Growing up Is this the future of food production? - PLUS - SCC
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FREE • August/September 2019
PLUS
20-page focus
on technology
Growing
up
Is this the
future of food
production?
birminghambiz.co.uk
Looking to start,
grow, scale up or
exit a business?
The Festival of Enterprise – the UK’s largest event
dedicated to helping fast-track business growth for SMEs 03
and start-ups – comes back to the NEC Birmingham on advertisement
October 23 and 24 this year. feature
Scaling up
Strategy can be side-tracked in the
day-to-day running of a business, and
scaling up can take a back seat with
piles of paperwork, projects going
wrong or dealing with the overflowing
inbox.
This shows in the statistics.
According to the ScaleUp Institute,
scale-ups bring in £1.3 trillion of
the £1.9 trillion generated by all UK
SMEs. The remainder is brought in
by millions of companies not making
anywhere near as much of an impact
as they could.
There are clearly more than a few
secrets business owners need to learn
about scaling up. Fortunately, the
Piers Linney, entrepreneur and start-up specialist, left, and
Festival of Enterprise will reveal all.
James Ashwood, managing director Festival of Enterprise
The festival
More than 150 experts in business specialist Piers Linney has joined the team will be hosting a full agenda
growth will take to the stage at the festival as one of the speakers. of seminars on how some of our
Festival of Enterprise to share their Linney is perhaps best known to customers have transformed the way
secrets with other business owners. the public for being a ‘dragon’ on the they work with G Suite and how this
This is where you can learn from BBC2 television series Dragons’ Den, has helped them to rapidly scale their
real experiences, hear how they and for his appearance on Channel businesses.”
went about getting the funding that 4’s The Secret Millionaire. He will be The Festival of Enterprise is
enabled their growth, how they grew sharing his no-nonsense business designed to provide the owners of
their management and delivery advice with aspiring business owners. established SMEs and start-ups with
teams, the big obstacles they “I am delighted to be speaking the tools and information they need
overcame and how they re-shaped at the Festival of Enterprise, which to achieve fast growth.
their plans as they grew. is providing brilliant advice to help A day at the Festival of Enterprise
Managing director for the Festival businesses grow. I’ll be talking about will put business owners in the ‘ideas
of Enterprise, James Ashwood, said: my #Startup with Piers Linney course zone’ and will help them re-focus
“Over the past three years we have and look forward to sharing this with on the strategic issues that affect
learned a great deal about the types you all at the NEC in October,” he growth.
of information and services business said.
owners and CEOs are looking for to The exhibition section of the
support their growth ambitions. This festival will be packed with attendees
has enabled us to create such an from small solution providers to
exciting programme. specific problems, through to tech
“Not only are we offering world- giants like Google, LinkedIn and Dell.
class advice from business-growth Product marketing manager of
experts, we are also offering real- Google Cloud, David Taylor, said:
life case studies from successful “Google Cloud is excited to join the
entrepreneurs who have the Festival of Enterprise with its focus on
achievements and battle scars to strategies to scale up. Free entrance passes can be obtained by visiting
speak with authority about what it “Google Cloud offers the tools
takes to innovate and succeed in needed to transform the way www.festivalofenterprise.co.uk
today’s business environments. This businesses work and to help them by emailing hello@festivalofenterprise.co.uk
really is an event not to be missed.” build a modern infrastructure that will or by calling 0121 582 0517
Entrepreneur and start-up scale with them. The Google Cloud
04
contents 06 18 34 Welcome 05
contents
It is no exaggeration to suggest embracing entrepreneurs and
that Diane Benussi has a peerless organisations that are prolific in the
standing in her field. region.
A legend of the national family As our 20-page focus on the tech
ON THE COVER INTERVIEWS TECHNOLOGY law scene, and by all accounts a and digital sector hopefully reflects,
SPECIAL | 26-45 formidable presence in the courts, the city is fast becoming a byword
12 Hydroponics 18 Diane Benussi Diane has acted for scores of high- for technology. The number of tech
The Birmingham On the progression 28 David Hall profile figures from the political, workers in Birmingham – estimated
sporting and entertainment worlds. at 100,000 – and the work they are
company leading of her respected Taking tech to Her daughter, Helen, has the long- doing is extraordinary.
the revolution in family law firm the next level term responsibility of continuing this Such is the breadth of the subject
growing fresh food hugely respected family brand. we can only really scratch its surface
66 5 minutes with... 34 Autonomous Meeting the likes of the Benussis
makes this job incredibly rewarding
in the room we have available
here, but it is hard not to feel real
FEATURES PJ Ellis of Lightbox vehicles and I could not have enjoyed optimism when reading the columns
56
Digital interviewing them more. and insights from some of the many
Realising the dream Likewise Rebecca and Craig experts in their fields that Birmingham
06 Paradise is Struthers. Over in the Jewellery is truly at the cutting edge when it
taking shape 37 Digbeth Quarter, the Struthers’ workshop – comes to technological advances.
Phase One soon to SOCIALS The centre of a and the methods they use in creating Elsewhere, our cover story profiles
exquisite timepieces – would not a company looking to play its part in
be completed 24 Office opening thriving tech scene look out of place in the 1800s. This helping to feed society in the years
does not deter clients who know to come. Keep an eye on Alex Fisher
56 Traditional art Celebrations at 40 Combining a beautiful piece of craftsmanship and his company, Saturn Bioponics.
Watchmaking is The Botanist resources
when they see it and are happy We also provide an update
to pay a premium for the couple’s on proceedings at the Paradise
alive and well in the 50 Charity ball For 5G success watches. Birmingham development, and are
Benussi & Co and Struthers delighted to cover several social
Jewellery Quarter Gateley’s event in Watchmakers are at the very top of events which have been taking place
their respective games, and there’s over the summer.
its 18th year something reassuring about the way We hope all of this provides
businesses founded on traditional a welcome distraction to the
62 Retirement attributes such as skill, empathy, interminable uncertainty surrounding
reception brainpower, talent and hard work –
not new-fangled gadgets and gizmos
Brexit.
Our next issue comes out in
Saying goodbye after – continue to prosper. October when – you never know –
40-year career By HENRY But Birmingham’s business profile there might be just a little more clarity
is nothing if not varied, and these on where the country is heading.
CARPENTER more traditional businesses dovetail Until then, enjoy the rest of the
Editor comfortably with all the technology- summer.
Editor Business development ONLINE Birmingham Business is published by Midlands Magazines
Ltd. Reproduction of this magazine in whole or in part is
HENRY CARPENTER manager/head of advertising birminghambiz.co.uk prohibited without written permission of the editor. The
henry@birminghambiz.co.uk MIKE MOLONEY publishers have taken all reasonable care to ensure that the
@brumbiz information in this magazine is accurate at time of going to
sales@birminghambiz.co.uk
Editorial director press. Midlands Magazines accepts no responsibility for the
consequences of error or for any loss or damage suffered
CARL JONES General enquiries by users of any of the information and material contained in
editor@birminghambiz.co.uk henry@birminghambiz.co.uk facebook.com/brumbiz
this publication. The views expressed by our columnists are
not necessarily those held by the publisher, or editor.
Design and layout Birmingham-business Printed in the UK by The Magazine Printing Company
MICHELLE DALTON www.magprint.co.uk
A little It is almost four years since work
started on Birmingham’s largest
closer to building project. But, as HENRY
CARPENTER reports, the patience
06 Paradise? 07
asked of everyone who lives or
works around the development
feature looks soon to be rewarded. feature
The beginning of the end is surely in on its growth, skills and jobs agenda, a hotel within the 1.8 million sq ft set
of new buildings, and some 17 million
topping out was a huge moment for
both Paradise and Birmingham. We
“As well as creating
sight. and a huge vote of confidence in the
We are assured that Phase city. people are expected to pass through have achieved so many milestones and sustaining new
the site every year. over the past 10 years, but this
One of the Paradise Birmingham
development will be completed by
“Thanks to the hard work of a lot
of people, the city continues to move It is being run by Paradise Circus one feels extra special and reflects jobs for the people
Christmas. This means that the first forward and we are beginning to feel Limited Partnership, a private-public the huge momentum behind this of Birmingham,
occupiers of the development will be the very real benefits and economic joint venture with Birmingham City incredibly significant scheme.
moving in this year – all on schedule. uplift of projects like Paradise. But as Council, with private-sector funding “Rising above the challenges of Paradise is also
Which, to many, will be a blessed well as creating and sustaining new managed by Hermes Investment
Management. Property developer
the liquidation of Carillion at the
beginning of 2018, the scheme
about restoring
relief. The residents of, visitors to jobs for the people of Birmingham,
and motorists around the western Paradise is also about restoring Argent oversee the building work. continues at pace with both initial and improving
There have been several buildings advancing – 2019 will
fringes of the city centre have had
their patience tested to the limits
and improving connectivity for
pedestrians across the city centre key milestones along Paradise be even more significant with the connectivity for
with the development of Paradise and providing a fitting environment Birmingham’s timeline. completion of the first phase of pedestrians across
Birmingham. for our historic civic buildings.” In January, Two Chamberlain Paradise bringing our first occupiers
For the best part of four years, So truthfully, will anyone care Square – the second building in the to the development. the city centre.”
since work started, the air has a hoot about the disruption and development – was topped out at a “This will include the completion of
been filled with rubble dust and the inconvenience if the £700 million ceremony which saw a golden bolt the Phase One public realm that the
noise from drills and machinery; the development delivers on its own installed into the steel frame at the people of Birmingham will be able to
Rob Groves, Argent,
traffic has ground to a halt around identification as the most important top of the building by Cllr Ward who both witness and be part of.”
Cllr Ian Ward, BCC,
Paradise Circus, with repercussions development the city has seen in a was joined by Rob Groves, regional While the bulk of the floor space
David Ellis, BAM,
throughout the city centre and generation? director of Argent, and David Ellis, across the Paradise site will be taken
at the topping out of
beyond. To recap, Paradise Birmingham is regional director of construction firm up by offices, both hospitality and
Two Chamberlain Square
It is little wonder then that reluctant completely changing the profile of BAM. retail are also expected to be integral
acceptance gave way to impatience that area of the city centre between Overlooking the Town Hall, Council to the development.
and perhaps a little anger to be the end of Broad Street and the civic House and Birmingham Museum and So there was much excitement with
followed by a beleaguered weariness offices in Victoria Square. Three new Art Gallery, Two Chamberlain Square the announcement of wine bar and
(spot the similarities with Brexit). But public squares are being created, sits at the heart of the Paradise restaurant Vinoteca – which currently
maybe we can now add excitement as are pedestrian links and a new development with direct access from operates five sites across central
to these emotions. public transport system, including the the new public realm. An enhanced London – launching outside the
It was leader of Birmingham City hugely-anticipated Midlands Metro Chamberlain Square will open later capital for the first time with its arrival
Council, Councillor Ian Ward, who extension. this year along with the newly- at Paradise Birmingham.
said earlier this year: “Paradise is an The development will deliver completed Centenary Way. Vinoteca has taken 3,390 sq ft in
example of Birmingham delivering offices, shops, bars, restaurants and As Mr Groves said at the time: “The Two Chamberlain Square fronting
@FBCManbyBowdler www.fbcmb.co.uk
Protecting
08
feature and growing
your business
Starting a New Business Franchising
Buying & Selling a Business Directors Advice
Shareholders & Partnership Business Future Planning &
Agreements Succession
Banking & Finance General Business Advice
Chamberlain Square and Centenary largest building yet – the 280,000 sq 2020s. So there’s still a long way Specialist Business Agreements Brexit Advice
Way, and is due to open early in 2020. ft One Centenary Way – due to start to go until the last workman leaves
Charlie Young, co-founder of this year with a completion date of the ongoing building site that is the
Vinoteca, said: “Paradise offers our 2022, and with a 22-storey hotel to Paradise Birmingham development.
brand an unbeatable location and follow. But it’s a phase-by-phase process
commercial proposition right in the Finally, Phase Three will offer a and hopefully the knowledge of
heart of Birmingham.” range of commercial and mixed-use functioning, tenanted buildings by
Mr Groves said: “Bringing a buildings across the northern part the end of this year will make the
critically-acclaimed wine bar and of the site, with the whole project bitter pill of disruption a great deal
restaurant brand like Vinoteca to expected to be completed in the mid easier to swallow.
Birmingham really demonstrates
our aspirations for Paradise. Our
perfect mix of unbeatable location
and top-quality design means we
are the natural choice for innovative
leisure retailers keen on reaching an
audience of 17 million people a year.”
But it is unlikely any of these
milestones will be greeted with more
fanfare than the completion of Phase
One at the end of this year.
One Chamberlain Square, designed
by Eric Parry Architects and topped
Award winning legal advice 0800 111 6144
out in December 2017, is an eight-
storey, 172,000 sq ft building fully let delivered by the region’s
leading lawyers...
to professional services giant PwC @FBCManbyBowdler
which can increase its Birmingham info@fbcmb.co.uk
headcount by 1,000 thanks to its
move. As the first tenants of the
Paradise site, this is a symbolically FBC Manby Bowdler LLP is a Limited Liability Partnership. www.fbcmb.co.uk
significant part of Phase One.
Phase Two of Paradise will see the
West Midlands in
need of more job
10 opportunities
news
11
news
Summer job figures have highlighted the region’s high unemployment rate. Snowdonia challenge raises over
£10,000 for cancer charity
a pressing need for greater However, this remains well above
employment opportunities in the national figures.
West Midlands. “In the same period,
Although unemployment in the unemployment in the South East An intrepid team from Birmingham They beat their target of raising
region decreased by 0.4%, it still fell by the same amount to 2.8%. mechanical and electrical building £10,000 for the Royal Marsden
remains well above national figures, In the West Midlands, the drop services provider J S Wright Cancer Charity, which supports the
the Greater Birmingham Chambers was also accompanied by a drop completed an arduous physical Royal Marsden Hospital, the cancer
of Commerce emphasised in its in employment – which remains challenge through Snowdonia – centre that treated Stuart, who was
Quarterly Business Report. significantly behind the national raising more than £10,000 for charity. a foreman at a work site and a close
And West Midlands employment average. The 12 directors, employees friend of the team.
levels are still below the national “These statistics only reiterate and friends from the 129-year-old Managing director Phil Leech
average, having fallen by 0.4% the need emphasised in our latest company, which has its headquarters said: “It was a fantastic day.
between December 2018 and Quarterly Business Report to create on Portland Street in Aston, cycled, Everyone in the team can feel
February 2019. greater employment opportunities trekked and kayaked for six hours proud of completing the challenge
However, the UK enjoyed its outside of the South. over a 36km route in a Snowdon successfully and raising so much
fastest rise in nominal wages since “The construction of HS2 is central Triple Challenge in memory of their money, which will make a real
2008 in the year to May 2019, while to this process, and we are pleased colleague Stuart Rouse who died difference to the Royal Marsden and
real basic wages rose by 1.7% for the to see politicians recognising this. from cancer last year. all those affected by cancer.”
Paul Faulkner, chief executive last quarter. “Already supporting over 9,000 Laura Banks
Top lawyer ranked in
of Greater Birmingham The chamber said the jobs across the country, HS2 is
Chambers of Commerce Government must create more expected to create over 100,000
job opportunities outside of the jobs in the West Midlands alone
south of England in order to tackle – opportunities the region is
regional unemployment and boost determined local residents will be
respected directory
employment. able to access.”
Chief executive Paul Faulkner said: He urged the House of Lords
“It is great to see wages continuing to similarly demonstrate their
to outpace inflation, which for those commitment to balancing the UK
in work will mean pay cheques are economy by passing the HS2 Phase
going further. 2A: High Speed Rail (West Midlands
“It is also positive to see a drop in to Crewe) Bill.
A Birmingham wills and estates Chambers HNW, giving Thursfields
New routes announced by budget airline lawyer has repeated her ranking in
the Chambers UK High Net Worth
more of the skilled profile that it
deserves.
nnn Birmingham-based branding
agency Orb has purchased marketing
Guide 2019. “We work hard as a team to make firm Superdream which has gone into
Wizz Air – the largest low-cost a range of destinations to connect we will now operate a total of seven Laura Banks, a senior associate sure we give the very best legal administration.
airline in Central and Eastern Europe with family and friends or find their routes from Birmingham Airport. solicitor based at Thursfields’ advice to our clients, and it means Former Superdream staffers Hannah
– has announced two new routes next city break is important to us “We launched our very first Wizz Birmingham office, has been listed a lot to us when these efforts have Moreton and Aaron Jones have joined
from Birmingham Airport to Poland. and with these additional routes we flight to Birmingham in 2015 and by Chambers for her expertise in been recognised.” Orb’s management team as head
The first route due to launch on are able to do just that. today we offer seven low-fare private wealth law. Thursfields’ director Shane Miller of client services and head of digital
September 16 is to Poznań, Poland’s “Wizz Air currently operates to routes to Poland, Romania and Ms Banks specialises in advising said: “We’re very proud of Laura and respectively.
fifth largest city, with the second Cluj-Napoca, Budapest, Bucharest, Hungary. clients on trust and estate matters, all our other lawyers who regularly Orb founder Rob Bloxham said:
route launching the day after to Warsaw and Wroclaw – adding “With fares from only £17.99, we lifetime giving, wills and tax planning. feature in directories like Chambers “Powered by the hugely successful
Krakow – the seventh Wizz Air route routes to both Poznań and Krakow hope to see many happy customers The entry states that she is and the Legal500. and established Elonex Group who are
to operate from Birmingham Airport. in September. The new routes on board our brand-new Airbus one of the “associates to watch” “We aim at being the best law firm backing the venture, the acquisition
Tom Screen, aviation director at are a fantastic addition and we’re aircraft on routes to Poznań and in the Birmingham area, citing possible, and we are delighted when provides significant financial stability for
Birmingham Airport, said: “It’s great really looking forward to growing Krakow as well as on all the other various sources describing her as this is acknowledged by the legal Superdream’s former clients and staff.
news that Wizz Air will be operating our offering with Wizz Air over the routes in the Wizz network.” “technically very strong” and having sector.” This is a great opportunity for us to build
to Poznań and Krakow. The launch next few years here at Birmingham Wizz Air, a Hungarian airline, “fantastic technical knowledge”. The Chambers UK HNW Guide on existing relationships and take on
of both routes will mean the airline Airport.” has been a partner of Birmingham Ms Banks, who grew up in is one of the main directories the biggest agencies across the UK,
will operate seven routes in total Tamara Vallois, head of marketing Airport since June 2015 with its Birmingham and returned to the used for finding top lawyers and as we join the Elonex vision to elevate
from Birmingham Airport. and communications at Wizz Air, inaugural route to Warsaw, quickly city after university and law school law firms, with rankings assessed Birmingham to the city of collaboration
“Providing our passengers with said: “We are delighted to announce followed by Budapest. in Nottingham, said: “I’m thrilled by experienced researchers and and creativity that competes globally.”
to have once again been listed by updated every year.
12
cover
Food for 13
cover
story
thought story
Hydroponics is seen by
many as a sustainable
answer to help feed society.
CARL JONES meets the
boss of a Birmingham
firm leading the way in
cultivating the science.
Alex Fisher is pioneering an eco- various types of planting system The company’s mission is to deliver
friendly revolution in the fresh food including multi-layered vertical sustainable soil-less crop production
growing industry . . . and he’s loving it. columns, where they are fed on solutions into commercial agriculture
He now dedicates his working a carefully controlled blend of all over the world.
life to preaching the benefits of nutrient-enriched water and low-cost “It’s not easy,” he admits. “We are
hydroponic science to an ever- substrates instead. trying to persuade an agricultural
widening and increasingly receptive Not only does this mean the grower sector which is traditionally very
global audience. has 100% traceability through the conservative that it needs to embrace
Hydro-what, you say? cultivation process, the hydroponic new ways of thinking.
It’s an adaptable, high-density way method also offers the capacity “Maybe naively, when we first
of growing fresh food in a clean, less to increase the yield in a typical started this project I thought it would
labour-intensive way. Not planted greenhouse as much as four or even be much quicker to take off. But it
in the soil, but raised above ground fivefold. has been a challenge to convince
level in vertical cylinders, lengthening Fisher is founder and chief growers whose industry has been
their shelf life and boosting flavour, executive of Saturn Bioponics, growing in the soil for thousands of
colour and nutritional values. who have conducted much of years.”
Strawberries, lettuce, pak choi, their research in glasshouses and In today’s increasingly eco-
herbs – the list is growing all the time. polytunnels at the University of sensitive climate, the hydroponic
Hydroponics is now broadening its Birmingham where hydroponic message is beginning to strike a
reach to include baby leaf products science – the most innovative chord and momentum is slowly but
such as spinach and rocket too, as and disruptive technology to hit surely starting to build.
well as tobacco and even medical the salad, leafy veg and fresh fruit “Soil was not made to do what
cannabis. growing sector in generations – is humanity is now asking it to do, with
Instead of being planted into the being constantly tested, refined and such intensive food production in
ground, these crops are grown in expanded. fields which were once covered with
14
cover
forests and other natural vegetation
before we devastated them,” says
Fisher.
different growing environments,
and are now in a position to use this
know-how to spread a powerful and
He started his hydroponics
journey nine years ago, admitting he
somewhat ‘fell into’ the sector after
used by Saturn Bioponics on a small
scale, working with a friend, gradually
building up links with universities and
project with Valefresco, a large-scale
salad supplier to many major British
supermarkets.
“It’s not always easy – gaining
planning permission for building
these kinds of greenhouses can still
15
cover
story story
“Understandably, this soil starts environmentally timely message. eight years in a number of different eventually securing a patent. And three years ago, its pioneering be something of a struggle. There
to resist. It wants to be left alone to Payback from a switch to small businesses and spending In those early years, there was work in soil-less science work was is still a real stigma among local
operate its own natural eco-system hydroponic growing methods, some time working in eastern very limited funding available for recognised in the Innovate UK authorities, for some reason.
but is instead being forced to do for a typically sized operation, is Europe. research and development, but multi-sector innovation awards for “But we are talking to, and working
otherwise. That’s why farmers are now usually less than three years, “I actually graduated with a 1st in more recently the company has SMEs, winning the national award with, some massive players who
having to fight with the soil and use the company says – such is the international relations when I was at been able to refine its technology for productivity improvement in the are looking for clean and traceable
chemicals to grow their produce. potential for increased yield, product university here in Birmingham, and through several Innovate UK-funding Houses of Parliament. products. With hydroponic science
“With hydroponics, we take the consistency and quality. still have a real interest in politics. packages. Another feather in the company’s you have total traceability and
growing out of the soil, leaving it to For farmers, the hydroponic But my earliest years in business The firm won the DEFRA Innovate cap can be found at Westminster, can optimise desirable quality
do what it does naturally. Of course, system also removes doubts over included building and hiring UK For Growth competition in 2012, where it is the only business in its traits – like the sugar/acid balance
there is an initial investment required land quality, cuts down the need marquees whilst I was studying.” receiving £25,000 to develop an field to be name-checked in the in a strawberry – and that’s really
from a grower to achieve this, but the for fungicides and herbicides, He also had a popular restaurant initial prototype. Then in 2013 it Government’s current 25-year appealing to them and their
benefits are long lasting. and offers the potential to extend called Annexe for seven years, followed this up with an Innovate environment plan on ways of using customers.
“This is a philosophy which we growing seasons which could also near the Birmingham law courts, UK/SBRI contract, again funded agri-tech developments to improve “We see a future where not every
are building as a way forward for reduce the need for imports. whilst Saturn Bioponics was pre- by DEFRA, totalling more than farm performance, both in terms crop will be grown hydroponically
many years to come – the idea that Fisher is now part of a team of six commercial. £500,000. of profits and the impact on the – wheat, barley and big cereals will
we can grow these products without full-time and four part-time staff at Fisher initially started developing This was a really significant step, environment. still be planted in the ground – but
the need to interfere with our natural Saturn Bioponics. the innovative 3D planting system allowing the business to create a Fisher says: “If you take lettuce as lots more fresh produce and smaller
environment round us.” high-quality demonstration piece, an example, they can be grown using scale field crops will make the
After eight years of research and retool the technology, and carry out 95% less water using this system, change. We’ve even had some initial
trials, and more than three years of extensive research into different while strawberries can produce as conversations about cocoa trees.”
commercial production, the Saturn
Hydroponics team has trialled more
“Soil was not made to do what humanity substrates and nutrients. It also
allowed the business to engage with
much as 10 times the average yield
per square metre.
It’s slightly premature to be talking
world domination just yet, but it’s
than 200 varieties and grown more is now asking it to do, with such intensive many more farmers and potential “We have been doing commercial clear that Saturn Bioponics is looking
than 1.1 million plants, amassing an end customers, spreading the crop production for about three to spread its international wings quite
array of vitally important data. food production in fields which were once hydroponics message. and a half years now, and growers dramatically. So, what role does the
The Birmingham-based experts
have studied how plants are able
covered with forests and other natural In 2015 the company received
its most recent Innovate UK grant
working with us are now realising the
benefits of building big new facilities
UK’s second city play in its plans
going forward?
to adapt and perform in a variety of vegetation before we devastated them.” of £127,400 to fund a collaborative to take advantage. “As we continue to evolve and
“It’s about transforming an industry which
has traditionally been reluctant to change.
But that’s a great challenge. “
16 17
expand, Birmingham is definitely ventures, partnerships, agencies and Bioponics is that it has formed a
somewhere we want to remain,” says sales agreements.” bridge between science and practice,
Fisher. “It could be, though, that while What of Brexit? Might that throw providing technology and specialist
cover news
our commercial operation remains a spanner into the works of the inputs for different crop areas,” he
in this city, we end up needing to company’s cross-border growth says.
story spread our research and development
operations elsewhere.
plans?
Fisher doesn’t think so. “I’m not
“With the data collected, both in
our research and our commercial
“Although there are plenty of very too worried to be honest. I don’t think farms, we have seen that through
important funding streams available it is going to do us any real favours, a bespoke combination of crop-
to businesses such as ours, which although having said that, the impact specific strategies and treatments,
Dunton Environmental, SME of the year
have been so valuable to us, the UK is of Brexit on UK farming may focus we can enhance traits such as crop
Success at awards
actually not particularly well geared up their minds on the need to look at consistency, shelf life and overall
when it comes to supporting farmers alternative methods, which I suppose nutritional values.”
in learning about and adopting novel could work to our advantage. Fisher concludes: “All in all we’re in
technologies. “As far as our team is concerned, a very good place right now, but what
“France, for example, is way ahead we’re already very international – in I’m doing involves more than a lifetime
when it comes to disseminating fact, until recently I was the only of work for much more than just one
innovations through hubs and English person here!” person. Birmingham restaurateur James
networks – and we’re going to be The international band of experts “It’s about transforming an Wong, Walsall filtration specialists
doing some work with them in the includes chief technical officer Arnoud industry which has traditionally been Bowman Stor and Perry Barr-based
coming period. Witteveen, who says the company is reluctant to change. But that’s a great Dunton Environmental were three
“International markets are where we making a “significant impact on the challenge. Frustrating at times, but of the winners at the 4th Nachural
see massive potential over the coming future of agriculture”. fantastic to be involved right Summer Business Awards.
years, through a combination of joint “What is unique about Saturn from the start.” There was also recognition for
industrialist Stewart Towe who
was presented with a Lifetime
Achievement Award for his
commitment to business and the
community.
Mr Towe, who is chairman of the
Hadley Group, whose headquarters
are in Smethwick, has overseen
growth of the business from £1
million turnover in the 1970s to one
approaching almost £200 million.
James Wong, second left, winner of Community Excellence
He was also recognised for his
commitment to the community
through various roles, including that
of chairman of the Black Country
Enterprise.
The keynote speaker at the event
– which was held at Wolverhampton
Racecourse and attended by more
than 500 people – was Greg Reed,
the UK CEO of Homeserve.
The headline sponsor for the event
was Investec Wealth and Investment,
whose regional headquarters are in
Colmore Row.
Ninder Johal, CEO of Nachural
and a former president of the Black
Country Chamber of Commerce, said:
“We had a fantastic speaker in Greg
Reed who gave an insight into the
importance of culture and the role of
investment in training.
“We had a brilliant set of high-
quality nominations from all over
the Midlands and it was fitting that
Stewart Towe was recognised for his
role in giving back to the community
Alex Fisher inspecting produce with a colleague Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Stewart Towe by Ninder Johal in which his business operates.”
Passing
Diane Benussi is a legend of Birmingham’s legal
scene and someone you would want fighting
your corner in the law courts.
the Since she set up her eponymous practice
in 1993, the reputation of this charismatic
mantle
lawyer has gone on to resound far beyond the
Midlands.
Diminutive in stature she may be, but Diane is a
giant of family law, and Benussi & Co is one of
18
interview
the most sought-after niche practices in the UK,
with many a high-profile figure from the political, 19
interview
sporting and entertainment worlds calling on
the firm to assist and guide them through their
marital break-ups.
With forward planning in mind, the responsibility
of continuing the Benussi brand lies in the
hands of Diane’s daughter, Helen.
HENRY CARPENTER visits the mother-and-daughter
team in their Newhall Street offices to hear all about the
progression of this deeply respected family firm.
Henry Carpenter: Diane, you did being partisan and letting them know DB: We realised very early on that
your articles in 1974 and I know we are going to support them, and the lawyers themselves couldn’t
that prior to setting up this firm, solely them. When we tell clients that be the shoulder to cry on because
you had a law business in Sutton they often burst into tears. our charges were very high – that’s
Coldfield. Was that a purely family So, we made the environment as why we employed a counsellor.
law concern as well? client-friendly as possible. We had Surprisingly, men used her more
Diane Benussi: No, we did general an in-house counsellor which was than women, often to talk about their
law. But after a while it became clear unheard of. We had interview rooms, business problems and things like
to me that a top-class matrimonial which again was unheard of. that.
and divorce service was needed Back then, solicitors’ offices were It is very important that you pick
in the city centre, not only for piled high with files with client names people up emotionally. I used to do
individuals but also for other law on their spines – we made sure we two or three interviews in a day and
firms to call upon and refer to. protected client confidentiality. at the end of it I would be absolutely
I decided to set this up as a I also wanted family lawyers to exhausted. You’re trying to explain to
boutique operation, solely a family support one another because it is people who are at rock bottom that
law practice. A lot of thought went such an isolated business because there is life beyond their husband
into the structure of the business: we you are dealing with clients who are having an affair, and that they will
knew exactly how many supervisors upset and needing a shoulder to cry become very different people.
we needed, how many fee earners, on. And that’s the joy, bumping into
support staff and so forth. When we Helen Benussi: We always have people in different circumstances
moved to Birmingham, we started in music on in reception. The music is and not recognising them because
Waterloo Street before moving here there to stop people overhearing they haven’t got red blotchy skin
about 15 years ago. what’s being said in the interview and eyes. Suddenly, you see people
HC: Benussi and Co was set up as rooms. looking amazing and those are the
a business first and foremost – but DB: It’s also there because ones you remember because you put
I sense you cared about what you businessmen sometimes squeeze so much into getting them up and
were doing? an appointment here between a running again.
DB: That’s why we did family law. I multitude of others in their day. They HC: When you set up this practice
had gone through a divorce myself come in and think they’re getting in 1993, were you the only niche
and I was very involved in the into a transaction. As soon as they family law firm?
Solicitors Family Law Association. arrive, they sit in reception with a DB: In the early days you were
You must remember that we decent cup of coffee listening to limited to a certain number of
are dealing with people who are music. That’s when they stop being partners, so firms were quite small.
seriously, seriously upset and businessmen and put on their But we hit the ground running and
depressed; we get through hundreds personal hat. within two years I had to stop taking
of boxes of tissues here. It’s about HC: Tell me about the counsellor. on work. That was actually a huge“Birmingham is good for privacy. We can
always reassure clients that they’re not
going to get door-stepped at the courts.
Anyone that’s very visible, courts will let
them in through the back door.”
20
interview
and focused more on running the
business. I don’t have any clients as
such.
DB: I don’t have any clients either.
21
interview
Just dealing with new clients is
very, very time consuming and we
do reject about 75% of people who
contact us.
HB: I know there are brilliant lawyers
in our office that would do a much
better job than I would.
HC: Does mediation play a large
part in what you do here?
HB: I think a lot of individuals think
lift. I was a single mother trying to was in a Moses basket”. Even on my independent boutique practices like they can’t say no when it’s offered to
run the business and the family, and first day at uni I was known as Diane this still in operation? them. They feel they have to be seen
I couldn’t manage all the work I was Benussi’s daughter, so I decided to HB: Very few I think. I don’t think to be attempting it.
offered. put a hold on it and go down the many of them had succession DB: For mediation the two parties
HC: Helen, what do you remember accountancy route. planning; there was no one to take absolutely have to be equal. To
of your mother during your I did that for 20 years and then them over. send a housewife who isn’t used to
childhood? mum phoned me a few years ago. HC: How easily did the legal work, negotiating into mediation with her
HB: I remember her as incredibly There had been rumblings about acting for clients, come to you? hotshot husband . . . well, she might
hard working but I didn’t really what she was going to do with the HB: I found it very, very hard work. It as well roll over and play dead.
associate her with family law business with offers coming in to buy was also incredibly upsetting – some HC: What percentage of your clients
specifically. her out. of the things you hear are just awful. come from Birmingham?
HC: When did the law bug bite you? I didn’t want this to happen. I didn’t You can’t believe people treat others HB: Probably around 70%. We do
DB: This is a really lovely story . . . want Benussi and Co to disappear as they do. But I understood then get a lot of clients from elsewhere in
HB: When I moved back to into the big guys. I was just so proud why everyone gets on so well in this the country, often for added privacy.
Birmingham after university, I realised of the brand. We talked about it and office – and I mean this genuinely, We also have a core of international
that everyone seemed to know my decided I would take it over but everyone talks to each other and divorces. All we need is one or two
mother’s name – it got really tiring, under the condition that I qualified as everyone’s mentoring each other. I face-to-face meetings with them
beyond funny actually. I decided a lawyer. realised that’s what gets us through during their case.
to do law at Birmingham – this HC: Are you glad you made that it. We talk to each other. DB: Birmingham is good for privacy.
was back in 1997. On my very first decision? So no, it wasn’t an easy way in We can always reassure clients that
day at university, the lecturer said HB: Yes I am, but not because I at all. But I started to look at it as they’re not going to get door-stepped
“welcome, there’s a very special wanted to become a lawyer! a business. I decided I didn’t want at the courts. Anyone that’s very
lady here today who I met when she HC: I don’t suppose there are many to do the practicing of the law visible, courts will let them in through
the back door.
Our concierge recognises some
of our more high-profile clients. I’m
terrible at recognising them. I saw
someone literally walk into a lamp
post after seeing me and this guy
on the other side of the road. I didn’t
have a clue how famous he was.
HC: Your team of lawyers are all days. And they specialise from a very iterations it’s a joke. Leases, for
female. Does this mean that the early age. One of the worrying things instance, should go through two or
vast majority of your clients are as is the overall knowledge of lawyers maximum three stages of corrections.
well? nowadays, tending to understand So I’ve seen the law processes
HB: Actually, it’s about half and half. one tiny little fragment whereas proliferate and not to the benefit of
DB: Men come to us not because people used to have a working anyone. Lawyers doing their 40th
they think we understand anything knowledge of quite a wide spectrum correction on a contract . . . that’s
better but because they think it looks of disciplines. not serving clients. It’s tragic I think.
better in court. We’ve also had IT in shedloads. Sorry, I’ll get off my high horse!
HC: Let’s talk about the industry in When I started during my training HC: Are there any achievements in
general. Diane, you must have seen we had a word processor, the first I’d your career that you look back on
some pretty big changes over the ever heard of. It was quite a clunky with particular pride?
last 40 years or so, not least smaller thing. But what has all this technology DB: My claim to fame was having
practices being swallowed up by done? It has hugely increased the Helen in the final year of university,
bigger firms. What else? amount of paperwork. You now have back in 1973. I don’t have any
DB: Everyone’s a specialist these contracts that go through so many standout memories of particularTraining company
cases. I remember them as people
but not the details.
I saw one person recently who,
when I asked him if he was well,
expands nationwide
told me he had just gone through a
divorce. “I’m so sorry,” I said, and he
then told me that we had acted for
him! I honestly didn’t remember. But
these days I don’t do the divorces
myself – the person is entirely
separate from the case. An HGV driver-training company has
HC: How has Birmingham changed? invested tens of thousands of pounds
DB: The business community has in a new fleet of vehicles to continue
changed over the last 10 years. its expansion and create a national
Birmingham Forward [the lobby footprint for the business.
22 23
group, of which Diane was chair] Birmingham-based A1 Training
for instance was a very good Ltd, which provides categories C,
organisation. It was a bush telegraph, CE and C1 training, as well as B+E,
a huge network. It was actually very forklift, lorry-loading crane and
interview full on. There used to be a real party
scene in the business community and
other industry-related courses, has
invested more than £80,000 in
news
I’m not sure if there still is. replacing its fleet – and plans further
HB: I think there still is. And I still additions over the next 12 months.
meet people who remark what a nice, Managing director Collin Meredith
welcoming city it is. Everyone just said: “We have developed a strong
gets on with everyone in Birmingham. reputation for regional training in and
People are honest, not bigging around the Midlands, but we have
themselves up to look good. family. Helen’s taking a huge weight name. It’s a great name and always ambitions to take on more national
HC: And what about Birmingham off my shoulders. I don’t want her to has been. I was in London recently at coaching and become a one-stop
plc? go through what I went through – a a party and this chap asked where I shop for bespoke training.
DB: I think it’s going like a train. good work-life balance is essential, was from, and I said Birmingham. He “Updating our fleet means we
HC: We’ve talked about succession. something we instil through everyone knew mum and so did most of the can continue to give the very best
Diane, can you see yourself coming who works here. other guests. And I just found that training.
into work in five years’ time? HB: I think the reason why mum unbelievable. It was really amazing – “We know we have to look at other
DB: Never say never. I have no idea hasn’t retired is we still get lots of I was so proud. ways to address the driver shortage
how you actually retire. My life has people ringing up wanting Diane DB: That’s so lovely! It’s made me that impacts our industry.
been this business, along with my Benussi to act for them. That’s the want to cry . . . but don’t write that! “New drivers often find it difficult to
get work due to lack of experience, employing new staff. driver shortage rather than younger,
so we are looking towards building “It’s a win-win situation because inexperienced drivers putting a dent
productive links with companies to it means they are more attractive into their employer’s vehicles and
put new drivers through mentoring candidates for jobs because they taking valuable assets off the road.”
schemes with existing drivers. This have greater experience and more
gives confidence to company owners intensive on-the-job tuition. Collin Meredith of A1 Training with
and insurance companies when “It also helps put a dent in the one of the new Volvo trucks
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or email info@pure-telecom.co.uk @puretelecom /puretelecom26 Spotlight on
technology There is a tech revolution in the UK – and
Birmingham is right in the thick of it.
Technology is all about creating long-
term solutions and Birmingham has
embraced it, applying the knowledge to
manufacturing, engineering, healthcare,
media, telecommunications, finance and
many other sectors besides.
In this 20-page section devoted to the
subject, we hope to give at the very least an
indication of where and why the region can
be so proud of its technological advances
across a whole range of sectors.
In association withBy DAVID HALL
Principal associate, Mills & Reeve
From
Few would deny Birmingham falls partly to external bodies to use
is coming into its own as a tech their wider perspective and strategic
and digital hub. Ranking as one nous to identify and cultivate vertical
of the top UK Tech Cities in a opportunities.
bright
recent CBRE report, and home to
more developers, programmers
and software architects than any Protecting your
28 assets
29
other British regional city, it is fast
establishing itself as a hotbed
sparks
for talent – both encouraging With development and collaboration
spotlight spotlight
established international players comes vast potential, but also legal
to locate here and developing an risk. Tech businesses in Birmingham
exciting pipeline of homegrown and beyond have historically been
innovation. too likely to jump into product
to big
However, while there is a development and partnerships on
temptation to position Birmingham an informal basis, dissuaded from
as a challenger to the tech might enlisting legal help by time and cost
of Manchester or London, we risk concerns. However, failure to account
holding ourselves back through for legal implications in early stages
players
comparison. Instead, we should be – such as deciding which participant
looking to carve out our own niche as in a collaboration will own the IP,
a global player, following the example making sure that the IP assets are
of tech centres such as Barcelona original (or lawfully licensed) and
and Amsterdam and establishing a protected (and registered where
global reputation from the outset. possible) from the get-go, managing
Our city already has the skills, contracts effectively and ensuring
products, services and ideas to data compliance – can be a ticking
compete on the international stage –
but crucial in pushing our tech talent Taking Birmingham time bomb.
When these bombs go off, you
towards the world stage is strategy.
tech to the next level lose revenue opportunities (from
contracts), assets (like IP), money
Playing the (through fines or similar), investment
or business sale opportunities, or
brand game Birmingham brands to present a real and provision of mentorship and over the past several years – both regional offer, the internationally
even the entire business.
Luckily, as the tech industry
From gaming hubs in Digbeth to a threat to current sector stalwarts. expertise, the likes of the West vertically (through contracting open bid for innovation found its evolves, many lawyers and other
flourishing FinTech offering, taking Take Blueberry Consultants, based Midlands Combined Authority, and sub-contracting with industry winner no further than Bromsgrove in professional service providers are
in data analytics, AI, social media, in Digbeth, whose video and audio council-run Digital Birmingham and stalwarts in tech), and horizontally, as Wearable Link, the Midlands business moving with the times as well. We are
software and screen along the way, capture program BB FlashBack at the Midlands arms of Innovate UK bright thinkers join forces for further utilising the Internet of Things to increasingly delivering legal service
Birmingham’s current tech scene least matches that of current leads and Tech Nation should also look success. provide live feedback from and and knowledge through workshops
offers breadth in terms of sector and in the field, such as Camtasia. Both to perform a persuasive function, As larger businesses from across improve safety on construction sites. and training based models, so we
size of business. applications offer powerful, efficient encouraging Birmingham tech to sectors as varied as banking, Government bodies and strategic can feed in strategic advice at an
Halesowen alone, for example, has screen capture of the kind that has play the brand and promotion game health, construction and real estate partners can also be key in early stage, when it’s needed, but
been chosen by Texas-originating fueled a whole new YouTube sub- (and helping to source the necessary look to capitalise on the potential facilitating partnerships between (and in a very cost-effective way – giving
software giant Epicor as its UK base, section of ‘How-To’ programming resources). of innovative tech, Birmingham opportunities for) businesses across tech business the tools to protect
and provided an environment from videos. The only thing distinguishing With the right foundation in place is increasingly defining itself as a the region. Organisations like the their intellectual and data assets and
which Birmingham-born InTouch the two is brand profile, with in terms of messaging, assets and breeding ground for development West Midlands Combined Authority, future-proof partnerships. You can
Games could grow its random- Camtasia’s online presence being long-term plan, what stands to of the raw technology and digital Digital Birmingham, Innovate UK still get full legal service if you want it
generator casino games into an larger. be gained is impressive. A strong content. With new organisations – and Tech Nation have the network (and sometimes it’s the right level of
international operation. Birmingham Here lies the key to unlocking the brand sets up a business for global often consisting of a crack team of and resources to be able to see service), but when you have a choice,
has proven itself as an attractive full potential of Birmingham’s tech takeover, with localising a tech less than 10 people – looking for opportunities for collaboration, and the more agile, cost-effective ways
prospect both in terms of building offering. With products and expertise product for new markets relatively opportunities to disseminate their consult with sector-representative to meet the needs of a fast-moving
businesses from the ground up and already in abundance, and new cheap and easy, yet likely to result ideas and make their tech products organisations to identify needs that industry make sense.
as a location for already established entrants to the market emerging in turnover and profits multiplying or skills count, mutually beneficial could be met (i.e. ‘product’ ideas) by When it comes to Midlands tech,
brands. all the time, what is now needed is almost overnight. partnerships are ripe for the taking. innovative technology developers. success lies in encouraging our
Particularly strong is the city’s greater brand visibility – for individual Collaboration can be headed up by These agencies are in a position bright businesses to take a step back
Collaborate to
software and digital creative offering. businesses and the region. Enter the big players themselves, as in the to do this more effectively than and look beyond the day-to-day. This
Look no further than Birmingham- government industry bodies and case of Colmore Tang, who last year the developers and creatives who is where external parties, be they
based Snaptivity: blending innovative
AI software with robotic cameras to
strategic partners, able to bring both
the resource and vision to support innovate launched the £10 million innovation
fund ConstrucTech. The scheme, in
are working on the front line. The
city’s thriving tech community does
legal or government funded, should
step in to offer the wider, top-down
provide sports brands, venues and the effort involved in achieving global Therefore, Birmingham tech business providing funding and mentorship a great job of fostering horizontal vision. All the key elements are in
fans with the social-media catnip of roll-out of local tech offerings. is set to skyrocket through the right for start-ups, saw the Birmingham- collaboration – as proven by place for us to establish a name for
‘candid’ videos of celebrations at live To the tech innovators currently strategic steps. These can take the headquartered firm look for the various networking groups and tech ourselves on an international level,
events. The city is also crammed full operating in the city, where the form not only of market expansion brightest – and most profitable – incubators joining forces for the city’s but key steps taken by those on the
of digital marketing agencies, video priority is daily production, it will and brand development, but new ideas to revitalise construction. inaugural Birmingham Tech Week, peripheries could turbocharge our
producers, and other tech-driven rarely be easy to free up the time collaborative practice. Partnership Attesting to the strength of our taking place this October. However, it city’s tech offer.
creatives who also help to build and and cash resource required for involving Birmingham tech business
promote brand and drive sales. brand development and international has seen some of the most exciting David Hall is a principal associate at national law firm Mills & Reeve. He specialises in digital technology and data,
There is potential then for promotion. As well as funding developments in the industry and leads the firm’s work in the Birmingham technology sector.You can also read
