Featured News
Sky Blues' rise will hugely benefit region
“Coventry City have reached the promised land of Premier League football and it’s absolutely clear how massive that will be for them and for the whole region."
Coventry City reaching the Premier League will bring a major economic boost to the local region – according to a leading business figure who has seen first-hand the benefits it brings.
The Sky Blues secured promotion from the Championship with a draw at Blackburn Rovers after an incredible season that has seen them top the table for much of the campaign. It comes a year after they missed out on play-off success as they were defeated in the semi-finals by Sunderland, who went onto win the final to take their place in the top-flight.
Success on the pitch for Sunderland has been matched by an economic uplift off it according to John McCabe, Chief Executive at the North East Chamber of Commerce. He said: “Sunderland's return to the Premier League wasn't just a dream come true for the players and fans, it was another success story for the region, and it’s already having a significant impact on the local economy. Each home matchday now brings around 10,000 more fans through the turnstiles than when they were in the Championship, with away allocations consistently being taken up in full.
“Beyond the pitch, hotels are reporting an upturn in overnight stays and “longer dwell times”. Local businesses are experiencing what they describe as "spill-over spending", with matchdays becoming full-day economic events rather than just 90 minutes of football. Research from Sunderland’s Business Improvement Districts found that between August and October 2025, the food and beverage sector accounted for 38.4 per cent of overall sales in the city, significantly higher than the national average of 25.3 per cent - signifying the importance of the growing contribution of wider fan spending on match days on the local economy.
“The feel-good factor of the club’s success has also extended to their global profile, with an unexpected surge in interest from Mexico generating new merchandise lines and international commercial opportunities that would not have been possible in the Championship."
Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Coventry City have reached the promised land of Premier League football and it’s absolutely clear how massive that will be for them and for the whole region. We’ve seen how much of an impact their upturn in performances on the pitch have already had and the profile that several visits to Wembley have brought to the city in recent years. But reaching the Premier League is something else completely and we can learn from the example of Sunderland and other places across the country on what benefits this can bring economically.”
LSIPs driving skills forward
"By putting employers at the heart of skills planning, LSIPs are ensuring training provision reflects the real needs of the local economy."
A new report has revealed that Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) are delivering real results for employers, colleges, training providers and learners in the West Midlands, Warwickshire and beyond.
The analysis by the British Chambers of Commerce has delved into the performance of LSIPs across England for the past four years. They are employer-led, place-based partnerships that bring businesses together with further and higher education, independent training providers and strategic authorities to ensure skills provision reflects real labour market demand
There are 39 LSIPs across England and 33 of them are run by Chambers of Commerce. The programme is helping to reshape the skills system, so it better supports productivity, growth and opportunity in local economies. The report highlights the success of the LSIP model in engaging employers at scale, strengthening collaboration between education and business, and translating employer insight into practical change on the ground.
In the West Midlands and Warwickshire, more than 1,000 businesses have been engaged, which helped identify a range of sectors to prioritise and has already led to £10.4 million invested being invested on the ground into new facilities, courses, and programme.
While the report notes wider challenges facing the labour market, including the need to better engage young people with the world of work, its central conclusion is clear: LSIPs are working and provide a proven, employer-led framework that can be built on to drive long-term economic growth.
Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce leads the LSIP in both Warwickshire and the West Midlands as the designated Employer Representative Body, working with employers and partners to identify priority skills needs and turn them into meaningful action for businesses and learners.
It is working with West Midlands Combined Authority, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and Black Country Chamber of Commerce to deliver the West Midlands LSIP and with Warwickshire County Council and Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce on the Warwickshire LSIP.
Corin Crane, Chief Executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce said: “By putting employers at the heart of skills planning, LSIPs are ensuring training provision reflects the real needs of the local economy. The programme is strengthening collaboration, improving outcomes for learners and helping businesses plan for the future.
“We believe that LSIPs should now become a permanent part of the skills planning process and avoid time-consuming re-tendering processes. Businesses also need to see that discussion can genuinely turn into quick results and we want a flexible pot of funding available to local providers to action the LSIP results and allow them to move quickly to support local businesses.”
The full report, Delivering Growth: Four Years of LSIP Impact, is available here.
For more information on the LSIPs in Warwickshire and the West Midlands email: lsip@cw-chamber.co.uk
Sustainable Construction Future Skills
Warwickshire-based SMEs in the sustainable construction sector are coming together for an interactive round table chat focused on the skills, roles and capabilities needed for the future of the industry.
As part of Warwickshire County Council’s Future Skills Programme, the session is an opportunity for employers to:
· Share insights on emerging skills trends and workforce challenges
· Help shape what future jobs in sustainable construction look like
· Influence how training and education provision is aligned locally
The event will be held on Tuesday, May 12, from 9:30am to 12pm at Stratford-upon-Avon College. Feedback from the event, which is organised by Warwickshire Skills Hub, will directly inform educators and training providers, helping to strengthen the local talent pipeline and ensure businesses have better access to the skills and employment support they need.
The input of SMEs will materially help shape real, practical action for Warwickshire’s future workforce. If you’re an employer in sustainable construction, we’d love to have your voice at the table.
👉 Spaces are limited – get involved and help shape the future of the sector...https://lnkd.in/eQxDh_2t
Local economy "exceeding" national trends
"The results show that the overall economic outlook index for Coventry and Warwickshire exceeding the national trend in many ways."
The economy in Coventry and Warwickshire is ‘exceeding’ national trends according to a new survey, despite a fragile start to 2026.
Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) was the first conducted this year and showed a slight dip in the overall economy for the region – and that was before the conflict in the Middle East flared up.
The survey, which is delivered in partnership with Prime Accountants Group and measures how business owners are feeling, is analysed by the Business Intelligence Service at Warwickshire County Council. From the responses of businesses across the service and manufacturing sectors, it gives scores out of 100 where anything above 50 indicates growth and anything below 50 is negative.
It looks at a range of aspects of doing business in the region, including the outlook for employment, investment, confidence, and current and future order books for both domestic and overseas sales.
The survey showed an improvement in domestic sales in the both the services and manufacturing sectors, and growth in overseas sales in manufacturing. Manufacturing, generally, saw improvements in investment and cashflow, as well as the outlook for employment. The services sector, however, saw a drop in all of those measures and a general dip in confidence. Crucially, confidence in both services and manufacturing is above the 50-point mark, which is an indicator of growth and puts the region ahead of the national average.
Corin Crane, Chief Executive of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “There was a sense of growing confidence at the start of the year but as we conducted this survey, events in the Middle East were starting to dominate headlines and there is no doubt that was already starting to weigh on business sentiment. Companies across the region have started almost every year over the past decade hoping for stability and certainty and have had the rug pulled from underneath them every time. It feels as though it’s happening again.
“Our plea to Government is to do all it can to accelerate its policies on growth – from planning to skills – in order to squeeze every bit of growth we can out of the domestic economy. But, we all acknowledge that global events will continue to impact what happens here in Coventry and Warwickshire, where we remain ahead of the national average when it comes to the economic outlook.”
Todd Williams, Business Intelligence Analyst (Economy and Skills) at Warwickshire County Council, said: “Quarter one at a national level rose modestly primarily due to an increase in domestic services output, alongside a general increase in orders for the manufacturing sector. Nonetheless, overseas demand for services remains weak – particularly in Europe. Employment at the national level dropped for the 17th consecutive month in both manufacturing and services, whilst the services sector implicated AI in the ongoing employment reduction during a period of increasing sales.
“Meanwhile, the latest QES results shows a different picture for the local economy. Local sentiment around domestic sales for the services sector remain positive. However, domestic sales for the local manufacturing sector have rebounded strongly. Overall investment showed continued weakness, alongside cashflow for both sectors. Potentially related to the JLR shutdown, cashflow for the local manufacturing sector remained extremely weak in Q1 after retracting sharply in Q4.
“Local concerns around labour costs remain significant for both the services and manufacturing sectors, with the manufacturing sector also being very concerned about raw material costs and utilities. Business rates are now a significant concern for both the services and manufacturing sectors.
“Local recruitment efforts are strong, with the majority experiencing recruitment difficulties. Just over half of local manufacturing and service sector respondents indicate that they are currently operating below full capacity. The results show that the overall economic outlook index for Coventry and Warwickshire exceeding the national trend in many ways. Nevertheless, very weak local sentiments around both manufacturing and exports are a significant concern.”
Steve Harcourt, Director of Prime Accountants Group, said: “Despite early-year global instability and declining sentiment in the services sector, the Coventry and Warwickshire economy continues to outperform national averages. Manufacturing is driving much of the positive momentum, with domestic and overseas activity improving sharply.
“These latest QES results show just how resilient businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire continue to be in the face of significant uncertainty. While the services sector has clearly felt the pressure of rising costs and wavering confidence, it is encouraging to see such a strong resurgence in manufacturing – particularly in domestic and export sales.
“Investment and cashflow remain areas of concern for firms of all sizes, and it’s vital that we maintain a stable environment that supports longterm planning. Despite global challenges, our region continues to outperform national trends, demonstrating the strength, adaptability, and determination of our local business community.”
Feelgood factor at Food & Drink Network
"There was a fantastic energy throughout the event, with lively discussion around the issues of the day, shared challenges, and – most importantly – collaborative solutions."
The latest Food & Drink Network event at Elle's in Coventry proved to be a real winner – and not only because of the football chatter humming in the background.
With Coventry City’s recent success inevitably sparking plenty of proud moments, conversation flowed just as easily from football to footfall, from match results to market opportunities. The room was buzzing with optimism, connections being made, and a genuine sense of momentum as businesses looked ahead to a positive and productive summer.
There was a fantastic energy throughout the event, with lively discussion around the issues of the day, shared challenges, and – most importantly – collaborative solutions. And yes… the football did get another mention or two.
It was great to see some familiar Warwickshire foodie favourites in attendance, including Pinwheel Patisserie, now proudly supplying Fat Bob’s, and the venue for the last network event in January. Pinwheel also took to the stage to pitch their produce, backed up by some extremely popular (and very tasty) samples that went down a treat.
Corin Crane, Chief Executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, delivered a great overview of the current business landscape, highlighting the challenges facing organisations right now while reinforcing the importance of collaboration and innovation as key drivers for future growth. Attendees also heard updates from Warwickshire County Council on skills, evolving business support and the launch of the new Warwickshire Business Growth Service, offering even more practical support for businesses across the county.
All in all, a packed room, great conversations, new connections – and yes, a little football – made for yet another standout Food & Drink Network event.
The Coventry & Warwickshire Food & Drink Network has grown steadily since its launch in 2024 as the Warwickshire Producers Network. Early on, an opportunity was identified to harness the unique city and rural relationship across the region, bringing together producers from both geographies to strengthen collaboration and reach.
As the network evolved, feedback and continued growth paved the way for the introduction of the hospitality audience, bringing producers and hospitality businesses together and unlocking even more collaborative opportunities across the sector.
Mark Ryder, Executive Director for Communities at Warwickshire County Council welcomed the continued success of the network, saying: “We’re absolutely delighted with how the Food & Drink Network has grown. What started as a producer‑focused group has evolved into a thriving, collaborative community that reflects the strength and diversity of this sector.”
The next Food & Drink Network event will take place on 8 July, at a venue in Warwickshire to be announced soon. For further information, please email tourism@warwickshire.gov.uk
FSB survey will shape business support
The Federation of Small Businesses is on a quest to understand what kind of support small businesses across the country need going forward - and how this can be best achieved and delivered.
To do this, the FSB is currently undertaking a nationwide research project in order to:
- Ascertain what small businesses see as business support
- Identify examples of successful business support programmes
- Look at both public and private sector support initiatives
- Provide recommendations for business support
The research includes a short survey aimed at smaller businesses, input from which across Coventry and Warwickshire will be vital in helping to provide informed recommendations on what future business support may look like.
This is a great chance for small businesses to help influence positive change in business support and the survey, which will take no more than five minutes to complete, can be found here: Big Support for Small Business - What Businesses Really Need
Rugby's teenage market shines in the sun
"The energy, creativity and professionalism shown by the young traders has been fantastic, and the positive impact on the town centre over the Easter weekend was clear to see.”
With spring sunshine setting the scene, families, shoppers and visitors enjoyed Rugby’s first Teenage Market.
Part of the packed programme of activities at Rugby Borough Council’s Easter Market celebrations the Teenage Market featured young traders aged 10-17 offering a vibrant mix of handmade crafts, art, fashion, food and small business ideas.
Selling over 600 products during the market, it was an opportunity for the young people to build their confidence and business skills while making over £1,800 collectively.
The Easter Market marked the start to Rugby Borough Council’s year-long programme of town centre events. The Teenage Market helped to attract strong footfall across the weekend, generating positive feedback from traders, shoppers and local businesses alike, showing the value of youth-led enterprise within the local economy.
Marking the second Teenage Market funded by Warwickshire County Council (WCC) the events are aimed at enabling communities across the county to create opportunities for young people to develop their entrepreneurial, employability and social skills.
Layla Marsh, from Rugby, Teenage Market stallholder, said: “The event was so chill and everyone was so friendly. Please do one again soon!”
Parent of Jacob Walsgrove, Rugby, Teenage Market stallholder, said: “The event really helped Jacob with his confidence by being able to speak to people about what he loves. It was also really good for the town - it helped bring more people in and created a great atmosphere.”
Ava Breadmore, Coventry, Teenage Market stallholder, said: "I thought it was an incredible idea, all of the staff were so kind and supportive but still treated us like adults, and helped us to make the most of the event. I also think there was amazing communication before and during the event from the organisers about the plans and everything we needed to do which made the whole thing so much easier.”
Tom Kittendorf, Assistant Director for Leisure & Wellbeing at Rugby Borough Council, said: “We’ve been really impressed with the Teenage Markets. They’ve enabled us to create opportunities and meaningful connections for an age group that can often be difficult to engage through traditional town centre events. The energy, creativity and professionalism shown by the young traders has been fantastic, and the positive impact on the town centre over the Easter weekend was clear to see.”
The programme is part of the county council’s wider ambition to make the Teenage Market model accessible to any town or place within Warwickshire wishing to host similar events. By removing barriers and providing practical support, the council aims to empower local areas to nurture confidence, creativity and ambition among young people.
Joe Barratt, Executive Director of Place for Youth CIC, added: “The number of applications to become traders at Warwickshire’s Teenage Markets has been very high and we’ve received lots of enquiries around future events so there is a real demonstrable demand and appetite from the young people of Warwickshire to engage with towns and villages in this way”
Mark Ryder, Executive Director for Communities at Warwickshire County Council, said: “We are delighted to see towns across Warwickshire continuing to embrace Teenage Markets as a way of creating connection, skills and opportunities for our young people. Events like this demonstrate the value of investing in youth led activity that benefits individuals, communities and town centres alike.”
The Teenage Markets programme will continue to roll out across Warwickshire throughout the year, creating even more opportunities for young people to develop skills, confidence and connections through enterprise. Any towns or villages interested in hosting a Teenage Market can contact Joe Barratt at j.barratt@placeforyouth.org or email towns@warwickshire.gov.uk for further information.
For any young people wishing to register to be traders and be notified of future events go to https://theteenagemarket.co.uk/sign-up/
Business excellence celebrated
“The Business and Community Awards give us a chance to shine a light on so much that is great about Coventry and Warwickshire and, beyond the awards, it was a celebration of our local culture and entertainment too.”
Businesses, community groups and inspirational individuals in Coventry and Warwickshire have been crowned as champions at a celebration event for the region.
Eleven awards celebrating everything from global trade through to community leadership were handed out at the Coventry & Warwickshire Business and Community Awards, presented by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, at the Belgrade Theatre. More than 600 people – from businesspeople through to local dignitaries and civic leaders – attended, as 60 businesses, community groups and individuals were shortlisted for awards.  
The event was supported by a range of organisations as partners and sponsors, including Coventry Building Society, Genesis Employment, Lawton Tubes, Houlton at Urban & Civic, Warwickshire County Council, Coventry City Council, Coventry College, North Warwickshire & South Leicestershire College, HCR Wright Hassall, Guardian Ballers, Belgrade Theatre Coventry, LawFinity and omnigo - a trusted partner of card payment company Dojo. 
Corin Crane, Chief Executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “From micro businesses to some of the biggest employers in the region, the awards highlighted the diversity of the Coventry and Warwickshire economy and the fantastic people and organisations who make this place tick.
“The Business and Community Awards give us a chance to shine a light on so much that is great about Coventry and Warwickshire and, beyond the awards, it was a celebration of our local culture and entertainment too.”
The Millboard Company, based in Coventry, landed The Global Player award, while Inspire Education Trust won The Equality Trailblazer prize.
The People First award was won by the Belgrade Theatre Coventry, with accountancy firm Spencer Gardner Dickins being named as highly commended in that category.
Coventry University Group was named as the winner of The Planet Saver award and Emergency Vehicle Products landed The Problem Solver prize.
The Herd landed The Rapid Riser award, with HeliosX receiving a highly-commended.
Muscular Dystrophy Support Centre was named The Not-For-Profit Champion, while the Bardsley Youth Project took home a high-commended in that category.
The Community Champion award was won by MES Systems while Avon Studios was highly commended. Chitrakalaimanram landed The Creative and Culture Activator award.
In the individual categories, Tom Bromwich, of Bromwich Hardy, was named Businessperson of the Year, and Lorraine Bryan-Arnold, of the RSPCA Coventry & District, won Community Leader of the Year.
Corin added: “There has been so much to celebrate in Coventry and Warwickshire in recent days and we’re delighted for all of our winners, all of those who were highly commended, everyone who was shortlisted and we’re grateful to all of our sponsors and supporters.”
To view information on all winners, head to www.cw-chamber.co.uk/awards/2026-winners
Region to be showcased at UKREiiF
"The region will be taking a clear message to the conference for investors and decision makers, that 'UK growth starts here in the West Midlands.'”
The West Midlands will position itself as central to the UK’s growth over the next decade when it attends the UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in May.
Neil Rami, Chief Executive of the West Midlands Growth Company, said the region will be taking a clear message to the conference for investors and decision makers, that “UK growth starts here in the West Midlands.”
Speaking at a special ‘West Midlands at UKREiiF’ event, Mr Rami said: “From record levels of housing delivery to major connectivity projects that are redefining how people and businesses move across the country, the West Midlands is shaping the next chapter of the UK’s economic future.
“Nowhere else combines this scale of regeneration, infrastructure investment and population growth with the strength of partnership we are delivering across the region. With over £1 billion secured to unlock development, and an unmatched level of collaboration between public and private sector partners, we are demonstrating what coordinated regional leadership can achieve for UK plc.”
UKREiiF is a major event in the UK real estate calendar, with thousands of industry professionals attending each year. The West Midlands will be showcasing more than £20 billion of investment-ready opportunities, supported by circa £2bn of investment funding to accelerate development, at the conference, and reinforcing its message of ‘momentum, delivery and partnership’.
During the three-day conference, regional leaders and policymakers will explore five core strategic themes that are shaping the region and helping to catalyse investment. They will be joined by a host of leading industry voices to discuss how business leadership, sectoral strategy and regional ambition can translate economic momentum into long-term growth for UK plc.
Confirmed speakers include Joanne Roney, Managing Director, Birmingham City Council; Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands; Greg Clark, executive chair of Warwick Innovation District, the University of Warwick; Rick Houghton, Head of AWS Solutions Architecture UK; Murray Paul, Director of Public Affairs, Jaguar Land Rover; Steve Rigby, CEO of Rigby Group; and Nicola Ibbetson, Chief Business Officer at Coventry City Football Club.
Neil Rami said: “We’re pleased to have high profile names from both the public and private sector joining us at this year’s conference. Their voices will help show why investors, developers and businesses increasingly recognise that if you want to back the UK’s next decade of growth, it starts in the West Midlands.”
As well as promoting the region’s regeneration opportunities at UKREiiF, the West Midlands delegation will use the event to show how new funding levers, infrastructure investment and convening powers are being mobilised to stimulate the market and support delivery at scale – with further announcements to come.
Recent investment funding announcements include £50m from the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund, £110m from the Mayoral Revolving Growth Fund, up to £1.1bn from the West Midlands Pension Fund, and hundreds of millions from the new City Investment Fund. Combined with existing recyclable investment tools, more than £2bn in total investment capacity will be delivered: £1bn from the WMCA and over £1bn from regional partners.
Ed Cox, Chief Executive of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), said: “We’ve seen a real acceleration in the pace of delivery and investment over the last 12 months with key infrastructure schemes coming to fruition and the unlocking of significant institutional capital.
“This success has been backed by targeted investment from the WMCA and its partners to drive growth that can be felt by all our communities in their everyday lives and quality of life. This last year has seen shovels go in the ground at major regeneration schemes like Smithgate in Wolverhampton, Stone Yard in Digbeth and City Centre South in Coventry. We’ve also completed five new rail stations and seen a record number of homes funded with Mayoral investments. At UKREiiF we will showcase more than £20bn of regeneration projects that reflect the sheer scale of our ambition and the investment opportunity as we build on this recent momentum.”
Organised by the West Midlands Growth Company, the region’s investment promotion agency, and led by the Mayor of the West by Midlands, this year’s delegation attending UKREiiF includes the region’s seven local authorities and a large number of private sector sponsors, including three premier partners: E.ON, Lendlease, and Lovell.
Striking the balance in south Warwickshire
"Local businesses need space to expand to in order to ensure our economy can continue to grow and that we have the jobs to match the new houses being built.”
A business meeting in Stratford-upon-Avon has heard how the future of the region’s economy will balance culture and industry.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce held its latest South Warwickshire Local Business Forum at The Arden Hotel and heard from a key figure at the Royal Shakespeare Company and a developer bringing forward a major scheme in the area. The event also heard the latest on the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Business Manifesto which will launch later this year.
Jacqui O’Hanlon, Deputy Executive Director and Director of Creative Learning and Engagement at the RSC, said the theatre’s diverse programming and global reach was continuing to bring visitors into the region, showing the connection and positive impact between culture and tourism.
The RSC, which attracted 1.6 million attendances both online and in-person last year, as well as reaching 500,000 young people, has an annual touring programme of work across the UK and globally, all of which started life in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Jacqui said: “We’re already seeing extraordinary interest in our Game of Thrones adaptation coming this summer and we hope it is going to bring in large numbers of audiences making their first visit to Stratford or the RSC. Kenneth Branagh is starring in The Tempest and with Helen Hunt in The Cherry Orchard later this year, and tickets sales are very strong. These are major cultural moments for the town and region and we know they will also have a positive impact on the local economy. Then we have Middlemarch Parts One and Two opening this October – by showing the production in two parts we hope this encourages more overnight stays as well as secondary spend for visitors to the region, which is a helpful economic driver to boost the hospitality and tourism sector. We had positive feedback about this approach with our recent production of The Forsyte Saga Parts One and Two.”
She added: “We know that culture is a crucial driver of tourism – 39 per cent of tourists choose destinations based on their cultural offer. But the infrastructure that supports the night-time and visitor economies needs to be joined up to support this. Transport is one of the major barriers for visitors and audiences. Poor connectivity is holding the town back, and we all need to push for sustained investment to improve the offer for visitors and residents.”
Lewis Payne, Development Director at IM Properties, the developer behind the £140 million Stratford 46 scheme, said there was already promising interest from potential occupiers. The development will feature units ranging from 20,000 sq ft to 300,000 sq ft and will have easy access to the A46, making it attractive to businesses already in the area and inward investors.
Lewis said: “Even before launching the marketing, Stratford 46 is attracting a wave of local businesses who want to grow but currently have nowhere to go. The demand is already there. The Midlands is missing out on major inward investment because we simply don’t have enough strategic employment land. Big companies want to be here but the sites don’t exist, which is something we are trying to address.
“We’re also delivering major upgrades on the A46, tackling one of the most dangerous junctions in the area. It’s extremely challenging, but essential that we improve the infrastructure if we want economic growth. Developments only work if people can actually get to the jobs. That’s why we put money into buses, cycle routes and local connections – it can’t just be buildings on a map.”
Larry Coltman, chair of the Chamber’s South Warwickshire Local Business Forum, said: “It was great to hear from two key drivers of future economic growth in our area. The RSC is, of course, synonymous with Stratford and it was great to hear about the exciting programme coming forward and the positive interest in it, as well as the wider impact the RSC has on the region.
“This forum and the Chamber more broadly has long advocated for more employment land in the area so it is fantastic to see Stratford 46 moving forward and the fact there are already strong enquiries. Local businesses need space to expand to in order to ensure our economy can continue to grow and that we have the jobs to match the new houses being built.”
Lindsey takes chair in North Warwickshire
A forum representing businesses in the north of Warwickshire has announced a new chair.
Lindsey Randle, MIRA Technology Park’s Community Relationship Coordinator, has taken on the role of Chair of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s North Warwickshire Local Business Forum.
Lindsey succeeds her MIRA Technology Park colleague Sarah Windrum, who has chaired the forum for two years.
The forum meets three times a year to discuss any issues local firms are facing and to also hear updates from key decision makers and figures in the area, including local authorities, MPs and business leaders.
Lindsey has spent more than 14 years at MIRA Technology Park and is responsible for relationships with a range of stakeholders and community groups – from tenants on site through to local schools.
She said: “I am delighted to take on this role and look forward to meeting more and more businesses from across the region and understanding the issues they are facing. It feels like we are at a pivotal moment economically with so much happening across the region and so many different barriers to growth, and the Chamber is at the heart of representing companies of all sizes and sectors. My role at MIRA Technology Park is very much about engagement and this is very much an extension of that.”
Corin Crane, Chief Executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We’re really pleased to have Lindsey on board as chair of our North Warwickshire Local Business Forum.
“As a Chamber, we make sure that the voice of business us heard and our Local Business Forums are a big part of that because it means we get out to every part of the region and hear direct from firms of all sizes and sectors. That, alongside our Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) and day-to-day dialogue with members, means we understand the issues that businesses are facing. Having Lindsey and a key economic partner in MIRA Technology Park underlines the vital role the Chamber can play in our region.”
Construction partner appointed
“Greville Business Park will be a high-quality development that provides expansion potential for companies and employment opportunities for local people."
A construction partner has been appointed to deliver a new business park between Leamington and Warwick.
Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG) has partnered with Birmingham-based E.Manton Limited to build the new 28,000 sq ft commercial scheme on Fusiliers Way. Greville Business Park will see the creation of 11 high-quality commercial units ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 sq ft.
E.Manton is one of the Midlands’ longest established construction companies and was founded in 1898. The company delivers projects across central England in both the public and private sectors, including commercial, education, healthcare and residential schemes.
Groundworks are now underway on site, following the scheme receiving unanimous planning consent by Warwick District Council, and construction of the new units will begin later in the Spring. The completed units will be highly sustainable and meet EPC A and BREEAM Very Good standards, with the scheme set to be completed by the end of 2026.
Phil Steele, Joint Managing Director at E.Manton Limited, said: We are excited to support Warwickshire Property & Development Group on its new commercial development at Fusiliers Way. Working alongside a client with such a clear vision and dedication to regional growth is both inspiring and rewarding.”
WPDG was formed in 2021 by Warwickshire County Council to realise the potential of its development sites, commercial buildings and mineral rights. Greville Business Park follows the success of the company’s 42,200 sq ft commercial and industrial scheme Sucham Park in Southam.
The business park on Fusiliers Way is the first part of a two-phase scheme, with the second phase to deliver a local centre including a convenience store, children’s day nursery and coffee shop to support the growing community.
Stuart Buckley, Managing Director at Warwickshire Property & Development Group, added: “We’re pleased to have the opportunity to work with a well-established contractor based in the Midlands to deliver our latest commercial scheme. “By partnering with E. Manton, we are now moving closer to starting construction of the units on site and progressing the delivery of much-needed small-unit commercial space in this area of Warwickshire.
“Greville Business Park will provide modern units designed to support growing SME businesses and we look forward to seeing the development take shape throughout the year.”
Rob Powell, Warwickshire County Council’s Executive Director for Resources, added: “Greville Business Park will be a high-quality development that provides expansion potential for companies and employment opportunities for local people. With E.Manton now on board as our construction partner we are taking a positive step forward to successfully deliver this scheme which will help business stay, grow and thrive in the county.”
Units at Greville Business Park are now being marketed for freehold sale by Avison Young. For more information, please contact Alex Thompson at Alex.Thompson@avisonyoung.com or Sam Forster at Sam.Forster@avisonyoung.com
Employment park could bring 6,000 jobs
The developer behind a proposed strategic and future-facing employment park in the north of Warwickshire, which could support up to 6,000 jobs, has told business leaders that it has taken the decision to appeal.
Matthew Fox, Planning Director at IM Properties, was a guest speaker at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s latest North Warwickshire Local Business Forum which took place at MIRA Technology Park.
Matthew updated the meeting on the exciting Thrive development – a three million square foot scheme which will deliver growth in the advanced manufacturing, R&D and logistics sectors, close to Junction 9 of the M42.
The development will play a major role in meeting the huge shortage of employment space available in the region but which has been suppressed by the planning process, resulting in the decision to appeal against the non-determination of its planning application.
Matthew said the Government’s changes to the planning system were positive but that they would inevitably need time to filter down to local authorities’ decision-making and, as a result, much-needed development and investment remains on hold.
He said: “Thrive is precisely the type of development that the Government wants to see come forward because it would deliver inclusive growth as a home to a range of employers bringing highly-skilled, well paid jobs to North Warwickshire and the West Midlands. It is the most ambitious development we’ve brought forward to date and would have a hugely positive impact on the regional economy for years to come.
“We’ve been promoting this site for nearly a decade but the planning system has consistently failed to meet the needs of strategic employment. Businesses want to come here now, not in another five or six years, so every month of delay risks investment going elsewhere – and those opportunities don’t come back.
“Local planning authorities are significantly under resourced and still getting to grips with the Government’s reforms but there’s an urgent need to enable strategic, cross‑boundary developments such as Thrive. When a site serves the needs of Birmingham, Solihull and North Warwickshire simultaneously – providing opportunity for nearby deprived communities facing significant challenges - it needs swift strategic decision‑making.
“The new national planning framework is a huge step forward but, after another ten months with no clarity over a decision on Thrive and an oven-ready development ready to proceed, we had no choice but to appeal to the Secretary of State which we hope will result in a favourable decision later this year.”
Corin Crane, Chief Executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The shortage of employment land is, undoubtedly, holding back growth in our regional economy. We were extremely grateful to Matthew and IM Properties for highlighting Thrive at our Local Business Forum and we will continue to make the case that the planning process for schemes such as this must move more quickly. The Government has made improving the planning process one of its drivers of growth and what this development underlines is that there is still work to be done to make sure those changes start to have a positive impact on development.”
Region's offer outlined to US delegations
A delegation from a US city visited Coventry and Warwickshire in a bid to create new business partnerships in the region – boosting the economies both sides of the Atlantic.
A group from Mentor, Ohio – which, if it were a country in its own right would be the 20th economy in the world – visited the region to meet potential investors and exporters.
A roundtable event was held with the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce where the delegation – led by Kevin Malecek, Director of Economic Development and International Trade for the City of Mentor – showcased how the city is welcoming to UK investors and exporters. They outlined the ‘soft landing’ service the city offers to businesses to make it easy to find new contacts and understand the processes of trading in the US. The city also offers lower costs of doing business compared to other areas of the country.
Mentor currently hosts approximately 300 manufacturing companies and over 50,000 employees across manufacturing, retail, and professional services, with strong clusters in advanced manufacturing; aerospace; polymers and chemicals; biomedical industries; and engineering and R&D.
It makes it an ideal region for firms in Coventry and Warwickshire to partner with and offers a route into the world’s biggest economic market in a location that is within 600 miles of 60 per cent of the US and Canadian populations.
The City of Mentor has already struck up similar partnerships in the UK and hopes to secure new opportunities with businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire.
Kevin Malecek said: “The City of Mentor, Ohio, is delighted to be working with the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber. This is the start of what we hope will be a long and fruitful partnership.”
Tim Cooper-Cocks, International Trade Advisor at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “I am really pleased that we have been able to cultivate this very positive relationship with Mentor and this presents a very real opportunity for companies in Coventry and Warwickshire to move into the US market."
PR and pies workshop
"it’s going to be a business-altering two hours for founders and creatives who are looking to get themselves heard in our noisy modern world."
Award-winning local PR and journalist Amanda Chalmers is teaming up with one of her longstanding clients to host the first in a series of brand new workshops to support small and independent businesses.
PR & Pies, hosted by The Fleur de Lys pub in Lowsonford, is offering the exclusive two-hour workshop with Chalmers News PR, which promises to empower entrepreneurs with valuable PR top tips and strategies to adopt for their own brands.
The intimate session, which is limited to 15 people, includes a short presentation followed by guaranteed one-on-one time with Amanda. She will give valuable insight and guidance that will directly benefit your brand, including essential tips on press release writing, how to get published and how to then capitalise on the exposure.
And, following this, you get to reward yourself with a delicious pie of your choice from the award-winning Fleur de Lys menu, as well as a welcome hot drink.
Since its launch, in Warwick, in 2018, Chalmers News PR has gone on to win a series of national business awards, including being listed among the Top 10 in the ‘Best Business From Home’ category at the recent UK Business Awards.
She spent 30 years working in the regional press, culminating with a five-year stint in the Stratford-Upon-Avon Herald editor’s chair between, before launching her agency, which specialises in affordable cross-sector PR for small businesses and start-ups as well as charities and not-for-profits. Amanda worked on newsdesks in and around Warwickshire, including the former Nuneaton Tribune and Rugby Advertiser, and, as deputy editor at The Daventry Express and Buckingham and Winslow Advertiser series before joining the Herald.
She said: “This workshop has been a long time coming and is my response to increasing demand. Working predominantly with small and independent businesses and organisations, I know the dilemma they face when it comes to balancing the importance of PR against the costs involved. However, my USP has always been to keep fees affordable to the smaller businesses who most benefit from the extra visibility. And this workshop is the next step in doing just that. For just £25 you will walk away feeling emboldened to start introducing your own PR techniques and learn the essentials for a press release that will get noticed by journalists!
The Fleur de Lys, which sits on the banks of the Stratford Canal, has a rich pie-making history now famous the world over. The Grade II listed pub first began serving pies through the kitchen hatch during the 1950s, drawing crowds from all over the Midlands to sample the finest steak and kidney or chicken and mushroom pies. The pub also went on to supply its pies to chip shops all over the county, becoming a staple treat for many.
But in 1964 the original pie recipe was sold to Avana Meat Products in South Wales, who were subsequently absorbed by Premier Foods. Determined to keep the pie legacy alive, under the auspices of current landlords Emma and Nick Woodhouse, in 2018 The Lowsonford Pie Company was born, the Fleur de Lys pies continuing tradition and once again becoming sought after - handmade and served from the Fleur De Lys kitchen for both dining in and takeaway. Many of the recipes have gone on to win a raft of national Pie Awards as well as the inn itself being named Pub of the Year in last year’s Coventry and Warwickshire Foodie Awards.
The PR and Pies workshop is a first for both brands and forms part of a series of collaborations by the pub with local businesses.
Emma said: “Having worked with Amanda for the last two years, we have firsthand experience of how invaluable her PR skills and expertise are for small businesses like ours. That old saying about learning how to shout about yourself because no one else will falls on deaf ears as Amanda is always in our corner, always shouting about us and, most importantly, getting heard by media outlets who know and trust her.
“It’s an honour to be hosting this PR & Pies Workshop because we know it’s going to be a business-altering two hours for founders and creatives who are looking to get themselves heard in our noisy modern world. Take it from us: there’s no one better to guide you through the PR process than Amanda.” 
To book your place on the workshop, on June 10th, visit: https://www.thefleur.co.uk/shop/p/pr-and-pies?fbclid=IwY2xjawQmOvZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeadeNvf4iR2uS_rPOOta8apfr9tzIRmVP-BMxRLw0Dip7hPYZuw7ghyu_9_A_aem_edBKroYnfTn6whrN3wFCWQ
Visit Chalmers News PR at: https://chalmersnewspr.co.uk/
North Warwickshire businesses honoured
North Warwickshire Borough Council recently hosted their first ever Small Business Awards at The Belfry in Sutton Coldfield.
The event was proudly sponsored by London Northwestern Railway and brought together small businesses from across North Warwickshire for an evening of celebration and networking, recognising the vital contribution they make to the local community.
The North Warwickshire Small Business Awards celebrates amazing independent businesses. From bold ideas to tireless dedication, the awards recognise the passion, innovation, and hard work that turn dreams into reality.
Winners were selected by an independent panel, with awards presented by Councillor Debbie Bates, Mayor of North Warwickshire Borough Council and Councillor Margaret Bell. It was a great night with opportunity to showcase all the local talent across North Warwickshire, and the Council are proud to show their support.
From the 36 shortlisted finalists, the following businesses were announced as this year’s winners:
Best New Business Award
Simply Doughlicious
Business Service Award
Aspire and Thrive
Social Media & Website Award
Flowers by Chris
Shop Front Award
Sofia’s Italian Deli & Kitchen
Customer Service Excellence Award
RSVP Celebrations
Young Entrepreneur Award
Faces Beauty Salon & Training Academy
Heart of Gold Award
Bee Bold Bee Beautiful
Workplace Wellbeing Award
Aspire and Thrive
Lifetime Achievement in Business Award
4 Church Street
Food & Drink Award
Rajrani Restaurant
Not for Profit Business Award
Middleton Hall and Gardens
Fastest Growing Small Business
MK Brow Academy
Gardens brightened by Blank Canvas
“Blank Canvas is a great project for our towns, creating artwork representative of the local community and adding vibrancy to our town centres."
The second mural in the Warwickshire County Council Blank Canvas project has now been completed at Pageant Garden in Warwick.
The mural was designed by Stratford-based artist Ali Glover in collaboration with a group of pupils who attend the Packmores Community Centre tutoring sessions.
Blank Canvas is a community art project, funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund via Warwickshire County Council. This is the second of ten murals which will be installed in locations around the county, each reflecting the place they are in, and containing a Warwickshire Bear. Each piece is designed by a local artist working with a local community group, so that voices of the community are captured in the process.
The children at Packmores Community Centre wanted the Warwick mural to reflect the natural world, with flowers and animals forming the setting. They wanted to create a piece which made people feel happy, and reflected kindness, fun, and learning – which is why the bear is reading on the swing! The use of colour was important in the design, and Ali sought to reflect the brightness of the children’s own drawings in the colour palette she used throughout the piece. And of course, it wouldn’t be Warwick without the Castle in the background! The mural’s location in the Pageant Garden is a perfect setting for this bright and joyful design, reflecting the flowers in the garden itself, and its proximity to the Castle.
Ali, who also leads Make Murals and Workshops CIC added: "I'm really pleased to be involved in this project and particularly enjoyed translating the children's wonderfully creative ideas into the design. It was a pleasure to work in the Gardens, connecting with locals and visitors who shared their stories and experiences. Being able to talk to people about the work as it was being done made the project feel like a part of the community, and it's a fantastic testament to the children's creativity that their ideas resonated so well with the public."
Mark Ryder, Executive Director for Communities at Warwickshire County Council, said: “Blank Canvas is a great project for our towns, creating artwork representative of the local community and adding vibrancy to our town centres. It's great to see these projects in our town centres, helping to create areas of interest and bring people into the towns to see how their community has been captured and using this as a chance to discover more within the local area.”
Suzette Agard, from the Packmores Community Centre commented: “The children of our Core Success afterschool club for 8–11-year-olds, were thrilled to be involved in the design of such a prominent mural. Through term time the children enjoy weekly tutored sessions at the Packmores Community Centre, focusing on literacy and numeracy and rounded off by a delicious hot meal. This workshop was a wonderful opportunity for them to nurture their creativity and explore their idea of community. Asked to suggest what Warwick really means to them, the children fully engaged with the brief, putting their individual ideas to a special neon paper card. Each of the children recognised an element of their own ideas in the finished design and took real pride in this. The only problem now is that they keep asking to do it again!”
Southam business celebrates anniversary
“Reaching ten years in Southam is a milestone we are incredibly proud of."
One of Coventry and Warwickshire’s leading law firms, Alsters Kelley Solicitors Ltd, held a special event to mark the tenth anniversary of their Southam office.
To celebrate the occasion local businesses and clients were invited to join the members and some of the staff last week at their High Street office, the fourth of six Alsters Kelley branches in the region, and which had relocated from Daventry Street.
The event also raised £220 for Galanos House, a care home in Southam for the Armed Forces community, offering residential care as well as nursing, palliative and end-of-life care. The home is set within grounds designed by the residents themselves, including a memorial garden, a bowling green and a bandstand. The residents’ shared experiences in the Armed Forces create a unique and supportive community.  
Alsters Kelley has become one of the largest solicitor’s firms, with offices in Leamington, Coventry, Stratford, Nuneaton and Banbury, employing nearly 100 people. A Legal 500 firm, it provides a full range of legal services including Family (divorce, finances, children matters), family care (adoption, care proceedings, abductions), private client (wills, powers of attorney, tax and trusts), conveyancing, personal injury, medical negligence, dispute resolution and criminal cases, including motoring offences.
Cathy Wahlberg MD, said: “Reaching ten years in Southam is a milestone we are incredibly proud of. Over the past decade we have built strong relationships within the local community and have seen our business and team grow. This event was our way of saying thank you to everyone who has supported us and we are excited about what the next ten years will bring.”
Longest serving member at Southam and the first employee ten years ago, is Legal Secretary Ella Lee. She said: “I remember my first day at Alsters Kelley like it was yesterday. Being a new office, it was very quiet for the first few months, but as the months passed the clientele started to increase and we became busier, which was great.
“When I started as receptionist my knowledge of the legal profession was minimal but as the years have passed, I have become more confident within the legal sector and I have a better knowledge and understanding of the types of cases required by a solicitor. My knowledge and confidence has grown through having supportive, kind and helpful colleagues and a great boss, Corrine Seabourne who supports and guides me where needed. It has been a pleasure and honour to build up the Southam office with Corrine.”
Corrine, Senior Associate, Private Client department, said: “It has been a privilege to see the office develop and expand. I especially enjoy working with the people of Southam and being a prominent part of their community.”
New MyTime service launches in Warwickshire to support unpaid carers
Employers across Warwickshire are being encouraged to get involved in a new initiative designed to support staff who balance work with unpaid caring responsibilities.
MyTime, a programme delivered by the charity Local Solutions, has launched in Warwickshire to connect carers with local businesses and organisations who offer complimentary leisure, cultural and wellbeing experiences.
Many employees juggle their professional roles alongside caring responsibilities for family members, friends or neighbours, which can place significant demands on their time and wellbeing. Whether it’s a relaxing meal, a trip to the cinema or an overnight stay, MyTime provides an opportunity for employers to support these members of staff by enabling them to access meaningful breaks, helping carers to rest, recharge and maintain their wellbeing.
By partnering with MyTime, Warwickshire businesses can play an active role in supporting not only their own workforce but also carers across the wider community. The scheme offers a simple way for organisations to contribute by donating experiences such as meals, event tickets or short breaks, which can then be accessed by unpaid carers in recognition of the vital role they play in local communities.
Supporting employees with caring responsibilities can have a positive impact on staff wellbeing, engagement and retention. Enabling carers to take time for themselves, even in small ways, can help to reduce stress and allow them to return to work feeling more focused and supported.
Becky Hale, Executive Director for Social Care and Health, said:
“Unpaid carers make an invaluable contribution to our communities, often balancing significant responsibilities alongside their working lives. The launch of MyTime in Warwickshire is a positive step in recognising that commitment, giving carers the opportunity to take well-deserved breaks and look after their own wellbeing, and I encourage employers across the county to get involved.”
Hazel Brown MBE, Head of Communities at Local Solutions, said:
“We’re excited to bring Mytime to Warwickshire, a region where thousands of unpaid carers dedicate their lives to supporting loved ones. Caring can be physically and emotionally draining, and even a short break can make a world of difference. We’re calling on local businesses to join us in recognising and supporting these incredible individuals.”
The success of MyTime relies on partnerships with local businesses, and Warwickshire County Council is encouraging organisations across Warwickshire to get involved. From donating meals and cinema tickets to providing overnight stays, businesses have a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of unpaid carers.
For more information and to get involved, visit https://mytime4carers.co.uk/get-involved/ or contact mytime@localsolutions.org.uk