Issue 115 September - October 2026
Raising the bar
Atul Lakhani looks to the future at IXL Events Centre. Page 20
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Coventry & Warwickshire in business
Foreword
Contents
September - October 2026 Focus on Warwickshire Members Voices News Martyn’s Law In Conversation with Dawood Ibtehsam
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Business Engage Profiles 12-13 Chamber Training 15 Economy 16-17 In Conversation with Dafferns 19
Dear Chamber Member, It’s fair to say quite a lot has happened since our last magazine! The Government announced that Warwickshire would be split into two councils – one for the north and one for the south – with all of the district councils, borough councils and county council being replaced. We’d prepared a lovely three-page feature on what it meant to the region with insight from businesses and MPs and we had all of your questions answered by councils across the county. Then, the Government announced a pause! So, as I write this foreword we’re unsure as to what happens next when it comes to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
speech since taking up the role here in Coventry and Warwickshire at the MTC (a place that underlines how the economies of the city and county are interlinked). He talked up growth and aimed to calm the markets ahead of the Budget in October. What we want to see is a Budget that backs business, cuts costs and really starts to deliver growth. Then, of course we had the concerning news that JLR are going to make significant job cuts. There is no doubt that the automotive sector is being hampered by a range of global pressures and that was exacerbated for JLR when it suffered from a cyber-attack in 2025, which virtually ground the company to a halt.
You’ll see on page four of this magazine some reaction to LGR and our call for a level playing field when it comes to support, decision-making and investment in local areas.
We saw the effect that had on the regional supply chain and, in fact, the whole of the UK economy. So, we stand ready to work with all stakeholders to ensure we mitigate any further, wider impact.
Then, we had the new Chancellor John Healey deliver his first major
I’ll finish on some positive, exciting news for us as a Chamber.
Our Annual Business and Economic Conference will take place on November 6 at the IXL Events Centre and we’ve already got an incredible programme lined up with more to be announced. So, make sure you get booked on as soon as possible. And, we’ve been shortlisted for the UK Chamber of the Year Award and Chris Nagle, our head of events, marketing and communications is in the running for the President’s Award. It’s a testament to the whole team here that we made the shortlist and, of course, to Chris personally who you all know and love! I’ll leave it there before something changes and I have to write this whole column again!
Profile IT News Education and Skills International News News from the region News Health & Wellbeing President & People New Members Member offers/events
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Focus on Warwickshire The official publication of the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce ••••
CONTACTS AT THE CHAMBER News desk Members are encouraged to send any news about their firm - new orders, staff, new products, expansions or relocations for publication in C&W in business. Whilst every effort will be made to publish submitted articles, we cannot guarantee inclusion. Send them to: news@cw-chamber.co.uk Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Chamber House Innovation Village Cheetah Road Coventry CV1 2TL T: 024 76 654321 F: 024 76 450242
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What now for Warwickshire?
Businesses across Warwickshire were gearing up for seismic changes to the political structure across the county after a Government announcement in July. The Local Government Reorganisation plan for Warwickshire would have seen the district and borough councils scrapped – as well as Warwickshire County Council – to be replaced by a unitary for the north, taking in North Warwickshire, Nuneaton & Bedworth and Rugby, and a unitary for the south, taking in Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick District. Firms across the region had, understandably, asked a range of questions on what the changes would mean to them and their businesses from the future of support through to planning applications in the transition period. Those questions were answered for this magazine by the six authorities across the county but then, at the start of September, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner MP announced a pause. A joint statement from Warwickshire’s six councils said: “The Government has announced a review of its Local Government Reorganisation programme following updated legal advice. “Warwickshire is one of 14 areas where proposals will be reviewed and paused while the Government considers whether the process is legally robust and aligned with its priorities. “The Government has also confirmed that local elections scheduled for May 2027 will go ahead on existing council boundaries." A spokesperson said: “We note the Government’s announcement and will consider the details carefully. “At this stage, we do not know the full implications for Local Government Reorganisation in Warwickshire. All six councils will continue to work together and engage with the Government as further information becomes available.
“We will provide updates for residents, staff and councillors when we have greater clarity. “The councils remains focused on delivering services for residents, communities and businesses across Warwickshire.” Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said businesses were craving certainty for the future and urged the Government to level the playing field when it comes to regional powers and investment. He said: “Businesses have suffered from uncertainty and unpredictability on the national and global stage for well over a decade and now they are seeing it at a local level. “And, while there were mixed feelings about Local Government Reorganisation in Warwickshire, firms felt like they could see a plan for the future and wanted to help shape it. “Now, with the announcement of a pause, it’s not clear what happens next. However, the fact that there is a pause means the Government has a little bit more time to make sure they get this right. “The most important thing for our members is that we get a level playing field for businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire and the wider West Midlands when it comes to decision-making, investment and support. “We’d urge the Secretary of State to use this pause to address the growing divide in public funding between those areas inside combined authorities and those on the outside. “We’ll carry on banging the drum for Coventry and Warwickshire as an economic area that works incredibly well and will continue to do so in spite of political boundaries.”
The pausing of LGR saw Manuela Perteghella, the MP for Stratford-uponAvon, put a question to the Secretary of State. She said: “The sudden U-turn is greatly disappointing for my constituency of Stratford-on-Avon, after so much work by council officials, residents, councillors and other partners, and after so much money wasted on LGR costs. “Given that the two unitary models in South Warwickshire and North Warwickshire were championed by my constituents, by the majority of local council leaders and by the majority of Warwickshire MPs, will the Secretary of State reassure us all what a timescale will be for this review, but above all that the decision will respect the democratic input of the people of Warwickshire who contributed to the previous LGR process?” To which Angela Rayner vowed not to ‘kick the can down the road’. Corin added: “It’s really important that this pause in LGR doesn’t lead to a hiatus in other areas of operation too. There are some key planning and investment decisions for this region which can’t wait for LGR to be concluded. They are vital for our economy and must move forward.”
Businesses across Stratford-on-Avon invited to connect at district networking event A business event in South Warwickshire will bring together companies of all sizes and sectors to help inspire and inform them later this month. Business Stratford-on-Avon – Stratford District Council’s economic development arm – in partnership with Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce - is holding the event at Wootton Park on Tuesday, September 29 from 10am until noon. Stratford District Business Networking is the first in a series of three business events in the district and is open to business owners, entrepreneurs and startups, freelancers and sole traders, senior managers and decision makers, and anyone else looking to grow their professional network. The event will include informal networking and a selection of guest speakers offering practical insights and businesses experiences. There will also be representatives from Business Stratford-on-Avon, the Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses, Warwickshire Business Growth Service and Warwickshire Skills Hub to offer advice and guidance to firms on everything from grants and funding through to business support available. It will also include an exclusive show round of Wootton Park, showcasing its facilities – including the watersports area, and a complimentary light brunch and refreshments.
Councillor Susan Juned, Leader at Stratford-on-Avon District Council, said: “Growing the local economy is vitally important and we want to ensure that businesses of all sizes and sectors can access information on all of the advice and support that’s available to them. “Earlier this year we hosted our Business Conference, which was a great success and shared lots of information and knowledge with our local businesses. “That is why, in partnership with Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, we’ve organised Stratford District Business Networking to help further showcase what’s available and also to hear from other businesses in the area that are leading the way. “By offering networking, businesses can get to know one another and build
up their all-important contacts book, which can hopefully lead to partnerships, collaboration and new contracts in the future. “We’re really excited to be hosting the free event which will be part of a series of three between now and February!” Places are free and can be booked here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/stratforddistrict-business-networking-tickets1997680601455?aff=oddtdtcreator&ke ep_tld=true The future events in the series include a festive brunch & speed networking on Thursday, December 17, at British Motor Museum. A business brunch & networking event will follow in February 2027 with final date and location to be confirmed.
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Coventry & Warwickshire in business
Conference will be ‘one of the biggest and best yet’
The leading annual economic conference for Coventry and Warwickshire will examine the region’s place in the world in the face of opportunities and challenges for the city and the county. Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Business and Economic Conference will take place at the IXL Events Centre in Southam on Friday, November 6 and will feature some of the most highprofile businesses, brands and leaders from across the region. The event, which is being headline sponsored by Prime Accountants Group and supported by HCR Law and People Arches Ltd, will include economic updates, panel discussions and an inspiring keynote speech. One panel – chaired by Chamber president Sandra Godley OBE – will look at how the city and the county remain as one economic powerhouse and how it presents this
message to rest of the country as well as the world. It will include Julie Nugent, chief executive of Coventry City Council; Monica Fogarty, chief executive of Warwickshire County Council; Greg Clark, executive chair of the University of Warwick’s Warwick Innovation District; Jacqui O’Hanlon, deputy executive director at the RSC; and Nicola Ibbetson, chief business officer at Coventry City Football Club. An economic panel will look at key sectors in Coventry and Warwickshire including property, manufacturing, education, hospitality and professional services. It will include Emma Wilks, UK economist at HSBC UK; Steve Harcourt, director at Prime Accountants Group; Eleanor Deeley, joint managing director at Deeley Group; Dawood Ibtehsam, director of People Arches Ltd; and Dr Rebecca Gater, principal & chief executive of Solihull College &
University Centre, which includes Stratfordupon-Avon College. Further speakers – including the keynote – will be announced shortly for the event, which is one of the biggest networking opportunities across the city and county in the annual business calendar. Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said the line-up was shaping up nicely two months away from the event. He said: “We’re really pleased with the speakers and panelists that we’ve already secured for this year’s Annual Business and Economic Conference. “From our very own president through to a former Government minister who is now playing a key role in our region’s economy, this is a conference with some series industry figures. “Coventry City Football and the RSC – two brands that catapult Coventry and Warwickshire onto the global stage – will be with us as well as a series of SMEs and leaders from the public and private sector. “We’re grateful to Prime Accountants Group for its headline sponsorship and to HCR Law and People Arches Ltd for their support too. Without them, events like this simply couldn’t happen.” He added: “I am really looking forward to it as it’s always a special event in the calendar and this year promises to be one of the biggest and best yet – with more speakers still to be announced.” For more information or to attend go to https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/ events/annual-business-economicconference-2026/
Chancellor chooses Coventry and Warwickshire to deliver first major speech
Business leaders welcomed the Chancellor to Coventry and Warwickshire and backed his commitment to growth – but a regional figure says firms will reserve judgement on his speech until after the Autumn Budget. The Rt. Hon. John Healey MP, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, chose the Manufacturing Technology Centre to deliver his first major speech since taking up the role and said growth was his number one priority. Corin Crane, chief executive of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, was in the audience alongside a range of local businesspeople including the manufacturing, technology, hospitality
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and property sectors. Corin said the Chancellor’s speech was designed to calm the markets and offer hope to businesses and individuals across the UK. He said: “We were really pleased that the Chancellor chose this region to make his first speech, recognising the huge role that Coventry, Warwickshire and the Midlands has to play in the future growth in the UK. “We are driving force of innovation and entrepreneurship. And, we’re a region that represents just about every section of the UK economy. “His central message on growth mirrors what colleagues at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) have been saying. In their pre-Budget submission, they have called for the Chancellor to back business, cut costs and deliver growth. “He spoke about fiscal discipline to appease the bond markets but used economic growth in the hope of sparking confidence among businesses. “So, while the theme of the speech was welcome, the real test will come in how pro-growth and pro-business the Budget is. “The BCC is calling on the Chancellor to cut employer National Insurance contributions for all under-25s, to help tackle the youth employment crisis which
Budget must back business, cut costs and deliver growth The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is calling on Chancellor, John Healey, to ‘Back Business, Cut Costs and Deliver Growth’ in his first Budget statement. With BCC research showing fragile business confidence, its budget submission asks the Chancellor to give firms the ‘breathing space’ they need to create jobs, invest and grow. It is recommending three fiscally responsible immediate steps: • Cut employer National Insurance contributions for all under-25s, to help tackle the youth employment crisis, funded in part by replacing the pensions triple lock. • Introduce a targeted tax reduction package to ease energy and business rate pressures for all firms. That should include government funding 75 per cent of the Renewables Obligation for business, and lowering all rateable value multipliers. • Restore consistent, locally delivered export support to help more SMEs trade globally and drive growth. Taken together these measures will immediately reduce business costs, unlock investment and generate a stronger fiscal return through higher growth. BCC research from thousands of businesses across the Chamber network shows the problem the Chancellor must tackle. Its analysis shows domestic policies have increased the cost stack facing a typical SME by over 70 per cent in the past decade. Around a quarter of that rise has come since the 2024 budget. The impact of these rising cost pressures on business behaviour has been significant. The BCC’s latest economic survey found that only 17 per cent of SMEs are planning to increase investment this quarter, the lowest level recorded since the pandemic. Alongside immediate action, the BCC is also calling for the Chancellor to outline a medium to long-term roadmap of reform. The plan should focus on three areas:
would be funded in part by replacing the pensions triple lock. “They also want the introduction of a targeted tax reduction package to ease energy and business rate pressures for all firms. That should include government funding 75 per cent of the Renewables Obligation for business, and lowering all rateable value multipliers. “So, cutting the cost on doing business and making it easier to invest and grow are going to be the true measures of success.”
• Investing in people to deliver skills and productivity benefits • Providing greater certainty on the delivery and outcomes from public sector investment • Creating a tax reduction roadmap to encourage private sector investment The BCC believes the government must also ensure fiscal devolution enables growth and will launch ‘a business vision’ for fiscal devolution later this year.
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Members Voices
Is AI the future of your business?
Beverley Haynes Stratford Park Hotel & Golf Club
AI is one of the hottest topics of conversation with “I recently used AI to build a booking system for our new Reformer Pilates Studio. I used Lovable – a no-code platform to build the platform and I also used businesses so we asked members of the Chamber Claude to run checks on the booking system and to highlight any foreseeable errors. We have been live on the platform for a few weeks now and it’s going how they are using it and any examples of best well. Fingers crossed it stays that way. I'm going to look at building a golf tee time booking platform as my next project!” practice or where they feel it could be used better. Rene Wheeler, MD SolaaS “I’m a huge advocate for AI. If your business hasn’t embraced it yet, I’d encourage you to give it a go. Start small: use AI to transcribe a meeting, create minutes and pull out actions. You’ll quickly see the time it can save. At SolaaS, AI is part of everyday business, helping us work smarter, while the AI-powered phone and cybersecurity solutions we provide are helping our customers improve efficiency, service and security.”
Keiran Scanlon The Herd “We adopted AI early to stay ahead and help other businesses do the same with our range of AI Enablement services. We use AI to support campaign analysis, paid media, website code and automation. This helps us identify opportunities, improve performance and work more efficiently. However, it does not replace human judgement. We review every output for accuracy, authenticity, ethics and brand fit, combining innovation with responsibility and human creativity.”
Phil Edis Harry Shaw Business Computers Ltd. “AI, the latest in a long line of technology fads that will boom and then bust (think .com bubble, mobile phones, cloud hosting). Just like the previous examples, it is undoubtably here to stay but if you block out all the screaming hype you may realise it is not the magic bullet fix to all your problems. In fact, only five per cent to 12 per cent of companies that have deployed AI report major, bottom-line financial returns or transformational value so don’t jump on the bandwagon just because everyone else is doing it.”
Jasmit Bahia Wren Sterling “We see ourselves as a human-facing financial advice business, powered by technology. We're investing significantly in AI tools and systems that save time, deliver better outputs and enhance the client experience. While we're already seeing real benefits from this approach, our research shows clients value the empathy, care and insight of an experienced financial adviser. That's exactly how AI can set a business like ours apart, by freeing up time, so that our team, who are trusted to support our clients' most important life decisions, can deliver the best outcomes possible.”
Ruth Freeman The Myton Hospices
“We have adopted AI through Monty, our website chatbot, which provides patients, families, healthcare professionals and supporters with easy access to timely, accurate information. Monty can answer a wide range of questions, from referrals and accessing our services, to volunteering, fundraising and events. This has helped reduce barriers to care by providing timely information to patients and families, while making it easier for supporters to find information about volunteering and fundraising.”
Lee Roberts EBC Group We utilise AI for call recording, generating automated conversation summaries, and analysing sentiment. We actively use Copilot to summarise and recap on Teams meetings by pinpointing topics discussed in the call instead of having to watch the whole meeting back. But we’ve heard horror stories from businesses in which an employee has inputted sensitive data straight into an application, ultimately putting their client’s data at risk. It is also no surprise that cyber criminals misuse AI to enhance phishing emails, create deepfakes, and scale up their attacks, so please stay vigilant!”
Jane Billson Evtec Automotive “Evtec has chosen Microsoft Copilot AI tool to boost our productivity around all departments while adhering to strict governance and data protection. We have a policy to safeguard our employee and sensitive data. Evtec are very security conscious to use AI for its intended use to assist our everyday activities to enhance business performance from content creation, idea generation and research. Evtec uses AI to accelerate our overall strategy while staying safe and being true to our mission and values.”
Martin Wathen Coventry Building Society Arena “AI has a role to play in venue sales, particularly when supporting research and competitor insight, but it must remain a tool rather than a crutch. Successful sales will always depend on strong relationships and having a personal touch, qualities that technology can’t replace! Our sector must also consider AI’s environmental impact at a time when sustainability is a major priority for venues and event organisers.”
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Ezra McCusker Coventry Conferences
“I think AI is an incredibly useful tool. When it comes to gathering and analysing information, it can do things in the blink of an eye that could take us hours. But anyone who uses these platforms regularly can start to recognise the patterns. The same phrases, the same tone of voice, the same style of posts and my biggest taboo of all: posters! So many AI-generated posters are starting to look exactly the same. For smaller, independent businesses, I can understand why AI-generated creative content might be more acceptable but when I see a large company using AI heavily for its creative output, I personally feel that something is lost.”
William Whittaker WA Management Bringing AI into our business comes with considerable risk, as AI is not competent to give health and safety advice, and can often be wrong. It was important, however, for us to start utilising it so we could manage the roll out and understand how our customers might start using it. Co-Pilot has been useful for assisting with general admin jobs, which frees up our team to focus on the more technical elements of the job.”
Devesh Prasad Troo “We have invested in data security, a high-quality CRM tool and training across our teams to create a secure foundation for AI innovation. This has enabled us to develop an Energy Intelligence and Monitoring platform which uses customer data and AI to provide businesses with greater visibility of usage patterns and actionable insights. The goal is to help businesses reduce unnecessary energy costs so they can focus on what they do best.”
Charlotte Ward North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College “Our priority has been establishing the right foundations to ensure AI is used safely, ethically and effectively. We have introduced clear AI policies and governance for staff and students, supported by awareness and training sessions covering acceptable use, data protection, ethical considerations and the different AI tools available. Alongside developing AI confidence within the college, we support local businesses through funded CompTIA courses to build the knowledge they need to successfully adopt AI.”
Nicholas Gould omnigo “Our AI use isn't about chatbots. The platform we work with uses AI to process millions of UK transactions and give clients commercial insight on who their customers are, where they come from and how their marketing is performing. For most businesses, this intelligence was previously out of reach. Now it is within reach. We have case studies that prove it. One example is a business spending £2,500 per month on advertising and customer acquisition giving zero return. AI showed us exactly why. Could this be you? Let's have a conversation and find out.”
Bryan Anderson Stratford-upon-Avon College “AI has had a massive impact on my job role, from automating some of the routine admin tasks to improving my wording on emails. I feel like I have started to scratch the surface, but am painfully aware that I have so much more to learn. I feel very fortunate to work for an organisation that has the training support in place to help me take that next step from viewing AI as a dark art to a vital tool to make work easier.”
Dawood Ibtehsam People Arches Ltd "We use AI as another pair of eyes on our workplace, helping us to sense-check our culture, understand team wellbeing, recognise great behaviours and, on occasions, notice what we may have missed. But AI can only take us so far. It cannot feel the atmosphere in a room, understand someone’s difficult day or replace a meaningful conversation. We believe the future of great workplaces is not AI replacing humanity, but using its insight to help us become more thoughtful, empathetic human leaders."
Katy Taylor Hall Reynolds LLP “AI is becoming an invaluable tool in improving efficiency, accuracy, and client service. AI can support legal research, document review, contract analysis, and administrative tasks, reducing time spent on routine work and allowing solicitors to focus on client relationships. Benefits include increased productivity, cost savings, faster turnaround times, and fewer errors. However, client confidentiality is paramount, and we ensure that only specialist, secure legal AI tools are used to ensure compliance with professional and data protection requirements.”
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News
Landmark partnership to transform Coventry Building Society Arena experience “Coventry and the University of Warwick have been fantastic hosts” – sporting event hailed a success
More than 2,750 participants from businesses around the world are reflecitng after a weekend of sporting competition in the region across 20 different sports which saw banking giants Barclays top the medal table, with a total of 65 medals. The World Corporate Games took place at the University of Warwick at the end of August. It was also the first World Corporate Games to be staged in the UK since Liverpool hosted the event in 2014, with the 2026 edition elevated from UK to World status and attracting businesses from 10 countries around the globe. The Games were officially opened by a stream of athletes in a parade around the University campus, led by drumming troupe Sambando who helped hype up the procession with lively music. Participants from all over the world competed across up to 20 sports over three days, including football, tennis, netball, volleyball, basketball, padel, golf and dragon boat racing, with events staged at venues across Coventry and Warwickshire using the university as the central hub. When all the events had finished, banking giants Barclays reigned supreme with 65 medals, including 20 golds. Aerospace company Safran finished second with 60 medals and 39 golds, while construction firm Balfour Beatty – the headline sponsors of the Games – took third with 51 medals and 12 golds. Turkish pension firm OYAK were the highest placed overseas team, finishing fifth overall with 16 medals and nine golds. Doug White, CEO of Corporate Games Worldwide, said: “To bring the World Corporate Games to Coventry for the first time, and see it delivered so successfully, is something the whole team is incredibly proud of. “Watching more than 2,750 athletes from businesses around the world come together to compete and network has been brilliant, and it’s exactly what these Games are about. “Congratulations to all those who took part, but particularly to Barclays, Safran and Balfour Beatty for topping the medal table, and to OYAK for such a strong showing as our top overseas company. “Coventry and the University of Warwick have been fantastic hosts once again, and to deliver our first World Corporate Games here, in front of businesses from 10 countries, is a huge milestone for the event.” The UK version of the Games was last hosted in Coventry in 2023. This year’s elevation to World status was done on the back of the strength of the region’s business community and the quality of facilities on offer across Coventry and Warwickshire for international visitors. The World Corporate Games has been staged in major cities including London, Geneva, Kuala Lumpur, Seville and Johannesburg since it was founded in San Francisco in 1988. For more information, visit https://worldcorporategames.com
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Coventry City FC and Coventry Building Society Arena have announced a landmark new partnership with Legends Global, backed by a joint investment of more than £15 million over the next three years. The partnership brings together Coventry City, Coventry Building Society Arena and one of the world’s leading sports and entertainment organisations at a defining moment for the Club. Legends Global works with many of the world’s most iconic stadiums, arenas and convention centres, helping to transform venues into globally recognised destinations. The ambition is to establish Coventry Building Society Arena as one of the UK’s leading destinations for sport, live music, exhibitions, conferences and hospitality, 365 days of the year. More than £15 million will be jointly invested by the club, Arena and Legends Global over the next three years, funding a major programme of transformation across the entire venue. Working alongside the Coventry Building Society Arena and Coventry City Football Club teams, Legends Global will help deliver first-class culinary and hospitality experiences, attract world-leading music and entertainment talent, and accelerate the Arena’s evolution into a year-round destination. Supporters and visitors will see the transformation across every level of the experience, from redesigned kiosks, elevated food and drink offers and new premium hospitality environments. At the heart of the new premium hospitality proposition will be a collaboration with Simon Rogan’s Umbel Restaurant Group, whose restaurants hold ten Michelin stars; the most any Premier League team
holds as a residency chef for match-day experiences. Legends Global will bring the group’s world-renowned culinary expert to Coventry through a residency in The Engine Room hospitality lounge, creating a dining experience unlike anything previously offered at the Arena. The partnership extends far beyond food and beverage. It will bring investment in technology, infrastructure and operations, creating a more seamless experience on matchdays and at major events while introducing new and significantly enhanced premium spaces across the venue. Legends Global has a world-renowned reputation for creating exceptional guest experiences and works with some of the biggest names in global sport and entertainment, including Arsenal and Chelsea. As Premier League football returns to Coventry, the partnership represents another statement of intent from the Club and Arena. It will strengthen Coventry Building Society Arena’s position on the national and international stage, creating a destination worthy of the world’s best football, food, music and live entertainment. On joining forces with Legends Global, owner and executive chairman Doug King said: “This is a landmark partnership for Coventry City, Coventry Building Society Arena and the city as a whole. Our return to the Premier League is a defining moment, but our ambition extends far beyond what happens on the pitch. “Together with Legends Global, we are making a significant investment in the future of this venue and transforming the experience for everyone who comes through its doors. We want to attract the world’s best talent both on and off the pitch and establish
Coventry as a leading destination for sport, music and hospitality, 365 days a year. “This is about matching the scale of our ambition with the quality of our environment, and demonstrating what Coventry can achieve on the national and international stage.” Chris Bray, Legends Global’s president, added: “Coventry City’s promotion to the Premier League is a huge moment for the club, its fans and for the city. “It deserves a venue experience that matches the occasion, and that’s exactly what we’re here to deliver. “This is about much more than operations, it’s about bringing real transformation to both the club and the arena – newly renovated kiosks, elevated food and drink, the premium spaces and technology that make everything feel effortless. “We don’t just operate venues – we set a new benchmark for what the complete experience should look and feel like. We are incredibly proud to be Coventry’s partner for this journey, and cannot wait to show fans, and the Premier League, what this arena can do.”
Bike race ‘a fantastic advertisement for our beautiful county’
Warwickshire welcomed thousands of residents, visitors and cycling fans as the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women brought world-class racing to the county. Crowds gathered along the route through Leamington, Kenilworth, Wellesbourne, Shipston-on-Stour and Southam, creating a vibrant atmosphere and giving the riders a warm Warwickshire welcome as they competed in one of the UK's most prestigious cycling events. Communities across the county played a key role in making the day a success. Businesses, community groups, volunteers and residents came together to support the event, from cycling-themed displays ahead of race day, including a knitted post box topper in Tredington, to community events and activities on the day. Residents from the Royal British Legion’s Galanos House Care Home and Kenilworth Soroptimists cheered on the riders, while the Village Store in Bishops Itchington encouraged customers to support the cyclists and the Stour Health and Wellbeing Partnership hosted a community coffee morning. Across the route, spectators turned out in large numbers, with particularly enthusiastic support in Wellesbourne where crowds lined the streets to give riders a memorable welcome.
In Leamington, where the stage both started and finished, the town centre became a focal point for the day’s celebrations. Alongside the excitement of the race itself, visitors enjoyed a range of activities and entertainment at the fan zone in the Pump Room Gardens. With a range of bike and cycling themed activities, a climbing wall, food and drink stalls from local businesses, and the opportunity to watch all the live race action unfold on a giant screen, it was vibrant hub of activity throughout the day. This final stage of the Tour of Britain Women provided an exciting showcase of elite women's cycling, with riders tackling a sprint along Friz Hill near Wellesbourne and Queen of the Mountain races at Sun Rising Hill and Burton Dasset Hills Country Park. Spectators
were treated to thrilling racing throughout the day, with Lorena Wiebes ultimately taking the stage victory after an impressive performance. The highlights coverage on ITV4 captured some of the county's most iconic locations, helping to raise Warwickshire's profile as a destination for visitors and cycling enthusiasts alike. Local businesses also benefited from the additional footfall generated by the event, with many welcoming visitors who had travelled to watch the race. Special guests on the day included two young competition winners, who had designed the starting flag and stage winner trophy. Elliot Smith, aged nine from Southam, is a keen cyclist and was given the important task of starting the race with his winning flag. William Fletcher, aged nine from Leamington, then had the privilege of handing over the trophy to Lorena Wiebes on the podium. Cllr James Crocker, Deputy Leader of Warwickshire County Council and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property said: “The Lloyds Tour of Britain Women was a real spectacle: Leamington was packed with visitors enjoying the race and entertainment, with thousands more lining the route and showing their support. It was a fantastic advertisement for our beautiful county, and a real community celebration. A huge thanks must go to all those involved in organising and supporting this fantastic event.”
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Coventry & Warwickshire in business
Martyn's Law
Martyn’s Law is coming into force – who needs to be ready? A Rugby-based security business is urging venues and organisers of events to make sure they are ready for a new law that is coming into force to help protect against terrorism. The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, also known as Martyn’s Law, received Royal Assent in April 2025 as a response to the shocking Manchester Arena attack in 2017. Figen Murray, mum of one of the 22 victims – Martyn Hett – led a campaign which has been crucial in bringing forward the Act, which has an implementation period of at least 24 months meaning it will be enforceable by April 2027 at the earliest. According to the Home Office, the law will ‘improve protective security and organisational preparedness across the UK by requiring that those responsible for certain premises and events consider how they would respond to a terrorist attack.’ Its website also states that: ‘In addition to this, at certain larger premises and events, appropriate steps to reduce vulnerability to terrorist attacks must also be considered. Through compliance with the Act, qualifying premises and events should be better prepared and protected, ready to respond in the event of a terrorist attack.’ The Home Office has published statutory guidance to assist in determining whether premises or events are in scope of the legislation and, if so, which requirements they must meet. In the guidance a standard tier applies to qualifying premises where 200–799 people may reasonably be expected, while the enhanced tier applies to qualifying premises where 800 or more people may be expected. Clare Randall, of Stonewall Security in Rugby, is urging venues and event organisers to make sure they are ready for the Law becoming enforceable.
She welcomed the legislation and said the implementation has been very measured. Clare said: “If you are running events and are not aware of Martyn’s Law, you should be by now. It came about after the Manchester Arena attack and is very much about security around events and public places where there are significant numbers of people. “The basic point is that event organisers have to make sure security is adequate and carry out a proper, detailed counterterrorism risk assessment. It should not just be a passing mention. It needs a risk score and a risk management plan based on that score. “Because counterterrorism is part of our badge training, most reputable security companies have been encouraging organisers to think about this for some time. It is security 101. “Even things like summer fêtes, spring fairs and Christmas fairs need to start thinking this way. It needs to be specific to counterterrorism, identify the potential impact and severity and then put a risk management plan around that. “To me, because of what I do for a living, this is common sense. There is always a risk of terrorism, but as with security generally, it often does not become a problem for people until it happens to them or someone close to them. Martyn’s Law puts the onus on event organisers to assess the risk and manage it properly. “It is not heavy on jargon or paperwork and I welcome that because it makes it more likely that venues and event organisers will be able to put something into place. “If you are organising an event at a venue, check with them to see if they already have this in place and, if not, you can do it yourself or come to a company like us to help advise.
“The key thing is making sure you’re ready for this to come into force. Don’t think it doesn’t apply to you. Make the necessary arrangements because it’s not just about being on the right side of the law, it’s about protecting people from the worst kinds of act.” Stonewall Security has been operating in Rugby for 18 years and Clare and her husband, Martin, bought the business 11 years ago. The company has grown in that time from a small office to larger premises in Mitchell Court from which it offers a full suite of security services. It has also launched its own highly secure vault for the safe storage of everything from jewellery to wills, which is growing in popularity. Clare added: “We are currently at the secondhighest level of threat when it comes to terrorism, which is severe. That means an attack is highly likely so, again, you want to be prepared as best you can – not just for legal reasons but because it is so important. “If you are organising an event, you would expect the venue and organiser to have a conversation about who is responsible. If you are using a venue, find out who is carrying out the security and counterterrorism risk assessment. “Often it will be an arrangement between the venue and the organiser. Either the venue provides security and charges for it, or the organiser brings in their own security. The key thing is not to get to the day of the event and realise nobody has thought about it. “There’s lots of information out there too so I’d say use your common sense, get prepared and ask for help and advice when you need it.”
More information on Martyn’s Law is available here: https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/2025/04/03/martyns-law-factsheet/ More information on Stonewall Security is available here: https://www.stonewallsecurity.co.uk/ www.cw-chamber.co.uk
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Advertising Feature
Why spring 2026 was a great one for Tom Bromwich This spring was already special for Tom Bromwich, managing partner of Bromwich Hardy, after he picked up a coveted Businessperson of the Year trophy. But Coventry City’s storming end to the season, gaining promotion to the Premiership and winning the Championship League title, plus some sterling performances by Coventry Rugby, has made April and May even more memorable. Mr Bromwich – a supporter of both teams – was named ‘The Inspirational Individual – Businessperson of the Year’ in a ceremony held by Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry on 23 April. He said: “I was, of course, deeply humbled and honoured to have received this award, but the real high points this spring for me was watching the Sky Blues thrash Portsmouth, Wrexham and Watford in their last three games of the season, clinching both the title and promotion. “There are many factors that create confidence in any city, but one of the main things that drives positivity is the success of its sports teams. “With Coventry City now set to play the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United
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and Aston Villa, both the city’s residents and businesses will enjoy an exciting season. “And it’s not only football that’s driving that optimism. Coventry Rugby have also turned in some superb results, with the 64-28 trouncing of Worcester Warriors on 9 May one of the best matches I’ve ever seen. “Coventry Rugby were also victorious with their narrow 28-25 victory against Hartpury in the quarter-finals of the inaugural Champ Rugby play-offs on 16 May, before eventually losing in the semi-finals versus Bedford Blues.” On his own Businessman of the Year award, one of the judges was Andy Williams, the former director of regeneration and economy at Coventry City Council, and now the director of economy & skills at Birmingham City Council. Mr Williams said: “Tom’s story was truly inspiring. His leadership across your business, charitable work and family came through very clearly. What really set Tom apart was the impact he has had on the wider business community.” Mr Bromwich himself added: “I want to say a big ‘thank you’ to my fellow business partner Dawn Cooper for nominating me.
“I’m proud of what we’ve built and are continuing to build here at Bromwich Hardy, and I continue to be committed to our charity work, as it’s important to give back to the area where we live and work. “But as I’ve said, the real success of spring 2026 was the tremendous results achieved by Coventry City FC and Coventry Rugby. I’m looking forward to watching some really exciting matches next season!” Mr Bromwich co-founded Bromwich Hardy in the depths of the 2008 recession, and over the last 18 years has built the company into one of the Midlands’ most respected commercial property agencies. Mr Bromwich’s award comes weeks after Bromwich Hardy itself was once again been ranked as the region’s number one commercial property agency Coventry and Warwickshire area in the CoStar Awards. The company picked up FOUR trophies – two for the Most Active Disposal Agent, and two for Most Active Single Branch Agency Acquisitions & Disposals, winning each category for the size of properties and number of deals made.
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In conversation with... Dawood Ibtehsam
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
The inspiring moment that kick-started a career Dawood Ibtehsam's eyes – and tastebuds – lit up when he visited a McDonald’s in Lahore, Pakistan as a young boy. He was so taken in by the everything from the taste of the fries and the service his family received that he knew hospitality was the career for him. Now, nearly 30 years on from that moment, he’s one of the best-known figures in hospitality in Warwickshire, is helping others to advance their careers in the sector and is giving back in a range of ways to the local community. His company – People Arches – is sponsoring this year’s Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Annual Business and Economic Conference at the IXL Events Centre in Southam on Friday, November 6. C&W in Business caught up with Dawood at his McDonald’s restaurant in Warwick to find out about his journey to Warwickshire and the hospitality industry. C&W In Business (CWIB): Can you start by telling us how you got into hospitality, and what first drew you to the sector? Dawood: Coming out of university, you naturally ask yourself what you want to do in life. It probably took me three to five years to really understand what I was passionate about. It was not simply about making money or having a career. It was about finding what kept me going and what got me up in the morning. CWIB: And that was hospitality? Dawood: I realised I love people, I love food, I love fast-paced environments and I love creating feel-good moments for families and people who come through the door. When I thought about where all of that could come together, hospitality felt like the obvious answer – whether that was a café, a restaurant or another hospitality venture. But if I take it right back, the first McDonald’s opened in Lahore, Pakistan, in 1998. I went in with my father because I loved the chips, and I remember seeing Ronald McDonald and saying to my dad: “Can we open one of these?” He told me he couldn’t, but maybe one day I could. He doesn’t remember that conversation, but I do. Maybe that childhood pull, combined with discovering my passion later, is where my love for hospitality and McDonald’s really began. CWIB: Did you grow up in Pakistan? Dawood: I am from northern Pakistan, from Kashmir, and I came to the UK in 2005 as a first-generation immigrant. That experience gives me the belief that if you can cross mountains and oceans, come to a brand-new place where you do not know anyone and survive, then you can build anything you want. That is why I am so passionate about inspiring young people to believe anything is possible. I encourage them to think about their own business and entrepreneurship. CWIB: What was your first experience of working in the UK like? Dawood: I studied during the day and was fortunate enough to find a night-time job, so I would work through the night and sleep in the morning. I did that for nearly ten years. I worked with Trinity Mirror and the Racing Post, helping to spearhead bookmaker operations around London and the Home Counties. We supplied racing papers and information sheets to brands such as Coral, Ladbrokes, Paddy Power and William Hill. I did that for around six years, and then in 2016 I got married and my wife said there would be no more night shifts for me. CWIB: How did the move into McDonald’s franchising come about? Dawood: Becoming a McDonald’s franchisee is one of the toughest processes to go through. Around 10,000 people apply every year in the UK and only five or six are selected, because the recruitment process is so thorough. I went through 35 interviews, two personality tests, an IQ test and a week working in a restaurant, where the whole team had to assess whether I could be a good franchisee. After that, there were nine months of training and you have to be able to work through every station. Once you complete that, McDonald’s presents potential opportunities. Warwick was one
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of them, and Cornwall was another. I chose Warwick because it was closer to home. CWIB: How have you found Coventry and Warwickshire since arriving? Dawood: Coventry and Warwickshire is very diverse and has a strong production and manufacturing base. Warwick and Leamington, in particular, are historic visitor towns with very tightly knit communities. When we started doing a lot of community work and we were doing it consistently, they opened their arms and welcomed us into the community. Since then, the respect, love, care and appreciation we have received for what the team has achieved has been phenomenal. We were also honoured to receive a High Sheriff’s Award in 2025, which meant a great deal. CWIB: Your business is called People Arches. What is the thinking behind that name? Dawood: Arches are not just about McDonald’s. For me, they are about people arching over one another – not just in the restaurant, but in the wider community too. It is about how we protect, care for and take care of each other. CWIB: What is day-to-day life like running a McDonald’s restaurant? Dawood: It can mean going from making fries to having a meeting with the mayor within half an hour. It can mean helping two teenagers learn how to work together, then helping customers use the ordering kiosks. At the same time, you are looking at the financial side of the restaurant, planning refurbishments, considering future growth and making strategic decisions. No two days are the same. It can be challenging, but it is also very rewarding. You work with people from all demographics, from the age of 16 upwards, and from many different parts of the world. Our team currently includes people from 21 countries who speak 53 languages. That inclusivity helps us reflect the community we serve. CWIB: McDonald’s is known for being many people’s first job. Do you feel a responsibility around that? Dawood: Absolutely. Parents entrust us with their children for their first work experience and that is a huge responsibility. We have to build confidence in them – even with the small fundamentals, such as how to say hello, goodbye, please and thank you, and how to work as part of a team. Schools, colleges and universities teach the theory, but hospitality and first jobs give young people real-world experience. The phrase I use with my team is that we are enlightening spirits when we work with these amazing young
people. We invest heavily in their development, whether through apprenticeships, McDonald’s courses, or their own development programmes. CWIB: From a business point of view, you have made this restaurant a real success story, how have you gone about that? Dawood: It has been a tough and intense journey. It taught us the power of microeconomics and the importance of looking at every single detail. Wherever there is an opportunity, there is a reason behind it, so you have to turn every stone and make sure all the leakages are covered. For this restaurant, the focus was to increase visibility, raise its local profile and improve the culture. You can improve productivity in the short term, but if the culture does not support that change, it will fall like a house of cards. You have to inspire people in the right way. Now, we are probably one of the best-performing restaurants in the region. CWIB: Away from the restaurant, you are also involved in wider skills and hospitality work. What does that involve? Dawood: Through the Chamber, I have been given a seat to represent the hospitality sector as part of the Local Skills Improvement Plan. That work is about shaping how we inspire and adapt skills development policies in hospitality, so future generations can feel passionate about a sector that is often underrepresented when young people are choosing their career path. We are also working through the hospitality and retail forum in Coventry and Warwickshire to lobby on issues such as VAT, business rates reform and inflation, which is causing hospitality venues to close every day. I feel honoured to be in a position where I can influence change for the right reasons and help bring the sector back onto the agenda. CWIB: You’re sponsoring this year’s Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Annual Business & Economic Conference. Why? Dawood: I have seen the Chamber grow and adapt into a real change machine – an impact machine – with amazing people driving it forward. It is helping the region stand out nationally. The conference matters because all eyes are on us. Everything we have discussed throughout the year becomes an opportunity to put our best foot forward and show the region, and the country, that Coventry and Warwickshire should not be underestimated. We are here, we want to fight for positive change, and we want to be at the forefront of it. CWIB: Finally, do you have a favourite McDonald’s order? Dawood: Yes - a Big Arch, medium fries and a Coke Zero with no ice!
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Business Engage Profiles
Our USP is offering great service! Richard Lamb and his business partner Richard Wilson bought Apex Connected, based in the North West, in 2023 and, effectively, relaunched it from a base at Squab Hall in Warwickshire the following year. The plan was to grow the company’s client base in Coventry and Warwickshire and after an opening year of building the foundations of the business in the region, it is now seeing turnover increase at a strong rate, new contracts being signed with everything from local businesses through to education providers and is on the hunt for more staff.
A Warwickshire-based print solutions business is on course for a year of rapid growth – and it’s all based on outstanding service according to its managing director.
“In the purest terms, we sell and maintain photocopiers,” said Lamb. “Of course, there is much more to it than that but we’re completely open that the machines we sell or lease to customers can be bought from someone else. “So, when we are asked what our unique selling point is, it all comes down to great service.
“And, if you are based in Coventry and Warwickshire, we’re on your doorstep and we’re embedded in the local economy. We really care!” Apex supplies Develop hardware through its partnership with DSales and then backs that up with managed print service contracts, which includes an account manager and support with the hardware and software. Lamb added: “When we have conversations with potential clients they are normally looking to save on cost or improve the level of service they are getting – or both. That’s where we come in. “We make sure that any issues are resolved quickly and we’re also really responsive and supportive when it comes to understanding what companies need and tailoring what we do for them. As a business, you just want to be really easy to work with and that’s our aim and that’s what our clients say about us again and again.
“Businesses choose whether to lease or buy the equipment outright and we’ll have an agreement that sees them pay for their prints and the service we provide. Our service is what makes us stand out.” And it’s a model that is working. The company is on course to equal its turnover in the last financial year in the first six months of 2026/2027 and could double its income by the end of the year. Apex employs six staff plus an additional contractor and outsourced financial director, and it plans to recruit further. “We’re building up our client-base and I’m out at lots of Chamber events to make sure everyone knows who we are and what we do,” said Lamb. “We’re determined to grow and support the regional economy at the same time.” For more information on Apex Connected go to https://apexconnected.com/
A Troo energy partnership to provide business certainty Firms across Coventry and Warwickshire are being urged to add more certainty to their energy costs – at a time of instability and volatility in the economy.
“Yes, businesses want to save money on energy costs but we view this as a partnership where we remove all of the headaches. That’s also worth its weight in gold.”
Business energy consultancy Troo, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, says many companies are still leaving the cost of their energy to chance, meaning they are at the mercy of global events – from conflict to climate change.
Troo can support businesses to look ahead and buy energy ‘long-term’ to help smooth out some of the shortterm volatility. Its team can also look at methods to reduce energy consumption, including effective monitoring to foster efficiency, and the self-generation of power.
Prices can change on a daily basis and if a company’s energy contract comes to an end, they could be left severely out of pocket but, also, with no certainty over what tariffs they are paying.
Peter said: “Getting the best deal and looking long-term is certainly part of the approach. The further out you look, the more you can remove some of that volatility caused by events out of your control.
Peter McLeod, sales and marketing director at Troo, said the market had become increasingly complex and firms need help in navigating through it. “It’s unbelievably complicated,” he said. “If your contract is coming to an end tomorrow and you don’t have another one in place, you’ll be buying at whatever the market rate is on that day. “And you only have to watch the news or look at your phone in the morning so see that a new global event – or even just words spoken by a global leader overnight – can have an dramatic impact on prices.
Troo goes beyond selling a ‘quick fix’ but, instead, wants to become a business’s energy partner and offer support in dealing with providers so that the company can focus on its own day-to-day operations.
“So, it’s not just about getting the lowest prices for businesses, it’s making costs a little more certain so they can plan their growth without fresh hikes in their energy bills that they can’t control.”
“Anything that takes a business and their staff away from the service or product they provide is making them less productive,” said Peter. “So, we look after all of that for you.
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“But there are other ways to take back control of your costs. We’ve got tools that monitor what you are using which are really insightful. We work with so many businesses who are shocked to find how much energy they are consuming when they think everything is switched off. “There’s also self-generation and battery storage that come into the mix too. That’s why developing a partnership is so important because it means we can look at everything and not focus solely on an energy contract.” For more information go to https://www.troocost.com/
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Coventry & Warwickshire in business
Business Engage Profiles
Midlands family business marks 50 years of values-led success One of the Midlands' most enduring business success stories is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, achieving a legacy of innovation, investment and responsible growth.
refurbishment of Bourn in Coventry city centre which is nearly 100 per cent occupied and has attracted companies who support its design centred around sustainable, socially responsible business.
Founded by Lord Edmiston in 1976, The IM Group has grown from a familyowned business into an international organisation operating across the automotive, property and finance sectors, employing around 500 people worldwide while remaining firmly rooted in the region.
Andrew Edmiston, managing director of The IM Group, said: "Reaching 50 years in business is an important milestone for our company and a chance to reflect on the principles that have shaped us throughout our journey.
Over the past five decades, the group has built a reputation for commercial success, supporting thousands of jobs across Coventry and Warwickshire and contributed to major investment in commercial, industrial and residential projects, helping attract employers, create opportunities and support economic growth. IM Properties continues to invest significantly across south Warwickshire with major developments including Stratford 46, a new business destination expected to create up to 1,500 jobs, and Thrive, a proposed £343 million employment park in North Warwickshire that could deliver 6,000 skilled jobs and more than three million sq ft of employment space. Alongside these flagship developments, the company has invested in the
"My father founded the business with a clear entrepreneurial vision and a determination to build a company that would stand the test of time. While the scale of the business has changed considerably over the years, the values that underpin it have remained remarkably consistent. "We have always believed in building strong relationships, acting with integrity and creating long-term value. Those principles continue to guide our decisions today and have played a significant role in our success."
Academy and IM Properties' Community Funds, the business has supported young people, education, charities and communities, reflecting a long-standing commitment to creating positive social impact alongside economic growth.
From its headquarters in Solihull, it has grown internationally, establishing operations across Europe, North America and Asia.
IM Group is also giving back by supporting the landmark Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer - a 51-metre-high landmark including one million bricks in Coleshill where work started last year.
Alongside commercial success, giving back has remained a core part of the Group's philosophy. Through initiatives such as the Grace Foundation and Grace
Andrew added: "We have always believed that business has a responsibility to contribute positively to society. Success should be measured not only by financial
performance, but by the opportunities we create for people and the difference we make in the communities around us. "As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we remain focused on the future. We are proud of our heritage and our Midlands roots, but our ambition is to continue investing, innovating and creating opportunities for generations to come." Fifty years after its inception, The IM Group remains a powerful example of how strong values, long-term thinking and a commitment to doing business the right way can create lasting success.
SolaaS success keeps on rolling An award-winning IT, connectivity and telecoms company is enjoying rapid business growth based on a simple formula – always exceeding customer expectations.
apprenticeships, has also been recognised two years running at the Coventry & Warwickshire Business and Community Awards – picking up the Rapid Riser in 2025 and being shortlisted for Global Player in 2026.
René Wheeler established SolaaS Ltd in March 2023 after more than 30 years in the industry.
René said the success of the business so far is proving his theory that IT could be done differently.
When he set up the business, he wanted to change the model of IT support and instead of signing up clients to long contracts, he offered a much more flexible approach.
He said: “My feeling was that technology was changing so quickly that it just made more sense to offer flexibility so you could adapt.
And, just over three years since setting up, the company is going from strength-to-strength and has grown from being René on his own to a team of nine, soon to become ten.
“On top of that, I don’t want a customer to stay with me because they feel tied in – I want to provide the best possible service that means they don’t want to change.
The company supports everything from a one-person plumbing business through to a 1,200-user organisation with everything from general IT support through to telecoms. The key differentiator is that the vast majority of clients are on 30-day rolling contracts (although some insist on longer terms) and means that SolaaS remains flexible and agile in an ever-changing world of technology. Key regional organisations such as CV Life and Coventry College are signed up with SolaaS alongside national brands such as Home Bargains and B&M Stores. The company, which is also committed to bringing through the next generation of IT specialists through
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“So, the whole point of setting up the business was really to deliver technology – that’s IT support, telephony, connectivity – all on a 30-day rolling basis and I have to earn my customers month in, month out. “Our customers are able to change based on what their needs are. If they close an office, they haven’t got the worry that they’re contracted for the next three years on the services there. We can close those services off with 30 days’ notice. “Thankfully, we haven’t lost any clients because of it. In fact, it has led to more business. “And we ensure that our single user customer gets exactly the same service as the company with 1,200 users if they have an issue. We don’t recognise the
size of the business from that point of view, we recognise the individual.” He added: “We don’t really believe in response times either. The deciding factor is how quickly we can get you back online and that’s something we pride ourselves on. “We want to exceed our customers’ expectations all the time – and it’s a formula that’s working!” For more information go to: https://www.solaas.it/
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We really loved getting a glimpse of the next generation of talent which will be coming through our doors and getting inspired by the fresh ideas that the learners bring to the table. ANEKA GANATRA, THE DISCOVERY CHANNEL
Hosting a placement student from Coventry College is more than just offering work experience, it’s a genuine opportunity to spot incredible talent and future-proof your workforce. Shape skills that align with your organisation Unlock fresh ideas and new perspectives Support long-term, sustainable growth Fully managed and simple onboarding process Low-risk way to recruit.
Get in touch with our team today! industryplacements@coventrycollege.ac.uk 024 7679 1700
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
Chamber Training
Double century milestone for Chamber Training Sally has now amassed 38 years with Chamber Training while exams secretary Tom Knott has chalked up a quarter of a century with the organisation. Kerry McGuinness, quality & compliance leader has been with Chamber Training for 22 years while Sarah Williams, training manager, has worked there for 21 years. Sally said: “We’d noted very recently that our staff had really built-up real longevity in the industry and when we delved more deeply we saw that we’d chalked up approaching 200 years of experience. “We’ve now reached that milestone and it really does show just how committed we are as a team to supporting learning and development across Coventry and Warwickshire to support individuals and businesses. One of the leading training providers in Coventry and Warwickshire is celebrating a major milestone – and it means businesses and learners across the region are benefitting from extraordinary experience and knowledge. Staff at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber Training have now collectively surpassed the 200 years mark when it comes to combined experience in the training and education sector. The organisation, which is based in Radford, Coventry, is the training division of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and delivers training and development for businesses as well as apprenticeships across a range of sectors.
“That includes everything from apprenticeships to bespoke training packages.” Chamber Training offers apprenticeships in accountancy, business administrations, childcare, customer services, hairdressing, health & social care and teaching support. It also works with hundreds of employers across the region, offering training courses, accredited qualifications and bespoke training built around the individual business need. Sally added: “Our experience means we know what the best fit is for each employer when it comes to their training needs.
Chamber Training employs 22 staff directly, meaning an average of more than nine years per person in the industry.
“It also means we stay updated with all of the latest offers of Government support to ensure we can keep businesses informed of what’s out there.
But, for members of the team, such as executive director Sally Lucas, they have been committed to training and development for even longer.
“For example, there are some really big incentives available to employers who take on an apprenticeship right now so we’d urge businesses to get in touch with us to find out more.”
For more information or to get in touch, go to https://www.cw-chambertraining.co.uk
“We’ve now reached that milestone and it really does show just how committed we are as a team to supporting learning and development across Coventry and Warwickshire to support individuals and businesses. That includes everything from apprenticeships to bespoke training packages.”
Admin Assistant Apprenticeship launched Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber Training has launched applications for a new Level 2 Administration Assistant Apprenticeship.
and teamwork; increased confidence in using digital systems and technology; as well as a strong foundation for future career and business growth.
The apprenticeship brings a range of benefits to both the individual and employer, including the development of practical workplace skills; improved organisational efficiency and productivity; enhanced communication
Up to £3,000 is available alongside funding to support the training with subjects including personal and professional development; understanding customers; effective communication; team work; and time
management. The apprenticeship will begin on September 30 and Katie Henderson, recruitment adviser at Chamber Training, said: “We’re delighted to launch this new apprenticeship and we’re anticipating strong demand so we’d urge businesses and individuals to get in touch as quickly as possible!”
For more information, contact 024 7623 1122 or henderson.k@cw-chambertraining.co.uk www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Mixing reallife learning with the latest technology Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber Training have made a significant investment in the latest technology to support learners on the next steps in their career. The training division of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has integrated the use of virtual reality (VR) headsets for a series of courses and development programmes. The investment has been made to complement ‘real-life’ learning and helps to place individuals in virtual situations that might not be available in a classroom. Staff at Chamber Training have spent several months honing their own skills and understanding of the technology in order to be able to deliver training using the devices. They are being used to support a wide range of learning in areas such as teamwork; communication; interview techniques; confidence building; presentation skills; leadership and management; and handling difficult conversations. Chamber Training now has access to a full library of VR-based courses, and the relevant programme can be downloaded for any particular class. Learners can then take part in immersive learning activities using the headsets with ‘real-life’ feedback afterwards. Sally Lucas, executive director of Chamber Training, said: “We are continually looking to invest in and develop the training that we offer, and the addition of virtual reality headsets is very much part of that. “I am a huge believer in face-to-face learning and real-life activities but there is also a big part for technology to play. As a training and apprenticeship provider, it’s our role to offer the very best mix. “By using VR, we can place our learners into scenarios and situations that wouldn’t be as easy or even possible otherwise, and that’s hugely beneficial. “The feedback we’ve had so far has been very positive with staff, leraners and employers all really pleased with the results it is delivering.”
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Economy
Chamber agrees a Prime partnership on key survey South Warwickshire firms put views to local MP The MP for Stratford-on-Avon has backed local business calls for improved transport links and more employment land in the area to complement housing growth. Manuela Perteghella MP joined Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s South Warwickshire Local Business Forum at Clarion Hotel Charlecote Pheasant. The forum is an opportunity for businesses across the area to discuss the issues they are facing to help inform the Chamber and regional decision-makers on what is holding back growth. Topics included everything from skills to housing, as well as improving the nighttime economy. Transport, infrastructure and employment land emerged as key issues and Manuela said she understood business frustration. She said: “Transport is really important for South Warwickshire – not just for residents, but for businesses, workers, students, tourism and the night-time economy. “Rural bus services should not simply be based on the most commercial routes. They need to reflect where people are travelling for work, school, college and healthcare.
One of the region’s leading accountancy groups has thrown its weight behind the most important economic survey for a seventh year running. Prime Accountants Group, which has offices in Coventry, Birmingham and Solihull, is partnering with Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce on its Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) and will also be a headline sponsor for its Annual Business & Economic Conference in November.
The quarterly survey asks firms of all sizes and sectors across the region for their input on everything from investment plans through to recruitment activity. It is then analysed by the Business Intelligence Service at Warwickshire County Council. The results reflect the current economic climate in the region, as well as looking at potential growth in the future. They are also fed directly into the British Chambers of Commerce to help form a better understanding of the overall UK economy. The findings are then used by Government – locally and nationally – as well as institutions such as the Bank of England when setting policy. Steve Harcourt, director of Prime Accountants Group, said: “The Quarterly Economic Survey provides an invaluable insight into the challenges, opportunities and confidence levels of businesses across our region. “As advisers to companies of all sizes, we see first-hand how important it is that decision-makers have access to accurate, real-time information on the issues affecting the local economy.
Survey of businesses show global events have an impact on regional outlook A survey of businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire has revealed that global uncertainty is weighing heavily on confidence among companies across all sectors.
“Meanwhile, the latest QES results shows similarities and differences for the local economy. Local sentiment around domestic sales became pessimistic for both the services and manufacturing sectors.
Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) showed that the outlook for the regional economy has slipped in the past three months in the wake of conflict in Iran and domestic political instability.
“Overseas sales for the local manufacturing sector also fell, whilst overseas sales for the local services sector remained soft. Overall investment showed continued weakness, however cashflow for the manufacturing sector improved. The local manufacturing sector does not report that it has enjoyed the short-term surge in sales at the national level.
The survey, which is delivered in partnership with Prime Accountants Group and measures how business owners are feeling, is analysed by the Business Intelligence Service at Warwickshire County Council. From the responses of businesses across the service and manufacturing sectors, it gives scores out of 100, where anything above 50 indicates growth and anything below 50 is negative. It looks at a range of aspects of doing business in the region, including the outlook for employment, investment, confidence, and current and future order books for both domestic and overseas sales. The survey showed that the overall economic outlook has a score of 47.8, down from 53.5 in the previous quarter. It also showed a fall in sales domestically and internationally.
“When buses are unreliable or trains are cancelled, it has a real impact on people’s ability to get to work and on the businesses that rely on them.
Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The latest QES results reflects what we have heard anecdotally when speaking to firms at our Local Business Forums and on a day-to-day basis. The uncertainty is taking its toll.
“If we want Stratford’s tourism and nighttime economy to thrive, we need reliable late-night and regional transport links.
“We are on the cusp of publishing our Business Manifesto for the region and that sets out some of the barriers to growth and some of the solutions to support firms to invest and expand.
“For young people and people in rural communities who do not drive, poor transport connectivity can quickly become a barrier to employment.”
“Once the manifesto is released, we will be campaigning hard to ensure the Government – under a new Prime Minister – set the right conditions for growth.”
She added: “Businesses need space to grow and invest in this area so that there are places to work for all of the new houses being built.” Larry Coltman, who was chairing his final Local Business Forum before handing over to Phil Ingle, said: “Everyone in the room was extremely grateful to Manuela for giving her time and listening to many of the issues they are facing. “Transport, connectivity and employment land are all critical to growing the economy of South Warwickshire and these are all clearly on her radar for when she’s representing the area down in Westminster!”
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“We are therefore delighted to continue our partnership with the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and support a survey that helps shape economic policy and drives informed decision-making at both a regional and national level.” This year’s Annual Business and Economic Conference is taking place at the IXL Events Centre in Southam on Friday, November 6 with a range of high-profile speakers already secured. Corin Crane, the chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Having a true barometer for the regional economy is vitally important. It means that when we are speaking to decision-makers at a local, regional and national level we have a real reflection of what’s happening in our economy to back up any anecdotal evidence we might have. “Prime Accountants Group are big supporters of the Chamber and our region so we are thrilled to have them on board as both QES and Conference partners once again and we look forward to working with them over the next 12 months as we support economic growth in our region.”
“Local concerns around labour costs remain significant for both the services and manufacturing sectors, with the manufacturing sector also being very concerned about raw materials and fuel. “Inflation and corporate taxation have overtaken business rates as the most significant concerns for both the services and manufacturing sectors. Local recruitment efforts are strong, with the majority experiencing recruitment difficulties. Well over half of local manufacturing and service sector respondents indicate that they are currently operating below full capacity. “The results show that the overall economic outlook index for Coventry and Warwickshire on par with the national trend in many ways. Nevertheless, very weak local sentiments around domestic sales, manufacturing exports, recruitment, and investment are a concern.”
Summary of 2026 Q2 PMI: Economic Outlook:
• Overall, 47.8, down from 53.5 • Service Sector 47.6, down from 52.6 • Manufacturing Sector 48.2, down from 58.9
Steve Harcourt, director of Prime Accountants Group, said: “The results point to a broad-based slowdown in economic activity across the region, driven primarily by weaker domestic demand and declining manufacturing performance.
Domestic Sales:
“While employment in the services sector remains relatively strong and manufacturing investment has shown modest improvement, businesses are likely to remain cautious in the short to medium term as they navigate softer market conditions and reduced confidence.
• Service Sector 46.0, flat from 45.4 • Manufacturing Sector 38.5, down from 50.0
• Service Sector 42.0, down from 53.3 • Manufacturing Sector 44.4, down from 58.9
Overseas Sales: Employment
“A number of these factors are driven by global events and not UK or Midlands-based economic activity but they are, without doubt, having an impact on the regional outlook.”
• Service Sector 61.2, down from 65.2 • Manufacturing Sector 47.4, down from 73.7
Todd Williams, Business Intelligence Analyst (Economy and Skills) at Warwickshire County Council, said: “Quarter two at a national level fell modestly primarily due to a decrease in domestic services output, despite a jump in orders for the manufacturing sector to get ahead of price rises due to the war in Iran. Employment at the national level dropped for the 20th consecutive month in the services sector.
• Service Sector 41.1, down from 43.1 • Manufacturing Sector 46.4, up from 43.6
Investment & Cashflow Business Confidence
• Service Sector 48.0, down from 55.0 • Manufacturing Sector 58.7, down from 66.7 www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
Economy
“It’s still challenging” – businesses give their verdict as the economy grows Businesses from a range of sectors in Coventry and Warwickshire have given their verdict on the economy in light of the latest GDP figures. According to the ONS, the economy grew by 0.4 per cent in the second quarter of the year on the back of 0.6 per cent growth in the first three months of 2026. And while businesses across the city and the county have welcomed the positive news, they say the climate is still challenging.
Steve Harcourt, director of Prime Accountants Group, said firms are still ‘grappling’ with rising costs and HORIBA MIRA’s managing executive Roisin Hopkins said businesses are ‘navigating’ those cost pressures. Professor John Latham CBE, ViceChancellor and CEO of Coventry University Group, said it would continue to support businesses with their plans for growth but said it had been ‘hamstrung’ by political decisions.
“If owners feel like they have lost a grip on the numbers or need to find new ways to improve cash flow and profitability, they should reach out for support sooner rather than later. “Running a business can be lonely, but help is out there, whether through the Chamber of Commerce or a trusted, local accountant and business adviser.” Professor Latham said: “Lower growth in GDP reflects the impact of the Iran conflict and higher oil prices but we cannot ignore that the UK economy has been largely stagnant for some time. “Coventry University Group is major driver of economic growth in the region. Our activity is fully aligned with the UK Industrial Strategy and we continue to support businesses in all sectors to innovate and grow but we have been repeatedly hamstrung by political decisions that are reducing our economic impact. “In particular, the ongoing reduction in international students will significantly erode the estimated £1billion value they had been delivering to the local economy, with an obvious drag on growth.” Roisin said: “It is encouraging to see the UK economy continuing to grow, particularly given the uncertainty and cost pressures businesses are navigating. However, the 0.4 per cent headline figure is not yet fully reflected in our own experience. “Across engineering, automotive and manufacturing, market conditions remain challenging, with customers scrutinising investment and taking longer to commit to major programmes.
Nicholas Gould, of omnigo – the DOJO enabler, said businesses are having to ‘adapt to win new customers’, while Matthew Davies, one of HCR Law’s Leamington partners, and joint Head of Immigration, said that there was enough reason for optimism to make fresh investments.
Sara-Jane Watkins, principal & CEO at WCG, said she recognised economic pressures on businesses, while Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, urged the Government to do more to foster growth. Steve said: “Given the challenges facing the UK, growth of 0.4 per cent should be welcomed. SMEs remain the country's powerhouse, responsible for the majority of employment and holding the wider economy together. “Working closely with SMEs, we see the strain many are under. This figure won't feel like the full picture to businesses grappling with rising costs and tighter cash flow, especially as the months ahead look set to stay challenging for many.
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“We are seeing opportunities in areas including defence, vehicle regulation and new technologies, but greater confidence and clarity are needed to unlock them. Sustained growth will require continued investment in innovation, infrastructure, skills and industrial capability, enabling UK businesses to make longer-term decisions and compete successfully.”
“Interestingly, given that power generation and sewerage were noted as doing less well in news reports we have seen new project-driven demand in both from local business with the main anxiety being around securing skilled staff and looking to sponsor them from overseas. “We have also seen increased demand for production engineers in food processing and analysts in financial services. There was some talk of nervousness in making investment now given the Middle East situation, but the prevailing view seems to be that there is enough reason for optimism to do it now and not lose out to competitors by not doing it.” Sara-Jane Watkins said: “At Warwickshire College Group, our core mission is supporting the local economy and empowering businesses to thrive during challenging economic times. “We are actively working to reduce the number of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEETs) by expanding our entry and Level 1 courses, helping individuals successfully progress into the workplace. “We recognise that current economic pressures have impacted employer engagement with apprenticeship schemes, and we hope the government will introduce new incentives to support employers, particularly in areas without devolution deals. “Looking ahead, we expect significant growth in our construction skills courses to meet high industry demand, though recruiting the skilled staff to deliver this essential training remains an ongoing challenge." Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “At the start of 2026, I got the sense from businesses across our region that they were ready to invest and grow, and really start to drive forward.
Nicholas added: “Providing merchant services, places me at the heart of many businesses in multiple sectors and the latest GDP figures feel optimistic.
“But, then came the conflict in Iran alongside a whole host of other domestic and global factors that weighed down on business confidence.
“The temperature on the street is all about businesses managing their costs, balancing cashflow and overcoming staffing challenges.
“So, to see the economy grow at 0.4 per cent in the second quarter on the back of 0.6 per cent in the first is testament to businesses and their incredible resilience in the face of such challenging times.
“Businesses are having to adapt to win new customers as well as retaining the ones they have, often against increased competition. Of course, many businesses have had the summer bounce in the hospitality sector with the World Cup and the weather, but there have still been challenges on delivery and customers are wise and informed where they spend their money.”
“More can be done, however, to really bolster growth and the new Prime Minister and Chancellor must meet the challenge of reducing costs on business because they have risen considerably over the past ten years.
Matthew said: “We have seen an uptick in business immigration activity, which is normally quiet in the summer months.
“They must also avoid months of speculation leading into the Budget because there is no doubt that the build-up to last year’s fiscal event damaged confidence and put the economy on hold.
“Clients note skills shortages – nothing new, especially in advanced technical and scientific roles – but there has been growth in internationally-driven project work for which these skills are needed by local supply chain businesses.
“Our new manifesto, which will be published soon, highlights many areas where we can drive growth in the short, medium and long term and we look forward to working with decision-makers to help turn those priorities into reality.”
Construction sector grows but industry yet to feel the benefit
Leading figures in the property and construction sector in the region say the latest growth numbers are masking the reality for many firms. GDP grew by 0.4 per cent in the second quarter of the year including 0.3 per cent in the construction sector. The report from the ONS said: “Construction output is estimated to have increased by 0.3 per cent in quarter two of 2026, but remains 2.0 per cent lower compared with the same quarter a year ago. “Both new work and repair and maintenance grew over the period, increasing by 0.4 per cent and 0.2 per cent, respectively. Within new work, the largest positive contribution came from infrastructure new work, which grew by 1.9 per cent. In repair and maintenance, the largest positive contribution came from public housing repair and maintenance, which grew by 2.5 per cent.” But Eleanor Deeley, the managing director of the Coventry-based Deeley Group – which has been operating from the city for 90 years in construction, development and housebuilding, said the industry is yet to feel any kind of bounce. Eleanor said: “When it comes to market sales for housing, these are extremely low and while the lower end of the market still exists, anything much above that is struggling and we are seeing a real lack of purchasers due primarily to economic uncertainty and high interest rates. “Our real frustration is on affordable housing because the money should have been released in March. It was put back to June and then September and we are now hearing rumours of that being by the end of the financial year. “If you wanted to make a quick impact then releasing this money would be the quickest win.” Eleanor added: “We are also seeing inflationary pressures on building products but with a big variance. Bricks is at a moderate three per cent since March but insulation is at 12 per cent in the same period. “What is keeping inflation relatively low is that there is so little in the market that labour rates are low. We are also seeing companies buying work just to keep going. “On the industrial side, we are seeing on-theground take up from occupiers as steady and at the sub 100,000 sq ft this still seems to be moving but slowly. “Add in the rising costs of employment and doing business generally and it is fair to say that the positive GDP figures do not correlate with what we have seen in the market over the last six months.” Lex Russell, of Cemex Materials UK, added: "A figure of 0.3 per cent growth in construction activity is of course welcome, this figure has been supported by regional pockets of growth with already committed long term infrastructure projects, such as Sizewell C and HS2, which are proving resilient. “The issue however is this modest growth figure masks a much more serious underlying issue. “Latest concrete, aggregates and mortar sales across the industry are significantly down (with concrete sales down 9.3 per cent), creating a deeply concerning picture for our industry. Sustained low demand is placing jobs, investment and long-term manufacturing capability at risk. “To deliver more growth across the country and the region, the solution is clear: we need policies that unlock housing delivery, accelerate infrastructure projects and create the conditions for growth. Our sector stands ready to deliver."
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Coventry & Warwickshire in business
In conversation with Dafferns
Major milestone for Dafferns One of Coventry’s longest established businesses is celebrating 130 years of history with an eye on the past, present and future.
Accountancy firm Dafferns, which is based at Binley Business Park, was established in 1896 by entrepreneur Thomas Mason Daffern who was also one of the founders of the Coventry Permanent Economic Building Society, which became The Coventry Building Society. The firm, which offers a range of accountancy services with a particular specialism in audit, employs around 45 people in the region. From its inception, it has always played a wider role in civic and city life and is now one of the longest-standing members of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce stretching back more than 40 years.
He said: “What differentiates us is that our client base is more akin to a medium-sized firm. We have strong specialisms in audit, corporate tax, personal tax, charities, trusts and estates, and that means we can service larger and more complex clients.
To celebrate its anniversary, the firm has already held an event at St Mary’s Guildhall in Coventry and is planning to further mark the occasion closer to the official anniversary date on 26 November.
“We are also committed to staying independent to best serve our clients and to enable us to hand the Dafferns baton over to the next generation.
Brian Jukes, joint managing partner at the firm, said a portrait of Thomas Mason Daffern in their boardroom was a daily reminder of the foundations of the business, its ethics and its role in the region.
“Knowledge used to be power in this industry, but now knowledge is much easier to access. The value we add is in implementing that knowledge properly, understanding the whole marketplace and helping clients plot the right path through it.
He said: “We’re incredibly proud to have reached such a major milestone – 130 years in business is something very special. “Everyone who has become a managing partner of Dafferns – indeed, everyone who works here – has always had a sense of history. “We feel like the current custodians of that legacy. It’s so important to everything we stand for as a business and with so many changes in technology and the world of accountancy, it’s something we don’t want to let go of. “The boardroom features a portrait of our founder, which feels like he’s looking over us. “Of course, celebrating such an anniversary is a chance to look back but we are very much focused on what’s happening now in our industry and region, and planning for the future too.
“Dafferns has always been focused on being part of the culture and history of Coventry. We are embedded in local charities, guilds, the cathedral and that deep fabric of the city.
“AI is a fantastic tool, but it can’t do everything a business or individual needs. There are areas where it can help, but clients still need real experts who understand their business, their circumstances and what they want to achieve.”
“It is central to the city and wider region, and it is critical to the continuing success of the local economy, which is obviously good for us too.”
Alex Kerr, membership sales adviser at the Chamber, said: “It’s amazing to reach 130 years in business and we’re delighted that Dafferns continues to utilise the Chamber to help maintain its high profile in the region and to stay connected with other business and civic leaders.
Brian said the firm is continuously adopting new technologies and is embracing AI, all whilst keeping a keen eye on the marketplace where he is seeing many competitors being bought out by private equity backed businesses.
“It’s great to see a business combining its long-established ethics and reputation for professionalism with an ongoing plan to adopt new technologies and maintain a positive workplace culture to help it thrive for the next 130 years.”
“That’s why we’ve been part of the Chamber for so long. We feel it gives us that connection to the wider business community.
Volvo Group breaks ground on new regional distribution centre in Coventry Construction has started on a 91,000 sq ft, built-to-suit warehouse in Coventry, backed by a £24 million investment from Volvo Group to strengthen spare parts distribution and service market support across the UK and Irish markets. The facility will support Volvo Group brands, including Volvo Trucks, Volvo Buses, Renault Trucks and Volvo Penta. The new warehouse is being built on a prime 4.7-acre plot at the entrance to SEGRO Park, Coventry and will see the transfer of all operation parts currently based in Rugby. Site access is planned for early 2027, with the automated storage system set to introduce this technology to a Volvo Group warehouse in Europe for the first time. The facility is expected to be fully operational in the second half of 2027. The move is expected to accommodate both existing and new employment opportunities for the local community. The design aims to improve efficiency, sustainability and first-time pick accuracy, while ensuring the site can meet
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demand from Volvo Group's growing vehicle parc and expanding presence in the industrial and marine engine sectors. Sabrina Loyer, general manager, service operations & technology, Volvo Group UK, said: “The move to Coventry represents a significant investment in the future of our parts
distribution network and a key milestone in supporting Volvo Group UK's continued growth. “As customer expectations and operational demands evolve, it is essential that we invest in facilities that provide both the capacity and flexibility needed to support our long-term ambitions.”
Automated parts picking will be implemented in a portion of the site, plus a bespoke-built layout is being adopted to increase the efficiency of both inbound and outbound goods, minimising the risk of delays. Dedicated battery storage facilities will be added in a second phase, to support the continued roll-out of electric trucks and buses into the market. Once fully operational, the Coventry hub is expected to fulfil more than 1.3 million order lines each year. Peter Devos, head of service operations Gent & Europe, service operations & technology, Volvo Group, said: “RDC Coventry marks an important first step in developing our European service and distribution structure. It will strengthen our resilience and help us deliver even higher uptime for our customers, supporting Volvo Group's ambitious growth plans. “I want to thank everyone involved for the great work so far, and I look forward to cutting the ribbon in 2027 together with our colleagues in the UK and Ireland.”
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Profile: Atul Lakhani When it comes to being the cover star of C&W in Business, this isn’t Atul Lakhani’s first rodeo. The chief executive of the IXL Events Centre in Southam first graced these pages six years ago as the industry was still being hampered by Covid. Since then, both the venue and his wider hospitality businesses have evolved, with significant investment, new partnerships and ambitious plans for future growth. Before taking the helm at IXL, Atul’s company, Sanjay Foods, was the preferred catering supplier to the venue, which sits within the grounds of the Dallas Burston Polo Club. Dr Dallas Burston was so impressed by the quality and service that he approached him with the opportunity to take over the Events Centre. For Atul, who has spent most of his life immersed in hospitality, it was an opportunity to bring together decades of experience and create something distinctive. His journey into the industry, however, was not originally part of the plan. Atul studied Economics and Politics at Greenwich University and was preparing for a career in the City of London when he received a call to return home to help run the family hospitality business. What began as a change in direction would ultimately shape his career. He went on to establish Sanjay Foods, which flourished thanks to his eye for detail, commitment to quality and presentation, and hands-on approach. Those qualities helped the business secure partnerships with five-star hotels and prestigious venues across the country. The opportunity to take over IXL marked another major chapter and firmly established Warwickshire as an important base for the business. But, just months after signing on the dotted line, came Covid. It brought one of the greatest challenges the hospitality industry had faced, bringing weddings, conferences and large-scale events to a standstill. “Like so many businesses in the industry, it was just a case of having to survive and ride it out for as long as we could,” said Atul. When the sector – and the world – emerged from the height of the pandemic, the pent-up demand was palpable. “When business bounced back, it was quite an extraordinary period,” said Atul. “We went from having our industry effectively put on pause to suddenly delivering weddings and events six days a week. “There was an incredible amount of demand as people were ready to celebrate again. The response was phenomenal and, for us, it brought a renewed energy to the business. “More importantly, it meant bringing our team back together, getting back to doing what we love and looking forward again. We came out of that period with even greater ambition for what we wanted IXL to become.”
Raising the bar
From family hospitality roots to building one of Warwickshire’s most distinctive event destinations, Atul Lakhani has never been afraid to think big. Six years after he last appeared in C&W in Business, we caught up with the chief executive of the IXL Events Centre to talk about growth, more than £1 million of recent investment, family legacy and his ambitions for the future. 20
That ambition has helped drive consistent year-on-year growth at the venue and, following a particularly strong year of sales in 2025 and continued demand across weddings, corporate events and celebrations, Atul has embarked on one of the biggest investments in IXL to date. More than £1 million has been invested bringing a fresh new feel for its diverse mix of customers and clients. From one week to the next, IXL can be transformed from the setting for an extravagant, no-expense-spared Asian wedding into a major corporate event or high-profile brand launch for names such as Ferrari. The wedding side of the business is increasingly seeing clients travelling from London and across the UK to Warwickshire in search of a countryside setting away from the capital. Growth at IXL has been accompanied by further expansion across Warwickshire. Sanjay Foods has since secured the historic Stoneleigh Abbey as an exclusive venue, followed by a new partnership with Chesford Grange Hotel.
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Coventry & Warwickshire in business
Profile: Atul Lakhani
But there is no time to rest on any laurels with Christmas around the corner and new opportunities for growth. The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce itself will hold its conference at IXL this November, shortly before the festive season gets underway which sees thousands of guests from across the region and further afield head to the IXL. The events are known for their sense of theatre, highclass food and immersive entertainment – and 2026 will be just as lavish as it transforms for The Masquerade Ball. But Atul is also not afraid to explore new opportunities – particularly when business and a lifelong passion happen to come together. A huge fan of Wham! and George Michael, he jumped at the opportunity to host an evening of live music and dining featuring members of George Michael’s original touring band and backing singers. “Growing up in the 1980s, I was a huge George Michael fan and his music was a big part of my university days,” said Atul. “By chance, I had the opportunity to meet some of the incredible musicians and singers who toured the world with him. “These are performers who have played some of the biggest arenas in the world, so to bring them to IXL was very special. “We had a full house, incredible live music and amazing cuisine from Sanjay Foods. The atmosphere was fantastic and the dance floor was full from the moment the performance began. “It also demonstrated something important about the potential of IXL. We are licensed for almost 3,000 people and have the scale and flexibility to host live entertainment and performances alongside the weddings and corporate events we are already known for. “That is an area where I see a real opportunity for future growth.” And, as ever with Atul, the colour, quality and energy will be dialled up to 11. “The desire to be the best is probably where some of the extravagance comes from,” he said. “Hospitality has always been about more than simply providing a venue or serving a meal. You are creating an experience. “I grew up in a family where hospitality was our way of life. It is about the detail, the presentation, the service and ultimately how you make somebody feel.
“That philosophy has stayed with me throughout my career.” It is a philosophy that can be traced back to Atul’s parents and the family restaurant – called Bobby’s – in Leicester where his journey in hospitality began. The restaurant recently celebrated its 50th anniversary – a milestone that became even more memorable just weeks later when Catherine, Princess of Wales, visited. “We celebrated 50 years of the restaurant in February and just four weeks later we welcomed the Princess of Wales,” said Atul. “She was originally due to spend around 15 minutes with us but ended up staying for 45 minutes, which was an incredible honour. “She even took some chocolate barfi and Indian sweets away for Prince William and the children, which was a lovely moment. “My biggest inspiration was my late mother. When I first started in business, I remember producing a brochure in which I described her as the ‘Curry Queen of England’. “My parents started this journey for our family, so to celebrate 50 years and then welcome the future Queen to the restaurant felt like a surreal experience and a very fitting tribute to everything my mother and father created. “That restaurant was my first taste of hospitality. I have taken everything I learned from my parents and tried to build on their legacy in my own way.” And that family story may now be entering its next chapter, with Atul’s son potentially becoming the next generation to join the business. “One of the proudest moments for our family this year was seeing my son graduate with a first-class degree in International Hospitality Management,” said Atul.
“He also received two awards through the Leonardo Hotel group and the Chamber in the East Midlands, which made me incredibly proud. I have always supported him, but those achievements were entirely his own. “Hopefully, in time, he will become involved in our businesses. He represents a new generation with different ideas, particularly around AI, technology and finding smarter ways of working. “He is always telling me, ‘Dad, we need to embrace new technology – it’s the future of the industry.’ And he is right. “Hospitality will always be about people, service and creating memorable experiences, but if technology can help us deliver those things even better, then we should embrace it. “For me, it is about taking the values and standards that have been passed down through our family and combining them with new ideas to make sure the businesses continue to evolve for the next generation.”
Profile: Atul Lakhani Born: Uganda Lives: Leicester Married: Yes Children: Four Hobbies: Gym, networking, dinners, snooker Favourite Book: The Road Less Traveled Favourite Film: The Shawshank Redemption Last Holiday: Dubai Gadget: iPhone www.cw-chamber.co.uk
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TV and Film Locations & Event Management Support We are specialist suppliers of Traffic Management for TV, Film and Events based in Warwickshire Whatever you need for your event on the highway we can assist and make it happen. • Traffic Control and Road Closures • Directional Signage • Planning and Logistics • Stewarding and Car Parking 07549 966687
Many varied and amazing major events Royal Visits; Coventry Motofest; Godiva Festival; Race for Life; Half Marathons in Birmingham, Leamington, Coventry and Warwick; Tour of Britain Mens and Womens Races through Warwickshire.
TV and Film locations Warner Bros; BBC; Netflix; Sky; Bollywood; Peaky Blinders; Nativity; Father Brown; Sister Boniface; Silent Witness; Hairdresser Mysteries; Murder Before Evensong; Britains Got Talent; My Name is Leon; You Don't Know Me; Man Like Mobeen; This Town; 3 Little Birds
Local event support for communities Carnivals, Firework Displays; Remembrance Parades; Christmas Lights; Outdoor cinemas; Summer festivals. ••• Managing Director Les Peacock has been involved in events and exhibitions since 1989 when he joined The NEC and was instrumental in delivering many of the public shows held there - Clothes Show Live; Good Food Show; Gardeners World, Autosports all with their own challenges. In the mid-nineties Les moved to Dubai, as Exhibition Halls Operations Manager at Dubai World Trade Centre, who were aiming to become a leading exhibition, conference and sporting destination (as well as holidays). Dubai Desert Classic Golf; Rugby 7s World Cup Qualifying; Dubai World Cup Horse Racing; Off shore Powerboat Championships were all events that Les helped deliver. Returning to the UK in the new Millennium and continued to be part of teams that delivered major challenging events; World Leader Summits; Party Political Conferences; Olympics; Papal Visit; Royal Show; BBC Biggest Weekend in Coventry; IAAF World Half Marathon Championships in Birmingham; Tour of Britain and Womens Tour cycle race Warwickshire stages, all requiring their own unique planning and delivery operations.
info@saltem.co.uk
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Coventry & Warwickshire in business
IT
Rising IT costs putting a strain on tech investment As the economy emerged from Covid at the beginning of the decade, manufacturers across Coventry and Warwickshire complained that the price of raw materials was rising on a daily basis. They could only hold quotes to customers for around 24 hours because they knew that their own suppliers would be putting prices up if they didn’t make a quick decision. In 2026, it’s the same story but now it has moved to the tech sector. According to one member of the Chamber which operates in IT, entry level laptops have shot up by £200 in less than year and gets worse as you ‘head up the market.’ CAD workstations – for its architectural and engineering business clients – have gone from around £1,800 to £2,500. Paying more for hardware is, for some, the lesser of two evils as a shortage of availability and longer lead times are putting a strain on company systems. Phil Edis, of Harry Shaw Business Computers, said: “Anyone who has bought IT hardware since the beginning of the year cannot fail to
have noticed a sharp increase in price. “It’s primarily down to a global shortage of RAM chips as all the major manufactures have shifted their factories away from regular RAM to concentrate on the highprofit server memory and high-bandwidth memory for artificial intelligence. “It’s not just businesses that are paying the price. Microsoft have recently hiked the price of the latest Xbox for the same reason. “If you isolate the RAM price and plot it on a graph it is a line of ascent that would make even the most seasoned mountaineer shudder and whilst it has started to level out a little, prices are still rising with noone committing to a quote for more than 24 hours. “Availability is also a serious issue, with lead times often over a month and usually coupled with a price rise before you even take delivery of the kit as the manufacturers and distributors won’t honour original pricing. The increase gets passed down the food chain to the end user. “The problem hits its peak for SMEs when you get to the server market as they are usually the single biggest investment a business will make when it comes to IT hardware.”
EBC, the award-winning managed IT service provider, says IT hardware can no longer be considered a routine purchase and must be part of the strategic planning process. The company says firms can reduce risk and invest with confidence by taking the right advice. “As businesses continue to invest in digital transformation, demand for laptops, servers, storage and networking equipment remains strong,” said Mike Cook, EBC’s chief operating officer. “The move to Windows 11, alongside the need for greater performance, security and reliability, is driving technology upgrades across businesses of all sizes. “As technology requirements continue to evolve, businesses are looking for higherperforming devices and an infrastructure that can support growth, security and hybrid working. “For businesses across the UK, this places added pressure on IT budgets at a time when their technology setup is critical.
“We have found that many businesses are responding by extending device lifecycles, planning purchases further in advance and taking a more strategic approach to technology investment to ensure they achieve the best value from their budgets. “While rising costs present a challenge, they also highlight the importance of planning in advance. Businesses that take a proactive approach to technology procurement are often better positioned to manage costs, improve efficiency and remain competitive in an increasingly digital marketplace. “We’re working closely with businesses across the UK to help them navigate changing market conditions, make informed investment decisions and ensure their technology supports longterm growth. “In an environment where budgets are under increasing pressure, expert guidance and careful planning can make all the difference so businesses can invest with confidence, reduce risk and ensure they get the most from their technology.”
Ambition, enthusiasm and curiosity will take you a long way says manufacturing leader The man behind one of the most successful and forward-thinking manufacturing businesses in Coventry says he doesn’t buy the myth that young people don’t want to work. David Roberts is the chairman of Evtec Group, which is based on Torrington Avenue and supplies parts to some of the biggest automotive, defence and aerospace companies in the world. In just four years, it has grown from a standing start to a business with revenue of around £150 million and a workforce of 1,200 people, with two facilities in Coventry and others in Kidderminster and Worcester. David is the latest guest on President & People – a new podcast interview series with Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce president Sandra Godley OBE. He told Sandra that the success of the business proves that inclusion, disability and
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competitiveness can go hand-in-hand as more than 40 per cent of the company’s employees have a form of disability. But, rather than seeing that as a barrier, the company builds workstations and roles around a person’s strengths.
He said: “There’s a lot of really skilled people – young and old – out there that don’t get given a chance because they are screened out before the interview process. “We look at it slightly differently and look at a person’s strengths. “We don’t ask for hand-outs and we don’t ask for support. We stand on our own two feet. Inclusion, disability and competitiveness are not opposites – they are joined up. We have proved it. We are profitable, we pay our bills and we compete on the same terms as everyone else. “We’ve created immense loyalty within the team and we have a quality rating that beats any industry standard.” He added: “We can teach new skills to people of any age, but what I can’t teach is natural inquisitiveness, a desire to do better, a willingness to turn up on time and a work ethic to go the extra yard. If you have that ambition,
enthusiasm and curiosity, we will teach you the skills to make it work. “And, I don’t buy that young people don’t want to work. They want a job. A good job. And it’s beholden on us as leaders in business to offer those.” Sandra said: “David was such a fantastic guest. He talked about his upbringing in the north of England, the work ethic that was instilled in him from an early age and what led him to where he is today. “His passion for giving people an opportunity to make the most of their strengths really shone through. It was a lovely interview and I’d urge anyone in business, any young person or any parent to give it a listen.” The full interview is available here: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEeGkYI39R8
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News
Digesting the issue that’s costing the UK economy £51 billion Business started in Coventry garage bought by major industry brand Law firm Lodders has advised Coventry-based SpaSeekers Ltd, one of the UK’s longestrunning spa booking platforms, on its sale to Excalibur Group, the parent company of Wowcher, Spabreaks.com, 5pm, Things-To-Do, and Superbreak. The deal follows Excalibur’s acquisition of Spabreaks.com in October 2025 and marks another step in the group’s strategy to grow its presence in and support the development of the UK spa and wellness sector. Lodders’ Steve Halkett, partner in the business services group and head of corporate, and Nicola Vernon, senior associate in the corporate team, acted for SpaSeekers’ founder Jason Goldberg in the sale which was completed in a five-month time frame. Steve said: “We have worked with Jason and the SpaSeekers team for many years, supporting the business through its growth journey and previous investment activity. It has been a pleasure to advise on this transaction, which brings together two highly complementary businesses with clear synergies and a shared commitment to the UK spa and wellness market. “Jason has spent more than 30 years building SpaSeekers from the ground up into one of the UK’s leading spa booking platforms, and this sale is a significant milestone for him and the business. The acquisition provides SpaSeekers with greater scale and broader market reach, whilst preserving the distinctive brand proposition and loyal customer base that have underpinned its success.” George Oborne, CEO of Excalibur Group, said: “This is great news for Excalibur Group and for the spa industry as a whole. The acquisition of Spabreaks.com in October unlocked double-digit year on year growth, and we’ll be applying the same approach to SpaSeekers, which ultimately means fuller spas across the country.” Jason added: “When my mum, dad and I started SpaSeekers from our garage in Coventry in 1989, with just two phones and a fax machine, none of us could have imagined the journey ahead. To have grown the business into one of the UK’s leading spa booking platforms is something I am hugely proud of. “This sale marks an important milestone after 37 years and opens an exciting new chapter for SpaSeekers. Joining the Excalibur Group gives the business greater scale, support and momentum for the future, whilst allowing the brand, team and partner relationships that have been built over many years to continue to thrive. “I would like to thank the business services group at Lodders which provided impeccable legal expertise and support throughout the transaction. I wish SpaSeekers and Wowcher every success as they take the business forward.” SpaSeekers will continue to operate as a standalone brand with no immediate changes to booking processes or partner arrangements, and the Coventry-based team will remain in place.
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Coventry and Warwickshire businesses were given food for thought at a networking barbeque in the region. The Heart of England Conference Centre in Fillongley hosted Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s summer event, which brought together dozens of firms from across the region. And as well as get the chance to sample food from the venue’s grill and network with one another, businesses got to hear from Emma Millard, senior fundraiser at Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire MIND. Emma talked about the scale of mental health issues in the UK and how poor mental health was costing the economy £51 billion a year. She told the gathered leaders that there are early warning signs around an individual’s mental health deteriorating which could present in the form of becoming quieter in the office or taking more time off. Emma said that most businesses don’t have the tools to spot those signs and said the charity’s Workplace Partnership Programme could support firms to help members of their team.
The programme includes anonymous staff surveys, insight reports, bespoke action plans, expert support, early intervention resources, workplace wellbeing materials, mental health training and longer-term cultural support. Emma said: “Every business owner measures sales, profit and productivity, but how many know what poor mental health is costing their business? “There are often signs long before someone hands in their notice. The challenge is knowing where to look and how to respond. “We do not tell staff what they need – we ask them. That insight helps businesses build support that actually reflects the experiences of their people. “When your people thrive, your business thrives. Supporting workplace mental health is good for people and good for the bottom line.” Sandra Godley OBE, president of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “It was great to enjoy such a well-attended event in such a fabulous location in Warwickshire. It shows once again the incredibly resilient and forward-thinking businesses we have in our region.
“It was also very thought-provoking to hear from Emma around the challenges individuals and businesses are facing around mental health but that there is some amazing support available. “I know plenty of businesses left on the day with some food for thought and were really engaged with what Emma was saying. It really resonated.” For more information on Chamber events go to www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events For more information on Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire Mind go to https://cwwmind.org.uk/
“We’ve achieved so much in the past 12 months” – Chamber shortlisted for national award
Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has been shortlisted for a national award – recognising a year of growth and transformation. It is in the running for the UK Chamber of the Year 2026 at the Chamber Awards, which will take place at a gala event in London in October, and is up against Chambers in Suffolk, West Cheshire & North Wales, Edinburgh and Cumbria. The shortlisting reflects a year of growth and evolution for the Chamber which is based at the Coventry University Technology Park and supports businesses across the whole city and county. It acquired Midlands-based training provider PTP in November 2025 to complement its existing training company, Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber Training. At the same time, Sandra Godley OBE became Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s second female president – the first Black woman to take on the role. It also delivered a hugely successful annual conference at the IXL Events Centre followed by the hugely uplifting Coventry & Warwickshire Business and Community Awards in April, attended by hundreds of business, community and civic leaders. As well as supporting thousands of businesses through membership and
publicly-funded contracts, including international trade, the Chamber is the lead business body on the Government’s Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) for Warwickshire and the West Midlands. Destination Coventry, the regional destination management organisation, is also part of the Chamber group. Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has also grown the number of commercial services it offers to regional firms – from business growth consultation to support in profile-raising – to help futureproof the organisation. Chris Nagle, Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s head of events, marketing and communications, is also shortlisted for the President’s Award which recognises a leader who has made a remarkable impact on their Chamber, local business community and the wider global network. Corin Crane, chief executive of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are really pleased to be shortlisted alongside so many fantastic Chambers of Commerce from around the UK. “We’ve achieved so much in the past 12 months – from acquiring a new business right through to helping thousands of businesses survive and grow in these uncertain times.
“We’re central to the Local Skills Improvement Plans in this region which is putting training and skills into the hands of local employers and we’re also the home of Destination Coventry, which is helping put us on the map when it comes to the visitor economy. “Of course, there was a huge celebration when Coventry City won the Championship and their place back in the Premier League and we’d love to add to the silverware coming to this area by picking up this award!” He added: “We’re delighted to see Chris Nagle recognised for his work both for us as a Chamber and for everything he does outside of work in the city and county. “In the citation that accompanied his shortlisting it said that we encourage members to play an active, positive role in our city and county and we want our team to live and breathe those values. Nobody does this more than our head of marketing, events and communications Chris Nagle both in his day-to-day job but also outside of work too. “He is an absolute superhero inside and outside of the office. His role covers a myriad of different areas of work, including running our huge events programme, marketing us as a business and, also, supporting our members in raising their profile too. “He goes above and beyond every single day and has become one of the best-known and trusted faces of the Chamber in our region.”
Business costs have risen by more than 70 per cent according to fresh modelling Businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire can work out how hard cost increases have hit them over the past decade thanks to a new tool. The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has launched a new cost calculator so firms can compare and submit their own figures anonymously to help demonstrate the true scale of cost pressures facing British businesses. The BCC’s modelling shows that for a typical SME, costs have risen by more than 70 per cent, with around a quarter of
that increase coming since the Autumn 2024 Budget. Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The cost of doing business has been rising over the past ten years – partly down to global circumstances and partly down to domestic decision-making. “So, this new calculator from colleagues at the BCC is a really interesting tool for businesses to feedback and also look at the effect this has had on them.
“And this is something we’ll continue to ensure that decision-makers at a local, regional and national level are fully aware of because rising costs is one of the biggest barriers to businesses investing in longterm growth.” To find out how rising costs have impacted your business, go to https://www.britishchambers.org.uk/coststack-calculator/
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Coventry & Warwickshire in business
News
Transformation of former Coventry Airport underway Works have started at GreenPower Park on the site of the former Coventry Airport. Public-private joint venture partners Coventry City Council and Rigby Group are creating a new ecosystem for advanced manufacturing, battery technology and clean energy at the 308-acre site. Planning permission has been secured for up to 5.7m sq ft of industrial development, with the aim of creating thousands of new jobs and injecting £2.5bn into the local economy. Enabling works, designed to connect the site to a dedicated power supply from National Grid, are now underway. Matrix Networks and Ashwell Construction are installing a new primary sub-station, made possible thanks to £23m from Mayor Richard Parker and the West Midlands Combined Authority's regional flagship Investment Zone programme. Archaelogy and environmental experts have also been appointed to satisfy statutory planning conditions. Archaeological investigations are expected to conclude in November this year. Environmental consultants will then survey the site in advance of ground work activities commencing. Contracts are also in place for the demolition of redundant airport buildings, with works expected to conclude by the third quarter of 2027.
Mike Murray, project director at GreenPower Park, said: “Following the closure of the airport in June we are now moving at pace to get the site ready for occupation. “Planning permssions are secured and we are poised to plug in to the National Grid. This will allow us to potentially deliver a new manufacturing facility within 18 months of an occupier signing. In addition, we have put together a package of financial incentives – with support from WMCA and government – to help attract investors and ensure it’s a smooth and simple process from first meeting to occupation.” Cllr Lynnette Kelly, deputy leader and cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change at Coventry City Council,
added: “There is no doubt that the future is battery driven so to see work start on site is really encouraging. We are the only location in the UK that is ready to go right now, with planning permission in place, a package of investor support and the all important grid connection. “The UK needs to compete on a world stage or risk being left behind – and this site enables us to do just that. Of course Coventry, the wider region and the UK as a whole, needs good quality jobs – jobs that will build on our rich manufacturing heritage as we lead the green industrial revolution. And really that’s what this site is all about.” Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Getting spades in the ground at GreenPower Park is a significant milestone in our plan to put this region at the cutting edge of global battery manufacturing and innovation. It also moves us a step closer to thousands more good quality jobs in one of our fastest-growing sectors. Using our Investment Zone funding to prepare this site is what’s driving strong interest from international investors who share our ambition and want to do business here.” GreenPower Park has planning permission for industrial units ranging from 69k sq ft – 5.7m sq ft, with some of the largest consented footprints currently available in the UK. Leaseholds or freeholds are available, through letting agents CBRE.
Grant to support groundbreaking research The ac-STEM will be housed within the Phase One building of STEM Connect, Warwick's landmark capital development programme. STEM Connect represents the university's most ambitious campus transformation projects since its founding and will provide a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine its research and teaching environment while strengthening its world-leading capabilities across science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
University of Warwick has received a £1.5 million grant to support groundbreaking research in sustainable energy, advanced materials, and manufacturing The grant from the Wolfson Foundation will go towards the acquisition of a new aberration-corrected Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope (acSTEM), a transformative investment that will create one of the world's leading platforms for electron microscopy and materials characterisation. The funding represents a significant milestone in Warwick's ambitious plans to establish MIDAS² (Midlands Infrastructure for Dose-controlled, Advanced 4D-STEM and Spectroscopy), a pioneering research facility that will enable scientists to study materials at the atomic scale and tackle some of the most pressing global challenges in energy, sustainability and advanced manufacturing.
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Once installed, the microscope will provide the UK with a world-leading platform for electron microscopy, enabling groundbreaking research into the study and characterisation of materials used in batteries, fuel cells and energy storage systems – technologies that are central to the global transition towards sustainable energy. It will also enhance the innovations of steel and alloys, reducing the environmental impact of their production for sustainable manufacturing, and drive the discovery of materials that transcend Moore’s Law, paving the way for reduced energy consumption in advanced electronics and computational technologies. By addressing these global priorities in energy efficiency, sustainability, and manufacturing, the ac-STEM will play a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable future. Professor Stuart Croft, vice-chancellor and president at University of Warwick, said: “The Wolfson Foundation has been a long-standing
champion of research and innovation, and we are deeply grateful for this generous support. This investment in MIDAS² will help create new opportunities for discovery, collaboration and impact, enabling Warwick researchers to tackle complex global challenges and deliver benefits for communities here in the UK and around the world.” The award builds on a long-standing partnership between the University of Warwick and the Wolfson Foundation that dates back to 1965, when the foundation first supported the university's early development. Since then, the foundation has contributed more than £13 million to Warwick through support for major capital projects, advanced research equipment and postgraduate scholarship programmes across science, medicine, humanities and education. Paul Ramsbottom, chief executive of the Wolfson Foundation, said: “Combatting climate change relies on major – and urgent – changes to the transportation, energy and manufacturing sectors. “This will need lightweight, robust, renewable or recyclable materials to be researched and developed. Warwick Manufacturing Group, and the wider Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine, are home to some of the UK’s most talented researchers grappling with these challenges, and we are delighted to be helping them to create the new MIDAS² platform for advanced electron microscopy, which will be vital to characterise and prototype the next generation of materials such as steels and alloys.”
Warwickshire College Group secures £4.8 million to propel construction academy to the next level
WCG has successfully secured nearly £4.8 million in grant funding from the Department for Education's Construction Skills Capacity Fund. This major investment will fund a rapid and transformative expansion of the Pershore Construction Academy, scaling training capacity from 67 learners to over 275. With significant growth in construction across the region, the expanded provision will directly support booming infrastructure and housing development across the region, including the 10,000-home development planned near Worcestershire Parkway Station. The Academy was initially launched at the Pershore campus last September, operating out of disused landscaping barns following the strategic consolidation of provision from Evesham College. This new financial backing will now allow WCG to propel its construction training offer to the next level. Sara-Jane Watkins, principal and chief executive at WCG, said: "We are absolutely thrilled with this announcement. Securing this £4.8 million funding is truly game-changing for our Pershore College campus and allows us to respond aggressively to the considerable growth in construction we are seeing across Wychavon and the wider Worcestershire region. “We have been delighted to work alongside our local MPs, Nigel Huddleston and Dame Harriett Baldwin, who have offered fantastic support for this bid. We are also incredibly grateful for the collaboration with Wychavon District Council, the team behind the Worcestershire Local Skills Improvement Plan, Worcestershire County Council, and the Local Enterprise Partnership. Their shared vision has been instrumental in making this a reality." Currently, the Pershore Construction Academy offers full-time foundational training in carpentry, plumbing, and multiskills. While it does not yet offer construction apprenticeships at Pershore, this DfE capacity funding will allow it to broaden its curriculum significantly to introduce a dedicated apprenticeship centre for all construction trades. The expanded, industry-standard facilities will enable the introduction of critical new trades, including electrical, painting and decorating, brickwork, and groundworks. It will also pave the way for advanced progression routes, including T Levels and Higher Education pathways such as the HNC and HND in Construction Management. For more information on the Pershore Construction Academy and upcoming course enrolments, visit https://wcg.ac.uk/page/11/ construction-and-the-built-environment
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Education and Skills
University of Warwick rises into UK top five in Daily Mail University Guide 2027
The University of Warwick has climbed one place to fifth in the Daily Mail University Guide 2027, cementing its position among the country's top universities and placing it as the highest ranked university in the Midlands. Published to coincide with A-level results day, the Daily Mail University Guide 2027 has recognised Warwick as one of the country’s outstanding universities across a range of subjects and standout features such as graduate salaries. The latest rankings recognise Warwick’s strength in delivering excellent student outcomes, continually improving its offering in key areas including graduate salaries, ranked fourth; first year completion, ranked sixth; and high skilled jobs, ranked seventh. Professor Stuart Croft, vice-chancellor and president of the University of Warwick, said: “It is a real source of pride to see Warwick recognised among the country’s top five universities. This is not simply about a league table position; it reflects the strength of our academic community, the support we give to our students, and the opportunities a Warwick education opens up. “At Warwick, we are ambitious for our students and for the contribution they will go on to make in the world. Our task is to offer an education that is rigorous, creative and supportive, and to create a community in which people can challenge themselves, discover new possibilities and thrive. I look forward to welcoming our new and returning students in the weeks ahead.” The Guide also highlighted Warwick's academic excellence across a range of disciplines, with six subjects ranked first in the UK which were French, German, Iberian Studies, Marketing, Philosophy and Production and Manufacturing Engineering. The rise to fifth place overall continues Warwick’s strong performance in national and international league tables and reflects the University’s sustained focus on delivering exceptional teaching, student support, and graduate outcomes. This includes climbing six places to 68th in the QS World University Rankings, being recommended by nine out of ten Warwick students in the National Student Survey, and rising two places to seventh nationally and being named the number one university in the West Midlands by the Complete University Guide.
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‘We’re incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved’- regional leaders help celebrate incredible exam achievements
Young people from across Coventry and Warwickshire who had previously struggled to engage with education are celebrating turning their prospects around on GCSE results day. The success follows a year-long programme run by PET-Xi Training which has been providing educational services in the city for 31 years. A total of 75 young people celebrated receiving their qualifications after completing PET-Xi Training’s re-engagement and GCSE catch-up programme, which combines academic study with a focus on belonging, helping learners find their “why” and developing their employability skills. They included young people who had been identified as not in education, employment or training (NEET), as well as “not known” NEETs whose status is off the radar and not connected to support agencies. Identifying and reaching those young people is a major challenge as they can be among the easiest to overlook and become further disconnected. The intensive programme is designed for young people for whom college has not been accessible or is not the right environment with 89 per cent of this year’s cohort having SEND or being neurodivergent. Forty per cent of the cohort referred had at least one contextual safeguarding concern which needed specialist support. Its supportive atmosphere helped achieve 99 per cent attendance at GCSE exams, with over 50 per cent progressing in English and maths and 88 per cent progressing into further education or employment. Many had previously failed or not taken GCSEs, while some had not attended school regularly since the Covid-19 pandemic and had missed all their secondary education.
The 16-19 Study Programme combines GCSEs and a Gateway qualification with practical skills, careers guidance and personal and gives them opportunities to take on responsibilities during their studies to prepare them for the world of work. Their achievements were celebrated at a special results day event attended by Mayor of the West Midlands Richard Parker and Les Ratcliffe MBE TD DL, a Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands. Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “It’s so important young people are given the chance to learn in the way that works best for them. That’s how they can still land their dream job no matter how they get on in their exams. “It’s why I’ve made alternative ways to learning such as through apprenticeships, a top priority. So, my message to everyone collecting their GCSE results is to remember there are many paths you can take to success.” Students including Edward Reeves achieved a 6 in English and Livia Juniszewska achieved a 4 in English. Alex Scherer, 17 from Stoke Aldermoor, achieved grade 5 in English and grade 4 in maths. He said: “I feel overwhelmed and still a bit in shock. I had a difficult time at secondary school and missed almost all of Years 10 and 11. “If somebody had told me a year ago that I would achieve my GCSEs, I definitely wouldn’t have believed them. “I’m now going to Coventry College to study engineering and pursuing a career which will allow me to travel and see the world.” Musa Ahmed, studied maths and English, while Mahdy Hassan studied maths. They have both secured employment as peer mentors with PET-Xi. Musa said: “When I first walked into PET-Xi, my mood completely changed. It felt like a new environment and a fresh start for me. “I had never taken my GCSEs before, so coming here gave me the opportunity to work towards my maths and English qualifications, alongside other courses which have helped me develop. “I’m really happy to have been offered a job at PET-Xi. I want to support young people who are in the position I was in and help more people understand the opportunities available here.”
Mahdy added: “I came to PET-Xi while I was waiting to start an apprenticeship. I enjoyed my first few weeks so I decided to stay here instead. “My time here has opened my eyes to what I can do and given me a clearer picture of my future. PET-Xi is just the beginning for me. I want to keep developing, help other young people and eventually build businesses of my own.” The programme provides a safe and supportive environment, with provision tailored for young people facing a range of challenges, including mental health needs, ADHD and dyslexia. The event welcomed representatives from Coventry City Council including Cllr George Duggins, Leader of Coventry City Council, Cllr Mal Mutton, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Equalities, and Clare Hatton, Director of Strategy and Performance at Coventry City Council. Representatives from Coventry Job Shop, charity Shaw Trust, local banks and colleges also attended the celebration. Fleur Sexton MBE DL, chief executive of PET-Xi Training, said: “We are incredibly proud of everything our young people have achieved. They have been brilliant to work with, been a huge part of our community over the last 12 months and we will be sad to see them leave. “At the same time, it is exciting to see them taking their next steps. They have so much potential and I know they will go on to thrive and build successful careers and make a real contribution to their communities. “Their success has been made possible by partnership working across the region. I particularly want to thank Clare Hatton and Julie Nugent at Coventry City Council, and the West Midlands Combined Authority, for their support. “This is a great example of why devolution works so well and the combined strength of regional leadership and local organisations understanding what is needed on the ground and working together to provide opportunities for young people who otherwise may have been forgotten.” The programme is funded by Department for Education through SCL Education Group. PET-Xi Training is now recruiting young people for the September 2026 programme. To find out more visit www.pet-xi.co.uk
Royal Leamington Spa College student awarded prestigious prize by The Arts Society A talented Stratford-upon-Avon resident studying at Royal Leamington Spa College has been named the recipient of this year’s distinguished art award from The Arts Society Royal Leamington Spa, highlighting the exceptional standard of creative talent nurtured within the college’s renowned School of Arts. The prize was presented to multimedia artist Woodrow (Woody) MacFarlane by Edwina Rowe, a distinguished representative of The Arts Society, and Martin Hornbrook, chairman of the Art Prize. The award spotlights the high calibre of academic guidance and creative freedom offered within the School of Arts at Royal Leamington Spa College (part of WCG). Woody’s capstone project, a compelling video installation and photography display titled "The dot that does not move," left a profound impression on the judging panel. In particular, the atmospheric soundscape deeply resonated with the Art Prize's chairman, Martin Hornbrook. He praised the music installation, describing it as "sobering" and noting that it powerfully evoked his own memories.
Growing up with parents who are both English teachers, Woody credits his upbringing for the lyrical nature of the piece, noting that "poetry rubbed off on me." Originally entering his studies with a singular focus on photography, Woody’s creative practice exploded into a multi-disciplinary fusion of mediums. "Video can capture much more," he explained. Woody’s journey at Royal Leamington Spa College highlights the institution's role as a launchpad for emerging artists. Having already achieved a Distinction in his UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative
Practice at the college, Woody is now on track to replicate that top-tier success at the conclusion of his UAL Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design. The college’s supportive studio environment and robust academic leadership are credited with giving Woody the space and critical feedback necessary to transition from a pure focus on photography into a multi-disciplinary contemporary artist. "Woody is a student whose curiosity and desire to constantly reinvent his practice make teaching enjoyable," said Adele Christie, visual arts and performance course manager. "Having taught Woody from year one of the UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice to the UAL Level 3 Foundation in Art and Design, I can see how his knowledge, his skills, and his awareness of contemporary art discourse are growing. “His work in the studio demonstrates his dedication to his creative practice and ability to initiate and explore experimental processes to develop his ideas. He is open to discussing his work critically and can respond positively to peer and tutorial input." More information on courses is available at www.wcg.ac.uk/leamingtoncourses
Coventry College welcomes back MTC talent to help relaunch apprenticeships Coventry College has appointed Donna Mason as its new Director of Faculty for Engineering, Motor Vehicle and Digital as it prepares to relaunch its apprenticeship provision. Donna returns to the college after four years at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), where she was training and quality Leader. She previously spent seven years at Coventry College as curriculum manager. She brings a wealth of industry experience and a passion for education. Just weeks into the role, Donna is focused on developing new opportunities for learners and employers. Donna is responsible for leading the team to work with top employers across the Midlands, while giving learners the best possible start to their careers. A key part of her role will also be helping to relaunch the college’s apprenticeship provision this autumn. This will include Level 2 apprenticeships in areas such as Engineering Operative and Welding.
Donna said: “Learners on these apprenticeships will learn the basics – how to operate machinery and work safely, as well as finding out where they can go next as they build a career.” Locally, engineering and manufacturing employers continue to face skills shortages, while many are dealing with an ageing workforce. Welding is one area where there is a particular shortage of skilled workers while the region’s strong automotive and manufacturing sectors also need people with the right technical skills. “Great companies need good people. I’d love to attract big players who need maintenance engineers, alongside smaller companies that make up the fabric of Coventry’s engineering industry,” said Donna. Donna also wants to encourage businesses that have not taken on apprentices before to consider the opportunity.
She added: “We’re going to make it easy for employers to find the next generation of engineers and welders by supporting them on that journey.” The college will match learners with suitable roles and support them throughout their apprenticeship. Apprentices will spend one day a week in college developing new skills, with ongoing guidance and support alongside their workplace learning. She added: “Employers need the right people, and they need us to support them through educating their future workforce. They have businesses to run, and we need to help supply the skills. “I strongly believe in people feeling proud of where they come from, being part of Coventry College and what they can achieve.” She now wants to build on Coventry’s engineering and manufacturing heritage and create new opportunities for its next generation of skilled workers.
“I am extremely ambitious for the college. There’s no reason we can’t be working with some of the biggest names in engineering and manufacturing in the area. “The college has some amazing expertise, and I want to match that knowledge with ambition for learners and the opportunities we can provide for them.” Businesses interested in taking on an apprentice should contact employers@coventrycollege.ac.uk
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Coventry & Warwickshire in business
Education and Skills
Warwickshire skills plan will boost economic growth
Businesses and residents in Warwickshire will have access to the skills they need to help boost economic growth in the region following the Government signing off on a new major plan. The Warwickshire Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) has been developed following months of consultation with around 700 organisations across the county and is based on the skills required for growth and to bridge the gaps in training provision. Warwickshire’s LSIP has been led by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and is supported by Warwickshire County Council through the Warwickshire Skills Hub, and Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. The new plan links directly to the Warwickshire Employment and Skills Strategy which is a comprehensive framework to align local skills provision with business demand and promote sustainable economic growth.
Through a series of surveys, events and one-toone conversations with businesses, the LSIP sets out five priorities that will revolutionise the skills system in the area and meet local economic needs. Firstly, the plan seeks to strengthen leadership and management capability in the region to help support growth through a range of actions from a clear and visible ‘front door’ for training through to the development of modular courses. The second priority is to build digital, data and AI confidence to support technology adoption to include work-integrated digital and AI training as well as the creation of digital champions and peerlearning networks. Next, the LSIP aims to develop a future ready workforce through enhanced work readiness and entry pathways which would include mapping clear and coherent pathways into employment and embedding work-readiness and foundational employability skills across all stages of training provision. The fourth priority seeks to expand flexible, modular and accessible training to reduce participation barriers, which would include finding different methods for training delivery. The final priority is fundamental to the success of the LSIP and sets out plans to improve system navigation, visibility and co-design across the skills ecosystem through Warwickshire Skills Hub. Each priority cuts across a range of sectors within the economy including manufacturing, construction, health & social care, hospitality, digital & tech and agriculture & land.
Councillor Rob Howard, Portfolio Holder for Economy and Rural Development at Warwickshire County Council, said: “Warwickshire is undergoing significant change in the employment and skills landscape as we shape a new, more responsive local skills system. “In this context, it is important that the Local Skills Improvement Plan reflects the needs of Warwickshire’s economy, residents, employers, and communities, while aligning with the Warwickshire Employment and Skills Strategy, the Get Warwickshire Working Plan, and the ambitions of devolution. “The Council welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the next phase of the Warwickshire Local Skills Improvement Plan and recognises its important role in strengthening the relationship between employers, providers, local government, and wider partners. “We value the positive impact that the Warwickshire Local Skills Improvement Plan can have in helping to identify priorities, inform investment and strengthen the skills system for the benefit of employers, learners and communities across the county. “We support the ongoing development of the Warwickshire Local Skills Improvement Plan and look forward to continuing to work with Skills England and local partners such as the Chamber of Commerce to deliver shared ambitions for employment, skills and economic growth.” The full report can be found here: https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/lsip/lsipwarwickshire/lsip-w-reports-and-insights/
Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Our team has spent months talking to businesses and organisations about skills shortages that are holding back growth, where they feel training provision is lacking and, crucially, the solutions they wanted to see. “This second Local Skills Improvement Plan for the region has put the future of skills and training in the hands of local employers by listening to their needs and identifying actions that will help them to ensure their staff have the skills to meet today’s challenges and those to come. “We are thrilled that this plan has now received sign off from Government and that we can now
start to put the plan into practice to help the regional economy to grow faster and more sustainably.” Phil Smith, Chair of Skills England, said: “The Local Skills Improvement Plans give areas a clear roadmap that will help create better skills for better jobs all across the country. “These LSIPs, alongside the emerging sector jobs plans and the other stakeholder dialogues we are having, is helping us build a much better picture of the skills needs throughout the nation. “Skills England is excited to play a key role in that journey, so that employers and learners can benefit in local communities.”
Jacqui Smith, Minister for Skills, said: “For too long too many people have been locked out of opportunity, and businesses have struggled to recruit the skilled staff they need to build their workforce. “Local leaders have a unique insight into the skills needs and opportunities in their area, which is why we are putting them in the driving seat to support their community. “Our reforms, including to the Growth and Skills Levy and the Youth Guarantee, will build a workforce prepared for the demands of today as well as the jobs of tomorrow."
West Midlands LSIP gets government sign off
The Government has signed off a major new plan that will support businesses in the West Midlands with the skills they need to boost economic growth in the region. The West Midlands Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) has been written on the back of months of consultation with more than 1,000 employers, educators and regional stakeholders across the West Midlands to understand what skills are required for growth and where there are gaps in training provision. In the West Midlands, the LSIP has been led by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and is being supported by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, Black Country Chamber of Commerce and West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). The new plan links directly to the Mayor’s West Midlands Growth Plan and will act as a ‘catalyst and enabler’ for the region’s economic transformation. Through a series of surveys, events and one-toone conversations with businesses, the LSIP sets out six priorities that will support the skills system. They include making it easier for firms to navigate and access the skills system after feedback that the current provision is too complex and it’s not always clear where to go or who to talk to. One respondent described the current landscape as ‘overwhelming’. The second priority is an increase in modularisation – so short, bite-sized courses that fit into working patterns and are designed around real working practices within businesses. Next, the new plan recommends an increase in work-readiness and foundation skills to help people get into work and be ready to perform effectively from day one. The gap in this area varies from sector to sector but is recognised as crucial for the growth of the whole economy. A shortage in leadership and management skills was identified as holding back growth and, once
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again, enhancing flexibility and easier-to-navigate systems have been included in the plan. The final two priorities identify specific issues around embedding digital, data and AI skills into training provision as well as green and sustainability skills. Each priority area has been matched with fresh solutions for specific areas of the economy that include advanced manufacturing; clean tech; defence; business, professional and financial services; creative; digital; everyday economy; and health & social care; as well as apprenticeships more generally. Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Businesses tell me one of the biggest challenges they face is finding enough people with the right skills, especially in fast-growing industries like construction, advanced manufacturing, green and medical tech. “I’m committed to plugging that skills gap so we can accelerate growth. The recommendations in this report will help us do that by deepening our understanding of what employers need most and informing our decisions about what skills and training to invest in. “That directly supports a key priority of my Growth Plan - creating the skilled workforce that
businesses require to drive investment and create the high-quality jobs of the future.” Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Our team has spent months talking to businesses and organisations about skills shortages that are holding back growth, where they feel training provision is lacking and, crucially, the solutions they wanted to see. “This second Local Skills Improvement Plan for the region has put the future of skills and training in the hands of local employers by listening to their needs and identifying actions that will help them to ensure their staff have the skills to meet today’s challenges and those to come. “We are thrilled that this plan has now received sign off from Government and that we can now start to put the plan into practice to help the regional economy to grow faster and more sustainably.” Henrietta Brealey, chief executive at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “We are proud to playing our part in bringing businesses and education together to make sure skills training matches real job opportunities. This plan has been shaped by the collective expertise of employers, educators and partners from across the West Midlands. I’d like to thank everyone who contributed their time, insight and ambition to this work. “Skills drive opportunity, productivity and growth. By listening to employers and working together across the region, we can equip people with the skills businesses need, build stronger pathways into work, and help more local residents access meaningful, rewarding careers. This plan is ultimately about unlocking potential, strengthening our economy and ensuring a bright future for the West Midlands.” The full report is here: https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/lsip/lsip-westmidlands/lsip-wm-reports-and-insights/
College to expand construction skills capacity following £4 million of funding
Stratford-upon-Avon College has secured funding to strengthen and expand its construction skills offering, enabling more students to access industry-standard training to help meet growing demand for skilled workers across the region. The nearly £4 million of funding from the Post-16 Construction Skills Capacity Fund will allow the college to expand its facilities and refurbish existing campus areas to support construction skills growth across a range of subjects including construction, plumbing and electrical installation. The additions to the campus will include a new two-storey building for brick/ carpentry/multi craft, a new bricklaying workshop, reconfiguration of current classroom facilities to support theory and assessment and an additional floor above the existing plumbing workshop to provide new workspace for electrical installation students. Director of estates, Michelle Doughty, was thrilled to announce the success of the funding bid. She said: “Our estate plays a vital role in supporting high-quality education. This investment will transform the learning environment at Stratford-upon-Avon College, creating opportunities for more learners to develop the construction skills that are in growing demand.” The investment builds on the college's ongoing commitment to evolving its curriculum to meet industry demand. Over recent years, the college has expanded its technical and vocational offering to include courses in motor vehicle, construction, plumbing and electrical installation, providing students with clear pathways into skilled careers. The college has also continued to enhance its facilities to ensure students learn in industry-standard environments, including the recent development of an electric vehicle training academy and a heat pump training facility. For more information on any of Stratfordupon-Avon College’s courses, please visit www.stratford.ac.uk or call the college on 01789 266245.
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International
Don’t bury your head in the sand on new regulations Companies across Coventry and Warwickshire that trade overseas have been urged not to take an ‘ostrich’ approach to a raft of regulations coming down the track. Tim Cooper-Cocks, international trade adviser at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, has warned firms against burying their heads in the sand when it comes to 15 pieces of legislation – that are either current or emerging – that affect international sales. Tim says firms that make preparations now will be in a prime position to increase their export market because they are ahead of the game. Legislation includes everything from Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) through to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) on the packaging of products. Tim has created an easy-to-use international trade healthcheck for businesses to identify growth opportunities but also to weed out any potential compliance issues based on the new legislation. He said: “I am speaking to businesses who export on a daily basis and knowledge of the legislation is mixed. “I would say the vast majority know that changes are coming but haven’t prepared yet and the risk is seeing costs go up overnight without any mitigation especially with regulations such as CBAM. “The changes to packaging regulations will mean that empty space in a package must be minimised, for example, and there also rules coming around deforestation that means a seller of coffee, for example, will need paperwork detailing how and where their product was grown. “In total, there are 15 pieces of legislation – that are either already live or set to go live in the next few years – and you can’t really blame businesses for feeling slightly overwhelmed by it all! “Of course, bigger companies will have whole departments dealing with this but we recognise that small and medium-sized businesses that export need support. “That’s why we’ve created our free healthcheck that will help to identify fresh opportunities and threats. Businesses that trade overseas tend to grow more quickly, have better processes in place and have a stronger survival rate. “So, we don’t want new regulations to put anyone off but we have to make sure that we are informing businesses of what’s coming down the track and advise on what to do next. “Once the healthcheck is complete, we’ll make key recommendations to the business on what next steps they can take to not only make sure they are compliant but to help them grow too. “Those firms who get this right early are going to be in the best position to take advantage of fresh opportunities overseas.” The free healthcheck can be accessed here: International Trade Health Check https://forms.cloud.microsoft/ Pages/ResponsePage. aspx?id=IZJG40trckyUUyLF7u69Q-bI4Ov6RdKg0FK-l2wR5hUMkVDWTBLTzJQOVo1N VZWQlQ0NTRIRDJTVy4u
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Trade deals could bolster regional economy International trade with Switzerland and India is set to grow on the back of deals signed directly with both countries. The Government announced earlier this month that an enhanced deal had been signed with Switzerland, estimated to be worth £5.2 billion in additional annual UK services exports. The deal was revealed at the same time that the UK-India trade deal came into force. Tim Cooper-Cocks, international trade adviser at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, urged businesses to find out how it could boost their own bottom line. He said: “For many businesses, the biggest opportunity is not simply exporting more goods, but expanding professional services, consultancy, engineering expertise and digital services into Switzerland. The agreement removes barriers that have previously made doing business more complex. “Businesses should see this as another reminder that international trade is evolving rapidly. Alongside recent agreements with India and other key markets, companies should regularly review where new opportunities are emerging and whether existing barriers have now been reduced.” William Bain, head of trade policy at the BCC, said: “This is an important upgrade as Switzerland is one of the UK's largest trading partners, especially
in services. It will provide welcome certainty for thousands of companies in the legal, financial services, and accounting professions. “It includes improvements on mobility of staff and allows UK nationals to work in Switzerland for 90 days every year visa-free. The relaxation of the rules around data origin and transfer will also give certainty on the free flow of information which is the lifeblood of international commerce and trade. “UK firms have frequently told the BCC about the problems of lengthy queues on arrival at the Swiss border since 2021. So, new provisions to allow people from the UK to use e-gates at Swiss airports will be particularly welcome. “This will make it easier to deepen investment relationships between our two countries. The commitments on no new roaming charges for mobile phones also adds to this being a business-friendly trade deal. “This is a modern agreement for two outward looking services trading countries. We now need to focus on realising its full potential to raise economic growth and exports." The trade deal with India strengthens economic ties – already worth £48 billion – between the two countries. Steve Lynch MBE, director of international trade at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “It has been a tough few years for UK traders but there is a real buzz among businesses about this deal entering into force. It is a genuinely exciting milestone.
“Trade between our countries is already substantial, and we now have a real opportunity to build further momentum. It is an important new chapter that can bring many more businesses into the relationship and unlock the next wave of trade, investments and partnerships. “India has shot up the agenda for British businesses, but there is still a significant gap between many SMEs’ interest in the market and their actual exports. “No free trade agreement is a silver bullet. It will only deliver growth if businesses understand it, use it and have the confidence, capability and connections to turn it into real sales. “Chambers across the UK and our in-country affiliate, the UK India Business Council, are now starting the real work of turning this policy into practical delivery. “We are working closely with the Indian High Commission and partners in both countries to develop a UK–India Trade Accelerator. Once established, this will give ambitious firms the market insight, regulatory guidance, trusted relationships and in-market support they need to succeed. “The real prize sits on top of the 2,000 plus pages in the trade agreement. It is more British businesses exporting to India, building lasting partnerships and converting the enormous potential of the deal into real jobs, investment and growth.” For more information or international trade advice, contact timc@cw-chamber.co.uk
Digital firm makes fresh global move A fast-growing Coventry-based digital media agency is launching a new Africa division following support from a leading international trade expert. The Herd is planning global expansion through The Herd Africa, a new sub brand that will support ambitious organisations looking to harness digital, data and technology to grow across high potential markets. The move has been supported by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, a trusted and expert provider of export and trade advice for businesses across the region. The Chamber, through international trade adviser Tim Cooper-Cocks, is providing The Herd with a range of knowledge, networks and strategic guidance. Paul Scanlon, CEO of The Herd, said: “Africa presents a major opportunity for digitally ambitious businesses. “That growth is being driven by rapid digital adoption, increasing connectivity, mobile usage and rising demand for services across sectors including fintech, ecommerce, media and digital infrastructure. “This is a major step for us and one that reflects both our ambition and our belief in the scale of opportunity across the continent. Africa is home to some of the most
exciting digital growth anywhere in the world, and we want to be part of helping brands within those markets grow with confidence. “What matters just as much is doing it the right way. That is why working with Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce is so important to us. The Chamber is a trusted and proven source of support for businesses looking to grow internationally, and having that expertise around us gives this next move real strength.” Tim added: “I've been working with The Herd for some time now and have seen them build a strong regional reputation. Their ambition is now to take that success into international markets, and that's where the Chamber can help. “We've been advising on international market opportunities, strategic partnerships and routes to market, while helping connect The Herd with the networks and expertise needed to expand with confidence. “Africa represents one of the world's most exciting growth markets, and it's fantastic to see a Coventry business taking such a forward-looking approach. We look forward to supporting The Herd as it builds
long-term relationships and creates value for businesses both in the UK and across Africa.” The Herd supports businesses through performance marketing, creative brand building and conversion focused websites. From its Coventry base, the agency has built a reputation for combining data led strategy with bold creative thinking, and now works with clients across multiple international markets. For more information, contact The Herd at theherd.agency or Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce via www.cw-chamber.co.uk
International ties strengthened by sausage and mash Bangers and mash have helped the West Midlands to strengthen economic ties with a state in Germany to help boost trade between the two regions! A delegation of around 50 businesspeople and representatives from Saxony (Sachsen) visited Coventry and Birmingham on a fact-finding mission supported by West Midlands Combined Authority, Coventry City Council, Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Growth Company, Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. The visit built on existing ties through the twinning of Birmingham and Leipzig, and Coventry and Dresden. The Sachsen Sail group, including businesses from a range of sectors, arrived by boat into Manchester and after a day in the North West headed to the Midlands. In Birmingham, they were given a civic reception followed by a discussion on culture and creativity, a canal boat trip and a site visit to Digbeth Loc – home of Peaky Blinders and Masterchef Studios. In Coventry, they were welcomed to the Council House to discuss trade and investment opportunities in the West Midlands, hearing from Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce chief executive Corin Crane as well as Nick Colledge, CEO of Envisage Group. That was followed by a visit to Elles – close to Coventry Railway Station –
where they enjoyed a networking lunch with a range of businesses in the region, from manufacturers to creative and digital agencies. Tim Cooper-Cocks, international trade adviser at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We were delighted to welcome partners from Saxony to Coventry and Warwickshire as part of a wider visit to the West Midlands region. “The state’s economy is worth around 168 billion Euros and developing direct links can have a positive impact on both regions. The whole visit was about promoting potential trade, investment and business to business links. “It also included an informal networking lunch at Elles that consisted of bangers and mash and gave businesses an opportunity to make new introductions with their overseas counterparts.
“I spoke to several businesses afterwards and they’d all made excellent connections which is what events like this are all about.” Cllr Lynnette Kelly, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change, said: "Building strong international relationships like this creates exciting new prospects for Coventry's businesses, attracting investment and opening the door to future trade conversations. “Germany is the UK's second-largest trading partner, offering significant potential for us to strengthen our relationship with the region of Saxony. By working more closely together, we can unlock new opportunities in advanced manufacturing and the creative industries that will benefit both regions. “We are excited to build on the connections made during this visit and work with our partners to turn
these discussions into meaningful collaborations that drive investment, support job opportunities and deliver economic growth for Coventry.” Fiona Latter, Programme Manager at the WMCA, said: “The Sachsen Sail visit to Birmingham and Coventry provided business delegates from the region of Saxony with an opportunity to enjoy a deep dive into a number of sectors in the region most notably the creative industries, as well as the automotive and manufacturing sectors. “Delegates were treated to a visit to Digbeth Loc as well as presentations from Nick Colledge, CEO of Envisage Group Limited, a globally recognised manufacturer based in Coventry. Conversations have already begun between West Midlands based businesses and delegates from the trip to explore a number of exciting new collaboration opportunities.” Lord Mayor of Birmingham Councillor Zaker Choudhry said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Sachsen Sail delegation to Birmingham and celebrate our strong ties with our sister city, Leipzig. “The visit reinforced the enduring value of our international partnerships and the strong ties between our citizens. We look forward to building on the relationships established during this visit and creating new opportunities for investment and collaboration that benefit both cities.”
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Coventry & Warwickshire in business
News ‘Businesses are operating in a world where everything costs more’ – expert explains latest insolvency figures A leading restructuring and insolvency expert says corporate insolvencies are being ‘driven by a mixture of high costs, cautious consumer and customer spending, political and geopolitical uncertainty, and creditor aggression.’
need of rescue finance to allow them to trade through challenging times. “There has been some good news in the retail industry in recent weeks but sales increases are based on volume rather than value. “With online shopping growing at the expense of traditional retail stores, and hot weather pushing up energy bills as businesses try to keep shoppers cool, margins remain tight at a time when retailers badly need a financial shot in the arm.
There were 1,931 corporate insolvencies in July 2026. This was an increase of 4.5 per cent compared to June 2026 (1,847) and a 4.9 per cent decrease compared to July 2025 (2,031). Andy McGill, restructuring and insolvency partner at international accountancy and business advisory group Azets – which has an office in Coventry, said: “For an increasing number of firms, July was the month where the cost of doing business became too heavy. “In a climate where expenses continue to rise and debts continue to be chased, an increasing number of directors ran out of road and more businesses ran out of time and options. “The main driver of July’s rise in corporate insolvency numbers was Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidations, which rose to the second highest number this year, and a small increase in Compulsory Liquidations. “Administration numbers were also down month-on-month, which shows rescue was an option for fewer firms by the time they sought insolvency advice. “While numbers are lower this month than they were a year ago, we should remember that July 2025’s figures reflected the impact of the increases in National Minimum Wage and Employer National Insurance, which resulted in a rise in insolvencies as businesses found themselves unable to absorb those increased costs after years of soaring expenses and shrinking margins. “Corporate insolvencies continue to be driven by a mixture of high costs, cautious consumer and customer spending, political and geopolitical uncertainty, and creditor aggression. “Businesses are operating in a world where everything costs more, people are spending
“We’re hearing the residential property sector is struggling as the housing market has declined and companies that based their business models on prices increasing find themselves overloaded with debt. less, and creditors are turning to the courts if bills are paid late. This is leading to more of them seeking advice and support with their financial and cashflow issues.
“With flats, in particular, struggling to sell and losing value in some parts of the country, this is hitting property companies hard and pushing them into the red.
“HMRC has been assertive in chasing down overdue tax debts and has used winding-up petitions to force payment of overdue bills for some time now. However, they have increased their use of this in recent months in an attempt to more aggressively recover funds for the public purse.
“The construction sector is also continuing to struggle with increased wage bills, shrinking margins, delays in projects starting and legacy contracts whose slim profits have eroded to the point they become losses.
“Private sector creditors have followed suit and are now going after debts with a ferocity that is driven by fear of facing the same cashflow issues and pressure from those they owe money to.
“Firms who survived and even made a profit on these kinds of arrangements historically are now seeing these slim margins eroded to the point where they have no alternative but to seek the support of insolvency specialists as their business models have become unsustainable.
“Many directors are running out of options, ideas and energy and are choosing to close down their businesses. This is because they don’t have any alternative options and they don’t believe the situation can or will improve enough in the short-term for them to turn things around.
“Anyone who is worried about their finances should speak to a restructuring or insolvency advisor as a priority. We know how hard it is to talk about, but having the conversation as early as possible can ensure that directors maximise their potential options.
“The change of Prime Minister and the ongoing effects of the conflict in the Middle East have hit incomes, hiring and confidence hard.
“More time to consider and make robust decisions is crucial and usually leads to better outcomes than if you’d waited until the situation became more serious and the options more limited.”
“This is affecting borrowing costs and availability at a time when many firms are in
Using AI in your marketing? What Coventry and Warwickshire businesses need to know about transparency By Hadi Vahidi, Web Developer at The Herd Agency Artificial intelligence is now part of everyday business marketing. From drafting social posts and creating images to editing video and answering customer enquiries, AI can help small businesses work faster and explore new ideas. But as its use becomes more widespread, transparency matters more than ever. Customers need to know when they are interacting with AI and when realistic content may not be what it first appears to be. For businesses trading with customers in the EU, the EU AI Act’s transparency requirements have applied from August 2026. The rules affect organisations outside the EU where the output of an AI system is intended for use in the EU, such as a chatbot serving EU-based customers or advertising shown in EU countries. The legislation distinguishes between the companies that provide AI tools and the businesses that use them. AI providers have responsibilities to build transparency into systems. This includes ensuring that people are told when they are interacting directly with an AI system, such as a chatbot, unless this is already obvious. Providers of generative AI also have duties around making AI-generated or manipulated content detectable in a machine-readable format. For most businesses using AI tools, the practical requirements are narrower but still important. Where AI-generated or manipulated content creates a realistic but false impression of a person, place, event or object, often referred
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to as a deepfake, it should be disclosed clearly to the audience. The rules can also apply to AI-generated text that is published to inform the public on matters of public interest, where it has not received genuine human review or editorial control. A simple spelling or grammar check is not enough. There must be meaningful human oversight of the accuracy, substance and sources behind the content. The UK does not currently have a general requirement for every business to label every piece of AI-generated content. However, that does not mean businesses can use AI without care. UK advertising rules still require marketing communications to be legal, decent, honest and truthful. In practical terms, an “AI-generated” label does not make a misleading claim acceptable. Businesses should not use AI to invent testimonials, present fictional customers as real people, create false before-and-after results or make claims that cannot be substantiated. Trust is hard won and easily lost. Being open about the role of AI protects both customers and a business’s reputation. Businesses do not need to add “made with AI” to every caption, image or marketing asset. Instead, focus on the areas where people could reasonably be misled. A practical starting point is to: • Map where AI is used across the business, including content writing, image creation, video editing and customer service.
• Make it clear when a customer is speaking with an AI chatbot or virtual assistant. • Clearly disclose realistic AI-generated or altered images, audio and video where they could be mistaken for authentic material. • Use the AI disclosure features offered by social media and advertising platforms where appropriate. • Keep any content credentials or metadata added by AI tools rather than stripping them out. • Never present an AI-generated review, customer story, employee or outcome as genuine. • Obtain appropriate permission before using a real person’s likeness or voice in AI-generated material. AI offers real opportunities for Coventry and Warwickshire businesses to create more efficiently, test ideas and improve customer experiences. The best use of the technology is not about replacing judgement. It is about combining innovation with responsible human oversight. For businesses, the guiding principle is simple. If AI could cause someone to misunderstand who they are speaking to, what they are seeing or whether a claim is genuine, be clear about it. At The Herd, we believe technology should help businesses find their voice and grow with confidence. Used carefully and transparently, AI can be a valuable part of that journey.
Nuneaton at heart of global growth partnership thanks to HORIBA MIRA A key regional figure attended a business reception in Downing Street to mark a new partnership between the UK and Japan.
Declan Allen, president of HORIBA in the UK & Ireland, oversees HORIBA MIRA – the world class R&D and mobile technologies centre in the north of Warwickshire which is celebrating 80 years of success. MIRA, based off the A5 near Nuneaton, became part of the HORIBA family in 2015, which generated fresh opportunities to apply automotive engineering expertise across wider sectors such as clean energy, life sciences, and water quality. In recognition of HORIBA’s continued investment into the UK over the last decade, Declan Allen was invited to No. 10 Downing Street to join a business reception which included the Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi on her recent visit to the UK. On this visit, the two nations agreed a Joint Declaration on Economic Security Cooperation to strengthen collaboration on trade, investment, and resilient supply chains as well as launching a Frontier Technology Partnership to deepen cooperation in critical and emerging technologies. Declan said: “Eighty years on and HORIBA MIRA remains critical to realising new opportunities in future technology development from our HQ in Nuneaton. We are a national asset owned and supported by a global Japanese manufacturer where UK R&D excellence meets industrial commercialisation to realise sustainable growth that brings local, regional, and national benefits. “I was very proud to represent the company at the reception with Prime Minister Takaichi. It marked an important continued commitment to the natural economic partnership recognised by decades of significant investment from Japanese companies into the UK supporting major industries including automotive. “It also signified that, in an increasingly competitive global landscape, there is a shared commitment to collaborate on the development of new technologies critical to our future. “Combining UK research excellence and Japanese industrial capabilities in AI, semiconductors, and advanced materials to enable sectors like mobility, clean energy, defence, life sciences, and healthcare will drive commercialisation and global growth for both economies.”
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Area Focus: Coventry - Mid Warks - North Warks - South Warks - Rugby
Shareholder and director disputes: when internal conflict starts damaging the business Internal disagreements between shareholders or directors can quickly become more than a relationship problem. At Askews Legal LLP, we regularly see disputes that begin with a disagreement over one decision but develop into deadlock, exclusion from management, restricted access to financial information or allegations that company money has been misused.
When shareholders reach deadlock Deadlock is particularly common in companies owned 50:50, where neither shareholder has sufficient voting power to make important decisions without the other. Decisions over finance, directors, accounts or the future direction of the business can effectively become frozen. The first step should normally be to review the Articles of Association and any shareholders’ agreement. These may contain mechanisms specifically designed to resolve deadlock, including casting votes or provisions allowing one shareholder to buy out the other. Where no effective mechanism exists, a shareholder may consider a petition under section 994 of the Companies Act 2006 where the company’s affairs are being conducted in a way that is unfairly prejudicial to their interests. The court has wide powers, with one of the most common outcomes being an order requiring one shareholder to purchase another’s shares. Excluding a shareholder from the business
Once trust at leadership level has broken down, early action can be critical to protecting both the business and the individuals involved.
Disputes also arise where a shareholder who has been actively involved in running the company is excluded from management,
removed from bank accounts or prevented from participating in decisions. A director can be removed under section 168 of the Companies Act 2006 if the correct procedure is followed. However, removal as a director does not remove their rights as a shareholder. In smaller owner-managed businesses, particularly where shareholders originally expected to participate jointly in management, exclusion can potentially amount to unfair prejudice. This may again result in a claim seeking a buyout at a fair value. Misuse of company funds Directors owe statutory duties to the company. These include acting within their powers, promoting the success of the company, avoiding conflicts of interest and declaring interests in proposed transactions. Using company funds for personal purposes, making unauthorised payments or diverting opportunities away from the business can therefore have serious consequences. A director may be required personally to repay money or compensate the company and, in serious circumstances, could face director disqualification.
Evidence is particularly important. Bank records, board minutes, emails and other internal documentation can become central to establishing what happened and whether payments or decisions were properly authorised. Acting before the dispute escalates Leadership disputes rarely improve once parties stop cooperating over finances, banking arrangements or day-to-day decisions. Early legal advice can clarify each party’s rights, preserve important evidence and identify whether the dispute can be resolved without proceedings. Negotiated share transfers, settlement agreements and mediation can often provide a more commercial solution than lengthy litigation while helping preserve confidentiality and business continuity. Taking advice early does not necessarily mean starting court proceedings. In many cases, it provides the structure needed to prevent the dispute reaching that point. If you are involved in a shareholder or director dispute, please email enquiries@askewslegal.co
Midlands sustainability consultancy seeks investment for next phase of growth A Midlands sustainability consultancy is seeking investment to power its next phase of growth. Wylde Connections supports organisations of all sizes to better understand and improve their environmental, social and governance (ESG) credentials, from measuring greenhouse gas emissions to developing robust strategies that embed sustainability across the value chain. Funding would further develop Wylde Connections’ Enveglas ESG diagnostic tool and a new digital platform designed to bridge the gap between larger companies and their suppliers, giving both sides a robust and rigorous process that meets legal reporting requirements and supports good governance beyond compliance. ESG data and information gathering now form a key part of any tender or contract process, and clients. Enveglas assesses a business's current ESG position, identifies gaps against best practice and regulation, and produces a detailed report with clear actions and recommendations that clients can share with customers and stakeholders. ESG data and
information gathering now form a key part of any tender or contract process. Using the findings helps to strengthen bids and secure a genuine competitive advantage. Building on that success, Wylde is now investing in technology to help businesses measure, manage and report on their impacts, including a digital platform to bridge the gap between larger companies and their suppliers when sharing data. That work builds on the ERDF Focus Digital grant that Wylde secured from Coventry University Enterprises to build the initial web-based app. This was followed by support from Business Ready run by the University of Warwick Science Park. This early-stage support has enabled the business to extend Enveglas and incorporate it as part of its value-chain mapping capability. The progress made has since helped Wylde earn a place on the Innovate UK Scale Up Programme, giving the business a platform to demonstrate the commercial potential of its technology and sharpen its plans for the next stage of growth.
Wylde's end-to-end offer brings together consultancy, training and stakeholder engagement, giving businesses the practical tools they need to turn sustainability ambition into measurable action. The business is now seeking next stage investment to accelerate development of its technology and extend that offer to more businesses across the UK. Denise Taylor, co-founder of Wylde Connections, said: “We have spent the last few years building a deep understanding of what our clients need in order to respond to the steadily increasing demands for ESG reporting. “Our end-to-end service supports businesses in embedding sustainable, ethical practices across their operations, helping them become more resilient, better able to adapt to and mitigate risk, and well placed to take advantage of new opportunities. “Now we want to take that further. Our ambition is to build a digital platform that bridges the gap between larger companies and their suppliers when it comes to sharing ESG data, from Scope 3 emissions to social value and wider environmental performance.
This will give corporates the reliable, rounded data they need, and give suppliers a credible, powerful way to prove their credentials across every part of ESG and win more business.” For more information visit www.wyldeconnections.co.uk or email denise.taylor@wyldeconnections.co.uk.
Coventry Citizens Advice launches new 'Energy Sense Service' Coventry Citizens Advice has announced the launch of its dedicated Energy Sense Service against a backdrop of prolonged cost-of-living pressures and high energy prices, Backed by the trusted, independent local charity, this free and impartial service is designed to help residents take control of their gas and electricity bills while navigating a complex energy market. With millions of households nationwide remaining anxious about energy affordability, the service provides in-depth, one-on-one consultations with expert advisors.
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Depending on individual needs and eligibility, support can be delivered via home visits, face-to-face appointments at Kirby House or online. Advisors will ensure consumers are on the best possible tariffs and receiving all the financial support available to them. The new service offers tariff and price cap checks; debt and arrears support; priority services register enrolment; energy efficiency advice; and grant signposting. "Far too many households in our city are trapped in a cycle of worry and debt when it comes to heating their homes," said
Simon Richards, chief executive of Coventry Citizens Advice. "Our new Energy Sense Service is here to cut through the confusion. We are urging anyone who is struggling to pay, or who simply wants peace of mind that they aren't overpaying, to get in touch. We will look at your whole situation for free and help you find a way forward." For more information go to https://www.coventrycitizensadvice.org. uk/contact-form/
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Area Focus: Coventry - Mid Warks - North Warks - South Warks - Rugby
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
CWRT signs Armed Forces Covenant growing businesses that often struggle to get finance from traditional lenders. By signing the Covenant, CWRT confirms that members of the Armed Forces community will get fair access to that finance and a genuine chance to pursue their business ambitions, where there is a viable business proposition. CWRT was joined by Darin Tudor and Lieutenant Richard Ackerman RNR for the signing event. Coventry & Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust (CWRT) has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, committing to support veterans, reservists, service leavers and military families across the Midlands by improving access to finance, enterprise and business support. The signing goes beyond a formal pledge, CWRT is already helping current and former service personnel turn their skills gained through military service into lasting businesses. CWRT is a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI), providing business loans and support to entrepreneurs and
Darin is a former RAF Harrier Jump Jet Engineer who now sits on the Defence Industrial Joint Council (DIJC), the Ministry of Defence's forum for bringing government, the Armed Forces, industry and academia together to strengthen the UK's defence capability. Richard recently left active service with the Royal Navy but continues to serve in the Royal Naval Reserve. Sheridan Sulskis, chief executive of CWRT, said: “Signing the Armed Forces Covenant is a natural step for CWRT because it reflects what we already believe – that everyone should have the opportunity to realise their ambitions, regardless of their background or the path they've taken to get there.
“Members of the Armed Forces Community bring an incredible wealth of leadership, resilience and determination to civilian life. Those qualities are invaluable when building a business, yet access to finance can still be a barrier for many as they transition into selfemployment or entrepreneurship. “Through this commitment, we want veterans, reservists, service leavers and military families to know that they have a trusted partner who will take the time to understand their ambitions, recognise their potential and support them in accessing the finance and business support they need to succeed. We also see this as the beginning of our journey and look forward to creating even more opportunities for the Armed Forces Community in the years ahead.” CWRT hopes that by signing the Armed Forces Covenant it will encourage more veterans, reservists and service leavers with business ambitions to find out what finance and support is available to them in the Midlands region. For more information, visit www.cwrt.uk.com.
Helping business get the most out of AI BritAsia Academy is helping local business owners equip their creative and marketing teams with the AI skills – reshaping how work gets done. Its GenAI Powered Content Creation courses are designed for teams who want to keep pace with fast-moving tools; without the steep learning curve. Through the programme, employees learn how to prompt engineer effectively and use AI to support daily tasks, from planning and organising workloads to cutting down time spent on document-heavy admin. One of the clearest results learners report is efficiency – tasks that once took five hours are now completed in three, freeing up time for the work that actually needs a human touch. A spokesperson said: “Beyond productivity, the course opens up creative possibilities that many teams didn’t know were within
reach. Learners come away able to generate images, video and other content for social media, and to repurpose that content across websites, e-commerce platforms and printed materials. “This gives teams the ability to produce agency-level output without the agency price tag. The course also introduces using AI to
build a digital product from scratch; enabling non-technical learners to build and shape their own websites.” Real Impact, Real Businesses Music producer Kevin Taylor joined the bootcamp struggling to bring his creative vision to life single handedly. He has since used his new AI skills to write, produce, brand and promote his debut single entirely on his own - from designing his own album artwork for Spotify to editing his own music video and creating a social campaign. He said: “This course took me from just making music to directing the whole creative vision behind it. I used the AI skills I learned to design my own artwork, film my music video using the studio's cameras, and bring it to life with AI generated visual effects – all by myself.” For more information go to www.britasiaacademy.com
SolaaS secures major UK telecoms contract with Volvo Trucks retailer network
SolaaS has been chosen to deliver a new cloud telephony solution across a nationwide network of Volvo Trucks retail sites throughout the UK. The project will see the rollout of its latest AI-enabled telecoms platform to 34 sites and more than 600 users, helping staff manage customer calls more efficiently while improving the overall customer experience. The implementation has been carefully planned as a phased rollout, ensuring each location can transition smoothly with minimal disruption to day-to-day operations. One of the biggest challenges has been integrating the new telecoms platform with the customer's existing IT infrastructure, which is managed centrally from its head office in Sweden. Managing director René Wheeler said the contract represents another important milestone in SolaaS' growth. He said: "Winning a contract of this scale is something we're incredibly proud of. It reflects the trust our customers place in us and demonstrates the expertise our team has built over the last few years. “What makes me even prouder is seeing our engineers deliver the project exactly as planned. Large technology projects don't succeed by accident. They succeed because of careful planning, great communication and a team that genuinely cares about getting things right."
Avon Studios launches UK-first initiative to give old family videotapes a new purpose Avon Studios Photo & Video, based in Wellesbourne, is launching an exciting new initiative to tackle the problem of unwanted videotapes by offering customers a responsible way to recycle their old VHS tapes after they have been digitally transferred.
which aims to improve the wellbeing and lives of learning disabled and autistic adults. Through a wide range of stimulating and varied work activities, participants develop new skills, become part of the adult workforce and gain a sense of purpose, achievement and inclusion.
For many years, families have taken their treasured VHS, camcorder and cine films to Avon Studios to have their memories converted into modern digital formats so they can view them on a TV, computer or other devices.
Through this new partnership, customers choosing Avon Studios’ video transfer service will have the option to leave their old tapes with the studio. The tapes will then be passed to ECO Work-Shop to be responsibly recycled rather than simply being thrown away.
However, once those memories have been safely preserved, many customers are left wondering what to do with the original videotapes.
Andy Sheppard, studio manager at Avon Studios, said: “For years we have helped families preserve some of their most precious memories. It always felt wrong that after we had brought those memories back to life digitally, the original tapes had nowhere to go other than landfill.
Recognising that video tapes are difficult to recycle and normally end up in landfill, Avon Studios has partnered with ECO Work-Shop CIC in Stratford-upon-Avon to create a more sustainable solution. ECO Work-Shop is a not-for-profit organisation, established in 2013,
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“We wanted to find a solution that was better for the environment and also supported a fantastic local organisation. When we
discovered ECO Work-Shop, it was clear this was the perfect partnership.” The initiative creates a unique link between technology, sustainability and community support, ensuring that old videotapes can continue to have a purpose even after their contents have been safely preserved at Avon Studios. Alannah Baylis, director of ECO Work-Shop, said: “We are delighted to be working with Avon Studios on this exciting initiative. At Work-Shop, we are passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for learning disabled and autistic adults, and this project gives our participants the opportunity to be involved in a practical activity that has a real purpose. “It is fantastic to see a local business thinking creatively about sustainability while also creating opportunities for our participants. We hope this partnership will grow and encourage more businesses to think about how they can make a positive difference in their local community.”
Andy added: “We are incredibly excited about this partnership. We believe we are the first UK video transfer company to offer customers a recycling solution for their old videotapes, and we hope other businesses will be inspired to look at how they can create similar positive changes. “For our customers, it means they can preserve their precious family memories digitally, while also knowing that they have a responsible option for what happens to the old tapes afterwards. It is a simple idea, but one that we believe can make a real difference.”
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Area Focus: Coventry - Mid Warks - North Warks - South Warks - Rugby
Freedom to Flourish Stratford returns on World Menopause Day New industrial unit in Rugby on the market
A new industrial and warehouse unit measuring nearly 36,000 sq ft located just minutes from the Midlands motorway network is available for rent via commercial property agents Bromwich Hardy. The property known as Europark 35 is located on Watling Street in Rugby, Warwickshire, an established manufacturing and distribution location. Tom Bromwich, managing partner at Bromwich Hardy, explained that the “muchneeded” development was currently under construction would be available from early in 2027. He said: “Construction is now well underway on Europark 35 which will provide a 35,770 sq ft unit with 63 parking spaces. “This much-needed property will have 10-metre eaves, a secure 50-metre service yard, and both dock and level-access loading, plus modern office accommodation. “This speculative development is a significant investment and comes at a time when the supply of good quality and modern industrial accommodation remains relatively constrained.” He added that Europark 35 has B1, B2 and B8 consent for business, offices, light industry and general industrial, plus storage and distribution, and was targeting BREEAM 'Very Good' and EPC 'A' energy ratings. The estate, already hosting a range of modern units and secure external storage yards, is actively managed by the owners, Thercel Land Ltd, which is based on site and is behind the new Europark 35 development. Europark is on the A5 in Rugby, just minutes from Junctions 18 and 20 of the M1 motoway, Junction 1 of the M6, and the A14. This location is within the ‘Golden Triangle’, placing approximately 85 per cent of England and Wales within four hours’ drive time. Bromwich Hardy is marketing Europark 35 as joint agents with Drake & Partners. More information can be found at https://www.bromwichhardy.com/ property/europark-35-watling-street-rugbywarwickshire-cv23-0al/ Interested parties can email Mark Booth at mark.booth@bromwichhardy.com.
A day to inform, support and empower the community from both a medical and a holistic viewpoint on all things menopause is returning to Stratford-upon-Avon. Freedom to Flourish Stratford is taking place at riverside Crowne Plaza Hotel in Stratfordupon-Avon on Sunday, October 18, which is World Menopause Day. The 2025 event, organised by Menopause Knowledge CIC in partnership with Action Menopause Warwickshire and supported by Crowne Plaza, drew nearly 300 people, held 14 talks and a 40-stand marketplace. In 2026, the event has grown to 21 expert talks and workshops, five wellbeing activities, a closing panel of experts, and a wellbeing and community marketplace of over 50 stands showcasing local initiatives, resources and support services, with organisers aiming to welcome 500 attendees through the doors. A key message of this year's event is that perimenopause is not a brief chapter. It can last up to 20 years and symptoms, especially cognitive ones such as brain fog, memory lapses and difficulty concentrating, often begin in the late 30s to early 40s.
Menopause Knowledge wants women, anyone directly affected by menopause, their partners and their employers to understand this, so they can prepare, reduce the likelihood of symptoms, or recognise and tackle them early, and access timely support from the NHS where needed. Business leaders and HR professionals are encouraged to attend to understand legislation changes and the need for Menopause Action Plans. The day will be opened by the Mayor of Stratford-upon-Avon, Cllr Sam McNaughtBarrow, who attended last year's event as Deputy Mayor, and will close with a Q&A panel of experts, giving attendees the chance to put their own questions directly to leading specialists. The Mayor said: “Having seen last year's event for myself as Deputy Mayor, I know just how special this day is. “Knowledge is power, and it is a privilege to return as Mayor and open Freedom to Flourish Stratford on World Menopause Day. “This day is for everyone, and I would especially encourage men to come along,
whether to support a partner, family member or colleague, or for their own wellbeing, with talks on men's health and the power of partnerships on the programme. I look forward to welcoming you all.” Aline Boblin, founder and CEO of Menopause Knowledge CIC (a non-profit organisation), commented: “Perimenopause can begin years, even decades, before people expect it, and postmenopause is where we will live a third or more of our lives. That's why this day matters: when women, partners and employers understand what's happening and what can be done, we can prepare, act early, and embrace the lifestyle tools that help us live well for longer. We're bringing world-class expertise and knowledgeable practitioners back to Stratford's doorstep, bigger and better than ever.” Entry is £7. For more information go to www.MenopauseKnowledge.org/2026
Warwick business adviser celebrates London launch of leadership book Warwick-based fractional CFO and strategic finance partner Julia Leask FCMA CGMA will become a published co-author when 'Thoughtful Leadership in Business' launches in London this month. The collaborative book brings together an international group of experienced business leaders to share honest insights and practical lessons about leadership in today’s uncertain business environment. Julia’s chapter, 'Be Deliberate About Why You’re in Business, or Fail', challenges owners to look beyond being busy and consider whether their business is genuinely giving them the control, value and choices they want. Drawing on her work with growing organisations in the UK and internationally, Julia explores how incomplete financial information, inefficient processes, unclear responsibilities and reliance on one individual can restrict a business’s potential. Julia said: “Most business owners I meet are not short of effort. They’re short of clarity. Being busy is not the same as
being in control, yet it is easy to continue following familiar ways of working without noticing when they have stopped serving the business. “My chapter is about stepping back, understanding what is really happening and being deliberate about the business you are building. With greater clarity, decisions become easier, pressure reduces and the business can move forward with less friction.” The chapter includes examples from Julia’s career, including supporting a business to strengthen its reporting, forecasting and cashflow
planning before securing £5.5 million in Series A investment and expanding internationally. The company was subsequently acquired by a US competitor. It also examines why strong foundations, shared knowledge and clear processes matter to investors and potential buyers. Julia writes: “They are not buying your memory or job. They are buying a business that can stand on its own.” Julia founded Leask Advisory Solutions and helps leadership teams turn financial complexity into clear, confident decisions.
Her work focuses on improving cashflow, strengthening financial foundations and building organisations that can scale without depending on one individual. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, Julia was elected to the CIMA Council in 2025. Through this international role, she contributes to the profession’s future direction and supports the next generation of business and finance leaders. She added: “Becoming a published co-author is an important personal and professional milestone. I am proud to represent Warwickshire and contribute alongside such an inspiring group of authors. “I hope my chapter encourages owners to build businesses that give them options: the ability to grow, step back, attract investment or sell when the time is right.” 'Thoughtful Leadership in Business' will be published globally on September 22, 2026 alongside its companion volume, 'Living a More Thoughtful Life'.
Weightmans reports record year of growth
Weightmans has reported a record year with revenue increasing by 12 per cent to £162 million and net profit rising by 17 per cent to £17 million.
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The results mark the firm’s fifth consecutive year of growth and reflect continued disciplined progress against its strategy. In recognition of the firmwide contribution to this performance, every employee will receive a bonus of £2,500. International revenue also grew strongly, increasing 16 per cent year-on-year. During the year, the firm launched its international desks and developed a close working relationship with Irish law firm Whitney Moore to enhance its crossborder capability. The 2025/26 financial year was Sarah Walton’s first year as managing partner and during the period, the firm introduced a refreshed strategy, vision and values, and strengthened its board with the appointments of
Caroline Johnson (claims director) and Duncan Finch (non-executive director). The firm also promoted two female partners to the equity partnership – Catriona Wolfenden (product and innovation) and Jane Price (client partner, AIG) – reflecting its continued focus on innovation, collaboration and client delivery. Weightmans further expanded its national footprint and service offering by opening a new office in Nottingham. This momentum has continued into the new financial year through the mergers with Elborne Mitchell and Myton Law, increasing the firm’s presence in London and Leeds. It has also strengthened its capability
in Scotland with the addition of a specialist immigration team in Glasgow. The firm has continued to invest in technology and client-led solutions, partnering with Verisk to launch Fraud Rely, an advanced anti-fraud platform, and with Clio Operate to roll out a new case and matter management system across the firm. Market recognition remained strong, with a record 617 lawyers ranked across Legal 500 and Chambers UK, including 22 top-tier practice areas. During the year, Weightmans welcomed 26 lateral partner hires, which, together with internal promotions, brings the partnership to 265, alongside a new intake of trainees and apprentices.
Sarah Walton, managing partner at Weightmans, said: “This has been a landmark year for the firm. Delivering sustained growth in revenue, income and profit in a fast-changing market is a strong endorsement of our strategy and the strength of our client relationships. “The strong results reflect both the resilience of our core business and the progress we are making in growing higher-value work in areas such as public sector, regulatory, employment and advisory. We are seeing momentum in the right parts of the market, supported by longstanding client relationships and a continued focus on delivering quality and value.”
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Area Focus: Coventry - Mid Warks - North Warks - South Warks - Rugby
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
Invest in your people and support your local hospice Delivered by specialist wellbeing practitioners and informed by knowledge from across the organisation, the workshops give employees practical tools and greater confidence when dealing with a range of workplace issues. The workshops available include:
The Myton Hospices is offering a series of expert-led workshops to businesses – from understanding grief through to menopause support. For almost 45 years, it has supported local people and their families, developing specialist expertise in palliative and end of life care, bereavement, emotional wellbeing and resilience. Myton is now using this expertise to help fund vital hospice care, while offering local businesses the opportunity to invest in their teams through the programme of professional, expert-led workshops.
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Bereavement and Grief – understanding grief and how to support colleagues following a loss.
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Reflective Practitioner – a practical and interactive workshop for staff who want to develop the skills and confidence to facilitate reflective practice within their organisation.
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Emotional Resilience – exploring practical ways to strengthen wellbeing, build emotional resilience and help individuals manage the pressures of modern working environments.
A spokesperson for The Myton Hospices said: “Supporting employee wellbeing is an increasingly important part of running a successful organisation. “Whether a business has experienced a bereavement within its team, regularly deals with sensitive situations, or wants to develop its employees’ understanding of wellbeing, having the right knowledge and skills can make a big difference. “The workshops are ideal for organisations looking to support employees following a loss, build confidence around sensitive conversations, strengthen workplace wellbeing or broaden their teams’ knowledge and skills.
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Menopause Support – increasing understanding of the menopause and its potential impact in the workplace.
“They also provide an opportunity for businesses to support Myton’s work. As a charity, Myton relies on the support of the local community to provide specialist care to people living with life-limiting illnesses and their families across Coventry and Warwickshire.”
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Unlocking Stress – understanding stress, its causes and effects, and practical ways to manage it.
To find out more about the workshops visit www.mytonhospice.org/Workshop or email sasha.kelly@mytonhospice.org
New Reformer Pilates studio adds to hotel’s wellness offering
Stratford Park Hotel & Golf Club has launched a new Reformer Pilates Studio as part of its focus on health and wellbeing. The state-of-the-art four-bed studio is the latest addition to the 14th Century family-owned hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon, supporting mindful movement, strength training, flexibility, and low-impact fitness in a calm, modern environment. Co-owner and general manager Beverley Haynes said the inspiration came following her own frustrating customer experience. She said: “I couldn't find the experience I wanted as most reformer classes near me were either part of a monthly paid gym membership or on a high street. “While this is great to see in terms of high street regeneration, they came with no parking, no space to grab a coffee afterwards, no garden or outdoor space to sit in, no changing rooms with showers to freshen up before heading back to work and nowhere to sit and open my laptop and get on with my day. “And there were often far too many reformer beds crammed into one class, with instructors stretched thinly across a packed room. I loved the workout but just didn't love the whole experience.” She added: “Here, after class you don't have to leave, you can sit outside in the garden with a coffee, enjoy a healthy breakfast or lunch, answer a few emails or simply spend 20 minutes doing absolutely nothing.
“We also made a deliberate decision to keep classes small, which means more individual coaching, more attention to technique. You're never going to be just another person in a packed room. “The Reformer Edits is designed for people who don't just want to exercise, it’s somewhere they will actually look forward to spending time here.” The studio forms the latest chapter of Beverley’s plans to widen the hotel’s wellness offering and follows the launch of the wellbeing rooms last year, spaces which can be hired for a variety of workshops and therapies including counselling, coaching and classes. The Reformer Pilates classes are run by four instructors and are geared to all levels, from beginners, strength and flexibility, through to athletic, pre/post-natal, mobility and balance. Visitors will be in the professional hands of a team including Jessica Daromas, from Alcester, Amy Edwards from Warwick, Tyra Moore from Solihull and Chloe Mason from Stratford. Beverley said: “I’ve spent over three decades in the hospitality business and it’s getting tougher every year, business rates, cost of food and drink and every square metre of our business has to earn its place but it also has to improve the guests’ experience. “This was an opportunity to create a space that encourages people to slow down, move well, stay longer and enjoy the experience, rather than just ticking another workout off the list!”
The Christmas conversation
A Coventry hotel has asked the question that many are trying to avoid: have you started talking about Christmas yet? A spokesperson for The Telegraph Hotel said: “It might seem early. The summer holidays have barely finished, and Christmas still feels a long way away. But for businesses, September is often when the Christmas conversation begins. “Where will we go? What will we do? Who’s organising it? And, most importantly, how can we make sure everyone has a great time? “After another busy year, Christmas is an opportunity to step away from the emails, meetings and deadlines and spend some time together as a team. “It doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes the most memorable celebrations are simply good food, a few drinks, plenty of laughter and the opportunity to enjoy each other’s company away from the workplace.
The fresh offer comes at a time of general investment in wellness, weddings and leisure. Spread across 130 acres of rolling landscape within a 14th Century country farmhouse and grounds, its golf club now houses a state-ofthe-art driving range. Fitted with a TopTracer system, the 10 premium bays are equipped with balltracking technology, providing instant feedback on each hits trajectory and distance. And, with untraditional wedding packages proving popular this year, the Meadow Barn team have installed a festival-style teepee. The new space provides a truly unique space for private parties. It can be used as an intimate backdrop for vows, a quirky setting to serve reception drinks or even a cosy additional seating area for evening celebrations. Further information is available at https://www.thestratfordpark.co.uk/ reformer-pilates/ or by contacting events@thestratfordpark.co.uk
“At The Telegraph Hotel, we’re already looking ahead to Christmas 2026. This year’s festive offering includes our popular Christmas joiner party nights, private Christmas dining experiences and festive lunches and dinners, alongside festive afternoon teas for those looking for a more relaxed way to celebrate. “Whether it’s a team gathering, an end-ofyear thank you, entertaining clients or simply an excuse to get everyone together, Christmas gives businesses an opportunity to celebrate the people behind the business. “And as an independent hotel in the heart of Coventry, we’re proud to be part of that local business community. “As fellow members of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, we understand the importance of bringing people together, building relationships and celebrating success and perhaps that’s what makes this time of year so special. “So, while Christmas may still feel a little way off, September might just be the perfect time to start the conversation.” For more information go to https://www.telegraph-hotel.com/ christmas-2026/
New Speare Academy launches to help small businesses learn by doing The newly launched Speare Academy has brought together 12 experienced business specialists to create a new approach to business learning for SMEs across the Midlands. The academy's first programme of courses launches this September and October, covering topics including AI, websites, SEO, LinkedIn, social media, leadership, recruitment, finance, presentation skills, video marketing, resilience and business growth. The specialists will bring their own expertise to the academy to help tailor training to the real world of business. Founder Darren Downes said: “The idea behind Speare Academy is simple. “Too much business training leaves delegates with a notebook full of ideas but little time to put
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them into practice once they return to work. “Speare Academy has been designed to change that so that people leave the course having applied what they learn to their business on that day. “Numbers for each course are limited to enable delegates to get good, hands-on support as and when they need it throughout the course.” Every course has been carefully developed by business owners and the focus is on the practical skills that owner-managed businesses need most. Darren added: “Delegates are encouraged to bring their laptops and work on their own business during the day, so they leave having implemented real improvements rather than simply learning the theory.
“We locate the courses at great venues, that are easy to reach, deliver a great lunch and we also allow time for networking, so delegates get a chance to meet like-minded business owners.” Recognising that many business owners want to develop several areas of their business over time, Speare Academy is also introducing waiting lists for future course dates, allowing delegates to plan a longer-term learning journey and spread both the time commitment and investment across the year. Darren said: "Small business owners don't need more theory – they need practical support that helps them improve their businesses immediately. “We wanted to create something that's affordable, relevant and genuinely hands-on, where people leave at the end of the day having
already made progress on their own business. That's what makes Speare Academy different." Early bird discounts are currently available across the programme. For more information and to view the September and October programme, visit www.speareacademy.co.uk
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Area Focus: Coventry - Mid Warks - North Warks - South Warks - Rugby
Job Rotation Programme supports workforce development A new programme is helping businesses to invest in its workforce development while maintaining day to day operations.
Apex Action Fund puts community support into action
Warwickshire-based Apex Connected is putting community support at the heart of its business through the Apex Action Fund, an initiative created to give something back to the people, organisations and causes making a difference locally. A spokesperson for the business said: “The fund reflects a belief that being a local business should mean more than simply operating within the area. It should also mean playing an active role in supporting the communities around it.” Through the Apex Action Fund, the team aims to support worthwhile local causes, community initiatives and organisations where a contribution can make a meaningful difference. The initiative sits alongside the company’s day-to-day work supporting businesses and schools with managed print services, printers, copiers and document management solutions. As an independent Warwickshire business, Apex has built its approach around long-term relationships. The action fund takes that same principle beyond customers and into the wider community. A spokesperson added: “Rather than treating charitable and community activity as a one-off exercise, the aim is to create an ongoing platform through which the team can get behind projects and causes that matter to local people. “It also provides an opportunity for employees, customers and other organisations within the company’s network to become involved, helping strengthen connections between local businesses and their communities.”
The Job Rotation Programme enables employees to undertake training, upskilling, or professional development opportunities, while their role is temporarily filled by a recruited jobseeker during the training period. A successful Coventry City Council pilot, funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and, delivered between 2024 and 2025 demonstrated the programme's impact. The project engaged a range of large employers and SMEs across multiple sectors, supporting 64 employees to access training and career development opportunities while enabling 72 jobseekers to move into paid employment through backfill placements. Following the pilot's success, the programme has officially returned in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions and is once again funded by the WMCA.
Running until December 2027, it will operate across the West Midlands, including Coventry, Birmingham, Solihull and the Black Country, providing businesses with opportunities to develop skills, improve staff retention and strengthen workforce capability. Launch events were set to take place across the region during September 2026. Participating employers identify staff members who would benefit from training or career progression opportunities. A temporary replacement is then recruited and matched to the role. Once training is completed, employees return to their roles equipped with new skills and knowledge. The programme also creates valuable opportunities for local jobseekers, providing paid work experience, helping them develop employability skills and improving their prospects of securing long-term employment. Available to SMEs operating within advanced manufacturing and innovation sectors, the programme supports industries including electric vehicle and battery technologies, green industries, health technologies, digital and AI, aerospace,
defence, advanced materials, robotics, pharmaceuticals, agri-tech and precision engineering. Funding is available to participating employers to support implementation costs and encourage long-term workforce development. For more information go to https://www.wmca.org.uk/what-we-do/ employment-and-skills/job-rotation/
New boat mooring hardware developed by Birmingham City University and the Canal & River Trust Innovative new accessible mooring bollards, co-developed between Birmingham City University (BCU) and the Canal & River Trust (CRT) have been installed on UK’s canal network. The revolutionary new boating hardware is the first outcome from a collaborative programme between the CRT and BCU's School of Engineering to deliver wider inclusion on the UK's inland waterways, in consultation with the Accessible Waterways Association. The Canal & River Trust's national towpath advisor Dick Vincent said: "Canals are for everyone. Yet for many people with physical impairments, limited mobility or reduced strength, mooring a boat remains a significant barrier to enjoying the waterways. "Through our partnership with Birmingham City University on our Accessible Mooring Project, we are committing to practical and
permanent infrastructure that makes canals genuinely available to all. “We are starting with this unique accessible mooring bollard, an innovation that we anticipate will be rolled right out across the 2,000 miles of historic waterways across England and Wales that we care for.” BCU business development manager Andy Neilson added: “At Birmingham City University, the academic focus is to ensure that our graduates aren’t only well-grounded in theoretical principles but also have the opportunity to work on real-life projects that have demonstrable value out in the world. This is a wonderful example of just such a project.” Canal boat owner user testing and feedback are now under way, with the new installations being regularly monitored. For further information contact: andrew.neilson@bcu.ac.uk
Skewb accelerates strategic growth and enters UK power sector with acquisition of Clear Horizon IS Limited BGF-backed Skewb has acquired Clear Horizon IS, marking a significant milestone in its growth strategy and bringing real presence to its UK power sector operations. The acquisition strengthens Skewb’s digital capabilities by adding the CHiME product to its existing product portfolio, further diversifying its customer base with the inclusion of a number of UK DNOs to its blue-chip customer base and enhancing the Skewb eco-system for continued growth and innovation across new markets. Clear Horizon IS brings established expertise and proven capability, significantly enhancing Skewb’s digital portfolio and market presence from day one. Its flagship product, CHiME, enables clients to measure and track operational improvements across asset-intensive infrastructure programmes, delivering greater insight and value at scale. Clear Horizon IS’s client base aligns closely with Skewb’s values and ambitions, creating
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opportunities to build long-term partnerships while expanding into new markets. Both organisations share a strong commitment to quality, innovation and customer excellence, creating a natural fit as the businesses come together. Founded in 2014 by Heather McCusker and Paul McKeon, Clear Horizon IS was created to bring a specialised, product-led approach to the UK power sector - addressing a growing need for industry-specific digital solutions at a time of increasing regulatory complexity. Commenting on the acquisition, Skewb co-founder and CEO, Shashi Seshadri, said: “This is a defining moment for Skewb and our first corporate acquisition. Clear Horizon IS is a strong strategic fit and represents a major step forward in delivering our growth ambitions. “By bringing together our capabilities, we are accelerating our ability to capitalise on emerging opportunities, strengthening our
technical and operational expertise and creating new opportunities for innovation and collaboration across sectors. This is an important step in building a more diverse, future-ready business. We look forward to adding the Clear Horizon IS employees and partners to the Skewb ecosystem.” Clear Horizon IS co-founder and CEO, Heather McCusker, said: “Joining Skewb marks an exciting new chapter for Clear Horizon IS. From the outset, there has been a strong alignment in our vision, values and commitment to delivering high-quality, impactful solutions for our clients. “Together, we have a fantastic opportunity to scale CHiME, expand our reach and continue delivering meaningful innovation across the power sector and beyond.” Jonathan Earl, partner at BGF, said: “What excited us about Skewb when we first invested in the business was the opportunity to disrupt the UK power sector through its
innovative approach. Since then, the team has made significant strides in how they help water and energy companies tackle key challenges and achieve operational efficiencies through transformational projects, managed services and a growing portfolio of digital products. “This acquisition is a real statement of intent that doubles down on Skewb’s growth ambitions – we look forward to supporting the team beyond this exciting inflection point.”
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Aspire & Thrive is a trauma responsive, traumainformed, therapeutic, alternative provision learning service for children and young people in primary, secondary and post-16 stages of learning, inclusion, participation and development. We provide a host of individualised, personalised, accredited and academic programmes, childled, needs-focussed and evidence-based practice.
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We respond with undersatnding, compassion and care
We understand the impact of trauma and adapt or practise
We build trusting relationships that heal and empower
We create safe, supportive spaces for learning to thrive
We listen, we include, we empower every voice
We use proven approaches to achieve the best possible outcomes
News Are you leaving growth to chance? Research indicates that when a company scales to more than 100, the connection between CEO and staff is changed forever. CultureNav’s Chris Golby looks at how to stay on top of what’s going on as you grow and scale. Do you know everyone in your business by name? You almost certainly did at the start, those first few hires being absolutely integral to the growth you’ve had so far. But by the time your headcount reaches 50, and certainly by the time you reach a hundred, there are too many faces, too many names, and anyway, your time is now at such a premium that you just don’t have the hours in the day for that level of people management. The question is: when numbers fundamentally change the way your business operates, how do you keep on top of what actually needs changing at a human-to-human level? In the early days, understanding what needs to change and evolve in your team is usually fairly straightforward – managing by walking around, watercooler chats and regular one-to-ones will probably do the trick. But as you grow, not only do the number of names and faces keep ticking up, but the amount of internal communication rises in stratospheric fashion. At 10 people, there are 45 internal channels to track; by the time you get to 100 people, that’s 4,950 internal communication channels operating in your organisation, whether you’ve designed them or not. Those communication channels have a huge bearing on whether your plans and goals will succeed, and with no visibility on them, you’re essentially leaving growth to chance. Which means that if you’re serious about growing, scaling and moving forward positively, you need another solution; another way of tapping into how your team are, what’s driving them forward, and what’s holding them back. Traditionally, this problem has been solved by sending the HR team out to gather people’s thoughts – 360 reviews, one-to-ones and so on. While this approach has its merits, it’s also hugely labour intensive, and still leaves you with the challenge of evaluating and analysing that information. Technology is beginning to offer another way of tackling that problem. At CultureNav, we’ve built a platform that allows leaders to understand thousands of interviews with their team in a handful of minutes, spotting issues quickly and identifying potential roadblocks before they slow the organisation down. The platform combines the very best academic research on organisational dynamics, relationships, technology and performance with an AI engine that doesn’t just summarise the data, but provides accurate answers to complicated, important questions. CultureNav gives you the ability to drill down into the data, very quickly, and understand - at scale - what's really happening and what's blocking change. But whatever tools you use, the important thing is to recognise that the way you understood your business at 20 people probably won’t work at 100, 200 or 500. As you grow, I’d recommend making a habit of asking these three questions regularly: What are our people actually experiencing? Where is that different from what the leadership team thinks they’re experiencing? And what is getting in the way of the change we’re trying to make? The bigger the gap between the boardroom view and the day-to-day reality, the harder growth becomes. Scaling successfully isn’t about maintaining the same personal connection you had when everyone fitted around one table. That’s probably impossible, and you’ll likely waste a huge amount of time trying to recreate it. Instead, it’s about finding new ways to maintain the same level of understanding and visibility. Growth inevitably creates distance, but that isn’t necessarily a problem, if you recognise how much distance it’s created, and have the data you need to make the required changes before they slow you down or throw you off the track completely.
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Coventry University Group celebrates fifth consecutive year in UK top 10 for postgraduate student satisfaction Coventry University Group has once again been ranked as one of the UK's leading universities in the 2026 Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES), securing a place in the national top ten for a fifth consecutive year. The university group has been ranked fifth in the UK for overall student satisfaction, maintaining an overall satisfaction score of 93 per cent and cementing its reputation for delivering an outstanding postgraduate experience. Professor John Latham CBE, ViceChancellor and Group CEO of Coventry University, said: "To be ranked fifth among UK universities based on what our students say about us is a tremendous achievement and one that reflects the commitment of colleagues across the group to delivering an exceptional experience for our students. "We will continue to listen to our students and work together to build on this success as we strive to create better futures." The latest results, published by Advance HE, place Coventry University Group in the top five of 105 higher education institutions across the UK and mark five consecutive years in the national top ten for postgraduate taught student satisfaction.
Students also highlighted the quality of their learning experience by ranking Coventry University Group first in the UK for both engagement and assessment meaning that students feel involved in their learning, can contribute in class and are encouraged to participate. Students also believe assignments, feedback and marking help them learn and improve. The group also ranked second for organisation and student support, third for skills development and fourth for teaching,
on-campus resources and community. Coventry University Group's strengths were also reflected across individual subject areas, with four disciplines ranked in the top ten for overall student satisfaction. The Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey is the UK's largest annual survey of postgraduate taught students and provides valuable insight into their experiences of learning, teaching, support and the wider university environment.
Warwickshire firm aiming for national accolade
Hall Reynolds Solicitors, based in Bidford on Avon, is in the running for a national award after securing a regional win. The firm was named Best Solicitors – West Midlands (Warwickshire) at the England’s
Business Awards 2026 and will now progress to the national Grand Final in November. The practice, which now has a ten strong team including partners Katy Taylor and Conchi Palacios, is supported by consultant David Hall. The firm has also recently welcomed several new additions to the team, including Kelly Harris as legal administrator, Annie Brazier as private client solicitor, and Victoria Powell as residential property lawyer, strengthening the practice as it continues to grow. Katy said: “We’re incredibly proud to announce that Hall Reynolds Solicitors has been named Best Solicitors – West Midlands
(Warwickshire) at the England’s Business Awards 2026. “This award recognises the dedication, professionalism, and hard work of our entire team. Every day, our colleagues are committed to delivering trusted, client focused legal advice, and this achievement reflects the collective effort and high standards that underpin our continued success. “Thank you to England’s Business Awards for organising such a fantastic event, and a special shout out to Scott Somerville for delivering a well run and memorable evening celebrating the very best of Warwickshire business.”
Coventry business leader receives national industry recognition A Coventry business leader has received national recognition for his leadership in his industry. Lashman Saranna was named EV Salary Sacrifice Solutions MD of the Year 2026 and winner of the Electric Mobility Employee Benefits Innovation Award 2026 at the SME News Managing Director of the Year Awards. The awards recognise outstanding leadership, innovation and contribution to industry. The recognition highlights the work being carried out to make electric vehicle salary sacrifice more accessible and beneficial
for employers and employees across the UK. The awards celebrate businesses and individuals who are driving positive change within their sectors, with a focus on innovation, growth and delivering measurable impact. The electric mobility sector has seen significant growth in recent years as more organisations adopt sustainable employee benefits and support the transition to cleaner transport. Lashman said: “This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of the entire team. We are passionate about helping employers
offer valuable employee benefits while making electric vehicle adoption easier and more affordable.” The award win marks another milestone for the Coventry-based business as it continues to expand its reach and support organisations nationwide with EV salary sacrifice solutions.
Why an in-house claims adviser makes all the difference Warwickshire-based Circle Insurance says its experienced in-house claims adviser means clients are never left alone. A spokesperson said: “When it comes to insurance, arranging the right cover is only part of the journey. The true test of any policy comes when a claim needs to be made. That's why having an experienced in-house claims advisor is so important. “At Circle Insurance, we're fortunate to have Karen Harrison, whose insurance career spans an incredible 47 years. Karen started in the industry at just 16 years old and has built a
wealth of knowledge and expertise over nearly five decades. “Karen has been a valued member of the Circle Insurance team for 22 years, bringing experience that simply can't be learned overnight. She understands the claims process inside and out, helping clients navigate what can often be a stressful and complex situation. “Having an in-house claims advisor means our clients are never left dealing with insurers alone. Karen acts as a trusted advocate, guiding clients through every stage of a claim,
ensuring information is submitted correctly, and helping achieve the best possible outcome. “Most importantly, Karen's dedication to looking after our clients helps us maintain the high level of service that Circle Insurance is known for. Her calm, professional approach provides reassurance when it's needed most. “Insurance is about more than policies and premiums; it's about people. Karen's experience and commitment help ensure our clients remain protected and supported when it matters most.”
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Heart of England Events and Conferencing
Investing in People: The Heart of England launches new Wellbeing & Team Building Workshops As organisations increasingly recognise that their greatest asset is their people, employee wellbeing has become essential to building resilient, productive and high-performing teams. Responding to this growing demand, The Heart of England Conference & Events Centre has launched an innovative range of Wellbeing & Team Building Workshops, designed to help businesses create healthier people, stronger teams and more connected workplaces. Set within 160 acres of stunning Warwickshire countryside, surrounded by lakes, woodland and open parkland, The Heart of England provides the ideal setting for colleagues to step away from the pressures of the workplace, reconnect with one another and return refreshed, motivated and inspired. Leading the new programme is Business Wellbeing Consultant Kirsty, whose career spans more than 20 years across mental health, forensic mental health and social work. Holding qualifications in psychology, sociology, social work and person-centred counselling, Kirsty has spent her career
helping individuals and organisations build resilience, confidence and positive workplace cultures. Her philosophy is simple: when people feel valued, respected and supported, they perform at their very best. Working alongside businesses, HR professionals and leadership teams, Kirsty delivers engaging workshops that combine evidence-based wellbeing with creativity, collaboration and practical learning. Rather than traditional classroom training, every session is designed to be interactive, inclusive and memorable, encouraging participants to reflect, communicate and strengthen meaningful connections with colleagues. The workshop programme includes Team Connection & Communication, Wellbeing Through Creativity & Play, Resilience & Wellbeing, Burnout Prevention, and Leaders' Reflective Practice Retreats. Each can be tailored to the individual needs of an organisation, helping businesses improve communication, increase employee engagement, strengthen collaboration, reduce workplace stress and build a positive, inclusive culture. Participants leave equipped with practical wellbeing strategies, renewed confidence, stronger working relationships and actionable ideas they can immediately implement within their teams.
The result is not only happier employees but stronger, more resilient organisations where people genuinely enjoy coming to work. For businesses looking to create an even more memorable experience, the workshops can be seamlessly combined with The Heart of England's extensive outdoor team-building activities. From the Marshmallow Tower Challenge, Great British Cake Off, Train Hunt, Smoothie Making and Swan Boat Races to competitive target sports including Archery, Laser Clay Shooting, Air Rifles and Axe Throwing, every event can be tailored to suit specific objectives and group sizes.
Kirsty believes workplace wellbeing should never be viewed as an optional extra. "We spend such a large part of our lives at work," she says. "When organisations invest in creating environments where people feel connected, inspired and empowered, everyone benefits. When people thrive, businesses flourish." With its unique surroundings, exceptional facilities and exciting new wellbeing offering, The Heart of England Conference & Events Centre is redefining corporate events by putting people at the heart of business.
Whether it's a half-day workshop, a full corporate wellbeing retreat or a multi-day conference with team-building experiences, accommodation and evening entertainment, every event is designed to leave a lasting impact.
Connecting People. Inspiring Wellbeing. Building Stronger Teams.
To discover how a bespoke Wellbeing & Team Building experience can benefit your organisation, contact The Heart of England Conference & Events Centre on 01676 540333 or email sales@heartofengland.co.uk. Visit our website to download our latest brochure: www.heartofengland.uk
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at The Heart of England Conference & Events Centre
The Heart of England Conference & Events Centre Meriden Road, Fillongley, Coventry, CV7 8DX THE BEST CHRISTMAS PARTIES - WWW.CHRISTMASATTHEHEART.CO.UK - TO BOOK: 01676 540333
* Christmas Parties * * Festive Feasts throughout Nov/Dec * CHRISTMAS DAY * Birchley ‘Proper Family Christmas’ Carvery * * Christmas Day in The Quicken Tree * Visit our website for more information www.heartofengland.uk | www.quickentree.uk
PRE-BOOKING ONLY: www.christmasattheheart.co.uk
The Heart of England Conference and Events Centre Meriden Road, Fillongley, Coventry, CV7 8DX www.cw-chamber.co.uk
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Coventry & Warwickshire in business
News Dilapidations explained: what commercial tenants and landlords need to know before lease expiry
Dilapidations can create substantial and unexpected costs at the end of a commercial lease. Askews Legal LLP advises landlords and tenants on disputes arising from repairing, redecorating and reinstatement obligations, where disagreements over the condition of a property can quickly develop into claims worth tens of thousands of pounds. Understanding the lease and addressing potential problems before expiry can significantly reduce that risk. What are dilapidations? Dilapidations are breaches of a tenant’s obligations concerning the condition of commercial premises.
Depending on the lease, a tenant may be required to keep the property in repair, redecorate it and remove alterations before handing it back. Disputes often arise over whether particular works are genuinely the tenant’s responsibility, particularly where defects existed before the lease began. A properly prepared schedule of condition agreed at the outset can therefore be extremely important. A landlord concerned about the condition of a property can serve an interim schedule during the lease, giving the tenant an opportunity to carry out work before expiry. A terminal schedule is normally prepared at or around the end of the lease and identifies outstanding repair, redecoration and reinstatement obligations. Tenants receiving a schedule should review it carefully rather than simply accepting the costs claimed. The Dilapidations Protocol Where a landlord seeks damages after a commercial tenancy ends, the parties are expected to follow the Dilapidations Protocol before commencing court proceedings.
The landlord will normally provide a schedule setting out the alleged breaches and a Quantified Demand explaining the financial claim. The tenant can then respond, identifying which elements are accepted or disputed. The Protocol generally provides for responses within 56 days. Courts expect both parties to engage constructively with the pre-action process and consider settlement or Alternative Dispute Resolution before litigation. Failure to comply can have consequences when the court considers costs. Landlords cannot always recover the full repair bill The cost of carrying out works does not automatically determine what a landlord can recover. Section 18(1) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1927 limits damages for breach of a repairing covenant by reference to the reduction in the value of the landlord’s interest caused by the disrepair. This can become particularly important where a landlord intends to substantially refurbish, redevelop or demolish the property after the
tenant leaves. If the proposed works mean the tenant’s repairs would have provided little or no benefit, this may significantly affect the value of the claim. Plan before the lease expires Landlords should maintain clear records, consider whether an interim schedule is appropriate and instruct a building surveyor early enough to establish the condition of the property. Tenants should review their repairing and reinstatement obligations well before a break date or lease expiry, particularly where significant alterations have been made. For both parties, addressing dilapidations early provides greater opportunity to establish liability, obtain appropriate surveying and valuation evidence and negotiate a commercial resolution before costs escalate. If you have any questions regarding commercial property or dilapidations, please email enquiries@askewslegal.co
E-motorbike maker gears up exports thanks to £3 million finance A Coventry-based electric motorbike specialist has secured a £3 million trade finance facility, backed by UK Export Finance (UKEF), to export to new and growing markets across the globe, supporting British supply chains and helping to cut emissions. Maeving has received the trade financing from HSBC UK to invest in production capacity to meet growing demand in the USA, Germany and France, with plans to expand into further European markets in future. The UKEF-backed financing will allow Maeving to create 13 new jobs by the end of the year to meet its expansion plans. The company's export growth is also benefiting British industry, with 72 per cent of its bike components sourced from UK suppliers. Anas Sarwar, Minister for Trade, said: “Maeving is exactly the kind of innovative British business this Government is backing – one which will turn growing international demand into jobs in Coventry. “By backing brilliant companies like this, we’re helping support businesses to scale-up, grow the
economy and drive growth in every postcode.” Founded in 2018 by Will Stirrup and Seb Inglis-Jones, Maeving has rapidly established itself as a leader in the British electric vehicle market. The company's first model, the RM1, became the best-selling electric twowheeler in the UK and last year the RM2 became the first British-made electric motorbike built for two. The company began exporting to California, Germany and France in 2023. As international demand soared, Maeving faced a challenge common to many smaller businesses – the faster the company grew, the more cash it needed to fund production and fulfil orders. After Maeving and UKEF representatives met at an Innovate UK event in early 2025, UKEF worked with HSBC UK – as the company’s bank – to agree the trade finance facility. Will Stirrup, co-founder and Co-CEO at Maeving Ltd, said: “We've seen huge demand for a product that brings together the sustainability of EVs, the distinction of British
motorcycle design, and the flexibility of removable batteries. But as a small business, we found the more we grew, the more cash we needed – which was holding us back. “The support from UKEF and HSBC UK gives us the capital we need to meet growing demand from Europe and the USA. It's a real vote of confidence in what we're building here in Coventry.” Fiona Begley, UKEF’s export finance manager for Coventry, added: “Supporting businesses like Will and Seb’s is at the heart of UKEF’s mission. Their story is a great example of how export finance can help unlock overseas opportunities, helping businesses to grow and contributing to economic growth across every region and nation of the UK. “We encourage more businesses to come forward so we can help them take the next step in their exporting journey.” Andy Farmer, relationship director, HSBC UK, said: “Maeving is a great example of British clean-tech innovation turning ambition into
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There were standout successes across a number of T Level subjects at NWSLC, with high pass rates in a range of areas including Digital Production, Design and Development; Digital Support Services; Education and Childcare; Management and Administration; and Media, Broadcast and Production all having a 100 per cent pass rate. Health secured a 97 per cent pass rate. Marion Plant OBE FCGI, principal and chief executive of NWSLC, said: “This year’s results come as no surprise to us, as we have seen for ourselves the dedication and hard work of our T Level students in their classroom studies. We have also received extremely positive feedback from employers where students have spent their placements. In particular, we are proud to see 100 per cent pass rates in the majority of subjects we offer. “With the jobs market more competitive than ever, it is vital that we provide young people with the relevant qualifications for the career they would like to pursue. Our range of T Levels are the perfect way to do this. We are privileged to be part of our students’ journeys and enable their next steps, whether that’s moving into skilled employment or staying with us to continue their learning.”
By Claire Russell, CEO of Mental Health in Business
When we talk about compassionate leadership, it's easy to mistake compassion for simply being nice. But compassionate leadership isn't about avoiding difficult conversations, lowering expectations or saying yes to everything. It's about recognising the human being behind the job title and considering how the way we lead affects the people around us.
exports. We’re proud to support the team as they scale up production, create new jobs in Coventry and take a homegrown product to customers in the USA and Europe. It’s a strong vote of confidence in the talent and supply chain behind their bikes.” Smaller businesses such as Maeving are central to UKEF's plan to boost UK exports. Over the last financial year, UKEF provided over £11 billion in loans, guarantees and insurance to help UK companies export and grow, supporting up to 85,000 jobs and contributing up to £6.4 billion to the economy.
North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College celebrates another successful year of T Level results The hard work has paid off for students at North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College, as another strong year of T Level results saw the college outperform the national average. Thanks to the concerted effort of staff and students, the college’s overall pass rate for T Levels increased by four per cent this year to an impressive 93 per cent, surpassing the national average overall pass rate. There has been a significant rise in the number of students achieving high grades, with almost 60 per cent of students securing a Merit or Distinction – an increase of nearly 11 per cent. The results are a clear demonstration of how North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) provides a standard of technical education that ensures learners are equipped for Higher Education or employment. Now in their sixth year, T Levels provide learners with the opportunity to experience the world of work while they learn, with the inclusion of a 45-day industry placement. Described as “transforming technical education”, T Levels have been designed with employers to ensure learners develop the relevant knowledge and skills for a specific industry.
Compassionate leadership: why kindness at work isn't a soft skill
T Level qualifications allow learners to move into skilled employment, or onto a higher apprenticeship or Higher Education, with the college providing a broad range of courses in both. Flexible study options help more students achieve degree-equivalent qualifications, including HNCs, HNDs and HTQs. By providing a range of study pathways, qualifications and routes to success – be it academic or technical – NWSLC continues to show its commitment to inclusion and ensuring all learners have the opportunity to thrive and reach their potential. For both existing students staying at NWSLC and prospective students, now is the perfect time to explore the courses on offer across the college’s campuses in Nuneaton, Hinckley, Wigston and Coventry. More information is available at www.nwslc.ac.uk
A compassionate leader can still set clear expectations. They can address poor performance, make difficult decisions and hold appropriate boundaries. The difference is in how they do it. They listen. They seek to understand before making assumptions. They recognise when someone may be struggling. And they understand that empathy and accountability don't have to be opposites. These everyday interactions matter. A manager who takes a few minutes to listen, checks in after a difficult day or approaches a challenging conversation with curiosity rather than judgement may have a much greater impact than they realise. And that impact can ripple outwards. When people feel respected, supported and valued, it can influence how they interact with colleagues, customers and the people in their lives outside work. One act of kindness can lead to another, creating ripples that travel far beyond the original moment. At Mental Health in Business, we believe healthier workplace cultures are created through these everyday behaviours, not just policies and initiatives. We've created our Kindness Ripple Challenge as a simple reminder of just how far one small action can travel. Download the Kindness Ripple poster: https://services.mhib.co.uk/kindnessripple-challenge If you'd like to explore how we can support your managers and leaders to create healthier, more compassionate workplace cultures, email info@mhib.co.uk
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Health and Wellbeing
Make awareness days matter
Turn key dates in the wellbeing calendar into meaningful conversations across your organisation World Mental Health Day. World Suicide Prevention Day. World Menopause Day. Stress Awareness Month.
can extend far beyond a single day. At Mental Health in Business, our engaging, evidence-based webinars help organisations turn awareness into meaningful learning.
These moments provide valuable opportunities to start conversations, raise awareness and help people better understand the experiences of those around them. But their impact
Delivered live and exclusively for your organisation, our webinars can bring colleagues together to explore important topics in an accessible and thought-provoking way. From
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mental health, stress and burnout to suicide awareness, menopause and compassionate workplace cultures, each session combines expert insight with practical information people can take away and use. And while awareness dates can provide the perfect reason to begin a conversation, you don't have to wait for one.
Our webinars can be delivered throughout the year, at a time that works for your organisation. Whether you're planning activity around one particular event or building a programme of learning across the year, we can help you choose the topics that will have the greatest impact for your people.
Email info@mhib.co.uk to find out more and explore what's possible.
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President & People
Coventry & Warwickshire the place to live, work and do business Sandra Godley OBE, president of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Someone recently reminded me that it has been almost a year since I became President of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and, honestly, I can’t quite believe where the time has gone. The past few weeks really do summarise what this role entails and I am determined to deliver the same energy, passion and enthusiasm when I begin my second year in November. It is truly a privilege and honour to represent the Chamber and our wonderful business community in so many ways and at such a variety of events. I’ve been supporting Taiwo Owatemi MP in the selection process for a chair of Tile Hill Pride in Place, to help ensure that the £20 million investment makes a lasting, positive change for the area. I also went along to the Coventry Council Job Shop to lend my backing to the Coventry Forces to Future Programme which is helping members of our Armed Forces to find meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities in our region. The Chamber’s joint networking with colleagues in Solihull was a real success and it was great to see how our network can bring businesses together from different areas to connect and work together. I’ve been to business barbeques too (although I had to cycle for my supper at one of them!) where I’ve met truly inspiring businesses from a range of sectors who are all helping the economy of Coventry and Warwickshire to keep on moving forward. And our President & People video series goes from strength to strength. Our latest episode with David Roberts of Evtec is live now and reveals an incredible individual with a different approach to recruitment and doing business. We’ve also recorded two wonderful conversations with Julie White, the MD of D-Drill & Sawing, and Andrew Edmiston, of IM Properties, that will be released shortly. One of the reasons I took on this role was to help shine a light on some of the incredible people and stories from across Coventry and Warwickshire and, it turns out, there are hundreds of them! That’s why the Chamber is working so hard to find as many ways as possible to tell these stories because they really do highlight what a fantastic place this is to live, work and do business.
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Samantha brings experience and expertise to new role The new vice chair of an association that supports Coventry and Warwickshire’s hotel and accommodation sector will bring nearly 35 years of hospitality experience to the role. Samantha Dunion, the general manager of the Hotel Indigos in Coventry and Stratfordupon-Avon, started her career as a waitress at the age of 15 and has gone on to hold a range of senior positions across the industry all around the UK. She has been appointed as the vice chair of Coventry and Warwickshire Hotel & Accommodation General Manager (GM) Association, which provides opportunities to share best practice, discuss challenges and encourage collaborative region-wide working to boost business. The association, chaired by Faris Thowfeek, the GM of the Ibis Hotel Coventry Centre, was formed by Coventry & Warwickshire Convention Bureau which launched last year as part of destination management organisation (DMO) Destination Coventry. Samantha said: “I am really pleased to take on this role because I think it’s important for us, as an industry, to work together across the region. “Being the GM of both Stratford-uponAvon and Coventry Indigo gives me a really interesting perspective because they are very different hotel markets.
“Stratford and south Warwickshire has its history, leisure visitors and theatre culture, while Coventry has a strong corporate and events market. Both destinations have different needs and different dynamics, and part of my role is identifying where we can share ideas, support one another and learn from those differences.” She added: “For me, being part of the association is about giving something back. I have been lucky to have people support me throughout my career, and I believe we have a responsibility to do the same for others. “I want to support general managers, their teams and the wider destination, and to encourage collaboration. Hotels may not always benefit directly from every piece of business, but when the region succeeds, there is a positive knock-on effect for everyone.” The association is one of a range of initiatives launched by Coventry & Warwickshire Convention Bureau to support the growth of the visitor economy. It is a not-for-profit organisation that supports venues with bringing in new leads and event organisers with planning business events. Faris said: “It’s great to have someone with Samantha’s knowledge and experience on board as vice-chair. The association is really starting to gain traction across the region and we look forward to bringing everyone together again at our next event.”
Paul McMahon, managing director at Destination Coventry, added: “We approached Samantha to take on this position because we want to have the very best people in the industry in our region all working together towards the same goal. “She’s seen so many facets of the sector during her career and has experienced what many other parts of the country do well that we can learn from. “These are challenging but exciting times for the hospitality sector in Coventry and Warwickshire and our association is here to help overcome barriers and make the most of the opportunities for everyone to grow.” To find out more about Coventry & Warwickshire Convention Bureau visit www.meetcoventryandwarwickshire.co.uk
Skyline Hospitals strengthens team with key appointment Skyline Hospitals has appointed Sarah Hussain as business development manager, marking an exciting step forward in the organisation's commitment to improving access to healthcare across the local community. Sarah joins Skyline Hospitals with extensive experience in business engagement, partnership development and community-focused initiatives. Her appointment comes at a time when healthcare providers are increasingly
looking for innovative ways to make healthcare services more accessible, transparent and patient centred. Working closely with local businesses, community organisations and residents, Sarah's focus will be on helping Skyline Hospitals private entity strengthen its presence within the region while creating opportunities to bring healthcare conversations closer to where people live and work. "Healthcare can often feel overwhelming or difficult to navigate," said Sarah. "At Skyline Hospitals, we want to make private healthcare more approachable. Whether someone is looking for information about a service, seeking guidance, or simply wants a conversation about their healthcare options, we want them to feel welcomed and supported. “A key part of Skyline Hospitals' community approach is promoting transparent pricing, helping people make informed decisions about their healthcare without uncertainty. “Alongside this, we’re focused on creating a friendly and approachable environment where patients can speak to real people who genuinely want to help.”
Sarah will also be exploring new partnerships and outreach opportunities designed to bring healthcare information and services closer to local communities, ensuring residents have easier access to support when they need it most. Skyline Hospitals is currently offering cardiology, dermatology, ENT, gynaecology, ophthalmology, orthopaedic hand & wrist, psychiatry, private GP services, and pain management. Bal Manoj, medical director at Skyline Hospitals, said: “As we continue to grow, the appointment reflects our commitment to putting patients first through accessibility, openness and meaningful community engagement. “With a fresh focus on collaboration and community connection, we’re looking forward to supporting more individuals and families with accessible healthcare on their doorstep.” For more information or to find out if you are eligible for a free mini appointment, contact Skyline Hospitals on 02475 100354 or email admin@skylinehospitals.co.uk.
Developing the next generation in the property industry A Midlands construction and property development firm has continued its history of developing young people with three of its team celebrating degree success. Tom Jeffrey, Jack McQuillan and Charles Gordon have all been supported to complete construction-related degrees while working at Coventry-based Deeley Group. The trio follow a proud history of training and development at the business, which celebrates its 90th anniversary this year, with a series of former trainees holding senior director-level positions in the business.
Deeley Group is a member of The 5% Club, a group of more than 250 employers committed to developing the skills of young people, and 20 per cent of its workforce have come through a trainee, apprenticeship or graduate programme. Steve Turner, construction director at Deeley Construction, said: “My own career with Deeley started as a junior trainee surveyor and the support I received gave me the foundations to build my career. “Charles, Jack and Tom’s success reflects the Deeley Way and our commitment to helping young people start their careers in the construction industry.
“They have worked hard to get to this stage and have bright futures with the business.”
Local grandmother set to launch debut horror novel at 60 A long-serving member of the team at Woodway Engineering Ltd is preparing to step into the spotlight for a very different reason, as she gets ready to publish her debut horror novel this October.
Christine Triner is well known locally through her long career at Woodway Engineering – based in Barnacle – where she has worked across several departments over 14 years. Inspired by classic films from the 1960s, 70s and 80s, and by authors such as Stephen King and James Herbert, she has spent the past couple of years developing her own dark, graphic storytelling style. Her debut novel, The Demon’s Spawn, featuring
a nasty demon, tension, and graphic intensity marks her official arrival as a new voice in the genre. Christine: “This book started as a dream where I jotted down a few notes one morning, then I just continued writing. I’ve always loved horror, and I finally decided it was time to stop dreaming about writing this as a novel and just do it.” For further information go to: www.christinetriner.com
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Coventry & Warwickshire in business
President & People
A myriad of milestones for Prime Accountants
The team at Prime Accountants is defying the odds and the increasing trend of job hopping to achieve long-term careers while working for the same firm. The company has seen seven major work anniversaries for a range of professionals at the independent accounting firm during 2026.
Director Jamie Skelding found double cause for celebration this year as his 40th work anniversary occurred alongside his 60th birthday. “These days, I’m told people entering the workforce might have six or seven jobs over their career. I left school, joined the firm as a junior and simply grafted,”
said Jamie. “Now I’m adding people to the payroll who weren’t even born when I started here!” Pam Rai, the company bookkeeper, is celebrating a similarly impressive 30 years in the role. Pam said: “Don't be negative about where you're working or who you're working with. Be positive and hang in there because it is rewarding at the end of the day.” Much like their colleagues, Paislei Godley and Jeremy Kitson, both directors, walked into the firm straight from sixth form and university respectively and never left.
Both have worked for 25 years, honing their skills among supportive friends and colleagues along the way. Kerrie Given, Nick Ballard and Craig Hall have also seen notable success in the 20 years they have been with the firm. A spokesperson said: “Throughout the decades, Prime Accountants has supported clients with a range of accounting matters with experts working in an environment that truly lets them flourish.” For more information, visit https://primeaccountants.co.uk/
WA Management raises over £8,000 for Cancer Research UK
Leamington Spa-based health, safety, quality and environmental compliance management consultancy WA Management has raised a total of £ 8,572 in support of Cancer Research UK. The team embarked on a nine-mile hike across the Malvern Hills, following the End-to-End trail that took them across the top of the Malvern Ridge, to the highest point at 1,395 feet. This challenging and rewarding hike was undertaken to fundraise for Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work, a charity with personal significance to the team. Cancer Research UK relies on its supporters for everything it does, from developing new treatments and vaccines to investing in cuttingedge research and shaping government policy. In just 50 years, it has helped double cancer survival in the UK, thanks to the generosity of supporter donations.
William Whittaker, managing consultant of WA Management, explained the importance of the campaign. He said: “Our charity walk this year is of special significance to me as we walked in memory of my mum, who passed away earlier this year. She loved walking these beautiful hills, so to visit with the team to raise money for a cause close to our hearts has been very meaningful. “A big thank you to the team for their effort on the day, and to our friends, families, and customers who have supported the fundraiser!” William’s father, and former WA Director, Rodger Whittaker also joined the team in completing the hike. William added: “The WA Management team have really enjoyed getting stuck into this year’s challenge and are now looking
forward to our next fundraising challenge and researching potential events to get involved with.” The team’s annual charity walk has now become tradition, with this hike marking our fourth company fundraising event. Previous charities supported include Zoe’s Place, Prostate Cancer UK, and Mind. Across all fundraisers, a total of £11,726.88 has been raised for charity.
Science Park makes a sustainable appointment A leading Midlands science park has taken a major step towards a more sustainable future with the appointment of a new graduate management trainee to lead its sustainability strategy. Mihir Rathi, a recent graduate of the University of Warwick’s WMG programme and project management master’s degree, has been appointed to the role at the University of Warwick Science Park through the university’s graduate placement scheme.
The move comes as the Science Park – which is among the top five per cent of tech start-up hubs in Europe – embarks on an ambitious programme to reduce its carbon footprint and futureproof its estates. The Science Park spans four sites across the West Midlands, comprising The Venture Centre and the Business Innovation Centre in Coventry, Warwick Innovation Centre in Warwick, and the Blythe Valley Innovation
Centre in Solihull. The estates house more than 160 innovative companies working across science, technology and engineering. In his new role, Mihir, originally from Pune in western India, is project manager for the science park’s new sustainability strategy, which will establish a clear roadmap to help make its sites more energy efficient over the next 10 to 15 years.
Sarah celebrates 40 years’ service at Alsters Kelley Solicitors Sarah Darby, senior associate wills & probate executive in the private client team at Alsters Kelley Solicitors Limited was all smiles as she celebrated 40 years’ service at the firm. Sarah joined the predecessor firm RS Bull in Nuneaton in August 1986 starting her career as a secretary before moving into the role of wills & probate executive in 2002. Sarah said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my career with Alsters Kelley and the variety of the work I deal with but most importantly I still love my role and I love the face to face contact with our clients and providing them with a very personal and high-level service. “I have some wonderful friends across all six offices and I’m not sure where the time has gone as it certainly doesn’t feel as if I have been here for 40 years!”
Hiten’s batteries still fully charged after three years with EZOO!
Hall Reynolds LLP celebrates Remember a Charity Week 2026
Hiten Patel has celebrated his third anniversary with Coventry-based EV salary sacrifice specialist EZOO. Hiten joined the company in 2023 and brought with him several years of salary sacrifice experience and a wealth of industry knowledge.
Hall Reynolds LLP was joining forces with hundreds of charities, professional advisers, and partners across the UK to celebrate Remember A Charity Week in September. As proud campaign supporters, throughout the week the company was shining a light on the difference made by gifts left to charity in wills and inviting more people to consider passing on something to the causes close to their heart, alongside taking care of loved ones. Offering generous tax incentives, this form of charitable giving is on the rise, and provides essential funding for vital services across the country – both now and for future generations. Around £3 in every £10 donated to charity comes through gifts in wills. Katy Taylor and Annie Brazier at Hall Reynolds LLP said: “We are delighted to be part of this year’s Remember A Charity Week.
Lash Saranna, CEO of EZOO, said: “Since day one, it has been incredible to see the impact he has made. His commitment is clear in everything he does. “Whether supporting customers, helping colleagues or commuting a significant distance to the office each week, Hiten consistently turns up with the same enthusiasm, professionalism and dedication that have made him such a valued part of the team. “Over the past three years, he has played an important role in helping the business grow, always willing to get stuck in, take on new challenges and go the extra mile when needed. “Not only is he a valued member of the team, but he is also someone we are fortunate to work alongside every day.”
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“We know that leaving a gift in this way can not only be an important way of supporting good causes, but it’s such a rewarding way for our clients to give back. During the week, we will highlight how even a small legacy can make a lasting difference. Whether it is a specific gift or a percentage of a residuary estate, every legacy can help charities continue their vital work for generations to come. “We hope we can encourage more people to take that important step towards putting their affairs in order, whilst allowing them to consider the causes they care about and the legacy they would like to leave behind.” Find out more at www.rememberacharity.org.uk/week
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New Members Business Engage Members Act on Energy
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Clarity of Mind
Executive, Management & Business Coaching 07920 445356 michelle@clarity-of-mind.co.uk https://clarity-of-mind.co.uk/
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SWFT Charity 30th Anniversary Quiz The Stratford Park Hotel & Golf Club, Ingon Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 0QE Date: 25 September 2026 Time: 6:30pm – 9.00pm
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