West Midlandswww.iod.com Summer 2019

International first at awards Dr Julian Turner is West Midlands’ Director of the Year

EVENTS | DIRECTOR DEVELOPMENT | ADVICE AND INFORMATION | NEWS

IoD Director of the Year CONTACTS IoD West Midlands: iHub, Colmore Gate, 2-6 Colmore Row, highlights British Birmingham B3 2QD T: 0121 643 1868 business at its very best Chair: Brian Hall e: [email protected] embarked on a whole new chapter for what was t: 0121 728 8360 Brian Hall an established business. Chair, Previous events have been hugely successful Regional Director/Editor: IoD West Midlands and given members real insights into how other Calum Nisbet businesses operate, with tips and takeaways to e: [email protected] transform their own organisations. No matter t: 0121 643 7801 Welcome to the Summer issue of the IoD West which sector you operate in, or for how long, Midlands membership magazine. you can always learn something new from Office administration: This issue covers our recent Director of the others, as these Best Practice Visits clearly Jordan Lowe Year Awards, where it was a real pleasure to demonstrate. See pg 25 for more details on the e: [email protected] meet and congratulate our winners from across next one, and make sure you reserve your place. t: 0121 643 1868 the region. Our overall winner, Dr Julian Turner, MD of the Westfield Technology Group, is a Moving to other IoD matters, it has been The Institute of Directors West truly inspiring business leader, a man who has heartening to see how much progress we are Midlands membership taken some bold, innovative steps to diversify making on our key themes, principally on the magazine is published on his business. knowledge-sharing agenda and diversity, on behalf of the IoD by: From a manufacturer of exciting but which the deputy chair, Jackie Hendley, is doing Chamber Media Services, traditional kit sports cars, Julian has such great work. Much of the work is being led 4 Hilton Road, Bramhall, transformed the business, showing real by our regional committees and it has been Stockport, Cheshire SK7 3AG. entrepreneurship to turn Westfield into the heartening to see how the IoD is engaging with UK’s leading manufacturer of electric POD the wider business community as well as its Advertising sales: vehicles. Today his business is targeting clients membership to work on what are key pillars of Colin Regan around the globe, winning new business a long the modern business world. t: 01942 537959 / 07871 444922 way from these shores. e: [email protected] He was a worthy winner of our main award. Looking outside the IoD, before composing I was also delighted to be able to this column I had a brief look at my column in Production enquiries: acknowledge personally the work of Adrian the Spring issue of IoD West Midlands about Rob Beswick, Shooter, now leading Vivarail but formerly at one of the biggest – if not the biggest – t: 0161 426 7957 the head of Chiltern Rail, with the IoD’s regeneration and construction projects we’ve e: rob@chambermedia Chairman’s Award. Adrian has demonstrated ever seen: HS2. Last quarter I wrote: ‘The future services.co.uk outstanding professionalism and the of HS2 concerns me. I can see a head of steam implementation of best practice in governance (please, no pun intended) building in some and leadership at both companies. I have been quarters against the project, and there have been Please note... overwhelmed by the number of people who whispers about its future.’ have contacted me since the awards to tell me Since then those fears have not dissipated; Although every effort is made to this was a richly deserved commendation. indeed, they have intensified. Criticism of the ensure the accuracy of material contained within this magazine, To all our winners, well done. It was a great cost, route and rationale behind it have neither the IoD nor Chamber Media event held in a wonderful atmosphere and I left emerged over the past three months, and the Services can accept any inspired by the examples of all our finalists. I’m mood music emanating from London appears responsibility for omissions or sure our winners will represent us well in the overwhelmingly negative. I stress ‘in London’; inaccuracies in its editorial or advertising content. national IoD Awards later this year. perhaps there are too many MPs who have The views expressed in this forgotten the UK exists outside the M25? publication are not necessarily Continuing with IoD events, our next Chair’s Recently, I was invited by HS2 to look around those of the IoD. The carriage of Best Practice Visit is in the pipeline, and I’m some of the key facilities being developed adverts in this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the delighted to say that our Director of the Year, locally for the Birmingham-London section of products or services advertised. Julian Turner, has agreed to throw open the the route: the sites for the Solihull International All articles within this publication doors to the Westfield Technology Group for and Curzon Street stations, and the work at are copyright IoD West Midlands. what I’m sure will be an eye-opening event. Washwood Heath to create the depot. Editorial consent must be obtained before any are reproduced either in We’ll get to learn more about how he printed form or electronically. transformed the company’s main products and Continued on page 4

IoD West Midlands Patrons Cover picture: Dr Julian Turner of Westfield Technology Group receives his award for International Director from Dean Sheriff at the IoD West Midlands Director of the Year Awards. Full report: see pg 14 www.iod.com/westmids/events 03 News

Business needs to back HS2 Continued from page 3 The sheer size and complexity of this project is astonishing, and the amount of work that has already been signed off and is under way shows how much progress has been made already. But despite that, Checking out HS2: the Treasury is mounting a new review of IoD West Midlands the value-for-money case behind HS2, Chair Brian Hall and amid dark talk of its impending axe. It is regional director deeply disturbing. Calum Nisbet with It seems unlikely that the first part of the other guests on a visit project, the Birmingham-London line, will to the HS2 site at be affected and will survive any Treasury Washwood Heath, tinkering. Too much has been invested which will be the already. Where the focus appears to lie is main depot for the on the northern extension, from Birmingham service once it opens and on to Manchester and Leeds. Let’s be clear: the IoD in the West Midlands is 100 per cent behind both the section south to London and the northern lie at the heart of a transport infrastructure reached out to our colleagues in the North extension. Some in this region might think of motorways and quick links to the airport. West and Yorkshire to discuss ways we can we’ve done well to secure a quick link to It is not just a high-speed train line: it is defend this ground-breaking project – all London, and if the northern section isn’t the biggest regeneration project this of it. built, so be it, but they miss the point country has seen for decades, with the We want to ensure London-based about HS2 and its impact on the West potential to transform the local economy. politicians hear a united business voice Midlands. Being at the end of the line to We are already seeing foreign direct extolling its benefits and why the London will not help the regional investment coming into the region on the investment is sorely needed. economy grow anywhere near as much as back of what HS2 could mean; imagine Our part of this project may well be being in the heart of the line, drawing up how much will flow into the region once it secure but the real benefits of HS2 will investment from the south and talent down is up and running and delivering only be felt when the whole country can from the north. That’s the game changer. economic growth? take advantage. HS2, when pushed north, will put West As an example, consider the impact Midlands businesses in the centre of a Chiltern Rail had, when it developed its Finally, it would be remiss of me not to huge pool of people, all within an hour of new rail link south of Birmingham to bring up the mess that is Brexit. Having each other. It will allow for the growth of London. It breathed new life into the warned against further inertia in previous new hubs for businesses and the creation towns of Banbury and Warwick and columns, I feel I am sounding repetitive, of new clusters of hi-tech firms that will proved a huge boost to the local economy so I shall simply leave you with this transform the economy. around the new route. But what Chiltern thought. I’d like to praise British business On a local level the scale of HS2’s Rail was looking to achieve was small leaders during this period of potential is staggering. The new station at compared to the scale of HS2 – but it does unprecedented political chaos; they have Solihull will be geared up to handle 18,000 give you a taste of what this exciting shown remarkable resilience to keep the passengers an hour; its position will open project could bring. economy on anything like an even keel, up access to 4,000 new homes and it will At IoD West Midlands we’ve already despite our politicians’ best efforts.

A Vintage experience Adrian Shooter, winner of the Chair’s Award at our Director of the Year Awards and Chair of Vintage Trains Ltd, the UK’s newest Licensed Train Operator, is inviting IoD members to be one of the first to try a unique dining experience. Enjoy an early September evening three-and-a-half hour round trip from Moor St Station to Worcester while partaking in a luxurious four-course meal with silver service at your table, or exploring the contents of a gourmet hamper. For more details or to book, visit www.VintageTrains.co.uk. It will be a travelling dining experience like no other.

04 www.iod.com/westmids/events Dean to take Chair at Coventry and Warwickshire We are delighted to announce that Dean Kavanagh CDir has been appointed as Branch Chair of IoD Coventry and Warwickshire, succeeding David Trevis-Smith who has held the post since 2016. An accomplished business leader, Dean is Managing Director of Mission... Possible, says Tom as Cure QED Environmental Systems Ltd, the global market-leading provider of Leukaemia asks to be put out of business environmental technology Was that US filmstar Tom Cruise at the IoD West Midlands solutions and a subsidiary of Graco Director of the Year Awards? Or 250+ versions of him...? Inc. He is the Chairman of Positive No, it was a fun stunt by Cure Leukaemia, which asked Youth Foundation and was Chair of finalists, supporters and IoD members to don the Cruise- the Romero Multi Academy lookalike masks to help launch its latest fundraising campaign. Company (MAC) for almost four Cure Leukaemia’s ‘Put Us out of Business’ promotion aims to years, stepping down last year. raise the cash needed to fund innovative new treatments and A long serving IoD Member, he is a trials which have the potential to end blood cancer and two-time winner at the Director of the Year transform the lives of thousands of patients battling the disease. Awards, was awarded Chartered Director status in 2018 and has But the result if the trials are successful? The end of Cure been on the C&W committee for the past 5 years. Leukaemia – putting the charity out of a job ... and they couldn’t be happier at that thought! Meet the Chair! Come along and meet Dean at our See www.cureleukaemia.co.uk for more details. Business Breakfast with the Bank of England in • Director of the Year Awards report, from pg 14 Coventry on 25th September. More details, see page 22.

www.iod.com/westmids/events 05 Black Country Business Festival

Festival shines light on Black Country business

The Black Country Business Festival, held over two weeks in May, was a huge success, with almost 4,000 people enjoying around 113 events. IoD West Midlands was invited to participate in a number of these events, covering topics such as mental resilience, effective governance, the Queen’s Award for Enterprise, Brexit and trusteeship. Our thanks to all our partners and speakers for making the events so engaging.

Jackie Casey represented the IoD on a panel discussing business in a Post-Brexit Britain with the other four main business groups and the Black Country LEP

Ninder Johal DL and Dr Denise Taylor facilitated a session on the Queen’s Award for Enterprise, with a panel of three recent regional winners

Guests at Stone Manor hotel heard from Brian Hall (BHSF) and Nicola James of Lexxic Ltd on the impact of mental resilience and hidden conditions in the workplace

Above left and left, Kirsty McEwan from Higgs & Sons hosted a great event on what makes a good charity trustee, with contributions from IoD members James McLaughlin of Cure Leukaemia and Clive Bawden of Board Secure. The three are pictured middle left with Calum Nisbet Thanks to

06 www.iod.com/westmids/events Why investing your money is more profitable than leaving it in a bank account You’ve worked hard to accrue your wealth, so naturally, you’ll want to see your finances flourish and develop. That raises the question: how best should you grow your finances? Many people are drawn to banks to save their money, opting for the chance to get some interest and their money back. But in a time of rising inflation, you may be watching your money devalue over time. The wealth of many people in the UK is under threat, as inflation has risen past interest rates to slowly reduce your money’s buying power. IoD stalwart reaches milestone With inflation vastly outstripping savings account We were delighted to celebrate John Goodman’s 90th Birthday with him returns by 2%, it may be time to seek out other more at our Champagne Awards Breakfast in June. valuable options to invest. Michael Martin of Seven John has been a member of the IoD for over 48 years, a number of them Investment Management told the Financial Times on the Regional Committee as well as supporting the Coventry & that at the current rate, a £100,000 lump sum will fall Warwickshire branch. He is currently Chairman of the Solihull to £81,790 in just ten years. fundraising team for Cancer Research UK who, under his guidance, have However, every year we’re reminded that equities raised over half a million pounds. are far more likely to produce higher returns than He’s pictured above at the Director of the Year Awards with former IoD cash deposits. The most recent Equity Gilt Study West Midlands regional director John Phillips. released by Barclays found that since 1899, British Happy Birthday, John! stocks have returned 4.9% a year in real terms, compared to 1.3% for gilts and 0.7% for cash. Over the last decade, the respective figures are 5.8% for stocks, 2.7% for gilts and a miserable -2.5% for cash. ART launches 2020 An investment kept for five years at any stage has a 76% chance of outperforming cash, which is no small margin. However, if you extend the holding Community Share offer period to ten years, the figure climbs up to a dizzying 91%. Following the success of its 2019 challenging trading conditions, thrive The Barclays study also found that reinvesting Community Share Offer, ART and grow, which means they are income dividends is crucial to long-term returns. If Business Loans (ART) has opened a also able to protect and create jobs. you had invested £100 in UK stocks at the end of 2020 Community Share Offer. “In addition to knowing their 1945 without reinvesting the dividends, the amount Individuals and companies can money is being put to good use in would now be worth £244 after inflation. invest between £500 and £100,000 this way, investors will also be Ian Cowie, Personal Account columnist for the and their investment will be eligible eligible for a financial return in the Sunday Times, says that shareholders “benefit from for Community Investment Tax form of tax relief.” improvements in efficiency and inventions that Relief (CITR). CITR offers tax relief at five per occur over time.” Meaning that, as companies The offer is open until 24 March cent per annum of the sum invested innovate and grow, the situation becomes mutually 2020 and shares can be purchased over five years as a deduction off an beneficial. through the Ethex social investment investor’s UK Income Tax or With cash suffering from a steady decline as time platform. Corporation Tax liability. goes on, it may be better to look towards other ART is aiming to raise an After five years shares may either avenues of financial development as a way to additional £500,000 though its 2020 be withdrawn or reinvested in ART. diversify your savings and help them grow. Community Share Offer, which will You can find out more about how * The value of investments or income from them be used to support the West CITR works at www.gov.uk/ may go down as well as up. As stocks and shares are Midlands economy through loans to government/publications/ valued from second to second, their bid and offer viable business and social community-investment-tax-relief- value fluctuates sometimes widely. enterprises unable to access the citr finance they need from the banks. • For more information Dr Steve Walker about ART Business (pictured right), chief Loans’ 2020 • For more information on how you could invest executive of ART Community Share your money and grow your finances, please contact Business Loans Offer and to buy your Ascot Lloyd Financial Adviser. Email info@ explains: “Our aim is to shares visit: ascotlloyd.co.uk or visit www.ascotlloyd.co.uk help West Midlands www.ethex.org.uk/ based businesses and ART2020. Ascot Lloyd is authorised and regulated by the social enterprises survive Financial Conduct Authority (FCA Number 578614) and incorporated in England and Wales under registration No.07584487 www.iod.com/westmids/events 07 Business news

Wesleyan moves Mario into top job

Birmingham-based specialist financial for our members while delivering the best contributed so much to Wesleyan’s growth services provider Wesleyan has appointed service for our customers. over the past 15 years. Mario Mazzocchi as its new group chief “I am looking forward to “Craig (pictured left) played a executive, replacing Craig Errington, who working with the committed key role in transforming announced his retirement at Wesleyan’s and professional employees Wesleyan from an AGM in May after 15 years as chief we have across the group to underperforming mass executive and 28 years with the company. make Wesleyan the number market brand in the early Mario (pictured below) was previously one choice for our 2000s into one of the leading the company’s chief operating officer. He customers.” specialist financial services joined the company in December 2018 Chairman Nathan Moss providers in the industry after 15 years at Lloyds Banking Group. added: “His extensive today. He said: “I am honoured to take up the financial services experience “The board and I thank him role of group chief executive at Wesleyan. makes him the right person to lead for his contribution to Wesleyan’s This is a very special business with a Wesleyan into the next phase of our successful growth and wish him well in fantastic proposition for our professional strategic development. his retirement.” customers and a great reputation “We’re living in a fast-changing His good wishes towards Craig – a because of that. world and we need a strong, former IoD Director of the Year – were “We have industry-leading customer-focused leader to echoed by IoD West Midlands regional financial strength and a clear keep us on track and true to director Calum Nisbet, who said: “On sense of identity as a mutual our purpose of being the behalf of the IoD, I’d like to wish Craig well business, with a proud specialist partner to our in his retirement and thank him for all his history spanning 178 years. professional customers. support of the IoD over many years. “These things combined “Mario has already shown “He has been an outstanding business put us in a very strong himself to be that leader and I leader and a deserved recipient of IoD position to grow our business am looking forward to working awards over the years. further in our core markets. with him to deliver continued “I’d also like to welcome Mario to his “My focus will be on developing success for members and new role, and I’m sure he will build on a more agile business ready to respond customers. Craig’s legacy over the coming years and to the challenges of the future, with a “Of course, he has big shoes to fill as he we will see Wesleyan go from trength to continued commitment to driving value takes over from Craig Errington, who has strength.”

08 www.iod.com/westmids/events Nurturing scale-up success The West Midlands is one of the UK’s most dynamic places to do business – and scale-ups play a central role in its success, says Stephen Drew (right), Professional Services Managing Partner at Smith & Williamson’s Birmingham office.

This region is a force on the global stage and a major component of the UK Funding is a key economy, generating £99 billion* – that’s ingredient to five per cent – of UK output. achieving In particular, Smith & Williamson is scale-up growth dedicated to helping scale-ups, those businesses which are growing the fastest and we are a member of the ScaleUp Institute – a private sector, not-for-profit company focused on making the UK the type of finance they wanted and secured it. • For more information contact best place in the world to grow a business. Preparation is key to this whole process. Stephen Drew, Regional Managing Of course, access to finance plays a vital Understanding what investors value will Partner, Birmingham, and Head of role in the growth of every business and put businesses a few steps ahead, and this International Services at Smith & this is a subject which came under the means taking a good look inwards at Williamson LLP microscope in our recent Dream Bigger: business plans and the management team. T: 0121 710 5324 Funding Ambition report. Engaging with experts from the outset can E: stephen.drew@smithand The research reveals that 70 per cent of improve the chance of securing funding. williamson.com businesses in the UK that have attempted There must be a shift in the industry to to raise capital have failed at least once. see the value of guidance through this Almost two in five have failed more than process. This will see the number of firms three times and nine per cent have made that successfully raise external finance five or more unsuccessful attempts to raise skyrocket – and reduce the number of finance. A significant factor behind these those with ‘funding regret.’ failure rates could be the considerable The findings in this report come from a knowledge gap on how to raise external survey of the founders of 501 scale-up funding effectively. companies and more than 500 non-scale- Want to know more? However, businesses in our region are ups in 2018. Smith & Williamson is hosting a ahead of the curve. For example, 93 per Smith & Williamson’s interactive series of scale-up events in the cent of West Midlands businesses in our enterprise benchmarking service helps West Midlands this year to research say they have accessed funding you compare your business with your support ambitious owners who through the Seed Enterprise Investment peers by answering seven simple want to scale-up and grow their Scheme – more than in any other region. questions. Visit www.smithandwilliamson. business. For more information, The West Midlands was also the only com to try our diagnostic tool and to email birminghamevents@ region in the country where 100 per cent of download the Dream Bigger: Funding smithandwilliamson.com businesses said they knew exactly what Ambition report. *West Midlands Local Industrial Strategy - GOV.UK, May 2019 Research and Development Tax Relief – can you claim? R&D tax relief was created as an incentive also be found in day-to-day activities, for R&D clinics for businesses and features a to encourage companies to invest in example changes to a manufacturer’s special R&D tax calculator on its website, innovation – and it forms a key part of the packaging process, or waste recycling, www.smithandwilliamson.com. government’s plans to boost enterprise. which is innovative. So many businesses • For more information contact Yet many companies fail to even consider will perform qualifying R&D activities our R&D tax specialist, applying for this valuable relief, assuming across a huge range of sectors. Matt Watts, Partner, that R&D doesn’t apply to them due to the Expenditure on activity that seeks a Head of Business Tax common misconception that they need to solution, even if it ultimately fails, can Services, Birmingham, be engaged in scientific research to qualify. form part of an R&D claim and the savings Smith & Williamson LLP. What surprises many people is that made can, among other things, be used to T: 0121 710 5334 eligible R&D isn’t always associated with a fund further projects. E: matt.watts@ large-scale development project - it can Smith & Williamson offers dedicated smithandwilliamson.com

About Smith & Williamson Smith & Williamson is an independently owned financial and professional services group. The firm is a leading provider of investment management, financial advisory and accountancy services to private clients, professional practices, entrepreneurs and mid-to-large corporates. Smith & Williamson LLP Regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales for a range of investment business activities. A member of Nexia International. The word partner is used to refer to a member of Smith & Williamson LLP. Disclaimer: By necessity, this briefing can only provide a short overview and it is essential to seek professional advice before applying the contents of this article. No responsibility can be taken for any loss arising from action taken or refrained from on the basis of this publication. Details correct at time of writing, July 2019. ref: 108919hp www.iod.com/westmids/events 09 Business advice

GDPR: one year on One year on from its introduction, how has GDPR impacted on business? Clare Perrett, Customer Data Manager at Wesleyan answers some questions

A year on from the introduction of GDPR, What’s your no 1 advice to companies documented and in the privacy statement how has the business community trying to navigate the post-GDPR then businesses will be in a strong position responded in your view? framework of digital consumer rights? with regards to GDPR I have noticed a lot of marketing Two pieces of advice – the first is statements have changed to incorporate common sense – put yourself in the What is Wesleyan doing to store and GDPR. However, it still feels like there is a position of the customer; if that was your protect data post GDPR? What strategies lack of awareness among some business data how would you feel? Second, if in do they have in place? owners, but much more awareness from doubt speak to the ICO or DMA, they have The security and protection of customer individuals who now quote their ‘rights’ teams that can advise you and help you data has always been a priority for us as we when it comes to data and how it is being navigate the relevant parts of the want to maintain the trust our customers used. However, as the rules are in some regulation. have in us. Prior to GDPR we had a ways open to interpretation, this can lead rigorous strategy around customer data. to frustration from businesses and Are there any big myths going on about Since GDPR, we have revisited all of our individuals. GDPR doing the rounds? policies and been careful to ensure we In my opinion, the biggest myth is still don’t hold onto data any longer than So what’s the number one mistake that GDPR was a new thing – it wasn’t, it necessary. If we are required to keep companies make when it comes to was an update to the previous data customer data for regulatory reasons, we preventing data breaches? protection regulation to reflect changes in anonymise it if appropriate. Companies need to make sure that they how data is now being used. know what data they have, how and who is The second myth is that consent is “Companies need to using it and that their privacy statement is required for all aspects of data; this isn’t open, honest and uses clear language. the case. There are six lawful means of make sure that they Without this companies are likely to processing, of which consent is one. know what data they breach GDPR. If there is a breach, report it Businesses need to consider why they are straight away, don’t try and hide it and processing/storing the data and if it is have, how and who is make sure you learn from it. necessary. If that is considered, using it...”

10 www.iod.com/westmids/events

Business news

Trailblazing local industrial strategy to drive growth across the West Midlands Mayor Andy Street hails investment to boost productivity and hi-tech businesses

The West Midlands has become the first region in the UK to agree a local Industrial Strategy, a key enabler to deliver the government’s national Industrial Strategy, driving growth, productivity and boosting earning power across the region. Launched at the Advanced Propulsion Centre in Coventry, the local strategy builds on the strengths of the automotive, life sciences, creative and business services sectors at the heart of the regional economy to deliver inclusive growth and high-skilled jobs. It comes alongside ambitious plans to develop the next generation of battery technology for electric vehicles at the UK’s flagship Battery Industrialisation Centre, backed by an additional £28 million investment. Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street, who was joined by Business and Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street, George Hull, lead engineer at UK Industry Minister Andrew Stephenson for Battery Industrialisation Centre, Eve Wheeler-Jones, PhD student at WMG and the launch, explained: “The West Midlands the Minister for Business and Industry, Andrew Stephenson, at the UK Battery is already home to the industries of Industrialisation Centre under construction in Coventry tomorrow. We have some of the world’s most competitive and innovative Stephenson: “The launch of this first Local autonomous vehicles, with the West companies in advanced manufacturing, Industrial Strategy is testament to the local Midlands aiming to deploy the first fully electric and autonomous vehicle civic and business leadership in the region operational connected autonomous development and medical research. and is tailored to the specific challenges in vehicles in advance of the 2022 “This Local Industrial Strategy also the West Midlands, and will set an Commonwealth Games; shows how we can become a global player example for other regions to follow.” • drive investment into electric vehicle in the digital and creative industries. The Productivity in the West Midlands grew manufacturing in the region, completing strategy will build on these strengths to at twice the rate of the UK average in 2018 the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre release the region’s full economic and this new strategy – designed in and maximising the impact of the Faraday potential for the benefit of all communities partnership with the West Midlands Battery Challenge across the entire West Midlands. Combined Authority, Local Enterprise • put the West Midlands at the heart of “It will help us tackle issues like air Partnerships and developed in transport innovation in the UK by pollution and climate change while collaboration with hundreds of businesses, delivering the UK’s first large-scale 5G creating a robust economy for the future public partners and civil society – sets out testbed – one that delivers decent, well-paid jobs how the region will work with Government • help meet the Artificial Intelligence for local people and the right conditions to: and Data Grand Challenge by supporting for competitive, world leading businesses • cement the West Midlands’ position as the development of a West Midlands to thrive and grow.” the UK’s automotive heartlands, playing a Translational Medicine and Med-Tech According to Business Minister Andrew leading role in trials of connected commission to accelerate the ‘lab to “The launch of this first Local Industrial Strategy is testament to the local civic and business leadership in the region, and is tailored to the specific challenges in the West Midlands...” 12 www.iod.com/westmids/events A successful Commonwealth Games in 2022 will be at the heart of the future prosperity of the region patient’ ecosystem; and • grow the strong creative and digital industries and business and professional services sector. not be enough, this strategy aims The West Midlands is the fastest growing to deliver inclusive growth, UK region for goods exports, and the driving up productivity and government’s national Industrial Strategy growing our regional economy in is further supporting economic growth the jobs and industries of the future and; a way that can bring greater opportunities and boosting local businesses through • The most funding for any UK region and prosperity to all our communities.” investments including: from the government’s flagship fund for The launch of the first Local Industrial • £20m for the West Midlands towards it research and development, the Industrial Strategy comes as the Government holds becoming the UK’s first Future Mobility Strategy Challenge Fund, which has so far the next round for its flagship Strength in Zone, covering Birmingham, Solihull and invested £286m into projects in the region Places Fund; a £236m fund that brings Coventry – introducing new technologies to date. together research organisations, to encourage more seamless and efficient Cllr Ian Ward, portfolio holder for businesses, and local authorities to journeys; economic growth with the West Midlands develop pioneering ideas that will deliver • Up to £50m to put the region at the Combined Authority (WMCA) and leader local economic growth and create high forefront of 5G developments as the of Birmingham City Council, said: “The value jobs. innovative new home to the UK’s first West Midlands has always been a hotbed Both projects demonstrate the real value multi-city 5G testbed. This trial of new of creativity and innovation and it’s of business and political leaders working high-speed connectivity will pave the way appropriate that a region that was at the with one another to unlock economic for a rollout across the country; very heart of the Industrial Revolution is growth – creating jobs, driving productivity • £332m from the government’s now leading the way with this ambitious and improving living standards across Transforming Cities Fund which is Local Industrial Strategy. communities. working to extend the city-region’s metro “This is about unlocking innovation and It is hoped that the West Midlands system, with an initial focus on extending business dynamism in every part of the Industrial Strategy will start a domino the system to connect cities with the towns region to ensure we build on our record of effect of robust strategies being rolled out between Wednesbury and Brierley Hill in success and unlock our full potential. across the country. the Black Country; “But it is also about making sure people • A Skills Deal with the government that have the skills needed to fill the new jobs To visit the strategy in full, please could unlock up to £69m to help equip being created. visit: www.wmca.org.uk/what- people in the region with the right skills for “Acknowledging that growth alone will we-do/industrial-strategy/

www.iod.com/westmids/events 13 Director of the Year Awards

Our winning line-up, with overall Director of the Year Dr Julian Turner front, centre.

Export ambitions fuel success for our Director of the Year Dr Julian Turner was named the IoD West Midlands Director of the DIRECTOR Year 2019 at the annual Champagne Breakfast at Edgbaston Cricket OF THE YEAR ground on June 11. AWARDS 2019 Westfield Technology Group has been making uncompromising sports cars since 1982 but its modern development truly Group to demonstrate how Westfield’s he has approached a challenging accelerated when Julian became CEO in vehicles can offer a complete service for environment and seen an opportunity to 2006, taking the company on a fast track to airside operations – from passenger restructure and diversify. electrification and autonomous transport and moving cargo to “A genuine disruptor, Julian has taken a technology. This innovative and ambitious autonomous road sweepers. traditional manufacturing business and strategy led to the company manufacturing Awards Judges commented: “While shown real entrepreneurship by autonomous pods for Heathrow Airport maintaining the core business through transforming a kit car producer into the and the Lake District National Park. uncertain times, Julian has taken some UK’s leading POD manufacturer, directly Keeping one eye on Brexit, Julian has bold innovative steps and broken new targeting clients from across the globe.” focused on developing new markets ground using existing strengths of the Julian’s award is not only a well- outside of Europe and has won business in business to diversify into completely new deserved win for Westfield Technology Dubai, South Korea and Australia. sectors and markets. Group but is also a tremendous achieve- Targeting controlled environments, such “Throughout his career, Julian has ment for the West Midlands region. He has as airports and business parks, Julian embraced innovation and has frequently consistently demonstrated all of the works closely with the likes of Emirates taken risks but, perhaps most significantly, qualities of the Overall Director of the Year

14 www.iod.com/westmids/events CSR Director of the Year Dara Adrian Shooter receives his Chair’s McCarthy with Ian Galer Award from Brian Hall

AWARDS BRIEFS Charity draw This year’s charity raffle was in aid of Birmingham-based blood cancer charity, Cure Leukaemia, and over £800 was raised for this great cause during the event. With a mission to accelerate the search for a cure within the next 15 years, its latest ‘Put Us Out of Business’ campaign will help to fund Non- innovative new treatments and trials Executive which have the potential to eradicate Director of blood cancer and transform the lives the Year of thousands of patients battling the Dr Andrew illness, ending leukaemia forever – Milner and effectively, making Cure including: vision, clear strategy, confidence, with Abi Leukaemia obsolete as a charity! drive and above all, leadership. Reed Julian was also the winner of the International category. The judges were hugely impressed by his incredible clarity of RMF Construction Services took home Awards souvenirs and drive to reach sustainable growth. the award for his commitment to The stunning souvenir illustrations, Steering his company through a huge Corporate Social Responsibility. which were presented to our change programme, Julian has The Third Sector Director of the Year winners as trophies, were once implemented and led a strategy which has was Mark Abrams of Auriga Services and again hand-crafted exclusively for helped drive growth globally and the Large Award went to Stewart Towe of the IoD West Midlands Director of positioned Westfield Technology Group as Hadley Group. the Year Awards by University of a market leader in their field. This year’s Chairman’s Award for Wolverhampton Art student, Cat Other award winners included Dr Eman Excellence in Director and Board Practice, Mirley. Cat has just completed her Al Hillawi of Entec Si, who was named selected by IoD West Midlands Chair, final year studying Illustration and is Director of the Year in the SME category; Brian Hall, went to Adrian Shooter from looking forward to graduating this Matt Jones of Oxbridge, who won the Vivarail, who has demonstrated year. She has produced an Family Business category and Peter Bruch outstanding professionalism and the outstanding portfolio of work which of AE Aerospace who was the winner of the implementation of best practice in reflects her passion for traditional Innovation category. governance and leadership. media with an interest in portraiture. Michael Willetts from ASAP All our category winners will For examples of her fabulous work, Express was the winner of the now go on to represent the West see her Instagram account - @ Family Business category; Midlands in the IoD National catmirley Dr Andrew Milner from Director of the Year Awards in BHSF, Sun Organics and October. Help for Health won the Last year, we were Thanks to our compère Non-Executive Director delighted that one of our We were delighted to welcome back award and Dara McCarthy winners, Dr Andy Palmer, our fabulous compère, Dr Rachel went on to win the IoD New, a West Midlands-based writer We were delighted to be National Director of the Year and radio broadcaster who is heard joined on the day by the Lord award and this year, we hope for a regularly on Greatest Hits Radio and Lieutenant of the West Midlands, similar success. BBC Radio Derby. John Crabtree OBE MORE WINNERS - SEE PG 16 www.iod.com/westmids/events 15 Director of the Year Awards

What the judges said...

A snap shot of what International Category: impressed our Dr Julian Turner, Westfield Technology Group judging panel What the judges said: ‘Julian has shown absolute clarity and drive as to which global markets to focus on to reach sustainable growth overseas, and was prepared to enter new sectors to about our winners succeed. A great story for our region...’

Innovation: Category: Peter Bruch (left) AE Aerospace What the judges said: ‘Peter demonstrated a brave, disruptive approach within a traditional machining business, leading a major transformation programme that involved completely changing its relationship with its customers – making the business transparent and asking for a massive cultural change within the organisation.’ Start Up Category:: Matt Jones, Oxbridge Ltd (above) What the judges said: ‘Matt is a true entrepreneur who has tapped into a growing market by engaging and listening to his potential client base while using the latest technologies and AI to produce a truly personalised service ... the achievements of this start-up business are nothing short of astounding.’

Family Business Category: Michael Willetts, ASAP Express Ltd (above) What the judges said: ‘Michael impressed with his resilience and determination to make the business a success, adopting an honest management style and ability to articulate his understanding of all aspects of the business.’ Large Business Category: Stewart Towe, Hadley Group (left) What the judges said: ‘Stewart has steered the Hadley Group to ever-greater success by concentrating on both service and innovation across its many markets. He will promote, drive and support the strategic intent of the group with the aspiration of turnover hitting £200 million by 2020.’ 16 www.iod.com/westmids/events Director of the Year 2019: Chair’s Award for Excellence: Dr Julian Turner in Director and Board Practice: Westfield Adrian Shooter, Vivarail Technology What the judges said: Adrian has demonstrated Group (right) outstanding professionalism and the implement- What the judges said: ation of best practice in governance and leadership. ‘Julian has demonstrated all the qualities of an overall winner: vision, clear strategy, confidence, drive and above all …. Leadership. He has embraced innovation, taken risks but most of all seen a challenging environment as an opportunity to restructure and diversify.’

Corporate Social: Non-Executive Director: Responsibility: Dr Andrew Milner Dara McCarthy, RMF BHSF/ Sun Organics/ Construction Services Ltd Help for Health What the judges said: ‘Dara amassed What the judges said: ‘Andrew’s a significant amount of evidence eclectic and broad experience has which demonstrated the impact of helped him develop skills that add his company’s CSR strategy, with great value as a NED, implementing judges praising his moves to address and cementing change within the skills gap in the construction organisations. He is driven by very SME Category:: sector by creating jobs for ex- clear principles of strong corporate Dr Eman Al Hillawi, Entec Si Ltd (above) offenders who would otherwise be governance, adherence to unemployed and massively reducing regulatory frameworks and ethical What the judges said: ‘Dr Eman showed a clear reoffending rates.’ standards.’ vision, backed by a comprehensive plan of how to deliver it. She demonstrates strong personal values and visible leadership skills, developing talent and Third Sector: her ‘blended team’ strategy – integrating the right people into a business – along with the ability to forge Category: long-standing client relationships has led to a team Mark Abrams (left) that’s clearly empowered and fully vested in the Auriga Services Ltd business’s strategy.’ What the judges said: ‘The judges admired Mark’s clear vision, the way it was easily communicated and how he is measuring its progress ... an outstanding leader who is obviously passionate about the support of vulnerable people and pursues a culture of excellence.’ Awards patrons and sponsors Highly Commended: (above) A number of finalists were awarded ‘Highly Commended’ citations by the judges. From left, James Sopwith, adi Group; Jayne McIntosh, Air Aesthetics Clinic; Charles Bamford, IMI Precision Engineering; and Melanie Brown, NICE - Centre for Movement Disorders www.iod.com/westmids/events 17

News

Caudwell Centre provides hope for autism families

Britain’s first independent purpose-built centre dedicated to people with autism was officially opened on May 16, transforming the way millions in the UK affected by the condition can be helped. The new £18 million Caudwell International Children’s Centre (CICC), funded by a group of philanthropists led by John Caudwell and set within the grounds of Keele University, Staffordshire, is the first of its kind in the UK – bringing together assessment, diagnosis, family support and research into autism, all under one roof. Designed and built in consultation with people with autism, parents, carers, clinicians and experts, the facility includes state-of-the-art assessment suites, a sensory garden to help children interact with nature and family activity suites for on-going workshops and support programmes. It will allow parents and children across the UK to work with a multi-disciplinary who are thought to be autistic are meant also offer long term and on-going support team of specialists in one place and enable to be assessed within three months. for families following an autism diagnosis, families to get a diagnosis for their child in But a report by former Health Minister through educational workshops and as little as six weeks. Norman Lamb in July 2018, revealed programmes, teaching sustainable An early diagnosis of autism can be vital families are being forced to wait more than interventions that can be implemented at in helping families understand their two years to be assessed and almost four home. child’s behaviour, as well as putting years to receive a diagnosis. As well as Mum-of-six Victoria Priest said she support in place to help them cope. speeding up the waiting times for spent nearly a decade trying to get a Under current NHS guidelines children assessment and diagnosis, the CICC will diagnosis for her daughter, who first exhibited symptoms at nine months old. “This new centre will provide hope for thousands of families like us that are fighting to get a diagnosis for their children.” Trudi Beswick, CEO of the CICC and finalist of West Midlands Director of the year, hopes the new centre will unite the world’s leading experts on Autism diagnosis and therapy to set a new standard for the UK. Her vision is to open four more purpose- built facilities in the UK, as well as offering training and support to international partner organisations.

Pictured left, Trudi Beswick at the official opening of the Caudwell International Children’s Centre

Top, the stunning centre, which is set within the grounds of Keele University, Staffordshire

20 www.iod.com/westmids/events State-of-the-art day surgery comes to Beacon Business Park in Stafford Ramsay Health Care has chosen Beacon Business Park to be the location of the The new facility will first standalone day case facility in Stafford. offer a number of Staffordshire Day Surgery will expand medical services on the services already offered at the nearby Rowley Hall Hospital when it opens in May 2020. Building work on the site started earlier this month, with an official ground- patient pods, three outpatient consulting area, it will also build on Rowley Hall breaking ceremony attended by Dr Andy rooms, two pre-assessment rooms and a Hospital’s clinical reputation to continue Jones, CEO of Ramsay Health Care UK minor treatment room offering treatment to provide high-quality care for the people who commented: “I am delighted that we for pain management, urology, endoscopy of Staffordshire,” says Lisa. are able to support the local health and ophthalmology (eye care). Beacon Business Park is delighted to community in Stafford with this This major development will also create welcome the new facility, which expands development. new employment opportunities, with on the wide range of businesses and “Our team will be able to continue to approximately 23 vacancies in nursing, services already on offer. provide great care to our patients in a day nursing support, clinical, administration The business park is currently home to case model. The support in our and support services, with many international manufacturing industries, investment of this facility from the local opportunities for training and professional small business trading units, a Co-op NHS Trust has been fantastic and its development. convenience store, Costa DriveThru, The partnership with Ramsay in the interests Lisa Powell, Hospital Director at Rowley Knot & Plough Public House and has a of the local communities we serve.” Hall Hospital, will initially oversee the Marston’s Lodge on the way. The day surgery facility will provide management of the new facility and For more information about services for private, insured and NHS believes that it will not only meet the commercial property available at patients within the local community and communities’ high demand for its services Beacon Business Park in Stafford, further afield. The new facility will include but also become a community hub. contact ISE Estates on 01785 256098 or a theatre and recovery area, six day- “Not only will this bring new jobs to the email [email protected].

21 Events Diary

Unless otherwise stated, to book on any IoD West Midlands event, go to www.iod.com/ Events Diary westmids or contact [email protected] Business A lesson on the art Breakfast with of negotiation the Bank of England Negotiation Showcase with The Gap Partnership Date: Wednesday, 25th September Time: 8.00am – 10.00am Date: Thursday, 3rd October Venue: Business Innovation Centre, Time: 2.00pm – 5.00pm Binley Business Park, Venue: Edgbaston Cricket Harry Weston Road, Ground, Edgbaston Road, Coventry CV3 2TX Birmingham B5 7QU Cost: Free of charge Cost: £30 +VAT Members £50 +VAT Non-Members Join us at our Business Breakfast event at In collaboration with The Gap Partnership, the Innovation Centre on Binley Business IoD West Midlands invites you to an Park where we will hear from Graeme informative and interactive event dedicated Chaplin, Bank of England Agent for the to the subject of negotiation. West Midlands and Oxfordshire, for an It’s a skill we utilise in many aspects of life update on the outlook for the UK economy and business, and it’s vital we get it right if able to examine and discuss some of the and the West Midlands. He will also we want to succeed.. integral skills surrounding negotiation to discuss current policy and economic During this hands-on session, you will be support you in day-to-day negotiation predictions. interactions. The event also provides us with the So come along and further your opportunity to introduce Dean Kavanagh, knowledge and understanding of how to our newly appointed Chair for the IoD unlock potential value whilst maintaining Coventry & Warwickshire Branch. Dean is party satisfaction. Managing Director of QED Environmental Light refreshments will be served. Systems Ltd based in Coventry, and is a Free parking is available. long-serving IoD member and Chartered Director. Both Graeme and Dean would like to hear from leaders at the event, to better understand the mood of business in the Experience the magic region, and are more than willing to take questions and feedback. of Morgan A light breakfast will be available from 8am. Visit to the Morgan Motor Company with colleagues from About our IoD South West keynote speaker Graeme Chaplin Date: Thursday, 5th Sept was appointed as Time: 2.30pm – 5.30pm Agent for the West Venue: Morgan Motor Midlands & Company, Spring Lane Oxfordshire in Malvern WR14 1AJ Visit the workshops to see the hand- November 2008. He Cost: £24 + VAT, members making of a Morgan sports car from very joined the Bank of England in 1992 and has and member guests start to finish and experience the modern undertaken a variety of roles in We’re celebrating over 100 years of a technology and hi tech equipment used Threadneedle Street, including banking driving passion with a visit to the magic of combined with traditional skills. supervision, economic analysis and Morgan! The tour culminates with a visit to the financial stability monitoring. Join IoD Members and guests to visit the Morgan Motor Company Museum where From 2001 to 2008 he was the Bank’s only car maker in the world to have Members and guests are able to browse the Deputy Agent for North West England. survived for a century under the ownership museum and watch the Morgan film at He holds an MA (Cantab) in English of its founding family and marvel at the their leisure. Networking and refreshments Literature from Trinity Hall, Cambridge skilled craftsmanship still apparent today. will be available. and MSc in Economics from University Morgan cars are famous the world over for To book: online at www.iod.com/ College, London. He lives in Solihull. He is their unique blend of charisma, quality westmids, www.iod.com/southwest married with three daughters. His outside materials, craftsmanship and performance. or contact [email protected] interests include tennis and walking.

22 www.iod.com/westmids/events Dealing with stress An IoD night to remember at in the 21st Century Warwick Castle Date: Thursday, 10th October IoD West Midlands Annual Dinner Time: 6.30pm – 9.00pm Date: Thursday, 21st November Venue: RAF Cosford, Venue: Warwick Castle RAF Museum Time: 6.30pm – 11pm Cosford, Cost: £75 + vat, members and guests Lysander Avenue, Open to non-members in September Shifnel TF11 8UP We are delighted to welcome you to another truly Cost: £15 +VAT unforgettable Annual Dinner in the majestic Members and surroundings of Warwick Castle. Guests will dine Non-Members like royalty in the 17th Century Great Hall, a room steeped in history and boasting an impressive collection of artefacts. The evening commences with a welcome IoD West Midlands is joining forces safer? The session will be led by IoD reception in the State Rooms, followed by a with the Chartered Institute of Regional Chair Brian Hall and Jo three-course dinner with wine. Our speakers this Management Accountants (CIMA) Cameron, stress management and year include Dr Andy Palmer of Aston Martin and the Chartered Institute of wellbeing consultant, will be Lagonda and Paul Noon OBE, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Personnel and Development (CIPD) speaking about coping with stress in (Enterprise & Innovation) at Coventry University. As to host an event at RAF Cosford to the 21st Century, with top tips on befits the surrounds, dress code is Black Tie. mark Mental Health Day. how to remove stress from life and If you wish to book on this event, our advice is to Stress management and employee from organisations, thereby do so immediately. Should you wish to stay over, wellbeing are hot topics in the 21st improving wellbeing. The Warwick Arms Hotel is a very short walk from century office environment. How can Networking with refreshments will the Castle and is offering Superior Double rooms at you cut sickness absenteeism caused be held in the RAF Cosford Visitor £97.50 and King rooms at £105, inclusive of by stress-related poor mental health? Centre, a beautiful glass fronted breakfasts. How can you get your team to tell building inspired by the shape of a Discounts are also available for single occupancy. you when they are not coping well, bi-plane with runway lighting and To book, please contact the hotel via their website, and help them perform better, but views of the airfield. www.thewarwickarmshotel.com, quoting 10905. Office Suites To Let Office Suites: Beacon House, Beacon Business Park, off Weston Road, Beaconside, Stafford ST18 OWL

• Well-appointed, modern office suites of various sizes & configurations

• 16 Suites available offering a range of sizes from 172 sq. ft. to 1,645 sq. ft. (or a combination of)

• Ample on-site car parking to be High-profile prominent position adjacent to the allocated main Beaconside & Weston Road in Stafford with close links to the M6 Motorway (J13 & J14). Good access to M1. • Close proximity to amenities including Costa, Co-op Food Contact ISE Estates & Public House on 01785 256098 or email [email protected] www.iod.com/westmids/events 23 News

IoD Members’: evenings: Grab: a chance to: relax and: network:

Staying Cool at the Iconic Rotunda

Birmingham Members’ place to meet and network with other IoD how membership can support you and Evening members in a relaxed and informal setting. your business. Drop in for a drink with For our next event, courtesy of Staying Regional Director Calum Nisbet and IoD Date: Thursday, 12th September Cool, we’ll be meeting at Birmingham’s committee members and make the most Time: 6.00pm – 8.00pm iconic Rotunda, where you can enjoy of your IoD membership. Venue: Rotunda, 150 New Street, breathtaking views across the city while These events are free to attend for both Birmingham, B2 4PA meeting fellow members and enjoying a members and non-members but booking Cost: Free of charge classic cocktail, kindly provided by rock ‘n’ is essential. Make a date to join us on our next IoD roll fine dining restaurant The Wilderness. To book: online at www.iod.com/ West Midlands Members’ Evening. These Non-members are welcome to come westmids or contact fun and friendly social events are a great and learn more about the IoD and find out [email protected] Save the date 5th December Make a note in your diary to join us on 5th December, when the IoD West Midlands team will be hosting our annual Christmas Drinks event. It’s an informal, relaxing and fun way to kick off the Christmas festivities in the company of fellow members Venue details to be announced in due course but for the time being... save the date! The BelfRy Members’ Evening Date: Wednesday, 16th October Time: 6.00pm – 8.00pm Venue: The Belfry Hotel, Lichfield Road, Wishaw, Sutton Coldfield, B76 9PR Cost: Free of charge for members and non-members

Maximise your membership at this and learn more about the IoD and find Members’ Evening at the stunning out how membership can support you Belfry hotel. World-famous for having and your business. held the Ryder Cup Tournament four Drinks and canapés will be in the times, the Belfry’s stunning golf Brabazon Bar. courses are set in over 500 acres of These events are free to attend for beautiful Warwickshire countryside. both members and non-members but These fun and friendly social events booking is essential. are a great place to meet and network with other IoD members in a relaxed To book: go online at and informal environment. www.iod.com/westmids or Non-members are welcome to come contact [email protected]

24 www.iod.com/westmids/events IoD National events: Pods are the future – Open House on tour find out why with IoD Business is Chair’s Best Practice visit open for everyone Chair’s Best Practice Visit to Westfield Technology Group Date: Wednesday, 18th September Date: Wednesday, 11th September Time: 9.00am – 2.00pm Time: 2.00pm-4.00pm Venue: National Conference Centre, Venue: Westfield Sportscars Ltd, Coventry Road, Unit 1, Gibbons Industrial Hampton in Arden, Solihull Park, Dudley Road, B92 0EJ Kingswinford, Dudley, Cost: £45 + VAT Members; DY6 8XF £75 + VAT Non-Members Cost: Free of charge for members

We are delighted to announce the second Business is for everyone. Diverse of our Chair’s Best Practice visits. Join IoD companies don’t just accept difference, Regional Chair, Brian Hall and the IoD they embrace it. Not just because they West Midlands team on a unique visit to know this is the right thing to do, but Westfield Technology Group in the heart because they understand that when we of the Black Country, where our host will include a diverse range of perspectives be the current IoD Director of the Year, Dr manufacturing business into one we can see more opportunities and Julian Turner. operating in the hi-tech world of innovate better than we ever have Westfield is the UK’s leading provider of autonomous vehicles – and the challenges before. UK businesses have made strides autonomous vehicles and is well-known created by this remarkable transformation. in inclusivity, but there is much more for its unique sports cars, sold worldwide. You will also have the chance to see work to be done. Dr Turner will explain how he Westfield’s innovative self-driving, electric At this IoD Open House events, we will successfully turned a traditional Pods at work. hear from leaders who are setting the standards for the inclusive businesses of the future. To book, please visit www.iod.com/ events-community/ VWV Commercial Property open-house-on-the-road Breakfast Update

Date: Wednesday, 13th November it can help or even hinder how businesses Time: 7.45am – 10.00am operate. Flexibility and agility are key Venue: iHub, Colmore Gate, buzzwords that have gained traction 2-6 Colmore Row, recently but what do they really mean when Birmingham, B3 2QD you are managing your premises? Cost: Free of charge We have invited three property experts to join us at this event and offer their thoughts Real estate is one of the key parts of any and advice on the key issues. business – it’s fabric, functionality, Clive Read, commercial property partner longevity and cost. Depending on its layout and head of VWV solicitor’s Birmingham Office, will help explain some of the differences between buying freehold and We add new events to renting leasehold premises and explain our calendar all the what to look out for when occupying premises from a practical perspective. time, so keep an eye Deborah Wilder, Head of Research and on the IoD website for Insight at Interaction, will give a glimpse new events and into the world of health and wellbeing at work, helping you prioritise what can make courses on the IoD a significant difference to your employees Chartered Director and your business. Marc Finucane, Regional Development Programme. Director at Together Money, will discuss See www.iod.com/ Trends in Commercial Property from a westmids/events Lender’s perspective. A light breakfast will be served. www.iod.com/westmids/events 25 Events Diary

Members’ evenings: the lighter way to network

IoD members evenings are a great way to meet fellow Chateau Impney:: members at the end of the working day in a relaxed, informal environment. They’re a great chance to unwind, allowing you to mingle with your peers and talk through business issues and gauge the opinions of other business leaders. We take these events around the region, with recent events seeing us visit Chateau Impney in Droitwich Spa, Haughton Hall in Shifnel, Telford, Coombe Abbey in Binley, Coventry, and The Lord Hill Hotel, Shrewsbury. Details of future events can be found on pg 24.

Haughton Hall::

“A great way to meet other directors... and I found out more about the IoD and what it can do for me” ...

Coombe Abbey::

Haughton Hall::

NEXT EVENTS: Rotunda, Birmingham, September 12 The Belfry, Warwickshire, October 16 The Lord Hill Hotel, Shrewsbury: Free to attend - just book with us at www.iod.com/westmids/events

26 www.iod.com/westmids/events First IoD Golf Day is a real belter!

A day of stunning weather on a course in tip-top condition meant that the inaugural IoD West Midlands’ Golf Day, held at Walmley Golf Club on May 15th, was a real belter. Not only was it one of the hottest days of the year but the day was superbly attended, with six fourballs heading out onto the beautifully prepared course. “We have never played here before,” commented Shari Bryan from OWB, “and I was pleasantly surprised by the range of holes, the exciting water features and the friendship of all the members on the day.” The day started with a fabulous breakfast on the balcony, whilst ample sun lotion was applied, and all teams headed out to the green at 10:30am. After 18 hours of high-quality golf participants enjoyed a hearty two-course dinner followed by a prize-giving ceremony. Jason Tonks on nearest the pin; Mark Draper was the winner of the longest drive and the overall top team was taken by Top Tubes. “We couldn’t have asked for a better day, the weather was amazing, a lot of quality and some suspect golf was enjoyed and lots of new partnerships formed” commented Dean Top Tubes Kavanagh, CDir, who chaired the day. Walmley Golf Club was in celebrate their Overall feedback was excellent, and we will be sharing superb condition, with success dates for 2020 very soon. weather to match

Need a little information?

Did you know that, as an IoD member, We subscribe to a series of commercial request advisory consultations with the you have access to our top professional databases which cover a great deal of lawyers, accountants and other business researchers to help your business access ground and help IoD members make professionals in the IoD Directors the information it needs to develop new informed business decisions. Advisory Service. products, open up new territories or to The current databases we use are: IoD members who use our services meet sales targets? • FAME – All registered companies in often comment that this service alone Our researchers can provide you with the UK covers the cost of their IoD membership. valuable information on topics ranging • Orbis – Global companies Finally, when you need an instant from market forecasts and industry trends • Zephyr – Current and historical M&A answer to a legal or tax question, you can to trading abroad and employee salaries. activity access two phone lines: • Free and exclusive service to you as an • Kompass – International B2B directory • IoD Directors Law Express IoD member • Practical Law – Contract and other • IoD Directors Tax. • Accessible from all over the world by legal document templates email or phone • Euromonitor Passport – Market Want to know more? • Up to 25 enquiries* per calendar year research, B2C focus Just call the IoD Business with 30 minutes of research time on each • IBIS World – Market research, B2B Information Services office on occasion focus 020 7451 3100 or see • Bespoke answers within 24 hours or • Nexis – Global news archive www.iod.com/services/ soon thereafter during exceptionally busy • Ebsco – Academic journal archive periods. As well as information, you can also *According to your membership package www.iod.com/westmids/events 27 IoD Mastermind Groups

Mastermind develops peer network to solve key business problems The IoD West Midlands Mastermind As Michael Donaldson, facilitator of to join for the sole purpose of obtaining groups are a unique series of small group Hereford and Worcester Mastermind sales leads. sessions that give directors and senior Group put it, “It’s conversation with Confidentiality of discussions will business leaders the chance to discuss the increasingly familiar faces, over dinner, in always be maintained and Chatham key issues and challenges they face in an a stunning location. House rule will apply for all groups. open, constructive and confidential “No rapid-fire questions and solutions All evening meets include dinner and environment. from people I don’t know, who don’t know run for around three hours. The only These sessions usually take place me. It is a relaxed, friendly atmosphere exception to this is our Breakfast group, at monthly and are exclusively for IoD that helps build respect and trust and as which a full English breakfast is served. members. the exchange of emails, texts and the odd The group ethos is the sharing of call suggest – fledgling relationships.” • If you feel that attending the collective knowledge, experience and The IoD is currently running groups in mastermind sessions have benefited you expertise to address the issues, challenges Leamington Spa, Birmingham, Shropshire, or your business, we would love to hear and opportunities members bring to the Hereford & Worcester and Kidderminster. from you. table, as well as share in their successes. All groups are run in a similar way: If you would like to share your story We use a mix of brainstorming, education, around 10-12 participants, with no direct please contact Jordan Lowe via Jordan. peer accountability and support to competitors in a group. As far as possible [email protected]. sharpen business and personal skills, with we strive to get a good mix of businesses the ethos of providing a positive and and backgrounds in each session. For more details and to join a supportive space to discuss issues that But this is not time for a sales pitch! Mastermind group, please contact the confront directors on a daily basis. Facilitators will discourage anyone looking IoD West Midlands Office on 0121 643

For more information, please call the office on 0121 643 1868 To book: online at www.iod.com/westmids or contact [email protected]

28 www.iod.com/westmids/events HEREFORD AND WORCESTER Stanbrook Abbey Mastermind Groups Date: All Thursdays: 8 August 12 September 10 October 14 November across the region 12 December Time: 6pm - 9pm BIRMINGHAM LEAMINGTON SPA Venue: Stanbrook Abbey, Jennet Tree Lane, Callow End, HOTEL DU VIN Mallory Court Worcester WR2 4TY Dates: All Mondays: 9 September Date: All Mondays: 9 September Cost: £30+VAT 14 October 14 October, 11 November 11 November 9 December This Mastermind Group is Time: 6pm - 9pm Time: 6pm - 9pm facilitated by Michael Donaldson. Venue: Hotel Du Vin, 25 Church Venue: Mallory Court, Harbury Ln, Street, Birmingham Royal Leamington Spa, B3 2NR Warwickshire CV33 9QB Cost: £30 +VAT Cost: £30+VAT

This Mastermind Group is facilitated This Mastermind Group is facilitated by Mark Abrams. by Elinor Perry-Hall.

BREAKFAST GROUP

Hogarths Stone Manor Date: Thursday, 22 August 26 September 24 October 28 November Time: 07:30am – 10:00am SHROPSHIRE Venue: Hogarths Stone Manor, HAUGHTON HALL Bromsgrove Road, Date: All Tuesdays: 10 September Kidderminster DY10 4PJ 8 October Cost: £13 +VAT 12 November 10 December This Mastermind Group is facilitated Time: 6pm - 9pm by Ian Priest, IoD Black Country Venue: Haughton Hall Hotel and Branch Chair. Leisure Club, Haughton This Mastermind Group is facilitated Lane, Shifnal TF11 8HG by Geoff Williams. Cost: £30+VAT

www.iod.com/westmids/events 29 Chartered Director

20 years on, Chartered Director qualification still sets standard The IoD’s Chartered Director programme has just celebrated its 20th birthday. Developed to give business leaders the skills to perform at the very highest level, the programme blazed a trail for effective governance in the UK and far beyond. Gerard Hargreaves was the IoD’s Head of Director Development during that period. He recalls: “There had been a lot of debate about corporate governance and the professionalism of directors. “There was a general feeling that the position of company director needed to be recognised as a role in its own right and had to be given a special status. “The IoD wanted to help directors think and act more professionally. Scandals had happened because of a lack of governance. With this in mind, the IoD’s Professional Development department devised its Chartered Director programme. “It was, and still is to this day, all about supporting a leader to make the move from manager to director,” Hargreaves says, noting that directors. “The IoD Chartered Director Joanne was particularly impressed with the IoD first had to seek approval from HM programme was the ideal complement to the way the Chartered Director Privy Council to give the qualification other professional development training qualification was organised: “The Chartered status. that I have done to date. qualification is structured in a flexible “That was a long process,” he recalls, “The programme highlights the pathway through the Certificate and but this made serving as a director “a importance of clear and high integrity Diploma examinations, while also profession in its own right – alongside that governance; whether you are a director recognising prior learning and practical of accountants, surveyors and lawyers”. working for a FTSE or AIM-listed business experience in the assessment phase. I or an organisation in the third sector. chose the intensive route which suited my Chartered Director today “The courses also provide a great learning style and timeline goals. While the core of the original syllabus networking opportunity as you learn “The guidance and delivery of the has been maintained, today’s programme alongside fellow experienced professionals subject matter by the tutors was is in the final stage of a process designed to from a diverse range of backgrounds.” outstanding and although it was hard give both serving and aspiring directors He added: “I thoroughly enjoyed the work, there was an element of fun. the tools they need to be effective in their learning – despite the exams! – and would “It was a very proud moment when I roles, wherever they may be in the world. recommend it to anyone seeking to was admitted as a Chartered Director after To become a Chartered Director you have become a better business leader.” only 10 months! to complete the IoD’s Certificate in His thoughts were echoed by Joanne “Being able to use the CDir FIoD Company Direction and the Diploma in Kennedy-Reardon CDir, Founder & designation means that organisations are Company Direction, all of which can be Director of Rock DJ Consulting Ltd: “As a able to place reliance on the consistent carried out in a number of locations across Fellow of the IoD who was about to approach and integrity that is associated the UK, including Birmingham. embark on a portfolio Non-Executive with the Royal Charter status of the Its supporters can be found in every Director journey, the Chartered Director qualification. I would encourage business sector. Ian Graves CDir, Chief qualification was a natural next step to colleagues to take this journey as it’s not Executive of PeakGen Power Ltd, said his consolidate my experience and enhance just an academic exercise but provides experience on the Charted Director the contribution and impact that I could self-reflection and personal growth programme had made a huge impact on make as an independent member of a opportunities. It has positively shaped the his career, and would be applicable to any Board.” next phase of my career.” “The programme highlights the importance of clear and high-integrity governance; whether you are a director working for a FTSE or AIM-listed business or an organisation in the third sector...” Ian Graves CDir

30 www.iod.com/westmids/events Birmingham base for IoD Chartered Director programme 2019

Role of the Director achieve a world-class qualification, but generating competitive advantage for your also to make a significant impact on your organisation. This intensive course and the Board board’s effectiveness. provides insight into the board-level Course dates: 27-28 Aug You will receive feedback on your own knowledge and skills required to create, Delivering an essential understanding of performance as a board member and implement and evaluate your the board’s role in corporate governance return to your organisation ready to tackle organisation’s strategy. and risk management, this introduction to future challenges with greater expertise Explore the relationship between the duties and legal responsibilities of a and confidence. strategy, governance and risk and learn director will enable you to tackle the how to use tools and frameworks that challenges of the boardroom with fresh Finance for Non- support strategic thinking and decision- confidence and progress your career to the making. Get the practical insights into how next level. Finance Directors to deliver your current business objectives Whether you’re a newly appointed Course dates: 23-25 September while future-proofing your organisation. director, aspiring to a position on the In today’s business world, every director board, or looking to improve your needs to recognise the key financial Leadership for performance with fresh insight, this concepts and terminology that underpin a practical two-day course will equip you successful understanding of their Directors with the crucial knowledge and skill-set to organisation’s financial position. Course dates: 18-19 Nov fulfil your role successfully This course designed specifically for Strong leadership is increasingly non-financial directors and senior fundamental to the successful realisation Diploma in Company managers and will demystify the world of of an organisation’s vision. This intensive finance, allowing you to monitor the course provides a valuable opportunity for Direction financial health of your business, evaluate directors to explore strategic leadership Course dates: 2-4 September business plans with confidence and issues both within and beyond their The Diploma is an opportunity to put into contribute more effectively to boardroom organisation. This module introduces a practice the knowledge gained from the discussion. more personalised approach to leadership Certificate in a realistic and safe environment. and delegates will be encouraged to It encourages peer-group support, Strategy for understand and develop their own challenge and stimulation, mirroring in self-awareness and emotional intelligence. many ways the operation of a board. Directors For more information on how to book By replicating the issues of a ‘real’ Course dates: 21-23 October onto any of these courses, please visit organisation, you will gain hands-on A dynamic strategic process is a critical www.iod.com/westmids/courses or experience that will not only enable you to part of delivering stakeholder value and call Calum on 0121 643 7801

“The Chartered Director qualification was a natural next step to consolidate my experience and enhance the contribution and impact that I could make as an independent member of a Board.” Joanne Kennedy-Reardon CDir

www.iod.com/westmids/events 31 Student mentoring

Student Mentoring: For the IoD, it’s all about creating opportunities Over 400 students have been through programme as it reaches 10-year landmark

The IoD West Midlands Mentoring programme reaches its 10th birthday this Autumn – and it continues to go from strength to strength. Each year we are amazed by the quality of students who interact with our member Mentors. So far, an estimated 400 students have benefitted from the programme, developing interpersonal skills and gaining experience that is designed to help create greater opportunities for them as they enter the workforce. So it’s such a pleasure for us to hear of their success and see the IoD network performing so well. We started writing this article following a call from Paul Kalinauckas, the Chief Executive of BCRS Business Loans, who Sarah Moorhouse, Marketing Director at happened to mention at our Spring Dinner BCRS Business Loans with former mentee that he was looking to fill an important and new employee Lauren Mc Gowen position. Paul founded his business in 2002 and has consistently done so much to support the local economy in the Black achieved a First Class Degree in Business wanted us to know of his Mentee’s Country. We were therefore naturally very Management (Enterprise) and completed success. Alex Bacui was a Marketing pleased to help and were able to her dissertation in digital marketing. student and spent a lot of time with Craig recommend Lauren McGowen, a student She is now happily working for BCRS as discussing the type of role she would like and recent mentee who had been studying a Digital Marketing Assistant. to do and the type of organisation she at the University of Wolverhampton, who We then heard from Craig McVoy, a would like to work for. fitted his specification perfectly, having Mentor at Coventry University, who Craig was able to arrange some work

Julia Chan with IoD West Midlands regional director Brian Hall. Julia’s experience as a mentee helped her land a place on KPMG graduate training scheme

Craig McVoy with Alex Bacui. Craig helped his mentee gain some valuable work experience that led to a permanent position

32 www.iod.com/westmids/events experience in a number of marketing and creative agencies. She particularly enjoyed one of them and offered to go back and spend some more time with them for free. The agency was so impressed by her approach, work ethic and passion for learning, that they offered her a job. Jo Kleanthous, Head of Employability Support at Coventry University, also got in touch to let us know that one of her mentees, Chloe McLaughlin, had fed back that the support of her Mentor David Martinson helped her to secure a place on a graduate scheme for project management at MBDA, where David had worked for many years. She particularly credited him with helping her with key interview skills, industry knowledge, key introductions and methods to build on her weaknesses. Annie Jameson, another student at Coventry University contacted us to say: “The mentoring scheme has proven to be extremely valuable to me personally and my career development. “I am so honoured to have been chosen Mentoring and I am extremely grateful for all the opportunities it has provided me with.” year ends Her own Mentor invited her to spend time in her business and, following the group mock interview session, she was with tours contacted by one of the other Mentors who invited her to a real interview in their company …. she starts her new role there of hi-tech very soon! Finally, Julia Chan contacted Dr Jenni Jones at the University of Wolverhampton engineers to let her know that she had applied to all the top four accounting firms and was given interviews at three of them. To celebrate another incredible year of the Globe. Julia said: “This has all been down to the our mentoring programme, we were Over in Warwickshire, our host was help and guidance of my university invited to visit two companies that Adam Constable, Senior Manager of lecturers and the IoD mentoring scheme. truly represent why the West Midlands Global Product Strategy & Marketing at My IoD Mentor helped me with my CV is leading the way in innovation within Aston Martin Lagonda, who shared his making it specific for the positions I was the automotive sector. inspiring story with participants in applying for and helped me perfect my Mentors and Mentees from the Coventry University’s mentoring interview skills. University of Wolverhampton were scheme and provided the opportunity “As a result of this I have been offered a privileged to take a ‘behind the scenes’ to tour the factory. graduate training position at KPMG.” tour of Westfield Technology Group, They were also treated to a private Our thanks, as always, go to our hosted by the company’s Chief unveiling of the stunning Vanquish Mentors who are prepared to support Executive and the West Midlands’ Vision Concept, which had just been their Mentee through their final academic Director of the Year, Dr Julian Turner. previewed for the first time a few year, as well as Dr Jenni Jones and Joanne Traditionally a manufacturing weeks earlier at the 89th Geneva Motor Kleanthous in our partner Universities, of business that made iconic kit cars, Show. Wolverhampton and Coventry. Julian described how he has Our thanks to all involved in this transformed Westfield into the UK’s year’s programme and to all at leading Pod manufacturer, providing Westfield and Aston Martin for their Would you like to get autonomous vehicles to clients across support. involved? If you would like to become an IoD Mentor to a student, please get in “Mentees were offered a unique opportunity touch with the Regional Office on 0121 643 1868. to see behind the scenes at two truly Our next programme will commence world-class engineering businesses...” in October – the more Mentors we have, the more Mentees we can support! www.iod.com/westmids/events 33 Charity Spotlight: Wesleyan Foundation

Foundation boost for community solutions to local problems Since its conception, the Wesleyan The Foundation is administered by the Foundation has gone on to award over Heart of England Community £1 million to 300 projects, which have Foundation, a grant-giving organisation benefitted over 73,000 people across the in the West Midlands which is part of a UK by providing local solutions for local network of 46 community foundations needs. across the UK. In May 2017 Birmingham-based the difference we can make as a mutual. Tina Costello, The Heart of England specialist financial services mutual “It’s inspiring to see how many of our Foundation CEO, said: “Working with Wesleyan launched the Wesleyan customers get involved, nominating great Wesleyan has been an amazing Foundation to provide financial support causes that need support and voting to experience and we have developed a great to grass roots, volunteer and community- decide which projects should benefit from partnership that I hope will continue for a led projects that make a real difference to the Foundation grants. long time. The Foundation has improved local communities. “Many of the projects we support have the lives of so many people right across Caroline Hill, Chief People & Strategy a place in our customer’s and employee’s the UK. Officer at Wesleyan Assurance, said: “We hearts and it’s a privilege for us to be able “I’ve read so many stories of how these believe the Foundation embodies our core to support the great work they do in their grants have had positive impacts on business value of care and brings to life communities.” people’s lives.”

Foundation in action: Riding for the disabled in Stratford-upon-Avon

It’s a chilly Monday morning when we meet Donna Jenkins, group organiser at Riding for the Disabled (RDA) in Stratford. She’s pouring hot drinks for the eager riders. The charity provides support to adults and children who have a disability, so that they can get involved in horse riding and meet new friends. RDA were awarded a grant of £6,000 from the Wesleyan Foundation. Jess, who has been coming to the sessions for over two years, was with her dad Andy. He told us: “She’s gradually improved, and has been able to progress. When she’s unsure about a situation her hands go up, but with the constant movement from the horse and the encouragement from the volunteers it’s almost been a natural thing for her to take the reins!” We also met one of the volunteers at the project, Jo. She tells us that she has been involved with RDA for seven years. Helping young people into work in Sandwell “I have a progressive neurological East African Women’s Actions (EAWA), a local charity in Sandwell that supports condition, it’s untreatable. I suffer constant young people back into employment, has secured £2,000 in funding from the pain, except when I ride. Riding takes the Wesleyan Foundation. weight off my spine. The money will be used to fund further programmes for young people aged 16 to “I’ve had lots of support from the group, 24 that are not in education, employment or training (NEETs), offering support and I’ve been given the chance to do things I advice in finding work and training opportunities. used to love. Pena Wal, 21 from Sandwell, who attended the NEETs programme, said: “I was “I couldn’t possibly have done it without looking for work, but I was struggling and didn’t know where to begin. This them; I’m part of a community. programme helped me discover all the different resources you can use to find work “As you get older, living with a disability and the training opportunities I didn’t even know existed. means there’s less and less you can do. But “Now I’ve managed to get a job at Amazon working in their performance centre that’s not the case at RDA. alongside a training course I am doing at a local college. I now feel much more “They’ve given me so much, it’s great to positive about my future.” have this opportunity!”

34 www.iod.com/westmids/events