Thinking Business, Kent Invicta Chamber Magazine August 20

THINKING

BUSINESS • OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR KENT INVICTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • August 2020 - September 2020 •

Rebuilding the foundations for the future

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International Trade: Government u-turn on full post-Brexit border controls P16 The Big Interview with EasyBuild Carol Massay P18 Economy & Us: Act on the Long View P33 Skills: Bridging the digital divide P47

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Welcome

Welcome & Contents

Economic rebuild and recovery is the key priority for business

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Jo James OBE Chief Executive

Welcome to the latest edition of Thinking Business, which coincides with the reopening of many of our valued businesses.

The last few months have brought much uncertainty, with many companies left without income and hundreds of workers furloughed. Now, however, the main task in hand is to get these companies trading again, and customers spending their money, so we can start to rebuild our battered economy.

Locally, any economic recovery will be dependent to a large extent on our powerhouse construction and regeneration industries (the importance of which are

Contents 4 5 7

Chamber News Legal Update

Members News

highlighted in these pages), as well as innovations in life sciences, advanced manufacturing and the creative sectors. The adoption of new technologies will also be critical as more companies adapt to the digital age in which we all live – a trend that has been exacerbated throughout the lockdown period.

The Chamber, too, has had to adapt as we continue to find ways of providing support to our members, the wider business community and our patrons. I am delighted to welcome a new Chamber patron, Infotech Solutions and look forward to working with them in the year ahead.

Although the annual Kent Construction Expo scheduled for 1st October has had to be postponed to 11th February 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic,

we are hosting a virtual conference on the 1st October to replace it; more details on page 43.

We also recently held our first live full-day virtual conference, which was met with very positive feedback from businesses that attended. Whilst it might not always be possible to meet and greet face-to-face yet, the Chamber team is coming up with imaginative ways for businesses to learn, engage and network online.

This will continue in the coming months, as we help businesses restart, rebuild and recover from an economic shock that hasn’t been seen in peace time.

41-43 Chamber Events

Construction

45 The Person Behind the Business

34-35 Members News

48-49 New Members

39

Members News

33

Economy & Us

47

11-15 Members News

37

Business News

50

Last Word

50

Movers & Shakers

9

10

Patron News

16-17 International Trade

Our Patrons

Ask the Expert

22

Jo James OBE

18-19 The Big Interview 22-31 Cover Feature –

18

Skills-digital poverty

Editorial and General Enquiries Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Ashford Business Point, Waterbrook Avenue, Sevington, Ashford, Kent.

TN24 0LH Chief Executive: Jo James Tel: 01233 503 838 Fax: 01233 503 687 info@kentinvictachamber.co.uk www.kentinvictachamber.co.uk Media No.1754 Published August 2020 © Benham Publishing

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Publisher

Benham Publishing Limited, Aintree Building, Aintree Way, Aintree Business Park, Liverpool L9 5AQ Ian Fletcher Tel: 0151 236 4141 Fax: 0151 236 0440 admin@benhampublishing.com www.benhampublishing.com

Advertising and Features

Karen Hall Tel: 0151 236 4141 karen@benhampublishing.com

Editor

Jez Davison Tel 0151 236 4141 Jez@benhampublishing.com

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Peter Wilkinson Tel: 0151 236 4141 peter@benhampublishing.com

Disclaimer

Thinking Business is published for Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce and is distributed without charge to Chamber members. All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor at Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce. Views expressed in Thinking Business are not necessarily those of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce. Reprinting in whole or part is forbidden except by permission. © 2020. Please note that submitting an article does not guarantee publication.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in this journal, Benham Publishing and its agents can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributions in advertising or editorial content. Benham Publishing cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in web or email links supplied to us.

Cover Image Hollaway, photography by Ashley Gendek.

Thinking Business

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Chamber News

Kent Business Community Welcomes Positive Vibes At Virtual Conference The Virtual Conference, organised by Kent Invicta Chamber on the 7th of July, brought long-awaited positive vibes and a wealth of informative support to the local business community.

This online live event, one of the first of its kind, attracted over 240 delegates both members and non-members, from organisations of all sizes and all sectors. There were multiple stages and workshops, talks and presentations by keynote speakers, and a wide range of topics covered; nonetheless, the general tone of the day was to highlight the abundance of opportunities recently arisen.

The Covid19 lockdown was for many a call to rethink their business model to try and mitigate the economic impact of the crisis. That meant adapting, providing products or services differently, adopting a more flexible approach to work and a different relationship to customers and suppliers.

For instance, many pubs started preparing takeaway or selling staple foods, thus growing their customer base by engaging with local residents who may not have been clients before.

The slow return to a new normal will allow businesses to review their strategy and actions to embrace the new opportunities, build on new experiences and approach the future with optimism.

Kent Invicta Chamber will continue to develop further interventions and workshops to enhance and support the potential of businesses and move forward together.

Positive feedback received: “I thought I’d just drop you an email to say how much I enjoyed the Kent Conference Live, the quality of speakers and content covered was very good." - Kristian Goodenough | Communications Lead | RIFT Research & Development ‘’I just wanted to say that today’s conference was fantastic! From Jo’s opening at 9am to the Pimm’s wind down! Well done to everyone involved – a real achievement." – Judith Andrews, The Business Tamer For further information about KICC events, go to: www.kentinvictachamber.co.uk/events

We would like to thank our Sponsors: Global, Kent & Medway Growth Hub, RIFT R&D Tax Credits and Furley Page and all of our Speakers who together made the day (or our Live Conference) a huge success

West Kent Chamber of Commerce On 10th July 2020 the West Kent Chamber of Commerce ceased trading. These are certainly challenging economic times and it is sad that a Town Chamber which was formed in 1858, has to close its doors.

We have been working with the Chamber to ensure their Members continue to be supported through membership of Kent Invicta Chamber and their Export Documentation customers continue to have full access to our documentation service.

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Thinking Business

Making the Most of Your Land Sale

Legal Update

Commercial Property expert, Simon Stempien looks at the pros and cons of some of the contract agreement options available for those with land capable of being developed.

Girlings acts for numerous landowners and developers as well as for people who might just have space for a single dwelling.

Whatever size of development you are considering, there are a number of forms of agreement that can be agreed in order to maximise the potential of your project: Call Option Agreement The developer-friendly Call Option Agreement creates a period of time in which the developer has a contractually binding option in which to purchase the landowner’s property if it wishes, but is never under an obligation to do so. The purchase must take place within this option period (unless the parties agree to extend) which could last several years. Options tend to be useful for larger developments and in cases where there are a number of stages and risks to overcome to obtain planning permission or other critical consents.

Contracts Subject to Planning (CSTP) Unlike a Call Option Agreement, a Contract Subject to Planning (CSTP) states that if certain conditions are met, for example the grant of planning permission which is satisfactory to the developer, the developer will purchase the property. A developer is therefore more likely to offer this structure if they have a settled decision to purchase the property.

Promotion Agreement A Promotion Agreement can offer benefits to all parties. It is essentially

a collaborative agreement between a landowner who is ‘investing’ the land, and a promotor who is ‘investing’ their knowledge, expertise and money whilst planning permission is obtained. It is in both of the parties’ interests to secure the best price and the normal adversarial negotiations are avoided as both parties are working together. The property is then sold to a third party. The real benefit of a Promotion Agreement comes in larger scale developments.

Kent has some excellent Land Agents who can act as promotor and we have worked with a number.

Overage An Overage Agreement is a promise by the developer to pay further money, an ‘uplift’, to the original owner if in the future certain events occur. It is usually more beneficial to the original owner than the developer and is used in situations where the value of the property/land can be significantly raised (for example, by an amended or subsequent planning permission for a new use or where additional dwellings are approved). However, Overages can burden a piece of land for a long time - we have drafted overages with periods of over 25 years. Beware developers may structure plans to avoid paying.

Land purchase transactions are a complex area and the options outlined briefly above have advantages and disadvantages for both developers and landowners.

For further advice on this and other commercial property issues ask the expert and contact Simon.

Simon Stempien

Senior Associate Solicitor, Commercial Property

girlings.com

01227 367355

simonstempien@girlings.com Thinking Business

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Members News

Firms could face prosecution if they fail to risk-assess returning staff

As employers across Kent plan to welcome employees back to the workplace, law firm Furley Page has outlined the essential steps businesses must take to ensure they create a safe working environment and limit their liability should an outbreak of COVID-19 occur.

Deborah Geering, a senior associate at Furley Page, said: “Employers have a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) to ensure they provide a safe environment for staff and those visiting the business. As lockdown restrictions are eased, existing health and safety policies will need to be updated to take account of social distancing rules, and a comprehensive risk assessment must be undertaken, in consultation with staff.

“Any employer that can be shown to have been negligent in how it managed risks, resulting in the infection of staff or visitors, could be liable to prosecution, particularly if they have not properly assessed potential risks and put appropriate measures in place.

“When the government’s ‘track and trace’ system is finally implemented, it should become very clear where a new outbreak of COVID-19 has arisen. From both a staff safety perspective and in terms of the businesses’ reputation, you do not want your offices to be the centre of a new outbreak. Putting some simple protective measures in place could make all the difference.”

The three main points for business owners to undertake are: • Draft a “Return to Work” policy: any return to work policy should consider existing working conditions and consider how these might breach current guidelines if no updates are made to working practices.

Life, Business, and what’s next?

Brexit, Elections 2019, Covid’19, #Blacklifesmatter, Covid’19+++, Brexit (again), all of these ‘Black Swan’ events (Nassim Taleb) the one's that unpredictably take us by surprise have a major impact. Often inappropriately, they are becoming a 'new normal' and disappointingly an integral aspect of our lives now…and I suspect for many years to come… our lives are certainly going to be different.

New business owners, entrepreneurs and the ambitious amongst us, strive to make a real, notable difference in everything we do, to support ourselves, our families, friends, colleagues and businesses through these ‘different’ times and beyond. As the founder and simplifier of WickedPeople, a new, vibrant Business (Performance) Consultancy our ‘purpose’ is to help businesses and their people to build, grow and thrive in times of uncertainty, we are all about sustainability (people, planet, profit).

We pride ourselves in being curious, creative and courageous.

Turning to the current, organisations' need to find the time and space to

think and reflect long and hard over what has just happened to them, their people and how they should now operate. Some might just carry on as usual, some might need to test and adjust, but many will have to change and transform into something radically different. WickedPeople can help you to make sense of what different means to you…

To close with a pause not full stop, why not reflect on these 3 simple questions that might ignite some further thought: 1. What have you learnt recently, how have you and your businesses changed?

2. What do you think you need to do differently?

3. How might you use some of the successes recently to further amplify positive change?

• Undertake a risk assessment: a ‘walk around’ inspection should be undertaken, and any high-risk areas should be identified.

• Consult with staff: staff consultation is an essential requirement under the Health and Safety at Work Act. Given the current restrictions, businesses should consider circulating a questionnaire to all staff (including those who may be furloughed, on long term sick leave, maternity/ paternity leave etc).

Businesses that require advice about returning staff to work can contact Deborah Geering by email dcg@furleypage.co.uk

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working with The Diagrama Foundation. The Diagrama Foundation is a charity which Life, Business, and what’s next? supports vulnerable people through residential care, adoption and fostering across the south east of England.

The foundation has three small care homes for adults with learning disabilities, a 48bed care home for elderly with nursing and dementia needs and two homes for vulnerable young people. To find out more about the charity visit

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Brexit, Elections 2019, Covid’19, #Blacklifesmatter, Covid’19+++, Brexit (again), all of these events (Nassim Taleb) the one’s that take us by surprise, unpredictable, have a major impa Thinking Business inappropriately are becoming a ‘new normal’ and disappointingly an integral aspect of our suspect many years to come… our lives are certainly going to be different.

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Oldest law firm in operation celebrates 450th anniversary

South east law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore has celebrated its landmark 450th anniversary.

Officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the oldest law firm in operation, Thomson Snell & Passmore was originally founded in 1570 by Nicholas Hooper, a curate of the Tonbridge Parish Church in Kent. Hooper undertook a range of work including will writing and conveyancing. Records remain of a will, which he drew up on behalf of a certain Thomas Lamparde, a “yeoman” of Tonbridge as well as a bond for a property in nearby Hadlow (dated 1593).

Now, 450 years later, the firm’s lawyers from across its private client and commercial teams are still supporting individuals and businesses from across the south east with similar services.

Members News

Over the centuries the firm has expanded and developed, operating under a progression of names before finally becoming Thomson Snell & Passmore in 1968. Since then the firm has grown to become one of the largest in the south east.

Thomson Snell & Passmore recently appointed a new senior partner, Joanna Pratt, who has taken over the role from James Partridge, who held the role since 2008.

Sarah Henwood, CEO at Thomson Snell & Passmore, said: “We’re very proud of our long history and recognise that we wouldn’t be here today unless we were able to embrace change.

“As we start to navigate a new normal with coronavirus continuing to impact on all aspects of life, this ability to predict and adapt

to change will be more important than ever. However, while we will continue to evolve, some things will stay the same. We will always place our clients and our people first and will remain committed to the communities we serve.”

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Patron News

Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce welcomes new Patron on board.

The recent Covid-19 lockdown has brought home to many businesses the importance of technology. Without the right technology in place, and the right IT support service, many businesses would not have been able to function. It is, therefore, very apt that Rochester based Infotech Solutions is the latest organisation to join the Chamber's Patronage Scheme.

Infotech Solutions, founded in 1998, has over 20 years experience of helping businesses make the most of their technology, stay up to date with the latest advances and solve IT issues.

Jason Foord, CEO, Infotech Solutions said 'It is an honour to join the Patronage Scheme and be in a position to provide IT support and guidance to all the Chamber members. With several of the current Patrons being customers, it seemed a logical next step for our business to be more visible in the Chamber community. Business technology is changing at a fast pace with data now spread around multiple cloud applications and with the serious risks around IT security and GDPR compliance at the forefront of everyone's mind. We look forward to working with all the members to help everyone make better use of technology to grow their businesses'

Jo James, Chief Executive, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, said 'I am delighted to welcome Infotech Solutions to our Patronage Scheme.

The adoption and implementation of technology is of utmost importance to every business, as has been evident over recent months. We look forward to building a strategic and mutually beneficial partnership with Infotech and hope that they will keep us abreast of important technology developments and help us to understand better the IT related challenges are members often face'.

Précis of Updated commercial property Code of Practice

by: Caxtons Chartered Surveyors Many business tenants are experiencing financial hardship due to Covid-19. Landlords have obligations to meet, often funded by quarterly rental income.

Caxtons’ commercial property management team reviewed the updated Government Code of Practice to help landlords and tenants pre-empt problems and prepare strategies to overcome fallout from Covid-19.

The Government’s updated Code is designed to support and provide a best practice template for landlords and business tenants impacted by coronavirus; to agree affordable rents and reach mutually acceptable and constructive arrangements wherever possible.

Measures already introduced to prevent businesses folding due to lockdown, and buy time to plan for their future, included: • prohibiting forfeiture of commercial leases;

10 Thinking Business

• changes to Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery; • statutory demands and winding up petitions Commercial leases are rigid, and tenants are legally liable for payments under the terms, unless and until they renegotiate their position.

Lack of income during lockdown; compliance with social distancing; reduced trade; obligations to staff, suppliers etc. are all cited as potentially impacting a tenant’s ability to pay their rent in full.

However, the Code urges tenants to pay in full if they can or negotiate with landlords and agree to pay as much as possible. Landlords can then plan their own strategy, providing as much help as they are able to those in greatest need.

The voluntary Code of Practice revision aims to smooth a route back to economic recovery across the UK, and any agreement to terms differing from

an original lease should be temporary, until tenants can meet their contractual obligations in full. It promotes the benefits to landlords and tenants of enabling inflexible leases to be morphed into more sympathetic time-limited arrangements, so that viable companies are supported.

All are encouraged to speak to their lenders and review all options, including guaranteed loans, grants, business rate relief etc, to ease problems before reaching crisis point.

The updated Code encourages everyone to act in good faith; for tenants to provide evidence and be clear about their position; for landlords to explain where/how they can help, and why they may be limited in their assistance, and for all to act responsibly, reasonably, and flexibly.

It provides options such as timelimited full or partial rent-free agreements; deferral of whole or part of the rent for an agreed term; reviewing payment periods (from

quarterly to monthly); rent reductions; landlords drawing down from rent deposits where tenants agree to ‘topup’ shortfalls when they can; these are amongst the possibilities listed.

Insurance and service charges aren’t profit-making so should be paid.

The Code is devised in consultation with, and endorsed by sector leaders and representative bodies.

For full details of the Government's updated Code of Practice visit https://www.gov.uk/government/ publications/code-of-practicefor-the-commercial-propertysector?utm_source=38bd2162-c1e54898-9c11-a303e693d0f1&utm_ medium=email&utm_ campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_ content=immediate or phone 01474 537733 to speak to Caxtons commercial property experts or visit our Commercial Management webpage for further information.

Determining the future of your workforce after lockdown

By Antonio Fletcher, partner in Brachers’ employment team During the current COVID-19 crisis, the introduction of the furlough scheme has bought many businesses time and allowed them to delay making the hardest decisions.

While the scheme has been extended, its evolving form and the fact that employers will, from August, have to contribute towards the cost of paying furloughed workers, means that the time to make those tough decisions is getting closer.

Business leaders will need to develop strategies for their future

operations, both for the long and short-term. Many businesses will be different, some substantially so.

Some may need significantly smaller (or even larger) workforces; some will need to upskill their existing workforce or look to introduce a new level of worker perhaps with greater technical knowledge in the area that the business will now need to focus on. Some prior leading products or service areas may now have a much smaller market; some marginal parts of businesses may now be what the future of the business is built on.

Any such decisions will have a clear and immediate impact on the workforce and may include substantial restructuring and redundancy exercises. Where 20 or more individuals are affected by such changes in a 90-day period, collective consultation requirements kick in and sufficient time will need to be set aside to ensure such processes are undertaken correctly to

avoid the risk of claims and possible criminal sanctions.

A careful balancing exercise needs to be made between the short-term risk of claims and costs associated with making redundancies, against the long-term interests of the business. It is therefore crucial that full advantage is taken of the additional support the government is providing to ensure that correct planning is carried out and correct processes are followed.

Managing internal and external communications will also be vital to managing the business’s future, both in terms of mitigating the risk of claims and re-energising parts of the business that represent its new cornerstones. This is particularly true where people are being asked to return to work following weeks (and sometimes months) on furlough leave into an environment they may no longer be familiar with.

DESIGN AGENCY ENCOURAGES

Kent residents to buy local Ashford-based design agency Oak Creative has helped trade organisation Produced in Kent to transform a simple hashtag into a powerful call to action logo to encourage people to shop locally and support Kent businesses.

could be displayed in a window or on social media to show support for Kent’s food and drink sector. As members, we wanted to show our support for this so we delivered a graphical logo and a series of posters free of charge.

The #HelpKentBuyLocal campaign was originally set up by Produced in Kent to help people find and support local producers during lockdown.

The hashtag and website have been used to promote the many independent local businesses that are growing, producing, preparing, selling and delivering food and drink to the Kent community.

“A clear and powerful brand or logo can really help to spread a message quickly. The #HelpKentBuyLocal campaign badge gets the message across effectively and really reinforces the need for people to start, and continue, shopping local and exploring the diverse range of independent producers, retailers, service providers and crafts businesses which are right on their doorstep.”

Laura Bevan, studio director of Oak Creative, who took over from founder Caroline Butterfield following her retirement earlier this year, said: “Produced in Kent decided to extend the campaign further by designing a badge which, like the NHS rainbow,

The Oak Creative team, which normally operates from offices in Coachworks in Ashford, and Newingreen near Hythe, created the doughnut-shaped badge as well as a selection of printable posters which have been shared widely on

social media, added to websites and displayed in shop, pub and restaurant windows.

Floortje Hoette, chief executive of Produced in Kent, said: “We must all make an effort to buy local, not just now, but also when COVID-19 is no longer dominating our daily lives.”

For more information visit www.oakcreative.net

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#HelpKentBuyLocal is a campaign set up by Produced in Kent to support and promote the many independent local businesses who are doing an amazing job growing, producing, preparing, selling and delivering food and drink to the Kent community.

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#HelpKentBuyLocal www.helpkentbuylocal.co.uk @producedinkent

Members News

Lawyer listed in charity directory A solicitor from Kent law firm Furley Page has been added to a directory operated by Headway, a national brain injury charity, aimed at helping people find specialist solicitors to deal with brain injury cases.

Personal injury solicitor Neille Ryan from Furley Page is now listed in Headway’s Head Injury Solicitors Directory, which assists people seeking the services of solicitors experienced in handling brain injury cases. Headway is a national charity working to improve life after brain injury by providing vital support and information services to help people understand and cope with the effects of brain injury.

The charity also lobbies for better support and resources to be made available to people affected by brain injury and works to raise awareness of this type of injury and the devastating effects it can have. The directory enables brain injury victims to seek out specialist solicitors in their area who have experience in handling brain injury cases. Each solicitor featured in the directory has agreed to work within the Headway Personal Injury Lawyers Code of Conduct.

Neille Ryan said: “Every year around 350,000 people are admitted to hospital with a brain injury – roughly one person every 90 seconds. Headway is a fantastic charity that does vital work to help people cope with the effects of brain injury, which can be profound and extremely challenging.

“Furley Page’s personal injury and vulnerable client teams have excellent records in successfully acting for clients living with the effects of brain injury, and our inclusion in the Headway directory will mean that more people can access our services through the charity.”

A partner at Furley Page who heads up the firm’s personal injury team, Neille Ryan has 30 years’ experience in personal injury law. He is ranked in independent legal guides Chambers UK and the Legal 500, is a fellow of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers, and is a member of the Law Society Personal Injury Panel and the Motor Accident Solicitors Society.

For further information visit https://www.furleypage.co.uk

Members News

BUSINESS AS USUAL FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPANY Lawton Financial Services, who are part of Quilter Financial Planning Network, were ranked number 1 on the FT Adviser top 100 Financial Advisers. As financial advisers, we’re used to being on the other end of the phone, guiding our customers through any challenges or providing answers to questions they may have, but during this time we have found that customers have valued our support now more than ever.

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We have had to adapt our processes in line with the current government guidance following the Coronavirus Pandemic. On the 19th March 2020, the Bank of England made the stark decision to cut its base rate to 0.1%- the lowest level in history. In the current climate, the mortgage market has faced tremendous difficulties. We come across questions daily such as can I get a mortgage while I am

on Furlough pay? Should I take a mortgage payment holiday?

Financial markets have dropped, what should I do about my pension/ investments. The answer for these questions depends on each individual client. Everyone’s financial situation is unique to them and so is our advice and recommendations.

We have operated on a very much business as usual approach, albeit with some adaptions along the way but we have remained committed to being available to our customers and guiding them through what could be considered as one of the most financially testing experiences of their lives.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a Remortgage or you are looking to review your investments has there ever been a better time to get your finances in order? www.lawtonfinancial.co.uk

Families finally reunited with loved ones Avante Care & Support has announced it has started to implement the first phase of reopening its care homes to visitors.

This process has begun with visits held in the gardens and grounds of the homes. The lockdown has been particularly difficult for family and friends who have not been able to visit loved ones – but Avante says it is now able to open its homes in a safe and practical way.

Stuart Cross, managing director at Avante Care & Support, said: “It has been something quite special to open our homes again, and definitely worth the long wait. It is a reminder to everyone that care homes are not only safe places to be, but can also offer older people an environment where they can thrive and have a vibrant and fulfilling life.”

One of the care homes, Riverdale Court in Welling, opened a visitor’s centre in the grounds of the home to welcome families to visit their loved ones. A

number of residents and staff were part of the official opening last week, including maintenance technician Terry Broughton who built the visitor centre.

Families can now book a visit to meet with their loved ones at Riverdale Court in a comfortable and safe environment.

Other Avante homes are using their gardens and outside areas for families to visit safely, such as Puddingstone Grange in Plumstead, which has recently welcomed families back for planned garden visits.

A registered charity established in 1990, Avante Care & Support provides care to more than 1,000 people. It delivers specialist residential dementia and nursing services in its care homes, including day care and short-term respite breaks. Meanwhile, the home care teams provide assistance with daily living, enabling individuals to maintain independent lives in the comfort of their own homes.

For more information visit www.avantecare.org.uk

Members News

ASHFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL APPOINTS CONSULTANTS FOR VICARAGE LANE Ashford Borough Council has appointed specialist developer Milligan to help deliver the ambitious Vicarage Lane town centre redevelopment project.

The new team also includes architect MICA and AECOM, a project management specialist.

The scheme, which includes the former Mecca bingo hall in the Lower High Street, is a proposed mixed-use development that aims to deliver quality homes, cultural and performance space, food and drink outlets and workspace to complement the market town’s history and heritage.

The council’s proposals include the part-demolition of the rear of

the former bingo hall to reveal an uninterrupted view of the iconic Grade I-listed St Mary’s Church, while retaining the high street frontage of the building to create a multi-use indoor event space.

Explaining why Milligan was chosen, Cllr Paul Clokie, Ashford Borough Council’s portfolio holder for corporate property, said it had been looking for “a stand-out performer who was passionate about using the Vicarage Lane scheme as a catalyst for town centre regeneration”.

He added: “We believe this scheme will help rejuvenate Ashford, enhance our cultural offer, create significant employment opportunities

and help attract inward investment for the benefit of local communities.

Milligan has a rich pedigree of developing mixed-use projects with inspiring retail and leisure at their heart. It has developed, assetmanaged or partnered on properties valued at more than £5bn.

Stuart Harris, chief operating officer at Milligan, said: “This is an exciting regeneration project and we are delighted to be working with Ashford Borough Council, which is a forward-looking and proactive local authority. We look to develop places where people are inspired to live, work and play and that provide lasting value for their communities.”

Brachers advises on insurance broker sale becoming an Ethos Broking regional partner, which is part of the Bravo Group. JIB now benefits from being part of a federation of strong regional brands.

South East law firm Brachers has advised shareholders on the sale of JIB Insurance Brokers to Ethos Broking.

The transaction resulted in Lincolnshire-based JIB Insurance Brokers and its subsidiary, Johnstone Insurance Brokers, becoming part of Ethos Broking – a national collection of like-minded brokers that share similar values.

This marks the first acquisition for Thompson & Richardson since

Brachers had a team of four supporting the sale. Corporate partner Claire Williams supported

by Raul Hernandez advised JIB’s shareholders, while property partner Ash Jilani supported

by Ben Gallafant advised shareholders on the purchase of the Scunthorpe head office and leaseback to the buyer.

Claire said: “We were delighted to act for the sellers and demonstrate that regardless of lockdown the Brachers team is still ready to complete deals. Deal activity in the insurance broking sector is positive and we’re pleased to be involved in another successful sale transaction.”

“Although delayed by COVID-19, the transaction was completed during lockdown with the help

Tax expertise adds up to promotion for VAT specialist Sue

of technology to ensure that our team in Kent were fully connected to their Northern clients and counterparts in Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and Lancashire. This was a true nationwide deal.”

Chris Harper, managing director of JIB Insurance Brokers, and directors Mark Broome and Mike Williams will stay on with the business under its new ownership.

Chris said: “We are delighted by the sale. Client care is a priority and our client retention levels are extremely strong, bearing testament to the quality of service and professionalism of our broking team. We want to thank the team at Brachers for all their help, making the transaction as seamless as possible in these difficult times.”

The shareholders were also advised

by Paul Saunders of Kent-based Integritas Financial Solutions, a finance broker specialising in the insurance sector.

Top 15 UK accountancy firm MHA MacIntyre Hudson, which has offices in Canterbury and Maidstone, has announced the promotion of VAT director Sue Rathmell to partner.

Sue, who joined MHA in 2017 and heads the indirect tax services team in the Kent region, has more than 25 years’ experience of VAT, excise and customs duties and the Tour Operators’ Margin Scheme (TOMS).

Sue said: “I am delighted to join the Kent partner team at MHA. Over the last few years, our indirect taxes team has gone from strength to strength and we are now the biggest team of our kind in Kent.

“We provide proactive advice on all aspects of VAT, from land and property transactions to helping clients deal with HMRC enquiries. We also specialise in VAT for the travel sector and we have almost 100 travel sector clients.

“It is very exciting for me to achieve partnership and I know I will continue to enjoy being part of the dynamic and proactive team at MHA.” Duncan Cochrane-Dyet, MHA MacIntyre Hudson’s partner and chief operating officer for Kent, added: “Sue is simply one of the best in her field and her promotion is well deserved. As a firm we believe it is important to recognise the professionalism and ability of our talented staff and give them the promotions they deserve. We know that it is the high quality of the service we provide to our clients that makes us really stand out as a firm and Sue has demonstrated that in abundance.”

Thinking Business

13

Members News

Kreston Reeves in the running for major award

FIVE TIPS for designing a COVID-secure workplace 4. Ease staff anxiety – despite easing social distancing measures, some staff may still be anxious and/or live with vulnerable individuals.

Combining large glass screens and positioning these individuals next to a wall can help them to feel more secure without making them feel boxed in.

Accountants, business and financial advisers Kreston Reeves has been named as one of five finalists at the Accounting Excellence Awards 2020, Large Firm of the Year category.

This award recognises and celebrates the support that Kreston Reeves is giving to its clients and the contribution it is making to the wider profession. To select the finalists, judges looked for entries that demonstrated strength and quality of the firm, client vision and the defining qualities that help firms stand out in a highly competitive market.

The awards ceremony will take place on February 2, 2021 in London.

Nigel Fright, managing partner at Kreston Reeves, said: “It is fantastic to be named a finalist at these awards, particularly during such a challenging year. Everyone at Kreston Reeves works very hard to really know, understand and support their clients, allowing us to deliver a quality, personal service and continuously develop the firm and our processes.”

Andrew Griggs, senior partner at Kreston Reeves, added: “Despite the challenges we have all experienced this year, both personally and professionally, I’m immensely proud of how our people have come together to work through this – for our clients and for each other. I’m delighted everyone’s work has been recognised in this way.”

Now in their tenth year, the Accounting Excellence Awards are organised by AccountingWEB. co.uk partnered by The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers, The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and ACCA, the global body for professional accountants.

Kreston Reeves advises dynamic organisations, private individuals and families on their business, tax and wealth needs. The company helps them make confident decisions about the future. It has offices in London, Kent and Sussex and employs over 550 people including more than 50 partners.

For more information visit www.krestonreeves.com

14 Thinking Business

Are you planning to reconfigure your office to create a COVIDsecure workspace?

Over the past few weeks, here at The Glass Wipe Board Company we’ve been investigating several innovative office layouts and new glass protection and divider products that have allowed us to bring our team back swiftly and successfully.

Here are five tips we’ve learnt: 1. Consider desk access and people movement – especially for staff with a desk next to a walkway or access point.

2. Maintain clear communication – it can be tempting for staff to lean around the side of screens (and out of protection) if they can’t see or speak to each other clearly, so consider large glass screens to ensure both protection and a clear and uninterrupted line of sight.

3. Side and standing protection is just as important as frontfacing protection – it’s natural habit to turn to face the person you’re speaking to, so side protection is also vital. If you have adjustable sit-stand desks you’ll also need a screen per desk.

Local skincare brand scoops prize at European Skincare Awards The Kentish Soap Company’s Blissful soap has won the bronze award in the soap bars category at the ninth annual Free From Skincare Awards, sponsored by Lyonsleaf.

that are “free from” many of the allergens, chemicals, additives and fragrances associated with skin sensitivities, allergies, and ethical, environmental and health concerns.

The Europe-wide awards were founded to encourage and reward manufacturers of skincare products

“We are so proud to have won this award for our Blissful soap”, said founder Jayne Waddy.

5. Consider the long-term investment – although screens come as an unplanned cost, once they’ve been set up your team will be protected should a second COVID wave hit, and they’ll be more protected from common illnesses such as colds and flu.

Investing in a quality glass solution which won’t get scuffed or deteriorate over time means you can ensure your office remains professional and protected all year round.

For more ideas for making your office secure, visit https:// theglasswipeboardcompany. com/glass-protective-screens “The ethos of the Free From Skincare Awards is close to our heart and we feel privileged to be a part of them. Our natural, vegan-friendly, plastic-free soaps, candles, bath and body products are all handmade by us in Kent so we know everything that goes into them. As an independent, family-run business we’ve had such an exciting journey and we’re looking forward to launching more products soon.”

The announcements were made in July, and followed a long judging process which included a rigorous month-long assessment by four experienced skincare testers, and concluded with round-table expert judging sessions, conducted both in person and virtually on Zoom. www.kentishsoap.com For the full set of results, visit www.freefromskincareawards. co.uk. Entries for the 2021 Awards will open in January.

LEADING THE WAY IN A POST-COVID WORLD There can be little doubt that the last few months have shaken the very foundations of Britain’s economic and social life. As the country takes its first tentative steps along an uncertain path out of lockdown, the challenges for business leaders are only just beginning.

Issues such as how, where and when employees will work from now on are pertinent to any business that is capable of being run remotely. But for industries in which core functions can only be carried out onsite – such as

construction, hospitality and tourism – the ongoing need for social distancing measures presents a logistical headache of epic proportions.

Alongside the practical considerations of bringing people back to work, business leaders and managers must give thought to their management strategy. We can’t expect to see such seismic changes to working styles without evolving our management styles to match.

For example, in the construction industry, structures simply cannot be

Members News

built without workers being present on the site. To protect staff, social distancing and health and safety regulations will have to be strictly observed. But just as important is developing a culture that is genuinely supportive and empathetic towards employees, who are trying to resume their ordinary jobs in extraordinary circumstances.

The new work normal could have a variety of impacts on your staff, from productivity to mental health. So smart leaders will look to anticipate this and lay the foundations of a collaborative, progressive and successful post-COVID future.

Kent Trainers provide a range of courses accredited by The Institute of Leadership and Management. For details visit www.kenttrainers.co.uk

Are your employees returning to work?

If so, do you require nonintrusive audits of all your company devices and laptops to make sure they are all updated and compliant under the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR? The General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), the UK’s Data Protection Act 2018 and many other international privacy laws, requires all organisations to update and monitor their procedures on how personal information must be handled and protected.

With many of us slowly returning to the office in response to the COVID-19 recovery, there has been an increased focus on ensuring all your company devices and laptops are secure and updated.

We urge all organisations to perform non-intrusive audits on all company devices, laptops and phones to confirm that your company data and any personal data remains secure and not inadvertently been leaked or breached.

There is also the threat of disgruntled employees who have either been made redundant or furloughed; yet are still in possession of your company devices and confidential information. Have they had access to the network during this pandemic, if so what information have they accessed, downloaded or leaked to others?

Data protection rules are clear and concise, yet they potentially carry substantial financial penalties for non-compliance and significant reputational harm.

Contact us at TenIntelligence and we can talk through the process and improve your posture around protecting personal data and compliance, including Audit & Assessment, Virtual Data Protection Officers and Breach & Incident Response.

How we can help

• Conduct information audits across the organisation to review, identify and assess the data being held • Conduct specific Data Flow assessments providing Gap Analysis to identify control weakness, strengths and areas for development • Work with the organisation to, design and implement appropriate technical and internal measures to ensure Data Protection is designed into all processes • Work with the organisation to design a Data Privacy Impact Analysis framework linking to pre-existing risk management and project management processes • Review the processing of data, identify and document the

lawful basis for the processing activities, including clear and concise consent mechanisms • Review the GDPR risks on the organisation’s Risk Register and create the critical list of control weaknesses versus actions required by the GDPR legislation • A complete review and/or develop framework of policies and procedures needed to ensure GDPR audit compliance and provide a plan for Data Protection or Privacy by Design documentation • Monitor compliance with data protection policies and regularly reviewing the effectiveness of handling/ processing personal data and updating security controls • Develop and provide a clear Road Map needed for regular review of security access and controls to ensure privacy and security of personal data resulting in a documented Data Protection Impact Assessment framework • Help the organisation develop a staff training and awareness program For further information, visit www. tenintel.com/data-privacy-protection

Brachers wins award for debt recovery work Law firm Brachers has been awarded one of the top prizes at the 2020 Credit Excellence Awards.

The firm was recognised in the Legal and Enforcement Profession division at a virtual ceremony. The judges said they were impressed by the high quality of Brachers’ submission.

They said: “The firm’s ethos is one of fair and ethical treatment of clients’ customers. Emphasis is placed on the high percentage of cases that have not resulted in legal action, a testament to the team in working with people to resolve issues without the need for litigation.

“The firm demonstrated an excellent approach to working with vulnerable people, being both a member of Solicitors for the Elderly but also working towards being dementiafriendly. A user-friendly portal and behavioural science techniques encourage customer engagement.

Feedback from clients and customers is reflective of this.”

In recent years, Brachers’ collections and recoveries team has developed innovative processes that has seen it recognised several times on a national level. Since becoming one of the first law firms to be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority for debt collection, Brachers has continued to evolve its approach.

This has seen collections doubling over the last couple of years.

Commenting on the win, Rob Thompson, partner in collections and recoveries at Brachers, said: “We are ecstatic to have won at the Credit Excellence Awards. Our team has developed a distinctive, innovative and highly effective approach to debt collection that achieves better returns for clients by working constructively with their customers whenever possible. This award is recognition of our hard work to treat our clients’ customers both fairly and ethically.”

Brachers managing partner, Joanna Worby, added: “This award is a credit to the collections and recoveries team which has worked hard to put clients and customers at the heart of everything it does. It’s great to see that Brachers’ ethical approach is being recognised – congratulations to the team.”

Thinking Business

15

International Trade

Government u-turn on full postBrexit border controls Ministers have dropped plans to impose full border checks on all EU goods entering the UK immediately after the Brexit transition period ends.

despite trade talks with the EU stalling as a result of the pandemic, and said checks on EU goods coming into the UK will be phased in next year to give firms time to adjust.

Initially the UK government had committed to introducing full import controls on EU goods once the Brexit transition period ends on December 31.

The proposals apply only to rules on imports. Checks on exports to the EU will be determined by Brussels.

government adopting a pragmatic approach to customs procedures at the border. Many trading businesses were shocked when the government insisted that it would be imposing full checks and bureaucracy from day one – deal or no deal – and they will welcome this more practical and sensible approach.

Dr Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “Companies will be pleased to see the UK

“We have long campaigned for the UK government to prioritise flow across the border, not revenue or bureaucracy, when the transition

But ministers then ruled out an extension of the transition period,

16 Thinking Business

period comes to an end. The very last thing ministers should seek to do is to pile new compliance costs on trading firms, which are already dealing with higher costs and lower revenues due to the coronavirus crisis.”

Commenting on the ongoing negotiations between the UK and the EU, Dr Marshall said businesses needed the two sides to knuckle down and agree a deal.

International Trade

“The alternative is that companies will have to spend cash they don’t have preparing for a no-deal scenario yet again, just as they try to cope with the impact of the worst economic crisis in living memory,” he said.

“Both the UK and EU need to signal a willingness to compromise.

Allowing the present stand-off to continue would be like kicking the

economy when it’s already down.

Livelihoods in both the UK and the EU depend on rapid moves to break the logjam.

“As we have been warning for years now, businesses still need detailed answers on a wide range of questions if they are to plan for change. That need is only intensifying as the end of the transition period comes into sight.”

The Freight Trade Association (FTA), which represents the UK’s crucial logistics sector, also welcomed the government’s u-turn having previously voiced concerns over the lack of time and clarity available to firms in planning for the UK’s departure from the EU. Alex Veitch, head of international policy at the FTA, said: “Government has listened to our concerns

and made allowances to enable our sector to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and plan effectively and in good time for a new trading relationship with Europe. This will come as a huge relief to the 200,000 or so companies whose businesses are based on access to the EU market.

They will now have time to learn and adapt to new procedures.”

"We have long campaigned for the UK government to prioritise flow across the border, not revenue or bureaucracy, when the transition period comes to an end.

The very last thing ministers should seek to do is to pile new compliance costs on trading firms, which are already dealing with higher costs and lower revenues due to the coronavirus crisis.”

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17

The Big Interview

Breaking down BARRIERS TO SUCCESS

"As a woman, I enjoyed the challenge of trying to make my way in the construction industry."

18 Thinking Business

The Big Interview She says: “As a woman, I enjoyed the challenge of trying to make my way in the construction industry.

I’ve always just concentrated on the job in hand, rather than other people’s opinions on me or on how things should be done. Even when I took on the job at EasyBuild, I read one or two comments on social media basically suggesting that I might fail. That made me more determined to succeed.”

Carol Massay has spent much of her 30-year career changing perceptions. As a woman working in a traditionally male-dominated construction industry, she has had to fight harder than her male counterparts to be recognised and respected.

But recognised and respected she is, having worked her way up the career ladder and transformed a construction software specialist into a thriving, award-winning company. Since Carol took over the reins at Borehamwood-based EasyBuild UK, the company has doubled staff numbers, increased revenues and become a much slicker, more efficient operation. New systems have been put in place, marketing campaigns have attracted new customers, and people with the right skills have been recruited into key positions.

This year, seven new customers came on board before the coronavirus hit UK shores, and although there was an understandable lull in business during March and April, activity has picked up once again.

The plan now is to grow the company’s presence across London and the South East, as well as further field in the North of England and Scotland.

She has done just that. EasyBuild is now one of the most recognised providers of ERP (enterprise resource planning) software to the construction industry. The award-winning software addresses all of the operational needs of a modern construction business, covering finance, commercial, project management and compliance. It is customisable with easy-to-use applications providing all trades within the industry – including main contractors, civil engineers, demolition, interior fit-out, roofing and cladding, joinery, rail and utilities – with the tools needed to manage projects in a timely and efficient manner.

Carol says: “Previously, it was mainly the larger construction firms that had adopted the software, whereas smaller players tended to stick with tried and trusted methods. This is now changing; more SMEs are realising the value that this type of software can bring to their business. It helps the industry to identify and manage risk on construction projects and track spend against the whole lifecycle of the project on a day-to-day basis.”

These insights have been gleaned during a 30-year career in the industry, which started when Carol took a job as an office junior, collecting large tenders for construction firm Laing Management and copying and binding them ready for submission.

She studied accountancy at night school and joined Barratt Homes in the company’s busy accounts department, managing cost on various projects. She then got the opportunity to work for

an established Irish contractor as financial controller, managing project cost reporting, before joining Causeway Technologies where she helped several top 100 contractors implement financial and cost management software into their businesses.

Carol enjoyed the nomadic experience of travelling around the country, building and nurturing client relationships, before she was promoted to head of services, responsible for customer support and professional services teams based in offices around the UK. In January 2011 she was promoted again, this time to the position of strategic relationship manager, a role which showcased her aptitude for understanding customers and unearthing opportunities to upsell to clients.

“I was the most successful sales person in the business yet I didn’t have a sales background,” she recalls.

After leaving Causeway in 2015, the opportunity to apply for the CEO position at EasyBuild arose and she took it with both hands. “I’d never been a CEO before but I understood construction software and the art of managing people,” she says.

“I thought, why not give it a go?”

Five years on, she’s glad she did. She’s keen to encourage other aspiring females into the industry and has set a goal of touring schools and colleges to talk to girls about the benefits of a career in construction.

“If I can do it, they can,” she says with conviction.

“It’s great to see companies offering opportunities to young women through apprenticeships and work placements. The industry would benefit from more diversity and I think that companies are starting to recognise this.”

Carol is eyeing growth opportunities in Kent in advance of the Kent Construction Expo later this year.

She says: “We see Kent as an area of expansion and regeneration of business, which means an increase in construction activities. There are also a number of SME contractors who are expanding their business based on specialist work for the construction sector.

“The county offers us a lot in terms of new business opportunities. Construction businesses, which were previously tier two or tier three, are now standing as main contractors in their own right as part of their growth. Having access to these businesses will ensure that our solution will take them on the next journey of growth with better visibility and timely cost and financial information.”

Carol’s ambition shines through in what undoubtedly will be a volatile post-COVID, postBrexit trading environment, but taking on tough challenges seems to be in her DNA.

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19

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Towergate Insurance Brokers is a trading name of Towergate Underwriting Group Limited. Registered in England No.4043759.

Registered MinsterisCourt, Mincing London EC3R 7AA. Authorised and regulated by the FinancialNo.4043759.

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Towergate Address: Insurance1Brokers a trading nameLane, of Towergate Underwriting Group Limited.

Registered in England Registered MinsterisCourt, Mincing London EC3R 7AA. Authorised and regulated by the FinancialNo.4043759.

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Towergate Address: Insurance1Brokers a trading nameLane, of Towergate Underwriting Group Limited.

Registered in England

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Ella Brocklebank is the Business Development Manager for award-winning main contractor Jenner, as well as holding the positions of co-chair of the Kent Construction Focus Group, committee member for Constructing Excellence Kent Club and the East Kent Economic Development Group, a Trustee of local charity Donations with a Difference and most recently appointed to the Board of Governors for EKC Group. Her career in the industry spans 17 years with an overriding passion to promote construction as a career choice to young people and females in a desire to re-address the vast imbalance of gender and an ageing workforce that is prevalent throughout the industry.

At the risk of repeating the words of so many recently, “what a crazy time this has been!” The world has seemingly been sent into turmoil, unlike anything we have ever seen, and undoubtedly this will be the defining year of our lifetime.

Assessing sector specific impact, and looking for a moment beyond the upheaval and distress to personal circumstances; what exactly has the COVID-19 pandemic meant to the Kent construction community, and what might the future hold?

22 Thinking Business

I am posed this question as co-chair of the Kent Construction Focus Group; the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce’s sector specific support group that promotes local people for local projects through the sharing of intelligence, knowledge and best practice and a role I am extremely proud to have held for in excess of 8 years now. In fact, I was recently reminiscing about an article I wrote some years ago for this same publication in which I urged us to consider the perception of construction and a need to “Make Construction Sexy” in order to address the pressing skills shortages that the industry faces.

Whilst image and perception may seem superficial and the least of our concerns at this moment in time, I remain resolute in my words then,

and which are perhaps even more relevant now than ever.

The construction industry has never been without its challenges; the implementation and constant enhancement of health and safety, ever-changing legislation, the extensive red tape associated with the complex planning system, bureaucracy, technological advancements, skills, materials shortages, mental health, the impact of the global banking crisis and the subsequent economic recession, Brexit, the list could go on and on, and facing a global pandemic has unquestionably highlighted the depths of those struggles and urged us to once again reconsider how we address these. As one of the most fundamental sectors and yet always seemingly the first to suffer in times of

adversity, recent unprecedented times have certainly left us all reeling, and juggling the unknown as best we can; even more so given the ambiguity of governmental advice intended to guide us forwards. Urged to keep building whilst the unequivocal guidance to the nation was to lockdown and stay safe, the construction sector was ultimately left with its own moral judgement call safety vs economic gain.

Having only recently escaped the grips of the previous recession, the indecision and uncertainty surrounding BREXIT that left confidence in the future market fragile, and one of the worst winters of continuous rain (conditions non-conducive to construction) we now found ourselves having to stand-up and act appropriately in the face of a global epidemic. And, as anyone who

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Cover Feature that the weeks of lockdown blessed us with). Whilst we continue to feel the impact of the pandemic as I believe we will continue to for some time to come with many aspects of change here to stay, it is time perhaps to consider what now, what does this mean and where do we go from here? Controversially perhaps, I might even go so far as to suggest that maybe 2020 is the year we have been waiting for? A year so challenging, so incredibly uncomfortable, and a year that has made us all stop, reflect, reassess and reconnect. Priorities and the way we conduct our lives and operate our businesses have changed exponentially with newfound respect

works in construction will appreciate, social distancing is extremely difficult to enforce on a building site quite simply due to the nature of the work in question and the close proximity of a multitude of trade operations, and in all honesty almost impossible to police on site; or at least it is when a pandemic strikes with incredibly limited notice. Aside from the safety implications, materials shortages and reduced supply chain availability due to self-isolation and closures posed huge risk to the progress and productivity possible on sites, with supplies running low and many of the merchants closed – we were all facing the impossible.

For those of us, Jenner included, who did self-impose closure, we have had time to plan, prepare and acclimatise our businesses to working in a socially distanced manner. Enhanced safety and hygiene measures have rapidly become second-nature and it is incredibly encouraging to see how well everyone has adapted.

With any facet of life, I do not believe it serves us well to dwell too much or ponder on where we might be now (and how rapidly we could have progressed in the glorious weather

for the work we do, with headlines claiming “Builders are the stars of the UK economy as lockdown is eased” heralding a much welcomed boost to the industry’s reputation. Let us sincerely hope this will go some way to encourage more young people to seriously consider construction as an exciting and varied career choice, closing the vast skills gap that we as an industry face. With over 186 career choices on offer, the opportunities are boundless. At Jenner we are incredibly fortunate to deliver many contemporary, awe-inspiring, and state-of-the art flagship projects and bring design aspirations to life in the built form. Recent projects such as

projects and with no immediate sign of a downturn, so we must all be ready to deliver. With contemporary ways of working and the newly discovered and embraced power of technology to allow online communication that reduces travel constraints and gives us all more proactive time in our day with less pressure to be in a certain place at a particular time, I do believe that we can all now operate far more efficiently and effectively and are better prepared for future adversity, whenever that may come and however it may manifest itself. I do consider the construction industry rather fortunate in our ability to keep moving forwards whilst many businesses remain stalled and with many regrettably unlikely to survive.

"With an upbeat focus surrounding construction dominating the media, reports of the sharpest improvements in construction output since June 2018 and a raft of measures unveiled to “Get Britain building again” and ensure the housing market remains buoyant, there is certainly hope on the horizon."

As we look to the future, I firmly believe that now is a prime time to push, once again, for more women to consider construction. At present only 12% of the industry is represented by the female demographic, many of these in administrative roles and as such we must proactively encourage more and more young females to take up technical roles in architecture, engineering and surveying, as well as urging them to consider the trades previously perceived as ‘dirty work’ or ‘jobs for men’ in an overdue bid to begin to level the playing field. I could talk on this subject with great passion and absolute enthusiasm all day long, and sincerely hope the change we need to see will actually happen. Perhaps the new ways of working generated by the pandemic, with the greater flexibility and work life balance they promote will go some way to assist.

More inspiring, successful females in key roles of strategic influence and for these to be recognised at Board level is fundamental, and it will be the forwardthinking companies who address this as a priority who will be best placed for future success.

and admiration for professions we once took for granted, and a yearning for the freedom we once enjoyed before the devasting society changing virus reared up and seized a hold on our lives. With absolute respect for the gravity of the pandemic, the enormity of its impact on every echelon of society and the devasting effects felt by so many who have experienced the virus first-hand, we must now take responsibility and take this rare and unusual opportunity to learn, to grow, to change and to move forwards and to do so with both confidence and positivity.

With an upbeat focus surrounding construction dominating the media, reports of the sharpest improvements in construction output since June 2018 and a raft of measures unveiled to “Get Britain building again” and ensure the housing market remains buoyant, there is certainly hope on the horizon. Personally, I am incredibly optimistic that much of the negative perception surrounding the industry may have been somewhat diminished by the pandemic, as our importance to society and the economy in our role as keyworkers has offered a fresh understanding and appreciation

the award-winning Curious Brewery in Ashford completed last year, or the world’s first multi-storey urban sports park currently under construction in Folkestone are hugely ambitious in their design intent, pushing boundaries and challenging construction expertise and these, as just two examples locally, must be utilised to capture the attention and interest of the young and inspire future generations to enter the industry and become part of a lasting legacy.

Unfortunately recession of course still menacingly looms on the horizon, and a degree of redundancy will prove to be unavoidable for some, but with building at the centre of the government’s future growth strategy and with talk of sizeable injections of capital funding directed at ‘an infrastructure revolution’ along with the promise to “build, build, build and build better” with enhanced spending focused particularly on building educational facilities and keyworker housing, perhaps, just perhaps now is the time we prosper and I do hope that Kent is set to benefit from this enhanced investment. At present future pipeline opportunity remains buoyant, with clients continuing to move forwards with their

But change of course takes time, concerted effort and a shift in thinking, and until then we must all continue to do what we can to ride out the storm and emerge resolute, revitalised and stronger. In times of adversity the message is abundantly clear – we all have a duty to pull together, redouble our efforts and play our part, and this is something I feel we do so well in Kent with exceptional levels of collaboration and a formidable network of strong business relationships that will serve us well for the future, whatever that may hold in store for us!

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Kent Construction Expo moves to 11th February 2021 due to Covid-19 Revolution Events and Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce confirm postponement of the South East’s leading construction event With minor outbreaks of Covid-19 still occurring around the UK and no clear scientific guidance on business conference & exhibitions, Revolution Events and Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce have pro-actively decided to postpone this year’s Kent Construction Expo to Thursday 11th February 2021.

The decision is a direct response to the continued uncertainty around running large scale public gatherings as the lockdown

24 Thinking Business

continues to ease, combined with an urgent need to finalise arrangements for this major annual event in the construction industry diary.

Jo James, Chief Executive of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce said: “We are obviously disappointed to be postponing this year’s event, which was shaping up to be another fantastic outing in spite of the disruption caused by Covid-19.

However, we have a primary duty

of care towards the safety of our delegates, exhibitors, sponsors, staff and speakers. We are also determined that Kent Construction Expo should always deliver a high quality experience that is not compromised by external factors, so with less than three months until the original date and many people still concerned about meeting faceto-face, we feel it is better for us to defer until early-Spring than to risk a slightly subdued event in October –

however disappointing this may be in the short-term.”

Scientific opinion is still divided on the most effective precautions to protect larger groups of people at live events and there is very little government advice around business conferences and exhibitions, despite their huge potential for helping to kickstart the UK economy. The event industry itself has proposed a wide array of innovative measures to create ‘Covid-secure’ environments –

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"we have a primary duty of care towards the safety of our delegates, exhibitors, sponsors, staff and speakers. We are also determined that Kent Construction Expo should always deliver a high quality experience that is not compromised by external factors"

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including contactless registration systems, socially distanced exhibition areas and the live streaming of popular conference sessions – but it is still awaiting the green light on which to implement and when.

Nick Litton, Joint Managing Director at Revolution Events said: “I would like to reassure all of our customers that we are constantly monitoring the prevailing health & safety risks for live events and we

already have a range of precautions planned to reduce physical contact and proximity at our events, which we are ready to implement as soon as we get the go-ahead from government. As always, we are 100% committed to providing highly productive opportunities for decision makers to learn, meet and do business together – which we will now be doing on 11th February 2021 instead of later this year.”

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THE SHEPPEY LAD WITH A PASSION FOR PEOPLE AND ENVIRONMENT MAKING HIS WAY IN UK CONSTRUCTION Patrick Devine spent his teen years in Great Ormond Street Hospital battling childhood cancer and despite leaving school with little in the way of qualifications, it was his big ideas for business that led him to found The DDL Group, aged 23.

Now 30, he’s at the helm of a multi-million pound, family-run business operating from the Isle of Sheppey with a huge focus on people, environment and safety, working more than one million safe man hours so far.

In 2012, Patrick set up Devine Direct Labour Group, which provides the construction industry with a complete service, from the initial tender to engineering and site implementation.

In 2017 his father joined the company, bringing with him a career of engineering knowledge, whilst his mum Natasha and sister Olivia run the administration side.

Olivia also heads up the company’s goal of reducing environmental impact, having taken qualifications to aid her knowledge and ability to deliver across the business, plus checking suppliers’ operations and processes, choosing those that align to DDL’s.

With a focus on quality, standards, skills and qualifications, DDL has very quickly become a big fish in a competitive pond, working on major projects across the UK including the Aldi Distribution Centre on Sheppey, Countrystyle Recycling, FM Conways, Blu 3 and Volker Fitzpatrick.

The company was a finalist in this year’s Kent Invicta Chamber Awards Family Business of the Year category.

Staff are a top priority, with training provided and funded by the business, including professional

qualifications and mental health first aid too. Wellbeing is also encouraged, with a company ethos of looking after yourself and others too.

Throughout the Covid19 pandemic, work has continued safely, within the rules and with careful consideration, such as placing staff in bubbles and providing the right safety equipment, advice, guidelines and training.

Projects have kept to timescales and financial targets have still been met.

DDL hasn’t let the current challenges hold them back – they’ve noted the challenges and risen above them to strive towards their goals, sticking to their values along the way. For further information about DDL Group visit www.ddl-group.com

Construction Sector - COVID-19 The situation is constantly evolving so parties involved in construction projects should review their contracts periodically to ensure they remain aware of their contractual rights and remedies. The Cabinet Office has published construction-specific guidance to support the implementation of supplier relief by way of a Procurement Policy Note to ensure service continuity during and after the current outbreak.

26 Thinking Business

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has issued construction-specific “best practice” guidance urging the industry to “work together to support the long-term health of our sector by constructively resolving all contractual disputes arising from the pandemic”.

The CLC’s concern is to avoid costly and long-running disputes over the impact of COVID-19 on projects, particularly delays in completion and additional costs incurred.

They advise that despite contractual provisions, parties to contracts should seek a collaborative approach towards successful

project delivery and discuss whether an extension of time can be granted or additional costs shared.

However, the parties must still comply with the terms of their contract to include giving early warnings and proper notices.

The guidance has pro-forma letters and notes. The letters can be used as a template and tailored to reflect the particular contract terms, any amendments, and previous correspondence and developments.

It is suggested that “a dialogue letter” and any subsequent discussions are “without prejudice” and “subject to contract”.

There are also pro-forma contractual notices for use with JCT DB 2016, NEC3 and NEC4 ECC, which set out the relevant contractual clauses and information to be provided in respect of delays caused by COVID-19.

The pro-forma notice for DB 2016 assumes the material cause for delay is the pandemic and that this constitutes a “force majeure” which is a Relevant Event, but this may not apply for every contract.

JCT has published guidance under the JCT SBC 2016 and distinguishes the position between delays caused by COVID-19, for example shortages in goods and labour, and those caused by the government response.

Virtual mediation by way of videos have now started and the Civil Mediation Council has published guidance to members saying that the need for mediation has “not gone away” and Coronavirus “could result in a greater demand for the help that mediators can bring”.

David Brown is a partner at Gullands Solicitors d.brown@gullands.com www.gullands.com

The Rules of the Game

By Danny Frost, Managing Director

When I started out in the construction industry over 30 years ago, New Romantics ruled the music charts, the UK government was taking on Europe and Liverpool were a force in football.

Whilst New Romantics have faded into obscurity, some habits die hard.

The government continues to take

on Europe, Liverpool top the Premier League table and in construction the same disputes continue, centred around financial disagreements and arising from parties not adhering to their contracts.

Over the years various reports have highlighted concerns in the industry. Latham and Egan’s criticisms of its failings 30 years ago promoted legislation devised to assist in dispute resolution – the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 (and 2011 amendments).

So, has the industry improved?

In my opinion, not really. Individuals still do not understand their contractual obligations and therefore cut corners when administering their contracts. To prevent this, we need to start with the basics.

To begin, read the contract! Sound simple? That’s because it is. The process is no different to knowing the rules of the game when playing sports. It is imperative that those administering or complying with the contract know the rules and their responsibilities. Often, even

with significant amounts of money involved, contracts are entered into without full consideration of the implications. Why? Honestly, I don’t know. What I do know is that to make any inroad on reducing disputes we need to understand our contractual obligations.

‘Mirroring’ or ‘reflective behaviour’ is a catalyst for contractual issues, this is when one party in not administering the contract correctly and so the other adopts the same stance. It is again borne of not reading or understanding contractual obligations and reacting too late because, for example, ‘we have always had a good working relationship’.

Occasionally, contract administration is just not made a priority; this is a recipe for further problems which could be easily prevented.

Let’s return to the sports analogy.

When playing sports the rules are a requirement, you comply and carry on. I would argue this is necessary in construction. By knowing and complying with the rules (contract), we can eliminate the disputes that keep occurring. Most importantly, knowing the rules means a better chance of a fair game.

If we read the contract, understand our risks, opportunities and obligations, and utilise external consultants at the start of the process, we can decipher risks before commitments are made, give advice before signatures are applied and strive for less turbulence in our working lives.

Whilst Liverpool, again, become a force in football and the UK government continues to take on Europe, let’s try and reduce disputes to the low level of air play those New Romantics get these days!

Email: danny.frost@base-quantum.co.uk

Tel: 0207 043 0993 www.base-quantum.co.uk

Get the best legal advice from Gullands’ Business Hub Gullands Solicitors offers a full range of legal services for businesses of all sizes under the umbrella of our Business Hub. We are specialists in the fields of: • Shareholder and Partnership Agreements

• Employment Law

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Whatever stage you are in the business cycle, contact us today to see how we can help you. business@gullands.com | 01622 689700 | www.gullands.com

N428 Gullands Thinking Business Advert_112hx190w JUL19.indd 1

12/07/2019 16:07 Thinking Business

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Professional carpenters serving the South East

Have your goals and aspirations for an upcoming project fulfilled, get in touch today.

Based in Folkestone, at Chippie Contracts, our team of professional carpenters and joiners offer a reliable service throughout Kent and the whole of the South East.

With over 20 years’ experience in the trade, we provide a vast array of carpentry related services to both commercial, industrial and domestic and are also new build houses specialists.

To help get your project off the ground contact us Tel: 01303 891 160 or Mobile: 07775 600 173 Email steve@chippiecontracts.cc www.chippiecontracts.co.uk

28 Thinking Business

n Architectural Design n Surveying n Visualisation n Draughting n Project Management n Plus much more

Andy Champion The Design & Surveying Consultancy

Tel: 07591 175 759

www.thedsc.co.uk

CONSIDERING A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT? LJPM Ltd is a Construction Consultancy serving London and the South East.

WE HAVE OVER 40 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN DESIGN AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT ON A BROAD RANGE OF PROJECT

Our services includes providing professional and technical advice, assisting with project planning from concept to completion.

Working closely with private and commercial clients on various projects, including private residential, schools, offices and other building types.

Collaborating with other Architects and consultants, providing Principal Designer services and Client advice in accordance with CDM 2015 Regulations.

Our approach and expertise will add value to your project saving you time and money in achieving your goal.

TYPES FROM SMALL TO LARGE SCALE DEVELOPMENTS.

The Services we offer include:

Architectural Services: • planning and building regulation submissions

• Client Advisor • Principal Designer (CDM 2015 Regs)

• construction drawings

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Building Surveying Services: • Building Defects

• Independent Certifier / Monitor of construction works

• Condition Surveys

• Project Management

• Contract Administration

• Party Wall Matters

LJPM Construction Consultants Zealds House, 39 Church Street, Wye TN25 5BL & 3 More London Riverside, London SE1 2RE

www.ljpm.co.uk email: info@ljpm.co.uk

Contact Les Johnson on 01233 800808, 020 313 79808 or 07931 231 898 Proud members of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce

Norton Technical Maintenance HVAC Mechanical & Electrical Engineering.

Specialist providers of Compliance, Planned and Reactive Maintenance across the South East of England from offices in Kent, London and Hampshire

Types of installations we cover:

4 Hotels – Corporate and Independent 4 Hospitals

4 Commercial Heating and Plumbing

4 Care Homes

4 Commercial Air conditioning 4 Upgrade of Central Plant to improve energy savings Our building portfolio includes: 4 Schools (Primary, Secondary, Special Educational Needs, Pupil Referral Units) Part of the

NORTON GROUP

4 Corporate Buildings 4 Entertainment complexes 4 Public Buildings – such as leisure centres, libraries and community centres 4 Large Housing buildings with central plant

www.Norton-Group.co.uk

Call our Kent office on 01795 382120

Margate Caves wins Heritage Award Canterbury based construction consultancy B&M were thrilled to find out that one of their local schemes picked up an RICS Social Impact award back in June.

Margate Caves scooped the Heritage award at the virtual ceremony, shown on YouTube, and is an excellent example of what true community engagement and social value before, during and after a project can achieve.

B&M acted as Quantity Surveyor and Technical Project Manager on the scheme that saw the re-opening of the long-closed cave system located in Cliftonville as well as the construction of a Visitor and Community Centre above them. The new centre provides new access down to the Caves as well as a café, community rooms and an interpretation space.

The Margate Caves Community Education Trust championed the development for a long time prior to construction and raised the necessary funds to facilitate the build by securing a grant from the National Lottery Heritage and

30 Thinking Business

Community Funds. They also continued to fundraise throughout the pre-construction phase by hosting events including a silent postcard auction and crowdfunding that raised over £10,000.

While fundraising was occurring, volunteers took part in an archaeological dig of the site and near to the end of excavation, an Iron Age Skeleton was found.

During the construction and restoration period, the project was subject to the building regulations above ground and mining regulations below ground.

Geotechnical engineers had to be employed to stabilise the Caves and make them safe. This work included stabilising and clearing a chalk fall, creating the new access, levelling floors and excavating a second exit. This enabled the Caves to meet modern health and safety regulations as well as the required mining regulations.

The Trust wanted to make sure the Caves were more than just an

attraction, they wanted to integrate the site into the community. From opening in August 2019, through to January 2020, 9,350 people participated in community projects and 3,496 engaged in formal learning initiated by the Trust.

The Trust also created several jobs including a Centre Manager, Learning and Engagement Manager and a Café Manager. Alongside these paid full-time roles, the project has seen the new building become a hub for volunteering in Margate. More than 80 volunteers have been recruited since the Caves opened and they have completed more than 860 days of work for the Trust.

The Centre has become the heart of the community and this was recognised when the project was also shortlisted for the coveted RIBA MacEwan Award; it is currently under consideration for a Civic Trust Award too.

The Caves are currently open to the public from Thursday to Sunday 10am5pm until the 1st November. They are currently accepting pre-booking only and tickets can be purchased on their website. Cost for adults is £4.50 and for children is only £2.00.

www.margatecaves.co.uk www.betteridge-milsom.co.uk

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Gold Standard Pest Solutions Commercial and domestic pest management and prevention including: Rats, mice, cockroaches, bedbugs, bird and mammal control

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BUILDING ON TRUST: CONSTRUCTIVE SOLUTIONS FOR ANY BUILDING PROJECT Red Key Concepts is a privately owned, dynamic, forward thinking Construction and Development company based in Whitstable, Kent but covering the whole South East and London. We pride ourselves on over 15 years of specialising in the Construction Industry to oversee the planning, design and construction of your project from the early ‘ideas’ stage to the end result. We aim to take away the stresses and strains that come with construction projects by offering a proactive and flexible approach, taking the time to plan each project meticulously, ensuring that we work with the client and design team throughout.

Red Key Concepts are able to offer the client a traditional Main Contractor or Design and Build service but with a refreshing collaborative approach.

We operate a highly professional policy in all aspects of what we do to ensure that the project is delivered as efficiently as possible by our experienced Red Key Team in conjunction with our specialist supply chain.

HOW WE ARE DIFFERENT Sectors and Diversity We have a wealth of experience of successfully delivering complex development builds within the following sectors; Education, Residential, Commercial and Hospitality. Due to this experience we can offer our clients a plethora of build solutions from day one so that the correct delivery build system is offered. It is our aim to ensure that not only your budget and completion dates but are met but your expectations are managed. Whether it be delivering a commercial unit, a remodel of a car showroom, reconstruction of a classroom block, the design and build of a residential apartment block, restoration and extending a listed building or the remodel and change of use of a hotel to residential accommodation no challenge is too big or small.

Cost Management Procedures and Added Value It is our intention to provide a dedicated Commercial Team to any project. Any specialist trade packages will be awarded following a strict and robust tender exercise and in conjunction with the Client QS and Management Team.

Red Key Concepts will offer value engineering advice to the Design Team at every stage of the build and will capture benefits and savings achieved for the project at every opportunity.

For regular updates on the ongoing projects and exciting job opportunities please visit: www.redkeyconcepts.com www.facebook.com/redkeyconcepts www.twitter.com/redkeyconcepts www.instagram/redkeyconcepts www.linkedin.com/company/red-key-concepts-ltd

We are proud to have received our ‘COVID-19 Secure within the workplace’ Certificate May 2020.

MAIN CONTRACTORS & DEVELOPMENT

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31

The Economy & Us

The Economy & Us

ACT ON THE LONG VIEW We in business are well used to scrutinising the available evidence.

In a time of far-reaching change like the present (if we survive in the short term) far-sightedness is essential. Otherwise, we strive to ‘get back to normal’, i.e. relearn last year’s business, rather than lay the foundation for future survival and prosperity. And nothing opens up opportunities like the ‘imperfect markets’ of far-reaching change – as long as you read the facts right.

Main factors bearing on the economy are: ‘Brexit’; the effects of Covid-19; and environmental change. ‘Brexit’, for example, will open gaps in imports from the EU, especially perishables. Covid-19 will continue to inhibit eating out: the market for home delivery of locally grown/ processed/ cooked meals, already enlarged, will become more (potentially) profitable for integrated local supply chains. Big opportunity.

As furlough ends for 9.4m employees, unemployment will mushroom and disposable income

Nick Rowell Director of Policy, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce Direct line 01622 753568 | Email nicktpbs@cantab.net

“There is a tide in the affairs of men, which taken at the flood leads on to fortune….”

William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar

“Never let a good crisis go to waste.”

Attributed to Winston Churchill, at the end of WWII

will plummet. Less demand leads to deflation as suppliers struggle to offload output coming through their pipeline. Then they’re apt to shrink productive capacity in order to survive, leading to inflation as demand picks up to chase available commodities. Big opportunity – if you time it right.

So, 'normal' depends on everybody taking care to eliminate the virus by thoroughly starving it of hosts (i.e. you & me). This looks unlikely until we discover a new 'Dunkirk spirit' of mutual interdependence by taking great care to NEVER pass the virus on. For too many of us just now (10% - 20%?) this major attitude shift is beyond us, alien.

So far, so straightforward. But how this works out will depend in part on Covid-19. Because any immune resistance that develops in Covid-19 survivors is short-lived, “herd immunity … is unachievable” (The Lancet, 6/7/20). This means uncertainty about any eventual vaccine, too.

Accordingly, the wise will do well to plan for a long ‘Covid-19 economy’.

The worst economic crash for 300 years (Financial Times, 7/5/20) will not be contained until the virus is as rare here as in our well-organised international competitors. So, big opportunities – and gaping pitfalls for those that choose not to change.

The silver lining: Covid-19 may possibly save the planet. Not just because of the economic slump, but because one opportunity stemming from such disruption is the chance to invest in emerging, energyefficient technologies hitherto snuffed out by vested interests (not just ‘wicked capitalists’, but also our pension funds).

These benefits will only accrue if we follow the examples of our committed NHS and carers. Our health, and our economy, depend on looking after everybody – because everybody is a potential source of plague. We need to not just clap/patronise our essential workers, not even just pay them properly. We need the self-respect, the moral compass, to adopt and enact their lived-out values of committed service. As John F Kennedy put it before Reaganomics funded the global greed that is eating up our planet: “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country”.

"The silver lining: Covid-19 may possibly save the planet. Not just because of the economic slump, but because one opportunity stemming from such disruption is the chance to invest in emerging, energy-efficient technologies hitherto snuffed out by vested interests (not just ‘wicked capitalists’, but also our pension funds)."

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Members News

New furnishing fabric shops opening in Ashford and Tenterden An ambitious entrepreneur has announced plans to open two new shops selling furnishing fabrics this year.

Andrew Laughland, founder of architectural design firm Laughland Jones, has established LINEN ETC which will see the opening of an outlet in Ashford's Elwick Place and another one in Tenterden High Street.

He said: “In short, we are selling amazing furnishing fabrics for about 30% of their retail cost, and “local people” know a real bargain when they see one – so it stands a fairly good chance of getting off the ground.

“So, in a nutshell, if you are looking for the finest furnishing fabrics from around the world, but would like to pay as little as possible for them, or be surprised by some other random stuff such as a

tailored giraffe from a Saville row shop window, an oversized beaded head from Tajikstan and an hand woven raffia cloth from Dakar, LINEN ETC could be worth a visit.”

Andrew has two other businesses which have fared very differently in the crisis.

He said: “Laughland Jones has been extremely busy dealing with high net worth individuals, designing exceptional homes dotted about the UK and Europe. However, our other business, Design Forum, which supplies fabrics to shops and interior designers in the UK and Europe, has slowed considerably due to several factors such as COVID and a shift to online trading.

“We are left with a mountain of exceptional stock – roughly 25,000 metres of the stuff, from the most wonderful mills in Europe and India. In addition, the mills are all holding huge amounts of the finest quality fabrics languishing in warehouses, so I thought we could offer it to the discerning public who have a great nose for a bargain.

“These people appreciate the finer things in life and realise that if you look hard enough, you don’t have to pay full price. Instead of £70-£120 per metre, LINEN ETC has the same products for just £15-£30 per metre. It’s really a very simple concept – genuinely great stuff at a steal.” www.laughlandjones.co.uk

Bodyshop specialist embarks on new career path A career in the motor industry working with global brands and high-end car manufacturers has led Paul Clark from Spectrum Paintworx to take a new career path – into design.

Based in Sittingbourne, his workshop has, for the last 14 years, seen cars, bikes and specialist vehicles through its doors, being sent from UK and international clients for a bespoke spray paint, with owners keen for Paul’s expert eye on colour.

It’s this passion for colour and knowledge about paint formulation that led to him into design, working on the finish for a London sushi bar, plus creating stunning changing rooms at Jigsaw’s Covent Garden store.

with each other that Paul has the edge with. He uses this knowledge to create the desired look for designers looking for original colours, luxury finishes, perfect colour-matching or seeking something they just can’t find anywhere else. In the past, Paul has even sprayed a Porsche in the exact same colour as the owner’s handbag.

He said: “It’s an exciting time be working in a new industry and one very different to what we’re used to, because we can offer something exclusive, unique, bespoke and personal to our clients and designers. We can even create a finish that only they have – we won’t mix it for anyone else.”

He has also been drafted into projects for clients across the globe, many of which he can’t disclose due to NDA contracts, working with high-profile design teams on behalf of very exclusive artists.

His next move is to get to know more interior, retail and hospitality designers, building his network of retail, construction and design contacts who can work with him to create a client colour scheme without compromise.

It’s not just about mixing colours at Spectrum – it’s the knowledge of how paint pigments interact

Paul can be contacted via: https://www.spectrumpaintworx.co.uk

34 Thinking Business

Members News

Family business takes up VENTILATOR CHALLENGE An Ashford-based injection moulding and toolmaking business has completed an extraordinary order for the rapid production of thousands of parts for ventilators to be used in the battle against COVID-19.

Plasticom Group, a family-owned business based in Hilton Road, Ashford, has completed the final production and delivery of a 15,000-strong parts shipment to the Formula 1 racing organisation McLaren Racing.

Plasticom was invited in March to be a key player in the Ventilator Challenge UK consortium, a collective of the UK’s leading manufacturing, medical and specialist technology and manufacturing companies. The consortium includes several of this country’s Formula 1 teams such as McLaren Racing, and Plasticom was asked to help produce key components for ventilators as part of the UK government’s initiative.

The company has a long and successful track record and significant expertise in injection

moulding, particularly in the medical field, from first designs to point of sale, including design, tool production, injection moulding, assembly and shipping.

Mr Edwin Simmonds, chairman of Plasticom Group, said: “Our fantastic team worked incredibly long hours, and under considerable pressure, to achieve delivery against what was an immensely challenging schedule.

Keep vigilant | Stay safe

“I’m so proud of the team at Plasticom for the huge efforts that they put into this mammoth task, and for helping us to deliver such large numbers of parts in what was a very small amount of manufacturing time. We’re honoured to be part of this key national project at such a trying time, and we’re delighted to be part of the solution.”

In addition to stepping up to play its role in producing parts for ventilators in the UK Challenge, the company has also been producing a high volume of testing plates and other products that are currently being used in the NHS and international fields.

For further information visit www.plasticomgroup.com

Due Diligence Background Checks Financial Crime Compliance Strategic Intelligence Investigations Corporate Fraud Litigation Support Digital Forensics Protection Brand Protection Cyber Security Data & Privacy Advisory Moorgate | +44 203 963 1930 Kings Hill | + 44 173 252 5810 Business Bay | +971 4425 3002 www.tenintel.com

ISO27001 ISM Certified

Thinking Business

35

Show Homes Open Daily We invite you to take a close-up view of Kingsdown Meadow Residential Park – our stunning new development exclusively for over 45’s.

To ensure social distancing and hygiene measures are adhered to, please pre-book your viewing.

Call FREE on 0800 644 4499, option 1 to pre-book your viewing.

Find us at Kingsdown Meadow Residential Park, Romney Street, Knatts Valley, Sevenoaks, TN15 6XW serenityparks.co.uk

T: 0800 644 4499 E: info@serenityparks.co.uk

Business News

Coronavirus emergency fund distributes £1m to good causes in Kent Taking the decision to leave a much-loved family home is one not to be taken lightly, but for many making the move to a new home that requires less maintenance and is part of a friendly community holds much appeal.

If you are in the situation where your parents, or older relatives, are looking to downsize and have enlisted your help, choosing a park home could bring a number of benefits that you may not be aware of.

• Our homes are very low maintenance. They require little outside maintenance, have smaller gardens to manage and are designed with easy-to-clean interiors.

• Single storey living means access throughout the home is much easier, particularly for those

with limited mobility. For those who require added assistance, modifications to the home can be made at the time of purchase, such as ramps, lowered kitchen work surfaces and bathroom adaptations.

• Our homes are based in friendly, gated communities. You can be assured that there will always be a helpful neighbour on hand should you need one.

• The costs of buying a park home are typically lower than a bricks and mortar home, meaning that many can downsize, be mortgage free and release equity from their home to enjoy in retirement or later life. Furthermore, there is no stamp duty to pay when purchasing a park home.

• Park homes can be gifted to a member of the owner’s family

Redevelopment plans for former Aylesford Newsprint announced Plans to bring the former Aylesford Newsprint site back to life and create more than 3,000 jobs have been unveiled by the site’s owners.

Panattoni, Europe's largest privately-owned industrial developer, is consulting with the local community on plans to invest £180 million to redevelop the site for industrial, logistics, distribution and manufacturing uses.

The 90-acre brownfield site has been vacant since 2015 when Aylesford Newsprint closed, bringing a 90-year history of papermaking on the banks of the River Medway to an end. At its peak the site employed more than 1,000 people.

Tony Watkins, development director at Panattoni, said: “Our redevelopment plans promise to give a new lease of life to this redundant

brownfield site. It will deliver more than £140m per annum of economic value to the Borough of Tonbridge & Malling, and Kent as a whole, by attracting some of the world’s leading companies to the site as well as providing buildings to support the growth of local companies constrained by the lack of facilities.

“We believe our proposals are consistent with the council’s economic ambitions and come at the right time as the country considers how to restart, renew and rise to the challenges resulting from COVID-19.

(be that blood relative or in-law).

This gives the flexibility to pass on the home should the need arise, whether this be through personal choice or the necessity to ensure the asset stays within the family.

Marie Hanby, marketing manager at Serenity Parks, said: “We see many parents seeking the advice of their family before making a decision and understand that it can be a difficult decision to make for everyone.

However, residents who have chosen to make the move simply fall in love with their new homes, the simplicity of the lifestyle it brings and the community spirit and friendliness of our parks.”

Further information about our homes that are currently for sale can be found by visiting https://serenityparks.co.uk/ “We want to hear what local residents think about our proposals, so wherever possible we can reflect this feedback in the final planning application.”

The proposal is to design and build seven industrial buildings offering in the region of 177,000 sq m of new commercial floorspace.

Panattoni will submit a planning application to Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council later in the summer. If approved, Panattoni anticipates construction will begin in 2021, with first occupation expected in spring 2022 and completion of the development by 2024.

To find out more about the proposals, visit www.PanattoniParkAylesford. co.uk. Residents without internet access can call 0207 592 9592 to request more information.

The Kent Community Foundation Coronavirus Emergency Fund has awarded £1,031,804 to 314 charities and community groups supporting vulnerable adults, children, young people, families, and the elderly across Kent and Medway.

Josephine McCartney, chief executive of Kent Community Foundation, said: “We are delighted that Kent Community Foundation has been able to respond quickly to charities struggling financially during the pandemic by awarding just over £1m to more than 300 charities and community groups doing vital work across Kent and Medway. A total of £420,000 of the funding has been awarded to projects working with vulnerable adults, £380,000 to projects working with children, young people and families and £232,000 to those helping the elderly and isolated.”

Applications for emergency funding were received from charities and community groups that were not only trying to provide their usual services, but were responding to a huge surge in demand for their support and implementing additional or alternative ways to help while having limited or no immediate opportunities to fundraise.

Josephine McCartney continued: “Kent Community Foundation is extremely worried about the future of the charitable sector and wants to reassure charities that we will continue to provide financial support for those helping communities across Kent and Medway.

“We recognise that the sustainability of many small charities is often fragile, and particularly now after the huge challenges they have faced during lockdown. The restrictions are being lifted slowly but we know that there is a long and worrying road ahead for charities who will probably have no opportunity to do major fundraising until next year.”

For more details about the Kent Community Foundation Coronavirus Emergency Fund visit www.kentcf.org.uk/funding/ Coronavirusemergencyfund Thinking Business

37

Norton Mechanical and Electrical are specialist contractors and engineers Norton provide a turnkey project service covering Design, Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance.

These services are provided throughout the South-East of England from offices in Kent, London and Hampshire.

Types of installations we cover:

4 Hotels – Corporate and Independent 4 Hospitals

4 Commercial Heating and Plumbing

4 Care Homes

4 Commercial Air conditioning 4 Upgrade of Central Plant to improve energy savings Our building portfolio includes: 4 Schools (Primary, Secondary, Special Educational Needs, Pupil Referral Units) Part of the

NORTON GROUP

4 Corporate Buildings 4 Entertainment complexes 4 Public Buildings – such as leisure centres, libraries and community centres 4 Large Housing buildings with central plant

www.Norton-Group.co.uk

Call our Kent office on 01795 382120

Protection For Commercial Tenants Extended Until 30th September On the 19th June 2020 the Government announced that the protection from forfeiture for nonpayment of rent granted to business tenants under the Coronavirus Act 2020 will be extended until the end of September. The measure which was introduced on the 26th March 2020 was due to expire on the 30th June 2020.

Temporary changes to the Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery procedure will equally be extended until the 30th September and landlords will be prevented from

utilising this process unless at least 189 days of rent is in arrears.

The moratorium on the statutory demand/winding-up route has also been extended until the 30th September per the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act (CIGA) which received Royal Assent on 25th June 2020.

Prior to the CIGA making its way through Parliament, the moratorium was in effect already being implemented by the courts in expectation of the CIGA becoming law. This approach was confirmed in the recent High Court case of Re: A Company (Injunction to Restrain Presentation of Petition) [2020] EWHC 1406 (Ch).

The Government has also now published a voluntary Code of Practice for commercial landlords and tenants which encourages transparency and collaboration as both parties deal with the financial pressures created by tenants being forced to close doors during lockdown.

The code encourages tenants to pay in full where they can but also recognises that landlords should provide support to those tenants unable to do so.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/code-of-practice-for-the-commercial-property-sector

38 Thinking Business

asktheexpert

How can digital solutions help the construction industry recover from COVID-19?

The built environment is an evolving landscape of physical structures; built, adapted, and connected to support and influence our daily lives. They provide the means to interact and connect with each other and our natural environment. Digital technologies are changing these interactions and the way we live, making everything accessible through the touch of a button utilising a collaborative approach to information management, reducing ambiguity and waste, keeping projects on time and on budget.

During the COVID-19 lockdown many construction sites temporarily closed, with lost time resulting in missed deadlines and additional costs for companies. As sites reopen, we find ourselves under increased pressure with less resources, in an industry traditionally engulfed with time pressures, rework, and cost overruns.

As our lives become more connected through data, so does our built environment, paving the way for a more integrated society.

This data-driven environment is enabled by Building Information Modelling (BIM), a process giving professionals the insight and tools to efficiently plan, design, construct and manage buildings and infrastructure digitally. Projects are developed

The collaborative nature of BIM enhances visibility, enabling managers to optimise and de-risk projects. Different dimensions of BIM such as 4D will enable project programmes to be accelerated through optimised sequencing, which in turn enables identification and mitigation of risks ahead of time. Something very difficult to achieve through traditional methods.

This, together with a “last planner” approach means efficient, lean, and integrated delivery of all trades,

eliminating on-site errors and ultimately making up for lost time.

Traditionally, construction clients and their supply chain have been slow to adopt digital processes beyond 3D modelling, but COVID-19 might change this. The pandemic has highlighted the value of doing things differently – for example, remote working and hosting of meetings online reduces travel costs and pollution. At AIMIS, we’ve taken all our training and services online and developed excellent ways of maintaining engagement. This will certainly become part of our new norm and perhaps COVID-19 will be a catalyst for increased use of digital technology throughout the construction industry.

The biggest challenge when adopting digital technologies is the need for people to change their perceptions and behaviours. Adoption of BIM within regional and local businesses has been relatively slow for reasons such as: The client doesn’t want it, it’s too expensive or we can’t do it. None

of these are truly legitimate statements and all can be easily corrected through some basic training.

As the industry recovers post COVID-19, firms need to be more agile, adaptable, and efficient in the way they work. BIM, modern methods of construction, and lean principles all point towards a successful future. It's not only about what your client wants, it’s about how you deliver projects and connect people with their built environment Matt Samways is the Founder and Managing Director of AIMIS, established in 2016 to help the construction industry adapt to new and innovative ways of managing information related to construction projects. The company helps clients use Building Information Modelling (BIM) to manage and de-risk construction projects and help the industry move towards a data-driven future.

For more information visit https://www.aimis.co.uk

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Easier, Simpler, Faster How are you thinking as we consider a new approach to business?

The behaviours within organisations, and in particular how leaders act at this moment, could define who will be successful in the future. Employees, customers and society all want to see who you are as a business. What you stand for and how you respond will leave a lasting impression as we move beyond these challenging times and begin to think about our organisational strategy, design and behaviours.

Organisational Strategy: This is a time for leadership, not management and people want to see their leaders being human. It’s important for leaders to show vulnerability along with courage. People need authentic dialogue and transparency so being calm and showing realistic optimism is critical if we want to create the right environment and an organisational strategy that everyone is contributing to daily. What’s holding you back? Are you a prisoner of your own thinking and experiences?

given the choice - decide not to permanently return to the office. A survey in 2018 showed that just 15% of workers had the option to work at home. This number is now closer to 40% and is just one example of people finding ways to be productive outside the traditional constraints of the four walls of the office or factory.

Are you being responsive and agile with your thinking on the design of your organisation? Do you know what the solutions are? Who can help you design the future?

Organisational Design: Prelockdown, working from home for many organisations was something once considered a perk but has become a lifeline for many to keep operations running amid socialdistancing measures and is a great example of adaptive thinking and how the design of our business can evolve. It seems evident that many people who have been working from home during the crisis may - if

Organisational Behaviours: How we treat our people now, when they are feeling anxious and uncertain, is absolutely key. For organisations that underestimate this or get it wrong, the long-term consequences will far outweigh any gains made in the short-term. Are you putting your people front and centre of your organisational strategy and design for the future? If you do, you are more likely to enjoy a sustainable

future together, built on a strong foundation of mutual trust. Research shows that companies can achieve up to a 20% increase in productivity when organisational behaviours have created an environment of trust and expansive thinking. Are you creating an environment in which people can grow and where you can achieve sustainable business results?

Steve Nicoll, director and business excellence coach at The Lean Orange says,” I believe these three systems, if executed well, can provide a strong platform for productivity. Recently I have observed different styles of thinking emerging amongst leadership teams as they realise that taking a new approach to their business is critical to navigate the coming months.”

Short-term versus long-term thinking: Knee-jerk reactions are a major risk during times of uncertainty.

Leaders who are overly focused on the short-term may take actions that could harm future growth, however those who are overly focused on the long-term may fail to address short-term priorities.

Therefore a balanced approach to both is essential to create the organisational behaviours we desire.

response as it feels like the safe option when markets and future revenues are difficult to predict. However, this thinking can have an adverse effect on the wellbeing of your employees and business, restricting your ability to redesign the organisation to ensure it is always fit for purpose.

The glass half full versus the glass half empty thinking: Optimists (52%) and pessimists (48%) were almost equally represented among leaders in a recent survey by The Harvard Business Review. During challenging times, leaders need to stay objective and rational, which is often easier said than done, especially when having to make hugely important decisions with limited time and resources. However, the wrong thinking could hold you back when trying to create the organisational strategy that enables growth in people and sustainable business performance.

If you would like to find out more about how The Lean Orange can help you think easier, simpler and faster please email steve@theleanorange.com or call 07976 608521.

Costs versus people thinking: Crises often prompt firms to cut costs, reduce headcount, hoard cash and tighten controls. This is an instinctive

INSPIRING THOUGHTFUL LEADERS, CURIOUS PEOPLE & SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS EXCELLENCE

www.theleanorange.com

40 Thinking Business

11th February 2021 11th February Kent Event Centre,2021 Detling 11th February Kent Event Centre,2021 Detling 11th February 2021 11th February 2021

Date!

New New Date!

New Date!

Date!

Kent Event Centre, Detling Kent Event Centre, Produced Detling by Kent Event Centre, Detling New date confirmed for the major annual Produced by

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guidance onoutbreaks business conference a pro-active has been made With minor of Covid-19and still exhibitions, occurring around the UKdecision and no clear scientifi c to postpone thisbusiness year’s Kent Construction Expo to 11th February 2021. guidance on a pro-active has been made With minor outbreaks conference of Covid-19and still exhibitions, occurring around the UKdecision and no clear scientifi c to postpone this year’s Kent Construction Expo to 11th February With minor outbreaks of Covid-19 still exhibitions, occurring around the UK2021. and no clear scientifi c to guidance on business conference and a pro-active decision has been made With minor outbreaks of Covid-19and still exhibitions, occurring around the UKdecision and no clear scientifi c to guidance on business conference a pro-active has been made postpone this year’s Kent Construction Expo to 11th February 2021. guidance on business conference and exhibitions, a pro-active decision has been made to postpone this year’s Kent Construction Expo to 11th February 2021. postpone this year’s Kent Construction Expo to 11th February 2021.

Programme topics include: Programme topics include: • Local Update: Major • Bouncing Back from Covid-19: Programme topics infrastructure developments in Resilience, recovery and key include: topics include: • Local Major •Programme Bouncing Back from Covid-19: Kent &Update: the South East learnings for the future Programme topics infrastructure developments in Resilience, recovery and key include:

• Sustainable Innovation: Moving towards a Circular • Construction Sustainable Innovation: Economy Moving towards a Circular • Construction Sustainable Innovation: Economy •• Brexit Planning: Keep calm but Sustainable Innovation: Moving towards a Circular quickly •• adapt Sustainable Innovation: Moving towards a Circular Construction Economy Brexit Planning: Keep calm but Moving towards a Circular Construction Economy adapt quickly • Mental Health Awareness: Has • Construction Brexit Planning: Keep calm but Economy helpedKeep or hindered?

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• Local Major • Bouncing Back from Covid-19: &Update: the South East forBuild: the future •• Kent Health & Safety: Adapting •• learnings Build, Build, How the Local Update: Major Bouncing Back from Covid-19: infrastructure developments in Resilience, recovery and key theUpdate: post-Covid and post- in wants construction •• to Local Major •• government Bouncing Back from Covid-19: infrastructure developments Resilience, recovery and key Kent && the South East learnings for the future Health Safety: Adapting Build, Build, Build: How the Grenfell world to kickstart the UK economy infrastructure developments Resilience, recovery and key Kent the South East learnings forwants the future to the&post-Covid and post- in government construction • Health & Safety: Adapting • Build, Build, Build: How the Kent & the South East learnings for the future world The new kickstart the UK economy •• Grenfell Legal Matters: •• to Construction Futures: Key Health & Safety: Adapting Build, Build, Build: the to the post-Covid and postgovernment wantsHow construction Corporate Insolvency &post& technologies • Health & Safety: Adapting •• trends Build, Build, Build: How the to the post-Covid and government wants construction Grenfell world to kickstart the UK economy • Legal Matters: The new Construction Futures: Key Governance Bill and other to the post-Covid and government wants construction Grenfell world kickstart the UK Tackling economy Corporate Insolvency &posttrends & technologies • to BIM & Digitisation: • headaches Legal Matters: • Construction Futures: Key Grenfell world to kickstart the UK economy Governance BillThe andnew other pain points to unlock the • Legal Matters: The new •• the Construction Futures: Key Corporate Insolvency & trends & technologies BIM & ts Digitisation: Tackling headaches benefi • Legal Matters: The new • trends Construction Futures: Key Corporate Insolvency & & technologies Governance Bill and other the pain points to unlock the • trends BIM & Digitisation: Tackling Corporate Insolvency & & technologies Governance Bill and other headaches benefits • BIM & Digitisation: Tackling the pain points to unlock the Governance Bill and other headaches • BIM & ts Digitisation: Tackling points to unlock the benefi headaches Wethe arepain committed to providing highly productive opportunities the pain benefi ts points to unlock the meet and together highly in a safe environment, we look forward to bringing ts do business Webenefi are committed to providing productive opportunities for decision makersyou to learn,

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For more information on exhibiting or visiting please visit For more information on exhibiting or visiting please visit www.KentConstructionExpo.com For more information on exhibiting or visiting please visit For more information on exhibiting or visiting please visit www.KentConstructionExpo.com

Events

Kent Invicta LIVE Webinars

Every Tuesday and Thursday 10:30am* Every Tuesday and Thursday we bring you an eclectic mix of information sessions, workshops, panel sessions and training sessions with some of the top local business professionals from an array of different industries. Each event is designed to mirror our face-to-face events, offering invaluable information tailored to our attendee’s wants and needs.

So far we have helped offer over 1,600 attendee’s throughout our online event programme, offering support and guidance though hardship.

Upcoming Events:

• 11th August: Export and Import Training – Summer Workshop • 13th August: Seven Things To Think About When Making Redundancies • 18th August: Virtual Business Networking • 20th August: InfoTech Solutions • 25th August: The Project Mentor • 27th August: LinkedIn Workshop Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Furley Page Solicitors to bring you a bi-weekly Virtual Business Networking event hosted by Luke Quilter, CEO of Sleeping Giant Media.

• 1st September: KCFG LIVE PLUS Many More…

‘’This is the second time I have joined and found it very well run, well organised and an excellent opportunity to network.

I have joined many zoom networking events and this is definitely one of the better ones! Keep up the good work!’’

– Norma Thomas, RIFT Group Each session we invite a guest speaker to join us for an open conversation touching on current topics and based on suggestions extracted from attendee’s during registration.

Utilising Breakout Room’s, attendees are put into virtual rooms to network and delve deeper into conversations making up to 15 new business connections.

Virtual Business Networking is a new, fun way of networking which is highly interactive, sparking interesting conversations and aims to bring like-minded people together, guide forward new ideas and form new business relationships.

42 Thinking Business

Upcoming Export and Import Training Events: • Tuesday 11th August – Summer Workshop • Tuesday 8th September – Letters of Credit Demystified • Tuesday 29th September – INCOTERMS 2020 Rules

Events "I must say, I have enjoyed the webinars I have attended, and it’s much easier to attend these sessions online rather than take out travel time to go to a venue which might have stopped me taking part. Thank you! " – Ellen Richter, Scarab Sweepers Ltd.

Kent Construction Focus Group LIVE. Bringing the construction industry together.

The Kent Construction Focus Group (KCFG) brings local businesses together to discuss the future of Kent Development, giving companies access to local knowledge, contracts and expertise. KCFG promotes the future role of Kent land development and construction businesses in the growth and development of Kent and its environment.

Past guest speakers include: • Balfour Beatty • Quinn Estates • Guy Holloway Architects • Highways England

Thursday 1st October 2020.

FREE TO ATTEND • Multiple Stages • Meet The Buyer Stage • Keynote Speakers • Workshops • KCFG Member’s Only Lunchtime Lounge • PLUS Evening Award Ceremony To keep updated with all details, follow us on LinkedIn @ KentInvictaChamberOfCommerce

• McArthurGlen Designer Outlet • Gen2

The first Tuesday of every month 7:30am – 9am

If you are interested in taking part in our Kent Invicta LIVE programme as a Speaker or Sponsor then please e-mail Events@Kentinvictachamber.co.uk

BOOK NOW: www.kentinvictachamber.co.uk/events Thinking Business

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ARM CONCEPTS QUALITY//DELIVERED//SAFELY ARM Concepts although having only been formed in early 2018 has been in and around the interior fit out and drywall industry for over 10 years and in addition to this considers itself lucky to have an internal wealth of knowledge and skills amongst it’s staff and contractors that goes back even further and together have been part of some fantastic projects over the years.

CORE VALUES – SAFETY FIRST//DEDICATED SERVICE//QUALITY ASSURANCE//DELIVERY COMMITMENT

Specialist Drylining, Partitions and Suspended ceilings contractor based in Ashford, Kent.

We deliver outstanding quality in every aspect of drywall lining, ceilings and specialist fit-outs. We’re perfectionists who are committed to delivering an outstanding level of service by working effectively and efficiently with your teams.

A . R . M

C O N C E P T S

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Tel : 01233 227695 | Email : info@armconcepts.co.uk | www.armconcepts.co.uk

Person behind the business

Building a BRIGHT FUTURE Ezio Muratore, ARM Concepts

"Covering London and south east, we have an extensive team of qualified and skilled operatives along with trained managers and supervisors"

Ezio Muratore has put his background in quantity surveying to very good use. In 2018 he formed ARM Concepts, a specialist drylining, partitions and suspended ceilings contractor based in Ashford, Kent, and since then the business has flourished. Since its formation in 2018 the company has successfully experienced steady growth as a business in terms of revenues and clients both new and repeat business.

Like most businesses, ARM Concepts has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic but the longer-term prospects for the company look good.

knowledge and skills amongst its staff and contractors that goes back even further and together they have been part of some fantastic projects over the years.

Ezio explains: I believe projects that have been approved and signed off will still happen. Perhaps there is a risk in 12-18 months’ time that we may feel increased effects of this pandemic, especially if the upcoming recession means that projects are delayed or cancelled, but for the time being we have clients with active projects which we are assisting with and actively tendering for.

Ezio says: “Covering London and south east, we have an extensive team of qualified and skilled operatives along with trained managers and supervisors. We believe in delivering each project to the highest quality, ensuring all that we do aligns with our core values and company mission statement.

“We’re still a relatively small and young business but we’re agile and have low overheads. We’re hoping to win more business between now and the end of the year. Ultimately, within the next five years our aim is to have a continued and sustainable level of growth, with a 75%-80% plus client retention rate."

Although having only been formed in early 2018, ARM Concepts’ staff have been in and around the interior fit-out and drywall industry for more than ten years. In addition to this, the company considers itself lucky to have an internal wealth of

“We aim to be our clients’ primary choice when it comes to internal fit-outs, based on our previous extensive experience and strong relationships. Our ambition is to provide an honest, affordable and expert service built on trust, reputation and repeat business with our core values at the forefront of all that we do.

“We do take time to invest in our staff, which is why they tend to stay with us. We’re a small team but a close-knit one. When people come here to work for us, I want them to feel valued, I want them to feel that they’re a cog in a wheel and a part of a growing, ambitious business.”

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Skills-Digital Poverty

Bridging the digital divide have ready access to computers and the internet, and those who do not are very closely linked. As mainstream society embraces the online world, I’m concerned that those on the margins risk being left further behind digitally, economically, and socially.

By Dr Lavinia Mitton, senior lecturer in social policy at the University of Kent’s School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research…

Social disadvantage and the digital divide - the gulf between those who

Research shows that people who don’t use the internet are disadvantaged in numerous ways.

They miss out on the lower prices for shopping bargains and insurance often only to be found online. They miss out on the convenience of banking online, especially useful as bank branches close. They miss out on having information at one’s fingertips and generally participating in something that the rest of society take for granted. I’m especially concerned about children who’ve missed out on online school work during the

COVID-19 lockdown falling behind their peers educationally.

I’m also worried about people who struggle to interact with national and local government services that increasingly require you to go online.

For example, the government has pushed for welfare benefits such as Universal Credit – the main benefit for people on a very low income – to be claimed online. In the NHS, GPs now encourage patients to request prescriptions and book appointments online. I’m worried that the socially and economically disadvantaged people who could benefit most by accessing these services will be the least likely to use electronic means to engage with them.

One cause of the digital divide is digital exclusion; people can be

excluded because of poor broadband infrastructure where they live or because of financial constraints. The other cause of the digital divide is choice; some people don’t want to engage because of negative attitudes or because they lack the capability and confidence to use the internet.

In my view, right now, the government and its partners need to focus on digitally excluded children with well-targeted programmes because pupils need access to digital resources to keep up with essential schooling that will affect their prospects for the rest of their life. Broadband connection quality, the places where people can access the internet in their community, and attitudes towards technologies are also factors that government policy can influence.

Thinking Business

47

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Welcome to our new members Amazing Angels Care Ltd Erith 07908 883883 Social & Care

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48 Thinking Business

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Enhance McMillan Wealth Consultants Ltd Chatham

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Protect Safaa Innovations Ltd

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Thinking Business

49

Last Word David Shortland Benenden Hospital Director of Marketing & Business Development

Movers and Shakers

MANAGEMENT BUYOUT AT GSE GROUP It owns Waterbrook, a 140acre site close to junction 10 of the M20 in Ashford where planning permission has been granted for around 400 new homes and new commercial space which, when fully developed, would provide approximately 750 jobs. Waterbrook Park will also include a 13-acre Linear Park incorporating a natural lake.

David has worked at Benenden Hospital, near Cranbrook, for just over 15 months. In his role he leads a team of nine, including business development through which, he is building strategic relationships for the hospital with partner organisations/businesses across the south east, and positioning Benenden Hospital as a firstchoice location for a wide range of self-pay treatments.

In addition to marketing, David started his career as a freelance record cover designer and has worked most of his career in the insurance industry for some of the biggest names AXA PPP, RSA and AIG. In his time off, he enjoys golf and rugby.

What was your first job and what was the pay packet?

Marketing Assistant with the Builder Centres company, designing ads, flyers, brochures etc on an Apple Mac (SE30). Now an antique! I earned the princely sum of £3,400 pa.

What do you always carry with you to work?

Like so many people I carry an insulated cup containing my wake-me-up fix of fresh, ground coffee-which is freshly ground daily before leaving for the office.

What is the biggest challenge facing your business?

It’s to ensure we are always reminding the people of the south east that they have a CQC-rated “Outstanding” hospital on their doorstep that they come to for a wide range of treatments and they don’t have to be members of Benenden Health to take advantage of the facilities.

If you were Prime Minister, what one thing would you change to help business?

Look at how rent for small retail premises in our high streets can be made flexible for small businesses – surely its better to have some income from rent and support local businesses rather than them being left empty due to high charges.

What can you see from your office window?

I’m lucky–I see acres of rolling Kent countryside.

Benenden Hospital’s location makes it the perfect place to work and the perfect place for our patients to come to be treated.

If you could do another job what would it be?

It would have to be something connected to archaeology or history. I’m fascinated with the post Roman history of Kent and Sussex.

As a business person, what are your three main qualities?

I see the bigger picture; I work hard to understand consumer needs/wants; I pride myself on sharing the knowledge and expertise I’ve amassed during my career.

What was your biggest mistake in business?

Two really: implementing a one-size fits all approach to audiences in Sweden and Ireland. Believe me it doesn’t work. Second, I sent a client pitch to competitor agency by mistake. Check that email address!

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

Be crystal clear on your proposition and ensure you meet and exceed customer needs and expectations; have a broad understanding of all marketing channels available to you.

Who do you most admire in business?

Peter Markey, Chief Marketing Officer of TSB and my former boss at the Post Office and RSA Insurance – a marketing legend!

50 Thinking Business

A family-run Kent company is building on solid foundations following a management buy-out.

Managing director Tony Bowles and group director Josh Healey have bought Development's chairman Darrell Healey’s shares in the building, civil engineering and plant hire divisions of Ashford-based GSE Group, which employs more than 130 people.

The company has a solid reputation within Ashford and the surrounding areas for being active within

the community through sponsorship of local teams and of Radio Ashford, as well as employing hundreds of local people over the years since first beginning in 1986.

Darrell will remain as a non-executive director and will continue as head of the group’s property and development division, identifying future opportunities.

GSE Group continues to provide civil engineering, construction and plant hire services to customers across the south east of England and London.

Announcing the management buyout, Darrell Healey said: “GSE Group is firmly established as one of the leading companies in the construction industry in Kent and the south east.

“It has continued to grow through some of the most challenging times the sector has ever faced and enters this new chapter of its history on a firm footing.

“The Waterbrook project has taken many years of hard work and determination to get over the line. With work having started on the site, I feel the time is right to take a step back and let Tony and Josh take the business forward.”

LAW FIRM MAKES TRIO OF APPOINTMENTS Law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore has announced the appointment of Joanne Wright and Douglas Skilton as equity partners.

The appointments demonstrate the firm’s ongoing commitment to organic growth in its landmark 450th year.

Joanne’s appointment brings additional depth to the firm’s award-winning commercial property department. She will work alongside head of department Richard Ellard and the two other commercial property equity partners to further bolster the practice.

Joanne joined the firm from Nabarro (now CMS) in 2009, becoming a partner in 2013.

Joanne has extensive experience in all aspects of commercial real estate work, with a particular specialism in property portfolio asset management. She advises

investors and developers on portfolio acquisitions and disposals and acts on leasing transactions across a wide range of sectors including retail, office, logistics and industrial.

Douglas’s appointment further strengthens the dispute resolution team, where he will continue to work closely with department head Nicholas Horton and the two other dispute resolution equity partners to build the practice.

He joined Thomson Snell & Passmore as a trainee in 2004, becoming a partner in 2015.

Douglas regularly advises clients in relation to commercial disputes, including claims for breach of contract, shareholder, director and partnership disputes. He also helps clients to enforce or resist claims relating to the infringement of intellectual property rights.

Joanne Gallagher, head of the corporate and commercial

department at Thomson Snell & Passmore, has also been appointed to the firm’s management board. Joanne, who joined the firm in 2003 and became partner in 2006, will work with the rest of the board to help bring the firm’s new business plan to fruition, with a view to continuing to drive organic growth in the long term.

Joanna Pratt, senior partner at Thomson Snell & Passmore, said: “I offer my warmest congratulations to Joanne, Douglas and Joanne for their appointments, which are testament to their hard work and dedication.

“As a firm, we have always placed an emphasis on investing in the organic growth of our legal talent.”

Fore more information visit https://www.ts-p.co.uk

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