Welcome from Monica Fogarty, joint managing director, Warwickshire County Council

Hello all and welcome to the July edition of Warwickshire Means Business.

In this edition we feature three businesses that are growing with the support of small capital grants from Warwickshire County Council.

We feature a campsite, a company at the cutting edge of technology and a Proptech business, all of which are about as diverse as businesses can get - and this is a great illustration of both the diversity of the Warwickshire economy and the support that the county council provides through the small capital grants scheme.

Up to March this year, we had awarded capital grants amounting to £1.3million, unlocking a further £2.5million of private sector investment. The grants have so far supported 58 small businesses, creating more than 80 jobs with up to 235 set to be created by 2020.

Small business are the lifeblood of the economy and Warwickshire County Council is committed to offering a broad range of support to them throughout the county. We do this through our Economy & Skills team, working in collaboration with you, our partner organisations, and it was great to see our team's work recognised again last week when they collected the 'Best All-round Small Business Friendliness' award at the FSB's Local Authority Awards.

It is the third successive year, and sixth time in seven years, that Warwickshire County Council has won this award, which is true testament to the sustained hard work and dedication of our team to help our business community. 

For full details on how we might be able to help you, please visit https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/business.

All businesses await the impact of Brexit. And while the high-level negotiations go on, we are doing all we can to ensure that Warwickshire's business community remains well-equipped to face the future - whatever it brings.

Steph Williams, our Inward Investment Officer, was recently part of a delegation to Lille to make connections and gather information about the automotive sector in France. It proved a very worthwhile trip, helping the delegation from our region to establish new contacts and strengthen existing ones.

We are fortunate that the Coventry & Warwickshire region already has an excellent reputation, nationally and internationally, across numerous sectors. This makes Warwickshire a very attractive location to base a business. At the county council, as you would expect, we are constantly pushing that message out to potential investors across the UK and beyond.

Warwickshire's economy is strong and has been further boosted, in recent weeks, by the wonderful efforts of England's football team. Our head of economy & skills David Ayton-Hill observed in the last edition of 'Warwickshire Means Business' that, since 1990, countries that reached the World Cup semi-finals reported an average 4.5% growth in consumer spending in the year following the tournament, compared to an average of 3.3% the year before. Warwickshire's economy is set to keep going from strength to strength - just like Gareth Southgate's team!

I hope you all have a lovely summer.

 

PropTech company growing thanks to "brilliant" range of support

A forward-thinking micro business is expanding its premises and workforce after receiving "brilliant" support from Warwickshire County Council and the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub.

Henley-in-Arden-based LettingaProperty.com was formed in 2008 by Jonathan Daines when he spotted a gap in the market to exclusively service private landlords using a digital platform.

Jonathan, who was soon joined in the business by brother Matthew, was way ahead of the game. Ten years on the PropTech sector is a growing industry and, LettingaProperty.com, armed with knowledge and an established client-base which others are only now trying to assemble, are leading the way.

The problem was they had literally outgrown their quaint, cottage-type office. If they didn't move, they couldn't grow.

But that problem is solved after Jon Bass at the Growth Hub referred the brothers to the county council’s business and inward investment team. Now the business will soon occupy larger premises, still in Henley, and increase its workforce to ten, including eight full-
time.

"We were confident in our business and knew we had a proven model," said Jonathan. "We spotted how the letting process was evolving. A few years ago, to book a holiday you had to go to a high street travel agency but now most people do it online - it can be exactly the same for finding tenants for landlords.

"The business has gone really well with more than 7,500 properties let but to expand our operation we needed more space. Jon was great and directed us to Steph Williams and Jagdish Soor at the county council and they seemed to produce the perfect property out of nowhere.

"We don't know how they did it but as soon as we saw it, just down the road, we knew it was ideal. Within a week we had agreed terms and a small business grant from the council will help us equip the new premises to not only be more comfortable but also look so much more professional.

"The grant also enabled us to increase our workforce and here too we received invaluable advice from the county council. Their business skills advisor Fay Winterburn helped us tailor our job adverts to attract exactly the right talent, one of whom we have already appointed.

"Fay gave us loads of good advice and was very impressive. We thought about offering her a job but apparently she's happy with the one she's got!"

Jonathan and Matthew were also put in touch with Tech Central, a Warwickshire-based cluster formed to support creative and tech industries to collaborate and share ideas.

"We can't thank the county council and Growth Hub enough," said Matthew. "Running a PropTech start-up has its pressures and challenges, but we have felt supported every step of the way. The whole suite of services from the council has been brilliant."

• The Access to Finance advice for the company was delivered as part of the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support
  Programme, which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Warwickshire County Council
• To find out more about the range of support available to grow your business, please contact the Growth Hub on 0300 060
  3747.

County council retains Small Business Friendliness award

Warwickshire County Council yet again collected the Best All-round Small Business Friendliness award at the annual Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) local authority awards.

It is the third successive year, and sixth time in seven years, that the county council has won this award.

The awards, presented at the FSB’s annual ‘Small Business Engagement’ lunch, form part of FSB’s lobbying activity to ensure that, at every level of Government, entrepreneurs are viewed as potential wealth, growth and job-creators of the future.

Across Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull, 97% of the 50,000 private sector businesses are small businesses, so it’s vital that everything possible is done to make it easier for them to thrive.

The Best All-round Small Business Friendliness’ award went to Warwickshire County Council while Stratford-on-Avon District Council collected the Best ‘Small Business Friendly’ campaign accolade. Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council took the Best ‘Small Business Friendly’ procurement policy and Marcus Jones (MP for Nuneaton) won the award for Best ‘Small Business Friendly’ MP.

As ever the overall small business friendliness award was difficult to judge, but the panel felt that Warwickshire County Council had again come up with innovative ideas to help small firms tackle skills shortages and increase apprenticeships which is having a direct impact on helping small businesses grow.

Cllr Peter Butlin, Deputy Leader of Warwickshire County Council  said: “I am delighted that Warwickshire County Council has won the overall business friendly award. We take great pride in putting the needs of small business at the heart of what we do and we recognise that the success of start-up and small business is critical if our economy is to continue to grow and prosper."     

Stratford-on-Avon District Council's award was for its inaugural Victorian Christmas Market, which was a great success for many small retailers despite adverse weather. The market attracted significant reach across the UK with people travelling great distances to attend.

Sandra Garlick, FSB Warwickshire and Coventry Area Lead said: “ As in previous years, we were again delighted this year with the range and strength of applications received and the quality of the schemes put forward. 

"The FSB fully believes in partnership working and we are proud to say that over the years in this region we have developed strong relationships with the business community, our local authorities and MPs.  We feel that working together we can have a greater impact on making our economy a better place and the awards help to share that best practice."

Simon and Gabbi targeting growth thanks to small capital grant

A campsite set deep in the Warwickshire countryside is ready to grow to the benefit of itself and the wider local economy thanks to a small capital grant from the county council.

Mousley House Farm Camp Site, near Rowington, has become highly popular with visitors both locally and from all over the world since opening five years ago.

In 2013, Simon and Gabbi Hughes, after careers in the police force and education respectively, took the bold step to create the campsite on a field previously used for grazing.

The business blossomed with the site quickly gaining a Trip Advisor certificate of excellence - but that popularity led to a dilemma. The business having been started from scratch, on a field previously occupied only by horses, for it to be able to grow, its infrastructure had to be upgraded.

That's where the £9,500 small capital grant came in. Along with Access to Finance advice from county council business support advisor Jagdish Soor, the funding enabled growth which enhances not only the business itself but also those nearby.

"The grant has made a major difference to our business," said Simon. "Without it, we could not have expanded.

"We have all the ingredients: a beautiful location, plenty of space and loads of great attractions nearby that people will always want to visit. Feedback from our visitors ever since we started has been excellent with many coming back regularly, but to grow the businesses we needed to improve our amenities.

"We started with literally a farmer's field so had to install a sewerage plant to increase capacity. The grant enabled us to do that so we are now fully connected to the water mains. That is much more economical for us and, more importantly, means that we offer better service to visitors because the water-pressure on site never drops.

"It is a massive step forward for the business and will have a positive knock-on effect on other businesses in the area. A lot of our campers here visit the local pubs and restaurants, one of which has been kept so busy by our visitors it has asked us to ask our campers to book ahead!

"We can now really plan ahead for growth. We are looking to take on another member of staff, with another one to follow hopefully quite soon."

Jagdish Soor was delighted to assist Simon and Gabbi.

“Sometimes there is a preconception that funding support is only available to companies within the manufacturing, technology and innovation sectors," he said. "However this project demonstrates that Warwickshire County Council are progressive and actively supporting business right across the spectrum from micro to SMEs and those engaged in the rural economy, tourism and infrastructure.”    

 * The advice for the company was delivered as part of the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme, which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Warwickshire County Council. 

• To find out more about the range of support available to grow your business, please contact the Growth Hub on 0300 060 3747.

Automotive sector links with France strengthened by delegation to Lille

A Trade and Investment Delegation from Coventry and Warwickshire returned from Lille with new contacts made and existing relationships strengthened between the region and the automotive sector in France.

Steph Williams, an inward investment officer at Warwickshire County Council, was part of the delegation which attended the FEAL 2018 Automotive Conference in Lille.

With Coventry & Warwickshire at the forefront of the automotive sector, especially evolving technologies around battery, electric, hybrid and autonomous vehicles, the event offered the perfect platform to put the region on the map.

As the business world awaits the full ramifications of Brexit, the visit enabled the delegation to take the initiative in building bridges of its own during a highly successful two-day stay.

The itinerary included speakers, analysts and government officials presenting on:

• Vehicle electrification: technology, vision and impacts 2030
• Autonomous and intuitive vehicles: uses and issues
• New mobilities and smartcity
• The global market
• The British automotive industry before and after Brexit

Amongst the Smartcity roundtable speakers was Rahat Iqbal, chief executive officer of Interactive Coventry Ltd who specialise in machine learning and big data.

The visit provided the delegation with access to key people with a view to future inward investment and trade opportunities. It also promoted Coventry and Warwickshire to a new audience and market and offered intelligence on attracting automotive companies and supply chains to the region.

Of particular interest was the presentation on the automotive industry before and after Brexit while the delegates were also given a tour of the Toyota Motoring Manufacturing site.

Steph Williams, who specialises in the automotive sector in her role at the county council, said: "It was a very interesting and worthwhile visit. We made links with Nord France Invest, CCI International, Hauts-de-France and several automotive clusters and collected a lot of information which we can now collectively use to promote and strengthen our region's business links with France.

"It was good to see and hear the high regard in which the Coventry & Warwickshire automotive sector is already held internationally. We will continue to work hard to ensure that high regard is translated into as many solid business opportunities as possible."

Alongside Steph in the delegation were James Ahearne (C&W Chamber of Commerce), Nayna Parekh (Coventry City Council), Brian Mountford (Department for International Trade), Adele Wheatley C&W Chamber of Commerce),Rahat Iqbal and Tomasz Maniak, (both Interactive Coventry Limited).

Council support made to measure for Procter & Chester

A great frustration of running an SME is when you are operating close to capacity and desperately need to expand but just don't have the space.

That was the situation in which Procter & Chester (Measurements) found themselves last year. But they now have the required space and are growing and taking on apprentices thanks to a small capital grant from Warwickshire County Council.

From its base in Dalehouse Lane, Kenilworth, Procter & Chester is a small business now truly punching its weight.

The firm has, if not quite cornered a market, certainly found a niche in which they offer very specialised services with an expertise which has attracted customers far and wide.

Strain gauge installations and highly specialised load cells are their stock-in-trade. They devise and deploy a vast range of strain gauges for use in almost any environment - from construction equipment and high-performance cars to more singular jobs such as assisting the acoustics at Birmingham Symphony Hall and measuring aerospace loading profiles.

With its workforce of 12, soon to rise to 15, at the family-run firm (managing director Gordon Chester is son of one of the co-founders) it is a real success-story. But there was a ceiling on that success until the county council grant enabled them to expand their premises from 3,000 to 9,000 square feet.

"The grant enabled to expand just when we needed to," said Gordon. "Last year we reached the point where every square inch of our premises was being utilised. Sometimes for visitors that didn't look optimal and it certainly wasn't ideal.

"We were at full stretch to do all the work that we had on and were certainly in no position to grow.

"Now we have the capacity to aim for growth in line with the pleasing amount of demand there is for our services. We are in the process of taking on three new staff, two of which will be production apprentices. Our work is very specialist, so they will receive bespoke training here while also being sent through college."

As well as the grant, Procter & Chester also received guidance from Warwickshire County Council business support advisor Jagdish Soor. This helped them with the application process but also opened up other areas of support including an environmental grant which enabled conversion of all the premises' lights to LED.

"Applying for support for a small business can be very time-consuming and paperwork-intensive so the support we have received has been invaluable," said Gordon. "The whole experience around the support has been superb and the advice first-class."

Jagdish Soor commented: "The vast array of diverse, specialised industry located around Warwickshire is just amazing. Procter & Chester are just one example of it and, as an engineer myself, it has been a pleasure to assist them in creating a facility to be proud of and one which will allow them to offer advanced accreditation services into the OEMs and local supply chain."

 * The advice for the company was delivered as part of the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme, which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Warwickshire County Council. 

• To find out more about the range of support available to grow your business, please contact the Growth Hub on 0300 060 3747.

3,500 new jobs created in region by foreign direct investment

Coventry and Warwickshire continues to be a leading location for foreign investment with 3,500 new jobs secured in the region in the last 12 months – an increase of almost 100 per cent.

Recent figures reveal that the region achieved more than 50 successful projects during the 12-month period to March 2018, an increase driven in Warwickshire by investments from the likes of industry-leaders Bharat Forge, Bosch, Clear Motion and Hyundai Engineering.

FDI projects over the last year have led to the creation of 61.8 new jobs created per 10,000 working-age population in Coventry and Warwickshire. This is double the number of new jobs per 10,000 capita in London and more than six times higher than the average in regions outside the capital.

The number of new FDI projects per 10,000 capita in the region over the last year is 0.90 - three times higher than the average region outside London.

The strong figures are testament to the depth and quality of business expertise across many sectors in the region, supported by sustained work on behalf of the business community by Warwickshire County Council and its partners.

Cllr Izzi Seccombe, leader of Warwickshire County Council, said: “There has been a concerted effort from all parties to make sure that we maximise our potential and to ensure that we are selling the undoubted attributes of the area.

“That involves not only the commercial advantages but also the environment and lifestyle we can offer inward investors and their employees.”

The region as a whole is performing strongly with productivity in the Coventry & Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) area having outgrown every other LEP area in the country.

Jonathan Browning, chairman of the CWLEP added: “It is extremely positive that Coventry and Warwickshire continues to perform well in attracting inward investment.

“Against the backdrop of the uncertainty around Brexit, our region has continued to perform strongly and attract major international investment, creating 3,500 new jobs and wealth.

“We are pleased that the combined efforts of the CWLEP, Coventry City Council and Warwickshire County Council, along with the Department for International Trade (DIT) and its partners, are continuing to reap strong results and strengthen Coventry and Warwickshire’s standing as a great location to do business and live." 

New online toolkit will help towns and villages promote themselves

This month sees the launch of a new online toolkit and do-it-yourself illustration of how to create a great local website aimed at visitors. The interactive guide, commissioned by Warwickshire County Council, aims to make it easy for smaller destinations to get themselves on the tourism map.

 A great local website promoting your town or village to tourists makes terrific business sense. Alex Holmes, the council’s Visitor Economy Manager, explains what inspired the “Visit Local” scheme which aims to get local communities and businesses to up their tourism game.

 

Up and down the country, market towns and villages are starting to wake up to the idea that tourism is not just for the big boys in the urban centres and heritage honeypots. 

There are countless examples of good practice in smaller local communities where businesses have come together with civic leaders to create distinctive new visitor experiences, backed by proactive place marketing campaigns.

The online revolution accounts for much of this. It is now easier and cheaper than ever to attract new visitors to come and spend money in your local community.  You don’t have to mass-produce and distribute costly visitor guides. An effective local destination website is an essential first step and has huge potential to draw in visitors, yet can cost very little.

A good example is Midhurst, a small market town in West Sussex, with a local population of under 5,000.  The Midhurst Tourism Partnership is a non-profit organisation run by a group of volunteers who are passionate about their place. Their aim is to raise the profile of the town to encourage more visitors to eat, drink, sleep and shop there, no matter where those visitors come from. The town has a hugely successful website www.visitmidhurst.com driving business to the area.  Attractive, vibrant and stuffed full of great content, it really sells the place and its businesses.

A second example is Westerham in Kent.  Again, a town with a tiny local population (4,000) has come together to form a dynamic town partnership. The website, www.visitwesterham.org.uk serves as a hub for business, community and tourism information.

Of course, the challenge for local town partnerships is not just to get the promotion right – the product has to be right too. Local knowledge means they are uniquely well-placed to create distinctive visitor trails, packages and experiences to keep people in the area longer. And the longer they stay, the more they will spend locally.

Experience Chipping Norton www.experiencechippingnorton.com invites visitors to “explore the real Chippy experience” in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds. The promotional message is backed up by a host of suggestions on events, hospitality and things to do, including nearby walking and cycling routes.

Hawkhurst in Kent has a track record of inventing creative ideas to keep visitors longer. Examples have included a smugglers’ heritage trail (“When Hawkhurst Ruled the Weald”) and “Beefing it up.”  The latter was a project and Food Festival in 2010 to celebrate the centenary of the OXO cube which was created and launched in the town. The Hawkhurst Community Partnership delivered a number of events which culminated in a cookbook featuring recipes from local residents and local producers.

The moral of the story is that even the smallest places can create something special for visitors. Get the product and the promotion right and visitors will surely come!

Warwickshire County Council’s “Visit Local” scheme aims to encourage community and business groups across rural Warwickshire to support new tourism partnership work. To inspire some ideas on how you can improve your web presence for visitors, head to www.destinationtemplate.co.uk

Highly successful 'Rail Live 2018' event hosted in Warwickshire

Warwickshire's growing presence in rail technology was underlined at the prestigious Rail Live event, hosted again this year at the Quinton Rail Technology Centre (QRTC) at Long Marston, near Stratford-upon-Avon.

The QRTC is a significant rail test and development centre with a cluster of rail tech companies and Rail Live has become the most comprehensive outdoor event for rail in the UK, with the potential to become the ‘Farnborough Air Show’ for rail.

This year Rail Live 2018 hosted £500m of rail plant and 239 exhibitors, which attracted 5,000 visitors over two days. 

Features at the event included:

• Live demonstrations from across the industry of the latest equipment, products and services
• Signalling demonstration zone
• New rolling stock and locomotives on display, with Hitachi, Talgo and Bombardier exhibiting at the event
• An innovation zone, featuring UKRRIN, the UK Rail Research and Innovation Network
• An Export Show for the industry and its supply chain in partnership with the Department for International Trade
• Demonstrators of Warwickshire rolling stock company Viva Rail’s Battery Technology D-Train
• Running prototype of University of Birmingham’s Hydrogen powered train
• A 'Next Generation' project promoting the industry to undergraduate engineers and apprentices

This major showcase of Midlands and UK rail capability drew visitors from all over the UK and overseas, many of whom were potential investors keen to find out more about opportunities in this country.

The UK rail industry is the most buoyant and fastest growing in Europe, with the UK Government investing over £200bn over the next few years in new track, stations, systems and rolling stock. The Midlands is very much a part of that growth and that this event took place in the Midlands gave those visitors a first-hand look at what the area has to offer, both in terms of the rail sector and beyond.

Warwickshire County Council Inward Investment Manager Ian Flynn said: "Rail Live 2018 was a fantastic event.

"It was superbly hosted by the Rail Alliance and new partner Bauer Media. Hosting this event in the Midlands helps demonstrates the strengths of the area as a location for rail supply, technology and inward investment.

"To have so many industry leaders and potential investors visiting the county is of potentially huge benefit to our economy. Thousands of visitors saw at first hand what the region has to offer, both in terms of our excellent rail offer and as a great location to base any business. Many valuable connections were made at the show."

Nuneaton jobseekers will benefit from three-year employment support scheme

Long-term jobseekers and disadvantaged people in Nuneaton will be helped back into work by a groundbreaking Employment Support Pilot Scheme over the next three years.

A contract worth nearly £210,000 has been awarded to Coventry-based PET-Xi Training from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) via the Government’s Department for Work and Pensions to hold specific job advice sessions and provide specialist support in Camp Hill, Nuneaton.

The scheme will also help low-paid workers achieve the skills needed to gain more highly-qualified, better-paid jobs.

Eight PET-Xi Training staff will run the project at Warwickshire County Council's Camp Hill Education, Sports & Social (CHESS) Centre in Cedar Road, Nuneaton, while the scheme will also operate at a new facility in Abbey Street (due to open this summer) and from mobile engagement vans around the borough.

Camp Hill, one of nine areas in the area chosen for the scheme, already benefits from the Pet-Xi-delivered Positive Futures programme which is part-funded by the European Social Fund and Warwickshire County Council. Positive Futures support is specifically for young people so the additional offer means a much broader range of support will now be available for Camp Hill residents.

Fleur Sexton, managing director of PET-Xi Training, based in Westwood Business Park, Coventry, said this pilot programme would reduce barriers to employment for people of all backgrounds.

“We are proud to have been chosen as one of the training providers to run the Employment Support Pilot programme," she said. “We have vast experience in working with hard-to-reach communities and will be working with those aged between 16 plus in Nuneaton who want to re-train to apply for better-paid jobs and those who have not been employed for a long time.

“This scheme will provide specialist tailored advice to each individual and regular support sessions and we will encourage everyone who takes part to spread the word among their friends, neighbours and relatives about the advice available.

“We will also be making people aware of local job opportunities as well as the training and support available with completing job applications and giving advice on interviews.

“Most of our sessions will take place at the CHESS Centre to make it easier for people to attend, since that removes any barriers with travelling or childcare. But for those who wish to meet us away from their community, we are opening a new Skills centre in Abbey Street in Nuneaton town centre and we will also be driving our mobile vans around Nuneaton to community areas to promote the programme.”

Confidence still high despite niggling uncertainty over Brexit

Business confidence in Coventry and Warwickshire has taken a small dip but remains positive and stronger than the national average, according to a major survey.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey (QES), in conjunction with Warwickshire County Council, has revealed a second successive fall in the economic outlook for the region.

The QES, which feeds into the national British Chambers of Commerce survey, acts as a barometer for the economy across the city and the county. The results are calculated and given an index rating where 50 is a balance between growth and retraction – so anything above means the majority of respondents are feeling positive.

In the last quarter, the manufacturing sector reported a fall in both domestic orders and overseas orders, while the service sector also saw a decline in overseas sales. But there was positive news in the service sector, as domestic orders rose again from 65.2 to 66.1 after a small fall in the first quarter of 2018.

The index on employment saw a fall in both the service and manufacturing sectors from 61.0 to 59.5 in the service industry and from 68.1 to 67.5 in manufacturing.

There was an improvement in investment in both training and equipment in the manufacturing sector but a dip in the service sector.

All in all, it led to the overall business confidence index falling from 77.6 to 76.5 in the service sector and from 83.8 to 78.1 in manufacturing.

David Ayton-Hill, Economy & Skills Group Manager at Warwickshire County Council, said: “The changes reported in the results do not lead to any immediate concerns over business activity within Coventry and Warwickshire.

"It is perhaps worth noting that this quarter there has been a marked increase in businesses highlighting uncertainty over Brexit as a key area of concern. Economic theory highlights the importance of certainty and stable conditions to promote and stimulate business investment and confidence.

“Until there is more clarity around the Brexit negotiations, it is likely that we will continue to see some downward pressures on these indices, particularly the elements that are looking at future market opportunities and conditions.”

Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The QES is a great gauge of how businesses are feeling across our patch and the results bear out what we are hearing anecdotally from companies.

“There is still confidence and optimism in this region – which is why the index is still positive and way ahead of the national picture – but there is also an element of uncertainty creeping in which has seen the index drop slightly.

“It’s important to recognise that there is still strong confidence in the region and that companies, generally, have a positive outlook about doing business here. But, equally, as a Chamber we will continue to give firms as much support as possible to help them grow either through getting out there and meeting potential new clients and, also, supporting and advising them on opportunities that are out there.”

Workshops help address skills shortages

A series of workshops designed to tackle skills shortages in the region is underway.

Warwickshire County Council, working with the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, recently launched its five-point plan to help business who are suffering as a result of the skills shortage in the region.

The plan offers a range of support including three workshops designed to look at recruitment and training and to explain ways in which business can get help.

The first workshop, Exploring Alternative Routes to Recruitment, was a great success last week and two more remain:

Developing Essential Skills (Friday 20th July, 8.30am-1.30pm)  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tackling-skills-shortages-day-2-developing-essential-skills-tickets-46982727603 

and Business Support for You (Friday 27th July: 8.30am-1.30pm) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tackling-skills-shortages-day-3-business-support-for-you-tickets-46984730594

"I look forward to working on your behalf in the weeks and years ahead" - Lee Osborne

After 13 years with the Stoneleigh-based National Farmers Union, most recently as skills and employment policy advisor, Lee Osborne was recently appointed the Federation of Small Businesses' development manager for Warwickshire and Coventry.

Here he reflects on his first two months in the job - and outlines his objectives in the role going forward.

 

Hello everybody and thank you to Warwickshire Means Business for offering me this opportunity to introduce myself in my new role at the FSB.

I was delighted to take on the role of development manager for Warwickshire and Coventry and am already really enjoying getting my teeth into it.

I came to the FSB from a position at the NFU which was very much focused on the skills and employment issues facing the farming industry - and those issues are pretty similar to those facing businesses in all sectors in Coventry & Warwickshire.

The challenge for me is to get up to speed with the amazing range of businesses in the region. Our region is strong in so many areas sectors, from its wonderful automotive history and vibrant tourism industry to its renowned place at the forefront of the digital sector. The business reach of Coventry & Warwickshire is staggeringly diverse so I have already met many businesses throughout the county and will continue to do so to get a real sense of the issues facing small businesses across the board.

In Coventry & Warwickshire, with such a depth of expertise across so many sectors, we are working from a position of strength, but of course there are challenges ahead and I, like the FSB as a whole, am committed to helping small businesses see those challenges coming and become equipped to tackle them.

In my conversations around the county, Brexit remains a major concern with continuing uncertainty over what sort of a deal, if any, the UK will reach. The Skills Gap is another main area of focus and I will be working hard, alongside partner organisations like Warwickshire County Council, to help small businesses identify their skills gaps and access support to help fill them.

I know that Glenn Robinson and Fay Winterburn at the county council do a lot of great work to support employers and encourage and help them to look at options like apprenticeships. We at the FSB are very much on the same page and the more that organisations like ourselves, other local authorities and the Chamber of Commerce work together the better.

I am currently in the process of speaking to a lot of businesses and councils so that I can lobby our MPs effectively to ensure that our views are heard by decision-makers at the top level. That is my job - to be a voice for the small businesses of Coventry & Warwickshire. So if you have any comments or concerns that you would like to raise with me, or if you would like to join the FSB, please do get in touch at lee.osborne@fsb.org.uk.

I look forward to hearing from you - and working on your behalf in the weeks and years ahead.

Local Business Events

July

 

Put your Social Media House in Order: Wed 18th July, 09:30 - 16:00, Venture House Business Centre, Avenue Farm Industrial Estate, Birmingham Road, Stratford Upon Avon, CV37 0HR (£tbc)

https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/put-your-social-media-house-in-order/

 

Marketing your new business: Wed 18th July, 08:15 - 16:00, Ramada Coventry, CV1 3GG (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/marketing-your-new-business-tickets-42150840298

 

Developing Essential Skills: Fri 20th July, 08:30 - 13:30, Holiday Inn Kenilworth, CV8 1ED (Free)

https://www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk/event/developing-essential-skills

 

Chamber Networking in Rugby: Tue 24th July, Hallmark Carehomes UK, Anya Court Carehome, 286 Dunchurch Rd, CV22 6JA (Free)

https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/chamber-networking-in-rugby/

 

Joint Summer Leamington & Stratford Business Forums Big Breakfast: Fri 20th July, 07:00 - 09:00, Welcombe Hotel, Warwick Road, Stratford upon Avon, CV37 0NR (£12.50+VAT)

http://www.leamington-business-forum.co.uk/catalogue_item.php?catID=6820&prodID=59505

 

Developing Essential Skills: Fri 20th July, 08:30 - 13:30, Kenilworth Holiday Inn, 212 Abbey End, Kenilworth, CV8 1ED (Free)

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdA3rdMU4SCVniimFq8OQFH5DFLXPugltBO-mUW9niMPgNl-w/viewform

 

Chamber networking - Rugby: Tue 24th July, 16:00 - 18:00, Hallmark Carehomes, 286 Dunchurch Rd, CV22 6JA (Free)

https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/chamber-networking-in-rugby/

 

Digital Photography/Video: Wed 25th July, Impact Hub Birmingham, 58 Oxford Street, Birmingham, B5 5NR (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/digital-photographyvideo-tickets-42562884734

 

Pitchfest: Preparation: Tue 26th June & Tue 17th July. Judging: Thu 5th July, Thu 12 July, Thu 6th Sep. Final: Thu 27th Sep. iCentrum, Birmingham, B7 4BP (Free)

http://www.aston.ac.uk/aston-business-school/business/centre-for-growth/pitchfest-2018/participants/?utm_source=eDM&utm_medium=RP

 

#FSBConnect Rugby: Fri 27th July, 07:00 - 09:00, The Arnold House at Rugby, Elsee Rd, Rugby, CV21 3BA (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fsbconnect-rugby-networking-breakfast-4th-friday-tickets-36480855220?aff=Googlecalendar

 

Business Support For You: Fri 27th July, 08:30 - 13:30, Kenilworth Holiday Inn, 212 Abbey End, Kenilworth, CV8 1ED (Free)

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdA3rdMU4SCVniimFq8OQFH5DFLXPugltBO-mUW9niMPgNl-w/viewform

 

LaunchPad: Unique 12 Hour Startup Accelerator and Dragon’s Den Type Session: Sat 28th July, 08:00 - 20:00, Serious Games Institute, Puma Way, Coventry, CV1 2TL (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/launchpad-unique-12-hour-startup-accelerator-and-dragons-den-type-session-tickets-46839870313

 

Implementing social media, as a CORE part of your marketing strategy: Tue 31st July, 08:30 - 16:00, Holiday Inn Walsgrave, CV2 2HP (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/implementing-social-media-as-a-core-part-of-your-marketing-strategy-tickets-45130594824

 

Chamber networking at Prime: Tue 31st July, 17:00 - 19:00, Prime Accountants Group, 5 Argosy Court, Whitley Business Park, CV3 4GA (Free)

https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/chamber-networking-at-prime/

 

August

 

12@12 professionals lunch: Thu 2nd Aug, 12:00 - 14:00, El Greco Stratford, CV37 6NE (£12.50)

http://www.stratford-business-forum.co.uk/catalogue_item.php?catID=6761&prodID=58686

 

Pitch preparation: Thu 2nd Aug, 08:30 - 16:00, Holiday Inn Walsgrave, CV2 2HP (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pitch-preparation-tickets-44668378322

 

Work from anywhere using G Suite by Google: Fri 3rd Aug, 09:30 - 16:00, CW Chamber of Commerce, Unit 8&9 Innovation Village, Cheetah Road, CV1 2TL (£tbc)

https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/work-from-anywhere-using-g-suite-by-google/

 

Charity & Not4profit forum: Tue 7th Sug, 16:00 - 18:00, Location tbc

http://www.leamington-business-forum.co.uk/news_item.php?wnID=3712

 

12@12 Warwickshire property professionals lunch: Temperance, 33 Bath St, Leamington, CV31 3AF (£16.66)

http://www.stratford-business-forum.co.uk/catalogue_item.php?catID=13382&prodID=87771

 

Put your social media house in order: Fri 10th Aug, 09:30 - 16:00, CW Chamber of Commerce, Unit 8&9 Innovation Village, Cheetah Road, CV1 2TL (£tbc)

https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/put-your-social-media-house-in-order-3/

 

Finance for non-financial managers workshop: Tue 14th Aug, 09:00 - 16:00, Ramada Coventry, CV1 3GG (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/finance-for-non-financial-managers-workshop-tickets-46062341704

 

Business startup - what your accountant would tell you - if you had one…: Wed 15th Aug, 10:00 - 13:15, Ramada Coventry, CV1 3GG (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/business-startup-what-your-accountant-would-tell-you-if-you-had-one-tickets-44630586285

 

Understanding the digital revolution: Tue 21st Aug, 09:00 - 16:30, MTC, Ansty Park, Coventry, CV7 9JU (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/understanding-the-digital-revolution-tickets-42562619942

 

Meet your Chamber & summer BBQ: Fri 24th Aug, 11:30 - 14:00, Holiday Inn Walsgrave, CV2 2HP (£10)

https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/meet-your-chamber-summer-bbq/

 

#FSBConnect Rugby: Fri 24th Aug, 07:00 - 09:00, The Arnold House at Rugby, Elsee Rd, Rugby, CV21 3BA (Free)

https://www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk/event/fsbconnect-rugby-4

 

Build a brand for your business: Wed 29th Aug, 09:30 - 12:30, Althorpe Enterprise Hub, Althorpe St, Leamington Spa, CV31 2GB (£tbc)

https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/build-a-brand-for-your-business/

 

September

 

Routes to market workshop: Tue 4th Sep, 09:00 - 16:00, Venture House Business Centre, Birmingham Rd, Stratford, CV37 0HR. (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/routes-to-market-workshop-tickets-44254507423

 

Export Essentials: Tue 4th Sep, 09:00 - 12:30, CW Chamber of Commerce, Cheetah Rd, CV1 2TL (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/export-essentials-coventry-warwickshire-tickets-45340814597

 

Business essentials for startups - Planning, the lean business canvas: Wed 5th Sep, 10:00 - 13:15, Serious Games Institute, Cheetah Rd, Coventry, CV1 2TL (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/business-essentials-for-start-ups-planning-the-lean-business-canvas-tickets-48059996744

 

Wordpress your business: Wed 5th Sep, 09:30 - 16:00, Oxygen Graphics,  33 Albert St, Rugby, CV21 2SQ (£tbc)

https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/wordpress-your-business-1/

 

Raising finance for business: Thu 6th Sep, 09:00 - 12:30, Eliot Park Innovation Centre, Nuneaton, CV10 7RH (Free)

https://www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk/event/raising-finance-business-5

 

LaunchPad: Unique 12 Hour Startup Accelerator and Dragon’s Den Type Session: Fri 7th Sep, 08:00 - 20:00, Serious Games Institute, Puma Way, Coventry, CV1 2TL (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/launchpad-unique-12-hour-startup-accelerator-and-dragons-den-type-session-september-tickets-48058951618

 

Q3 South Warwickshire Branch: Fri 7th Sep, 08:00 - 09:30, Long Marston Airfield, CV37 8LL (Free)

https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/q3-south-warwickshire-branch/

 

Autodesk Revit for beginners: Wed 12th & Thu 13th Sep, Coventry University Engineering & Computing Building, CV1 2JH (Free)

https://www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk/event/autodesk-revit-beginners-sep-18

 

Implementing your social media presence: Thu 13th Sep, 08:30 - 16:00, Holiday Inn Walsgrave, CV2 2HP (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/implementing-your-social-media-presence-tickets-44634007518

 

Put your social media house in order: Fri 14th Sep, 09:30 - 16:00, CW Chamber of Commerce, Innovation Village, Cheetah Rd West, CV1 2TL. (£tbc)

https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/put-your-social-media-house-in-order-4/

 

Midlands Business Expo: Fri 14th Sep, NAEC, Stoneleigh Park, CV8 2LZ (Free)

http://themidlandsbusinessnetwork.co.uk/events/midlands-business-network-september-expo-2018/

 

Business leaders learning lab with Coventry University: Mon 17th Sep, 08:30 - 11:30, Simulation Centre, Puma Way, CV1 2TT (Free)

https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/business-leaders-learning-lab-with-coventry-university-sept/

 

Bank of England panel: Tues 18th Sep, 07:30 - 09:00, Coombe Abbey, Binley, CV3 2AB (Free)

https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/bank-of-england-panel/

 

Introduction to Navisworks for Beginners: Tue 18th Sep, Wed 19th Sep, 09:30 - 16:00, Coventry University Engineering & Computing Building, CV1 2JH (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/introduction-to-navisworks-for-beginners-tickets-47766167894

 

Warwickshire property professionals curry club: Tues 18th Sep, 12:00 - 14:00, Saffron Gold, Warwick, CV34 4DE (£20)

http://www.stratford-business-forum.co.uk/catalogue_item.php?catID=13382&prodID=86959

 

Getting the most out of your business - SEO and analytics: Tue 18th Sep, 09:30 - 16:00, Althorpe Enterprise Hub, Leamington Spa, CV31 2GB (£tbc)

https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/getting-the-most-out-of-google-for-your-business-seo-analytics-1/

 

Midlands Engine creative & design trade mission to China: Wed 19th Sep - Sun 23rd Sep

https://www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk/event/midlands-engine-creative-and-design-trade-mission-china

 

International trade & customs post Brexit: Thu 20th Sep, 09:00 - 11:00, Holiday Inn Kenilworth, CV8 1ED (£25)

https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/international-trade-customs-post-brexit/

 

Q3 North Warwickshire Branch: Thu 20th Sep, 08:30 - 10:00, SFB Group, Nuneaton, CV11 6RU (Free)

https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/q3-north-warwickshire-branch-2018/

 

Efficient space planning: Wed 19th Sep, Coventry University Engineering & Computing Building, CV1 2JH (Free)

https://www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk/event/efficient-space-planning

 

Business culture workshops: USA & Canada: Thu 20th Sep, 1 Snow Hill, Queensway, Birmingham B4 6GH (Free)

https://www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk/event/business-culture-workshops-usa-canada

 

Q3 Mid Branch - meet your MP Matt Western: Fri 21st Sep, 08:00 - 09:30, Trident Centre, Poisedon Way, Leamington Spa, CV34 6SW (Free)

https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/q3-mid-warwickshire-branch-2018/

 

Digital innovation and product development: Tue 25th Sep, 09:00 - 16:30, Location TBC (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/digital-innovation-and-product-development-tickets-42562853641

 

Coventry Telegraph Business Awards 2018: Tue 25th Sep, Ricoh Arena, CV6 6GE

https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/coventry-telegraph-business-awards-2018/

 

New product development workshop: Wed 26th Sep, 09:00 - 16:00, Ramada Coventry, CV1 3GG (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/new-product-development-workshop-tickets-42669852678

 

AEO: how to make a successful application: Thu 27th Sep, 09:00 - 16:30 (from £250)

https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/aeo-how-to-make-a-successful-application-1/

 

#CWROCKS business expo: Fri 28th Sep, 10:00 - 15:00, Ricoh Arena, CV6 6GE (Free)

https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/cwrocks-business-expo-visitor-registration/

 

October

 

Finance for non-managers workshop: Tue 2nd Oct, Ramada Coventry, CV1 3GG (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/finance-for-non-finance-managers-workshop-tickets-42670388280

 

LaunchPad: Unique 12 Hour Startup Accelerator and Dragon’s Den Type Session: Fri 5th Oct, 08:00 - 20:00, Serious Games Institute, Puma Way, Coventry, CV1 2TL (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/launchpad-unique-12-hour-startup-accelerator-and-dragons-den-type-session-october-tickets-48059179299

 

Cyber security for business: Tue 16th Oct, 09:00 - 16:30, Location TBC (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cyber-security-for-business-tickets-42496796061

 

Business planning workshop: Thu 25th Oct, 09:00 - 16:00, Ramada Coventry, CV1 3GG (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/business-planning-workshop-tickets-42670531709

 

Stratford Business Show: Wed 31st October, Stratford upon Avon College, The Willows North, Alcester Road, CV37 9QR(From £145 to exhibit)

http://www.stratford-business-forum.co.uk/cp3.php

 

 

 

 

OTHER USEFUL EVENT PAGES TO FOLLOW

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

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

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

Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce: https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/

Coventry & Warwickshire Growth Hub: http://www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk/events

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

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

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

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

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

 

News in brief

New Flagship road car revealed by Aston Martin
A new flagship road car with a top speed of 211mph has been unveiled by Aston Martin.
The DBS Superleggera has a twin-turbo 5.2-litre V12 engine and can accelerate from 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds and 0-100mph in 6.4 seconds.
https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/new-flagship-road-car-revealed-by-aston-martin

Medical imaging company captures counterpart
A Warwick medical imaging company has snapped up a counterpart which has operations in Switzerland, the US and Germany.
Alliance Medical Acquisitionco has bought the entire share capital in Piramal Imaging SA, which has its UK operations in Havant, Hampshire.
https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/medical-imaging-company-captures-counterpart

Revenue surge at listed investment giant
Revenue has surged at Warwickshire-headquartered investment group Mercia Technologies for its latest financial year, according to new figures.
The listed company has confirmed that its revenue, for the year to 31 March 2018, rose to £10.1m, up from £6.6m in 2017.
https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/revenue-surge-at-listed-investment-giant

Go Ape in talks to open first Warwickshire Site
The company is in discussions with Coventry City Council over opening a site in Coombe Country Park to the east of the city as early as April 2019.
The move would create about 30 jobs and the nearest site is currently at Cannock Chase in Staffordshire.
https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/go-ape-in-talks-to-open-first-warwickshire-site

Sports car engine production confirmed for Coleshill
Engines for BMW’s latest electrified model, the i8 Roadster, and the new version of the i8 Coupe are to be exclusively produced at its Hams Hall plant.
The Coleshill site has been producing engines for the hybrid i8 Coupe since 2014.
http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/westmidlands/news/2019152-sports-car-engine-production-confirmed-coleshill

Jobs saved after company sold out of administration
More than 30 jobs have been secured after a Leamington Spa-based electronics business was sold out of administration.

SMT Developments has been bought by electronics manufacturer C-mac Electromag Bvba, which is headquartered in Belgium.
https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/jobs-saved-after-company-sold-out-of-administration

Online pet food business eyeing £10m turnover target
A Stratford-upon-Avon-based online pet food delivery business has set itself a target of reaching £10m in turnover by 2020 after almost doubling staff levels.
PetshopBowl, which was set up by entrepreneurs Adam and Lexi Taylor in 2010, came about after a period of struggle for the couple following Adam’s redundancy from global financial services firm Lehman Brothers, which collapsed in 2008.
https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/online-pet-food-business-eyeing-10m-turnover-target

JLR signs European electric car charging deal
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is to supply a charging service for its electric vehicles in selected markets in Europe after signing a new deal with Plugsurfing.

Drivers choosing an all-electric Jaguar I-PACE performance SUV will be given free access to the Jaguar Public Charging app, while Range Rover or Range Rover Sport plug-in petrol-electric hybrid (PHEV) customers can download the Land Rover Public Charging app for free.
https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/jlr-signs-european-electric-car-charging-deal

Automotive firm announces £5m China plant plans
A Coventry-headquartered manufacturer of industrial automation and tooling systems, which works with the likes of Jaguar Land Rover, Ford and Aston Martin, has announced plans to open a new £5m plant in China which will double the company's size.
Expert Tooling & Automation, which also has a base in Houghton-le-Spring in the North East, has formed a partnership with Chinese company Star Eagle Global and established a new business in Hefei, China.
https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/automotive-firm-announces-5m-china-plant-plans

£5m part-autonomous aircraft concept revealed by Aston Martin
Aston Martin has unveiled plans to build a £5m part-autonomous aircraft which could fly a speed of up to 200mph.
The luxury car maker has presented its Volante Vision Concept at the bi-annual Farnborough Air Show.
https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/5m-part-autonomous-aircraft-concept-revealed-by-aston-martin

Half-year success for surveillance tech group
Revenue and profits have risen during the first half of Warwickshire-headquartered surveillance technology group Synectics' financial year, according to new results.
For the six months to 31 May 2018, the listed company achieved a revenue of £37.7m, up from £33.7m during the same period in 2017, while pre-tax profits also increased from £1.3m to £1.5m.
https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/half-year-success-for-surveillance-tech-group

Carillion employees taken on by Warwick firm
Warwick-based Telent Technology Services has been revealed as one of the companies to have taken on former Carillion employees following the construction and facilities management giant's collapse in January.
The company has taken on 360 employees from Carillion to its infrastructure services division and will be transferring in 145 more by September as a result of the Highways England contract win for NRTS2.
https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/carillion-employees-taken-on-by-warwick-firm

Sport and wellness hub revealed
A new sport and wellness hub at the University of Warwick, which forms part of a £49m investment, has been revealed for the first time.
The centre, which is being constructed by Willmott Dixon, is due to open to the public in nine months and has just been made watertight for the first time.
https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/sport-and-wellness-hub-revealed

Green light set for 60-hotel plan in Stratford
A bid to retain a 60-bed hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon has been recommended for approval.
Westbourne Leisure, which owns The Oak in Stratford Road, is also seeking permission to demolish a function room and a three-storey rear extension and expand its restaurant.
https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/green-light-set-for-60-hotel-plan

Work to begin on Warwickshire commercial site
Work will start soon on the construction of the Maricott Court £3m industrial development in Southam, near Stratford on Avon, the first phase of which should be open by the final quarter of this year.
The three acre development consists of 13 new industrial and warehouse units, ranging from 1,873 sq ft up to 6,268 sq ft, two of which have already been sold off-plan and already under offer.
http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/westmidlands/news/2018829-work-begin-warwickshire-commercial-site