Featured News
Support adds to Stef's recipe for success
"I met the right people who listened to my needs and gave me great support."
A Rugby baker is spreading her passion and expertise – and the joy of cake – throughout the community after support from the Skills Escalator programme.
Stefania Badea set up Sweet Art School a year ago when the home-based business she had built reached the point where she needed premises of her own.
Since opening, the first year has gone from strength to strength. While Stef continues to bake for customers, her focus is now firmly on teaching. A newly certified Fair Chance Employer, Stef loves to encourage and support others, and she has quickly found a dedicated audience of aspiring bakers from Rugby and far beyond who want to learn from her.
Although highly experienced, Stef recognises that the baking and patisserie world evolves rapidly with new techniques, styles and trends emerging constantly. To remain competitive and become the best teacher she can be, she knew she needed to develop her own skills further. The Skills Escalator Programme, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, delivered by the Warwickshire Skills Hub in partnership with the county’s district and borough councils, enabled her to do just that.
Stef enrolled on a Commercial Modern Patisserie course, a specialist training programme providing advanced, industry‑relevant techniques used by leading pastry chefs.
“In the pastry industry you need to update your skills all the time because there is always new stuff coming along,” Stef said. “The course helped me stay ahead in my knowledge so I can teach home bakers how to grow, develop and refine their skills, and explore different niches. It’s allowed me to stay competitive in my field – people now travel from across the UK and even Europe to train with me.”
The course not only sharpened Stef’s technical expertise but also strengthened her approach to teaching. It gave her new methods and insights she can pass directly onto her learners, helping them progress faster and with greater confidence.
“It all started when I went to a networking event where I met lovely, supportive people from the Growth Hub and the Borough and County Councils. I met the right people who listened to my needs and gave me great support. When you start a business, there are a lot of expenses, including some you don’t expect, so the Skills Escalator support was such a boost. I am so grateful.”
Stef arrived in Rugby in 2017 after relocating from Jersey, bringing her passion for baking and teaching with her.
She originally founded the business in 2010, building a strong customer base, but after relocating she had to rebuild almost from scratch. Starting again from home, the business soon grew, pushing her to the decision to secure a dedicated space where she could expand into teaching properly.
“It was a big decision, but after one year I can say it was the right decision,” she said. “I still take some orders, but the main focus is teaching - trainee pastry chefs, mums, teenagers, children, and anyone passionate about baking.”
Many of her learners have gone on to launch their own baking businesses, something Stef is incredibly proud of. Others travel from Spain, Belgium, Ireland and across the UK to attend Sweet Art School’s classes, bringing new visitors to Rugby and benefiting other local businesses too.
Stef also supports young people through work experience placements at her St Matthew’s Street premises, offering opportunities to those who may not have an immediate pathway into work.
Her support from Warwickshire Skills Hub has been coordinated by Laura Delahunty, Business Skills Support Officer – Connect to Work.
“I had a chat with Stef around how we could help her regarding apprenticeships initially,” said Laura. “It became clear that Stef wanted to grow her own skills so she could expand her teaching offer, making the Skills Escalator the perfect fit. I’m delighted it was so beneficial. Her teaching has a genuine impact on her business, her students and the wider community.”
With Sweet Art School’s first year a success, Stef is already looking to the future.
“I have a dream to have a small school,” she said. “My hope is to grow because the demand is definitely there. Every day I get calls from parents and aspiring bakers. It would be wonderful for Rugby and beyond.”
Louise embraces business centres role
“Every day is different and that’s great because every day is interesting."
“Every day is different,” says Louise Malin of her role of Customer Service Team Leader for Warwickshire Business Centres - and that’s the way she likes it.
Louise is bringing her considerable experience and passion for helping people to a newly-created position designed to ensure that tenants across Warwickshire County Council’s business centres have all the support they need.
The centres, home to more than 250 small businesses, offer a broad range of facilities and support to enable their tenants to collectively showcase the astonishing range and quality of skills in Warwickshire’s business community.
Louise is responsible for three manned sites – the Sir Frank Whittle Business Centre in Rugby, Eliot Park Innovation Centre and Centenary Business Centre in Nuneaton - as well as unmanned sites at Bermuda and Hammond Court, in Nuneaton, Church Lawford, Holly Walk (Leamington), Pool Road Business Centre (Nuneaton) and Bidford-on-Avon.
It is a busy role – but one she is thoroughly enjoying for its impact on the welfare of the tenants and, thereby, their customers and the wider community.
“I am really enjoying it,” she said. “Every day is different and that’s great because every day is interesting. I go wherever I’m needed! I love change where it is for the better – making changes where appropriate, alongside embedding those consistent processes so that whatever does come along we can deal with.
“I work closely with our seven Customer Service Executives on the manned sites. My job is to get them working as a team and making sure the communication across all the sites in consistent. I am also the first port of call for any issues with the tenants. At the moment we are undertaking quite a lot of maintenance work which is so important because we want the tenants to have everything they need.
“We also offer business support through Warwickshire Skills Hub and Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and each of our manned sites runs their own events. They have business people coming in for formal and informal events to bring the businesses together.
“There is a lot going on and this role brings it all together. I’m very comfortable with the role because I’ve worked in customer service in one aspect or another ever since I left school. I just like helping people and getting things done.”
Innovation driving the future of agriculture
“Warwickshire County Council is committed to doing all we can to support the rural economy and it was great to see and hear from both the speakers and the audience at this event how much passion and expertise there is around the subject.”
Forward‑thinking ideas and cutting‑edge innovation took centre stage at the Growing Your Innovative Agricultural Resources conference, held recently at the National Farmers Union (NFU) headquarters in Stoneleigh.
Organised by Warwickshire County Council in partnership with Warwickshire National Farmers Union, Warwickshire Rural Hub, Innovation for Agriculture, and the River Severn Partnership Advanced Wireless Innovation Region, the event reflected the strong collaborative spirit shaping today’s rural innovation landscape.
The conference brought together experts from Warwickshire and beyond to discuss and explore how farming can best respond to current challenges and future opportunities, particularly those driven by technological advancement, sustainability priorities, and environmental change.
Opportunities included peer-to-peer learning through the sharing of ideas and the exploration of new ways to run and grow agricultural business. It also promoted Warwickshire as a place for Agri‑tech by showcasing the expertise based at Stoneleigh.
The partnership with Harper Adams University and Hartpury University - two of the UK's leading educational institutions in agriculture - strengthened links with colleges and universities to build future skills in agriculture. Farmers were able to take away new ideas about how to use resources efficiently and adopt new technologies, such as the use of 5G for smart farming, supporting the focus on modern, innovative farming.
Councillor George Finch, Leader of Warwickshire County Council, praised the event, emphasising the crucial role agriculture continues to play in the county’s economy and the importance of supporting rural businesses as they prepare for the future.
“Agriculture and farming have long played a huge role in the economy of Warwickshire and it is vital that we do all we can to address the challenges of the future and exploit the opportunities presented by advancing technology,” said Councillor Finch.
“Warwickshire County Council is committed to doing all we can to support the rural economy and it was great to see and hear from both the speakers and the audience at this event how much passion and expertise there is around the subject.”
Jake Freestone, Farm Manager at Overbury Farm, opened the speaker line‑up with a presentation on “Loving Your Soil.” He highlighted Overbury Enterprises’ mission to “inspire and enable sustainable farming that is prosperous, enriches the environment and engages local communities.” His talk reinforced the central importance of soil health as the foundation for productive and resilient farming systems.
Neave Anderson from the Hartpury Digital Innovation Farm & Agri‑Tech Project shared insights into how emerging technologies are tested and translated into practical on‑farm applications. “We aim to bridge the gap between technology and the practical application of putting that into practice on farms,” she explained. “Implementing that technology can be really difficult, so we test it out on our farm at Hartpury as a critical friend.”
Dr Megan Lewis, Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Farm Data at Harper Adams University, provided an overview of the university’s latest technical work. Megan's session highlighted how data‑driven methods are transforming on farm decision‑making and supporting more efficient, evidence‑based and sustainable farming practices.
Closing the speaker programme, Dr Helen Ferrier, Director of Innovation and Knowledge at LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming), outlined the organisation’s long-standing role in supporting agricultural innovation. LEAF now operates 42 demonstration farms and 19 innovation centres across the UK. Helen emphasised that collaboration will be essential as the sector navigates the challenges ahead:
“It’s becoming clear that the challenges faced by the sector are not going to be solved by one department in government, technology, or the farmers alone. We must work together.”
If you are a rurally-based business who couldn’t make it to this event or are seeking support for any issues including digital connectivity issues, please contact rural@warwickshire.gov.uk for guidance and assistance in finding solutions.
Fay short-listed for LGC Award
Fay Winterburn, Head of Employability and Skills at Warwickshire Skills Hub, has been short-listed in the Outstanding Individual Contribution category of the prestigious
2026 Local Government Chronicle Awards.
The awards citation for Fay, who is based at the
Warwickshire Skills Hub office at Eliot Park innovation Centre, Nuneaton, reads:
"Fay Winterburn exemplifies compassionate, resilient leadership at Warwickshire County Council during a period of major change in employability and skills. Amid shifting funding, policy reform, devolution and rapid team growth, she has successfully guided a growing service while keeping people at the centre of delivery. Fay has championed equity in employment, including inclusive apprenticeships and fair-chance hiring, supporting hundreds of disabled residents into sustained work. She has also transformed business engagement, unlocking levy funding, tailoring skills provision and securing over £15 million in external funding. Her innovation has strengthened Warwickshire’s workforce, services and outcomes for residents."
Fay said: "I am extremely flattered and humbled to be nominated for this award. I am very proud of all that I, with the immense support of so many people at Warwickshire County Council, have achieved. This short-listing is an accolade not just for me but for the achievements of all the amazing team that delivers employability and skills support with such skill, commitment and sheer hard work across our great county."
The full short-list for the Outstanding Individual Contribution category is:
- Jacqui Hardman – Wigan MBC
- Kate Hurr – Cumberland Council
- Ruth King – Swindon BC
- Collette Le Van Gilroy – Surrey CC
- Vicky Main – Enfield LBC
- Lisa McNally – Worcestershire CC
- Patrick Rice – Redcar and Cleveland BC
- Rob Waltham – North Lincolnshire Council
- Fay Winterburn – Warwickshire CC
The winner will be announced and the award presented at the ceremony at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London on June 10th 2026.
Inspiring Indu to address conference
"We are really pleased to have secured Indu Seshadri as our speaker, who I am confident will really inspire the room."
An inspiring Warwickshire businesswoman, who co-founded and runs a fast-growing utility industry consultancy, will be the guest speaker at an event to mark International Women’s Day.
Indu Seshadri is the cofounder and director of Warwick-based Skewb, which delivers specialist digital products and transformation initiatives for organisations across the gas, water, power and wider infrastructure sectors.
She will be speaking at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business event at the Sunday Warwickshire Walton Hall Hotel on Friday, March 6 between 11am and 2pm. The event, which also includes a two-course lunch, is sponsored by Alsters Kelley Solicitors and will mark International Women’s Day which falls two days later.
Julie McGarrigle, of Alsters Kelley, will also be speaking at the event, which will mirror the International Women’s Day theme of ‘Give to Gain’ to encourage the advancement of women and girls through donations, knowledge, resources, infrastructure, visibility, advocacy, education, training, mentoring or time.
Sandra Godley OBE, the president of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, will host the event. As well as hearing from the speakers, it is also an opportunity to network with like-minded businesspeople in the region.
Indu said: “International Women’s Day is a reminder of the power we hold when we lift each other up. ‘Give to Gain’ reflects something I deeply believe - when we share our knowledge, our time and our support, we strengthen our whole community. I’m honoured to speak at this event and to celebrate the incredible women driving change across Coventry and Warwickshire.”
Julie McGarrigle, director of Alsters Kelley, said: “We are delighted to be a sponsor of this event – as a local business where three out of the four directors are female and 87 per cent of our workforce are women, we are very passionate about supporting them and giving them more confidence to flourish and achieve in whatever they choose to do.”
Keely Hancox, Operations Director at the Chamber, said: “We’re really looking forward to marking International Women’s Day with such a great event for Coventry and Warwickshire businesses. Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce recognises the plethora of fabulous women in business across our region and the theme of Gain to Give resonates with us, as we know through collaboration and working together, giving our time and support, we can make more of a difference; when women thrive we all rise.
“It is great to have the support of Alsters Kelley Solicitors once again and to we are really pleased to have secured Indu Seshadri as our speaker, who I am confident will really inspire the room. It promises to be a great event with an opportunity to network, enjoy a great lunch and celebrate the incredible businesswomen of our region.”
For more information or to book a place, go to https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/women-in-business-international-womens-day-2026/
Major milestone for BMW at Hams Hall
"We are a competitive plant and there’s always been a real passion among our workforce to continually improve our manufacturing processes and site.
Hams Hall UK, BMW Group’s UK engine production facility located in North Warwickshire is marking a major milestone; it’s 25 years since the plant first opened and production began. Since 2001, BMW Group Plant Hams Hall has manufactured more than 7.6 million engines, alongside high-precision machining of key engine components.
The site was originally conceived as an engine plant for Rover Group, but was retained by BMW when MG Rover was sold, and has gone on to be a key global engine plant for the company, supplying a number of the company’s production sites around the world with the latest generation of highly efficient petrol engines, including power units for plug-in hybrid models.
Today, engine production ranges from three and four-cylinder petrol engines to high performance V8 engines, powering vehicles across both BMW and MINI. Separately, the V12 engine is produced exclusively for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Its assembly follows a distinct, bespoke production process, carried out by specially trained production colleagues, before final delivery to the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood.
The plant is the largest factory in Warwickshire, and one of the largest private employers in the West Midlands. Hams Hall is a major centre of powertrain and hybrid manufacture, with the JLR Battery Assembly Centre located next door.
"This anniversary is a special milestone for our site," says Dirk Dreher, head of the BMW Group's Hams Hall plant. "We are a competitive plant and there’s always been a real passion among our workforce to continually improve our manufacturing processes and site. Building on our strong foundation, we are looking forward to remaining a successful plant in the future.”
Over 25 years, the plant has built a robust record of efficiency and growth, manufacturing engines using the very latest technology for some of the most iconic BMW Group vehicles. From producing just one engine family in 2001, the plant now manufactures two different engine families, with the recent integration of V8 and V12 engines bringing a higher business value to the plant.
There has also been significant growth in the plant’s high-precision machining business, too. Originally only producing for the plant’s own engine production, the machining facility expanded over the last decade, trebling its capacity, increasing annual production to more than a million components, and extending supply to BMW Group’s engine manufacturing plant in Steyr, Austria.
“The Hams Hall plant is an integral part of our global production network,” explains Harald Gottsche, Head of Engine Production at BMW AG. “The site combines technological expertise with high flexibility. It reliably supplies our vehicle plants with efficient, powerful engines of premium quality. This includes the V12 engine – a masterpiece from Hams Hall!”
As the quarter-of a-century milestone is marked, the focus on applying BMW iFactory manufacturing principles - a holistic and forward-looking production strategy - to be efficient, sustainable and digital, is already firmly embedded as the plant embarks on its next chapter.
From the first concept of the plant to the present day, the Hams Hall team has made sustainability a key consideration. Since the first full year of production, the plant has made a 61% reduction in energy required per engine built, meaning the overall energy to operate the site has remained level even though there has been a considerable increase in production. The plant purchases 100% of its external electricity from renewable energy sources today. It has also worked to reduce its consumption of natural gas.
The plant is also at the forefront of modern digital thinking for manufacturing. At the heart of the digital transformation is the plant’s fully-connected digital twin, comprising three layers: a 3D representation of the plant, a data layer that brings together information in one centralised place, and an application layer that helps make sense of the data and provides a precise, real-time bird’s-eye view of the plant’s operations. A range of systems and tools feed into the digital twin, including the plant’s four-legged team member - an autonomous robotic dog - equipped with visual, thermal and acoustic sensors deployed to perform various maintenance tasks.
Within the V engine production system, autonomous robots have been integrated to assist in the movement of engines and worker guidance is digitised at every workstation. Other advancements such as the implementation of AI camera technology are proving critical in the pursuit of absolute quality and increasing the speed in which potential quality topics can be detected.
Rural Enterprise Hub event at Shipston
"By bringing it to Shipston we’re making it easier for businesses in and around the town to access the advice, funding guidance and growth support available locally.”
The Rural Enterprise Hub will host its first business support drop-in session in Shipston-on-Stour this March, bringing tailored advice and guidance directly to one of South Warwickshire’s key rural market towns.
Delivered in partnership with Shipston Town Council, the session has been made possible thanks to the Council’s support, allowing the Rural Enterprise Hub to bring guidance and opportunities directly to the town. Shipston-on-Stour is a busy market town with a strong local business community, making it an ideal location for the Hub to reach rural enterprises in the area.
Taking place at Shipston Town Council Offices, the drop-in has been designed to ensure rural businesses in the Shipston area can access free, practical support closer to home. Attendees may find opportunities to connect with other local businesses during the drop-in too.
Vicky Griffith from the Rural Enterprise Hub will be joined by Kerry Smith from Coventry & Warwickshire Growth Hub and Heather Docksey from Warwickshire Skills Hub, offering direct access to a wide range of support available through local government partners.
The session is open to small businesses, start-ups, sole traders and entrepreneurs looking to start, grow or scale their operations.
Attendees will be able to access guidance and information on:
- Mentoring and tailored business advice
- Grants and funding opportunities
- Sales and marketing support
- Sustainability and skills development
- Networking and collaboration opportunities
Vicky Griffith, Rural Enterprise Hub Lead, said:
“Having kindly been invited to the Shipston-on-Stour Business Group meeting at the beginning of the year, I was able to meet a few of the business owners based in Shipston and see the passion they have for their town. This will be our first drop-in session held away from our Alcester base, and by bringing it to Shipston we’re making it easier for businesses in and around the town to access the advice, funding guidance and growth support available locally.”
Event details:
Tuesday 10th March
10:00am – 2:00pm (no booking required, drop in anytime between these hours)
Shipston Town Council Offices, New Clark House, West Street, Shipston-on-Stour, CV36 4HD
The Rural Growth forms part of the Business Growth Warwickshire programme. It is delivered by Rural Enterprise Hub on behalf of Warwickshire County Council.
For further information, contact:
Vicky Griffith
Tel: 01789 761334
Email: vicky@minervamill.co.uk
MIRA Tech Park hosts first MACE event
“It was inspiring to hear from SME businesses on the positive opportunities they are creating by encouraging new talent into manufacturing and engineering and by embracing and investing in new technologies themselves."
A jewel in Warwickshire’s high-tech, economic crown has played host to businesses from Cambridgeshire as part of a new partnership between the two regions.
Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce invited members of the Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce to MIRA Tech Park for its first Manufacturing, Automotive, Construction & Engineering (MACE) group event of 2026.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber’s MACE Group was established around six years ago as a way of bringing together companies from the world of manufacturing, engineering and construction to network and share best practice.
Then, at the end of 2025, it reached out to colleagues in Cambridgeshire to join forces and host events in each other’s areas to broaden the network, resulting in the first event at MIRA.
Sarah Windrum, head of cluster development at MIRA Tech Park, said: “We were privileged to host the inaugural meeting of the CW and Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce MACE event and welcome manufacturers from across both geographies.
“We highlighted the investment we have made in virtual engineering and simulation to reduce the cost and carbon footprint of vehicle and vehicle technology development alongside showcasing the precision measurement equipment manufactured across the world by our parent company HORIBA.
“It was inspiring to hear from SME businesses on the positive opportunities they are creating by encouraging new talent into manufacturing and engineering and by embracing and investing in new technologies themselves."
Tom Mongan, a former president of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, chaired the group and said inviting firms from Cambridgeshire to the event was a positive step.
He said: “I loved the idea of bringing two Chambers of Commerce’s manufacturing groups together and was intrigued and excited by the prospect of chairing the group once again.
“It was an inspirational plan and we were very lucky to have Sarah and her team host us at MIRA Tech Park. They put on a first class event, which left the Cambridgeshire delegation looking forward in eager anticipation to hosting the return event and they had to admit that the bar has been set extremely high!
“After an impressive introductory presentation from Sarah, we were taken on a tour to view two incredible projects currently being undertaken, at what is undoubtedly one of the most valuable manufacturing assets in the UK.
“MIRA Tech Park is a crown jewel in our region and all of the companies working within its cluster are truly world class.
“In my opinion there was no better place to hold the first collaborative meeting between two forward thinking Chambers!
“It was a great chance to come together to collaborate and discuss the issues faced by our sector, to meet companies not normally on our radar and to exchange views with like-minded individuals, all with the potential of finding a new customer or supplier.
“And I’m now really looking forward to the return visit and watching how this group grows!”
Zoe Brennan, events & training manager at Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce, added: “Cross-county collaboration like this is vital for our manufacturing community. By bringing businesses together to share knowledge, explore innovation and strengthen connections, we create real momentum across our regions.
“By working collaboratively and hosting regular cross-county events, we’re helping manufacturers learn from one another, build resilience and drive growth across the wider manufacturing community.”
Sustainable growth is Stratford's vision
"This area has a huge amount going for it and it’s up to us as businesses to grow in this area and create businesses which people want to join."
Supporting businesses and creating the conditions for sustainable growth are at the heart of Stratford-on-Avon’s economic ambitions, a conference in the town heard.
Around 200 businesses attended the Stratford Business Conference, which was organised by Stratford-on-Avon District Council in partnership with Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub Group at the Crowne Plaza Stratford-upon-Avon.
As part of the district’s plan for growth, it was revealed free pre-planning advice is to be given to small businesses from April by Stratford-on-Avon District Council to maximise growth in Stratford District.
Cllr George Cowcher, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economic Development at Stratford-on-Avon District Council, said the Council was focused on small and medium sized businesses who are the backbone of the area’s economy.
“There is a thriving and friendly business community in the area and it is important we drive growth and ambition across the Stratford District,” he said. "We want to maximise opportunities for businesses and create a sustainable environment for entrepreneurs to grow. We are putting the economy at the forefront of everything we are doing. In the Stratford District, we have leading companies and a myriad of smaller businesses that are doing great work.
“This is an area where we can create wealth collectively. There are challenges but if we work closely together, we can overcome these. The Stratford Business Conference is a perfect example of coming together to share ideas and grow networks. It was a really successful morning with inspirational speakers and hopefully we can repeat something similar in the future.”
Doug King, owner of Yelo Enterprises and Coventry City FC, was among a range of speakers who spoke at the Stratford Business Conference to small and medium-sized businesses from Stratford District.
He said: “The West Midlands is a fantastic area. You can get everywhere from here, particularly to London and the North quickly. Most of our customers are within an hour and a half of our business so our location is really important. We provide high-quality employment to our employees who live locally and there are great universities here too.
“I think this area has a huge amount going for it and it’s up to us as businesses to grow in this area and create businesses which people want to join. The West Midlands has a huge vibrancy and huge networks which draw people to our area.”
Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce President Sandra Godley OBE hosted the free event. Will Grocett and Eve Baker from GTI Systems and Simon Hood and Charlene Mitchell-Hood from Sooper Books captivated the audience with their stories.
Cllr Cowcher and John Careford, Head of Development at Stratford-on-Avon District Council, highlighted the support that is available for SMEs.There were also presentations from Tracey Sherratt from the British Business Bank who outlined funding opportunities and how to become investment-ready, and William Tse, Employment, Strategy and Commissioning Manager from Warwickshire Skills Hub, who outlined the support available to build the right skills within a business.
The event finished with questions from the audience which were answered by a panel of experts including Corin Crane, Chief Executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, and Rob Harrison, Chair for West Midlands Federation of Small Businesses.
Craig Humphrey, CEO of CW Growth Hub Group, added: “It was a very well attended event, which emphasises the importance of business support and the ambition of Stratford District’s SME community. Our team were delighted to have been asked to help with organising the conference, and it was a great opportunity for SMEs to network with peers and support providers.”
If you know of any business or entrepreneur in the Stratford-on-Avon District interested in finding out about what support and funding is available, please go to www.stratford.gov.uk/business
Work to start soon on new business park
“Greville Business Park will deliver much-needed high-quality accommodation to support SME businesses in the area.
Work will start next month on a new development in Warwickshire to provide much-needed commercial units for small and medium-sized businesses which could create up to 85 jobs.
Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG) is moving forward with its first phase at the site on Fusiliers Way, which will be called Greville Business Park, between Leamington and Warwick. The scheme, which was granted unanimous planning consent by Warwick District Council, will comprise 11 high-quality units ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 sq ft, totalling 28,000 sq ft. The development will meet EPC A and BREEAM Very Good standards and will be available for sale on a freehold basis.
Units are now being marketed for freehold sale by Avison Young and it is anticipated the scheme will be completed in December 2026. Contracts are now being finalised ahead of construction, which is scheduled to start in March.
WPDG was formed in 2021 by Warwickshire County Council to realise the potential of its development sites, commercial buildings and mineral rights. Greville Business Park is WPDG’s second industrial scheme after the successful delivery of the Sucham Park development in Southam which following completion in December 2022 was fully let within 12 months, all occupied by growing local businesses and new start-ups.
Rob Andrews, Head of Development at WPDG, said: “Following planning approval in December 2025, we are pleased to be progressing this development of high-quality commercial units at the Fusiliers Way site in Warwick.
“Greville Business Park will deliver much-needed high-quality accommodation to support SME businesses in the area. There is a notable shortfall in high-quality space for businesses, and this scheme will go some considerable way in meeting this latent demand. We look forward to engaging with potential purchasers and encourage anyone who may be interested to make contact with our appointed agents Avison Young.”
Alex Thompson, Associate Director, Industrial & Logistics at Avison Young, added: “It’s fantastic to see this new development moving forward, bringing new opportunities for businesses and supporting the wider economic growth of the area.
“Greville Business Park will play an important role in creating jobs and providing a long-term commercial hub for local businesses, and we’re delighted to have supported WPDG in bringing forward the first phase.”
This is the first part of a two-phase scheme planned by WPDG with the second phase seeking to deliver a local centre to support the growing area and business community, including a convenience store, children’s day nursery and coffee shop.
For more information, please contact Alex Thompson at Alex.Thompson@avisonyoung.com or Sam Forster at Sam.Forster@avisonyoung.com
Futureproof your business
“The West Midlands has a proud manufacturing heritage, but our future success depends on how quickly we adapt to new technologies, new markets and new supply chain demands."
Manufacturers across the West Midlands are being urged to seize new growth opportunities, boost productivity and strengthen their supply chains at a major free event taking place in Birmingham next month.
Futureproof Manufacturing for the West Midlands, which will take place at IET Birmingham: Austin Court in Cambridge Street on Wednesday, March 11 between 9.30am-1pm, will bring together industry leaders, policy makers and innovation experts to outline how SMEs can diversify into high-growth sectors, adopt digital technologies and win new orders in emerging sustainable markets.
The keynote presentation will be delivered by Steve Bowyer, Head of the West Midlands Investment Zone – a Mayor of the West Midlands initiative from the West Midlands Combined Authority – who will set out the region’s ambitions to boost manufacturing through the Investment Zone and unlock new supply chain opportunities.
The West Midlands Investment Zone drives inclusive, long-term economic growth through new investment, business support and innovation. This flagship government initiative, focusing on the region’s long-standing and emerging sector strengths, will support the Mayor’s priority of ‘Growth for Everyone’ and position the West Midlands as a leading driver of the UK’s economic ambitions.
Drawing on the opportunities for regional manufacturing, Futureproof Manufacturing for the West Midlands will highlight how suppliers can pivot into six priority clusters including health tech and med tech, smart energy systems, aerospace, modern and low carbon construction and other green industries, and electric light vehicles and battery manufacturing.
Steve Bowyer said: “The West Midlands has a proud manufacturing heritage, but our future success depends on how quickly we adapt to new technologies, new markets and new supply chain demands. The Investment Zone is designed to accelerate innovation and attract high-value opportunities into the region. That means real opportunities for local manufacturers, particularly SMEs, to diversify, secure new contracts and embed themselves in fast-growing sectors.
“Programmes such as Made Smarter West Midlands and the Supply Chain Transition Programme are here to help businesses take that step, whether that’s adopting digital tools, improving productivity or entering entirely new markets.”
The free event is being delivered by Supply Smarter West Midlands which is the consortium delivering the Supply Chain Transition Programme, led by C&W Business Solutions, part of the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub Group, together with the Manufacturing Technology Centre, WMG at the University of Warwick, and the West Midlands Combined Universities- the University of Wolverhampton, Coventry University and Birmingham City University- in collaboration with Made Smarter West Midlands.
Rachel Eade MBE, a transport manufacturing supply chain specialist who is hosting the event, added: “Diverse and adaptable supply chains are critical to the supply chain across the UK and all sectors. Learning about new opportunities for business and the specialised support available is essential for success. The added value of quality networking with people of the same growth and diversification can never be underestimated.”
Nicola Small, Very Light Rail Programme Director for Coventry City Council and Transport for the West Midlands, will also be speaking along with Hamish Falconer, Project Manager at Colas Rail UK which is the Very Light Rail principal contractor. The Coventry Very Light Rail programme is a prime example of how innovation happening in the West Midlands is creating entirely new supply chain opportunities for regional manufacturers.
“We are developing transport solutions that are lower cost, lower carbon and highly scalable but to deliver them we need an agile, forward-thinking manufacturing base that’s ready to embrace new processes, materials and digital technologies. This event is about helping businesses understand what those opportunities might look like and inspire manufacturers to innovate to meet complex future supply chain challenges.”
There will also be a Meet the Buyer area and exhibition, plus a networking lunch followed by an innovation workshop led by experts from WMG and MTC which will give businesses practical insight into innovation and real-world examples of successful collaborations and innovations.
Craig Humphrey, CEO of C&W Business Solutions, said: “Resilience is critical for manufacturers which is why innovation, automation and diversification need to be at the front of their business plans in the short, medium and long-term. This free event has been organised to give manufacturers of all sizes throughout the region the chance to hear from inspirational speakers who are experts in their fields to pass on their knowledge to help businesses win new orders, boost their productivity and future-proof their business as well as network with those at the forefront of manufacturing excellence in the West Midlands.”
* Manufacturing businesses interested in attending this free event can register at: Futureproof Manufacturing for the West Midlands Tickets, Wed, Mar 11, 2026 at 9:30 AM | Eventbrite
Opportunity at Kingsbury Water Park
Could your business bring boats to Bodymoor Heath Water at Kingsbury Water Park?
Warwickshire County Council is looking for a pay-as-you-go boat hire operator to provide non-motorised watercraft on our largest lake at Kingsbury Water Park, Bodymoor Heath.
The facility would be open to the public and offer the hire of rowing boats, pedalos, canoes, kayaks, or similar craft.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a business with relevant experience to work with us to create a popular boat hire at our park, which receives around 340k visitors per year.
If you are interested, please find more details via our application pack, or email us at parks@warwickshire.gov.uk to request more information or a Word Doc version to complete.
Applications close 20th March at 1pm.
Local Government Reorganisation
The UK Government has opened a formal consultation inviting businesses, residents, and key stakeholders to share their views on proposed changes to how local government is structured in Warwickshire.
Current governance structure
Warwickshire currently operates a two-tier system consisting of:
- Warwickshire County Council (responsible for services such as education, highways, social care, trading standards)
- Five district and borough councils: North Warwickshire, Nuneaton and Bedworth, Rugby, Stratford-on-Avon, and Warwick (responsible for services like planning, waste, licensing, and housing)
The Government is consulting on two potential future structures:
- A single unitary council for the whole of Warwickshire, or
-
Two separate unitary councils - one covering the north of the county and one covering the south.
How to take part
Businesses across the county are strongly encouraged to share their views.
Consultation period: Thursday 5 February – Thursday 26 March.
Corporate Games coming to Warwickshire
"The 2026 UK Corporate Games is an exciting opportunity for businesses and their staff to get involved with great sport, team-building and networking this August."
A Warwickshire golf course has been added to the range of venues hosting a major sporting event coming to the region this August.
The Stratford Park Hotel & Golf Club will host day two of the golf tournament at the 2026 UK Corporate Games, which features 20 different sports taking place from August 20 to August 23.
It will see local, national and international businesses going head-to-head in everything from padel to dragon boat racing and from netball to running.
Around 100 golfers are expected to take to the course in competition with day one of the event taking place at the Forest of Arden, with the day two host now confirmed as Stratford Park, which is famous for its signature par three 17th over water.
Coventry is the official host for the 2026 UK Corporate Games, with the University of Warwick acting as a base for the event, but several Warwickshire venues have been added to stage different sports across the event. Organisers are placing a particular focus on encouraging local SMEs to take part in 2026, highlighting the flexibility of the event which allows businesses to enter anything from a single individual through to teams across multiple events.
The Corporate Games is partnering with the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce to help reach more businesses in the region and encourage them to take part.
As well as competition, the Corporate Games are designed to deliver clear benefits for participating organisations, including improved staff health and wellbeing, stronger teamwork, and valuable opportunities to network with other Midlands and national businesses in a relaxed and social setting.
Regional businesses will get the opportunity to compete and network with a range of multi-national companies, with the likes of Barclays, Balfour Beatty, EY, and Places for People regularly entering teams.
Ryan Johnson, Director of Sport and Communications, said: “We are thrilled to add The Stratford Park Hotel & Golf Club to our fantastic list of venues across Coventry and Warwickshire. This year’s Corporate Games has so much to offer businesses of all sizes and sectors meaning they can enter single individuals into one event or dozens of competitors across multiple events. It’s going to be great few days in August!”
Beverley Haynes, General Manager of The Stratford Park Hotel & Golf Club, said: “We can’t wait to welcome teams from the across the country to our 18-hole par-72 parkland golf course. Our course offers a great mix of challenging holes with beautiful views. Our signature hole is the 17th par three over water. It’s a great course for combining competitive spirit and we are often told we have the best greens in Warwickshire.
“With our course now being over 32 years old the tree-lined fairways offer a fantastic day out for golf, networking and a bit of healthy rivalry.”
Gurprit Singh, business engagement manager at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The 2026 UK Corporate Games is an exciting opportunity for businesses and their staff to get involved with great sport, team-building and networking this August. It’s great to see another Chamber member being added to the list of venues staging an event!”
Further details about sports, entry options and how businesses can register for the 2026 Corporate Games can be seen on https://corporategamesuk.com or by calling 01733 838444.
Warwick business partners with Chamber
A fast-growing utility industry consultancy has joined Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce as its newest business influence partner.
Skewb, which is based at The Woods in Warwick and works with up to 300 employees and partners, is proud to announce its membership of the Chamber of Commerce, marking an important step in strengthening regional engagement, expanding partnerships, and deepening its involvement within the local business community.
The company, which was co-founded by Shashi and Indu Seshadri in 2018, delivers targeted outcomes through specialist digital products, transformation initiatives, and business change activities for organisations across the gas, water, power, and wider infrastructure sectors.
By joining the Chamber, Skewb becomes part of an influential network of organisations committed to collaboration, innovation, and shared economic growth across Coventry and Warwickshire. This connection supports Skewb’s ambition to build meaningful relationships, broaden its regional footprint, and contribute to the success of the wider business ecosystem.
The Chamber plays a vital role in championing local businesses and lobbying on key economic issues - an area where Skewb is keen to contribute its expertise and voice.
Shashi Seshadri, cofounder and CEO, said: “At Skewb, we believe progress is achieved through collaboration and purposeful partnerships. Becoming part of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce strengthens our commitment to the region. We are excited to work alongside fellow members, share our expertise, and contribute to the growth, innovation and resilience of the wider business community.”
Corin Crane, Chief Executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, paid a visit to the company’s offices and believes Skewb’s values align with those of the Chamber.
He said: “We are thrilled to welcome Skewb to the Chamber as Business Influence Partners. What an incredible business and what an amazing success story for Warwickshire. This is a company that is growing significantly and is doing that through innovation, investment in training and development and through a very clear commitment to culture, which shines through when you visit their very cool offices in Warwick. We’re really excited about this partnership”
News in Brief
Latest news-in-brief from the county and region...
Aston Martin announces significant job losses
Aston Martin has confirmed it will be axing 20% of its workforce, with the firm's net losses jumping 52% last year to £493.2m. The luxury car firm, synonymous with James
Bond, has struggled for several years and blamed US president Donald Trump's tariffs in a statement made last month.
Aston Martin, which has its headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire, employs about 3,000 people, meaning job losses will total around 600. The firm said the job cuts should deliver annual savings of around £40m and did not specify when the job cuts would be implemented, but said most of the savings would be made this year. A spokesperson for Aston Martin said US tariffs had been "extremely disruptive" and demand had also been "extremely subdued" in China, the world's biggest auto market.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp9m8n2vx0mo
Quarterly losses top £300m at JLR in wake of cyber attack
JLR has reported pre-tax losses of more than £300m for the third quarter of its financial year as the automotive giant feels the impact of its cyber attack. Revenues in three months to 31 December 2025 reached £4.5bn, down 39 per cent year-on-year, and £16bn in the year-to-date (YTD), a drop of 24 per cent.
Chief executive P.B. Balaji described it as a "challenging quarter" for JLR with performance impacted by the "production shutdown we initiated in response to the cyber incident, the planned wind down of legacy Jaguar and US tariffs". However, he noted that the company returned vehicle production to normal levels by mid-November "thanks to the commitment of our dedicated teams".
"2026 is set to be an exciting year for JLR as we develop our next generation vehicles, including the launch of the Range Rover Electric and the unveiling of the first new Jaguar."
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/quarterly-losses-top-300m-at-jlr-in-wake-of-cyber-attack
Liquidation confirmed at electric truck maker
A Leamington-headquartered e-mobility company which builds electric trucks for countries in the Global South has entered liquidation. OX Delivers, designs and manufactures purpose-built electric trucks and has developed a digital platform to support its 'Truck-as-a-Service' model, primarily for logistics operators in emerging markets.
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/liquidation-confirmed-at-electric-truck-maker-unsuccessful-attempts-to-secure-funding
Zoopla buys Stratford online homes portal
Zoopla has bought a nationwide online homes portal as it continues to expand further into the new build market. Zoopla said the deal – for an undisclosed amount – will see it buy 100 per cent of newhomesforsale.co.uk, which has over 200 developer customers, supports 2,500 active property developments and connects over one million buyers with properties each year.
After the deal, Stratford-upon-Avon-based NHFS will continue as a standalone brand and website, with its existing leadership team, led by founder and managing director Vernon Pethard. All ten staff – including Pethard – are transferring to Zoopla following the deal.
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/zoopla-buys-online-business-newhomesforsale.co.uk
Bars group closes 21 sites with the loss of 591 jobs after appointing administrators
The owner of the Revolution bar chain has shut 21 venues with the loss of 591 jobs after the company fell into administration. The Revel Collective, which also owns Revolucion de Cuba and Peach Pubs, had put itself up for sale in October after facing what it called "a continued period of external challenges". Of its 62 pubs and bars across the UK, 14 Revolution bars, six Revolucion de Cuba bars and one Peach Pub, the Almanack in Kenilworth.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cly10jjmg92o
Warwickshire golf course announced as latest UK Corporate Games venue
A Warwickshire golf course has been added to the range of venues hosting a major sporting event coming to the region this August. The Stratford Park Hotel & Golf Club will host day two of the golf tournament at the 2026 UK Corporate Games, which features 20 different sports taking place from August 20 to August 23. It will see local, national and international businesses going head-to-head in everything from padel to dragon boat racing and from netball to running.
Coventry is the official host for the 2026 UK Corporate Games, with the University of Warwick acting as a base for the event, but several Warwickshire venues have been added to stage different sports across the event.
https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/news/stratford-park-hotel-golf-club-120226/
Stratford hotel lands gold for green successes
One of Stratford-upon-Avon’s leading boutique hotels has landed gold recognition for its sustainability successes. The Arden Hotel, on Waterside, has been recognised by Green Tourism – a certification that has been assessing travel, tourism and hospitality businesses’ approaches to sustainability for more than 27 years.
https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/news/the-arden-hotel-120226/
Angel investment network eyes £500k equity raises with hands-on investors
A Midlands angel investment network is targeting £500,000 equity raises with a refocus on hands-on investors. Minerva Business Angels – part of the University of Warwick Science Park – is positioning itself as a more targeted connector between high-growth firms in the region and a community of angel investors. The not-for-profit network is now concentrating on matching companies raising up to £500,000 in equity with investors who are keen to play an active role in the next phase of their growth.
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/angel-investment-network-eyes-500k-equity-raises-with-hands-on-investors
Royal Leamington Spa enters UK Town of Culture 2028
Royal Leamington Spa Town Council has confirmed that the town will be entering a bid into the UK Town of Culture competition announced by the government.
The 2028 competition is the first of its kind across the UK and has been created to celebrate the cultural life and identity of towns. The title will be awarded along with central government funding to enable the delivery of a major cultural programme in the successful town.
https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/news/regional-050226/
Coventry University graduate recognised by Chinese Car Maker Design Challenge
A Coventry University graduate has landed a dream job in the car industry after scooping two global awards.
Hanil Kim, who graduated from the Automotive and Transport Design Course in July, won the SAIC Design Challenge competition before being presented with the Undiscovered Talent Award at the recent Car Design News People Awards in London.
SAIC, one of China’s largest car companies, with UK sites in London and at the former Longbridge factory in Birmingham, challenged designers to come up with a concept for two MG models, one of the brands which falls under the firm’s umbrella.
https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/news/coventry-university-040226/
Launch of new leadership forum in Warwickshire brings together dozens of Midlands business leaders
A new high-level leadership network designed to give Midlands business leaders access to expert insight, trusted peer connections and meaningful strategic discussion has been launched by a growing conference and office space in the heart of Warwickshire.
The first Stockton House Leadership Forum, organised by Stockton House, brought together senior decision-makers together in an exclusive setting, combining thought-provoking speakers with high-value networking opportunities aimed at creating lasting impact beyond the room.
It featured a keynote talk from Liam Matthews-Dibbins, IT Manager at BOLD IT, who spoke about the growing cyber risks facing small and medium-sized businesses.
https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/news/wigley-120226/
West Midlands records one of the highest increases in insolvency activity - R3
The West Midlands recorded one of the highest percentage increases of insolvency-related activity in the UK during 2025, according to the latest figures from R3. The figures for the West Midlands show an 11.7 per cent rise compared to 2024 – only Northern Ireland ranked higher at 20.2 per cent - and include administrations and creditors' meetings as well as voluntary and compulsory liquidations.
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/west-midlands-records-one-of-the-highest-increases-in-insolvency-activity-r3
Business confidence rises in the West Midlands but falls in the East
Business confidence rose in the West Midlands during January, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds, but declined in the East. Companies in the West Midlands reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up 20 points at 80 per cent. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 16 points to 50 per cent, this gives a headline confidence reading of 65 per cent, up from 63 per cent in December 2025.
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/business-confidence-rises-in-the-west-midlands-but-falls-in-the-east
West Midlands leads trade mission to India - aims to turn “last year’s trade deal into something that delivers here at home”
The West Midlands is leading a trade mission to Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Bengaluru, building on the UK-India Free Trade Agreement signed in July 2025. It aims to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the two markets and forge partnerships for the benefit of the regions universities, businesses and communities.
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/west-midlands-leads-trade-mission-to-india-aims-to-turn-last-years-trade-deal-into-something-that-delivers-here-at-home
Warwick accountancy firm acquired by Nuvo
In a seven-figure buy-out, Pentlands Accountants and Advisors, in Warwick, has become the 34th acquisition in 21 years by Derby-based firm Nuvo which was last year ranked #73 in the UK Top 100 accountancy firms.
Local accountancy firm specialising in SMEs acquired by Nuvo Accountancy | Chalmers News PR