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CWRT marks proud milestone with renewed commitment to small businesses
“Hundreds of small businesses, and thereby the communities of which they are part, have benefited from CWRT support which is delivered with such knowledge, expertise, experience and warmth. Their contribution to our business community and local economy is immense.”
Coventry and Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust (CWRT) is proud to celebrate its 20th anniversary this year – and will enter its third decade as passionate as ever about supporting small businesses.
Since its inception in 2004, CWRT, a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), has been dedicated to empowering businesses across Coventry, Warwickshire and the West Midlands by providing essential funding and support.
Over the past two decades, it has issued hundreds of business loans, helping to establish and grow enterprises in various sectors across the region. The 20th anniversary milestone is a real cause for celebration and also an opportunity to underline and restate CWRT’s ongoing commitment to fostering economic development, job creation, and community revitalisation.
CWRT was set up in July 2004 in response to a Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) initiative to support financially deprived people with affordable loans. The concept underlying the DWP approach was based upon the American practice of deploying CDFIs to support local communities by providing affordable finance that would otherwise not be available.
CWRT’s primary aim was to provide personal loans to individuals with limited access to mainstream financial services. However, as they became more embedded within local communities, it became apparent that they needed to broaden their scope to address financial inclusion and promote economic development by expanding their loan offering to local businesses and start-ups.
By offering flexible loan options and personalised support, CWRT has played a crucial role in transforming local businesses and driving regional prosperity.
Their key achievements include:
- CWRT has provided almost £27 million in loans to 837 businesses, significantly contributing to the local economy.
- Through its funding and support, CWRT has helped create and sustain 4,668 jobs across Coventry, Warwickshire and the West Midlands.
- CWRT’s activities have contributed over £116.7 million to the local economy.
- CWRT continues to innovate with its loan products, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of modern businesses.
At this significant anniversary, CWRT remains committed to its core values of community support, economic development and financial inclusion. Plans for the future include expanding loan offerings, enhancing support services, and forging new partnerships to best serve the businesses of Coventry, Warwickshire and the West Midlands.
“Reaching our 20th anniversary is a testament to the resilience and innovation of the businesses we support,” said CWRT chief executive Sheridan Sulskis. “We have achieved some significant milestones over the last 20 years, which include deploying over £7.4m to help local businesses during COVID and we are proud to be working in partnership with Warwickshire County Council and Coventry City Council with whom we have set up and now deliver our unique Duplex Investment Fund. We also work with the County Council on their Warwickshire Recovery Investment Fund, being an accredited lender for the British Business Bank.
“These funds, along with the support from key stakeholders, enable us to be a part of the journey of so many businesses which are the bedrock of our communities as we provide financial assistance to help them grow and succeed.
“For myself it is an honour and a privilege to be the CEO at CWRT and I am incredibly proud of the positive impact we’ve had on the local economy and look forward to continuing our mission for many more years.”
Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economy, Cllr Martin Watson, said: “Coventry Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust has done, and continues to do, fantastic work on behalf of businesses and I offer them the warmest congratulations on their twentieth anniversary.
“Hundreds of small businesses, and thereby the communities of which they are part, have benefited from CWRT support which is delivered with such knowledge, expertise, experience and warmth. Their contribution to our business community and local economy is immense and I look forward to our continued working partnership.”
* To learn more about CWRT please visit www.cwrt.uk.com or contact their friendly team on 02476551 777.
Apprentices following in Andy's successful footsteps
“Apprenticeships are a fantastic concept...the three lads are learning exactly what is relevant to the trade now."
A Rugby business has taken on three apprentices to give them “the perfect grounding” in the fast-evolving skills required by the electrician’s trade in 2024 and beyond.
Twenty years ago, Andy Wood served an apprenticeship as an electrician. He loved it and that course at Warwickshire College set him on the path to running his own successful company - Hertz Electrical Contractors Ltd - which he has done for 13 years.
Andy’s 16 employees include three apprentices who are busy training up with the required knowledge and skills, not least around the installation of solar panels and other new technology which has become a significant art of the job.
Andy successfully applied to Warwickshire County Council’s Future Apprenticeships: Salary Support Programme for support, through Warwickshire Skills Hub, and received £2,000 towards each apprenticeship.
It is a move with multiple benefits. The three recruits have embarked on constructive chosen careers and are thereby helping to grow a business which in turn contributes much to its local community.
“Apprenticeships are a fantastic concept,” said Andy. “The three lads are learning exactly what is relevant to the trade now. As a business we are keen to boost our grasp of technology with solar energy and energy-saving solutions. We need to focus on that and keep right up to date because it will be an important segment of our business going forward. Twenty years ago, our industry was quite basic, just sockets and lights, whereas now there are so many avenues to it like solar panels and electric vehicles.
“There are now sub-industries within our industry. Twenty per cent of our business is in things that didn’t exist 20 years ago and by taking on these lads as apprentices we can take them through from not knowing anything in our world to knowing everything they need to know.”
Andy can vouch from first-hand experience for the value of apprenticeships as an alternative to university for school and college-leavers.
“When I left school 20 years ago, apprenticeships weren’t really available because education just push you towards university, but that is not the right fit for everyone,” he said. “I didn’t find classroom learning enjoyable and just didn’t get book-based teaching so university would have been a waste of four years.
“Then I started the apprenticeship and thought, ‘this is great, we are learning about something and doing it at the same time…I learn so much this way because we are not just sat there doing theory all day.’
“Apprenticeships are brilliant opportunities for young people who for whatever reason did not really engage with school and college.”
Warwickshire Skills Hub has several schemes which offer support to SMEs looking to take on apprentices.
“Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub put me in touch with Louise Stolz from the Skills Hub,” Andy said. “Louise was great and I didn’t realise there was so much support out there. It’s been so helpful. We could probably have taken on the apprentices without the funding but off the back of that support we have created training programmes and boards within our unit so we can simulate real-life scenarios within the safety net of our building which we didn’t have before.
“It’s been brilliant. When you get support like this it makes you think, ‘yeah let’s make the most of this and turn that support into building the business to make sure it’s strong.’ We work a lot in schools and with businesses and homeowners so the stronger we are the better we can help the community. We take work two or three work placements a year from each school and a couple of those have gone on to start apprenticeships with us.”
Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economy, Cllr Martin Watson, said: “Apprenticeships are a wonderful way to teach skills which enhance both the apprentice and their employer. I am delighted that the Future Apprenticeships: Salary Support Programme has proved of such value to Andy, helping his business to grow and to support the community around it.”
* Please find out what other support is available to your business by calling Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub on 0300 060 3747 or visiting https://www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk
Backona blossoming with Business Ready support
“Supporting Warwickshire’s businesses is a key priority, and the Business Ready programme can provide businesses in need of support with free, tailored advice, expertise, business workshops and much more to help them grow and develop.”
A Nuneaton start-up using the power of AI could be set to transform how e-commerce businesses analyse their sales and marketing data with the launch of its new software.
Backona, founded by David Patrykowski, has created a tool enabling users to effortlessly converse with their marketing data, ask for custom charts and diagrams directly from Google Analytics software, and harness the power of AI for insightful analysis and strategic decision-making.
With the backing of business support programme Business Ready, part of the Business Growth Warwickshire programme, he received invaluable assistance during the product’s development phase around getting accurate customer feedback and communicating his proposition, and is hoping to launch in July.
David created Backona, partly as a result of his experiences of rescuing a previous business he ran from collapsing, after taking the time to dig into the data about its business practices and finding the right solution.
He said: “Google Analytics is used by so many e-commerce businesses to understand their sales and other data, but it can be a difficult piece of software to use depending on what you’re trying to get out of it. With our system, you can simply ask a question like ‘how much revenue did we earn last year?’ and it will immediately give you an answer. You can also ask to display the data, such as ‘can you show me this data in a bar chart?’ and it will do that in seconds.
“The AI can also be used to predict what a business should do next in order to maximise a certain metric, such as revenue or click-throughs, based on the data it has already gathered.
“Unlike other AI systems available, which typically rely on general data sources, our system stands out by allowing users to work directly with their own data. This unique feature ensures more accurate and tailored insights, offering business owners invaluable guidance for their next strategic moves with minimised bias.
“Currently, the software is available to a select group of individuals in beta, undergoing rigorous testing by a team of ten. The goal is to expand this user base to fifty by the end of May, with the official launch set for July. Truly understanding the data of your organisation can enable you to make much more informed decisions, as I found out with my previous business. I’m hoping Backona will be able to do the same for many other companies once it launches.”
Steve Tipson, business support adviser at Business Ready, had advised David around his previous business after a referral from CW Growth Hub and continued to mentor him as he began to develop Backona.
He said: “We’ve been helping David take the right steps to have everything ready for Backona to be a success at launch, such as how much testing needs to be done beforehand, and ensuring its marketing plan is clear.
“Real-world testing is crucial to developing a viable product, and we helped David form a strategy around getting real customer feedback around Backona, rather than assumptions around what they might want from the software.
“I was able to introduce David to some of my network who were happy to be guinea pigs for Backona, and helped use their feedback to fine-tune the product and Backona’s proposition to potential investors.”
Councillor Martin Watson, Portfolio Holder for Economy at Warwickshire County Council said: “We are delighted that the Business Ready programme was able to support Backona during their development phase.
“Supporting Warwickshire’s businesses is a key priority, and the Business Ready programme can provide businesses in need of support with free, tailored advice, expertise, business workshops and much more to help them grow and develop.”
Business Ready forms part of the Business Growth Warwickshire programme. It is delivered by University of Warwick Science Park on behalf of Warwickshire County Council and Warwickshire’s five District and Borough Councils. Business Growth Warwickshire is funded by UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Warwickshire County Council.
* Find out what other support is available to your business by calling Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub on 0300 060 3747 or visit the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub website.
Employers step forward to support Careers Hub programmes
Employer engagement with local schools and colleges has significantly increased, due mainly to collaboration between the Careers Hub and Vicki Haslam’s Business Skills Support team based at Warwickshire Skills Hub in Nuneaton.
The Careers Hub’s group of Cornerstone Employers has gained a lot of traction while Emma Carty and her Careers Hub team has also been working with the Care Leaving team and the Virtual School on starting a project around young carers and looked-after young people. This project is still at the planning stage but the great enthusiasm for it from the Cornerstone Employers means it will certainly happen.
Another project which is up and running with support from local employers is
Teacher Encounters. This has seen Lisi Aerospace, Studley Castle and George Eliot Hospital hold work experience days for teachers. All three hosted a work experience day at which teachers had a tour, met some employees and supported interns and heard from the employer about their recruitment practices and routes to their employment.
Nineteen teachers from 14 schools and colleges attended over the three days and feedback was that they really valued such time away from school and seeing first-hand what it is like to work in these industries. With this knowledge, they are then able to have meaningful and impactful conversations with their students back at school.
Eva Harrison from Careers Seeks Direct supported all three days and is currently creating lesson plans relating to the workplace visit, for the teachers to use with students. Teachers Encounters was so successful that it will run again in the next academic year with six more employers. Any employer interested in supporting this project and keen for young people to know about their business and potentially increase their talent pool, should please get in touch with emmacarty@warwickshire.gov.uk.
Immense support also continues to be supplied by The Careers Hub’s pool of Enterprise Advisors (business volunteers who pledge to support a local school on a long-term basis). Chloe Bond from JLR is supporting a cohort of students from Stratford Girls Grammar School around ‘Girls into Engineering.’ Ruth Dollen from Pier Training has supported Exhall Grange students around careers in the health and social care sector. Karen Moore from KSM Recruitment has delivered four sessions to students from Etone College around recruitment processes and practices and interview techniques.
Alongside these ongoing arrangements sit employer ad-hoc support (Give-an-Hour support) where many local employers volunteer some time to support schools and colleges' careers events. These include Brian Halford, a well-respected author and sports journalist for 30 years, who will attend The Polesworth School’s careers fair next week along with BBC Coventry & Warwickshire’s sports editor Rob Gurney.
“It will be a pleasure to visit The Polesworth School and chat to students about the glamour of sports journalism – the 0-0 draws, the motorways miles and the ‘rain stopped play!’ said Brian. “I have been lucky enough to have a decent career and will be forever grateful to those people, especially when I was starting out and deciding what to do, who took me under their wings and gave me brilliant advice. If I can pass on anything of use, then great.
“I’m delighted to be able to support Warwickshire Careers Hub with the fantastic work they do and would urge all employers to consider how they could help and also benefit from engaging with talented young career-seekers.”
Warwickshire Careers Hub’s Operational Hub Lead, Emma Carty, said: “We are so grateful to everyone who kindly give up anything from an hour to committing to meeting a school or college every half term. Their input is invaluable to schools and, most importantly, our young people.
“One saying that has stuck with me since joining the Careers and Enterprise Company in 2019 is 'You can't be what you can't see.' This is the truest and shortest statement that I have heard. If it wasn't for our businesses connecting with our schools and colleges through the Careers Hub, then how are our young people going to know what is out there for them? They won't know about your business or sector, if we don't show them.
“If you are interested in supporting the Careers Hub, please get in touch. Not only can we connect you with our schools and colleges, but there is also a plethora of support available to you as a business from the Skills Hub team.
“Charlotte Smith leads on the Supported Employment team and the
Warwickshire Supported Employment Service which supports young people and adults with autism and learning disabilities with an aspiration to work. Vicki Haslam leads the Business Support team which offers a wide variety of business skills support to create skills plans, source new talent and promote businesses to those seeking career opportunities. And Heather Docksey runs the
Fair Chance Employment programme, an inclusive programme which supports Warwickshire employers to shape their roles and recruitment processes to be more inclusive and accessible to jobseekers.
If you are interested in speaking to any of the Careers Hub Team to find out more about how you can support Warwickshire Schools and College, please email
careershub@warwickshire.gov.uk The Skills Hub team is available at skillshub@warwickshire.gov.uk
Delivery Plan to implement Warwickshire's Economic Growth Strategy
A delivery plan for the implementation of Warwickshire’s Economic Growth Strategy has been published by Warwickshire County Council.
Following the Strategy’s approval by WCC’s Cabinet in April, the delivery plan has been drawn up and was considered by the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee on June 19th
Warwickshire’s Economic Growth Strategy outlines the objectives which will help the county have an economy that is ambitious, inclusive and sustainable, achieved by working with a wide range of partners and focus on building a strong viable and resilient economy.
Aimed at creating sustainable development, increasing job opportunities and creating a viable and resilient economy now and for future generations, the plan is designed to be inclusive. It focuses on partnership working, bringing together the input of Warwickshire’s businesses and other stakeholders, ensuring the plan addresses local need.
The Strategic Economic Plan sets out three pillars that are key to developing the economy. The delivery plan then details the actions, how success will be achieved and the timescale for implementation within each pillar.
This includes:
- Ambitious growth - creating a highly productive, vibrant and prosperous economy that builds on and maximises our economic strengths.
- Inclusive growth - developing an economy that works for all residents, one that tackles existing inequalities and ensures that everyone benefits from a strong and prosperous business base.
- Sustainable growth - growing our economy in a green and sustainable way, respecting the natural environment and helping the move to Net Zero Warwickshire by 2050.
Councillor Martin Watson, Portfolio Holder for Economy at Warwickshire County Council, said: “We are pleased to announce the launch of the delivery plan which sets out the clear priorities and actions for Warwickshire to deliver our Strategic Economic Plan.
“The delivery plan and the measures in place have been informed by a range of stakeholders and partners including those from industry as well as colleagues from across the council, all working towards an inclusive, sustainable and growing economy.”
The delivery plan can be viewed here – delivery plan
Warwickshire’s Economic Growth Strategy can be viewed here
Pit Stop Coffee Shop at Pooley blends hospitality with heritage
“The new owners have some excellent ideas about how to further the community offer through links with other local businesses, and I’m really excited at the prospect of several businesses potentially flourishing together."
A warm welcome and a nod to the past are among the key ingredients of a new business coming to Pooley Country Park.
The family-run Pit Stop Coffee Shop, set to open ahead of the summer holidays, pays homage to the rich mining history of the site through its name, with the venue set to further preserve a sense of community and heritage by proudly featuring donated mining artefacts.
The warm welcome comes naturally to husband & wife team Sarah and Oliver Exall, who bring a decade of experience in hospitality from their existing rural coffee shop Bake180.
Their business model pays heed to the café’s location and the context in which many of its patrons will have found themselves there. It is in a country park, so the owners are installing a hatch window, a unique feature which allows parents to keep an eye on children and dog owners to easily grab a coffee with an eye on the pooch. To further add to the family appeal of the venue, a small soft play zone for under-fives will be available upstairs. The new owners plan to partner with local businesses to offer stay-and-play sessions for babies and are also exploring the possibility of working with local forest schools to hold activities in the coffee shop’s outdoor space.
The coffee shop will serve light breakfast items, an array of snacks, sandwiches, salads, pastries, and cream teas for those looking for that extra special treat. It will be a dog-friendly spot and will open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm.
The building is set for a thorough overhaul, including an expanded kitchen and re-decorated interior.
Sarah Exall, Owner of Pit Stop Coffee Shop, said: “We’re hugely excited to be taking over this venue at Pooley Country Park, a beautiful site of great historical significance to locals and visitors alike. The next step for us is working our magic on the interior, and we plan to choose décor that blends with the stunning natural surroundings, creating an inviting space that brings the beauty of the outdoors inside. Once we’ve had the go-ahead to commence our works, we can’t wait to share our official opening date and invite everyone to our launch!”
Councillor Martin Watson, Portfolio Holder for economy at Warwickshire County Council, commented: “It’s fantastic to see another business starting up at one of our country parks. This mutually beneficial arrangement is a brilliant way to draw additional visitors to our parks and boost revenue, while also enabling us to support a local business by providing a stunning setting from which to operate.
“The new owners have some excellent ideas about how to further the community offer through links with other local businesses, and I’m really excited at the prospect of several businesses potentially flourishing together.
“In the meantime, everyone at Warwickshire County Council wishes the Pit Stop Coffee Shop the best of luck with their endeavour.”
Plan your visit to Pooley Country Park at https://countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk/homepage/7/pooley-country-park.
For email updates from Warwickshire Country Parks, including the announcement of the café’s opening date, sign up the Country Parks newsletter.
Many connections made at successful Coleshill event
"We met some brilliant people who opened our eyes to a wealth of resources. We’ll definitely be following up on a few leads.”
Many valuable connections were made at a business and skills drop in event at Coleshill which was arranged to harness and celebrate the growing sense of positivity around the town.
The event, organised by Warwickshire County Council, brought together communities and local businesses and enabled the conditions for connections and growth to take place.
It was designed to create opportunities for residents to develop their skills to meet the business needs of the future and for businesses to develop their offer to attract the best workforce. The first such event to be held in the town, its success was another step in promoting sustainable growth, investment and a diverse economy in north Warwickshire.
Feedback from businesses included, “great event - some really helpful and informative people there” and “a wonderful experience…we met some brilliant people who opened our eyes to a wealth of resources. We’ll definitely be following up on a few leads.”
To maximise the exchange of information about each service, the event included brief pitches from each of the partners involved. In total, 36 quality business engagements were secured with around 90 interactions for the partners.
Specific event feedback pinpointed that it was a well organised event with delegates looking forward to building on this initial engagement. Feedback also established a clear demand for more similar events where collaboration is key.
Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economy, Cllr Martin Watson, said: “There was a real buzz at the event, reflecting the positivity around Coleshill right now, and it was great to see such engagement from local businesses. Their very positive feedback made it clear that many valuable connections were made which will strengthen the local economy going forward.”
* Find out what other support is available to your business by calling Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub on 0300 060 3747 or visit the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub website.
Nuneaton and Bedworth businesses find out about full range of available support
Small and medium-sized businesses in Nuneaton and Bedworth have been given an insight into how they can gain the edge when it comes to growth.
The
Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce held a breakfast networking event at the Weston Hall Hotel in Bulkington and as well as being a chance to meet other firms in the region, local businesses also heard about a range of support available.
Keely Hancox, the head of operations at the Chamber, highlighted start-up and ongoing support for businesses through programmes it delivers on behalf of Warwickshire County Council and the Borough Council through
UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
Steven Convery, Business Skills Support Officer at the
Warwickshire Skills Hub, part of Warwickshire County Council, showcased the range of ways it can help to improve skills and solve recruitment issues for local businesses through funded training opportunities and through helping break down barriers to employment.
"It was a terrific event and the room was buzzing," said Steven. "It was great to present to a room of businesses from the Nuneaton and Bedworth region who were very engaged in hearing how they can leverage the support from the Warwickshire Skills Hub to boost staff development and upskill their workforce for the future. It really emphasised the positive atmosphere surrounding upskilling in the Nuneaton and Bedworth area."
Two businesses which have received support – Horse & People Project and MJ Classic Engineering – gave their own take on how it had put them in a stronger position to grow their companies. Earlier, Carol Ingleston, economic development officer at Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council, gave an update on exciting redevelopment projects taking place in the area that will help to drive forward the economy.
Sarah Humphreys, Business Support Manager at the Chamber, said: "As a dedicated team of business advisors, our goal is always to help a business to increase sustainable growth. We are very fortunate to have the opportunity in Warwickshire to offer one-to-one business coaching and mentoring with our core free funded programmes. These programmes are designed for start-up businesses, established businesses with an appetite for growth, as well as the hospitality sector.
“These events offer us the opportunity to really showcase some of those businesses we have worked closely with as well as enable other local businesses to connect.”
Kalie Sahota, senior contract officer at the Chamber, said the event had been a real success. She said: “The Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough breakfast networking event attracted an impressive turnout from the local business community, with inspirational speakers sharing their practical insights into the benefits of receiving business support from our business advisors through our UKSPF and Warwickshire County Council funded programmes, resulting in a truly engaging experience.
“We received valuable support at the event from our esteemed partners, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council and Warwickshire Skills Hub, which both play a pivotal role in fostering opportunities for the local community. The collaborative networking among businesses was genuinely uplifting, showcasing a resolute dedication to the region and its wonderful range of businesses.”
The Chamber delivers three programmes on behalf of Warwickshire County Council and the District and Borough Councils as part of the Business Growth Warwickshire Programme. Business Growth Warwickshire is part funded by UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Warwickshire County Council.
Workplace Wellbeing Forum delves into the importance of workplace
Wellbeing is such an important factor in all our lives and one which impacts hugely on workplaces and productivity, so it is great that so many local employers recognise this and attended the forum."
Representatives from 35 workplaces across Coventry & Warwickshire attended the Coventry & Warwickshire Workplace Wellbeing Forum at the Eliot Park Innovation Centre, Nuneaton.
Hosted by Public Health teams from Warwickshire County Council and Coventry Council, this was the fourth forum since launching in 2022.
The free, half day event focused on external factors (called the Wider Determinants of Health) to the workplace itself that can influence an individual’s health and wellbeing and potentially impact their ability to work.
After an introduction to the Wider Determinants, attendees visited their two chosen breakout sessions of the four on offer; physical, mental, social and financial wellbeing. Presentations and discussions were held covering a selection of topics including musculoskeletal health, healthy ageing, flexible working and occupational health support, inclusive workplaces, gambling and in work poverty and supporting a smoke free workplace. Specialist speakers and exhibition stands were present from across both councils as well as Business in the Community, Aquarius, Fitter Futures, City Save, Thrive at Work and Healthy Lifestyle Services.
The event generated very positive feedback and some fantastic suggestions for the future which will be very much taken on board for the next event due to take place in November 2024.
Warwickshire County Council's Portfolio Holder for Economy, Cllr Martin Watson, said: "This was a really positive and well-planned event. Wellbeing is such an important factor in all our lives and one which impacts hugely on workplaces and productivity, so it is great that so many local employers recognise this and attended the forum."
For more information on workplace wellbeing support, resources and presentations from previous events, as well as dates for new events, please visit
https://www.wellbeing4life.co.uk/businesses or contact Josouthan@warwickshire.gov.uk
Business centres expand support for Nuneaton Foodbank
“We are delighted to expand our support for Nuneaton Foodbank and the excellent work they do in the local community."
Warwickshire Business Centres has increased its support for Nuneaton Foodbank with the addition of a second collection point for the charity.
Nuneaton Foodbank has been in operation since 2013 and in the year up to June 11th, 2024, gave out a total of 7,928 food parcels, of which 2,785 were for children. In the last month it provided 559 food parcels, including 204 for children.
The Foodbank's current warehouse base is located at Centenary Business Centre which is owned and managed by Warwickshire Business Centres for Warwickshire County Council.
Now, to try to accommodate ever-growing demand, it is expanding its reach out to businesses and residents for vital donations.
With the assistance of Tracey Challinor, Customer Services Executive at Warwickshire Business Centres, a second collection point has been opened at another WCC business centre, Eliot Park Innovation Centre.
Nuneaton Foodbank Project Manager, Richard Fleming, said: "We are currently launching an appeal to raise awareness and food donations from the other business residents here at Centenary Business Centre and also further afield, at Eliot Park. With Tracey's help, we have advertised ourselves throughout the location and placed food collection points in the buildings.
"Unfortunately our food donations don't cover the four centres we have to provide emergency food parcels for on a weekly basis. Therefore we have to use our donated online funds to purchase food and toiletries at an average of £800 per week."
Warwickshire County Council Portfolio Holder for Economy, Cllr Martin Watson, said: “We are delighted to expand our support for Nuneaton Foodbank and the excellent work they do in the local community. I know how mutually supportive the businesses within our business centres are. All our business centres have a very positive environment and I am sure businesses will do all they can to support the Foodbank.”
Training programme for businesses keen to build overseas trade
“The importance of international trade to any regional economy is huge."
Businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire aiming to grow through overseas trade can take advantage of a training programme to upskill their staff.
Fidelitas Training owner, Stephen Townsley, grew up in the Coventry and Warwickshire area but now lives in Germany and delivers the eight-module International Trade Operations & Procedures (ITOPS) course alongside a range of professionals with experience in the sector.
Completion of the course, which is based on the practical, real-life demands of international trade, leads to a double certificated qualification from ITOPS and the British Chambers of Commerce. It also gives those who complete it the confidence to grow and develop their exporting and importing markets and to then look to enhance their skills further with additional training.
The Chamber is currently signing up the first cohort of professionals to take part in the course, which will start in October. They will work through a range of workshops that include customs and excise processes, how to move goods, payments and procedures, including how to maintain profitability. The sessions are interactive, flexible and support people in how to do the job, including on how to react if something goes wrong.
Stephen said: “I am delighted to have agreed this partnership to deliver training to Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce members. Although we are based in Germany, I know the Coventry and Warwickshire area very well so this is a bit like ITOPS is coming home for me.
“The importance of international trade to any regional economy is huge so it’s vitally important that we get more and more businesses doing it. They can reach out for support but it’s also important to have members of the team who are skilled and trained in how to operate in the real world of international trade. That’s what we provide. The sessions are fun, interactive and practical – and they are delivered by people who have experience of trading overseas, which is important.”
Adele Dodds, of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: ““International trade is something that we’d encourage businesses of all sizes and sectors to look at and we’re really pleased to be able to bring this new, practical programme to members to help them in doing that.
“We’re in the process of signing up our first cohort so I’d urge any businesses interested to get in touch straight away to be part of the first programme.”
For more information or to sign up, please email adeled@cw-chamber.co.uk or call 024 7665 4321.
Please find out what other support is available to your business by calling Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub on 0300 060 3747 or visiting
https://www.cwgrowthhub.co.ukNuneaton business earns Kings Award for commitment to sustainability
"We realised that having a true sustainability strategy would reinforce our business case."
Major Nuneaton employer Triton Showers has been honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise in recognition of its outstanding commitment to Sustainable Development.
Triton is one of only 29 organisations to be recognised nationally in the KIng's Awards this year for their contribution to Sustainable Development which places sustainability at the heart of its long-term business strategy and Net Zero ambition.
Triton, which has been part of Norcros PLC since 1987, is a well-known UK manufacturer and market leader in the electric shower segment. In 2019, the business reset its vision, values and company ethos which included outlining ambitious targets for reducing its carbon footprint and impact on the environment, while embedding sustainability at all levels of the business from the top down.
David Tutton, Managing Director at Triton Showers, said: “Given our position within the bathroom industry, we firmly believe it is our responsibility to champion the water, energy, and carbon saving benefits of showers at every opportunity. We are therefore delighted to receive a King’s Award for excellence in Sustainable Development, which is testament to the hard work of everyone within our organisation who is contributing towards delivering change.
“Five years ago, we realised that having a true sustainability strategy would reinforce our business case – supporting the need to decarbonise British homes through electric heat solutions, demonstrating carbon leadership, attracting, and retaining an engaged workforce, minimising environmental impacts, while also improving supply chain and organisational resilience. As well as significantly increasing investment in the development of environmentally responsible products, people, infrastructure and our supply chain to align with our sustainability goals, our ambition has also manifested in a long-term behaviour change campaign called ‘Every Drop Makes a Difference.’
“This movement is about informing and inspiring audiences to make more sustainable showering choices and habitual changes, which can help people to reduce their own carbon footprint and household costs. Going forward, as well as focusing on this messaging we are committed to achieving an ambitious ‘Net Zero by 2035’ target, with a near-term alignment target of 2028. There is a lot more to do but we are moving the dial and delivering solid progress, which makes the recognition we have received from the King’s Award for Enterprise so very special.”
First established in 1965, the King’s Awards for Enterprise are one of the most prestigious awards for UK businesses, celebrating the success of exciting and innovative organisations that are leading the way. Previously known as the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, they were renamed in 2023 to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II by recognising outstanding UK businesses.
For more information about Triton Showers' commitment to sustainability, please visit www.tritonshowers.co.uk/sustainability. For further details about the application process for the King’s Awards for Enterprise 2025, which opened on the anniversary of His Majesty The King’s Coronation, 6 May, visit www.gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise.
Nicholas Owen to speak about new supply chains and technologies
A free event to give West Midlands businesses an opportunity to become involved in new supply chains and technologies is to be staged next month.
Road to Rail: Supply Chains for the Future of Light Vehicle Manufacturing has been organised by C&W Business Solutions, alongside partners The West Midlands Growth Company and the Finditin Network.
The online session, between 10.30am and noon on Wednesday, July 10, is designed to help SMEs across the region to develop an understanding of the emerging technologies required for the future of light vehicle manufacturing.
The event, to be compered by renowned journalist and presenter Nicholas Owen, is part of The Supply Chain Transition Programme which is a new initiative being delivered on behalf of the West Midlands Combined Authority and Business Growth West Midlands.
Businesses will hear more about Coventry Very Light Rail which is an innovative and affordable light rail system that has the potential to transform transport in small cities and connect with other modes of transport, and Light Electric Vehicles which will transform the way people travel shorter distances and is a growing market.
James Hammett, Managing Director of UKTram, which is the voice of Very Light Rail and is helping the sector to grow collaboratively, is among the keynote speakers.
Angus Brummit-Brown, Senior Project Manager at Coventry Very Light Rail, will also be presenting to highlight how the project is using the latest automotive expertise developed in Coventry and will transform Coventry city transport.
Craig Humphrey, CEO of Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub Group, of which C&W Business Solutions is a part, said finding affordable, sustainable and efficient transport was becoming increasingly important as towns and cities grow as well as to meet the UK’s net zero targets.
“We want to help businesses develop their understanding of a growing area of the economy, learn about current and future procurement requirements and access opportunities to become a supplier of the future for light vehicle manufacturing,” he said.
“This event has been organised to attract SMEs who are currently operating in or have the potential to operate within Very Light Rail and the Electric Light Vehicles supply chain as well as potential customers and buyers.
“It is perfect for SMEs who are already supplying related sectors in the region or those who have the ability to diversify within the automotive or advanced manufacturing and engineering supply chains to embrace these emerging technologies and new markets.
“There are huge opportunities for suppliers as our economy changes to embrace these technologies and new markets.
“This event will give West Midlands’ businesses the knowledge, tools and contacts they need to become suppliers of the future for light vehicle manufacturing in this exciting, emerging sector.”
To register for this free event, please visit: https://www.finditincw.co.uk/events/book/road-to-rail-supply-chains-for-the-future-of-light-vehicle-manufacturing
News in Brief
Latest news-in-brief from the county and region...
Thousands of new jobs promised as investment zone delivery plan approved
A detailed plan for the delivery of a West Midlands Investment Zone capable of attracting more than £5.5bn of private investment and over 30,000 new jobs has been approved. The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Board has agreed a delivery plan that will combine a mix of tax incentives, direct funding and business rate retention for the zone.
https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/property/thousands-of-new-jobs-promised-as-investment-zone-delivery-plan-approved/
Baxi opens new 10,000 sq ft flagship training facility at Warwick HQ
Manufacturer and distributor of boilers and heating systems, Baxi, has opened its new 10,000 sqft Solutions Academy at its Warwick HQ, increasing its annual installer training capacity on the site from 600 delegates in 2023 to 2,000 in 2025. For the first time, a Baxi training facility will have a dedicated solutions training room, allowing installers to get hands on with Baxi’s complete residential and commercial product portfolio under one roof.
https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/technology-innovation/baxi-opens-new-10000sqft-flag-ship-training-facility-at-warwick-hq/
Landmark expansion of technology hub completes in Coventry
Works have completed at Project Holst – a £75 million industrial unit scheme located at Prospero Ansty Park, located between Rugby and Coventry. Ansty Park is a major business park positioned next to the M6 and M69 junction, which is home to a number of high-profile companies including Rolls-Royce Aero, Cadent, London EV Company, aerospace manufacturer Meggitt and the UK's Manufacturing Technology Centre, the MTC. The commercial units, designed to meet a BREEAM Excellent rating, span a total of 856,109 sq. ft.
https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/property/landmark-expansion-of-technology-hub-completes-in-coventry/
DP World opens its largest UK warehouse in Coventry
DP World has opened a 598,000 sq ft warehouse in Baginton near Coventry at Segro Park Coventry Gateway. It is the largest ever in the UK for the group, investing £34 million in the site. The new facility is branded Synchreon and will be opening this Summer.
https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/companies/dp-world-opens-its-largest-uk-warehouse-in-coventry/
Property firm creates £29m rental portfolio through acquisition
lettingaproperty.com has added Mashroom’s portfolio of rent collection and management properties to its brand. The acquisition boosts Warwickshire-based lettingaproperty.com’s property management services in the Midlands and across the UK, as it now manages over 1,800 properties with a rental portfolio exceeding £29m per year.
https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/westmidlands/news/2087035-property-firm-creates-29m-rental-portfolio-through-acquisition
Viritech goes into crowdfunding overdrive
A world-leading developer of high-performance hydrogen powertrain solutions for the automotive, aerospace, marine and distributed power sectors has again smashed its Crowdcube fundraise, with 10 days remaining. Nuneaton-based Viritech develops high-performance hydrogen powertrain solutions for the automotive, aerospace, marine and distributed power sectors.
https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/manufacturing-engineering/330636/
£200,000 order boost for new UK-manufactured 3D printer
New additive manufacturing technology from LANDR, which has been spun out of fast-growing Shipston company RYSE 3D, is looking to unlock engineering-grade technology and materials for SMEs, disruptors and entrepreneurs.
https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/manufacturing-engineering/200000-order-boost-for-new-uk-manufactured-3d-printer/
Warks automotive consultancy Contechs bolsters US presence with new hire
Contechs, an automotive design and engineering consultancy headquartered in Warwick, has appointed a new US head of business development to support its growing list of North American customers. The appointment will enable Contechs to expand its operations in the US market, having forged strong ties with leading OEMs in Michigan and California, as well as provide more tailored support to its existing client base.
https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/manufacturing-engineering/warks-automotive-consultancy-contechs-bolsters-us-presence-with-new-hire/
Hundreds of thousands of young people needed to train as electricians
The UK is going to need hundreds of thousands of new electricians as the world races towards greater electrification, and the earlier they learn about the opportunities, the more likely they are to want to join the sector when they are looking at career opportunities.
https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/recruitment-careers-hr/hundreds-of-thousands-of-young-people-needed-to-train-as-electricians/
Reorganisation of portfolio to drive Warwickshire’s Wigley Group Growth
Warwickshire-based The Wigley Group has completed a strategic re-organisation of its portfolio – creating four new businesses to drive growth, create opportunity, and capture value. Historically recognised as a commercial property specialist, Wigley has developed a diverse portfolio of assets and shareholdings over its 60-year history.
Reorganisation of portfolio to drive Warwickshire's Wigley Group growth - The Business Magazine
UK tech sector is #No1 in Europe
The UK is top in Europe for AI investment. It's home to more than 1,800 VC-backed AI start-ups and 20 AI unicorns. The country is the number one tech ecosystem in Europe and the third most valuable in the world. The combined market valuation of the UK tech sector in the first quarter of 2024 was $1.1 trillion.
Across the West Midlands, $157 million of investments were made, with $29 million going to AI companies. The region has three unicorns.
https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/technology-innovation/uk-tech-sector-is-no1-in-europe/
Warwickshire woman named Midlands Young Entrepreneur of the Year
28 year old Katie Wilber beat of stiff competition to claim the 2024 Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the Midlands StartUp Awards. The social-media guru has supported several local businesses and helped relative businesses from the range of small-to-large to achieve exceptional results.
Warwickshire woman named Midlands Young Entrepreneur of the Year - The Business
Warwickshire hosts first ever multi-bank ATM deposit service
In an industry first, major banks have collaborated to provide an innovative multi-bank deposit service, with the first machine now in operation and serving customers in Atherstone in Warwickshire. This new system will offer easy access to cash services such as PIN management, withdrawals and balance enquiries.
Warwickshire hosts first ever multi-bank ATM deposit service - The Business Magazine
International students are worth £651m to the city of Coventry
International students are worth £651 million to the city of Coventry, new figures show.
https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/recruitment-careers-hr/international-students-are-worth-651-million-to-the-city-of-coventry/
Rallycross Championship “in talks” with the aim of hosting a street race in Coventry
MotoFest Coventry, sponsored by E.ON, has revealed it is in “advanced talks” with the FIA World Rallycross Championship to host a round of the World RX championship on its unique sprint circuit, created from the city’s ring road. The FIA World Rallycross Championship is aiming to host a street race at MotoFest Coventry in 2025, after engaging in advanced discussions with the UK’s largest free to attend annual motoring and motorsport festival event.
https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/lifestyle/rallycross-championship-in-talks-with-the-aim-of-hosting-a-street-race-in-coventry/
UK startups have raised £5.4bn in VC funding since January, finds GlobalData
Startups across the UK have been involved in a total of 497 venture capital (VC) deals since the start of 2024 for a total disclosed value of £5.4 billion, a new report from GlobalData has revealed.
https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/corporate-finance/uk-startups-have-raised-5-4bn-in-vc-funding-since-january-finds-globaldata/