Category Archives: Midlands News

Awards, Midlands News, News

PR agency shortlisted for East Midlands business award

A Northamptonshire PR agency has been shortlisted for an award in recognition of its commitment to wellbeing in the workplace.

Ballyhoo PR has been announced as a finalist in the East Midlands round of the FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards 2022 in the Wellbeing Award category. If successful at the East Midlands regional final in Leicester on Wednesday 6th April, the company will go through to a national UK final.

The FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards were established by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) to celebrate the achievements and contributions of small businesses and the self-employed across the UK.  The Wellbeing Award recognises businesses who have demonstrated their commitment to the health and wellbeing of their workforce by developing and implementing an effective, holistic strategy which has had a proven and significant positive impact on its workforce.

Ballyhoo PR has been recognised for creating a flexible and supportive place to work for its small team by offering a truly flexible way of working, particularly during school holidays, and by offering emotional support through regular workshops and training and one-to-one meetings.

Formerly based in Corby, Ballyhoo PR moved to its current premises at Lamport Manor in July 2021 after a period of remote working during the pandemic, and credits this move with also being a massive boost to team wellbeing.

Emma Speirs, director at Ballyhoo PR, said: “The new office has been a massive boost to the team and their mental health and wellbeing.

“Aside from the obvious benefits of moving into an office after working remotely for several months and thriving from being able to see each other and work more collaboratively in person, our new office is one of a few small, converted farm buildings in a courtyard and is in a lovely rural setting where our neighbours include a beauty salon, gym, Pilates studio and lots of horses!

The team also have an office dog in Molly, Emma’s cockapoo who joins the team most days.

“Supporting working parents is something that I have always been hugely passionate about,” adds Emma.

“When I set up Ballyhoo PR in 2016, my children were six and three and I still hadn’t got that balance right between carrying on with my career and being there for my family. Personally, I wanted a job where I could develop and progress up the career ladder just as I had pre having kids but be there to take them to school, pick them up and have dinner with them and put them to bed.

“Starting my own business was a way doing both. As the business has grown and I have taken on employees who also happen to be parents, I wanted to create a supportive but productive working environment that allows everyone to work hard and use their hard won skills and knowledge but still be there for the sports days, school plays, drop-offs and pick-ups.

“We want to be part of, if not driving the change, to make being a working parent much easier and we are absolutely over the moon to have been shortlisted for this award. We will all be attending the event in April, which will be wonderfully boosting experience for the team in itself.”

For further information on Ballyhoo PR, visit www.ballyhoo-pr.co.uk. To find out more about the FSB Awards, see www.fsbawards.co.uk.

Food & Drink, Midlands News, News

Return to office working brews success for specialist coffee shop with significant uplift in trade

A Shrewsbury-based coffee shop has seen footfall almost double in the six weeks since the ‘work from home’ guidance was lifted in England.

Iron & Fire’s coffee shop, affectionately known as ‘The Hatch’ due to its open window serving hatch, opened next to Shrewsbury’s iconic railway station in May 2021 at a time when venues were tentatively re-opening but confidence in large, indoor venues remained low.  It has since enjoyed steady growth and an ever-increasing loyal customer base, but the growth of commuter traffic since January has made a significant difference as Iron & Fire’s Operations Director, Joanna De Rycke explains:

“The Hatch is ideally located alongside the train station and because we open at 7am, we’re perfectly situated for commuters in a hurry but needing their fix of coffee. 

“We may not have been open for long, and much of that time has been with reduced commuter footfall, but we’ve quickly got to know the regulars and we’re meeting new ones every day – especially since the end of January as more and more start commuting again.  Encouragingly, despite recent weather, we’re also seeing strong visitor numbers.  We’re often the first venue that they come across on arrival into Shrewsbury and we’re looking forward to welcoming many more as the weather improves.”

The Hatch, previously a newsagent, was a building that Joanna’s partner and co-director Kevin had had his eye on for a while so when the chance to take on the lease arose, the pair jumped at it keen to restore the turn-of-the-century building back to its former glory.

Significantly, The Hatch is not ‘just’ a coffee shop.  Iron & Fire has its own speciality roastery just two minutes down the road where it employs innovative methods to roast a wide range of coffee beans that it imports from around the world.  Customers not only have the chance to enjoy a freshly brewed cup of ‘Colombian Jazz’, speciality ‘Geisha’ coffee or any of up to five other varieties, but can also purchase a selection of coffee beans that can be ground to their requirements, or choose from a selection of coffees pre-packaged in compostable packaging.

Commenting on the coffee shops’ success, Director Kevin Burrows says:

“Such a stunning building deserves to be used for something special and that’s what our aim with The Hatch has been from day one.  This isn’t simply about providing customers with a quick cup of coffee – although we admittedly do that very well!

“This is about providing a flagship outlet for the coffee produced at Iron & Fire’s own local roastery and giving the public the chance to learn more about speciality coffee.  It’s been my passion for many years since living in Australia where amazing coffee is a way of life, and nothing brings me greater joy than sharing that love and giving people the chance to learn more about what makes truly amazing coffee.”

Iron & Fire’s coffee shop employs three full-time team members and has an overall capacity of 30 (15 inside and 15 outside).  As well as its own coffee, it stocks a selection of speciality teas and cold drinks, as well as pastries and cakes sourced from local suppliers.

Looking to the future, Joanna and Kevin haven’t ruled out expanding their coffee shop empire.  Joanna says:

“We supply our coffees direct to consumers and to outlets the length and breadth of the UK and celebrate every new customer that we work with.  However, there’s something particularly special in serving our coffees direct to customers and we’ve enjoyed the past 10 months at The Hatch immensely.  Whether we’ll expand this element of the business, all I’ll say is ‘watch this space’.”

Midlands News, Networking, News, Northamptonshire

President steps down from Next Generation Chamber

The president of an organisation which supports more than 100 young entrepreneurs from across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes has stepped down after completing her tenure.

Hannah Brady became the second ever president of the Next Generation Chamber when she was appointed in November 2020.

Since then, she has championed the organisation wholeheartedly, hosting countless events including the popular social sandwich online networking events during the pandemic.

Hannah, who was a finalist at the Northamptonshire Business Awards 2021, also hosted the first face to face Next Generation Chamber event post-Covid at Cobblers Sixfields stadium.

Hannah said: “Being involved with Next Gen over the last three years has been brilliant. I’ve broadened my network, learnt from members and CPD speakers and built friendships. As somebody who likes to get stuck in, it’s been great to help drive things behind the scenes.

“I love working in a team so being on a committee with such great people has been an absolute pleasure. I’ll always be a cheerleader of Next Gen and what it stands for and I’m looking forward to attending some of the upcoming events as a member. You can’t get rid of me that easily!”

Next Generation Chamber was created in 2017 by Northamptonshire Chamber and Milton Keynes Chamber to help businesses support and nurture staff who are dedicated to advancing their careers.

Northamptonshire Chamber and Milton Keynes Chamber deputy CEO Julie Maclennan said: “Hannah has been a hugely influential leader of our Next Generation Chamber and we thank her for her commitment and dedication over the past three years. She has welcomed many new members to the fold, supporting and inspiring them all to strive and thrive.

“Next Generation Chamber continues to grow and will now refocus its activities to do what it does best – champion, inspire and encourage young business professionals from across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes.”

Next Generation Chamber will host an online personal development session on managing online personal brands on 30 March.

To find out more about the benefits of joining Next Generation Chamber visit www.nextgenerationchamber.co.uk or call 01604 490490.

Midlands News, News

Here to help – Finance options available to drive business growth, says champion

Businesses across the Marches have been challenged to kickstart a new era of growth across the region by taking advantage of the huge range of finance now available.

Paul Kalinauckas says there is a wider range of funding and finance options on offer to businesses looking to grow than ever before.

Paul – the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership’s access to finance champion – said the vast range of funding opportunities could help transform any business which was serious about expanding.

He was speaking as the Marches LEP and the Marches Growth Hub – its business support service – launched a new access to finance campaign aimed at helping businesses tap in to some of the funding on offer.

It will culminate with a special event being organised by the LEP, growth hub and Midlands Engine Investment Fund later in the year bringing together some of the region’s leading finance experts.

“The finance landscape has changed enormously in recent years and there is a wealth of options for businesses which want to invest in their growth, with millions of pounds of funding available,” said Paul.

Opportunities included grants through programmes funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the LEP’s own Marches Investment Fund, small business loans, debt finance, proof of concept and equity finance from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF) as well as a range of options through commercial and not-for-profit lenders.

“If you are serious about growth then you will almost certainly need finance to support it  – and the Marches Growth Hub is the perfect place to start your search.

“The hub was established to be the gateway to every fund available in the region and be here to help all businesses. It can offer truly impartial, expert advice, signpost you to the right options and help with all the business support needed to turn your ambitions into reality.”

Examples of businesses which have successfully expanded after accessing finance include:

  • Visicon: The automation and robotics business has relocated to Hereford’s Shell Store as part of a growth strategy which includes supporting the county’s food & drink sector. The company, which was founded by control system specialist Peter Jelf, secured a Revive and Thrive grant from Herefordshire Council, which is specifically for businesses looking to move to commercial premises in the region.
  • ly: The Hereford-based company which works with the likes of Amazon and eBay secured a £200,000 investment from venture capital firm Midven, using equity finance from MEIF. The business, which was initially established in 2015, specialises in providing ePos and stock control for UK retailers and used the funding to expand its sales and customer services team alongside its business development function.
  • Cardboard Bedding: Cardboard Bedding relocated to Prees in north Shropshire after securing £180,000 from MEIF through The FSE Group, Debt Finance Fund and backed by the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS). The funding also helped the company to install two additional production lines to meet demand for its equine and animal bedding products, as well as supporting job creation within the business.
  • Caradoc Charcoal: The Leebotwood company which was formed in 2019 by directors Charlotte Smith and Kevin Fryer, is now selling a by-product of the charcoal manufacturing process called biochar as a soil improver and animal feed after securing £10,000 from the Small Equipment Grant Scheme. The funding was used to support the purchase of a special sifting machine to grade the biochar into usable sizes. It also helped the business to buy a bagging and weighing machine to upgrade its existing system.
  • Golden Bear: The world-famous Telford company invested around £150,000 in new facilities and personnel to enhance its digital offer after receiving nearly £70,000 through the Marches Building Investment Grant (MBIG) for the new facilities at its head office in Hortonwood. The company has used the funding to create a new photographic studio and take on new staff to drive a growth in online sales.
  • Earth Rover: The pioneering Newport-based start-up which develops cutting-edge technologies to help farmers improve crop yields has raised £250,000 from the MEIF Proof of Concept & Early Stage Fund, which is managed by Mercia. The funding will allow Earth Rover to launch its first product, a ‘crop scouting’ system which predicts the size and timing of harvests

Paul added: “These case studies are just a sample of the success we have had helping business access some of this finance in the past, but we know we can achieve still greater success now.

“We want to see more companies across the Marches taking advantage of MEIF, for example, which has already invested more than £150million in driving growth across the Midlands, and has a strong track record of success in this field.

“The Marches Growth Hub can make a huge difference to your company’s growth ambitions and the time to start investigating the help which is at hand is most definitely now.”

For more details of the range of finance options available visit https://www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk/funding/

Midlands News, News

British innovators fully charged for move to sodium-ion batteries

The first order for a ground-breaking new battery type has been placed between two British companies.

Midlands-based renewable energy and battery specialist AceOn has placed an initial order for 1,000 next generation sodium-ion cells with battery pioneer AMTE Power.

The companies have teamed up to deliver one of the world’s first solar-powered energy storage units to bring electricity to remote sub-Saharan African communities.

The innovative AceOnPES (portable energy storage) power unit will run on sodium-ion battery cells produced by AMTE.

The AceOnPES can bring clean, affordable and sustainable power to some of the poorest and most remote regions in the future. It can be used for primary or back up power generation and is ideal for areas where the electricity infrastructure is not reliable, or it is insufficient to meet local needs, such as parts of Africa, India and Australia.

Last year AMTE announced that it had entered into partnership with Sheffield-based Faradion to develop its Ultra Safe product, which uses Faradion’s patented sodium-ion technology.

The wide availability of sodium compared to the metals required in more conventional lithium-ion cells creates the opportunity for wider and cheaper battery manufacture – helping to meet demand for greater production rates required for energy storage systems that will support a transition to renewable power.

Ultra Safe is under development at AMTE’s existing facility at Thurso, Scotland, while AMTE simultaneously progresses plans for its new UK Gigafactory.

Mark Thompson, managing director of Telford-based AceOn, says the new battery chemistry can make global electrification more sustainable.

“The battery industry is reliant on rare earth minerals like lithium and cobalt, which are finite in supply. Sodium is abundant and greener to extract, so we are working together with AMTE to be their first customer to successfully commercialise sodium-ion.

“We’ve been championing sodium-based technology for years as a sustainable alternative to lithium-ion, and thanks to our partnership with AMTE, we can finally use it in our products starting with the AceOnPES and later making it part of our standard battery ranges for OEMs. These batteries are the future.”

New battery technologies are the focus of the Faraday Battery Challenge, where Mark Thompson sits on the advisory board.

Kevin Brundish, CEO at AMTE Power, said: “Our work with AceOn represents a further step in our commercialisation of differentiated cells that will power the energy transition. Sodium-ion has huge potential for application in energy storage where there is a need to dramatically scale-up production of safe, stable battery technology alongside the growth of renewables.

“The UK has long been a pioneer in new battery technology and partnerships like ours underpin the opportunity for the UK to be the driving force in the development of sodium-ion.”

Appointments, Midlands News, News

New senior leaders supercharge Grant Thornton’s Midlands team

Leading business and financial adviser Grant Thornton UK LLP has made several senior appointments to its award-winning Midlands team.

The appointments at the Birmingham office include Sue Knight becoming the area’s new Practice Leader, Rachel Parker moving to lead the region’s corporate tax team and Sreekanth Gaddamanugu being appointed as Audit Director.

Sue Knight has been employed at Grant Thornton for 21 years. Prior to becoming the firm’s Birmingham based Practice Leader in January, she led the Private Ultra-High Net Worth team and the Trust business.

Sue now takes on responsibility for developing and growing Grant Thornton’s expert team across the Midlands. The firm had a very successful 2021 in the region, seeing significant growth and winning both Private Equity/Venture Capital Deal of the Year and International Deal of the Year at Insider’s Central & East Dealmakers Awards 2021.

Rachel Parker has recently moved from Grant Thornton’s Gatwick office to become the lead Partner for Midlands Corporate Tax. In this role, Rachel will head up the 40-person corporate tax team which is based across Birmingham and Leicester.

Rachel joined Grant Thornton in 2006 and specialises in working with mid-market businesses as well as large international firms. Being on the firm’s Social Mobility Board is a key element of Rachel’s role. The Board act as advocates for the firm’s social mobility programme and activity and is focused on continuing to drive change and build on the significant progress already made by the firm in this area.

Sreekanth Gaddamanugu’s appointment as Audit Director in December 2021 further strengthens Grant Thornton’s mid-market audit business. He has experience working with both large listed companies as well as dynamic mid-market businesses in the Midlands. He has an in-depth understanding of a range of sectors in the Midlands market, with a particular focus on the automotive and manufacturing industries.

In addition to these appointments, James Brown, Partner and Practice Leader at Grant Thornton UK LLP in the East of England, will take on new clients and markets leadership responsibilities in the Midlands. This will see James focus on developing existing relationships and collaborate with new companies in the region to help them fulfil their strategic goals.

James Brown said: “I am tremendously excited to be part of our Midlands team, which, as these recent appointments illustrate has such a great breadth of expertise, and I’m looking forward to building on the already strong relationships that we have in the market”.

The evolution of Grant Thornton’s 400-strong Birmingham team is exemplified by its pending move to 103 Colmore Row, which will facilitate a more agile and client-focused approach. The sustainable nature of the new office’s design also reflects the firm’s focus on sustainable working practises

Sue Knight, Partner at Grant Thornton and Midlands Practice Leader, said: “The recent appointments to our Midlands team illustrate the high level of talent we’re able to provide the region’s market. The skills and knowledge they bring are vital to ensuring that the innovative and ambitious businesses here are able to grow and capitalise on new opportunities. The Midlands team is full of incredibly supportive, dedicated and gifted experts, which makes it an exciting environment to be in. What’s more, we’re working in an area that has a wealth of interesting organisations to which we can offer everything from advisory, audit and forensic services to tax, global mobility and private wealth support.

Rachel Parker, Lead Partner for Midlands Corporate Tax, said: “This is a really exciting time to be leading the Midlands Corporate Tax team. There are significant opportunities in the market – a lot of innovative businesses with ambitious growth plans. The team’s increasing strength makes it well placed to unlock the potential of the Midlands’ market and help businesses navigate the increasingly complex world of taxation and realise their ambitions.

“As a member of Grant Thornton’s social mobility board, it’s really important for me that our team is not only as talented as possible but that it provides a supportive and inclusive space that reflects the diversity of our area.”

Sreekanth Gaddamanugu, Audit Director, said: “The area’s mid-market is very dynamic and has the capacity for substantial growth. I’m looking forward to working with the team to support our clients and provide assurance as they navigate the ever-changing external environment. I’ll also have a keen focus on inclusion and diversity and creating a culture of challenge and personal responsibility that enables every member of the team to fulfil their potential.”

These appointments follow a number of similar changes in 2021 to add strength and depth to the firm’s central team, such as Rob Outram becoming Birmingham’s new regional Head of VAT and Graham Howard being promoted to Tax Director in the West Midlands.

Midlands News, Networking, News

Friday Hub takes to the road as success grows

A hugely-successful Shropshire networking club set up during the pandemic is taking to the road as it continues to thrive.

The Friday Hub – a collaboration between the Marches Growth Hub Shropshire and Bridgnorth-based business consultancy Good2Great – will visit different towns across the county every other month as it adopts a new hybrid networking format.

The roadshow events allows members to attend both in person or virtually and follows a successful trial staged in Bridgnorth earlier in the year.

Roadshow events planned for the next few months include:

  • 18th March – Whitchurch
  • 20th May – Church Stretton
  • 15th July – Ludlow
  • 16th Sept – Oswestry
  • 18th Nov – Shrewsbury

The usual virtual event – which has attracted hundreds of people after being launched during lockdown to give the business community a chance to continue to come together – will continue every Friday as normal.

Emma Chapman, Marches Growth Hub Shropshire manager, said the hybrid events help the hub continue to grow as the world of work recovers from the pandemic.

“The Friday Hub has been a real success story over the last two years, regularly attracting more than 50 guests every week and proving a great way for businesses to learn from guest speakers, each other and to continue to network.

“Now that we can all meet in person again it seemed only logical to take the event out to its members and give them a chance to get together. But for those who cannot make it in person, there is still a chance to attend the roadshow events through Zoom.

“We trialled the hybrid structure in February and it went down really well, so we are looking forward to giving even more companies the chance to meet up throughout the rest of the year.”

Johnny Themans of Good2Great added: “It has been wonderful to see how the Friday Hub has evolved over the last two years to provide members with valuable opportunities and a supportive local business network. And it’s a real joy to be able to take it on the road to bring many of those people together in person.

“We look forward to watching more of our hub members thrive and grow over the coming months.”

The next Friday Hub will be on March 18. To register visit https://bit.ly/FridayHubRegistration

Carbon Reduction, Finance and Banking, Midlands News, News

Grants can help businesses hit low carbon goals

Businesses across Shropshire were today urged to take advantage of a special fund which offers grants of up to £50,000 to help them go green.

The Low Carbon Opportunities Programme (LOCOP) can help businesses meet up to 40 per cent of the cost of revenue or capital projects to boost the use of environmentally-friendly  technology.

It is open to the vast majority of SMEs in Shropshire and can be used to cover a wide range of projects or specific services including developing and implementing low carbon ideas and bringing new products, processes or services to market.

Tim Yair, regional senior energy projects officer for the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership, said the programme offered a huge opportunity for businesses within the Shropshire local authority area.

“This is a fantastic chance to get grant funding for up to 40 per cent of the cost of a low carbon project.

“The funding aims to support innovation towards low carbon projects and can be used to cover a considerable range of projects or specific services, so there’s a good chance that many companies across the county can benefit.”

Types of projects which could be funded include:

• Low carbon product, process or service development

• Commercialisation or implementation costs

• Market research and assessment

• IPR protection and accreditation

• Prototyping, demonstration or testing of new products

• Manufacturing scale up or market rollout

• Plant, equipment and machinery

The programme is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is being delivered by Clean Growth Worcestershire with the support of the Marches LEP and its business support service, the Marches Growth Hub.

Marches LEP small business champion Dave Courteen added: “The Marches Growth Hub is here to help all businesses access funding and finance and play their part in helping us meet the net zero targets which will help fight climate change.

“I would strongly recommend any business in Shropshire to investigate how this programme can help them.”

To qualify, business must be situated in and trading from Shropshire, employ fewer than 250 employees and have a turnover of less than 50 million Euros per annum or a balance sheet of less than 43 million Euros.

Some industries, such as primary agriculture and retail, are not eligible along with social welfare and education facilities, banking and insurance.

For more information about the programme and details of the application process visit https://www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk/support/low-carbon-opportunities-programme-locop/

Careers, Charity & CSR, Job Opportunities, Jobs, Midlands News, News

Businesses invited to secure their spot to hire new employees in Herefordshire

Award-winning supported employment and training charity, Landau, is organising its second Hereford job fair to help even more people across the county into work.

Following the success of its first Hereford jobs fair in October 2021, the charity is hosting a larger spring event at the Shell Store in Rotherwas on Wednesday, April 27.

The free event will bring together national, regional, and local organisations that are actively recruiting, as well as providing job seekers with support and advice on their search.

Caroline Richardson, head of employment services at Landau, said: “We’re inviting businesses who want to exhibit at the jobs fair and showcase their vacancies to job seekers to register their interest as soon as possible.

“We know the past few years have been challenging and this positive, inclusive event will bring together a range of businesses across Herefordshire. Alongside the jobs fair, we will also be incorporating a networking session so that those exhibiting can share details and opportunities with other organisations too.”

The free event is being delivered in partnership with The Marches Growth Hub, Hereford Enterprise Zone and Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce and will begin with the business networking session at 10am. Doors will open to the public to meet potential employers at 12noon, and registration to exhibit or attend is free to everyone.

Caroline added: “The jobs fair that we held in October was hugely successful — with over 580 vacancies promoted at the event and a significant proportion of people finding employment as a result. We hope the spring edition will be just as popular with employers and job seekers alike.”

Each year Landau supports in the region of 3,000 individuals back into the workplace or into training schemes through its specialist support. Last year it was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise for its work in Promoting Opportunity (through social mobility).

Companies interested in exhibiting at the event can secure their spot for free by contacting Landau’s employment engagement officer Karina Cullen on 07719555178 or by emailing karina.cullen@landau.co.uk.

Charity & CSR, Midlands News, News

Pizza company searching for 2022 charity partner

A West Midlands business is searching for a charity partner for 2022, after raising thousands for children’s charity Barnardo’s in 2021.

Artisan pizza company Birtelli’s supported children’s charity Barnardo’s Christmas campaign Kidsmas, generating £5,000 and delivering early Christmas cheer to children and families supported by Barnardo’s.

Now the business is looking for a West Midlands-based charity which it will support through fundraising in 2022.

Jim Biryah, co-founder of Leamington Spa-based Birtelli’s which delivers pizza kits across the UK explains why fundraising for charities is a key part of the pizza company’s ethos.

He said: “We’re a new and growing business, but our mission is all about striving for a happier, better world.

“While we can bring moments of happiness and wellbeing to people’s homes with our pizzas and pizza kits, we’re committed to go beyond pizza and help make a tangible difference to the lives of vulnerable children and families or those who find themselves in need of a little support.

“Our partnership with Barnardo’s raised significant funds, that will make a huge difference to the lives of children and families the charity helps, and it’s made us determined to continue this work in 2022 and beyond.

“Now we’re looking for a new charity partner who we can support through fundraising and delivering moments of happiness to people’s lives.

“For 2022 we’re looking for a West Midlands-based charity, whose staff and the people they support, might also enjoy a pizza slice or two!

“We want to raise funds and provide support to help care for people, children and those who are less fortunate in our region.”

Birtelli’s two-month campaign with Barnardo’s included the delivery of home-grown produce-based pizza kits, including a special Christmas pizza, to help people and families spend time together, and enjoy the simple art of making and eating a pizza together.

Among those people who benefitted were staff and volunteers in the West Midlands who’ve worked tirelessly throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, young people in Warwickshire living with families under Barnardo’s Supported Lodgings Service, and an 11-year-old young carer who has spent most of her life helping care for her younger siblings.

Aoibheann Doherty, community fundraising manager at Barnardo’s said: “The partnership with Birtelli’s really helped with our annual Kidsmas campaign and we’re so grateful for the support.

“Christmas time can be a fantastic time for many children, but for some children living in poverty or living in social isolation it can bring many challenges.

“Birtelli’s helped us inject some joy into Christmas last year, for both the children we care for and as a thank you to our own colleagues and volunteers who have worked so hard over the last 18 months.”

The partnership with Barnardo’s was a first for Birtelli’s, but Jim hopes it’ll be the first of many charity affiliations.

Jim added: “We’re determined to continue making a positive impact across the region for people who need help the most.

“We know just how much fundraising helps people, which is why we’re already searching for our next charity partner.

“In 2022 we hope that we can put the pandemic firmly behind us and raise even more money for charities.”

Charities who are interested in partnering with Birtelli’s should jim@birtellis.co.uk.