19 minute read
IN THE SPOTLIGHT 16
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focused on work, but we try to make time where we completely switch off and focus 100% on family. But we are working towards shared goals that benefit our family as a whole, so even if the ‘balance’ feels a bit off occasionally, it’s worth it.
Q. Tell us about the ethos of your business and dedication to customer service and client retention in these challenging times: We have a very clear ethos and reputation, and we always say that #TeamRhino is our culture, not just a hashtag. When we first started the business we were determined to only work in ways that made us happy, including the people we work with and clients we work for, and that has continued as we’ve grown. People who know us will know our not-suitable-for-print mantra (we don’t work with d***s), which is a bit of a tongue-in-cheek way of demonstrating our integrity and values. We have a reputation for being proactive, dynamic, and solution-focussed, so our clients have full trust and confidence in us. By putting our clients’ needs at the centre of everything we do, we maintain outstanding client retention rates and have grown from just 12 clients when we started in 2015 to over 17 retained clients just six years later.
Q. You are a long-standing Chamber member and now a Premium member, enjoying branding and promotional opportunities, have you found this useful? Our involvement with the Chamber has been invaluable since we started the business, both from the perspective of the exposure we’ve received and also the support the Chamber give us as a growing business. We have explored various advertising and marketing opportunities in other areas, but the work we do with the Chamber is by far the most effective. Because they work with such a wide range of companies, they know exactly the best ways to get your message across, and this has been incredibly useful for us. Likewise, the connections we have made and relationships we have built with the Chamber’s support have been excellent. We’d recommend it to anyone thinking of joining or upgrading their membership. Q. Rhino Safety has grown into an international success story, tell us about some of the sectors you work with: To many of our clients, we are effectively their outsourced health and safety department. We work with such a wide range of clients, from offices to airlines, construction sites to ice cream factories, and everything in between; so our knowledge and experience covers a huge spectrum of compliance legislation. We now have a number of large clients with multiple premises and sites located around the world, but H&S in the UK is seen as the ‘gold standard’, so they often want us to replicate their UK operations elsewhere, whilst still complying with local legislation. Health and safety has a reputation for being boring and dry, but working with so many different clients keeps every day interesting for us, so we can approach it with enthusiasm and energy.
Q. You have recently introduced a new arm to the business with accredited training, how is that going? We originally focused on health and safety consultancy as that is where our skills and experience lay, but we were always very aware that training was something our clients could get huge benefit from. Around four years ago we added an online training portal to our website that enables people to access high quality basic training, but accredited training (such as First Aid and Fire Safety) was something we always wanted to develop. At the end of 2020, the opportunity to acquire two established training providers arose, so we took the leap, even though face-to-face training was very limited due to the pandemic. However, it has taken off brilliantly, and we have already established a very full training calendar throughout the year, so much so that we have taken on a new larger office alongside a bespoke training suite at our base in the Edwin Foden Centre in Sandbach.
Q. How do you like to spend your spare time? We walk our two rescue dogs together and have recently bought a lodge in the Lake District which we’re looking forward to exploring! Cate is a lifelong fan of the Alex (Crewe Alexandra), and Simon is a die-hard Leeds Rhinos fan, so we’re often arguing over whether to watch the football or the rugby! Both of our daughters play football for Sandbach United, so weekends feel sporty, even though it’s mostly observation rather than participation. We also love to binge-watch boxsets and Marvel films, and can often be found indulging our inner geeks with Lego sets.
Q. You sound very busy, but you have another business as well, Roar Business Coaching. What is that about? When we set up Rhino we received a huge amount of support from so many other business owners, many of them fellow Chamber contacts. We’ve always been so grateful of that and wanted to be able to do the same for others. After experiencing a business Mastermind ourselves in 2018, we realised that there wasn’t anything similar being offered locally, so we decided to set one up ourselves! Roar offers business coaching, with its main service being a monthly Mastermind membership where business leaders can get together to work through their issues, set themselves targets, and celebrate their achievements. It’s a really exciting and supportive group, and we get as much from it as our members do.
Q. What would you say is your greatest achievement to date? Our path to business ownership was not a smooth one, and we’ve gone through some extremely turbulent times and had to make difficult decisions. We think our biggest achievement is remaining true to our values and goals and building a team and company that we are genuinely proud of. We are grateful every day for the successes we experience.
Q. What’s next for Rhino Safety? More expansion! We’ve just bought out a fire safety company in Blackpool, and are recruiting for more Health & Safety consultants, so growth is continuous for us. We have always been ambitious and set ourselves audacious goals to see what we can achieve. Seeing our plans come to fruition is incredibly satisfying.
_ For further information on Rhino Safety call: 01270 440 341 or email: info@rhinosafety.co.uk
CHAMBER PATRONS AO opens ‘rework’ facility to give new lease of life to returned appliances
Online electricals retailer AO has opened a new ‘rework’ facility to give returned appliances a new lease of life. Operating out of its ‘Latchford’ warehouse in Crewe, appliances returned by customers will be thoroughly tested with the aim of reselling them. Since opening last month, the facility is currently handling approximately 900 appliances a week, including washing machines, fridges and TVs from a range of well-known manufacturers, that if not reworked may have ended up never being used. Once safety tested, cleaned and repackaged, the appliances are sold for a reduced price on the AO Outlet Ebay shop, available for delivery to all UK postcodes. Mark Rothwell, Head of Outlet Sales at AO,
said:
“Our engineers take the time to thoroughly test these appliances 3 to 4 times so we can guarantee that they’re as good as new for future customers. At AO, we believe that reuse is the best form of recycling, so we’re really pleased to offer a new facility
to support the second-hand market while also offering some great bargains for our customers.”
The new facility has created several roles for talented engineers in the local area and AO has ambitious plans to launch apprenticeships in this area and external levy approved training in the near future. Ben Swift joined the team straight from college, working as a runner transporting appliances around the workshop, while being tutored outside work by his senior teammates. After sharing his ambition to become an engineer, AO trained him up to work in the new facility. Michael Owen, Rework Production Manager at AO Logistics, said: “In the last few months, Ben has proved to be an invaluable member of the team with new as well as more experienced engineers approaching him for advice. We have now given him a contract to recognise his efforts and look forward to seeing the growth of his skillsets over the coming years.” Crewe is also home to AO Logistics’ head office and two other distribution centres, Alpha & Omega. AO acquired the two-person delivery company in 2009, and it now offers delivery seven days a week on all items.
_ For more information visit https://www. gofundme.com/f/love-slow-cookers-hate-waste.
Assurant continues to support local communities
Assurant actively engages to strengthen the communities where our employees live and work and during the past 12 months, we have worked even harder to support our charitable partners. Through the Assurant Foundation, the charitable arm of Assurant Inc., we have donated US$158,814 to UK charities as well as raised a total of US$30,517 through employee fundraising and fund matching. Every Assurant employee is eligible for up to US$1,000 in matching funds each year meaning our chosen charities can receive more than the initial funds raised. Assurant is continuing to support the Flag Lane Baths regeneration project and we are really looking forward to seeing some great progress in the months to come. We encourage local residents to find out more about how to donate their services and support to this project. In addition to Assurant’s corporate fundraising and donation efforts, we have taken time to recognise, sponsor and support local good causes that are close to our hearts. We have sponsored a number of local school football teams, cricket teams and contributed to the local BMX track. These initiatives are supported because they have close links to our employees. Volunteering has been difficult this year with so many COVID restrictions in place, however Assurant employees are finding innovative ways to support their favourite charities. From crocheting hundreds of ear savers for medical staff to sponsored cycling, running and weight loss events, Assurant’s employees continue to demonstrate their willingness to go further for their local communities. Every Assurant employee is eligible for eight hours paid time to volunteer in their community, at a local charity or with a non-for-profit organisation. Assurant is well placed to offer support to organisations that desperately need technology in order to function effectively. In the UK, Assurant donated a number of Chromebooks to a primary school near its office in Mitcheldean to support the children with their learning during the winter lockdown as well as made donations of refurbished tablets and mobile phones to charities supporting the victims of domestic abuse and modern slavery. These initiatives were particularly important during the national lockdowns when schools were closed, and many charities found it difficult to support their clients. _ To learn more about Assurant’s community and social responsibility commitments go to socialresponsibility.assurant.com.
Bentley and Cheshire Community Foundation confirm support for 11 projects through Covid Impact Fund
Bentley Motors and Cheshire Community Foundation are pleased to confirm details of the local organisations that have successfully secured grants to deliver projects targeting Covid recovery in Crewe over the next 12 months. The one-off grants, which range from £7,800 to £25,000 have been awarded to projects that tackle food poverty; mental health and wellbeing; debt relief and financial education – recognising that many people will have been affected by all three issues as a result of the Covid pandemic. The successful applicants include Motherwell the women’s mental health charity, Pennysmart money advice organisation, and Chance Changing Lives community pantry. These projects will have a real measurable impact, directly involving over 5,000 people, helping to rebuild their lives after the pandemic and sending positive ripples out through the community with an estimated 10,000 further family members due to benefit indirectly. This new fund has significantly bolstered the funding available to local not-for-profit organisations in 2021, allowing them to focus on their vital work in the community.
The fund will support:
• Food and operating costs for a community pantry • Food, staffing and fuel for a food bank to deliver food parcels locally for those unable to collect • Food, volunteer and vehicle running costs at a homelessness centre • Counselling services for young women aged 13-18 • Grief counselling for people bereaved through Covid-19 • Schools based group counselling sessions for children and young people coming out of lockdown • Salary costs, the recruitment of ten new volunteers and IT equipment for local citizen support advisors to meet increased demand • Salary costs and staff training to enhance Mental Health First Aiders • Training volunteer counsellors to enhance support at an LGBT+ charity • Staffing costs and overheads to increase support available for a money advice helpline service • The salary for an additional debt coach in a debt counselling organisation Bentley’s Member of the Board for People, Digitalisation and IT, Dr Astrid Fontaine comments: “Communities everywhere have been profoundly affected by Covid. Our goal in establishing this fund with Cheshire Community Foundation – as part of our wider “Come Back Stronger” – Covid recovery campaign, is to support locally run projects that can make a quick and tangible change to people’s lives in the Crewe area.” Cheshire Community Foundation works with small charities and voluntary groups across Cheshire, helping to connect them to companies that can help to make a difference. Bentley and the Cheshire Community Foundation have worked together for almost nine years since the foundation was launched in 2012.
_ For more information visit www.bentleymotors.com
Industry experts inspire future generations thanks to Cheshire College’s NEW Lecturer Development Programme
Employing over 200 academic staff across its three Campuses, Cheshire College has a passion for empowering individuals to thrive in the workplace and has launched a programme to provide support and training for new lecturers joining, including the opportunity to complete recognised teaching qualifications. Industry professionals make up over half of Cheshire College’s current teaching staff and bring with them a wealth of specialist sector knowledge to enhance learners’ understanding and skills, with many still working within the business or running their own to keep up-to-date with the latest innovations. Cheshire College’s new Lecturer Development Programme has a dedicated range of support and development opportunities for industry experts joining their academic team with no prior teaching experience or qualifications, including the chance to complete a Level 4 Certificate in Education & Training before progressing on to a Level 5 Diploma. Silke Novak, Lecturer in Construction joined the College after 11 years of experience in industry. She completed her PGCE whilst teaching learners on full-time programmes and said: “Being able to join the College as a lecturer whilst continuing to complete my qualifications on the same site was extremely convenient and meant I was able to draw on my classroom experiences when completing my qualification and vice versa. “I had a fantastic mentor during this time within the department who supported me with my teaching and completing my qualification, and I’m so glad I made the move from industry into education to inspire the next generation of construction workers.” Available to all lecturers and assessors joining from industry, as well as those with prior experience, Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs) or trainee teachers, Cheshire College’s Lecturer Development Programme also includes an assigned curriculum mentor and regular 1-2-1 support.
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University to help SMEs boost their businesses
Managers of SMEs across the north of England will have the opportunity to boost their business with support from experts at Manchester Metropolitan University’s Business School. The University will deliver the government’s ‘Help to Grow: Management’ scheme accredited with the Small Business Charter. The scheme offers an in-depth, high-quality curriculum, delivered only by leading business schools. In collaboration with industry professionals, the University will work with around 900 SMEs over three years to teach them new skills, allow them to reach new customers and boost their profits. It aims to enhance senior managers’ abilities to lead the growth of their business and support them to build capabilities to reach the business’s full potential. The programme adds to the University’s portfolio of programmes to support entrepreneurship, local economies, small businesses and their employees at all levels, including most recently the successful Small Business Leadership Programme that aimed to support the resilience, recovery and growth of SMEs during and after the pandemic. Mandy Parkinson, Project Director and Centre for Enterprise lead at Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “I am so proud that we are able to continue to help local businesses. Our success via the Small Business Leadership Programme has allowed us to continue our support for SMEs in the North West to build resilience and networks and ensure their business thrives and builds back better.
“It’s more important than ever for senior managers to build their networks and utilise connections in the industry. The ‘Help to Grow: Management’ programme will have long-term benefits for businesses by building capabilities in leadership, innovation, digital adoption,
employee engagement, marketing and financial management."
“The last 18 months has brought incredible challenges for small businesses and we are delighted that the Centre for Enterprise within the Business School will continue to do its part to support SMEs on their road to recovery.” Upskilling our workforce: The new executive training programme is 90% funded by the government and is part of its plans to make the UK the best place in the world to start, scale up and grow a business. The University is part of a national consortium of Small Business Charter-awarded universities and its success in supporting SMEs placed it as the perfect partner for the programme. The 12-week programme will combine a practical curriculum with one-to-one mentoring from a business expert, peer-learning sessions to give businesses the opportunity to learn from one another, and an alumni network.
_ The first cohort of the Help to Grow: Management programme will start in September. Visit helptogrow@mmu.ac.uk
Mornflake, home to the country’s best-loved Mighty Oats, has rewarded children for their resilience and hard work during pandemic months when their school was closed. The famous breakfast brand answered a plea from Gainsborough Primary School in Crewe where the PTA was looking to fund special medals for pupils recognising their efforts during an unprecedented year. Chair of the PTA Natalie O’Neill reached out to Mornflake and did a ‘little dance of joy’ when she received a fast response. She said: “I have experience as a parent and as a teacher, so
it was so clear to me how amazing the children have been and how much they’ve missed out on. We wanted to give them something to recognise this. A keepsake to look back on as they grow up and reflect on just how far they have come.” The Gainsborough pupils showing off their medals handcrafted wooden medals were the brainchild of Natalie and PTA Vice Chair Emma Hartley who both have children attending Gainsborough. All 400 plus pupils received them before the end of term. Natalie added: “The cost was over £900, and with fundraising events cancelled, it was not something we could manage. We approached Mornflake and the company kindly stepped in to sponsor the medals. I was so elated we could do this for the children, I did a little dance. When we gave them out they were so happy and some classes literally cheered. We can’t thank Mornflake enough for making it happen. It was such a special thing to do.” A household name for its premium porridge, granola and muesli range, Mornflake has played a critical role in feeding the nation during the pandemic, supporting the DEFRA parcel scheme with millions of packs of porridge sent to NHS workers, food banks and vulnerable people. Its swift response to the pandemic was recognised by the GREAT Britain Inspirations campaign led by the Department of International Trade to celebrate the ‘extraordinary’ actions of UK businesses. Managing Director John Lea said: “We were pleased to support this lovely gesture by a school on our doorstep here in Crewe. The pandemic has left a lasting mark on so many and children will look back on the period when they missed out on classroom education and being with friends. The medals will remind them of what they came through with Great British spirit.” Crewe Alexandra FC has recently honoured its long-standing shirt sponsor by renaming its home on Gresty Road the Mornflake Stadium. The firm employs more than 300 local people and its roots in South Cheshire are celebrated on products and signs on main roads into Crewe.
_ For more information on the Mornflake story visit www.mornflake.com
Edward Timpson at Reaseheath’s Robotic Milking Centre with Assistant Principal Sharon Yates, Farm Manager Ed Parrish, Principal Marcus Clinton, Chair of Governors David Pearson and Dean of Higher Education Peter Greenall. Edward Timpson chats to Assistant Dean Sarah Hopkinson in Reaseheath’s Vertical Farm
Edward Timpson CBE, Member of Parliament for Eddisbury, learned about technical advancements at Reaseheath College and University Centre in Nantwich during a fact finding campus tour. Mr Timpson was updated on Reaseheath’s latest horticultural innovation, the UK’s largest training and research centre for vertical farming, which has just been completed. Vertical farming is the practice of growing plants indoors in stacked layers under controlled and sterile conditions. Reaseheath’s project showcases the technological innovations within this fast growing and specialised sector and offers undergraduates and businesses the opportunity for applied research and technical training. Mr Timpson also visited the college’s new robotic milking centre and its associated data hub, which are delivering training in green technology skills to agricultural staff and students. Both projects have been supported by Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership through its Local Growth Fund. Edward Timpson said: “I am delighted with the advancements made at Reaseheath College. As a rural community, more needs to be done to raise our technological profile, so I am glad that the college is showcasing its new facilities.
