Solihull
All the latest news, advice and events for the Solihull business community
Contact: Joan Smith T: 0121 678 7488
Phoebus has more
space to grow Financial services software provider Phoebus Software is moving to a new home in Solihull on the back of significant growth. The move was managed by Birmingham-
based chartered surveyors Johnson Fellows, who also advised on sourcing the new offices and are overseeing the fit-out of the space. The deal sees Phoebus take up 15,000 sq ft
of third floor space at Lansdowne Gate in the heart of Solihull. Phoebus has seen sustained growth in the
last 12 months, with a number of new staff joining the team, which now stands at more than 90 employees, up from just 70 employees a year ago. The new office space includes room for further expansion and additional staff in the coming months. Paul Hunt, managing director of Phoebus,
said: “Phoebus Software Ltd has grown so significantly over the last year it was vital for us to find quality offices that could cater not only for our existing staff but also those that we plan to bring into the business over the next few years. “We chose the new building at Lansdowne
Gate in Solihull because it is three times larger than the space we have available in our current building.
Charles Warrack
Solihull town centre: What next?
Town centre plan is shaped by business
Solihull Chamber has been busy encouraging businesses to interact with the local authority over the future development of the town centre. Solihull Council is currently in the process of
putting together its town centre masterplan, which will be a blueprint for future development and investment during the next 20 years. The council said of the masterplan: “It will
seek to provide a framework to maximise opportunities, make best use of existing assets, and set out a clear vision for Solihull in 2036 while still retaining the character which makes the town centre so popular.” Solihull Chamber has been urging local
“It provides us with the flexibility for more
unique ways of working, such as collaborative working spaces, break out areas as well as private space areas for those who need to concentrate or have private meetings. “An additional advantage is that it is next to a
park which will allow us to hold more social and sporting activities; we treat the wellbeing of or staff very seriously and this will help with that.” Charles Warrack, head of office agency at Johnson Fellows, said: “Solihull is an increasingly popular destination for businesses looking for value outside of the Birmingham market and well located close to the M42 and Birmingham Airport. “We’re very happy to have been able to
secure this space at Lansdowne Gate in a competitive market and can now look forward to watching Phoebus continue its impressive growth in a new home.” Founded in 1989, Phoebus Software
operates in the banking, building society and lending sectors. Its software helps clients in driving operational and commercial efficiencies.
38 CHAMBERLINK October 2016
businesses to ensure they have an input into the process.
Chamber director Joan Smith said: “It is very important for us as the local Chamber to ensure that our members are aware that there is an opportunity for them to have their say on matters that affect their businesses. “While Solihull is already an attractive town
with excellent shopping facilities and employment opportunities, the town centre is made up of large single-use areas, which have little interaction, very few residential areas and significant barriers to pedestrian and bicycle movement.” The initial consultation for the masterplan is
now closed, and the council is now preparing to incorporate the feedback it has received – from both local residents and the business community – into the next stage of the process.
Owl comes home to roost
An owl that emerged battered and dazed from a historic fund raising campaign has been saved and given a new lease of life. The owl is ‘Saltley Stories’, one of the statues
that was created last year for the ‘Big Hoot’. The owls were displayed at various locations
around Birmingham, but sadly some small- minded morons decided to beat up ‘Saltley Stories’ while he was quietly roosting in Ward End Park. The owl suffered extensive damage, which was repaired by the ‘Big Hoot’ organisers, prior to the owls being auctioned off. ‘Saltley Stories’ was then bought by Shirley-
based Wadsworths Solicitors, who sent him on a tour of local schools. The owl has also had a long stay at The Core Theatre in Solihull. After touring the local schools, ‘Saltley Stories’
will be placed permanently in the conference room at Wadsworths’ offices on Stratford Road.
What a hoot: John Wadsworth
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