Category Archives: Midlands News

Hospitality, Midlands News, News

Luxury Worcestershire hotel to ‘go greener’ after unveiling new sustainability pledge

Leading luxury Worcestershire hotel, The Wood Norton, has unveiled a new sustainability pledge to proactively reduce its impact on the environment.

Originally built for French Royalty, The Wood Norton is a fine Grade II listed Victorian manor house located in the Vale of Evesham.

Committed to ‘going greener’, The Wood Norton has already made a series of positive steps in achieving its new ‘Green Pledge’, having removed all plastic straws, stirrers and plastic bottles from the bar, restaurant, and rooms, while replacing all gas kitchen appliances with electric or induction units.

Most recently, The Wood Norton has teamed up with Wood Norton Richmond Villages and SPE Ltd to install a new state of the art sewage treatment plant, which was approved by Wychavon Council and the Environmental Agency, and will significantly improve wastewater quality prior to discharging it into the environment.

Steve Sweeny, from The Wood Norton confirmed: “Over the past few years, we have been taking incremental steps to becoming a more sustainable business, and initially started by focusing on the small changes we could make that often get overlooked – like removing plastic drink stirrers.

“Once we had made those small, but crucial changes, we started to look at the bigger picture to see how we could make even more of an impact. This is where the partnership with Wood Norton Richmond Villages and SPE Ltd came to fruition. The new sewage plant with natural reed bed filtration improves water quality prior to discharging it into the environment, with the reeds encouraging microorganisms to digest the contaminants, removing them from the water.

“We have other, larger-scale plans in the pipeline to make our hotel greener, including the installation of solar panels so we can generate our own renewable energy, plus much more. As a hotel, we are continuing to look at our internal practices to ensure we are as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible and are asking our guests to support us in achieving our Green Pledge objective.”

The hotel has already mapped out the next stages in its sustainable journey, including the review of its supply chain, together with the installation of a food composter to prevent kitchen waste and electric vehicle [EV] charging points within the hotel carpark.

With easy access to Worcester, Cheltenham and Stratford-Upon-Avon, The Wood Norton is popular with both visitors to the region and local residents alike, who are wowed by its 19th Century French decorative interiors, luxurious bedroom suites and extensive grounds and formal gardens.

Following the launch of its orangery in early 2014, The Wood Norton has become one of Worcestershire’s leading wedding venues and establishments for functions and corporate events.

Midlands News, News

TES posts record year after supporting the charitable sector’s digital transformation drive

Helping charities and Not for Profits (NFPs) deliver their vision through the power of digital transformation has seen a Rugeley-based business management software specialist secure a record year.

Total Enterprise Solutions (TES), which celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2022, has secured a string of new contract wins, including supporting the activities of Age UK in Birmingham and Lancashire, the West Midlands Safari Park, the Spinal Injuries Association and, most recently, the Green Party.

The firm’s strong focus on this sector has seen it leverage the power and capabilities of Microsoft Dynamics 365 to tailor solutions that help organisations with cyber security, fundraising management, SORP/SOFA compliance, Charity VAT and volunteer management.

It is an approach that is paying dividends with orders up £1m to £5.6m and a recruitment drive that has created 18 new jobs over the last twelve months.

“Charities and NFPs are facing extremely tough challenges, with the implications of Covid-19, combined with escalating energy and operating costs, causing a cocktail of difficult issues,” explained Paul Faulkner, Chief Executive of TES.

“Now, more than ever, they need to be able to achieve new efficiencies and use technology to try to find ways to save costs, increase revenue and free up capacity so staff can do more.”

He continued: “This is where TES is adding real value by solving problems, starting with our team of experts who have significant experience in the NFP sector. They sit down with organisations to understand their requirements and then use our knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics 365’s Business Central and CRM software platforms to find ways of streamlining complicated processes and methods.

“The idea is to get them to embrace digital transformation to deliver essential services and to support their social impact.”

TES, which donates 5% of its annual profits back to charity customers, continues to work with the sector to develop new solutions and, in the past twelve months, has developed a suite of add on apps that expand the power of the Microsoft Cloud for Not for Profits.

The Rugeley-based company has spent valuable time with clients to design and develop applications that accelerate the rate at which charities and organisations can embrace and benefit from digital transformation, increasing their Return on Investment (ROI) in the shortest time possible.

Powered by the Microsoft Cloud, the additional TES solutions address specific issues including membership management, fundraising, legacy management, subscriptions, tax efficient giving and document approvals – all helping to reduce project risks and unforeseen costs, whilst accelerating the benefits and efficiencies they set out to achieve.

These apps will be promoted and explained via a series of free to view webinars that will be rolled out over the remainder of this year.

Paul went on to add: “Part of our relationship with Microsoft involves working closely with Microsoft Tech for Social Impact (TSI), which is a Not for Profit organisation who match dollar for dollar spend by charities by donating it back to them.

“Last year, this equated to $2billion dollars so charities know that when they choose the Microsoft platform with TES they are benefitting both their own operations, whilst also driving social impact through the world through TSI.”

Total Enterprise Solutions, boosted by the new applications, is targeting £7m sales by the end of 2022, with a three-year plan to take this to £10m through organic increases in revenue.

 

 

Midlands News, News

Last unit is filled on prestigious business park

Award-winning commercial property specialist Bromwich Hardy has let the last remaining unit at a prestigious Coventry business park.

The agency has concluded a deal to lease the unit at the purpose-built Blue Ribbon Park at Foleshill to plastics specialist and rooflight manufacturer Brett Martin Daylight Systems.

The company is moving into Unit 3 at the park after concluding a ten-year deal for the 11,225 sq ft site with Bromwich Hardy graduate surveyor Sam Cooper.

The park – which is also home to composite material and ballistic armour firm Advanced Composites UK, interior décor firm Pretty Little Home and e-commerce fulfilment experts Pack Smart – is now fully occupied.

Sam said the deal reflected a growing return to activity across the commercial property market.

“As we emerge from the pandemic we are seeing a growing demand for high-quality accommodation which has been designed to meet all the demands of the modern business environment.

“Blue Ribbon Park ticks all the right boxes in every respect. It is built to the highest quality, superbly located and serviced to the best standards. That is why it has attracted such an excellent range of companies.

“It also demonstrates the need for more developments of this type across our region, particularly as companies finally start to turn their attention to more long-term planning now that the immediate threat of more restrictions seems to have passed.”

John Carey, of Brett Martin Daylight Systems, said: “After conducting many searches of property over the last 18 months, we found one that was perfectly located to suit our requirements. With just two miles between our new site at Blue Ribbon and our state of the art manufacturing facilities in Aldermans Green it is a fantastic investment that will meet our immediate future demands.

“We must also mention the fact that the interior building lighting is all supplied by natural daylight in the form of GRP rooflights, a product we manufacture, and we will therefore enjoy the health, wellbeing and cost benefits associated with operating and running the building over our contracted term.”

Bromwich Hardy is joint agent for Blue Ribbon Park with Gerald Eve, which also manages the site on behalf of owners the Harmsworth Pooled Property Unit Trust.

Elizabeth Mellalieu, of Gerald Eve, said: “We are delighted to have secured such an excellent tenant in Brett Martin and look forward to following the continued success of all the firms now at Blue Ribbon into the future.”

It is the latest success for Coventry-based Bromwich Hardy, which consistently features at the top of the rankings for most successful commercial property agencies both in the West Midlands region and further afield.

For more information about Bromwich Hardy visit www.bromwichhardy.com

Appointments, Midlands News, News, Northamptonshire

Leasing Broker expands team by hiring new recruit

A thriving car and van leasing firm, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, has hired its first part-time employee.

Michelle Williamson is the new sales support executive at Northampton-based Silverstone Fleet Management.

The mother-of-one, who has 14 years’ experience in the car leasing industry, approached the award-winning firm when she was made redundant a few years ago but there were no available positions.

Michelle, supports the sales team in placing orders, liaising with customers and arranging deliveries, took a job in an estate agent but when a job became available at Silverstone Fleet Management she jumped at the chance to go for it.

Michelle, 45, said: “I really wanted to work for Silverstone Fleet Management. It’s small, local and renowned for being a great company. I love working with cars and you really feel like you’re part of a team here. Everyone supports and looks after each other.

“I’m really grateful to Scott for hiring me as it is so hard to find a part-time job in something you enjoy and continue your career as a working mother. He’s taken a chance on me, allowing me to work part-time and it really makes such a difference.”

Silverstone Fleet Management managing director Scott Norville said: “I wanted to continue to grow our amazing team but I knew we needed a different approach to reflect the emerging culture of working life now.

“I wanted to employ Michelle as I knew she’d be a valuable asset to SFM and I was right. She has fitted into the fold incredibly well and we are delighted to have her on board.”

For further information about Silverstone Fleet Management, visit www.silverstonefleetmanagement.com or call 0800 612 8901.

Midlands News, News, Northamptonshire

Vogue snaps up photographer’s image

One of the world’s most iconic fashion and lifestyle magazines has published a picture by a highly experienced Northamptonshire photographer.

Nick Freeman, of Nick Freeman Photography, is well known throughout the UK as a professional photographer who delivers eye-catching images for companies and individuals.

During his career, which has spanned more than three decades, Nick’s work has been featured in numerous national publications and most recently one of his images appeared in British Vogue.

Nick said: “After 34 years of working as a photographer I’ve had many incredible firsts in my career and having a photo published in Vogue is definitely right up there amongst them.

“The photo is of a stunning pair of shoes which I took for a series of formal and informal shots for Northamptonshire boot and shoemaker Newman & Regent to mark their rebranding and the expansion of their range.

“I staged the shot whilst walking through their factory looking for interesting locations and my client and British Vogue loved it.

“I’m now working with several fashion designers on shoots showcasing their garments which we will be pitching for features and cover images.”

Over the years, Nick has built up an impressive portfolio and offers professional headshots, commercial photography to help firms refresh their brands, editorial photography for magazines, newspapers, press releases and end of year reports as well as wedding photography.

Nick also creates headshots for actors, singers and models and video clips and talking headshots which are regularly used by firms to help them create compelling online and social media content.

For more information, contact Nick Freeman Photography on 07971 434463 or visit https://nickfreemanphotography.co.uk.

Law, Midlands News, News

Talbots Law embarks on 100 jobs drive with new trainee appointments and qualifications

One of the West Midlands fastest growing law firms has announced the next stage of a recruitment push that is creating more than 100 new jobs across its offices in Birmingham, the Black Country and Worcestershire.

Talbots Law, which became an Employee Owned Trust in 2021, is celebrating the qualification of two new solicitors and the start of five new training contracts as the company looks to execute its five-year plan to grow to £25m in annual fees.

Based in the Halesowen and Stourbridge property teams respectively, Terri Keenan and Ben Puplett have both come through the unique training programme that allows trainees to specialise in one area of law for the duration of their contract, as opposed to the traditional rotational model of working across different disciplines.

Hoping to emulate the duo are Amy Steventon, Ella Ward, Parris Williams, Pav Suraj and Shabina Khatoon, who all began their training contracts on April 1st.

Offering a significant number of training contracts is part of Talbots Law’s ‘Train to Retain’ initiative, which ensures that trainees receive extensive experience in the specialism of their choice. This means they are ready to continue in more senior, full-time roles immediately on completion of their training.

Rachel Pardoe, HR Director at Talbots Law, commented: “We’re very proud of all our employees and to have so many trainees both qualifying and starting their training contracts is testament to the hard work and quality of the people we have supporting them.

“We invest heavily to ensure employees are work-ready and a retention rate of 98% speaks for itself.

“They should all be incredibly proud of themselves, and we hope they’re enjoying a well-deserved celebration of their achievements.”

Terri Keenan, a newly qualified solicitor with Talbots, added her support: “I’ve had a fantastic educational experience while learning how to be a solicitor, but for me it’s also the personal development that’s made such a big difference.

“I started as a paralegal and have been able to progress consistently thanks to the support I’ve received, and I’ve seen a huge development in my confidence and self-esteem as a result.

“Being offered a permanent role following the completion of my contract is fantastic. I’m now working full-time as a solicitor alongside friends and colleagues who’ve been with me every step of the way – that is the realisation of my dream.”

Talbots Law will be hosting a Careers Event later this month for students and career-changers who are interested in learning more about the firm’s recruitment drive.

Due to be held on April 27th at the company’s Waterfront offices in Brierley Hill, the open evening will provide an insight into the careers and job opportunities coming up, with existing members of staff on hand to talk about their own experiences and achievements.

Rachel Pardoe concluded: “If we are going to more than double the size of our business by 2027, we need to attract the best aspiring talent and our Heads of Departments have all committed to increasing the number of training contracts we are planning to award.

“Trainee positions are currently available at our Birmingham, Dudley, Stourbridge and Wolverhampton offices, with more set to be announced shortly. There’s never been a better time to be joining Talbots.”

Commercial Property, Midlands News, News

Investment opportunity goes on the market for £4million

A five-acre industrial site on one of the Midlands’ largest industrial estates has gone on the market for more than £4million.

Award-winning commercial property agency Bromwich Hardy says there has already been strong interest in the 5.3 acre site at Colliery Lane on the Bayton Road Industrial Estate in Coventry.

Bromwich Hardy partner David Penn says the site is made up of 16 yards – some with buildings – the majority of which are occupied and are owned by a single-asset property company.

“This is a first class and very rare opportunity to invest in yard space in an area where there is considerable tenant demand.

“The site is forecast to be returning a gross income of more than £270,000 by November this year, with a yield of 6.7 per cent, and there are excellent asset management opportunities to be had here in respect of many of the yards.

“We’ve already had considerable interest from a number of quarters which is a reflection of the site’s excellent location, close to junction three of the M6, and the long-term opportunity the sale represents.

“It is exceptionally rare for a site of this size and scale and with these opportunities to become available and the degree of interest we have already received clearly represents this.”

Bromwich Hardy is one of the country’s leading independent agencies, regularly featuring at the top of industry league tables in Coventry, the West Midlands and further afield.

For more information about Bromwich Hardy visit https://www.bromwichhardy.com/

Midlands News, News, Tech

Family IT company doubles in size

A company that offers outsourced IT support to businesses has doubled in size with the appointment of two new directors and additional engineers.

NewGen IT Services of Irchester, Northamptonshire now boasts a team of eight people and is currently recruiting for an administrator to join the team.

Stephen Souch started the business in 2013 after working in IT and technology roles for nine years, working his way up from an apprentice to service operations manager. After a period of growth, Suraj Dholakia came on board as Stephen’s business partner and managing director in 2017.

Shortly afterwards Steve’s wife Leila Souch joined the business as an administrator and worked her way up to marketing manager.

Last year, Suraj’s wife and qualified accountant Jessica Dholakia joined the business as finance director.

Now, both Leila and Jessica have been appointed as directors in the company, which today boasts a £1 million turnover and clients all over the world.

The company has also recently taken on a Chris Edwards, a new service engineer, and field engineer Steve Lawson who will work alongside existing team members business development manager Jake Hill and service desk engineer Ethan Malvern.

Service manager and company founder, Stephen Souch, said: “NewGen IT Services was founded out of a passion to help people with their IT challenges. I wanted to change the way that IT support was provided and really get to know our clients, what they wanted out of their IT and see how we could help them get there.

“As the business and our client base have grown, we have continuously developed and evolved, reinvesting in the business to help our customers have a better and faster service, whilst ensuring that the quality and personal touch is still there.

“Our list of services has also grown over the years. When we started out, our main service was IT support for businesses. Over the years we have evolved to also offer VoIP, Hardware Procurement, Cybersecurity, Cloud and AV/Data cabling services too. We’ve also launched two sister companies – Home-Tech Computers, which provides IT support for home users, and Bella Marketing Solutions, which means we can offer digital marketing, website and social media services to clients too.

“With a larger team of engineers, we can continue to deliver that speedy, knowledgeable IT support service. And, with a larger team of directors, each with their own business specialty, we can also develop the business further and continue to evolve to make NewGen IT Services better than ever.”

To find out more about the vacancies offered at NewGen IT Services, go to https://www.newgen-it.co.uk or call 01933 426129.

Automotive, Midlands News, News

Garage becomes part of elite network

A Northampton garage has been selected to join an elite network of independent garages which is known for delivering high quality vehicle servicing, maintenance and repairs.

Service MOT Repairs Ltd is now an official Bosch approved service and repair centre, operating to a strict code of practice which ensure clients receive the highest levels of technical and customer service.

The garage, based on the Round Spinney Industrial Estate, is one of only 300 Bosch approved centres across the whole of the UK and Ireland.

Owner Alex Isherwood, who is a qualified motor vehicle technician with nearly two decades of experience in the motor trade, said: “We are thrilled to have been named a Bosch approved service and repair centre because Bosch only approves centres which deliver a first class service.

“In reality, it’s unsurprising that we’ve received this endorsement from Bosch because so many of our core values align with theirs.

“Bosch approved centres must be committed to treating all customers with fairness and respect, provide clear and uncomplicated billing and carry out work in a timely fashion.

“They must also never sell unnecessary parts, services or guarantees, only use like-for-like quality parts and ensure all their promotions are honest and truthful.

“Although we have only recently become a Bosch approved centre this is the way our business has operated since it launched nearly 10 years ago and is why we have built up such a loyal customer base.”

The Bosch Car Service code of practice, which Alex’s team adheres to, is one of the most long-established Consumer Codes and provides enhanced protection for consumers in the vehicle servicing and repairs market.

It includes that all Bosch approved centres must guarantee they will perform all repair and maintenance work to the manufacturer’s specifications, so the vehicle remains fully under warranty.

For more information, contact Service MOT Repairs on 01604 491011 or visit https://www.northamptongarage.co.uk/.

 

Charity & CSR, Midlands News, News

Silverstone Soccer makes it a hat trick of tournaments to help local hospice

Silverstone Fleet Management will make it a hat trick of football fundraisers this summer when they host their third annual five-a-side charity soccer tournament.

Silverstone Soccer 2022 takes place on Sunday 24th July at Daventry Town Football Club, to raise money for the vehicle leasing company’s nominated charity of the year, Cynthia Spencer Hospice.

Businesses from across Northamptonshire are being urged to form a team and don their football boots for the event, which will see 16 teams compete for the much-coveted winner’s title.

Seven sides have already registered to take part.

The popular fundraiser is the brainchild of Ryan Bishop, sales manager at Silverstone Fleet Management.

The self-confessed football fanatic decided to use his local business contacts and love of football to raise much needed funds for the hospice for the first time at the beginning of 2020.

Ryan was amazed by the response and the impressive amount of money raised, which motivated him to make it an annual event.

He also previously spearheaded the incredible #Sing4Cynthia social media campaign, which saw people from across the local business community film themselves singing songs and upload them to LinkedIn with the hashtag #Sing4Cynthia and then pledging money to a JustGiving page and nominating two other people to take part.

Ryan said: “It is a pleasure and a privilege to be able to support Cynthia Spencer Hospice. The work they do makes an incredible difference to local families when they need help the most.

“The Silverstone Soccer event is a lot of fun to host and organise and we are proud to use such a fantastic event to make a difference to the hospice and the families it looks after.

“We are delighted to be running it again this summer and thrilled to have newcomers entering as well as last year’s teams coming back again. We’d now like to encourage more local businesses to take part and help us collect cash for this amazing cause.”

With space limited to just 16 teams, Ryan is urging local businesses to register as soon as possible. Each team needs seven players and the £250 entry fee, which includes your own business named football shirt included for each player.

Trophies will be awarded at the end of the tournament to the winning team, runners up and player of the tournament.

Sponsorship packages are also available for businesses who would like to support the event in another way.

Nina Gandy, corporate partnerships fundraiser at Cynthia Spencer Hospice, said: “The SFM team’s passion for this event is great to see and we’re so excited that Silverstone Soccer is back for another year.

“Ryan and the guys really have scored with this fantastic way to blend footy, fundraising and some friendly competition into a regular fixture in the local business calendar that also serves as a great networking event for their contacts and customers too. We can’t wait to support them again in 2022 and help them make sure this year’s event goes straight in the back of the net!”

To sign up for Silverstone Soccer visit https://sfmsoccer.silverstonefleetmanagement.com/ .

For more information on Silverstone Fleet Management, contact 0800 6127184 or visit www.silverstonefleetmanagement.com. To find out more about Cynthia Spencer Hospice, see www.cynthiaspencer.org.uk.