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£42.4 million cash boost for Coventry and Warwickshire to help create local jobs and growth
The Coventry and Warwickshire region has received a £42.4 million boost from central government as part of the Growth Deal to help create jobs, support businesses and encourage growth.
Some of the locally-chosen projects likely to benefit from the funding over the next few years include:
* The expansion of apprenticeships, targeting skills required by local businesses to support the growth of the Coventry and Warwickshire economy
* The provision of cutting-edge facilities to help advanced manufacturing and engineering businesses to innovate
* Enhancements to the transport infrastructure to improve connectivity between the East Midlands, West Midlands and the Greater South.
These projects, alongside others, will improve skills, create jobs, build homes and improve infrastructure in the region. This latest award of £42.4million comes on top of £89.4 million of Growth Deal funding already awarded to Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, which will see jobs created, homes built and extra investment.
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, leader of Warwickshire County Council and board member of the CWLEP, said: "We are very excited by the new Growth Deal money.
"Among other projects that will be earmarked, the funding will enable us to put in place a strategy to lever in private-sector funding to regenerate Nuneaton town centre. It will help to unlock the funding that we need to create an infrastructure in and around the town that will enhance it as an area, not just for residents and visitors but also in which to do business, stimulating the local economy and creating jobs for local people."
CWLEP chairman Jonathan Browning said: “We are pleased to have secured further funding to help make key projects in the region happen, though at the same time we are under no illusions about how much more still needs to be done.
“This Growth Deal funding will directly lead to new jobs being created in Coventry and Warwickshire, key improvements to infrastructure, as well as the enhancement of skills and knowledge to drive the local economy.
“The Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership has worked tirelessly to unlock economic opportunities across the sub-region to stimulate economic growth and to allow the area to get close to achieving its potential. This new funding will be vital in supporting the region to build further momentum.”
Previous funding through the Growth Deal in Coventry and Warwickshire has already:
* Brought major investment in road infrastructure improvements, particularly the A45, A46 and A5 corridors, and rail infrastructure including the development of a new station at Kenilworth
* Led to the construction and opening of the new Trident Centre at Warwickshire College, which has already delivered more than 350 apprenticeships in advanced manufacturing and engineering to help to meet employers’ demand for skills in this sector.
Warwickshire's economy is among the fastest growing in the UK
Warwickshire has one of the fastest growing economies in the country - and the fastest-growing of all local authorities of comparable size, new figures have revealed.
The county's productivity in terms of output per worker has risen by 19.6% since 2009, outperforming national and regional averages.
Furthermore, over the past four years, Warwickshire's growth in productivity capacity is exceeded by only three other local authorities in the UK, all much smaller economic areas.
The figures, released by the Office of National Statistics, show that Warwickshire is firmly establishing itself as a principal driver of labour productivity growth and leading the way in reducing the productivity gap in the region.
The sustained growth further strengthens Warwickshire's reputation as a great place to base a business. That reputation is attracting companies from around the UK and beyond with Baro Vehicles (Argentina), Ubisoft games studio (France) and EDAG Engineering (Germany) among those to have recently arrived in the county.
The strong productivity performance in Warwickshire has also helped drive growth for the wider Coventry & Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) area. Since 2009, only two other LEP areas in the country have outperformed the Coventry & Warwickshire LEP in terms of levels of productivity and rate of growth.
The growth in productivity is linked to a number of factors including an increase in new businesses and a reduction in business failures, both areas targeted by Warwickshire County Council's business support programmes.
Another factor is the improved skills of young people in the county, with a significant reduction in the number of 16-24-year-olds who have no qualifications. Again, this area is a high priority for the council which focuses on skills and apprenticeships, building links between business and schools and reducing the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET).
These are key priority areas proactively targeted by Warwickshire County Council through inward investment, business support and access to finance initiatives.
The productivity growth is also driven by other factors including transport links, apprenticeship schemes and business innovation. Warwickshire is at the forefront of innovation in the IT and computing sectors as well as the automotive industry, but the growth is general. Since 2012, all industries in the county have grown on average by 13.8%, higher than the West Midlands (10.9%) and the UK (11.4%).
The manufacturing sector, for which the county is renowned, has seen a 37.5% increase in output, more than three times the growth-rate across the UK.
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, leader of Warwickshire County Council and portfolio holder for economic growth, said: "Supporting our business community in every way we can is one of our highest priorities. These growth figures are testament to the work that the council is doing to support the economy and also illustrate once again the depth and range of business skills within our county."
Cllr Philip Johnson, chairman of Warwickshire County Council's Communities Overview & Scrutiny, said:"This is excellent news and shows that Warwickshire's economy is vibrant and the county is a great place to do business."
For a full paper written by Warwickshire County Council economist Sam van de Schootbrugge please visit the Economic Analysis & Research page on the council's website:
www.warwickshire.gov.uk/economicassessment
Warwickshire County Council on coveted list of Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers
Warwickshire County Council has been named among the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers in the country.
The Top 100 list, announced in the Sunday Telegraph newspaper, celebrates the best apprenticeship employers across the UK and the county council was among ten selected from the West Midlands.
The council's longstanding commitment to apprenticeships is now stronger than ever, in terms of both recruiting apprentices within the council itself and helping other businesses around the county to recruit them.
Since September 2012, Warwickshire County Council has recruited 142 apprentices. Of those that have now completed their apprenticeships, 70% have been retained within the council and a further 23% have gone into employment elsewhere or gone on to study further at university. Currently there are 62 young people on apprenticeships within the county council.
Meanwhile, since September 2013, the council's Apprenticeship Hub has engaged with 382 businesses regarding apprenticeships, leading to the recruitment of 245 apprentices by Warwickshire businesses with Hub support.
Warwickshire is one of only three local authorities, along with Southwark Council and Plymouth City Council, to win a place in the coveted Top 100 alongside businesses including Unilever, JP Morgan, Mercedes Benz and Siemens.
Dan Nash, Warwickshire County Council's Apprentice Hub manager said: "The WCC apprenticeship scheme has been a great success for the council and brought a wealth of fresh new talent into the authority.
"It has enabled us to provide well over a hundred young apprentices with the skills and experience to begin their careers with us, while filling skills gaps in the organisation. The apprentices provide invaluable support to the teams and service areas of which they are part and which support the county's communities.
"It's brilliant that we can offer such a diverse range of apprenticeship opportunities across our service areas, from accountancy to forestry, highway engineering to social care and customer service to vehicle maintenance.
"We offer a range of levels of apprenticeships, starting at Level 2 entry points for GCSE leavers and going right up to HNC equivalent qualifications in areas such as HR Management and Project Management.
"We are extremely proud to be recognised as one of the top 100, as we have always sought to ensure that each apprentice is given all the support they need to succeed in their role and then continue their career with us or elsewhere.
"However the scheme would not be recognised without the efforts and energy of the apprentices themselves. They are the stars and the benefits they have brought to Warwickshire County Council have been amazing."
Warwickshire County Council leader and portfolio holder for economic growth, Cllr Izzi Seccombe said: "At the council we want to give young people in the county the best possible career pathways. We have long been passionate about apprenticeships and to be named in the top 100 employers is wonderful recognition of the great work done by our Apprenticeship Hub - and the apprentices themselves, of course."
Cllr Philip Johnson, chairman of the council's communities overview & scrutiny committee, added: "To be recognised in the top 100 apprenticeship employers nationally underlines the county's council's ongoing commitment to apprenticeships which are a great bridge between the worlds of education and employment."
* For more information on apprenticeships in Warwickshire please visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/apprenticeships
Verity and Amy vouch for the value of apprenticeships
Warwickshire County Council's commitment to apprenticeship has been recognised with a place on the prestigious Top 100 Apprentice Employers in the Country list.
Here, two of the council's current crop of apprentices - Verity Joynson and Amy Ashmore-Mellor - explain how an apprenticeship is providing them with the perfect bridge into the world of work.
VERITY JOYNSON - Apprentice in the Human Resources department
Why did you apply for this apprenticeship role?
I decided university wasn’t for me. There wasn’t a subject I was committed to and I didn’t want to go just for the sake of it and possibly get into debt. I researched employers in the area and realised Warwickshire County Council would be great as it has such a wide range of jobs and roles. I started the apprenticeship in September 2015 and will finish in September this year when I’m hoping to get a permanent job in the HR department.
What were you doing before?
I did a BTEC in music performance at Stratford-upon-Avon College. I found singing and playing in bands really helped build my confidence. Perhaps surprisingly, there are many similar skills to being at work and performing – confidence, people skills and teamwork. I would say performing in bands has really helped me in my job!
What is a typical day like for you?
There’s no such thing as a typical day. That’s what’s great about working in a large organisation like Warwickshire County Council – there’s so much scope for doing different things and getting different experience. I’ve picked up lots of insights from more experienced colleagues and feel I’ve learned so much.
What have you enjoyed about the apprenticeship?
All of it: the behind-the-scenes work and being out there meeting people and finding out how we can support them, whether they’re new members of staff or have been here for years. I've been involved in really interesting work including research projects, project planning and attending CPD events such as mock tribunals.
What qualifications are you getting out of the apprenticeship?
I am studying one afternoon a week for a Level 5 Diploma in Human Resources Management with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development - a foundation degree equivalent qualification. It’s theory-based and I find it really useful to apply what I’m learning at college to real-life situations in the workplace. I’d like to do my Level 7 Diploma in Human Resources Management in the future.
How supportive have you found your manager/the team around you?
Everyone has been very keen for me to get the most out of the experience. They have given me a real variety of projects which has helped me develop my skills and awareness of the different aspects to the role.
What would you say to someone considering an apprenticeship?
Do your research! Read about what different apprenticeships entail – there are so many different types. I chose the county council because I knew it was a good employer and a large organisation with a variety of services to get involved in. Some people may think I’m missing out on the “uni" experience but for me, developing skills, earning while I train and not accruing debt before I properly start work, are all great benefits which I hope will set me up for life."
AMY ASHMORE-MELLOR - Apprentice in Parenting & Families Support
Why did you apply for this apprenticeship role?
I went to university but swiftly realised that it didn’t suit me. I have always been interested in a job where I could help others and came across the Family Support Officer apprenticeship at the county council. Although I had no previous experience I thought it would be something I’d be good at. I also liked the idea of earning while studying for a qualification and gaining practical, hands-on experience.
What were you doing before?
I had a variety of jobs within customer service. I learned patience, how to prioritise and think on my feet and how to work both as part of a team and independently.
What is a typical day like for you?
I spend a lot of time travelling in my car to and from home visits and meetings. I usually have one day per week in the office to catch up on all the paperwork. The great thing about working flexible hours is that my day is not nine-to-five; this means that if I have a late visit one day I could start slightly later on another.
What have you enjoyed about this apprenticeship?
I have enjoyed meeting a variety of different people. I’ve had a lot of support from my colleagues which has allowed me to develop a good understanding of my role. It’s really interesting to meet people that I wouldn’t normally get the chance to meet. I’ve also enjoyed making the most out of all the opportunities that this apprenticeship has offered: meeting different organisations, charities and taking part in competitions.
What qualifications are you getting out of the apprenticeship?
I have completed NVQ Level 3 in Children and Young People Workforce. I have also been accredited in a variety of parenting programmes. Being able to see the practical application of what I’m studying makes it easier to apply what I’ve learned to my job.
How supportive have you found your manager/ the team around you?
I feel lucky to have had the team that I did during my apprenticeship; they did everything possible to ensure that I got the most out of it. Not only did they help me by pushing me to be the best I could be, they made sure I got the full experience of the role. They were really keen to make the most of my opportunities.
What would you say to someone considering an apprenticeship?
Everyone has to decide what's right for them but apprenticeships are a great way to get experience of an area in which you are interested while gaining your qualifications. You learn skills and processes which you wouldn't necessarily learn at university.
Sustained investment in transport supports the growth of Warwickshire’s economy
Warwickshire County Council have backed their clear commitment to supporting local economic growth with £74million of capital funding investment in the transport network over the last four years.
This sustained commitment to road and rail will continue as the council strives to ensure that businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire continue to benefit from good connectivity to their labour markets and supply chains.
A significant element of this funding has been invested in addressing a number of pinch points at key junctions and corridors in the county, examples including:
* M40 Junction 12 and the B4100 near Gaydon (see photo)
* M40 Junction 14 and A452 Europa Way south of Leamington
* Warwick Street Gyratory in Rugby town centre
Further improvements are due to come forward over the next 12-18 months at the A444 Coton Arches roundabout south of Nuneaton and at the A46/A425/A4177 Stanks junction near Warwick.
Collectively, these schemes will help support access to town centres and major employment areas while also helping deliver housing growth demanded by the various Local Plans. These schemes also help deliver the priority objectives of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s Strategic Economic Plan.
Investment in rail also forms a key element of the county council’s strategy. This builds upon a widely-respected record of delivery which has recently included the opening of new stations at Bermuda Park and Coventry Arena as part of improvements to the rail offer between Nuneaton and Coventry.
The county council is now working with its partners to deliver a doubling o
f train service frequency in this corridor to help support better access to Nuneaton and Bedworth town-centres and the numerous employment facilities around Bermuda.
The next 12 months will also see the opening of a new station to serve Kenilworth, along with a series of enhancements to Stratford-upon-Avon station to improve its facilities and image as a key gateway to the town.
Going forward, the county council has a series of ambitious plans to improve access to key areas of employment and town centre facilities from the strategic road network. This includes the A426 corridor in Rugby, the A444 corridor between Nuneaton and the M6, the A452 Europa Way south of Leamington Spa and the A3400 Birmingham Road in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Further investment is also due to come forward at the A46 junction near Stoneleigh to support the proposed growth around the University of Warwick and Stoneleigh Park.
The ongoing investment underlines Warwickshire County Council's sustained commitment to keeping Warwickshire moving at a time of ever-increasing traffic-levels, explained Mark Ryder, the council's Head of Transport & Economy.
“An accessible and well-connected transport network is absolutely vital to driving and sustaining growth and prosperity in a local economy," said Mr Ryder. “That is why we proactively develop and invest in schemes across Warwickshire to ensure that, as much as possible, we keep up with the ever-increasing demands on the network caused by having such a growing and dynamic economy.
“The county council continues to work with partner organisations such as Highways England and Midlands Connect (through the West Midlands Combined Authority) to make the case for investment in the strategic road network. This will benefit both Warwickshire and the wider Midlands region and ensure we have a well-evidenced pipeline of projects based on the future economic needs of the area.
"This means that we are always ready to deliver road and rail schemes when the opportunities and funding become available.”
EDAG find the "perfect location" in Warwickshire
German automotive engineering firm EDAG Engineering Limited believes that Warwickshire is the "perfect location" for their new UK base.
Early last year EDAG, which employs over 8,000 people worldwide, decided that it was time to expand its presence in the UK. The company has had a registered office in this country since 1989 to meet demands and be close to customers, but sought a base from which to add to a global customer-list already including motor industry giants such as Audi, BMW, Bugatti, Daimler, Ford, General Motors and Porsche.
The question was where should they settle? And the answer quickly became clear: Warwickshire.
In March 2016, EDAG Engineering Limited moved into new offices in Leamington Spa. And they are delighted with their base in The Parade, in the heart of town - a base which they found with the assistance of the Inward Investment Team at Warwickshire County Council.
"We want to build a major presence in the UK so the question was to figure out which location was best," said EDAG Operations Director Clemens Pchalek. "We have a lot of projects and customers in the UK but want to attract more. We just needed a home.
"It quickly became clear that for a business in our sector, Warwickshire is that location. We are close to Birmingham and big target customers like Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin and so close to the motorway network that we have great access to everywhere, whether it's Crewe, Oxford or London.
"When we started our search we spoke to the UKTI, who were very helpful, and then to Stacy O'Connor from Warwickshire County Council's Inward Investment team. She was regularly in touch to alert us to possible premises. It is a complicated process and can seem never-ending so it was great to have somebody with real local knowledge and expertise to help us.
"We have found premises in the perfect location for us, right in the centre of town, which is good for employees. There are good car-parking possibilities and there is also a railway station."
And while Leamington Spa is proving perfect for EDAG, the benefit is mutual as the town benefits from the arrival of a company which is very keen to integrate itself into the area.
"We wanted to be in the heart of the town because we don't just come here to work - we want to be part of the town and the community," said Mr Pchalek. "We love Leamington with all the bars and restaurants it has to offer. Every month we have a 'Payday Takeaway' where all our staff go for a meal in a chosen place. We are aiming to get round them all in the end!
"It has proved to be a great choice for us, with scope to move into bigger office-space if necessary, and we aim to be a long-term member of the town's really welcoming business community."
£1.5billion Chinese investment boost
The trend of recent Chinese business investment in the Coventry and Warwickshire area continues to gain momentum.
Last week saw the announcement of a major investment in electric vehicle maker Detroit Electric by Far East Smarter Energy Group of China.
It came as another massive endorsement of both UK manufacturing and the Coventry & Warwickshire automotive cluster in particular.
With Aston Martin Lagonda, BMW, Jaguar Land Rover, Geely London Taxi and the local auto-supply chain investing significantly in low carbon powertrain, the Coventry & Warwickshire area already has a strong global reputation in important 21st century technologies.
The latest announcement follows recent LCV investments from Jaguar Land Rover in the all-electric iPace concept, and Geely’s investment of £300m in the new hybrid TX5 taxi and a new factory at Ansty Technology Park.
At £1.5bn, the promised new investment by Far East Smarter Energy Group of China is by some margin the largest investment by a Chinese company in UK automotive. It is expected to lead to the creation of 400 new jobs and is excellent news for tech and high-end manufacturing in and around Leamington Spa.
The company plans to expand its existing facilities in the town with the workforce set to double to more than 400.
The news further strengthens Coventry and Warwickshire's burgeoning reputation as a base for forward-looking industries, with big companies continuing to arrive and expand in the region.
Last month, Liberty Group announced plans to create a vehicle centre of excellence which will initially develop a new supercar and premium bicycle in Leamington Spa.
Elsewhere, luxury furniture-maker Vitsoe are building their new HQ and factory at the gateway to the town and TATA Technologies is putting the finishing touches to its new European HQ in Warwick.
£2m grant fund for businesses in rural Warwickshire
A new £2 million grant fund to grow businesses and create jobs in rural Warwickshire has been launched.
In a major boost to jobs and growth in the region, businesses and other organisations are being invited to submit expressions of interest to the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) Growth Programme.
The funding includes £1.5 million of business development grants open to small and micro businesses in rural areas, including social enterprises and farmers diversifying into non-agricultural activities.
Up to £500,000 of tourism grants are also open to landowners, people or groups representing rural communities, charities and public bodies.
Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) worked with the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) and other government departments to secure the financial allocation through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) - part of the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF).
A wide range of Warwickshire businesses was supported by the RDPE Growth Programme’s predecessor programme. They included advanced manufacturing and engineering companies, an alpaca stud farm, an organic food manufacturer and local breweries.
Sean Farnell, board member of the CWLEP, said: “Our region has an extremely strong and diverse rural economy and it is great news the area has been allocated further grant funding to boost businesses.
“Through the Rural Growth Network, partner organisations have been working together successfully to enable innovation and create employment at a range of businesses and led to Warwickshire being named as one of the most enterprising places in Britain at the Enterprising Britain Awards.
“It is important that we build on the progress that has been and for organisations to apply for a share of this new funding to further strengthen our rural economy.”
A series of free workshops are being held across Warwickshire to help businesses in making applications and provide the opportunity to discuss possible projects with the RPA’s Rural Development Team. Each workshop has a different focus and target audience but is open to any interested business. There will also be information about other business support programmes in the CWLEP area. The remaining workshops are:
- Farm Diversification – From beef to beer? – Monday 27 March 2017, 2-5pm, Arthur Rank Centre, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth. Further details here.
- Helping North Warwickshire businesses grow – Wednesday 29 March 2017, 9.30am-12pm, Lea Marston Hotel, Sutton Coldfield. Further details here.
The new grant fund is open for expressions of interest until 31 January 2018. The fund is part of a wider package of finance available to support Coventry and Warwickshire businesses including European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) investment grants, ERDF innovation grants, ERDF low carbon grants, LEADER grants in North Warwickshire and Warwickshire County Council’s Capital Growth Fund.
For more information about the RDPE Growth grants, please visit:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/rdpe-growth-programme
For information about the range of support available to grow your business, including support with applying for the RDPE Growth grants, contact Coventry and Warwickshire LEP Growth Hub on 0300 060 3747, email support@cwgrowthhub.co.ukor visit www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk.
Skills for Employment conference tackles the skills shortage
Warwickshire County Council brought together senior representatives from businesses, schools and colleges at a conference to discuss how the skills shortage in the workplace can be tackled.
The county council's £2.4 million Skills for Employment programme, now in its third year, builds and strengthens bridges between the business world and education and training to ensure that young people enter the workplace with the requisite skills.
The programme is driven by the county council, along with partners Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, the Federation of Small Businesses and Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.
It offers small grants to schools and colleges to help them to provide careers opportunities while larger major grants have been awarded to partnerships between schools and businesses where innovative schemes will give young people the chance to have valuable work experience.
An announcement was made that grants of up to £40,000 would be available later this year for partnerships between schools and businesses to tackle skills issues in specific sectors. Expressions of interest can be made via the Skills for Employment webpage from 5th April here.
Smaller grants of up to £3,000, available to schools, will also be made available again in June.
The delegates heard how 11,000 careers and employability opportunities have been provided to the county's young people in 2015 and 2016 since the launch of the programme, ranging from additional careers guidance through to work experience. Over 300 businesses were engaged in that period and it is estimated that the grants awarded in October 2016 are funding a further 8,000 opportunities in the current academic year.
The county council has a statutory duty to track the destination of 16 and 17-year-olds when they leave school. In 2014/15, the number of 16/17-year-olds whose education or employment status were not known to the authorities was 9.5%. While official statistics will not be published by the DfE until next month, the council estimates this has fallen for the academic year of 2015/16 to 4% meaning the whereabouts of another 550 16-17 year olds are known to the county.
Linked to this reduction is the proportion of young people staying in education at age 16. Last autumn this figure rose from 91.3% to 92.8%.
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Warwickshire County Council's portfolio holder for economic development, said: "Our challenge is knowing what the jobs of tomorrow will entail in such a fast-moving market. This conference is about aligning businesses and educators within this market so our young people get the education and competencies that will allow them to thrive."
Cllr Philip Johnson, chair of Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee, said: "Skills for Employment is playing a key role in creating opportunities for young people in Warwickshire to make themselves more work-ready. It is vital to both the businesses and the young people that links are made at an early age to skill young people up for the workplace."
* To see if your school, college or business can get involved in the Skills for Employment programme, please call Glenn Robinson on 07825 317414 or email glennrobinson@warwickshire.gov.uk.
MIPIM event generates stream of enquiries
The message that Warwickshire is a great place to base a business was heard by an international audience over four days at the MIPIM UK 2017 event in France.
Established in 1990, the MIPIM event is renowned as the world's leading property market and among the exhibitors in Cannes this year were Warwickshire County Council and the Coventry & Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership.
They attended as part of their commitment to promote the region as the perfect location in which to invest.
The county council/CWLEP presence at MIPIM last year generated considerable interest from developers and a steady stream of enquiries from developers and funders.
Many of those enquiries centred upon Nuneaton which was very encouraging as the county council and CWLEP seeks to advance the Transforming Nuneaton programme, a package of initiatives to enhance the town’s role as a key regional economic hub. The programme was showcased as part of the Midlands Engine for Growth offer at MIPIM.
“Nuneaton town centre currently punches well below its weight, but has the real potential to become a vibrant growth town," said Mark Ryder, head of transport and economy at Warwickshire County Council. “If the public sector work in partnership with private sector developers, we can together lever in significant resources to support this regeneration programme.
"It was very encouraging to hear so much interest expressed by visitors to our stand during MIPIM and underlines the value of the council attending such events. Our presence among the more than 2,600 exhibitors enabled us to promote the county to a global audience and connect with many future potential partners."
MIPIM attracts visitors from more than 90 countries including around 3,800 chief executives and chairmen.
Women's Tour will showcase Warwickshire at its best
The eyes of the sporting world will be on Warwickshire in June when top women cyclists visit as part of the Women’s Tour 2017, bringing a welcome boost for the county's economy.
Warwickshire County Council has announced that, in partnership with the University of Warwick, the county will host Stage Three of the Tour on Friday 9 June.
Last year, the first time the Tour came to Warwickshire, 75,000 spectators lined the route and event organisers are hoping for an even greater turnout in 2017. As well as showcasing some of the region’s famed countryside, the Tour will pass through some of its historic towns as well as through the campus of the University of Warwick.
With a global television audience of around 80 million and daily televised updates of each stage, The Women’s Tour is set to showcase Warwickshire at its best.
Evaluation of the Warwickshire stage of the Tour in 2016 revealed that, of the 75,000 spectators, around 40,000 came from outside the county. Of these, nearly 15% stayed overnight, generating over £500,000 for the local accommodation industry.
The local food and drink industry saw £2 million generated by visitors while local shops also welcomed gross spending of nearly £750,000 by spectators from outside the county.
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Warwickshire County Council’s leader and portfolio holder for economic development said: “Having already seen what a tremendous event the Women’s Tour is, I am thrilled to see it coming back to the county. It creates a buzz that is felt for some time after the event and local businesses reported an increase in trade that lasted for weeks after last year’s event.”
Professor Simon Swain, University of Warwick Pro-vice-chancellor (External Engagement) said: “We are delighted to be welcoming the Women’s Tour back to the University of Warwick. Since our inception, the University of Warwick has been a positive driver of education, innovation and cultural development throughout our region and has shown the strongest commitment to providing equal opportunities for women and men to achieve their goals.”
Commenting on the Warwickshire stage, Mick Bennett, Women’s Tour race director, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be returning to Warwickshire again in 2017. The stunning countryside is perfect for lots of exciting racing and we’re sure the world’s best riders will put on quite a show for all the thousands of spectators that come out to support.”
Cllr Philip Johnson, Chair of Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee said: “A high profile event such as the Women’s Tour showcases what the council has to offer to a global audience. I am thrilled that so many of the visitors to the event last year were from outside Warwickshire.”
The Warwickshire route which will face the world’s top female cyclists includes two Eisberg Sprints (Warwick Road, Kenilworth, and Wellesbourne) and two Queen of the Mountain climbs (Edge Hill and Burton Dassett).
Wealth of advice available at Business Ready workshop
Specialist advice on support and funding options available to small businesses looking to grow will be freely available at a Business Ready workshop in Binley on Wednesday 29 March.
The Raising Finance for Business event will take place at Binley Innovation Centre, Harry Weston Road, Coventry CV3 2TX, on 29 March (9am-12.30pm) and a wealth of advice will be available.
Most businesses that are looking to grow need to raise finance to enable that growth so it is important to understand different funding options available for different types of business.
If you a technology-based or innovative business based in Warwickshire this workshop is for you. Would you like to:
* Know about potential grant funding available?
* Know how to write a good funding application?
* Receive independent advice from funding specialists?
* Receive advice about how to raise at least £10,000 to grow your business?
This comprehensive workshop will help you to understand what type of funds are most appropriate for your business and how best to access those funds. It will be an excellent opportunity to learn from specialists in their field and there will be plenty of time for questions.
To book, please visit: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/raising-finance-for-business-binley-coventrytickets-31485686536 or contact businessready@uwsp.co.uk or 024 7632 3121
* Business Ready is part of the Coventry & Warwickshire Business Support Programme, supported by Warwickshire County Council, and is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
Sandra's artistic roots thriving at Centenary Business Centre
A business centre in Nuneaton has proved fertile ground for artist/designer Sandra Owens after she decided to set out in a totally new direction mid-career.
Sandra's business Smoart has been based at the Warwickshire County Council-run Centenary Business Centre in Nuneaton for six years.
Her Art and Design studio has become well-established while also allowing Sandra to become deeply involved in the arts scene in north Warwickshire.
She exhibits and sells her work nationally, designing and making bespoke pieces for architectural installation and interior spaces using a range of materials including ceramics, wood, plaster, plastics and concrete.
Her success is a tribute to her talent and creativity - and also illustrates the versatility of the Centenary BC as a business base, with her artistic presence settled there among all sorts of retail and light industry within the 62 units.
"It is the perfect base," Sandra said. "It is a great, flexible space and the council's team is on site and really helpful. They are really supportive of my business and always happy to oblige with displaying my art and design work around the centre.”
It was becoming a Mum and losing her own Mum in the same year - 2002 - that led Sandra to revaluate her life. She had spent 14 years in logistics and IT Project Management but was far from enthused by the prospect of another 35 years on that track, which involved a lot of travelling - not ideal with a small child despite a very supportive husband.
So Sandra gave up her career - car, pension and bonus and all - to go to Art School.
Seven years and much hard work later she had achieved a BA and then an MA in Contemporary Craft from Coventry University. And alongside her studies, some contract IT work enabled her to make that crucial move - investing in her studio at the Centenary Business Centre.
"It was a great step for me," she said. "Having a dedicated place to work allowed me to complete my MA while still working and also refining my Art and Design practice.
"Now I have two roles in my business - IT consultant and artist - but my goal for the future is very much to focus solely on Art and Design. That is where my real passion lies and it is something I can sees myself doing for the rest of my life."
Sandra's work recently featured in "Made in the Middle," an exhibition showcasing some of the best designers in the Midlands, at the Herbert Art Gallery, Coventry, and which will be touring the Midlands for the next 18 months.
Deeply passionate about supporting the art scene in North Warwickshire Sandra played a key role in launching the Open Arts Trail in Nuneaton and surrounding areas last year. The county wide Warwickshire Open Studios is also a regular feature in her calendar and she will be showing her work at the spring exhibition at Rugby Station and again have her studio open to the public on selected dates during June and July (www.warwickshireopenstudios.org/).
Region at the heart of the rail industry - past, present and future
The United Kingdom has a long and proud history in rail manufacture but the sector is very much alive today and forward-looking. And the Coventry & Warwickshire region has a big role to play in the future, as Steph Williams, an Inward Investment Officer at Warwickshire County Council, explains.
Accelerating the local opportunities in Rail
The United Kingdom has a mighty rail and manufacturing heritage from the likes of James Watt and Matthew Boulton, developing steam engines and rail revolutions, to James Brindley, an early pioneer of interconnectivity.
That innovative and entrepreneurial culture continues, nowhere more so than locally, with the Coventry and Warwickshire region attracting major rail-manufacturers such as CAF Rail, Vivarail, Severn Lamb, design specialists DCA design and rail service providers Alstom, Network Rail, Siemens and Bombardier. The wider supply chain includes Parker Hannifin, IM Kelly, Telent, Ricardo and Unipart, along with cross-engineering specialisms.
The Rail Alliance based in Warwickshire brings together a large network of rail suppliers locally and nationally, bringing expertise and partnership opportunities.
Innovation
The region continues to accelerate Research & Development with known capabilities in design and prototyping, light-weighting, low carbon powertrain, energy storage, control systems, data integrity and cybersecurity.
Local Centres of Excellence include: Warwick Manufacturing Group, at the University of Warwick which leads in energy storage and very light rail, the Centre for Mobility and Transport and the National Transport Design Centre at Coventry University leading on design, engineering and safety solutions.
Warwickshire-based Quinton Rail Technology Centre is the UK’s rail-facility for testing, trialling and product development processes.
Other Midland centres of excellence in rail include The Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education, Dudley’s Very Light Rail Innovation Centre, The Transport Systems Catapult, Milton Keynes, The Transportation Engineering Centre, Nottingham University and the Intelligent Transport Systems, De Montfort University.
Skills
The rail workforce across the Midlands contributes highly to employment figures. The region has continued to invest in training and development to ensure the next generation of engineers and technicians are in the pipeline, whilst upskilling the current workforce in advanced engineering and technological change.
Locally, WMG Academy for Young Engineers works collaboratively with industry to inspire 14-19 year-olds to apply engineering theory to practical business solutions. Warwickshire has a strong supply of colleges offering engineering courses, along with Coventry & Warwickshire’s apprenticeship hub offering greater routes to employment.
The new £22 million National College for High Speed Rail in Birmingham will play a vital role in future high-tech engineering.
The Future is Bright
The rail infrastructure in the UK is undergoing a prolonged period of investment. This will boost productivity and employment, attract inward investment and increase connectivity.
The HS2 project represents significant infrastructure opportunities and cross-sector working. There are also opportunities to replace ageing rolling stock and adopt lightweighting and energy storage solutions.
The creation of the Midlands Engine Opportunities in Rail programme is an initiative designed to bringing together groups of the LEP (Local Enterprise Partnerships) areas to promote, support and grow the existing rail industry cluster across the Midlands and locally in Coventry and Warwickshire.
As part of this activity, Invest Warwickshire will be leading on a wide Midland presence at Railtex 2017 the UK’s leading rail event being held at the NEC, Birmingham from May 9 to 11. At the event we will promote existing strengths in rail and look to explore foreign direct investment opportunities presented by HS2, infrastructure and low carbon developments.
Please do come and talk to us at stand number 65 to explore local rail opportunities and making new connections within the local area.
'Hard' Brexit unlikely but not impossible, Attorney General tells Mid-Warwickshire branch
Businesses in Mid-Warwickshire have been told that a ‘hard’ Brexit is unlikely but not impossible.
The Mid-Warwickshire branch of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce was given an insight into the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union by the Attorney General Jeremy Wright, MP for Kenilworth and Southam.
Wright, who campaigned to stay in the EU, told the gathered businesses that the pre-referendum arguments should not be ‘re-run’ and that politicians would lose credibility if they didn’t accept the outcome.
He told the meeting that there was a huge amount of work in unpicking 40 years of legislation drawn up alongside the EU and that the Government was working hard to ensure there wasn’t a ‘cliff edge’ moment on the day of Brexit.
Mr Wright said the aim was to offer ‘as little change as possible’ for business and to provide as much certainty during the process.
He added: “So what will Brexit mean for investment into our economy? We all have concerns about that but, since the referendum, the signals have been pretty good.
“Several major companies have announced decisions to invest in the UK despite Brexit, including Jaguar Land Rover which announced that the new Range Rover would be built in Solihull.
“Of course, none of us can say for sure how negotiations will go and what the final outcome will be because it’s not just us involved – there are 28 member states who will have their say.
“My reading of it is that, in all probability, we will not see a so-called hard Brexit but, because of the reasons I’ve mentioned, it’s not impossible.
“I don’t believe it is in the interests of the UK or the rest of Europe for it to happen but that will come down to the final deal that gets struck.”
The meeting also heard from Dave Ayton-Hill of Warwickshire County Council, which is partnering with the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce on its Quarterly Economic Survey, who explained the strength of the economy in the region.
He said that demand for labour in the region would grow rapidly between now and 2030 and there would be a potential 74,000 shortfall in supply.
David Myskow, chair of the Mid-Warwickshire branch of the Chamber, said: “It was a fascinating and very informative branch meeting and we are very grateful to Jeremy Wright and Dave Ayton-Hill for their insights.
“It was a great opportunity to put concerns to Jeremy Wright about Brexit and, while he did his utmost to answer questions, we have to understand that there will be a great deal of uncertainty in the coming months and years.
“That’s why the Chamber has launched a Brexit Club because we want to be able to give our members the facts as and when they emerge but also explore the opportunities available to them.”
Rugby DRIVE Business Growth Conference
Businesses in Rugby have a great chance to connect and build contacts at the Rugby DRIVE Business Growth Conference On Friday 7 April (7.30-10am).
Businesses of all types and sizes are invited to join the Invest Warwickshire team, Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub and other support providers at our business breakfast conference - and get plugged into local business support opportunities to help overcome the barriers to growth.
Coventry and Warwickshire’s business support programmes provide local support services and grants to help start-ups and established businesses accelerate growth potential.
Support which is available ranges from market and growth advice to capital and innovation grants, apprenticeships and commercial property support.
Businesses from all backgrounds are welcome to attend the conference and find new ways to access support and advice, discover new suppliers, meet new contacts and build relationships.
To book your place, please go to https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rugby-drive-business-growth-conference-tickets 32185885851?utm_term=eventurl_text
Anne's exciting new adventure began at Venture House
A Warwickshire woman has a new lease of life after launching a new business – and is hoping it will do the same for others.
Anne Gwilliam was a successful management accountant but felt overworked, stressed and unhealthy.
So when she studied and qualified in nutrition and fitness, Anne decided it wasn’t just a healthier lifestyle that she needed - but a change of career. So she launched Solis Lifestyle – her own nutritionist and personal trainer business.
The company, based in Barford, offers fitness, nutrition and lifestyle coaching to create healthier, happier individuals and was given start-up support by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce as part of the Warwickshire County Council-backed Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme.
Anne said: “I had a background in accountancy and was comfortable with a lot of the aspects involved in setting up a business, however lacked experience in marketing and sales.
“I resigned from my day to day job and set about building Solis Lifestyle. I worked from home but soon came to realise there were too many distractions and things weren’t getting done.
“I was recommended to speak to the team at Venture House Business Centre located in Stratford-upon-Avon, which provides flexible office space in creative environment and offers an exciting alternative to traditional office space, offering ease-in-easy-out terms to suit business needs.
“Having started working from Venture House, I was introduced to Tanya King, a business coach with the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.
“The support exceeded expectations and is of the same standard as any business courses that I have paid for professionally. The support does not just cover general concepts it is tailored to my specific requirements ensuring I have tangible outcomes.”
Anne delivers group personal training sessions and provides one to one personal training, nutrition and lifestyle coaching.
“I work with anyone looking to improve their health and wellbeing but also has a keen interest in health issues, mobility problems and weight loss particularly with the over-50s sector who sometimes forget their own importance,” she said.
Anyone setting up a new business or within the first 12 months of setting up is entitled to free business support through the Chamber. Through this, Anne was able to receive one-to-one mentoring and attend a number of events aimed at helping people set up or develop a new business.
“Working with Anne has been really rewarding," said Tanya King. "It is great to see a business go from strength to strength and using the facilities and services that are available to people in the region.”
For more information or to book on call the Chamber on 024 7665 4321 or log on to www.cw-chamber.co.uk
* The Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme is funded by the European Regional Development Fund, in partnership with Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council and the District and Borough Councils.
The facilities at Venture House and the coaching provided by the Chamber of Commerce are supported by Stratford-on-Avon District Council, The Growth Deal, Coventry & Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, Warwickshire County Council and European Regional Development Funding.
Handmade Fair will bring tourists flocking to Warwickshire
Warwickshire's craft and tourist industries will receive some impetus in May when the county hosts the first Kirstie Allsopp’s Handmade Fair event to be held outside London.
The Fair, in its fourth year, has been previously held only at Hampton Court Palace in London but this year will also take place in the grounds of Ragley Hall, near Alcester, from May 12 to 14.
With more than 8,000 visitors expected to attend, the three days will generate considerable footfall for the local traders while also providing a high-profile showcase for the breadth and quality of crafts expertise around the county.
And it is a great tribute to the county that it was to Warwickshire that the organisers looked when they decided to take the event on the road for the first time.
“With Shakespeare’s birthplace on its doorstep, and some needle heritage in Studley, Warwickshire is an area steeped in culture which makes it the perfect fit for Kirstie Allsopp’s Handmade Fair," said Ali Atkinson, group marketing manager at the organisers Brand Events.
"We wanted a venue that was visually stunning and would help us create a similar look and feel to our flagship event at Hampton Court Palace. Ragley is a great fit."
The annual event has become a staple in the craft industry calendar and its arrival in Warwickshire brings a great opportunity for the county's craftspeople in their own back yard.
Warwickshire-based exhibitors at the fair will include:
* Jayne Emerson (http://jayneemerson.co.uk/workshops-2/
* Toft Alpacas (http://www.thetoftalpacashop.co.uk)
* Sew Me Something (http://www.sewmesomething.co.uk/
* Rachel Higgins http://www.courtleetstudio.co.uk/rachel_higgins.html
* Candid Owl https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Candidowl.
If you would like to inquire about exhibiting at the Fair, or to find out more details about the event, please contact the show manager Freya Cromarty (Tel: 03300 555 735, email: freyac@brandevents.co.uk).
Business urged: Be wifi savvy
Businesses are being offered free wifi to encourage them to review their wifi security in a new campaign by Warwickshire County Council’s Community Safety Team and the Office of Warwickshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner.
The campaign, under the #wifisavvy banner, enables businesses to demonstrate their commitment to customers’ security by displaying a poster and window-sticker showing that they have considered the following:
- They have changed the admin password of their router from its default setting
- They have disabled remote management to the router completely
- They are committed to using reliable encryption (WPA2 as minimum) and
- They ensure that their router is regularly updated with the latest software
In addition to this, all customers will be advised:
- to be aware of their surroundings, to make sure no one is watching them type when using wifi in public locations
- to get the correct Identification for public wifi to ensure that they do not inadvertently access spoofed or insecure wifi connections
- to keep their internet security up-to-date and to always use a firewall
- to avoid using free, public wifi to do things like personal banking or online shopping.
If your business follows/would like to follow the above steps and display a poster promoting the safe use of wifi, please contact the Business Crime Advisor at alexcharleswilliams@warwickshire.gov.uk.
Warwickshire Business Watch Update
The Warwickshire Business Watch website now has 24 advice sheets on a range of topics from traditional crime to cyber crime. News, events and incidents are also added daily. The Community Messaging Service continues to be used to send out multiple messages to specific areas of Warwickshire immediately when required.
The Keep Me Posted system, which is the national government messaging system and enables the subscriber to receive any information that in this case is added to the Business Watch website, continues to be used frequently. Information added to the website is sent directly into the subscriber’s inbox and includes incidents, events and important news on a range of topics from the local area.
To sign up to the Keep Me Posted Business Watch alerts, please visit the link below.
https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKWARWICKSHIRE/subscriber/new?topic_id=UKWARWICKSHIRE_22
To access the Warwickshire Business Watch website and sign up to either of the Alerts visit: www.warwickshirebusinesswatch.co.uk or use the Twitter address @WarksBusiness.