FREE • April/May 2020 SPECIAL EDITION

Life after lockdown birminghambiz.co.uk 03 Welcome intro

This edition was meant to face of extraordinary pressures. examine the measures laid The grim statistics worsened by out in the Spring Budget by a the day. Workers and businesses chancellor who had only just across the land have been left in a found himself in the job. state of limbo, weighed down with The Budget was big, meaningful the uncertainty of what life would news at the time with very real bring. On the face of it, the picture consequences for businesses. It could barely be bleaker. seems like a lifetime ago now, but But delve below the surface it was only in March. and little glimmers of light could The storm clouds in the form be found in an otherwise dark and By HENRY of the virus were gathering, frightening world. CARPENTER however, and in the space of only Stories of selflessness and Aluminium casting & CNC machining Plastic injection moulding a few days, as the enormity of the contributions to the cause have Editor pandemic’s effects began to sink reverberated against a welcome Contract electronics manufacturing Industrial design COLLABORATING TOWARDS in, the country – the world – went silence of greed, egotism and Electrical & electronic assembly Pressings, welding & assembly into collective shock. And with petty politics. Businesses large Forging Fluid Power it, the business world went into and small, as well as individuals, ELECTRIFICATION High volume precision stamping Tube manipulation paralysis. have been playing their part. PCB manufacture Engineering supplies The hospitality industry was A sense of resilience, of hope, the first casualty, as we were of we’re-all-in-it-together solidarity instructed to avoid visiting bars, has come to the fore. If you want pubs and restaurants, and they to read positive words from some Editor were ordered to shut down. The of the region’s industry leaders, HENRY CARPENTER lockdown was real, and suddenly turn to our report on COVID-19 [email protected] tumbleweed was blowing through fallout. ONE SOLUTION, TEN the world of business and We were also – and indeed are Editorial director commerce. The chancellor was – running a special supplement MANUFACTURING DISCIPLINES CARL JONES back on our television screens on life sciences in the region, as A single-source solution for helping [email protected] pledging a £330 billion fiscal well as shining a light on some stimulus to keep the nation at of the West Midlands’ many and industryindustry move move towards towards electrification. electrification. Design and layout MICHELLE DALTON work, if not actually working. varied success stories. That we Those workers went home – have been able to print at all is CONTACT US ABOUT Y0UR NEXT PROJECT. Business development signing up to Zoom, House Party down to the backing of some key manager/head of advertising and the rest – by the millions, supporters for which they have our MIKE MOLONEY while keeping one eye on the immense thanks. [email protected] news, as the NHS staff and other We can do this, has been the front-line workers battled tirelessly battle cry. Yes, of course we can. General enquiries to try to control the situation in the And we will. [email protected] man-group.co.uk /mangroupuk /companies/mangroupuk ONLINE Birmingham Business is published by Midlands Magazines Ltd. Reproduction of this magazine in whole or in part is birminghambiz.co.uk prohibited without written permission of the editor. The publishers have taken all reasonable care to ensure that the @brumbiz information in this magazine is accurate at time of going to press. Midlands Magazines accepts no responsibility for the Control & Automation BRANDAUER consequences of error or for any loss or damage suffered by Complete manufacturing solutions Electronics Solutions facebook.com/brumbiz 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. Birmingham-business Printed in the UK by The Magazine Printing Company Cast www.magprint.co.uk 26 Accountancy, Tax & Business 05 Advice for Aspirational 23 27 55 contents ON THE COVER LIFE SCIENCES SOCIALS SPECIAL | 30-45 Business Owners 06 COVID-19 27 LoveBrum How is the business Some of the key figures All the fun from the sector responding in from this highly complex Big Quiz fundraiser these unprecedented world explain why the 63 Hedge House times? West Midlands deserves Champagne its reputation as a reception to mark national powerhouse in the launch of this the life sciences sector luxury property Helping you make better PLUS: We examine why it pays for employers to decisions and increase look after the mental COLUMNIST wellbeing of their staff 32 Graham Silk the speed and certainty Reports on the FEATURES region’s state of your progress. 18 Power Minerals of health The company which 47 Kim Leary has found the value Three ways your of waste brand can power 23 Yen Yau through the crisis Meet the director 48 Jon Griffin helping people Looks back at the into the film-making Chinese influence industry on Birmingham’s 55 HausBots business community Learn all about the FD Excellence Accountancy Firm of the Year invention which may just be the next big Tel: 0121 456 1613 thing to come out Email: [email protected] of Digbeth

@HainesWattsWM hwca.com 06 health & lifeCOVID-19 sciences further aheadtothefutureaswell. industries, notjustintheshorttermbutlooking what thecrisismightmeanfortheirparticular sectors intheregiontooffertheirthoughtson We askexpert voicesfromsomeofthekey probably decades. the commercialspectrumformonths,yearsand lockdown willcontinuetobefeltrightacross The effectsofcoronavirusandthesubsequent pandemic. on whatliesaheadforbusinessafterthe Little canbepredictedwithanysortofcertainty the fallout Coronavirus:

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health & life sciences life & COVID-19 health “I don’t think that there is yet a ‘new normal’, but I might dare to suggest that the shock of the sudden disruption might see us return to a more pre-2008 economic model of local production.”

By David 08 Kidney By Mark Smith 09 Chief executive of Executive director of

UK Public Health COVID-19 Register and chair business of the West Midlands engagement Health Technologies at Aston Cluster University

These are sombre times. With self products and services = drawing on for our economy to be restored. In As I write this, Aston University is attitudes towards enterprise. We there is an inherent lack of resilience.

outlook isolation, a broken economy and our assets to identify solutions and health technologies, my aim is to complying with the Government’s are already adapting to a shifting This is especially apparent families losing loved ones to an how to deploy them set up a Cluster Organisation that guidelines and remains open for economy with the state taking a more when events cause countries to

invisible enemy, the future looks Immunisation and works with businesses to help them business. We have swiftly managed significant role in society. Although deny trade and travel across their outlook bleak. But together, we will get vaccination, providing protection be more innovative, more productive – like many other businesses – to the temporary changes may be borders. Europe, one of the most through this and then we can start against infection = develop products and more competitive. use technology to allow our support challenging to undo, they will not be advanced global JIT markets, will work on a better future. and services that are fit for purpose Health is so much more that of students and organisations to impossible, and the reality is going to need to learn the lessons from the The world is changing because Capacity, organisations like the hospitals and GP surgeries, more continue, drawing on the massive be that the Government will seek to pandemic very quickly to ensure that of this global pandemic, COVID-19 NHS need to be able to flex to meet than doctors and nurses. It is more dedication of our in-house ICT team. restart the private sector economy as it is much better prepared for future (coronavirus). We are rapidly demand = create innovation in both than the NHS. For example, at the Reaction from our clients has been quickly as possible. turbulence when it occurs. Already COVID-19 re-thinking the systems we live supply and demand Public Health Register, I regulate the very positive, and it is pleasing to see They will do this by encouraging my colleagues, such as Professor Ed by – economy, education, health, Technology, the digital tools UK public health workforce. Public how the Birmingham business world people to start and grow businesses, Sweeney at the Aston Logistics and technology, transport. When this for all sectors and all communities health workers work alongside has rallied to support the current creating a favourable taxation Supply Chain Institute, are looking at crisis is over, some things will return = sharing expertise and knowledge colleagues in national and local ‘business as usual’ ethos. environment supporting the rapid how those patterns will shift and how to how they were before, but many across the partnership to nurture government, NHS and communities Although universities can and are growth of productive output. Sectors to advise businesses. are changed forever. innovation and deliver growth to keep us safe and beat the virus. assisting with vital work to counteract will re-grow at different speeds, The final change will be to how I have been asked to set up a Enterprise, industries and They are brave, they are strategic the pandemic, their primary role is to and aside from ICT services which and where we work, and the skills West Midlands Health Technologies service providers capable of and, of necessity, they communicate ensure a flow of qualified people that will continue to surge, the personal that we use while in work. The Cluster. In our region we have the meeting our region’s needs = make clear and consistent health will be so important to the recovery is service economy may be the COVID-19 experience taught us all science, the enterprise and the West Midlands a great place to do messages in their communities. maintained. fastest to grow. This is because the that we do need alternative places precision engineering to make a business Pre-crisis the ‘prevention is better One immediate challenge is to experience of digitisation during the to work. It also reminded us that we success of it. I am impressed that the Skills, attracting talent both than cure’ message was possibly ensure that the degrees awarded lockdown will open pathways to new could continue to work productively automotive industry is helping make within and to our region = West not heeded as much as it should this summer are fair and reflective of consumer markets from an expanded if we have the ICT – and digital skills ventilators for the NHS. I am proud of Midlands a great place to train, have been. It will be different now. I the talent of those coming through demographic. required – to access and operate the universities helping with research work and live foresee public health will be a crucial the system, giving employers In my university, the Aston Centre the correct tools. We may, therefore, and testing. Transport, a critical part of our component of our preparations the confidence to recruit 2020 for Growth – under under the see a shift to more telecommuting As we see with the massive infrastructure as we are now seeing = for future readiness. Public health graduates. leadership of Professor Mark Hart – and use of home or local touch-down response to the call for NHS 5G underpinning a transformation of can benefit just as much from the We also know that we will need has already anticipated this shift by offices, as the work-life benefits of volunteers and #clapforcarers, services and connectivity work I am doing to set up the West to offer extra support to the young making support materials available remote working stay with us. support for health and social care We are in this together. The Midlands Health Technologies people coming into our institutions to now to help people having to pivot As remote working skills become services is higher than ever. A better collaboration in our society now is Cluster. help them adjust to the needs of the existing businesses as well as assist more important, people will invest in future demands greater investment in something I want to tap into for how The West Midlands is a great place new economic landscape. those looking to create a new future their personal digital development, the resilience and the capacity of our I envisage the Health Technologies to live and work. We are creative and Finally, the university needs to be for themselves through enterprise. bringing a resurgence of attendance NHS and other public services. Cluster will work. COVID-19 has we are inventive. We are home to a steadying influence in turbulent For those businesses looking to shift at West Midlands FE colleges and A better future will be one where impacted on every sector of our West world-class businesses, universities times, supporting growth potential from product to service provision, dedicated private training providers. we keep today’s fighting spirit and Midlands economy. Businesses need and talent. I want to help our region by applying our research expertise Aston’s Advanced Service Group In closing, perhaps the big hope turn it towards fighting the climate support to make it through the worst, thrive in a way that is fair and to the practical problems our private is already working on a range I have is that the positive outcome crisis and reducing poverty. We and afterwards they must thrive balanced. and third-sector colleagues will face. of services to help support their from the pandemic will be in the also have existing known threats to I don’t think that there is yet a transition. attitude of the population at large, tackle, such as meeting the needs ‘new normal’, but I might dare to The second significant change will that positive behaviours seen in the of an ageing population and beating suggest that the shock of the sudden be to the shape of international trade. crisis are sustained, and that we diseases related to lifestyle like disruption might see us return to a It is unlikely that we will return to the build a more collaborative, cohesive obesity and diabetes. “Pre-crisis the ‘prevention is better than more pre-2008 economic model of global supply chain economy which society that is better able to ride out To be ready to meet these cure’ message was possibly not heeded local production. There is no doubt characterised the last two decades, future storms. challenges, we need: that the world will recover after perhaps much to the joy of the Surveillance, identifying as much as it should have been. It will be the pandemic, but to expect past climate change lobby who have seen dangers early = identifying market behaviour to return would be wrong. the impact that COVID-19 has had on opportunities different now.” I would like to suggest that the pollution. While we can all appreciate Testing, on a scale that meets business community will be changed the efficiencies that just-in-time the challenge = quantifying the need positively in three key ways. practices provide, the pandemic has Research, from invention to The first significant change is in proven that alongside these benefits, 10 COVID-19 outlook moving, butbusinesseswillbe in thebattletokeep theeconomy unprecedented andagoodstart Chancellor’s furloughschemewas business leadersupatnight.The the damage. Government tostepinandmitigate manufacturers arecallingonthe the overallimpactisnotyetknown, infringed onsupplychains.While coronavirus fearstookholdand severe turbulencerecentlyafter West Midlands.Ithasexperienced the manufacturingsectorin concerns frommembersabout situation closely. and wearecontinuingtomonitorthe lockdown are hitting businesses hard, us thattheeffectsofnationwide too. Ourmembersarealreadytelling emergency, butaneconomicone coronavirus isnotjustaglobalhealth no exception. businesses intheWest Midlandsare on companiesofallsizes,and This hashadaknock-on effect government advicetostayathome. loved onestoo, andarefollowing about theirownwellbeingand of life. health, theeconomyandourway terms withtheimpactitishavingon paralyse thecountryaswecometo The coronaviruscrisiscontinuesto Cashflow isanotherissue keeping For example, thereareserious At ICAEW, werecognise People arerightlyconcerned local businesses on the impact of local businesses ontheimpactof of Commercebegan surveying businesses hasbeenstark. a halt.TheimpactonWest Midlands and manufacturershaveground to restaurants andtheatresareclosing, over theworld,whileretailers,bars, gatherings havebeencancelledall home. employees beingtoldtoworkfrom has beenfarmorewidespreadthan COVID-19. to helpreducethespreadof changes inthewayitoperates world isstillcomingtotermswith At thetimeofwriting,business whether arebateonlastquarter’s returns Greater Birmingham Chambers Greater BirminghamChambers Events, tradeshowsandother The impactofthisvirus,course, to helpbusinesseswithcashflowissues “We knowthatthemovetodeferVAT payments waspopularamongstour members intheWest Midlands,but will beavailable,remainsunclear.” where wecan. and weareworkingtoprovidedetail and whetherjobsharesarecovered, businesses areeligible, howtoclaim like toseegreaterclarityonwhich members havetoldustheywould unprecedented time. However, schemes tohelpbusinessesinthis Government alreadyannounce the weeks andmonthstocome. will havetomake tough decisions in the firm. mitigate theimpactonotherpartsof employment specialistsmayhelp for insolvencypractitionersand struggles, thoughthehighdemand one functionthrivingwhileanother short-term contractsandcanhave businesses mayberelianton worrying. Thesemulti-disciplinary financial servicessectorarealso Midlands professionaland available. salaries beforethefundingbecomes concerned aboutbeingabletopay put onholdaltogether. face-to-face business hassincebeen That seemslightyearsawaynow as cancellations andsupplierdisruption. that theywerefeelingtheimpact of normal circumstances,firmsreported was stilloperatingunderrelatively had fullytaken holdintheUK. coronavirus severalweeks beforeit We arepleasedtoseethe There’s nodoubtsomebusinesses The implicationsfortheWest Even back then when business Even backthenwhenbusiness Dale-Black By DrSophie Midlands at ICAEW, director Regional Commerce Chambers of Birmingham Greater Chief executive, Faulkner By Paul luck. West Midlands,andIwishthemall support tobusinessesacrossthe but wewillcontinuetoprovide arrive willbeabigconcernformany. waiting untilJuneforthegrantsto complexities involvedinsettingitup, world” accordingtoRishiSunak. those whoareself-employedinthe comprehensive packagestosupport and “amongthemostgenerous announced wasgame-changing, this wasnottobethecase. would beoverlooked. Fortunately, appeared thattheself-employed support packages,itinitially being handedthesegenerous remains unclear. cashflow issueswillbeavailable, returns tohelpbusinesseswith but whetherarebateonlastquarter’s our membersintheWest Midlands, VAT paymentswaspopularamongst the way we work and one wonders the waywework andonewonders done. indoors, thereisstillbusinessto be while COVID-19 haskept people mental wellbeingoftheirstaff. But the pandemicandphysical to manageboththefiscalimpact of period forbusinesses,whohavehad The immediatefutureisuncertain, While werecognisethe The incomesupportscheme While businessesandstaffwere We knowthatthemovetodefer It has forced most of us to re-asses It hasbeenanextremely tough member businesses reaching out member businessesreachingout the lastfewweeks. and we’ve seenthatinabundance community overthepastfewyears the GreaterBirminghambusiness practices forever. if thecrisismaychangesomeofour their workers safefrom infection, begun toexplore newwaystokeep have goneintolockdown, firmshave business practices. products andalsocreatingnew – areallenablinginnovativenew materials scienceandenergystorage nanotechnology, biotechnology, from roboticsto3Dprinting, vaccine weurgentlyneed. speed toproducethemedicinesand medical equipmentorworkingat produce criticalcomponentsfor latest 3Dprintingtechniquesto technology: whetherbyusingthe the cuttingedgeofscienceand continue. and ensuringourhouseholdsupplies factories aremakinghandsanitisers and facemasks, andfooddrink re-purposed tomake medicalgowns clothing andtextile companieshave to buildingventilatorsforourNHS, outbreak. the nationalefforttotackle have beenattheforefrontof and innovation,UKmanufacturers makes anything.Through ingenuity misconception that Britain no longer putting paidtotheoft-repeated national prosperityandwellbeing, industrial baseinmaintainingour underlines theimportanceofour The currentCOVID-19 outbreak and video conferencing . . . and others have and videoconferencing .andothershave We’ve seensomeofour Resilience hasbeenafulcrumof As countriesaroundtheworld Developments inindustry– Manufacturing isoperatingat Automotive makers haveswitched adapt to practices such as remote working adapt topractices suchasremoteworking businesses reaching out to help others businesses reaching outtohelpothers “We’ve seen someofourmember rallied to support theNHS.” adopted amantraof‘Keep Business disruption, theChamberhas support theNHS. online, andothershaverallied to conferences havebeendelivered video conferencing,eventsand such asremoteworkingand to helpothersadaptpractices functions.” transforming howoureconomy COVID-19 isprovingacatalystfor Just aswithpreviousoutbreaks, nor, unfortunately, willitbethelast. “This is not the first global pandemic with government:toimproveour they standreadytocontinueworking the nationalCOVID-19 responseand in partnershipwithgovernmenton manufactured andavailable. to enablethoseproductsbe adapting theirproductionprocesses their employeesprotectedby social distancingmeasures,keeping to encompasstheGovernment’s have adaptedtheirwaysofworking available. that finishedproducttobemade vital componentswhichenable of companieseachproducing supermarket shelvesstandaline manufactured oritemoffoodon digital technologies. of workthatisemergingbuiltonnew look tothefuture, tothenewworld from thistragedy, policymakers must eye ofthestorm,whenweemerge Though weareverymuchnowinthe get tothecustomerswhoneedthem. while ensuringtheirgoodscanstill Throughout theCOVID-19 Manufacturers arealreadyworking These supplychaincompanies For everymedicalmask come tothefore oncemore. resilience Italked about earlierwill pick upthatpaceagain–and recognition. will nodoubthavechangedbeyond is over, manyareas ofbusinesslife far intothefuture. Whenthiscrisis interrupted byCOVID-19. enjoying afewmonthsagohasbeen change andprogressourregionwas networking hour. our daily#GBChamberChatvirtual ways ofcommunicationsuchas that, withmanyembracingdifferent appetite frombusinessestodojust Moving’. Therehasbeenplentyof Organisation Manufacturers’ Make UK,The England director, Midlands &East Horobin By Charlotte the next industrialrevolution. manufacturing canbeattheheartof right policiesandpractices,UK this monthshowsthatwiththe businesses acrossthecountry and resiliencedemonstratedby functions. transforming howoureconomy COVID-19 isprovingacatalystfor Just aswithpreviousoutbreaks, nor, unfortunately, willitbethe last. world todobusiness. Britain remainsthebestplacein that togetherwecanhelpensure grow; andtoinvestininnovationso regulatory conditionsforindustryto need; tocreatetherighttaxand our citiesandregionsdesperately strategy thatdeliversthelevelling-up forward acomprehensiveindustrial and driveourglobaltrade;to revolution; toincreaseUKexports need tothriveinthefourthindustrial with theskillsandabilitiesthey employees andanewgeneration education systemtoequipexisting However, I’mconfident wewill Right now, itisdifficulttogazetoo Undoubtedly, though,thepaceof The adaptability, innovation, This is not the first global pandemic

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outlook COVID-19 Entering 2020, the property industry was awash with predictions for the year ahead with some common By Robbie STEPHEN DREW, professional services managing partner at themes: Boris Johnson’s victory Turner in the December election and the Smith & Williamson’s Birmingham office, offers advice on subsequent departure from the Real estate European Union had provided some specialist at Mills & Reeve how to protect your business in these extraordinary times certainty, and it was hoped that this would lead to more investment; retail would continue to struggle as the high street sought to reinvent itself, and the industrial and logistics quarterly to help tenants manage The relief packages made available landscapes would continue to cashflow, payment holidays or to businesses have offered some perform well, driven by increasing suspension, and even waiver in some hope for the high street. This may e-commerce. cases. also lead to the sought-after review No one predicted a global On deal volumes, existing of how business rates are charged pandemic that would require those transactions are still being completed, to create a more level playing field in the retail, leisure and hospitality but we expect a marked reduction between businesses with a high 12 sectors to close their doors, forcing in appetite for new deals over the street presence and those trading 13 their staff to work from home and coming months. We have seen that in solely online. grind construction sites to a halt. the context of new office space. Longer term, the need for decent COVID-19 Aside from certain operations After the restrictions are lifted, high- tech and reliable connectivity has spanning supermarkets, medical street vacancies are likely to increase, become even more apparent as equipment and e-commerce – which yet wider real estate impacts might the nation works from home, so have seen increased demand for be less severe as the movement of technology is likely to be embraced their products or services – the short people and business activity return even more across real estate. term will see substantial disruption to ‘normal’ levels. Occupiers are Birmingham’s tech sector is well and uncertainty for most corporate however likely to have less capital placed to meet these changing outlook occupiers. available, either having spent the war requirements. Emergency legislation in the Health and the health economy chest or having accrued more debt. business protection Coronavirus Act 2020 prevents If banks are unwilling or unable are also likely to have greater focus. leases being forfeited for (at least) the to lend, there could also be a The importance of providing the NHS next three months for non-payment credit crunch, with the prospect of with sufficient resources will be fresh of rent, reducing risk of eviction in the higher interest rates looking likely if in the mind of the nation, and will short term. Yet, that does not stop the quantitative easing measures have an no doubt be a key political issue for rent from falling due and could simply inflationary effect. years to come, creating opportunities

COVID-19 postpone the unavoidable for many These factors could put the brakes for companies within the health occupiers, leading to risk of eviction on investment in new projects or economy. after the moratorium expires. initiatives such as an office move or a The pandemic may also create a Landlords are also in an unenviable new production line, which could put greater reluctance to rely on global position. Many will have their own downward pressure on deal volume, supply chains, perhaps placing more debt covenants and will depend on demand and commercial property emphasis on local supply chains, regular payments of rent, with some values. even more so for the West Midlands taking hard stances with their tenants While there are challenges, there if the Government follows through on and threatening court proceedings or will be plenty of opportunities, commitments to ‘levelling up’ regions insolvency. particularly in the West Midlands. HS2 outside London. We are however seeing many and the 2022 Commonwealth Games While it is too early to predict what landlords accept rent concessions will create tangible opportunities the future will bring for real estate, it of varying degrees, often offering for growth, raising the profile of and is clear there are not only challenges monthly payments instead of driving investment in the region. ahead, but opportunities too.

Like thousands of other like-minded business owners, I’m convinced By Stacey we can get through this. We’re Barnfield thinking differently, coming up with new business ideas and battling Founder of on, determined to enjoy more Edwin Ellis Cash is king Creative Media prosperous times. We take pride in being a small part of a healthy West Midlands The speed at which coronavirus and wellbeing of their employees. creative sector with hundreds of has struck at the heart of the global There is a saying: “Revenue is small agencies, freelancers and independents thinking creatively sector and hundreds of writers, economy has been overwhelming. vanity, profit is sanity, but cash is king”. self-employed consultants creating and collaborating with others to consultants and photographers With a public health crisis and an Put another way, businesses don’t stories, photography, videography, offer home deliveries, gift vouchers, across the West Midlands. It could invisible enemy, businesses all over fail because of a lack of short-term film making, illustrations, digital future event bookings and a host of mean survival or closure in the the UK are waking up to a daily dose profitability, they fail because they run marketing services and PR. ideas to survive this difficult period. coming months, and any national of unwelcome change and uncertainty. out of cash. During the coronavirus outbreak Now, using the same mindset, or international agencies could still Stephen Drew, In some cases, businesses will be The good news is that our much emphasis has been placed on perhaps Birmingham’s big be used for long-term marketing Professional Services faced with an almost total loss of Government is fully aware and the difficulties faced by independent businesses – those household support. Managing Partner demand, while for others demand will alert to this challenge. A series of hospitality venues and what we names we celebrate relocating to Now, more than ever, businesses Birmingham, Smith & soar. unprecedented measures have can do to support them. These are the city – could think about using need to communicate with staff, Williamson LLP In these extraordinary times, it’s already been announced and these fantastic places adding vibrancy and small businesses to help bolster customers, clients and stakeholders important to remember that normality will be amended and fine-tuned as personality to our towns and cities, their marketing, PR and creative through words, pictures and clever will return. While nobody can predict we go along. One way or another, and a huge number of people rely on content. content. the timetable, the focus for all of our there is a multitude of ways in which them for their livelihoods. Locally commissioned work could The creative skills are there, ready entrepreneurs and business owners businesses can both create and It is great to see so many have a huge impact on the creative and waiting to get involved. must be to protect their businesses conserve additional cash, and we are and, wherever possible, the livelihoods setting out some suggestions here. Other Government support Grants rateable value between £15,000 and HMRC until the end of the 2020/21 tax Small businesses may be eligible £51,000. Any enquiries on eligibility year. This deferral is automatic and no for cash grants. The Government for, or the provision of, the reliefs and application is required. has proposed a 12-month business grants should be directed towards the Income tax deferral for all self- rates holiday for all retail, hospitality relevant local authority. employed and leisure businesses in England. VAT deferral for all businesses All self-employed taxpayers can now All businesses in receipt of small All businesses are now able to defer defer their self-assessment payments business rate relief or rural rate their VAT payments for three months. due on July 31, 2020 until January relief can claim small business grant This deferral will apply to VAT due for 31, 2021. No application is required funding of £10,000, rising to £25,000 the period from 20th March 2020 until and no penalties or interest will be for retail, hospitality and leisure 30th June 2020 and any accumulated charged in the deferral period. businesses with property with a deferral will not need to be paid to

Review your business plan, identify Reforecast likely sales and cashflows Alternative funding 14 short-term goals for both the short and medium terms opportunities 15 If you are experiencing a lack of (or even increased) Be realistic about the likely impact on future sales and Asset-based lending options can demand which could lead to future cashflow challenges, costs, and work with your finance team or external

also be a useful source of short-term COVID-19 long-term ambitions may need to be set aside to protect advisers to reforecast your short to medium-term cash financing. It is possible to borrow your business in the short term. Consider your business flows. Talk to your suppliers, fine tune your buying, against invoices issued but not paid, plan and decide which elements need to be changed, examine your day-to-day costs. Remember that falling for example. Businesses can also accelerated or curtailed. Do this now! Make sure that sales may reduce your working capital requirement (eg borrow against equipment and other every member of your team is focusing on your key debtors, stocks) and generate additional cash. Given the assets. priorities, making every moment count. fast-moving situation, make this a weekly activity. Perhaps the cheapest way to borrow may be against your main Review banking arrangements Review capital commitments residence. This can have some tax

and covenants If you have recently committed to acquiring new assets planning advantages. business protection Your bank is an essential trading partner, so you will for your business – cars, computers, machinery etc – can need to keep it on side. Highlight any challenges or you put these on hold to conserve cash? Remember HMRC time to pay that cash always takes precedence over short-term the likely need for support as early as possible. Be Small businesses can make profitability. professional, plan ahead for meetings, and ensure arrangements to defer payment that any presentations or proposals are clearly set out, of their VAT or PAYE. HMRC has a detailed, accurate and realistic. Know what is due and dedicated phoneline for coronavirus- when, maintain regular communications and be mindful related challenges to help businesses and respectful of any covenants. Finally, remember that business protection unable to pay their taxes on time banking relationships are built on trust. (corporation tax, income tax, PAYE, VAT) with options to defer or delay payment. The number to call is 0800 024 1222. Assuming that HMRC Government SSP support Directors’ responsibilities ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT-BACKED FUNDING accept your application, this can be a hugely valuable and fast route to for businesses with less The Government has announced conserving your cash. than 250 employees flexible insolvency rules to prevent In addition to the above, if you businesses unable to meet debts

COVID-19 The Government will cover up to two Business interruption loans think you may be due a tax refund due to the impact of coronavirus from weeks’ statutory sick pay per eligible being forced to file for bankruptcy. The Government has recently the lenders, who will be comforted will kick in where businesses have or tax credits, it will be worth getting employee who has been off work launched the Coronavirus Business by the Government’s 80% guarantee a sound borrowing proposal but your various returns in quickly to However, if it looks as if you can’t because of COVID-19. This relief is continue, or you know or ought Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS). but still wary of the risks they will insufficient security. begin the refund process. available to employers with fewer than Loans of up to £5 million are available be assuming on the remaining 20%. For further information visit www. to conclude that your business Accessing funding from 250 employees. A rebate scheme is can’t survive, remember your to UK-based businesses in eligible Finally, the Government has agreed british-business-bank.co.uk and being developed. sectors, provided that their turnover is to cover the first 12 months of interest view the detailed pages on the pension schemes responsibilities and take advice. no more than £45 million. payments. Coronavirus Business Interruption Reducing employee costs Sharing the burden may open up This support is only for ‘viable’ This is a great scheme for those Loan Scheme to find accredited In certain cases, businesses can unexpected avenues to help you businesses and is at the discretion of that need it and can gain access, and lenders. borrow from their pension scheme, For many businesses this will be a last protect your business. but this is subject to strict rules. Loans resort and will come with some legal Want to know more? With the must be for investment growth only, implications. Tread carefully. Consider high levels of uncertainty caused by Job Retention Scheme rather than being used to prop up part-time working, sabbaticals or job this crisis affecting individuals and a business in difficulties. They are sharing as well as lay-offs, but make business, Smith & Williamson has The Government’s plans to protect The funding for this will be (those who would have been laid limited to five years or less and must sure you consult with a lawyer first launched a dedicated coronavirus jobs have led to the introduction unlimited and all UK businesses, off but for the introduction of this not be more than 50% of the assets of so you don’t incur even bigger bills hub – a single platform for all related of the Coronavirus Job Retention small or large, charitable or non- scheme) as ‘furloughed workers’ the pension scheme. further down the line. information and resources. Scheme. profit, are eligible for the scheme. and notify them of this change. This allows employers to claim The scheme covers part-time Employment law will continue back 80% of the salary of employees employees, employees on flexible/ to apply, so legal advice and/or who are temporarily ‘furloughed’. zero-hour contracts and agency negotiation may be required. Please visit the hub at www.smithandwilliamson.com/covid-19-hub and email Broadly, this means that the employer workers. It also covers employees Once agreed, employers will need [email protected] if you have any queries. will ask affected employees to cease who were made redundant after to submit information to HMRC about Government and Tax legislation, sourced from HMRC and gov.uk, is that prevailing at the time, is subject to change without notice and their duties for a temporary period, February 28 of this year but are the relevant employees and their depends on individual circumstances. Clients should always seek appropriate tax advice from their financial adviser before making as there is no work, but retain them then rehired. Only workers who earnings through a new online portal financial decisions. as employees. The amount that can are paid through PAYE can qualify; which is expected to be set up by the Smith & Williamson LLP Regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales for a range of be claimed per employee is 80% of other workers may need to rely on end of April 2020. investment business activities. their salary, capped at £2,500 per the separate scheme for the self- HMRC are working urgently to A member of Nexia International. month, plus employer’s NICs and employed. set up their systems, which are not Disclaimer: By necessity, this briefing can only provide a short overview and it is essential to seek professional advice before applying minimum auto-enrolment employer In order to claim, employers will currently able to facilitate payments 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 pension contributions on that sum. need to designate affected workers to employers. publication. Details correct at time of writing. MULTIMEDIAIA By ANDY STREET Mayor of West Midlands Combined Authority Facing the biggest 17 Tired of out of date technology and hard to peacetime challenge column use handsets? UpgradeUpgrade toto aa phone phone system system that'sthat's individualindividual toto your your business, business, for for little little Coronavirus is the gravest public who run small limited companies provided me with clear messages on oror nono extra extra cost. cost. health threat our nation has faced in and pay themselves mainly through the virus’s economic impact, which generations. dividends. This is one of a number I fed directly to ministers, while also Anything your smartphone can do, NT Multimedia There can be no doubt that the of issues I am raising with the providing feedback for policy makers can bring to your desk phone. Whether you want second city’s business community Chancellor, which I am confident will on the measures they have already is facing its biggest peacetime be addressed, as the Government announced. to check your emails, access documents, manage challenge. In the space of a few has shown that it is willing to be I have also been struck by the your calls or download your favourite apps, the weeks the economic landscape here flexible in trying to help all kinds of determination I have seen within and across the world has changed businesses. the business sector, which gives me possibilitiespossibilities areare infinite.infinite. dramatically, with businesses told Policy makers are having to move confidence that Birmingham will not to close their doors and most of the quickly and often without perfect only endure this, but bounce back population in lockdown. Chancellor information to hand. Economists afterwards. Rishi Sunak correctly described are now working to model what the I believe the strong economy we what we are facing as an “economic ongoing economic effects of the have built in the West Midlands will emergency”. virus may be. survive if cash is delivered to where it While the decision to close so It is clear that this will be the is needed. As we entered this crisis, many businesses was a difficult one, sharpest economic downturn we the West Midlands had reached it was unquestionably the right thing have ever experienced. However, record employment levels, with 75% SO MUCH MORE THAN to do given the advice provided by while that downturn could be deep, of people in jobs. This is a robust our leading scientists and medics. it is also expected to be relatively economy. I have confidence that the A BUSINESS PHONE... The financial measures announced short, unlike the financial crisis innovation and expertise that exists by the Government represent an of 2008 where the shortfall was in our business sector can provide unprecedented package of support prolonged. So, if the plan is to bridge the flexibility to see out the crisis. for the business world. what may be a deep but hopefully And, above all, I know that I know that across many business short dip, then current policy moves Brummies have the resilience and sectors, there will have been a huge are right. fortitude to overcome this challenge. sense of relief when the Chancellor The challenge now is to deliver From World War Two to the horrors announced the Government financial support quickly to of the pub bombings and the mass RE-CALL CONNECT would cover 80% of the wages of businesses. To enable this, we have lay-offs of de-industrialisation, the employees who are sent home, along also seen an unparalleled level people of Birmingham have shown with the deferment of VAT bills. Huge of direct communication between they will always overcome adversity. FREE HD VIDEO COMMUNICATE INSTANT NEVER LOSE CHECK YOUR effort is being put into new loans the Government and industry. We This crisis has, in many ways, CALLS AT THE TOUCH ACCESS TO CALL TRACK OF CALLS EMAILS and business rate holidays being have seen ministers reach out to shown us at our best. Whether that’s OF A BUTTON RECORDING delivered very quickly, in particular industrialists to build the ventilators through the hundreds of thousands to help larger businesses make their needed to treat those worst affected, of volunteers who have signed up cash payments to small suppliers. or for tradesmen to build emergency to help the NHS or the people who The £9 billion bailout for the self hospitals. stood on their doorsteps offering employed, announced more recently, Then there is the West Midlands a symbolic round of applause for will also have brought some peace Regional Economic Contingency carers of all types. The UK has united of mind to so many in our business Group, which unites business, in a way seldom seen in peacetime. community. community leaders and politicians As I write, the businesses and Some questions still remain – such to feed opinion directly to the tradespeople of the West Midlands as concerns over support for people Government. This forum has are being set a new challenge to help us overcome coronavirus – a MANAGE YOUR CONNECT DOWNLOAD CONTROL PERSONALISE Dunkirk moment for our times. DIARY BLUETOOTH & APPS HOME & OFFICE YOUR DEVICE Government is reaching for help in WIFI DEVICES ENVIRONMENTS “I have been struck by the building, equipping and staffing the vast Nightingale emergency hospital determination I have seen within that is being created at the NEC, the business sector, which gives ready to supply the extra beds that could be needed when the outbreak GET IN TOUCH TODAY FOR YOUR E: [email protected] me confidence that Birmingham hits its peak. FREE TELECOMS CONSULTATION T: 01952 221 312 will not only endure this, but I know that Birmingham and the West Midlands are ready to meet this And booboosstt youryour bottom bottom line line with with www.networktelecom.co.uk NTNT MuMulltitimmediaedia.. bounce back afterwards.” challenge. Main picture: PML finds a sustainable use for the by-products of coal-fired power generation Below: The ash PML supplies meets the exacting standards needed for use in different kinds of cement and concrete products and undergoes rigorous testing before use

stations to the construction and The Birmingham business community manufacturing sectors. is incredibly strong and diverse, and The ash, a by-product from the we’re proud to call the second city coal-burning process, is one of our home. modern life’s secret ingredients. “It’s always been a hotbed of “Ash is everywhere,” explains PML’s innovation and, as an ideas-led managing director Nigel Waldron. company that bridges so many “It goes into cement products, different sectors, it’s the perfect place breeze blocks, flyovers, motorways, for us to be.” 18 into concrete piles and is even Considering its links to fossil 19 pumped underground for building fuel power, perhaps the most profile stabilisation. surprising aspect of PML’s work is profile “People don’t realise how much the company’s green credentials, it is used in their own houses. It’s in with its supply network providing an your concrete steps, foundations, environmentally friendly use for the paving slabs, roof tiles, mortar, grout by-products from coal-burning power and bricks. When you drill a hole in stations. your wall at home, that grey stuff that Manufacturers and infrastructure comes out . . . chances are it was projects using ash can boast much once power station ash.” better ‘green’ credentials because When PML was founded by they are re-using secondary minerals Waldron and partner Peter Brannan instead of cutting up the countryside in 2003, it was an ambitious two- to mine virgin aggregates. What’s man start-up with two desks and more, cement made using ash as an two telephones. The fledgling ingredient also eats up less power firm’s mission was simple – to find and resources in its manufacturing sustainable uses for the mountains of process, reducing its carbon ash left over by power generation at footprint. the UK’s coal-burning power stations. PML’s distribution network, through Today, it is a national market leader, partnerships with power stations employing 14 people across three like Drax, has helped British industry sites, working to direct millions of avoid releasing millions of tonnes tonnes of ash by-product from power of CO2 into the atmosphere – a stations for re-use in manufacturing remarkable feat given the coal-fired and many of the key infrastructure origins of the ash itself. projects that are reshaping our “We are proud of the part we play country. in providing a sustainable use for The firm went global in 2010 ash and are the UK’s number one when it was bought out by German independent supplier,” says Waldron. energy company STEAG, marking the “When I first started, power creation of an international network. stations were actually paying While PML’s sales and distribution companies to take the ash away, but team are based at Drax, it remains a now it has completely turned around. The value of waste resolutely Brummie firm. Waldron is Our mission has been to create a a familiar face on the city’s business supply chain that always delivers Earlier this year saw a major scene, was the founding president ash where it is needed, when it is landmark in how the UK’s power is of the Sutton Coldfield Chamber needed, to the right quality. generated. of Commerce and now serves as “I’ve always believed that in In February, the huge Drax Power its chairman. The firm supports business you’ve got to be true to Coal-burning power stations are soon to station in Yorkshire announced that local charities including Ronald your word and never let a customer it would stop burning coal by next McDonald House and sponsors down. That’s our ethos – we will become defunct in the UK so does this spell year as it completes its switch to the annual #Brumfeeds foodbank always go above and beyond, even if next-generation sustainable power campaign. Even the company’s logo it costs us.” the end of a Sutton Coldfield company which generation. proudly sports the claret and blue of The ash PML supplies meets the By far the UK’s biggest power Waldron’s beloved Aston Villa. exacting standards needed for use has carved a niche for itself harvesting their station, Drax provides a significant Accolades at the Birmingham Post in different kinds of cement and portion of the nation’s electricity, and Business Awards – for Excellence concrete products and undergoes ash by-product and exporting it around the has ambitions to become carbon in Industry and Manufacturer of the rigorous testing before use. Drive world? Far from it, its bosses say, it has just negative by 2030. But while Drax’s Year – have given wider recognition across the UK and you’ll find yourself energy output helps power some of for the sheer breadth of PML’s work unwittingly surrounded by it in the created another opportunity. the second city’s business sector, it in the region. built environment. also provides another lesser-known “We are a national company in “Our products have been used as CHRIS AUSTIN reports product – and it’s a Birmingham firm terms of our partnerships at power structural fill for bridge abutments that ensures its delivery across the station sites, and an international and slip road embankments for the globe. company when you consider our huge A50 project in Staffordshire,” From its HQ in Sutton Coldfield, German connections and import- says sales and technical director Ivan Power Minerals Ltd – or PML – exports network,” says Waldron, who Skidmore. oversees a vast supply chain grew up in Sutton Coldfield. “Our ash products are in delivering fly ash from power “However, Birmingham is our base. the concrete structures of the A14 improvement scheme in will see the launch of significant Cambridgeshire and were used to manufacturing operation that 20 stabilise the ground where the M8 represents major expansion. 21 has been widened in Scotland. Over the last four years, PML profile “Millions of tonnes of our ash have has invested heavily in applying its profile also been used to stabilise old mines expertise to the by-products of new beneath the Black Country.” forms of power generation. Its Biolite So, as the UK switches away from division takes the by-products of coal power, what does the future modern biomass power generation hold for PML? processes to create pioneering “There is no question that coal- agriculture products such as fired power generation is coming to fertilisers. an end – that is a reality – and we This ground-breaking process have been preparing for it for years,” turns what was a hazardous waste explains Waldron. into a low-carbon product that helps “The fact is that after so many both the UK agriculture sector and years of power generation using coal, the environment, by removing the there are huge stockpiles of ash left need for farmers to import expensive that will allow us to keep supplying fertilisers from abroad. Despite fossil fuels being phased out in favour of more industry for decades to come. So, “We are excited by the prospects sustainable material, the UK has vast stockpiles of ash in order to deliver quality ash to our for our new fertiliser product left over from years of coal-fired energy creation customers, we are now extracting because it represents the natural from those stockpiles and looking to evolution of what we do,” says access and process more.” the reliability of the UK’s ash supply Quality Ash Association – to have Station in Staffordshire prior to millions of tonnes for potential export Waldron. “While we are continuing The best example of this can be chain,” Skidmore says. these areas reclassified as Strategic its closure, utilising an ultra-sonic to western Europe, where such to access ash to supply industry, it’s seen at Fiddlers Ferry, the north west “Our strategy since has been to Pozzolanic Reserves. separation process to remove quality legacy stockpiles are less accessible. important that as the power sector power station which announced its create a robust and reliable supply “This would allow urban mining cementicious particles from old ash. Investment, research and changes, we change too – and this is closure last year. While generation chain by investing in our own of the stockpiled ash which, with This process, along with other development of this type is key to a great example of finding a use for may have halted at the site, PML infrastructure, importing from our the cutting-edge technology we technologies, is likely to be a game the success of PML and its future next-generation power generation continues to market ash from historic international network, developing are developing, could see the UK changer for the industry, creating operations. by-products.” deposits, extracting and shipping the ways of tapping into the significant become a world leader in exporting a long-term sustainable supply of As the power sector moves away With a new era of infrastructure millions of tonnes of ash left there. legacy stockpiles we have in the UK, quality ash products around the low-carbon material for making from coal, PML’s technicians are now construction now expected, he PML, working together with SSE who and investing in research on future globe.” environmentally friendly cement and looking for ways to recycle and reuse predicts there will be more demand own the site, currently excavate over solutions. There are a wide variety of concrete. This would not only create the by-products of the sustainable than ever for ash, both nationally and 350,000 tonnes of ash from Fiddlers “The UK has a huge stockpile of processes called ‘beneficiation’ jobs nationally – by giving new fuels that are replacing it. across the Midlands. Ferry per year. ash trapped in landfill sites and we technologies. PML trialled and life to legacy stockpiles across the Now the firm stands on the cusp of Infrastructure projects such as sea “Four years ago, a decline in the have been lobbying government commercially operated one of these country – but would also remove the a new era. After years of preparation, wall defences, London’s Crossrail, coal-fired energy sector affected – through bodies such as the UK technologies at Rugeley Power UK’s reliance on imports and provide research and investment, this year the M6 Toll and HS2 all rely on power station ash as a vital ingredient. “Once we have fully understood the economic impact of coronavirus, we’re expecting the previously announced infrastructure projects to roll out,” he adds. “HS2, major road building and a new era of NHS construction will all require the products that we provide, and we’ll be working to ensure that there is a continuous, reliable flow of ash to underpin manufacturing and construction. “Coal-powered energy may be coming to an end, but it is our mission to ensure that its most beneficial legacy – millions of tonnes of valuable ash – is accessible for sustainable manufacturing and construction projects of the future.” As the Birmingham of tomorrow takes shape, it seems it will still Sales and technical The PML team picks up the award for Excellence in Manufacturing at last Managing director Nigel Waldron at work at contain plenty of PML’s secret director Ivan Skidmore year’s Birmingham Post Business Awards PML’s HQ in Sutton Coldfield ingredient. Training schemes Call for at risk Thousands of apprenticeships and hundreds of jobs are at nominations risk after the Government refused to guarantee funding for independent training The search is on for the most public sectors, or applicants can organisations during the inspirational women across the simply nominate themselves. coronavirus outbreak, a senior Midlands, as applications open for The Business Woman of the Year executive has warned. one of the UK’s longest running award is designed to celebrate the Chris Luty, chief executive annual awards. success of an individual making of BCTG, a Black Country Now in its 38th year, the Women transformational changes within workforce training and of the Year Luncheon & Awards their organisation or sector, while apprenticeship organisation, is celebrates the achievements of the Woman with Edge award now pleading with local MPs to 23 22 exceptional women, highlighting shines a spotlight on someone who back a call for a rethink at the news individuals who have made an challenges the status quo and who Department for Education. interview outstanding contribution to their understands that the road to success While the DfE and its business, chosen sector or the wider is not always straight. Education Funding Skills community. An additional award for Woman Agency have said they Due to take place at the of Achievement is presented to an will continue to fund Birmingham Hilton Metropole on individual or group of women from apprenticeships, youth training October 16, the Women of the across the country who have strived and adult education through Year Luncheon & Awards has two to achieve the remarkable, often for the FE college sector, hundreds exclusive categories open for the benefit of others and in some of independent providers have applications, Business Woman of the cases against the odds. The winner been told there will be no Year and Woman with Edge. of this category is selected by the similar support for them. Colleagues, family and friends can board of directors of Women of the Private training providers nominate entrepreneurs or business Year Luncheon & Awards. work with employers to provide leaders from across the private and All proceeds from the event go apprenticeship training in directly to charity, with more than class and in the workplace, £500,000 raised to date. For 2020, with most of their funding Licence the event will support The Prince’s coming from the DfE. They Trust: Women Supporting Women currently handle seven out of Initiative, a group of supporters who 10 apprenticeships. are committed to changing the lives But the DfE says its policy of young women, and Elle for Elle, a “does not allow payment to recruit charitable foundation that connects for services in advance of a wellbeing programme to refugees delivery”, so private providers in the UK. will not be paid until training CARL JONES meets a Zalena Vandrewala, chair of has taken place, despite on- Women of the Year Luncheon & the-job training being put on Birmingham-based director Awards, said: “For 38 years these hold because of COVID-19. awards have been dedicated to Mr Luty said: “Many private who is helping young people profiling and recognising the most providers are at imminent risk inspiring women across the UK. We of failure, which in turn means gain a foothold in the TV and are excited for this year’s applications many thousands of apprentices as we encourage successful and will lose their jobs and training. film-making industry strong women to showcase their From left, Anita Robinson, Emma “Training providers are being talents and celebrate their signposted to the Treasury’s Elston MBE, Jennie Johnson MBE, achievements with us.” Business Woman of the Year 2019, business support measures, Mark Smith of sponsor Aston To nominate or submit an application, but for us these won’t work by University, and Anthea Fosti at last please visit www.womenoftheyear. themselves.” year’s awards org.uk/nomination-form

Recruitment company creates a new division

Birmingham-based SimkissGuy Government with the new option Recruitment has expanded the of furloughing staff, we have seen business with the creation of a new a sharp rise in approaches from division. candidates who have sadly been The team is now set to provide made redundant. non-clinical frontline healthcare “At this time of challenge we professionals across the Midlands. want to help in every way we can, The new specialist healthcare especially for those for whom division has been established after furlough has not been an option. approaches by potential clients “In particular, we are keen to to ask if the team could diversify support those from the hospitality its recruitment offering in order to sector who have unfortunately found support the healthcare sector. themselves out of work through no Co-founder Rebecca Simkiss said: fault of their own, but are keen to Rebecca Simkiss and Richard Guy “Despite welcome support from the work in a new sector.” “What you are trying to do is push at doors which are already open, because the screen industry – film and television – currently faces a huge skills shortage.”

The name’s Yau . . . Yen Yau. film – it’s one of the biggest, most industry, they picture the directors, now sharing? father of documentary. 24 And one of her latest missions has celebrated movie franchises in the camera operators and the actors. She laughs: “Well, I actually came Her programme of work seeks 25 involved recruiting young film industry world. But you have to also remember the to Birmingham to study, and started young people who are passionate interview hopefuls to work on the set of the new Yen says: “On a Bond film, you are other important jobs, like scaffolders, doing some voluntary work at the about factual television, from interview James Bond movie. talking about hundreds and hundreds plasterers, electricians, and people Birmingham International Film and TV nature documentaries to reality Birmingham-based Yen has more of people. constructing the incredible sets where Festival. That’s where I met people in TV, short-form content to feature than two decades of experience in the “We were able to put these the magic happens.” the industry, and first got my foot in documentaries, and everything in screen industries, primarily helping young people into lots of different For budding film and TV workers the door. between. young people to get a foothold in the departments. They worked in casting, here in the West Midlands, the bright “One of the things I’m always keen Yen explains: “My responsibility business. visual effects, the assistant director’s lights of London, with star-studded to dispel when I talk to people is the is for the Grierson Trust’s outreach She is currently director of training department, production, costume, set studios like Pinewood, Elstree and preconception that, to work in this programme, so I recruit young people programmes for the Grierson Trust, decoration, the art department – so Shepperton, can often seem like a industry, you need a film and media aged between 18 and 25 who want and heavily involved in careers and many different aspects of the movie. world away. degree. It’s simply not the case. to work in factual television – it’s a skills development for young people “It was amazing, fantastic, and a bit But that’s one of the myths which “Basically, film and TV producers hugely rewarding thing to do. in the film and TV industries. surreal really – even for me – so I can Yen is keen to dispel. are looking for people with passion, “What you are trying to do is push For the latest 007 movie, No only imagine how the young people “Even if you are based somewhere and important soft skills – like turning at doors which are already open, Time to Die, Yen got the chance to felt. which is far from the centre of where up on time, being a team player and a because the screen industry – film work with the movie’s creators, Eon “I remember as a kid going along lots of film and television production level-headed problem solver. and television – currently faces a Productions, to look after its trainee to my local ABC cinema for Saturday happens, it doesn’t stop you from “The workforce in many specialist huge skills shortage. scheme. morning film club, and the excitement following your passion, meeting areas is ageing at a time when new “We are looking for individuals She explains: “It involved recruiting which would come with release of a people, and putting yourself and your technology is being introduced, who have ideas about how they can 21 young people who had never James Bond movie. skills out there,” she says. and it’s important that they are contribute to the industry and who worked on a major feature film “It’s amazing the way things have “When I first started off in the able to pass on their skills to a new can offer fresh perspectives that are before, drawing them from schemes now gone full circle and ended up industry we were talking about 35mm generation. There’s a really important not currently reflected on-screen or such as the BFI Film Academy and with me working on one of these films. cameras, and the use of expensive balancing act here.” behind the scenes.” ScreenSkills’ Trainee Finder, and It’s a very fulfilling job.” software which was proprietary – the And talking of this new young The trust is particularly keen giving them the opportunity to get She adds: “Being at Pinewood majority of people weren’t able to get generation, Yen has been involved to attract people currently under- involved with this amazing production. Studios is iconic, but a production like access to those sort of things. There’s with the Grierson Trust for around 15 represented in the industry, including “My involvement was recruiting the this actually looks a bit like a giant no such excuse now.” years. The registered charity exists women, people with a disability, BAME young people, then supporting them car park – lots of cherry pickers and So how exactly did Yen get her to promote documentary film making people, plus those from the LGBTQ while they were working on the film.” building work going on everywhere. own break in the film world? Was it and commemorates the work of John community, and socio-economically Of course, this isn’t just any old “When people think about the film by following the kind of advice she is Grierson, widely regarded as the disadvantaged backgrounds.

Some Grierson DocLab trainees Yen giving a talk on her involvement with the Laura O’Connor from Sutton Coldfield, front row centre, was at the Midlands Arts Centre on a No Time to Die trainee scheme a member of the 2019 Grierson DocLab cohort shoot/edit training weekend 26 27 interview social

LoveBrum A group of the James Bond trainees, recruited by Yen to work on the set of No Time to Die The team from LightBox

Netflix is one of the latest companies here in the West Midlands. the company behind Made in Chelsea. fundraiser companies to back the trust’s work, The gaming industry here is massive, She says: “Yes, not getting Channel and its support is allowing Yen and her for example, with companies like Four was certainly a blow, but this has More than £16,000 was raised at the Big Quiz fundraiser team to increase the number of young Codemasters, and there are a lot of risen up like something of a phoenix organised by LoveBrum to support projects across people it can support each year from very transferable skills. to combine many people’s efforts for Birmingham. Approximately 30 businesses from across 12 to 16. “Many people who work in the some exciting projects.” the regions entered teams, but first prize – and bragging This year, one of Yen’s targets is business have what I call portfolio For example, Create Central is rights – went to CAB PR. Paul Mitchell, executive director to help develop two new specialist careers, using their skills to jump working in partnership with the West at LoveBrum, said: “The Big Quiz was a fantastic evening. courses – one for production between a wide range of projects, Midlands Combined Authority on a it’s amazing to raise such an incredible amount of money – management and one for editing. from music videos to corporate new skills bootcamp, a pilot scheme every penny of which goes to help local causes. A massive “These are areas where the skills productions, or commercials. to help the region’s screen industry thank you to everyone who attended.” shortages are currently the greatest,” “I am a jack of all trades – here discover new talent and encourage she says. “A good production co- to facilitate and encourage people people from other careers to switch to ordinator is like gold dust right now to reach their potential, realise the the TV industry. – so if young people are undecided opportunities, and ensure equality Solihull College & University Centre about what area of the industry they of opportunity and access to the will help to provide the skills training, are interested in, this may be a good information they need.” and the bootcamp will consist of one to pursue.” Like many in the creative industries, an intensive five-week programme Yen admits she was disappointed and three-week real-to-life work Emma Tronsen, Abby Goldie, Daniel Kendrick and when Birmingham lost out to Leeds placement in one of the region’s top Sarah Hartley in the bid to host Channel Four’s new TV companies. “A good production co-ordinator headquarters. For the time being though, many But a positive spin-off from this has such initiatives are on an indefinite is like gold dust right now – so been the launch of Create Central, a pause, while everyone wrestles if young people are undecided brand-new screen industry body for with the impact of the coronavirus the West Midlands. pandemic. about what area of the industry It has brought together some of And like so many other sectors, the the UK’s most creative thinkers and TV and film making industry has been they are interested in, this may change makers in film, TV, games and brought to a juddering halt. Bellagio Dance Studio entertain the audience be a good one to pursue.” other creative content sectors, to work Yen is viewing this as a time for with national and regional partners to strategic planning, however, and create what it describes as ‘an agile “breathing space to take stock and and responsive network to turbo- think”. The Grierson Trust recruits come charge the screen sector in the heart “It’s a time when people will be able from all over the UK, but one of the of the UK’. to do a lot of development, which most recent success stories, Laura Yen is part of a power-packed means that when we do finally get O’Connor, is from Sutton Coldfield. membership panel which also back to normal, there are going to be She is now working with Full Fat TV, a includes the likes of Peaky Blinders a lot of ideas around. Samantha factual entertainment specialist, based creator Steven Knight, Bafta and “And you know what that means? Faulkner, right here in Birmingham. Emmy award-winning writer and There will continue to be plenty of Jasper Carrot Yen says: “Birmingham is a very director Debbie Isitt, and Ed Shedd, opportunities for new, young, and Tim creative city, and we have some big founder member of Monkey Kingdom, skilled workers.” Host Ed James Andrews 28 29 social The Mazars team getting in the spirit social The quiz was the latest in a string of LoveBrum fundraising events

The team from A great night was had by all Higgs & Sons

CAB PR, winners of the Big Quiz

The team from FleetMilne shared a table at the quiz

Tank Top Media The HDY table 30 health & life sciences Life sciences SPECIAL REPORT sciences sector. powerhouse inthelife its reputationasanational West Midlandsdeserves who helptoexplain whythe in thishighlycomplex world behind theregion’s success from someofthekey figures In thisspecialreport,wehear attract investment. very latesttechnologyand to innovate, embracethe and publicsectorscontinue businesses frombothprivate Organisations and remains undimmed. cluster ofglobalstanding life scienceandhealthcare long-held reputationasa Greater Birmingham’s

31 health & life sciences life & health By GRAHAM SILK

Back in 2015, the intention of the University in arthritis and rheumatism, nation possessing a poor record in original Silk Report was to overview as well as advances in stem cell successful commercialisation. the areas where the West Midlands transplantation. We saw this 30 years ago with could best contribute to delivering In general, we are seeing progress the internet when Tim Berners-Lee life sciences economic success within on an increasing scale. There is tried to get Britain to lead in this the UK health economy and its world- growing cross-regional academic emerging technology. He created the renowned scientific standing. activity with many universities original idea, but the hugely tangible Since then, while much general coming together and developing economic benefits in terms of jobs, 32 progress has been made, in terms of relationships to create an academic industrial successes and tax revenue 33 economic or industrial sector metrics ecosystem which should help have become resident in Silicon we haven’t seen an increase in terms stimulate start-ups and attract SME Valley rather than the UK. The same companies. opportunities now reside within life of jobs, new businesses relocating life sciences to the region or indeed a significant Examples of current activity include sciences and we have to ensure we increase with pharma engagement a cancer drug, out of Wolverhampton do not make the same mistake again. internationally. University, and breakthroughs in The main barriers seem to be As a consequence, I have been preeclampsia treatments from Aston. lack of speed in commercial action, asked to update the report which will At the University of Birmingham especially in accessing finance and be completed shortly. What follows there are new developments within a lack of knowledge of how to run a is a flavour of the areas of focus areas such eye disease, bone growth business. which will hopefully act as a catalyst stimulants, and the utilisation of AI It is clear that in general, investors in terms of driving the industrial and machine learning in the fields of look to back a plan that demonstrates sector both for sustainability, not only retinal imaging in ophthalmics as well a strong investment case that life sciences economically, but also in terms of as cardiovascular treatments. will generate target returns. This health benefits. However, when talking to key requires a focused and deliverable In 2015, I identified important players within potentially developable business plan which frames market assets such as large population and commercial opportunities, there opportunities, competitive advantage, datasets, the growing number of remains a worry that there are and is led by a management team medical institutions, training facilities still too many barriers slowing the with the right balance of technical, and obviously the many universities process down. This is leading to commercial and finance skills. involved in life sciences research. a reinforcement of the view that The secret to success in The report considered areas of significant changes in approach commercialising a product is marrying urgent focus and action where the to successfully commercialising the management team to the potential for improvement could help research opportunities are required if research genius. These management drive the sector in a more sustainable we are to truly deliver new jobs and skills must be complementary but and commercially relevant manner. successful businesses economically, are not widely available in the NHS Public sector incentivisation, novel as well as crucially delivering or universities. This process needs ways of accessing finance, and the improved patient benefit. a bridge and is the most essential balance of commercial opportunities This view has been highlighted element to creating deliverable plans. and barriers were among the key by comments from Sir John Bell It is overly simplistic and indeed plain areas identified. and other well-respected leaders wrong to expect talented scientists In making a number of who, while highlighting the UK as and clinicians to take their expertise recommendations, I looked to try to a global leader in invention and in the development of scientific steer the many players and partners early innovation, overtly point to the advances and then have to set up State of health within the region towards areas that would help drive the sector – both generally and also in specific areas No one is better qualified than Graham Silk to assess of excellence – that the region has become famous for. the progress of Greater Birmingham as a life sciences These included developing a stronger link with the world-class and healthcare centre. Five years after publishing basic science emanating from Oxford University, the opportunity to link his eponymous report which became a bible for directly into the national accelerated access review, and joining with governments and health chiefs, it is shortly to be government to drive greater public updated with the overriding conclusion that although and academic sector incentivisation. So, if we look at the situation the sector in the region has its many strengths, it still today, we see a number of evident successes within the region. has a long way to go to realise its full potential There are a number of new and evolving trial acceleration programmes being developed beyond the original model developed within haematology. There are examples now in brain cancer, where Birmingham leads; excellent progress within lung cancer; and encouraging joined partnership activity with Oxford Medtech continues to make huge advances in the sector Intellectual assets: at the heart of what you do and run a commercial business. compared to five years ago, is the strengths of both the public and Simply put, there are very few growing impact of regional devolution private sector. The evolution of many James Dysons in this world. Having out of Westminster, led by the elected big projects is better started and Success for life science and healthcare businesses requires been involved in three of these mayor. incubated in the public sector and finding innovative solutions. To ensure that your business ‘lab to factory’ businesses myself, The devolution agenda unlocks when they begin to grow, they can be including a £100 million sale to Smith many possibilities to deliver shaped and developed in partnership secures its return on investment it is essential that you & Nephew, potential opportunities much greater innovative health with the private sector, where require a smooth pathway via the and care solutions that not only relevant, and have the potential to have a strategy in place to protect these solutions. right professional business leadership create commercial opportunities offer a greater social and economic 34 to drive the business forward to but also deliver early intervention return. HGF’s JENNIFER BAILEY and CHRIS MOORE discuss So, why not utilise the support 35 commercial viability. One of the to health problems. These will biggest challenges will be to allow drive sustainable approaches to and opportunities coming forward advertisement those with experience in the business 21st-century health delivery not from devolution to develop a more The West Midlands is home to a sector to become part of the team only in terms of the explosion of innovative environment to drive the growing number of healthcare feature in order to enable their genius to new drugs and devices, but also industrial life sciences economy? and biopharma businesses. One convert into tangible patient and through empowering public-sector, This means we need to help the of the six recently-announced Life economic benefit. university and science leaders to take public sector do the opposite of Science Opportunity Zones will be Very encouragingly, we are also ownership and deliver success. what usually happens when we located in Birmingham at the Life seeing investment and progress This should then create an allocate money regionally – it simply Sciences Park, opening in 2022. in the development of several environment to allow a better and gets spent – and instead utilise the This, together with the existing life sciences parks. The first is more sustainable health delivery new devolution powers to test and network of universities, hospitals and planned around land adjacent to system for direct patient benefit as develop new approaches to regional science hubs, will firmly establish the University of Birmingham, which well as a growing economy, thereby investment. Greater Birmingham at the heart of life sciences will deliver a purpose-built state-of- reinforcing the entire offer. Over the last six months, I have the UK’s healthcare map. Many SMEs the-art facility to bring academics, We have the significant support been working with people in will be hoping to capitalise on the researchers and scientists together of the mayor, Andy Street, who is Westminster – including the former unparalleled facilities and support with SME businesses, as well as keen to work with all partners in life sciences minister George available in the region. However, in linking into large pharma activity. this region. The goal is to create an Freeman – to utilise this region to addition to excellent infrastructure, in The space will be designed for environment that will allow the region identify current health opportunities. order to flourish companies need an research development, clinical to offer world-class services within life The cost of our current model of IP strategy which complements their late diagnosis and treatment is trials, pharmaceutical and medtech sciences in a ‘better cheaper faster’ commercial goals. Dr Jennifer Bailey is a Patent Director specialising in life sciences and Dr threatening to bankrupt us – indeed it manufacturing, and is intended manner, acting as a magnet globally SMEs that have filed at least Chris Moore is a Partner specialising in chemistry and medical devices can be said to be literally killing us. to create a one-stop hub ideal for to academics, researchers, SMEs and one intellectual property right based in our Birmingham Office expanding SMEs, both locally and big pharma. The potential to drive a health (IPR) are 21% more likely to grow, internationally. In addition, Warwick But, I repeat the message that has bond around a regional prevention and 10% more likely to become The purpose of an IP portfolio is to University is developing a new been espoused by many eminent partnership would allow us to may generate new partnerships. a high growth company.* These extend your commercial advantage science park to drive development life sciences leaders: that this can demonstrate considerable savings by Your IP strategy should be numbers increase to 26% and by making it as difficult as possible and research emanating out of only be achieved if people in the investing in a number of relevant life forward-looking and track your 17%, respectively, for SMEs with a for competitors to benefit from your autonomous vehicular technology, academic and research fields have science technologies. business plan, keeping both short- European IPR. In the life sciences innovations. Securing protection which will utilise massive new data the confidence to be truly bold, and Together with social care and long-term goals in mind. For field, the high cost of developing for your IP also gives investors and informatics breakthroughs into are then supported in their desire to improvements, this will both example, for a business based on a new therapies, running trials, and confidence that your business will health around telemetrics, wearables drive exciting innovation. deliver savings via early detection key platform technology, a few core obtaining regulatory approval makes provide a financial return. However, and the digital health economy. In the original report, I looked at intervention and prevention, as well patents could be filed while specific it critical for companies to protect investors may require reassurance The key here will be to embrace the novel methods of creating finance as act as an incentive to scientists knowledge, e.g. of a production their investments with robust IP. It is that your product or service does accelerated translational successes to help drive the scale and range of and researchers to commercialise processes, is best retained as a therefore essential that life science not infringe third party rights which of the ecosystem, for which the opportunities forward. One of the their work. trade secret. In the therapeutics businesses review their commercial could undermine your commercial West Midlands has become famous, recommendations was to look at the The real bonus is that the field, a patent filed in the early strategy and assess how IP maps activities, or worse, lead to litigation. in order to most optimally drive potential to utilise innovative bonds, significant savings in an area such as stages of commercialisation may onto that. Freedom-to-operate should therefore business creation and growth. backed by government, to create an obesity would then be split between protect a novel group of compounds. Firstly, consider whether be an integral part of your strategy. However, perhaps the major at-scale, sustainable and increasingly Whitehall and the West Midlands As trials progress, subsequent existing IP adequately covers your Developing a unique offering difference in the economic and commercial environment. government, thereby driving greater filings can focus on lead candidates, commercial product, process or in the life sciences field can be a political landscape of today, This needs to embrace the investment. new therapeutic indications, and brand in your key markets. The novel formulations. By strategically lengthy and expensive undertaking. direction of the business may have spacing filings over time, the term To give yourself the best opportunity changed since the IP was filed, so of protection can effectively be of translating your research into it is important to check that any extended. becoming a market leader, it is registered rights are still relevant. SMEs which use bundles of essential to protect your intellectual If rights exist which are not different IPRs are even more likely assets. A periodically-reviewed, directly relevant, could these be to achieve high growth than those forward-looking IP strategy will used to generate income through which rely on a single type of IPR.* provide the best foundation for sale or licensing out? If the business For a business that designs and growth and continued success. only operates in the healthcare field, manufactures a wearable healthcare Cavendish House consider whether the technology device, a broad portfolio of patent, 39-41 Waterloo Street could be licensed for use in related design and trademark rights could Birmingham B2 5PP sectors, such as agriculture. protect different aspects of the T: 0121 265 7930 Providing a further income stream is technology while presenting an E: [email protected] preferable to abandoning rights and attractive package to a future buyer. [email protected] * Report “High-growth firms and intellectual property rights”, published by the European Patent Commercialising products is not always easy Office and the EU Intellectual Property Office, May 2019 www.hgf.com By RICHARD STONE Imagine if you Chief executive, Medilink West Midlands could FaceTime The importance Albert? 36 of collaboration

I am writing this article at home, established expertise across a Command at Lichfield, and the socially distancing in line with current broad and technology-voluminous Defence and National Rehabilitation instructions, and during such extreme geography into a unified response, Centre located at Stanford Hall near circumstances I am reminded of delivered directly to the most Loughborough, and it is clear to see the end results of all the work done appropriate agencies, is presently a that the Midlands contains world- within the medical technologies critical commodity. class assets offering the ability for Albert Einstein sector. And though extreme circumstances world-class collaborations. I think of the creation and delivery currently exist, the sound principles But too often research and Famous for revolutionising our of healthcare products and services of continual, constructive, development and innovation understanding of space, time, that save people’s lives every day, collaboration-driven activity activities are not fully integrated, and gravity, and the universe.

life sciences not just during these unprecedented supported by a knowledgeable and they do not have the necessary scale and scary times, but day in, day out. informed regional network, thereby and scope to realise the full potential Going about our usual daily business, shortening and improving innovation benefits that could and should be it is sometimes easy to forget the pathways, are clear to see. gained. importance of the work of our sector. Across the Midlands there Such comprehensive assets As I write, the combined resources are more than 1,100 life science require a pan-regional, multi- of the Medilinks of East and West businesses providing products stakeholder system supporting them. Science 2 Industry’s purpose is to solve technical Midlands are working with numerous and services across almost every Supporting SMEs to rapidly realise agencies to try to identify and collate discipline. There are 27 universities, new medical technologies and their potential suppliers of urgently 25 of which deliver courses production processes – by linking challenges for businesses based in the Midlands. needed products and services to connected to health. There are seven them with the capability-enabling help with the current crisis. schools of medicine, each working academic and clinical assets that Funded by the Bridging for Innovators programme we S2I works across all industrial sectors including but not As membership-based closely with NHS trusts. There are already exist across the Midlands have access to over 2,000 brilliant minds and some of the limited to: Engineering and Manufacturing, Business, representative bodies providing 25 science parks helping to incubate region – would be a game-changing world’s best technical facilities, Science 2 Industry (S2I) Professional and Financial services, Health and Life specialist support to help boost the technologies of the future and initiative and one that should be economic output by overcoming there are 50 NHS trusts conducting pulled together and implemented as can bring the deep expertise needed to solve technical Sciences, Education, Transport and Logistics. barriers to growth, Medilinks have a wide range of research, testing and soon as possible. problems faced by businesses. comprehensive industry knowledge trialling. From such an initiative, pan- Whilst today’s highly advanced scientific and technical and networks across the medical Add to this the fact that the regional collaborative working at S2I has a track record of working with SMEs to engage landscape might seem daunting, its correct application technologies and other life sciences Midlands is the UK’s centre for scale can be realised and can be with leading scientists quickly to identify solutions. becomes highly relevant in assisting industry to innovate, sectors. Providing the key industry trauma and defence medicine, a springboard for future inward innovation gateway service to the with the tri-service Royal Centre investment, further supporting challenge, change, and push boundaries. region’s academic health science for Defence Medicine located at regional economic benefit and networks, the Midlands Medilinks University Hospitals Birmingham, the cementing the Midlands’ part in help form the links and collaborations headquarters of the surgeon general the UK’s leadership in medical needed to drive development together with the Joint Medical technologies and life sciences. through key industry relationships, S2I is the Midlands centre for businesses to matched with appropriate clinical stakeholders, in order to assist access the UK’s best science and technology. innovation evolution forward through the NHS. *100% funding is available for eligible businesses. T&C’s apply. Issues like the one we are “The ability for a life-critical product or currently experiencing create urgency and significantly magnify service to navigate quickly and efficiently the need for organisations across through the current environment is the sector to collaborate and work The S2I team is ready and waiting to For more information about how we together. The ability for a life-critical paramount and yet, without expert support product or service to navigate offer real collaboration and strategic could help you: quickly and efficiently through the or signposting, any progress to the frontline current environment is paramount is likely to be much slower.” focus to solve the technical challenges Visit: www.science2industry.co.uk and yet, without expert support or signposting, any progress to the faced by your business. Or email: [email protected] frontline is likely to be much slower; a significant problem within the current climate. Clearly the ability to identify, contact, corral and collate Diamond Light Source shows the way The UK national synchrotron facility pushes the boundaries of what’s possible for its Life Science clients

Diamond Light Source was set up from aerospace engineering through to determine the best techniques/or as a joint venture between the UK to battery research and with samples combination of techniques to meet 38 government (through UKRI – STFC) as diverse as aerospace alloys, your research needs and support 39 advertisement and the Wellcome Trust. antibodies and chocolate, proprietary you at every step of the process. Diamond generates infrared, use of Diamond continues to be Diamond’s world-class advertisement feature ultraviolet and X-ray beams of heavily dominated (~75%) by the macromolecular crystallography feature exceptional quality and brightness pharma and biotech industries. We (MX) facility provides cutting- and makes use of these to support our pharma clients in all edge capabilities to determine enable state-of-the-art materials stages of the drug product life cycle the 3D structures of biological characterisation across a wide range from early stage drug discovery targets, at atomic level. It enables of techniques. The experimental through to formulation development, pharmaceutical, biotech and techniques available at synchrotron root cause analysis and trouble agrochemical companies to

sources like Diamond are a step shooting and even patent litigation. accelerate the identification and Picture: Diamond Light Source above the standard – one might Structural biology enables validation of lead compounds, consider them the ‘Formula 1’ of scientists to look in detail at the whilst giving a clear picture of the industry, providing valuable and dedicated screening and high- BioSAXS is particularly useful for characterisation techniques. structure and behaviour of cells and interaction between ligand and its cost-effective insights for rational resolution data collection examining multi-subunit complexes They are typically used by their macromolecular components, target. This precise information helps drug design in the early stages. microscopes, automated data and conformational changes scientists who have exhausted the such as proteins and nucleic acids, to orientate the design of new drug Our fragment screening platform, processing systems and expert upon ligand binding and has to capabilities of lab-based techniques enzymes and viruses. Diamond candidates in order to improve their XChem, is co-located with the I04-1 scientific support provide a date proved very popular for and are searching for analytical tools is internationally recognised as a potency and selectivity. high throughput MX beamline and comprehensive analytical service, characterising antibody complexes. that are higher resolution, faster, centre for excellence in structural Our instruments incorporate provides a streamlined, secure and complementary to the other Additionally, access to infrared (IR) more chemically specific and more biology research and our synergistic advanced robotic systems with effective route to highly automated structural biology techniques. A and cryo-soft X-ray tomography sensitive than achievable in a home approach teams world leading software for automated sample fragment screening campaigns. partnership with ThermoFisher (the techniques can provide further laboratory. experts with a wealth of experience handling, crystal centring and Screening of up to 700 compounds instrument manufacturers) allows us information about API interactions Located near Didcot in south with a wide and complementary data collection and are continually a day is now achievable, significantly to jointly offer access to dedicated with, and subsequent effects on, Oxfordshire, approximately 10,000 range of state-of-the-art research upgraded as technology advances. reducing the time to hit identification. microscopes for industrial clients. A cells and cellular structures with scientists from the UK and overseas infrastructure all under one roof. In addition, microfocus beamlines are Our unique processes, tailored key advantage of eBIC for Industry super high-resolution microscopy make use of Diamond every year. We provide clients with access to perfectly suited for studying small software, and automated systems is the opportunity to leveraging correlated to 3D high resolution Commercial activity plays a very the very latest generation of electron or challenging samples. Tools for enable us to record and track this powerful technique to solve X-ray imaging of cells. Chemical significant role at Diamond and microscopes and high-performance serial crystallography and in situ data data seamlessly from initial crystal difficult-to-crystallise and dynamic specificity is also addressed using 10% of the facility operation time X-ray instrumentation (called collection are in place for users to cultivation through to data analysis, proteins of therapeutic interest infrared spectroscopy to evaluate is dedicated for proprietary use by beamlines) along with the expertise optimise their research. We have providing fast, robust and cost- without the need for a large upfront influence of chemotherapy on live industrial clients. of our dedicated team of scientists. also developed high performance effective structural determination. investment in in-house equipment cells. Clients range from the large Our unique integrated structural automated processing pipelines for While X-ray crystallography and expertise, lowering the barrier Supporting all of these state- multi-national household names biology facility enables users to integration, scaling and phasing data remains a key tool for the to entry. of-the-art facilities is the Industrial through to SMEs and start-ups with combine a range of approaches in real time for immediate structure characterisation of macromolecules, Biological small angle X-ray Liaison Office, comprising a team over 170 companies making use using multiple techniques, across analysis. small molecules, complexes and scattering (BioSAXS) is a powerful of highly experienced scientists of Diamond’s facilities in their R&D one site. So whether your samples Fragment-based lead discovery ligand binding, complementary probe for characterisation dedicated to supporting our programmes by 2020. While clients are in crystal form, in solution or in is a drug discovery process that has techniques such as electron of macromolecules and industrial clients in accessing represent a wide range of sectors, their native state, we can help you revolutionised the pharmaceutical microscopy, and small angle X-ray macromolecular complexes in the Diamond. scattering are increasingly leading solution state. The technique is We offer services ranging from full to a more complete understanding complementary to crystallography service – a bespoke experimental of the process in question and these and cryo-EM, providing solution design, data collection, data analysis techniques are also accessible within state structural information and reporting service, right through our integrated structural biology from macromolecules and to providing facilities for you to portfolio. macromolecular complexes. conduct your own experiments. Recent technology advances have dramatically improved the resolution of macromolecular structures achievable with cryo- electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and seen a rush to adopt the technique in rational drug design and vaccine programmes. The electron Bio- Imaging Centre (eBIC) for Industry is an integrated facility at Diamond We’re always happy to discuss any enquiries or talk providing pharmaceutical and about ways in which access to Diamond’s facilities nanotechnology companies with may be beneficial to your business so please do give access to state-of-the-art research us a call on 01235 778797 or send us an e-mail to equipment and expertise in the field of cryo-electron microscopy. [email protected] Our preparation facilities, www.diamond.ac.uk/industry Boost to charity thanks to accountancy firm

Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity £10,000 fundraising target and the is £18,500 better off thanks to the daunting 2,092-mile distance. efforts of a Midlands accountancy firm. Helen Rawnsley, corporate Staff at Prime Accountants Group, partnerships officer at Birmingham which has offices in Birmingham, Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We Coventry and Solihull, challenged are so grateful to all of the volunteers themselves to emulate the Tour from Prime for taking on such a huge de France cycle race by riding the challenge. distance of the famous event in 24 “Their support helps enormously, hours. and the money raised will go towards A team of 50 volunteers took to helping us deliver expert care to the the saddle in Solihull’s Touchwood 90,000 children and young people Shopping Centre and their collective from across the country who need us 40 pedal power saw them beat both their every year.” 41 Healthcare fund In praise of life sciences open to applications technicians During the COVID-19 pandemic, life sciences West Midlands Academic Health to develop technology and routes to the position to support businesses our technical staff here at Aston Jiteen Ahmed, from the School of Science Network has opened the market to help educate and enable dedicated to transforming the University and at other universities Life and Health Sciences at Aston applications for its 2020 Small and older adults to take control and healthcare landscape of the West and research institutes across the Medium Enterprise Health Innovation monitor their own activity levels, Midlands. country have been absolute heroes University, has written a personal Fund. thereby reducing demand for clinical “To date, the scheme has behind the scenes. The fund was developed services. successfully supported over ten In response to the pandemic, account of the work his colleagues in partnership with MidTECH Joe Robinson, director of research SMEs, helping them bring their ideas Aston University, like many others, Innovations and Mercia Asset and innovation at Move it or Lose to life and spark great collaboration made the decision to move all have been doing in response to Management to support start-up it, said: “The fund has helped between innovators and NHS face-to-face teaching online. Our businesses in the healthcare sector provide us with the capital needed organisations. IT technical colleagues worked COVID-19 from across the region. to increase our service offer, which “We can not wait to see what extraordinarily hard to ensure that Applicants are given the otherwise would not have been innovations organisations in the the transition went smoothly. Their our supplies that we felt would Technicians really are the heroes opportunity to be awarded possible. West Midlands have to offer and contribution was essential as without be useful to the NHS. Technical of our sector. Their ‘can do’ approach convertible loans of up to £50,000 as “Through this scheme the work together to help make sure our their expertise we would not be able colleagues collected PPE from across and perseverance has made what well as access to future investment company has been able to grow and region is healthier, more productive to deliver our teaching programmes the university, along with medical seemed impossible possible. capital, mentoring workshops from reach more older people – helping and delivering the best possible online and support our students supplies including saline IV bags, The movement of face-to-face industry experts and access to a them live healthier, happier and more clinical outcomes for patients.” remotely. paracetamol and Calpol. These teaching to online, the manufacture network of key contacts within the active lives.” For more information around the Technical colleagues across were all personally delivered to the of hand sanitisers, the donation of NHS and healthcare sectors to Tammy Holmes, head of innovation SME Innovation Fund application Aston’s laboratories have been Birmingham Women’s and Children’s PPE and medical supplies to the support the development of their exchange at WMAHSN said: “We are process and requirements or to working extremely hard too. They hospitals. NHS – all this shows one thing . . . ideas. thrilled to announce the return of submit an application, visit https:// enabled the safe and successful This was of personal significance technicians STILL make it happen, no The fund, which is being led by the SME Innovation Fund and be in meridian.wmahsn.org shutdown of both teaching and to me as I was a patient of the matter what! Peter Dines, chief operating officer research labs, and utilised their Children’s Hospital as a child, and the and head of life sciences at Mercia, technical expertise and ‘make it Women’s Hospital has provided so Above: Essential PPE items have is open to applications from SMEs happen’ attitude to manufacture much support to myself and my wife, been donated to the NHS by staff who are currently collaborating hand sanitiser and collect and deliver so to give something back meant a at Aston University with a West Midlands based NHS PPE and medical supplies to the lot. Below: The university’s laboratory organisation. NHS. These latter activities, in direct During the shutdown, our technical staff have been manufacturing Move it or Lose it, an organisation response to the combined effort to colleagues will still be working hard. hand sanitiser to a World Health which provides FABS (flexibility, tackle COVID-19, have really boosted We’re keeping essential operations Organisation recipe aerobic, balance and strength) the morale of the academic and at Aston University going. Colleagues exercise classes to older adults technical community during these will be performing vital checks, such and those with long-term health challenging times. as ensuring that our cell banks and conditions, was awarded the loan in The hand sanitiser manufacturing NMR equipment are filled with liquid 2017. process involved our technical nitrogen, and technical colleagues The number of over 65s in the UK colleagues in Pharmacy from IT, estates, engineering and is steadily increasing and will likely manufacturing sanitiser using the science will be involved in keeping form a quarter of the population World Health Organisation’s (WHO) our critical activities under way, albeit by 2037. With the average person recipe and distributing the sanitiser remotely in some cases. now spending approximately 16 across campus and beyond. In addition, technical colleagues of their later years in poor health, My personal highlight, and one have volunteered to support the finding viable solutions to improve which meant a lot to me, was the students who are living on our health and wellbeing in later life will donation of PPE to our NHS friends campus on their own. This is also help lessen the burden on our and colleagues. As our laboratories essential support and I am so proud healthcare providers. are closed during the COVID-19 of the way we have pulled together Move it or Lose it received funding Peter Dines pandemic, we were able to collate as a community. CARL JONES looks at why it pays for “Stress? You people don’t know the openness in discussing mental health work, it is suggested. Birmingham employers to look after meaning of the word. Being forced to at work by larger employers these In today’s hectic world there is 42 work down the mines as a 14-year-old, days, and more provision of support immense social pressure to always 43 the mental health of their staff like young boys did in my day – that overall. be ‘busy’. The value placed on was stress!” However, research also finds that achievement and productivity forces

This was a totally genuine and despite this progress, costs continue us to constantly be achieving things. life sciences rather alarming exchange I overheard to climb. Deloitte believes this can In contrast, resting, taking time between a particularly bombastic line be attributed largely to a significant off, day-dreaming or relaxing are manager and a shell-shocked young rise in mental-health-related often seen as lazy pursuits, not to be recruit, not so long ago. ‘presenteeism’, where employees openly discussed or encouraged. Having said his piece, the boss in work when they are not at their most Perhaps, then, it is not surprising question rolled his eyes, turned on productive. that ‘burnout’ is on the rise. his heels, harrumphed and marched The analysis describes a complex Kay Heald, an HR expert who off, leaving the shattered teenager to picture in which more people with operates across the West Midlands, fight back tears and skulk slowly off poor mental health are continuing says: “It is a growing problem for the into the shadows. to work rather than take time modern workplace, having an impact Who knows what sort of off – highlighting leaveism and on organisational costs as well as psychological damage it caused? presenteeism as characteristics of employee health and wellbeing. Because if there’s one thing designed an ‘always-on’ culture, enabled by “A 2018 Gallup study found that to make things worse for those technology. 23% of employees felt burnt out suffering from anxiety, it’s being Elizabeth Hampson, Deloitte at work very often or always and surrounded by people who don’t director and author of the report, burned-out employees were 63% understand and aren’t prepared to says: “Understanding more about the more likely to take a sick day.”

health & life sciences listen. relationship between mental health The World Health Organisation We’ve made huge strides in recent and work is in all our interests. now views burnout as a recognised years in making it OK to say that “Our research finds that, while occupational syndrome ‘resulting you’re not OK, and the awareness an increased use of technology from chronic workplace stress that and importance of mental health in can enhance working practices, has not been successfully managed’. the workplace has never been higher. having the ability to work outside Heald says: “It is hoped that this The coronavirus pandemic has normal working hours can add to the revised definition will help burnout added yet another dimension, as challenge of maintaining good mental to be taken more seriously and millions wrestle with the fish-out- health, and make it hard for some encourage employers to regard it as of-water challenge of working from to disconnect from an ‘always-on’ a legitimate and chronic workplace home – and the pressures this culture.” condition that needs tackling. unfamiliar social isolation can bring. The report suggests higher “Burnout is not the same as stress. The incentive for companies to prevalence of problems among Although stress can be one of the get mental health support right is younger people, who emerge as early warning signs that may lead to huge. Latest analysis by Deloitte the most vulnerable to poor mental burnout, stress tends to be associated says poor mental health now costs health. with ‘too much’ - too much pressure UK employers up to £45 billion each Young people are also less likely or too many deadlines and demands. year. This is a rise of 16% since 2016 to disclose mental health problems “Burnout, however, is associated – or in pounds and pennies speak, an to employers and more likely to use with ‘not enough’ - not enough extra £6 billion a year. their holiday instead of taking days off energy, or no hope and no motivation. The research found that for every £1 spent on supporting their workers’ mental health, employers get £5 back on their investment in reduced absenteeism and staff turnover. The report, Mental Health and “Employers cannot afford to ignore the Employers: The Case for Refreshing Investment, says highest return on symptoms of burnout and need to recognise investment is achieved by early that their working environment and interventions, such as organisation- wide culture change and education management culture can have a profound – rather than more in-depth support that may be needed at a later stage effect on how people cope with work when a person is struggling. demands and how they feel about their jobs.” As our ways of working evolve, so do the expectations of employers about how we should support our people. There is certainly a greater “An engaged and happy workforce can transform a business. The positive link between engaged employees and improved productivity is proven and well documented.”

Kay Heald David McCormack Katie Buckingham

When burnout takes hold, the ability culture can have a profound effect on “Research among workers by “We have provided options for our would increase significantly. mental health at work. 44 to tackle obstacles disappears, life how people cope with work demands MIND, the mental health charity, found people to focus on their physical, “Access to information and support She says: “Mental health in the 45 loses meaning and small tasks can and how they feel about their jobs.” that a continuing culture of fear and mental and financial wellbeing, at a about finances and pensions, and to workplace is being talked about feel huge. There are lots of low and medium silence around mental health was time and in a way that suits them and resources that help maintain good more and more which is a good

“Psychological conditions such cost interventions that organisations adding up to a big cost to employers, their individual circumstances. mental health, is key to happier, thing, but some organisations don’t life sciences as depression, anxiety and panic can adopt to provide more supportive with more than 20% reporting they “In addition to healthcare plans and healthier and more engaged understand the best way to bring disorders can affect a person’s ability and healthier workplaces, she says, had called in sick to avoid workplace gym memberships, we have regular employees. it into their organisations so that it to function at work, but burnout is including investment in people stress, and 30% saying they did not visits from a mindfulness consultant “An engaged and happy workforce aligns with their corporate strategy. a condition that stems directly from management skills training, setting feel they would be able to speak and an anonymous counsellor is also can transform a business. The “Having the right resources in the work itself when demands of objective and monitoring workloads, openly with their line manager about available to employees who would positive link between engaged place can be vital when something a job outweigh the rewards and and giving consistent performance the issue. like to discuss personal matters in a employees and improved productivity like the Coronavirus hits.” recognition. Therefore, tackling feedback: “We would urge employers to listen safe environment.” is proven and well documented.” Former Government minister burnout has to address the intricate Heald also suggests promoting to what charities like MIND are saying, For decades, mental health has Coronavirus, of course, has Sir Norman Lamb is a supporter of relationship between an individual wellbeing initiatives including and develop strategies focused on been a taboo subject in many a added yet another layer of pressure, Altruist Enterprises. and their work.” exercise, good nutrition and financial mental health as part of employee workplace; but since poor mental and Altruist Enterprises, based at “In my time, first as an employment life sciences And this, Heald says, is where education, and considering the wellbeing. health is now the number one reason iCentrum in Holt Street, is currently lawyer and then as a Member of Birmingham’s employers can provision of mental health first aider “Companies should be undertaking for staff absence, can employers advising Birmingham businesses Parliament, I have been faced with really come into their own. How training a risk assessment and acting on it. afford not to talk about it any longer? on the best way they can support so many examples of failure – where they approach the situation, and Fewer than half of employees And where an employee is suffering The statistics speak for employees with mental health issues someone’s health slowly deteriorates how quickly they recognise what’s think their boss would notice if from a mental health condition which themselves. According to employee related to the pandemic. and no one does anything about it,” happening, is crucial. they were struggling with mental has a long-term effect on day-to-day engagement specialist Hive360, The business is part of the he says. “Recovery time from burnout can health, according to the most recent activity, this may be classed as a on the city’s Hagley Road, almost NatWest Accelerator programme “The good news is that it doesn’t mean months off work and may be Workplace Wellbeing Index. disability, requiring the employer to two-thirds of workers in Birmingham in Brindleyplace. Driven by social have to be like this. We can do associated with additional longer term It’s a statistic which Julia take positive action under the Equality and 60% of staff across the West entrepreneur Katie Buckingham, something about it. We now have mental and physical health problems. Fitzsimmons of law firm FBC Manby Act 2010. Midlands say that poor workplace it was born out of her frustration plenty of evidence of things we can “Employers cannot afford to ignore Bowdler says should prompt “Best practice is for employers to technology is having a detrimental at the lack of mental health and do in the workplace to reduce this the symptoms of burnout and need companies to examine whether their have clearly stated policies that are effect on their work/life balance. stress awareness in the workplace, massive burden on individuals and to recognise that their working policy and culture really does match reflected in the company’s culture, so In Birmingham, 46% say poor and desire to achieve the ‘parity to improve the bottom line for that a manager who notices a change environment and management up to best practice. technology at work has a bad of esteem’ between physical and companies.” in personality, evidence of low mood effect on their mental and financial or periods of increased absence, wellbeing, and 31% believe will feel equipped to enquire if any workplace technology and their workplace support is needed. It digital skills are holding them back. needs to happen in a supportive More than 1,000 workers, from environment where the employee senior decision makers to support feels comfortable in opening up and staff and temporary workers, took asking for help, if needed.” part in the research. SF Recruitment, in Birmingham’s Stigma and taboos around mental Gas Street, is listed in the Sunday health appear to still exist in the Times 100 Best Small Companies workplace, it found, with one in three to Work For list, and places huge Birmingham workers saying they emphasis on the mental wellbeing of would be uncomfortable speaking its team. with their employer about their In addition to flexible working mental health issues. options, it offers benefits and David McCormack, chief executive incentives which allow staff to reduce of Hive360, explains: “Growing their hours and enjoy an early finish numbers of staff are looking beyond on a Friday – all aimed at achieving financial gain from an employer, and the right work/life balance. we know that more and more people Chief executive Saira Demmer says: are actively looking for a positive “In our day jobs, we are obsessed work/life experience. with matching the right people with “How much employees are their ideal roles, and for us to achieve engaged with the business and their this, we knew we had to make sure employer plays a significant role in that all of our people were coming to their overall health and wellbeing. work every day excited to be in their “If employers offered actual own ideal roles. tangible support on issues such as “Being part of a team of engaged, mental and physical health as well as successful people is what we believe financial wellbeing, the impacts on Younger people are least likely to disclose mental makes a business an employer of employee productivity levels and the health problems to employers choice. overall performance of the business SF Recruitment celebrates its listing in the Sunday Times list By KIM LEARY CEO Squibble Second of top Digital & Creative Business of the Year 2017 achievements for Midlands company Three ways

The Manufacturing Technology Centre has been named in a list your B2B brand can of the top 75 companies to work 46 for in the Midlands. 47 The MTC, which was co- power through the crisis news founded by the University of column Birmingham, is number 57 in Your brand is the key to your navigate them through this period. Purpose, Personality and Potential. the list, having its workforce company’s success, especially during Jeff Bezos is widely quoted as By reviewing the three Ps you can engagement and teamwork these unprecedented times. It has saying: “Your brand is what other ensure that your company’s marketing recognised. therefore never been more important people say about you when you’re efforts are not wasted. Our brands are The achievement comes to lead with a clear and concise not in the room.” How do you want living entities and should continuously Locked up in message. your company to be remembered evolve to meet market demands. hot on the heels of the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Whether you have a small or large when all this is finished? Make sure you communicate your Work For in 2020, which listed team, they and your customers need Therefore, I am urging all business services clearly, use the right tone the MTC at number 77 nationally leadership. Your team and customers owners to reflect on their company of voice and use this downtime to celebration and gave the centre a coveted alike will be looking to you to help values and consider the three Ps: identify opportunities. two-star accreditation. The Midlands list, compiled in 1. Purpose A city centre conference centre part in the challenge. Participants association with Insider Media, hosted a Peaky Blinders themed and members from the Alzheimer’s shows the companies with the Why did you start the business, who breakfast to celebrate Alzheimer’s Research UK team were treated to highest regional best companies did you set out to help and why is it Research UK’s Birmingham Lock-Up themed dishes such as bone marrow, index scores after a detailed different to your competitors? Then, fundraiser. lamb kidney and black pudding. survey covering all aspects of you can look at how this benefits The breakfast event took place at “Alzheimer’s Research UK is employee satisfaction. your customers. That list of benefits Conference Aston after 17 volunteers leading on breakthrough research MTC chief executive, Dr Clive will then be like gold dust in your spent a night in Birmingham’s into dementia, and fundraising Hickman, said the accolade marketing message and will create Steelhouse Lane Prison to raise activities like the Birmingham Lock- reflected the efforts taken a powerful proposition. By really money for the charity. Those taking Up provide a critical boost to its to make sure the MTC is a delving into this, you can identify the part had their fingerprints and efforts,” said Mr Williams. great place to work and that best way to connect, on an emotional mugshots taken before being locked “The lock-up was a unique employees are engaged, highly level during these uncertain times. up in Victorian cells dating back to experience, with all those involved valued and looked after. Has the emotional connection 1892. gaining an insight into Birmingham’s “The MTC employs more than changed and does your current Members from Birmingham’s history and the people jailed at 800 talented people, including messaging reflect this? business community joined in Steelhouse Lane Prison.” some of the best science, As the 2017 Edelman Earned with the fundraising efforts, with engineering and manufacturing Brand Study reported: “Fifty per cent Conference Aston’s Edwin Williams brains in Europe, and we go to of consumers worldwide consider also locked up for the night. great efforts to make the MTC themselves to be belief-driven buyers and 67% bought a brand for the first Conference Aston’s appointed a happy and satisfying place to time because they agreed with its charity is Alzheimer’s Research UK, work, while at the same time dates. Don’t be afraid to engage with should stop. That’s why it’s important position on a controversial topic. By with the venue producing a special challenging our people to fulfil these customers now. Ask them if to continuously review the three Ps. defining your purpose you can align Peaky Blinders’ style breakfast menu Pictured: Edwin Williams of their potential,” he said. there are other ways you can support And let’s not forget, the current yourself with your target audience.” to celebrate those that had taken Conference Aston them. If cashflow is a concern, can climate provides a great opportunity you offer a reduced rate or longer to get creative and look at new 2. Personality payment terms? possibilities. Here is just a few of the Although it seems obvious, your Also engage with your sales teams companies that were started during National PR campaign won tone of voice will likely need to be and ask them to look back at the our last recession (2008-2010): Uber; adjusted. Whilst many will be re- company values. What can they do Airbnb; Slack; Pinterest; WhatsApp; by Birmingham consultancy aligning their values and updating to make sure the company is living Square. their marketing, don’t forget about up to its name? What help can be Birmingham-based communications festival’s seven-year history from your personality. After all, your offered or what value can be shared? consultancy Rewired has won the September 11 to 13. Don’t hide away authentic personality is your USP. If you can get your team on board, national PR and social media brief David Westman, marketing The ability to clearly portray your it will reduce the pressure on you so Be seen and be visible. Share your for the Handmade Festival, which manager at Brand Events, said: “We business’s personality in an inspiring you don’t have to face it alone. view on what’s going on and be is hosted by TV presenter Kirstie are delighted to be working with and engaging way is often the honest about what it means for you. Allsopp. the Rewired team on the Handmade difference between standing out Now more than ever, ethical brands The Rewired team has pledged to Festival for the fourth year. They have Food for thought from the crowd or blending in. make the world a better place. deliver a comprehensive strategy of a great approach to the way they I’m aware that many people are I’m immensely proud of how media relations, influencer outreach, work and clearly have a love for what unsure about selling right now and I Birmingham has united during this social media content creation, as well they do.” 3. Potential understand this sentiment. However, period, and I look forward to seeing as live event support. The business landscape is changing our economy needs to keep moving you on the other side! The Handmade Festival is due to Pictured: Kirstie Allsopp cutting daily and whilst some businesses and bills still need to be paid. So, as take place at Evolution in Battersea the ribbon at the 2019 Handmade are booming others are left with long as your messaging fits with the #BetterTogether Park, London, for the first time in the Festival cancelled projects and delayed start moment, there’s no reason why you By JON GRIFFIN

48 49 column column

The China connection No foreign country has had a greater influence on the West Midlands business world than the Far Eastern superpower. From Longbridge and LDV vans to some of the region’s most recognisable property developments and Premier League football clubs, Chinese investment has had a profound effect on Greater Birmingham’s commercial landscape. Former Birmingham Mail business editor JON GRIFFIN reports In the course of more than 17 years on the business desk beat for the Birmingham Mail, few press releases resonated with me more than “MG Rover died in early April 2005. But the words of eminent economist Professor Leslie Young which by late July there were genuine hopes of dropped into my email inbox back in rebirth under new Chinese owners.” late 2010. 50 The professor, from the Asia 51 Pacific Institute of Business within column the Chinese University of Hong column Kong, argued in a fascinating speech It’s now more than nine years since to deceive. I have vivid memories at Aston Business School, that the the professor’s address at Aston of driving up to Longbridge to western world had effectively been Business School. But it seems to me, quiz Nanjing executives over their outwitted by the Chinese. all these years later, that his words intentions. He said at the time: “The US succinctly encapsulated just why Former Longbridge hero-turned- economy has been fatally hit by the China has been able to exercise such villain John Towers helped broker iceberg that is the Chinese, state- an economic and cultural influence that meeting and the Chinese owned, market-driven economy. on both the West Midlands and the bosses talked openly of production Under capitalism, the normal UK as a whole in the 21st century. ambitions of 100,000, or even mechanism controlling growth is It’s the business model, dictated by 200,000 cars a year. It was, to say shareholders taking out capital and the state, which powers the world’s the least, wildly speculative, although spending it. leading communist superpower’s I dutifully reported their claims. “That’s not happening in China extraordinary growth. And that Nothing of any note happened for because the state-run, market-driven growth has changed the face of several years amidst a plethora of economy there just keeps reinvesting large parts of the West Midlands’ Chinese whispers. To cut a long story the capital and there’s no appetite industrial and sporting landscape to short, Nanjing never came remotely to devalue the dollar. The crux of a remarkable degree, for better or close to fulfilling its grandiose the problem is America needs to worse. prophecies. manufacture goods and export them. Consider the fate of Birmingham’s It was, in due course, taken over by “Contrast that with China which is best-known factory, Longbridge, SAIC amid long years of inactivity at running an export surplus because for example. Exactly 15 years ago, Longbridge. A ‘lift and shift’ operation Mao Tse Tung had a simple but brutal MG Rover finally ran out of time and removed part of the factory’s assets subsequently bought by Chinese answer – he wiped out landlords and money, weighed down by colossal to China, and a kit car assembly businesswoman Qu Li in October capitalists. losses of £2 million a day. operation was eventually launched. 2009 – who had close links to the “So it’s not cheap labour fuelling The very last throw of the dice for But the last time I checked, MG Phoenix Four – although original China’s economy. It’s the fact that John Towers’ Phoenix consortium UK was effectively a marketing plans to relaunch the firm at an the state controls the capital and was a failed joint venture with and design exercise for the site’s unnamed site in Birmingham making reinvests all surpluses back into the Chinese car maker Shanghai paymasters over in China. A huge eco vans failed to progress. China that makes the difference.” The front of the march in support of the Longbridge car factory Automotive Industry Corporation, part of the industrial fabric of the But the LDV name was duly which bit the dust after the Far West Midlands had been reduced to revived thousands of miles from Eastern car giant expressed alarm a bit-part player in the UK automotive its Birmingham roots when SAIC – at the size of the Longbridge car sector. owners of MG UK – forged a deal maker’s pension deficit. Van maker LDV is another classic to launch export drives of Maxus The ending of the talks with the example of a distinctive slice of West vans to a range of markets, including Chinese was to have profound Midlands manufacturing which ended Australia, Chile, South Africa and implications for around 5,500 up in Chinese hands, with another South East Asia. A UK distributor workers at Longbridge, countless dubious outcome. was later appointed to bring the LDV thousands more in the supply chain LDV, a much-loved presence on V80 range back to its original home and the West Midlands economy as the region’s industrial landscape market. a whole. It was the end of volume for decades, had finally collapsed It was a clear sign of China’s car making after around a century in June 2009, when the van maker remorseless emergence as an at a factory forever associated with fell into administration amid debts of economic superpower that SAIC – an Herbert Austin, the Austin Seven, £75 million. The firm’s Drews Lane industrial giant in Far Eastern terms – the Mini, Sir Michael Edwardes, Red site, at Washwood Heath, boasted a had chosen to pick off the carcasses Robbo, British Leyland and so much proud industrial heritage pre-dating of two stricken Birmingham firms, more. the LDV era and was home to the with proud manufacturing heritages, MG Rover died in early April luxury Wolseley car company from who had sadly fallen on hard times. 2005. But by late July there were the 1920s. It was also a crystal-clear indication genuine hopes of rebirth under new The plant had previously been of China’s designs on other prime Chinese owners. Nanjing Automobile mothballed for six months, with assets in the West Midlands. snapped up the assets of MG Rover production at a standstill as the At Coventry, body parts maker for £53 million in a deal which 2008-09 recession bit. The demise Covpress helped create up to 5,000 raised optimism of a new dawn for of the van maker cost 800 jobs at the new jobs in Shandong province Longbridge. factory and several thousands more with a new half a million square feet In fact, that Chinese venture in the supply chain. factory, a year after a £30 million The Chinese market was hugely important in the resurgence of Jaguar Land Rover into the West Midlands flattered The assets of LDV were China-UK buyout. Sadly, the body Erica and Nicholas McKensie, Kim and Dan Lowe, Dave Lowe and Marie Hogan

panel maker subsequently fell into were made possible by the luxury car administration before being bought firm’s sales drive in China, albeit that out by Liberty House in January 2017. the more recent slowdown in the Far But two years before the financial East has severely dented JLR profits. crisis at the Coventry parts firm, I had But before the slowdown, the witnessed first hand the unstoppable JLR sales drive helped the UK rise of the Chinese, flying out to amass a large export surplus 52 Dongying province in northern China with China. Back in 2013-14, for to attend the launch of the new £300 example, the West Midlands sold Charity fundraiser 53 column million body parts factory in January £1.74 billion more goods to the social 2015. Chinese than it imported, with I filed a report from China to the the JLR expansion accounting for Birmingham Post which read: It around half that growth. Meanwhile, couldn’t happen in the UK – and Chinese car maker Geely bought it illustrates just why the Chinese the collapsed Coventry black cab economy is growing by seven per maker Manganese Bronze for £11 cent a year. million, while Guandong-based NVC The new £300 million body parts unveiled a new £5 million lighting factory at Dongying is a classic factory at Rubery in 2011. example of the unstoppable march of There have been so many other the world’s most populous nation of prominent examples of Chinese 1.3 billion people. influence on the West Midlands Today it is home to a factory which economy in recent years. Chinese Chinese and UK bosses at Coventry buyers signed up for slices of hope will develop into the best press Birmingham city centre real estate shop in the world, supplying car in unprecedented numbers; 30% of companies globally with components buyers at the Cube development which owe their design and reliability were a mix of mainland nationals and Parm Rai, Paula Graham Simon Dulku, Susie Mollan and Anthony Fong Paula Gittoes and Tim Graham to Coventry engineering expertise. Hong Kong Chinese, while 43% of and Steve Worrollo The engineering ingenuity is purchasers of the Hive in Eastside supplied by Covpress UK at Canley, were from China. Henry Wong in Harbourne was the the investment is made possible On the High Street, an 89% stake venue for a fundraiser for Fisher through a joint venture between in the House of Fraser group – House UK. The charity – a ‘home China and the UK, but the sheer will including stores in Birmingham’s away from home’ for military patients “The Chinese have to build a vast factory in just over a Corporation Street, Solihull, Sutton and their families on the site of the year is virtually exclusively Chinese. Coldfield, Leamington Spa and Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham also targeted our The facts are astonishing. A £300 Wolverhampton – was sold to – opened in 2013 and has since very own football million factory plan will have gone Chinese conglomerate Sanpower offered free accommodation for from concept drawings to operational Group as part of a £480 million deal, thousands of military patients and clubs, again with use in just 15 months. That would be although controversial tycoon Mike their families. impossible in the UK. Such a scheme Ashley later took over the group. varying degrees of would still be in the planning stage, And, of course, the Chinese have success.” mere sketches on an architect’s desk. also targeted our very own football There would be objections, delays, clubs, again with varying degrees of possibly public inquiries. The dead success. hand of bureaucracy continues Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion, to stifle much of the UK planning Birmingham City and Wolves have regime. China’s ability to think on all been subject to Far Eastern its feet and act swiftly can teach the takeovers in recent years, while west so much, as exemplified by the China seeks to attract the top playing launch of a factory which will help talent worldwide to its own Chinese Kamal Yakoub, Erica McKensie, Kim Lowe, create 5,000 jobs. Super League by offering mind- Karen Cooke and Stephanie Goundry Given the sheer will of the Chinese boggling salaries. to build such a factory in that short As I write this, the world is in the timeframe, it is hardly surprising that grip of an unprecedented global the West Midlands is littered with a health crisis, with China ironically myriad of projects and investments the unwitting export of the deadly which owe their origins to the coronavirus. enterprise and work ethic of the Far But the world will recover in due Eastern giant. course, and that Chinese business In recent years, the single biggest model summed up so adroitly by Beena Salhan, Becky Ison and economic success story here in the Professor Leslie Young at Aston Indrani Venkatadasari West Midlands has been the rise of Business School almost a decade Jaguar Land Rover, which created ago will resume its remorseless path. thousands of jobs on the back of The China syndrome is here to Karen Cooke, Maureen Mackay, a new model range and intensive stay, both in the West Midlands Lauren Cooper, Conor Bentley and export drives. Many of those jobs and further afield. Alastair Beaven Plastics company invests in future

A plastic injection moulding and of business by increasing capacity to us manufacture a selection of small, toolmaking specialist is looking to the help take on new orders for interior high-volume JLR parts to go across future with a £250,000 investment in parts and lighting in the automotive its range of vehicles.” new presses and robots. sector. Barkley Plastics, which is 4654 Barkley Plastics, which employs The latest installation takes its IATF16949 accredited, has one of 55 120 people at its Highgate facility in total capital machinery spend to over the largest toolmaking facilities in thenews big Birmingham, is celebrating 55 years £800,000 in the last five years, and the UK, producing high-precision profile reflects the firm’s desire to move tools capable of delivering 50 million interview into more cosmetic and technical mouldings for distribution worldwide. products. Technical director Pete Tedd, It marks another shift in what who will take over as MD when Mr has been a colourful history for the Harwood becomes chairman in April, manufacturer, which started life after said: “The increasing range of new founder John Barkley placed a job electric and hybrid vehicles presents advert for four toolmakers in the exciting opportunities that suit Birmingham Evening Mail. our expertise, whilst work is being In the 55 years that followed, the undertaken to increase our share of company has remained a strategic the construction, electronics, medical supplier to the automotive sector and retail sectors. whilst also building a reputation in “This is an exciting year for Barkley the domestic products, construction, Plastics and I’m looking forward to electrical and leisure sectors – not moving into the MD role next month. to mention producing 20,000 plastic “Succession planning is a priority baubles for the world’s largest for the business and we have chandelier which was used at the been working hard to develop our Winter Olympics in Sochi. senior management team, which “Things have never been quiet will culminate in a number of new over the last 55 years, but I suppose directors being appointed in October that’s UK manufacturing for you,” said to support our ambitious growth Mark Harwood, managing director at plans.” Barkley Plastics. Barkley Plastics is a founder “We’ve already tried to stay one member of the Manufacturing Assembly Network, a ten- step ahead of what the customer strong collective of sub-contract wants and this is reflected in the manufacturers and a specialist latest process that gives us additional engineering design agency. capacity and production control to take on more automotive work. There will also be news of a ground- breaking development in injection moulding before the end of the year. “The £250,000 investment is a perfect birthday present for us Barkley Plastics employs 120 and will immediately be put to use people and has been in business supporting a new project that will see for the past 55 years

Supply and demand for two Midlands companies

A family-run Birmingham coach to reliable in-house heavy-duty manager at Totalkare, said: “This business has invested in lifting workshop solutions are vitally is the first time we have been able Upwardly mobile and testing equipment supplied by important. to offer non-lifting equipment and Halesowen manufacturer Totalkare. With this in mind, it recently added the response from clients has been Endeavour Coaches provides a Totalkare mobile brake tester to its fantastic. Our testing equipment vehicles for day trips, educational workshop. is high quality and extremely Digbeth’s reputation as a hotbed of innovation and transport, airport transfers and Sean Mitchell, managing director versatile, and the brake tester will accessible travel for disabled at Endeavour Coaches, said: “Our help Endeavour Coaches achieve entrepreneurship has been on the rise for several years. people. relationship with Totalkare spans new efficiencies and a host of cost Two former school friends have based their business The firm’s skilled in-house many years, so we knew we would savings.” mechanics maintain its 20-strong go straight to the company when the Totalkare had already worked with there to create a wall-climbing robot which might just Pictured: Jack fleet and also deliver servicing need for an in-house brake tester Endeavour in the supply of its T8AC Cornes and and maintenance contracts to arose.” mobile column lifts, which provide a be the next big thing to come out of the area. Harry Smith, other customers, meaning access George Georgiou, area sales 7,500kg lifting capacity per column. co-founders of HENRY CARPENTER meets them HausBots 56 57 profile profile

Harry Smith, a self-confessed ‘mad scientist’, in the STEAMhouse workshop The HausBots team

It all started with a teenager being is as happy as a pig in muck when inspiring environment. It is also so “We quickly learned I’m interested to know how “We’re crisis testing and risk asked to paint the living room by his focusing on concepts, invention handy to have the facilities here at speedily and accurately the robot can assessing at the moment, making parents. and engineering, when it comes to STEAMhouse just a short walk away.” there was no mileage paint a surface. sure that all eventualities are covered. That “soooo boring” request by the commercial side of things he is Financial providence came in the “The linear speed of applying paint We are making sure it behaves Mr and Mrs Smith of Rutland led delighted to leave that part of the form of a cash boost from the British in an indoors to a wall is pretty much the same as itself in certain circumstances,” says their engineering-minded son, Harry, business to Cornes. Robotics Seed Fund. It amounted climbing robot. This if done by a professional. However, Cornes. to disappear to the garden shed to “Jack is much more commercially to £200,000, and gave them the because it removes the need for “The fundamentals are there: it devise a contraption which would minded than me,” he confirms. “While essential footing they needed, though is all about taking scaffolding, the whole project is about works, it climbs, it paints. Before it take the boredom out of the chore. I was at Loughborough University, they are currently going through away the need for three times quicker. goes into the wild though it needs to The result, four years and countless doing bits of a degree, Jack went to another investment round. “In terms of accuracy, we’re not be thoroughly de-risked. iterations later, is a wall-climbing robot London to work for IBM.” HausBots isn’t all about its two scaffolding.” going to pretend it can paint intricate “We have chosen a path of least which might just revolutionise the If there wasn’t mutual recognition founders though; they also employ a designs or even successfully paint resistance in that the robot isn’t for way large-scale painting, particularly and respect, there would be no software engineer and a mechanical a Georgian fascia, but it is ideal for sale or even for hire. We will operate on the exterior of buildings, is carried business partnership. Cornes, who engineer – “both very smart people council and social housing. it ourselves in partnership with our out. It will also do away with the was well versed in the talents of his with masters degrees in robotics,” “It’s pretty accurate though. We use clients.” expense and health risks attached to mate, heard news that Smith was says Cornes. one attachment for the main body It would be wrong to think that they using scaffolding. planning to ditch the robot and move Let’s get back to the robot though. of the walls and another for the finer are limiting their aspirations for the Smith and long-time friend and onto something else. “If you look for wall-climbing details.” wall-climbing robot; it is merely the business partner Jack Cornes are “I thought it was his best idea robots on the internet through a The couple have been engaging current focus and potentially the first the co-founders of HausBots. While yet,” says Cornes. “I was fed up with search engine, it’s obvious that there with the painting and decorating of many pioneering products. their office is in the Custard Factory, London and that’s really how the are quite a few out there,” explains industry, which is very much their But if it does take the market by they prefer to use the facilities of business started.” Cornes. market, and the feedback has been storm, Smith’s parents must surely the STEAMhouse – Birmingham City So there they were then, two lads “When we applied for the patent, it extremely encouraging. These next take just a tiny bit of credit for University’s co-working centre for from Rutland with a product to refine was based on the actual way that the few months are pivotal for HausBots unwittingly driving him into a bubble innovators and collaborators – for the and take to market. They called robot climbs and sticks to the wall. and will go a long way to determining of invention all those years ago practical side of the operation. the business HausBots (so called, There are magnetic and suction- whether the robot is a success or not. at home. And it is here that we meet one Cornes tells us, because their original based systems but our system relies wintry afternoon. preference of HouseBots didn’t work on neither. It is clear from the outset that Smith while the German version coincides “We move air around in the same and Cornes – both aged 21, and a with that country’s reputation for way that Formula 1 cars create brighter and more affable pair you efficiency and accuracy). downforce. It’s a similar principle. would be hard pressed to meet – are Now they just needed to find a Harry developed a new climbing blessed with two very different sets of home for their business. process which would allow the robot skills, but ones which dovetail neatly. Smith explains: “While Jack was in to cover all sorts of surfaces, such “I have always been passionate London I was developing the idea of as brick and rendering, which had about engineering and have always the wall robot much further and was previously been impossible. built stuff,” explains Smith, the self- considering where the best place in “We quickly learned there was no confessed ‘mad scientist’ of the two. the country would be to set up. mileage in an indoors climbing robot. “Before I designed the robot I built a “We looked in what was our This is all about taking away the need cordless hairdryer and when I was 13 home county of Rutland and also at for scaffolding. Not only can using I rebuilt a Land Rover,” he says, when London, but it was just phenomenally scaffolding be really dangerous, it is pressed on examples. expensive. also very expensive. So it works from “I entered the Young Engineer of “We came to the conclusion that both a health and safety, and financial the Year Award on a whim when I was Birmingham would be the best point of view. 16 with the earliest prototype of the place for us and we don’t regret “We’ve proved that it ‘does what it wall-climbing robot. I went all the way that decision one bit. We took our says on the tin’. It works and it climbs. and won!” office in the Custard Factory about It reaches higher heights quickly and You get the feeling that while Smith 18 months ago and it was a really it does a good paint job.” BT to move in to Three Snowhill

Construction work on Birmingham’s sq ft 14-storey building and home to than the sum of its parts. It has largest single office development, HS2, Gowling WLG and HS2. It was successfully extended Birmingham’s Three Snowhill, is now complete – completed in 2013. prime business district with some almost four years after starting on site. Three Snowhill comprises 17 major brands calling it home. This, Earlier this month telecoms giant storeys of Grade A offices with along with the improvement to BT announced it is taking 283,000 floorplates of up to 25,000 sq ft. It transport links and connectivity to the 58 sq ft of the 420,000 sq ft building has 86 car parking spaces, a gym and Jewellery and Gun Quarters, is its – 59 property on a 20-year lease, the largest shower facilities on all floors. and Ballymore’s - real legacy.” property office letting in a single building in Designed by Sidell Gibson, Main contractor BAM will remain Birmingham. Up to 4,000 BT staff the £200 million building boasts on site at Three Snowhill to complete will move in from summer this year a full-height atrium, the tallest in internal snagging works. following a fit-out programme. Birmingham. Stephen Crichton, director at The completion of Three Snowhill Richard Probert, project director Gleeds which advised on project also marks the finishing line for the for Ballymore, has worked on the management and quantity surveying Snowhill Estate, a 17-year project by Snowhill Estate since its inception. at Three Snowhill, said: “Gleeds has Ballymore. He said: “Three Snowhill is a long and successful relationship Building on success Ballymore acquired the four-acre the largest speculative office with Ballymore and we are proud to site in 2003 and has built 1 million development outside London. be working with a business with such Birmingham property consultancy instructed as employer’s agent on the in us needing to bring in extra sq ft of office space across three “As such, its development was vision. MK2 Real Estate has boosted its Cat B fit-out of a 180,000 sq ft new resources to service the increased buildings. In addition, Ballymore has a massive vote of confidence in “The Snowhill Estate is a game headcount with the appointment of industrial unit in the West Midlands. workload,” he said. delivered the viaduct, which enabled Birmingham by Ballymore. Our faith changer for the city and is an three new members of staff. MK2’s property management “We are seeing continued growth the tram extension from Snowhill to in the building and our product has impressive example of how a derelict Ross Cuthbert has joined the firm’s team has also welcomed a new across all service lines and looking the wider city centre and provided been rewarded with BT taking more site can be transformed to become investment team as an associate senior surveyor, Renu Suthi, who at new areas of the business to pedestrian access to the Jewellery than two thirds of the building for a a significant iconic landmark. Three director from Gerald Eve, where he has joined from Workman. Renu will expand into, particularly in asset and Gun Quarters and Snowhill new regional hub. Snowhill represents the final piece of worked for three years. Prior to that, assist with day-to-day management management where we can add Station via the new ‘high level’ “But the Snowhill Estate is more the jigsaw.” he spent two years in the capital of the team’s £400 million property real value for our clients through our entrance. markets team at Deloitte Real Estate portfolio, including rent collection multi-discipline approach.” Three new areas of public realm in London. and service charges. – Colmore Square piazza, the Metro Chris Rice has joined MK2’s Mark Johnson, director and co- boulevard and public space facing St “Our faith in the building and our product building consultancy team as a senior founder of MK2, said that 2019 had Chad’s – have also been created. surveyor from Savills in Birmingham. been a solid year for the business. From left, Mark Rooke, director One Snowhill, completed in 2009, has been rewarded with BT taking more His appointment takes the number “We have continued to build on and co-founder of MK2, with new comprises 263,000 sq ft over 11 than two thirds of the building for a new of people in the team to three and that success in 2020 – winning recruits Chris Rice, Renu Suthi, floors and is let to Barclays, KPMG comes on the back of a number of a number of new clients and Ross Cuthbert and fellow co- and DWF. Two Snowhill is a 310,000 regional hub.” new project wins, including being instructions – which has resulted founder Mark Johnson

Strong year for commercial property company

Birmingham-based Real Estate policy seven years ago. up 1.8% from 2018. Investors plc has delivered growth “Certainty on HS2, the The company increased its across the board in what was a flat Commonwealth Games in 2022 and investment in Royal Leamington year in the commercial property Coventry City of Culture next year, all Spa during the autumn, acquiring a market in 2019. represent a significant boost for the mixed-use block on The Parade for The AIM-listed company said it region and will underpin an increase £7.45 million, consisting of 31,660 benefited from a strong business in investment and acceleration on sq ft let to tenancies including model, with a diversified income and decision making. McDonald’s, Tiger UK, Moss Bros, no material reliance on any tenant “Re-location of people and Timpson Ltd, Oxfam, Clydesdale asset or sector. corporate offices adds fuel to the bank, Savers Health and Beauty and Paul Bassi, chief executive local economy and we expect these EE – generating rental income of officer of REI, said: “In a flat market trends to accelerate. However, all £639,500 per annum. Paul Bassi place, we have delivered portfolio, these outcomes are subject to the Mr Bassi said market sentiment revenue, earnings and dividend unknown outputs of the coronavirus towards retail assets had been growth. impact that cannot be predicted at reflected in the most recent portfolio “Our economies of scale drove this stage.” valuation. underlying profits to £8 million, up REI had strong occupancy “This does not recognise that 11.1%, and earnings per share to 4.3p, throughout the year at 96% with REI’s retail assets are made up of up 12.2%. Our portfolio now stands a well-balanced portfolio and convenience and neighbourhood at £228.9 million and has delivered completed two acquisitions for stores which continue to perform total dividend payments to our £9.25 million, net of costs, and made well. We have no exposure to shareholders of £29 million since disposals of £2.1 million, which saw department stores or out of town the commencement of our dividend its portfolio grow to £228.9 million standalone retail.” he said. Preparations to convert landmark into apartments West Midlands-based construction company mac-group has won a £17 million contract to convert a landmark 1960s office building in Birmingham into more than 200 apartments. The 10-storey Equipoint building, next to the Swan Centre development in Yardley, closed in 2019. Landlord/owner Urban Village Group is now preparing to transform the site into 247 apartments for rent and to buy in a £36 million scheme. 60 With its UK headquarters is in 61 Solihull, mac-group will undertake a property £17 million renovation including the property installation of all M&E services, new thermal-efficient windows, insulation and lifts. It will also add a roof-top extension to be used for additional Glassworks apartments. Double Ray O’Sullivan, director at mac- group, said the firm was working with Urban Village Group and architects D5 Architects to ensure the smooth regeneration delivery of the scheme. accolade “This is a significant development, Plans have been revealed to bring Black Country’s industrial heritage. suffered from a lack of investment Trustees: transforming a well-known office Bulleys has been named as the Most “This reflects both our wealth one of the Black Country’s most The dream is to create a modern- and continues to struggle with high Mark Holden, building in a very prominent and Active Agent of the year in the West of experience across the West historic industrial sites back to life – day urban village that can drive jobs, unemployment and a lack of skills. Tom Haydon, well-connected location into much- Midlands. Midlands and Shropshire, and thanks to a £25 million regeneration investment and become a tourist “Bringing the glassworks site Olivia Hewkin, needed homes,” he said. The Black Country based property the hard work of our strong team project. destination we can all be proud of.” back to life gives us the perfect Mark Davies, consultancy has also been named who continue to be determined to The former Chance Glassworks The first phase will see the opportunity to address some of these Madelene the Most Active Industrial Agent for provide the best service.” May auction in Smethwick, which in its prime transformation of the seven-storey issues and we are already looking Schofield the region. Established in 1965, Bulleys employed 3,500 people and supplied building, along with new build at innovative ways where we can Whittingham, The double accolade, based on specialises in industrial and cancelled specialist lenses to 2,000 lighthouses development. team up with a construction company John Pye, the number of deals accomplished, commercial property. across the world, is set to be Acting on behalf of Chance to deliver employment and training Nicki Collins, came in a national report in the The consultancy, which has offices Property auctioneers transformed into a new urban village Heritage Trust, Birmingham property opportunities. Marianne Munroe trade magazine Estates Gazette. in Oldbury, Wolverhampton and a Bond Wolfe have with the potential to unlock over consultants Vail Williams LLP recently “We can protect our heritage by and, kneeling, Rod Spiby, a partner at Bulleys, subsidiary called Bulleys Bradbury cancelled its May 20,000m2 of development space for provided property valuation advice, developing our future, but we need Henry Chance said: “We are delighted by this high- in Telford, has clients ranging auction in response business, leisure and housing. which will inform the acquisition of the local people, former employees and profile recognition of our ability to from private individuals to UK and to the COVID-19 Driven by the vision of the Chance building and phase one development individuals passionate about Chance’s deliver for our clients. international corporates. pandemic. Heritage Trust, the scheme could works. industrial history to come forward and The decision bring 2.2 hectares of derelict land and The second phase will focus on the play their part in the journey.” comes after Bond buildings back into use over the next rest of the nine-acre site and include Chance Heritage Trust has been Wolfe Auctions five years, with 500 jobs set to be the restoration of canalside buildings, supported so far by the National achieved record created if the plans are realised. a number of new builds and the Lottery Heritage Fund, the Esmée results in its The overall scheme will include iconic lighthouse that could feature Fairbairn Foundation, George February auction 160 two-bed apartments, a small an original lens loaned by the Scottish Cadbury, Lyndon SGB and History – raising over £20 Gurpreet Bassi conference facility, café, retail Museum of Lighthouses. West Midlands, with the latter million, with 200 space, heritage educational centre, Tonia Flannagan, a director on helping to pay for the creation of two lots sold out of the 212 offered and a enterprise space and an iconic the board, said: “Smethwick has promotional videos. 95% sales success rate. 30-metre tall lighthouse – a reminder Chief executive officer Gurpreet of the world-class work that was once Bassi said: “The health and safety carried out on the site. Illustration of the of clients, staff and the wider public The CHT has launched a share proposed development are at the forefront of our decision option to give people locally, nationally and a priority over our commercial and overseas the opportunity to take a objectives. share in the project for as little as £20. “While we are fully able to operate “The gates on Chance Glassworks a ‘remote bidding only’ auction or closed in 1981 and the buildings even a full online sale, it is doubtful have remained derelict and are fast that we would achieve the best decaying – we needed to find a possible price for our vendors. solution, as it is such a waste of one “Additionally, it is completely of the West Midlands’ most historical unreasonable for us to expect sites,” explained Mark Davies, chair of potential purchasers to buy property the Chance Heritage Trust. without the possibility of carrying “We have had the plans drawn up out their full due diligence to include and have backing from a number of internal viewings and surveys. key stakeholders, including the local “It is disappointing for us as a authorities. Pictured: The winning team – Steve Perriton, Richard Bradbury, Noel business because we are on a roll, “It used to be such a vibrant site Muscutt and Rod Spiby but it is the correct decision.” and played an important part in the Marking a milestone

Timber Yard, a new residential Timber Yard is the first in partnership with Galliard Homes apartment development in Southside, development in Birmingham by the and we are pleased with how well it Birmingham, has officially topped out two partners. Located on Pershore has been received by buyers. one year after construction started. Street, the development also “With a development pipeline of The Galliard Homes and Apsley includes a range of on-site amenities, some 3,000 new homes, we are House Capital scheme comprises 379 such as a concierge service, gym, committed to helping the council apartments as well as ground-floor screening room, residents’ club deliver the housing the city so commercial space. lounge and undercroft parking. desperately requires, while also To mark the milestone Cllr Ian Gerard Nock, chairman of Apsley helping to create and shape new Ward, leader of Birmingham City House Capital, said: “This is the communities through positive urban Council, filled in the last section of first development we are building regeneration.” 62 cement. He was joined by Cllr Gareth 63 Moore, Conservative member for property Erdington, Don O’Sullivan, chief Alan and Katherine Strang Craig and Samantha Gibbs Phil Innes social executive of Galliard Homes, and Gerard Nock, chairman of Apsley House Capital. Cllr Ward said: “The topping out of the exciting Timber Yard development represents another important step in Hedge House launch the re-emergence of Birmingham’s Southside and our efforts to provide A champagne reception marked the homes for Birmingham’s young and official launch of Hedge House, a growing population. luxury property in Knowle which is “We need 51,000 new homes priced at £3.5 million. in Birmingham by 2031 and I am Not only were guests invited to determined that the city council explore the property, which sits in will continue to play a major role six acres, but they were treated in meeting that housing challenge. to champagne by Loki Wine, But we also need committed canapés by The Butchers Social partners on this journey and, by and live entertainment by Elegant forging successful partnerships with Entertainment. developers such as Galliard Homes Hedge House has been built by and Apsley House Capital, we are From left, Cllr Gareth Moore, Gerard Nock, chairman of Apsley House 10M Group and is being marketed by helping to deliver the new homes the Capital, Cllr Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, and Don property firm, Centrick. city so desperately needs.” O’Sullivan, chief executive of Galliard Homes

Jodie Tipper, Monica Price, Hattie D’Souza, Barry Tomes, Olly Attfield and Tara Tomes

Vast warehouse space available for rent An industrial space of nearly 83,000 sq gates with 24-hour security, and is include a 1,606 sq ft canteen – ft was on course to become available less than three miles from Junction 2 and 3,360 sq ft in the two-storey in the Black Country this March. of the M5 motorway. offices. These spaces include toilets Property consultancy Bulleys is Max Shelley, an associate at and kitchen areas, with forecourt letting the warehouse on Waterfall Bulleys, said: “This warehouse servicing and parking spaces outside. Lane Trading Estate in Cradley measures 82,997 sq ft and is likely The warehouse area has concrete Heath for up to £275,000 per to be highly sought after as there are floors, fluorescent strip lights and a annum, although part lets will also be very few units available of this size in clear working height of approximately considered. the Black Country.” four metres, along with a fitted crane The well-established and spacious The property is made up of 79,637 and roller shutter doors leading onto Russell Townsend trading estate lies behind security sq ft in the warehouse areas – which the estate’s circular road. and Natalie Beaver The Centrick team Further growth New board member at Heart of at Birmingham England Community Foundation

office of Smith The Heart of England Community forward to helping support as many Foundation has appointed a new people as possible.” & Williamson trustee. The appointment will see An expert in property and Russell assist with overall strategy, Financial and professional construction, Russell Bailey will performance and governance of the Group director services firm Smith & Williamson support in procurement, property charity – all whilst providing specific has continued to grow its and construction, leading on the expertise where needed. joins services Birmingham office with the Building Better Lives programme He will also help to drive new appointment of partner and other projects supported by the grants by seeking out companies consultancy David Yewdall. foundation. within the West Midlands. Engineering and professional 64 He is the latest in a series “I am delighted to be joining Chief executive Tina Costello 65 services consultancy WSP has of new appointments at Smith the board at the Heart of England said: “We could not be happier to welcomed Dan Bishop to the & Williamson in Birmingham, Community Foundation,” said Russell. welcome Russell to the team. We’ve Birmingham office as group and joins as a partner in the “The continued work that the got so many plans for our 25th year director for its stations team. employment tax and incentives foundation is undertaking makes so there is no better time to come on Dan joins from Atkins, where he team, having previously worked in a palpable difference across the board than now. He will be a great the Birmingham office of PwC. has spent the previous 12 years, From left, Jordan Lowe, Amanda Lowe and Dani Wiggins breadth of our region and I look asset.” His core specialism involves most recently as practice director handling international employment in Birmingham. In his new role at tax matters in various jurisdictions, Team at PR firm growing fast WSP, he will oversee the delivery as well as UK domestic employer of a broad portfolio of stations compliance issues. – including the firm’s work on Midlands PR agency Story Comms national and international – many HS2’s Curzon Street Station and Having worked with a range of has added new talent to its team in of those supporting Midlands corporate clients across all sectors Birmingham International Station. the form of two account executives. businesses to grow into new Operating out of WSP’s Midlands ranging from entrepreneurial Jordan Lowe joins the firm after markets. We are looking forward and owner-managed businesses headquarters in The Mailbox, Dan three years in a content role at to helping them even more as we will lead the stations team which to listed companies, David the Institute of Directors, while continue to expand.” has extensive experience in has around 150 staff across the UK. Dani Wiggins has arrived from the The B2B specialist firm is “WSP is at the leading edge successfully managing a number University of Sheffield where she celebrating its strongest year since of global mobility programmes, of transport infrastructure studied history and politics. its inception in 2015, with 40% development both in the Midlands, as well as advising clients Amanda Lowe, managing revenue growth secured in 2019 due on the various tax and social nationally and internationally,” said director at Story Comms, said: to a range of regional, UK and global Dan. security planning opportunities “Story is growing fast, thanks to property and placemaking client surrounding the movement of their “I am delighted to be joining at some incredible clients who trust wins. such an exciting time as the firm people on an international scale. us completely, and the relentless The latest additions to Story’s “I was very impressed with is currently working on a range of ambition of our talented team. client roster includes real estate transformative projects which will Smith & Williamson’s tax offering “We are proud of our roots and advisors Avison Young, tech firm

appointments revolutionise the way we all live and I’m really excited to be are deeply passionate about the Movement Strategies, and logistics strengthening the team of experts and travel. Midlands and its continuing success and industrial space specialist “From our Birmingham base, in Birmingham at such an exciting story. Half of our briefs are now Goodman UK. time of growth,” he said. I am aiming to help WSP pursue emerging opportunities in the Midlands Engine and across the Phil Ewing, chairman of HoECF, Russell Bailey and chief UK, supporting the rail team’s long- Senior manager joins college executive Tina Costello term growth plans.”

Distance learning college deliver real value and opportunity Oxbridge has appointed Paul that helps everyone achieve Dixon as its new head of student their ambitions with maximum Property agency welcomes new team leader operations. satisfaction.” The role was created to add a Clair Birch, Oxbridge’s head Property advisers Vail Williams LLP for Vail Williams’ operations in the new level of senior management curriculum manager, said: “Paul’s have appointed acquisition and Midlands, Carole will now focus on after a record-breaking December arrival is positive for the college’s disposal associate Charlotte Fullard client relationship management and period for student enrolments, growth in consolidating course to lead the firm’s agency team in the growth of the firm’s Birmingham which echoes the college’s year-on- advisers. With better advisers on Birmingham. office. year growth in the last four years. board, we’ll be more efficient at Charlotte specialises in advising Charlotte said: “I’m delighted to join Paul joins the college, which providing the right advice and Vail Williams and excited about the is based in Birmingham, with 20 support that enables learners landlords, developers and tenants on the acquisition and disposal opportunity to lead the firm’s agency years’ advisory and consultancy to make better decisions when team here. experience after a 16-year career choosing the right course.” of office premises in Birmingham and the wider West Midlands. She “The firm works with a number of with Halifax. In his new role, Paul’s prestigious companies across the aim is to improve collaboration has previously worked with clients including Birmingham City Council, Midlands and I’m very much looking across the college to maximise the forward to bringing my agency Horton’s Estate Limited and Real student learning experience. expertise to these accounts, whilst Estate Investors plc. “I’ve been helping people make developing new business across the She joins Vail Williams to lead the good decisions for two decades in region.” the finance and mortgage sector,” firm’s acquisitions and disposal work said Paul. which was formerly headed up by Charlotte Fullard, left, pictured “I want to make positive industry agency specialist Carole Taylor. with regional managing partner changes, supporting my team to As regional managing partner Carole Taylor 5minutes with... Very briefly, what does your company do? Wayne Langford West Midlands Combined Universities Director of West Midlands Combined Universities brings together Birmingham City University, Coventry University and developing and delivering world- your interests outside work. Being the University of Wolverhampton in class programmes and there is pragmatic is key, accepting that a formal partnership to deliver more huge potential for higher education sometimes this needs to flex both by working together. We look for and around research and enterprise – and ways. act on opportunities to collaborate, we need to constantly rise to the How do you hope your colleagues making the most of our combined challenge of working out how best to would describe you? research and training capabilities, capitalise on local, national and global Loyal, creative, reliable, inclusive and innovation and skills base: with over opportunities. empathetic. 80,000 students and 8,500 staff 66 And what are the big opportunities? Highlights of your career so far? contributing to the West Midlands The continued growth of digital The most recent highlight has been economy. We harness this to drive insight is driving innovation across all of to build WMCU into a well-known inclusive education, economic growth, WMCU’s traditional strengths and university partnership in the West social mobility, place shaping and prosperity in the West Midlands. provides a chance to use our partners’ Midlands and to have influenced How long have you been in your combined research, skills, assets the development of some key current job? and student populations to benefit programmes such as WM5G. The partnership formed in October programmes like West Midlands 5G. Any particular faux pas or 2016 and I have been in the post We also see the potential to build on embarrassing moments in your since October 2017. and expand our civic role, more and career you would prefer to forget? Explain a typical week in your more often coupling our research and I once sang ‘Fairytale of New York’ to working life. innovation with local needs – hence around 350 colleagues at a Christmas My time is split between developing a recent focus on energy, inclusive party. I am still reminded of it from opportunities, building partnerships, growth and construction technologies. time to time. managing teams, representing We see the current push from Pet hates? the WMCU partners and attending Government to increase spending in Bad manners. regional and national meetings. R&D as a positive opportunity for the If you could go back and give your I lead, support and contribute to HE sector, and WMCU will be well younger self some wise advice, what strategy and policy documents, as represented in these discussions in would it be? well as funding applications. I spend the region. Study harder and believe in yourself. time convening working groups How do you get the best out of your How do you relax away from work? across the three universities to ensure staff? Making things and sport. My work is we are best placed to take advantage For me it’s about generating interest intellectually demanding so I like to do of emerging opportunities, briefing the and excitement, communicating something physical outside work. institutions’ leaders, academics and clearly why the WMCU agenda is What do you believe is special about management on areas of work where important and fostering buy-in. WMCU the Birmingham business community? WMCU can generate value. I read – fits within an interesting landscape of Its ability to constantly evolve and a lot – to stay plugged into our key partners and being able to adapt into strive to be better – it has changed so sectors, and chair meetings across this, and where appropriate lead, is much over the last decade. There are relevant markets and industries. key. If the partnership was too rigid so many networking groups sharing What is the biggest challenge facing and limited, it would fail. We therefore knowledge – Birmingham is uniquely your industry right now? encourage flexibility, creativity and collaborative in that respect. It’s not Keeping pace with the changes openness in the team. just Birmingham though, there’s a and myriad of opportunities that What was your last meeting about, real coming together of partners from the three university partners are how long did it last, and was it across the region that I haven’t seen pursuing. Each WMCU partner is productive? before. It was with a regional consortium of Tell us something about you that partners submitting a funding bid to most people probably wouldn’t a national body. It lasted two hours know. and was very productive as we were I’ve played at Wembley – on the finalising the application before trumpet! submission. You can take one book, one film and How many emails do you get in a one CD onto a desert island – what day, and how much time do you have would they be? to read them? The book would have to be Usually around 40 that need A Clockwork Orange, the film actioning. I tend to spend around Goodfellas (I’m not a violent person, 30 minutes at the start and end of honestly!), and the CD would be OK the day catching up, and unless I’m Computer by Radiohead. expecting something important I’ll Your five dream dinner party guests, respond as soon as I can. dead or alive? Do you answer work calls or emails Richard Pryor, Bob Mortimer, Jimi at home? What’s the right work-life Hendrix, Mohammed Ali and balance? Leonardo Da Vinci. I do, and I think this is pretty common What would you choose to eat for now. For me the right balance is your last supper? ensuring you have time to complete My macaroni cheese – it’s the best your goals for the day, while making I’ve ever tasted! Accompanied by a sure you have time to pursue nice bottle of Chablis. THE REGION’S LEADING

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