HEAVEN FDFJ IFFDF IT’S a BEAUTIFUL STORY Ddfg Dfgdfgfg Sdf Sddfdfdfd Fdfgfgffdf Fdgbdf Gugioz Xhg Djsygc Dygcdgfdfb

ISSUE 1

Issue 4 www.shropshirebiz.comA BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS MAGAZINEFREE

DSDGSLFD PENNIES FROM FDFDSFS HEAVEN FDFJ IFFDF IT’S A BEAUTIFUL STORY Ddfg dfgdfgfg sdf sddfdfdfd fdfgfgffdf fdgbdf gugioz xhg djsygc dygcdgfdfb

Plus: Salary Brexit Business Export secrets briefing ‘Oscars’ success

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 1 02/05/2017 11:09:09 Keeping our workforce in contact INTRODUCING THE TEAM

Pure Telecom have played a vital part in Pictured above: (back) Steve Oliver, Jayne Smallman, Nick Jones, Alan Brittain, Katherine Lear, Graham Mills keeping my team in contact with clients and (front) Natasha Boaden, Chimene Felton, Jane Ward & Sarah Pryce contractors whilst working on site. Having a single point of contact has meant Pure Telecom s things get more complicated, why not entrust our team to helping you make brilliant decisions? A really know how we work and deliver the very Senior Partner Practice with St. James’s Place Wealth Management, we can provide excellent service best levels of support at competitive rates. Awhilst we benefit from the support of a FTSE 100 company. A real concierge service! We provide a comprehensive wealth management service, offering specialist face-to-face advice tailored to you. OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: William Onions • Investment Planning Managing Director • Inheritance Tax Planning Capital Construction Management • Retirement Planning • Intergenerational Planning For further details please contact:

NICK JONES Principal For more information call www.pure-telecom.co.uk Tel: 01743 240968 the team on 01743 244 933 e [email protected] @puretelecom /puretelecom Email: [email protected] Web: www.njwealthplanning.co.uk

The Partner Practice represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Michael Place, Anchorage Avenue, Shrewsbury Business Park, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY2 6FG Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The title ‘Partner Practice’ is the marketing term used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 2 02/05/2017 11:10:03 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 3 02/05/2017 11:10:25 Keeping our workforce in contact INTRODUCING THE TEAM

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 2 02/05/2017 11:10:03 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 3 02/05/2017 11:10:25 4 INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION 5

ISSUE 1

Issue 4 www.shropshirebiz.comA BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS MAGAZINEFREE

It’s countdown to Election Day – again DSDGSLFD PENNIES FROM FDFDSFS HEAVEN Minogue, and the Cannes Film Festival have in Worrall as its preferred engine castings partner corporate FDFJ IFFDF IT’S A BEAUTIFUL STORY round-table forum for the construction industry, it ell, here we go again. common? for the sleek new DB11. Exports are holding up calendar, Ddfg dfgdfgfg sdf seems the referendum last summer has, so far, sddfdfdfd fdfgfgffdf Another British made little difference to the day-to-day business Answer: They all have reason to be thankful well, too. We turn the spotlight on a Jackfield with up to fdgbdf gugioz xhg to the invention and dynamism of Shropshire guitar-making firm selling to Japan and Canada, 700 people djsygc dygcdgfdfb summer, and yet of most firms. Wanother invitation to the ballot We’re made of stern stuff; putting our noses companies. and an award-winning Ellesmere manufacturer expected on to the grindstone, and just getting on with it. Our cover story charts the amazing rise of which is breaking into North America. the guest list. box. Whether we will be quite as calm if June Shifnal businesswoman Deborah Mitchell, who And talking of awards . . . have you got your No wonder They say uncertainty is the true enemy of 8 ushers in a Government which wants to rip was working out of a converted toilet block in tickets yet for the hottest date on the Shropshire that when business, and the snap general election called things up and start again, of course, remains to the mid 1990s, but now commands a £33 million economic calendar? it comes by Theresa May will do little to help calm choppy be seen… worldwide business with a who’s who of celebrity The 17th annual Shropshire Business to quality, economic waters – at least in the short term. Let’s hope that the election campaign clients. Awards will be held at a glittering ceremony on innovation, But a common message coming through doesn’t become too nasty, or take our eyes off Elsewhere, when the stars step out at the June 23, at Telford’s International Centre, when competitive loud and clear from the pages of this issue is the ball, when it comes to seeking the best EU famous Cannes Film Festival this year, they will multi-millionaire Poundland founder Steven pricing and top-rate customer service, customers Plus: What do Brexit Business Export you earn? briefing ‘Oscars’ success the fact that it remains very much ‘business as deal for our businesses. be walking on a piece of Telford engineering. Smith will give the keynote speech, and the 2017 all over the world are voting for Shropshire. usual’ for the resilient Shropshire economy. Talking of which . . . here’s a starter for And James Bond’s favourite car maker has Company of the Year will be crowned. Carl Jones, Having sat in on a Brexit debate, and a 10: What do Aston Martin, Kylie and Dannii confirmed Bridgnorth manufacturer Grainger & It’s the biggest event on the county’s Editor

Magazine editor: Carl Jones [email protected]

Online editor: Henry Carpenter [email protected]

Editorial design and layout: Paul Naylor

Advertising: [email protected] 6 30 38 45 60

General enquiries: [email protected] 31 Just the ticket 50 Online confusion Contents 32 Film festival firm 51 Round table ONLINE Web: 6 Brexit challenge 33 Joint venture 56 Tax savings www.shropshirebiz.com 11 Guest speaker 34 Four promotions 57 IT supplier Twitter: 12 Engineering more speed 36 William Hague 58 Making a BID @shropsbiz 14 Changing rooms 38 Celebrity clients 59 It’s the word Facebook: 11 15 The bee’s knees 39 Ofsted joy 60 Fitness for all 63 facebook.com/shropsbiz 21 Growing economy 40 Country funding 61 Tomorrow’s world Linkedin: 22 Optimism is key 41 Green accolade 62 MoD site joy Shropshire Business (shropshirebiz.com) 24 Darwin Project 42 Robocut’s a winner 63 New jobs for town

ISSUE 4: 25 Royal visit 43 Seminar gathering 64 Meeting standards MAY / JUN 2017 26 Pension schemes 45 Earnings surprise 65 Ludlow services 27 Link to an icon 46 Business celebrated 66 Chamber in Whitchurch Shropshire Business is published by Wiggly Worm Media Ltd. Reproduction of this magazine 28 Cutting crew 48 Stand by me 68 Personal Finance in whole or in part is prohibited without written 15 68 permission of the editor. 30 So far, so good 49 Explore the globe 70 Appointments

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Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 4 02/05/2017 11:11:46 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 5 02/05/2017 11:12:03 4 INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION 5

ISSUE 1

Issue 4 www.shropshirebiz.comA BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS MAGAZINEFREE

Magazine editor: Carl Jones [email protected]

Online editor: Henry Carpenter [email protected]

Editorial design and layout: Paul Naylor

Advertising: [email protected] 6 30 38 45 60

The publishers have taken all reasonable care to ensure that the information in this magazine is accurate at time of going to press.

Wiggly Worm Media accepts no responsibility for the consequences of error or for any loss or damage suffered by users of any of the information and material contained in this publication.

The views expressed by our columnists are not necessarily those held by the publisher, or editor.

Printed in the UK by The Magazine Printing Company: www.magprint.co.uk 25 36 41 51 70

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 4 02/05/2017 11:11:46 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 5 02/05/2017 11:12:03 6 SPECIAL REPORT SPECIAL REPORT 7

The ‘Brexit Begins’ gathering at the Lighting Industry Association in Telford was attended by representatives from a variety of businesses The panel, from left, Professor Paul Forrest, Martyn Mangan, Simon Balderson, Laura Parkinson, Graham Wynn, and Richard Sheehan

By Carl Jones education, financial, service, hospitality, America, China and Japan, that don’t have and super-fast broadband – which isn’t! Here’smarketing and recruitment sectors, who free trade agreements.to So it is possible to theThis regional economy is on the cusp of future or many Shropshire raised a series of issues in a Question still export to the EU. intelligent manufacturing, which demands Time-style debate, chaired by Laura “And with the depreciation of sterling, the internet of things. companies, the handling Parkinson of Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors. we have got some benefits. “What Brexit has done is bring into sharp of Brexit will be the But first, Paul Forrest delivered a state- “But we do have to look at how they are focus the problems we have in the economy. Fbiggest strategic challenge of-the-region address, setting out where going to negotiate. If we stayed in the European Union, we he saw Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin’s “I’m really concerned that they would still have these problems. We need to they face in a generation. position – its strengths and weaknesses – will concentrate on the city of London have proper broadband, proper roads and But can it also be a after the triggering of Article 50 by Prime which provides about 2% of gross value rail. Minister Theresa May. added to the whole economy, while the “Everybody goes on about the skills springboard for lucrative “Outside of the M4 corridor, it’s manufacturing sector provides about 11 or gap, and how it is an acute problem, but it new trading opportunities? important to remember that Telford has 12%. Then also there are the service sector is not a problem of failure – it’s a problem of That was the question posed at a ‘Brexit the highest concentration of advanced industries that are related to manufacturing. success, caused because the economy has Begins’ presentation and seminar, held at manufacturing industries in the country. It’s “In Telford and Shropshire, we reckon been growing so dramatically over the last the Lighting Industry Association’s premises a really dynamic part of the country,” he said this so-called ‘manu-services’ sector is four or five years.” on Stafford Park, Telford. “The worst thing for Shropshire, to be equivalent to around 6-7% of the total Paul’s view was: forget the rights and On the panel were economist Professor honest, is TV show Countryfile – because economy, so these are the people we need wrongs of the Brexit referendum campaign Paul Forrest from the West Midlands every time you see the programme you see to make sure we are caring about when we and debate, it’s now time to move on, and Professor Paul Forrest delivering his state-of-the-region update Economic Forum, Martyn Mangan of this bucolic Victorian landscape, when in go into the Brexit negotiations.” make a success of the result. years has survived really well without any at the moment to consider what is going to Enterprise Telford, Marches LEP chairman actual fact manufacturing as a proportion Paul said: “It’s no good having a free The paradox in the West Midlands is major national Government intervention. impact on your industry – somebody has got Graham Wynn, Simon Balderson of food of the local economy is bigger than the trade agreement until you know what sort of that it is the most export-orientated region of We’ve really been ignored until very recently. to tell the Government what is going on.” packaging firm Sirane Group, and the Black Country. It’s a hi-tech manufacturing trade you are doing. Britain, but also the most Eurosceptic part of “The public sector is under huge The event was organised by Telford chief executive of Shropshire Chamber of centre.” “And before we have that trade the nation. pressure right now, so it’s important for Business Solutions Centre, and backed by Commerce, Richard Sheehan. He added: “It’s important to remember operation, we need to have an Paul continued: “The main thing is, it’s everyone in this room to articulate clearly the University of Wolverhampton, Marches Among the audience were that 40% of the imports that go into the internationally competitive infrastructure. not going to be the end of the world. The exactly what it is you need to get things Growth Hub, Enterprise Telford, and Lanyon representatives of the manufacturing, single market are from countries like We need to be talking about ultra-fast West Midlands economy over the last 20 going. There’s nobody else speaking for you Bowdler Solicitors. u

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 6 02/05/2017 11:12:08 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 7 02/05/2017 11:12:27 6 SPECIAL REPORT SPECIAL REPORT 7

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 6 02/05/2017 11:12:08 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 7 02/05/2017 11:12:27 8 SPECIAL REPORT SPECIAL REPORT 9

t Ray Hickinbottom of the Federation Graham Wynn said: “For me, the management team got together to talk it all “That’s because it is not in the curriculum getting across the enthusiasm of what these region at the end of March, and he called for of Small Businesses kicked off the Q&A sustainability of our market towns is one of through. “We decided immediately that we and they are not focused on it. While it jobs can do for young people.” greater engagement from the Department of session: “Given that most grant funding at the issues I keep coming back to. wouldn’t plough on, but we would accelerate should be in their conscience for producing Graham Wynn added: “We have been Education, with the Marches LEP. the moment is coming from Europe, do you “When I’m putting bids forward for on. rounded individuals, it is a problem which will talking about the skills gap for 20 years and “They are totally disengaged at the anticipate that continuing, and should we be funding, the treasury formula is around land “I think Brexit has given us as a country exist until something is built into the school still haven’t addressed it. moment, and from chambers to LEPs, we looking for a loosening of some of the terms value uplift, and that goes against us in a a certain confidence. Maybe that’s a sort of curriculum to allow business engagement. “When you are looking at young people have a big pool of business people who and conditions when this is under our own rural economy compared with converting a Blitz spirit. “The second thing to address is the entering the world of work, it’s the softer are prepared to give their time to talk to control?” brownfield site into something that is going “Generally speaking, when other people parents. There is a generation of them who skills we are missing, because there is young people about manufacturing and the In short, no. That was Martyn Mangan’s to create lots of employment opportunities. are stopping or dithering, that is the time to saw manufacturing as filthy dirty black and no attainment around things such as businesses in their area. view. “This particular Government has no “I’ve been banging on about this for move forward, because it’s an opportunity. sooty holes, and nothing could be further communication skills, and the ability to have “But we are blocked by teachers who penchant to grant fund anybody, and it is some time, and I’ve got some positive “But we also did a risk assessment of the from the truth now. And they still have an a conversation face-to-face and look people say it’s not part of their curriculum and extremely difficult to talk to them about strokes back from Government to say they sort of things that are going to affect us, and influence on the young people.” in the eye. not what they are going to be measured supporting industry. are prepared to look at this. number one by far was the fact that 70% of Gareth Hughes of recruitment agency “We need to be teaching young people against. We do want the opportunity to get “The biggest problem with Brexit at the “How we create sustainability in the our workforce in the UK is Polish.” Ethero gave his experience of the current a broader basic set of skills that employers into schools – not just to get in, but to be moment is not the process, but the lack of future is a question I keep coming back to, Richard Sheehan pointed to the situation. “From adverts that I might place need. I believe it is for employers to welcomed in, so that we can produce more certainty, which is letting most businesses and this means we need a particular focus chamber’s quarterly economic survey, which on job boards in every location, of every 100 deliver the skills they need to do the job, in rounded individuals. think ‘do I invest, or do I hold off until I really on our market towns.” gauges the mood of the local economy and applicants a maximum of 10 will be English. conjunction with a college or private sector “There are no such things as jobs for life need to?’” My question to the panel was this: Given shows trends. “That is the reality. And of the 10 that provider.” any more; it’s about making young people The panel agreed that terms and the fact that there are still a mind-boggling He said: “Looking back at late 2008 do apply, five as a maximum will be young Graham was among a group of business aware of the opportunities, and the sort conditions of any grant funding needed to list of rules, regulations and legislation to be and 2009 after the last recession, it people. The promotion and advertising of leaders sitting round the table with Prime of softer social skills required to meet the be loosened – but it was highlighted that in untangled before Britain can extricate itself showed companies dusting themselves off these jobs needs to find a better way of Minister Theresa May when she visited the needs of employers.” many of the current cases, it’s often local from the EU, are the majority of Shropshire and rolling their sleeves up – doing what regulations which add the most damaging companies just ploughing on regardless for business does best. We are seeing very restrictions, and not always the EU. the time being? And if so, might that policy similar signs now. Yes, there are concerns Simon Balderson of Sirane, whose come back to bite them? around issues such as raw material costs company is a European market leader in Martyn Mangan said: “They are not and currency, but they are reporting that they packaging materials and exports worldwide ploughing on ignorant of Brexit, but they are really busy. There are lots of positive from its Shropshire base, said: “We’ve grown have businesses to run. At the moment, stories, and the attitude is – this is what we the company and have never had a grant while the pound is down, you might as well have got, so we have got to get on with it.” yet. We’ve been going for 15 years. sow the seeds while the sun is shining. The lack of ‘suitable’ British candidates “The reason is that we have been put “But I still think they are scared about for many job opportunities in Shropshire was off by the process, the paperwork, and what is going to happen. They know who raised – particularly in the manufacturing the speed at which these things are made their customers are, where their markets industry, where the panel recognised a available. There is no point having a grants are, and that there is flux in there. They are vacuum between the perception of modern- system if there is no easy access to it.” just hoping that somebody else is going to day working conditions, and the reality. So, Richard Sheehan agreed that the take care of the problem, while they run their is that because we’re not shouting about landscape was becoming increasingly business. how vibrant and varied our engineering and confusing over who was delivering a “You’ll find with larger companies that manufacturing industry really is? particular grant, where the cash was coming instead of having a line in their strategy Richard Sheehan said: “We work with from, and what sort of companies could about how they can become globally mobile, a number of schools in terms of careers qualify. they will now have written an entire chapter events, and it is very, very difficult to get a There was also a widespread concern on it.” school to allow us to take a business into that retail businesses were often excluded On the day after the Brexit vote in June their environment to engage with young from accessing any funding streams. last year, Simon Balderson said he and his people.

Graham Wynn, who had been with the Prime Minister Laura Parkinson of Lanyon Bowdler chaired the debate held at the several days earlier Lighting Industry Association in Telford

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 8 02/05/2017 11:12:46 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 9 02/05/2017 11:13:00 8 SPECIAL REPORT SPECIAL REPORT 9

Ray Hickinbottom of the FSB, in conversation with Lack of certainty is the biggest problem with Brexit, according Dale Kynaston, one of two delegates from Paul Challinor of Telford & Wrekin Council Brian Evans of Lanyon Bowdler in Shropshire Business editor Carl Jones to Martyn Mangan, pictured above Telford College of Arts and Technology photographed at the debate conversation at the event t Ray Hickinbottom of the Federation Graham Wynn said: “For me, the management team got together to talk it all “That’s because it is not in the curriculum getting across the enthusiasm of what these region at the end of March, and he called for of Small Businesses kicked off the Q&A sustainability of our market towns is one of through. “We decided immediately that we and they are not focused on it. While it jobs can do for young people.” greater engagement from the Department of session: “Given that most grant funding at the issues I keep coming back to. wouldn’t plough on, but we would accelerate should be in their conscience for producing Graham Wynn added: “We have been Education, with the Marches LEP. the moment is coming from Europe, do you “When I’m putting bids forward for on. rounded individuals, it is a problem which will talking about the skills gap for 20 years and “They are totally disengaged at the anticipate that continuing, and should we be funding, the treasury formula is around land “I think Brexit has given us as a country exist until something is built into the school still haven’t addressed it. moment, and from chambers to LEPs, we looking for a loosening of some of the terms value uplift, and that goes against us in a a certain confidence. Maybe that’s a sort of curriculum to allow business engagement. “When you are looking at young people have a big pool of business people who and conditions when this is under our own rural economy compared with converting a Blitz spirit. “The second thing to address is the entering the world of work, it’s the softer are prepared to give their time to talk to control?” brownfield site into something that is going “Generally speaking, when other people parents. There is a generation of them who skills we are missing, because there is young people about manufacturing and the In short, no. That was Martyn Mangan’s to create lots of employment opportunities. are stopping or dithering, that is the time to saw manufacturing as filthy dirty black and no attainment around things such as businesses in their area. view. “This particular Government has no “I’ve been banging on about this for move forward, because it’s an opportunity. sooty holes, and nothing could be further communication skills, and the ability to have “But we are blocked by teachers who penchant to grant fund anybody, and it is some time, and I’ve got some positive “But we also did a risk assessment of the from the truth now. And they still have an a conversation face-to-face and look people say it’s not part of their curriculum and extremely difficult to talk to them about strokes back from Government to say they sort of things that are going to affect us, and influence on the young people.” in the eye. not what they are going to be measured supporting industry. are prepared to look at this. number one by far was the fact that 70% of Gareth Hughes of recruitment agency “We need to be teaching young people against. We do want the opportunity to get “The biggest problem with Brexit at the “How we create sustainability in the our workforce in the UK is Polish.” Ethero gave his experience of the current a broader basic set of skills that employers into schools – not just to get in, but to be moment is not the process, but the lack of future is a question I keep coming back to, Richard Sheehan pointed to the situation. “From adverts that I might place need. I believe it is for employers to welcomed in, so that we can produce more certainty, which is letting most businesses and this means we need a particular focus chamber’s quarterly economic survey, which on job boards in every location, of every 100 deliver the skills they need to do the job, in rounded individuals. think ‘do I invest, or do I hold off until I really on our market towns.” gauges the mood of the local economy and applicants a maximum of 10 will be English. conjunction with a college or private sector “There are no such things as jobs for life need to?’” My question to the panel was this: Given shows trends. “That is the reality. And of the 10 that provider.” any more; it’s about making young people The panel agreed that terms and the fact that there are still a mind-boggling He said: “Looking back at late 2008 do apply, five as a maximum will be young Graham was among a group of business aware of the opportunities, and the sort conditions of any grant funding needed to list of rules, regulations and legislation to be and 2009 after the last recession, it people. The promotion and advertising of leaders sitting round the table with Prime of softer social skills required to meet the be loosened – but it was highlighted that in untangled before Britain can extricate itself showed companies dusting themselves off these jobs needs to find a better way of Minister Theresa May when she visited the needs of employers.” many of the current cases, it’s often local from the EU, are the majority of Shropshire and rolling their sleeves up – doing what regulations which add the most damaging companies just ploughing on regardless for business does best. We are seeing very restrictions, and not always the EU. the time being? And if so, might that policy similar signs now. Yes, there are concerns Simon Balderson of Sirane, whose come back to bite them? around issues such as raw material costs company is a European market leader in Martyn Mangan said: “They are not and currency, but they are reporting that they packaging materials and exports worldwide ploughing on ignorant of Brexit, but they are really busy. There are lots of positive from its Shropshire base, said: “We’ve grown have businesses to run. At the moment, stories, and the attitude is – this is what we the company and have never had a grant while the pound is down, you might as well have got, so we have got to get on with it.” yet. We’ve been going for 15 years. sow the seeds while the sun is shining. The lack of ‘suitable’ British candidates “The reason is that we have been put “But I still think they are scared about for many job opportunities in Shropshire was off by the process, the paperwork, and what is going to happen. They know who raised – particularly in the manufacturing the speed at which these things are made their customers are, where their markets industry, where the panel recognised a available. There is no point having a grants are, and that there is flux in there. They are vacuum between the perception of modern- system if there is no easy access to it.” just hoping that somebody else is going to day working conditions, and the reality. So, Richard Sheehan agreed that the take care of the problem, while they run their is that because we’re not shouting about landscape was becoming increasingly business. how vibrant and varied our engineering and confusing over who was delivering a “You’ll find with larger companies that manufacturing industry really is? particular grant, where the cash was coming instead of having a line in their strategy Richard Sheehan said: “We work with from, and what sort of companies could about how they can become globally mobile, a number of schools in terms of careers qualify. they will now have written an entire chapter events, and it is very, very difficult to get a There was also a widespread concern on it.” school to allow us to take a business into that retail businesses were often excluded On the day after the Brexit vote in June their environment to engage with young from accessing any funding streams. last year, Simon Balderson said he and his people.

Graham Wynn, who had been with the Prime Minister Laura Parkinson of Lanyon Bowdler chaired the debate held at the several days earlier Lighting Industry Association in Telford

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 8 02/05/2017 11:12:46 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 9 02/05/2017 11:13:00 NEWS 11

Transparently priced, Poundland – one of the most recognisable UK retail successes Orchard Valley Foods was named last year’s Company of the Year Pound for pound advice practical advice and support he Shropshire-based industry is now worth a staggering £5 billion. The idea of Poundland was born when entrepreneur whose Steven started work on his parents’ Bilston Poundland retail empire market stall in the West Midlands at the age Tmade him a multi-millionaire of 14. delivered by specialists with He noticed that sometimes they made will be sharing his top tips more money from items in the 10p to £1 box for success at this summer’s than from the takings of everything else on county business ‘Oscars’. the stall. He left school at 16, and set up his Steven Smith, who now lives in a £6 first shop at 17. million mansion near Bridgnorth with its He says he never forgets his roots, foundations in Shropshire and is now keen to give something back own pool, bar and helipad, will deliver the keynote address at the 17th annual to other businesspeople looking to expand Shropshire Business Awards. and succeed. He was voted Britain’s Best Tickets are now on sale for the black-tie Boss a few year ago and is ambassador evening, at Telford’s International Centre on for the RBS/NatWest Entrepreneur Spark. June 23, when the Shropshire Company of He is also a Retail Ombudsman, where his Our specialist corporate, commercial property, dispute the Year, plus a host of other winners, will job is to oversee the department in London be crowned. responsible for dealing with complaints from Richard Sheehan, chief executive consumers and retailers over the UK. resolution and employment lawyers provide support Want to hear what Steven Smith has to of Shropshire Chamber of Commerce Poundland millionaire Steven Smith which organises the event, said: “Since say? To book your seat for the Shropshire to help you grow and protect your business, giving you a its launch back in 2001, the Shropshire Business Awards 2017 – and check out the Business Awards has been famed as the 2017 finalists, go to the website online at solid foundation to build upon largest celebration of our county’s business www.shropshirebusinessawards.co.uk l success. The 2016 Shropshire Company “A key part of the night is always the of the Year, Burford-based Orchard quality of high-profile guest speakers, and since Steven launched the company in Valley Foods, has been taken over by a we are delighted to add Steven to that list 1990. Scandinavian business. NIC Enterprises Limited has acquired a majority ownership in 2017. He is an outstanding speaker, and Steven’s theory was that there are of the firm, but bosses say it is very much an outstanding businessman, with strong no such thing as bad products, only bad ’business as usual’ for staff. NIC is part of connections to our area.” prices. He was proved right, when they Orkla Food Ingredients within the Orkla More than eight out of 10 British took £13,000 on their first day and he sold group, headquartered in Oslo, Norway. shoppers have been into a Poundland store his business for £50 million in 2002. The

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Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 10 02/05/2017 11:13:59 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 11 02/05/2017 11:14:13

LB - Shrop Business Today - A4 - Sept16.indd 2 06/09/2016 20:11 NEWS 11

Transparently priced, Poundland – one of the most recognisable UK retail successes Orchard Valley Foods was named last year’s Company of the Year Pound for pound advice practical advice and support he Shropshire-based industry is now worth a staggering £5 billion. The idea of Poundland was born when entrepreneur whose Steven started work on his parents’ Bilston Poundland retail empire market stall in the West Midlands at the age Tmade him a multi-millionaire of 14. delivered by specialists with He noticed that sometimes they made will be sharing his top tips more money from items in the 10p to £1 box for success at this summer’s than from the takings of everything else on county business ‘Oscars’. the stall. He left school at 16, and set up his Steven Smith, who now lives in a £6 first shop at 17. million mansion near Bridgnorth with its He says he never forgets his roots, foundations in Shropshire and is now keen to give something back own pool, bar and helipad, will deliver the keynote address at the 17th annual to other businesspeople looking to expand Shropshire Business Awards. and succeed. He was voted Britain’s Best Tickets are now on sale for the black-tie Boss a few year ago and is ambassador evening, at Telford’s International Centre on for the RBS/NatWest Entrepreneur Spark. June 23, when the Shropshire Company of He is also a Retail Ombudsman, where his Our specialist corporate, commercial property, dispute the Year, plus a host of other winners, will job is to oversee the department in London be crowned. responsible for dealing with complaints from Richard Sheehan, chief executive consumers and retailers over the UK. resolution and employment lawyers provide support Want to hear what Steven Smith has to of Shropshire Chamber of Commerce Poundland millionaire Steven Smith which organises the event, said: “Since say? To book your seat for the Shropshire to help you grow and protect your business, giving you a its launch back in 2001, the Shropshire Business Awards 2017 – and check out the Business Awards has been famed as the 2017 finalists, go to the website online at solid foundation to build upon largest celebration of our county’s business www.shropshirebusinessawards.co.uk l success. The 2016 Shropshire Company “A key part of the night is always the of the Year, Burford-based Orchard quality of high-profile guest speakers, and since Steven launched the company in Valley Foods, has been taken over by a Scandinavian business. NIC Enterprises we are delighted to add Steven to that list 1990. Limited has acquired a majority ownership in 2017. He is an outstanding speaker, and Steven’s theory was that there are of the firm, but bosses say it is very much an outstanding businessman, with strong no such thing as bad products, only bad ’business as usual’ for staff. NIC is part of connections to our area.” prices. He was proved right, when they Orkla Food Ingredients within the Orkla More than eight out of 10 British took £13,000 on their first day and he sold group, headquartered in Oslo, Norway. shoppers have been into a Poundland store his business for £50 million in 2002. The

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Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 10 02/05/2017 11:13:59 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 11 02/05/2017 11:14:13

LB - Shrop Business Today - A4 - Sept16.indd 2 06/09/2016 20:11 12 NEWS

Fighting financial crime

Is your organisation an unwitting participant in financial crime?

Organised crime costs the UK at least £24bn a year, according to Put on your investigator’s hat the Home Office. Tackling financial crime and ‘trade-based money Richard Noble pictured with Telford College corporation chairman Paul Hinkins Bloodhound team members explain the laundering’ (TBML) – an all-encompassing term for the wide range and the Bloodhound car theory behind the world record bid of schemes used by criminals to disguise the origins of money and integrate it into the formal economy – is a major concern for governments globally. A need for speed Because of the magnitude of the problem, isk. We Brits don’t your organisation must be vigilant and really like it. But report any suspicious activity, to avoid risking unless we’re prepared reputational damage and potentially facing Rto change that cautious approach, we’re in danger criminal proceedings. of being left behind on the What’s being done about it? To make sure your organisation doesn’t inadvertently get caught up hi-tech world engineering The UK Prime Minister recently hosted an anti-corruption summit, in this type of activity, it’s vital to carry out regular reviews of who stage. you’re doing business with. That’s the view of Richard Noble, a man gathering world governments, law enforcement agencies and who certainly knows a thing or two about businesses where they announced a global plan to recover assets Try putting on your ‘financial crime investigator’s hat’ for just five risk. He broke the world land speed record lost to financial crime. Although the first of its kind, the summit will in 1983 when his Thrust SSC car topped minutes every day. Have a look at recent business transactions and reconvene each year to continue the global fight against corruption. 633mph – a title he held for 14 years. find out where they are coming from. In a normal trade transaction Now aged 71, he’s a director of the Bloodhound project which is seeking to up Students race their own rocket-powered vehicles as part of a week-long activity programme As well as this, a number of organisations have been set up in there’s a clear connection between the payment and the buyer, so the stakes even further by blasting a car consider whether there is anything strange about the relationship. How do you reverse that? Not easily. partnership with banks including Barclays to combat money over the 1,000mph mark in 2018. Although it’s worth remembering that for genuine tax efficiency Bloodhound’s project team is touring As Richard said: “We’re not specialists laundering and tackle the use of the financial system for terrorist the country on a crusade to inspire budding in education, we are land speed record financing and other crimes. These include the Financial Action some businesses will use different parts of their business to buy young engineers, and rolled into Shropshire chasers.” goods, and may structure supply through subsidiaries, sometimes But thanks in some small part to Task Force (FATF) and Joint Money Laundering Intelligence to spend a week at Telford College of Arts it pays to be suspicious. and Technology. Bloodhound, and its focus on making STEM Taskforce (JMLIT). Richard told a VIP gathering during his (science, technology, engineering and whistle-stop visit: “We are in a fascinating maths) relevant and exciting with the help of The JMLIT has found that global corporations exporting dual-use What to do if you’re concerned time in life, as the procedure to sign us out ambassadors from top brands such as Rolls- Take a look at the National Crime Agency resources Royce, headway is being made. goods – those that can be used for both civil and military purposes of the EU begins, and our country has to website – www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk or visit change, big time. The TCAT team were certainly delighted such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and raw materials – are “We hardly manufacture in our country at with the success of the Bloodhound week, particularly vulnerable to trade-based money laundering. www.barclayscorporate.com for additional hints and tips. all now. Our manufacturing is just about 8% which involved around 400 students – both Engaging young people with STEM subjects, from the college itself, and feeder schools in of gross domestic product, whereas it should in a practical and enjoyable way If you are a tech business and you receive an order for 300 laptops be 20 or 25. the area. “This represents a fantastic opportunity getting around 30,000. Why? Because we The college’s engineering and from a contact in the Turkey-Syria border area, you would be right for the next generation, because Britain is only got 32,000 physics A levels a year. technology students got chance to work to raise your eyebrows – and indeed it is your responsibility under going to be on its own, and we’ve got to The fundamental problem was with schools on the Bloodhound Model Rocket Car John Pitchford show the world what we can really do.” just not firing the kids up and getting them Challenge, where they built and raced EU law. And as well as writing its name into the excited. rocket-powered cars. Head of Shropshire Corporate Banking record books, that’s what Bloodhound is “In terms of gender balance, Britain At full speed, the supersonic Bloodhound But financial crime is often harder to spot than that – especially as Mobile: 07775 544399* seeking to help achieve. was absolutely the worst in Europe. Among car will cover a mile in 3.6 seconds - that’s no single activity on its own is a clear indication of illegal activity. E: [email protected] Back in 2013, the business secretary our professional engineers, only 10% were the equivalent of 4.5 football pitches laid was Vince Cable – who happened to be women. end-to-end, every second. Richard Noble’s next door neighbour. “And in 50% of state co-educational The Bloodhound team is targeting Richard recalled: “He revealed that the schools, there was not a single girl with a October this year for its first series of engine need was for 830,000 working engineers physics A level. Suddenly you realised what tests, in Cornwall. It has earmarked a by the year 2020; in other words, that was has happened – we’d just gone backwards, desert site in South Africa for the 1,000mph * Please note the number quoted is a mobile. about 100,000 a year. And we were only and it was an absolute nightmare.” attempt, in around 18 months. Barclays is a trading name of Barclays Bank PLC and its subsidiaries. Barclays Bank PLC is registered in England and authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA No. 122702). Registered Number is 1026167 and its registered office 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP. BM411040. October 2016.

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 12 02/05/2017 11:14:31 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 13 02/05/2017 11:14:32 12 NEWS

Fighting financial crime

Is your organisation an unwitting participant in financial crime?

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 12 02/05/2017 11:14:31 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 13 02/05/2017 11:14:32 14 NEWS BIG INTERVIEW 15 Courses reflect changing times Five new courses are being launched by a qualification in their own right. They give including energy and our universe, biology New College Telford to help meet the ever- learners the option to progress onto a level and the environment, the living body, A REAL HIVE changing demands of local employers. From three BTEC course, or choose to explore an chemistry, and other specialist options. September, the college will be running one- apprenticeship instead if they wish.” And the new Sport course will turn the year level two BTEC Extended Certificates The Art and Design course will look at spotlight on training for personal fitness, in Art and Design, Business, Media Digital communicating ideas through art, design organising and leading events, and Production, Science, and Sport. and discussion, as well as following briefs knowledge of rules, regulations, skills and Jean Wright, vice principal for curriculum and meeting customer needs. tactics. at the college, said: “We pride ourselves on On the Business course, students will Jean Wright added: “It’s not just about OF ACTIVITY already offering the widest choice of courses look at enterprise in the business world, sitting in a classroom. All students on these across Telford & Wrekin, from A Level right finance, and business online. courses will also undertake a period of work up to degree level – but the needs of the The Media Digital Production course experience during the year.” local economy are changing all the time. focuses on communication techniques and To apply for a place, or to find out “Each of these new one-year courses the media sector, explaining how to pitch for more about any of the New College builds in the skills development which is a project, and create your own material. Telford courses, call 01952 641892, email needed for students to progress onto higher Students choosing the new Science [email protected], or see the website level vocational studies – but they are also course will cover a wide range of topics, www.nct.ac.uk In this issue’s Changing rooms via big interview we meet self-made multi-millionaire customised graphics DEBORAH creative Shropshire MITCHELL company is eyeing up further expansion after the former Miss landingA a customer service Shropshire who award, and catching the eye of former Dragons’ Den created a beauty entrepreneur Theo Paphitis. Wall Chimp, based at Arscott near empire. Shrewsbury, is a family business which is run by mother-of-two Rachael Davies. It specialises in the design and manufacture of graphics which stick onto the walls of homes or businesses. And although the company is still very much in its infancy, it is making steady progress . . . and picking up accolades and celebrity supporters along the way. It won the Best of Houzz award earlier this year, in recognition of its customer service. Houzz is an online platform for home renovation and design, bringing homeowners and home professionals together. Wall Chimp design and manufacture graphics to stick on to walls of homes or businesses And Theo Paphitis also recognised the progression of the Wall Chimp brand by custom to you, either a family motto or giving it a ‘Theo Paphitis Small Business a quote you like by your most influential Sunday’, award – part of a nationwide celebrity – the possibilities are endless.” initiative supporting up-and-coming Rachael previously worked at global enteprises. insulation manufacturer Kingspan for over a Rachael has lived all her life in decade, ending her time as the company’s Shropshire, apart from her Business Studies UK marketing manager. By Carl Jones and Marketing degree course at Bangor. “I enjoyed it immensely, but gave up my She says: “A wall sticker is a new career to be able to start our family. he first time I met of a £33 million turnover luxury beauty No wonder she’s had to turn down modern way to transform the walls of “Harley came into our lives in May Deborah Mitchell, she treatment and skincare company, best an approach from the producers of BBC your home, without the mess and stress 2015 and more recently Ollie joined us in known for her trailblazing Bee Venom show Dragons’ Den! December 2016 – the little ‘Chimps’ as we of painting and offers a much different was selling beauty range. “I would have loved to do it, but I’m approach to design instead of the call them! T Her client list is a who’s who of just too busy,” she says. “For me, it’s conventional canvas or picture frame. “The Wall Chimp business has enabled treatments from a converted “Total customisation means you can add me to continue with my passion of brand downstairs toilet at the celebrity names, and she looks set to not just about giving money – I would quotes, silhouettes and much more in just a marketing and product placement, although make it big in the United States this want people to benefit from my time and few simple steps. in a completely new market sector which I Holiday Inn, in Telford. year after signing a deal to supply top attention as well, and at the moment, “We can also create something totally find extremely exciting.” Wall Chimp is run by Rachael Davies Today, she is the globe-trotting boss hotels, salons and airport stores. I’m just too busy to give it to them.” u

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 14 02/05/2017 11:14:55 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 15 02/05/2017 11:15:02 14 NEWS BIG INTERVIEW 15 Courses reflect changing times Five new courses are being launched by a qualification in their own right. They give including energy and our universe, biology New College Telford to help meet the ever- learners the option to progress onto a level and the environment, the living body, A REAL HIVE changing demands of local employers. From three BTEC course, or choose to explore an chemistry, and other specialist options. September, the college will be running one- apprenticeship instead if they wish.” And the new Sport course will turn the year level two BTEC Extended Certificates The Art and Design course will look at spotlight on training for personal fitness, in Art and Design, Business, Media Digital communicating ideas through art, design organising and leading events, and Production, Science, and Sport. and discussion, as well as following briefs knowledge of rules, regulations, skills and Jean Wright, vice principal for curriculum and meeting customer needs. tactics. at the college, said: “We pride ourselves on On the Business course, students will Jean Wright added: “It’s not just about OF ACTIVITY already offering the widest choice of courses look at enterprise in the business world, sitting in a classroom. All students on these across Telford & Wrekin, from A Level right finance, and business online. courses will also undertake a period of work up to degree level – but the needs of the The Media Digital Production course experience during the year.” local economy are changing all the time. focuses on communication techniques and To apply for a place, or to find out “Each of these new one-year courses the media sector, explaining how to pitch for more about any of the New College builds in the skills development which is a project, and create your own material. Telford courses, call 01952 641892, email needed for students to progress onto higher Students choosing the new Science [email protected], or see the website level vocational studies – but they are also course will cover a wide range of topics, www.nct.ac.uk In this issue’s Changing rooms via big interview we meet self-made multi-millionaire customised graphics DEBORAH creative Shropshire MITCHELL company is eyeing up further expansion after the former Miss landingA a customer service Shropshire who award, and catching the eye of former Dragons’ Den created a beauty entrepreneur Theo Paphitis. Wall Chimp, based at Arscott near empire. Shrewsbury, is a family business which is run by mother-of-two Rachael Davies. It specialises in the design and manufacture of graphics which stick onto the walls of homes or businesses. And although the company is still very much in its infancy, it is making steady progress . . . and picking up accolades and celebrity supporters along the way. It won the Best of Houzz award earlier this year, in recognition of its customer service. Houzz is an online platform for home renovation and design, bringing homeowners and home professionals together. Wall Chimp design and manufacture graphics to stick on to walls of homes or businesses And Theo Paphitis also recognised the progression of the Wall Chimp brand by custom to you, either a family motto or giving it a ‘Theo Paphitis Small Business a quote you like by your most influential Sunday’, award – part of a nationwide celebrity – the possibilities are endless.” initiative supporting up-and-coming Rachael previously worked at global enteprises. insulation manufacturer Kingspan for over a Rachael has lived all her life in decade, ending her time as the company’s Shropshire, apart from her Business Studies UK marketing manager. By Carl Jones and Marketing degree course at Bangor. “I enjoyed it immensely, but gave up my She says: “A wall sticker is a new career to be able to start our family. he first time I met of a £33 million turnover luxury beauty No wonder she’s had to turn down modern way to transform the walls of “Harley came into our lives in May Deborah Mitchell, she treatment and skincare company, best an approach from the producers of BBC your home, without the mess and stress 2015 and more recently Ollie joined us in known for her trailblazing Bee Venom show Dragons’ Den! December 2016 – the little ‘Chimps’ as we of painting and offers a much different was selling beauty range. “I would have loved to do it, but I’m approach to design instead of the call them! T Her client list is a who’s who of just too busy,” she says. “For me, it’s conventional canvas or picture frame. “The Wall Chimp business has enabled treatments from a converted “Total customisation means you can add me to continue with my passion of brand downstairs toilet at the celebrity names, and she looks set to not just about giving money – I would quotes, silhouettes and much more in just a marketing and product placement, although make it big in the United States this want people to benefit from my time and few simple steps. in a completely new market sector which I Holiday Inn, in Telford. year after signing a deal to supply top attention as well, and at the moment, “We can also create something totally find extremely exciting.” Wall Chimp is run by Rachael Davies Today, she is the globe-trotting boss hotels, salons and airport stores. I’m just too busy to give it to them.” u

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 14 02/05/2017 11:14:55 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 15 02/05/2017 11:15:02 16 BIG INTERVIEW BIG INTERVIEW 17

t And yet, despite conquering the globe, world, and think – yes, I’ve actually gone “At the time, I was ready to cry. I hadn’t winning multiple awards and having a and done it! realised that he was trashing me in such brand and client list that’s the envy of her “My business has grown organically. a negative way just to make me think I competitors, the 52-year old former Miss This might not sound particularly businessy, needed his help. Shropshire winner admits she still has many but I’ve tended to wait for some sort of “Luckily for me, putting me down and insecurities. sign that makes me go off in a direction. trying to get control of half my business “I love what I do, but sometimes I will It’s an instinct really – every time I’ve tried hadn’t worked. I walked away.” wake up one morning, look at my diary, researching and chasing or trying to force When Beatties opened its new and think – can I really do this? At heart, anything, it seems to fail.” department store in Telford, Deborah took I’m a very shy person, and I am constantly When Deborah left the Holiday Inn, she the plunge, and took her products into doubting myself.” was pregnant with her son Chris. there. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. “That was a tough time. We found this Almost immediately, she was turning Back to that converted toilet in Telford. salon in Shifnal, and I got all my savings over £19,000 a week from that single store, “It’s funny, because in 1994 I hadn’t together. I had to find £30,000 to spend on and says she felt the ‘big boys’ looking on really got any business structure behind me. just the floor of the shop, and the money with worried expressions. I just liked doing treatments, and it seems ran out when I got to the first floor staircase. When Beatties was taken over by to just be fortuitous that everything I thought “But I did really well. A lot of customers House of Fraser, Deborah was in 16 stores. followed me, and we gained many new But although sales were booming, her was a good idea turned out to be right. ones. I remember it being really hard, overdraft was growing, because the money “At the Holiday Inn, I was using though – having to bring up two young she was forking out for products was taking, treatments I had made up and developed, children, while running a business, and in her view, far too long to come back to her and at one stage I was turning over £12,000 trying to sell my products.” from the retailer. a month and had four girls working from By now, a new millennium was just “I remember talking to my mum and 8am to 10pm. around the corner. And Deborah had her saying I’ve got to leave. The very next day, “People kept coming in and asking me first taste of international negotiation. that’s what I did. And I’d suddenly got much to open in their hotel because they hadn’t “I had a deal on offer from Hong Kong, more time to concentrate on all the sales. seen a beauty place like it. I didn’t have and flew over when my son was born. But I People who heard I had left Beatties started Shropshire is where the heart is – inside the Heaven salon in Shifnal enough products, so I started to make my was too frightened to take people up on it. to contact me on the website I’d set up. own.” Deborah treating a client “My bottles were hand made, and as I “We were able to get into airports, and She had also been contacted by retail she going to raise the cash for her new Eventually, she says she was effectively flew over, the pressure of the cabin made other retailers – although the business sort tycoon Theo Paphitis, in his pre-Dragons’ packaging now? ‘thrown out’ of the Telford hotel after about out the window and daydreamed about a tiny hole in the side of them. Stupidly of went back a few steps, it was earning Den days, to talk about some form of She recalls a phone call she made to six years, because while they wanted a what the future was going to be. I planned enough, I thought I must be the only person more money. partnership. Deborah wanted to change her husband Chris, while he was driving: “I said, slice of the pie, Deborah was determined to my future. having problems like this, so I turned down “The overdraft was starting to come packaging, and knew this could be a way to ‘I’ve got something to tell you. I’ve bought retain full control. “I wanted to go mobile first of all, then all overseas offers and said no, I’m not down, and this was the time when I felt the raise the finance. something.’ He thought I was going to tell It’s a battle which has recurred on go into hotel leisure club facilities, and selling them. And carried on in the UK.” business was finally starting to take off.” But again, she just had the nagging him about a new pair of shoes or expensive several occasions along her business then from there I wanted to make products, But even selling products to domestic Among the people who had been in feeling that something wasn’t quite right. dress, but no – I’d bought a house with a bit journey since. supply them to all my leisure club contacts, department stores was sometimes tough. contact with Deborah by this time was a “Everyone was congratulating me about of a deposit I managed to get together, then She says: “The first thoughts I ever and eventually supply others all over the Deborah remembers one occasion when a certain Victoria Beckham. “We’d had a the fact that Theo wanted to buy part of the remortgaged it to raise the money for the had about going into business were on my world. buyer tore into her packaging and pricing phone conversation when I was at Beatties company and to help me, but the day after new packaging.” beauty course. I wasn’t interested in what “I sit here and look at my products now, structure – only to then offer to help rescue when she wanted some of my Age Defiance we talked, I didn’t feel right about it.” He just about managed to keep the car the teacher was talking about, so I looked look at the business I’m doing all over the her business by buying in. Cream,” she recalled. So she turned it down . . . how was on the road! u

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 16 02/05/2017 11:15:16 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 17 02/05/2017 11:15:38 16 BIG INTERVIEW BIG INTERVIEW 17

Stylish – Heaven’s salon in Market Place, Shifnal, is a far cry from its origins in a converted hotel toilet Deborah says: “At heart, I’m a very shy person, and I am constantly doubting myself” Not just a girl thing – there’s a men’s range t And yet, despite conquering the globe, world, and think – yes, I’ve actually gone “At the time, I was ready to cry. I hadn’t winning multiple awards and having a and done it! realised that he was trashing me in such brand and client list that’s the envy of her “My business has grown organically. a negative way just to make me think I competitors, the 52-year old former Miss This might not sound particularly businessy, needed his help. Shropshire winner admits she still has many but I’ve tended to wait for some sort of “Luckily for me, putting me down and insecurities. sign that makes me go off in a direction. trying to get control of half my business “I love what I do, but sometimes I will It’s an instinct really – every time I’ve tried hadn’t worked. I walked away.” wake up one morning, look at my diary, researching and chasing or trying to force When Beatties opened its new and think – can I really do this? At heart, anything, it seems to fail.” department store in Telford, Deborah took I’m a very shy person, and I am constantly When Deborah left the Holiday Inn, she the plunge, and took her products into doubting myself.” was pregnant with her son Chris. there. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. “That was a tough time. We found this Almost immediately, she was turning Back to that converted toilet in Telford. salon in Shifnal, and I got all my savings over £19,000 a week from that single store, “It’s funny, because in 1994 I hadn’t together. I had to find £30,000 to spend on and says she felt the ‘big boys’ looking on really got any business structure behind me. just the floor of the shop, and the money with worried expressions. I just liked doing treatments, and it seems ran out when I got to the first floor staircase. When Beatties was taken over by to just be fortuitous that everything I thought “But I did really well. A lot of customers House of Fraser, Deborah was in 16 stores. followed me, and we gained many new But although sales were booming, her was a good idea turned out to be right. ones. I remember it being really hard, overdraft was growing, because the money “At the Holiday Inn, I was using though – having to bring up two young she was forking out for products was taking, treatments I had made up and developed, children, while running a business, and in her view, far too long to come back to her and at one stage I was turning over £12,000 trying to sell my products.” from the retailer. a month and had four girls working from By now, a new millennium was just “I remember talking to my mum and 8am to 10pm. around the corner. And Deborah had her saying I’ve got to leave. The very next day, “People kept coming in and asking me first taste of international negotiation. that’s what I did. And I’d suddenly got much to open in their hotel because they hadn’t “I had a deal on offer from Hong Kong, more time to concentrate on all the sales. seen a beauty place like it. I didn’t have and flew over when my son was born. But I People who heard I had left Beatties started Shropshire is where the heart is – inside the Heaven salon in Shifnal enough products, so I started to make my was too frightened to take people up on it. to contact me on the website I’d set up. own.” Deborah treating a client “My bottles were hand made, and as I “We were able to get into airports, and She had also been contacted by retail she going to raise the cash for her new Eventually, she says she was effectively flew over, the pressure of the cabin made other retailers – although the business sort tycoon Theo Paphitis, in his pre-Dragons’ packaging now? ‘thrown out’ of the Telford hotel after about out the window and daydreamed about a tiny hole in the side of them. Stupidly of went back a few steps, it was earning Den days, to talk about some form of She recalls a phone call she made to six years, because while they wanted a what the future was going to be. I planned enough, I thought I must be the only person more money. partnership. Deborah wanted to change her husband Chris, while he was driving: “I said, slice of the pie, Deborah was determined to my future. having problems like this, so I turned down “The overdraft was starting to come packaging, and knew this could be a way to ‘I’ve got something to tell you. I’ve bought retain full control. “I wanted to go mobile first of all, then all overseas offers and said no, I’m not down, and this was the time when I felt the raise the finance. something.’ He thought I was going to tell It’s a battle which has recurred on go into hotel leisure club facilities, and selling them. And carried on in the UK.” business was finally starting to take off.” But again, she just had the nagging him about a new pair of shoes or expensive several occasions along her business then from there I wanted to make products, But even selling products to domestic Among the people who had been in feeling that something wasn’t quite right. dress, but no – I’d bought a house with a bit journey since. supply them to all my leisure club contacts, department stores was sometimes tough. contact with Deborah by this time was a “Everyone was congratulating me about of a deposit I managed to get together, then She says: “The first thoughts I ever and eventually supply others all over the Deborah remembers one occasion when a certain Victoria Beckham. “We’d had a the fact that Theo wanted to buy part of the remortgaged it to raise the money for the had about going into business were on my world. buyer tore into her packaging and pricing phone conversation when I was at Beatties company and to help me, but the day after new packaging.” beauty course. I wasn’t interested in what “I sit here and look at my products now, structure – only to then offer to help rescue when she wanted some of my Age Defiance we talked, I didn’t feel right about it.” He just about managed to keep the car the teacher was talking about, so I looked look at the business I’m doing all over the her business by buying in. Cream,” she recalled. So she turned it down . . . how was on the road! u

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 16 02/05/2017 11:15:16 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 17 02/05/2017 11:15:38 BIG INTERVIEW 19

The Bee Calm range. No bees are harmed in the making of these products! Deborah with US TV guru Forbes Riley

t Changing the packaging gave Deborah the confidence she needed in her products, and released her nagging fears that she still wasn’t good enough. Again, it was an instinctive move which reaped rich rewards. “After leaving Beatties and getting my debts down, I put my head down and worked hard, selling products to salons. Gradually more and more money was coming in. “I was more business savvy by now, and realised that time really is money. “To anyone new to business, I’d urge them to take that message. Don’t waste other people’s time if you are starting off, because they won’t be impressed if you work with them or need to ask their help later on.” Deborah remembers getting a phone call from Dubai from a would-be distributor Bespoke personal stockbroking service on the back of growing word-of-mouth about the Heaven range. “I flew over with a £5,000 order, but for private clients and trustees. wasn’t keen to be pushed around. I told them they would have to buy some products before I flew out, and give me a business class flight, so I knew they were serious. Time, as I say, is money. Advisory and discretionary portfolio “If any distributor wants any free samples, they are not going to be a distributor of mine. If they are prepared to management. buy something, then that’s a different matter. “I’d achieved quite a lot in England by that time, but during the week I was in Dubai, I was all over the area, seeing the Latest Heaven promotional campaign – getting the brand and packaging right has been key media.” A consistent track record of asset growth. Celebrities were starting to talk about Deborah’s products. There was Tracey Taylor, wife of Duran Duran guitarist Andy, plus Kylie and Dannii Minogue. Endorsements were coming from the world Global presence combined with local of film, TV and politics, through clients and fans as diverse as Simon Cowell, Kate Hudson, Tess Daly, Jack Nicholson, and Michelle Obama. knowledge. “These celebrities were speaking about using my products, and it was a fabulous way of raising the company’s profile, and gaining publicity.” And then, there was the royal family. The Duchess of Cornwall is known to be a long- time fan of Heaven, and it’s said that she introduced the range to Kate Middleton on the eve of her wedding. Deborah, of course, is the soul of discretion. “One of the royal family members bought one of my moisturisers, and they researched ABOVE – Dannii Minogue has been a long- Contact: Harry Marsh, Christopher Morley, Dominic Curran | T: 01746 761 444 | [email protected] | EFG Harris Allday, 25a, St.Leonard’s Close, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 4EJ me and the bee sting facial. time advocate of Heaven products “One thing led to another and I went to RIGHT – Deborah says: “My staff get excited EFG Harris Allday is a trading division of EFG Private Bank Limited which is a member of the London Stock Exchange and is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. EFG Private Bank Limited, Leconfield House, Curzon Street, London W1J 5JB. Registered in England and Wales no. 2321802. Member of EFG International. the palace, hoping I would get invited back. sending out products to Strictly judges. I love www.efgha.com “Years later, I’m delighted to say that I the fact that Tess Daly must have told them still go.” u how good my bee venom mask is”

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 18 02/05/2017 11:15:46 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 19 02/05/2017 11:16:16 BIG INTERVIEW 19

The Bee Calm range. No bees are harmed in the making of these products! Deborah with US TV guru Forbes Riley

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 18 02/05/2017 11:15:46 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 19 02/05/2017 11:16:16 20 BIG INTERVIEW NEWS 21

t Deborah is probably best known for her Bee Venom range, which has been hailed as a natural alternative to Botox. It uses the clear, odourless liquid released from a honeybee when it stings, and contains Delivering objectives more than 20 known compounds including powerful anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory rowing the economy is one of the key and anti-viral properties. strategies in Shropshire Council’s The patented ingredient, called Corporate Plan, and Gemma Davies Abeetoxin, is collected without harming the Ghas stepped into the spotlight by taking on bee population. “Historically, venom collection was lethal the key role of head of economic growth, to bees, but the modern method has their wellbeing in mind. Beekeepers start with tasked with delivering the plan’s economic fabric-covered plates that have conductor objectives. wires stretched flat across them. Gemma brings a wealth of experience with her, mainly gained from her time at Cheshire West and Chester Council. “When a bee lands on the plate, the The Silver Bee Venom Mask. One of the many products from Heaven by Deborah Mitchell wires deliver a mild electric current that During that time, she led development programmes, a business growth service, and skills and employment team, as well as agitates the bee just enough to make it think everyone has better packaging, and overseeing structural changes, and developing cultural change to sting, causing the venom to drop onto the does this and that better than me. I’m never business engagement across a number of services in the council. plate. Since the fabric on the plate is very satisfied. She also led the One City Plan for Chester and the development thin, it doesn’t trap the stinger the way “In the past, I’m well aware that fear has of a new Commercial Business District working with the private plastic or rubber used to do, leaving the bee stopped me expanding. Fear has been my sector. So it is no surprise that Gemma has hit the ground running free to fly away unharmed. enemy to the business. since her appointment. She adds: “The unusually high levels of “But I’m not looking ahead to what She said: “Even though the county is widely recognised as hive loss reported by beekeepers over the I might achieve in five years now. I’m a fantastic place in which to live, work and do business, a step past decade has been caused by a cocktail concerned about what I can achieve Gemma Davies brings a wealth of experience to her new role change is needed in its economic productivity. It has significant of diseases, parasites, poor nutrition, and tomorrow, or the next day. potential to do more and do it better. Under Gemma’s leadership in previous roles, achievements environmental stressors like pesticides and “I have a goal, and I’m not prepared to “This is what I wanted the strategy to address. We must be included drawing in £230 million of private sector investment, over limited water access. wait for it. What I want is for Heaven to be ambitious, focused and committed if we are to achieve maximum 300 businesses supported to start up, 2,500 new jobs created and a “Bees that are stimulated for venom known as much as Estee Lauder, but still be economic productivity from the assets and opportunities we have reduction in long-term unemployment by 32%. have been noted to yield more honey than a niche market brand.” their non-stimulated counterparts. So it’s a here in Shropshire.” Last year she was also leading on the development of a The personal touch has always been win-win.” Gemma has been busy working on the Economic Growth sub-regional devolution programme on behalf of the three unitary important to Deborah. She remembers one With high-profile clients, and a loyal Strategy for Shropshire for 2017 to 2021, which aims to drive councils in Cheshire and Warrington. difficult time, some years ago, when she following in the UK and Dubai, Deborah forward Shropshire’s economic agenda and ambitions. She says she hopes for similar success in Shropshire: “I am was persuaded to upgrade her company’s thought the next logical step would be to Written alongside partners, it shows that the council is serious lucky, I have a great team to work with. We need to refocus our telephone system. break America. But it was the east, not the about economic growth, recognises current businesses and the efforts and put in place the right resources to grow the county’s “We installed one of these switchboards west, which came calling next. importance of retaining them, as well as attracting new investment economy, whilst making sure that whatever we do is right for which asks you to press one for this and “I hadn’t seriously considered China, into the county. Shropshire.” press two for that, and almost overnight the because I thought it would be a difficult orders started to drop off. market, but I was contacted by a young girl from Taiwan who wanted to buy some “Our business had become really products. successful because it was personal, “How sweet, I thought; someone from and this phone system didn’t match my China wants to help their skin. Then we Deborah pictured with Katie Price business culture. We quickly got rid of it – it had an order from this girl for £38,000! She was another important lesson learned.” wanted to be a distributor for Taiwan, so I Heaven is now truly a global success Deborah admits she’s not good at gave that to her. story. In addition to China, Taiwan and delegating; despite having well over “Shortly after, I was talking with a Dubai, it’s sold at spas and hotels in the 27,000 Twitter followers, and a huge rush company that wanted distribution rights Philippines, Japan, Australia, Slovenia, of messages when she makes one of her in Taiwan and China, with a £1.5 million Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Holland, regular TV appearances, she handles it all order on the table. I told them they could Belgium, Mexico, Saudi Arabia . . . . to herself. And she’s got the online side of the only have China, because this little girl had name just a few. business tied up tightly, so that no-one else already got Taiwan. The deal fell through But what about the USA? Well, Deborah is allowed to create a website for Heaven because they wanted both – but I had given believes this year is going to be the make- products, other than her. that girl my word. I didn’t mind turning down or-break time. “I will admit that I need to be in control. £1.5 million for a promise!” “I decided last year that 2017 was the But I do allow my staff the chance to grow Again, it was an instinctive decision year I wanted to do America very big, and in the business. that paid off. Deborah flew out to Taiwan to after meeting groups connected with some “I think I’m an amazing boss because meet the ‘little girl’, and when she stepped of the biggest names, we have now signed I give everybody challenges to do so they off the plane, she was greeted by crowds of a deal. They distribute my products in can all improve. I’m very good at spoiling people with their faces painted with Heaven America, including airport duty-free stores, people, too. Sometimes, staff leave products, plus flowers, and film crews. but it remains my company. We work because they think life could be better, and “I’d expected to have to go and find alongside each other. then they want to come back.” a taxi – I was mortified; I hadn’t even “At the moment, I do around £1 million So what’s a typical week in the life of re-applied my own make-up,” Deborah worth of business with America. This deal is Deborah Mitchell? recalled. going to be an enormous jump, as the plan She says: “Well, I’ll probably fly off It turned out that this young girl’s father is to supply all these big stores at once. abroad somewhere, handle some through- was the man who founded, and then sold, “For me, I’m standing at ground zero. the-night calls, keep an eye on the salon, skincare group Shiseido, and had decided This deal is going to be the make-or-break check on stock, and do some work from that Heaven was the next big thing. of the company. home. “We forged a deal for £100 million “I’ll need a bigger factory, and have to “I’ll be in bed answering emails and over the next 10 years, and we’re about up-scale everything to meet the supplies. dealing with social media, I will have to five years into that now. Growth is going And if it doesn’t come off, I could be left with create presentations on products to be sent steadily, and every order they place is pretty a massive over-capacity. out to stockists, and there will probably be much doubling up.” “That’s why, in many ways, I still feel some media work to do too. It’s a full-on Deborah also now holds a licence for like I have achieved nothing. I feel like I’m lifestyle – not much work-life balance.” her products in China, where typical orders still at first base. I’m a perfectionist with my That downstairs loo in Telford must feel are in the £500,000 bracket. business and can look at everything and like a whole lifetime away now.

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 20 02/05/2017 11:17:20 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 21 02/05/2017 11:18:31 20 BIG INTERVIEW NEWS 21 t Deborah is probably best known for her Bee Venom range, which has been hailed as a natural alternative to Botox. It uses the clear, odourless liquid released from a honeybee when it stings, and contains Delivering objectives more than 20 known compounds including powerful anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory rowing the economy is one of the key and anti-viral properties. strategies in Shropshire Council’s The patented ingredient, called Corporate Plan, and Gemma Davies Abeetoxin, is collected without harming the Ghas stepped into the spotlight by taking on bee population. “Historically, venom collection was lethal the key role of head of economic growth, to bees, but the modern method has their wellbeing in mind. Beekeepers start with tasked with delivering the plan’s economic fabric-covered plates that have conductor objectives. wires stretched flat across them. Gemma brings a wealth of experience with her, mainly gained from her time at Cheshire West and Chester Council. “When a bee lands on the plate, the The Silver Bee Venom Mask. One of the many products from Heaven by Deborah Mitchell wires deliver a mild electric current that During that time, she led development programmes, a business growth service, and skills and employment team, as well as agitates the bee just enough to make it think everyone has better packaging, and overseeing structural changes, and developing cultural change to sting, causing the venom to drop onto the does this and that better than me. I’m never business engagement across a number of services in the council. plate. Since the fabric on the plate is very satisfied. She also led the One City Plan for Chester and the development thin, it doesn’t trap the stinger the way “In the past, I’m well aware that fear has of a new Commercial Business District working with the private plastic or rubber used to do, leaving the bee stopped me expanding. Fear has been my sector. So it is no surprise that Gemma has hit the ground running free to fly away unharmed. enemy to the business. since her appointment. She adds: “The unusually high levels of “But I’m not looking ahead to what She said: “Even though the county is widely recognised as hive loss reported by beekeepers over the I might achieve in five years now. I’m a fantastic place in which to live, work and do business, a step past decade has been caused by a cocktail concerned about what I can achieve Gemma Davies brings a wealth of experience to her new role change is needed in its economic productivity. It has significant of diseases, parasites, poor nutrition, and tomorrow, or the next day. potential to do more and do it better. Under Gemma’s leadership in previous roles, achievements environmental stressors like pesticides and “I have a goal, and I’m not prepared to “This is what I wanted the strategy to address. We must be included drawing in £230 million of private sector investment, over limited water access. wait for it. What I want is for Heaven to be ambitious, focused and committed if we are to achieve maximum 300 businesses supported to start up, 2,500 new jobs created and a “Bees that are stimulated for venom known as much as Estee Lauder, but still be economic productivity from the assets and opportunities we have reduction in long-term unemployment by 32%. have been noted to yield more honey than a niche market brand.” their non-stimulated counterparts. So it’s a here in Shropshire.” Last year she was also leading on the development of a The personal touch has always been win-win.” Gemma has been busy working on the Economic Growth sub-regional devolution programme on behalf of the three unitary important to Deborah. She remembers one With high-profile clients, and a loyal Strategy for Shropshire for 2017 to 2021, which aims to drive councils in Cheshire and Warrington. difficult time, some years ago, when she following in the UK and Dubai, Deborah forward Shropshire’s economic agenda and ambitions. She says she hopes for similar success in Shropshire: “I am was persuaded to upgrade her company’s thought the next logical step would be to Written alongside partners, it shows that the council is serious lucky, I have a great team to work with. We need to refocus our telephone system. break America. But it was the east, not the about economic growth, recognises current businesses and the efforts and put in place the right resources to grow the county’s “We installed one of these switchboards west, which came calling next. importance of retaining them, as well as attracting new investment economy, whilst making sure that whatever we do is right for which asks you to press one for this and “I hadn’t seriously considered China, into the county. Shropshire.” press two for that, and almost overnight the because I thought it would be a difficult orders started to drop off. market, but I was contacted by a young girl from Taiwan who wanted to buy some “Our business had become really products. successful because it was personal, “How sweet, I thought; someone from and this phone system didn’t match my China wants to help their skin. Then we Deborah pictured with Katie Price business culture. We quickly got rid of it – it had an order from this girl for £38,000! She was another important lesson learned.” wanted to be a distributor for Taiwan, so I Heaven is now truly a global success Deborah admits she’s not good at gave that to her. story. In addition to China, Taiwan and delegating; despite having well over “Shortly after, I was talking with a Dubai, it’s sold at spas and hotels in the 27,000 Twitter followers, and a huge rush company that wanted distribution rights Philippines, Japan, Australia, Slovenia, of messages when she makes one of her in Taiwan and China, with a £1.5 million Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Holland, regular TV appearances, she handles it all order on the table. I told them they could Belgium, Mexico, Saudi Arabia . . . . to herself. And she’s got the online side of the only have China, because this little girl had name just a few. business tied up tightly, so that no-one else already got Taiwan. The deal fell through But what about the USA? Well, Deborah is allowed to create a website for Heaven because they wanted both – but I had given believes this year is going to be the make- products, other than her. that girl my word. I didn’t mind turning down or-break time. “I will admit that I need to be in control. £1.5 million for a promise!” “I decided last year that 2017 was the But I do allow my staff the chance to grow Again, it was an instinctive decision year I wanted to do America very big, and in the business. that paid off. Deborah flew out to Taiwan to after meeting groups connected with some “I think I’m an amazing boss because meet the ‘little girl’, and when she stepped of the biggest names, we have now signed I give everybody challenges to do so they off the plane, she was greeted by crowds of a deal. They distribute my products in can all improve. I’m very good at spoiling people with their faces painted with Heaven America, including airport duty-free stores, people, too. Sometimes, staff leave products, plus flowers, and film crews. but it remains my company. We work because they think life could be better, and “I’d expected to have to go and find alongside each other. then they want to come back.” a taxi – I was mortified; I hadn’t even “At the moment, I do around £1 million So what’s a typical week in the life of re-applied my own make-up,” Deborah worth of business with America. This deal is Deborah Mitchell? recalled. going to be an enormous jump, as the plan She says: “Well, I’ll probably fly off It turned out that this young girl’s father is to supply all these big stores at once. abroad somewhere, handle some through- was the man who founded, and then sold, “For me, I’m standing at ground zero. the-night calls, keep an eye on the salon, skincare group Shiseido, and had decided This deal is going to be the make-or-break check on stock, and do some work from that Heaven was the next big thing. of the company. home. “We forged a deal for £100 million “I’ll need a bigger factory, and have to “I’ll be in bed answering emails and over the next 10 years, and we’re about up-scale everything to meet the supplies. dealing with social media, I will have to five years into that now. Growth is going And if it doesn’t come off, I could be left with create presentations on products to be sent steadily, and every order they place is pretty a massive over-capacity. out to stockists, and there will probably be much doubling up.” “That’s why, in many ways, I still feel some media work to do too. It’s a full-on Deborah also now holds a licence for like I have achieved nothing. I feel like I’m lifestyle – not much work-life balance.” her products in China, where typical orders still at first base. I’m a perfectionist with my That downstairs loo in Telford must feel are in the £500,000 bracket. business and can look at everything and like a whole lifetime away now.

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 20 02/05/2017 11:17:20 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 21 02/05/2017 11:18:31 22 NEWS

In the wake of Brexit, Polytec Car Styling is among the local businesses to announce new jobs in the region

Expert Business Specialist Sector Award Legal Advice Knowledge Progressive HR Manufacturing Employment Law Agriculture & Director general Dr Adam Marshall New jobs at Magna Cosma Castings are evidence that manufacturing locally is on the rise Litigation Renewables winning Construction Commercial Property Moving on with optimism Business & Charities & Company Law Not-For-Profit sharing thoughts and expressing individual The world economy is firing on viewpoints to both the BCC president, and all cylinders at the moment, and the legal service Agricultural & Rural Education director general Dr Adam Marshall. remarkably strong eurozone is a big part of At the same time, we received feedback that; conditions are nothing like the last time Town & Country Healthcare Peter about the policy work and lobbying the BCC we had a big devaluation in 2008. team are doing on a daily and weekly basis Most economists expect growth to slow Planning Technology, Media & on the Westminster corridors of power. this year alongside consumer spending. The Telecoms I can assure all Shropshire businesses forecast is for GDP to rise by 1.8% this year, for your Intellectual Property GUY that their voice is being heard, and that the 1.2% next year, and 1.5% in 2019. And as regional variances are noted. growth slows, the Bank of England is likely International Law Concerns we have in Shropshire will to hold interest rates at the current record e’ve been hearing for often be different from, say, our business low of 0.25% for some considerable time to Powers of Attorney friends in the north east or the south months that Brexit come. for Business west, and this is noted by the BCC policy Recent announcements of new jobs into business... means Brexit, but team and used to support on-the-ground the region from Magna Cosma Castings Wfor the Shropshire business information and feedback to ministers and and Polytec Car Styling are evidence that the Brexit team. manufacturing locally is on the rise. As I write, I’m preparing for a meeting community, Brexit also This kind of investment will have a in London, when presidents from the 52 UK means opportunity. positive effect on the Shropshire economy FBC Manby Bowdler Solicitors combines stellar customer service with expert Chambers will hear from the Parliamentary Economic surveys carried out by in the months and years to come. Shropshire Chamber reveal a great deal of Under Secretary of State at the department legal knowledge to uncomplicate the legal process on your behalf, always for exiting the European Union. So, as we continue to plough through optimism amongst members – along with the unknown world of Brexit, I can assure the inevitable caution which comes with an This will give us an insight into the UK’s approach to the negotiations with the EU, you that myself, chief executive Richard ensuring you receive commercial advice tailored to your business needs. unknown future. and how companies should respond – once Sheehan and all the Shropshire Chamber We have all the ingredients within our again, it is an opportunity to raise the voice board and team are doing everything we county to carry on with business as normal, of Shropshire businesses. can to connect local businesses, lobbying and this seems to be the message and Britain’s economy should weather the and making policy our focal point. feedback we are receiving, loud and clear. Brexit process, largely because Europe is By making our members’ voices  0800 111 6144  [email protected]  Follow us on Twitter I attended the recent British Chambers booming, according to influential forecasters heard loud and clear, we are making a @FBCManbyBowdler of Commerce annual conference in real difference in this fantastic county of from the EY Item Club. Juneau House Routh House, Hall Court Westminster, and the message was similar It says exporters have been able to Shropshire. from chambers the length and breadth of enjoy the benefits of a weaker pound thanks l Peter Guy is president of Shropshire Shrewsbury Bus. Park Hall Park Way the country. to resurgence from across the channel, and Chamber of Commerce, and will be I was also at a recent meeting of the with unfettered access to the single market speaking at the Shropshire Business Shrewsbury, Shropshire Telford, Shropshire Midlands chambers, where it was good (for now!) and a weaker pound, exporters Awards, at The International Centre, Telford, SY2 6LG TF3 4NJ www.fbcmb.co.uk to be able to talk as a collective group, are enjoying the best of both worlds. on June 23

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 22 02/05/2017 11:18:44 ShropshireFBCMB ShropshireBusiness Mag Business Issue 4.indd Mag 23 Full Page Advert 2017.indd 1 02/05/201714/02/2017 11:18:56 12:02 22 NEWS

In the wake of Brexit, Polytec Car Styling is among the local businesses to announce new jobs in the region

Jacqueline Champion with the Duke of Best of British – Champion & Reeves is now York as he officially opens the Champion & exporting products from its popular range to Reeves premises The Duke of York meets members of the team Japan Dilwyn Jones and John Shaddock pictured David Hurn, Magnum photographer, Evolution Explored – one of the many at the photography exhibition chats with those in attendance thought-provoking photographs on show Champion & Reeves celebrate t’s been quite a few months for the award-winning team at fast-growing Shropshire confectionery firm IChampion & Reeves. The company’s premises at The Food Enterprise Centre in Shrewsbury has been officially opened by the Duke of York, and its products are spreading far and wide, including a first international order to Japan. Prince Andrew revealed that he was not the first member of the royal family to sample the Champion & Reeves range: “Your product was on the piano at Sandringham at Byron Grainger-Jones, Emma Molyneux and Charles Howell, Kate Gittins and Andrew Prow George Candler and Seb Slater Christmas,” he revealed. Corinne Brown at the event were impressed by the images enjoyed Evolution Explored He told the civic leaders and VIP guests: “Someone wants to go along and tell other counties what you are doing here. Congratulations to everybody and I wish you all continued success.” “It was a very memorable day for all staff,” said director The Darwin Project, Shrewsbury Jacqueline Champion. “There was much excitement around preparing for the Duke of York’s visit, and he was absolutely charming and hought-provoking and engaged with staff and guests alike. The nougat production line in Hand-made products from the “Everyone commented on the interest that he took, emotional images on operation Champion & Reeves range the theme of evolution illustrated by the time he took and the depth of questions that Tmade a big impact when a he asked. There were smiles all round and much laughter throughout the visit, with many happy memories made.” ground-breaking photography The company, which was a winner at the Shropshire exhibition was staged in Business Awards last year, has also been recognised this Shrewsbury. year at the Shropshire Star Excellence In Business Awards. ‘Evolution Explored, A Magnum Photos It is exhibiting at ITV’s This Morning Live show, at the Exhibition’ displayed the work of international National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham this month. photographers from the renowned Magnum Champion & Reeves makes premium confectionery Photos Agency. including nougat and traditional butterscotch, which is 100% The exhibition ran until April 23 at The natural, with no artificial additives or flavourings, gluten free Square and St Mary’s Church. and palm oil free. The exhibition was a collaboration between The premises, at the Food The product range is sold throughout the UK royal The Duke of York shares a laugh Shrewsbury BID, The Hive and GRAIN Enterprise Centre in Shrewsbury houses, including Buckingham Palace. with the Champion & Reeves team Photography Hub and is supported by Arts Evolution Explored ran until April 23 at The Judith Howland and Tessa Kirk at Council England and partners. Square and St Mary’s Church the photography exhibition

Prince Andrew is welcomed to the Shropshire Lyn Surgeon, Martin Wood, Charlotte Brock and Images on display from Magnum Robin Morris, Helen Rowlinson, Ioan Jones and factory, where local MP Daniel Kawczynski Phillip Williams-Rowe, with Sue Wood (front). Photos Agency generated interest Peter Bettis at the exhibition launch was among the guests The production process at Champion & Reeves is explained to the royal visitor

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 24 02/05/2017 11:19:26 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 25 02/05/2017 11:19:31 24 SOCIAL SCENE NEWS 25

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 24 02/05/2017 11:19:26 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 25 02/05/2017 11:19:31 26 NEWS NEWS 27 Opportunity and threat Nick JONES

ore individuals are considering the option to transfer away from BMW workers have been striking over the planned closure of their ‘final salary’ pension scheme Mdefined benefit pensions, but require participants to manage a variety of factors personal to them. How reliant are risks. they on the income the existing scheme is there a right or a wrong Why is this happening? The answer guarantees? answer? could lie in the ‘cash equivalent transfer Do they have a range of other assets Defined benefit (DB), or ‘final salary’ value’ – a cash sum offered by some DB that will form part of their overall financial Grainger & Worrall has worked closely with Aston Martin’s engineering design team to enable the evolution of the DB11 power plant schemes, promise participants a guaranteed scheme trustees in return for members giving picture when they reach retirement? How is income in retirement, based on a formula up some or all of their pension rights. their health? Do they desire greater flexibility linked to earnings and length of service. If The relatively high transfer values being regarding the amount, timing or pattern of the you are fortunate enough to have one, then offered at the moment are part of an effort by actual income? your employer is responsible for funding the some schemes to offload their members and So to summarise, this is both an scheme and for ensuring there’s enough reduce their overall liabilities – as low interest opportunity and a threat. To make the most money to pay your pension income at the County link to an rates and gilt yields combine to make DB suitable decision people really should seek time you retire. schemes more expensive to operate. qualified, professional advice. The pitfalls DB schemes are some of the most prized As a result of these developments, some are huge and if the wrong choice is made and generous occupational pension schemes individuals are considering the option of it usually cannot be undone. It is, however, around; yet there is evidence that some transferring their benefits and putting the unlikely to be in your best interest to do this. DB scheme members are walking away money into a DC pension – so should they l Nick Jones is the principal of Nick from their gold-plated benefits and towards stay or should they go? Jones Wealth Planning in Shrewsbury. He iconic sports car defined contribution (DC) schemes instead. As usual, the correct decision for an is also chairman of Shropshire Chamber of ston Martin has These offer no income promises, and individual depends upon a wide number of Commerce Patron Members. confirmed Shropshire manufacturer Grainger A& Worrall as its preferred engine castings partner for the new DB11. At the heart of this iconic sports car is the new 5.2 litre twin turbocharged V12, providing the cleanest, most fuel efficient, powerful and fastest accelerating model in Aston Martin’s history. Using skills and technology pioneered by the Bridgnorth-based manufacturer in its work with F1 teams and other high Motion Industrial Products Ltd specialise in the design and supply of engineering components to leading performance marques, Grainger & Worrall (GW) has worked closely with Aston Martin’s manufacturing and process plants throughout the UK. Our main product focus is the supply of Bearings, Chains engineering design team to enable the & Sprockets, Belts & Pulleys, Motors, Industrial Gearboxes, Pumps and Inverters. We also offer a Machine evolution of a lighter, more powerful power plant. Shop and a Repairs Division dedicated to the repair and overhaul of Electric Motors, Industrial Gearboxes and Industrial Pumps. The engine blocks and heads are produced in a dedicated production Edward Grainger, right, says the company is delighted to be associated with a success environment at GW’s UK facility. Exploiting story like Aston Martin. Grainger & Worrall now employs more than 550 people in the UK. the potential of GW’s precision sand casting stringent emission and fuel consumption Edward Grainger continued: “Aston process all castings are manufactured from requirements, whilst producing increased Martin is a great British success story across a high grade, high integrity and recyclable performance. the globe and acts as a superb ambassador aluminium alloy. As part of the extensive engine for UK engineering. We are delighted to be a Edward Grainger, managing director development process, the Shropshire part of this very special and desirable sports of prototypes, said: “GW’s precision sand casting process, developed specifically for firm has created intricate sand cores and car, which has been described as the ‘true the engine’s manufacture, delivers accurate, structures using the latest 3D sand printing 21st century Aston Martin’.” Bearings Repairs Division Chains & Sprockets Electric Motors Industrial Gearboxes Industrial Pumps high integrity parts with increased design technology. Grainger & Worrall now employs freedom. This supported the complex CAD more than 550 people in the UK, with an “Utilising the latest real time X-ray outputs of the design team, which was annual turnover in excess of £50 million, and CT scanning capabilities in parallel responsible for the production and validation and supplies high precision castings to F1 Free Daily Deliveries! ensures exacting and reliable quality in the of the development parts prior to production. motorsport and prestige marques. development process.” In addition to the ongoing supply of The family-owned business – a former Assembled at Aston Martin’s engine engine castings, GW provides rigorous in- Shropshire Company of the Year – invests www.motionindustrial.co.uk Call us: 01785 748023 [email protected] plant in Cologne, Germany, the new twin process inspection together with unique part significantly in research and development, turbo, 48 valve, V12 unit is able to meet identity, ensuring full product traceability. and exports more than 55% of its products.

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 26 02/05/2017 11:19:47 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 27 02/05/2017 11:20:01 26 NEWS NEWS 27 Opportunity and threat Nick JONES ore individuals are considering the option to transfer away from BMW workers have been striking over the planned closure of their ‘final salary’ pension scheme Mdefined benefit pensions, but require participants to manage a variety of factors personal to them. How reliant are risks. they on the income the existing scheme is there a right or a wrong Why is this happening? The answer guarantees? answer? could lie in the ‘cash equivalent transfer Do they have a range of other assets Defined benefit (DB), or ‘final salary’ value’ – a cash sum offered by some DB that will form part of their overall financial Grainger & Worrall has worked closely with Aston Martin’s engineering design team to enable the evolution of the DB11 power plant schemes, promise participants a guaranteed scheme trustees in return for members giving picture when they reach retirement? How is income in retirement, based on a formula up some or all of their pension rights. their health? Do they desire greater flexibility linked to earnings and length of service. If The relatively high transfer values being regarding the amount, timing or pattern of the you are fortunate enough to have one, then offered at the moment are part of an effort by actual income? your employer is responsible for funding the some schemes to offload their members and So to summarise, this is both an scheme and for ensuring there’s enough reduce their overall liabilities – as low interest opportunity and a threat. To make the most money to pay your pension income at the County link to an rates and gilt yields combine to make DB suitable decision people really should seek time you retire. schemes more expensive to operate. qualified, professional advice. The pitfalls DB schemes are some of the most prized As a result of these developments, some are huge and if the wrong choice is made and generous occupational pension schemes individuals are considering the option of it usually cannot be undone. It is, however, around; yet there is evidence that some transferring their benefits and putting the unlikely to be in your best interest to do this. DB scheme members are walking away money into a DC pension – so should they l Nick Jones is the principal of Nick from their gold-plated benefits and towards stay or should they go? Jones Wealth Planning in Shrewsbury. He iconic sports car defined contribution (DC) schemes instead. As usual, the correct decision for an is also chairman of Shropshire Chamber of ston Martin has These offer no income promises, and individual depends upon a wide number of Commerce Patron Members. confirmed Shropshire manufacturer Grainger A& Worrall as its preferred engine castings partner for the new DB11. At the heart of this iconic sports car is the new 5.2 litre twin turbocharged V12, providing the cleanest, most fuel efficient, powerful and fastest accelerating model in Aston Martin’s history. Using skills and technology pioneered by the Bridgnorth-based manufacturer in its work with F1 teams and other high Motion Industrial Products Ltd specialise in the design and supply of engineering components to leading performance marques, Grainger & Worrall (GW) has worked closely with Aston Martin’s manufacturing and process plants throughout the UK. Our main product focus is the supply of Bearings, Chains engineering design team to enable the & Sprockets, Belts & Pulleys, Motors, Industrial Gearboxes, Pumps and Inverters. We also offer a Machine evolution of a lighter, more powerful power plant. Shop and a Repairs Division dedicated to the repair and overhaul of Electric Motors, Industrial Gearboxes and Industrial Pumps. The engine blocks and heads are produced in a dedicated production Edward Grainger, right, says the company is delighted to be associated with a success environment at GW’s UK facility. Exploiting story like Aston Martin. Grainger & Worrall now employs more than 550 people in the UK. the potential of GW’s precision sand casting stringent emission and fuel consumption Edward Grainger continued: “Aston process all castings are manufactured from requirements, whilst producing increased Martin is a great British success story across a high grade, high integrity and recyclable performance. the globe and acts as a superb ambassador aluminium alloy. As part of the extensive engine for UK engineering. We are delighted to be a Edward Grainger, managing director development process, the Shropshire part of this very special and desirable sports of prototypes, said: “GW’s precision sand casting process, developed specifically for firm has created intricate sand cores and car, which has been described as the ‘true the engine’s manufacture, delivers accurate, structures using the latest 3D sand printing 21st century Aston Martin’.” Bearings Repairs Division Chains & Sprockets Electric Motors Industrial Gearboxes Industrial Pumps high integrity parts with increased design technology. Grainger & Worrall now employs freedom. This supported the complex CAD more than 550 people in the UK, with an “Utilising the latest real time X-ray outputs of the design team, which was annual turnover in excess of £50 million, and CT scanning capabilities in parallel responsible for the production and validation and supplies high precision castings to F1 Free Daily Deliveries! ensures exacting and reliable quality in the of the development parts prior to production. motorsport and prestige marques. development process.” In addition to the ongoing supply of The family-owned business – a former Assembled at Aston Martin’s engine engine castings, GW provides rigorous in- Shropshire Company of the Year – invests www.motionindustrial.co.uk Call us: 01785 748023 [email protected] plant in Cologne, Germany, the new twin process inspection together with unique part significantly in research and development, turbo, 48 valve, V12 unit is able to meet identity, ensuring full product traceability. and exports more than 55% of its products.

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 26 02/05/2017 11:19:47 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 27 02/05/2017 11:20:01 28 SPECIAL REPORT SPECIAL REPORT 29 County firm’s

From the archives – 26 machines destined for Oakley’s in 1946 Paul Rawlings and Robert Bland in discussion at Oakley’s a cut above The 1990s saw turbulent times for among Shropshire people, I would imagine. in the best of health. As Ray explains: “One t is the time of year, you By Henry Carpenter the farming industry, and circumstances “It is amazing how technology has of our catchphrases is ‘try before you buy could say, that the sound prompted the Oakley’s management team advanced since I’ve been in the business, or hire’. of Oakley’s fills the air. to give up the farm machinery arm of the and keeping abreast of it and even ahead of “While we use our experience and I Stop and pause in a village on a business in Shrewsbury and move the the curve has been hugely important for us expertise to tailor machinery to clients’ weekend afternoon, and you will almost business to Cound, or more specifically into as a business. needs, no equipment is completely certainly hear the sound of a mower or two what had been the grain-drying shed, to “Users can do so much more now with indestructible and we pride ourselves on our in action. There’s a decent chance that it concentrate on horticultural machinery. The less work. ability to provide an after-service second to will be a ride-on model, and if so it will have land at St Michael’s Street, meanwhile, was “I would also say that an important none.” been supplied by this familiar Shropshire sold for housing. element to our success is the relationship Sitting adjacent to the workshop company. The year of the move was 2000, since we have with various key franchises – we and offices, is a neat line of golf buggies If you’re a golfer and you notice the when the business has followed a new enjoy a close association with excellent – a relatively new arm of the Oakley’s fairways are looking healthy and manicured course, catching the attention of new brands such as Hayter, Toro, Kubota, operation. after the winter months, consider that these markets. Stihl, Trimax, Scag, Club Car, Stiga and “We have a fleet of around 150 buggies might have been cut courtesy of an Oakley’s “Lawn mowers and garden machinery Mountfield. which we hire out to courses across machine. Even the golf buggies lined up for the home owner as well as groundcare “They are all tried, tested and trusted, Shropshire and the wider region,” says Ray. at the clubhouse could well have passed equipment for the professional user are and our customers identify with them in a “In the last 12 months we have also through its order book. what we now concentrate on”, says Ray really positive way as well.” diversified into selling refuse sweepers - it Because this is what the team at George. A tour around the site reveals there’s really is a constantly evolving business, as Oakley’s do: they provide garden machinery “A growing part of our business is the a lot more to the Oakley’s set up than it has to be.” for individuals and professional groundcare hiring of specialist machines for cutting and retail. Various mechanics and fitters – all Trade is brisk, it appears. According machines to caravan parks, golf courses maintaining grass finishes for both short factory trained – service machines large to Robert, Oakley’s turns over some £3.5 and local councils. term and longer term hire to all customer and small in the workshop and this, under million per annum, a figure rising by the Oakley’s is based halfway along that types. the direction of the recently appointed year. mile-long straight stretch of the A458 “We have developed excellent new service manager Paul Rawlings, Ray “Business is steady but as with any between Cound and Cressage and it is here relationships with several local authorities suggests, is one area where the team from sector there are always going to be that the showrooms and after-sales facilities and now supply councils in Birmingham, the Oakley’s believe they stand apart from challenges – it is up to us to meet them and that support Shropshire and the West Potteries, Cheshire as well as Shropshire. competitors. The Parts Department is run that will no doubt mean we will continue to Midlands are located. “We also spend a lot of time supporting by Paul Tipton diversify.” The company is owned by the Bland local schools and sports clubs with their There are 24 workers at the Cound With that, it was back to work at what family and Robert Bland, the current complex machinery needs. But garden premises, most of whom are involved in the has without doubt become a Shropshire chairman, joined the family firm in 1972, machinery is what we are best known for after-sales ensuring that machinery is kept institution. before taking over the managing director’s role from his father, Jack, when he was 26. Ray George, the current managing director, took on the MD post from Robert 10 years ago, while the parts department is now run by Paul Tipton. However, it all started, Robert explains, in 1921 when George Oakley opened a farm machinery business in Shrewsbury. Paul Rawlings, Paul Tipton and Ray George at the business on the A458 “My father bought the business off George in 1945,” continues Robert. “The firm operated from a site in St Michael’s Street but over the years we also had depots in Shifnal and Welshpool. “We built our reputation selling all manner of agricultural machinery, from Ford tractors to New Holland combine harvesters, but the company also operated frozen food shops, petrol stations, car hire and sold white goods and irrigation equipment. I suppose our real heyday was in the 1980s. We had a 50 per cent market share in Shropshire for new tractors, selling more than 300 new tractors every year, and employing more than 200 people across our various sites and activities. “In 1969, we had also started to distribute fuel oil and, by 1991, we had built a state of the art distribution depot in Telford; this is still very much running successfully but managed independently of Oakley’s the groundcare business.” Jack Davies and John Stansfield demonstrate the golf buggies available from Oakley’s Robert Bland, the current chairman, joined the family firm in 1972 Paul Jones carries out maintenance work at the Shropshire firm

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 28 02/05/2017 11:20:19 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 29 02/05/2017 11:20:39 28 SPECIAL REPORT SPECIAL REPORT 29 County firm’s

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 28 02/05/2017 11:20:19 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 29 02/05/2017 11:20:39 30 NEWS NEWS 31 It’s the ticket for minister usiness minister Jesse Norman visited Shropshire to see Bsome of the latest ‘big ticket’ projects which are set to create thousands of homes and jobs. With more than £104 million of Growth Deal funding from the Government being invested in the region, the Minister came to see progress on sites in Shrewsbury and Telford and meet employers taking the lead on workforce development. Mr Norman, who is the Government’s Growth Champion for the Marches LEP From left, apprentice Alex Malam, Business Minister Jesse Norman, Richard Homden region, toured the Flaxmill in Shrewsbury and Chris Greenough of Salop Design & Engineering, LEP chair Graham Wynn, Bekki before heading to the Marches Centre for Phillips, of InComm Training and Matt Snelson, managing director of MCMT Technology and Engineering’s satellite site at Salop Design & Engineering. was a fantastic opportunity to showcase Telford College of Arts and Technology for a He met the employer-led consortium our track record in delivering these big discussion with Telford Business Board. awarded a £1.9 million contract from the ticket projects with our partners, Shropshire Graham Wynn added: “The Telford Land Marches LEP to develop the new advanced Council and Telford & Wrekin Council.” Deal, which secured an additional £44.5 manufacturing training centre and also Mr Norman said: “I congratulate the million investment in this region, formed part spoke with apprentices. Marches LEP on its strong performance of our first Growth Deal. Chairman of the Marches LEP over the past year in promoting economic “Our partners, Telford & Wrekin Graham Wynn said: “Jesse Norman has growth across the region. Council, were able to show the Minister the been incredibly supportive of our bids “Effective LEPs like this one are an immediate benefits of this on site at the new for Government funding to support our important part of the Government’s plans to Hortonwood West development.” ambitions for growth. From an initial £83 support the creation of skilled jobs and help Mr Norman also visited businesses at million for infrastructure and broadband every area to reach its full potential.” the Marches Growth Hub in Telford and projects, we recently successfully The minister also met with the toured the new Auto Sports engineering negotiated a further £21.9 million for skills Shropshire Business Board at University department at the University of So far, so good? and business boosting schemes. And this Centre Shrewsbury before heading to Wolverhampton’s Priorislee campus. wages, to the cost of fuel and energy and the broken system of business rates – which penalises businesses that need

physical space irrespective of their ability to A NN IVE pay – pressures are definitely mounting and RSARY action needs to be taken. 20 Years Of Freight Forwarding Excellence Ray I would like therefore, like to hold this HICKINBOTTOM Government to account. A Government that has proclaimed that it wants an economy that works for all. Need Help With International Trade? No-one in their right mind would xporting to new argue with that. So these fine words need markets is something Traders in Ludlow fear current business rates to be matched with bold and focused which many revamp could force some retailers to close actions, to ensure that endeavour, risk and Ecompanies are now keen a great deal of clarity or purpose – about perseverance do actually reap rewards. where we are heading and what the longer- So let’s support our politicians and to explore, especially with term implications are. According to much of policy makers who put their head above the uncertainty over what the popular press, little has changed and the parapet to champion an entrepreneurial our international trading indeed, the country is doing just fine. So environment, celebrate business success should we take solace in these gung-ho and campaign for systems that support relationships will look like in statements or should we exercise caution? all those seeking to establish and grow a post-Brexit era. Personally, I remain cautiously successful businesses. What do they need to consider? optimistic, but am still wary of those who There are many challenges ahead. The There is no doubt that we are currently proclaim ‘business as usual’. Because opportunities are also there too – if we have going through a period of unprecedented various surveys of business opinion – the right support and mind-set in place to change and uncertainty. Not least because including FSB’s own, quarterly Small take them up. I want to encourage a positive the decision to leave the EU was, arguably, Business Index, show that while business and progressive outlook and will work with Contact Us the most significant development of recent all those who share my views. I believe that sentiment remains remarkably robust with 01952 270 699 years. anticipation of growth, investment and we should all take the view that the future I am struck by the number of events that increased employment, perhaps buoyed is there for the taking. So let’s stop navel [email protected] have been hosted by various organisations, by higher levels of international trade and gazing, get on with it and make the best of www.global-freight.co.uk to try and understand the implications of this employment off the back of a lower Sterling where we’re at. The alternative is not worth Export | Import | Cross Trade | Warehousing | Packing decision. Truth be told, I don’t think anyone exchange rate, there is concern about the thinking about! Customs Formalities | Sea | Air | Road | Rail Global Freight Services Ltd | Unit C3 is entirely sure! ever-increasing costs of running a business l Ray Hickinbottom is chairman of Halesfield 23 Telford | TF7 4NY You will no doubt have noticed that in the UK. the FSB in Shropshire, Herefordshire and there is a lot of debate and noise - but not From the National Minimum and Living Worcestershire

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 30 02/05/2017 11:20:52 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 31 02/05/2017 11:21:26 30 NEWS NEWS 31 It’s the ticket for minister usiness minister Jesse Norman visited Shropshire to see Bsome of the latest ‘big ticket’ projects which are set to create thousands of homes and jobs. With more than £104 million of Growth Deal funding from the Government being invested in the region, the Minister came to see progress on sites in Shrewsbury and Telford and meet employers taking the lead on workforce development. Mr Norman, who is the Government’s Growth Champion for the Marches LEP From left, apprentice Alex Malam, Business Minister Jesse Norman, Richard Homden region, toured the Flaxmill in Shrewsbury and Chris Greenough of Salop Design & Engineering, LEP chair Graham Wynn, Bekki before heading to the Marches Centre for Phillips, of InComm Training and Matt Snelson, managing director of MCMT Technology and Engineering’s satellite site at Salop Design & Engineering. was a fantastic opportunity to showcase Telford College of Arts and Technology for a He met the employer-led consortium our track record in delivering these big discussion with Telford Business Board. awarded a £1.9 million contract from the ticket projects with our partners, Shropshire Graham Wynn added: “The Telford Land Marches LEP to develop the new advanced Council and Telford & Wrekin Council.” Deal, which secured an additional £44.5 manufacturing training centre and also Mr Norman said: “I congratulate the million investment in this region, formed part spoke with apprentices. Marches LEP on its strong performance of our first Growth Deal. Chairman of the Marches LEP over the past year in promoting economic “Our partners, Telford & Wrekin Graham Wynn said: “Jesse Norman has growth across the region. Council, were able to show the Minister the been incredibly supportive of our bids “Effective LEPs like this one are an immediate benefits of this on site at the new for Government funding to support our important part of the Government’s plans to Hortonwood West development.” ambitions for growth. From an initial £83 support the creation of skilled jobs and help Mr Norman also visited businesses at million for infrastructure and broadband every area to reach its full potential.” the Marches Growth Hub in Telford and projects, we recently successfully The minister also met with the toured the new Auto Sports engineering negotiated a further £21.9 million for skills Shropshire Business Board at University department at the University of So far, so good? and business boosting schemes. And this Centre Shrewsbury before heading to Wolverhampton’s Priorislee campus. wages, to the cost of fuel and energy and the broken system of business rates – which penalises businesses that need physical space irrespective of their ability to A NN IVE pay – pressures are definitely mounting and RSARY action needs to be taken. 20 Years Of Freight Forwarding Excellence Ray I would like therefore, like to hold this HICKINBOTTOM Government to account. A Government that has proclaimed that it wants an economy that works for all. Need Help With International Trade? No-one in their right mind would xporting to new argue with that. So these fine words need markets is something Traders in Ludlow fear current business rates to be matched with bold and focused which many revamp could force some retailers to close actions, to ensure that endeavour, risk and Ecompanies are now keen a great deal of clarity or purpose – about perseverance do actually reap rewards. where we are heading and what the longer- So let’s support our politicians and to explore, especially with term implications are. According to much of policy makers who put their head above the uncertainty over what the popular press, little has changed and the parapet to champion an entrepreneurial our international trading indeed, the country is doing just fine. So environment, celebrate business success should we take solace in these gung-ho and campaign for systems that support relationships will look like in statements or should we exercise caution? all those seeking to establish and grow a post-Brexit era. Personally, I remain cautiously successful businesses. What do they need to consider? optimistic, but am still wary of those who There are many challenges ahead. The There is no doubt that we are currently proclaim ‘business as usual’. Because opportunities are also there too – if we have going through a period of unprecedented various surveys of business opinion – the right support and mind-set in place to change and uncertainty. Not least because including FSB’s own, quarterly Small take them up. I want to encourage a positive the decision to leave the EU was, arguably, Business Index, show that while business and progressive outlook and will work with Contact Us the most significant development of recent all those who share my views. I believe that sentiment remains remarkably robust with 01952 270 699 years. anticipation of growth, investment and we should all take the view that the future I am struck by the number of events that increased employment, perhaps buoyed is there for the taking. So let’s stop navel [email protected] have been hosted by various organisations, by higher levels of international trade and gazing, get on with it and make the best of www.global-freight.co.uk to try and understand the implications of this employment off the back of a lower Sterling where we’re at. The alternative is not worth Export | Import | Cross Trade | Warehousing | Packing decision. Truth be told, I don’t think anyone exchange rate, there is concern about the thinking about! Customs Formalities | Sea | Air | Road | Rail Global Freight Services Ltd | Unit C3 is entirely sure! ever-increasing costs of running a business l Ray Hickinbottom is chairman of Halesfield 23 Telford | TF7 4NY You will no doubt have noticed that in the UK. the FSB in Shropshire, Herefordshire and there is a lot of debate and noise - but not From the National Minimum and Living Worcestershire

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 30 02/05/2017 11:20:52 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 31 02/05/2017 11:21:26 32 NEWS NEWS 33 In brief Cover star l Telford & Wrekin Council is set to offer enhanced discretionary Telford manufacturer development services to support has played a starring growth, improve determination times role in an important and generate additional income. The engineeringA project at one of changes will also adapt the planning service area to respond effectively to the world’s most famous film Government proposals to introduce festivals. private sector competition into the Fabweld Steel Products has designed and processing of planning applications. manufactured replacement access covers This will mean that alongside located at the entrance to the Palais des enhanced pre-application advice Festivals et des Congrès Cannes in France. and support to applicants inside the Its FAB PAVE access covers, which Festival Square at the entrance to the Cannes borough, the proposal will enable are infilled with relevant material to blend Film Festival with FAB PAVE access covers the council to provide planning and in with the surrounding surface, have been Hilton said: “The Cannes Film Festival is one Sarah Lewis and Esther Wright have launched Fizz Festivals Ltd development services outside of installed in Cannes’ Festival Square, which is of the biggest cultural events in the world Telford and Wrekin. always bustling with film stars, celebrities and and, outside of that, the Palais is the second l Sentinel Care Services, paparazzi during the annual event. busiest business tourism destination in France based in Telford, has been rated Fabweld was commissioned by civil so it was imperative that we created an Joint venture puts as good by the Care Quality engineers ETS Brosio to produce the attractive and workable solution that met the Commission, which is the replacement access covers for its client, the customer’s brief. independent regulator of health Cannes Waste Water Syndicate. “The cover was fabricated from mild and social care in England. The The covers allow contractors to service steel and hot dip galvanised to protect it from the fizz in festivals report praised the company’s heavy-duty valve systems that protect the area corrosion. It was supplied with structural wo Shropshire businesswomen have management organisation and said against flooding when there is heavy rain. support steelwork to ensure it can accept people received care from safe and The brief had to meet specific design heavy vehicular traffic and the design ensured teamed up to launch an events business well-trained staff. Inspectors said: needs including working within the existing that, when the covers are hinged back, that will bring classical music events and “People were supported by staff who framework and allow for one-man operation as the support steelwork can be removed to Tlive music festivals to the region. were caring and treated people with the covers are lifted daily to allow the services give clear access for any maintenance with Esther Wright, of ElevenTen Event Management & Consultancy, kindness and respect. People and underneath to be emptied. machinery.” and Sarah Lewis, of Lily’s Secret Vintage Tearoom, A Very Vintage their relatives told us staff developed The firm also supplied further access Cannes is not the first high profile location Events and Polka Dot Catering, have joined forces to launch Fizz positive relationships with them. covers for a similar project in nearby Ecole to feature FAB PAVE access covers. They Festivals Ltd, a Newport-based events business with a strong family People and their relatives felt the Bocca Park and has secured an additional have also been used in the redesign of the focus. service was well managed and the contract to design and manufacture five similar ancient Elefetheria Square in Nicosia, Cyprus, Esther Wright has 15 years’ experience running large-scale events quality of the care was good.” covers for other areas of the city. and Terminal 2A – known as the Queen’s for charities, local authorities and music festival organisers, including Fabweld managing director Richard Terminal – at Heathrow airport. hospitality events at the annual Aldeburgh Festival, and a five-date Buskaid concert tour, including a performance at the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Hall in London. Closer to home, Esther’s company, ElevenTen Event Management & Consultancy, has organised major outdoor events in Shropshire and across the UK. Fizz Festival co-director Sarah Lewis is also no stranger to events organising and catering on a large scale. As the owner of Polka Dot Catering, A Very Vintage Events and Lily’s Secret Vintage Tearooms near Gnosall, she is the organiser of the pop up vintage fair at RAF Cosford Air Show and has several corporate catering contracts. Both women grew up locally, with Esther attending the Grove “…beautifully appointed bedrooms . . . School in Market Drayton and Sarah living in Norbury, attending Burton Borough School in Newport. o fering a style and sense of luxury Esther Wright said: “Sarah and I are both extremely passionate that would put most about creating fabulous events that appeal to all generations. We ﬁve-star hotels to shame” create magical musical events which bring together the best of local Charles Starmer-Smith, The Daily Telegraph food and drink producers. “We provide a platform for local musicians to perform alongside well-known names from the music industry, all in stunning locations.” Sarah Lewis added: “We are busy planning a classical musical event, Proms and Prosecco in The Park, which will take place in Newport this September.” Good news for retailers It’s a volatile time for retailers – but latest retail sales figures show Available as an idyllic retreat for businesses signs of optimism. and private hire for individuals and groups John Pitchford, head of corporate banking for Barclays in Shropshire said: “Solid growth, supported by continuing increases in Luxury accomodation | Fine dining online purchases indicate that parts of the industry are finding ways to encourage shoppers to keep spending. Wealth of activities | Fast speed broadband “Inflation remains front of mind for all of us in retail, and there’s Conference facilities no doubt that rising fuel prices are having an impact on the amount of disposable income people have available for other purchases, making this result all the more impressive. Let your imagination run wild 01948 780785 | [email protected] “Looking forward, I think we can expect some volatility in the www.iscoydpark.com overall numbers as retailers tackle various challenges over the coming anything is possible at this glorious stately home months, but these figures show it is still possible to achieve sales Iscoyd Park, Whitchurch, Shropshire, SY13 3AT growth in the current trading environment.”

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 32 02/05/2017 11:21:45 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 33 02/05/2017 11:22:15 32 NEWS NEWS 33 In brief Cover star l Telford & Wrekin Council is set to offer enhanced discretionary Telford manufacturer development services to support has played a starring growth, improve determination times role in an important and generate additional income. The engineeringA project at one of changes will also adapt the planning service area to respond effectively to the world’s most famous film Government proposals to introduce festivals. private sector competition into the Fabweld Steel Products has designed and processing of planning applications. manufactured replacement access covers This will mean that alongside located at the entrance to the Palais des enhanced pre-application advice Festivals et des Congrès Cannes in France. and support to applicants inside the Its FAB PAVE access covers, which Festival Square at the entrance to the Cannes borough, the proposal will enable are infilled with relevant material to blend Film Festival with FAB PAVE access covers the council to provide planning and in with the surrounding surface, have been Hilton said: “The Cannes Film Festival is one Sarah Lewis and Esther Wright have launched Fizz Festivals Ltd development services outside of installed in Cannes’ Festival Square, which is of the biggest cultural events in the world Telford and Wrekin. always bustling with film stars, celebrities and and, outside of that, the Palais is the second l Sentinel Care Services, paparazzi during the annual event. busiest business tourism destination in France based in Telford, has been rated Fabweld was commissioned by civil so it was imperative that we created an Joint venture puts as good by the Care Quality engineers ETS Brosio to produce the attractive and workable solution that met the Commission, which is the replacement access covers for its client, the customer’s brief. independent regulator of health Cannes Waste Water Syndicate. “The cover was fabricated from mild and social care in England. The The covers allow contractors to service steel and hot dip galvanised to protect it from the fizz in festivals report praised the company’s heavy-duty valve systems that protect the area corrosion. It was supplied with structural wo Shropshire businesswomen have management organisation and said against flooding when there is heavy rain. support steelwork to ensure it can accept people received care from safe and The brief had to meet specific design heavy vehicular traffic and the design ensured teamed up to launch an events business well-trained staff. Inspectors said: needs including working within the existing that, when the covers are hinged back, that will bring classical music events and “People were supported by staff who framework and allow for one-man operation as the support steelwork can be removed to Tlive music festivals to the region. were caring and treated people with the covers are lifted daily to allow the services give clear access for any maintenance with Esther Wright, of ElevenTen Event Management & Consultancy, kindness and respect. People and underneath to be emptied. machinery.” and Sarah Lewis, of Lily’s Secret Vintage Tearoom, A Very Vintage their relatives told us staff developed The firm also supplied further access Cannes is not the first high profile location Events and Polka Dot Catering, have joined forces to launch Fizz positive relationships with them. covers for a similar project in nearby Ecole to feature FAB PAVE access covers. They Festivals Ltd, a Newport-based events business with a strong family People and their relatives felt the Bocca Park and has secured an additional have also been used in the redesign of the focus. service was well managed and the contract to design and manufacture five similar ancient Elefetheria Square in Nicosia, Cyprus, Esther Wright has 15 years’ experience running large-scale events quality of the care was good.” covers for other areas of the city. and Terminal 2A – known as the Queen’s for charities, local authorities and music festival organisers, including Fabweld managing director Richard Terminal – at Heathrow airport. hospitality events at the annual Aldeburgh Festival, and a five-date Buskaid concert tour, including a performance at the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Hall in London. Closer to home, Esther’s company, ElevenTen Event Management & Consultancy, has organised major outdoor events in Shropshire and across the UK. Fizz Festival co-director Sarah Lewis is also no stranger to events organising and catering on a large scale. As the owner of Polka Dot Catering, A Very Vintage Events and Lily’s Secret Vintage Tearooms near Gnosall, she is the organiser of the pop up vintage fair at RAF Cosford Air Show and has several corporate catering contracts. Both women grew up locally, with Esther attending the Grove “…beautifully appointed bedrooms . . . School in Market Drayton and Sarah living in Norbury, attending Burton Borough School in Newport. o fering a style and sense of luxury Esther Wright said: “Sarah and I are both extremely passionate that would put most about creating fabulous events that appeal to all generations. We ﬁve-star hotels to shame” create magical musical events which bring together the best of local Charles Starmer-Smith, The Daily Telegraph food and drink producers. “We provide a platform for local musicians to perform alongside well-known names from the music industry, all in stunning locations.” Sarah Lewis added: “We are busy planning a classical musical event, Proms and Prosecco in The Park, which will take place in Newport this September.” Good news for retailers It’s a volatile time for retailers – but latest retail sales figures show Available as an idyllic retreat for businesses signs of optimism. and private hire for individuals and groups John Pitchford, head of corporate banking for Barclays in Shropshire said: “Solid growth, supported by continuing increases in Luxury accomodation | Fine dining online purchases indicate that parts of the industry are finding ways to encourage shoppers to keep spending. Wealth of activities | Fast speed broadband “Inflation remains front of mind for all of us in retail, and there’s Conference facilities no doubt that rising fuel prices are having an impact on the amount of disposable income people have available for other purchases, making this result all the more impressive. Let your imagination run wild 01948 780785 | [email protected] “Looking forward, I think we can expect some volatility in the www.iscoydpark.com overall numbers as retailers tackle various challenges over the coming anything is possible at this glorious stately home months, but these figures show it is still possible to achieve sales Iscoyd Park, Whitchurch, Shropshire, SY13 3AT growth in the current trading environment.”

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 32 02/05/2017 11:21:45 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 33 02/05/2017 11:22:15 34 NEWS In brief Career in carpentry beckons Morris Joinery, has offered work experience l The Marches Is your business planning to five prospective bench joiners who will have Growth Hub is launching the opportunity to gain a full-time traineeship or a new programme called apprenticeship in September. ‘Building Business The Shropshire company’s team attended Confidence Across the Careers Week at Shrewsbury College to meet Marches’, designed to give joinery and carpentry students – and it ignited the businesses the tools they to diversify, expand or idea to invite interested students to spend time need to flourish and grow. with Morris Joinery and put their skills into practice The scheme is open to whilst learning more about their trade in a working eligible small-to-medium environment. sized businesses in a Each of the selected students will spend four variety of sectors, as well days in the joinery workshop at Bicton Business innovate in 2017? as aspiring entrepreneurs Park, Shrewsbury, to observe experienced bench and individuals. It is joiners and carry out tasks to assess their hand- being delivered by skills and attention to detail. Bridgnorth-based business After six weeks, three students will be Steve Granda pictured with student Josh Davies specialists, Good2Great. shortlisted to go back for another week’s work Director Jonny Themans experience, and following this Morris Joinery “With the skills shortage in the industry, we felt it said: “The project is all will recruit the most successful students as was important to inspire the next generation and about helping people apprentices. look for students who we can nurture and develop If so, we can help! understand how to The aim for Morris Joinery is to provide into highly skilled craftsmen. develop their commercial an insight into a realistic working environment “These students showed determination and potential, grow sales and helping students upskill and build their CVs whilst a desire to learn when we first met them and develop the profitability of giving the successful apprentices an opportunity so it was only natural that we offered them an Grants of up to their business.” For more to continue learning whilst working and earning. opportunity to show their practical skills with a information, visit the site Steve Granda, Morris Joinery manager, said: view to recruiting the most successful.” www.start2great.co.uk £200,000*

l The Shrewsbury Club at Sundorne in the now available county town has become Fantastic four promoted a Patron member of Shropshire Chamber of our graduates Commerce. Manager Alvin have been Ward said: “We share a promoted to real passion for helping Ftrainee solicitors to develop business links throughout the at Shropshire law county, quality of service and improving health in firm Terry Jones general. Our joint mission Solicitors. is something that can be Emma Humphreys, expanded through our Zoe Smith, Lily Timmins wide range of facilities and Emma Whitehouse and which our dedicated have begun their ‘period of professional staff can recognised training’, the final support.” stage on the path to qualifying Contact us to discuss how we can help as a solicitor. l Twice as many Terry Jones Solicitors people are reaping the has four offices in Shropshire 01952 567589 benefits of the Superfast – Telford, Shrewsbury, Telford roll-out of fibre Bridgnorth and Newport. [email protected] broadband compared with Emma Whitehouse and Lily Timmins are with the six months ago, Telford *subject to eligibility & Wrekin Council and residential conveyancing BT have revealed. The teams in the Telford and Bridgnorth offices respectively, percentage of households Lily Timmins, Emma Humphreys, Zoe Smith and Emma Whitehouse and businesses choosing whilst Emma Humphreys an upgrade has jumped helps the wills and probate department at since I joined the firm in 2015, and I thoroughly from 10 to more than 20 Shrewsbury. enjoy working in such a fast paced and exciting per cent since September Zoe Smith, who is also based at the environment. To now be awarded a training – and is continuing to Shrewsbury office, works alongside managing contract is an amazing opportunity.” Enterprise Telford is Telford & Wrekin Council’s ‘business winning, business director Terry Jones in commercial property and Zoe Smith added: “I am very excited about the grow rapidly. More than supporting’ campaign. Through the Marches Growth Hub, we offer enterprises of 3,000 premises across agricultural law. opportunities that have arisen and I very much the borough are now able Terry Jones said: “Over the last 12 months, look forward to working alongside Terry Jones all sectors and sizes a single point of access to information, guidance and business to access superfast fibre these young ladies have demonstrated their and progressing within the commercial property support. 0345 6000 727 www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk/about-us/telford/ broadband as a result commitment to the firm, and as just reward we and agricultural department, as it is an area of law of the Superfast Telford were delighted to offer them a training contract. I am very passionate about”. programme. Areas to “This will allow them to put into practice all the Having spent her first few months at the benefit most recently knowledge and skills they have learnt thus far. Telford office, Emma Humphreys relocated to include parts of Lightmoor, It is gratifying to watch them progress with their Shrewsbury to join the wills and probate team. Ironbridge, Tibberton, hard work paying off as they commence the next She said: “I am delighted to have been offered

Stirchley, Aqueduct and step of the career.” a training contract and I am looking forward to European Regional Lawley. Lily Timmins said: “The growth within the completing my period of recognised training with Development Fund conveyancing department has been significant the firm.”

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 34 02/05/2017 11:22:59 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 35 02/05/2017 11:23:42 34 NEWS In brief Career in carpentry beckons Morris Joinery, has offered work experience l The Marches Is your business planning to five prospective bench joiners who will have Growth Hub is launching the opportunity to gain a full-time traineeship or a new programme called apprenticeship in September. ‘Building Business The Shropshire company’s team attended Confidence Across the Careers Week at Shrewsbury College to meet Marches’, designed to give joinery and carpentry students – and it ignited the businesses the tools they to diversify, expand or idea to invite interested students to spend time need to flourish and grow. with Morris Joinery and put their skills into practice The scheme is open to whilst learning more about their trade in a working eligible small-to-medium environment. sized businesses in a Each of the selected students will spend four variety of sectors, as well days in the joinery workshop at Bicton Business innovate in 2017? as aspiring entrepreneurs Park, Shrewsbury, to observe experienced bench and individuals. It is joiners and carry out tasks to assess their hand- being delivered by skills and attention to detail. Bridgnorth-based business After six weeks, three students will be Steve Granda pictured with student Josh Davies specialists, Good2Great. shortlisted to go back for another week’s work Director Jonny Themans experience, and following this Morris Joinery “With the skills shortage in the industry, we felt it said: “The project is all will recruit the most successful students as was important to inspire the next generation and about helping people apprentices. look for students who we can nurture and develop If so, we can help! understand how to The aim for Morris Joinery is to provide into highly skilled craftsmen. develop their commercial an insight into a realistic working environment “These students showed determination and potential, grow sales and helping students upskill and build their CVs whilst a desire to learn when we first met them and develop the profitability of giving the successful apprentices an opportunity so it was only natural that we offered them an Grants of up to their business.” For more to continue learning whilst working and earning. opportunity to show their practical skills with a information, visit the site Steve Granda, Morris Joinery manager, said: view to recruiting the most successful.” www.start2great.co.uk £200,000* l The Shrewsbury Club at Sundorne in the now available county town has become Fantastic four promoted a Patron member of Shropshire Chamber of our graduates Commerce. Manager Alvin have been Ward said: “We share a promoted to real passion for helping Ftrainee solicitors to develop business links throughout the at Shropshire law county, quality of service and improving health in firm Terry Jones general. Our joint mission Solicitors. is something that can be Emma Humphreys, expanded through our Zoe Smith, Lily Timmins wide range of facilities and Emma Whitehouse and which our dedicated have begun their ‘period of professional staff can recognised training’, the final support.” stage on the path to qualifying Contact us to discuss how we can help as a solicitor. l Twice as many Terry Jones Solicitors people are reaping the has four offices in Shropshire 01952 567589 benefits of the Superfast – Telford, Shrewsbury, Telford roll-out of fibre Bridgnorth and Newport. [email protected] broadband compared with Emma Whitehouse and Lily Timmins are with the six months ago, Telford *subject to eligibility & Wrekin Council and residential conveyancing BT have revealed. The teams in the Telford and Bridgnorth offices respectively, percentage of households Lily Timmins, Emma Humphreys, Zoe Smith and Emma Whitehouse and businesses choosing whilst Emma Humphreys an upgrade has jumped helps the wills and probate department at since I joined the firm in 2015, and I thoroughly from 10 to more than 20 Shrewsbury. enjoy working in such a fast paced and exciting per cent since September Zoe Smith, who is also based at the environment. To now be awarded a training – and is continuing to Shrewsbury office, works alongside managing contract is an amazing opportunity.” Enterprise Telford is Telford & Wrekin Council’s ‘business winning, business director Terry Jones in commercial property and Zoe Smith added: “I am very excited about the grow rapidly. More than supporting’ campaign. Through the Marches Growth Hub, we offer enterprises of 3,000 premises across agricultural law. opportunities that have arisen and I very much the borough are now able Terry Jones said: “Over the last 12 months, look forward to working alongside Terry Jones all sectors and sizes a single point of access to information, guidance and business to access superfast fibre these young ladies have demonstrated their and progressing within the commercial property support. 0345 6000 727 www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk/about-us/telford/ broadband as a result commitment to the firm, and as just reward we and agricultural department, as it is an area of law of the Superfast Telford were delighted to offer them a training contract. I am very passionate about”. programme. Areas to “This will allow them to put into practice all the Having spent her first few months at the benefit most recently knowledge and skills they have learnt thus far. Telford office, Emma Humphreys relocated to include parts of Lightmoor, It is gratifying to watch them progress with their Shrewsbury to join the wills and probate team. Ironbridge, Tibberton, hard work paying off as they commence the next She said: “I am delighted to have been offered

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 34 02/05/2017 11:22:59 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 35 02/05/2017 11:23:42 36 SOCIAL SCENE SOCIAL SCENE 37

Tara Beasley, Hannah Jones, Selina Schoelles and Florence Wade-Smith Samantha Harris and Simon Harris

Moreton Hall welcomed Lord Hague Beccy Theodore-Jones, Jeni Pearce, Andrew Shakeshaft and Sandra Ryan

Jackie Gurden, Katy Tanner, Richard Gurden and Anne Griffith Ana Berry, Emily Kiel, Ruth Jefferis, Melody Yang and Verity Snow William Hague at Moreton Hall

ne of the most prominent and respected politicians in a generation addressed a packed audience Rose Bubb, Gaye Moore, Sara Smith and Josie Davies photographed at Lily Mainwaring, Cicely Peers, Hannah Jones, Lord Hague, the well-attended event Tara Beasley, Martha Stewart and Verity Snow Oat Moreton Hall school for its annual business lunch. More than 600 people, including many from Shropshire’s business community and pupils from Moreton Hall, listened as Rt Hon Lord Hague of Richmond gave his views on ‘The Post-Brexit World’. Lord Hague’s speech followed a presentation given by members of Moreton Enterprises, the business venture run by Year 12 girls. In the presentation the girls outlined how the real-life business methods are seeing the group achieve a turnover of up to £50,000 each year. Lord Hague pictured at Moreton Hall’s annual business lunch Matthew Nunns and Rebecca Bowyer Christopher and Sarah Waters with Henry Carpenter Sarah Hartshorn, Mark Savill and Bethan Davies

David Young, John Simpson, Simon Long and Dominic Gascoigne Jeannie France-Hayhurst, Vivien Sutcliffe and Fiona Walters Lady Hague at the Moreton Hall event Christine Kendall and Mike Kendall pictured with Zoe Detheridge

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 36 02/05/2017 11:24:34 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 37 02/05/2017 11:25:47 36 SOCIAL SCENE SOCIAL SCENE 37

Tara Beasley, Hannah Jones, Selina Schoelles and Florence Wade-Smith Samantha Harris and Simon Harris

Moreton Hall welcomed Lord Hague Beccy Theodore-Jones, Jeni Pearce, Andrew Shakeshaft and Sandra Ryan

Jackie Gurden, Katy Tanner, Richard Gurden and Anne Griffith Ana Berry, Emily Kiel, Ruth Jefferis, Melody Yang and Verity Snow William Hague at Moreton Hall ne of the most prominent and respected politicians in a generation addressed a packed audience Rose Bubb, Gaye Moore, Sara Smith and Josie Davies photographed at Lily Mainwaring, Cicely Peers, Hannah Jones, Lord Hague, the well-attended event Tara Beasley, Martha Stewart and Verity Snow Oat Moreton Hall school for its annual business lunch. More than 600 people, including many from Shropshire’s business community and pupils from Moreton Hall, listened as Rt Hon Lord Hague of Richmond gave his views on ‘The Post-Brexit World’. Lord Hague’s speech followed a presentation given by members of Moreton Enterprises, the business venture run by Year 12 girls. In the presentation the girls outlined how the real-life business methods are seeing the group achieve a turnover of up to £50,000 each year. Lord Hague pictured at Moreton Hall’s annual business lunch Matthew Nunns and Rebecca Bowyer Christopher and Sarah Waters with Henry Carpenter Sarah Hartshorn, Mark Savill and Bethan Davies

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 36 02/05/2017 11:24:34 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 37 02/05/2017 11:25:47 38 NEWS NEWS 39

“My new book will help you to live well and Beelicious!!” – Sally Bee Beelicious

A WAY WITH MEDIA IN ASSOCIATION WITH RLN MUSIC PROUDLY PRESENTS JASON DONOVAN Seal of approval TG Builders Merchants AND HIS AMAZING MIDLIFE CRISIS

October 07 Newark Palace theatre AN EVENING OF MUSINGS, 08 Birmingham Town Hall MUSIC AND MISCHIEF! 09 Bury St Edmunds The Apex Shropshire private training provider 11 Stockport The Plaza 12 Durham Gala Theatre 17 Horsham The Capitol 18 Shanklin Shanklin Theatre

19 Harpenden Public Halls By Sally Bee has been given a resounding seal of 20 Redhill Harlequin Theatre 21 East Grinstead Chequer Mead Theatre 23 Harlow Playhouse 24 Lancaster Grand Theatre approval by Ofsted following its latest 25 New Brighton Floral Pavilion TV cook Sally Bee is the UK’s favourite healthy chef, presenting deliciously 26 Wakefield Theatre Royal nutritional recipes and lifestyle tips to the nation. Sharing the story how she 27 Winchester Theatre Royal saved her own life through 5 heart attacks and how she continues to thrive, 30 Telford Oakengates Theatre 31 Swindon Wyvern Theatre November this is the perfect book, for anyone wishing to open their eyes, mind, heart A inspection. and soul to use food, thought and movement to improve their health and November wellbeing. The journal pages invite you to add your own thoughts and 01 Milton Keynes The Stables achievements and measure your intake of health giving goodness. In-Comm Training, which operates academies in Shrewsbury 02 Harrogate Harrogate Theatre 03 Kings Lynn Corn Exchange 06 Buxton Opera House 07 Wimborne Tivoli Theatre and Aldridge, has been rated ‘outstanding’ across all areas of the 08 Weston Super Mare The Playhouse “As a human being and inspiration to us all – she is extraordinary” – The Daily Mail 09 Porthcawl Grand Pavilion 14 Gateshead The Sage “A triumphant tale of survival against all odds…” – The Daily Express business, becoming the only organisation in the county to achieve 15 Livingston Howden Park Centre 16 Stirling The Albert Hall 17 Yarm Princes Alexandra Auditorium “Sally Bee’s story is startling in its impact” – The Guardian 20 Epsom The Playhouse this level. 23 Margate Theatre Royal 27 Exeter Corn Exchange Bridgnorth, Ellesmere, Northwich, Nantwich, Oswestry, 28 Taunton Brewhouse Theatre The Grade One verdict recognises that apprentices achieve 29 Camberley Camberley Theatre Tattenhall, Welshpool, Wolverley December Seasonal Recipes and Wellness Journal 01 Lowestoft Marina Theatre Beelicious ‘outstanding’ qualifications that help prepare them for promotion 05 Southend Palace Theatre By Sally Bee We Love Great Books WWW.JASONDONOVAN.COM Foreword by Lorraine Kelly and their future career, that learners achieve high levels of Maths, English and IT and most TG Concrete Media & You poster design Paul Naylor, from Newport-based Media & You, with just a small selection Sally Bee is a regular on budding engineers secure for Jason Donovan’s UK tour of the projects he is currently working on Lorraine Kelly’s show high grades in their technical training. “To secure ‘outstanding’ rating from Ofsted is a fantastic achievement for everyone connected with the Paul has stars in his eyes business,” explained Gareth hat have TV cook Sally Bee, War Based in Newport, Paul has many years experience in Jones, joint managing journalism, having written television, travel and food reviews – and if director at In-Comm of the Worlds supremo Jeff Wayne you ever need anyone to help you with a Star Wars article, he is the Training. man. In-Comm Training has been rated and singer/actor Jason Donovan all “Over the last three ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted Aberystwyth, Bala, Bangor, Ellesmere, Newtown, Oswestry, “It has been an incredible start for Media & You,” says Paul, who years, we have worked Wgot in common? Well, for one Shropshire Porthmadog, Prees, Pwllheli, Tattenhall, Welshpool, Wrexham has a website at www.mediaandyou.co.uk tirelessly to raise the profile of vocational learning, in order to meet businessman, they have each contributed to “I feel blessed to have such a great network of friends and former the acknowledged skills gap and have put in place a number of an action-packed first few months since he colleagues who have collaborated with me on a number of exciting ambitious plans to make sure we are seen as an ‘outstanding TG Skip Hire formed his design and marketing agency. and varied projects.” provider’. Varied indeed. In addition to pulling together the recently “This includes employing the best staff and investing more Paul Naylor, a former journalist for Shropshire Newspapers and launched Shropshire Business magazine, Paul has just sent to print Express & Star, developed many skills in his time with the Midland than £1m in the latest workshop equipment, including new CNC a 256-page book containing recipes and a lifestyle journal for TV capabilities, millers, lathes, welding bays, a fluid power section and News Association. chef Sally Bee on behalf of local business A Way With Media. CAD suite. Ofsted’s ‘outstanding’ rating reinforces that what we are But, earlier this year the time was right for him to spread his Sally is a regular on Lorraine Kelly’s morning show and familiar doing is working.” wings and launch his new venture – Media & You. to many. Inspectors cited that employers play a significant role in This is Paul’s second book.His first was released late last year planning and delivering high-quality apprenticeship programmes on behalf of Michelin Star chef Stephane Borie, based at Checkers and that leaders and managers are highly responsive in meeting restaurant in Montgomery. the skills needs of the region. “Anyone who knows me, knows how much I like food. Working Bekki Phillips, joint managing director, continued: “We spent a on Sally’s and Stephane’s books certainly made me hungry.” But lot of time working with firms in our area and they all told us that there’s more to the business than that. they would invest more in training if it gave them future employees All Skip sizes: Mini Skips to 40 yd Maxi roll-on roll-off Skips Paul was commissioned to design the poster artwork for Jason ready for work.” Donovan’s forthcoming tour. “It was certainly a memorable day when I was asked to provide artwork for such a well known star.” TG Electrical And the celebrity connections don’t end there. Named best in county Next year sees the 40th anniversary of Jeff Wayne’s musical A street food café and artisan coffee shop in Shrewsbury version of War of the Worlds. Market Hall has been named the best venue of its kind in The album sold millions of copies around the globe and in Shropshire. the UK has amassed sales in excess of 2,500,000. Famed for its The Bird’s Nest Café was voted by members of the public narration by the late Richard Burton, the album artwork is instantly as the winner of the Best Independent Coffee Shop/Café in the recognisable. regional 2017 Media & You will be helping to pull together a book to mark the What’s On Awards. significant anniversary. “This award “With my love of sci-fi, this contract is a dream come true,” adds means so much to Paul. us and it’s a great He certainly likes his sci-fi. In particular Star Wars. George testimony to all Domestic, Commercial & Solar PV Contractors Lucas’s sci-fi epic celebrates its 40th anniversary this year and the hard work and Paul has just returned from a trip to Orlando where likeminded fans dedication poured gathered at Star Wars Celebration. into the business by Off the back of that trip, Paul hopes to release a book based our fantastic team TG Enviro on Celebration Orlando and archived material from Star Wars fan of staff,” said owner website www.jedinews.co.uk for which he is a contributor. Chloee Tench. The Bird’s Nest team celebrating their award, Among Media & You’s latest clients is Nock Deighton Agricultural The Bird’s Nest Elliot Jones, Chloee Tench, Georgie Trifunovic LLP. Paul will be promoting the company in print, online and via was founded in and Aaron Brown social media. 2011 by friends Aaron Brown and Victor Deng, from Birmingham, He is also working with a media partner on behalf of Seymour who had run a cafe together in the French Alps. International of Shifnal on a range of product materials. Aaron took over the running of the Bird’s Nest on his own a Prior to leaving the Midland News Association, Paul was the couple of years later and expanded the business, and Chloee took designer and editor of Business Matters for Shropshire Chamber over the running of the café last year. of Commerce having already been involved for many years with Market Hall facilities manager Kate Gittins said: “The Bird’s Nest Prosper magazine for the Black Country Chamber of Commerce. has been an enormous asset to the Market Hall and it has done a During his time with the Midland News Association, he also great deal to raise the profile of the market over the years. It has Waste Management & Renewable Energy designed Made in the Midlands magazine. been a joy to watch the rise of their success.”

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 38 02/05/2017 11:27:17 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 39 02/05/2017 11:28:45

Tel: 01691 626262 www.tggroup.co.uk 38 NEWS NEWS 39

“My new book will help you to live well and Beelicious!!” – Sally Bee Beelicious

A WAY WITH MEDIA IN ASSOCIATION WITH RLN MUSIC PROUDLY PRESENTS JASON DONOVAN Seal of approval TG Builders Merchants AND HIS AMAZING MIDLIFE CRISIS

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 38 02/05/2017 11:27:17 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 39 02/05/2017 11:28:45

Tel: 01691 626262 www.tggroup.co.uk 40 FARMING FARMING 41 Global interest for auction High demand for quality, well maintained Holland T6 175, which sold to an Irish buyer, tractors, machinery and implements resulted £35,500 for a 2001 Claas Medion 320 combine Applying for funds in a north Shropshire farm dispersal auction harvester, which sold to a Yorkshire buyer, attracting a worldwide internet audience. £28,500 for a Manitou MLT 627 loadall, £27,000 hropshire farmers and Buyers from as far away as New Zealand, for a McCormick XTX 145 Xtraspeed tractor, land managers can now Eastern Europe, Ireland and across the UK all £20,000 for a New Holland TS 115 tractor, which apply for funding under bought lots at the successful auction held by sold to Yorkshire and £14,000 for a 2005 12 The 2013 New Holland T6 175 SCountryside Stewardship, a auctioneers Halls at Coton Farm, Ruyton-X1- tonne grain dryer, which sold to North Yorkshire. Towns, Nesscliffe, near Shrewsbury. Nick Hyne from Halls, said the auction county surveyor has advised. The auction followed a change in farming attracted great online interest via i-bidder, with Countryside Stewardship is a targeted policy by Mr Neville Jones, whose family has two lots selling to New Zealand and others going scheme which funds projects that restore farmed in Ruyton-X1-Towns since 1954. to Poland, other Eastern European countries habitats, improve water quality and woodland, A range of tractors, vehicles, trailers, and Ireland. reduce flood risk, protect landscapes and harvesting and cultivation equipment, most of “This auction demonstrated the strength of provide food and shelter for pollinators, birds which had been purchased from new and had the current market for used farm machinery of and other wildlife, explained Vicky Price of rural been regularly serviced and maintained, went all types,” he added. “We are delighted with the surveyors Berrys. under the hammer. international interest and the excellent prices “Natural England has improved the 2001 Claas Medion 320 Combine application process this year to make it Top prices were £38,500 for a 2013 New achieved for Mr Jones.” easier to apply, including simplifying evidence requirements for claims and applications Mid Tier application packs must be requested by July 31, with applications to then be wherever possible and offering additional submitted by September 30, 2017 support and advice,” she said. “The funding will be offered to those who propose to make the Those thinking of applying for the Higher Tier will need to best environmental improvements within their local area. have submitted an initial application by May 5, 2017. Higher Tier ‘Green accolade’ “The Mid Tier of Countryside Stewardship offers five-year application packs must have been requested by April 13, allowing agreements for environmental improvements in the wider Natural England to send out the maps and evidence requirements in countryside, such as reducing diffuse water pollution or improving the time for farmers and land managers to develop their application. environment for birds, pollinators and farm wildlife. Mid Tier application packs must be requested by 31 July with “Higher Tier specifically focuses on environmentally important applications to be submitted by September 30, 2017. sites, including commons and woodlands, where the more complex Natural England will contact everyone who has a Higher Level management requires support from Natural England or the Forestry Stewardship or Entry Level Stewardship agreement expiring this year for a farmer’s work Commission, including tailoring of options.” to let them know which scheme they will be most suited to. Shropshire farmer has been awarded a ‘green accolade’ for Tenancy update from rural surveyor hisA environmental work, James Neame FAAV, is a rural surveyor for Nock Deighton Agricultural LLP, based in Tasley, Bridgnorth. He specialises in which includes exporting Landlord and Tenant matters, compensation claims and compulsory enough energy to power purchase. his neighbouring 500-home Here, James provides his latest tenancy update. Rent Review? Plan ahead! village. Neil Furniss of ME Furniss & Sons, With pressure on farm incomes over recent years, rent reviews of Edgmond, near Newport, received of both Agricultural Holdings Act 1986 and Agricultural Tenancies the endorsement after an independent Act 1995 (FBTs) have been few and far between. We saw rent assessment of the farm. review notices being served and later withdrawn by landlords and Environmental measurement company the agricultural industry fell upon harder times. This extended the Credibly Green completed the study at rent review periods beyond the common three year cycle. This the 410-hectare site which is given over to longer period of a static rent is then something to be cautious of arable farming and pig breeding. when a rent review does occur. Some Agricultural Holdings Act ”We have issued the farm with a ‘green tenants were even successful in having a rent reduction. stamp’ meaning that it has been audited With a minimum of 12 months’ notice required to instigate a for the environmental impact of its waste rent review, Landlords may well be thinking about serving a notice management operations and energy use,” between now and the 29th September allowing the rent to be said Paul Frith, director of Bridgnorth-based reviewed from September 2018. With the uncertainty of commodity Credibly Green. “The business is taking prices, and the continuing unknown that Brexit is bringing, it would substantial strides towards reducing its be a guessing exercise to predict what rental values will be in 18 carbon footprint by exporting substantial Cath Edwards of Credibly Green with Neil Furniss of M E Furniss & Sons of Edgmond months’ time. However, it is best to plan ahead and consider the amounts of electricity to the National carbon renewable energy – exporting a electricity to power our local village!” impact that a change in rent would have on your farming business. Grid from its renewable energy projects If it was to rise, could you sustain the additional outgoing? With James Neame FAAV, rural surveyor for Nock Deighton Agricultural LLP total of 2,869,141kWh to the National Grid Paul Frith added: “With recent – this accolade is a way of showing the via their solar photovoltaic panels and intensification of farming practices across rents not having been reviewed for a number of years, it is likely New FBT? How about a Brexit clause? community, suppliers, contractors and staff anaerobic digestion plant. the UK, environmental awareness is key to that there will be some increases for Farm Business Tenancy rents. If you are currently in negotiations about a new Farm Business that it is committed to the environment.” Fertiliser application was the largest promoting responsible and sustainable land Our advice is to not presume that rents will remain static and to Tenancy, or likely to be entering into a new agreement, it may be Using industry standard data, and a contributor to annual emissions, followed by management. ensure that you have a plan in place if rents do rise. worth discussing the inclusion of a “Brexit clause”. bespoke carbon toolkit, Credibly Green A new way to work out your rent This is a clause in the agreement that can result in a change to examined the carbon emissions equivalent fuel consumption. “ME Furniss & Sons identified that The Agricultural Tenancies Act 1995 allows for freedom of either rights or obligations of the parties dependent upon an event of the farm in terms of electricity, water, Neil Furniss explained that he used there were ways to offset the carbon contract between the landlord and tenant. This means that the or action caused by Brexit. The clause would detail a potential fuel, waste and recycling activity between digestate from the AD plant to replace other impact of their fertiliser application and fuel normal rent review procedure of following market rents need not Brexit related event and the changes to the contractual obligations January 2016 and January 2017. fertiliser, reducing environmental impact. consumption by generating electricity from apply. A more creative rent formula could be implemented that could or rights as a consequence. Data showed it was exporting enough “We are delighted with the results of renewable energy sources. suit both parties reflecting the statutory rent formula that was in This can provide protection against a potentially adverse renewable energy to the grid to power 600 the report, which show a total net saving of “They are continuing to take steps place in the 1986 Act. This could be on a commodity price basis so impact of Brexit. With this comes the challenge of being able to homes, after supplying its own domestic and 605 tonnes of carbon, and we will continue to measure and understand the key that the rent payable was linked to the price of cereals, for example. predetermine the potential consequences of Brexit and at this agricultural buildings and facilities. our good work now that we have official impacts of their own operations and will be If you are entering into a new tenancy agreement, it may be worth stage, it may be too early to say. However, as Brexit negotiations The farm consumed 746,757kWh of accreditation of our environmental efforts. It advocates of change within nearby farming negotiating the terms on which the rent will be reviewed. progress, it may be worth bearing in mind. electricity – much of which was low or zero is amazing to think that we generate enough communities.”

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 40 02/05/2017 11:32:09 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 41 02/05/2017 11:32:18 40 FARMING FARMING 41 Global interest for auction High demand for quality, well maintained Holland T6 175, which sold to an Irish buyer, tractors, machinery and implements resulted £35,500 for a 2001 Claas Medion 320 combine Applying for funds in a north Shropshire farm dispersal auction harvester, which sold to a Yorkshire buyer, attracting a worldwide internet audience. £28,500 for a Manitou MLT 627 loadall, £27,000 hropshire farmers and Buyers from as far away as New Zealand, for a McCormick XTX 145 Xtraspeed tractor, land managers can now Eastern Europe, Ireland and across the UK all £20,000 for a New Holland TS 115 tractor, which apply for funding under bought lots at the successful auction held by sold to Yorkshire and £14,000 for a 2005 12 The 2013 New Holland T6 175 SCountryside Stewardship, a auctioneers Halls at Coton Farm, Ruyton-X1- tonne grain dryer, which sold to North Yorkshire. Towns, Nesscliffe, near Shrewsbury. Nick Hyne from Halls, said the auction county surveyor has advised. The auction followed a change in farming attracted great online interest via i-bidder, with Countryside Stewardship is a targeted policy by Mr Neville Jones, whose family has two lots selling to New Zealand and others going scheme which funds projects that restore farmed in Ruyton-X1-Towns since 1954. to Poland, other Eastern European countries habitats, improve water quality and woodland, A range of tractors, vehicles, trailers, and Ireland. reduce flood risk, protect landscapes and harvesting and cultivation equipment, most of “This auction demonstrated the strength of provide food and shelter for pollinators, birds which had been purchased from new and had the current market for used farm machinery of and other wildlife, explained Vicky Price of rural been regularly serviced and maintained, went all types,” he added. “We are delighted with the surveyors Berrys. under the hammer. international interest and the excellent prices “Natural England has improved the 2001 Claas Medion 320 Combine application process this year to make it Top prices were £38,500 for a 2013 New achieved for Mr Jones.” easier to apply, including simplifying evidence requirements for claims and applications Mid Tier application packs must be requested by July 31, with applications to then be wherever possible and offering additional submitted by September 30, 2017 support and advice,” she said. “The funding will be offered to those who propose to make the Those thinking of applying for the Higher Tier will need to best environmental improvements within their local area. have submitted an initial application by May 5, 2017. Higher Tier ‘Green accolade’ “The Mid Tier of Countryside Stewardship offers five-year application packs must have been requested by April 13, allowing agreements for environmental improvements in the wider Natural England to send out the maps and evidence requirements in countryside, such as reducing diffuse water pollution or improving the time for farmers and land managers to develop their application. environment for birds, pollinators and farm wildlife. Mid Tier application packs must be requested by 31 July with “Higher Tier specifically focuses on environmentally important applications to be submitted by September 30, 2017. sites, including commons and woodlands, where the more complex Natural England will contact everyone who has a Higher Level management requires support from Natural England or the Forestry Stewardship or Entry Level Stewardship agreement expiring this year for a farmer’s work Commission, including tailoring of options.” to let them know which scheme they will be most suited to. Shropshire farmer has been awarded a ‘green accolade’ for Tenancy update from rural surveyor hisA environmental work, James Neame FAAV, is a rural surveyor for Nock Deighton Agricultural LLP, based in Tasley, Bridgnorth. He specialises in which includes exporting Landlord and Tenant matters, compensation claims and compulsory enough energy to power purchase. his neighbouring 500-home Here, James provides his latest tenancy update. Rent Review? Plan ahead! village. Neil Furniss of ME Furniss & Sons, With pressure on farm incomes over recent years, rent reviews of Edgmond, near Newport, received of both Agricultural Holdings Act 1986 and Agricultural Tenancies the endorsement after an independent Act 1995 (FBTs) have been few and far between. We saw rent assessment of the farm. review notices being served and later withdrawn by landlords and Environmental measurement company the agricultural industry fell upon harder times. This extended the Credibly Green completed the study at rent review periods beyond the common three year cycle. This the 410-hectare site which is given over to longer period of a static rent is then something to be cautious of arable farming and pig breeding. when a rent review does occur. Some Agricultural Holdings Act ”We have issued the farm with a ‘green tenants were even successful in having a rent reduction. stamp’ meaning that it has been audited With a minimum of 12 months’ notice required to instigate a for the environmental impact of its waste rent review, Landlords may well be thinking about serving a notice management operations and energy use,” between now and the 29th September allowing the rent to be said Paul Frith, director of Bridgnorth-based reviewed from September 2018. With the uncertainty of commodity Credibly Green. “The business is taking prices, and the continuing unknown that Brexit is bringing, it would substantial strides towards reducing its be a guessing exercise to predict what rental values will be in 18 carbon footprint by exporting substantial Cath Edwards of Credibly Green with Neil Furniss of M E Furniss & Sons of Edgmond months’ time. However, it is best to plan ahead and consider the amounts of electricity to the National carbon renewable energy – exporting a electricity to power our local village!” impact that a change in rent would have on your farming business. Grid from its renewable energy projects If it was to rise, could you sustain the additional outgoing? With James Neame FAAV, rural surveyor for Nock Deighton Agricultural LLP total of 2,869,141kWh to the National Grid Paul Frith added: “With recent – this accolade is a way of showing the via their solar photovoltaic panels and intensification of farming practices across rents not having been reviewed for a number of years, it is likely New FBT? How about a Brexit clause? community, suppliers, contractors and staff anaerobic digestion plant. the UK, environmental awareness is key to that there will be some increases for Farm Business Tenancy rents. If you are currently in negotiations about a new Farm Business that it is committed to the environment.” Fertiliser application was the largest promoting responsible and sustainable land Our advice is to not presume that rents will remain static and to Tenancy, or likely to be entering into a new agreement, it may be Using industry standard data, and a contributor to annual emissions, followed by management. ensure that you have a plan in place if rents do rise. worth discussing the inclusion of a “Brexit clause”. bespoke carbon toolkit, Credibly Green A new way to work out your rent This is a clause in the agreement that can result in a change to examined the carbon emissions equivalent fuel consumption. “ME Furniss & Sons identified that The Agricultural Tenancies Act 1995 allows for freedom of either rights or obligations of the parties dependent upon an event of the farm in terms of electricity, water, Neil Furniss explained that he used there were ways to offset the carbon contract between the landlord and tenant. This means that the or action caused by Brexit. The clause would detail a potential fuel, waste and recycling activity between digestate from the AD plant to replace other impact of their fertiliser application and fuel normal rent review procedure of following market rents need not Brexit related event and the changes to the contractual obligations January 2016 and January 2017. fertiliser, reducing environmental impact. consumption by generating electricity from apply. A more creative rent formula could be implemented that could or rights as a consequence. Data showed it was exporting enough “We are delighted with the results of renewable energy sources. suit both parties reflecting the statutory rent formula that was in This can provide protection against a potentially adverse renewable energy to the grid to power 600 the report, which show a total net saving of “They are continuing to take steps place in the 1986 Act. This could be on a commodity price basis so impact of Brexit. With this comes the challenge of being able to homes, after supplying its own domestic and 605 tonnes of carbon, and we will continue to measure and understand the key that the rent payable was linked to the price of cereals, for example. predetermine the potential consequences of Brexit and at this agricultural buildings and facilities. our good work now that we have official impacts of their own operations and will be If you are entering into a new tenancy agreement, it may be worth stage, it may be too early to say. However, as Brexit negotiations The farm consumed 746,757kWh of accreditation of our environmental efforts. It advocates of change within nearby farming negotiating the terms on which the rent will be reviewed. progress, it may be worth bearing in mind. electricity – much of which was low or zero is amazing to think that we generate enough communities.”

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 40 02/05/2017 11:32:09 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 41 02/05/2017 11:32:18 42 FARMING FARMING 43 Charlotte scores the highest in UK Chartered surveyor Charlotte Rogerson Bristol in June and her name will be submitted is being put forward for a special award after to the Royal Agricultural Society of England gaining the highest mark across the UK in her for the Talbot Ponsonby prize for agricultural professional examinations. valuation. Charlotte, a rural chartered surveyor “I am absolutely delighted and proud to at Berrys in Shrewsbury, secured the achieve this accolade,” said Charlotte. “It highest mark across all three parts of her makes the hard work and revision before the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers exams all the more worthwhile.” examinations. Charlotte, a graduate of Harper Adams She will now be offered free attendance University near Newport, joined Berrys in 2014 Iain Morrison and John Amos Richard Connolly and Simon Brown at the conference day of the national CAAV as a qualified RICS surveyor after working as a annual meeting and conference being held at rural surveyor in the north of England. Chartered surveyor Charlotte Rogerson Experts at seminar Putting Robocut ore than 70 people attended an annual farming Mseminar in Ludlow, one of the most popular through its paces fixtures in the town’s rural business calendar. n all-terrain remote control Held at Ludlow Kitchen, the event slope mower produced by an was hosted by Midland law firm mfg award-winning Ludlow company Solicitors and the Country Land & Ahas been put through its paces in Business Association, with a variety of presentations covering topics challenging terrain at one of the north of including succession, taxation, rights England’s most stunning beauty spots. of way and the possible impact of Robocut, from McConnel, was armed with a fixed-tooth Brexit on current decision making. forestry flailhead, one of 22 different working attachments The seminar was chaired by available, giving it versatility and turning it into a true multi- Iain Morrison, partner and head purpose work platform. of the firm’s agricultural and rural Capable of working on slopes up to 55 degrees, Robocut affairs division. He said: “Our enables safe, fast working in hazardous, hard-to-reach and Ludlow farming seminar is always restricted access sites. well attended and attracts farmers, It has proven itself in a wide variety of hostile terrains landowners and land professionals from mountains in Scandinavia to jungles in Papua New from across Shropshire, Wales and Guinea and can be found working in more than 20 countries the West Midlands. around the world. “It was their opportunity to hear first-hand from experts about key Meanwhile, McConnel’s new Italian distributor Agrimec di Robocut is put through its paces Crosetto Elio e c. snc has successfully showcased the latest challenges in the rural sector and Power Arm technology at one of Italy’s most influential trade how to overcome them.” shows – attracting interest from hundreds of farmers and Guests were treated to a drinks contractors and opening up a new market for the Shropshire reception and buffet which included firm local produce. Mark Riches, Alexandra Phillips and Dawn Utting Appointed as McConnel’s Power Arm distributor in the country, Crosetto put the spotlight on the PA6565T at the National Fair of Agricultural Mechanisation at Savigliano, and were impressed with the buzz the machine generated. Crosetto ‘s export manager Fabio Alessio said: “The quality of the PA6565T grabbed a lot of attention. Official launch for offices “We have already been asked to quote for orders by The NFU Mutual Welshpool team has outgrown our existing premises so were and airy office space which now includes a potential customers. moved into new, larger office space in the looking for a larger office space. conference room, four private offices and a “It was certainly a very promising show debut.” Based in the Piedmont city of Marene, Crosetto heart of the town. “The project has been in planning large kitchen area with storage space. manufactures trailers, dumpers, manure and slurry spreaders After six years at its former office in for almost 2 years and now I’m thrilled to Stephen Kenyon added: “We will be and operates as a major dealer for some of Italy’s top Puzzle Square, the opportunity arose for announce the doors are officially open for able to host more events, seminars and agricultural brands. the business to expand and take up the business.” workshops for our policyholders and NFU McConnel export manager Edward Hall said: “We are larger space on the main route way through Planned Office Interiors were tasked members.” delighted to team up with Crosetto and be able to work the town – where the old Spar used to with the 12 week project to renovate the An official open event is being planned together with the company to create new opportunities in a be located. Senior agent at NFU Mutual existing 290sqm ground floor space at 20 to launch the new premises for NFU Mutual McConnel makes waves at a top Italian show successful agricultural market.” Welshpool, Stephen Kenyon, said: “We had Church Street, to create a large, modern Welshpool, on July 20.

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 42 02/05/2017 11:33:32 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 43 02/05/2017 11:35:14 42 FARMING FARMING 43 Charlotte scores the highest in UK Chartered surveyor Charlotte Rogerson Bristol in June and her name will be submitted is being put forward for a special award after to the Royal Agricultural Society of England gaining the highest mark across the UK in her for the Talbot Ponsonby prize for agricultural professional examinations. valuation. Charlotte, a rural chartered surveyor “I am absolutely delighted and proud to at Berrys in Shrewsbury, secured the achieve this accolade,” said Charlotte. “It highest mark across all three parts of her makes the hard work and revision before the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers exams all the more worthwhile.” examinations. Charlotte, a graduate of Harper Adams She will now be offered free attendance University near Newport, joined Berrys in 2014 Iain Morrison and John Amos Richard Connolly and Simon Brown at the conference day of the national CAAV as a qualified RICS surveyor after working as a annual meeting and conference being held at rural surveyor in the north of England. Chartered surveyor Charlotte Rogerson Experts at seminar Putting Robocut ore than 70 people attended an annual farming Mseminar in Ludlow, one of the most popular through its paces fixtures in the town’s rural business calendar. n all-terrain remote control Held at Ludlow Kitchen, the event slope mower produced by an was hosted by Midland law firm mfg award-winning Ludlow company Solicitors and the Country Land & Ahas been put through its paces in Business Association, with a variety of presentations covering topics challenging terrain at one of the north of including succession, taxation, rights England’s most stunning beauty spots. of way and the possible impact of Robocut, from McConnel, was armed with a fixed-tooth Brexit on current decision making. forestry flailhead, one of 22 different working attachments The seminar was chaired by available, giving it versatility and turning it into a true multi- Iain Morrison, partner and head purpose work platform. of the firm’s agricultural and rural Capable of working on slopes up to 55 degrees, Robocut affairs division. He said: “Our enables safe, fast working in hazardous, hard-to-reach and Ludlow farming seminar is always restricted access sites. well attended and attracts farmers, It has proven itself in a wide variety of hostile terrains landowners and land professionals from mountains in Scandinavia to jungles in Papua New from across Shropshire, Wales and Guinea and can be found working in more than 20 countries the West Midlands. around the world. “It was their opportunity to hear first-hand from experts about key Meanwhile, McConnel’s new Italian distributor Agrimec di Robocut is put through its paces Crosetto Elio e c. snc has successfully showcased the latest challenges in the rural sector and Power Arm technology at one of Italy’s most influential trade how to overcome them.” shows – attracting interest from hundreds of farmers and Guests were treated to a drinks contractors and opening up a new market for the Shropshire reception and buffet which included firm local produce. Mark Riches, Alexandra Phillips and Dawn Utting Appointed as McConnel’s Power Arm distributor in the country, Crosetto put the spotlight on the PA6565T at the National Fair of Agricultural Mechanisation at Savigliano, and were impressed with the buzz the machine generated. Crosetto ‘s export manager Fabio Alessio said: “The quality of the PA6565T grabbed a lot of attention. Official launch for offices “We have already been asked to quote for orders by The NFU Mutual Welshpool team has outgrown our existing premises so were and airy office space which now includes a potential customers. moved into new, larger office space in the looking for a larger office space. conference room, four private offices and a “It was certainly a very promising show debut.” Based in the Piedmont city of Marene, Crosetto heart of the town. “The project has been in planning large kitchen area with storage space. manufactures trailers, dumpers, manure and slurry spreaders After six years at its former office in for almost 2 years and now I’m thrilled to Stephen Kenyon added: “We will be and operates as a major dealer for some of Italy’s top Puzzle Square, the opportunity arose for announce the doors are officially open for able to host more events, seminars and agricultural brands. the business to expand and take up the business.” workshops for our policyholders and NFU McConnel export manager Edward Hall said: “We are larger space on the main route way through Planned Office Interiors were tasked members.” delighted to team up with Crosetto and be able to work the town – where the old Spar used to with the 12 week project to renovate the An official open event is being planned together with the company to create new opportunities in a be located. Senior agent at NFU Mutual existing 290sqm ground floor space at 20 to launch the new premises for NFU Mutual McConnel makes waves at a top Italian show successful agricultural market.” Welshpool, Stephen Kenyon, said: “We had Church Street, to create a large, modern Welshpool, on July 20.

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 42 02/05/2017 11:33:32 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 43 02/05/2017 11:35:14 Mortimers Solicitors NEWS 45 Family and Employment Big question – how Law Specialists much do you earn? By Chris Austin offering expert advice when you need it most t’s the question that dare not speak its name. “How much are you on?” I Money is the great office taboo. It’s the Ann Vowles, whose areas of expertise include conversation that we never, ever have, no matter how well we get along with other colleagues. Advanced Financial Provision and Children Law Matters Such questions as: “What does he/ With over 20 years of experience she earn?” Or: “Did they get a raise during Ancillary Relief Cases the annual salary review?” habitually go dealing with complex matrimonial unasked. They are considered crass and cases in Shropshire, Herefordshire (financial) impolite, impolitic and intrusive. and across the country, Ann is Margaret Murray, a company director an accredited Specialist Family with a regional public relations firm, says: “People just don’t like talking about money. Law Lawyer by Resolution and a Divorce & Separation “They feel uncomfortable and member of the Law Society Family compromised. Most people believe what’s Law Panel. in a pay packet is strictly between them and the cashiers.” And yet such secrecy leads to all Co-habitee Disputes manner of misconceptions. The absence Contact Ann at Mortimers’ of clarity leads to supposition and, as most Hereford office on 01432 355572 people know, presumption is the root of all ignorance. or the Bridgnorth office on So we imagine journalists are really 01746 761000 or email: Private Law Children Matters well paid, when, in fact, their earnings are People dramatically underestimate how much train drivers earn, according to research [email protected] considerably less than the annual national salary. We suppose plumbers are coining it Experienced Employment Law experts Christopher Waters and Joanne Briscoe in by charging excessive call-out charges, high hourly rates and inflated charges for specialise in all aspects of Employment Law including: working anti-social hours. And yet, like journalists, plumbers earn far lower wages than most imagine. Disputes from boardroom At the other end of the scale, we level to ‘the shop floor’ inaccurately assume head teachers earn comfortable salaries and train drivers are modestly remunerated. Both, in fact, are far better paid than we might imagine. Exit Arrangements New research reveals people think solicitors earn 20% more than their actual salary, that we think teachers earn 7% more than they actually do, and that the only professions that we accurately guess are Settlement Agreements those of nurses, administrators and chief executives. Such statistics are all the more remarkable when research shows that 68% Redundancy Issues & of workers in Shropshire say an increased salary is the most important factor for Employment Tribunals changing careers. Tom Price, the owner of a plastering Contact Christopher and Joanne at Mortimers’ Bridgnorth office on 01746 761000 and building company in Telford, says the [email protected] // [email protected] figures are no surprise. “People imagine those in certain trades are coining it in. The reality is frequently very different. They’re simply trying to earn a decent wage.” According to a new poll of more than found that money is the biggest motivator came to choosing a new career or job role, behind changing careers, followed by better this figure increased to 68% - suggesting 65 Whitburn Street, Bridgnorth WV16 4QP // 01746 761000 2,000 by Oxford Open Learning, our perceptions are frequently wildly inaccurate. working hours and personal interest. that monetary incentives are key for Windsor House, Windsor Place, Shrewsbury SY1 2BY // 01743 298629 Of the fifteen professions surveyed, “However, the results of this survey choosing a new career. ten of their annual salaries were over- show Brits are overestimating the salaries “Changing careers seems to pay off; 15 King Street, Hereford HR4 9BX // 01432 355572 estimated. earned by many professions. over a third of workers polled that had Dr Nick Smith, courses director and “Among British workers, over half said moved to a new job role said they had an founder of Oxford Open Learning Trust, that salary was an important factor when increase in salary after the first year of their www.mortimers-solicitors.co.uk said: “A previous study we carried out they chose their current job role. When it new career.”

MortimersShropshire advert Business for MagShropshire Issue 4.indd Business 44 2017.indd 1 02/05/201705/01/2017 11:36:27 10:52 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 45 02/05/2017 11:36:50 Mortimers Solicitors NEWS 45 Family and Employment Big question – how Law Specialists much do you earn? By Chris Austin offering expert advice when you need it most t’s the question that dare not speak its name. “How much are you on?” I Money is the great office taboo. It’s the Ann Vowles, whose areas of expertise include conversation that we never, ever have, no matter how well we get along with other colleagues. Advanced Financial Provision and Children Law Matters Such questions as: “What does he/ With over 20 years of experience she earn?” Or: “Did they get a raise during Ancillary Relief Cases the annual salary review?” habitually go dealing with complex matrimonial unasked. They are considered crass and cases in Shropshire, Herefordshire (financial) impolite, impolitic and intrusive. and across the country, Ann is Margaret Murray, a company director an accredited Specialist Family with a regional public relations firm, says: “People just don’t like talking about money. Law Lawyer by Resolution and a Divorce & Separation “They feel uncomfortable and member of the Law Society Family compromised. Most people believe what’s Law Panel. in a pay packet is strictly between them and the cashiers.” And yet such secrecy leads to all Co-habitee Disputes manner of misconceptions. The absence Contact Ann at Mortimers’ of clarity leads to supposition and, as most Hereford office on 01432 355572 people know, presumption is the root of all ignorance. or the Bridgnorth office on So we imagine journalists are really 01746 761000 or email: Private Law Children Matters well paid, when, in fact, their earnings are People dramatically underestimate how much train drivers earn, according to research [email protected] considerably less than the annual national salary. We suppose plumbers are coining it Experienced Employment Law experts Christopher Waters and Joanne Briscoe in by charging excessive call-out charges, high hourly rates and inflated charges for specialise in all aspects of Employment Law including: working anti-social hours. And yet, like journalists, plumbers earn far lower wages than most imagine. Disputes from boardroom At the other end of the scale, we level to ‘the shop floor’ inaccurately assume head teachers earn comfortable salaries and train drivers are modestly remunerated. Both, in fact, are far better paid than we might imagine. Exit Arrangements New research reveals people think solicitors earn 20% more than their actual salary, that we think teachers earn 7% more than they actually do, and that the only professions that we accurately guess are Settlement Agreements those of nurses, administrators and chief executives. Such statistics are all the more remarkable when research shows that 68% Redundancy Issues & of workers in Shropshire say an increased salary is the most important factor for Employment Tribunals changing careers. Tom Price, the owner of a plastering Contact Christopher and Joanne at Mortimers’ Bridgnorth office on 01746 761000 and building company in Telford, says the [email protected] // [email protected] figures are no surprise. “People imagine those in certain trades are coining it in. The reality is frequently very different. They’re simply trying to earn a decent wage.” According to a new poll of more than found that money is the biggest motivator came to choosing a new career or job role, behind changing careers, followed by better this figure increased to 68% - suggesting 65 Whitburn Street, Bridgnorth WV16 4QP // 01746 761000 2,000 by Oxford Open Learning, our perceptions are frequently wildly inaccurate. working hours and personal interest. that monetary incentives are key for Windsor House, Windsor Place, Shrewsbury SY1 2BY // 01743 298629 Of the fifteen professions surveyed, “However, the results of this survey choosing a new career. ten of their annual salaries were over- show Brits are overestimating the salaries “Changing careers seems to pay off; 15 King Street, Hereford HR4 9BX // 01432 355572 estimated. earned by many professions. over a third of workers polled that had Dr Nick Smith, courses director and “Among British workers, over half said moved to a new job role said they had an founder of Oxford Open Learning Trust, that salary was an important factor when increase in salary after the first year of their www.mortimers-solicitors.co.uk said: “A previous study we carried out they chose their current job role. When it new career.”

Joint celebration – the 2017 BCA winners and highly-commended businesses pictured together Master of ceremonies Carl Jones, editor of Shropshire Business Ashleigh Exley-Porter, Kingswood Learning Leisure, with MD Warriors team Children’s businesses celebrated in county he fourth annual Shropshire Penny Hustwick, of ABC Day Nursery, and Su Wigley, of Su Wigley Childminding, A selection of the finalists pictured with Businesses For Children Stuart Fleming, of The Park Inn by Radisson and Shirley Davies of Yarrington Scott Bird, of Wolverhampton Grand Awards were held at the TPark Inn hotel in Telford. Shropshire’s top children’s businesses were recognised in 13 categories for the support, education and services and products they provide for children and young people. Winners included Su Wigley Childminding, Baby Bird Café, Baby Sensory Shropshire, Simply Magical Photography, Jungleland, MD Warriors, Headstart, Kieran Edwards of Wrekin Riders, Shropshire Kids Festival, ABC Day Nursery, Baby Ballet, and Diddy Rugby. There were also commended certificates for four businesses – Chatty World, Fidget Pie for Kidstrapp, Shropshire Event Nannies, and Excitim. Guests raised more than £680 on the night, which went to the winning charity, Home-Start Telford & Wrekin, and a former winner of the BBC’s Young Apprentice, Ashleigh Porter-Exley, was guest speaker. Entries are already open for the 2018 Rhian Hickley, Headstart, with Elizabeth Kieran Edwards, of Wrekin Riders, with Tony and Carol Sharp of Simply Magical Photography with competition – see www.bcawards.co.uk for details Wilkinson, Dyslexic Dyslexia Consultant Christine Oliver, of MGP Accountants Phil Gadsby of Memo Office

Louise Howard from Lanyon Bowdler pictured The team from Wroxeter Hotel which Leila Campbell, of Baby Ballet with John Andrea McDonald of University Centre Shrewsbury presents an Speech – BBC Young Apprentice Dave Williams from headline here with Craig Howard sponsored the tables Smallman of Vehicle Glass Conversions award to the team from Shropshire Kids Festival winner Ashleigh Porter-Exley sponsors, Henshalls

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 46 02/05/2017 11:37:19 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 47 02/05/2017 11:37:48 46 NEWS NEWS 47

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 46 02/05/2017 11:37:19 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 47 02/05/2017 11:37:48 48 EXPORT EXPORT 49 Tannery sending products overseas Beyond the Eurozone A Shropshire tannery that manufactures Bradley said: “There’s no doubt that The majority of small to medium-sized firms are planning leather gardening products is aiming for without DIT’s help, we wouldn’t be in the to enter new markets in the next two years and of these, more new markets after winning new clients at a markets we are in today. We’ve been able are planning to look beyond the Eurozone for new trade than global trade show. to attend shows in USA, Canada and Bridgnorth-based Bradley’s Tannery, Japan, thanks to its financial help. within it. founded by Bradley Burn in 1984, has seen “As a very small, niche manufacturer, That’s the result of a study by Albion Ventures, one of the exports grow from just five per cent 20 these are huge outlays but you have to be largest independent venture capital investors in the UK. years ago to 85 per cent today. there, so having access to expert help and In Shropshire and the rest of the West Midlands, it says Bradley credits the recent upsurge in funding is vital if we are to compete with 53% of SMEs are likely to enter new markets in the next two exports to the expert advice and support he larger companies. Going to the Ambiente years. received from Department for International show not only gave us many new leads to Despite being the UK’s largest overseas trading partner, Exports of Bradley’s products are 85 per cent Trade West Midlands advisors with helping pursue, we also signed up new customers, more than one in five SMEs are planning to do more trade with him to expand his global reach. gloves, secateurs pouches, arm protectors, which is great.” countries outside the EU over the next two years compared to Working with the Shropshire DIT team, aprons and tool carriers, is widely sold Richard Smith, head of the DIT 16% who are targeting the single market. he secured funding to attend the Ambiente around the world, with Far East markets international trade team in Shropshire, who The report shows that appetite among SMEs to target new Show in Frankfurt, the world’s biggest including Japan and Taiwan. Germany and has advised Bradley’s Tannery for a number overseas markets since the Brexit vote has grown from 34% consumer goods show, in February 2017. Austria account for about 60 per cent of its of years, said: “It’s great news that Bradley in 2015 to 37%, significantly more than those who are focused Having already signed up at least a dozen European sales. has secured new customers and has other on expanding domestically. A further 13% of small businesses new customers as a result of attending the The company, which counts British leads to pursue after the trade show in plan to grow through launching new products and improving show, he is now following up leads from royal houses, Selfridges and Liberty among Germany. His is a very small Shropshire their online services. retailers in new markets overseas. its customers, prides itself on using only company that makes high quality goods for In sector terms, more than three-quarters of transportation Bradley’s Tannery curries leather to turn leather from the UK for its goods and a number of niche markets, so the fact that Chris Powell, managing director of Fabdec firms are planning to enter new markets, the highest of any into a wide range of goods, such as bags, employs six people at its Stanley Lane it is stocked in retail stores around the world sector. Manufacturing businesses (75%) and the tech sector gloves and hats. Its gardening collection of workshop, who handmake all the products. is something to be proud of.” (72%) were second and third respectively. Patrick Reeve, managing partner at Albion Ventures, said: “The good news is that most SMEs plan to grow by tapping Explore the into new markets. Given the uncertainty of our long-term trading relationship with the single market, policymakers will be pleased that small businesses are increasingly looking beyond the Eurozone for new overseas growth opportunities. Stand-by for music “For businesses that get it right, conquering new markets globe with can have a transformational impact.” craftsman who makes handmade and bespoke oak guitar stands and racks is hitting the right notes in a global Pro-business Brexit marketA after launching into overseas trade a specialist with the support of a Shropshire shipping hropshire manufacturer Fabdec is specialist. breaking into new export markets as Andy Bennett, who runs StandMade from a family workshop at Maws Craft Centre near Ironbridge, has secured orders from as far it builds on an already strong track afield as Japan and Canada since teaming up with exporter Global Srecord for international trade. Freight. The Ellesmere-based company, which produces stainless steel He is now aiming to double turnover with a key focus on heating and cooling systems, is already a recipient of the Queen’s international customers. Award for Export. The keen guitarist launched StandMade just four years ago after Fabdec continues to seek new markets for its products. After ditching a career in live music event management. having strong connections to Germany, Russia and Japan the He spotted a gap in the market for guitar and case stands and company has succeeded in a leap over the Atlantic and started racks that he manufactures using traditional carpentry methods. exporting to North America. Plans for other markets are on the way. They can also be personalised and tailored to a musician’s The company has developed a range of tanks that extend to individual needs. 32,000 litres but are compact enough to fit into a dry container. This Andy already counts Manic Street Preachers lead singer and cuts transport costs and secures a safe delivery to remote places. guitarist James Dean Bradfield, Squeeze frontman Chris Difford and Managing director Chris Powell said: “The dairy sector has folk legend Martin Carthy among his satisfied customers. improved globally and the rise in milk prices means that farmers are Being able to trade successfully overseas had been a crucial beginning to invest in better cooling systems and technologies. Christopher Greenough of Salop Design & Engineering step in growing his business, he said. “As farm sizes are growing worldwide the need for big farm Shropshire businesses are calling on the Government to deliver “When I had my first overseas enquiry, I genuinely didn’t have a tanks is growing. The technology of producing such tanks is not so a ‘pro-business Brexit’ now that Theresa May has finally triggered clue how to go about exporting my products. I probably would have common worldwide. Article 50, beginning the UK’s official exit from the European Union. done research on the internet and ended up costing myself far more “The UK is our main market but we have customers across Christopher Greenough, commercial director at Salop Design & time and money,” he explained. Europe and are always looking at new export opportunities. The Engineering in Shrewsbury and also president of the Made In The “The stands and racks are pieces of furniture and can be sent tanks we are manufacturing for North America could be a great Midlands organisation, said: “I am confident that we will end up with to customers fully assembled so I needed a freight company that stepping stone into the market there and we are excited about the a brighter, better United Kingdom. understood the service I was aiming to provide to my customers as potential. “There are opportunities to look to the future and look to trade I have worked hard to build up a reputation for quality from order to “We have also had significant orders coming in from Eastern with partners outside the EU region. delivery. Europe, markets which had previously dipped, which is a real sign “There are many countries that look to the UK and our product “Global Freight has made exporting so simple for me and been of improved confidence in the dairy industry world-wide.” as world class, and the made in Britain brand is something that we the key that has allowed me to open the business up to overseas Andy Bennett of Stand Made with Anton and Nicole Gunter of Following major investment in machinery and engineering last can build upon. customers. There is a huge appetite internationally for British Global Freight year – and with a highly skilled workforce – Fabdec is currently “There are uncertain times ahead, but as a manufacturer in craftsman made products and Global Freight is helping me to tap for Andy. International trade is a massive opportunity for smaller exploring opportunities to expand its steel fabrication work into Shropshire, I will continue to be optimistic and look to support this into that market, which is increasingly important as we face leaving businesses but many people are too frightened to take the first step. sectors such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and soft drinks. country. the European Union.” “Our role is to advise and guide as well as deal with the smooth Chris added: “We have a huge production site, years of “We need to unite behind the Prime Minister, and make sure the Nicole Gunter, managing director of Halesfield-based Global transport of goods and the vast majority of goods we moved last expertise and know-how, and the manufacturing capability to work rest of the world knows that Britain is open for business. Freight, said StandMade was typical of the small businesses it year across the globe was for smaller manufacturers. on cylinders and tanks of any size and for any industry. “Let’s look to our strengths, which is a strong manufacturing aimed to help get a first step on the export ladder. “Exporting for “The strong Euro makes UK products an attractive buy and “It takes years of experience and real engineering talent to base, and with further investment in the steel industry, the supply small companies is not about multi-million pound deals – it can businesses, even small ones, should be making it a top priority in adapt to bespoke manufacturing, but we have the expertise and chain and skills provision, we can continue to push the UK economy be just one order that opens doors to overseas trade, like it did the post Brexit world we face.” flexibility to turn around projects quickly and to budget.” to bigger and better things.”

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 48 02/05/2017 11:38:04 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 49 02/05/2017 11:38:20 48 EXPORT EXPORT 49 Tannery sending products overseas Beyond the Eurozone A Shropshire tannery that manufactures Bradley said: “There’s no doubt that The majority of small to medium-sized firms are planning leather gardening products is aiming for without DIT’s help, we wouldn’t be in the to enter new markets in the next two years and of these, more new markets after winning new clients at a markets we are in today. We’ve been able are planning to look beyond the Eurozone for new trade than global trade show. to attend shows in USA, Canada and Bridgnorth-based Bradley’s Tannery, Japan, thanks to its financial help. within it. founded by Bradley Burn in 1984, has seen “As a very small, niche manufacturer, That’s the result of a study by Albion Ventures, one of the exports grow from just five per cent 20 these are huge outlays but you have to be largest independent venture capital investors in the UK. years ago to 85 per cent today. there, so having access to expert help and In Shropshire and the rest of the West Midlands, it says Bradley credits the recent upsurge in funding is vital if we are to compete with 53% of SMEs are likely to enter new markets in the next two exports to the expert advice and support he larger companies. Going to the Ambiente years. received from Department for International show not only gave us many new leads to Despite being the UK’s largest overseas trading partner, Exports of Bradley’s products are 85 per cent Trade West Midlands advisors with helping pursue, we also signed up new customers, more than one in five SMEs are planning to do more trade with him to expand his global reach. gloves, secateurs pouches, arm protectors, which is great.” countries outside the EU over the next two years compared to Working with the Shropshire DIT team, aprons and tool carriers, is widely sold Richard Smith, head of the DIT 16% who are targeting the single market. he secured funding to attend the Ambiente around the world, with Far East markets international trade team in Shropshire, who The report shows that appetite among SMEs to target new Show in Frankfurt, the world’s biggest including Japan and Taiwan. Germany and has advised Bradley’s Tannery for a number overseas markets since the Brexit vote has grown from 34% consumer goods show, in February 2017. Austria account for about 60 per cent of its of years, said: “It’s great news that Bradley in 2015 to 37%, significantly more than those who are focused Having already signed up at least a dozen European sales. has secured new customers and has other on expanding domestically. A further 13% of small businesses new customers as a result of attending the The company, which counts British leads to pursue after the trade show in plan to grow through launching new products and improving show, he is now following up leads from royal houses, Selfridges and Liberty among Germany. His is a very small Shropshire their online services. retailers in new markets overseas. its customers, prides itself on using only company that makes high quality goods for In sector terms, more than three-quarters of transportation Bradley’s Tannery curries leather to turn leather from the UK for its goods and a number of niche markets, so the fact that Chris Powell, managing director of Fabdec firms are planning to enter new markets, the highest of any into a wide range of goods, such as bags, employs six people at its Stanley Lane it is stocked in retail stores around the world sector. Manufacturing businesses (75%) and the tech sector gloves and hats. Its gardening collection of workshop, who handmake all the products. is something to be proud of.” (72%) were second and third respectively. Patrick Reeve, managing partner at Albion Ventures, said: “The good news is that most SMEs plan to grow by tapping Explore the into new markets. Given the uncertainty of our long-term trading relationship with the single market, policymakers will be pleased that small businesses are increasingly looking beyond the Eurozone for new overseas growth opportunities. Stand-by for music “For businesses that get it right, conquering new markets globe with can have a transformational impact.” craftsman who makes handmade and bespoke oak guitar stands and racks is hitting the right notes in a global Pro-business Brexit marketA after launching into overseas trade a specialist with the support of a Shropshire shipping hropshire manufacturer Fabdec is specialist. breaking into new export markets as Andy Bennett, who runs StandMade from a family workshop at Maws Craft Centre near Ironbridge, has secured orders from as far it builds on an already strong track afield as Japan and Canada since teaming up with exporter Global Srecord for international trade. Freight. The Ellesmere-based company, which produces stainless steel He is now aiming to double turnover with a key focus on heating and cooling systems, is already a recipient of the Queen’s international customers. Award for Export. The keen guitarist launched StandMade just four years ago after Fabdec continues to seek new markets for its products. After ditching a career in live music event management. having strong connections to Germany, Russia and Japan the He spotted a gap in the market for guitar and case stands and company has succeeded in a leap over the Atlantic and started racks that he manufactures using traditional carpentry methods. exporting to North America. Plans for other markets are on the way. They can also be personalised and tailored to a musician’s The company has developed a range of tanks that extend to individual needs. 32,000 litres but are compact enough to fit into a dry container. This Andy already counts Manic Street Preachers lead singer and cuts transport costs and secures a safe delivery to remote places. guitarist James Dean Bradfield, Squeeze frontman Chris Difford and Managing director Chris Powell said: “The dairy sector has folk legend Martin Carthy among his satisfied customers. improved globally and the rise in milk prices means that farmers are Being able to trade successfully overseas had been a crucial beginning to invest in better cooling systems and technologies. Christopher Greenough of Salop Design & Engineering step in growing his business, he said. “As farm sizes are growing worldwide the need for big farm Shropshire businesses are calling on the Government to deliver “When I had my first overseas enquiry, I genuinely didn’t have a tanks is growing. The technology of producing such tanks is not so a ‘pro-business Brexit’ now that Theresa May has finally triggered clue how to go about exporting my products. I probably would have common worldwide. Article 50, beginning the UK’s official exit from the European Union. done research on the internet and ended up costing myself far more “The UK is our main market but we have customers across Christopher Greenough, commercial director at Salop Design & time and money,” he explained. Europe and are always looking at new export opportunities. The Engineering in Shrewsbury and also president of the Made In The “The stands and racks are pieces of furniture and can be sent tanks we are manufacturing for North America could be a great Midlands organisation, said: “I am confident that we will end up with to customers fully assembled so I needed a freight company that stepping stone into the market there and we are excited about the a brighter, better United Kingdom. understood the service I was aiming to provide to my customers as potential. “There are opportunities to look to the future and look to trade I have worked hard to build up a reputation for quality from order to “We have also had significant orders coming in from Eastern with partners outside the EU region. delivery. Europe, markets which had previously dipped, which is a real sign “There are many countries that look to the UK and our product “Global Freight has made exporting so simple for me and been of improved confidence in the dairy industry world-wide.” as world class, and the made in Britain brand is something that we the key that has allowed me to open the business up to overseas Andy Bennett of Stand Made with Anton and Nicole Gunter of Following major investment in machinery and engineering last can build upon. customers. There is a huge appetite internationally for British Global Freight year – and with a highly skilled workforce – Fabdec is currently “There are uncertain times ahead, but as a manufacturer in craftsman made products and Global Freight is helping me to tap for Andy. International trade is a massive opportunity for smaller exploring opportunities to expand its steel fabrication work into Shropshire, I will continue to be optimistic and look to support this into that market, which is increasingly important as we face leaving businesses but many people are too frightened to take the first step. sectors such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and soft drinks. country. the European Union.” “Our role is to advise and guide as well as deal with the smooth Chris added: “We have a huge production site, years of “We need to unite behind the Prime Minister, and make sure the Nicole Gunter, managing director of Halesfield-based Global transport of goods and the vast majority of goods we moved last expertise and know-how, and the manufacturing capability to work rest of the world knows that Britain is open for business. Freight, said StandMade was typical of the small businesses it year across the globe was for smaller manufacturers. on cylinders and tanks of any size and for any industry. “Let’s look to our strengths, which is a strong manufacturing aimed to help get a first step on the export ladder. “Exporting for “The strong Euro makes UK products an attractive buy and “It takes years of experience and real engineering talent to base, and with further investment in the steel industry, the supply small companies is not about multi-million pound deals – it can businesses, even small ones, should be making it a top priority in adapt to bespoke manufacturing, but we have the expertise and chain and skills provision, we can continue to push the UK economy be just one order that opens doors to overseas trade, like it did the post Brexit world we face.” flexibility to turn around projects quickly and to budget.” to bigger and better things.”

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 48 02/05/2017 11:38:04 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 49 02/05/2017 11:38:20 50 NEWS SPECIAL REPORT 51 Middle ground Confusion online Everyone has their own feelings about how they want to fund retirement. Some business fcom’s new proposals And he points out that these companies owners contribute to pensions, and others look to provide fixed levels have no control over when problems to use their business to fund their later years. are finally fixed and therefore what But there is also the middle ground. of compensation to compensation will need to be paid out. “Yes, “Over the years, I’ve met many business Obroadband users for outages they should be able to claim it back up the owners who have considered holding channel, but how long will that take?” Mr commercial property within a self-invested and delays have been Watson asks. personal pension,” says Mark Evans, of described as a recipe for He is also Beaumont Financial in Oswestry. confusion by a Shropshire concerned about “A SIPP can be used to hold commercial the further potential property that is used within the business. The technology firm. for contention and rents paid reduce the taxable income of the Entanet, in Telford, believes the system complexity when it is business and all rent is received tax free into the could potentially cause channel players not clear where the pension. Rent payments don’t count towards the serious problems. blame for an outage pension annual allowance so other contributions Head of service Neil Watson says that lies. can continue within the normal bounds, too.” for the many companies that sit between “It’s far from There’s no capital gains if the property is Openreach and BT at one end of the supply uncommon to sold and it is also removed from the estate for chain, and the consumer at the other, the have issues where inheritance tax purposes. Mark says it can be a plans could have some serious implications. Openreach have mutually beneficial arrangement for you and your While the company has its own difficulty finding the business. “Of course, there can be drawbacks. independent network and provides root cause of the issue Rent must be paid at the market value; there are broadband on a wholesale basis, Entanet and where it lies or no discounts and the SIPP provider can pursue ultimately falls into this category too.Like Neil Watson won’t admit that the payment even if it is your business. every supplier in the UK using the BT issue is on their network.” “The property cannot be used as collateral backbone, we rely on Openreach to fix While agreeing with the principle of for any loans to the business and if borrowing any faults on the BT network, and conduct compensating customers for significant is used to fund the purchase, it is likely to be any installs,” he says. “When something outages and other issues, he feels it is also expensive and interest won’t be relievable for tax breaks on the BT network, or an Openreach important for customers to understand that purposes. There’s likely to be other expenses in engineer doesn’t turn up – why should from time to time, there may be faults and the running of the property, too. reseller A (the ‘retail provider’) bear the brunt issues with services – and calls for greater “Holding commercial property in a SIPP of the compensation claim?” focus to be put on guarantees and service won’t be suitable for everyone. It can be a He also notes that funding compensation levels agreements. mutually beneficial arrangement but there are payments for a major outage – which might The current proposals will now enter a drawbacks and it carries its own set of risks. If affect scores or even hundreds of customers period of industry consultation until June 5, you think it could benefit you, it’s worth taking – could cause serious cashflow issues for and are due to be implemented 12 months independent financial advice to find out more.” smaller third-party providers. later. Round-table By Carl Jones hen it comes to the Shropshire construction sector, Wsize most certainly matters. For a county with so many relatively small pockets of land which are ripe for development, big isn’t always better where housing is concerned. But it’s becoming more and more difficult to make the numbers add up for the kind of developers which are looking to take a slice of the market by mopping up these sites. More than a dozen top developers, and property-connected company bosses, came together at the Growth Hub in Telford to discuss this, and many other pressing issues in the construction sector. The Telford & Wrekin Property Round Table revealed an industry which has many more positives than negatives right now, and is yet to feel any significant impact from Brexit. Martin Parrish, boss of The Planning Group Limited in Shrewsbury, with Carl Huntley Martin Parrish, boss of The Planning Group Limited in Shrewsbury, said: “There James Dunn, head of estates at Telford So, a massive gap in the market then? was a concern about what might happen & Wrekin Council, said: “We are seeing James Wood, the co-founder of Shrewsbury when the referendum was first announced. decent levels of enquiries from big house developers Saxonby, said: “There are quite But it has not really changed anything other builders, and the larger plots are selling. a few issues at play. than a little stutter at the time.” “But in the time since the last recession, “Access to finance is one of the big But finding the right sort of skilled there aren’t that many small or medium ones – I have got a 10-unit scheme on the workers remains a big issue, along with sized builders who will build 15 or 20 plots. way at the moment which has probably got trying to work out how to make a decent These companies were decimated in the a total cost of about £2 million. The most margin from the smaller house-building last recession and have struggled with that any high street bank would lend me on Proof projects. financing – they’re just not there.” that was 40% of the cost. u Proof

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 50 02/05/2017 11:38:54 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 51 02/05/2017 11:39:21 50 NEWS SPECIAL REPORT 51 Middle ground Confusion online Everyone has their own feelings about how they want to fund retirement. Some business fcom’s new proposals And he points out that these companies owners contribute to pensions, and others look to provide fixed levels have no control over when problems to use their business to fund their later years. are finally fixed and therefore what But there is also the middle ground. of compensation to compensation will need to be paid out. “Yes, “Over the years, I’ve met many business Obroadband users for outages they should be able to claim it back up the owners who have considered holding channel, but how long will that take?” Mr commercial property within a self-invested and delays have been Watson asks. personal pension,” says Mark Evans, of described as a recipe for He is also Beaumont Financial in Oswestry. confusion by a Shropshire concerned about “A SIPP can be used to hold commercial the further potential property that is used within the business. The technology firm. for contention and rents paid reduce the taxable income of the Entanet, in Telford, believes the system complexity when it is business and all rent is received tax free into the could potentially cause channel players not clear where the pension. Rent payments don’t count towards the serious problems. blame for an outage pension annual allowance so other contributions Head of service Neil Watson says that lies. can continue within the normal bounds, too.” for the many companies that sit between “It’s far from There’s no capital gains if the property is Openreach and BT at one end of the supply uncommon to sold and it is also removed from the estate for chain, and the consumer at the other, the have issues where inheritance tax purposes. Mark says it can be a plans could have some serious implications. Openreach have mutually beneficial arrangement for you and your While the company has its own difficulty finding the business. “Of course, there can be drawbacks. independent network and provides root cause of the issue Rent must be paid at the market value; there are broadband on a wholesale basis, Entanet and where it lies or no discounts and the SIPP provider can pursue ultimately falls into this category too.Like Neil Watson won’t admit that the payment even if it is your business. every supplier in the UK using the BT issue is on their network.” “The property cannot be used as collateral backbone, we rely on Openreach to fix While agreeing with the principle of for any loans to the business and if borrowing any faults on the BT network, and conduct compensating customers for significant is used to fund the purchase, it is likely to be any installs,” he says. “When something outages and other issues, he feels it is also expensive and interest won’t be relievable for tax breaks on the BT network, or an Openreach important for customers to understand that purposes. There’s likely to be other expenses in engineer doesn’t turn up – why should from time to time, there may be faults and the running of the property, too. reseller A (the ‘retail provider’) bear the brunt issues with services – and calls for greater “Holding commercial property in a SIPP of the compensation claim?” focus to be put on guarantees and service won’t be suitable for everyone. It can be a He also notes that funding compensation levels agreements. mutually beneficial arrangement but there are payments for a major outage – which might The current proposals will now enter a drawbacks and it carries its own set of risks. If affect scores or even hundreds of customers period of industry consultation until June 5, you think it could benefit you, it’s worth taking – could cause serious cashflow issues for and are due to be implemented 12 months independent financial advice to find out more.” smaller third-party providers. later. Round-table By Carl Jones hen it comes to the Shropshire construction sector, Wsize most certainly matters. For a county with so many relatively small pockets of land which are ripe for development, big isn’t always better where housing is concerned. But it’s becoming more and more difficult to make the numbers add up for the kind of developers which are looking to take a slice of the market by mopping up these sites. More than a dozen top developers, and property-connected company bosses, came together at the Growth Hub in Telford to discuss this, and many other pressing issues in the construction sector. The Telford & Wrekin Property Round Table revealed an industry which has many more positives than negatives right now, and is yet to feel any significant impact from Brexit. Martin Parrish, boss of The Planning Group Limited in Shrewsbury, with Carl Huntley Martin Parrish, boss of The Planning Group Limited in Shrewsbury, said: “There James Dunn, head of estates at Telford So, a massive gap in the market then? was a concern about what might happen & Wrekin Council, said: “We are seeing James Wood, the co-founder of Shrewsbury when the referendum was first announced. decent levels of enquiries from big house developers Saxonby, said: “There are quite But it has not really changed anything other builders, and the larger plots are selling. a few issues at play. than a little stutter at the time.” “But in the time since the last recession, “Access to finance is one of the big But finding the right sort of skilled there aren’t that many small or medium ones – I have got a 10-unit scheme on the workers remains a big issue, along with sized builders who will build 15 or 20 plots. way at the moment which has probably got trying to work out how to make a decent These companies were decimated in the a total cost of about £2 million. The most margin from the smaller house-building last recession and have struggled with that any high street bank would lend me on Proof projects. financing – they’re just not there.” that was 40% of the cost. u Proof

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 50 02/05/2017 11:38:54 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 51 02/05/2017 11:39:21 52 SPECIAL REPORT SPECIAL REPORT 53

Note of caution from David Brammer of Lanyon Bowdler Praveen Chaudhari and James Wood at the round table meeting More than a dozen top developers, and property-connected company bosses, came together at the Growth Hub in Telford t “You look at that and say, if I have got “Are developers going to go into So what about the Brexit factor . . . on Paul Inions, managing director of to fund £1.3 or £1.4 million, am I going to do something for a 10% profit, when they lack of it? McPhillips which is involved in some of the that. It’s a hell of a lot of risk for a relatively are having to sign their house off as a risk Praveen Chaudhari, of law firm Lanyon biggest road projects in Shropshire right small profit margin. How many businesses against the development? Probably not. No- Bowdler which sponsored the event, said: now, said his company had seen no impact have got that sort of money to through into one can make this work at the moment.” “People stood still at the last recession and whatsoever from Brexit so far. those sorts of schemes? And so, the panel felt that if you really the market went very quiet to start. There His diverse client list including “The general problem is that making the want to stimulate the market for smaller sites was a concern that people would slow down housebuilders, local authorities and private numbers work on 15 or 20 units, compared involving more local property companies, and put things on hold again, but this has clients were continuing to issue tenders as with the 50-plus units being built by the plcs, the Government has to reinvent the way the not really happened.” frequently as at any point over the past three is really difficult. system currently works. His Lanyon Bowdler colleague David years. “We still have the infrastructure and fixed In terms of the number of new homes Brammer, though, sounded a slight note of James Dunn concurred: “We haven’t costs whether we want to build two or 20. which need to be built in the county, caution. seen any impact of Brexit at all. Two things You haven’t got the economies of scale, so James Dunn pointed out that there is a big “There is probably more nervousness in are happening – one is that we are seeing the odds are all against it. difference between east and west. the London property market. larger investors come in on the back of “There is a breaking point too where “In terms of supply, Telford is obviously “What we will see is a response from the Jaguar Land Rover effect in the West landowners just don’t sell land. We’ve seen very different to Shropshire. The projected some of the very big investors like financial Midlands. no real impact of Brexit other than a rise need is only 8,000 or 9,000 houses, and we services who have already fought shy of “It is not so much the fact that we have in build costs, from materials. We have have got consents for over 17,000 already. going to London. the engine plant down the road, but we have had close to double digit rises on nearly “In contrast to that, there is no way that “Inevitably there is going to be a spin-off companies like Magna and Polytec coming in everything. And all of this makes smaller Shropshire has got the supply it needs in a from that at some stage that might ripple out to serve the Solihull factory. schemes less viable all the time. month of Sundays.” from London.” “Jaguar Land Rover’s policy is that they very much want their supply chain to be within an hour’s journey of their factories, so that is turning out to be a real positive. “At the same time we have also seen LIMITED local businesses growing. We are building two units at Hortonwood west for existing Dyke Ruscoe & Hayes businesses – one that’s growing within Telford, and one that’s moving from Broseley. So far, so good then. Gareth Emberton, managing director of Crown Group Holdings, pictured at the event Chartered Certified Accountants & Registered Auditors But then Gareth Emberton, managing director of Crown Group Holdings and chairman of Shropshire Constructing Excellence, said: “We need to beware of hand grenades.” • Accounts • Audit • Tax • VAT • Payroll • CIS What sort, exactly? He added: “We have doubled in size in • Business Projections and Forecasts the past 12 months and about 60% of our work in the south at the moment, around the • Inheritance Tax Advice • Company Secretarial Northampton, Oxford, and Reading area. “But I was over in Ireland to set up a company not long ago and there is an • Incorporation • Business Tax and Planning interesting feeling. “There is a steady stream of London- • Tax and VAT Returns • SAGE Specialistssl firm prices centric businesses going over to Ireland, such as financial services and lawyers. It’s like a conveyor belt “I think generally things are good, but I feel we have to be careful, and mitigate Call or visit us at: 110 Corve Street Ludlow Shropshire SY8 1DJ against a risk, because no-one really knows what is going to happen.” Telephone 01584 872 421 Fax 01584 877 603 The discussion turned to skills, a perennial problem for the construction sector, email [email protected] Internet dykeruscoe.co.uk particularly since the last recession which saw a dramatic fall-off in the number of newcomers being trained with work-ready Also at Tenbury Wells 01584 810 322 Craven Arms 01588 672 776 qualification. Carl Huntley, of Base Architects, revealed how his company had been looking Large firm experience - small firm prices first- meeting free for a handful of staff after a restructure which saw a closure of its office in Bristol. James Dunn, head of estates at Telford & Wrekin Council, makes a point u

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 52 02/05/2017 11:40:15 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 53 02/05/2017 11:40:44 52 SPECIAL REPORT SPECIAL REPORT 53

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 52 02/05/2017 11:40:15 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 53 02/05/2017 11:40:44 54 SPECIAL REPORT

Postgraduate study

Liz Wakeham Jones pictured with Laura Parkinson Carl Jones, editor of Shropshire Business, in conversation

t “For us to find members of staff to another couple of years, activity is really Part-time and full-time replace them here took us nearly seven going to kick off. months. Around 200-300 CVs dropped THE “Once they sort the roads and bypasses through the door, but none of them had the ROUND-TABLE out, it’s going to be quicker for Shrewsbury quali cations starting skills sets we were after.” people to get to the heart of Mid Wales than The panel agreed that there was still LINE-UP it is to get to Birmingham. a challenge getting people to come to the “The volume of congestion from from September 2017. region – as well as addressing the number l Chris Goulson, Telford & Wrekin Council Shrewsbury to Telford is becoming of skilled people living in Shropshire, who l James Dunn, Telford & Wrekin Council phenomenal, and it’s a lot cheaper in Wales were choosing to commute out of the l Martin Parrish, The Planning Group – there are a lot of advantages of looking county for their work. Limited, Shrewsbury that way.” The panel quoted examples of l Carl Huntley, Base Architects, Was there anything else constraining Shropshire developments where more than Shrewsbury and Chester construction companies in the area right 90% of buyers were over the age of 50, and l Gareth Emberton, Crown Group now? Commercial rents in the Telford area felt much more needed to be done to aid Holdings, and Shropshire Constructing were still not at a sufficiently high level to first-time buyers. make many design and build projects stack Excellence Laura Parkinson said: “From the point up at the moment. l Praveen Chaudhari, Lanyon Bowdler of view of attracting talent to the area, James Dunn said: “People who want l making it work for those younger people is David Brammer, Lanyon Bowdler to build factories for their own use are still important, to give us a much better chance.” l Laura Parkinson, Lanyon Bowdler happening, and Telford & Wrekin Council James Wood suggested that the time l Paul Inions, McPhillips (Wellington) Ltd building for themselves as an investment had come to completely ‘reinvent’ the rules l James Wood, Saxonby still works to get a good return. But for the of tenure. l Rob Orchard, Cyril Orchard Group developer out there, it is still definitely a “When it comes to these shared l Steve Owen, Paveaways challenge.” ownership properties to help people onto l Liz Wakeham-Jones, Telford Growth Terms and conditions relating to the housing ladder, some local authorities Hub development sites were not helping only let you staircase up to 85 or 90% l Carl Jones, Shropshire Business matters, it was claimed – with delays at the ownership. former sugar beet factory in Allscott, and old “That’s kind of bonkers, because for Dairy Crest factory at Crudgington cited as these people the end game is to own the transport infrastructure through the examples. their own home. We’ve really got to do Welshpool and Newtown areas, opening up A problem with the more traditional something about this.” the west Wales coast. forms of funding also emerged during the Traditionally, Shropshire businesses Steve Owen of Paveaways said: “There discussion, with claims that trying to get look to the east when it comes to potential is no doubt they are spending quite a lot support from high street banks remains Postgraduate courses at UCS fall within our  ve core competition, or collaboration. of money out in Mid Wales at the moment, tough. But is it time that they turned their regenerating a lot of the area around Many construction firms were now attention over the border to keep an eye on Welshpool. But you have to prove that your turning to peer-to-peer lending as an research areas: developments in Wales? supply chain is made up of something like alternative, with lenders being prepared The panel certainly thought so, with 65% within 25 miles of the site. That can be to pre-fund developers to prevent their significant work being done to improve hard to prove in parts of Wales, but given projects from stalling. • Sustainable Business and • Medicine and Health Community Development • Creativity, Culture and • Societal Innovation Place • Design, Heritage and the Built Environment

Representatives found the round table to be a networking opportunity Positivity – the round table left many feeling more optimistic www.ucshrewsbury.ac.uk [email protected]

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 54 02/05/2017 11:41:50 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 55 02/05/2017 11:42:24 54 SPECIAL REPORT

Postgraduate study

Liz Wakeham Jones pictured with Laura Parkinson Carl Jones, editor of Shropshire Business, in conversation t “For us to find members of staff to another couple of years, activity is really Part-time and full-time replace them here took us nearly seven going to kick off. months. Around 200-300 CVs dropped THE “Once they sort the roads and bypasses through the door, but none of them had the ROUND-TABLE out, it’s going to be quicker for Shrewsbury quali cations starting skills sets we were after.” people to get to the heart of Mid Wales than The panel agreed that there was still LINE-UP it is to get to Birmingham. a challenge getting people to come to the “The volume of congestion from from September 2017. region – as well as addressing the number l Chris Goulson, Telford & Wrekin Council Shrewsbury to Telford is becoming of skilled people living in Shropshire, who l James Dunn, Telford & Wrekin Council phenomenal, and it’s a lot cheaper in Wales were choosing to commute out of the l Martin Parrish, The Planning Group – there are a lot of advantages of looking county for their work. Limited, Shrewsbury that way.” The panel quoted examples of l Carl Huntley, Base Architects, Was there anything else constraining Shropshire developments where more than Shrewsbury and Chester construction companies in the area right 90% of buyers were over the age of 50, and l Gareth Emberton, Crown Group now? Commercial rents in the Telford area felt much more needed to be done to aid Holdings, and Shropshire Constructing were still not at a sufficiently high level to first-time buyers. make many design and build projects stack Excellence Laura Parkinson said: “From the point up at the moment. l Praveen Chaudhari, Lanyon Bowdler of view of attracting talent to the area, James Dunn said: “People who want l making it work for those younger people is David Brammer, Lanyon Bowdler to build factories for their own use are still important, to give us a much better chance.” l Laura Parkinson, Lanyon Bowdler happening, and Telford & Wrekin Council James Wood suggested that the time l Paul Inions, McPhillips (Wellington) Ltd building for themselves as an investment had come to completely ‘reinvent’ the rules l James Wood, Saxonby still works to get a good return. But for the of tenure. l Rob Orchard, Cyril Orchard Group developer out there, it is still definitely a “When it comes to these shared l Steve Owen, Paveaways challenge.” ownership properties to help people onto l Liz Wakeham-Jones, Telford Growth Terms and conditions relating to the housing ladder, some local authorities Hub development sites were not helping only let you staircase up to 85 or 90% l Carl Jones, Shropshire Business matters, it was claimed – with delays at the ownership. former sugar beet factory in Allscott, and old “That’s kind of bonkers, because for Dairy Crest factory at Crudgington cited as these people the end game is to own the transport infrastructure through the examples. their own home. We’ve really got to do Welshpool and Newtown areas, opening up A problem with the more traditional something about this.” the west Wales coast. forms of funding also emerged during the Traditionally, Shropshire businesses Steve Owen of Paveaways said: “There discussion, with claims that trying to get look to the east when it comes to potential is no doubt they are spending quite a lot support from high street banks remains Postgraduate courses at UCS fall within our  ve core competition, or collaboration. of money out in Mid Wales at the moment, tough. But is it time that they turned their regenerating a lot of the area around Many construction firms were now attention over the border to keep an eye on Welshpool. But you have to prove that your turning to peer-to-peer lending as an research areas: developments in Wales? supply chain is made up of something like alternative, with lenders being prepared The panel certainly thought so, with 65% within 25 miles of the site. That can be to pre-fund developers to prevent their significant work being done to improve hard to prove in parts of Wales, but given projects from stalling. • Sustainable Business and • Medicine and Health Community Development • Creativity, Culture and • Societal Innovation Place • Design, Heritage and the Built Environment

Representatives found the round table to be a networking opportunity Positivity – the round table left many feeling more optimistic www.ucshrewsbury.ac.uk [email protected]

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 54 02/05/2017 11:41:50 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 55 02/05/2017 11:42:24 56 NEWS NEWS 57 Fine line of employment rights needs addressing Are your contractors self-employed for tax purposes had made claims for unpaid holiday pay and unlawful Selected to be an IT supplier and personally registered for VAT? Then your company deductions from his wages, for which he didn’t need to Telford IT company academies, schools and free schools may be walking a very fine line when it comes to show he was an employee, he just needed to be a ‘worker’ across the country,” said sales director employment rights. for the company. has been selected as a Harvey Shergill of Leegomery Computers. Gemma Workman, from Martin-Kaye Solicitors in “The court agreed he was a worker because under the supplier to one of the “We had to fulfill a range of stringent Telford, said the Court of Appeal had ruled that a plumber terms of the agreement, he was forbidden to send anyone country’sA largest educational requirements in order to be selected.” who was considered to be self-employed was actually in his place to do the work required as the company Steve Roberts, IT coordinator of employed by the business that hired him. insisted he should carry out the work in person. And purchasing groups. New College Telford, said: “Leegomery Leegomery Computers, based at the “The plumber carried out work solely for the one despite the company taking the case right to the Court Computers has delivered the equipment in Gemma Workman Telford Innovation Campus, has won a company and signed an agreement that his work would be of Appeal, they upheld the tribunal’s decision that the a very quick time and at highly competitive place within the Crescent Purchasing Account manager Ann Rochelle at prices, thereby assisting our students with governed by terms and conditions set out in their staff manual. plumber was a worker regardless of his self-employed tax status. Leegomery Computers “This included rules on working hours, uniform and appearance, “The message to employers is very clear – if you place any Consortium. their studies.” Now, as a result of joining the restricted his ability to work for himself or other companies, insisted he restrictions on who else a self-employed contractor can work for while The firm already counts many Linda Haycocks, of Moreton Say consortium, it says it is set to considerably should use a company van, and said that he could only swap jobs with they are working for you, you will almost certainly be storing up trouble. Shropshire schools as its clients, such Primary School, added her testimonial other members of their staff. But after several years working under this You must also allow them to send someone else to work in their place if as Charlton and New College in Telford, expand its customer base. saying: “We received a first class arrangement, the plumber had a heart attack and the company ended they are unable to fulfil their work obligations for you. and Adderley Primary School near Market “Being chosen by CPC is a major step service with prompt delivery of the items their association with him. “If you’re not flexible in your approach and you do impose Drayton, together with several local forward for us and will allow us to tender we ordered and can fully recommend “He took them to a tribunal, but because of his tax status and restrictions, they will be your worker no matter how they are registered authorities. for work in further education institutions, Leegomery Computers.” the fact he had submitted invoices for his work, the company said he for tax purposes, and they will be entitled to a whole raft of worker’s was not entitled to make a claim. But as part of his case, the plumber rights.” Fore! – golf role for Shropshire businessman A Shropshire businessman has become largest sports governing bodies looking after and entertainment In brief the first independent chair of England Golf – more than 1,900 golf clubs, and 675,000 men, businesses in the l Harper Adams has become the first £412,000 tax claim the country’s governing body for amateur golf. women, boy and girl club members. UK and around the university ever to scoop the Whatuni University Nic Coward is chairman of the Furrows Nic said: “Golf in England has a huge world. of the Year honour two years in a row. As well n expanding bottling Group which owns Ford, Kia, Mazda and amount to be proud of, from Olympic gold to In a 20-year as taking home the title of University of the Year, Skoda dealerships in Telford, Shrewsbury and the huge impact in communities across the career at the top the campus, based near Newport, also came top company on the Oswestry. country. There is great work going on at every levels of British in three other award categories: Job Prospects, west Shropshire His family have deep roots in Shropshire, level of the game. What is really exciting is sport, Nic was the Course and Lecturers and Student Support. Dr Aborder has reclaimed more including strong links with Shrewsbury Golf the opportunity to do even more, to get more General Secretary David Llewellyn, Vice-Chancellor said: “This is a Club, where Nic learned the game, and people playing, more often.” of the Premier tremendous vote of confidence from our students Nic Coward than £400,000 following Nic became chairman of the family-owned Alongside his role as Chairman of the League, the Chief and we greatly appreciate their support. It just goes Executive of the British Horseracing Authority, to show that smaller universities have a big role to successful research and Furrows Group following the death of his Furrows Group, Nic is a non-executive play in providing an environment where students development tax claims. father, John, in April 2015. director of Oritain, a New Zealand-based and for a time was joint Chief Executive and a Radnor Hills Mineral Water Company Now, as well as his role with Furrows, company leading the way in proving the Board Director of the Football Association, as can really get the most out of their time in higher Radnor Hills managing director William received a total of £412,000 thanks to Nic will be at the helm of one of the country’s origin of food, and he advises major sports well as a Director of Wembley Stadium. education.” Watkins with Mark Evans, managing specialist help from R&D Tax Claims director of R&D Tax Claims Limited l Town officials have welcomed the campaign Limited, with R&D tax refunds spanning a by trustees of a north Shropshire nursing home four-year period. to help ease the current NHS bed-blocking crisis Based at Knighton, Radnor Hills in the county. Ellesmere Community Nursing began as a small company packing Home, in Trimpley Street, Ellesmere, is the cuplets for airlines, but today has grown town’s former cottage hospital which is now run into a company bottling a diverse range by a community trust. Trustees have called on of mineral water, flavoured spring water, the Clinical Commissioning Group to establish a sparkling premium pressés, fruit juices and partnership agreement that could ease Shropshire’s school compliant drinks. bed-blocking pressures. And now the mayor of Last year they produced 230 million Ellesmere, Councillor Ian Ward, has backed the bottles – this year capacity has increased Trust’s appeal, saying it’s a common-sense solution to produce 400 million. A selection of Radnor Hills’ soft drinks that could make all the difference. Radnor Hills managing director William l Fix Auto Oswestry (Pant Motor Bodies) of Watkins said that despite initial scepticism clean in place system development and Llanymynech has beaten bodyshops in major cities that they had an R&D claim, the process integration software development. and towns to win a Vauxhall Approved Bodyshop of had been straightforward and rewarding. Mark said: “Radnor Hills has to use “Soft drinks is a technical business innovative solutions to grow the business the Year award. Fix Auto and their sponsors Arthurs ‘Happiness is not the Vauxhall of Oswestry and Newtown were presented with some very complicated processes, and develop new products and processes with one of only four regional awards, with Fix Auto and the key to this claim was identifying in a market dominated by some very large absence of problems but an applicable R&D scheme within our corporations with significant resources. qualifying for the national final. Paul Northcote, the ability to deal with them’ Bodyshop Sales Development Manager for Vauxhall business – establishing what was and was “A lot of time is spent by the Radnor not eligible. management team delivering new Anonymous Motors, said: “This is an amazing achievement. Lakeside House, Oxon Business Park, Shrewsbury SY3 5HJ To pull off a regional coup of this kind is absolutely “The team at R&D Tax Claims ideas and concepts that improve both tremendous.” understood exactly what was needed, and productivity and quality.” Tel: 01743 443043 had an immediate grasp of what we did, William added: “The whole process l Tickets are now on sale for a glittering ball steering us in the right direction towards a has certainly been worth it. in Shropshire which will raise money for a charity successful claim.” “We knew we had a legitimate claim, www.aaronandpartners.com which changes young people’s lives. The Climbing Mark Evans, managing director of R&D but Mark and his experienced team Out Charity Ball and Awards will take place at Tax Claims, said: “Claiming back R&D ensured that no unnecessary time was Shrewsbury Town FC on June 24. All proceeds will tax from HMRC is a government backed wasted. They came out to us, listened, go to the Climbing Out charity, which organises initiative that was introduced to actively understood and identified our eligibility outward bound programmes for young people encourage SMEs to claim back money – criteria. They walked us through it. dealing with life-changing illness or injuries. A series money that can be reinvested to support “We pay a lot of tax and this is a of awards will be presented to youngsters who have and grow those businesses.” legitimate tax break. We have been able inspired others with their achievements. There will The R&D claims submitted on behalf to reinvest the £412,000 back into the also be a three-course meal and dancing to a live of Radnor Hills were technical ongoing business. band. Tickets cost £35 and are available by emailing projects that included the development “There must be so many businesses [email protected] or www.climbingout. of a hot filling process for fragile juices, a across the UK that are just not taking org.uk specialised cooling and re-cycling system, advantage of R&D claims.”

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 56 02/05/2017 11:43:55 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 57 02/05/2017 11:45:11 56 NEWS NEWS 57 Fine line of employment rights needs addressing Are your contractors self-employed for tax purposes had made claims for unpaid holiday pay and unlawful Selected to be an IT supplier and personally registered for VAT? Then your company deductions from his wages, for which he didn’t need to Telford IT company academies, schools and free schools may be walking a very fine line when it comes to show he was an employee, he just needed to be a ‘worker’ across the country,” said sales director employment rights. for the company. has been selected as a Harvey Shergill of Leegomery Computers. Gemma Workman, from Martin-Kaye Solicitors in “The court agreed he was a worker because under the supplier to one of the “We had to fulfill a range of stringent Telford, said the Court of Appeal had ruled that a plumber terms of the agreement, he was forbidden to send anyone country’sA largest educational requirements in order to be selected.” who was considered to be self-employed was actually in his place to do the work required as the company Steve Roberts, IT coordinator of employed by the business that hired him. insisted he should carry out the work in person. And purchasing groups. New College Telford, said: “Leegomery Leegomery Computers, based at the “The plumber carried out work solely for the one despite the company taking the case right to the Court Computers has delivered the equipment in Gemma Workman Telford Innovation Campus, has won a company and signed an agreement that his work would be of Appeal, they upheld the tribunal’s decision that the a very quick time and at highly competitive place within the Crescent Purchasing Account manager Ann Rochelle at prices, thereby assisting our students with governed by terms and conditions set out in their staff manual. plumber was a worker regardless of his self-employed tax status. Leegomery Computers “This included rules on working hours, uniform and appearance, “The message to employers is very clear – if you place any Consortium. their studies.” Now, as a result of joining the restricted his ability to work for himself or other companies, insisted he restrictions on who else a self-employed contractor can work for while The firm already counts many Linda Haycocks, of Moreton Say consortium, it says it is set to considerably should use a company van, and said that he could only swap jobs with they are working for you, you will almost certainly be storing up trouble. Shropshire schools as its clients, such Primary School, added her testimonial other members of their staff. But after several years working under this You must also allow them to send someone else to work in their place if as Charlton and New College in Telford, expand its customer base. saying: “We received a first class arrangement, the plumber had a heart attack and the company ended they are unable to fulfil their work obligations for you. and Adderley Primary School near Market “Being chosen by CPC is a major step service with prompt delivery of the items their association with him. “If you’re not flexible in your approach and you do impose Drayton, together with several local forward for us and will allow us to tender we ordered and can fully recommend “He took them to a tribunal, but because of his tax status and restrictions, they will be your worker no matter how they are registered authorities. for work in further education institutions, Leegomery Computers.” the fact he had submitted invoices for his work, the company said he for tax purposes, and they will be entitled to a whole raft of worker’s was not entitled to make a claim. But as part of his case, the plumber rights.” Fore! – golf role for Shropshire businessman A Shropshire businessman has become largest sports governing bodies looking after and entertainment In brief the first independent chair of England Golf – more than 1,900 golf clubs, and 675,000 men, businesses in the l Harper Adams has become the first £412,000 tax claim the country’s governing body for amateur golf. women, boy and girl club members. UK and around the university ever to scoop the Whatuni University Nic Coward is chairman of the Furrows Nic said: “Golf in England has a huge world. of the Year honour two years in a row. As well n expanding bottling Group which owns Ford, Kia, Mazda and amount to be proud of, from Olympic gold to In a 20-year as taking home the title of University of the Year, Skoda dealerships in Telford, Shrewsbury and the huge impact in communities across the career at the top the campus, based near Newport, also came top company on the Oswestry. country. There is great work going on at every levels of British in three other award categories: Job Prospects, west Shropshire His family have deep roots in Shropshire, level of the game. What is really exciting is sport, Nic was the Course and Lecturers and Student Support. Dr Aborder has reclaimed more including strong links with Shrewsbury Golf the opportunity to do even more, to get more General Secretary David Llewellyn, Vice-Chancellor said: “This is a Club, where Nic learned the game, and people playing, more often.” of the Premier tremendous vote of confidence from our students Nic Coward than £400,000 following Nic became chairman of the family-owned Alongside his role as Chairman of the League, the Chief and we greatly appreciate their support. It just goes Executive of the British Horseracing Authority, to show that smaller universities have a big role to successful research and Furrows Group following the death of his Furrows Group, Nic is a non-executive play in providing an environment where students development tax claims. father, John, in April 2015. director of Oritain, a New Zealand-based and for a time was joint Chief Executive and a Radnor Hills Mineral Water Company Now, as well as his role with Furrows, company leading the way in proving the Board Director of the Football Association, as can really get the most out of their time in higher Radnor Hills managing director William received a total of £412,000 thanks to Nic will be at the helm of one of the country’s origin of food, and he advises major sports well as a Director of Wembley Stadium. education.” Watkins with Mark Evans, managing specialist help from R&D Tax Claims director of R&D Tax Claims Limited l Town officials have welcomed the campaign Limited, with R&D tax refunds spanning a by trustees of a north Shropshire nursing home four-year period. to help ease the current NHS bed-blocking crisis Based at Knighton, Radnor Hills in the county. Ellesmere Community Nursing began as a small company packing Home, in Trimpley Street, Ellesmere, is the cuplets for airlines, but today has grown town’s former cottage hospital which is now run into a company bottling a diverse range by a community trust. Trustees have called on of mineral water, flavoured spring water, the Clinical Commissioning Group to establish a sparkling premium pressés, fruit juices and partnership agreement that could ease Shropshire’s school compliant drinks. bed-blocking pressures. And now the mayor of Last year they produced 230 million Ellesmere, Councillor Ian Ward, has backed the bottles – this year capacity has increased Trust’s appeal, saying it’s a common-sense solution to produce 400 million. A selection of Radnor Hills’ soft drinks that could make all the difference. Radnor Hills managing director William l Fix Auto Oswestry (Pant Motor Bodies) of Watkins said that despite initial scepticism clean in place system development and Llanymynech has beaten bodyshops in major cities that they had an R&D claim, the process integration software development. and towns to win a Vauxhall Approved Bodyshop of had been straightforward and rewarding. Mark said: “Radnor Hills has to use “Soft drinks is a technical business innovative solutions to grow the business the Year award. Fix Auto and their sponsors Arthurs ‘Happiness is not the Vauxhall of Oswestry and Newtown were presented with some very complicated processes, and develop new products and processes with one of only four regional awards, with Fix Auto and the key to this claim was identifying in a market dominated by some very large absence of problems but an applicable R&D scheme within our corporations with significant resources. qualifying for the national final. Paul Northcote, the ability to deal with them’ Bodyshop Sales Development Manager for Vauxhall business – establishing what was and was “A lot of time is spent by the Radnor not eligible. management team delivering new Anonymous Motors, said: “This is an amazing achievement. Lakeside House, Oxon Business Park, Shrewsbury SY3 5HJ To pull off a regional coup of this kind is absolutely “The team at R&D Tax Claims ideas and concepts that improve both tremendous.” understood exactly what was needed, and productivity and quality.” Tel: 01743 443043 had an immediate grasp of what we did, William added: “The whole process l Tickets are now on sale for a glittering ball steering us in the right direction towards a has certainly been worth it. in Shropshire which will raise money for a charity successful claim.” “We knew we had a legitimate claim, www.aaronandpartners.com which changes young people’s lives. The Climbing Mark Evans, managing director of R&D but Mark and his experienced team Out Charity Ball and Awards will take place at Tax Claims, said: “Claiming back R&D ensured that no unnecessary time was Shrewsbury Town FC on June 24. All proceeds will tax from HMRC is a government backed wasted. They came out to us, listened, go to the Climbing Out charity, which organises initiative that was introduced to actively understood and identified our eligibility outward bound programmes for young people encourage SMEs to claim back money – criteria. They walked us through it. dealing with life-changing illness or injuries. A series money that can be reinvested to support “We pay a lot of tax and this is a of awards will be presented to youngsters who have and grow those businesses.” legitimate tax break. We have been able inspired others with their achievements. There will The R&D claims submitted on behalf to reinvest the £412,000 back into the also be a three-course meal and dancing to a live of Radnor Hills were technical ongoing business. band. Tickets cost £35 and are available by emailing projects that included the development “There must be so many businesses [email protected] or www.climbingout. of a hot filling process for fragile juices, a across the UK that are just not taking org.uk specialised cooling and re-cycling system, advantage of R&D claims.”

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 56 02/05/2017 11:43:55 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 57 02/05/2017 11:45:11 58 NEWS NEWS 59 Time to make a BID More than words hropshire’s economy Ascendancy created a bespoke training programme for CJ Wildlife’s marketing is trailing behind many team. parts of the UK when it The company’s marketing supervisor Scomes to taking advantage Lisa Veale says: “We have seen huge benefits from Google AdWords. Ian of Google AdWords, it has “Our team was using it before we FOLLINGTON been claimed. went to Ascendancy but we needed their What are AdWords? They’re the adverts expertise to help us understand the full you see at the top and bottom of a Google potential and the latest features it had to ince 2007, Business search page. offer. And according to new research by “After the course, we saw a sharp Improvement Districts Google partner, Shifnal-based Ascendancy increase in traffic from Adwords and (or BIDs) have been Internet Marketing, over half of Shropshire have sustained an overall increase in Sestablished across the businesses have never tried marketing their performance from the campaigns whilst website with them. seeing an ongoing improvement in our UK to upgrade, enhance, Founder Helen Culshaw says: “The return on investment, which is great for our and at times transform service works by displaying information business needs.” the environment in which The possibility for an Oswestry BID is here, and businesses have the opportunity to grasp it about a business when an internet user Helen Culshaw, picture here with Lisa Veale Fact File group are spending the coming months with the level of attendance with over searches on Google for something relevant and Rowena Grundy of CJ Wildbirds, taking l AdWords was launched in 2000, with locally-based businesses listening intently, holding a series of 50 businesses from the town centre and to that company’s services. advantage of Google Ad Words customers originally paying a set fee per “Over a million companies worldwide month rather than on a pay-per-click basis. trade. surveys, workshops and drop-ins, to hear industrial estates coming along to find out companies using AdWords in Shropshire Currently, there are 251 active BIDs already use AdWords, with some larger l AdWords has become Google’s main what Oswestry businesses want and more. It also marked an important milestone is extremely low, compared to numbers in nationally, providing additional services for the BID, having secured financial companies even having people in-house source of revenue. Its total revenue in 2015 need in order to prosper. Every Oswestry other counties across the UK. and benefits that encourage positive local business has a vital part to play, and is support from Oswestry Town Council and to manage it. But these managers don’t was £51.38 billion, with £4.92 billion from the “AdWords is vitally important for large economic growth. Key aims being to bring encouraged to take up this opportunity and Shropshire County Council. generally have the kind of in-depth expertise UK. more quality jobs to the BID area and to get involved. The positive energy level shown by that you would get from a specialist agency. and small businesses alike and we at l The number of people who click promote a sustainable infrastructure as the Once business views have been Oswestry businesses has given us a sound “Our research was based on Google Ascendancy are able to offer our wealth of on the advert in first place position when foundation for future prosperity. brought together into a vision and strategy springboard for regular events and activities data relating to 126 of Shropshire’s largest experience in a way that can benefit each searching on a mobile device is reportedly That said, BIDs are challenging and to take Oswestry forwards, all businesses to through the summer to get as much input businesses. Of the 126 businesses, only 14 one individually.” 27.7 per cent. hard work - and moving the project to ballot be levied within the designated BID area will from locally-based businesses as we can. had an active AdWords account, while 46 For Shrewsbury-based company CJ l Around 70 per cent of customers stage is the initial task. be asked to vote on whether they support it. The possibility for an Oswestry BID is had a lapsed account and 66 never had an Wildlife, using Google Adwords has become searching on their mobiles call straight from This is being taken forward by members Should they decide, by a majority, that here, and we now have the opportunity to account at all.” a crucial tool to help reach new customers Google search rather than clicking through to of the Oswestry BID working group; all they would like Oswestry to have an active grasp it. Helen adds: “We believe the number of and market products to a wider audience. the company’s website. are volunteers from the local business BID for the next five years, then the current If we do, then it will give those community, owners and managers from BID working group will have completed its businesses not only a strong voice in the businesses large and small, who are task and a new management team will be direction of the local economy, but the offering their time and skills freely. formed. means to get things done. This will be They want to give Oswestry businesses This process will see an Oswestry BID for the benefit to all who live and work in an opportunity to vote on a locally focused board put in place made up of cross-section Oswestry both now and in the future. and exciting business plan - a plan that will of businesses and organisations across the If you would like more information give them the chance to identify projects BID area. The board will then in turn appoint about Oswestry BID, email feedback@ they would like to see introduced and have a project manager and support staff to oswestry4bid.co.uk or visit the website at a say in how BID funds are invested to best implement the projects identified in the plan. www.oswestry4bid.co.uk effect. At a recent launch of the Oswestry l Ian Follington is acting chair of the To make this happen, the BID working BID, the working group were very pleased Oswestry BID working group. Baffled at decision by regulation authority The decision by the Solicitors Regulation Society’s small firms division, continued: “On Authority to close its meetings to public and press this basis, the new lack of transparency from the scrutiny has baffled and concerned a Shropshire board is a concern. regulatory law expert. “Good regulation carries the confidence The SRA is facing a ‘crucial credibility test’ of the profession, and the public, and why the as it is required by the Legal Services Act 2007 SRA thinks its work is more sensitive than say to be ‘transparent’ and ‘accountable’ in each the General Medical Council or Health & Care of its regulatory activities, and also to apply Professions Council is unclear and difficult to good regulatory practice, said Paul Bennett, a justify in my opinion. professional practices partner in the Shrewsbury “In my view, not being fully transparent with office of Aaron & Partners. the press, the profession and consumers is He said the SRA’s current executive team had potentially unlawful and the SRA risk someone done ‘a huge amount of good work’ to support challenging the board’s decision before the courts innovation in the profession, and engage openly. to ensure the SRA is open and transparent in its He also praised the individuals and actions.” Sixth Form Open Evening, Thursday 28th September, 2017 operational teams he dealt with on a day-to-day Neil Rose, editor of Legal Futures, says: “At basis at the SRA. a time when the SRA is demanding ever more “They are highly professional, are keen to do transparency from those it regulates, the irony is the right thing and, crucially, on sensitive issues obvious. to my clients, to be seen to do the right thing,” he “As is the need for a body that constantly said reminds everyone that it is a public interest Mr Bennett, former chairman of the Law regulator not to close its doors to public gaze.” Paul Bennett

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 58 02/05/2017 11:46:58 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 59 02/05/2017 11:50:10 58 NEWS NEWS 59 Time to make a BID More than words hropshire’s economy Ascendancy created a bespoke training programme for CJ Wildlife’s marketing is trailing behind many team. parts of the UK when it The company’s marketing supervisor Scomes to taking advantage Lisa Veale says: “We have seen huge benefits from Google AdWords. Ian of Google AdWords, it has “Our team was using it before we FOLLINGTON been claimed. went to Ascendancy but we needed their What are AdWords? They’re the adverts expertise to help us understand the full you see at the top and bottom of a Google potential and the latest features it had to ince 2007, Business search page. offer. And according to new research by “After the course, we saw a sharp Improvement Districts Google partner, Shifnal-based Ascendancy increase in traffic from Adwords and (or BIDs) have been Internet Marketing, over half of Shropshire have sustained an overall increase in Sestablished across the businesses have never tried marketing their performance from the campaigns whilst website with them. seeing an ongoing improvement in our UK to upgrade, enhance, Founder Helen Culshaw says: “The return on investment, which is great for our and at times transform service works by displaying information business needs.” the environment in which The possibility for an Oswestry BID is here, and businesses have the opportunity to grasp it about a business when an internet user Helen Culshaw, picture here with Lisa Veale Fact File group are spending the coming months with the level of attendance with over searches on Google for something relevant and Rowena Grundy of CJ Wildbirds, taking l AdWords was launched in 2000, with locally-based businesses listening intently, holding a series of 50 businesses from the town centre and to that company’s services. advantage of Google Ad Words customers originally paying a set fee per “Over a million companies worldwide month rather than on a pay-per-click basis. trade. surveys, workshops and drop-ins, to hear industrial estates coming along to find out companies using AdWords in Shropshire Currently, there are 251 active BIDs already use AdWords, with some larger l AdWords has become Google’s main what Oswestry businesses want and more. It also marked an important milestone is extremely low, compared to numbers in nationally, providing additional services for the BID, having secured financial companies even having people in-house source of revenue. Its total revenue in 2015 need in order to prosper. Every Oswestry other counties across the UK. and benefits that encourage positive local business has a vital part to play, and is support from Oswestry Town Council and to manage it. But these managers don’t was £51.38 billion, with £4.92 billion from the “AdWords is vitally important for large economic growth. Key aims being to bring encouraged to take up this opportunity and Shropshire County Council. generally have the kind of in-depth expertise UK. more quality jobs to the BID area and to get involved. The positive energy level shown by that you would get from a specialist agency. and small businesses alike and we at l The number of people who click promote a sustainable infrastructure as the Once business views have been Oswestry businesses has given us a sound “Our research was based on Google Ascendancy are able to offer our wealth of on the advert in first place position when foundation for future prosperity. brought together into a vision and strategy springboard for regular events and activities data relating to 126 of Shropshire’s largest experience in a way that can benefit each searching on a mobile device is reportedly That said, BIDs are challenging and to take Oswestry forwards, all businesses to through the summer to get as much input businesses. Of the 126 businesses, only 14 one individually.” 27.7 per cent. hard work - and moving the project to ballot be levied within the designated BID area will from locally-based businesses as we can. had an active AdWords account, while 46 For Shrewsbury-based company CJ l Around 70 per cent of customers stage is the initial task. be asked to vote on whether they support it. The possibility for an Oswestry BID is had a lapsed account and 66 never had an Wildlife, using Google Adwords has become searching on their mobiles call straight from This is being taken forward by members Should they decide, by a majority, that here, and we now have the opportunity to account at all.” a crucial tool to help reach new customers Google search rather than clicking through to of the Oswestry BID working group; all they would like Oswestry to have an active grasp it. Helen adds: “We believe the number of and market products to a wider audience. the company’s website. are volunteers from the local business BID for the next five years, then the current If we do, then it will give those community, owners and managers from BID working group will have completed its businesses not only a strong voice in the businesses large and small, who are task and a new management team will be direction of the local economy, but the offering their time and skills freely. formed. means to get things done. This will be They want to give Oswestry businesses This process will see an Oswestry BID for the benefit to all who live and work in an opportunity to vote on a locally focused board put in place made up of cross-section Oswestry both now and in the future. and exciting business plan - a plan that will of businesses and organisations across the If you would like more information give them the chance to identify projects BID area. The board will then in turn appoint about Oswestry BID, email feedback@ they would like to see introduced and have a project manager and support staff to oswestry4bid.co.uk or visit the website at a say in how BID funds are invested to best implement the projects identified in the plan. www.oswestry4bid.co.uk effect. At a recent launch of the Oswestry l Ian Follington is acting chair of the To make this happen, the BID working BID, the working group were very pleased Oswestry BID working group. Baffled at decision by regulation authority The decision by the Solicitors Regulation Society’s small firms division, continued: “On Authority to close its meetings to public and press this basis, the new lack of transparency from the scrutiny has baffled and concerned a Shropshire board is a concern. regulatory law expert. “Good regulation carries the confidence The SRA is facing a ‘crucial credibility test’ of the profession, and the public, and why the as it is required by the Legal Services Act 2007 SRA thinks its work is more sensitive than say to be ‘transparent’ and ‘accountable’ in each the General Medical Council or Health & Care of its regulatory activities, and also to apply Professions Council is unclear and difficult to good regulatory practice, said Paul Bennett, a justify in my opinion. professional practices partner in the Shrewsbury “In my view, not being fully transparent with office of Aaron & Partners. the press, the profession and consumers is He said the SRA’s current executive team had potentially unlawful and the SRA risk someone done ‘a huge amount of good work’ to support challenging the board’s decision before the courts innovation in the profession, and engage openly. to ensure the SRA is open and transparent in its He also praised the individuals and actions.” Sixth Form Open Evening, Thursday 28th September, 2017 operational teams he dealt with on a day-to-day Neil Rose, editor of Legal Futures, says: “At basis at the SRA. a time when the SRA is demanding ever more “They are highly professional, are keen to do transparency from those it regulates, the irony is the right thing and, crucially, on sensitive issues obvious. to my clients, to be seen to do the right thing,” he “As is the need for a body that constantly said reminds everyone that it is a public interest Mr Bennett, former chairman of the Law regulator not to close its doors to public gaze.” Paul Bennett

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 58 02/05/2017 11:46:58 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 59 02/05/2017 11:50:10 60 TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY 61 Tomorrow’s world is taking shape

UCS student Lauren tries the Invictus Trainer You can hook up your Android or Apple device and make the most of fitness apps SANDFORDMatt

Fitness training for all very year, technology makes it slightly hropshire easier for Shropshire Ebusinesses to communicate entrepreneurs Scott Smith and Paul both within themselves and SCooksey have developed a with their customers. Let’s piece of fitness equipment look at some of the trends, with a difference – and it’s and what might be coming up soon. Oculus Rift could one that’s in demand all over lead to virtual reality the world. More remote working becoming much more Wheelchair users Scott and Paul are For many people, the mobile revolution commonplace both long-time fitness enthusiasts. After has already occurred and technology is sustaining a spinal cord injury during a car evolving to reflect the fact that most of us one-minute video is 50% more likely to be A little more Virtual Reality crash, Paul found he was putting on more who work can do some of that work on the watched than a two-minute video. Combine Virtual Reality and augmented reality and more weight, and he couldn’t work out go. Remote working has risen by a fifth in this with the fact that more people are continue to be developed, with new a way to shift those extra pounds – so he the last decade with over 1.5m people in the making and posting their own videos, and possibilities trickling through this year. took matters into his own hands and built UK regularly working from home or on the move. shoppers are increasingly relying on them to From the obvious gaming possibilities a training device he could use with his choose what they buy. Popularity has been creating new options for tech companies, wheelchair. That trend is spearheaded by technology, as broadband connectivity, driven by amateur (and not so amateur) to Facebook’s much-touted acquisition Paul recalls: “I’d gone from 12 to 18 vloggers but we can expect to see this of Oculus Rift which could lead to virtual stone, and cutting calories didn’t seem email, messaging apps, conference calling and video conferencing make it easier to less sophisticated style to be increasingly reality becoming much more commonplace. to make any difference. Then I met Scott do everything you would normally do in the adopted by brands. Marketers are increasingly using virtual playing wheelchair tennis in Shrewsbury The Invictus Trainer means wheelchair users can train in sports clubs and gyms office, remotely. This will only increase this reality to help their brands stand out, from and he was interested in seeing the trainer year. Growth of the cloud Coca Cola to McDonalds, Top Shop to I’d created – at that stage, it was made of Unlike its early prototype, today’s He has published a chapter on cardiac Research carried out last year showed Volvo. And even smaller startup companies wood and rollers from a factory conveyor Invictus Active Trainer is made from rehabilitation in a new International Olympic Surge in social selling that 93% of businesses are using some like Mercaux are looking into the technology belt!” lightweight aluminium, which means a Committee Manual of Sports Cardiology. The trend of using social media and form of cloud solution, and this is continuing – they’re considering adapting their online Recently, the pair have become sole user can easily carry it and set it up, His 2015 international report in the British networks to communicate directly with to grow. Cloud use can range from bespoke retail technology that compares various involved with University Centre Shrewsbury and rollers used in trainers in professional Journal of Sports Medicine on reducing customers is growing. Part of a general services created specifically for larger garments to include virtual reality content. through applied exercise science Professor cycling. sitting time in office workers continues to move away from more intrusive forms of companies, to smaller businesses that use And looking further ahead, Emteq John Buckley, using the state-of-the-art The trainer is used for rehabilitation be citied in the media and this April he advertising, it’s potentially a smarter way online storage and collaboration services is working on FaceTeq, a facial sensing equipment in the university’s Active Living in hospitals such as the Robert Jones appeared on the BBC 1 TV programme to network and can deliver some serious like Box or Office 365. platform that can track emotional Lab to test their Invictus Active Trainer to and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital in Health – Truth or Scare. results. interaction, and could lead to the next big measure the impact of weights upon energy Oswestry, as well as for leisure purposes In relation to the Invictus Trainer Research by Feedback Systems in 2016 More mobile payments leap in virtual reality. burned. in health clubs. Extras include a heart rate for people who are wheelchair bound, claimed 61% of companies that use social It is predicted that the global market for Professor Buckley, along with monitor, a stand for an Android or Apple Professor Buckley says: “Scott and Paul selling saw a positive increase in revenue. online payments will reach $780bn in 2017 Automatic ordering on the increase undergraduate and postgraduate students, device, and a speed and distance sensor. are an excellent example of fact that we all Most of the activity was centred on LinkedIn (up from $450bn in 2015) and over $1tn by Amazon has seen success with its had the opportunity to try the unit as it was Scott adds, “We’re currently working on benefit from making lifestyle changes that and Twitter though Adidas famously 2019. Samsung Pay was expected to arrive Dash buttons which allow shoppers to order tested, and the students continue to study testing the trainer for race chairs; people promote our health. launched a social campaign on WhatsApp, in 2016 but the rumours are strong that it replacements of everything from toilet roll the unit as part of their dissertation. are asking us more and more often about “They took the initiative and devised aimed at creating communities of like- will make an appearance in the next quarter to coffee at the push of a button. Carling For Scott, the idea of a trainer that the possibility of using it in conjunction with their own fitness machine, but we can minded people in a ‘dark social experiment’. of 2017. It’s expected to incorporate both produced a similar button for its beer. As would help wheelchair users keep fit was wheelchair racing, as the training equipment all make minor alterations to our working That’s ‘dark’ as in ‘difficult to measure’ but Near Field Communication and traditional these and other devices grow in popularity hugely exciting. He says: “I’m from a used at present is pretty bulky and not pattern to keep ourselves healthy – being using the app as a platform to build interest magnetic stripe payments so that it should more household goods may be ordered marketing background, and I could see easily transportable.” on our feet more often, using our muscles ahead of other messaging. work with virtually any credit card reader. automatically and brands will need to work immediately that there’d be a market for the Meanwhile, Professor Buckley has been more for transport, even if it’s not very Mobile-only banking services such as hard to be included as shoppers leave trainer. I’d been using my skills promoting involved with the World Health Organisation far, taking the stairs instead of the lift or Shorter, less sophisticated videos Mondo and mobile payment systems like brand choice to the delivery mechanism. other products, and I was really keen to use as part of an International Expert Panel escalator, and always parking a little further Around half of YouTube traffic now Android Pay are also growing in popularity, those skills to make the trainer available to setting out plans for global policies on so we do some more walking… it all makes comes via mobile and that’s only likely moving us just a little closer to a cashless l Matt Sandford is managing director more people.” rehabilitation. a difference.” to rise. Further research shows that a society. of Pure Telecom in Shrewsbury

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 60 02/05/2017 11:50:53 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 61 02/05/2017 11:51:18 60 TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY 61 Tomorrow’s world is taking shape

UCS student Lauren tries the Invictus Trainer You can hook up your Android or Apple device and make the most of fitness apps SANDFORDMatt

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 60 02/05/2017 11:50:53 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 61 02/05/2017 11:51:18 62 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY COMMERCIAL PROPERTY 63 Borough’s economy benefits from MoD site new Defence Fulfilment Centre at Donnington – said to be worth aroundA £60 million a year to the local economy – is officially open for business. Two years after it was confirmed that the centre would be built in Telford, it was opened by the Minister for Defence Procurement, Harriett Baldwin MP. Donnington beat off competition from Bicester to be named as the home of the Defence Fulfilment Centre, providing a consolidated, national centre for MoD logistics, commodities and services with Investment in the Newport Enterprise employment site – opposite the turning to the Aldi supermarket near the A518 and A41 state of the art infrastructure. junction – will provide space for a range of new firms including start-ups, smaller businesses and larger occupiers Bringing the DFC to Telford will secure many local jobs, and is said by the local authority to be worth around £60 million a year to the borough’s economy. Councillor Shaun Davies, Telford & Close to 1,000 jobs in Wrekin Council’s leader, said: “We always said that safeguarding the existing jobs at MoD Donnington was the key priority and today we delivered that. “The investment and confidence in Telford has secured and created more sight for market town jobs, as well as helping to grow the local £9 million business by the Council into Newport. Last year economy. we took on the Audley Avenue Enterprise “We certainly didn’t begin the process as park investment in Park ensuring it remains for business use, Donnington beat off competition from Bicester to be named as the home of the Defence favourites for this but we worked hard and keeping hundreds of jobs in Newport. Fulfilment Centre, providing a consolidated, national centre for MoD logistics, commodities Newport that could convinced the MoD that Telford is the best “We now want to begin work on this new and services with state of the art infrastructure createA 950 new jobs, is set place for the Defence Fulfilment Centre.” site in 2018/19 and bring employment land to go ahead after securing forward as quickly as possible. Government funding through “It’s another major economic boost for the borough, another signal how it is on the the Midlands Engine and up and recognition by the Midlands Engine Luxury travel arrives in town Telford & Wrekin Council. of the key role we have to play in driving Shrewsbury Mayor Councillor Ioan Jones cut the ribbon to The £9.3 million funding for the Newport growth.” officially open the first high street shop of a new luxury independent Enterprise Package will play a very major This investment, supported by the travel agency in the town. role in the borough’s economic development LEP’s latest Growth Deal with Government, Opulent Travel Services, which only launched last Autumn, and rapid growth, promoting Newport for follows other major projects in Telford has relocated from offices in Swan Hill to a shop unit in Longden inward investment and supporting the and Wrekin including the opening of the Coleham. Enterprise Telford drive for growth and new MoD Logistics Hub at Donnington Councillor Jones said he was delighted to support new prosperity. this spring, and growth at areas such as businesss, entrepreneurship and job creation. It is described as more great news for the T54 site which has attracted the new Opulent Travel, which specialises in bespoke holidays, the borough’s economy, which is already multi-million pound Magna and Polytec corporate business and VIP and concierge-style travel, has been attracting a range of major new employers, investments that will create 400 new jobs launched by Leighann Morgan following a 20-year career in the and will create hundreds of new jobs in this in their first phase. The Magna site is now travel industry. part of the borough. under construction. She has worked with big industry names such as Going Places, This investment in the Newport Dr David Llewellyn, vice chancellor Thomson’s and Baker Dolphin, as well as various independent Enterprise employment site – opposite the Dr David Llewellyn, vice chancellor of of Harper Adams University, added: “By travel agencies, before branching out on her own six years ago, turning to the Aldi supermarket near the Harper Adams University working with the Local Authority and the firstly as a Travel Counsellor and then as an independent agent. A518 and A41 junction – will provide space Marches LEP, with the welcome support of She set up Opulent Travel Services as an evolution into the for a range of new firms including start-ups, employment linking with Telford’s strong Newport Town Council, we are delighted luxury travel market and the business has so far created one smaller businesses and larger occupiers advanced manufacturing sector, being that the Growth Deal funding announcement additional full-time job and one part-time post. and could create up to 950 new full time in close proximity to the world renowned will make it possible to embark on the next “We’re so excited to have opened our very first shop in jobs. Harper Adams University and its leading phase of our plans to create an agri-tech Shrewsbury. This is a goal that we’ve been working towards over While the Midlands Engine funding Agri Tech Centre of Excellence.” innovation park at the edge of Newport. the past few months. A visible high street presence will help us to will provide £6.3 million, an additional Councillor Shaun Davies said: “This is “The aim of this joint initiative is to put grow the business and create further jobs in the future,” she said. £3 million will come from the Telford Land more great news for the borough and the Telford &Wrekin’s economy at the heart Miss Morgan is a school business advisor for Young Enterprise, Shrewsbury Mayor Councillor Ioan Jones, pictured with Leighann Deal between Telford & Wrekin Council region and will create a crucial employment of a new industry sector. Not only will this working with pupils at Shrewsbury High School. She is also working Morgan, cuts the ribbon at Opulent Travel Services and Homes & Communities Agency, site in the Newport area which will give a development bring the potential for new jobs with Shrewsbury College to provide work experience places for further Council funding and developer real boost to business and employment in and economic growth, but it will also support students. London after featuring in a national lifestyle magazine nearly five contributions. the town and for the agri-tech sector the site research and innovation for the agri-food In 2012 she was named Mumpreneur UK Best Saleswoman years ago and making an appearance on the BBC Big Breakfast “The site will provide a strong offer to will serve. industry, a theme that will feature strongly in of the year. She came to the attention of prestigious VIP clients in sofa for International Women’s Day. high tech companies, creating high value “This is another significant investment the UK’s food and farming strategy.”

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 62 02/05/2017 11:52:31 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 63 02/05/2017 11:52:46 62 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY COMMERCIAL PROPERTY 63 Borough’s economy benefits from MoD site new Defence Fulfilment Centre at Donnington – said to be worth aroundA £60 million a year to the local economy – is officially open for business. Two years after it was confirmed that the centre would be built in Telford, it was opened by the Minister for Defence Procurement, Harriett Baldwin MP. Donnington beat off competition from Bicester to be named as the home of the Defence Fulfilment Centre, providing a consolidated, national centre for MoD logistics, commodities and services with Investment in the Newport Enterprise employment site – opposite the turning to the Aldi supermarket near the A518 and A41 state of the art infrastructure. junction – will provide space for a range of new firms including start-ups, smaller businesses and larger occupiers Bringing the DFC to Telford will secure many local jobs, and is said by the local authority to be worth around £60 million a year to the borough’s economy. Councillor Shaun Davies, Telford & Close to 1,000 jobs in Wrekin Council’s leader, said: “We always said that safeguarding the existing jobs at MoD Donnington was the key priority and today we delivered that. “The investment and confidence in Telford has secured and created more sight for market town jobs, as well as helping to grow the local £9 million business by the Council into Newport. Last year economy. we took on the Audley Avenue Enterprise “We certainly didn’t begin the process as park investment in Park ensuring it remains for business use, Donnington beat off competition from Bicester to be named as the home of the Defence favourites for this but we worked hard and keeping hundreds of jobs in Newport. Fulfilment Centre, providing a consolidated, national centre for MoD logistics, commodities Newport that could convinced the MoD that Telford is the best “We now want to begin work on this new and services with state of the art infrastructure createA 950 new jobs, is set place for the Defence Fulfilment Centre.” site in 2018/19 and bring employment land to go ahead after securing forward as quickly as possible. Government funding through “It’s another major economic boost for the borough, another signal how it is on the the Midlands Engine and up and recognition by the Midlands Engine Luxury travel arrives in town Telford & Wrekin Council. of the key role we have to play in driving Shrewsbury Mayor Councillor Ioan Jones cut the ribbon to The £9.3 million funding for the Newport growth.” officially open the first high street shop of a new luxury independent Enterprise Package will play a very major This investment, supported by the travel agency in the town. role in the borough’s economic development LEP’s latest Growth Deal with Government, Opulent Travel Services, which only launched last Autumn, and rapid growth, promoting Newport for follows other major projects in Telford has relocated from offices in Swan Hill to a shop unit in Longden inward investment and supporting the and Wrekin including the opening of the Coleham. Enterprise Telford drive for growth and new MoD Logistics Hub at Donnington Councillor Jones said he was delighted to support new prosperity. this spring, and growth at areas such as businesss, entrepreneurship and job creation. It is described as more great news for the T54 site which has attracted the new Opulent Travel, which specialises in bespoke holidays, the borough’s economy, which is already multi-million pound Magna and Polytec corporate business and VIP and concierge-style travel, has been attracting a range of major new employers, investments that will create 400 new jobs launched by Leighann Morgan following a 20-year career in the and will create hundreds of new jobs in this in their first phase. The Magna site is now travel industry. part of the borough. under construction. She has worked with big industry names such as Going Places, This investment in the Newport Dr David Llewellyn, vice chancellor Thomson’s and Baker Dolphin, as well as various independent Enterprise employment site – opposite the Dr David Llewellyn, vice chancellor of of Harper Adams University, added: “By travel agencies, before branching out on her own six years ago, turning to the Aldi supermarket near the Harper Adams University working with the Local Authority and the firstly as a Travel Counsellor and then as an independent agent. A518 and A41 junction – will provide space Marches LEP, with the welcome support of She set up Opulent Travel Services as an evolution into the for a range of new firms including start-ups, employment linking with Telford’s strong Newport Town Council, we are delighted luxury travel market and the business has so far created one smaller businesses and larger occupiers advanced manufacturing sector, being that the Growth Deal funding announcement additional full-time job and one part-time post. and could create up to 950 new full time in close proximity to the world renowned will make it possible to embark on the next “We’re so excited to have opened our very first shop in jobs. Harper Adams University and its leading phase of our plans to create an agri-tech Shrewsbury. This is a goal that we’ve been working towards over While the Midlands Engine funding Agri Tech Centre of Excellence.” innovation park at the edge of Newport. the past few months. A visible high street presence will help us to will provide £6.3 million, an additional Councillor Shaun Davies said: “This is “The aim of this joint initiative is to put grow the business and create further jobs in the future,” she said. £3 million will come from the Telford Land more great news for the borough and the Telford &Wrekin’s economy at the heart Miss Morgan is a school business advisor for Young Enterprise, Shrewsbury Mayor Councillor Ioan Jones, pictured with Leighann Deal between Telford & Wrekin Council region and will create a crucial employment of a new industry sector. Not only will this working with pupils at Shrewsbury High School. She is also working Morgan, cuts the ribbon at Opulent Travel Services and Homes & Communities Agency, site in the Newport area which will give a development bring the potential for new jobs with Shrewsbury College to provide work experience places for further Council funding and developer real boost to business and employment in and economic growth, but it will also support students. London after featuring in a national lifestyle magazine nearly five contributions. the town and for the agri-tech sector the site research and innovation for the agri-food In 2012 she was named Mumpreneur UK Best Saleswoman years ago and making an appearance on the BBC Big Breakfast “The site will provide a strong offer to will serve. industry, a theme that will feature strongly in of the year. She came to the attention of prestigious VIP clients in sofa for International Women’s Day. high tech companies, creating high value “This is another significant investment the UK’s food and farming strategy.”

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 62 02/05/2017 11:52:31 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 63 02/05/2017 11:52:46 64 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY COMMERCIAL PROPERTY 65 Coffee specialist in new location Final units at park go to investor Tilley Green Coffee Company has moved to new Vanguard Park, on the northern of demand for units of this size in this headquarters at Whitchurch Business Park to service its fringes of Shrewsbury, has sold its final location.” expanding nationwide customer base. three units at Plot 19 to a local investor. Liz Lowe, Head of Estates at Morris The company was set up in 2013 to supply coffee machines Towler Shaw Roberts, on behalf of Properties, said: “We are pleased to and coffee products predominately to restaurants, bars, hotels, site owners Morris Property, managed have attracted more business investors cafes, garden centres and leisure outlets. the sale of units H, J and K to an un- into the town and we are seeing more Previously based in Higher Heath, the company has moved named buyer. and more demand for parks like ours into new office accommodation with an adjoining warehouse The business park is already home as more investors look to build their for increased storage space, enhanced stock control and to to businesses such as Motorworld to portfolios. Vanguard Park benefits from streamline distribution. Travis Perkins and Mercedes Benz. a central location and good transport The new headquarters also offers customers a dedicated Toby Shaw, a partner of TSR, said: links with a modern and contemporary training centre for both product and barista training. “These are modern trade counter and design.” “Because of our increasing order book, we simply ran out of commercial units, set in a prime location Vanguard Park is two and a half space,” explains Tilley Green sales manager Adrian Dratwinski. with a combined size of over 8,500 miles north of Shrewsbury town centre “Our new facility not only allows us to service our existing sq ft. The investor purchased them and home to 35 national, regional and customers more efficiently, but also provides capacity for future The units on Vanguard Park, near Shrewsbury speculatively, as there will be a high level local trade counter occupiers. growth. We believe our new premises will be a launchpad for future success. The move is good news for local jobs too. The company has added two additional full-time members of staff to its team. Joining the business are office adminstrator Ruth Jones of Whitchurch, and operations co-ordinator Shaun Bond from The team from Tilley Green at the new headquarters Services in Ludlow will Prees. create around 20 jobs All buildings he developer of a new petrol station and convenience store in Ludlow, which has the potential to create around 20 jobs, has Tagreed to lease the property to Applegreen. Work on the development, on the site of the former Burway Abattoir site in Bromfield Road, at the northern entrance to Ludlow, is scheduled must meet to begin in June. The developer, Mead House Pension Fund, hopes to complete the work in October. Applegreen, who have one the UK’s fastest expanding networks of petrol stations and convenience stores, will take on the lease. The company’s nearest petrol station and store to Ludlow is at Church Stretton. “We are delighted to announce that Applegreen has signed a lease for a standard the new petrol station and the 3,000 square foot convenience store,” said a spokesman for Mead House. andlords and asset managers with commercial “It has taken a long time to get to this point, but we are now making real and residential properties are being reminded of progress, which is great news for Ludlow in terms of investment and jobs. additional responsibilities over the energy-efficiency “We expect the build to take around 16 weeks, which means the petrol An artist’s impression of the proposed petrol station and station and store should be open in October.” convenience store Lof the buildings. Kevin Bailey in the new Battlefield Carpets Shrewsbury-based property consultancy Berrys says buildings not meeting the showroom in Shrewsbury minimum energy performance standard will not be allowed to be let from 2018 until they have been upgraded. The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations From Shrewsbury to Telford Family-run 2015 make it unlawful for properties with F or G Energy Performance Certificates to Truck and van firm Indelease be let without cost-effective energy efficiency improvements or fulfilling an exemption has moved into new headquarters in criterion, such as being Listed. Telford. From April 2018, all rented property which is to be let must have an EPC rating of The company, which provides business is at least “E”. This also applies to all renewal tenancies to the same tenant for the same property on or after April next year. acquisition services for commercial And Berrys says non-domestic properties have until April 2023, including existing vehicles, has more than doubled in tenancies, to ensure they meet the minimum E rating. size in just two years. now open “Although there is one year to go before the ‘E’ Rating obligation comes into force It has moved from Shrewsbury, to A new family-run, independent carpet for new tenancies, we are advising our property owning clients to take steps to upgrade a new base at Central Park in Telford centre has opened in Shrewsbury. their properties now as potential tenants are tending to avoid lower energy grade which is three times the size of its Battlefield Carpets, at The Market Place, properties,” said Graham Bowcock, partner at Berrys. former home. off Battlefield Road, near Tesco, has opened “Banks too are conscious of the regulations; mortgage valuers are obliged to report Director Oliver Smith says: “We’ve its doors after a two-month refurbishment on the property’s EPC band and the implications if the banding is F or G. grown tremendously over the last two overseen by new manager Kevin Bailey, “Arguably tenants may be less interested in properties with low EPC bands due to years – both in terms of the volume of from Shrewsbury. increased heating and running costs. This may make certain properties less attractive business written and in physical size. Mr Bailey, who has 35 years of retail for future sale or letting, irrespective of the legal requirement.” “Demand for our services has experience, has created two retail jobs with Property owners selling or renting residential or commercial properties failing to never been stronger. Now we want to the store opening. He said: “We offer a full meet the legislation could end up with a property on their hands or face being fined up build on that momentum and the new range of carpets and flooring from major to £150,000. headquarters will give us the perfect suppliers from the UK and beyond.” platform from which to do that.” Indelease has relocated to new headquarters

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 64 02/05/2017 11:53:09 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 65 02/05/2017 11:53:35 64 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY COMMERCIAL PROPERTY 65 Coffee specialist in new location Final units at park go to investor Tilley Green Coffee Company has moved to new Vanguard Park, on the northern of demand for units of this size in this headquarters at Whitchurch Business Park to service its fringes of Shrewsbury, has sold its final location.” expanding nationwide customer base. three units at Plot 19 to a local investor. Liz Lowe, Head of Estates at Morris The company was set up in 2013 to supply coffee machines Towler Shaw Roberts, on behalf of Properties, said: “We are pleased to and coffee products predominately to restaurants, bars, hotels, site owners Morris Property, managed have attracted more business investors cafes, garden centres and leisure outlets. the sale of units H, J and K to an un- into the town and we are seeing more Previously based in Higher Heath, the company has moved named buyer. and more demand for parks like ours into new office accommodation with an adjoining warehouse The business park is already home as more investors look to build their for increased storage space, enhanced stock control and to to businesses such as Motorworld to portfolios. Vanguard Park benefits from streamline distribution. Travis Perkins and Mercedes Benz. a central location and good transport The new headquarters also offers customers a dedicated Toby Shaw, a partner of TSR, said: links with a modern and contemporary training centre for both product and barista training. “These are modern trade counter and design.” “Because of our increasing order book, we simply ran out of commercial units, set in a prime location Vanguard Park is two and a half space,” explains Tilley Green sales manager Adrian Dratwinski. with a combined size of over 8,500 miles north of Shrewsbury town centre “Our new facility not only allows us to service our existing sq ft. The investor purchased them and home to 35 national, regional and customers more efficiently, but also provides capacity for future The units on Vanguard Park, near Shrewsbury speculatively, as there will be a high level local trade counter occupiers. growth. We believe our new premises will be a launchpad for future success. The move is good news for local jobs too. The company has added two additional full-time members of staff to its team. Joining the business are office adminstrator Ruth Jones of Whitchurch, and operations co-ordinator Shaun Bond from The team from Tilley Green at the new headquarters Services in Ludlow will Prees. create around 20 jobs All buildings he developer of a new petrol station and convenience store in Ludlow, which has the potential to create around 20 jobs, has Tagreed to lease the property to Applegreen. Work on the development, on the site of the former Burway Abattoir site in Bromfield Road, at the northern entrance to Ludlow, is scheduled must meet to begin in June. The developer, Mead House Pension Fund, hopes to complete the work in October. Applegreen, who have one the UK’s fastest expanding networks of petrol stations and convenience stores, will take on the lease. The company’s nearest petrol station and store to Ludlow is at Church Stretton. “We are delighted to announce that Applegreen has signed a lease for a standard the new petrol station and the 3,000 square foot convenience store,” said a spokesman for Mead House. andlords and asset managers with commercial “It has taken a long time to get to this point, but we are now making real and residential properties are being reminded of progress, which is great news for Ludlow in terms of investment and jobs. additional responsibilities over the energy-efficiency “We expect the build to take around 16 weeks, which means the petrol An artist’s impression of the proposed petrol station and station and store should be open in October.” convenience store Lof the buildings. Kevin Bailey in the new Battlefield Carpets Shrewsbury-based property consultancy Berrys says buildings not meeting the showroom in Shrewsbury minimum energy performance standard will not be allowed to be let from 2018 until they have been upgraded. The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations From Shrewsbury to Telford Family-run 2015 make it unlawful for properties with F or G Energy Performance Certificates to Truck and van firm Indelease be let without cost-effective energy efficiency improvements or fulfilling an exemption has moved into new headquarters in criterion, such as being Listed. Telford. From April 2018, all rented property which is to be let must have an EPC rating of The company, which provides business is at least “E”. This also applies to all renewal tenancies to the same tenant for the same property on or after April next year. acquisition services for commercial And Berrys says non-domestic properties have until April 2023, including existing vehicles, has more than doubled in tenancies, to ensure they meet the minimum E rating. size in just two years. now open “Although there is one year to go before the ‘E’ Rating obligation comes into force It has moved from Shrewsbury, to A new family-run, independent carpet for new tenancies, we are advising our property owning clients to take steps to upgrade a new base at Central Park in Telford centre has opened in Shrewsbury. their properties now as potential tenants are tending to avoid lower energy grade which is three times the size of its Battlefield Carpets, at The Market Place, properties,” said Graham Bowcock, partner at Berrys. former home. off Battlefield Road, near Tesco, has opened “Banks too are conscious of the regulations; mortgage valuers are obliged to report Director Oliver Smith says: “We’ve its doors after a two-month refurbishment on the property’s EPC band and the implications if the banding is F or G. grown tremendously over the last two overseen by new manager Kevin Bailey, “Arguably tenants may be less interested in properties with low EPC bands due to years – both in terms of the volume of from Shrewsbury. increased heating and running costs. This may make certain properties less attractive business written and in physical size. Mr Bailey, who has 35 years of retail for future sale or letting, irrespective of the legal requirement.” “Demand for our services has experience, has created two retail jobs with Property owners selling or renting residential or commercial properties failing to never been stronger. Now we want to the store opening. He said: “We offer a full meet the legislation could end up with a property on their hands or face being fined up build on that momentum and the new range of carpets and flooring from major to £150,000. headquarters will give us the perfect suppliers from the UK and beyond.” platform from which to do that.” Indelease has relocated to new headquarters

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 64 02/05/2017 11:53:09 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 65 02/05/2017 11:53:35 66 SOCIAL SCENE SOCIAL SCENE 67

Julie Sheehan, Richard Sheehan (chief executive), pictured with Catherine Gough, Nigel Gough and Keith Winter pictured with Teresa Rowe and Steve Maden Andy Young and Jackie Young Ceirios Guy, Peter Guy (president), Anna Brennand and Paul Alison Suckley, Brett Hughes, Lisa McLoughlin, Ed Preece and Sue Evans Gossage at the Whitchurch evening pictured at the Macdonald Hill Valley Hotel

Katy Jones, Paul Coulthard-Jones, Sandy Edwards and Jonny Edwards Nick West, Linda Davies and Nick Davies Chamber celebrates in Whitchurch

hropshire Chamber of Commerce hosted a celebration evening for Staff of Network Telecom, Telford, were at the event Katherine Lear, Natasha Boaden and Sarah Pruce Sits patrons. The event took place at the Macdonald Hill Valley Hotel, Whitchurch.

Robert Williams, Attia Williams, Anton Gunter and Nicole Gunter

Helen Wright, pictured here with Alice Davies, Nathan Williams, Melanie French and Tony French, pictured with Joanne McKay, Jess McGowan and Barbara Webb Gavin McKay, Richard Hughes and Gina Hughes

Margaret Ratcliffe and Colin Ames toast the Emma Jones and Nick Jones pictured with Jane Ward, Graham Mills, Grainne Walters and Anthony Walters pictured with Rhiannon Williams, pictured with Alan Adams, Felicity Wingrove, successful Chamber of Commerce event Leigh Mills, Steve Oliver and Jane Smallman Craig Hughes and Claire Hughes Tom Lloyd and Jennie Windle

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 66 02/05/2017 11:55:42 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 67 02/05/2017 11:55:09 66 SOCIAL SCENE SOCIAL SCENE 67

Katy Jones, Paul Coulthard-Jones, Sandy Edwards and Jonny Edwards Nick West, Linda Davies and Nick Davies Chamber celebrates in Whitchurch hropshire Chamber of Commerce hosted a celebration evening for Staff of Network Telecom, Telford, were at the event Katherine Lear, Natasha Boaden and Sarah Pruce Sits patrons. The event took place at the Macdonald Hill Valley Hotel, Whitchurch.

Robert Williams, Attia Williams, Anton Gunter and Nicole Gunter

Helen Wright, pictured here with Alice Davies, Nathan Williams, Melanie French and Tony French, pictured with Joanne McKay, Jess McGowan and Barbara Webb Gavin McKay, Richard Hughes and Gina Hughes

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 66 02/05/2017 11:55:42 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 67 02/05/2017 11:55:09 68 PERSONAL FINANCE PERSONAL FINANCE 69 l Martin Lewis is the Founder and Chair of Money Saving Expert. To join the 12 million people Are you being ripped off who get his Martin’s Money Tips weekly email, go to www.moneysavingexpert.com/latesttip by your energy supplier? TV’s money-saving expert Martin Lewis writes for Shropshire Business

PROVIDER’S AVG PRICE CHANGE PRICE AFTER OVERPAYMENT STANDARD THE CHANGE COMPARED TO TARIFF CHEAPEST Martin CHEAPEST 1 YEAR FIX - £834 -

LEWIS Npower UP 10.2% on 16 March £1,187/yr £353/yr

Scottish Power UP 9.1% on 31 March £1,167/yr £333/yr f you’re one of the 60% of people on a standard E.on UP 9.3% on 26 April £1,144/yr £310/yr energy price tariff, Iincluding the big six energy SSE* UP 5.7% on 28 April £1,129/yr £295/yr firms, you’re being RIPPED OFF. EDF UP 1.2% on 1 March £1,082/yr £248/yr And that rip off is getting bigger. After huge price hike announcements, many are burning £350 a year. Yet it takes just five British Gas Frozen until August £1,044/yr £210/yr minutes . . . you can stop it. And right now is the moment, because *including Scot Hydro, Southern Elec, Swalec & Atlantic Price increases are a familiar news item. It’s worh checking to see if you are on the most appropriate tariff for your usage. with all the big suppliers having announced Switching really isn’t that big a deal. your third or fourth cheapest instead of your Q. I switched, but my bills haven’t their price intentions, there’s a level playing It’s the same gas, same electricity, same first, and with wrong predicted savings – yet dropped by the predicted saving – field for comparison. safety, all that changes is customer service you’d still be on a cheaper deal. what can I do? Take a look at this table. The prices I’ve and billing. And don’t worry, no engineers put in are dual fuel deals for someone with come to visit, it’s done without that, and Now let me answer a few common When you do a comparison the ‘saving’ typical use - paying by monthly direct debit you won’t be cut off mid-switch - you are switching questions: is compared to what you would’ve paid if you and using paperless bills. Compare that to guaranteed continuous supply. did nothing. Yet prices are rising, so if your the cheapest one year fix, where the rate Q. Can I switch if I’m on a bill was £1,000 last year, it would be £1,100- is guaranteed for a year (not the price you How to find your cheapest deal. prepayment (key or card) meter? ish this year, therefore a £200 saving only pay, that depends on how much you use). cuts what you actually pay by £100. Of course if your bill is higher or lower, so is Your exact winner depends on your Yes. Just do a comparison, though your saving: location and how much you use. That’s the savings tend not to be as large. Far Q. Is direct debit really cheaper? why by far the easiest thing to do is use bigger savings are possible by switching a comparison site – where you just put in to a standard meter, as there’s more Yes. Suppliers charge around 6% less if your details and it finds you your cheapest competition. If you’re with a big six firm you pay specifically by monthly direct debit, deal. you won’t be charged for switching meter, so if you can, opt for that, but always give though will usually have to pass its regular meter readings to get accurate bills. It takes just five minutes with my www. credit check. Full help in www.mse.me/ cheapenergyclub.com, which I’ve designed prepaidenergy. Q. I rent, can I switch? to try to make it easy, and it automatically lets you see all tariffs across the market, Q. I’m electricity only, what should I Landlords can’t stop you changing and then monitors afterwards in case a do? supplier (unless your rent includes the cheap deal launches. Plus, as comparison energy bill). If they unfairly band it in your sites get paid around £60 (dual fuel) if you You can do an electricity only contract send them this factsheet www.mse. switch through them, Cheap Energy Club comparison exactly the same way as dual me/energyguide#rentingfactsheet. gives you £30 cashback. fuel, and the savings can still be substantial. However, you do need a landlord’s If you’re on an Economy 7 or 10 tariff, permission to change the physical meter, Alternatively use any www.ofgem.gov. comparing is trickier though. eg switching from a prepayment to a normal uk approved comparison site. However, do meter. beware some will ask you something like: Q. I switched to a cheap fix, then it “Do you only want to see tariffs we can put my price up - have I been Q. I’m moving home, is there any switch you to today?” This is a proxy for: conned? point switching? Gas or electricity, or both – switching to a new provider can reduce bills significantly “Only see tariffs that pay us”. So always select to see the whole of the market. If you switch to a tariff with a guaranteed Yes, but grab a ‘portable’ deal. That’s Q. The comparison shows my cheap deal (but would be free to switch cheaper rate, you will save on the energy one that can move with you when you move. cheapest is a small provider I’ve not elsewhere). And if you’ve not switched used. Yet if the firm estimated you’d use You’ll find whether it’s portable listed by most heard of. Should I worry? because you find comparing too less energy than you are, the initial direct comparison sites. The bigger issue is some of these small confusing. My most important debit can rise. This feels like a price hike, There’s a lot of small, new challenger firms pump out very cheap deals to build message is that the sin of NOT but in the end as it’s a cheaper rate while Q. I’ve just moved home, and have no energy firms. Big picture is, don’t worry. market share, and then can’t cope with the COMPARING is worse frustrating, you’re still better off. Yet do get bills, what do I do? Even in the unlikely event that one went demand, hitting their customer service. So than the sin of getting a on the phone and ask it to justify any direct bust, the regulator Ofgem guarantees you look at the feedback ratings on comparison comparison wrong. debit rise. If it can’t you’ve a right to have it Most comparison sites will ask you a few won’t be cut off, your custom will be moved sites, and if it’s not good, scroll to the next You may end up on at a fair level. questions and estimate your usage. elsewhere – though you may lose any super cheapest.

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 68 02/05/2017 11:56:36 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 69 02/05/2017 11:57:01 68 PERSONAL FINANCE PERSONAL FINANCE 69 l Martin Lewis is the Founder and Chair of Money Saving Expert. To join the 12 million people Are you being ripped off who get his Martin’s Money Tips weekly email, go to www.moneysavingexpert.com/latesttip by your energy supplier? TV’s money-saving expert Martin Lewis writes for Shropshire Business

PROVIDER’S AVG PRICE CHANGE PRICE AFTER OVERPAYMENT STANDARD THE CHANGE COMPARED TO TARIFF CHEAPEST Martin CHEAPEST 1 YEAR FIX - £834 -

LEWIS Npower UP 10.2% on 16 March £1,187/yr £353/yr

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 68 02/05/2017 11:56:36 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 69 02/05/2017 11:57:01 70 APPOINTMENTS APPOINTMENTS 71 Senior developer joins local agency Shropshire-based Telecoms company marketing agency Reech has appointed David Barkley as a senior developer. He brings a specialist set launches franchise of skills which complement Shrewsbury-based telecoms “This comes as a result of the the existing digital team at the company Fluid Network Solutions, huge changes in the industry which agency. which provides nationwide services, have seen telecommunications David has worked has franchised – with the first new and broadband become essential alongside Reech on many business opening in Wessex. The items for all businesses across all projects since December company was set up by Rob Tolley industries. 2015, as a freelance in 2003 and has grown steadily year “Very rapidly the mobile phone consultant. on year. and the internet have completely Due to increased demand Now Mr Tolley has welcomed changed the way we communicate, for bespoke and complex franchisees Will Job and Carol the way we do business and even software packages from their Watkinson to use the strength of the the way we plan and live our lives. client base, Reech said it brand and extensive established There is now a need for regional was a natural progression for business relationships to launch directors to manage new clients David to become a full time their own business. He said: “When - and run their own businesses member of the team. David previously worked alongside Reech on many projects as a freelance. He has now joined the agency. I launched Fluid 13 years ago I with a complete back-up support intended to have a small business system. We are extremely pleased to Rob Tolley welcomes Will but it has grown far beyond all welcome Will and Carol on board as Team player and Carol as his first franchisees expectations. our first franchise team.” Solicitors are filling

key roles with firm Nick and Sandra olicitors at award- winning Shropshire Management law firm FBC SManby Bowdler have team named taken up a number of A Shropshire touring caravan park key roles in the fields has appointed a new of serious injury and management team for the new season. Nicola Corfield of Towler Shaw Roberts clinical negligence. Gary and Tania Smith Lucy Macklin Smith, a senior have been promoted to clinical negligence lawyer at the managers of Stanmore firm, has been appointed as the Hall Touring Park at West Midlands co-ordinator of Managerial Bridgnorth and new the Association of Personal Injury assistant managers Lawyers. are Nick and Sandra Gary and Tania role is next In her role for the not-for-profit Bellinger. organisation, which champions The Smiths have worked for park the right to justice for victims of owner, Morris Leisure, for five years, having personal injury, she is responsible challenge previously served at Oxon Hall Touring and for organising the region’s regular Holiday Home Park, Shrewsbury, Riverside Commercial property firm Towler meetings that update members on Shaw Roberts has appointed Nicola Touring and Holiday Home Park, Betws- the latest developments in the sector. y-Coed and Ludlow Touring Park. They Corfield as property manager, based Meanwhile, partners Tim Gray in the firm’s Shrewsbury office. Nicola Lizzie Hughes, vice president of the Shropshire Law Society, has been recruited to the previously stayed at Stanmore Hall Touring family team at Wace Morgan Solicitors Shrewsbury head office and Newtown office and Susan Todhunter have been Park as customers for 10 years when their said: “I have worked in the property reaccredited to the APIL panel of adoption and custody disputes,” said Lizzie, friends, Mark and Tracy Kilmartin, were sector since leaving school and was solicitor who is also approved lawyers. And the firm has of Tettenhall. “I appear regularly on the managers. Before opting for a change previously a residential property manager also strengthened its serious injury for a property firm based in Shrewsbury an equestrian expert West Midlands, Shropshire and Mid Wales of lifestyle by becoming caravan park court circuit before all levels of judges from and clinical negligence team with managers, Tania worked as a chef for 32 looking after a multitude of sites across is riding high after the appointment of Adam Wilson as the country. This is a new challenge joiningA Shropshire’s legal magistrates to circuit judges.” years and Gary worked as a landscape After completing her law conversion associate. gardener for 27 years for Birmingham for me and it’s one which brings the Adam has more than 25 years of experience that I already have in property firm Wace Morgan Solicitors. and legal practice course at The College of Council. Lizzie Hughes, vice president of the experience in high value and complex management through to a different Law in Birmingham she was employed at a The Bellingers have moved to Shropshire Law Society, has been recruited catastrophic injury claims arising from sector.” Nicola, who lives in Telford, specialist family firm in Telford, becoming a Bridgnorth from Swindon where Sandra to the family team at the firm’s Shrewsbury employers’ liability, occupiers’ liability attended Wrekin College and Leicester’s director in 2015. worked for Tesco for 25 years and Boots the head office and Newtown office. and road traffic accidents. De Montfort University, where she studied Lizzie represented England in Lucy Macklin Smith, a senior clinical negligence Chemist for 10 years. “I have specialised in family law, The 32-strong team last year architecture. She is currently completing a dressage last year and has now qualified lawyer at FBC Manby Bowdler, has been Nick has spent most of his working life specifically cases involving children, for the British Dressage Winter National secured in excess of £10 million for masters degree in building surveying. appointed as the West Midlands co-ordinator of in the motor industry, rising to become body including intervention by social services, Championships in Gloucestershire in April. clients in personal injury cases. the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers shop manager at Blade Motor Company.

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 70 02/05/2017 11:57:54 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 71 02/05/2017 11:59:15 70 APPOINTMENTS APPOINTMENTS 71 Senior developer joins local agency Shropshire-based Telecoms company marketing agency Reech has appointed David Barkley as a senior developer. He brings a specialist set launches franchise of skills which complement Shrewsbury-based telecoms “This comes as a result of the the existing digital team at the company Fluid Network Solutions, huge changes in the industry which agency. which provides nationwide services, have seen telecommunications David has worked has franchised – with the first new and broadband become essential alongside Reech on many business opening in Wessex. The items for all businesses across all projects since December company was set up by Rob Tolley industries. 2015, as a freelance in 2003 and has grown steadily year “Very rapidly the mobile phone consultant. on year. and the internet have completely Due to increased demand Now Mr Tolley has welcomed changed the way we communicate, for bespoke and complex franchisees Will Job and Carol the way we do business and even software packages from their Watkinson to use the strength of the the way we plan and live our lives. client base, Reech said it brand and extensive established There is now a need for regional was a natural progression for business relationships to launch directors to manage new clients David to become a full time their own business. He said: “When - and run their own businesses member of the team. David previously worked alongside Reech on many projects as a freelance. He has now joined the agency. I launched Fluid 13 years ago I with a complete back-up support intended to have a small business system. We are extremely pleased to Rob Tolley welcomes Will but it has grown far beyond all welcome Will and Carol on board as Team player and Carol as his first franchisees expectations. our first franchise team.” Solicitors are filling

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 70 02/05/2017 11:57:54 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 71 02/05/2017 11:59:15 72 APPOINTMENTS APPOINTMENTS 73 Retiring from a role Peter Willcock will retire Championing BNI’s leadership team from his dual role at Halls The Thomas Telford Chapter of Business Network Holdings Limited in Shrewsbury International (BNI) has a new leadership team. from September 30, but Roger Ashford, of Ashford Plumbing, has taken up will continue to work for the further studies the position of president, with support from Lease Loop’s company as a consultant. James Godfrey in the vice president role and Richard Scott- Mr Willcock, who lives in he Marches LEP Worthington of True Potential as secretary treasurer. Bishop’s Castle, has worked has announced Business Network International (BNI) is the world’s for the company, which has a that Ian Peake, leading referral organisation with more than 211,000 network of nine offices across Tthe principal and members and 7,800 groups – or chapters as they are Shropshire, Worcestershire and known – worldwide. Mid Wales, for 38 years. chief executive of The business referrals from members in 2016 alone He has led the company as generated more than £9 billion in revenue for member chairman and managing director Herefordshire & businesses. for 26 years. His successor as Ludlow College, has Ian Peake In Shropshire, two chapters are well-established with managing director will be David mergers with Holme Lacy joined its bus iness- likeminded business folk meeting in Shrewsbury and Giles while the new chairman Campus, Ludlow College and Telford. will be Allen Gittins. led board and will County Training. The Thomas Telford Chapter meets each Thursday Both appointments begin It has also been under his Peter Willcock focus specifically morning from 6.45am at The Ramada Hotel on the fringes on October 1. Mr Willcock said: leadership that substantial policy. I genuinely believe that of Telford Town Centre. “I have thoroughly enjoyed on championing capital investments have been The Shrewsbury Chapter meets each Friday at 6.45am being chairman and managing businesses need reinvigorating Further Education made with the launch of a new at Albrighton Hall Hotel, Shrewsbury. director of Halls but it’s time for from time to time and younger £32m campus in Hereford, throughout the Secretary treasurer Richard Scott-Worthington, president Roger Ashford It’s an early start, designed not to get in the way of your a change and I have always people should be given an and a University Centre in and vice president James Godfrey take up their new roles day-to-day business, with a finishing time of around 8.30am. believed in a retirement opportunity to acquire shares.” region. partnership with the University Following a career which of Worcestershire. saw him hold senior roles in the He said: “I am committed to private sector and the NHS, the importance of strengthening Ian entered Further the links between training, Accountancy firm Education in 1996 when he education and business and Investing in future joined the former Herefordshire my new role on the board of College of Technology. the Marches LEP will enable practice manager He assumed the leadership me to contribute meaningfully role at Herefordshire & Ludlow to this across the region, whilst College in 2004 and has also getting further involved in at Crown Group since overseen the college’s wider economic development significant expansion through initiatives.”

Mollie’Ann Grant of DM Recruitment Apprentice found from within firm It was a bit of a busman’s holiday for Shropshire firm DM Recruitment when it decided to take on the firm’s first apprentice. After an exhaustive interview process, Laurence Lucas joins Lanyon Bowdler as a partner they decided Mollie’Ann Grant was the ideal candidate to join the Shrewsbury- based firm as an apprentice branch Commercial property Managing director Gareth Emberton with apprentices Dom Colbron and Richard Moss administrator. The 20-year-old, from Bishop’s Castle, onstruction and Group is experiencing significant growth in found herself plunged straight into the cut its facilities management and environmental Adele Robinshaw worked in the banking sector for 34 years team has new partner landscaping specialist and thrust of the business. She said: “I’m Law firm Lanyon Bowdler of the commercial property management divisions as well as its core really enjoying it. Accountancy firm Dyke Yaxley has a new practice manager is expanding its commercial team at Lanyon Bowdler, Crown Group has business of delivering integrated design, “I’m making calls every day, seeing who brings a wealth of experience after working in the banking property team with the Praveen Chaudhari, said: “The Cannounced plans to building and maintenance services for if people are available for work, chasing sector for over 30 years. appointment of a new partner. commercial property market in construction and landscaping projects. up references and sorting out wages. It increase its investment in It counts construction leaders such as Adele Robinshaw is now working alongside the company’s Laurence Lucas has joined Shropshire and Herefordshire is a great way of learning, so much more Bowmer & Kirkland and Galliford Try and operations director, Marie Bramwell. following a period of strong has been very busy and we apprenticeships as part of so than if I was sitting in a classroom. I local authorities among its regular clients. She previously worked in the banking sector for 34 years, growth for the commercial have seen a good number of its strategic expansion of the was applying for business administration beginning her career at NatWest in Shrewsbury, as well as It is currently working on a high profile property department over transactions being completed. roles, but none of them were available as working in several other banking roles across the West Midlands business. landscaping project at the Warner Bros apprenticeships. the last two years. Demand The quality of work being The Shropshire based company says and dealing with national projects. 150-acre Hertfordshire studios as part of its “Then I saw this job with DM Dyke Yaxley operations director Marie Bramwell said: “We’re for the team’s services has undertaken by the team has the investment will see it add up to a dozen multi-million pound expansion. steadily increased, despite enabled us to attract the strong Recruitment where I could learn on the delighted to welcome Adele to our team, and her knowledge and apprentices to its workforce over the next The firm has doubled in size in the last job and realised it was what I had really the uncertainty surrounding lateral hire of Laurence, who experience will be an invaluable addition to the company.” three years in its long-term blueprint for year and now employs more than 60 people wanted to do.” the EU referendum. Head joins us from Willans.” future proofing the organisation. Crown across the country.

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 72 02/05/2017 12:00:06 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 73 02/05/2017 12:01:54 72 APPOINTMENTS APPOINTMENTS 73 Retiring from a role Peter Willcock will retire Championing BNI’s leadership team from his dual role at Halls The Thomas Telford Chapter of Business Network Holdings Limited in Shrewsbury International (BNI) has a new leadership team. from September 30, but Roger Ashford, of Ashford Plumbing, has taken up will continue to work for the further studies the position of president, with support from Lease Loop’s company as a consultant. James Godfrey in the vice president role and Richard Scott- Mr Willcock, who lives in he Marches LEP Worthington of True Potential as secretary treasurer. Bishop’s Castle, has worked has announced Business Network International (BNI) is the world’s for the company, which has a that Ian Peake, leading referral organisation with more than 211,000 network of nine offices across Tthe principal and members and 7,800 groups – or chapters as they are Shropshire, Worcestershire and known – worldwide. Mid Wales, for 38 years. chief executive of The business referrals from members in 2016 alone He has led the company as generated more than £9 billion in revenue for member chairman and managing director Herefordshire & businesses. for 26 years. His successor as Ludlow College, has Ian Peake In Shropshire, two chapters are well-established with managing director will be David mergers with Holme Lacy joined its bus iness- likeminded business folk meeting in Shrewsbury and Giles while the new chairman Campus, Ludlow College and Telford. will be Allen Gittins. led board and will County Training. The Thomas Telford Chapter meets each Thursday Both appointments begin It has also been under his Peter Willcock focus specifically morning from 6.45am at The Ramada Hotel on the fringes on October 1. Mr Willcock said: leadership that substantial policy. I genuinely believe that of Telford Town Centre. “I have thoroughly enjoyed on championing capital investments have been The Shrewsbury Chapter meets each Friday at 6.45am being chairman and managing businesses need reinvigorating Further Education made with the launch of a new at Albrighton Hall Hotel, Shrewsbury. director of Halls but it’s time for from time to time and younger £32m campus in Hereford, throughout the Secretary treasurer Richard Scott-Worthington, president Roger Ashford It’s an early start, designed not to get in the way of your a change and I have always people should be given an and a University Centre in and vice president James Godfrey take up their new roles day-to-day business, with a finishing time of around 8.30am. believed in a retirement opportunity to acquire shares.” region. partnership with the University Following a career which of Worcestershire. saw him hold senior roles in the He said: “I am committed to private sector and the NHS, the importance of strengthening Ian entered Further the links between training, Accountancy firm Education in 1996 when he education and business and Investing in future joined the former Herefordshire my new role on the board of College of Technology. the Marches LEP will enable practice manager He assumed the leadership me to contribute meaningfully role at Herefordshire & Ludlow to this across the region, whilst College in 2004 and has also getting further involved in at Crown Group since overseen the college’s wider economic development significant expansion through initiatives.”

Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 72 02/05/2017 12:00:06 Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 73 02/05/2017 12:01:54 Pick-up points ISSUE 1 16

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Shropshire Business Mag Issue 4.indd 76 02/05/2017 12:06:41