Presidents’ Column

By Amina Hussain and Omar Rashid It has been just under two months since we were appointed as co-presidents of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC). It was actually the same time as Liz Truss and thankfully our performance in this time means neither of us will be tendering our resignations!

Over the last two months, ABCC has been busy with events and announcements.

We held another successful ABCC Social at The Masala Merchant in September and last week we hosted our Diwali festival event at the fabulous Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre.

We have recently announced our shortlist for our annual dinner and awards which will be held on 19 November at the National Conference Centre celebrating 35 years of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce.

We are excited to share that we have chosen the President’s Award who will be announced on the evening and we have a shortlist for the charity. A huge thank you to our headline sponsors to Aston University, Doug Wright T/A McDonalds and Lioncroft.

Away from the celebrations, we cannot avoid issues that our country is currently facing and the impact it has had on local businesses. We are still facing challenges as inflation rises to 10.1 per cent in October.

The war in Ukraine is still having an impact on energy and food prices. This is resulting in an increase in costs for business services and other products coupled with continued recruitment challenges.

Whatever our thoughts on politics, one potential positive is the next prime minister being from an Asian background with Rishi Sunak being appointed. We cannot hide away about the imbalance of Black, Asian and minority ethnic leaders.

During the last two months we have come across many businesses who are showing great resilience in the current climate. They are eager to meet other businesses to learn, share, gain insight and feedback and we are so pleased that the ABCC has given that platform to enable businesses to network and connect with the right contacts.

42 CHAMBERLINK November 2022

The shortlist has been announced for this year’s Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) annual dinner and awards ceremony.

The awards ceremony is set to take place on Saturday, 19 November, at The National Conference Centre in Solihull.

It will recognise and celebrate businesses and charities across nine categories. One of those category winners will then be crowned the overall Business of the Year.

The headline sponsors this year are Aston University. Doug Wright (T/A McDonalds) and Lioncroft.

The judging panel was chaired by Lillian Elekan, head of membership for the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC).

Other panellists include creative director of Squibble Ltd Kim Leary, Aston University’s firstever executive director of business engagement Mark Smith, Visiting Professor for health, education and life science at Birmingham City University Martin Levermore MBE DL, MDTI, award-winning broadcaster of ITV News Suzanne Virdee and Vic Younis, a partner and head of

A privilege to read through applications: Lillian Elekan

dispute resolution at Wall James Chappell Speaking about the judging process, Lillian Elekan (pictured) said: “The judges were faced with a difficult task of whittling down some truly outstanding entries for the ABCC awards.

“It was a privilege to read through all the applications alongside the judging panel, and the very high quality of entries highlights the calibre of businesses in the Greater Birmingham region.

We can’t wait for all the shortlisted nominees to be able to come together and celebrate their achievements at the awards night.”

THE SHORTLIST FOR THIS YEAR’S CATEGORIES IS AS FOLLOWS: Outstanding Charity of the Year • Molly Ollys • Services for Education • Suited for Success • University Hospitals Birmingham Charity Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year (Sponsored by Este Medical Group) • Alison Delaney - Little Bird People Development • Hasia Al Khubra – Doctors Dose • Kamran Saleem – Motorserv UK • Mani Hayre - Mani's Madness Outstanding Finance Business of the Year (Sponsored by SME Outsourcing) • FAZ Chartered Accountants • Fraser Russell • SF Chartered Certified Accountants • Shakur Investments Outstanding Hospitality Business of the Year (Sponsored by Lets Sanify) • Alam Restaurant • Hotel du Vin • Hyatt Regency Birmingham • Unique Venues Birmingham Outstanding Legal Services Business of the Year • Freeths LLP • Kenneth Jones Solicitors

• Shakespeare Martineau • Trowers & Hamlins LLP Outstanding Small Business of the Year • Gloss Ltd • Innovation 4 Business • Motorserv-UK • Primo Dialler Outstanding Start-Up Business of the Year (Sponsored by LIV24) • Desicity • Lets Sanify • MakeMeFitClub • Voilo Outstanding Tech Business of the Year (Sponsored by South and City College Birmingham) • Gloss Ltd • Innovating Minds • Primo Dialler • Voilo Outstanding Young Achiever of the Year (Sponsored by Staffordshire University) • Ashik Mohammed Nazar – Arup • Dr Lalitaa - Sphere Therapy Group / BluejayCare Ltd • Gurdas Singh – WANAMA • Kiranjit Kaur Shergill - Warwick University

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ABCC Premier+ Partners

ABCC Patrons

Freeths win major tax evasion case

Dawali celebration (left to right): Director of ABCC Anjum Khan, chief commercial officer of Edgbaston Park Hotel Richard Metcalfe, ABCC executive chair Sapreena Kumari, ABCC co-president Omar Rashid, CEO of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Henrietta Brealey, head of corporate affairs and marketing of Birmingham airport Simon Evans and ABCC co-president Amina Hussain

Diwali event brings the community together

By Feron Jayawardene Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) celebrated in style to mark Diwali the Festival of Lights.

The event at the Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre attracted 150 members and guests.

Diwali celebrates the victory of good over evil and light over darkness and is a time of year when families, friends and communities come together in a spirit of celebration and joy.

It is an important celebration among Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. The celebration was sponsored by the University of Birmingham and the Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre.

Attendees were welcomed by co-presidents of ABCC, Amina Hussain and Omar Rashid.

Speakers included Simon Evans, head of corporate affairs and marketing at

Birmingham Airport, and Richard Metcalfe from the Edgbaston Park Hotel.

Simon shared Birmingham Airport’s potential to be a transport hub of the future with the development of the HS2 project.

He said: “Our current runway is 30 per cent utilised and we serve around 12 million passengers each year. We have plans to triple this number after modernising the terminals, upgrading airport stands, and introducing a new security fleet to speed up checks. HS2 is a game-changer in connectivity which opens up our airport to millions of people.”

Richard Metcalfe emphasised on how Edgbaston Park Hotel is aiding the University of Birmingham in its research.

He said: “Why I love this business and this team is we give all the profit back to the university. That makes them able to support genuine things like cancer research and support to underprivileged communities.”

Musicians to reunite for charity The Demons of Tune are set to perform for only the second time in 2022 as they reunite to raise funds for Cure Leukaemia.

The event will take place at Nortons, in the heart of Digbeth on 15 December and is set to bring a night full of feel-good, festive music that everyone will be able to sing along to.

The Demons of Tune are a band made up largely of Birmingham and East Midlands “professionals” who get together to play live music concerts to raise money for charities.

The Christmas special will mark the second time the band have got back together this year

Law firm Freeths has won a historical tax fraud case in Sintra Global and Malde v HMRC. As the largest tribunal case of its kind, the Tax Tribunal ruled that there was a lack of evidence of trade having taken place in the UK by at least one of the companies.

The Tribunal also ruled that HMRC’s use of its best judgement in arriving at the value of the assessments and penalties was a serious failure to “consider or even evaluate the material” that was before them. A series of assessments and associated Personal Penalty Notices were raised

by HMRC in 2015 against Malde of up to £25m.

This was concerning alcohol which was allegedly smuggled into the UK between 2004 and 2014 by two companies, Sintra SA and Sintra Global.

The penalties were raised based on the allegation that Parul Malde was a director of both businesses and had imported and sold alcohol into the UK without accounting for VAT and duty. As a result, his assets were frozen for over seven years, one of the longest injunctions in history, resulting in severe reputational damages. Malde appealed against the assessments and penalties on the grounds that he was neither a director nor shadow director of the companies and that there was no evidence that the companies had ever traded in the UK and therefore could not be liable to UK VAT and Excise Duty.

Judge Brooks upheld all appeals, stating that the evidence from HMRC was “frequently evasive, often obstructive and on occasions inconsistent, contradictory and misleading”.

Simon Ellis, commercial dispute resolution director at Freeths, who brought the case for Parul Malde assisted by Natalia Aguilar and Amy Platt, said: “Through a painstaking analysis of the evidence, a picture emerged of HMRC’s officers being highly selective in their use of evidence to support their version of the case and, in some circumstances, resisting disclosure of evidence that undermined their case.

“Through a combined team effort, we were able to seriously undermine HMRC’s version of events and to challenge its credibility at trial.”

Reuniting to cure leukaemia : Demons of Tune

for Cure Leukaemia after uniting to play a soldout night at Birmingham’s iconic music venue The Jam House in April 2022 which raised over £5,000 for the charity.

The band play popular covers that guests of all ages will know across a wide variety of genres.

The total amount of the ticket fee (minus the booking fee) will be donated to Cure Leukaemia.

James McLaughlin, chief executive of Cure Leukaemia said: “We can only thank Tim Clay and his band for reuniting a second time this year to raise funds for Cure Leukaemia.”

November 2022 CHAMBERLINK 43

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Cannock Chase Chase Chamber Patrons

Cannock Chase

Chamber of Commerce

Contact: Lilian Elekan T: 07581 629815

Joining forces to develop new staff A Burntwood-based recruitment agency has acquired two apprentices and is developing an existing manager with new skills, thanks to training experts Performance Through People (PTP).

PTP has helped Valyou Recruitment, a firm that specialises in the construction industry, to offer apprenticeships to a school leaver, a Kickstart trainee and a manager who currently looks after HR and finance.

Jason Challoner, managing director of Valyou, explained his passion for skills and giving people a chance to grow through education, and how he was enjoying working with PTP to find the right people and courses.

With PTP’s assistance, Valyou has recruited 18year-old Sam Denan, who had just left sixth form in Burntwood, as a trainee recruitment consultant serving the mechanical and electrical sector. PTP also helped Valyou to recruit Charlie Dance, aged 22, also of Burntwood, on an initial Kickstart programme.

Meanwhile Susan Challoner, Jason’s wife, who until now has worked as a manager in the firm’s HR and finance department, has enrolled onto a Digital Marketing apprenticeship with PTP to take her career in a new direction.

Mr Challoner, who is also honorary chair of Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce,

said: “When it comes to recruiting apprentices, we’ve been pleased to work with PTP as they have the specialist knowledge and skills required to not only find the right people, but to then arrange their training and ongoing development.

‘They not only look after new starters but also provide opportunities for existing staff’ “They not only look after new starters but also provide opportunities for existing staff like Susan, who is a great example of how people can change their career route.”

Gill Durkin, business executive at PTP, and president of Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce, explained that Valyou had previously been a client.

Gill said: “I got to know Jason in my role as president of Cannock Chase Chamber. The chambers are a great way to network, and I’ve found it useful to get to know Jason so well, finding out more about what they needed next from apprentices.

“We’ve been thrilled to help them find a school leaver, a Kickstart recruit and to help one of their managers change their career though an apprenticeship.”

New recruits: (L-R) Sam Denan, Susan Challoner and Charlie Dance

Staffordshire up for top industry award A top international industry award that recognises the best quality in marketing and design of locations across the globe has shortlisted Staffordshire for two of its categories.

The county council has been recognised for its place-branding work under ‘We Are Staffordshire’ at the international City Nation Place Awards.

The annual awards celebrate and benchmark the very best in strategic thinking, marketing and design for places worldwide. Previous City Nation Place Awards winners include Visit Iceland, Chile, Brand Tasmania, Visit Finland and Brand Lithuania.

The We Are Staffordshire ambassador programme is a free network aiming to connect businesses, organisations and individuals across the county into a powerful network of voices to promote Staffordshire to national and international audiences.

In the ‘Best Communications Strategy: Place Brand’ category, We Are Staffordshire has been shortlisted against the likes of Brand Scotland, Greater Copenhagen Region, and Washington 44 CHAMBERLINK November 2022

DC USA, for the work of its ambassador programme.

We are Staffordshire has also been shortlisted for the overall ‘Place Brand of the Year’ award where it is up against other international brands; Imagen de Chile, Brand Estonia, Tourism Fiji, Houston First, Madeira Promotion Bureau, Staffordshire County Council’s Philip White

Marketing Sheffield and The Hague, The Netherlands.

The branding was established in late 2020 to promote Staffordshire beyond its borders, and shout about all the county has to offer through a bold new narrative: Our Staffordshire Story.

Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills Philip White said: “For Staffordshire to be recognised in a top international industry award is phenomenal – and this coming just two years after the brand was formulated.

“To be shortlisted in two categories really demonstrates the hard work, commitment and production quality the team and its partners have shown in such a short period, particularly as we have gone through such difficult times.

Being selected alongside countries, globally recognised cities and large regions is an outstanding achievement.

“We know that Staffordshire is a great place to live, work and visit, but this will help to put us on the international stage. It sends out a clear message that we’re willing to put our head above the parapet and that we can punch above our weight.”

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Burton & District Burton & District Chamber Patrons

Contact: Lilian Elekan T: 07581 629815

The power of sport: Pirelli Stadium

Brewers launch CSR network Burton Albion have launched a new network that aims to bring businesses together and enhance their Corporate Social Responsibility.

The Brewers Business Network is designed to fulfil corporate social responsibilities while supporting Burton Albion Community Trust, the charitable arm of Burton Albion Football Club.

Membership to the Brewers Business Network includes access to four themed events, which help businesses to network and expand their reach within the local area.

Other benefits of membership are a bespoke 'Brewers Business Network' logo to use, exposure to Burton Albion's matchday audience,

a business listing and link on BAFC and BACT websites, PR and social media coverage for the launch of membership, as well as much more.

Burton Albion Community Trust aims to use the power of sport and the brand of Burton Albion Football Club to inspire, engage and educate the local community.

Delivering over 60 different projects, BACT engages with over 8,000 people on a weekly basis, ranging from ages four to eighty plus.

Burton Albion chairman Ben Robinson said: "Burton Albion has always put its community first and this is yet another example. Our innovative new business network is a brilliant

Student sparks a new career A Burton and South Derbyshire College student, who first learnt the basics of welding from her dad during lockdown, has now progressed to a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Welding at Cast Iron Welding Services.

After learning the basics in her garage during lockdown, Harriet Worth went on to try a weekend course in MIG and TIG which made her realise she would like to pursue welding as a career.

Harriet then undertook a Level 2 in Welding and Fabrication course at the college to develop her skills and knowledge further. During her course, Harriet was successful in securing a part time job at Cast Iron Welding Services in Coalville to gain some practical work experience alongside her studies.

She made such a good impression with her employer that after completing the Level 2 Welding and Fabrication course, she was taken on full time as a Level 3 Welding apprentice.

Harriet said: “The Level 2 Welding course was the exact course I wanted to do. I enjoyed everything about it, including learning TIG which I was then able to teach my dad. I enjoyed learning about different types of welding and fabrication.

“I find welding really satisfying – I enjoy working on the different types of welds and using different materials. I would encourage more young women to get into welding – you’ll

be surrounded by such supportive people who want to see you succeed.”

Peter Palmer, managing director of Cast Iron Welding Services, said: “I was an apprentice myself back in the 90s, so I’m very aware of the knowledge and skills that can be learnt, not just working together but in the shop floor environment. Our business is full of enthusiastic engineers who really enjoy sharing their skills and working with our apprentices.”

Sealing her career: Harriet Worth

way to bring together businesses who also support the community to help those in need."

Head of community Matt Hancock said: "The support that BACT receives in order to carry out our incredible work has always been phenomenal, and the Business Network is another way in which we can continue to do so.

"Bringing local businesses together is the perfect way to expand their network and their reach into the community."

For more information, or to join the network, please contact: stefanie.white@ burtonalbionct.org or call 07874879857.

Barclays support for major expansion plans Burton-upon-Trent based construction business, Ischebeck Titan Ltd, have announced major expansion plans with a new funding package from Barclays.

The group have completed a re-banking and re-financing exercise which supports their growth and provides crucial scale-up working capital finance.

Included in the finance package is a term loan used to purchase hire stock, in particular NOE panels, a high strength formwork panel system used for efficient casting of walls in a wide variety of applications.

In 1990, Ischebeck Titan Ltd officially registered its Formwork and Ground Engineering divisions within the UK. Stuart Bamford, managing director of Ischebeck Titan in the UK, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to continue our banking relationship with Barclays and appreciate their desire to understand our business and build a strong partnership approach.

“With the banking facility secured, the platform has been laid to continue our growth journey, pursue new opportunities, and provide an exciting future for the business.”

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

Top team: Hannah Montgomery, Fiona Rouse, Jason Challoner and Julie Poppleton

Fiona welcomed as incoming president Artistic ace: Mark Wright and Daniel Buckroyd

New artistic director appointed at theatre A new artistic director has been appointed at Lichfield Garrick Theatre.

Daniel Buckroyd – who has been CEO and artistic director at Exeter Northcott Theatre since 2018 – will take up his new post this winter.

Mark Wright, Lichfield Garrick Theatre’s chair of trustees, said: “We are delighted that Daniel will be joining us at the end of the year and leading Lichfield Garrick Theatre as it embarks on the next chapter of its evolution.

“Daniel brings the experience, creativity, and vision we need to progress Lichfield Garrick’s future and deepen our levels of engagement with the community.”

Daniel has a host of experience in directing, programming and writing, as well as extensive knowledge of touring, embedding work with schools and young people, and supporting emerging artists and companies.

As well as attracting some of the best UK touring drama, dance, music, comedy and variety to the Northcott, Daniel has directed several in-house productions, including the popular farce, ‘Bang Bang!’, by John Cleese.

Daniel said: “Through its first 20 years, the Lichfield Garrick has established itself as one of the leading venues serving audiences in the West Midlands, with its mix of the very best touring performance and brilliant home grown shows.

“I’m now thrilled to be joining the Lichfield Garrick team as they embark on the next stage of that journey, and I am looking forward to reaching out to even bigger and more diverse audiences, nurturing local creative talent, and putting production back at the heart of the theatre’s offer.”

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By Darby Newman Fiona Rouse, operations director at Pi-Kem, has been named as the new Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce president.

She was formally welcomed into her new role at the Chamber’s annual meeting at Coton House Farm wedding and events venue in Whittington.

Fiona is responsible for strategic planning, day to day operations management, HR and health and management at Pi-Kem. Tamworth-based Pi-Kem are experts in sourcing niche scientific products through a network of worldwide suppliers and offer an online range of standard stock products for innovative scientific research.

Fiona has a degree in Zoology as well as a PGCE in Secondary Education, having previously worked as a science teacher for 11 years.

Fionna succeeds Jason Challoner, managing director of Valyou Recruitment, who moves into the role of honorary chair after two years as Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber president.

Julie Poppleton, director of careers education at Chase Terrace Academy, and Hannah Montgomery, of Golddust Marketing will serve as vice presidents.

Fiona said: “I am absolutely delighted to take on the role of president of Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce and look forward to building on the work that Jason has done during his term of office.

“We are lucky to have a diverse group of sectors represented within our committee, from across the Lichfield and Tamworth area, and superb links with local councils and other organisations such as Lichfield BID and Lichfield and Tamworth District Councils.”

Cinema planned for Lichfield Work to bring a £5.3m cinema development to Lichfield could begin this year after council chiefs recommended backing for the scheme.

Lichfield District Council’s cabinet have proposed an investment of £5.349m in a multiscreen cinema for the district.

Plans would see the former Debenhams store in Three Spires Shopping Centre adapted into a four-screen cinema with five food and beverage units.

Cabinet has recommended that the council agrees the allocation of £5,349,000 from the capital programme and a partnership with Evolve Estates, the owners of Three Spires Shopping Centre.

Evolve Estates, which has a £300m property portfolio and is part of the M Core group, would invest in the cinema in partnership with the council.

Work could commence on the building before the end of the year, subject to planning permissions.

Leader of Lichfield District Council, Doug Pullen, said: “The willingness of Evolve Estates to work with us on the scheme, as well as funding from an established cinema operator, gives me every confidence that this long-awaited scheme will now move forward, and demonstrates our new approach to unlocking the potential on this site is working.”

Screen time: The proposed site of the new cinema complex

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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

Cycling team raises awareness

By Dan Harrison Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce staff showed pedal power when they joined businesses from across Sutton Coldfield to support the UK Sepsis Trust (UKST).

A team from the Chamber took part in the Cycle 4 Sepsis challenge – a day of awareness and fundraising in the Gracechurch Shopping Centre.

UK Sepsis Trust, which is the Sutton Coldfield Chamber’s chosen charity, was founded in the Royal Town and provides vital support to people affected by sepsis – a condition which is associated with one in five deaths worldwide.

Representatives from Sutton Coldfield firms including Ark Media, PLOTT Creative, WAA Chosen, Grant McKnight Accountants, BMET College, Henwood Court, United Carpets and 3D Facilities participated in the cycling challenge throughout the day using exercise bikes provided by The Gym Group.

The Chamber team – comprising head of the Sutton Coldfield Chamber Chris Brewerton, Press and PR manager Dan Harrison, Press & PR executive Feron Jayawardene, marketing and events executive Khadjia Guess and group relationship manager Gary Birch – completed the final leg, clocking up more than 100km collectively.

Saddling up: The Chamber team, from left – Chris Brewerton, Dan Harrison, Khadija Guess, Gary Birch and Feron Jayawardene

Brian Davies, fundraising manager at the UK Sepsis Trust and Sutton Coldfield Chamber committee member, said: “Everyone at (UKST) are very grateful to all the riders who participated in the Cycle 4 Sepsis event and all the organisations that supported the day. There was a fantastic buzz for 10 hours in a busy shopping centre, with sepsis awareness being promoted.

“The valuable funds raised will help the charity to further develop work in our three main objectives; to raise awareness of sepsis in the community, to educate health professionals and to support those affected by sepsis.

Being able to host this event in the town where UKST was founded back in 2012 was a fitting tribute to our 10th anniversary year.”

Minister visits local teacher training hub The UK’s new Schools Standards Minister had the chance to see where many of the region’s teachers are trained during a whistle-stop visit to Sutton Coldfield.

Jonathan Gullis, who became the minister for School Standards in September, visited the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership’s North Birmingham Teaching School Hub, which is currently training hundreds of new and existing teachers in the area through their ITT, ECF and NPQ programmes.

The partnership, which is made up of 19 schools in Birmingham, North Warwickshire and Staffordshire, runs one of 87 Teaching School Hubs (TSHs) across the country.

The North Birmingham Hub sits at the centre of a network of schools across the north of the city, working with teachers to help them develop their skills, build up experience, share knowledge and earn their professional qualifications.

During the visit Mr Gullis, who spent eight

Back to school: Cathryn Mortimer, Samantha Kibble (director of the Teaching School Hub and Arthur Terry headteacher), Jonathan Gullis and Richard Gill

years working as a teacher, was able to chat to teachers taking part in school leadership training and find out about the work of the hub, including Arthur Terry’s School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT), which has recently been designated as an OFSTED outstanding provider.

Mr Gullis said: “It was such a pleasure to be back in Sutton Coldfield, where I ended my teaching career before I became an MP. “Here at the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership I saw brilliant work on display with over 400 of the teachers going through their National Professional Qualifications. It’s one of the great success stories of our education revolution since 2010 and I’m just very, very grateful to have had the opportunity to come and see it first hand.”

Richard Gill, CEO of the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership and chair of the Teaching Schools Council, said: “As a former teacher, Jonathan Gullis was very interested in talking to the teachers being trained, to understand their experiences.

“I hope his visit showed that we continue to provide high quality school-to-school support, teacher training and the professional development of staff.”

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

AWARD WINNERS: Solihull’s Award for Excellence in Charity/Third Sector - Sponsored by HR Dept Solihull Winner - Heart of England Community Foundation Solihull’s Award for Excellence in Customer Services- Sponsored by Active Clinics Winner - MotorServ UK

MotorServ drives off with the top prize Best in class: MotoServ employees receive their Business of the Year award from Schofield & Associates’ Eileen Schofield (centre) and Tony Elvin (right)

By Feron Jayawardene MOT and vehicle servicing company MotorServ UK has been named the Solihull Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year.

The business was crowned at the Solihull Chamber’s annual dinner and awards ceremony at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, with 400 guests attending.

The awards night was sponsored by Solihull College & University Centre, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and the Hilton Birmingham Metropole.

MotorServ UK, whose managing director is Kamran Saleem, also won the award for Excellence in Customer Services, sponsored by Active Clinics.

The judges said: “We were blown away by the achievements and ambition of MotorServ UK and their growth during difficult circumstances.

“The business continues to project significant increases in turnover and profitability and aims to be the number one provider in their sector.

They have also invested over £200k in transforming the footprint in Monkspath Business Park, which has resulted in increasing their servicing capacity by 37 per cent and has 48 CHAMBERLINK November 2022

also generated new jobs for another seven members of staff.

“These ambitious investments have ensured that every step of the customer journey has been enhanced, for both servicing and sales, and have now cemented MotorServ UK’s everincreasing regional reputation as the trusted, goto automotive centre.”

A first-of-its-kind monthly subscription called ‘Motor Club’ was also introduced to customers covering all servicing and routine maintenance checks.

MotorServ also go above and beyond to ensure customers have an enhanced handover experience when collecting new vehicles. Cars are displayed on a turntable under a remotecontrolled reveal cloth which retracts as the car rotates to meet the owner, adding memorable theatre and a sense of occasion as keys are handed over.

The business also saw an impressive 80 per cent customer retention rate while enjoying a 62 per cent upsell rate from clients.

The President’s Award from Tony Elvin, Solihull Chamber president and general manager of Touchwood Solihull, went to volunteers of the Commonwealth Games for their commitment and dedication.

Solihull’s Award for Excellence in Hospitality & Retail - Sponsored by Touchwood Winner - Eric Lyons LTD Solihull’s Award for Excellence in Professional Services - Sponsored by Jask Creative Winner - Prime Accountants Solihull’s Award for Excellence in Responsible Business - Sponsored by FlexABL Winner - Birmingham Business Park Solihull’s Award for Excellence in Sales & Marketing - Sponsored by Education Rewards Winner - Visit Knowle Solihull’s Award for Excellence in Technology & Innovation – Presented by Hilton Birmingham Metropole Winner - Runyourfleet Solihull’s Award for Excellence in Training & Education - Sponsored by runyourfleet Winner - Solihull College & University Centre Solihull’s Outstanding Start-Up Business Sponsored by HooperHyde Winner - All About The Sew Solihull’s Rising Star - Sponsored by OSC Recruitment Winner - Ellen Darlison, Achill Spa Solihull’s Business of the Year - sponsored

by Schofield & Associates Winner - MotorServ UK

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Solihull Solihull Chamber Patrons

Pathway: Current Childcare & Education students at the college

New childcare T Level Solihull Sixth Form College is launching a new T Level qualification in Education & Childcare.

T (Technical) Levels are two-year qualifications that are equivalent to a student undertaking three A Levels.

They equip learners with core knowledge, skills and experiences that will enable them to work in the industry of their choice or progress into Higher Education to pursue a career in teaching.

The T Level in Education & Childcare includes three days a week in college and two days on

placement. The course is due to start in September 2023.

Education & Childcare teacher Lianne Alcott said: “This is an outstanding route into a career working with children.

“The course involves 750 hours of real-life, hands-on work experience. It gives learners the skills they need to forge a really successful career. They can choose to either go straight into work or progress onto Higher Education before pursuing employment. Staff and students will be on hand to answer questions.”

Logistics firm delivers toiletries to Ukraine Röhlig UK has organised the delivery of thousands of toiletries to war-torn Ukraine.

The family-owned freight forwarding company was storing thousands of nappies for customer, Zuru, some of which were used as promotional stock.

Zulu gave Röhlig the green light to donate and transport some of this stock to the people of the Ukraine, through their Polish partner, Röhlig SUUS. Additionally, the company donated £5,000 worth of goods including water and toiletries.

Röhlig SUUS provided and paid for the transport of these goods from the UK to Ukraine through the International Red Cross.

Röhlig Logistics’ CEO of North Europe, Gary Pryke, said: “Supporting our wider community is so important to Röhlig.

“Zuru’s donation is inspiring and being able to transport these goods to the people who need them is something we will happily do every opportunity we can.”

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Future Faces Future Faces Chamber Patrons Contact: Sophie Poduval-Morrell T: 0121 274 3276

Launch of Future Faces mentor

By Darby Newman The Future Faces committee officially launched their mentoring scheme with an in-person social at Cherry Reds in Birmingham city centre.

The launch was a chance for those involved in the scheme to meet their respective mentor or mentee, as well as take part in icebreaker games organised by Harry Paige, engagement and delivery manager at Digital Innovators.

The Future Faces mentoring scheme will aim to help the young professionals involved to develop their career skills with a one-to-one mentor, who will support their future business aspirations.

For the mentors, the scheme will be an opportunity for them to give back to the Birmingham business community, as well as develop their own skills and share their business insights and knowledge.

Currently the scheme comprises of around 45 mentors and 45 mentees. The mentors involved in the scheme have a wealth of experience in sectors such as finance, sales and marketing, start-up and entrepreneurship, education, technology and innovation, and retail, to name but a few.

The project has been in development since March 2022, with the committee working towards the launch of a scheme that will help to develop the next generation of business talent, as well as building a strong network comprising of both young and experienced business professionals.

Harriet Saunders, chair of the Future Faces sub-committee, said: “I am thrilled that we have successfully launched the Future Faces

Mentor scheme committee (left to right): Yung Lau- Jacobs, Harriet Saunders- The FSE Group (chair), Tom Bower - Woods Hardwick, Kirstie Morris- Screed & Stone, Freya Dearman- Magma Legal, Ashley Kerr - Mills and Reeve

Mentoring Scheme to help support our members to progress their career ambitions and continue their professional development.

“The range and quality of mentors secured by the scheme from all areas and industries within the West Midlands has been fantastic.

IT service invests in staff Midlands IT service provider, Intercity, has put 10 of its employees forward to join the Future Faces network, the influential group of young professionals and the leaders of tomorrow, run by the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

The 10 members of Intercity’s team include new business development manager, Oliver

‘After the last few years of working remotely, it’s so important for our young staff members to get back out there and network’ Hayward; head of inside sales Emma Bateson; marketing executive Averil Wagoner; people advisor Callum Downing; talent attraction advisor Amy Want; head of PMO Sarah Griffiths; 50 CHAMBERLINK November 2022

finance manager Katy Fox; customer service manager Laura Hunt; inside sales account manager Jonathan Weekes, and project manager Ryan Edge.

Emma Bateson was shortlisted for a Future Faces Award, in the ‘Future Face of Marketing & Communication’ category at the group’s Annual Awards Dinner.

Christina Pendleton, chief people officer at Intercity, said: “We’re delighted to organise Future Faces memberships for ten of our growing team.

After the last few years of working remotely, it’s so important for our young staff members to get back out there and network with likeminded professionals in the city, making connections and learning from some of the best in the business!”

Intercity is a Birmingham based technology services business with over 35 years’ experience, operating services such as cloud computing, security and hosting.

“I would like to thank the Chamber and the committees for their support throughout to help drive this programme forward to launch.”

Will Crawford, creative director at quietnote and a participating mentee in the scheme, said: ““The Future Faces mentorship scheme is the

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Future Faces

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

NEW MEMBERS

scheme

Emma Jones Meridian Private Client LLP Christina Pimenta EiB Rebecca Amps EiB James Burke EiB Thomas Norris Meridian Private Client LLP

Rewarding years: Jaccy at the Future Faces awards

Jaccy steps down after FF challenge

type of opportunity I feel will really push my career and company ‘quietnote’ to the next level.

“Having a mentor is so important when it comes to gaining professional advice, improving my knowledge, and refining my skills through an honest and non-judgemental relationship. I am excited to see where this programme will take both myself and my mentor.”

FF members: The Intercity line-up

After two years of presidency, Jaccy Datta, antifinancial crime specialist at Santander, has stepped out of the role to allow for a new president to take the reins.

The new president will be announced at the Future Faces (FF) annual general meeting on 24 November at Malmaison.

Jaccy first joined Future Faces in 2016, and after attending every professional development and social event that was organised, she was awarded the Future Faces Ambassador award in 2018.

After serving as vice president of FF for two years, Jaccy was voted in as president in 2020, during a time when there was a lot of global uncertainty.

Due to the pandemic and seeing its impact on the mental health of young people across the region, she ensured one of her presidential goals surrounded helping FF members to look after their mental health.

The Chamber subsequently ran online relevant personal development events, drop-in ‘coffee and chat’ wellbeing events and mental health walks. She also started sharing personal videos on mental health awareness across social media.

Speaking about her role as president, Jaccy said: “My two years of presidency have been challenging but extremely rewarding. I’ve loved every minute, have made some wonderful connections across the region’s business community, and have developed significantly on a personal level.

“Events attendance levels are now exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Our membership numbers have continued to rise. We’ve launched the Future Faces podcast, and we’ve recently kicked off our mentorship scheme. Future Faces is now also branching out across the region, running events alongside other Chambers.

“I’ve felt very well supported from the committee this year and look forward to seeing the Future Faces network continue to evolve under the leadership of the new president, whilst continuing to support them, and the Chamber, as honorary chair.”

Anita Paul Meridian Private Client LLP Jamie Taylor EiB Amina Tazim EiB Megan Evans Entec Si Amarpreet Assi Entec Si Eilis Garton-Marrows Entec Si Charlotte Stanyer Entec Si Jack Sixsmith Entec Si Zoe Maxfield Midlands Air Ambulance Charity Jade Westwood PI-KEM Ltd Phil Hunt MFG Solicitors Yasmin Yau-Karim MFG Solicitors Melanie Bott MFG Solicitors Leon Thomas Pearl Comms Rebecca Richards The Hospice Charity Partnership Harriet Evans The Hospice Charity Partnership Luke Manley The Hospice Charity Partnership Rosie Glover Knights Professional Services Ltd Alex Morris Knights Professional Services Ltd Ellis Goodwin Knights Professional Services Ltd Philip Coates Knights Professional Services Ltd David McIlroy Knights Professional Services Ltd

November 2022 CHAMBERLINK 51

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Chamber Events

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

The new month brings with it an entire calendar of events. From networking to accelerating professional skills, October’s events span across all of the Chamber’s divisions and membership levels. Stand-out events this month include the Solihull annual dinner and awards and the Greater Birmingham Business Expo.

For further information and to book a place, visit: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/networking-events

Networking Lunch Date: 9 November 2022 Time: 12pm – 2pm Venue: TBC Division: Sutton Coldfield Cost: Members: Free Future Faces members: £15 +VAT Non-members: £15 +VAT Solihull Speak Breakfast 15 November 2022 9am – 10.30am TBC Solihull Members: Free Future Faces members: £10 +VAT Non-members: £10 +VAT

Date: Time: Venue: Division: Cost:

Speed Networking 16 November 2022 8.30am – 10.30am Sense TouchBase Pears Birmingham Members: Free Future Faces members: £15 +VAT Non-members: £15 +VAT

Date: Time: Venue: Division: Cost:

Networking Lunch 17 November 2022 12pm – 2pm Assembly Rooms Lichfield & Tamworth Members: Free Future Faces members: £15 +VAT Non-members: £15 +VAT

Date: Time: Venue: Division: Cost:

GBCC Annual General Meeting 18 November 2022 10.30am – 12pm Chair’s Lounge, Edgbaston Stadium Division: GBCC Cost: Members: Free Future Faces members: Free Non-members: Free Date: Time: Venue:

Networking Lunch Date: 23 November 2022 Time: 12pm – 2.30pm Venue: TBC Division: Solihull 52 CHAMBERLINK November 2022

Members of Team Chamber – Jenny Williams, Sam Frampton, Jemima Rutherford, Khadija Guess and Demi Philbin

Cost:

Members: Free Future Faces members: £15 +VAT Non-members: £15 +VAT

Making the Most of Your Chamber Membership Date: 28 November 2022 Time: 8.30am – 10.30am Venue: TBC Division: GBCC Cost: Members: Free Future Faces members: Free Non-members: Free Quarterly Business Report Q3 Date: 29 November 2022 Time: 9am – 11am Venue: Birmingham City University Division: GBCC Cost: Members: Free Future Faces members: Free Non-members: Free

Start-Up Business Surgery 29 November 2022 10am – 12pm Solihull Moors FC GBCC Members: Free Future Faces members: Free Non-members: Free

Date: Time: Venue: Division: Cost:

1813 & Premier Members Christmas Lunch Date: 9 December 2022 Time: 12pm – 2.30pm Venue: thestudio Division: GBCC Cost: Members: £25 +VAT

Speaker Breakfast Date: 30 November 2022 Time: 7.30am – 9.30am Venue: TBC Division: Sutton Coldfield Cost: Members: Free Future Faces members: £15 +VAT Non-members: £15 +VAT

The Brexit Series: Regulatory Divergence Date: 8 December 2022 Time: 1.30pm – 3pm Venue: 103 Colmore Row Division: GBCC Cost: Members: Free Future Faces members: Free Non-members: Free

The Brexit Series: People 30 November 2022 1.30pm – 3pm Browne Jacobson GBCC Members: Free Future Faces members: Free Non-members: Free

Solihull Speak Breakfast Date: 14 December 2022 Time: 4.30pm – 7pm Venue: TBC Division: Solihull Cost: Members: Free Future Faces members: £10 +VAT Non-members: £10 +VAT

Date: Time: Venue: Division: Cost:

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Chamberlink

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Picture gallery Solihull Chamber of Commerce held its 2022 annual dinner and awards at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole – with around 400 people attending.

The evening was a celebration of business, with Motoserv claiming the overall Business of the Year award.

Here are some of the best pictures from the event, captured by photographer Mike Baker.

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1. Birmingham 2022 vice-chair Professor Geoff Thompson, with Solihull Chamber president Tony Elvin 2. Ian Rogers and Ben Jammin get the party started 3. Solihull Chamber past president Kevin Johns, Beverly Lindsay of Diamond Travel and Commonwealth Games gold medalwinning gymnast Joe Fraser 4. Members of the Future Faces committee – Harriet Saunders, Kasim Choudhry, Jaccy Datta, Yung Lau and Sabah Hussain

November 2022 CHAMBERLINK 53

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Feature

Business Banking & Finance

Accessing finance post Covid

By Dr. Steve Walker, Chief Executive ART Business Loans

he Covid-19 pandemic has left small businesses with a more challenging and different access to finance problem than other widespread crises, such as recessions and the bank credit crunch.

With many businesses facing complete shutdown, Government intervention was seen at unprecedented levels using a number of schemes including grants and loans. These were all targeted at survival.

Although there has been much criticism of the introduction and process of some of the schemes, which led to high levels of fraud, the amounts lost in my view would have been

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significantly higher if no support had been available.

But, with ongoing pressures on businesses, the increased costs of energy and fuel pushing up other prices and wage demands as well as the higher costs of living leading to a slowdown in consumer demand, what are the options for small businesses going forward?

For those companies that have weathered the storm and have good growth prospects, which they can evidence, equity and debt funds are still available. These might take longer to obtain and may well be limited to certain sectors and types of business.

For smaller businesses that have already had to borrow to survive life is likely to become harder in obtaining access to appropriate finance. There is less of it around – grant schemes are considerably smaller and are targeted at specific sectors or priorities, eg energy saving. And there is also likely to be more existing debt to repay.

So, what actions do businesses need to take if seeking finance to survive or grow?

Key steps in accessing finance • Take a good look at your requirements – be realistic about how much you need.

• Consider the pros and cons of different types of finance.

• Seek professional advice if in doubt and certainly if looking for larger amounts.

• If taking on debt be convinced first

yourself that not only the new debt, but also existing debt can be serviced.

• Know your figures and market targeted – realistically what is demand likely to be and what are the opportunities?

• Treat your funder as a partner and share fully your information and concerns before and after any funds are made available.

• Shop around and be prepared to seek funds from a number of sources to make up the final package.

For up to date information about sources of funds and who and how to approach go to www.british-business-bank.co.uk

Funding from ART Business Loans Based in Birmingham and a long standing Chamber member, but lending throughout the West Midlands region and adjoining counties, ART Business Loans lends up to £150,000 and has a track record of supporting where a bank has been unable to satisfy a business loan request either in part or in full.

ART is a Community Development Finance Institution, designed to fill a gap in the lending market for viable small businesses unable to meet their needs from mainstream funders. ART often lends alongside the banks and with other lenders to make up a package of finance.

For further information call ART Business Loans on 0121 359 2444 or visit www.artbusinessloans.co.uk

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Business Banking & Finance

Feature

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Feature

Business Banking & Finance

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Business Banking & Finance

Feature

Employers it’s time to start tackling employee financial wellbeing

By Sean Lynch (pictured), CEO, Citysave Credit Union Ltd

t is no secret that current economic factors are putting pressure on all our day to day living costs and naturally many people will turn to their employer to see how else they can support them.

Much has been said about increasing wages but keeping them in line with inflation is a tough ask on any small to medium sized business.

There are various views on how to address this in the short term, but how do we continue to support for the longer term? Part of the answer lies in financial resilience, and more and more employers are starting to act.

The Money and Pension Service (MaPS) recently issued a report regarding the UK Strategy for Financial Wellbeing. They identified that over 11 million working age adults on low to modest incomes (financially struggling and squeezed adults) do not save regularly.

Previous 2021 research finds that the percentage of people in this group who aren’t regular savers hasn’t changed significantly since then.

The report also states: “Being a ‘regular saver’ is an important steppingstone to improving financial wellbeing” and under the ‘next steps’ section the report calls for the expansion of workplace (payroll) savings schemes. This is something that Citysave has helped businesses with for 34 years.

So where do employers fit in?

There is lots of research into how employees who are worried about their financial circumstances are less productive in the workplace. The Association for British Credit Unions Limited (ABCUL) previously ran a ‘Work not Worry’ campaign. It found that one in four employees lose sleep over money worries and 59 per cent of employees with money worries say they are not working at their best. There are even cases where employees in the workplace have turned to a colleague to borrow

I

money, who has in fact turned out to be a loan shark.

What are the merits to employees having financial resilience and access to a workplace scheme? Well, other than the obvious I would argue there is much more to it.

The Government ‘Opt-Out’ pension scheme has largely been a success, ensuring that working people having something more when they get to retirement age; modest regular savings over an extended period of time can result in having a bit more than the very basic State Pension. However, the challenges we all face today are much closer to the here and now.

step for many. Sometimes we use credit without even thinking – for example, monthly car insurance premiums, catalogue purchases and more recently buy now pay later (BNPL). Like it or not, employees will require access to credit at some point.

This is why the conversation cannot only be about savings. While building up savings is the long-term objec tive and something we should all aspire to improve; ethical and

affordable borrowing can very much protect people today.

Payroll Deduction partnerships with local Credit Unions can tackle precisely these issues. They are exactly what MaPS called for in their report in September and never has there been a stronger mandate for employers to engage. It might be the first step in many workplaces to putting employee finances at the top of the wellbeing agenda.

‘Being a ‘regular saver’ is an important steppingstone to improving financial wellbeing’ A phrase often used in the conversation is ‘Financial Shock’. The school uniform bill, a broken washing machine, a failed MOT or even worse as we head into winter, a broken boiler. These are all very normal life events, frustrating as they may be, that we all experience from time to time. It is in these moments where financial resilience counts. If an individual has built up a small ‘rainy day’ fund, then they can access this money to cover these unexpected costs. Unfortunately, this is not the picture-perfect scenario many of us live in today. In 2018, MaPS suggested that 11.5 million had less than £100 in savings – and I suspect this figure may not have changed greatly since then.

This is where providing employees with a safe space to borrow money comes into the financial wellbeing conversation – something that HR teams are increasingly coming to realise. With limited or no savings, access to affordable credit is the next November 2022 CHAMBERLINK 57

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Feature

Digital Media Services

Digital marketing and why it’s for everyone

By Mark McDonagh (pictured), Client Services Director EBY

ccording to recent statistics, the UK was the largest digital advertising market in Europe last year, with an eyewatering spend of more than £23bn (Statista).

So something must be working, right?

But despite the big figures involved, it’s hardly surprising. The UK has one of the world’s highest internet user penetration rates, with almost everyone being online.

As a business, if you’ve got a website, boosted an ad on social media, sent a marketing email or used any form of pay per click, then you’ll have contributed to that figure. We’ve seen the growth evidenced in our own client base at EBY. Because no matter how big or small an enterprise, digital marketing is for everyone – it’s where so much business is done.

Whether you want a full-scale, multi-channel campaign to

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accompany the launch of a new global product, or you simply want to attract new customers in a particular location – digital marketing provides the solution.

While it’s conceivable that the rate of growth in that expenditure might slow in the coming year or two, it seems very unlikely to go in any other overall direction than up.

Which, for business, means you’ve got to be in it to win it.

The good news is, despite the billions spent overall, digital marketing doesn’t have to cost the earth – even if you only have a few hundred pounds to spare, that’s enough to start making an impact.

The key is to spend your money wisely.

hone right in on your target customers but without massive financial outlay.

For that reason, it can also be impactful for smaller local businesses, as varied as our client list which includes dentists, specialist recruitment agencies, car owner members clubs and accountancy firms.

Social media

Some quick digital marketing wins could include, for example:

As of February 2022, almost 85 per cent of the UK population was active on social media – so that’s clearly a place you could be promoting your business. There are so many channels and new methods to choose from, it’s just a case of identifying where your potential customers are hanging out and investing your time and efforts accordingly.

Website upgrades

Traditional media

If your website has been untouched for a long time, simple SEO efficiencies will help make it more visible to customers. A content refresh will improve its user appeal and conversion rates.

Even this continues to evolve, with advances such as digital poster sites, digital brochures and interactive video ads all offering new opportunities for businesses to take advantage of.

Paid digital

New technologies

Paying for clicks on search engines can be a highly effective means of attracting potential customers to your website. This works well even for niche markets because you can

Or, if you want to take it to the next level, there’s the whole world of virtual reality and artificial intelligence to explore. VR enables you to bring your products and

working environments to life, while AI will provide really detailed insights into purchasing patterns, consumer behaviour and, crucially, the performance of your marketing.

And it’s all measurable!

That’s the real beauty of digital marketing. It’s easier than ever to evaluate the return on your advertising investment. If you pay for ads which send people through to a dedicated landing page where they are asked to buy a product or make an appointment, for example, you’ll be able to see how well that’s working.

Whatever campaign you are running, with some clear objectives in place you can easily keep track of how your marketing (and investment) is performing and decide whether it needs to be switched up at any time. Deciding where to focus your efforts, setting effective goals and evaluating performance is where an agency like EBY can help.

Get the strategy right, and digital marketing could be transformative for your business.

‘The UK has one of the world’s highest internet user penetration rates, with almost everyone being online’

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Digital Media Services

Feature

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Feature

Digital Media Services

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Digital Media Services

Feature

Using reviews to generate interest and maximise your business growth

By Simon Hollingworth (pictured), owner, Search Solihull Limited Trust in reviews Potential new customers don’t know you, so why should they trust you?

It takes time. Trust builds with contact through phone calls, emails, visits to your website. At least five touch points will help prospective customers to understand your business, to know what you have to offer, to gain confidence that what your business does and how it does it, actually meets their needs and preferences.

Let’s begin with your website In addition to confirming that your services and/or products are what they’re looking for, visitors to your website will look for clear information on how they can contact you. They also want to find out what other people think of your business. They’re looking for lots of reviews and high ratings, but more importantly, that those reviews are authentic.

People are going to compare your business with your competitors. Are you ready for that?

And are you going to stand out on Google?

Faced with a choice between a plumber with little to show in the way of reviews, and a plumber brimming with five stars and glowing recommendations, who are you going to call when your shower springs a leak?

It’s more important than ever before, to have a review funnel in place Although some customers will go out of their way to leave a review when they get good service, most will need a prompt or reminder.

Think about the best time to ask. When are they likely to feel the most satisfied? If you sell

shoes, give them time to wear them. If you’re an emergency locksmith, ask them as soon as you’ve completed the job. Of course, you could, and should ask your customers when speaking to them. Or you could just email them. A review funnel puts the whole process of gathering ‘social proof’ on automate.

A review funnel in simple terms is a series of emails or text messages that ask your customers to leave you a review on your chosen platform, whether that be your Google Business Profile, your Facebook page, or another of the hundreds of platforms that populate the ‘reputation management’ industry, such as Trustpilot, Feefo, or Reviews.io.

‘Many businesses think that getting the review is the end story, and job done’ Many of these platforms include their own automation process, but if you already use an Email Service Provider such as Mailchimp, MailerLite or ActiveCampaign, you probably have the option to automate already. They’ll help you set the time between emails – longer for new shoes, than new locks!

Many businesses think that getting the review is the end story, and ‘job done’, but thanking your customers for taking the time to leave feedback, is an important part of cementing that relationship. It shows other prospects that you care about what your customers are saying about your business.

This is also true of negative reviews. As the saying goes, “you can’t please all the people, all the time” – indeed, with publicity around

Amazon ‘paid for’ reviews, some schools of thought suggest that a business with hundreds of only five star reviews looks a little suspicious.

Although it can be disappointing to receive bad feedback, you should always answer it in the same transparent manner you would a positive review – with a thank you. and either a promise and action to investigate, or even a ‘hands up’ and an endeavour to do better next time.

Even at this point, after answering the review, that still isn’t job done. You want people to see those five stars, and what better way than to repurpose and republish them.

This might be on a landing page in a marketing campaign, or in a door drop leaflet. It might be as an image created on Canva for social media. Or for the best of the bunch, why not contact the customer to see if they’re open to expanding on the review with a video testimonial?

Think about where your prospects spend their online time – if your providing teeth whitening, you might want to shout about your reviews on Instagram or TikTok. If you’re providing dental implants, you might prefer Facebook, or even the local newspaper.

One important thing to always remember is to avoid customer incentives in return for reviews.

Not only do reviews gathered this way feel like a customer bribe, you are potentially risking low quality reviews. It’s also against Google terms, and you risk having your Google Business Profile suspended.

Having a successful process in place to gather customer reviews not only gives more online visibility to your business, it also provides a way of continuing contact with customers after they’ve bought your product or service.

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Sector Focus

Business Travel

Sector Focus The latest news from the sectors that matter to business Businesses back rail upgrades Businesses employing more than 12,000 workers across the region have given a seal of approval for proposed improvements to the Birmingham, Black Country, and Shrewsbury rail route.

Transport body Midlands Connect surveyed firms in a bid to understand how proposed rail improvements could affect businesses.

A massive 83 per cent of businesses also agreed that rail improvements would result in them and their employees using services more frequently.

The rail enhancement programme would boost line speed to 90 miles per hour with two minor track alignments.

The survey results follow Midlands Connect’s submission of a strategic outline business case for the programme of improvements, which was submitted to the Department for Transport last month.

India flights increased Direct flights to India from Birmingham Airport are to return to pre-Covid levels in a major vote of confidence for the region’s aviation sector.

Air India is increasing its flights from just once a week to six, later this year, the airline has revealed.

The airline is adding two additional weekly services from Birmingham to Amritsar and three new ones to Delhi.

The additional flights will be phased in between this month and December.

Campbell Wilson, chief executive of Air India, said: “Adding frequency and improving connectivity from major Indian cities to more international destinations is a significant focus.

It is a clear signal of our intent, and an early step towards a much bigger aspiration.”

The Covid pandemic led to flight frequency reducing between BHX and India from seven a week to just one.

Tom Screen, aviation director for Birmingham Airport, added:

Increased flights: Air India

Interchange is one step closer A £24m development of a new Dudley Interchange station has moved a crucial step nearer reality after securing full planning permission.

Partners in the scheme, Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) and Dudley Council, will now move on to the next stages of securing remaining parcels of land, finalising the detailed designs, and appointing a construction contractor before building work can begin.

The project will see the existing bus station built in 1986, and the oldest in the West Midlands, demolished to make way for a modern bus and Metro tram interchange, allowing passengers to seamlessly move between services.

Dudley’s planning committee approved the plans which will deliver a new two-storey interchange with comfortable waiting areas, shop units, live travel information screens and solar panels on the roof to reduce the building’s carbon footprint.

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“We’re doing backward somersaults of joy at the prospect of increasing our India flight frequency to six a week. So many of our customers want this. We’re thrilled it’s happening.”

The move comes 10 months after Air India’s acquisition by the Tata Group.

In addition to leasing new aircrafts, Air India has been working to restore existing narrow-body and wide-body aircrafts to the operating fleet.

This investment in public transport is being led by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), in partnership with Dudley Council.

Andy Street, mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA, said: “This is another significant milestone in the development of the new Dudley interchange, and I would like to thank the planning committee for supporting this important scheme.”

Cllr Simon Phipps, Dudley Council cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, said: “This transport interchange is a key part of more than £1bn worth of regeneration activity in Dudley and the planning committee’s decision will be welcomed by many.

“When complete, this scheme will revolutionise how people visit and commute to and from this borough and provides an excellent boost for public transport.”

A glimpse of the future: Dudley bus and Metro interchange

Travel discount for care staff National Express West Midlands has teamed up with the West Midlands Care Association to support social care workers with a staff discount on bus travel.

West Midlands Care Association supports care providers to deliver the highest level of support within the community. Through a new workplace partnership with National Express West Midlands, care providers who are members of the West Midlands Care Association, now have access to a 10 per cent discount on bus travel, saving employees up to £120 a year on bus travel.

Jamie Bloomfield, operations officer of West Midlands Care Association, said: “In partnership with National Express West Midlands, we hope to reduce the cost of travel among our members and offer some comfort during challenging times.”

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Sector Focus

Finance

Bank invests in new showroom A large investment by Barclays bank saw motorcycle dealer Staffordshire Triumph Limited purchase a second showroom on Blackfriars Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Proprietor Bob Sheldon commenced trading in 1992 after exiting the coal mining industry and started selling motorcycles from his home.

With support from Barclays, Sheldon has purchased the Honda showroom which opened in August 2022 and hopes his new franchise will emulate his Triumph success story. The company currently has a turnover of approximately £4.5m per annum and employs 15 staff.

Over the last 30 years, he has built an exceptional business and now boasts one of the largest Triumph showrooms in the UK. In 2015, he won the Global Dealer of the Year Award across 1200 dealers and the UK Dealer of the Year Award.

Bob said: “Investing and expanding post-Brexit and post-pandemic has been challenging, but we have continued to grow and diversify the business to meet these challenges.

“We continue to invest in new technology, our people and new premises to help the business to grow. The motor sector has seen some real difficulties with supply issues, while the cost of living challenge is forcing dealerships to create more innovative value-added offers for the cost-conscious consumer.”

Lesley Scott-Brooker, Barclays business manager, said: “As champions of local business, it is essential that we support local growing businesses such as Staffordshire Triumph Limited.

Bob is a great example of an entrepreneur using his industry experience, passion and skills to develop a successful business.”

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Stepping up support: (from left) Stephen Deakin and Paul Smee

Financial support for firms hit by living crisis Black Country business loan provider BCRS is ready to ‘step up’ to support companies facing financial pressures during the current cost of living crisis.

Looking back on 20 years of progress, chief executive Stephen Deakin told the firm’s AGM that the co-operative Community Development Finance Institution was preparing to help firms get finance if they were unable to borrow from traditional lenders.

BCRS Business Loans work with companies to enable them to secure loans from between £10,000 and £150,000 to support growth and recovery plans.

A social impact study for BCRS for the most recent financial year showed BCRS lent £8.6m to 101 businesses, safeguarding 1010 jobs and creating 450 roles, adding £45m in value to the economy of

the West Midlands and surrounding region.

Of this funding, 44 per cent went to the UK’s top 35 per cent most disadvantaged areas, with 15 per cent going to female-led businesses and 12 per cent to ethnic minorityled firms, ahead of national lending averages.

‘It is good to see us playing an increasingly leading role in our sector’ Describing the last year’s performance as “strong”, Mr Deakin said his team were ready to support firms during the months ahead. He said: “For difficult lending propositions we need to make sure that as a responsible lender we only do business where we can see it

stacks up. We are here to step up. I could not be prouder of the team at BCRS and their work. They are a pleasure to work with.”

Having celebrated the 20th anniversary of BCRS being launched Mr Deakin updated the AGM on the impact since 2002.

He said: “In 20 years we have lent £79.5m to 1436 businesses, safeguarding a total of 9289 jobs and creating 4988 more roles. We have added £411.3m to the region.

Half of these achievements since 2002 have been made in the last four years. Our mantra remains ‘no viable business should go unsupported’.”

Chair Paul Smee said: “It is good to see us playing an increasingly leading role in our sector. The board is keen to see BCRS grow and reach more businesses, which will help the local economy.”

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Finance

Sector Focus

Leading accounting, audit, tax, and advisory firm Bishop Fleming has invested in plans to grow its West Midlands presence as part of an ambitious business strategy.

The firm posted impressive financial results in 2021-2022, seeing fee growth rise by 19%, with the Worcester office contributing with 30% growth of its own.

Chris Walklett, partner and lead for the Worcester office said: “We are delighted with our recent financial results as we look forward to further growth. We are mindful of the economic challenges that lie ahead but we are nevertheless optimistic for our future and will be supporting our clients to meet those challenges head on.”

Choosing to build its growth from its Worcester base, the firm has recently completed a full refurbishment of its existing office, designed to combine the beauty and heritage of its location next to the Cathedral, with a modern, flexible, agile working environment, and the latest innovative technology.

Partner Rob Pearce, who led the project, said: “Our people told us that our central location in the

city was important to them. Refurbishing our existing office has allowed us to maintain our presence in the city centre, a pinpoint for our clients and contacts. The transformation will provide a platform to our people to work smartly and efficiently for the benefit of our clients and community.”

The firm currently employs over 460 people, including 37 partners, across its seven offices in the West Midlands and South West. In September, it welcomed a further 60 graduate and school leaver apprentices and expects its headcount to reach nearly 500 this year.

Councillor Marc Bayliss, of Worcester City Council, added: “We are delighted that Bishop Fleming has chosen to continue to drive its future West Midlands growth from its Worcester office. As one of the leading employers in the city, and advisors to many clients in the region, this signals a deep commitment to, and confidence in, our local economy.”

Councillor Marc Bayliss with Chris Walklett and Rob Pearce of Bishop Fleming

Chris added: “The investment in our office is just the first step in our plans to grow our business, our people, and our client base. I encourage any potential clients who would like to work with us, or talented people interested in working for us, to find out more about our exciting plans.”

Bishop Fleming is currently one of the largest independent accounting and advisory firms in the UK. It has been recently ranked 14th in the UK’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers rankings.

For more information about Bishop Fleming visit bishopfleming.co.uk or contact us on 01392 448800

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Sector Focus

Legal

Funding raised for biotech firm Blockchain expert: Matt Green

Blockchain lead joins Shoosmiths Law firm Shoosmiths is enhancing its crypto assets advisory services with the appointment of Matt Green as the firm’s blockchain litigation lead and senior associate.

Matt joins the firm from Brandsmiths, where he dealt with a catalogue of urgent injunctions including the precedent setting seminal AA v Persons Unknown Re Bitcoin case. He has also developed proven industry best practices on tracing and returning crypto funds. His practice is designed to service businesses utilising blockchain technology, recovering crypto assets and advising on copyright, trademarks and data.

Matt’s practice also includes intellectual property disputes, having appeared in the Court of Appeal for trademark disputes and worked with clients in the technology, fast moving consumer goods, fashion, entertainment and music sectors.

Matt has articles published in Bitcoin Magazine and Blockchain Industry Review on the recovery of crypto funds.

He has also co-authored an academic paper on Decentralised Autonomous Organisations and has spoken at numerous events for lawyers and government advisors on blockchain.

Shoosmiths is able to advise on all regulatory, fintech and fraud issues in relation to crypto currency through partners Sam Tyfield, Prakash Kerai and Andrew BowdenBrown respectively.

Matt Green said: “Having worked on the landmark judgment securing the UK’s first proprietary injunction over cryptocurrency, confirming its status as property, I’m looking forward to expanding the Shoosmiths’ existing offering in this space at such a crucial time.”

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Listed UK-based diagnostics developer Cizzle Biotechnology has taken a further step forward in its research into treatment of lung cancer, after conditionally raising £500,000 through an issue of shares – with support from Shakespeare Martineau’s Birmingham office.

This involved the issue of a prospectus, and the shares were admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange on 26 September 2022.

Cizzle Biotechnology, which was originally a spin-out from the University of York, has also secured a further £500,000 to provide additional funds, if required. The funds will be used to provide working capital in developing its blood test for the early detection of lung cancer.

In a clinical trial, data showed there was a significant increase in the migration of the regulatory T cells. This has the potential to reduce serious cardiovascular and lung diseases that are causative in the development of lung cancer.

Cizzle is developing a diagnostic test to identify from the patients who had taken the drugs compared to those who had not.

The Shakespeare Martineau team was led by Keith Spedding and legal director Jennie Davis.

Corporate partner Keith Spedding said: “It has been great to get this deal over the line, which will allow Cizzle to develop treatments and continue developing its blood test for the early detection of lung cancer.

“The biotech industry is absolutely fascinating – we are seeing huge movements and rapid growth in this market as clinical need increases, and technology and innovation races to keep up. It continues to show our expertise in listed company transactions.”

Allan Syms, executive chairman of Cizzle Biotechnology, said: “I am delighted with the progress Cizzle is making and that we have secured this additional funding. Our work using novel technologies that are simple and inexpensive is of the utmost importance in enabling lung cancer to be detected at an early stage, and thereby potentially preventing suffering and saving many lives.”

Early detection: Keith Spedding

Freeths support acquisition Freeths private equity dealmakers have supported LDCbacked Cardel on its cross-border acquisition of VTT. Cardel is a manufacturer and supplier of technical components used in the production of smart cards such as credit cards, mobile SIMs and ID cards.

LDC invested in Cardel in 2017 to support the business’ international growth plans and today, Cardel has a truly global client base and serves more than 250 customers in over 55 countries.

Established in 1996, VTT is the market leading supplier of components into the global security markets of identity cards, driving licences and passport data pages. VTT is based in Hannover, Germany with a production facility located there and sales offices across the world.

The Freeths private equity team led by Lee Clifford, together with support from Mohammed Abbas, Ben Moylan and other market-leading multi-disciplinary lawyers at Freeths, provided strategic legal advice to Cardel on the acquisition which further increases the company’s international footprint and extends its product range.

Marshall Haldane, CEO of Cardel, said: “Freeths’ advice and support on the acquisition and further investment process was, as Pleasure: Lee Clifford always, best in class. We

have been using Freeths for several years now and we could not have asked for a better partner than Freeths in supporting us through what is a watershed moment for Cardel.”

Chris Coulton, portfolio director at LDC, said: “It’s been a pleasure to work with Marshall and the Cardel team on such an important acquisition.

“Since 2017, we’ve supported their international growth strategy and this latest transaction accelerates Cardel’s strategic expansion into the technology and innovation-led security cards market. It also provides the group with an EU-based manufacturing presence that opens the door to new markets and strengthens the company’s global footprint. We can’t wait to see where they go next.”

Lee Clifford, corporate partner and head of private equity at Freeths, added: “We understood how important this acquisition was to Cardel and it was a genuine pleasure to work with the Cardel management team.

“Having been trusted legal advisers to Cardel for several years, this acquisition represents an important milestone for Cardel and with LDC’s continued support we look forward to seeing further growth of the Cardel group going forwards.”

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Sector Focus

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Sector Focus

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Manufacturing

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Manufacturing

Sector Focus

Electric vehicle boost as new charging points are launched Drivers of Jaguar or Land Rover (JLR) hybrid and fully electric vehicles will now benefit from the launch of Jaguar Charging and Land Rover Charging, bringing them easy access to a network of over 300,000 charging points stretching across 26 countries.

The 700 separate charging point providers, including Osprey, Ionity and char.gy become part of a growing network – with more operators being added later this year.

Existing or new owners will receive a welcome pack to the service, including a JLR charging key which simply needs to be tapped at any one of the network’s points to initiate a charge. Access can also be granted through the JLR Charging app.

‘This is a significant step for us and our customers as we move closer to our all-electric future’ With the prospect of charging a car away from home often daunting for customers, the new charging services aim to simplify the process. One charging key, one app, and a curated selection of charging points across the UK and Europe.

In action: Charging made simple

With the Pay-As-You-Go package there is no monthly fee, and charging sessions cost simply the current variable rate at each charger.

As JLR’s future electrification plans gather momentum, they say improving customer experience remains central to their strategy. The simplicity, transparency and flexibility of the new JLR Charging offerings, powered by Plugsurfing, keeps journeys hassle-free, they add.

Bespoke offerings for company car fleet managers, allow for a number of drivers to charge through one JLR Charging account, giving oversight on all charging sessions and one simple invoice.

Rawdon Glover, managing director of JLR UK, said: “This is a significant step for us and our customers as we move closer to our all-electric future. Creating simplicity and convenience throughout the EV ownership experience is a key objective and, until now, we have been impacted by a compromised public charging infrastructure.

“With our new JLR Charging services, we can serve our fleet and business customers with valuable management tools, and enhance the charging process by making it more simple and convenient for drivers throughout the UK and across Europe.”

Cufflinks created to aid life-saving charity Deakin & Francis, worldrenowned British family jeweller, has launched a new limited-edition pair of cufflinks, now released in gold-plated sterling silver.

The cufflinks were designed to help fundraise for the lifesaving pre-hospital emergency care provided by Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.

Priced at £275 for each pair, the cufflinks have been crafted to help shine a brighter light on the gold standard of prehospital emergency care that the charity delivers daily through its lifesaving missions.

The Air30 pulse range consists of a limited-edition lapel pin with matching sterling silver cufflinks that display the charity’s signature pulse design engraved on their respective faces.

Emma Wood, head of fundraising and marketing for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: “We are extremely grateful to Henry Deakin and the whole team for supporting our pre-hospital emergency service by crafting yet

On the pulse: The Deakin & Francis cufflinks

another beautiful collection to commemorate our charity.

“Their continued support with the cufflinks will help fund future vitally important missions.”

Henry Deakin, managing director of Deakin & Francis, added: “We are thrilled to continue supporting Midlands Air Ambulance Charity

through the release of these bespoke cufflinks.

“As we are based in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, working together with another Midlands organisation is a great opportunity to encourage local partnerships and support our local community. We hope that this new

collection will fund more lifesaving missions.”

The jewellery range is available on the Deakin & Francis website via: deakinandfrancis.com/ maacair30 To find out more about Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, visit midlandsairambulance.com November 2022 CHAMBERLINK 69

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Sector Focus

Property

Lofty ambitions as Colliers move to new offices Commercial real estate firm Colliers is going up in the world – as the 10th office occupier to sign up to move into Birmingham’s tallest tower.

The commercial real estate specialist has agreed a 10-year lease on 9,200 sq ft on the 19th floor of 103, Colmore Row. Colliers provides commercial real estate agency and advisory services to businesses across the UK and has 13 offices across Scotland, England and Northern Ireland.

The 125 strong Birmingham office has 15 service lines operating across the Midlands and will relocate from Brindleyplace this month.

At 26 storeys, 103 Colmore Row is Birmingham’s tallest office tower.

Joint developers Tristan Capital Partners and Sterling Property

Ventures have delivered 223,631 sq ft of Grade A-rated office space.

A members’ business club on the 18th floor and three floors of flexible office space opened last month.

‘At 26 storeys, 103 Colmore Row is Birmingham’s tallest office tower’ James Cubitt, head of Colliers Birmingham, said: “103 Colmore Row is a game-changing building for Birmingham due to its location, high quality specification and sustainability credentials.

As well as great panoramic views of the city and beyond, the move means we have easier access to our clients and excellent connectivity to London and Manchester.”

Game-changing move: James Cubitt and James Howarth

Family firm sells logistics warehouse A West Midlands family business has sold a major logistics warehouse in South Wales.

Richardson completed the sale of the 110,000 sq ft new build warehouse in Cwmbran to Block Industrial, a joint venture between Copley Point Capital and Brookfield’s real estate secondaries business.

The building is fully let to Crane Process Flow Technologies, who have manufactured parts for the chemical, mining, and water treatment industries in Cwmbran since 1934.

Crane Process Flow Technologies is a global provider of highly engineered products and systems owned by Crane Co, an American conglomerate founded in 1855.

The new facility has been custom designed to suit Crane’s needs, consolidating their operation from their historical site in Cwmbran, modernising their operational processes as well as creating and safeguarding over 200 skilled jobs in the area as a result.

Copley Point Capital is a specialised principal investor and asset manager of real estate assets with fixed income type characteristics.

They were advised by LSH, CMS, SLR Consulting and Brown Bear Building Consultancy.

Construction work was completed by Bowmer + Kirkland while RCL Partners, the retained advisors to the Richardson family were advised in the sale by DTRE.

Major sale: The warehouse in Cwmbran

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Vacant no more: Lygon Court

Four-storey building sold in £1.8m deal A landmark office building which has stood vacant for many years on Dudley Road, Halesowen, has been purchased for £1.8m.

Lygon Court, which occupies a prominent position on the corner of the A459 Dudley Road and Hereward Rise near Halesowen town centre, was sold on behalf of a local property investment company in a deal arranged by commercial property agency Siddall Jones.

The four-storey property, which has a net internal area of 20,000 sq ft on 1.53 acres and comes with 92 parking spaces, was bought by a developer who is considering a variety of uses, including selfstorage.

Edward Siddall-Jones, a director of Siddall Jones, leading Birmingham independent commercial property agency, said: “This sale represents an excellent land value of just over £1m per acre for our client. We are delighted with what is another large office sale in the Halesowen area, and the price is in line with a sale we completed on Mucklow Hill earlier this year. With the site being vacant for so long, we are looking forward to working with the new owner in finding suitable tenants for the scheme once the plans have been finalised.”

The property, built in 1971, is a modern office building arranged over a ground and three upper floors.

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Sector Focus Big changes: Alex Balcon

Skills

Mental health nurse turns his life around A former drug addict who was so desperate he was driven to a suicide bid has turned his life around to pursue a career as a mental health nurse.

Alex Balcon battled against drug addiction but managed to transform his fortunes with an Access to Healthcare course at Burton and South Derbyshire college, leading to a degree in Nursing (Mental Health) at the University of Derby.

When Alex was at school, he had wanted to join the army and did not enjoy academic study. However, after experiencing a family bereavement, Alex turned to drugs, giving up on his career goals. Instead of joining the army, Alex took on a series of part time jobs to fund his drug habit.

After almost taking his own life, he realised he needed to rehabilitate from drugs and start afresh. Alex’s own experiences in hospital and dealing with mental health nurses had given him an insight into a profession where he could make a difference.

More funding for bootcamps ‘Bootcamp’ free training is now available to support people looking to start a new career in digital, health and green industries thanks to a £11.25m Government skills grant.

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has secured the extra millions from the government’s National Skills Fund expansion to expand bootcamp delivery in key sectors of the regional economy.

Bootcamps have been successfully delivered within the West Midlands region since 2019, with over 1,000 residents achieving a positive outcome after receiving training. Based on this success the WMCA has bolstered its bootcamp provision with more funding.

West Midlands mayor Andy Street said: “A key part of my mayoral mission is to help young people right across our region find routes into work as part of my 100k jobs plan.

That's why it's great news we've managed to secure this funding package from the Government's National Skills Fund to expand our provision.”

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He decided to enrol on an Access to Healthcare course at Burton and South Derbyshire College. The healthcare pathway consists of classroom and laboratory/practical sessions, independent research, group activities, presentations and microteaching. After completing the Access course, he progressed to a nursing degree at the University of Derby.

He said: “I left school with very average grades and didn’t think I would ever go to university. After struggling with a drug addiction, I eventually tried to take my own life.

But it was my experiences in hospital that made me realise I wanted to be a mental health nurse.

“The Access course at BSDC was a lot of hard work but it equipped me well for university and I’m pleased to have received job offers from two of my work placements. Putting on my uniform for the first time was such a proud moment for me; it means a lot to be able to make a positive difference to people’s lives.”

Support for historic leather trade The centuries-old art of leather manufacturing is being preserved for the modern era in its traditional home of Walsall – thanks to a business support scheme.

Two cheques worth a total of £10,000 were presented during a visit by the Black Country town’s mayor councillor Rose Martin to the town’s leather skills centre.

The centre is run by Performance Through People (PTP) working alongside the Worshipful Company of Saddlers.

The cheques were presented by John Murray of Walsall Business Services, which supports local businesses and individuals that benefit the town.

The first of two £5,000 grants has been used to buy specialist learner tools to be used at the centre for upskilling workers for a career in a wide range of leather manufacturing businesses.

The second £5,000 will go to The Equine Fitters Council to administer and operate a new directory of Equine Fitters.

The mayor met a variety of learners during her visit, including PTP apprentice Hannah Scoffham who was recently named Walsall’s first young leather craftsperson of the year.

She also met representatives from Walsall Council, Walsall Business Services, The Worshipful Company of Saddlers and the Ladder Foundation.

Rob Colbourne, chief executive of PTP, which is part of the BCTG Group, said: “A good saddle fit is central to the welfare of ridden horses, and saddle fitters come to Walsall for well-designed and expertly made saddles to meet the needs of the horse and rider.

“This donation is greatly appreciated as it contributes to a stronger future for those learning to make saddlery and those who will fit it.

“We will be able to reach more people to tell them about the Equine Fitters Directory and voluntary regulation, and to furnish trainee leather workers with the high-quality tools they need.”

Lucy Atherton, prime warden of The Worshipful Company of Saddlers, said: “This generous support from Walsall Business Services will contribute to ensuring our industry has the skilled saddlery professionals it needs.

“The Walsall Leather Skills Centre is offering training to create jobs, while supporting the high-quality leather businesses upon which Walsall’s reputation is based.”

Hannah Scoffham, apprentice saddler working on Household Cavalry and Kings Troop products and Cllr Rose Martin, mayor of Walsall

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Skills

Sector Focus

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Technology

Steps to secure your passwords More than eight in 10 Brits are not changing their passwords enough, putting themselves and their families at risk of cyber-attacks, research by CSS Assure has revealed.

Of those, more than one in three admitted to never changing their internet banking password or only doing so when prompted, while 20 per cent said they use the same passwords across multiple accounts.

One in five respondents said they write their passwords down in a notebook or on a mobile application and almost a quarter of people admitted to choosing a password that relates back to them.

Almost three quarters of Gen Z do not ensure their passwords are complex by using a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters while 15 per cent said they let someone else know their passwords in case they forget.

Mike Wills, director of strategy and policy at cyber and data security firm CSS Assure, said: “No

Sector Focus

Mike Wills: Change passwords once every three months

one is immune from cyber attacks and it is vital people make themselves as hard to hack as possible. At a minimum, people should change their passwords at least once every three months.

“While this may seem like a faff, doing so is the single greatest defence a person can take towards protecting themselves against a cyber attack.

“Using the same password across multiple accounts is also a major weak link. If one site is breached and someone’s credentials are exposed, their risk is amplified exponentially if they use that same password elsewhere.”

“People should also avoid using obvious personal information.

Making your password a mix of information about you that is easily discoverable – such as your birthday, place of birth or pets’ names – only makes it easier to guess.

“Finally, turn on two-factor authentication. This will enable you to know whether someone is trying to access your account and take appropriate action.”

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Sector Focus

The Arts Comeback: Jess Gillam is returning to the Symphony Hall

Ringing in a new season of classical music B:Music has launched its first full classical season in over two years for 2022/23.

The new season will explore important themes and celebrate new commissions.

There will be a host of world class soloists, orchestras and conductors taking to Birmingham’s stages. B:Music continues its mission to reach new audiences across the West Midlands with new music, Sunday morning concerts with coffee and cake, and late evening classical vibes.

Martin James Bartlett joins John Wilson and the Sinfonia of London on their first visit to Symphony Hall

for a performance which includes Walton, Ravel, Gershwin and Debussy.

A wide array of leading soloists will perform in the new season including Paul Lewis, who will be performing all of Franz Schubert’s piano sonatas in Town Hall over the next two years.

After an important year in her career during which she received an MBE, Jess Gillam returns to Symphony Hall, playing in the Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space with pianist James Baillieu in the first of four ECHO (European Concert Hall Organisation) Rising Stars concerts.

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra returns to Symphony Hall with guest conductor Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider to perform Bruch’s Violin Concerto No 1 and Strauss’s monumental Alpine Symphony.

Other highlights of the 2022/23 season include a performance by the Czech Brno Philharmonic Orchestra, a first Birmingham performance for Nobuyuki Tsujii,

and the Symphony Hall debut of The Hermes Experiment.

Nick Reed, chief executive, said: “After two challenging years, we’re delighted to present a full season of great orchestras, acclaimed soloists and exciting rising stars.”

Tickets for concerts in the Birmingham Classical Series are available from www.bmusic.co.uk

Orchestra embarks on major US tour The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) has embarked on its first coast-to-coast US tour in 24 years.

Joined by its principal guest conductor - and former music director Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla and superstar cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, the Orchestra played a distinctive programme including Elgar’s Cello Concerto, which featured in the CBSO’s inaugural concert in 1920, and Debussy’s La mer.

The orchestra’s own centenary commission, Thomas Adès’ The Exterminating Angel Symphony, was performed at five selected venues during the tour, and received its West Coast Premiere at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and its New York Premiere at Carnegie Hall.

The orchestra also celebrated the 150th anniversary of the birth of Ralph Vaughan Williams with four performances of his Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis - with the Los Angeles performance falling on his actual birthday. Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla continued her exploration of the music of Polish composer Mieczysław Weinberg with three performances of his Jewish Rhapsody.

The tour, made possible by the philanthropic support from former CBSO board member John Osborn CBE, visited The Granada Music Theatre, Santa Barbara, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles, Mondavi Center for the Arts, Davis, Davies Hall, San Francisco, Hill Auditorium, Ann Arbor, Michigan, The Strathmore, Bethesda, Maryland and Carnegie Hall, New York.

Coast to coast: The CBSO made a triumphant return to the US

Centre stage: The all-star cast of Dick Whittington

Exclusive sneak peek of Christmas panto Dick Whittington cast members came together for the first time to launch this year’s pantomime at Birmingham Hippodrome.

The UK’s biggest regional panto features an all-star cast with Marti Pellow as The Ratman, Matt Slack as Dick Whittington, Dr Ranj as Spirit of the Bells, Suzanne Shaw as Alice, Doreen Tipton as Doreen the Cat and Andrew Ryan as Felicity Fitzwarren.

Birmingham Hippodrome also opened its doors to Hippodrome Friends for an exclusive event which included an audience Q&A, as well as the opportunity to meet cast members ahead of the production which will take place in December.

The production follows Dick Whittington and his trusty cat Doreen as he seeks fame, fortune and happiness, journeying to become the Lord Mayor in an action-packed adventure full of laughter, music and dance.

Sets and costumes from The London Palladium will be featured, along with spectacular special effects and plenty of audience participation. Dick Whittington is the perfect chance for audiences to come together and share the magic of live theatre.

Dick Whittington will run in the Main House at Birmingham Hippodrome from Saturday 17 December 2022 and will play until Sunday 29 January 2023.

Tickets for Dick Whittington are priced from £16.50 (subject to change) and can be booked at www.birminghamhippodrome.com or by calling 0844 338 5000.

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Sector Focus

Sport

The Business of Sport Ambitious plans for Edgbaston stadium revamp A new ‘masterplan’ has been revealed to transform Edgbaston Stadium and the surrounding area – combining elite sport with conference and community facilities.

Warwickshire County Cricket Club and Birmingham City Council have submitted a bid to the Government’s Levelling Up Fund for the Edgbaston Stadium and Community Masterplan.

Under the new project, the revamped stadium would combine elite sport, conferencing and events with community assets in order to improve health and social care, education, employment and social cohesion in the area.

Proposals include a new stadium-based multi-use community hub with the potential for an NHS walk-in centre, as well as a second community hub at the

former Police Station site in Quinton.

Edgbaston would provide a venue for community markets, open-air screenings and more, as well as becoming a natural home for other cultural events like Eid and Diwali celebrations.

‘Edgbaston is one of the world’s best-loved cricket grounds’ New dedicated cycling and walking routes have also been proposed, as well as an on-site hotel.

The funding bid was launched by politicians from both main political parties with Birmingham City Council Leader, Cllr Ian Ward, West Midlands mayor Andy Street, and Edgbaston MP, Preet Gill alongside

Edgbaston masterplan: Stuart Cain, Preet Gill and Cllr Ian Ward

Warwickshire County Cricket Club’s chief executive, Stuart Cain.

Mr Cain said: “Edgbaston is one of the world’s best-loved cricket grounds, having been the backdrop for great sporting drama for nearly 140 years.

“These proposals help realise the legacy of the recently-concluded Commonwealth Games, creating a welcoming place for our whole community to enjoy.”

Cllr Ward said: “These proposals, once properly funded, will combine to have a transformative economic and social impact right across our city."

Mr Street said: “By bringing a major mixed-use redevelopment to this internationally recognised venue, we can deliver substantial benefits to our communities.

“It also dovetails nicely with the new stations on the nearby Camp Hill Line which are coming to fruition.”

Preet Gill MP said: “These changes to the stadium and its surrounding area will make Edgbaston a vehicle for community cohesion, drawing the proudly diverse local communities together by offering something for everyone on both matchdays and non-matchdays.”

Partnership : Solihull Moors defender Alex Gudger launches A2B Radio Cars' sponsorship of the club

Taxi firm announced as new Moors sponsor Taxi and private hire operator A2B Radio Cars – part of the Veezu group – has unveiled a three-year partnership with Solihull Moors football club.

The partnership is aimed at giving supporters the best match day experience with A2B introducing a dedicated pick-up point at Moors’ ARMCO Arena to ensure fans can get home safely.

The firm is also supporting the club’s mascot programme for young supporters.

There will be A2B Radio Cars branded signage around the ground, as well as on the remote control car delivering the matchday ball onto the pitch at each home game.

Graham Hoof, A2B Radio cars regional director, said: “A2B Radio Cars is focused on continually improving our service to give passengers what they want.

78 CHAMBERLINK November 2022

“We’re very happy to be able to contribute in so many ways to shape the match day experience of so many passengers and can really see the pick-up point and mascot packages being popular.”

A2B Radio Cars has been operating across the Midlands since 1991 and currently assists around five million passengers each year, servicing over 1,000 local businesses in the region.

Bradley Rice, head of commercial at Solihull Moors, said: “We are delighted to welcome on board A2B Radio Cars as the club's official taxi partner for the next three seasons.

“A2B’s designated pick-up point at the club will make it easy for supporters to travel to and from Moors home games.”

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Chamber Insight Focus on a member

Name: Dean Billington Company: Triton Telecom Ltd Job Title: Director

What does your company do?

Founded in 2011, Triton Telecom covers all sectors and sizes of business across the UK, providing their business connectivity.

Whether your business is a team of 50 or a sole trader, Triton will work to curate the perfect package to suit your telecom needs.

How did it all start?

After working for BT, I realised there was a better way to do it.

What’s your greatest achievement so far?

100 per cent customer satisfaction after 11 years and having zero negative reviews.

What is the biggest risk you’ve ever taken – and did it work out?

Giving up a highly paid job as an extremely successful salesperson and starting a business. And yes, so far, it’s working out.

What keeps you awake at night?

Diversification. Everything changes in the world of technology on a daily basis, sometimes hourly. Trying to find the newest and best way of doing things regularly keeps me awake.

If you could turn the clock back, what would you do differently?

I’d have brought my business partner out much earlier, to make Triton into the well-oiled machine it is today.

What has surprised you most in your job?

How much I genuinely enjoy each

day. I love helping customers and people.

What advice would you give to someone starting out?

Make sure you’ve done your research. It’s essential to have a really good business plan, but at the same time, be prepared for curveballs that’ll throw that business plan off.

Which business do you most admire?

Businesses that help people, that are selfless like The Prince’s Trust, St Basils and the Martin James Foundation.

What exciting projects is your business working on?

We’re looking to start providing energy solutions (in a really difficult climate) and payment solutions – all while still driving the telecoms business forward.

We want to be businesses’ onestop-shop for utilities.

What made you join Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and how are you making use of your membership?

I’ve always been an admirer of the Chambers. I truly believe that they’re ideal for start-up businesses and paramount to success. The relationship managers are indispensable. The training and learning the Chambers provide are fantastic.

We’ve been members for most of the 11 years we’ve been trading.

Contact: 0800 849 8030

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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

100 Nutrition LTD Rav Bains 07957206035 Physical well-being activities Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

ASP Promotions Ltd Adrian Roberts 0121 745 2535 Other retail sale not in stores, stalls or markets Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Blunt Security Chris Blunt 0121 272 7010 bluntsecurity.uk Security systems service activities Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce

Citylife Group t/a LIV 24 Amar Aslam 0121 456 3334 www.liv24.co.uk Real estate agencies Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Cockshut Hill School Jason Bridges 0121 289 5900 www.cockshuthill.org.uk General secondary education Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Edifice Design Works Ltd Nasa Munir www.edificedw.co Architectural activities Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Esabellas Limited Toby Sears 0121 709 4494 www.esabellas.co.uk Licenced restaurants Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Escape Live Sukhdeep Chaggar 07888 746898 www.escapelive.co.uk Other amusement and recreation activities n.e.c.

Gemini Wealth Management Mark Thomas 0800 255 0123 WWW.GEMINI-WM.COM Financial intermediation not elsewhere classified

Perfect Personnel Ltd Craig Lilly 01527 910100 www.perfect-personnel.com Temporary employment agency activities

Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

SB Global Logistics Ltd Ben Blackhurst 07908 124549 www.sblogistics.co.uk Freight transport by road

Talbots Law Nasar Sarwar 0800 118 1500 www.talbotslaw.co.uk Solicitors

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Great Health Care for the Community Limited Zulfigar Khan 01213272388 www.gh-c.co.uk Other human health activities Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

HackTheMidlands CIC Tom Goodman 07719819480 hackthemidlands.com Other professional, scientific and technical activities n.e.c.

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Staffordshire University Sapreena Kumari 0800 169 2148 www.staffs.ac.uk First-degree level higher education

Scale 2 Grow Richard Friend 07530307699 www.scale2grow.co.uk Management consultancy activities other than financial management

The Westbourne Centre Harry Wallace 0121 456 0880 www.westbournecentre.com Other human health activities

Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Shakur Ltd Abdul Shakur 07704230936 shakurinvest.com Other business support service activities n.e.c

Trifort Solutions Limited Wayne Smyth 08000016933 www.trifort.co.uk Information technology consultancy activities Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Fieldforce Utility Services Limited Stuart Morris 07455 321968 www.ffus.co.uk Electrical installation

Ibis Styles Birmingham Hagley Road Mark Hills 0121 217 1111 all.accor.com/hote Hotels and similar accommodationl

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Fitnniss- Wellbeing in Care Ltd Matt Inniss 0121 411 9934 www.fitnniss.co.uk Other human health activities

Ninestiles an Academy Alex Hughes 0121 628 1311 www.ninestiles.org.uk General secondary education

Southcrest Holdings Limited T/A Anytime Fitness Solihull Shaquille Pabani 07926652634 Fitness facilities

University Of Wales Trinity Saint David - Birmingham Campus Richard Vernon 0121 229 3007 www.uwtsd.ac.uk/campuses First-degree level higher education

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

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Chamberlink

From 1 April 2023, any letting of a commercial property, whether a new lease or an existing one, will require a minimum energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of E, subject only to a few exemptions. Coupled with this penalties for non-compliance, which will fall on landlords, are also toughening and can be up to £150,000.

To avoid a MEES breach landlords need to consider now what steps they can take to ensure their commercial properties are compliant. The starting point is to review the existing EPC and its accompanying Recommendation Report, which may point out a few easy and straightforward wins that may turn an F Rating to an E. This could include changes to lighting and draught proofing which, coupled with increased energy costs, should prove a win-win for both landlords and tenants who will be under pressure to pay rents.

In addition to checking an existing EPC Recommendation Report, landlords should also check their leases to ensure the lease provides the landlord with the required rights to carry out upgrading works.

Importantly the lease should also confirm who will foot the bill for these works, from a landlord’s perspective it should be hoped that some, if not all, of the cost can be passed on to the tenant, with the tenant, as noted above, benefiting from a more energy efficient premises.

Time is now critical on this and landlords need to be aware that the direction of travel is towards increased energy efficiency requirements as the MEES tighten further with a minimum of a D Rating required by April 2025.

Whilst in the short term the cost implications for any required improvements will not be welcome, increasing energy efficiency will in the longer term add value to property and protect a landlord’s interest. A property which is easier to heat will result in reduced energy bills, which will therefore aid its marketability and be a plus point for tenants.

Thursfields team of commercial real estate solicitors will ensure you achieve your desired outcome. Delivering commercially focused, proactive advice to ensure your investment is protected.

Contact Thursfields Commercial Real Estate team today.

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

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November 2022 CHAMBERLINK 81

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Member Section

...any other business A roundup of news from Chamber members

Entrepreneur and paramedic stars in TV show Midlands entrepreneur Kyle Raffo is one of the paramedics starring in the latest Channel 4 series ‘999:On The Frontline’.

The 28-year-old, who lives in Tamworth, will be one of several paramedics followed by the production crew as they attend a range of incidents across the West Midlands. Kyle will be featured in several episodes with his technician partner Sophie Hobbis.

Incidents attended by Kyle and Sophie during the filming period included road traffic collisions, those

suffering mental health crises, and life-threatening medical emergencies.

Kyle is most well known in the West Midlands as a young entrepreneur and the founder of merchandise company Embello.

Few people realise he’s also a paramedic.

Kyle said: “Being a paramedic does keep you grounded and connected with what’s truly important in life. You see people at their most vulnerable and you do all you humanly can to help them. I’ve been proud to be filmed and proud

On the frontline: Kyle Raffo and Sophie Hobbis

to work alongside Sophie. Working with the production crew to shine a light on the wonderful work done by ambulance crews across the UK has been an honor.”

999:On The Front Line is filmed and produced for Channel 4 by Curve Media and the new eighth season has 10 episodes. It’s narrated by actor Tamla Kari.

Azets partner in charity challenge Ray Abercromby, Azets Birmingham’s tax partner, has completed a 1,000-mile venture, from Land’s End to John O’Groats in aid of The Pebbles Project Trust.

Ray chose to raise money for The Pebbles Project, a charity that was originally set up to help children who were born with Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), a preventable birth defect caused by women consuming alcohol during pregnancy.

Inspired by his visit to the creches, medical centres and schools run by The Pebbles Project, Ray is now a director of the charity and set up a UK affiliate of the main South African charity in 2007.

The cycle saw him visit six of the Azets offices, including Truro,

A montage of 1032 miles and 40,000 calories

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Plymouth, Monmouth, Shrewsbury, Bolton and Glasgow.

He started from the Cornish peninsula and reached John O’Groats after cycling for over 78 hours and covering 1,032 miles.

With over 60,000 feet climbed, he burnt over 40,000 calories, and finished the ride on a different bike after a bad crash with another rider in Glasgow.

So far, the total amount Ray has raised sits at £8,221, over half of his target. The funds from Ray’s ride will go towards purchasing a new classroom to accommodate the increased pupil numbers expected at the Pebbles Academy in 2023.

Ray said: “Like me, most people probably have an appreciation of wine, but the less-known side of wine farming and the people affected by poverty is often flown under the radar.

“It’s been very heart-warming to have had such encouragement from across the Azets network and visiting the offices on my way gave me motivation through the lowest of lows.”

Sophia Warner, CEO at The Pebbles Project Trust, added: “Having Ray as an advocate for the charity is wonderful and we are so proud of what he has achieved.

Masterchefs in the making: Olivier Briault

New classes are cooking up a storm Kitchen by Liquid, a new business offering from award winning communications agency Liquid, has launched a cookery school in its inhouse development kitchen.

Based on Waterloo Street in Birmingham city centre, the cookery school offers both practical experiences and expert masterclasses led by development chef Olivier Briault, and chef director David Colcombe.

Olivier has used his prior experience as recipe developer at M&S, as well as producing award-winning patisserie for Michelin-starred restaurant Simpsons.

With the support of David who previously ran a successful AA rosette restaurant in the city for 10 years, three different masterclasses will be on offer for groups up to six people. These will involve learning practical skills to make macarons, choux pastry and some impressive afternoon tea patisseries.

Olivier Briault, development chef at Kitchen by Liquid, said: “We’re so excited to be launching the cookery school as a second step in the Kitchen by Liquid journey. I can’t wait to share my experience and love for all things pastry with people.”

Masterclass sessions started on 15 October, with prices starting from £75 per person.

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