LOUISE HEWETT 16 MORE FIRMS ARE EXPORTING 17 CHAMBER NEWS 20

BusinessNewsWEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2011 – LEGAL MATTERS

IN ASSOCIATIONWITH

Who willbe bestdirectorof 2011?

Bike shopmecca’srecycling scheme

THE search is on to find the WestMidlands’ top director.The Institute of Directors’ (IoD)

West Midlands Director of theYear awards on Thursday, March31, are designed to celebrate thosewho helped stem the tide ofrecession from engulfing theirbusiness or put in place strategiesthat led their company toincreased growth and profitability.And the winner will be lauded in

front of the cream of the region’sbusiness community.John Phillips, IoD regional

director, said: “We are looking forstrong leaders whose decisiveactions turned recession intoprofit.“Candidates will also be the ones

who embraced global markets andtook British business excellenceoverseas. We’re also be looking forsmall business leaders with anentrepreneurial streak; directorsof family firms who have takenyears of business know-how on tothe next level and young directorswho are already making waves intheir chosen sector.“But it’s not just about profit.

We’re also looking to shine aspotlight on the best leaders andthose directors demonstratingTURN TO PAGE 18

THINK bike, think 271 WorcesterRoad, Malvern, used to be thesaying. The shop in Malvern Linkwas a mecca for cyclists for morethan half a century before the lastbusiness, Mycycles, closed threeyears ago.Now, all front wheels again point

to the little place in the Linkbecause a social enterprise calledBricycles has opened at thepremises – not just selling newbikes, but recycling old ones, too.The shop has been taken over by

Nick and Tanya Trotman, butthere is also a “link” – excuse thepun – with the former businesseson the site.

Brian Earp, partner and chiefmechanic of Bricycles, has familyconnections with them.His grandfather Mike Earp was a

mechanic with Hammonds Cyclesat number 271 way back in the1960s. It was he who then set upMycycles in the early 1980s withhis son Kevin – Brian’s father –working as mechanic.Mr Earp said: “In the mid-90s I

began working at the shop onSaturdays building up bikes andserving customers. In 2000 I startedworking full time at Mycycles as asales assistant.“After my father left the business

I followed in the family footstepsand became the mechanic forMycycles.“I gained my Cytech NVQ in

maintenance and repair and also aDT Swiss wheel buildingcertificate. I then continuedworking for them till 2008.“In 2009 I worked in Halfords as a

cycle specialist, but left with thedream of starting up Bricyclesafter realising the potential for an

affordable alternative to buyingnew, while getting rid of unwantedand unsightly bikes from aroundthe county.”As well as carrying a range of

new bicycles and accessories fromnames such as Claud Butler andFalcon, the shop also provides alow cost alternative using donatedand sourced parts off bikes from all

over Worcestershire. The aim is tostop bikes being sent to landfill orbeing left to rot in gardens andsheds.Mr Earl said: “Our recycling

project accepts donations of oldcycles, whatever their condition,and refurbishes them as a workingalternative to a high cost new bike.“We will be providing people with

the chance to give an old bike anew home. All over the countrythere are thousands of unhappybikes that just want to feel thebreeze on a summer’s day andBricycles is here to make the bikeand the rider as happy as possibleby providing repairs, advice onmaintenance, road safety and allaspects of cycling.”

BY MIKE PRYCE01905 742247mp@worcesternews.co.uk

BACK IN BUSINESS: Nick and Tanya Trotman with their daughter Vicky outside Bricycles in Malvern Link.

WINNER: The race is on to findthe Midlands’ director of the year.

worcesternews.co.uk 15

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

IF the last three years havetaught us anything it’s toexpect the unexpected, and alot of uncertainty remains forlocal and UK business.

A loss of market confidence orfurther problems in the financialsystem could still de-rail the UK’sfragile recovery.But now is a good time to look

on the bright side, so in that spiritit’s worth offering some potentialpositive news for the UKeconomy, with my six reasonswhy business should be optimisticabout our recovery in 2011.The balance sheet of the UK

corporate sector is in a position ofrelative health, especially incomparison to households andGovernment.Firms used the downturn to

preserve cash-flows, pay downdebt and seek new capital.The spare capacity created by

the downturn is now starting toreduce rapidly, while long-termborrowing rates remain athistorically low levels – providing

a sound basis for an improvementin investment. Compared withthe downturns in the early 1980sand 1990s employment levels havebeen much more resilient over thelast three years.Firms used options for part-time

work or re-assignments ratherthan just relying on lay-offs.As a result, more workers have

been kept in productive use thanbefore, helping to retain andenhance skills.We still have a flexible and

competitive exchange rate.The 25 per cent depreciation in

sterling since 2007 offers a moreimmediate trade benefit.In contrast to the monetary

constraints faced by some of theperipheral countries in theEurozone, we still retain theflexibility of using the exchangerate as a tool for growth.With world trade growing at a

double-digit rate in 2010, acompetitive exchange rate willhave a great impact as globaldemand improves.

BBUUSSIINNEESSSSTTAALLKKIINNGGLOUISE HEWETT

OVER the years therehave been many theorieson best practice inmanagement thinking.Business managers find

themselves very much on thefrontline as organisations look at newstrategies and routes to success asthey emerge to face the challenges ofthe year ahead.What makes a good manager in

2011? Nicky Griffiths, director ofbusiness development atHerefordshire and WorcestershireChamber of Commerce, thinks it’sabout fairness.She says: “People need to be very

clear about their objectives, whatthey are expected to deliver and why.Where there is underperformance,this has to be dealt with anddelivered in a fair and transparentway. Teams need to understand thegoals of the organisation, howimportant each individual’s role isand how they contribute to thesuccess of that organisation.”One of the first challenges for some

businesses might be building trustafter difficult times. Goodrelationships are based on trust,commitment and engagement and soa good manager’s essential role is tobuild those relationships andmotivate their teams so that tasksthat are set are completed effectively,on time and with enthusiasm.Many businesses have managed to

hold on to their good people throughthe recession but now businessowners may be losing sleep abouthow they will retain these keyindividuals as business improves andopportunities increase. Goodmanagers attract exceptional staff,they can help to make anorganisation an employer of choice.Their behaviour towards employeescan either inspire and attractfollowers or lead to a gradual seepageof talent or worse.In these demanding times, a more

holistic approach may be the answerto high performing teams. A goodmanager is a generous contributorwho puts people first and takes thetime to support them and ensuretheir needs are met. He or she givespraise and congratulates goodperformance and doesn’t take all theglory. Harsh words are nonproductive and produce negativevibes; a good manager will be amentor and counsellor with a strongset of values and ethics for others tofollow and emulate.The year ahead will have its

challenges and managers will alsoneed to be creative, willing to look atnew ways of working and expect theunexpected.

HEWETT-RECRUITMENT.CO.UKHEWETTEXECUTIVETALENT.CO.UK

BUSINESS NEWS

Innovation is key tosuccessful economyAAnnddyy BBiirrdd believes the findings of a recent survey point the way to Britain clambering out of recession

JJoohhnn MMeeeehhaann says local businesses have every reason to be optimistic in 2011

ALMOST three quartersof UK manufacturerssay new productdevelopment andinnovation is a key

priority for the coming 12 months.This is despite two-thirds (64 per

cent) remaining pessimistic aboutthe economic prospects formanufacturing next year.The eighth annual

manufacturing report (AMR),produced by The Manufacturermagazine in association withBarclays Corporate, surveys morethan 120 manufacturers each year.The report found that 73 per cent

of manufacturers believe newproduct development andinnovation is a key priority for2011, a jump from 60 per cent inthe previous 12 months.This contrasts with a drop in the

number of businesses focused onmaking their operations leanernext year, 54 per cent comparedwith 60 per cent last year.The AMR also reveals a major

jump in investment intentions for2011 with a significant increase in

investment intentions in almostevery category.This includes 65 per cent of

manufacturers planning to investin new computer systems/ orsoftware (from 55 per cent lastyear), while 60 per cent ofrespondents intend to invest innew machine tools (up from 47 percent last year).Financially, the amount being

invested is also substantial, with60 per cent of respondentsplanning to invest in machine

tools indicating that they will bespending at least £100,000.The results show that despite

economic uncertainty there was ageneral acceptance in theindustry that meaningfulinvestment could no longer be putoff.There is an opportunity cost

associated with putting offinvestment; maintenance costsand lagging behind in efficiencycompared with competitorseventually outweigh the directbenefit.There is also only so long an

entrepreneurial managementteam want to sit on their hands,and this drive to grow mayexplain some of the disconnectbetween economic outlook andinvestment intentions within theindustry.

However, this forecast jump ininvestment is not set to bematched by a growth in mergersand acquisitions.

Just two per cent of businessesare focusing on acquisition astheir main driver of growth, with26 per cent looking at both organicand acquisition growth options.The AMR found more

manufacturers requiring a returnon their investments over a longerterm, with the number ofrespondents seeking return oninvestment in two to four yearsrather than sooner returning to2007 levels.

The pressures associated withrecession in 2008 and 2009 hadresulted in manufacturersdesiring a much faster return oninvestment for any capitalexpenditure.

Firms need to staypositive during year

Farmlandis still bigbusinessAGRICULTURAL land is expectedto remain strong demandthroughout 2011.Halls, the auctioneers, estate

agents and valuers, which hasoffices in Worcester andKidderminster, is optimistic aboutland values during the yearahead. This follows a very busyand successful 2010 during whichthe firm sold 3,319 acres of landwith an overall value of morethan £25 million.Peter Willcock, chairman of

Halls, said: “We are confident andupbeat about the prospects forfarmland values this year after anexceptional 2010.“A wide variety of purchasers

view land as a secure investmentand some are attracted bypotential tax saving as they seekto achieve agricultural propertyrelief from inheritance tax in thefuture.

“However, the biggest drivingforce in the market place appearsto be existing farmers, who arelooking to expand and who havebeen encouraged by highercommodity prices, coupled withlower bank interest rates.”

STAY OPTIMISTIC: John Meehanis director of NatWest commercialbanking within Worcestershire.

EXPERT: Andy Bird is Barclays’Worcester corporate area director.

Other findings from the thisyear’s AMR survey this yearrevealed:An increase in the number ofcompanies whose primaryfinancial management focus ison exchange rate fluctuation.The number of companies

reporting that funding has beeneasier to obtain has risen by19 per cent over the last two years.Almost a third moremanufacturers believe that thecurrent Government will have amore positive impact onindustry compared with 2010.

WHAT ELSE THE SURVEY SAID

16 worcesternews.co.uk

Wednesday, January 19, 2011 BUSINESS NEWS: LEGAL MATTERS

TRADE figures released byHM Revenue & Customs show thatWest Midlands exports increasedby 25.5 per cent last year.It was the highest percentage rise

in the country and businesses arebeing urged to capitalise on theopportunitesRobert Capper, partner and head

of the commercial department atsolicitors Harrison Clark, handledan increasing number ofinternational trade transactions in2010 and anticipates a furtherincrease in 2011.He said: “It is clear that we are

seeing increased growth inoverseas transactions between ourWest Midlands clients and foreignbusinesses and customers, whichhas led to an upsurge in demandfor tailored legal support forclients supplying businesses andcustomers outside the UK market.“It seems clients are looking at

export markets due to the difficulteconomic climate in the UK.“We have been asked to provide

support in terms of draftingagreements for overseas agentsand distributors, providing advice

regarding joint ventures withoverseas companies and protectingintellectual property outside of theUK market.“Although trading with overseas

customers provides fruitful results,it is also vital that companiesconsider the legal implicationsinvolved and ensure that they are

adequately prepared and protected.”Mr Capper was instrumental in

setting up the West MidlandsChambers of Commerce LLP andthe West Midlands InternationalTrade LLP – the regional bodiesresponsible for the delivery of UKTrade and Investmentinternational trade support tocompanies within the region.He therefore has an

understanding and interest inseeing international trade grow.Following the increased number

of international trade relatedrequests, Harrison Clark hasappointed Claire Gamage to itscommercial team.She joins from Birmingham

Chamber of Commerce’sInternational Trade Team and has10 years’ experience providingadvice to companies tradingoverseas.Harrison Clark’s commercial

department also works closelywith MSI Global Alliance partnersaround the world to provideinternational legal advice.Harrison Clark is organising a

free briefing for existing and

potential clients on the newIncoterms 2010. It will take place inWorcester on Wednesday,February 16, and it will look atissues such as what to do wheninternational transactions gowrong and how companies shouldapproach overseas investment.To find out more and to book a

place contact Claire Gamage on01905 746467 or e-mailcgamage@harrison-clark.co.uk.Harrison Clark provides a

complete spectrum of city-qualitylegal services to business andprivate clients across the region.The firm has a total of 160 staff andpartners based in Worcester andCheltenham with specialist expertsacross a number of sectorsincluding education, rural,healthcare and logistics.As well as joining MSI Global

Alliance in 2007 – one of theworld’s leading international legaland accountancy associations – in2010 the firm was again recognisedfor the national quality of its workthrough a listing in the prestigiousLegal 500 and Chamber andPartners lists.

THURSFIELDS LLP hasappointed Michael Di Mambroto its litigation team. He hasjoined the company as debtrecovery manager.Mr Di Mambro has a great

deal of experience and will bedealing with all aspects of debtrecovery, both commercial andprivate.Mark Pittaway, partner and

head of the litigation team,said: “I am delighted thatMichael has joined our strongand growing team which canprovide advice across the wholespectrum of litigation anddispute resolution includingmediation.“Within the team we have

experienced specialist lawyerswho can offer swift, practical

and cost-effective solutions todisputes concerning companies,partnership and finance andinsolvency. We also deal withcontracts and warranties,construction, commercial andproperty disputes – includinglandlord and tenant – personalinjury, clinical negligence,probate disputes andprofessional negligence.”

Overseas ordersshow a huge rise

TEAM: From left, Jacqui Pittaway, Yvonne Lewis, Mark Pittaway, Linda Baylis and Michael Di Mambro.

Best get aclean breakorderwhenyoudivorceWHEN Nigel Page won a massive£56 million on the lottery hedidn’t realise that his ex-wife hada claim to some of it.She made a legal application for

£8 million and eventuallyreceived £2 million. But had aclean break order been granted atthe time of their divorce Mr Page’sfortune would have been safe.Claire Taylor, an experienced

family solicitor at ThursfieldsLLP, said: “Divorce itself does notprevent financial applicationsbeing made in the future. Theright to make these claims needsto be formally dismissed by thecourt with a clean break order.”If parties are agreed as to how

they wish to deal with finances,this agreement, if it is fair, can bemade into an order by the courtwithout the couple even needingto attend court and for a nominalcost. This is a prime example ofwhy finances need to beconsidered and dealt with at thetime of divorce even if, at thattime, there are few assets or lowincomes. Any improvement tofinances could lead to claimsbeing made between formerspouses.”

TRADING:SolicitorRobertCapperknowsjust howimportantexportingcan be toa company.

Warm welcome to Michael

worcesternews.co.uk 17

Wednesday, January 19, 2011BUSINESS NEWS: LEGAL MATTERS

SOLICITOR Lucy Small,formerly of Worcesterlaw firm Harrison Clark,has joined the clinicalnegligence department

of Lanyon Bowdler.The firm has recently

expanded into the region,following its acquisition ofHereford-based Lewis & Co.Miss Small will be based at the

Ludlow office of LanyonBowdler and will spend aproportion of her time at theHereford office, convenientlysituated on King Street in theheart of the city.She has lived on the borders of

Worcestershire, Herefordshireand Shropshire for most of herlife.Since qualifying in 1995 her

practice has been in medicalnegligence and personal injury,and she acts solely for thevictims of accidents.She said: “Emotionally it is

very rewarding. My role is notjust to secure the best damages Ican for my client but to ensurethey have all their future needsmet in terms of support andassistance.”A clinical negligence solicitor

needs to be extremelysupportive and understandingof client circumstances. MissSmall said: “It is very important

to me that those I meet whohave been through a life-changing trauma feel they havesomeone to support them andstand up for them.“I have met some incredibly

brave people, whose lives havebeen turned upside down.“Family members are often

overlooked but they take thestrain supporting loved ones indifficult times. I hope thatanyone in such a situation feelsthat they can talk to me.”Lanyon Bowdler is

Shropshire’s largest law firmand it has expanded intoneighbouring Herefordshire.

The Hereford office is headedby partner Peter Lewis and thelegal services on offer have beenexpanded to includeagricultural expertise,complementing the firm’sposition as the NFU’s panelsolicitors.With 19 partners and about 200

experienced staff, the firm isable to offer legal advice fromlocal offices throughoutShropshire and Hereford.

The head office is inShrewsbury with a further sixoffices in Hereford, Ludlow,Oswestry Telford andWellington.An award-winning multi-

disciplinary firm, LanyonBowdler specialises in allaspects of the law. With aprogressive outlook and acommitment to theenvironment, the firm embracesopportunities to work with thecommunity – supportingcharities and enterprisinginitiatives.

Lucy’s taking on casesof clinical negligence

I CAN HELP YOU: Lucy Small.

It’s important topromote yourself

IT’S a new year and there are newchallenges for shops andcustomers alike. We know it’sgoing to be hard for both parties,especially now the VAT rise has

taken effect.The extreme weather conditions

before Christmas impacted on retailsales nationwide, with high profilecasualties such as HMV reflecting thetough times.The British Retail Consortium (BRC)

confirmed that December 2010 was theworst in eight months for shop sales,with money worries and bad wintryweather two of the main reasons.However, more encouragingly, strongperformances in retail and hospitalityhave placed Worcestershire amongthe fastest growing jobs market in theWest Midlands.This is positive news, but it’s more

important than ever for retailers topromote their presence.Whether you’re a shopping centre or

an individual boutique, using publicrelations to get editorial publicity is acost effective way of boosting yourprofile.Work out your strongest offering. Do

you provide top quality ranges thatdeliver reliability and longevity? Doyou focus on value, spreading thecustomer’s budget further? Do youoffer a one-stop destination for

shopping, perhaps with parking foradded convenience?Communicating these aspects

clearly and making them relevant willhelp people to notice you, and attractthem to your door.There is a wide range of ways to get

that valuable coverage and stand outfrom the crowd.Perhaps issue a news release or set

up a photo opportunity highlightingspecial shopping events or attractionsyou’re offering.Offer your local media a case study

using real-life, willing customers totake on a particular challenge – suchas buying all their family Christmasgifts in-store for £50, or taking up achallenge to save a certain amount byshopping locally.Think about seasonality, such as

linking to Back to School, Valentine’sDay, or April’s royal wedding.Also aim to grow your profile in

other forms of media, such as radio,online and in the social networkingworld. This can help reach customersin additional formats that they canlisten to, read or actively engage with.

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ADVICE:MichelleWhitefootis themanagingdirector ofWhitefootForwardPR.

FROM PAGE 15best practice in theenvironment.“Are you, or is someone

you know, one of the WestMidlands’ leading directors?You can put yourself forwardor recommend the process toa deserving colleague.”An independent panel of

experts will judge thenominations, the winners ofwhich will receive theirawards at a gala dinner to beheld at Eleven Brindleyplace,the new home of the Instituteof Directors.The awards are open to all

directors, or those of similarstatus. This will includeLLPs, partners, appropriatesole traders and public sectoremployees.Entrants do not need to be

an IoD member to enter – theclosing date is Friday,February 18.There are eight categories,

culminating in the mainaward of the IoD WestMidlands Director of theYear.The others are Young

Director of the Year, Directorof the Year (large company),Director of the Year (small-

to-medium enterprise),International Director of theYear, Public Sector, FamilyBusiness Director of the Yearand Director of the Year forEnvironmental Leadership.The event is new for 2011

but follows on from thehighly successful IoD WestMidlands Young Directors ofthe Year Awards.Each West Midlands

category winner willautomatically go forward tothe prestigious IoD nationalawards, to be held inLancaster House, London, onSeptember 23.Entry is free and designed

for busy people.A written submission is

required and will be backedup with a short verificationinterview.The process is explained at

iod.com/westmidlands.Mr Phillips said: “With the

recession behind us and therecovery moving ahead wefelt this was the time to hailour business heroes.“Only business can lead

this country into a bettereconomic future and we wantto acknowledge those whoare leading the way.”

Enter thisnew event

18 worcesternews.co.uk

THE newly mergedStallard March &Edwards is offeringclients even moreexperience and legal

expertise across all areas of thefirm, including in its expandedbusiness services department.For Worcestershire businesses

– and nationwide – StallardMarch & Edwards offersrelevant, efficient, personal andprofessional advice on key areasincluding business property,employment, preparation ofservice agreements andemployment contracts, businessdisputes and insolvency.Stallard March & Edwards has

the reassuring experience todeliver higher than ever levelsof quality service and advice ataffordable prices.These are in matters such as

company sales, purchases,reorganisations, employee shareschemes, shareholderagreements, company formationand partnership/LLPagreements and directors’duties.The new company is also able

to assist in asset sale andpurchase and the preparationand analysis of commercial

agreements including terms andconditions, distribution andagency agreements.Shaun Owen, head of the

business services team, said:“Our legal advice is tailored tothe specific needs of individual

businesses and theirrequirements at the differentstages of their life anddevelopment, from advice tostart-up ventures to the disposalof the established business.“In most situations it is best to

instruct your solicitor at anearly stage to give the bestchance of protecting thebusiness, especially withcontractual matters.“Instructing your solicitor at

an early stage allows thenecessary time for the greatestnumber of options to beconsidered, and to aim for thebest outcome to be put in place.“This is particularly true with

corporate recovery orinsolvency matters.“Whatever the size and nature

of your business, our team willwork efficiently with you,answering questions, advisingyou and taking a personalised,experienced approach to meetyour business goals.”Stallard March & Edwards is

located in three Worcester citycentre offices. For moreinformation about the companyand its full range of legalexpertise including businessservices, telephone 01905 723561.

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TEAM LEADER: Shaun Owen.

New team’slooking goodDROITWICH-basedHotelshopUK has re-structuredits management team as part ofits growth strategy.The new team’s members,

selected from the company’smanagers and directors, willwork closely with managingdirector Viv Hudson and theboard to consolidate the successthe company has seen over thepast 10 years.

It will also take HotelshopUKto a £10 million turnovercompany over the next fiveyears.Paula Martin becomes director

of e-commerce and technologyand Diana McLean is directorof sales and marketing, whileRob Veale takes on the post ofdirector of customer service.Tracey Orchard is the newdirector of business and financeand Anne Alsop is strategicplanning manager.Mrs Hudson said: “We are

actively involving the totalHotelshopUK team in thegrowth of the company. The

individuals in this managementteam have already beeninstrumental in driving thesuccess of the company overrecent years. By re-structuring

internally in this way andgrowing people’s roles, we areconfident that this will in turnimpact positively as part of ouroverall strategy.”

LOOKING TOWARDS THE FUTURE: Viv Hudson, centre, with the newmanagement team of HotelshopUK, clockwise from left, PaulaMartin, Tracey Orchard, Anne Alsop, Rob Veale and Diana McLean.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011 worcesternews.co.uk 19BUSINESS NEWS: LEGAL MATTERS

Wednesday, January 19, 2011BUSINESS NEWS: CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWS

Magnificent venue for allto celebrate 10th awardsCollege Hall and the nave of Worcester Cathedral have been chosen to host this year’s big date in the business community calendar

WORCESTERSHIREAmbassadors isa group ofinfluentialindividuals who

care passionately about thefuture health and prosperity ofthe county.Drawn from senior positions in

local commerce and the publicsector and supported byWorcestershire County Council,they share a common enthusiasmto create a county to be proud of.The WorcestershireAmbassadors’ objective is topromote all that is great about

living and working in the county,linking organisations anddeveloping social and economicprosperity.Name: Jonathan Sinclair Brew.Occupation: Senior partner atHarrison Clark, solicitors.

CV in brief: Born in the Wiirral,Cheshire, in January 1956. I readfor my degree at CoventryUniversity and qualified inOctober 1980, while at WalkerSmith and Way, solicitors. Imoved to Worcester in 1983where I joined Harrison Clark. Ibecame a partner in the firm inDecember 1985 and wasappointed senior partner in 2003.Hobbies and interests: I collectantique travel books and booksabout Mount Everest. I alsocollect Battle of Trafalgar andNelson memorabilia. I enjoyworking out at the gym, cycling,going to the cinema, theatre andtravel.I’m a WorcestershireAmbassador because: My wifeand I owe a lot to Worcestershireand its people. This is one of theways I can give something backto the county. I am proud to bepart of it both professionally andsocially.

MMEEEETT TTHHEEAAMMBBAASSSSAADDOORRSSJONATHANSINCLAIR BREW

PROUD: Jonathan Sinclair Brew.

CAN your business towerabove the rest at the10th Annual ChamberBusiness Awards 2011?This year the business

community will be congregating atWorcester Cathedral on Thursday,July 21.After the roaring success of last

year’s awards ceremony at theWest Midland Safari Park we knewit would be hard to match it as avenue but plans are now in place tomake 2011’s extravaganza anevening you won’t forget.Now in its 10th year, the Chamber

Business Awards has one aim, torecognise the success of companiesacross Worcestershire andHerefordshire.The calibre of nominations for

this event is always high with

entries demonstrating aspectacular level of innovation,ambition and plans for growth.Businesses of all sizes have

benefited from the profile thatwinning an award can bring.On the evening of July 21 there

will be a champagne reception in

the magnificent College Hall.It will be followed by a sumptious

three-course dinner to be held inthe nave of the cathedral.The evening will be accompanied

by some sparkling entertainmentbefore the awards ceremonybegins.At the chamber of commerce we

are passionate about supportingbusiness success, providingcompanies with the tools they needto grow and contribute to a vibrantlocal economy.Worcestershire and Herefordshire

boast some of the most dynamicbusinesses in the UK. Some startedout as small businesses and othersembraced rapid technologicaldevelopments over the last decade,constantly innovating to achievesuccess.Recognising our business

heritage is important and so wehave added an additional categoryto this year’s awards – one thatcelebrates the achievements ofbusinesses that have made an

overwhelming contribution to thelocal economy during the lastcentury.The awards are open to every

company in Worcestershire andHerefordshire and Worcestershireand there are a total of 10categories including an overallwinner, who will be chosen fromthe winners in each category.The business awards are open to

all companies – and not justmembers of Worcestershire andHerefordshire and WorcestershireChamber of Commerce.Firms can be of any size and

operate in any sector.Previous winners have included

all kinds of companies from largemanufacturers to small, specialistfirms, and have represented almostevery industry sector in the twocounties.Entries for the 2011 awards are

being accepted now and the closingdate is 4pm on Tuesday, May 3. Fordetails contact Lisa Sanders on0845 6411641.

Join healthcare packageAXA PPP healthcare hasteamed up with the BritishChambers of Commerce –Herefordshire andWorcestershire Chamber ofCommerce – to bring specialmember access to healthinsurance products and itsaward-winning service.The healthcare package

includes in-patient and daypatient treatment, out-patientsurgical procedures,radiotherapy and chemotherapyout-patient diagnostic tests andconsultations. Two supportservices are only available tochamber members – free to

activate and invaluable to abusiness. They are Health atHand – a telephone-basedhealth information serviceavailable to you, youremployees and their familiesThe other is Personal

Business Assistance – availableto the key decision maker andhelping with day-to-day businessoperations. For instance, itallows the holder to stay intouch with customers and staffsuppliers whether in hospital orconfined to bed due to ill health.Tom Leavesley of Williams

Resource in Worcester hasjoined the scheme. He said:

“We joined AXA PPPHealthcare after receiving someliterature from the chamber.“We had been looking for a

healthcare provider for sometime as we know it can have apositive impact on staffretention and well-being.“The no-claims discount, level

of cover and cash back providedwere too good to refuse and weenrolled all our staff. Thespouse and family rates arecompetitive, too.For deatils contact the

chamber team on 0845 6411641or e-mail enquiries@hwchamber.co.uk.

SPLENDOUR: Worcester Cathedral is the venue for the business awards.

20 worcesternews.co.uk

worcesternews.co.uk 21Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

HELPLINE AND FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS: PAGE 24

Cool deal givesus more outletsMore sales for ice-cream firm thanks to co-operativeICE-creammaker Church-fields has reason to cele-brate because it hasbegun to supply a selec-tion of its innovativerange to more than 20Midcounties Co-operativeretail outlets.The firm, based at

Salwarpe, near Droitwich,is known for its uniqueSeriously Stilton icecream. Other more tradi-tional recipes such asvanilla have won severalprestigious food awards.Now, it’s orange with

Grand Marnier, toffee

fudge and walnut, andmaple syrup flavours arebeing sold through Mid-counties Co-operative.With a constant supply

of milk from its own herdof pedigree cows, Church-fields has a distinctadvantage over manyluxury brands because itsmain ingredient it is liter-ally fresh from the dairy.Using a carefully judged

mix of milk and cream

gives Churchfields ice-cream a thick, creamy,unique texture and flav-our as it is made withoutany artificial additives.Gillian Kerton, who

runs the ice cream pro-duction side of the busi-ness, said: “We are sothrilled to be part of theMidcounties Co-operativesupply chain.“As a small supplier we

think it says somethingabout the quality of ourproduct, but more impor-tantly the way the co-operative really does

stand by its ethical valuessuch as its commitmentto sustainable practicesand food provenance.“As a large food retailer

the Midcounties Co-pera-tive is demonstrating itssupport to local econ-omies and business bychoosing to work withsmall producers champi-oning taste and quality.Churchfields ice-cream

is distributed throughHeart of England FineFoods, which works topromote locally sourcedfood.

Alicia KellyCity centre, Barbourne,Northwick, Arboretum.01905 742255ak@worcesternews.co.uk

Claire FryEducation/shopping.01905 742263cf@worcesternews.co.uk

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Business newsWWW.HEWETT-RECRUITMENT.CO.UKRECOGNISABLY BETTER SERVICE

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

YUM YUM: Dairy farmer Michael Davies and young Edward Kerton enjoy a Churchfields Farmhouse ice cream.

Firm wins creative accountWORCESTER design andmarketing companyModus Creative hasappointed accountantsKendall Wadley to lookafter its finances.The company, which

has offices in Worcester,Malvern and Hereford, isto handle all aspects ofModus’ accountancy andtaxation affairs.Roger Marshall, manag-

ing director of Modus

Creative, said: “Weappointed Kendall Wadleybecause of its forwardthinking way of working,as well as its pro-activeapproach and profession-al expertise working withclients. Modus is showingconsistent growth andthe Kendall Wadley teamshare and understand ourvision of sustaining andexpanding on that.”Jeremy Clarke-Morris, a

partner at KendallWadley, said: “Modus isat an exciting stage ofgrowth and part of ourremit is to work with it toensure it continues togrow as a result of ourstrategic input.“We are handling all

aspects of the accountan-cy and taxation affairs atModus with a view to cap-italising on the compa-ny’s success.”

Feedback’sfantasticfor onlinefragrances

Businesshours athair salon

CUSTOMERS are giving top-rated reviews to the onlinecompany which sponsorsboth Worcester Warriors andWorcestershire County Crick-et Club.Their comments describe

FragranceMad.com as “firstclass” and “highly recom-mended.” Ed Dunn, the firm’smanaging director fromChaddesley Corbett, nearKidderminster, said: “Thesecustomer feedback reviewsare fantastic.“As well as the best pricesand best choice of products,we also want to offer cus-tomers the very best servicewe can at all times.”FragranceMad.com offers

savings of up to 77 per cent onHigh Street prices and freedelivery on all of its products.The company sells thou-

sands of popular women’s andmen’s fragrances as well ashair and beauty productsfrom leading brands.

MULTI award-winning hairsalon Umberto Giannini inPump Street, Worcester, hasextended its opening hours tomeet the needs of the busi-ness people in the area.On Wednesdays and Thurs-

days, the salon is now openfrom 9am until 8.45pm forhair styling, colouring andcutting after workShirley Thornhill Jester, the

artistic director and owner ofUmberto Giannini in Worc-ester, said: “Some of ourclients work locally, either inor around Worcester andsome come from furtherafield. We are responding torequests for clients for longeropening hours to meet theirneeds, allowing the businesscommunity to come in afterwork in the week, givingthem greater flexibility inmaking their appointmentswith us.”On all other days the salon

opens 9am-6pm.

Jeremy Clarke-Morris.

BY MIKE PRYCE01905 742247mp@worcesternews.co.uk

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