Solihull
All the latest news, advice and events for the Solihull business community
Contact: Joan Smith T: 0121 678 7488
In Brief
Wider has been named among Solihull’s best website designers. Based in Solihull town centre, Wider specialise in helping businesses become more visible through, branding, creative design and high performance WordPress websites. The company has been commended by
Three Best Rated, a business recommendation website selecting what it considers to be the three best local businesses within various sectors in a given town or city. Selected businesses are then independently
verified against stringent criteria including reputation, history, ratings, value and trust to make it into their top three. Wider’s digital director, Jonny Allbut, said:
“We are absolutely delighted and humbled to be selected by Three Best Rated, it’s exciting to be recognised for the innovative work we do at Wider.” The Wider team has combined industry
experience of nearly 40 years. Since moving to Solihull in 2015, the firm has been working hard to establish its reputation working with both local and national organisations and brands including West Midlands Fire Service, Patisserie Valerie and BBC Storyworks.
‘Hairy Biker’ Dave Myers (pictured) was one of the star attractions at this year’s Solihull Food and Drink Festival. Hairy Dave – best known for his on-screen
partnership with fellow cook Si King – hosted a number of sell-out demonstration shows during the three days of the show. Also appearing was
another celebrity from the small screen, Katy Ashworth, best known for being the presenter of a number of children’s shows. She does have links with food though, having started her career as the presenter of kids cook show I Can Cook. Other successful attractions during the
festival were the ‘Big Ale Trail’, which saw hundreds of people following an ale trail map to sample a selection of fine ales. Melanie Palmer director of Solihull’s Business
Improvement District (BID) said: “The festival showcased our business and key partners all working together to make this the biggest festival that Solihull has seen to date. “Community groups joined the fun such as
Solihull College and Solihull Moors Football Club together with local dance and theatre schools which meant there was something for everyone. Hairy Biker Dave Myers had five sell-out shows over the weekend, a great Solihull success and we can’t wait for the next one.” Solihull Chamber director Joan Smith said:
“The food festival was a fabulous way to bring families and the Solihull community together. “The fact that it was over three days gave
everyone an opportunity to come along and experience the feel good factor that comes from our Solihull events.”
40 CHAMBERLINK November 2017
Height of fashion: Jake in his new uniform
Solihull CHamber member Virgin Trains has designed a new uniform for its staff – and there is even one for honorary staff member, train- loving pooch Jake. Jake has been a frequent visitor to Stafford
station for the past nine years, with owner Neil McNamara, who said: “Jake’s always had a love and fascination for Virgin’s trains, he doesn’t bark for any other. His daily trip to the station is a real highlight for him. “Over nine years he’s become a mascot for
the regular passengers and we’re excited for him to show off his special uniform.” Virgin’s new uniforms were designed after an
extensive employee-wide consultation, which included trialling early versions on the job during a two year period. Natasha Grice, route general manager of
Virgin Trains West Coast, said: “We involved our Virgin Trains staff from the very beginning of the design-process. There’s been a real passion behind creating the new stylish uniform. “We wanted to combine everyone’s favourite
parts to create up to six practical mix and match combinations. We want our staff at Virgin Trains to feel their best, to be empowered to confidently express their own style and be their incredible selves, while still looking totally Virgin Trains.” The old uniforms are being put to good use
as well, and are being recycled into new items at HMP Northumberland. As part of a rehabilitation scheme that helps to prepare prisoners for life
outside, inmates will turn the uniforms into blankets and coats, which will be donated to a local homeless charity, The new uniforms were designed by Wayne Hemingway of Hemingway Design.
*Solihull Chamber patron members were treated to a special day out in London courtesy of Virgin Trains. The group, which included Solihull Chamber
director Joan Smith, were whisked down to the capital in just one hour and 10 minutes from Birmingham International, tucking into a sumptuous breakfast in First Class. After a day-out seeing the sights in the Big
Smoke, it was back onboard for the speedy journey home, taking full advantage of the free wi-fi and ‘BEAM’, Virgin Trains complimentary onboard entertainment service. Joan said: “Virgin trains hosted a first class
VIP trip to London for 25 of our members in September. It was a fantastic experience with VIP service on our journey to London and the same on our return trip. “The journey felt so short as we were very well
looked after the hospitality service. This is most definitely the way to travel for speed, comfort and first class service.” Fellow traveller Callum Walker of CW Nutrition
said: “I was amazed at how quickly you can get to London from Solihull. I certainly will be using the Virgin Trains service the next time I travel.”
Virgin Trains mascot shows off new uniform
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