Business News entrepreneurs@chamber Introducing the Chamber’s newest start-up members
Universities in skills project partnership
Newman University is partnering with Aston University and Birmingham City University to deliver a £3.3M skills and growth project over the next two years. The project is Higher Level Skills
Match (HLSM) and will see Newman assisting local employers in a number of ways, from finding students for consultancy placements, internships, and research projects, to a broad range of business solutions such as strategic planning, marketing, accounting, policy, and legal support. It may also be possible to
temporarily utilise university resources which would otherwise be cost-prohibitive to many small to medium enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups. Newman University associate
dean Dr Matthew Day said: “By working with the HLSM project businesses will have access to the combined resources of the three partner universities co-ordinated and simplified by an account manager. Consultancy is funded by the project – there is no financial cost for this.
‘Whether you are a micro-business or an SME, you can gain a distinct competitive advantage’
“Whether you are a micro-
business or an SME, you can gain a distinct competitive advantage by utilising graduate-calibre talent through HLSM.” Among those who are being
helped by HLSM is Melanie Glass, the founder of Devenishgirl, who has put in place a plan which will transform her growing business by maximising the support available from Newman University. Devenishgirl is a Birmingham-
based social enterprise which offers bespoke events and catering. The business bakes traditional Northern Irish shortbread in a range of flavours and shapes, and is named after Devenish Island on Lough Erne, which is near Melanie’s family home in Northern Ireland.
24 CHAMBERLINK April 2018
Great British bake-off: Newman University SME project and account manager Ian Fellows and Melanie Glass, founder of Devenishgirl
Melanie said: “We are currently
going through an exciting period of transition and, with input from Newman University to address some of our key strategic challenges, we will receive the support needed to equip us for the next stage of our growth.” Another business supported by
HLSM is Aspire Sports Ltd, which engages children and young people in physical activity, by providing various innovative delivery and training services and resources that educate and inspire. James Morgan, learning and
development manager, Aspire Sports Ltd, said: “Working with Newman University has allowed us to develop our team and gives us immediate access to graduate talent from across three local universities.” Anabela Ferreira, head of
enterprise at the Chamber, said that Newman University had invested in a membership of the Chamber’s start-up programme, in order for its student entrepreneurs to benefit. She said: “Their students now have access to networking events and other benefits associated with the start-up programme. It’s a good way of sponsoring their students.”
In partnership with
These are among the latest businesses to sign up to the start-up support programme:
Art at the Heart CIC Mukesh Kumar, 07549 046682,
hello@artattheheartcic.com Art at the Heart is a community interest company that uses the ‘transformative power of the arts to increase well-being, combat disengagement and tackle social challenges’. This includes, for example, hosting arts projects for young people to overcome barriers to learning.
Lucy with a Why Ltd Lucy Dowson, 07951692071,
lucy@lucywithawhy.com A marketing company that exists to help businesses that are about the ‘why’, rather than the ‘what’ – and that means businesses that have ‘a purpose stronger than money’.
MiniU Services Caroline Millichamp, 07966 388 386,
caroline@miniuservices.com Provides all kinds of support to businesses, including business administration, social media strategy and implementation, and project and events management.
Orlando’s Caribbean Taste & Flavour Orlando McDonald, 0750 3681676,
orlando@octf.co.uk Produces marinated ready-to-cook food products with exciting Caribbean flavours, aimed at both the home cook and professional chef.
Plus Mortgages Matthew Chapman, 07537 808850,
matt@plusmortgages.co.uk Offers fee free mortgage and protection advice. Helps home buyers understand what they can borrow, and also finds the right mortgage or protection product for them. Also handles all the paperwork.
The Real Executive Coaching Company Heather Egginton, 07703 398916,
heather@therealexecutivecoaching.com As the name suggests, the company offers executive coaching, ideally via a programme that lasts 12 months.
Studio B61 Ltd Sian Conway, 01527 757002,
sian@studiob61.com Studio B61 is a communications agency based in Bromsgrove. The company offers a full range of design, print and marketing services to businesses.
Uniq Recycling Ltd Hayley Shorthouse, 0800 6893157,
info@uniqrecycling.co.uk Offers a seamless service for IT disposal and data destruction. Includes a safe and secure method of disposal for PC desktops, laptops, monitors, telecoms and printers.
Feelgood Factor Vicky Farmer, 07790 594940,
info@vickyfarmer.com Helps people optimise their health through what they eat, what they put on their skin and how they clean their homes.
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