News
Engineering firm celebrates growth with office expansion
Synchronous machine specialist engineering firm Excitation Engineering Services (EES) has completed its move into a second office, in Amber Business Park, Tamworth.
The expansion of premises, doubling its floor space from 106 m2 to 212 m2, will enable the excitation specialist to install more engineering facilities, including more space for a testing laboratory, hire more staff and increase throughput to better serve its clients.
EES has also inspired and co-sponsored the installation of a public community access defibrillator (CPAD) outside its new property.
In the expansion, EES has acquired the other half of the building that it previously shared and renovated what was a tired, open plan, 1980s-style office into a vibrant, modern workspace. Separating the testing laboratory and storage area was key in freeing space to optimise EES’ workflow.
The move will streamline the company’s delivery times and comes after EES has grown consistently to the point where more room became essential.
Since completing the renovations, EES has added one experienced engineer, one undergraduate placement student and three graduates to its ranks. This aligns with its policy of shaping the next generation of engineers and helping to bridge the skills gap in Britain’s engineering community.
“With this move, we’re stepping into the next stage of EES’ journey,” explained Douglas Cope, director of Excitation Engineering Services. “We’ve expanded our capabilities in a big way: we’ve had clients in for training on our systems, we’ve had external bodies in to deliver training to us and the delivery time on our projects has dropped noticeably.”
Alongside the acquisition of the second half of its office building, EES has also overseen the installation of a defibrillator outside its premises. Survival rates for out of hospital (OoH) cardiac arrests can be over five times higher (10.8 per cent vs 57.1 per cent) when a CPAD is used.
After Ryan Kavanagh, a second director of EES, read about the impact of CPADs on OoH cardiac arrests on LinkedIn, he resolved to get one installed in the immediate area. EES approached the Amber Business Village committee, who all local businesses contribute a fee to, for financial support. The committee funded for the installation and parts cost, so EES only pay the electricity costs each month.
“When I learned that there are over 30,000 OoH cardiac arrests in the UK every year, I realised we had an opportunity to make our community safer,” recounted Kavanagh. “Hopefully no-one ever needs to use it, but it’s an investment in our future and the people around us.”
To learn more about Excitation Engineering Services and its excitation offering, visit the website today.
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AIM secures grant from Qualifications Wales to expand Welsh-medium qualifications
AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group, a leading provider of vocational and technical qualifications, today announced that it has been awarded a significant grant from Qualifications Wales to make high demand qualifications available in Welsh.
The grant, a key part of Qualifications Wales’ targeted approach to increasing the availability of Welsh-medium qualifications across Wales, will enable AIM to make the following qualifications fully available in Welsh.
Qualification | QAN number | QiW number |
Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Working in Creative and Design Industries | C00/1525/9 | 603/1733/4 |
Level 3 Certificate in Creative Content and Production | C00/1505/4 | 603/1075/3 |
Level 3 Diploma in Media Creation, Production and Craft Support | C00/0771/6 | 601/8449/8 |
“We are immensely grateful to Qualifications Wales for this grant, which underlines our steadfast commitment to learners in Wales” said Kevern Kerswell, Group CEO of AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group.
“The qualifications are already in high demand from key stakeholders in Wales and translating them into Welsh opens up new pathways for students to pursue their educational and career goals through the medium of their national language. AIM offers a much broader portfolio of qualifications and services in Wales and we are fully committed to the Welsh Government strategy Cymraeg 2050.
“I am therefore delighted to match the support being offered by Qualifications Wales by announcing that we will commit to working with our recognised providers in Wales and Qualifications Wales, to identify demand for further qualifications to be made available in Welsh.”
This project aligns closely with Qualification Wales’s Choice for All strategy, which aims to aim to increase the availability of Welsh Medium qualifications.
“AIM has demonstrated a strong commitment to expanding access to Welsh-medium qualifications, and we are proud to support their efforts through this grant,” said Dr Alex Lovell, Qualifications Manager of Qualifications Wales. “Initiatives like this are crucial to ensuring all learners in Wales have the opportunity to study and be assessed in the language of their choice.”
These qualifications are expected to be available in Welsh from September 2024, in time for the start of the new academic year.
For more information, contact businessdevelopment@aimgroup.org.uk
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New AIM partnership brings powerful online learning platform to Access to HE providers
AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group has partnered with pioneering edtech provider Learning Curve Group to offer a powerful new online learning platform to its 90+ recognised Access to HE centres.
eassessorpro offers an enhanced administration suite to support blended delivery models, providing engaging and personalised learning experiences while dramatically improving value for money.
Over the last few months AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group’s Access to HE team has worked with AIM centres to review every aspect of their Access to HE operation to ensure quality and centre support are at the forefront of everything they do.
The team has successfully re-validated 46 Access to HE Diplomas to meet new Quality Assurance Agency’s requirements, and strengthened and recalibrated moderation processes based on centre feedback.
To make sure that all AIM’s recognised centres can transition smoothly to the new Diplomas, the team has produced a range of guidance documentation, implemented a comprehensive programme of workshops and clinics, and is now out on the road visiting centres and providing personal support.
“This has been a huge undertaking for the team who are now going the extra mile (literally) by driving up and down the country making personal support visits to our Access to HE centres” said AIM Group CEO Kevern Kerswell.
Blended delivery models
One of the key themes emerging from centre feedback was the need to offer the highest quality programmes when delivering flexible, blended learning. “This was a clear message that we needed to respond to, so we made the decision to form a new partnership with sector leading Learning Curve Group” said Kevern. “We’re absolutely thrilled to join forces with Learning Curve Group, who have established themselves as trusted partners to over 250 colleges nationwide. Their industry leading learner management system, eassessorpro, incorporates the latest online technology for e-assessments and e-learning, and specialist subject matter” Kevern added.
The eassessorpro platform
The former eassessor platform received a million-pound investment from LCG. Eassessorpro now has enhanced learner interactions and feedback and will initially support eight re-validated Diplomas, offering content mapped to AIM’s bespoke specifications. It also allows for white-labelling and branding so individual organisations can add their own logo.
Many AIM colleges and training providers are already using eassessorpro for other curriculum areas and qualifications so for them, it will be one less platform to use. Licensing fees also compare very favourably against competitors, but it is the quality of the platform, the content, and the support available for users that are going to be real benefits for AIM centres.
“We are extremely proud to partner with one of the most highly rated AVAs and offer AIM centres this best-in-class solution”, said Tom Aust, External Client Services Director at Learning Curve Group. “Our platform seamlessly blends innovative teaching methodologies with advanced tech capabilities.”
Book a demo
New or current AIM delivery centres can book a free demonstration of the new platform by emailing businessdevelopment@aimgroup.org.uk. The platform will be available for use from September 2024.
This partnership demonstrates AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group’s commitment to providing exceptional support and cutting-edge solutions to Access to HE providers across the country.
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Ruff & Ruby presented with King’s Award for Voluntary Service by Lord Lieutenant, Ian Dudson CBE
Local youth charity Ruff & Ruby has been formally presented with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service in a ceremony led by Lord Lieutenant, Ian Dudson CBE.
The King’s Award is the highest award that a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE. It recognises the charity’s work in energising, engaging and empowering young people to realise their value across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
The ceremony, which took place at the DoubleTree by Hilton, was attended by Lord Lieutenant, Ian Dudson, patron Jan Williams, BBC presenter, Beccy Woods and Patron and actor, Rachel Shenton, who joined remotely via video link.
Speaking after being awarded the King’s Award, Dawn Reynolds, founder and CEO said: “We are honoured and delighted that our group’s work has been recognised – we wouldn’t be able to deliver our extensive work in the community & staff our all-age community hub in the Potteries centre, impacting the lives of young people as a homegrown local charity without our fantastic volunteers.
“We believe in investing in ‘lived experience’ and volunteers bring their ‘No struggle, no story ‘DNA to the table which we highly value.
“They work tirelessly to support young people & the wider community of Stoke on Trent from the age of 13-65 – they are incredible, passionate and loyal – wow, we are blessed.”
Find out more about the work of Ruff and Ruby, here.
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Have Your Say: Q2 2024 Quarterly Economic Survey welcomes business input
Business owners and leaders are being urged to complete the new Quarterly Economic Survey for Q2 2024 to help inform policymakers on the challenges facing businesses in our local area.
This is one of the most important times for businesses across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire to complete the QES as firms continue to battle headwinds of skills shortages, inflated costs and supply chain disruption.
The information you provide will help to shape policy thinking as the data is shared with the British Chambers of Commerce, Government departments including HM Treasury and the Cabinet Office as well as the Bank of England.
We are keen to hear from firms of all shapes and sizes as it will help create an accurate picture of the current business landscape.
Whether you’re a seasoned director or relatively new to your company, please spare just a few minutes to fill in the anonymous survey.
We understand your time is precious, even more so now, so thank you to all those who complete the survey. Click here.
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Rachel’s Blog: Stagnant export figures and taking to the stage at Confidence Live
Figures released today by the British Chambers of Commerce show that most SME exporters are struggling to boost their sales overseas.
The Trade Confidence Outlook for Q1 2024 shows that more than half of all SME exporters, 53%, saw no change in overseas sales, and 23% reported a decrease.
Unfortunately, the forecast looks fragile for 2024 due to ongoing geo-political uncertainty and growing concerns about the resilience of supply chains.
It’s not all bad news, though.
Around a quarter of exporting SME firms (24%) actually reported an increase in sales in Q1.
On a related note, I was delighted to read that Staffordshire Chamber members Bakers Fencing have been awarded a King’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category.
The award recognises their exceptional success in international trade, which saw sales grow by 82% during the three-year application period. You can find out more about their story and their huge successes in exports, here.
Bakers Fencing work closely with our International Trade team here at the Chamber who support with export documentation and declarations. If you are interested in learning more about how our International Trade team can support your business, please click here.
The domestic demand for SME exporters remains consistently more buoyant, with 35% reporting an increase in domestic sales Q1 2024, against just 24% for overseas sales.
The EU is still our biggest trading partner, but firms continue to express huge frustration with the complexity and costs involved in trade.
We must look to deconstruct trade barriers with the EU, as the UK’s regulatory divergence increases.
The Government needs to work collaboratively with businesses to establish a framework that makes use of all the advantages the UK has, and to utilise incentives for our global exporters.
Confidence Live
Staffordshire’s biggest celebration of confidence and self-improvement returned to the King’s Hall last week.
I took to the stage to deliver an honest talk on my experiences with confidence and public speaking – something that I’ve always found difficult, but something that I am getting more comfortable with.
It was funny to hear people cheering and whopping as I spoke, so what I said clearly resonated with others and I’ve had some lovely comments since. I think it’s important to show we’re not infallible!
I was followed on stage by a range of brilliant presentations, including presenter and comedian, Katherine Ryan.
The event attracted guests from up and down the country, many of whom would have stayed overnight and eaten locally. It was a welcome boost for our local economy and hospitality sector, and something that we are keen to build on here at the Chamber.
It was a fantastic event and it was great to be in the room with so many businesses and entrepreneurs who were all eager to connect with other industry professionals and gain valuable insights into all things confidence.
We’ve got some brilliant events coming up at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce. You can find a full list of them in our events calendar, here.
The Installation of Levison Wood
I thoroughly enjoyed attending the official installation of Staffordshire University’s new Chancellor, Levison Wood last week – and it was even more fitting for it to take place on Staffordshire Day.
Raised in Forsbrook, Levison is a true champion of the Moorlands with a remarkable story, penning eleven best-selling books, travelling and working in over 100 countries and producing a range of critically acclaimed documentaries.
It’s great to have such a high-profile person to inspire local students and show what can be achieved through hard work and determination.
There were some fantastic events taking place across the county to mark Staffordshire Day and I’m already looking forward to next year’s celebrations!
We’ve got so much to be proud of here in Staffordshire – and so much to be excited about in our future.
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Royal recognition for Fenton-based Barkers Fencing
Barkers Fencing, the UK’s leading high-security fence and gate manufacturer, has been awarded a King’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category.
The award recognises their exceptional success in international trade, which saw sales grow by 82% in the three-year application period.
Barkers now joins over 7,000 UK enterprises that have received this Royal recognition since the Awards were first created in 1965.
Based in Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, Barkers design and manufacture a range of steel fencing and gates, much of which is exported globally, to locations including the Falkland Isles, the USA, Japan and New Zealand.
Andrew Rowe, Managing Director, said: “The following words, received from the King’s Award office are surely some of the most momentous and rewarding Barkers have received in our over 160-year history:
“I am delighted to inform you that His Majesty the King has approved the Prime Minister’s recommendation that your company should receive a King’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category this year.”
Whilst innovative products such as StronGuard RCS and SecureGuard RCS – patented fences that can stop a 7.5tonne vehicle at 30mph – offer vital perimeter security and protect people and other valuable assets, the experience, passion and work ethic of the employees at Barkers is the real key to their export success.
The 185- strong team at their Fenton site have a winning combination of skills and aptitude, with friendliness, integrity and a ‘customer-first’ attitude.
Andrew added: “Virtually every country in the world has their own fencing industry, but our customers recognise the added value in Barkers specialist products and the technical expertise, experience and friendly service we offer. It’s the whole package that gets exported globally, not just the product.
“To commemorate and celebrate the occasion we will be holding a ‘Barkers Bank Holiday’ for all our team on Friday 24th May. The Kings Award is a just reward for the efforts in manufacturing our incredible products and selling to the world to keep people and properties safe and secure.”
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Milestone celebrations for SNfMH charity
Lichfield-based charity Staffordshire Network for Mental Health (SNfMH) celebrated a milestone birthday in style by hosting a charity ball and raising almost £3,000 to help support their vital mental health work in the community.
The event, which took place at the Geroge Hotel in Lichfield, celebrated SNfMH’s 21 years of dedication to improving mental health in Staffordshire.
Ian Scott, Chairman of SNfMH said: “The evening was a huge success.
“After months of planning the SNfMH team delivered an amazing event. Many, many thanks to everybody who supported us on the night.”
Local radio personality and podcaster Ed Nell kept the night rolling with his comedic talent as the compare, ensuring a night filled with laughter and good company.
Executive Operations Manager, Gemma Giles, took to the stage during the evening to shed light on the invaluable work SNfMH does in supporting individuals facing mental health challenges. She also discussed the charity’s impactful work within businesses, promoting strategies for creating healthier and more supportive workplaces.
Attendees raised an impressive £2,976. This fantastic sum will be channelled directly into supporting the delivery of SNfMH’s flagship Toolbox program throughout the Staffordshire community.
Ian added: “Staffordshire Network for Mental Health extends its heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of the Big Bash Ball.
“Special thanks go to headline sponsors, Logistics World and Staffordshire Web Design, whose support was instrumental in making the event possible.”
“It’s night like this that continuee to empower individuals in Staffordshire to navigate life’s challenges and achieve better mental well-being.
“Here’s to next year!”
Find out more about the charity, here.
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Exclusive webinar to focus on how companies can successfully increase business growth by transforming their IT systems
Chamber member and IT specialist EPX Technical Services is to host a webinar for companies to learn more about growing their businesses safely and successfully.
The webinar, which will take place on June 6th at 2pm, will cover how to recognise the problems of a struggling IT infrastructure, the challenges faced in aligning IT systems with growth trajectory, and provide actionable insights and solutions to growth.
Places at the webinar, How To Update Your IT Infrastructure as You Scale Your Business to Ensure Success, can be booked here. Anyone who can’t make the webinar can sign up via the link and receive a recording they can view at their convenience.
Dan Ellis, CEO at EPX, said: “As a company expands, there is a danger that IT systems and processes are not fit for where the business is heading and can become significant barriers to furthering business growth – stifling innovation and hampering productivity.
“Growth is the goal of many businesses but there are problems that can arise with rapid growth which need to be managed correctly. Our Webinar on June 6th will look at how to scale a business successfully using appropriate operating systems.
“We will explore the challenges posed by inefficient systems and scalability constraints by providing an understanding of the root causes and identifying the solutions to overcome them. We will explain how businesses should be managing SOPs and how to protect assets during growth effectively.
“The session is designed to help companies revolutionise their approach to IT scalability – putting them in the best possible position to enjoy sustainable business success.”
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Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce launches new Ambassadors Network to recognise referral excellence
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce has launched a new Ambassadors Network that will acknowledge and reward the businesses that have referred the greatest number of new members to the Chamber.
To celebrate the launch, a group of our best-referrers were invited to an exclusive lunch celebration at the prestigious Potters Club, Stoke.
Joining the initial network are Lila Connect, the Business Lodge, MB Associates, Training & Business Solutions, M&M Group and AMB Insurance – with more businesses set to be announced in the coming months.
The network forms part of the wider Chamber referral offer, which gives members a hospitality voucher of up to £100 for every business they successfully refer.
Steve Rushton, of Training and Business Solutions, said: “I’ve been involved with the Chamber for a number of years through a previous company, but decided to set up my own business around 18 months ago.
“I had a fantastic introduction with my account manager, Sandra, and since then, I’ve got so much out of the Chamber – whether it’s business support, networking or general guidance to help my business get moving in the right direction.
“I’ve had a lot of new business through the Chamber, who actively send business my way, and I’d like to think I’ve sent a good amount the other way too!
“It’s unlocked so many new opportunities for me and I am delighted to join the Ambassador Network.”
Chris Plant, Deputy CEO of Staffordshire Chambers, said: “The Ambassadors Network embodies our dedication to nurturing meaningful connections within our business community.
“I’d like to personally thank all of the businesses who have formed part of the initial network. They are true Chamber champions and it’s great to see them enjoying so much value from our network.
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“By recognising and rewarding those who actively contribute to our membership’s expansion, we aim to create a thriving environment where businesses can flourish.”
Find out more about the Chambers’ referral offer, here.
Keep your eyes out for more Ambassador spotlights in the coming weeks.
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