Coventry manufacturer marks record year with Royal visit

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A world class engineering solutions provider that has created more than 40 jobs in the last two years received a royal seal of approval.

Penso Group Ltd, which specialises in niche vehicle development, interior trim and electronic systems integration, hosted a visit from His Royal Highness The Duke of York as part of a delegation organised by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and UK Trade and Invest (UKTI).

His Royal Highness (HRH) received a guided tour of the company’s 42,000 sq ft facility in Coventry before viewing high profile projects involving Jaguar Land Rover, the Mercedes-Benz London Vito taxi and the revolutionary Morgan 3 Wheeler.

The Duke was also introduced to the firm’s latest recruit, 19 year-old Jak Gudger, who only started his first-year Production Apprenticeship on Monday.

“The Royal visit capped an amazing year for Penso, which has seen us win lots of exciting new projects in the automotive sector, as well as new contracts in defence, renewable energy and aerospace,” explained Michael Collins, Sales and Marketing Director.

He continued: “It was great to meet The Duke of York and it gave us the perfect opportunity to promote the manufacturing excellence, innovation and design flair we boast in the West Midlands.

“We also used the tour to discuss access to finance, the skills agenda and the importance of bringing through the next generation of engineers we so desperately need to grow our business.”

Backed by strategic support from the Manufacturing Advisory Service – West Midlands, Penso was launched in 2004 after a management buy-in by Daniel Hurcombe, Managing Director, and David Roche, Technical Director.

This year alone, the company manufactured over 600 vehicles, produced 4500 wire harnesses and completed well over 1000 bespoke interiors for a variety of OEM clients.

Its ability to offer advanced engineering solutions has seen it grow beyond expectations with millions of pounds of new business, a considerable future order book and a group-wide performance that smashed its targets.

This has led to 40 new jobs at its Woodhams Road facility, taking its workforce to 100.

Michael continued: “We offer the complete manufacturing solution from styling, design and rapid prototyping to engineering feasibility, tooling and, increasingly, full vehicle production.

“Our technical experience and eye for innovation has seen us secure some of the automotive world’s most exciting projects, including interior trim products for the Morgan 3 wheeler and advanced body engineering projects for several of the latest Jaguar Land Rover products.”

He went on to add: “The rear wheel steer Mercedes Benz Vito taxi is another great example and is ensuring the company provides long term stability for our business and our local supply chain”.

HRH The Duke of York added his support: “Penso is a great example of modern day manufacturing, a business that is using design, innovation and engineering excellence to develop future automotive technologies and create tens of jobs.”

Penso, which holds the global TS:16949 quality accreditation, has worked with MAS-WM Auto on skills development for its growing workforce and strategic help with introducing lean manufacturing processes.

Rachel Eade, who led the support, commented: “This is a real West Midlands success story and we will continue to work with the dynamic management team on its expansion plans that could create another 50 jobs over the next year.”

Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, concluded: “Penso is a great example of some of the cutting-edge work going on in this city and the region.

“If we are going to see a rebalancing of the economy in this country we need to see many, many more companies of this type who have started small and grown rapidly to become a leader in their field.”

(l-r) David Roche, Daniel Hurcombe and Jevon Thorpe

For further information, please visit www.penso.co.uk or contact 02476 217760

Architect warns of disaster for Shropshire’s construction sector if ‘stealth’ housing taxes remain

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Stealth housing taxes recently introduced in Shropshire could destroy the county’s property market a local architect warned today.

Vic Johnson, Managing Director of boutique architects practice Johnson Design Ltd, believes Shropshire County Council’s insistence on imposing Section 106 and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) has the potential to ‘kill’ construction projects currently going through the planning stages.

These anti-residential development policies fly in the face of the recent Government announcement to ‘Get Britain Building’ and could threaten hundreds of construction jobs and put many architects out of business.

The two measures, which are not widely imposed by local authorities in the UK, could increase development debt, on average, from £200 to nearly £18,760.

“We work all over the country, but never have I seen so many costs forced on developers than in Shropshire…it really is killing the sector,” explained Vic.

“If a developer is looking to build four small houses it would be forced to pay a Section 106 cost of £38,000 and a further Community Infrastructure Levy of £13,000.”

He continued: “That’s £51,000 and does not including all construction costs, finance on land, interest payments, utilities payments and cost of selling.

“The fear is architects will not design, builders will not build, apprentices will never learn or be employed and young couples will never move in. Ultimately, planners will also stop planning!”

Johnson Design, which is celebrating its tenth birthday this year, is involved in considerable residential work in Shropshire.

The company is currently witnessing the impact of Section 106 and the Community Infrastructure Levy first hand through a project to build a two-bed bungalow on a piece of land in Spout Lane, Broseley.

The couple behind the new build are Mr and Mrs Millinson, who are looking to move into the new property and sell their existing bungalow just a few meters away to free up cash for their retirement and future care.

Unfortunately planning consent from Shropshire County Council bought with it more than £13,000 in charges through Section 106 and CIL, bringing the project to a standstill.

Malcolm Millinson, who used to run his own scrap merchant business, picked up the story:

“We are both in our mid 70s and the chance came to buy a piece of land next to our 3-bed property so we could downsize to a smaller bungalow and make some money by selling our existing home.”

He continued: “I found a buyer quickly and set about working with JDP on the planning and the design then all of a sudden got hit by a massive bill just days after applying for planning.

“Nobody knows much about these stealth housing taxes, but they are seriously going to delay my project. All we are looking to do is to generate some savings for later in life, yet we are already going to be £13,000 down before we’ve even started.

“We are seven weeks down the line of an Appeal and hope for a favourable outcome so we can start on the build.”

Johnson Design Partnership offers a complete project management service from feasibility work and planning to detail design, project monitoring and contract administration.

In addition to its residential work, it also boasts a proven track record in healthcare, commercial and industrial, education, retail and landmark infrastructure projects.

The company is determined to raise awareness of ‘stealth’ housing taxes and has already held a positive meeting with Ludlow MP Philip Dunne to raise the concerns of the sector.

For further information, please visit www.johnsonltd.co.uk or contact 01746 768191.

Social Enterprise stars named at ‘Choose Social Enterprise’ Awards

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A micro brewery, an organic farm, a specialist travel agency and a centre for supporting families with disabled children have been named as the region’s shining lights in social enterprise.

Brew On, Fordhall Community Land Initiative, IQS Travel and New Hope were named as the first winners of the SEWM ‘Choose Social Enterprise Awards’ at a high profile event held by Social Enterprise West Midlands (SEWM).

More than 70 people heard how the quartet had shown great commercial acumen in delivering activities, goods and services that are having a positive social impact on the West Midlands.

The judges were particularly impressed with the scale of innovation on display and how many of the winners had overcome significant challenges to get their enterprises off the ground.

Melanie Mills, Chief Executive of SEWM, explained:

“The awards are a great way to celebrate Social Enterprise and highlight some of the outstanding work that is going on across the West Midlands.

“Our four winners have very different business models, but all share the same ethos for delivering first class services and products whilst ensuring a positive social impact.”

She continued: “This includes providing work placement opportunities, supporting the most vulnerable people in our communities and coming up with essential services that make such a difference to individuals.”

Brew On, which produces craft-brewed ales, ciders and fruit juices supplied to the National Trust, impressed judges to pick up the ‘SE prima’ Award for Innovation, whilst Shropshire-based Fordhall Community Land Initiative secured the ‘SE planet’ title for its environmental performance in running an organic farm.

New Hope of Worcester was victorious in the ‘SE people’ category after providing respite support to 39 families who have children with disabilities and Black Country IQS Travel beat off the challenge of 20 other social enterprises to win the ‘SE profit’ Award.

The latter has seen significant demand for its host of services that are geared towards helping disabled people with their domestic and international travel arrangements.

Nick Comley, Managing Director of Brew On, commented:

“It is very pleasing to be recognised for our work over the last twelve months and we will use the SE Award to really push the business on in the future.

“This includes the possibility of opening a new brewery in the East End of London, as part of the Olympic legacy in 2012.”

Supporters of the ‘Choose Social Enterprise’ Awards were Bromsgrove and District Housing Trust, British Gas, Big Issue Invest and PwC.

Social Enterprise West Midlands is a business network of over 400 members with a shared vision of growing the social enterprise sector.

It provides information, resources and networking opportunities for anyone interested in starting, developing or working with social enterprises.

 For further information, please contact Sallie Ryan on 0845 450 7515 or email s.ryan@socialenterprisewm.org.uk

Chad Vale brings Robin Hood into the 21st century with Storybook Challenge

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Children from a Birmingham school have teamed up with a dozen West Midlands companies to show they have the creative writing skills to match some of the world’s best authors.

Year 5 Pupils from Chad Vale Primary in Edgbaston started four modern tales involving Robin Hood as part of Business in the Community’s (BiTC) first ever Storybook Challenge.

They were then passed on to employees from local companies including Squire Sanders Hammonds, GF Tomlinson, WSP, Shoosmiths and Tulip to develop the stories before the children put the finishing touches by giving them magical endings.

Pupils are now in the process of completing drawings to be added to the fairy tales, which feature a ‘social media battle’, ‘Robin Hood doing BMX stunts at Birmingham’s Got Talent’ and ‘Will Scarlett on a bull down Broad Street’.

When these are completed, the quartet of stories will be bound and printed for other children and parents to read.

“We were really pleased that the Storybook Challenge proved so popular with the pupils and businesses alike and I think we’ve ended up with some really great stories,” explained Sarah Franklin, Partner at Squire Sanders Hammonds, who are a reading partner to Chad Vale School.

“More importantly, I believe it has encouraged children to use their imagination and should hopefully improve their reading skills at the same time.”

She continued: “I know the employees at the different companies really enjoyed the experience and I hope we’ll look at doing something similar next year.”

The BiTC Storybook Challenge involved 12 companies in total and these were AXA, DAC Beachcroft, GF Tomlinson, Legal & General, Pinsent Masons, Shoosmiths, Squire Sanders Hammonds, Tulip Ltd, University College Birmingham, Willmott Dixon and WSP.

It is an important event in the ‘Read to Succeed Programme’, which will also be launched in Coventry and Warwickshire in the New Year.

Robin Haselgrove, Headteacher at Chad Vale Primary, concluded: “Our Year 5s have really enjoyed the challenge, especially working with the businesses and then getting to add their own endings to the story. They’re now looking forward to seeing it in print!”

If you would like to get involved in future challenges, please contact Frances Kenwrick on 0121 451 2227.

West Midlands auto suppliers enjoy 2011 ‘growth and jobs’ boom

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The majority of component suppliers in the West Midlands have enjoyed a major year of growth it was announced last night at the annual Manufacturing Advisory Service–West Midlands (MAS-WM) Auto Director’s meeting.

£1bn of new investment by global car manufacturers and a 31% increase in export orders has sent a wave of optimism throughout the ‘chain’, with early estimates suggesting in excess of 1500 jobs have been created in 2011 alone.

Companies across powertrain, precision components, body and white and interior trim products have reported significant volume increases and are expecting continued growth after BMW, JLR, Nissan, Vauxhall and Toyota strengthened their commitment to bases in the Midlands, the North East and the South.

The tragic disasters seen in Japan and Thailand also raised concerns about security of supply and a number of vehicle manufacturers have made conscious decisions to UK source – worth many millions to local firms.

MAS-WM Auto’s Rachel Eade commented: “What started as a year of uncertainty has turned into one of the most promising 12 month periods in the recent history of the UK automotive sector.

“The major investments have captured a lot of the media attention, but we are starting to see the spin-offs cascade down the chain with new employment opportunities and continued investment in state-of-the-art machinery.”

She continued: “What is even more pleasing is that a lot of the optimism stems from the fact the investment will be in future UK manufactured models like JLR’s Defender and Discovery, Aston Martin’s new city car, Nissan’s Leaf and Qashqai and Toyota’s future ‘c’ segment hatchback that will replace the Auris.

“We’ve seen Malvern-based Morgan Motor Company launch its new 3 wheeler to global acclaim with orders taken for in excess of 700 vehicles. Most of the parts are sourced from within the West Midlands.

“And CPP Global Holdings also announced that the new Jensen Interceptor will be designed, developed and built in the heart of Coventry.”

More than 50 component suppliers attended the networking event in Birmingham to be given an update on latest industry developments and new funding opportunities through the Advanced Engineering Loan Fund and Bank administered Government grants for capital purchases.

They heard about the activity of MAS-Auto over the course of the last twelve months, with strategic support and mentoring given to 150 local firms.

This ranged from help with process improvements and factory expansions to skills and recruitment support. There were also 20 specialist workshops – including focuses on social media, energy efficiency and meet the buyer – held during 2011.

Rachel went on to add: “What we are hearing in the West Midlands is being mirrored across the UK.

“SMMT figures released in November illustrate the growing sense of optimism, with output up 27.8% (returning to pre-recession volumes) and turnover increasing by 20% to £49bn.”

She went on to add: “The UK’s commitment to being ‘green’ has seen energy usage per vehicle produced down 8% and manufacturing CO2 emissions reduced to 10.5% per vehicle.”

Looking into 2012, Eade was quick to encourage component suppliers to continue the forward thinking, innovation and commitment to low carbon technologies that are changing the face of the automotive sector and future engine production.

There is an increasing need to invest in the next generation of workers both through apprentices and more advanced training opportunities across the workforce.

Finally, access to finance for growth – both capital investment and working capital -will continue to be an issue for suppliers and MAS is committed to working with companies to secure the best blended lending they can, including, where appropriate, access to grants.

Rachel concluded: “2011 has been a year when UK manufacturing got back on track after periods of economic uncertainty. Now, with productivity increasing and investment flowing into our domestic plants, the next few years look rich with potential for the West Midlands supply chain.

“But we can’t rest on our laurels. It’s all about keeping pace with industry demands and that will remain the biggest challenge for our companies.”


For further information, please email reade@mas-wm.org, visit www.mas-wm.org or contact 0845 245 0845

New membership offer gives West Midlands companies the chance to ‘BE Connected’

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The West Midlands’ first ever membership offer to help businesses work more effectively with education has got off to a flying start with seven organisations already signed up.

Organisations, including Birmingham’s Children Hospital, Clicking Mad, Jaguar Land Rover, and the NEC, have already pledged their support for BE Connected…just days after it was launched.

Created by Business Education partnership BXL, the initiative promises to offer companies bespoke packages of support that will help them link more effectively to schools and young people.

This includes five different membership levels (‘Registered’ through to ‘Platinum’), all carefully designed to provide a structured way of fulfilling social engagement policies, secure greater returns on investment, raise profile within the community and offer employees new and inspiring training opportunities.

John Ling, CEO of BXL, provided the insight:

“Businesses, schools and young people working together is not a new idea, but there is a lot more that can be done to make it more effective and structured for both parties.

“This was one of the key drivers behind the launch of BE Connected and is reflected in the different levels of membership that aim to offer organisations anything from volunteering opportunities and help with CSR planning to hosting a ‘Skills for Success Week’ or creating a new Partnership Centre to provide on-site work experience.”

He continued: “The programme is different in the sense it taps into our existing relationships to provide companies with a structured engagement plan to get the most out of working with schools and young people/students.

“Members enjoy one point of contact and can rest safe in the knowledge they have the best possible route to supporting skills development in their chosen industry, developing their workforce of the future and giving existing staff new personal development opportunities that will benefit the bottom line.”

BE Connected is the result of years of planning and consultation with partners from business, academia, the third sector and local authorities.

There are five levels of membership starting with BE Registered, which is free of charge and intended to suit firms who want to engage with education on an ad-hoc basis.

It then ranges from BE Bronze (£1000 per year), BE Silver (£2500) and BE Gold (£5000) and this includes consultation on CSR planning, mentoring support and, for Gold, organising a Skills for Success week for up to 50 young people.

Platinum is the top end of the spectrum at £15,000 per year and will cater for organisations looking at investment in programmes that will inspire over a longer period of time.

This could include the creation of on-site Partnership Centres that are helping bring the curriculum to life and give valuable insights into careers in that sector.

John added: “The bespoke nature of BE Connected is intended to suit all types of organisations from SMEs and family run businesses to the big multi-nationals.

“The response has been great and we are in the process of signing up 1200 organisations for BE Registered, whilst Clicking Mad in Shropshire has taken Bronze, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Shakespeares, NEC and Solihull MBC (Silver) and Jaguar Land Rover the Platinum membership.

“Latest figures suggest there is a ‘lost generation’ of 1.02 million young people of out of work and every year in Birmingham there are 10,000 16 year-olds leaving school who need an opportunity. This membership offer will play an important role in addressing this issue.”

The NEC Group is another firm that has connected at the top level and continues its commitment to developing the skills and aspirations of young people in the West Midlands.

Paul Thandi, CEO, said: “Our business delivers a £2billion annual impact to the regional economy which supports the full time equivalent of 29,000 jobs. It naturally follows that as a major employer, we are passionate about investing in the future skills and employment prospects of the next generation in our objective of creating a world-class workforce in the region.

“BE Connected is a great delivery mechanism for our objectives and it should encourage businesses to connect efficiently with young people for the mutual benefit of the future economy.”

BE Connected will initially start life as a West Midlands programme, with plans to roll-out the offer to all regions of the UK over the course of the next eighteen months.

For further information, please visit www.bxlworks.org.uk or contact 0845 600 7756.