worcesternews.co.
uk 15
LOUISE HEWETT 16 MORE FIRMS ARE EXPORTING 17 CHAMBER NEWS 20
Business News
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2011 – LEGAL MATTERS
Bike shop mecca’s
recycling scheme
BY MIKE PRYCE
01905 742247
mp@worcesternews.co.uk
THINK bike, think 271 Worcester
Road, Malvern, used to be the
saying. The shop in Malvern Link
was a mecca for cyclists for more
than half a century before the last
business, Mycycles, closed three
years ago.
Now, all front wheels again point
to the little place in the Link
because a social enterprise called
Bricycles has opened at the
premises – not just selling new
bikes, but recycling old ones, too.
The shop has been taken over by
Nick and Tanya Trotman, but
there is also a “link” – excuse the
pun – with the former businesses
on the site.
Brian Earp, partner and chief
mechanic of Bricycles, has family
connections with them.
His grandfather Mike Earp was a
mechanic with Hammonds Cycles
at number 271 way back in the
1960s. It was he who then set up
Mycycles in the early 1980s with
his son Kevin – Brian’s father –
working as mechanic.
Mr Earp said: “In the mid-90s I
began working at the shop on
Saturdays building up bikes and
serving customers. In 2000 I started
working full time at Mycycles as a
sales assistant.
“After my father left the business
I followed in the family footsteps
and became the mechanic for
Mycycles.
“I gained my Cytech NVQ in
maintenance and repair and also a
DT Swiss wheel building
certificate. I then continued
working for them till 2008.
“In 2009 I worked in Halfords as a
cycle specialist, but left with the
dream of starting up Bricycles
after realising the potential for an
BACK IN BUSINESS: Nick and Tanya Trotman with their daughter Vicky outside Bricycles in Malvern Link.
affordable alternative to buying
new, while getting rid of unwanted
and unsightly bikes from around
the county.”
As well as carrying a range of
new bicycles and accessories from
names such as Claud Butler and
Falcon, the shop also provides a
low cost alternative using donated
and sourced parts off bikes from all
over Worcestershire. The aim is to
stop bikes being sent to landfill or
being left to rot in gardens and
sheds.
Mr Earl said: “Our recycling
project accepts donations of old
cycles, whatever their condition,
and refurbishes them as a working
alternative to a high cost new bike.
“We will be providing people with
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
the chance to give an old bike a
new home. All over the country
there are thousands of unhappy
bikes that just want to feel the
breeze on a summer’s day and
Bricycles is here to make the bike
and the rider as happy as possible
by providing repairs, advice on
maintenance, road safety and all
aspects of cycling.”
WINNER: The race is on to find
the Midlands’ director of the year.
Who will
be best
director
of 2011?
THE search is on to find the West
Midlands’ top director.
The Institute of Directors’ (IoD)
West Midlands Director of the
Year awards on Thursday, March
31, are designed to celebrate those
who helped stem the tide of
recession from engulfing their
business or put in place strategies
that led their company to
increased growth and profitability.
And the winner will be lauded in
front of the cream of the region’s
business community.
John Phillips, IoD regional
director, said: “We are looking for
strong leaders whose decisive
actions turned recession into
profit.
“Candidates will also be the ones
who embraced global markets and
took British business excellence
overseas. We’re also be looking for
small business leaders with an
entrepreneurial streak; directors
of family firms who have taken
years of business know-how on to
the next level and young directors
who are already making waves in
their chosen sector.
“But it’s not just about profit.
We’re also looking to shine a
spotlight on the best leaders and
those directors demonstrating
TURN TO PAGE 18
16 worcesternews.co.uk BUSINESS NEWS Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Innovation is key to
successful economy BUSINESS
Andy Bird believes the findings of a recent survey point the way to Britain clambering out of recession TALKING
tools indicating that they will be However, this forecast jump in
LOUISE HEWETT

O
spending at least £100,000. investment is not set to be
The results show that despite matched by a growth in mergers VER the years there
economic uncertainty there was a and acquisitions. have been many theories

A
LMOST three quarters
of UK manufacturers
say new product
development and
innovation is a key
priority for the coming 12 months.
This is despite two-thirds (64 per
cent) remaining pessimistic about
the economic prospects for
manufacturing next year.
The eighth annual
manufacturing report (AMR),
produced by The Manufacturer
magazine in association with
Barclays Corporate, surveys more
than 120 manufacturers each year.
The report found that 73 per cent
of manufacturers believe new
product development and
innovation is a key priority for
2011, a jump from 60 per cent in
the previous 12 months.
This contrasts with a drop in the
number of businesses focused on
making their operations leaner
next year, 54 per cent compared
with 60 per cent last year.
The AMR also reveals a major
jump in investment intentions for
2011 with a significant increase in
EXPERT: Andy Bird is Barclays’
Worcester corporate area director.
investment intentions in almost
every category.
This includes 65 per cent of
manufacturers planning to invest
in new computer systems/ or
software (from 55 per cent last
year), while 60 per cent of
respondents intend to invest in
new machine tools (up from 47 per
cent last year).
Financially, the amount being
invested is also substantial, with
60 per cent of respondents
planning to invest in machine
general acceptance in the
industry that meaningful
investment could no longer be put
off.
There is an opportunity cost
associated with putting off
investment; maintenance costs
and lagging behind in efficiency
compared with competitors
eventually outweigh the direct
benefit.
There is also only so long an
entrepreneurial management
team want to sit on their hands,
and this drive to grow may
explain some of the disconnect
between economic outlook and
investment intentions within the
industry.
WHAT ELSE THE SURVEY SAID
Other findings from the this
year’s AMR survey this year
revealed:
An increase in the number of
companies whose primary
financial management focus is
on exchange rate fluctuation.
The number of companies
Just two per cent of businesses
are focusing on acquisition as
their main driver of growth, with
26 per cent looking at both organic
and acquisition growth options.
The AMR found more
manufacturers requiring a return
on their investments over a longer
term, with the number of
respondents seeking return on
investment in two to four years
rather than sooner returning to
2007 levels.
The pressures associated with
recession in 2008 and 2009 had
resulted in manufacturers
desiring a much faster return on
investment for any capital
expenditure.
reporting that funding has been
easier to obtain has risen by
19 per cent over the last two years.
Almost a third more
manufacturers believe that the
current Government will have a
more positive impact on
industry compared with 2010.
on best practice in
management thinking.
Business managers find
themselves very much on the
frontline as organisations look at new
strategies and routes to success as
they emerge to face the challenges of
the year ahead.
What makes a good manager in
2011? Nicky Griffiths, director of
business development at
Herefordshire and Worcestershire
Chamber of Commerce, thinks it’s
about fairness.
She says: “People need to be very
clear about their objectives, what
they are expected to deliver and why.
Where there is underperformance,
this has to be dealt with and
delivered in a fair and transparent
way. Teams need to understand the
goals of the organisation, how
important each individual’s role is
and how they contribute to the
success of that organisation.”
One of the first challenges for some
businesses might be building trust
after difficult times. Good
relationships are based on trust,
commitment and engagement and so
a good manager’s essential role is to
build those relationships and
motivate their teams so that tasks

Farmland Firms need to stay

that are set are completed effectively,
on time and with enthusiasm.
Many businesses have managed to

is still big
hold on to their good people through
the recession but now business

positive during year

owners may be losing sleep about
how they will retain these key

business individuals as business improves and

AGRICULTURAL land is expected
to remain strong demand
throughout 2011.
Halls, the auctioneers, estate
agents and valuers, which has
offices in Worcester and
Kidderminster, is optimistic about
land values during the year
ahead. This follows a very busy
John Meehan says local businesses have every reason to be optimistic in 2011
a sound basis for an improvement
in investment. Compared with
the downturns in the early 1980s
and 1990s employment levels have
been much more resilient over the
last three years.
opportunities increase. Good
managers attract exceptional staff,
they can help to make an
organisation an employer of choice.
Their behaviour towards employees
can either inspire and attract
followers or lead to a gradual seepage
of talent or worse.
In these demanding times, a more
holistic approach may be the answer
to high performing teams. A good
manager is a generous contributor

and successful 2010 during which
the firm sold 3,319 acres of land
with an overall value of more
than £25 million.
Peter Willcock, chairman of
Halls, said: “We are confident and
upbeat about the prospects for
farmland values this year after an
exceptional 2010.
“A wide variety of purchasers
view land as a secure investment
and some are attracted by
potential tax saving as they seek
to achieve agricultural property
relief from inheritance tax in the
future.
“However, the biggest driving
force in the market place appears
to be existing farmers, who are
looking to expand and who have
been encouraged by higher
commodity prices, coupled with
lower bank interest rates.”
I
F the last three years have
taught us anything it’s to
expect the unexpected, and a
lot of uncertainty remains for
local and UK business.
A loss of market confidence or
further problems in the financial
system could still de-rail the UK’s
fragile recovery.
But now is a good time to look
on the bright side, so in that spirit
it’s worth offering some potential
positive news for the UK
economy, with my six reasons
why business should be optimistic
about our recovery in 2011.
The balance sheet of the UK
corporate sector is in a position of
relative health, especially in
comparison to households and
Government.
Firms used the downturn to
STAY OPTIMISTIC: John Meehan
is director of NatWest commercial
banking within Worcestershire.
preserve cash-flows, pay down
debt and seek new capital.
The spare capacity created by
the downturn is now starting to
reduce rapidly, while long-term
borrowing rates remain at
historically low levels – providing
Firms used options for part-time
work or re-assignments rather
than just relying on lay-offs.
As a result, more workers have
been kept in productive use than
before, helping to retain and
enhance skills.
We still have a flexible and
competitive exchange rate.
The 25 per cent depreciation in
sterling since 2007 offers a more
immediate trade benefit.
In contrast to the monetary
constraints faced by some of the
peripheral countries in the
Eurozone, we still retain the
flexibility of using the exchange
rate as a tool for growth.
With world trade growing at a
double-digit rate in 2010, a
competitive exchange rate will
have a great impact as global
demand improves.
who puts people first and takes the
time to support them and ensure
their needs are met. He or she gives
praise and congratulates good
performance and doesn’t take all the
glory. Harsh words are non
productive and produce negative
vibes; a good manager will be a
mentor and counsellor with a strong
set of values and ethics for others to
follow and emulate.
The year ahead will have its
challenges and managers will also
need to be creative, willing to look at
new ways of working and expect the
unexpected.
HEWETT-RECRUITMENT.CO.UK
HEWETTEXECUTIVETALENT.CO.UK
Wednesday, January 19, 2011 BUSINESS NEWS: LEGAL MATTERS worcesternews.co.uk 17

Overseas orders Best get a

show a huge rise
TRADE figures released by
HM Revenue & Customs show that
West Midlands exports increased
by 25.5 per cent last year.
It was the highest percentage rise
in the country and businesses are
being urged to capitalise on the
opportunites
Robert Capper, partner and head
of the commercial department at
solicitors Harrison Clark, handled
an increasing number of
international trade transactions in
2010 and anticipates a further
increase in 2011.
He said: “It is clear that we are
seeing increased growth in
overseas transactions between our
West Midlands clients and foreign
businesses and customers, which
has led to an upsurge in demand
for tailored legal support for
clients supplying businesses and
customers outside the UK market.
“It seems clients are looking at
export markets due to the difficult
economic climate in the UK.
“We have been asked to provide
support in terms of drafting
agreements for overseas agents
and distributors, providing advice
adequately prepared and protected.”
Mr Capper was instrumental in
setting up the West Midlands
Chambers of Commerce LLP and
the West Midlands International
Trade LLP – the regional bodies
responsible for the delivery of UK
Trade and Investment
international trade support to
companies within the region.
He therefore has an
TRADING:
understanding and interest in
Solicitor
seeing international trade grow.
Robert Following the increased number
Capper of international trade related
knows requests, Harrison Clark has
just how appointed Claire Gamage to its
important commercial team.
exporting She joins from Birmingham
can be to Chamber of Commerce’s
a company. International Trade Team and has
10 years’ experience providing
regarding joint ventures with advice to companies trading
overseas companies and protecting overseas.
intellectual property outside of the Harrison Clark’s commercial
UK market. department also works closely
“Although trading with overseas with MSI Global Alliance partners
customers provides fruitful results, around the world to provide
it is also vital that companies international legal advice.
consider the legal implications Harrison Clark is organising a
involved and ensure that they are free briefing for existing and
potential clients on the new
Incoterms 2010. It will take place in
Worcester on Wednesday,
February 16, and it will look at
issues such as what to do when
international transactions go
wrong and how companies should
approach overseas investment.
To find out more and to book a
place contact Claire Gamage on
01905 746467 or e-mail
cgamage@harrison-clark.co.uk.
Harrison Clark provides a
complete spectrum of city-quality
legal services to business and
private clients across the region.
The firm has a total of 160 staff and
partners based in Worcester and
Cheltenham with specialist experts
across a number of sectors
including education, rural,
healthcare and logistics.
As well as joining MSI Global
Alliance in 2007 – one of the
world’s leading international legal
and accountancy associations – in
2010 the firm was again recognised
for the national quality of its work
through a listing in the prestigious
Legal 500 and Chamber and
Partners lists.
clean break
order when
you divorce
WHEN Nigel Page won a massive
£56 million on the lottery he
didn’t realise that his ex-wife had
a claim to some of it.
She made a legal application for
£8 million and eventually
received £2 million. But had a
clean break order been granted at
the time of their divorce Mr Page’s
fortune would have been safe.
Claire Taylor, an experienced
family solicitor at Thursfields
LLP, said: “Divorce itself does not
prevent financial applications
being made in the future. The
right to make these claims needs
to be formally dismissed by the
court 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 be
made into an order by the court
without the couple even needing
to attend court and for a nominal
cost. This is a prime example of
why finances need to be
considered and dealt with at the
time of divorce even if, at that
time, there are few assets or low
incomes. Any improvement to
finances could lead to claims
being made between former
spouses.”

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

Warm welcome to Michael

THURSFIELDS LLP has
appointed Michael Di Mambro
to its litigation team. He has
joined the company as debt
recovery manager.
Mr Di Mambro has a great
deal of experience and will be
dealing with all aspects of debt
recovery, both commercial and
private.
Mark Pittaway, partner and
head of the litigation team,
said: “I am delighted that
Michael has joined our strong
and growing team which can
provide advice across the whole
spectrum of litigation and
dispute resolution including
mediation.
“Within the team we have
experienced specialist lawyers
who can offer swift, practical
and cost-effective solutions to
disputes concerning companies,
partnership and finance and
insolvency. We also deal with
contracts and warranties,
construction, commercial and
property disputes – including
landlord and tenant – personal
injury, clinical negligence,
probate disputes and
professional negligence.”
18 worcesternews.co.uk BUSINESS NEWS: LEGAL MATTERS Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Enter this
new event
FROM PAGE 15
best practice in the
environment.
“Are you, or is someone
you know, one of the West
Midlands’ leading directors?
You can put yourself forward
or recommend the process to
a deserving colleague.”
An independent panel of
experts will judge the
nominations, the winners of
which will receive their
It’s important to
to-medium enterprise),
International Director of the
Year, Public Sector, Family
Business Director of the Year
and Director of the Year for
Environmental Leadership.
promote yourself
Michelle Whitefoot looks at how PR can help retailers get through tough times ahead
The event is new for 2011
but follows on from the shopping, perhaps with parking for
highly successful IoD West added convenience?
Midlands Young Directors of Communicating these aspects
the Year Awards. clearly and making them relevant will
Each West Midlands help people to notice you, and attract
category winner will them to your door.

awards at a gala dinner to be
held at Eleven Brindleyplace,
the new home of the Institute
of Directors.
The awards are open to all
directors, or those of similar
status. This will include
LLPs, partners, appropriate
sole traders and public sector
employees.
Entrants do not need to be
an IoD member to enter – the
closing date is Friday,
February 18.
There are eight categories,
culminating in the main
award of the IoD West
Midlands Director of the
Year.
The others are Young
Director of the Year, Director
of the Year (large company),
Director of the Year (small-
automatically go forward to
the prestigious IoD national
awards, to be held in
Lancaster House, London, on
September 23.
Entry is free and designed
for busy people.
A written submission is
required and will be backed
up with a short verification
interview.
The process is explained at
iod.com/westmidlands.
Mr Phillips said: “With the
recession behind us and the
recovery moving ahead we
felt this was the time to hail
our business heroes.
“Only business can lead
this country into a better
economic future and we want
to acknowledge those who
are leading the way.”
I
T’S a new year and there are new
challenges for shops and
customers alike. We know it’s
going to be hard for both parties,
especially now the VAT rise has
taken effect.
The extreme weather conditions
before Christmas impacted on retail
sales nationwide, with high profile
casualties such as HMV reflecting the
tough times.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC)
confirmed that December 2010 was the
worst in eight months for shop sales,
with money worries and bad wintry
weather two of the main reasons.
However, more encouragingly, strong
performances in retail and hospitality
have placed Worcestershire among
the fastest growing jobs market in the
West Midlands.
This is positive news, but it’s more
ADVICE:
Michelle
Whitefoot
is the
managing
director of
Whitefoot
Forward
PR.
important than ever for retailers to
promote their presence.
Whether you’re a shopping centre or
an individual boutique, using public
relations to get editorial publicity is a
cost effective way of boosting your
profile.
Work out your strongest offering. Do
you provide top quality ranges that
deliver reliability and longevity? Do
you focus on value, spreading the
customer’s budget further? Do you
offer a one-stop destination for
There is a wide range of ways to get
that valuable coverage and stand out
from the crowd.
Perhaps issue a news release or set
up a photo opportunity highlighting
special shopping events or attractions
you’re offering.
Offer your local media a case study
using real-life, willing customers to
take on a particular challenge – such
as buying all their family Christmas
gifts in-store for £50, or taking up a
challenge to save a certain amount by
shopping locally.
Think about seasonality, such as
linking to Back to School, Valentine’s
Day, or April’s royal wedding.
Also aim to grow your profile in
other forms of media, such as radio,
online and in the social networking
world. This can help reach customers
in additional formats that they can
listen to, read or actively engage with.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Lucy’s taking on cases

of clinical negligence
S
OLICITOR Lucy Small,
formerly of Worcester
law firm Harrison Clark,
has joined the clinical
negligence department
of Lanyon Bowdler.
The firm has recently
expanded into the region,
following its acquisition of
Hereford-based Lewis & Co.
Miss Small will be based at the
Ludlow office of Lanyon
Bowdler and will spend a
proportion of her time at the
Hereford office, conveniently
situated on King Street in the
heart of the city.
She has lived on the borders of
Worcestershire, Herefordshire
and Shropshire for most of her
life.
Since qualifying in 1995 her
practice has been in medical
negligence and personal injury,
and she acts solely for the
victims of accidents.
She said: “Emotionally it is
very rewarding. My role is not
just to secure the best damages I
can for my client but to ensure
they have all their future needs
met in terms of support and
assistance.”
A clinical negligence solicitor
needs to be extremely
supportive and understanding
of client circumstances. Miss
Small said: “It is very important
I CAN HELP YOU: Lucy Small.
to me that those I meet who
have been through a life-
changing trauma feel they have
someone to support them and
stand up for them.
“I have met some incredibly
brave people, whose lives have
been turned upside down.
“Family members are often
overlooked but they take the
strain supporting loved ones in
difficult times. I hope that
anyone in such a situation feels
that they can talk to me.”
Lanyon Bowdler is
Shropshire’s largest law firm
and it has expanded into
neighbouring Herefordshire.
The Hereford office is headed
by partner Peter Lewis and the
legal services on offer have been
expanded to include
agricultural expertise,
complementing the firm’s
position as the NFU’s panel
solicitors.
With 19 partners and about 200
experienced staff, the firm is
able to offer legal advice from
local offices throughout
Shropshire and Hereford.
The head office is in
Shrewsbury with a further six
offices in Hereford, Ludlow,
Oswestry Telford and
Wellington.
An award-winning multi-
disciplinary firm, Lanyon
Bowdler specialises in all
aspects of the law. With a
progressive outlook and a
commitment to the
environment, the firm embraces
opportunities to work with the
community – supporting
charities and enterprising
initiatives.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011 BUSINESS NEWS: LEGAL MATTERS worcesternews.co.uk 19

New team’s
looking good
DROITWICH-based
HotelshopUK has re-structured
its management team as part of
its growth strategy.
The new team’s members,
selected from the company’s
managers and directors, will
work closely with managing
director Viv Hudson and the
board to consolidate the success
the company has seen over the
past 10 years.
It will also take HotelshopUK
to a £10 million turnover
company over the next five
years.
Paula Martin becomes director
of e-commerce and technology
and Diana McLean is director
of sales and marketing, while
Rob Veale takes on the post of
director of customer service. LOOKING TOWARDS THE FUTURE: Viv Hudson, centre, with the new
Tracey Orchard is the new management team of HotelshopUK, clockwise from left, Paula
director of business and finance Martin, Tracey Orchard, Anne Alsop, Rob Veale and Diana McLean.
and Anne Alsop is strategic
planning manager. individuals in this management internally in this way and
Mrs Hudson said: “We are team have already been growing people’s roles, we are
actively involving the total instrumental in driving the confident that this will in turn
HotelshopUK team in the success of the company over impact positively as part of our
growth of the company. The recent years. By re-structuring overall strategy.”

ADVERTISING FEATURE

We offer efficient and

top business advice
T
HE newly merged
Stallard March &
Edwards is offering
clients even more
experience and legal
expertise across all areas of the
firm, including in its expanded
business services department.
For Worcestershire businesses
– and nationwide – Stallard
March & Edwards offers
relevant, efficient, personal and
professional advice on key areas
including business property,
employment, preparation of
service agreements and
employment contracts, business
disputes and insolvency.
Stallard March & Edwards has
the reassuring experience to
deliver higher than ever levels
of quality service and advice at
affordable prices.
These are in matters such as
company sales, purchases,
reorganisations, employee share
schemes, shareholder
agreements, company formation
and partnership/LLP
agreements and directors’
duties.
The new company is also able
to assist in asset sale and
purchase and the preparation
and analysis of commercial
TEAM LEADER: Shaun Owen.
agreements including terms and
conditions, distribution and
agency agreements.
Shaun Owen, head of the
business services team, said:
“Our legal advice is tailored to
the specific needs of individual
businesses and their
requirements at the different
stages of their life and
development, from advice to
start-up ventures to the disposal
of the established business.
“In most situations it is best to
instruct your solicitor at an
early stage to give the best
chance of protecting the
business, especially with
contractual matters.
“Instructing your solicitor at
an early stage allows the
necessary time for the greatest
number of options to be
considered, and to aim for the
best outcome to be put in place.
“This is particularly true with
corporate recovery or
insolvency matters.
“Whatever the size and nature
of your business, our team will
work efficiently with you,
answering questions, advising
you and taking a personalised,
experienced approach to meet
your business goals.”
Stallard March & Edwards is
located in three Worcester city
centre offices. For more
information about the company
and its full range of legal
expertise including business
services, telephone 01905 723561.
20 worcesternews.co.uk
Magnificent venue for all
to celebrate 10th awards
College Hall and the nave of Worcester Cathedral have been chosen to host this year’s big date in the business community calendar
C
AN your business tower
above the rest at the
10th Annual Chamber
Business Awards 2011?
This year the business
community will be congregating at
Worcester Cathedral on Thursday,
July 21.
After the roaring success of last
year’s awards ceremony at the
West Midland Safari Park we knew
it would be hard to match it as a
venue but plans are now in place to
make 2011’s extravaganza an
evening you won’t forget.
Now in its 10th year, the Chamber
Business Awards has one aim, to
recognise the success of companies
across Worcestershire and
Herefordshire.
The calibre of nominations for
this event is always high with
BUSINESS NEWS: CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWS
SPLENDOUR: Worcester Cathedral is the venue for the business awards.
entries demonstrating a
spectacular level of innovation,
ambition and plans for growth.
Businesses of all sizes have
the magnificent College Hall.
It will be followed by a sumptious
three-course dinner to be held in
the nave of the cathedral.
The evening will be accompanied
by some sparkling entertainment
before the awards ceremony
begins.
At the chamber of commerce we
are passionate about supporting
business success, providing
companies with the tools they need
to grow and contribute to a vibrant
local economy.
Worcestershire and Herefordshire
boast some of the most dynamic
businesses in the UK. Some started
out as small businesses and others
embraced rapid technological
developments over the last decade,
constantly innovating to achieve
success.
Recognising our business
heritage is important and so we
benefited from the profile that have added an additional category
winning an award can bring. to this year’s awards – one that
On the evening of July 21 there celebrates the achievements of
will be a champagne reception in businesses that have made an
Join healthcare package
AXA PPP healthcare has activate and invaluable to a
teamed up with the British business. They are Health at
Chambers of Commerce – Hand – a telephone-based
Herefordshire and health information service
Worcestershire Chamber of available to you, your
Commerce – to bring special employees and their families
member access to health The other is Personal
insurance products and its Business Assistance – available
award-winning service. to the key decision maker and
The healthcare package helping with day-to-day business
includes in-patient and day operations. For instance, it
patient treatment, out-patient allows the holder to stay in
surgical procedures, touch with customers and staff
radiotherapy and chemotherapy suppliers whether in hospital or
out-patient diagnostic tests and confined to bed due to ill health.
consultations. Two support Tom Leavesley of Williams
services are only available to Resource in Worcester has
chamber members – free to joined the scheme. He said:
MEET THE
AMBASSADORS
JONATHAN
SINCLAIR BREW
W
ORCESTERSHIRE
Ambassadors is
a group of
influential
individuals who
care passionately about the
future health and prosperity of
the county.
Drawn from senior positions in
local commerce and the public PROUD: Jonathan Sinclair Brew.
sector and supported by living and working in the county,
Worcestershire County Council, linking organisations and
they share a common enthusiasm developing social and economic
to create a county to be proud of. prosperity.
The Worcestershire Name: Jonathan Sinclair Brew.
Ambassadors’ objective is to Occupation: Senior partner at
promote all that is great about Harrison Clark, solicitors.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
overwhelming contribution to the
local economy during the last
century.
The awards are open to every
company in Worcestershire and
Herefordshire and Worcestershire
and there are a total of 10
categories including an overall
winner, who will be chosen from
the winners in each category.
The business awards are open to
all companies – and not just
members of Worcestershire and
Herefordshire and Worcestershire
Chamber of Commerce.
Firms can be of any size and
operate in any sector.
Previous winners have included
all kinds of companies from large
manufacturers to small, specialist
firms, and have represented almost
every industry sector in the two
counties.
Entries for the 2011 awards are
being accepted now and the closing
date is 4pm on Tuesday, May 3. For
details contact Lisa Sanders on
0845 6411641.
“We joined AXA PPP
Healthcare after receiving some
literature from the chamber.
“We had been looking for a
healthcare provider for some
time as we know it can have a
positive impact on staff
retention and well-being.
“The no-claims discount, level
of cover and cash back provided
were too good to refuse and we
enrolled all our staff. The
spouse and family rates are
competitive, too.
For deatils contact the
chamber team on 0845 6411641
or e-mail enquiries@
hwchamber.co.uk.
CV in brief: Born in the Wiirral,
Cheshire, in January 1956. I read
for my degree at Coventry
University and qualified in
October 1980, while at Walker
Smith and Way, solicitors. I
moved to Worcester in 1983
where I joined Harrison Clark. I
became a partner in the firm in
December 1985 and was
appointed senior partner in 2003.
Hobbies and interests: I collect
antique travel books and books
about Mount Everest. I also
collect Battle of Trafalgar and
Nelson memorabilia. I enjoy
working out at the gym, cycling,
going to the cinema, theatre and
travel.
I’m a Worcestershire
Ambassador because: My wife
and I owe a lot to Worcestershire
and its people. This is one of the
ways I can give something back
to the county. I am proud to be
part of it both professionally and
socially.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011 worcesternews.co.uk 21
22 worcesternews.co.uk Wednesday, January 19, 2011

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YUM YUM: Dairy farmer Michael Davies and young Edward Kerton enjoy a Churchfields Farmhouse ice cream. tomers the very best service

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Business
More sales for ice-cream firm thanks to co-operative hours at
James Connell Flora Drury
ICE-cream maker Church-
fields has reason to cele-
brate because it has
BY MIKE PRYCE
01905 742247
mp@worcesternews.co.uk
gives Churchfields ice-
cream a thick, creamy,
unique texture and flav-
stand by its ethical values
such as its commitment
to sustainable practices
hair salon
Health. St Peter’s, Diglis, begun to supply a selec- our as it is made without and food provenance.
MULTI award-winning hair
01905 742252 Sidbury, Battenhall, Red tion of its innovative fudge and walnut, and any artificial additives. “As a large food retailer
salon Umberto Giannini in
jsc@worcesternews.co.uk Hill. 01905 742260 range to more than 20 maple syrup flavours are Gillian Kerton, who the Midcounties Co-pera-
Pump Street, Worcester, has
fd@worcesternews.co.uk Midcounties Co-operative being sold through Mid- runs the ice cream pro- tive is demonstrating its
extended its opening hours to
retail outlets. counties Co-operative. duction side of the busi- support to local econ-
meet the needs of the busi-
The firm, based at With a constant supply ness, said: “We are so omies and business by
ness people in the area.
Salwarpe, near Droitwich, of milk from its own herd thrilled to be part of the choosing to work with
On Wednesdays and Thurs-
is known for its unique of pedigree cows, Church- Midcounties Co-operative small producers champi-
days, the salon is now open
Seriously Stilton ice fields has a distinct supply chain. oning taste and quality.
from 9am until 8.45pm for
cream. Other more tradi- advantage over many “As a small supplier we Churchfields ice-cream
hair styling, colouring and
tional recipes such as luxury brands because its think it says something is distributed through
cutting after work
vanilla have won several main ingredient it is liter- about the quality of our Heart of England Fine
Shirley Thornhill Jester, the
prestigious food awards. ally fresh from the dairy. product, but more impor- Foods, which works to
artistic director and owner of
Now, it’s orange with Using a carefully judged tantly the way the co- promote locally sourced
Umberto Giannini in Worc-
Grand Marnier, toffee mix of milk and cream operative really does food.
ester, said: “Some of our
clients work locally, either in

Firm wins creative account

James Savage Richard Vernalls or around Worcester and
Crime, Ronkswood, Wychavon. some come from further
Tolladine, Brickfields. 01905 742258 afield. We are responding to
01905 742257 rv@worcesternews.co.uk requests for clients for longer
js@worcesternews.co.uk opening hours to meet their
WORCESTER design and Creative, said: “We partner at Kendall needs, allowing the business
marketing company appointed Kendall Wadley Wadley, said: “Modus is
Contact us Modus Creative has because of its forward at an exciting stage of
community to come in after
work in the week, giving
appointed accountants thinking way of working, growth and part of our them greater flexibility in
Phone: Kendall Wadley to look as well as its pro-active remit is to work with it to making their appointments
01905 742243 after its finances. approach and profession- ensure it continues to with us.”
E-mail: The company, which al expertise working with grow as a result of our On all other days the salon
has offices in Worcester, clients. Modus is showing strategic input.
yournews@worcesternews.co.uk Malvern and Hereford, is consistent growth and “We are handling all
opens 9am-6pm.
Text: WN NEWS to 80360 to handle all aspects of the Kendall Wadley team aspects of the accountan-
Modus’ accountancy and share and understand our cy and taxation affairs at
taxation affairs.
Roger Marshall, manag-
vision of sustaining and
expanding on that.”
Modus with a view to cap-
italising on the compa-
News 24/7
Jeremy Clarke-Morris. ing director of Modus Jeremy Clarke-Morris, a ny’s success.” WORCESTERNEWS.CO.UK

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