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The official publication of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce
CHAMBER October 2026
Free to Members £5.00 where sold
LINK
Smile that says I beat the odds... Non-speaker until six but Iveta wins top prize See page 5
Picture: Edwin Ladd
• Amazing achievement of Air Ambulance • Glory awaits in awards shake-up • Go for growth, Chamber tells Chancellor
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Contents Chamberlink October 2026 Business News 4
Editor’s View Who can develop our untapped innovation?
5
Business News Neurodiverse founder takes home top prize
33
72
10 President’s Focus Emma-Louise Hewitt, president of Solihull Chamber of Commerce 12 The Griffin Report Emma Gray, CEO, Midlands Air Ambulance
54 Enterprise & Innovation: Innovation that includes people
24 Where Do You Fancy? Moor Hall
59 How to become an entrepreneur
Chamber Group
Sector Focus 60 Business Travel: Direct train to airport
30 Bank supremo is QBR speaker
36 International Trade: Seminar to explore trading with Germany
Premier Members
38 ABCC: College backs awards
32 AI to boost charity’s online income
40 Cannock Chase: Championing local community
Chamber Patrons
1813 Club 34 Share memories of arboretum
62 Finance: Warning ahead of MTD 63 Legal: Ruling to end to ‘subscription traps’ 64 Health in the Workplace: Investment backs technology to treat eye disease
41 Burton & District: Bringing Burton businesses together
66 Manufacturing: JLR unveils first electric Range Rover
42 Lichfield & Tamworth: Canal connection closer
67 Property: Ex-civil servant to end city’s ‘blighted’ area
43 Royal Sutton Coldfield: One-day course to help business leaders grow
69 Skills: Top ranking for apprenticeship 70 Technology: Uni researchers’ breakthrough
44 Solihull: Shopping centre celebrates milestone
72 The Arts: Search for new trading board chair
46 Future Faces: Young Professional of the Year crowned
74 Sport: Local clubs receive funding
Member Section Events 48 The latest list of Chamber events
75 Chamber Insight Paul Faulkner, Barclays
Features
76 New Members Chamber welcomes new members
50 Health in the Workplace: Workplace wellbeing
21
52 How to support mental health
CHAMBER LINK
78 …any other business News from Chamber businesses
The Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) is here to connect, support and grow local businesses. Accredited by the British Chambers, we have acted as the voice of local businesses since 1813.
The official publication of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Editor: John Lamb 07814 539329 lambjohn@mac.com Deputy Editor: Dan Harrison 0121 274 3239, 0797 1144052 d.harrison@birmingham-chamber.com Assistant Editor: Jon Griffin 07963 405538 j.griffin@birmingham-chamber.com Reporter: Feron Jayawardene 0121 2743240, 07508 317356 f.jayawardene@birmingham-chamber.com Reporter: Saskia Masaun 07951 245985 s.masaun@birmingham-chamber.com
You can now read the latest issue of CHAMBERLINK and view back issues online at: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
October 2026 CHAMBERLINK 3
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OPINION
Editor’s View BY JOHN LAMB
Who can develop our untapped innovation?
A
s you leaf through this edition of Chamberlink I hope you will be impressed by the many examples of innovation, enterprise and expertise reported from among Birmingham businesses. The region is bubbling with ideas that could help create much-needed jobs, investment and economic growth. Yet why is the West Midlands struggling to convert its undoubted skills into economic reality? According to new research from NatWest, many of the region’s most innovative companies are struggling to get their products recognised as being commercially viable. Analysis published by the bank in From Innovation to Impact found the West Midlands, more than any other English region, has the highest share of innovation-backed businesses who have not yet achieved a recognised commercial outcome. This seems remarkable given the number of business angels operating in the area. The trick, I suppose, is discovering how to find those businesses and, more importantly, to encourage them to seek help and investment. Why is it that so many independent businesses are not getting their enterprise recognised within a market that universities have learned to thrive?
FRONT COVER: Iveta Pudilova, named Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year at the Future Faces awards. See opposite page. Published by
Kemps Publishing Ltd 8, The Courtyard, 707 Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 3DA 0121 765 4144 www.kempspublishing.co.uk Managing Editor: Laura Blake Designers: Lloyd Hollingworth & Stuart Burton Advertising: 0121 765 4144 jenni.everall@kempspublishing.co.uk Printers: Stephens & George Print Group
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Take Aston University for instance. They have joined forces with a biotechnology company to develop more realistic laboratory-grown human skin (see page 8). And this was achieved because the university linked the companies through the Government’s Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP). If we believe NatWest’s research, do enough businesses know about the KTP? Of course, universities have research resources that no small business could hope to match. So it has to be the Government’s duty to make sure this and many other sources of help are promoted. There is another example of a successful partnership in this edition (see page 23), resulting in the development of new ways of treating infections that no longer respond to antibiotics. The partnership is between the Precision Health Technologies Accelerator (PHTA) and Inteliphage, a Belgium-headquartered bacteriophage technology company. But, again, this partnership was forged through the University of Birmingham's flagship life sciences innovation facility. So the mechanics to bring innovation to market are out there – but who is going to make the West Midlands more aware?
PRIVACY NOTICE: Kemps Publishing Ltd process personal information for certain legitimate interest purposes, which includes the following: • To provide postal copies of this publication to Chamber members and Kemps' customers; and • To offer marketing and promotional opportunities within this publication to Chamber members and prospects. Whenever we process data for these purposes, we always ensure we treat your Personal Data rights in high regard. If you wish to, you can visit www.kempspublishing.co.uk to view our full Privacy Notice and to learn more about our legitimate interests and your rights in this regard. CHAMBERLINK is produced on behalf of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce by Kemps Publishing Ltd and is distributed to members without charge. The Chambers and the publisher are committed to achieving the highest quality standards. While every care has been taken to ensure that the information it contains is accurate, neither the Chambers nor the publisher can accept any responsibility for any omission or inaccuracies that might arise. Views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Chambers. This publication (or any part thereof) October not be reproduced, transmitted or stored in print or electronic format without prior written permission of Kemps Publishing Ltd.
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BUSINESS NEWS
Business News Latest news from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce
Inside They provide a life-saving service from the skies...
Top prize: From left – Sarah Griffiths (Future Faces president), Professor Dilshad Sheikh (sponsors Arden University), Iveta Pudilova and Sophie Poduval-Morrell (Future Faces manager)
Neurodiverse founder takes home top prize By Saskia Masaun
A
n entrepreneur and neurodiversity champion who was unable to speak until the age of six has been crowned the 2026 Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year. Czech-born Iveta Pudilova, founder of National Neurodiversity Training, was named overall winner at the awards, hosted by the Future Faces Chamber of Commerce, after first taking the Training & Education of the Year title. It marks the culmination of a three-year climb through the GBYPY Awards – Iveta won the Startup of the Year in 2024, returned as a Training & Education finalist in 2025 without success, and this year went one better – winning her category before being named the overall champion. The University of Birmingham graduate is openly autistic. She was non-verbal until the age of six but, rather than concealing that experience, Iveta built a business around it. She said: “Until I was six years old, I was nonverbal. For a long time, I thought the way my brain works was something to hide.” Since founding National Neurodiversity Training, Iveta has helped HR, people and equality, diversity and inclusion leaders across
the UK and internationally move towards lasting behavioural change in how organisations support neurodivergent staff. In the past year alone, the company has trained more than 1,600 people, working with organisations including the University of Birmingham, NHS England and Popeyes Louisiana Chicken.
...yet receive no Government support. So how do they survive?
‘Somewhere out there is a six-year-old who can’t speak yet. One day, she’ll walk into your office’ Iveta, who came to the UK to study, said: “Winning this award reinforces that neurodiversity work is genuinely important and is being recognised by the most prestigious business awards in the region. “Some companies still see neurodiversity as an EDI add-on or a checkbox exercise. What we’re increasingly seeing - and what this award validates - is that neurodiversity is simply a leadership skill and a business advantage.”
Turn to the Griffin Report Pages 12 and 13
• Turn to pages 46 and 47 for full reports. October 2026 CHAMBERLINK 5
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BUSINESS NEWS Businesses across Greater Birmingham are now encouraged to apply for the awards via the dedicated Greater Birmingham Business Awards page at greaterbirminghamchambers.com
Business awards are back – and with a bold new format An honour that has transformed the fortunes of businesses for decades will again be up for grabs next year – but in a bolder format that will lavish even wider recognition on the winners. And applications have already opened for the new-look awards programme from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), offering firms across the region an unprecedented chance to be recognised – not once, but twice.
‘We would encourage all businesses from across Greater Birmingham to apply’ The awards, open to all business in Greater Birmingham, give one firm the chance to win the ultimate crown of Business of the Year. Its value is enormous and Karl Frankham, founder of this year’s winners Rugeley-based Techcare, said: “The award was massive for us – we should be really proud. “It means a lot but we don’t stop to give ourselves a pat on the back because we’re not those kind of people – it's all about the next challenge.” The overhaul of the Chamber’s flagship awards, now rebranded as the Greater Birmingham Business Awards, introduces a fresh format designed to shine a brighter spotlight on businesses across the
Marcella Meehan, event manager at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “We’re very excited to open applications for this new format. “We would encourage all businesses from across Greater Birmingham to apply, particularly those who may not have considered entering awards before. entire GBCC network while giving every entrant two genuine shots at recognition from one application. Under the new model, businesses apply through one of three regional awards programmes – Birmingham & Sutton Coldfield, Solihull, or Staffordshire Gateway, covering Lichfield & Tamworth, Burton and Cannock Chase. Gold, silver and bronze winners at regional level will then be automatically fast-tracked to the shortlist for the Greater Birmingham Business Awards 2027, with no need to complete a second full application – just a short video entry before competing for the region’s top honours. Applications for the regional awards are open now and close in January 2027. Regional celebrations will take place in Solihull in May 2027, followed by Birmingham & Sutton Coldfield and Staffordshire Gateway in June 2027. The grand finale – the Greater Birmingham Business Awards – will be staged on 7 October 2027 at the ICC in Birmingham city centre.
This format has been built with you in mind.” For full details on award categories, eligibility, and tips for writing a winning application, visit greaterbirminghamchambers.com • For more events news turn to page 48
Night of drama: Rugeley-based Techcare had their standing transformed when they won the Birmingham region’s top business accolade. Here head of operations Tim Hepworth (left) and managing director Oliver Aleksejuk lap up the excitement
Deputy CEO to take on new role Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s deputy CEO Raj Kandola is to leave the organisation after almost a decade to take up the role of chief executive at the Black Country Chamber of Commerce. Raj joined the GBCC in 2016 as a senior policy advisor, rising to head of policy five years later and then director of external affairs in March, 2023. He was appointed permanent deputy CEO earlier this year, having spent a year co-leading the Chamber alongside chief financial officer Helen Bates during chief executive Henrietta Brealey's maternity leave. In his time with the GBCC, Raj is credited with playing a central role in shaping the organisation's direction and its relationships with patrons and key stakeholders. 6 CHAMBERLINK October 2026
Raj will move into his first chief executive role when he takes the helm at Black Country Chamber, succeeding Sarah Moorhouse. He said: “It was going to take an amazing opportunity for me to leave Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce after 10 fantastic years, and I’m honoured that I’ve been chosen as the next CEO of this fabulous organisation. “I’ve seen first-hand the strength of the Black Country Chamber and the difference it makes to the businesses doing remarkable things across Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton. It’s a really exciting opportunity to build on the strong foundations Sarah and the team have put in place and support our region in continually punching above our weight on a national and global scale.”
Amazing opportunity: Raj Kandola
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BUSINESS NEWS
October 2026 CHAMBERLINK 7
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BUSINESS NEWS
Region holds untapped potential, says report The West Midlands is home to England’s biggest untapped innovation opportunity, according to new NatWest research, which suggests hundreds of innovative businesses across the region could help drive the next wave of jobs, investment and economic growth. Analysis published in From Innovation to Impact found the West Midlands has the highest share of innovation-backed businesses yet to achieve a recognised commercialisation outcome of any major English region. Almost half (47.4 per cent) of grant-backed firms remain active and trading but have not yet secured follow-on investment, achieved an exit or demonstrated recognised scale-up growth, compared with a UK average of 38.1 per cent. The findings come as the West Midlands continues to strengthen its innovation ecosystem through investment in research, commercialisation and business support. Home to 1,743 innovative businesses and 838 recipients of public innovation grants, the region has established strengths in advanced manufacturing, transport technologies, engineering, clean energy and health innovation. While many businesses successfully convert innovation into commercial growth, NatWest’s analysis identified a substantial cohort that continue to innovate and trade but have yet to achieve a recognised commercialisation outcome.
Only 15.4 per cent of grant-backed businesses in the West Midlands have secured follow-on equity investment, compared with a UK average of 26.4 per cent. The report suggests helping more businesses access finance, expertise, networks and routes to market could unlock significant new jobs, investment and productivity growth across the region.
‘Across the region we see ambitious businesses developing world-class technologies and ideas’ Dipesh Mistry, chair of the NatWest Midlands and East of England regional board, said: “The West Midlands has no shortage of innovation. What this report shows is the scale of the opportunity still ahead of us. “Across the region we see ambitious businesses developing world-class technologies and ideas. The challenge is helping more of those businesses access the finance, expertise and commercial connections they need to scale. “If we can do that, the prize for the West Midlands could be significant in terms of jobs, investment and long-term economic growth.” One business highlighted in the report is University of Birmingham spinout HyProMag,
Dipesh Mistry
which is developing technology to recover and recycle rare-earth magnets from end-of-life products. Based at Tyseley Energy Park, where NatWest recently launched a new Accelerator, the company has grown from five employees in 2022 to around 17 today and expanded internationally through operations in Germany and a joint venture in the United States. The report concludes that the West Midlands already possesses many of the ingredients required for innovation-led growth. Building on the region's strong innovation foundations, the opportunity now is to help more businesses convert innovation into commercial success.
Help young people join the workforce More than one million young people across the UK are currently not in employment, education or training - the highest NEET figure in over 12 years. Behind that number are thousands of 16- to 24-year-olds who are ready to work, but can’t find a way in. Realise, a UK provider of apprenticeships and vocational training and a member of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, is calling on businesses to be part of the solution through its new Future Talent Employer Pledge, aiming to recruit at least 500 organisations nationally to commit to employing a Level 2 Administration Support apprentice over the next 12 months. For many organisations, training costs will be fully funded by the Government, and eligible SMEs may also access incentives worth up to £6,000. Businesses signing the pledge will also receive a place on Realise’s Roll of Honour. Karen Matthews (pictured), director of business skills solutions at Realise, said: “Entry-level job and career opportunities are shrinking for young people. “This apprenticeship gives young people a realistic pathway into the workplace while providing employers with support for administration, freeing up time to focus on growing their business.”
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Partnership improves human skin models Aston University has joined forces with a biotechnology company Labskin to develop more realistic laboratory-grown human skin that includes immune cells. Labskin specialises in producing complex skin models that closely replicate the structure of real skin. These models are used by academic researchers and companies to study how products and treatments interact with the skin before they are trialled in people. However, while the models accurately reproduce the skin’s physical layers, they do not currently include immune cells, which play a crucial role in inflammation and wound healing. Under the Knowledge Transfer Partnership, researchers from
Aston’s Department of Biosciences will work with Yorkshire-based Labskin to introduce immune cells called macrophages into the company’s existing skin models. Professor Andrew Devitt, professor of inflammatory cell biology in Aston University’s Department of Biosciences, and executive dean of the School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Biosciences, said: “Our research focuses on understanding how inflammation happens and is resolved – particularly in the context of chronic wounds, which are devastating for the individual and create a huge financial burden for the NHS.” • More health news on page 64.
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BUSINESS NEWS ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Growing fast? Your systems should too Chris Hawley (pictured), managing director of OSSM GB, a Noledge company, on the operational challenges that can emerge as businesses grow. The hidden cost of growth Growth creates opportunity, but it also puts pressure on the systems beneath a business. The spreadsheets that worked fine at a smaller scale start multiplying. Finance, inventory and orders live in separate systems that don't quite talk to each other. Decisions get made on numbers that are a day, a week, sometimes a month out of date. This friction doesn't feel immediately urgent, but it builds gradually over time. Most businesses don't notice how much time it's costing until they stop and add it up, often throwing extra resources at the problem rather than addressing the root cause. Left unchecked, that friction starts to limit what the company can do. It can make it harder to absorb an acquisition, merge cleanly with another organisation or keep scaling because the systems underneath it were never built to stretch that far.
One platform, real time This is the problem NetSuite was built to solve. Finance, inventory, CRM, order processing, production, field services and projects all run in real time on a single cloud platform, giving everyone access to the same up-to-date information.
NetSuite’s AI capabilities can surface anomalies and automate routine tasks, helping finance teams get a head start on decisions rather than simply recording them. It's a big part of why NetSuite has become the world's number one AI cloud ERP, particularly for organisations moving into their next stage of growth.
Built around the business The platform is only half the answer, though. The businesses that get the most from it are the ones where the system reflects how they actually work from day one. That means understanding where processes can be simplified, bottlenecks removed and manual work reduced, while making sure the system can adapt as the business grows and changes.
Solving it properly, not just quickly For OSSM, it’s about shaping a solution around the business, then continuing to refine it as the organisation grows, changes direction, or takes on new challenges. Staying agile and flexible matters, because the business won’t stand still.
Get in touch: E: sales@ossmcloud.co.uk W: ossmcloud.co.uk
October 2026 CHAMBERLINK 9
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BUSINESS NEWS
President’s Focus Emma-Louise Hewitt is a partner and employment law expert at law firm Sydney Mitchell. The president of Solihull Chamber of Commerce explains why she is dedicated to bridging the gap between business and education. “They need each other more than ever,” she says.
I
f you have heard me speak you will know that one issue I am particularly passionate about is the relationship between business and education. It is a subject that sits at the heart of many of the challenges and opportunities facing our economy, our communities, and our future workforce. We frequently hear discussions about skills shortages, productivity, economic growth, and the changing nature of work. Yet, underpinning all of these issues is a simple truth: we cannot address them effectively unless we strengthen the connection between employers and educational institutions. Schools, colleges, and universities play a vital role in preparing young people for the future. Equally, businesses possess real world knowledge, experience and insight that can help ensure education reflects the skills and qualities employers need. When these two worlds work together, everyone benefits.
‘Sometimes the most valuable contribution a business leader can make is simply sharing their own journey’ For businesses, engaging with education is not simply an act of corporate responsibility. It is so much more. It is an investment in the talent pipeline that will sustain organisations and industries for years to come. For young people, exposure to employers provides invaluable insight into careers they may never have considered and helps build the confidence, aspirations and skills needed to succeed in the workplace. There are many ways businesses can become involved beyond the usual work experience offering. Mentoring programmes, apprenticeships, careers fairs, mock interviews and guest speaking 10 CHAMBERLINK October 2026
Priority for bringing business and education closer: Emma-Louise Hewitt
opportunities all have a key role to play. Sometimes the most valuable contribution a business leader can make is simply sharing their own journey, helping young people understand that success rarely follows a straight line and that resilience, adaptability and determination are every bit as important as qualifications. Of course, the world of work has changed significantly in recent years. The growth of hybrid and remote working models has created new opportunities but also new
challenges. Traditional workplace visits and face-to-face experiences are not always as easy to arrange as they once were. However, rather than allowing these changes to become barriers, we should view them as an opportunity to innovate. Technology enables businesses to connect with schools and colleges in new ways. Virtual work experience, online mentoring, and digital careers events can help reach more young people than ever before. The key is ensuring we continue to provide meaningful
engagement that helps students understand the realities, expectations, and possibilities of modern working life. This is not a challenge that belongs solely to educators, businesses, or government. It is a collective responsibility. As business leaders, we have a role to play in helping the next generation develop the skills and confidence they need. As parents, many of us understand firsthand the importance of ensuring young people are equipped to navigate an increasingly complex and fast changing world. Future generations will inherit both the opportunities and challenges we leave behind. If we want them to thrive, we must be willing to invest our time, knowledge, and expertise. We cannot afford to be spectators, watching from the sidelines and hoping someone else will solve the problem. Businesses must be active participants in shaping the talent, ambition and leadership that will drive our communities and economy forward. Strong partnerships between business and education also deliver wider benefits. They help create social mobility, broaden horizons, and ensure that young people from all backgrounds can access opportunities and understand the pathways available to them. They strengthen local economies by retaining talent and developing workforces that reflect the needs of the communities they serve. As Chamber president, one of my priorities is to help bring business and education closer together. By building stronger relationships, encouraging greater collaboration, and creating more opportunities for engagement, we can help bridge existing gaps and inspire the next generation. The future success of our businesses and our economy depends on the people who will lead them tomorrow. By working together today, education and business can create the foundations for a stronger, more prosperous future for everyone.
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BUSINESS NEWS
October 2026 CHAMBERLINK 11
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BUSINESS NEWS
The Griffin Report Midlands Air Ambulance is a life-saver across a huge tract of the UK. Yet it does not receive a penny of Government support and even took a hit from Rachel Reeves’ controversial budget two years ago. JON GRIFFIN visited CEO Emma Gray to find out how it has managed to grow into a £20m operation.
I
t once operated from a leaky caravan at Halfpenny Green Airport near Wolverhampton with its only helicopter chained to a tree. A life-saver for 35 years across the West Midlands, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire, it has grown from humble origins as a community service initially run on a part-time 9 to 5 basis. Today the Midlands Air Ambulance has been transformed into a £20m charity, dealing with around 4,000 missions a year, from car crashes to stabbings, fires to heart attacks, shootings to farm accidents. Its home for the last three years is an impressive 21st century £10m facility within the vast military complex at RAF Cosford, on the borders of Staffordshire and Shropshire. In tandem with its new state-ofthe-art headquarters, the charity has grown to boast 250 employees and 350 volunteers, all playing their part in keeping one of the region’s most vital strategic assets up and running and airborne for all manner of trauma and emergency incidents. Its mantra is “Critical Care in Action” – one of the charity’s
helicopters was despatched to deal with the horrific Southport stabbings in the summer of 2024, helping treat one of the young victims – and that service is delivered year in year out without a penny from the Government. As deputy CEO Emma Gray points out: “That’s one of our biggest challenges. People assume we are NHS-funded, that we receive all of it. They take it for granted because they just don’t know. But we start every financial year at zero.”
‘The service has been transformed significantly over 35 years’ The growth of the Midlands Air Ambulance from part-time community operation to a 24-7 charitable powerhouse serving a seven million population marks an inspiring 35-year development which has helped save countless lives since its foundation in 1991. Emma explains: “The Midlands Air Ambulance charity was founded by the community that it serves 35 years ago. A group of doctors and critical care paramedics came
together to create a service. It was a couple of days a week and they had a second-hand helicopter tied to a tree. The founders realised the importance of reaching patients who are critically injured. These are people – and this still remains the
Left to right: Captain Danny Shorter, pilot; Ryan Ferris, critical care paramedic; Allister McNeill, critical care paramedic: Ian Jones, critical care paramedic
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case today – who have received a traumatic situation or incident, or medical emergency that requires advanced critical care, so they can’t wait for the hospital. “They might need care in the immediate situation, whether that be in a field, on a road or motorway. One of the main premises was about taking the patient quickly to hospital, which is different now because the crew can spend quite a lot of time at the scene stabilising a patient and actually performing some medical procedures, which they didn’t do back then. “The service has been transformed significantly over 35 years. It started off with critical care paramedics and then doctors started to be introduced. Now we do air by day and overnight use our critical care cars. Back in the day a group of volunteer fundraisers would go and fund-raise in the communities. Some of the crew would go and be involved in the fundraising too – and they still are to this day – but obviously now they are generally doing the job they’re meant to do. But they help
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Foreground: Deputy CEO Emma Gray Left: Captain Danny Shorter, pilot Right: Allister McNeill, critical care paramedic
to support us in generating the funds that we need as a £20m organisation.” That annual sum helps to meet the bills required to operate the charity’s three helicopters – each costing around £9m – along with all the rest of the financial outlay necessary to run one of the UK’s most vital charities. Mirroring its growth into a £20m operation, the Midlands Air Ambulance overheads have multiplied, with its 24-7 service now operating from three airbases, from its headquarters at Cosford to Strensham on the WorcestershireGloucestershire border and Tatenhill near Burton on Trent. “We have to provide all the medical equipment, all the consumables required to treat patients. We have a very active volunteer programme – we have 11 shops which help to generate income for us. “We generate our income to fund our critical care service through typical traditional fundraising, so lottery, legacies, people giving one-off donations, people who are committed givers.”
Emma said the charity was seeking to diversify from relying on voluntary donations. “We try and think of other ways in which we can generate income that might not necessarily just be voluntary contributions from individuals or businesses. “That said, the business community is key for us in many different ways if you think about the corporate giving that many businesses within the West Midlands provide us. We’re also starting to find corporate interest in our training programme as well – we can provide a different environment for their staff to have things like workplace first aid training. We’re trying to work on a number of different levels in which to engage with the corporate community.” Despite an increasingly volatile financial backdrop – the charity was hit by £500,000 in extra costs following the controversial Rachel Reeves budget two years ago – the air ambulance has seen its annual revenues soar from around £10m to £20m over the last eight years. “We’ve doubled – but we’ve also
got more doctor cover and have seen increased costs such as energy and national insurance etc. So it’s challenging.”
‘We are a strategic regional asset – we are also a big social contributor to society’ To help meet that relentless financial challenge, the charity – one of the largest of 21 air ambulance charities nationwide – invested in a £10m new HQ at RAF Cosford which aims to future-proof its continuing progress. “We own the land now so it’s a good investment for the charity. Before that, we were renting facilities. We were renting warehouses, we had a number of different bases – we had a leaky Portakabin as an office. For the first year everybody was pinching themselves because we actually had proper meeting rooms. Before that we couldn’t interact because the facility was behind wire, so we
couldn’t really host visits. It’s allowing us to build for the future too with education and training. We’re also hiring out some of this space, so that helps generate income.” That diversification of income generation promises to be a vital cash ally as the charity looks to the future as a life or death facility serving a vast tract of Middle England. “You can see how the charity has evolved from a helicopter tethered to a tree with voluntary clinical support. We’ve had to grow to develop the service to better meet the needs of the community. We are a strategic regional asset – we are also a big social contributor to society. It’s also a service anybody could need. It always starts with a very normal situation that then quickly escalates into a matter of life and death.” • Midlands Air Ambulance have made other announcements about its future. See page 26 for details of the launch of its business club and 32 to read about how it’s using AI to boost income. October 2026 CHAMBERLINK 13
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BUSINESS NEWS
Holiday pay rules causing worry A leading accountancy firm has warned that thousands of UK employers are struggling with new “onerous” responsibilities around holiday entitlement and pay compliance. Azets has highlighted that, since 6 April, employers must maintain accurate records of holiday entitlement and pay and retain them for six years, in line with National Minimum Wage records. The changes coincide with the introduction of the government’s Fair Work Agency (FWA), which has powers to inspect workplaces, demand records and impose unlimited fines or criminal sanctions for non-compliance.
‘HR and payroll will need to work more closely together than ever before’ Holiday records must include annual entitlement, when leave is taken, what employees are paid for each period of leave and any holiday pay made in lieu when employment ends. H-J Dobbie, head of HR consultancy at Azets, said the principle was simple, but the practical application was far more complicated. “Typically, HR will deal with holiday entitlement calculations and payroll will deal with holiday pay,” she said. “But with the new onerous responsibility requiring all the data to be in one place and easily accessible, it means HR and payroll will need to work more closely together than ever before.” While holiday calculations are relatively straightforward for workers with fixed hours and fixed pay and can be calculated using the percentage method for workers with variable hours and pay, the situation is more complex for employees with fixed hours but variable pay. “The calculation for these workers, based on the ‘calendar method’, is so complicated that employers often don’t know where to start,” Dobbie said. “I’m getting calls from bosses of well-run companies worried sick about falling foul of compliance through no fault of their own.”
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Partnership to develop the creative talent of the future The BBC and Birmingham City University (BCU) have created a partnership to equip the next generation of media professionals with the practical skills and industry experience needed to succeed in the UK’s rapidly evolving creative industries. The 10-year collaboration will establish a centre for creative skills and learning at the Tea Factory in Digbeth, the BBC’s new Midlands headquarters. The partnership will support the delivery of a portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across media, journalism, content creation, production and broadcast technology. Subject to final planning approval and landlord’s approvals, BCU will lease space within the Tea Factory and create state-of-the-art training facilities built to BBC specifications. Students will benefit from learning environments designed around current industry standards and practices, while the BBC will gain access to specialist training, studio and technical facilities to support workforce development and skills training. Designed to help bridge the gap between education and employment, the partnership will demonstrate the impact that can be achieved when industry and higher education work together to
Media talent brewing: The Tea Factory
prepare students for successful careers in the creative sector.
‘At the BBC, we want the future of the creative industries to be shaped by talent from every part of the UK’ The project supports the BBC’s Across the UK strategy, which aims to stimulate creative growth beyond London, develop local talent pipelines and strengthen creative economies across the UK. Simone Marquis, BBC chief talent and inclusion officer, said: “We're delighted to be partnering with
BCU. At the BBC, we want the future of the creative industries to be shaped by talent from every part of the UK. “This landmark partnership reflects our continued commitment to the West Midlands and will help ensure the next generation of creative professionals has the skills, experience and opportunities needed to thrive. Professor David Mba, vicechancellor of Birmingham City University, said: “This collaboration brings our ambition to develop the talent of tomorrow and drive prosperity across our city and region to life. It reflects our passion for the creative industries and our pride in Birmingham and the West Midlands.”
...as television costumes go on display at BCU Original costume designs for Kate Bush and Doctor Who are going on display as Birmingham City University (BCU) celebrates one of TV’s most influential designers. Costume Matters has opened at BCU’s Parkside building, celebrating the work of Joyce Hawkins, who worked for the BBC as a senior costume designer from 1958-1988. She died early this year aged 95. The exhibition includes a range of Joyce’s designs, including Doctor Who, Anna of the Five Towns and Vanity Fair, which earned her a BAFTA nomination. Other items on display are designs for Kate Bush, for a BBC1 Special in 1979, including the bat costume design the singer liked so much she wore it for one of her album covers. Dr Vanessa Jackson, associate Professor at BCU, curated the exhibition and described it as a chance to discover a “golden age of television”. “The work of television costume is under-researched and often misunderstood, so bringing items including designs for stars like Kate Bush, from 1979, to greater prominence is an exciting opportunity.”
Television’s “golden age”: Kate Bush performs in a Joyce Hawkins-designed costume
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One year on and Society is thriving Independent food and drink destination, Society, is celebrating a successful first year in Birmingham after recording month-on-month growth in customer footfall. Despite ongoing challenges across the hospitality sector, Society has continued to grow since opening its doors in September 2025, welcoming thousands of visitors and serving more than 150,000 pints during its first year. The venue, in Colmore Square, has become particularly popular with Birmingham’s business community, establishing itself as a go-to destination for lunch, after work drinks and team socials.
‘Our first year in Birmingham has been fantastic’ As well as creating 50 jobs, Society has strengthened Birmingham’s independent hospitality scene by providing a permanent home for five independent street food businesses, including Birmingham icons Asha’s, who have established their first street food concept at Society. They also work with a growing network of Midlands suppliers, including local breweries such as Attic. Looking ahead, the business is set to expand its events programme with brewery tap takeovers, beer tastings, live music, collaborations with local artists and a major Oktoberfest celebration. Oliver Smith, Society’s head of operations, said: “Our first year in Birmingham has been fantastic. Despite the challenging backdrop faced by hospitality businesses at the moment, Society Birmingham continues to grow. “We’ve been fortunate to build a brilliant team and work alongside fantastic independent traders - and this alongside the support we've had from the people of Birmingham has really allowed us to fly in the city.” Nick Gregory, Society’s coowner, added: “The success of our first year shows there’s a real appetite for what Society offers – a place where great independent food, quality drinks and a brilliant atmosphere come together. We’re excited to keep evolving.”
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Brumbassadors first podcast (left to right): Henrietta Brealey, Alex-Nicholson-Evans and Stuart Cain.
Podcast explores Brum’s power on a global stage Birmingham’s growing reputation as a host city for major sporting events, its World Craft City status for jewellery and the International Day of Birmingham are among the topics discussed in the first episode of new podcast, ‘Brumbassadors: Why Birmingham Means Business’. Episode one of the podcast created by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) in partnership with STEAMhouse features Stuart Cain, chief executive of Edgbaston Stadium, Warwickshire County Cricket Club and Birmingham Phoenix, and Alex Nicholson-Evans, festival director and city curator behind Birmingham Light Festival, Birmingham Restaurant Festival and the new Birmingham Jewellery Biennial. The episode, hosted by the GBCC’s chief executive Henrietta Brealey, is available on YouTube
SUBSCRIBE TO ‘BRUMBASSADORS: WHY BIRMINGHAM MEANS BUSINESS’ ON: • YouTube • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Pocket Casts • Amazon Music
and all major podcast apps. The conversation focused on Birmingham’s credentials as a home for major international sport, with Edgbaston preparing for next summer's Ashes alongside a new Radisson RED hotel on site. “We bring test match cricket to the region, so we've just had the India-Pakistan test, which was brilliant,” said Stuart Cain.
“The economic impact for the city on that is massive. Brings about £60m in through the use of hotels, restaurants, as well as the global reputation that it brings for the city.” Alex Nicholson-Evans discussed Birmingham's World Craft City status for jewellery and allied trades, awarded last year, and the launch of the Birmingham Jewellery Biennial. She said: “We still produce over 40 per cent of jewellery from the UK. We are trying to present this as the UK's jewellery festival, which I think is incredibly exciting because we’re going to be drawing people from across the UK and the world to what I consider to be the home of British jewellery.” The episode is the first in a fortnightly series featuring influential voices who are shaping the UK’s Second City.
New grants to celebrate milestone Unity Trust Bank is celebrating 25 years of supporting the responsible finance sector with the launch of a pioneering six-figure grants programme. Since 2001, the business bank has provided over £143m of funding to 22 Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs) across the UK. As part of the 25th anniversary, Unity has committed to award over £250,000 worth of grants to CDFIs by 2030. The CDFI Innovation & Transformation (CIT) grants complement Unity’s wider support of the responsible finance sector at a time when their role in supporting communities and the UK economy is growing from strength to strength. Joshua Meek, chief customer and impact officer at Unity Trust Bank, said: “As a leading UK social impact bank, the sector is directly aligned to our double bottom line mission. “Unity’s CIT grants programme aims to provide capacity for CDFIs to explore innovations and transformations that best service their customers.
Outsized impact: Joshua Meek
“We believe this support can deliver outsized impact where it matters. “The recipients of these grants will be able to strengthen their organisations; delivering more lending and testing innovative and transformational ideas that often aren’t supported through traditional CDFI financing.”
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AUTUMN BUDGET ON WEDNESDAY, 28 OCTOBER
- WHAT DOES BUSINESS WANT?
Give businesses room to invest Business leaders in Greater Birmingham have called on Chancellor John Healey to “turn positive headlines into sustained economic growth” by backing businesses in his 28 October Budget. It follows the Chancellor’s speech in which he said the UK economy was “turning a corner” despite ongoing concerns of government borrowing costs. Speaking at the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry, the Chancellor provided an upbeat view of the state of the UK economy, building on a recent uptick in consumer and business confidence.
‘Businesses do not lack ambition, but many lack the breathing space to invest, recruit and expand’ He spoke of a “new story” of the economy not just turning a corner but being resilient, optimistic and “ready to seize the opportunities of new technologies and ideas”. He also set out plans for greater fiscal devolution, a £150m British Business Bank fund for scale-up businesses, and a commitment to
Cost pressures: Emily Stubbs
cutting the burden of business regulation by 25 per cent by the end of the Parliament. But with many firms still burdened by cost pressures, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce said the Chancellor must use his 28 October Budget to deliver practical measures that give businesses breathing room to invest.
...but don’t fret in the run-up, says expert West Midlands firm Prime Accountants Group has warned businesses not to fret in the build-up to the Budget. Director Paislei Godley (pictured) said: “Before the Budget last year, we saw huge speculation about what was going to be included. “From ISA allowances to the rates of Income Tax, there was speculation on everything that may affect businesses and individuals. This caused mass panic and, in the end, the 2025 Autumn Budget underwhelmed businesses as headlines were revealed as blatant fabrications. “There were many reasons as to why speculation on the last Budget was so high: the announcement was made late, information was leaked prematurely and business confidence was low.” Business owners must not get pulled into the stream of misinformation this year. Paislei advised: “There are better things to do for your business than fret over what the budget may have in store for them. There is no point in speculation. “We have already seen the efforts that our new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, is making towards supporting individuals across England. The Budget will be where we see how he is going to support businesses. “While we cannot predict the Budget, we can help you plan for any issues that may arise. We can use financial forecasting to determine how you are likely to be affected by any changes to your circumstances once the Budget is read. Once that happens, we can work with you to ensure you understand the policies that will affect you and what your next steps need to be.”
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Head of policy Emily Stubbs said: “While the latest growth figures suggest the UK economy is performing better than some comparable economies, businesses across Greater Birmingham are still facing significant cost pressures. “The £150m fund...will provide welcome support for a number of innovative firms looking to scale. However, it is drawn from existing British Business Bank funding and, on its own, will not address the broader challenges facing businesses across the country. “The Chancellor’s first Budget presents a critical opportunity to turn positive headlines into sustained economic growth. “Businesses do not lack ambition, but many lack the breathing space to invest, recruit and expand. British Chambers of Commerce analysis shows domestic policy costs facing a typical SME have increased by more than 70 per cent over the past decade, with around a quarter of that rise coming since the 2024 Budget. "That is why we are calling on the Government to back business, cut costs and deliver growth through practical, fiscally responsible measures, including reducing employer National Insurance contributions for under-25s, tackling energy and business rate pressures, and restoring locally delivered export support.”
Low labour market figures remain issue Business leaders in Greater Birmingham have called on the Chancellor to use the Autumn Budget to stimulate the job market – with new figures painting a concerning picture for the West Midlands. Office for National Statistics (ONS) data revealed a decline in employment and rise in unemployment in the West Midlands during the three months to July. The picture nationally was more stable. The UK employment rate held steady at 75.1 per cent, as did unemployment at 4.9 per cent. Meanwhile, vacancy numbers across the UK also continued to soften. Early estimates for June to August 2026 point to a fall of 8,000 vacancies (1.1 per cent) to 702,000, compared with March to May 2026. Vacancies have remained broadly flat since the start of the year - down just 16,000 since the January to March period. The total is now at its lowest level outside the pandemic since August to October 2014, when vacancies stood at 701,000.
Emily Stubbs, head of policy at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “The Autumn Budget must give firms the confidence and headroom to create jobs, invest and grow.
‘Businesses want to grow, but they need the right conditions’ “We are calling for employer National Insurance contributions to be cut for under-25s, targeted relief on energy bills and business rates, and the restoration of consistent, locally delivered export support to help more SMEs trade internationally. “Businesses want to grow, but they need the right conditions and practical support to do so. “Our Business Growth Studio Conference this month will help firms navigate complexity and pursue their growth ambitions with confidence.” To book a place at the Business Growth Studio Conference go to: greaterbirminghamchambers.com
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BUSINESS NEWS
Gastro pub CEO to deliver keynote
Driving international status: Mikey Singh
The CEO and co-founder of fastgrowing gastro pub brand Soho Tavern is set to deliver the second keynote of the upcoming Business Growth Studio conference, organised by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC). Mikey Singh will speak about how to set the foundations for growth during the conference, taking place on 13 October at IET Birmingham. As CEO of the Soho Tavern Group, an award-winning chain of Gastropubs, Mikey is leading the charge on national expansion and driving their vision to become an international brand. Mikey also serves as the acting director for Khatkar Property Group & Soho Investment Holding Group, overseeing diverse projects in both housing and commercial developments. The keynote will feature the success story behind Soho Tavern Group, offering practical insight into what it takes to scale a business while staying true to a core identity.
From shaping a clear strategy and managing finances effectively to building a brand that resonates, the session brings real-world lessons to life with honest reflections, actionable advice, and an opportunity to put questions directly to a founder who has successfully navigated rapid growth. Emily Stubbs, head of policy at the GBCC, said: “We are delighted to welcome Mikey Singh as a keynote speaker for this year’s Business Growth Studio conference. His journey with Soho Tavern Group is a fantastic example of how ambition, clear strategy and a strong brand identity can help a business scale successfully.” Access to the full conference is free to all GBCC members. Tickets for non-members are £250 plus VAT and tickets for members of the Future Faces Chamber of Commerce are £75 plus VAT. For more information visit: greaterbirminghamchambers.com
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Think beyond the legal problem By Naz Williams (pictured), director, Afsar Williams Solicitors By then, options may be more limited and the cost of resolving the problem considerably higher.
Prevention is better than reaction For SMEs, proactive legal advice can be one of the most valuable business tools available. A well-drafted employment contract can prevent misunderstandings. Clear commercial agreements can protect relationships and cash flow. Effective credit-control procedures can reduce the need for debt recovery. The same principle applies to immigration. For employers recruiting internationally, sponsor licence compliance, right-to-work checks and visa planning should form part of workforce strategy — not be addressed only when a deadline is approaching.
Your solicitor should know your business I believe the relationship between a business and its solicitor should be more than simply calling when something goes wrong. A good solicitor should understand your business, identify potential risks, challenge assumptions and help you make informed decisions before problems escalate. No business can eliminate risk. But businesses can be better prepared for it. The most valuable legal advice isn't always the advice that wins a dispute. Sometimes, it is the advice that means the dispute never happens. For business legal advice, visit www.afsarwilliams.com call 01952 443432, or email Naz on nw@afsarwilliams.com
Look at the bigger picture For many businesses, legal advice is viewed as a strategic investment rather than simply a solution when something goes wrong. Running a business means managing risk every day. Yet legal advice is often sought only when a problem has already developed: an employee dispute, an unpaid invoice, a contractual disagreement or an immigration issue involving a key member of staff.
Legal issues rarely exist in isolation. An employment dispute can affect productivity and morale. A contractual dispute can damage a valuable commercial relationship. A cash-flow problem can threaten growth. A property decision can create long-term financial obligations. Good legal advice should therefore look beyond the immediate legal question and consider the wider commercial consequences. October 2026 CHAMBERLINK 19
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New Birmingham office for MBO MBO Safety Services, a health and safety consultancy and training provider, has opened a new office in Birmingham. The firm delivers a range of training courses, from nationally recognised accredited qualifications including IOSH, NEBOSH, UKATA, and CITB, to bespoke in-house training programmes tailored to individual business requirements. They also support businesses across the UK with expert advice, compliance support, and practical workplace solutions. To mark MBO Safety Services’ new office opening, Chamber members can receive an introductory 10 per cent discount on all courses delivered at their Birmingham Training Centre by quoting ‘MBOBTC’.
‘The city is full of potential, and we’re excited to be part of its continued growth’ The firm was founded by director Marvin Owen 18 years ago. Since the start, MBO Safety Services has worked closely with colleges, schools, job centres, employers, and members of the Armed Forces community, supporting people in gaining qualifications, enhancing career prospects, and returning to work. Marvin said: “We are delighted to open a new office in Birmingham. The city is full of potential and we’re excited to be part of its continued growth. “Opening our new office in Birmingham allows us to better support our clients, strengthen local partnerships, and create new opportunities for our team and the wider business community.” MBO Safety Services offers a complimentary health and safety audit, providing valuable insight and recommendations to support continual improvement. They also operate a CITB Approved Test Centre for CSCS cards and are currently running a limited promotional offer on CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test and Labourer Card packages. MBO has also achieved Gold status as a NEBOSH approved training provider.
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Depth and progress: Compere Victoria Derbyshire (left), the BBC’s Newsnight host, celebrates with the victorious Wilkes team
Consistency at Wilkes wins corporate law award Wilkes won Corporate Law Firm of the Year (Midsized) at the Insider Midlands Dealmakers Awards 2026, at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole. The firm had been shortlisted across four categories, including individual recognition for senior partner Gareth O’Hara. The win follows a record year for both Wilkes’ corporate department and the firm. The corporate team advised on many deals, in particular the sale of Johnsons Cars, one of the UK's largest independent dealer groups, to AWR Holdings UK Limited, along with the management buyout of Autosmart International and the sale of Complesso Healthcare Solutions to Eden Futures. Wilkes had also been shortlisted for Deal of the Year (£10m–£50m) twice, for the Complesso and Autosmart transactions, and for Deal of the Year (£50m+) for Johnsons Cars. Gareth O’Hara was shortlisted individually for Corporate Lawyer of the Year.
Ellie Holland, managing partner at Wilkes, said: “This is the result of consistent, hard work across the corporate department over a number of years, not one standout deal. “To deliver record fee income, and five shortlistings in the same year shows real depth and the progress that Wilkes is making in this market, and it's fantastic to see this now recognised externally."
‘This is the result of consistent, hard work across the corporate department’ Gareth O’Hara said: “Winning Corporate Law Firm of the Year reflects both the quality of the work, the dedication of our people and the relationships we have with clients and other professionals.” • For more legal news see page 63
digiBeauty platform offers free access Star IT Euro is giving hair, beauty and aesthetics professionals the opportunity to discover its digiBeauty salon growth platform through a new online presentation experience. Rather than requiring salon owners to attend a scheduled webinar or live presentation, businesses can register online and receive access to a dedicated digiBeauty presentation. The presentation provides an opportunity to explore how digiBeauty has been designed to go beyond traditional appointment booking by bringing together digital visibility, salon management, marketing, customer engagement and business growth tools within one integrated platform. Approved users can log in and view the presentation up to three times, allowing them to explore the information at a time that suits them. Reza Pazhoheshnia, founder and CEO of Star IT Euro, said: “We wanted salon owners to be able to discover digiBeauty in their own time, without having to attend a scheduled presentation. “Our aim with digiBeauty is not simply to provide another booking system. We want to help hair, beauty and aesthetics businesses strengthen their digital presence, attract more clients, manage their operations more effectively and build sustainable long-term growth.”
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Jim becomes an LA highway star (with apologies to Deep Purple fans*) Images of Black Sabbath’s original manager have been plastered all over huge billboards on one of the USA’s busiest roads to promote his interview on a new rock music TV show. The 25-foot by 48-foot digital billboards on the Interstate 10 highway outside Los Angeles are promoting Brad’s Basement, launched on Rockefellas TV. Brad’s Basement is presented by Birmingham-born soul, blues and Americana singer Brad Henshaw, and is created at Rockefellas TV's first studio outside of Los Angeles, in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. The show started with the interview with Jim Simpson, Black Sabbath’s first manager from the late 1960s until September 1970, just months after he had arranged the successful release of their legendary albums Black Sabbath and Paranoid. The billboards promoting the show, which have reportedly achieved a total of 3.7 million impressions over one week, are part of the TV station’s advertising campaign across the USA said to be worth more than $24,000 a month.
Alex Garcia, chief executive of Rockefellas TV, is also the owner of AMG Outdoor, which runs the advertising billboards seen on highways across the USA. Garcia said: “Rockefellas TV is currently running on billboards throughout southern California. Most of the Los Angeles static billboards have generic Rockefellas TV ads posted in between other campaigns. But in Banning, California we have designated slots on both sides of the 25-foot by 48-foot digital billboard continuously running 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with weekly changes depending on the
specific show that is scheduled to air a week after the ad goes up.” The billboards switched to pushing the second episode of Brad’s Basement, which interviews Rob Bruce, the man behind the famous Rich Bitch Studios in Selly Oak, Birmingham, once used by the likes of Iron Maiden, Earth Wind
and Fire, Ruby Turner, ELO and Black Sabbath. *For non-heavy-metal fans, Deep Purple’s album hit Highway Star became a hard rock anthem after having moderate success as a single in 1972. They were contemporaries of Black Sabbath.
Interstate exposure: A Jim Simpson billboard outside Los Angeles
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Pioneering partnership to tackle antibiotic resistance A new partnership in Birmingham is helping to develop new ways of treating infections that no longer respond to antibiotics. The partnership is between the Precision Health Technologies Accelerator (PHTA) and Inteliphage, a Belgiumheadquartered bacteriophage technology company developing an integrated platform for personalised phage therapy.
‘Phages are a really promising way of treating infections and could help save lives’ The Precision Health Technologies Accelerator (PHTA) is the University of Birmingham's flagship life sciences innovation facility, based at the Birmingham Health Innovation Campus, where it supports companies developing new healthcare technologies, diagnostics, medicines and medical devices. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health problem. It happens when bacteria change over time and antibiotics stop working against them. Over the
Winning the battle against AMR
past five years alone, the burden of resistance has increased by 40 per cent. With antibiotic treatment options running out, bacteriophages – or phages – are emerging as a complementary weapon in the battle against AMR. A broad category of viruses, phages selectively recognise and attach to susceptible bacterial targets, injecting their own DNA into the bacteria. This process ultimately destroys the targeted bacteria while producing new phages to continue the attack, generally leaving “good” bacteria
and human cells undamaged. David Browning, chief technology officer at PHTA, said: “The University of Birmingham has a strong track record in finding new ways to tackle drug-resistant infections. Working with companies such as Inteliphage allows us to help turn scientific research into treatments that could make a real difference to patients. “Phages are a really promising way of treating infections and could help save lives.” • More health news on page 64.
BCU's Chancellor Ade Adepitan (left) meets with the guests and designers (left to right): Singer songwriter Linda Harrison , Chanelle Avey, Zoe Bennett and Sean Pajarillo
Student designs hit the runway Thirteen talented fashion students and graduates from the Birmingham City University (BCU) took centre stage at London Fashion Week. After years of hard work, the BA and MA designers brought their collections to the iconic Somerset House, showcasing the creativity and talent coming out of
Birmingham to influencers, buyers and fashion journalists from across the industry. BCU is the only university to have exhibited at London Fashion Week this season, following its debut last year. The show attracted industry leaders, including from British Fashion Council.
Among the visitors was Ade Adepitan, BCU’s Chancellor, whose outfit for his role at the Pride of Britain awards is being designed by some of the students. He said: “It’s super important that London Fashion Week shows talent from Birmingham. BCU is sending a message that ‘we’re here’.”
IN BRIEF Birmingham-based OAW Brand Consulting has launched GetScaley, a business platform designed to help SMEs manage growth without becoming reliant on multiple disconnected software tools. The platform was developed after years of the consultancy working with founders and SMEs across various industries, who it says often face the same operational challenges as they grow - relying on separate applications for communication, project management, finance and customer relationship management, a problem the firm describes as “tool fatigue.” Rather than offering another standalone tool, GetScaley combines business management, automation, AIassisted insights, learning resources and expert guidance in a single platform, aiming to simplify operations rather than add to the number of systems businesses must manage. OAW Brand Consulting, who are members of the Greater Birmingham Global Chamber, said the platform was built from practical experience of working alongside founders and identifying barriers preventing businesses from reaching their full potential, rather than being developed in isolation from real business needs. Community groups and young people can now apply for a share of £100,000 to make their neighbourhoods greener and healthier. West Midlands mayor Richard Parker is offering grants of up to £5,000 from the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Circular Economy Call to Action Fund for locally led projects to find new ways of repairing and reusing products and materials to keep them out of landfill. And there’s a dedicated pot for young people, with the Youth Climate Action Fund, set up by the Mayor and the WMCA in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies, with grants of up to £2,500 for initiatives led by 15 to 24year-olds. Groups can join the Community Environment Network and apply for funding at wmca.org.uk
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BUSINESS NEWS
Where do you fancy?
From breakfast through to dinner, Moor Hall is all about choice, quality and enjoying good food in welcoming surroundings.
Breakfast, lunch or dinner…
Moor Hall Hotel & Spa Moor Hall Drive, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B75 6LN
Food and Drink The Oak Room Brasserie offers a varied menu of traditional brasserie favourites and seasonal dishes. As the hotel celebrates 65 years of family ownership, the menu includes a selection of throwback dishes inspired by classic favourites. Breakfast Guests can choose from a full cooked breakfast plus made-toorder eggs and omelettes, and vegetarian and vegan options, alongside cereals, fresh fruit, yoghurts, pastries, breads, meats and cheeses. Freshly brewed coffee, speciality coffees and a
variety of teas are also available, along with locally produced honey from hives just half a mile away. Lunch Bar 1905 serves lunch from 11.30am, offering a varied menu of dining favourites. As well as stone baked pizzas, freshly prepared sandwiches are made with bread from local family-run Gayton’s Bakery, as well as small plates, burgers, grills, salads and classic dishes. Afternoon tea Afternoon tea is available every day from 1pm to 4pm. The pre-order
options include freshly prepared finger sandwiches, scones and cakes and served with a pot of tea or coffee.
E: mail@moorhallhotel.co.uk T: 0121 308 3751 W: www.moorhallhotel.co.uk
Dinner Bar 1905 is perfect for something casual. There are stone-baked pizzas, burgers, pies, grills and other classic favourites for an easy evening meal. In addition, The Oak Room Brasserie offers a relaxed yet elegant dining experience, with a varied menu of traditional brasserie favourites and seasonal dishes. To celebrate 65 years of family ownership, the menu also features a selection of throwback dishes inspired by classic favourites, including king prawn cocktail, beef fillet with chicken liver and mushroom pâté, and Peach Melba. Vegetarian, vegan, halal, NGCI and children’s options are also available through the day.
Head chef: Richard Marshall
Wines The wine list offers a varied selection of wines from around the world, including white, red, rosé and sparkling wines. Wines are available by the glass in 175ml and 250ml measures or by the bottle. Prices range from £6.75 per 175ml glass to £27 per bottle. 24 CHAMBERLINK October 2026
Owner: Webb Hotel Group
Restaurant: The Oak Room Brasserie
Business facilities Whether seeking a quiet space for a meeting, a working lunch or a larger setting for a presentation or corporate event, the hotel offers a range of flexible options.
Conference facilities From smaller boardrooms to larger conference and event spaces, the hotel has a variety of rooms to suit different group sizes and requirements. The largest space, the Charter Suite, can accommodate up to 250 delegates and benefits from a private bar and direct car park access. Day delegate and 24-hour delegate packages are available, with refreshments, working lunches and private dining options available. For more information, contact the events team at events@moorhallhotel.co.uk
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BUSINESS NEWS
Historic cutlery firm feasts on double certificate helping Cutlery manufacturer Arthur Price has achieved both ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification, marking a milestone in the 124-year-old family firm’s quality and sustainability credentials. The dual accreditation follows an extensive independent audit of the Lichfield headquartered-company’s systems, processes and manufacturing operations, confirming it meets internationally recognised standards for quality management and environmental management.
‘Achieving both ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification is a major step for our business’ It comes as customers, retailers and hospitality operators increasingly expect manufacturers to demonstrate robust operational and sustainability standards. ISO 9001 recognises organisations with effective quality management systems that ensure consistency, traceability and continuous improvement, while ISO 14001 covers environmental management, including waste reduction, resource efficiency and environmental impact monitoring. The certification process included a full review of supplier management, manufacturing
Amazing team: Simon and James Price celebrating the dual awarding of ISO 9001 and 14001 with staff at the Lichfield headquarters of Arthur Price
controls, operational procedures and environmental practices. James Price, chief executive of Arthur Price, said: “Achieving both ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification is a major step for our business and reflects the hard work our team has put into strengthening our systems across the company. “For our customers, retailers and hospitality partners, it provides independent assurance that
our products are manufactured to consistently high standards while being produced with environmental responsibility in mind. “Quality and sustainability expectations are quite rightly rising. Achieving ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 ensures our processes meet internationally recognised standards and gives our customers confidence in the consistency and accountability behind our manufacturing.”
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BUSINESS NEWS
Campaign calls for adopters Midlands-based adoption charity and Chamber member Adoption Focus has launched a new campaign to highlight the urgent need for new adopters. The campaign, “They’re Still Waiting” includes a short film featuring a child in a bedroom, with time passing and a suitcase packed, waiting for their forever home. More than 3,000 children are currently in need of adoptive families, yet there are only around half that number of adopters available to care for them. Anna Sharkey, CEO of Adoption Focus, said: “People will often rule themselves out of adopting before they have even spoken to us. This campaign really is to encourage anyone who has ever wondered whether adoption could be for them to take that first step and speak to us.”
Patty firm flies the flag for the Midlands Birmingham-based Jamaican patty manufacturer Island Delight has been named a finalist for the Lloyds Leading SME Business of The Year 2026 at their business excellence awards. The family-owned firm is one of 11 businesses shortlisted in the category and joins a national field of almost 200 finalists across 20 categories. The winners will be announced on 10 November at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London. The awards are headlined by Lloyds Bank, with ITV as media partner. Wade Lyn, CEO of Island Delight, said: “Being named a finalist in the Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards is a huge moment for our team. “This recognition belongs to every one of our employees who gets our product to customers on a daily basis. “We’re proud to be flying the flag for Birmingham at Grosvenor House.”
Huge moment: Wade Lyn
Amanda Murphy, CEO of Lloyds Business and Commercial Banking, said: “Behind every successful business is a story of ambition, determination and innovation. “Inspiring entrepreneurs backing themselves to succeed. That’s exactly what the Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards celebrates. “Island Delight is bringing new ideas, investing in its community and helping drive growth in the UK. “They represent the very best of British enterprise and we're incredibly proud to back them.”
No Government backing: Midlands Air Ambulance
Air Ambulance Charity launches club Midlands Air Ambulance Charity has launched its new business club. It is a free membership community for organisations that recognise the importance of its lifesaving service and want to play an active in sustaining it for future generations. The business club was unveiled during Air Ambulance Week, the national campaign celebrating the vital work of air ambulance charities across the UK and the communities and partners who help keep them operational. The charity provides advanced pre-hospital emergency care across Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, West Midlands and Worcestershire. Its three helicopters and critical care cars respond to serious accidents, medical 26 CHAMBERLINK October 2026
emergencies and life-threatening incidents when every second counts. As an independent charity, Midlands Air Ambulance Charity receives no government funding for its daily operations and relies on donations, fundraising, and community support to remain operational. An exclusive LinkedIn business club hub will provide members with an opportunity to connect with fellow members, promote their businesses, share exclusive offers and discover opportunities to collaborate. Sophia Baker, corporate partnerships lead at Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: “We know that many of the businesses we work with want to do more than support us financially. They want to connect with others, share their
expertise, champion the region and play an active role in supporting a service that benefits us all. “The business club gives organisations the opportunity to do just that. Membership is completely free and brings together a community of businesses that recognise the importance of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity as a strategic regional healthcare asset and want to help ensure our lifesaving service remains there for the people who need us most.” Businesses can join the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity business club for free. To join and for more information go to: midlandairambulance.com/businessclub
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BUSINESS NEWS
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BUSINESS NEWS ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Keeping UK businesses connected to Europe DACHSER UK connects businesses across the West Midlands with European markets through its extensive groupage network and specialist customs expertise. and empty kilometres, alongside investment in renewable energy and alternative drive technologies. For businesses across the West Midlands looking to develop European exports, DACHSER UK provides the infrastructure and expertise to help make that growth possible.
Europe remains a key market For businesses across the West Midlands, European markets continue to offer opportunities for growth. However, getting goods across the UK-EU border requires more than arranging transport. Customs declarations, duties, VAT and documentation have added complexity to international supply chains, making the right expertise important.
Making cross-border trade simpler Smart Border Connect is designed to help UK exporters trading with the EU. For businesses shipping on Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) terms, pre-clearance allows customs formalities to be completed before goods cross the border, helping shipments move efficiently into DACHSER’s network. This means customs, taxes and duties can be managed as part of logistics, while European customers receive goods without managing the import process themselves.
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‘Smart Border Connect is designed to help UK exporters trading with the EU’ Supporting growth sustainably Efficient logistics can contribute to more sustainable supply chains. DACHSER focuses on optimising goods flows, improving vehicle utilisation and reducing unnecessary journeys
Find out how DACHSER UK can support your European exports at www.dachser.co.uk
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BUSINESS NEWS
October 2026 CHAMBERLINK 29
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CHAMBER PATRONS
Chamber Patrons Greater Birmingham Chambers’ leading supporters
Contact: Raj Kandola T: 07815 952462
Bank supremo is QBR speaker The regional accelerator director for NatWest across the Midlands, South West and Wales will be a keynote speaker for the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) Quarterly Business Report Briefing (QBR). Pam Sheemar, who leads NatWest’s entrepreneurship delivery team, will speak at the event on Thursday, 22 October, at Birmingham City University (BCU). With over 20 years’ experience in banking and financial services, Pam has held a range of senior leadership roles, including director for commercial banking, where she led customerfacing teams supporting businesses with turnovers ranging from £2m to £40m. She has also worked extensively as a business mentor and coach, helping entrepreneurs navigate challenges and achieve sustainable growth. Pam has significant expertise in entrepreneurship and business development, having led NatWest’s longest-standing Accelerator programme.
Business development expertise: Pam Sheemar
She has coached and mentored hundreds of start-ups and scale-ups, helping them remove barriers, unlock opportunities and accelerate growth.
As the GBCC flagship economic publication, the Quarterly Business Report is the most comprehensive regular report of its kind in the city-region. Underpinning the report is data gathered from quarterly surveys completed by businesses from across the Greater Birmingham area. The QBR event is delivered in partnership with Chamber patron BCU. Delegates will have the opportunity to receive a copy of the report and watch a detailed presentation of the results and wider trends, followed by an expert panel discussion on investments. GBCC head of policy Emily Stubbs, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Pam Sheemar as the first speaker for the launch of our latest Quarterly Business Report. Her extensive experience supporting businesses at different stages of their growth will add valuable context to the findings of this quarter’s report.” For more details on the free-to-attend event visit: greaterbirminghamchambers.com
Airline partners with Liverpool FC Turkish Airlines will become Liverpool Football Club’s main club partner from 1 June 2027 with the airline’s logo appearing on the front of the men’s, women’s and academy shirts from the start of the 2027/28 season. The airline will replace Liverpool FC’s previous club partners Standard Chartered after a 17-year stint. Turkish Airlines’ CEO Ahmet Olmustur said: “Liverpool is one of the world’s most recognised and respected football clubs, with an exceptional heritage and a truly global community of supporters. “We are very pleased that Turkish Airlines will become the club’s main club partner and that our name will take its place on one of the most iconic shirts in world sport. “As the airline that flies to more countries than any other, connecting people, cultures and continents is at the heart of who we are. “This partnership brings together two global brands united by their international reach, commitment to excellence and ability to inspire millions of people around the world. “The agreement also marks an important new chapter in Turkish Airlines’ long-standing support for global sport. “We believe in the unique power of sport to transcend borders and bring communities together. As we begin this new chapter, we look forward to moving forward together with Liverpool FC and its supporters around the world.” Liverpool FC chief commercial officer Ben Latty said: “This is a milestone announcement for Liverpool FC and we are delighted to welcome Turkish Airlines as our main club partner from June 2027. “The front of the Liverpool shirt holds a special place in the history of our club. Turkish Airlines is a globally recognised organisation with an extensive international network, and we look forward to beginning our partnership and building a strong relationship together, with already strong foundations built from those special memories back in 2005.”
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New bridge: The Saltley Viaduct
First section of HS2 bridge is installed Construction of the Saltley Viaduct moved a step closer after HS2 engineers successfully installed the first section of a new bridge over the Birmingham to Derby railway lines. The original Saltley Viaduct, which spanned a 183 metre section of the B4114, closed to vehicles and pedestrians in May 2026. It was then demolished so that a new, taller structure could be built in its place, allowing high speed trains to safely pass below. The replacement viaduct is being built and installed by engineers working for HS2’s construction partner, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV). The construction programme is being delivered in phases to reflect the complexity of crossing the Birmingham to Derby rail lines, the Birmingham and Warwick Junction Canal, the River Rea and ultimately the future HS2 railway line.
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CHAMBER PATRONS Beyond: The new 80-cover cafe, restaurant and bar
Uni goes above and Beyond at food venues... University College Birmingham (UCB) have revealed details of major refurbishments at the first two College of Food venues to benefit from a £15m investment. This follows the announcement that included the acquisition of The Cube hotel and restaurant. Beyond, a new 80-cover café, restaurant and bar, will open at UCB’s College of Food campus soon. Located at the front of the Summer Row building, Beyond will be open for breakfast and lunch every day, and for dinner from Wednesday to Sunday. Creating 30 new jobs for both full-time employees and students on placements, Beyond’s menu will be small plates-led, featuring sharing dishes that celebrate the diversity of UCB’s students and Birmingham’s heritage, all paired with an extensive wine list. UCB’s existing venue, Restaurant at Birmingham College of Food, is also undergoing major refurbishment. Located inside the Summer Row campus, the restaurant is one of Birmingham’s longest-running dining destinations and offers guests the chance to enjoy top-quality food carefully prepared and served by UCB students, under the guidance of experienced industry professionals.
Guests will be able to access the restaurant through Beyond and enjoy a bigger open-plan space featuring a new finishing kitchen, giving guests the chance to watch the students work. A new bar has also been added. Students will continue to work across both the kitchen and front of house, developing the confidence, skills and experience they need for their future hospitality careers, while guests can enjoy stellar food and service, creative flair and seasonal produce, plus elegant desserts from the restaurant's dedicated pastry section. Restaurant at Birmingham College of Food is open during term time for lunch and dinner, Monday to Friday, and will reopen on 12 October. David Cumberlidge, commercial director, said: “The changes at our Summer Row campus represent a significant step in our commitment to investing in exceptional learning environments for our students. We’re also creating fantastic new experiences for the people of Birmingham and beyond, whether that's enjoying small plates and wine at Beyond, or tasting exemplary dishes at the new-look Restaurant at College of Food.
Under transformation: The College of Food Restaurant
Restaurant bar: New feature
‘Students will continue to work across both the kitchen and front of house, developing the confidence, skills and experience’ "Beyond and the transformed Restaurant at College of Food will give our students new, state-of-the art spaces to learn in, working alongside industry professionals. “We are giving the people of Birmingham and beyond even more reason to visit Summer Row, but also adding new, exemplary
facilities for all of our current and future students, no matter what they are studying.” UCB provides further and higher education, sixth-form provision, apprenticeships and university courses to more than 10,000 students from Birmingham, across the UK and internationally. October 2026 CHAMBERLINK 31
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PREMIER MEMBERS
Premier Members
Drinks industry to prepare for DRS A new deposit return scheme (DRS) will have ‘significant commercial implications’ according to national law firm Clarke Willmott. All parts of the UK plan to launch a DRS in October 2027. It will apply to plastic bottles and metal cans between 150ml and three litres in volume. Declan Goodwin, commercial partner at Clarke Willmott, said: “Although deposits are refundable to consumers, they have significant commercial implications. Pricing structures, invoicing systems, VAT treatment and supply-chain contracts will all need to be reviewed and likely updated.”
Love is blind... the law is not! With Love Is Blind UK returning for its third season on Netflix, a family lawyer is warning that the marriages on the show carry the same legal consequences as any other marriage in England and Wales. Jordan Spalding, a family law specialist at national law firm Clarke Willmott LLP, said: “The fact that a couple fall in love on a reality television programme does not make their marriage any less legally binding. Once they marry, they are subject to the same legal framework as any other married couple.” If a couple realise shortly after the show that they no longer wish to remain married, they cannot immediately begin divorce proceedings. Under the law in England and Wales, parties must have been married for at least one year before applying for a divorce.
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Membership Contact: Gary Birch T: 07971 144059
Greater Birmingham’s leading companies
Significant implications: Declan Goodwin
Premier
AI to boost charity’s online income Air ambulance: In action
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is using artificial intelligence (AI) to transform how donated goods are processed for sale online, helping to generate additional income for its lifesaving service across the region. The technology is being introduced across the charity’s retail network, which includes shops in Hereford, Gloucester, Market Drayton, Merry Hill, Rosson-Wye, Shrewsbury, Stoke-on-Trent, Tipton, Wellington, West Bromwich and Worcester. Provided by Minimist, the new AI-powered listing system enables shop teams to create online listings across platforms such as eBay and Vinted by taking a single photograph of a donated item. In under 30 seconds, the system can generate a complete listing, including a product description, pricing suggestion, size information and virtual model
imagery where appropriate, giving donated goods access to a wider audience while helping retail teams process stock more efficiently. The charity does not receive any Government funding and relies entirely on public generosity to operate its lifesaving service. Amy Petherick, its regional manager, said: “Introducing Minimist is a major step forward for our retail operation. “It allows our shop teams to process more donated items, create professional online listings quicker, easier and reach more buyers through online marketplaces. “Most importantly, every additional sale helps generate vital income to keep delivering our lifesaving service. “This technology has the potential to make a real difference to our fundraising and, ultimately, the communities we serve.”
St Basils’ Big Sleepout returns to Birmingham for 36th year St Basils’ annual Big Sleepout fundraiser returns to Birmingham on Friday, 13 November, with hundreds of participants set to spend the night outdoors at Alexander Stadium to raise money for young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Giving up their beds: St Basils’ supporters
Now in its 36th year, the event challenges supporters to give up a night in their own bed, sleeping in bags and cardboard shelters instead. Alexander Stadium, which hosted the European Athletics Championships this summer, is providing the venue free of charge, meaning more of the money raised can go directly towards supporting young people. Barrie Hodge, director of Income and Social Value at St Basils, said: “We’re really excited to be bringing the Big Sleepout to Alexander Stadium this year.” St Basils supports young people aged 16-25 across the West Midlands who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, providing accommodation, advice and support. To sign up for the sleepout go to: stbasils.org.uk
Investing in members: Claire Daniel-Lepore
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PREMIER MEMBERS
Perfect place: Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
IN BRIEF
Open call for jewellers to exhibit at museum Birmingham Jewellery Biennial is giving jewellery practitioners across the UK the chance to exhibit at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and win thousands of pounds in prize money. The exhibition, themed “Colour”, will run as part of the inaugural Birmingham Jewellery Biennial in May 2027. Organisers and an expert jury are looking for ambitious work that explores colour through traditional and contemporary jewellerymaking techniques. The winning artist will receive £2,000, with £1,500 for second place and a further £2,000
People’s Choice Award to be decided after the exhibition opens. Further prizes are due to be announced. The exhibition is free to enter and open to practitioners at any career stage, with organisers also covering transport costs for selected works. The 12-strong jury includes gemmologist and BBC Antiques Roadshow specialist Joanna Hardy, designer Hannah Martin, whose work has been worn by FKA Twigs and Madonna, and Birmingham City University’s Lee Lapthorne, whose clients include Gucci and Vogue.
Co-founded by Jewellery Quarter Development Trust and Birmingham City University, the Biennial follows Birmingham’s recognition as a World Craft City for Jewellery and Allied Trades in 2025. The festival runs across the Jewellery Quarter and the wider city from 1-31 May 2027. Sophie Morris, exhibition curator, said: “This is a dream project for any curator, and Birmingham is the perfect place to tell the story of why jewellery craft matters. “The exhibition will celebrate the extraordinary skill and creativity that goes into jewellery-making in the UK today.”
Edgbaston Priory Club invests in hospitality space Edgbaston Priory Club has announced a £380,000 investment in the refurbishment and transformation of its bar and bistro facilities. The transformed venue will provide an elevated social and dining experience, offering members a place to enjoy great food and drink, celebrate special occasions, catch up with friends and family, and come together for club events throughout the year.
The new hospitality space was being unveiled as Club 1875, a name that celebrates the Priory’s heritage as it marks over 150 years of sporting excellence and community. Positioned at the heart of the club, Club 1875 will serve as a vibrant social hub, welcoming members for everything from post-match drinks and family meals to coffee catchups and special events. The club’s CEO Claire Daniel-Lepore said: “Edgbaston Priory Club has always been a place that brings people together through sport and community. Club 1875 will build on that tradition, providing a fresh, welcoming environment that reflects the quality and strong sense of community that define our Club. We are excited to open the doors and share this fantastic new space with our members.”
Leading law firm Freeths has advised the management team of Chalkstring Limited on its sale to construction software provider Eque2, a transaction that strengthens Eque2's cloud-based product offering and supports its next phase of growth in the construction technology market. Chalkstring, based in St Paul’s Square, Birmingham, is a cloud-native estimating and cost management software platform built specifically for specialist contractors. For more than nine years, the business has helped construction companies improve project profitability and commercial performance through enhanced visibility of costs, revenue and forecasting. The Freeths team was led by corporate managing associate Olivia Johnson, supported by corporate senior associate Christie Nelson. The Eastside Rooms has expanded the practical support available to organisers planning neuroinclusive events, bringing its guidance, trained team, pre-arrival information and on-site facilities together into a clearer offer for clients and delegates. The approach builds on the venue becoming the first in the UK to achieve Gold Neuroinclusive Venue Accreditation from Welcome Brain Consulting in 2025. Rather than treating the accreditation as an end point, The Eastside Rooms has continued to embed neuroinclusion across the full delegate journey, from the first enquiry and pre-event communication to room setup, arrival, participation and feedback. “Our aim is to make those considerations part of normal planning, not an extra request added at the end.” The Eastside Rooms is encouraging organisers to discuss neuroinclusion at the earliest stage of planning so that useful adjustments can be considered as part of the event design. • For more health news see page 64
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1813 CLUB
1813 Club Greater Birmingham’s leading companies
Contact: Gary Birch T: 07971 144059
Share memories of arboretum The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire is inviting members of the public to help shape its first formal archive by sharing photographs, documents, objects and memories connected to the site as part of archiving remembrance – a heritage project culminating in the creation of the organisation’s first formal archive. Using money raised by National Lottery players, the National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. Thanks to National Lottery players, archiving remembrance will document the creation and development of the Arboretum,
making it one of the UK’s most significant millennium heritage projects. The archive will store oral histories, analogue and digital documents, ledgers, plans, journals, photographs, films and other ephemera directly relating to the Arboretum’s development as a visitor destination.
‘The Arboretum holds the collective memory of our nation’ Working with team members past and present, supporters, individuals and communities connected to the Arboretum, the project aims to ensure the stories
of those who shaped this special place are preserved and shared with future generations. The archive will show how the Arboretum was created and reflect its continuing role in contemporary Remembrance. The Archiving Remembrance project team have been cataloguing and digitising materials already held in the Arboretum’s collection since May, 25 years since the site officially opened to the public. They are now seeking contributions from the wider public. “The Arboretum holds the collective memory of our nation, but the story of how this special place came to be is still being written,” said Aaron Rossi, exhibitions and heritage manager.
“As we mark 25 years since opening to the public, we want to hear from the people who have helped shape the Arboretum's story. “We’re particularly interested in photographs, documents, objects and memories that help tell the story of the Arboretum itself, its creation, development and impact over the past 25 years. Together, these contributions will help us preserve the history of this site and the people connected to it for future generations.” Archiving Remembrance will culminate in a special exhibition opening onsite later this autumn, followed by a publication offering new opportunities for visitors to explore the Arboretum’s unique heritage and the stories.
Warning issued by logistics expert Continued growth: Ashley Brown
Johnsons Coaches opens new depot Johnsons Coaches, part of The Coach Travel Group, has announced the opening of a new operational depot in Smethwick, Birmingham. The move marks a significant milestone in the company’s continued growth and strengthening its presence across the Midlands. The new depot has capacity for up to 20 vehicles, with the Birmingham operation expected to expand in phases as demand continues to grow. The site will be supported by a dedicated team of drivers, engineering staff and service delivery supervisors. Designed as a fully operational base, the new facility includes a coach wash, engineering workshop, office space, staff welfare facilities and on-site parking. The investment will enable Johnsons Coaches to support its growing customer base while maintaining high standards of operational efficiency and service delivery. The strategic location of the new Smethwick depot will allow Johnsons Coaches to position vehicles closer to key customers across Birmingham and the wider Midlands. 34 CHAMBERLINK October 2026
Logistics experts Simpex Express has warned firms on the new UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) changes happening next year, calling for clear monitoring and record keeping. From 1 January 2027, UK CBAM will apply to certain imports within the aluminium, cement, fertiliser, hydrogen, iron and steel sectors. For affected businesses, CBAM will bring new responsibilities around identifying relevant goods, monitoring import values, record keeping, reporting and ultimately accounting for any CBAM liability. Simpex Express also warns businesses about the difference between UK CBAM and EU CBAM. The UK scheme has its own rules and calculations and businesses should not assume that goods which have already been subject to EU CBAM have automatically been dealt with for UK purposes. Where an eligible carbon price has already been paid overseas, relief may be available, but this will still need to be considered under the UK rules. Gary Smith-Watson, managing director of Samphire Customs, said: “CBAM is another example of why
Importer’s responsibility: Gary Smith-Watson
customs is about much more than completing a declaration. “The responsibility remains with the importer, but having an experienced customs agent and making sure the correct information is recorded from the outset will become increasingly important.”
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1813 CLUB
Consumer confidence on the rise in the West Midlands The West Midlands has been recognised as one of the UK’s most optimistic regions in a customer sentiment survey conducted by PwC UK. The survey, a barometer of consumers’ spending intentions, shows a positive consumer sentiment balance of +11 per cent in the West Midlands, up significantly from the steep fall experienced in April of – 16 and +2 per cent in January. One-third (33 per cent) of consumers in the region said their household financial situation was better than a year ago, compared with 22 per cent who said it was worse. The findings suggest West Midlands consumers are demonstrating greater resilience than many other parts of the country, despite ongoing pressures on household budgets and concerns about the wider economy. While confidence has strengthened considerably across the region, consumers are not free from concern. Rising household costs continue to weigh on many households, with 85 per cent of West Midlands consumers concerned about the rising cost of everyday essentials over the next 12 months.
Unlocking opportunities: Joga Singh
PwC stalwart to take on new role
Consumers positive: Sarah Phillips
The West Midlands also stands out for its Christmas spending intentions. Around 31 per cent of consumers in the region expect to spend more on Christmas shopping and celebrations this year, compared with 17 per cent who expect to spend less. Sarah Phillips, leader of Midlands retail and consumer markets at PwC UK, said: “Confidence has made a striking comeback, with consumers in the West Midlands feeling more positive than they were earlier this year. “Households are showing a greater willingness to spend as we approach the festive season, however optimism remains cautious rather than carefree. “For retailers, the months ahead will be about responding to a consumer who is feeling more confident but is still carefully weighing up every spending decision. Getting the balance right will be key.”
Medilink Midlands chair takes to the skies for Invictus Games Medilink Midlands chair Martin Levermore (pictured) took to the air to complete a tandem skydive at Hinton Airfield in Brackley to fundraise for the Birmingham 2027 Invictus Games. Funds were also raised for the Mercian Regimental Association, of which Martin is a lifetime member. The Mercian Regiment, known as “The Heart of England’s Infantry”, was formed in 2007 and carries forward the traditions and heritage of regiments from across the Midlands, including the Staffordshire Regiment. Martin’s support for the Mercian Regimental Association reflects his long-standing connection as a lifetime member. Martin is also a trustee of Invictus Games Birmingham 2027. With these shared connections to the Games and the Armed Forces community, Martin is calling on the life sciences and medtech community to get behind his fundraising challenge. He said: “The Invictus Games are about much more than sport. They provide an opportunity to recognise the determination, resilience and achievements of those who have served. “I was delighted to take on the challenge of a tandem skydive to help raise funds for Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 and the Mercian Regimental Association. I hope our Medilink Midlands network will get behind these two important causes.”
PwC UK has appointed Joga Singh as regional market leader for its central region, which includes its offices in Birmingham, East Midlands, Cardiff and Bristol. He will also take on the role of market senior partner for PwC’s Birmingham office. Having started his career in audit in PwC’s Birmingham office more than 35 years ago, Joga brings extensive experience of leading complex client engagements as a deals partner, specialising in capital markets, structuring and accounting advisory. He most recently served as chief financial and administrative officer for strategy and value creation and chief operating officer for PwC’s Risk Services business. He will lead PwC’s business across the Central Region, working with clients, communities and stakeholders. He said: “I’m proud to take on this role and look forward to working with our people, clients and communities to help unlock those opportunities, support sustainable growth and strengthen the Central Region’s reputation on a national and international stage.” Emma Suchland, head of regions at PwC UK, said that Joga “...has built his career here and brings a strong understanding of its markets, communities and opportunities, alongside deep experience supporting clients to solve complex problems.”
Joga’s strong understanding: Emma Suchland
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INTERNATIONAL TRADE
International Trade Warning ahead of rule changes WM International has issued a warning to UK manufacturers exporting goods to the European Union ahead of impending rule changes. The Birmingham-based freight and customs firm is urging manufacturers to check whether their products will be affected by the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The company has also outlined the changes coming into force at the EU border from 30 December, and what exporters need to have in place to ensure their goods can continue to enter the EU. EUDR covers seven commodities – cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soya and wood and the products made from them. Furniture, pallets and packaging, paper and print, tyres and rubber components, chocolate and coffee products all sit on the list. From 30 December, 2026, goods on that list cannot be released into the EU without a Due Diligence Statement (DDS) lodged in one of the EU's information systems. The statement confirms the commodity was produced legally and on land that was not deforested after the end of 2020. Its reference number has to appear on the EU import declaration. The legal obligation sits with whoever places the goods on the EU market, usually your EU customer or their importer. But the statement can only be made with information that comes from the supply chain – and if you are the manufacturer, you are the supply chain. WM International says customers will need to know where the wood, rubber, coffee or cocoa in their product came from, down to the plot of land where it was grown.
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T: 0121 725 8994 E: ibh@birmingham-chamber.com
Seminar to explore trading with Germany The German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce and the City of Düsseldorf are holding a seminar on exploring business opportunities in Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia. The event, taking place in London on 29 October, is aimed at British companies interested in expanding into Germany and gaining access to opportunities within the European Single Market.
‘Germany continues to offer considerable opportunities for British companies’ North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) is Germany’s largest economic region which offers an attractive location for international companies seeking to establish or strengthen their presence in continental Europe. The programme will provide insights into the postBrexit economic relationship between Germany and the United Kingdom, business opportunities in NRW
and Düsseldorf, and practical considerations for entering the German market. Speakers will include representatives of the German Embassy London, the German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce, NRW.Global Business, the City of Düsseldorf and companies with experience of operating in Germany. Dr Ulrich Hoppe, director general of the GermanBritish Chamber of Industry & Commerce, said: “Germany continues to offer considerable opportunities for British companies. “This seminar will provide practical information, expert guidance and valuable contacts for businesses considering expansion into the German market.” The seminar will take place at the German House, 34 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8QB, with registration at 9.30am and the programme beginning at 10am. For more information contact Sven Riemann on 020 7976 4185 or email s.riemann@ahk-london.co.uk or visit: grossbritannien.akh.de
IM Properties hails robust balance sheet amid investment cycle Privately-owned investor developer IM Properties is continuing to invest significantly in its future development pipeline across both the UK and US, underpinned by a robust balance sheet. IM Properties reported turnover of £175.5m for the year ending December 2025, up from £129.3m in 2024, with a profit before tax of £5.5m. Adjusted for interest on shareholder and related company loans, the business delivered an adjusted return of £8.2m before tax. Kevin Ashfield, the recently appointed managing director and UK development director of IM Properties, said: “During 2025, significant capital continued to be deployed into projects expected to
generate stronger returns over the medium and longer term, including major development opportunities in the UK alongside continued investment in our growing US portfolio.” In the US, IM Properties’ IM Kensington Developments joint venture is now progressing 10 live projects across Illinois, Colorado and Arizona with a combined gross development value in excess of $875m, alongside continued investment in its flagship mixed-use development at Brookfield, Wisconsin. At year end, IM Properties had net assets of £538m, up from £508m in 2024, with cash deposits of approximately £58m and total liquidity of around £100m through cash and available banking facilities.
Strong balance sheet: Kevin Ashfield
Kevin continued: “Schemes of the scale we are delivering require substantial investment over several years before value and profit are ultimately realised, which inevitably creates peaks and troughs in reported annual results. “We are able to manage these fluctuations through our strong balance sheet, and a core investment portfolio which generates the cash to allow us to continue investing through the cycle.”
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INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Global Chamber Patrons
Chamber takes part in IDOB celebrations
Valuable contacts: Dr Ulrich Hoppe
UK Export Finance strengthens team UK Export Finance (UKEF), the UK Government’s export credit agency, has appointed Mark Sankey as export finance manager for Black Country, Staffordshire and Shropshire. The appointment brings together more than 25 years of experience supporting businesses across the West Midlands, including a significant period with Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, where Mark served as an international trade adviser and head of international trade team. In his new role, Mark will work with businesses, banks and intermediaries to raise awareness of UKEF’s government-backed finance and insurance solutions and help more firms realise their international growth ambitions. Mark said: “The Black Country, Staffordshire and Shropshire are home to some of the UK's most
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) joined the city-wide International Day of Birmingham (IDOB) celebrations. The event – which recognises the Second City and its people, alongside sister Birminghams around the world – has become an annual celebration since beginning life on Joe Lycett’s Sky TV show United States of Birmingham. Organisers assembled a cast including artists, astronauts, ballet dancers, chefs, comedians, historians, musicians, politicians and poets for the 2026 festivities. This year’s initiatives include The House That Brum Built, with 10 of Birmingham Council House’s grandest rooms being turned into a “Brummie bazaar” of art exhibitions, a botanical garden, a community cinema, workshop spaces and a pop-up Irish pub. Events kicked off with a FlashBab in Victoria Square,
where visitors were invited to join a communal chant of “Alright bab” ahead of the official flagraising ceremony with the Lord Mayor of Birmingham and city legend Mr Egg. The Chamber is a supporting partner in this year’s International Day of Birmingham through its Brumbassadors initiative. Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of the GBCC, said: “International Day of Birmingham has grown into a genuine celebration of the city’s identity, its achievements and its global connections – powered by people who simply decided Birmingham deserved a moment in the spotlight. “I often hear from our business community that Birmingham’s story is too often told by people looking in from the outside – and it doesn't reflect the city we know and love. “This was our chance to seize the narrative. The Chamber is proud to be a partner in IDOB.”
‘International Day of Birmingham has grown into a genuine celebration of the city's identity’
Researchers join exchange programme Transforming businesses: Mark Sankey
innovative and internationally ambitious businesses. Throughout my career I’ve seen how exporting can transform a business. “I’m excited to join UK Export Finance and help more businesses understand the range of government-backed support available.”
Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence (AIME), TU Dresden and The Dresden Trust have announced the first four recipients of their new early career researcher exchange programme between the West Midlands and Dresden in Germany. The Bridging the Membrane early career researcher exchange programme was launched at a scientific symposium at TU Dresden in July 2026, funded by the British Council Springboard programme. The annual programme supports networking and career development for membrane researchers at the start of their careers. It enables two-way international research secondments between Aston University, the University of Warwick, University of Birmingham, Coventry University and TU Dresden. October 2026 CHAMBERLINK 37
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ABCC Updates and useful information from the largest ethnic support organisation in the UK Contact: Katrina Raipuri T: 07971 144080
Charity night to raise funds Anawim, Birmingham’s Centre for Women, has announced a night of celebration to mark their 40th anniversary. It will take place at the Irish Centre in Kings Heath on 13 November and will be hosted by local legend and celebrity housewife Barbara Nice. Key highlights during the night will include a raffle with a bespoke two-piece suit and shirt worth £2000 up for grabs from Clements and Church. A famous TV comedian will also be in attendance together with a DJ. Holly Rackham, Anawim’s corporate partnerships and philanthropy officer, said: “We’re so excited to announce this event. It’s a real chance to pay tribute to the work of the last 40 years, and to raise much needed funds for whatever comes next.” Anawim was founded in 1986 by two pioneering nuns, Sister Magdalene Matthews and Sister Maisie Nevin. They decided to open their Balsall Heath home as a dropin centre to women in the local community who were involved in sex work and vulnerable to exploitation. The Sisters were struck by the difference it made for women to have a safe space, a warm drink and a listening ear. Somewhere without judgement, to meet other women who cared deeply about their wellbeing. Over the years Anawim has grown and now has around 70 staff. More than 2,000 women access their services every year. Anawim also offers holistic gender and trauma responsive care to any woman who comes through the doors. Their campaigning influences government policy, and the data is used in research papers. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities go to: anawim.co.uk
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College extends its lasting support by backing awards A Birmingham education and training provider has been named headline sponsor of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce’s 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner and awards ceremony. Longstanding ABCC members South & City College (SCCB) will support the event, taking place at Birmingham Town Hall on 10 March next year. With seven campuses and specialist centres located across Birmingham, SCCB offers a wide range of programmes from entrylevel qualifications through to degree-level study, helping learners develop the skills, knowledge and confidence required for further study, employment and career progression. The college plays a significant role in supporting Birmingham’s skills agenda, working closely with businesses and industry partners to provide workforce development, technical training and professional education that responds to employer needs. SCCB places a strong emphasis on high-quality
teaching and learning, supported by a dedicated leadership team and a strategy designed to promote educational excellence across all areas of provision.
Alongside its educational provision, the college offers a range of support services for students, parents and schools, helping learners make informed decisions about their future education and careers. Mike Hopkins, SCCB’s principal and chief executive, said: “South & City College Birmingham is incredibly proud to be the headline sponsor for the ABCC this year. “We have supported and sponsored the ABCC, and before it, the Institute of Asian Businesses (IAB) for well over 25 years. In that time, we have seen it grow in status and influence, and it is now a key part of the GBCC and the wider business community. “We have sponsored categories for years and were a previous headline sponsor and this reflects our ongoing commitment and support both to the ABCC and to the Asian Businesses and Asian businessmen Supported ABCC for over 25 years: and women in our Mike Hopkins, of South & City College region.”
ABCC women’s network hosts feel-good movement session The Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) held a wellbeing-focused networking event exclusively for women. The free event was held at JST Mve personal training gym with both members and non-members attending. Participants took part in a feel-good movement session and gained expert insights from legal and financial professionals including Mixed Martial Arts fighter Rosi Sexton, financial adviser Jay Dhaliwal and ABCC President Monica Ghai. Monica, who is also a legal director at Shakespeare Martineau LLP, said: “Taking time to look after our wellbeing can often be one of the first things to fall down the list when we’re busy building our careers. “This event was a great opportunity to step away from the day-to-day, recharge and connect with other women in a relaxed and supportive environment. Our women’s network is about more than just networking but looking at all aspects of how busy working lives and what we can do to help us reach our goals.”
Recharging: Delegates at the wellbeing event
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ABCC PREMIER+ PARTNERS
ABCC Patrons
Bank and airport fly in to support Diwali Preparations for the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce Diwali celebrations are well under way with major sponsors and a speaker announced. Barclays are headline sponsors and Birmingham Airport is among the supporting sponsors. Diwali – the festival of light – celebrates the victory of good over evil and light over darkness and is a time of year when families, friends and communities come together in a spirit of celebration and joy. It is an important celebration among Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. Bringing together business leaders, entrepreneurs, community leaders and professionals, this event will explore how the timeless principles of Diwali can inspire modern leadership, organisational growth and positive change. Barclays is a British multinational universal bank with over 325 years of history, operating globally across retail, corporate, investment, and wealth management services. The bank provides retail banking, credit cards, corporate and investment banking, and wealth management services, serving over 48 million customers globally. Paul Faulkner, vice-chairman of Barclays Midlands, said: “Barclays
are delighted to be sponsoring the Chamber’s Diwali business networking event this year as part of our wider commitment to the region and our local business communities.” Since welcoming its first flight in 1939, Birmingham Airport has grown into a major international hub, serving millions of passengers each year and supporting business, tourism and trade across the region. Birmingham Airport’s passenger volumes reached 1,575,318 in August, making it the airport’s busiest July to date and 3.7 per cent up on last July’s record. Jo Roberts, head of corporate affairs and marketing at Birmingham Airport, said: “Birmingham Airport is delighted to support the Chamber as a sponsor of the Diwali Business networking event. “The Midlands is home to the largest Indian diaspora outside London, with Birmingham hosting the UK’s third-largest Marathi community. “As this community continues to grow, Birmingham Airport is proud to support its connectivity needs through direct flights to Amritsar and Delhi, as well as convenient one-stop connections across India via Emirates,
Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, KLM, Air France and Lufthansa.” Sunny Vara, founder and CEO of Cybercy Group, has been confirmed as a panellist at the event. Cybercy is an international cyber security, data protection and AI enablement consultancy with offices in the UK, UAE and India. His mission to help organisations innovate and grow their businesses, utilising AI from a solid foundation of protected data and cyber resilience. Sunny’s journey into cyber security began after becoming the victim of a serious fraudulent cyber attack. Determined to understand how it happened and prevent others from experiencing the same, he built Cybercy. This event is free for all ABCC members, with two delegates allowed per company. Additional tickets can be purchased. Tickets are priced at £30 plus VAT for Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce members and £15 plus VAT for Future Faces members. Non-member tickets are priced at £40 plus VAT. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for the event. Email events@birmingham-chamber.com for more information.
Supporting community: Jo Roberts
Commitment: Paul Faulkner
Utilising AI: Sunny Vara
Spirit of celebration: Last year’s Diwali
‘Diwali – the festival of light – celebrates the victory of good over evil and light over darkness’ October 2026 CHAMBERLINK 39
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CANNOCK CHASE CHASE CHAMBER PATRONS
Contact: Richard Brooks T: 07796 242029
Championing local community Neil Betts, vice president of Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce, has launched Chasebassadors, a growing business community network across the district to bring local entrepreneurs, tradespeople and business owners together. The first meeting of the Chasebassador network took place at Fallow Forest café with Dave James featuring as the guest speaker. Dave is a speaker coach, who has had a successful career in healthcare as a A&E nurse and podiatrist. He has a postgraduate certificate in mindfulness, and has co-founded a men’s meditation group. Fifty-seven delegates attended the session on confident public speaking for business owners, before the morning closed with open networking. The group now has a membership of 168. Neil, who also founded business consultancy Go True North, said: “Cannock Chase has always had bags of entrepreneurial talent. But what it has needed is a proper place for people to show up, meet each other, enhance their skills together, and back one another.”
First meeting: The Cannock Chase ambassadors
Richard Brooks, head of Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce, said: “We’re delighted to be part of the Chasebassadors community. It is exactly the kind of grassroots initiative that helps create stronger connections, new opportunities and a louder voice for local enterprise.”
Fantastic venue: Ben Bradley (left) and Chris Cousins
Visibility boost for Beau Desert golf club Cosmik Carrot, the digital marketing agency based in Cannock Chase, has helped Beau Desert Golf Club grow its organic search visibility since taking on the club’s online presence. Beau Desert is one of England’s finest heathland courses, designed by renowned golf architect Herbert Fowler. Since Cosmik Carrot came on board, mobile searches finding the club have risen 156 per cent, and enquiries reaching the club have increased. The club is ranked number one in the West Midlands and 47th nationally by National Club Golfer. Ben Bradley, founder and director of Cosmik Carrot, said: “Beau Desert Golf Club is a fantastic addition to our client base, and one we’re proud to have on board. It’s an outstanding club with a story that deserves to be seen by more people, and these first few months have shown how quickly the right approach can move the needle.” Chris Cousins, golf manager of Beau Desert Golf Club, said: “Our clubhouse and its setting make it a fantastic venue and we’re keen for more people to discover everything Beau Desert has to offer.” 40 CHAMBERLINK October 2026
Supporting Chaseambassadors: Richard Brookes (left) and Neil Betts
LGR plans pause causes confusion The decision to halt local government reorganisation in the UK, including Staffordshire, will add to the confusion for businesses and residents, according to business leaders in the area. Local government secretary Angela Rayner announced the halt following legal advice which suggested the plans might not comply with the law. Alongside Staffordshire, local government reorganisation has been paused in 13 areas while a review is carried out. The government also confirmed local elections in May 2027 would go ahead on existing council boundaries. Ruth Fleet, senior policy adviser at the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “It is important that the Government gets Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) right, and so the decision to reassess proposals that have proved controversial is entirely reasonable.
Reasonable: Ruth Fleet
“However, this is not the case in Staffordshire, where there has been no formal challenge to the LGR decision set out in July. “Pausing all LGR plans across the country, just weeks after making a decision, can only add to the confusion for businesses and local residents. “LGR is designed to lay the groundwork for more effective devolution of power. “The Government needs to act quickly to finalise this process so that local authorities can work to make this reorganisation as smooth as possible.”
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BURTON & DISTRICT BURTON & DISTRICT CHAMBER PATRONS
Contact: Richard Brooks T: 07796 242029
Bringing Burton businesses together Burton & District Chamber of Commerce has launched a new Business in Burton event, bringing together local businesses for a morning of networking, learning and making valuable new connections, with all proceeds going to Kids Village charity. The free-to-attend will take place on Wednesday, 18 November, at Branston Golf & Country Club from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm. Alexander Accountancy has been announced as the headline sponsor with Burton and South Derbyshire College supporting as the event partner.
‘I’m really looking forward to seeing businesses from across the area come together for this event’ Businesses are invited to meet fellow professionals from across Burton and the surrounding area, strengthen existing relationships and hear from a range of expert speakers covering key business topics. Attendees will also have the opportunity to showcase their organisation through dedicated
networking opportunities. Businesses taking part are invited to make a £20 donation on arrival to Kids’ Village, Burton & District Chamber’s Charity of the Year. The event also features a keynote address with Peter the Speaker who recently made a successful pitch on Dragon’s Den. Other highlights include two insightful short business seminars from mental health and wellbeing coach Claire Reeves and David Alexander, chairman of Alexander Accountancy. Burton Chamber president Rob Page said: “As President of the Burton & District Chamber, I’m really looking forward to seeing businesses from across the area come together for this event. Burton has a fantastic business community, and this is a great opportunity for businesses to showcase what they do, make new connections and perhaps start conversations that wouldn’t otherwise happen. “It’s also a chance for us, as a Chamber, to demonstrate the role we can play in supporting, connecting, and encouraging local businesses. I’m a big believer that when businesses in our area talk to each other, work together, and support one another, the whole business community benefits.”
Shaping the future: Patrick Doherty and Laura O’Carroll
AI Global Media duo earn qualifications Two talented individuals from Burton-based AI Global Media have achieved Masters’ level qualifications via the National Apprenticeship Scheme. Awards manager Laura O’Carroll and digital marketing manager Patrick Doherty completed the Level 7 senior leader course, equivalent to a Masters’ degree academically, with both gaining a Distinction. AI Global Media founder and director Kathryn Hall said: “Both Laura and Patrick are supporting us in shaping the future of AI Global Media. “These two customer-focused individuals are passionate about offering fantastic service. We’re excited to see what we can achieve with the strategic way of thinking these senior leadership course completions will bring.”
IN BRIEF Alexander Accountancy chairman David Alexander has talked about his personal journey and the professional challenges he has overcome in a one-hour radio interview. David spoke about his life and career when he appeared on Burton Radio on The Business Hour, the weekly show hosted by Richard Brooks, head of Burton & District Chamber of Commerce and Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce. David discussed his efforts at running his own business in the 1980s, which led to the later success of Alexander Accountancy, now based in Wetmore Road, Burton upon Trent. A guide dogs charity group at Swadlincote is urging local businesses to help make a difference for people living with sight loss. Guide Dogs’ Swadlincote and District Fundraising Group, new members of Burton and District Chamber of Commerce, say there are multiple ways for businesses and their employees to get involved with the charity. Businesses interested in getting involved can contact volunteer group coordinator Clodagh Howcroft on 07852 531492 or email clo.howcroft@outlook.com
Bedding down: Fundraisers from last year’s event
YMCA Burton’s annual sleepout to make its return YMCA Burton’s annual fundraising event, Sleepout, will return on Friday, 6 November, with organisers encouraging supporters to save the date and help make this year’s event the biggest yet. Sleepout is a chance to spend the night sleeping outdoors to raise awareness and fundraise for YMCA Burton, which operates homeless outreach facilities, housing, foodbank,
affordable furniture through their shops and mediation and counselling services in the East Staffordshire Borough area. The event, in its 18th year, will be held at Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium and the XTREME event at St Modwen’s church graveyard. For more information and sponsorship opportunities visit burtonymca.org/sleepout October 2026 CHAMBERLINK 41
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LICHFIELD & TAMWORTH LICHFIELD & TAMWORTH CHAMBER PATRONS Contact: Charlie Elliott T: 07753 453624
Canal connection closer
Fantastic boost: Derek Lord
A major milestone has been reached in the restoration of the Lichfield Canal following investment from Lichfield District Council. Volunteers from Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust (LHCRT) have completed 85 metres of new canal at Gallows Reach off Tamworth Road, allowing the restored section to hold water for the first time. The milestone follows Lichfield District Council's award of £200,000 in Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding to support Phase 2 of the Gallows Reach restoration project. CIL is funding collected from new developments and invested by the council into infrastructure projects which support communities across Lichfield District. The council’s £200,000 contribution is supporting essential materials needed to restore a 225-metre section of canal, including sheet piling for the canal sides and a watertight lining for the canal bed. The completed 85-metre section has now been bunded to retain water, marking an important step
towards bringing the wider stretch of canal back into use. As well as contributing towards the Trust's long-term ambition of reconnecting the Lichfield Canal to Huddlesford Junction, the Gallows Reach project will create a traffic-free pedestrian route linking the new communities at Cricket Lane and St John’s Grange. The restoration will also create new habitats for wildlife, enhance biodiversity and provide an improved green corridor for residents and visitors. Derek Lord, LHCRT planning and technical trustee, said: “This funding has been a fantastic boost for the project, and we are extremely grateful to Lichfield District Council for their support. “Completing and watering the initial section shows exactly how this investment is delivering real, visible progress, bringing us another step closer to reconnecting the Lichfield Canal to Huddlesford Junction. With this first milestone now reached, we’ve already begun the next stages of restoration at Gallows Reach.”
Tamworth firm named in parliamentary report Tamworth-based science and technology company PI-KEM has been highlighted in a parliamentary report celebrating small and medium-sized businesses taking British expertise into international markets. PI-KEM Ltd was selected to represent Tamworth in The Power of Place, a campaign from the All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Trade and Investment. The report looks at the contribution SME exporters make to their local communities and the wider UK economy, with MPs from five areas championing businesses from their constituencies. PI-KEM, which is based in Tamworth and exports to more than 40 countries, was selected as one of the businesses representing the town. The company supplies specialist materials that support scientific research. The report also highlights PI-KEM’s technical product knowledge and its ability to provide bespoke materials for research where required. The parliamentary recognition follows another significant year for the Tamworth business. PI-KEM expanded its offices in 2024 and was named Tamworth Business of the Year in the Tamworth, Sutton, Lichfield & Tamworth and Cannock Chase Chambers of Commerce Awards 2026.
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Tasty treat: Visitors could get biscuits printed with their own pictures
Arriva unveils low-emission bus fleet at popular festival Arriva has showcased its new fleet of ultra-low emission buses for Tamworth at the popular Road, Rail and Ale Festival at Statfold Country Park. The launch marks Arriva’s £2.5m investment in local bus services. The new Euro VI Enviro 200 fleet will operate across the Tamworth town network and is expected to deliver a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of around 15 per cent, while saving approximately four tonnes of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions annually and helping to reduce particulate matter.
Visitors to the two-day festival had the opportunity to see the new vehicles up close, meet members of the Arriva team and learn more about the bus services that connect communities across Tamworth and beyond. Toby France, commercial director - Midlands at Arriva UK Bus, said: “We’re delighted to have unveiled our new ultra-low emission fleet at one of Staffordshire’s most popular community events. “This £2.5m investment demonstrates our commitment to providing customers in Tamworth with modern, comfortable and reliable bus services, while reducing our environmental impact.”
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ROYAL SUTTON COLDFIELD CHARITY OF THE YEAR
Contact: Charlie Elliott T: 07753 453624
One-day course to help business leaders grow Business leaders, managers and communications professionals will have the opportunity to develop practical skills for leading people through organisational change with a new one-day course delivered by two Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce members. “Building for Change: A practical, hands-on approach to leading and communicating organisational change” will take place at Shire House, Birmingham Road, Lichfield, on Wednesday, 21 October. The course has been developed by experienced change professionals Helen Walker, of Mayhew Walker Consulting, and
Louise Grifferty, of Ignite Communications. It brings together expertise in change management, leadership and strategic communication to help participants understand not only how to plan change, but how to engage people and make that change last.
‘Building for Change brings leadership and communication together’ The interactive day will combine established change-management theory with practical tools and
Understanding change: Louise Grifferty
Right conditions: Helen Walker
hands-on activities, including the LEGO Serious Play method. Participants will explore their own responses to change, learn how to build and communicate a compelling case for change, identify key stakeholders and look at how they can anticipate and respond to resistance. Louise said: “Building for Change brings leadership and communication together. We want
participants to leave with a clearer understanding of how people experience change and a practical plan they can use in their own workplace.” Helen added: “Change management is not simply about following a process. “Successful change depends on creating the right conditions for people to engage, adapt and move forward.”
New partnership supports pioneering radio station
‘Incredibly proud”: The Razzamataz team
A partnership has signalled a promising new future for two West Midlands businesses. BRMB returned to Birmingham’s airwaves in 2023, nearly 50 years after its original launch in 1974, when it became the first English commercial radio station outside London and one of the UK’s pioneering Independent local radio stations. It is fondly remembered as one of Birmingham’s most iconic stations and helped launch the careers of many household names. Razzamataz Sutton Coldfield, a theatre school serving North Birmingham, instantly liked BRMB’s mission and what they are trying to achieve and a partnership was formed. Razzamataz Sutton Coldfield are now headline sponsors of BRMB’s Drive Time and they will work together to champion the local community and position themselves at the trusted forefront of entertainment and culture in the West Midlands. Luke Crawford, of BRMB, says: “We’re incredibly proud to have Razzamataz Sutton Coldfield sponsoring our Drive Time show on BRMB. Razzamataz is a fantastic organisation doing important work with young people across the local community, helping them discover their confidence and creativity through dance, drama and singing.”
Amazon donation: 1,200 hygiene kits
Amazon Sutton Coldfield donates hygiene kits Amazon in Sutton Coldfield has donated 1,200 hygiene kits to Soroptimist International of Sutton Coldfield to support its Standing Up for Women and Girls initiative. The donation will help provide essential hygiene products to women and girls in the community, supporting those experiencing hardship. Soroptimist International of Sutton Coldfield is part of a global volunteer organisation that works to improve the lives of women and girls through education, empowerment and community action. Mya Vadan, an employee at Amazon in Sutton Coldfield, said: “We’re delighted to support Soroptimist International of Sutton Coldfield and the fantastic work they do for women and girls.” October 2026 CHAMBERLINK 43
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SOLIHULL
All the latest news, advice and events for the Solihull business community Contact: Samantha Frampton T: 0121 678 7488
Fantastic milestone: Tony Elvin
Shopping centre’s anniversary is marked with a day of fun... Touchwood celebrated its 25th anniversary with a day of activities, special offers, prizes and fundraising for Acorns Children’s Hospice. Visitors joined the celebrations at the Solihull destination, which marked the milestone with a host of entertainment, exclusive offers and opportunities to win prizes. Since opening in 2001, Touchwood has become an established part of Solihull town centre, welcoming millions of visitors and evolving from a traditional shopping centre into a destination bringing together shopping, dining, leisure and experiences. Seventeen of the retailers that welcomed shoppers when Touchwood first opened remain part of the destination today.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, Touchwood commissioned local artist Cris Wong to create three exclusive lino carvings inspired by some of the centre's most recognisable architectural features. Visitors were able to use the carvings to create and print their own artwork, taking home a limited-edition keepsake to mark Touchwood’s 25th birthday. The popular Touchwood Tornado also returned for the celebrations, giving visitors the chance to win prizes donated by Touchwood and its retailers. Prizes included Touchwood and John Lewis gift cards, cinema tickets, chocolates, AirPods, a water feature, a Game Guru gift card and a £100 Bravissimo voucher.
A limited run of commemorative Touchwood mugs was also made available, with all proceeds donated to Acorns, Touchwood's Charity of the Year. Tony Elvin, centre director at Touchwood, said: “Twenty-five years is a fantastic milestone and one we're incredibly proud to be celebrating with the people of Solihull. “Touchwood has changed and evolved considerably since opening in 2001, but what hasn't changed is its place at the heart of the town and the importance of creating somewhere people genuinely enjoy spending their time. “The fact that 17 of the businesses that opened their doors with us 25 years ago are still here today is particularly special and says a great deal about the strength of the destination.”
Pam celebrates 30 years A bookkeeper at a leading accountancy firm has celebrated 30 years working within the payroll team. Pam Rai joined Prime Accountants in 1996 as a bookkeeper within the payroll team, working as an assistant alongside her role as a bookkeeper. Pam said: “Going from pen and paper to where we are today, it has been a massive adjustment. It is probably one of my biggest achievements that I have managed to adapt to changing software.
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“One of the biggest challenges in my career has been adapting to all the changes in software, but once I understood it, it was such a rewarding feeling.” Jamie Skelding, director at Prime Accountants, who have a base in Solihull, said: “Pam has been an integral part of our team for thirty years now. Her unwavering loyalty is one of the many reasons why the firm has achieved such greatness in recent years.”
Celebrating: Pam Rai
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SOLIHULL SOLIHULL CHAMBER PATRONS
WINNERS IN FULL: Breakthrough Business – sponsored by Prime Accountants Group Love Property Co Business without Borders Award – sponsored by Röhlig Logistics Headpoint Advisors
Main prize: The Midlands Eye team collecting the Solihull Business of the Year award with host Tony Elvin (far left) and Mike Davis (far right), head of partnership acquisition at award sponsors NEC
Eyecare firm takes home the top prize By Saskia Masaun A Solihull eyecare firm that has delivered strong commercial growth while maintaining consistently high standards of patient care has been named Solihull Business of the Year. Midland Eye, based in Solihull for 20 years, was recognised for expanding its services and delivering 12 per cent revenue growth over the past year. The company picked up the Solihull Chamber’s overall Business of the Year award in front of nearly 400 guests at the National Conference Centre – having also won the Customer Commitment title. Over the past 12 months, the team has put a clear emphasis on increasing patient choice and access to high-quality care. This has included a shift in its patient mix, moving from an 80 per cent NHS and 20 per cent private mix to a more balanced 60:40 split. The team has also strengthened its reputation within the wider healthcare community, with 105 optician and GP practices referring patients to Midland Eye across NHS and private pathways. Midland Eye has expanded access to ophthalmology services with the opening of an additional site in Olton. Its clinical staff have undertaken further training in Dry Eye Disease, a common condition
that can cause discomfort, irritation and blurred vision. The organisation has also invested in specialist equipment to support its treatment. Patient satisfaction has remained high, with Midland Eye maintaining a 4.9 rating across Trustpilot and Doctify, based on more than 600 reviews. The company’s commitment to patient choice is underpinned by the expansion of its private provision. This includes elective vision correction services such as laser eye treatment and refractive procedures, which can reduce or remove the need for glasses or contact lenses, alongside treatment options for patients seeking outcomes beyond the standard NHS pathway. Midland Eye supports a range of community and charity initiatives including Solihull Moors FC, Solihull Hospital Charity and Age UK Solihull. Awards were judged by a panel of eight judges, alongside chair of judging Helen Bates, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s recently-retired chief financial officer. The Solihull Awards were hosted by Touchwood general manager Tony Elvin. Headline sponsor was Solihull College and University Centre. Entertainment was provided by Iconic Event Solutions Ltd.
Winners all: Award-winning Solihull businesses celebrate at the National Conference Centre
Community Builder – sponsored by runyourfleet Birmingham Airport Customer Commitment Award – sponsored by Touchwood Solihull Midland Eye Digital Revolutionary – sponsored by Cybercy Group Solihull College and University Centre Influencer Award runyourfleet Non-Profit Champion – sponsored by Hubtel IT Family Care Trust Pioneer A Burden Shared Sustainability Trailblazer – sponsored by MAN Commercial Protection Ltd Birmingham Airport Unsung Hero – sponsored by UB Healthcare Simon Paul Thomas - Challenge Adventure Group Workplace Champion Graham Jacklin - WMG Academy for Young Engineers Solihull Business of the Year – sponsored by The NEC Group Midland Eye President’s Award Kevin Johns - Prime Accountants Group
KWB take over five assisted living sites KWB Property Management is expanding its assisted living arm following major new appointments at five sites across the Midlands and Herefordshire. The new sites – all of which provide independent living for the over 55s – were all previously managed by Midland Heart. The KWB property management team will now oversee the operation, maintenance and security of these buildings, as well as supporting residents. Sam Lawrence, managing director of KWB Property Management, said: “Following our success managing Timber Mill Court, an assisted living scheme in Harborne, we are thrilled to have been appointed to manage four new assisted living sites across the Midlands.”
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FUTURE FACES FUTURE FACES CHAMBER PATRONS Contact: Sophie Poduval-Morrell T: 07540 751590
All the winners in the spotlight
WINNERS IN FULL:
Young Professional of the Year crowned By Saskia Masaun The founder of a training firm that has delivered measurable behaviour change for employees through neurodiversity training has been named Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year. Iveta Pudilova (pictured below), founder of National Neurodiversity Training, was recognised for delivering bespoke neurodiversity training programmes. Neurodiversity describes the natural variation in how people’s brains work, think, communicate and process information. It includes people with conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia. National Neurodiversity Training helps organisations understand these differences and adapt their working practices so that neurodivergent employees can thrive. Iveta was named the 2026 Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year in front of 385 guests at Birmingham Town Hall, having also won the Training and Education category. The event, organised by Future Faces, the young professionals’ arm of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), was hosted by BBC Radio WM presenter PJ Ellis. 46 CHAMBERLINK October 2026
Headline sponsor was Arden University, while entertainment was provided by Undercover Artists Ltd. National Neurodiversity Training provides training to organisations including Arcadis, Popeyes, the University of Birmingham and Transport for London. Each programme is tailored to the culture and needs of the organisation. Over the past year, the company has trained more than 1,600 people across the UK and internationally. This included the first neurodiversity training session delivered at the University of Birmingham, which was attended by 300 managers. The company’s programmes are designed to create measurable changes in workplace behaviour. At one client, the proportion of employees disclosing a neurodivergent condition increased from 15 per cent to 47 per cent following the training programme. In follow-up feedback, 83 per cent of managers reported that they had adapted their leadership style and communication to better meet the needs of neurodivergent employees. This reflects a more flexible approach to leadership, recognising that neurodivergent employees may have different ways of communicating, processing information and working.
Greater Birmingham Apprentice of the Year Shalom Gallagher - Accenture GBYPY - Creative Industries and Culture Sophie Allen - Serrano Media GBYPY - Digital, Tech & Innovation - Sponsored by Birmingham Metropolitan College Carys Hanson - KPMG GBYPY - Sustainability and ESG Ellie Larkin - Jacobs GBYPY - Events and Hospitality - Sponsored by University College Birmingham Aimee Hawkins - Lichfield District Council GBYPY – Finance - Sponsored by Canaccord Wealth James Kidd - XPS Group GBYPY – Legal - Sponsored by Forvis Mazars Poppi Hall - Enoch Evans LLP GBYPY - Built Environment and Engineering Priya Jadav - Balfour Beatty VINCI GBYPY - People and Wellbeing - Sponsored by Partners Wealth Management Georgia Hannant - City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra GBYPY - Marketing, Sales, and Communications Rebecca Snoad - Spark Media GBYPY - Start-ups - Sponsored by Birmingham City University Samantha Storey - The Foodies Club GBYPY – Entrepreneurship - Sponsored by Birmingham City University Emma Jones - AllinAll Events Ltd GBYPY - Charity and Social Impact - Sponsored by South and City College Zoe Maxfield - Midlands Air Ambulance Charity GBYPY - Training and Education Iveta Pudilova - National Neurodiversity Training Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year 2026 - Sponsored by Arden University Iveta Pudilova - National Neurodiversity Training Future Faces President’s Award Paul Faulkner - Barclays Future Faces Ambassador Award Prabjot Ragbotra - Mitchells and Butlers
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FUTURE FACES
The Chamber’s ever growing network for young professionals and the leaders of tomorrow.
Supporting survivors of sexual violence: Sophie Allen
Recognition for dedicated volunteer
Pictures (clockwise from top left): Future Faces manager Sophia Poduval-Morrell; guests snap a selfie; President Sarah Griffiths with Paul Faulkner, winner of the President’s Award; Prabjot Ragbotra, winner of the Ambassador Award; Undercover Artists, who provided the entertainment.
Trophy Designs The trophies, sponsored by Fleet Milne and designed by students at the Birmingham School of Jewellery, are based on the original GBYPY trophy design.
National Neurodiversity Training designs rolespecific learning pathways tailored to individual confidence levels and incorporates the lived experience of neurodivergent employees into its learning design. The company also uses AI-driven maturity assessments to personalise learning paths and measure the return on investment. Beyond her role at National Neurodiversity Training, Iveta serves as chair of Aston University’s Centre for Enterprise and Innovation where she advises on curriculum design and accessibility in learning, as well as directly supporting students.
Award applications were judged by 21 judges across six panels. Chair of the judges GBCC membership director Lillian Elekan said: “It’s wonderful to see how Iveta’s journey as a young professional has developed, from winning a category award in 2024 to being crowned the overall GBYPY winner in 2026. “She has gone from strength to strength, growing her businesses and using her lived experience to help organisations become more inclusive of neurodivergent people. This recognition is thoroughly deserved.”
A Future Faces member has been recognised for her commitment to volunteering. Sophie Allen, a designer and marketing specialist at Serrano Media, volunteers as a SARAC ambassador and has been recognised with a volunteering award for her commitment to the charity and its work supporting survivors of sexual violence. Support Staffordshire runs awards to recognise people, charities, community groups and organisations that make a positive contribution to Staffordshire’s voluntary and community sector. Sophie said: “Receiving this award was certainly a pleasant surprise and completely unexpected. I’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to Caroline and the team at SARAC for nominating me. “I’m incredibly grateful to SARAC for the positive impact they have, not only on my life but also on those they support through their vital services. “The Pearl Ball I helped plan earlier this year aimed to raise funds for SARAC's mission and successfully raised £9k. Seeing the community band together in support was a testament to our Burton business community.”
Future Faces new members Alicia Menzies Turley Associates Emma Jackson Chris Whitmore Associates Ltd Hafsah Shahid Hafsah Shahid Lucy Wooldridge FieldFisher LLP
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CHAMBER EVENTS
Autumn events bring region’s firms together A wide-ranging programme of events from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) is lined up for the autumn season, culminating in a bumper Greater Birmingham Business Expo in November. The season launches with Business Growth Studio conference on 13 October, which brings together top entrepreneurs and industry experts to help businesses navigate today’s challenges and seize tomorrow’s opportunities. Marcella Meehan, GBCC’s events manager, says: “Delegates will join over 120 business leaders for an unmissable day of insight, inspiration, and practical strategies to drive business growth. “Experts will help businesses navigate today's challenges and seize tomorrow’s opportunities. This conference is an ideal platform for businesses, industry leaders, key stakeholders and forward-thinking entrepreneurs eager to grow globally and tackle today's trade challenges head-on.” On 12 November the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) will be celebrating Diwali, the festival of light, in the heart of our city. See pages 38 and 39 for details. Applications are also open for the ABCC Awards, celebrating 40 years of the ABCC. Both Asian-led businesses, and those supporting the Asian community, are encouraged to take part. To apply visit greaterbirminghamchmabers.com. Applications close 3 November.
OCTOBER The 3 O’Clock Club: Get Your Story Out There Date: 1 October Time: 15:00 – 17:00 Venue: Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School Division: Sutton Coldfield Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: £15+VAT Non-member: £25+VAT AI Made Simple: How to Boost Business Productivity Date: 6 October Time: 09:00 – 11:00 Venue: 54HR Division: GBCC Cost: Free for members and Future Faces members
Trading with the European Union: Where Are the Opportunities Now? Date: 7 October Time: 09:30 – 12:00 Venue: 54HR Division: Global Cost: Free for members and non-members Burton & District Business at Breakfast – Navigating Today’s Workplace: A People Perspective Date: 8 October Time: 08:30 – 10:00 Venue: Mulberry Bistro Division: Burton & District Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: £15 +VAT Non-members: £50 +VAT
Greater Birmingham Business Awards Application Webinar Date: 6 October Time: 11:00 – 12:00 Venue: Online Division: GBCC Cost: Free for members and non-members
The 3 O’Clock Club: Going Global Date: 8 October Time: 15:00 – 17:00 Venue: Amazon Division: Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield and Tamworth, Cannock Chase and Burton & District Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: £15+VAT Non-members: £25+VAT
Discover your Chamber: Nonmember online event Date: 6 October Time: 13:00 – 14:00 Venue: Online Division: GBCC Cost: Free for members and non-members
Business Growth Studio Conference Date: 13 October Time: 08:45 – 14:15 Venue: IET Austin Court Division: GBCC Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: £75+VAT Non-members: £250+VAT
Action-packed day: Visitors mingle at Expo
Business in Burton on 18 November will showcase the town’s thriving business community. More details and how to book are on page 41. Registration and badging firm Reference Technology has been confirmed as the headline sponsor of the upcoming Greater Birmingham Business Expo, sponsored by Turkish Airlines, at Edgbaston Stadium on 10 November. Marcella said: “With over 60 exhibitors from across the region and three silent seminars, this is our biggest networking event of the year. Delegates are sure to learn something new, make new connections, and explore Greater Birmingham’s diverse range of businesses.” Oliver Ramsey, digital marketing assistant at Reference Technology, said: “The Greater Birmingham Business Expo provides a fantastic opportunity for businesses from across the region to connect, share ideas, and discover what’s happening within the local business community. “As a Birmingham-based company, we’re passionate about supporting initiatives that bring local businesses together, making this partnership a natural fit for us.”
Solihull Chamber Connections Date: 14 October Time: 16:30 – 18:30 Venue: Spinners Division: Solihull Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: £15 +VAT Non-members: £25+VAT Premier Members Networking Breakfast Date: 15 October Time: 08:30 – 10:30 Venue: The Belfry Hotel & Resort Division: GBCC Cost: Free, Premier members only Global Brunch - Creativity and Innovation Date: 15 October Time: 09:30 – 11:30 Venue: Fieldfisher Division: Global Cost: Free for members and non-members The 3 O'Clock Club – Master the Art of Networking and Produce the Perfect Pitch Date: 19 October Time: 15:00 – 17:00 Venue: Chasetown FC Division: Cannock Chase Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: £15+VAT Non-members: £25+VAT
For further information and to book a place, visit: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/networking-events 48 CHAMBERLINK October 2026
Brumbassadors Behind the Scenes: Queen Alexandra Charity Date: 20 October Time: 09:30 – 12:00 Venue: Queen Alexandra Charity Division: Birmingham Cost: Free, members only Lichfield & Tamworth AGM & Networking Date: 20 October Time: 16:00 – 18:00 Venue: The Hub at St Mary’s Division: Lichfield and Tamworth Cost: Free for members and non-members Q3: Quarterly Business Report Date: 22 October Time: 09:00 – 11:00 Venue: BCU Curzon Building Division: GBCC Cost: Free for members and non-members Land One Plane: A lesson from Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger Date: 29 October Time: 09:00 – 11:00 Venue: 54HR Division: GBCC Cost: Free for members and Future Faces members Make the most of your membership Date: 29 October Time: 09:30 – 10:30 Venue: Online Division: GBCC Cost: Free, members only
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FEATURE: HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE
Workplace wellbeing Practical techniques to reduce anxiety and stress at work By Nabila Gardner, director at Ways for Wellbeing UK CIC
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nxiety and stress are now among the most common challenges facing employees across Greater Birmingham. While organisations continue to invest in policies, initiatives and training, many people still struggle with the day to day pressures of modern work. The truth is that wellbeing isn’t only shaped by organisational systems – it’s shaped by what happens in the small moments of the working day. At Ways for Wellbeing UK CIC, we specialise in practical, accessible techniques that help people regulate their nervous system, reduce stress and build healthier habits. These approaches don’t require specialist equipment or long training sessions. They simply require permission to pause, breathe and reconnect with the present moment. Below are expert led tips to help employers and employees reduce anxiety and stress through simple breathing exercises, grounding techniques and movement based resets that can be woven into any working day.
1. Breathing exercises: Your built in stress regulator When anxiety rises, our breath becomes shallow and fast – a physiological signal that tells the body we are under threat. Slow, intentional breathing reverses that message and helps restore calm. Try the “box breath” technique: • Inhale for four seconds • Hold for four seconds • Exhale for four seconds • Hold for four seconds • Repeat for one minute. This technique activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping the body shift from “fight or flight” into “rest and digest”. It’s discreet, quick and can be used before meetings, during busy periods or whenever stress begins to build. 50 CHAMBERLINK October 2026
Workplace tip: Encourage staff to take a 60 second breathing break before starting a complex task. It improves focus, reduces overwhelm and sets a calmer tone for the day.
2. Use the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique to interrupt anxiety Grounding techniques help bring people back into the present moment when stress feels overwhelming. The 5-4-3-2-1 method is simple, effective and can be done quietly at a desk. The 5-4-3-2-1 method: • Five things you can see • Four things you can touch • Three things you can hear • Two things you can smell • One thing you can taste. This sensory reset interrupts spiralling thoughts and reconnects the mind with the physical environment. Why it works: Grounding shifts attention away from anxiety and into sensory awareness. It’s particularly helpful during moments of conflict, tight deadlines or when employees feel mentally overloaded. Workplace tip: Add grounding prompts to wellbeing communications or encourage managers to use them during check ins. It’s a tool employees can use privately without drawing attention.
3. Step away from the desk: Movement is medicine One of the most overlooked wellbeing strategies is simply stepping away from the desk. Movement resets the body, boosts circulation and interrupts the physical tension that builds during long periods of sitting. Three simple movement resets: • Take a five minute walk – even pacing up and down a corridor helps. • Stand outside for fresh air – nature regulates the nervous system, even if you’re only observing it.
• Stretch your shoulders, neck and back – small movements reduce stiffness and improve posture. Research consistently shows that being in nature – or even watching it through a window – reduces stress hormones and improves mood. A moment of greenery can be a powerful antidote to workplace pressure. Workplace tip: Create a culture where stepping away from the desk is encouraged, not judged. Five minutes of movement can save hours of reduced productivity caused by stress.
4. Build micro breaks into the working day Micro breaks are short, intentional pauses that help prevent burnout. They can be as simple as closing your eyes for 20 seconds, stretching your hands or taking three deep breaths. These small resets prevent the build up of stress and help employees maintain energy throughout the day. They also reduce eye strain, fatigue and irritability – all common contributors to workplace tension. Workplace tip: Encourage staff to take one micro break every hour. Small habits create big shifts in wellbeing.
5. Lead by example: Culture starts with behaviour Employees feel more able to prioritise wellbeing when leaders model it. When managers take breaks, use grounding techniques or step outside for fresh air, it signals permission for others to do the same. Embedding wellbeing into team culture isn’t about grand gestures – it’s about consistent, everyday practices that help people feel supported, valued and safe. Final thought Workplace wellbeing doesn’t need to be complicated. Breathing exercises, grounding techniques and movement based resets are powerful tools that any organisation can adopt. When employees feel calmer, more grounded and more supported, the entire workplace benefits.
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FEATURE: HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE
How to support mental health at work
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ental health issues can seriously impact an employee’s ability to cope in the workplace. It can lead to low morale, low self-esteem, absenteeism and physical illness. As an employer, senior leader or line manager, there’s a lot you can do to support your employees who are undergoing mental health struggles and create a better working environment.
Start with knowledge The best place to start is making sure you have good knowledge of common mental health problems and the warning signs of poor mental health. You should also take the time to get to you know your team so that you can notice any changes in their behaviour – however, it’s important to remember that different people will react to stress in different ways, and there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach. You may have to adapt your approach to suit the different needs of individuals, so getting to know them is the first step in providing useful support. Additionally, make sure you’re aware of your company policies regarding mental health and wellbeing. If you don’t have any policies in place, now’s the time to write them.
Be approachable Conversations about mental health can be difficult, so try to remove any barriers that might 52 CHAMBERLINK October 2026
make your staff feel reluctant to open up. Schedule one-to-ones and catch ups with your staff and let them know they have a safe space in which to talk about any difficulties they are having, whether that be at work or in their personal lives. Getting to know them can make it easier to spot any concerning changes in their mood or outlook.
stressed out staff. You can also implement initiatives such as home or hybrid working, the cycle to work scheme, volunteering days and team building activities. These initiatives can improve physical fitness, boost mood and help them feel valued, all of which will have a positive impact on their mental health.
Prioritising workloads Active listening If your employees come to you to talk about their problems, the most important thing is that they feel heard. The best way to do this is to use a technique called active listening. Firstly, try to maintain eye contact and open body language. Acknowledge what they are saying by repeating it back to them to make sure you heard correctly. Ask direct questions, but make sure you’re not probing or pushing them too far – you can gauge what is acceptable from their body language. At the close of the conversation, recap what you’ve discussed and what your next steps are. Don’t be tempted to offer solutions too quickly: while you may want to show how much you want to help, they may just need a space to vent and get things off their chest.
Wellbeing matters Show your staff that their physical and mental wellbeing is important. Encourage them to take their full breaks, work reasonable hours and use their annual leave – because overworked staff are
While it might not be possible to offer your staff complete control over their workload of hours – after all, targets must be met – you can work together to find areas in which your staff can make their own decisions and have more autonomy. You should also make sure that your employees are properly trained to do their jobs, because inadequate training can lead to stress or a lack of motivation. One way to increase morale is to offer regular training and development opportunities.
Look after your own mental health As an employee or manager, it’s your job to support your team. But remember, your own mental health and wellbeing is important too. You can’t effectively support your staff if you’re feeling burned out or stressed, so take time away from your desk and make sure you have someone to talk to, too. If you’re a manager, you can ask for mental health first aid training to better understand how you can effectively support others and boost your own mental health too.
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FEATURE: ENTERPRISE & INNOVATION
Innovation that includes
people By Kim Wildborne (pictured), artistic director & CEO, RoguePlay Theatre and West Midlands Circus Centre
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nnovation isn’t always a shiny new gadget. Sometimes it’s a stubborn decision: we’re not building this unless more people can take part. In the arts, events and experience economy, “innovation” gets reduced to spectacle – bigger screens, louder sound, more novelty. But the most valuable innovation I’ve seen (and fought for) is quieter: new ways of designing experiences so that disabled audiences, underserved communities, and people who don’t usually feel “invited” can participate without being treated as an afterthought. And this isn’t a niche concern. Roughly one in five people in the UK are disabled. If your next programme, performance, workshop or customer experience doesn’t work for them, you’re not being “cutting edge”. You’re building something that excludes a significant part of the public – and you’ll feel that in reputation, reach, and results. If you’re leading a team, a venue, a community programme, or a growing business – here are a few practical principles that keep creative innovation grounded, inclusive, and commercially real.
Start with the hardest participant, not the easiest audience The easiest audience will tolerate friction. The hardest participant won’t – and that’s the point. When you design for people with the greatest barriers (mobility, sensory, language, confidence, cost, geography), you tend to create something better for everyone. It forces clarity. It forces you to remove “hidden” assumptions. In practice, this means: • Identify who is most likely to be excluded by your current format. 54 CHAMBERLINK October 2026
• Ask what would make the experience genuinely workable for them. • Build that in from the first draft, not as a bolton. This isn’t charity. It’s quality control.
Treat accessibility as part of the creative brief If accessibility is only a value statement, it will lose every time to “urgent” delivery. The shift is simple: put inclusion into the brief the same way you’d include tone, pacing, safety, staffing, and budget. Decide what “accessible” means for this experience. Assign owners. Set milestones. Put it in the definition of “done”. A useful test: if you removed your accessibility work, would the project still go ahead unchanged? If the answer is yes, it was never truly integrated.
Prototype with real people, in real conditions Creative innovation fails when it’s protected from reality. A concept can feel brilliant in a studio – then collapse when it meets the messy truth of real venues, real audiences, real staff capacity, and real constraints. So prototype early, but prototype where it will actually live. Even a small pilot can reveal: • What breaks under pressure • What needs clearer facilitation • What people misunderstand • What creates delight (and what creates overload).
Design for dignity, not just access “Inclusive” doesn’t just mean “can get in the room”. It means people can participate without
‘If you’re creating something new, ask one question: who gets left out if we do this the easy way?’ being singled out, rushed, or made to feel like a problem to solve. That can look like: • Multiple ways to take part (watching, making, moving, speaking, resting) • Clear choices and predictable structure • Sensory-aware environments (light, sound, crowd flow) • Skilled facilitation that doesn’t patronise.
Build trust with transparency, not hype In innovation spaces, hype is common. Trust is rarer. If you want partners, funders, or customers to back something new, be clear about what exists now, what you’re testing, and what you’re still learning. People can work with uncertainty – they just don’t like being sold certainty that isn’t real. Use plain language. Share what you learned from pilots, including what didn’t work. Be specific about what success looks like and how you’ll measure it.
A final thought: innovate like you’re accountable to the people you serve Innovation is not just invention. It’s responsibility. If you’re creating something new, ask one question: who gets left out if we do this the easy way? Then do the harder thing. Design for the people who are usually asked to adapt.
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FEATURE: ENTERPRISE & INNOVATION ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Cyber resilience means business in the West Midlands By Andy Horkan (pictured), CEO of Cyber Tzar and leader of the West Midlands Cyber Hub.
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yber security can sometimes feel like something that happens somewhere else. We hear about ransomware groups, major data breaches, attacks on household names and increasingly sophisticated threats. But for most businesses in Birmingham and across the West Midlands, the consequences of cyber are much more practical. A system stops working. An order cannot be processed. A supplier cannot deliver. Staff cannot access critical information. Production stops. Customers start asking questions. Suddenly, a cyber problem has become a business problem. That matters particularly in the West Midlands because ours is an interconnected economy. Advanced manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, engineering and logistics sit alongside financial and professional services, digital technology, life sciences, creative industries, energy and defence. All increasingly depend on digital systems, data and one another. Those connections are an enormous economic strength, but they also create dependencies. A business can take its own security seriously and still be exposed through a supplier, software provider or customer. The challenge looks different depending on where you sit in that economy. For a manufacturer, cyber resilience might mean protecting operational technology controlling machinery and production. For a professional-services firm, the priority might be sensitive client information. Whatever the sector, the underlying challenge is the same: understanding what you depend upon, where the vulnerabilities are and what happens when something fails. Smaller businesses face an additional pressure. They increasingly need to demonstrate good cyber practice to larger customers while having nowhere near the same budgets, specialist teams or resources. That makes cyber resilience a commercial issue as well as a technical one. Being able to demonstrate that you understand your risks, protect important systems and can recover from an incident increasingly helps demonstrate that you are a business others can trust. Good cyber resilience is not only about protecting the business you already have: increasingly, it can help you retain customers, meet procurement requirements and win new work. The regulatory environment is moving in the same direction. The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill has completed committee stage in the House of Lords and continues its passage
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through Parliament. It will reform the UK’s cyber resilience regime, including provisions affecting managed service providers, data centres and critical supply chains. Not every Chamber member will be directly regulated, but requirements do not exist in isolation. Large organisations increasingly need assurance about the suppliers and services on which they depend, and those expectations travel through commercial relationships. Technology is only part of the answer. The West Midlands also needs people. We need stronger routes into cyber for students, career changers and people leaving the Armed Forces, while making much better use of talent that the industry has historically overlooked.
‘The Hub provides somewhere practical for businesses, cyber practitioners, universities, colleges, students and specialist communities to come together’ That means supporting more women in cyber and recognising the particular contribution a neurodiverse workforce can make. If the region wants greater cyber resilience, it needs a larger, more diverse and more visible skills pipeline to deliver it. These challenges are connected: skills, resilient organisations, secure technology and stronger supply chains. That is why the West Midlands Cyber Hub exists. A business owner should not have to understand the entire cyber industry before being able to ask for help. An SME should not have to navigate a maze of initiatives to find somebody who understands its problem. The Hub provides somewhere practical for businesses, cyber practitioners, universities, colleges, students and specialist communities to come together. In its first 10 months, the Hub welcomed more than 1,200 participants from over 500 organisations, hosted over 40 events, supported more than 40 SMEs and helped more than 30 students towards placements or roles. Those numbers are encouraging, but the connections behind them matter more. A business can meet somebody who understands
its problem. A cyber SME can meet a potential customer. A student can meet an employer. Practitioners can share knowledge, and innovative regional companies can become visible to organisations that might otherwise never discover them. The community already includes businesses such as Rugosus, Cyber Tzar, Cybercy, Cyber Chain Alliance, Cyber Q Group, Orbital and Goldilock, alongside universities, colleges and specialist cyber communities. The Hub itself is now entering its next chapter. Having established the community from Millennium Point, we are moving into a larger new home in the centre of Birmingham. The expanded space will give us greater capacity to support businesses and practitioners, while creating an environment designed to support a diverse and neurodiverse cyber workforce. Behind the Hub, something broader is emerging too. The West Midlands Cyber Cluster is about developing the regional cyber economy, connecting capability with customers, procurement and growth. The Hub is where businesses can access that community and capability. The distinction matters, but Chamber members should not need to understand the machinery behind it to benefit from it. For businesses, the questions are much simpler. Can you understand what a customer is asking of you? Can you find good advice when you need it? Can you strengthen your organisation and supply chain? And do you know where to turn before a cyber incident becomes a business crisis? That is the purpose of the Hub: bringing the people, knowledge and capability required to answer those questions together, with a new home right in the heart of Birmingham. For further information please email: contact@CyberTzar.com Or visit: wmcyberhub.com
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FEATURE: ENTERPRISE & INNOVATION
How to become an
entrepreneur You have a fantastic business idea that the world needs to hear – but how can you make it a viable business? Chamberlink offers its top tips on how to become a successful entrepreneur. 1. Make a solid business plan A business plan concretises your business ideas on paper. It not only helps you envision how your business will work, but it will outline your operational and financial roadmap. A good business plan will provide financial viability and market awareness to outside investors or banks, helping you secure the funding you need.
2. Know your target audience To successfully sell a product or service, you need to know your customers well. You should understand who your customers are, what they like, when and where to engage with them, where they are located and how they obtain information. Do thorough research to make sure your message gets to your intended audience.
3. Find a mentor and build a network If you want to hone your entrepreneurial skills and meet likeminded people who can propel your career forward, consider finding mentors and building a professional network. Networking events, such as those run by the Chamber, conferences, trade shows and training courses, offer great opportunities to meet other business
‘Your first idea might be a winner, but a successful entrepreneur should always be thinking of new and creative ideas’ owners that you can learn from. Established entrepreneurs were once in your position – they know the pitfalls facing new businesses and can offer invaluable advice for those starting out.
4. Promote yourself As a new business, it is important to shout about yourself to make sure that you’re heard and that your customers can find you. Social media is an important tool for customer engagement: keep up with trends, such as short form video, to make sure that you’re standing out from the crowd. A good website need not be expensive, but it’s a vital tool for signposting customers to your business. But social media isn’t the only way to get your message out there. Pitch events are a great way of securing outside investment – just make sure you have practiced and perfected your elevator pitch!
5. Come up with new ideas Your first idea might be a winner, but a
successful entrepreneur should always be thinking of new and creative ideas in order to stay ahead in a competitive market. Hiring a diverse team is a great way of ensuring your company always stays fresh and innovative – people from different backgrounds can offer different points of view and new ways of thinking.
6. Get feedback For a new business, getting feedback is a vital step for ensuring success. Everyone wants positive reviews – great testimonials can lead to more sales, after all – but less than positive reviews can be helpful too, especially if they help you improve your product or service. These direct, real-world insights can help you refine products, fix early mistakes and build customer loyalty. By incorporating customer feedback into product updates, you can fine-tune your offerings to better align with customer needs. October 2026 CHAMBERLINK 59
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SECTOR FOCUS: BUSINESS TRAVEL
Sector Focus The latest news from the sectors that matter to business
Direct train route to Manchester Airport unveiled London Northwestern Railway (LNR) will introduce a new direct train service linking Birmingham with Manchester Airport from May next year. This hourly rail service will run between Birmingham New Street and Manchester Airport and call at stations in the Black Country, Staffordshire and Cheshire, giving millions of holidaymakers a direct rail route to the major airport for the first time in decades.
Currently, those travelling to the airport from the West Midlands must change at Crewe, Wilmslow or via Manchester city centre. The route will be rolled out in two phases. Phase one will be a new service between Birmingham and Crewe from 13 December 2026 and phase two will extend this service to Manchester Airport from May 2027. Denise Wetton, integrated managing director for GBR West
Fly links (left to right): Chris Woodroofe, Denise Wetton, and Simon Elliott, network director for rail at Transport for Greater Manchester
Midlands and LNR managing director, said: “We are excited to launch this new service that will provide direct connectivity to Manchester Airport from the West Midlands for the first time in decades.”
Chris Woodroofe, managing director at Manchester Airport, said: “This service will open up more options for people to reach us by public transport. In turn, it gives those travellers access to our huge global network of destinations.”
Green light for WMCA bus acquisition The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has purchased all of National Express’s bus operations across the region in a £24m deal. Mayor Richard Parker announced that the WMCA board has given the green light to the acquisition from National Express parent company Mobico Group. The mayor said the move is part of his push towards franchising.
Protecting services: Richard Parker
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Mobico Group, the parent company of National Express West Midlands, also confirmed it was reducing its operational risk and had reached an agreement in principle. National Express is the biggest bus operator in the region, accounting for around 94 per cent of bus journeys in the West Midlands. Its regional operation includes around 4,800 staff, 1,300 buses and nine depots. Buses account for around 80 per cent of all public transport journeys in the West Midlands, carrying around 4.6 million trips each week.
WMCA has now approved a managed acquisition to protect passengers, staff, services, depots, fleet and the wider bus network. The mayor said: “I wasn’t prepared to stand by and watch hundreds of buses disappear from our roads because a private company decided to walk away. “People rely on these buses to get to work, to school or to hospital appointments. They are a public service and I believe they should be run in the public interest. So we stepped in. We protected the services people depend on, protected jobs and kept the West Midlands moving.”
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SECTOR FOCUS: BUSINESS TRAVEL
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SECTOR FOCUS: FINANCE
IN BRIEF Community lender BCRS Business Loans is celebrating lending £13m through the Community Investment Enterprise Fund (CIEF) to support more than 150 businesses across the West Midlands and Wales. Having recently completed the distribution of its allocated funds, BCRS has generated more than £67m in economic impact in total, with over £10m going to support SMEs. Since March 2024, BCRS has been working with small businesses to provide secure CIEF loans between £25,000 and £250,000 to enable their growth and recovery plans. In total, the funding from BCRS has generated £67m in economic impact, with £57m benefitting the West Midlands and £10m for Wales. In the West Midlands region, 131 businesses received funding totalling £11.1m, creating 330 new jobs and safeguarding 1206 more roles. From the £1.9m of lending provided to 23 Welsh businesses, 117 jobs were created and a further 264 were safeguarded. Among the 154 businesses supported in total, 25 per cent of lending went to support female-led businesses, whilst 28 per cent supported ethnic minority-led businesses. To find out more and apply for funding, visit: www.bcrs.org.uk Unity Trust Bank has doubled the size of its annual impact grants programme with £100,000 up for grabs for community projects. The business bank has also introduced a new category this year specifically designed for green, sustainable initiatives that help the environment. The grants are open to customers who have banked with Unity for over a year. Joshua Meek, chief impact officer at Unity Trust Bank, said: “Supporting good causes through grant funding, fundraising, volunteering and charitable donations is an important part of who we are as a social impact bank.” The new Unity Environmental Impact Grants category will provide four grants of £10,000. The money can be used to support activities that deliver positive environmental change.
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Accountants issue warning ahead of MTD A leading accountancy firm has warned businesses to stay up to date on bookkeeping obligations as well as highlight the problems that could be caused by hiring graduates. Prime Accountants highlighted that despite 864,000 sole traders and landlords being impacted by the first Making Tax Digital (MTD) deadline, many people still find themselves struggling with the new bookkeeping obligations. Good bookkeeping means keeping digital records up to date throughout the year, rather than reconstructing them shortly before a deadline. The move towards quarterly digital updates means the days of storing receipts in a shoebox are over, as records now need to be kept in real time using HMRCcompliant software. The firm highlights the importance for businesses to know how to do the bookkeeping properly. Records were once able to be compiled at the end of a tax period, but MTD bookkeeping requires financial records to be continually updated on digital software.
Reach out: Paul Guise
Professional support: Kerrie Given
‘Good bookkeeping means keeping digital records up to date throughout the year’
Prime also warned businesses that hiring graduates could create additional payroll responsibilities. They highlighted that the introduction of Plan 5, with its £25,000 repayment threshold, means even employees earning around the national living wage may now be liable for student loan deductions. Associate director at Prime Kerrie Given said: “Rather than hoping for the best, accountants should get professional support to ensure that student loan deductions are handled correctly.”
Paul Guise, director at Prime, said “...The added workload and transition towards digitisation might be too much for already busy landlords and sole traders. “If this is the case, we encourage you to reach out to a financial specialist to help keep your recordkeeping compliant.”
Outsourced assistance for your tax needs Jerroms Miller, an award-winning specialist tax practice, has launched its Outsourced Tax Partner service, giving accountancy firms, lawyers, solicitors and corporate finance teams flexible access to senior tax expertise without the cost of maintaining an inhouse tax function. The service is designed to work alongside existing advisers, providing specialist support on complex tax matters, project work and corporate tax compliance and reviews, while allowing firms to remain the primary adviser to their clients. Jerroms Miller work as an extension of the firm’s existing team, providing practical, specialist advice across areas including reconstructions and demergers, shareholder exits, management buyouts, employee share schemes, SEIS and EIS fundraising, succession planning and wider corporate tax advisory. Firms can choose from three support packages depending on their needs. The packages are designed to provide firms with a consistent point of contact and the ability to access specialist support when required. Jerroms Miller can work behind the scenes through the existing adviser relationship or, where appropriate, join client meetings alongside the firm. The packages also include a clear non-compete framework, designed
Access to expertise: Podcast host Nick Wright
to protect the firm’s client relationship and commercial position. Nick Wright, “The Tax Hour” podcast host and director at Jerroms Miller, said: "Tax is getting more complicated, but that doesn’t mean every firm needs its own tax team. Many professional firms are seeing increasingly complex tax issues arise within their client base as well as a need to provide proactive advice to clients, but that does not necessarily justify the cost or commitment of building an in-house specialist tax team. “Our outsourced tax partner service is designed to give firms access to the expertise they need, when they need it, while allowing them to remain at the centre of the client relationship.”
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SECTOR FOCUS: LEGAL
New ruling comes into force to put end to ‘subscription traps’ Thousands of UK businesses could need to redesign their subscription services ahead of sweeping new consumer protection laws coming into force next year, warn commercial contract specialists at national law firm Clarke Willmott. Under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA), firms will have to give customers clear, prominent and easyto-understand information before they sign up to a subscription. The reforms will particularly affect subscription businesses such as beauty boxes, meal kits, fitness memberships and digital services, with free trial models needing to send customers clear reminders before converting into paid plans. Amy Peacey (pictured), a partner in Clarke Willmott’s commercial contracts team, said: “The act will directly target so-called ‘subscription traps’, introducing tougher obligations on businesses to make subscriptions clearer, fairer and easier to cancel. “Although the new rules aren’t expected to come into force until spring 2027, businesses shouldn’t put preparations on hold.
“For many – particularly those with digital platforms or subscription-based models – the changes will mean major operational updates that take time to implement. “Businesses might assume that this is just a legal exercise, when it actually affects websites, apps, payment systems, CRM software, customer service and marketing.” Amy, who helps clients document their contract relationships with third parties, adds that businesses often think of compliance as a paperwork exercise – but says the DMCCA goes much further than this. She said: “It’s really about the customer experience. Companies will need to look closely at how people move through their signup and renewal journeys, and make sure nothing is hidden, confusing or designed to trip them up. “It means reviewing websites, apps, customer service processes and even the way teams communicate with customers. We expect the biggest impact on businesses that rely on free trials, as they’ll need to send customers clear, timely reminders before a trial becomes a paid subscription – something that will require solid systems and careful planning.”
Conflict resolution specialists lend assistance to charities Mediation specialists SAM Resolutions provided their expertise to charities Smile Mediation Ltd and Derby Community Mediation Service on a pro bono basis. The Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce members offered specialist advice to help the charities continue their work supporting people and communities to resolve conflict peacefully across the region. Both charities provide an essential lifeline for individuals and neighbours navigating difficult conflicts. Community mediation introduces an independent, confidential, and completely impartial framework. The process allows disputing parties to safely discover common ground and collaborate on mutually acceptable solutions. Founded by CEDR-accredited mediator Stuart Allen, SAM Resolutions takes a practical, people-focused approach to helping organisations address conflict earlier and build more open, collaborative workplace cultures. Stuart said: “Conflict rarely starts with a grievance, a formal complaint or a difficult employee. It usually starts much earlier with a conversation that wasn't had, a concern that wasn't heard or a misunderstanding that was allowed to grow. “At SAM Resolutions, we want to help organisations have those conversations earlier, before conflict becomes a problem.”
Early intervention: Stuart Allen
IN BRIEF Birmingham Law Society has launched the 2027 Legal Awards, its annual search for the top talent within the region’s legal community. They take place on Thursday, 18 March 2027, at the ICC in Birmingham. For more information, go to: birminghamlawsociety.co.uk A law firm is expanding its Dudley office after its team grew from four to 16 in the first 12 months. Having opened an office at Castle Court in October 2025, Ansons believed Dudley needed a local law firm with a physical base inhabited by real-life lawyers for local clients to speak with. Martin de Ridder, managing director, said: “When we opened in Dudley a year ago, we did it because we believed the town deserved a firm that would put down proper roots here. Growing from four to 16 people tells you how that bet has gone.”
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SECTOR FOCUS: HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE
Investment backs uni spin-out’s technology to treat eye disease A University of Birmingham spinout has developed an advanced eye drop technology that could radically improve the lives of people suffering from debilitating conditions. Healome Therapeutics is the first West Midlands business to receive investment through Midlands Mindforge, a capital investment company founded by eight of the region’s universities. Part funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and UKRI Research England, Midlands Mindforge has been set up to support spin-out companies and other early-stage technology businesses to help get their groundbreaking science to market. The eye drops being developed by Healome form a soft layer that liquifies with each blink to lubricate the eye, and reforms as a protective layer. It is thought the product could be of huge benefit to people suffering with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) as well as other conditions like glaucoma and dry eye disease. Together with other private and third sector backers, Healome has raised £2m to continue preclinical development and regulatory engagement and scale-up manufacturing leading to real-world trials of the eye drops in 2027. The other funders include Empirical Ventures (lead investor), Oshen Bio, SFC Capital and charities DEBRA Research and Cure EB. Both charities support people with EB, a group of rare, inherited genetic skin disorders that cause
£1.1m to support hormone research A new spin-out company from the University of Birmingham and Imperial College London has launched with £1.1m in seed funding to develop diagnostic tests for conditions involving disordered steroid hormone metabolism. Intelligent Mass Spec Solutions Ltd (IMS Solutions) has been founded to commercialise a platform technology that detects unique steroid signatures in urine and blood, aiming to speed up diagnosis of conditions that often present with hard-topinpoint symptoms. The seed round was led by Midlands Mindforge, with a syndicate including SFC Capital, the UK’s Innovation and Seed Capital Fund (UKI2S, managed by Future Planet Capital), NG Bio, British Business Bank and private investors. The company is further supported by a £2.1m grant from NIHR).
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Collaboration (left to right): Claudia Whyte, representing charity Sjögren’s UK; David Coleman, CEO at University of Birmingham Enterprise; Dr Lisa Smith, CEO at Midland Mindforge; Richard Williams, CEO at Healome Therapeutics; and Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands
extreme skin fragility, painful blistering, and vulnerability to minor friction. Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Health tech and life sciences already support 14,000 jobs across this region and contribute £6bn to our regional economy. There are even bigger economic gains to be made by backing ambitious, early-stage biotech firms like Healome.” Dr Richard Williams, Healome Therapeutics’ chief executive officer, said: “To be one of
Midlands Mindforge’s first investments, and one of the first in the West Midlands, is a proud moment for the whole Healome team and the wider group of stakeholders who've been part of our journey so far.” The mayor visited Healome at Unit 9 incubator at the University of Birmingham to meet the team. Healome was co-founded by Professor Liam Grover, Professor Tony Metcalfe, Dr Richard Moakes and Dr Richard Williams, who is chief executive officer.
Business event for women a success A new community helping ambitious women become Fit for Lead and Fit to Life has successfully hosted its first FitLeader event. The inaugural event at Liberty Leisure Gym welcomed women from across the local business community, including business owners and professionals working in sectors such as property investment, jewellery design, family mediation and chiropractic care. The diverse mix of professions demonstrated the breadth of talent already training side by side in local gyms, creating opportunities for collaboration that may never otherwise have happened. Founded by Charlotte Tweddell, a business development professional Executive MBA candidate and qualified fitness instructor, the FitLeader Collective is built on the philosophy that fitness and leadership are not separate pursuits but complementary disciplines. Charlotte said: “So many ambitious women already share the same spaces in gyms, but often we never move beyond a quick hello between sets. “I wanted to create a space where those conversations could become genuine connections, where women could confidently share what they do, support one another and grow together.” Getting started: Women at the first FitLeader event
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SECTOR FOCUS: HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE
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SECTOR FOCUS: MANUFACTURING
Built at the Solihull plant: JLR’s Range Rover Electric
JLR unveils first fully electric Range Rover at Solihull plant JLR has unveiled the Range Rover Electric, the brand's first fully electric model in its 56-year history, built at the Solihull plant. The launch, which follows a year-long delay, marks a major step in JLR’s electrification programme in the West Midlands. The car has a 118.5kWh battery offering a WLTP range of up to 372 miles and can be rapidcharged from 10 to 80 per cent in around 22 minutes. The launch is being supported by significant investment across JLR's West Midlands sites.
Robot joins restaurant team UK service robotics company BodyBot have signed a new agreement with AMMA Kitchen LTD in Coventry, marking another significant step in the growing adoption of service robots across the hospitality sector. A BodyBot service robot will be deployed at the restaurant to support day-today operations, improve efficiency and create a memorable experience for customers. Claudiu Dinu, director of BodyBot, said: “We are delighted to welcome AMMA Kitchen LTD to the growing BodyBot family. “Our goal has never been to replace the human side of hospitality. Great restaurants depend on people. What we want to do is give those people smarter tools and allow them to spend more time looking after their customers.”
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Around 9,000 employees at Solihull have been upskilled for electrification, with a further 1,500 trained across the wider region. In Wolverhampton, the Electric Propulsion Manufacturing Centre is now producing battery packs and electric drive units alongside combustion engines. The work forms part of JLR’s £15bn, five-year “Reimagine” investment programme, in which the company will launch nine fully electric models by 2030 across its Range Rover, Defender, Jaguar and Discovery brands.
Martin Limpert, managing director of Range Rover, said the new model was the result of a decade of “considered engineering”. He added: “This is pivotal for us at Range Rover, for JLR, I really believe that for us it's also for our partners for our retailers for our communities. This secures jobs this provides for the economy and we are really excited.” The launch comes as JLR continues to recover from last September's cyber-attack, which contributed to a 20.9 per cent fall in annual turnover.
MyWorkwear welcomes new team members Leading supplier of embroidered and printed workwear, MyWorkwear, has welcomed four new members to its team as the business continues to invest in its people and future growth during its 50th year. The business has strengthened its customer service department with the appointment of two new customer service administrators, Emily Davenport and Jazz Rai. Emily and Jazz will support MyWorkwear’s customer base of more than 50,000 businesses, helping customers with their workwear orders and ensuring they receive a five-star level of service. The business has also expanded its commercial department, with Charlie Philpot joining the Internal Sales team as sales administrator and Lillie Bell joining the marketing team as marketing executive. Alongside the new appointments, MyWorkwear has also launched a new project focused on developing a dedicated business growth function within the company. The project, which forms part of the business’s fiveyear commercial strategy, is being led by Liz Goulden and will focus on identifying new opportunities to support the company’s continued development.
Newcomers: Back row (left to right): Liz Goulden, Emily Davenport and Jazz Rai. Front row (left to right): Charlie Philpot and Lillie Bell
MyWorkwear co-owner James Worthington said: “We’re really pleased to welcome Emily, Jazz, Charlie and Lillie to the team. During our 50th year, we’re continuing to invest in the people and infrastructure we need to support the next stage of our growth.”
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SECTOR FOCUS: PROPERTY
IN BRIEF Acivico has supported Birmingham City Council in managing compliance across one of the city’s most significant recent regeneration programmes. The Birminghamheadquartered building consultancy played a key role in the Perry Barr Estate regeneration project, in which the council invested more than £320m to deliver around 750 apartments. As buildings on the site moved through different stages of construction, completion and occupation, the estate required close collaboration between the council, delivery partners and on-site teams to manage standards and compliance.
Big, bold and ambitious: Mayor Richard Parker (left) with Dame Bernadette Kelly and Cllr Roger Harmer, leader of Birmingham City Council
Top ex-civil servant to end city’s ‘blighted’ area The leadership team for the Birmingham East Mayoral Development Corporation (BEMDC), set up to accelerate one of the most significant regeneration programmes in the UK, has been announced. Birmingham-born Dame Bernadette Kelly, one of Whitehall’s top former civil servants who served as permanent secretary for the Department for Transport until her retirement last year, will chair the newly formed corporation. Paul Richards, who is currently the deputy chief executive of Stockport MBC, has been appointed as chief officer. He will work alongside Dame Bernadette to lead the acceleration of more than £11bn of regeneration investment at the heart of the UK’s second city, creating new opportunities for the wider East Birmingham, one of the country’s most deprived areas. Paul was chosen by then Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, to lead his first Mayoral Development Corporation in
Stockport in 2019, where his achievements include the delivery of a multi-award winning Stockport interchange and a range of regeneration programmes.
‘A project of this magnitude needs leaders of the highest calibre’ Mayor Richard Parker said: “This MDC is big, bold, and ambitious. It will be a magnet for investment, offering a once in a lifetime opportunity to end the deeprooted deprivation that has blighted lives in East Birmingham for far too long. “A project of this magnitude needs leaders of the highest calibre, who can harness the powers it will bring to cut through red tape and provide the stability needed for investor confidence. “I can think of no one better than Bernadette to be chair. As a native Brummie she knows this city well and her many years’ experience at the top of Whitehall
give her the expertise and strategic insight to extract the most benefit possible from these huge investments. “Combine that with Paul’s specialist understanding and proven track record from leading one of the first ever Mayoral Development Corporations, and we are ready to take East Birmingham from strength to strength.” Following a tour of some of the BEMDC regeneration sites in Digbeth, Dame Bernadette, said: “I’m delighted to be taking on the role of chair of the Birmingham East MDC and look forward to working with Paul. “He has exactly the skills and experience needed to deliver against the huge ambition we have for this part of the city.” Paul Richards said: “I believe that working alongside colleagues at Birmingham City Council and West Midlands Combined Authority, we can deliver something that the residents and businesses in the city can be proud of.”
Clancy Consulting has announced a restructure to focus solely on its civil and structural engineering consultancy, stepping away from its Building Services division. The move returns the Birmingham-based firm to the discipline it has built its reputation on for more than 54 years. Chris Acton, chief executive of Clancy Consulting, said: “These essential changes mark the next chapter for Clancy. By returning our full focus to Civil and Structural Engineering, we’re building on the expertise and reputation that have defined our business for more than five decades.” Commercial property consultancy Fisher German has been retained by Guiding Light Investments to manage 3 Trinity Park (T3) near Birmingham Airport for the next two years following its purchase from Swiss Life Asset Managers. Fisher German’s commercial property management team has overseen T3, a modern three-storey office building with a basement floor and 49,595 sq ft of floorspace, since 2018. Guiding Light Investments chose to retain Fisher German rather than appoint a new agent due to the standard of its work on the building to date. Since Fisher German came on board, it carefully managed tenant relations during a repair of the building’s multi-storey car park.
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SECTOR FOCUS: SKILLS
Top ranking for customer service apprenticeship Performance Through People (PTP) has been ranked as UK’s top provider for Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner apprenticeship, according to 2024/25 Department for Education achievement data. The West Midlands-based provider achieved an 88.9 per cent achievement rate, placing it first nationally among providers with comparable cohort sizes. The ranking is based on official Department for Education data and the results place PTP ahead of a number of well-known training providers and colleges. The Customer Service Practitioner apprenticeship is designed to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed by people working in customer-facing roles. The latest results follow strong performance across PTP’s apprenticeship provision. For
Rob Colbourne
2024/25, PTP achieved an overall apprenticeship achievement rate of 73.43 per cent, compared with a national average of 65.4 per cent with 77 per cent expected for 2025/2026. Customer Service Practitioner was one of PTP’s five highestperforming apprenticeship standards, alongside Supply Chain Warehouse Operative, Lean Manufacturing Operative, Business Administration and Learning and Development Practitioner. Rob Colbourne, CEO of PTP, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be recognised as the number one Customer Service Practitioner apprenticeship provider. “Behind every percentage is an individual learner who has worked hard to achieve their qualification. We are incredibly proud of every one of them.”
Recruitment specialists awarded REC Audited Status West Midlands hospitality and catering recruitment specialist, KSB Recruitment Consultants, has been awarded Audited Status by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). The status was confirmed in August 2026 and runs until August 2028, following an independent audit of the business’s policies and procedures. The audit assessed KSB against the Employment Agencies Act, the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003, and the REC Code of Professional Practice. KSB will now be listed in the REC's directory of audited members. Founded in Birmingham in 1991, KSB Recruitment Consultants places temporary, temp-to-perm and permanent staff across Chefs, front-of-house, housekeeping, events and management roles. KSB works with hotels, restaurants, contract caterers and venues
across the UK, with all temporary workers paid directly through KSB's own PAYE payroll. The achievement comes as KSB Recruitment Consultants marks 35 years in the industry. Earlier this year, the business was named Best Company Overall at the Birmingham Business Best Places to Work Awards. Dawn Bannister (pictured), managing director and founder of KSB Recruitment Consultants, said: “Compliance is something clients assume is being handled properly, and in our industry it often isn’t. “Being audited by the REC means someone independent has been through how we work, from right-to-work checks to how our temps are paid, and confirmed it stands up. “Our clients can book a chef for a Friday night knowing the paperwork behind that Doing it the right way: placement Dawn Bannister is sound.”
Mayor backs work scheme West Midlands mayor Richard Parker has backed a government-funded scheme that will give 275 long term unemployed young people access to paid work placements. The mayor said the scheme would transform young people’s lives, adding that the Youth Guarantee would help long-term unemployed people get their working lives started and secure that all-important first job. His pledge comes on the back of the Government launching its Jobs Guarantee to offer a direct route into paid work for all young people aged 18-24 who have been out of work and claiming Universal Credit for 18 months. The mayor said: “We are equipping young people with the skills and training opportunities they need to launch their careers. “The Youth Guarantee adds to our efforts by helping longterm unemployed people, who might previously have been written off, to get their working lives started.”
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SECTOR FOCUS: TECHNOLOGY
Uni researchers’ breakthrough on transforming healthcare data Leading law firm Freeths has advised University of Birmingham Enterprise on the successful spinout of Dexter AI Ltd, supporting the launch of an innovative technology business focused on transforming how researchers extract and analyse healthcare data. Dexter AI has been established to commercialise a web-based platform that enables users to securely extract and analyse largescale real-world data from a range of sources, including electronic health records, claims data and private prescriber records. Developed by researchers at the university, the platform has already supported more than 150 studies and helped accelerate health research across a range of therapeutic areas.
Freeths advised University of Birmingham Enterprise throughout the transaction, helping it navigate the legal and commercial complexities associated with the creation of a university spin-out and the transition of Dexter AI into an independent commercial venture.
‘The university and Dexter AI approached this process with a clear vision and strong foundations’ The Freeths team was led by managing associate Rosanna Brown on the corporate aspects of the transaction, with partner Martin Noble leading on the IP arrangements underpinning the
Dexter team (left to right): Christian Billinghurst, Dr Krishna Gokhale and Professor Joht Singh Chandan
commercialisation of the technology. Rosanna said: “Dexter AI represents the type of innovative, research-led business that has the potential to create meaningful impact at scale. It was a pleasure to support this milestone transaction and help bring together the legal and commercial foundations needed for the next stage of Dexter AI’s growth. “The university and Dexter AI approached this process with a clear vision and strong foundations, and we are delighted to have played a role in helping the business move forward as an independent company.”
Meaningful impact: Rosanna Brown
Medilink invests in region’s innovation Medilink Midlands has strengthened its commitment to the region’s innovation economy through its investment in Midlands Mindforge. The investment backs the next generation of high-potential science, health and technology businesses across the Midlands. Midlands Mindforge is an ambitious patient capital investment company founded by eight research intensive universities in the Midlands (Aston, Birmingham, Cranfield, Keele, Leicester, Loughborough, Nottingham and Warwick). It invests in ground breaking science and technology companies across the Midlands region. Through equity investment combined with hands on company building support, it creates the conditions for spinouts and early stage science and technology businesses to scale and thrive. Life Sciences and MedTech are among its focus sectors. The investment comes at a time when the Midlands is working to strengthen the journey from its considerable research and innovation base to commercial success. The region has significant strengths in research, entrepreneurship and health innovation, but has historically faced challenges in attracting investment and translating research into high-growth businesses. Medilink Midlands’ investment in Mindforge is a practical commitment to helping address that challenge and strengthening the ecosystem around innovation, investment and growth. 70 CHAMBERLINK October 2026
Playing their part: Medilink researchers
The Midlands is home to the UK’s largest medtech cluster, contributing an estimated £1.6bn in GVA, and has the second-largest clinical trials cluster in Europe. Martin Levermore MBE DL, chair of Medilink Midlands, said: “The Midlands has an extraordinary depth of research, innovation and entrepreneurial talent. Our challenge is making sure that more of those ideas have the investment and support they need to become successful businesses and deliver real-world impact.
“That is why Medilink Midlands chose to invest in Midlands Mindforge. We wanted to make a tangible commitment to strengthening the ecosystem around innovation and to helping create better routes from research and ideas through to investment, commercialisation and growth. “For the health and life sciences sector, access to the right networks, expertise and investment can make a significant difference to whether an innovation reaches the market. We want to play our part in helping more businesses grow and succeed here in the Midlands.”
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SECTOR FOCUS: TECHNOLOGY
Ungoverned AI adoption poses business risks Midlands organisations are being warned that they could be exposing themselves to avoidable risk as AI adoption accelerates faster than internal controls, governance and processes can keep pace. Paul Howard, managing director of PKF Infuse, reports a sharp rise in organisations seeking support after experiencing security incidents, integration failures or unexpected technology costs. Blake Fine, managing director of UK environmental services provider Servtron Group, observes that high growth businesses often reach a point where internal troubleshooting is no longer sustainable, prompting them to
seek specialist support. According to Paul, who has advised Midlands organisations on technology strategy for more than two decades, many businesses are now implementing AI and other emerging tools without fully understanding the implications for security and data protection or operational resilience. Paul said: “Businesses are under pressure to adopt AI quickly, but without the right governance they risk exposing sensitive data and creating more problems than they solve. “The pace of change is accelerating and organisations need structures that keep them safe while still enabling innovation.”
Consulting firm delivers workshop
Jam People AI session (left to right): Katie Johns, Jane Arthur-McGuire, and Charley Johnson
Solihull based Jam People Consultancy delivered a session that explored technology, AI, and human connection to specialist door and hardware manufacturers Safehinge Primera. Led by chartered psychologists Jane Arthur-McGuire and Katie Johns, the session explored how AI is changing the way people think, work and connect, and how organisations can maximise its benefits while reducing unintended consequences. Jane, managing director of JAM People Consulting, said: “There is understandably a huge amount of excitement about what AI can do, but we think organisations need to be equally interested in what humans need to do well. “The starting point shouldn't simply be, ‘What can we automate?’ It should be, ‘What are we trying to make better and what must we protect or strengthen in the process?’ “Our philosophy is about consciously designing work around humans: what we're good at, what gives us meaning and motivation, and the conditions we need to think, connect and perform at our best. We can then make much more deliberate decisions about where technology can genuinely add value.” October 2026 CHAMBERLINK 71
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SECTOR FOCUS: THE ARTS
MAC in search for new trading board chair Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) is inviting applications for an experienced leader to become chair of its Trading Board, which plays a key role in shaping the future of the organisation’s commercial activity and charitable mission. The chair of the Trading Board provides leadership and governance oversight for Midlands Arts Centre Trading Ltd (MAC Trading), ensuring that commercial activities generate sustainable income, enhance visitor experience and support the long-term success of the charity.
IN BRIEF The first major solo art exhibition by comedian Joe Lycett has opened to the public at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. EVERY THING MUST GO, which includes more than 80 paintings and artworks in other media, is inspired by “things that are no longer with us”. The centrepiece is an almost life-size pink woolly mammoth sculpture called Martin from Hull, made with British wool that has been hand rugged by cast members from the series of The Great British Sewing Bee, hosted by Joe. The exhibition runs until 21 February 2027. General admission is free. Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum are offering exclusive Christmas party experiences for organisations looking for somewhere memorable to celebrate the festive season. Businesses can now book a Christmas corporate event at two of Birmingham’s most iconic cultural venues surrounded by fascinating collections and exhibitions. The packages provide an opportunity to celebrate in the grandeur and elegance of Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery or the futuristic and fun atmosphere of Thinktank.
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As the principal link between the Trading Board and Charity Board, the chair will play a vital role in ensuring strong alignment between commercial performance, organisational values and MAC’s wider strategic priorities. Deborah Kermode, chief executive and artistic director, said: “MAC’s trading activity plays a fundamental role in supporting our charitable mission, helping us to create sustainable income that can be reinvested into our artistic and community work. “We are looking for a chair who can bring strategic judgement,
Seeking strategic judgement: Deborah Kermode
commercial insight and strong governance experience to help us maximise this opportunity. “ MAC said it welcomes applications from individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas: • Board-level leadership as a chair, trustee, non-executive director,
company director or equivalent senior leader • Governance, accountability and board effectiveness within complex organisations • Financial oversight, strategic planning and risk management • Operating within group structures, charities, subsidiaries
Pioneering wheelchair dance company takes show on tour Birmingham-based Propel Dance, the UK’s first and only professional wheelchair dance company, has announced a new autumn tour of Momentum, a landmark showcase celebrating the power, artistry and excitement of disability dance. Following a £54,931 investment from Arts Council England, Propel Dance will tour Momentum to four venues from November 2026 to February 2027, in the company’s biggest tour to date. Featuring seven short works, Momentum brings together solos, duets and a quartet in a dynamic programme that showcases the full range of Propel Dance's talent.
The tour will open at Fletchers Theatre, Nottingham College, on 4 November, before visiting mac Birmingham on 11 November, the Terry O'Toole Theatre in North Hykeham, Lincolnshire, on 5 December, and Warwick Arts Centre on 19 February 2027. Co-Directors Helen Mason and Amy Dalton-Hardy said: “Momentum feels like a really important moment for Propel Dance. This is our biggest tour to date and a chance to bring together everything that makes the company so exciting – incredible professional dancers, bold and ambitious choreography, emerging young talent and the communities we work with around the country.”
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SECTOR FOCUS: THE ARTS
Dance company presents ‘challenging’ programme
Connecting commercial ambition with public benefit: The MAC. Picture: Tom Bird
or organisations with multiple stakeholder relationships • Commercial leadership, ideally within hospitality, retail, leisure, or culture • Building effective partnerships and relationships across executive teams, boards and wider stakeholders.
Lyrics: Julie Tsang
Cast announced for family show Birmingham Hippodrome has announced the cast and creative team for its new festive family musical, One Tiny Penguin. Running from 5 December to 3 January, the show is the latest in the theatre’s My First Musical series. It follows previous productions No Such Thing as Wolves and The Jingleclaw, and is aimed at audiences aged three and over. One Tiny Penguin follows Lumi, a penguin mistakenly chosen for the honour of lighting up the Northern Lights – a job usually reserved for polar bears. The cast includes Dylan Collymore as Lumi, Sarah Palmer as Eira, Benedict Hastings as Sky, Sam Denia as Pablo and Clara Abdilla Joslin, making her professional debut, as Bonola. The production is directed by Laura Ryder with music and lyrics by Jordan Li-Smith and book and lyrics by Julie Tsang.
Fabric, a dance development organisation based in the Midlands, has announced four performances this autumn, presented as part of THIS IS DANCE. THIS IS DANCE is a growing collective of presenting partners, co-producers, and commissioning organisations dedicated to showcasing ambitious international dance in Birmingham, challenging expectations of what dance can be, and bringing joy to audiences across the city. Now in its second year, THIS IS DANCE, is a partnership which includes Fabric, Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Midlands Arts Centre, Fierce Festival and Sampad Arts. The latest programme brings together a local and international line-up of artists and companies from the UK, Italy, USA, Canada, Poland, the Netherlands, Germany and Benin. Paul Russ, Fabric’s CEO and artistic director, said: “THIS IS DANCE demonstrates how organisations with distinct identities can work collectively to grow the city’s cultural offer, positioning Birmingham as a city where adventurous dance and performance can flourish.
Challenging expectations: THIS IS DANCE, a multiBirmingham partnership
“THIS IS DANCE will strengthen Birmingham’s reputation for bold and adventurous performance and create the conditions for dance and choreography to reach wider audiences.” Fabric’s autumn season features two partnerships which challenge expectations of what dance can be. They will be co-presenting with Fierce Festival in the UK premiere of Weathering by Faye Driscoll at Midlands Arts Centre, from 14 to 16 October. This landmark show features 10 performers who create a slowly evolving live scene on a moving platform, forming a living sculpture of
constantly shifting images, connections and relationships. Fabric is also co-presenting three new performances with Birmingham Hippodrome in The Patrick Studio in November. Jon Gilchrist, Birmingham Hippodrome’s artistic director and CEO, said: “We’re excited to build on the success of THIS IS DANCE with a vibrant new season. “Together with Fabric and our partners across the city, we’re creating more opportunities for artists and audiences to experience bold, inspiring dance from Birmingham and around the world.”
Honouring Black History Month Colmore Life has partnered with Birmingham City University’s (BCU) School of Arts to present a special outdoor exhibition celebrating Black History Month 2026, bringing together creativity, culture and community in the heart of Birmingham city centre. Running until 31 October, the free public exhibition will be displayed at Snow Hill Square, showcasing a selection of original designs in a range of formats created by students from Birmingham City University’s School of Arts.
Triplets by Bolin Qian: One of the several artworks at the Black History Month exhibition
The exhibition explores the theme of Black culture, highlighting a diverse range of perspectives, experiences and artistic approaches. The student submissions from BCU's MAVC Work in Progress Show were reviewed by an independent judging panel, which selected 13 artworks for inclusion in the exhibition. From this shortlist, winning and highly commended artists were chosen, receiving cash prizes of £200 and £100 respectively in recognition of their creative achievements. The winners will be officially announced during October as part of the exhibition programme, celebrating the outstanding talent and perspectives showcased by Birmingham City University’s School of Arts students. Melanie Williams, Colmore placemaking lead and board director, said: “We are delighted to partner with the School of Arts to bring this exciting exhibition to Snow Hill Square for Black History Month 2026. “These talented students have produced a powerful collection of work that celebrates Black culture through a range of creative voices and perspectives. “By bringing this exhibition into a public space, we aim to create opportunities to reflect on the important stories being shared.” Black History Month is an opportunity to recognise, celebrate and learn about the achievements, experiences and contributions of Black communities. October 2026 CHAMBERLINK 73
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SECTOR FOCUS: SPORT
The Business of Sport
Football for all: Louis Baker (left) and Simon Barrett, managing director of ASAP Fire Systems
Safety experts sponsor team
Investment for the future: Sarah Mills, secretary of Leafield Ladies and her daughter Eva, who plays in the U12s Division with the seedlings they’re planting in the club’s wildlife zone
Local clubs receive green project funding Ten grassroots football clubs in the West Midlands have been awarded green project funding after Birmingham County Football Association (BCFA) teamed up with Unity Trust Bank. A range of initiatives including recycling, wildlife preservation, energy efficiency, water harvesting and car sharing, will benefit from £12,500 worth of grants after the Birmingham-headquartered business bank sponsored this year’s BCFA “Green Innovation Fund”. The grants are part of BCFA’s “Save Today, Play Tomorrow” programme, which is committed to transforming the way sport approaches its environmental, social and economic impact. One of the football clubs to benefit is Leafield Ladies. Based in Solihull, the club has more than 200 women and girl players registered across a range of age groups. 74 CHAMBERLINK October 2026
Sarah Mills, a primary school teacher and Secretary of Leafield Ladies, said: “We’ve provided space for girls-only football since 1997. We love what we stand for and what we do. We are a familyfriendly club with around 40 volunteer coaches. “We have two massive fields situated in a green, leafy suburb surrounded by housing developments. We want to maintain what we’ve got while giving back to the local community. “We have a big focus on environmental education and this grant funding will help us to provide wildflower seeds to enhance the surrounding woodland area which includes bug houses. “We also have a tractor and have invested in a massive tank to capture rainwater at our clubhouse which we can then use to water our grass when national supplies run low during hot weather.”
Unity Trust Bank and BCFA began collaborating in 2024 when both organisations were awarded the King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development. Colin Fyfe, CEO of Unity Trust Bank, said: “We work with likeminded organisations that are as committed as we are to creating a better society for all. Everyone can play their part in addressing today’s environmental challenges and we’re delighted to support BCFA’s ‘Green Innovation Fund’. “Hearing how grassroots football clubs in the West Midlands are proactively implementing sustainability programmes is inspiring and heartwarming.” BCFA is the non profit-making governing body for football across Birmingham, the Black Country and Coventry and Warwickshire. It supports more than 900 grassroots football clubs with over 6,200 teams across the region.
Bromsgrove-based ASAP Fire Systems has continued sponsoring local football team AFC Bromsgrove. The initiative helps the club improve accessibility and remove barriers to participation. Matthew Smith, business development manager of ASAP Fire Systems, said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with AFC Bromsgrove and support a club that plays such an important role in our local community. “At ASAP Fire Systems, we are proud to help with the club's running costs, particularly at a time when financial pressures can be a barrier to participation and engagement in grassroots sport. “We are especially pleased to support the Ability Counts team, helping to ensure that football remains accessible to everyone. “Providing opportunities for people of all abilities to enjoy the game aligns closely with our commitment to supporting an inclusive and thriving local community.” Louis Baker, manager of AFC Bromsgrove, said: “ASAP Fire Systems’ support gives our club the stability and resources we need to not only thrive today but also grow for the future, nurturing talent, expanding opportunities, and building a stronger community together. “We had one Ability Counts team last season, which has now grown into three teams. I never knew that so many players with disabilities were involved in football and I wanted to give them a safe space to play and train while helping them to develop as players.”
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CHAMBERLINK
Chamber Insight Focus on a member
Name: Paul Faulkner Company: Barclays Job Title: Vice-chairman, Midlands
What does your company do? Barclays provides a full range of financial services to clients, from everyday high-street banking through to corporate banking for businesses and global investment management. How did it all start? I joined Barclays as vicechairman for the Midlands in March this year as part of the bank’s wider commitment to supporting businesses across the region. What’s your greatest achievement so far? In these first six months I think the most pleasing achievement has been to launch a ‘thoughtleadership’ event in Birmingham around the Barclays Business Prosperity Index. The first one was held in August and was really well received, and we’ll now be doing them quarterly moving forward. What is the biggest risk you’ve ever taken – and did it work out? Outside of Barclays, probably signing Christian Benteke for Aston Villa on deadline day 2012. He was an unknown at the time but went on to score 19 Premier League goals that season. What keeps you awake at night? Nothing – I generally sleep like a log! Only worry about those things you can control or influence. If you could turn the clock back, what would you do differently? Again, nothing. Obviously, learn from your mistakes, but I also have a philosophy of only looking forward rather than fixating on the ‘rear-view mirror.’
What has surprised you most in your job? At Barclays it has been the focus on people and the importance of relationships with clients. The bank is absolutely committed to a relationship-based approach with businesses. What advice would you give to someone starting out? Work hard, put your hand up and ask lots of questions and challenge the status quo, and push yourself. Trust that those above you will recognise your talents and effort. Which business do you most admire? Locally, Gymshark is a fantastic business. It’s been great to see them grow from a scrappy challenger brand into a worldclass business without losing that sense of who they are. What exciting projects is your business working on? Barclays has an exciting focus on regional growth in the Midlands at present, backed up by the £22bn Business Prosperity Fund. What made you join Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and how are you making use of your membership? Having been CEO of the Chamber for six years I know the benefits and value that Chamber membership can bring well. At Barclays we are aiming to ensure that multiple members of the team engage with the Chamber so that we can spread the task of attending events and increase the impact that our membership delivers accordingly. Tel: 07525 225144
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MEMBER SECTION: NEW MEMBERS
New Members Your guide to new sign-ups
Whatever your business size and requirements, the Chamber has a membership scale to suit your needs. For more information visit: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/membership
AUGUST Acacia Family Support Kate Davarzadeh 07462099003 www.acacia.org.uk Health and social services Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce Agilyx Harpal Mattu 01628 637266 agilyxgroup.com IT and software development Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce Asatoma Carla Devereux 01212624136 www.asatoma.org Administration and support services Solihull Chamber of Commerce Astute App Jennifer Orode 07440548221 www.astuteapp.io Financial services Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
Durant & Co Simon Durant 0333 090 3101 www.durant-co.com Financial services Solihull Chamber of Commerce
Journey Training Ltd Trudie Spencer 07926908529 www.journeytraining.co.uk Education Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
Realise Training Group Ltd Ross Edwards 0333 444 5055 www.realisetraining.com Education Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
Entertainment Mill Collective Ellen Mills www.ceolmundsdungeon.com Trade and retail Solihull Chamber of Commerce
JST MVE Jamie Harper 07736937448 www.jstmve.fit Health and social services Asian Business Chamber of Commerce
Revive Yoga and Wellbeing Susan Jackson 01543 720325 www.revive.community Sports and recreation Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce
LRQA Ltd Avi Dickinson 0121 817 4000 www.www.lrqa.com/en-gb IT and software development Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce
Society Birmingham Gabriella Boon www.societybirmingham.com Restaurants and cafes Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
Attraction World Group Ltd Joe Hyland 0371 700 8888 www.attractionworldgroup.com Events and hospitality Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
Everywhen Insurance Brokers Dan Lane 0121 7785751 www.everywhen.co.uk Insurance agents and brokers Solihull Chamber of Commerce
Ballers Padel Club Adrian Cole 07983279845 www.ballerspadelclub.com Sports and recreation Asian Business Chamber of Commerce
Fenky Janes Ltd Sarah Jane Hamilton 01215070660 www.fenkyjanes.co.uk Food and drink Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
Biologyx Ltd Amar Khan www.biologyx.com Research and development Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
Four Squared Recruitment Ltd Emma Richardson 01905 783352 www.four-squared.com Employment agency Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
Chris Whitmore Associates Ltd Nicola Adams 0116 232 7400 www.cwa.co.uk Marketing and media Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce Cornerstone Victoria Beynon 020 3405 5500 www.cornerstonelondon.com Administration and support services Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce Deep Byte Alexander Jones 07365 264525 www.linkedin.com/company/deepbyte Other Birmingham Chamber of Commerce 76 CHAMBERLINK October 2026
Hayward Wright Alex Footman 0333 006 8809 www.haywardwright.co.uk Accounting and auditing Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Jackson Fire and Security South Birmingham Sam Bridgman 07711841749 www.birminghamsouth.jacksonfire.co.uk Manufacturing and engineering Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
Mander Hadley Stuart Daniel 01926 857631 www.manderhadley.co.uk Legal and compliance Solihull Chamber of Commerce
The Kings Trust Rich Growcott 07588037041 www.kingstrust.org.uk Health and social services Charity Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
Midlands Industrial Association Ltd Andy Munro 0121 233 2232 www.mialtd.co.uk Construction and real estate Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
The Wine Events Company Tony Elvin 07949116744 www.thewineeventscompany.com Events and hospitality Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
Milligan Advocates Scott Milligan 07481104701 www.milliganadvocates.co.uk Marketing and media Burton and District Chamber of Commerce
V Immigration Ltd Vishal Gautam 07947692485 www.vimmigration.co.uk Legal and compliance Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce
Mindset by Izeoma Clarisa Washoma 07747716246 Education Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
Work Positive Ltd Michele Deeks 01608 486 001 www.workpositive.com Management consultancy Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
As the voice of local business since 1813, we strive to help firms across the region
connect, support and grow.
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CHAMBERLINK
October 2026 CHAMBERLINK 77
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MEMBER SECTION
...any other business A roundup of news from Chamber members
Experts examine how ‘to break free from beliefs that hold you back’ An event has been launched with the aim of helping people break free from the beliefs that hold them back. It claims to help them reconnect with who they truly are, and move forward with greater confidence, resilience and purpose. The Empowered Mind has been created by Claire Reeves, emotional wellbeing & neurodiversity specialist and vice president of Burton & District Chamber of Commerce, and Olivia Beardsmore, experiential empowerment coach. It will take place on Sunday, 11 October, from 9.30 am to 4 pm at Branston Golf & Country Club. The event combines powerful psychological insight with immersive breakthrough experiences to create a day that is both deeply reflective and lifechanging. Claire said: “In a world where many people feel overwhelmed by stress, self-doubt and constant
Empowering people: Olivia Beardsmore (left) and Claire Reeves
pressure, The Empowered Mind focuses on one of the most important life skills of all: building everyday resilience.”
Throughout the day, participants will discover how childhood experiences, limiting beliefs and unconscious patterns can shape the
way they see themselves and the choices they make. Through engaging demonstrations, guided visualisations and practical exercises, they will begin to understand why they become stuck in unhelpful patterns and, more importantly, how to change them. Claire will draw on psychology, counselling, coaching and neuroscience to help participants uncover the beliefs that have been quietly influencing their confidence, relationships, careers and wellbeing. Olivia will lead two experiential activities that symbolise personal transformation. Participants will first take part in an arrow break, physically breaking an arrow while letting go of a limiting belief that has held them back. Later in the day, they will complete a glass walk, stepping forward with courage, self-belief and a renewed commitment to living a life that aligns with who they truly are.
Support mental ‘elf’ for Birmingham Mind Birmingham Mind are bringing back their annual Mental Elf Festive Fun Run with the support of FASTSIGNS, a signage manufacturer based in Gravelly Hill. The flagship fundraising event will take place on 29 November at Cannon Hill Park, with FASTSIGNS partnering to become an official event sponsor.
Visible support: Kerrie Henry-Edge
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Birmingham Mind relies on the support from corporate sponsors to make their 5km Festive Fun Run a success. Over the past three years, over £53,000 has been raised through the event to support their vital mental health services across Birmingham and Solihull. Tom Gilpin, from FASTSIGNS, said “We are proud to sponsor the Mental Elf Festive Fun Run because Birmingham Mind provides the vital, on-the-ground support our community needs to ensure nobody has to face those challenges alone.” Kerrie Henry-Edge, fundraising lead of Birmingham Mind, said: “Sponsoring Birmingham Mind’s Mental Elf Festive Fun Run isn’t just about getting your business in front of hundreds of festive runners and spectators. It’s a powerful, visible way to show your commitment to supporting mental health across Birmingham and Solihull.”
Will you brave the heat for charity? A Birmingham-based charity supporting people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness is preparing to take on a fiery challenge – and is calling on local businesses to help them. SIFA Fireside, which supports adults facing homelessness across Birmingham, is preparing to walk through fire as part of its vision for a future where every adult has a choice beyond homelessness. The charity is inviting local organisations and corporate partners to feel the heat and get involved. Robb Sheppard, head of fundraising and communications at SIFA Fireside said: “The SIFA Firewalk is an amazing way for our us and our supporters to walk-the-walk and really show that we are here for people experiencing homelessness in Birmingham.” Firewalk will take place at Shirley Golf Club on 10 October.
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