Brave new world The latest chapter in Digbeth's evolution - FREE April/May 2019 - Birmingham Business
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
FREE • April/May 2019
Brave
new
world
The latest
chapter in
Digbeth’s
evolution
birminghambiz.co.uk
Your new home? Exceptional
results
from an expert team
at Benussi & Co
Over the last 27 years Benussi &
03
Co Ltd has built a reputation for advertisement
feature
excellence of service and results. It is
now firmly established as an excellent
results-driven matrimonial law firm.
Creating a fair and honest solution civil partnerships and complex appropriate way to achieve the best
that protects income, home and any parenting issues are expertly results all round.
children, requires expert legal and handled by specialists at the firm. Last year the Benussi Holistic
commercial knowledge which is why The team gives a strategic Lounge was launched. It offers
the Benussi & Co team excel. As perspective to long-running, complex clients safe and confidential access
solicitors with an understanding of and seemingly intractable disputes. to in-house therapeutic specialists,
complex financial matters relating The Benussi & Co Ltd solicitors work in a bid to reduce the stress divorce
to divorce, and an excellent success to devise strategies that will help to can cause.
record, the team ensures the best eliminate any possible impasse. Helen Benussi, director,
possible settlements are achieved Specialists within the Benussi & comments: “Whilst we believe that
for clients. Co Ltd team fully grasp the impact clients should focus on what they
Divorce is emotionally exhausting. a divorce can have on corporate truly deserve, it is equally important
Divorce can be disruptive, and personal assets, national and to provide those who may need
particularly for high net worth international, working relentlessly additional emotional support during
individuals, with people looking to to achieve a fair outcome by negotiations, with greater confidence
protect all they have accumulated safeguarding both assets and as they step forward towards a new
after years of hard work. The income. life.”
firm provides constructive advice The firm places children’s needs The Benussi & Co team offers
and is highly proficient at legal at the heart of discussions, aiming numerous strengths including
negotiations, both nationally and to eliminate frustrations regarding expertise combined with emotional
internationally. access to children, and in doing so, intelligence making them a valuable
Based in Birmingham’s Colmore minimise the impact of divorcing source of advice for clients. With
Business District, Benussi and Co parents on them. With extensive sound internal structures in place
offers a full range of resolution and international experience, the team that guarantee effective support
mediation skills for clients. All types can advise clients who may live services, Benussi & Co provides a
of relationship breakdowns including in different countries, on the most commitment to client satisfaction.
Make
Make sure
sure this
this isis not
not all
all you
you have
have
left
left after
after your
your divorce.
divorce.
To speak to one of
our team for an initial Diane Benussi Helen Benussi
consultation please call
0121 248 4001
Newater
NewaterHouse,
House,11
11Newhall
NewhallStreet,
Street,Birmingham,
Birmingham,B3
B33NY
3NY
Telephone:
Telephone:0121
0121248
2484001
4001
Email:
Email:info@benussilaw.co.uk
info@benussilaw.co.uk
Website:
Website:www.benussilaw.co.uk
www.benussilaw.co.uk
04
contents 12 34 41 Welcome 05
contents
Welcome to the fourth edition of be turned towards Edgbaston. The
Birmingham Business, the first stadium has a busy and high-profile
spring issue we have put together. summer of cricket ahead, but this is
On the subject of new life, there more than just one of the country’s
ON THE COVER FEATURES COLUMNISTS are few areas in Birmingham enjoying great sporting arenas. We meet the
such a vibrant regeneration as off-the-pitch team – led by chief
18 James Craig 12 Barkley Plastics 16 Ninder Johal Digbeth, particularly within the maze executive Neil Snowball – which
Meet the man in of streets and buildings which lie operates the magnificent venue all
Constant re-invention Keeping up with in the estate behind the Custard year round as a thriving business,
charge at for family firm evolving technology Factory. cementing its place as a pride of
Birmingham’s Scores of businesses, the majority Birmingham.
Custard Factory 26 MIPIM 51 Ciara Keeling with a strong creative focus, operate In 2022 Birmingham’s sporting
from the 15-acre site now owned cannon will be bolstered as the city
News from the Boosting and managed by Oval Real Estate. hosts the Commonwealth Games.
INTERVIEWS conference connections We catch up with Oval’s boss, the The starting gun has long since been
52
seasoned property investor James fired for start of the preparations, but
for small
34 Pioneer 41 Edgbaston businesses
Craig, to find out why acquiring this
dynamic corner of Digbeth was
there are a wealth of opportunities
for businesses in the region to
Dr Mahnaz Hashmi More than just cricket too good an opportunity to turn partner with the Games, and now
down, and also his team’s plans for is the time for them to take an
47 Joy of work SOCIALS regenerating this unique district
steeped in industrial heritage.
active approach in getting involved,
according to chief executive Ian Reid.
Bruce Daisley Continuing the property theme, the Reading through this issue of
24 Awards launch Birmingham and Midlands contingent Birmingham Business you could
66 5 minutes with... Celebrating young of delegates was once again out
in force in Cannes this year for
be forgiven for thinking it was put
together against a calm and stable
Kelly Farrell professionals MIPIM, the world’s largest property political backdrop. Obviously that is
exhibition. As we discover, the mood not the case. But frankly we’re fed
38 St Patrick’s Day in the Midlands UK Pavilion was full up of talking about Brexit – what is
of optimism at what lies ahead for there left to say (which is printable)
Drinks at bank’s Birmingham and the wider region, anyway? Moreover, the situation
new offices and some of the leaders from the changes by the hour.
private sector give us their views of So it is with great pleasure that
52 Collaboration what the conference meant to them
and the region.
we’ve pretty much parked Brexit
until the situation is more concrete,
Glamorous event at
By CARL JONES April marks the start of the county and instead focus on just a few of
the Hyatt Regency cricket season and for the next few the many great things happening in
Editor months eyes across the world will Birmingham.
Editor Business development ONLINE Birmingham Business is published by Midlands Magazines
Ltd. Reproduction of this magazine in whole or in part is
CARL JONES manager/head of advertising birminghambiz.co.uk prohibited without written permission of the editor. The
editor@birminghambiz.co.uk MIKE MOLONEY publishers have taken all reasonable care to ensure that the
@brumbiz information in this magazine is accurate at time of going to
sales@birminghambiz.co.uk
Director press. Midlands Magazines accepts no responsibility for the
consequences of error or for any loss or damage suffered
HENRY CARPENTER General enquiries by users of any of the information and material contained in
henry@birminghambiz.co.uk henry@birminghambiz.co.uk facebook.com/brumbiz
this publication. The views expressed by our columnists are
not necessarily those held by the publisher, or editor.
Design and layout Birmingham-business Printed in the UK by The Magazine Printing Company
MICHELLE DALTON www.magprint.co.uk
Opportunity knocks
The ‘O’ word was the recurring theme at
the latest business briefing for the 2022
Commonwealth Games, with the organising
bosses urging businesses in the region not to
06 07
miss out on the benefits the event has to offer.
HENRY CARPENTER reports.
games games
Attendees at the spring briefing for communities of Birmingham, next to take the microphone was of the 2022 Games’ organising “It’s not just about central tickets available. This means an
the Commonwealth Games were left Warwickshire and the Midlands. Ian Reid, the man charged with committee. Birmingham,” he said. “It is set to enormous amount of people coming
in no doubt: this is their big chance The event took the form of delivering an event with the billing “Glasgow gave me the experience benefit Solihull, Sutton, Sandwell, to the region, and hopefully they will
to grasp the nettle and play their part presentations from panel members of one of the great track and field to see what this event could do, Coventry, Warwickshire and the return in the future as well.
in the biggest single sporting event representing various key sectors, competitions to be staged anywhere both for the city and the region and whole region.” “That brings a huge number
the city will have held for decades. followed by a group panel Q&A. The in the world. I witnessed first hand the benefits to So, where do the benefits lie? First of jobs and in terms of business
Given that the several hundred two-hour briefing was compered Having served as the chief businesses,” said Mr Reid. of all, in large-scale exposure. opportunities we are talking about
besuited men and women gathered by former 400-metre sprinting star, finance officer for the 2014 Glasgow While these are the Birmingham “Look at the scale of the Games. approximately £300 million of
in the suite at Stoneleigh Park were Katharine Merry. Commonwealth Games, the powers Games in name, Mr Reid – and There are 6,500 athletes from 71 organising committee contracts
clearly professionals, this was a clear After the welcome given by that be have found a man with indeed the other speakers – nations taking part, with a global alone for suppliers and infrastructure
push to strengthen the ties between Jonathan Browning, chair of seriously relevant experience to take emphasised that this was very much audience of 1.5 billion spectators. We work.
the Games and the business Coventry & Warwickshire LEP, the on the position of chief executive a region-wide event. will hopefully have about one million “It is important to realise what
“The programme
is structured to
give sponsorship
opportunities to
businesses of
varying sizes.”
08
games
09
games
Artist’s impression of the we want to achieve from the event: roll up their sleeves, step up to the the supply chain works, understand Commercial opportunities don’t sponsorship opportunities to
competitors’ village bring communities together, improve plate and deliver.” mobilised labour, understand just lie in the provision of services or businesses of varying sizes.”
health and wellbeing, and leave The audience at Stoneleigh transport infrastructure and so forth. products. Mr Reid also addressed the The idea has clearly been to
legacies across all levels. was taken through an overview of “A proven supply chain is potential of sponsorship. make the engagement process as
“It is about putting the region the procurement process which obviously very helpful, and financial “Yes, we do need to raise some straightforward as possible, and for
on the map. A huge opportunity is operated by the organising stability is a necessity. We carry out money through sponsorship,” he that Mr Reid suggested businesses
to showcase what we can do in committee; that means reaching standard due diligence tests but said. “But that also brings huge register at the Games’ official online
“We will be looking organising such an event and show into the supply chain to find the we’re not going to take a draconian opportunities. We are looking for portal. This is a one-stop-shop for
of the city and region to the world. ideal providers of services and approach to this. And suppliers must suppliers who could perhaps either all Commonwealth Games-related
to work with “We are saying: let’s not waste commodities who are going to have provide value for money, a balance provide services at a discount or opportunities, structured to be easy
companies who this opportunity, we’ve got all these
people coming to the event and
to demonstrate they meet some key
requirements, social values being
of price, quality and social benefits.
“There will be some very specialist
free of charge in return for marketing
rights.
to navigate and understand.
He concluded: “I urge you all
might not have watching it on television. Let’s do the one of them. requirements which might be best “This isn’t about multi-national to register on the portal – that is
applied for public best job we can in maximising that
exposure.”
“We want businesses to tell us
how they’re going to help skills
suited for international organisations.
Our challenge to them will be to
businesses coming in and spending
tens of millions of pounds; the
where all the opportunities will be
advertised. And then be ready to
contracts before Mr Reid went on to point out development, how they are going engage with local businesses.” programme is structured to give respond to those opportunities.”
that the organising committee is a to employ local people and help
through the tender government body, therefore bound younger people, and what they plan
process – support by public procurement regulations.
The big positive in that, he said,
to do about the environment and
sustainability.
will be made is that all the opportunities will be “Companies have to be able to
available.” openly and transparently advertised.
“That does come with a degree
demonstrate to us that they have the
capability to deliver. Also, they must
of bureaucracy and administration,” share our values and understand
he continued. “We will be looking there is no compromise in that
to work with companies who might delivering mentality.
not have applied for public contracts “We do want experienced people,
before through the tender process – and that’s not necessarily people
support will be made available. who have worked in several events
“This is a process with a deadline but those who are experienced in the Established in 1997 ART Business Loans provides finance to businesses and social
though, and we need businesses to region, those who understand how
enterprises across the West Midlands where full bank support is not available.
n Up to £150,000 n Relationship Loan Manager - real people
n In house decision n Business must be based in the
West Midlands, Staffordshire,
n Fast turnaround
Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire
n Any sector / most business purposes or Warwickshire
So if no one can help - Give us a call
0121 359 2444 www.artbusinessloans.co.uk
Jonathan Browning Ian Reid
ART Business Loans – Fast, Flexible Finance
Have you moved Bright future
your telephony Future Faces will celebrate a record-
breaking year at its annual showcase
event at the ICC in September.
12 months.
Future Faces helps businesses
support young colleagues during
president (pictured above), said:
“Now in our seventh year, the Future
Faces network has grown from 11
news
or data to the
The young professionals’ arm of their career development and its strength to strength.
the Greater Birmingham Chambers membership profile now spans “Our numbers have grown
of Commerce, which has doubled in across multiple sectors, comprising exponentially and we are excited
cloud yet?
size over the last year, is staging its professional, financial and IT, that our awards dinner is graduating
fifth annual awards and dinner on manufacturing and construction, to one of Birmingham’s biggest
Friday, September 20. charity and public sector, marketing event spaces.
A move to the ICC, one of the and events, leisure and business “I can’t wait to see the awards
largest conference and event venues hospitality, technology, engineering applications coming in over the
in the city, reflects the organisation and entrepreneurial and creative. next few months – particularly as
achieving record growth in the past Mark Hipwell, Future Faces Birmingham continues to hit massive
highs with entrepreneurs and small
businesses, and with its ever-
changing skyline.
The cloud is here to stay with 75% of UK “I’d highly recommend any young
SME businesses having adopted cloud Key reasons why professional who is keen to develop
their career or promote themselves
services in one form or another. Do you our customers are beyond their own business sector to
apply for the awards.”
have a cloud strategy for your business? moving to the cloud: At the 2018 awards, marketing
expert Rebecca Halbert from
commercial property consultancy
• 41% Reduced costs Avison Young was crowned the
At Pure Telecom we take the time to understand Future Face of Greater Birmingham,
• 36% Flexible scalability having also won the Future
and immerse ourselves in your organisation to tailor Face of Sales, Marketing and
our solutions to suit you. • 27% Improved performance Communications award.
The winner of this year’s overall
• 26% Increased efficiency Future Face of Greater Birmingham
We provide full support including training, number award will also receive a fully-
funded Executive MBA scholarship
porting, onsite installation and UK-based assistance • 23% Increased productivity from Future Faces patron Aston
giving you complete peace of mind. University. The scholarship is worth
up to £30,000.
Mark Smith, executive director
of business engagement at Aston
University, said: “Aston University is
A great place to work delighted to support Future Faces
by offering a fully-funded MBA
A Black Country law firm has been Chief executive Mary Mocklow programme to the winning member.
named one of the best places to said: “The Sunday Times Best “Alongside the excellent
work in the Midlands. Companies programme ensures opportunities offered by Future
Talbots Law, which has an office we are benchmarking what we do Faces, the Aston Executive MBA –
in Dudley and announced 10% against the best firms in the West one of the best in the world – will
MOBILE TELEPHONY CONNECTIVITY CLOUD BUSINESS APPS MANAGED SERVICES equip them with the knowledge
growth in 2018, has been ranked Midlands and the UK.
65th in the regional league table “We want Talbots to continue needed to thrive in their sector.
compiled by The Sunday Times and to grow and this means we need “We look forward to welcoming
Best Companies, recognising its talented, motivated and values-led the winner into our Aston Business
Contact us for more Michael Place, Anchorage Avenue, commitment to investing in its staff,
their careers and to its charity work.
staff doing the right thing for our
clients.
School alumni.”
This year’s awards will feature two
Shrewsbury Business Park, Shropshire, SY2 6FG
information on 0121 227 5855 www.pure-telecom.co.uk
The legal specialist was named
in the regional list after securing
“We invest heavily in recruiting
locally, promoting from within and
new categories – the Future Face
of Charity and Social Enterprise and
significant improvements in scores investing in our apprenticeship the Future Face of Public Sector and
or email info@pure-telecom.co.uk @puretelecom /puretelecom for leadership, employees being
treated fairly and ‘giving something
programme. Our strong score
shows that the strategy is paying
Education, reflecting the network’s
multi-membership base.
back’. dividends.” The Future Faces Ambassador
Award is sponsored by Common
FINALIST
FINALIST WINNER
WINNER
From left, Jack Pugh, Jess Perry, Amy Nichols and Victoria Gardner, all Purpose, with the winner receiving
apprentices at Talbots Law. their Streetwise MBA, worth £5,000.
12 13
Matt Harwood
ago this year. of steering column components for
profile The two Harwoods, along with
fellow director Peter Tedd, preside
Mini,” confirms Matt.
“Furthermore, we are doing a lot
profile
over a company which is turning of retail and medical-related tooling
over £7 million – “we’ve been at and moulding at the moment. Items
that level for a while,” admits Matt – to help with deep vein thrombosis,
and manufactures from 40 hi-tech and components for Vileda mops
moulding machines which produce and cleaning products are two such
millions of units for the automotive examples.
and consumer goods industries. “We also provide Honeywell with
An average of £200,000 a year is various electrical security items.
invested in updating the machines We are capable of making almost
(they are never more than 15 years anything for any industry but the
old) and staff levels have risen automotive sector has always been
steadily through the years. and remains our biggest market.”
In many respects, not much of Barkley Plastics is in many ways
the original formula has changed an old-fashioned Birmingham
since the company was formed in manufacturing powerhouse. People
the 1960s – “same precision tools, continue to assemble and inspect
Breaking
same lasting high quality,” says Mark. the components off the machines
Much of this revolves around the provided by state-of-the-art robots
automotive industry with the majority and staff clock in and out of their shift
of parts they produce ending up in as they always have.
Nissan, Mini and JLR vehicles. This And the mood on the factory floor
the mould
continues the legacy started by is good, with apprentices being
making Jaguar E-Type lenses, the shown the ropes by experienced
light covers on the back of the cars, hands and many of the machines in
more than 50 years ago. full throttle. There are 126 members
Flashing beacons and interior of staff on the payroll, and men
Above: Matt Harwood, left, components are still made for and women over a wide age range
Peter Tedd and Mark Harwood many car makers, not to mention operate the machines and assembly
door handles for JLR and rear lamp stations. Even most of the flooring
HENRY CARPENTER meets the items for Nissan. A speciality is light we walk over was made by the firm –
family behind a plastics firm which guides, which are installed in many
new cars to create ambient lighting.
PVC tiles called Plasfloor.
“We are primarily a sub-contractor
is undergoing constant re-invention “We are producing exterior
and interior lighting units for the
making our customers’ products
but we do diversify into our own
whilst remaining true to its roots. 300,000-plus Qashqais made each innovations,” explains Matt. Below: The Highgate
year and around the same number It is accurate to point out that the factory in the 1960s
If straight talking is a virtue, Mark repercussions of being located in a
Harwood deserves the status of a proposed clean air zone. These two
saint. factors are going to present serious
He talks about the many highs – challenges so if you ask me if I am
and occasional lows – the plastics confident for the future, I am not
injection moulding specialist and going to lie – it’s going to be tough.”
toolmaker Barkley Plastics has been This exchange is just a snippet
through in its 55-year-old history, but of our chat in the firm’s offices in
when we turn to what lies ahead, the Highgate and this was the only
boss and owner of the family firm negative tint to a largely positive
is in no mood to pull the wool over discussion about Barkley Plastics,
anyone’s eyes. a firmly established and highly
“Am I optimistic about the future? respected name amidst the
Well, I would be if the national living Birmingham manufacturing fraternity.
wage wasn’t always creeping up. It We are accompanied by Mark’s
hammers us, as it has a knock-on son and the firm’s business
effect throughout the factory. development manager, Matt, who
“And we’ve also got the joined the family operation 10 years
14
profile
15
profile
Barkley Plastics relocated and his three colleagues from Lucas his mother became the shareholders. discussing it because no one knows plastics and we are actually working
to Highgate in 1968 got together and bought Mrs Barkley Mark, who is 58, aims to “semi what’s going to happen.” with a company to produce eco-
out; they kept the same name retire” when he is 60. “I am trying to He adds: “We’re still getting lots of friendly packaging for dishwasher
because it was at the top of the build a team for the next five years as work in and we’re still investing for tablets.”
telephone directory. The firm upsized part of a succession plan,” he says. the future. Defence is a sector we And what else does the future
to our premises here in 1968.” “Matt and other team members will are looking at very closely.” hold?
Many incarnations and investment be directors and Peter will become As far as Barkley is concerned, “We are looking to develop more
decisions later, Barkley Plastics managing director. I will chair the Mark is happy to deflect the fact cutting-edge engineering over the
now boasts an 85,000 sq ft facility company.” that plastics is something of a dirty next five years. We have developed
full of plastic injection moulding Which brings us back to those dark word with the ocean-polluting issue specialist processes which very few
machinery that is working 24 hours clouds – statutory wage increases at the forefront of the environmental moulders in the UK, let alone in the
a day to keep up with demand, and the tax demands for operating agenda. Midlands, have.”
while the dedicated tool room is in a clean air zone, whilst trying to “What we produce is not Suddenly the future is looking
also flourishing with a series of new remain competitive to a demanding disposable packaging. This is bright again. Barkley Plastics has
projects in the pipeline. customer base. As far as Brexit very much a focus. In fact, we are evolved with demands before and it
The factory has seen some famous is concerned “there’s no point developing new bio-degradable looks set do so again.
products go through its shop floor,
including the iconic 70s Homepride
Flour Men, the Big Yellow Teapot
for bluebird toys, paintball products,
skateboard wheels and parts for the
Raleigh bike.
Barkley Plastics’ five decades Webster & Horsfall, one of
in business have certainly been the West Midland’s oldest
eventful, covering the automotive companies, has secured
boom of the 1970s and MG Rover over £710,000 in Research
going under to the global recession and Development Tax relief.
of 2009 and the subsequent re-
shoring phenomenon.
You probably don’t
In the 1980s the company set up
another factory in Nechells which
was purpose built to make more of
“We are capable of making almost anything the same products to come out of
Highgate. even realise that
for any industry but the automotive sector has
always been and remains our biggest market.”
“Unfortunately, overheads were
killing it,” remembers Mark, who
joined the firm in 1978. “It only lasted
you are doing R&D...
about 10 years and then we brought
over all the machines and expanded If you employ more than
the Highgate part of the business.”
Another milestone in Barkley’s 25 employees, we can help
thriving operation we see today in the ad for tool makers. They knew
how to do that.
history has been its involvement in you claim your R&D tax
this corner of Birmingham can be the Midlands Assembly Network,
attributed to an advert in the local “The company was incorporated a group of nine sub-contract refund from HMRC.
paper back in the early 1960s. in 1965 and at the time was based in manufacturers that work together to
It was then, in 1963, that Mark’s Hallam Street in Balsall Heath. win work at home and abroad.
father, Maurice Harwood, along with “My dad and the other three were The company was a founder
three others, answered an appeal told that a milling machine, a grinder member of the unique collective and
placed by local entrepreneur John and other bits of equipment were has benefitted hugely from sharing
Barkley for local tool makers. needed so they started making their best practice, learning about new
Mark takes up the story. “The own tools. Wheels for shopping processes and collaborating on
three of them were doing a lot of trolleys of the sort used by the apprentice training programmes.
moonlighting while working at Lucas. elderly were the first items made. Barkley is now owned in its TO START YOUR CLAIM...
John Barkley, who didn’t know “A couple of years after the entirety by the Harwood family. call us on 0845 003 0140 or email refunds@rdtaxclaims.co.uk
anything about engineering but saw company was incorporated, John Maurice had bought his partners out
a bright future for plastics, put out Barkley passed away so my father and after he passed away, Mark and
By NINDER JOHAL
Deputy Lieutentant for the West Midlands
plc of a creative future workforce. workforce in terms of skills – with Only if we produce an environment
There is clear evidence that apprenticeships and graduates in which art and culture is
children exposed to subjects such at the forefront – so too we need appreciated will we be able to attract
as music and drama tend to be a generation that thinks and inward investment.
more creative, and generally have understands grey areas. Too often Businesses looking to invest in
16 17
a greater propensity to succeed in students are asked to think and the region want a well-balanced
life. They are more innovative and understand situations only in a binary and plentiful workforce but also an
forward thinking. fashion. environment in which workers are
Our education system removes There is ample evidence to show able to live, rest and work.
column those subjects which foster creativity
– this is a serious problem as, in a
that top surgeons and physicians are
accomplished musicians. We must
Whilst we all sit and fret over
Brexit (and quite rightly so!) we must column
post-Brexit world, our international encourage the arts and culture. We not forget that we have long-term
competitiveness will depend on an must treasure our museums and art structural issues that need to be
ability to be innovative and more galleries and encourage a thriving addressed.
forward thinking in an increasingly visitor economy to provide balance The Midlands, and in particular
disruptive world. for our next generation. Birmingham and the Black Country,
Evidence shows that as children They must be encouraged to were at the centre of the first
get older, they become less dream, and we must remove all industrial revolution – we led the way
innovative and more risk averse. barriers to learning and understand in innovation and creative thinking.
Our school system does not allow that the next generation learn in a As we enter the fourth revolution, it
creativity to flourish but proceeds different way to us. is our duty to ensure that this country
to straitjacket children with rigid Only if we produce well-balanced remains at the forefront of innovation
teaching systems and an inflexible creative people will we produce and forward-thinking, and leave a
curriculum. a future productive and creative long-lasting legacy . . . as was the
Just as we need a balanced workforce. case with our forefathers.
Ninder Johal is chief executive of the Nachural Group of Companies, organiser of the Birmingham-based Signature
Awards, and a newly appointed deputy lieutenant for the West Midlands.
Creativity is key to
economic success Award-Winning
Conference & Events
I can still vividly remember the day
when Steve Jobs announced the
through a different lens.
It means that the future success
span of attention and find themselves
frustrated by the education system. Venue in Birmingham
launch of the iPhone. of cities such as Birmingham will be So we need a workforce that is
As the owner of a relatively based on innovation, new ideas and nimble, multi-skilled and outward
successful record label, and having ‘out of the box’ thinking. thinking. A workforce that will • 1.5 miles from the city centre
seen the increasing threat from illegal With increasing global competition embrace lifelong learning to remain
downloads, the iPhone was the first and a world where disintermediation relevant.
• A range of suites overlooking the pitch
sign that this technological disruption is the norm – all business models With Brexit looming and evidence • From 10 to 800 delegates
was here to stay. are susceptible to being ‘yesterday’s that EU immigration is dwindling,
What we in the music industry also news’ with the click of a mouse. local talent must be ready to replace • Over 600 free on-site car parking spaces
knew was that it would extend across So how do we deal with this new the skills shortages that will worsen
the entire entertainment sector. world? How do businesses compete over the coming months and years. • Fantastic menus by our award-winning
Retailers who specialised in music with a world where your business The Government has continued to Executive Head Chef
collapsed overnight, and chains such could be rendered redundant by shape the education system for the
as Blockbuster were also put to the artificial intelligence, or an algorithm? future without understanding the role • On-site AV support
sword by newcomers such as Netflix. The answer lies in education and of creativity. It has decided to take a
Music itself has evolved from skills – whilst disruption is now ever- more traditional route by quite rightly
downloading to streaming, and this present, and changing our business emphasising the importance of STEM From meetings, conferences, award dinners, banquets
phenomena of renting rather than and personal lives at a frantic pace, (Science, Technology, Engineering
and weddings, we cater for all events, budgets and requirements.
owning assets such as CDs and education remains outdated. and Maths) subjects.
DVDs has also spread to films. It has not moved with a new But by removing subjects such as
The next generation have grown generation who learn everything and music, art and drama, it is denying Visit edgbaston.com or call 0121 369 1994 (opt 3)
up with technology as part of their resolve problems by platforms such the next generation of the skills
DNA; they think and see the world as YouTube. They have a shorter required to be creative – robbing UK
18
cover
19
cover
story story
All creatives The Custard Factory is part of a rich and varied network of
work spaces in Digbeth.
great and small HENRY CARPENTER meets the owners of this unique estate
to discuss the ongoing regeneration of a post-industrial gem20
cover
21
cover
story story
Fazeley Studios
It is not exactly a long walk from only part of a team, and we’ve got a old, artificial routes.
Fazeley Studios to the Custard brilliant one here.” You get the impression that this
Factory – perhaps only a couple of An integral member of this team heritage held a fascination for Craig
hundred yards – but try completing is Jo Salmon, Oval’s asset manager and Nick Prior, the other co-founder
the journey quickly in the company who heads the Digbeth operation of Oval, when they got to know the
of James Craig. when Craig is away – which is area. He continues:
The slow journey isn’t due to a frequently. “There are all these interesting
mobility issue. No, this is all about “I’ve been told the mood on the bits of man-made infrastructure
the seemingly endless stream of folk estate has improved hugely since put in place around the time of
who want to stop and have a chat Oval took it on,” she confides, as her the Industrial Revolution. I guess if
with him – and very much vice versa boss chats to yet another tenant. you extrapolate that over the time
– along the way. This is Craig’s patch, “There’s a really good feeling elapsed since, I think you’ll find that
literally, as the ultimate owner of this here, largely because everyone Digbeth, in many respects, hasn’t
dynamic, creative corner of Digbeth can see the sort of investment changed very much. It is still full of
which his company Oval Real Estate Oval are putting into the site. But people making things.
bought in 2017. the appreciation goes both ways. “That creativity and diversity of “From day one we
He perhaps doesn’t fit the profile of From day one we have been made creativity is totally unique. That for us
the sort of landlord you might expect, to feel really welcome here. I am is the starting point of what this place have been made to
given that Oval’s portfolio of assets
extends right across Birmingham, the
enormously grateful for that, and I
know James is too.”
is all about.”
While Craig clearly has an astute
feel really welcome
Midlands and beyond. We are now in the boardroom in business brain and a strong grasp here. I am enormously
the Scott Building which sits centrally of the sums, perhaps his greatest
Aloofness is not part of Craig’s
armoury, and he is genuinely in the Custard Factory complex. The strength is the feel he has for grateful for that.”
interested in – and cares for – the room gives a blatant indication of properties – and indeed districts – in
multitude of tenants which occupy the sort of legacy Craig and the Oval which to invest.
the network of offices, studios and team took on when they bought the Digbeth only came onto his
other work spaces which comprise estate, with Birds Custard branding radar about eight years ago, even
the 15-acre site in Digbeth. placed along the walls. If there is though Oval has been investing in
He is not going to pass up the one building in Digbeth emblematic Birmingham for nearly 20 years,
opportunity of catching up with any of past industry it is this: the factory predominantly in Edgbaston, Broad
tenant of his who wants a word. which Alfie Bird set up in 1902 to Street and the city centre. The
He loves it. “It’s a wonderful make his famous custard powder. firm, Craig tells us, has either asset
antidote to suited-up meetings in But there is so much more to the managed or refurbished more than
London,” he admits. estate than this iconic building – 1,000,000 sq ft of commercial space
Despite an affable and easy-going scores of post-industrial factories in the city.
demeanour, the only discomfort he and warehouses stretch to Fazeley So why Digbeth?
registers is that this article will be too Studios (a conversion of a former “We felt that Digbeth, which
focused on him as an individual. chapel and warehouse) and on already had a great offer, was an
“You must make it clear that the towards the Bond (a bonded building interesting place to see if we could
success of the estate is down to the which once acted as a warehouse for improve. First of all, it really is well
talent and hard work of the tenants,” HP Sauce). The site is surrounded by situated. It is 500 metres from Moor
he says in between exchanges. “I am canals, viaducts and other centuries- Street, it will be 500 metres to newly
Jo Salmon“When we arrived, we found
fascinating buildings and this very
22
cover
interesting mix of tenants in a very
varied community which I guess
we can describe as independent,
23
cover
story individual and industrious.” story
Office space at the Custard Factory
regenerated Smithfield, it will be 500 varied community which I guess that. I believe we have an amazing launched the company – “we’re
metres from HS2 and a walk to the we can describe as independent, opportunity to improve an already an investment, development and
Bullring takes six minutes. individual and industrious,” continues brilliant district. regeneration business, but in no
“It wasn’t until late 2016 that we Craig. “I think in five years’ time we would particular order,” according to Craig
started talking to the owners of the “We’ve got nearly 500 tenants like to see a thousand tenants, not – their assets have included hotels,
Custard Factory. We raised the idea and almost 1,000,000 sq ft of space 500, on our estate. We’re still on the data centres, training centres and
of us becoming partners to invest in Victorian buildings here which acquisition trail. While we might have airfields.
money in all the redundant buildings bring together a lot of Birmingham’s a London office, we’re a Midlands- “I suppose we’re an eclectic
across the estate. industrial past. based firm.” investor,” he explains. “We are driven
“It soon became clear that they “The very interesting thing is the At this point Salmon, the on-the- by projects which are based in value
“I believe there would be interested in selling. If
I’m being totally honest, we didn’t
incredibly eclectic tenant mix we
have, everyone from international
ground head of operations here in
Digbeth, points out that there is a
and are esoteric in nature.
“We like to be seen by our tenants
are few estates, expect to find ourselves as owners of design agencies, theatre companies, rolling programme of investment and and have regular contact with them.
the Custard Factory and everything ad agencies, one-man bands, artists, activity on the estate. We don’t just hang around collecting
anywhere else in the which goes with it. recording studios, textile start-ups It is all to do with regeneration, the rent; we’re more than that.
UK, which can rival “We didn’t have a radical vision . . . I believe there are few estates, she says, whether it is towards the “The hard work is done by the
– we wanted to replicate what our anywhere else in the UK, which can courtyard of the Scott Building in people who live and work in Digbeth.
us for tenant mix and predecessors at the Custard Factory rival us for tenant mix and creativity. the heart of the Custard Factory, We’re very fortunate that all those
creativity.” had done. In many ways they were
the pioneers for the regeneration of
As landlords we create a platform on
which these companies grow. That is
retail spaces, or an events space
available for weddings, conferences
people care about the area a huge
amount.
this part of the city.” literally any business from a one-man or festivals, not to mention the bars, “Digbeth is more than just
Any regrets? Far from it. The site band to a 200-strong operation. cafés and other hospitality units. Oval’s plans – I want to make that
has a burgeoning tenant base and “That’s something we want to The investment needed for this absolutely clear. There are other
while there is a reluctance to go into harness. A lot of the time we get programme of regeneration is landlords in the area who we’re
too much detail with some of the asked what our plans are for the significant – a £150,000 heating working closely with to create a
planned projects, there is a sense of future and I think it’s all about system was installed at Scott House formal response to all the other plans
excitement at what the future holds. positive change – or improvement. – but Oval as a business clearly has which are happening in the city such
“When we arrived, we found There are so many good things the experience, confidence and as HS2, the Metro, Smithfield, so that
fascinating buildings and this very going on throughout the whole of the depth of pockets to take it on. this area retains its independence
interesting mix of tenants in a very estate and we really want to build on Since the two co-founders and its character.”
The boardroom at Fazeley Studios The market hall One of the many officesLaura Thursfield,
Katie Fulcher and
Kirn Dibra
24
social Hannah Frost, James Frost, Robbie Holden
and Hattie D’Souza
25
social
Henrik Court and Elizabeth Mee
Awards launch The Mailbox’s Aluna was the venue which will take place at the ICC
for the launch of the Birmingham on May 16. Guests were greeted
Young Professional of the Year by Aluna’s mixologists before key
Awards 2019. Almost 200 people BYPY figures took the floor, with Kirn
attended the event – run by Dibra, chair of BYPY 2019, and Katie
BPS Birmingham Future – with Fulcher, chair of BPS Birmingham
nominations opening across six Future, sharing an insight into BPS
categories of the awards celebration, Birmingham Future and BYPY.
Imogen Smazanovich and Gift Hamisi Ifraz Ahmen, Chrissie Wolfe and Anita Chumber
Main picture: Katie Fulcher, Azeem Qadir, Jodie Tipper, Katy Paddock,
Gishan Abeyratne, Kirn Dibra, Greta Geoghegan, Chandni Kotak, Lucy
Gray, Nicola Storey-Wood and Matt Cockett
Chandni Kotak, Ally Roberts and
Cally Godfrey
Laura Davis and Harriet Park-Davies Alex Green, Jonathan Noad and Gishan Abeyratne Libby Roberts, Jess Hurley and Jonathon Gray Becky Knott and Leah CalvertRoll up, roll up...
26 27
Poet Casey Bailey
MIPIM UK returned from the Riviera more
than satisfied. MIPIM
Sir John Peace, chair of the
Midlands Engine, said: “This year’s
Midlands UK delegation offered
exciting updates about existing major
projects in the region and unveiled a
number of new ambitious investment
opportunities to MIPIM’s international
delegates.
Poet Casey Bailey
“The region’s diverse range of
investment opportunities proves that
the Midlands is a prime business and
investment destination. MIPIM has
enabled us to present these schemes
to thousands of potential investors
during just one week.
“The collaboration between both
private and public sector partners
was key to this year’s successes and
is crucial to maintaining the global
competitiveness of the region in the
long term.”
Throughout the week regional
leaders showcased £11 billion of
major developments throughout the
Midlands to potential investors, but
Invest in
while property was naturally a central
theme, the region itself, and its
culture, was also celebrated.
The region’s cultural and creative
economy featured heavily in this
Birmingham
year’s programme, with the most
popular event of the week featuring
The message, according to one and the Midlands, and at its forefront Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight.
MIPIM veteran from Birmingham was the Midlands UK Pavilion, a The writer and director spoke about
Airport, was made loud and clear. central space which hosted umpteen the region’s creative quarter and
“The Midlands is open for business scheduled talks and events, as his plans for a new film studio in the
and is the place to invest, live and well as acting as a meeting and Midlands. He was joined by local
work,” she said. “It’s where things are networking forum. poet Casey Bailey, who delivered
Every year, professionals from all corners of the planet made, where industry is powered and The pavilion was a central an emotive poem called Midlander,
which focused on the people, place
where people are connected – and focus for the delegation brought
descend on the Mediterranean town of Cannes for the globally with the dawn of HS2 arriving in less together by Midlands UK, the brand and heritage of the region.
Meanwhile, the ‘Game Changers’
renowned property and investment conference that is MIPIM. than a decade, the Midlands is where
history will once again be made.”
set up by the Midlands Engine
specifically for MIPIM. It welcomed
panel discussion discussed the
Deals are made, contacts are forged and relationships are Rousing words, but by no means
hollow ones as they were echoed
potential investors, property
agents, developers and the media
drivers behind inward investment
into the region, from its quality of
strengthened. But the world’s largest property exhibition also throughout the contingent of from across the world; the events
life to the arrival of HS2 and 5G, and
following the ‘Regeneration through
acts as an ideal shop window for regions to showcase some of Midlands delegates which numbered
several hundred.
programme alone attracted footfall of
more than 3,500 visits, an increase of
Sport’ event, Olympic silver medallist
Gail Emms joined the Midlands UK
the very best of their assets. This was the 30th year that
20,000-plus business men and
18% from 2,900 last year.
This year saw the strongest
delegation for a lively ‘Question of
Sport’ quiz.
women from 100 countries joined the delegation yet brought by Midlands Was the journey to Cannes and all
Birmingham Business gauged the mood of some of the key MIPIM conference to meet and forge
property deals in and around the
UK to the event, with some 100
private and public partners in
the hard work – not least by Midlands
UK – worth it? The comments from
players as they returned to the Midlands . . . and found it to famous Palais des Festivals. attendance. The private sector some of the key private sector
As ever, there was a strong partners numbered 78, a record, so delegates suggest an emphatic
be overwhelmingly positive. representation from Birmingham no wonder the team from Midlands thumbs-up across the board.Proplist “Our region already tops the UK
table for foreign investment and
Proplist is a commercial property continues to have one of the highest
portal. start-up rates in the country. With
CEO Richard Howells said: major developments including the
“Unsurprisingly, Brexit was a hot i54 western extension (and additional
topic all week, however it wasn’t 100 acres dedicated to advanced
blamed for two of the current major manufacturing and engineering), the
concerns in the UK – property prices Friargate redevelopment in Coventry,
and retail. A pending slide in the and the Interchange Commercial
market, even in robust areas such as district in Wolverhampton, MIPIM
London, was put down to inevitability delegates all agreed that the region
due to unsustainable current growth. has a lot to be excited about.
“The high street decline sat at “MIPIM is the hub for property
the door of county councils, with networking. It is hugely beneficial
28 29
business rates hurting all occupiers. for all attendees to meet investors,
Panellists suggested it may be time experts and agents, put faces to the
Carl Potter for local governments to purchase Richard Howells names they have been emailing for
MIPIM MIPIM
empty spaces and transform them months, and simply exchange ideas.
Avison Young into more profitable options, such
as office, residential or fresh retail West Midlands than ever before,
“From a PropList point of view, we
generated dozens of appointments
With a workforce numbering more space. driven from the changes that will off the back of conversations had
than 400, Avison Young is the “Globally though, the UK is still occur with the arrival of HS2 at in Cannes, and had an opportunity
largest commercial real estate seen as a safe investment location Curzon Street. With the planned to showcase the good technology
consultancy business within the UK and there does seem to be more of Metro link to the city, these faster being pioneered by us. We also
outside London. an interest in areas outside of the connection times north and introduced our own unique, downhill
Carl Potter, managing director of the south east for investment. south give Birmingham a massive mountain biking networking event,
firm’s Birmingham office, said: “One of “There was more focus on the opportunity for growth. PropBike – which proved popular.”
the key enablers in the transformation
of our urban environment is the
successful fusion of public sector
assets with private sector expertise
St Joseph
and financing. MIPIM represents Birmingham property developer
a unique environment that brings St Joseph is part of the Berkeley
together both investors, developers Group, which has scores of property
and local authorities who are keen to interests in the region.
demonstrate opportunities they feel Tony Pidgley CBE, Berkeley Group
can be unlocked or the regeneration chairman, said: “There was great
that can be achieved through a joint energy and excitement around the
approach. Midlands delegation and it was a
“As an agency, part of our role is to privilege to be involved. This part of
bring the right partners together. This the country is truly open for business
is partly why MIPIM is so important, and was out there showing the drive
providing as it does an atmosphere and vision to create homes and
where parties have made themselves strengthen communities.
more receptive to approaches and “This is about uniting the public
discussions. and private sector behind a shared
“Whilst it might seem very strange agenda and working in partnership
Sir John Peace, chair of the Midlands Engine that one needs to travel to the south to make sure local people feel the
of France to meet people who are
based in your home city, it is this
Paradise greatest benefits. That was the key
message the Midlands took to MIPIM
volume of key individuals within a Paradise is a £700 million Birmingham to those both inside and and there was no mistaking the
Birmingham Airport very small area that ensures these
connections are easily made.
development that is set to transform
the centre of Birmingham.
outside the UK.
“For those who don’t know
passion and bold civic leadership
driving this region forward.
Birmingham Airport is no stranger showcase our growth plans that will “As outlined in our Evolving Director Rob Groves said: “MIPIM the city and region so well, it’s a “Berkeley Group has made
to the four-day long event and has help us to become one of Europe’s Birmingham report – which highlights is a great opportunity to do two chance to open eyes and change lasting, far-reaching commitments
partnered with the Midlands UK leading airports, providing the air the most influential schemes of things – be part of a larger, collective perceptions. The sheer quality and to Birmingham and we are proud
MIPIM delegation for three years, connectivity to drive the region’s trade the last 10 years and those due approach to telling the story of range of projects that come into to be playing our part in the city’s
since the Midlands Engine coalition and inward investment even further.” to be delivered over the next the Midlands and in particular the conversation proves the scale remarkable growth story.”
began. This year was an important decade – the sheer weight of future and reality of our ambition and the
occasion for the airport as it unveiled opportunities underlines the amount potential of the event.
its 15-year development plan to a of ambition within the city. The 2022 “The sheer calibre of the
bustling Midlands Pavilion. Commonwealth Games and arrival of connections that can be made
Nick Barton, the airport’s chief HS2 in 2026, for instance, milestones benefits from the environment of
executive, said: “2019 is a significant which any city would be proud to the event itself where investors,
year for Birmingham Airport as we showcase as exceptional influencers, developers and occupiers can come
celebrate eight decades serving the demonstrate a successful and highly together. For Paradise, the Midlands
Midlands region and embark on a connected city of international team and delegation has always
£500 million development programme influence. been a supporter of the scheme.
to shape our future. “Once again, both the East and “A combination of both public
“Our ‘Master Plan’ will enhance West Midlands showcased a truly and private partners has helped us
capacity, grow global connectivity and collaborative approach under the firmly establish ourselves on the
improve the customer experience for Midlands Engine banner, enabling us development map of the region
the forecast 18 million passengers that to demonstrate the region’s economic and indeed, of the entire UK. This
we are set to handle by 2033. advantages and highlight the growing is an exemplary scheme that rightly
“We were proud to be part of this clusters generating the 4th industrial deserves a reputation for innovation
year’s successful MIPIM event and to Nick Barton revolution.” Rob Groves and partnership working.” Tony Pidgley“There was a great atmosphere in the
Midlands Pavilion and it was very evident
that all partners were rallying round
Birmingham’s collective vision.”
Rob Valentine
30 Bruntwood
31
“There was a great atmosphere in playing a key role in this.
the Midlands Pavilion and it was very “For Bruntwood and for me, MIPIM
Over the last four decades, evident that all partners were rallying is extremely useful on many different
MIPIM Bruntwood has built up a formidable
portfolio of commercial buildings
round Birmingham’s collective vision.
This vision is based on partnership
levels. Our main objective is to help
create thriving cities and communities news
which has seen it become one of and growth and the importance and every year attending MIPIM
the major players in the provision of high-speed rail to our regional supports our mission on this.
of office space in the whole of the economies and ensuring that it links “It always throws up many new
UK. It currently supports more than to the wider network of transport opportunities, the chance for new
3,000 customers and a community solutions. collaborations, the ability to develop
of 50,000 people in over 110 “Yet it’s much more than that. It’s relationships across the sector and
properties around the Midlands and about our desire, one very much with other sectors. For example, since
the north of England. held by Bruntwood, that our growth returning from France I am already From left: Andy King, Christine Allen-Lloyd, Barbara Seaton, Steve Walker, Rozna Haque, Martin Edmonds and
Rob Valentine, Bruntwood’s is inclusive and our communities also having conversations with others Graham Donaldson.
Tax saving lures
director for Birmingham, said: “Once benefit. Tech was also to the fore; it in the city about how we can work
again we went to MIPIM buoyant. The is a key driver to our future prosperity together.
West Midlands is doing really well and creating opportunities for young “What MIPIM provides is the space
and there’s every indication that this people. Our emerging talent is of and time to talk about mutually
upward trajectory will continue. To my paramount importance and clearly beneficial opportunities for growth
investors to scheme
mind this year’s MIPIM emphatically the education sector – our leading and to support those trying to make a
underlined this. universities and institutions – is difference.”
The team behind a pioneering to leverage further funding bringing “When the going gets tough, we
share offer which raised more than the total funds ART has to lend in are needed more than ever, and
Time for a digital £250,000 in its first round said the
initiative has helped put them in a
position to lend up to £3 million for
2019/20 to almost £3 million.
“So, due to the positive response,
we will be re-launching the scheme
have a track record of helping SMEs
continue trading through loss of
customers or markets, or glitches in
spring clean? the forthcoming year.
ART Business Loans – which
lends to predominantly micro
enterprises to help them grow and
through the leading positive
investment platform Ethex but
haven’t finalised exactly when we will
do so.”
cashflow.
“In the short term that has
protected thousands of jobs and in
the longer term helped to create
Contact us for a free digital audit and consultation diversify – said there will be a further ART was established in 1997 to fill thousands more around the West
opportunity for both individual and a gap in lending left by the banks. It Midlands.
corporate investors thanks to the is a mutual organisation, owned by “The year ahead is likely to bring
positive response from the pilot its members, and provides loans of more than the usual challenges to
Creative Digital Marketing project. between £10,000 and £150,000 to businesses in the West Midlands, but
The offer provided both a financial businesses and social enterprises whatever happens has money ready
Branding, Print Web, Ecommerce, Strategy, SEO, PPC, return in the form of Community across the West Midlands, helping to lend, thanks in part to the success
Design, Packaging, Support, Hosting, Email Marketing, Investment Tax Relief and also the them to create or preserve jobs. of our latest share offer.”
Advertising Integrations Social Media knowledge that the investment was ART’s current loan portfolio is Dr Walker said the ART team
helping to support the West Midlands around £5.5 million with more than is looking forward to helping
economy. 200 clients. Money to lend is raised businesses of all kinds – from
Dr Steve Walker, chief executive from the public and private sectors restaurants to providers of hi-tech
of ART Business Loans, said: “We and from individuals interested in a solutions, manufacturers to facilities
were pleased that 30 investors came social as well as financial return. managers – to survive and thrive.
on board for our inaugural share In addition to receiving tax relief, “Many businesses struggle to
scheme. investors in ART know that their access loans up to £150,000, which
Get in touch “They realised the benefits lay money is being put to good use we provide,” he said.
Edmund House, 12-22 Newhall St, Birmingham, B3 3AS in the tax relief gained rather than through loans that allow businesses “We are appreciative of those
capital return – 5% of the investment to grow, diversify and survive individuals who choose to invest
0121 726 6849 springclean@cleardesign.co.uk cleardesign.co.uk
can be claimed as a deduction from challenging trading conditions, their money to help us achieve our
the income or corporation tax bills thereby boosting the West Midlands mission to ensure that businesses
each year for five tax years. economy. with viable plans can access the
“They grasped the fact that “We have been here for more than finance they need. Interestingly,
this was basically a Government 21 years lending to viable businesses throughout our history it has not only
incentive to encourage investment in unable to access the finance they been local people who have invested
underserved areas. need from the banks,” continued Dr in us to support the West Midlands,
“The money raised will be used Walker. but people from all over the UK.”You can also read
