Featured News
Warwickshire in the spotlight at UKREiiF
Public and private partners look forward to delivering their vision for sustainable growth and development in the county of Warwickshire to more than 10,000 delegates at UKREiiF 2025 next month.
Warwickshire County Council, Invest Warwickshire and Warwickshire Property Development Group (WPDG) are coming together with a number of public and private partners to promote investment and development in the county of Warwickshire at the UK’s leading property and investment event, UKREiiF 2025 (UK Real Estate and Infrastructure Investment Forum).
Now in its fourth year, the annual conference and exhibition is expected to attract over 10,000 delegates to the three day event at Leeds Royal Armouries. Running from 20th-22nd May, the event connects public and private-sector decision-makers to highlight investment opportunities, driving economic growth through development and regeneration.
Invest Warwickshire will be hosting the panel event, 'Warwickshire Creating Places' on Wednesday 21st from 9am-10.30am in the Midlands Engine Pavilion, focused on sustainability, partnership and SME space, together with a number of local and national commercial partners. Evans Randall Investors, Severn Trent, Marriott Hotels and Tritax Big Box will be discussing sustainability, both in terms of more sustainable construction and also the way that buildings can be operated and the opportunities provided by decarbonisation in terms of new business sectors.
A second panel on partnership will bring together IM Properties, Stoford, University of Warwick and WPDG to talk about land supply, models of delivery and positive legacy.
Elsewhere in the programme, Invest Warwickshire is collaborating with global real estate services and investment firm CBRE to host the event ‘Unlocking UK Growth: Impact Investing for Economic Transformation Roundtable’ in the Department for Business & Trade Pavilion from 2pm-3pm on Tuesday 20th May. Warwickshire will be talking about its successful Property Infrastructure Fund, or PIF, an innovative £64m fund that Warwickshire County Council launched in 2023 as part of the Warwickshire Investment Fund (WIF), to help unlock commercial property development in the county area to benefit local SMEs and supply chains.
Invest Warwickshire, Invest Coventry and Warwickshire County Council will also co-host the event ‘A Creative Approach to Innovation and Driving Investment' from 3.45pm-4.30pm in the West Midlands Pavilion, together with the University of Warwick and talking about key regional developments like Coventry & Warwick Giga Park Investment Zone and Creative Quarter Leamington Spa. An updated version of the Invest Coventry & Warwickshire Investment Prospectus will launch at the event.
Jo Russell, Planning Director from developer Stoford, said; “Stoford consider the Coventry and Warwickshire area to display key attributes that support the growth of industrial and logistics markets. An increasing population resulting from the Government’s housing requirements, will see new homes here increase by 20% by 2045. This in turn provides a labour pool, which combined with the educational offer of the two universities, builds a rich environment for a skilled employee base and will continue to attract inward investors. We must ensure that this appetite for growth is fuelled by a strong pipeline of development land.”
Joe Skinner, Development Director at Tritax Symmetry, said: “It is fantastic for us to be joining Warwickshire County Council for their panel ‘Sustainability in Development Panel’ at UKREiiF next month. We have been working with Warwickshire for many years and are delighted to have the opportunity to talk about our industrial park, Symmetry Park Rugby, where we recently completed a new 1m sqft spec build phase. Sustainability is built into the scheme, from its BREEAM rating through to its scalable infrastructure, and we look forward to talking more about this in Leeds. I also look forward to continue working with the county and local stakeholders to keep investing in the local area, supporting the economy and supporting the creation of high value new jobs and opportunities.”
David Smith, Director Planning and Communities at IM Properties, said: "We welcome the opportunity to partner with Invest in Warwickshire on our continued journey of investment in the West Midlands. From our beginnings nearly 40 years ago at Haseley Manor, we have grown to become one of the largest investors along the M42 corridor and within the region, bringing forward close to 20 million sq ft of commercial space and supporting over 14,000 jobs, with a further 8,000 jobs in the pipeline.
“With an ambition to deliver both social and economic impact, our reach extends beyond the boundaries of our schemes to support surrounding communities, ensuring we create legacy projects aligned with our Sustainable Futures framework of People, Planet, and Place. Our commitment translates into real impact—developing skills, employment opportunities, and investment in local people and projects that create positive change.”
Mark Ryder, Strategic Director for Communities at Warwickshire County Council, said: ‘Warwickshire is one of the most dynamic economic locations in the Midlands and the UK. The county is a popular destination for both UK and foreign direct investment, and the area is home to some of the most important commercial property developments such as Coventry & Warwick Giga Park, one of the eight UK Investment Zones, MIRA Technology Park South Site and major town centre opportunities like Transforming Nuneaton, Creative Quarter Leamington Spa and Rugby Town Centre.
"UKREiiF is a great opportunity for us to promote our partner organisation, Warwickshire Property Development Group and the new homes and SME commercial space being developed by them in the county, and Warwickshire County Councils Property Infrastructure Fund, which can lend up to £10m to bring forward commercial development projects in support of growth and jobs.
"We also look forward to working with a range of partners, including IM Properties, Stoford and Tritax Big Box to promote new development opportunities in the county and local area at the event this year."
For more information on UKREiiF, visit: https://www.ukreiif.com/
If you’re attending UKREiiF and would like to join ‘Warwickshire Creating Places’, register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1318559790829
For more information on the Warwickshire Investment Fund, Property Infrastructure Fund, visit here: https://warwickshireinvestmentfund.co.uk/property-infrastructure
Expert guidance at Export Roadshow
π Warwickshire Export Roadshow – We’re Hitting the Road to Help Your Business Go Global!
π No booking required - Free Drop-In Support for Your Burning Export Questions! Have your say!
Businesses have an opportunity to get free, face-to-face expert guidance from a specialist on all things exports-related at a Roadshow across Warwickshire in the coming weeks.
The Warwickshire Export Roadshow, delivered by Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with Warwickshire County Council, will offer tailored guidance, practical tips and connections to the right support to all business whether they are new to international trade or looking to grow their overseas markets.
Anyone interested should please email Hemant Patel at hemantp@cw-chamber.co.uk to register your interest and get more details.
Roadshow Dates & Venues
β
Wednesday 30th April | 09:00–12:00
πEliot Park Innovation Centre, 4 Barling Way, Nuneaton, CV10 7RH
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Wednesday 7th May | 09:00–12:00
πHolly Walk House, 56–58 Holly Walk, Leamington Spa, CV32 4JE
β
Wednesday 14th May | 09:00–12:00
πSir Frank Whittle Business Centre, Great Central Way, Butlers Leap, Rugby, CV21 3XH
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Wednesday 21st May | 09:00–12:00
πMinerva Mill Innovation Centre – Bubble Café, Station Road, Alcester, B49 5ET
π‘ What to Expect
- Friendly & informal, to have you say about your business export challenges
- Get quick answers to your export questions and signpost to additional support services that may benefit your business.
- Meet Our International Trade Specialist - Hemant Patel
- Hemant will be on hand to help guide you with practical, no-pressure tips on everything from market access to customs.
- These drop-in opportunities are designed to fit into your busy schedule. No need to book a time slot in advance, just drop by!
Why Attend?
β Quick Answers to Your Export Questions
β Signposting to Additional Support
β Free Expert Guidance
β No Cost, No Commitment
β Drop in at a Convenient Time for you
Please don’t miss this chance to get the help you need for your export challenges.
π© Any questions, please Contact hemantp@cw-chamber.co.uk.
Escalator is game-changer for Smallpeice Trust
"The team leaders who are very new to management said, from the first break on the first day, it was brilliant. By the end of day one everyone being trained had had their epiphany moment."
A business devoted to the training and upskilling of young people is better-equipped to deliver that mission after ten members of its management team underwent training funded by the Skills Escalator programme.
The team leaders at the Smallpeice Trust, in Leamington, underwent a variety of training which has proved to be a “game-changer” for the organisation, says Director of Internal Operations, Deborah Austin,
“Our prime role is to provide STEM education for young people,” said Deborah. “Our focus is young people, but what about our team?
“We have a management leadership team who have all come from different environments and sectors and they all want to do good for the Trust and have a strong belief about making a difference to young people and opening up pathways for them.
They all bring with them what they did very well in their previous roles but, with one exception, their employers never invested in them as a people manager. That’s why we applied for the funding - to upskill our managers so they can give their best to the team below, work cohesively and have some of the softer skills and knowledge that you don’t see in the day-to-day job.
“The funding enabled us to put all ten people managers through training. It covered all sorts - how to handle difficult conversations, managing sickness and return to work, looking at trends and patterns behind absence, appraisals systems. There were eight separate modules covering all the aspects that surround your daily job.
“Muse HR came to us and delivered it in house and they were fantastic. The team leaders who are very new to management said, from the first break on the first day, it was brilliant. By the end of day one everyone being trained had had their epiphany moment and said ‘I didn’t realise that was my responsibility.’
“They were all together as well which was great. Some were more experienced than others, and they had different skills, but they were all in the same boat and created almost a peer group. It was about our investment in them.”
The Skills Escalator programme is managed by Warwickshire Skills Hub and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in partnership with the county’s district and borough councils. Deborah became aware of the programme via a Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce – and is so glad she did.
“For us as a business it has been a game-changer,” she said. “Without the grant we would have just been able to fund the people brand new to leadership roles. We found the funding for the rest and are so glad we did.”
- If you would like to know how Warwickshire Skills Hub can support your business with apprenticeships and upskilling, please email skillshub@warwickshire.gov.uk and one of our Business Support Advisors will be in touch.
Interactive Futures ready to inspire again
“Warwickshire has an enviable reputation within the UK gaming industry and just like in previous years, Interactive Futures is an opportunity to connect with developers and like-minded creatives."
The vibrant talent and creativity of Warwickshire’s gaming industry will once again be under the spotlight at the Midlands’ largest regional showcase event this summer.
The inspiring Interactive Futures 2025 free networking and careers event will return for the sixth year to The Royal Spa Centre in Newbold Terrace in Leamington Spa on Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14.
Warwickshire County Council is teaming up with The Game Dev Group and Warwick District Council to showcase the Warwickshire Games Collective to and highlight the wide range of skills and services of game developers to businesses and enthusiasts from across the UK.
Friday, June 13 will be devoted to business development and aims to connect developers with business opportunities, industry insights and offer advice for innovative creatives looking to connect with the vast array of studios within the region or work in the gaming industry.
Alongside the popular expo between 10am to 4pm, there will be a topical speaker programme covering everything from gameplay to obtaining investment.
The focus on Saturday, June 14, will turn to students, their parents and those looking for prospective career changes to find out what the games industry has to offer and to attract the next generation of talent to the sector.
Stacy O'Connor, Digital Creative Industry & Inward Investment Specialist at Warwickshire County Council, said Warwickshire’s reputation within the gaming industry meant it was the perfect location for the event.
“Interactive Futures 2025 will be the catalyst to inspire the next group of talented youngsters to join this fast-paced industry, which has so much to offer,” she said.
“It will be an opportunity to network with other businesses within the sector and find out more about the studios right on our doorstep.
“Warwickshire has an enviable reputation within the UK gaming industry and just like in previous years, Interactive Futures is an opportunity to connect with developers and like-minded creatives.
“It is a fantastic celebration of the wonderful, diverse talent we have attracted to our region to join one of the UK’s most eclectic sectorsestablished clusters and a great way to recognise our contribution to the regional and national economy.
“This is a great opportunity to make connections and to find out more about the sector for youngsters considering this as a career option as well as those wanting to switch careers because there are so many different layers to the gaming sector.
“It is all free and we hope this inspiring event will continue to add to Warwickshire’s reputation in this flourishing industry.”
For the latest information, visit the dedicated website www.interactive-futures.com which will be releasing a more detailed programme over the coming weeks.
Tickets for the free event, enabling people to secure a space, will be released in early May. Any local studios or companies wishing to get involved should contact invest@warwickshire.gov.ukinteractivefutures@gamedevgroup.com for more information.β―β―β―β―
Training "invaluable" to Cyber-Weld's growth plans
"It was brilliant to get training funded for people from across the business. We tried to upskill in as many areas as possible so that the benefit trickles down throughout the business.
Staff at all levels of a growing small engineering business in Southam have benefited from training funded by the Skills Escalator programme.
Cyber-Weld have been supplying new and reconditioned welding robot systems to companies across the UK since 1998. The forward-thinking business is targeting further growth and is now better-equipped for that after five employees went on training programmes covering a range of aspects of the business.
Samantha Reid, Head of Business Operations at Cyber-Weld, said:
“The funding and the training it allowed us to implement has been invaluable. We identified the areas where the business is growing and where we needed extra support. It was fantastic to be able to access funded training for people across different teams. We focused on upskilling in as many areas as possible so that the benefits would be felt throughout the business.
While we’ve always been strong on health and safety, we wanted to take our approach to the next level. Thanks to the funding, our Facilities Coordinator was able to complete NEBOSH training a significant investment normally, so having support to do that has been a huge advantage.
One of our project managers completed PRINCE2 training, which will be incredibly useful for him in his role. We also supported a highly experienced engineer who was new to management by enrolling him in leadership training through the Chamber of Commerce.
In addition, a couple of staff members received coaching in key areas like sales and management. Every participant gained a great deal from the experience.”
Cyber-Weld, which employs 31 people work extensively with manufacturers across the UK and is planning to grow their shopfloor space. All the training, and the input from Warwickshire Skills Hub, has been hugely beneficial.
β―"The Skills Hub helped us find the training providers,” said Samantha. “They have been brilliant, pointing us in the right directions.
β―With training and development, it’s important that the staff member has a big input because they are the ones committing their time, so we highlighted the training need together then found the options. It has all come together perfectly.”
β―Steven Convery, Business Skills Support Officer at Warwickshire Skills Hub, said: “It has been a real pleasure to assist Cyber-Weld get the training support they need. They are a business which really recognises the value of making each individual the best they can be and it’s great that the Skills Escalator funding has helped them to do that.”
β―The Skills Escalator programme, managed byβ―Warwickshire Skills Hub, is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in partnership with the county’s district and borough councils.
* If you would like to know how Warwickshire Skills Hub can support your business with apprenticeships and upskilling, please emailβ―skillshub@warwickshire.gov.ukβ―β―and one of our Business Support Advisors will be in touch.
Emma's success shows importance of Supported Employment
As Warwickshire Supported Employment Service (WSES) celebrates its second anniversary, Team Manager Charlotte Smith reflects on the journey of the service's very first referral, Emma, and her remarkable progress.
When Emma was featured in a previous article in Warwickshire Means Business, she shared: "Picking up the phone was the first step on my journey after a late autism diagnosis. Leaving the house and catching the bus was my next achievement, and I haven't stopped growing since. I am now the real me, no longer scared of judgement. Though I've just started my journey, I can't wait to keep growing and developing more confidence."
Fast forward 18 months and Nuneaton Journey Guide Jodie Kilworth and myself attended the ‘Together with Autism’ event at North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College to showcase their work in helping individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism to secure and maintain paid employment in Warwickshire. It was here that I noticed a familiar face setting up a stand opposite theirs - Emma, the service's very first referral and customer, now thriving as a testament to the programme's success.
Emma was referred to WSES in March 2023 with a long-term goal of finding employment and a short-term goal of building her confidence. Initially, employment seemed a distant dream for Emma, who couldn’t use public transport and struggled to think of any skills or qualities she had relating to employment. Overcoming this challenge was the first step in her journey.
Supported by her journey guide Joanne Prosser at the time, Emma learned to navigate public transport to meet in her local library to complete a vocational profile. Health and social care was identified as a suitable sector due to her passion for helping others and wanting to make a difference in her community.
Emma's success story is a shining example of the supported employment ethos, which emphasises matching the right person to the right job. Her journey guide sourced The Prince’s Trust programme at George Eliot Hospital and then registered her as a volunteer at the hospital, thereby enhancing her CV and boosting her confidence. From this experience not only did Emma learn and develop transferrable skills, but she made friends and began to gain a sense of purpose.
Emma's journey guide also supported her through the job application process, advocating for reasonable adjustments such as providing interview questions in advance. This small but significant adjustment helped Emma manage her anxiety and prepare thoroughly, allowing her to consider the questions carefully and provide well-thought-out examples rather than panicking and underselling herself.
Emma's dedication paid off when she secured a role at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Trust (CWPT). She has since flourished as an Expert with Lived Experience Co-Trainer, co-delivering training sessions alongside a facilitating trainer as part of the Oliver McGowan programme. This training aims to improve the skills and knowledge of health and social care professionals in supporting individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism.
Joanne Prosser (journey guide) who helped secure the interview said, "I am proud to have been part of her journey but prouder of Emma and how hard she has worked to achieve her goal. It is so great that Karen and her team recognised what Emma could bring to them and support her to thrive."
Emma’s manager at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust Karen Scorer said, "Emma is indeed a superstar. We love having her as part of our team and we are so thankful for you all supporting her into employment and beyond, it’s been marvellous watching her confidence grow."
Reflecting on her role, Emma said, “Don’t look at the label but see that we are able and are only human like everyone else. People with a disability only apply for a job if they believe they can do it and with the right reasonable adjustments they can."
Charlotte, Team Manager at WSES, expressed immense pride in Emma's achievements. "Seeing Emma thrive and give back through her expertise is incredibly rewarding. It reminds me why I love working in supported employment. In March 2023, Emma was a customer of WSES, and just 18 months later, she was setting up a stand opposite me at the ‘Together with Autism" event to share her experience of paid work with others.
"It's inspirational. We all knew Emma had the potential for paid work, but finding the right job and ensuring she had the right reasonable adjustments has made it such a positive story."
Emma's journey is particularly inspiring for other customers, as not everyone has the resilience to keep going after facing rejections. Charlotte hopes to see fewer rejections as employers recognise the benefits of inclusive hiring.
Emma's story (hear her speak about it here) is a powerful reminder of the importance of tailored support for individuals with disabilities. WSES hopes their current caseload of 122 job seekers will have similar success stories in the future, but as much as we can build people's confidence, it’s nothing without the roles for them to step into. Employers really do hold the key to unlocking the potential of which there is so much.
To find out more about becoming a fair chance employer, please contact: https://skillshub.warwickshire.gov.uk/businesses/fair-chance-employers
To explore offering work trials, work tasters or offering an inclusive industry tour, please contact: supportedemployment@warwickshire.gov.uk
BASE accreditation rewards WSES advance
It is wonderful to see an organisation embedding continuous improvement into their service provision."
A service which was launched to support people with autism and/or learning difficulties into work has received independent quality assurance for its work as it marks its second anniversary.
Warwickshire County Council’s Supported Employment Service (WSES) was set-up as part of the council's longstanding commitment to inclusive employment in Warwickshire.
The British Association of Supported employment (BASE), a national membership charity that promotes the principles and delivery of high-quality supported employment services, has completed a Supported Employment Quality Framework Model Fidelity external assessment, which resulted in WSES achieving an excellent score of 72.98% in its first independent assessment, leading to receiving accreditation in the field of supported employment.
WSES is successfully meeting its employment targets, with achievements in both job placements and retention support. An impressive 92% of job seekers who have gained employment have remained in their roles, showcasing the service's impact and success.
Over 500 people have been referred to the service over the last two years including 312 referrals in the last 12 months. A total of 217 people have been supported to gain or sustain employment and in 2024, WSES supported people with 253 interviews which resulted in 59 people starting a job.
The BASE assessment underscored several key strengths of the service including thriving employer partnerships with 23 industry tours bridging the gap between job seekers and roles available with local employers.
The independent assessors also commended WSES’s team in breaking down employment barriers by splitting jobs to create tailored roles to match the abilities of job seekers; securing exceptional feedback about its service and the support provided by their Journey Guides and Employment Advisors; and its vital role within Warwickshire County Council's Fair Chance Employer Programme by collaborating with partners to promote and improve inclusive recruitment practices throughout the region.
Nerise Oldfield-Thompson, Director of Business Development and Quality at BASE and Inclusive Trading, said: "“It is wonderful to see an organisation embedding continuous improvement into their service provision. We received a warm welcome and it was clear that the team is very dedicated and passionate about their work. They demonstrate key competencies and have achieved excellent outcomes, especially for such a young service."
Charlotte Smith, Team Manager at WSES, said the initiative is making a real difference for Warwickshire residents who face additional barriers to employment as its second anniversary approaches.
“Achieving accredited status has been a significant accomplishment for the team,” she said. “Their dedication to inclusivity and commitment to supporting our customers has been instrumental in attaining a score that truly reflects the passion and hard work invested in developing our service. We hope that more individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism will see our customers thriving in paid roles in their own communities and will be inspired to pursue similar opportunities, as we believe it is challenging to aspire to be something that you cannot see.
David Ayton-Hill, Warwickshire County Council’s Director of Economy & Place, added: “We hear from employers that the primary barrier to inclusive recruitment is the fear of making mistakes. Services such as WSES are here to provide expertise, so employers do not have to navigate this alone. Achieving accreditation will hopefully reassure employers that we are leaders in the field of inclusive recruitment, and they might think of us when they next consider advertising a vacancy.”
Further information is available at https://skillshub.warwickshire.gov.uk/supportive-employers-1/warwickshire-supported-employment-service
Faces eyeing growth after Business Growth Warwickshire support
"Business Growth Warwickshire supports businesses with bespoke guidance and information to help them adapt, grow and to reach their potential. The work that has been done with Stephanie highlights the real difference such support can make to business."
A beauty salon and training academy in Coleshill is eyeing up expansion plans after receiving business support.
Faces Beauty Salon and Training Academy has celebrated its one-year anniversary in the town, which has seen the business expand its team and its client base.
The salon was launched by Stephanie Davey, who has eight years of experience in the beauty industry and previously worked from her home in Acocks Green while also teaching beauty part time at University College Birmingham.
Having always known she wanted her own salon, Stephanie took the leap and opened on Coleshill’s High Street in December 2023 offering treatments including lashes, brows, microneedling and hair extensions as well running training and refresher courses in these areas.
Since then, the salon has welcomed seven self-employed hair and beauty therapists to add to the range of treatments offered, which now also includes facials, massages, aesthetics, laser therapy, hair and permanent jewellery.
Having never managed a business premises, Stephanie sought help through the Business Resilience and Growth programme, which is delivered by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce on behalf of Warwickshire County Council and Warwickshire’s five District and Borough Councils.
She received one-to-one support from business advisor Jason Barnes who has helped to shape the business’s branding and marketing activities as well as provide advice on financial planning. This has resulted in a steady increase in new clients and increased engagement online, with Stephanie now hoping to expand and open a second premises in the future.
Stephanie said: “I’ve received an incredible amount of tailored support from Jason who has really helped me to drive the business forward. When working self-employed from home I was very focused on my clients, but having a premises means I have so much more to think about while also maintaining a high standard of client experience. It’s been a whirlwind since I opened!
“Jason has supported me with branding, digital marketing, social media strategy and financial planning, and has also shown me the importance of upskilling myself which has really helped to grow my client base.
“All of those in my team are self-employed, but my plan for the future is to open a second premises with employed members of staff and also grow the training school arm of the business. With the economy as it is, we often have students looking to upskill themselves so that they can make some extra money or kick-start a new career. It’s a really exciting time for the salon and I’m looking forward to the years ahead.”
Jason said: “I first met Stephanie at our Coleshill Business Event - she had recently moved to her High Street salon and was looking to grow the business. Lack of footfall was an issue, and she needed to improve her marketing to ensure that local people knew that she was there.
“We established what her offering was and came up with a plan to improve her messaging and use of digital marketing to connect with her customer base. The result has been much better interaction online and an increase in new clients.
“We have also discussed Stephanie’s aspirations for the future and how she can achieve these growth plans, and I look forward to seeing these come to fruition over the coming years.”
Dave Ayton-Hill, Director of Economy and Place at Warwickshire County Council, said: “Business Growth Warwickshire supports businesses with bespoke guidance and information to help them adapt, grow and to reach their potential. The work that has been done with Stephanie highlights the real difference such support can make to business, and it is great to hear about the impact it has had on helping Stephanie increase her client base and set her future growth plans.”
Steve Maxey, Chief Executive at North Warwickshire Borough Council, added: “I am delighted that a North Warwickshire based business has been able to grow and flourish thanks to North Warwickshire Borough Council’s support of the Business Growth Warwickshire programme, which is part funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.”
The Business, Resilience and Growth Programme is part funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (via Warwickshire’s five District and Borough Councils) and Warwickshire County Council. To find out more about the programme and your businesses eligibility please go to https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/business-support/business-resilience-and-growth/
Event will guide businesses on how to apply for a KAE
Businesses can gain valuable insights into the considerable benefits of applying for The King’s Awards for Enterprise at an exclusive event in May.
The event will be held at the Manufacturing Technology Centre, Coventry, CV7 9JU, on Friday 16 May between 9am and 12:30pm.
Speakers at the event, hosted in partnership with the Warwickshire Lieutenancy and the West Midlands Lieutenancy, will guide businesses through the four prestigious awards - the UK’s highest accolades for business excellence.
The event follows an unprecedented year of success for Warwickshire businesses in The King’s Awards for Enterprise in 2024. Last year, there were eight award recipients in Warwickshire – a record number for the county and a huge achievement.
The event programme is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the four awards, with a focus on the following key areas:
· An overview of The King’s Awards, including eligibility criteria and top hints and tips.
· Breakout sessions offering detailed guidance on the application process for each award category.
· Interactive Q&A sessions with experienced advisors and previous winners.
· Valuable networking opportunities over tea and coffee.
For any business keen to know more about The King’s Awards for Enterprise then this event will provide the perfect introduction. For those intending to apply for a King’s Award, the focused workshops on how to apply will be ideal.
Here are the Warwickshire recipients of The King's Awards for Enterprise 2024 in each category:
Sustainable Developmentβ―
The history and future of Rail combined in a good cause
The excitement of rail past and future will be there for visitors to taste and enjoy at a Family Rail Day in aid of five rail-related charities next month.
The BCIMO at the Very Light Rail Centre in Dudley will host the event on Saturday 17th May together with a range of indoor and outdoor activities including a tram simulator, fairground rides, exclusive train experiences, live entertainment, and a variety of food and drink option stalls. Whether you are passionate about rail innovation, regional growth, or just looking for a great day out, this is the event for you.
Highlights include an official opening from music legend and Rail Benefit Fund president Pete Waterman who, as well as producing many pop hits from the 1980s and 1990s including Kylie Minogue’s ‘Locomotion’, is also an avid rail enthusiast.
This year the UK is celebrating the 200th anniversary of the modern railway in Britain, with the national Railway 200 ‘Rail200’ celebration. From skills and innovation to heritage and tourism, the Family Rail Day will mark this milestone.
A key part of the visitor experience will be the opportunity to ride the prototype Coventry VLR ‘very light rail’ train, which is being developed at the Very Light Rail Centre, before it moves later this year to the streets of Coventry City Centre. Very light Rail is a UK rail technology that features a lighter, more affordable track infrastructure, which in turn allows for a light and lower cost rail carriage, making tracked mass transit systems affordable for smaller cities like Coventry – traditional trams are heavier and therefore only affordable in larger cities like Birmingham, Edinburgh, London and Nottingham.
The very light rail industry has strong links to Warwickshire supply chains, with the CVLR and sister Revolution very light rail trains designed and developed by TDI International of Stratford, which has been innovating in mass transit systems since the late 1970s. WMG at the University of Warwick has also been a partner of VLR, and the now defunct Coventry & Warwickshire LEP part-funded the development of the Very Light Rail Centre.
For more information about the event and the charities that will be supported on the day, please visit https://bcimo.co.uk/events/bcimo-family-day/
Supporting employees to become on-call firefighters: a win-win for employers and communities
Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service is actively seeking dedicated individuals to join the service as an on-call firefighter.
On-call firefighters must live or work within 5 minutes of one of the on-call stations. Applications for on-call firefighters are now open in:
The role presents a unique opportunity for employers to support their employees in taking on this vital role, which offers numerous benefits both to the individuals involved and to the wider community. The role of an on-call firefighter is varied and helps people to:
Develop their skills: On-call firefighters receive extensive training that equips them with a variety of transferable skills. These include leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and crisis management. Employees who become on-call firefighters bring these enhanced skills back to their primary workplace, contributing to a more capable and resilient workforce.
Engage with the local community: Supporting employees in becoming on-call firefighters fosters a strong sense of community involvement and corporate social responsibility. It demonstrates the employer's commitment to the wellbeing of the local community, enhancing the company's reputation.
Boost their wellbeing: The role of an on-call firefighter is highly rewarding and can significantly boost an individual's sense of purpose and fulfilment. This increased job satisfaction can translate into higher morale and productivity in their primary job.
Prepare for emergencies: Employees trained as firefighters bring valuable emergency response skills to the workplace. They can play a crucial role in enhancing workplace safety and preparedness, potentially reducing the impact of emergencies.
On-call firefighters are required to be available for a minimum of two nights a week, between 7pm and 7am. They must live or work within 5 minutes from the station, they will carry a pager and be ready to respond to emergencies such as house fires, road traffic collisions, and floods.
Ben Brook, Chief Fire Officer at Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “On-call firefighters are crucial to our service, providing flexibility and rapid response to emergencies. Their dedication and commitment make a significant difference in the safety and resilience of our communities”
Encouraging employees to become on-call firefighters is a strategic move that benefits employers, employees, and the community. It enhances skill development, promotes community engagement, boosts employee wellbeing, and improves emergency preparedness. Employers who support this initiative not only contribute to the safety and resilience of their community but also cultivate a more skilled and motivated workforce.
For more information about on-call firefighters, visit Warwickshire County Council's website at https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/-call-firefighters
Much to celebrate as UWSP turns 60
“As we mark yet more milestones in 2025, such as the University of Warwick’s 60th anniversary, we are well placed to help even more companies with bright ideas access great space, talent, and finances, allowing them to thrive and make meaningful contributions to the economy.”
The University of Warwick Science Park (UWSP) has seen occupancy rise over the past 12 months at the same time as supporting hundreds of businesses, a new report has revealed.
The UWSP has released its Impact Report for 2023/24, showing the positive effects its work is having on its tenants, students from the university, and the regional economy as a whole.
A celebratory event was held at its Venture Centre at the university campus to mark the report’s publication, as well as the news that the Science Park been named in the FT’s ‘Europe’s Leading Start-Up Hubs’ rankings for a second year running.
The Impact Report shows occupancy has risen by eight per cent across its sites at the University of Warwick, the Warwick Innovation Centre, the Business Innovation Centre in Binley, and Blythe Valley Innovation Centre near Solihull. Now 152 businesses call the Science Park home, with 16 of these having come through its Ignite incubator programme which gives start-ups flexible and affordable space, as well as tailored advice. The report also revealed the Science Park helped companies raise £11.2m in equity, grants and debt, allowing them to take the next step in their growth, while its many business support services reached 890 companies, helping to create 153 jobs.
Meanwhile, the FT rankings highlighted the Science Park’s position as one of the best places for start-ups to grow and de-risk their ventures. It was the only UK-based Science Park to make the list. The news follows the Science Park opening its first Ignite Business Lounge – one of a planned series of business lounges – to serve as a hub where businesses can benefit from being part of the Science Park without taking up full residence.
Mark Tock, Chief Operations Officer at the University of Warwick Science Park, said: “It’s fantastic to see the continuing impact the Science Park is having on company growth and the economy as a whole. The figures in the Impact Report for the last financial year, as well as being named in the FT rankings for a second year in a row, are testament to the hard work of all of our staff here.
“As we mark yet more milestones in 2025, such as the University of Warwick’s 60th anniversary, we are well placed to help even more companies with bright ideas access great space, talent, and finances, allowing them to thrive and make meaningful contributions to the economy.”
Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor and President of The University of Warwick, added: “The University of Warwick Science Park plays an integral role in growing innovative companies, with the extensive business support and the excellent facilities it provides. The University plays a key role in regional leadership, and this is one way in which are helping the local, regional and national economy to grow. The impact report demonstrates excellent results and is definitely worth celebrating.”
QES reveals slight increase in the potential for growth
"Employment prospects jumped in the service sector and manufacturing, indicating that there is still a strong desire to recruit among businesses across the patch."
The economic outlook in Coventry and Warwickshire improved slightly at the start of 2025 according to a new survey among firms – and that has bolstered employment prospects in the region.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s first Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) of the year showed a slight increase in the potential for growth based on a range of answers given by businesses across the city and the county.
The survey, which is delivered in partnership with Prime Accountants Group and measures sentiment among businesses, is analysed by the Business Intelligence Service at Warwickshire County Council.
From the responses of businesses across the services and manufacturing sectors, it gives scores out of 100 where anything above 50 indicates growth and anything below 50 is negative. It looks at a range of aspects of doing business in the region, including the outlook for employment, investment, confidence, and current and future orderbooks for both domestic and overseas sales.
Domestic sales in the service sector and in manufacturing both remain above the crucial 50-point mark but were, however, slightly less than three months ago. Overseas sales did, however, improve on the last survey although the service sector remains in negative territory.
Employment prospects jumped to a score of 67.7 in the service sector and the 72.7 in manufacturing indicating that there is still a strong desire to recruit among businesses across the patch. Confidence fell slightly in the service sector but was still well above 50 at 62.7 and it rose in manufacturing to 56.3. It resulted in overall economic outlook of 57.0, up from 56.3 in the final quarter of 2024.
Corin Crane, chief executive of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said the findings showed the resilience of the region but believes there is still a huge amount of uncertainty in the economy.
He said: “The businesses of Coventry and Warwickshire never cease to amaze me. The last few years have been shrouded in so much uncertainty and, yet, they still – in the main – have a positive outlook and are always looking for opportunities to grow.
“This survey was conducted at a point when we were waiting to hear what tariffs would be coming from the USA. We’ve since had the announcement and then several follow-up amendments to the original tariffs. Some businesses across our region are directly and severely affected, for others it will have a secondary effect. However, it has continued with the uncertain picture and our message to Government is to do everything it can to ease the burden on businesses and provide a stable foundation from which they can grow.”
Steve Harcourt, director of Prime Accountants Group and president of the Chamber, said: “Firms are having to factor in rising NI contributions as well as other costs of doing business and, yet, the general feeling across Coventry and Warwickshire is that companies are still looking to grow. But, with so much uncertainty around and an everchanging picture, the sentiment can change pretty quickly so it’s vitally important that companies ask for support where they need it.”
Glued co-owner gets stuck into FSB role
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has chosen Warwickshire-based Rob Harrison to lead volunteer local activity in the West Midlands.
Rob has become the FSB’s new Regional Chair for the West Midlands region which covers areas including Coventry, Warwickshire, Solihull, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Black Country and the wider West Midlands.
The FSB has just celebrated its 50th year of supporting and representing small businesses and the self-employed, and Rob sees his role as being a vital one to ensure the organisation continues to grow its business community with volunteering remaining essential to local business support.
Rob Harrison is the Consultancy Partner and co-owner of Glued Limited, a brand and marketing agency based in Warwickshire and Worcestershire.
“I’m delighted to have been appointed to this key role and want to ensure that the voice of small businesses across the West Midlands region is clearly heard," he said. "Building a business community where we can share experiences and support each other is key to my volunteer role and I look forward to meeting businesses across West Midlands whether virtually or in person.
"I’m also looking forward to working with the local staff team who have many years’ experience of business support across the West Midlands.”
In his new role, Rob will be looking to help champion and represent FSB locally and also be a key part of the new English Policy Unit team who discuss local and national issues from across England, to ensure FSB continue to be the leading business organisation representing the needs of small businesses and self-employed to national and local government.
Forum will advise on how to create the right work environment
Expert guidance on how to maximise workplace wellbeing will be at the heart of the sixth Coventry and Warwickshire Workplace Wellbeing Forum in June.
The Forum will take place on Tuesday 24th June (9.30am-12:30pm) at Eliot Park Innovation Centre, Nuneaton as part of the Coventry and Warwickshire Wellbeing for Life programme.
Representatives from businesses across the region are invited to attend the free, varied programme which will focus on mental wellbeing in the workplace and the multitude of benefits that can bring to businesses not only in terms of employee contentment, but also staff retention and productivity.
The Workplace Wellbeing Forum is delivered by Public Health teams across Warwickshire County Council and Coventry City Council and is a place for local employers to network, share best practice and access resources that will support them in developing improved wellbeing practices.
Exhibitors at the event will include Mind, Safeline, Thrive at Work, Smokefree Cov & Warks, Everyone Health, Healthy Lifestyle Service and Amparo. Speakers will include a Safeline representative, talking about their training on Preventing and Responding to Sexual Harassment in the Workplace, and Warwickshire County Council's Employability Programme Manager, Joanne Prosser, who will speak about Workwell and how employers can refer in to the free service to support their staff to remain in work and return to work.
Further speakers are in the process of being finalised. Full details of the event will be in the May edition of Warwickshire Means Business.
The forum will discuss how employers can play a crucial role in supporting the government's "Get Britain Working" plans. Eventbrite tickets are now available here. For further information, please contact josouthan@warwickshire.gov.uk
News in Brief
A round up of latest local news-in-brief...
Revenues up at video game developer but losses remain after challenging market conditions
Revenues increased at Leamington-based developer and publisher of video games Kwalee during its latest financial year, but pre-tax losses remained following a "challenging period" for the market. Kwalee is behind several prominent titles such as Draw It, Shootout 3D, Jetpack Jump, Rocket Sky!, and Bake It and Line Up: Draw the Criminal. The company was founded in 2011 by David Darling, who previously co-founded and led Codemasters. It has posted revenues of £32.2m for the year to 31 June 2024, up from £31.4m in 2023.
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/revenues-up-at-video-game-developer-but-losses-remain-after-challenging-period-for-the-market
Polestar boss on 76% sales uplift and push for more showrooms
Some 12,000 Polestars were sold in Q1 up from 6975 in the same period of 2024, with one in four were sold in the UK. There is a “renaissance of retailers” happening in the industry according to the boss of Polestar, who credits the firm’s recent increase in sales with having more physical retailers and people selling its cars. Polestar started as an online-only brand with limited physical presence but CEO Michael Lohscheller, who took the top job last October, is overseeing a roll out of a physical retail network that is doing “active selling”. Polestar plans to go from nine retailers today to 17 in the next 18 months in the UK. New showrooms in Glasgow, Sheffield and Southampton have opened in the UK in the past year. Polestar has a large R&D presence in the UK, based at Ansty Technology Park and MIRA Technology Park, near Nuneaton.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/business-car-sales/polestar-boss-76-sales-uplift-and-push-more-showrooms
Aston Martin shares fall after Trump tariff announcement
Aston Martin's shares have fallen following the announcement by President Donald Trump of 25 per cent tariffs on car imports to the US. The announcement from the US president was described by SMMT chief executive as "not surprising but, nevertheless, disappointing".
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/aston-martin-shares-fall-after-trump-tariff-announcement
University of Warwick Science Park Impact Report Reveals Significant Role Played by UWSP
The University of Warwick Science Park (UWSP) has supported the creation of more 150 jobs last year, according to its Impact Report for 2023/24. The Impact Report shows occupancy has risen by 8 per cent across its sites at the University of Warwick, the Warwick Innovation Centre, the Business Innovation Centre in Binley, and Blythe Valley Innovation Centre near Solihull. A total of 152 businesses now call the Science Park home, with 16 of these having come through its Ignite incubator programme which gives start-ups flexible and affordable space, as well as tailored advice. The report also revealed the Science Park helped companies raise £11.2m in equity, grants and debt, while its business support services reached 890 companies, helping to create 153 jobs.
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/university-of-warwick-science-park-supports-creation-of-more-than-150-jobs
CVC-backed infrastructure giant swoops for Telent
Technology infrastructure giant Telent is set to be acquired by M Group, the CVC-backed infrastructure services provider. It marks a move into the technology services market for M Group, which provides infrastructure services across water, energy, rail & aviation, highways and telecom to private and public sector organisations. Warwick-headquartered Telent, which once formed part of industrial titan Marconi, had joined PE firm JC Flowers, following a deal involving Pension Insurance Corporation.
https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/westmidlands/news/2096982-cvc-backed-infrastructure-giant-swoops-for-telent
Armstrong Group Running with the Gazelles - The Midlands’ super-growth businesses revealed
Exhall based auto supply chain company Armstrong Group identified by Insidermedia as a Top 5 Midlands Gazelles - those businesses with multi-year turnover growth. To make the list, a company has had to have shown more than 20 per cent annual growth in turnover consistently over three years, with a turnover of £1m or more, according to their results Companies House. Armstrong Group, formerly known as ABN Brightware and based on Bayton Road, now makes the aluminium chassis for the new six-cylinder Morgan, and in recent years carbon fibre components for the Rolls Royce Trent 900 engines, as well as its more traditional markets of Brightware for luxury brands like Bentley and McLaren.
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/here-are-the-gazelles-we-list-the-midlands-super-growth-businesses
Lotus to be a single company again after ownership change
Lotus will become a single company again as owner Geely merges the UK-based sports car division with the Chinese 'lifestyle' electric car division. The two have been separate since Geely spun off Lotus Technology ahead of listing it on the stock market in 2023. Now Lotus Technology will buy out Geely’s 51% share of Lotus UK in a move “that will enable the company to integrate all businesses under the Lotus brand”. Lotus Engineering has a base at the LATC Lotus Advanced Technology Centre at Wellesbourne.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/business-corporate/lotus-be-single-company-again-after-ownership-change
Revenues and profits dip Allen Ford on challenging time for the automotive market
Revenues and profits have dipped at Warwick-based car dealer which has sites across the UK and dates back to 1910, according to new documents, following a financial year in which registrations remained "substantially lower than pre-Covid levels".
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/revenues-and-profits-dip-at-historic-car-dealer-in-challenging-time-for-the-automotive-market
DPD Looks to Move Beyond HVO to Full EV as it begins road trial of electric HGV
Parcel delivery company DPD is conducting a trial of a MAN electric HGV, with the hope of rolling out heavy-duty electric trucks later this year. The MAN eTGX has a range of up to 497 miles and a charging capacity of up to 750 kW. It will be based at DPD’s Hinckley hub four before a full induction, training, and being assigned a route for operational testing. This follows when DPD converted the majority of its 1,600 HGVs to Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO) in 2023. 95 per cent of DPD’s HGV fleet is now running on HVO, reducing emissions by 83 per cent compared to https://greenfleet.net/news/08042025/dpd-begins-road-trial-electric-hgv
Warwickshire businesses support another convoy of aid for Ukraine
A team of eight drivers travelled 1,500 miles to deliver three ambulances and a Land Rover, all loaded with medical aid, and 2,000 Easter eggs to help people in the war-torn country.
https://chalmersnewspr.co.uk/eight-volunteers-from-south-warwickshire-join-latest-convoy-of-aid-to-ukraine/
Delivery giant Yodel taken over in £106m deal
Parcel delivery giant Yodel has been bought by InPost in a £106m deal. With the acquisition, InPost steps into the position of third-largest agnostic logistics player in the country. Under the terms of the transaction, InPost has snapped up 95.5 per cent of Judge Logistics Ltd share capital, parent company of Yodel Delivery Network, with PayPoint retaining a minority stake of 4.5 per cent. Yodel leases a large depot in Bedworth, on the Coventry border at Gallagher Business Park.
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/national/delivery-giant-yodel-taken-over-in-106m-deal
Rudy’s is now open in Leamington Spa
Rudy's Pizza Napoletana is now open in a new venue in Leamington Spa.
The 3,638 sq ft High Street restaurant, which has capacity for approximately 90 covers for dining and opened its doors on Saturday 5 April.
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/rudys-confirms-opening-date-for-new-leamington-spa-venue
Stratford-upon-Avon shopping mall fully let
An independent business has become the last piece of the puzzle at The Minories shopping mall in Stratford-upon-Avon, moving into the final available store. Kate Arnold opened the doors to her shop Flower Funky at The Minories on February 1, offering shoppers a selection of vintage clothes, bohemian clothes and ethical gifts to buy. Kate is the final independent trader to move in at The Minories, which is home to a host of boutique shops.
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/stratford-upon-avon-shopping-mall-fully-let
New £20m Industrial Unit Coming to Warwick, Tournament Fields
Construction has started on a £20m speculatively developed industrial and logistics unit know as Barberry Midbox 92, on the final plot of Tournament Fields, Warwick. Developer Barberry is developing a 92,246sqft industrial unit close to M40 J15, and will join other occupiers onsite including 3P Innovation, Hansgrohe, Pure Office, Sodick and Scholastic. The development is expected to reach completion in Q4 2025 and is available to lease or purchase.
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/dozens-of-jobs-move-closer-as-barberry-starts-work-on-20m-industrial-and-logistics-unit
Resilient Q1 for office market – upturn in confidence anticipated for Q2
The Big Nine regional office markets have shown resilience in the first quarter of 2025, according to data from global real estate advisor Avison Young. As seen in the firm’s upcoming Big Nine report, which charts regional office activity from nine UK cities outside London (Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and Newcastle), take-up has reached 2.1 million sq ft, in line with the 10-year quarterly average. Newcastle had the quarter’s largest deal, DWP’s 170,000 sq ft pre-let at 1 Pilgrim Place, a development with more than 400,000 sq ft of Grade A space. Auto Trader signed on for a 130,000 sq ft pre-let at 3 Circle Square, Manchester, and Network Rail has agreed to an owner-occupier deal at Princes Exchange, Leeds for 109,000 sq ft. As a result of landmark deals from DWP and Network Rail, the Government and services industry has dominated Q1 office deals, taking around a 25% share. Quarter one has also seen a strong uptick in out-of-town demand, boosted by five deals in excess of 25,000 sq ft, the highest level of quarterly take-up since Q3 2021. Manufacturing and Industry takes the largest share of out-of-town deals at 18%, with EDF signing on for 78,284 sq ft in Bristol. The demand for out-of-town space could be driven by cost efficiency, as prime city rents continue to rise, or due to demand for larger, more flexible spaces. Demand for new and refurbished space is on the rise, with occupiers seeking high quality sustainable spaces, with 48% of 2025 development completions already pre-let. The market is leaning towards ready-to-go fitted offices, with good wellness and sustainability credentials.
https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/westmidlands/news/2097031-resilient-q1-for-office-market-upturn-in-confidence-anticipated-for-q2
BDO Research Sees Midlands businesses brace for impact of Donald Trump’s tariffs
More than half of Midlands mid-market businesses have said that they expect to be directly affected 'to a significant extent' by Donald Trump's tariffs, according to new research from BDO.
The firm's survey of 500 mid-market businesses conducted between 24 March and 2 April - before the US administration’s tariff announcement - shows 54 per cent expect to be directly affected 'to a significant extent' while 46 per cent said 'to some extent'. No respondents said they would not be affected.
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/midlands-businesses-brace-for-impact-of-donald-trumps-tariffs
Jaguar Land Rover to ‘pause’ US shipments in wake of tariffs
JLR has paused shipments to the US as it works to “address the new trading terms” following the implementation of 25% import tariffs on all foreign cars. JLR's decision to pause exports may be partly accounted for by moves to export extra cars to the US before the tariffs were brought in. Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveals that automotive exports from the UK to the US increased by 34.6% year on year in February, as a result of efforts by firms to avoid the charge. Around eight million cars were imported into the US last year, approximately half the total sold in the market. The UK exported abut 100,000 cars, most of which were luxury vehicles, more resilient to price increases to the customer. The US is the British automotive industry’s biggest export market, and for JLR it is the biggest export market, having recorded big increases in sales of the Solihull-built Range Rover and the Slovakian-made Land Rover Defender. JLR previously said that it remained confident of maintaining sales because ”luxury brands have global appeal” and business is resilient, accustomed to changing market conditions.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/business/jlr-pauses-shipments-us-response-new-tariffs
McLaren to Merge with EV Skunkworks Forseven
McLaren Automotive is “about to embark on the most exciting British automotive story in decades,” thanks to a merger with an EV startup that has yet to produce a single car. Forseven, is a UAE funded, British-based company that has been ramping up over the past couple of years and now employs a team of 700, many of them based at the company offices in Warwick. The first car scheduled to be built by Forseven was to be a luxury electric SUV to be sold under a new, as-yet-un-named marque. Now, however, it seems the focus will be capitalizing on the McLaren brand instead. The company’s engineering team is based at Warwick Tachbrook Park, with a new commercial HQ under construction at Bicester. In an extensive interview with Autocar, Forseven CEO Nick Collins, who will take the reins of new firm McLaren Group Holdings, said the first action will be to turn around the McLaren Automotive business with a six-month timeframe.
https://www.hagerty.com/media/news/mclaren-to-merge-with-ev-skunkworks-forseven/