Business News

A high-flying University of Wolverhampton graduate has received a business boost from entrepreneur and former Dragon’s Den judge Theo Paphitis.

Anita Sharma is a Personal Growth and Wellbeing coach for women and children and caught the eye of the businessman during ‘Small Business Sunday’.

She tweeted retailer Theo about her business Anita Sharma Coaching and was one of six weekly winners to gain a retweet by Theo to his 500,000 Twitter followers.

Anita, who graduated with a BA (Hons) in Human Resources Management in 1998 and a PGCE in Business Studies in 1999, will now be profiled on the #SBS website that is exclusive to all Small Business Sunday winners.

She said: “It is great to have support from Theo because supporting people’s emotional wellbeing, especially among preteens and teens, is a passion of mine, however as a small business it has been tough trying to raise the profile of the work I do.  I am ecstatic that Theo has recognised my hard work and helped spread the word about what I do to his following.”

Nottingham-based Anita works with children to help them understand their emotions, reduce anxiety, build positive relationships, increase their confidence and self-esteem and manage academic pressure.

The weekly Small Business Sunday initiative was set up by Theo in 2010 and now has over 2200 #SBS winners and supports small businesses in the UK.

Current investment in infrastructure and technology will underpin future economic success in Birmingham, a major report published today (Friday, 12 October) has revealed.

The report is the second annual Birmingham Economic Review 2018, produced by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) and University of Birmingham’s City-Region Economic Development Institute (REDI), which aims to accelerate economic growth in the West Midlands. The report details Birmingham’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and has highlighted the city’s prosperous and growing digital sector and expertise in advanced technology.

In the report, it estimates that the city’s digital sector is estimated to have contributed £1.4 billion to GVA and created 36,802 jobs in 2017.

Alongside the digital sector, the report highlights the future impact infrastructure investments will have on the region.

Inward investments such as High Speed Rail, Midland Metro Extensions, 5G networks and high-fibre broadband were outlined in the report to enhance connectivity across the region. This has contributed to a high demand in homes and business premises in and around the city.

This increase in demand has been heeded as a warning from the report, as it states that high-quality business premises are now in short supply. The report states that development of strategic employment sites across Birmingham must be prioritised as a matter of urgency.

The skills blight was again identified in the report as a key issue in the region. It stated that residents in the city are less likely to have high-level qualifications and more likely to have few or no qualifications compared to national figures.

Additionally, the region still lags behind national rates for unemployment, as Birmingham’s employment rate was estimated at 63.6 per cent in 2017 compared to the national rate at 74.9 per cent.

The report features insights from many business leaders across the city.

John Crabtree, Lord Lieutenant for the West Midlands and chair of the 2022 Commonwealth Games organising committee, commented on the assets of the city and the number of opportunities ahead that will help shape the region’s future.

He said: “We are not only demographically the youngest city in Europe, but also one of the richest and most diverse.

“The many new citizens we have welcomed have had much to do with our improving economic fortunes.

“We have all the ingredients necessary to become the exemplar of the modern global city…if we do our job properly, we will have 24 months to secure lasting legacies for the entire Midlands with the City of Culture stewarded from Coventry and then the Commonwealth Games headlined in Birmingham.”

Professor Simon Collinson, deputy pro vice-chancellor at the University of Birmingham and Director of City-REDI said: “Building on the economic momentum we have already achieved, more firms are investing, more businesses are starting up, and more high-skilled, talented people are coming to our city-region to work, than we have seen in over a decade.

“Evidence presented in this year’s Birmingham Economic Review shows how and why we are increasingly attractive as a location for leading firms.

“We are delighted to work with the GBCC and other regional partners to help maintain the momentum and ensure that our economic success benefits all.”

Paul Faulkner, chief executive of the GBCC, said: “The Birmingham Economic Review continues to be one of our stand-out publications, fuelled by the expert analysis of the University of Birmingham’s City-REDI.

“We hope that this review again helps advise our members as they make investment decisions in our uncertain political climate, as our formal exit from the European Union approaches.

“There is no doubt that there are challenges ahead for the region, however the Birmingham Economic Review provides much optimism and demonstrates the region’s resilience and strength for the future.

“We would like to thank all of the businesses that contributed their expertise to this report, and brought the analysis to life.”

The new £12.5 million Black Country Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills (ECMS) has officially been launched by journalist and television presenter, Steph McGovern, marking a significant investment in the future of high-value manufacturing in the region.

ECMS is a collaboration between the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, University of Wolverhampton, Dudley College, Cast Metals Federation, Confederation of British Metalforming, Institute of Cast Metals Engineers and In-Comm Training.

Based on a Hub and Spoke model, dedicated training centres are now fully operational across the Black Country in collaboration with training providers and professional industry bodies to both upskill employees and train new apprentices in metal forming skills.

The ECMS Hub, based at the University of Wolverhampton’s £100 million regeneration project at the former Springfield Brewery, is an employer-led training facility for the Black Country which has been designed to build on the region’s renowned industrial heritage by providing specialist training, short courses and apprenticeships to upskill the current and future workforce, helping to close skills gaps identified by employers.

The ECMS Spokes comprise a new National Press and Tooling Centre designed and developed by the Confederation of British Metalforming and In Comm Training, located at the In-Comm Training Academy based in Aldridge, focusing on the delivery of toolmaking apprenticeships and technical courses. The Spoke at Dudley College focuses on advance welding training and the Spoke based in Tipton, designed and developed by the Cast Metals Federation and the Institute of Cast Metals Engineers, has advanced moulding and melting facilities which will be used to deliver foundry training at all levels.

Ian Fitzpatrick, Chief Executive at the ECMS, said: “This is a key strategic project for the Black Country which links further education and higher education with local, regional and national employers.

“It’s well known that the manufacturing industry has an ageing workforce and that bespoke training courses -specifically matching industry requirements - can be difficult to source.

“We have listened carefully to what industry needs, and together with our partners, we have designed manufacturing facilities equipped with world class equipment and where world class training will be delivered by some of the finest technical experts in the business.

“Our aim at the ECMS is to give our learners a clear line of sight and a career pathway from Levels 2, 3 and 4, through to Higher National Certificate and Diploma and then Degree Apprenticeships, offering a complete or bespoke training package for the manufacturing sector through both practical and theoretical learning.”

Ninder Johal, Black Country LEP Board Member said: “We are delighted to have worked with partners from the University and training providers to manufacturers and employers to ensure that this new state of the art facility will deliver provision that doesn’t currently exist in the Black Country.

“Funded through the Black Country LEP’s Growth Deal the ECMS will provide specialist training designed to improve productivity and growth across High Value Manufacturing in the Black Country and in doing so support the continued transformation of the Black Country economy.”

Apprentices learn on the job at one of the ECMS’s training Hub or Spokes equipped with new training rooms, metallurgy and metrology labs with access to partner training centres and state-of-the-art engineering facilities. All apprenticeships meet the New Apprenticeship Standards with a variety of delivery models available.

Courses have been developed, with employer input, in casting, toolmaking, patternmaking, metalforming and foundry training, as well as mechatronics, product design and development and advanced computer numerical control.

The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership approved £8.5 million for the project and the partners have invested £4 million.

The Chancellor’s announcement of a new package of support for skills and productivity is an endorsement of pressure applied by the West Midlands business community.

That was the verdict after Phillip Hammond announced at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham that the annual apprenticeship levy transfer facility will rise from 10 to 25 per cent.

Mr Hammond also said that he would consult with businesses about further changes to the levy from 2020, following the slow take up and employer criticisms.

He also announced that the government’s recent productivity review, to which the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) contributed, found a management skills challenge in the UK’s small business community.

In order to address this, £20 million will be invested in networks to enable small businesses to learn from each other and from world leading firms. Over 100 mentors from companies, such as GSK, Amazon, KPMG and Siemens, have already signed up to offer their management expertise.

A further £11 million will pay for a management-skills training programme, anticipated to help 2,000 businesses in its first year, with an ambition to train 10,000 people a year by 2025.

Paul Faulkner (pictured), chief executive of the GBCC, said: “We have repeatedly called on stakeholders to increase the flexibility of the apprenticeship levy. The measures announced today, particularly around increasing levy transfers, are a positive indication that the voice of the business community is being heard.

“It is our hope that by allowing large businesses to transfer up to 25 per cent of unused levy funds –-as opposed to 10 per cent currently - more SMEs will be able to access high quality apprenticeships and close persistent skills gaps, which are particularly prevalent in parts of the West Midlands.

“However, as the government and the West Midlands Combined Authority work towards targets of higher apprenticeship-starts, it is crucial that quality is prioritised over quantity, and that all communities feel equipped to access such opportunities.”

On the outcomes of the productivity review, Mr Faulkner said: “The GBCC contributed a detailed response to the government’s productivity review earlier this year. This response was based on data from our annual Growth Through People campaign which, since its launch in 2017, has similarly aimed to boost productivity through improving leadership and management skills.

“Growth Through People has been a hugely successful campaign, with over 450 delegates from businesses across Greater Birmingham attending 17 events earlier this year and an ‘excellent’ net promoter score of 64.

“In 2019 the campaign is set to be bigger and better, with a significant increase in the bespoke digital content from business leaders and experts accompanying the free events series.

“We very much welcome the government to join us at the 2019 Growth Through People campaign, beginning in February next year, and experience its impact first-hand.”

A leading marketing expert will share his insights on what makes a brand stand-out from the competition at a University of Wolverhampton lecture.

Professor Malcolm McDonald will visit the University on Wednesday, 10 October 2018 to present the annual Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) lecture.

The talk, titled Creating Market Leading Value Propositions, will take place in room MH002 in the Mary Seacole Building at the Wolverhampton City Campus at 6pm. There will be refreshments in the Lord Swraj Building Forum café from 5.30pm.

Professor McDonald has written over 40 marketing books and his best-selling 'Marketing Plans' has sold over half a million copies worldwide.

Professor McDonald works with the operating boards of the world’s biggest multinational companies such as IBM, Xerox and BP. He is an Emeritus Professor at Cranfield and a Visiting Professor at Henley, Warwick, Aston and Bradford Business Schools.

Organiser Dr Roy Broad, Lecturer in Marketing, said: “We are delighted to welcome Professor Malcolm McDonald to present our lecture this year. Malcolm is arguably one of the UK's most eminent authorities on marketing strategy and his lecture will no doubt be interesting, engaging and insightful.”

The lecture is open to invited guests, students, staff and members of the CIM and the event will finish at 8pm.

Business leaders in Greater Birmingham today urged transport secretary Chris Grayling to ignore calls for HS2 to be scrapped and reiterate the government’s commitment to the project.

Business secretary Greg Clark said scrapping the link between London, the Midlands and the North of England would be “entirely the wrong approach” after former foreign secretary Boris Johnson said that instead the UK should build a bridge to Ireland and put HS2 on hold to focus on a high-speed link in the North of England.

Phase 1 of the railway between London and Birmingham was approved 18 months ago and will open in December 2026. Phase 2 is expected to launch in two separate stages. Phase 2a from the West Midlands to Crewe will begin in 2027 followed by Phase 2b from Crewe to Manchester and Birmingham to Leeds in 2033.

Paul Faulkner (pictured), chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “In a time of great political and economic uncertainty, the last thing we need are headline-grabbing articles calling for HS2 to be scrapped.

“In particular, Phase 2 is the real game-changer for our region. Connecting Birmingham to eight of the UK’s 10 largest cities will offer our businesses the chance to explore and expand into new domestic and international markets along with improving connectivity across the country which will provide a real shot in the arm to productivity levels in the West Midlands and beyond.

“We are often told that building infrastructure fit for the 21^st century is the key to unleashing the vast economic potential that exists locally so we are urging Mr Grayling to not waste this chance and use this year’s Conservative Conference in Birmingham to reiterate the Government’s support for the project – the country’s future prosperity rests upon it.”

The £7 million construction of a range of industrial and warehouse units is set to bring 165 jobs to the City of Wolverhampton.

The development of six units at Steelpark Trading Estate, at Steelpark Way and Bearing Drive, in Wednesfield, is close to being completed. All six units are either sold, let or under offer.

They have been developed by commercial property company Goold Estates and provide around 70,000 sq ft of industrial/warehouse space.

Businesses set to move into the new units include the likes of Kinetrol Powerite and CS Labels.

The news comes during the City of Wolverhampton’s Business Programme, with the flagship event – the Business Breakfast – taking place opposite Steelpark, at GTG Training and Conference Centre, tomorrow (Thursday).

Councillor John Reynolds, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “There is £3.7 billion of investment on site or in the pipeline in the City of Wolverhampton and this is another boost for our regeneration plans.

“The Steelpark Trading Estate development has brought back to life a site that has been redundant for many years, while at the same time protecting wildlife in the area. It shows there is confidence in investing in the City of Wolverhampton - and most importantly it will deliver around 165 jobs.”

Dominic Goold, Managing Director of Goold Estates, said: “Steelpark has been a resounding success. The site had been vacant and available for development for many years. We acquired it just two years ago and quickly secured planning consent from the City of Wolverhampton Council, along with funding from Finance Birmingham.

“From the moment we started on site, it proved to be extremely popular with businesses looking to buy or lease high quality units in what is an excellent location. Now, all of the six units – which were built speculatively because we were confident of a strong demand in the market - are sold, let or under offer.

“Four of the business are new to Wolverhampton, while two have expanded in addition to their existing operations. They have created around 165 jobs for local people at the development, which represents a £7 million investment in Wolverhampton – a huge vote of confidence in the city as a place to do business.”

Finance Birmingham arranged speculative development finance to help fund the project through the West Midlands Combined Authority Collective Investment Fund CIF. This fund aims to accelerate economic regeneration, assisting developers and land owners to bring forward schemes such as Steelpark.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution has opened unparalleled opportunities for the world economy, as technological and digital innovations make a profound impact on daily life.

But Industry 4.0 also unfolds during turbulent times, facing key persistent challenges such as rising debts, rising energy costs, slowing growth and the on-going trade war.

Countries not only need to combat these challenges, but also urgently need to develop their digital capacities to boost trade competitiveness in this new context.

The 2018 UNCTAD Report on Trade and Development, titled ‘Power, Platforms and the Free Trade Delusion’, examines these challenges, including the implications of the on-going trade war for the global economy, as a whole as well as in different countries/regions.

These issues have significant implications for Commonwealth countries, especially small states, as digital connectivity plays an increasing critical role in meeting sustainable development, trade and employment goals.

Key findings can provide a way forward for developing countries in the digital era.

Key speakers:

• Dr. Richard Kozul-Wright, Director - Division on Globalization and Development Strategies, UNCTAD (lead author)
• Ms. Opeyemi Abebe, Trade Adviser – Trade, Oceans and Natural Resources Directorate, Commonwealth Secretariat

Date/Venue: Wednesday 26 September, 10am to 11.30am at the Commonwealth Secretariat, Marlborough House (Main Conference Hall), Pall Mall, London SW17 5HX.

A leading industry figure has been awarded an honorary degree from the University of Wolverhampton for his contribution to building business links.

Chris Blythe, who has spent over 25 years working at all levels of vocational education and training, has been awarded a Doctor of Professional Practice in recognition of his business achievements.

After graduating from Wolverhampton Polytechnic in 1976, Chris trained as a management accountant and, after qualifying, held a number of financial positions with firms such as Dunlop, Birmid Qualcast, Mitel, W Canning, Corgi Toys and GKN Sankey.

In 1991, he joined the North & Mid Cheshire Training and Enterprise Council based in Warrington, an organisation delivering programmes to get young people and long-term unemployed adults into work and business development

Chris joined the Chartered Institute of Building in January 2000 as Chief Executive, a post he currently holds. He has recently led the Institute in tackling labour exploitation in the construction industry. In the Queen’s 2017 New Year’s Honours List, Chris received an OBE for services to the construction industry and government.

Chris said: “I am deeply honoured by the award especially as I am an alumnus of the university. Wolverhampton Polytechnic as it was gave me an opportunity which became the foundation for everything that has happened for me since. It is pleasing to see that the university is still providing opportunities and will create even more with the new Springfield campus.”

Honorary awards are presented by the University of Wolverhampton to people who have made a significant contribution to their field of expertise.

City of Wolverhampton Council’s Business Development Team is looking for 25 Wolverhampton-based companies to join the final phase of its fully-funded European business growth support project, AIM.

It is just one of the opportunities the Black Country Growth Hub will be showcasing to local businesses at the ‘Small Business, Big Impact’ on Monday, September 24.

The event is part of the city’s annual Business Programme and will take place at the Black Country Growth Hub’s HQ, at the Science Park, Glaisher Drive, WV10 9RT, between noon and 2pm. To book a place visit www.investwolverhampton.com

By the end of 2018 the city council will have teamed up with 150 small businesses through the AIM programme to help identify and provide access to a bespoke business support package to help them grow.

Companies work alongside their own business growth specialist to tailor the support to ensure the business receives all the grants, specific guidance, marketing support and connections that lead to the expansion and sustainability of the business.

The programme is popular among businesses who are looking to grow, investigate new market places, move premises, take on staff or buy plant/equipment.

It has already attracted companies ranging from digital and media to advanced manufacturers supplying the automotive, rail and aerospace sectors. Many of these companies have a fantastic customer base – including the BBC, JLR, Aston Martin, UTC Aerospace and Bentley, and have supplied high-profile projects such as Heathrow Terminal 5 and the Piccadilly Extension Line.

The programme has also provided companies access to European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Black Country Transformational GOLD grants, set up to support a variety of growth projects.

Councillor John Reynolds, Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “There are thousands of small businesses in the city that employ less than 100 people.

“These businesses account for a staggering 97 per cent of our business base and are businesses that we are keen to support.

“The AIM programme funded through the EU, the city council, and other local partners including the University of Wolverhampton and the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, is showing our commitment to this important group of businesses.”

Luke Plant, Director at Infinity Tubes based in Dixon Street, added: “The support received from the city council’s Business Development Team has been invaluable.

“It seems that you cannot ask them for the wrong thing, with advice and support for numerous matters being there when you need it.

“When you feel like the world is against you, things are stacking up and you don't know which way to turn, a quick conversation with one of the business advisors can lead to a world of opportunities - and it’s nice to know that help is out there.”

Adam Mercy at 22 is one of City of Wolverhampton’s youngest entrepreneurs – setting up his company Air Accounting at the city’s Chubb Building after just a couple of years working for a major accountancy firm.

A key focus of his business growth plan has been to develop apps with features that make accounting and tax easier, to help improve the service.

He said: “The AIM project has helped us to define a clear marketing plan to take our business to the next level.

“Our business advisor provided us with professional guidance and helped us to identify the support available that will assist our business in achieving growth.

“We were further helped to tailor the specifics of our digital marketing strategy to strengthen our understanding of our key target audience and locations.”

Investment in technology and machinery will be examined this week in the second part of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) Invest to Grow campaign.

The campaign, launched last week, aims to inspire and inform businesses around investment in innovation, research and development (R&D), technology and machinery and how it can help boost productivity.

The two-part campaign includes a series of case studies, expert opinions, briefing information and research on innovation and R&D.

Part 2, launching today, explores investment in technology and machinery. It will examine topics such as making the move to digital, investing in automation and the emerging technologies that businesses need to be aware of. It is sponsored by MCS Corporate.

Ten organisations will be contributing case studies and comment pieces including; Fracino, SUEZ Recycling & Recovery UK, RSM and the GBS LEP Growth Hub.

Alongside this, the GBCC have published guidance on the support available for businesses looking to invest in this space and recommendations for stakeholders and businesses on overcoming barriers to investment.

Readers are encouraged to join the conversation on social media using #I2G18.

Henrietta Brealey (pictured), director of policy and strategic relationships at the GBCC, said: “British businesses are leaders in their field in many respects. However, there is one area where research shows we lag behind – the adoption of the latest technologies.

“The local businesses we are featuring in this campaign have already taken great strides to embrace investment in technology and machinery. While every business is different, we hope their example can demonstrate what’s possible while the expert comment pieces and information on business support available through this campaign provide the information businesses need to get started on their own journeys.

“We also recognise that businesses face very real barriers to investment. We will be exploring these, and making recommendations for stakeholders, later in this campaign.”

Rebecca Warwick, consultant, MCS Corporate said: “We are very excited to be part of this campaign to help boost the region.  Growth in R&D is critical to sustained competitiveness in a global economy, particularly with Brexit looming, and this campaign is designed to drive awareness of what is effectively the government underwriting elements of R&D risk for companies.”

You can find out more about the GBCC’s Invest to Grow campaign here.

Cost pressures are the biggest barrier to innovation, new research from the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and University of Birmingham City-REDI reveals.

The research, released as part of the Chambers’ Invest to Grow campaign, reveals that 65 per cent of local businesses identified cost pressures/high input cost as a barrier to innovation in their business.

The survey also highlights that too much competition in the market (64 per cent), lack of skilled employees within their enterprise (59 per cent) and lack of internal finance for innovation (49 per cent) as important barriers.

The results are based on a survey of over 200 local businesses taken earlier this year.

As a result, the Chambers are calling on the Government to reduce input costs for businesses arising from taxation.

Henrietta Brealey (pictured), director of policy and strategic relationships at GBCC, said: “We have seen a significant rise in costs for businesses coming from taxation and associated administration in recent years.

“When we surveyed businesses across the West Midlands region earlier this year we found that 76 per cent of firms had experienced an increase in the overall burden of tax admin and compliance compared to five years ago.

“And with the recent introduction of the apprenticeship levy, pension auto-enrolment and rising business rates for a significant number of firms, it’s no wonder why.

“The Government have made clear their intention to encourage firms to innovate and boost R&D spend through The Industrial Strategy.

“However, Ministers and officials need to bear in mind that businesses only have finite resources.

“If the Government could successfully overhaul the UK’s tax system to reduce its reliance on input taxes and streamline admin it would free up significant business resources for potential investment in innovation and R&D.

“We are also calling on the Government to clarify their long-term vision for innovation funding post-Brexit.”

The Invest to Grow campaign aims to inspire and inform businesses around investment in research and development (R&D), innovation, technology and machinery and how it can help boost productivity.

Part one of the campaign is sponsored by the University of Birmingham.

Professor Simon Collinson, deputy pro-vice-chancellor for Regional Economic Engagement and director of the City-Region Economic Development Institute (City-REDI), said: “Universities are key players in the city-region’s innovation system. Alongside our counterparts the University of Birmingham is working with local firms, large and small, to develop new technologies in life sciences, renewable energy systems, rail transport and advanced materials to drive competitiveness in global markets.

“But we are also helping policy makers develop a local industrial strategy focused on the unique strengths of our city-region. City-REDI’s work with the Chamber shows that the region is under-investing in skills, R&D and new technology. Firms are the driving force for regional growth and managers need the confidence to invest to compete more effectively, despite the current uncertainties.”

The Chambers are also encouraging local business leaders to embrace innovation and R&D in their organisations and tap in to the support available.

Henrietta Brealey said: “Investing in innovation and R&D is as much, if not more, about business culture and leadership as it is about financial investment.

“We are encouraging business leaders to create an environment that recognises, rewards and enables innovation.

“Every investment comes with a risk of failure. Luckily, there are a lot of support organisations, tax incentives, grants and potential partners out there that can help businesses reduce the risks associated with investing in R&D and innovation.

“Make sure your organisation is making the most of them. The resources available through our Invest to Grow campaign can help businesses get started.”

Andy Newnham, strategic business engagement partner at the University of Birmingham said: “Universities are hotbeds of innovation, full of the latest thought leadership, talent, and pioneering academics.

“By collaborating with universities, businesses can access the latest thinking on industry trends and avoid the large time and capital costs associated with R&D and innovation.

“At the University of Birmingham, we’re used to collaborating with all kinds of businesses, from regional SMEs, through to multinationals. By supporting vital campaigns like Invest to Grow we want to highlight to organisations the positive role we can play in their growth.”

One of the UK's leading distilleries has employed an industry pioneer to build upon its award-winning reputation and drive the business forward.

Sion Edwards joined the team at Union Distillers in Market Harborough as General Manager earlier this summer and has already introduced innovative practices to improve productivity and increase capacity to produce more spirits.

The Harper Adams graduate has also brought with him knowledge from his previous roles at Warner Edwards and Langley Distillery where he worked with brands such as Bacardi and Campari.

He said: “The first thing I looked at when I started was increasing productivity.

“Having worked in fresh produce, I have brought that production element into the business and am taking lots of little steps towards improving an already very successful business.”

One of the steps Sion has taken is buying a new bottling machine and larger stills.

Union Distillers, which was founded by Mark Gamble in 2013 develops, distils and bottles bespoke spirits on behalf of brands and independent retailers such as Fortnum & Mason.

While its signature brand, Two Birds Spirits, will still be distilled in small batches of 100 bottles, the larger stills have a capacity of up to 300 litres, more than trebling the current productivity rate. And it does not stop there.

“Every small distillery is making one-shot spirits and I think it's very easy to do,” Sion added.

“It's a far better and more traditional method to distil concentrate spirits and by doing so, you get a much more consistent flavour and that's something I'd like to explore further.”

And it is not just Union Distillers that is benefiting from Sion's new role. He was previously commuting to the other side of Birmingham every day and is already enjoying having more time to spend at home with his family in Leicestershire.

Sion said: “I spoke to Mark a lot as I've known him since the beginning of my career and saw Union Distillers were looking for someone to drive the business forward and we both have the same ambitions.

“I'm really enjoying it. It's very different to Langley and it's going to take me at least a year to learn everything there is to know about the business but we're already making progress.”

Mark added: “Sion has already been such an asset to Union Distillers and that is clear from the methods he has introduced and the productivity of the team.

“As a result of his work we have already employed additional staff to meet demand and it's only the start of better things to come.”

The finalists of the 2018 Black British Business Awards (BBBAwards) have been announced. This list recognises the trailblazers and rising stars who represent the very best of the UK's vibrant business sector.

The BBBAwards are the only premium awards programme to celebrate both the exceptional performance and outstanding achievements of black professionals and entrepreneurs in global, small and medium enterprises operating in Great Britain. The BBBAwards uncover inspirational role models; ambassadors who represent the very best talent across various sectors in the British economy. The BBBAwards are designed to transcend stereotypes and highlight the often-unsung contributions of black people to the British economy.

The winners will be announced during a special awards ceremony and evening gala at The Grange St Paul’s Hotel London on 4^th October 2018. Endorsed by the Prime Minister, The Rt Hon Theresa May MP, Mayor or London and Secretary of State, the BBBAwards will celebrate its 5^th anniversary with a once again, full-house of over 450 senior leaders, industry influencers and high-profile supporters; honouring the enormous success generated over the previous four years.

The BBBAwards is more than just a ceremony. Over the last five years, it has grown into a powerful change agent for the wider BAME talent agenda, creating a hub where businesses share ideas and take away concrete actions to create working environments for all talented

individuals to succeed. In addition, the BBBAwards have launched the following highly impactful initiatives:

• The Middle Research Report in collaboration with EMpower and Bloomberg.
• BAME in the Boardroom in collaboration with Deloitte.
• The Talent Accelerator in collaboration with Virgin Money and hosted by Morgan Stanley.

These initiatives have cemented the BBBAwards position as a leader who is at the forefront of the diversity and inclusion conversation in the UK industry.

Melanie Eusebe, Chair and Co-founder of the Black British Business Awards commented:

“We are thrilled to be celebrating not only the breadth of talented business people as finalists for the 2018 awards, but also the Black British Business Awards 5^th year anniversary. Over the last 5 years we have uncovered numerous role models, from creative entrepreneurs to seasoned bankers. These individuals are truly breaking down barriers and stereotypes whilst changing the game for the rest of the UK industry,”

The BBBAwards have also announced that The Telegraph will be their media partner. The main sponsors for the 2018 awards include Baker McKenzie, Barclays, Bloomberg, Cisco, Facebook, J.P. Morgan, MDC Group, PwC, Thomson Reuters and Virgin Money.

The BBBAwards and its finalists have been featured in several news publications and networks including the BBC, City A.M., Sky News, The Evening Standard, The Telegraph, The Times and The Voice.

The 2018 awards will distinguish outstanding black business professionals and entrepreneurs at the top of their game into six diverse industry categories, which celebrate both rising stars and senior leaders awards.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority participated in a conference call today with the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to get an update on the aftermath of the storm system that brought unusually heavy rainfall to the state over the past week.

To recap, Hurricane Lane was approaching Hawaii last week until strong wind shear and trade winds steadily weakened it from a category 5 hurricane to a tropical storm over a three-day period before finally pushing it away from the islands last Friday.

Currently, Post-Tropical Cyclone Lane is continuing to move in a westward direction far away from the Hawaiian Islands and is no longer a threat to residents and visitors.

The remnants of the storm, however, brought excessive rainfall and flash flooding to localized areas around the state, most notably on the island of Hawaii and Kauai.

Assessments are ongoing on each island to determine any recovery efforts that are still needed to address the impacts of this rare and abnormal weather system.

But, to be clear, the State of Hawaii is fully open for business and travelers should not be dissuaded at all from making or planning trips to our beautiful island home.

All airports, resorts and hotels, activities, restaurants, retail operations, beaches and publicly accessible roadways are open, as well as most forest lands and state and county parks.

To prospective travelers and anyone interested in Hawaii, please know this. The weather is beautiful today, sunny, warm and inviting, exactly what everyone expects when being in the Hawaiian Islands.

The humble 1p coin could soon become a thing of the past as The Bank of England is considering its future.

The fate of the 1p lies with us and the way we use it as more than half in circulation are only used once.

The Bank's theory is that the rise of card payments makes the issue irrelevant - and far fewer items are now priced ending in 99p.

The value of the 1p coin has also been reduced by inflation so, in effect, the 1p coin is now worth less than the halfpenny when it was abolished in 1984.

Among many of those who support the continuing use of copper coins, the belief is that retailers would simply round up prices to the nearest 5p if copper coins were scrapped.

Many countries - including Canada, the home of Bank of England governor Mark Carney - have ditched their low denomination coins, as well as Australia, Brazil, and Sweden who are also doing so.

Studies from around the world have shown that removing low denomination coins would have little or no impact on prices.

The Bank of England economists said: "As inflation steadily erodes the purchasing power of low denomination coinage, the case for the removal of the 1p becomes stronger."