Featured News
WBEAS advice and support transforms life at care home
“Energy efficiency has a vital role to play in creating a growing, greener economy and the difference the Warwickshire Business Energy Advice Service (WBEAS) has made at Rugby Care Centre shows it can be a win-win for both businesses and the environment.
Business support in Coventry and Warwickshire has helped a Rugby care home save over £15,000 a year on their energy costs.
Rugby Care Centre in Clifton Road is a family-owned business and was bought ten years ago by the Dodhia family, and the 1850s property has been extensively refurbished while retaining its original character and homeliness.
Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub Account Manager Adam Plumb, who covers the Rugby area, is in regular contact with Jay Dodhia and advised him to seek a free energy audit from the Warwickshire Business Energy Advice Service (WBEAS) with a view to applying for financial support to improve the heating and energy at the specialist dementia and residential care home.
The pilot BEAS programme is being run in the West Midlands area through the West Midlands Combined Authority with Warwickshire County Council being allocated £1.25 million. Warwickshire County Council has appointed Coventry City Council to carry out the energy audits and, following a visit from Business Energy Adviser Denise Osborne, Jay successfully applied to Warwickshire County Council for a grant of £44,000. This has been match-funded by the business.
The net result, following the installation of a new boiler for the downstairs of the property, new double-glazed windows and doors, and LED lighting, has led to savings of £11,286 and 25 tonnes of CO2 every year for Rugby Care Centre.
With the advice from the free business energy audit, which is a huge benefit of the BEAS programme even without the grant, the business could potentially save an additional £3,571 in costs and 6.29 tonnes of CO2.
Jay said the 26-bedroom property has been totally transformed by the improvements which have made life more comfortable for its residents.
He said: “I am so grateful that Adam, Louisa and Denise saw the potential in our home. Having double-glazed windows and doors has made a real impact to our residents and at one of their regular residents’ meetings they said the home was much warmer and brighter.
“The sensor LED lighting has made a difference in helping to make energy savings, along with having a more efficient boiler in the downstairs of the property since we replaced the other boiler, which heats the upstairs, a few years ago.
“We have used local suppliers, Custom Heat and Rugby Double Glazing, to carry out the work and they were brilliant at minimising disruption to our residents. We never lose sight of the fact that this is our residents’ home, we just work here, so it is really important that we provide the best possible place for everyone to receive home-from-home care and support.”
Adam Plumb urged other businesses to get in touch to find out if they are eligible for an energy audit and funding from the Warwickshire Business Energy Advice Service.
“I have worked with Jay and Palvi for a several years and they have engaged with a number of support programmes,” he said. “The effects of the work carried out under the Warwickshire Business Energy Advice Service is noticeable from the moment you walk through the front door and it has had the added benefit of reducing Rugby Care Centre’s carbon footprint and energy bills.
“Time is running out since the programme ends in March so I would encourage other businesses who feel they could benefit to contact the Growth Hub as soon as possible so that more companies can take advantage of a free business energy audit, with the possibility of grant funding.”
Cllr Ish Mistry, deputy leader of Rugby Borough Council and portfolio holder for finance, performance, legal and governance, said it was great to visit Rugby Care Centre and see first-hand the vast difference the grant was making.
He said: “Energy efficiency has a vital role to play in creating a growing, greener economy and the difference the Warwickshire Business Energy Advice Service (WBEAS) has made at Rugby Care Centre shows it can be a win-win for both businesses and the environment.
Cllr Martin Watson, Portfolio Holder for Economy at Warwickshire County Council, added: “It’s great to see the impact this grant has had on Rugby Care Centre. Not only do these improvements make the residents more comfortable and improve the home for them, they also mean Rugby Care Centre is more energy efficient and is seeing annual energy savings.
“The Warwickshire Business Energy Advice Service provides tailored advice to local businesses to help them become more energy efficient and reduce their outgoings. The programme supports our ambition to create a sustainable future and support local business development.”
WBEAS was launched earlier in the year 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.
For further information on WBEAS, please visit: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/greengrants
* Please find out what other support is available to your business by calling Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub on 0300 060 3747 or visiting https://www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk
Rupert takes flight thanks to WCC Digi-Grant
"They really got on board with what we were trying to do and were a huge support. The £30,000 grant, which was matched, was brilliant.”
A groundbreaking small business in Leamington is facing an exciting future after its owner harnessed business support that he had “no idea” existed.
James Urquhart has been running marketing businesses for 15 years and had always powered them himself, with bank loans when needed. When he created his latest enterprise, an automated social media assistant -
Rupert - a similar funding process beckoned…until he received some excellent advice from fellow businesses at
1 Mill Street, where he is based.
“I’d been running businesses for 15 years and had never had a grant,” said James. “I didn’t even know that councils offered help. I’d always just taken out loans and figured it out from there.
“Then I moved to 1 Mill Street and that opened up a whole different world to me. 1 Mill Street is full of start-ups and small businesses looking for support and all pooling information and helping each other and they said, ‘could you be eligible for a support grant?’ That opened my eyes and the support has been a massive help.
“Sim and Jo at the County Council were brilliant. I can’t speak highly enough of them because without their support I would have had no idea what to do. I have really bad ADHD and dyslexia and they helped me navigate the access to finance market. They really got on board with what we were trying to do and were a huge support. The £30,000 grant, which was matched, was brilliant.”
"Rupert, named after James’ constant companion in the office, a Bedlington Terrier, is designed to solve a problem which affects many businesses on social media.
“A by-product of social media is comments and many businesses do not have the capacity to deal with them,” he said. “It is a cross-industry problem and no-one’s really tackled it. I couldn’t find a system which was remotely cost-effective so decided to build one!
“Rupert connects to the company’s social media account and monitors all the comments, 24/7. Any negative comments are quarantined until the business has time to respond in the way you want to. You can create a style in how to respond.
“It also brings all the comments into one platform which is a lot easier. For example, one of our clients is Oxford United Football Club who recently had over 12,000 comments in two days. Of those, 700 were negative and also not in English, but because Rupert is bilingual we were able to quarantine those comments in real time.”
Rupert, whose customers span a broad range of sectors from telematics to wellness and car loans to Myton Hospice, is a prime example of the innovation and enterprise that has built Warwickshire’s enviable reputation in the sector.
Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economy, Cllr Martin Watson, said: “Rupert Digital has brought yet another dimension to our region’s amazing offer in the digital creative sector and I am delighted that our grant has been so helpful in supporting a business which helps other businesses.
“It’s also great that the supportive environment at 1 Mill Street led to James applying for the grant. Such an atmosphere of pulling together and helping each other is another reason why our county attracts and nurtures businesses so successfully.”
James, meanwhile, is now eyeing further growth for Rupert.
“It’s lovely because it’s not just selling a product for commercial gain,” he said. “It is helping people to deal with a problem. We have a good customer base already and haven’t started properly marketing yet. It’s an exciting time and I’m really grateful to the County Council for their support and my friends at Mill Street. I love it at 1 Mill Street – I’m going absolutely nowhere!”
* Please find out what other support is available to your business by calling Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub on 0300 060 3747 or visiting https://www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk
BBC pledge to power apprenticeships in SMEs across Warwickshire
Warwickshire County Council
is collaborating with the BBC to distribute new funds to support apprenticeship training within local small and medium size enterprises (SMEs).
The corporation has pledged £100,000 from its Apprenticeship Levy fund to the County Council, funding which will enable people across Warwickshire who want to work in the media, creative and digital industries, or who already are in the sector, learn while they earn.
Warwickshire County Council
is one of several organisations receiving levy funds from the national broadcaster. Each council will encourage SMEs in their area to apply for the funds so they can recruit apprentices and create apprenticeships for their businesses.
Launched by the Government in 2017, the Apprenticeship Levy allows for organisations to pay a certain amount each year towards the costs of enabling new apprenticeships and upskilling existing employees. Organisations generally use their levy to support those that take up apprenticeships in their own workplaces, but when that money is not spent it can be transferred to SMEs who do not have a levy fund themselves to cover apprenticeship learning and development.
Sarah Moors, BBC Head of Apprenticeships, says: “Apprenticeships provide a vital route into the media for people from a range of backgrounds. In pledging these funds, we hope to support the development of new talent for the creative, cultural and digital sectors, and to equip existing employees with additional skills”.
Warwickshire County Council’s Head of Economy, Cllr Martin Watson, said: "We are very grateful to the BBC for their support as apprenticeships play such a crucial role in the Warwickshire local economy. By providing a bridge between education and employment they offer numerous benefits to individuals and businesses alike and also the economy as a whole as a skilled workforce drives economic growth by increasing productivity and innovation.
“Apprenticeships help address the skills shortages in specific industries, ensuring a sustainable workforce. It is extremely rewarding to be involved in supporting the workforce of the future via our programmes"
Steven Convery and Louise Stolz from Warwickshire Skills Hub and Louise Brown (Industry Partnership Manager, BBC Early Careers and Staff Apprenticeships, BBC Academy) will be holding an apprenticeship event for businesses wanting to know more about the funding on Thursday 16th January at 1 Mill Street in Leamington Spa, for more information please email Steven Convery on stevenconvery@warwickshire.gov.uk
Multiply has helped more than 2,000 residents improve their numeracy skills
"All in all, it was really enjoyable and made me feel like I wasn’t alone in worrying about the cost of living.”
More than 2,000 Warwickshire residents have been supported to improve their numeracy by the Multiply Programme.
Eight projects are now running as part of the free programme, managed by Warwickshire County Council and funded by UK Government. Now in its third year, Multiply is due to close in March 2025 as the funding ends, but there is still time to access the life-changing opportunities delivered by the council’s partners who run courses throughout the county.
Further details about how to gain access to free Maths support in Warwickshire can be obtained from:
Pet Xi www.pet-xi.co.uk/opportunities/multiply-skills-for-life-duplicate-1/
CWCDA https://cwcda.co.uk/community-services/money-money-maths/ and https://en-gb.facebook.com/CoventryandWarwickshireCDA
WCC’s Adult & Community Learning team www.warwickshire.gov.uk/adult-community-learning-offer
North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College www.nwslc.ac.uk/multiply
Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training - https://www.cw-chambertraining.co.uk/
Among people to have benefited from the programme is Ewan who attended a Multiply Cost of Living Support Workshop delivered by Coventry & Warwickshire CDA at the Packmores Community Centre in Warwick.
“The workshops were friendly and informal along with being really informative,” said Ewan. “It didn’t really feel like learning. The general atmosphere was good-humoured and everyone had a chance to ask questions and share their tips too. I felt like I learned something each week.
“I have implemented some of the tips and saved money. Being able to take all the handouts home and look at them in my own time really helped with managing my finances. All in all, it was really enjoyable and made me feel like I wasn’t alone in worrying about the cost of living.”
Cllr Martin Watson, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economy, said, “I am delighted that the Multiply programme has proved so successful and has already helped more than 2,000 people across Warwickshire to become more informed and confident about applying numeracy skills in their daily lives.
“We are very pleased to work with our partners across the county to address local numeracy needs and make sure that, if adults have barriers to getting on and prospering in the workplace, we can help to overcome them. I would like to thank all our partners delivering the programme in the county for their excellent impact on so many people.”
Make the most of Warwickshire's magical independent businesses this Christmas
“Buying local is a great way to support our businesses and we have so many great retailers in the county that can provide the perfect gift this festive season.”
Local independent businesses are encouraged to shout about their events and activities in the lead up to Christmas as part of the #WarwickshireChristmas campaign running again this year, encouraging residents and visitors into Warwickshire’s towns.
The #WarwickshireChristmas campaign, organised by Warwickshire County Council, shines a spotlight on local, independent businesses throughout the county, encouraging them to share the range of quality products, services and events they offer as people are starting their Christmas shopping.
Running throughout November and December, the campaign highlights businesses and their gift ideas all over the county, and showcases individual towns and villages where residents and visitors can shop and enjoy local events
Businesses are encouraged to get involved with the campaign, led by Warwickshire Towns Network, on social media by using #WarwickshireChristmas and sharing their own Christmas content online.
Councillor Martin Watson, portfolio holder for Economy at Warwickshire County Council, said: “Christmas is a key time for many of our local businesses, and Warwickshire has a lot to offer in our range of towns and villages throughout the county.
“Buying local is a great way to support our businesses and we have so many great retailers in the county that can provide the perfect gift this festive season.”
To follow the campaign, visit @WarksTN on Instagram or like Warwickshire Towns Network on Facebook.
Flagship development for Nuneaton is approved
A joint venture has secured approval for the construction of hundreds of homes at a flagship development in Warwickshire. The wider scheme will include more than 1,700 properties.
Plans for the next 479 units at the Top Farm development in Weddington, Nuneaton, have been given the go-ahead by Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council.
The scheme has been brought forward by Develop Warwickshire, the joint venture between Vistry, Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG) and Warwickshire County Council. A total of 120 of these properties will be available as affordable homes through housing association Platform, with a further 135 designated for the private rental sector and 124 for the open market.
The detailed planning consent also gives the green light for development of a park, a BMX track, a habitat pond, four balancing ponds and footpaths linking to other developments.
Phil McHugh, Vistry Group's managing director for North West Midlands, said: "We are excited to get planning approval for the next phase of much-needed homes at Top Farm. Getting the green light to build a further 479 family homes marks another milestone in our commitment to delivering over 2,000 high-quality, affordable homes that enhance communities and meet the diverse housing needs in Warwickshire."
Top Farm is the largest of the Develop Warwickshire sites with its fully mixed-tenure community planned to include more than 1700 two-, three-, and four-bedroom houses and bungalow homes with a primary and secondary school, a local centre, extensive public open space and multi-functional green infrastructure, and new roads.
Stuart Buckley, managing director of WDPG, said: "Develop Warwickshire continues to make impressive progress and the approval of the next 479 sustainable homes at Top Farm marks a pivotal step in the joint venture's ambitious plans. This latest announcement sees the partnership continue its work to create a thriving new community in Nuneaton and deliver vital homes for Warwickshire."
Councillor Peter Butlin, deputy leader of Warwickshire County Council and portfolio holder for finance and property, added: "This marks another significant milestone for the Top Farm development and the Develop Warwickshire partnership. Through Develop Warwickshire we will create sustainable, high-quality, and affordable new homes, supporting our vision of building healthy and safe communities in which people feel proud to live."
Dedicated support for Bidford and Welford businesses
Businesses in Bidford-upon-Avon and Welford-upon-Avon received dedicated support in a local event highlighting the support and funding available to help businesses establish and grow.
The event was to encourage business owners to reach out for help particularly in the run up to Christmas and following any disruption from repairs to the historic Bidford Bridge, damaged by a driver collision in August.
Warwickshire County Council, Stratford District Council and the local parish councils are working together and are keen to ensure that all businesses are directed, in the first instance, to the Coventry & Warwickshire Growth Hub, who act as the ‘front door’ for business support services across the area.
Councillor Martin Watson, Portfolio Holder for Economy at Warwickshire County Council, said: “We want to see our villages and towns thrive and there is a range of knowledge and support available that can be accessed through the Growth Hub and the local authorities to support businesses to reach their goals.
“These are exceptional circumstances in Bidford-upon-Avon and it needs everyone to come together now more than ever to support their local businesses while the county works to make the bridge safe as soon as possible.”
Gary Thyeson from The Growth Hub added: “We realise there is a lot of information out there when it comes to support for your business and our job is to act as the ‘front door’ for all of our different partners so we can help identify and tailor that support. All information we receive from local businesses is reported back to central government and helps inform future funding programmes and opportunities, so please do get in touch with us.”
In addition, businesses are being invited to reach out to The Warwickshire Towns Network via Facebook and Instagram, to take part in their campaign #WarwickshireChristmas. Businesses can tag or DM The Warwickshire Towns Network @warkstn using the hashtag #warwickshirechristmas to help amplify their messages.
Any businesses who are not on social media but would like more information can contact The Growth Hub will be able to get them to the right place to get started.
Following damage to the historic Bidford Bridge by a driver collision, the county council has been working tirelessly to arrange the complex repairs which involved a multitude of agencies and permissions and is pleased to announce that the bridge is now open for vehicular traffic. Updates and information around the work can be found at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/major-transport-construction-projects/b4085-bidford-avon-river-bridge/4
The Coventry & Warwickshire Growth Hub is a government supported organisation, which offers one-to-one advice and ongoing support to businesses in the region. They provide a ‘front-door’ to the vast range of business support initiatives and programmes on offer locally and nationally and can be contacted on Tel 0300 060 3747 or email support@cwgrowthhub.co.uk or by visiting www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk
The Growth Hub will be able to help you identify and access support either from themselves or from a range of other partners including the following:
The Warwickshire Towns Network is run by the Economic Development Team at Warwickshire County Council. It brings together representatives from Place Partnerships, Business Improvement Districts and Local Authorities to enable any positive actions which help to sustain or improve towns and villages; and help Warwickshire to be the best it can be. For more information or speak to someone from the towns network you can email towns@warwickshire.gov.uk
New Year, New Start meeting on January 7 in Alcester
Business owners and start-ups located in and around Alcester, Studley and Bidford can gather lots of valuable leads and information at an event in the New Year.
The ‘New Year, New Start’ gathering will take place at the Rural Enterprise Hub in Minerva Mill, Alcester, on Tuesday 7th January from 11am until 2pm. Organised by Rural Enterprise Development Officer, Vicky Griffith, the free event will connect businesses up to numerous avenues of potential support.
Vicky will welcome attendees and introduce Kerry Smith from Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, Heather Docksey from Warwickshire Skills Hub, and Lottie Henstone from Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. Each will deliver a presentation, sharing valuable insights about the free business support available to local business owners from startups to sole traders, established small and medium businesses.
Following the presentations, attendees will be invited to join the panel for a Pop-Up Session in the Bubble (café), where they will have the opportunity to speak with each team individually.
“The relaxed yet confidential setting will be the perfect environment for asking questions and discovering tailored support for the needs of every business there,” said Vicky. “I’m really excited to showcase the free support available to our local businesses. Our goal is to empower them with the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to thrive and grow.”
The event is free to attend but spaces are limited so please register here to reserve a place: https://shorturl.at/7TMmm
Further details can be obtained by:
• Email: vicky@minervamill.co.uk
• Phone: 01789 761334
• Face to Face: Pop into Minerva Mill Innovation Centre for a look around and to say hello.
Leamington Town Centre vision moves a step closer
The transformation of Leamington Spa’s town centre has taken a step closer after the draft Leamington Town Centre Vision was approved by Warwickshire County Council’s cabinet.
The Vision is a high-level strategic document aimed at guiding the future regeneration of the town over the coming decade. The county council is one of three local authority partners comprising the Leamington Transformation Board, along with Warwick District Council and Royal Leamington Spa Town Council. This collaborative initiative, established in 2021, has driven this renewed Vision forward.
Public engagement has been central to the development, with extensive input gathered through surveys, meetings, and public exhibitions. Key priorities identified by the community included: supporting local businesses, conserving the town's historic character, and improving air quality.
These priorities shaped the three pillars of the vision – Healthy Place; Healthy People; and Healthy Planet – which align closely with the county council’s key areas of focus.
The Vision was originally drawn up in 2018 but, given the drastic changes seen across society, and felt keenly by town centres, it was decided a refresh was required.
Cllr Jan Matecki, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning, commented on the Vision’s significance, saying: “Endorsing this Vision represents a major step forward for Leamington Spa. It will guide our work in creating a town centre that is not only functional but also a place where our residents and visitors want to spend time.
Cllr Martin Watson, Portfolio Holder for Economy, added: “A vibrant economy is the backbone of a thriving town centre, and this Vision focuses on supporting businesses and encouraging new investment. By addressing key issues such as air quality, preserving the town’s heritage, and supporting local enterprises, we aim to create a Leamington Spa that is an attractive place for residents, visitors, and businesses.”
The next phase of the project will advance a Public Realm and Activation Masterplan for the Parade, Leamington Spa’s central street and historic centre piece of the town and involves detailed public and stakeholder engagement, set to take place in 2025. This will allow the community to provide input on potential improvements to the Parade, ensuring that all proposed changes align with the Vision’s strategic goals.
A full copy of the report to cabinet can be found here: https://democracy.warwickshire.gov.uk/documents/s40098/Leamington%20Town%20Centre%20Vision.pdf”
Businesses get ready for new waste regs
Warwickshire businesses are preparing for new food waste separation regulations.
New rules for commercial operations will come into force from 31 March 2025 after the updated legal duties and associated guidance were published by Government at the end of November. It is part of Defra’s wider Simpler Recycling reforms and is designed to reduce the amount of compostable waste being sent to waste disposal. While there are several routes for compliance, Downing Street are keen that businesses opt for anaerobic digestion treatment which can generate biofuel and fertiliser from the food waste.
The rules will apply to any business with ten or more full time equivalent staff across the whole business. It still applies if there are fewer than ten staff at one location when there are more than ten employed across the company. For microbusiness with fewer than ten employees, the start date is 31 March 2027.
The food waste that must be separated from general waste includes teabags, fruit and vegetable peel, meat, fish, bread, pasta, eggshells, bones and coffee grinds. This applies to any non-domestic property, and organisations will need to partner with food waste specialists, with many likely to require new contracts to ensure they meet requirements.
The regulations will also stipulate that businesses recycle a core set of materials, which includes paper & cardboard, glass bottles & jars, metal tins & cans and plastic bottles, pots, tubs & trays, as well as aerosols and foil.
More information can be found via Defra and WRAP.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/simpler-recycling-workplace-recycling-in-england
https://businessofrecycling.wrap.ngo/
WPDG is a "blueprint for public sector innovation"
"Through WPDG the County Council delivers on its aim to make the county an attractive place to live and do business."
A Warwickshire-based property development group has landed major recognition for its contribution to unlocking investment in the county - just three years after forming.
Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG) has been named Newcomer of the Year at the Insider West Midlands Property Awards 2024 – after being formed by Warwickshire County Council to realise the full potential of the Council’s development sites, commercial buildings and mineral rights across the county.
Judges hailed the Group’s work as a “blueprint for public sector innovation” and it was “an excellent example of a commercially-minded local authority taking the initiative”.
Since its launch, WPDG has grown into a multi-million-pound development business, with 250,000 sq ft of commercial floorspace in the pipeline that will deliver 1,000 to 10,000 sq ft units to support the growth and development of SMEs.
Alongside its extensive commercial development work, the business has a pipeline of 2,200 residential plots, which are being delivered directly and through a joint venture partnership model.
The Group’s most significant commercial achievement is a 42,200 sq ft scheme in Southam called Sucham Park, which in under two years has seen WPDG transform a redundant site without planning permission to practical completion for nine units to support local SME growth, creating around 100 jobs.
WPDG is also bringing forward up to 200,000 sq ft of similar space over the next couple of years, alongside delivering 2,200 new homes across the county through its residential developments.
Stuart Buckley, Managing Director at WPDG, said: “This award win is testament to the team at WPDG and the collaborative work that has taken place between the team and our various partners to provide the infrastructure to meet demand – whether that is providing SMEs with the right facilities to grow, or delivering on much-needed new homes.
“What we have achieved at Sucham Park in a rapid space of time – and under budget – is no mean feat, and typifies the crucial role that we can play as an organisation in helping to support the growth of the local economy.
“We are currently building a further pipeline of developments that will meet the needs of businesses seeking units that are sub 20,000 sq ft – as well as residential plots too – as we continue to grow and maximise opportunities for the county.”
Councillor Peter Butlin, Warwickshire County Council Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, added: “The creation of WPDG was a major step forward for Warwickshire, and this award-winning and innovative partnership is key to our ambition to make the most of the county’s assets for the benefit of local people and local communities.
“Through WPDG the County Council delivers on its aim to make the county an attractive place to live and do business. This isn’t just about delivering about bricks and mortar, but about all the elements that make Warwickshire a thriving place to live, work and visit.”
Record year for Warwickshire success in King's Award for Enterprise
"This prestigious recognition reinforces Warwickshire’s rapidly expanding reputation as a hub for innovation and enterprise, fostering a strong and sustainable local economy prepared for the future."
Warwickshire celebrated a record eight local firms at an event to honour their achievement in receiving a King’s Award for Enterprise 2024.
The exclusive awards ceremony, hosted at 2024 King’s Award winner Aston Martin’s Gaydon headquarters on 4 December, highlighted these companies’ exceptional contributions to the local and national economy.
The King’s Award for Enterprise (KAE), a globally acknowledged royal endorsement, celebrates outstanding achievements across four categories: innovation, international trade, sustainable development, and promoting opportunity through social mobility. The accolade, considered one of the most prestigious for UK businesses, underscores the innovative and impactful work being done in the region.
These awards serve as a benchmark for excellence and inspire other enterprises to aim for similar recognition. Representatives from across the local business community attended the event to support the winners.
Warwickshire’s eight 2024 King’s Award recipients were: Innovation
International Trade
Promoting Opportunity
Sustainable Development
Tim Cox, Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire, praised the winners' significant achievements.
“These companies have demonstrated remarkable dedication and excellence, earning well-deserved recognition that elevates their commercial value, enhances media visibility, and boosts staff morale," he said. "I am delighted to celebrate their outstanding contributions. This prestigious recognition not only enhances the profile of winning businesses but also reinforces Warwickshire’s rapidly expanding reputation as a hub for innovation and enterprise, fostering a strong and sustainable local economy prepared for the future."
“We are encouraging businesses from all sectors and sizes in Warwickshire to consider applying for next year’s awards. We have produced a comprehensive brochure detailing the benefits of the King’s Award and the application process. Interested businesses can access it online here.”
Michael Straughan OBE, an Executive Director at Aston Martin, said: “As a company with a commitment to innovation, everyone at Aston Martin is incredibly proud to be recognised with the 2024 King’s Award for Enterprise. It’s an honour for us to welcome fellow winners from across Warwickshire to celebrate their collective achievements at our headquarters and highlight the positive opportunities created by the King’s Awards programme for businesses large and small.”
For further guidance or to inquire about applying for future awards, companies can reach out via email at lieutenancy@warwickshire.gov.uk; access the brochure for Warwickshire businesses here; or visit: The King's Awards for Enterprise: About the awards - GOV.
Two million new users for HMRC app
2024 has been the most successful year for the HMRC app to date, with two million more people able to easily check their tax codes, view annual tax summaries and make or receive secure payments – all with just a few taps.
Since its launch in December 2017, more than seven million people have downloaded the app, and successfully logged in to access their tax information.
Many people are choosing the HMRC app to ‘get on it’ with their money and tax as they start their day with 09:00 to 09:59 the most popular time for customer logins. Over the past 12 months, the increased use of the HMRC app has resulted in:
· more than 100 million app sessions
· more than 2 million new users this year
· £652 million received in Self Assessment payments
· 77% increase in app downloads in 16-25 age group
· consistently in top spot in the app finance charts
HMRC is encouraging anyone not already using the free and secure HMRC app to download it from the App Store or Google Play today. People can access their personal tax information whenever or wherever they need it and even save their National Insurance number to their digital wallet.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “The HMRC app is a great tool to access your National Insurance number, claim Child Benefit or pay your Self Assessment tax bill on the go. There are lots of services available through the app which can save you a phone call and get you an answer quickly and easily. So why not join the 2 million new users who have downloaded the app this year?
In November, HMRC launched a promotional campaign for the app to encourage 18-34 year olds to download the app. Watch the video on YouTube ‘You’re on it’.
Special Feature
Workplace wellbeing is a big step towards greater productivity
Improving wellbeing at work and reducing economic inactivity are high priorities nationally and locally. With Coventry & Warwickshire selected as one of 15 pilot areas for a new Workwell scheme to integrate employment and health support, employers in the area can address their skills gaps and benefit from a more productive workforce. Warwickshire County Council’s Public Health Delivery Manager (Wellbeing and Workforce) Jo Southan explains.
There has long been an ambition in Warwickshire and across the UK to increase employment opportunity and raise the numbers of people in work. With the launch of the Back to Work Plan in 2023 and release of the Back to Work white paper in November this year, there is more focus and support than ever to decrease economic inactivity and get more people into work.
Economic inactivity is defined as people not in employment who have not been seeking work within the last four weeks and/or are unable to start work within the next two weeks. Reasons behind this can be complex and include caring responsibilities, studying, having an illness or disability or early retirement. By contrast, being unemployed is different because whilst the individual does not have a job, they will be available for work and actively looking for it.
The rise in the number of people economically inactive means there is a shrinking population of working age, making it harder to grow the economy, heightening the risk of inflation and costing the government more, both in terms of benefits and because fewer people are contributing to the economy through consumer spending or tax payments. For businesses, the recruitment pool is smaller, making it harder to recruit into low-paying occupations.
From a Public Health perspective, there is a clear relationship between economic inactivity and health. Places with higher economic inactivity see a correlation to people being more likely to have a lower healthy life expectancy. Therefore, there is a health benefit to supporting people to find, return to or stay in work.
The ambitions of the Get Britain Working white paper include:
- Merging National Career Services with jobcentres to provide more tailored and comprehensive support to help people into work
- The introduction of a Youth Guarantee (18-21) ensuring that every young person is offered a job, training or educational opportunity
- Improving employment outcomes via the NHS and wider healthcare with more elective appointments available and an increase in NHS staff especially in the field of mental health
- An independent review of how employers can foster healthy and inclusive workplaces to prevent health-related economic inactivity in the first place.
On top of this, a new scheme - Workwell - has been launched across 15 pilot areas, including Coventry & Warwickshire. This scheme integrates employment and health support and is designed to help people with health conditions back into work.
How can all of this benefit an employer? The aim is to reduce economic inactivity, which is anticipated to grow the size and diversity of the workforce. With more support to help young people, individuals with disabilities, and those with health conditions into work, employers will benefit from access to previously unused talent pools. Reduced waiting time for surgeries could bring employees back to work quicker and, with the government’s focus on making workplaces healthier and more accommodating/flexible, employers who align to these standards could become more able to attract, recruit and retain talent.
To support local businesses to achieve healthier and inclusive workforces, Warwickshire County Council’s Public Health team delivers regular Workplace Wellbeing Forums. Since 2022 the team has hosted five events across Coventry and Warwickshire which are free to attend for any employer of any industry and size.
The Wellbeing Forums have so far had 94 workplaces represented from varying industries and almost 200 attendees. They have covered a wide range of themes including mental health and suicide prevention, musculoskeletal health at work, menopause, recruitment and retention, healthy ageing, and social/financial wellbeing matters. Industry expert speakers and local services attended to provide information to support employers with different aspects of health & wellbeing strategies and initiatives while local employers have shared their wellbeing journeys and best practice.
Two further events are planned for 2025 followed by a 2026 Celebration Event to commend and share all the amazing work being done across the region to make Coventry and Warwickshire a healthy place to work.
For more information on previous forums and for booking upcoming events, please visit https://www.wellbeing4life.co.uk/resources/workplace-wellbeing-forum
WorkWell programme supporting people to succeed and stay in work
"The WorkWell programme provides local people with the support they need to enter and remain in the workplace, increasing employment opportunities and helping to improve their health and wellbeing.”
WorkWell, a new initiative in Coventry and Warwickshire, is supporting people with mental health or health-related barriers to find or stay in employment.
In partnership with Warwickshire County Council (WCC), the Intergrated Care Board (ICB) and Coventry City Council (CCC), the WorkWell programme is an integrated approach to supporting the health and wellbeing of people across Coventry and Warwickshire, helping individuals to enter, remain and thrive in the workplace. The partnership approach provides people with access to both health and employment support services based on their individual needs.
The programme provides people with dedicated support from a Journey Guide. The Journey Guide will explore support options and create a personalised plan to help each person retain or return to work. The support can include coaching, workshops, training and upskilling, helping individuals understand their rights and supporting the employer to make reasonable adjustments.
Data from the Coventry and Warwickshire Mental Health Joint Strategic Needs Assessment indicates that 1 in 5 adults have a diagnosable mental health condition and are at a higher risk of becoming unemployed. People who fall out of employment can then see a rapid deterioration in both psychological and physical health.
The WorkWell programme is available for anyone who
- Lives or is registered to a GP within Coventry or Warwickshire
- Has the right to work in the UK
- Is willing to regularly engage with a WorkWell Journey Guide for employment related support
- Is currently employed or at risk of leaving work due to low level mental health challenges or a health-related work barrier and requires support to return to or remain in employment,
or
- Has become recently unemployed and facing a barrier to return to work due to their mental health or a health-related work barrier
Councillor Martin Watson, portfolio holder for Economy at Warwickshire County Council, said: “An individual’s disability or health condition should not define whether they can remain in the workplace. The WorkWell programme provides local people with the support they need to enter and remain in the workplace, increasing employment opportunities and helping to improve their health and wellbeing.”
Phil Johns, Chief Executive of Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board said “Supporting people to remain in work is key to positive life and health outcomes and NHS organisations have a role to play in this – not only in keeping people well, but also working in new ways with our partners, to support people to overcome barriers to work and to thrive in work. This programme is an exciting new opportunity to ensure that everyone in Coventry and Warwickshire has the opportunity to start well, live well, age well – and work well.”
Councillor Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said: “This is a great partnership approach which will help people gain access to employment opportunities as well as be supported to remain in work.
“The health and wellbeing of individuals accessing the programme will be a top priority and will therefore help them to thrive in their place of work”.
The WorkWell programme will be funded by the Department for Work & Pensions and Department for Health and Social Care.
To find out more about WorkWell and how to make a referral, visit https://skillshub.warwickshire.gov.uk/workwell
* Engaging with WorkWell is voluntary and will not affect an individual’s benefits and welfare support.
News in Brief
A round up of latest local news-in-brief...
West Midlands to become leader in creative innovation thanks to £6.75m funding
The Royal Shakespeare Company (The RSC) has joined forces with four West Midlands universities on a £6.75 million project to support the growth of sectors such as gaming and creative content across the region. The CreaTech Frontiers collaboration, which includes Birmingham City University (BCU), Coventry University, the University of Birmingham, and The University of Warwick, will involve high-profile industry partners such as Vodafone, Digital Catapult, multi-media studios Rebellion and Holosphere and Hollywood Gaming.
https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/technology-innovation/west-midlands-to-become-leader-in-creative-innovation-thanks-to-6-75-million-funding/
Century-old Warwickshire engineering company ensures legacy with apprentices
Warwickshire-based Kigass, which was established more than 100 years ago, is investing in young engineers of tomorrow. With long-standing clients such as the Ministry of Defence, Rolls Royce and F1 on its books, the company is ensuring its experienced engineers are supporting the next generation.
https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/recruitment-careers-hr/century-old-warwickshire-engineering-company-ensures-legacy-with-apprentices/
Abu Dhabi CYVN joins Saudi PIF in investing in Warwickshire Automotive
CYVN Holdings can be talked about in the same breath as Tata Motors, BMW and the Volkswagen Group when listing foreign firms that are investing in blue-chip British automotive brands, following its purchase of McLaren Automotive. CYVN is following a path trodden by what could be seen as its main regional rival, Saudi Arabia’s PIF (Public Investment Fund), another equity fund investing oil wealth. PIF also owns a fifth of Aston Martin and a stake in Rimac’s new robotaxi operation Verne, whose vehicle development is anchored out of University of Warwick Wellesbourne Campus.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/business-corporate/who-mclaren-automotives-new-owner-cyvn
The car after the storm – Jaguar unveils new concept EV
Jaguar has followed up its much-discussed rebrand by unveiling its Type 00 concept car, describing it as “unmistakable, unexpected and dramatic.” Launched earlier this month at Miami Art Week, it was shown in two colours – Miami Pink which references the Art Deco surroundings of its reveal, and London Blue, described as a nod to Jaguar’s British heritage.
https://www.designweek.co.uk/the-car-after-the-storm-jaguar-unveils-new-concept-ev/
Waymo Expanding Autonomous Jaguar i-Pace Ride-Hailing to Miami by 2026
Waymo's all-electric Jaguar I-PACE fleet aims to hit Miami streets in 2025, offering public autonomous ride-hailing services by 2026. Alphabet's self-driving unit, Waymo, is launching its autonomous ride-hailing service in Miami, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of self-driving technology.
https://evmagazine.com/self-drive/waymo-expands-autonomous-ride-hailing-to-miami-by-2026
Leamington-based OX Delivers unveils milestone franchise agreement
OX Delivers, the e-mobility firm dedicated to revolutionising b2b goods transport across the Global South, has announced a US$163 million deal to create its first franchise partner which will serve five countries in East Africa. The multi-year contract includes the delivery of a fleet of the firm's all-electric trucks along with a subscription to both its tech platform and vehicle maintenance services.
https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/companies/warwickshire-based-ox-delivers-unveils-milestone-franchise-agreement/
Nimble Electric Trucks From Leamington Are Supercharging African Trade
In Rwanda, farmers often watch their harvest spoil before it can reach the market. A fleet of simple, efficient trucks is changing that.
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/nimble-electric-trucks-are-supercharging-african-trade/
Ansty Taxi Co Parent Geely launches Ford E-Transit Custom rival in the UK
Geely’s commercial vehicles arm, Farizon, will soon enter the UK market with a rival for the Ford E-Transit Custom and the Vauxhall Vivaro Electric. Named the Farizon SV (Supervan), it is based on an architecture designed specifically for electric vehicles, with batteries mounted under the floor of the cargo bay.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/geely-launches-ford-e-transit-custom-rival-uk
£850k Aston Martin Valhalla to land in summer with 1079bhp
Aston Martin's long-awaited Valhalla supercar will enter production in just a few months - with a hefty power advantage over its main rivals. The firm has released full production specifications for its new mid-engined plug-in hybrid ahead of customer deliveries beginning in the second half of 2025, revealing that it has more power than first promised and the highest torque figure of any Aston Martin model yet.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/official-%C2%A3850k-aston-martin-valhalla-land-summer-1079bhp
Callum Skye EV edges closer to production as interior unveiled
Former Jaguar design boss Ian Callum's car company, the Warwick-based Callum, has unveiled the interior of its debut model, the Skye, edging it closer to production. It has been designed to help the electric sports car to hit a target weight of just 1150kg, which would make the Skye one of the lightest EVs on the market.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/callum-skye-ev-edges-closer-production-interior-unveiled
Sertec Group unveils new £7m investment in engineering HQ
Sertec Group, a global components manufacturer specialising in automotive Body in White and EV products, has announced a £7 million investment. The investment includes a new 800T machine press at its Coleshill site to boost production capabilities. The unveiling took place during a special ceremony at Sertec's Gorsey Lane production facility, officiated by Professor Carl Chinn, MBE. In order to commemorate the occasion, the first pressed part from the machine was presented to the Birmingham social historian and writer.
https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/manufacturing-engineering/sertec-group-unveils-new-7m-investment-in-engineering-hq/
Octopus boosts Coventry investment with Two Friargate expansion
Octopus Energy, the UK’s largest electricity supplier, which includes the former First Utility, Shell Energy and Co-op Energy businesses, has expanded its presence in Coventry by taking additional office space in Two Friargate in the city centre. The deal with Coventry City Council will see Octopus occupy 55,000 sq ft of Grade A office space. It represents one of the most significant recent commercial deals in the Midlands. The initial deal enabled 150 staff members to transfer to Two Friargate from the company’s Leamington offices.
https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/property/octopus-boosts-coventry-investment-with-two-friargate-expansion/
Warwickshire's Pashley Cycles Defines Micromobility with London Landmark Scheme
Stratford-upon-Avon based Pashley Cycles has showcased its smart bike share solution at London’s The Green Quarter. The 100-year-old British bike brand, synonymous with great British design, manufacturing and ingenuity, showcases its smart bike share solution at London’s The Green Quarter. The Green Quarter is an 88-acre parkland and canalside residential development in Southall. The bike share scheme is exclusively for residents and its says it is the first of its kind in the UK.
https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/lifestyle/warwickshires-pashley-cycles-defines-micromobility-with-london-landmark-scheme/
Popular bakery chain Gail's to open store in Leamington Spa
Posh bakery chain Gail's is officially opening a new store in Leamington Spa. The chain will be opening at 91 Regent Street in January 2025.
https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/popular-bakery-chain-gails-open-30529887
Jo Malone opening in Leamington after Wareing & Company agrees deal
Luxury perfume brand Jo Malone London is set to open in the centre of Leamington in time for Christmas after Wareing & Company secured the move. The new store will be opening at 67 Parade on Friday December 13th.
https://www.wareingandcompany.co.uk/jo-malone-opening-in-leamington-after-wareing-company-agrees-deal/
Go-ahead set for Major Big Shed Campus Development at Ansty
Retail giant Frasers Group, the company behind Sports Direct and House of Fraser, could soon receive the go-ahead for its plans to develop a global headquarters campus in the West Midlands in a move forecast to create thousands of jobs.
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/go-ahead-set-for-frasers-groups-plans-to-create-global-headquarters-in-the-west-midlands-landmark-scheme-would-create-thousands-of-jobs
Software firm takes further space at Tachbrook Park
A software firm has secured additional space at Warwickshire's Tachbrook Park following a deal brokered by commercial property agent Bromwich Hardy. Widgit Software was based on the first floor of Bishop's House, on the 132-acre Tachbrook Park, but has now expanded to take on the whole of the ground floor as well.
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/software-firm-takes-further-space-at-tachbrook-park
Morrisons customer fulfilment to focus on Ocado’s Dordon Facility
Ocado Group provides technology to both Morrisons and Ocado Retail Ltd, and the retailers currently share fulfilment capacity at two CFCs at Dordon in Warwickshire and Erith in London.
Following recent discussions, Morrisons is set to gradually cease deliveries from Ocado's Erith CFC in order to continue building further volumes from Ocado's Dordon CFC, Morrisons will also expand its store network where online orders are fulfilled using Ocado's AI-powered In-Store Fulfilment technology.
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/green-light-for-nuneaton-industrial-and-logistics-warehouse-will-create-almost-250-jobs
Midlands Engine Investment Fund II commits more than £17m since launch
The British Business Bank's Midlands Engine Investment Fund II has committed more than £17m in the region in its first nine months, new figures have confirmed, leveraging a further £10m from the private sector. A total of 70 businesses have received support through the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II since its launch in February 2024. The £400m programme covers the whole of the Midlands and provides debt finance from £25,000 to £2m and equity investment up to £5m to help small and medium sized businesses.
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/midlands-engine-investment-fund-ii-commits-more-than-17m-since-launch
Firms backed by the Start Up Loans programme have higher survival rates - independent evaluation
Smaller businesses backed by the government's Start Up Loans programme have higher survival rates than other businesses, according to an independent evaluation. The evaluation measures the impact of loans drawn down by two cohorts of smaller businesses who took out loans in the financial years 2018/19 and 2021/22.
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/national/firms-backed-by-the-start-up-loans-programme-have-higher-survival-rate-independent-evaluation
Midlands’ drive to create £1.5bn FinTech economy boosted by new lab
The Midlands’ fast-growing FinTech sector is getting a major boost with a new lab to carry out research and create advanced skills, helping the region become a global FinTech hotspot. It is predicted that FinTech will add £1.5bn and 4,600 jobs to the regional economy over the next decade. The FinTech Innovation Lab has launched at the Gillmore Centre for Financial Technology, at Warwick Business School. It is being backed by multimillion-pound donations and is set to take on scores of students.
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/midlands-drive-to-create-1.5bn-fintech-economy-boosted-by-new-lab
UK manufacturing confidence slumps after Budget
Manufacturers’ confidence in the UK economy fell after the Budget at the sharpest rate since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, in another setback for the chancellor. Confidence fell to 5.8 in the final quarter from 6.8, the largest quarter-on-quarter drop since the spring of 2020, according to a survey by trade group Make UK and business advisory firm BDO.
https://www.ft.com/content/b04024bd-57ff-45cd-8afe-75b6f1a8828d