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Punchline’s next issue, gloucester renaissance will be published in july
Want to be part of it? email Mark@moosemarketingandpr.co.uk or telephone 01452 308781
Small steps to success
As an ex-chef I was taught that you are only as good as your last meal. Since being in marketing for over 25 years and creating and publishing Punchline for over 12, I’ve always used the same ethos – that we are only as good as our last client campaign or our last magazine. I was very proud of last year's top 100, but this latest edition of the magazine I believe has topped that again. It is one of our biggest and most ambitious to date and is a combination of dogged determination and great team effort from everyone here at Moose Marketing and PR – the publishers of Punchline. A big thanks to them and all the companies that have kindly given us their employee numbers. We contacted more than 300 businesses and if we missed you out, please get in touch with Beth@moosemarketingandpr. co.uk as we’d like to include you in next year’s issue. As this magazine has got bigger so has our website www.punchline-gloucester.com Since the start of the year, our readership has grown to between 80,000 – 100,000 unique visitors per month with more than a million pages viewed in April alone. This month (May) we launched Punchline Daily – our new-look daily e-newsletters that keeps subscribers up-to-date with all the latest Gloucestershire business news and links back to our website.
If there is news of a deal being done, a senior appointment being made or something in the county that could affect
your business, then our aim is you hear it from us first. You can subscribe FREE at www.punchline-gloucester. com/subscribe or follow us on one of our many social media platforms that now have a combined reach of over 45,000. We might not be quite on the same level as the Top 100 companies listed in these pages, but it has been tremendously rewarding to grow the way we have, organically, step by step, laying down firm foundations that I hope will bring us future success. So, a BIG thank you to you all. Bon appetit. Thanks for reading l
Mark Owen
Call us on 01452 308781
Follow us on
@moosepr @markmooseowen @punchlineglos
punchline.gloucester
Punchline Magazine is published by Moose Partnership Limited, based at The Old Fire Station, Barbican Road, Gloucester, GL1 2JF. Reproduction of any material, in the whole or part, is strictly forbidden without the prior written consent of the publishers.All material is sent at the owners risk and whilst every care is taken, Moose Partnership Limited will not accept liability for loss or damage. Dates, information and prices quoted are believed to be correct at the time of going to press but are subject to change and no responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions. Moose Partnership Limited does not accept responsibility for any material submitted, whether photographic or otherwise.All rights reserved ©2019
May 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 3
Nintendo makes play for Gloucestershire gamer
School teachers who ask youngsters what they most want to do for a living are apparently inundated with job titles like ‘gamer’ or ‘YouTuber’.
computer, which required him to write the code for each game into the machine himself. One of his early creations, inspired by what he describes as a movie “some people think is the worst ever” -
MANOS: The Hands of Fate (just so you know, if you are ever invited to watch it) - won him an approach from a publisher. “I think they liked the retro feel of it,” recalled Mr Beddoes, now 33. “I worked for them for a while. “Around this time there was a character around called the Angry Video Game Nerd. I had this idea to make a game based on him and I pitched the idea.” He had studied graphic design at Gloucestershire College, but never felt it was a job that got the respect it deserved. As his sideline prospered, it became easy to step across into a new role. A cult hit, Angry Video Game Nerd, led to‘high times’.There was enough money to ‘move to Cheltenham’, he said, tongue in cheek.
Smirk or despair if you want, but Sam Beddoes will tell you one thing – do not rubbish their dreams, they can come true.At least being a game designer can. “Youngsters will tell people that is what they want to be and they will be treated the same as if they said they had wanted to become a Hollywood actor or a footballer,” said Mr Beddoes, who has just returned from Boston, promoting a game he designed which will soon be on the Nintendo Switch. The handheld console is used by more than 10 million gamers currently. His own games are no Fortnite – the current Epic Games online super hit across all platforms. His thrive in the niche world of retro games. It is a market which still requires huge arenas for its shows – like the one he just returned from in the USA, where you rub shoulders with
Sam Beddoes and Nick Gregory, developer of “Eagle Island”
His first hard lesson in business was when he banked on the requested follow up toAngryVideo Game Nerd being a hit. The publisher was suddenly taken over and the idea sidelined. “A lot of people will want to get into game development and want to go for the pipedream straight away. But there is more to it than that. It is a business. “Don’t go straight away for the big one.Work your way up. Start on something smaller,” said Mr Beddoes. The industry’s appetite is insatiable. Which is why he was in Boston – promoting the long- awaitedAngryVideoGameNerd II,published by Screenwave Media. It seems the idea was too good to ignore l For more information visit www.freakzonegames.com
Sam Beddoes,Tony (writer for AngryVideo Game Nerd), James Rolfe (AVGN)
other game designers, fans, publishers and YouTube stars. Speaking to Punchline from Stroud, where he runs his successful game design company, FreakZone Games, Mr Beddoes said: “I develop games. Generally, I come up with the idea then pitch it to publicists who then finance it. I then take revenue after they have recouped what they put in to pay for it. It is like an advance. I have been doing that since 2012. “Before that, I was running a business doing graphic design. I did not think you could get into gaming. That was always something of a hobby.” While school friends played on the latest Sega Megadrive, Mr Beddoes was wrestling with an old Acorn
4 | May 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
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May 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 5
Your company can be the talk of the county
Mark Cummings has worked in radio for 35 years and can’t remember something that has had such a positive reaction from listeners. Participants from up and down the county have spoken in glowing terms about what it’s done for their company and the morale of the workforce. And even the good folk here at Moose Marketing and PR, the publishers of Punchline-Gloucester.com will not say a bad word about it – if only because we’re currently top of the pile. What is this morale-generating, company-promoting spectacle? It’s the Cummings County Quiz – a feature and now a fixture of Mark Cummings BBC Radio Gloucestershire Breakfast Show. In the middle of March, the Punchline-Gloucester.com team took on the challenge and put our heads on the block. For five mornings we battled against Cummings’ quizzical mind, answering devious questions: Some about our line of work, but most about glorious Gloucestershire. We didn’t do too badly, even if we do say so ourselves, scoring 46 points out of a possible 50, a figure that drew us level at the top of the table at the time.
Our crown has slipped since, as our friends from Lister Unified Communications managed to drop only two points over the course of their week in the hotseat – albeit it was their second go! Just like us here at Punchline, Lister are now basking in the knowledge of having the smartest staff in the county, for a while at least. But just like we did when we took the mantle, our Stonehouse-based chums will only be able to truly celebrate when they know they have taken on and beaten all comers. And that’s why Cummings is laying down a challenge and asking your company to get involved. He’s has been in the Breakfast hotseat at the Gloucestershire branch of the BBC for 14 years. But even someone with a radio career dating three decades or more has been surprised about how well the quiz has gone down, with businesses and listeners alike. He said: “With the Cummings County Quiz I wanted to create a ‘must listen’ moment the whole county could look forward to every day. “One of the key elements of my show, and a huge passion of mine, is learning something new, fresh or intriguing about Gloucestershire, so the questions are all about the county.
6 | May 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
“I always customise the questions towards the nature of the team taking part, so they have a good chance of a decent score and an enjoyable experience. “It’s been running for a year and I can’t remember anything I’ve done in 30 years on the radio that gets such a reaction. Everywhere I go people mention the quiz." That point seems to ring true with the teams who pit their wits against him. It was certainly the case for the Moose Marketing and PR team during our March run. “We had a real laugh each morning,” said Mark Owen, MD of Moose Marketing and PR and the editor of Punchline-Gloucester.com. “It was great for morale here in the office, especially on the days when we got 10 out of 10. “The response we received from clients and friends in the business community was brilliant. We would recommend every company doing it, it’s a great way to kick off the day. The quiz starts at around 8.30am and is finished by the time most of you click your PCs into gear at 9am – and even though it’s on the BBC, it’s a pretty good way to promote yourselves. More important, though, is the chance to build morale in the office and bring your team closer together, a point emphasised by Jason Smith, chief executive of Marketing Gloucester. “It was an excellent team building exercise and is always a hot topic when we meet others who have competed across the county,” he said. “It’s definitely a section we all avidly listen to, especially as we still learn something new every week about the place we live in and love.” Bringing together staff from all ages and backgrounds was something of a feature across the board, thankfully some of the Punchline-Gloucester.com team are a little
less advanced in years than others. If us old timers didn’t know who is in concert at Kingsholm this summer or weren’t able to name the tune from the first bars of Lionel Ritchie’s Dancing on the Ceiling, the youngsters were. And that view was shared by Sue Waters and Mike Goode of recruitment consultants GB Solutions, who drew on the entire age-range of their team for help. “The Cummings County Quiz was a revelation to us,” Waters said. “It got our whole team together, from the youngest to the oldest pitching in with their knowledge of the area.” Goode added: “The highlight was probably the calls from folk in other businesses calling in to tell us the answer to the mystery voice. It’s a great competition.” The feedback the BBC team get from listeners has been as encouraging as that received from the participants. “I love the fact the teams taking part really love the experience,” Cummings added. “They tell me it’s a great team building experience, they learn things about each other they didn’t know and they have fun. “It’s also a brilliant way of letting the whole county know your business and the personalities working within the office. “The added bonus is the fun to be had each day on social media as the banter kicks off amongst the business community. “All we need is at least four or five people – although more can take part if you want – to be by the phone for 10 minutes from 8.40-8.50am for a week from Monday to Friday. “It’s a brilliant way to promote your business and have some fun at the same time. All you need to do is e-mail me at cummings@bbc.co.uk” l
Can you complete the challenge?
Test yourself, get to know some of the key players in the Gloucestershire business community and raise money for charity - there is time.
Yes, copies of the 500 piece Punchline charity jigsaw are still for sale, but just 50 of the limited edition 200 remain. Raising funds for Sue Ryder, Nelson Trust and Pied Piper Appeal. Yours for just £20 . Call 01452 308781 or email beth@moosemarketingandpr.co.uk
May 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 7
In April, Gloucestershire Constabulary was urging businesses to be proactive with their policies and training to protect staff from stalking and harassment. The statistics they shared were surprising - and worrying. Even more concerning was the number of staff who reported being undertrained and ill-informed when it came to guidelines and policies. The HR Review reports that occurrences at work can have a negative impact on employee wellbeing. And employers can be held vicariously responsible for actions of their workers under Section 3 of the 1997 Protection form Harassment Act if a court finds ‘they have not dealt appropriately with incidents’. National Stalking Advocacy Service Paladin published key facts and figures about stalking, with one alarming study revealing 75 per cent of domestic violence stalkers will also show up at work.
Gloucestershire locals will remember the high-profile case of Hollie Gazzard, who was killed in her place of work in 2014 by her ex-boyfriend. The Hollie Gazzard Trust, set up in memory of her, will work with businesses and organisations to help educate them about what can be done to help tackle stalking. So, what can be done to ensure employees feel safe and comfortable when they leave their homes and come into the workplace? Guidance suggests one simple but effective management skill is to listen and be aware of any red flags. The Safety and Health Practitioner (SHP) lists a number of warning signs that could indicate harassment or stalking at work. These include: nuisance telephone calls, making false complaints to employers, repeatedly sending emails, abuse of networking sites and computer hacking. But it’s not just within the workplace that employees can be targeted.
Protecting your staff from stalkers
8 | May 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
Cathy O’Donogue Stalking AwarenessWeek – Viewpoint from theWorkplace
In the age of social media, finding information about where someone works, and even when they will be at work, is easily available. Platforms such as LinkedIn and WhatsApp encourage employees to engage with each other in and out of work. They can be highly useful for sharing credentials, work history, and time sheets, but it’s important to be clear about codes of conduct when using these sites under the company’s name. Policies do not have to be limited to the physical work environment. It’s also important to know the law and follow it. The Health and Safety Work Act 1974 states: “It shall be the duty of every employer to prepare and as often as may be appropriate revise a written statement of his general policy with respect to the health and safety at work of his employees”. Check policies are up to date, preferably visible in the workplace, and acknowledged by every member of staff – either via training courses, one-on-one discussions followed by employee signatures, or through regular staff meetings. Cathy O’Donogue, HR Champions’ managing director, has provided detailed advice for Punchline readers to help guarantee a happy and safe workforce.
In all situations, employers must remember that they have a duty of care towards their employees and this includes the provision of a safe and comfortable working environment. Stalking would be classed as harassment and/or sexual harassment, so if an employee is being stalked by a colleague then action can and should be taken against the offender if their identity is known. Stalking is likely to be a serious enough offence to warrant disciplinary action up to and including dismissal, but each case should be dealt with individually. If an employee is stalking someone outside of their own workplace and found to be using company resources such as email or a company mobile phone, then ‘misuse of company equipment’ could also be an offence of gross misconduct and worthy of dismissal. If the offending employee is using their own equipment, but is stalking via your company internet connection and IP address, there is a risk of the business being associated with the stalker’s actions, thereby bringing into disrepute; again this could be a sackable offence. Potential offences and their consequences should be set out in the company staff handbook within the bullying and harassment policy. More importantly though, employees need to understand what is and isn’t classed as unacceptable language and behaviour. To avoid a charge of culpability, an employer might be asked to prove that he or she had taken reasonable steps to ensure a safe and harassment free workplace if a case ever reached tribunal. Our “Dignity at Work” training programme is an ideal solution for this. Don’t forget that stalking can be pan-sexual so individuals of all genders and sexual orientations can be the target of stalking as well as the perpetrators of it. The victim of a stalker is also likely to become quite distressed and anxious about the situation, thereby affecting their mental health. Our Mental Health First Aider course will equip members of your team to spot the signs of colleagues who are experiencing stress and anxiety l
May 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 9
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May 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 11
A practical no nonsense approach when employment law becomes a pain
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12 | May 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
Welcome to the 2019 edition of Gloucestershire’s 100 Biggest Employers
This is no list plucked from Companies House – we built it ourselves with the help of the county’s business community. What makes this year’s edition special is this – hidden is the following pages are some signposts to more than 450 jobs, and that is a conservative estimate. That’s not including the NHS intake or the other 100 plus mentioned within this article. That is because this year we also asked whether firms thought they would recruit this year - whether they
currently looking for six new electricians. Huffkins , the Cotswold-based quintessentially English cafe and cake maker which already has 70 staff, is looking to employ 70 more in the county as it expands. Simplicity , in Mitcheldean, already employs 75 staff and is looking to take on more. Printwaste , which has 75 staff, hopes to recruit "for several roles". Avon Metals Group , which has 76 staff, said it could be looking to take on staff, as is Stonehouse-based Xograph Group , which has 78 staff. Procurri UK Ltd , which employs 92 in Cirencester, is looking to increase headcount by 10 to 15 per cent. Cheltenham-headquartered SoHo Coffee took on 40 new staff between May and December last year, and "estimation is that this figure will be around the same for 2019". Gloucester Cathedral will continue its apprentice intake. GET (Gloucestershire Engineering Training), ERMIN, Quattro Design Architects all said they too would be taking on staff. Forge Motorsport, Severn Controls Ltd (and Severn Rewinds Division) and Severn Rewinds Division DKM Sheet Metal , Stonehouse, could all take on staff. As are Intamarque Ltd, Mekufa (UK) Ltd, Brunsdon Financial, GCSD Accountants, Cass Stephens and Hydraproducts . Severn & Wye Smokery Ltd , with 123 staff, came in too late to be included. How we did it: We asked businesses and organisations to confirm their headcounts, promoted this on our daily email newsletter, tweeted and shouted about it on social media. And made lots of phone calls. If you want to be involved next year, please email us news@moosemarketingandpr.co.uk l
would create jobs or apprenticeships. “Seventy five per cent of firms in our Top 100 said they would be taking on more staff this year. Another seven per cent said they could not rule it out,” said Mark Owen, the editor of Punchline- Gloucester.com. “We had companies declaring some major recruitment drives of 10, 20, 30 or 40 staff and many confirming their commitment to apprenticeships and a graduate intake. “This was across sectors – from manufacturing and engineering to finance, retail, food, education, health, logistics and packing and construction. BIGGESTEMPLOYERS
BIGGESTEMPLOYERS
“Even going by a conservative estimate, the Top 100 firms declared a possible 450 jobs should be created this year. And then there are another 150-plus roles in those firms which did not make the list.” Shurdington-based accountants and business experts Randall & Payne LLP , with 55 staff currently, said it remained committed to its training programmes, which includes school-leavers. Allcooper , with 71 staff, declared it would be looking for up to 10 service and installation engineers. Tanner Bennett said it would continue to take on between three and five apprentices annually and was
May 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 13
Think engineering, community, careers.
Think Renishaw.
To find out more or to join us visit www.renishaw.com Since our formation in 1973 we have become Gloucestershire’s largest business employer (with 2,500 staff locally), and have enjoyed being a part of the success of the local community, both as an employer and as a supporter of community projects.
Renishaw plc New Mills, Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, GL12 8JR United Kingdom T +44 (0)1453 524524 F +44 (0)1453 524901 E uk@renishaw.com www.renishaw.com
14 | May 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
GLOUCESTERSHIRE'S 100 BIGGEST EMPLOYERS
2 3
GCHQ Cheltenham STAFF: 5,988 EMPLOYING: Yes Perhaps the really interesting question is what could we say about the Government spy base if only we were allowed? The intelligence, security and cyber agency with a mission to help keep the UK safe and whose best friends are the likes of MI5 and MI6 l
1
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Cheltenham
STAFF: 7,900 EMPLOYING: Yes Where would we be without it? The trust runs Cheltenham General Hospital and Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucester, which serves western and southern Gloucestershire and parts of Herefordshire. It also looks after Stroud Maternity Hospital, midwifery services across the Forest of Dean and Cotswolds and its specialist clinics countywide l
Gloucestershire County Council Gloucester
STAFF: 3,730 EMPLOYING: Yes
The headcount above (3,730) covers off the council staff, and includes the Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service. This mighty organisation looks after our social services, roads, libraries and schools. Indeed, if you also include those employed the education authority that’s an extra 6,314 staff - taking the total to 10,044. Continues to champion apprenticeships too l Gloucestershire Constabulary Gloucester STAFF: 2,019 EMPLOYING: Unclear Otherwise known as the police force for the county of Gloucestershire. Indispensable – and one of our biggest employers. Its staff battle to keep everyone in Gloucestershire safe – online as well l 5
4
Renishaw Wotton-under-Edge
STAFF: 2,600 EMPLOYING: Yes
An engineering firm par excellence leading developments in an array of sectors. A profits warning in March has not deterred it from its never-ending investment in people, innovation and quest for excellence. Apprenticeship and graduate programmes continue apace. One of Punchline’s 25 Gloucestershire Apprenticeship Champions l
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May 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 15
GLOUCESTERSHIRE'S 100 BIGGEST EMPLOYERS
6 7 8 9
GE Aviation Bishops Cleeve STAFF: 1,800 EMPLOYING: No A world-leader in commercial, military,
Delphi Technologies Stonehouse world innovations in vehicle electrification and power electronics, from hybrids to electric vehicles. Also an expert in advanced internal combustion engine solutions. It has 53 apprentices and will recruit another 15 this year. One of Punchline’s 25 Gloucestershire Apprenticeship Champions l 10 STAFF: 1,200 EMPLOYING: Yes Describing itself as a leader in value-based, real-
business and general aviation, jet and turbo-prop plane engines and components as well as avionics, electrical power and mechanical systems for aircraft. AviationWeek & Space Technology honoured it for its extraordinary achievements in aerospace l Bromford (Severn Vale Housing) Tewkesbury/Cirencester STAFF: 1,800 EMPLOYING: Yes Bromford has appeared on the list, having just merged with Severn Vale Housing. According to the firm ‘most of its staff’ are based at its “main offices in Tewkesbury, Cirencester and Chipping Sodbury” and it will “definitely be recruiting over the next 12 months” l EDF Energy Gloucester county employer at the heart of the nation’s energy sector. It plans to take on apprentice engineers and graduate trainees this year at the very least. One of Punchline’s 25 Gloucestershire Apprenticeship Champions l Safran Landing Systems Gloucester STAFF: 1,600 EMPLOYING: Yes French-owned energy company. A major
11
St James’s Place Cirencester
STAFF: 1,100 EMPLOYING: Yes
STAFF: 1,200 EMPLOYING: Yes The French-owned aerospace firm was
A Gloucestershire born and bred FTSE firm has all the feel of the London financial giant, but chooses to headquarter in the Cotswold town of Cirencester. It employs many more UK-wide. One of Punchline’s 25 Gloucestershire Apprenticeship Champions l
determinedly tight-lipped when we approached them this year. But if you have ever flown in an aeroplane, chances are this amazing company built the landing gear. One of Punchline’s 25 Gloucestershire Apprenticeship Champions l
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16 | May 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
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University of Gloucestershire Gloucester and Cheltenham STAFF: 1,049 EMPLOYING: Yes apace. Its determination, vision and desire to build relationships with businesses is worth applauding l 12 This time in 2018 we were talking about the university’s forthcoming business school – a multi-million-pound investment which would re-home the daddy of the county’s Growth Hubs and the headquarters for the mighty GFirst LEP. It is now live and the Oxstalls development continues
13
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National Star Ullenwood, Cheltenham
SGS College Stroud STAFF: 932
STAFF: 1,000 EMPLOYING: Yes
EMPLOYING: Yes (See pages 19) l
(See pages 18) l
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Spirax Sarco Cheltenham STAFF: 1,000 EMPLOYING: Maybe... A worldwide footprint and a true
leader in its field – that niche sector of steam engineering and thermal energy management across broad range of sectors. “Whether we add headcount in Gloucestershire in 2019 will depend on how the economic climate unfolds as the year progresses.” One of Punchline’s 25 Gloucestershire Apprenticeship Champions l
(See pages 22) l 16
McGurk Group Gloucester STAFF: 926 EMPLOYING: Yes
01453 829200 Brunel Way, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, GL10 3SX
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May 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 17
NO. 12
GLOUCESTERSHIRE'S 100 BIGGEST EMPLOYERS
Star venue for meetings or training
Looking for a venue for your next away day, board meeting or training course? Consider National Star. Whatever the occasion, the Cheltenham-based charity can offer a variety of room and hospitality services – all within the beautiful surroundings of the Cotswold countryside. The charity has a range of meeting rooms to hire during the day and evening. Whether you are looking to arrange a business breakfast meeting or training session, social get-together or staff awards evening, they have everything you need. Perhaps that’s why several of the county’s leading businesses including the likes of Crowe LLP, Bevans Chartered Surveyors and UCAS, as well as local public sector organisations, regularly use the facilities on offer at National Star. From a corporate social responsibility perspective, supporting National Star makes sound business sense. As well as a suite of meeting rooms, which can accommodate intimate meetings for a handful of people through to theatre style seminars for up to 160 delegates, the charity has an impressive, flexible theatre space that is ideal for staff presentation evenings and conferences, performing art productions and charity dinners.
The award-winning on-site StarBistro catering team prepare food for all the meeting rooms – from delicious breakfast pastries to fresh, imaginative buffet lunches and black tie dinners. If you’re looking for a venue for a team-building away day, the charity’s sports facilities are also available to hire at certain times of the year.Why not consider your own ‘It’s a knockout’ team-building event, followed by burgers and beers served by the StarBistro team? As you would expect, you can rely upon comprehensive audio visual and free Wi-Fi facilities. But what may take you by surprise are the charming period features, original fireplaces and wood panelled rooms on offer within Ullenwood Manor. Another advantage is the location. With easy access from the M5, A417 and A436, National Star is a short drive from both Cheltenham and Gloucester and benefits from plenty of free parking. The charity also runs a par 3 golf course, so what better way to relax after a challenging training course or conference held at National Star? l For more information contact the charity’s lettings team on 01242 535983 or email lettings@nationalstar.org
18 | May 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
NO. 15
College earns top marks for employability
South Gloucestershire and Stroud College is in the top 10 per cent of higher education institutions in the country for student progression into employment or postgraduate study. Data from the Destination of Leavers from Higher Education study over the last three years shows that 98.6 per cent of the college’s graduating students are in employment or further study. The College offers competitive tuition fees, as well as flexible study options and a supportive environment, meaning more and more students are able to benefit from its varied courses. Joanne Priest, head of higher education recruitment and student experience, said the college was delighted with the grading. “This is testament to the continued dedication of all our staff and their commitment to ensuring students reach their full potential,” she said. Meanwhile, SGS has been named as a centre of excellence for the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, for the 12th time. The college received the accolade for a number of factors, including high recruitment across Levels 3-6
and industry-experienced teachers delivering high- quality provision. The performance of students, who consistently achieved above benchmark success in exams, also contributed to the award. Head of professional and financial services, Debra Bennett said: “We are thrilled to be awarded the CIPS Centre of Excellence again. “It highlights the experience and commitment of the CIPS team to ensure learner and employer needs are met." The College has successfully offered the CIPS provision Level 3-6 for 25 years and will be extending this offer to include the Associate Project Management qualification (PMQ) in the very near future. The department, Professional and Financial Services, was graded outstanding in the most recent Ofsted report and praised for the quality of its provision. SGS is still accepting applications for starting in 2019 and is holding a Higher Education Open Event on Saturday, June 8 from 9.30am to 12pm at the SGSWISE Campus in Bristol l
To reserve a place or for more information, e-mail highereducation@sgscol.ac.uk
May 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 19
GLOUCESTERSHIRE'S 100 BIGGEST EMPLOYERS
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Gloucestershire College Gloucester, Cheltenham, Cinderford STAFF: 900 EMPLOYING: Yes
Provider extraordinaire of apprenticeship training, BTECs and other further and higher education courses. This academic year saw the opening of its Roberts Limbrick-designed Cinderford Campus. It has more than 1,800 apprentices on roll, more than 2,500 full time students and 1,100 part time students. It teaches across areas from engineering to marketing, IT to hair and beauty. It also employs staff in professional services including HR, IT, sales, marketing, finance, business intelligence, admissions, administration, call centre, estates and facilities l
SuperGroup plc Cheltenham STAFF: 720 EMPLOYING: Can’t confirm Facing a falling share price and large- scale consultations, the first quarter of 2019 ended with co-founder Julian Dunkerton returning to firm. The battle back onto the board has not been without significant casualties as the Cheltenham businessman attempts to alter the course of the now worldwide fashion retailer. One of Punchline’s 25 Gloucestershire Apprenticeship Champions l 21
18
Kohler Mira Cheltenham STAFF: 850 EMPLOYING: Yes After more than 90 years in business, there are
still no flies on this firm – not surprising, being experts in showers – designing, developing, manufacturing and marketing them. And still sponsors one of the county’s leading football teams. One of Punchline’s 25 Gloucestershire Apprenticeship Champions l
22
G-Tekt Europe Manufacturing Ltd
Ecotricity Stroud STAFF: 840 EMPLOYING: Unclear Selling green energy that it generates mainly from its 87.2 megawatt wind power portfolio. Famously founded by environmental activist Dale Vince, who can count Forest Green Rovers FC among his businesses. Not afraid to ruffle a few feathers and a master of marketing l 19
Gloucester STAFF: 700
EMPLOYING: Yes Little-known is how we usually introduce this firm. We then explain how it makes and helps design parts to meet the just-in-time requirements of marques including Toyota and BMW. Investing millions of pounds in a second manufacturing plant at Brockworth too l
The name trusted in commercial property OFF ICES | INDUSTRIAL | AGRICULTURAL | RETAI L | HOSP I TAL I TY
20 | May 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
Sponsored by
Clarkson Evans Staverton STAFF: 791 EMPLOYING: Yes Founded by a former electrical apprentice, Steve Evans, in May 1981. Under his stewardship, it invested more than almost any other company you could think of in training the next generation for its sector and today, with a carefully chosen board of directors, it continues to grow l 20
Ageas Insurance Brockworth, Gloucester STAFF: 659 23 24
Hartpury University and Hartpury College STAFF: 601 EMPLOYING: Yes
Ecclesiastical Gloucester STAFF: 550 EMPLOYING: Yes This year the business – a long- standing Gloucester-based employer – announced its move out of the city. Luckily only as far as Brockworth. The multi-million pound investment is a statement of its intention to stay in Gloucestershire. It distributes all of its ‘profits’ through its owner, Allchurches Trust, to charities near and far l 25 EMPLOYING: Yes Personal and commercial insurance in all its guises. “We anticipate recruiting for 40-50 roles over the next six months” l
The new status of university sits comfortably on the shoulders of Hartpury, although the much respected college remains in situ. Building on that institution's enviable reputation, the new university allows it to look to the future and continue to gain recognition as a centre of excellence in a number of fields. Staff numbers rose by 38 on last year l
0800 158 4147 info@tayntons.co.uk 8-12 Clarence Street, Gloucester GL1 1DZ
May 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 21
NO. 16
GLOUCESTERSHIRE'S 100 BIGGEST EMPLOYERS
Founded in 1963, the McGurk Group remains a family run business operating both nationally and internationally. Well-known for its plant hire and haulage companies, which are proving to be a powerhouse in their sectors, its other businesses are also recognised as among the most respected companies in the construction industry. Subsidiaries Arriva Group and Arriva Holdings have established themselves within the sporting, care, property rental, property development, property maintenance, training and software industries – and are showing year-on-year growth. “We are committed to remaining an integral contributor to the future of Gloucestershire by investing in people for the future, offering a range of comprehensive apprenticeship schemes and also ensuring we support the community through many charitable organisations,” said a spokesman for the Gloucestershire group, which now employs more than 900 countywide. Eamonn and Brian McGurk are both the architects of and in charge of the Brunswick Square-headquartered group and show no signs of waning in their bid to strengthen and grow their empire and its reputation. Punchline reported the lengths it is prepared to go to stay ahead, when it highlighted last year on a root and branch restructuring of its groundworks business, EMG. A whole new management team took over the city- based business as it looked to move forward. It has paid dividends. Shaping the future of Gloucestershire
Jenny Jones, Shane Andrews and Martin Mullaney were promoted from within, after either joining from the broad church of businesses that is the McGurk Group, or being headhunted. From the outside it looked like the carefully thought out plan it no doubt was, as the owners realised an EMG Construction with the right people at the helm and a gold-plated reputation could clean up. "There is definitely real potential - we just have to get it right," said Cheltenham-born Mr Mullaney at the time. Groundworks might be at the thankless end of the construction sector, but EMG’s work is being recognised where it counts. Clients already included Barratt, David Wilson Homes, Linden Homes, Allenbuild and Bovis. It was also crucial to the first phase of Julian Dunkerton’s ambitious Charlton Kings-based food and drink destination dream, which saw Dunkerton’s Cider open to great fanfare in a classy new building. Not part of the group, but worthy of note, is the significant financial support the group has given to a certain Gloucester City FC during its near 12 years without a ground. That is has just won planning permission for its return to Meadow Park, and survived to do so, is down in no small part to the brains behind the McGurk Group l For more information visit www.keyway.co.uk www.emg-construction.co.uk
22 | May 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
£1000 incentive for
Learning that works. Professional training for business at Gloucestershire College
businesses who take on an apprentice aged 16-18! * *Applies to businesses with less than 250 employees only
When you invest in staff development, it needs to be right for the individual, and for your business. Gloucestershire College delivers accredited, professional qualifications that enable individuals to improve the business they work in, from junior level right through to senior management. As an award-winning
apprenticeship provider, much of our training can be delivered as an apprenticeship.
Courses available in:
• • • •
Marketing
Care and Early Years Catering and Hospitality Construction and Building Services
• • • •
Accountancy
HR
IT and Cyber Security
Leadership and Management
•
Engineering
Courses delivered at Cheltenham and Gloucester campuses, including at the newly renovated Grade II listed Llanthony Priory, adjacent to our Gloucester Docks campus.
SILVER LEARNING PARTNER
2017-2018
Let us know your training requirements business.hub@gloscol.ac.uk gloscol.ac.uk/professional-training 01452 563400
May 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 23
GLOUCESTERSHIRE'S 100 BIGGEST EMPLOYERS
28
Corin Group Cirencester STAFF: 474 EMPLOYING: Unclear A world-leader in the development,
26
Ubico Cheltenham STAFF: 540 EMPLOYING: Yes Manage five household recycling centres
production and distribution of orthopaedic implants. Hip and knee joins to you and I l
(HRCs) on behalf of Gloucestershire County Council, one HRC on behalf of Cheltenham Borough Council and a number of smaller 'bring bank' sites throughout Gloucestershire. It collects recycling from 185,000 households for Cheltenham Borough, Cotswold District, Stroud District and Tewkesbury Borough Councils. To name but some of its duties. Took on 109 staff last year alone l
29
UCAS Cheltenham STAFF: 450 EMPLOYING: Yes The Universities and Colleges
27
StagecoachWest Gloucester STAFF: 535 EMPLOYING: Yes
Admissions Service for the UK is headquartered here in the county. Few make it to university without passing through its system. Currently has three apprentices l
(See pages 26 and 27) l
CM Downton Moreton Valence STAFF: 430 EMPLOYING: Yes Became part of UK Logistics giant EV Cargo in a £75million deal in November 2018. Revealed in April it had picked up contracts worth £30 million a year. “The company takes on apprentices every 10 weeks and expects to recruit additional drivers and other staff during the year” l 30
Duncan Eyre
The widest range of business mobile phone tariffs and handsets right at your fingertips
24 | May 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
Sponsored by
31
Lillian Faithful Homes Cheltenham STAFF: 420 EMPLOYING: Yes
34
Cotswold Motor Group Cheltenham STAFF: 377 EMPLOYING: Yes
The highly respected and much-loved residential care home provider is also a charity. It recently opened a new community hub in the grounds of Royal Court, Fiddlers Green. “We will be looking for additional activities staff for both our community hubs as they continue to grow.” It will be looking for “nurses and care staff, care assistants, night carers and catering staff” and “taking on more apprentices”. It could be as many as 25 to 30 more staff in 2019 l
Privately owned with sites across the Cotswolds, including BMW and Mini centres in Cheltenham and Hereford, and an approved bodyshop in Tewkesbury. “As a business we like to offer progression within the company and promote from within where possible. Even with the uncertainty of Brexit continuing, we will be looking for a number of apprentices to join in the business from technicians to administration and IT in the summer, to ensure that we can future proof the business” l
32
Commercial Group Cheltenham STAFF: 400 EMPLOYING: Yes
Andrew Hulcoop
Business services as well as printing and much more. Chairman and co-founder Arthur Hindmarch said: “In our group of companies, including the Commercial Corporate Services Group, In2print and Journey Holdings we will probably will recruit another 40 this year” l
35
Baylis Vauxhall Goucester STAFF: 375 EMPLOYING: No Long-standing, highly respected
33
Vauxhall specialists with businesses in Cheltenham, Gloucester and Stroud – recently moved to a new site on Gloucester Road at Stratton, Cirencester. New and used cars and vans, full aftersales facilities including servicing,
Endsleigh Insurance Brockworth, Gloucester STAFF: 382 EMPLOYING: Yes
An insurance intermediary specialising in the student, education, graduate and sport markets. It is also the preferred insurer for a number of unions and professional associations. Not disclosing how many it might take on this year l
accident repair and parts and accessories l
01453 829200 Brunel Way, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, GL10 3SX
Come to the experts!
hello@lister-communications.co.uk www.lister-communications.co.uk
May 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 25
Founder of Stagecoach Group , Brian Souter, drove the bus and co-founder, Ann Gloag, made snacks and sandwiches for passengers. THE FIRST EVER STAGECOACH BUS WAS A DUNDEE TO LONDON SERVICE Founder of Stagecoach Group , Brian Souter, drove the bus and co-founder, An Gloag, made snacks and sand iches for pas engers. E FIRS E E S E S S E L SE ICE
SINCE 1993 OUR BUSES EMIT: - 70% less CO , - 88% less Carbon Emissions, - 95% less NOX, - 99.95% less Particulate Matter. SIN E 19 3 SES E IT: - 70 les C , - 8 les Carbon E is ions, - 95 les N , - 9 .95 les Particulate Mat er.
IN MARCH 2019, over 90,000 RACE GOER'S WERE TRANSPORTED TO CHELTENHAM RACES That’s enough to fill Kingsholm Stadium over 5 and a half times. 2019, ver ,0 'S E E SP E EL E ES That’s enough to fill Kingsholm Stadiu over 5 and a half times. IN
OVER 8.8K TWITTER FOLLOWERS Plus 3.6k shared photos and videos and 52.5k tweets. E .8 I F L E S Plus 3.6k shared photos and videos and 52.5k t e ts.
IN THE LAST 25 YEARS, STAGECOACH WEST HAS TRANSPORTED 509 MILLION PASSENGERS That's more than the population of the entire European Union. IN E L S 25 E S, S E ES S SP E I I That's more than the population of the entire European Union.
Stagecoach West has 4 Park & Ride services, 6 Operating Depots and 80 Gold buses in the fleet. IN 25 YEARS PASSENGER JOURNEYS HAVE CLOCKED UP ENOUGH MILES TO GET TO THE MOON AND BACK... TWICE! Stagecoach West has 4 Park & Ride services, 6 Operating Depots and 80 Gold buses in the fle t. IN 25 E S P S E E JO E S E L E P E ILES E E . ICE!
STAGECOACH WEST HAD 200 BUSES IN THE FLEET AND 500 EMPLOYED STAFF The fleet has grown by 85% and sta by 60%. S E ES 20 SES IN E FLE 50 E PL E S F The fle t has gro n by 85 and sta by 60 .
1993
IN 2018, ALMOST 700,000 CUSTOMERS VISITED STAGECOACHBUS.COM That's enough people to fill over 7,500 double decker buses. IN 2018, L S ,0 ISITE .C That's enough people to fill over 7,50 double decker buses.
IT TAKES AROUND 55 HOURS OF PRACTICAL TRAINING FOR A BUS DRIVER TO PASS THEIR TEST The same time it would take to watch the fantasy movie Avatar, 22 times over. ES F I I I F S IVE P S EIR ES The sa e time it would take to watch the fantasy movie Avatar, 2 times over. IT
NEARLY 40% OF CUSTOMERS BUY THEIR MEGARIDER WEEKLY TICKET ONLINE OR ON THE STAGECOACH BUS APP That's about 50,000 journeys every single week. E L EIR E IDE E L IC E LINE E S E S P That's about 50,0 journeys every single we k.
26 | May 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
NO. 27
GLOUCESTERSHIRE'S 100 BIGGEST EMPLOYERS
25 years on the road
Reliable carrier of more than 500 million passengers, in charge of an ever growing fleet of 306 buses and employer of 535 staff and counting – this page is the stop off for StagecoachWest. This year it celebrates 25 years in business, during which it has seen its fleet grow by 85 per cent and staff numbers grow by 60 per cent. Running out of six depots – Gloucester, where it also has its head office, Cheltenham, Stroud, Swindon, Wye & Dean and North Bristol – the business has been serving the West and connecting passengers for over two decades, but hasn’t fallen behind the times.
“And it doesn’t end there. Just because we have improved over the last 25 years doesn’t mean we are standing still. From our intelligent tracking systems which monitor safe driving to digital technology that gives our passengers real-time bus arrivals, the landscape is ever changing,” added Mr Cox. Passengers can download the Stagecoach app to plan their journey, track their bus and buy tickets wherever they are – often at a 10 per cent cheaper rate. “Today, we run a large network of services both day and night, compared with a quarter of a century ago, have better trained drivers and better provision for passengers comfort on board,” said Mr Cox. "A recent independent survey by consumer watchdog Transport Focus showed nine out of 10 customers said they were satisfied with the service.” Female bus drivers are proactively encouraged to join the team and the business drives towards its aims of a more diverse workforce, including great rates of pay, flexible hours and part-time working. Ever innovating – one of its latest initiatives is an invitation to visit businesses throughout the region to talk about potential new routes and adapted services to help their staff leave the car at home and travel by bus. “With our continued focus on safety, outstanding service, passenger comfort, environmentally friendly vehicles and ongoing driver training, the journey continues – but we like to think we are on the right road,” said Mr Cox l For more information visit www.stagecoachbus.com/about/west
Reflecting on just how far it has come, Stagecoach West’s celebratory 25 year infographic opposite marks a roadmap of milestones - highlighting the continuing development and advancements in bus travel and on board passenger comfort. Its journey includes improving everything from frequency of services, to modern–day payment technologies, more environmentally friendly buses and special driver training. “Twenty five years of Stagecoach West is a real achievement and we’ve come a long way,” said Rupert Cox, the managing director of Stagecoach West, who leads a dynamic young management team, including a fellow director still only in his early thirties. “Mobile phone, tablet and laptop users would not have been able to connect outside the workplace a few years ago. However, today passengers can enjoy free Wi- Fi and those on our Gold buses can relax in the extra comfort of bespoke Italian leather seats, enjoy extra leg room and air-cooling in warmer months.” Just like most fledgling businesses, the company’s founders multi-tasked and were hands on in all areas. Brian Souter, now Sir Brian, drove the first Stagecoach bus from Dundee to London and his sister Ann Gloag made the sandwiches. How times have changed.
Rupert Cox, managing director, StagecoachWest
May 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 27
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