Business News
Region set to miss out on gigafactory
The West Midlands is set to miss out in the race for the UK’s first electric vehicle ‘gigafactory’. Mayor Andy Street led a campaign to bring a large- scale electric car battery production facility to the region and visited China this year to meet potential investors. However, start-up firm
Britishvolt has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Welsh Government to build a gigafactory at a former RAF site near Cardiff. Paul Faulkner, chief
executive at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “It’s disappointing to hear that the region looks set to miss out on securing the nation’s first gigafactory, especially given the wholesale investment that the likes of Jaguar Land Rover have made in developing electric vehicle infrastructure.”
Halfords benefit from coronavirus loan scheme
HSBC UK is part of the syndicate that has provided Halfords, the UK's leading provider of motoring and cycling products and services, with £25 million of additional funding as part of the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS). The funding, which was equally split between HSBC
UK and two other high street banks, will support the business as it continues to navigate Covid-19 and provide vital services to help keep people moving by car and bike. As an essential retailer, most of Halfords’ 800-plus
stores and garages across the country remained open during lockdown, giving customers access to bikes, car repairs, and other important products and services. With more stores now opening up with social distancing measures in place, this important funding will ensure Halfords can continue to trade confidently over the coming months. Akhil Shah, relationship director at HSBC UK, said:
“Whether you’re travelling by bike or car, Halfords has played a particularly important role in keeping the country moving in recent months. However, like all retailers, the business has faced unprecedented challenges. As the lockdown restrictions ease and more of its stores open, this additional funding gives Halfords the confidence and the headroom to continue serving its customers effectively.” Loraine Woodhouse (pictured), chief financial officer at Halfords, added: “While our market-leading Motoring
and Cycling businesses have strong macro tailwinds, this additional contingency funding gives us even greater confidence in our ability to trade our way successfully through the current uncertain environment. We would like to thank our lenders for their ongoing support.” HSBC UK is working closely with the Government
and UK Finance to identify emerging issues and make sure customers and businesses have the advice and support they need. For tips and advice for businesses around planning for any possible disruption, visit
www.business.hsbc.com/novel-coronavirus.
JLR stalwart retires after four decades
A top Jaguar Land Rover executive has retired after 38 years with the luxury car maker. Ian Harnett (pictured), executive
Chocolate attraction reopens to public
Cadbury World has announced a raft of new measures to help guests enjoy their visit safely and maintain social distancing after re-opening. The Cadbury World team has been working behind the scenes to implement a number of changes, including reducing the number of visitors admitted each day and asking all guests to pre-book tickets. On arrival, everyone will also have their temperature checked before entering the attraction. Visitors will still be able to enjoy the full self-guided tour of Cadbury World, which now includes social distancing circles laid out on the floor, helping everyone to stay a safe distance apart. Hand sanitising stations have also been installed in each zone. Gerrard Baldwin, general manager at Cadbury World, comments: “The
health and safety of our guests and employees is our number one priority and the whole team has been working incredibly hard over the past three months to introduce our new safety measures, from enhanced cleaning to social distancing guidance.”
For more information visit
www.cadburyworld.co.uk 24 CHAMBERLINK August/September 2020
director human resources and global purchasing, joined British Leyland in 1982, starting in the purchasing department at Longbridge and subsequently led the purchasing team following Ford’s acquisition of Land Rover in 2000. In 2009, Ian was appointed
director of purchasing for Jaguar Land Rover and assumed his current role six years later. Over the last decade, Ian has
delivered a crucial role in the long- term sustainable growth of the business, as Jaguar Land Rover more than doubled its workforce from 17,000 to around 38,000 people and sales almost tripled. Prof Sir Ralf Speth, chief
executive officer, said: “Ian has played a pivotal role in Jaguar Land Rover’s growth over the last decade. “On behalf of the board of management, I would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Ian
for his dedication to and passion for our business. I wish him a long and happy retirement.” Following Ian’s decision to retire,
Jaguar Land Rover has confirmed two new appointments to the company’s board of management. Dave Owen will become
executive director, global purchasing and Dave Williams will be appointed to the position of executive director, human resources. Prof Speth added: “I am
delighted to welcome them both to the Board of Management.”
For more patrons’ news see pages 26 and 27
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