Issue 2 2021

@FOLLOW US www.shrewsburybusinesschamber.com Chairman’s Foreword Kevin Lockwood Manager of Shopping Centres

Welcome to the of 5.4% from April to May. It Is continue until the 19th July at summer issue of the also slightly above the least, the recent fine weather Shrewsbury Business average footfall for market has helped the reopened towns across the West café's , restaurants and bars Chamber magazine. Midlands. to create a bustling atmosphere in the main The last few months have Working with Shrewsbury BID provided encouragement for shopping streets and on the and the Recovery Taskforce, River Severn, where Sabrina local businesses as more we are all fully behind the residents returned to the Boat now has a full Shrewsbury’s Open campaign, programme of boat tours and town centre for the first time endorsing the town as a fun, since the third lockdown. themed events that are sure friendly and safe place to to take your fancy. This can be attributed to the visit. Shoppers have increased numbers of people appreciated the temporary Lastly, a thank you to all of fully vaccinated and also last pedestrianisation of the High our members for your month’s easing of restrictions Street and Shoplatch, leading support throughout the which saw cafes, pubs and for calls to make the change pandemic. We are continuing restaurants open indoors for permanent. to hold our members the first time since December. meetings online. Please visit Whilst there is some our website for the latest Whilst high street footfall is disappointment that the last information. still far below normal trading remaining lockdown levels, there was an increase restrictions are set to

New Executive Committee roles for Shirley and Niamh

We are pleased announce the Niamh Kelly, a director of HR following changes to our Dept and founder Executive committee. of HR Dept Mid Wales will Shirley Davies (left), a director take over from Shirley as at digital marketing and Chair of our events events agency Yarrington will committee. Niamh will play a assume the role of Treasurer. key role in attracting With a career in business interesting speakers to our administration and finance, monthly members events her experience will prove which we hope to hold in valuable to Shrewsbury person as soon as it is safe to Business Chamber moving do so. forward. We wish Shirley and Niamh all of the best in their new roles. There have never been soma ny waysto work... So many Home choices! Office What are my Head Hot options? Office Desk Shared Space Serviced Helping our members to understand the various options Offices Hybrid

The future of Co working and hybrid office space in Shrewsbury Alessio Dyfnallt from Cooper Green Pooks & David Parry from Wellmeadow Consulting

June saw the SBC members event also looking for a new work life David from Wellmeadow Consulting focus on the myriad of new ways balance, shown by over 40% of sales then went on to talk about co- to work that many of us are enquiries for local properties coming working space and his own journey having to understand, embrace from outside the SY post code area.” from buying town centre premises and work to fit our needs. Our two for his own business to then renting experts enlightened us on firstly The negatives may be that out the spare desk capacity. Renting what is on offer and just why homeworking is not ideal for those those desks allowed his Company to Shrewsbury may fair better than who live alone, can reduce creativity, pay off the mortgage much sooner urban areas. Secondly, on how lose loyalty to the brand or employer, than planned. business owners can utilise their and can in fact be costly for the unused office space. employee with increased heat and David explained how the system light costs. However, the positives worked, how they both regulate it Alessio offered an insight into the include the reduced cost of travel, and how they benefit from the extra types of work-space available to us flexible days and statistics show that expertise on site. Many of their and the pros and cons of each. individuals can often be more tenants work for large corporates but productive when working from use this co-working space as their Covid has changed the way we work home, however teams do not always main office rather than travelling to and will continue to do so. Certain fair better when unable to work distant head offices. industries had already started to collectively. embrace new ways of working. The David said “co-worker spaces come in creative sector already used hybrid Companies are now starting to all shapes and sizes, some more forms of working, using their require different things from their studious, some more funky. Those workspace differently to embrace offices, more flexi space, shorter seeking space must ensure they pick new ideas such as creative quiet lease commitments, Zoom rooms a space and atmosphere that suits spaces. and breakout spaces. their way of working and the owner must ensure the right balance for all Local businesses will be quicker to The choices all have pros and cons, the co-workers to work well flex than large city centric corporates. from shared kitchens and loos, to together”. This gives Shrewsbury and being tied into longer tenancies. surrounding areas an advantage, as The lively Q&A session that closed businesses who are small or who’s • Traditional Offices – longer lease the meeting showed the level of head office is local can move more but own front door, no sharing, interest members have in the more cost effective quickly to change. • Flexible workspace – shorter flexi alternative ways to work and how leases but shared communal they may benefit their businesses by Alessio stated that “there have been exploring those opportunities. a lot of studies on how working spaces, slightly more expensive • Co-workspace – very flexi rentals, Members informative events are just environments and choices will even day rents available, many one of the ways in which Shrewsbury change. One statistic is clear, those styles to choose from. Business Chamber strives to support with longest commutes are keen to • Hybrid-Home&Office–mixof and inform its members. continue to homework. People are any of the above with home Salop Leisure delight at Shrewsbury’s tourism boost

The latest easing of lockdown restrictions has given Shrewsbury tourism a major boost, a view held by Shrewsbury Business Chamber member Salop Leisure. The caravan and holiday home dealership which also owns Love2Stay touring and glamping resort is a huge contributor to tourism in Shrewsbury, the Heart of and Mid Wales, as a supplier of holiday homes to over 200 parks. Love2Stay can welcome up to 800 guests to the park at any time, with visitors spending an estimated £2.4m a year within the local community. Huge potential seen in Spring Lea Fishery based near Hanwood When the leisure and hospitality industry was given the green light to open on the 12th April, there was near Hanwood which is a popular which are available to hire for short a huge number of bookings from location for still water fishing in the stays. With local bus links into guests keen to enjoy a much area. This 30 acre site features 6 Shrewsbury, this provides more needed holiday on the 5 star park. pools that are stocked with carp, opportunities to attract tourists to To meet the added demand for UK bream, tench and roach. Marketing the town centre. staycations, the park added 11 Manager Ed Glover explained, “The Spring Lea is currently being luxury woodland lodges to the aim is to create one of Shropshire’s redeveloped with improved fishing existing offering of 122 touring best fisheries as well as providing pegs, a new car park and a brand pitches and 11 glamping safari high quality accommodation with a new website all being worked on. lodges. Each lodge features a hot back to basic feel. Attracting For more information about the tub, a fire pit and access to a anglers and guests from across the park visit: https:// sauna. UK will increase tourism in the springleapark.co.uk/ town centre as our guests look for Other facilities on the park include something to do.“ a fully equipped gym, natural swimming pool, a large playground Located on the site are touring and an outdoor enrichment pitches and 3 Holiday Homes programme all of which can be enjoyed by tourists and the local community. “We have been mindful when developing the resort that we needed to create an offering which appeals to a younger audience,” explained Mark Bebb, Managing director of Salop Leisure. “Love2Stay is designed to offer the very best luxury break experience with our holiday lodge accommodation matching a five- star hotel. Whether it’s a romantic holiday or a family getaway, relaxing in a hot tub is the perfect way to end a busy day of exploring.” Maintaining their focus on supporting leisure and tourism, Salop Caravan Sites recently Love2Stay has boosted Shropshire tourism since opening in 2017 invested in a local fishery based All partners remain fully committed to Shrewsbury Big Town Plan as next chapter begins

Shrewsbury Big Town Plan has welcomed a new face to the partnership as the team looks forward to the next stage of the process. There is a firm message of continued commitment from the Shrewsbury Big Town Plan Partnership as Councillor Ed Potter becomes ’s new representative following the recent elections. Councillor Potter is the Cabinet member for economic growth, regeneration and planning, and said he was pleased to be involved with the Big Town Plan. “A great deal of positive work has taken place over the past five recent consultation into the sense that we wanted to work years between Shropshire Masterplan Vision made it clear together, with an holistic view, Council, Shrewsbury Town Council that traffic and movement in and rather than decisions being taken and Shrewsbury BID, which around the town centre remains individually. culminated in the publication of the most contentious issue for “Over the past five years, that the Masterplan Vision earlier this people. year,” he said. collaboration has resulted in “Arising from those comments numerous benefits - not least in “The public response to that and other recent developments I how effective we have been in vision has been really hope we can go on to commission working together to ensure the encouraging and it is clear there is a substantial consultancy to town centre could react and adapt a need for this kind of undertake a thorough to the necessary Coronavirus collaborative approach to shape re-evaluation of the Movement restrictions. the future of Shrewsbury. Vision. “On behalf of the Partnership, I “It’s worth remembering that the “Having an overarching strategy would like to thank Peter Nutting Big Town Plan is not a rigidly- with clear principles for how we for his contribution as Leader of defined planning document, it is want Shrewsbury to develop is Shropshire Council, and I am an ethos and a way of working, vitally important, which is why I looking forward to continuing that and we remain very much am proud of our work to get the positive relationship with committed to continuing this Big Town Plan to where it is Councillor Ed Potter and the new positive work both now and in the today. leader, Councillor Lezley Picton. future.” “We have come a long way, and “As Councillor Potter says, the Big Councillor Alan Mosley, leader of there is still much to do - Town Plan is a way of working, not Shrewsbury Town Council, together.” simply a document to sit on a welcomed Councillor Potter to the James Handley, a director of shelf. It is a resilient, flexible Partnership and said he looked framework that is vital to ensuring forward to working together. Shrewsbury BID, said the Big Town Plan was an important framework we are all committed stakeholders “I would echo Councillor Potter’s to enable a strong partnership in the future of our wonderful comments about our approach to how Shrewsbury can town.” commitment to this partnership, develop in the future. For more information, visit the and it has been heartening to be He said: “We have always been Shrewsbury Big Town Plan part of such positive collaboration website at for the good of our town,” he very clear, right from the said. beginning, that the Big Town Plan www.shrewsburybigtownplan.org would change the way we “There are plenty of challenges for planned for the future - in the us to work through, and the Chance to lift skills to new level

Shrewsbury Business Chamber member Belvidere Lifts has an opportunity for a new apprentice. The established independent lift company founded in 2003 specialises in preventative lift maintenance, repairs, breakdowns and modernisations to all types of lifts together with new installations across the Midlands and Welsh Regions. At present the company employs 12 people including a recently qualified engineer who qualified through an apprenticeship. Will Nankivell started work with Belvidere in 2016, and has completed an NVQ Level 2 in Technology and NVQ Level 3 in electrotechnical systems at Shrewsbury College then finally completed his NVQ Level 3 Diploma in lift servicing last year. As a qualified lift engineer, Will can respond to emergency breakdown call-outs, carry out routine maintenance and carry out minor repairs. Will said: opportunity to an apprentice who can start their career “I’m very pleased to have completed my Level 3 in lift in engineering. “We are very passionate about maintenance. developing our staff and by offering a local person this “It has been a lengthy process but worth it to progress opportunity it not only allows us to train and develop a my career in lifts. I’m very grateful for the support of new employee into the sector but also supports in Steve and all members of Belvidere Lifts and look helping a local person on to the career ladder.” forward to developing my skills through further experience.” Managing director Steve Nankivell said: “Due to the Anyone wishing to apply for this apprenticeship needs success of Will we are very keen to offer a new to email their CV to [email protected] Chartered status success for employees

Three employees at a Shropshire insurance “As a company, we provided some broker are celebrating after achieving a administrative support but the studying was prestigious national standard. down to them to do in their own time, as well as during their working day,” said Mark. Sammy Hammond, Jason Ireland and Lucy Sutton work for Henshalls Insurance “We also arranged full day sessions in Brokers in Newport and Shrewsbury. Birmingham run by Insurance Training Partnership to help with their studies, and They have all now completed their training there was a lot of pressure as failing to to be named as Chartered Insurance complete any of the modules would have Practitioners, and are delighted to have meant starting that part of their training all been officially accredited. over again. Mark Freeman, from Henshalls, said: “We “We’re very proud of all three of our newly- couldn’t be prouder of Sammy, Jason and accredited staff, and we’re looking forward Lucy who have worked so hard throughout to helping them to continue to build this difficult year that we’ve all faced to successful and productive careers in the emerge from the pandemic with their well- industry.” deserved chartered status. The Henshalls Group – incorporating Bayliss “We are always keen to encourage and Cooke – is now one of the region’s colleagues to continue to develop their largest independent insurance brokers. skills alongside their every day work here at (Clockwise from top left) Sammy Hammond, Lucy Sutton and Jason Ireland Henshalls, and this is a perfect example of It has its head office at the heart of Newport staff who are keen to make progress and town centre, and a branch in Shrewsbury to who want to aim to be the very best.” meet an increasing demand for its services in the wider Shropshire area. The trio studied for their Associateship of the Chartered Insurance Institute or Advanced Diploma by completing five modules of three assignments to earn enough points to qualify for their CII chartered status.

Two new faces join the team

A Shropshire insurance broker has left college with impressive business welcomed two new team members after qualifications and decided on a career in demand for its services grew during the finance industry. lockdown. “I am delighted to have secured my Henshalls Insurance Brokers, in Newport apprenticeship role with Henshalls which and Shrewsbury, has continued to provide will enable me to work towards my formal support and advice throughout the AAT accounting qualification while gaining pandemic with all of its employees adapting day-to-day experience in the finance to remote working from home. And now, department. with lockdown easing and an increase in “My new role is the first step hopefully enquiries, the team has welcomed two new towards a successful career in finance and colleagues. I’m ready to start my journey with the Tess Wauchope is joining the Business support of my colleagues at Henshalls.” insurance team as a commercial account Henshalls Director Mark Freeman said: handler and she brings with her a wealth of “We’re very pleased to welcome Tess and industry experience. She has worked with a Shannon to the Henshalls family, and we’re wide range of SMEs and has also previously sure they will be invaluable additions to our worked for the National Farmers’ Union. ever-growing team. “I was looking for a new challenge after five “We have maintained our renowned years of working in personal insurance and standards of customer service throughout on small commercial accounts, and I was one of the most difficult years we’ve all fully aware of Henshalls’ excellent faced, and it’s a real testimony to the reputation so decided to apply for the role. dedication and commitment our employees “The opportunity will allow me to continue have shown that demand for our expertise to develop my commercial insurance skills, has actually increased. and I can’t wait to finally meet the clients I’ll “We’re working hard to ensure we surpass be working with in person.” our clients’ expectations at all times, and Shannon Summers is the second new face our two new team members are already to join the Henshalls team, and she has measuring up to our demanding standards started an apprenticeship in accounts. She incredibly well.” Are employers really ready to welcome back staff to the workplace?

If the roadmap out of lockdown stays on schedule, the worry about using public transport during rush hour is “work from home” order for office workers is set to the problem, allowing flexible start and finish times or expire on 21 June. By then, employees in most other job introducing a cycle to work scheme may be a positive roles (including most of you!) will already be back. path forward in easing the way back. But with many office-based roles lending themselves to Some businesses are implementing a full on-boarding remote working, to what extent will a return be process for staff returning after months of furlough, like embraced by workers? the programmes normally reserved for new hires. In one Although we are approaching the stage when staff are survey of tech businesses, this was found to reduce the allowed back in the office, the pandemic has shown us proportion of returning employees feeling anxious from that a degree of remote working does work for many 55% to 28%. businesses. Therefore, the first questions to ask are: You may find that now is a good time to review your who is coming back and for how much of the time? premises – even if you only have 1 or 2 staff who use It is clear that there is no single right answer. Among big them. Are they the right size for your post-pandemic businesses for example, Facebook has proclaimed that workforce? Can you easily make them Covid safe? Does staff in eligible roles wishing to work from home can do the location make for an easy commute? Do they offer so indefinitely. Conversely, Goldman Sachs has an inspiring environment where people actually ‘want’ dismissed the idea of permanent remote working, (rather than are ‘required’), to be? arguing that it’s not appropriate for a company with an If you are going to carry on with remote or hybrid innovative, collaborative apprenticeship culture. working, pay attention to how it impacts your company The final decision will come down to you as the culture. The good news is that with so many digital employer, and be based upon the needs of the business, channels available for connection and fostering a good the health and safety risk assessments and also, taking culture, you should find the mix that is right for you. It into account staff sentiment, which may not be uniform! will take thought and effort to implement well. Some staff may have genuine anxiety about returning to There’s truth in the adage ‘Out of sight is out of mind’ work… and it’s not simply a matter of ‘forcing’ staff to though, so be careful that your culture doesn’t return if they genuinely feel unsafe. Others may be deteriorate without your realising it. desperate to get out of the house! One thing’s for sure, the quicker employers can identify Understanding the reasons for their preferences will the right long-term approach for them and plan towards help. Modifying your plan where appropriate will create a smooth transition, the more successful they will be. goodwill by showing that you care. For example, if a

Níamh Kelly – Director of The HR Dept Shropshire; The HR Dept Wrexham & Chester and The HR Dept Mid Wales - is an award winning HR professional with over 25 years HR experience at a Senior level in the corporate, public and voluntary sector. Working with SMEs across the region; she and her team have rapidly developed a very strong client base of local companies. So if you have a question about Recruitment & Right to Work; to Resolving Problems; to Redundancy… they’re here to help you! The Haybarn, plot 27, Anchorage Avenue Shrewsbury Business Park SY2 6FG

A newd evelopment by Alaska Property Group:arange of small offices within Shropshire’s Premier Office Location. • Unit size from 90.1 sq m/970 sq ft • Completion Summer 2022 • Forsale - may lease • Freehold prices from £185,000 + VAT Contact Cooper Green Pooks

Contact: • CommercialPro perty Sales/Le�ings Charles Howell, Cooper Green Pooks - [email protected] • Rent Review &Lease Renewals • Property Management • Property Investment (Disposals/Acquisitions) • Valua�ons Alessio Dyfnallt MRICS [email protected] 017432 76646 Hugh Carter MRICS [email protected] 01743 276612

3 Barker Street Shrewsbury SY1 1QF T: 01743 276666 E: [email protected] www.cgpooks.co.uk

Cooper Green Pooks The Haybarn Ar�st’s Impression - Architect: Walker Hay, London Marches Care joins Shrewsbury Business Chamber

The Uplands is a multi-award- winning care home at Oxon on the edge of Shrewsbury, providing nursing care for up to 81 older adults, including those suffering from dementia. It is operated by family-owned Marches Care Limited which has cemented its reputation as a nationally recognised care provider as well as a local employer of over 130 skilled and dedicated staff. The residents live in single bedroom accommodation with en-suite bathroom facilities, some with their own patios. The Home offers short-term rehabilitation care in homes and the directors work practicable steps have, and are, partnership with local statutory being taken to ensure this is health and social care with national organisations developing best practice achieved. The selflessness and colleagues, and willingness of staff to ‘go the accommodation which around clinical governance and digital working. extra mile’, particularly through supports the diagnosis and the early days of lockdown, was treatment of some long-term The last year has been an inspiration. conditions. dominated by the coronavirus Marches Care is always The Uplands is seen as an crisis, but during lockdown we welcomed a new Registered enormously proud to support exemplar in the care of older the community, working with people with dementia-related Manager in the form of Tracie Peate. A vastly experienced local schools, charitable and illnesses. The dementia units church groups, other are communities where RGN, Tracie oversees the nursing side of the operation organisations and individuals to residents and their families are ensure that the spirit of made to feel comfortable and while Carey Bloomer remains Managing Director. Dan community running through at ease in the environment with the Home. an underlying ethos of focusing Kendrick is now the company’s on what works best for each Chief Operating Officer. It is also an integral member of individual resident. The Home’s overriding concern the county town’s business since the spring of 2020 has community, and that is why Marches Care continues to be a Marches Care is so pleased to national leader in the adoption been to keep residents and staff safe from the virus, and all be joining Shrewsbury Business of digital technology in care Chamber.

The Uplands, Clayton Way, Bicton Heath, Shrewsbury SY3 8GA Tel 01743 282040 [email protected] www.marchescare.co.uk

UplandsOxon Marchescare @UplandsOxon Sabrina Boat: Since COVID.

Initially getting back into the swing of things has been a relatively bumpy road, but we are assuredly optimistic about the future. We have faced a few hurdles since re-opening, but we see ourselves as one of the lucky ones. Since we are an outdoor attraction, we have fewer restrictions than most due to our open sides and our ability to easily ensure social distancing conditions are met. However, we are in no way operating at full capacity, and the majority of our usual operations have been eliminated until the full completely fill the boat, especially Though we have noticed a huge restrictions are lifted. We are, of on weekdays. Our inability to take change in the bookings we are course, grateful to be able to large groups has also eliminated entirely optimistic about the open at all. our ability to host evening future. Our aim for the current functions since these are year is to break even and see One of the initial hurdles we have primarily large individual groups. ourselves through to a booming tackled has been coming into the 2022. We believe things will begin season with a blank calendar. Even when some restrictions are to rapidly pick up, as we have Since everyone has been so lifted, we still have to operate noticed a definitive divide in our unsure on restrictions and entirely differently and have had customer base. There are those guidelines, we have not been to introduce new ways to operate who are more relaxed with taking the volume of bookings we and change how we function on a regards to the restrictions, and are used to over the winter fundamental level. From the those who are relatively period. Taking larger bookings introduction of PPE including new apprehensive. But all those we has always been something we screened table dividers, to have spoken to are keen to keep push for as it ensures changing our rules for private living their lives and it has not consistently high volumes of functions and events. To account appeared to stop any bookings customers even when the for the loss of capacity due to coming in for after the proposed weather is not in our favour. Due distanced tables, we have added lifting of all restrictions. Through to the covid restrictions we are a new 10am trip onto our roster this, we can see our town slowly unable to take these bookings – and added the ability to hire the but surely returning to its usual such as private hires and coach boat for shortened durations – bustling self, and our team is very bookings. This has massively for individual hours during the excited for this day to come. impacted our ability to week. Towns like Shrewsbury have a lot to be optimistic about. As a small town full of independent businesses, we have the drive and passion to adapt and keep Shrewsbury open. With our beautiful parks, open spaces, and outdoor seating we have the ability to keep the town centre going while keeping people safe. The future looks bright for Shrewsbury, and we are excited to see how we will continue to come together for a final push through these challenging times. "The greatest risk to business data is the failure to protect it"

Aversus Ltd is a Data Protection consultancy run by Director Martin Ruston, who provide a range of support to organisations of all sizes and sectors. Consultancy support is provided around GDPR Compliance, Cyber & Physical Data Security, Training, Cyber Essentials / ISO27001 / ISO22301 & Vulnerability testing. Martin was invited to make the guest presentation at the April SBC meeting, in which Cyber Security featured as its main interest area. Attendees were provided with guidance on both the technical and organisational considerations for tackling the increasing rise in Cyber threats and as a follow up, he outlines here his top ten tips for the implementation of effective Cyber Security measures. Top 10 Cyber Security Tips

1 Assign responsibility for Data 6 Do not focus purely on IT related protection & Cyber Security at a measures - internal policy, senior level procedure & staff awareness are equally as important

2 Assess how vulnerable your IT 7 Ensure that you have effective systems and staff are to current Continuity planning to reduce the Cyber threats impact of a successful Cyberattack

Do not ignore the vulnerabilities 3 of home working or external 8 Ensure that you have adequate organisations with access to Cyber Insurance to cover potential systems/data losses due to a Cyberattack

Benchmark your security measures & 4 procedures against recognised guidance or 9 standards Regularly test staff awareness Eg - NCSC 10 steps to Cyber Security, Cyber and Continuity plans Essentials, ISO27001

5 Select proportional Technical & 10 Hold regular senior management Organisational measures to review of evolving Cyber threats, reduce identified vulnerability security & staff performance (Risk) Think IT, think pc net Professional, friendly, customer-focused

Call 01743 290588 for a FREE audit www.pcnetsolutions.co.uk

Trainee Solicitor qualifies at leading Shropshire Law Firm

Hatchers Solicitors LLP have announced that Ellie Jenkins has qualified as a Solicitor, following completion of her training contract with the firm. Ellie was born and raised in Shrewsbury, before studying for a degree in Law with Criminology at Liverpool University. Following her graduation in 2016, she completed her Legal Practice Course at Liverpool BPP. Ellie joined Hatchers in 2017, initially starting as a Legal Executive within the Dispute Resolution team. During her training contract, Ellie has supported the Dispute Resolution team, both Residential and Conveyancing team, and the Employment team. She is now a Solicitor working within both the Dispute Resolution and Employment Team. Emma Jones, Practice Manager, commented “Ellie has shown commitment and resilience during her training her at Hatchers, especially since her training contract coincided with the Covid pandemic. We are thrilled that Ellie has completed her training contract, and wish her a long and successful career with Hatchers.” Award- Winning Shropshire Financial Advice Practice in Merger Deal

Nick Jones Wealth Planning, a financial advice Practice based on Shrewsbury Business Park, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, has announced that they are merging with Throgmorton Associates Wealth Management Ltd. Nick Jones, Principal who founded the firm in 2004, said that he was thrilled at the opportunity this evolution creates for all concerned. He said; “I have thoroughly enjoyed building the Practice over the last 17 years but I really feel that we have come as far as we can with our current structure. By becoming a Director and joining the very experienced team of Stephen Hadley, Mark Whiteside, Jon Lee & Ian Fisher I am personally looking forward to the new challenge within an enlarged Practice. Every member of the Advice and support team is continuing in the new entity and are genuinely as excited as me. To the outside world very little will change (apart from our Stephen Hadley, MD of Throgmorton logo and website). Our Shropshire base is very Associates Wealth Management Ltd said; much part of our future and we are now in a “We have known Nick and his team for a really strong position to be able to continue to number of years and been impressed from grow whilst maintaining excellent levels of afar. During this process we have worked really personalised service to our existing clients. closely exploring the opportunity that merging We are going to share best practice in every would present and our excitement has grown area of the business and have complimentary as each month has passed. Our business plan specialisms, expertise and experience so the details a fantastic future for all of our sum of the whole could well be greater than stakeholders (including Clients, Advisers and the parts. I’m looking forward to see what we Employees) and Nick Jones Wealth Planning can do in the next 17 years!” are an integral part of that. We warmly welcome everyone involved.” Throgmorton Associates Wealth Management Ltd has a Head Office in Enderby, Leicestershire and many clients in the Midlands and the wider UK. Having joined St. For further information please call (01743) James’s Place Wealth Management in 2009 240968 or [email protected] . they have a fantastic reputation in the industry. PEAK PERFORMANCE FOR SEVERN HOSPICE

Beauty therapist Sarah Hodnett recently took part in Severn Hospice’s Snowdon Challenge helping raise much needed funds. Sarah, together with two friends, Megan Price and Tracey Thomas, raised an impressive £2319 between them, Sarah raised a phenomenal £1,228 smashing her £300 target by over 400%. The friends were amongst a group of people who braved wet weather on May 15 and completed the 6-hour trek up Mount Snowdon, Wales’s highest peak. Sarah said: “What a sense of an achievement I felt at the Snowdon summit. It was both physically and mentally challenging. But we did it! “I am deeply touched by the valuable care that Severn Hospice offer to people who are living with incurable cancer and other life-limiting illnesses and their unending support for families. Due to the pandemic, I feel it is vital to help local charities where fundraising has been limited, so the Snowdon Challenge seemed like an excellent opportunity. “I’d like to say an overwhelming thank you to family, friends and clients for sponsoring me and helping me raise so much money.”

Severn Hospice provides care and whole family support for those living with an incurable illness for as long as they need it. They offer their support for anyone in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Mid Wales, helping more than 3,000 people each year. For every £1 raised 86p is spent directly on care and the remaining 14p is spent on activities to generate income. Each year the Hospice needs over £8 million to spend directly on care. For more more information visit: https://beautybysarah.org.uk/ Tel: 01743 247427 Email: [email protected] Start Working Smarter Not Harder

As you were growing up and in the later stages of your would be followed by a drawing of a knee and so on to education, you will probably have had your parents the end of the speech. I remember feeling very proud of stress to you the importance of “working hard.” Your myself at the time and even though I had in a sense success and your future career hinges on good GCSE cheated to pass an exam, I had my first experience of results (or O-levels as they were known as before 1988) working smarter and maximising my limited ability to so you have to spend all your time revising, or cramming achieve a positive outcome. depending on your style. As you put your education behind you and enter the My method at school was studying with a goal to trying exciting working world, you will probably encounter the to succeed at exams, but at the detriment of learning phrase “work smarter” more and more in your life. You everything about a subject which is often the fun part. I may remember trying to save for a deposit for your first remember completing my French GCSE speaking exam house: You have worked full time and earned additional where strangely we were allowed to make notes in the money either by doing overtime, bar work, or a form of pictures, but no words were allowed. I had secondary job that maximises your income. That can prepared my speech at home and when it came to and has worked for a lot of people, but you can learning it, I split the words into their syllables and then potentially be expending a lot of time and energy drew what they were in English. For example: L'Année unnecessarily and limiting the precious time you could dernière would become an internet symbol (LAN), which be spending with your friends and family.

Here are some of my tips for “working smarter”

Find tools which increase your productivity: Canva is are neither you should cross them off your list. If it is an intuitive graphic design tool enabling those who important but not urgent you should schedule a time to didn’t study design to create assets for their social media do it and if it is urgent but not important find someone channels; create presentations and even logos. who can do the task for you. Asana is a handy tool for managing your work teams, Use Automation: You have probably seen this when helping you to create and delegate projects to members you have joined someone’s mailing list. You are sent a whilst providing opportunities for collaboration. free download or lead magnet (as the marketeers call it) Start your day with the worst tasks: You have to eat and then you receive follow up emails which are geared your frog early and your day will only get better from to promoting their products and services. This is called there. email sequencing and it can be a successive tool to bring customers into your funnel and onto your website. This Apply the Eisenhower Decision Matrix to your tasks: is all infrastructure you can create to do the heavy lifting All your tasks are either urgent or not urgent. They are for you if you are selling something like an online course either important or not important. If they are urgent and or a subscription, you can in theory sell your service important they should be at the top of your list; if they without having to expend any time or energy yourself.

Max Ball is a Virtual Assistant based in Shrewsbury, with experience in graphic design, social media management and process improvement. If you are a business owner who needs support please visit: maxballvirtualassistant.co.uk/ or email [email protected] Our People, Your Team

Legal services including: Contact us: • Property & Planning 01743 280280 • Disputes Find us: • Business Law Chapter House North, • Employment Law Abbey Lawn, • Family Abbey Foregate, • Personal Injury Shrewsbury, • Wills SY2 5DE • Clinical Negligence Pleased to support • Motoring & Crime Shrewsbury • Agriculture Business Chamber

[email protected] www.lblaw.co.uk

Shrewsbury • Bromyard • Conwy • Hereford • Ludlow• Oswestry • Telford

Helping companies to stand out from the crowd

Customer Satisfaction Competitive Advantage is as important for B:B, Using specialist research to as it is for B:C. Give your stand out company the knowledge Insights and expertise to excel. Helping to perfect your customer service Consultancy Research | Actions | Training

“Assumptions are made and most assumptions are wrong” ALBERT EINSTEIN

www.rosieconsulting.com PC Net comes to aid of fellow chamber member in business system hacking scare

Hiring an outside company to support your IT systems is an essential part of safeguarding your business - just ask chamber executive committee member Rosie Beswick! It all began when Rosie, Managing Consultant of Rosie Consulting, suddenly became aware of the worldwide hacking of the business-critical network storage device used by her company. To say it was a worrying discovery would be an understatement but Rosie was quickly reassured by the swift action of fellow executive committee member Katy Jones and her team at PC Net - who moved to counter the threat before Rosie Consulting could service is simply outstanding. It a growing problem and one even react to the problem! is how customer service should which all companies need to be be, proactive as well as reactive - aware of. This particular instance Rosie Consulting has been a and I can highly recommend PC could have had serious client of PC Net for many years Net. consequences for Rosie and Rosie says the support of “It’s all about having safeguards Consulting and highlights the the external IT company has importance of bringing in an proved invaluable, as the in place and the reassurance of knowing your business IT system external IT company for hacking scare highlights, and she essential support. urged other businesses to adopt is as well protected as possible. a similar policy. We know that if something is “We were able to respond wrong PC Net will not only quickly to the emergency and She said: “PC Net literally saved inform us immediately but also ensure there was no systems us from the jaws of the lion. To arrange the fix. breach. Having a professional suddenly discover on world “System hacking is common, company looking after your IT is news that the business-critical a vital addition to a company’s network storage device our which is why attention to detail and speed of reaction is vital team - someone who has the company relies on was being knowhow to deal with problems globally hacked, was terrifying. where our systems are concerned. quickly and effectively, often “The news had broken overnight before firms become aware of in the USA but before we could “From selecting new PC’s to them!” even react we received a call organising extensions to our from PC Net to inform us and to systems into other buildings, we arrange immediate installation know we can ask PC Net for For more information on how PC of a patch to combat the ideas, costs and options which Net can support your business, problem. helps us plan how we expand or call 01743 290588 update the systems we use.” “I have used PC Net for systems, or email equipment and cabling for many Katy Jones of PC Net said: [email protected] years and to receive that level of “Hacking of business systems is What is a Customer’s Perception of a Logo?

A logo can say a lot about a will be a governing factor for of a business. When a new company, including its brand purchasing traditional brands company is started, following the values, heritage and customer. such as Twinings. Price and taste decision of what the business will How the logo is perceived by the will govern own brands such as be called, the next item on the end-user however, can be a Aldi Red Label. New tea brands agenda will always be a logo. totally different matter. The such as Clipper will be reliant on Many factors will go into how this following explains 4 different their branding and packaging to logo is designed, but essentially ways in which a logo can be entice consumers away from the before a website or stationery etc. interpreted: established brands. Therefore, a can happen, the logo needs to be 1. It is secondary to the service logo not only attracts customers created. The above brands all or product by being an established brand, started out as an initial idea. How but it can also entice customers these logos evolved and their There are products and services away from their normal go-to perception by the consumer is on the market that are by purchase. down to many factors, but definition, unique and do not essentially all these businesses need branding. They are instantly 3. It is more than the service or product required a simple logo at the recognisable. Apple for instance, initial stage of the company’s life. whose logo is now simply a The world of fashion is a good symbol, chooses to put its logo on indication of the strength of a A logo is only a small part of how the back of its products. The brand. Nike for example – is their a company is branded, but it is iconic design and shape of an footwear purchased because it is always worth considering the Apple product dictates what it is, comfortable or because it is the bigger picture as to how this rather than relying on the logo. latest model and is branded in branding will be perceived by such a way that it promotes itself? customers, not just at the outset, 2. It helps to sell the service or but in years to come. There are product I think the latter would normally be the case. Fashion brands such no rules as to how a logo will This is where competition is as Ralph Lauren and Chanel have develop, but considering all the strong, but the product is not all evolved into being a brand scenarios listed above, a logo is unique. The brand has to name rather than a product. The certainly NOT just the name of a compete for market position and fact that these logos are copied or company. therefore a strong logo, combined counterfeited shows the strength with clear brand values is all of the brand is all in the name. important. Packaged tea for For more information on graphic example, the factors behind 4. It helps establish a service or design and many other business purchasing that product could be product topics visit: www.dmlovatt.co.uk based on taste, on heritage but A logo does many things, but also on price. Taste and heritage initially it helps define the name What is it really like to buy from your Company?

Is TRUST a key USP for your Company?

As a company owner can you Covid has changed all our lives, Trust has become a top priority honestly say what it is like to the way we source things, the in a world where people are buy from your company, to level of trust we had to put into scared and worried. Humans return something or to make companies we do not know and come with many different an enquiry? Are all your staff fear of what the future holds. personalities and just because equally equipped to handle Honesty, trust and simplicity you feel okay with scant customers, regardless of their are the new buzz words. Bad information or taking a trip role or it being B:C or B:B? experiences will have had, and without a map, many do not. If These are questions rarely will continue to have, an effect you understand your tested out fully, honestly and on businesses, B:B or B:C. customers mindset and needs acted on. So much is based on Covid helped to explain away you will often find them to be assumption, own personal poor service, but it will not totally different to what you values, marketing statistics and work going forward. assumed. That very fact means add to that, the risk of your your business is not working as being too close to your product Consumer facing businesses well as it should, you are or service. may pay more attention to wasting money and you will customer feedback and buying lose competitive advantage, Have you ever cursed at trends than B:B. However, loyalty, and brand devotion. product instructions that have those statistics are meaningless the audacity to assume you if the secondary parts of your Taking a third party look at your know the first steps? Have you business, like enquiries, lets business may just reveal a host ever gone to buy an electrical you down. Business to of ways to improve your device to realise the business, is a quite different competitive advantage as well salesperson knows little, even if world, in many ways easier as as future proofing your keen? Sent an important email far less personal. However, business. only to get no response or many companies are now repeatedly had to chase a selling to different audiences Rosie Beswick is Managing supplier? Spent hours looking and those audiences are Consultant at Rosie Consulting, for a product online to discover staffed by human beings, all a specialist market research, they have not given vital going through the personal marketing, brand insights, and information like dimensions? trauma of Covid. So, whether advisory consultancy based These are all time consuming, your client base is the same as near Shrewsbury but working frustrating, unproductive and before or new, fully nationwide. unprofessional ways in which understanding and ensuring you are left distrusting that you flex to meet your Contact: Rosie Beswick, Rosie company. Can you be sure that customer’s needs and altered Consulting 07811377864 / your company does not fall- outlook, is more critical than down on anything like that? ever. 01743 884972 [email protected] Shrewsbury Colleges Group Principal proud of virtual learning success.

The programme of learning during and students on how to use this “Our young people are keen to the third National lockdown has digital platform and so when the contribute and do their bit. One of seen outstanding results reports country locked down in January, we our students put their skills into Shrewsbury Colleges Group were well prepared for the months practice early in the pandemic and Principal James Staniforth, whilst ahead.” manufactured 12,000 clips for PPE addressing Shrewsbury Business “We have 1200 students with 100% visors, which was enough for all Chamber members during an attendance across 2021 to date who NHS front line staff in the county.” online networking event. we are all very proud of. We have “The pandemic has also provided a The Colleges Group, which enrolled been able to leverage break our lot of opportunities for us to reflect nearly 3600 students in the last rooms and the chat functions to on the way that we do things. Whilst year has successfully transitioned encourage students to open up many of our courses are more from face to face education, to a more when perhaps they would be suited to being taught in person, new look programme of digital less confident to do so in person.” others such as accountancy could learning during the current “One of the beautiful things we be taught as a distant learning lockdown. have seen over the last 12 months course instead” “We have learned a lot in the last is the rising number of students “A big success has been ensuring year about how we can use looking to study health and social the safety of our students and staff. Microsoft Teams to maximise care. Many have seen the By implementing our own track and learning and teach our students the challenges the NHS have faced over trace team, we quickly ensured that key skills that they will need when the last 12 months and that has students who tested positive were they enter the workplace” James motivated them to want to become isolating, and so 98% of students explained. our doctors and nurses of could continue studying on campus “Early in the pandemic we tomorrow.” as normal towards the end of last completed a lot of training for staff year.

Questions from Members

What can Shrewsbury Business vocational courses and pursue electric/hybrid cars. I would love to Chamber do to support you going opportunities which don’t require create a digital centre with a digital forward? going into higher education. curriculum and becomes integrated into the business community. Encourage the business community What subject has grown the most to work hard with education to over your time as Principal and How can you ensure students provide work experience what would you like to see grow in learn soft skills such as opportunities. the future? professionalism and good manner? Do you think the opinion of going We have seen a huge rise in people to University will change post doing health and social care. Our We make it part of their curriculum. Covid-19? construction courses have growth in But we also need continued Work popularity. I hope to see engineering experience opportunities which gives We have seen the proportion of A- develop further. We recently students a sense of how businesses level students going to university acquired funding to build a new operate. Time management and decline in Shrewsbury in the last 10 automotive engineering centre that resilience are valuable skills for their years anyway. A lot of students who will incorporate training for new future careers. were unsure and now electing to do New changes for those injured in road traffic accidents are unrealistic, says experienced solicitor

New laws meaning people will whiplash injury which takes up to unrealistic to expect people to have to pursue their own claims three months to settle. deal with these claims on their over certain whiplash injuries in “Under the current system for own.” road traffic accidents have been valuing injuries, the same person Phillip said it was difficult to see branded unrealistic by a would be entitled to receive up to how the changes would meet the Shropshire legal expert. £2,300 - so we are talking about a targets of reducing fraudulent The changes came into effect last reduction of almost 90 per cent. claims and insurance premiums. month and relate to the amount “For a whiplash claim to be worth “I have not seen anything likely to paid towards an injured person’s more than £5,000 under the new achieve that and even heard one legal costs and how compensation system, the symptoms would have barrister explain recently that it is calculated for what are to last for more than two years.” will actually make it harder for commonly described as whiplash insurers to fight fraudulent injuries. claims,” he added. The aim is to try and reduce the “As to whether it will reduce amount of fraudulent claims insurance premiums, according and cut insurance premiums to data published by the but Phillip Roberts, a Government, during 2020 personal injury solicitor at the number of personal Lanyon Bowdler, said it injury claims following was likely to make it more road traffic accidents fell difficult for genuine by 47 per cent compared claimants to access the with 2019 - yet over the justice and compensation same period, car they deserve. insurance premiums fell He said: “Two significant by just one per cent. changes are coming into “The reforms are based force for those on a promise by insurers unfortunate to be injured to pass on to customers in a road traffic accident. any savings made but, The first relates to the based on these figures, I just contribution which the cannot see that happening. defendant, or more usually their insurers, have to pay towards the “It is about time insurers admitted injured person’s legal costs, and that rising car insurance the second to how compensation Phillip added: “The practical effect premiums have very little to do is calculated. of this on those injured is that it with personal injury claims and will be uneconomical to instruct a the Government started thinking “Currently, the claim for the about the rights of those who injuries has to be worth in excess solicitor to deal with the claim in the way they would now, so they have been injured by someone of £1,000 for the insurers to have else’s negligence. to contribute towards the injured will have to deal with it person’s legal costs. For the vast themselves, or make a significant “How can it be right that someone majority of cases that figure will contribution to their legal costs. who suffers a three-month rise to £5,000, a five-fold increase. The only good news is that it only whiplash injury following a road applies to accidents on or after traffic accident receives £240 and “At the same time, a tariff system May 31. has to deal with the claim is being introduced to determine “An online portal has been themselves, yet someone who the value of such claims and this suffers exactly the same injury will lead to a significant reduction designed which is meant to assist people to pursue their own claims following, for example a fall at in the levels of compensation work, receives up to £2,300 and recovered. and a guide of no less than 64 pages has been issued. the assistance of a solicitor?”l “At the bottom end of the tariff responsibilities.” system is a fixed figure of £240 for “I have been doing this type of those people who suffer a work for almost 20 years and have just about got my head around it all. I think it is completely Wishing Good Luck to

1408 Darren Edwards

1280 Last week Darren Edwards and his Kayak 4 Heroes team began their world record 1152 attempt to be the first adaptive team to journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats in 1024 a Kayak. 818 The trip is expected to last approximately 35 718 days with the team traveling 1408 miles 640 following this route 512 If you would like to sponsor Darren and his chosencharitytheArmedForces 364 Para-Snowsport Team click below 256 128 CLICK TO SPONSOR DARREN Shrewsbury Colleges Group become Stonewall Champions

Shrewsbury Colleges Group has joined Stonewall to ensure young people have access to an inclusive education. Stonewall is Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ organisation, the charity has spent more than 30 years working towards a world where all children and young people have access to an LGBTQ+ inclusive education. Shrewsbury Colleges Group has joined as a Stonewall School & College Champion. As part of the membership the college will benefit from exclusive training and resources, Lorraine and students from the SCG Pride group guidance on best practice, as well as year-round are also hosting several activities during Pride support from a team of experts and the Month to raise money for the charity. opportunity to be graded against the national Karen Hayward, Agency Manager says, best practice. “Shrewsbury Colleges Group is a college with a “It is a real pleasure to be involved with Stonewall strong sense of community where everyone is and become one of their Champions,” says welcome. We’re always looking for new ways to Lorraine Burrage, Project Coordinator at SCG. “It ensure that students and staff have access to is crucial for students in the LGBTQ+ community specialist support and resources. We strongly to feel supported and included in college. Joining support the Stonewall belief that ‘when up with Stonewall was a natural next step in our difference is celebrated, all young people are continued efforts to support our college able to thrive as their unique selves’.” community.”

Despite Covid 19 making it impossible for the Marches Growth Hub to hold events in person, there are still plenty of courses and networking opportunities available using zoom, many of which are free.

CLICK HERE TO FIND SKILLS COURSES AND NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

Thank you to all those who have contributed to this interactive issue of the Shrewsbury Business Chamber magazine. The opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, or those of Shrewsbury Business Chamber. To advertise in future issues please contact our editor Max Ball on 07859 123417 or email [email protected]