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

Posted on December 13, 2011 by admin

 

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.

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Social Enterprise stars named at ‘Choose Social Enterprise’ Awards

Posted on December 13, 2011 by admin

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

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

Posted on December 13, 2011 by admin

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.

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

Posted on December 13, 2011 by admin

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

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

Posted on December 12, 2011 by admin

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.

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New help for manufacturers will generate £1.5bn growth and create 23,000 jobs

Posted on November 2, 2011 by admin

A new nationally operated Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) will focus on helping small and medium sized manufacturers to grow, Business Minister Mark Prisk announced in October.

The new service will be delivered by the Manufacturing Advisory Consortium (MAC) and will help create £1.5bn in economic growth, 23,000 jobs and safeguard 50,000 jobs.   

The Manufacturing Advisory Service will continue to deliver a national service to all manufacturing businesses in England but the new consortium now means that there will be a specific focus on:

  • driving business growth through strategic and technical support for SMEs developing Advanced Manufacturing capabilities and creating high value jobs;
  • enabling business improvement with manufacturers operating in global supply chains; and

 

  • linking SMEs with the Apprenticeship programme delivering a minimum of 1,250 engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships annually.

Business Minister Mark Prisk said:

“Manufacturing contributes half ofBritain’s exports and has much higher productivity than the rest of the economy so it is essential to our plans for growth. That is why we are taking steps to ensure our industrial base is thriving as part of a strong and balancedUKeconomy.

“Britain has world class manufacturers and the new Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) will help them grow and create more outstanding companies with a particular focus on helping SMEs.

Simon Griffiths, Area Director at MAC, said:

“MAS is designed to support all manufacturers to retain employment, improve productivity and deliver significant growth to theUKeconomy.

“At its core is a passion and drive to help dynamic, innovative businesses to grow – even in a challenging economic environment.  These principles are very much at the heart of the MAC consortium’s own business strategy and values.

“Our proven expertise in delivering advice to growing businesses combined with specialist regional, market and technical knowledge allows us to bring scale, commitment and innovation for entrepreneurship to the future of this programme.” 

He continued: “As the service moves to a national delivery model the consortium will continue to recognise and cater for regional needs. The service will continue to be delivered from locations acrossEngland.” 

Previously delivered through the Regional Development Agencies the new service will deliver four times the current return on investment.

The Manufacturing Advisory Consortium comprises Grant Thornton, Pera, WM Manufacturing Consortium Ltd and MAS SW Ltd.

 

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BXL Chief calls on West Midlands businesses to engage with young people to prevent future riots

Posted on November 2, 2011 by admin

BXL's John Ling

West Midlands businesses were today urged to step forward in order to help prevent young people getting involved in future riots.

The rallying cry was made by John Ling and comes after an approach to tackling the recent disorder stalled due to a lack of a clear vision on how to engage with local youths who are struggling with a lack of skills and unemployment.

The Chief Executive of the region’s education business partnership believes the answer lies in less consultation, reducing the number of brokers looking after their own interests and the development of a robust plan that companies can buy into and start delivering.

“We have all been extremely slow to react to the troubles we saw in the summer and I class Government, local councils, the third sector and business in this collective ‘we’,” explained John.

“A strategy for working with young people and business volunteering has not yet been sorted and, in the meantime, a few token ‘on the ground’ initiatives have yet to deliver real sustainable benefit.”

He continued: “Schools and the third sector aren’t going to hold the answer and the Government’s National Citizenship scheme will be just a drop in the ocean when you consider that this new programme supported just 10,000 nationally this year.

“That leaves the way forward in the hands of the business community in the West Midlands. And why not, after all they stand to gain the most tangible benefits from engaging with young people and providing access to positive role models?”

Ling said the need for a region-wide charter to be put in place is crucial and social media could be used to disseminate and secure buy-in from all parties.

In terms of hands-on support, he singled out the need to harness business knowledge, experience and resource to help young people develop skills, raise aspirations and provide greater employment opportunities.

Training more business volunteers and mentors and then matching them with schools is a good starting point and there is an urgent need to develop an efficient signposting service that offers a single gateway to all the advice and support.

“We don’t need to reinvent the wheel, funding simply won’t allow that,” added John.

“BXL already run www.youxl.co.uk, a website and resource base created to provide trusted and crucial information for young people. This is soon to be expanded to support businesses and educators online for volunteering and careers information.

“Education Partnership Centres, such as those seen at Jaguar Land Rover and Redcliffe Catering, also offer a great way of engaging with large numbers of young people. These onsite venues provide vocational learning and insight to more than 25,000 individuals a year and if we can get more employers on board this figure could quickly dwarf the Government’s own National Service.

“Let’s also look at giving young people the chance to shape their future by creating and facilitating groups where they can help influence future policy.”

BXL is currently working with the local council on creating a hub for all of this activity at Birmingham Wheels, where a major Birmingham-based construction business has already pledged to provide temporary buildings.

However, 18 month-old plans to turn it into an enterprise/employability zone focused on vehicles have been hit by internal arguments and political uncertainty.

John concluded: “The message is simple. The West Midlands needs to come together as one, provide the strategy and let business drive the support. Importantly, we need to do it now and not leave it till we are picking up the pieces again from the Riots of 2012 and beyond.”

For more information on BXL visit www.bxlworks.org or contact. You can also follow it on twitter @bxlservices

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Event will show Black Country firms that being ‘responsible’ is good for business

Posted on November 2, 2011 by admin

Cleone Foods' Wade Lyn will be speaking at the event

Black Country companies looking to boost their sales by doing business responsibly are being urged to attend a free of charge breakfast event being held next week (Nov 9th).

The ‘Profits v Responsible Business – does there have to be a choice’ conference, which is being backed by Business in the Community (BITC) and University of Wolverhampton, will aim to show companies how they can be more profitable by committing to a sustainable agenda that focuses on respecting people, communities and the natural environment.

Held at Wolverhampton Science Park, delegates will hear from Aaron Reid (Responsible Procurement Consultant at Carillion), Dr Silke Machold (Reader in Governance and Ethics at the University of Wolverhampton) and Mark Clemson, Managing Director of New World Solar on what it takes to strengthen supplier partnerships, enhance brand reputation and to secure and retain important contracts.

There will also be the chance to listen to Cleone Foods’ Wade Lyn on his company’s commitment to this approach and how it has led to him being named the Prince’s Ambassador for Responsible Business in the West Midlands.

“Being a responsible company is not just for the big corporates; small and medium enterprises have their role to play and also deserve to enjoy the bottom line benefits that come with it,” explained David Darlaston, Regional Director at BITC.

“From talking to firms all over the West Midlands it was evident that there was a huge demand for us to hold events that can engage with smaller companies that want to know more about what it takes to be sustainable.”

He continued: “Wolverhampton is one of the first events to be held and we believe the high profile speakers will add a lot of benefit to local companies. There will also be all the latest information on the support you can access to do business responsibly.”

Business in the Community, which is the UK’s largest and best-known knowledge network for those involved in responsible business, has recently launched its first-ever SME membership package.

This covers three main areas: 

  • Advice and support (annual strategy meeting, tailored action plan, guided access to website, media round up)

 

  •  Employee Development and Community Impact (participation in Give and Gain Day, access to quarterly team meetings, support and added value for community work)

 

  • Profile and Network (access to a 850 company strong BITC Network, free attendance to member’s forums, reduced rate on high profile events, use of BITC logo communication and regular updates)

 

David concluded: “We would urge any companies interested in corporate social responsibility to join the debate. No matter what part of the journey you’re on, the SME membership offer could add real value to the way you do business and your bottom line performance.”

Places are limited, so early booking is advisable by contacting Samerina Sahota on 01902 717491 or samerina.sahota@bitc.org.uk.

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West Midlands Green Leaders 2011 announced

Posted on October 6, 2011 by admin

The West Midlands Green Leaders 2011

The West Midlands Green Leaders have been revealed in a bid to help the region successfully achieve its journey towards a low carbon economy and society by 2020.

Coventry City Council Chief Executive Martin Reeves, Kirstin Kane (Birmingham Airport) and Professors Andreas Hornung and Tony Bridgwater (Aston University) are some of the high profile names amongst the 33-strong list that features representatives from social enterprise and the emergency services.

Local businesses also seem to have embraced the low carbon drive, with a mixture of multi-nationals and SMEs recognised, including Carillion’s Simon Dingle who is spearheading the company’s involvement in the high-profile £193m Library of Birmingham.

Organised by Sustainability West Midlands (SWM), the competition addresses the leadership gap in the area by celebrating and promoting some of the most influential people currently driving the agenda.

The Green Leaders, who received their certificates from Sara Parkin OBE at a special event at Austin Court last night, will now be invited to use this new platform to share and pass on their experiences, skills and knowledge to the next generation of professionals.

They will join last year’s winners to become a growing peer group for change and will be invited to develop new solutions and influence policy by contributing to research and new Government initiatives.

George Marsh, Chair of SWM said: “This year our Green Leaders again feature a diverse group of individuals, who are all having a positive environmental impact in helping the West Midlands achieve our vision for a low carbon economy.

“There are some excellent examples of innovation, community and workforce engagement and, importantly, case studies of how proven techniques can deliver real cost savings whilst reducing the collective carbon footprint.”

He continued: “What I am particularly pleased about is the number of businesses recognised in 2011. We’ve got big names such as Alumet Systems, Amey, Denso and Travel de Courcey, but also smaller firms such as Silent Computing and Architype featured.” 

One of the hardest hitting examples of sustainability in action is the £193m construction of the Library of Birmingham, set to be the UK’s 5th most visited tourist attraction when open.

Simon Dingle, Operations Director at Carillion, is playing a fundamental role in helping the project achieve its ‘Excellent’ BREEAM Rating, incorporating low and zero carbon technologies in the process.

His aim is to achieve excellence in both environment and community activities during the construction phase and so far all suppliers are signed up to and achieving waste targets (99.3% diverted from landfill), hitting 100% responsibly sourced timber, taking on local staff and apprentices and minimising impacts of dust, traffic and noise.

The Library of Birmingham will also be pivotal to sharing eco-learning, with 10 schools, college and universities involved and the project recently being awarded ‘National Skills Academy and Skills for Life Provider’.

Simon was delighted at being part of the Green Leaders list:

“Spreading the low carbon message is crucial and we all have a role to play in helping the West Midlands to reduce its carbon footprint and embrace new environmental technologies.

“The lessons we learn on the construction of the Library can be used for new projects and opportunities that the West Midlands can lead on.”

The West Midlands Green Leaders event was part of Sustainability West Midlands’ annual conference, which this year looked at the ‘priorities for a sustainable 2020: where next on our journey?’

More than 150 delegates received an update on the low carbon vision, reviewed progress and good practice and heard from keynote speakers, including Professor Julia King CBE, Sara Parkin OBE and Richard Elsdon, Director of Government Affairs at Caterpillar UK.

Topics covered were low carbon jobs and skills, transport choices, environmental infrastructure and energy efficiency.

George Marsh concluded: “In February 2011, we published the ‘West Midlands roadmap to a low carbon future in 2020’ focusing on seven priorities for action to create job creation, carbon reduction and improved quality of life.

“The strategy is in place and we now need people like our Green Leaders to help make the vision a reality.”

Sustainability West Midlands, the sustainability adviser for the leaders of the West Midlands, shares a vision where business and communities thrive in a region that is environmentally sustainable and socially just.

It is private sector led, cross sector and not-for-profit organisation which acts as a catalyst for change through advice to leaders, developing practical solutions with members and sharing success through its communications and events programme.

Below is a list of West Midlands’ Green Leaders in alphabetical order.

  • David Allport – Birmingham City Council
  • Gabrielle Rose Back – National Savers
  • John Barraclough – JB Enviro
  • Katy Boom – University of Worcester
  • Professor Tony Bridgwater – Aston University
  • Kim Cherry – Black Country Housing Group
  • Rosemary Coyne – Sustainable Housing Action Partnership
  • Chris Crean – Friends of the Earth
  • David Currant – Ludlow21
  • Elaine Debenham – West Midlands Fire Service
  • Simon Dingle – Carillion plc
  • Mark Dixon – Lower Precinct Shopping Centre, Coventry
  • Rob Garner – Bulmer Foundation
  • Maria Gilling – Walsall Adult & Community College
  • Jonathan Hines – Architype
  • Professor Andreas Hornung – Aston University
  • Cllr Timothy Huxtable – Birmingham City Council
  • Mike Kinghan – Whittington and Fisherwick Environment Group (WFEG)
  • John Iles – Wyre Community Land Trust
  • Ceridwen John – Redditch & Bromsgrove Council
  • Peter Jones – Ecolateral Ltd
  • Kirstin Kane – Birmingham Airport
  • Karen Leach – Localise West Midlands
  • Kamal Parekh – Silent Computing
  • Martin Reeves – Coventry City Council
  • Manel Roura – Denso Manufacturing
  • Keith Sexton – Amey
  • Peter Shirley – Wildlife Trust
  • Sandy Taylor – Birmingham City Council
  • Diane Tilley – Worcestershire County Council
  • Dean Walton – Alumet Systems (UK) Ltd
  • Bob Wildman – Travel de Courcey
  • Mike Woollacott – Greenwatt Ltd

For more information, please visit www.sustainabilitywestmidlands.org.uk or contact 0121 237 5890/enquiries@swm.org.uk.

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Stourport entrepreneurs spot gap in the marketplace to create new diesel plant

Posted on September 25, 2011 by admin

Three leading industrial consultants have swapped their high-profile engineering positions to build a new bio-diesel plant on the outskirts of Stourport.

Former Cambridge University students Geoff Cunningham, Tom James and Duncan Morrison spotted a gap in the market where they could use cooking oil – combined with their unique proprietary processes – to create biodiesel that can be sold direct to the major fuel providers.

The trio, who have tapped into start-up support from Business Link West Midlands (BLWM), have invested more than £80,000 in launching Organic Drive, developing the company brand and, importantly, building a purpose-built 4,500 sq ft facility.

“There has to be a minimum of 5% biodiesel blended into all main fuels so the market is exponential and, in the UK, there are currently very few producers,” explained Duncan, who previously worked for BMW and Rolls Royce.

“Utilising the expertise of Cambridge University’s Chemical Engineering Department, we have developed a number of process innovations that allow us to reduce yield losses significantly. Basically, this means we can make it cheaper than anyone else.”

He continued: “When we are up to full capacity we should be producing 100 tonnes per week and the long-term strategy is to target the big fuel wholesalers like BP, Shell and the supermarket retailers.”

Organic Drive has used support from business adviser Anabela Ferreira to help it develop a business plan and with financial forecasting. The next stage is to continue to work with her on securing an expansion grant from Wyre Forest District Council.

Duncan concluded: “The potential is there for us to hit £2m sales in our first year and, thanks to the solid platform we have in place, we would anticipate this being the first step in our expansion into a UK leader.”

Budding entrepreneurs in the Wyre Forest are being urged to follow Organic Drive’s example and tap into a host of specialist support to turn their ideas into commercial reality.

Business Link West Midlands is currently offering a full package of assistance from immediate start-up advice and information sheets to networking events and one-to-one mentoring.

The service, which has assisted more than 400 individuals to start-up over the last twelve months, will help aspiring entrepreneurs with business planning, financial forecasting, sales and marketing, bringing new products to market and legal issues

Specialist provider NEW College is delivering the support locally and has advisers in place to assist another 150 start-ups over the next three months.

“Enterprise is going to be an important driver in helping the area continue its recovery from the recession and we’re delighted that we are able to still offer a comprehensive package of support to individuals in the Wyre Forest,” explained Lorraine Holmes, Chief Executive of Business Link West Midlands.

“We have a great team of enterprise providers in place, who can help individuals overcome some of the uncertainties they face when starting a business.”

To find out how you can benefit from start-up support, please contact Business Link West Midlands on 0845 113 1234 or email info@businesslinkwm.co.uk

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