WARWICKSHIRE MEANS BUSINESS

Welcome

Welcome from Cllr Rob Howard

I am delighted to write my first welcome for WMB since joining Warwickshire County Council and becoming Portfolio Holder for Economy. I have long been aware that Warwickshire and the surrounding area has a strong and vibrant business community. Since I took on the Economy portfolio I am finding out more and more about the exceptional skills and innovation that underpin that community.
Warwickshire County Council and our partners within the county and across the region are proud to deliver the breadth of business support we do to that community and this edition of WMB includes many examples.
We bring news of a very welcome extension to the highly successful Business Ready programme, and report that Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub has been named a key partner for the UK Government’s new Business Growth Service.
We hear how a Leamington bar/restaurant is better-equipped than ever to remain at the heart of its community following support from The Skills Escalator Fund, delivered by Warwickshire Skills Hub. A Rugby estate agent tells us how the Sir Frank Whittle Business Centre in the town has proved the perfect catalyst for the business’ growth while we also report the positive impact of Project Warwickshire support on a Shipston-on-Stour wine merchant.
Excitement is building towards September 5th when our wonderful county will host the Tour of Britain and towns and villages across Warwickshire will benefit from the thousands of spectators who will come to watch some of the world’s top cyclists. Our Special Feature focus on that prestigious event.
We also take an in-depth look at the high ranking nationally that the Coventry & Warwickshire region enjoys for Foreign Direct Investment. As always, WMB brings the customary up-to-the-minute News-in-Brief and Upcoming Events sections while all the articles contain all the relevant links to available business support. Please do get in touch if we can help you.
ROB

Featured News

Hart & Co benefit from Escalator support

"It’s lovely when you see customers really enjoying what you do and the Skills Escalator funding means we can keep growing and expanding what we do.”

A Leamington business is stronger for the future and offering a broader, better service to the community after receiving support from the Skills Escalator Fund.

Louise Hart opened Hart & Co, bar and restaurant, in Bedford Street, Leamington Spa, in 2018. Then aged just 20, Louise boldly took the plunge into the competitive hospitality world. Seven years of hard work, learning and evolution later, Hart & Co is thriving – and is even better-equipped for the future after Louise and several of her staff members benefited from training funded by the Skills Escalator.

The Skills Escalator Fund is delivered by Warwickshire Skills Hub and funded by UKSPF in partnership with the county’s district and borough councils, in the case of Hart & Co, Warwick District Council.

The training for Hart & Co staff, which numbers 22 at weekends, centred on two aspects crucial to any business - product and leadership.

“The Escalator funding was a massive help in two really important ways,” said Louise. “Last year we got a new licence because when we took on this building we inherited a lot of very strict conditions. One of those is that a member of staff with a personal licence must be on site whenever we are open. Previously that was just me but three of our staff went on the necessary on-line course. That is a huge help to the running of the business. We are a lot more flexible as I can now leave somebody else in charge.

“The other training was around a core part of the service we provide – cocktails. Two of us went on a two-day course at the Bols Academy in Amsterdam where they make liqueurs to go into cocktails. It was brilliant and taught us the complete basis of cocktail making. We sat an exam at the end and got the qualification and it was just the best experience. The business funded the hotel and travel of course, and it was certainly not a jolly - we spent both evenings revising!

“We couldn’t have done it without the Escalator funding because all the courses in the UK are on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, our peak opening times. The training has really set us up to grow. We had a base of 20 cocktails but if someone came in and asked for something else we didn’t have the skill set to create it. Now we do – and can make our own syrups.”

Leamington born and bred, Louise learned her trade in her beloved home town and is now proud to be part of its vibrant small business community.

“I’m a Leamington girl!” she said.  “I worked at Pizza Hut in Leamington and learned so much there. It was one of the best jobs I ever had and I worked my away up to area manager. I went to uni and did a Masters in International Business but realised I just love the hospitality world because I love talking to people.

“I created the business around the concept of family - each cocktail is named after one of my family members, like Nanny Violet – and now we do cocktails and brunches as well as workshops like painting, flower-arranging, pottery-making and speed-dating. It’s lovely when you see customers really enjoying what you do and the Skills Escalator funding means we can keep growing and expanding what we do.”

Louise Stolz, Future Skills Business Support Advisor at Warwickshire Skills Hub, said, "It's great to see Louise and her team have been able to utilise the Skills Escalator Fund to their full advantage which will in turn help Hart & Co to continue to grow and flourish. This is exactly what the Skills Escalator Fund is for."

Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economy, Cllr Rob Howard said: “Hart & Co is a great example of a strong Warwickshire small business rooted in its community and supplying that community with jobs and skills. I am delighted that the Skills Escalator funding has proved so beneficial to Louise and her staff.”

* To find out more about how Warwickshire Skills Hub can support your business, please email skillshub@warwickshire.gov.uk and one of our Business Advisors will be in touch.

Region still among leaders for FDI

Invest Coventry and Warwickshire’s local investment strategy stood out due to the strength of its support to businesses in establishing themselves in the area, close collaboration with local partners and unique offer to inward investors.

Coventry & Warwickshire continues to be high among the most attractive destinations for international foreign direct investment (FDI) in the UK. 
According to the latest data released by the Department for Business and Trade, the city and county attracted a total of 43 foreign investment projects in the year 2024-25. 
Overall the UK saw a fall in project numbers, from 1,555 to 1,375, reflecting a challenging global investment market, but the Coventry & Warwickshire area saw an improved performance around employment with 2,818 new and safeguarded jobs, up from 2717, a 4% rise against a 4% fall for the UK overall. The area also attracted more jobs per project, with 65 per project against a national figure of 58 per project.
The latest data confirms the city and county as a leading UK destination for FDI* (foreign direct investment) and high-tech investment over the last decade. The Coventry and Warwickshire area has seen 28,249 (25,431) jobs created or safeguarded from 490 FDI projects over the last eleven years. 
Coventry & Warwickshire accounted for 33% of the 130 FDI projects landed in the West Midlands during the 2024/25 financial year, contributing to a West Midlands figure which comprised 9.4% of the UK’s total FDI wins - the largest share of all UK regions outside London. The Coventry & Warwickshire area accounted for almost half of the jobs (48%) created in the West Midlands, where overall 5,821 were created. The West Midlands was the second highest performing region for job creation, after the North West. 
Key sectors for Coventry & Warwickshire included 13 projects for automotive and future mobility, 11 digital creative and software (up from eight last year), eight e-commerce and logistics (four projects last year) and three energy related projects and two tourism projects. Altogether, the area again accounted for over 20% of UK automotive projects.   
The release of the data marks another positive landmark for the region. Earlier this year, FDI Intelligence Magazine recognised the strength of the local area, placing Coventry & Warwickshire in the top ten for two categories in its annual FDI European Cities and Regions of the Future Awards 2024. The Coventry & Warwickshire area was placed third for FDI Strategy and ninth for Economic Potential and Business Friendliness. The rankings benchmark European cities and regions according to their economic, financial, and business strengths. 
Invest Coventry and Warwickshire’s local investment strategy stood out due to the strength of its support to businesses in establishing themselves in the area, close collaboration with local partners and unique offer to inward investors. Those investors this year included Cox Automotive, LG Electronics, NMS UK Ltd and Virtuous Holdings.   
News of the region’s FDI performance follows the government’s recent publication of its Modern Industrial Strategy, where the West Midlands was explicitly mentioned due to its strong concentration of businesses and significant potential across several of the critical sectors identified in the Strategy. These include Advanced Manufacturing, Professional and Business Services, Life Sciences, Financial Services, Digital and Technologies and Clean Energy Industries
* For further information on the Coventry & Warwickshire offer, and setting up here, visit www.investcw.co.uk or email contact@investcw.co.uk    
* Data published by Department for International Trade. The UK Government assesses a company to be foreign owned if it has a 10% or more ownership from overseas.  

Business Centre "ideal" catalyst for growth

"We heard about the Sir Frank Whittle Business Centre from one of our shareholders who had used the facilities in the past and it has proved to be the perfect base."

A small business in Rugby is going from strength to strength – and growing – from the “ideal base” of the Sir Frank Whittle Business Centre.  

Ellis Brooke, created by directors Jemil Antoni and Paul Bunting, moved into the centre in September 2023, occupying a 148 sq ft small office space as a startup estate agency.
The business began with just the two directors working all hours and that graft has been rewarded by growth. They took on another staff member last year and are now in the process of recruiting another, having moved into a larger unit, 376 sq ft, this summer. 
Jemil and Paul have been in estate agency since 2007, with Paul having worked in conveyancing before then. That experience and knowledge is now paying off, both for the business and their clients in the community in and around Rugby.
“We heard about the Sir Frank Whittle Business Centre from one of our shareholders who had used the facilities in the past and it has proved to be the perfect base,” said Jemil. “The first unit that we occupied was an ideal starting point for just the two of us and now that the business has grown so quickly we are moving to a bigger unit within the centre as we are currently looking for a fourth team member to join us.
“The business centre gives us everything we need and more. There is a great sense of community, especially with certain events organised throughout the year, for example at Christmas. But on a day-to-day basis the centre has a really positive vibe. The reception team here is a huge support for us - frankly, they are vital to our day-to-day working.”
A range of office/light industrial units is available at the Sir Frank Whittle Business Centre, from 148 sq ft to 220 sq ft up to the centre’s biggest internal unit at 757 sq ft. Units are available there and at sites all across the region so please visit Warwickshire Business Centres for more details.
Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economy, Cllr Rob Howard, said: “Our business centres across the county are a big component of the business support that we provide and it is great to hear that the Sir Frank Whittle Business Centre has proved such a perfect base for Ellis Brooke.
“That is exactly what our business centres aim to do, provided a springboard for people like Jemil and Paul, with their skills and ideas and hard work, to start, establish and grow their businesses to help support local communities and strengthen the local economy.”
* Alongside industrial units, the Sir Frank Whittle Business Centre also offers serviced offices and hotdesking facilities. For more information, please email  sfwbc@warwicshire.gov.uk

Valuable insights from Teacher Encounters

Teaching staff and Careers Advisors from schools across the county received important insights into the skills need of employers today from the Teacher Encounters programme.

Between February and July this year, the Warwickshire Careers Hub (which is part of Warwickshire County Council's Employability and Skills team) organised Teacher Encounter days with six local companies - MIRA, BAM Construction, the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre, LISI Aerospace, Jaguar Land Rover and The Village Hotel. 

The visits enabled teaching staff and careers advisers/leads to get out of their school or college and go into an employer to find out about how the organisations are run, the different roles available and what young people need to do to get into the industry. 
 
Among the Teacher Encounter days was one at the Village Hotel which focused on the Hospitality sector. Those attending heard from the General Manager and Sales/Marketing team members and were given a tour of the hotel, speaking to staff about the different roles including those in the leisure centre, reception, restaurant/bar. They also heard how they hotel management is aiming to reduce their carbon footprint, and also had a quick word with the maintenance person - though he was on an urgent job so time was precious!. A couple of the attendees also had a chance to pull the perfect pint (alcohol free!). 
 
If your company would like to host a Teacher Encounter day to showcase your industry then please get in touch with the Careers Hub team - Careershub@warwickshire.gov.uk 

Business Ready programme extended

“The programme has already impacted hundreds of Warwickshire’s businesses leading to growth and new jobs, which not only has a positive impact for the business but also their employees and the wider community.”  

A highly successful business support scheme which advises Warwickshire firms with high growth potential will be able to support even more in the county after being extended for another year. 

Business Ready, an innovative business readiness support package primarily for tech-based SMEs with the characteristics and ambition for growth, has been extended until March 2026. 

The programme is delivered by the University of Warwick Science Park, on behalf of Warwickshire County Council and is funded by UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Warwickshire County Council. Responsibility for the planning and delivery of UKSPF was part of the Level 2 Devolution Deal secured by Warwickshire County Council in 2024. 

Since 2016, Business Ready has helped thousands of SMEs access targeted business support, grants, mentoring, and more, by pairing them with one of its expert business advisers. In the last 18 months, Business Ready engaged with nearly 500 individuals and companies, delivered more than 7 hours of support on average to 273 firms, with 93 of those receiving at least 12 hours of tailored mentoring.  

This success and continued funding from UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, allowed Warwickshire County Council to extend the service, allowing even more businesses to benefit. 

Ian McFarlane-Toms, Business Ready Programme Manager, said: “Having Business Ready extended once again this year by Warwickshire County Council is testament to the quality of our advisers and the hard work of our team. 

“We pride ourselves on having a range of experts who all have different specialities – whether that’s around marketing, finance, investment, technology, among others. This is what makes us unique. We have the flexibility to bring in an appropriately experienced mentor to meet the changing needs of the business as it evolves and grows.  

“We pair an appropriate adviser with a particular business depending on their needs, which ensures they receive tailored advice around how they can fulfil their potential. This approach enabled us to assist more businesses than ever before, pro-rata, in the last 18 months, and we’re confident we can continue this success over the next 12 months. 

“One of the unique and innovative features of Business Ready is that it isn't time limited in the way that other programmes are. We will carry on supporting a business along its journey, helping them to stay on course to success.   

“Our ambition in the next year is to encourage more businesses in the north of the county. Typically, most demand comes from Warwick District Council and Stratford District Council areas, but we are committed to uncover those hidden gems in North Warwickshire, Nuneaton & Bedworth and Rugby that we can help to nurture. 

“We’re really looking forward to another year of helping all sorts of businesses reach new heights through Business Ready, and we’d encourage anyone interested to get in touch.” 

Councillor Rob Howard, Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economy at Warwickshire County Council, said: “We are delighted to continue the Business Ready programme, supporting Warwickshire’s businesses. We are committed to creating a sustainable economy and the Business Ready programme allows local businesses to access dedicated and tailored support, helping them to build their skills and achieve their goals.  

“The programme has already impacted hundreds of Warwickshire’s businesses leading to growth and new jobs, which not only has a positive impact for the business but also their employees and the wider community.”  

Any business wishing to find out more should visit business-ready.co.uk 

Find out what other support is available to your business by calling Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub on 0300 060 3747. 

Heritage and innovation brought together

"It’s not just about us creating experiences - it’s about giving museums, heritage sites and visitor attractions the tools to create their own, easily and affordably."

Innovation and heritage will come together perfectly in a new project funded by the Innovate UK’s Immersive & Creative Industries Launchpad.

Local business Panivox, in collaboration with the British Motor Museum (home of the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust), has been awarded funding through the programme to support the continued development of RichCast, a ground-breaking interactive storytelling platform.

RichCast is designed to transform how audiences create, distribute, and engage with interactive rich media across all smart devices - particularly within the cultural heritage sector.  It enables users to play, create, and share immersive multimedia experiences using voice, images, video, animation, and branching narratives.

With the support from Innovate UK, Panivox will integrate powerful new capabilities including multilingual AI tools, geolocation functionality, and built-in analytics to empower cultural organisations to develop and manage their own high-quality digital experiences without the need for specialist skills or expensive equipment.

"We are thrilled to receive this funding, which allows us to accelerate RichCast’s development and support the cultural sector in new and exciting ways," said Philip Oliver, Co-Founder of Panivox. "It’s not just about us creating experiences - it’s about giving museums, heritage sites and visitor attractions the tools to create their own, easily and affordably."

As part of the project, Panivox will work closely with the British Motor Museum, which welcomed over 140,000 visitors in 2024. Together, they will produce RichCast-powered demonstrators to showcase how the platform can enhance storytelling and visitor engagement both on-site and online.

Stephen Laing, Head of Collections and Engagement at the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust, said: “We are excited to be working with Panivox on an Innovate UK-funded project that places accessibility and audience engagement at its core. RichCast offers an innovative approach to digital storytelling, giving museums like ours new ways to share stories and make collections more interactive, multilingual, and engaging for a broader audience, both on-site and online.

“This partnership allows us to explore the cutting edge of audience interaction and help shape a platform that could transform how heritage organisations connect with the public in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.”

The project will contribute to the continued growth of Coventry and Warwickshire’s creative industries cluster. CWX, the region’s cluster management organisation for immersive and creative technologies, sees this partnership as a reflection of the region’s position as a leader in this sector and highlights how scalable innovation can create pathways for local skills development, academic collaboration, and digital adoption.

Miriam Beresford, CWX project officer, said: “We are delighted to see Panivox and the British Motor Museum exemplify how Coventry and Warwickshire’s creative businesses and cultural institutions can work together to push boundaries in immersive storytelling that is rooted in our region’s rich heritage. This project highlights the commercial and cultural potential of creative technologies in Coventry and Warwickshire.”

* Innovate UK’s Immersive & Creative Industries Launchpad closed at the end of last year, having delivered around £7.5m of grant funding to this very important industry sector. The Coventry and Warwickshire programme was developed through a partnership between Innovate UK (the national innovation agency), Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority. 

EV bus roll-out promises cleaner, quieter journeys

"This significant investment by Stagecoach Midlands, supported by Warwickshire County Council and other partners, marks a pivotal moment for public transport in our region."

Stagecoach Midlands has begun work to increase its existing battery-electric bus fleet to 92 an expansion which, when complete, will mean that 45% of the operator’s vehicles in Warwickshire have moved to zero-emission.

UK built Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV double-deckers and China sourced Yutong E10 and E12 single-deckers are the vehicle types chosen for the transition, with the project representing a spend of over £46 million.

Of that sum, £28.4 million is from Stagecoach. The remainder is from the All Electric Bus City competition won by Coventry, and the second round of the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas scheme (ZEBRA 2), which provided £4.3m, and Warwick District Council through section 106 contributions. Warwickshire County Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority are the other local authorities (LAs) involved.

ZEBRA 2 expands on the success of ZEBRA 1 and supports the adoption of zero emission bus (ZEB) technology and supporting infrastructure in rural facing areas. It focuses on increasing the number of local transport authorities that introduce ZEBs, spreading the investment of ZEBs and supporting the long-term goal of transitioning the entire UK bus fleet.

Solar power has been installed at Stagecoach depots in Leamington Spa and Nuneaton in partnership with VEV, which has also provided charging infrastructure. The fleet is split across those operating centres and Rugby.

The first tranche of publicly subsidised electric bus rollout by Stagecoach Midlands began in late 2024. The second deployment will continue in phases over the summer, the operator says.

Stagecoach's Managing Director, Mark Whitelocks, said: “This investment marks a major milestone in our journey to deliver a cleaner, smarter transport network for the Midlands. By expanding our electric fleet to 92 vehicles, we are not only reducing emissions but also improving air quality for our communities and future generations.

“It is a proud moment for our team and a testament to the power of partnership between Stagecoach, LAs, and government. Together, we are delivering real change on the road to net-zero.”

Mark Ryder, Warwickshire County Council's Executive Director for Communities, said: "This significant investment by Stagecoach Midlands, supported by Warwickshire County Council and other partners, marks a pivotal moment for public transport in our region. Increasing our electric bus fleet to 92 vehicles, with 45% of the Warwickshire depot's buses now electric, demonstrates a strong commitment to reducing emissions and improving air quality for our residents. We are proud to be part of this initiative, bringing quieter, cleaner, and more accessible journeys to our communities."

Earlier this year, VEV worked with Milence to open the UK’s first dedicated truck and commercial vehicle charging facility in the Midlands at Immingham Port. The Stagecoach charging facilities at Leamington, Nuneaton and Rugby will not be in constant use by the bus fleet, so there may be opportunities for commercial vehicle operators to access the facilities during the downtime.

This new fleet of EV buses will require different skill sets in terms of vehicle maintenance and servicing. The company will be joining other businesses with Warwickshire Skills Hub at their next Future Skills Round Table covering the Auto Retail & Aftercare on Thursday, 18th September to share their experience and challenges of reskilling their workforce. 

  • For more information on the Future Skills Fund, and to express interest in joining the round table on September 18th contact Louise Stolz on LouiseStolz@warwickshire.gov.uk
  • To discuss potential opportunities to access the commercial vehicle and bus charging facilities at Leamington/ Nuneaton/ Rugby, contact Marvin Smith at Stagecoach Midlands: marvin.smith@stagecoach.com

Business Growth Service launched

Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub has been named a key partner for the UK Government’s new Business Growth Service. 

The Growth Hub, supported by Warwickshire County Council and Coventry City Council, will work in partnership with the UK Government's Department for Business and Trade (DBT) on the new service, designed to help businesses find the support they need to start, grow and succeed.

The Business Growth Service helps businesses to access free, expert and impartial advice, including vital local support, through Growth Hubs across England. It will address feedback from businesses nationally that navigating business support can be difficult. Coventry & Warwickshire Growth Hub recently commissioned a survey amongst their clients in Warwickshire who shared the success from a range of support they have been able to connect with through the Growth Hub. 

Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economy & Skills, Cllr Rob Howard, said: “Warwickshire County Council, with the Department of Business and Trade, is proud to be among the main funders of the Coventry & Warwickshire Growth Hub. Many businesses throughout the region, their employees and the communities they serve, have benefited from, and been strengthened by, support from the Growth Hub and the new Business Growth Service will make it even easier and simpler for more businesses to access support.

“I would encourage any and all businesses to reach out to the Growth Hub for advice and guidance about access to the range of support offered by our partners across the region.”

Craig Humphrey, Chief Executive of Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub said: “We are thrilled to partner with the Business Growth Service and excited at the prospect of more seamless access to both local and national support for Coventry and Warwickshire businesses.

“This collaboration will help businesses find the right support when they need it most and we will continue to provide personalised support to local businesses, while being able to connect them with wider government resources through the new integrated system of the Business Growth Service.”

Meanwhile, Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub has been identified in a new report as a standout model for delivering high-impact business support. The independent evaluation, commissioned by the Growth Hub and carried out by the Enterprise Research Centre (ERC) at Warwick Business School, found that businesses supported through its account management system had seen significant boosts in jobs, revenue and productivity between 2020 and 2023. 

The study included a roundtable of local businesses, who discussed how Growth Hub account managers helped them access the right support at the right time from grants and skills development to expanding their premises and buying new equipment. Key outcomes included 15% growth in employment, 13% rise in revenue and a 29% jump in productivity. 

Professor Mark Hart, who led the research, described the Growth Hub’s hands-on approach as a vital lifeline in today’s fragmented business support environment. 

“Business leaders praised the Growth Hub’s account managers for showing a deep understanding of their companies and getting to know them as people,” he said. 

“Many said the growth they experienced wouldn’t have happened, or at least not at the same pace, without their support. The Coventry and Warwickshire model is one that deserves to be replicated nationally. 

“We undertook this evaluation with academic rigour and real-world business input, and the results speak for themselves. This is evidence of what works when it comes to SME support, it is focused, and establishes long-term relationships that are built on trust and local knowledge. 

“In an environment where public funding and national provision are increasingly changing, this kind of account-managed system offers a stable, responsive platform for growth. It’s not just effective, it’s essential.” 

 

Vintage support for wine merchant

“The advice through Project Warwickshire was brilliant and helped me understand the process of running a hospitality business."

A historic wine merchant which dates back to 1842 is toasting its future after gaining expert advice to improve its energy efficiency and reach new customers in its rural setting.  

Sheldon’s Wine Cellars was opened as a wine shop in the 19th century by Richard Badger at its current location at New Street in Shipston-on-Stour, and after being passed down through generations of the family and bought by another business, current owner Shane Slater took it over seven years ago. 

The original and extensive cellars are now open to the public, with tours taking place once a month at the venue, which stocks wines from every corner of the globe, along with spirits and made-to-order cocktails. 

Shane met with Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub Account Manager, Nina Bale, and she referred him to several business support programmes including the Warwickshire Business Energy Advice Service (WBEAS) and Project Warwickshire. 

The pilot BEAS programme is being run in the West Midlands through the West Midlands Combined Authority with Warwickshire County Council being allocated £1.25 million, with further funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

Project Warwickshire is being delivered by Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce on behalf of Warwickshire County Council to provide a free package of business support to leisure, hospitality and tourism firms. 

Shane was visited by Carl Britton from Coventry City Council to carry out an energy audit to help the business reduce its energy bills and received advice through Project Warwickshire about possibly setting up a café. 

Shane said: “When we took over my vision was to create a destination wine shop for discerning wine lovers which we have achieved by re-stocking the shop, opening up the cellars and providing quality advice.  All the members of staff, including our accountant, are accredited through the Wine & Spirit Education Trust which globally recognises that we have the ability to deal with customers in a meaningful way. 

“I met with Nina and she helpfully spent some time here to understand our business before giving me some insightful guidance and connecting me to the WBEAS and Project Warwickshire support. 

“This is a historic building with very little protection against the elements which means we sometimes go to the cellar to keep warm in the winter! Carl helped me understand the energy footprint of the building since the loft insultation is an issue. We need the premises to be at a certain temperature because of the wine and some of the windows are single-glazed. Thanks to Carl, we now know that there are grants available which we haven’t used as yet. 

“The advice through Project Warwickshire was brilliant and helped me understand the process of running a hospitality business. We have decided to continue tidying up the space and use it for our occasional events rather than put ourselves under undue risk as a full-time café venture at this stage. The advice and knowledge was invaluable in making the right decisions at this moment in time. 

“Our focus is on running monthly tasting events and providing great advice. We take as much pleasure in finding somebody a great bottle of wine for £12 that they haven’t experienced before and loving it as we do selling a bottle for £200 because of the impact it can have.” 

Councillor George Finch, Leader of Warwickshire County Council, said: “The Business Growth Warwickshire programme supports Warwickshire’s businesses to access tailored funding and support. It’s great to see how the advice provided has created opportunities for Sheldon’s Wine Cellar to create improvements within their business.”  

Nina Bale, Account Manager at Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, said targeted business support is really important however long a company has been in operation. 

“Stepping back and looking at the overall picture of a business in the short, medium and long term is really important to help owners select the best options for their company, which is having increasing relevance in the current economic climate,” she said. 

“At the Growth Hub we realise the importance of targeted business support to help stimulate growth and resilience and the support we have provided to Shane has also served as a catalyst for wider engagement with the rural business community in Shipston-on-Stour and the surrounding area.” 

Warwickshire County Councillor Jo Barker, who also represents the Shipston-on-Stour ward, added: "I am so pleased that Sheldon's has been able to access support via WCC and the Growth Hub.  As well as being a County Councillor, I run a business myself, so I know how much any support is worth. Shipston is incredibly lucky to have so many great local businesses – working together on events like Celebrating Shipston – where local food and drink suppliers (Turners, Richardson Hills, Taste of the Country and Sheldon's) have got together to put on a showcase of their produce at the Bower House. Cheers Shane et al!" 

* WBEAS was launched as part of the £4.6 million Business Growth Warwickshire Programme developed and commissioned jointly by Warwickshire County Council and the five district and borough councils in the county, with funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the County Council. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is funding an expansion to the service as part of the West Midlands Combined Authority-led pilot. 

* The Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS) is a pilot scheme led by the Mayor of the West Midlands, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ). It is providing businesses across the West Midlands with free energy audits and match funding to cut their energy usage and bills. Warwickshire County Council (WCC) is the lead delivery partner for the Warwickshire area with further funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Coventry City Council has been appointed by WCC to deliver the energy audits.   

Automotive industry looks to future

Local Automotive & Future Mobility trade shows and conferences provide excellent opportunity to engage with industry

The autumn round of automotive trade shows and conferences begins in earnest next month as the UK automotive showcase CENEX Expo 2025 attracts delegates from across the UK and overseas.

This major event is one of several that take place in autumn each year. CENEX runs from September 3rd-4th and attracts automotive and future mobility technology companies from across the UK and overseas. It is followed a week later by the Faraday International Conference at the University of Warwick main campus (September 9th-11th); Cycling Industry Live at NAEC Stoneleigh (September 14th-15th); Micromobility UK 2025 at The Occulus, University of Warwick (September 19th); and the Engineering Design Show at the CBS Arena, Coventry (October 8th-9th).

The key themes of CENEX expo are around vehicle decarbonisation and connected automated mobility for all kinds of vehicles. As well as the technology exhibition, the expo offers an extensive seminar programme with a range of speakers from government and industry, together with a wide-ranging showcase of innovative R&D from leading automotive technology companies and universities.

The event hosts major vehicle brands like BMW, Ford, Rheinmetall, Toyota, together with technology firms like AVL, Bosch, McMurty Automotive, Randle Engineering, and HORBA-MIRA, and local universities including WMG at the University of Warwick and Coventry University. Invest Coventry & Warwickshire will be there again this year to support and promote the local supply chain and seek to attract investment into the sector from existing brands as well as those new to the UK and the Midlands.

A key focus will be opportunities to promote the Coventry & Warwick Giga Park Investment Zone, including the anchor battery cell manufacturing site Green Power Park, and MIRA Technology Park, South Site. The Investment Zone on the edge of Coventry brings with it a range of incentives to support the set up of new R&D and manufacturing facilities at scale, such as business rates and national and insurance holidays.

Manufacturing, and in particular vehicle design, engineering, test and manufacturing, continues to be a major employer in the city and county and the wider West
Midlands.
The show takes place following the launch of the UK Industrial Strategy and the package of support for UK automotive, called DRIVE 35 and delivered by the
Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC). Together with funding opportunities from the Horizon programme, there is significant funding available for companies in vehicle design, engineering and manufacturing, and CENEX is a great opportunity to understand these opportunities better.

More information on CENEX Expo, including how to register as a delegate, can be found here.  If you’re at CENEX over the two days September 4th and 5th, and want to find out more about support for future mobility and automotive businesses in Warwickshire and Coventry, come and speak to us on stand C3-219. Invest Coventry & Warwickshire is here to help with soft-landing support for setting up in the local area.

Invest Coventry & Warwickshire will also be exhibiting in October at the Engineering Design Show at the CBS Arena, Coventry. Visit us there on stand D51.
For more information on the DRIVE 35 funding for automotive, visit the APC site

https://www.apcuk.co.uk/funding/
and watch this video introduction.

For more information on Horizon Europe funding - Cluster 5: Climate, Energy and Mobility. which covers the automotive sector, visit:
https://www.ukro.ac.uk/news/ncp-guide-finding-the-right-consortium-partners-for-

horizon-europe-projects/

Grants will strengthen rural communities

“The Rural England Prosperity Fund is a great opportunity to support local rural businesses and to strengthen rural communities for the long term."

Rural businesses in Stratford-on-Avon District and North Warwickshire Borough can access support from the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) to help fund capital projects.

Warwickshire County Council has secured funding from the REPF which can be used on projects around farm diversification and also support businesses in the visitor economy and local arts, cultural heritage and creative sectors, as well as food & drink businesses, helping to provide alternative income sources and develop the rural economy. 

Open now, the REPF will fund capital projects for micro and small businesses in rural areas, helping to improve productivity and strengthen the rural economy with a total of £200,000 worth of business grants available. Businesses can apply for grants between £2,500 - £25,000 for up to 40% of the total project cost.  

The scheme is now open for applications and the application window will close at 23.59 on 15 September 2025.  All projects must be financially completed and claimed in full by 31 March 2026.  

Councillor Rob Howard, Portfolio Holder for Economy at Warwickshire County Council, said: “The Rural England Prosperity Fund is a great opportunity to support local rural businesses and to strengthen rural communities for the long term. The Fund is available to rural businesses helping them to diversify, modernise their operations, make improvements to their business and generate alternative sources of income. Applications can made until mid-September so I’d encourage interested businesses to get in touch and apply today.” 

To request an application form, please complete this form.  

To find our more, visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/repf  

Guidance for applicants is available here.  

The grant scheme is funded by the Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund via Warwickshire County Council. 

There is also a small allocation of REPF funding to support communities & place projects in North Warwickshire and Stratford District. More information will be published on WCC’s REPF pages shortly. 

The REPF business grants are part of a wider package of finance and grants funded or managed by Warwickshire County Council including small business loans as part of the Warwickshire Investment Fund, the BEAS energy efficiency grants and WCC’s small capital grants programme. For more information, visit: Finance, loans and grants – Warwickshire County Counci

WCC’s small capital programme – which supports a wider range of sectors and businesses across all areas of the county – will be opening for applications next month. 

Best Bar None scheme is open

“The Best Bar None scheme is all about supporting Warwickshire’s night-time economy and celebrating the people who work so hard to ensure customers have a great experience."

Hospitality venues across Nuneaton and Bedworth borough, Stratford-on-Avon district, and Warwick district are now invited to register for the nationally recognised Best Bar None scheme.

The initiative has been designed to raise standards, enhance safety, and celebrate excellence in licensed premises.

Supported by the Home Office and the hospitality industry, Best Bar None promotes responsible management and safer environments in pubs, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. In Warwickshire, the scheme is being used to strengthen community safety and improve customer experience.

Businesses that pursue Best Bar None accreditation demonstrate a strong commitment to safety, staff training, customer wellbeing, and operational excellence.

Whether you run a pub, bar, restaurant, or nightclub, this is your opportunity to showcase your dedication to high standards and responsible business practices.

Why join Best Bar None?

Accredited venues benefit from:

  • A free professional assessment and tailored feedback report
  • Improved safety for customers and staff
  • Access to free resources to enhance operations
  • National recognition for maintaining high standards
  • Strengthened partnerships with local authorities and police
  • Eligibility for a prestigious awards evening event

What does accreditation involve?

To achieve Best Bar None status, venues must demonstrate excellence in:

  • Venue management
  • Staff training and welfare
  • Customer safety and wellbeing
  • Customer service and community engagement

Accredited venues can display their Best Bar None certificate and window sticker, giving customers confidence that they’re entering a safe, well-managed, and welcoming environment.

The Warwick district Best Bar None pilot scheme, run by Warwickshire County Council in conjunction with Warwick District Council and the Warwickshire Retail Crime Initiative, saw several venues receive accreditation for the 2025 Awards.

The scheme is new to Nuneaton and Bedworth borough and Stratford-on-Avon district, and it is hoped that there will be enthusiasm for it from business owners in these parts of the county.

Cllr Dale Bridgewater, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Chair of the Safer Warwickshire Partnership Board, said: “The Best Bar None scheme is all about supporting Warwickshire’s night-time economy and celebrating the people who work so hard to ensure customers have a great experience. We want to recognise and reward the very best venues when it comes to safety, training, management, and customer service, and it is fantastic that we are now opening this up to businesses in Nuneaton and Bedworth borough and Stratford-on-Avon district following a successful pilot scheme in Warwick district last year.

“If you run a hospitality business, joining the scheme will help get national recognition for your hardworking staff and for your personal commitment to raising standards, whether you run a pub, bar or other venue.”

The scheme is part of a wider multi-agency effort to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, address serious violence, and make Warwickshire a safer, healthier, and more enjoyable place to live, work, and visit. It is supported by the Safer Warwickshire Partnership, the voluntary sector, and local businesses.

Registration is open until 30th September 2025.

Businesses can find out more and apply via the website: https://safeinwarwickshire.com/crime-anti-social-behaviour/warwickshire-best-bar-none.

Young people enjoy WCC work experience

"Each day was different but relevant, which made the whole experience even more exciting."

Over 120 young people have completed work experience placements with Warwickshire County Council, gaining meaningful insights into working life and developing essential skills for the future. 

Students from Year 10 and Year 12, as well as some from colleges and universities, have been welcomed across a range of council services. Their placements were tailored to reflect their interests and aspirations, offering hands-on experience in areas such as Libraries, Country Parks, Highways, Legal Services, Business Intelligence, and Marketing and Communications, among others.  

This work opportunity meets the county’s Child Friendly Warwickshire commitment to help young people to be skilled, safe, heard, healthy and happy— by promoting the development of life and employability skills, and preparing young people for further education, training, and the world of work.  

Sophie, a Year 12 student who completed a placement with the council’s Marketing and Communications Team, said: “I spent a week working within the Marketing and Communications team as part of my Year 12 work experience. Being in team meetings gave me a much better understanding of the breadth of the council's work and the roles within the department. I was also encouraged to share my own opinions and ideas on how the council could engage more effectively with a younger audience.  

“I had the opportunity to take part in a variety of tasks — from writing media reports to designing a social media post — all of which helped me develop valuable skills I can use in future university or job applications.  

“I really appreciated the time and consideration that went into making the placement relevant to my personal interests and the subjects I’m studying at school. I’m so glad I chose to do my work experience with Warwickshire County Council - I truly couldn’t have asked for a better week.” 

Mia, another young person who recently completed her work experience with the council’s Economy and Skills team, said: "I’ve been able to immerse myself in the world of work while learning a variety of new skills. What I enjoyed most was hearing about the staff’s career journeys and how they got to where they are today. They helped me understand not only their current roles but also the many different paths that can lead there - something that isn’t always made clear to us at school, where the focus is often just on university degrees. 

“The week definitely exceeded my expectations. I was keen to learn how an office environment works, but I also got to experience an event the team organised, which was a great bonus. Each day was different but relevant, which made the whole experience even more exciting." 

Warwickshire County Councillor George Finch, Leader and Portfolio Holder for Children and Families, added: “These opportunities help young people experience work, gain new skills, and explore future career paths. Supporting children and young people to prepare for the future is a priority for the council and I’m proud of the number of young people we’ve supported this year.   

“I would encourage Warwickshire employers to consider how they can offer similar experiences — whether through placements, mentoring, or apprenticeships.” 

Students interested in a work experience placement can email their interests and aspirations to wccworkexperience@warwickshire.gov.uk. 

Along with work experience, Warwickshire County Council as part of its Early Careers offer, provides a wide range of apprenticeship opportunities across many of its service areas - offering more career options than many other employers. Apprenticeship pathways are available in fields such as social care, civil engineering, accountancy, ICT, data analysis, customer service, classroom support, vehicle maintenance, project management, and many others. Apprenticeships are offered at all levels, including higher and degree-level programs, in partnership with leading training providers.  

To learn more about current apprenticeship opportunities, visit the Warwickshire County Council apprenticeships pages.  

The council’s Set for the Future campaign, which sits under Child Friendly Warwickshire, offers additional resources to support young people’s development. It addresses key areas such as exam preparation, mental wellbeing, skill building, and post-16 options, ensuring every young person in Warwickshire has the tools and confidence to succeed. It also builds on the successful Sorted for School initiative, which continues to provide vital information on school admissions, health advice, and family support. 

To find out more about the Set for the Future campaign and how Warwickshire County Council is supporting young people to thrive, visit the Child Friendly Warwickshire website and subscribe to the newsletter for the latest stories and updates.  

Long-term lease for Veterans Contact Point

"Securing this long-term lease supports Veterans Contact Point to continue its brilliant work, providing stability and security for the future."

A Warwickshire military charity has secured a new 20-year lease on its headquarters in Nuneaton that will continue to be a safe and open space for veterans in the region. 

Veterans Contact Point supports people who have served in any of the UK Armed Forces and live in the Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire area. 

The charity has agreed a new long-term lease on its headquarters on Bentley Road in Nuneaton with Warwickshire County Council, through its managing agent Warwickshire Property Management Ltd (WPM). 

The military charity, which is supported by 12 volunteers and employs three former veterans in full-time positions, was granted a new lease, with continued support from the County Council for the much-needed charity. This will enable the charity to focus on investing in its services and support for the 250-plus veterans it supports directly and indirectly annually. 

Veterans Contact Point formed in 2009 as a volunteer support group and became a military charity in 2012. It was one of the first community charities of its type and now has branches in Nuneaton, Atherstone, Dordon and Warwick. Its headquarters has been at The Horsa Building on Bentley Road since 2013 and will remain there until at least 2042. The charity receives no core government funding and relies on public donations, project funding and grant funding. 

Len Hardy, CEO of Veterans Contact Point and one of its founders, spent 25 years in the armed forces.  

He said: “From our headquarters in Nuneaton we provide one-to-one support, delivered by people who have been in similar situations. We never turn anybody away. The price of a cup of tea might save a life, it’s as simple as that.  

“Being supported by the County Council is hugely important for us. Once we cover our running costs, the rest of our funding and donations can go directly to supporting the armed forces community. This allows us to plan better interventions, increase our involvement in the local community and it gives us the security to plan for the future.” 

Jeff Worthington left the army in 1997 and came to Veterans Contact Point looking for help in 2020. He has now worked for the charity for more than four years helping other veterans in need. 

 “We have a lot of veterans walking through the doors looking for help who have nowhere else to go, and without this building we wouldn’t be able to give them that opportunity,” he said. “There is a great emphasis here on being approachable and easy to access. Whether you visit our centre or give us a ring, you will be speaking to someone who has been in similar circumstance themselves.”  

WPM is part of Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG), which manages the Warwickshire County Council leased portfolio. 

Chris John, Assistant Development Manager at WPDG, said: “Veterans Contact Point provides vital and personal support to those who have served our country when they need it the most. It has been fantastic to be involved in securing their long-term home, which will enable them to focus on continuing to deliver their invaluable services for people in Nuneaton and throughout Warwickshire.” 

Cllr Stephen Shaw, Warwickshire County Council Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property said: “Securing this long-term lease supports Veterans Contact Point to continue its brilliant work, providing stability and security for the future.  As a partner in the Armed Forces Community Covenant we recognise the sacrifices and obligations made by the Armed Forces and their families and we support efforts to reduce or remove any disadvantages they may face in serving their country.”  

To find out more about Veterans Contact Point visit www.veteranscontactpoint.org.uk  

Tackling domestic abuse in the workplace

Domestic Abuse in the workplace training is now available to those that live or work within Warwickshire, for both employers and employees. 

Training dates and times are: 

  • Wednesday 5th November 2025 at 12:00-13:15 via Microsoft Teams 
  • Tuesday 24th February 2026 at 12:00-13:15 via Microsoft Teams 

The “Lunch and Learn” sessions provide essential domestic abuse education, for all employees. Delivered virtually, these sessions offer valuable insights and resources to help understand and address domestic abuse effectively. 

The session is hosted by Sharon, who in 2015, came dangerously close to becoming part of a harrowing statistic: on average, one woman loses her life every five days at the hands of a perpetrator. Sharon’s mission is to educate businesses across the UK on what domestic abuse truly is, the crucial role they can play in supporting affected employees, and the life-saving difference a workplace can make. Her goal is to ensure every organisation has a robust Domestic Abuse Policy in place, offering protection, guidance, and a culture of care. 

For Sharon, work was the only place that offered any sense of safety. Research shows that up to 75% of employed victims are harassed by their abuser during work hours. 

The session typically lasts one hour, including time for Q&A. Lived experience examples are woven throughout the course, bringing it to life. The session focuses on the 3R’s - how to Recognise, Respond, and Refer victim/survivors to support services and is inclusive of all genders, cultures and backgrounds, recognising that domestic abuse does not discriminate. 

To book – please email datraining@warwickshire.gov.uk 

Networks for Employers 

Employers Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA) - A free-to-join members' network of employers, the Employers' Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA) supports over 1,900 large and small businesses, collectively comprising over 25% of the UK workforce, to take effective action on domestic abuse. 

Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant (EDAC) - The Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant is a pledge by businesses to support women affected by abuse to enter or re-enter the workplace. 

----------------------------------------- 

Get Support 

Refuge is Warwickshire's Domestic Violence and Abuse Accommodation and Support (WDVA) service - If you are experiencing domestic abuse in Warwickshire, Refuge’s domestic violence and abuse service can support you and your children to keep safe. Refuge is a county-wide service that provides support to women, men and children experiencing domestic abuse in Warwickshire. 

Warwickshire’s Domestic Violence and Abuse Service Helpline – 0800 408 1552 (Mon – Fri 08:30 – 20:30) 

You can also contact Warwickshire’s Domestic Violence and Abuse Service via email - DVSW@refuge.org.uk or visit Talk2Someone Warwickshire. 

Refuge website: https://refuge.org.uk/i-need-help-now/refuge-domestic-violence-service-warwickshire/ 

Special Feature

Cyclists to deliver big economic boost

"We want this event to write a new chapter in the story of Warwickshire and to spotlight parts of the count that might not be as well known to people from other parts of the UK, and indeed the world.” 

Towns and villages across Warwickshire will enjoy a major visitor economy next month boost thanks to the return of the Tour of Britain. 

The UK’s biggest road cycling race will return to Warwickshire for a third time, with the county set to host stage four on Friday, September 5. 

The Warwickshire leg will start in Atherstone town centre and work its way through each of the county’s five districts and boroughs before culminating in dramatic fashion with three 700-metre climbs at Burton Dassett Hills Country Park. At 120 miles, the Warwickshire route will be the longest of all the event’s six stages. 

Tourism bosses say the event will celebrate Warwickshire’s varied and beautiful countryside and help to position the county as the perfect place to visit, cycle and stay. 

Warwickshire County Council Leader Councillor George Finch said: “Having the Tour of Britain, the UK’s leading cycling event, return to Warwickshire really is a massive coup and will help to put the county back on the map as a top tier visitor and cycling destination. What a thrill to see some of the world’s finest riders race through Warwickshire’s stunning countryside, showcasing the county’s intriguing history, heritage and many points of interest along the way. 

“Warwickshire is famed internationally for its medieval castles, picturesque market towns and for being the birthplace of celebrated authors William Shakespeare and George Eliot. We want this event to write a new chapter in the story of Warwickshire and to spotlight parts of the count that might not be as well known to people from other parts of the UK, and indeed the world.” 

Councillor Finch added: “We want the Tour of Britain to engage with an audience outside of Warwickshire and really build the Visit Warwickshire brand. We also hope the event will be embraced and supported by local people, helping to promote active travel within our communities and inspire future generations of cyclists.” 

The Tour will start in Suffolk, for the first time since 2012, on Tuesday, September 2, and conclude five days later in Cardiff, in homage to former Tour de France winner and two-time Olympic champion Geraint Thomas. The 39-year-old Welshman, one of few riders in the modern era to achieve elite success as both a track and road rider, has announced he will retire after the race. 

The Warwickshire stage will travel past a succession of beauty spots and landmarks as it meanders through the county, from north to south. 

Darren Tosh, Operations and Marketing Director at Warwickshire’s tourist board Shakespeare’s England, said: “The Tour of Britain is a powerful reminder of the stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage that we have across the whole county – from Hartshill Hayes Country Park and Shustoke Reservoir in the north, to Compton Verney and Burton Dassett Hills Country Park in the south – so it’s no surprise to see it return for a third time. 

“And while hosting such a prestigious event will provide an added boost to tourism businesses, the legacy of the Tour’s visit here will extend well beyond the finish line as it has so much potential to inspire others to explore our beautiful county by bike, while supporting our long-term commitment to encouraging sustainable travel.” 

For all the latest information on the route, timings and how to get involved, please refer to https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/cycletour

Prepare your business for the big day

With just a week or so to go, excitement is building for Warwickshire’s starring role in Stage Four of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men on Friday 5 September 2025. 

As we shared last month, the race will begin in Atherstone and finish at the iconic Burton Dassett Hills Country Park, travelling through all five districts and boroughs along the way. This is a huge opportunity for Warwickshire – attracting visitors, showcasing our county on national TV, and providing a boost for local retail, hospitality and tourism businesses. 

What you need to know  

To ensure the safety of riders and spectators, there will be some unavoidable disruption: 

  • Rolling road closures will be in place along most of the 116-mile route. Roads will typically be closed for around 15 minutes whilst the cyclists pass through. 
  • Fixed road closures will be in place at the start in Atherstone and at the finish in Burton Dassett Hills Country Park for a longer period of time. 
  • Parking restrictions will apply in certain areas along the route to keep roads clear. Please check local signage and plan ahead. 

Full details, including maps, timings and live updates, are available on the Warwickshire County Council website: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/cycletour 

Preparing your business 

With increased visitors expected, now is the time to plan ahead: 

  • Make staff and customers aware of likely road closures and travel times. 
  • Think about delivery schedules and access to your premises. 
  • Consider how your business might take advantage of the extra footfall, whether through special offers, extended opening hours or themed displays. 
  • If you are sharing any photos of the event or celebration online, please use the hashtag #VisitWarwickshire and we’ll reshare where we can. 

Keep the momentum going 

The Tour is not just a one-day event – it’s also a great chance to encourage healthier, more active travel within your organisation. Explore resources like Love to Ride and our Workplace Active Travel programme for practical ways to make cycling part of everyday life: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/workplaceactivetravel 

Ned Boulting to talk in Atherstone

"This event will be a wonderful prelude to the high-speed action and drama that will unfold on Warwickshire’s roads just a few hours later."

TV presenter and author Ned Boulting will take cycling fans on a thrilling ride through his career in the sport in an interactive celebration of the Lloyds Tour of Britain’s return to Warwickshire.

Routes to Cycling: An evening with Ned Boulting will be held on Thursday 4 September, at the Red Lion Hotel in Atherstone, just a short distance from where stage four of the Tour will get underway the next morning.

Ned will be joining the event straight after the finish of Stage Three and ahead of his appearance at the finish of Stage Four, at Burton Dassett Hills Country Park. He will talk about his passion for the sport and reflect on some of his most cherished memories as a broadcast journalist. He will also reflect on the exciting cycling opportunity of the Warwickshire route ahead.

Synonymous with ITV’s coverage of cycling over the past 20 years, Ned will be sharing his insight and passion for the sport with a small audience. The evening will include an opportunity for questions and answers as well as an autograph/book signing and photo session to round off the night.#

A limited number of tickets will be available for the event, which will run from 6pm to 8.30pm. Tickets cost £10 (plus booking fee) and can be bought at Routes to Cycling: An evening with Ned Boulting Tickets, Thu, Sep 4, 2025 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite

The event, hosted by Warwickshire County Council, provides a further reason for fans to spend time in Atherstone as part of the race celebrations, building the sense of anticipation in the town.

Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economy, Councillor Rob Howard, said: “We’re delighted Ned Boulting will be joining us on the eve of what is such a major event for the town of Atherstone and the county. This event will be a wonderful prelude to the high-speed action and drama that will unfold on Warwickshire’s roads just a few hours later.

“We hope the event will draw in local cycling fans and those flocking to the county from afar for the Lloyds Tour of Britain, which arrives to Warwickshire the very next day. Not only is cycling great exercise and a brilliant way of socialising and meeting new friends, but it’s also very much an important asset in our attractive tourism offering.

“We’re confident the Tour will reinforce this by showcasing our world-famous landmarks, welcoming market towns and stunning countryside, with a view to encouraging more people to choose Warwickshire when planning their next cycling trip.”

Great rides around Warwickshire

“Warwickshire is a fantastic place to explore via bike, with scenic routes, varied landscapes, and points of fascinating history and heritage to discover." 

For visitors and residents inspired to get on their bikes by the Warwickshire stage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men’s race, Visit Warwickshire is launching Great Rides, an online resource which highlights some of the best cycling routes around the county. 

Warwickshire offers a rich and varied experience that blends world-renowned heritage with hidden local treasures. These include incredible spaces for outdoor leisure and fitness, including municipal parks and gardens, Warwickshire Country Parks, waterways, nature reserves and miles of cycling routes, both on and off road. 

In celebration of the Lloyds Tour of Britain (ToB), Visit Warwickshire has launched Great Rides, an online resource which lists just some of the cycling routes the county offers, introducing Warwickshire’s towns and inspiration for leisure cycling to residents and visitors alike. 

Great Rides will enable enthusiasts to follow the drama of the race and showcases Warwickshire’s year-round offer for cyclists. The Leisure Cycling section lists some of the best-known biking journeys in Warwickshire, including National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 5 and NCN Route 41. There is also a section on accessible off-road routes available at Warwickshire’s country parks and greenways. 

Great Rides offers a carefully curated collection of route suggestions complete with maps, trail descriptions and points of interest along the way. 

Warwickshire welcomes the return of the ToB on 5 September on the back of the county’s success as a cycle tour host, with multiple professional cycling events being held over the past 10 years including The Commonwealth Games Road Race 2022. The event will leave Atherstone town centre and take in the varying landscapes of Warwickshire including Arden, Cotswold and Feldon. 

Exhilaration will build in anticipation of the "King of the Mountain"; the accolade given to the rider who accumulates the most points in the climb section of the stage, where Warwickshire’s landscapes will provide a stunning, natural backdrop.  

At 116.2 miles, the Warwickshire stage is the longest on this year’s ToB circuit and will pose the riders all manner of challenges along the way with climbs including Sun Rising Hill and ascents within Burton Dassett Hills Country Park. 

Councillor Mike Bannister, Portfolio Holder for Customer & Localities at Warwickshire County Council, said: “Warwickshire is a fantastic place to explore via bike, with scenic routes, varied landscapes, and points of fascinating history and heritage to discover. I hope that hosting this iconic cycling event will inspire more people to enjoy the county on two wheels, and the new Great Rides resource is a brilliant place to start.” 

 * For more information about Great Rides, visit Great rides – Visit Warwickshire 

Country park primed for more visitors

Two men who work to preserve and improve a country park in Warwickshire are hoping that a piece of international spotlight will attract a new wave of visitors to the site. 

The Tour of Britain cycle race comes to Warwickshire next month, when some of the world’s leading riders – including former Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas and reigning Olympic road race champion Remco Evenepoel – will pedal from Atherstone in the north of the county to Burton Dassett in the south. 

The riders will finish the fourth stage, the longest on the Tour at 120 miles, atop Burton Dassett Hills Country Park where hundreds of spectators will see them complete three laps of the climb. 

Burton Dassett boasts 100 acres of rolling hills with superb views across Warwickshire and neighbouring counties and was opened as a country park in 1971. 

Bob Graham, a former UN Explosive Safety Trainer & Adviser, has been a caretaker at the park for three years while Phil Sayer has been Warwickshire County Council’s assistant ranger at Burton Dassett for a decade. Both Bob and Phil hope live television coverage of the race will trigger a new wave of visitors both local and from afar. 

Bob, who lives in the village of Northend, at the foot of the Park, said: “It’s great that so many people will get to see the beauty of Burton Dassett when the TV cameras arrive for the race and I hope it encourages many more people to visit. 

“It’s my job to pick up litter, empty the bins and clean the toilets. Anything to make sure the hills look their best. What better motivation than to have a major event like the Tour of Britain on its way. I used to take my kids up the hills on our mountain bikes because it’s always been such a lovely and safe environment. We still get lots of cyclists now. The hills are a challenge for most cyclists, but I try to gee them up by saying ‘you’re nearly there, you can do it!’” 

Phil’s main tasks are planting and grass clipping and like Bob, will carry out any form of duty that ensures the environment is looked after for local people and visitors. 

“The park attracts many people doing so many things,” he said. “Runners, cyclists, walkers, families enjoying the fresh air, photographers, people flying kites – and everyone has to make their own entertainment. That will be a bit different when the Tour comes and we will have a few hundred people who will have ridden here to watch the finale. 

“It was a great atmosphere when the tour last came here and it should be the same again. It would be great to think that people will see Burton Dassett on television and will decide to come along and see what it has to offer, whether they are locally based or from further afield.” 

Warwickshire Women in Engineering 2025

A successful career crafted in Coventry & Warwickshire

"I’d say to any young woman, anything you want to do, anything you want to be, is possible. You have to put some grit and energy behind it, but it’s possible."

Idayat Salami has a simple message for any young woman, or indeed any woman, considering a career in engineering: “Go for it - there is nothing to get in the way of what you want to do.”

Idayat has built a fulfilling career in engineering on the foundations of study at Coventry University and employment at Jaguar Land Rover in Warwickshire. She has only fond memories of both and what she learned there, alongside her skills, determination and tenacity, has delivered a successful and rewarding career.

That career had its challenging moments, especially early on when she found herself in a tiny minority of women in the sector. But she seized the opportunities that came along – and happily those opportunities are now growing all the time for women in engineering.   

“If that is truly your interest, I would encourage all women to go for it,” said Idayat, who now works as a consultant with Credence Quality Consulting in London. “To all young women I would say there is nothing to get in the way of what you want to do. And it’s not just for the young, it’s never too late to make a pivot. If you are a bit more seasoned in your career and feel you want to make a switch, then go for it. There is nothing holding you back.

“The number of women in engineering is increasing. I go to SMEs and I’m seeing more and more women engineers. The ratio is still not where it needs to be but momentum is building.

Growing up, there was no real encouragement for women to go into engineering. There was nothing at school but then I went to a programme at City University and there was a competition to build a load-bearing spaghetti bridge. I found that quite fascinating and decided to go into engineering.”

And where better to do that than Coventry and Warwickshire?

“I was accepted by several universities, including Imperial and University College London, but Coventry’s Formula Student programme fascinated me the most. I thought ‘this is where I am going to build a career and get some experience before going into the automotive field.’

“That’s exactly what happened. Coventry nurtured my interest really well and had close ties with JLR. I worked at quite a few companies, then joined JLR and that was amazing with the wealth of knowledge there. You can get your fingers into so many pies.

“I like a challenge. If I am coming into work every day and just doing the day-to-day process, it becomes mundane very quickly. I love variety – and the world of engineering is full of challenges and variety. I am now a consultant, working for a cluster of companies. With one I’m doing medical devices, helping them get their accreditation. With another I’m doing injection moulding parts. I’ve found my niche which is quality.”

Idayat has earned her success by long hours of knowledge-gathering and hard work – and showing the necessary resilience, especially early on.

“It was quite an intimidating scenario at uni,” she recalls. “My course had 300 mechanical and aerospace students and they put us together with automotive and in the 300 there were three girls. There was a perception that boys are good at maths and science and girls are good at the humanities and softer subjects. That’s just not the case, I’d say to any young woman, anything you want to do, anything you want to be, is possible. You have to put some grit and energy behind it, but it’s possible.

“I went back to Nigeria to attend secondary school and was getting 60% in Maths and some guys were getting As. My uncles and aunties said, ‘you’ve got the exact same brain capacity as those boys, so give it a go. So I kept practicing and starting coming first and second. If you put the work in, you’ll get results.”

Idayat is delighted to support Warwickshire County Council’s awareness-raising Women in Engineering series.
“I’m happy to give my time to show young women examples of what can be achieved,” she said “For the generation coming up now, just seeing engineers around and knowing about them is a big step forward. It’s brilliant that engineers go into primary schools now so that girls have a vision of who they want to be and see a potential path to engineering.”

Events

Upcoming events

Date Event Timings Venue Link
1 September Talk Business Café Networking
The UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum.
Connecting people, places and businesses to drive sustainable, inclusive and transformative investment and regeneration.
1000 Boston Tea Party, Stratford-upon-Avon Weblink here
2 September Choosing the right European Market for your business
Choosing the right export market for your business is a vital stage of your international expansion planning. Explore the key EU markets that should be on your shortlist and how to make informed decisions about selling there.
1000-1100 Online Weblink here
2 September Start your Journey with the UK Export Academy
Jump into the world of exporting and let us support you with the essential knowledge and tools you’ll need to sell overseas.
1215-1300 Online Weblink here
2 September Talk Property Brunch - Stratford Upon Avon
Talk Property Brunch is back, and it's better than ever! A networking opportunity where you can meet, greet, and share insights with fellow Property Professionals. This is your chance to engage in one-on-one conversations, all centered around the exciting world of property in Warwickshire.
1000-1130 Hotel Indigo, Stratford-upon-Avon Weblink here
3 September Stratford upon Avon Business Networking Brunch (Every Wednesday)
Meets every Wednesday morning and our members benefit from new business, business advice and a support network for when times are challenging. Members hold one business category each, (one solicitor, one accountant, etc.) – if you book and the slot is already taken, you’ll be directed to a local group with the seat available!
0930-1030 Online Weblink here
3 September Cenex Expo 2025 | Net Zero & Connected Automated Mobility Event (3-4 Sep)
Cenex Expo, originally Cenex-LCV and Cenex-CAM, is the leading event in the UK innovation community. With over 4,000 visitors in attendance last year, the event offers a wide range of exhibitors, an extensive seminar programme and many networking opportunities. As part of the outdoor exhibition there is also the opportunity to ride & drive the latest research & development vehicles. Supported by government agencies, the event brings together the people who will deliver the net zero and connected automated mobility future.
2 Days UTAC, Millbrook, Bedfordshire Weblink here
4 September The Mill Street Exchange
The Mill Street Exchange is the result of a collaboration between 1 Mill Street, the University of Warwick, and Warwickshire County Council. The Mill Street Exchange aims to help businesses create opportunities and expand their network with expert, tailored support. It does this by making local services more accessible by debunking any jargon and putting you in touch with the right people.
10am-2pm 1 Mill Street, Leamington Spa Weblink here
4 September Studley in Business Networking Meeting
Studley in Business meet the first Thursday each month from 10.00am-11.30am, all of our meetings include time to chat and network with other businesses. There are opportunities to introduce your business and we also invite speakers to come and present on relevant subjects. Meetings are held at different venues in and around Studley. 
1000-1130 Rough Hill Farm Shop Weblink here
5 September Business Buzz Leamington Spa
Business Buzz Leamington Spa is a fresh vibe in business networking. This Face to Face drop-in session is a great way to catch up with the local business community in Warwickshire. First Friday of the month.
10:00-12:00 Bedford Street Bar Weblink here
5 September First Friday networking lunch with NMS UK Ltd
NMS UK is committed to be the leading manufacturer of Protected Mobility Vehicles (PMVs) in the UK, and a vibrant and integral part of the British defense industry ecosystem drawing on over 40 years of engineering experience.
This event is initially restricted to members only. Email Lorraine@coventryfirst.co.uk for booking details.
1230-1430 Tachbrook Park Drive, Leamington Spa CV34 6TU Weblink here
8 September How to: Access new international markets
Struggling to know where to begin with expanding your business into foreign markets? We'll help you get started with planning your business' global expansion and how to assess which markets may be the most suitable for your business.
1200-1300 Online Weblink here
8 September FindaBiz Networking Nuneaton
FaB Networking with FindaBiz is a local business networking and business support organisation. Serious about helping you grow your business, in a positive and friendly setting with no scary rules. Help for business owners to make connections, build business relationships and find opportunities to do business. 2nd Monday of the month.
1800-2000 Coton Sports and Social Club Weblink here
9 September Faraday Institution Conference 2025 | Energising the UK Battery Ecosystem
We aim to once again convene the Energy Storage community of academics, industry organisations, policy makers and funders from the UK and internationally, the invite is open to all who work in the field. This year’s conference is kindly hosted by the University of Warwick.
3 Days University of Warwick Weblink here
9 September Innovate Clinic – Decarbonisation support for your business
Are you an SME in the Automotive sector in Coventry & Warwickshire? – join us at our Electrification Innovate Clinic – funded by Innovate-UK on Tuesday 9 September 8am-10am.
The clinic is a FREE networking event, aimed at supporting local business owners.
0800-1000 Coventry College, Swanswell Street Weblink here
10 September Stratford upon Avon Business Networking Brunch (Wednesdays)
We meet every Wednesday morning and our members benefit from new business, business advice and a support network for when times are challenging. Our members hold one business category each, (one solicitor, one accountant, etc.) – if you book and the slot is already taken, we’ll try point you in the direction of a local group with the seat available!
0930-1030 Online Weblink here
10 September UK Metals Expo (10-11 Sept)
UK Metals Expo is the leading event bringing the entire metals supply chain together with the worlds of engineering, manufacturing and construction. From primary metal manufacturing to supply chain management, design, policy metal processing, metalworking, fabrication, CNC machinery, surface finishing, and recycling, the expo .
2 Days The NEC, Birmingham Weblink here
11 September Leamington Networking Breakfast (2nd and 4th Thursday)
Independent group, run by members. Everyone who attends our breakfast meetings has a chance to talk about what their business can offer.
0700-0900 Whittles at Binswood Weblink here
11 September Business Buzz Rugby
Business Buzz Rugby is a fresh vibe in business networking. This face-to-face drop-in session which takes places on the 2nd Thursday of each month and is a great way to catch up with the local business community in Warwickshire. 
1000-1200 Satchmo's Corner Weblink here
11 September Get Social Networking
NEW Event! Join us for a morning of connection, conversation and knowledge sharing at ‘Get Social’ a brand new networking event for the Social Economy of Coventry, Warwickshire and beyond! The event, a collaborative project between Karen Heap, Founder of Socially Shared and Mandy Bygrave, CEO of Coventry Warwickshire CDA, is open to anyone with an interest in social enterprises, community organisations, charities and the social economy.
1000-1200 Hampton by Hilton, Nuneaton Weblink here
12 September The Midlands Business Network Expo
The Midlands Business Network Expo is the ultimate event for businesses to connect, collaborate, and grow. Discover cutting-edge technologies, innovative solutions, and the latest trends to elevate your business. Enjoy a free one-day experience packed with networking opportunities, expert-led seminars, and tailored events designed to help you build meaningful connections. Join professionals from various industries, expand your network, and unlock exciting opportunities for growth and collaboration. Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, and propel your business forward
1000-1500 National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull Weblink here
14 September Cycling Industry Live
CIN Live will be all-inclusive – open to the entire industry to exhibit and attend – something the UK has been missing over the years. This event will give our exhibitors and visitors the opportunity to meet with all customer and supplier types and potentially deal with new contacts that aren’t on their radar or maybe don’t attend other events currently in the calendar. The event itself will host exhibitors for trade and B2B purposes and include a dedicated area outside for product demonstration. 
2 Days NAEC, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth Weblink here
16 September Business Buzz Stratford-upon-Avon
Business Buzz Stratford-upon-Avon is a fresh vibe in business networking. This Face to Face drop-in session is a great way to catch up with the local business community in Warwickshire.
There’s no membership, no pre-booking required, just £10 + VAT payable on our app in advance, or at the event. Meeting every third Tuesday of the month.
1000-1200 Prospero Lounge
24 Bridge Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6AD
Weblink here
17 September IN-PERSON EVENT: Innovation Day
Medilink Midlands Innovation Day will welcome the Midlands life sciences community to share the latest inspiring developments from across the sector. The day sits proudly within our annual programme as the event of the year for those in the Life Sciences sector. This year we are joining forces to host our event within the West Midlands Life Sciences Week.
1230-1400 Aston Villa Football Club, Trinity Rd, Aston Weblink Here
17 September Coventry and Warwickshire Champions Breakfast Meeting September 2025
Coventry & Warwickshire Champions is back with another exciting networking event at The Bridge House Theatre, Warwick School. Join us for a morning of inspiring keynote speakers, valuable networking opportunities, and great conversations with business leaders and professionals from across the region.
0730-0930 Warwick School Weblink here
17 September LLM Webinar Series - Advanced capabilities for improved business decision making
Join Digital Catapult for a three-part series exploring the potential of large language models. Receive practical guidance, hands-on experience, and practical tools to support your organisation's AI journey.
1400-1530 Online Weblink here
17 September GAIN: Expo and Showcase
The Games and Innovation Nexus (GAIN) programme, is partnership between the University of Warwick, University of the Creative Arts (UCA), and University of Surrey, alongside Warwickshire and Surrey County Councils. We have collaborated to drive special projects and partnerships with the Games and Immersive clusters in Leamington and Guildford, two of the UK's prominent hubs. PLEASE NOTE: BOOKING REQ. Parking and catering are included as part of this booking, a member of the event team will contact you for more details upon booking.
1015-1530 Rootes Social Building, University of Warwick Main Campus Weblink here
18 September Business Buzz Warwick
Business Buzz Warwick is a fresh vibe in business networking. This face-to-face drop-in session which takes place on the 3rd Thursday of each month and is a great way to catch up with the local business community in Warwickshire.
10:00-12:00 The Globe Weblink here
19 September Micromobility UK 2025
Discover the future of urban mobility - Join us for Micromobility UK 2025 - the UK's premier in-person expo dedicated to the evolution of urban transport. This free event showcases the next generation of lightweight, sustainable, and inclusive transport solutions. From e-scooters to cargo bikes and L-category vehicles, explore how micromobility is reshaping urban travel in the UK and beyond.
0830-1600 The Oculus, University of Warwick main campus Weblink here
22 September AI for the sceptical, the curious and the overwhelmed
Note: this event is inclusive of women, trans and non-binary entrepreneurs who are currently running or planning to create their own business. Want to use AI to grow your business but unsure where to start? Keen to embrace technology but nervous about the risks involved?  This online session is specifically designed for female founders to cover the basics of AI & data to help make your business succeed.
1300-1400 Online Weblink here
24 September MIRA Tech Park Innovation Network
The MIRA Tech Park Innovation Network is a leading forum for innovation, shaped by the collective strength of more than 40 pioneering businesses within the MIRA Tech Park cluster, including HORIBA MIRA. Established as a hub of excellence, it brings together world-class expertise, cutting-edge facilities, and an ecosystem designed to accelerate growth.
1600-1900 MIRA Technology Park, Nuneaton Weblink here
25 September Leamington Networking Breakfast (2nd and 4th Thursday)
 independent group, run by members. Everyone who attends our breakfast meetings has a chance to talk about what their business can offer.
0700-0900 Whittles at Binswood Weblink here
25 September ABC Alcester Business Networking Club
This monthly networking event is an ideal opportunity for business people and owners from Alcester and the surrounding areas to get together. We have a professional but relaxed and zero-pressure environment to network with like-minded locals, make new connections, and enjoy a delicious breakfast too. Entrance is just £10 per person to include breakfast and tea/coffee. Events run from 9.15am until 10.45am.
0915-1045 Minerva Mill, Alcester Weblink here
26 September BIG Breakfast - Let's Talk Business Networking at Cobbs Farm Stratford
NETWORKING and connecting with other businesses in the region. Once a month we hold this open networking event to enable you to keep connections going with other local businesses. Plenty of open networking with few event updates and Talk Business member introductions.
0730-0900 Cobbs Farm, Stratford Weblink here
26 September Rugby Local Business Forum
Join us for our Rugby Local Business Forum, chaired by Karen Shuter, Exact Logistics Limited.

Our Local Business Forums provide our members with an opportunity to find out what is happening on a micro-level, hearing from local MPs and Council Officials, whilst providing a platform to have a say on the local issues affecting businesses.
0930-1130 Rugby Borough Council Unity Hub TSOS Unity Hub Rugby Town Hall Evreux Way Rugby Warwickshire CV21 2RR Weblink here
1 October Protecting Innovation roundtable: Intellectual Property guidance for manufacturers
In this exclusive event hosted in partnership with The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and IP specialists Barker Brettell, we will be discussing legal advice and strategy surrounding intellectual property in the manufacturing industry, followed by networking over a delicious lunch and an exclusive tour of the MTC’s premises.
0930-1430 MTC, Ansty Weblink here
8 October Engineering Design Show (8th-9th October)
EDS is THE show for design engineers looking for direct access to the sector's latest products, services, and innovations.

Visitors can explore hundreds of UK and international suppliers, including those for CAD software, product design, mechanical design, and more. Alongside the exhibition, conference sessions and workshops will provide topical content on the challenges and opportunities for the engineering sector.
2 Days CBS Arena, Coventry Weblink here
9 October Rugby Business Networking
Rugby Borough Council's Economic Development Team is hosting a business engagement event on Thursday 9 October. Whether you are a B2B or B2C business in Rugby Borough, a start-up, independent or manufacturer, there will be something for you.
0800-1300 Benn Hall, Newbold Road, Riugby Weblink here
11 October SAE Institute - Leamington Spa Open Event
The perfect time for you to come down to our campus and see our high-spec creative facilities for yourself. Book your place - this is valid for yourself and any friends and family accompanying you - and join us to find out more.
1000-1300 SAE Institute Weblink here
14 October Innovation Leadership Training - Tools & Framework for Innovation
Innovation Leadership Training in partnership with the University of Warwick - funded by Innovate-UK
0800-1000 Coventry College, Swanswell Street Weblink here
20 October Birmingham Tech Week
Birmingham Tech Week is the UK’s largest regional tech festival and conference with over 8,000 people including international delegations attending. Events will be taking place across the entire West Midlands covering a variety of important and innovative topics.
4 Days Various, Birmingham City Centre Weblink here
29 October Dairy Industries Expo 2025 (29th-30th October)
The Dairy Industries Expo will bring together the latest in processing machinery and services, packaging machines and materials, turnkey suppliers, quality control and assurance, ingredients, and logistics, creating the most comprehensive international dairy processing show under one roof.  Targeting the entire dairy manufacturing industry, the event will provide a powerful platform for meeting new customers and strengthening relationships with current clients.
2 Days NAEC, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth Weblink here
29 October Advanced Engineering (29th-30th October)
Advanced Engineering is the only UK event connecting all industrial ecosystems, driving high-value manufacturing and supply chain solutions. Here, the brightest minds in design, engineering, and manufacturing come together to solve real-world challenges, accelerate innovation, develop skills, and build a more sustainable future. From net-zero composites to energy-efficient processes, visit the future of engineering.
2 Days NEC, Birmingham Weblink here
15 November Motorcycle Live (15th-23rd Nov)
The UK's largest motorcycle show, supported by over 50 motorcycle and scooter manufacturers returning to the NEC for 2025.
3 Days NEC, Birmingham Weblink here

News in Brief

News-in-brief from around the region...

New CEO for JLR announced
JLR has confirmed that PB Balaji, chief financial officer of its parent company Tata Motors, will become its new CEO from November. The appointment follows the news last week, broken by Autocar, that current CEO Adrian Mardell was retiring after 35 years with the company. Prior to becoming CEO in 2023, Mardell had been JLR's CFO.


https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/tata-finance-boss-pb-balaji-replace-adrian-mardell-jlr-ceo

M&S to create major new national distribution centre on edge of Rugby 

Marks & Spencer has outlined a landmark £340m investment in its food supply chain – the largest in its history – which will fund the creation of a 1.3 million sq ft national distribution centre at DIRFT, Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal, next to Rugby Houlton. The site will open in 2029, and the construction phase will create more than 2,000 jobs, and about 1,000 permanent roles once the site is fully operational, covering driving, logistics, management and more technical roles such as automation technicians. 

https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/ms-to-create-thousands-of-jobs-in-the-east-midlands-with-plans-for-new-national-distribution-centre 

Revenues accelerate past £1.5bn at Volvo Group UK as profits rise 

Revenues surged past the £1.5bn mark at the UK arm of Swedish vehicle making giant Volvo during its latest financial year, new documents have confirmed, with pre-tax profits also rising. Volvo Group UK, which is headquartered in Warwick, has reported revenues of £1.53bn for the year to 31 December 2024, up from £1.45bn in 2023. The company, which is part of the Swedish-owned Volvo Group, sells and markets trucks, buses, construction equipment, such as diggers, loaders and road machinery, and marine and industrial engines, as well as parts. 

https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/revenues-accelerate-past-1.5bn-at-volvo-group-uk-as-profits-rise 

New leadership for iconic automotive brand manufactured in Leamington Spa 

Iconic automotive brand MOKE International has named its new chief executive as the UK manufacturer strengthens its leadership team and looks to accelerate its growth on a global scale. Lorne Vary brings a wealth of leadership experience from his tenure at Brompton Bicycle , where he was instrumental in transforming the company from a niche UK manufacturer into a globally recognised lifestyle brand.  

https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/new-leadership-for-iconic-automotive-brand-whose-vehicles-have-been-driven-by-the-beatles-and-james-bond 

The Belfry Hotel & Resort to launch 150 new bedrooms and fitness and leisure club as part of £80m renovation project 

Warwickshire's The Belfry Hotel & Resort, home of the British Masters and four-time host to the Ryder Cup, is set to launch almost 150 additional bedrooms and new fitness and leisure facilities this August as part of an £80m project. The 149 rooms offer views over The Belfry’s Brabazon golf course and will be available from 1 August.  

https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/the-belfry-hotel-resort-to-launch-150-new-bedrooms-and-fitness-and-leisure-club-as-part-of-80m-renovation-project 

Aurrigo International secures backing of new strategic investor 

Leading autonomous vehicle technology company Aurrigo International in Coventry has raised almost £14m through a partnership with a new strategic investor. The company announced its intention to carry out a non-pre-emptive fundraise through a direct subscription by a new investor, Next Gen Mobility. The funding will be used to help accelerate its growth, including the build of multiple show demonstrator vehicles to support customer conversion; expanding the company's software, engineering and deployment teams; and relocating to larger facilities with increased design and manufacturing capacity. 

https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/aurrigo-international-secures-backing-of-new-strategic-investor 

Tech firm Nimbus Maps secures “game changer” funding  to accelerate growth 

Warwck technology company behind a property mapping platform has secured "game-changer" funding from NatWest to accelerate its expansion and development. Co-founded in 2015 by brothers Paul and Simon Davis and originally based at the University of Warwick Science Park's Innovation Centre, Nimbus now has a team of more than 60 people, including Warwick University PhDs. The company's Nimbus Maps platform offers advanced, proprietary, real estate insights across the industry. 

https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/tech-firm-behind-property-mapping-platform-hails-game-changer-funding-package-as-it-looks-to-accelerate-growth 

Turnover rises for parent company of Nuneaton’s Biddle Air Systems 

 Turnover has risen at a historic company which owns and manages a portfolio of brands that design, manufacture and install heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment for a range of sectors in what the group described as a "solid trading performance". However, pre-tax profits dipped. Established in 1776, the Carver Group is an eighth-generation family business based in Walsall. Its brands include Biddle, Thermosereens, Applied Comfort, Cool-Therm, Powrmatie, Carver Clamps, and Widney Leisure. 

https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/turnover-rises-in-solid-trading-performance-at-family-owned-group-dating-back-1776 

JLR launches solar farm at Gaydon Product Creation Centre 

JLR has opened a new solar farm the size of up to 36 football pitches at its Gaydon headquarters, as part of a drive to roll out large-scale renewables to help power its global operations. This includes significant projects at its facilities in Wolverhampton and Liverpool City Region. The 18MW facility will supply up to 31 per cent of the site's energy requirements, marking the completion of the first of three of its UK solar energy projects. 

https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/jlr-launches-solar-farm-the-size-of-up-to-36-football-pitches-as-part-of-sustainability-drive 

Longstanding Warwickshire hotel which has “huge growth potential” hits the market for £1.45m 

A longstanding Warwickshire hotel has been placed on the market by Bond Wolfe and joint agent Enterprise Hotels & Hospitality for offers in the region of £1.45m. The Henley Hotel on Tanworth Lane, near Henley-in-Arden, features 27 bedrooms and parking for about 50 vehicles.  

https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/longstanding-warwickshire-hotel-which-has-huge-growth-potential-hits-the-market-for-1.45m 

Atherstone’s Aldi on the hunt for more than 350 apprentices 

Aldi has urged students to apply for hundreds of available roles across the UK. The supermarket giant is currently looking to recruit for more than 350 apprentices. Kelly Stokes, recruitment director at Aldi UK, said: "Not every young person will want to follow the same path after school and there are plenty of ways to build a successful career.  

https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/aldi-on-the-hunt-for-more-than-350-apprentices 

European manufacturer signs at Indurent Park in Dordon 

A major European manufacturer of sealants, adhesives and polyurethane foams has signed for about 50,000 sq ft of industrial and logistics space at in Warwickshire known as Indurent Park, on the edge of Tamworth. Soudal Group has signed a ten-year lease and Indurent will now complete a bespoke refurbishment, including fit-out elements. 

https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/european-manufacturer-signs-at-indurent-park-tamworth 

Cadent names former Heathrow Airport boss as its next chair 

Gas distribution giant Cadent based at Ansty Technology Park has appointed a former chief executive of Heathrow Airport as its next chair of the board as Sir Adrian Montague prepares to retire after more than eight years in the position. John Holland-Kaye will initially join the Cadent board as an independent director, before taking up his new post in February.  

https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/cadent-names-former-heathrow-airport-boss-as-its-next-chair 

Jobs at risk as food and beverage giant PepsiCo plans major restructure at Walkers factories 

Unite has said that it will fight for "every job" at crisp giant Walkers following reports that parent company PepsiCo is considering significant restructuring plans. Changes are being proposed at Walkers' four sites in Leicester, Coventry (Middlemarch Business Park), Lincoln and Skelmersdale.  

https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/jobs-at-risk-as-the-food-and-beverage-giant-pepsico-plans-major-restructure-at-walkers-factories 

Convention bureau relaunches in Coventry and Warwickshire 

Conference, exhibition and meeting venues in Coventry and Warwickshire are set for a major boost with the relaunch of the region’s convention bureau. Coventry & Warwickshire Convention Bureau is a not-for-profit organisation that supports venues with bringing in new leads and event organisers with planning business events. The organisation, formerly known as Conference Coventry & Warwickshire, has introduced a new website which will provide showcase opportunities for venues and a “one-stop shop” for event organisers. 

https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/westmidlands/news/2099978-convention-bureau-relaunches-in-coventry-and-warwickshire 

Midlands start-ups soar but insolvency experts warn of heightened cashflow ‘red flags’

A steep rise in the monthly number of businesses set up in the Midlands since the end of last year is coinciding with a substantial heightening of cashflow ‘red flags’, according to the latest figures.  

This is according to the Midlands branch of national restructuring, turnaround and insolvency trade body R3 and is based on a monthly analysis of regional start-up data from business intelligence provider Creditsafe. The R3 figures show that the monthly number of start-ups rose steeply in July by 48.58 per cent in the West Midlands and by 40.23 per cent in the East Midlands compared to last December. Start-up numbers also shot up in July compared to the same month last year, with a rise of 17.92 per cent in the West of the region and 10.67 per cent in the East. 

https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/midlands-start-ups-soar-but-insolvency-experts-warn-of-heightened-cashflow-red-flags-r3 

Coventry City take ownership of the CBS Arena 

Coventry City has completed the purchase of the Coventry Building Society Arena from retail giant Frasers Group in a move described as a "defining day" for the club. The announcement comes in the week of the 20th anniversary of the arena’s opening. The Sky Blues now own their home for the first time since the ground was built. 

https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/this-is-our-home-and-it-now-belongs-to-the-football-club-and-its-supporters-coventry-city-take-ownership-of-the-cbs-arena 

Paragon Bank allocated a further £27m in the Growth Guarantee Scheme - includes £10m to help firms impacted by changes in trade tariffs 

Paragon Bank has been allocated a further £27m through the British Business Bank's Growth Guarantee Scheme, with £10m specifically set aside to support UK businesses affected by changes in international trade tariffs. The latest allocation brings Paragon Bank's total GGS lending capacity to £55m. The targeted £10m fund will help businesses in sectors such as manufacturing – many of which have been disproportionately impacted by increased costs and supply chain complexities, such as from rising global tariff rates. 

https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/paragon-bank-allocated-a-further-27m-in-the-growth-guarantee-scheme-includes-10m-to-help-firms-impacted-by-changes-in-trade-tariffs 

BARJANE names contractor for major Rugby logistics facility 

Franco-British real estate developer BARJANE has appointed a contractor to build a more than 100,000 sq ft logistics facility in Rugby. Glencar will build Rugby 106, at Central Park, which will occupy a five-acre site previously home to a 45,000 sq ft vacant office and workshop facility.  

Now cleared for construction, the site sits just off Junction 1 of the M6 and within close proximity of Junction 19 of the M1. 

https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/barjane-names-contractor-for-major-rugby-logistics-facility 

Plans for £343m Warwickshire employment park to go before committee 

A proposed £343m employment park in Warwickshire which aims to support "high-quality advanced manufacturing, R&D and logistics" and has the potential to create up to 6,000 jobs went  before planners earlier this month. IM Properties lodged hybrid plans with North Warwickshire Borough Council and Birmingham City Council for land near Curdworth and Junction 9 of the M42. 

Known as Thrive, the scheme would create three million sq ft of industrial space, a minimum of 30 per cent of which is being promoted for advanced manufacturing.  

https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/plans-for-343m-warwickshire-employment-park-to-go-before-committee 

Data management firm secures huge logistics facility at Symmetry Park, Rugby 

A data management company has struck a deal for a recently completed logistics facility totalling more than 390,000 sq ft at Symmetry Park, Rugby. The undisclosed business has signed a 15-year lease with Tritax Big Box REIT on Unit 5, which extends to 391,000 sq ft. Unit 5 has been built to net-zero carbon construction standards and has a BREEAM 'Excellent' and EPC A+ rating. 

https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/data-management-firm-secures-huge-logistics-facility-at-symmetry-park-rugby 

Claire’s administration may be followed by others on high street 

Claire's has suffered from a "perfect storm" of geopolitical considerations and a downturn in consumer and high street spending, according to a restructuring and insolvency partner at Shakespeare Martineau, who warned that "we may well see other retail giants struggle in the coming months".  With its UK headquarters in Birmingham, the company currently operates a total of 306 stores across the UK and Ireland, employing more than 2,150 people. 

https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/we-may-well-see-other-retail-giants-struggle-in-the-coming-months-restructuring-and-insolvency-specialist-offers-warning-after-claires-administration 

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