This year’s Apprenticeship Guide is bigger, better and far more comprehensive than before. We will not only be detailing the county companies who champion apprenticeships, but also investigating and analysing the way the next generation source their professional qualifications. Another of the magazine's main features is a fascinating look into The Future of the High Street, as the main shopping streets in Cheltenham and Gloucester look set to be transformed. From the Boot’s Corner closure to the King’s Square transformation we will be looking at what the High Street needs to be successful in a 21st century, digital world.
National | Local Business | December 2019 | Issue 44
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allowing us to pitch up and champion the business community. But while we’ve made great progress in 2019, we know we can’t rest on our laurels and stand still. I have learned from many great entrepreneurs that any business that wants to keep growing must continue to change, adapt and question itself.
I hope your business year went as well as ours has. I don’t want to brag too much but it has been a remarkable year for us here at Moose Marketing and PR, the publishers of Punchline-gloucester.com. Online, our number unique visitors’ numbers broke through the 150,000 barrier in August, with more than 1.7 million pages read, despite it being the height of the summer holidays. It goes to show that, no matter where we all are in the world, we always want to know what is going on back home. This year, we also rebranded our daily e-newsletter to become Punchline Daily and again the readership figures have simply blown us away. So, thank you for letting us into your in mailboxes most lunchtimes to bring you the most up to date business news around. It has been fantastic. On top of all this, we also increased the print run and distribution of this magazine to 15,000 copies and added more content, taking each edition to 140 pages. That meant staples were no longer strong enough to hold it together, so we moved to a perfect-bound finish, with a spine. I feel this gives the magazine that more ‘upmarket’ feel and adds more gravitas. I like to refer to it as: Punchline-Grown up. Finally, we introduced pick-up-point stands across the county to great success. Thanks for that must go to our friends at shopping centres and supermarkets for
Thank you to all of you that have been following us, reading, advertising, sponsoring and supporting us over the years. It’s been fun and fantastic in equal measure. We couldn’t do it without you all. X Roll on to 2020 l
Mark Owen
Call us on 01452 308781
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@moosepr @markmooseowen @punchlineglos
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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
December 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 3
TheWestern Gateway powerhouse
A gateway to invest in theWest. Gloucestershire has been included as part of a powerhouse that will drive central government investment into the region. In the days before parliament shutdown for the general election, a significant announcement was made that had been months, if not years, in the planning. The Western Gateway is the rather contrived name for what will be the West and Wales’ version of the Northern Powerhouse: an organisation that will drive investment and growth into the region. The fourth powerhouse to be established in the past decade, the Western Gateway follows on from the Northern Powerhouse, Midlands Engine and Cambridge – Milton Keynes – Oxford corridor. Local authorities from Swindon to Swansea and from Weston-super-Mare to Moreton-in-Marsh will join together, with the leader of Gloucestershire County Council quick to call it significant news. "This is excellent news for Gloucestershire, for our businesses and our residents,” said Councillor Mark Hawthorne. "The Western Gateway puts us at the front of the
queue for attracting new business and government funding into our area. "It is a really exciting project that will change our area for the better in ways we can only begin to understand.”
That view was shared by Sam Holliday, the regional development manager for Gloucestershire, Bristol, and Bath for the Federation of Small Business. Mr Holliday’s patch will be entirely encompassed within theWestern Gateway and he saw the benefits for himself as a guest at a London event to launch the idea earlier in the year. “We all know and have heard of the Northern Powerhouse, and without doubt investment has been pushed through by it having collective bargaining power. “Politically, I am unsure how it will work and some will be worried about another level of bureaucracy being added to government. “But it’s been proven that the government like giving investment to wider areas than just one Mark Hawthorne
is OUT February 2020 PUNCHLINE ANNUAL
the
4 | December 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
local authority, it’s why there are metro mayors in certain areas of the country. “We are never going to have a metro mayor for an area as wide as this, but bringing people around the same table is a good thing. It will ensure
driver for Gloucestershire’s own development. The Western Gateway was launched by Robert Jenrick, the then minister for housing, communities and local government, with diplomacy saying that it was launched over the bridge inWales. But before arriving at the Celtic Manor Hotel and Resort in Newport, Mr Jenrick checked in at Hub 8 in Cheltenham. Hub 8, a co-working space for the cyber technology sector opened in Cheltenham’s Brewery Quarter earlier this year as a precursor to the huge Cyber Central development. And the critical importance of that project is one of the reasons why the region is being joined together for a greater good, according to Mr Jenrick. He said: "The Western Gateway will draw on the diverse talents of both sides of the Severn to deliver an economic powerhouse that will drive growth throughout the region. "Already a major centre for cyber and tech, research, manufacturing and the creative industries - there's clearly huge potential for them to achieve even greater things together. "This initiative will give South West England and South Wales a powerful voice, just as the Northern Powerhouse and Midlands Engine have done for those areas” l
Sam Holliday
everyone will be singing from the same hymn sheet. “Without this, I fear that our region would have been left behind. By coming together, we will bring about more funding and that will filter down and benefit all businesses in the region.” While the final details of how the Western Gateway will work, the complete area it will cover and which individuals from local authorities will take part have yet to be finalised, a chair has been chosen. Katherine Bennett, a senior UK, vice president of one of the region’s biggest names Airbus UK has been appointed to the role and tasked with the early set- up tasks. She will shape and then lead the governance team and then set and manage the initial priorities for the partnership. One of those is bound to be the Cyber Central development in Cheltenham, which is seen as a key
To be part of Gloucestershire’s biggest b2b publication of the year in 2020 email Mark@moosemarketingandpr.co.uk or telephone 01452 308781
December 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 5
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6 | December 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
MartijnVos, managing director of Hydro Components UK
Reshaping a business fit for the future
A multi-million-pound investment in a new car component manufacturing plant fit to serve the next generation of vehicles, which will create 40 new jobs, is taking place in Gloucester. You may not have heard of Hydro, but it is already working for some of the UK’s biggest car marques, and most prestigious ones too. It is quite simply one of the world’s biggest aluminium businesses – one of the largest outside of China – excelling from mining bauxite through to the production of three million tonnes of aluminium product worldwide. One third of that product is already made from recycled aluminium – significant (and attractive to customers seeking greener solutions) when considered that recycling takes only five per cent of
the energy used in primary production. “More than one million tonnes is remelt and a large portion of that has already had a life before,” said Dr Martijn Vos, Managing Director of Hydro Components UK Ltd. “Aluminium is infinitely recyclable without losing its properties. Seventy five per cent of all aluminium ever produced is still in use today and the volume is increasing. “When compared to plastics for example, PET bottles can be recycled into Adidas shoes, however when my shoes are worn out, they still end up in landfill. “Aluminium is the metal of the future. It is all around us every day, in computers, beverage cans, shower cabins, windows, doors, light poles in the streets, in cars and public transportation. “In fact, the cities of the future built around the world
December 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 7
continued from previous page
see an increased amount of aluminium. What we produce in Gloucester, I tell my people, aluminium is jewellery for cars in the shape of roof rails and trims”. Dr Vos meets us in reception before making us coffee in his own office, hard hat and high vis jacket hang in the corner. Product samples he cannot resist showing us are tucked away in every corner and staff knock and enter freely every few minutes to keep one another up to speed. Dr Vos seems to enjoy the composed, but dynamic nature of the non-stop business in which he thrives and wears his no doubt challenging job like a man ready, able and motivated. “I am a workaholic. What I mean is, I like to work and enjoy working hard,” he volunteers, in his exemplary English with distinct Nordic overtones, smirking at his frank confession. All of which is good news for Gloucester, as the firm begins to centre its manufacturing operations within the heart of the city. Good news too for jobs. “We employ 150 staff currently and expect that to grow to 190,” said Dr. Vos. Most of those will be what he calls ‘technical’ roles. “We work with robots and CNC machines and it is also about lean production, engineering, metal forming, machining and about chemistry,” he adds. The business also has an operation in Tewkesbury, where it makes building systems: windows, doors and facades, and a sister extrusion operation in Cheltenham, which feeds the Gloucester business with extrusions for roof rails and trims, among many other customers in the UK. Hydro has 11 plants in the UK and an estimated
1,200 staff. Worldwide staff numbers are in the region of 35,000 in 40 countries. “We are a global company being local,” says Dr Vos. “I have been all over the map. Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Middle East, Brazil, the US and now in the UK.” For new entrees Gloucester could be a start of a global career in Hydro if you want. On the other hand, we have a stable work force, with some folks being loyal to this site for 30 to 40 years working in logistics or polishing. “We have a diverse workforce as well, with 26 per cent female and we have a target to increase to 30 per cent.” It is in the Gloucester plant, already up and running, where the major investment will go as Hydro stays true to what Dr. Vos tells us is its mantra – ‘Care, Collaboration and Courage’. Courage because this is a business re- configuring itself in readiness for the future of the automobile industry – a sector increasingly reliant on supplier specialists to make its products in new ways as it develops towards autonomous driving and
8 | December 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
Our focus & growth withinAutomotive We are aluminium
Antivibration ABS/Brakes
Subframes
Crash Management System
Body-in-white
Luggage Cover
Sunroof
IP Beam
Decorative parts
Roof rails
Side trims
Heat exchangers
Heat & fluid transfer
Engine parts
Battery solutions
Engine housing
Power electronic
December 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 9
continued from previous page
electrification of the powertrain. It is a business putting its faith in a plan for a world which does not yet fully exist – and a world which could be transformed post-Brexit – in the hope it will be the supplier most ready when the moment comes. “We expect to invest more than £2 million over the next two years,” said Dr Vos. Hydro in Gloucester stands firmly on the foundations of UK company Pressweld and an acquisition of a Swedish company, Thule, which was acquired by SAPA, which is now Hydro. Hydro’s new-build factory and offices look out towards the Hempsted Road over the building plot ready to house the aforementioned expansion, which will see the merging of its Rotherham operation into Gloucester. His passion is even more apparent as we tour the not insignificant operations already here at its Spinnaker Road premises.
Teams of robots tackle aluminium roof rails and features for some of the biggest car marques we are not allowed to mention and blue-overalled staff equipped in compulsory safety gear orchestrate affairs. Steaming baths of chemicals dip, clean, polish, coat and finish, giant rotating muscular sleeves polish. Wooden boxes are carefully packed ready to leave, and their contents adorn production cars nationwide. As we remove our own safety gear post shop floor tour, Dr Vos muses about his desire to not just fill positions at the company, but to embed it in Gloucestershire. “We plan to have a family day next year, to invite our workforce and their families into the workplace and show that we care about their safety and wellbeing," he said. "We are a company which cares about sustainability, its people and the communities we are in.We collaborate and respect each other. "We work hard but we have fun doing it. Hydro wants to be bigger, better greener. We plan to grow in
Gloucester and we are here to stay!” l Visit hydro.com/en/gloucestercomp/ or telephone 01452 502502
10 | December 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
Facilities Group
Welcome to ilec Facilities Group Specialists in : • Electrical installations, repairs, upgrades, testing and certification • Air conditioning for home and office • Plumbing, heating and controls • Boiler installations – gas and oil • Fire alarm installations and testing • Emergency lights installation and testing • Landlords certification • Annual maintenance service contracts • Renewable energy systems • Solar power, air and ground source heat pumps
We can assist with : • MEP design • Installation
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01242 518026 www.ilec-imec.com
November 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 11
Time to set sale at Bakers Quay
Investors beware, the gangplank is about to be pulled for those keen to get on board the £20 million first phase redevelopment of Gloucester Quays. It is easy to see the vision for Bakers Quay now – to transform the long neglected historic warehousing and buildings that made up the then derelict canal- side quarter into new homes and then some. Developers Rokeby Merchant had fully pre-let to tenants Premier Inn, Brewers Fayre and Costa Coffee before it even began. But it takes a brave person to take a punt and invest early in the flats which became part of the transformational scheme, driven by the firm forged to take on the task. This immediately post-Brexit vote. But invest people did – in the one and two bed luxury waterside apartments that now make up the Provender scheme, aside from the 5,339 sq ft of ground floor restaurant accommodation. All 46 flats have sold or let by the end of the first year – many immediately, with anecdotes of some
changing hands very quickly at a tidy profit for some shrewd investors. Most are in it for the longer term, confident the high spec modestly priced waterside dwellings were a safe investment, and possibly one day will become homes they move into themselves. “It has been a tremendous success. I would say there is a really good mix of owner and rented. I would say between 30 and 40 per cent are investment,” said Adrian Goodall, the public face of Rokeby Merchants, the company forged from his own business, Rokeby Developments and Michael Chicken’s Merchant Place Developments, to drive through both phases of the multi-million pound waterside rebirth. Mr Goodall’s considerable track record at such projects places him at the centre of Newcastle Quayside’s rebirth in the North East and, before that, a similar major Docklands project in London, which possibly explains how the scheme many once thought impossible has been able to not just take off – but fly. Christmas will mark a line in the sand for Rokeby Merchants, as it closes the transformational phase
12 | December 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
opportunity to purchase six one bedroom apartments currently let and managed on assured shorthold tenancies with an annual income of £52,200 providing a yield of approximately 5.5 per cent with potential for six per cent.”
“They all went to market with tenants – effectively with a proven track record of rental income – and sold. Also, we only have one vacant apartment, number 102, left.” It is truly, the last call to board the phase one investment scheme. If one apartment is not enough, watch this space for news of phase two l To find out more visit Bakersquay.com
one – and turns its attentions to phase two, which promises a further £20 million of investment. Phase two promises to be equally exciting – the conversion of the Downings, Malthouse and Transit Shed buildings into more residential and restaurant space, but unfortunately we can’t say too much about that here. What we can say is, it bodes well for those who already have their money sitting in the thriving residential, leisure, retail and tourist hot spot – and perhaps makes those who have not rather feel like they have missed the boat. All understandable, except the latter part, about missing the boat, is not true. Okay,The Cottages in High Orchard Street, penthouse apartments and elevator apartments are sold – but there is still an opportunity. And if ever an investment opportunity was easy to set sail aboard, this could be it. “We had six investment properties we had leased tenants for more than a year now, which still have tenants, which we decided to sell as we move into concentrating on phase two." We are talking about what is known as the Provender building, or to those with exceptional memories, once Provender Mill and before that the old Foster Brothers Oil and Cake Mill. It is a building “sympathetically designed to blend seamlessly into its historic surroundings, with many iconic features of the original mill retained”. A phoenix from the ashes of Provender Mill, ravaged by arson in an attack on the eve of the project’s start. The sales pitch described the package of six flats – priced at £950,000 for the group – as “a unique
December 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 13
Lister Unified Communications joins forces with the RAC
Businesses across the South West can improve the safety and productivity of their vehicle fleets, thanks to a new partnership between Lister Unified Communications and the RAC. The Stonehouse-based communications specialists have agreed a partnership with the RAC to provide their connected telematics products across the region. The game-changing product offers companies valuable information on the fuel consumption of their vehicle fleets, as well as on the safety of the people behind the wheel. It also provides information on an individual vehicle’s health by utilising the vast experience that the RAC has in fleet management.
Announcing the deal with the RAC, Lister Unified Communications director Jim Clapham said: “We are delighted to be partnered with such an iconic motoring brand, offering their unique telematics product. “We have more than 14 years of experience helping South West businesses with their telematics and can see huge benefits for them with this exciting product.” Devised and developed for the RAC’s own fleet of vehicles, RAC Connected Telematics now has tens of thousands of vehicles online. It offers immediate information on each vehicle and the person behind the wheel. Knowledge from the RAC’s insurance experts has been used to create algorithms to determine how
14 | December 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
well company car and van users are driving. That data can provide further support to businesses which are looking to drive down costs. The information highlights the fuel consumption and driving style of each driver and how well the fleet is functioning in terms of safety. It works by installing a small telematics box in each vehicle, with the data able to be seen on a customisable on-screen computer portal or mobile app. Each driver has a Bluetooth key fob that interacts with the telematics box to ensure the system knows who is driving and how safely they are doing it. Drivers also have their own personal log-in to the system which allows them to monitor their driving performance and mileage and keep track of fuel claims. The RAC has a reputation for being one of the UK’s most-innovative motoring organisations and currently has approximately 11million members. RAC head of commercial telematics Nigel Humpherson said: “We have developed a strong relationship with Lister Unified Communications and believe they are the right fit to supply and support our Connected Telematics products to businesses in the SouthWest.” RAC Connected Telematics products are one of the most affordable solutions available today, costing from £10 per vehicle, per month l For more information visit www.lister-communications.co.uk or call 01453 829 200
December 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 15
Paul Gorick, Ryan Mason, Ben Confaloni, Matt Moulder, Jim Gaffney, Ben Fletcher, JustinWhitmore and Alan Lusmore
Learning from business heavyweights gives APM Fire and Security a secure future
It has been nearly six years since Matt Moulder decided to take the experience he had gained working in the fire and security industry for over 24 years and go it alone. Having worked for city business heavyweights Gardner Security back in his apprentice years and then Allcooper to earn his stripes, Matt has had the perfect grounding and is taking full advantage. APM Fire and Security is now a thriving Gloucester business which is growing so much that it has outgrown its home for the second time since 2014. It has relocated to a bigger, more modern unit at Triangle Business Park, which gives the growing company room for future expansion. Now employing 15 sales, engineering and support staff, APM Fire and Security turned over close to £1million last year and its continued ambition is to keep growing year-on-year. A family company from the start, Mr Moulder’s father
Anthony came out of retirement to provide valuable expertise and investment to get it off the ground six years ago. Four years ago, Mr Moulder's brother brought his skills from working in business to run the firm’s office-based support and systems operations, as well as manage the finances “Our aim has always been to use the combined experience of the staff we have across our business to grow,” Mr Moulder said. “Our plan is to grow locally, rather than expand into too wide an area. “My experience has told me that what I call the doorstep market in Gloucestershire is big enough to provide us with ongoing opportunities for growth. “Fire and security systems are a must-have for any business to ensure they are compliant with both insurance and health and safety. “While the systems deliver the same results, the technology that delivers these systems is constantly developing. At APM we pride ourselves in being able
16 | December 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
CCTV for health and safety compliance purposes to check on their warehouses, racking and the forklift truck drivers. It has so many uses.” Just as with the business’ name, the fire and security systems play equal roles in the company and its sales and engineering staff are trained in both sectors.
The company offers a complete fire safety service from advising on building requirements and fire detection equipment to offering door access control and supplying fire extinguishers. “The industry rules and regulations are constantly changing, and we see this as our job to keep our customers informed of any impact these changes may have on their business,” Mr Moulder said. “We want to ensure all of our customers get complete satisfaction from what we offer them. We want it to be easy for them to do business with us. “We identify with our customers because we provide them with a personalised service. “Our team will get to know them and that gives them the confidence that they have a partner who
to offer these to our customers. “But we also want our customers to know that those systems will be delivered from a trusted local company that is on their doorstep and can react rapidly to offer support when they need it.” Technological advances in recent years have meant that security equipment has evolved from simple CCTV to innovative and interactive surveillance equipment. APM has a monitoring centre at its base, where staff can monitor live feeds and respond without having to be on site. “People are becoming more aware of the technology that is out there to protect properties,” Mr Moulder said.
will deliver what they need and expect. “We always make sure we are competitive with sensible prices and we don’t tie people in to long-term contracts or direct debits. I know our customers appreciate that. “We’ve been on an amazing journey over the past six years and I can’t thank our wonderful team, our customers and our suppliers enough. “We are eagerly looking forward to the future“ l For more information about APM Fire and Security, visit www.apmfireandsecurity.com or call 01452 234111
“The technology we can install makes people stop and think twice about breaking in. It has become a deterrent more than a warning. “CCTV systems are a major part of our offering and we now have live video streaming from cameras with audio playback. “That means someone in our off- site monitoring centre can tell someone to ‘go away’ from miles away. “It’s incredibly versatile and I don’t think people realise the value that you can have from it. “One of our local customers uses
December 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 17
ONE DRINK IS ONE TOO MANY – REMEMBER IT’S ALWAYS NONE FOR THE ROAD
Don’t risk it. Don’t drink or drug drive. Even if you’re just over the limit in the eyes of the law you are a drunk driver and a criminal.
Safe and social driving
18 | December 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com #safeandsocialdriving @GlosSSDriving
Working together for safer roads
Where there’s a change there’s a claim
It is hard to believe that R&D tax relief will have been around for 20 years next year. Many businesses are only now realising R&D tax relief is something they are able to harness, often for developing products and services they thought were just part of what they do. Here are some recent examples of claims we have completed. Food and drink • A specialist beer brewer devising new brews and blends which have impacts on the beer’s shelf life, health considerations, allergies and intolerances. • Design of new snack product ranges – a high street coffee shop chain that needs to devise regular new taste ideas and follow the latest trends, overcoming issues of shelf life, allergies and intolerances and healthy eating considerations while still tasting good. • Design of small packets of, especially, alcoholic ingredients for cooking, to avoid wastage. Construction and utilities • A new method of laying mains services under roads. • Modification of boilers by service engineers in the field to enable them to accept parts from another manufacturer.
IT and software • Use of advanced radar and infra-red technology for laser tag games along with the associated software programming.
James Geary, head of corporate tax at Randall & Payne
• Adapting digital marketing methods for new software releases from the likes of Google, or reacting to changes in its ranking rules. • Design and integration of advanced ordering and accounting systems for a company selling hundreds or thousands of product combinations in gift hampers. Manufacturing • Small batch manufacturing eg, creating replacement parts for vintage steam locomotives. • Modifying and improving farm trailer design. These examples barely scratch the surface in terms of how wide this relief can be. As always, the advice is to speak to a specialist to see if your business might qualify. With a strict two-year time limit for making claims, you really might be leaving cash on the table l Contact James Geary for a free no-obligation meeting by emailing james.geary@randall-payne. co.uk or call 01242 776000
December 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 19
Brunsdon - NOUN [brunsdon] -s, are, is definition : Local, independently owned insurance brokerage with over 85 years of experience. Providing impartial and trusted advice to all businesses and private clients to cost-effectively manage their risk. It is the personal relationships alongside the quality, experience and enthusiasm of our staff that sets us apart. synonyms : quality, experience, trusted
“We have a long standing relationship with Brunsdon who continue to provide us with an efficient, personal and proactive Insurance and Risk Management service. They are an Independent broker who are large enough to cope and small enough to care.” Managing Director – Logistics Company
Call 01452 623623 Email corporate@brunsdon.co.uk
20 | December 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
“We have been working in partnership with Brunsdon since 2005, we have enjoyed a first class service throughout this time from Neville and his team and would be happy to recommend Brunsdon to any prospective clients.” Financial Director – Construction Sector
www.brunsdoninsurancebrokers.co.uk
December 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 21
400 jobs to be created at Forest of Dean Business Park
A former transport depot in the Forest of Dean is set to be turned into a business park which will create over 400 jobs. The former Richard Read Transport depot in the village of Longhope has been out of use since the family firm decided to shut up shop after 73 years. Soon afterwards, the firmwon planning permission from Forest of Dean Council planners to redevelop the site into a 10,000 square metre industrial park. Plans approved by the Forest of Dean District Council talk of potentially 409 full time jobs being created on the site. The application, by Gloucester-based agents Bruton Knowles on behalf of Richard Read Transport, would see the footprint of the site - currently home to the buildings fronting the road and two to the rear almost doubled to 2.10 hectares. A report to the district council's planning committee by its own officers called the scheme a "major development". It said: "The proposal compromises the construction of commercial units on this site, with
illustrative schemes demonstrating how 18 B1 units combining a total of 5,320sq m or two B8 of a total of 4,720 sqm can be accommodated." The proposal includes the provision of modified vehicular access into the site via a modified entrance point off the A4136 in the north-east corner l
22 | December 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
50 Gloucestershire Apprenticeship Champions
Welcome again to what we hope is a useful tool for anyone involved in apprenticeships, who wants to be an apprentice, to take on an apprentice, or knows anyone curious about any of the above. This is the GloucestershireApprenticeship Champions 2019 list – showcasing 50 county companies which have shown an outstanding commitment to training apprenticeships. Building on a template Punchline began to shape last year, we went direct to those in
depth of the companies that make up the diverse Gloucestershire economy, and putting the names of those training providers in lights. GFirst LEP is not the first to realise the demographic of the county is changing and if we do not do something to shout about the opportunities here, we risk losing talent to other parts of the country. We hope in its own small way, this feature helps everyone, and if you read closely you will also see if reflects the growing trend towards using
apprenticeships at all levels to help develop even our most experienced staff (yes, you are now never too old or senior to progress your skills!). LinseyTemple, of GET, and the University of Gloucestershire talk about how the engineering companies of the county have achieved that holy grail. From January, apprenticeships in both manufacturing engineering and in control/technical support engineering are due to begin at the university. They are the missing piece that will mean training at all levels can take place here in the county for the first time ever. It is just one of the
the know - to some of the biggest training providers in the county to build the list. We asked them all the same question – which companies would they put into a list of firms which have stood out for their apprenticeship provision. We asked them not for the biggest, or the ones training the most staff, but for a spread of companies from across the sectors. They obliged and we compiled what unfolds over the following pages. Which is why we owe a special thanks to the University of Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire College, GET (Gloucestershire
exciting prospects being opened up.
Engineering Training), SGS College, Cirencester College and Betaris Training. We then asked those firms how many apprentices they have, and how many they might be taking on in 2020, and for a line as to why the route to work is important for their company. We hope the list works on many levels – championing those firms committed to training, signposting potential staff to the scores of opportunities which could be on offer, showcasing the breadth and
Just how important are apprenticeships? We leave the last line to one of the companies good enough to help us with the guide. "Apprentices are very much the lifeblood of our business. They give us the opportunity to grow production and repair operatives though a programme that immerses the apprentice in every part of our business. We consider them to be our future team leaders and beyond” l
December 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 23
CREATE YOUR OWN HIGH FLYERS Spot the people with potential. Give them the opportunity to gain professional qualifications in HR, Marketing, Accountancy and Leadership. Accelerate the growth of your business.
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24 | December 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
THE APPRENTICESHIP GUIDE
1
Delphi Technologies Stonehouse ADVANCED ENGINEERING
This US giant is a major business which remains solidly committed to apprenticeships. Annually it takes on around and about 16 new apprentices. Just how much it values signing up the next generation, nurturing them and opening their minds to the world of possibilities within the company can be seen at its annual business awards. This year the firm hired Gloucester Rugby’s 1873 lounge to stage the awards ceremony.
APPRENTICES 2020 TBC Currently 56
“Our apprenticeship programme is vital to the continued success of the business as it is designed to ensure we have skilled engineers of the future at the forefront of our manufacturing base here at Stonehouse.” Shortlisted by GET l
3
Total Metal Products Drybrook ENGINEERING
2
Stuart Holmes Salon Cheltenham HAIR SALON “Apprentices for us in our industry are still the hairdressers of tomorrow.We have valuable senior members of our team that started out as apprentices and are still with us today years later. They are a key part to the growth of the business,” Sara Holmes. Shortlisted by Gloucestershire College l
Started by Steven Richards initially as a “machine tool service solution” by its own account it “quickly grew to become a bespoke machine tool supplier to the automotive industry”. While this remains its core business it has also grown into other areas. TMP Group now includes TMP Manufacturing for the supply of aftermarket and low volume manufactured components for the automotive sectors, with customers ranging from OE, Tier 1 & 2. Singled out by Gloucestershire College l
APPRENTICES 2020 1-2 Currently 3
4
Geometric Manufacturing Tewkesbury ENGINEERING/MANUFACTURING
APPRENTICES 2020 TBC Currently 9
The firm takes its training seriously. It currently has nine apprentices in the business, five doing BEng (Hons) Manufacturing Engineering, at Wolverhampton University, day release and at Gloucestershire College two doing HNC Mechanical Engineering, one doing HNC Business, and one doing Level 3, Business, workplace learning. “We hope to recruit more apprentices for our 2019 intake. Apprentices are the lifeblood of any business.Without training and attracting new talent, it’s impossible to grow a successful business, and long term the outlook would be bleak.” Paul Wenham. Shortlisted by Gloucestershire College l
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December 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 25
THE APPRENTICESHIP GUIDE
5
NHS - Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust County-wide
APPRENTICES 2020 LOTS Currently 172
HEALTH “We offer apprenticeships in a range of roles from healthcare assistants working in our wards, to secretarial, reception, administration, portering, IT, procurement, finance, pathology and day nursery. Healthcare science is a growing area.We
currently employ five degree level apprentices with a view to recruit at lower levels too.We are always looking for Level 2 & 3 Healthcare Support workers and tend to advertise for this three times a year.” Shortlisted by Gloucestershire College l
7
6
TheWhite Horse Federation Swindon SCHOOLS ACADEMY
GE Aviation Bishops Cleeve ENGINEERING A global advanced engineering business serving
APPRENTICES 2020 TBC Currently 85
APPRENTICES 2020 20 Currently 20
Based in Swindon, this academy’s portfolio of schools also includes Gloucester Academy and it uses Gloucestershire College for its apprenticeship training. “TheWhite Horse Federation has supported
aerospace and defence sectors. On both sites (GE Aviation and its sister business Dowty Propellors) it offers the embedded electronics degree and also the L3 Btec linked to the electronic manufacturing facilities.“Apprenticeships are
37 engineering 48 supply chain
36 people through the apprenticeship program. The majority of their apprenticeship levy is used on training for existing staff, but they are open to recruiting new apprentices. Career paths for apprentices include teaching assistants, IT, finance, leadership, business and admin. The White Horse Federation aims to support around 20 apprentices per year. “Getting the right people in the right place at the right time is an essential part of strategic business planning. Apprenticeships form part of TWHF strategic approach, as they offer us the ability to nurture and develop the skills and the workforce we need for the future, and to bring new talent into our organisation.” Steve Brimfield, director for people at theWhite Horse. Shortlisted by the University of Gloucestershire l
our future talent pipeline for the business where they receive on the job training… earning whilst learning.” Damon Ballinger, manufacturing training and apprentice manager at Dowty Propellers, said: "Apprentices are very much the lifeblood of our business.They give us the opportunity to grow production and repair operatives though a programme that immerses the apprentice in every part of our business.We consider them to be our future team leaders and beyond.The Dowty apprenticeship allows us to provide our operations team with very high quality team members, specifically skilled to our business needs." Singled out by Gloucestershire College l
Join full/ OU Sat
YOUR FIRST REAL CHANCE at SGS!
26 | December 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
8
Serco Quedgeley OUTSOURCING
9
iipay Cheltenham PAYROLL SOLUTIONS With its headquarters in Festival House, Jessop Avenue, Integrated International Payroll is described as a market leader in cloud-based global payroll solutions on the strength of technology that solves the global payroll gap. No apprentices currently on its books and no plans to recruit, but shortlisted for its past commitments by the University of Gloucestershire l
Serco Group plc is a FTSE 250 firm. Headquartered in Hampshire, it also has a base at Olympus Park, Quedgeley and is described as an outsourcing provider operating in six sectors of public service provision - health, transport, justice, immigration, defence and citizens’ services. Its apprenticeship schemes have won awards. Shortlisted by the University of Gloucestershire l
Astor-Bannerman Andoversford CARE Leading providers of disability care - experts in the design and manufacture of specialist bathing and care equipment through to installation and any on going support and servicing needs l 10 The award-winning business was an apprenticeship champion long before the training won back the support of central government. It also has non-electrical apprenticeships in finance and IT and is about to start looking for a business admin apprentice l 11 APPRENTICES 2020 10+ Currently 57 in Gloucestershire Clarkson Evans Staverton ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR “One of the secrets of our success is our apprenticeship programme. We do not simply offer a trade, but an opportunity to forge a long term career with us. The bottom line is that apprentices are the heartbeat of Clarkson Evans and they enable us to keep expanding and winning more work, which opens up even more opportunities.”
us at our Open Event and find out about SGS College’s wide range of apprenticeships, art-time and Higher Education study programmes, including those starting in September 2020. NEXT OPEN EVENT: rday 25 January, 10:00–13:00 | All Campuses including the Berkeley Green UTC Join us at our Ope Event and find out about SGS Colle ’s wide ra g of apprenticeships, full/part-time and Higher Education study programmes, including thos s arting in September 2020. UR N XT OPEN EVENT: Saturda 25 January, 10:00–13:00 | All Campuses including the Berkeley Green UTC
December 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 27
THE APPRENTICESHIP GUIDE
How to ensure your office Christmas party isn’t one to forget…
No matter what business you are in, the Christmas party is always an event that is keenly anticipated. The chance to celebrate the year just gone, a chance for a few days' rest and relaxation with the family and, most importantly, a chance to forget about Brexit for a while. But there are pitfalls around the party and it’s crucial for your business that you are aware of issues that could hit. Alex Lyttle, associate partner at Gloucester’s leading business solicitors Tayntons knows that there are potential problems that can hit a business at what at first glance is a fun event. “As an employer it is easy to be distracted by all of the events that are going on at this time of year,” he said. “Sometimes, you can lose track on where and, perhaps more importantly, who you should be concentrating your efforts on.
“With lots of younger people turning down the chance to go to university and preferring to concentrate on apprenticeships, there are more young people than ever in the workforce.
Alex Lyttle,Associate Partner at Tayntons
“It means that there will be many young workers experiencing their first company Christmas party and all that is associated with it.” The Christmas party is probably the one event each year to involve alcohol and all that goes with it and that can lead to problems that exist long after the hangovers have cleared. “For many, Christmas parties mean one thing – free booze,” Mr Lyttle said. “The open bar is a long- awaited and much-cherished thing for many. “Many of us have had to deal with the fall-out of the
The name trusted in business OFFICES | INDUSTRIAL | AGRICULTURAL | RETAIL | HOSPITALITY
28 | December 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
free drinks, but how many have thought about what we could and should do before the party starts? “It’s crucial to limit the company’s liability, to ensure that we can all enjoy the chance to wind down. “It is most important is that your employees should enjoy themselves. They have worked hard for you all year and deserve to let their hair down.” Tayntons have created a four point plan of simple things that every business should follow, to ensure that the festivities go ahead without a hitch. Mr Lyttle said: “We don’t want to go outside of the Christmas mood and we don’t want to saddle your party with lots of legal jargon. “However, there are some common sense things that we should think about – and common sense can often be the first thing to go out of the window at this time of year.” The four-part plan urges businesses to not only think about individual staff, but to also think about how the wider reputation of your company can be hit if things get out of hand. “First of all, it’s vital to remember your reputation,” Mr Lyttle said. “It is great to have fun with staff, but at the end of the day you do not want the restaurant or pub to say they never want to see you again.”
“Second, it’s vital to look after the inexperienced members of staff, those who may be having their first night out with a free bar! “Keep an eye on staff who could have over-indulged. While you certainly don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun, you don’t want their entire Christmas to be one they would rather forget. “Third, consideration must be given to having designated drivers and thinking about transport home. “If you are not providing transport, suggest that lifts of some sort are arranged. “Vitally, If the person driving is also at the party, make sure they know their responsibilities. “Finally, deal with any problems swiftly and in accordance with your disciplinary procedure, and do it as quickly as possible. “All of us at Tayntons hope you all have a great time at your parties and may you all have a cracking Christmas and prosperous New Year.” Based in offices in the heart of the city of Gloucester, Tayntons have been representing businesses and individuals around Gloucestershire for more than 160 years l For more information visit www.tayntons.co.uk or call 0800 1584147
01452 222340 info@tayntons.co.uk www.tayntons.co.uk 8-12 Clarence Street, Gloucester GL1 1DZ
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Apprenticeship provision that continues to grow
South Gloucestershire and Stroud College supports well over 600 employers across the West of England with apprenticeship programmes. This year the college has recruited 700 new apprentices, bringing the total number currently studying at the college to 1,750. This continued growth is a result of the comprehensive support service offered to employers, including a very thorough and extensive recruitment service. Much of the growth is also attributable to SGS College’s long-term partnerships with key employers, both large and small. These include multinational businesses, public sector organisations and, equally important, local SMEs. Sara-Jane Watkins, SGS College principal, said: "Apprenticeships at SGS are growing year on year and we are driven to ensure this trend continues. “The apprenticeship services at SGS are responsive, bespoke, and deliver high quality account management, offering a highly personal and very effective vacancy matching service. “The college is also highly effective at responding to the wider economic needs and over the past four years SGS has worked closely with the local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) to ensure the skills gaps that are being identified by business are met.” One student that has experienced first-hand the vital
role of apprenticeships is Daniel John. Daniel was elated to win not one but two awards last year: Outstanding Apprentice of the Year – Health, Education & Care – Private or Public Sector, and the top award of the evening, Bristol & Bath Apprentice of the Year. His manager at South Gloucestershire Council, Katie West, said: “Daniel has surpassed any expectations I might ever have had about what an apprentice might achieve. “I would have expected someone who is eager to learn, develop and impress. This described Daniel perhaps at the outset of his apprenticeship, but once his self-confidence grew, he has gone on to make huge changes in the council that he has brought about himself, due to his genuine aspiration to make positive changes for others.” Daniel supports the disabled employee group and has facilitated work experience for a school student with autism. In terms of Daniel’s plans for the future: “I intend to do further work around autism, helping to make workplaces more autism friendly. “My ambition is to see the autism employability gap closed significantly over the coming years, as only 32 per cent of autistic adults are currently in paid employment. Through the training I am currently delivering in my apprenticeship, my aim is to raise awareness of autism in the workplace.”
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