Welcome from Monica Fogarty, joint managing director, Warwickshire County Council

Hello and welcome to the October edition of Warwickshire Means Business.

The second Coventry & Warwickshire Business Festival is fast approaching and I am pleased to say that Warwickshire County Council will be hosting three excellent events as part of the Festival.

The Skills Gap remains an enduring challenge for businesses large and small and that will be the focus of our Tackling Skills Shortages event at Eliot Park Innovation Centre, Nuneaton, on Thursday November 22nd (8.45am-1.30pm).

Our Economy & Skills Team, and Business Skills Advisor Fay Winterburn in particular, works constantly to offer business advice on how to recruit the people they need and this will all be showcased at this event.

Among subjects discussed will be apprenticeships, a concept to which Warwickshire County Council retains a longstanding commitment. Since 2012 the Council has recruited more than 200 apprentices; 75 per cent of whom were retained at the end of their apprenticeships and 96 per cent of whom went on to positive destinations in employment or education. Apprenticeships really do work brilliantly both for apprentice and employer alike and in this edition of Warwickshire Means Business you can read about their impact on the Council today and, in particular, in the very important area of Children's Social Care.

Our two other events at the forthcoming business festival will focus on this region's buoyant rail sector. On Wednesday November 21nd (9.30-11.30am) we will host a Rail Innovation Showcase at Quinton Rail Technology Centre, Long Marston and on Thursday November 29th the 'Supply Train: Get On Track' event at Eliot Park Innovation Centre, Nuneaton, will supply information for businesses interested in accessing rail-related opportunities.

I would recommend all these events as great opportunities to find out about the support we offer in those areas. For businesses in the field of low emission vehicles, meanwhile, here is another date for the diary. On Thursday October 25, we will jointly host the Greenfleet Business EV User Event at Stoneleigh Park. This promises to be a fascinating, in-depth look at the next generation of ULEVs such as electric cars and vans and also explore potential avenues of funding support.

I hope you find the time in your busy schedules to attend and enjoy those events - and I hope you enjoy this edition of Warwickshire Means Business.

Sirius in the fast lane after crucial business support from county council

“Without the support and assistance from Warwickshire County Council, and the grant award to help with procurement of tools and equipment, we probably could not have moved the business on. The whole process has been a tremendous help to us.”

Funding support and advice from Warwickshire County Council has helped make 2018 a "turning point" year for a high-performance sports car business.

Sirius Automotive Ltd, which has a base in Kenilworth, was formed in 2014 since when founder Abdul Ghafoor has overcome many challenges, from finding partners and organisations willing to help to turn concept into reality to recruiting individuals with the skills to help drive the business forward.

A big boost came in 2016 when Subaru agreed to supply new engines for the petrol cars. This was a significant development because Subaru supplies very few manufacturers and this ensures that customers have an immediate outlet for servicing their cars. The following year came further progress with the finalisation of the design of the car range and the selection of Hammink Performance, based in Holland, as the manufacturing partner to produce the cars.

Mr Ghafoor's business partner John Garbett also set about developing a business and marketing strategy to generate funding. This led to the involvement of Warwickshire County Council - and substantial further progress.

“2018 was a turning point for us,” says Mr Ghafoor. "We engaged with Warwickshire County Council for business support with some reservation as our previous experiences with other providers were not positive. But from the outset our advisor Jagdish Soor understood the challenges that we were facing. He arranged a series of meetings that enabled us to define a very cohesive and concise strategy going forward.

“Without the support and assistance from Warwickshire County Council, and the grant award to help with procurement of tools and equipment. we probably could not have moved the business on. The whole process has been a tremendous help to us.”

By the end of 2017, three cars - a track car, coupe road car and 100% pure electric convertible - were ordered for production and all three will be finished and available for sale by the end of December.

Further partnerships have been created to help move the business move forward. Sirius merged with Dragon Electric Vehicles to help begin an electric vehicle conversion business. As regulation and clean air policies become implemented there will be a scrapheap of vehicles available to convert to pure electric. The 20 years’ skills and experience that the merger brings is crucial to assisting Sirius Automotive in the early stage development of this market.

“Our short-term plan is to finish the production of cars in Holland, and then to implement our sales and marketing strategy” said Mr Ghafoor. "Our site in Kenilworth helps us to refine the cars further and provides us with the base from where we can begin to grow.”

To find out more about the range of support available to grow your business, please contact the Growth Hub on 0300 060 3747.

Council's commitment to apprenticeships goes from strength to strength

"The apprenticeship was definitely right for me. It has given me so many possible opportunities for the future"

Warwickshire County Council's commitment to apprenticeships remains as strong as ever with the number of apprentices recruited by the authority since 2012 now past 200.

The council is on target to reach its aim of 50 apprentices recruited within this financial year. Among services to benefit most from the apprenticeship talent stream is Children's Social Care whose vital and complex work has been supported since the summer by the recruitment of nine apprentices in Atherstone, Nuneaton, Rugby and Warwick.

Calvin Smith, the council's Children's Safeguarding and Support Manager, said: "Our social care apprentices have brought a broad range of skills on which we are now building as they receive training. They are making a real difference to the lives of our service-users.

"Apprenticeships work really well for us as they give young people a chance to experience exactly what the job entails and find out whether they want to make it a career.

"Our previous round of apprentices were excellent. We offered jobs to three, two of whom actually sat on the interview-panel for the latest round - and were the most challenging interviewers of all!"

Zoe Shephard recently joined the Children's Social Care team full-time following an apprenticeship which she believes provided a perfect career-pathway.

"Completing the apprenticeship expanded my knowledge about social work and my outlook on different situations," said Zoe. "It also made me want to complete the social work degree in the near future. 

"The apprenticeship was definitely right for me. It has given me so many possible opportunities for the future and I am really looking forward to progressing my role with Warwickshire County Council." 

Zoe is one of many whose apprenticeships across Warwickshire County Council have led to a positive destination. Of those who completed their apprenticeships at the council, 75% have been retained while almost 96% either were retained, found work elsewhere, went into further education or left to go travelling. 

Dan Nash, Warwickshire County Council's Apprenticeship Hub manager, said: "Children's Social Care is a great example of how apprenticeships can work perfectly for both apprentice and employee. Talented young people receive a strong launchpad to their career while benefiting their employer and the wider community.

"The council continues to invest in skills in that crucial area and has also recruited six care-leavers to apprenticeships, underlining our commitment to also supporting care-leavers with employment opportunities."

Warwickshire County Council's strength in supporting apprentices is renowned. Last year the council was one of only three local authorities named among the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers in the UK.

"To have recruited 200 apprentices since 2012 shows the council's ongoing commitment to apprenticeships," added Mr Nash. "It's brilliant that we can offer such a diverse range of apprenticeship opportunities across our service areas, from accountancy to forestry, highway engineering  to social care and customer service to vehicle maintenance.

"We offer a range of levels of apprenticeships, starting at Level 2 entry points for GCSE leavers and going right up to HNC equivalent qualifications in areas such as HR Management and Project Management."

* For more information on apprenticeships in Warwickshire please visit  www.warwickshire.gov.uk/apprenticeships.

Tackling Skills Shortages event at festival will explore recruitment options

Businesses will receive a broad range of guidance on how to address their skills gap at an event at Coventry & Warwickshire Business Festival next month.

The Tackling Skills Shortages event, hosted by Warwickshire County Council in collaboration with Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council, will take place at Eliot Park Innovation Centre, Nuneaton on Thursday November 22 (8.45am-1.30pm).

The event is designed to help businesses address the skills shortages which affect many sectors in this region and across the country,  whilst providing a crucial starting point in supporting businesses to overcome their skills barriers.

"At this event we will explore the many different approaches businesses can take to recruitment whilst equipping them with useful information to address skills shortages and build solid skills and training plans," said Warwickshire County Council's business skills advisor Fay Winterburn, who will be among the speakers.

"We are really pleased that once again we have a great range of speakers such as The Careers and Enterprise Company, Reed Recruitment and The Mid Counties Co-operative Group to name but a few.

"Our speakers will advise on how to stand out from the crowd when recruiting, which non-salary benefits packages could improve retention rates and how exploring apprenticeships, work placements and internships whilst also engaging with local schools, can future-proof our talent streams."

The event is the latest phase of the Tackling Skills Shortages campaign, launched by Warwickshire County Council earlier this year, which aims to engage with businesses and offer ongoing support to aid their growth and development.

To book your place at the event please visit https://cwbf2018.ticketleap.com/tackling-the-skills-shortage/dates/Nov-22-2018_at_0845AM

Rail sector in the spotlight at festival events

The region's rail industry will be in the spotlight at two events taking place in Warwickshire - at Nuneaton and Long Marston, near Stratford upon Avon - during November.

On Wednesday November 21, The Quinton Rail Technology Centre, Long Marston, will be the venue for the Coventry & Warwickshire Rail Innovation Showcase (9.30-11.30am). This event will showcase the QRTC site and facilities while delegates will be able to hear from local universities and technology companies about their work in rail.

The University of Warwick WMG will be there to talk about their work in Very Light Rail (VLR) and the University of Birmingham Centre for Rail Research and Education (BCRRE) will showcase their work with hydrogen propulsion in rail.  Rail technology company Vivarail will also be present to talk about their work in battery rail propulsion.

Then on Thursday November 29th the "Supply Train - Get On Track" event (7.30-9.30am) at Eliot Park Innovation Centre, Nuneaton, is targeted at businesses interested in getting into the rail supply chain and accessing rail-related opportunities. Full information and guidance will be given about the business support available for companies looking at moving into this area for the first time and also those which are already active but interested in finding out more.

Both events will include speakers from University of Birmingham on their work to support the rail supply chain and the event is also supported by the Rail Industry Association (RIA), the Rail Alliance and Rail Forum Midlands.

Warwickshire County Council Inward Investment Manager Ian Flynn said: "These two events will highlight the key role of this region in the fast-evolving rail industry.

"This is a time of great change in rail technology and crossover technology from the auto sector and digital and the Midlands is at the forefront of many of these technologies, including Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, Low Carbon Vehicles, mobility as a service and modern mass transport systems.

"Quinton Rail Technology Centre is a key site for the demonstration of digital, hydrogen and battery technology and we look forward to welcoming businesses there on November 21st.

"The conference facility at Eliot Park Innovation Centre in Nuneaton will then host our event on November 29th focusing on
access to business support for rail."

Both events are hosted in partnership with Warwickshire County Council as part of the 2018 Coventry & Warwickshire Business Festival.
To book places at the events please visit:

Rail Innovation Showcase: https://cwbf2018.ticketleap.com/rail-innovation-showcase-in-coventry--warwickshire/

Get on Track – Rail Supply Chain: https://cwbf2018.ticketleap.com/get-on-track-rail-supply-chain/

** image courtesy of Rail Alliance

Eliot Park Innovation Centre taking all the distractions from small businesses

Eliot Park Innovation Centre in Nuneaton is looking to build on its reputation as a hotbed of small business growth in Warwickshire.

Since opening in 2005 the centre, which is owned and run by Warwickshire County Council in Barling Way, has helped more than a hundred businesses become established and grow.

Some of those business have settled into the centre and stayed longer-term. Others have fledged and expanded to a point where they needed to leave to find premises of their own.

Both of those scenarios are pleasing for business centre manager Duncan Haldane who is delighted that feedback from resident businesses is so positive - but also determined that the facilities provided will keep improving to meet business's evolving needs.

"It is always nice to hear that businesses feel comfortable and at home at the centre and, most importantly, have the environment in which they can prosper and grow," he said.

"We aim to offer a warm welcome along with the high-standard facilities we provide and I am very proud of the community which the centre has become with entrepreneurs here getting to know each other and, in many cases, doing business with each other.

"Having said that, just like any business, a business centre cannot stand still and we are always looking at ways to improve our offer. We have gone from strength to strength over the last 10 years, updating the building, car parking, telephones and broadband and building a team that is cohesive and friendly.

"Further developments are ongoing, including expansion of our conferencing facilities which will enable us to offer a more comprehensive choice to all our customers."

Among businesses to have benefited from Eliot Park as a base is Conduce Group whose CEO Steve Russell said: "Being based at Eliot Park Innovation Centre opened doors for Conduce Group. We’ve seen our business grow tremendously as we started working for many of the tenants, including the centre itself."

Paul Simmerson, CEO of E-PPL Group, pinpointed the "helpful and supportive staff" as key to the support which enabled his business to expand into Warwickshire.

“I first opened our new Nuneaton office in the centre back in 2010," he said. "We started with a small office to work alongside our Telford and County Durham offices then expanded into larger offices three times before securing our own premises in 2018.

"The centre staff were always extremely helpful and supportive so the offices were a place to which we could happily invite our prestigious customers knowing they would always be looked after. That allowed us to avoid day-to-day distractions like opening up and worrying about heating, lighting, power, cleaning and broadband links. These are all essential if you have your own premises, but are distractions that new a business can really do without. That’s the beauty of the Eliot Park set-up - losing those distractions is a huge benefit to the young businesses there but, at the same time, they know there is scope to move to a larger unit within the building as they expand.

"It certainly allowed us to fully concentrate on developing and growing our business which really helped us get where we wanted to be quicker than if we’d been in our own premises.”

For more details about the centre, including its simple, easy-in, easy-out agreements for a range of sizes of premises with opportunities for growth into larger units, please visit https: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/businesscentres.

Business EV User Event at Stoneleigh next week

A major event featuring all the latest information and opportunities regarding Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs) will be held in Warwickshire next week.

The Greenfleet Business EV User Event, co-hosted by Warwickshire County Council and supported by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles, will take place at Stoneleigh Park on Thursday October 25.

This event will provide a comprehensive update on the next generation of ULEVs such as electric cars and vans and also explore potential avenues of funding support.

Visitors will also be able to find out what Warwickshire County Council is doing to promote and support the sector through its Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy 2017-2026 which is now in the Local Transport Plan.

"At Warwickshire County Council we are committed to doing all we can to support companies in this sector and encouraging greater use of electric vehicles and ULEVS," said the council's head of transport and economy Mark Ryder. "The Greenfleet Business EV User Event will bring together a range of organisations to offer businesses considering investing in electric vehicles or ULEVS all the information they need.

"The Coventry and Warwickshire region is renowned as a leader in this sector so this event will be a great opportunity for visitors to explore all that expertise together in one place at one time."

The event will provide an update on the latest EVs available, charging requirements and vehicle ranges including hybrid vehicles and new models coming to market. 

It will also outline the business case for moving to ULEVs, covering leasing options and maintenance costs, with examples of real-life case studies and experiences from those already operating ULEV fleets. Visitors will have an opportunity to test-drive electric and hybrid vehicles for themselves.

Among the exhibitors will be Dynamo Taxis, a Bedworth-based business who create fully electric EV hackney carriages (picture, left courtesy of Dynamo Taxis).

* For more details, and to book a place, please visit the Greenfleet website http://warwickshire.greenfleet.net

Small businesses will get the regional and national recognition they deserve

Successful small businesses have a chance to gain recognition on a regional and national scale in the 2019 Federation of Small Business Awards.

The race is on for Warwickshire businesses to emulate last year's rich crop of winners from the county.

In 2017, four awards came Warwickshire's way with Rugby-based Fancy Me named Employer of the Year (sponsored by Warwickshire County Council) while Concierge Medical, Warwick, was named Microbusiness of the Year, Hydro Veg Kits, Nuneaton, was Start-up Business of the Year and Southam's Find Me A Gift took the Digital Business of the Year accolade.

Applications are now open for small businesses to enter one or more of 11 categories in the FSB regional awards. The winners, from a broad range of categories will then go forward to the UK finals in London next May. There, as well as UK category winners, the overall FSB Small Business of the Year 2019 will be announced.

The awards are free to enter and open to all small businesses and the self-employed, whether or not they are current FSB members.

"Small businesses and the self-employed play a vital role in contributing to the economy and making our region a more exciting place in which to live, work and study," said Lee Osborn, development manager for Warwickshire and Coventry FSB.

"Leading a small business or being self-employed can be challenging and is often a thankless task. It can involve wearing many different hats at once on the journey to achieving success.

"Therefore it is important that these small businesses and the self-employed in the region are recognised. That’s why the FSB awards showcase the best small businesses from the length and breadth of the UK, from every sector and industry and from businesses of all ages."

The closing date for entries into the regional awards is January 4, 2019. For more details please visit fsbawards.co.uk.

Eatron keen to tap into region's "dynamic talent pool"

"We chose Warwickshire because it is a prime location for developing advanced automotive technology."

A tech start-up company from Turkey has chosen Warwickshire as its UK base after considering locations throughout the country.

When Eatron Technologies received investment to establish its brand and expand its presence in the UK, directors Umut Genc and Amedeo Bianchimano set about searching for the best place to set down roots.

The company is an international team of automotive software and controls engineers passionate about developing cutting-edge technologies. They provide controls and software engineering services and solutions for electric and autonomous vehicles, with special expertise in battery management systems, hybrid and electric vehicle controls, ADAS and modern AI applications.

After working with the Department for International Trade to establish the best location for a UK headquarters, Umut and Amedeo chose Warwick Innovation Centre on Warwick Technology Park in Gallows Hill, attracted by the region's thriving supply chain and cluster of OEMs and research institutes.

Eatron managing director Umut Genc said: "We chose Warwickshire because it is a prime location for developing advanced automotive technology.

"It is a very attractive location for its proximity to many OEMs and suppliers as well as the availability of many experienced engineers and a dynamic talent pool ”

The company is now seeking to increase its network in the UK, access local business R&D grants and get involved with Innovate UK-funded projects.

On a local level, Warwickshire County Council inward investment officer Steph Williams has supported Eatron by brokering relationships with supply-chain companies and research institutions and alerting them to local grants which may be available.

Steph Williams said: "Eatron Technologies is an impressive, forward-thinking business which adds further to the large talent pool in our thriving autonomous tech sector.

"It's great that, given the choice of locations throughout the UK, they selected Warwickshire and I am delighted to be helping them settle in Warwick."

* For more information about what Steph and her colleagues in the Invest Warwickshire team at Warwickshire County Council can do to help your business settled in Warwickshire, please visit https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/invest/

* The advice for the company was delivered as part of the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme, which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Warwickshire County Council. To find out more about the range of support available to grow your business, please contact the Growth Hub on 0300 060 3747.

Region's economy strengthened over third quarter of 2018

The economic outlook in Coventry and Warwickshire has improved for the first time in 2018 and is still way ahead of the UK economy as a whole, according to a major survey.

The Quarterly Economic Survey, conducted by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s in conjunction with Warwickshire County Council, for the third quarter of the year showed a marginal rise in its economic outlook index from 65.0 to 65.2 (any figure above 50 indicates positive growth).

Domestic orders in manufacturing are up from 63.6 to 67.3 while there has been a fall in the service sector. Overseas orders in both manufacturing and services have risen slightly.

Employment and investment intentions rose marginally in the service sector with a small drop in both in manufacturing.

David Ayton-Hill, Economy & Skills Group Manager for Warwickshire County Council, said the timing of the survey may have impacted the result and that the Q4 feedback would make interesting reading.

He said: “Coventry and Warwickshire’s economic outlook has been well above the national average for some time and that remains the case. It is also pleasing to see that the overall outlook has improved in the third quarter of 2018.

"However, the survey was undertaken before the recent EU summit and subsequent announcements from major manufacturers on their future investment plans. By the time we come to the Q4 survey, the picture could be different again.”

The QES acts as a barometer for the regional economy and also feeds into the British Chambers of Commerce’s national survey.

Firms of all sizes from across the region in both manufacturing and services are asked a series of questions about their order books, their employment intentions and plans to invest.

Louise Bennett, Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce chief executive, said: “It’s very encouraging to see the economy of Coventry and Warwickshire performing well and that our businesses, in the main, remain confident about the future.

“Order books are looking healthy and this bears out what we are hearing when we speak to firms across the region.

“Of course, there is a backdrop of uncertainty and the feeling among many members is that the economy would be soaring were it not for that but, overall, this survey is a positive reflection of where the economy of Coventry and Warwickshire currently stands.

“We look forward to the Chancellor’s Budget later this month to see what measures are taken to support continued business growth in the face of the uncertainty facing companies.”

Smaller companies must be bold in selling themselves to the best recruits

"It doesn’t always come down to pay - it comes down to being valued and being part of a company that shows a commitment to your development."

Small and medium-sized businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire have been urged to promote themselves as great places to work in order to plug their skills gaps.

With 250,000 job-openings forecast in the region before 2030, according to Warwickshire County Council research, smaller firms will face the biggest challenge in finding the skills they need.

This burning issue was discussed when a group of smaller, potentially high-growth companies met at Business Ready’s second Business Growth Network meeting at the University of Warwick Science Park.

Businesses highlighted some of the issues facing them, from the loss of EU employees through to bigger companies mopping up the most skilled people. They then discussed a range of potential solutions, including apprenticeships and internships as well as upskilling current staff to fill more senior roles.

The event heard from speakers including Janette Pallas (University of Warwick Science Park), Peter Butlin (deputy leader of Warwickshire County Council) and Fay Winterburn (business skills adviser at Warwickshire County Council).

Janette Pallas told delegates that smaller companies must be bold in selling their business as a place of work.

“There’s not one solution to the skills problem but, as we heard from the meeting, there is support out there and great people, if you look in the right places," she said. “What has emerged, however, is that small businesses need to be able to show why they are a great place to work to attract people.

"They can’t compete with big, international companies in certain areas but they can show potential recruits the breadth of opportunity they will receive in a smaller company.”

The group discussed what small businesses can offer to make themselves attractive to recruits. These include interesting projects, flexible hours, further training and development and even the provision of exercise classes to aid recruitment.

“It doesn’t always come down to pay, it comes down to being valued and being part of a company that shows a commitment to your development,” added Janette.

“If smaller companies can sell themselves as a great place to work to potential recruits through profile in the media and online, they stand a much better chance of attracting the people they are looking for.”

* Business Ready is delivered by the University of Warwick Science Park and is part of the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme, which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Warwickshire County Council.

Survey will help shape the future of the A5 corridor

Business along the A5 corridor in north Warwickshire have been urged to take part in a survey which will help shape future development plans for the area.

The survey is being undertaken by Midlands Connect, a pan-Midlands partnership working to improve investment in infrastructure across the Midlands, with a particular focus on east-west connectivity.

Midlands Connect is currently working with Chambers of Commerce to understand the importance of the A5 to those businesses situated along it. Responses to the survey will help shape the investment and development plans for this strategic route.

All data collected from the survey will be used only for the above purpose. Respondents will only be contacted in relation to this survey if they indicate a willingness for this to happen.

Please take part in the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/HJGSGFB

Cheryl bringing her expertise to bear at Armstrongs

A former member of Warwickshire County Council's Economy & Skills team has been appointed to a key role at expanding Coventry and Nuneaton-based chartered accountants Armstrong's.

Cheryl Stanley has over six years’ experience working in the accountancy sector and now heads up Armstrong's’ new business development division.

A member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Cheryl will look after the firm’s internal and external marketing and provide business growth support to clients and local business connections.

Cheryl’s knowledge of helping firms to grow began when she worked within the council's Economic Development department, delivering inward investment and business support services in 2006.

Along with a new department, Armstrongs has recently rebranded, launching a new website to provide information on its services and how its team can help businesses grow.

Paul Farmer, director, said: “2018 has been an exciting year for Armstrongs. The new identity and website have given us a fantastic platform from which to operate at a regional and national level. Our firm has grown considerably over the last few years, so the timing was right to take it to the next level and we are delighted to welcome Cheryl on board to help us achieve this.”

Cheryl commented: "I am excited to have joined the Armstrongs team and looking forward to being part of the Armstrongs journey moving forward."

Local Business Events

October

Value from Waste: Masterclass Course: Weds 17th Oct - Thurs 18th Oct, 9:00-16:00, National Metalforming Centre (NMC Venue), 47 Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, B70 6PY (Free)

https://www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk/event/value-waste-masterclass-course-0

Business Essentials for Start-ups - Customer discovery interviews: Thurs 18th Oct, 10:00 - 13:15, Unit 6, Serious Games Institute, Coventry Innovation Village, Cheetah Road, Coventry, CV1 2TL (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/business-essentials-for-start-ups-customer-discovery-interviews-tickets-48549251117

Start-up: Business Planning & Finance: Thurs 18th Oct, 9:30-16:00, St Peters Centre, Charles Street, Coventry, CV1 5NP (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/coventry-start-up-business-planning-finance-tickets-41238963851

Getting the Most out of Google for your Business - SEO & Analytics: Thurs 18th Oct, 09:30-16:00, Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Chamber House, Unit 8 & 9, Innovation Village, Cheetah Road, CV1 2TL  (Free)

https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/getting-the-most-out-of-google-for-your-business-seo-analytics-october-18th-2018/

Midlands Business Network Expo: Fri 19th Oct, 10:00 - 15:00, Aston Villa FC, Birmingham, B6 6HE (Free)

https://themidlandsbusinessnetwork.co.uk/events/midlands-business-network-october-expo-2018/

Stratford Business Forum BIG Breakfast: Fri 19th Oct, 7:00-9:00, Town Square, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 (£12.50)

http://www.stratford-business-forum.co.uk/catalogue_item.php?catID=6760&prodID=58684

Free Business Support Session: Warwick: Fri 19th Oct, 09:00 - 13:00, Coventry & Warks LEP, The Old Clink, The Holloway, Warwick, CV34 4SJ (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-business-support-session-warwick-tickets-51286524375

Chamber Masterclass: Get Yourself Media - Savvy: Mon 22nd Oct, 08:30-12:00, Sketchley Grange Hotel, Sketchley Lane, Burbage Hinckley, Leicestershire, LE10 3HU (Chamber member:£10, Non-Chamber member:£20)

https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/chamber-masterclass-get-yourself-media-savvy/

Powering Midlands Clean Growth: Tues 23rd Oct, 16:00 - 18:00, KPMG, One Snowhill, Birmingham, B46GH (£0.00-£120.00 inc VAT)

http://www.climate-change-solutions.co.uk/events/powering-midlands-green-growth/

FREE Business Support Session: Coventry: Tues 23rd Oct, 09:00 - 13:00, Coventry & Warwickshire Growth Hub, Enterprise Centre, Coventry University Technology Park, Puma Way, Coventry, CV1 2TT (Free)

https://www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk/event/free-business-support-session-coventry-0

12@12 Warwickshire Property Forum Lunch: Weds 24th Oct, 12:00 - 14:00, Temperance, 33 Bath Street, Leamington Spa, CV31 3AF (£16.66)

http://www.stratford-business-forum.co.uk/catalogue_item.php?catID=13382&prodID=87771

Pitching your business idea: Wed 24th Oct: 08:15 - 16:00, Holiday Inn Coventry M6 J2, CV2 2HP (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pitching-your-business-idea-tickets-49985214121

Put your Social Media House in order: Weds 24th Oct, 09:30 - 16:00, Venture House Business Centre, Avenue Farm Industrial Estate, Birmingham Road, Stratford Upon Avon, CV37 0HR (Price tbc)

https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/put-your-social-media-house-in-order-october-24th-2018/

Get customer feedback to improve your product or service: Thu 25th Oct, 09:00 - 14:00, Ramada Coventry, CV1 3GG (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/get-customer-feedback-to-improve-your-product-or-service-tickets-50730342821

Business planning workshop: Thu 25th Oct, 09:00 - 16:00, Ramada Coventry, CV1 3GG (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/business-planning-workshop-tickets-42670531709

Export Growth Masterclass - Coventry & Warwickshire: Thurs 25th Oct 09:00 - Weds 5th Dec 13:00, Coventry Conference Centre, Unit 3, Quinn Close, Coventry, CV34 4LH (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/export-growth-masterclasses-coventry-warwickshire-tickets-45341615994

Chamber Networking at Inspired Villages: Thurs 25th Oct, 16:00 - 18:00, Inspired Villages Group, Gallagher Way, Heathcote Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 6AF (Free)

https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/chamber-networking-at-inspired-villages/

Business essentials for start-ups - Money management: Thu 25th Oct, 10:00 - 13:15, Unit 6, Serious Games Institute, CV1 2TL (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/business-essentials-for-start-ups-money-management-tickets-49984557156

#FSBConnect Rugby Networking Breakfast 4th Friday: Fri 26th Oct, 07:00 - 09:00, The Arnold House at Rugby, Elsee Road, Rugby, CV21 3BA (£5-10) https://www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk/event/fsbconnect-rugby-networking-breakfast-4th-friday-2

https://www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk/event/fsbconnect-rugby-networking-breakfast-4th-friday-2

Q3 North Warwickshire Branch 2018: Fri 26th Oct, 08:00 - 09:30, Subcon Laser Cutting Ltd, Bermuda Road, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV10 7QG (Free)

https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/q3-north-warwickshire-branch-2018/

Midlands Mini-Conference - Non - Members: Tues 30th Oct, 08:30-13:00, The Venture Centre, Sir William Lyons Road, Coventry, CV4 7EZ (£37.27)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/midlands-mini-conference-non-members-tickets-49101264203

Free Budget Seminar: Tues 30th Oct, 11:00 - 14:30, Riverside, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 7AB (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-budget-seminar-30th-october-2018-stratford-upon-avon-tickets-50904061418

Free Budget Seminar, Ansty, Coventry: Weds 31st Oct, 11:00-14:30, Macdonald Ansty Hall, Ansty, CV7 9HZ (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-budget-seminar-31st-october-2018-ansty-coventry-tickets-50904225910

Stratford Business Show: Wed 31st October, Stratford upon Avon College, The Willows North, Alcester Road, CV37 9QR (From £145 to exhibit, free to attend)

http://www.stratford-business-forum.co.uk/cp3.php

Energy Saving & Low Carbon Workshops: Weds 31st Oct, 9:00 - 13:00, Nuneaton (Free)

https://www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk/event/energy-saving-low-carbon-workshops-0

Chamber Masterclass: Network with Fun, Confidence & Professionalism: Weds 31st Oct, 09:00 - 12:00, Village Hotel Club, Dolomite Avenue, Coventry Business Park, West Midlands, CV4 9EZ (Free)

https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/chamber-masterclass-network-with-fun-confidence-professionalism/

Email Marketing that Works: Weds 31st Oct, 09:30 - 16:00, Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce House, Unit 8 & 9, Innovation Village, Cheetah Road, West Midlands, CV1 2TL (Price TBC)

https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/email-marketing-that-works-october-31st-2018/

November

Warwickshire Start-Up - Winning & Keeping Customers: Thurs 1st Nov, 09:30 - 13:30, Venture House Business Centre, Birmingham Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 0HR (Free)  

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/warwickshire-start-up-winning-keeping-customers-stratford-tickets-50390164338

12@12 Professionals Lunch Stratford: Thurs 1st Nov, 12:00 - 14:00, El Greco (£12.50)

http://www.stratford-business-forum.co.uk/catalogue_item.php?catID=6761&prodID=58686

Business Leaders Learning Lab - University of Warwick: Thurs 1st Nov, 08:30 - 11:00, Warwick Conferences, University of Warwick, Scarman Road, Coventry, Warwickshire, CV4 7AL (Free)

https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/business-leaders-learning-lab-university-of-warwick-nov-1/

Intellectual property for beginners: Thu 1st Nov, Serious Games Institute, CV1 2TT (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/intellectual-property-for-beginners-tickets-50527615458

Cheltenham BIG Breakfast: Fri 2nd Nov, arrivals from 7:00, Oxstalls - Uni of Gloucestershire (£12.50)

http://www.stratford-business-forum.co.uk/catalogue_item.php?catID=13439&prodID=87166

Midlands Business Network November Expo 2018: Fri 2nd Nov, 10:00 - 15:00, Watling St, Hinckley, LE10 3JA  (Free)

https://themidlandsbusinessnetwork.co.uk/events/midlands-business-network-nov-expo-2018/

LaunchPad: Launch your business! What do you really need to know - and do: Sat 3rd Nov, 08:00-21:00, Ramada Hotel & Suites Coventry, The Butts, Coventry, CV1 3GG (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/launchpad-launch-your-business-what-do-you-really-need-to-know-and-do-tickets-48059179299

Coventry Start-Up - Thinking of Starting a Business & Marketing: Tues 6th Nov, 09:30 - 16:00, St Peters Centre, Charles Street, Coventry, CV1 5NP (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/coventry-start-up-thinking-of-starting-a-business-marketing-tickets-41239181502

Making Places Last - Sustainable Homes and Communities: Weds 7th Nov, 9:00 - 15:30, Tally Ho, Pershore Road Birmingham (Free for delegates, £200 for exhibitors)

http://www.climate-change-solutions.co.uk/events/making-places-last-2-sustainable-homes-communities/

Warwickshire Start-Up - Business Vision & Strategy: Weds 7th Nov, 09:30 - 13:30, Atherstone Town Council, South Street, Atherstone, CV9 1DE (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/warwickshire-start-up-business-vision-strategy-atherstone-tickets-41491721857

Gloucestershire Property Forum - Curry Club: Weds 7th Nov, 12:00-14:00, Spice Lodge, Cheltenham, GL50 1TY (£20.00)

http://www.stratford-business-forum.co.uk/catalogue_item.php?catID=13439&prodID=87915

Marketing your new business: Wed 7th Nov, 08:15 - 16:00, Holiday Inn Coventry, CV2 2HP (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/marketing-your-new-business-tickets-49985465874

Getting the most out of Google for your Business - SEO & Analytics: Thurs 8th Nov, Oxygen Graphics, 33 Albert Street, Warwickshire, CV21 2SQ (Price TBC)

https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/getting-the-most-out-of-google-for-your-business-seo-analytics-november-8th-2018/

Leamington Forum Big Breakfast: Fri 9th Nov, Arrivals from 07:00, Altoria, Leamington (£12.50)

http://www.leamington-business-forum.co.uk/catalogue_item.php?catID=6820&prodID=59505

Warwick Business Forums - Solving Britain’s Productivity Puzzle: Mon 12th Nov, 16:00 - 18:00, Warwick Business School, Lecture Theatre, Scarman Road, University of Warwick, Coventry, West Midlands, CV4 7SH (Free)

https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/warwick-business-forums-solving-britains-productivity-puzzle/

Warwickshire Start-Up - Winning & Keeping Customers: Weds 14th Nov, 09:30-13:30, Centenary Business Centre, Hammond Close, Attleborough Fields, Nuneaton, CV11 6RY (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/warwickshire-start-up-winning-keeping-customers-nuneaton-tickets-41426777607

Warwickshire Start-Up - Business Planning: Thurs 15th Nov, 09:30 - 13:30, Venture House Business Centre, Birmingham Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 0HR (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/warwickshire-start-up-business-planning-stratford-tickets-50390195431

Wordpress your Business: Thurs 15th Nov, 09:30 - 16:00, Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce House, Unit 8 & 9, Innovation Village, Cheetah Road, West Midlands, CV1 2TL (Price TBC)

https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/wordpress-your-business-november-15th-2018/

Business Planning, The Lean Model Canvas: Thurs 15th Nov, 08:30, Unit 6, Serious Games Institute, Coventry Innovation Village, Cheetah Rd, Coventry, CV1 2TL (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/business-planning-the-lean-model-canvas-tickets-49473420332

The Chamber of Commerce Annual Business & Economic Conference 2018: Fri 16th Nov, 08:00-13:00, Ricoh Arena, Jimmy Hill Way, Coventry, West Midlands, CV6 6GE (Chamber Member:£45.00+VAT, Non-Chamber Member £55.00+VAT)

https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/the-chamber-of-commerce-annual-business-economic-conference-2018/

Business Essentials for Strat-Ups - Customer discovery interviews: Thurs 18th & Weds 21st Oct, 10:00, Unit 6, Serious Games Institute, Coventry Innovation Village, Cheetah Rd, Coventry, CV1 2TL (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/business-essentials-for-start-ups-customer-discovery-interviews-tickets-48549251117

Raising finance for business: Tue 20th Nov, 09:00 - 12:30, Warwick Innovation Centre, CV34 6UW (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/raising-finance-for-business-registration-45965682594

Coventry Start Up - Business Planning & Finance: Tues 20th Nov, 09:30-16:00, St Peters Centre, Charles Street, Coventry, CV1 5NP (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/coventry-start-up-business-planning-finance-tickets-41239423225

Business and Brunch - The Funding Market Place: Weds 21st Nov, 09:00 - 13:00, Coventry University Technology Park, Puma Way, Coventry, CV1 2TT (Free)

https://cwbf2018.ticketleap.com/business-and-brunch---the-funding-market-place/dates/Nov-21-2018_at_0900AM

Rail Innovation Showcase in Coventry & Warwickshire: Weds 21st Nov, 09:30 - 11:30, Station Road, Long Marston, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 8AG (Free)

https://cwbf2018.ticketleap.com/rail-innovation-showcase-in-coventry--warwickshire/dates/Nov-21-2018_at_0930AM

Warwickshire Property Forum - CURRY CLUB: Weds 21st Nov, 12:00-14:00, Saffron Gold in Warwick (£20.00)

http://www.stratford-business-forum.co.uk/catalogue_item.php?catID=13382&prodID=86959

CW Champions: Weds 21st Nov, 07:30 - 09:30, NAEC, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2LZ (Free)

https://www.coventry-warwickshire.co.uk/event/cw-champions-21st-november-2018

Business essentials for startups - Customer discovery interviews: Wed 21st Nov, 10:00 - 13:15, Unit 6, Serious Games Institute, CV1 2TL (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/business-essentials-for-start-ups-customer-discovery-interviews-tickets-49985024554

Save more money and get more customers: Wed 21st Nov, 09:00 - 16:00, Ramada Hotel Coventry, CV1 3GG (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/save-money-and-get-more-customers-tickets-50731469190

Email marketing that works: Thu 22nd Nov, 09:30 - 16:00, Venture House Business Centre, Stratford upon Avon, CV37 0HR (£tbc)

https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/email-marketing-that-works-november-22nd-2018/

#Pioneer100: Celebrating the achievements of female pioneers, leaders and innovators: Wed 28th Nov, 09:00 - 12:30, Pageant House, Jury Street, Warwick. CV34 4ES (Free)

https://cwbf2018.ticketleap.com/pionerr100-celebrating-the-achievements-of-female-pioneers-lead/details

Get on Track - Rail Supply Chain: Thurs 29th Nov, 07:30 - 09:30, 4 Barling Way, Nuneaton, CV10 7RH (Free)

https://cwbf2018.ticketleap.com/get-on-track-rail-supply-chain/

December

Business Planning, The Lean Model Canvas: Thu 6th Dec, 08:30 - 16:00, Unit 6, Serious Games Institute, Coventry, CV1 2TL (Free)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/business-planning-the-lean-model-canvas-tickets-49474653019

January

Interactive Futures 2019: Wed 31st Jan - Sat 2nd Feb, Leamington Spa (From £free)

www.interactive-futures.com

OTHER USEFUL EVENT PAGES TO FOLLOW

C&W Business Festival: https://www.cwbusinessfestival.com/

Tech Central: http://techcentraluk.com/events.html

Business Ready: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/business-ready-12629314668

Coventry University Enterprises: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/cue-business-solutions-13651209205

C&W Chamber of Commerce: https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/

C&W Growth Hub: http://www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk/events

CW Champions: https://www.coventry-warwickshire.co.uk/events

Midlands Business Network: http://themidlandsbusinessnetwork.co.uk/events/

Leamington Hour: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/leamington-hour-7578817945

Stratford Business Forum: http://www.stratford-business-forum.co.uk/

Leamington Business Forum: http://www.leamington-business-forum.co.uk/

News in Brief

A roundup of the latest business news in the county

84,000 sq ft unit sold in Leamington
An industrial building in Leamington Spa has been sold in a £10m deal.
Developer and investor AC Lloyd has sold the 84,000 sq ft building in Tachbrook Park Drive which is occupied by automotive company Grupo Antolin.
he Spanish-based business, which employs 28,000 staff worldwide, agreed a new 15-year lease before the sale to an investor.
https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/10m-deal-announced-for-industrial-building

Companies move for new units ahead of build
Companies have snapped up more than half the units at a new development planned for a Warwick business park before it has received planning permission.
Developer AC Lloyd has applied to create 15 new business units on land it owns at Tachbrook Park, which is allocated for employment.
Nine companies have already signed up ahead of Warwick District Council making a ruling on the proposal.
https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/companies-move-for-new-units-ahead-of-go-ahead

Nuneaton housing development up for two property awards
An all-affordable housing scheme in Nuneaton being delivered by Midland Heart and developer Partner has been shortlisted for two Insider Property Awards, West Midlands.
http://www.midlandheart.org.uk/our-news/press-releases/2018/nuneaton-housing-development-deal-up-for-two-property-awards/

Demolition firm bounces back from difficult trading period
A Warwickshire-based demolition specialist which has worked on projects at London's Kings Cross Station has reported record revenue and returned to profit during the first half of its current financial year after recovering from a difficult trading period.
https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/Demolition-firm-bounces-back-from-difficult-trading-period

Newly listed game studio revs up sales
One of the oldest names in Britain's video games industry has reported revenues of nearly £40m for the first half of its financial year.
Codemasters, which listed on the London Stock Exchange earlier this year, posted revenues of £39.7m for the period to 30 September 2018.
https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/newly-listed-video-game-maker-revs-up-sales

Aston Martin valued at £4.33bn as float begins
Luxury car maker Aston Martin has priced its initial public offering at £19 a share, valuing the company at £4.33bn when it listed on the London Stock Exchange recently.
https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/aston-martin-valued-at-4.33bn-as-float-begins

Work to start on new £2.5m HQ in Warwick
Work is set to start later this month on a building contractor's new £2.5m headquarters in Warwick after the plans were given the green light.
MCS Group, which is currently based in Claverdon, Warwickshire, will build a new 8,500 sq ft base at the Opus 40 site in Haywood Road.
https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/work-to-start-on-contractors-new-2.5m-hq

Nuneaton retail services firm secures £4.25m loan for buy-in
A retail services business in Nuneaton has received a £4.25m unsecured loan to fund a management buy-in.
Ralph Coleman International, which turned over £15m in the year to March 2017, provides washing, storage, haulage and repair of plastic trays in the retail food sector.
https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/retail-services-firm-secures-4.25m-loan-for-buy-in

Businesses vote to keep BID in business
Stratforward BID, Stratford-upon-Avon’s Business Improvement District, is to continue for another five years after BID businesses voted ‘Yes’ for a third term for the organisation.
https://www.stratford-herald.com/91288-businesses-vote-keep-bid-business.html

Warwickshire eatery awarded prestigious Michelin Star
A prestigious Michelin star has been awarded to a restaurant in Warwickshire as a host of other eateries held on to their status in this year's guide.
Stratford-upon-Avon venue Salt is a new entry in the 2019 guide and has won a place alongside other one-star restaurants such as Adam's, Caters of Moseley, Purnell's and Simpsons – all of Birmingham.
https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/Warwickshire-eatery-awarded-prestigious-Michelin-star

Fitness firm flexing its muscles in Nuneaton
A company which creates bespoke fitness equipment and exercise spaces for the Armed Forces has moved to a new base in Nuneaton.
Indigo Fitness, which was formed in 1996, has recently completed its move to a new 20,000 sq ft facility at the 2.5 acre historic Co-Operative Society distribution centre after 15 years at its previous factory in Hinckley.
https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/in-your-area/indigo-fitness-moves-to-nuneaton-15272325

Support business in Kenilworth takes advice on its own expansion
Absolute Works, based in The Square, in Kenilworth, began as an outsourced HR service for companies. But over the last eight years it has grown and now has 16 staff and offers services such as recruitment, apprenticeships, health and safety and training. It now provides services to more than 80 companies across a range of sectors
https://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/news/business/support-business-in-kenilworth-takes-advice-on-its-own-expansion-1-8662496

Record year for Rigby Group
Rigby Group has reported the best results in its 43-year history, with revenues increasing by more than £200m.
The family-owned company, which is headquartered in Stratford-upon-Avon, operates across Europe, the Middle East and Asia and comprises six core divisions which include technology, airports, hotels, aviation, real estate and finance.
https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/Record-year-for-Rigby-Group

Old town building would aim to keep Silicon Spa companies in Leamington
As part of its wider Creative Quarter plans to redevelop the area south of the River Leam Warwick District Council is exploring the possibility of building what it has described as a “multi-purpose structure” on part of the Court Street car park with “flexible, modular office space for the creative sector, car parking and events space”.
https://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/news/old-town-building-would-have-aim-to-keep-silicon-spa-companies-in-leamington-1-8627774

Leamington’s youngest restaurateur opens new venture
At the age of 24, Leamington’s ‘youngest restaurateur’ has opened a new business in the town which has brought new life to a once-ailing site. Hart + Co, owned by town resident Louise Hart, is located at the Augusta Place venue which was previously occupied by Kasa, Barcode, Afterlife and G’s Bar before the previous premises licence lapsed in 2011.
https://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/news/meet-louise-the-youngest-restaurateur-in-leamington-1-8665240

New plans to boost Nuneaton town centre
A 'BID' of good news has been given to businesses in Nuneaton town.
An attempt launched to allow businesses to make much-needed improvements themselves has taken a step forward.
Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council has backed plans for a Business Improvement District (BID) in the town centre and any future proposals for one in Bedworth too.
https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/nuneaton-news-business-improvement-district-15282565

It is vital that we also look beyond Brexit

"The opportunities for economies generally, and businesses specifically, to adapt, change and innovate to address climate change and create new growth opportunities are there - if we are bold enough to grasp them."

 At this time of almost unprecedented uncertainty about the future, it is all too easy to focus on the short-term - the B-word which is dominating the agenda of politicians, media, businesses and economists alike.

But while Brexit is hugely important, it should not be allowed to blind us to the broader, longer-term challenges that we must also be actively thinking about. 

Economic systems operate in cycles. They oscillate around a longer-term growth pathway and neither short nor long terms should be neglected. So let's take a break from Brexit for a moment and focus on some longer-term economic challenges and opportunities and consider how we can best position ourselves.

Looking into the future, there are some broad drivers of change that will shape and inform global and, in turn, national and local economies.

• Climate change – a recent IPCC report reiterated the significant impact of climate change and the increasing urgency for action to limit the increase of average global temperatures.

The report finds that “climate-related risks to health, livelihoods, food security, water supply, human security and economic growth are projected to increase with global warming of 1.5^oC and increase further with 2^oC”."

It is clear that technology, innovation and addressing market failures within the economy will be key to limiting these temperature increases. Even as the IPCC report was published, the Nobel Prize for Economics was awarded to William Nordhaus for his work on how environmental impacts must be integrated within economic thinking to enable more effective policy development and investment in technologies.  

The opportunities for economies generally, and businesses specifically, to adapt, change and innovate to address climate change and create new growth opportunities are there - if we are bold enough to grasp them.

• Pace and scale of change – rapid technological change is enabling things considered impossible only a few years ago. Artificial intelligence, machine-learning and automation are radically transforming how we work, so much so that it has been labelled "the fourth industrial revolution.”

This technology will create a plethora of new business opportunities and has the potential to happen much quicker than many people think. It will also help tackle wider issues such as climate change but is likely to be hugely disruptive for the labour market with technology displacing a range of occupations. New jobs with new skills sets will emerge to replace those lost, but it may be difficult to match up those who lose their jobs with new opportunities. 

• Inequality of wealth and income –a recent economic trend has been the growing income inequalities between the wealthiest and poorest at global, national and local levels. Ownership of assets and capital is becoming more limited which could have further consequences as technology advances as the owners of the robots and automated machines will generate greater levels of income, potentially increasing inequality.

These broad global issues may seem far-removed from the Warwickshire economy but they are, in fact, entwined within it.  Businesses in our region lead the way in many of the technologies that will shape our future; electric vehicles, battery technology, connected & autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, interactive entertainment, digitisation of services and automation. 

Helping to support and grow these sectors will generate growth and prosperity within our area and, as these new sectors grow, it is important that we equip our labour force with skills needed to support people through transition to new technologies and occupations.  Finally, we need to ensure that we are achieving “inclusive growth” - that all parts of society benefit from a growing economy.

All these issues are being actively considered within the development of a Local Industrial Strategy. The West Midlands Combined Authority has recently launched a consultation draft for a strategy for the wider WMCA area and work has started on a localised version of this for the Coventry & Warwickshire area. 

These strategies will take a longer-term look at how local economies can grow and prosper, thus ensuring that we deliver policies, actions and investments which will enable us to positively respond to these wider drivers of change.

 A copy of the WMCA’s consultation draft Local Industrial Strategy can be found at:

https://www.wmca.org.uk/what-we-do/industrial-strategy/