Featured News
Warwickshire Rural Growth Network highly commended at Enterprising Britain Awards
The Warwickshire Rural Growth Network, designed to help existing businesses to grow whilst providing support for new start-ups, has received a Judges' Highly Commended Award in the 2016 Enterprising Britain Awards, announced by Small Business Minister, Margot James.
The awards celebrate local initiatives which boost business and growth. The Rural Growth Network (RGN) was designed to help existing businesses to grow as well as provide support for start-ups – with a particular focus on supporting women-led enterprises.
It delivered a flexible package of support for businesses in rural areas including workshops, one-to-one mentoring, coaching, specialist advice, small business loans, grants and new business premises.
Over the last three years the RGN has supported 738 small businesses, helped 185 people to start a business and created or safeguarded more than 550 jobs in rural Warwickshire. Businesses supported include a local brewery, a luxury glamping/camper manufacturer, advanced manufacturing and engineering companies, publishing firms, alpaca breeders, product designers and food manufacturers.
It also supported a new, highly successful Rural Innovation Centre at Stoneleigh Park which was developed in partnership with LaSalle Investment Management.
Among the many businesses to benefit was Napton-based engineering company Lontra, the firm behind the innovative Blade Compressor®, for whom RGN support went towards the purchase of essential precision measurement equipment and investment in a third test cell for their latest compressor technology developments – set to open up new markets for the business.
The support was part of Lontra’s latest site development; the launch of the new state-of-the-art Technology Centre. Project support for this development also came from Innovate UK, the Royal Academy of Engineering and European Commission. These advanced testing facilities are enabling Lontra to rapidly progress future designs and deliver these advancements to new sectors which rely upon compression technology.
Steve Lindsey, CEO at Lontra, said: “The Warwickshire RGN has been invaluable to the recent developments at Lontra. The opening of our new Technology Centre is a significant milestone for the company and the Blade Compressor®. This new suite will take our technology to the next level and push the capabilities of our compressor to new limits, ensuring oil-free compression, energy efficiency and improved reliability. We foresee that this will enable us to develop our product for new applications, enter new markets and craft further innovations.”
The Warwickshire RGN, one of just five pilots in the country which ran from October 2012 until earlier this year, was led by Warwickshire County Council on behalf of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP). It was funded by Defra, the EU’s Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE), Warwickshire County Council and a range of private sector partners.
Leader of Warwickshire County Council, Cllr Izzi Seccombe, said “The Rural Growth Network provided a catalyst to explore new ways of supporting businesses in rural areas, bringing together the work of a wide range of specialist organisations and partners in support of the rural economy.
"The legacy of this work will continue well into the future. We are delighted to have been recognised with this award which is testament to the hard work of all involved.
“The county council is committed to continuing to invest in economic growth. We have recently worked with partners to develop and launch a major new business support programme and I would encourage any business to get in touch to find out how we can help them with our expert support and advice that is free and impartial.”
Cllr Philip Johnson, Chair of Warwickshire County Council’s Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee, said: “Warwickshire was competing against a number of strong entries from across the UK and I am delighted that the work of the county council and partners to improve the environment for small businesses through proactive support has been acknowledged in these national awards.”
Sean Farnell, CWLEP board member and partner at Burgis & Bullock chartered accountants, said: “One of the major aims of the CWLEP is to grow the economy of Coventry and Warwickshire and through attracting funding from the Government and the hard work of partner organisations across the region, the Rural Growth Network has directly enabled innovation and creation of employment at a wide range of businesses.
“The Rural Growth Network has been hugely effective in stimulating growth in the SME sector in our area and we congratulate everyone associated with the network for being recognised as one of the most enterprising growth projects in Britain.”
The Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme is a major new support service for small and medium sized firms in Coventry and Warwickshire. It is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund with further support from Warwickshire County Council and Coventry City Council. It is delivered by the LEP Growth Hub, the county council, city council and a wide range of specialist delivery partners.
For more information about the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme, please contact Coventry & Warwickshire Growth Hub on Tel: 0300 60 3747.
For more details about the Enterprising Britain Awards visit:http://www.enterprisingbritainawards.co.uk
More than ever Warwickshire is a magnet for foreign investment
Warwickshire has further strengthened its position as a leading location for new inward investment, creating thousands of jobs in the process.
New figures from UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), now part of the Department for International Trade (DIT), has revealed that over the last 12 months more than 3,600 new jobs were created in Coventry and Warwickshire by attracting foreign investment to the UK.
This continuing appeal for overseas investors is great news for the county's entire business community.
And the expansion of existing investors continues to contribute greatly to the foreign investment footprint of Warwickshire, demonstrating the commitment to the area of major employers like Jaguar Land Rover, Brose, Zhejiang Geely and Holland and Barrett.
Health food giant Holland & Barrett are currently expanding their headquarters in Nuneaton and their chief executive officer Peter Aldis is not at all surprised that Warwickshire remains a magnet for foreign investment. Holland & Barrett's Barling Way base, and Warwickshire as a county, offers the company everything it needs, he insists.
“We are proud to be a longstanding major employer in the Coventry and Warwickshire area," said Mr Aldis. "We are fortunate to be located in an increasingly vibrant, creative and hardworking commercial hub which possesses everything a business needs as the basis for domestic, as well as global, growth: infrastructure, a well-served central location and a skilled workforce.
"We have worked hard to build and broaden our business in the past few years and are now managing a truly international brand from our global headquarters in Nuneaton, managing an extensive network of stores in markets as diverse as China, Sweden, the Netherlands and India.
"We remain true to our local roots and continue to expand our business quite literally with a major extension to our Nuneaton headquarters to accommodate the increasing staff-numbers we need to keep pace with growth.
"Leading local businesses do however need to play their part in helping to drive further opportunities for commercial development in their area, which is why we are pleased to be an active supporter of the new West Midlands Combined Authority which has real ambitions to make this area a great location for businesses of all sizes to develop - ambitions we share and can hopefully contribute to.”
Holland & Barrett are far from alone in identifying the region as a great business base - with the message spreading across Europe and further afield. During 2015/16 in the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) area, there were 47 successful Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects which led to the creation of 3,621 new jobs and safeguarded a further 1,206.
Of the projects, 57 per cent were expansions and 21 per cent new investments, while there were 21 recorded successes in the automotive sector. UKTI and Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) partners, including Warwickshire County Council, supported 35 of the projects over the last 12 months.
The new figures show a significant increase from the 33 FDI projects in 2014/15 which created 2,928 new jobs and safeguarded 180 jobs.
Jonathan Browning, chairman of the CWLEP, said he was delighted that almost 700 more jobs have been created by companies from overseas investing in Coventry and Warwickshire in comparison to the previous year.
“The figures show Coventry and Warwickshire is performing well and even accelerating on an already strong level from last year,” he said. “This new foreign investment into the area is very positive news and shows how well all the local authorities and organisations involved are working together.
“It shows that our area continues to head in the right direction and contribute strongly to the UK remaining the number one investment destination in Europe.
“The region has a strong record of performing well in advanced manufacturing, engineering and automotive and the report shows we remain particularly strong attracting national and global businesses in these sectors. This means we are creating highly-skilled, desirable jobs.
“The CWLEP, Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council, along with UKTI and its partners, have been involved in helping to secure these investments and the latest report clearly shows these partnerships are resulting in hugely positive results which benefit the region’s businesses and people.”
New business support programme for firms in Coventry and Warwickshire
A major new business support service for small and medium sized firms in Coventry and Warwickshire has been launched. A drop in event is taking place in Atherstone on 13 October following an earlier event in Leamington last week.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund with further support from Warwickshire County Council and Coventry City Council. It is delivered by the Coventry & Warwickshire LEP Growth Hub, County Council, City Council and a wide range of specialist delivery partners.
The service is available to businesses with up to 250 employees and includes:
- Support to people looking to start a business.
- Support to help established businesses address barriers to growth.
- Specialist sector support.
- Workshops, events and seminars to provide networking and supply chain opportunities.
- Support with accessing finance e.g. grants, small business loans.
- Referrals to other specialist business support programmes.
- Recruitment service designed to meet the needs of employees.
- Support on improving health and wellbeing in the workplace.
If you’d like to find out more about how the new Business Support Programme can help your business, come along to the next event in Atherstone. You can book your place via Eventbrite at the details below:
Thursday 13 October 2016
Drop in between 7.30am – 10.30am
Memorial Hall, Atherstone
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/coventry-warwickshire-business-support-programme-launch-atherstone-tickets-27044858901
Four 15-minute taster-sessions will take place on the day:
• Thinking of starting a business?
• Access to finance.
• Top tips for business planning.
• Introduction to social media.
The Atherstone event will also include information on the North Warwickshire & Hinckley & Bosworth Leader Programme which offers grants from £2,500 – £25,000 to help local rural businesses grow.
Leader of Warwickshire County Council, Cllr Izzi Seccombe, said:
“We know that small businesses make up more than 99 per cent of all private-sector businesses, so it’s vital that we support this sector in order to ensure Warwickshire continues to be a place where businesses can thrive and employ local people. I would urge anyone with a good idea for a new business, or an existing firm that needs that extra push, to come along to one of our drop-in sessions; or get in touch and find out how the Business Support Programme can help you.”
Cllr Philip Johnson, Chair of the council’s Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee, added:
“The Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme can help both start-ups and established businesses. It provides expert support and advice that is free and impartial and has been developed to serve one function – to help our businesses grow and flourish.”
Jonathan Browning, Chairman of the Coventry & Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership said:
“This is a major programme which will look at all areas of the economy across Coventry and Warwickshire. The Growth Hub was established by the LEP to drive forward the economy by helping companies achieve their potential by overcoming barriers to growth. The three-year the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme will help us support more businesses in that aim. Our businesses advisers are best placed to signpost the most valuable and relevant support which allow companies to cut through much of the legwork and access help quickly and in a way that best suits their needs.”
For further information please contact Coventry & Warwickshire Growth Hub, Tel: 0300 60 3747; Email: contact@cwgrowthhub.co.uk
Schools and college across county benefit from skills grants
Schools and colleges across Warwickshire have received funding totalling £112,000 to develop the employability skills of young people and promote joint-working with business.
The latest round of funding comes from Warwickshire County Council’s Skills for Employment programme which, since February 2015, has awarded up to £3,000 to each of 34 schools and four colleges across the county to stimulate economic growth via schools, skills and employment.
In the last 18 months, grants worth £304,000 have been awarded to schools and colleges across the region, enabling them to undertake a diverse range of projects including: events to raise confidence and aspirations; installation of new software to help students research and plan for their futures, job search, CV and job-application techniques; help with interview skills; and high quality work experience.
The county council's commitment to equipping young people with the skills required to embark on a successful career dovetails with similar objectives held by partner organisations like the Federation of Small Businesses.
Paul Miles Rogers, chairman of FSB Warwickshire & Coventry said: “One of the key objectives of the FSB is to get young people interested in business and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.
"We want to see more business leaders developing close links with their local schools and colleges. The benefits are clear, not only for students but also firms that engage with schools which can provide a valuable future recruitment channel.
"Work-experience, inspiring careers guidance and regular contact with local businesses will help more pupils acquire the skills they need to be workforce ready.
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, leader of Warwickshire County Council and board member of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “We are delighted with the response from schools and colleges to this latest opportunity for additional funds. Ensuring that our young people are equipped to succeed in the workplace is one of our key priorities.
"The grants are part of the county council’s £2.4m Skills for Employment programme designed to stimulate innovation in the range of employability support in the county. So far, since February 2015, £304,000 of this type of grant has been awarded to schools and colleges for a range of exciting innovative projects designed to develop employability skills among young people and forge new links between education and businesses.”
Cllr Philip Johnson, chair of the council’s Communities Overview and Scrutiny, said: “This initiative is helping to provide our young people with the right skills for the world of work – crucial if we are to close the skills gaps reported by frustrated businesses.”
Committed until 2018, the Skills for Employment programme aims to bring together the business world, education and training to enable young people to enter the workplace with the requisite skills.
For more information about Warwickshire County Council’s Skills for Employment programme, call 01926 418027 or email: skillsforemployment@warwickshire.gov.uk
Portillo to address conference on business implications of Brexit
A former Government minister will attempt to guide businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire through the ‘unforeseen turmoil’ of Brexit at a conference in October.
Michael Portillo will be a keynote speaker at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s annual economic conference at the Ricoh Arena on Friday October 14.
The event, which is being sponsored by HSBC, Coventry and Warwickshire LEP, Simplify IT, WarwickNet, Coventry University and Coventry University Enterprises, will have a 'Go For Growth' theme running through it.
Mr Portillo, who was a government minister for 11 years and is now a broadcaster and pundit, believes the momentous events of recent months have caused a ‘reversal of policy’ as well as a change of government.
“A year ago, as the Conservatives had won an unexpected parliamentary majority, the outlook for Britain seemed stable," he said. "Now, without a general election, we have had a change of government and a complete reversal of policy, with Theresa May committed to Brexit.
“Business growth is fundamental to the health of the UK both economically and socially, so encouraging and supporting companies to expand is vital.
“At the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s economic conference, I will offer businesses my thoughts on the unforeseen turmoil that Brexit has brought.”
Mr Portillo will be joined by Mark Berrisford-Smith, of HSBC, and Kevin Byrne, the founder of Check-a-trade, as speakers at the event.
David Burbidge, the chair of Coventry’s bid to be UK City of Culture in 2021, will also be speaking while Go For Growth panel discussions will look at opportunities and barriers to growth.
Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, outlined the conference's objective to draw on the knowledge and experience of key figures locally, regionally and nationally.
“All year we have been urging our businesses to expand through our Go For Growth campaign which has looked at everything from skills to international trade," she said. “Of course, the ability of firms to grow is affected by the economic conditions and there’s no doubt that Brexit was a major shock.
“The outlook that many companies across our patch have taken since getting over the initial decision is that it will be ‘business as usual,’ but it will be great to hear from the likes of Michael Portillo, as well as our other speakers, on how firms will be affected in the short, medium and long-term.
“We would urge companies to book on now as there is a great deal of interest in this year’s conference.”
More information on the conference is available at www.cwconf.com. To book on email events@cw-chamber.co.uk or call 024 7665 4321.
Council's support for small businesses reaps another award
Warwickshire County Council's significant ongoing support for small businesses gained further recognition when the Federation of Small Businesses' annual Local Authority Awards were handed out.
The county council fought off stiff competition to earn the Best All-round ‘Small business friendliness’ accolade at the FSB's annual Small Business Engagement lunch.
Paul Miles Rogers, chairman of FSB Warwickshire and Coventry, revealed that the county council had clinched the award by offering proof of just how directly their input had helped specific small businesses to thrive.
"This was a difficult category to judge and we must give credit to both Coventry and Solihull whose applications were outstanding," he said. "However on this occasion, the judges felt that in their submission Warwickshire had more clearly defined how each of its initiatives benefited not just the business community as a whole but, in particular, small businesses.
"Some of the initiatives included investment in Tech Central, case studies from small firms, support for retail and rural businesses and a big push on supporting firms which tackle skills gaps.”
Accepting the award on behalf of Warwickshire County Council, Cllr Alan Cockburn said: "Small businesses are the lifeblood of our local economy, creating thousands of jobs and bringing prosperity to people across Warwickshire.
"I would like to thank our dedicated team, who are working across many different sectors and in our towns and rural areas to support small businesses to start up, develop and thrive."
The FSB awards provide an opportunity for all councils in Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull to make known any project or initiative that promotes and champions local economic development.
Three other awards which focused on small business friendliness were also presented. The best ‘small business friendly’ campaign was won by Rugby Borough Council, the best ‘small business friendly’ procurement policy went to Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and the best ‘small business friendly’ regulation policy was won by Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council.
Loan funding available to build Warwickshire businesses
Warwickshire SMEs struggling to access loans to fund their growth have the chance to tap into a new package of funding worth £800,000 from Warwickshire County Council and Coventry and Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust (CWRT).
The small business loans programme is designed to help businesses access investment that will help them diversify or modernise their operations, leading to economic growth and job creation.
One firm reaping the benefits from a previous round of small business loans funding is Urban Civil Engineering Ltd (UCE) based in Offchurch, near Leamington Spa.
Set up by Adrian Duncan and Jason Green just two years ago, UCE now has grown from six members of staff to a 50-strong team and turnover is expected to double from £3m to £6m this year.
The remarkable success of the business is set to continue with a roster of customers including well-established construction firms such as Persimmon Homes, AC Lloyd and Barwood Homes.
Adrian and Jason wanted to implement a rapid growth plan but when they couldn't access traditional funding they were referred to the Coventry and Warwickshire LEP Growth Hub. The Hub, which acts as a signposting and business advice service to companies, assessed the firm's initial needs and put them in touch with CWRT.
That led to an initial loan of £50,000 in the first year - which was paid back in full - with a further £70,000 that followed in the current financial year. The funding, vital to the firm’s success, has most recently included a £25,500 loan for the purchase of equipment from the county council’s Growth Fund as part of the wider £70,000 funding package provided by CWRT.
UCE Operations Director Adrian Duncan explains: “The advice and support from the Growth Hub has worked wonders. We needed the finance to be able to have enough cashflow to be able to buy materials as it takes some time to build credibility with a supplier."
"Growing a business like Urban Civil Engineering is exciting but challenging. The financial support from the county council and CWRT has been vital and only possible because CWRT has invested time and effort in understanding what we are trying to achieve.
"Their local knowledge and the fact that they are all about helping businesses in the area to grow has been key to this.”
Now more SMEs across Warwickshire are able to apply for loans worth £1,000 to £75,000. The loans form part of a £2 million package of support approved by Warwickshire County Council.
Successful applicants will need to demonstrate how the cash would directly create new jobs in the county or protect existing employment. The cash can be used by businesses looking to expand their operations, increase their working capital, obtain new premises, purchase new machinery or equipment or for recruitment and marketing purposes.
Leader of Warwickshire County Council, Cllr Izzi Seccombe, said: “This is another fantastic opportunity for local firms and I encourage as many local SMEs as possible to take advantage of it and make an application. We are doing all we can to supply finance to our SMEs who have growth ambitions, but who are having difficulty accessing loans to fund that growth.
"The county council will also launch a new round of grants through our small business grants programme later in the year. Despite the obvious uncertainty following Brexit, the council is sustaining and, where possible, increasing its commitment to supporting local companies.”
Andrew Scarborough, Loans Manager at the Coventry and Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust, said: “We are delighted that local businesses will continue to be able to access much needed funding through our joint work with Warwickshire County Council.
"The small business loans programme is an imaginative yet straightforward loans initiative which targets those organisations looking for financial help to implement capital investment projects. Loans up to £75,000 are available. To find out how we can help please visit our website at www.cwrt.uk.com or call us on 024 7655 1777."
Major transport schemes will promote economic growth
Warwickshire County Council has approved investment in two major transport schemes to help drive economic growth in different parts of the county.
Capital Growth Fund investment will be directed to two key developments: Coton Arches in Nuneaton and Stanks Island in Warwick.
A maximum of £1.7 million from the Capital Growth Fund has been allocated to deliver improvements to the A444 Coton Arches roundabout in Nuneaton, as part of an overall scheme costing £3.7 million.
The Stanks Island project will receive a maximum of £2.59 million Capital Growth Funding for signalisation and capacity improvements within an overall scheme costing £6 million.
Both projects will significantly assist the freer movement of traffic which can only be good news for businesses and the local economy.
The Coton Arches improvements scheme has been developed to address congestion problems on the A444, the primary strategic route linking the town to the M6, Coventry and the local road network. The roundabout is at the junction of roads providing the primary routes from the town centre and housing sites in north Nuneaton to employment opportunities at Bermuda Park and Coventry, whilst also providing access to Bermuda Parkway station.
The scheme is a key element of the overall package of proposals for the A444 Corridor, one of the seven transport priorities within the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s Strategic Economic Plan.
In Warwick, the A46/A425/A4177 Stanks Island signalisation and Birmingham Road improvement scheme is a key element of a number of transport strategies.The scheme is complementary to the housing and growth planned within Warwick District and the proposals for this section of the A46 to become a Highways England Expressway on the section between the M6/M69 and M40.
This part of the A46 Corridor is also one of seven transport priorities within the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s Strategic Economic Plan.
Warwickshire County Council's Portfolio Holder for Transport and Highways Cllr Peter Butlin said: “These are both key developments to resolve issues as part of this council’s commitment that Warwickshire’s communities are supported by excellent communications and transport infrastructure.
“In Nuneaton, the Coton Arches improvements scheme, with its signalisation of roundabout and hamburger link to improve capacity, should promote real economic growth for the area.”
Councillor Philip Johnson, Chair of the Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee, added: “The A46 Stanks Island development in Warwick will greatly improve the capacity of this important road and also lead to major improvements in terms of facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, which is something I welcome on behalf of residents.”
More advanced plans for the two schemes will be presented for public information later this year.
"Creative Warwickshire" up and running to support the county's digital sector
A brand new opportunity for the development of Warwickshire’s creative sector burst into life at the official launch of “Creative Warwickshire” in Leamington Spa.
With all available tickets sold out within a few days of the announcement of the early September launch, the event attracted a great number of local creative entrepreneurs, experts from the sector and influencers from the region, all eager to find out what Creative Warwickshire has in store for all future participants.
It is the latest initiative delivered through the partnership between Coventry and Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust (CWRT) and the Women’s Economy (WE).
The programme is one of the projects under the Inclusive Enterprise Programme, part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and part of the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme, working with Warwickshire County Council.
The launch opened with a welcome from the programme’s delivery director Sally Arkley and consultant director Lara Ratnaraja. They detailed the importance of the project and its aim to contribute to the development of the Leamington Spa region, identified as one of the top 20 Creative Clusters in the UK according to ‘The Geography of Creativity’, NESTA/Creative England, 2016.
Lara, who is a trusted consultant for the cultural, creative and digital industries, observed that it is an “interesting time” for the creative businesses in Warwickshire - and the best possible time for the launch of Creative Warwickshire.
As the first programme of this kind in the UK, the project will contribute to the continuing development of the sub-region as a powerhouse of national activity.
“What our course is aiming to do is put creativity back in the heart of your business,” said Helga Henry, programme director at Creative Warwickshire and director of organisational development at Birmingham Hippodrome, in an inspirational speech addressing all attending business-owners who believe in the future of innovative enterprise.
“Creative Warwickshire is for the creative and digital freelancers and businesses based in the county who want to grow their business, get a grasp of new market opportunities and take their business skills to the next level. With a programme of training, personal mentoring, workshops, seminars, guest speakers and networking opportunities, this is a unique opportunity to contribute to the growth of Warwickshire digital and creative sector."
As part of the Inclusive Enterprise Programme, Creative Warwickshire will be particularly welcoming to applicants who are under-represented in the sector, such as women, business people from ethnic minorities, entrepreneurs with disabilities or older participants.
A complementary programme to Creative Warwickshire – Creative Springboard - will be launched in early 2017. This sub-programme will be aimed at start-up businesses, again from the digital creative sector.
“Together, these programmes form the first phase of our long-term goal, which is to develop a comprehensive education, business support, finance and advocacy programme for the creative sector in the county,” said Sally Arkley, emphasising the importance of the two programmes for the region.
More information about “Creative Springboard” will be released in the upcoming months.
Chamber survey reveals uncertainty but no great alarm over Brexit
Louise Bennett
The run-up to the EU referendum was a slight drag on business confidence in Coventry and Warwickshire – but the effect of Brexit and the political fallout is still not clear.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce carried out its second quarterly economic survey of 2016 ahead of the referendum and the results have now emerged.
While more than half of businesses in both manufacturing and services still expected turnover to rise in the coming 12 months, it was down on the previous quarter.
In the service sector, 54 per cent of companies expected turnover to go up, 41.4 per cent thought it would remain the same while only 4.6 per cent felt it would decrease. In manufacturing, 50.6 per cent of firms were anticipating a rise in turnover while 10 per cent believed it will drop.
The overall figure for the previous quarter saw 73 per cent of firms forecast a rise in turnover.
On the employment front, 25.9 per cent of businesses in the service sector were expecting to increase headcount, 72.8 per cent thought it would stay the same and 1.2 per cent said it would fall. In manufacturing, 27.5 per cent predicted taking on more people, 68.8 per cent said it would remain constant and 3.8 per cent were expecting to reduce the number of staff.
Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We heard from members in the weeks leading up to the referendum that decisions were being put on hold until the vote had taken place and I believe that can explain the fall in the number of businesses expecting turnover and headcount to rise.
“Equally, there wasn’t too much alarm – with only a very small number of firms expecting to have to cut headcount.
“What we don’t know, yet, is the effect Brexit has had on confidence in Coventry and Warwickshire and, actually, I think for most firms it’s still too early to say.
“The political landscape is only starting to settle down and the markets are still searching for a new ‘normal’.
“Anecdotally, some companies are telling us again that the uncertainty of what our future with the EU looks like is unhelpful.
“We need strong leadership in those negotiations with the EU that satisfies the democratic decision to leave but also ensures we have the best possible trading relationship with such a hugely important market to ensure businesses can Go For Growth.
“Our next quarterly economic survey, therefore, will be one of the most interesting we have conducted.”
Grant support for rural businesses in North Warwickshire
A funding programme aimed at boosting the rural economy across the North Warwickshire and Hinckley & Bosworth areas has already awarded over £27,000 in grants to local businesses.
The first round of approved projects from the LEADER programme (a partnership between North Warwickshire Borough Council and Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council) includes a North Warwickshire village post office and an online gift retailer.
Christopher Whitmore, of Whitmore’s Ltd in Polesworth, said: “I am thrilled at the news of receiving the grant. The previous post office in Polesworth was closing and it is essential that the community has this service.”
"The LEADER grant has enabled the relocation of the Post Office to the Spar convenience store which will create a number of jobs in the store over the next few years.
Prezzybox.com Ltd, based in the rural village of Austrey, North Warwickshire is an online gift retailer.
The family-run business, which started as a ‘bedroom business’ in 2000, when it launched as a website selling gifts, now attracts 200,000 visitors per day and generates up to 4,000 orders. The business, which is run from the farmhouse, is looking to expand over the next few years and to take on more employees from the local area.
They will be adding a media production studio to their offices to enable them to focus on video and photography production.
Zak Edwards, managing director of Prezzybox.com, believes the grant will be a huge help to their plans to keep building on the business's success.
Sharon Earp, chairperson of the Local Action Group and an active member of the Hinckley and Bosworth Tourism Partnership, who runs her own rural tourism business, said: “This is the first round of projects approved since we launched the programme last year and we are delighted that local rural businesses will benefit from these funds.
"This will make an important difference to the rural economy and essential services for local people”.
* Anyone who would like more information contact the LEADER Programme team based at North Warwickshire Borough Council; Telephone: (01827) 719356/271
Skills funding has "enormous impact" on schools' careers programmes
Twelve schools and colleges in Nuneaton & Bedworth, six in Rugby and seven in Warwick district are among those to share the latest injection of £112,000 of Warwickshire County Council funding to develop the employability skills of young people.
Those in Rugby include The Avon Valley School and Performing Arts College where the financial support has enabled the school to appoint a member of staff to work more closely with students and give greater opportunity for one-to-one support.
This latest grant follows on from major funding received last year by the school which will continue to work with its partner organisation Kokoro, a nationwide, not-for-profit organisation which focuses on the development and achievement of young people.
Kokoro will be going in to the school to run some Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) lessons and raise the awareness and aspirations of students.
Alison Davies, headteacher at Avon Valley said: “Securing our £3,000 grant from Warwickshire County Council will be a tremendous support for our students. We are proud to be able to provide our students with this crucial personalised support and guidance that will both develop and equip them for life beyond Avon Valley School."
In the north of the county, schools to benefit from the funding include Exhall Grange Specialist School, Ash Green. The cash has enabled the school to pay for support for its new post-16 work experience and placement curriculum.
This includes researching and brokering suitable work experience and placement opportunities for students, as well as face-to-face careers advice; and support and mentoring for students while they are carrying out their work placements.
Joshua Widdowson, (17) from Rugby has already benefited from the initiative. The Year 12 student undertook a week’s work experience at Premier Inn, Rugby and this month will return to the hotel to start a one-day-per-week placement while he continues his Year 13 studies at Exhall Grange.
The funding will enable Joshua to receive mentoring during his placement at Premier Inn.
Christine Marshall, headteacher at Exhall Grange, said: “This funding has had an enormous impact in creating future work opportunities for our students, some of whom have gained apprenticeships as a direct result.
"The funding has enabled us to broker strong and sustainable relationships with businesses and other partners – crucial to the success of our current and future students.
"We are delighted with the success of this venture and the continued support of our partners.”
Among the schools in Warwick district to have benefited is Campion School in Leamington.
Julie Gardner, head of careers education at Campion, said: “This funding is crucial to help our students develop their own career pathways and to assist us to work in partnership with local businesses.
“The grant has helped us provide work placements for more than 90 per cent of our Year 10 students. Extended work placements have also been provided for children identified as being at risk of exclusion, school-refusing or becoming NEETs (not in education, employment, or training).
“We have also been able to start to enrol all of our pupils in the first-rate careers website U-Explore, which is designed to help them research and plan for their futures, whichever route they choose.”
For more information about Warwickshire County Council’s Skills for Employment programme, call 01926 418027 or email: skillsforemployment@warwickshire.gov.uk
Addressing the changing role of prime-age men in employment
Natalie Henderson (Economist in Warwickshire County Council's Economy & Skills team) recently visited the Warwick Institute for Employment Research to discuss with policymakers and researchers the significantly-changing role of working men in developed economies.
Here, Natalie analyses the challenges posed by those changes and how this process is affecting Warwickshire - and outlines the urgent need for it to be addressed in the years ahead.
An interesting trend has emerged across the English-speaking developed countries of the world. Over years, labour-force participation among men of prime age (25-54 years) has fallen.
Nationally, the UK economy has seen a sharp decline in the manufacturing industry since the 1980s due to gradual labour market movements towards digitalisation. This has favoured higher-skilled workers and led to the continued “hollowing out" of middle and lower-skilled jobs.
The trend has significantly reduced employer demand for traditional male jobs and advanced the expansion of the service sector. So, applying this to Warwickshire, are men becoming less important for employment locally?
Figure 1: Growth in economic activity by gender (2004-15)
Source: NOMIS Annual Population Survey
The proportion of the population who are economically active (i.e. employed or unemployed) is a measure of labour participation. Despite prime-age men in Warwickshire having a higher economic activity rate (93.4%) than women (84.5%), fewer males are currently economically active compared to over ten years ago.
The surge in economically active females has resulted in a narrowed “prime-age” gender gap; halving the differential in participation rates from 17% in 2004 to 9% in 2015, helping to achieve higher productivity and economic growth locally.
Figure 2: Employment growth by occupation and gender (2005-22)
Source: EMSI
During the years 2005 to 2015, employment in occupations with high concentrations of female workers grew significantly faster than male-dominated occupations, with the 2008 recession having a greater cyclical impact on “traditional male” jobs such as skilled trades. This resulted in a widened gap in employment growth; with male occupations only achieving 5% growth (+1,000 jobs) compared to 13% in female occupations (+6,700 jobs).
By 2022, male-dominated jobs will increase by a further 970 jobs, driven by the rise in demand for mechanics and computer programmers. In contrast, “traditional-female” jobs will grow by 2,200, with this growth particularly driven by forecast increases in care workers and administration roles.
Other key points from the research include:
- There was a sharp decline in prime-age males working full-time (-3.4%) during the years 2004 to 2015. Although females historically fill more part-time roles, a growing number of prime-age men have chosen to work part-time (3%) compared to women (-11%) over the last ten years.
- Faster growth is forecast in male-dominated industries compared to female-dominated industries; with the architectural and engineering industry to see the largest increase in male jobs by 2025.
All the evidence shows that Warwickshire’s labour market is continuing to change over time, reflecting the UK labour-market performance. Therefore it is vitally important that the take-up of men and women in the local workforce are equally addressed to maintain sustainable growth in the future. Warwickshire County Council is aware of this and will strive to factor it into future policy.
For further queries, please contact: nataliehenderson@warwickshire.gov.uk
Significant changes on the way for Apprenticeship standards and funding
There are significant changes ahead to Apprenticeships with the Government reforming both the standards and the funding mechanism. Here, the Apprenticeship Hub provides further details.
Apprenticeship Standards
Following a number of reviews, Apprenticeship Standards are replacing the current Specifications for Apprenticeship Standards in England (SASE).
These new standards have a few significant changes, not least the inclusion of an end-point assessment before any apprenticeship can be awarded. City & Guilds have produced a visual summary of the changes: http://www.cityandguilds.com/~/media/apprenticeships/images/trailblazer/apprenticeshipstandards%20png.ashx
It is expected that there will be between 600-800 new Apprenticeship Standards, compared to the current 250 SASE Frameworks. Some of these new standards are already available for delivery, so at present there is a cross-over period where some new standards are being delivered alongside the SASE Frameworks. However, once a new standard is in place, the outdated framework which it replaces will be discontinued as soon as it is practical to do so.
We expect the full switchover to take place by 2020, although this date is subject to change.
The Apprenticeship Levy
From April 2017 a new Apprenticeship Levy will come into effect. The Apprenticeship Levy will require all employers operating in the UK to make an investment in apprenticeships of 0.5% of their PAYE bill – there is however an allowance given by government so only those with a PAYE of over £3m are financially impacted.
Last month the Department for Education confirmed plans for those below that threshold. Most employers will only have to pay 10% towards the cost of an apprenticeship and employers with fewer than 50 staff won’t have to pay at all for apprentices aged between 16-18.
Click here (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apprenticeship-levy-how-it-will-work/apprenticeship-levy-how-it-will-work) to access the full update from the Department for Education.
The next scheduled announcement is due in October and we will keep you updated with any further developments through Warwickshire Means Business and on our website: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/getanapprentice.
Leamington to benefit from Healthy High Streets programme
Leamington Spa has been selected as one of 100 towns across the UK to be supported by the Business in the Community’s (BITC) Healthy High Streets programme.
The programme seeks to revitalise high streets which have the potential for growth and to engage large businesses more in their local communities.
BITC’s corporate partners, Boots, EE, Exterion Media, Greggs, Marks & Spencer, Santander and Wilko, are collaborating with local towns in order to help develop them.
The partners will engage in everything from creating and enabling high-profile events to drive footfall to providing expert guidance to market and celebrate the high street as a shopping concept.
Leamington Spa's inclusion in the towns selected for support is very welcome as the Healthy High Streets programme has a track record of proven success.
Data taken from Healthy High Streets towns in 2015 showed an improvement in footfall by 0.4% from the start of the programme, whereas footfall declined nationally by 0.4%. Healthy High Street towns also saw a 5% drop in empty units since the start of the programme, again comparing favourably to the national average.
Under the programme, Leamington will now receive a bespoke package of support and expertise, with the three main aims being to increase footfall by 10%, reduce the number of vacant businesses by 20% and stimulate new job opportunities.
This is not the only positive attention that Leamington Spa has received which will have a favourable impact on local businesses. The Times recently named the town as the third best place for families to live in the UK, recognising its strong sense of identity, successful businesses and community spirit.
Janette is the "perfect fit" to oversee university's business support programme
An award-winning business adviser has joined the University of Warwick Science Park to help deliver support to growing, high-tech firms.
Janette Pallas will be based at the Venture Centre on the main campus at the university and will lead a new business programme offering a range of help and support to innovative businesses based in Coventry and Warwickshire.
Janette is an experienced and qualified business coach, trainer and consultant who gets businesses to focus on strategic and business planning to meet their ambitions.
She was awarded the Specialist Adviser of the Year by the Institute of Business Advisers in 2005 for her work in supporting businesses in their use of ICT and was honoured with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion in 2008 for her work with student enterprises and disabled entrepreneurs.
Prior to becoming a business adviser, Janette founded and grew her own IT consultancy and training business which she later sold.
She is now looking forward to her new challenge at the university.
“The team at the University of Warwick Science Park has a well-respected track record in supporting growth businesses," said Janette. "I’m really looking forward to helping build on this expertise and working with local businesses to help them take the next steps in their business growth.
“I look to get companies thinking strategically and support them to raise the right balance of debt, grant and equity funding by helping them to prepare for the different types of funder.
“This is a brand new challenge for me but one I am very much looking forward to.”
David Grindrod, director of the University of Warwick Science Park, said: “We are delighted to welcome Janette to the Science Park. As well as providing flexible space across several sites in the region that allow growing, high-tech companies the freedom to expand at their own pace, we deliver a range of support services from marketing through to angel investment. Janette will oversee those business support programmes to companies not only based on the Science Park but at other locations in the region.
“Janette’s expertise and experience fits perfectly with what the University of Warwick Science Park can offer to businesses and we are extremely pleased to have her on board.”
The new programme is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund with further support from the University of Warwick Science Park and Warwickshire County Council. It is part of the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme.
Nuneaton firm making inroads into market in India
A laser-cutting company in Warwickshire has started exporting to Asia after investing over £2 million in the latest technology.
Subcon Laser Cutting, in Nuneaton, is exporting parts to support the yellow goods industry in India after a major company within the sector opened two new factories in the country at the end of last year.
The firm produces a part used within a heater grille assembly and already exports into Europe. It is a longstanding member of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and regularly contacts the Chamber for assistance and advice on a wide range of topics including exporting.
Tom Morgan, general manager of Subcon Laser Cutting, said: “We have exported in the past to companies in France and Ireland and can now add India to that portfolio. So far our customer in India has placed four orders, each for 5,000 parts at a time, so they are quite large-scale orders.
“The company is looking to place more orders going forward and we are also looking at new products for them.
“It’s a really exciting time for us. We have invested heavily over the last couple of years, spending over £2 million on the latest technology, and our new 8kw TrumpfFiber laser system is the first of its kind in the UK.
"We have seen a huge amount of growth recently and are now looking at new processes which would be unique within our industry.”
Subcon Laser Cutting, established in 1989, employs 30 people and has a turnover of £4 million though is, in a way, a victim of its own success. It is on the verge of outgrowing its current premises and also struggling to find staff due to a skills gap in the industry.
“As we plan for the future we have to keep all options open," Mr Morgan said. "As there is limited potential to expand our current facility, re-locating maybe an option.
“A lot of the staff are local people so the aim would undoubtedly be to remain in Nuneaton. The company started out on the Trident Business Park in the town and has over the years won numerous awards and is very proud of its association with Nuneaton and Warwickshire.
“We’re also facing issues as the skills we need from new employees are not readily available, so we find it difficult when recruiting new members of staff.”
These were two issues highlighted by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce when it launched its Go For Growth campaign earlier this year.
Helena Bassett, from the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, has been advising the company.
She said: “I’ve worked with Tom and Subcon for some time, advising on grants available and other schemes that can help the business. We will continue to work with the company to help it overcome the latest barriers in its ambitions for expansion.”
The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce is delivering assistance to businesses across the region as part of Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme, part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
For more information on the support available, please contact the chamber on 024 7665 4321 or email supportyourbusiness@cw-chamber.co.uk
Celebrating 4,000,000 engines at Hams Hall
The dedication and achievement of employees who have manufactured more than four million engines at BMW Plant Hams Hall has been celebrated at a special event.
More than 1,500 people attended the family day event which featured a raft of fun activities including car displays, all the fun of the fair and a chance to tour the factory.
The day marked 15 years of sustained and successful production of low-emission and highly efficient engines at Plant Hams Hall in what is also BMW’s centenary year.
The workforce and their families got the opportunity to learn about BMW’s vision for future mobility, plus the chance to see a display of classic cars including a BMW M1 and a BMW 327. Also on display were electric and hybrid models that are on the market today, including the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car and the BMW 225xe, which Hams Hall employees have a direct hand in crafting.
The Birmingham PlayCare Network supported the event along with local artists Maxine Heyward and ‘We are Frilly’ to create a BMW i8 piece of art, a model MINI and to challenge guests to build their car of the future, all made of pieces of materials recycled from the plant.
Plant director Markus Fallboehmer said: “The family day is a great way for us to thank our employees here at Hams Hall. Since 2001 we have built in excess of four million engines for BMWs and MINIs and that success is down to the passion and dedication of everyone in the team here.
"We have a lot to be proud of and it’s fantastic we can come together with our families and enjoy a fun day out.”
In 2016 the plant continues to go from strength-to-strength, producing the newest, most efficient engines, including petrol power units for MINI as well as the BMW Group’s latest hybrid models. The plant also has one of the most modern and advanced, high-tech machining halls where the capability to machine engine components has trebled since a major investment in recent years.
Leamington in top 30 creative clusters nationally
Leamington Spa has been named among the top 30 creative business clusters in the United Kingdom - and top of the tree in the Midlands.
Widely-renowned as a base for the creative industries, Leamington has earned a high standing in a report by innovation charity Nesta and Creative England, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the growth of creative industries.
Leamington was ranked 28th in research which covered 1,504 creative businesses across the country. The town and surrounding area has just over 7,000 people employed in the sector whose estimated Gross Value Added, a measure of productivity, was £417.6m.
Nationally, eight of the largest nine clusters, as measured by number of creative businesses, are in the south with only Manchester in the top nine elsewhere.
The research defined a cluster as a location in the UK top ten in its concentration of business in relevant creative sub-sectors or that has experienced rapid growth in its levels of creative business or employment concentration.
The report found the creative workforce in these clusters has grown by 28% in the last seven years, highlighting the importance of Leamington - "Silicon Spa" - to the local economy.
That is why Warwickshire County Council is committed to supporting small and start-up businesses in the creative industries in every way it can. Such support is essential if the regions are to punch their weight in the ongoing battle to challenge London's domination, believes head of innovation mapping at Nesta, Juan Mateos-Garcia.
“The UK’s geography of creativity is diverse and growing," he said. "London and other creative cities are very important, but so are other areas which are sometimes overlooked.
"A better understanding of their specialism and impact on the local economy will help ensure that these hotspots continue to gain access to the talent and knowledge they need to thrive.”
Deadline looming for Goldman Sachs programme
Places are still available on the highly-renowned annual Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Programme - but time is running out to sign up.
The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Programme, aimed at small businesses or social enterprises looking to grow, provides high-quality, practical education specifically tailored to the needs of UK small business-leaders.
Participants receive 100 hours of teaching designed by leading experts and delivered through online and residential sessions led by Saïd Business School and the University of Oxford, together with Aston University, the University of Leeds and Manchester Metropolitan University. The programme is fully funded for successful applicants.
Participants also gain exposure to a national network of professional experts through business coaching and one-to-one advising. Graduates will join a highly active and unique national network of small businesses which provide ongoing peer-support to each other - and frequently establish B2B trading.
Stephen Ware, a director of farm retailers MM & JE Ware & Son, warmly recommends the programme having been one of this year's graduates.
"The programme has been invaluable in balancing our approach to the farming business," he said. "It means that we are now not only in the business of growing, we are also growing the business".
Applications for the programme beginning in January 2017 close on 24th October. For more information please visit http://www.goldmansachs.com/citizenship/10000-small-businesses/UK/ or to start your application click here.
Backing up your business data
In his regular contribution to Warwickshire Means Business, Alex Williams of Warwickshire Business Watch outlines the necessity to back up your business’ data.
The information held on your computer systems and devices is often irreplaceable; if you are a business, then it is at the heart of everything you do.
If it is lost or stolen your organisation faces a range of potentially-devastating risks. These include business interruption (loss of customer and supplier records, accounts files, emails and software programs), loss of revenue, loss of reputation, non-compliance with data regulations and negligence litigation.
Tips on backing up
- Plan for the worst – If you were to lose all frontline operations do you have a sufficient back up and is it located away from the other data? This is to ensure it does not get caught up in the loss.
- Ensure that the back-up is password-protected so that if the backup was to be stolen the information on it would be inaccessible.
- Ensure the backed up data is accessible by the people who need to access it and they know how to use it.
Ways to back up data
There are several ways to back up your data; the two main ones are portable hard drives and now online via the ‘cloud’.
External Hard drives
- Portable, fast and efficient and can often handle a large amount of data.
- It is important to regularly check the hard drive is working correctly and back-ups are up to date.
- Encrypt the data with a password to ensure sensitive information is not accessible if the hard drive is stolen.
Online (Cloud)
The cloud is becoming very popular nowadays due to its ease of use and the unlimited space available. The cloud effectively serves two purposes in that it can act both as back up and primary storage.
Although using CDs and memory sticks is often an easy option, they are fragile, can easily be lost and are unlikely to have enough storage for even small businesses.
Meanwhile, Warwickshire Business Watch (created in partnership between the Warwickshire County Council Community Safety and Substance Misuse Team, the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Police) continues to grow with advice sheets, useful links, news, events and incidents being added to the website and Twitter on a regular basis.
The biggest change is that of the email alert system which has changed from VC Relay to the community messaging system which will enable us to send out messages more effectively than we were previously able to.
To access the Warwickshire Business Watch website and sign up to the Alerts visit: www.warwickshirebusinesswatch.co.uk or use the Twitter address @WarksBusiness.
New base for small businesses in Stratford has hit the ground running
Venture House, Stratford-on-Avon District Council’s new state-of-the-art business centre in Stratford-upon-Avon, has celebrated its official launch.
The centre opened for business in April this year following the completion of a major project to turn a redundant council building on Avenue Farm Industrial Estate in Stratford-upon-Avon into a top class facility for small businesses and new business start-ups.
Venture House provides 2,500 square feet of business space over two floors offering hot-desking, co-working space, self-contained offices, reception meet & greet, superfast broadband, WiFi, free business support, and on-site parking at competitive rates and easy-in-easy-out terms.
The centre is particularly aimed at new and existing SMEs, entrepreneurs and home-based businesses wanting to make the first transition into a commercial environment.
The project has been funded by the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership through an award of £450,000 as part of the Growth Deal initiative, and led by a team from Stratford-on-Avon District Council. This award is part of an overall £88.6 million Growth Deal Package for Coventry and Warwickshire announced in January 2015.
The launch was attended by all key partners who helped make the project possible, including Warwickshire County Council who provided funding and support. Jonathan Browning, chairman of Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Venture House is a fantastic facility for Stratford-upon-Avon which will help to increase business start-up activity in the town for many years to come.
“We’re delighted to see the facility making a positive impact and would urge anyone in the town launching a business, or considering doing so, to visit Venture House to see how the team there can provide vital support.”
To find out more about Venture House go to www.venturehousestratford.co.uk or contact 01789 207500.
For further information about Coventry & Warwickshire LEP Growth Hub go to www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk or contact 0300 060 3747.
Paul's on the short-list
A local firm of chartered accountants, wealth managers and business growth specialists is celebrating after its managing-director was named as a finalist for the Coventry Telegraph Business Awards.
SFB’s MD Paul Carvell has been shortlisted in the Entrepreneur of the Year category of the awards which celebrates success, recognises achievement and highlights the innovative people and companies in Coventry and Warwickshire.
Winners of the awards, which will go to business people who are putting the region on the map by boosting the economy while making a positive contribution to the local community, will be announced at a dinner at The Ricoh Arena on Thursday 20th October.
Mr Carvell admitted he was “delighted" to be shortlisted.
"It is an honour to be named alongside a number of Coventry & Warwickshire’s finest business people,” he said.
Calling Employers in Warwickshire!
An exciting new careers initiative is launching in October and Warwickshire is leading the way in supporting it.
Zlinkster is designed to empower local students to report on the employment and training opportunities in their area through small teams of journalists backed up by an editorial team.
This is Gen Z helping themselves by talking to employers at first hand to answer their questions about the world of work and apprenticeships.
Companies are urged to get involved and participate - help your future talent pool connect with you directly and find the answers they need from an often baffling world .
For further information contact: Nick Newman FRSA nick.newman@ncwcic.co.uk
Accountants increase their presence in Warwickshire
Warwickshire-based accountants and business advisors Burgis & Bullock have expanded their presence in the county with the opening of a new office in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Wende Hubbard, the firm’s managing partner, along with members of the firm’s partner group, hosted an open day to welcome local businesses, individuals and professionals to their new office in Elm Court on Arden Street.
Burgis & Bullock, a member of TIAG®, a worldwide alliance of independent accounting firms with 189 offices in 70 countries, has a client-list which includes owner-managed businesses, subsidiaries of overseas groups, private equity investee companies, professional firms, charities and individuals.
Now the firm is delighted to have an office in Stratford.
“For nearly 130 years Burgis & Bullock have been providing advice to businesses and individuals," said Ms Hubbard. "And we wanted to provide the opportunity for those based in the Stratford-upon-Avon area to have access to the wide range of services the firm offers.
"Our experienced team can deliver high-level advice without sacrificing personal and friendly service and we are all looking forward to developing lasting relationships with clients in and around Stratford.”
Further information on the company can be found at www.burgisbullock.com
Stoneleigh-based innovation centre has doubled in size
A £750,000 centre which aims to help small businesses grow has been officially opened at a Warwickshire science park.
Phase two of Stoneleigh Park’s Rural Innovation Centre was opened by Kenilworth and Southam MP Jeremy Wright.
The original centre has been doubled in size by LaSalle Investment Management following an investment of around £750,000 as part of its transformation of Stoneleigh Park.
The refurbishment of an existing adjacent building has created an additional 20 serviced offices and two meeting rooms designed for businesses which range from two to eight people.
Thirty of the 35 available offices are currently let out to both new and expanding businesses and the centre expects to reach full occupancy soon.
The first phase of the Rural Innovation Centre was part of the Warwickshire Rural Growth Network, funded by DEFRA and led by Warwickshire County Council on behalf of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership.
Liz Burkinshaw, who manages the Rural Innovation Centre, said: “Since the centre opened in 2013 we have seen a huge number of businesses grow, with several either taking on additional office space here or expanding elsewhere."
“The quality of the offices, flexibility of the lease terms and support that companies can tap into make it a very attractive base for businesses looking to get off the ground or take a step up to the next level.
“The completion of phase two of the Rural Innovation Centre means we now have a suite of 35 offices and with only a few offices remaining it’s clear that there is a huge demand from local businesses.”
Thinking of starting a business?
Aspiring entrepreneurs have been finding out how to get going on the path to success with an event run by a major new business support programme.
A drop in event held at the Town Hall in Leamington last week saw start-ups get impartial, quality advice on a range of issues crucial to starting a small business.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund with further support from Warwickshire County Council and Coventry City Council. It is delivered by the Coventry & Warwickshire LEP Growth Hub, County Council, City Council and a wide range of specialist delivery partners.
Firms representing a range of industries from quantum computing to cleaning services attended the event and found out more about accessing finance; business planning and social media through free workshops, in addition to meeting the many services available to support businesses to start up, develop and grow.
Vanessa McCulloch was one of the entrepreneurs who attended the 'Thinking of Starting a Business' seminar run by Tanya King from the Chamber of Commerce.
Vanessa trained as a lawyer but while she was waiting in a bank, which she says will remain nameless, she noticed it wasn't properly cleaned. She set up Kay Gees Insights cleaning contractors, who specialise in high-quality commercial and domestic cleaning contracts. The company, which operates in Warwickshire, Coventry and the wider West Midlands, is also taking on contracts in Manchester and London.
Vanessa said: "The Business Support Programme Event has been very informative, easy to access and helped to demystify starting up a business."
Another event is taking place in Atherstone on Thursday 13 October at the Memorial Hall.
Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce is delivering the start-up service in Warwickshire as part of the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme. As well as ERDF, it is also funded by Warwickshire County Council, North Warwickshire Borough Council, Rugby Borough Council, Stratford-on-Avon District Council and Warwick District Council.
For further information please contact Coventry & Warwickshire Growth Hub, Tel: 0300 60 3747; Email: contact@cwgrowthhub.co.uk
Women's Cycling Tour among the winners at Tourism and Culture Awards
The Warwickshire Stage of the 2016 Aviva Women's Cycling Tour, staged jointly by Warwickshire County Council and the University of Warwick, was short-listed in the Best Tourism Event/Experience of the Year and received a special Award in recognition for its contribution to Tourism and Culture in the area.
All together the event vividly illustrated the depth of expertise, enterprise and quality underpinning a tourism sector which supports over 18,000 jobs and generates around £1 billion into Warwickshire's economy every year. Along the findings from the tour are
- The event in Warwickshire on 16th June was attended by 75,000 people
- 53% came from outside of Warwickshire
- 14% of the 53% of visitors from outside Warwickshire stayed overnight
- Average spend per day was £38.72
In addition the race saw 96 riders from 22 countries competing and 12 national champions, six Olympic medalists and five World Race Champions.
Warwickshire County Council's portfolio holder for Environment Councillor Jeff Clarke said: "The economic benefits of our supporting the tour were immediate with so many visitors coming to the county. But these benefits will be longer lasting; having showcased the county, we can also expect return visits with so many people seeing what we have to offer in Warwickshire."
Chair of the county council's Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Philip Johnson, said: "What was particularly rewarding was the scope of the tour which covered the whole of the county from north to the south. The economic benefits of visitors were spread throughout, giving a boost to many different businesses."
The excellence and diversity of businesses and organisations powering Warwickshire's tourism industry was recognised at theCoventry & Warwickshire Tourism and Culture Awards with the Warwickshire stage of the Aviva Women's Cycling Tour among those recognised. The awards, hosted by Quidem, along with partners Warwickshire County Council, CWLEP, Coventry City Culture Trust and Shakespeare’s England, rewarded businesses and organisations making an exceptional contribution to the county's vibrant tourism sector.
Warwickshire businesses featured heavily among winners of the 15 categories at the event at the Ricoh Arena. The Hatton Arms, Hatton was judged to be best pub, Cafe Vin Cinq, Rugby was best restaurant and The Arden Hotel, Stratford best hotel. The British Motor Museum took the history and heritage award and Rugby Festival of Culture received the culture award.