Birmingham’s Encore Signs Military Pact to Support Ex-Service Men and Women

Leading and award-winning Birmingham recruitment agency Encore Personnel, which supplies more than 3,500 temporary staff each week, has signed a pact with the Armed Forces which enshrines its commitment to supporting ex-service men and women in finding work and thriving in the workplace.

Encore, which has 10 branches across the region, including one in Birmingham city centre, employs more than 200 staff and specialises in warehousing, manufacturing, logistics, driving and engineering recruitment. The business, which has a projected turnover of £100m, has worked around the clock during the pandemic to support vital supply chains and essential services – and now it has decided to further cement its commitment to ethical and exemplary recruitment practices by signing the Armed Forces Covenant, an agreement which states that a business will do all it can to ensure ex-military do not face discrimination.

Inspired by the suggestion of James Simpson, who joined Encore in 2020 after serving 5 years with the 26 Regiment Royal Artillery, 159 Battery (Gutersloh, Germany) and 132 Battery (Newcastle), Encore’s commitment to supporting ex-service men and women is both an internal and external pledge. A Business Development Consultant in Encore’s Driving division, he said: “As soon as I was settled at Encore, I knew it was a business that really cared about its employees, their wellbeing and future prospects.

“Having served in the forces, I know first-hand how it feels to step out of the routine of military life into the working world. It can be unwelcoming and daunting for some. Encore’s senior team have done everything they can to make my transition into civilian work-life enjoyable and rewarding.

“So, I pitched the idea of signing the Armed Forces Covenant to the Board of Directors and they were all in positive unison – it was signed straight away. It basically means that we will do our utmost as a business to give a fair shot to people who’ve left the forces, be that as candidates for our customers or new recruits to our own teams.”

James added that there was likely to be a large uplift in the number of ex-military looking for work in the coming years as the army scales back its numbers as a result of the recent Defence Review – so now more than ever before it is important that other businesses follow suit.

He added: “I was astounded to learn that less than 0.5% of all registered recruitment businesses in the UK have signed the Covenant. It would be fantastic to see more agencies follow our lead.” Area Manager responsible for Encore’s Logistics Division, Andrew Fletcher, added that James was a real asset to his team and his passion for equality for those who have served the country in the forces was commendable.

He said: “James joined our division with a raft of transferable skills which are clearly a reflection of his training and experience in the military. He’s reactive, reliable and relentless in following a lead – all of which are key core abilities in recruitment. It’s a pleasure to have him on board and thriving as part of the Encore family.”

Managing Director at Encore Pete Taylor added: “We’re honoured to be supporting armed forces leavers and their families by signing this Covenant. It really was a no-brainer for us, a simple and very effective way of both showing gratitude to ex-service men and women for the sacrifices they have made for our country and our collective safety, as well as furthering our commitment to equal opportunities and a level playing field for all candidates and our own teams.”

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market already buzzing following open day excitement

Following the launch of Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market yesterday, it’s already anticipated that millions of people will be flocking to the city for its annual extravaganza.

Birmingham’s great innovations celebrated in new book on the Jewellery Quarter

Birmingham has been at the forefront of so many inventions but it is easy to forget just how much we have contributed to the modern world. The new book: ‘Invention & Design; Elkington of Birmingham’ looks at the discovery of electroplating in the city, with author Jonathan Berg saying we should: “Shout-out more about the city’s role in modern science and industry”.

Black Country builder offers £40,000 ‘moving in’ present as it looks to complete latest site

Buyers looking for a slice of luxury in the beautiful hamlet of Coombe Hill are being given a unique chance to purchase a stunning four-bed show home - with all the furniture included.

Stourbridge-based Kendrick Homes has enjoyed massive interest in its Villard Grove development from young professionals, families and downsizers and, in a gesture of goodwill, has agreed to list its beautiful show home as seen.

Black Country Business Festival officially launches into third year

Applications are now live on the Black Country Business Festival website for anyone who wishes to run an event in the nine-day programme. Anyone can apply – events can be about anything and be run in any format, as long as they contribute positively to the business community and champion innovation, creation and culture.

The Black Country Business Festival will take place on the 11 May – 21 May, it is run in partnership with the Black Country Chamber of Commerce and is managed by Associate Events. The 2020 Festival will celebrate it’s third consecutive year and is the region’s largest business showcase. Events must highlight the region’s diverse investment prospects.

It is also a unique opportunity for local businesses and companies to engage with potential customers, demonstrate skills and build a client database. It is free to host an event and the Festival works with a variety of venue partners, who offer up building space and rooms to businesses.

Corin Crane, chief executive of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce said, “One of the Chamber’s main functions is to introduce businesses and companies to new  business platforms and encourage partnerships and collaboration. The Business Festival is one of the ways we manage to do this, business is done better together.

“The Festival has seen tremendous appreciation and interest from people and companies within the Black Country and we are very excited to see what this year holds. I would encourage businesses to host events this year, as the Festival only seems to get bigger and better!”

Black Country Business Festival to return in the autumn

This is the fourth year of this annual two-week festival, which switched from May to October in 2020 due to Covid-19. Organisers, the Black Country Chamber of Commerce took the decision to keep the dates the same this year to allow more time for the possibility of in-person events to take place.

The autumn dates worked very well and the Festival still amassed 96 registered events and nearly 900 businesses were involved, despite some tiered restrictions being in place.

Corin Crane, chief executive of the Black Chamber of Commerce said, “We are thrilled to share the dates for this year’s Festival. It’s been a challenging time for everyone for a long while now. The Business Festival is an important part of our annual calendar and will give a real boost to our business community, as we hopefully edge out of this dip and re-mobilise again.

“This is historically an exciting two weeks for the Black Country with events of all descriptions taking place right across the region. We are looking to make some positive changes to the structure of the fortnight to make it accessible to all businesses and offer opportunities to develop lead and challenge.  We were overwhelmed by the response from businesses last year in the peak of the pandemic so this year is certainly going to be something to look forward to.

“Of course, the Business Festival relies on support from organisations to make it happen and we would now like to hear from any companies that may wish to get involved and learn about the benefits that can be gained from being part of this longstanding, far-reaching business event.”

There are many advantages to partnering with the Business Festival. Brand positioning is one such benefit with a marketing reach that topped 161 million last year, and an audience that stretched locally, regionally and even internationally. There are also multiple opportunities to increase business leads and contacts as another example.

Black Country business owners offered free expert support to get through lockdown

Business owners from across the Black Country and Shropshire are being offered free expert support to help them get through the latest lockdown. Multi-award-winning business coach, Andy Hemming, is offering free sessions to SME owners in an attempt to help boost the region’s business community. 

Mr Hemming, who runs ActionCOACH Black Country, says despite the lockdown, there’s still many things people could be doing to secure the future of their businesses - and it’s vital people act sooner rather than later. 

“It’s true that some sectors have been hit harder by the pandemic and will be suffering again because of the latest lockdown,” said Mr Hemming. “There are still things that business owners can do, but it can be hard for them to see the big picture while they’re in the middle of it. The situation we’re currently in means everything gets amplified – if you’re a procrastinator you will procrastinate more, if you’ve already got dramas in the business they will be magnified. Those who act now have a greater chance of coming through it stronger. 

“We’re able to work with businesses by bringing objectivity to the table and stripping the emotion out of the decision-making processes, and that’s something business owners often aren’t able to do.” 

Mr Hemming, who has been consistently placed in the top 10 Action Coaches in the world since 2014, says he speaks from a position of experience - which is why he’s keen to help others avoid making the same business mistakes.

“I’ve been there in the recession of 2008, I lost my head and my business nearly went bust. I know what it’s like to panic and not know what to do. I understand what it’s like to be in pain and watching money draining out of the bank account, not knowing what to do about it.” Mr Hemming’s fellow business coach, Lewis Hayden, said he had also been in a similar position before receiving help from Andy.

Mr Hayden said: “I first met Andy at a really tough time for our family business back in 2012.

“Following a difficult period of trading we were approaching the point where dissolving the company was looking like the only option. Thanks to Andy’s help and support we were able to turn it around, with the business now having a healthy turnover of £3m and employing 22 people.” Mr Hemming said this was why he and Lewis were both passionate about helping as many business owners as possible. I’m passionate about supporting SMEs because they are the backbone of the economy. They are often very good at what they do but don’t know how to run a business. I want to give my knowledge away to strengthen that local SME community.” 

ActionCOACH Black Country has a proven track record of helping people to grow their businesses, improving efficiency and  increasing profitability and turnover through business coaching. 

“Last year, as a business, we managed to achieve double-digit growth, despite the pandemic. We kept almost all of our clients and added new ones, and all of them increased their profit and turnover. I think that speaks volumes. Opportunities are still out there and I’d urge anyone who’s struggling to pick up the phone to see how we can help,” added Mr Hemming. 

Black Country manufacturer to double the size of its factory thanks to £9.5m WMCA investment

A family-run Black Country manufacturer is to double the size of its operating base with a new, purpose-built factory thanks to a £9.5m investment by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). Drywall Steel Sections Ltd has been at its existing site in Cradley Heath for more than eight years but has outgrown the facility which is also no longer fit for modern production methods.

Black Friday - Birmingham cyber security expert warns shoppers to be vigilant

Cyber criminals will be looking to exploit shoppers during the Black Friday sales – an expert from Birmingham cyber security firm CSS Assure has warned.

People in the UK are planning to spend an estimated £4.8bn on Black Friday (26 November) and Cyber Monday (29 November) purchases this year, according to research by comparison site Finder.

Black Friday jobs boom: Delivery and warehouse shifts jump 42% compared to 2020

Businesses are poised for a blockbuster Black Friday, as shifts for temporary staff in warehouses and distribution are up 42% compared to last year, according to new data from Indeed Flex, the online marketplace for flexible workers. 

Employer demand is strongest for delivery drivers, with businesses posting more than three times as many shifts for drivers (up 226%) for the week leading up to Black Friday as they did during the same time last year. 

BLS International wins another global visa outsourcing contract for Slovakia

BLS International Services, a global leader in outsourcing services for governments and diplomatic missions, has signed an exclusive global visa outsourcing contract for Slovakia in 18 countries with more than 54 offices.

Blueberry Autonomous Personal Mobility Vehicle pilot at San Jose Airport

Blueberry Technology’s BBGo Autonomous Personal Mobility Vehicles are meant to supplement mobility needs for those who do not want to use a wheelchair, but who may still want support navigating through the Airport.

BME unemployment is rising six times as fast as white unemployment in the West Midlands – new TUC analysis

The unemployment rate for Black and minority ethnic (BME) workers in the West Midlands has risen at six times the speed of the unemployment rate for white workers over the last year, according to a new TUC analysis of official statistics. 

The analysis was published as the TUC takes part in a week of campaigning on racial equality to mark the first anniversary of George Floyd’s murder. 

BME unemployment in the West Midlands. The TUC analysis of figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals that in the West Midlands, the BME unemployment rate rocketed from 5.5% to 12.1% between the final quarter of 2019 and the final quarter of 2020.  

Over the same period, the white unemployment rate increased from 4.1% to 4.9%. That means 1 in 8 BME workers in the West Midlands are now unemployed, compared to 1 in 25 white workers. Nationally, the BME unemployment rate nationally shot up from 5.8% to 9.5%, while the unemployment rate for white workers rose from 3.4% to 4.5%. 

The TUC suggests the West Midlands may have seen such a high increase in BME unemployment because of a higher concentration in the region of the kinds of jobs that BME people often do, and that have been lost in the pandemic – like retail and hospitality. 

TUC Regional Secretary Lee Barron said: “Everyone deserves a decent and secure job. But Covid-19 has held a mirror up to the discrimination in our labour market. 

“BME workers in the West Midlands have really felt the impact of the pandemic. They’ve been more likely to have lost their jobs – working in industries like hospitality and retail that have been hit hard by unemployment. When they've kept their jobs, we know that they are more likely to be in insecure and low-paid work that has put them at greater risk from the virus. Many have paid with their lives. 

“This crisis must be a turning point. Ministers must hold down unemployment, create good new jobs and challenge the systematic discrimination that holds BME workers back.”

The TUC is calling on government to: 

·         Create good new jobs. We could create 1.2 million new jobs in the next two years in clean green infrastructure, and by unlocking public sector vacancies. 

·         Introduce mandatory ethnicity pay gap reporting and make employers publish action plans to ensure fair wages for BME workers in the workplace. 

·         Ban zero-hours contracts and strengthen the rights of insecure workers – which will have a disproportionate impact on BME workers. 

·         Publish all the equality impact assessments related to its response to Covid-19 and be transparent about how it considers BME communities in policy decisions. 

·         Give more financial support for people who have lost their jobs. Without a boost to universal credit, many will be pushed into poverty. 

• The TUC analysis is based on ONS labour market statistics Q4 2019 and Q4 2020:

x = numbers too small to be used. 

TUC anti-racism task force: The TUC has launched an anti-racism task force, chaired by NASUWT General Secretary Dr Patrick Roach, to tackle the structural racism with the labour market – and wider society.

The task force will lead the trade union movement’s renewed campaign against racism at work. It will engage with Black workers across the UK to hear about their experiences. And it will produce recommendations on tackling structural racism in the UK, in workplaces and in unions themselves.  

Body Shop administration highlights importance of robust supplier contracts

The Body Shop’s collapse into administration is a reminder to suppliers to ensure that their contracts are watertight, according to a leading commercial lawyer.

BoE putting pressure on money market funds to bolster liquidity

The Bank of England have said that money market funds should hold significantly higher amounts of liquid assets to cope with market volatility after the sector struggled with a "dash for cash" during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Boels Rental announces acquirement of Riwal

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Boost Capital Partners launches a new user experience focused venture capital firm

Boost Capital Partners is excited to announce the launch of its first fund to support founders who are building exceptional user experiences to solve real-life problems. Based in London and having successfully completed its first close of $30M, the fund is led by a team with a collective experience of over 25 years in the digital consumer and gaming industries.

Boost for apprenticeships with adi Group’s 60-role milestone

Youth skills development has received an encouraging shot in the arm after it was revealed that a Birmingham engineering firm has provided innovative pre-apprenticeship spots for 60 young people over the past five years.

Leading engineering business, adi Group, has celebrated the achievements of students on its pre-apprentice scheme since 2016, with this year’s graduation evening over the now-familiar Zoom format due to COVID-19.

Proud parents and students gathered online, as senior adi personnel and programme mentors revealed that all twelve pre-apprentices in the Class of 2020 passed the rigorous course, with four distinctions and eight merits among the esteemed group.

“This was really encouraging news given the current economic climate,” said adi CEO, Alan Lusty. “Businesses of all shapes and sizes have had some difficult decisions to make over the course of the  past few months, not least our own, but we are pleased to be strengthening our commitment to young people and the engineering sector at a time when many youngsters are desperate to get their foot on the careers ladder.

“I started in the industry as an apprentice myself, so I know the importance of giving back to this really inspiring and talented bunch of students that will hopefully go on to have successful careers in our sector and beyond.”

The adi pre-apprenticeship scheme began life in 2016 as a link was forged between nearby North Bromsgrove High School and the engineering company, aiming to help foster youth skills development across the Midlands. This partnership with the school is truly mutual, with both parties achieving opportunity via the students taking up one of the annual 12 pre-apprenticeship places.

It was launched by then Birmingham Northfield MP Richard Burden and has since gone on to receive a number of plaudits, not least from former Prime Minister, Theresa May, who visited the company’s headquarters for a tour of the facilities and programme in 2018 and praised adi Group during PMQs. Fully 50% of the scheme’s first and second year intakes are still with adi today and the business remains committed to youth skills development with its sign-up to the 5% Club, an initiative designed to raise the number of apprentices on formal programmes to five percent of the total workforce within five years.

“What we’ve done at adi is continue to shine the spotlight on the importance of inspiring the next generation of engineers,” added Group strategic account director, James Sopwith. “The services and the skill sets we’re inspiring provide support to the manufacturing sector, which is only in rising demand as the UK looks to bounce back from the current economic crisis.

“More closely, what we feel is most important is fostering a sense of connection at a local level between businesses and educational institutions, so that each feels the reward of building a sustainable pathway to the engineers of tomorrow.”

News of adi’s pre-apprenticeship milestone comes as the government recently announced its new Kickstart scheme designed to get disadvantaged youngsters into working roles. With adi having developed its own starter pack for other businesses to replicate its pre-apprenticeship programme, it is hoped such schemes can help the UK turn the tide on bleak unemployment forecasts and begin to bridge the STEM skills gap.

Boost for businesses as tariffs suspended on over a hundred products ahead of SME conference

All importers of the affected products could benefit from the suspension of tariffs on the likes of flowers, leather, fruit juices, and car parts, among others – as the Business Secretary sets out plans to back British manufacturing to help grow the economy.

Boost for businesses with Chancellor visit to West Midlands to launch new tech support scheme.

The Chancellor held a virtual roundtable with small businesses to launch Help to Grow: Digital, designed to support smaller businesses adopt new tech to help them thrive.

Rishi Sunak hosted the call with over 30 businesses from across the UK at CineBowl in Uttoxeter on January 20th to mark the launch of the scheme, where he spoke to people on a big screen about their experiences before taking part in a Q&A session. The scheme includes a dedicated website providing free advice and support and software vouchers to boost productivity and help businesses grow.