Business News

The City of Wolverhampton Council has been shortlisted for multiple awards at the prestigious MJ Awards 2021, which celebrate the best in local public services. The council is a finalist in three categories; ‘Chief Executive of the Year’, ‘Rising Star’ and ‘Best Social Housing Initiative’.

Tim Johnson, Chief Executive has been shortlisted for ‘Chief Executive of the Year’ for leading the council’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic and putting staff in the driving seat of equalities. In the ‘Rising Star’ category, Anthony Walker, Homelessness Strategy & External Relationships Manager, has been shortlisted for working hard to protect every person experiencing homeless in the city during the pandemic.

And in the ‘Best Social Housing Initiative’ category, the council’s commercial regulation services, working with legal services, have been shortlisted for their work in ensuring the council can act quickly and effectively against landlords acting illegally. After being cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic, this year’s awards have seen a record number of entries across 17 categories.

Councillor Ian Brookfield, Leader of the Council, said: “Being announced as finalists in three categories, when the MJ Awards have received a record number of entries from councils across the country, is no mean feat. This is an excellent achievement for the council’s employees, councillors and partner organisations after a year like no other.

“So many individuals and teams have gone above and beyond on a daily basis in the most challenging of times – and it fills me with joy that those collective efforts have been recognised. Now we can look forward to September’s awards ceremony in London to see if we have won any of awards – but regardless of the outcome, we can all take immense pride at the fact that our work as a council has been recognised.”

The announcement comes after the council was commended for winning in four categories at the same awards in 2017 – Local Authority of the Year, Senior Leadership Team, Most Improved Council and Excellence in Governance and Scrutiny. The MJ Awards, which have taken place since 2004, are considered a major event within the public-sector calendar. This year’s awards ceremony will take place on Friday 17 September at London’s Hilton Hotel.

Students and seasonal staff are being reminded by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to check that they are being paid the National Minimum Wage (NMW).

All workers are legally entitled to be paid the NMW. This includes temporary seasonal staff, who often work short-term contracts in bars, hotels, shops and warehouses over the summer.

Last year (2020-21) HMRC helped 155,000 workers across the UK to recover more than £16 million in pay which was due to them. HMRC is reminding workers to check their hourly rate of pay, and to also check any deductions or unpaid working time.

One person who has benefitted from HMRC’s enforcement of the NMW is Amber, a marketing apprentice. She was concerned that she was not being paid correctly, so contacted HMRC online. HMRC looked into Amber’s concerns and spoke with her employer.

Amber was being underpaid and she received £1,900 in back pay. The National Minimum Wage hourly rates are currently:

·         £8.91 - Age 23 or over (National Living Wage)

·         £8.36 - Age 21 to 22

·         £6.56 - Age 18 to 20

·         £4.62 - Age under 18

·         £4.30 - Apprentice.

Steve Timewell, Director Individuals and Small Business Compliance, HMRC, said: “We want to ensure that seasonal workers and students are being paid what they are entitled to and, as the economy reopens, help employers if they are unsure of the rules.

“Workers should check their hourly rate and look out for any deductions or unpaid working time which would reduce their pay. It could take them below the minimum wage.

“HMRC investigates every complaint made about the minimum wage, so whether you are selling sun cream, giving a hotel room a clean, or serving a strawberry smoothie, if you think you are being short-changed you should get in touch.”

Anyone not being paid what they are entitled to can complain online at: https://www.gov.uk/minimum-wage-complaint. If they want to speak with someone they should phone the Acas Pay and Work Rights Helpline on 0300 123 1100, who may transfer the call to HMRC.

Employers can also contact the Acas Helpline for free help and advice or visit GOV.UK to find out more.

SCC, Europe’s biggest independent IT solutions provider, is pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with service management specialist 4me, further enhancing its Digital Automation practice at a critical time for digital transformation.

4me is an application specifically built to support the Service Integration and Management (SIAM) approach. It allows internal and external service providers to collaborate whilst 4me keeps track of service levels. SCC selected 4me, a Gartner Peer insights Customers' Choice winner, as a partner to complement its existing Digital Automation practice.

4me was named a Customers' Choice in the March 2021 Gartner Peer Insights 'Voice of the Customer': IT Service Management Tools (ITSM) category after receiving a 4.8-star rating with 58 verified reviews as of 31 January 2021.

The new partnership comes as many businesses continue to develop and accelerate their digital transformation strategy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with 4me set to help SCC customers reduce total cost of ownership and increase return on investment as a business scaled solution for cloud computing.

Mike Swain, SCC UK CEO, said: “I’m delighted to announce SCC’s new partnership with 4me, enabling a greater breadth and depth of choice for our customers. Digital process automation is a key tool in supporting the Enterprise Service Management part of any company’s digital transformation programme and we constantly work with our customers to find the right journey to meet their needs.

“By partnering with 4me, we can support customers on their evolutionary journey to get the most value in today’s new normal – reducing costs, increasing responsiveness, and improving the experience of customers, partners, and employees. We have introduced several customers to 4me already and look forward to a long and successful partnership together.”

4me Co-Founder and CEO, Cor Winkler Prins, said: “4me are thrilled that we have become a partner to one of the UK's leading and most recognised technology managed service providers and resellers, SCC. With reputation, reach and resources, SCC is a key and strategic partner, delivering and implementing our unique Enterprise Service Management (ESM) platform to organisations in all the countries where SCC operates. 4me looks forward to working closely with SCC to provide the best possible solutions to meet their customers’ needs.”  

The City of Birmingham Business Awards (COBBA) was established by Downtown Birmingham in 2017 to acknowledge and celebrate companies and entrepreneurs that have made a successful and significant contribution to economic growth in the city region.

With only limited tickets available for this exclusive ceremony at the Grand Hotel, the sell-out event attracts entrepreneurs, business leaders, academics, and decision makers.

The Nominees:

Male Networker of the Year 2021

Abid Khan – Chutney & Chat
Dan Kendrick – Lbl
Jason Jones – Access Storage
Pinder Dhaliwal – Falcon Insurance
Richard Fallon – The Technology Supply Chain 

Female Networker of the Year 2021

Elizabeth Mee – Woodshires
Hannah Montgomery – Goldust Marketing
Kirsty Siviter – Barker Brettell
Manjit Kang – Natwest

Community Impact Award 2021

Acorns Childrens Hopsice
Art4charity
Aston Villa Foundation
Birmingham Tech Week
Sifa Fireside
The Good Intent

Employer of the Year 2021

Cv Library
Excello Law
National Express
Pwc
St Mary’s Hospice

Employee of the Year 2021

Caroline Delaney – Atkins Global
Gayle Kelly Parkinsons Uk
Krish Patel – Barrows & Forrester
Raaj Shamji – Bcu

Customer Focused Business of the Year 2021

Alphaworks
Barker Brettell
Ey
Fazenda
Find Your Edge Coaching

Venue of the Year 2021

Bcfc
Nec
Resorts World Birmingham
Staying Cool At Rotunda
Unique Venues Of Birmingham – The Library 

Hospitality Personality of the Year 2021

Aktar Islam
Alex Claridge
Jaimon George – Zen Metro
Phil Innes – Loki Wine
Ryan Doyle – Park Regis
Stephanie Taylor – Malmaison / Hotel Du Vin

Business Development Personality of the Year 2021

Cosmo Gilbert
Harriet Giles – Dishoom
Matt Tyler – Haines Watts
Rav Bagri – Metro Bank
Rebecca Delmore – Millenium Point 

Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2021

Hannah Floyd – Pi Sq
Nikhita Parmar – Investment Watch UK
Omran Al-Habbal – Birmingham Enterprise Community
Sara Tomaszewska – Little Media Agency

Recruitment Company of the Year 2021

Culture Recruitment
Gleesons Recruitment Group
Hays
Kate&Co
Michael Page
Simkissguy Recruitment

Law Firm of the Year 2021

Dla Piper
Gowling
Irwin Mitchell
Knights Plc
Vwv
Wilkes Partnership

Accountancy Firm of the Year 2021

Bdo Llp
Azets
Grant Thornton
Haines Watts
Rsm Uk 

PR & Marketing Agency of the Year 2021

Cab Campaign
East Village PR
Fu Media
Grayling

Digital & Creative Agency of the Year 2021

Bootcamp Media
Lightbox Digital
Nettl
Northern Bear

Property Professional of the Year 2021

Alex Tross – Lsh
Ed Siddal Jones – Siddall Jones
James Forrester – Barrows & Forrester
Nicola Fleet-Milne – Fleetmilne Property
Rob Valentine – Bruntwood

The Decade of Excellence Award 2021

Aston University
Chung Ying
Hollywood Monster
Ruben Colley Fine Art Gallery
Trowers & Hamlins

Man of the Year 2021

James Wong – Chung Ying
Matt Jones – Oxbridge
Matthew Hammond – Pwc
Naeem Arif – Na Consulting
Tru Powell – Aston Performing Arts

Woman of the Year 2021

Anita Ballah – Thsh
Debbie Assinder – Rodborough Consultancy
Eileen Schofield – Schofield Associates
Karen Newman – Birmingham Open Media
Natalie Yesufu Adele-Edwards – Transition Stage Company 

Business of the Year 2021

Argent Llp
Barclays
Grant Thornton
Gymshark
Kpmg

Almost a third of the 450,000 e-scooter trips taken in Birmingham since a trial was launched in September have replaced car journeys according to a survey of riders. That means an estimated reduction of 66 tonnes of carbon dioxide in Birmingham city centre contributing to the #WM2041 ambition to achieve a net-zero carbon region over the next two decades ⁽¹⁾.

According to an e-scooter rider survey 31% of respondents said they would have otherwise used a car to complete their journey – that equated to about 140,000 car journeys at the time of the survey. Details of the positive environmental impact of e-scooters have been issued just as the West Midlands prepares to host the UK100 Net Zero Leaders Summit on July 13 – which brings city leaders together to share best practice on meeting the climate change challenge.

Operator Voi, which runs e-scooter hire schemes in major cities all over Europe, was selected last year to run the scheme in the West Midlands. The trial was launched to see how e-scooters could provide a green alternative to the car and public transport for shorter journeys and support action on climate change.

The central Birmingham trial zone includes both the QE and City Hospitals and, under the Voi 4 Heroes programme, NHS and Emergency Service workers have taken more than 54,000 free rides. Voi also offers a variety of other discounts, including travel to and from vaccination centres, rides for students and users from low-income groups.

Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street recently visited the Voi warehouse in Birmingham to check on the progress of the trial. He said: “It is incredibly clear from this data that e-scooters are helping to cut out unnecessary car journeys, helping to tackle air pollution and the climate change emergency in the process.

“This is very encouraging, especially when you consider how popular this new form of transport is proving – with nearly half a million rides taken in Birmingham since the trial launched. People have of course raised legitimate concerns around the trial, but I am pleased that Voi as the operator are taking all feedback on board and engaging with those who have concerns to make positive changes to improve safety and enforce responsible riding.”

A new online shopping platform has been launched where every penny spent helps support a charity to support a cause you care about. BuyCharity.com exclusively sells items from charities and community interest companies (CICs), bringing the much-loved charity shopping experience to the web.

“People love browsing for bargains in charity shops and there’s a ‘feel good factor’ when you’re buying from and giving to a charity,” says Hugh Tomlinson, CEO of Age UK South Lakeland and Managing Director of Charitek CIC, its administration partner, that have worked to make the website a reality.

They’ve built an e-commerce platform that brings the nation’s charity shops together all in one convenient home, online – recreating a positive charity shopping experience on the web.

Hugh says: “The site gives hundreds of products a second life and is a far more sustainable way to shop – not to mention being home to a range of incredible new and used bargains that can save people money.

“Now shoppers can browse an eclectic range of products with the added advantage that they are doing good by supporting charities in the UK. Every item listed on the site is offered by an accredited UK charity or CIC, and is properly categorised and described to give people confidence when they add items to their shopping basket.

BuyCharity.com couldn’t come at a better time for charities, many of which have suffered from the dramatic effects the pandemic and lockdown has had on the high street. With the UK’s 11,000 charity shops seeing reduced footfall over the past 18 months, their sales and donations have been hit hard.

Phil Whiteley, Partnership Development Manager at Age UK South Lakeland, says that several charities have already signed up to sell products on BuyCharity.com, and dozens more are going through verification and are set to join soon.

“We love browsing at charity shops, and BuyCharity.com is not designed to replace them but to complement them. And where charities have no physical shops but still gather physical donations, BuyCharity.com can become their shopfront to the public.

“We’ve already got hundreds of items for sale, from top-end fashion, electronics to unique antiques and collectibles,” says Phil. “Shoppers can browse in much the same way they would on other e-commerce sites, or they can choose to buy solely from the charities they support. They can create alerts for particular items, and even make item requests so that charities can check their inventories for a much-wanted item.

“Many items include delivery or we make delivery prices really clear, and customers can click and collect bulky items if they wish to. We’ve even made it easy to make donations and ensure the charity benefits from initiatives such as Gift Aid.”

The Government needs to press ahead with planning reform to meet its net zero target according to Centre for Cities’ research in partnership with HSBC UK.

Its campaign should begin in cities which, despite being big carbon emitters, have the best chance of leading the UK to net zero. The report finds that the right policies targeted in cities will being the UK a quarter of the way closer achieving a carbon neutral future.

Doing this this will require the Government to progress its planned reforms as the current system is a barrier to reaching net zero. They encourage housing development in isolated areas over better-connected inner-city and suburban brownfield sites.

Houses emit more carbon than flats, but they accounted for nearly eight in ten homes built in 2019 – an increase of 12 percentage points since 2013. Therefore, providing a more balanced mix of low-rise flats and terraced houses close to city centres would therefore help the UK reach net zero.

Building new homes centrally would also reduce car dependency. If the share of journeys made by public transport rose from one third to two thirds then urban carbon emissions would halve. Therefore, providing good public transport in all cities is essential to reaching net zero.

The number of people using public transport fell sharply during the pandemic and has not yet reached pre-Covid levels. Reaching net zero will be impossible while so many people continue to shun public transport in favour of cars. Policy makers therefore must encourage the public back onto public transport.

They should also introduce charges to disincentivise non-electric car usage and improve the public transport system in all cities. Doing these together could reduce total urban transport emissions by 87% by 2035.

The report argues that, to help cities reach net zero, the Government should:

·         Make it easier to build new energy efficient homes in city centres and suburbs.

·         Reintroduce the £2 billion Green Homes Scheme to retrofit existing homes. This would reduce carbon emissions by around 30% across England and Wales’ largest cities and towns.

And local government leaders should:

·         Improve public transport by bringing buses under public management

·         Introduce Clean Air Zones that charge drivers of the most polluting vehicles.

·         Encourage walking, cycling and public transport usage.

Centre for Cities’ Chief Executive Andrew Carter said: “The majority of people in the UK are based in our cities and largest towns. This means that changing the way that we live, work and move around them will be essential if we’re to reach net zero by 2050.

“Because 64% of the UK’s total carbon emissions come from homes and transport, it will be impossible to reach net zero without changes to our planning and transport systems. If the Government does these together it will help it reach its goals of becoming carbon neutral and levelling up.”

Ian Stuart, CEO of HSBC UK said: “This report shows the key role Britain’s town and cities, and decision-makers leading them, are going to play in helping the UK reach its net-zero ambitions. Consumers, businesses and local communities will need support from both central and local government if we’re going to make the big lifestyle changes needed over the coming years in the way we travel and in the way we build and heat our homes. There is a real opportunity to build a partnership between the public and private sectors to create the new solutions to meet the climate challenge and to open up new green opportunities for growth for small and medium sized businesses right across the country.  HSBC UK stand ready to play our part in this partnership.” 

Teams from the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Children’s Services are marking National Co-Production Week, which began yesterday (Monday).

Co-production is the principle of working in equal partnership with people using services. Within children’s services, as part of the city’s Youth Engagement Strategy (#YES), it is enabling young Wulfrunians to have a direct say on decisions which affect them.

Throughout the week, youth voice groups from the city will be in focus, as well as local schools which will be awarded #YES Co-production Charter Status. Youth voice groups have regular meetings with council officers to help shape decisions, including the city’s Children in Care Council, Care Leavers Independent Collective, Youth Engagement Strategic Board, Youth Council, Youth Ambassadors, B-Safe, Culture and Diversity and HY5, a SEND engagement forum.

Throughout the week, good examples of co-production will be shared on HeadStart Wolverhampton’s social media pages – @HeadStartFM on Twitter and Facebook. And on Friday, schools which have demonstrated a commitment to the City of Wolverhampton Children and Families Together Board’s Co-Production Charter will be awarded charter status.

The charter is a set of values and ways of working that organisations across the city can sign up to, underpinned by the belief that children, young people and families are best places to shape the services and support they receive and should be seen as equal partners in the decision making process.

Councillor Beverley Momenabadi, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said: “I am delighted that we are able to focus on some of the great work our city’s youth voice groups do during National Co-Production Week.

“Co-production is a key part of our #YES strategy, ensuring children and young people are part of the decision making process in children’s services.

“We believe that it is vital for young people to say have a say in the decisions that affect them most. That way, we can ensure that they themselves play a part in making our city’s future a bright one.”

To find out more about #YES, visit www.youthengagementstrategy.co.uk. Now in its sixth year, National Co-Production Week continues until Friday (9 July).

The Founder Institute (FI.co), the world’s largest pre-seed accelerator, announced today that it is officially launching its newest chapter for the Midlands. Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 200 cities, the Founder Institute provides high-potential entrepreneurs and teams with the devoted support network and structured growth process needed to get to traction and funding. Any aspiring entrepreneur or team interested in building an enduring technology company across the Midlands is invited to apply to The Birmingham & the Midlands Virtual 2021 Founder Institute at http://fi.co/apply/birmingham.

In an effort to ensure the health and safety of the programme’s mentors, partners, and participants, this Founder Institute cohort will be held completely online, allowing anyone to build a business alongside some of the Midlands’s top entrepreneurs and investors from the comfort of home. The Birmingham & the Midlands Virtual 2021 Founder Institute will also host a series of free online start-up events, where attendees can learn how to build a company and learn more about the programme. See the full list of events at http://fi.co/events/birmingham.

Leading the efforts to launch the Founder Institute across the Midlands are local start-up leaders: Assim Ishaque, Sally Dhillon, Drew Currie and Steve Hooper

In addition, many of the region’s top startup investors, founders, and executives have expressed interest in mentoring entrepreneurs in the programme:

·         Eric Collins: As seen recently on Channel 4’s The Money Maker, CEO Impactx – biggest investor of underrepresented groups

·         Maxine Laceby: Founder & CEO Absolute Collagen

·         Roger Wood: Director, Midven incorporating the Midlands Engine Investment Fund

·         Randa Bennet: CEO, vHelp.co.uk

·         Cas Majid: CEO, Wow Group of Companies, Executive Director, Birmingham Tech Week and former President, Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

·         Deepak Jayaprakash: Chief Financial Officer, Moteefe & ex-Expedia

·         Emilie Normann: Head of Research, Analysis and Higher Education, Foundation for Entrepreneurship and the Technology Pact

·         Joel Blake OBE: President Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce

·         Melissa Snover: CEO & Founder, Nourish3d

·         Kali Bagary: Chairman, TechFINIUM Limited

·         Kari Lawler: Barclays Entrepreneur Awards Midlands Icon of the Year, Founder of Youth4AI & UK Space Agency SatelLife Winner

·         Naomi Nash: Tech Nation & diversity in tech campaigner

·         Viola Jardon: Lead, Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Accelerator

·         Navdeep Bains: Silicon Valley-based financial consultant, ex-Hewlett- Packard & now Pure Storage

·         Nick Gostick: Director, Smart Innovation Hub, Keele University

·         Steff Wright: Chairman, Gusto Group

·         Richard Bohan: Founder of Blockchain Capital & CEO & Co-founder Crypto Capital Investments

·         Safraz Ali: Managing Director, Pathway Group Limited

·         Pam Sheemar: Director, Birmingham Tech & Global Co-Chair Multicultural Network NatWest

·         Mike Feerick: CEO, Alison Online Training & social philanthropist

·         Steve Hobbs: Director, Ask Better Questions

The Founder Institute Birmingham & the Midlands Virtual 2021 pre-seed accelerator program begins on September 28th, 2021, and aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs looking to build solutions for the future will have the opportunity to:

·         Get constant feedback and regular office hours with 50+ Birmingham Mentors, investors, and entrepreneurs.

·         Make quick progress on their business using a proven, structured process to get to traction and funding that has helped alumni build great products and raise over $1BN in funding.

·         Get fast-tracked to a suite of post-programmes, including Funding Lab, to continue getting expert support for years to come.

·         Expand their support network to include startup founders, CEOs, and investors from the Founder Institute’s global network of 5,000+ alumni and 20,000+ mentors across 200+ cities

For the third year running, Ecclesiastical Insurance Group is giving away £1million to charities through its Movement for Good awards. Members of the public were invited to nominate causes close to their hearts, with 500 awards of £1,000 available for donation. 

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, Church Pastoral Aid Society and Little Hearts Matter are some of the local charities set to benefit from the money, following overwhelming public support in the county. 

More than 6,700 kind-hearted residents voted for charities across the county. In total, more than 210,000 people around the UK supported the Movement for Good awards, with over 13,000 charitable causes up and down the country receiving votes. The 500 winning charities were picked at random from those nominated.

Amazingly, a huge 86% of those who nominated a charity said they’ve donated the same amount or more during the past year, showing just how kind-hearted West Midlands residents are despite challenges posed by the COVID pandemic. Additionally, 52% said they are more likely to support a local charity than a national one, as the country emerges from lockdown. 

It’s perhaps no surprise that health causes topped the list with the most nominations, while community and animal and wildlife charities were also front of mind as popular choices. 

Thanking supporters in the West Midlands, Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive at Ecclesiastical Insurance Group, said: “We have seen an overwhelming public response to our Movement for Good awards for a third year in a row and I would like to thank every single person who took the time to nominate a good cause. It’s clear that people care deeply about those in need in their region during what has been an incredibly testing time for many. We know that £1,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do and we’re looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better.

“Ecclesiastical, the fourth largest corporate donor in the UK, is a unique financial services group. We are owned by a charity which means all available profits can be given to the good causes that are so important to our customers. As a company whose purpose is to contribute to the greater good of society, charitable giving is at the heart of our business.”

Later this summer, a further 30 charities will also be chosen by a panel of judges to receive £10,000 from Ecclesiastical Insurance Group to be put towards the advancement of heritage and arts, education, rural and community, climate, human rights and equality. What’s more, two charities will benefit from an additional £50,000 each and another will receive a life changing £100,000 award.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding 440,000 tax credits customers they have one month left to renew their tax credits claims ahead of the 31 July deadline.

More than 2.5 million annual tax credits review packs were posted to customers between late April and early June. Customers will have either received an ‘auto-renewal’ reminder or a ‘reply required’ notice. All ‘reply required’ customers must renew their claims or contact HMRC to notify them of any change in circumstances ahead of the deadline to continue receiving tax credits payments.

Renewing online is quick and easy. Customers can log into GOV.UK to check on the progress of their renewal, be reassured it is being processed and know when they will hear back from HMRC. Customers can also use the HMRC app on their smartphone to:

·         renew their tax credits

·         check their tax credits payments schedule, and

·         find out how much they have earned for the year.

Customers do not need to report any temporary falls in their working hours as a result of coronavirus. They will be treated as if they are working their normal hours for up to eight weeks after the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme closes. Any self-employed individuals, who have claimed a Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant, will need to declare the grant payments. Search ‘working out your income for tax credit/self-employment’ on GOV.UK.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said:

“We know how important tax credits are to our customers, so we’ve made it quicker and easier to renew claims online. There’s no need to wait for the 31 July deadline – do it now by searching ‘tax credits’ on GOV.UK.”

If there is a change in a customer’s circumstances that could affect their tax credits claims, they must report the changes to HMRC. These include changes to:

·         living arrangements

·         childcare

·         working hours, or

·         income (increase or decrease).

Post Office card accounts will close on 30 November 2021. HMRC is reminding any tax credits and Child Benefit customers who use this account to receive their payments that they will need to notify HMRC of their new bank account details. HMRC is encouraging customers to act now so they do not miss any payments once their Post Office account closes. To find out how to open a bank account, visit Citizens Advice.

HMRC is urging customers to be careful if they are contacted out of the blue by someone asking for money or personal information. There are a lot of scams around where fraudsters are calling, texting or emailing customers claiming to be from HMRC. If in doubt, customers are advised not to reply directly to anything suspicious, but to contact HMRC straight away – search GOV.UK for ‘HMRC scams’ for more information.

Low-carbon manufacturing and goods are now the West Midlands’ fastest growing sector, latest research has shown, boosting the region’s ambition to lead a new, green industrial revolution. Figures show that the region’s low-carbon industries grew by more than 7% in 2020 despite a 9% downturn in the wider West Midlands economy as a result of the Covid pandemic.

The sector now employs close to 100,000 people across the region, which also has a far greater concentration of workers in certain low-carbon industries than many other parts of the UK. Coventry and Warwickshire alone employ 28 times the UK average in electricity transmission jobs, the Black Country five times the average in securing recycled materials, and Birmingham and Solihull five times the average in building management systems and activities.

This new research, commissioned by the West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC), found one of the reasons the West Midlands is proving so successful in developing its low-carbon industries is because many of the region’s traditional sectors, such as manufacturing, automotive and energy supply, are looking to reduce carbon in response to the climate emergency. It comes as the region gears up for a pre-COP26 conference on July 13, which is being co-hosted by UK100 and the WMCA. The International Net Zero Local Leadership Conference is aimed at strengthening the powers of regions to deliver net zero.

Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “The West Midlands is already the manufacturing heartland of the UK and is world-leading in the automotive and energy storage industries. Now we’re ready to seize the initiative and become the home of the Green Industrial Revolution.

“This research suggests that’s exactly what we’re doing, and shows that by reducing carbon across the region we’re also creating significant economic opportunities for businesses to thrive, invest, and create new jobs for local workers. Given the jobs we’ve lost to the pandemic, this is critical.

“Our regional ambition is to be net zero by 2041, and that means growing our low-carbon sectors even faster and creating even more jobs and opportunities for local businesses. But in order for our green sectors to flourish we need to create the right environment, which is why the Net Zero Conference in the West Midlands on 13th July is so important. We need to come together as local authority partners, alongside central government, to set out the policies that will generate even more opportunities for innovation, commercialisation and new jobs.”

The research released by the West Midlands Growth Company also pointed to the role of the WMCA in setting out a clear ambition and roadmap to achieving net carbon zero by 2041, helping to create business opportunities for those green industries. The WMCA’s own research shows that a further 21,000 new jobs could be created over the next five years and 92,000 more by 2041, mostly in new carbon-cutting green industries and technologies.

CEO at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, Henrietta Brealey, said: “It’s great to see rapid growth in the low-carbon technology sector. Local businesses and industry are grasping the opportunity that the net zero transition can bring. By utilising wherewithal from the region’s industrial past, these businesses are positioning the West Midlands as the home of the new, green industrial revolution.

“The region is home to world-leading innovation and manufacturing capability and key sectoral strengths. This makes it well-placed to meet the challenges that come with the net zero transition and build on its competitive edge to increase economic growth.

“In the run-up to COP26, the Greater Birmingham and Coventry and Warwickshire Chambers of Commerce have partnered to support businesses on their decarbonisation journeys, through ‘The Sustainable Business Series: Net Zero’ campaign and raise awareness of the opportunities available. As part of this, we will be gathering further insight into the policy direction and support needed for businesses on this agenda and working to influence Government thinking accordingly.”

The WMGC research found particular strengths in a number of key areas:

·         Future Mobility – as the UK’s automotive manufacturing capital, a rapid transition to electric will be critical alongside an acceleration of the region’s cutting-edge research and development into new forms of low-carbon transport propulsion.

·         Energy Systems & Built Environment – the region is already the UK’s leading location for the development of large-scale energy innovation zones. These take a whole system approach to energy and the environment – from generation to consumption and management.

·         Energy Generation, Distribution & Storage - through its manufacturing expertise, the region has become a key player in the supply chains for wind, solar PV and biomass renewable energy, employing 37,000 people locally. Even more significant is its world-leading battery storage technology and range of energy distribution providers and their supply chain companies.  

·         Resource Management – a focus on making best use of the materials and resources available, reducing waste through remanufacturing and recycling. Not only local businesses, but also the region’s university research centres, are developing ground-breaking solutions that maximise every last piece of material.

·         Low-Carbon Solutions - with extensive academic, research and consultancy expertise, the West Midlands has been identified as being ideally placed to provide private businesses with the solutions and collaboration opportunities they need to help reduce carbon and move to net zero.

Councillor Ian Courts, the WMCA portfolio lead for environment and energy and Leader of Solihull Council, said: “This latest research from the WMGC is incredibly positive and confirms that our region is ideally placed to lead in the drive towards net zero. Our low carbon and environmental goods sector is bucking the trend elsewhere in the economy and spearheading the region’s post-Covid economic fight back.

"Our region has a proud history of industrial ingenuity and innovation and it’s only fitting now that we find ourselves once again at the forefront of a new green industrial revolution.

“We have the industry and skills to lead the way towards a greener and more prosperous future, and help take us towards our net zero target of 2041. Our task now is to make sure we remain at the cutting edge of this exciting sector and continue to capitalise on the huge economic opportunities associated with decarbonisation.”

Virtually There, a virtual office and services provider, is empowering young entrepreneurs and early-stage start-ups in Birmingham with £5000 worth of business support and services to get their ideas or fledgling enterprises off the ground. 

The Young Entrepreneurs Scheme (YES) launched on Thursday, 17th June, with applications closing on Thursday 12th August. It is open to any entrepreneur aged between 16-25 years old who has a business idea or a pre-existing start-up that could benefit from Virtually There’s services and support.

The scheme follows the devastating effects Covid has had on youth unemployment, which hit up to 15% compared to pre-pandemic levels in the past year. This has nonetheless been coupled with a boom in young entrepreneurship, with many business-savvy individuals using their free time over the lockdowns to start an enterprise.

Virtually There’s scheme will empower those who are seizing this moment to take a leap into entrepreneurship. Successful applicants will attend a free start-up 101 workshop, delivered in partnership with highly-reputable business incubator Enterprise Orchard, and receive a free year of virtual office space, virtual receptionist or assistant services, as well as 1-2-1 mentoring with leading industry experts. 

Virtually There Co-Founders Edgar Thoemmes and Jack Head started their joint venture in order to assist other business owners and help them grow. “As serial founders ourselves, we know just how tough it can be starting out,” added Jack.

“We want to offer the next generation a helping hand in reaching their entrepreneurial goals” said Edgar of the new scheme. “Many young people have had to rely on their creativity and initiative to unearth opportunities. We feel it is our responsibility to empower them.”.

A record 85 companies are vying to be named Greater Birmingham’s top business in the region’s biggest virtual awards extravaganza next month.

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s annual awards will take place online in an evening of drama and entertainment on Tuesday 27 July.

Supported by headline sponsors Birmingham City University and Inspired Energy PLC, the free-to-watch ceremony will be hosted on the Chamber’s website where the winners of 12 categories will be named before the overall Business of the Year is revealed.

Birmingham City Council are also supporting the event.

As well as the 12 sector awards and the Greater Birmingham Business of the Year, Chamber president Steve Allen will announce the winner of his President’s Award.

The 85 shortlisted firms were chosen by a judging panel including Inez Brown (president, Birmingham Law Society), Stuart Thomas (head of BBC Midlands), Ian Reid (CEO, Birmingham 2022), Kelly Haslehurst (marketing director, NEC Group) and Jodh Dhesi (CEO, The Schools of King Edward VI in Birmingham).

Chair of the judging panel was the Chamber’s chief commercial officer Katrina Cooke (pictured), who said: "Despite the challenges facing businesses over the past year, we still received a tremendous number of entries for our annual awards. This presented our judging panel with an unenviable task.

"The quality of entries really highlights how businesses have shown resilience and, in many cases, adapted their offering in the most challenging of environments."

The shortlist - from which the category winners and the Greater Birmingham Business of the Year - will be crowned is:

Excellence in Contribution to the Community
(Sponsored by South & City College Birmingham)
5UP CIC
ACE Dance and Music
Birmingham City University
Digital Innovators
Gro-Organic CIC
Midland Sailing Club
Millennium Point
Services For Education

Excellence in Customer Service
(Sponsored by runyourfleet)
Evac+Chair International
Inform Accounting Ltd
Intercity Technology
Lloyds Bank
Midland Health
National Memorial Arboretum
Unique Venues Birmingham
Urban Body

Excellence in Hospitality & Retail
Caviar & Chips
Millennium Point
Selfridges
The Barn at Berryfields
The Night Owl
Touchwood Solihull
Unique Venues Birmingham
United Carpets

Excellence in International Business
Flexeserve
International Synergies Limited
Lakeside Products Ltd
Y International UK Ltd

Excellence in Manufacturing
Deakin & Francis
Evac+Chair International
Hardy Signs Ltd
Selwood Pump Company Limited
Shelforce

Excellence in People Development
(Sponsored by Aston University)
Acorn Analytical Services
Curium Solutions Ltd
EiB Group Ltd
Entec Si Ltd
Fortem
Grant McKnight Ltd
Mills & Reeve
PI-KEM Ltd
Shelforce

Excellence in Responsible Business
Creative Active Lives CIC
Ebikebrum CIC
FareShare Midlands
Lapal Canal Trust
Legionella and Fire Safe Services
Sustainability West Midlands
Unity Trust Bank
Wesleyan

Excellence in Sales and Marketing
Ark Media Productions
Digital Ethos
EiB Group Ltd
Finance 4 Business
Flexeserve
HDY Agency
Lakeside Products Ltd
Midland Health
Osborn Communications Ltd

Excellence in Sustainability
Advanced Engineering (UK) Ltd
Enzen
International Synergies Limited
Northern Gas and Power
RMF Installation & Services Ltd
Sustainability West Midlands

Excellence in Technology and Innovation
(Sponsored by RSM)
Adoption Focus
Air IT
Ark Media Productions
INFINITY IT Solutions
Innovating Minds CIC
Jumar Technology
Mills & Reeve
Northern Gas and Power

Excellence in Third Sector
Beating Time
FareShare Midlands
Forward Carers
Gro-Organic CIC
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity
Sense Touchbase Pears
Sport 4 Life UK
The Haven Wolverhampton

Excellence in Training & Education
BMet College
Digital Innovators
Open College Network West Midlands
Oxbridge
Services For Education

Midlands hospitality venues are showing positive signs of a return to growth as lockdown restrictions ease, according to two leading accountancy experts with Azets, Europe’s biggest regional accountancy and business advisor to SMEs. However, the top 10 accountancy firm forecasts long-term challenges for the sector amid unpredictable market conditions.

Citing the re-opening of two significant venues in Birmingham, James Martin, Restructuring & Insolvency Partner with Azets Birmingham, believes the region’s most popular hospitality businesses are primed for an accelerated recovery, with reduced capacity re-openings starting to make a difference.

Iconic Birmingham landmark The Grand Hotel re-opened its doors in May after 18 years closed. The 141-year-old building in Colmore Row has undergone a £45 million investment, bucking the trend of hotel closures in the wake of COVID-19. Another popular venue just off Colmore Row, South American restaurant Fazenda, reopened in May after agreeing terms on its former site - weeks after announcing it was shutting permanently following the extended lockdown.

James Martin believes current social distancing measures are preventing hospitality businesses from accelerating a recovery quickly but predicts a buoyant sector once all COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. However, he has urged cautious optimism due to continued volatility and the uncertainty of these timelines.

James said: “There are plenty of examples of closures within the hospitality sector and no doubt more to follow – particularly venues without an existing reputation or prominent location. However, the signs are good for the region’s most popular restaurants and hotels, and those with higher footfall in city centre locations, with reduced capacity bookings filling up and the country due to unlock in July.

“The re-opening of The Grand Hotel after nearly two decades and last-minute reversal of the decision to close Fazenda demonstrate opportunities exist – but market conditions do remain challenging and unpredictable, and there are no guarantees businesses that have survived this long will continue to do so in the future.

“Hospitality operators that rely on fixed cost premises may already have substantial rent arrears and other COVID-19 related debt. UKHospitality recently reported that the sector has £2.5bn in rent arrears alone due to the pandemic, further compounding the millions of pounds borrowed through the various COVID-19 loan schemes made available last year.”

Mark Selby, National Head of Corporate Finance with Azets, has called on hospitality businesses to seek professional advice to understand their financial position early, with uncertainty across the sector likely to remain for months and even years.

Mark said: “Businesses of all shapes and sizes in the hospitality sector need to undertake a financial health check to assess the viability of their models in the context of their new balance sheet structures, which look significantly different now than they did 15 months ago. It’s important these businesses seek professional corporate finance advice early, rather than wait until more challenging restructuring steps are needed.”

US fashion giant Gap has confirmed it plans to close all its 81 stores in the UK and Ireland and go online-only.

The firm said it would close all its stores "in a phased manner" between the end of August and the end of September. This includes 19 stores that were already scheduled to close in July as their leases were expiring.

The company has not disclosed how many employees the closures will affect, but will shortly start a consultation process with the staff. The firm said it was "not exiting the UK market" and would continue to offer a web-based store when all the shops had closed.

A Gap spokesperson said the decision followed a strategic review of its European business. As a result, Gap is also looking to offload its stores in France and Italy.

The company said it was in negotiations with another firm to take over all of its French stores. In Italy, Gap said it was in discussions with a partner for the potential acquisition of the stores there.

"We believe in Gap's global brand power. We are executing against Gap's Power Plan and partnering to amplify our global reach," the spokesperson said. "We are not exiting the UK market. We will continue to run and operate our Gap e-commerce business in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland."

A source close to the company said that it had seen rapid uptake of internet shopping for its clothes in the UK since the pandemic-enforced lockdowns. The move comes as the latest blow to UK High Streets, already reeling from the collapse of the Debenhams and Arcadia retail empires during the pandemic.

The Debenhams brand continues online after being bought by retailer Boohoo for £55m in January - and now Gap has added to the ranks of bricks-and-mortar clothing chains that have moved to cyberspace.