Cannock Chase Cannock Chase


Chamber of Commerce


Contact: Chris Plant T: 0845 6036650


Chase Chamber Patrons


Business park enters the next stage of works


An expansion of a major Midlands business park has moved into a new phase with preparation for vital infrastructure works starting. It follows the early completion of an access


Precision job: Jacob Benton working on the ventilator parts


Apprentice goes above and beyond


A 20-year-old computer numerical control (CNC) machining apprentice is playing a key role in manufacturing critical equipment for the frontline in the battle against Covid-19. Jacob Benton, who is studying towards his


HNC Level 4 with In-Comm Training, is working with the manufacturing team at Cannock-based Key Precision to produce up to nine different components for use in the assembly of ventilators being built for NHS use. The trainee engineer has programmed three


different CNC machines to create oxygen supply line parts, completing the complex task in just a few hours of receiving the order so the company can meet urgent timelines set. Jacob, who is hoping to map out of a career in


production management, said: “It’s great that I am putting what I’ve learned on my apprenticeship into action on such a crucial project that will help save lives. “There’s a real team ethic and this has been


evident during this project.” Key Precision is a specialist manufacturer of


precision turned parts, inserts for plastic and sheet metal fasteners, and its customers include Aston Martin, Bentley, JCB and Rolls-Royce. The company employs 25 people at its base at


Phoenix Road, and has worked with In-Comm Training for more than 20 years, accessing upskilling courses and forklift training for its workforce. Greg Jackson, engineering and quality


director, said: “We are big fans of growing our own talent and actively look to recruit budding engineers who want to go to the very top of our business. Jacob is a prime example. From the minute he stepped on to the shop floor, he has shown a real appetite to learn from his peers, attack new challenges and use his own initiative to come up with solutions to problems. “In-Comm Training has given him a fantastic


grounding in engineering and the ability to continue to learn with our support.” Jason Daniels, technical manager at In-Comm,


said: “We are very proud of how Jacob has progressed, supported by an employer that really gets ‘apprentices’ and the value they can bring to a business.”


36 CHAMBERLINK June/July 2020


road at i54 South Staffordshire, which is near Wolverhampton and is already home to a number of major employers, including Jaguar Land Rover and Atlas Copco. The western extension will deliver 100,000


square metres of ready-made development platforms for companies at what is a globally- recognised high manufacturing employment zone. It is anticipated new occupiers could start


arriving as soon as 2022, providing new job opportunities for local residents. The current i54 site has a workforce of around


2,700 people, with half of the jobs held by people living within a ten-mile radius.


‘It is vital that we are maintaining construction work where possible’


Wolverhampton City Council, Staffordshire


County Council and South Staffordshire Council have agreed a funding and delivery strategy for the first 60 acres of the extension. There has also been has been support and financial backing from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership and Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership. Staffordshire County Council’s economic


growth leader, Mark Winnington, said: “It is vital that we are maintaining construction work where possible, so we can maintain long-term economic stability. “The safety of public and our teams remains


the top priority. We’re pleased then that the i54 South Staffordshire western extension works have continued with the access road completed


Mark Winnington: Extension will create new jobs


ahead of schedule and the team now starting the next phase. “This is a critical project for our partnership, particularly as we move towards kick-starting the economy again after the current crisis. We know there is demand for businesses to locate here and that is why we made the decision to expand the site. “We anticipate the western extension will


generate hundreds of jobs, lever in multi-million pounds’ worth of private investment and greatly boost business rates, with around half reinvested to help fund public services.” City of Wolverhampton councillor Harman


Banger said: “I54 plays a big part in the lives of many families in the city of Wolverhampton and Staffordshire and we are determined to deliver the i54 western extension, which we see as critical to the long-term recovery of our local economy after the crisis.”


Hub to provide vital support


Cannock Chase Council’s Community Vulnerability Hub has been vital in providing support for those most at risk during the Covid-19 outbreak. The hub is targeting local residents considered most at risk, as well the council’s most


vulnerable housing tenants. Its main aim is to enable people to access essential foods and supplies and signpost to other


support services. Those people who contact the hub will receive a phone call from a council staff member to


discuss whether they require any support. Cases will be assessed on an individual basis so people can be advised where to get help. The council will continue to refer individuals to the appropriate local support services or


organisations, whose volunteers will be able to assist further. Support Staffordshire are also offering specialist support so referrals will be made to these where it is appropriate.


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