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LCE Fund pumps more than £4million into Warwickshire businesses in two years
"The LCE demonstrates our commitment to supporting micro, small and medium businesses and social enterprises."
A funding scheme created by Warwickshire County Council has lent more than £4 million to small businesses across the county in its first two years.
The Local Communities and Enterprise Fund, part of the Warwickshire Investment Fund and delivered by Coventry & Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust on behalf of the County Council, was launched in April 2022. It is designed to fill a gap in the loans market where mainstream lending may be difficult to access for SMEs and supports smaller and early phase businesses, as well as social enterprises, which are based in or moving into Warwickshire.
The LCE Fund has proved hugely effective in shoring up businesses, enabling growth and safeguarding and creating jobs. In its first two years, the Fund has lent just over £4.1million to 68 businesses, safeguarding 329 jobs with another 328 forecast to be created as a result of the support. The economic impact of jobs safeguarded and to be created is £16.42million – a 4.5 times return on investment.
Businesses from all sectors can apply to the LCE Fund but those most supported by it so far are Retail, Events, Hospitality, Professional Services, Manufacturing and Healthcare & Beauty.
SMEs across the county have benefited with many doubling their turnover in the first 12-24 months following the loan with collective turnovers rising from £20.79 million to £43.74 million.
Among businesses to have benefited from LCE Fund support are:
Mari Carmen Fitness Ltd (Leamington)
The grant was used to launch an industry-leading women’s health & wellness business offering fitness, nutrition & mindset solutions to mothers both pre and post-natal. The finance helped invest further into the business’ fitness app and take on staff and, due to the success, further investment in technology will follow.
MDK Cleaning Ltd (Stratford-upon-Avon)
Received a loan to expand their commercial cleaning business by taking on another franchise area. The business is on track to secure an additional area through the franchise model which will create more jobs and bring economic benefits to Warwickshire.
Mrs Lovett’s Bakery (Rugby)
Has been growing steadily since opening in October 2021. After providing sweet treats to a small radius within Rugby the business was ready move to the next level and the loan enabled purchase of a trailer and equipment to run a mobile bakery to attend fayres, events and weddings, helping boost customer base and generate additional revenue.
YumChop Foods in Bedworth
Retailer of readymade meals inspired by African cuisine and flavours which, prior to the loan, focused on selling their products through vending kiosks at Universities and NHS catering organisations. The loan enables them to fulfil their first orders with two major supermarket contracts with scope to expand across the UK. Has also secured premises in Warwickshire for production as well as additional stock for a new product range.
Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economy, Cllr Martin Watson, said: “The LCE demonstrates our commitment to supporting micro, small and medium businesses and social enterprises and its success is clear from having lent more than £4 million in the first two years. This money pumped into the local economy is creating and safeguarding jobs, benefiting business, families and the communities in which they live and work. These businesses will, in turn, grow and the LCE is a great example of the support and help we are proud to deliver in Warwickshire.”
Sheridan Sulskis, CEO at CWRT, said: "Access to finance is often the lifeblood for small businesses, empowering them to grow, create jobs, and strengthen local economies. By offering tailored support and flexible lending solutions, CWRT and WCC plays a vital role in bridging the gap for businesses that might otherwise struggle to secure funding.
“Now more than ever, small businesses should seize the opportunity to take on affordable finance to start or grow their ventures, laying the foundation for long-term success and contributing to the vitality of their communities."
* For more information on the LCE Fund, please visit here.
* Please find out what other support is available to your business by calling Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub on 0300 060 3747 or visiting https://www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk
* This programme is one of a series being promoted by Warwickshire County Council during Business Finance Week (September 24-October 3) to promote business support offered by the Council and its partners.
LCE support was "perfect solution" for software and technology provider
Since it was launched in April 2022, the Local Communities and Enterprise Fund, part of the Warwickshire Investment Fund and delivered by Coventry & Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust on behalf of Warwickshire County Council, has lent just over £4.1million to 68 businesses. One of those business is CAE Tech, an innovative Leamington-based software and technology provider. Here the business explains how the LCE Fund support has been so beneficial.
Why did you choose the Local Community and Enterprise Fund (LCE)?
“As an SME our finance needs combined cash flow, capital expenditure and investment in growth. Our experience with banks is that these mixed needs are not considered, luckily CWRT has a more considerate and holistic approach. The Local Community and Enterprise Fund was the perfect solution for our situation and is helping us to expand our existing projects and put our growth plans into practice.”
How did it help you?
“LCE is allowing us to start developing new industrial hardware. New improvements have added value to the current clients, increased clients trust, and helped us secure future projects. The new equipment has helped us to define a clear path to our objectives: bridge the gap between design and manufacturing and make mass customisation achievable and accessible.
Conclusion
“LCE is a great option for businesses that might not be able to access finances through banks. You shouldn’t shy away from LCE just because of the interest rates as it can help your business expand immensely. If you lack security, CWRT might be able to offer the Recovery Loan Scheme alongside LCE to help you secure finances.”
WBEAS support takes brakes off Harry Burrows' growth plans
“We are so grateful for the WBEAS support. It will really help us try to take the business to the next level."
Harry Burrows Fabrications received a WBEAS grant which covered a third of the £300,000 costs of a new laser cutter at their factory on Bayton Way, Exhall.
The company, which employs 39 people, had encountered a problem familiar to many growing small businesses - increasing demand for their services could not be fulfilled by struggling, outdated machinery.
They contacted the WBEAS, delivered by Coventry City Council behalf of Warwickshire County Council and the county’s five District and Borough Councils, under which they received a free energy audit. That gave them invaluable advice on how to reduce emissions and become more cost-effective.
The grant then helped them invest in a new laser cutter which has transformed their business offer. It has also transformed their energy consumption with an estimated annual Co2 reduction of 22.77 tonnes, a saving of £23,272.
“Our previous laser cutting machine is nowhere near as efficient and was outdated,” said managing director Marc Burrows. “It was holding us back but the new machine is not just saving energy, it has strengthened the business. It was delivered three weeks ago and straight away we saw the difference we can work so much more quickly that we are aiming, at some point, to set up a two-shift pattern to help us fulfil orders.
“We are so grateful for the WBEAS support. It will really help us try to take the business to the next level. We have a fantastic workforce here, which we really value, and they take a lot of pride in the business, as do we all, so as a board we will do our best to keep pushing forward.”
Harry Burrows Fabrications was created in 1993 by John Burrows (known as Harry because of his resemblance to the former Aston Villa and Stoke City winger pf that name. John trained as a blacksmith and fabricator and then worked for Rolls Royce which became his primary customer when he set up his own business.
It is a great example of a Warwickshire family firm which treats its customers and workforce well and, crucially, never stands still and always has an eye to the future. The company has a vast range of clients – they are currently working on a new giraffe enclosure for Chester Zoo – and the WBEAS grant will enable them to keep expanding that range.
“Cutting metalwork is integral to everything we do and laser cutting is a big part of that process,” said Marc. “The new cutter has made us more productive so the flow of work through the whole businesses is much quicker which frees us up to take on other types of work.
“I am very proud of the business. It is hard work but we had record sales coming in last month and recently recruited our third apprentice because we know how important skills are. We need automation, of course, but also traditional skills. It’s a question of finding that blend.”
Harry Burrows Fabrications is the first business to complete support from WBEAS but the service has more money to allocate. Small businesses across Warwickshire are encouraged to apply to initially receive a free energy audit and then any advice and support which can flow from there.
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Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economy, Cllr Martin Watson, said: “Harry Burrows Fabrications is a fantastic family firm with the skills, commitment and forward-thinking that underpin so many excellent Warwickshire small businesses. I am delighted that the WBEAS support has been so beneficial to them and encourage all businesses across the county to get in touch to see how they can cut costs and reduce energy consumption.”
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WBEAS was launched earlier this year as a part of the £4.6 million Business Growth Warwickshire Programme, developed and commissioned jointly by Warwickshire County Council and the five district and borough councils in the county. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is also funding an expansion to the service as part of a West Midlands Combined Authority pilot including a grant scheme which is managed by the county council.* This programme is one of a series being promoted by Warwickshire County Council during Business Finance Week (September 24-October 3) to promote business support offered by the Council and its partners.
Industry Round Tables inform shaping of future skills support
"This work is helping to shape real activity to improve the skills and future talent supply chain in our county."
During the last nine months, the Business Support Team from
Warwickshire Skills Hub has been hosting Industry Round Tables as part of the
Future Skills Programme which provides skills support for businesses in new and emerging technologies.
To date the Skills Hub, which is part of Warwickshire County Council, has held round tables for the Games Developers, Digital Creative, Automotive & Aerospace (Design & Engineering), Automotive & Aerospace (Manufacturing Tier 1 -3) and Logistics. Planned for later this year are Automotive & Aerospace (OEMs) and Construction.
Working closely with partners and employers across this sector helps the team to identify key skills trends and emerging themes, pinpoint what the jobs of the future will look like and assess exactly what kind of business skills support is needed. Based on the information received from businesses, the Skills Hub feeds back to their educators and training providers, helping to align careers provision across Warwickshire and provide integrated and co-ordinated access to skills and employment support for the county's businesses.
Louise Stolz, Future Skills Business Support Advisor at Warwickshire Skills Hub, said: "As a result of feedback from our round tables so far, we have added a page around CV Writing to the Warwickshire Skills Hub website with links to helpful resources, as we're hearing that the standard of CVs is generally very poor. We have also learnt that young people entering today's job market have poor soft skills and we have fed this back to our local educators and training providers and asked them to add a module around employability to all their courses.
"Many of the businesses we have met with so far are keen to do more around school engagement and create stronger links with our local universities so we already have dates in the diary for follow up meetings where we have invited Warwickshire Careers Hub and the universities of Coventry & Warwick, to explain how this can be achieved. This work is helping to shape real activity to improve the skills and future talent supply chain in our county."
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- If you would like to know how Warwickshire Skills Hub can support your business with apprenticeships and upskilling, please email skillshub@warwickshire.gov.uk and one of our Business Support Advisors will be in touch.
Thousands expected at Design and Engineering Show in Coventry
Invest Coventry & Warwickshire will be at EDS again this year to engage with local engineering companies as well as to meet with those interested in setting up a UK base in the Midlands.
The UK's design engineers are set to gather in Coventry next month for one of the industry’s largest free exhibitions and networking events.
The Engineering Design Show is returning to the Coventry Building Society Arena on October 9 and 10 for its twelfth iteration of the event and over 4,500 delegates are expected over the two days.
Visitors to the show will be able to meet the next generation of industry stars as well as see the latest in 3D printing, design software, drives and controls, labelling, motion control, laser marking and much more.
Simon Bonell, the event director, said: “With more than 200 leading exhibitors confirmed, as well as a host of influential guest speakers, lectures and workshops, the EDS is reinforcing its standing as the UK’s biggest event for engineering, electronics, and embedded design.
"For an industry that never stands still, it’s incredibly important to have free events like this to innovate, inform and shine a light on the brilliant young minds coming through," he added.
As well as practical workshops, there will be more than 50 hours of free learning delivered by leading researchers, academics and engineers across the three conference theatres.
Highlights of the show include conference sessions on socially assistive robots, protecting intellectual property in the age of AI, and British Olympic track bike development. Elsewhere, an Innovation Zone will display an exciting selection of design work including Creative Hubb Limited’s EOD Bomb Disposal Suit, while Start-Up Zone visitors can view products from an exceptional line-up of companies including Structural Evolution, Electrogear Solutions, Infinecity and HAL Robotics.
Invest Coventry & Warwickshire will be at EDS again this year to engage with local engineering companies as well as to meet with those interested in setting up a UK base in the Midlands. Companies and research organisations in the city and county area play a major role in supply chains for the automotive and future mobility sector which here includes aerospace, motorsport, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, off-highway equipment and marine propulsion. The area is home to a clustering of innovative automotive and related technology firms, covering every step in the value chain from concept design through to prototyping and testing and manufacturing and sales, anchored by the presence of more OEM vehicle makers (more than any other similar cluster in Europe).
EDS will be another opportunity to promote the Coventry & Warwick Giga Park Investment Zone, including the anchor battery cell manufacturing Green Power Park. The Investment Zone brings with it a range of incentives to support the set-up of new R&D and manufacturing facilities at scale, such as business rates and national and insurance holidays. The area is also home to other leading auto and future mobility technology sites, including MIRA Technology Park, University of Warwick Innovation Campus and Ansty Technology Park.
EDS follows on from CENEX Expo 2024 and Micromobility UK in September, as part of an Autumn/Winter season of vehicle technology events in Coventry & Warwickshire and the wider West Midlands. These include in October the SMMT Meet the Buyer and the Engineering Design Show at the CBS Arena in Coventry and the Advanced Engineering Show at the NEC; in November the Euro Bus Expo, and Motorcycle Live both at the NEC, and the first West Midlands Battery Supply Chain Conference at the MTC in Ansty, and Autosport International 2025 in January at the NEC.
To register to attend you can click here.
Invest Coventry & Warwickshire will be exhibiting on stand D-82. For more information on our support and services visit www.investcw.co.uk.
Skills Escalator Programme expands after successful trial
A skills support programme delivered by
Warwickshire Skills Hub is expanding across Warwickshire after it was successfully trialled in Nuneaton and Bedworth.
The Skills Escalator Fund is designed to support businesses to upskill their employees to allow progression within their business. The project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in partnership with Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, Rugby Borough Council, Warwick District Council and Stratford District Council.
During its successful pilot period in Nuneaton and Bedworth last year, the programme supported 76 employees from 25 businesses to improve their skills. A broad variety of industries were supported including manufacturing, engineering, warehousing, logistics, retail, hospitality, beauty, healthcare and leisure. Courses undertaken by employees were extremely varied and included CNC Machine Operating, Forklift Truck Driving, Engineering Design, Digital Marketing, Sales Skills, Complex Care, IOSH and Management Training.
The programme is currently available to businesses (with up to 249 employees) based in Nuneaton and Bedworth, Warwick and Stratford postcode areas who are seeking to invest in their employees’ progression. Rugby is due to go live very soon with North Warwickshire hopefully to follow.
The fund offers up to £750 grant funding per employee towards the training of up to five employees. Training can be qualifications, licences, vocational skills training, or certificated learning which is delivered by a college or independent training provider. Support in developing a tailored training plan to reflect the business’ and employee's aspirations, is available through the Warwickshire Skills Hubs team of Business Skills Advisors.
Among businesses to have benefited from the Skills Escalator Fund is Defenda Group, a packaging company in Exhall.
Alison Courts, Finance Manager at Defenda, said: “The training is already proving invaluable and allows huge improvements in efficiency. Not only for our organisation but also for those delivering into our warehouse. With more staff now capable of loading and off-loading lorries, waiting time for our suppliers is reduced considerably and staff breaks no longer result in delays for visiting lorry drivers needing to have their loads tipped.
“The training has been a great help for our business as we now have many members of our team capable of loading and off-loading goods from vehicles using lift trucks. The frustration of team members needing to move palletised goods around the warehouse but lacking the qualifications to do so have also now been dealt with.”
* If you would like to know how Warwickshire Skills Hub can support your business with apprenticeships and upskilling, please email skillshub@warwickshire.gov.uk and one of our Business Support Advisors will be in touch.
Free Workplace Wellbeing Forum is back this November
Coventry and Warwickshire businesses who want to look after their staff as well as possible can get some invaluable advice at the next Workplace Wellbeing Forum in November.
The popular event will be held at Coventry Rugby Club on Tuesday 12th November from 9:30am to 12:30pm.
Feedback from previous forums has been built in to ensure that this forum is the best yet, and it’s perfectly timed to support businesses and their workforces through the winter.
The free event will provide the most up-to-date, relevant and useful data, as well as practical tools that will help organisations to boost workplace wellbeing and health. Those who secure a ticket will also get first look at the launch of two exciting initiatives: Workwell and Smokefree Generation, and get exclusive access to an inspiring wellbeing story from a local business, linked with the Thrive at Work accreditation.
If you want to reduce the impact of sickness, look after the people you work with and be given free tools to help you do exactly that, mark your calendars for November 12th and look out for tickets to the Workplace Wellbeing Forum. For more details see the October edition of WMB and keep an eye on social media.
Skilled jobs coming to Leamington at new NMS UK production facility
“Warwickshire, Coventry and the wider West Midlands remains a major centre for vehicle design, testing, development and manufacture."
Specialist defence manufacturing firm NMS UK has chosen Tachbrook Park, Leamington Spa as the home of its new production facility.
The announcement was made during the biennial defence industry exhibition, DVD2024 on 18-19 September.
At its new 7.9-acre site, NMS UK will focus on the production of protected patrol vehicles, in line with UK MOD requirements and for export to key international markets. To support this strategy, the business is set to create up to 150 skilled roles at the site across a range of areas including engineering, factory management, training, simulation and aftersales. The facility is expected to be fully operational by the end of this year.
NMS UK’s new manufacturing hub will help to support the resilience of the UK defence industry’s supply chain for protected patrol vehicles, ensuring that valuable intellectual property is retained in the UK.
The West Midlands is home to the largest manufacturing cluster of any UK city region, with its 300,000-strong manufacturing workforce accounting for 11.2% of all local employment. This is well above the national average of 7.6%. Locally, over 50,000 are employed directly in the design, engineering, test and manufacture of vehicles in the Coventry & Warwickshire area.
Invest Coventry & Warwickshire has been working to support NMS UK by shortlisting suitable sites and will be working with the company through Warwickshire Skills Hub and Coventry Jobs Shop to help with recruitment and upskilling.
David Zevulun, UK Country Director at NMS UK, said: “Offering businesses world-class R&D assets, a diverse supply chain and access to funding on their doorstep, we didn’t have to think twice about choosing the West Midlands for our new manufacturing facility.
“Our new home in Leamington Spa is key to our ambition to become an integral part of the British defence industry ecosystem, supporting a robust pipeline of UK-made armoured vehicles. We look forward to this exciting new chapter in NMS UK’s growth story.”
Cllr Martin Watson, Portfolio Holder for Economy at Warwickshire County Council, said: “We welcome this latest investment from NMS UK Ltd, bringing with it another OEM vehicle maker to the area, and the benefits this brings in terms of supply chain opportunity and resilience. Warwickshire, Coventry and the wider West Midlands remains a major centre for vehicle design, testing, development and manufacture, and we look forward to working with David and his team to support the business as it scales up in the coming months and years”.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “I want to make the West Midlands the best place in the UK to do business and this investment by NMS shows why our region continues to be the beating heart of UK advanced manufacturing and exporting. It will also mean 150 highly skilled jobs for local people. I will continue to work with our universities and training companies and through my Youth Plan to make sure our young people have the skills they need to secure these sorts of jobs and get the best start possible to their careers.”
Cllr Ella Billiald, Portfolio Holder for Arts and Economy at Warwick District Council, said: “We welcome David and his new team into their new site in Leamington. The company will be employing a range of skills, including young people, for whom apprenticeships will also be on offer. Manufacturing can provide a range of opportunities and provide skill development, and we welcome its continuation on this site at Tachbrook.”
Coventry & Warwickshire is a leading destination for foreign direct investment (FDI). The area attracted a total of 53 foreign investment projects in the year 2023-24, placing it fourth in the UK overall, and per head of population the leading location.
Invest Coventry & Warwickshire works with national partners the Department for Business & Trade, and regional partners like West Midlands Growth Company to attract and support overseas businesses setting up and growing in the Coventry & Warwickshire area. Support is free and confidential, and bespoke to the needs of each client but includes help with site search, access to finance, skills and recruitment, links into local universities and further education colleges, and support with marcomms and networks. For more information on our support and help, please visit www.investcw.co.uk.
Southam business scales its operations with WMGP support
Renowned for its advanced hydraulic systems and bespoke engineering solutions, Trident Hydraulics Ltd engaged with the Warwickshire Manufacturing Growth Programme (WMGP) to scale its operations and enhance its technological capabilities. This case study highlights their journey towards embracing innovation and strategic growth.
The programme is delivered by Oxford Innovation Advice on behalf of Warwickshire County Council and Warwickshire’s five District and Borough Councils.
Specialising in sophisticated hydraulic systems, Trident Hydraulics Ltd serves sectors like Waste Management and Oil & Gas from their 9000 sq.ft unit which was established in Southam in 2021. Led by Mike Forster and Michael Owen, the company aims to increase its business from £1.1 million to £2 million in revenue through strategic expansions and digital enhancements.
Trident Hydraulics Ltd encountered several significant barriers that impeded their growth ambitions. Firstly, the physical limitations of their current unit restricted their ability to accept new orders and accommodate additional machinery, essential for scaling their production capabilities. Additionally, there was a need to develop products that consume less energy and meet their own net zero goals and introduce their innovative smart systems into the market. Lastly, Trident Hydraulics Ltd recognised the necessity to upgrade their digital and marketing strategies, a vital step to support their planned expansion and enhance their market reach.
Under the guidance of the WMGP, Trident Hydraulics Ltd received essential guidance and strategic advice, facilitating their ambitious growth and sustainability initiatives. The company is now looking at optimal ways to extend their current facility and integrate new machinery to enhance production capacity. The programme also offered insights into the company’s aim of developing energy-efficient hydraulic power packs that align with their goals to reduce their carbon footprint and achieve net zero targets.
Furthermore, the programme connected Trident Hydraulics Ltd with other relevant schemes and programmes, enhancing their access to additional resources and support systems.
Oxford Innovation Advice’s Michelle Connor, Manufacturing Growth Manager for WMGP, said, “It was a pleasure to work with Trident Hydraulics Ltd and support them to access the Programme. The Digital GROWTHmapper supported how they need to focus on the digitisation of the business and how this can enhance their offering to their client base. We have also connected the team at Trident Hydraulics Ltd to other businesses to develop new innovative products.”
While it is still too early to quantify all outcomes, initial feedback is promising. Trident Hydraulics Ltd have already employed a new administrative assistant and a trainee hydraulic technician to support the increase in sales revenue. The business has already secured their first Smart Hydraulic contract with one of the largest European waste management companies who aim to reduce their energy consumption by approximately 50%. Trident Hydraulics Ltd offered a retro fitted smart system which to date has offered the end user a 67% reduction in energy consumption and supported their objectives for net zero and sustainability.
Trident Hydraulics Ltd is poised to continue its growth trajectory, including plans to recruit more technicians as they strive to become the UK Leaders in smart hydraulics offering companies an effective strategy to meet their journey towards net zero.
Michael Owen, Director of Trident Hydraulics Ltd, said, "I would advise any other business to reach out for this type of support, Michelle Connor has assisted the business in terms of us being able to access grants and advice that we would not have known about, the links we have made and the connections to other likeminded businesses have developed a new revenue stream for the business."
Trident Hydraulics Ltd exemplifies how targeted business support and a focus on innovation can propel a manufacturing business forward. They have made significant strides towards their growth objectives, setting a benchmark for other ambitious SMEs in the region.
Cllr Martin Watson, Portfolio Holder for Economy at Warwickshire County Council, said: “The success of Trident hydraulics demonstrates the impact the Warwickshire Manufacturing Growth Programme can have to support Warwickshire’s manufacturing SME’s to grow and meet their objectives.
“The programme offers one to one support from specialist manufacturing advisors, digital diagnostic tool, workshops and cohort-based small courses supporting manufacturing businesses to remove barriers to growth and support the creation of new jobs through improved productivity and competitiveness.”
Cllr George Cowcher, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economic Development at Stratford-on-Avon District Council, said: “This shows how the use of the Shared Prosperity Fund can directly assist key manufacturing companies and assist growth in the District”.
- The Warwickshire Manufacturing Growth Programme forms part of Warwickshire County Council’s Business Growth Warwickshire Programme. It is part funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (via the District and Borough Councils) and Warwickshire County Council.
Major Nuneaton employer recognised for environmental impact
Nuneaton-based Triton Showers has been officially presented with the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise.
The award, recognising Triton’s exceptional commitment to Sustainable Development, was presented by Mr Tim Cox, His Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire, on September 4th, with Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Mr Johnnie Arkwright and Deputy Mayor of Nuneaton, Cllr Mr Bhim Saru and several other distinguished guests in attendance.
The King’s Award for Enterprise celebrates Triton’s ongoing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and environmental impact.
The Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire, Tim Cox, praised the company's achievement.
“It has been an honour to meet with this year’s winners of the King’s Awards for Enterprise," he said. "These Awards are a great boost to the local economy and show our ability to attract and sustain successful companies which in turn support our local communities. I am delighted to present this award to a company that truly embodies the spirit of the King’s Award for Enterprise.
"As we look towards the next year of The King’s Awards for Enterprise, I encourage as many Warwickshire businesses as possible to consider applying. These awards are the highest accolade available to UK businesses and offer unparalleled prestige, exposure, and credibility to successful companies.”
Following the presentation, attendees, including employees, local dignitaries, and industry peers, celebrated the achievement with an afternoon tea inspired by a traditional British street party.
David Tutton, Managing Director at Triton Showers, said: “We are incredibly honoured to receive the King’s Award for Enterprise, being one of only 29 select businesses across the UK to be recognised by His Majesty this year in the Sustainable Development category. This prestigious award underscores our commitment to placing sustainability at the heart of our business strategy and our determination to achieve our ambitious ‘Net Zero by 2035’ target.
“At Triton, we’re proud to be the market leader for showers in the UK and Ireland. With that leadership comes the responsibility to actively reduce our impact on the planet, and we are proud to lead the way in creating a more sustainable future.”
Conference will inspire women and girls
"The conference is designed to resonate with anyone who values resilience and the power of overcoming obstacles."
Women and girls in Warwickshire are set to be inspired by business leaders and broadcasters at an event in Leamington.
The Raise Up Conference is taking place at The Fold in Leamington on Sunday, September 29, and features ten inspiring women who are ready to tell their stories to help elevate the lives of others.
It has been organised by the Leamington Spa Soroptimists and will be hosted by Catherine Williamson as well as hearing from Julie White, who runs Warwickshire-based D-Drill & Sawing and is the chair of Build UK.
Julie, who has been a regular in the media over the past 12 years including appearances on BBC’s Question Time through to being part of the Prime Minister’s Business Council, will talk about being a woman in a male-dominated world of construction.
Zelda Wilson, from Warwick, will also share her story which has been the inspiration to many after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. Despite being given two years to live, she has defied the odds and has gone on to take on cycling, iron-man and marathon challenges.
The event, which runs from 10am until 4pm, is priced at £40 per delegate with local businesses being given the option to sponsor a local woman or girl who wishes to attend but finds the ticket price a barrier.
Other speakers will include Hannah Simnett (founder & CEO of Cherished), Sally Bee (author, speaker and broadcaster), Tessa Morton (presentation and skills coach), Dr Mandy Barnett (clinical educator and retired consultant), Tamar Groenveld (wellness expert and mind coach), Dayle Adams (psychic medium) and Nicola Enoch (CEO of Down Syndrome UK).
Organiser Catherine Williamson said: “We are thrilled to be bringing this dynamic group of women to the Fold in Leamington Spa. The conference is designed to resonate with anyone who values resilience and the power of overcoming obstacles. Whether you’re a leader nurturing the next generation or someone seeking inspiration in your own life, this conference will serve you tremendously.”
Julie White added: “I’m very much looking forward to speaking at the event and I’d encourage as many businesses and individuals as possible to sponsor a place so that we can attract women and girls from all backgrounds to the conference to help inspire them.”
Soroptimist International (SI) is a global volunteer organisation that aims to improve the lives of women and girls through education, empowerment, and advocacy. The organisation was founded in 1921 in Oakland, California, by a group of 80 professional women. At the time, women were often excluded from professional organisations, so Soroptimist was established as a platform for women to come together and address issues affecting their lives and communities.
For more information on attending the conference or sponsoring an attendee, please call 07467 024024 or click here.
Two King's Awards for Moasure
"Receiving two King’s Awards for Enterprise is a tremendous honour"
Tim Cox, His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire, recently presented two prestigious King’s Awards for Enterprise to Warwick-based Moasure.
Moasure received the awards in recognition for the company’s outstanding achievements in two categories – Innovation and International Trade. The company is one of just five organisations this year to receive accolades in two categories.
The King’s Awards are presented annually in Warwickshire by the Lord Lieutenant as the King’s representative in the region to recognise the outstanding achievements of local businesses.
Moasure is the world’s first motion-based measuring tool. Built using high-performance inertial sensors, the device, which fits in the palm of your hand, can rapidly and accurately measure perimeters, areas, elevations, and volumes. As the device is moved from one point to another, it tracks its movement in three dimensions allowing users to digitally capture 3D measurement data and drawings.
Moasure has revolutionised industries such as landscaping, construction, and excavation. The company now ships this innovative tool to more than 150 countries around the world.
On presenting the awards, His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire, Tim Cox, said: “The King’s Award for Enterprise is the most prestigious business award in the country, with hundreds of businesses applying each year in the hope of receiving this coveted accolade, which brings prestige, exposure, and credibility to a company, as well as pride and inspiration to employees.
“It’s always a pleasure and a privilege to visit some of the fabulous organisations we have in Warwickshire and meet those involved in achieving their awards. I was delighted to present two King’s Awards for Enterprise to Moasure. The county is committed to working with local businesses to create opportunities for growth benefitting the broader local economy.”
Cllr Martin Watson, Warwickshire County Council Portfolio Holder for Economy said: “Moasure’s success is a fantastic example of the innovation and ambition that we foster here in Warwickshire. Their achievements in both Innovation and International Trade demonstrate the incredible talent and determination within our local business community. We are immensely proud to support companies like Moasure that are not only driving economic growth but also putting Warwickshire on the global map.”
The name 'Moasure' - a blend of 'motion' and 'measure' - was inspired by a simple DIY challenge faced by electronics engineer and entrepreneur, Alan Rock. In 2004, Rock's prototype of a motion-sensor-based measuring device paved the way for the Moasure ONE, the company’s flagship product that was launched in 2018.
Alan Rock, Founder and Co-CEO of Moasure, commenting on the dual award win, said: "We are deeply honoured by the King's Awards recognition for both Innovation and International Trade. This dual accolade marks a significant milestone for Moasure, driving our passion for continuous innovation and excellence. As our team expands and our customer base grows, we are excited to push the boundaries of technology even further. At Moasure, we are dedicated to consistently refining our products and actively exploring the future possibilities within the realm of measurement technology."
The King’s Awards for Enterprise are designed to recognise and encourage outstanding achievements in the fields of Innovation, International Trade, Sustainable Development, and Promoting Opportunity through social mobility. Successful businesses are able to use the esteemed King’s Awards emblem for the next five years.
* To find out more about the King’s Awards for Enterprise, visit www.gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise. You can also find out more about this award of the Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire's website: https://lordlieutenantofwarwickshire.co.uk/the-kings-award-for-enterprise
New awards will celebrate best of the region's businesses
"We want to celebrate everything that is great about Coventry and Warwickshire."
A new awards programme that celebrates the best of business and wider contributions to the community in Coventry and Warwickshire is being launched this autumn ahead of a first ceremony in the spring.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has developed the Coventry & Warwickshire Business & Community Awards 2025 to celebrate innovation, global success and growth as well as inclusivity and commitment to the community.
Entries for the ten award categories will open in September, before a shortlist is drawn up by a team of judges ahead of a glittering ceremony at the Belgrade Theatre next March.
The awards have been designed to celebrate everything that is great about the region and, as well as being an opportunity for businesses to apply for an award, the event will also utilise the services of local suppliers including for food & drink and entertainment.
A launch event will take place at the end of September when the full list of categories will be announced and the application process will be opened.
Corin Crane, Chief Executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said the awards would reflect the broad business base in the region and would celebrate commercial success as well as social value.
He said: “We’ve been talking for some time about bringing an awards event to Coventry and Warwickshire that champions the brilliance of our businesses and those who do amazing work in our communities.
“And we’re thrilled to be launching the Coventry & Warwickshire Business & Community Awards 2025 because they will do exactly that. It will be an awards event, but with a difference.
“We want to be able to attract the biggest companies in the region right through to grassroots organisations to be part of it. Business growth means more jobs, more investment and a stronger regional economy and that should be felt right across our communities so it’s something we have to highlight and celebrate.
“We’ll be announcing details of our launch event very soon but this is not going to be an awards ceremony for an exclusive club – we want to celebrate everything that is great about Coventry and Warwickshire in the lead up to the event and on the night too.
“This is a fantastic region in so many ways – and we’re going to shout about it!”
The Belgrade Theatre will host the awards ceremony and has also joined forces with the Chamber as a partner on the event.
Neil Murray, Belgrade Theatre Interim CEO, said: “We are delighted to work alongside the Chamber and to support this important event. As a venue and an organisation in the heart of Coventry, that’s worked so closely with its varied businesses and communities since 1958, we’re incredibly proud to play host to this inaugural ceremony. We welcome the opportunity to show off our extraordinary building and also, hopefully, to give a flavour of the range of work that happens here and in our neighbouring communities. We look forward to extending a warm Belgrade welcome to everyone next spring.”
News in Brief
A round up of latest local news-in-brief...
Local Universities in consortium awarded £5.5m grant to accelerate EV Technologies
Coventry University and WMG at the University of Warwick to play key role in a consortium led by Protean Electric a world-leading developer of in-wheel motors (IWM), with £5.5 million Collaborative Research and Development grant from the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC).
Unipart in Coventry will establish a flexible power electronics manufacturing capability at its Beresford Avenue manufacturing site in Coventry.
https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/corporate-finance/protean-electric-led-consortium-awarded-5-5-million-grant-to-accelerate-iwm-development/
MTC in Ansty inks landmark agreement with Holtec for SMR development
The UK's potential nuclear energy capabilities advanced on Monday as a division of American supply giant Holtec inked a cooperation pact with leading engineers and scientists at Coventry's UK's Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC).
https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/companies/coventrys-mtc-inks-landmark-agreement-with-holtec-for-smr-development/
University of Warwick Leads Midlands Universities in Spin-out Activity
A report published recently by Parkwalk, a UK investor active in university spinouts, and analytics firm, Beauhurst, reveals that University of Warwick was the most active Midlands university by deal volume and value, placed 17th and 11th respectively, in spin-out activity, for the first 6 months of 2024..
https://parkwalkadvisors.com/2024/09/parkwalk-2024-beauhurst-report-on-university-spinouts/
Leamington lives up to ‘Silicon Spa’ title as Lighthouse Games takes new HQ
A growing games company has taken 20,000 sq ft of office space in the heart of Leamington as it looks to expand its team. Lighthouse Games secured the space at Imperial Court after the company recently received major investment from industry giants Tencent.
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/hewland-engineering_on-tuesday-we-celebrated-the-opening-of-our-activity-7217488570150776832-Gux-?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Prodrive and Astheimer debut last mile vehicle demonstrator at Cenex Expo 2024
EVOLV, an all-new compact and highly efficient ‘last mile’ electric quadricycle demonstrator with a cubic load capacity rivalling mid-size vans, was revealed this month at CENEX 2024 and Micromobility UK at University of Warwick. Banbury-based Prodrive Advanced Technology and Astheimer Design in Warwick have drawn on their collective design, engineering and prototype/low volume manufacturing expertise to produce EVOLV, the first working demonstrator.
https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/technology-innovation/prodrive-and-astheimer-debut-last-mile-vehicle-demonstrator-at-cenex-expo-2024/
ICEBreaker Hydrogen HGV offers new engineering approach to zero-emissions technologies
Project ICEBreaker, delivered by a consortium of leading British engineering companies, has unveiled a fully-configured hydrogen fuel cell HGV truck. The project has brought together the hydrogen engineering expertise of MIRA Technology Park-based Viritech, HORIBA MIRA and Intelligent Energy, with funding from the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK’s Advanced Route to Market Demonstrator competition.
https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/technology-innovation/icebreaker-hydrogen-hgv-offers-new-engineering-approach-to-zero-emissions-technologies/
Coventry's NP Aerospace wins £71m UK MoD wheeled vehicle support contract
Coventry's NP Aerospace, the global vehicle integrator and armour manufacturer, has been awarded a £71 million wheeled vehicle support contract with the UK MoD Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), creating and sustain jobs at NP Aerospace’s Coventry facility, where the business employs around 200 people.
https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/manufacturing-engineering/coventrys-np-aerospace-wins-71-million-uk-mod-wheeled-vehicle-support-contract/
Leamington Spa's Ox Delivers catches eye of MIT
OX Delivers, the Leamington Spa based e-mobility start-up which is aiming to revolutionise the transport of produce across the Global South, has been selected as a 2024 Solver team by the renowned MIT Solve. Solve was born out of the Office of the President of MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) in 2015.
https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/technology-innovation/leamington-spas-ox-delivers-catches-eye-of-mit/
The 675kg Mika Meon is British engineering from Warwickshire at its best
Britain has a new lightweight sports car, the Mika Meon, designed and made in Southam.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/mika/meon
Electrification community set for £800,000 ‘single source of truth’ boost
What is seen as a "vitally important" £800,000 initiative - designed to provide a ‘single source of truth’ for electrification skills and capabilities - is nearing its first big milestone. The Electrification Skills Network (ESN), which is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and delivered by Coventry University, is weeks away from launching the UK’s first-ever Framework for a sector that has the potential to create more than 100,000 jobs by 2025.
https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/recruitment-careers-hr/electrification-community-set-for-800000-single-source-of-truth-boost/
Marketing studio doubles headcount
Just six months from launch, Leamington marketing studio The Alternative, has welcomed three new faces to its team: doubling its headcount. Fulfilling the roles of Digital Lead, Creative Lead, and Project Lead, the latest additions will bring more than two decades of combined experience to the fledgling studio and will oversee client strategy, creative and delivery.
https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/recruitment-careers-hr/leamington-marketing-company-doubles-headcount/
Warwickshire hotel with historic links to local aerospace ceases trading
Brownsover Hall Hotel, based north of Rugby in Warwickshire, has ceased trading. A purchaser for the property has been found and it is intended to close the business for a period of time in order to complete refurbishments. In the early 20th century, the Brownsover estate was bought by Sir Frank Whittle, credited with the invention of the jet engine.
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/former-conference-and-training-facility-built-in-the-17th-century-brought-to-market
Coventry’s tourism industry soars to record value of £855m
For the third consecutive year, Coventry’s tourism industry has grown to value a record £855m in 2023. It’s a £100m increase on 2022 and a £261m increase on pre-pandemic figures after 11.39 million people visited the city last year. The city continues to grow at a faster rate than the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) area in the percentage of growth for visitor numbers, economic impact and total employment.
https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/westmidlands/news/2090309-coventry%e2%80%99s-tourism-industry-soars-to-record-value-of-855m
Alcester company making energy from discarded plastic on track for funding target
A Warwickshire business which has developed a hybrid heat pump system that turns items such as plastics, nappies and uneaten food into energy directly on-site to provide hot water, is on course for its Crowdcube fundraising target of £1.8 million. Last month, the company delivered the first commercial HERU125 to Severn Trent Water.
https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/corporate-finance/west-midlands-company-making-energy-from-discarded-plastic-on-track-for-funding-target/
HS2 completes first viaduct structures in North Warwickshire
HS2 engineers have completed the final phase of moving two railway viaducts into place over the M42/M6 link roads in North Warwickshire, marking the first viaduct structures to be installed at Delta Junction. The operation to position the 158-meter-long ‘West Link Viaduct’ took 11 hours, covering both westbound and eastbound motorway link roads.
https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/westmidlands/news/2090030-hs2-completes-first-viaduct-structures-in-north-warwickshire
Hybrid workplace provider launches new office
International Workplace Group, a hybrid working solutions provider, has launched a flexible workspace in Leamington Spa. The three-story building is located at Nicholls House in Tachbrook Park and will cater to both established businesses and startups in various sectors, including the retail and digital industries. Known as “Silicon Spa,” Leamington Spa will benefit from International Workplace Group’s design your own office service, allowing companies to customise their workspace.
https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/westmidlands/news/2089685-hybrid-workplace-provider-launches-office-in-leamington-spa
Topping out milestone reached at £16million Technology Park expansion
Topping out stage reached of £16million contract delivering new expansion at MIRA Technology Park, the large automotive research and development campus on the edge of Nuneaton.
https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/westmidlands/news/2090009-topping-out-milestone-reached-at-technology-park-expansion
Detailed plans unveiled for Warwickshire business park in North Warwickshire
Plans have been unveiled for a new employment park in North Warwickshire aimed at supporting sectors such as R&D, manufacturing and logistics. The development, Thrive in Curdworth, led by Midland-based IM Properties, aims to create jobs in areas like automotive, aerospace, rail, low carbon, and digital technologies. Thrive will feature zones for tech startups, manufacturers and logistics companies, all set within a landscaped park.
https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/westmidlands/news/2090033-plans-unveiled-for-warwickshire-employment-park
Warwickshire retail park acquired in £58m deal
Leamington Spa Retail Park has been acquired by CBRE Investment Management in a £57.55m deal. Retail parks are becoming an increasingly attractive asset delivering strong footfall compared to areas like high streets.
https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/westmidlands/news/2090235-warwickshire-retail-park-acquired-in-58m-deal
Wickes sign lease for 38,000sq ft unit at Spa Park
Commercial property developer, Stoford has leased a new 38,650sq ft property to home improvement retailer Wicks on a 15 year deal. It is one of Stoford’s nine new net zero properties.
https://www.commercialnewsmedia.com/archives/132644
Richardson Barberry delivers major off market logistics acquisition in Rugby
Joint venture developer and investor Richardson Barberry has acquired the national returns centre of one of the UK’s largest parcel delivery companies. Richardson Barberry has agreed a multi-million-pound deal with Cheltenham-based investment and asset management company Formal Investments for the 113,000 sq ft distribution unit on a seven-acre site at Swift Park, Cosford Lane, Rugby.
https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/companies/richardson-barberry-delivers-major-off-market-logistics-acquisition/
Warwickshire firms can tap into £500k manufacturing support
Small to medium-sized manufacturers in Warwickshire are being urged to take advantage of a dedicated £500,000 business support initiative that will help them boost sales, create jobs and improve productivity. The Warwickshire Manufacturing Growth Programme, which is delivered by Oxford Innovation Advice, has already supported more than 80 local companies to unlock barriers to growth through coaching, consultancy, free workshops and signposting to other schemes.
https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/manufacturing-engineering/warwickshire-firms-can-tap-into-500kmanufacturing-support/
Midlands universities secure top spots in prestigious guide
Two Midlands Universities have retained their spots in the top ten of The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025, University of Warwick and Loughborough University. Out of 134 universities, Warwick University was ranked in ninth place, continuing its record of featuring in the top 10 every single year since the Guide was first published in 1992.
https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/westmidlands/news/2090512-midlands-universities-secure-top-spots-in-prestigious-guide