Professional services firm key to Coventry’s economic growth

PROFESSIONAL services firms across Coventry and Warwickshire are key to the growth of the area’s economy, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has said.

A business summit, staged by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, the area’s LEP and Coventry and Warwickshire First, heard from BIS representatives Chris Tollady and Simon Rowley that while other sectors may be hitting the headlines nationally, professional and business services were told that they are a key priority in growing the economy.

Both Paul Carvell, chair of Coventry and Warwickshire First, and Nick Abell, from the LEP emphasised the vital importance professional and business services companies made to the economy.

Angela Tellyn, partnership manager at the chamber, told the summit: “If they are growing, then that is good for everyone, and they also work with companies in all sorts of sectors. Manufacturing and engineering is attracting the limelight and the Government has made it clear that rebalancing the economy in that direction is important.”

Carvell said: “It’s a crucial sector and we have to make sure that it is a priority when we all look at how we grow the local, regional and national economy.”

Abell added: “Professional service companies are a vital cog in the economic fortunes of this region. If the sector is successful, it bodes well for the whole of the economy in Coventry and Warwickshire.”

HR professionals tackle summit at Sixways

HR professionals from Herefordshire and Worcestershire will be discussing the key issues surrounding the industry during a conference at Worcester’s Sixways Stadium on June 4.

The conference, organised by the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce in association with Hewett Recruitment, is now in its second year and it is aimed at HR professionals from companies of all sizes.

Helen Mole, Head of Events at the chamber, said: “This event is fast becoming a must in the HR calendar.  It is a brilliant opportunity to get an update on the very latest in HR policy, hear from inspirational speakers and network with colleagues across the two counties.”

Speakers include Kevin Green, chief executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, Paul Chamberlain, Head of Employment, Brabners Manchester, Bernadette Bird, Group Head of HR Services, Sanctuary Group and Sally Morris, Head of Employment Division, mfg Solicitors.

‘Do as we say and win a Queen’s Award’ Rhead tells firms

BUSINESS development consultant, the Rhead Group, has advised firms about how to follow in its footsteps and become a Queen’s Award for Enterprise winner.

The Coventry-based consultancy was a guest at the Coventry Chamber of Commerce awards ceremony, together with fellow winners Jaguar Land Rover and Alumet.

Rhead said it was important people took time to prepare, thought hard about their story and involved a cross section of people in their strategies.

The recommendation to factor in time to submit an application was backed up by Sean Kelly, from The Queen’s Award Office, who said over 80% of all entries to the awards came during the last 48 hours of the entry period.

“We are always looking for high achieving UK companies to enter the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise. In this our 50th year, we are hoping for more representation from the creative industries such as fashion, design and TV and radio and we would love to hear from more women-led businesses,” said Kelly.

Andrew Ferguson, Commercial Director, Rhead Group said: “We are absolutely delighted with our award and would thoroughly recommend any other business to follow suit. We have felt tremendous benefit already in under a month as winners and it has definitely been worth the effort.”