Tamworth & Lichfield
17th Quarterly Issue
Business E-Brief SPRING 2013 17th quarterly issue delivered electronically to local businesses and public sector organisations
In This Issue
Page
Local business news
2, 3, 7
Business Awards: the full story
4, 5
B2B achieve £1m goal
6
Open to Export
8
Business Networks Forum update
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80 businesses receive loan funding Lichfield-based Reeves Green is amongst 80 businesses which have received support from the award-winning Staffordshire Business Loan Fund since it started in 2009.
Left to right Graham Green, Director and Colin Reeves, Creative Director at Reeves Green
Reeves Green approached the Fund to help achieve a rebrand and sustained growth. After 30 years in marketing communications, delivering topical creativity and ‘on the pulse’ strategies, they are now ready for the next 30 years. Colin Reeves, Creative Director at Reeves Green said “BCRS were exemplary throughout our loan enquiry. They really understood our business, responded quickly and decisively and allowed us to reach our goals with a minimum of red tape. What I would say to any business out there looking for finance is don’t hesitate to talk to BCRS. Instead enjoy a fast response from the word ‘go’ and relish the opportunity to focus attention on your business.” The Staffordshire Business Loan Fund is run in partnership with Staffordshire County Council and BCRS. Loans of between £10,000 and £50,000 are available, but only to viable Staffordshire businesses already turned away by the banks. For any Staffordshire-based businesses looking for access to finance, please contact BCRS on 0845 313 8410 or at www.bcrs.org.uk
Welcome I’m excited to be writing my second welcome and update as Business and Economic Partnership (BEP) Chair, as the pace of our Partnership activities has provided plenty of material. Our focus this year will be primarily around ‘additionality’ (affecting things that mightn’t otherwise happen/acting where we can make an impact), influencing and facilitation underpinned through strengthened communications throughout the partnership and the wider business community. I am pleased to say we are now engaged with the Whittington-based Defence Medical Services and the Armed Services Community Covenant through their Economic & Prosperity Group to promote integration of their plans and communities with our local businesses. Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) links are strengthened with my vice-chair Jenny Cartwright becoming Branch Chair, extending the BEP reach to smaller and rural businesses. Working with the Southern Staffordshire Partnership has placed business support firmly on the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) and Stoke-On-Trent & Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (SSLEP) agendas. The BEP economic strategy has been incorporated into the Lichfield and Tamworth Strategic and Community Plans, ensuring they have a business perspective. Partners are working with the GBSLEP and SSLEP to ensure that the importance of our local economic activity and your businesses are fully recognised - this is important, particularly in view of the recent Heseltine Review. All these activities require good partnership working and improved communications. Our communications are currently being enhanced and we plan to integrate the Business E-Brief, Business Networks Forum, BEP website, social media and TL4B to facilitate two-way dialogue and information sharing between all businesses and players within the wider partnership. If you would like further information or to become more involved with your Partnership, please contact me: d.baker@hawthornesresearch.co.uk. Deb Baker (Chair of the Business and Economic Partnership)
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Business news in brief Firm gives youth club teen appeal
Lichfield business owner implements daring plans Local business entrepreneur, Chris Blunt of the Bus Stop Group in Lichfield, has dared to dream big and plans for his IT business brokenStones in 2013 are daring and exciting. Unlike most business owners, Chris is implementing those plans and driving his business expansion forward. He has invested in himself by learning the skills, traits and day-to-day workings of other highly successful entrepreneurs.
Rugeley company, GMP Design, which specialises in designing and fitting out nightclubs and bars all over the world, has been drafted in to give the Phoenix Youth Centre in Daventry some youth club teen appeal! The youth centre needed to attract older teenagers who otherwise would have nowhere to go. So the new design gives the club a nightclub atmosphere, complete with stage, dance floor, café and soft drinks bar and Skype pods so members can chat to friends online. Chris Blunt, Managing Director Bus Stop Group with his recent accolades
“In the last nine months, I’ve moved offices, merged and re-branded, grown our IT team and revolutionised our marketing strategies. In October I was crowned Staffordshire’s Entrepreneur of the month and at the recent Business Networking Awards I was Highly Commended for Entrepreneur of the year. Much of what I’ve accomplished recently has been down to the help and support of Nigel Botterill’s Entrepreneurs Circle. I’d highly recommend it to any business owners serious about success. Business has never been better!” www.brokenstones.net
What do Burntwood and Hawaii have in common? Musician and songwriter, Mike Newey of Neon Sound Studios in Burntwood, was honoured when lead guitarist, Bob Spalding of the legendary American band The Ventures asked if he could cover the track ‘Saratoga’ that Mike wrote more than 25 years ago. The Ventures rose to fame in the 60s with the Hawaii 5-0 theme and ‘Walk Don’t Run’ and still fill concert halls all over the world. Mike is rhythm guitarist of instrumental band ‘Counterpoint’ who will be headlining at this years 21st Annual Pipeline Convention of International Instrumental Rock Music in Hertfordshire this Easter weekend. Following their 40-minute set, Counterpoint will back Bob Spalding’s set who is flying in from America especially for the event, where Mike and Bob will play ‘Saratoga’ together. www.neonstudios.co.uk Disclaimer: The Business and Economic Partnership has taken all reasonable precautions to ensure that information contained in this document is accurate but stresses that the content is not intended to be legally comprehensive. It is recommended that no action be taken on matters covered in this document without taking full advice. If you do not wish to receive the Business Brief please contact Matt Fletcher on 01827 709 382 or email matthew-fletcher@tamworth.gov.uk
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GMP’s Ben Rayner said; “Some of the older youngsters had nothing to do other than hang around the streets. The youth centre wasn’t really drawing them in. Our design makes it a far more mature and exciting place to be.” GMP has transformed nightclubs in London, Bangkok, Beijing, Tokyo and the French Alps. Ben Rayner, GMP Design www.gmp-international.com
New Chairman of the Board for Think Local 4 Business Think Local 4 Business (TL4B) is delighted to confirm the appointment of a new Director to Nick Evans, new Chairman – Think the Board, Nick Evans, who also Local 4 Business takes over as Chairman. Nick has had a long career in sales and marketing and as Technical Director of Eccleshall-based digital marketing agency, ExtraMile Communications, is an acknowledged expert on online marketing. Nick's extensive experience will prove invaluable as TL4B seeks to build on its early successes since separating from council control and forming a limited company back in the Summer of 2012. Since then, TL4B has attracted more than 1,100 business registrations from across Staffordshire, a figure which is rising on a daily basis. TL4B's aim is to provide local businesses with an online platform from which they can forge networks with other local businesses in order to do business or just generally develop business relationships. In addition, there is information on local business support, news and events, as well as access to procurement opportunities, both public and private sector. TL4B also extensively links to other social media networks, such as Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook, widening its coverage to as wide an audience as possible. To register your business on TL4B go to www.thinklocal4business.co.uk. You can also follow them on Twitter (@TL4Business) and find them on Facebook.
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Business news in brief Dragon gives REW Clothing a boost Tamworth clothing business REW Clothing has received a business boost from TV Dragons Den star Theo Paphitis. Rachel Wright, owner of REW Clothing, tweeted Theo about her business during ‘Small Business Sunday’, an initiative set up by Theo. Theo retweeted Rachel’s message to his 313,346 follower’s and as a result, the business has more than 350 followers and extra orders for their brand new product the REW collar the alternative to the scarf. They are also profiled on a new website www.theopaphitissbs.com that is exclusive to Small Business Sunday winners.
The REW collar the alternative to the scarf
Rachel Wright said; “We’ve only been in business 18 months. It’s great to have the support from Theo. This has helped spread the word about our brand and our beliefs in British made products.”
Anyone looking for a re-tweet from Theo should Tweet him about their business on Sunday between 5pm - 7.30pm and include the #SBS. Six lucky businesses are re-tweeted on Monday at 8pm and then invited to enter their profile on his website. www.rewclothing.co.uk
Lal Bagh in Lichfield voted a Most Loved Business in national competition Thebestof’s national campaign ran for the 14 days leading up to Valentine’s Day. Consumers had the chance to review their favourite local businesses, reinvigorating and raising the profile of their local community. Tens of thousands of reviews were made, equating to one every eight seconds as the contest reached its crescendo. Several of the Most Loved Businesses come from Lichfield, thanks to their customers voting for them! • • • •
Lal Bagh – Voted 6th of the 100 Most Loved Business Nationally The Spark Café Bar – Most Loved Bar A1 Vehicle Rentals – Most Loved Car & Van Hire Professional Approach – Most Loved Telemarketer
Louie Clegg of thebestoflichfield said; “Small businesses are the engine room of our economy and lots of local business owners – and their loyal staff – are feeling great because their efforts have been recognised and appreciated by so many of their customers.” Tipu Hussein of Lal Bagh in Lichfield said; “It is very touching and a real honour to see how much our customers value what we do.” www.thebestof.co.uk/local/lichfield
BEP Chair recognised in Regeneration Awards The Business and Economic Partnership (BEP), a partnership of the public and private sectors which promotes economic growth across Tamworth and Lichfield, is celebrating the success of its Chair, Deborah Baker, who scooped the Individual Contribution to Regeneration Award at the Southern Staffordshire Partnership’s Regeneration Awards. Deborah, who runs Lichfield based Hawthornes Research and Business Development Ltd specialising in business research and micro-business mentoring, was recognised for her significant contribution over a period of more than 10 years to a variety of partnerships dedicated to developing the local economy and business engagement and support. In addition to the BEP and Southern Staffordshire Partnership, this has included the Lichfield District Strategic Partnership, the Think Local 4 Business initiative and the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). In terms of the latter, she served on the Development Board once the government had approved the formation of the Partnership back in 2011, and so was instrumental in shaping the LEP into what we see today.
Pictured with Deborah are fellow BEP Board members, left to right: David Dundas - Lion Industries Ltd., James Whybrow - South Staffordshire College, Wayne Mortiboys Staffordshire County Council and Craig Jordan - Lichfield District Council.
Pickerings shortlisted for Law Firm of the Year Award 2013 is getting off to a great start for Tamworth-based Pickerings Solicitors LLP, as the firm has been shortlisted for the Birmingham Law Society 'Law Firm of the Year up to four Partners' Award. The firm is one of only five to make the shortlist in this category and is hoping to put Tamworth firmly on the map within the West Midlands legal community. The winners will be announced at an award ceremony on Thursday 14th March at the ICC, Birmingham, which will be
attended by Baroness Helena Kennedy. This follows on from the firm’s success in scooping ‘Local Law Firm of the Year 2012’ last October at the 360 Legal Group’s prestigious national legal conference and awards Chief Executive Simon King of Pickerings Solicitors LLP, said: “It is great news for all the team here to be recognised for their efforts and achievement and great news for Tamworth”.
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Simon King, Chief Executive – Pickerings Solicitors LLP
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Business Networking Awards the full story In September 2012 Tamworth businessman Dave Harper had an idea. An idea that would promote and recognise local businesses and raise money for The County Air Ambulance.
The judges met twice, first to create a shortlist of nominees and again to select the winners and highly commended businesses and individuals.
On 26th January 2013 Dave Harper’s idea became a reality as the inaugural Business Networking Awards took place at Drayton Manor in a black tie buzz of glitz and glamour. In less than four short months, a venue had been found, sponsors had been secured, judges has been recruited, tickets had been sold and nominations had come flooding in from the members of the local business networking groups. In some awards categories there were 12 entries to be considered.
There were 10 award categories. Unbeknown to Dave Harper the judges had decided that owing to his herculean efforts to put this event on, a further award should be created. This award will become an annual award to be presented to a local business person that has gone the “extra mile” to help other local businesses. The first recipient of the Dave Harper Extra Mile Award was Dave Harper.
Profe ss Busi ional ne of Ye ss ar Winner Four Oaks Martin Ward receiv Financial Services, from sponsor Karening award Roar Marketing Ltd Nicholls, . Hig
hly Commended Culley Lifford Hall
Trades Business of Year Winner DK Electrical, ard from David Kemp receiving aw wood rth No sponsor Andy Smith, - Merlin d nde me Com hly Hig UK.COM.
The Business Networking Awards raised £2,000 for the County Air Ambulance Trust. This money will go to their HELP appeal making sure helicopters have somewhere safe to land when they get to hospitals.
Floors & Ceramics Limited
The Judges Julie White BA(Hons) Business Management Growing Rural Enterprise Limited www.growingruralenterprise.co.uk Clare Whalley BA(Hons) Meta4 Coaching & Training Solutions Limited www.meta4ltd.co.uk Karen Kirby MCIPD Greenshoot HR www.greenshoot.co.uk Karen Nicholls DipM FCIM Roar Marketing Limited www.roarmarketing.co.uk Tracy Pound FIC MCMI Maximity Limited www.maximity.co.uk Anthony M Levell Pennswood Wealth www.pennswood.co.uk Martin Ward DipPFS Four Oaks Financial Services martinward@thinkpositive.co.uk Dave Harper MAPIP Silverpoint Inventories Limited www.silverpointinventories.co.uk
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Promo tio /Event ns Busine s ss of Year
mited, ar Marketing Li Joint Winner Ro iving award from rece Karen Nicholls rper, Silverpoint Ha ve Da r sponso d ite m Inventories Li
Joint Winner Ki mberley Jane De Kimberley-Jane sign, Turrell receiving award from sponsor Da ve Inventories Limite Harper, Silverpoint d
Other businesses who gave of their time and expertise were: Maz Print who designed and printed the programme and certificates free of charge. www.mazprint.com inLIFE Design who created the website free of charge. www.inlifedesign.com
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Servic e Busine s ss of Yea r Winner Mission Accomplished, Pam Beale receiving award from sponsor Cas Francis, April-UK Highly Commended Maximity Limited
Bes Establi t Busine shed ss O 2 Year ver s Winner, Mint Creative Solutio Limited, Pam Neaves receivingns from sponsor Clare Whalley, Metaward Coaching & Training Solutions a4 Limited. Highly Commended -
Brookes Stephens
Best Emplo yer Winner Prizm Solutions Lim Peter Robinson receiving awaited, rd from sponsor Karen Kirby, Greenshoot HR.
Highly Commended Brookes Stephens
Winner Design Pit Limited, Gareth Robertson receiving award from sponsor Chris Blunt, brokenStones Limited. Highly Commended Kimberley Jane Design
Winner Brook Marston Farm Hotel, Anthony Palmer receiving award from sponsor Peter Farmer, Think Local Limited
Entrep rene of Yea ur r
Lily & Lime Winner Kirsten Bridge, from sponsor ard aw ing eiv Limited rec Manor Park n yto Michelle Barratt, Dra ed end mm Co hly Limited. Hig Stop Chris Blunt of The Bus
Best Start U p Under 2 Year s
Spec Recog ial nition
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"I was thrilled to find out I'd been nominated for an award. Pleasantly surprised was an understatement when I found out I'd made the final four, so to then actually win the Best Start Up Award was just fantastic! It was a great evening and all in aid of a very worthwhile cause, County Air Ambulance. I'd like to thank the organisers, judging panel and all those in attendance for putting on a brilliant inaugural Business Networking Awards evening. I'm already looking forward to the event next year!" Gareth Robertson, Director – Design Pit Limited
Jason Dutton of Pennswood Wealth, who was a fabulous MC on the night and gave his time free of charge. www.pennswood.co.uk Priory Photo Design who provided photography at the event at a discounted rate with a donation to The County Air Ambulance Trust. www.priory-photodesign.co.uk
Netwo rke of Yea r r Winner Cas Francis, Ap ril-UK receiving award from spo nsor Karen Nicholls, Co-Chair, Busin ess Networks Forum. Highly Commende d - Anthon
Levell of Pennswood We alth
The D Harpe ave rE Mile A xtra ward
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Dave Harper of Silverpoint Inventories Limited
"A resounding effort from all involved helped to make a good event into a fantastic event, supporting and recognising small local businesses in their achievements. Bring it on for next year" Dave Harper, Director – Silverpoint Inventories.
Next year’s awards will take place on Saturday 1st March 2014 at Drayton Manor. If you would like to be a sponsor please contact Dave Harper dave@silverpointinventories.co.uk or visit www.businessnetworkingawards.co.uk
Now delivered electronically to thousands of local businesses and public sector organisations Awards evening photographs provided by Priory Photo Design.
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Networking News B2B networking group achieves £1million goal The area’s most dynamic and successful networking group, B2B Tamworth, has reached the milestone of £1million of invoiced business generated for group members.
B2B Tamworth networking club celebrate achieving £1m of invoiced business
To celebrate this fantastic £1m milestone, which has been achieved by local businesses working together and buying goods and services from other local businesses, B2B is holding a special celebration event which they want to share with other local businesses. All businesses are welcome to come along to the “£1m Drop In” to be held at award winning Marston Farm Hotel on Wednesday 27th March from 8am to 11am. Just drop in on your way to work and celebrate with B2B members at this free event.
Founded in 2009 with just nine members, now at 21 strong, the group won the South Staffs Regeneration Award for Business Development in 2010. At the Business Networking Awards in January 2013, eight members were either award winners or highly commended in their categories. www.b2bclubnetworking.co.uk and click the B2B Tamworth tab.
Connect celebrate Flamin’ Grill Tuesdays launches at their 5th birthday The Grill Inn Congratulations to the Connect Networking Group! Members celebrated the 5th birthday of this independent business networking group for women. The group originally belonged to a national networking group but believed they could be more successful as an independent group. They relaunched themselves as Connect in 2007 and have gone from strength to strength. Connect currently has 17 members and meet once per month at the West Midlands Water Ski Centre, Tamworth. Chair, Clare Whalley of Meta4 Coaching & Training Solutions Ltd. said; “I believe we’re a little different from other networking groups because we are independently run. We meet as a group to discuss what the members want and hold quarterly committee meetings to make sure we are on track. Every month we include a ‘Business Support’ slot which gets great feedback. It’s where we open up for discussion about current business issues facing us and how we can solve them.” www.connectingwomen.co.uk
Members of Connect networking group celebrate their 5th birthday
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The networking group 'Flamin Grill Tuesday' had a successful launch on Tuesday 19th February when more than 50 local business attended. The group has been launched by Anthony Levell of Pennswood Wealth Ltd. After the success of Fish and Chip Fryday in Sutton Coldfield it was Flamin’ Grill Tuesdays launch decided to bring the unique formula and local businesses together in the Tamworth and Lichfield area at a fresh new venue. The format is not your standard 'stand up 60 second' networking but emphasis on building solid business relationships in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. The networking group is open for business every third Tuesday of the month, please contact michelle.barrett@draytonmanor.co.uk for further information. Business networking is an effective and low-cost way to market your business and generate sales, and we have a thriving community of business networking groups in the Tamworth and Lichfield Area. If you have not tried business networking before, why not give it a try? Here’s a list of our local business networking groups.
If you know of any 4 Counties Networking Group - www.fcng.co.uk other local business B2B Tamworth - www.b2bclubnetworking.co.uk networking groups Best Of Lichfield - www.thebestof.co.uk/lichfield please send your BNI – www.bni-europe.com/uk details to Matt Fletcher Business 1st – www.business-1st.org at Tamworth Borough Business AM - www.businessam.net Council, see contact details on page 8. Business B4 Work - www.businessb4work.co.uk Connect - www.connectingwomen.co.uk Fish & Chip Fryday - www.linkedin.com/groups/Fish-Chip-Fryday-Sutton-Coldfield Flamin’ Grill Tuesdays - michelle.barrett@draytonmanor.co.uk Professionals At Cathedral House Business Breakfast Club www.cathedral-house.co.uk Women In Rural Enterprise Network - www.wireuk.org Tamworth Breakfast Group – www.tamworthbusinessbreakfastclub.org.uk The Women’s Business Clubs – www.thewomensbusinessclubs.com
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Business news in brief A hat trick of Cardiff University contracts Rugeley-based Kribensis Leisure Contracts has won a third contract for a major refurbishment of student facilities at Cardiff University. They will be carrying out the quarter-million refit in the University’s student accommodation block, working to a design concept drawn up by Kribensis’s sister company, GMP design. This is the third contract at Cardiff University for Kribensis. Last year the firm carried out phase one of the project which involved transforming the Students Union snooker and games room into an international lounge, reflecting the university’s multi-cultural population. Earlier this year Kribensis carried out the second phase of the Students Union development, which included conference facilities. www.kribensis.co.uk
Local research firm reveals battle for Britain’s favourite supermarket With offices in Lichfield and Tamworth, SBXL is a leading retail research firm, combining state-ofthe-art technology with a detailed knowledge of human psychology. The latest research by SBXL reveals that Tesco has retained its place as the UK’s favourite supermarket as Asda and Sainsbury’s slug it out for second spot. While Asda was the nation’s second favourite supermarket up until September last year, Sainsbury’s took over the SBXL’s Serena Tippler, Senior Insight Manager second place slot for the remainder of the year up to Christmas. Now Asda has leapfrogged into second place again. The research is part of SBXL’s Continuous Shopper Insight programme, which surveys a cross section of shoppers on a monthly basis. Information from more than 3,200 shoppers is analysed to give an ongoing picture of shopping habits and shoppers’ attitudes. SBXL’s Senior Insight Manager Serena Tippler said that while Tesco remained out in front, the battle for second place was very close. “A lot of factors are in play when we ask what a shopper’s favourite supermarket is, but Tesco continues to take the number one slot, scoring highly for convenience and price. Asda has moved back into second place, but the bad news for them is that when we asked shoppers what their least favourite supermarket was, Asda came top, which tells us there is work to be done on the Asda shopping experience. We survey a wide range of shoppers geographically and across the income scale. The message we are getting is that convenience is the major factor for most supermarkets. This is emphasised even more as we move up the scale from discount to premium stores,” said Serena Tippler. www.sbxl.com
Got a business story to tell? Then send your news story and a picture or logo to matthew-fletcher@tamworth.gov.uk
Handcrafted soap from The Soap Deli in sumptuous packaging from PHd Design
Lichfield firms in a creative lather Palm oil is a natural product but it can be harmful to your skin, which is why Lichfield's Soap Deli has created a range of soaps and body treatments which contain zero palm oil. When it came to creating an innovative, eye catching and bespoke packaging design that would sit across the range of products, they turned to Lichfield creative’s PHd design, one of Staffordshire's foremost packaging design firms. PHd worked with the client closely to ensure that the handmade uniqueness of the products and the whole essence of artisan produce was not lost; it was important to have packaging which was practical, durable and easy to implement while not losing all the aroma and craftsman styling which was key to the brand being able to hold its own in the highly competitive beauty market. The result has been a lot of interest from high street retailers up and down the country and some from abroad. The range is always increasing so look out in 2013 for some ethical soaps and body wash products with bespoke branding and packaging, both showing just what comes out of Lichfield when it gets really creative. Take a look at PHd design's website for more examples of packs and projects which should wash away the competition! www.phddesign.co.uk/portfolio/ soaps-smellies www.the-soapdeli.co.uk/products
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Business Networks Forum Update
Are you Open To Export?
The Business Networks Forum is run by local businesses with assistance from the local council’s Business Development Team. Giving businesses a voice on local and national business issues Ambassadors from local networking groups, individual businesses and organisations attend. Car parking and traffic flow in Lichfield city centre, Tamworth town centre and Tamworth Ventura was the topic for the last two meetings. At the December 2012 meeting issues and solutions from a business point of view were brainstormed. At February’s meeting senior people from both Tamworth and Lichfield Councils discussed the suggestions and shed light on what they are doing to alleviate the serious issues of car parking and traffic flow in the area. Any local business is welcome to attend. The next meeting is on 3rd April at Drayton Manor and Sue Arnold, Deputy Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire will be the guest. Please contact Matt Fletcher at Tamworth Borough Council for more information on matthew-fletcher@tamworth.gov.uk
Malcolm Gibbs of Q & A Management Services and Ambassador for B2B Tamworth at brainstorming session on car parking and traffic flow in the area
Open to Export is a communitybased business service aimed at small and medium sized enterprises with the goal of enabling them to export overseas and increase international trade. On this website, businesses find extensive exporting resources covering every step of the exporting journey, written by UK Trade and Investment and its selected partners. There is also a section on the site where business owners can post questions to the wider community and gain answers from industry specialists. www.opentoexport.com
The wheels of industry turn at South Staffordshire College South Staffordshire College has been busy engaging with local businesses. The college celebrated Industry Week across its four campuses at Cannock, Tamworth, Rodbaston and Lichfield. For the second year running, in an initiative to broaden links between the College and industry, students met with employers to give them valuable insights on their chosen career path. Tamworth businesses Francesco Group and Percy Lane Products were amoung those who delivered practical sessions, advice and support. Drayton Manor hosted tourism students to help them gain insight into the leisure, travel and event management sector. Student Caroline Crawley (17) found the Drayton Manor trip key to her understanding of the industry, “It made me realise the scale of what hospitality entails and the importance of setting the right ambiance for an event.” Two apprentices from the College have completed a work contract in Italy. Adam Hancox (18) from Bedworth, Warwickshire and Damion Wright (16) from Tamworth, joined NiTP’s (National IT Partnership) Level 3 Gold
Contact us Tamworth marketing consultancy, Roar Marketing Limited works in partnership with the Business & Economic Partnership to produce the Tamworth and Lichfield Business E-Brief. Contact Karen Nicholls at Roar Marketing, karen@roarmarketing.co.uk, www.roarmarketing.co.uk. Matt Fletcher’s department is the central link between the public sector and local businesses, so if you have any queries about any of the articles in this issue or just don't know who to speak to on business issues please contact Matt on 01827 709382 or email matthew-fletcher@tamworth.gov.uk
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Left to right Francesco’s Graham Thompson demonstrates the art of hair colouring to South Staffordshire College’s Hairdressing students Dana Gibbs, Lauren Court and Samara Potter
Standard Advanced Apprenticeship in IT at the College’s Tamworth Campus and within a month of starting work for Tamworth-based Gen2 Systems were offered the chance to undertake a month-long contact in Rome. For sponsorship and advertising opportunities please contact Karen Nicholls or Matt Fletcher and please send your news stories for the Business E-Brief (with picture or logo) to Matt Fletcher at Tamworth Borough Council. The Business Brief is collated, written and designed in Tamworth and Lichfield.
Matt Fletcher, Senior Economic Development Officer, Shared Service Tamworth Borough Council and Lichfield District Council
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