West Midlandswww.iod.com January 2019

Excellence guaranteed Dr Andy Palmer of Aston Martin lands prestigious IoD award

EVENTS | DIRECTOR DEVELOPMENT | ADVICE AND INFORMATION | NEWS HI THERE, IT’S NICE MEETING YOU. About Spaces

Spaces offers an inspiring work environment for professionals and growing businesses. Next to office space, there are memberships and meeting rooms to help you think, create and interact with like-minded people. Spaces has the goal to offer an inspirational surrounding with an entrepreneurial spirit where ideas are born, a company evolves and valuable relationships are built. Spaces has locations across the UK – including Birmingham City Centre – as well as Europe, Canada, the United States, Latin America, Africa, Australia and Asia.

For further information on Spaces please visit www.spacesworks.com or contact Area Manager Nick Haycox on 07766 160572 or via [email protected] CONTACTS Stay positive and keep IoD West Midlands: iHub, Colmore Gate, 2-6 Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 2QD a sense of perspective T: 0121 643 1868

and that must be avoided at all costs. We all saw Chair: Brian Hall Brian Hall the scenes on the streets of Paris before e: [email protected] Chair, Christmas, as public anger over President t: 0121 728 8360 IoD West Midlands Macron’s proposed reforms ended in violence. That is a bigger threat to business continuity Regional Director/Editor: than any Brexit deal. Calum Nisbet But let’s remain optimistic; we will cope, we e: [email protected] Happy New Year. I hope you had an enjoyable will find a route through. On that theme, I often t: 0121 643 7801 and restful Christmas break, and are ready to find myself contemplating the way Britain is face whatever 2019 has to throw at us! portrayed in the media. I spend much of my time Office administration: talking to business leaders and they tell me Jordan Lowe Given the political events at the end of 2018, about their growth plans, the new markets they e: [email protected] and with the March 29 date looming large in our are targeting and other things: pay rises for t: 0121 643 1868 diaries for the UK’s exit from the European employees, training programmes for school Union, the chances are that the events ready to leavers and apprentices. They talk about CSR, The Institute of Directors West be hurled at us will be both momentous – and and how their staff go in to local schools and Midlands membership plentiful! Speaking to other business leaders other organisations to support public sector magazine is published on around the region I know there are many with behalf of the IoD by: concerns over what this year has in store for us, Chamber Media Services, but I have decided to adopt a positive, “Nobody wants to prolong the 4 Hilton Road, Bramhall, philosophical approach and not become too uncertainty, but everyone must Stockport, Cheshire SK7 3AG. weighed down with doubts and concerns. remember that businesses and What is true is that the political situation has Advertising sales: to settle down – and quickly. The responsibility communities need time to Colin Regan to find a way forward now rests directly with 650 adapt to future changes...” t: 01942 537959 / 07871 444922 MPs in Parliament. Nobody wants to prolong the e: [email protected] uncertainty, but everyone must remember that businesses and communities need time to adapt workers. They are keen to be at the heart of their Production enquiries: to future changes. communities, and play an active role in their Rob Beswick, Immediately after the referendum in 2016 I prosperity. t: 0161 426 7957 was at the IoD in London for a meeting with That’s the Britain I recognise, one full of e: rob@chambermedia senior Japanese business figures, and one responsible and civic-minded people, keen to services.co.uk questioned me about Brexit. “What will improve their local communities. happen,” he asked. “What are you going to do.” And then I come home and watch the news! I explained that it was like the weather: “I’ve Where Britain is often portrayed as chaotic, Please note... got no control over it. I can’t stop it. But I still uncaring and collapsing. Yet it’s nothing of the have to go out in it, so I just need to prepare for sort when you get out in the real world. Perhaps Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material whatever it is.” the media could work harder at finding good contained within this magazine, He got my point: “We get some eventful news? neither the IoD nor Chamber Media weather in Japan, too!” Services can accept any That’s where I think we are: ready to respond, As for the IoD, there have been a number of responsibility for omissions or inaccuracies in its editorial or just not knowing which way to go. good news stories to report, both regionally and advertising content. nationally. Nationally, the push is for the IoD to The views expressed in this Personally, I believe that the Government have a greater focus on delivering value to its publication are not necessarily must honour the referendum decision, members, across all regions. those of the IoD. The carriage of adverts in this publication does not The one thing I really fear is civic upheaval to This new emphasis comes as the regions are constitute an endorsement of the accompany the current political one. A becoming more and more powerful, as the products or services advertised. constitutional crisis that unilaterally overturns Midlands Engine and Northern Powerhouse- All articles within this publication the referendum is likely to provoke an angry style devolution and City deals begin to deliver are copyright IoD West Midlands. Editorial consent must be obtained response from some sections of the community results. before any are reproduced either in printed form or electronically. Continued on page 4 Cover picture: Dr Andy Palmer, CEO of Aston Martin, receives the Dr Neville IoD West Midlands Patrons Bain Memorial Award for Excellence in Director and Board Practice at the IoD Director of the Year Awards. He is pictured with IoD Director-General Stephen Martin, event compere Claudia Winkelman and IoD West Midlands regional director Calum Nisbet www.iod.com/westmids 03 News

Top gear! Aston Martin’s Dr Andy Palmer roars off with IoD award

One of the West Midlands most high-profile business leaders was rewarded for his outstanding business career at the 2018 IoD National Director of the Year awards, when Dr Andy Palmer CMG, President and Group Chief Executive of Aston Martin Lagonda (AML), was presented with the Dr Neville Bain Memorial Award for Excellence in Director and Board Practice. This award is the highest accolade in the IoD’s Awards and recognises the personal imprint of the UK’s most high-profile leaders on the culture and success of their organisation through outstanding professionalism and the implementation of best practice in governance and leadership. Dr Palmer was presented with the award in recognition of the successful implementation of a new governance structure at the luxury car maker, which he established on joining the business in 2014. The new structure was put in place to oversee operational performance of the business and ensure effective governance of costs and profitability, and forms an integral Dr Andy Palmer receives his part of the brand’s ‘Second Century’ plan, award from Krissy Knights which involves a new product offensive, and Sue Smith, Sir Neville expansion of the company’s manufacturing Bain’s daughters, and event footprint and the delivery of sustainable compere Claudia Winkelman growth. Dr Palmer said: “2018 has been a truly historic year for Aston Martin Lagonda, as “All of our achievements are a testament “Good governance and we became the only truly British car maker to the extraordinary skill, professionalism listed on the LSE. That makes us a standard- and dedication of our workforce, who embedding an ethical bearer for the UK auto industry. continue to demonstrate pride and trust in approach to business is “Good governance and embedding an the Aston Martin brand which spreads out an incredibly important ethical approach to business is an incredibly to our customers, our racing teams, our important part of the Second Century Plan, dealers and our loyal fans, and I dedicate part of the company’s with the vision ‘to be the great British car this award to them.” ‘Second Century Plan’ ” company that creates the most beautiful • If you would like to enter or nominate automotive art in the world’. someone for the Regional Awards in 2019, Dr Andy Palmer “This award further demonstrates the please see page 14 success of our transformation plan.” • IoD visit to Aston Martin - see pg 11

Stay positive and keep a sense of perspective

Continued from page 3 Inclusivity agenda, with my deputy, Jackie “secrets for success” where they excel. More locally, it has been heartening to Hendley, leading, and there will be a Finally, it was marvellous to see Dr Andy attend a number of great events, but number of events to support that. See page Palmer, president and CEO, Aston Martin particularly the recent dinner at Warwick 12 for more details on this. Lagonda, named as the winner of the Dr Castle and the last of the 2018 Productivity In addition we are introducing a new Neville Bain Memorial Award for Breakfasts, at Aston Martin, which gave series of ‘Chair’s Best Practice Visits’ to Excellence in Director and Board Practice attendees some fascinating insights into leading West Midlands businesses. The at the IoD Director of the Year Awards. how that organisation operates. first will see us go behind the scenes at It was a fitting accolade for a man who We hope to continue the Productivity ADI, a major electrical and mechanical has worked hard to transform the business Breakfasts in 2019, alongside new engineer. It will be a business ‘Show and into an outstanding global player (more initiatives. We are pushing hard on the Tell’, with us learning some of their details of this story above).

04 www.iod.com/westmids Wesleyan proud to sign up to IoD’s patrons programme

IoD West Midlands is delighted to welcome Director Wesleyan, the specialist financial services programme. mutual, as its latest Patron. Group Chief Executive Established in Birmingham in 1841, Dr Craig Errington, CDir, won the IoD’s Wesleyan provides financial products and National Director of the Year award in 2011. services for medical and dental in the form of more than 200 separate He said: “Strengthening our relationship professionals, teachers and lawyers. grants to charities, community groups and with the IoD is important to the senior team The company established the Wesleyan social enterprises across the UK. at Wesleyan, given the great work they do in Foundation in 2017 to support projects that Strong advocates of corporate governance supporting business leaders. are important to its customers and the and diversity, Wesleyan has had a long “We are delighted to have become communities in which they live and work. A relationship with the IoD, and a number of Patrons and look forward to working with year later, the foundation had awarded a its senior management team have the team in what will be another interesting total of more than £1million to good causes successfully completed the Chartered year.”

Neil catches Grant Thornton’s eye IoD hits the road with as the ultimate ‘turnaround’ king three hot topics

IoD West Midlands member and Director turnover increasing from £200,000 to During 2019, IoD West Midlands will play of the Year finalist Neil Male, CEO, GMS £2.5 million in just five years. Today, after host to three National Roadshows Group, has continued collecting three management buyouts Neil has developed to support Business Leaders in accolades from the business community grown GMS to a £14 million turnover three critical topics: Global Business, after he was named one of 2018’s 100 business which employs 500 staff. Connected Business and Inclusive Faces of a Vibrant Economy by Grant Neil has also transformed the Business. Thornton. traditional manned guarding company The workshops will be delivered by Neil said he was delighted to be to a technology-driven security partner industry experts and recognised leaders, acknowledged, and many would say it is and continues to drive the business to based around engaging case studies and a just reward for his ‘never say die’ develop a range of cutting-edge technology- practical exercises to maximise learning attitude and positivity that have been the based solutions and stay ahead of the outcomes and facilitate peer networking. hallmark of his career. curve in a saturated security market. All three will be held at the National “Never take anything for granted Neil’s own experiences underline his Conference Centre, located in the heart of because things can be taken away from empathetic approach to employees, the Midlands transport network, Junction you in an instant,” says Neil, who learned giving people opportunities they may not 6 M42 (near Birmingham Airport). this lesson the hard way after a get elsewhere. He advocates a career in The roadshows are: promising football career was cut short security to all staff, from developing • How to be Leaders in Global Business by injury. apprentices in head office to supporting – Monday, 13th May Turning setback into success, Neil the aspirations of frontline security • How to be Leaders in Connected Business joined family business security services guards to progress within the industry. – Tuesday 10th July group GMS in 2000 as an employee. Neil This is reflected in reciprocal loyalty from • How to be Leaders in Inclusive Business implemented new systems, processes, staff – GMS has a 93% retention rate, – Wednesday 18th September software and people, which resulted in compared to an industry average of 63%. The events will be half -day sessions followed by a networking roundtable lunch. The cost is £45 for IoD Members and £75 for Non-Members. Each roadshow will be partnered with a policy report, launched at the beginning of the campaign and amended throughout the year as necessary. Copies of the report will be available at each roadshow. The first workshop will focus on Global Business, covering topics that present the biggest challenges facing SMEs in the global market such as trade and expansion into new markets. For more detail, or to register your interest in attending, please email [email protected] www.iod.com/westmids 05 IoD Policy Voice

Join us in getting the IoD members’ voice across to government

The UK’s prosperity depends on enterprise and it is imperative that the views of You don’t have to shout... directors are heard. Through our Policy Team, the IoD exerts its influence in all Join the debate at matters of economic and public policy: www.iod.com/news/ n By taking a position in the media influence-government (both nationally and locally) n Through direct discussion with ministers and civil servants n Through written responses to consultation documents and production of research and policy papers. Members of our Policy team, such as Edwin Morgan, Allie Renison and Tej Parikh, appear regularly on TV and radio and are highly valued contributors to the press and, over the year, the IoD has gained thousands of media hits, including 700 mentions in national papers. The IoD was influential in a number of key areas throughout 2018, including the debate on Brexit, trade, corporate governance, skills, the Budget and infrastructure spending. A few examples are listed below:

Brexit In March, the UK and EU agreed to a transition period (in the event of a deal). This was a major win for the IoD, which better courses. Review, the Government committed to was the first leading business group to call The IoD continues to meet regularly rolling out fibre broadband in the majority for this, backed by member survey data. with officials in the Department for of the country by 2030; however the IoD Education, feeding in members’ pushed for a more ambitious target of Trade experiences of the levy, and seeking a 2025. The Government’s new (and first) broader use of the system to encompass a Export Strategy was launched at our very wider range of skills training. With around 30,000 members across own Pall Mall. On migration, while we continue to the UK, the IoD is perfectly placed to The strategy included a raft of IoD await the Government’s White Paper, a represent the views of our Business recommendations, including plans to test significant breakthrough was achieved in Leaders. schemes such as export vouchers to June as medical staff were removed from To make sure YOUR voice is heard, encourage trading. the Tier 2 visa threshold, allowing more please ensure you are registered for Policy room for firms to attract skilled workers Voice – a monthly survey that seeks Corporate Governance from abroad. opinions on the issues that matter to The IoD was a key contributor to the business leaders, including Brexit, new Corporate Governance Code, which The Budget regulation, skills and the economy. includes a greater emphasis on taking into Greater business rates relief for small The data collected is developed into IoD account wider stakeholders. firms was a specific target in our Budget policy reports, imbedded into every The IoD also played a leading role in the submission – based on member survey government consultation we respond to creation of the Wates Principles for the data – which came to fruition in this year’s and shared in conversations with policy largest unlisted companies. Budget. The Budget also saw an increase makers and the media. in Annual Investment Allowance, a Policy Voice participants, which now Skills long-term goal of the IoD. top 3,000 members, are thanked with Ahead of the Budget, the Chancellor regular invitations to exclusive events, announced reform to the Apprenticeship Infrastructure opportunities to win complimentary Levy, following over a year’s worth of Progress was made on the new places at IoD workshops and consistent campaigning by the IoD and its members. Heathrow runway – the airport most used feedback on how their insights have been The system is to be made more flexible, by IoD members for business travel – in used. with a lower funding requirement for June as Cabinet agreed to press on with small firms and more funding given to the the project. Join the debate at www.iod.com/ Institute of Apprenticeships to create In its Future Telecoms Infrastructure news/influence-government

06 www.iod.com/westmids Mastermind groups Reviewing your cash deliver real benefits savings options Allan Perry, Ascot Lloyd Chartered Financial Adviser, takes a look at One of IoD West Midlands’ major events success stories over the past the wisdom of ISAs. three years has been the establishment and growth of its Mastermind groups. Have you considered joining one? They are an When investing your ISA unparalleled way of tapping into the knowledge and experiences of allowance this year, remember to your fellow directors and business leaders, in a confidential and review your existing ISA assets – non-judgemental discussion group that delivers real insights and particularly Cash ISA balances. answers to major business problems. With CPI inflation now at 2.4%, it is Here we look at the Shropshire Mastermind group: increasingly likely that your cash The Shropshire IoD Mastermind Group meets monthly at savings are falling in spending power. Haughton Hall, Shifnal, over dinner in a friendly atmosphere. It starts This is where the interest paid, albeit tax-free within ISAs, is with the facilitator looking to identify five issues around the table, lower than the effect of rising prices. Over time, this will which are at the forefront of the group’s thoughts currently. reduce the ‘real’ (after-inflation) value of those funds. To arrive at In conjunction with an Ascot Lloyd Financial Adviser, you these items each Haughton Hall, Shifnal can develop a financial plan which includes a suitable cash person is asked reserve to cover significant planned expenses and unfore- for their input seen spending needs. This can avoid you breaking in to your and a consensus investments, which are ideally left to accumulate over time. is reached by the Cash ISAs have long been a good shelter for your group of what are emergency fund; a savings account where you don’t pay tax the items for on the interest. discussion. Over When the Personal Savings Allowance was introduced in the rest of the April 2016, the use of Cash ISAs to hold tax-free savings evening the items lessened in importance. To a considerable degree, a normal are then discussed with views suggested of how to move forward. The deposit account now does the same job. If a higher rate tax evening starts at 6pm and is finished by 9pm. The expertise and payer holds £20,000 in a deposit account paying 2% interest per knowledge around this table has, in many instances, helped year, the gross payment of £400 is within the £500 allowance businesses move forward successfully. This group covers all of and therefore tax-free. The Personal Savings Allowance is even Shropshire, parts of the West Midlands and Staffordshire. more attractive for basic rate tax payers, at £1,000. Some thoughts from members who attend. Holding your emergency fund in deposit accounts frees up One participant said: “The Shropshire IoD Mastermind group has Cash ISA balances to be invested to try and achieve a higher been a great initiative. You can share your business experiences and tax-free return. You may transfer your Cash ISA balance into expertise for the benefit of others, at the same time gain plenty of useful your investment ISA, maintaining its tax-free status. insights, to help and support your business in other areas where you Investments that are held within ISAs grow free of Capital might feel inexperienced. It helps you move forward with confidence, Gains and Dividend taxes. You may also add up to £20,000 to often in new and better directions.” your ISA during the 2018/19 tax year. Another offered this: “The Shropshire IoD group is a way of tapping Whilst it is essential not to overcommit your cash savings into a wealth of business experience, in a friendly and open into investments, it is important to ensure they work as hard environment. There are businesses both large and small from a range of as possible for you. Investments involve some risk, and carry different sectors and everyone is encouraged to participate through higher annual charges, but investing your money will give it asking any kind of question and providing insights from their own the potential to grow ahead of inflation. Investment returns experience.” allow your savings to build, creating wealth over time. The group stressed that this was not some selected group: “We are At Ascot Lloyd, we believe in managing volatility by not academics. We are a group of proven and supportive business people diversifying the assets in which you invest. This helps instil a who come together to mutually help solve each other’s business issues. disciplined long-term approach and increase the compound There are entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their business, together return. An Ascot Lloyd adviser will tailor a portfolio to achieve with company directors and executives seeking clarity. We also have your personal goals, accounting for your personal risk tolerance, people looking for insight across all aspects of the business who will pass risk capacity and the level of investment return you require. on expertise and knowledge willingly. Contacts are usually willingly You may achieve your financial goals just that bit quicker shared and solutions tightly targeted.” by making sure all your assets are held within the most Finally: “Our IoD Mastermind group is very welcoming and feels very appropriate and tax-efficient types of account. April 5, 2019 well supported, helping drive the next phase of my business from a still seems a long way away, but there’s no need to wait until ‘kitchen table hobby’ to a professional business. It’s an inspirational the end of the tax year to review your Cash ISA balances with evening and you leave with some great new ideas.” a financial adviser. The groups are for all age groups, of all size of business: “Before I Don’t forget: there is a £20,000 ISA Allowance for 2018/19. became an IoD 99 member, I was concerned that my business was too small. I’m really glad I didn’t let that put me off! The group are warm, Want to know more? welcoming and generous with their advice. There’s such a vast array of Speak to an Ascot Lloyd adviser on 0121 212 5700 for expertise and experience in the room. Is there anything this group can’t more information, see www.ascotlloyd.co.uk or help with?” contact us at 45 Church Street, Birmingham, B3 2RT. The Group is facilitated by Geoff Williams. Should you require more information on any of our Mastermind groups, see page 20 or call the office on 0121 643 1868. www.iod.com/westmids 07 News / Events

Women as Leaders Group hears a female take on life in famous lock-up

Business leaders in Birmingham went ‘lock-up matrons’ based at behind bars to learn about the history of the cells from 1895 and female policing during a talk at the city’s that it was only in 1917 Steelhouse Lane Lock-Up. that women were allowed The visit to the former prisoners’ cells in to serve as officers. Birmingham city centre formed part of a She and Steve shared series of events organised by the Women as stories of some of those Leaders group. pioneering women whose The event featured a talk about the history experiences feature in of women in policing as well as the chance their book, A Fair Cop. their experiences and knowledge and, if they to visit the cells and see artefacts from the These included Evelyn Miles, one of have also had to overcome difficulties, how past, including historic helmets, radios and Birmingham’s first female police officers they did so. It’s about enabling women to be other force equipment. who went on to become the oldest police the best they can. The message from these Run by the Forces Heritage Project, the woman, working until she was 77. They also police women through history is therefore Lock-Up holds events, talks and open days looked at the variety of roles which women really inspirational.” all aiming to raise money to turn the centre now hold in modern policing, including The talk was followed by refreshments into a state-of-the-art police history specialist roles as dog handlers and divers. and the chance for group members to meet museum. Dating from the 1890s, the “We wanted to tell their stories because each other or catch up. Lock-Up has housed notorious criminals no one else was telling them,” said Corinne. “The Women as Leaders events also aim over the centuries including members of the “Our book and our talks celebrate 100 years to enable people to network and build infamous Peaky Blinders. of female policing across the region. These relationships,” added Jackie. “There are The group was hosted by two members of women have incredible stories – many of women who have met at these events and the project, Corinne Brazier and Steve Rice, which we are still discovering.” gone on to make business together. and volunteer and former police officer, Phil IoD Women as Leaders Vice-Chair Jackie Networking with other members at the Tucker. Casey said the visit had been inspirational. group creates relationships and Their talk covered the history of women in “It was interesting and insightful to hear opportunities.” Birmingham policing from the 1830s how these women were really pushing More on IoD Woman as Leaders at through to the modern day. Corinne told the through boundaries. Our group is for www.iod.com and for more on the group how women were first able to serve as members who want to progress by sharing Lock-Up, see www.wmpeelers.com Royal seal of approval at leading China Expo

Congratulations to Birmingham-based Above, Prince Michael arrives to greet Devoch, which had the privilege of being a Chinese delegation at the expo one of eight companies exhibiting on behalf of the UKTI’s ‘Innovation is Great’ campaign at the 4th Internet Plus Expo in “Twenty years after that first visit, I am Foshan, China. here now to support a new wave of British The British contingent were supported innovators in the fast-moving technology by HRH Prince Michael of Kent, who led sector, who have created much of the the delegation to China. technology we take for granted today.” The event, themed ‘Digital Life, Business Devoch founders Don Lee (25) and & Production’, was held in the Tanzhou Jonathan Sarabadu (29) were delighted to Convention and Exhibition Center in have been involved: “The future of the Guangdong and was attended by corporate UK-China relationship can only be called giants such as Baidu, JD.com, SF Express and tourism as well as the medical, aviation the ‘Golden Era’ if we work towards it and many other iconic global brands. and automotive industries. together. Devoch and the other delegates had the As Founder Patron of the Genesis “It was great to be there showcasing our opportunity to interact with Chinese Initiative, he is also heavily involved in the willingness and enthusiasm to bridge both businesses in addition to leading promotion of small businesses for the SME countries. British brands need to go there presentations on their key areas of sector, with special reference to export. and embrace the market and we were very expertise. Prince Michael said: “I came to China lucky to be there. Receiving a personal visit With 77 Nobel prizes in science and about 20 years ago with a delegation of from HRH Prince Michael to our stand was technology alone, Britain has always had a British firms seeking new business co- a great honour” great reputation for innovation and the operation. That visit taught me the Devoch is a company which supports exhibitors were all carefully selected. Even importance of committing to long-term British brands, businesses and the royal link was a shrewd choice: Prince relationships with both the Chinese institutions enter and grow in the Michael provides consultancy in many government and companies, to create Chinese Market. For more sectors including construction, successful partnerships of real long-term information, see www.devoch.co.uk or telecommunications, insurance, finance commercial value. www.internetplus-expo.com 08 www.iod.com/westmids It pays to plan ahead when making tax digital Tom Edwards of Smith & Williamson If your accounting software will be MTD-compliant, hopefully this transition will be a straightforward process, outlines the details of the however if Excel creeps into any part of your VAT government’s Making Tax Digital calculation/ submission work then you may need to initiative and offers help and make some changes sooner rather than later. advice for businesses. My key message is to plan ahead!

What is Making Tax Digital for VAT and who is Working with you – can we help? affected? We can carry out a review of your accounting systems and Making Tax Digital (MTD) is HM Revenue & Customs’ VAT return processes to identify any gaps between your (HMRC’s) strategy to modernise the tax system. As well as current VAT compliance process and where it needs to be for MTD. improving HMRC’s own internal systems, MTD involves mandatory We can work with you to implement changes to ensure your digital record keeping and reporting by taxpayers. business is ready to submit its returns under MTD by April 2019 (or MTD is required for any compulsory VAT-registered entity, starting October 2019). with the return for the first period commencing after 1 April 2019. If the entity is voluntarily registered for VAT they can Smith & Williamson has been advising entities of all sizes (from opt in to MTD or continue to submit VAT returns as they are. small companies through to large corporate groups) about the In October 2018, HMRC released a statement confirming that 3.5% MTD changes since early 2018 when the draft legislation was of entities required to meet the MTD requirements have now been released. given a six-month extension. This six-month deferral, until 1 Tom and his team understand that every business is different. October 2019, applies to VAT-registered entities who fall into Using their knowledge and experience working with clients, they categories that include VAT groups. have been advising and implementing appropriate solutions that work now and are as future proof as possible. What does MTD mean for those preparing VAT returns? For more information please contact Tom Edwards on There will be two key requirements for relevant VAT registered [email protected] or 0121 710 5203 businesses: n To maintain digital records to provide a complete digital audit trail to support VAT returns; and n To use MTD-compatible software to report VAT data on a VAT return period basis and receive information from HMRC, using an HMRC Application Programming Interface (API).

Seminar details Making Tax Digital seminar Date: Wednesday, 6 February 2019 The first mandatory implementation of We will also discuss opportunities this Venue: Smith & Williamson, Making Tax Digital (MTD) is for VAT and the transition presents with your accounting 9 Colmore Row, Birmingham, B30 3QY new rules will apply from April 2019. systems and finance processes. Timings:

08:00: Registration and breakfast Smith Williamson is hosting a joint MTD We will be joined by Tax Systems who will 08:30: Making Tax Digital for VAT seminar with Tax Systems to provide an demonstrate their AlphaVAT suite of MTD 09:30-onwards: Meet the experts, overview of MTD for VAT and practical software. Tax Systems is a leading software networking and refreshments guidance on preparing for April 2019. specialist in tax technology in the UK & Ireland.

To register, please contact Abi Reed on [email protected], 0121 710 5360

© Smith & Williamson Holdings Limited 2019. Smith & Williamson is an independently owned financial­ and professional services group. The firm­ is a leading provider of investment management,financial ­ advisory and accountancy services to private clients, professional practices, entrepreneurs and mid-to-large corporates. Regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales for a range of investment business activities. A member of Nexia International. News

DriveThru first for Stafford in Congratulations... to Matthew Behan, CEO at Barhale based in Walsall, on being elected as Beacon Development Zone Chartered Director. We asked Matthew what inspired him to become a CDir…

“I was interested in the Chartered Director programme due to the wide-ranging and relevant content and learning how it would improve my knowledge and compliment my experience across a number of industries. “While working through the certificate and diploma modules I met some really first-class lecturers and other course delegates, who have gone on to become valuable senior business contacts and friends. “In a nutshell the CDir programme challenges participants to create and sustain better businesses and realise more ambitious working environments. “I would wholeheartedly recommend it.”

Drivers can take a break from their A number of new jobs have also been • For more details on the morning commute now that the first Costa created, bringing economic benefits. IoD’s CDir programme, Coffee DriveThru in Stafford has opened The new DriveThru is located on the and for future course for business. Blackheath Lane Roundabout on the busy dates, contact the regional Work on the 0.5-acre site in the heart of A519 Stafford to Uttoxeter road and is in office on 0121 643 1868 the Beacon Development Zone started an ideal location for passing traffic. back in January 2018 and was completed The Beacon Development Zone in June. The exterior and interior has a comprises 50 acres of greenfield sleek and modern finish which development land with only a few options compliments the other buildings on the remaining: business park. There is enough seating for Plot R3A (0.77 acres, prime road 96 customers, including 24 outside seating frontage development site) spaces, and plenty of parking availability. Plot 11 (60,234 sq. ft, prime industrial The DriveThru further enhances the development site). Top role for Paul facilities on the 50-acre development zone Congratulations to IoD Member Paul and is a welcome addition for employees For more information about Kalinauckas, chief executive of West on the business park, staff at the nearby commercial property for sale in Midlands-based BCRS Business university, police HQ and the hospital, as Staffordshire, contact ISE Estates Loans, who has been appointed Chair well as surrounding businesses and local on 01785 256098 or email of the Board of the trade association residents. [email protected]. for his sector, Responsible Finance.

Dames step in to key finance roles IoD backing Black Country Festival Former Virgin Money boss Dame Jayne- Anne Gadhia and Banking Standards Board IoD West Midlands is delighted to be conference. To find out more about the chairwoman Dame Colette Bowe have been supporting The Black Country Business events on offer, which are largely free to appointed incoming members of the Bank Festival later this year. attend, or how to host your own event, visit of England’s Financial Policy Committee. The festival showcases the colourful www.blackcountrybusinessfestival.com Dame Colette and Dame Jayne-Anne will range of businesses that proudly make up replace incumbent external FPC members the Black Country, combining existing, Richard Sharp and Martin Taylor, who are traditional industries with new and stepping down at the end of the first quarter emerging key areas for growth within a and second quarter respectively. packed programme. Dame Jayne-Anne will take up her role in Running from 13th – 24th May, the time for the FPC’s second quarter round of festival is made up of hundreds of events meetings, with Dame Colette taking up her spread across the region, all put on by local post in time for the third quarter round of businesses, and range from a seminar or meetings. workshop through to a trade show or major

10 www.iod.com/westmids It’s not just the end-product that’s impressive with Aston Martin, says Calum Nisbet. The entire production process has the ‘wow’ factor, too, as the IoD found on a behind-the-scenes visit...

As you enter the global headquarters of Aston Martin Lagonda in Gaydon, you can’t help but be impressed. The welcom- ing atrium has a calm serenity that exudes the quality of the company’s deep heritage, with examples of vehicles from the past, present and future drawing you in. It’s clear that this is an organisation proud of its 105-year history, but one that has a clear defined strategy for the future. Above, some of the IoD delegation at Aston Known for building ‘Beautiful, Hand Martin Lagonda, where they heard from the Crafted, British Cars’, its new vision is to company’s CEO, Dr Andy Palmer be recognised as: ‘The GREAT British car company that creates the most beautiful and accomplished automotive art in the world.’ We were privileged to hear Dr Andy Palmer, CEO and President of Aston Martin, talk about his business, with a focus on his team, the customers and the cars themselves. You soon realise that this is a chief executive who is incredibly passionate about the organisation and has taken the concept of the ‘hands-on’ management approach to a new level. He is credited with overseeing the turnaround of the iconic brand, from a loss of £163m in 2016 to a pre-tax profit of £87m a year later and a subsequent flotation in 2018, making it the only Simply stunning independent and British-owned car company on the FTSE. But he also knows his product, market cycles, then copy, repeat. You have to both Having only ever built 85,000 cars in its and customer base inside out and will not widen and deepen your portfolio to fit the history, it is currently producing around compromise on quality. A trained engineer needs of today’s high net-worth customer.” 6,400 cars this year and plans to reach himself, he personally signed off the first “Our priority as a company has been to 14,000 by 2022 – this at a time when the 1,000 DB11s that came off the production adopt a ‘Beyond Lean’ approach, using rest of the British car industry is struggling. line before being released to customers. management systems that strengthen our Under the guidance of Andy, Aston His experience in Japan becomes operational performance in every facet of Martin is today a phenomenal success. obvious when he uses terms to help our business. Not only the fastest growing automotive describe how the business has grown. “But despite a greater use of technology, brand in the world right now, they are also “Just as in Judo, we use our competitors’ Aston Martin’s cars must still be the fastest growing UK brand in any sector, IoD backing Black Country Festival weight to our advantage. Ferrari has predominantly built by hand to maintain with 185% growth in US market over the shown that a car company can exist and the company’s premium appeal and past year alone. Having identified future compete in the luxury space and have exclusive personalisation. trends in High Net Worth Individuals, they value. I don’t have to prove it again, as “The seats for instance, remain hand- will have 21 dealers in China by the end of Ferrari has already proven it. We’re going stitched and signed by every seamstress. 2018, where interestingly, 50% of further than Ferrari though, by having a Every car on the production line is customers are female. They have car in all key luxury and high-performance essentially unique.” established a network of 160 dealers in 53 segments; covering the model range of Bearing in mind only 25 per cent of its countries, with further plans to invest and Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini and annual production goes to the EU, is Andy strengthen their market position in these Ferrari in one luxury brand.” worried about Brexit? countries, covering all principal luxury Andy is referring to his comprehensive “Our concern is the disruption border markets across the globe. ‘Second Century Plan’ which will drive problems and red tape might cause to the Aston Martin is most definitely on the growth by replacing every car in the supply chain. We don’t want the journey to achieve its ‘Second Century current range, adding up to three model production line slowed or cars awaiting Plan’, and you’d have to say, it looks like its lines and entering sectors new to the parts, for example. We have contingencies success is here to stay. company. in place. There is undoubtedly a cost • This event was the culmination of “Our plan is well known: seven cars over associated with it, but it’s cheaper than not our Productivity Breakfasts series in seven years, with seven-year product building cars.” partnership with BHSF. www.iod.com/westmids 11 Inclusivity agenda

One of IoD West Midlands’ key goals for 2019 is driving forward its inclusivity agenda. Here, Jackie Hendley, deputy chair, IoD West Midlands, outlines what this is, why it is so important and the steps the IoD is taking to promote and implement it

When people ask me why having inclusivity embedded into your business or organisation is so important, it sometimes helps to answer by demonstrating it in action and IoD is determined highlighting the benefits inclusivity brings. A new example came for me at a recent meeting. One of the speakers pointed out that, when Nobel Prize winners were asked to push true what had inspired them, a large proportion of them said they got their drive to promote peace from bumping into someone different to themselves. inclusivity to the They realised that only by understanding how others think can we see things differently. Their response highlights how top of the agenda understanding the viewpoints of people from outside your immediate circle improves your thinking and decision making. By mixing and liaising with man: “We’re voting Leave,” he told people tastes covered. Your board must reflect the diverse individuals you create a real from then on. No-one he knew would be society it is talking to. That’s true diversity of thought that finds the most doing so – but then again, everyone he inclusivity. effective response to challenges. spoke to looked like him, thought like him So what is IoD West Midlands going to It is often easy to create a culture where and acted like him. Inclusivity was do about this, if we are to make 2019 our you surround yourself with people who definitely missing from the group he Year of Inclusion? look and think like you do. But while discussed the issue with, but when he First, we’ve set up a working group to comforting, such a culture will always widened the conversation the response he lead the inclusivity agenda. We’ve agreed a reduce the breadth of knowledge and received took on a different form. definition of what we’re trying to achieve, thinking that you access; you end up with That story highlights the dangers of set out our objectives and pulled together little variety of thought and a narrow band ‘un-inclusivity’: narrowing debate and a diary of events to take the issue out into of options to access for solutions. ignoring the considerations of people who the business community. Consider the Brexit debate: how many think differently to you. If your business is The definition first: “Inclusivity business leaders approached the going to succeed, it has to be there for all describes a culture whereby groups or referendum in 2016 confident that the UK society, not just sections of it. individuals with different backgrounds would vote to Remain? After all, the IoD This is one of the key points about and beliefs are culturally and socially and the CBI were predicting that outcome; championing inclusivity. People accepted and welcomed; everyone is your social media channels and Linked In sometimes think that it’s just about being treated fairly” network were probably full of people fair and giving everyone a chance to This sums up our view of what saying ‘Remain’. succeed to the levels their talents dictate, inclusivity means in our workforces. Yet the UK voted Leave, surprising of avoiding discrimination against one At the same time as promoting this many within the establishment. group or another, whether consciously or understanding, we hope to broaden the But the clues were there – if you knew sub-consciously. These are important reach of IoD West Midlands to include where to look outside your immediate considerations, of course, but it goes much different industry sectors; geographical circle. A friend of mind recalls how, shortly deeper than that for businesses. For mix; size of business; age profile and before the referendum, he ventured out directors, it makes sense to ensure that diverse communities in order to achieve onto the factory floor and asked his staff when you hold discussions around the increased talent being involved in both the directly, which way would they be voting. boardroom table, you have every facet of IoD and in our boardrooms. He came back to the office a chastened public opinion, interests, concerns and By achieving this, Birmingham will be seen as a role model which will help to grow reputation, investment, efficiency and profitability. “People sometimes think that it’s just about being fair We want to involve the whole IoD and giving everyone a chance to succeed to the levels membership in this as well as the wider business community. their talents dictate, of avoiding discrimination against To do so we intend to host a number of one group or another ...these are important events to showcase the benefits of considerations, of course, but real inclusivity goes much inclusivity and demonstrate best practice. We will be looking for and utilising IoD deeper than that for businesses ...” members to act as role models for

12 www.iod.com/westmids www.iod.com/westmids inclusivity. We will interview role models and share their responses as to why “We cannot afford to overlook sections of our inclusivity is important to them and the community who, traditionally, have not featured impact a wholly inclusive culture in the prominently in our decision making. All that means is workplace could have on business. We are also looking to build on our that previously, great talent was overlooked, or under- university mentoring programmes, by utilised...” asking business leaders who students can identify with to speak about their careers. This group would include younger considering is the timing of our events. For can find the time to attend it. entrepreneurs, women working in instance, IoD events are traditionally held in The inclusivity agenda, as I stated earlier, traditionally male-dominated industries the early evening or before the working day is a key strategy goal for the IoD. It reaps and people from different faiths and ethnic begins, at breakfast events. Are such timings benefits that touch every corner of society – backgrounds. accessible to all sectors of society? Do they and makes business sense, too. We cannot We are looking for opportunities for immediately exclude young mothers / solo afford to overlook sections of our individuals who are currently under- parents who may have childcare or other community who, traditionally, have not represented in boardrooms to shadow family-related issues, from attending? featured prominently in our decision existing directors. This will help them to Finally, we want to highlight examples of making. All that means is that previously, understand the challenges of boardroom great practice through our Director of the great talent was overlooked, decision decision making and start to gather the Year Awards, where there is a category to making was based on a narrow band of skills they’ll need later in their careers. reward those directors who have taken the views and the business sector lost out as a We feel it is also important that the IoD lead on inclusivity in their workplace. result. ‘walks the talk’ on this issue, too, and does Many of the ideas I’ve discussed here will That situation has to change: it’s time to all it can to embed inclusivity in its actions. be given more substance at our launch reap the rewards of the talents of everyone An example of one area we will be event, to held later in the Spring. I hope you in our society.

Key events to watch out for in 2019

International Women’s Day Lunch Women as Leaders IoD West Midlands Roadshow: How #BalanceForBetter Annual Lunch to be Leaders in Inclusive Business Date: Friday, 8 March Date: Thursday, 4 April Date: Wednesday, 18 September Time: 12:00pm – 2.30pm Time: 12:00pm – 2:00pm Cost: £45 + VAT members, Venue: John Lewis Community Venue: 53 Edgbaston Park Road, £75 + VAT non members Hub, Grand Central, Birmingham B15 2RS Venue: National Conference Birmingham B2 4AU Cost: £45+ VAT members, Centre Cost: £10 + VAT £50 + VAT non-members Half day event, including lunch www.iod.com/westmids 13 Director of the Year Awards launch

IoD Director of the Year Awards 2019 A celebration of leadership, talent, The categories for the success and achievement 2019 DOTYA are:

• Corporate Social Responsibility IoD West Midlands Director to praise those directors who have excelled • Family Business of the Year Awards over the past 12 months, the awards also • Inclusivity raise awareness among the wider business • Innovation Champagne Breakfast: community and the general public of the • International Tuesday, 11th June 2019 significant contribution business leaders • Non-Executive Director can make to society and to economic • Public Sector prosperity in our region. • Third Sector It’s time to shine the spotlight on the It is this wider recognition that means • Start- Up region’s finest business leaders, as entries winners’ benefits are far beyond the • Young Director and nominations open for the 2019 IoD recognition and prestige associated with • Small-Medium Business West Midlands Director of the Year winning one of the Award categories. (below £50m turnover) awards. IoD Members are encouraged to either • Large Business The Awards themselves will be handed ENTER the awards or to NOMINATE a (£50m+ turnover) out at a Champagne Breakfast on Tuesday, leader that you feel excels in one of the • Chair’s Award for Excellence in 11th June 2019, where we will celebrate above categories. Director and Board Practice the best-of-the-best among West Midlands Please visit www.iodawards.com/ businesses and acclaim directors westmidlands for more detail, which who are at the forefront of Key dates includes a step-by-step guide on leadership excellence. Nominate and how to enter. The awards are open to Enter now. both members and Entries need to be Closing date for non-members from across completed by Friday, 1st entries: March 1. the business spectrum. See March and our Champagne panel for the categories Awards day: Breakfast will take place at available. Tuesday, Edgbaston Cricket Ground on As well as an opportunity June 11, 2019 11th June.

The 2018 Awards winners, led by our Director of the Year, Carmen Watson of Pertemps 14 www.iod.com/westmids So how do you apply... and what should I say? Whenever we launch the IoD West will be considering when making If your organisation has great Midlands Director of the Year their decisions: CPD or CSR don’t forget to state Awards, we have members approach what you do to drive that. us to ask, ‘how do we enter...’ and Vision. Articulate your ‘what should we put on our vision and how you are Corporate Governance. If application/nomination?’ driving that forward. your organisation is too small To help clarify some of the key to have a full board points, we asked Ian Priest, an IoD Approach to challenge and demonstrate how you ensure National Awards Judge, to offer his obstacles / Innovation. Talk that you make good decisions, Top Tips to help you complete your about the challenges that you have for example a mentor or consultant. submission. encountered and how you overcame If you are a larger organisation discuss them. What did you learn from the the role of independent chair, non exec Ian’s Top Tips experience? Tell the judges how you have directors, how you ensure the board is Remember at all times that the IoD is innovated, new ideas / new processes / balanced and remains up to date. about individuals not organisations, so new approaches etc How often do you refresh the board or your answers should be biased to what you provide specific training to directors, for have done, what you have achieved or Company culture. What do you do to example? influenced. Think about how you have foster a good culture –what would a good driven the organisation’s success, rather company culture look like to you? What is Leadership. Describe why your team than what the organisation has done. your attitude to Continual Personal would see you as a role model and how If the organisation has made great Development and Corporate Social you have provided strong leadership at achievements stress what you did to make Responsibility for yourself and your staff? times of stress or challenge. it happen. How do you drive this through the Do you have any other questions? Ask The following are areas that the judges organisation? the regional office on 0121 643 7801. Enter now at www.iodawards.com/westmidlands

www.iod.com/westmids 15 Viewpoint

Let’s build a West Midlands economy that’s really fit for the future

Notwithstanding the collapse of Mircocab is leading Government or the ‘Deal or no Deal’ fracas innovation in of Brexit, IoD West Midlands is expecting hydrogen transport, to receive details of the Local Industrial from Coventry’s Strategy during January. Technology Park With more than £4.5billion of investment in infrastructure, skills training and housing already lined up for the region over the next decade and opportunities for a further £10billion, the Local Industrial Strategy will channel that investment so it generates the maximum benefit for both businesses and local people. The West Midlands generates around six per cent of the UK’s economic output. While productivity has increased by more than double the UK rate over the past year, the region has significant additional potential to improve this figure still further. If our economy performed to its true potential, the regional GDP would be £16.9bn larger. So our Industrial Strategy aims to bring together public services, increasingly vital role in our regional the big business opportunities and communities, training providers and economy. strengths of the West Midlands, based on businesses with a shared vision for “But growth alone will not be enough. what they see as the region’s key winning inclusive growth, showing how we can The Local Industrial Strategy must be positions: reach our potential and do so in ways that about creating inclusive economic growth • The UK centre for innovation in new enable all our communities to benefit. across the West Midlands and we must forms of transport such as electric In the words of Andy Street, Mayor of ensure that people have the skills needed vehicles, connected and autonomous the West Midlands: “We have a long and to fill the new jobs being created. vehicles (CAV) and battery manufacture. proud industrial heritage but now need to “This strategy is about driving up • A global leader for testing and bringing cement our place at the cutting edge of a productivity and growing our regional on stream new medicines and health new industrial revolution driven by economy in a way that can bring greater devices technology. prosperity to all our communities. We • The biggest financial and professional “The good news is that we are already must give people a real stake in our future services cluster outside London home to some of the world’s most success.” • A top location for the creative sector competitive and innovative companies in The WMCA and three LEPs have worked with world leaders in gaming and sectors such as advanced manufacturing closely with key organisations across the innovative content producers for new and medical research and development private, public, academic and voluntary platforms (life sciences). sectors as well as government to identify “We also lead the way globally in electric and autonomous vehicle development and have strong digital and light rail industries. “Our goal is to build on recent success to continue to create an economy that works for everyone – one that delivers decent, well-paid jobs for local people and “Our goal is to build on recent success to the right conditions for competitive, world-leading continue to create an economy that works businesses to thrive and grow. for everyone – one that delivers decent, According to Councillor Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham well-paid jobs for local people and the City Council: “The West right conditions for competitive, world- Midlands has always been a leading businesses to thrive and grow...” hotbed of creativity and our challenge now is to nurture the Andy Street, West Midlands Mayor cutting-edge companies and advanced manufacturers that play an

16 www.iod.com/westmids The car industry is dead... long live the new car industry

“The biggest challenge for the pressure, along with, of course, the rise of In Geoff’s opinion, the death of the auto automotive industry hasn’t changed. technology, are definitely pushing industry is exaggerated, with regulations You still have to stand out and stand pioneering firms such as Tesla to develop and lack of infrastructure potentially apart by appealing to hearts and minds and deliver the car of the future, as long as limiting the speed of adoption. by offering the right mix of a they can surpass the challenges in front of Undoubtedly, a genuine risk to performance brand, product them. European automotive companies, bigger innovation and customer experience.” “For example, the growth of electric than the pace of change and huge So began an engaging talk from Geoff vehicles is restricted by battery technology, investments needed, is China. A global Cousins to IoD members at an event scarce resources, infrastructure issues and leader in automation, China now produces before Christmas. Geoff knows what he’s customer perceptions. Will we ever have more cars than the USA and Germany talking about: he spent 30 years within the complete trust in autonomous vehicles, or combined. motor industry and now runs GCA a separate infrastructure to support them? To conclude, Geoff challenged the Partners, which helps ambitious businesses Will regulation squash innovation? audience to think about their own develop and deliver their strategy. “How long will Tesla, the ultimate business environment. With more “We hear a lot about disruption, but this disruptor, stay in the game before they demanding customers, dynamic is nothing new to the industry. The retreat back to focusing on ‘energy’, competition and all persuasive difference is that today’s disruption is having struggled with high costs and losses technology, Disruption should be all-encompassing and sees the as well as manufacturing issues?” considered the new norm! convergence of auto and tech to a greater level than ever before. ‘Key drivers of change are “As electric vehicles become more common and connected cars and pushing pioneering firms such autonomous vehicles stop being a thing of science fiction but a reality, surely this must as Tesla to develop and deliver mean the traditional auto industry is dead? the cars of the future’ “Key drivers of change such as socio- Geoff Cousins economic trends, political and regulatory Annual Dinner

Brexit debate can’t be allowed to stall the devolution drive Calum Nisbet IoD West Midlands Annual Dinner Our two keynote brought 2018’s events to a close in the speakers, BMW’s majestic setting of Warwick Castle’s 17th Michelle Roberts and Century Great Hall. Stephen Martin Steeped in history, the hall boasts an impressive collection of arms and armour, some of which sprang to life to determine whether our noble guests were allowed to remain seated in the hall or banished into the cold. Having established that we could indeed stay, we welcomed IoD Director-General Stephen Martin as our opening speaker. Acknowledging that the work of business leaders can sometimes go unrecognised, Stephen invited members and guests to celebrate each other’s achievements and their contribution to both the region’s economy and society. Praising the economy of the West Midlands and the appointment of the Mayor, Stephen commented that,“The devolution agenda is one area of policy, like many, which has perhaps fallen into the background as Brexit has taken centre stage. I think it is important that we work underlying issues at hand.” - Mobility is becoming versatile to restore momentum to this process. We The IoD’s guest speaker for the evening, - Connectivity is becoming second nature need to help ensure that the region has the Michelle Roberts, delivered a thought- - Mobility is becoming tailor-made tools it needs to stimulate investment and provoking speech on ‘cars of the future’ - Technology is becoming human support the business community. – an issue she is eminently qualified to - Energy is becoming emission-free “While Brexit has taken up so much address, as Marketing Director for BMW The strategy adopted by BMW for the bandwidth in our public debate, this is an UK. next 100 years is already formed and is issue that will only become more pressing Michelle has been with BMW for 18 based on five key elements: digitalisation, once we leave the European Union.” years and previously headed up marketing autonomous, connectivity, electrification He applauded the way that business is for the iconic MINI brand in UK and led and shared. dealing with the uncertainty and chaos the PR for BMW Group’s sponsorship of “If you are to take these elements as created by the world of politics. “In the the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic fundamental, it radically changes the way wider public sphere, it has become Games. More recently, Michelle was based we think about design, building, owning commonplace for strong views on Brexit to at HQ in Munich, responsible for the and even using the traditional car. tip over into uncompromising attacks. Too management of global BMW advertising. “To demonstrate how technology has often people on both sides have described Today she has the enviable task of moved on, having launched the i3 in 2013, one another’s positions as stupid or even protecting and growing the iconic BMW BMW has already more than doubled its treasonous. brand and supporting the development of range capability and our next models will “But I never encounter this approach their global product strategy for the future. see that range figure double again. with IoD members. Perhaps this is because Michelle explained how her team is “There are now significant reductions in we understand that all deals involve making decisions now on cars that will be the time it takes to charge a car and trade-offs. Perhaps it is because we are the launched in the UK well into 2025. wireless car charging is now a reality. ones who will, at the end of the day, be “BMW has always been a future- “By 2025, we will have 25 electrified putting in the hours adapting our oriented brand. Ever since it was founded vehicles on the market. So the future is organisations to the change, regardless of in 1916, the group has played an important electric – that much is clear! what shape that change takes. role in shaping the future of – not just cars “The road to autonomous vehicles is not “It is simply in the nature of the business – but mobility overall. We have done so by so clear. BMW already offers highly community to stay clear-eyed and constantly reinventing ourselves, evolving autonomous driving assistance systems, pragmatic about the challenges the future from an aircraft engine manufacturer to a from automatic cruise control, lane- holds. We can’t afford not to do so. motorcycle producer and then car maker.” keeping assistant and even the ability to “But dare I say that this might not be the Asking guests to imagine what a car stand outside the car and have it park general trend in the world of politics, might look like in 100 years’ time, Michelle automatically. where tomorrow’s headlines often hold introduced the principles of what she “However, the future of autonomous sway over the idea of solving the believes will shape cars for the future. cars will be determined on a wider societal

18 www.iod.com/westmids Warwick Castle’s knights surprise guests with a sword fight

IoD members Dean and Marie Kavanagh with David Kearns

level. How and when the technology Guests from comes in to play are important questions Qatar Airways not just for carmakers but for customers enjoying the event and regulators. So for now, the BMW approach is not to make the driver redundant, but rather to use that technology to make us all better, safer drivers. “Connectivity and digitalisation permeate every aspect of our lives, and our customers expect their cars to be no exception. “An interesting fact is that on average, a car is driven for just four per cent of its life. In the future, we see huge potential to unlock the more efficient use of each vehicle through on-demand and shared service arrangements “So our business is changing to reflect the changing world around us. But one thing that won’t change is our commitment to providing a PREMIUM personal mobility experience. One that is truly emotional and exciting, even at times when you might not be driving at all.” As guests left the Great Hall and walked BMW exhibits outside past the stunning BMW i8 Roadster, you the Great Hall could not help but think what the vehicle parked there in 100 years might look like…. Our thanks to BMW and Coventry University for their support of our Annual Dinner and to the team at Warwick Castle for making it such an amazing evening.

www.iod.com/westmids 19 ART

ART offers unique return on a social investment

Founded in 1997, Birmingham-based difference ART has made. We’ve lent ART Business Loans has been lending £11.7m and supported 363 businesses successfully to small businesses and during that time – almost all in otherwise social enterprises, particularly those in deprived/marginalised communities under-served areas and communities, where every job matters. ever since. Over that period we have either helped Through its work, ART continues to create or safeguard over 2,300 jobs. That address the lending gap left by the high has taken a huge amount of pressure off street lenders, providing finance to the public sector in the form of benefits, businesses and social enterprises that housing costs, etc. need funding to grow. For 2019 ART has announced a new How much do businesses borrow? community share issue that will look to DSW: Our average loan size is around raise £500,000 in additional capital to £35,000, payable back over 4-5 years. As support its work in the next financial year, you can see, it is not a huge amount but it and is looking for individuals and is the type of figure that makes a real businesses to buy ART shares. difference to a start-up or small business. Doing so will not only show your We have numerous examples of how the support for your community and offer a cash has helped businesses. An ART loan considerable social return but, as ART’s kept social enterprise Change Kitchen chief executive Dr Steve Walker explains afloat when changes to funding hit its here, will also provide an attractive client base overnight; Able Journeys financial return in the form of a tax relief. invested in specialist equipment to help IoD West Midlands talked to Steve disabled people on their holidays; while about ART’s plans, and why IoD members our loan allowed Joanne’s Florist and Tea should look to get involved. exercise.’ Rather, we get to know the Room to invest in larger premises and a people we are lending to and look closely new van to support its growth plans. IoD: Steve, could you outline exactly what at their business plans and undertake a you are looking to do with this share thorough risk analysis before lending. IoD: How does the share issue work in issue? But while we take a professional and practice and how much are you looking Dr Steve Walker: We are looking to raise rigorous approach to lending, we are a for per investor? £500,000 from individual and corporate social lender first and foremost so we take DSW: The investment is in the form of a investors to provide additional capital to the attitude that we want to lend to community share offer. We are looking to support responsible finance to businesses qualifying businesses, rather than looking raise a total of £500,000, with a minimum in the West Midlands. Put simply, the for excuses not to lend. investment of £500, and the maximum money we raise will be used to lend to This reversal of approach is one small £100,000 per individual/company, with businesses from some of the West businesses say is our main point of the money invested for a minimum of five Midlands most marginalised difference. Our borrowers appreciate it: As years. communities, giving them the financial one recent recipient of an ART loan said: support they need to develop business “In spite of having a good financial record, IoD: What do I get for my investment? ideas, grow businesses and invest in their we did not fit the criteria for the banks. DSW: Two things – and the second will communities. ART is less restrictive in its lending surprise you. assessments and very fair.” First, you get the assurance that you are IoD: Typically, what type of businesses Another said ART was thorough in its investing in your local community, in apply for these funds. investigation but was “prepared to take a entrepreneurs, in small businesses and in DSW: ART’s borrowers are diverse in calculated risk and support an some of the region’s most marginalised terms of size, activity, their stage of entrepreneurial approach.” people. That’s a huge contribution to development and the challenges they face. These sentiments highlight that make. The social return on this investment In the past they have ranged from obtaining access to finance remains a is immeasurable. It can count towards traditional manufacturers to hi-tech digital challenge for many, despite the large your business’s CSR programme, if you companies, and from caterers to growth in the alternative business funding wish, or it could be just an example of you consultants. sector. ‘giving back’ to the community. What links them all is that the high street But it is important to stress that this is banks have turned them down – either IoD: What impact have ART loans had on not a charitable gift. It is a real investment fully, or in part – and that’s where we come the community? with a financial reward. in. We like to think that the stats speak for Investments in this share issue must We have tried to return access to finance themselves. Just looking at the figures stand for five years and then are repayable to something more than just a ‘box ticking from 2013 to 2018 you can see the in full. We are a not-for-profit Community

20 www.iod.com/westmids Cadbury family investors Caroline and Benedict (centre) with ART’s Chief Executive Dr Steve Walker (far left) and Chairman Dr Nick Venning DL (far right) at ART’s 20th anniversary AGM

Benefit Society, so there are no direct DSW: ART will issue a tax certificate to returns on the investments. Tax payer rate Gross investors, which will include their name, Effective address and size of their shareholding in But each investor can expect to Rate ART. receive a real world return on their 20% Income Tax 6.2% You then submit the tax certificate to investment of 5% per annum by 40% Income Tax 8.3% HMRC to claim the relief on your self- taking advantage of Community 45% Income Tax 9.1% assessment tax return for each tax year for Investment Tax Relief (CITR). This 17.5% Corporation 5.8% which relief is due. If you do not normally relief was set up by the government complete a tax return, you will need to exactly for this purpose, to encourage request one from HMRC. high net-worth individuals and a ‘return on investment’ of 5% per annum, A corporate wishing to claim relief companies to invest in local net of taxation. should claim as part of its corporate tax businesses, entrepreneurs and social return for each appropriate accounting enterprises over the long-term. IoD: That makes the 1% I’m getting from period. my high street building society account CITR provides a reduction on the look a little sick! IoD: A straight forward ‘return’ on a amount of income tax or corporation tax DSW: That’s the point. If you had social investment; sounds good. (as applicable) paid in a year by the invested the same capital in the ART Share DSW: The social return from working investor and is spread over a five-year Issue as you have in the building society with ART cannot be underestimated but period following an investment. you would be getting a much better by using CITR, investors can make sure For example, if an individual invests ‘return’. The gross rates for all levels of tax their money is still working for them while £10,000 they should receive a £500 per payers are displayed in the table above. it is working for the wider community. annum reduction against their income tax It is a win-win arrangement that I hope liability (a total of £2,500 over the five year How do I claim my money back on the many IoD members will be keen to period of the investment). This equates to investment? explore.

Further information Further information on CITR and how it can be See www.artbusinessloans.co.uk/ claimed by investors can be found on these websites: invest-in-art www.responsiblefinance.org.uk/ the-community-investment-tax-relief-citr Offer opens: 7th January 2019 www.gov.uk/government/publications/ Offer closes: 24th March 2019 community-investment-tax-relief-citr Target: £500,000 For more information on ART’s case studies see: www.artbusinessloans.co.uk/casestudies See www.ethex.org.uk/ART2019 www.iod.com/westmids 21 Mastermind Groups

Mastermind Groups: Your specialist subject – director development

The IoD West Midlands Mastermind Groups accountability and support in a group setting feedback before all members share a bring members together to share ideas and that sharpens business and personal skills. summary of topics they would like to discuss. concerns and build strong business The ethos is to provide a positive, informal but All groups include a two-course meal with relationships in a safe, constructive and challenging and supportive space to discuss wine and coffee except the breakfast group, non-judgemental environment. They offer a issues that confront directors on a daily basis. which includes a full English breakfast. combination of brainstorming, education, peer The format is simple, with introductions and To book: online at www.iod.com/westmids or contact [email protected]

BIRMINGHAM WARWICKSHIRE HEREFORD AND WORCESTER Hotel du Vin Macdonald Alveston Manor Hotel Stanbrook Abbey Dates: Thursday, 17 Jan Dates: All Mondays 11 Feb, 11 Mar, 8 Apr Dates: All Thursdays: 10 Jan, Feb TBC, rest all Mondays: 11 Feb 13 May, 10 Jun, 8 July, 9 Sept, 14 Mar, 11 Apr, 9 May, 13 June 11 Mar, 15 Apr, 13 May, 10 June 14 Oct, 11 Nov, 9 Dec Time: 18:00 - 21:00 Time: 18:00 - 21:00 Time: 18:00 – 21:00hrs Venue: Stanbrook Abbey, Jennet Venue: Hotel Du Vin, 25 Church St, Venue: Macdonald Alveston Manor tree Lane, Callow End, Birmingham B3 2NR Hotel & Spa, Clopton Bridge, Worcester WR2 4TY Cost: £30 + VAT Stratford upon Avon, CV37 7HP Cost: £30 + VAT Cost: £30+VAT The Herefordshire and Worcestershire mastermind group focuses on supporting personal goals. It meets in the Clarence Room, and so far topics discussed have included business growth, crowd funding, staffing and IT infrastructure.

SHROPSHIRE WOMEN AS LEADERS BREAKFAST GROUP

Haughton Hall EDGBASTON PARK HOTEL HOGARTHS Stone Manor Dates: All Tuesdays: 15 Jan, 12 Feb, Dates: All Tuesdays: 12 Feb, 12 Mar, Dates: All Thursdays: 24 Jan, 28 Feb, 19 Mar, 9 Apr, 14 May, 11 June 9 Apr, 14 May, 11 June, 9 July, 28 Mar, 25 Apr, 23 May, 27 June Time: 18:00 - 21:00 10 Sept, 8 Oct, 12 Nov 25 July, 22 Aug, 26 Sept, 24 Oct, Venue: Haughton Hall Hotel, Time: 18:00-21:00 28 Nov Haughton Lane, Venue: Edgbaston Park Hotel, 53 Time: 07:30 - 10:00 Shifnal TF11 8HG Edgbaston Park Road, Venue: Hogarths Stone Manor Hotel, Cost: £30 + VAT Birmingham B15 2RS Bromsgrove Road, IoD member, Geoff Williams, will facilitate cost: £25+VAT Kidderminster DY10 4PJ this group in the Brooke Suite. Cost: £13+VAT Ian Priest, IoD Black Country Branch chairman, facilitates this mastermind group which meets for a full English breakfast.

STOKE & STAFFORD Weston Hall This members only event is facilitated The evening includes a two-course Date: All Mondays, 28 Jan, 25 Feb, by Richard Bisiker, IoD Staffordshire meal with wine and coffee. 25 Mar, 29 Apr Chairman. Richard is a personal Time: 18.30-21.30 development coach, trainer and author Venue: Weston Hall Hotel, who specialises in communication. Stafford TS 18 0BA He is a Master Practitioner of Cost: £30 + VAT neuro-linguistic programming and other people management techniques.

22 www.iod.com/westmids New survey suggests Birmingham could emerge from Brexit with top 10 position for employment growth

According to a report by Irwin Mitchell, stating that the difficulties that are Birmingham’s employment growth could expected to be faced by the automotive be in the top 10 across UK cities in the sector could hit the Midlands region hard three months following the UK’s current and eventually see a shift in migration scheduled date for leaving the EU. towards London and the South. The UK Powerhouse study by law firm Chris Rawstron, partner at Irwin Irwin Mitchell and the Centre for place. Mitchell in Birmingham, said: “The overall Economics and Business Research (Cebr), Despite the relatively strong impacts of Brexit on the West Midlands in says that Birmingham’s year-on-year performance in terms of employment, the long term prove difficult to measure at employment growth in Q2 2019 could Birmingham’s annual GVA is forecast to this stage. reach 1.6%. fall from 2.1% in Q2 2018 to 1.1% in Q2 “One thing that the last decade has Cebr’s forecasts are based on the 2019. taught us is that despite the hugely assumption that the UK and the EU will be The report commended Birmingham’s disruptive force of the financial crisis, the able to form a compromise and sign a efforts for pursuing a policy to reduce UK economy has been incredibly resilient. partial free trade agreement (FTA) youth unemployment. The city secured It is vital that we tackle the challenges head covering at least the most important goods funding from the EU for a Youth on and take advantage of the new traded. Employment Initiative in 2016, which has opportunities that emerge. The assumptions are also based on the been supporting the rate of employment “The UK is a global powerhouse and the transitional arrangement being put in growth recently. However, support from Midlands region plays a big role in this. We place that allows a continuation of the EU will end when the UK leaves need to stay positive and work together to the current relationship without the EU. ensure this remains to be the case.” any major disruptions until an It also raised a number of More on Irwin Mitchell at FTA is agreed on around other concerns for the future, www.irwinmitchell.com 2021. According to the report, Coventry will be down in “One thing that the last decade has taught 34th position with a 0.7% growth in jobs whilst us is that despite the hugely disruptive Wolverhampton’s 0.1% force of the financial crisis, the UK increase puts it down in 43rd economy has been incredibly resilient. Chris Rawstron

Appointment boosts real estate team

The Birmingham office of Irwin Planning Carl Dyer, which Stuart Tym Mitchell has recruited another new covers clients across the UK senior lawyer for its Real Estate including Jasper Group, that offer legal services department. Roffey Homes, Store to the business Stuart Tym has joined from The Properties, Welbeck Land community. We hope Wilkes Partnership where he was a and Westerleigh. to announce further Senior Associate and Head of Adrian Barlow, new senior recruits Planning. National Head of Real shortly.” He has a wealth of planning Estate at Irwin Mitchell Irwin Mitchell’s experience having advised in-house at commented: “Stuart will be National Real Estate both district level and county level a great asset and his practice now has over 30 local planning authorities, as well as appointment comes after the real estate partners offering having advised in the private sector announcement of Tim Rayner, the full range of commercial where he has acted for both partner and our new Joint Head of and residential legal advice. The developers, funders and private Property Litigation. commercial practice is focused individuals on their planning needs. “We will continue to grow our around housing, strategic land, Stuart joins a now eight-strong national real estate offering across the investment & asset management and planning team led by National Head of UK, from the seven of our UK offices retirement living. www.iod.com/westmids 23 Events Diary

IoD West Midlands IoD Spring Dinner has Leadership Series cyber security on menu Value-creating boards – and Date: Thursday, 28 March GCHQ Cheltenham and the Government Time: 19.00 – 23.00 Cyber Centre in Newport and ‘Cyber Valley’ how they can Venue: Hogarths Stone Manor, with Worcestershire. It will be an anchor Bromsgrove Rd, Kidderminster building generating new research and short help your DY10 4PJ course opportunities that will feed into Cost: £50 + vat training and education in industry. business stay Professor Prashant was recently appointed It seems fitting that our Spring Dinner at by the IEEE – the world’s largest technical competitive Hogarths Stone Manor this year should be on professional organisation for the the eve of Brexit (…that’s correct at time of advancement of technology – as a co-chair of Workshop 4 going to print!), but don’t worry, we are giving the 5G-Satellite subgroup of the 5G Date: Thursday, 24 January you an evening off that topic, replacing it Technology Roadmap Working Group and is Time: 7:30am-9.30am with one that is arguably every bit as a founding member of the IEEE special Venue: Business Solution important: cyber security. interest group on Big Data for Cyber Security centre, University To help us understand this issue a little and Privacy. of Wolverhampton, more we are delighted to welcome Prashant will introduce us to the work The Development Professor Prashant Pillai, Professor of of the HCCS and discuss some of the Centre, Cyber Security and Director of crucial cyber topics of our day, coxwell Avenue, Wolverhampton Cyber Research including how industry can work Wolverhampton Institute, as our guest speaker. collaboratively with universities WV10 9RT Prashant leads the Institute to better understand the Cost: Free of charge team developing the Hereford benefits of Artificial Intelligence Following on from our successful Centre for Cyber Security and how best we can all tackle 2018 series with the University of (HCCS) which will open on the threats in cyberspace. Wolverhampton Business School, Skylon Park Enterprise Zone in we are delighted to bring you 2020 and will form part of a Please book your space at another workshop – the fourth in national ‘Cyber Triangle’ with www.iod.com/westmids this series – on the importance of good governance. From this workshop you will not only leave with a clearer understanding of the value which adi Group to host first of can be created by a board of directors and its individual members but also gain an insight ‘Chair’s Best Practice Visits’ into the state-of-the-art research into corporate governance. Chair’s Best Practice Visit to the In this interactive workshop we adi Group will handle a case in a simulated Date: Wednesday, 13 February board meeting where discussions Time: 12:00pm-2:00pm and solutions will emerge. Venue: Melchett Road, Kings Norton The workshop will focus on how Business Centre, Kings Norton, adi Group’s sustainable business model is you can organise your governance West Midlands, B30 3HX to grow the business by adding an additional structure to meet the needs of your Cost: Free of charge engineering service to their Group every business while staying competitive 12-18 months. Each of their businesses are in the marketplace. In the first of our Chair’s Best Practice treated as a start-up, are self-invested, and visits, we are delighted to have been invited involve recruiting a senior market specialist to visit adi Group, a multi-disciplined to build the business from scratch, rather Don’t forget our free engineering company offering a ‘one stop than via acquisition. Members’ Evenings... shop’ for engineering services. Their Having quadrupled their business customers include numerous global brands organically over the last 10 years to over They are free of charge and a great spanning food and beverage, automotive, £100m turnover, their Vision 2020 business way to meet IoD West Midlands aerospace, pharmaceutical and defence. plan is to take this growth on its next steep officers and fellow members over a Founded in 1990, the group today trajectory. In support of the vision they are drink. All events run from 6pm-8pm. comprises 17 limited companies offering passionate about helping the local CoVENTRY – Monday 25th February engineering solutions through over 30 community and supporting the engineers of Coombe Abbey, Brinklow Rd, specialist service divisions and across 40+ UK the future through their pioneering pre- Binley, Coventry CV3 2AB and Irish locations. The business is extremely apprenticeship programme. SHROPSHIRE – Tuesday, 19 March focused on its people and culture, resulting The event will include a light lunch and Haughton Hall Hotel , Haughton Lane, in a staff retention of around 97%. optional tour of the facility. Shifnal TF11 8HG To book: online at www.iod.com/westmids or contact [email protected]

24 www.iod.com/westmids Women as Leaders Carmen has a story to tell the Women as Leaders Annual Lunch

Date: Thursday, 4 April The Annual Lunch was established four Carmen will discuss her incredible journey Time: 12:00pm – 2:00pm years ago to allow members to hear from with the company, which saw her beginning Venue: Edgbaston Park Hotel business leaders who are focused on her career at Pertemps as a secretary before 53 Edgbaston Park Road, addressing the gender imbalance in senior working her way through the business to Birmingham B15 2RS roles. board level. Cost: £45+VAT members, Guests will enjoy a drinks reception, a Carmen is also an active Board member £50 + VAT non-members two-course meal and a glass of wine, while of Race for Opportunity and is a strong mixing with other IoD members and advocate for equality, diversity and Open to all members, the IoD West listening to the inspirational story of our inclusion (ED&I) in the workplace. Midlands Women as Leaders Annual Lunch guest speaker, Carmen Watson. As well as heading up the ED & I will take place at the beautiful Edgbaston Carmen, the current IoD West Midlands committee within Pertemps, Carmen works Park Hotel on Thursday, 4th April from 12 Director of the Year, is chairwoman of proactively with external customers to help noon until 2pm. Pertemps, a near £1bn turnover operation. them achieve their objectives.

International Women’s Day Lunch 2019 #BalanceForBetter

Date: Friday, 8 March will include a light buffet Time: 12:00pm – 2.30pm lunch. Venue: John Lewis Community Hub, Grand Central, Birmingham Panellists will include: B2 4AU n Nikki Rimmington, Vice Cost: £10 + VAT for members and President and Chief Planning non-members Officer at Aston Martin Lagonda (pictured above) We are delighted to invite you to celebrate n Roger Dix, Chief Risk Officer at International Women’s Day with a debate around Wesleyan and Sponsor of their inclusivity this year’s global theme, #BALANCEFORBETTER. and diversity agenda Please join our esteemed panel of speakers who n Julia Leask (pictured below), a CIMA Fellow will discuss how we can all achieve a better gender who set up her business in 2010 after the birth of balance in business. There will also be her son to get a better work-life balance opportunities for you to ask your own questions to the panel. n Professor Silke Machold, Professor Organised in partnership with our of Corporate Governance and Dean of colleagues at CIMA, this event will be Research at the University of held at the John Lewis Community Wolverhampton Hub in Grand Central Birmingham and www.iod.com/westmids 25 Events diary

A Walmley welcome awaits on the course for IoD golf day

IoD West Midlands Members’ Golf Day Date: Wednesday, 15 May Time: 9pm - 5pm Venue: Walmley Golf Club, Brooks Road, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham B72 1HR Cost: Fourball – £225 + VAT We are delighted to confirm that the IoD members Golf Day 2019 will take place at Walmley Golf Club on Wednesday, 15th May. The day will begin with a bacon roll and hot drink at 9am, with the first tee Pictured, Walmley Golf Club: off at 10am. 18 holes of challenging golf later, we will reconvene in the bar A picturesque – but for a welcome drink, two-course meal and trophy presentations. challenging – parkland Details of individual places will be announced nearer the date, but if you course. You can secure a can get a fourball together now, please book on with [email protected] fourball slot now

Maximise membership at free, informal events

Please join us at one of our Members’ The events are free, but booking is Evenings in the first quarter of the year. essential at www.iod.com/westmids These events are a great opportunity to meet other members, or for non-members Coombe Abbey to find out more about the IoD. The Date: Monday 25th February evenings are designed to be informal and Time: 18.00-20.00 relaxed, allowing you to mingle with your Venue: coombe Abbey peers and make sure you are maximising Brinklow Rd, Binley, your membership. coventry CV3 2AB ‘A free, informal way Our first Members Evening is at the to network with other resplendent Coombe Abbey in Haughton Hall members and find out Warwickshire, and our second at the elegant Date: tuesday 19th March Haughton Hall in Shropshire. Both run from Time: 18.00 – 20.00 more about the IoD...’ 6pm to 8pm and you can drop in for as long Venue: Haughton Lane, Shifnal, TF11 8HG as you wish!

26 www.iod.com/westmid Developing your skills with the IoD Professional Development awarding body, the IoD is the only institute in the West Mids 2019 in the world to offer internationally recognised qualifications designed by In 2019, we will run the four individual Directors for Directors under Royal Charter. modules that make up the Certificate in The modules of the Certificate explore Company Direction every six months, the characteristics, mind-set and designed to equip you with the knowledge behaviours of a boardroom executive and and skills needed for effective performance, explain what it takes to become an covering the key areas of governance, outstanding leader. They are also the finance, strategy and leadership. starting point for our Chartered Director We will also run the diploma and a bespoke qualification, an international benchmark courses such as the Role of the NED. These of excellence that is the highest status that will all be held at iHub right in the heart of may be attained in the Director profession. Birmingham’s business district. It is also IoD West Midlands is well represented by possible to attend a local intensive Chartered Directors, who would be more residential course to complete the than happy to have a discussion with Certificate in just five-and-a-half days. anyone thinking of becoming part of this As a long-established professional exclusive network of senior professionals. Our 2019 programme is: Role of the Director knowledge and skills required to create, You will receive feedback on your own implement and evaluate organisational performance as a board member and and the Board strategy. return to your organisation ready to tackle 6-7 March and 27-28 Aug Explore the relationship between future challenges with greater expertise Delivering an essential understanding of strategy, governance and risk and learn and confidence. the board’s role in corporate governance how to use tools and frameworks that and risk management, this introduction to support strategic thinking and decision- Role of the Non- the duties and legal responsibilities of a making. Get the practical insights into how Executive Director director will enable you to tackle the to deliver your current business objectives challenges of the boardroom with fresh while future-proofing your organisation. 4 July confidence and progress your career. This comprehensive programme is Whether you’re a newly appointed Leadership for designed to equip you with practical director, aspiring to a position on the Directors strategies to build your network, raise your board, or looking to improve your profile to secure an appointment, and add performance with fresh insight, this 3-4 June and 18-19 Nov* value in the boardroom. practical two-day course will equip you Strong leadership is fundamental to the As more individuals choose ‘portfolio with the crucial knowledge and skill-set to successful realisation of an organisation’s careers’ and demand for non-executive fulfil your role successfully vision. This intensive course provides a directors continues to rise within multiple valuable opportunity for directors to sectors including third sector organisations Finance for Non- explore strategic leadership issues both and private companies, it has never been within and beyond their organisation. more important to understand the critical Financial Directors This module introduces a more requirements and appropriate skill set of a 1-3 April and 23-25 September personalised approach to leadership and non-executive director. In today’s business world, every director delegates will be encouraged to Gain practical advice from an needs to recognise the key financial understand and develop their own experienced portfolio non-executive concepts and terminology that underpin a self-awareness and emotional intelligence. director and participate in interactive case successful understanding of their studies. Discover the latest interview tips organisation’s financial position. Diploma in Company from top industry head-hunters and put This course, designed specifically for Direction your questions to guest speakers who will non-financial directors and senior managers, be on hand to offer expert guidance. will demystify the world of finance, allowing 2-4 September The programme includes an evening you to monitor the financial health of your The Diploma is an opportunity to put drinks reception and a three course dinner business, evaluate business plans with into practice the knowledge gained from at a local restaurant, offering a fantastic confidence and contribute more the Certificate in a realistic and safe networking opportunity. effectively to boardroom discussion. environment. It encourages peer-group * Please note that the dates for the second support, challenge and stimulation, half of the year are still to be confirmed Strategy for Directors mirroring in many ways the operation of a board. Want to know more? 1-3 May and 21-23 Oct* By replicating the issues of a ‘real’ For more information on how to book A dynamic strategic process is a critical organisation, you will gain hands-on onto any of these courses, please part of delivering stakeholder value and experience that will not only enable you to visit www.iod.com/westmids/ generating competitive advantage for your achieve a world-class qualification, but courses organisation. This intensive course also to make a significant impact on your Or call Calum on 0121 643 7801 provides insight into the board-level board’s effectiveness. www.iod.com/westmids 27 News

No time to see your local GP? High-quality healthcare in the heart of Birmingham

For many, the daily commute into Birmingham city centre means that a GP “At BHSF, we understand appointment in your home town is that your time is precious. completely out of the question. Especially Our medical practice is the when it comes to those little niggles, rather than needing urgent help. perfect solution for time- You can’t justify taking time out of your poor professionals in hectic schedule for something that could be nothing. By the time you’ve waited to Birmingham’s city centre...” see the doctor, and then made the commute into the office, you may as well have taken the day off! Here at BHSF, we understand that your time is precious. Our medical practice is the perfect solution for time-poor professionals in Birmingham’s city centre. Located just around the corner from Snow Hill station, at 2 Cornwall Street, you can leave your desk and be back to work in no time at all. We offer same-day GP appointments, as well as physiotherapy, executive health screening, mental health services and a travel clinic. In an age where health is our top priority, but time constraints make seeing your local GP difficult, our medical Its convenience means that there’s no on a rolling contractual basis, or ad-hoc. practice makes looking after your health excuse for not booking an appointment for With wellness promotion at the top of convenient. an issue that’s been playing on your most business agendas, offering your Whether it’s for something that’s been mind,” says Dr Philip McCrea, practice people access to our quality healthcare playing on your mind, if you want a manager. “We offer peace of mind, services is a great employee benefit. second opinion, or you just need to get a convenience, and a relaxing GP experience If you would like to make an private prescription; BHSF Medical at an affordable price.” appointment, or find out more about our Practice is just around the corner. BHSF also offers corporate packages, range of services, please visit our website “Our practice is in the heart of where companies can purchase advance www.bhsfmedicalpractice.co.uk or call Birmingham’s Colmore business district. appointments for their employees, either 0121 728 8366

IoD West Midlands Director of the Year Awards 2019

Date: Tuesday, 11 June Time: 07:30 – 10:00 Key dates Venue: Edgbaston Stadium, Edgbaston Rd, Birmingham B5 7QU Nominate and Cost: £40+VAT members and non-members; £400+VAT table of 10 Enter now. Closing date for The 2019 Director of the Year Awards celebrate the hard work and enterprise entries: March 1. of our region’s business leaders, with the awards announced at a sparkling Awards day: Champagne breakfast. Enter or nominate a candidate for this year’s awards Tuesday, now – and make a date to attend the awards event itself. See page 14 for more June 11, 2019 details. Tickets available via www.iod.com/westmids

28 www.iod.com/westmids Cure Leukaemia says ‘on your bike... we’re going to Paris’

Cure Leukaemia, one of the charities This is one of the ONLY events that offer featured in our popular Charity Spotlight rolling road closures throughout France. (see pg 30 for this issue’s) has asked IoD Not only does this help ensure your safety members to back its biggest fundraising but it also gives you the freedom to test venture for 2019, an exhilarating, epic and yourself with time trials and timed hill rewarding London 2 Paris bike ride from climbs to find out where you rank against 12-15 September 2019. the rest of the riders. It also means that your The charity is looking for IoD members to ride is not hindered by traffic lights, join them for what it describes as the best junctions or traffic! four days you can have on a bike, With a full support team, thrilling anywhere, anytime. time trials, challenging climbs Whether you are a keen cyclist and a five-star finale as you or a beginner looking for a new ride under escort up to the a beginner can achieve – with a little training challenge, Cure Leukaemia will Arc de Triomphe and then of course! The oldest rider in 2018 was Gio make sure you have the time of on to the Eiffel Tower with aged 77. He’s pictured above with leukaemia your life. Every aspect of the crowds cheering you on, survivor, former footballer Geoff Thomas. ride is planned with precision London 2 Paris will be an Want to know more? Visit – from accommodation, meals unforgettable experience. www.l2prevolution.com to learn more and transport to the all- This might sound like an If you might be interested becoming a important team of mechanics, event only fit for cycling’s sponsor of the event, from as little as motorcycle outriders and sports elite, but with four different £1,000, please contact James Mclaughlin at physios in support. speed groups, this is something [email protected]

www.iod.com/westmids 29 Charity spotlight: QEST and the Jewellery Quarter

QEST is helping keep our craftsmanship hub alive

The origins of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter date back to the 17th century and The famous clock tower at its peak, in the early 1900s, the area in the heart of the employed over 30,000 people. Since then, Jewellery Quarter however, foreign competition and mechanisation has caused a steady decline in trade. Nevertheless, the few hundred artisans who remain in the Jewellery Quarter still represent Europe’s largest concentration of skilled jewellers, and 40 per cent of all UK jewellery is made in just one square kilometre of inner-city Birmingham. From watchmakers to tool makers and chain makers, to jewellers, enamellers and pen makers, the Jewellery Quarter’s community of artisans is a key part of both Birmingham’s and Britain’s culture, heritage and skill base. However, in recent years the area has been rapidly transformed and gentrified and with property prices continuing to rise, developers are making higher and higher offers to snap up the remaining workshops and turn them into new Jewellery Quarter and work from a garage on an almost weekly basis, choosing to residential blocks. or back bedroom. protect British craftsmanship rather than Struthers is a small but ground-breaking “The skills of the Jewellery Quarter have take a profit. and award-winning watchmakers which become increasingly scattered, creating a QEST is another ally of craftsmanship; has recently started to create its own real conflict between business viability the charity aims to help talented artisans movement. Run by Craig and Rebecca and value that needs to be addressed. across the UK achieve excellence by Struthers, the business is based at the “The Jewellery Quarter is one of the last granting scholarships that can pay for workshop once used by James Watt to manufacturing strongholds in Britain and educational courses and one-to-one perfect his steam engines. Craig Struthers I believe that many of the workshops here training with acknowledged masters in a has become one of only a handful of could be doing a lot better than they are. particular field. British watchmakers able to make a We need to decide how much we value QEST is proud of the fact that more than movement and a watch case from scratch, these endangered skills and whether they 90 per cent of all the craftspeople it has thanks in part to help from the Queen are worth protecting. Do we value the helped since 1990 are still practising their Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) – a intangible cultural heritage of traditional craft. Many of those people employ leading British crafts charity. manufacturing in Britain more than we apprentices and other staff and, “QEST has helped me to develop my value a quick profit? collectively, they make a significant skills and therefore the business as a “It is also about keeping the inter- contribution to the UK economy. whole. Hopefully, we have an exciting dependent web of skills here alive. For Deborah Pocock, executive director of future ahead of us, but for many other example, as watchmakers, it is hugely QEST, says, “QEST aims to sustain people working in the Jewellery Quarter, helpful for us to have an engraver, Britain’s cultural heritage by supporting life is pretty tough. enameller and stone-setter within easy excellence in British craftsmanship and “I know company owners who bought reach.’’ one of the most important hubs of craft their workshops 20 or 30 years ago for a Fortunately, the community of artisans skills in the country is Birmingham’s few thousand pounds who are now up in the Jewellery Quarter is close-knit and Jewellery Quarter. Many of the skills against intense competition from the Far tenacious and it has at least a few useful within its artisan community complement East. When a property developer knocks supporters. Deakin & Francis – the oldest one another, so their combined value is on their door and offers a six or seven family jewellers in the country – was set up much greater than the sum of their parts. figure sum to sell up, I can’t blame them in the Jewellery Quarter in 1786 and it still “Of the 460 talented craftspeople who for jumping at the opportunity.” makes its cufflinks, rings and other have received a QEST Scholarship, those Rebecca Struthers – the first watchmaker jewellery in Birmingham today. It also who work in the Jewellery Quarter include to obtain a PhD in horology – says, “The rents some of its workshops out to smaller the watchmaker Craig Struthers and Jewellery Quarter is now predominantly businesses, such as Struthers, and the pen the jeweller and sculptor Anna Lorenz. By made up of sole traders and micro maker Yard-O-Led. James Deakin and his allowing them to develop their skills and companies. With higher property prices, it brother, Henry, are the seventh generation build a sustainable business, QEST hopes has become increasingly tempting for running the business, and they steadfastly to play its part in maintaining the Jewellery those craftspeople to move out of the turn down offers from property developers Quarter’s unique pool of talent.’’

30 www.iod.com/westmids