Featured News
Positive step forward for Nuneaton
A successful bid for funding of £1million will be used to give a new lease of life to a retail space in Nuneaton town centre.
The grant, which potentially could create 75 jobs, has come from the Government’s Towns Fund team.
It will be used to repurpose the two floors above 22 Queens Road – known to many as the former Woolworths store – and create flexible working spaces that include both shared and dedicated office space with a new dedicated public entrance.
A Town Deal Board – made up of business representatives, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Councillors, Warwickshire County Councillors and representatives from the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, Warwickshire CAVA, the health sector and community – has been created to bring a funding bid together.
Cllr Peter Butlin, Deputy Leader at Warwickshire County Council, sits on the Town Deal Board as Warwickshire County Council’s representative.
He said: “This is tremendous news for Nuneaton and for entrepreneurs searching for modern office space to launch their enterprises.
“This is an important part of the Transforming Nuneaton jigsaw which is really beginning to gather momentum and it is great to be giving a new lease of life to a much-loved building.”
Councillor Julie Jackson, Leader of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council and member of the My Town Nuneaton Board, is extremely pleased with the news.
“This funding is very welcome news for Nuneaton and another positive step forward for our town centre,” Cllr Jackson said.
“To repurpose under-utilised spaces like this is forward-thinking and an excellent way to bring jobs and people into the town centre.
“With this and the Transforming Nuneaton project, we are on our way to seeing a tangible change in the town centre for the better.”
It is expected that the first tenants will move into the building by the summer of next year.
Sean Farnell, Chair of the My Town Nuneaton Board, added: “The aim of the Towns Fund is to level up towns across the country and release town centres’ economic potential. This accelerated funding certainly helps to do that here in Nuneaton.
“More flexible business spaces are needed in town and this is the perfect location for this to be created and do something with an empty space.
“This is one step closer to our goal of helping to regenerate Nuneaton and the town centre and help bring it into the future.”
Nuneaton is one of 100 towns across the country that has been selected to bid for funding from the Government’s Towns Fund Initiative – where up to £25 million per town is available – and an initial consultation with Nuneaton residents on how the money could be spent has received nearly 300 submissions.
The My Town Nuneaton Board is busy compiling all of the ideas that was submitted from the consultation.
This shortlist will be revealed in a second round of consultation and then a plan of action, called a Town Investment Plan, will be drawn up to submit for the Government funding later in the year.
For further information about the campaign and to submit an idea visit www.mytownnuneaton.co.uk
To keep up to date with the initiative follow @MyTown _Nuneaton on Twitter and My Town Nuneaton at Facebook.
Caption, from the left, Nuneaton Town Deal Board members Cllr Kris Wilson, Sean Farnell, Marion Plant and Cllr Julie Jackson.
WCC support helping Nuneaton mum’s Zumba classes flourish
A Nuneaton mum who began running Zumba fitness classes three years ago to unite those feeling isolated is seeing her business move in the right direction following a rise in demand during the Coronavirus lockdown.
Nicola Rigby, from Whitestone, decided to launch her own Zumba fitness classes – called ‘Zumba with Nicola’ – in 2017 as a way of improving her own fitness and overcoming anxiety and loneliness.
Nicola’s sessions – which incorporate Latin dance – were regularly attracting more than 20 people per session before the pandemic took hold but after migrating to online sessions, she is now at-tracting up to 40 regulars and has attracted more than 500 Facebook likes.
The 40-year-old was initially supported by the start-up team at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce who deliver the Warwickshire start-up service on behalf of the County Council. This start up support service is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, forming part of the CW Business: Start, Grow and Scale Programme. It is also funded by Warwickshire County Council and the five Warwickshire District and Borough councils.
This included working with a Chamber business coach, Rita Booth, on a marketing plan and pricing structure that eventually saw Nicola hosting four sessions a week in community centres across the north of Warwickshire until Covid-19.
Councillor Izzi Seccombe, Leader of Warwickshire County Council and Portfolio Holder for Eco-nomic Development, said: “Nicola is a great example of the tenacity that owners whatever their size or sector have needed to show to keep their business going particularly in these current test-ing times.
“The Warwickshire start-up service is designed to offer support ranging from mentoring to guidance and I would encourage Warwickshire entrepreneurs to get in touch with the Chamber to see how they can help.”
Nicola said: “I am starting to reintroduce some face-to-face sessions now and have teamed up with another Zumba instructor to host a session every Sunday morning at Attleborough Sports Club – which is that busy that we now have a waiting list and have launched a Wednesday evening session at the same location.
“When I look back at where I was three years ago to where I am now, I can’t believe it, and I’m so grateful to the Chamber for the platform it gave me and for teaching me to believe in myself, be confident and know my worth. It is these mantras that have stuck with me throughout by business journey when times have been tough.”
Rita praised Nicola for her patience in developing the business into the growing force that it is today, and is hoping her story will inspire others to access the Chamber’s support.
Rita added: “When Nicola came onto the programme, she was just starting her Zumba business and was really struggling to get people to her classes – she only had two classes and they were never more than 40 per cent full.
“We spent time working on ways to improve engagement with her audience, exploring how to reach people outside her usual network, and focusing on a pricing structure to encourage people to commit for longer so she could grow the business to the point that it was giving Nicola some sort of living.
“The Chamber offers ongoing support to start-ups – whether it’s an initial idea or within the first 12 months of trading – and we’d encourage people to get in touch to benefit from one-to-one help and also to find out about a series of workshops that are available to them.”
For more details about support for start-up businesses, visit www.cw-chamber.co.uk or contact the start-up team on 024 7665 4321 (option four).
Pictured (taken in November 2019): Nicola Rigby (left) with Rita Booth
£21.5m improvement to key roads and junctions in Nuneaton
Warwickshire County Council has approved the Cabinet decision to invest nearly £21.5m of its Capital Investment Fund to deliver a transformation of Nuneaton’s transport infrastructure – part of the wider Transforming Nuneaton project.
The funding will come from the county council's Capital Investment Fund (CIF) and will be used to make improvements to major junctions on the ring road, alleviating congestion and improving facilities for all users, including cyclists and pedestrians.
The improvements to Nuneaton’s roads will not only make the town more attractive for residents and visitors, but also to potential developers and businesses. They form part of a larger programme of transport improvements which aim to:
· Support schemes which will regenerate and repurpose the town centre environment to meet today’s need
· Attract economic investment into Nuneaton Town Centre, thus maximising the rate of employment, business growth and skill levels in Warwickshire
· Improve access and connectivity to, and within, the town centre by all modes, focusing on delivering sustainable transport infrastructure
· Accommodate for increased transport demand through Local Plan growth and the implementation of the Transforming Nuneaton masterplan
· To support Warwickshire County Council’s Climate Change Emergency declaration
· To deliver improvements which encourage low-carbon, sustainable modes
Among the key projects now approved are:
· A444/Corporation Street / Powell Way - The existing ‘Dandelion’ roundabout will be removed and replaced with a four arm signalised crossroads. This will reduce queues and ease congestion along Corporation Street and in the Midland Road/Corporation Street Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) as well as improve facilities for cyclists and pedestrians. Also included within this scheme is a new four arm signalised junction at the A444/Abbey Street junction, to provide improved bus access into the town centre. If the Dandelion fountain needs to be removed, it will be relocated elsewhere.
· A444/Queens Road - The road will be widened to allow for a new bus lane that will provide improved public transport accessibility at the junction. The wider road will benefit drivers and cyclists alike.
· A444/Wheat Street - Provision of a fourth arm to an existing three arm signalised junction to open up development along Wheat Street west (Vicarage Street Development Site). This will also provide improvements to cyclist/pedestrian facilities.
· A444/Leicester Road/Back Street/Bond Street/Regent Street - This scheme will remove the existing one-way gyratory system and replace it with a four-arm roundabout. Approximately 420 metres of one-way system will be removed, proposed toucan crossings will provide greatly improved cyclist and pedestrian facilities, and there will be greater legibility between the train station and town centre.
Current plans are feasibility drawings only. The county council will engage with local stakeholders as the designs progress.
Cllr Jeff Clarke, portfolio holder for transport and planning at Warwickshire County Council, said: “Transforming Nuneaton is about creating a vibrant town centre for residents and visitors. But it’s also about creating a town that is an attractive investment opportunity for prospective businesses which will greatly stimulate the local economy and create employment. The transport infrastructure is absolutely critical to that. This is a real statement of intent that we are committed to improving the town centre and sends that message out to any potential investors.
“But while we are boosting the economy, the schemes also demonstrate our commitment to tackling climate change, reducing congestion and improving air quality as active and sustainable travel are at the heart of all of these schemes.
Residents will see real benefits from the planned works to their journeys to, and around, the town.”
Cllr Julie Jackson, leader of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, said: “Improving access to our town centre, and reducing traffic congestion, are key elements of our Transforming Nuneaton proposals. It is good to see this programme of investment coming forward from Warwickshire County Council at this important time for our town and our borough. These are changes to our town centre roads system that will have a significant impact on the appearance and experience of the town centre and its ring road.”
Transforming Nuneaton is a partnership between Warwickshire County Council, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council and the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership. It is aiming to create a vibrant town centre with a mix of accommodation, office space, a community hub in the form of a public building (library), and great transport links.
Further information can be found at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/transformingnuneaton
Skills Hub website launches
The Warwickshire Skills Hub has launched its website which brings together all the support for local businesses, schools and communities to create a skilled workforce and stable employment market to drive the county’s economy forwards.
The site encompasses support ranging from helping young people to enter the world of work, links for both young people and businesses to organise work experience placements and apprenticeships as well as some of the practical guidance and help that is available for businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Warwickshire Skills Hub is part of the county council’s continued investment in skills support. Based in Eliot Park Innovation Centre in Nuneaton, the Skills Hub will be home to the Employability and Skills team, providing a creative space and virtual backdrop for many of the team’s campaigns and projects supporting the wide skills agenda.
Leading the way on skills activity the team’s ethos is to “Innovate, Shape and Create”. Collaborating with a number of skills, education and business experts, the growing team will play a crucial role in supporting businesses and communities to develop highly skilled workforces, establish strong career pathways ultimately helping Warwickshire’s economy to remain strong and sustainable.
However, whilst the pandemic restrictions are in place and the team is not able to physically base itself at its headquarters, the team will launch a series of events and support services via the new website, offering a series of supportive tools, virtual meetings and workshops.
Among the new site’s many features is a link to the county council’s Skills for Employment programme, a dedicated fund which underpins career activities and creates multiple opportunities for work experience.
There are links to the Careers and Enterprise Company and the Coventry and Warwickshire Careers Hub to support careers leaders in schools and resources for young people to help them to find work experience, look at the possibility of an apprenticeship or to help with CVs.
Among the projects that the Skills Hub has worked on, highlighted on the website, is the Supportive Employers Inc forum which linked businesses to schools and colleges across Warwickshire to provide supported internships to young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Direct support to businesses comes from Warwickshire County Council’s skills team who create skills plans for businesses, help them to source new talent and promote their businesses to prospective employees. Links to schemes such as the Government’s £2billion Kickstart programme and the Small Business Apprenticeship Levy Programme are invaluable signposts for enterprises looking to bring new talent in.
A new scheme that has recently gone live is the Future Careers Digital Market Place which offers local businesses the opportunity to work with a filming company to produce a short filmed piece to showcase career opportunities and pathways to prospective employees.
The county’s response to the Covid pandemic is a prominent feature, signposting businesses to some of the support programmes including Survive, Sustain and Grow – a new support programme which targets all small businesses in Warwickshire with a focus on retail, tourism, hospitality and leisure offering a tailored one-to-one recovery support package through a network of specialist consultants.
There is also a section on the Coventry and Warwickshire Redundancy Support Scheme, which brings together a range of partners including Coventry City Council, Coventry and Warwickshire LEP Growth Hub, the Department for Work and Pensions. The service supports local businesses through the difficult times created by the pandemic. It provides support, exploring options available to businesses to become more sustainable, potentially preventing job losses and company closures, wherever possible.
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Leader of Warwickshire County Council and portfolio holder for economic development, said: “I am delighted to see a dedicated space being created for the Skills Hub and I look forward to the opening when we can welcome businesses and partners to meet the team. In the interim, while that is not possible, this website is a wonderful digital alternative, offering an interactive one stop shop for the region’s businesses and those seeking employment.
“The county council is committed to creating and sustaining a vibrant economy. The Skills Hub website offers help to businesses to help them to survive this terribly difficult period and be sustained to grow in future when our economic recovery kicks in.
“A strong economy needs a skilled workforce so I am delighted that there is such a wide range of support for young people and those seeking employment who are looking to get the skills they need to enter the work market and contribute to the local economy.”
For further information, visit https://skillshub.warwickshire.gov.uk/
Region leading location for future mobility technologies
Warwickshire has been recognised as a nationally significant location for future mobility technologies as part of a major initiative by the Department for International Trade (DIT) to boost Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the UK.
The West Midlands region has won two major project bids within the second round of the UK Government’s High Potential Opportunities (HPO) programme – an initiative designed to promote high-level industry opportunities to foreign investors and drive overseas investment into the UK’s regions and nations.
Warwickshire, with Coventry, is among the leading regional locations chosen as a centre of excellence in Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) Modelling and Simulation. Birmingham and Solihull have been selected as the UK’s top destination for opportunities in Data Driven Healthcare & Technologies.
Cllr Heather Timms, portfolio holder for environment at Warwickshire County Council, said: “The Warwickshire and Coventry area is a global force in future mobility, including low carbon propulsion and autonomous technologies. This support from the Department for International Trade will help us to promote our internationally significant strengths and identify supply chain gaps and opportunities for new investment and jobs.
“It adds to the work that Warwickshire County Council and its local authority partners are doing to support the economy in Coventry & Warwickshire to create new opportunities for the economy in future green and sustainable technologies in line with the council’s commitment to addressing climate change.”
DIT will continue to co-ordinate the HPO programme, helping to promote the Warwickshire and Coventry R&D eco-system and the business opportunities here with its global network as part of its engagement strategy with international investors.
Minister for Investment, Gerry Grimstone, added: “The UK has so much to offer international investors across a variety of key sectors and regions. Our HPO programme looks at some of the sectors and sites across the UK where we see some of the world’s greatest challenges being solved.
“Inward investment will help the UK build back better while levelling up all parts of the UK. This is just the start of the steps we are taking to increase inward investment and drive economic recovery.”
Coventry & Warwickshire is an attractive location for inward investment, and as part of the West Midlands has performed consistently strongly in attracting FDI, with 2020 marking the fifth year in a row that the region has ranked as the UK’s leading location for securing overseas investment outside of London and the South East.
Recent FDI investors here have included Hello Fresh, Lotus Cars and IPG Photonics – the world’s leading manufacturer of high-performance lasers
Improvements to public spaces announced ahead of Birmingham 2022
Ornate new fencing, footpath repairs, the refurbishment of public benches and tree management works are part of a package of public realm improvements which will begin shortly, as Royal Leamington Spa prepares to welcome spectators and competitors for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The initial work will take place along York Walk which, with its links to Victoria Park, the town centre and Leamington Spa Station, is expected to become a well-used route by visitors to the Games.
York Walk is part of a suite of improvements to Royal Leamington Spa’s public spaces to be delivered by Warwick District Council ahead of the town’s role as an official venue for the Lawn Bowls and Para Bowls competitions.
This is being facilitated by a grant in excess of £1.5m allocated from the Government’s Local Growth Fund through the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP).
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Leader of Warwickshire County Council, said: “The legacy from the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will be on various levels including improving the public realm in Royal Leamington Spa for national and international visitors as well as residents.
“This is a superb opportunity to showcase the town on the international sporting stage – it follows the high international profile the town got in recent years when the Warwickshire stage of the Women’s Tour and Tour of Britain concluded there - and this work will ensure Royal Leamington Spa is shown in the best possible light.”
Warwick District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Culture, Councillor Moira-Ann Grainger, said: “These improvement plans have been carefully considered, so that they are in keeping with the rich culture, history and creativity of our town, not only leaving a lasting impression with visitors to the Games, but also a legacy to be enjoyed by our community for generations to come.”
Marion Plant, Vice-Chair of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, added: “The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will provide an unprecedented showcase for Royal Leamington Spa and the wider Coventry and Warwickshire area, with international media coverage and increased visitor numbers, so it is important that we present as good an impression as possible.
“This work will allow that to happen while also bringing benefits to local residents and visitors from within our region.”
Business confidence improves
Business confidence in Coventry and Warwickshire has started to improve after the massive hit it took at the height of lockdown, according to a new survey.
The latest Quarterly Economic Survey by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce showed that the outlook for the region was still short of pre-Covid levels and that while business morale has shown a marked uplift it still hangs by a thread.
The survey, which is analysed by Warwickshire County Council, is sponsored by Prime Accountants Group and feeds into the national survey by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).
Warwickshire County Council’s analysis uses a similar score to the national Markits Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) where 50 is the balance and anything above means the majority feel positive and anything below means the reverse.
Business confidence in the second quarter of 2020 dropped to 38.3 in the service sector but rose to 54.4 in the latest survey. In manufacturing, it rose from 39.0 to 47.7.
There were improvements across the indicators of domestic sales, overseas sales, investment and cashflow, and employment in both the service sector and manufacturing. All were still, however, way short of the levels prior to the Coronavirus crisis and were all still below 50.
David Ayton-Hill, Assistant Director for Communities at Warwickshire County Council, said: “While it is good to see a rebound in the economy from Q2, particularly with regard to sales, cashflow and employment, there is still quite some way to go before we return to anything like pre-Covid levels.
“As we see infection rates rise again across the UK and in Coventry and Warwickshire, it is vital that businesses look to adapt to new ways of working and become ever more resilient to change and disruption.
“A range of support is available, both from national and local government, and we would urge businesses to explore the help and assistance that is available as we look to support the recovery of the economy.”
Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, added: “Confidence has improved but only relatively speaking. We are comparing this quarter with Q2 when the economy was, largely, in hibernation.
“Businesses were, to a considerable degree, in a state of shock and it’s no surprise that almost every single economic indicator dropped to a record low.
“The third quarter has seen many areas of the economy beginning to tentatively reopen and that has generated something of a recovery in confidence but the overall economic outlook is still short of where we were prior to the crisis.
“It’s also very difficult to gauge right now if the confidence that businesses are experiencing is thanks to the huge levels of Government intervention.
“We must also acknowledge that many businesses remain unable to operate, especially those in the leisure and events sector which have been affected by the most recent Government restrictions.
“So, the final quarter of 2020 is going to remain challenging with the ongoing Coronavirus crisis coupled with the looming end to the Brexit transition.
“It’s vitally important that Government keeps its options open in terms of stimulating the economy and remains agile enough to support businesses as the crisis continues to evolve.
“As a Chamber, we will continue to feedback to Government where help is needed but will also continue to support the businesses across the patch with advice and guidance through this next phase of the crisis.”
Pictured: Louise Bennett with Steve Harcourt (Prime Accountants Group).
Visit Warwickshire campaign to launch
Warwickshire County Council has appointed destination consultancy, Blue Sail, to deliver a Visit Warwickshire marketing campaign to help the recovery of the county’s tourism sector.
Following an initial product audit and period of consultation with tourism stakeholders across the county, Blue Sail will be coordinating and delivering a campaign aimed at attracting domestic visitors to the county for day visits and short breaks.
Their activity will complement the existing marketing activity undertaken by regional tourism organisations and independent tourism businesses and will see the development of a new consumer-facing web presence for the whole county.
Exactly what the activity and messaging will look like is still in development but is likely to take a thematic approach to positioning and marketing, emphasising the beauty and rurality of the county as a great place to explore as a family, with a loved one (and maybe even with your dog!).
The campaign will run to August 2021 but with a legacy to sustain business development and growth in the longer term.
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Leader of Warwickshire County Council and portfolio holder for economic development said: “Warwickshire has always enjoyed a stellar reputation as a beautiful destination for tourists with its range of attractive market towns, bustling town centres and rolling countryside and the tourism sector has been hard hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Reinvigorating this sector is key to the county’s economic recovery and I welcome the forthcoming campaign which will focus our attention on the domestic market and put Warwickshire at the forefront of their thinking when they are considering a break.
“But this campaign is not only aimed at helping this critical sector in the short term. Its goal is to establish Warwickshire as a prime location for the domestic market into the future. We are confident that it can, and will, have a lasting legacy.”
The Visit Warwickshire campaign is part of a wider package of investment allocated to help businesses on the road to recovery and boost the economy.
Future Careers project showcases hospitality
Warwickshire County Council has teamed up with Kenilworth’s oldest pub, the famous Virgins & Castle, to showcase careers in hospitality and employment opportunities at the 16th century pub.
As part of the council’s Skills for Employment programme, a select group of Warwickshire businesses were chosen to film behind the scenes and create a digital showreel with team interviews.
The Virgins & Castle was taken over by award-winning hospitality group Caviar & Chips one week before the country went into lockdown.
Since re-opening, they have been recruiting for roles across the pub in leadership, front-of-house and kitchen positions.
More recently they have created three new apprenticeship opportunities with WCG (formerly War-wickshire College) which is a great example of Warwickshire businesses navigating their way through the impact of COVID-19 and creating employment.
Julie Crump, Chief Operations Officer at Caviar & Chips, who leads on recruitment and operations at the Virgins & Castle, said: “Even before we took on the ownership of the Virgins & Castle, we knew we wanted to create jobs and opportunities for talented people in our community. Just before lock-down we started planning with WCG how we would start our apprenticeship programmes, but that was sadly put on hold while the country had to stay home and we held our breath on where the hospitality sector stood.
“Since re-opening the pub, we have been busy recruiting and we’re doing so in a way to buck the trend for what it’s like to work in hospitality.
“We’re keen for the next generation of hospitality leaders to come through with a fresh perspective. It’s not about long days and unsociable hours. We create exciting roles with a great focus on guest experience. We play an active role in our community and we invest in the physical and mental well-being of our teams.
“So the Future Careers Digital Market Place programme with Warwickshire County Council gave us a great outlet to be able to speak to young people in schools, colleges and employment programmes.”
Leader of the Council and Conservative Group and Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Councillor Izzi Seccombe OBE, said: “As Warwickshire’s economy kick-starts again, Warwickshire County Council's Economy and Skills team continues to work with businesses and education partners to connect those companies looking for talent and those people looking for work. Being able to do this through short films and making use of digital and social media means that we’re communicating in a more dynamic and relevant way.
“It is our mission to help maintain a strong supply of talent whilst also providing an opportunity for all sectors to gain new skills by presenting their business in a quite different digital world.”
The footage recorded at the Virgins & Castle will be made available at the beginning of November and you can learn more about the job opportunities available by visiting their website www.virginsandcastle.com
If you're a business who would like to work with Warwickshire County Council
who would like to work with Warwickshire County Council to create your own film piece, contact the team on skillshub@warwickshire.gov.uk
Caption: Filming behind the bar at the Virgins & Castle in Kenilworth
Coventry offers first glimpse of programme as UK City of Culture 2021
Coventry City of Culture Trust has announced the first events that will form part of the 365-day programme of UK City of Culture 2021, with a confirmed kick-off date of 15 May, 2021.
As well as announcing the date of the opening event – called Coventry Moves – other highlights include the world-renowned Turner Prize exhibition and ceremony being held at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, a major co-commission with the Royal Shakespeare Company and a three-day weekender curated by Terry Hall, the lead singer of The Specials.
Warwickshire County Council is a Principal Partner of Coventry City of Culture 2021 and the year is set to bring a range of benefits to the region, as visitors to Coventry explore the wider Warwickshire area.
The events announced are the first sight of the ways in which Coventry 2021 is radically rethinking what a City of Culture, and its legacy, means to the region and audiences locally and internationally.
They are a preview of some of the early plans for City of Culture ahead of a full programme announcement in January 2021.
All events are being planned in a flexible and responsive way, to allow them to be presented next year in line with the guidelines at the time they take place.
Co-created with local and national partners, and grassroots organisations across Coventry, the 2021 programme will include major artistic events, world premieres and commissions across theatre, music, dance, literature, comedy and visual arts.
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Leader of Warwickshire County Council, said: “We are proud to a major partner in what is going to be a very exciting year for Coventry and here in Warwickshire, giving culture and tourism a real boost and bringing investment across the region.
“The programme of events that has been revealed looks fantastic and there will be plenty more to come. It will provide huge opportunities for businesses in the county to capitalise on, and we look forward with great anticipation to what is set to be a magnificent year.”
Chenine Bhathena, Creative Director of Coventry City of Culture, said: “We are announcing these events and hope, in these dark times, to give something for people to look forward to – things they can do and enjoy, whatever the future may hold. When Coventry is faced by a challenge, we tackle it head on. The resilience and innovation that the city is known for around the world can be seen in the events we have announced. “From city-wide stories to intimate experiences and small-scale events that will surprise and delight – whatever age you are, whatever brings a smile to your face, whatever makes you feel a little more alive, you will find it in Coventry City of Culture.”
County to be showcased at Midlands Forum for Growth
Warwickshire County Council, partner local authorities and Coventry & Warwickshire LEP will be taking part in the new Midlands UK Forum for Growth next month.
The three day online event will convene global leaders and investors to showcase the Midlands region and the wealth of opportunities for sustainable growth, investment and collaboration.
More than 250 public and private sector organisations are anticipated to attend virtually, including leaders and investors from around the world from 24 to 26 November.
It will provide a comprehensive insight into the Midlands ’strategy, policy and plans for growth and investment.
There will be a presentation on Warwickshire development opportunities, and panelists from local Warwickshire and Coventry business and education, including Marion Plant OBE from North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College and Martin Yardley from University of Warwick Wellesbourne Campus.
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Leader of Warwickshire County Council and portfolio holder for economic development, said: "The Midlands UK Forum for Growth will provide an excellent platform to showcase the range of development opportunities that are available in Warwickshire.
“We are home to businesses and talent developing cutting edge new technologies, and this event will showcase these strengths, together with the town centre, residential and employment site developments taking place across the county, to potential new investors from the UK and overseas.
“Given the current economic climate, there has never been a more crucial period to highlight the growth and investment opportunities in Warwickshire and we look forward to supporting this great new event for the Midlands region.”
This trade and investment showcase event is led by England’s leading pan-regional partnership, the Midlands Engine Partnership, and brings together key stakeholders to achieve the region’s vision for greater sustainable growth and economic prosperity.
Sir John Peace, Chairman of the Midlands Engine, added: “Right now, as the world continues to fight Covid-19 and we all face our own regional and national challenges, we also have an opportunity to build back stronger, better and greener.
“The theme for Midlands UK Forum for Growth reflects this: ‘The Future. Ours to Make’. It recognises that, as part of fulfilling the incredible potential for growth in the Midlands, championed by the Midlands Engine, investment in sustainable infrastructure, our region's businesses and our position at the heart of a green recovery are vitally important.”
The Midlands UK Forum for Growth is a unique opportunity to bring together public and private organisations from the Midlands, along with international investors, to gain a comprehensive insight into the region’s strategy, policy and plans for sustainable growth.
Topics covered will range from infrastructure, investment and innovation, to skills and education, homes and communities, clean energy and technology.
It will give local authorities, universities, businesses, government and investors an unprecedented opportunity to meet and develop relationships, collaborate and share best practice, and generate investment and new business on an international stage.
For more information visit the website www.midlandsukforumforgrowth.co.uk.
Emotional wellbeing support for businesses
The upheaval and stress of the Covid-19 pandemic has taken its toll on the mental health and wellbeing of many within our community.
While large businesses have the benefit of an HR department and a range of support services, many small and micro businesses don’t have the infrastructure in-house to provide support to employees struggling with stress and anxiety.
This is why Warwickshire County Council is extending its successful internal Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to the employees and owners of micro and small businesses, with 10 or less employees, operating in the towns of Warwickshire who may need help at this time.
Employees’ anxieties can be wide-ranging, including worries about their own health, the health of their families, the impact of the restrictions, financial worries, depression brought about by isolation and loss of freedom. Business owners also have to contend with these issues as well as the pressure of keeping their businesses going.
The Employee Assistance Programme provides access to practical and emotional support on a wide range of topics including work, career, relationship, family, money management, debt, health and wellbeing.
Cllr Isobel Seccombe, Leader of Warwickshire County Council, said:
“Mental well-being is always an important area of concern, but we are aware that now more than ever, it's an issue businesses are facing. We recognise this has been a particularly difficult time for micro and small businesses. While small businesses will be aware of how Covid-19 has affected individuals, they won’t have the HR support found in larger organisations, and may struggle to provide the appropriate support around mental health and well-being to staff during this time of ongoing upheaval and stress. We hope the opportunity to access to the County Council’s own Employee Assistance Programme will be a big help to employees and owners of micro and small businesses in our towns.”
How it works: businesses can register their interest in this free service with no obligation to access the programme. They then make employees aware of the support and how to access the 24/7, 365 a day helpline. The service can be accessed directly and confidentially without further manager involvement.
In the first instance, to register for the programme, eligible businesses should complete a simple form which can be accessed here: Employee Assistance Programme form
This initiative is just one of a package of measures to support local businesses recover from the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The County Council has developed an economic recovery plan and allocated a budget of £6 million to support the immediate recovery of the local economy. This plan is supporting a number of new, or extended, activities to support businesses. To find out more about the County Council’s business support schemes visit: Warwickshire County Council Business Support
News in Brief
News in Brief
UK begins mainline testing of hydrogen-powered trains in Warwickshire
Warwickshire enjoyed a UK first with the trials of the HydroFLEX hydrogen train, the first time a hydrogen powered train has run on the UK network.
It follows two years of development by the University of Birmingham BCRRE (Birmingham Centre for Rail Research and Education) and rolling stock leasing company Porterbrook with a £750,000 grant from the Department for Transport (DfT).
The testing took place between their base at the Quinton Rail Technology Centre near Stratford-upon-Avon, and Honeybourne in Worcestershire.
https://www.railway-technology.com/news/uk-mainline-testing-hydrogen-powered-trains/
New director for UK BMW engine manufacturing plant
BMW Group has appointed Dr. Dirk Dreher as the new plant director at the company's UK engine production plant in Hams Hall, North Warwickshire.
Dirk’s career with BMW Group spans almost 20 years with a variety of management roles and key positions under his belt.
He succeeds Bernd Gress, who after more than three successful years leading the plant, moves to a new role within BMW Group, based in Germany.
http://britishdealernews.co.uk/general-news/bmw-biker-boss-hams-hall
Mercedes-Benz takes increases stake in Aston Martin Lagonda
Mercedes-Benz to take 20% stake in Aston Martin, increasing current minor stake. The company already supplies engines to the Warwickshire sportscar maker, so the increased links create the potential for collaboration on EV powertrain.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-54712376
WMG Announces new Catapult Chief Exec
Professor David Greenwood will replace Archie MacPherson who has led the WMG Catapult team since 2016.
Prof Greenwood currently leads WMG’s Energy Research and also holds advisory and board positions for the Advanced Propulsion Centre, Innovate UK (Faraday Challenge and IDP and the Faraday Institution, and is head of the Advanced Propulsion Centre's Electrical Energy Storage Spoke.
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/top-appointment-for-wmg-arm
Gigafactory Key Place in Coventry & Warwickshire Reset Strategy
Two leading business organisations in Coventry and Warwickshire have put extra charge in the call to Government to build a factory in the region that could create thousands of jobs.
A recent Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce PolicyHour video call with businesses in the region included representatives from the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) who joined to discuss its reset strategy for the economy.
Nick Abell of CWLEP said: “The Government is going to back a Gigafactory and, wherever it goes, it is going to create thousands of jobs, potentially tens of thousands. There is no doubt, we want it here.
https://www.cwlep.com/news/coventry-and-warwickshire-business-leaders-charge-calls-regional-gigafactory
Lotus and Sarginsons Team up to Develop EV Tech
Coventry-based light-weighting specialist, Sarginsons, has been chosen to be part of a ground-breaking engineering partnership led by Lotus, known as LEVA, which has won UK Government support and funding to develop an all-new, next-generation Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) architecture. Lotus recently set up an R&D base at Wellesbourne.
https://www.cwlep.com/news/coventry-based-sarginsons-selected-ground-breaking-partnership-led-lotus
New Battery Role for ex-Aston Martin Chief
The former chief executive of Aston Martin Andy Palmer has been named as InoBat's new non-executive vice chairman. Since leaving Aston Martin, Palmer has also become the chairman of Optare plc.
InoBat is based in Slovakia and was established in 2018.
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/new-electric-vehicle-batteries-role-for-palmer
Car Retailer Results Impacted
Listers, one of the largest privately owned automotive groups in the UK has warned that the Covid-19 lockdown had a "significant detrimental impact" on its profitability.
The Stratford-upon-Avon-headquartered company operates 30 sites across the country and employs more than 2,200 staff.
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/lockdown-hits-car-groups-profitability
Jobs at Risk at RSC
Almost 160 jobs have been put at risk at the Royal Shakespeare Company.
The RSC has said it does not know the final number of redundancies until the end of the consultation but 158 positions are currently at risk. This would be up to a 17 per cent reduction in the workforce.
The RSC added that it will focus its efforts on the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, with Swan Theatre and The Other Place remaining closed until 2022.
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/royal-shakespeare-company-puts-jobs-at-risk
Performance Improves at Leamington Software Company
Leamington Spa-based Solid Solutions has reported a turnover of £53.8m for the 12 months to 31 December 2019, up from £51.6m.
Founded in 1998, the company provides software, support and training to thousands of engineers, designers and manufacturing companies across the UK and Ireland. Its customers include the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Stannah Stairlifts, Oxford Space Systems and contact lens manufacturer Coopervision.
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/turnover-and-profits-rise-at-ldc-backed-software-firm
West Midlands 5G Investing in Digital Transport Solutions
The company creating a 5G network in the West Midlands is set to invest £2.4m in seven consortiums to support the development of new products and services to transform transport across the region.
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/multimillion-pound-investments-for-transport-projects
New Chief Exec Appointed at Nuneaton Based Holland & Barrett
A new chief executive has been confirmed at Holland & Barrett after his predecessor stepped down after less than 18 months in the role.
The former digital director at B&Q owner Kingfisher, Steve Willett, has been appointed to succeed Tony Buffin.
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/new-ceo-confirmed-for-holland-barrett
Warwickshire Group Announces Strong Results to March 2020
Turnover jumped more than £90m at Rigby Group, the largest private company based in Warwickshire, which is behind airports, hotels, a developer and IT and investment firms, during its latest financial year. Its founder has hailed the period as its most successful since being established in 1975.
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/south-west/strong-year-for-rigby-group
Cadent Letting at Ansty Largest in UK
Cadent, the gas supply company, is moving its UK HQ to Prospero Ansty, to a new 90,000sqft purpose built development, the largest out of town office let in the UK in 2020. The company is expected to complete the move in early 2022.
https://www.prospero-ansty.com/cadent-agrees-to-take-a-purpose-built-90000-sq-ft-office-building-at-prospero-ansty-from-manse-opus/
Spec Build Units Completed in Leamington Spa
Stoford Developments has finished units three and four at Spa Park in Leamington Spa which comprise 61,075 sq ft and 30,715 sq ft of space respectively, rounding off the first phase of the project.
The units, which are now available to let, sit alongside a 50,000 sq ft unit, which is occupied by Liberty 920E, part of the Liberty Vehicle Technologies, and US-based Martin Sprocket & Gear, which occupies unit five, a 41,173 sq ft warehouse and offices.
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/multimillion-pound-business-park-buildings-completed
Government Funding Unlocks New Flexible Workspace in Nuneaton
A grant of £1m from the Government’s Towns Fund team will be used to repurpose the two floors above 22 Queens Road - known to many as the former Woolworths store - and create flexible working spaces that include both shared and dedicated office space with a new dedicated public entrance, creating up to 75 jobs.
https://www.cwlep.com/news/%C2%A31million-funding-give-nuneaton-town-centre-retail-space-new-lease-life
New Leamington Co-Working Complex Announces New Tenants
Marketing agency Gibsonhaus and creative engagement agency Purple Monster have both signed up to move in to 1 Mill Street, an exciting new office space in Leamington Spa.
The Victorian building on the corner of Mill Street and Leam Terrace has undergone a transformation and will now feature flexible offices, dedicated desks and hot-desking, a video and sound studio, The Muse Coffeehouse, meeting areas and world-class events space.
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/new-tenants-for-co-working-complex
Warwickshire Venues Shortlisted for Awards
The British Motor Museum (BMM) at Gaydon ‘Best Independent Venue’ and the National Agricultural Exhibition Centre (NAEC) at Stoneleigh ‘Best Exhibition Facility’ have been shortlisted at the CHS Awards for the Hospitality industry.
Winners announced on 27th October at online ceremony.
https://www.chsawards.co.uk/
Warwickshire Businesses Recognised in ‘Made in the Midlands’ Awards
Due to the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent restrictions, no awards ceremony took place this year, but the achievements of the region's manufacturers were still honoured by Insider.
Local winners included CoFresh and Ricardo, Lanner and Purity were among the finalists.
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/2020-made-in-the-midlands-winners-revealed
Coventry 2021 Moves Ahead with Announcement of First Events
As well as announcing the date of the opening event – called Coventry Moves – other highlights include the world-renowned Turner Prize exhibition and ceremony being held at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, a major co-commission with the Royal Shakespeare Company and a three-day weekender curated by Terry Hall, the lead singer of The Specials.
The events announced are a preview of the full programme announcement in January 2021.
https://www.cwlep.com/news/coventry-offers-first-glimpse-programme-uk-city-culture-2021
Chamber Annual Conference Moves Online
The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Economic Conference, in its 20th year in 2020 as a key event in the business calendar, will take place online on Wednesday, November 11.
Speakers include West Midlands Mayor Andy Street; Nadhim Zahawi MP, Minister for Business & Industry; Angela Joyce, CEO of WCG; Andrew Carter, Chief Executive of the Centre for Cities; Martin Sutherland, Chief Executive of the Coventry City of Culture Trust; Leigh Hunt, CityFibre’s City Manager Coventry; and Martin Reeves, Chief Executive of Coventry City Council.
https://www.cwlep.com/news/major-regional-business-event-moved-online-it-will-still-pack-punch
FirstPro 2020 Awards Go Online
Coventry & Warwickshire First Pro 2020 Awards will be going online for the first time this year. Each of the FirstPro categories showcases the talent and capability of the business services, professional and financial services sector in our region. The event takes place on Thursday, November 12.
https://www.coventryfirst.co.uk/firstpro/