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Issue 2 A BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESSwww.shropshirebiz.com MAGAZINE

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Michael Place, Anchorage Avenue, Shrewsbury Business Park, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY2 6FG NICK JONES t 01743 244933 e [email protected] @puretelecom /puretelecom Principal For more information call Tel: 01743 240968 www.pure-telecom.co.uk Email: [email protected] the team on 01743 244 933 Web: www.njwealthplanning.co.uk

The Partner Practice represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The title ‘Partner Practice’ is the marketing term used to describe St. James’s Place representatives. 4 INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION 5

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Issue 2 A BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESSwww.shropshirebiz.com MAGAZINE Dipping toes in to uncharted waters DSDGSLFD FDFDSFS FDFJ IFFDF ongratulations. You did it. impending threats, there’s another licking their lips businessman who is about to put Shrewsbury well One of the things I love so much about galleries from Ddfg dfgdfgfg sdf at the potential to exploit opportunities. and truly on the map with some mouthwatering Shropshire is its ability to surprise. Around the business social sddfdfdfd fdfgfgffdf You survived everything that Here at Shropshire Business, we’re taking a vineyard plans. most unexpected of corners, you stumble across gatherings, fdgbdf gugioz xhg djsygc dygcdgfdfb 2016 had to throw at you! glass half-full approach. But we’re not raising a glass to everything a gem of a business making waves on a global and news of CPolitically, and economically, it has to go down Thank you to everyone who was kind enough right now. scale. who’s been as one of the most tumultuous years in living to say such good things about our launch issue – One of the perils of the modern working world Kadai Firebowls, based near Church Stretton, on the move memory. we hope we can live up to your lofty expectations is the pressure to be on duty 24/7, courtesy of that is one such example, naming Game of Thrones in our regular And if the truth be known, we’re all still trying to going forward. omnipresent mobile phone and tablet. and Tom Cruise’s production crew among its A-list Appointments FOOD FOR digest the upheaval, on both sides of the Atlantic, If that first edition was something of a scene- Can you relate to this? If so, take a look at customer base. section. which has implications for every economy in the setter, this one gets stuck into some of the key what one HR expert has to say about the perils of But however successful you may be, there’s Have you THOUGHT developed world. So, how are you feeling about issues in vital areas of the Shropshire economy. failing to maintain a sensible work-life balance. always scope to learn. Our columnists offer advice got something A century of success things? The construction sector, for example, clearly We’ve also got a fascinating insight into the on a vast array of topics, from hosted telephony to say? We’d Plus: Building Vine of Never Truly Gauging the temperature of the Shropshire has some medium to long-term concerns, but life of a Bank of England agent, courtesy of Glynn and pay-per-click advertising to trade agreements, love to hear from you. Tell us what you are up Careers the Times Off Duty economy as we set off on the 2017 rollercoaster, it right now our big building companies are working Jones, who was born and raised in Shropshire, succession planning, and apprenticeships. to, and let’s all share a happy, fascinating and certainly seems to be a mixed picture. flat-out. and is well versed with the quirks of our business We’ve also got more news from the prosperous 2017. For every owner or manager fretting about English wine is on a roll, too, and we meet a climate. commercial property and farming sectors, picture Carl Jones, Editor

Magazine editor: Carl Jones [email protected]

Online editor: Henry Carpenter [email protected]

Advertising: [email protected]

General enquiries: 6 36 42 52 59 [email protected] Contents 25 Always on duty 39 Fire in his belly ONLINE 6 Built on dreams 28 Interns join team 42 Commercial property Web: www.shropshirebiz.com 11 Bridging the gap Benefit from Brexit Rio inspires website 46 Technology Twitter: 12 Beware snooper’s charter @shropsbiz Opulent lifestyle 29 Car plant cranes 50 It all adds up National living wage Facebook: 14 Apple of the eye 51 Honorary membership facebook.com/shropsbiz Mini department store 30 Export 15 52 Charity 64 Linkedin: 15 Cheers to vineyard 32 Engineers in training Shropshire Business 54 Trump’s triumph (shropshirebiz.com) 20 New service 33 Pitfalls of loss Transit specialist 55 British Chambers of Commerce ISSUE 2: More rights JAN / FEB 2017 21 Stitch in time 34 59 Farming Book of greats Pop-up practice Pension plot 64 Social Scene Shropshire Business is published by Wiggly Worm Media Ltd. Reproduction of this magazine 22 Clear ideas in whole or in part is prohibited without written 36 Banking on feedback 68 Personal Finance permission of the editor. 25 24 Future workforce 68 The publishers have taken all reasonable care News in brief 38 Return of the dam 70 Appointments to ensure that the information in this magazine is accurate at time of going to press.

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

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

Printed in the UK by The Magazine Printing Company: www.magprint.co.uk 30 39 46 55 70 6 SPECIAL REPORT SPECIAL REPORT 7

By Carl Jones for companies to declare the number of foreign nationals they But Mr Emberton says with the impending exit from the helping, but there is still plenty of room for more radical solutions to meet the one million target. Builtappy new year . . . or is it? The employ in a bid to reduceon the number of migrant workers will have a dreamsEuropean Union – whenever that may eventually be – there is still major impact on the county’s building sites. cause for concern in the industry. “The Government needs to turbo-charge the SME house answer to that question seems to Gareth Emberton, chairman of the network organisation for “The Government has nailed its colours to the mast with its building sector. Smaller firms, once the main drivers of house depend greatly on which sector of the construction and supply chain businesses, says the Government attitude towards migrant workers and, with the plan ned Brexit in building in this country, have become only marginal players in the must be realistic about the significant numbers of foreign workers two years, the construction industry could have a massive shortfall market, which has hampered the capacity of the industry. Heconomy you find yourself working in – and required by construction employers in order to meet housing in available labour,” he continues. “The Government has already recognised the importance of whether your company is a net importer, or demand. “More needs to be done by those in power to address this revitalising SMEs through its attempts to improve the availability of exporter. “The proposals announced by Amber Rudd at the Conservative as soon as possible or it will have a huge impact on future finance for smaller firms, but much more can be done. Economists reckon the construction industry is conference are worrying to say the least. Her development and economic stability.” usually one of the most reliable barometers to the health message was that British people should be filling The Federation of Master Builders believes the Government “Figures showing that 189,000 additional of a nation, but right now it’s painting a pretty confusing those jobs,” he adds. needs to start by ‘turbo charging’ the SME house building sector in homes were created in 2015/16 is positive picture. “But there is already a huge skills gap which exists 2017. More homes are being built in the county than in the UK in the construction sector and we need to The rise in house building completions is helping to tackle the progress towards solving the housing crisis” we’ve seen for several years, there’s evidence of find practical ways of tackling that issue. housing crisis, but more work needs to be done if the Government infrastructure work appearing in all our towns, and “To then potentially reduce the number of migrant is to hit its ambitious one million new homes target, the federation “In particular, we need to see a renewed focus on enabling most of Shropshire’s big construction firms report being workers in the sector by deterring businesses from believes. planning permission for more small sites, which are the bread and rushed off their feet. employing them could have a serious knock on effect Chief executive Brian Berry says: “Figures showing that butter of SME builders. Scaffolders and bricklayers are commanding wages to our industry and impact on the rate of building and 189,000 additional homes were created in 2015/16 is positive “We’re hopeful that the Government will listen to the voice of up to £24 an hour in some instances, due to what development in Shropshire.” progress towards solving the housing crisis. of SME builders in its forthcoming Housing White Paper and put recruitment firm Manpower describes as a ‘chronic’ The Government’s initial consultation paper “However, the total created still falls below the number needed measures to enable more small scale development at the heart of shortage of skilled workers. produced in a drive to reduce net migration and each year to deliver the Government’s stated aim of building one the country’s house building strategy.” And yet, the county’s Constructing Excellence Gareth Emberton, encourage businesses to hire British staff caused an million new homes by 2020. Picking up the skills and resources points, Jonathan Carr-West, organisation claims Government plans aimed at limiting chairman of the network outcry from business leaders. “The current figures also show a strong reliance on the chief executive of the Local Government Information Unit, says: the number of foreign workers employed in the UK could organisation for It has now said data on foreign workers would be conversion of existing buildings to residential use, which is a trend “There is a large untapped potential in small sites, but resource place Shropshire’s construction industry in jeopardy. construction and supply used to inform policy rather than to name and shame that can’t be sustained indefinitely. and capacity pressures in planning departments make it difficult to It fears proposals by Home Secretary Amber Rudd chain businesses companies. “Recent Government policies to boost house building are unlock. u 8 SPECIAL REPORT SPECIAL REPORT 9 OVER 140 YEARS supplying Building Materials to the Trade and Public BUILDING MATERIALS PATIOS & LANDSCAPING TIMBER, JOINERY & DOORS HARDWARE & DECORATING

Ludlow Touring Park manager Karen Price supervises the start of work on the new expansion

t “We need new approaches and new partnerships to build the “We are pleased to say that we saw steady growth in 2016 homes we need. By working with a wider range of local builders, – and this will carry on over the coming 12 months – with our councils can stimulate local economic growth, while providing jobs developments in Belvidere, Church Aston and Hadnall continuing and training for young people in the area.” to thrive and new schemes opening up in Newport, Baschurch and Yet right across Shropshire, major construction projects are other locations. pressing ahead without any sign of Brexit-fuelled doubt, including “This of course will mean new jobs being created within the speculative industrial units in both Telford and Shrewsbury. company and for sub-contractors, translating as good news for Work has also begun, for example, on a new caravan holiday Galliers and for the economy of Shropshire as a whole. home park on the edge of Ludlow, with Morris Leisure investing “Our investment in the county is important to us as a company £200,000 in developing the park for 36 caravan holiday home and we are proud to be one of the region’s longest-established alongside its Ludlow Touring Park, which already has 135 pitches. building companies.” First phase work is expected to be completed over the next And no wonder developers are so keen to crack on with house couple of months and will 20 see pitches created. building projects. The touring park is estimated to generate around £2 million a The latest Halifax house price index of the year shows that year for the local economy. It is one of six parks in Shropshire and prices continued to climb, with an annual rate of increase of 6 per North Wales owned by Morris Leisure based in Shrewsbury. cent, and predicts further growth in 2017 “We are delighted to report that our bookings at Ludlow Founder and chief executive of eMoov.co.uk, Russell Quirk, Touring Park are increasing every year, mostly through personal says: “There is yet more signs of life shooting from the frosty recommendations and repeat business,” says Edward Goddard, ground of the UK property market. Morris Leisure’s managing director. “Many in the industry have been quick to put the boot in over “It’s great to be able to develop a caravan holiday home park the last few months where the UK property market is concerned, alongside the touring park and we now feel the time is right to press hanging gloomy predictions on a dwindling level of demand in the ahead with the work to bring even more sustainable tourism to market. Ludlow, which is a very popular destination. “It would seem this simply isn’t the case. The driving factor “We believe the new park is going to further enhance the behind inflating house prices is an imbalance between supply and local tourism offer and generate extra income for Ludlow and the demand and, with house prices spiking this late in 2016, it would surrounding area, which has got to be good news for the local seem there is certainly a sustained level of buyer demand present economy.” in the current market.” Andy Gough is sales and marketing director at one of So, many reasons to be cheerful, then. Less pleasing, however, Shropshire’s biggest and best known house-builders, Galliers. are the results from a new online tool created by the Government He says: “Although generally there are some mixed predictions and the Office for National Statistics allowing people to find out the for the residential property market in 2017, due to continuing Brexit gender pay gap in their profession. One of Shropshire’s best known housebuilders, Galliers (pictured uncertainty, as far as Galliers is concerned we are expecting to It shows that construction and building trades, along with above) is looking forward to a successful 2017 enjoy one of our busiest and most exciting years. financial managers and directors, have the highest gender pay “There is no doubt that competition is fierce in the sector and differentials. “Britain has the lowest gender pay gap on record, there are more companies such as ours are having to offer customers exceptional The online tool has been launched as a fore-runner to new women in work than ever before, more women-led businesses than service, which can mean assisting them with their move and making rules which will force large employers to report their gender pay and ever before and there are now women on every board in the FTSE incentives available. bonus gaps from April. 100. www.tgbuildersmerchants.co.uk “And it goes without saying that our product has to be of The regulations, which will affect almost 8,000 employers “But if we are to help women to reach their potential and exceptional quality in order to stand out from the crowd, and that with around 11 million employees, will shine a light on workplace eliminate the gender pay gap, we need to shine a light on our OSWESTRY • ELLESMERE • NANTWICH • NORTHWICH new developments have to be sited in carefully-chosen locations. practices that could be preventing women from reaching the top in workplaces to see where there is more to do to. TATTENHALL • WELSHPOOL • WOLVERLEY • BRIDGNORTH “When you combine all these factors, you can succeed as a their organisations. “Employers must play their part in this too and take action to house builder in uncertain markets. Minister for Women and Equalities Justine Greening says: tackle the gender pay gap in their organisation.” NCT-BDU-ShropBus-A4-V3.pdf 1 10/10/2016 08:15:24

NEWS 11 £3m vision to bridge the manufacturing skills gap

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CM Launch time – Matthew Snelson (Grainger & Worrall), Christopher Greenough (Salop Design & Engineering), Bekki Phillips

MY (In-Comm Training), Peter Neumark, Mike Roe (both Classic Motor Cars) and Gareth Jones (In-Comm Training) CY ork is under way developments seen in manufacturing professionals up to Level 7 qualifications, CMY training provision in the area for many covering business improvement techniques, on the creation of a years and yesterday gave us the perfect team leadership, vehicle body repair and K new state-of-the-art opportunity to communicate our vision paint, vehicle body building, technical Wtraining hub in Shropshire, to employers, colleges, universities and development, quality and continuous future learners,” explained Matthew improvement. with the aim of supporting Snelson, director of Grainger & Worrall and Gareth Jones, managing director of ‘2020 learners by 2020’. managing director of the centre. In-Comm, added his support: “We will be More than 100 local businesses and “We believe the MCMT is critical looking to open our doors for office based stakeholders attended the £3 million to closing the skills gap for Shropshire courses from April 1st and full engineering Marches Centre of Manufacturing & businesses, but we are under no illusions courses from August 2017. There is a lot of Technology (MCMT) launch event in that we will need the rest of local industry, work ahead to equip the centre and build a Bridgnorth to find out how they can play education and training to play their part. pipeline of learners who want to be part of their role in helping it reverse the region’s This could be through informing how the something new and exciting. skills and competency gaps. provision develops, using the services and “There is a lot of engagement planned The MCMT, which is led by a even offering time and expertise to help with with Shropshire schools and colleges to get consortium of Classic Motor Cars, Grainger delivering some of the learning. young people thinking about engineering & Worrall, Salop Design & Engineering and “There are also plenty of opportunities and manufacturing as a career and, it is training provider In-Comm, will provide a for businesses to sponsor different learning important to stress, that the MCMT is open high-tech environment for individuals to zones or donate equipment and machinery to all employers in the area. learn from engineering experts on the latest our learners can train on.” “It is the clearest sign yet of the desire technology – all geared towards giving them The Marches Centre of Manufacturing to reshore training provision so that local opportunities to apply their new found skills & Technology has received £1.9 million needs are met and there is no doubt we will on real life manufacturing situations. of funding from the Marches LEP to bring become an important asset when looking to Supported by the Marches Local the concept into reality, with £1.1 million attract inward investment into the Marches.” Enterprise Partnership, work on fitting out of private funding already pledged by the Graham Wynn OBE, chairman of the the 36,000 sq ft building on the Stanmore consortium. Additional sponsorship and Marches LEP, said: “Plugging the skills Industrial Estate is now getting under business engagement will look to bring the gaps that currently exist will mean that way, with exciting plans in place to create budget to over £4 million. businesses here will be able to grow and dedicated fabrication, foundry, lathe, It will look to support 2020 learners thrive. That means more investment and metrology, milling, robotics and vehicle between now and 2020 and this will largely more jobs, which can only have a positive trimming sections, as well as a specialist involve developing apprentices in advanced impact on the economic prosperity of our CNC Zone and spray booth/mixing manufacturing and engineering, giving county. capabilities. employers a strong pool of skills to tap into “The MCMT is one of three Advanced There will also be an auditorium lecture as they continue to compete globally. Manufacturing Hubs which are being theatre, bespoke learning environments, 5 In addition to this, there will also be funded by the Local Growth Fund via the vehicle ramps and a rolling road test facility. capacity to work with 400 companies Marches LEP and we’re delighted to see “This is one of the most exciting on developing existing manufacturing this milestone reached yesterday.” 12 NEWS Privacy invaded by ‘snooper’s charter’ Telford technology company has issued a stark warning about the Government’sA new Investigatory Powers Act, claiming it has major implications for the privacy of every British citizen. Transparently priced, Entanet, the ISP and communications company based at Stafford Park, believes the legislation – described by opponents as a ‘snooper’s charter’ – could lead to further sweeping powers being assumed by the state. practical advice and support The company’s product manager, Paul Heritage-Redpath, says the passing of the Bill into law, which got its royal assent in December, sets a dangerous precedent. “Entanet campaigned hard against the IPB delivered by specialists with and its previous incarnations,” he said. “Given the volume of data breaches already this year, as a responsible ISP we consider the collection of every citizen’s browsing history to be a profoundly bad idea; it is inevitable that, at best, foundations in Shropshire there will be scope creep among government departments. “At worst, your life will fall into the wrong Leighann Morgan (centre) with Emily Soden (left) and Lydia Darby hands. We will let former Prime Minister David Cameron have the last word: ‘If we want to stop the state controlling us, we must confront this Our specialist corporate, commercial property, dispute surveillance state’.” Lights...camera... In a multiple-choice straw poll conducted on the Entanet website last year, 57 per cent of resolution and employment lawyers provide support respondents said that if the IPB was passed, they to help you grow and protect your business, giving you a would be ‘off to live in the woods so that they action – it’s time wouldn’t have a digital footprint to spy on’. A further 24 per cent said they were mostly solid foundation to build upon concerned about how their business will manage the cost of required data retention. to plan a more Fourteen per cent said they had no knowledge of the IPB, while only five per cent said they were not bothered as they have nothing to hide. “The Investigatory Powers Act will impact your Opulent lifestyle business and your personal life,” Paul said. The New Statesmen agreed with Entanet’s A new luxury travel agency has launched in Shropshire, specialising in bespoke stance on the bill, saying: “The powers contained holidays, corporate business and VIP and concierge-style travel. in the IP Bill are more suited to a dictatorship than Opulent Travel Services, based in Shrewsbury, has been launched by Leighann a democracy, giving the state sweeping powers Morgan who has a 20-year background in the travel industry. to intrude into the private lives of ordinary citizens She worked for big industry names such as Going Places, Thomson’s and Baker who are not under suspicion of any crime. Dolphin, as well as various independent travel agencies, before starting her own “What few people realise is that the Bill business. is not just a ‘catching up’ with powers that “Five years ago I branched out on my own, firstly as a Travel Counsellor and then evolved in secret over the last decade. In fact, as an independent agent. Opulent Travel Services is an evolution into luxury travel,” the government is using the bill to extend its she said. powers, especially for ordinary police and law The company has been launched with the support of The Global Travel Group enforcement. franchise which gives Opulent Travel access to a vast electronic database and full “Your Internet Service Provider will be forced client protection under its ATOL licence. to keep a record of the websites you visit and the Miss Morgan has taken on two extra staff to help run the agency which operates apps you use, storing this information for a year out of offices in Town Walls, Shrewsbury. – whether or not you are suspected of a crime. “As an independent travel agency we’re not tied to in-house products. Recently The powers in the Bill to gain access to Internet we’ve been putting bespoke packages together for high end luxury cruises and a and phone records are not limited to the police but number of luxury group trips to the USA,” she added. Supporting People, Businesses & Communities given in many cases to government departments, Miss Morgan has won awards in the past, including Mumpreneur UK Best including the Department of Health, DWP and Saleswoman Award winner 2012. She came to the attention of prestigious clients HMRC. after featuring in the national lifestyle magazine Fabulous four years ago and making “The powers for security services go even an appearance on the BBC Big Breakfast sofa for International Women’s Day. 0800 652 3371 www.lblaw.co.uk further, in ways that lack balance and sufficient The same year she was invited by prestigious clients to develop connections at Offices in Shrewsbury | Bromyard | Hereford | Ludlow | Oswestry | Telford restraints.” the Cannes Film Festival.

LB - Shrop Business Today - A4 - Sept16.indd 2 06/09/2016 20:11 14 NEWS BIG INTERVIEW 15 In this issue’s big interview we meet ANDY STEVENS. The former banking chief is in the process of transforming his Shropshire estate into an oasis of wine and wellness.

Roger Wolens from The Green Organisation with Mike Tuzzio – public sector divisional director (Lyreco) and Manel Roura – QSS manager (Lyreco) Apple of a green organisation’s eye orkplace and office supplies specialist Lyreco has been Consolidation – Wcrowned one of the greenest businesses of its kind. A NOSE FOR The Telford-based firm has won a Green mini department Apple Award from The Green Organisation, dedicated to recognising, rewarding and promoting environmental best practice around the world. As a result, Lyreco has been invited to have store for Ludlow its winning paper published in The Green Book, the leading international work of reference on Businessman Glyn Price is work, as the last time it was refitted was environmental best practice. consolidating his three shops in Ludlow 1952. We have tried to restore beams BUSINESS Lyreco has ia series of initiatives across its into one “mini department store” after downstairs and to open up the shop network of 27 Regional Distribution Centres and securing the lease of a listed building in to more light. The landlord has been satellite centres in the UK and Ireland. the town centre. fantastic.” By Henry Carpenter They have included installing a roof mounted Mr Price, who already has Leaf, Mr Price also owns two shops in encote has to be seen 65-acre estate, which lies just off the top-level cooking tailored to guests’ solar photovoltaic system – the fourth largest Walnut and Frank Lloyd, selling Barmouth and one each in Welshpool, Ellesmere Road only a mile or two requirements. women’s and men’s wear in the town, Pwllheli and Aberystwyth. to be believed. It is not in the UK – at its National Distribution Centre in north of Shrewsbury town centre, each To enjoy the views of the county Telford, achieving zero landfill at the National has leased 27 The Bullring, which was His new Ludlow shop is situated just the fact that it is day with surely only a tiny percentage town, the viewer first has to look over Distribution Centre and Head Office with a previously occupied by cards and gifts in the town centre close to the junction Ha glorious Georgian manor recycling rate of 97 per cent, and reducing its business Emporos. of The Bullring with Tower Street. It knowing what lies over the crest of the vines . . . lots of vines. There are 22,000 electricity consumption by 39 per cent in four He said consolidating the three comprises a basement area, ground on the edge of Shrewsbury, hill up Hencote Lane. of them in total, carefully planted over years. businesses into one larger shop in floor shop and two sections of first floor standing in beautiful open And why would they? It is only curving acreage in perfect symmetry, Peter Hradisky, Lyreco’s managing director, Ludlow would make it much easier for accommodation. recently that it has started receiving not a single one out of place. said: “We continuously strive to be a more customers. The lease of the shop was countryside with the best guests after being meticulously All this is explained by the owner sustainable organisation by researching ways we “We will still trade as Leaf, Walnut negotiated on behalf of the owner by panoramic view of the county restored to provide a luxury wellbeing Andy Stevens, the man whose vision, can reduce our environmental impact. and Frank Lloyd but they will be in a commercial agents Halls of Shrewsbury. retreat for visitors. There are seven drive and investment is responsible for “We look to increase our contribution to local mini department store,” he adds. James Evans, from Halls town you could imagine. community and society while engaging employees, “It’s a nice project and a lovely shop Commercial, says demand for shops in It’s the very fact that it’s there. suites and bedrooms at Hencote, the remarkable transformation of the suppliers and customers on the journey.” but the refurbishment has been hard Ludlow town centre remains strong. Thousands of motorists pass this as well as therapies, treatments and estate. u 16 BIG INTERVIEW BIG INTERVIEW 17

Part of the spectacular Georgian manor house at Hencote, home to Andy Stevens and wife Dora Wellness treatments take place indoors... t You can almost feel the pride Andy has to the Falklands subject to a major review “Soon after I joined the bank, the first in Hencote as he describes in detail the by the Thatcher government conducted by Gulf War in 1990/91 resulted in every terrain, the grape varietals and the plans he Lord Barber. economy in the region trying to stimulate has to bring the very best English sparkling “To cut a long story short, I never made change. Then, in 1995, there was a wine to the market. it to the Falklands but, in 1983, was sent bloodless coup in Qatar. As is often the way He has put his heart and soul into instead to Bahrain which at the time was the in that part of the world the heir apparent his beloved estate, as well as a financial major financial centre of the Middle East.” overthrew his father and he proceeded to investment which to describe as significant This was Andy’s first foray into life in the usher in massive, unprecedented change. is euphemistic in the extreme. Middle East, and he spent five very happy “Qatar had been sitting on known The business acumen, and deep years there with Standard Chartered. The gas reserves for 40 years, and the new pockets, which Andy acquired, came bank then decided to send him to Africa emir brought about monetising those as a result of an unconventional and which is when the relationship started to underground assets. cosmopolitan professional path which sour. “He instigated the massive led him to many far flung regions and He describes his role as “a generalist”, industrialisation in Qatar which became the culminated with him becoming the boss of relied upon to go in and manage the bank’s second largest exporting gas producing one of the Middle East’s largest banks. operations. nation in the world. ...and outside too. Hencote is gaining a fantastic reputation as a five-star wellness retreat Despite not having done a day’s work “In Uganda I was director of “What had been a very small economy in his life in the UK – at least until 2014 – administration, which meant I did everything worth about 6 billion dollars became, within It is probably easiest to look at In 2013, largely as a result of a change Andy Stevens is surely towards the top of other than the lending,” he says. the space of about 15 years, one of the statistics when judging Andy’s time as in power in Qatar and being asked to take the premier league of Shropshire financial “This was a typical colonial pattern most modern, dynamic economies in the general manager and then group CEO. on an advisory role which he felt unsuited heavyweights. deployed by the bank whereby the likes of world. The value of the economy escalated When he took it on, the bank was the sixth to, Andy stepped down and thoughts turned Andy’s story started in 1959 when he myself were expected to hold the fort; this to 200 billion dollars. largest in Qatar with a balance of about back to the UK and, specifically, Shropshire. was born in Hong Kong to parents who was clearly a fast-dying model.” “And in this extraordinary period of 1 billion dollars on a capital base of 600 Andy recounts his story in his Hencote worked for its government, and the family Andy became so disillusioned with life change I was lucky enough to be there and million dollars – “we were very small and office, as immaculate and ordered as the continued to live there for the next 25 years. with Standard Chartered that in 1990 he the bank rode that wave.” insignificant,” says Andy. vineyard outside. “I was brought up as a typical colonial Businessman Andy Stevens made left the bank entirely, and joined a relatively Andy’s role with the bank evolved as By the time he stepped down at the He looks content, as well he might. child,” recalls Andy. his name in The Gulf small bank on Qatar, the Commercial Bank. time went on. In the early years he was end of 2013 the balance was up to 35 Married for 27 years to Dora and with four “My early prep schooling was in Hong He continues: “Qatar at that time hadn’t assistant general manager looking after the billion dollars. Commercial Bank sat second children who are now living independently, Kong up to the age of seven and then I was “My ambition at that time was to discovered its wealth, and was a very retail bank but in 1998 he took the bank behind the Qatari National Bank, was highly family life is good. sent to boarding school in my father’s home join HSBC. However, I ended up joining inward looking, conservative nation. overseas into Egypt where it bought the rated by all the credit ratings agencies, It also transpires that not only was town of Loughborough, where I spent the Standard Chartered which at that time was “The Commercial Bank was the sixth franchise for Diner’s Club. and had taken majority stakes in banks in he very, very successful, but Andy also next 10 years. a bigger bank than HSBC, believe it or not. largest local bank and it didn’t take long to That gave the bank a glimpse of the Oman, UAE and Turkey. learnt the importance of health and “By the age of 12 I had set my sights on When I left university in 1980 Standard come to the realisation that I might have future and what could be achieved – and it “We achieved stellar results,” says Andy. wellbeing through the stresses and strains entering the world of finance. I was one of Chartered sent me to Dublin for six months taken quite a risk! also illustrated Andy’s capabilities. “We delivered a return on equity of 25 per of his career. This is why Hencote is fast the first kids to do an O level in Economics, of training and then on to Hong Kong. “But I resolved to make something out He was promoted to general manager in cent which were unheard of, and dividend becoming a destination as a five star and I completed a degree in banking and “I spent two years in Hong Kong and of my decision, and a couple of geopolitical 2001 with the clear brief to “wake the bank yields which were unsurpassed in the wellness retreat – its owner understands the finance at Birmingham University. during long leave was told I was being sent events came to my assistance. up”. market.” value of health. u Mortimers Solicitors BIG INTERVIEW 19 t But conversation again returns to the vineyard and its evolution. “I have my sister to thank for my getting to know Shropshire, as back in the 1970s she had worked at Hawkstone Park. I subsequently bought a property in Family and Employment Weston-under-Redcastle but on one occasion, when I was over from the Middle East, I realised I had inadvertently let it out to the RAF and had nowhere to stay. “My wife and I stayed in a nearby country Law Specialists cottage, and then one day I followed my instinct up Hencote Lane and found my way to the farm buildings here which were derelict. I managed to offering expert advice when you need it most persuade the vendors to sell the buildings, along with three acres, to me. Restoring the buildings has been a massive labour of love and over the years I have brought more than 60 further acres. “When I returned from Qatar I loved the freedom of walking around the open spaces here. There Ann Vowles, whose areas of expertise include were 164 vines here at the time and I watched the vineyard develop; that year we got a phenomenal Advanced Financial Provision and Children Law Matters crop of grapes which made 250 bottles of wine, over a bottle a vine which is enormously productive. With over 20 years of experience Ancillary Relief Cases “I thought, is there something here? I asked a The spectacular view of Shrewsbury from Hencote dealing with complex matrimonial leading viticulturist to inspect the soil and the estate’s cases in Shropshire, Herefordshire (financial) potential and the feedback was that there was no and across the country, Ann is reason to suggest this couldn’t be a successful site for a vineyard. an accredited Specialist Family “I was and am quite determined to compete Law Lawyer by Resolution and a Divorce & Separation with the very best, and this meant the production of member of the Law Society Family sparkling wine. I made my decision early in 2014 and Law Panel. by the end of that year we had prepared the land.” Andy and his team have planted 22,000 vines over seven hectares on the most fertile eight-hectare Co-habitee Disputes plot on the estate – south facing on a nice gradient Contact Ann at Mortimers’ on glacial till overlaying Kinnerton Sandstone Hereford office on 01432 355572 Formation. They planted grape varieties - 12,000 pinot noir, 2,000 Pinot meunier, 2,000 chardonnay, or the Bridgnorth office on 3,500 seyval blanc, 2,000 solaris, 1,000 pinot noir 01746 761000 or email: Private Law Children Matters precoce to be exact – with, according to Andy, “the [email protected] express intent of making the best possible English sparkling wines”. He makes particular mention of the unstinting Experienced Employment Law experts Christopher Waters and Joanne Briscoe support he has received from wife Dora. Not only has she moved around the world with him since specialise in all aspects of Employment Law including: they first met 33 years ago, but she has also had in invaluable input into the development of Hencote. “I asked a leading viticulturist to inspect the soil and the estate’s potential and the “Dora has been a role model in terms of creating Disputes from boardroom feedback was that there was no reason to suggest this couldn’t be a successful the agricultural footprint on the domestic property,” site for a vineyard,” says Andy Stevens. level to ‘the shop floor’ according to Andy. In a good year, he estimates the vineyard has the capacity to make up to 70,000 bottles. However, he aims to nudge that figure up to 100,000 by Exit Arrangements augmenting what is grown at Hencote by buying in At a glance... fruit from other grape growers. Hencote, as he admits, is a work in progress. At work Chairman of Hencote and advisor to Investcorp Bank The wellbeing retreat is now set up and has started Current position: receiving visitors. Its reputation as a luxurious Most career defining decision:Resigning from Standard Chartered Settlement Agreements centre of excellence for cleansing mind and body is Bank in 1989 to join Commercial Bank of Qatar – Goliath to David! growing. Advice to aspiring business people: Belief and instinct are powerful The vineyard still has a way to go – but it’s a enablers case of so far, so good. Three heroes with whom to share a boardroom table (alive or dead): Redundancy Issues & “I am a very aspirational person and quite 1. Margaret Thatcher defiant,” admits Andy. “However, I brought in very 2. Alan Sugar Employment Tribunals qualified people to ensure my gut instincts were 3. Richard Beaton (ideal if you could have your best friend around the valid. table – it also helps that he has a great track record in business!) Contact Christopher and Joanne at Mortimers’ Bridgnorth office on 01746 761000 “If we have an average growing year I would [email protected] // [email protected] expect to be harvesting grapes in the autumn of At home 2017. We should bottle some of that wine by the Family: Wife Dora and children Charles, Mark, Vivienne and Suzanne late spring of 2018, but due to the slow fermentation Desert island disc: Hotel California – The Eagles process for sparkling wine it won’t be on the shelves How England made the English by Harry Mount until 2020 at the earliest, though there will be a small Desert island book: Desert island film: Phantom of the Opera 65 Whitburn Street, Bridgnorth WV16 4QP // 01746 761000 amount of still wine which will be out before then.” It is some project. As he says: “I have put in my Favourite holiday destination: Europe Windsor House, Windsor Place, Shrewsbury SY1 2BY // 01743 298629 own equity into all this but the results will hopefully Three heroes with whom to share a dinner table (alive or dead): more than exceed the outlay.” 1. Sir Clive Woodward, the visionary World Cup winning England rugby 15 King Street, Hereford HR4 9BX // 01432 355572 If the vineyard even remotely follows the coach trajectory of Andy’s commercial career, that won’t be 2. Sir Richard Burton (the great Victorian explorer, not actor) a concern; wine lovers and Shropshire in general will 3. Charles Leonard Stevens, my father www.mortimers-solicitors.co.uk be toasting the success of a remarkable enterprise.

Mortimers advert for Shropshire Business 2017.indd 1 05/01/2017 10:52 20 NEWS NEWS 21 Among first of Transit specialists Shropshire motor dealer Furrows has become one of the first in the UK to be chosen A stitch in time... as a specialist Ford Transit centre – and the only one in the county. n Oswestry clothing The new purpose-built centre was opened at Furrows of Shrewsbury, in Harlescott Lane, manufacturer has by chairman and managing director of Ford of sewn up a deal to help Britain, Andy Barratt. Ait expand and become more He joined Furrows chairman Nic Coward and Jane Coward – the wife of the previous eco-friendly – all without chairman – to cut the ribbon at a special dropping a stitch! ceremony to mark the unveiling of the new Sewprint Limited has invested over facility, watched by guests including long- £40,000 in a top-of-the-range 6-head Tajima standing customers and dealership staff. embroidery machine to boost capacity. Furrows joint managing director Russ The firm, launched in 2011, moved into Smith said: “To become a specialist dealer we its new manufacturing base on the Maes- Ian and Angie Roome with a new machine Professional snooker player Shaun Murphy have invested in new showroom and servicing Y-Clawdd Enterprise Park in Maesbury other brands, the machine was supplied 2017, with the help of Telford College of Arts facilities, extra staff and new operational Road in July, as it needed bigger premises and installed by AJS Embroidery, who and Technology. procedures – it’s so much more than just a sign for its expanding business - supplying are the UK distributors for Japanese Angie added: “We really have seen above the door.” and producing embroidered workwear, company, Tajima, one of the oldest and a big expansion in a short space of time, Fellow joint managing director Dave sportswear and schoolwear. most respected manufacturers of industrial and we have ambitious plans to take the Farthing said the group’s previous Transit Customers have included a charity embroidery machines in the world. business to another level. Sales area had been at their Telford dealership. backed by Prince Harry, and professional “It can cope with all sorts of products “Our aim is to continue to provide top “To become an accredited Ford Transit snooker stars such as former world – even baseball caps – in a fraction of quality customised workwear and staff Centre meeting the very latest criteria, we champion Shaun Murphy, and Ricky the time it takes other machines, which uniforms, at a cost-effective price, while needed more space and to reach a wider Walden. means we can remain cost-effective, providing outstanding customer service”. geographical area more easily,” hesaid. The embroidery machine, which has whilst producing high quality embroidered The link with Prince Harry came through “So we have invested in creating the brand been affectionately named ‘Winni-Thread’, garments.” charity Armed Forces Para-Snowsport Team new Shrewsbury facility.” can embroider six garments at a time, giving The combination of the new machine which works to provide opportunities for The Ford Transit Centre at Furrows of the company extra capacity, meaning orders and the move to the new premises means wounded and injured soldiers. Shrewsbury stands alongside the dealership’s can be produced quicker thereby reducing the company has invested over £70,000 in Sewprint, produced merchandise for the existing showroom which stocks Ford, Mazda costs and lead times for customers. the business in recent months, with further charity and provided on-line support through and Kia ranges, as well as its used car and At the official opening are, from left, Furrows chairman Nic Coward, The company is run by Ian and Angie expansion planned. a website ‘shop’. Prince Harry visited the van centre, service department, and multi- chairman and managing director of Ford of Britain Andy Barratt, and Roome, and Ian said: “It is a really exciting The company also plan to take on charity in April and was presented with an accredited accident repair centre. Furrows joint managing director Dave Farthing time for us. Having looked at several additional staff, and their first apprentice in AFPST polo shirt produced by the company. New service hropshire’s largest taxi firm is investing £50,000 into the launch of a new executive service for business Sclients. Bosses at Go Carz have unveiled a fleet of high-end vehicles as part of the new arm of the business, called Go Exec, and employed a new member of staff to manage the service. Author Steve Plant and John Russell of Three Tuns Brewery Will Usherwood, the new business development manager at Go Carz, said: “We have more than 15 drivers specifically trained and selected for the executive service. Everyone is really excited and enthusiastic.” It’s three cheers for He said one of the features of the executive branch was the “premium service” which included free in-car wifi, newspapers and this book of greats refreshments. “It’s an ideal arrangement for businesses who are entertaining The UK’s oldest brewery is helping a lifelong football supporter clients who need to be collected from an airport or train station. achieve his goal of raising £20,000 for Birmingham’s Children “We are already seeing a big increase in demand for the Hospital. executive service, and we are sure its popularity will grow as more Three Tuns Brewery, in Bishop’s Castle, has thrown its support people become aware of it.” behind Steve Plant’s new ‘They Wore The Shirt Book’, which Cindy Wilday, area director of Go Carz, said the launch of Go chronicles the proud history of Wolverhampton Wanderers football Exec was an important development for the business. club through its collection of ‘Gold and Black’ strips. “We have always provided some form of executive travel but by Bosses at the company marked the launch of the 256-page making this investment we are really committing to an absolutely publication by brewing a specially crafted Indian Pale Ale. first-class service for businesses,” she said. John Russell, managing director of Three Tuns Brewery and “The initial investment at this stage to launch Go Exec is in the himself an ardent Wolves fan, said: “Football and ale often go hand- region of £50,000, and we are always happy to make the necessary in-hand and many a match has been dissected over a good pint investments to grow the business. between friends and family. When Steve came to me with his idea “The private hire industry is a tough marketplace, but we feel for a limited edition beer I jumped at the chance. we have the cutting-edge infrastructure and committed workforce to “They Wore The Shirt is a really special publication and the continue our growth.” amount of time and effort gone into producing it is phenomenal, Go Carz is the largest private hire firm in the West Midlands, especially for someone who is running his own business. As soon taking some 100,000 phone calls and carrying out about 75,000 as I saw the draft of the book – featuring my own favourite shirts – I journeys a week across Shropshire and the West Midlands. was sold and started brewing an IPA that would hit the spot.” 22 NEWS Making a difference strategy through extensive lobbying within As we continue to look for growth and corridors of power in Westminster. the skills needed to make it happen, this is Our accrediting body the British an unhealthy position. Chambers of Commerce is engaging with EU funding – Businesses have been ministers and Government departments, familiar with EU funding projects in support Richard ensuring we get the latest information back of growth. It is no accident that following SHEEHAN here on the ground, but equally important our network lobbying, the Chancellor, Philip is that the voice of Shropshire Business is Hammond announced a Treasury guarantee heard and listened to. for the projects agreed this autumn. This Based on the current priorities fed into really does demonstrate outstanding policy us by our members, we have identified clear work by the Chamber network. ith the festive areas of concern that need urgent attention. Shropshire Chamber will continue season behind us, Trade Agreements – International to consult with the business community Trade plays a significant part in the on issues as they occur, and promise to we once again turn Shropshire economy, with goods and provide the very latest information and Wour attention to Brexit – in services already being sent around the direction as we journey into the future globe. We are committed to ensuring together. Our website-based Brexit whatever form it eventually that competitive trade agreements are Information Service will be available to takes. put in place, quickly, efficiently and in full businesses across Shropshire, full of the Our survey work is telling us that consultation with business. This is not a job latest developments and the things you Shropshire businesses have very clear for civil servants alone. need to know. ideas about what the Government needs to Regulation – The unravelling of EU 2017 is going to be a bit of a deliver in 2017. regulation will be a challenge that will tax rollercoaster ride with challenge and Expert Business Specialist Sector The demonstration of strong leadership the best minds. Government must provide opportunity around every corner. Now more and a clear strategy in negotiations is clear leadership and precise communication than ever our business community needs Legal Advice Knowledge vital if we are to avoid a crisis in business to ensure business clearly understands to be connected, working together for the confidence, and the economic impact that what the future looks like to allow strategic growth of our economy, making sure that Award inevitably follows. planning and compliance. Shropshire looks after Shropshire, and Employment Law & Manufacturing The impact of a weak currency will Labour Market – Many Shropshire taking advantage of opportunities within HR continue to put pressure on businesses that businesses benefit from the skills delivered domestic and overseas markets. Agriculture & import goods and raw materials, with the by a migrant workforce. Uncertainty With over 150 business-enhancing Litigation Renewables knock-on effect being felt within consumer around what the future looks like, reduces events, a comprehensive suite of both markets as costs and prices continue to our ability to attract the best talent and classroom and online training supporting winning Commercial Property Construction rise. threatens retention of existing skills – we skills development, and an extensive As Shropshire’s only accredited want early and clear direction. cost saving benefits offer and powerful Business & Charities & Chamber of Commerce, we are totally Our latest workforce survey revealed connected lobbying and policy work on committed to representing our business 41% of businesses employing EU staff say behalf of members, we are making a real Company Law Not-For-Profit community through our connectivity across they have expressed uncertainty over their difference in our magnificent county. the UK. future residency status. 5% of businesses Now is the time to be part of this legal service Agricultural & Rural Education We recognise the significant part it must have seen EU employees resign following expanding community and to get connected. play in keeping our business community the referendum, and 10% have EU l Richard Sheehan is chief executive Town & Country Healthcare fully up to date, whilst ensuring we are well employees who have stated their intention of Shropshire Chamber of Commerce. Visit Planning placed to influence Government policy and to leave the UK. www.shropshire-chamber.co.uk Technology, Media & for your Intellectual Property Telecoms International Law Powers of Attorney business... for Business

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 0800 111 6144  [email protected]  Follow us on Twitter @FBCManbyBowdler Juneau House Routh House, Hall Court Shrewsbury Bus. Park Hall Park Way Shrewsbury, Shropshire Telford, Shropshire SY2 6LG TF3 4NJ www.fbcmb.co.uk The European Union Chamber – the unravelling of EU regulation will be a challenge that will tax the best minds

FBCMB Shropshire Business Mag Full Page Advert 2016.indd 1 13/10/2016 08:38 24 NEWS SPECIAL REPORT 25 News in brief... l Shrewsbury business, property and planning firm Berrys has been rated the number one county-based planning consultancy in Shropshire for the second year running. This has been confirmed by the annual Planning Consultancy Survey which ranks Berrys in the top 50 of planning firms, based on number of consultants and volume of planning work. The launch of the Careers & Enterprise Company’s ‘Enterprise Adviser Network’ l Matt Hignett, an independent financial adviser with Beaumont Financial Planners in Oswestry, has been recognised as one of 35 ‘Rising Stars’ Future workforce under the age of 35 by CityWire’s New ore than 40 business to business leaders with Enterprise Adviser Model Adviser website. roles can have on young people. l A Bridgnorth care home has leaders celebrated the Dr Floyd Millen, head of operation achieved a nationally recognised gold launch of an initiative delivery at the Careers & Enterprise award. Morris Care’s Oldbury Grange Min Telford which will see Company, said: “As someone who grew up passed the Gold Standards Framework a few miles away and now lives in the south Care Homes Accreditation Quality schools and employers join east, I’m pleased that the Marches LEP and Hallmark after a rigorous independent forces to help develop the Telford & Wrekin Council have demonstrated review. It is one of only a select few in workforce of the future. their commitment to bringing businesses and Shropshire to hold the coveted hallmark. schools together in a way that will provide l Representatives from companies Elcock Reisen, the Ironbridge- young people with transformative, life based coach company, has bought a across the borough and the wider Marches changing experiences.” specially commissioned VDL Futura area attended the launch of the Careers & Paul Hinkins, deputy chair of the model as part of its anniversary Enterprise Company’s ‘Enterprise Adviser Marches LEP who was also at the launch, celebrations. The company has begun its Network’. spoke of a skills void and an ageing 90th year of trading. The initiative is aimed at building workforce. l Shropshire businesses are stronger guidance-based relationships “Here in the Marches, there are too leaving themselves vulnerable to the between businesses, schools and colleges many people in the 16-54 age bracket that fallout of cyber attacks by failing to have so young people are equipped with the leave to pursue careers elsewhere,” he said. a disaster recovery plan in place. Less knowledge to develop their workplace skills. Someone has sent something through to your mobile device. A text? An email? A voicemail? Can you afford not to check? “We need to prevent that from continuing than a quarter of all SMEs have plans Held at Enginuity in Coalbrookdale, the by encouraging young people to realise their in place, according to IT infrastructure event focused on the important role that potential with businesses already based expert Chris Pallett, of Bespoke businesses have in ensuring young people Computing in Telford. have access to the right careers advice at here and those which will invest in the region the right time, and the impact that access in the coming years.” Feeling too guilty to be off duty? By Carl Jones Shropshire-based women’s networking It’s just gone 9pm. The group, commissioned her daughter to make a short video raising awareness of the soaps have finished, the phenomenon called ‘device addiction’. washing up’s done, the dog She wanted to find an interesting way of highlighting some of the problems created has been walked, and you’ve by the long working hour cultures that she put the bins out. says a growing number of her clients seem And then, just as you’re about to settle to be struggling against. ‘Happiness is not the into your favourite armchair with a cup “I didn’t want to ‘tell off’ my clients or of cocoa or glass of something stronger, write them nagging emails, but find a way absence of problems but you hear that sharp, shrill sound which of engaging with them, so that I could talk the ability to deal with them’ has become the modern-day scourge of more openly about how they could help relaxation. themselves and their staff to find more Anonymous Lakeside House, Oxon Business Park, Shrewsbury SY3 5HJ “Bing”. Someone has sent something productive and healthy ways of working with through to your mobile device. A text? An Tel: 01743 443043 technology.” email? A voicemail? Who knows . . . but can Kay, who describes herself as a you afford not to check? ‘slightly-reluctant-technology-follower’, Usually, your curiosity will get the better says a long hours work culture is now well www.aaronandpartners.com of you, and before you know it, you’re established in many small businesses immersed back into the world of work, “The way we communicate and ‘stay mopping up a non-urgent email which could Kay Heald gives her views connected’ has been blurring the lines easily have waited until the morning. between work, rest and play. But that’s not always the point, is it? It’s Can you relate to any of this? It’s “Unfortunately, a long hours work the fear of not being seen to be on duty, on that toxic mixture of guilt, curiosity, and culture and ‘anytime’ working can be the ball, and available for your employer at determination to stay ahead of the game, exacerbated by the wider societal problem the drop of the hat. and look like you’re totally committed to of FOMO (fear of missing out) and FOBO And according to a growing number of doing the best job you can. (fear of being off-line). commentators, it is creating a corporate Kay Heald, who runs a successful HR “Social, peer and personal pressures burn-out epidemic, as we lose sight of the consultancy based near Telford, and is can make ‘switching off’ from work and importance of a sensible work-life balance. also joint leader of Network with Style, a devices even harder. u 26 SPECIAL REPORT SPECIAL REPORT 27 t “Although employers can’t dictate an individual’s use of their own devices outside work, they can help empower them to take responsibility for their own actions whilst working.” She adds: “When used well, information and communication technology aids flexible working and can contribute to a healthier work-life balance. “However, research is now showing that technology is making many people actually work longer hours. This has been described as a contributor to the ‘dark side’ of flexible working.” The latest Chartered Management Institute survey of UK managers found 77 per cent working at least an additional hour each day. Up to 10 per cent of managers admitted to putting in more than three extra hours a day and 61 per cent of those interviewed blamed their increases on technology. The CMI study also reported a link between managers working longer hours and them suffering from increased headaches, irritability, insomnia and early symptoms of mental health problems. There is also an unwritten expectation that staff will be prepared to return calls and texts from their employers during scheduled holidays – because they are afraid of what bosses might think of them if they don’t. The average employee sends or Technology can contribute to a healthier work-life balance according to Kay Heald Maura Thomas says one absent-minded glance at your inbox can quickly turn a relaxing evening into a few more hours of work or worry receives more than 130 emails every day, and that figure is only forecast to rise. “Britain is known for its long hours work for the health and wellbeing of workers and Kay, who has more than 20 years Kay says: “People’s access to too culture, but our productivity levels remain it’s not contributing to increased productivity of experience in human resources and much information, or cognitive overload, is well below that of other G7 countries – levels of businesses, owner managers need management development, says it’s vital also widely known to impair the ability to nearly 20 per cent lower, according to the to take action now to break bad habits and that Shropshire companies set clear think clearly, learn new things and make Office of National Statistics. introduce smarter and more effective ways boundaries and codes of conduct regarding decisions. “If a long hours work culture is not good of working.” communication, for the sake of both parties. “Make guidelines explicit and clearly define acceptable and unacceptable in-work and out-of-work communication – such as

LIMITED reasonable time periods for responding to emails,” she says. “Ensure managers, staff, workers Dyke Ruscoe & Hayes and sub-contractors are made aware of company rules and how they can make complaints if rules are broken. Chartered Certified Accountants & Registered Auditors “And lead by example – make sure that senior managers abide by the rules both for themselves and those they manage.” Maura Thomas, an award-winning • Accounts • Audit • Tax • VAT • Payroll • CIS productivity speaker, and author, doesn’t mince her words. She says one absent- minded glance at your inbox can quickly • Business Projections and Forecasts turn a relaxing evening into a few more hours of work or worry. • Inheritance Tax Advice • Company Secretarial “I’ve seen over the past decade how after-hours emails speed up corporate cultures,” she said.”That, in turn, chips • Incorporation • Business Tax and Planning away at creativity, innovation, and true productivity.” • Tax and VAT Returns • SAGE Specialistssl firm prices Still need more convincing? The National Sleep Foundation says: “Reading a work email at 9:30 pm can keep you up with stress. “The blue light from the screen mimics Call or visit us at: 110 Corve Street Ludlow Shropshire SY8 1DJ daylight and stimulates you; and you can wake up feeling tired, anxious, and Telephone 01584 872 421 Fax 01584 877 603 depressed.” And researchers from the acclaimed Harvard Business School say the light email [email protected] Internet dykeruscoe.co.uk Kay Heald says Shropshire companies need to set clear boundaries and codes of conduct exposure from smartphones, specifically Also at Tenbury Wells 01584 810 322 Craven Arms 01588 672 776 blue light, prevents sleep because it Next time you feel pressure to send or l What do you think? Can you relate suppresses the sleep-inducing chemical, read a few more emails before crawling to these issues? Send an email (during melatonin. So that late-night inbox cleanout into bed, or while you’re out with family and working hours!) to editor@shropshirebiz. may feel like a head-start for the following friends, stand firm and hold off. com. To watch the video made by Kay Large firm experience - small firm prices first- meeting free morning, but all the evidence points to the You may find it incredibly liberating if Heald’s daughter, see Kay’s channel on fact that it causing more harm than good. you can avoid such temptation. Youtube 28 NEWS NEWS 29 Small businesses meet challenges of National Living Wage UK holiday market to benefit from Brexit New research from the Federation of Low Pay Commission to be given flexibility wage costs and further one in five (19 per The devaluation of the pound against other news for us and the British tourism industry. We Small Businesses has found that small on how to meet the Government’s NLW cent) said labour costs went up significantly currencies is persuading many people to plan were delighted with touring and static caravan, firms are meeting the challenge posed by target of 60 per cent median earnings by as a result of the new wage. their holidays in Britain this year, as jetting off to motorhome and campervan sales at the show the new National Living Wage (NLW) – 2020. Of the businesses that report the sun is set to become much more expensive. and it was particularly pleasing to see a large absorbing the costs by taking lower profits. The FSB wants this target to be increasing labour costs from the NLW, the That’s the conclusion of award-winning number of first time buyers, who ranged from Following the introduction of the new adjusted if it becomes clear the economy majority of them (59 per cent) absorbed the caravan, motorhome and campervan dealership young families to retired couples.” wage in April, small businesses have cannot bear the rapid pace of NLW increased cost through reduced profitability. Salop Leisure after speaking to customers at the The Brexit theme continued when Salop demonstrated their resilience in meeting increases. The NLW is currently projected However, the FSB says some firms West Midlands Caravan and Motorhome Show Leisure’s sales team attended the Motorhome this challenge, the FSB says. to rise by £1.85 per hour over the next four have had to take other action in order to in Shrewsbury, which unveiled the 2017 models and Caravan Show at the NEC, Birmingham. But it says some businesses have years, reaching £9.05 by 2020. stay afloat, such as increasing their prices from leading manufacturers. One of the top salesmen at the show was George struggled to do so. FSB research found that the majority of (35 per cent), reducing staff hours (24 per The show, held at Salop Leisure’s Emstrey Harris, a touring sales executive at Salop Leisure, The FSB’s quarterly business survey small business were already paying all their cent), cutting investment (23 per cent), and headquarters, attracted more than 20,000 visitors who secured record sales found that 47 per cent of small businesses staff above the new NLW of £7.20 an hour. recruiting fewer workers (16 per cent). – seven per cent up on last year’s event - over Mr Bywater said: “I have been involved in now cite wages as the main contributor to However, despite this, about a third Some businesses also sought to meet nine days and produced record breaking sales. the caravan industry for 50 years and I’m more the rising cost of doing business. of businesses (32 per cent) said the new the increased cost through improved “The main topic of conversation was Brexit optimistic than ever about business prospects for The federation is now calling for the wage has led to some increase in their efficiency (13 per cent). and the devaluation of the pound, which is 2017. going to make overseas holidays a lot more “I think it’s going to be a fantastic year for the expensive,” said Salop Leisure’s chairman Tony industry and our company, especially with the Bywater. “It seems that a lot more British people opening of our new touring park alongside our will be staycationing this year, which is great headquarters.” County cranes for car plant Tony Bywater of Salop Leisure hropshire-made cranes In addition to designing, manufacturing and delivering the 35 tonne crane, Pelloby also are being supplied to project managed the removal of the existing one of Britain’s big car crane and installation of the new system. Smanufacturing plants. Operator training was provided for the Interns join the BMW staff and to further guarantee the utmost A 35-tonne capacity overhead crane has been installed at BMW’s Swindon MINI Plant by UK in workplace safety, an ongoing maintenance lifting equipment manufacturers Pelloby Limited. contract was put in place which will see the The electric travelling crane system, which Pelloby team inspect the crane on a regular features a double girder design and wire rope basis. Energize team hoist unit, was commissioned as part of a project BMW has also placed an order with Pelloby to replace an older crane in the site’s press shop. The crane in place at Swindon for two more 35 tonne cranes to replace other The finished crane, supplied by the Telford- cranes in the press shop which are due to be based company, offers a 9.8m height of lift and spans 21.7m installed towards the end of this year. between two pre-existing gantry supports. Walkways were Pelloby’s managing director Glen Hickman said: “It is a pleasure incorporated into the design on the external side of each of the to be able to supply cranes for various production processes taking crane’s beams to provide access for maintenance and inspections. place at this plant.” June Walden, who chairs the ISGA, with Helen Culshaw of Ascendancy Rio inspires a website ...or you could learn The success of the Team GB gymnasts in Rio has created a new generation of youngsters wanting to emulate Olympic medallists. about business And the Independent Schools Gymnastics Association has been working with Shifnal-based Ascendancy Internet Marketing to design a new website to handle large amounts of data on a from a book. national level. Zara Morris and Bryony Lainton – new interns at Energize Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin The new website aims to provide British youngsters with the information hropshire’s county coaching activities including the Women and advice to help them on their way to Make Coaching initiative. providing Team GB with further successful sports partnership – Bryony, 23, who lives near Wem, is in gymnasts in the future. Energize Shropshire, her second year of a Business Studies BA Ascendancy director Helen Culshaw STelford & Wrekin – has (Hons) course. Wrekin college said: “We were delighted to work with Helen White, business development the ISGA in designing their new website welcomed two new officer at Energize, said: “Zara and Bryony and making it easier for users to access university interns to its have quickly embedded into the team, and information and advice. We have helped are providing extra support in some of our Business School make that path as smooth as possible.” team. key areas. They are helping to organise Zara Morris and Bryony Lainton are The new website is used by a coaching workshops, dealing with customer both working one day a week at the Open Day Saturday 25th March 2017 wide variety of people from teachers, enquiries, booking venues, and helping with competition judges and coaches as well Energize headquarters, based at the marketing.” as parents and pupils wanting to know University Centre Shrewsbury building. Energize helped the county’s schools, Wrekin College, Wellington, Shropshire TF1 3BH when and where competitions are. It also Zara, 20, is a second year Sport community groups and voluntary sports www.wrekincollege.com allows people to download photos and full Management BSc student at University clubs to access more than half a million 11-18 co-educational day and boarding school [email protected] sets of results. Centre Shrewsbury, who is working on pounds of funding to put on new or 01952 265603 various community-based sports and improved activities during 2016. 30 EXPORT EXPORT 31 Become part of a searchable directory of UK exporters Steps to take when planning to Shropshire businesses wanting to buyers and international investors. Whether part of a brand new searchable directory break into overseas markets, and take businesses are new, occasional or of UK exporters which government will use advantage of the global appetite for UK frequent exporters, they will be able to take to match their products and services with goods and services, are being urged to visit advantage of the new suite of tools and worldwide demand. trade on the international stage the new online trade hub, GREAT.gov.uk. exclusive deals on fees or commissions A new tool on GREAT.gov.uk will help It is a single digital destination for trade with some of world’s leading online businesses access the best e-commerce From not researching the potential in fast growth markets: it is predicted that and investment, bringing together and marketplaces. By registering with the find opportunities via preferential deals with the overseas market properly to failing to have emerging markets will be importing more connecting UK businesses, international a buyer service, businesses will become world’s largest online marketplaces. sufficient insurances in place, businesses than they are exporting by 2026. can easily find that the value of any Consider the risks – Risks are higher potential hike in sales has been wiped out in foreign markets than at home. Monitor Nicole simply because the paper work wasn’t your progress against your plan and re- correct or shipments were held up at assess the risks at regular intervals. That GUNTER customs. includes mitigating your supply chain risk There are important steps to take when by forging close relationships with your Focused on driving planning to trade internationally for the suppliers and buyers. first time, here’s a few which shouldn’t be Keep an eye on costs – Businesses xporting to new missed out. thinking about international trade for the markets is something Do your research – The internet can first time or targeting a new overseas which many provide a wealth of how-to information for market should make sure they have the first-time importers and exporters, but it’s right resources and commitment to put an overseas market Ecompanies are now keen also important to research your market and towards it. A good understanding of how to explore, especially with where there is a need for your product or fluctuations in exchange rate will affect north Shropshire the uncertainty over what service. profitability and pricing is vital. Get advice – It is always worth seeking Check the legalities – Understand the company is planning our international trading an expert view on the logistics of moving rules of engagement, particularly issues a major expansion of goods overseas. We’re often surprised at such as duties and paperwork. Finding out relationships will look like in itsA overseas sales, thanks to how many companies are paying too much at the outset what is required might save a a post-Brexit era. for their shipping simply because they’ve few headaches later. the support it has received What do they need to consider? made assumptions on the size, weight and Look to the long-term – While every Proper planning and research can make packaging of a consignment. And it’s worth profitable sale is welcome, it is always from the Department for the difference between success and failure speaking to other exporters, to find out what worth looking at long term market potential, International Trade. for businesses considering importing and works for them. to assess whether initial investment might Haydox @ The Wood Yard, which exporting either for the first time or to new Define your market – Find out how bear fruit later. manufactures and distributes access markets. your product and service might need to be Look beyond your borders and consider equipment for the offshore oil and gas Launching an overseas trade adapted for export and what regulations the opportunities in rapidly growing sector, became part of The Wood Yard, in programme can be a daunting prospect must be complied with. This will be markets. Whitchurch, Shropshire, in the summer of – and if it goes wrong, it can also be a moving landscape in coming years l Nicole Gunter is managing director 2015. extremely expensive. following Brexit. Think about opportunities of Telford company Global Freight. It only began to export in earnest earlier in 2016 but after achieving 75% of sales to six countries in just over 12 months, it is putting in place an ambitious overseas growth programme for 2017. Christine Hamilton, interim regional £35,000 investment adds Ireland director for DIT West Midlands, praised the company for focusing on driving its overseas trade. She said: “It has tapped into an in- to distribution company’s contracts demand sector and is providing vital access Ningbo Palletised Distribution, which equipment to a range of offshore companies has a contract to deliver hazardous and I’m delighted that the work The Wood materials in the SY and TF postcode Yard is doing with our Shropshire team is areas, has launched a new venture in yielding positive results. Ireland. “Its success demonstrates the value of The company has invested £35,000 in working with our ITAs. With our support and creating Ireland Express, in response to an guidance, companies can access whole new increase in exports to Ireland since Brexit. markets, which help them to strengthen their Ningbo’s managing director Chris business, lead to expansion and the creation Stockton said: “Businesses in Shropshire of jobs in the local economy.” seeking to ship products across the Irish Haydox @ The Wood Yard, which supplies timber pole ladders and aluminium Sea have to use a multitude of partners. stagings for the oil and gas sector, has been “This often comes with numerous bits working with an International Trade Adviser of paperwork and documents, increasing Andrew Haydock, managing director of the Wood Yard, has participated in a at DIT in Shropshire since the summer of number of DIT export programmes, including strategic export workshops time spent. 2015. “By launching a dedicated nightly Andrew Haydock, managing director He said the support he has received markets in the Arab Gulf, South East Asia service to Ireland using our existing of the Wood Yard has participated in a over the past few months has enabled and the Far East. structure and adding to our fleet, we are number of DIT export programmes, including him to become more focused on putting Mr Haydock said: “The support we’ve able to save companies time and money, strategic export workshops, and has been together a detailed strategic export plan. It had from the DIT really has helped us to as well as offering a stronger option.” supported by digital trade advisers on web will also mean he will be able to reduce his push us further in our ambitions. He added: “Ireland is the UK’s fifth and social media platforms, improving search reliance on outsourcing manufacturing and “While we knew what we wanted to do, biggest trade partner, and the Irish engine optimisation and designing a website bring more work in-house. getting the support and mentoring from our economy continues to grow and improve for international markets. Haydox @ The Wood Yard already ITA has enabled us to look at how we can at a fantastic pace. We’ve noticed an He has also received advice from exports to United Arab Emirates, Qatar, explore new opportunities. increase in goods being exported to Ireland Coventry University-based IntaTrade, on Thailand, Malaysia, South Africa and “We’re very excited about our plans for and Northern Ireland and predict this rise matters such as routes to market, intellectual Singapore. 2017 and we’ll continue to work with our to carry on.” Ningbo’s managing director Chris Stockton with an Ireland Express branded wagon property and copyright and branding in Increasing demand for its products international trade adviser as we grow our overseas markets. means it now has its sights firmly on new markets.” 32 NEWS NEWS 33 Next generation of Pitfalls of losing engineers in training business partner Graham ould you want a Another issue that businesses rarely consider is what would happen if an WYNN board meeting with important member of your team such as the your deceased Production Director was off sick for a long Wbusiness partner’s spouse? Mark period, or, worse still, died. Over the years I have had many For many businesses the cost would started my engineering meetings with company directors and EVANS be significant and like many other risks the apprenticeship at college business owners who may indeed have had answer is to insure against it. to deal with their business partner’s spouse The company can insure a key in Bridgnorth. After more or partner. individual to provide funds in the event of Idecades than I’d care to You may wonder how this would come So what can you do to prevent this? that key person dying etc. and so provide remember, I was back to pass. Firstly you need to ensure that in the worst cash at a difficult time. Training ‘on the job’ is vital, but had fallen out of favour for a long time Well, basically if your fellow shareholder event the surviving shareholders have One final point regarding life cover for there in December to help (for simplicity I will refer to limited sufficient funds to purchase the shares of company directors is that your life cover launch a £2.9 million centre apprenticeships. In November 2015, the of public money, they ensure the LEP companies, but partnerships are equally the deceased. can be paid for by your company. It is which aims to train the next Marches LEP awarded three contracts delivers what the business community affected) dies and leaves his shares to his Secondly you need to ensure that if the deductible for corporation tax and is not a which will see hubs set up in Bridgnorth, needs and that it achieves value for money spouse or partner, then you have a new surviving directors wish to purchase the P11D (benefit in kind) to you. This is called generation of engineers. Shrewsbury and Hereford. These in everything it does. business partner. ‘relevant life cover’ and is written for the There was a period of at least 20 years shares or the surviving spouse or partner training centres will create nearly 2,700 Our LEP Board Members lobby the So, at a time when your business has wishes to sell them, either party can force benefit of your family – making it a highly when the vocational training route had apprenticeships and deliver more than Government on issues which are critical somewhat fallen out of favour. Its legacy lost a valuable asset on the death of a the transaction. tax efficient way to protect your business. 1,960 additional qualifications over the next to the growth of our economy and they director, you have inherited a shareholder Thirdly there needs to be a simple l Mark Evans is an independent was a workforce not equipped for the right five years. direct skills, transport and business support job, and jobs which employers couldn’t fill who, at worst, may want a say in the mechanism to achieve this at a time of great financial adviser, and chartered financial Importantly, the contracts were awarded committees – working for the benefit of with the people who had the necessary direction of your business and at best be stress to both your business and the people planner, from Beaumont Financial, based in to consortiums including employers and businesses based here and the people who skills and qualifications. But the tide is entitled to a dividend. involved. Oswestry training providers. They will work together, live and work here. turning. The realisation has dawned that apprenticeships and training ‘on the job’ is in partnership, to create fantastic careers They do this for no fee, no salary, no absolutely vital if we are to not only support and develop our future workforce. bonus and no expenses. They give of their our businesses to grow, but tackle the I recognise that I come back to this word considerable time and expertise freely. current skills crisis head on. – partnership – quite a lot in letters and So as we head into what may again be The Government has announced it emails I write, and speeches I make. The another challenging year for our region and wants to support employers to achieve private sector contribution not only to these our businesses, I’d like to place on record a target of three million apprenticeships skills projects but also to the LEP itself my thanks to each and every one of them. by 2020. And the Marches LEP has cannot be under-estimated. l Graham Wynn is chairman of the responded to this call by securing £3 The majority of our Marches LEP Board Marches LEP, and founder of award-winning million of funding to develop a project to members are from the private sector. They Telford company TTC, which is now one of create three Advanced Manufacturing direct LEP work, they work with our local the UK’s largest national driver retraining “…beautifully appointed bedrooms . . . Hubs in the region, which will create 2,700 authority partners to monitor the spending companies. o fering a style and sense of luxury that would put most five-star hotels to shame” Charles Starmer-Smith, The Daily Telegraph

Available as an idyllic retreat for businesses and private hire for individuals and groups Luxury accomodation | Fine dining Wealth of activities | Fast speed broadband Conference facilities

Let your imagination run wild 01948 780785 | [email protected] www.iscoydpark.com anything is possible at this glorious stately home Keeping the cogs of industry turning – Advanced Manufacturing Hubs in Shrewsbury, Bridgnorth and Hereford will train thousands of people Iscoyd Park, Whitchurch, Shropshire, SY13 3AT 34 NEWS More rights Pop-up practice he landmark legal ruling which granted Uber taxi drivers the same rights as employed workers could have a knock- Ton effect for thousands of other people, according to Shropshire legal experts. The London Central Employment Tribunal has found that a group of Uber drivers are not self-employed people, but workers who are entitled to receive the National Minimum Wage and holiday pay. Uber is an app which connects registered drivers with passengers directly, instead of through a centralised booking Johnson Design Partnership team members preparing service or by just hailing a car in the street. for their Ludlow show, from left Matt Spinks, director and Ryan Bickham of PCB Solicitors says: “In a world where senior architect, Kim Chesters, practice manager, and temporary positions or short-term engagements are becoming more Michael Daw, architectural assistant prevalent, one of the key questions is exactly where and when do the lines become blurred and such workers become ‘employees’? A Shropshire architectural prospective clients face to “On the back of the Uber case, couriers working for takeaway firm hosted a ‘pop-up practice’ face, build up relationships delivery firm Deliveroo, which currently classes its drivers as self- on the outskirts of Ludlow. with people and connect employed ‘independent contractors’, have already taken legal steps Johnson Design Partnership with businesses, offering to gain unionisation and workers’ rights such as paid leave.” staged the two-day exhibition consultation on general Prior to the hearing, the Government appointed Matthew Taylor at the Clive Hotel in Bromfield design matters or specific to examine the ‘gig economy’ to address concerns about the lack of when a range of architectural projects. workers’ rights for individuals in non-standard work arrangements, models, visuals, drawings and “Ludlow is an amazing such as maternity leave, holiday and sick pay, and pensions videos were on show. place to live and work and we protections. Founder Vic Johnson are keen to raise our profile Ryan says: “The Uber case has already seen a shakeup across said: “Our aim was to meet here.” the employment industry, particularly those offering self-employed jobs as part of a wider organisational structure. “There are several different definitions in UK law on workers and employees. An employee, for example, has full protection including unfair dismissal and redundancy, and a worker has some protection, including holiday pay, a maximum of 48 hours work a Pension plot? week, rest breaks and an entitlement to receive minimum wage, There are early whilst a ‘gig’ economy worker, might be opted out of all of those.” signs that some pension savers risk exhausting their funds in retirement. NICK The Association of British Insurers has published statistics for JONES the first full year since the Freedom and Choice pension reforms were remained consistent, with £1.48 introduced, covering the period billion invested, compared from April 2015 to April 2016. to £1.49 billion the previous While the figures show that quarter. the majority of savers are taking The ABI said that the fall in a sensible approach, there are annuity sales in the last quarter signs that a minority may be probably reflected ongoing withdrawing too much from their pressure on annuity rates. Those pension fund. rates have since been pushed Moreover, that minority is down further by the Bank of doing so at rates that would see England’s August decision to cut their money run out in a decade interest rates to a new all-time or less, if they are reliant on it as low, and to introduce further their main source of income. quantitative easing measures. Specialists in traditional and contemporary, commercial During the last quarter, Retirees opting for 0345 515 0084 4% of pots had 10% or more drawdown pensions should seek and domestic bespoke joinery. For all your joinery needs. www.morris-joinery.co.uk withdrawn, with many other professional help to calculate [email protected] savers taking their whole fund how much money they can in one go. However, the data is withdraw each year without unable to reveal whether these running out. Unit 10, Bicton Business Park savers may have multiple pots While selecting a balanced Isle Lane, Shrewsbury, SY3 8DY or other sources of regular and well-diversified investment income. portfolio is critical, knowing how The most recent quarter also much money to take from a shows a slight drop in the sales drawdown policy is arguably of of guaranteed income (annuity) greater importance. products, with £950 million l Nick Jones is the invested, compared to £1.1 principal of Nick Jones Wealth billion in the previous quarter. Planning in Shrewsbury, a Sales of flexible income partner practice of St. James’s (drawdown) products have Place Wealth Management 36 SPECIAL REPORT SPECIAL REPORT 37 Banking on valuable feedback from Shropshire companies

Glynn Jones explains that agents help to communicate policy to a broad audience and to promote a widespread understanding and trust of the monetary and financial stability policy framework This intelligence is not just analysed and communicated internally, but is also viewable externally, via the Agents’ Summary of Business Conditions, which The Bank of England’s iconic headquarters in London, heads up regional branches forming a UK network is published on the Bank’s website at the same time as the minutes of the MPC’s hen the Bank of responsibility was still to provide a banking monthly meeting. and banknote distribution service, and The summary includes the agents’ England’s monetary branches continued to issue notes into the ‘scores’ together with findings from special early 20th century. policy committee surveys commissioned by the MPC and From 1930 on, however, the branches Wsits down each month to set based on interviews with contacts to gained a new function – a requirement investigate a particular issue of topical the base rate of interest, it to send confidential reports on business interest in more depth. conditions to Threadneedle Street, the carefully considers feedback Glynn continues: “The agents are also Bank’s iconic London headquarters. widely known through their representational received from its network of This intelligence gathering role was agents across the UK. further enhanced by the establishment of role, notably our presentations of the These agents tour the country seeking the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee in Inflation and the Financial Stability Reports. the opinions of all sections of the local May 1997. “In Shropshire, this involves regular business community, and are regular Glynn says: “The network now had a key presentations to the business community, visitors to Shropshire. role to play in enabling the Bank to collect including the Business Board, events at And our county’s connection doesn’t ‘proper regional and sectoral information for Telford College of Arts and Technology, and end there, because Glynn Jones, the the purpose of monetary policy formation.’ the Telford Business Partnership. Bank’s deputy agent for the West Midlands “Since then, the agents’ role has “This engagement is not confined to and Oxfordshire, was born in Telford continued to evolve and grow to include businesses but also includes the wider and spent many years being raised in intelligence pertinent to the Bank’s financial community, the third and education sectors. Shrewsbury. stability functions, an aspect of work which Through this role, the agents help to The Bank has 12 agencies which form Glynn Jones, the Bank’s deputy agent for has been given added impetus by the recent communicate policy to a broad audience a national network across the UK, and the West Midlands and Oxfordshire, was creation of the Financial Policy Committee and to promote a widespread understanding Glynn Jones pictured with Brian Seadon at Telford Business Partnership Glynn works from offices in Birmingham city born in Telford and spent many years being and trust of the monetary and financial and Prudential Regulation Authority. and gain insights into the workings of the nearly two decades, with agents acting as centre. So, what exactly is their agenda? brought up in Shrewsbury “With around 9,000 contacts a year stability policy framework.” economy, including underlying dynamics of judges in regional heats and finals. Glynn explains: “Our primary role is failure of many provincial banks. The main across a range of sectors, the Agents As part of this engagement, Glynn change – not just what is happening here “All in all it makes for a busy, to assess both economic and financial reason for establishing the branch banks have access to a deep pool of business says the agencies also host regional visits conditions based on the views of was to enable the Bank to take further intelligence. by policymakers and facilitate meetings and now.” challenging but thoroughly rewarding job – I businesses in the region as an input to the control of paper note circulation, in order to “In Shropshire, I visit a very diverse between them and firms around the country. One of the more enjoyable aspects of can honestly say no two days are the same. policy making process, both for monetary prevent another crisis. range of businesses, from local farmers to “Through these meetings - and events the job, according to Glynn, is interaction “And while the agencies have a long and financial stability. The agencies “The Bank’s Court of Directors decided major manufacturers, tourism operators to - such the recent Future Forum held in the with schools, and the business people of pedigree, they continue to perform a vital therefore form a vital link between business that branch business should be conducted car dealerships, logistics and not forgetting Midlands in October - policymakers are able tomorrow. role for the Bank which recent events – not and the Bank. by ‘persons of commercial knowledge with my favourite – the food and drinks sector. to engage directly with the public and the “The agencies have been instrumental least the heightened uncertainty following “The Bank’s regional branches were local experience’.” “We also hold two panel meetings in business community. in the Bank’s schools’ challenge - Target the EU referendum vote to the more wide first established in 1826 as a response to While the network of branches grew and Shrewsbury and Telford, drawing together a “And they are able to hear, first-hand 2.0 - which has been attracting entries from ranging responsibilities given to the Bank by the financial crisis of 1825-26, involving the changed during the 19th century, their basic range of local employers.” accounts, about the issues facing both over 250 schools from all over the UK for Parliament - only serve to reinforce.” 38 NEWS SPECIAL REPORT 39 Return to the dam, 50 years on Fire in Work takes place in the shadow of the dam Work commenced in the mid-1960s The Clywedog Dam as it looks today Shropshire sand has been called upon as part of a scheme and gravel, my Grandfather hired every to install a new hydro-electric system in the available tipper within a 30-mile radius of and gravel company lower basin of the dam. Ellesmere,” said Tudor. is supporting a Managing director Tudor Griffiths said: “Concreting of the main dam started A “It’s such a great feeling to be working on early in 1965 and continued until October programme of work on one the dam so many years after my grandfather 1967, and during that time approximately of the biggest dams ever first won the initial contract.” 252,000 cubic yards of concrete were The Clywedog Dam was built to placed, so it really was a massive project.” his to be built in Britain – more eliminate flooding in the upper Severn valley, Once the dam was complete, the area than 50 years after they creating a domestic water supply for a was landscaped to make it look like a natural first won a contract for the large area of Wales and England, and also lake and the water stocked with 17,000 trout. generating electricity. The Clywedog Sailing Club was also formed. project. The site is three miles from Llanidloes The current project on the dam involves Tudor Griffiths Group, from Ellesmere, and 60 miles from the Tudor Griffiths head the installation of a new 100 kilowatt hydro- first signed a deal to supply sand and gravel office and quarry in Ellesmere. electric system on the weir wall at the lower for the building of the Clywedog Dam in “When the dam was built, it really was an basin of the dam, and Tudor Griffiths is 1964. incredible feat of engineering, and to ensure working alongside the appointed contractors, And now the family-owned company we could supply sufficient amounts of sand Bentleys. belly Taste for adventure – Christo McKinnon-Wood pictured on his travels in India By Chris Austin day he saw a bright future. Kadai Firebowls were born. Director or Business Owner? “He formed this idea of using those old t started out as a road trip. Indian cooking bowls. They were almost Christo McKinnon-Wood obsolete and Christo decided to recondition Looking for truly independent them to create a new product.” took a beat-up old Enfield Gradually, Christo’s business evolved Ibike over to India so that and by 2002 he was selling a range of financial advice? sandstone that had been hand carved by he could do what the young highly skilled craftsmen in Rajasthan. and adventurous do: go They used classic English designs from travelling. the 18th century, creating inspiring works There’s lots of financial advice out there - but when you’re busy running your business it’s The founder of Kadai Firebowls that were quickly bought by the company’s quickly fell in love. The culture, people customers. His business, which is based sometimes difficult to focus on your personal finances. Beaumont Financial Planners offer and treasures of that remarkable country at Home Farm, Leebotwood, started to truly independent financial advice tailored to your specific needs. Working with company dazzled his senses. take off. Over time, he developed a retail directors and business owners means that we understand the specific financial complexities and An antiques dealer by trade, Christo outlet, just off the A49, while using a large needs of individuals whose finances may be closely linked to those of their business. wondered whether he might ship a few warehouse to store new treasures from his pieces of furniture back to the UK. He’d regular visits to India. To find out why our clients voted Beaumont’s Mark Evans one of the Sunday Times VouchedFor started out on London’s King’s Road and His company’s ethos was about top 250 IFAs in the country, and what we could do for you, visit beaumont-financial.co.uk was sure there’d be a ready market for such embracing the outdoors, just as his friends or call us on 01691 670524 to arrange a free initial consultation. Indian treasures. did in Indian. Christo found architectural To arrange an appointment treasures that people could use in their own Christo was so enamoured with India Barbecue time – firebowls come in with Mark, or one of our gardens. Quality was king. that he began to visit regularly and by 1995 a variety of shapes and sizes Beaumont Financial Planners Limited he was regularly selling items at a small Josephine adds: “We work with a lot 21 Salop Road, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 2NR other advisers, call us on 01691 670524 antiques market in Shropshire, at Church They were on a rooftop garden and as of family workshops out there and all the t 01691 670524 e [email protected] Stretton; a town in which he’d made a the sun began to set the temperature fell. designs are unique to us. Christo comes home. Josephine says: “They had a big Kadai up with new ideas here in Shropshire then Josephine Beasley, Kadai’s marketing bowl, the sort that are used to cook for large goes over to India five times a year to help www.beaumont-financial.co.uk manager, takes up the story: “Christo made numbers of people at festivals, parties and the workmen create the new products. The some really important connections in Indian weddings. products are then shipped to us in large and nurtured some great relationships.” “It was just lying around but the people containers. We get several each month.” Beaumont Financial Planners Limited is an appointed representative of pi financial ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Beaumont Financial It was during one of Christo’s many trips there decided to use it get warm. So they Creating desirable products, of course, Planners Limited is registered in England. Registered address - Emstry House North, to Rajasthan, in Northern Indian, that he started chopping up old pieces of furniture was only one part of Christo’s business. He Sitka Drive, Shrewsbury Business Park, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY2 6LG. Registration number 08707394. pi financial ltd is registered in England. Registered address: had the idea for Kadai Firebowls. so that they could light a fire.” also had to find ways of introducing new Morfe House, Belle Vue Road, Shrewsbury, SY3 7LU. Registration number 3556277. It was the mid-1990s and Christo had The evening continued into the early customers to his architectural antiques as been spending time with friends. hours and when Christo awoke the next he developed a UK market. u 40 SPECIAL REPORT SPECIAL REPORT 41

Christo sold sandstone items, hand carved by Rajasthan craftsmen Christo decided to recondition firebowls to create a new product Kadai Firebowls are frequently used in TV shows, like ITV’s Beowulf The Kadai Firebowl fits perfectly in to the Beowulf background t That work was successful, though it amount of television programmes, movies and The Mummy, a Tom Cruise movie due “They all sit around it and you see it took many years of hard graft. and online channels. for release later this year. quite often on the programme.” Today Kadai Firebowls has a wide range Their products were first used in Pirates Josephine adds: “We have people Such exposure brings the company of customers, from those who will spend of the Caribbean in 2006 and since then who come down from a lot of the film great PR. There’s a flurry of social media £20,000 a time on extravagant, showpiece they have been used in numerous films and studios. They come up from London and engagement following the screening of items to young couples who have bought TV shows, including Robin Hood (2009), rifle through our warehouse and basically TV shows or films with people asking one new homes and want something unique for Game of Thrones (2010), ITV – Love your choose things that they might like. another whether they saw a particular item their garden. Garden (2011), Your Highness (2011), “They take a lot of the furniture to use on the big screen. And while that doesn’t Exhibiting at shows has helped to drive The Bastard Executioner (2016), Beowulf as props in a lot of movies. The items are necessarily correlate to instant sales, it sales and Kadai have been award winners (2016), Winter Watch & Spring Watch antique, Indian and unique-looking. enhances the brand and opens new doors. at Chelsea Flower Show since 2004. Their (2015 & 2016), DIY SOS: The Big Build – “There’s a permanent Kadai bowl on Garden shows, like Chelsea, are products have also featured in an enormous Shropshire (2016), Autumn Watch (2016) Spring, Autumn and Winter Watch too. more effective as sales channels. “We did about 13 shows in 2016 and there will be more in 2017. We also have our own little retail outlet on the A49. And we have 200 stockists around the country and in Europe. “We are looking to push out to America and Australia. We also do a lot of business online.

“We have people who come down from a lot of the film studios. They come up from London and rifle through our warehouse and basically choose things that they Keeping warm on the set of BBC’s Autumn Watch – the hosts huddle around a firebowl might like. They take a lot of the furniture to use as props in a lot of movies.”

“The shows are driving considerable growth. Up until last year, it was a slow organic growth but now it’s started to explode a little. We launched a new website in 2016, which helped phenomenally. “And we’ve been able to see the link between new business and our appearance at shows. When we attend an event, people see the product, pick up a leaflet and tend to buy soon after. A lot of orders come in post-shows.” The company has 25 staff and a bright prospect. And Christo gets to carry on doing what he’s always loved most – travel, create new products and sell. He’s at the Shropshire company’s base practically every day. His main focus remains product development – he loves to invent new products then take those ideas Crowds, wellington boots and squelchy mud. Ah yes, it’s festival time. What better than drying out by a giant Kadai firebowl back out to India. Kadai firebowls range from a £20,000 centrepiece to something more suited to the garden 42 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY COMMERCIAL PROPERTY 43 Town welcomes Japanese eatery

Brian Seymour with the SMI Back Stop product Things heat up for SMI Thermal insulation specialist Seymour Manufacturing International (SMI) has expanded into larger premises as it prepares to launch new products and clinch fresh export deals. The award-winning company has relocated from Sutton Maddock to the Paul Hinkins, with Gerry Jewson, at the Halesfield site former Sensotherm unit on the Stafford Park industrial estate in Telford. The move has Mike Matthews, Charlotte Nutting and Toby Shaw prepare for the Japanese restaurant already created two new jobs – with the hope of more to follow. restaurant unit in the already runs a Japanese restaurant in Founder and managing director, Brian London and 12 across Japan. Seymour, said: “These sophisticated, and heart of Shrewsbury, The unit is now undergoing a thorough much larger premises are key to the exciting owned by the same re-fit which will see it dramatically Jobs joy thanks to plans we have at SMI for more product teamA as the historic Prince transformed before its relaunch. launches, and continued expansion. Shrewsbury-based FBC Manby Bowdler “We are currently in talks to set up new Rupert Hotel, is due to open solicitor, Charlotte Nutting said: “In recent trading links with Saudi Arabia and Russia as a specialist Japanese years, Shrewsbury has grown in to a over the next few months, as our business eatery following several first-class destination offering restaurants goes from strength-to-strength. and bars that easily rival the very best UK “Our new home is custom-built to a years during which it has cities. It is, therefore, hugely gratifying to rejuvenation work very high standard with much better staff stood empty. have worked with Mike and Toby to agree project to transform are delighted that through our Marches meant that this project was able to move facilities, and also gives us scope for further Formerly the “La Trattoria” Italian the details of the new lease on this prime Investment Fund, we have been able forward when it did. expansion, with extra building land.” restaurant on Fish Street, the unit has been location unit. a dilapidated four- to support Dicentra in making this “Whilst we had secured interest from a SMI is the company behind Tempro, the owned by Mike Matthews, owner of the “The new lease holders were especially hectare site in transformation happen. tenant, without a tenancy agreement signed lightweight thermal insulation material which nearby Prince Rupert Hotel, for over 20 keen to make their first UK investment TelfordA into a state of “The LEP is focused on how it we were prevented from considering more has been scientifically proven to cut energy years. It has, however, stood empty since outside of London in Shrewsbury given the can support the private sector to build traditional funding options – the Marches loss by 25 per cent in chillers, and 33 per 2012 and with the economic downturn, Mike unique character of the town and made the art industrial facility businesses and create jobs and the Investment Fund provided a solution to cent in freezers. felt it unwise to launch another restaurant clear that they wanted to make a long-term could provide up to 240 Marches Investment Fund is a very real this.” It is a world leader in thermal insulation until the market had picked up and commitment to the area.” way of doing this. We know that support of With a significant amount of levelling off for the protection of food, chemicals, stabilised. He explains: Whilst it’s unusual for independent jobs, starting with those this kind where finance can facilitate stalled work completed, including a significant cut agricultural and home delivery products, “When the unit was run as La Trattoria, restaurant operators to express a lasting in construction – thanks projects to move forward, is exactly what and fill exercise, a yard in which deliveries serving a diverse range of sectors from we had a larger than life character at interest in a new location, the lease to £720,000 of financing businesses keen to grow are looking for in can now be done in a safe and efficient supermarkets and pharmaceuticals to blood the helm and this helped enormously in negotiations were all straightforward and as the current economic climate. manner has been achieved. banks, and the Ministry of Defence. maintaining the success of the business. Mike adds, he had every confidence in the from the Marches Local “In addition to bringing commercial Mr Jewson added: “The application SMI’s customer base is a who’s Simply, without him the options for a FBC Manby Bowdler team. Enterprise Partnership. schemes to fruition, the fund can also be process was straight forward and the who of top names, including Waitrose, successful business when the market “I’ve known Charlotte and her team for In the first deal of its kind in the region, used by housebuilders looking to complete support received from the Marches LEP Morrisons, Asda, Greggs, the Co-op, Tesco, was experiencing a downturn were less many years and always turn to them for my the LEP’s pioneering Marches Investment schemes and, through loan assistance, team throughout the whole process has Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencer, and Lidl. favourable. property needs – both business-related and Fund has provided the loan to Mold-based by projects needing to complete their final been invaluable. One of SMI’s most recent innovations “Shrewsbury has, however, enjoyed personal, says Mike. developer, Dicentra, so that the former stage feasibility studies.” “The competitive loan rate was not only is Back-Stop, a family of insulated flexible considerable growth in its night-time and “They provide sensible, honest advice Brintons carpet factory on Halesfield, can The challenge was to transform over attractive from a commercial perspective, barriers designed to reduce energy loss hospitality economy in recent years and and are very responsive to my needs. be brought back into productive economic two acres of steeply sloping ground into one but it’s also been reassuring to know that from the back of a chilled or frozen vehicle. when we decided to once again let the Fish Indeed, I am now looking at engaging them use. of Telford’s largest and most modern yards. the interest charges will go to further benefit Mr Seymour said: “We are all excited Street site, we secured a new tenant very on some HR and personnel needs that I Paul Hinkins, deputy chair of the Thousands of tonnes of soil have the local community.” about what the next chapter holds for SMI. quickly.” have through my business at the Prince Marches LEP and Chair of the Telford been removed so that up to 6,000 sq m Interest payments from the scheme Brexit creates wonderful opportunities for Legal advice on the lease was provided Rupert. Quite simply, this demonstrates my Business Board, said the loan was the of disused industrial floor space could be go back into the loan funding pot, which British businesses to sell their products all by Charlotte Nutting of FBC Manby confidence in them handling my legal needs first to be made to the private sector from commercially developed and as Dicentra is also further boosted by a share of over the world. And we intend to increase Bowdler’s commercial property team, and other than just those relating to property.” the fund, which has more than £4 million director Gerry Jewson explains, the receipts from sales of development land in the proportion of our products which we the marketing of the site was managed by Once the new restaurant is launched, it available to support projects. £720,000 loan, and the competitive interest Telford – an agreement negotiated as part assemble right here in the UK. It’s a win-win Toby Shaw of Taylor Shaw Roberts who is anticipated that it will create at least 10 full He said: “We are tremendously excited rates, made a huge difference to the project. of the Marches LEP’s Growth Deal with situation for everyone.” secured a 15-year lease with a tenant who and part-time jobs. to see this project come to fruition. We “The loan funding that we received Government in 2014. 44 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY COMMERCIAL PROPERTY 45 Story time just got interesting Telecoms National retailer finds new children’s book shop, company with a café andA basement relocates A telecoms firm is Church Stretton home events rooms for targeting a record year of storytelling and growth after relocating to p to 10 new jobs will new offices in the heart of parties, has opened Oswestry’s business district. be created in Church in Shrewsbury town Ocean Telecom has Stretton when a moved to a 1,700 sq ft office centre. on Mile Oak Industrial Estate Unational retailer moves into Button and Bear, in Thornes as part of an expansion drive the town. Hall, Castle Street, is a family The woodland themed room in the basement of Button and Bear that is targeting more than The former Scrappies recycling store in enterprise run by Louise and £1.8 million in contracts by the Jon Chadwick and their four Lutwyche Court, Lutwyche Road, has been Trust for nine years, gave up the l In another deal marketed end of 2017. daughters, Emma, Becky, Lucy let to The Original Factory Shop, which has London-based post two years by Halls, a personal fitness The company, a provider 220 stores around the country. and Ellie. They also employ four ago to study for a degree in business based in Halesfield, of business mobile, landline, The 6,085 sq ft building, has been let part-time staff. occupational psychology at the Telford, has celebrated its first broadband and hosting, has on behalf of Church Stretton Consolidated The shop has a small University of Wolverhampton. birthday by opening its second a 12-strong team of sales, Charities by Halls. activities area for parents and “It’s a complete change of studio in Shrewsbury as part of a technical and administration Mark Dodington, acquisitions manager children who want a break from pace to my previous work with five-year drive to expand into 150 staff at its new premises. for The Original Factory Shop, said the shopping, while downstairs there the Book Trust, but I love it,” said locations nationwide. Ocean Telecom has company would be making a significant is a woodland themed room for Louise. HITZone owners Stuart Cain enjoyed huge growth since it investment to refurbish the building before storytimes, rhymes and special “The challenge of something and Jodi Ambrose are working was founded in 1997 and now opening in either February or March. events. new is great and our shop is closely with licensee Christine looks after big-name north “We will be employing in the region of Button and Bear leased the in a great location with a lot of Heath to establish the new studio Shropshire clients including six to 10 people,” he added. The former Scrappies recycling store in Church Stretton will be The Original Factory Shop shop, which has a sales area of footfall. at Sweetlake Business Park, in Pentons Haulage, Fullwood, “Church Stretton has everything that we 895 sq f t and a lower basement “The growth area in books is Longden Road. The Orthopaedic Hospital, want, which is a good mix of independent Paul Stephens, chairman of Church premises in the town which has given them area of 698 sq ft, through the children’s market with a focus Christine has let the 1,614 The Fort and Hawk Group. shops and a good, solid food store. Stretton Consolidated Charities, is delighted an opportunity to readjust and the charity commercial agents Halls’ on picture books and highly square foot, end of terrace, Jeremy Rose, managing “We are a multi merchandise retailer that James Evans from Halls Commercial, is now in a good position and James has Shrewsbury office. The shop was illustrated books. single storey unit. director of Ocean Telecom, which offers very good value to customers who lives in the town, has managed to found us a national retailer to move in. marketed with a rent of £18,000 “Despite the rise in e-book, It has designated car parking said: “This is a great move for and we would like to find a lot more sites attract a national retailer. Hopefully, The Original Factory Shop will a year. parents are still keen to buy spaces, and Christine says our business and gives us the like Church Stretton but that’s quite a “We are very pleased that a national attract more visitors to Church Stretton.” Louise, a former director physical books for their children she is hoping to initially build independence and space to challenge. Expansion is a priority for the company is taking the building in one Mr Evans said the letting of the building of programmes for the Book to read. membership to 50. grow.” company and we will consider any good lease and this will help us to reinvest in the was “great news” for Church Stretton and opportunity to open new stores in small community over many years,” he said. “This was one of a series of deals that Halls market towns in the next financial year.” was a good deal for everyone and every Commercial was hoping to complete during The Original Factory Shop’s nearest part worked together. what promised to be a record December for store to Church Stretton is in Leominster. “Scrappies has moved to smaller the Shrewsbury-based company. Church is set to get a different use New life is set to be breathed into a Grade Two listed former Shrewsbury church which is up for sale for £300,000. Commercial agents Halls say The Congregational Church, Coton Hill, is suitable for a variety of alternative uses, subject to planning consent. Existing planning consent allows retail use. The deconsecrated church extends to 5,953 square feet – 3,724 sq ft on the ground floor and 2,228 sq ft on the first floor – and comes with eight car parking spaces. Built in 1909, the brick church served Office space available in Shropshire's most desirable one of the suburbs of Shrewsbury and incorporates significant stone detailing with business park, surrounded by historic woodland but an Italianate style clock tower. minutes from Shrewsbury and the M54. Meanwhile, in another Halls deal, a three-in-one business between Shrewsbury and Welshpool comprising a village Halls say The Congregational Church, Coton Hill, is suitable for a variety of alternative uses With high-speed fibre-optic broadband included and convenience store, off license and Post an on-site landlord, enjoy the finest working Office has come onto the market for to grow the business at Halfway House friendly opening hours had contributed to the £50,000. Stores, Halfway House, which has been growth of the business. environment in the county - and the best commute. The store has a sales area of 562 sq ft open six days a week from 7.30am to 7pm. “The extension has enabled us to with a rear stores and welfare facilities. The Mr Blugher, who will continue his keep more stock in the shop and it now property is fitted out as a post office and ownership of the adjoining Tony’s Diner, is looks more like a convenience store that Sansaw Business Park convenience stores and is served by a large selling Halfway House Stores to investigate customers take seriously,” he added. car park. another business opportunity. “I want a buyer who is going to take 01939 211100 [email protected] Current owner Harry Blugher says He said extending the front of the the shop forward and who pays the rent on he’s looking for a buyer who will continue store, doubling the stock and the customer time.” 46 TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY 47

Matt Hancock, Minister of State for Digital and Culture More households and businesses will be able to benefit in the months to come Acting Superfast to connect a county ccess to broadband – helping them to do business, access public services and connect with family and frequently features friends in a simpler and quicker way. as one of the most “It’s great to hear more than 2,000 Aimportant issues for homes and businesses are now able to connect and I hope many more will follow.” Shropshire businesses – Councillor Angela McClements, Telford particularly those who are & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for Customer and Neighbourhood Services, based in the most rural said: “As the roll-out continues even more or remote corners of the households and businesses will be able to county. benefit in the coming weeks and months The Superfast Telford broadband thanks to the terrific work of the project team. The big advantage of the hosted system Horizon is that there is no hardware on site, except for handsets, and it has an partnership has celebrated the achievement easy to configure web-based portal so is ideal for multi-site businesses and home workers alike of two important milestones. “It’s important to remind people that upgrades do not happen automatically. More than 2,000 homes and businesses services now form a very substantial part of good for companies with home-based or Once an area has gone ‘live’, households across the borough are now able to access our business. ‘on the road’ employees as it means that and businesses who want to take faster fibre broadband as a result of the The big advantage of our hosted calls to their direct dial or office extension The Superfast Telford broadband advantage of the many benefits, like the partnership, which connected the first system, Horizon, is that there is no numbers can be seamlessly diverted to Thomas family, need to opt for an upgrade partnership is celebrating milestones hardware on site except for handsets and their mobiles, making contact easier and premises in Dawley just over 12 months through their chosen fibre broadband “I think it is very important that people it has an easy to configure web-based quicker for customers and ensuring that ago. provider.” Matt portal so is ideal for multi-site businesses the employees feel an integral part of the Other areas of the borough to benefit so like us can work from home and not have to Ian Binks, BT’s regional manager for SANDFORD and home workers, giving firms of all sizes company team. far include Lawley and Oakengates. travel miles to work every day or even have the West Midlands, said: “Faster fibre In addition, households and businesses to move back to the city to do our jobs. broadband is changing the way people the features and benefits of big expensive The system is also ideal expanding and in Ironbridge, Lightmoor, Rodington and “These days we do everything online, communicate, learn and do business. corporate systems within a user-friendly developing to suit a company’s changing Waters Upton have been able to access especially since having our baby in July. “Whether you’re updating a website, online portal. needs. fibre broadband for the first time as a result Being able to do things like internet banking researching the internet for homework or osted phone systems It means you can take your number Local companies who have recently had of the Superfast Telford roll-out. and shopping makes things a million using it for catch-up TV – everything is were one of the big wherever you go! Pure’s Horizon system installed included Local residents Emma and Edward times easier, especially in the run-up to easier, better and faster if you use fibre technology success The entire system is then centralised Pipekit, Beaumont Lawrence, Miller Evans Thomas were among the first to opt for an Christmas. broadband, especially at this busy time of in the cloud, meaning it can be accessed and Nick Jones Wealth Planning, which is upgrade when fibre broadband went ‘live’ in “We also use iplayer a lot for Hstories of 2016 and I predict from anywhere with an internet connection based on Shrewsbury Business Park and the year.” Waters Upton. downloading and catching up with TV. By the end of 2017, around 9,300 their popularity continuing in the event of a disaster and there are no has business and private clients across the Emma, a senior executive in an But the new service is also fast enough to households and businesses will have on-going maintenance costs. country. international financial services firm, said: stream live content as it happens rather access to fibre broadband, with 8,800 to boom during the coming We cover site survey, installation and Principal Nick Jones said: “My initial “We wanted high-speed broadband in order than having to download overnight.” of them able to get ‘superfast’ download year. all UK landline and mobile calls, as well as reservations regarding the quality of calls on for us both to be online at the same time, Lead partners on the Superfast Telford speeds of 24 megabits per second (Mbps) Our company recently reported a huge features such as call recording and auto a VoIP system have proven unfounded. and because we often need to connect a project are Telford & Wrekin Council and and above. surge in sales of hosted ‘VoIP phones’, attendant, in a simple monthly licence fee. “Now we have a much more number of different devices to the internet. It BT. All the latest information on the which carry calls over the Internet, and Plans can be created for different professional system, allowing many more has made a huge difference to us since we Matt Hancock, Minister of State for programme can be found on the these are now the fastest growing systems circumstances, such as bank holidays calls in and out simultaneously leading to a upgraded in May. Digital and Culture, said: “Fast, reliable partnership’s website by visiting in the UK. or unexpected office closures, and calls great experience for our clients and much “Having access to this kind of broadband is no longer a luxury but a www.superfast-telford.co.uk There has been exceptional expansion can be diverted or twinned with employee more productive time for the team making technology means we can live in the necessity. The site includes a map searchable in this sector in the last 12 months, and as smartphones to be answered away from and receiving calls.” countryside but be as connected as if we “Superfast speeds will bring significant by postcode where people can sign up to we have now developed into a specialist in their desks. l Matt Sandford is managing director were in the city. benefits to people in Telford and Wrekin receive updates. this area we are finding that hosted phone A hosted phone system is particularly of Pure Telecom in Shrewsbury 48 TECHNOLOGY

QUALITY INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY Communicating business MCCONNEL in an ever-changing world BLAZING A TRAIL Deal with people and organisations that speak to you plainly. If they try to blind you with their technical prowess from the outset how are you going to handle them when there are tricky issues in the relationship? he pace of change them when there are tricky issues in the relationship? FOR UK INDUSTRY in communications l Ask for references. If they can deliver is staggering. In a on their promise, someone they already Thandful of years the ways MARK work for won’t be shy in letting you know A multi award-winning British manufacturing businesses talk to their that. WAUGH l Use their tools on them. If someone company, McConnel is the world’s leading customers, and to each claims to be an expert in search engine other, have altered beyond optimisation, see if they’ve got their own supplier of Power Arm and remote control green website good search engine exposure... all recognition compared If it’s pay-per-click advertising, are they maintenance technology. to decades of what came achieving good positioning for themselves techniques with cutting-edge technology or other clients? And look them up on social before – and the revolution that makes it possible for people with only McConnel has blazed a trail for quality, innovationFM 25970 and service a bit of knowledge (and jargon) to run rings media * How are they engaging? What’s rolls on relentlessly. their tone of voice? Do they feel like a good The rest of what it takes to run a around you. excellence for more than 80 years and is an international advocate for your business? business hasn’t necessarily changed so I know that’s slightly cynical, but recent l market leader with exports to 40 different countries. much. There’s still always the morass experience has highlighted to myself Check any claimed credentials. It’s of red tape to wade through, never- and my colleagues that it’s exactly what not essential to use suppliers who sign-up FM 25970 ending HR matters to deal with, record is happening on a daily basis to many to industry schemes, but if they claim to be, keeping (including constantly changing businesses and organisations we come into for instance, a Google Partner, check them requirements) and, oh yes, still your actual contact with. out in the Google Partners directory. There are many who claim to be who are not. product or service to be delivered. It’s really easy to get lost in a blizzard of THE QUEEN'S AWARD That being the case, expecting hard- sales pitches and conflicting advice when It might feel like a wild frontier FM 25970 FOR INNOVATION 2002 working business owners and senior you start to look around for providers, but sometimes, but the communications managers to keep up with the latest there is a route through that should see you revolution is actually as much subject to evolution in social media or digital marketing into clear air, where you can discern the the rules of good business practice as any is a big ask. wheat from the chaff. other. This, in turn, makes it hard to evaluate It comes back to basic business Approach it like that and you can avoid the people you will need to bring in to principles and good practice: beating yourself up that you’re not down deliver those essential elements of modern l Deal with people and organisations with the geeks! McConnel Limited Tel +44 (0)1584 873131 marketing, whether in-house or on an that speak to you plainly. If they try to l Mark Waugh is managing director of agency basis. blind you with their technical prowess from Be Bold Media Ltd, based in Newport, and a Temeside Works, Ludlow, E-mail [email protected] There’s an interface of communications the outset how are you going to handle former daily newspaper online editor Shropshire SY8 1JL United Kingdom Website www.mcconnel.com 50 NEWS NEWS 51 Peter’s honorary membership hropshire businessman around the world. This year they numbered It all 540, the maximum that the venue could Peter Starbuck has accommodate. become just the “Why so many want to attend is not only Sthird person in history to talk to world-class specialists, but to take away their messages to reflect upon.” to be awarded honorary Messages brought back by Professor adds Starbuck from the latest Vienna trip membership of the Drucker included: Society Europe. l Marketers must continually check The society studies and celebrates with their customers if they are receiving the works of Austrian-born management the products and services they want, which consultant, educator, and author Peter may not be what the supplier is providing. up to Drucker, often described as ‘the father of This relates to Drucker’s purpose of an modern management’. organisation, to ‘create a customer’. His writings contributed to the l The greatest challenge for a small philosophical and practical foundations of to medium sized business is succession; the modern business corporation. children of the founder don’t often have the Professor Starbuck, from Oswestry, same burning desire to succeed as their an has written extensively on Drucker in his parents. own right as well as making contributions l Computer science has changed the to other leading management books, and way we work and think, as it has developed his thesis on Drucker is the only one lodged from the expensive exclusive mainframe with the British Library. Award – Professor Peter Starbuck of the mid-1940s to today’s smartphone, The Drucker Society Europe meets which give access to all corners of the world interesting who invented management, Drucker has every year in his home city of Vienna, and where electricity can be generated. What Professor Starbuck, who was chairman and directly influenced a huge number of should not be forgotten however, is that the managing director of construction company leaders from a wide range of organisations. modern day mainframe has also undergone WSJ Group from 1966 to 1987, has “Studying and applying Drucker’s continual development and is still central for attended all eight gatherings. ideas can help organisations to succeed, major systems. year ahead He said: “I first became aware of the and in particular avoid the mistakes of the Professor Starbuck said: “The theme work of Peter Drucker in the mid-1970s, past – whether they are private, public or of the Forum was The Entrepreneurial Last year ACCA conducted research looking at the future of the profession and the shifting business demands that would shape the role of accounting when I read Drucker’s Management: charitable. Society and how it affects all our lives and ccountancy priority for the coming year must be opening “It is vital that opening up apprenticeship Tasks, Responsibilities and Practices. I “Each year the Forums gain in content organisation. up pathways into professional careers, such placements is not seen simply as a way related practically to his ideas and was an and reputation. The number of world- “We were told to treat change as professionals have as accountancy, for the next generation. to offset levy payments but as a practical immediate convert. recognised contributors increases, resulting a natural process, which was termed spelled out a three- Apprenticeships will play a key role here. way to arm students with the transferable “Hailed by BusinessWeek as the man in increased attendances of delegates from ‘activism’, rather than defend the present.” Apronged plan which they John Williams says: “The success of skills required to succeed and add value to apprenticeship will depend very much on businesses across the board. believe will help their sector both demand and supply. Demand needs to to succeed in 2017. be generated at all levels if apprenticeships Build on skills to address rapidly John Williams, head of the Association are to succeed in opening up new and high changing business needs of Certified Chartered Accountants, says a quality career pathways. However, there As well as preparing for the workforce focus on skills reflects the increasingly vital is some way to go on this. Recent market A of the future, ACCA’s wish-list highlights NN IVE role professional accountants play in the research conducted by YouGov on behalf the need for the continued professional RSARY wider UK economy, of ACCA found that one in three students development of accountancy professionals 20 Years Of Freight Forwarding Excellence He says: “The unpredictability of political between the age of 16 and 18 had not as they offer a steady hand as firms deal events in 2016, and how they can have received careers advice on apprenticeships with a shifting business landscape. dramatic impacts on the future of trade and at all. Last year ACCA conducted research regulations, has really focused attention “Offering more apprenticeships and looking at the future of the profession and Need Help With International Trade? across business on the need for forward- improving the visibility of alternative routes the shifting business demands that would in to professional careers for those who looking strategic finance professionals at the shape the role of accounting professionals. are unsure about graduate routes, will lay very heart of firms. The report found that shifting business “This year also comes with fresh the foundations for a diverse, highly-skilled expectations alongside globalisation and uncertainties, whilst the promised start of talent pool when we need it most.” digital connectivity agendas would require Brexit negotiations in the spring means that accountants to ‘step out of the back room’ the UK government will be relying on the Promoting transferable skills on offer and develop the creative, emotional and insights and expert guidance of accountants within apprenticeship routes on a scale rarely seen before.” Many Shropshire businesses are digital skills to have a hand in shaping The ACCA is urging policy-makers, preparing for the incoming Apprenticeship business strategy, particularly as companies business leaders and professional Levy which will see many businesses prepare for instability during Britain’s exit accountants alike to place these three contribute to and draw down upon funding from the EU. issues right at the top of their priority list. to open up more apprenticeship places for John Williams says: “Accountancy school leavers. professionals must gear up for years Securing the skills pipeline However, recent ACCA research of uncertainty and build upon existing Accountancy professionals will form the found that half of all respondents felt an competencies to offer trusted, technically bedrock of reliable financial advice as the apprenticeship would limit their career path advanced advice as businesses prepare to Contact Us government triggers Article 50 and enters flexibility further down the line. navigate changing trade relationships, new in to negotiations in 2017, the ACCA says. John Williams says: “Although regulatory environments and put together 01952 270 699 As students are counted within migration apprenticeships offer direct routes into reliable financial forecasts. [email protected] targets and the certainty of freedom of specific sectors the schemes are engineered “With big changes comes opportunity. www.global-freight.co.uk movement remains in doubt, universities’ to offer a range of transferable skills. In Professional accountants have a critical role Export | Import | Cross Trade | Warehousing | Packing enrolments from EU students could take a many cases these routes instil leadership to play in ensuring businesses are able to Global Freight Services Ltd | Unit C3 hit. Prevention rather than cure will be key and project management capabilities, navigate the uncertainty ahead and seize Customs Formalities | Sea | Air | Road | Rail Halesfield 23 Telford | TF7 4NY in ensuring businesses aren’t hit by a dearth financial management skills and improved the opportunities that will arise along the of skilled workers further down the line. The communication abilities. way.” 52 CHARITY CHARITY 53 First for store is set to be an annual event The first Charity Christmas Market to be and sold their Christmas gifts and cards or throughout the weekend were exceptional. Donating to worthy causes held at a county furniture store was hailed offered an activity for the children during “The charities all seemed to enjoy the Generous staff at a Shropshire Each month Henshalls staff as a success – and will become an annual the event, whilst performers entertained event and we hope it helped boost their insurance brokers gave an early donate money from their salary event. shoppers. funds this year. Christmas present to a whole host of through their staff tote scheme, The two-day event hosted solely for Store manager Andrea Cutler said: “The “We hope this is the start of a charities thanks to their fund-raising and those payments have gone charitable organisations was held at Alan atmosphere at our first Charity Christmas programme of events to be held in the efforts. to: Midlands Air Ambulance, Cuan Ward in Shrewsbury. Market was excellent – the children who space and we will be welcoming the The team from Henshalls in Wildlife Centre, Diabetes UK, and A total of 20 charities set up their stands gave up their time to sing or perform charities back to give us their feedback.” Newport and Shrewsbury have JDRF charity. raised £1,000 in the last 12 months “We’ve also raised additional from a wide range of activities. And cash by organising events including now, they have shared their charity dress down days and cake sales, Help given totals between several local and and those donations have gone to: national causes. The Harry Johnson Trust, Newport Elsa Mackay, who co-ordinates Food Bank, Hilbrae Rescue to our rural the company’s fund raising initiatives, Kennels, Severn Hospice, Rotary said: “The charities were chosen as Club of Newport to help Newport many of us have been supported First Responders, Guide Dogs for communities by the organisations themselves, or the Blind, and the Hillside Animal we’re connected to them in some Sanctuary. way, or they are causes that we all “And it’s not just the money just feel very strongly about. we’ve raised – we’ve also donated “It’s great to have been able to unwanted blankets, quilts and towels split the amount we’ve raised and to Hilbrae Rescue Kennels to support donate equally to each of our chosen the dogs while they wait to be Nina Evans and Elsa Mackay from Henshalls recipients.” rehomed,” said Elsa. pictured with some of the charity donations Carol service raises The Rural Charity is a new arm of the Shropshire and West Midlands Agricultural Society There’s a new name on Shropshire’s £500 for local hospice high streets after a county-based charity opened its first ever set of shops. The Rural Charity is a new arm of the Shropshire and West Midlands Agricultural Society, and has opened Cindy Wilday from Go Carz is pleased to assist Telford Juniors Disabled Academy furniture and household shops in Shrewsbury, Wem and Oswestry. The shops were formerly operated by Relate and closed when the Shropshire branch of the charity ran into difficulty in October. But they are now open again under the new banner of The Rural Charity, selling second-hand furniture and other Assistance items, with all profits going to help farming and the rural community of Shropshire. Society director, Ian Bebbington, said: “We have had a fantastic start. “The shops were already well- established and we have kept the majority of staff and volunteers to help with the continuity. for minibus “The society has never done anything Shropshire taxi firm was decided that it was necessary to have like this before so it has been a steep has stepped in to their own vehicle. learning curve for us, but it’s going really Shropshire’s largest private hire firm, Go well so far. support a junior Carz, was contacted by the club and agreed “The aim of the shops is to provide disabledA football academy – to help sponsor the project with a donation extra income so we can do more work to meaning the group can now of £250. The congregation at the FBC Manby Bowdler carol service held at Shrewsbury School’s chapel support the rural community in Shropshire Cindy Wilday, the firm’s area director, – which is exactly what the society was take to the road in a new said: “Telford Juniors Disabled Academy do carol service organised FBC Manby Bowdler organises the event and their families joining us for this festive established to do in 1875. minibus. an amazing job. They have grown over the by a Shropshire law every year to mark the start of the festive occasion. “We want to be able to make Telford Juniors Disabled Academy set last four years and are no longer restricted season and support a local charity. “The carol service is one of the highlights donations to people who need retraining about fundraising for the new vehicle after to helping disabled people, they have now firm raised £500 for The firm’s staff choir played a starring in the FBC Manby Bowdler calendar and or financial support, as well as being able targeting the need of a minibus to get them extended that to include people from under- SevernA Hospice. role, leading the singing during the service. marks the end of a very successful year for to help the society’s supported schemes to away games and tournaments. privileged backgrounds. Around 150 clients, representatives from The 20-strong choir is made up of partners, the firm. such as the Royal Agricultural Benevolent The group was set up about four years “They have been raising funds to buy a local businesses and other organisations solicitors, paralegals and administrative and “We would like to thank everyone for Institution and the National Young ago and claims to be the biggest of its minibus and then they needed to insure and joined staff from FBC Manby Bowdler at support staff and meets regularly. their support of Severn Hospice, which does Farmer’s organisation.” kind in operation. But large transport costs tax it, so it was quite a fundraising exercise its annual service in Shrewsbury School’s Senior partner Niall Blackie said: “We such great work supporting young people needed every time they needed to travel, it for them.” chapel. were delighted to have so many clients, staff with life limiting illnesses and their families.” 54 SPECIAL REPORT SPECIAL REPORT 55 What direction for commerce?

Many analysts feel the election of Trump ought to – in theory – be in Britain’s favour in terms of striking a trade deal with America A special relationship? usinesses just don’t Christopher Greenough says: “He would not have been my vote, but neither was Brexit. know what to make of I’m sure that he will have a lot of policy Donald Trump right writers behind him. Bnow. One minute he’s a “I think he will be looking for our special relationship to continue and, now we are staunch supporter of Brexit, not in Europe, that actually puts us in a the next he’s standing by better place. I think regardless of who was silently while his right-hand elected, the UK would have been at the front of the queue on any trade deals.” trade chief urges other The last word goes to Shropshire countries to take advantage accountant Rob Whittall, who has a unique of the EU exit by moving out. perspective. He runs the US office of In the two months between confounding accountancy firm Dyke Yaxley, based at Ashley Shackleton, head of public affairs for the British Chambers of Commerce his critics and being sworn in as the 45th Cleveland in the crucial ‘swing state’ of president of the United States, Donald Ohio. By Carl Jones they ask me ‘What’s the view of business?’ Yet as the months have passed, there’s a Trump has tweeted, preached and “ I believe he will take a far more and I’m always clear in saying that business feeling that it seems to mean less and less. moderate approach as he indicated with his doesn’t just have one view. Ashley believes it has essentially bought procrastinated his way to unsettling almost Rob Whittall runs the US office of Dyke his could be a year of everyone. Yaxley. He believes Trump will take a acceptance speech, and he’ll have a strong “That certainly wasn’t the case before her time to quickly assemble a new team So what exactly does his victory mean far more moderate approach and will be team behind him. great opportunity for the EU referendum, and it isn’t the case in Government to begin the dauntingly for Shropshire companies in 2017, and supported by a strong team “I’m not concerned about Mr Trump Shropshire businesses since. The size of a business and its complex task of putting the meat onto the as President because having someone geography play a part, but so too does their bones of a Brexit strategy which they never beyond? and trigger a harmful trade war which T– but it’s also going to be in that position who has come from the exposure to international markets. expected to be having to write. Many analysts feel the election of could shrink globalisation and cut business Trump ought to – in theory – be in Britain’s world of business and not from a political a time of great uncertainty, “The last poll we did before the With Brexiteers in key roles, such as opportunities for partners such as UK. background potentially could be great news referendum showed 54% of our businesses foreign secretary Boris Johnson, he says favour in terms of striking a trade deal with Outside the EU, the US is the UK’s with more questions than America in a post-Brexit world. for business. said they would vote to remain, and 37% it has given her some ‘cover’ for whatever biggest export market, with a fifth of UK But that would be on the presumption “He understands what businesses need answers over the shape of said they would vote to leave – certainly not she eventually negotiates, knowing that in goods and services sent to the world’s that his policies will be consistent, not to run successfully and his policies could post-Brexit Britain. overwhelming, but the majority for remain. all probability she won’t be able to give the biggest economy, equivalent to 6% of the contradictory . . . and who feels they can make real sense for business people. That’s the view of Ashley Shackleton, “And surveys since the referendum Leave campaigners every single item on guarantee that right now? UK’s GDP. “Running the country like a business head of public affairs for the British show that, like the rest of the population, their shopping list. Trump was a big supporter of Brexit, The majority of Shropshire business rather than taking a political approach could Chambers of Commerce, who spelled people seem to have kept to the same The next big milestone in the process and unlike Barack Obama, he insisted comments on Trump’s victory have be very good news indeed.” out some of the big challenges facing the views. It hasn’t really changed enormously.” is the triggering of Article 50 beginning our Britain would not be “at the back of the been expressing either astonishment, Rob, whose work involves tax planning economy to a packed breakfast briefing in Ashley sees this as a ‘critical moment’, two-year Brexit process, and the publication queue” for a trade deal. exasperation, and disappointment. for UK and US businesses and high net- Shrewsbury. not just for the United Kingdom as a whole, of the Great Repeal Bill in parliament. But relations with Downing Street are Shropshire Chamber of Commerce chief worth individuals, continues: “Far from being Ashley heads up the political arm of the but also for the long and proud history of the Ashley says: “One of the things we have hardly cordial. Before leaving No 10, David executive Richard Sheehan described the the catastrophe that many people seem to BCC, lobbying and commentating on behalf accredited chambers movement. been calling for is regulatory certainty. Cameron described Trump as “divisive, result as ‘interesting’ but suggested it may believe it is, Donald Trump’s election could of more than 70,000 affiliated businesses. “I take my role very seriously in terms of “What do we do about a lot of the EU stupid and wrong” – and don’t forget, the actually lead to better trading relationships be an opportunity for businesses in America His visit to the expo event at engaging with Government, making them regulations if we leave the EU, for example? heated Parliamentary debate over whether between UK and US companies. He is and in the UK, and I’m looking forward to Shrewsbury Town Football Club, one of hear, and be very clear, about the issues we “This Great Repeal Bill will be to ban him from visiting the UK. certainly not expecting the door to be finding out more about his plans for the the big networking shows organised by think are important, going into the next few converting a lot of these regulations into UK Some economists warn his threats of suddenly slammed shut on transatlantic future.” Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, was years of transition.” law, and from that point the Government tariffs could hurt American industries that trade. l What do you think? Email just one step on a big fact-finding roadshow. Prime Minister Theresa May’s signature can see whether any of them should be depend on international supply chains, Salop Design and Engineering Director, [email protected] with your views “When I speak to people in Whitehall, phrase has become ‘Brexit means Brexit’. amended or scrapped.” u 56 SPECIAL REPORT SPECIAL REPORT 57

Ashley Shackleton recently attended a business expo held by Shropshire Chamber of Commerce. Pictured at the event are Richard Sheehan, chief executive of Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, Nick Jones, Corinne Brown, Paul Cook and Rebecca White t “It is clear that there will be no off- the-shelf solution. The UK is looking for a bespoke relationship with the European Union.” So will it be the so-called ‘soft Brexit’ along similar lines to the arrangement with Norway – much like being a full EU member without being part of the decision making process, including free movement and membership of the single market and trade deals? Will it be a nudge further down the line like Turkey, which has a customs union, and is unable to do its own unilateral trade deals? Might we go for a simple free trade agreement along the Swiss model, which Ashley Shackleton is always vocal about the benefits the UK has trading on a global stage wouldn’t include membership of the single “That means going systematically “You can see the problems that might and getting free trade agreements. This market? through sectors, and size of business, and arise from this. That unfortunately is a bit of new department is going to have to work Or is it going to be the all-out ‘hard quite a lot of engagement with ourselves, a warning that any deal made between the across Whitehall to get all the views, as well Brexit’, which means operating under World and other business bodies, to ensure that EU and the UK may be extremely tricky. as with stakeholders, to make sure they Trade Organisation rules. they know our views.” “The practical side of supporting negotiate on our behalf.” Ashley says: “This hard Brexit is I think As the fifth largest economy in the businesses – getting them exporting, “The Government needs to always keep what all sides want to avoid, with potentially world, and a global leader in areas such as is extremely important at this time. We in mind what our economy needs. Is it just 10% tariffs on things like cars, and no single Sue Steadman of RBS, Leah Whitley, Teresa Rowe, Angela Lewis of KRL and Justine Vaughan finance, pharmaceuticals and aerospace, actually need to put a lot more emphasis on high skills, professors and scientists, or market access to services. of Triangle HR at a Shropshire Chamber of Commerce event, attended by Ashley Shackleton the UK picture is ‘quite complex’, he that, even beyond our negotiations with the actually do we need low skills as well?” “But it would mean that we would have acknowledges. EU about what we are going to get, which is The BCC has downgraded its growth Areas of most concern among moment is not good for business. More the ability as the UK to do free trade deals It’s vital, Ashley adds, to ensure that a few years down the line.” forecast for the UK in 2017 to one per with other countries. businesses, Ashley reports, include the needs to be done to bolster confidence and financial companies still feel able to be cent, rising to 1.8% in 2018. But Ashley impact on EU funding and regulations, and incentivise investment. “It is important to say that if we stay in based in the UK – particularly bearing in “There really is potential acknowledges that the true picture of the the European Economic Area, and in the the future immigration status of EU nationals “Businesses very much look at the mind that many Swiss banks currently have economy’s strength will only start to emerge customs union, we will not be able to do living and working in the UK. immediate future, and see the instability of operstions in London, merely to gain access here for businesses to once Theresa May triggers Article 50, and unilateral trade deals with third countries “This is where we are focusing our the exchange rate as of critical concern. to EU passporting rights. look to international the exit door swings ajar. like the United States. policy attention. We have actually been very Depending on what business you are, a And so, to the deal itself. Even when it’s He ends, though, on a positive note. “There is a lot of talk about this, but vocal about the status of EU nationals who weaker pound could be good or bad, but on the table, Ashley warns that it will be far markets to grow” “We are going through a period of great actually we don’t have the clarity enough to are living and working here at the moment. we want a stable currency, not one that from plain sailing to get the package ratified uncertainty, and through partnership with know whether the UK will have the ability to “Forget from a human level in terms fluctuates.” – as the Canadian trade deal with the EU Ashley says he is seeing examples Government and chambers of commerce, do those trade deals.” of giving these people certainty who may Ashley says it’s also crucial over the has shown. of companies now looking at export there really is potential here for businesses Since the referendum back in June, have been living here for a number of years coming months that the Government is clear Many years in the making, it had to go opportunities in South East Asia – to look to international markets to grow. the BCC has been carrying out extensive in good faith - we are actually telling the on exactly what businesses want – and through every single parliament of every something they hadn’t been doing before “We can all be very static through this research of its members, while getting to Government that this is bad for business. need - from a post-Brexit Britain. single EU nation – and in some cases, the referendum result. uncertain period, but when we look back know new parliamentary teams, and taking “In all the survey work we have done “The Government needs to learn about their regional decision-making bodies too. “Whitehall needs to change how it even at the last slowdown in 2007 and 2008 part in round-table meetings with senior over many years, skills is always one of how they engage with business, to make Remember Wallonia . . . no-one outside approaches things. We have a Department we hear great stories about businesses Government figures, including Chancellor the top issues, and they rely a lot on labour sure they know exactly, in a quite detailed Belgium had heard of the place until it tried for International Trade which has been set who were creative in that period, and saw Phillip Hammond. from EU nationals. The uncertainty at the way, what we want as a country. to block the Canadian deal! up with the sole goal of going out there opportunities where others didn’t.” 58 ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE FARMING 59 New grants up to £200,000 on offer from growth hub he Marches Growth Hub speed broadband and accessing finance to a range of services, from face-to-face launching international trade programmes meetings with business advisors, hot is your single point of or finding commercial premises. desking facilities and meeting rooms for access to information There’s also information on the region’s hire. Ton the vast range of support business networks, case studies from Marches Growth Hub Shropshire is Marches’ businesses which have taken co-located with Shropshire Chamber of available to businesses in advantage of some of the schemes and Commerce at the Food Enterprise Centre at the region. products on offer and a packed calendar Battlefield Enterprise Park. Whether you’re interested in grant of events aimed at supporting business And Marches Growth Hub Telford funding of up to £200,000, want to know growth. & Wrekin is based at the University of what business networks are in your area or The virtual hub’s Support Finder tool Wolverhampton’s Innovation Campus in need help to start exporting, the business- is a great way to find specific business Priorslee. friendly site, www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk support products and services which apply So whether yo u’re thinking about Overseeing Wynnstay operations – chief executive Ken Greetham, whose leadership has coincided with sustained growth and stability or helpline on 0345 6000 727 should be to your business – wherever in the Marches starting-up, or if you’re already running a your first port of call. you’re based, and whatever sector you business, no matter how small or large, or Thousands of businesses have already operate in. It’s all about finding the relevant whatever size or sector you operate in, the taken advantage of the help on offer via support for YOUR business. Marches Growth Hub, developed by The the virtual hub, which offers up to date As well as the virtual hub, hub sites Marches Local Enterprise Partnership, is information on a range of issues from high operate in Shrewsbury and Telford, offering Your Gateway to Business Support. A century on and Grants of up to £200,000 business is growing now available t began 100 years ago as By Chris Austin customers. But we have a broad base and we avoid being distracted by short term a farmers’ co-operative. origins to become a considerable force in changes. And in 1918, Wynnstay the British agricultural sector. “The retail side has grown but we retain Iappointed its first general “It is a milestone and we’ll find a way to our agricultural focus. The retail sector, of celebrate it,” he says. course, provides a link back to the farming manager, the venerable Mr Yet the company’s core business, base.” Joseph Henry Dowle. supplying agricultural products and services Mr Greetham believes that farmers will Starting a business? A century on, the company has grown in the rural economy, has changed little. It recover from the challenges and setbacks beyond all recognition. With head offices remains true to its founding fathers and also that have been a part of their daily routine in at Llansantffraid, on the west Shropshire embodies some of the ethical principles laid recent times. border, Wynnstay presently employs more down a hundred years ago. “We can see that the current issues Looking for funding & support? than 1,000 people. It sees itself as part of the rural in the agricultural climate are temporary. It’s listed on AIM, the London Stock economy and invests heavily in developing Recently, we’ve seen a little reprieve and Exchange’s international market for growing strong business relationships with farmers. the weakening of the pound has given a companies, and its most recent accounts Wynnstay supports agriculturalists who little lift. The long term macroeconomics are Searching for skills or training? feature group revenues of £377million with face tough times brought about by global good for agriculture,” he continues. a pre-tax profit of more than £9 million. fluctuations because it knows that they will “The UK isn’t as self-sufficient as it could The man who oversees operations is ride out the storm. be and strategically, therefore, agriculture is We can help. chief executive Ken Greetham, a softly- “The company was originally a farmers’ in a good place.” Call us or go online and search more than 100 relevant spoken but redoubtably authoritative co-operative and we are proud to have built Self-sufficiency is an important issue. products and services available to support your business. agricultural export whose leadership has the business around the farming community. While the UK will never return to a high coincided with sustained growth and Despite the fact that we are a plc and are percentage – the fact that we drink so much stability. on AIM, we have kept our focus on an tea and coffee, for instance, precludes Wynnstay has developed during the agricultural level,” he adds. that – there is alarm that we rely on other past 15 years by making a series of shrewd Wynnstay is a developed business nations so much for our food and drink. acquisitions and expanding throughout most with a broad base encompassing arable, “I would say that as far as the To learn more visit of the Midlands, all of Wales and into the ruminant and retail. Invariably, one of those Government is concerned, that is something www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk or call 0345 6000 727 North West, Yorkshire and the South West. sectors will outperform others as markets that there should be a focus on. If we Wynnstay’s centenary will be marked shift and there are fluctuations. happen to have a poor harvest as a net next year, and Mr Greetham is rightly proud “The last couple of years have importer, food inflation can take off very that the company has grown from humble been particularly difficult for our farming quickly. u 60 FARMING FARMING 61 t “Any island needs to make sure it has work of farmers, many of whom receive no snap can destroy everything. Our focus The business keeps a firm grip of its reasonable food resources for its growing reward for their efforts. is on making sure we can supply farmers balance sheet, not being distracted by population.” Mr Greetham believes the Government irrespective of the weather and our wide short term fluctuations in market prices. The impact of Brexit will have an effect must give support to those who work network of Country Stores helps us to The volatility of the agricultural sectors on local farms, though the Government’s in farming’s less favourable areas. provide that service.” means prices can increase or decrease failure to articulate a clear vision is cause “That support is needed to keep rural The company is constantly investing. It rapidly. for concern. communities strong. Farmers are natural recently spent £600,000 on a new bagging “We trade 1.5 million tonnes of raw Farmers cannot adapt to the changes custodians of the countryside and the plant for bagged feed, which will be materials and if they go up by, say, £50 a that will come because they do not know support mechanisms need to identify those distributed through its network of stores. tonne, that’s a massive inflation for us. So whether there will be tariffs for imports and areas. Milk and grain could be grown Mr Greetham recognises the we have to monitor cash flow throughout exports. without a lot of support, but other areas importance of efficiencies and of providing the group to make sure we are in a position “The EU remains a very important need it.” customers with high level expertise. “We to withstand that. market to the UK. That doesn’t mean A business as large as Wynnstay is have a network of people who can talk “But I always say to people that we we can’t export further afield. But we will exposed to numerous risk factors. Yet it about specific farming issues and advise should not be judged by our revenues, need tariff trade support or a good strong has absolutely no control over one of the customers. We’ve also been very good which could change by 10-20%. We should marketing campaign. At the moment, we most significant of all; the good old British at retaining staff. Every year we have the be judged on our profits.” don’t know which way the Government will weather. presentation of 25-year awards and there is The group has a strong board with go.” Milder autumns, hotter summers, wetter a growing number of recipients. Our team expertise in farming, business, banking Analysis of the international market springs and shorter winters can have a is resilient and we now employ more than and finance and business, through Jim helps to reveal new opportunities. The fact profound effect on Wynnstay’s grain and 1,000.” McCarthy, formerly of Poundland. “They that we import 235,000 tonnes of poultry feed business. It can also be disquieting The company has a management A bag of feed comes off the production line safeguard the interests of the shareholders, Wynnstay’s impressive production facilities meat, for instance, means there are routes for farmers, who might lose a significant structure in place with clear lines of almost as much as the company itself.” to market for those able to invest. portion of their harvest. Mr Greetham is communication. With so many plates to keep spinning, “It would be incredibly helpful to see the admiring of farmers who show considerable A strong HR department also Mr Greetham has little downtime. How Government’s direction of travel. But I think stoicism in the face of climatic change. addresses any staff concerns. Mr does he relax? “I don’t,” and he laughs, just that on balance, we will see the industry “I don’t think we are yet seeing a Greetham maintains contact with those at a little. becoming more market-led.” climate change effect in our local farms the coal face. “Well, I don’t switch off very much. We That shouldn’t mean, however, that the but the weather is always an issue,” he “I’ll actually be ringing all of our 52 live on the Shropshire and Cheshire border. market assumes complete control. Here says. “We might have a March when some Country Store managers today and I go My family have grown and live away now in Shropshire, farmers are custodians Shropshire farmers are a foot deep in snow to see them all once or twice a year. The so it’s just myself, my wife and the dog. of the countryside. Were it not for them, or it might be sunny with spring lambs in people are the most important part of our “My weekends are in the home. I’m not fields, hedges and watercourses might not the field. business and I enjoy meeting them. I have a golfer or shooter but I am very involved be maintained. The pristine, undulating “The variability of the weather is always to understand the nitty gritty. It’s surprising in village activities. I’m a great advocate for Shropshire landscape would soon a concern, although it’s not as profound what you pick up in general conversation. It strong rural communities.” deteriorate were it not for the invaluable as in places like Russia, where a cold is always helpful.” The Wynnstay farm shop in Oswestry Just like the business that he runs… Crop walking at an arable event

The Wynnstay brand is a familiar sight on Shropshire roads

Wynnstay has been very good at retaining staff, with a presentation of 25-year awards annually, with a growing number of recipients SHROPSHIRE’S FARMING 63 Apply for grant aid LEADING hropshire farmers are being encouraged to apply for grant INDEPENDENT Said, if they have any major Railway Sleepers development projects planned for 2017. TIMBER MERCHANT The rural professional team at Halls is encouraging farmers to consider applying for a grant from the Southern Shropshire LEADER programme. The call comes after the company helped Shropshire contractor Andrew Phillips to diversify his thriving farming operation by buying a mobile wood chipping machine, a project part financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural • Reclaimed and Oak Development. Andrew and his wife run a 150-acre arable farm at Orchard Barn, Stapleton, Railway Sleepers. near Shrewsbury as well as operating a successful agricultural contracting business. Garden Fencing They spotted a gap in the market as many farmers now require wood chips for either • Fencing Materials. Trellis. livestock bedding or renewable energy. Farm owners are currently buying in wood chips or sending timber for processing at great cost. Contract mobile wood • Quality Decking. chipping, which is a natural extension to services already provided by the business AJ and SE Phillips, helps farmers to control costs and contributes to woodland • Large Stocks of Sawn management across the county by enabling landowners to utilise home-grown timber in a sustainable way. Seen with the mobile wood chipping machine are Andrew Phillips (left) and Peter Banford Andrew sought help from the rural Timbers and Plywood. of Shropshire Council, who manages the Southern Shropshire LEADER programme professional team at Halls to complete his application for the LEADER grant, which “With another round of funding due to 10 projects with a total grant allocation to is managed by Shropshire Council for become available early in 2017, it’s a good date of £305,250. • A Wide Range of Firewood the Rural Development Programme for time for farmers, who have a business Eligible projects receive between England. project in mind, to consider making a grant £2,500 and £40,000 and 70 per cent Both Louise Preece and Stuart application.” of them must directly support the rural Fencing Posts. Richards, based at Halls’ headquarters in Andrew has been involved in economy, through creating and supporting Shrewsbury, contributed to the process and agriculture since the 1980s and has seen micro and small rural businesses. said they were delighted to help secure the his contracting enterprise grow since 2007 The remaining 30 per cent of projects funding needed to buy the wood chipping to become the mainstay of his business. must demonstrate that they are contributing • Roofi ng Materials. machine. The Southern Shropshire LEADER to improving the rural economy. “LEADER funding is made available to programme’s next funding round opens l For more information about the successful applicants who have a project closes on Monday, February 8, with future LEADER application process, contact Stuart that creates jobs, helps a local business funding rounds open later in the year. Richards at Halls on 01743 450700 or Peter • Crash Barriers grow and benefits the wider rural economy,” To date, the Southern Shropshire Banford at Shropshire Council on 01743 explained Stuart. LEADER Local Action Group has approved 254796. • BSL approved Wood Pellets. Union asks for careful use of drones Farm Gates The NFU is urging Shropshire farmers NFU vice president Guy Smith said: protect farmers and landowners from this to voice their views after the government “There are exciting developments in behaviour. announced a consultation on the safe use the pipeline for on-farm done use, such “In any instance, we would stress of drones in the UK. as crop applications, which could keep to drone owners the importance of not The team has welcomed the move and British farming at the cutting edge and flying near livestock, who react in very called for more protection for landowners internationally competitive. unpredictable ways. G.S & P.A REEVES LTD affected by antisocial drone use. “However, we are also very aware of “There is risk of causing distress to the Proposed measures being consulted instances of irresponsible use of drones by animals, sometimes fatal, and it can lead to on include mandatory registration of members of the public and have already trampling. New House Farm, The Lowe, Wem, Shropshire, United Kingdom. SY4 5UN new drones over 250g, a theory test for seen the first instances of sheep worrying “These actions impact greatly on farm users, increased penalties for misuse by drones. businesses. of the technology and potential new “We are calling for government to “We therefore urge that care is criminal offences to deter and address address this and are hopeful that any taken when flying in areas of farmland in Tel: 01939 232 440 / 233812 misbehaviour. new legislation will introduce measures to particular.” www.gsreeves.co.uk 64 SOCIAL SCENE SOCIAL SCENE 65

Clwyd Evans, Mark Bramall and Sarah Hartshorn Margaret Rowe and Christian Channer at the event

Helen Stones, left, seeks a second opinion Winners – John and Joy Hindmarch, plus Debbie and Henry Carpenter with their trophy Telford Business Partnership Quiz Night

hropshire Business director Henry Carpenter led his team Sto victory in the annual Derek Bennion and Chris Pallett at the Greenhous Meadow Paul Bennett and Wesley Lovett at the breakfast meeting ‘Telford’s Brainiest Business’ quiz, held this year at the Buckatree Hall Hotel. The event, which featured 15 teams, was Shropshire Business Partnership organised by Telford Business Partnership to raise funds for this year’s chosen charity, HomeStart Telford and Wrekin. hropshire Business Partnership TBP board member Robin Melley said the event was a huge success, raising important hosted a well-attended meeting funds for the chosen charity, with Barclays at the Greenhous Meadow in And if you didn’t know the answers, agreeing to match fund the proceeds, taking ‘I know it, I know I do….’ Jan Minihane at least it was a great night out wracks her brain at the successful event SShrewsbury, where delegates enjoyed the total raised to over £1,200. convivial chat and a full English breakfast. They then listened with interest while Team Principal with the University of Wolverhampton’s Formula 3 race team, Dave Tucker, explained the role of motor racing at the university and also how the students are benefiting from the £12 million investment in its engineering facilities. Gill Hamer, director at Marches LEP, followed on by reflecting on the enormous investment in jobs and homes which the LEP has been overseeing over the last few years, and also its plans and challenges for developing future projects. Jonathan Edwards, Dr Nicola Randall, Dan Mason and Jeremy Lloyd Old and Newey, featuring Andrew Mason Thinking time for Shropshire Chamber Julia Allinson, Teresa Rowe and Steve Maden

Shropshire Business director Henry Carpenter with Amy Bould and Roy Broad Teresa Boughey and Sarah Hartshorn One of two teams from law firm Martin-Kaye The Anglo-Welsh Marauders, featuring Tony Jemmett (right) 66 SOCIAL SCENE SOCIAL SCENE 67

Michael Hannah, winner of the Shining Star apprentice Outstanding Personal Achievement winner Samantha Harris from The Ideas Marcus Trescothick and Laurie Riley at the charity event Mark Bramall, Bob and Ellie Johnson award, with Ian Jones from sponsors Saint Gobain PAM UK Cupboard of Oswestry, with Claire McKeown of True Potential Hypnotherapy Dyslexia Awards Event

single mum from Shropshire who has spent 16 years championing the dyslexicsA of the county finally realised a dream by staging her Keith Winter pictured with Mandy and Mark Thorn Tony Elliott, Stacey Lea and Mark Griffiths first ever Dyslexia Awards. Elizabeth Wilkinson moved to Shropshire when she was just four with her RAF serving parents when they retired from the forces and set up their own industrial commercial photography business in Telford. Dyke Yaxley Charity Dinner In 2007, Eli’s business, ‘The Dyslexic Dyslexia Consultant’ came into being after years of searching for much needed information, wo well-known faces from advice and guidance about dyslexia. the world of UK cricket The 2016 Dyslexia Awards were held at Twere special guests at a Enginuity, part of the Ironbridge Gorge Museums. The 2016 Dyslexia Awards sponsors, at Enginuity, part of the Ironbridge Gorge Museums charity dinner organised by a Shropshire accountancy firm. Dyke Yaxley hosted the event at The Lord Hill Hotel, in Shrewsbury, where the guests of honour were former England Ashes winner Marcus Trescothick and the TV pundit they call ‘The Analyst’, Simon Hughes. Thanks to the generosity of more than 80 guests at the dinner, the event raised £1,290 for Dyke Yaxley’s two chosen charities – Severn Hospice and the Lingen Davies Cancer Fund. Catherine Gough, Sue Fitzmaurice, Terry Jones and Rachel Wood

The opening address for the 2016 Dyslexia Awards Innovation award winner Lindy Smith, of Lindy’s Cakes, with the vice from Telford & Wrekin’s mayor, Rae Evans chair of the Federation of Small Businesses in Shropshire, Rachael Tyrell

Anton Gunter of Global Freight with the winner of the Shining Best supportive employer winner Philip Minton, of K2 The Salon, Margaret Radcliffe and Colin Ames Cricketer Marcus Trescothick pictured at The Lord Hil Hotel, Shrewsbury Star secondary school prize, Mai Jones of Concord College pictured with award sponsor Kay Heald 68 PERSONAL FINANCE PERSONAL FINANCE 69 l Martin Lewis is the Founder and Chair of Money Saving Parents topping-up the Expert. To join the 10 million Beware savings sentiment people who get his Martin’s Money Tips weekly email, go to Are you a sinner? Financially that is. This ‘don’t ask don’t get’ saving works www.moneysavingexpert.com/ There are a host of everyday money at all the big firms, so if you won’t do a inadequate student loan misdemeanours that millions of people comparison, at least do this. latesttip do, costing them thousands, without Only making the minimum being aware of it. These aren’t horrors like repayments on credit cards TV’s money-saving expert Martin Lewis writes for Shropshire Business grabbing a payday loan, but the result of Credit card minimum payments are simple misunderstandings, bad habits or based mostly on a percentage of the inaction. balance, which only just covers the interest. So having recently toured around the So you hardly clear any off. UK doing roadshows for my ITV show, I’ve A 30-year-old with £3,000 debt on a collated five of the most common. credit card at 17.9% interest, who made only Martin Saving while you’ve expensive debts typical minimum repayments, would take 27 Savings rates are depressingly low – the years to clear it. By then, they’d be 57 and top easy-access rate is 1%. Credit card and have paid a total cost £4,000 in interest (see LEWIS other interest rates are depressingly high. So my minimum repayment calc at www.mse. £1,000 credit card debt at 18% costs it costs me/minrepay to work out how long it’ll take you £180 a year, the same amount saved in you). top paying savings account at 1% interest Now you may be thinking ‘easy to say, here’s a hidden only earns you £10. If you had both, pay the but I can’t afford more than the minimum.’ crisis hitting student debt off with your savings and you’d be £170 Well, I have a solution. finance. Not the oft a year better off. On £3,000 debt, the current minimum is Tquoted “£50,000 debt” – in Many of you will be thinking, “but I want around £70 a month. If instead of opting to to keep my savings, what if the boiler packs pay the minimum, fix your repayment at £70. practical terms that’s mostly up or the roof falls in?” However, that’s a The debt will clear in five years at a total cost irrelevant, as it’s repaid after sentimental strategy, not a logical one. Let’s of £1,500 in interest, saving £2,400. carry on the £1,000 debt and £1,000 savings Though if you’ve debt on more than one university and only if you scenario to show you why. credit card, focus all spare cash on repaying earn enough. l If you don’t pay the debt off with the the most expensive, making only the Instead, as many students have savings and an emergency happens that minimums on the others. That way you get discovered after their first term, the A student loan is more often than not topped up by parents to assist during university years Think of a student loan as an additional tax cost you £1,000 to fix, you’d use all your rid of the most expensive debts first. real issue is the loan isn’t big enough – savings and still have £1,000 of credit card Don’t cover your home’s value on specifically the maintenance loan for living the Students Loan Company, and students students budget effectively. However, my How do you repay the loans? debt. buildings insurance costs. are also eligible for a maintenance loan, suspicion is governments have never told The loans for tuition and maintenance l If you do pay off the debt with the Your house price is the wrong figure, One reason for this is that the amount both are repaid only after university, if the people before, as they know parents will are rolled into one by the Student Loan savings, and a £1,000 emergency happens, you only need to insure the usually much given is means-tested dependent on graduate earns enough. angrily reply “I can’t afford that”. Company. Then… you’d need to pay for it on your credit card, lower rebuild cost – literally how much it parental income, and that means- Yet for almost every 18 to 25 year old, For now, to work it out yourself, take a) You repay from the April after leaving meaning you still have no savings and would cost to rebuild your home should it get testing has increased, but none of this is even though they are old enough to vote, the loan you get and subtract it from the uni, via the payroll, just like income tax – but £1,000 of credit card debt. knocked down. This is often far less than the communicated to parents. So let me take get married, join the army and more, the maximum amount available. only if you earn £21,000 or more. The end result of them both is the same, market value. you through it. amount of maintenance loan given depends For students starting this year, b) Repayments are set at 9% of yet by paying off the debt with the savings, There’s information and a calculator on I should note I’m focusing on English on their parent’s household ‘residual’ living away from home (not London) the everything above £21,000, regardless of how you save in the meantime. this at http://abi.bcis.co.uk. loans for English students. In the rest of the income. maximum loan is £8,200. much you borrowed; so the more you earn, The only exception is if the debt is Saving or borrowing to pay your UK, the funding is more generous. This is their total income before tax but I’ve done a full ready reckoner to the more you repay each month. at 0%. Then the financially savvy and children’s tuition fees How much are parents expected to after pension contributions, and it’s reduced help you work this out at www.mse.me/ c) The loan’s wiped after 30 years – disciplined can do what’s called stoozing, I’m often freaked out by parents telling give their children to go to uni? by just over £1,000 if they already have parentcontributions whether you’ve paid a penny or not. And where you deliberately build up 0% debt only me they’re saved up so their child won’t Tuition fees are paid for students by a child at university (though most parents The parental contribution has most people will repay for this whole time, to save it and earn interest. Though with have to pay tuition fees at uni. Worse, some shell out far more). increased by 27% in fact my calculations show only those on a current saving rates so low, it’s not as easy even extend their mortgage. My problem The loan starts reducing at family In 2015 only 35% of the loan was starting salary of roughly £35,000 plus and as it used to be. Full help on that at www. isn’t just that actually it’s students’, not income above just £25,000 and by £60,000 means-tested, this past year it was over above inflation pay rises after are likely to mse.me/stoozing parents’ responsibility to repay this… it’s roughly halved. And it’s implicit that 50% – a huge rise. repay their full loan and interest. Not at least asking your energy firm All new English full-time students can the expectation’s parents will make up If you combine this with slightly d) Interest is set at up to inflation plus 3% are you on its cheapest deal get a tuition fee loan and a living loan to the difference – known as the ‘parental increased loans, many parents will be depending on what you earn. Though you Most people in the UK are on their help pay for uni costs. You’re eligible to start contribution’. Yet I think it should be made asked to pay £100s more than they would only actually repay this if you earn enough energy firm’s standard tariff, which typically repaying in the April after leaving, but only if explicit. in a similar situation last year, with the afterwards to clear what you borrowed in full. means they’re overpaying by £300 a year. you earn over £21,000, and you repay 9% Parents aren’t told they need to increase as much as 27%. In fact, a far better way to get the feel I’ve talked about switching until I’m blue in above that. Repayments stop after 30 years. contribute Even adding the parental for the cost of the loan is to think of it like the face, and, of course, the best plan is take In many ways, it acts far more like a tax than Many parents and students I come contribution on top it may an additional tax that stops if you repay it five mintues to do a full market comparison a loan, and how many would save “in case across complain the loan isn’t big enough, not be enough or for most people after 30 years. So earn via my www.CheapEnergyClub.com or any my child earns enough to be a higher rate but when I tell them the Government factors Even the full loan amount won’t do over £21,000 and whereas most basic www.Ofgem.gov.uk approved comparison taxpayer”? in a set parental contribution, they’re much more than just pay the rent for many rate taxpayers pay 20%, recent graduates site. An extreme example provides clarity. shocked. It’s quite bizarre the government students, especially in expensive areas. effectively pay 29%. For earnings over the Yet for some that doesn’t hit home. So Imagine your child goes to uni and becomes keeps this fact under the radar. So I’ve Of course, unlike when I went to higher rate tax band of £43,000 most people let me be plain. Even if you won’t do that, a brilliant poet, who never earns above the written an open letter to the Universities university, when working at the same pay 40%, graduates 49%. It’s one reason just pick up the phone and ask your current £21,000 threshold. They would never repay Minister Jo Johnson asking for the student time was somewhat frowned upon, these I campaign to have it renamed a ‘graduate provider “Am I on your cheapest tariff?” and, a penny. So if you paid the fees for them, loan entitlement letter to lay it out plainly, days it’s accepted – and indeed often contribution’ as other countries call our if not, switch to that as there’s no change but you’d throw £27,000 away. something like… encouraged by employers. system. Calling it a loan is dangerous - it the price! Most of course will earn over the “Students – your loan for So if work is available, most students means our young people are educated into a For example, as I write (it can change threshold. However only high earners will living is £4,000 a year, this is less should grab it. ‘debt’ and then end up getting other types of daily), on EDF’s standard tariff someone with earn enough to repay in real terms what they than the full loan and we expect It’s worth noting too, there’s little much worse borrowing too. typical usage pays £1,070/year. It also has a borrowed within the 30 years. If not, again your parents to make up at least students can do if their parents won’t give For full info on how the student finance 12 month fix at £880/year – £190/year less. it means pay their tuition fees and you’re the £4,200 difference.” the money. They can try to be declared system works, including the fact the British Gas’s standard tariff with typical paying more than they’d need to repay. Transparency would ‘financially independent’, but for that you government has sadly changed terms for use is £1,044/year, but it also runs Sainsbury For most parents if you want to help them, help stop family friction, usually need to be over 25, or married many students even after they started, see Energy (ie, it’s the same company but a a better thing to prioritise is building up a allow people to plan or can prove independence for three tax my full 20 student loan mythbusters guide at different name), and its cheapest fix is £804/ mortgage deposit. For far more on this see for the cost, and let years. www.mse.me/StudentLoans. year – saving £240/year. my mse.me/dontpayupfront guide. 70 APPOINTMENTS APPOINTMENTS 71 Apprentice Olivia welcomed to team A new apprentice is taking her first steps on the career ladder thanks to a Shropshire insurance broker. Law firm adds Olivia Morton has joined the team at Henshalls Insurance Brokers in her home town of Newport as her first job. Director Mark Freeman said: “We’re delighted to welcome Olivia to the Henshalls team, particularly to its numbers as she’s a local girl and we pride ourselves on giving local people the opportunity to develop their careers. A Shrewsbury law firm has market is buoyant with all types of “We’ll be helping Olivia to learn more about strengthened its residential property property across the price spectrum the industry and to work towards a Level Three team with a key appointment. remaining in demand. qualification in Insurance with the Chartered Melissa Dyke has joined FBC Manby “The town was recently voted Insurance Institute. Bowdler as a licenced conveyancer one of the top 10 happiest places to “This will give her credits towards a professional qualification, and with our support, her aim is to based at its office at Shrewsbury live in the country and this always eventually reach advanced diploma level.” Business Park. help to shine a light on the area as a Mark said 16-year-old Olivia’s appointment Melissa, who qualified in place to move to, providing a boost came after a countywide search for new talent which 2008, specialises in residential to the property scene. conveyancing and works with “There is also a vast number generated a huge response. Olivia Morton with manager Elsa Mackay at Henshalls Insurance Brokers, Newport individuals, buy-to-let investors, local of new homes being built in the estate agents and helps developers town and this will help support the to facilitate plot sales. property market as we continue into Tourism chief Melissa Dyke has joined FBC Manby Bowdler She said: “Shrewsbury’s property 2017.” Golfer exchanges his clubs for club rofessional golfer Jon Gidney is ready to tee off Pin his new role as marketing manager at a Shropshire health and fitness club. Jon, who represented Alex Webb of Toni & Guy, Shrewsbury England at amateur level before turning pro, has joined the staff at The Shrewsbury Club, which is also the venue for international Solicitor Lucy Kealy Alex’s skills tennis tournaments. Jon is a director of Elton Gidney, a Shropshire sports show he’s a branding and management Lucy is back company, while he also works closely with businesses as a cut above sales, marketing and sponsorship home with a Alex Webb has been promoted to consultant. head up the Shrewsbury branch of Toni & Beth Heath with Shrewsbury Tourism Association board members (back from left) Jon, 29, said: “I’m looking familiar role Guy, part of the global hairdressing group. Mark Bebb, Edward Goddard, Michael Connor, Dilwyn Jones and Nick Bevan forward, in particular, to exploring Solicitor Lucy Kealy has ‘returned home’ The 23-year-old attended Llanfair new marketing initiatives with my and resumed her career with a county law eth Heath has taken up Shrewsbury, so it makes sense that I should colleagues to enhance the club.” Caereinion High School, and started be working with all the businesses in the firm to help boost its private client team. Alvin Ward, the general She is back with Lanyon Bowdler after a his career as a trainee at Toni & Guy in a new part-time post town,” she said. “I have lots of ideas of how manager of The Shrewsbury Club, five-year absence and brings her specialist Hereford. as Shrewsbury’s town to put Shrewsbury on the map and to shout He moved to the Shropshire branch said: “We are delighted that Jon knowledge in wills, powers of attorney and Btourism officer, working about how fantastic the town is. Our aim is has joined our team. three years ago, has completed several estate administration/probate back to the to increase footfall, increase the length of “We already have strong company’s Shrewsbury office. Toni & Guy training courses and now with Shrewsbury Tourism the tourist season and encourage people heads up the Shrewsbury business, which ties with local businesses, Managing partner Brian Evans said: from other Shropshire towns to travel to employs 20 people. Association. schools and charities which Jon “She left us in 2011 to have her family and Beth, 38, who lives in Ironbridge, ran Shrewsbury because they don’t tend to “I have always wanted to go into will be able to complement by then she spent a time working for another Ludlow Food Festival for 12 years and travel that much. STA chairman Michael management and have just undertaken a promoting the club throughout the local firm of solicitors and a national now organises Shrewsbury Food Festival, Connor said: “A principal part of Beth’s Toni & Guy business qualification which community. probate company.” Shrewsbury Winter Festival and Shropshire activities will to be to attract more visitors has given me training in starting up and “He is well known in the area Lucy is an Associate Member of Kids Festival in the town. “I have been to Shrewsbury, to consider the level of running a company,” he said. “They are a and very familiar with all we have Solicitors for the Elderly and acts as organising festivals for what seems like service given to visitors and to generate real Jon Gidney, right, with Alvin Ward, the general fantastic team in Shrewsbury.” to offer, so he is a perfect fit for secretary for the Shropshire Solicitors for ever and have built up lots of contacts in benefits to businesses within the town.” the role.” manager of The Shrewsbury Club the Elderly Regional Group. 72 APPOINTMENTS APPOINTMENTS 73 Joining an elite band A Shropshire chartered Commercial New faces at ‘eco hub’ surveyor has a new qualification Three new members of staff, including a director who under her belt and become is one of the leading international academics in the field of one of an elite band of property sustainability, have been taken on at an expanding ‘eco hub’ in professionals to hold dual team boosted Shropshire. chartered surveyor and town Hannah Fynn is the planner credentials. Dr Julieanna Powell-Turner, Leanne Trow, and Cath latest addition to the Edwards, have joined sister companies Credibly Green and Mandy Seedhouse, commercial property planning and environmental Frith Resource Management, based at the hub in Bridgnorth’s department at the Oswestry High Street. consultant at Berrys, has office of GHP Legal. gained full membership of the Credibly Green provides environmental performance She joined the firm as a reports to customers throughout the UK and Frith Resource Royal Town Planning Institute paralegal in the summer after completing a long and Management is a waste management consultancy working of 2014, but went on to with clients ranging from international governments to local complicated application which complete an LLB hons in authorities. included case studies and Law and Legal Practice Paul Frith, who founded both firms, said: “They bring a assessments. Course, finally qualifying as wealth of valuable experience from the environmental sector “Mandy is now in a very Mandy Seedhouse a solicitor in November. and will enable us to provide our specialist services to a wider elite band – this is a great Nathan Wright, GHP achievement of which we are Mandy joined as a graduate Legal partner and head range of clients in the Midlands, across the UK and worldwide.” very proud,” said Matthew surveyor at the Shrewsbury of training, said: “Hannah Dr Julieanna Powell-Turner, who has been appointed Anwyl, managing partner of office of Berrys 16 years ago has impressed us during sustainability director, is a top academic and researcher with Berrys. “It is a reward for all after completing a degree in her final two years of legal over 16 years’ UK and overseas experience. her hard work and gives her a Rural Enterprise and Land training. Alongside the She has worked at Cranfield University for 10 years as head fantastically rounded view on Management at Harper Adams usual wide ground base Dr Julieanna Powell-Turner, Leanne Trow, and Cath Edwards of environmental science, senior lecturer and course director. the property world we live in.” University. undertaken by all our trainees we have also been happy to involve her in more complex work. This has included assisting in multi- An impressive million pound transactions Daniel takes on a and specialist lease work. Now she is a fully qualified solicitor and is appointment equipped to handle her own casebook with confidence.” Hannah Fynn of GHP Legal management role

Sammy Davies of Bespoke Computing IT firm has a James Staniforth joins Shrewsbury Colleges Group fresh recruit Former New College Telford student Arthurs of Oswestry has made William Edwards its sales manager Sammy Davies is the latest new recruit Head of college at fast-growing Telford IT firm Bespoke Daniel West has taken up a new role in family business Fiveways Insurance illiam Edwards has become the Computing. Newport-based after working with British Airways, but has The 18-year-old is a new apprentice youngest sales manager in the returned to Shropshire from London to take business administrator, boosting the back group is named company that has up the new role with Greenways. Vauxhall UK network after being office team at the Stafford Park company branched out to Nigel West said: “I’m absolutely Wpromoted by Arthurs of Oswestry. Shrewsbury Colleges Group the Interim Principal and CEO to four. has appointed James Staniforth Lyn Surgeon after Easter 2017, specialiseA in electric vehicle delighted that Daniel has decided to come The firm supplies IT hardware and The 22-year-old, who has been a sales executive with the and join the family business. firm for two years, said he was ‘proud’ to be offered the position to the role of Principal and James will join the Colleges software as well as IT support, cloud and insurance is keeping “When he found out that we were internet services and telephone systems of sales manager at such a young age and looking forward to the Chief Executive. The newly Group from Strode College business in the family launching Greenways he approached me to to businesses across a range of sectors. challenge. formed group, comprising of near Glastonbury, where he is see if there would be any opportunities for Shrewsbury Sixth Form College currently the principal. with its new business Sammy, who lives in Albrighton and Arthurs Group Operations Manager, David Goldthorpe, said: him to help develop that. also studied at Idsall School, said: “I “William is very highly thought of by the senior management and and Shrewsbury College, is He brings substantial development manager. “I was a bit surprised at first but I could Shropshire’s largest combined experience of the education am learning new skills all the time and his colleagues within the group and although he may be lacking Daniel West, the son of Nigel and tell he was serious. very much enjoying being part of the A Level and vocational sector including senior roles in some experience we are sure this will be more than made up Lisa West, owners of Fiveways Insurance “He is very business minded and has an ‘engine room’ that supports the whole education provider since the within Sixth Form and Further for through bags of enthusiasm and desire to do a good job.” Consultants Ltd in Newport, had been extremely professional attitude so I know he organisation.” July merger. Taking over from Education colleges. planning on a career in airline management will do well developing the business.” ISSUE 1

Fighting financial crime A BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS MAGAZINE Is your organisation an unwitting participant in financial crime?

Organised crime costs the UK at least £24bn a year, according to Put on your investigator’s hat the Home Office. Tackling financial crime and ‘trade-based money laundering’ (TBML) – an all-encompassing term for the wide range DSDGSLFD of schemes used by criminals to disguise the origins of money and integrate it into the formal economy – is a major concern FDFDSFS for governments globally. Because of the magnitude of the problem, FDFJ IFFDF your organisation must be vigilant and Ddfg dfgdfgfg sdf report any suspicious activity, to avoid risking sddfdfdfd fdfgfgffdf reputational damage and potentially facing criminal proceedings. fdgbdf gugioz xhg djsygc dygcdgfdfb What’s being done about it? To make sure your organisation doesn’t inadvertently get caught up The UK Prime Minister recently hosted an anti-corruption summit, in this type of activity, it’s vital to carry out regular reviews of who gathering world governments, law enforcement agencies and you’re doing business with. businesses where they announced a global plan to recover assets Make Shropshire Business part of your daily life Try putting on your ‘financial crime investigator’s hat’ for just five lost to financial crime. Although the first of its kind, the summit will minutes every day. Have a look at recent business transactions and reconvene each year to continue the global fight against corruption. find out where they are coming from. In a normal trade transaction Log on to www.shropshirebiz.com for the As well as this, a number of organisations have been set up in there’s a clear connection between the payment and the buyer, so latest news, features, analysis and blogs consider whether there is anything strange about the relationship. partnership with banks including Barclays to combat money revolving around the county’s business scene laundering and tackle the use of the financial system for terrorist Although it’s worth remembering that for genuine tax efficiency in this new and unique Shropshire B2B portal financing and other crimes. These include the Financial Action some businesses will use different parts of their business to buy Task Force (FATF) and Joint Money Laundering Intelligence goods, and may structure supply through subsidiaries, sometimes Taskforce (JMLIT). it pays to be suspicious. We’ve got sections devoted to manufacturing,

The JMLIT has found that global corporations exporting dual-use What to do if you’re concerned legal and finance, commercial property, goods – those that can be used for both civil and military purposes Take a look at the National Crime Agency resources farming . . . plus all the achievements and such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and raw materials – are website – www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk or visit appointments of the members of the county’s particularly vulnerable to trade-based money laundering. www.barclayscorporate.com for additional hints and tips. business community If you are a tech business and you receive an order for 300 laptops from a contact in the Turkey-Syria border area, you would be right This is an editorially-led website – and we to raise your eyebrows – and indeed it is your responsibility under EU law. John Pitchford want to hear from you Head of Shropshire Corporate Banking But financial crime is often harder to spot than that – especially as * Mobile: 07775 544399 Send your stories and pictures to no single activity on its own is a clear indication of illegal activity. E: [email protected] [email protected] for consideration

For advertising enquiries, contact * Please note the number quoted is a mobile. Barclays is a trading name of Barclays Bank PLC and its subsidiaries. Barclays Bank PLC is registered in England and authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA No. 122702). [email protected] Registered Number is 1026167 and its registered office 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP. BM411040. October 2016. International organisation with regional offices and local knowledge.

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EFG Harris Allday, 25a, St.Leonard’s Close, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 4EJ • EFG Harris Allday is a division of EFG Private Bank Limited which is a member of the London Stock Exchange and is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. EFG Private Bank Limited, Leconfield House, Curzon Street, London W1J 5JB. Registered in England and Wales no. 2321802. Registered in England and Wales no. 2321802. Member of EFG International. www.efgha.com

EFGHA ­ 210x297mm ­ 3mm bleed ­ quadri ­ Shropshire Business 2016 (05.10.2016)