Business News

The banking industry has long been around and has always been at the forefront when it comes to technological innovations. One of the most recent innovations that have become more prevalent is the use of internet banking. According to data presented by Trading Platforms, online banking penetration in Great Britain reached 76% in 2020 compared to 42% in 2010.

From the early days of the development of ATM cards to the widespread use of credit cards and more recently, contactless payment options, the banking industry has always welcomed technological advancement as a way to enhance the products and services they provide.  The rise of non-brick and mortar banking institutions and fintech companies have also made banking much more accessible and much more mobile in recent times.

In 2007 online banking penetration was at a mere 30% in Great Britain but the number reached  76% in 2020. Both traditional established banks and newer digital online banks have taken advantage of the rise of mobile devices with the smartphone the preferred device to access online banking. In Q1 of 2020, 58% of survey respondents indicated accessing their online banking through their smartphone in the three months prior to the survey, while only 14% indicated they used their tablet device.

In 2019-2020 the UK ranked 8th among European nations for online banking penetration. Leading the way is Norway with an impressive online banking penetration of 95% compared to the Uk’s 78%. The use of cash has severely decreased in countries such as Germany and Austria where trust in online banking institutions have been on the rise. Only 5 countries from the European nations in the survey had less than 10% penetration  - Bulgaria(9%), Romania (8%), Bosnia and Herzegovina(5%), Kosovo(5%) and Montenegro(3%).

The rise of alternative payment options from traditional banks has also been on the rise in Europe. One of the more prominent ones is London based financial company Revolut who in February 2018 announced that they had secured over 1.5 million customers. By 2020, that number had grown to an impressive 10 million customers. Projections for Revolut shows them continuing on an upward trend reaching 18 million customers by December 2021.

The banking industry has long been around and has always been at the forefront when it comes to technological innovations. One of the most recent innovations that have become more prevalent is the use of internet banking. According to data presented by Trading Platforms, online banking penetration in Great Britain reached 76% in 2020 compared to 42% in 2010.

From the early days of the development of ATM cards to the widespread use of credit cards and more recently, contactless payment options, the banking industry has always welcomed technological advancement as a way to enhance the products and services they provide.  The rise of non-brick and mortar banking institutions and fintech companies have also made banking much more accessible and much more mobile in recent times.

In 2007 online banking penetration was at a mere 30% in Great Britain but the number reached 76% in 2020. Both traditional established banks and newer digital online banks have taken advantage of the rise of mobile devices with the smartphone the preferred device to access online banking. In Q1 of 2020, 58% of survey respondents indicated accessing their online banking through their smartphone in the three months prior to the survey, while only 14% indicated they used their tablet device.

In 2019-2020 the UK ranked 8th among European nations for online banking penetration. Leading the way is Norway with an impressive online banking penetration of 95% compared to the Uk’s 78%. The use of cash has severely decreased in countries such as Germany and Austria where trust in online banking institutions have been on the rise.

Only 5 countries from the European nations in the survey had less than 10% penetration  – Bulgaria(9%), Romania (8%), Bosnia and Herzegovina(5%), Kosovo(5%) and Montenegro(3%). The rise of alternative payment options from traditional banks has also been on the rise in Europe. One of the more prominent ones is London based financial company Revolut who in February 2018 announced that they had secured over 1.5 million customers. By 2020, that number had grown to an impressive 10 million customers.

Projections for Revolut shows them continuing on an upward trend reaching 18 million customers by December 2021.

With the majority of us still working from home a year after the outbreak of Coronavirus, employee satisfaction has plummeted. In fact, in a recent survey conducted by Forbes, revealed that 80% of employees would consider quitting their current position for a job that focused more on employees’ mental health. It’s clear that employers need to take a pro-active approach to combat this statistic. 

With the rise in hybrid working, the 4-day working week is a trend that is becoming increasingly popular and helping to actively tackle the intermittent crisis we face. Those companies implementing it are seeing a significant increase in employee satisfaction rates, as we continue to work from home and filter back into agile working. 

AI technology will significantly disrupt every aspect of every industry in every country including how and when we work. Within the near future, we’re likely to see an increase in remote and more flexible work schedules like the 4 day work week. In fact, TUC thinks that a 4 day work week could become a reality within this century if businesses are forced to share the benefits of new technology with their employees.

Some companies are already realising the benefits of a 4 day work. Not only does a 4 day work week increase employee satisfaction, company commitment and teamwork, but it also decreases stress levels. Even better, reducing employees’ work schedules to a 4 day work week doesn’t harm their productivity or company output.

One business that has taken this stride is Verriberri, a multi award-winning marketing agency who are seeing huge improvements to productivity and staff wellbeing since implementing the 4-day working week.

For anyone interested, their CEO Sarah Kauter, who recently won businessperson of the year award, would be happy to share her thoughts on why a shorter working week is the way forward, and advice for business owners looking to achieve this also.

Leading logistics firm Europa Worldwide Group which has a branch located in Prologis Park, Midpoint Way, Minworth, in Birmingham is championing efforts to support young people by developing its own career programme, creating opportunities for a career in sales in logistics. This year, the programme has been extended to include graduates, with applications open until 12 February 2021. So far Europa has seen a hugely successful response, with Manchester in the top three of the most popular cities across the country for graduate applications.

It follows news of the Government’s recently launched Kick Start programme, which provides funding to employers to create job placements, highlighting the challenging job market for 16 to 24 year olds. Following a successful launch last year, Europa’s RAPID Career Development Programme has been re-launched for 2021 and so far has seen a vast increase in the number of applicants in comparison to its first year.

The RAPID programme gives school-leavers and graduates the opportunity to become part of its Europa Road sales team, which specialise in European road freight. Europa will be placing a RAPID school-leaver and graduate in each of its 13 UK branches, with a view to potentially add a second graduate in its larger branches.

Jamie Hedgecox, Branch Manager for Europa Road’s Birmingham branch, comments: “The pandemic has shone a light on logistics, so we are seeing an increase in the level of understanding amongst both school-leavers and graduates. With this in mind, we felt it was the right time to extend the programme to university students. The response and calibre of graduate candidates in the Manchester area has so far been fantastic.”

Lana Jay, Europa Worldwide Group’s Early Careers Talent Manager explains why this year the programme is unique in that they are spreading the opportunity wider, to find the brightest and best young individuals. She comments: “The graduate addition will work in partnership with the current programme focusing on school-leavers. We have been talking, mostly virtually, to schools and universities across the country to explain the innovative and dynamic opportunity.

“Over the next couple of months, we will be taking interviews via video screenings, hoping to have our new Graduate join our Europa Road team in early April. To support their transition from education to becoming part of the Europa Road sales team, we have a uniquely tailored programme of training and development and we can’t wait to get started with our new class of RAPIDs later in the year!” 

The innovative RAPID Career Development Programme showcases Europa’s continued investment into the next generation of talent in logistics. Also available to school-leavers, with applications open until 30th April 2021, the successful applicants will have a starting salary of £22,500, benefits including a company car and the chance to earn extra commission after just a few months. Europa Worldwide Group is a specialist road, air & sea and warehouse operator, with a £205m turnover which employs over 1,000 staff across 16 sites in the UK, plus Belgium and Hong Kong.

The initiative is the brainchild of Europa’s Managing Director Andrew Baxter, designed to appeal to highly ambitious and focused individuals who are keen to earn and learn, hit the ground running and progress up the sales career ladder from as early as 18-years-old.

Europa’s own management team can tell some inspiring success stories of starting at a junior level and working their way up to Director level, moving roles internally and progressing and developing gradually through the business.

Interested school-leaver applicants can still apply now.

Forward-thinking business, professional and financial services firms including PwC, HSBC, Arcadis and Pinsent Masons have joined forces with social enterprise Ahead Partnership to launch an exciting new careers and skills initiative. The programme is designed to build young people’s aspirations and support the sector’s talent pipeline and recovery across Greater Birmingham and Solihull.

The exciting, year-round Growing Talent in #BPFS programme is now well underway, with Ahead Partnership leading the delivery of virtual and pre-recorded activities enabling young people to get involved from home throughout lockdown, following the initiative’s successful November launch. The initial launch festival brought together 760 students and 58 volunteers spanning 23 regional employers to engage in online activities from skills workshops to meet-the-employer events, while sign-ups for accessible digital resources indicate plans to continue facilitating sector learning with over 15,000 additional students.

Enabling aspirations in areas with opportunities – the regional value of BPFS is forecasted to double to £50bn over the next 10 years – the launch festival alone inspired 91% of students that provided feedback to say that they had increased awareness of different roles in the BPFS sector. With lockdown continuing to impact the way that schools and employers operate, Ahead Partnership is now leading the ongoing activities for 2021 which include spotlight panels with a focus on women in professional services, apprenticeships and the various BPFS sectors; and Q&As on a range of roles in financial services.

Key employer activities include the virtual delivery of the PwC Skills Academy; Capsticks virtual work experience; and HSBC’s Investing in Futures. The timely initiative is made possible by important funding from Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP, the CEC, Birmingham Enterprise Partnership and committed private sector employers.

Stephanie Burras CBE, Chief Executive of Ahead Partnership, said: “We were delighted to see such a positive response from both keen students and committed volunteers that engaged in the launch of Growing Talent in #BPFS, and are now busy delivering this exciting programme. Initiatives that help inspire young people to look ahead, develop their skills and aspire to sectors with opportunities available are really crucial at this time.

“We welcome other forward-thinking businesses that want to show their support to get involved with this exciting year-long initiative, which is set to make a big impact on young people and the regional professional services sector.”

Head of Skills at GBS LEP, Spencer Wilson, said: “The Growing Talent programme creates career pathways for young people into key roles within the Business, Professional and Financial Services sector; ensuring the talent pipeline for businesses, and career opportunities for young people exist in this key growth sector. Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP is proud to support Ahead Partnership in delivering this vital intervention that inspires our young people and supports our businesses.”

Tim Boyes, CEO of Birmingham Education Partnership, said: “Helping young people to ready themselves for the world of work, raising aspirations, and opening their eyes to a world of possibilities is a key task for schools and college. To do this schools need deep connections with employers, and young people need to be able to see and feel what it is like to be in a workplace. Building on the experience of delivery of Professional Services Week in previous years “Growing Talent BPFS” exemplifies best practice, providing a range of great opportunities for young people to learn about the professional Services sector and what it takes to forge a successful career within it.”

The Ahead Partnership-led initiative follows four years of successful Professional Services Weeks across Birmingham, extending activity to an exciting year-round programme. From SMEs to global firms, businesses of all sizes are still welcome to join the impressive line-up of regional employers already committed to sponsoring valuable activities.

Businesses from three of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s geographical divisions were recognised for their achievements in a major online awards ceremony. The virtual awards were held to celebrate business success in Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield and Tamworth and, for the first time, Cannock Chase. Tamworth-based bathroom product supplier HiB Limited was the big winner, claiming the Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield & Tamworth and Cannock Chase Large Business of the Year award.

The firm, which employs 108 people at Birch Coppice Business Park, has enjoyed impressive growth over the past three years which has enabled it to increase the workforce by 30 per cent. The award ceremony, beamed live from Chamber House in Edgbaston, was hosted by Future Faces vice-president Sabah Hussain and headline sponsor for the event was Amazon.

Hannah Montgomery of Lichfield-based Golddust Marketing picked up the Young Professional of the Year award, while Inform Accounting (Sutton Coldfield), Bluebird Care (Lichfield & Tamworth) and TechCare Limited (Cannock Chase) won Small Business of the Year awards for their respective Chambers. There were also three presidential honours. Sutton Coldfield Chamber president Phil Arkinstall using his President’s Award to jointly recognise two education leaders – Richard Gill of the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership and Rachel Davis of Little Sutton Primary School.

Lichfield & Tamworth Chamber president Jason Challoner’s award also went to the education sector, with Julie Poppleton, head of careers education at Stephen Sutton Multi-Academy Trust, this year’s recipient. Fred Pritchard of Pritchard Property received the Cannock Chase Chamber President’s Award from Gill Durkin.

The awards judging panel included Burton & District Chamber president Nik Hardy, Saban Hussain, Jade Linton from Thursfields Solicitors and Rob Pollard, the founder of Lightbox Digital. The panel was chaired by Anjum Khan, director of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce.

Winners in full:

Sutton Coldfield Chamber President's Award (Sponsored by Select Car Leasing):Richard Gill (chief executive, Arthur Terry Learning Partnership) and Rachel Davis (headteacher, Little Sutton Primary School)

Lichfield & Tamworth Chamber President’s Award (Sponsored by Inspired Energy) Julie Poppleton (head of careers education, Stephen Sutton Multi-Academy Trust)

Cannock Chase Chamber President’s Award (In partnership with Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Growth Hub) Fred Pritchard (owner and CEO, Pritchard Property)

Sutton Coldfield Small Business of the Year (Sponsored by Keele University Student Knowledge Exchange Project) Inform Accounting

Lichfield & Tamworth Small Business of the Year (Sponsored by Crown Highways) Bluebird Care Tamworth and Lichfield

Cannock Chase Small Business of the Year (Sponsored by Hardy Signs) TechCare Limited

Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield & Tamworth and Cannock Chase Large Business of the Year (Sponsored by Haines Watts) HiB Limited

Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield & Tamworth and Cannock Chase Young Professional of the Year (Sponsored by South Staffordshire College) Hannah Montgomery, Golddust Marketing

Investors are being drawn to new apartments being built in Perry Barr just a stone’s throw from key locations of the 2022 Commonwealth Games. The one and two-bedroom flats at Perry Park View on Aldridge Road are being delivered by housebuilder Persimmon Homes, ideal for investors wanting to build up their property portfolio.

The apartments are ideal for modern-day living, offering a bright, open plan living/dining room with a good-sized kitchen alongside either one or two well-proportioned bedrooms and a family bathroom. Priced from just £125,000 the properties offer new or established investors the opportunity to establish a hold in the rental market before the Games begin.

Persimmon Homes Central Sales Director Sarah Preston said: “The development is appealing to the investment market as the properties are renting out very quickly.

“I think investors can see that these homes are produced to a high quality and will give a high yield return.  We are very pleased that we have produced a design of apartment that seems to be ticking the right boxes for many, many people.” Local estate agent Martin & Co estimates the apartments have the potential to secure a rental income of from £700pcm, a yield of 6.7%.

Just a short walk from the development is Perry Park, home to Alexander Stadium which will be hosting not only the athletic events, but also the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Perry Park View is also in close proximity of the Commonwealth Village. As well as apartments, a handful of 3-bedroom family homes are for sale on the development, including the detached Chatsworth priced at £250,000 and the 3-bed, 3-story end terrace Souter for £237,000.

Sarah added: “Perry Barr is a brilliant location with everything that Birmingham has to offer just down the road. Excellent links to the road and rail networks make for easy access to Birmingham, Solihull, Royal Leamington Spa and Coventry.”

The process to replace Paul Faulkner as chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) has been launched.

SF Recruitment is handling the search following Mr Faulkner’s decision to take up a position with the Richardson family. The closing date for applications is February 12 with first interviews expected to take place in the week beginning February 22 and second interviews in the week of March 1.

The GBCC said a recruitment committee had been appointed and that it would be seeking an “outstanding CEO to take the Chamber forward”. Interested people should in the first instance send their CVs to SF’s Matt Burling at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Chair David Waller (pictured) said: “Over the past few years, the GBCC have, under Paul, focussed on building up a balanced portfolio of activity.  The Chamber’s financial position is strong and was augmented in 2020 with the sale of its leasehold building. 

“There is an experienced and settled leadership team in place and the Chamber is now the premier business representative organisation in the region. With the departure of Paul the board is now looking for an outstanding CEO to take the Chamber forward. This is a great opportunity for the right person to join the Chamber team and lead it in the period ahead.”

SF will be launching a high-level visual advertisement with details of the role. It states that the successful individual will:

·         Understand the local and regional economy

·         Have hands-on experience in a business environment and understand issues facing      

       business of all scales and sizes

·         Have excellent interpersonal skills

·         Be an effective communicator and confident public speaker

·         Be politically astute and have a general interest in policy and current affairs

Job role:

·         Leadership of the Chamber team

·         Report to the chairman and the board

·         Stakeholder engagement across the city region

·         Engagement with patron and high-value memberships

·         Representation of the Chamber at regional level with WMCA, West Midlands Mayor,

       West Midlands Chambers of Commerce, GBSLEP

·         Represent the region nationally with British Chambers of Commerce, and on regional

       priorities (eg HS2)

It adds details of the GBCC, an independent B2B business support agency and consultancy in the West Midlands. It was established over 200 years ago and is a commercial (but not for profit) organisation, with a turnover of around £7 million, employing 90 staff.  The group comprises six geographic Chambers, covering Birmingham, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield & Tamworth and Burton & District as well as the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (formed over 30 years ago), Transatlantic and Commonwealth Chambers, and Future Faces Chamber of Commerce for young professionals from all sectors.

The Chamber’s mission is to Connect, Support & Grow business across Greater Birmingham and its diverse services to members and other businesses include: Research and campaigning (including Brexit and Covid support); membership, networking and events, International Business Hub (including export documentation and translations) and training.

74 per cent of businesses are boosting their marketing and consumer research budgets this year, to better reach potential customers, according to new research from Stravito, a leading provider of knowledge management software for insights. The research, which was conducted by independent polling company Censuswide, surveyed 200 business decision makers in large and medium sized UK companies in the last week of December 2020.

It revealed that 76 per cent of business are set to overhaul their customer engagement strategy in response to the disruption and dispersal caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, suggesting that many companies are already anticipating 2021 to be the year that they ‘bounce-back’ from the difficult period caused by the crisis.

Interestingly, 82 per cent of surveyed decision makers agreed that data-driven insights are a top priority for them in 2021, and a whopping 83 per cent agreed that improving communication and relationships with customers will be critical to their business growing this year. Similarly, 72 per cent of business decision makers agreed that their company needs to improve its knowledge and research sharing capabilities in order to improve sales in 2021.

Thor Olof Philogène, CEO and co-founder of Stravito, commented: “In this pandemic era, connecting to consumers on a ‘human level’ is more important than ever, and demonstrating empathy and understanding with customer concerns and needs is imperative. This process must start with comprehensive market and consumer research to help inform business strategy and understand exactly how consumer behaviour and expectations has adapted over the course of the very eventful last 12 months. With workforces still distributed, and remote working here to stay for the foreseeable future, it is essential that research and business insights are made available to all departments and workers in a given company, so that there is no misalignment in knowledge or customer acquisition strategies.

“Getting instant access to all available market research at the touch of a button will also go a long way to preventing knowledge silos developing between already distributed workforces and departments.”

Specialist business property advisor, Christie & Co has brought to market, the Mercure Birmingham Barons Court Hotel, a stylish and contemporary mid-range hotel located in Walsall Wood. The Mercure Birmingham Barons Court lies in the middle of England’s heartlands, to the north of Birmingham. The hotel is well positioned near the M6 toll, with good links to the M6, M5 AND M42 leading to the M40. Additionally, Birmingham International Airport is just over 20 miles away, making the hotel a popular choice for both leisure and business layovers.

The hotel is situated in an historic property dating back to 1901 and now comprises 98 modern en-suite bedrooms, an in-house bar and restaurant, and conference and event space for up to 700 guests. It is currently managed by the Talash Hotel Limited as part of their portfolio of 12 hotels. The group is now looking to sell the business to pursue other property interests. The sale of the Mercure Birmingham Barons Court presents a rare opportunity to acquire a substantial hotel in the Midlands, with the benefit of the Mercure franchise agreement in place. Equally, the site offers various asset management opportunities, subject to the relevant planning permissions. The hotel will be sold as a TOGC.

Talash Hotels said: “The hotel commands an enviable position on Lichfield Road and is in close proximity to key conurbations and businesses in the area. We have deployed a significant amount of capital expenditure in recent years to bring the hotel up to brand standards. As such, very little additional investment is required, so it’s a great opportunity for a new owner to take on the business and build on its existing success. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed managing the hotel, but the time has come to pass it on, and we look forward to finding the right new owner with the help of Christie & Co.”

Charles Jones, Associate Director in Christie & Co’s Hospitality team is handling the sale and comments, “2020 proved to be a challenging year due to COVID-19, however branded hotel opportunities remained very much in high demand, with our team achieving in excess of 360 offers accepted. We’ve seen similar demand levels in the first few weeks of 2021, so we’re excited to launch this opportunity to market and expect a significant level of interest.”

The Mercure Birmingham Barons Court is currently on the market with a guide price of £2,850,000.

Birmingham faces the biggest challenges to level up in the UK due to the economic impact of Covid-19, according to Centre for Cities’ annual study of the UK’s major urban areas –Cities Outlook 2021. Over 100,000 people in Birmingham now need to find secure, well-paid jobs to level up – compared to 43,000 last March. This means its claimant count rate now needs to decrease by 6.7 percentage points to bring Birmingham in line with the pre Covid-19 national average.

In addition to hitting Birmingham and the rest of the North and Midlands badly, Covid-19 has also hit many previously prosperous places in the South disproportionately hard. The Government must act fast to prevent a levelling down of these places that the whole UK depends on to create jobs and fund public services. London’s, Crawley’s and Slough’s futures are among the southern places of concern due Covid-19’s potential long-term impact.

The Chancellor should announce how he will deal with Covid-19’s short-term damage to cities and large towns. The plans should include:

• Making permanent the £20 rise in Universal Credit.
• Supporting jobless people to find new good jobs.
• Consider the merits of a renewed Eat Out to Help Out scheme for hospitality and non-online retailers once it is safe.

Acting to prevent further economic damage by Covid-19 is not the same as levelling up. Once the health crisis ends, the Government will need to spend additional money on further measures to level up, including:

• Further education to train jobless people for good roles in emerging industries.
• Making city centres better places for high-skilled businesses to locate.
• Improvements to transport infrastructure in city-regions.

Centre for Cities Chief Executive Andrew Carter said: “Covid-19 has made the Government’s pledge to level up Birmingham much harder. It was promised on the assumption that places in the South would remain prosperous but Covid-19 has shaken this assumption.

“Levelling up Birmingham and stopping the South’s levelling down will not be cheap and will require more than short-term handouts. Government support and investment for new businesses in emerging industries will be essential, as will spending on further education to train people to do the good-quality jobs created.”

Eligible City of Wolverhampton businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors can now apply for an additional one-off national lockdown grant of up to £9,000. The application process is now also open to the latest Local Restrictions Support Grants (Closed), which cover the period Wolverhampton was under Tier 4 restrictions (December 31 to January 4) and the current national lockdown. It relates to businesses that are ratepayers and are required to close under national or local Covid-19 restrictions.

For anyone who has already made a recent application for a business grant then you can use this information and evidence as the basis for any subsequent application. A further discretionary Additional Restrictions Grant to support other businesses impacted by the national lockdown is expected to be confirmed once government funding arrives. These grants are in addition to previous Local Restrictions Support Grants and the Additional Restrictions Grant established during the pandemic, which continue to receive applications.

Councillor Stephen Simkins, Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “I am urging Wolverhampton businesses to check what they are eligible for by visiting the website and apply for these critical grants. As a council, we have ensured thousands of eligible businesses have had quick access to vital funding to help them.

“We appreciate this is an extremely difficult time for businesses and assure you that these payments are our priority. We will ensure these new grants get allocated swiftly and that no business is left behind as our city looks to recover from the financial impact of Covid-19.”

With extremely high levels of demands experienced, businesses are urged to remain patient. All of the grants are subject to State Aid rules and are treated as taxable income.

Go Carz, the biggest private hire taxi operator across Shropshire and the West Midlands, is offering free taxi rides to help roll out the COVID-19 vaccine to the first wave of elderly and vulnerable patients of Telford. Formed in 2017, Teldoc is Shropshire’s first super practice, with a patient population of over 48,000. In accordance with national guidance, Teldoc have commenced vaccination of the elderly and vulnerable in the local community.

Go Carz are working with participating Teldoc practices to offer transport only to those eligible persons who have been invited to make a vaccination appointment if they have no other means of transport. These free rides provide a COVID-safe taxi journey to the vaccination centre only, and the patient has the option to book a safe journey home too. Eligible individuals who have been invited to make an appointment with the vaccination centre, will be able to claim their free journey using a dedicated account and provided by the Teldoc telephone operator. Patients will then be able to phone Go Carz dispatch centre to book their free ride using this information.

The gesture of goodwill will benefit the elderly and vulnerable within the local community who, without Go Carz and Teldoc’s help, would have had their vaccination delayed.

Graham Hoof, Regional Director of Go Carz, said: “Many of the elderly and vulnerable may feel safer in a private hire vehicle rather than public transport. Safely transporting them to ensure they can get their vaccination is a vital step that we can assist with to help our local community beat COVID.”

Go Carz was also one of the first transport companies to introduce additional health and hygiene measures in 2020 to make journeys as safe as possible for all passengers and driver-partners. The measures, designed to mitigate the spread of coronavirus, include specialist cleaning regimes, in-vehicle protective screens, the wearing of face coverings and passengers sitting in the rear of the vehicle.

One-off grants of £10,000 will be paid to 421 hospitality and leisure businesses across Birmingham which have previously missed out on Government support or require emergency intervention to protect jobs. City Councillors have agreed to use funds from the £22.8 million Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) to help businesses who were ineligible to claim any support between the March 2020 lockdown and January 2021.

The grants will be paid to eligible businesses with a rateable value of over £51,000 who have previously not been eligible for Government grant funds or who require emergency support to protect jobs or stay afloat. Birmingham City Council’s Deputy Leader, Councillor Brigid Jones, said: “The ARG fund has been provided to councils by the Government to enable local authorities to use their discretion to support businesses which do not automatically qualify for other grant support schemes. These sectors, and the associated industries, are responsible for providing tens of thousands of jobs across Birmingham and the wider regions but have yet to receive a single penny of support since the first lockdown in March as they did not meet the criteria set out by Government

“It’s important we do everything we can to protect these businesses and the livelihoods associated with them. This emergency intervention will provide a much-needed lifeline to preserve the future of another 421 businesses, the jobs associated with them and the wider economy.” Council officers will identify the businesses which will be eligible for the grant and will contact them directly to notify them and request the necessary information required to process payments by 22 January 2021.

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce CEO, Paul Faulkner, said: “At the end of last year, we surveyed over 380 local businesses on where they believed that they will be in six months’ time without further Government support; one in 20 believed they would be closed or in administration. We believe that the latest developments regarding the full national lockdown have made the situation even more pressing for the most impacted. We welcome this action from Birmingham City Council to support these businesses that were largely excluded from the small business and retail, leisure and hospitality sector grants made available last year.

“The hospitality and leisure sector plays such a critical role in our city on both employment and its attractiveness as a great place to live, work and do business. For many, ‘closed’ businesses with a high rateable value, the current national Government grants do not come close to covering their rent, costs of furloughed staff and other key overheads. The scale of the issue and challenges facing the business community is far bigger than the resources currently available at a local level. There are many thousands of businesses in other sectors also facing an uncertain future due to this dramatic scale of the disruption caused by the pandemic.

“We will continue to call on the Government to back our businesses with a significant, coordinated package of support on additional grants, reliefs, deferments to help our communities survive and in time, thrive. We will also continue to work together with Birmingham City Council and key partners on finding local support and solutions wherever possible.”

Last week the Government announced England would be placed in its third national lockdown and extended the provision of existing grant schemes including:

·         Local Restrictions Support Grant (Open)

·         Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed)

·         Local Restrictions Support Grant (Sector)

·         Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG)

Circa. 100 staff from Birmingham City Council are working to process 12,200 applications from businesses who have been forced to close or remain in partial operation due to previous tier restrictions, with more than 60,000 funding opportunities currently being assessed on behalf of businesses. Officers have been redeployed from teams across the council to cross reference each application against various eligibility criteria for each of the different grants, before being able to process payment claims.

Birmingham City Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Brigid Jones, said: “We know how desperate businesses are to receive this money and we are doing everything we can to process the grants as fast as possible. However, it’s a complex process subject to very high demand which needs careful consideration to ensure nobody misses out. Since November, with the exception of tier one, Birmingham has been placed in all of the different tier levels so we are having to crosscheck each individual application against the eligibility criteria for numerous grants, many of which have variables depending upon the tier we were in at the time, the nature of the business and impact on its finances.

“With the number of applications and varying eligibility criteria for grants, our officers will have to review over 60,000 scenarios where businesses could be entitled to funds. As a council we have not been provided with additional funding or support to help process these grants so have had to redeploy staff away from their day jobs wherever possible. We now have approximately 100 officers working to get this money out to businesses as quickly – and as accurately – as possible and want to reassure businesses we are doing everything we can.”

Businesses have been asked to submit a single application which is being used to assess eligibility for each grant, with payments for all grants being paid simultaneously. Those who have previously applied will have additional payments automatically processed and do not need to resubmit an application.

Flat owners applying to a fund to help pay to remove flammable building cladding will be told not to talk to the press without government approval. A draft agreement, uncovered by the Sunday Times, says that even where there is "overwhelming public interest" in speaking to journalists, the government must be told first. The government said the wording was "standard".

It set up a £1.6bn fund last year to repair the most dangerous buildings. But it warned that the fund might not cover all the costs of removing the cladding. Some types of the covering, often added to newer blocks of flats, have been proven to be a fire hazard.

After the 2017 Grenfell fire, the government pledged that safe alternatives to dangerous cladding would be provided on all buildings in England taller than 18m. It set up the £1.6bn fund to help foot the costs.

The agreement, between the building owner or leaseholder and the government, says: "The Applicant shall not make any communication to the press or any journalist or broadcaster regarding the Project or the Agreement (or the performance of it by any Party) without the prior written approval of Homes England and [the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government" and its press offices.

It says an exception can be made "where such disclosure is in the overwhelming public interest (in which case disclosure will not be made without first allowing Homes England and MHCLG to make representations on such proposed disclosure)." The UK Cladding Action Group tweeted that it was "clearly a matter of public interest" that these issues were aired in public.

"No department should be hiding behind non-disclosure agreements to stop scrutiny of their actions," the group said. Another campaign group, Manchester Cladiators, said the existence of the "gagging clause" was "shocking but not necessarily that surprising".

Spokesperson Rebecca Fairclough said residents would feel "intimidated" by it, adding: "We ask the government to remove this unfair clause immediately and focus on the priority of solving this institutional failure, which still exists and is only growing over three and a half years after the Grenfell tragedy." The government insists that the wording in the agreement, under the heading "Marketing material", is there to ensure applicants come to the government first.

"The terms set out are standard in commercial agreements and are not specific to this fund - to suggest otherwise is misleading and inaccurate," the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) said in a statement. "We want a constructive working relationship with building owners who apply to the fund and applicants are asked to work with the department on public communications relating to the project."

Kinaxia Logistics has recruited a business development manager for the Midlands region to help drive further expansion for the group. Stuart Arms has joined Kinaxia to bring new opportunities for the group’s operations across the region which comprise Panic Transport in Clifton upon Dunsmore, AKW Global Logistics Birmingham and Maidens in Telford.

Stuart previously spent five years at Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, starting as a graduate junior account manager and progressing to become a key account manager. His role at Kinaxia involves helping to win new business for the group’s key product portfolio which includes co-packing, general haulage, warehousing, line haul and e-fulfilment, and to help identify growth opportunities with existing clients.

Kinaxia is a national group comprising 13 freight and logistics businesses across the UK with over 1,600 staff and more than 800 vehicles. The group, which has remained operational throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, has two million sq ft of warehouse facilities nationwide, offering contract packing, e-fulfilment, returns management and storage services. It has seen significant and continued growth over recent years, with annual revenues now approaching £200m.

Stuart said: “I’m thrilled to join Kinaxia at a time when the company is making real strides. I look forward to playing my part as we continue to grow and evolve, and hope to make a real difference.” Kinaxia was recently recognised as one of Britain’s leading mid-market private companies with its inclusion in the 16^th annual Sunday Times PwC Top Track 250 league table, based on sales.

Group sales and marketing director Vanessa Hope said: “I’m delighted to welcome Stuart to the company in a newly-created role. He joins Kinaxia at a very exciting stage of our journey as we look to win new clients in the Midlands and growth opportunities within our existing client base.”

It has been announced that the chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), Paul Faulkner, is leaving his position and will take up a new role as chief of staff and operations within the group of businesses owned by the Richardson family.  

GBCC chair David Waller wished Mr Faulkner “every success” in his new career and added: “I am sure that you will join me in giving Paul our heartfelt thanks for all of the work and leadership he has given to the Chamber over the past six years.

“I am naturally very saddened that he has decided to leave our family but I thoroughly understand his reasons. Paul will remain as CEO of the Chamber for the coming months and I have asked him to work closely with me to help to ensure a smooth and effective transition with his successor.”

Mr Faulkner (pictured), who is a former chief executive of Aston Villa FC and Nottingham Forest, recently led the successful sale of Chamber of Commerce House to Mercia Real Estate for £4.75 million in a move that secures the Chamber’s long-term future. He said: “I’m very sad to be leaving the brilliant team at the Chamber, although equally excited by this next chapter in my own career. As a business support organisation the Chamber is absolutely second to none, and I am proud to have led its development since June, 2015, working alongside a host of fantastic individuals.

“The Chamber has led the way in supporting our members through some challenging times recently, not the least of which are the struggles all businesses are experiencing in the Covid-19 crisis. We have influenced government and council policies to the benefit of all businesses and supported them as we went through the agonising process of leaving the European Union.

“Throughout, we have managed to maintain membership levels, all supported by a tremendous team at the Chamber. This really is testament to the expertise and enthusiasm of a diverse group of people dedicated to promoting and protecting the cause of business locally, nationally and globally.

“And in doing so, the Chamber has in turn received tremendous support from our members, who have played their part in helping us to formulate these policies as well as enthusiastically engaging in the huge programme of Chamber events and activities that have taken place despite all the Covid-19 restrictions.”

The Richardson family business was founded by Roy Richardson and his late brother Don more than 70 years ago in Oldbury. The family now operate international real estate and private equity businesses, with these having being successfully run for the past 20 years by brothers Martyn, Lee and Carl Richardson, who said: “We are always looking to work with excellent people to further expand our family interests, Paul more than fits that bill. We are very pleased to welcome him on board as part of the senior team.”

Mr Faulkner added:  “I’m delighted and humbled to have the opportunity to take up this new position with the Richardson family business. While the role will be multi-faceted, I’m especially excited to use my knowledge, understanding and contacts within the regional business community to help identify locally based businesses that the Richardson’s family business may be able to partner with in order to help them develop, grow and ultimately fulfil their full potential. 

“I’ve long championed and believed that the West Midland’s business community contains some of the most entrepreneurial and innovative businesses in the world, and this will be an exciting opportunity to explore that further. The reputation of the Richardson family in the business community is second to none.  The evolution of their business interests from a West Midlands base established over 70 years ago into a leader in real estate and growth capital with a portfolio that is embedded all over the world is truly inspirational. I am looking forward to playing my part in an exciting new chapter for the business.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Chamber.  It’s a wonderful organisation that plays a critical role in supporting businesses and the regional economy, and I am pleased the Richardson family will continue to support the Chamber in a variety of ways going forward.”

Since Mr Faulkner took up his appointment, the Chamber has seen significant growth in membership – now representing nearly 3,500 regional businesses – and strengthened its position as the leading independent support and voice for business in the area. Over the past six years many issues have been taken up successfully by the Chamber, the most recent during the Covid-19 pandemic when campaigns like “Keep Business Moving” and the “Mind the Gap” report contributed to significant changes in government policy.

There has also been a widespread programme to help businesses, especially exporters, understand and cope with the changes brought about by Brexit over the past five years. In this new role, Mr Faulkner will lead on all operational matters for the Richardson organisation across the Midlands, as it seeks out new investment opportunities in dynamic and ambitious businesses.

The appointment underscores the ongoing commitment of the Richardson family to the West Midlands, at a time when it is also continuing to develop its business portfolio across the world. Mr Faulkner oversaw the launch of the Greater Birmingham Commonwealth Chamber in 2017 as the region geared up to host the Commonwealth Games in 2022. In 2018 the Chamber’s growth and development was recognised when it was awarded the British Chambers Award for Excellence in Membership Services.

A history graduate from Cambridge University, Mr Faulkner began his career at MBNA Bank, completing the Bank’s Graduate Management Scheme and working in a variety of roles across the organisation in both the UK and the US. Following a period working as a consultant for Michael Page, he returned to the US in 2005 working for Brooklyn NY Holdings, a private family office of the Lerner family. In 2006 he was an integral part of Randy Lerner’s purchase of Aston Villa, and relocated to Birmingham to work at the club, initially as COO and then as CEO from 2010 to 2014.

Paul is a Trustee of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital Charity, Cure Leukaemia and the City of Birmingham Rockets Basketball club.  He is also Chairman of Sport Birmingham, and vice-chair of performance Birmingham Limited (PBL) which operates the Town Hall and Symphony Hall in the city, and a Board member of Culture Central. He lives in Sutton Coldfield and is married with two young sons.