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Warwickshire County Council hosts second annual Skills Conference
Educators, students and business representatives came together in the most constructive way when Warwickshire County Council hosted its second Skills Conference.
The highly successful breakfast event brought delegates together at the Trident Centre, Warwick on February 24.
The conference was designed to help bridge the skills gap reported by frustrated businesses. It aimed to ensure the region’s youngsters are aware of, inspired by and trained for positions available - while at the same time, local firms are doing their bit to make this happen.
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, leader of Warwickshire County Council and board member of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “A strong, joined up education and skills system is a vital part of securing the region’s future economic growth and we are addressing this issue head on with our £2.4million Skills for Employment programme.
"There are many different ways for young people to fulfil their potential, and not one ‘golden route’ to success as is often assumed.
"We need to ensure that businesses are making the most of the fantastic potential of the young people we have in Warwickshire, while our youngsters need to be aware of the different opportunities provided by local employers. This Skills Conference helped to ensure more of our young people are set on their own pathways to success.”
Cllr Philip Johnson, Chair of the council's Communities Overview and Scrutiny, added: “This excellent conference provided the inspiration, knowhow and networking opportunities to allow businesses, schools and training-providers to get together to share innovative ideas and boost the employability of the county’s young people.”
The conference heard from some of the business partners, including Aston Martin, Alumet Systems UK, Contechs and Triton Showers, who are involved in skills projects which the county council is funding.
Janice Amey HR Manager of Southam-based Alumet Systems UK, a specialist building façade firm, said: “As a specialist company in construction it’s getting even harder to attract people with the right skills, particularly as a small business in a rural area. By working with a local education provider, Southam College, students are recognising the opportunities available on their doorstep and we have an opportunity to grow our own highly skilled workforce.”
Tina Simpson, Marketing Director of British Shower Manufacturer Triton Showers, based in Nuneaton, added; “Our involvement with Skills for Employment has enabled us to run our Aspire to Dream initiative which helps children aged 15-16 learn to stand out in the workplace and make a great start in their careers. We have a rich history of apprenticeships at Triton and we feel it’s important to make links with schools and develop skills so we can enable young people and businesses to move forward.”
Schools including Round Oak Special School in Warwick, Woodlands School in Coleshill and Avon Valley School in Rugby and their partner the Kokoro Foundation showcased their skills work on exhibition stands. Stratford-upon-Avon School and its partner In2Ambition shared a video made by Year 9 students about their work with automotive engineering design company Contechs.
There was also a discussion session for business and education leaders to consider how joint-working can be further developed to improve the employability skills of young people.
Lots of people took to Twitter to express their enthusiasm for the event:
@BeckiCoombe: @FSBWarksCov represented by ME and @fpmcoventry this morning at #SkillsConWarks - excellent support from @wcc :o)
@SarahWindrum: £2.4m to be invested in #Skills by @warwickshirecc How do we want it spent? We need to share our views esp small businesses #SkillsConWarks
@Debs_Cohesion: Hearing about great work experiences for young people via WCC Skills for Employment #skillsconwarks
The county council's £2.4m Skills for Employment programme is designed to stimulate innovation in the range of employability support in the county.
Committed until 2018, it aims to bring together the business world, education and training to enable young people to enter the workplace with the requisite skills. So far, grants totalling £500,000 have been awarded to schools and colleges for a range of exciting innovative projects designed to develop skills among young people and forging new links between education and businesses.
For more information about Warwickshire County Council’s Skills for Employment programme, please call 01926 418027 or email: skillsforemployment@warwickshire.gov.uk
Skills opportunities from European Social Fund
An exciting opportunity to further enhance the skills of Warwickshire’s young people is on the horizon.
Very soon Warwickshire County Council is expecting a European Social Fund (ESF) opportunity to be launched to support the sustainable integration of young people into the labour market.
This opportunity will be for Warwickshire only and will set out to:
- Expand and improve the quality of careers advice for young people.
- Increase young people’s exposure to industry including via traineeships and apprenticeships.
- Offer tailored intervention, including coaching and mentoring or support with transport costs.
- Improve employability skills.
- Support interventions for young people, especially those with multiple barriers to their participation, including care leavers, lone parents, offenders and those with learning disabilities/ difficulties.
These activities should result in young people (below 25 years of age) moving to employment, self-employment, or education/training upon leaving.
A total of £1.5 million European money is available and will need to be match funded, meaning that £3 million will be invested in Warwickshire’s young people up to December 2019.
Warwickshire County Council is looking for interested partners and is inviting organisations to have a discussion on how we can best utilise this opportunity.
To discuss ideas for how the ESF may enhance Skills for Employment please contact Glenn Robinson on 01926 418027 or email: glennrobinson@warwickshire.gov.uk
For more general information about ESF please contact Helen Hunt on 07775 745559, email: helenhunt@warwickshire.gov.uk
Nuneaton base "fits the bill perfectly" for Holland & Barrett
Warwickshire's reputation as an excellent place to base a business has been further endorsed by Holland & Barrett's decision to expand their existing national headquarters in Nuneaton.
The health food retailer's HQ expansion comes on the back of another very strong year for the company.
Holland & Barrett reported a rise in profits before tax of 12.2 per cent - their seventh successive year of growth. For the year ending September, sales rose by 11.7 per cent to £513.6million with profits before tax coming in at £146million.
The company has become a familiar feature of high streets throughout the country and has 620 outlets across the United Kingdom and Ireland, but four years ago selected Warwickshire as its base. It now employs more than 300 people at its headquarters at Samuel Ryder House, Eliot Park, Nuneaton.
And the company is so happy with the location that an extension of that HQ is underway, thus securing Holland & Barrett's presence in the town well into the future, says group legal director Roger Craddock.
“Holland & Barrett has had a presence in the Nuneaton area for a while, with a previous warehouse in Hinckley," said Mr Craddock. "With stores from Inverness to Penzance we need a central distribution hub with excellent road and rail links, so Nuneaton fits the bill perfectly for us.
“The company headquarters have been based at Eliot Park for four years and are currently undergoing a major refurbishment and extension to create more office and car parking facilities, which will secure our future here for some time.”
The refurbishment is due to be completed by Christmas 2016. Building work on the main site commenced at the beginning of February.
That a national retail powerhouse like Holland & Barrett sees its future at Eliot Park is a significant tribute to both Nuneaton and the surrounding area which supplies those 300 employees.
Buoyed by continuing success, the company is now planning further growth, including globally with the opening of another 1,000 stores across India to dovetail with its growing presence in China.
"Our experience is that the British heritage behind our brand gives us significant advantage in our sector," said Holland & Barrett chief executive Peter Aldis. "Overseas consumers, such as those in China, seem to prefer the quality and reliability of our products compared with local competitors.
"This year's performance, especially our rapid growth overseas, underlines the fact that rising consumer interest in healthier living and wellness is by no means a UK or even western phenomenon."
Despite its global plans, however, Holland & Barrett remains fully focused on satisfying the UK market, insists Mr Aldis.
"Our home market in the UK continues to be the first to benefit from our very healthy new product pipeline and from our continued investment in innovation."
Could an apprentice work for you?
This week is National Apprenticeship Week and Warwickshire County Council is joining with local employers and educators to promote the range, breadth and success of apprenticeships in Warwickshire.
As well as giving young people a great opportunity to earn while they learn, apprenticeships bring great benefits to business.
Nationally, there were more than 250,000 employer workplaces with an apprentice in 2014/15 and 89% of employers reported that apprenticeships helped their business improve the quality of their product or service. Apprenticeships are also estimated to boost productivity to businesses by on average £214 per week.
If you are thinking of recruiting an apprentice, free and impartial advice and support is available from Warwickshire County Council's Apprenticeship Hub. As well as helping you to work out if an apprentice would be right for you, the Hub can also support with the recruitment process and finding the right training provider or college to deliver the apprenticeship.
Please get in touch with the team by emailing apprentice@warwickshire.gov.uk, calling 01926 412649 or find out more by visiting www.warwickshire.gov.uk/getanapprentice
As an employer itself, Warwickshire County Council has used Apprenticeship Week to launch its biggest ever apprenticeship recruitment drive with 38 opportunities available.
From working in country parks to cyber-security, from vehicle maintenance to social care, the council roles also include a range of levels including higher apprenticeship roles, which offer a degree equivalent qualification.
Apprenticeships at Warwickshire County Council have now reached a record level with 98 young people having realised the benefits of taking up an apprenticeship over the past three years. After completing, over 80% have secured roles with the council while others have taken up employment opportunities elsewhere or have gone on to further education.
Three county council apprentices are featured in a new video talking about their roles ranging from a country park ranger, a project manager gaining a degree level qualification and a training assistant supporting people with learning disabilities to find work.
For more information about Warwickshire County Council apprenticeship opportunities visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/apprenticeships or find out more about National Apprenticeship Week on the national site http://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk
Council allocates latest round of Tourism Event Grants
From a folk festival to a celebration of Shakespeare’s first folio, from Warwickshire Pride to a pottery throw down, a wide range of events are to receive a funding boost from Warwickshire County Council.
The county council has announced the latest round of winning bids from a fund established to support tourism and cultural events. The aim of the scheme is to generate growth and jobs by fully exploiting the county’s vibrant visitor economy.
The Tourism Event Grant scheme was launched in 2015 by Warwickshire County Council, inviting bids from organisations planning to hold events or festivals. In the past year the county council has helped support Rugby’s Rugby World Cup celebrations in addition to many other tourism and cultural events across the county.
Thanks to the high level of interest in the scheme last year, the council has now released a second round of funding.
The latest grants have been awarded to:
Warwickshire Pride - for a festival to celebrate the county’s diverse community, focusing on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) culture, on 20 Aug 2016. The £2,185 grant will be used on facilities and stage equipment.
Friends of the Square, Atherstone – funding of nearly £5,000 will support a series of events from March to July 2016 to support a café culture in Atherstone’s Market Square. Events planned include an Irish music event, a beer festival, barn dance and Motown event.
George Eliot Fellowship – more than £8,000 will be invested in the “Writers in Warwickshire Festival” in June 2016. The grant will be used to enhance promotions and fund joint activity with Northern Warwickshire Tourism Association.
Greenman Rising Folk – subject to confirmation of venues, £10,000 will be made available to launch the “Ragged Bear Festival,” a new annual music festival in Nuneaton celebrating the county’s bands, artists and local beers.
St Mary’s Church, Warwick – more than £10,000 has been awarded to help stage an exhibition at St Mary’s Church from April to July 2016, showcasing Shakespeare’s First Folio and The King James’ Bible, in addition to an Elizabethan weekend in May 2016 to coincide with the Shakespeare 400 celebrations.
Art in the Park, Leamington Spa – an arts festival in Jephson Gardens to be held in August 2016, bringing together over 100 local artists, craftsmen, musicians and performers from across Warwickshire. A grant of £10,000 will support the event which will include a new “Pottery Throw Down” and camouflage-themed events (Leamington was a base for camouflage work during the Second World War).
Shakespeare Birthplace Trust – more than £9,000 has been awarded to the “Shakespeare’s Tavern” project which will celebrate a heritage of beer and brewing in Warwickshire. A “pop-up tavern” in the Birthplace Garden will host tasting events and brewing demonstrations. The project also involves production of a map of Warwickshire coaching inns, plus events in south Warwickshire pubs.
Cllr Jeff Clarke, Portfolio Holder for Environment at Warwickshire County Council, said: “At the heart of this initiative is that the investment reaps longer-term benefit for the local economy. We have been impressed by the rich range of events that have come forward, which have demonstrated how the funding can be used to sustain further growth and are delighted to make further funding available which will, in turn, provide jobs and increase visitors.”
Cllr Philip Johnson, Chairman of the Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee, added: “The grants underline Warwickshire’s commitment to tourism and culture and I am pleased that local communities across the county will benefit from this scheme.”
Any organisation or group interested in finding out about tourism and culture support should visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/tourism.
Global spotlight for Nuneaton and Leamington investment opportunities
Four sites which could help transform Nuneaton town centre are in the spotlight at a major international property show this week.
And plans for a new Creative Quarter in Leamington are also going before the huge audience at the four-day MIPIM show in Cannes which will attract more than 21,000 delegates from across the globe as cities and regions market development opportunities to all sectors of the property industry.
Warwickshire County Council is there, having joined with Coventry in a MIPIM Partnership which has seen a group of companies and organisations fund its presence, run a stand and host a number of events.
The message to visitors from far and wide is that Warwickshire is a great place to base a business - with opportunities all around the county.
The Nuneaton sites, earmarked by Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council and Warwickshire County Council, are: The car parks and land opposite the Justice Centre on Vicarage Street (1.67 hectares); Abbey Street car park (1.4 hectares); Nuneaton bus station (1.16 hectares) and the square outside Nuneaton railway station. They are suitable for retail and mixed use and both authorities believe their development would bring improved amenities for residents, create jobs and new foot links around the town for pedestrians.
Izzi Seccombe, Leader of Warwickshire County Council, added: “Promoting the borough and its pipeline of commercial and residential development will help the international property community to better understand the great opportunities that Nuneaton and the wider borough presents.
"There is no better stage for that than MIPIM, and Coventry and Warwickshire has a very good platform at the show."
Dennis Harvey, leader of Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council, said: “Nuneaton and Bedworth has so much going for it, and we need to get this message out to the property development community. There is no better way to do that than by putting the borough on the world stage.
“The vision is for the town centre to have a diverse range of uses and be a vibrant, community bursting with activity. This includes a mixture of independent, national and specialist stores, combined with places where people of all ages can spend their leisure time during the day or evening."
In addition to the latest investment opportunities, plans are being prepared for around 10,000 homes and 52 hectares of new employment land to be developed within Nuneaton and Bedworth in the next 15 years
Visitors to MIPIM will also see plans for a new £31 million Creative Quarter in Leamington, building on the town’s strengths as a centre of creative industries and its national Silicon Spa reputation.
Warwick District Council is seeking a regeneration partner to bring forward plans to restore and develop the northern part of Old Town, including Spencer Yard and the Royal Pump Rooms and create new spaces and facilities for creative industries – and around 300 jobs.
The district council is hoping the Creative Quarter regeneration programme will see the restoration of several key buildings, radically improve the transport routes and environment from the railway station to the town centre and also create a much-improved gateway to the town. It is hoping to win £13 million of public funding but attracting a regeneration partner with experience of niche or complex projects is key to the success of the scheme.
Bill Hunt, deputy chief executive of Warwick District Council, said: “We have a thriving creative community in Leamington Spa, and our digital gaming companies have a national and international reputation which is constantly growing. We know there is potential for that to grow and to continue to bring a positive impact to the local economy.
“The area we are looking at is in need of substantial regeneration and contains landmark buildings that need to be preserved or restored. We see that work and the creation of a Creative Quarter as a natural marriage.
“We want to unlock the commercial and cultural potential of what is an important but underdeveloped area. It is badly in need of investment to re-establish its economic value, character, and functionality and this can be done through careful land assembly, imaginative building, remodelling and refurbishment."
Challenge to businesses during National Apprenticeship Week
Businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire have been challenged to recruit apprentices to mark National Apprenticeship Week 2016.
The annual nationwide initiative is this year focusing on how young people, entrepreneurs and businesses can rise to the top through apprenticeships and traineeships.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) organised a breakfast event at the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub in Cheylesmore, Coventry, to discuss the importance of apprenticeships to young people and businesses.
A wide range of business organisations heard about research into traineeships from Howard Gannaway of the Learning and Work Institute; the recruitment of traineeships from the employer’s perspective from Fiona Baker of Nuneaton-based Midlands Training & Development; and a presentation about apprenticeships in Coventry and Warwickshire from Torin Spence, of Warwickshire County Council.
A total of 43,940 apprenticeships have been started in Coventry and Warwickshire since May 2010 – and the CWLEP is keen to build on the figure as part of the government’s national target of recruiting three million apprentices by 2020.
Introducing...Warwickshire Business Watch
My name is Alex Williams and my role as Business Crime Advisor for Warwickshire Business Watch is to be the single point of contact for businesses and partner agencies, supplying up-to-date information on current crime trends and cyber threats for the businesses of Warwickshire.
I am here to serve the business community on behalf of Warwickshire County Council and will look to empower businesses by looking into the benefits of increasing security, not just physically but also online through the use of 'Cyber Essentials' - a government-backed, industry-supported scheme to help organisations protect themselves against cyber attacks.
Working closely with the Police Crime Prevention Design Advisor and colleagues from Trading Standards across the county, I will not only work with groups of businesses through the Chamber of Trade, Chamber of Commerce and Federation of Small Businesses to name but a few, but I will also visit repeat victims to look at ways to minimise their vulnerability.
Warwickshire Business Watch is a multi-functional platform with the aim of providing reassurance and practical advice to businesses in relation to business and cyber crime. It is a partnership between the Warwickshire County Council Community Safety and Substance Misuse Team, the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Police. The website is managed by the Business Crime Advisor, a Police Crime Prevention Design Advisor and two police volunteers.
On the Warwickshire Business Watch website, businesses can access business and cyber advice, links to other groups who provide support including Trading Standard, Safe in Warwickshire and Action Fraud, and also the details of the team behind Business Watch and their contact details.
As well as holding free and impartial advice for businesses, the website offers the option to sign up to the free Warwickshire Business Watch alert scheme, similar to that of Warwickshire Rural Watch, to receive alerts on all information of relevance on the topics of business and cyber crime.
The alerts will be used to notify businesses of crimes that could potentially affect them in their area, information on cyber threats but also general advice on staying safe online.
To access the Warwickshire Business Watch website please visit http://www.warwickshirebusinesswatch.co.uk or follow us on twitter @WarksBusiness.
If you would like more information on Warwickshire Business Watch please contact myself, Alex Williams, the Business Crime Advisor on 07920 814897. I am here to help, in any way I can, the business community combat cyber-crime so please do get in touch.
I will be giving further updates in each issue of Warwickshire Means Business from now on - so watch this space!
Unprecedented numbers log on to new free Stratford WiFi
Hundreds of visitors to Stratford have been taking advantage of a new free WiFi service installed across the town centre after it was launched last month.
Stratforward Business Improvement District (BID), with the support of Warwickshire County Council, has introduced the technology which will help shoppers and tourists become part of the ‘Digital High Street’.
BID manager Karen Wild explained how important such things are to anyone out shopping or those coming to Stratford on business or to take in some of the historic sights.
“During testing we had hundreds of people using the WiFi, before we had even started advertising the service," Karen said. "The company supplying the system has told me that while people often log in at this early stage, the numbers we are seeing are unprecedented – they’ve been blown away.”
It is a simple one-off process to register for the WiFi and Stratforward will be able to message users about future events and send out promotions to those who are happy to receive such information. Businesses will also be able to access footfall figures which, among other things, will show how people move around the town.
Warwickshire county councillor Jenny Fradgley, whose Stratford South ward covers part of the area covered by the new free WiFi, said: “This is a huge year for Stratford and it will be interesting to look at the data and see what impact this year’s festivals have on footfall in the town.
“And while this new system is perfect for all our visitors and people doing business, it will also benefit all those living in our historic town – giving residents 21st-century facilities. Let’s not forget that they are the ones who take care of our shops and business all the year round.”
The free WiFi system was installed by Midlands-based Elephant Wifi who have worked with the county council on other projects across Warwickshire. There has also been support from Stratford District Council.
Abbey Green resurgent thanks to start-up support
Pictured (left to right): Zoe Holland, Hardeep Sandhu (with baby Jake), Georgina Hurley and Jamie Harley whose business are flourishing.
A crop of new independent business which have opened in the space of three months is helping to regenerate a town-centre street in Nuneaton.
Bijou Babies, a baby clothing shop, Cream on the Green, an ice-cream parlour, and Zen Of Essence, a hairdressing salon, have all launched in Abbey Green and have given the street a real business boost.
Each store has received start-up support from the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce which has allowed owners to not only develop their respective businesses but also share advice to ensure they are supporting each other’s growth for the better of the high street.
Workshops and one-to-one sessions from the Chamber, as part of a programme funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Warwickshire County Council, have helped Zoe Holland, owner of unisex salon Zen Of Essence, with a host of business management skills including cash flow, marketing and planning.
Zoe, formerly a lecturer in hairdressing at North Warwickshire and Hinckley College, said: “Having previously managed a salon before, taking the plunge into opening my own was an exciting experience but I recognised I needed refreshing in some areas, which the Chamber made straightforward.
“The workshops were a great resource which helped me form a marketing plan, and since then I’ve visited schools, churches and community centres to introduce the business to people and build a client base.”
Owners of Cream on the Green, Jamie Harley and Donna Beard, have received support in terms of competitor analysis and advice on how to both attract and retain customers.
The guidance helped Jamie to identify ideas which are sustainable for the business long-term.
“One-to-one sessions with the Chamber helped us identify which of our concepts will offer the most return on investment and work best with other businesses on the street,” he said. “Subsequently we now host children’s parties and offer tea and toast to the homeless – two unique ideas - which has expanded our level of service and established the parlour as a community hub that customers return to.”
Bijou Babies, which specialises in baby clothing from premature up to two years, received networking advice.
“We were inspired to start a business after Sarah’s son Jacob was born seven months ago," said Georgina Hurley, who runs the store along with daughter Sarah. “For us, with no previous experience of running a business before, the Chamber has been a valuable resource which helped us identify manageable targets and put us in touch with relevant local groups to help us build a professional reputation.”
The Chamber regularly hosts workshops, funded by Warwickshire County Council, to support potential entrepreneurs in turning their dreams into a reality. The next workshops for start-ups will take place at Hatters Space Community Centre in Abbey Green on March 29.
Hardeep Sandhu, programme manager at the Chamber who advised the three businesses, said: “It’s great to hear of three businesses which are doing well respectively but that also have brought together a street in a lively area of the town to create a thriving business community.
“Launching a new business can be daunting, but through our support and by working together cohesively we hope the businesses will continue to build their names and prosper.”
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, leader of Warwickshire County Council and portfolio holder for Economic Development, said: “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, driving growth, opening new markets and creating jobs.
“Workshops like these, which support those in the early stages of starting a business are vital, and we’re delighted to provide assistance. We want to encourage and support as many small firms as possible to start and flourish, and many certainly are.
“Confidence is improving and we are seeing more and more small businesses coming forward. However, there are undoubtedly challenges on the path to building a successful new company.
“These workshops are designed to provide those thinking about starting a new businesses with the information they need to start their journey on the path to success.”
For more information about the free workshops and start-up support, contact the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce on 024 7665 4321.
Firms urged to keep abreast of HS2 contract opportunities
Firms across Coventry and Warwickshire could be in line to win millions of pounds worth of contracts to help deliver HS2.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has been keeping abreast of all the latest developments surrounding HS2 in order for members to find out more about the opportunities within the supply chain to deliver the project.
A portal detailing the contracts that are available and the main contractors to liaise with has been released and is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hs2-contract-opportunities
The Chamber is also discussing the possibility of holding local supply-chain events to allow companies to meet representatives from HS2 and main contractors involved in the project.
Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “HS2 will be one of the biggest infrastructure projects in the UK for decades and, while there has been a great deal of debate around it, it’s vitally important that Coventry and Warwickshire companies are given the opportunity to apply for contracts.
“I would urge our members in construction and engineering to log onto the portal to see if there are opportunities that would suit them straight away.
“We are also hoping to hold events with HS2 and several of their main contractors to help facilitate face-to-face discussions for our members.”
Louise added: “We launched our Go For Growth 16 campaign at the start of this year and that is designed to help remove some of the hurdles to companies across our patch being able to expand.
“But when opportunities such as this come along, where we can help bring local businesses together with larger suppliers for the benefit of the individual companies, as well as the wider economy, that’s exactly what we will do."
Gaydon at the heart of Aston Martin's major investment programme
Warwickshire has received a major employment boost with Aston Martin's announcement of significant new investments towards its long-term future in the United Kingdom.
The company has confirmed that production of next-generation sports cars will be focused at its headquarters in Gaydon.
With a new factory to be built in St Athan, Glamorgan, up to 1,000 new jobs will be created across that site and Gaydon between now and 2020 - with an estimated 250 coming to Gaydon. A further 3,000 jobs are likely to be created in the supply chain and local businesses as a result.
Production of the recently announced all-electric RapidE is also to be located at Gaydon, starting in 2018.
Dr Andrew Palmer, chief executive of Aston Martin, said: “As a great British company, we look forward to St Athan joining Gaydon as our second centre of hand-crafted manufacturing excellence.”
Aston Martin will commence production of the new DB11 in Gaydon in autumn 2016. The model will be the replacement for the iconic DB9 and the first car to be launched under the company’s Second Century plan.
During the next five years, the company will both replace and expand its entire sports car portfolio and Warwickshire will remain at the very heart of that operation.
Continuing with the DB11, sports car manufacturing will be centered at Gaydon with the facility progressively expanding production to a planned maximum volume of 7,000 sports cars a year by 2020.
Business breakfast in Rugby on April 22nd
Growing your business in 2016/17 will be the theme of a business breakfast in Rugby organised by the Coventry & Warwickshire Growth Hub, Invest in Warwickshire and Rugby Borough Council next month.
The inaugural event will bring together businesses from across the borough to network with other local companies and to learn about the business support opportunities which are available.
It will take place at the Benn Hall, Newbold Street, Rugby on Friday April 22nd, with a 7.30am arrival and breakfast before the 7.45-9am meeting.
The keynote speaker will be Clive Hickman, chief executive of Rugby Borough-based Manufacturing Technology Centre in Ansty, who will talk about the exciting technologies being developed there in collaboration with West Midlands businesses.
There will also be a presentation from the Growth Hub on the business support available to Rugby businesses. Many of the organisations providing this support will be on hand to supply information on topics including access to finance, grants and loans, exporting, apprenticeships, commercial property and much more.
To register please visit: https://rugby-breakfast-grow-your-business.eventbrite.co.uk
Centenary Business Centre was the ideal launchpad for Oliver's business
Six years ago Nuneaton resident Oliver Canty was keen to start up his first business.
He had a good idea, lots of expertise and energy and plenty of potential customers. All he needed was a base.
"I was getting dismayed," Oliver recalls. "All I could find were premises on three-year leases and I couldn't commit to that. As a start-up, you have no idea how things are going to go. You certainly don't want the pressure of a three-year lease.
"Then driving round one Sunday afternoon I came across the Centenary Business Centre. I didn't know it existed.
"But I'm glad I went out for that drive! It was absolutely perfect for us - and still is.
"We started off on a 28-day lease which was perfect because it lifted that pressure. Instead of spending time worrying about rent, we could get on with attracting customers.
"Basically, at the start I just needed storage space so we took a small unit, but we have now moved into a bigger area. It is great that we were able to expand within the centre because we wouldn't want to leave."
So, in 2010, Oliver's business, IC Solutions 24/7, started up at Warwickshire County Council-run Centenary Business Centre. It is still there but in bigger premises and with a hefty client-list. From its small Nuneaton base, IC Solutions 24/7 has built a global client-base, supplying environmental infection control products to the NHS, businesses and daycare children's nurseries across the UK, Europe, the United States and Middle East. The company now employs nine people, including three apprentices.
Oliver started up the firm from a strong backdrop. He has a medical background - both his parents were nurses and he was a nurse - but he always fancied a crack at business, fuelled by a formidable work ethic. For years, while he worked nights as a nurse, he spent the days selling blinds and then mattresses.
"I slept for four hours in the morning - that was plenty," he recalls. "I just wanted to get things done. I loved nursing but I also loved the buzz of businesses and selling.
"I always intended to go into business myself and thought I could make a go of it but it has been very pleasing how the business has evolved in the last six years.
"Our Dry Mist technology has proved highly effective and popular in keeping workplaces and nurseries bacteria-free. These days, rooms are full of computers and keyboards and mobile devices - high-contact software which can be a haven for the bacteria which leads to infection.
"Fortunately, technology is advancing so that we can combat that. Awareness of the issue is also growing. For example, if you are parents looking for a daycare nursery for a child, if there is a certificate on the wall saying the premises are protected by Whole Room Disinfectant Technology, it can only be a plus."
It's little wonder that ICSolutions 24/7 has prospered. But every business-owner, however talented and driven, can always also use a bit of luck. That's what Oliver got when he stumbled across Centenary Business Centre.
"The unit gives us everything we need and the management is excellent," he said. "The staff are really helpful and flexible and so quick to react if we need anything. That sort of support is fantastic to have at any point in business, but most of all in the early stages."
New sponsorship scheme is an all-round success
Warwickshire’s roundabouts are looking even better thanks to a new trial of a sponsorship scheme being run at eight sites around the county by the county council in partnership with sponsorship specialists Immediate Solutions.
The initiative is delivering business sponsorship at key locations around the county. Immediate Solutions administers and manages all aspects of the initiative, from implementation to delivery, and the council benefits from revenue generated from sponsors, which is used directly to improve council services.
A number of roundabouts in Warwickshire can be sponsored for varying periods of time, giving sponsor organisations flexibility in their advertising.
Councillor Peter Butlin, portfolio holder for Transport and Highways, said: “I’m delighted that the Immediate Solutions scheme is proving so good. It is really contributing to both the success of local businesses as well as to the council’s ability to deliver services.
“We have already heard from local companies that they are finding the scheme fantastic for their local exposure as it’s helping them promote themselves to road users, whether they are residents, visitors, tourists or commuters, on a daily basis. Meanwhile the council is generating a good income without using additional resources.”
Councillor Phillip Johnson, Chair of the Council’s Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee, added: “All councils are increasingly looking for ways to improve their financial position, and permitting sponsorship has allowed us to generate a good level of revenue from roundabouts which are resources we already have and that required no further development to capitalise upon.”
The owners of Grimstock Hotel, in Coleshill, who are currently sponsoring a roundabout on the A446, are delighted with the impact.
“We think the signs look great and we’ve certainly benefited from the additional publicity,” said manager Hilary Prince. “The scheme has permitted us and other businesses to promote ourselves in a unique way. We think it is a great opportunity across the county and the service we have received from Immediate Solutions has been excellent. ”
Their view is shared by Sue and Barry Wallace, who run Gascoignes Funeral Directors in Coleshill. “The scheme raises our profile and is a great way to help improve the look of Warwickshire’s roundabouts,” said Sue. "We think that many businesses could find that it works for them too.”
Oliver Moor, Client Relations Manager at Immediate Solutions, said: “The Warwickshire scheme is proving highly effective. It is helping the council achieve its ambitions to improve their highways, and businesses are finding it an excellent way of promoting themselves to road users on a daily basis.”
The scheme is being managed at the council by Warwickshire County Highways.
You can find more transport and highways in Warwickshire on the Warwickshire Web: http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/roads-and-travel
Cyclists will bring another sporting boost to Warwickshire's economy
Warwickshire's economy will receive another boost from the sporting world this summer when the county hosts the Aviva Women’s Tour for the first time.
The world’s top women cyclists will race the full length of the county from Atherstone to Stratford-upon-Avon in the second stage of the race on Thursday 16 June.
Ninety-six top cyclists, including the likes of World Champion Lizzie Armitstead and reigning Aviva Women’s Tour Champion Lisa Brennauer, will tackle the 140-kilometre stage through the county, passing through Kenilworth, Warwick, Shipston-on-Stour and Stratford-upon-Avon.
The riders will also traverse the world-class University of Warwick campus. The University, which is partnering with the County Council in hosting the stage race, is planning a programme of events for spectators, schools and local residents as the race takes place.
Leader of Warwickshire County Council, Cllr Izzi Seccombe, said: "We intend to embrace the opportunities the Tour will bring by showcasing the county as the best place to invest, live, work and visit as well as helping to encourage more women and girls into cycling and sport in general.
“A sporting event of this scale brings with it a number of key benefits, ranging from public health and education to economic growth and tourism, all of which are key priorities for the county.
"More importantly, the Aviva Women’s Tour puts Warwickshire on the international sporting stage as a place that has the skills, infrastructure and environment to make it a great success. We will be working closely with business, communities and schools to maximise support and engagement before, during and after the Tour.”
University of Warwick vice-chancellor Professor Stuart Croft said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Warwickshire County Council to take up this great opportunity to shine a spotlight on the county by hosting this sporting event.”
Taking place over five days, the 2016 edition of the race will be a part of the new UCI Women’s World Tour calendar, currently one of just four multi-day stage races on the season long programme of races for the world’s top riders and teams. Highlights of each stage will be shown on ITV4 every evening during the race.
Businesses are being encouraged to contact the County Council if they are interested in sponsoring the Warwickshire stage. Contact Chris Egan, Project Manager: chrisegan@warwickshire.gov.uk, 01926 418646.
To keep up with news on the Tour in Warwickshire, follow the #AvivaWT2016 hashtag or Choose How You Move Warwickshire on Twitter @ChooseMoveWarks.
College Group apprenticeship programme short-listed for national award
Warwickshire College Group is in the running for the Apprenticeship Programme of the Year Award at the prestigious TES FE Awards 2016.
The annual awards mark the achievements of the best further education providers in the UK and it is the first time the awards have included a category for apprenticeship programme of the year, which will honour the country’s best training initiatives.
Warwickshire College Group Principal and CEO Angela Joyce said, “We are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for this national award. Warwic
kshire College Group is one of the region’s largest training providers with 2,000 apprentices training with us every year, so to be recognised in this way is a real endorsement of our apprenticeship programme.
“We work with 900 companies, from large national employers to small local businesses with a handful of employees, and our success rates are well above the national average. New investments such as the Warwick Trident College Centre for Product Creation also mean we are delivering the facilities that employers require.
“Warwickshire College Group is at the heart of our local and regional economies and we want to continue to make a positive impact, providing the skilled workers that industry needs. Our apprenticeship programme is key to delivering this ambition, so I’d like to thank all the staff involved - this nomination is a reflection of their hard work, commitment and dedication.”
TES FE editor Stephen Exley said: “The sheer range of entries for the 2016 TES FE Awards is a real showcase for the phenomenal work and groundbreaking initiatives that are going on within training providers and colleges throughout the UK."
Eight providers have been shortlisted in the Apprenticeship Programme of the Year category at the TES FE Awards and the winner will be announced on Friday 22 April.
Warwickshire College Group offers a range of apprenticeships in a wide variety of industries. For more information, go to www.warwickshire.ac.uk/apprenticeships or call 0300 456 0046.
Fire Service highlights new response to Automatic Fire Alarms
Businesses have been urged to review their alarm systems in the light of a change to how Warwickshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service responds to automatic fire alarm (AFA) calls after April 2016.
The change follows a review of current practise and has resulted in the launch of a new risk-based approach to calls from alarm-monitoring organisations.
The Service is keen to reduce the amount of time wasted responding to false alarms, not least from business premises. The new approach will mean the Service continues to focus on the most vulnerable people in our communities, enhancing its response to hospitals, residential care and nursing homes and other vulnerable premises such as sheltered accommodation and assisted living.
In addition to attending vulnerable premises, the Service will now also respond to AFA activations between the hours of 8pm and 7am, even if it is not backed up by a 999 call, at houses of multiple occupancy, hotels and bed and breakfasts and domestic dwellings.
For all other types of AFA activations in commercial, business and non-sleeping risks premises, the Service will maintain a non-attendance policy until a 999 call is received or there are physical signs of a fire reported.
Talking about the change, Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Group Commander, Paul Bagnall said: “During 2015, 99% of the AFA calls we received were false alarms. As with any policy, it is appropriate to adapt to the changing demands of our communities to ensure we are providing the best service we can to the most vulnerable and I am confident that the change in our policy will help us to achieve this.
“Moving forward, we are asking businesses to once again review their policies for dealing with their alarm systems.
"We know that false alarms occur for a number of reasons, many of which can be easily resolved. A fault with the alarm system is often not the main reason for activation.
"However, having an effective investigation procedure can limit the disruption caused to your business by a false alarm and can significantly improve safety by detecting a fire and sounding the alarm at the early stages of a fire’s development.”
Warwickshire County Council's portfolio holder for Community Safety John Horner said: “Since 2010 we have reduced our attendance to false AFA activations by 73%. This has ensured that our appliances have been freed up to attend life-risk incidents.
"It has also allowed our crews to concentrate on preventive work to protect the most vulnerable members of our community. However, we know that there is more that we can do to support that work.”
Paul Bagnall added: “This change in policy acts as a timely reminder to businesses about their responsibilities under the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005. The order requires them to ensure that they manage their alarm systems effectively, so that fire crews are not constantly called to attend false activations where a response is not needed.”
For more information about the change in policy log onto http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/afapolicy
Recognition's service and investment recognised with award
The success of a franchise based at Warwickshire County Council-run Centenary Business Centre continues apace after it scooped a national award.
Recognition Express, a promotional products and branded clothing specialist, was named Franchise of the Year at the company's annual awards ceremony.
The accolade is the latest chapter in the success story of the franchise working from the Centenary Business Centre in Hammond Close, Nuneaton
Established in the UK in 1979, Recognition Express is now among the European market leaders in corporate recognition products. It specialises in badge manufacture, signs, business gifts, plaques and promotional products, plus a full range of branded and corporate clothing, school uniforms and personalised sports clothing.
The company operates through a national franchise network of locally owned and operated offices and the Nuneaton outlet, which is owned by Alex Newman, came out top of the pile at the award ceremony.
“The annual business awards are like the Oscars for us," said Alex (pictured above receiving the award form Recognition Express managing director Nigel Toplis). "It’s a good discipline to strive to be the best you can be and we are chuffed to have won.
"We are building the business on an ethos of delivering the highest quality of service to our customers. They know that we’ll always go that extra mile to source or manufacture whatever branded items they need on time and within budget. We have a great team at Recognition Express and this award is for them.”
The Nuneaton office recently strengthened its ability to deliver for customers with a significant investment in new equipment including a Roland digital printer to support the emerging demand for short run digital printing.
“We are continually looking at ways to grow the business and move forward," said Alex. "The investment in new equipment was a huge step for us, but we knew without it our business would just stand still – and that’s not an option. We strive to give our customers the best quality in both product and service and the way forward is definitely digital.
For further information about Recognition Express Coventry contact Alex by email: anewman@re-coventry.co.uk
For more information about Centenary Business Centre, please visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/cbc
Stoneleigh innovation centre expands to meet demand
A thriving hub for small businesses at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire is doubling in size to meet demand.
The Rural Innovation Centre is being extended by LaSalle Investment Management as part of its transformation of Stoneleigh Park to create an additional 19 serviced offices – of which more than half are already reserved ahead of opening in June.
Warwickshire-based JW Contracts has begun work to refurbish an adjacent building and directly link it to the existing Rural Innovation Centre which currently houses 16 offices.
The Rural Innovation Centre was opened in September 2013 to help small and new businesses in rural parts of Warwickshire to grow and flourish.
The original centre was part-funded by DEFRA as part of the Warwickshire Rural Growth Network, aimed at boosting employment in rural areas, and led by Warwickshire County Council on behalf of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership.
Colin Hooper, Estates Director at Stoneleigh Park, said: “The Rural Innovation Centre has been such a success with near-full occupancy throughout its two years.
“Liz Burkinshaw, who manages the centre, has worked incredibly hard to establish it as a place of excellence and LaSalle is now doubling its size to help more small businesses grow.
"We expected plenty of demand for the new units and that has been the case for space at the centre all along. Very rarely is a premises vacant for more than a week.
"When we first opened in Stoneleigh some of my colleagues in London had reservations and wondered whether we would let all the units. Within six months of opening in September 2013 we had let them - and now we have had to expand.
"A very wide range of businesses have set down base there and it's a really positive environment."
The extension will mirror the existing Rural Innovation Centre which provides fully-furnished offices on flexible short-term leases with access to ultra-fast broadband as well as reception, meeting and conference facilities.
Liz Burkinshaw believes a combination of factors has attracted a constant flow of businesses.
“The Rural Innovation Centre has more than proved its worth by helping many small and start-up businesses grow over the last two years, with several either taking on additional office space here or expanding elsewhere," Liz said.
“I think the professional and supportive environment of the Rural Innovation Centre, coupled with the prestigious address and central location of Stoneleigh Park, has proved a winning combination.
“The quality of the offices, the flexibility of the lease terms and the support that companies can tap into make it an attractive base for businesses looking to get off the ground or take a step up to the next level.
“It is hugely exciting for LaSalle to now be extending the Rural Innovation Centre which means that we will increase to a suite of 34 serviced offices.”
Showpiece rural event coming to Stoneleigh this summer
Leading brands and personalities from the world of field sports, countryside pursuits and rural life will gather in Warwickshire this summer for the inaugural UK Game Fair at the National Agricultural and Exhibition Centre (NAEC), Stoneleigh.
Launched last October to fill the void left by the failed CLA Game Fair – a loss-making show since the CLA (Country Land and Business Association) brought the event’s management in-house in 2011 – the UK Game Fair will take place from 22-24 July on the same showground as the famous Royal Show, which attracted over 200,000 visitors during its peak years.
Over 100,000 visitors are expected at the new three-day event which will focus on shooting, fishing, hunting, gamekeeping, estate management, rural crafts, working dogs and food production.
It will feature celebrity chef demonstrations, tastings and competitions while gun trade grandees including Beretta, Sako, Tikka, Steiner, Eley Hawk, Viking Arms and EJ Churchill have lent their support to the show, as have motor vehicle manufacturers Great Wall and Yamaha.
The emphasis will be on providing a great variety of things to do and see to make it the showpiece event for the country pursuits community.
The event is organised by Blaze Publishing, which produces sports titles including Clay Shooting, Sporting Rifle, iShoot, Airgun Shooter and Bow International, and runs music shows including the London Acoustic Show, the London Bass Guitar Show and the London Drum Show.
Wes Stanton, owner of Blaze Publishing, said: “Our new event is designed to attract those who loved the CLA Game Fair as much as we did before its demise – and to introduce new people to rural pursuits too.
"Stoneleigh is a brilliant site on which to stage an outdoor show and we’re looking forward to welcoming game fair regulars and keen newcomers alike. We are proud to host a show that promotes all relevant aspects of rural life and the rural economy, which will be reflected in the calibre and breadth of exhibitors.”
Helen Woolley, CLA director general, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received following the difficult decision to end the CLA Game Fair. We are confident that former supporters and exhibitors will be well served by the existing and new events planned for summer 2016 and we wish all the events every success.”
To book tickets or become an exhibitor at The UK Game Fair 2016, go to www.ukgamefair.com
Science Park firm making international headlines
A University of Warwick-based company that has developed a patch that can deliver Ibuprofen and a range of other drugs through the skin has invested in new technology and new offices - and is taking on new staff to meet demand.
Medherant, based at the University of Warwick Science Park’s Venture Centre after spinning out of the university, made international headlines last year after revealing it had developed an innovative adhesive patch capable of delivering high doses of the painkiller straight to where pain is felt.
The company is now in talks with a host of pharmaceutical firms from around the world.
Close to securing another round of investment, Medherant is nowcarrying out further tests on its patch and it should be ready for clinical trials later this year. The earliest it could be ready for public use is within two years.
The firm is now set to draft in staff in business development, administration, lab and scientific roles and has invested in a new machine that will speed up the process of making the patches. The company, which was established at the start of 2015, is also continuing to utilise its relationship with the University of Warwick and that will see students helping to undertake research with the firm.
Nigel Davis, Medherant’s CEO, said: “We’re moving out of the ‘start-up’ offices at the Science Park and into commercial space within the park, such has been the interest since we first made the announcement about the patch.
“The fact that the University has a Science Park linked to it has been a huge asset to the business because it means you get the best of both the academic and commercial worlds. We have been able to expand due to the flexibility of the Science Park and it means we can add to the team.
“We’ve also got students on our doorstep who are very keen to come in and do some very meaningful work with us, which is great for both parties too.”
He added: “The interest really has been global and we’ve had discussions with several very high profile companies around taking the product forward. It’s a very exciting time for Medherant.”
Dirk Schafer, a project manager at the University of Warwick Science Park, said the company was a great example of how the park can help a business to grow.
He said: “It’s been a whirlwind few months for Medherant. They’ve gone from start-up in our Ignite incubator to suddenly attracting international interest in their product in a very short space of time.
“The Science Park has the flexibility and the capability to help a company deal with that and, of course, the link to the University of Warwick brings great additional benefits too.”
New business centre in Stratford to open soon
The newly transformed state-of-the-art business centre known as Venture House, Stratford-upon-Avon, will be open for business late this March.
The business centre will provide an innovative & creative environment to support business incubation, new business start up and businesses wishing to grow. It will assist home-based micro businesses in making their first move into commercial premises in a central business location.
Owned and managed by Stratford-on-Avon District Council, this new facility has been enabled as part of a Growth Deal with Central Government supported by Coventry & Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership and Warwickshire County Council.
2500 square feet of business space is available over two floors offering a flexible working environment, ground floor hot desking, first floor self-contained business units, meeting space and small conferencing facilities, Indoor & outdoor chill-out zones, on-site parking & cycle racks.
On-site business support & access to investments opportunities, grants & loans, business coaching & support and apprenticeship opportunities will also be available at the Centre
For further information, please contact Nancy Singleton on 0189 260803 or email: nancy.singleton@stratford-dc.gov.uk
