PMG e-Newsletter for February 2015

PMG e-Newsletter Edition #62 - February 2015

Summary of Contents

Page

I News

PMG elects a new Chairman for 2015 2 Plymouth retains its ‘largest manufacturing city in the south of England’ title 2 The Chancellor sets out the government's long term economic plan for the south-west 2 PMG launches a strategic review of its future direction 3 PMG lends its support to Heathrow 3 Meanwhile, passenger numbers grow at Exeter Airport 3 Local Growth Deals expanded 3 Second stage of the superfast broadband programme announced 4 Appeal to Devon, Cornwall employers as new figures underline importance of workplace safety 4 Index of Production, November 2014 4 Other News in Brief 5 Awards open for entry 5

II PMG Members’ News

Special Meeting of all the PMG’s Sub-Groups - 7:30 am to 09:30 am on Tuesday 24th March at: Future Inn, William Prance Road. PL6 5ZD 6 Teignbridge Propellers invests £1.1m in larger propellers 6 Bandvulc demonstrates its ethical credentials 6 Applied Automation is on the move 7 Schneider Electric donate specialist training equipment to City College 7 Princess Yachts Int. posts a strong set of results and prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary 7 Other News in Brief 8 Members’ videos and newsletters 8

III Business to Business including grants & funding

Unlocking Business Investment – New grant programme now open!! 8 Holiday pay ruling: how much?! 9 Rates notification - New deadline on rates appeals 9 Skills for Innovation in Manufacturing Fund opens 9 Cambridge Mercantile Group 9 Haldons Ltd, Construction Consultants 10 Nuclear expert warns supply companies that quality and health & safety must come first 10 South West Loans Fund 11 Diamond Logistics 11 TSB Innovate UK Funding Competitions 11 Other business contacts received this month 11 Company Profiles of Potential Overseas Partners 11

IV Talent Retention & Recruitment

Career Transition Partnership 12

Need help with your overseas marketing? - Placements for International Student sought – free of charge for two month duration 12 Apprenticeship Grant for Employers (AGE) 12 Experienced & overseas candidates looking for recruitment & recent graduates 13 Requests from Schools & Colleges 13 Vacancies 13

V Events, Training Courses & Other Information

Open for Business - Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery – Exhibition from Sat 17 Jan to Thurs 12 March 14 Fully funded training for Devon-based businesses – including L3 leadership & management – European funding ends this summer 14 Skills Fund for Hinkley, 6 February 2015, Sandy Park, Exeter 09:00 to 15:00 14 FREE EVENT - A Focus On Mental Health In The Workplace - 12th Feb, Mount Gould Hospital 9.30 for 10 am finish 3.30pm – 4pm 14 Thursday 12 February, 11.30-16.00 - Plymouth University’s Electron Microscopy Centre (PEMC), Bringing Bid Company Technology to SMEs - FREE to the first 5 PMG SME members who sign up to attend (Otherwise £35)

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PMG’s Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair 2015 - All day on Sat 7th March 2015 – At Plymouth Guildhall 15 Invite to exhibit at Plymouth University's British Science Week 15 Skills South West 18 & 19 March, Plymouth Pavilions, Plymouth 16 Circular Business Advantage - 17th February 9:30am -12:30pm at blur Group HQ, Exeter Science Park 16 For Members in Cornwall - ‘Grow Your Business in Emerging Markets’. Free event Pavilion Centre, Wadebridge on Tues 24 February 16 Other Courses/Events 16

VI Requests for Assistance & Corporate Social Responsibility Matters

Have you thought about encouraging members of your staff to become a School Governor? 17 Charity Challenge – Catherine is cycling 480 km across Zambia in around 5 days 17 Affordable self-build housing for your Plymouth staff 18 Message from Chief Superintendent, Devon & Cornwall Police, Plymouth 18 Plymouth is looking to achieve ‘Sustainable Fish City’ status – can you help? 18 Plymouth Drake Foundation Charity Valentines Party 19 CSR Related newsletters 19

VII Consultations, Reviews, Surveys & Calls for Evidence 19

Other surveys 19

VIII Economic News; Newsletters, Briefings & Articles 19

Other sites of interest to manufacturers 21

Credits & Disclaimer 21

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UK manufacturing started 2015 on a firmer footing, as growth of output and new orders ticked higher following the slowdown seen through much of the latter half of 2014. The big mover during January was the trend in purchasing costs, as the recent slump in oil prices fed through to the steepest drop in input costs since May 2009. Markit/CIPS UK Manufacturing PMI®, Feb 2015

I News PMG elects a new Chairman for 2015 1. At its AGM in January, the PMG voted to appoint Bill Murphy, CEO Pipex

px® Group, as its Chairman for 2015. At the same time, Ian Burnage, MD at The Barden Corporation (UK) Ltd, took over Bill’s previous role as Vice-Chairman. Upon accepting the position, the first thing that Bill did was to thank his predecessor, Steve Cardew, for his extended three year period as Chairman (see separate article below). Bill Murphy’s career with Pipex px® began back in 1987 as an ‘unofficial’ apprentice. After a period of study, Bill gained an ONC & HNC in Building Services and a degree in Environmental Engineering. Rising up through the ranks to Director of Sales and more recently Managing Director of two trading divisions of Pipex, Bill became Chief Executive Officer of the Pipex px® Group of companies in 2014. His role centres on ensuring the successful continuation and growth of this innovative business by putting customers at its heart and overseeing the employment; welfare and development of over 160 members of staff in 3 UK site locations. The Pipex px® Group of companies provide design, manufacture and flexible technical support services for the supply & installation of innovative FRP composite & thermoplastic products and systems to construction projects and applications.

Plymouth retains its ‘largest manufacturing city in the south of England’ title 2. Of the 22 largest cities in the south of England, Plymouth continues to employ the highest

proportion (11.6%) of its workforce in the manufacturing sector.

Figures were taken from this year’s Centre for Cities data tool using information originally sourced from NOMIS, Business Register and Employment Survey in 2013.

The Chancellor sets out the government's long term economic plan for the south-west 3. During a flying visit to Plymouth in January, the Chancellor set out the government's

long term economic plan for the south-west, promising to support advanced and high tech manufacturing clusters – particularly those which are either defence or medical technology related, including a new ‘regional cyber arc’. Probably, with tourists rather than business people in mind, he also stated a desire to re-open the rail route between Exeter and Plymouth via Okehampton and Tavistock. Full script - here

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PMG launches a strategic review of its future direction 4. As the outgoing Chairman of the PMG, Steve Cardew, delivered his

‘Review of the Year’ at the members’ AGM in January (full statement - here ) and proposed a strategic review to check the group’s future direction following a period of significant growth and change. In particular, Steve highlighted: • PMG membership having tripled from twenty members in 2007 to close

to sixty members today. • Through the growth of our five themed sub-groups, the PMG now

actively engages with more members’ representatives than ever before – over 100 individuals at the latest count.

• Externally, we regularly communicate with over 130 non-manufacturing ‘stakeholders’ who have signed up to receive our monthly newsletter.

• The PMG’s recently acquired representation on the Plymouth Growth Board - which is charged with leading the City’s economic growth agenda.

• And finally, the PMG has also been instrumental in forming the SW Peninsula Manufacturers’ Network across Devon, Cornwall & Somerset to most effectively represent members’ interests both across the region and with the Government.

PMG lends its support to Heathrow

5. The newly elected Chair of the PMG has responded to the Airports Commission’s request for views on 3 options for a new runway in the south east of England. The PMG favours Heathrow over Gatwick on grounds of relative ease of access to the former and of the two Heathrow options, prefers Heathrow Hub’s, Extended Northern Runway solution primarily because it provides much improved direct links to the South West by integrating Heathrow into the national rail network. This is a major benefit to businesses in Plymouth and the South West as overall travel times are significantly reduced. For sight of the PMG response click - here For details of the consultation process – click - here Meanwhile, EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, has conducted a survey that reveals 80 per cent of companies surveyed back expansion of Heathrow over rival Gatwick. More - here

Meanwhile, passenger numbers grow at Exeter Airport 6. “2013/14 was a positive year for Exeter Airport with a change in ownership and growth in passenger

numbers. Underlying profit also grew with the accounting loss reflecting exceptional items arising on the change in ownership and a change in year end, resulting in a 15 month accounting period which incorporated two of the quieter winter trading periods. The strong trading performance has continued into 2014/5 with passenger numbers growing by 4% in the 12 month period to 31 December 2014. This has largely been driven by additional domestic services including the launch of the London City service, the four times daily service to Manchester to tie in with Flybe’s code share agreements at its Manchester hub, and the return of the popular Newcastle service. Infrastructure improvements including the newly expanded security area with fast track channel, Jet Centre for executive corporate aviation and soon to be opened Executive lounge mean that the airport is well placed for business travel in 2015”. Comment provided by Stephen Ayres, Communications Manager for the Airport.

Local Growth Deals expanded

7. January brought news that the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership has agreed an expansion to its Growth Deal with the Government which will see an extra £65.2m invested in Devon & Somerset between 2016 and 2021. This is in addition to the £130.3m of funding committed by the Government on 7 July 2014. The additional proposed projects include:

• South Yard, Plymouth: funding for site separation and remediation activities to boost the Plymouth City Deal’s flagship Marine Industries Production Campus

• A package of transport schemes including: major improvements at Junction 25 of the M5; the creation of a new link road in Plymouth between the A38 Parkway and the major growth area at Derriford/Seaton Barracks. Map - here

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• Providing universal superfast broadband coverage by tackling the next 5% of premises in hard to reach, largely rural, areas.

• The delivery of Phase 2 of the Exeter Science Park Centre. • An Electronics and Photonics Centre based at the White Rock Business Centre in Paignton, providing

incubation for start-up businesses and highly specialised equipment for more developed companies.

For full details see - here The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership has also agreed an expansion to its Growth Deal with the Government which will see an extra £11.3m invested in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly between 2016 and 2021. This is in addition to the £48.9m of funding committed by the Government on 7 July 2014. More - here

Second stage of the superfast broadband programme announced 8. Connecting Devon & Somerset (CDS) has announced that it will be publishing the tender for the

second stage of the superfast broadband programme across the region by early February. The announcement comes as the current programme gathers significant momentum with over 400 cabinets and nearly 100,000 homes and businesses connected to fibre. In addition, some 2,500 individuals and businesses have attended events as part of the Get up to Speed programme, which is designed to help them get the most out of faster broadband. The second stage of the roll out will involve an investment of at least £38m – the largest amount of any superfast broadband project in the UK which was secured by CDS and its partners in August 2014. This funding will be spent on increasing superfast coverage and CDS are on track to reach their ambition of 100% superfast

broadband coverage by 2020. At 5:00pm on Tuesday 3rd February PMG Network members have a special meeting entitled ‘Making the most of Superfast Broadband – All your broadband and comms questions answered in one evening!’ All members are welcome to attend contact stevegerry@dsl.pipex.com

Appeal to Devon, Cornwall employers as new figures underline importance of workplace safety 9. Safety watchdog the Health and Safety Executive is marking its 40th

anniversary with an appeal for businesses in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to make the wellbeing of workers their top priority for the new financial year. It comes as new figures show that 10 people lost their lives while at work across Devon and Cornwall in 2013/14 and 2,096 suffered injury. That compares to six deaths and 2,146 injuries the previous year. Statistics were also released in January showing the scale of workplace illness. Across Devon and Cornwall some 40,000 people were estimated to have been made ill through their work over the same period. The latest figures show that those involved in construction, manufacturing and waste and recycling are most at risk, with agriculture another industry where sustained improvement is needed. Full article - here Statistics – by local authority – here (simply select your local authority from the pull-down menu in the top left hand cell).

Index of Production, November 2014 10. Key Points:

Total production output increased by 1.1% in November 2014 compared with November 2013. Of the four main sectors, manufacturing (the largest component of production) was the only one to rise, increasing by 2.7%.

There were increases in seven of the 13 manufacturing components compared with a year ago and the largest contributor was the manufacture of food products, beverages & tobacco.

Total production decreased by 0.1% between October 2014 and November 2014. Manufacturing output increased by 0.7% between October 2014 and November 2014. The main

contributors to the increase were other manufacturing & repair; the manufacture of basic metals & metal products; the manufacture of transport equipment.

In the three months to November 2014, production and manufacturing were 10.3% and 5.3% respectively below their figures reached in the pre-downturn GDP peak in Q1 2008.

More - here – includes ‘Industry Spotlight: Manufacture of food and beverages’.

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Other News in Brief UTC Plymouth - Students and staff at UTC Plymouth are celebrating after being named as one of

15 schools shortlisted for the Young Engineers' School of the Year award for 2015. The awards look to recognise the work that is done by schools to nurture the next generation of engineers through the promotion of STEM subjects to its students. More - here

Operating costs rise - A quarterly survey of UK SME owners and senior management from a range of sectors on economic and financial issues, shows 53 per cent of Westcountry firms have seen costs rise, and of that figure, 67 per cent say it's having a negative impact on cash flow. Of those in the region impacted by increased operating costs, 36 per cent said rising energy bills are creating the greatest problem for them. More - www.closebrothers.com

Bristol Airport has topped flight punctuality league tables published in January, with an on-time performance rating of 94.4 per cent making it the world’s best. Leading global aviation intelligence provider, OAG, based the league tables on 43.5 million flight records from 4,000 airports worldwide. The report covers the 2014 calendar year and is based on the proportion of flights arriving and departing within 15 minutes of the scheduled time. More - here

Newquay Airport has announced that Flybe will increase services between Newquay and Manchester to ten flights per week, starting 29 March 2015, on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays. More - here

UK GDP growth highest since 2007 - The UK’s economic recovery remains strong, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics. GDP in 2014 as a whole was up 2.6% on 2013, and indeed was 2.7% higher in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared with the same period a year ago. More - here

• STEM in Schools - Research shows need for different approaches to inspire five distinct student groups about engineering. We need a wholesale change to the way we promote engineering in schools to reach out to different student groups, says a new report by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. The report ‘Five Tribes: Personalising Engineering Education’ is calling on Government, teachers, industry and Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM) organisations to take into account young people’s diverse values and attitudes to try and inspire them about engineering. More - here

• Tax break - More than 5,500 new manufacturing jobs could be created in the South West if manufacturers were given a temporary reduction in employers’ National Insurance when they take on new workers. The figures come from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP in Bristol, which is calling on political parties to show their support to manufacturers.

Manufacturing Business Awards & Competitions open for entry: The Herald Business Awards 2015 11. ‘Plymouth is justifiably proud of its wonderful companies and

entrepreneurs – and now you have the chance to celebrate and reward their successes by entering them in this year’s bigger and better Herald Business Awards. We are launching the 2015 version of the popular and prestigious awards and looking for businesses and individuals to start entering. And, following the huge success of the 2014 version, we are planning an even bigger black-tie awards night – this time at Plymouth Pavilions’. The entry process is now open until Thursday, March 19th. More - here Awards night on Thursday, April 23rd. Categories:

• Business of the Year 0-25 Employees • Business of the Year 26-149 Employees • Business of the Year 150+ Employees • Corporate Social Responsibility Award • Social Enterprise Award • Green Business of The Year • Manufacturing Business of The Year • Tourism & Hospitality Business of the

Year

• Innovation Award • Entrepreneur of the Year • Best Family Business • Apprenticeships Development Award • Best Business Start Up Award • Young Business Person of the Year • Lifetime Achievement Award • International Trade Business of the Year

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II PMG Members’ News Special Meeting of all the PMG’s Sub-Groups - 7:30 am to 09:30 am on Tuesday 24th March 2015 at: Future Inn, William Prance Road, Plymouth PL6 5ZD (breakfast provided) 12. All PMG members are invited to attend a special meeting in

March to review and celebrate the achievements of our five themed sub-groups. This will be only the second occasion that such a meeting has been held. This is a special event to inform and raise awareness of what each of the sub-groups is achieving. The intention will be to: promote the work of each group; for the groups to learn from each other and to encourage additional participation from those firms who are not currently engaged. The meeting will also provide the opportunity for networking amongst all members of the PMG. Each sub-group Chair will be invited to present a ten minute review, summarising the group’s achievements over the past twelve months; looking forward to what is planned in the immediate future and explaining the benefits to be gained from participation. At this stage, please keep the date free in your diary. An invite will be sent to you by email during the course of February. Flyer - here

Teignbridge Propellers invests £1.1m in larger propellers 13. An investment of £1.1m will allow Teignbridge

Propellers to manufacture and supply propellers up to 3.6m in diameter, opening up new markets for the British company. The investment, in new buildings and machinery, will allow production of the larger propellers to start to come on stream in the second quarter of this year. “We expect it all to come on line this year and incrementally build beyond that,” said Sales & Marketing Director Mark Phare. “Customers have been asking us to quote to supply propellers which were previously outside our capacity. Previously our maximum size of propeller was around 2.55m. Existing customers who have provided us with significant orders over the last four to five years are focusing on larger vessels which in turn need larger propellers, so this investment will open up new markets for us.” The new machinery includes a four tonne furnace – previously the company had a one tonne furnace and a two tonne furnace providing a total capacity of three tonnes – also a horizontal borer (able to machine propellers up to seven tonnes), shaft lathes, cranes, polishing machinery, inspection equipment, a new lathe and press and a new forklift. The original article and photograph appears courtesy of the Maritime Journal - here

Bandvulc demonstrates its ethical credentials

14. A global ethical approach to business is critically important to all types of businesses and manufacturing companies within the food & clothing sectors have been aware of this standard for some time, but some retailers now feel they need to extend this reach to their suppliers within the transport industry, including tyre & tyre management suppliers. With this in mind, Bandvulc is now a member of SEDEX - a not for profit membership organisation dedicated to driving improvements in ethical and responsible business practices in global supply chains. SEDEX allows its members to store, share and report on information in four key areas; labour standards, health & Safety, the environment and business ethics. SEDEX has two main aims, the first is to ease the burden on suppliers facing multiple audits, questionnaires and certifications and secondly to drive improvements in the ethical performance of global supply chains. More - here

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Applied Automation is on the move 15. Applied Automation (UK) Ltd is expanding, after securing a grant to

support the development of its new factory. The firm is moving its 127-strong workforce from its two existing buildings to a new 140,000 square foot factory on Langage Industrial Estate. Due to take place in May, the move will provide a larger, more efficient workspace for the firm to develop its innovative automation equipment and industrial control systems. The business is installing new machine tools and developing its paint shop capacity in the new factory. It will also be able to accommodate a growing workforce, with 15 new jobs in the pipeline. The grant is one of 32 awards totalling £3million, which have been made from the GAIN Growth Fund to South West businesses. A key part of the Plymouth and South West Peninsula City Deal, the Growth Fund aims to support companies with growth aspirations to expand more quickly. The grants are scheduled to create 482 jobs and unlock over £14million in private investment. Founded 28 years ago, Applied Automation originally made control systems for a range of industries, including car manufacturing and pharmaceuticals. While engineering remains the core business, the firm now has a number of other divisions including a marine section and a home automation arm. The business exports many of its products to manufacturing firms across Europe as well as a growing number to China and the US. Photo: Tudor Evans (Plymouth City Council), David Rowe (Applied

Automation). Photo by Chris Saville.

Schneider Electric donates specialist training equipment to City College 16. Plymouth heating and plumbing students have been

presented with Drayton specialist training equipment. The next generation of plumbing and heating engineers can use a training board to detect real-life faults in controlled conditions. A spokesperson for Schneider Electric, Drayton’s parent company, said: “We are delighted to be able to provide the relevant products so that City College Plymouth is able to train and develop the plumbing and heating engineers of the future.” They added that feedback from the students would help the company develop their products. Terry Such, the college’s academy manager for plumbing, electrical and gas, said: “The Drayton equipment will have a great impact on our students, allowing them to work with a quality manufacturer of heating and water controls. “This kind of enhanced-learning experience allows them to take their assessments on industry-standard equipment.” This story first appeared in the Plymouth Herald - here

Princess Yachts Int. posts a strong set of results and prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary

17. 2013 saw yet another strong financial performance at Princess Yachts, set against a background of aggressive competition in volatile markets. Profit before tax for the year ended 31 December 2013 was £17.9 million (2012 £18.4 million) on turnover of £239.4 million (2012 £249.9 million). Net assets at the end of the year totalled £115.2million, up £10.6 million from the previous year, with the company continuing to maintain a very strong balance sheet. Continuing investment in the future of the business has laid the foundations for future growth. During the year, the company spent £10.4 million (2012 £9.5 million) on new product development, £2.0 million on new plant and equipment and maintained a workforce of over 2,000 people. All expenditure on new product development is written off in the year in which it is incurred and further adds to the robustness of the company’s performance. With new yachts continuing to be added, the breadth of the model range has clearly established Princess

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as an industry leader in all segments of the markets in which the business operates. The recently introduced range of M Class super yachts continues to grow, with two exciting new models due to be launched in 2015 to add to the award winning flagship of the range, the Princess 40M. By any measure, the dawning of 2015 will mark a milestone in the company’s history and will herald a year of celebration as we mark the 50th anniversary of the formation of the business in 1965. We are proud that a fledgling West Country boatyard, then known simply as Marine Projects (Plymouth) Limited, has grown into the global industry leader that it has become today. It all began with a boat known as Project 31 and has today evolved into what is arguably the finest range of luxury motor yachts in the world.

Other members’ news in brief • The Barden Corporation announced in January that it was entering into a process which will

result in a small head count reduction. Approximately five per cent of the workforce will be affected. The company said that despite this situation it was otherwise optimistic of a successful year ahead.

• Trunki won Best Toy Award in the speciality category at the London Toy Fair 2015 - here

Members’ videos, newsletters and articles: • BD - here

• Trunki – Design your own - here • Fine Tubes – ‘Fit & forget tubing’ article - here

If you’re a PMG member and you’re reading this and wishing your firm’s news story was also posted here, then next time please let me know and send me a link to your press release. stevegerry@dsl.pipex.com

III Business to Business – including grants & funding Unlocking Business Investment – New grant programme now open!! 18. Businesses across Devon, Plymouth, Torbay and Somerset

can apply for grants of between £25,000 and £499,000 as part of the Unlocking Business Investment programme. Funded through the Government’s Regional Growth Fund, the £5 million programme is being delivered as a partnership between North Devon+ and Plymouth University and is supported by the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership. Grants are available to eligible growing businesses that are able to deliver job creation as part of their development plans. Grants will be focused on capital items such as plant, machinery and premises, but IT and software, research and development, training and site rental costs may also be considered. Projects must be completed by 31st March 2017 with jobs created by March 2019. Small, medium and large businesses can apply but the amount of grant will vary dependent on size of business, location, and job creation outputs. For more information, a grant prospectus is available with full details on eligibility and suitable projects. Businesses wishing to apply for the programme should visit the UBI application portal where they can register their details, and complete an Expression of Interest (EOI). Guidance notes are available to assist applicants with the EOI. Please note a fee of £120 (£100 plus £20 VAT) is payable at the EOI stage to contribute towards initial checks and project review. For more details, or for informal advice on the process, please contact John Hutchings, Grant Manager on john.hutchings@plymouth.ac.uk, or John Lewis, Project Officer, on john.lewis@plymouth.ac.uk

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Holiday pay ruling: how much?! 19. On 4 November 2014, the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) confirmed

that the pay calculation for the 4 week statutory minimum paid holiday should take account of overtime pay, even if that overtime is not guaranteed. This follows a line of recent EU cases which have decided that all 'normal remuneration', referable to actual work carried out, should be taken into account. That includes sales commission, individual performance-related bonuses, and attendance allowances. The rationale is that, otherwise, there may be a disincentive to taking even that minimum holiday, which is viewed as a particularly important principle of EU social law. There is, therefore, nothing particularly surprising about the EAT's decision, but there remains a great deal of concern about what has been described as the 'ticking time bomb' of potentially horrendously large claims for back pay, which could in theory go back to 1998, or the worker's later start date. The EAT has provided some comfort to employers on this point, in deciding that any claims relating to holidays more than three months apart will break continuity. However, that ruling is subject to a likely appeal to the Court of Appeal but, thankfully, not also to the European Court, which would only prolong the uncertainty. More - here. Nikki Duncan, Partner in the Employment team at Michelmores LLP, will be presenting on this topic to PMG Network members at their meeting on April 22nd at 12:30pm.

Rates notification - New deadline on rates appeals

20. In the Autumn Statement the government announced its intention to introduce a new deadline on rates appeals – If a reduction in assessment is to be back dated to the start of the rating list (01.04.10) the appeal must be lodged prior to 31.03.15. Appeals can still be lodged after this date but any reductions in assessment may not be back dated, which could leave you ratepayers paying excessive bills for the last five years. If this change is brought in it creates a very real incentive to act promptly. More - here. Paul Stevens, Director – Rating Tel: 0117 914 2006 pstevens@lsh.co.uk. Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) is a national commercial property consultancy with 27 offices located across the UK and Ireland.

Skills for Innovation in Manufacturing Fund opens

21. Manufacturers have been invited to bid for a share of £1m from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) as part of a competition aimed at boosting UK innovation. The 'Skills for Innovation in Manufacturing' competition challenges firms to come up with new ways of developing the skills and business practices to maximise the value of innovation to the UK economy. A total investment pot of £1m is available with the UKCES planning to invest up to £150,000 per project. The UK has risen from 14th on the Global Innovation Index in 2010, to second last year. However, a government assessment of the UK's science and innovation system, undertaken in 2014, found "worrying deficiencies". The competition closes on 11 March. Successful bids would be expected to start in June 2015 with UKCES funding available until June 2016. More - here

Cambridge Mercantile Group

22. ‘Cambridge Mercantile have been trading for over 20 years and are the 2nd largest non-bank provider of corporate foreign currency globally. Across our 19 worldwide offices we transacted over $22 billion in over 160 currencies, assisting over 22,000 corporate clients last year. Our business model allows us to offer our clients exchange rates that are more competitive than the banks or other brokers. We charge no fees for transfers. We are one of the few providers who offer options (structured solutions/ derivatives) and also have specific solutions for the educational, legal and e-commerce sectors. Our service and security is second to none – for five years running we have the won the prestigious Deutsche Bank Award for straight through processing based on our 99%

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payment efficiency meaning that we can transact international payments quicker and more securely than any other company: see - here (banks average between 50%-70%). Our online system is arguably better and easier to use than anything on the market, enabling our clients to buy or sell various currencies in just a few clicks Corporate Video Link. We are one of the few global payment providers who have our own SWIFT membership - this enables our clients to send a SWIFT payment confirmation message to their suppliers completely free of charge. This enhances relationships and enables goods/supplies to be dispatched earlier (banks charge £25.00 each time for this service). All our payments are delivered with a same day value wherever possible or a one day value where not, with no hidden fees or charges. Setting up an account with ourselves is simple and free, requires just one form to be completed and there is absolutely no obligation to trade. If you need any further information in the meantime then just let me know’. Joseph Dunkley, Business Development Manager. Tel 0207 398 5700 Mob 0776 673 8146 www.cambridgefx.com e-mail: jdunkley@cambridgefx.co.uk

Haldons Ltd, Construction Consultants 23. Haldons Ltd, Construction Consultants, based in Plymouth, Torquay and Exeter provide the following

range of multi-disciplinary services to Clients in the South West region: · Architectural design · Building surveying, including Party Wall · Project management · Quantity surveying/cost management · Legislation compliance · Contract Administration/Employer’s agent · CDM Co-ordinator Haldons have worked on projects valued from £50k to £3m for clients in the Plymouth area. Please call our Head Office on 01803 213529 for an initial discussion with our Director, Mark Coton, regarding any potential projects. More details - http://www.haldons.co.uk/

Nuclear expert warns supply companies that quality and health & safety must come first

24. Small and medium sized manufacturers in the South West must focus more emphasis on quality and health & safety if they are going to make the most of the £60bn+ nuclear new build and decommissioning opportunity. The rallying call was made by Fit For Nuclear (F4N) Assessor John Ruddleston, who is currently helping a number of companies in the region stake their claim for work ranging from fabrication and maintenance, to precision components and technical design. John believes a completely different mindset is required by management teams looking to enter the industry for the first time, with speed and cost playing ‘second fiddle’ to exacting standards and a world class H&S record. “For a long time manufacturers have had it drummed into them that they need to deliver quicker and take cost out of the equation, especially those supplying into automotive, food and, on some occasions, aerospace,” explained John. “Nuclear is very different. Of course they are looking for you to meet delivery dates and don’t expect to be overpriced, but there is more of a partnership approach to working with suppliers so they get the critical parts and services they require.” He continued: “The minimum quality requirement is ISO 9000, but companies will also need to prove they are working towards securing ISO14001 (environmental) and ISO 18001 (health and safety). “In addition, firms will have to demonstrate the right culture and behaviour, that they invest in training and importantly can achieve zero accidents in the production of their parts or the delivery of their services.” More - here or contact MAS on 0207 728 3026. You can also follow @fitfornuclear on Twitter.

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South West Loans Fund

25. Small loans for business are available through the South West Loans Fund, European Regional Development Fund finance for businesses with growth potential. If you are a growing business with viable plans but find yourself unable to secure all the funding you need, this loan could be for you. Main terms: • Maximum amount £50,000 • Maximum 5 year term • Commercial rates of interest charged in line with EU guidelines (normally between 6% and 10%) • Personal guarantees are required, further security may be requested according to commercial

risk • Arrangement fee of 1% of loan amount (min. £75) payable on draw down • Monitoring fee of 1% of original loan (min. £75) payable per year

If you would like help with your application and business financials, we may be able to arrange support, please let us know in the initial application form below. Eligible applicants will need to meet a number of criteria and have viable business plans. More - here

Diamond Logistics 26. At Diamond, we support your business growth with logistics

experience backed by 22 years of knowledge and experience. We work with our clients to achieve smart solutions to their logistics problems. We offer a range of products including same-day, overnight and international, as well as local storage. All services include: Easy reporting and invoicing – one point of contact (in Plymouth), one invoice, one KPI report –

freeing up time and resources for you. Auto carrier selection set to your preference – the best carrier at the best price for you Full IT support – book, track and trace with one hyperlink Proactive customer service – we’ll solve problems before you know about them – so you never have

to chase again

All the above are completely free when using our services, you just pay the price of carriage. We add all that value so our clients get to concentrate on their core business leaving logistics to the experts – so they improve their profits and their quality of life! Contact Ryan Cook, Managing Director, on 01752 547992 or ryan.cook@diamondlogistics.co.uk

Technology Strategy Board – Innovate UK - Funding Competitions – news update – £2m funding Announcement for Feasibility Studies - here

Company Profiles of Potential Overseas Partners For the Latest Co-operation profiles from Enterprise Europe Network South West – here Other business contacts this month ADG Architects Design Group newsletter - here

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IV Talent Retention & Recruitment

Career Transition Partnership

27. May I remind you of our FREE RECRUITMENT SERVICE which assists ex- military personnel into employment. If you have not used our services for a while please do read on. Are you recruiting now or do you anticipate doing so in the near future? If so, this service is available to all employers and employment agencies alike, in fact anyone who is conducting recruitment either for themselves or on behalf of someone else. Either way, our services are completely free and you may wish to take advantage of us at some point this year. 4 good reasons why you should consider contacting me about your recruitment needs: 1. Eliminate expensive recruitment costs - our recruitment service is completely free of charge – we do not charge any fees, commissions or administration costs. 2. Employees who are quick to learn, picking up new skills and adapting to new circumstances with ease. They are self-disciplined and motivated problem solvers who will get a task done, whatever it takes. 3. The majority of our candidates are able to access financial support to help with further training, to fully prepare them for the transition and beyond into their careers. 4. Trial Attachments enable potential employees to spend time with an employer whilst being paid and indemnified by the military. It offers you an opportunity to assess individuals without obligation, cost or risk.

More detailed information is available at our website https://www.ctp.org.uk/employers where you will see the additional services that we provide for employers, including job fairs and industry awareness events. Please do contact me to see if I can be of assistance. I would be very happy to address any queries or offer further information either over the telephone or email, and would welcome the opportunity to visit if you prefer. Thank you in anticipation - I hope to hear from you. Joanne Lucas, Employment Consultant, Career Transition Partnership RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity, Plymouth PL4 0SN, Tel 01752 600427; Mob 0785 2287797 jlucas@ctp.org.uk www.ctp.org.uk www.rfea.org.uk

Need help with your overseas marketing? - Placements for International Student sought – free of charge for two month duration 28. Once again this year, a French College in St Pol de Léon, Brittany has contacted the PMG and is

offering Advanced Technician in International Business students free of charge for two months during May and June 2015 for work experience in English firms. The students are aged between 18 and 20 years old. The placement takes place at the end of the first year which is focused on marketing (market research, sales prospecting, communication, intercultural management and foreign languages). During their placement they could, for example, help in a marketing or sales department (looking for new clients or servicing existing clients in Great Britain, in France or in another country). The College has provided the PMG with a case study of a particularly successful placement in recent years of a student with Kawasaki PM. Contact: Claudine Guillerm - Marketing teacher, International business course, Lycée Le Kreisker, 2, rue Cadiou, 29250 SAINT-POL-DE-LEON – FRANCE email (in English) to : ci_kreisker@yahoo.fr or claudine.guillerm@lekreisker.fr

Apprenticeship Grant for Employers (AGE) 29. Apprenticeship Grant for Employers: Claim £1,500 - Eligible businesses with fewer than 50

employees can claim a grant of £1,500 for each apprentice from the National Apprenticeship Service. AGE supports businesses offering 16- to 24-year-olds employment through apprenticeships. Businesses that have recruited an apprentice in the last 12 months are not eligible for the grant. For further information and to apply, please call 08000 150 600 or visit the visit the AGE section of our website on GOV.UK. here and here

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Experienced candidate looking for recruitment Martyn Anthony CEng MPhil MEng (Hons) MImechE 30. A degree educated, highly professional, experienced and results driven

general manager with an outstanding track record spanning over a decade. Specialist engineering, quality, production, engineering and compliance experience within the food production and logistics sectors, as well as packaging, heavy process and ceramics industries. Excellent communication skills across all operational levels of business with exemplary stakeholder management. Bottom line focused with keen P&L and margin improvement skills. Adaptable, resourceful and proactive leader who is looking for senior roles (full-time, interim, or contract) in challenging environments and businesses. Would ideally be suited to senior supply chain roles, large or multi-site roles either in operational management or engineering management. CV – here

Recent graduate - Mitchell Brenen 31. A recent nautical science graduate with a 1:1 higher national certificate from the South Shields

Maritime School, looking to secure a career within the marine industry and a position to use and further develop my skills and knowledge in a practical and fast-paced environment in the future. My career goal is to assume a role which allows me to take responsibility and a professional position in the maritime industry. I am very enthusiastic and motivated about everything I do and try to be as precise and accurate in everything I do. I am a trustworthy and reliable person and have been in positions of great responsibility that requires me to work well under pressure. CV – here

Unlocking Potential – Grads for Growth - here and here

Requests from Schools & Colleges • UTC Plymouth Open events – your future talent supply chain - ’Dear PMG member, we at UTC

Plymouth are keen to engage with a wide range of staff audiences within organisations, to inform staff about the work that we are doing and the opportunities for involvement that are possible for those with an interest in promoting engineering careers. In light of this, we would be very happy to attend and deliver to any staff meetings or audiences where this might be of interest. We would also appreciate your support in making your teams aware of this educational opportunity for their own family members and the wider community. It would very helpful if you could pass on the information about our forthcoming events. Secondly, as a means of demonstrating your on-going involvement with us here at the UTC, it would be very helpful if some of your team were represented at these events. We can make space available to you, to advertise your own company, and to make potential students of UTC aware of progression opportunities to organisation. This very public support of what we are doing will I hope have a positive effect on our recruitment, which will in time aid your own ability to fill engineering roles’. Peter Robinson, Vice Principal - UTC Plymouth www.utcplymouth.org 01752 284 256 or 07714 251 403

• Mount Kelly College, Tavistock are looking to link with manufacturers, so their pupils (max of 6 or so) could spend one week over the summer holidays on work experience. If you would like to assist, please contact Elena Novakova, Network Advisor (External Relations), Futures Entrepreneurship Centre, Plymouth University email: elena.novakova@plymouth.ac.uk Tel: 01752 585595; Mob 07981 99 44 81.

Job Vacancies *****Please remember that we can advertise PMG member vacancies on the new PMG website*****

Send me the details: stevegerry@dsl.pipex.com

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V Events, Training Courses & Other Information Open for Business - Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery – Exhibition from Sat 17 January to Thurs 12 March 2015 – (Tuesday to Friday 10am to 5.30pm - Saturday 10am to 5pm) 32. In 2013, Multistory and Magnum Photos commissioned

nine of the world’s leading photographers to document contemporary British manufacturing. Chris Steele-Perkins visited the following PMG member companies as part of the project: Bandvulc Tyres, Burts Potato Chips, Princess Yachts, Spinnaker International, Tideford Organics, Vi-Spring and Westaways Sausages. You will be able to see several of his images in the exhibition. During a period of great economic instability, and where questions are being raised about the strength of western economies within the worldwide market, there has never been a more relevant time to explore the condition of Britain’s manufacturing future. (Photo shows: Jane Fussell, Director of Finance for Bandvulc Tyres, with Magnum photographer

Chris Steele-Perkins and Councillor Chris Penberthy).

Fully funded training for Devon and Somerset based businesses – including L3 leadership & management – European funding ends this summer. Must be used ASAP 33. Devon and Somerset companies with fewer than 250 staff can now attend leadership and

management training free of charge under the new ESF Skills for Growth initiative. Eligible companies can access the courses for as many people in their business that require them, and there is no limit on how much each person can do. No match funds are required. Click here for more information including a list of eligible sectors. Click here for a list of courses.

Skills Fund for Hinkley, 6 February 2015, Sandy Park, Exeter 09:00 to 15:00 34. The Skills Fund for Hinkley project is financed by the European Union’s Social Fund. It is a flexible,

responsive fund to develop provision to respond to skills issues arising from the Hinkley development. The target group is Small to Medium Enterprises (SME’s) who may be considering tendering for work as part of the Hinkley Project Supply Chain. Bridgwater College are leading the project and Petroc is one of the delivery partners. The Skills Fund for Hinkley Conference will be a great opportunity to find out information on the overall project and for our partners to network. There will also be key note speakers from Petroc, Bridgwater College and various other organisations. Register - here

FREE EVENT - A Focus On Mental Health In The Workplace - 12th February, Mount Gould Hospital 9.30 for 10 am - lunch provided - finish 3.30pm – 4pm 35. The Livewell@Work Employment Forum offers an interesting

mix of information and discussions around health and wellbeing in the workplace. With mental health being an area of concern, the February forum will provide advice and guidance on how the issue can be addressed and supported within the workplace. Talks include: • A Logical Approach to Workplace Psychological Wellbeing - Steve Scott, CSP Coaching • Meeting the challenge of mental health issues in the workplace - Chris Moreley, EE Limited • An employer’s case study of how to address mental health in the workplace. • Signposting to additional mental health training including - Alcohol Identification and brief advice

(IBA) Training; mental health first aid (MHFA); Applied Suicide Intervention skills training (ASIST). • Round table discussion - an opportunity for employers to discuss any issues in their workplace.

To book your place, email mel.fairbairn@nhs.net

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Thursday 12 February, 11.30-16.00 - Plymouth University’s Electron Microscopy Centre (PEMC), Bringing Bid Company Technology to SMEs - FREE to the first 5 PMG SME1 members who sign up to attend (Otherwise £35) contact stevegerry@dsl.pipex.com

36. This is your opportunity to come and see first-hand the cutting edge Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre (PEMC) facilities and discuss how you can use this outstanding capability for FREE until March 2015 to help you increase your company’s competitiveness. Attendees will have the opportunity to have a half-hour tour of the PEMC and other University facilities, showing relevant investigations, analysis and imaging on the microscopes from companies in the precision engineering, aerospace, defence and manufacturing sectors - including an introduction to the advanced technique of Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) which looks at the crystallographic orientation of anything with a crystalline structure (e.g. metal, geological materials etc) to help determine key properties such as strength, corrosion and fatigue. There will also be the opportunity to meet and hear from large multi-national companies in the aerospace industry and how they have used electron microscopy to gain and sustain market position. Visit the WEAF website for more information, (http://www.weaf.co.uk/events/view/all/280). If you can’t join us, but want to find out more, please contact Claire Pearce, Project Manager – Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre, Brunel Laboratories, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AA - M: 07738 858494, T: 01752 588908 em:claire.pearce@plymouth.ac.uk www.plymouth.ac.uk/staff/cpearce5

PMG’s Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair 2015 - All day on Sat 7th March 2015 – At Plymouth Guildhall 37. In just over a month’s time, at the beginning of national apprenticeship week, the PMG is hosting its

own exclusive recruitment fair at Plymouth Guildhall. We now have a fantastic 17 firms exhibiting – Aldermans; Algram; Babcock Int; BD; Centrax TCL; Hellermann Tyton; Hymec Aerospace; KPM; MGB Engineering; PTG Precision Engineers; Pipex px; Plessey; Princess Int plc; Rittal-CSM; Source (Myrna Ltd.); UTAS UTC and Wrigley Co. We intend using all means possible to promote the event but word of mouth is key amongst them. Please spread the word. By the way, if your firm is not on the list and you are a member and would like to join us then please get in touch stevegerry@dsl.pipex.com. We are offering a shared stand for smaller members who don’t have exhibition materials.

Invite to exhibit at Plymouth University's British Science Week 38. British Science Week is a national initiative to celebrate, engage and inspire people of all ages with

Science, Engineering, Technology & Health and this year it falls between 13th – 22nd March 2015. Plymouth University will be celebrating BSW with a 3 day event between Wednesday 18th – Friday 20th March with inspiring talks, engaging workshops, demonstrations and the chance to explore our careers hub so students can discover the wide range of career paths open to them. The event is open to school students; years 10 – 12 on Wednesday 18th – Thursday 19th March and years 6 -9 on Friday 20th March. The careers hub will be situated in our marquee and will consist of a range of stands providing interactive activities to help students engage with various university services and learn about what universities can offer. We would also like employers to have an interactive stand at this event. Exhibiting would give you the chance to promote work experience and apprenticeship opportunities to students as well as talk to them about your industry, answer their questions about career roles and inspire students to consider career paths they may not have been aware of. This is set to be a very rewarding event and is free of charge to exhibit and raise your profile on campus. The students will be invited along to timetabled sessions and the marquee sessions will be as follows:

• Wednesday 18th March| 09.30-11.00| 11.30-12.30| 14.00-15.30| • Thursday 19th March| 09.00-10.30| 10.30-12.00| 13.00-14.30|

1 http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/sme/facts-figures-analysis/sme-definition/index_en.htm

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• Friday 20th March| 09.00-10.30| 10.30-12.00| 13.00-14.30|

You could exhibit at one, both or all of these days and would need to arrive on campus by 0900 to ensure your stand was ready for 0920. It would be great to work alongside you for this event and with limited slots for employers we would be really grateful if you could confirm your interest ASAP and by Wednesday 21st January at the latest. If you know you are not able to attend then it would be great if you could let us know so we can offer your stand space on. Sarah Facy & Francesca Crickmere, Employability Service Events Team, Room 206, 3 Endsleigh Place 01752 587729 / employers.careers@plymouth.ac.uk

Skills South West 18 & 19 March, Plymouth Pavilions, Plymouth 39. Skills SW is one of a national series of careers and skills events for young people. Focusing on

bringing young people together with employers, training providers, further education colleges and universities these free events open visitors’ minds to the range of employment and training opportunities available. More - here

Circular Business Advantage - 17th February 9:30am -12:30pm at blur Group HQ, Exeter Science Park 40. Hear how leading companies are growing their businesses using the

Circular Business Advantage, why blur Group is getting involved and how you can develop your own ideas to gain from the emerging business models associated with the circular economy. How? Circular Business Advantage helps you to create business opportunities. It allows you to: - Get closer to, and generate more income from, your customers; - Create new marketplaces and services; - Increase asset utilisation, reduce supply costs and improve resilience to changing markets. Who should attend? All businesses, whatever size, can benefit from the Circular Business Advantage, whether in the digital, manufacturing, retail, professional and other service sectors. To register for FREE: Please go to our eventbrite link: https://cbalaunch.eventbrite.co.uk This event will launch the Circular Business Advantage workshop series, series which are free to attend as they are funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Centre for Alternative Materials and Remanufacturing Technologies (CALMARE), the University of Exeter Business School and QSA Partners LLP. These events are delivered by the Circular Economy Business Forum (http://cebf.co.uk) More - here

For members in Cornwall - ‘Grow Your Business in Emerging Markets’. Free event at the Pavilion Centre, Wadebridge on Tuesday 24 February – from 8.45am to 4pm 41. There will be five guest speakers as follows:

Santander’s own Oliver Engeldorf on Brazil Albion Overseas on Russia Siddharth Mukne from the UK India Business Council Antoaneta Becker from the China British Business Council Adam Howe – from the British Centre for Business in Mexico There is also the opportunity to register for one to one sessions with the speakers in order to have more in depth conversations. To register and book specific one to one meetings. Click - here

Other Information/Courses/Events • Bond Dickinson employment clubs - here and here • Business Pulse events – Cornwall - here • Cornwall College – National Apprenticeship Week - here • EEF events - here • Electronics, Sensors, Photonics events – here • Hemsley Fraser courses in Bristol - here • MAS events – here • SA Partners January newsletter including various workshops etc - here • South Devon College – New Year training for you and your business – here and here • The Manufacturer events - here and here • The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) - here • WEAF events – here

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Other Courses/Events on specific dates

• Election 2015: Building a Better Britain - SW RTPI - 6pm-8pm, 5th March - Devonport Lecture Theatre, Portland Square Building, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA. Candidates attending: Conservative: Gary Streeter; Labour: Alison Seabeck; Liberal Democrat: TBC; UKIP: Penny Mills; Green: Win Scutt Refreshments will be provided at this free event. To book your place, please visit here

• Strategic Roadmapping - Intensive one-day course - Thursday 12 March - Institute for Manufacturing, Cambridge - here

• Renewable Energy Marketplace – Westpoint Arena, Exeter, Devon - 21st

April - here • The 5th Annual Vessels & Access Forum’ which we are holding in London, 12-14 May. More - here • Plymouth Business Show Plymouth Pavilions Wednesday 17

th June 2015 - Bookings for the show

are now open and early birds can benefit from a discounted rate on our 3m x 2m stands of £299+VAT (saving you £50+VAT). There are limited spaces so please book now to avoid disappointment. More - here

VI Requests for Assistance & Corporate Social Responsibility Matters

Have you thought about encouraging members of your staff to become a School Governor?

42. Governors perform the most important voluntary role in education and a full and diverse governing body is a source of enormous strength to a school. Working as a team, school governors support and challenge the senior leadership as they strive for the best possible education, learning environment and future prospects for the school's pupils. As a governor you will not act alone – you are part of a governing body which may delegate certain tasks to small groups of governors. Ofsted will look to the governing body to demonstrate effective leadership and management. The time commitment varies but often there are approximately 4-5 governing body meetings per year with the expectation that governors will also contribute to one committee, visits to the site and training and self-development. It’s also an alternative means of personal development that your business will benefit from. For more info visit http://www.sgoss.org.uk/ or contact Nick Rich, Governor Consultant / Trainer, Learning and Communities, Plymouth City Council, Windsor House, Plymouth Tel 01752 304011 e-mail nicholas.rich@plymouth.gov.uk www.plymouth.gov.uk

Charity Challenge – Catherine is cycling 480 km across Zambia in around 5 days 43. Dear PMG Colleagues, I am the Olympus Ambassador for ‘Street Child

Africa’ which is one of the nominated charities we support as a Group. Street Child Africa supports young kids who, for unfortunate and tragic reasons, are forced to live on the streets in Africa. Some of these kids as young as 6, live dangerous and desperate lives with no adult to help with injuries, medicine or life support and unfortunately their vulnerability means they are subject to both physical and sexual abuse. This charity work close with local Business Partners within the areas and build trust with the street-connected children, providing help, medicine and education through regular out-reach sessions, in the attempt to integrate them back within the society. I have taken on a challenge to raise money for the charity and have agreed to cycle 480 km across Zambia in around 5 days......... tough, but do-able as long as I start training now! So the purpose of my contact is to appeal to you and your companies generosity and ask if you could donate and support me on this quest. I have set up a page on the website www.justgiving.com and if you search for my page under Catherine Harris – Cycle Zambia, you can donate on line. I will be going through the local media to try and raise the awareness of the charity and the event, however in the meantime thank you for reading my appeal and I would be extremely grateful for any support you are able to offer. Kind regards, Catherine Harris, Managing Director, Algram Group Ltd. email - catherine.harris@algram.com catherine.harris@olympus.co.uk

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Affordable self-build housing for your Plymouth staff 44. Because some of your staff may well be struggling to afford a suitable

secure home, please could you let them know about this opportunity to self-build your own affordable eco home? Plymouth City Council has identified a lovely open site in King Tamerton with far reaching views for this project to be developed by a local Community Land Trust (CLT). We are a local social enterprise who will provide the CLT and self-builders with access to the finance, training and professional support they need to make it happen. This scheme is both for people who cannot afford a home on the open market or for those who simply dream of building their own home. Anyone interested is invited to come to a meeting to find out more on either Tuesday 3 February or Thursday 19 February at 7.30 p.m. at the Kings Tamerton Community Centre in Nelson Avenue PL5 2BU (next to the Marine Academy). Please see our community build information flyer here for those who would like more information. Many thanks for your help, Erica Lewis, Director, Land Society CIC www.landsociety.org

Message from Chief Superintendent, Devon & Cornwall Police, Plymouth 45. At a time of worldwide terror issues and closer to home more recently with the attacks in Paris and

the anti-terror activity in Belgium, there is increasing concern amongst our communities here in Plymouth. I want to assure you that Police are working together in partnership at a local level to ensure that all communities are supported. Could you please pass these 3 key messages to your staff/community? (1) While the threat level has been raised to SEVERE, it is important that we have a measured response and that the general public remain calm, stay vigilant and raise any concerns with their local policing team, using either 101, 999 for emergencies or the force website: www.devon-cornwall.police.uk, www.report-it.org.uk. (2) Communities and families are asked to contact their local police for advice and support about anyone they feel may be potentially vulnerable to being drawn into terrorist related activities. If you see or hear something that you are concerned could be terrorist related call the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321. (3) We support all our communities in Plymouth and will take robust action against any criminal behaviour, especially where crimes are motivated by hate. Hate crimes are committed by a minority of people and are not representative of wider communities; they do of course have significant impacts on our diverse communities and increase the vulnerability of people which is unacceptable. I would ask all our communities to come together in support of each other, not to tolerate incidents of hate or prejudice and to report concerns to the police. Kind Regards, Andy Boulting, Chief Superintendent, Plymouth.

Plymouth is looking to achieve ‘Sustainable Fish City’ status – can you help? 46. Plymouth is looking to achieve ‘Sustainable Fish City’ status which requires

pledges from the public and private sectors as well as education establishments and of course community involvement. To date we have achieved two of the 5 ‘Gold stars’ we need to qualify for the award. We need help to sign up nine large employers in the city to get the next star. Is this something that the PMG could help us with please? Sustainable Fish Cities was established by Sustain to change the way that we buy and eat fish. The campaign aims to encourage local businesses’ and caterers to serve environmentally and economically sustainable fish. Caterers and businesses’ will sign a pledge to: • Avoid the worst: Remove endangered and unsustainable species from menus – those rated as

‘fish to avoid’ by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS). • Promote the best: Serve sustainable fish – such as MSC-certified fish (Marine Stewardship

Council), and those rated as ‘fish to eat’ by the MCS. • Improve the rest: Work with your supplier(s) to support continuous improvement. Each pledge contributes to a sustainable fish star. Plymouth has to gain five stars in order to become a Sustainable Fish City. Below are the categories of each star. To see how many stars Plymouth has please visit: http://www.sustainweb.org/sustainablefishcity/plymouth/ If you are a Plymouth-based manufacturer with a restaurant/canteen that sells fish then please email: stacey.turner@national-aquarium.co.uk or call 01752 275210.

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Plymouth Drake Foundation Charity Valentines Party 47. On Saturday 14th February at 7 pm the Treasury will be hosting a Valentines Party for the Plymouth

Drake Foundation. Tickets are just £25 and for this you will enjoy an evening of: • A great selection of food • A bar for all our guests • Live music from Plymouth artist • A raffle and an auction to win something special • The food will be a buffet of food from all around the world including Mediterranean food,

canapé grazing, sweet delights and an oyster barrel. • There will also be a photo booth on the night to capture the fantastic night you will be having! • To book your place - please visit this web page. here

CSR Related events & newsletters • Plymouth Drake Foundation Update - here • Plymouth Drake Foundation (Jan) newsletter - here

VII Consultations, Reviews, Surveys & Calls for

Evidence Plymouth Plan Part One (consultation draft) 48. Plymouth Plan Part One consultation draft is open for comments until 5pm 4 March 2015. This

follows on from the Conversation (2013) and Connections (2014) which took place in previous years. Now is your chance to see if we’re on the right track. Read the plan and comment on the things which matter most to you. Double check that the comments you may have already submitted have been taken into account. Check that we're envisioning a future for the City which you agree with. To view the foreword to the Plymouth Plan and the front and back covers which act as a key, a timeline and a 'plan on a page' click on 'supporting documents' and 'Plymouth Plan Part One consultation draft.pdf' below. The Plymouth Plan Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) and Sustainability Appraisal (SA) are also available on our website or under 'supporting documents' below. Please read these and submit your comments to plymouthplan@plymouth.gov.uk or send them to us via post. For more information and to find out what else is happening during 'Plymouth Plan Check-Up' please visit our website here

Other Surveys - none this month

VIII Economic News; Newsletters, Briefings & Articles BIS Bulletins –

• 9th

Jan - £192 million Growth Deals for Buckinghamshire and the South East Midlands; Red tape drive saves record £10 billion; 8,000 companies benefit from Regional Growth Fund; Hancock: Record year for the high street; Intellectual Property and business innovation - here;

• 23rd

Jan - Start-Up Loans support 25,000 new businesses; Starting the motor on £30 million skills investment; Cable calls for digital transformation across Europe; 37 National Minimum Wage offenders named and shamed; More powers for Scotland - what happens next? - here

• 30th

Jan - Business Secretary celebrates record applications for UK higher education; Encouraging start to the year for apprenticeships and traineeships; Growth Deals gain momentum; Tougher quality measures for higher education alternative providers; BIS outlines higher education funding priorities for 2015 to 2016; Fines for supermarkets move a step closer - here

BIS South, Central & West news • None this month

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Economic news • Bank of England - Agents' Summary of Business Conditions (Jan 15) – here • Deloitte Monday briefings - here • HM Treasury pocket databank (27/1) – here • House of Commons Economic Indicators – Jan 15 - here • Economic Update by Roger Martin-Fagg – here

PMG Press Coverage • The Herald looks back over the best Plymouth business stories of the year - here • Women in STEM Plymouth - here

Infographics & PowerPoints • 4 facts about manufacturing in the UK - here • Apprenticeships – Employer info - here • Automotive sector - here • Centre for Cities – the contribution cities make - here • Combating the Skills Shortage in US manufacturing – Accenture & Manufacturing Institute - here • Peter Marsh’s presentation – ‘Industry – past, present and future’ – delivered at Plymouth Museum &

Art Gallery 27th

January 2015 – part of the ‘Open for Business’ Exhibition - here • Plymouth Plan 2011-31 - here • The ultimate guide to unplugging technology - here

Manufacturing articles, publications and other reports of general interest: • A productivity perspective on the future of growth - McKinsey article - here • BCG Perspectives most read in 2014 - here • Decoding leadership: What really matters - New research suggests that the secret to developing

effective leaders is to encourage four types of behaviour. McKinsey article - here • Fostering women leaders: A fitness test for your top team - here • Imeche report: ‘STEM Tribes: Personalising Engineering Education’- here • MAS barometer results – Qtr 2 July-September 2014– National - here and SW Region - here • Talent management in manufacturing: The need for a fresh approach- PWC - here • World’s first 3D-printed bike created in Manchester - here

Other newsletters & journals: • Aerospace Technology Institute – (26/1) – here • All Party Parliamentary Manufacturing Group Newsletter - Jan - here • Bishop Fleming - Grant Update January - here • Bond Dickinson – weekly employment law update (23/1) - here • Devon & Cornwall Business Council – news & events – here & here • Devon & Cornwall Business Council – Chairman’s update (Jan) - here • Exported by Britain campaign launch - here • First Great Western – Escape - here • Fit for Nuclear - here • Foot Anstey Employment & Pensions Legal News (Jan) - here • Get up to speed – Love digital - here • Heart of the SW LEP newsletter (Jan) - here • Heart of the SW LEP Skills newsletter (Jan) - here • Highways Agency – planned road schemes in the SW update – here • IoD Update (Jan) - here • ISSR Institute for Sustainability Solutions Research newsletter – Jan – here • Institute for Manufacturing Review – University of Cambridge – Issue 1 – here Issue 2 - • Lambert Smith Hampton – UK Investment transactions - Qtr 4 2014 - here • Parklife from Plymouth Science Park (Jan) - here • Plymouth & Peninsula City Deal (Jan) - here • Plymouth – Love our past news - here • Sensors & Instrumentation newsletter (Jan) - here • SET squared partnership (Universities of Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Southampton and Surrey) - here • Skills Funding Agency – Business Update (Jan) - here • SW Skills newsletters – #162 - here & #163 - here • UKTI - Digital marketing, visit Brazil and Dubai, discounted training courses - here

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• UKTI - Exporting to Africa, Win new business in India... - here • University of Exeter - Centre for ALternative MAterials and REmanufacturing Technologies or

‘CALMARE’ newsletter – (Jan) - here • Windpower Offshore Weekly (1/2) – here • WISE – news from (Jan) - here • Wrap – Re-use news - (Jan) - here

Videos • No-one says “The UK is your Oyster” - here and here • What is engineering? STEM promo - here

Other sites of interest to manufacturers: • http://www.manufacturinginfo.co.uk/ • http://www.imeche.org/news • http://www.themanufacturer.com/ • http://www.worksmanagement.co.uk/ • http://source.theengineer.co.uk/ • http://www.pwc.com/gx/en/industrial-manufacturing/index.jhtml • http://www.thecqi.org/Knowledge-Hub/Qualityworld/Current-issue/ • http://profeng.com/ • http://www.chemweek.com/home/ • http://www.techuk.org/

Credits: The Editor of this newsletter is grateful to various news sources for stories contained either herein or in previous editions, including: insidermedia.com; Plastics & Rubber Weekly; The Manufacturer and Plymouth Herald The MAS barometer is provided courtesy of the Manufacturing Advisory Service National Barometer. Image credits: Pipex px; Gov.uk; PMG; Maritime Journal; Plymouth City Council; Plymouth Herald; Princess Yachts Int plc; Michelmores LLP; Martyn Anthony; PCC and Catherine Harris LinkedIn. NB: Some weblinks are only accessible temporarily until the release of the next edition of this newsletter. Pl. contact the editor if you cannot access the link you require. stevegerry@dsl.pipex.com If you want to read what some people are saying about this newsletter please see here and scroll down towards the bottom of the screen. All comments are unsolicited. Please send me your own if you wish!

Disclaimer: The information contained in this newsletter is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by the PMG and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the information, products, services, or related graphics contained here for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will the PMG be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of products or services referred to within this newsletter. Throughout this newsletter you are able to link to websites which are not under the control of the PMG. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them. The editor’s contact details are as follows:

Steve Gerry MBA PGDip MIED Secretary to Plymouth Manufacturers' Group

PMG e-Newsletter - February 2015

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