WARWICKSHIRE MEANS BUSINESS

Welcome

Welcome from assistant director (communities) Mark Ryder

Mark Ryder

Hello and welcome to the final edition of Warwickshire Means Business in 2018.

It has been a year dominated by Brexit and the uncertainty surrounding that issue has certainly not helped businesses, so it is all the more impressive that Warwickshire's economy remains strong.

That is testament to the depth and breadth of expertise and innovation across many sectors in this great county. Every business, big and small, across Warwickshire helps to power the economy and sustain our communities and that our economy remains buoyant is something of which every business should feel proud.

In Warwickshire we never rest on our laurels though, and here at the WCC we continue to do all we can to support businesses in a variety of ways.

In this edition of Warwickshire Means Business we unveil the date of the fifth annual Warwickshire Skills Conference - Wednesday March 6th, 2019. This is always a superb event, attended by many prominent businesses and education leaders, and it promises to be more relevant than ever next year as businesses continue to tackle the skills gap amid the additional uncertainty surrounding Brexit.

Our skills team, along with our partner organisations, is constantly addressing the skills gap with businesses. One such initiative is the production of a list of skills leads in school and colleges throughout the county for business to consult to find the best young recruits.

There is a lot going on - please do get have a look at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/skillsforemployment to see how we can help you.

A great way to keep right up to speed with developments, opportunities and upcoming events within our business community is, of course, Warwickshire Means Business. I am delighted to say that this month WMB has passed the 500,000 hits milestone and it is great to know that it is so well-viewed and valued.

If there is a story or subject that you think we should cover in an edition during 2019, or if you would like to contribute a guest column, please do get in touch at brianhalford@warwickshire.gov.uk 

Happy Christmas and a prosperous 2019 to all.

Featured News

Skills Conference will explore innovative way to recruit talent

Businesses will be urged to think outside the box when it comes to recruiting when they gather for Warwickshire County Council's fifth annual Skills Conference in March.

Competition to attract the best talent is tougher than ever for employers due to continuing strong growth in Warwickshire’s economy and very low levels of unemployment.

Add into the equation the continuing uncertainty surrounding Brexit and recruiting challenges for businesses are likely to become even harder.

Those challenge will be discussed, and a variety of potential solutions offered, when business and education leaders gather for the Warwickshire Skills Conference at the National Agricultural Centre, Stoneleigh on March 6th. The conference has become a highly-respected and valued annual event in the region's business calendar. 

"Competition for business to attract the skilled young people they need has never been more intense," said Warwickshire County Council's Skills for Employment manager Glenn Robinson.

 "That is why our fifth annual Warwickshire Skills Conference will explore some less conventional ways of recruiting talent.

 "For example, thousands of graduates leave universities in Coventry and Warwick each year, yet relatively few apply for jobs in Warwickshire. Warwickshire County Council and the universities are keen to address that situation in order to keep more talent in the county.

 "Also, many more students completing A levels these days are interested in working while they continue to develop through degree or higher apprenticeships, rather than going to university.

 "The council is also helping a growing number of young people leaving care, or who have had a special educational need or disability. to enter the workforce.

All these topics and many more will be discussed in detail at the breakfast conference will take place between 8am and10 am on Wednesday 6th March 2019 at the National Agricultural Centre, Stoneleigh Park, CV8 2LZ. Further details will appear in the January edition of Warwickshire Means Business.

To request further details to be sent to you when they are available, please e-mail skillsforemployment@warwickshire.co.uk

Positive Futures programme "making a real difference"

“It was fantastic to see how this project is making a real difference to the lives of young people at risk of social exclusion.

Young people in Warwickshire are being helped into work by Positive Futures, a training scheme targeting 15 to 24-year-olds not in education, employment or training who do not have basic maths and English qualifications.

Funded by the European Social Fund, with 50% match-funding from Warwickshire County Council and PET-Xi-Training, the training course is helping to break down barriers to entering the jobs market for young people.

Deputy Director, Head of European Social Fund Division at the Department for Work and Pensions (the managing authority for ESF), Dr Catherine Blair visited young people taking part in the training course to see first-hand the support offered by the training and education specialists.  

Since its launch in 2016, the project has seen over 350 young people secure jobs or enrol in education on completion of Positive Futures. The programme, launched by PET-Xi Training, has an ambition to support a further 400 young people move into employment or education.

Along with Glenn Robinson, manager of the Skills for Growth programme run by Warwickshire County Council, Dr Blair was given a tour of PET-Xi Training’s headquarters in Coventry by the project’s managing director Fleur Sexton.

After meeting employees, Dr Blair visited PET-Xi Training’s new Skills Hub in Nuneaton to hear more about the Positive Futures project and the impact it has had on participants’ lives.

Dr Blair said: “It was fantastic to see how this project is making a real difference to the lives of young people at risk of social exclusion.

“Staff can offer young people practical advice on a range of issues, including employment, and support individuals with their next steps such as moving or providing transport to interviews.

“Youth unemployment is at a record low and it’s great to see the difference projects like this make, helping more young people move into work or education."

Fleur Sexton said: “It was fantastic to welcome Dr Blair and Glenn to PET-Xi Training to show them first-hand the benefits of the project.

“The feedback we have had from everyone involved, whether it is young people or funders, has been extremely positive. The Department of Work and Pensions and Warwickshire County Council have helped to fund this essential project which is making a real difference to young people’s lives.”

Cllr Colin Hayfield, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Education and Learning at Warwickshire County Council, said: "The county council has prioritised young people who are at risk of social exclusion and has established a planning and co-ordination group where we liaise with partners such as PET-Xi Training to provide our young people with the support in areas where it is most needed."

Have your say on masterplan for new Creative Quarter in Leamington

An ambitious masterplan to create a brand new Creative Quarter in Leamington Spa is now out for consultation.

The masterplan, designed to build on the already vibrant creative and digital sector in and around Leamington, has been drawn up by Warwick District Council's development partner Complex Development Projects.

It explores the potential for a fusion of Leamington's proud past with its cutting-edge future with several historic buildings under consideration as possible homes for creative use.

The ambition of the masterplan is to regenerate the Old Town, reinforce the importance of the Creative and Digital Industries in the town and create a vibrant, unique and desirable destination for residents, employers and visitors alike.

Business and residents are urged to have their say as part of the consultation process before it closes on January 21st.

The masterplan aims to:

  • Identify the elements and features that make the creative economy in Leamington Spa vibrant and distinctive.
  • Identify the key development needs for the creative sector. What key places, spaces and infrastructure would best support the further development of Leamington Spa’s Creative Quarter?
  • Identify key buildings and areas that could be regenerated and developed to support these aims and key development projects that could be brought forward to do this.
  • Identify what else needs to be done in a broader sense to support our creative economy.
  • Establish the viability and deliverability of regeneration projects to be brought forward in a coherent manner.

Following the consultation period, the district council will be asked to approve the final masterplan. 

You can take part in the consultation here. Paper copies of the survey are available to collect from Warwick District Council at Riverside House, Milverton Hill, Leamington Spa, CV32 5HZ.  These should be returned to Riverside House by 5pm on 21st January 2019.

NEJ Stevenson accelerates growth with local business support

A highly-skilled cabinet making and joinery business in Warwickshire is investing £750,000 in its growth and is accelerating its expansion thanks to local support.

NEJ Stevenson, based in Church Lawford, designs and makes custom furniture as well as creating bespoke interiors for premier residential properties.

The company has a Royal Warrant and is a cabinet maker for HRH Queen Elizabeth II and has diversified into offering premium containers for luxury drinks which has grown from nothing in 2013 to £1.5m worth of sales.

NEJ Stevenson, which has grown to employ more than 30 staff, expanded its premises and made significant investments in new machinery to help improve its processes after support from Business Ready through the University of Warwick Science Park.

Business Ready supported the firm with grant applications to the Warwickshire County Council small capital grant scheme and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development in order to purchase a new sanding machine, a CNC machine and spindle turner, as well as offering general advice and support.

Managing director Neil Stevenson said the help had accelarated its growth plans.

He said: “Janette Pallas from Business Ready contacted us to see what our plans were and whether they could support which was great.

“In the past, we’d try to go for grants and look for help but we were always told we were doing too well or were not in the right area so we had all but given up on getting support.

“But Business Ready has been absolutely invaluable and we have been able to grow quicker than we would have done without the help and that’s good for the local economy.

“Janette has helped identify funding opportunities, helped us to make sure we apply in the right way and we have been successful.

“As well as the grant-funding and the general advice, it is reassuring for us as a business for someone to show confidence in us in this way and believe in our growth strategy. On the softer side, it’s nice to be a manufacturer that’s not in the automotive sector and still feel some love.

“We’ve bought neighbouring properties in order to expand and we are currently fitting out and creating the most efficient work-spaces possible.”

The company is also keen to give back to the local area and is working with schools and colleges to provide opportunities for young people to learn more about manufacturing.

And the firm is on the hunt for more new recruits to help continue its growth.

Janette Pallas, of Business Ready, said: “NEJ Stevenson is a fantastic success story for our region and proves that we remain at the cutting edge of manufacturing in this area. They are an example of a business that still use traditional skills, but also use advanced technology in design and manufacturing.

“Their support for schools in helping young people to understand differing roles in manufacturing businesses is to be commended and we would urge other companies to do similar.

“Following earlier support provided by Coventry & Warwickshire Growth Hub on planning issues, it’s been great to be able to help the company grow and to see that result in new jobs, new investment and more opportunities for the business.”

Business Ready is delivered by the University of Warwick Science Park and is part of the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme, which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Warwickshire County Council.

'Improving Your Customer Footfall' course coming in February and March

A course designed to help business increase their customer footfall will be held by Warwickshire Towns Network early next year.

The ‘Improving Your Customer Footfall’ course will be held in Bedworth and Kenilworth in February and March.

There are 12 places available in each course which will run over four sessions, with businesses asked to commit to all the sessions.

The programme is being offered to all small independent retailers and high street businesses in towns and large villages across Warwickshire. The training is free to those who sign up and, in return, businesses are being asked to dedicate time and commitment in order to improve their business and the wider town centre offer.

Already, 169 businesses in total have been supported by the Warwickshire Towns Network training package since early 2017. All participants reported that they would recommend the programme to other businesses.

Alison Read from Decisions by Design, whose expertise is employed by businesses from the UK and Europe to China, recognises that it is not always easy for businesses to know how to begin looking to attract and retain new customers.

“Over the years I have worked with a lot of retailers who have good businesses but are so busy in the day-to-day running of the shop that they don’t take the time to seek out new ways of attracting new footfall," Alison said.

"This training gives them the skills and time away from the shop floor that are necessary to refresh and grow. This business growth then permeates into the town and high street -to support the local economy of Warwickshire.

The Improving Your Customer Footfall courses will be held at:

 * Bedworth Cricket Club, Miners Welfare Park, Bedworth, CV12 8JH on Mondays 11th Feb, 25th Feb, 4th March, 25th March 2019 from 10am to 2pm.

* The Peacock Hotel, 149 Warwick Road, Kenilworth, CV8 1HY on Tuesdays -  12th Feb, 26th Feb, 5th March and 26th March 2019from 10am to 2pm.

For more details or to book a place, please email towns@warwickshire.gov.uk.

 

Contact-list drawn up to signpost business to careers leaders in schools

Business which are looking to recruit skilled youngsters straight from schools and colleges can now take advantage of a new contact-list drawn up by Warwickshire County Council's Skills for Employment programme.

The benefits to businesses of recruiting young people directly from schools and colleges are widely recognised. For example, a business can save around £5,000 each time it recruits in this way (ACAS recruitment guide).

Each year, more than 1,000 young people aged 16-18 leave Warwickshire schools and colleges. Many more young people aged 19 and over complete vocational courses at colleges and seek work, while more A level students are choosing a job with further training instead of going to university.

Warwickshire businesses looking to recruit young people will find it easier to link with appropriate local secondary schools now that Warwickshire County Council has produced a suite of Business/Education Contact Lists, showing the contact details for the Careers Leader in each school.

Using the contact lists, which are divided into boroughs, businesses looking to recruit young people in Warwickshire can liaise directly with the right person in a local school.

Relevant lists for all localities can be found here:

North Warwickshire Borough

Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough

Rugby Borough

Warwick District

Stratford-on-Avon District

More information on Skills for Employment available here: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/skillsforemployment

Businesses create 104 new jobs with help from Warwickshire County Council

In the past three years, Warwickshire County Council has awarded £1.34 million in grants to businesses across the county, leading to the creation of 104 new jobs and enabling start-up businesses in the county to invest in the facilities, equipment and skills that they need to grow.

Ten businesses that have received Small Capital Grants from Warwickshire County Council’s Capital Growth Fund are featured in a new short film:  Helping Warwickshire Grow.  Between them, these businesses are expecting to create 48 new jobs and apprenticeships.

The film was created to celebrate and promote the role of high-growth businesses to the economic success of the county. According to global innovation foundation NESTA, just 6% of high-growth firms are responsible for 50% of employment growth.

The film was shown at a recent event at The Old Shire Hall, Warwick, organised by the county council to promote Warwickshire as a fantastic place to do business to significant regional influencers. Sixty-nine people attended the event representing a wide selection of businesses from across the county, with keynote speeches from Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and Chair of the West Midlands Combined Authority; and Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Leader of Warwickshire County Council.

Cllr Seccombe said: “We value Warwickshire’s SMEs, and the entrepreneurs who build them, very highly. Over the years we have worked with a number of fantastic entrepreneurs, many of whom have gone on to build exceptional businesses. The companies featured in this short film are exactly the kind of businesses we need to support, as they continue to develop, and contribute to, the continued vibrancy of Warwickshire’s economy.”

To find out more about the ten businesses featured in the film, please take a look at their stories in these short films:

  • Silson, Southam, supplies ultra-thin membranes and related lithographic products to corporations, universities and government research laboratories throughout the world: https://youtu.be/y2HB-9EvrHk

 

  • Pet Shop Bowl, Stratford upon Avon,petshop.co.ukprovides pet foods and pet supplies from their online pet store. https://youtu.be/L5p3g2b7zYE

 

  • Labyrinth Logistics, Leamington Spa, offers services in outsourcing, strategic and operational improvement consultancy and in compliance and audit: https://youtu.be/WtP_PGFpAkY

 

  • Hill Farm Marina, Wootton Wawen, is a new marina opened in October 2017, providing 50 berths in a rural setting on a working beef and sheep farm: https://youtu.be/fLa7rH_6sN0

 

  • Lime Farm Marina, Rugby,provides marina and maintenance facilities ranging from engineering services through to bespoke carpentry: https://youtu.be/AmblGLulEbA

 

  • Hygiene Solutions, Nuneaton,is a specialist washroom service provider that has grown to become one of the largest in the central and east areas of the UK; https://youtu.be/Rp01mUDlreA

 

  • Optical People, Nuneaton, is an innovative opticians and frame studio offering tailor-made eye exams and lenses made with the latest digital technology: https://youtu.be/a16E9IDr3wg

 

  • Mousley House Farm Campsite, Rowington, is a family and dog-friendly campsite for touring caravans, motor homes and tents offering bell tent and retro caravan hire: https://youtu.be/xObD-KtLlJw

 

  • Pyments Law, Alcester,is a construction law firm offering dispute advice and transactional services, covering all construction legal requirements: https://youtu.be/9YF_lYTLFAA

 

  • NEJ Stevenson, Rugby,design and make fine custom made furniture and bespoke architectural joinery, with each commission completely unique: https://youtu.be/yPMXUHR0jfM

 

£10,000 for George Eliot commemoration

Warwickshire County Council has injected £10,000 into a programme of measures to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of George Eliot next year.

The great writer was born in Nuneaton on November 22, 1819, and went on to become one of this country’s most esteemed novelists.

Arrangements for a full programme of events to mark this milestone are well advanced with a view to it benefiting the town and borough, and visitors to it, not just during 2019 but well beyond.

The county council has agreed a £10,000 funding package, in partnership with Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, to create an improved George Eliot visitor experience in Nuneaton.

The money will support the development of a visitor trail around the town, making use of Eliot’s famous quotations, and explore opportunities for an “augmented reality” trail. 

There are also plans to create an annual event to celebrate the author.  More details of this and the full programme of events will be announced in the New Year.

In addition to this, Warwickshire County Council is working with Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council to develop a new brand and identity for Nuneaton, to use on promotional material to attract visitors to the town.

Warwickshire County Council visitor economy manager Alex Holmes said: "George Eliot is rightly regarded as one of the great English writers and the 200th anniversary of her birth in Nuneaton is something that we  should all celebrate.

 

"The county council is pleased to be able to contribute to a package of events and initiatives that will enhance the visitor experience in Nuneaton, and therefore benefit the local economy, for years to come."

Events showcase why Coventry and Warwickshire region is a real force in the rail sector

Hydrogen Hero and upcycled underground trains visit Warwickshire rail events

Coventry & Warwickshire's automotive technology continues to raise the profile of the region around the world - but the area is also a force in aerospace and rail technologies as crossover tech from digital to lightweight design to propulsion and driverless tech increasingly blur the lines between industry sectors.

During the recent Coventry & Warwickshire Business Festival, rail tech and supply chain were featured at events at Nuneaton and Long Marston. The events attracted 70 visitors from across the Midlands and further afield.

The Quinton Rail Technology Centre, a major UK centre of rail test and development, hosted the Coventry & Warwickshire Rail Innovation Showcase.

Delegates heard from ex-submariner Charles Calvert about the Hydrogen Hero, the UK’s first hydrogen- powered train developed by University of Birmingham's Birmingham Centre for Rail Research and Education and tested at Long Marston.

The Long Marston site is also home to the rolling stock start-up company Vivarail, which has developed a cost-effective local mass transit solution using re-engineered and upcycled former London underground carriages incorporating modern interiors and powertrain including battery, hydrogen and hybrid solutions.

Vivarail design director Neil Bates showed delegates examples of the train now in service with West Midlands Trains on the Marston Vale Line.

Dr Nick Mallinson from Warwick Manufacturing Group at the University of Warwick presented on the VLR or ‘very light rail’ technology under development with partners at the university. This work combines lightweighting, modern battery propulsion, driverless technology and low cost track infrastructure to create lower cost mass transit systems with the potential to make viable city, sub-urban and rural lines currently uneconomic by heavy rail.

Projects under development include a light rail solution for Coventry, in partnership with award-winning Transport Design International, which is based at Clifford Chambers in Stratford-upon-Avon, a few minutes down the road from Long Marston.

Delegates were able to see examples of Hydrogen Hero and the D-Train on display, as the early morning heavy rain eased off.

David Wright from Coventry University showcased the new National Transport Design Centre in Coventry, its capabilities in design and VR, and the work it has done on the design of rail interiors.

Meanwhile, the event at Nuneaton, hosted by Eliot Park Innovation Centre, focused on raising awareness of the rail sector and the many opportunities arising from a pipeline of investment in UK rail over the next 15-20 years, including HS2, Midlands Metro, Midlands Rail Hub and other UK rail and light rail infrastructure projects.

Delegates heard from a range of industry voices, including membership groups Rail Alliance, Rail Forum Midlands and the Digi-Rail Programme at the BCRRE, aimed at supporting SMEs already in rail, and those interested in finding out more.

If you missed these events, there are further opportunities ahead to engage with the sector at the following events:

 Unlocking Innovation Event (with RIA), BCRRE - https://riagb.org.uk/RIA/Registration_UIS.aspx?EventKey=UIS1901

Light After Dark (Long Marston) - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/light-after-dark-2019-tickets-50777111708

Safe Start (Stoneleigh Park) – https://safestart.events/

Guest column

All this fantastic support - available for free!

Jonathan DainesHenley-in-Arden-based LettingaProperty.com was formed in 2008 as a PropTech business to exclusively service private landlords using a digital platform. Ten years later, it is booming with 2018 bringing further expansion in premises, workforce and client-base.

Such growth would not have been possible without business support received from Warwickshire County Council. Here, LettingaProperty.com founder Jonathan Daines outlines the breadth of that support - and urges all small business to find out how the county council can help them.

"The whole suite of support from the council has been brilliant."

Early in 2018 we had a problem at LettingaProperty.com. It was a problem familiar to any small business which has become established and is performing well. The next step - further growth - requires expansion.

That is a big step in every way and we were not sure how to go about it. We have exciting plans for the business and all the expertise and required within it, but how best to make it grow was something entirely new to us. We needed some good advice.

We found it. Almost a year on, we have expanded exactly as we needed to - thanks to business support from the Economy & Skills team at Warwickshire County Council.

I spoke to Jon Bass at the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub and he referred us to the county council’s inward investment team. Since then the whole suite of support from the council has been brilliant.

First and foremost we needed bigger and more modern premises. Jon introduced us to inward investment officer Steph Williams and within a week Steph found us an absolutely perfect office - within our village! It hadn't even been advertised so how she knew about it I don't know, but Steph was fantastic. First job done.

Then we spoke to business skills advisor Fay Winterburn. We met Fay once and she immediately got exactly what the business was about and what we needed. She understood our need to scale up and, like Steph, had an immediate solution. Fay talked us through a range of ways that we can recruit and retain staff and put us in touch with a HR consultant.

Fay has also stayed on the case. With most recruitment agencies, you have to keep chasing, but Fay kept us in mind and, when she came across someone with the right skills and experience, thought of us and sent her our way. We employed that person who has quickly become a valued member of our team.  

We are also receiving fantastic ongoing input from business support advisor Jagdish Soor. Running a small business is hard. In our case, it is run by two brothers with expertise in our field but who, at times, need a sounding board. Jag is exactly that.

Some businesses are wary of business advisors and think "what can they know about my business?" But Jag, with his vast experience, got an immediate grasp of what we do and what we need in order to grow. He went through our business plan with a fine-tooth comb (and can be pretty brutal!) but his input is invaluable.

So, Steph found us premises (we also received a grant of 30 per cent of the cost of fitting our new office - effectively £12,000 support), Fay taught us about skills and Jag is advising us going forward.  We have had capital finance, skills support, advice on relocation and future funding.

It feels like we are a member of an exclusive club. All this fantastic support - available for free! In a way, I don't want to shout about it because, with something this good, you just want it for yourself, but clearly, from the event I attended at Old Shire Hall recently, a lot of businesses have benefited.

What also struck me at that event was the range of businesses that is - from PropTech like ourselves to pet supplies, from logistics to specialist furniture and from marina services to cutting-edge technology.

Whatever sector your small business is in, take my word for it, the county council can help.

To find out how WCC's buisness support team can help use please visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/business

* Invest in Warwickshire and the business support advice is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund as part of the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support.

Events

Events

December

Joint Stratford and Leamington Business Forum BIG Breakfast: Fri 14th Dec, 07:00 - 09:00, The RSC, Stratford (£12.50 exc VAT @ 20%) http://www.stratford-business-forum.co.uk/catalogue_item.php?catID=6760&prodID=58684

Motown Tribute Show - Exclusive offer for CW Champions Members: Thurs 13th Dec, 19:00 https://www.coventry-warwickshire.co.uk/event/motown-tribute-show-exclusive-offer-cw-champions-members

Q4 Mid Branch - Meet your MP Jeremy Wright: Fri 14th Dec, 08:00-09:30, Holiday Inn Kenilworth, Warwick 212, Abbey End, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 1ED (Free) https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/q4-mid-warwickshire-branch-2018/

A Review of the Economy in interesting times: Fri 14th Dec, 12:30 - 14:00, Wright Hassall, Leamington Spa, CV34 6BF (Free)

https://www.wrighthassall.co.uk/events/

35 under 35 Evening Glos: Mon 17th Dec, 17:00-19:00, Twisted6, Cheltenham, (£20 exc VAT @ 20%) http://www.stratford-business-forum.co.uk/catalogue_item.php?catID=6761&prodID=88072

Rural Professionals: Tues 18th Dec, 12:00-14:00, The Four Alls, Welford on Avon (£20 exc VAT @20%) http://www.stratford-business-forum.co.uk/catalogue_item.php?catID=6761&prodID=88040

Christmas Medieval Banquet at Warwick Castle: Thurs 6th Dec-Sat 22nd Dec, Warwick Castle, CV34 6AH (£59-13th&20th Dec, 21st,22nd Dec, £75-14th,15th Dec) https://www.coventry-warwickshire.co.uk/event/christmas-medieval-banquet-warwick-castle-exclusive-champions-offer

January

Chamber Masterclass: Get Yourself Media-Savvy: Mon 14th Jan, 08:30-12:00, Sketchley Grange Hotel, Sketchley Lane, Burbage, Hinckley, Leicestershire, LE10 3HU (Chamber Member:£10, Non-Chamber Member:£20) https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/chamber-masterclass-get-yourself-media-savvy/

How to Use Digital Marketing to Grow Your Sales and Improve Your Relationship with Clients: Mon 14th Jan, 10:00-13:30, SQUAB Hall, Harbury Lane, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV33 9QB (£80+VAT) https://www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk/event/how-use-digital-marketing-grow-your-sales-and-improve-your-relationship-clients

BAUMA and Beyond: West Midlands Construction Sector: Weds 16th Jan, 12:00-16:00, IET Birmingham: Austin Court, 80 Cambridge St, Birmingham, B1 2NP (Free) https://www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk/event/bauma-and-beyond-west-midlands-construction-sector-event

Chamber Networking in Coventry: Thurs 17th Jan, 16:30-18:30, The Albany Theatre, Albany Road, Coventry, West Midlands, CV5 6JQ (Free) https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/chamber-networking-in-coventry/

Put your Social Media House in Order: Thurs 17th Jan, 09:30-16:00, Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce (TBC+VAT) https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/put-your-social-media-house-in-order-17th-january-2019/

FSB Business Bootcamp & Expo: Tues 22nd Jan, 07:00-14:30, Belgrade Theatre, Belgrade Square, Coventry, CV1 1GS (Free) https://www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk/event/fsb-business-bootcamp-expo-2019

Wordpress Your Business: Weds 23rd Jan, 09:30-16:00, Venture House Business Centre, Avenue Farm Industrial Estate, Birmingham Road, Stratford Upon Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 0HR (TBC+VAT) https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/wordpress-your-business-23rd-january-2019/

MTC Open Evening: Thurs 24th Jan, Manufacturing Technology Centre, Pilot Way, Ansty Park, Coventry, CV7 9JU (Free) https://www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk/event/mtc-open-evening-2

Women in Business: Thurs 29th Jan, Village Hotel Club, Dolomite Avenue, Coventry Business Park, West Midlands, CV4 9GZ (Chamber Member:£35 + VAT, Non Chamber Member£45+ VAT) https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/women-in-business-january-2019/

Email Marketing that works: Tues 29th Jan, 09:30-16:00, Althorpe Enterprise Hub, Althorpe Street, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV31 2GB (TBC + VAT) https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/email-marketing-that-works/

The City of Coventry Freeman’s Guild Apprentice of the Year Awards: Tues 29th Jan, 7:30pm-11:30pm, St Mary’s Hall https://www.coventry-warwickshire.co.uk/event/city-coventry-freemans-guild-apprentice-year-awards

New Member Workshop: Thurs 31st Jan, 10:00-11:30, DoubleTree by Hilton, Coventry Paradise Way, Walsgrave Triangle, Coventry, West Midlands, CV2 2ST (Free) https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/new-member-workshop/

The Henley Hub: Thurs 31st Jan, 11:30-14:00, UBCUK Henley-in-Arden, Forward House, 17 High Street, Henley-in-Arden, B95 5AA (Free) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-henley-hub-tickets-51519333714

Chamber Means Business: Thurs 31st Jan, 11:30-14:00, DoubleTree by Hilton Coventry, Paradise Way, Walsgrave Triangle, Coventry, West Midlands, CV2 2ST (Free) https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/chamber-means-business-january/

Interactive Futures 2019: Wed 31st Jan - Sat 2nd Feb, Leamington Spa (From £free)

www.interactive-futures.com

February

How to create your own footfall: 11th Feb, 25th Feb, 4th Mar, 25th Mar, 10:00 - 14:00, Bedworth Cricket Club, CV12 8JH (Free) Email: towns@warwickshire.gov.uk

How to create your own footfall: 12th Feb, 26th Feb, 5th Mar, 26th Mar, 10:00 - 14:00, Peacock Hotel, Kenilworth, 149 Warwick Road, CV8 1HY (Free) Email: towns@warwickshire.gov.uk

March

Trade Local Business Expo 2019: Fri 15th March, 10:00 - 15:00, NAEC Stoneleigh, CV8 2LZ, (Free) https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/trade-local-business-expo-2019-visitor-registration/

 

OTHER USEFUL EVENT PAGES TO FOLLOW

C&W Business Festival: https://www.cwbusinessfestival.com/

Tech Central: http://techcentraluk.com/events.html

Business Ready: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/business-ready-12629314668

Coventry University Enterprises: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/cue-business-solutions-13651209205

C&W Chamber of Commerce: https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/

C&W Growth Hub: http://www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk/events

CW Champions: https://www.coventry-warwickshire.co.uk/events

Midlands Business Network: http://themidlandsbusinessnetwork.co.uk/events/

Leamington Hour: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/leamington-hour-7578817945

Stratford Business Forum: http://www.stratford-business-forum.co.uk/

Leamington Business Forum: http://www.leamington-business-forum.co.uk/

The Henley Hub: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-henley-hub-tickets-51519328699

Southam Business Forum: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/southam-business-forum-8369172972

Warwickshire VA Network:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-warwickshire-virtual-assistant-network-16829545906

 

News in Brief

News in brief

A roundup of business headlines from across the county

Work starts on £2.5m Headquarters
Work has started on a new £2.5m headquarters in Warwick for a construction contractor which has completed projects for the likes of Jaguar Land Rover, Next and Ferrari.
https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/work-starts-on-2.5m-headquarters 

Radiant Worlds relocates as Rebellion Warwick transition completes
The games studio formerly known as Radiant Worlds has moved into a new studio as it fully establishes itself as Rebellion Warwick.
in January of this year, Sniper Elite developer and publisher Rebellion acquired the company and retained all 70 employees, rebranding the studio Rebellion Warwick.
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-11-20-radiant-worlds-relocates-as-rebellion-warwick-transition-completes 

Rugby company enhances its global presence
A business based near Rugby that makes, supplies and installs surveillance and security equipment – including covert devices – has grown its global market share after receiving a decade’s worth of support.
https://bdaily.co.uk/articles/2018/11/19/rugby-company-enhances-it-global-presence 

West Mids creative companies to benefit from £4m scale up package
The government has announced a £4m package to assist scaling up creative businesses in the West Midlands, Greater Manchester and the west of England
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/20-million-to-boost-creative-industries-across-england 

Premier Inn owner opens new town centre restaurant
The owner of the Premier Inn hotel chain has opened a new restaurant in Leamington Spa as part of a wider £3.2m transformation project. The opening has created 30 jobs.
https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/premier-inn-owner-opens-new-town-centre-restaurant 

Warwickshire brewery named small business of the year
Purity Brewing Company has been named Business of the Year Less Than 50 Employees at the SME National Business Awards 2018. The awards ceremony, which took place at Wembley Stadium on Friday, December 7, celebrated Britain’s industrious, hardworking and enterprising SMEs.
https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/business/smes/purity-brewery-sme-business-award-15537395 

Warwickshire motor manufacturer reaches the semi-final of ‘Best British Tech Startup 2019’
https://www.kpmgenterprise.co.uk/events/midlands/bbts-regional-heats-2019-birmingham/ 

Green light for new Go Ape site
The go-ahead has been given to open a new Go Ape site in Warwickshire in 2019.
Talks between the company and Coventry City Council over opening a site in Coombe Country Park to the east of the city as early as April 2019 were revealed in July and now the plans were voted through by Rugby Borough Council at a meeting on Wednesday 5 December.
https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/green-light-for-new-go-ape-site 

Aston Martin reveals ‘closely guarded secrets’ of new hypercar
"Closely guarded secrets" of Aston Martin's new Valkyrie hypercar have been revealed.
The Warwickshire-headquartered listed luxury car maker has developed the V12 car in conjunction with longtime technical partner Cosworth, which is headquartered in Northampton, at its Gaydon base.
https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/aston-martin-reveals-closely-guarded-secrets-of-new-hypercar 

Office supplier snapped up by London counterpart
A Warwickshire supplier of office equipment such as printers and photocopiers has been acquired by a London-based counterpart.
Regent Document Solutions, which operates out of Leamington Spa, has been snapped up by Corona Corporate Solutions (CCS) in a deal advised on by EMC Corporate Finance.
https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/office-supplier-snapped-up-by-london-counterpart 

Major government contract awarded to tech consultancy
A Warwickshire-based technology consultancy has secured a six-figure contract with the Department for Education (DfE).
Tisski, which operates out of Kenilworth, has been handed the two-year tech support contract which includes the development of customer relationship management systems for the Education and Skills Funding Agency and the Education Data Division (EDD), Independent Education and Boarding Team (IEBT) and Inter Company Adoption (ICA) business units.
https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/major-government-contract-awarded-to-tech-consultancy

Construction starts on £10m university project
Construction has started on a £10m Degree Apprenticeship Centre at the University of Warwick.
Kier has been named as the contractor for the centre which will be used by the Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) and is due to be completed in 2019.
https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/construction-starts-on-10m-university-project 

New era for specialist bakery wins deal of the month
A deal for a specialist bakery which started as a corner shop in Warwick in the 1960s and now sells more than six million products a year has won Insider's Deal of the Month for November.
Margaret Hall – which makes a range of tarts, cakes and biscuits under its own brand ‘Margaret’s Country Kitchen’ and as white label – has joined Panicium as part of a buy-and-build strategy to scale-up and acquire like-minded craft bakeries.
https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/new-era-for-specialist-bakery-wins-deal-of-the-month 

HOBIRA MIRA wins six-figure MOD contract
Horiba Mira has won a further 845,000 in funding from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the third phase of an autonomous vehicle project.
The Nuneaton-headquartered company, which specialises in advanced automotive engineering, research, development and testing, is working on the ATLAS Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) Autonomy research programme.
https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/horiba-mira-wins-six-figure-mod-funding 

Queen’s award-winning jeweller’s turnover passes £40m
Turnover at a Queen's Award-winning jeweller has jumped past the £40m mark during its latest financial year, newly filed accounts have revealed.
George Pragnell, which is headquartered in Stratford-upon-Avon, has posted a turnover of £43.2m for the year to 31 May 2018, up from £36.7m in the prior 12 months.
https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/queens-award-winning-jewellers-turnover-jumps-past-40m 

Coventry & Warwickshire businesses urged to take up free IT support
Firms across Coventry and Warwickshire have been told not to let slow broadband or outdated IT stand in their way of growth and to tap into free advice and support.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce is offering free, impartial advice to businesses across the area to help them find the right IT systems and to improve broadband speeds. There is also funding available, depending on eligibility, to increase broadband speeds.
http://www.bqlive.co.uk/midlands/2018/12/04/news/coventry-and-warwickshire-businesses-urged-to-take-up-free-it-support-34535/ 

Warwickshire Outlook

UK's love of Christmas will manifest itself in massive festive spend

"On average a UK citizen will spend twice the amount of money on gifts as the average European...by the New Year the residents of the UK will be a total of 19.5 million stone heavier..."

By Warwickshire County Council economist Emily Newport

As Christmas fast approaches it can truly be said that, for businesses in the UK, it is ‘the most wonderful time of the year...on average a UK citizen will spend twice the amount of money on gifts as the average European.

Recent research by Experian suggests that, over Christmas, the average UK individual will spend £923 on food, alcohol and presents - a significant increase from £800 in 2015. Since 2015, the average Warwickshire resident has spent an additional 0.22% of their income as of 2017 on Christmas.

According to the Bank of England, in December we spend 16% more on food, 39% more on alcohol, 43% more on clothing, 56% more on toiletries, 68% more on computers and 116% more on Music & DVD’s. And Christmas spending doesn’t just start and end in the month of December. Deloitte suggests that up to 50% of UK consumers will start or complete their Christmas shopping during November.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are events made for the pre-Christmas bustle, for early birds to begin and end their Christmas shopping before December has even come around. Both in November, these events offer attractive promotions with a lot of retailers turning these single-day concepts in to week-long events. Although, in more recent times, the true ‘discount’ of these events in relation to other sales throughout the year has been questioned, with some arguing prices were lower at other times of the year. Deloitte said that of consumers who planned to buy during Black Friday, 45% intended to buy on their laptop/desktop - almost double the percentage of those who planned on going in store.

UK Consumers are statistically the most vigorous online shoppers in Europe with online shopping accounting for 18% of all retail sales in the UK. The down side of this influx in online shopping is that the British high street, in November, experienced its lowest shopper numbers since 2008, according to the BBC. This year the UK has seen some big retailers including, Mothercare, Carpetright, Maplin and Toy R Us (a go-to Christmas paradise for children) struggle to survive in the current economic conditions as Brexit uncertainty and online shopping convenience force store closures. Even big contenders Debenhams, John Lewis and House of Fraser have reported worries. In total, this puts 25,159 jobs at risk in 2018 due to retail difficulties.  Warwickshire itself has also seen a four-year increase in the number of business closures across the county.

In spite of the increased spending at Christmas, The Guardian adds that the UK high street is set to struggle more each Christmas as people increasingly buy tickets and experiences in oppose to the traditional Christmas presents to put under the tree.

However, at Christmas, the British consumer shows little hesitancy where food and alcohol concerned. During 2017 consumers spent an additional £1billion on groceries despite inflation surrounding Brexit, with Aldi and Lidl coming out on top. Tesco’s, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrison’s all experienced increased sales too, with Morrison’s also experiencing a 10% rise in online sales.

There is a further increase in spending for restaurants and bars as work Christmas parties, families get-togethers and friendly gatherings increase throughout December. In total the UK spend £2 billion on alcohol at Christmas over a combined 165 million visits to the pub. At home, the average adult has also spent a minimum of £45 to continue the party outside of the pub at Christmas, so it comes as no surprise to hear that adults consume roughly 18 units of alcohol on Christmas Day alone.

As the great Christmas lovers that we are, by the New Year the residents of the UK will be a total of 19.5 million stone heavier and, with one in ten reporting they would rather get in to debt than cut the Christmas budget, it is unsurprising that credit card bills are abnormally high - so maybe it is ‘the most wonderful time of the year’, until January comes around…

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