Featured News
Residents of Venice protected by expertise from Kenilworth
The residents of Venice have plenty going for them. Living in that beautiful city they can enjoy the glories of St Mark's Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs, Doge's Palace, the famous canals.
And they also benefit from going to sleep every night content in the knowledge that they are safely protected by expertise and innovation skills from Warwickshire.
For where there are waterways, there are flooding risks and, with 26 miles of canals and other waterways, the risks in Venice are high. That makes flood defences of paramount importance - and the flood defences which protect the city day and night are supported by a foundation system conceived and manufactured in the heart of land-locked Warwickshire, in the centre of Kenilworth.
Proserve Marine Construction, now based in Princes Drive in the town, this year received a Queen's Award for Enterprise for their foundation work on the Venice Flood Barrage. The accolade, presented at Buckingham Palace in July, was due recognition for the groundbreaking technical skills and innovation of Proserve's engineers.
They devised the unique underwater grouting systems for the concrete foundations of the vast marine project, which was completed bang on time due also to some crucial and timely input from Warwickshire County Council.
Proserve's managing director Martin Hawkswood explains: "We were absolutely delighted to win the contract after we went over to pitch to the Ministry D'Aqua. But then we had to find premises big enough for us to fabricate the 24-metre long forms.
"We knew that, at the time, the county council had some land which was not being used off Warwick Road, where Halls Builders used to be, so took a punt and put a call into the estates office. They were ever so helpful and allowed us to use the space without paying rent. We just paid the rates.
"It was a huge help to us because there was nowhere else in Kenilworth where we could find the required space and we would have had to look elsewhere like Coventry, perhaps, which would have been much less convenient.
"We were on the site off Warwick Road from July 2012 to November 2013 which covered the majority of the manufacturing period for the Venice project. The foundation units were wholly manufactured there then shipped off to Italy by road.
"It was the perfect solution for us so we were really grateful to the county council. They then asked us to move out again but that was understandable – room had to be made for the new railway station.”
The Venice Barrage is certainly an eye-catching project - but far from the first such scheme on the books of a company which has long thrived in Kenilworth. Proserve was founded half-a-century ago by Ernie Cannon, who pioneered the system used in Venice, and since 1996 has continued to prosper under Martin Hawkswood.
The company's work underpins mighty structures worldwide including the eight-mile Confederation Bridge (the world's longest bridge over ice-covered waters) in Canada, the Second Severn Crossing (taking the M4 over the River Severn) in the west of England and the Big Dig in Boston, the most complex and technologically challenging highway project in the history of the United States.
Proserve is one small Warwickshire business truly punching above its weight in the global market. Little wonder, then, that recognition came in the form of a Queens Award, the kudos from which, says Martin, is shared by all who work at the company.
“It was an honour to be recognised by Her Majesty the Queen for the work we have done over the last five years," he said. "The award highlights the work of all members of staff who have dedicated themselves relentlessly to the pursuit of excellence for which I am glad they received recognition they truly deserve.”
Spotlight on Warwickshire at major investment event
Warwickshire County Council's inward investment team have been showcasing the county as a business base to thousands of delegates at MIPIM UK.
The annual three-day show, which was held this year at London's Olympia, is one of the major business networking events of the year with investors, developers, agents and business service providers looking to close deals.
The event offers the council’s inward investment team, who were present alongside business and property partners from Coventry City Council and Coventry and Warwickshire’s Local Enterprise Partnership, a key opportunity to promote the region.
Warwickshire remains a major player when it comes to inward investment. In the last year alone, 18 Foreign Direct Investments in the county have created or safeguarded 1,482 jobs.
And MIPIM UK offered further potential to attract investment with more than 4,500 potential business partners in attendance.
During the event Brandon Lewis MP, Minister of State for Housing and Planning, visited the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership stand and spoke with Warwickshire County Council's inward investment team.
Warwickshire County Council Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Cllr Izzi Seccombe said: "We work hard to ensure the conditions and infrastructure are right to make Warwickshire a great place to do business. In the last year alone 18 foreign investments have created or safeguarded nearly 1,500 jobs in Warwickshire and this is why it is so important that we continue to showcase the county on a national and international level."
Cllr Philip Johnson, Chairman of Communities Overview & Scrutiny, added: "Warwickshire is a vibrant area with businesses expanding and new companies in a variety of sectors choosing to locate here. It is vital that we do all we can to get that message out to potential new investors."
Strong business base behind RSC's status as cultural icon
One of Warwickshire's longstanding crown jewels, the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon, enjoys global renown as a centre of cultural and educational excellence.
But behind its year-round work to celebrate and perpetuate the arts, and principally, of course, the works of William Shakespeare, lies considerable business planning and expertise. Just like any other business, the RSC has to be run properly and profitably.
The strong figures from the 2014/15 financial year shows that is very much the case. The RSC reported income of £63.9m, including 75% generated through box office, commercial activities and fundraising, alongside public investment from Arts Council England of £15.8m. Box office receipts increased by 5% to £34.3m and trading income was up 3% to £7m.
During those 12 months, the RSC welcomed 570,000 day visitors to its Stratford home, heavily helping to power the economy of the town and area.
Just as William Shakespeare and the town of Stratford-upon-Avon are inextricably linked, no less so are the Royal Shakespeare Company and the economy of Stratford-upon-Avon.
As the RSC prepares to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the death of Shakespeare in 2016, its executive director Catherine Mallyon spoke exclusively to Warwickshire Means Business about the organisation's role, priorities and plans as a business leader in Stratford-upon-Avon.
WMB: How does the RSC engage with the local business community?
Catherine: In a very direct way. The RSC uses as many local and regional suppliers as possible. The RSC was a founding member of Shakespeare’s England, the organisation supporting tourism in the region, and through this has a direct relationship with many local companies of all sizes.
We also provide board members for key local and regional business-related organisations, for example the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership and Stratforward, Stratford’s Business Improvement District. Many RSC employees are also on boards of local arts and cultural organisations, for example the Stratford Artshouse and Culture Coventry, and many are school governors, in this last case supporting the development of the workforce of the future.
Whenever possible we host business-related events in our theatres and venues, for example Stratford Means Business in conjunction with Stratford District Council.
WMB: How important is it to make the RSC work as a business as well as a cultural organisation?
Catherine: As a charity, the most important thing for the RSC is to deliver our charitable objectives. A theatre company of our scale is also very much a business. Our turnover exceeds £60m and managing this requires a thorough approach to our many different types of activity. Our artistic, education and events programme is at the heart of our company and everything we undertake commercially is to support this.
We also provide training and development for actors, craftspeople and theatre professionals in many fields. Most of our income comes from ticket sales, a quarter of it from Arts Council England and the remainder from corporate support, philanthropic donations and other income. We run our own restaurant, cafes and bars – as well as our shop in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and on-line.
The success of this commercial activity is essential for us to achieve all that we do in the region, national and internationally. We are always conscious that almost all our income is from members of the public in one way or other and that we must always spend this efficiently and effectively.
WMB: What are your thoughts on the record figures in the annual report? What does this all mean to the RSC? Why is it important?
Catherine: The information in our annual report illustrates that we have been able to achieve our objectives of presenting theatre at its best and sharing that with the widest possible audience. It is great that we sold 72,000 schools tickets, 20,000 tickets for 16-25 year olds, and 19,000 family tickets. We have also been able to provide a welcome to all our visitors through the provision of captioned, audio-described, relaxed and signed performances, as well as touch tours, when audience members can feel the costumes, props and sets.
The commercial success of the past year has enabled us to continue our Live from Stratford-upon-Avon screenings into cinemas, and to provide these broadcasts free to schools.
WMB: What is the importance of the RSC being such a vital part of the fabric of Stratford and the surrounding area?
Catherine: Stratford-upon-Avon and the Royal Shakespeare Company are both inextricably linked with Shakespeare’s life and works: the success of the town and the theatre company reinforce each other.
We work very closely with the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, Shakespeare’s school - King Edward VI, and Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare worshipped and is buried. It is hard to imagine any of these flourishing without the others. The majority of our employees live in Stratford and the surrounding region and have a great investment in the area.
WMB: What are the RSC's future plans?
Catherine: Reflecting the important nature of the 400th anniversary year, our plans for 2016 cover our local, regional, national and international activity. There will be a wonderful performance programme throughout the year in Stratford-upon-Avon, alongside the re-opening of The Other Place, containing a new studio theatre, access to our amazing costume store for the first time through a new backstage tour, two new rehearsal rooms and a welcoming new café. The restored Swan Wing will also reopen with a new exhibition, The Play’s The Thing, where we can all experience the secrets and stories of making theatre in Stratford.
We will be touring the length and breadth of the country with A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a play for the nation. The education work that goes alongside this production invites every school in the country to become part of the Dream Team 2016.
In the first four months of the year our current productions of the History Plays will perform in London, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and New York.
It is going to be a busy year and Stratford-upon-Avon will be THE Shakespeare destination for the jubilee year."
Small businesses ready to take centre stage on December 5
Small businesses across Warwickshire have been urged to get involved and make the most of Warwickshire County Council-backed 'Small Business Saturday' on December 5th.
Preparations are well under way across the county to make Small Business Saturday its customary success and replicate its excellent results last year when the day was supported by 16.5 million people in the UK.
The campaign is aimed at supporting, inspiring and promoting the UK’s five million small businesses, including family businesses, local shops, online businesses, wholesalers, business services and small manufacturers.
This is the third year that Warwickshire and other local councils have teamed up with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) to promote SBS. Last year people from across the county supported their local independents by spreading the message on Facebook and making a conscious effort to visit these businesses.
Nationally, SBS is now the UK’s most successful small business campaign. In 2015, 16.5 million adults went out to support a small business on SBS; while online the campaign trended at number one on Twitter on the day and received around 3.5 million views on its Facebook page.
As part of the SBS campaign, and to celebrate the range of independent small businesses the county has to offer, Warwickshire County Council is creating a series of short films featuring five of the region’s town centres: Atherstone, Nuneaton, Rugby, Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick.
It’s easy for local traders to join the campaign. For ideas about how to maximise the opportunity offered by the day, firms can visit the Small Business Saturday website where they can download a social media guide for the campaign, as well as the logo and digital banner which can then be displayed online, in shop windows, or to easily transform an event – which may already be taking place on 5 December – into a SBS event.
Warwickshire businesses will also be able to upload their contact information to the My Small Business Finder feature on the website, promoting their special Small Business Saturday events or promotional offers. You can keep up to date with events, news and see the films in the coming weeks with the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/keepitlocalwarwickshire
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Leader of Warwickshire County Council and Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, said:
“Our towns, villages and rural areas offer an extensive range of products and services from a wealth of independent businesses which all help to support our local economy and create jobs. We know that small business owners put their heart and soul into developing their businesses and offer a level of personal service and a quality that customers truly appreciate.
“Small Business Saturday is a great time for everyone to celebrate the best of Warwickshire. Although the campaign focuses on one day, the goal is to have a lasting impact on small businesses by changing mindsets, so that people make it their mission to support small businesses all year round.”
Cllr Philip Johnson, chair of the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee, added:
“A vibrant small business sector provides jobs and creates wealth for local communities. Last year was a great success with hundreds of small business owners and members of the public embracing the event. We hope this year many more people will be inspired to support their local independent shops, giving a real boost to the local economy and ensuring the ongoing vibrancy and diversity of our high streets.”
There are many benefits from a vibrant small business sector. When a member of the public buys from a local business it is worth far more to the local economy. Typically, £1 spent with a small business generates £1.76 to the local economy.
The UK’s small businesses are accountable for approximately 60% of private sector jobs and nearly 50% of private sector turnover. A small business is, typically, one with less than 50 employees – in Warwickshire they account for 84% of businesses in the private sector.
Small Business Saturday originated in the States in 2010, where it was launched by American Express to raise the profile of small retailers.
For further information on how businesses and customers can get involved visit: www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com
Warwickshire tourism stars shine on awards night
The Royal Shakespeare Company and The MAD Museum were among Warwickshire’s winners at a major awards ceremony to celebrate the region’s finest in culture and tourism.
The inaugural Coventry and Warwickshire Tourism and Culture Awards was organised by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and Quidem, which owns Touch FM stations and Rugby FM, and was hosted at the Ricoh Arena.
The event was supported by Warwickshire County Council along with Coventry City Council and the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership.
The Royal Shakespeare Company (pictured) was one of three winners of a special global icon award, along with the Ricoh Arena and Coventry Cathedral.
Avonlea Guest House in Stratford-upon-Avon won the award for best guest house.
The Cross in Kenilworth was honoured with the best restaurant award, the Merchants Inn in Rugby won best pub while the business tourism award was handed to Woodland Grange Meeting and Conference Centre in Leamington Spa.
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust also won the customer service prize. The bright idea prize went to The Mad Museum in Stratford-upon-Avon while the culture award was presented to both the RSC and Warwick Arts Centre’s Mead Gallery.
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Leader of Warwickshire County Council, said: “Our arts, culture, heritage and leisure destinations create a vibrant tourism economy, which is the envy of many.
“We are proud to support the Coventry and Warwickshire Tourism and Culture Awards and celebrate the success of this vital local industry.”
Lady Cobham, the chair of VisitEngland, was the special guest on the night.
She said: “Coventry and Warwickshire is home to an outstanding collection of arts, theatre, music and cultural venues. Visitors can delve into history and heritage that would rival any destination, from museums to grand castles, cathedrals, abbeys and stately homes, exploring remnants of Roman, Elizabethan or Victorian eras.”
A recent Economic Impact Analysis report for 2014 showed total business turnover related to tourism in Warwickshire was worth over £1 billion.
Invest in Warwickshire team getting the message out in London
Warwickshire County Council's Invest in Warwickshire team will be flying the county’s flag at one of the UK's top business events next month.
The Business Show at Olympia on December 3 and 4 will be attended by thousands of delegates from businesses communities all across the UK and beyond.
It presents a great opportunity for the county council's Invest in Warwickshire team to get the message out there that the county is one of the best places in the country to do business.
Now in its 13th year, the Business Show attracts more than 25,000 companies, drawn by its opportunity to network and its range of speakers and exhibitors.
Warwickshire County Council regularly exhibit at the show and previous visits have yielded numerous leads from companies interested in relocating to the county.
Sackie Somal, Inward Investment Manager said: "Warwickshire is a great place to do business with excellent infrastructure, competitive business rates and a high quality of life. Coupled with our envious location at the heart of the UK, proximity to world-class universities and R&D facilities, they all make the county an excellent business location.
"The Business Show offers us a chance to get that message out to thousands of potential investors; to those searching for somewhere to relocate and those looking for a place to start their business.
"The show has a big footfall and our stand always has plenty of visitors. And if any Warwickshire businesses are represented there, please do come and say hello and help us promote the county."
In the last year the team has worked with over 300 companies to help them find their ideal commercial premises.
For more information on how Invest in Warwickshire can help with your search for commercial premises pop along to see us on Stand 440 at the show or visit: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/invest
Skills for Employment - that vital bridge between education and employment
When Skills for Employment was launched by Warwickshire County Council earlier this year it received a highly positive response from the county's business community and education providers.
There was clearly massive support for the initiative. And why wouldn't there be?
What's not to like about the commitment of more than £2million to a programme which:
* Helps businesses to recruit talented young people
* Supports schools and colleges in their quest to find the most suitable and constructive pathway for their students
* Gives those students the best possible start to their careers.
The inception of Skills for Employment was greeted by much enthusiasm. And it has made a highly productive start.
Grants totalling more than £500,000 have already been awarded to secondary schools, special schools and colleges and partnerships set up between schools/colleges and local businesses. The vast majority of the 42 secondary schools and special schools in the county have signed up to the scheme, which is very encouraging.
Now the objective for Glenn Robinson, Warwickshire County Council's Skills for Employment manager, is to ensure that all that enthusiasm and goodwill is turned into action and positive benefit for all involved: that those businesses and education-providers exploit the advantages there for them.
Running a company is, of course, a busy and time-consuming affair and for no-one more than SMEs with limitations on personnel and resources. In schools, meanwhile, staff time is, to say the least, invariably at a premium.
It is entirely understandable if certain things, however meritorious, tend to linger longer than they should on the 'to do' list.
So Skills for Employment, with its Connect portal, has made the building of bridges between business and education as easy and smooth as possible.
"It takes two minutes to register," said Glenn. "We want the Connect portal to become the 'go to' place for business/education collaboration. We know that everyone involved is very busy so we have made the process as quick and easy as possible.
"It's great that so many businesses and schools registered very quickly. Now we just want more and more to take advantage of it. It is basically a place where businesses and schools can find out about each other, get connected, start talking and hopefully set up a partnership.
"A lot of research went into setting up Connect and making sure it offers exactly what is required. Last autumn we spoke to the headteachers of every secondary school in the county and canvassed widely among businesses to find out exactly what they wanted.
"There was clearly a lot of support for what we are doing but we that know that people are very stretched, so we needed to make it as straightforward as possible to make connections. We have done that."
The Connect portal is just one strand of Skills for Employment, an initiative unique to Warwickshire County Council, which plans to invest £2million in its vital bridge-building work over the next three years. It includes an Employability Charter to which businesses sign up to demonstrate their interest in developing the employability skills of young people from the age of 16 upwards.
Everybody benefits, says Glenn.
"Employers talk about the skills gap and how difficult it can be to recruit. There are talented young people coming through the education system. So let's match them up. If we can supply that extra recruitment pipeline then great.
"It is also a case of giving hard-pressed schools and teachers the support they need. Since central government ceased to fund careers advice in schools, they have been stretched in that area so the funding available through Skills for Employment can be a big help."
For more information please visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/skillsforemployment, call Glenn Robinson on 07825 317414 or email glennrobinson@warwickshire.gov.uk
£1m grant fund to help small businesses in Warwickshire to grow
Warwickshire County Council has announced new funding worth £1 million to support small businesses in the county.
The grants will be available to small and micro businesses with plans to grow, either by employing more staff or increasing turnover.
The funding is designed to help businesses access capital investment that will help them diversify or modernise their operations, leading to economic growth and job creation.
The cash is part of a £3 million package of support approved by Warwickshire County Council for the county’s SMEs. The announcement about the grants follows the recent launch of a loan fund for Warwickshire businesses.
Small and micro firms across Warwickshire will be able to apply for grants worth £5,000 to £35,000. Successful applicants will need to demonstrate how the cash would lead to increased turnover or new jobs in the county, or protect existing employment.
Grants will only be available towards the costs of capital assets such as buildings, plant, machinery and equipment.
The grants are directed towards small enterprises (fewer than 50 employees) or micro firms (fewer than ten employees), primarily in the following sectors identified as key growth areas for the local economy:
- manufacturing/advanced engineering
- automotive
- intelligent transport systems
- IT services/ digital media and creative industries
- low carbon technologies
- business and professional services
- tourism
Applications from businesses led by women are also being encouraged.
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, leader of Warwickshire County Council and board member of the Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy. We want to encourage and support as many of them as possible to thrive. This funding - part of a £3 million package of support approved by Warwickshire County Council - will enable yet more SMEs to grow, creating more jobs and productivity in the county.”
Cllr Philip Johnson, Chair of the council’s Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee, added: “This is an excellent opportunity for local firms. We hope as many small businesses as possible will take advantage and apply for funding for their plans for growth.”
Businesses can apply for a grant of up to 40% of the total eligible costs.
Deadlines for the funding vary. The first round closed on November 16th with a further round to be announced soon. For more information, or if you would like to discuss a potential project, please visit: http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/businessgrants or contact Warwickshire County Council’s Economy and Skills Group on Tel: 01926 412709.
Jobs Fair gets 600 apprentices signed up
A Jobs, Apprenticeships and Careers Fair organised by the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership was a spectacular success, resulting in 600 new apprentices being signed up by employers across the area.
CWLEP organised the event for students in years 10-13 for the second successive year and over 2,500 students, parents and carers attended the gathering at the Ricoh Arena.
Warwickshire County Council was among 65 exhibitors representing a broad range of sectors included engineering, construction, health and social care, catering, apprenticeships and higher and further education.
The county council is passionate about helping young people into work and its Apprenticeship Hub team offers free and impartial business advice to small and medium size businesses to support them in recruiting apprentices.
Apprenticeship Hub team members were at the Jobs, Apprenticeships and Careers Fair which was attended by staff and students from 30 Coventry and Warwickshire schools, including one which brought along their entire Year 10 and 11 students, totalling 450 pupils.
CWLEP chairman Jonathan Browning was delighted by the high numbers of students and employers at the event which coincided with national Work Experience Week.
He said: “The employers, training providers, colleges of further education and universities who attended made a difference to young peoples’ lives by providing vital information and advice about their future careers.
“To see their energy and enthusiasm was fantastic and this kind of event is definitely a focus for the CWLEP in terms of building skills and helping the economy in this area.”
Rachael Stewart, skills executive at the CWLEP, said this was the second successive year the event had been held and, once again, it had been an outstanding success.
“The Fair was even bigger and better than last year and it was really great to see so many young people and their parents and carers receiving advice in a wide range of sectors,” she said.
“We had 600 young people sign up to apprenticeships which is fantastic for their future and for employers who are training the next generation of their workforce.
“We also had even more employers, education and training organisations with stands which underlines the value of this event."
For more information about Warwickshire County Council's Apprenticeship Hub, visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/getanapprentice
Local emphasis paying dividends for North Cotswold Brewery
The brewery industry has taken its share of hits in recent years but North Cotswold Brewery is living proof that success is achievable with the right planning, commitment, expertise and support.
The small brewery, based at Stretton-on-Fosse in south Warwickshire, having recently expanded, is already operating at its enlarged capacity - and targeting further 50 per cent growth next year.
Supported by a Warwickshire County Council grant, through the Warwickshire Rural Growth Network, the business is going from strength to strength. It has just taken on another member of staff and has introduced a range of new beers to a customer-base which has grown by 40 per cent.
But while further growth is very much the objective for managing director Guy Holiday, there will be no abandoning the 'stay local' principles which underpinned the business from day one.
"The expansion went really well and we are now operating at the new capacity," said Guy. "Who knows what the future holds, but we are aiming to grow the business by another 50 per cent next year.
"And we believe we can do that by remaining focused on a radius of 30 miles around us. We want to stay local and deal with other small businesses, knowing our customers and having that connection, and we think we can grow the company further yet on that basis."
The brewery industry is heading for its quietest period of the year as the nation tightens its belt and stays indoors in the cold months after Christmas. North Cotswold Brewery is well-prepared for the seasonal hit.
"November is never a great month," said Guy. "December is good but then January and February are always the slowest months, as you'd expect. But you anticipate that and manage costs accordingly."
Such planning and knowing the business and its market are essential factors in the success of any enterprise and those skills have underpinned the quietly impressive success story of North Cotswold Brewery - along with a little help from Warwickshire County Council.
"The county council have been very supportive and genuinely keen to invest in local business," said Guy. "Our first year was really tough. In the second we gained momentum and got established and it was then that we could have stayed as we were but decided to try to move to the next level.
"We increased our capacity by 100 per cent and needed to make the brewery a lot more efficient and it was quite a big project, so we looked to the county council for a grant and they supported us all the way through the application process. Without that grant we would have been able to improve but nothing like as quickly."
The Consulting Room continues to flourish at Sir Frank Whittle Centre
Expansion is nothing new for The Consulting Room.
For 13 years the business, based at Warwickshire County Council-run Sir Frank Whittle Business Centre in Rugby, has grown steadily around a reputation as a source of trusted advice on surgical and non-surgical cosmetic and beauty treatments.
And while The Consulting Room has expanded within the business centre, its horizons and customer-base have broadened far beyond.
Distributing products with endorsements from the likes of Karren Brady, Pasha Kovalev and Sophie Anderton, the company continues to go from strength to strength. Created in 2002 by long-time colleagues Ron Myers and Martin Roe, it now employs 28 people with further expansion expected.
This small Warwickshire business is blossoming on a global scale from the fertile ground of the business centre off Butlers Leap.
"We have a lot of connections in the markets of Europe and the USA," said Ron. "And we are very keen to explore the potential of the Asian market place. We are looking to work with manufacturers in China and South Korea.
"And we can do all this from our base at the Sir Frank Whittle Centre. We are very happy there.
"We have just moved within the centre for the fourth time, each time to accommodate expansion, and it's great that we have been able to stay on site. If we had to move elsewhere it would have been a much more time-consuming project.
"We are very lucky to be here. It gives us everything we need."
The sustained success of www.consultingroom.com is built on trustworthiness. In an industry which surprisingly remains unregulated, horror-stories of botched treatment and bad advice still surface sporadically in the media.
Such stories only increase the value of a site which customers can visit secure in the knowledge that information and services listed there are entirely credible.
"There is no hard sell from us," Ron said. "We present all the information on our site and people know that information can be trusted. Everyone who wants to be associated with us is thoroughly credential-checked. We don't just take anyone.
"We take our membership very seriously. Above all, we want our clients to have peace of mind.
"It is great to have endorsements from the likes of Karren Brady, who loved our HydraFacial treatment and was very happy to be a brand ambassador until the end of 2016, and we love what we do.
"It is a fascinating industry in which technology gallops along. We pride ourselves on being at the forefront of information on all things related to cosmetic surgery and medical aesthetic treatments while ensuring that everything connected with us meets the very highest standards."
Hospitable approach pays off for The Merchants Inn
In the world of sport a big factor in achieving success is making the most of opportunities when they come along. Taking your chances.
It's just the same in the world of business.
For the town of Rugby, the Rugby World Cup presented a massive opportunity.
The prestigious 'proud home' status, awarded to the town by the World Cup organisers as the birthplace of the sport, ensured its inclusion on the must-visit list of thousands of visitors from overseas during their stay in this country.
So the question facing Rugby businesses was how to make those visitors welcome: how to encourage them to spend their time and money in the town during this once-in-a-generation opportunity.
The Merchants Inn had the answers.
England's team might have bailed out early but the Merchants Inn was a World Cup winner after Warwickshire County Council-backed WorldHost Ambassador training helped it to offer those global visitors an extra-special welcome.
The Little Church Street pub prepared for the event by sending 11 of its staff for WorldHost Ambassador training. Warwickshire County Council had teamed up with workforce development charity People First to offer the prestigious training which was used to prepare staff and volunteers for the 2012 London Olympics - an event where the warmth of welcome was legendary.
The difference made by the training was immense - and will have a benefit which far outlasts the duration of the World Cup itself, said Merchants Inn general manager Scott Whyment.
"Our staff came back from the training with a lot of positivity and real enthusiasm for the World Cup," said Scott. "We always try to offer a warm welcome but it was great to hear these messages presented so well from an outside source. I think it was a real eye-opener for some of our staff.
"Quality of service is about 80 per cent of what we do. There are hundreds of other outlets serving the same thing in the area so you have to make the service element special. That's what we aim to do and the WorldHost training was a massive help.
"During the tournament we had visitors from all over the world, pretty much all the competing nations, a lot of Antipodeans and Japanese. And Columbia, rather strangely as they weren't in the World Cup!
"The tournament was great for us. We knew we would be busy on match-days but we had a real lift on the quieter days too."
Even before the tournament began, the Merchants Inn had some success of its own to toast, winning the coveted 'best pub' accolade in the inaugural Warwickshire County Council-backed Coventry and Warwickshire Tourism and Culture Awards.
The pub is reaping full rewards for its determination to make visitors as welcome as possible.
Council Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Cllr Izzi Seccombe: "I congratulate the Merchants Inn on its commitment to high-quality service. They are a great example of the welcoming spirit which we are proud to show visitors to the county.
Cllr Philip Johnson, Chair of Warwickshire County Council’s Communities Overview and Scrutiny, said: “It is wonderful that businesses like The Merchants Inn took advantage of the internationally recognised WorldHost Programme which was just one of a number of measures the county council delivered to help Rugby capture the economic benefits of the World Cup."
Consultations open in Nuneaton and Bedworth
Business people in Nuneaton and Bedworth have the chance to learn all about upcoming planning policy affecting the borough in a number of public consultations.
Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council have notified residents about planning policy consultations on the following documents:
- Borough Plan
- Community Infrastructure Levy
- Gypsy and Travellers Accommodation Assessment
The consultations are being held to enable residents to become fully informed on the subjects in question - and also to make their views known if they wish.
To help residents understand the documents, information points will be set up at all manned libraries in the borough and drop-in sessions will take place for residents to ask any questions they have.
Further information on the documents, information points and drop-ins can be found at: www.nuneatonandbedworth.gov.uk/boroughplan
Investment secures BMW's long-term future at Hams Hall
A huge investment programme to develop the BMW engine plant at Hams Hall near Coleshill is complete.
The investment project, part of £750 million spent by the BMW Group across its UK manufacturing sites, has secured the long-term future for the Hams Hall plant by ensuring the site remains a state-of-the-art facility capable of producing the next generation of engines.
The production of new three and four-cylinder engines is already being ramped up on brand-new production lines and over one million components will be machined at the plant for the first time this year as supply extends to other plants in the group.
Engines, as well as machined components manufactured at BMW Plant Hams Hall, contribute to a range of cars across BMW Group’s product portfolio. This includes MINI – the new Clubman model, as well as the new BMW 7 Series.
Plant director Markus Fallboehmer said: “The transformation in our Hams Hall plant has been huge. Over the last few years we have completely redeveloped our two main production areas and installed over 600 brand new pieces of equipment and machinery.
“A large investment has also been made in our workforce via a number of training programmes and opportunities for people to upskill and take on new job roles.
"We have changed the make-up of our workforce as well with over 100 people securing BMW contracts, some of whom were previously working for us on a temporary basis."
BMW's success and continuing expansion at Hams Hall is excellent news for north Warwickshire on the employment front with the company fully sharing Warwickshire County Council's commitment to taking on apprentices.
"We have trebled the number of apprentices training with us to ensure we have a strong, skilled workforce for many years to come,” said Mr Fallboehmer.
New loan fund available for businesses
Warwickshire micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who are having difficulty accessing loans to fund their growth are being given the chance to get financial support from a new package of funding worth £500k.
The funding is being provided by Warwickshire County Council through its Growth Fund, and Coventry and Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust.
Warwickshire’s contribution is the first tranche of a £3 million package of support approved by Warwickshire County Council for the county’s SMEs.
The loans are designed to help businesses access capital investment that will help them diversify or modernise their operations, leading to economic growth and job creation.
SMEs across Warwickshire will be able to apply for loans worth £1,000 to £75,000 from the Growth Fund. Successful applicants will need to demonstrate how the cash would directly create new jobs in the county or protect existing employment.
Loans will be available towards the costs of capital assets such as buildings, plant, machinery and equipment.
Leader of Warwickshire County Council and ward member for Stour and the Vale, Cllr Izzi Seccombe, said:
“This is excellent news for Warwickshire’s local SMEs who have been having difficulty accessing loans to fund their growth. Now they have the chance to get cash from a new pot of funding – the first tranche of a £3 million package of support for Warwickshire SMEs put in place by Warwickshire County Council.
"I encourage as many local firms as possible to take advantage of this opportunity and make an application.”
Mike Musson, Chief Executive from the Coventry and Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust commented: “The funding is fantastic news for the region and we see it as an opportunity to support local businesses as they service both national and international clients.
"We believe that there are businesses in the region that can be as successful as Jaguar Land Rover, a company that continuously invests in new capital equipment. Just like the car giant, local businesses want to purchase or lease machinery and tools to increase their productivity and profitability.
"Unfortunately, some Warwickshire companies are still unable to get a loan from high street banks, and that is where this new funding will help.”
For further information on the Growth Fund Loans, please visit www.cwrt.uk.com or call: 02476 55177
- Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are defined as a business with fewer than 250 employees whose annual turnover or balance sheet does not exceed £43 million.
- The aim of the funding is to help SMEs realise capital spend projects that will not proceed without funding from the Capital Growth Fund, or support activities that can be brought forward more quickly as a result of the new funding.
Help your employees to cycle safely this winter
Warwickshire County Council’s Choose How You Move campaign is asking business owners to encourage their employees to cycle to work and to help them cycle safely during the dark winter mornings and evenings ahead.
Cycling is a safe way to commute to and from work in Warwickshire and the benefits to employees in terms of their fitness, environmental and financial benefits and productivity far outweigh the risks associated with cycling.
However, it’s always good to reduce the risks by following a few pieces of advice.
So businesses are asked to encourage their employees to:
- Be seen on the road by wearing appropriate clothing and a helmet when they cycle. If you can, provide somewhere for your staff to get changed when they arrive at work and, if possible, even provide somewhere they can take a shower.
- Maintain their bikes. There are lots of free bike-servicing opportunities in Warwick District, such as the regular Pedal & Ride events that take place at Leamington Rail Station and other cycle events organised by Warwickshire County Council throughout the year.
- Reduce the risk of bike theft. Around 800-1,000 bikes are reported stolen every year in Warwickshire. Encourage your staff to get their bikes security-marked and registered on a crime prevention database. If you can, provide secure cycle parking or another safe place for staff to lock their bikes.
- Get cycle training. It’s a fun way of giving your staff that extra bit of knowledge and confidence to feel safer on the road. Warwickshire County Council’s Traffic and Road Safety Group offer dedicated commuter cycle safety courses for businesses.
The campaign is particularly focusing on businesses and employees in Warwick district, where levels of commuting are particularly high, after a report revealed that of all drivers commuting in to Warwick and Leamington, 52% live within 5km of their destination and 25% (one in four drivers) live within just 2km.
An increase in the number of commuters cycling to work could significantly reduce the number of short-distance car journeys that are made in the two towns during ‘rush hour.’
For more information and cycle safety tips, visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/safercycling. There are also regular tweets and posts with tips and information on the Choose How You Move Twitter (@ChooseMoveWarks) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ChooseMoveWarks).
Help at hand to unravel complexities of new consumer law
Businesses are being offered help and advice by Warwickshire County Council Trading Standards to understand and comply with the biggest change to consumer law in the UK for a generation.
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 replaces a number of existing laws including the Sale of Goods Act 1979 and the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982.
It simplifies, strengthens and modernises consumer law, giving consumers clearer rights and remedies.
In addition, the law gives consumers specific rights when they download digital content, which they did not have before.
Consumers’ rights include:
* A 30-day time period to return faulty goods and get a full refund
* A ‘tiered’ remedy system, clearly setting out consumers’ rights to a refund, repair or replacement depending on how long the consumer has had the goods.
* The right to a repair or a replacement for faulty digital content such as music downloads and e-books, and additional rights if they cause damage to the consumer’s equipment
* A right to their money back after one failed repair (or one failed replacement), rather than having to accept numerous attempts to get it fixed. No deduction can be made from the refund in the first six months (with the exception of motor vehicles)
* The right to challenge terms and conditions which are not fair or are hidden in the small print
* The right to have a service redone if it has not been done with reasonable care and skill.
Cllr John Horner, Warwickshire County Council's Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, said: "This new Act represents the biggest change to consumer law in a generation.
“Warwickshire Trading Standards are working with our local business community to provide them with the advice and information they need to understand and apply this new law.”
“Trading Standards Officers have already begun to visit businesses with a range of easy to follow guides and these can also be found on our website, www.warwickshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards”
Cllr Philip Johnson, chair of Warwickshire County Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee added: "We would strongly urge businesses with any questions or concerns to contact Warwickshire Trading Standards on 01926 414040.
"Warwickshire Trading Standards is committed to creating a fair and safe trading environment where consumers are adequately protected and businesses can grow and thrive.”
Warwickshire Trading Standards has developed a general guide for businesses and a specific guide for car dealers. Visit: http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fairtrading for more information.
Businesses can also contact Warwickshire Trading Standards for telephone advice on 01926 414040 or email tradingstandards@warwickshire.gov.uk
There is also information on the Business Companion: http://tinyurl.com/warkscra
For further information, please contact Simon Cripwell, Trading Standards Officer: 01926 414039 or 07771 97 55 70.
Could you be extraordinary?
Warwickshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service are urging local businesses to step up to the challenge and think about releasing a member of their staff to become a retained firefighter.
Although not based on fire stations, retained firefighters usually live or work in their local community and carry a pager, so when they get the call they are ready to respond to any emergency.
Currently, there are over 100 retained firefighters in Warwickshire, responding to the call to keep our communities safe. However, many more are needed to provide cover at our retained stations both during the days and during nights and weekends.
Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Retained Duty Systems Liaison Officer, Andrew Goodman, said: “Retained firefighters play a vital role in keeping communities safe and we rely heavily on local businesses to help us achieve this.
"At present we really need more people to come forward to provide cover in the day time, especially in more rural areas of the county like Henley, Stratford and Wellesbourne.
“So if your business is situated within five minutes of any of our retained stations, then we really need your help!
“We are looking to recruit people from all walks of life. No previous experience is needed, but common sense, self-motivation, compassion and the ability to work as part of a team is essential. Any potential candidates must also live or work within five minutes travel time of their nearest fire station and be over 18.”
For more information on what it could mean for your business, then log on to www.warwickshire.gov.uk/beextraordinary or call the retained recruitment team on 01926 852223 for an initial chat.
Full details about being a retained firefighter can be found at http://apps.warwickshire.gov.uk/api/documents/WCCC-844-147
Entries open for 2016 Employee of Year Awards
The search for the stars of Warwickshire's workforce has begun with the launch of the 2016 Employee of the Year Awards.
Entries for the Warwickshire County Council-backed awards are now open with a closing date of Friday December 18th (5pm).
The Awards, managed by Plus One Personnel, represent a high-profile opportunity to recognise and reward the great work, achievements and dedication of staff over the past year. They also enable businesses big and small and in all sectors to stand out as employers of choice in the Warwickshire area.
Supported by the county council and a range of other major employers and media outlets in the county, the awards are free to enter by following the awards links at www.plusonepersonnel.co.uk.
There are five categories: Apprentice/Trainee of the Year; Employee of the Year; Team of the Year; Employer of the Year; and Charity Fundraiser of the Year.
The awards ceremony, for which tickets are now on sale at £15 each, will be held at Warwick Castle on the evening of Thursday February 4th.
Business able to tap into Bill Blincoe's expertise
A leading planning figure will bring expertise gathered from a career of national experience to help companies in Coventry and Warwickshire to expand.
Bill Blincoe has been appointed as the independent planning advisor for the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, the one-stop-shop for support and advice for businesses.
Mr Blincoe has joined the Growth Hub to help expanding companies address any planning issues or problems and to work with local authorities to help ensure firms get the best experience possible when looking to grow.
He has spent his career in planning and development and has worked for major construction and housing companies including Crest Nicholson, Gallagher Estates Bloor Homes and Fairview Homes.
“It is very exciting to be in an organisation that is so driven to help improve the economy of the area," Mr Blincoe said. "The Growth Hub is there purely to help companies realise their potential and often planning is key to that.
“I will be working with small companies right through to some of the leading players in our area, all with the aim of helping them achieve their aims and thereby keeping the local economy moving forward.
“While I have worked across the country, I have been based in Warwickshire for 17 years and know the area very well. There is no question that there are very positive signs in the business community and certainly confidence is high, but there are pressing issues such as land availability.”
The Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, which provides support and advice for businesses, was formed by the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) as part of its City Deal bid to Government.
Growth Hub chief executive Craig Humphrey said: “Bill brings a great deal of planning and development experience from different areas of the industry and that insight will be invaluable.
“As well as working directly with companies across the area, he will also sit on the LEP Planning and Housing Business Group which has done some very good work around ensuring a clear and consistent approach to the planning process.”