Featured News
Great feedback from first 'My Hospitality World: Warwickshire' campaign
"...having a combined panel drawn from local authority, industry and education was a big factor in its success."
Young people received some great insights into the appeal of a career in the hospitality sector during the first My Hospitality World Warwickshire campaign.
The campaign, co-organised by Warwickshire County Council, delivered a series of events around the county between February 27 and March 5.
Like many sectors, the hospitality industry faces ongoing recruitment problems with young people in 2019 facing more career options than ever before.
That means that employers need to be proactive about recruitment - and many got involved with the My Hospitality World Warwickshire Campaign to speak directly to young people.
Among businesses to host events was the Stratford Manor Hotel, where the campaign was launched.
Joanne Hammick, general manager of Stratford Manor and a member of the steering group behind My Hospitality World Warwickshire, said: "When I was first introduced to the concept of My Hospitality World, I welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the campaign and even more so to help shape its contents and be an industry voice.
"The workshops were a great success and myself and the teams involved really enjoyed having direct interaction with pupils. The campaign not only allowed us to share our opportunities but also created relationships with two local schools, which I really value and will build on in future months.
"I would like to thank Warwickshire County Council for their investment in the sector and bringing together a project team to drive the campaign forward. I believe that having a combined panel drawn from local authority, industry and education was a big factor in its success as the panel gave consideration to every aspect of the campaign's delivery. I have already pledged my and the hotel's support for the next campaign and look forward to encouraging other businesses to join us in our quest to inspire future talent."
The project's number one objective was to get young people engaged with the hospitality sector - and that was emphatically achieved judging by feedback from the schools involved.
Pupils and staff alike from Shipston High School, who visited Stratford Manor, were inspired by the presentations by the hotel.
Louise Moorman, careers leader at Shipston High School, said: "We had a fantastic day at Stratford Manor as part of the My Hospitality World Warwickshire campaign. It was really inspiring to the students and staff and the event was really enjoyable.
"The students had a lovely time and thoroughly enjoyed themselves but, more importantly, the event achieved exactly what was intended."
Year 9 student Isabelle Webley said: "The hotel manager showed us a film about the hospitality industry and we couldn’t believe how many opportunities there are. It was very inspiring and taught us that there are many people behind the scenes that you don’t see during your stay at the hotel. These are the people that create your enjoyable stay."
My Hospitality World Warwickshire was organised by a steering group comprising Joanne Hammick, Nicholas Brosnan (Proactive Education), David Lennox (The Careers and Enterprise Company), Lisa Redding (Eden Hotel Collection) and Fay Winterburn (business skills advisor at Warwickshire County Council).
Lisa Redding, speaking at the Arden Hotel, Stratford, who hosted an Afternoon Tea Masterclass (pictured right) said: "We are immensely proud to have been part of this exciting initiative. The opportunity to welcome teachers, students and parents into our hotels enabled us to really showcase our exciting industry.
"There are many misconceptions around careers in hospitality despite the vast scope of opportunities and the ability to progress at a young age. Engaging with local schools and colleges must be a key priority for all hospitality employers to enable us to inspire the next generation."
Fay Winterburn said: "The campaign was a great success. Myself and other members of the project team visited all events and were delighted to see first-hand the impact the workshops were having on the pupils attending.
"Sitting in the background we watched various hotel employees put so much energy and enthusiasm into telling their career story and literally bringing the industry opportunities to life.
"We send a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported and took part in the campaign. Having engaged with over 200 pupils, we are keen to now develop a wider programme for 2020 and will look forward to sharing more of this very soon."
Shakespeare Distillery expansion made possible by business support
“Now fully operational in a brand-new manufacturing facility located in rural Warwickshire, the expansion will see Shakespeare Distillery through its major period of growth.”
An independent distillery in Stratford-upon-Avon is launching every gin lover’s dream day out after rehoming its base of operations.
Shakespeare Distillery has officially opened its doors to the public for the very first time after moving to new premises - and bookings for the state-of-the-art Gin School are being taken.
The new home on Drayton Manor Drive is bigger than its predecessor on the Alscot Estate, and it means that the business can expand production thanks to the introduction of its new still, offer tours, as well as the introduction of the Gin School.
The Gin School gives budding distillers the chance to craft their very own gin using professional equipment and a range of high-quality botanical ingredients, which they then bottle, seal and label to take home.
The session also incorporates a guided tour, where visitors can learn about the history and the methods behind the UK’s favourite spirit – with some free samples available along the way.
Peter Monks, Director at Shakespeare Distillery, said: “It’s an exciting time for us after moving to our new home.
“All of our gins are handmade to the highest quality, with the entire process taking place in house, and our Gin School offers people a fantastic opportunity to go behind the scenes and come up with their own creations.
“Our award-winning Stratford Gin, which was created by our distiller Simon Picken, has been incredibly successful since we launched it in 2015 and there’s also our Mulberry Gin which is made by combining mulberries with the gin and leaving it to steep for several months. Most recently we launched our beautifully pink Rhubarb Gin, with more Distillery Specials to come as the team begin to experiment with the new still.
“Our experts have plenty of knowledge to impart to our visitors, and as the popularity of gin continues to rise, we’ll be looking to keep right at the front of that trend with our distillery tours and experiences.”
The location move and the new still could not have happened without the help of Warwickshire County Council and its Business Growth Adviser, Jagdish Soor.
He has been working with the team over the last year and has helped the firm through the business planning stages, and supported it in accessing funding to secure a substantial grant award from Warwickshire County Council's Small Capital Grant (SCG) scheme.
Jagdish added: “Warwickshire County Council offers a range of business support and grant-funded programmes aimed not only at small businesses but ambitious companies such as Shakespeare Distillery, who are able to demonstrate high growth and scale-up potential in a short space of time.
“Simon and Peter’s passion for their business was clear from the outset and we are delighted that our small capital grant has been an enabler for them to realise their growth plans.
“Now fully operational in a brand-new manufacturing facility located in rural Warwickshire, the expansion will see Shakespeare Distillery through its major period of growth.”
Helen Peters, chief executive of Shakespeare’s England, of which Shakespeare Distillery is a member, is thrilled that the team have been able to expand and hopes it will put Stratford-upon-Avon and the business on the map for gin lovers.
“Shakespeare Distillery is one of the many fantastic institutions in the Stratford area, and it’s great to see them up and running at their new home,” said Helen.
“They stand out in that they take inspiration from the time when Shakespeare was alive, and I’m sure their Gin School and guided tours will go down very well with the locals as well as people visiting from further afield.
“They were hugely successful before their move but now they look set to go on to bigger and better things at their new site.”
For more information about Shakespeare Distillery or to book on to the Gin School or for a tour, visit shakespearedistillery.com
* The advice for the company was delivered as part of the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme, which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Warwickshire County Council.
- To find out more about the range of support available to grow your business, please contact the Growth Hub on 0300 060 3747.
Successful Skills Conference focuses on higher-level skills
“The county council's Skills Conference is an invaluable opportunity for schools and businesses to network and I would encourage all schools to get involved. Every year my school has benefited from a project or business connection that started at the conference.”
More than 100 people from the business and education communities came together at Warwickshire County Council’s annual skills conference.
Representatives from the worlds of business and education discussed ways in which higher-level skills can help drive the region’s economic growth.
During the breakfast conference, at Stoneleigh Park on Wednesday 6 March, delegates heard from county council chief executive Monica Fogarty who outlined the priorities of the new all-age Careers Strategy which the council is currently developing and will consult on in the spring with a view to publication in the summer.
David Ayton-Hill, economy & skills group manager at the county council, gave delegates plenty of key data and information to consider about the county’s skills picture now and in the future, including:
- Between 2012-2022, 60% of jobs to be filled will require higher-level skills
- Higher-level skills are those needing qualifications at Level 4 and above. (Level 4 includes: Higher Apprenticeships, Certificate of Higher Education, Higher National Certificate and Level 4 NVQ.)
- The attributes associated with higher-level skills, and therefore increasingly needed, are: Higher cognitive functions of creativity and processing complex information; social and emotional skills such as taking initiative, management and leadership; and technological skills including advanced IT skills and programming.
- Despite Warwickshire seeing a strong growth in the proportion of the population with a Level 4+ qualification (up from 31% in 2010 to just over 40% in 2017), recent data suggests up to 50% of people with these higher-level qualifications are working in roles which do not require them.
- There is a need to better connect businesses with education-providers to enable a better matching of roles, skills and behaviours to support our continued growth and make best use of this growing highly-skilled population.
At the event Cllr Peter Butlin, deputy leader of Warwickshire County Council, announced an innovative Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Programme for small businesses.
Many large employers, including the county council, struggle to fully utilise their Apprenticeship Levy. Utilising the new flexibilities, the county council aims to transfer up to £300,000 per year to help support smaller, non-levy paying businesses, such as organisations operating in the adult social and child care sector, and cover their apprenticeship training costs.
The first business to benefit from an apprenticeship levy transfer from the county council, Unique Senior Care, has described the funding, which will go towards recruiting new staff and also upskilling existing staff members, as "hugely helpful."
Delegates at the Skills Conference also heard an interesting summary of how employers can access the graduate talent pool from Professor Pat Tissington, academic director of employability and skills at the University of Warwick. Neil Coker, director of Warwickshire College, Rugby, offered insights into how FE colleges can help before The Coleshill School headteacher, Ian Smith-Childs, gave an overview of the range of exciting skills initiatives being undertaken at his school.
Mr Smith-Childs said: “The county council's Skills Conference is an invaluable opportunity for schools and businesses to network and I would encourage all schools to get involved. Every year my school has benefited from a project or business connection that started at the conference.”
Lively discussion round the tables delivered a number of ideas of how WCC, businesses and education-providers can help businesses tackle skills shortages and gaps. Several delegates stressed the importance of identifying and communicating changing future skills needs as soon as possible to enable providers to respond by aligning their provision. The county council will explore ways of doing this.
Monica Fogarty, chief executive of Warwickshire County Council, said: “It was an excellent conference and great to see so many partners from the worlds of business and education coming together to help shape our skills activity for years to come. At the county council we are working hard, with our partners, to ensure that all our young people - whatever their skills and abilities - are able to gain the skills they need to obtain worthwhile and fulfilling jobs now and in the future.”
The Skills Conference is a key element of Warwickshire County Council's £3 million Skills for Employment programme which has funded more than 40,000 careers and employability activities in more than 600 local businesses during the last four years.
Any businesses interested in linking with a local school or college, or for further information on the Apprenticeship Levy Transfer,can call 01926 418027 or e-mail skillsforemployment@warwickshire.com
ICM increases productivity with business support and funding
A shop fitting company is aiming to create new jobs after receiving £150,000 in grant funding.
Stratford-upon-Avon based ICM, which began life in 1998 as a one-man operation run by managing girector Steve Lewis, has invested in top of the range machinery, as well as new air conditioning, flooring and computers thanks to a series of collaborative funding bids.
Through the purchase of a £250,000 5-axis CNC machine, the production side of the business has been transformed, with a quicker turnaround time than ever before achievable for its range of high quality interior features, which are fitted at a range of popular restaurants and bars across the UK.
The company is looking to create 10 new jobs this year and increase turnover by 30 per cent by 2022 following the recent investments, which have come together as a result of partnership working between Coventry and Warwickshire LEP Growth Hub, Warwickshire County Council and Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support and Green Business Programmes that are part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
Steve Lewis said: “The business has changed and developed over the last 20 years, going from a one-man operation to 45 staff across two sites.
“Thanks to the funding we have received we are now about to enter what we believe will be an incredibly exciting period of growth for us.
“Purchasing the 5-axis CNC machine has revolutionised our processes, we are working with a range of new clients in the leisure industry and have expanded to work in airports.
“This purchase, alongside the equipment we purchased thanks to our work with Warwickshire County Council and Coventry City Council, has set us up for an exciting year.”
A range of complex funding applications had to be completed in order to secure the machine and accompanying improvements.
Gary Thyeson, Account Manager with the Coventry and Warwickshire LEP Growth Hub, said: “This is a perfect example of successful collaboration to help contribute towards real business growth.
“ICM is a success story thanks to the hard work of Steve and his team and we are proud to contribute towards the next chapter of that story.”
Jagdish Soor, Warwickshire County Council Business Support, added: “Warwickshire County Council are delighted to have been able to assist ICM in their recent expansion phase through its various business support initiatives such as the Business Ready program delivered by our partners at UWSP.
“Using our expertise and experience, have navigated ICM through a complex RDPE grant application leading to a successful £133,000 grant award affording them to install essential, much needed automation into their manufacturing cell.”
Matthew Dillow, Green Business Programme Lead, said: “Replacing ageing air conditioning units across its sites has enable ICM to be more efficient in its use of energy, which in turn will lead to re-investing savings into becoming more competitive in the marketplace alongside providing an improved working environment for its employees.”
Kierandeep Bal, Business Development Advisor at Coventry City Council, said: “The grants each organisation has helped ICM secure, has helped contribute towards a major period of growth and create jobs so we are very pleased to have played a part in that.”
Important connections made at Warwickshire Food & Drink
Warwickshire Food & Drink Expo 2019 was given an international flavour when a delegation from Jordan dropped in on a fact-finding visit.
The Expo, supported by Warwickshire County Council at Warwick Racecourse, was a great success as dozens of local producers and suppliers took the opportunity to swap information and make contacts.
Comments from exhibitors included:
"...a great event, not only for meeting potential buyers but also for just talking to other small business."
"...delighted to support the event, it was fabulous. We spoke to a lot of other businesses and had a great time."
"...events like this are brilliant - you talk to other suppliers and producers and learn a lot and pick up little nuggets of information and think 'I could do that'.
All day there was a good stream of visitors and, in the afternoon, these included the guests from Jordan who were visiting England to learn about democracy.
Warwickshire County Council was asked to host them to show them how a local authority works and, as they had a particular interest in tourism and agriculture, a visit to the Food & Drink Expo was arranged.
They were welcomed to the event by council leader Cllr Izzi Seccombe.
"It was lovely to meet our guests from Jordan," Cllr Seccombe said. "Despite the cold and windy weather, we offered them a very warm welcome and it was great to see them clearly engaged by what we do as a council and impressed by all the fantastic and diverse produce from Warwickshire.
"Feedback from the Expo was very positive. It was evident that a lot of networking was going on with many valuable contacts made."
Among exhibitors at the event was Mandy Kemp, owner of Wootton Wawen-based vinegar supplier Vinegar Tips.
"Events like this are brilliant - you talk to other suppliers and producers and learn a lot and pick up little nuggets of information and think 'I could do that.'
"It is such a good event and so reasonably priced. I made contact with a wedding event company which is actually two miles from where I make the vinegars . I didn't even know they were there so we made a really good connection. That one conversation alone made the event worthwhile for me."
Also exhibiting was John Dwyer Bakery Ltd, which has been baking in Rugby since 1989 and now employs 43 people.
General Manager Peter Gault said: said: "We are in a very competitive market with the likes of Warburtons and Kingsmill, but have proved that the smaller, independent guy fighting for shelf-space can still thrive.
"We are very happy with what we do and just want to grow organically on a steady upward curve, year on year and keep employing people. Events like the Food & Drink Expo are a great help.
"We were delighted to support the event, it was fabulous. We spoke to a lot of other businesses and had a great time."
Region in the spotlight at international property show
The 30th edition of the MIPIM Property show took place in France last week, bringing together developers, investors and intermediaries from across the globe to promote and discuss the global property market place.
The nine Local Enterprise Partnership areas of the Midlands exhibited for the third year as Midlands UK, with a record 100 private and public partners, including the West Midlands Combined Authority and the Coventry & Warwickshire MIPIM 2019 Partnership.
The Midlands Pavilion hosted a week of presentations and panel discussions, which included the unveiling of the WMCA Investment Prospectus, £10bn worth of housing, regeneration, commercial and infrastructure development opportunities to international investors at MIPIM. This included the 5.6ha Transforming Nuneaton Programme, promoted by Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council and Warwickshire County Council, and the 90-acre MIRA Southern Manufacturing Site, allocated by North Warwickshire Borough Council to expand the offer available at MIRA Technology Park.
Warwickshire County Council has been working with Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council and other partners on Transforming Nuneaton, a project aimed at regenerating the largest town in Warwickshire.
The programme received a major boost last year with the awarding of £7.5m Local Growth Fund money via Coventry & Warwickshire LEP. At MIPIM this year a round table of nationally-based developers, agents and consultants was brought together to promote the excellent opportunities presented by the Transforming Nuneaton Programme, and to get input and feedback on the approach taken to bring the programme forward.
The potential of PropTech was explored at the ‘How Tech is Shaping Commercial Property’ event. This included presentations by local online commercial property portal company Proplist, Ian Harrabin of CDP talking about commercial space for tech and creative companies, such as Creative Quarter Leamington, and Paris based property app company Workwell.
The event also featured a video talking head from CWLEP board member Sarah Windrum, talking about ‘Innovation through Collaboration’, with footage from CAB Studios/ Long Barn (Alcester), Arch 4 Creative Arches and Engaging Spaces (Leamington) and Ludic Rooms/ Canal Basin (Coventry).
Coventry European City of Sport 2020, Commonwealth Games 2022 and Coventry City of Culture 2021 were in the Spotlight on Wednesday and Thursday in the Midlands UK Pavilion, which featured regeneration through sport and through culture and creative on the Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. The Thursday session included ‘Royal Leamington Spa World Class Games Cluster – Regeneration through Games Development,’ in which Creative Quarter Leamington was discussed by developer CDP, and was accompanied by a short video showcasing the town and its games development cluster.
New Coventry & Warwickshire MIPIM commercial partners this year included MCS Group, who are building a new HQ centre on the outskirts of Warwick.
For more information on the Coventry & Warwickshire presence at MIPIM 2019, visit the Coventry & Warwickshire Champions website.
Warwickshire's leisure offer nets another Big One
20,000 visitors set to attend major angling event at Stoneleigh
Warwickshire has reeled in another big attraction with one of the biggest fishing shows in the UK coming to the county in April.
‘The Big One’, Hampshire-based for the last 20 years, will come to the Midlands for the first time when a second edition of the show is held at the NAEC Stoneleigh, near Kenilworth.
The show on Saturday and Sunday April 13 and 14, featuring hundreds of angling retailers selling state-of the-art tackle and bait, will be another prestige addition to the county's tourism and leisure offer.
Last year’s 'The Big One' at Farnborough attracted more than 20,000 visitors, and the show at NAEC Stoneleigh is expected to be equally successful, with an estimated pool of around 306,000 anglers within casting distance of Stoneleigh.
Stars of the angling world, such as River Monsters presenter Jeremy Wade and World Feeder Champion Steve Ringer, will be on hand to meet visitors and to give advice while a demonstration pool will be set up so visitors can view the latest tackle in action.
Warwickshire's central location and excellent transport links were the bait which attracted the big event to the region, according to Vince Davies, show director at Bauer.
“We realised that, for many anglers from the Midlands, Farnborough is not the most accessible location," said Mr Davies. "So we decided to host a new show to make sure they’re not missing out. Stoneleigh Park is the perfect location. It is very easy to get to with its great transport links and there is free parking on site too.
“Angling is so popular in the Midlands, there are so many wonderful spots for coarse fishing across the wider region, and we are confident the Big One will live up to its name at NAEC Stoneleigh.
"The two giant halls will be full of the best tackle and bait and it will be brilliant to have the likes of Jeremy Wade and Steve Ringer at Stoneleigh to speak with visitors as well.
Kate Varvedo of NAEC Stoneleigh, said: “We host national events here at NAEC Stoneleigh throughout the year, and we are really pleased to have attracted such a major show to the Midlands.
“The Big One was proved very successful at Farnborough and we are confident it will be just as popular here and will become a regular event on the fishing calendar.”
Tickets for The Big One, including special VIP packages, are on sale at thebigoneshow.co.uk or by calling SEE Tickets on 0871 2310827 (calls cost 13p per minute plus network extras).
Sarah showing the way for aspiring women entrepreneurs
"I would encourage women to have the confidence to follow their instincts and act on their entrepreneurial ideas.”
An award-winning technology specialist from Warwickshire has encouraged women to make the most of their untapped potential as part of International Women’s Day.
Sarah Windrum, CEO of Leamington-based technology group The Emerald Group, has been presented with an award for Exceptional Achievement in Policy Work for the West Midlands for 2018 by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
The FSB campaigns on behalf of its members on a wide range of topics including Women in Enterprise since only 22 per cent of SMEs in the UK are majority women-owned.
Recent research has discovered that currently 2.7 million women in the UK want to start a business but have been put off by persistent barriers.
Sarah received the award for her work with regional stakeholders especially on innovation by holding a round table for the construction sector and planning a series of events to discuss the findings of the FSB’s Spotlight on Innovation report.
She was also praised for promoting the work of small businesses through FSB campaigns including the It’s Ok to Talk About Mental Health when she shared her story and highlighted how The Emerald Group is promoting good mental health in the workplace.
Sarah, who is a board director at the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) and leads its Digital and Creative Business Group,said International Women’s Day was the ideal time to encourage more women to consider setting up their own business whatever sector they were interested in.
“SMEs make a vital contribution to our economy and encouraging more women to take the plunge and make the most of their talents will lead to further growth and a more diverse business community,” she said.
“It can still be difficult for women to make their mark in certain industries which are perceived to be male-dominated which was one of the topics we discussed at the construction round table event.
“The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is ‘Think equal, build smart, innovate for change’ and I would encourage women to have the confidence to follow their instincts and act on their entrepreneurial ideas.”
Sarah added: “I was thrilled to receive the award especially in my first year with the FSB as their West Midlands Regional Policy Lead.
“We have an exceptionally strong team here in the West Midlands and a thriving small business economy.
“Running any organisation at this current time is not without it challenges but we have really shown that collaborative working across the region is the way to secure the best future for all.”
Further investment brings new vehicle workshops to MIRA Technology Park
Europe’s largest automotive R&D cluster, MIRA Technology Park, is set to open five brand new vehicle workshop facilities as it invests further in developing its world-class campus.
The purpose-built vehicle workshops are each equipped with integral office and amenities and located in the North Sector of MIRA Technology Park.
Positioned next to HORIBA MIRA’s 100km automotive proving ground, the workshops are ideally located to support vehicle test and development-based operations.
The Park, in north Warwickshire, is in a prime location for those looking to establish a technical presence in the centre of the UK automotive industry.
Since 2010, MIRA Technology Park has welcomed 38 globally-recognised businesses to the site and has become one of the UK’s top performing Enterprise Zones. It has also recently been awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the category of ‘International Trade’ for significant growth in international companies setting up on site.
With significant expansion of its autonomous vehicle test environments, including replica city test tracks, high-speed dynamic test areas, campus deployment and links to public test infrastructure, MIRA Technology Park is quickly becoming a campus for mobility test and development.
The new vehicle workshops of around 1,300 sq ft. each, are designed to help get companies set up on site quickly whilst allowing for growth as teams develop and expand. The facility is expected to be ready for occupation around mid-year.
“MIRA Technology Park has become a global destination of choice for automotive R&D” said Terry Spall, commercial director at MIRA Technology Park. “With the growth of the Park accelerating, we are committed to continuing to invest in our facilities and services to ensure we can anticipate and fully satisfy the needs of companies already based within the Park and those aspiring to join us.”
Two years of big opportunity beckoning for Warwickshire businesses
“With UK City of Culture in Coventry in 2021 followed by the Commonwealth Games in the region in 2022, it presents a fantastic opportunity for our area and our businesses."
The West Midlands will have two years in the international spotlight – and that will mean major opportunities for Coventry and Warwickshire businesses to help grow the regional economy.
That was the clear message at a business briefing organised by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce with the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee.
The event, which preceded the Chamber’s Trade Local Business & Trade Expo at NAEC Stoneleigh, attracted 300 business people from across the region to hear about the contracts that are available now and will be coming soon - and crucially, how to tender for them.
The briefing was hosted by Olympic bronze medallist Katharine Merry and attendees also heard from Jonathan Browning, chairman of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership; Ian Reid, the CEO of the Birmingham 2022 Organising Committee and Neil Carney, project director for Birmingham City Council.
A panel briefing also included Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, and Rebecca Battman, head of brand at RBL – the first major organising committee contractor.
Louise said: “It is great to see the team behind Birmingham 2022 coming out to engage with businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire and presenting to them the opportunities that are available.
“It was very clear to our local SME community that there will be opportunities for them to tender for contracts and it is up to all of us to make the most of that.
“With UK City of Culture in Coventry in 2021 followed by the Commonwealth Games in the region in 2022, it presents a fantastic opportunity for our area and our businesses.
“I was out at MIPIM, where cities and regions from all over the world are competing and trying to sell themselves to potential global investors. The fact that we have these incredible events coming to our region in 2021 and 2022 provided a real selling point for us and it is a great way of generating a buzz around Coventry, Warwickshire and the wider region.”
Following his presentation, Ian Reid said: “I was delighted to see so many businesses from across the region at Stoneleigh. I’d like to thank the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce for providing us with this excellent chance to explain the opportunities that will be available, the timescales for those opportunities and the benefits that hosting the Games will bring to the entire region.
“We know that local businesses have local passion. They are hugely invested in making the Games a success, so we very much want to harness that passion and use it to ensure the Games has an even greater impact.”
Katharine Merry, who was born in Warwickshire, spoke about her experiences as a young athlete growing up in the region, of her international athletics career and of her recent experiences of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and on the Gold Coast, where she was part of the BBC commentary team.
After hosting the business briefing she said: “I used to prepare to perform and now it’s the region’s turn to prepare to perform. Birmingham 2022 brings with it some exciting opportunities for local businesses.”
Companies can register now on the Birmingham 2022 business portal at www.birmingham2022.com/businessportal
Esports success for Warwickshire school
King Edward VI School, Stratford (KES), has reached the national finals of the groundbreaking annual Digital Schoolhouse (DSH) e-sports tournament, supported by Warwickshire County Council.
Four Warwickshire schools - KES, Campion School, Kineton High School and The Coleshill School - competed in the regional finals hosted by Staffordshire University and Belong by GAME.
The KES team now has the national title in its sights after overcoming Shire Oak Academy (Walsall Wood) in the final to become regional champions. They will compete in the Grand Final Event, hosted by Gfinity, which will coincide with the London Games Festival in April 2019.
The regional event entailed much more than the competition. Professionals were on hand to deliver inspirational talks and provide opportunities for students to ‘mingle with the pros’ and speak one-to-one about potential careers.
The four Warwickshire schools are taking part in Digital Schoolhouse after it became clear to the county council that the prestigious scheme is beneficial on a number of fronts: helping business to address the skills gap, young people into work and, in the medium and long terms, the county to retain its place as a leader in the Digital Creative Sector.
Digital Schoolhouse is delivered by the Association for UK Interactive Entertainment (UKIE) and is backed Warwickshire County Council along with industry leaders PlayStation, Sega and Ubisoft.
Warwickshire County Council welcomes involvement of businesses from the county’s digital sector. Any who would like to be involved should contact: stacyoconnor@warwickshire.gov.uk.
If you would like your school to join the Digital Schoolhouse programme please contact: http://www.digitalschoolhouse.org.uk/articles/2019/01/applications-have-opened
Events
Upcoming events...
MARCH
Chamber Networking: Thurs 21st March, 16:30-18:30, Best Western Plus Manor Hotel, 127 Main Road, Meriden, West Midlands, CV7 7NH (Free) https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/chamber-networking-1/
Warwickshire Towns Network Conference 2019: Thurs 21st March, 09:00-15:30, Warwick Racecourse, Hampton Street, Warwick, CV34 6HN (Free) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/warwickshire-towns-network-conference-2019-tickets-55401906594?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Legal Support Clinic: Thurs 21st March: 10:00-14:00, CWLEP Growth Hub, Enterprise Centre, Coventry University Technology Park, Puma Way, Coventry, CV1 2TT (Free) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/legal-support-clinic-tickets-56785343491
Q1 South Warwickshire Branch: Fri 22nd March, 08:00-09:30 (Free) https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/q1-south-warwickshire-branch-2019/
FREE Business Support Session: Warwick: Fri 22nd March 10:00-14:00, CWLEP, The Old Clink, The Halloway, Warwick, CV34 4SJ https://www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk/event/free-business-support-session-warwick-3
Winning and Keeping Customers (Stratford-upon-Avon): Tues 26th March, Venture House Business Centre, Avenue Farm Industrial Estate, Birmingham Road, Stratford Upon Avon, CV37 0HR https://www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk/event/winning-and-keeping-customers-stratford-upon-avon-session-23
MTC Open Evening: Tues 26th March, 17:00 - 19:30, Manufacturing Technology Centre, Pilot Way, Ansty Park, Coventry, CV7 9JU https://www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk/event/mtc-open-evening-3
Managing risk - on and off the pitch: Tues 26th March, 08:30-11:00, Ricoh Arena, Judds Lane, Coventry, CV6 6GE https://www.coventry-warwickshire.co.uk/event/gallagher-managing-risk-and-pitch
Save Money and Get More Customers: Thurs 28th March, 09:00-16:00, Ramada Hotel & Suites Coventry, The Butts, Coventry, CV1 3GG (Free)
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/save-money-and-get-more-customers-tickets-56179130291
Chamber Commercial Academy Day: Thurs 28th March, 08:30-16:30, Dunchurch Park Hotel, Rugby Road, Dunchurch, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV22 6QW (Chamber Member: £25.00 + VAT Non-Chamber Member £40.00 + VAT) https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/chamber-commercial-academy-day/
The Henley Hub: Thurs 28th March, 11:30-14:00, UBCUK Henley-in-Arden, Forward House, 17 High Street, Henley-in-Arden, B95 5AA (Free) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-henley-hub-tickets-51519334717
Warwickshire Property Forum - Baraset Barn Hotel: Thurs 28th March, 16:00-18:00, Baraset Barn Hotel, (£10 exc VAT) http://www.stratford-business-forum.co.uk/catalogue_item.php?catID=13382&prodID=88098
East Midlands Manufacturing & Engineering Conference 2019: Thurs 28th March, 08:30-13:00, The Manufacturing Technology Centre, Ansty Park, Coventry (Member price: £25 + VAT, Non-Member Price: £75 + VAT)
https://www.emc-dnl.co.uk/connecting-you/industry-focused-events/manufacturing-event2/manufacturing-engineering-conference/?VariantID=2331&no_admin=1
Developing Beyond Brexit: Fri 29th March, 08:00-09:30, Loades Ecoparc, Blackhorse Road, Exhall, Coventry, CV7 9FW (Free) https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/developing-beyond-brexit/
APRIL
Perspectives on China: Mon 1st April, 12:00-13:00, George Eliot Building, Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry University, CV1 5FB https://www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk/event/perspectives-china
A Guide to Business Planning (Coventry) Session 3/4 : Tues 2nd April, 09:30-13:30, Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, Cheetah Road, Coventry, CV1 2TL https://www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk/event/guide-business-planning-coventry-session-34-mar-apr-2019
Getting Started with Finances (Coventry) Session 4/4: Tues 2nd April, Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, Cheetah Road, Coventry, CV1 2TL https://www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk/event/getting-started-finances-coventry-session-44-mar-apr-2019
North Warwickshire Business Support Expo: Tues 2nd April, 08:00-10:30am, Atherstone Memorial Hall, 10 Long Street, Athertstone, CV9 1AX (Free) https://cwgrowthhub.co.uk/event/north-warwickshire-business-support-expo
The Warwickshire Virtual Assistant Network Forum: Weds 3rd April, 10:00-12:00, The Fat Pug, 6 Guys Cliffe Road, Leamington Spa, CV32 5DA (£10) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-warwickshire-virtual-assistant-network-forum-tickets-54060272731?janus_fv=exp_eb_86972_related_events_v2%3DA
Develop your business brand proposition & messaging: Weds 3rd April, 10:00-13:00, Glued, The Warehouse, 44 Oxford Street, Leamington Spa, CV32 4RA (£49.99) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/develop-your-business-brand-proposition-messaging-tickets-56699711363
Coventry & Warwickshire PA Forum: Weds 3rd April, 18:00-20:00, Village Hotel Coventry, Coventry, CV4 9GZ (Free) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/coventry-warwickshire-pa-forum-tickets-56752160239
Want to start a business? Weds 3rd April, 08:45-16:00, Serious Games Institute (Floor 1) 6, Coventry Innovation Village, Cheetah Road, Coventry, CV1 2TL (Free) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/want-to-start-a-business-registration-57161765379
FREE Business Support Session Atherstone: Thurs 4th April, 09:00-13:00, North Warwickshire Borough Council House, Council Street, Atherstone, CV9 1DE https://www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk/event/free-business-support-session-atherstone-0
Business Breakfast Briefing: Thurs 4th April, 08:00-10:00, Coventry City Council House, Earl Street, Coventry, CV1 5RR (Free) https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/business-breakfast-briefing-april-2019/
12@12 Professionals Lunch Stratford: Thurs 4th April, 12:00-14:00, El Greco, (£12.50 exc VAT) http://www.stratford-business-forum.co.uk/catalogue_item.php?catID=6761&prodID=58686
Put your Social Media House in Order: Thurs 4th April, 09:30-16:00, Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce House, Unit 8 & 9, Innovation Village, Cheetah Road, CV1 2TL (Free) https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/put-your-social-media-house-in-order-4th-april-2019/
Cheltenham BIG Breakfast Meeting: Fri 5th April, Arrivals from 7am, Cheltenham Ladies College, Health and Fitness Centre (£12.50 exc VAT) http://www.stratford-business-forum.co.uk/catalogue_item.php?catID=13439&prodID=87166
Q1 Mid Warwickshire Branch 2019: Fri 5th April, 08:00-09:30, The Old Shire Hall, Northgate Street, Warwick, CV34 4SP (Free) https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/q1-mid-warwickshire-branch-2019/
Leamington Spa Ukie Hub Crawl: Getting Investment Ready: Fri 5th April, 10:00-13:00, Playground Games, Rossmore House, 9 Newbold Terrace, Leamington Spa, CV32 4EA (Free) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/leamington-spa-ukie-hub-crawl-getting-investment-ready-tickets-54000344484
HR Masterclass: Turning Flexible Working into Smart Working: Mon 8th April, 10:00-13:00, Croner Group Limited, Croner House, Wheatfield Way, Hinckley, West Midlands, LE10 1YG (Chamber Member: £10:00+VAT, Non- Chamber Member £20.00+VAT) https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/hr-masterclass-turning-flexible-working-into-smart-working/
Going green: The benefits for your business: Tues 9th April, 08:00-10:30, Dunchurch Park Hotel, Rugby, CV22 6QW (Free) https://www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk/event/going-green-benefits-your-business
Chamber Means Business: Tues 9th April, 08:30-10:30, Ettington Chase, Ettington. Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshyire, CV37 7NZ (Free) https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/new-member-workshop-april/
Business Planning and Finance (Stratford-upon-Avon Session 3/3: Tues 9th April, 09:30-13:00, Venture House Business Centre, Avenue Farm Industrial Estate, Birmingham Road, Stratford Upon Avon, CV37 0HR https://www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk/event/business-planning-and-finance-stratford-upon-avon-session-33
Warwickshire Property Forum Brunch: Weds 10th April, 10:00-11:30, Temperance, 33 Bath Street, Leamington Spa, CV31 3AF (£16.66 exc VAT) http://www.stratford-business-forum.co.uk/catalogue_item.php?catID=13382&prodID=87771
West Mids Police and Crime Commissioner: Business Roundtable: Weds 10th April, 10:00-13:00 (Free) https://www.coventry-warwickshire.co.uk/event/west-mids-police-and-crime-commissioner-business-roundtable
Coventry City Football Club Raceday at Warwick Racecourse: Weds 10th April, 3:30pm-7:30pm, Hampton St, Warwick, CV34 6HN (£110 pp + VAT) https://www.coventry-warwickshire.co.uk/event/coventry-city-football-club-raceday-warwick-racecourse
Business Planning and Finance (Nuneaton / Bedworth) Session 3/3: Weds 10th April, 09:30-10:30, North Warwickshire and Hinckley College, Hinckley Road, Nuneaton, CV11 6BH (Free) https://www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk/event/business-planning-and-finance-nuneatonbedworth-session-33
Brexit Planning for Importers & Exporters: Weds 10th April, 09:00-16:00, Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Chamber House, Unit 8 & 9, Innovation Village, Cheetah Road, CV1 2TL (Chamber Member: £250, Non-Chamber Member: £295) https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/brexit-planning-for-importers-exporters-1/
Email Marketing that works: Weds 10th April, 09:30-16:00, Althorpe Enterprise Hub, Althorpe Street Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV31 2GB (Free) https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/email-marketing-that-works-10th-april-2019/
Women in Business: Thurs 11th April, 11:00-14:00, Billesley Manor, Hotel Billersley, Alcester, Warwickshire, B49 6NF (Chamber Member: £35+VAT, Non-Chamber Member: £ 45+VAT) https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/women-in-business-april-2019/
Q1 Rugby Branch: Fri 12th April, 08:00-09:30, Urban & Civic, The Visitor Centre, Dollman Farm, Dollman Road, Houlton, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV23 1AL (Free) https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/q1-rugby-branch-2019/
Joint Stratford and Leamington Business Forum ‘Easter’ BIG Breakfast: Fri 12th April, 7:00-9:00am, Royal Pump Rooms - Leamington (£12.50 exc VAT) http://www.stratford-business-forum.co.uk/catalogue_item.php?catID=6760&prodID=58684
35 under 35 Evening Warks: Mon 15th April, 17:00-19:00, Vivaanta, Warwick, (£20 exc VAT) http://www.stratford-business-forum.co.uk/catalogue_item.php?catID=6761&prodID=88051
Brexit Briefing: Tues 16th April, 09:00-11:00, Holiday Inn Coventry, M6 J2, Hinckley Road, Walsgrave, Coventry, CV2 2HP (Chamber Member: 20+VAT, Non-Chamber Member: £40+VAT) https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/brexit-briefing/
What did Luca Pacioli ever do for us? Weds 17th April, 07:00-08:30, Southam Community Church, Coventry Street, Southam, CV47 OEP (Free) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/what-did-luca-pacioli-ever-do-for-us-tickets-58260910953
The Henley Hub: Thurs 25th April, 11:30-14:00, UBCUK Henley-in-Arden, Forward House, 17 High Street, Henley-in-Arden, B95 5AA (Free) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-henley-hub-tickets-51519335720?janus_fv=exp_eb_86972_related_events_v2%3DA
FREE Business Support Session Warwick: Fri 26th April, CWLEP, The Old Clink, The Holloway, Warwick, CV34 4SJ (Free) https://www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk/event/free-business-support-session-warwick-4
FREE Business Support Session Bedworth: Mon 29th April, The Mayor’s Cafe, The Miners Welfare Park, Bedworth, CV12 8JT (Free) https://www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk/event/free-business-support-session-bedworth
Wordpress your Business: Tues 30th April, 09:30-16:00, Oxygen Graphics, 33 Albert Street, Warwickshire, CV21 2SQ (Free) https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/wordpress-your-business-30th-april-2019/
YouTube Video Workshop: Tues 30th April, 09:00-16:30, Ramada Hotel & Suites Coventry, The Butts, Coventry, CV1 3GG (Free) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/youtube-video-workshop-tickets-56802772622
MAY
The Warwickshire Virtual Assistant Network Forum: Weds 1st May, 10:00-12:00, The Fat Pug, 6 Guys Cliffe Road, Leamington Spa, CV32 5DA (Free) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-warwickshire-virtual-assistant-network-forum-tickets-54060273734?janus_fv=exp_eb_86972_related_events_v2%3DA
Made for space: new manufacturing opportunities: Thurs 2nd May - Fri 3rd May, 09:00-16:30, The MTC Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre, Ansty Park, Coventry, CV7 9JU https://www.coventry-warwickshire.co.uk/event/made-space-new-manufacturing-opportunities
Pitchfest: Pitch Preparation: 2nd May, 8th May, 16th May 2019, Judging panels: 27th May, 5th June, 11th June 2019, Pitchfest Final at NEC Birmingham: 4th July 2019. For more information visit https://www2.aston.ac.uk/aston-business-school/business/centre-for-growth/pitchfest-2019
Being a Paraolympian: Weds 15th May, 07:00-08:30, Southam Community Church, Coventry Street, Southam, CV47 0EP (Free) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/being-a-paraolympian-tickets-58261230910
OTHER USEFUL EVENT PAGES TO FOLLOW
C&W Business Festival: https://www.cwbusinessfestival.com/
Tech Central: https://techcentraluk.com/events
Business Ready: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/business-ready-12629314668
Coventry University Enterprises: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/cue-business-solutions-13651209205
C&W Chamber of Commerce: https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/
C&W Growth Hub: http://www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk/events
CW Champions: https://www.coventry-warwickshire.co.uk/events
Midlands Business Network: http://themidlandsbusinessnetwork.co.uk/events/
Leamington Hour: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/leamington-hour-7578817945
Stratford Business Forum: http://www.stratford-business-forum.co.uk/
Leamington Business Forum: http://www.leamington-business-forum.co.uk/
The Henley Hub: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-henley-hub-tickets-51519328699
Southam Business Forum: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/southam-business-forum-8369172972
Warwickshire VA Network: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-warwickshire-virtual-assistant-network-16829545906