Featured News
Warwickshire successful in bid for Government’s Community Renewal Fund
Three community projects in Warwickshire are set to benefit from government funding and council support to help people of all ages and backgrounds find employment.
Warwickshire County Council will receive funding of over £2.7m from the Government’s Community Renewal Fund to invest in skills and training to boost business growth and to support the local workforce.
The projects will focus on supporting people into employment through cognitive mentoring, with a strong focus on mental health and wellbeing, and providing training focused on self-employment skills.
They will also detail funding to reach unemployed and disadvantaged groups through camps, youth clubs, rural career workshops, employer focused SEND employment and e-sports activities for young gaming enthusiasts.
The County Council, jointly with partners including the district and borough councils and the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP), assessed and approved for submission to the Government a range of bids from the voluntary and community sector as well as private companies and public sector bodies seeking funding from the Community Renewal Fund.
Warwickshire’s performance in having three successful applicants and receiving £2.7m funding is particularly impressive as the county was not initially among the 100 priority places identified by the Government when it first invited submissions for the Community Renewal Fund.
The council will be working with the successful organisations to deliver their projects before the end of June 2022.
Cllr Kam Kaur, portfolio holder for economy and place said: “We are delighted that schemes in Warwickshire have been awarded this funding. It will be used to make a real difference increasing our skills so that we can be at the forefront of emerging markets.
“The benefits will be felt across many of our communities. For businesses, there will be an upsurge in skills and potential workforce in future growth sectors, unblocking the barrier to growth where there is not a suitably qualified workforce.
“And for residents, particularly young people and under-represented groups, it will open up opportunities for training that will greatly increase their employability.”
Virtual conference company tipped for success
A Warwick-based company specialising in delivering innovative virtual meetings has been named as one of the top 100 creative business to watch in the UK.
Purple Monster, which has its studios in Warwick and an office base in Leamington, has been recognised by the Creative Industries Council.
The business pivoted during the pandemic to focus on the delivery of virtual conferences, events and communications for corporate clients, utilising emerging technologies to deliver a unique experience.
Purple Monster received £20,000 funding from Warwickshire County Council’s Adapt and Diversify grant scheme to support its innovative change of focus and is now reaping the benefits.
The business, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, used the funding to purchase key equipment such as lighting set-ups for its Warwick studio and it is now delivering virtual and hybrid events for its multi-national clients.
Purple Monster also invested in a green-screen studio, cameras, the latest AV equipment, mixing equipment and the strongest possible leased line internet connectivity to aid in the delivery of events.
The studio enables Purple Monster to create any backdrop their clients would like for their virtual event, utilising green screen technology to produce an immersive and engaging conferencing experience.
Alan Heap, Director of Purple Monster, said: “We had a standing start in March 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic when all of our face-to-face events were cancelled. We now have a full order book for virtual events with clients including BP, Mondelez International, Asahi Breweries, Kraft Heinz and Inmarsat.
“It’s been an incredible success. We are based in Warwick and operate from the town, but our footprint is truly international.
“When we decided we needed to build a permanent studio in Warwick we approached Warwickshire County Council and received the full-funding that we requested. It was the biggest grant we have ever received and helped us to set-up the studio which is the foundation of our success.
“To be named as one of the creative businesses to watch in the UK is great. Our model proves that you don’t need to travel the world now for great events, we’re pushing the boundaries of technology and we believe delivering virtual events like we do is the future of conferencing.”
Cllr Kam Kaur, portfolio holder for economy and place at Warwickshire County Council, said: “It is fantastic to see Purple Monster flourishing and to have been named as one of the 100 businesses to watch in the creative industries.
“The business is the perfect example of what the Adapt and Diversify grant scheme set out to achieve. Purple Monster has adapted to the circumstances presented after the pandemic and this pivot in its business model has seen the business establish itself as a leader in the sector.”
Survive, Sustain and Grow - Helping the economic recovery in Warwickshire
A Warwickshire County Council recovery programme designed to help Warwickshire businesses return to form after the pandemic has surpassed expectations by supporting nearly 250 businesses and nearly 800 jobs in Warwickshire.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had
a devastating impact on the local economy. Whilst the impact and pressures felt by each individual business is unique, there are many similarities to the shape of their recovery. This is why Warwickshire County Council designed & delivered its Survive, Sustain & Grow Programme.
The Survive, Sustain and Grow (SSG) programme was launched by Warwickshire County Council last autumn to provide an enhanced consultancy service to assist businesses with their post-Covid recovery plans.
New figures issued by Warwickshire County Council show that the programme, having supported 243 businesses employing 790 people, has helped safeguard 472 jobs that were at risk. It is also forecasted to create more than 140 new jobs.
It was open to all sectors, but was aimed primarily at businesses in the tourism, retail and hospitality industry.
The end of programme SSG figures reveal that Warwickshire County Council, has engaged 615 businesses breaking its forecasted figure of 400. It also helped 243 businesses develop tailored post COVID recovery plans.
The support given via the SSG programme was provided to businesses during a free consultancy process. Businesses who completed the support with the SSG consultants could then apply for grant funding to help implement those recommendations identified within the recovery plan.
So far, 58 grants have been awarded as part of the SSG programme to the value of over £420,000.
Cllr Kam Kaur said: “The jobs safeguarded and forecasted creation in Warwickshire as a direct result of the Survive Sustain and Grow programme has exceeded all of our expectations, and we are delighted to see that so many businesses and their employees have benefitted.
“The programme was launched to link local businesses up with experts to give them guidance on how to sustain their business and get their operations back to pre-pandemic levels, and it is a real triumph that we have not only been able to hit many of those targets in our initial forecast, but surpass them.
“Along with our other business support schemes, this programme has shown that Warwickshire businesses share a real determination to get back up and running, and it is a real privilege to have been able to lend a hand.”
Warksmas relaunches as Warwickshire's town centres gear up for Christmas
Towns across Warwickshire will be given their own special Santa this year as part of a campaign to promote their local area and showcase the region’s retailers and small businesses.
The #Warksmas2021 social media campaign is being launched by Warwickshire County Council to celebrate businesses across the county and encourage residents to shop local this Christmas.
As part of the campaign, a prominent figure from each town will be nominated as their local Santa to curate a special gift list showcasing five businesses which best represent their town.
A social media ‘A-to-Z’ will also highlight businesses, products and services beginning with the corresponding letter – creating the perfect Christmas gift list from independent retailers across the region.
There will also be a countdown to Christmas with a new business Advent Calendar revealing a quirky fact each day to highlight what makes Warwickshire great.
It follows a hugely successful Warksmas campaign last year which reached 175,000 people; and generated 5,300 likes, comments and shares from 350 posts on Facebook and Twitter.
Cllr Kam Kaur, Portfolio Holder for Economy & Place at Warwickshire County Council, said: “Christmas is all about coming together, so it’s a perfect time to support our region’s local retailers and the very best they have to offer.
“Our campaign last year was a huge success and the fact our small businesses were able to reach 175,000 people – the size of Nuneaton, Leamington and Warwick combined – is testament to the power of social media.
“Social media is now such an essential marketplace for all businesses and as a result the digital profile of a retailer is more important now than ever before.
“So whether you are a business owner or a shopper, please do get involved and join the conversation with the #Warksmas2021 hashtag.”
Follow @WarksTN on Twitter and Instagram or like Warwickshire Towns Network on Facebook for more updates and join the conversation.
To find out more about the campaign visit: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/buyeatlocal
The Future of Vehicle Electrification Skills Summit
Coventry and Warwickshire should look at the skills shortage to help deliver the net zero vehicle revolution not as a problem but a challenge it can meet, a major event heard.
The Future of Vehicle Electrification Skills Summit was organised by Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP), Coventry City Council and Warwickshire County Council at the MIRA Technology Institute in Nuneaton.
Around 50 delegates heard from a wide range of speakers who explored the huge change electrification is bringing to the vehicle industry, heard insights into the skills needs of a rapidly-evolving industry and was told how the region can be a leader in the field.
Electrification is a key focus of CWLEP in its Strategic Reset Framework which is committed to green recovery, embracing innovative low carbon technologies and driving forward as the region’s lead on the country’s electrification revolution.
Dr Benjamin Silverstone, Assistant Professor at WMG, University of Warwick, and lead for the National Electrification Skills Framework, was among the keynote speakers along with Steve Doyle, CEO of EVera Recruitment, STEM Ambassador and Advisory Board Member to University of Warwick for its Apprentice Battery Degree.
Dr Silverstone said Coventry and Warwickshire was ideally placed with its rich heritage and global reputation in the automotive industry to be a trail-blazer in vehicle electrification.
He said: “We have to view this as a challenge – and one we can rise to. We need to inspire younger people to view this as a stimulating and rewarding career, rather than a job that helps us solve a problem.
“I would much rather people did not use the word “problem” in talking about skills. A whole new world – in a sector in which we have great strengths – is opening up and we need to be in a a position to capitalise. That is an opportunity.”
CWLEP board directors Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration, and Climate Change at Coventry City Council, and Cllr Kam Kaur, Portfolio Holder for Economy and Place at Warwickshire County Council, also addressed the audience.
Marion Plant, Principal and Chief Executive of North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College and chair of CWLEP’s Productivity and Skills Business Group, who was also a keynote speaker, said she was confident businesses based in Coventry and Warwickshire would rise to the challenge of re-training and upskilling their staff.
She said: “It was a really thought-provoking and interesting event focused on the Future of Vehicle Electrification.
“We need to make sure people are equipped with the skills needed to drive forward the green revolution and that includes universities and Further Education colleges to inspire the next generation of engineers and technicians to deliver the electrification revolution.
“One of the great strengths of our area has been our partnership-approach which has been led by CWLEP and that is going to be really important in meeting the challenges of electrification with a collaborative approach to deliver the skills which the sector requires not only now but in the medium and long-term.
“A perfect example of the need to train and upskill staff is the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre which has been developed to support UK industry with the development of battery technologies for future electrification.
“We are at the prototype stage of Very Light Rail in Coventry and a West Midlands Gigafactory in Coventry would present a variety of great opportunities.
“These projects showcase the difference Coventry and Warwickshire is making to the government’s electrification and net zero targets which is why it is imperative we build a skills eco-system for zero carbon vehicles, vehicle electrification and battery technology.”
A panel of industry experts comprising Prof Rohit Bhagat Director of Centre for E-Mobility at Coventry University, Stuart Bage, HR Director at GE Power Conversion, Vicki Mills, HR Adviser at Potenza CNH, Damian Pearce, HR Director for UKBIC, Dr Marc Henry, Senior Research Engineer at MTC and Graeme Stewart, Chief Technical Officer at Horiba MIRA discussed the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Dr Soroush Faramehr, Senior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering Centre for E-Mobility Research at Coventry University, and Richard Stocker, Energy Systems Innovation Lead at HORIBA MIRA discussed the key opportunities for young people starting their careers in the future during the Early Careers Panel session.
Back, from the left, Graeme Stewart (HORIBA MIRA), Damian Pearce (UK Battery Industrialisation Centre), Dr Marc Henry (MTC), Prof Rohit Bhagat (Coventry University), Stuart Bage (GE Power Conversion).
From, from the left, Steve Doyle (EVera Recruitment), Dr Benjamin Silverstone (WMG, University of Warwick), Cllr Jim O’Boyle (Coventry City Council), Marion Plant (CWLEP), Cllr Kam Kaur (Warwickshire County Council), Vicki Mills (Potenza CNH).
More funding on the way to aid Covid recovery
A scheme which has supported thousands of Warwickshire businesses since the start of the pandemic is readying another wave of grant funding to promote recovery into next year.
Warwickshire’s District and Borough Councils have been administering Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) funding to help more than 5,000 businesses react to the pandemic since April 2020 – and more help is on the way thanks to another round of grants worth over £4.9m.
Rugby Borough and Stratford District councils are working alongside the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) Growth Hub to jointly deliver their scheme.
Businesses with an annual turnover of above £500,000 can apply for a discretionary grant to assist with capital and revenue projects that lead to increased growth, recruitment of new staff and/or diversification.
Warwick District Council is working with Coventry and Warwickshire Co-operative Development Agency (CWCDA) to support charities and not-for-profit businesses that have been impacted by the pandemic. Successful applicants to this scheme will benefit from a grant award of £12,500 and targeted business support, to assist with recovery and resilience during this difficult time.
Applications, which opened this month, close on Friday, February 25 2022.
Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council is expected to have a variety of schemes which will include:
Business Growth & Recovery Scheme – This will be a project-based grant scheme assisting SMEs with one of costs of up to £15,000 per business. The aim is to help SMEs implement changes to support with COVID recovery and diversification.
Shop Front Enhancement Scheme – Capital grants of up to £1,500 to help businesses update and refresh the external appearance of their premises.
Town Centre Arts & Leisure Recovery Scheme – Revenue grants of up to £1,500 to support arts, leisure and culture events in town centres.
Support for Market Traders Scheme – This is an extension of the current market trader scheme that is live. This will now extend to Thursday, March 31 2022.
SME Hardship Scheme – Grants of up to £5,000 to assist businesses facing extreme hardship in the borough.
At the time of writing, North Warwickshire Borough Council is understood to be considering the best use of their additional ARG funding.
For all schemes across the county, the grants, which vary according to the size of the business requesting them, must be allocated by March 2022.
Former Co-op Art Deco building complete as Transforming Nuneaton gathers pace
Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council celebrated the transformation of the former Co-operative Society building in Nuneaton town centre – and local businesses are set to benefit.
The landmark Queens Road building, which used to be a department store, has benefited from a ‘top to toe’ refurbishment to enable a range of business uses as part of the Transforming Nuneaton programme, with contractors handing over the keys to mark the project’s completion.
The building now provides 4,200 sq ft of flexible open plan space as part of the Abbey Street Regeneration, and sits adjacent to one of the key routes to the new public space which will also be delivered as part of the scheme.
The works, undertaken to ensure the preservation of original Art Deco features whilst reviving the building, were supported by a grant from the Government’s Getting Building Fund which was administered by the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP).
They follow the refurbishment of the ground floor to create a new retail unit let to luxury fashion retailer LABEL, and includes a new insulated roof to increase thermal efficiency, replacement windows in keeping with the original style, and structural brickwork repairs.
Inside, a full restoration has taken place with many of the original finishes being retained while the original parquet flooring has been cleaned and repaired or replaced with modern alternatives.
A new lift has also been installed to improve access and modern staff facilities provided to ensure a comfortable working space.
The handover was attended by representatives from CWLEP, Warwickshire County Council and Ashe Construction together with Marcus Jones, MP for Nuneaton, Arley and Hartshill.
Nuneaton MP Marcus Jones said: “This project is a small but significant part of Transforming Nuneaton, and I am delighted that this government has committed many millions of pounds to our towns as part of its wider Levelling Up agenda.
“This is an exciting step on a long road which will restore the heart and pride in Nuneaton, honouring its history but also looking forward to a brighter future.”
Cllr Kristofer Wilson, Leader of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, said: “It is a great day to see this small, but significant part of the Abbey Street development finalised.
“This is just the beginning of a fantastic plan to regenerate our Borough and ignite the potential within our town centres.
“Bringing elements of the former Co-op department store back into use demonstrates the Council’s commitment to retaining important parts of the Borough’s heritage so they can be enjoyed by future generations.
“It is wonderful to see new life being breathed into the building and there are many more exciting stages to come in this wonderful regeneration project.”
Portfolio holder for property and finance at Warwickshire County Council, Cllr Peter Butlin, said: “Bringing this landmark Art Deco building back to life is a fantastic achievement for all involved, and just one of a number of projects that will help provide Nuneaton with the economic boost it needs to become a stronger hub for the local community.
“The County Council made a very significant contribution to the funds needed to purchase the building. We recognise the importance of partnership working and investment in the town centre, resulting in the completion of projects like this, if we are to fulfil our ambitions to transform Nuneaton and bring new business opportunities to the town.”
Sean Farnell, board director at the CWLEP and Chair of the Nuneaton Town Fund Board, said: “The Getting Building Fund was established to help projects that were ready to start immediately and it is great that an unused building has been brought back to life for the benefit of micro and small businesses in Nuneaton.
“These kinds of facilities are much-needed to help entrepreneurs on the first stage of their business adventure.”
Help available for Warwickshire businesses to go global
Small and medium sized businesses who trade internationally have been urged to plan for the months and years ahead to take advantage of the global economy opening back up, according to a new report.
The collaborative work across Coventry and Warwickshire to help SMEs with their exporting and importing is highlighted by the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) Growth Hub and Department for International Trade (DIT) joining forces on a series of 1-to-1 clinics to offer specialist advice on key issues such as the new VAT rules, supply chain management and import procedures.
The DIT is advising firms that need help with their export strategy to get in touch to sign-up to its new Export Academy initiative for new exporters or to be introduced to a local International Trade Adviser to develop their international strategy and tap into a wide variety of support.
There is also information available from the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce which has a dedicated customs and logistics adviser and has launched its new Customs Declaration Service.
All this is the focus of the latest CWLEP Growth Hub SmartRegion report which gathers information from Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council, the CWLEP and other organisations which is this month analysing the international trade issues currently impacting businesses and the opportunities available to those already importing and exporting, or looking to do so.
James Ahearne, Strategic Partnership Manager at the DIT, said firms in the region should take advantage of the opportunities that have arisen from the collaborative work of the area’s business support organisations and the DIT.
He said: “Coventry and Warwickshire really does have a fantastic business support eco-system and I’m pleased to say that over the last few years, the organisations within the region really have upped their game.
“Companies will need forward-thinking strategies for how they will manage their supply chains and customs and logistics processes in the months and years ahead.
“But whilst we have been through a period of disruption, we know there are huge opportunities out there for Coventry and Warwickshire firms as the global economy opens back up and economic stimulus packages kick in.
“One positive from the slowdown due to Covid-19 has been that it allowed businesses time to take a step back and look at international trade in a strategic and pro-active way.
“We’ve seen strong and sustained demand for our services and, in particular, for our export training workshops over the last year and a half as businesses have looked at what markets they export to, where the demand will be in the future, and critically the methods they use to ship their goods.”
Craig Humphrey, managing director of the CWLEP Growth Hub, said SMEs are the backbone of Coventry and Warwickshire’s economy which was highlighted in the CWLEP’s Strategic Reset Framework.
Craig Humphrey, managing director of the CWLEP Growth Hub
He said: “There are many benefits to trading internationally for SMEs because it can lead to new customers in new markets as well as diversifying which, as we have seen throughout the pandemic, has been key for companies in all sectors.
“It is really important that businesses plan ahead and think strategically about their international supply chains, delivery timescales, and the processes and costs involved to prevent storing up future problems.
“There is a great deal of advice and support available for experienced exporters along with those considering trading in overseas markets for the first time so don’t hesitate to contact the Growth Hub and one of our team will provide the support that is needed to make the most of the help that is available.”
Town centre store is winter ready thanks to grant
An independent menswear retailer in Nuneaton has been kitted out for all seasons after it received grant funding from Warwickshire County Council to install a new eco-friendly climate control system.
Men’s Lobby, which has sold high-quality men’s clothing and footwear in Nuneaton since 1995, has been outfitted with an all-purpose hot/cold system ready for both icy winter months and warm summer days.
The premises on Stratford Street in the town centre, which used to be a fishmonger’s, has been without a thermal system since Men’s Lobby took it over 12 years ago.
Now, Dilip Parmar, owner of Men’s Lobby, is looking to provide a premium service throughout the year as he welcomes the return of pre-pandemic business and hopes to attract new clients.
Cllr Kam Kaur, Adam Plumb, account manager at the CWLEP Growth Hub, and Dilip Parmar, owner of Men’s Lobby
The business, which stocks designer brands such as Lacoste, Replay, and Lyle & Scott, was closed for four months during the pandemic, and Dilip wanted to find a way to encourage more foot traffic to his store once restrictions were lifted.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) Growth Hub engaged with the business and identified that it had been negatively effected by the pandemic.
Dilip was then referred to Warwickshire County Councils Survive, Sustain and grow programme to receive support in creating a recovery plan to help the business adjust to post pandemic conditions, with a new heating system identified as a way to restore footfall into the shop.
He was then able to purchase the new equipment after applying for grant funding as part of the programme, with the in-store shopping experience a key part of the application.
He said: “There was no heating system whatsoever before we received this grant, and we would not have been able to finance new equipment without support.
“System now up and running and we are definitely feeling the benefits as the weather turns cold, but it will also be extremely useful in the summer when our customers can keep cool whilst browsing our collections.
“It’s the best of both worlds for us because at the same time as we look to boost our online presence, we are now able to offer a premium in-store shopping experience, and for that we are extremely grateful to the Growth Hub and Warwickshire County Council for working with us to make this happen.”
The Survive, Sustain and Grow programme helped 243 businesses in a range of sectors, supporting 798 jobs and helping safeguard 472 jobs which were at risk.
The programme, which has now closed, was open to small Warwickshire businesses primarily in the retail, tourism and hospitality sector.
Cllr Kam Kaur, portfolio holder for economy and place at Warwickshire County Council, added: “I have been delighted at the breadth of support that the Survive, Sustain and Grow scheme has been able to provide.
“This seems such a straightforward request but without heat, the shop is not a place where you could do business over the winter months.
“As Dilip says, the business could not have managed the outlay without some support. Getting in contact with the team at the council who work on Survive, Sustain and Grow might well have been key to the business not only surviving the hardships that the pandemic brought but also prospering beyond it.”
Adam Plumb, account manager at the CWLEP Growth Hub, said: “All businesses face their own unique challenges to get back up to speed after the pandemic, and part of our service is to put business owners in touch with the people best suited to helping them succeed.
“We are delighted that we were able to point Men’s Lobby in the right direction to support the recovery and growth of Dilip’s business.”
To read about other businesses who benefitted from the SSG programme visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/SSG
For more information about the CWLEP Growth Hub visit www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk
To view Men’s Lobby’s latest offers, visit their Facebook page www.facebook.com/menslobby
Tendering opportunities at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games
As you will no doubt be aware, the Commonwealth Games will be coming to Birmingham in July and August 2022 with the Cycling Road Race, bowls and para-bowls taking place in Warwickshire.
Below you can find some top tips from the Games' organisers around getting the most from tendering opportunities with the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games:
- Check the advert dates – Is it a live tender or request for market engagement? Is the opportunity still open? A Contract Award Notice means that the competition has closed.
- Read through all the documents – The tender pack will provide information on how the tender will be run, timelines, scope of works, details on how we will evaluate responses, contract terms etc. It is important to read all the documents and follow the instructions before submitting a response.
- Join a market engagement session (if applicable) – This will help suppliers understand our business and requirements better.
- Ask questions – Once the tender goes live suppliers can ask clarification questions on anything they are unsure about in relation to the tender through the message centre on the Delta eSourcing portal. For support using Delta, you can contact Delta’s technical team using their live chat function.
- Templates and formats – Follow the guidance and page allowances for submitting a response. This will help evaluators quickly and easily review all bids in a standard format. Please ensure all supporting documentation is clearly labelled/referenced. Don’t include title pages, cover letters or other information.
- Answer the question asked – Make sure all the required information is included taking note of the selection criteria. Don’t assume that your previous experience will be assessed if you haven’t actually included it in your response to the relevant questions. We can only score what is submitted, even if you have already worked with the organisation or have had previous contact with staff members. (Treat it like a bid for a new client who does not know you.) Keep answers concise but clear and do not cross reference other question responses – each question will be evaluated in isolation.
- Allow plenty of time – Make a note of the tender closing date and time by which the response needs to be submitted. The tender documents can be lengthy and writing and returning your response may take longer than you expect. Allow time to review and upload your response before submitting, ensure someone sense checks the overall bid, if possible.
- Alternative approaches – If you see an opportunity that you don’t have full capacity or capability to deliver there are various options you could consider:
- Bid as a single entity for a specific Lot or Lots within a tender (only where this permitted by the tender)
- Sub-contracting
- Joint Ventures
- Consortium
Each approach will require different considerations and have different legal implications which you will need to understand prior to a bid being submitted. Your approach will need to be explained at the point of submitting a bid and different parties within the arrangements may be required to complete elements of the bid submission.
Other opportunities – If a tender has already been awarded there may be sub-contract/other opportunities via the awarded organisation. Details of the awarded organisation can be found in the contract award notice.
New platform for development plans
Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) has spearheaded the first interactive website in the country which outlines all of the sub-region’s local development plans.
Front l/r, Jeremy Hammond, Sarah Windrum, Tony Probert. Back l/r, Bill Blincoe, Chris Lawes
CWLEP has launched www.cwlocalplans.co.uk in conjunction with six local planning authorities – Coventry City Council, North Warwickshire Borough Council, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, Rugby Borough Council, Stratford-on-Avon District Council and Warwick District Council – and Warwickshire County Council.
The website, which has been designed by Leamington-based web and digital specialists LightMedia Communications, provides a summary of the overall growth proposals set out in Local Plans as well as a range of information about sub regional matters that are impacted by land use across CWLEP’s area.
Bill Blincoe, planning and development advisor at CWLEP and the CWLEP Growth Hub, and Chris Lawes, CWLEP planning advisor and CWLEP Growth Hub account manager, have driven the project.
Chris said this was a one-stop shop website for communities, businesses, and inward investors to find out about the Local Plans for each part of Coventry and Warwickshire in one location.
He explained: “At the moment, to find out about housing, planning and infrastructure plans detailed in the Local Plan for each authority, you have to visit each website which is not only time consuming, but it can be quite difficult to find the information you want.
“Members of CWLEP’s Planning and Housing Business Group thought it would be a good idea to bring all the information together in one place.
“There has been a good deal of joint working and co-operation by Coventry and Warwickshire’s local planning authorities to present key issues such as housing, infrastructure and employment land as a sub-regional picture with links to direct users to more detailed information held mainly on the local authorities web pages.
“We are confident this will be extremely useful for potential inward investors and anyone wanting to have a sub-regional overview of where growth is taking place or where it’s planned in the future.
“We have had a good deal of technical support with the mapping from Warwickshire County Council which, once again, highlights the positive can-do partnership approach for which our area has become renowned.”
Sarah Windrum, CWLEP Chair, said that World Town Planning Day is for planners and communities to celebrate how strong strategic planning really does improve lives by creating places where residents want to live and work - and this initiative was an ideal example.
“This showcases all of Coventry and Warwickshire’s major developments in one place rather than on individual websites,” she said.
“CWLEP’s Strategic Reset Framework outlines the importance of driving forward our green sustainable future and strengthening our profile to increase inward investment.
“This kind of initiative outlines the innovative approach we have in attracting global investment to Coventry and Warwickshire, highlighted by the latest figures which show that nearly 2,000 new jobs were created in Coventry and Warwickshire thanks to investment from foreign companies in the last year.”
News in Brief
A round up of latest news in brief...
Octopus Hydrogen powers up MIRA Technology Park
Octopus Hydrogen, Octopus Renewables and MIRA Technology Park have confirmed plans to develop a green refuelling forecourt, providing hydrogen and EV charging on site at MIRA Technology Park in Nuneaton.
On the forecourt, a number of high-power EV chargers providing up to 300kW will also be installed to build on the existing network of more than 70 charging points already on-site.
The campus is home to 40 automotive businesses, with a growing number focused on fuel cell technology, and many others seeking to incorporate green hydrogen into their motive power options. North Warwickshire Borough Council recently adopted a new Local Plan, which includes 100 acres of land for manufacturing.
Read more here.
Aston Martin reports stronger results for 2021
A strong growth in wholesales driven by customer demand and the delivery of more than 2,100 new Aston Martin DBX has helped the Gaydon-headquartered luxury car company report revenues almost trebling to £736 million.
The company is continuing its “Project Horizon” transformation, scaling up production of its Aston Martin Valkyrie with the first customer car completed and deliveries starting in Q4.
Read more here.
Vivarail showcases production-ready battery technology at COP26
Vivarail Limited, the Southam-based designer and manufacturer of modular trains, demonstrated its battery-powered trains at COP26 in Glasgow, earlier this month.
The demonstration trip for invited guests operated on the 11.8 km Glasgow Central – Barrhead line. Vivarail design director, Mr Neil Bates, explained that using assumptions for a two-car train operating on a 160km line, battery technology will cost £1.37 per kilometre compared with £2.49 for diesel and £2.58 for fuel cell hydrogen.
Read more here.
And Porterbrook showcases hydrogen technology in rail at COP26
Delegates at the COP26 global climate summit in Glasgow had the opportunity to take a trip on the Hydroflex four-car hydrogen-electric multiple unit that has been developed into a demonstrator vehicle by Porterbrook in just 10 months.
As well as hydrogen fuel cells, the retrofitted class 319 unit, now reclassified as class 799, is equipped with a pantograph to support electric operation. Trips took place in electric mode on the Cathcart Circuit from Glasgow Central with the unit’s “hydro chamber” left open so delegates could see up close the hydrogen-based technology that when active can power the train at up to 160km/h and offers a range of around 480km.
The Porterbrook HydroFlex, which has been tested and developed at the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre near Startford-upon-Avon, was prepared for COP26 onsite, supported by local train maintenance company Chrysallis Rail.
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Bladon jets expands into spa park, Leamington Spa
UK manufacturer Bladon Micro Turbine has signed a 20-year lease on Unit 3, a 61,076 sq ft warehouse unit with integral office space off Spartan Close. Bladon is a pioneer in the design, development, engineering and manufacture of micro turbine engine generators. The expanding business has relocated its manufacturing, R&D and sales and marketing functions to the new headquarters building, which will house more than 150 staff. The company was formerly based at The Proving Factory on the edge of Coventry, but outgrew the space.
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WMG collaborates with Severn Trent on hydrogen
Researchers from WMG, University of Warwick, have produced Hydrogen from wastewater for Severn Trent following the water company’s challenge to the university’s researchers to find a more sustainable way to treat wastewater.
Hydrogen is valuable as it is a renewable source, and could be sold to the chemicals and plastics industry or used in hydrogen fuel cells for energy storage or electric vehicles. The ability to take hydrogen from waste water provides a new economic and environmental opportunity, however until now it has been incredibly expensive to achieve.
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FSB event to return with special guest hosts
The Federation of Small Businesses’ (FSB) Business Bootcamp and Networking event is returning to the Coombe Abbey Hotel in January and bookings are open for eligible Midlands businesses to secure a free place. The event, which takes place on Monday, January 31 from 7.30am until 3pm, is designed to benefit entrepreneurs, the self-employed and small businesses from across the region, with representatives from 250 small businesses attending the last bootcamp. It will be hosted at the historic Warwickshire location by Sandra Garlick MBE, founder of the Woman Who Network, and Dave Sharpe, International MC and BBC Broadcaster.
The agenda will include a business networking breakfast, which gives visitors the opportunity to network with local businesses and a bootcamp to hear from inspirational speakers on how to develop and grow a small business.
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MTC working with CITB to support off-site construction
The Manufacturing Technology Centre at Ansty has been selected by the Construction Industry Training Board to produce training materials to support the development of offsite construction.
The MTC is to create a set of high-quality materials to upskill trainers in education and industry in offsite manufacturing and construction.
The programme is part of a £1.2 million CITB project to increase the skills capacity in this fast-growing area which is revolutionising the way schools, hospitals and houses are designed, manufactured and built. The project was paused last year due to the pandemic, but is now re-starting. MTC is part of the Construction Innovation Hub which is developing a range of technologies and processes to improve productivity in the construction and social infrastructure sectors.
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Exhall manufacturer Staircraft joins Travis Perkins
Building materials giant Travis Perkins has fully acquired Staircraft – which has operations in Hampshire – after owning a minority share in the business since 2015. Staircraft is headquartered in Exhall and operates from three manufacturing sites across the UK. The business, which also has a site in Whitchurch under its Independent Construction Technologies brand, provides integrated stair, floor and door services.
Northampton-headquartered Travis Perkins first bought a 15 per cent stake in 2015, and announced its intention to fully acquire the remaining share at an investor update on 29 September.
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GE to Re-organise into Three New Business Units
General Electric plans to break into three separate companies focused on healthcare, energy and aviation. Shares in GE jumped more than 10 per cent in pre-market trading as investors welcomed the move, which will make it easier for them to decide which of the businesses they want to back.
GE Healthcare will be spun off in 2023, with GE retaining a 19.9 per cent stake in the unit. GE Renewable Energy, GE Power and GE Digital will be combined into one energy-focused company that will be spun off in 2024. Once these transactions are completed, the original GE will focus on aviation. GE Power Conversion and the RMR (Rotating Machines Rugby) site in Rugby will sit within the renewable energy business.
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Belfy Golf and Hotel Complex under new ownership
The world-famous golf resort and hotel in North Warwickshire has been bought by two leading investment companies which have announced upgrade plans.
The Belfry Hotel and Resort in Lichfield Road, Wishaw, between Coleshill and Sutton Coldfield, has been purchased by Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Cedar Capital Partners from KSL Capital Partners.
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Wigley Group creates flexible office space at Number 11 Waterloo Place
A grade II-listed building in the centre of Leamington Spa is to be converted into flexible office space after being acquired by The Wigley Group. Number 11 Waterloo Place on Warwick Street will undergo an internal refurbishment to create office space with meeting rooms and other facilities designed for companies that have made changes to working practices post-Covid.
The six-storey building is part of an early 19th century terrace of former houses that are said to be named in honour of the Duke of Wellington, who visited Leamington Spa in 1827, 12 years after his defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte in the Battle of Waterloo.
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National Grid and WCG Support inclusive skills for young people
A partnership between a leading college group and National Grid is helping students get ahead by gaining valuable workplace experience and transferrable skills as it enters its fifth year.
Three students at WCG (formerly Warwickshire College Group) have started supported internships at the electricity and gas utility company’s Warwick office.
Over the course of the year-long supported internships the students will take up placements around the business and gain experience in a wide range of roles. The supported internships scheme at WCG is aimed at young people aged 17-to-25 who have learning difficulties and disabilities.
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Three in four West Midlands companies hit by supply chain disruption
Supply chain problems have caused disruption to nearly three-quarters of businesses in the West Midlands in the past 12 months. According to research carried out by risk management and insurance brokerage Gallagher, in the past year, businesses in the region experienced serious supply chain disruption six times on average. This directly led to a loss of income, with a third of companies taking the extreme step of temporarily shutting down elements of their business.
The vast majority of business leaders in the West Midlands (80%) expect supply chain issues to continue in 2022 – with 72% of bosses concerned about the potential negative impact they could have on their organisation. Businesses predict that COVID-19 legacy issues (54%), the Brexit fallout (28%), plus changes to regulations (19%) and labour issues (18%) will cause continued disruption.
Read more here.