Sutton Coldfield Sutton Coldfield
Chamber of Commerce
Sutton Coldfield Chamber Patrons
CONTACT: Julia Gray T: 0845 603 6650
The funeral home that is environmentally friendly Funeral home
goes eco-friendly A family business in Sutton Coldfield is harnessing the power of the sun as part of its quest to become the UK’s most genuinely environmentally friendly funeral home. Ian Hazel Funerals, of Lichfield Road, Four
You’ve been framed: Andrew Mitchell, Paul Faulkner and Charlotte Hodivala
Chamber celebrates a happy anniversary
Sutton Coldfield Chamber has “exceeded expectations” in its first 12 months. That was the resounding verdict as the branch
marked its first anniversary with a celebratory bash at The Belfry. The town’s MP Andrew Mitchell and mayor
Charlotte Hodivala joined more than 100 delegates to mark the occasion. Mr Mitchell thanked the Chamber for its work
in Sutton Coldfield and praised the quality and ambition of businesses in the area. “I’d like to thank the Chamber of Commerce for
everything they do in our constituency,” he said. “Sutton Chamber has exceeded expectations
under Paul Faulkner’s leadership. “We all want to see our businesses thrive and
prosper. With the quality, style and ambition of the businesses in Sutton Coldfield, I’m sure they will continue to do that.”
Before the Sutton Coldfield Chamber was launched, its members had to travel to Birmingham, Tamworth or Lichfield for Chamber activities. Through the Chamber, the town’s business
community has its own identity, its own committee, its own members and its own events to help fly the flag for the Sutton Coldfield business sector. Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce
chief executive Paul Faulkner said: “When we launched the Sutton Coldfield Chamber 12 months ago we weren’t really sure what the response would be. “But the turnout on the day of that first event
was phenomenal. “We had about 130 people there and since
then the Sutton Chamber has gone from strength to strength.”
Oaks, has installed a 78-panel solar energy system on its south facing garage roof, which will generate enough electricity every year to cover almost 70 per cent of the funeral home’s total needs.
‘We’re harnessing solar technology to help us generate the power that we need’
As a result the firm, run by Ian Hazel and supported by his daughters Amy and Emma, has been just awarded the highest possible Energy Performance Certificate. Mr Hazel said: “We have offered green
funerals for many years – providing ethically- sourced coffins made of natural materials, woodland burials and other products and services that have become increasingly important to bereaved families. “When our newly built premises in Four
Oaks were completed two years ago, we invested in energy-saving systems such as under floor heating, a mechanical ventilation heat recovery’ system, LED lighting with motion sensors and rainwater harvesting. “Now we’ve reduced our energy
requirements as much as we can, we’re harnessing solar technology to help us generate the power that we need as naturally as possible. It is a huge investment but will pay itself back in less than six years.”
Excel Boats makes a splash for sailing charity
A sailing charity that helps injured veterans has become the proud new owner of a custom-built yacht tender thanks to a Sutton Coldfield-based boat supplier and a high-street bank. Turn to Starboard at Falmouth in Cornwall
received the £8,500 rigid inflatable boat following a joint donation from Excel Boats and Santander Bank. Terry Wright from Excel Boats and Sophie Russell from Santander visited the charity and
presented the Excel Voyager boat to Turn to Starboard founder Shaun Pascoe. The new 3.9m powerboat boat will replace an
older inflatable dinghy and will enable beneficiaries to be transported from the charity’s offices at Falmouth Marina to sail training boats moored in a nearby harbour. Excel Boats owner Terry Wright said: “This is
exactly the kind of charity we like to support with so many veterans learning new skills and
starting new careers in the marine industry. “My brother and father were both in the RAF
and I was going to join at one point too, so we definitely have an affinity with the support the charity offers.” Santander relationship manager Sophie
Russell, who donated £5000 towards the cost of the boat on behalf of the bank, said: “Helping to support such a worthwhile cause has been a pleasure.”
September 2016 CHAMBERLINK 35
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