Business Connect Magazine - April/May 2023

FREEPORTS

Bringing an investment boost to the UK

After the latest government sign-off for the East Midlands Freeport to become fully operational, Business Connect Magazine takes an in-depth look at the role of Freeports and what this means for International trade and the UK’s economy.

Exporting:

Freeports and Free Trade

Agreements

Editorial from Tony Goodman MBE offering analysis of recent Freeport news and Free Trade Agreement developments.

Exporting:

Freight Forwarder or Haulier

Interview with Marie Boyer, MD of specialist European freight forwarder France Line International Ltd, looking at the case for choosing either a freight forwarder or haulier for International trade.

Construction: All the latest news from the sector

Reports from across the UK on the Construction industry.

Finance: Changes to how business profits are taxed

Les Leavitt from chartered certified accountants Leavitt Walmsley Associates Ltd reveal the forthcoming changes to taxation based on changing year ends.

IT: Advantages of managed IT support

Specialist IT service company Nybble takes a look at the advantages of managed IT support.

Chamber:

News from GMCC and Liverpool Chamber

All the latest from Greater Manchester and Liverpool Chambers of Commerce.

4 : NEWS

From across the UK and beyond.

10 - 11 : CONSTRUCTION

News from across the sector.

12 : GMCC NEWS

News from the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce

14 - 15 : EXPORTING

Freeports and FTA’s - editorial from Tony Goodman MBE.

16 : FREEPORTS

A case for boosting investment to the UK.

17 : FRANCE LINE

Interview with Marie Boyer, MD of France Line International Transport on choosing Freight Fowarders or Hauliers?

18 : LIVERPOOL CHAMBER NEWS

News from Liverpool Chamber of Commerce

19 : GROWTH

The ACT Pathway to sustainable business growth with Sim Goldblum from Maxpotenti.

21 : FINANCE

Changes to how business profits are taxed with Leavitt Walmsley Associates

22 : OUT & ABOUT

Networking across the region and beyond.

23 : NETWORKING

The rise of a formidable business community with The Business Network South Manchester & Chester

24 : DIGITAL MARKETING

A look at online reviews with KlickSense

25 : MANAGED IT SERVICES

Managed IT services with Nybble

26 : RETAIL ROBOTS

Robot grocery delivery with Starship Technologies

27 : WELLBEING

Imposter Syndrome - article from AMG Consulting

28 : WELLBEING

Do you join your staff on the shopfloor? Article from Susan Leigh from Lifestyle Therapy 29 : DIARY DATES

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Jobs and investment boost for East Midlands as Freeport gets green light

The East Midlands Freeport received final government sign off at the end of March.

The Freeport will now receive up to £25 million seed funding from government and potentially hundreds of millions in locally retained business rates to drive growth in the UK’s advanced manufacturing, biomanufacturing, logistics, and low carbon industries.

It will help encourage investment into sectors including automotive, space, and satellites sectors, generating thousands of jobs and boosting the local economy.

This is the seventh Freeport in England to become fully operational, with just one more expected to get final government sign off in due course. Four new Freeports have recently been named in Scotland and Wales.

The East Midlands Freeport is uniquely positioned as the only inland Freeport in England, with connections to major

regional transport hubs, such as the East Midlands Airport.

Levelling Up Minister Dehenna Davison said: “The East Midlands has a thriving manufacturing sector and we want to capitalise on those strengths while also developing new green growth industries.

“The East Midlands Freeport, the only inland Freeport, is up and running and will bring high quality jobs, investment and trading opportunities for businesses in the region.

“This will help us deliver on our mission to grow the economy and level up right across the UK.”

Steve Griffiths, East Midlands Airport’s Managing Director, said: “As the ‘port’ within the Freeport, we welcome today’s news. The Freeport will provide a focal point around which the public and private sectors can collaborate to shape the future economic success of this region.

“We look forward to working as part of the East Midlands Freeport to make the most of this opportunity and to build on our role as a key gateway for facilitating global trade.”

East Midlands Freeport Chair, Nora Senior CBE, said: “We welcome the Minister’s announcement. As the only inland freeport in the UK, East Midlands Freeport is a hugely exciting and ambitious project designed to bring lasting benefits to the region in terms of jobs and economic growth.

“Its unique location at the heart of the

UK will present opportunities to create trade hubs to drive green innovation as well as support investment in research and development. It will also drive regeneration in the region in our communities throughout Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire.”

East Midlands Freeport estimates that it will generate over 28,000 new jobs and is already home to world-leading multinational companies, like Toyota Manufacturing UK, and East Midlands Airport - the UK’s busiest ‘pure’ cargo airport.

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Signs of green shoots despite eighth consecutive rolling quarter of falling private sector activity

Latest CBI monthly services sector survey and growth indicator

Across the private sector as a whole, activity fell slightly in the three months to March, broadly matching the pace of last month’s contraction (-4% from -6% in February). This marks the eighth consecutive rolling quarter in which activity has fallen, but this month’s decline was the mildest since July 2022. The fall in private sector activity largely reflects weakness in the service sector, with declines in both business and professional (-5%) and consumer services (-11%) volumes. Distribution sales remained broadly flat over the same period (+3% from -7%), while manufacturing output contracted at a slower pace than the previous month (-6% from -16%).

Looking ahead the next three months, private sector activity is expected to return to growth (+5%) – the first time there have been positive expectations for growth since April 2022.

Manufacturing firms expect to see a recovery in output in the three months ahead (+12%), while a slight uptick is expected in service volumes over the same period (+4%). Distribution sales look set to remain unchanged (+3%). Business volumes declined in the service sector as a whole in the three months to March, following broadly flat volumes in the quarter to February.

Consumer services volumes continued to fall at a slower but still moderate pace, while business and professional services volumes dipped after stagnating in the three months to February. Meanwhile, business and professional services employment fell at the fastest pace since January 2021, while headcount remained flat in consumer services.

The outlook for the next three months is somewhat brighter, as volumes in business and professional services are set to return to growth. Meanwhile, consumer services volumes are expected to remain unchanged. Additionally, headcount is expected to return to solid growth in both services sub-sectors next quarter. Nevertheless, expectations for average selling price growth remain strong.

Alpesh Paleja, CBI Lead Economist, said: “It’s encouraging that the private sector is expected to return to growth in the months ahead.

“While the Chancellor has set out an ambitious plan to deliver growth in his Spring Budget, there’s broad recognition that the UK still faces considerable economic headwinds.

“Inflation remains stubbornly high and, while businesses and consumers can expect lower energy prices to feed through later in the year, the pressures on household budgets will weigh on consumer spending.”

Therme Manchester wellbeing resort development at TraffordCity is underway

Demolition of a former events venue is now making way for Therme Manchester - a new c.£250m development at TraffordCity and the UK’s first city-based wellbeing resort. Spanning 28-acres opposite Trafford Palazzo and The Trafford Centre, Therme Manchester at TraffordCity, will be a beacon for the North West of England with attractions for all ages and budgets including Greater Manchester’s first all-season urban beach, a next generation indoor waterpark and thermal pools and spas.

Regeneration business Peel L&P has now finished clearing the 28,000 sq metre former EventCity conference and exhibition centre at its TraffordCity site on Barton Dock

Road in preparation for the flagship development.

The development’s economic impact is estimated to be worth £4.5bn to the region including the creation of 1,200 jobs and with a strong focus on health, wellbeing and sustainability, Therme Manchester is forecast to save over 1 million hospital admission days per year.

There are also plans for an education centre at Therme Manchester for schools and community groups to learn about nature and sustainability. Access to local cycleways and paths will be improved, including to the neighbouring Bridgewater Canal, plus Metrolink now stops close to the site of Therme Manchester.

cartoonist Tony Husband

UK small firms kept at distance from overseas markets by complex customs procedures

Small firms are being held back from international trade by excessive customs paperwork, soaring costs and supply chain issues, according to new research by the FSB. The Customs Clearance report, which looks at small businesses’ experiences of exporting and importing, finds that nearly one in ten (9%) small firms who used to trade internationally have stopped doing so within the past five years, in a real challenge to the UK’s growth plans. The volume of paperwork (56%), overall cost burden (49%) and supply chain and logistical issues (29%) are cited as key drivers.

Small firms who have continued to trade internationally have to battle against stiff headwinds, with six in ten (61%) identifying high shipping costs as the top challenge, followed by losses and delays in transit (56%) and lack of guidance on customs procedures (45%).

Premium Collections joins forces with global debt consolidator Debitura

Debt collection business Premium Collections have announced a new partnership with global debt consolidator Debitura.

The Debitura platform allows users to record each debt, breaking down the minutest of details including invoice date and due date as well as copies of contracts and other documents/ records in place with the debtor. This then gets analysed with the information helping the debt to be recovered quicker than has previously been possible.

With all the information surrounding the initial debt recorded, once the debt collection process has started, all further correspondence and timings can be uploaded into the system, allowing for detailed reporting including keeping clients in the loop when it comes to the progress of the claim.

Freight industry gather for networking and learning at the end of April in Manchester

Supported by Business Connect Magazine who will be at the event, Forwarder events will connect leaders in the freight industry for a day packed with networking and learning opportunities on 27 April 2023.

Held at the Castlefield Rooms in the heart of historic industrial Manchester, the gathering will start with networking activities and one-to-one meetings.

A keynote speech from DHL Supply Chain UK & Ireland CEO Saul Resnick will examine ‘How technology is changing the way we trade’.

Saul has a long history with DHL, including leading over 4,000 colleagues through the pandemic during his time as CEO of DHL Supply Chain Australia and New Zealand.

Providing insights into this topic will be Atlantic Pacific Global Logistics director Christine Nichols; Wincanton people director Jo Pick; Toll Group vice president Alison Lindfield; Lesley Batchelor CBE, co-founder of Export Angels; DG International head of airfreight Laura Odell; and finally, Nicole Shaw, business development international at Streamline Shipping Group.

After the day’s networking and discussions, delegates will be free to join an after party hosted by Freight North at the vibrant Barca Bar, located a short walk from the Castlefield Rooms. Freight North is itself expecting over 200 attendees.

For the full event schedule, visit forwarder.events/schedule/

Paul Daine, Managing Director of Premium Collections commented: “We have always put customer service at the forefront of everything we do and to help achieve this we ensure that our staff, suppliers, partners and field agents with whom we work to recover client debts also exhibit this ethos.

“With that in mind we are pleased to comment on the fantastic support we have received from the Debitura team.

“For the last 20 years ago we have strived to change the perception of debt collection, and this ethos is shared by the founders at Debitura.

“We’re excited to build on this together and make a positive difference to international debt collection, with a view to providing a unique service that is convenient, efficient and low-cost.”

A dynamic panel discussion on ‘Women thriving in freight: Achieving balance and success’ will follow.

Tickets for the event are available at forwarder.events/tickets/. Business Connect readers can access third-price tickets using code BCPFWD2023

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12 tax incentivised Investment Zones to be established

Reported by Harinder Soor, PartnerClaims and Incentives, KPMG

A refocused Investment Zones programme has been launched, with the goals of growing priority sectors and addressing economic disparities between regions.

The proposal is to provide targeted support to five priority sectors through access to a flexible package of support for businesses located in the planned 12 Investment Zones.

For the eight zones in England, each Investment Zone is expected to benefit from Government interventions (including tax reliefs and grant funding) worth up to £80 million over a five-year period. Legislation to give access to tax reliefs equivalent to those for Freeports will be included in Finance Bill 2023 and the Government anticipates funding will commence in 2024/25.

The Government expects to establish 12 Investment Zone across the UK. Eight Investment Zones will be located in England.

The potential locations in England have already been identified (the Mayoral Combined Authorities of East Midlands, Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, the North East, South Yorkshire, Tees Valley, West Midlands, and West Yorkshire) and reflect the Government’s ‘levelling up’ agenda by targeting areas which

it believes have underperformed economically.

Most of the published detail regarding possible incentives relates to these zones.

The remaining four Investment Zones will be located across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (with at least one zone in each nation) and details of the incentives for these are to be agreed in conjunction with the relevant Devolved Administrations. For each of the areas in England identified as a possible location, the Government intends to work with the relevant Mayoral Combined Authority or Upper Tier Local Authority and other local stakeholders to develop tailored proposals for the Investment Zone.

Each Investment Zone is expected to focus on growing clusters of businesses aligned with one or more priority sectors: Digital and Tech, Green Industries, Life Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing and Creative Industries. Subject to the overall funding limit of £80 million for each zone, the plans envisage allowing considerable flexibility over the precise incentives offered to support these clusters.

This flexibility extends to any tax incentives. The incentives which could be offered correspond to those currently offered to Freeports.

Next-gen electric light commercial vehicles prototype ready for CV show

Watt Electric Vehicle Company (WEVC) has announced a partnership with ETRUX, an electric commercial vehicle specialist, that is set to accelerate the adoption of next-gen electric light commercial vehicles – with the first prototype debuting at April’s CV Show from 18-20 April at the NEC Birmingham..

Following the signing of an MoU between the two companies, the collaboration will see WEVC’s electric vehicle platform technology adapted by ETRUX into a range of offerings for the commercial vehicle market. ETRUX will be exhibiting an engineering prototype, based on WEVC’s Watt eCV1 3.5-tonne cab and chassis unit, on its stand at the CV Show, complete with in-house-designed body.

The CV Show will be the first chance to see the functional prototype, which will be continuing test and development activities directly after the event. Designed for production of up to 5,000 vehicles per annum, WEVC’s innovative and highly flexible 3.5-tonne cab and chassis unit enables a wide range of electric commercial vehicle designs, facilitating mission-specific models which meet customers’ particular fleet requirements.

Neil Yates, CEO of WEVC said: “We are delighted to be working with ETRUX, a company which offers the engineering skills, innovative materials and depth of understanding to deliver an outstanding range of electric commercial vehicles to the market utilising our eCV1 platform.”

North West loses SME champion

Comment from Paul Haynes, Operations Director at Key Control Services

On the 19th of February 2023 we were brought the sad news that Phil Thompson had passed away.

The outpouring of condolences and tributes that have since been received from the business community across the North West have been truly overwhelming, a testament to how highly he was regarded and respected by so many.

Phil was a dedicated advocate in his commitment not only to the successful business he headed up for over 25 years – Key Control Services Ltd, but also in his support of SMEs across the North West, indeed he was heavily involved with the FSB for many years.

Phil thrived in business and lived an enjoyable, full life with many friends in business and personally.

An engaging character, his belief in unconditional reliability, integrity

and trust were displayed and upheld throughout his working life.

After a distinguished career in the Police spanning over 27 years, in 1998 Phil founded Key Control Services providing Security Services to businesses and domestic clients throughout the Northwest, growing the business steadily to the business it is today.

In Key Control Services Phil leaves behind a strong and committed business that will continue his great work going forward.

He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

Crypto investors are urged to remain calm as inflation levels reach 10.4% in the UK

New R&D tax credit could leave lots to be desired for struggling UK SME’s

On the 1st of April 2023, the Chancellor’s reforms to Research and Development (R&D) tax reliefs took effect, including an increase in the Research and Development Expenditure Credit (RDEC) rate from 13% to 20% for UK businesses.

However, latest research from Nucleus Commercial Finance finds:

• Half of UK SMEs (49%) have had to borrow or raise any money due to the current energy/ inflationary crisis.

• Nearly a quarter (23%) have delayed planned investment in new technology or infrastructure due to rising costs.

comments: “Against a backdrop of stagnant productivity and absent growth, business investment is in the doldrums. The promise of 12 new UK investment zones in a bid to reignite local economies, create new jobs, and boost investment opportunities could prove to be incredibly impactful. But in the shorter term, the government is pinning much of its hope on the Research and Development tax credit changes.

“And while those larger businesses working on innovative projects in science and technology will receive a boost to their growth ambitions, the reality is that SMEs up and down will likely see little benefit.

Investors are being advised to remain calm with their crypto and act with caution as inflation rates rise to 10.4% in the UK.

Inflation in the UK has risen 0.3% since January as a result of the hike in food, clothing, hospitality prices and several other factors.

Experts at crypto trading guide, Trading Browser, have provided investors with some insight into what the rising inflation rates could mean for their crypto portfolios and future investments.

Why do crashes happen?

Crypto crashes have mainly to do with insufficient liquidity from coins on cryptocurrency exchanges during larger sell-off periods. Once the price starts to fall, the lack of buying support amplifies the fall. Since there are no buy orders to absorb the sell orders, the coins will free-fall until the bulk of the sellers has sold, causing a crash.

Try not to panic

Turbulence in the crypto market can lead a lot of people to panic and sell their coins. This action can cause values to drop heavily which causes a conundrum for many investors.

Investors can either decide to sell more or buy into the dip and reap the rewards in the future. It’s best to consider the options before trading emotionally. Think about whether the personal crypto journey is for

the long-term or the short-term, and access any decisions accordingly.

Cryptos as commodities

Just like precious metals, Bitcoin and some other cryptos can be viewed as commodities. The price of these particular coins is driven by supply and demand. This is useful to know when analysing the market when supply is low, demand is high - this may appear to be common knowledge but it can often be forgotten.

Seeking security

As a general rule, during times of uncertainty in the market investors seek out security in order to protect their assets. It’s important to remember this because people are likely to pull money out of cryptocurrency or sell up completely, which can in turn drive the value of the cryptocurrency down. Cryptocurrency doesn’t yet have a long-standing history alongside inflation.

Staying

on top of the general news

as well as crypto news is the key to helping investors make more informed decisions about their crypto. Cryptocurrency doesn’t yet have a long-standing history alongside inflation, so many people can become worried about losing money during these times. Seeking security in more stable investments like diversified index funds might be advisable if this worry is consistent.

• 15% of SMEs are calling for more tax incentives for innovation and investment to help boost their businesses.

Chirag Shah, CEO and Founder of Nucleus Commercial Finance,

“To put it simply - more must be done. To stay competitive in the global market, attract foreign investors, and power up the UK economy, Britain’s SMEs need to be able to enhance their offering.”

Small businesses lose 680,000 days of trading per month as impact of strikes bite

With signs that strikes may be abating for the time being, new data from small business lender iwoca reveals that SMEs have lost out on 680,000 days of trading per month, due to industrial action. Cumulatively, this amounts to four million days of trading over the last six months, with trading slowdowns set to continue as unions warn of further action.

Strike action has taken its toll on the day-to-day running of businesses. A third (31%) of companies taking part in the analysis said strikes were having a negative impact on their business, with over a fifth (21%) reporting that customer orders had been delayed due to postal strikes. Nearly a fifth (18%) also had to change their work plans due to industrial action.

While the strikes have had a negative impact on some small businesses, one in three (34%) SME owners side with striking workers, agreeing that employers should agree to the demands of workers who are striking.

Since the summer, SMEs’ views on strikes have largely been solidified: two in five (43%) SME owners have not changed their views on strikes in the last six months, with action becoming more commonplace towards the end of the year and into 2023. While a fifth (22%) of small businesses have felt more supportive of the ongoing striking workers since summer, a third (32%) find their support has fallen.

As some transport, healthcare and teaching unions suspend strike action after accepting new deals, SME owners welcome cooperation between employers and workers. In fact, more than eight in ten SMEs (82%) believe that employers and workers should come to an agreement without the need to strike.

Record WiFi connections prove pubs’ popularity on the rise

2023 Six Nations, the data found that customer numbers had surpassed numbers recorded in 2022 and even pre-pandemic levels in 2019. It also shows how sporting events, including the rugby World Cup due to start in September 2023, could see a rosier year for landlords than previously expected.

New data published by managed network solutions provider EvolveODM and Robinsons Brewery & Pubs, shows a resurgence of customers choosing to celebrate the recent Six Nations rugby tournament in public houses. A second, separate set of data unveiled how different age groups are using pub Wi-Fi, how that compares to previous years, and which days of the week are the most popular when it comes to visiting the pub and getting online.

Having measured how many individuals connected to the guest WiFi at Robinsons pubs during the

Watching the Six Nations in pubs has never been more popular: the data shows a whopping 40% more people connected to pub Wi-Fi on their devices for the first Six Nations fixture of 2023 than they did in 2022.

The weekend is starting earlierSunday was the busiest day for pubs in 2019, but Fridays are now neck and neck with Sundays as each day accounted for 19% of the connections in 2022.

Thursdays are now the new Friday, with connectivity on Thursdays in 2022 the same as Fridays in 2019 (by connectivity %).

UK Infrastructure Bank Bill receives Royal Assent and becomes law

• The UK Infrastructure Bank bill has received Royal Assent, confirming the UK Infrastructure Bank’s independence.

• A vital part of the Government’s plan to invest in infrastructure, the Bank has already announced £1.2 billion of deals that unlock over £5 billion of private and public investment, driving growth in every region of the UK.

Appetite for commercial and residential property investment in NW, but funding barriers ahead, warns RSM UK

Research by audit, tax and consulting firm RSM UK shows that nearly one fifth of landlords (19%) surveyed predict that the North West will attract the most commercial property investment outside of London over the next five years.

Findings from the survey also revealed that 18% of landlords believe the North West will attract the most residential property investment in the same period after London (38%) and the South East (26%). In addition, 45% of respondents think that the residential/ private rental sector will see the most growth over the next 12 months, a slight (3%) uptick on the previous year. However, 47% of landlords surveyed felt that access to funding had been more difficult in the last 12 months than the previous 12 months. Similarly, 46% expect access to funding to be more difficult in 12 months’ time, and

61% consider economic recession and volatility to be the biggest barrier to investment. Other pinch points to investment Further barriers included deteriorating market conditions (38%), political instability (33%), lack of supply (27%), and lack of workforce (18%). More than a third (43%) of landlords believed that the government’s attitude towards making progress on environmental goals would encourage them to act on investing in environmental, social and governance (ESG) friendly solutions, with 58% also completely or somewhat understanding the ESG agenda. Conversely, landlords perceived the biggest barrier to de-carbonising the real estate sector to be lack of landlord willpower to invest in environmentally solutions (33%), the impact of the energy crisis (32%), and the lack of cost-effective tech solutions (30%).

Budget boost to tackle construction skills shortages, says FMB

Measures to address the chronic skills shortages in the construction industry by relaxing immigration rules are a welcome boost, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to the recent Budget.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said “It’s good to see the Government listening to the FMB and other industry stakeholders about the current skills shortages. Adding trades such as bricklayers and carpenters to the Shortage of Occupation List delivers on calls from the construction industry. Recent data from the FMB State of Trade survey reveals that 60% of jobs are stalled due to labour shortages. The construction sector needs at least 225,000 additional workers by 2027 to meet demand, and many more if we are to tackle energy efficiency improvements to homes.”

Brian continued “It was disappointing that measures to improve the energy efficiency of our homes didn’t feature in this Budget. It is one of the most pressing issues and could result in a huge boost in jobs and economic activity at the local level. We had seen small measures rolled out in the last Budget and had hoped the Government would embrace retrofit as a major long-term infrastructure project but this opportunity has been lost. Keeping the energy price guarantee is a big win for homeowners’ pockets for now, but ultimately money will keep leaking out of our draughty, inefficient homes until a sustained retrofit programme gets political backing.”

• Headquartered in Leeds, the Bank is bringing hundreds of jobs to the city and has already created and supported 4,500 jobs across the country. The Bank provides funding to private companies and local authorities for projects to boost clean energy, improve transport links, expand digital infrastructure, and improve water and waste processing.

The bill will enshrine the Bank’s operational independence, put its objectives to level up the UK and help tackle climate change in statute and set out clear accountability structures.

Having already announced £1.2 billion of deals that unlock over £5 billion of private and public investment, the Bank is tasked with unlocking £40 billion of infrastructure investment by working closely with the private sector and local Government to drive growth and our green industrial revolution.

Andrew Griffith MP, Economic Secretary to the Treasury said: “The UK Infrastructure Bank has already announced billions of pounds of vital investment as well as creating and supporting over 4,500 jobs UK wide.

“We have a laser focus on growing the economy and delivering high skilled, well paid jobs, as we drive forward this country’s clean energy revolution, creating opportunity in every region of the UK.”

The budget is set to help support effective competition in the CfD auction with the aim of delivering low carbon electricity deployment at low-cost to the consumer and supporting investment in emerging technologies. The budget decision reflects the anticipated firm pipeline of eligible projects at that time. After the application window has closed, National Grid ESO will assess applications and give the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero the total value of eligible applications. This is when the Secretary of State can consider whether to increase the budget.

The Allocation Round 5 (AR5)

application window will run from 30 March – 24 April 2023, and is the first CfD round to be held annually, instead of every two years. The move to annual auctions was in response to industry demands for more frequent auctions and greater visibility of the pipeline and investment horizon. The budget available in the AR5 auction for Pot 1 (established technologies) will be £170m and for Pot 2 (emerging technologies) the budget available will be £35m.

The Pot 2 budget is inclusive of a minimum ringfence of £10m for Tidal Stream projects. This results in a total budget for the auction of £205m.

£205m budget confirmed for 5th allocation round CfD scheme

HS2 delivers £1.7bn boost to West Midlands businesses

McAlpine due to work on £500m University of Bristol new campus

Opening in 2026, the campus at Cattle Market Road, next to Temple Meads Station, will enhance the University of Bristol’s reputation as a global destination for world-leading research, education and innovation.

The site will be home to 4,600 students and 650 university staff who will come together with business and community partners. Residential accommodation on Temple Island will provide living space for around 900 students.

the campus have been shaped in consultation with civic and community partners as dedicated spaces for groups to work together to address local, national and global challenges. At the evenings, weekends and during university holidays, local people are invited to take part in lifelong learning programmes, events, festivals and research activities.

New figures released by HS2 show that over the last six years, 422 West Midlands companies have received a share of over £1.7bn in contract awards. The figures demonstrate how HS2’s construction is playing a vital role in the survival and growth of businesses across the region.

The ripple effect from investing in Britain’s new high speed railway is clear, with small and medium sized businesses based in the areas emerging as the biggest winners, with a 78% share of local contract awards.

In 2022 alone, the value of HS2 contracts awarded to local firms (£816million) totalled almost twice the value of economic uplift delivered in the West Midlands by the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games (£453.7million).

Mark Thurston CEO at HS2 Ltd said: “As soon as work started on Britain’s flagship infrastructure project, businesses in the West Midlands realised the enormity of HS2’s potential.

“Contracts worth millions helped to keep factories in production and thousands of jobs safe as the country fought the pandemic, and right now we’re supporting those feeling the cost-of-living pinch.

“As the recent report shows, HS2’s transformational journey is already making an impact and the West Midlands is onboard and reaping the benefits.”

The positive effect of HS2’s construction is also being felt by local people working on the project, developing their careers, and accessing free training to upskill for new opportunities.

Over 8,800 people are supporting HS2’s construction in the area. 729 local residents who were previously

out of work are now in jobs, while 399 people have completed or are currently studying for an apprenticeship.

Balfour Beatty VINCI, HS2’s construction partner for the region, has already delivered over 81,000 hours of training to create the 7,000-strong highly skilled workforce it needs to fulfil a wide variety of on-site and office-based roles.

Construction is well underway on over 350 sites between London and the West Midlands. In this region, work is progressing to prepare for two stateof-the-art stations - Birmingham Curzon Street and Interchange, and Washwood Heath Depot - the maintenance facility and control centre for the whole HS2 network. HS2, its partners and suppliers are also boring tunnels, and building bridges and viaducts at key locations across the region.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Whether it’s thousands of jobs for local people, improved prospects for our local businesses right the way through the supply chain or indeed enhanced connectivity for decades to come, HS2 is a game changer.”

Mark Pickard, Managing Director of Altrad RMD Kwikform, an Aldridgebased firm that has secured work with HS2, said: “Our team is on site at Curzon Street, helping to build the network of viaducts that will bring high speed trains into Birmingham City centre. Over the years we’ve worked on major projects all over the world, but to be involved in a project of this scale, so local to us, is really special.

“Like most businesses, we’ve been impacted by the pandemic, and there’s still a great deal of uncertainty in the construction industry generally. HS2 has allowed us to bounce back to the levels of revenue, stability and success we experienced before COVID-19 hit.”

At the heart of the campus, on the site of the former Royal Mail sorting office, a 38,000 sqm academic building will be home to the University’s Business School, digital engineering research groups, Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the Quantum Technologies Innovation Centre and provide dedicated facilities for enterprise and community partners. In addition, the campus will also be a hub for local communities who will be welcomed on site to use the facilities and open spaces. Parts of

Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said: “Temple Quarter will help deliver even more of the sustainable homes, innovation, jobs, and infrastructure that Bristol needs, including for the communities in and around the regeneration area. Delivering the University of Bristol’s new Enterprise Campus will help our city continue to strengthen its position at the centre of our regional economy. This is another milestone for Temple Quarter, after we secured £95 million last year to help transform Temple Meads. Our landmark investment will help to unlock 22,000 new jobs and 10,000 new homes in this part of our city – bringing a £1.6 billion annual boost to Bristol.”

levy introduced for developers to pay fair share for affordable housing and local infrastructure

A new levy introduced by the government will see developers pay a fairer share for affordable housing and local infrastructure such as roads, schools and GP surgeries. The infrastructure levy, which will replace section 106 contributions for most developments, will prevent developers from negotiating down the amount they contribute to the community when they bring forward new projects.

Under the proposals, the amount developers will have to pay will be calculated once a project is complete, instead of at the stage the site is given planning permission. This will make sure that councils benefit from increases in land value, which can be significant for large developments that take years to complete.

Councils will also be given powers to set rates themselves, putting power in the hands of local leaders. A portion of the money will be passed directly to communities as a ‘neighbourhood share’ to fund their infrastructure priorities, while councils will be required to engage with communities and create a infrastructure delivery strategy.

New

gmcc news

Property and Construction

Property and Construction is GMCC’s largest sector, with over 600 of their 4,500 members in this industry.

They have established a reputable and effective Property and Construction offering responding to the needs of the members, including policy and campaign work across Greater Manchester acting as the voice of business in the region.

The Property and Construction Sector Group raise the issues that businesses in Greater Manchester face, so that the Chamber can then lobby on behalf of their members.

Sector specific events throughout the year include:

Property and Construction Lunches

Sector networking and keynote speakers, including a two course lunch at prestigious venues across the region.

Property Focus

3-4 events held per year, aiming to

The aim is to introduce businesses to construction opportunities in the local area and explain the tendering process. This series runs across all areas.

Annual Construction Summit

A full day event to bring together 200+ delegates to network, take part in panel sessions, polling, workshops and exhibitions. All to discuss various aspects of the sector with the objective of sharing best practice, introducing new technologies and identifying how the sector can continue to grow in Greater Manchester.

Annual Dinner

Formal black tie dinner with around 300 delegates and awards ceremony for ‘Building of the Year’ and ‘Apprentice of the Year’.

Property and Construction Annual Dinner 2023

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce named Energy House 2.0 as ‘Building of the Year 2022’ at the

This can include the building’s significance to the City Region, its impact on the local economy, its effect on the local community, its importance in terms of urban regeneration and environmental enhancement, its design excellence, or its contribution to urban design and townscape. Energy House 2.0, which was completed in February 2022, is the ‘world’s-first’ all-weather research

The unique facility provides the UK and the wider world with something nobody else can - an environment for testing complete buildings and all types of products in the exact

climatic conditions that 95% of the world’s population live in.

Domestic and International media have shown a huge interest in what Energy House 2.0 can do and it has received massive interest from across the globe including the USA and Japan.

Companies of all sizes from large multinationals to local SMEs use Energy House 2.0 to test products from whole buildings to individual components and technologies such as EV charging, renewables and Building Management Systems. Early users of Energy House 2.0 include Barrett Homes and Muse Developments.

Highly Commended

This year the judges felt that one of the finalists, Castlefield Viaduct, also deserved a Highly Commended Award.

Castlefield Viaduct is an educational and a sensory experience, gently curving

Energy House 2.0

Castlefield Viaduct

Jamieson Contracting

Diane Elebert-Morgan

Roger Johnson

Energy House 2.0

Construction

through the sky above Castlefield. It is the first project of its type undertaken by the National Trust and demonstrates that collaboration between different organisations can happen in the built environment to create something truly wonderful.

There are already calls to make it a permanent feature of the city.

The other buildings shortlisted for the Building of the Year Award 2022 were: The Science Engineering and Environment (SEE) Building, Base and Crusader.

Commenting on the shortlisted buildings, Duncan Firth, Chair of the Chamber’s Property and Construction Group and Managing Director of Walker Sime, said: “These structures are about repurposing the old to create something new. About building modern cathedrals of learning. About tackling climate change, responding to the climate crisis and creating social good.”

Diane Elebert-Morgan, Property and Construction Group Manager at Greater

Manchester Chamber of Commerce, added: “Once again, the judges had a difficult time deciding on the shortlist.

“The five buildings shortlisted for the award are all very impressive and make a major contribution to Greater Manchester. This award celebrates the very best in design and construction and the winning building, Energy House 2.0, follows in a proud tradition of past award winners, which are now iconic Greater Manchester landmarks.

“Quite simply, there is nothing else like Energy House 2.0. It is a worldleading built environment technology on our very doorstep and we should be hugely proud of everyone who had a hand in ensuring that Greater Manchester leads the world in this type of practical scientific and industrial research.”

Previous winners of the Building of the Year Award include: RHS Garden Bridgewater (2021), The Oglesby

For more information on joining the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce please contact our team on: +44(0)161 393 4321 or email: Diane.ElebertMorgan@gmchamber.co.uk visit our website: www.gmchamber.co.uk

Centre at Halle St Peters (2020), Manchester Alliance Business School (2019), The Christie Proton Beam Therapy Centre (2018), Oldham Town Hall (2017) Maggie’s Manchester (2016), The Whitworth (2015), Manchester Central Library (2014) and No. 1 Riverside, Rochdale (2013).

Apprentice of the Year

The Property and Constructions

Awards also saw The Steve Burne Apprentice of the Year Award 2022 presented to Jennifer Wood.

The award, which is named after a former Chairman of the Chamber’s Property and Construction Group, is given each year to an outstanding apprentice working in the Property and Construction sector in Greater Manchester.

Diane said: “In presenting this award we celebrate the hard work and enthusiasm of all the young people who are beginning their careers in this fantastic industry.”

The Greater Manchester Chamber thanks sponsor by D+H UK for the Property and Construction Awards 2023.

For more information on how to get involved please contact Diane ElebertMorgan at diane.elebertmorgan@ gmchamber.co.uk or call 07740 196476

www.chamberspace.co.uk 0161 393 4321

Building a solid reputation across the North West

Jamieson Contracting is a multi-disciplinary construction/ engineering company based in the North West, undertaking projects in both public and private sector businesses across the country.

We have built our successes on a forward thinking, modern approach to construction, which we reinforce with a solid foundation of traditional values that we stand by.

• Commercial Refurbishment and New Build

• Civil Engineering and Infrastructure

• Schools and Universities

• Healthcare and Medical Facilities

• Decarbonisation

• Heritage

Find out more: 0845 450 5805

andy@jamiesoncontracting.co.uk

Jamieson Contracting (North West) Ltd, Unit 5, Hyde Point, Dunkirk Lane, Hyde SK14 4NL

Apprentice of the Year

Jennifer Wood

Understanding Freeports

Freeports

Liverpool City Region was an obvious location for a Freeport with its historic docks, including the deep-water container terminal at the Port of Liverpool, the UK’s largest western facing port, handling 45% of trade with the US.

The Freeport status will act as a magnet for jobs, investment and trade at the specially designated sites within the region, and the government’s approval of the LCR Freeport’s business plan lights the touchpaper on increasing economic activity by as much as £850m.

But the LCR is not just important to the Liverpool City Region itself, but as the only Freeport in North West England it will be a focus for increased activity across the region as the Freeport

improves trade opportunities.

The direct benefits of Freeport status based on the government’s objectives are to establish hubs for global trade and investment; create hotbeds for innovation; and promote regeneration with the creation of highly skilled jobs.

There are several levers that apply to enable this, including tax reliefs, customs arrangements, planning, regeneration, innovation and trade and investment support.

Every Freeport has at least one customs site, with multiple potential benefits for authorised businesses within the site including:

• Access to duty suspension, duty exemption on re-exports and flexibility on duty calculations

• Streamlining of processes

• Special procedures on movements of goods

An added incentive are the tax benefits within the ‘tax site’ enterprise zones including on Business Rates, Employer’s National Insurance, Stamp Duty Land Tax, and Enhanced Capital, Structure and Building allowances. If all of this sounds too good to be true for your business, then get your skates on and explore further.

The only downside I can see is that there are only a limited number of Freeports in the country and only one in the North West.

Free Trade Agreements

I have taken part in several Government briefings discussing Free Trade Agreements in recent weeks

and, whilst there are still complex topics to be decided, the progress is impressive. The Australia and New Zealand agreements are currently working their way through parliament, and the Ukraine FTA has been extended with a Digital Trade Agreement.

In addition, there are some major agreements making real progress.

One of the more imminent (at the time of writing) of these is the snappily named Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTTP) whose current members are Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. Whilst the UK already has bilateral Trade agreements with seven of the members, accession to the CPTTP is expected to

Freeports plus an update on Free Trade Agreements

further enhance trade.

There is also strong progress with India, with 17 chapters of the negotiations closed so far and the next round of negotiations about to start.

India is now believed to be the largest country in the world with a growing population exceeding 1.4 billion that has now overtaken China, whose population has declined.

Given the market size and the rapidly growing Indian economy which last year was approximately the same size as the UK’s but is expected to outgrow it, the potential for businesses to benefit from a Free Trade Agreement is enormous. With a rapidly expanding middle class, parliamentary democracy and common language, if you are not already, you should be considering looking closely at trading opportunities.

Negotiations with the Gulf Co-operation Council, consisting of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are progressing well and there is already substantial bi-lateral trade with these countries.

We are also looking enhance current trade agreements with Canada, Mexico and Israel.

Whilst there is no immediate prospect

of a FTA with the United States of America, the UK is negotiating bilateral Memoranda of Understanding with up to 20 individual States with several of these already having been signed.

Finally, the UK and the EU have recently agreed the Windsor Framework which aims to resolve outstanding issues with the Northern Ireland Protocol by finding practical solutions to many of the issues.

This is expected to help in improving the implementation of the Trade and Co-operation agreement between the two.

Whilst all this seems to be going at a snails pace, it is in fact moving surprisingly quickly by the normal standards for Trade Agreements.

Secretary of State, Kemi Badenoch, has replaced the focus on speed with ensuring that we get the right deals and, reading the room in my various meetings, I sensed a real mood of optimism amongst those in the know.

The growth of UK trade has not been getting enough positive press, but with the overall 42% inflation adjusted increase in UK exports since 2016, and the substantial increase in 2022 with exports exceeding £700bn for the

first time ever after the previous high of £699.7bn in 2019, which then fell to £616.8bn in 2020 with the effects of Covid and Brexit.

Exports in 2022 actually rose by £159bn to £813.3bn, an increase of 24.3%, with Services growing slightly faster than Goods and now only 4.6% less than Goods, an improvement on the equivalent 2016 figure of 8.1%

already achieved, shows that is a great time for UK businesses to either start or increase their exporting. There is so much help and encouragement available and the nationwide network of Export Champions will all agree that exporting is great for business.

My view is that the Government’s commitment to expanding International Trade, for example with the Freeports programme, together with the success

Tony Goodman MBE is a successful exporter and has been doing so through a variety of different businesses. He is currently Marketing Advisor at Forest and Co who specialise in offering guidance on branding, exporting and sales: www.forestandco.com

Freeports - a case for boosting investment to the UK

The UK government announced in January 2020 their intention to establish a number of Freeports across the UK. The aim of the new Freeports was to boost International and domestic trade, innovation and investment, create jobs and encourage regeneration. They were to be seen as part of the governments ‘levelling-up’ agenda.

The role of a Freeport is to offer customs and tax reliefs, the simplification of export and import procedures and the promotion of enhanced trade opportunities. These would in turn make the areas attractive to both International and domestic business.

Also, in order to enable investment in skills and infrastructure, qualifying new developments in the areas enjoy full local retention of business rates. Coupled with the availability of seed capital from central government, the Freeports offer considerable advantages to businesses and trade.

Freeports are not a new idea

The concept of Freeports has been around for thousands of years. As recently as 2012, the UK has operated Freeports, although these were far more limited in scope than the latest concepts, and were concentrated on customs measures that were available elsewhere in the UK under other schemes.

The plans are for a total of 8 Freeports operating in England, with a further two ‘green’ Freeports operating in Scotland, and an additional two planned for Wales. There hasn’t been agreement yet for a Northern Ireland site or sites.

Although there has been activity across the chosen 8 English sites previous to their official sign-offs by government, the first sites to become fully funded and operational were Plymouth, Solent and Teesside in December 2022, followed by Freeport East and Liverpool in January this year, and Thames and East Midlands in March. The eighth site is Humber which is expecting

to receive sign-off and funding very soon.

The two Welsh sites to be jointly announced by the Welsh and UK government are Milford Haven/ Port Talbot and Anglesey, and development has begun over the sites to bring them online by the end of the year.

Plans for the sites focus on fair employment opportunities and low carbon solutions such as a hydrogen hub, carbon capture technologies and offshore floating wind farms. For the Anglesey site in particular development will be concentrating on marine energy testing (both wind and tidal).

Forth Green Freeport and Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport have been jointly announced by the UK and Scottish government to become Scotland’s first green Freeports.

The sites needed to demonstrate how they would achieve net zero emissions by 2045 and support quality work opportunities with fair conditions at their core.

Forth Green plans to deliver an additional 50,000 jobs across the UK, contributing over £4billion in GVA, and the Inverness and Cromarty Firth site is looking at a massive expansion in floating offshore wind development, with the establishment of 25,000 new jobs and the attraction of £2.6billion in new inward investment.

Socio-economic advantages

All the new Freeports will benefit from not just new streamlined customs measures, but a comprehensive range of tax reliefs and incentives.

There is enhanced support for innovation and trade promotion, the addition of seed capital from central government to help pay for infrastructure and other enabling activities, and full local business rate retention for qualifying business developments located over the Freeport areas.

Additionally, councils across Freeport areas are being asked to leverage existing planning protocols such as local development orders to pre-approve certain types of developments.

As partners in their relevant Freeport development strategy, they are also required to place employment and skills mandates to help local residents, particularly those from disadvantaged or deprived backgrounds, to seek fair and sustainable employment opportunities. Retained business rate revenues and seed capital investment can be used to fund these opportunities.

Structure and benefits

Freeports occupy a maximum physical area of 45km in diameter. They are designed to house a number of customs sites within their outer boundaries, plus up to three tax sites where tax reliefs and

the local increased retention of growth in business rates will be applied. The tax sites are limited to 6 sq km in size and are required to be sited on underdeveloped land.

The customs measures can actually already be applied for by businesses elsewhere across the UK, but there are some additional simplified declaration and authorisation processes available across the Freeports.

More significant are the tax measures, and they include enhanced investment allowances, generous reliefs to employer National Insurance contributions, plus reliefs to stamp duty land taxes and business rates.

Government aims

There are three main priorities for the establishment of Freeports. Firstly to promote job creation and regeneration, which is seen as a priority. Next to establish the areas as National hubs for investment and Global trade. The third priority is encourage innovation, leveraged by the relevant tax incentives and investment opportunities. Freeports are seen as part of the government’s ‘levelling-up’ agenda, with the choice of areas like Teesside, Humberside and Liverpool representative of investment in high areas of deprivation and lack of employment and opportunities for skilled work.

The areas are also part of government plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, with most Freeports instrumental in achieving these goals. This is particularly relevant to the Scottish and Welsh proposals.

Marie Boyer, Managing Director, France Line International Transport Ltd

France Line International Transport Ltd are an award-winning specialist European freight forwarder, operating cross-channel freight services between the UK and France.

Managing Director Marie Boyer has often been asked by UK and European manufacturers who export to or import from France and Europe what the advantages are of using a freight forwarder versus a haulier. This is what she tells them.

“There are several benefits to using a freight forwarding ‘middleman’. Yes, you may pay them a small commission, but for that you will get considerable help and a lot of added value, such as…

Freight Forwarder or Haulier?

“A haulier is likely to only cover one country, with limited services and fleet. A freight forwarder usually offers a range of services and trailer types and operates across several countries.

“They will typically have a large network of hauliers and partners in each country, plus they can source trailers from a range of suppliers they have often built relationships with over years.

“That enables them to provide different solutions and offer advice on the most efficient and cost-effective way to ship goods, all of which means reduced costs for shippers.

“Freight forwarders generally have local agents and contacts in each of the countries they service. That means they can easily access knowledge of local rules and regulations, which allows them to resolve any overseas issues quickly and efficiently.

“Freight forwarders can help manage paperwork and customs clearance, which can save time and money. Very often, they have their own in-house customs team or have negotiated preferential rates with their network of UK and overseas customs agents.

“Having a freight forwarder to handle both your transport and your customs documents mean

the issues that cause delays and frustration and cost money are less likely to happen. It helps make manufacturers’ lives easier. It reduces their exposure and costs while ensuring their goods are shipped safely and on time.

“Over many years, these factors have proven why freight forwarders have a place in the market, and why they are trusted experts in their fields. I believe those advantages are more valuable now than ever.”

If you’re importing or exporting from the UK to the continent find out more about the services France Line can offer. Contact the team on 0161 746 8339 or email info@francelinetransport.co.uk

Liverpool Firms partner with Chamber of Commerce to boost access to law careers

of The School Business Network is another positive step. It has been really enjoyable collaborating with other firms to deliver this programme, and we all look forward to welcoming more firms as it develops.”

for Education and Skills, said: “We want Liverpool to be a city of opportunity. Institutions of the city need to work together to make this happen.

Brabners and a collective of leading Liverpool law firms have teamed up with Liverpool Chamber of Commerce to launch a new programme designed to widen access to the legal profession.

The new Law Programme is part of The School-Business Network – a public-private network established by Liverpool City Council and Liverpool Chamber of Commerce to increase access to work experience, raise aspirations and highlight detailed career pathways for students in the city region.

The legal initiative has been created specifically to support students’ who would not normally get the opportunity to work with firms from across the city to raise aspirations and promote careers in law.

A launch event, co-ordinated and hosted by Brabners, saw 15 students from colleges and sixth forms across the city region engage in a day-long

series of legal skills workshops, precedent case studies and delivering legal arguments all supported by firms including Weightmans, MSB, In-House Legal Solutions, Jackson Lees and Carpenters.

Currently, less than one in five (17%) UK lawyers come from a lower socioeconomic background compared to 39% of the general population.

Usha Sharma, senior associate at Brabners, said: “Diversity and social mobility have long been a challenge for the legal sector and, while progress has been made in recent years, there is room for us to do so much more as an industry.

“As a purpose-driven firm, we aim to demonstrate that business can act as a force for good – particularly in contributing to a more inclusive society.

“Having created the Maurice Watkins Bursary in 2022, leading this element

Paul Cherpeau, Chief Executive of Liverpool Chamber, said: “We established the School Business Network to give students access to meaningful interactions with business owners and entrepreneurs, and to help our business community influence future skills provision for young people, so it is fantastic to further develop these aims through the Legal Programme.

“We are hoping to grow the programme to feature a greater number of law firms so that we can continue to create positive outcomes for schools, students and businesses.”

“This was a great example of how collaboration, through the SchoolBusiness Network, can support the way we work with business and other sectors to make sure that we are doing all we can to level up opportunities for young people.”

For more information about Brabners visit: liverpoolchamber.org.uk/ news/2023/02/liverpool-firmspartner-with-chamber-of-commerceto-boost-access-to-law-careers/ If you would like to discuss how you can get involved with the School Business Network or find out more about membership, please email membership@ liverpoolchamber.org.uk or call 0151 227 1234

If you would like to discuss how Membership, Strategic Partnership or Patronage to Liverpool Chamber can support your business or charity, please contact Jordan or James via: jordan.rhoda@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Cllr Tom Logan, Cabinet Member

growth

Business Connect has always had a keen interest in business growth. We’ve seen many coaches and consultants over the years, and the general feeling is that listening to an outside perspective is a positive move by many businesses at many different landmarks along their business journey.

So where do you start?

A free initial consultation helps. A discovery conversation is crucial to assess whether an ongoing relationship is something to pursue.

If a business leader feels comfortable with a business growth specialist, then an ongoing relationship will result in a successful exchange and understanding of goals and achievements.

Experience also helps. Someone who has had decades of success with helping businesses grow, and can provide those authentic testimonials from past successes, will certainly offer a better chance of delivering measurable growth.

Sim Goldblum and his associates at Maxpotenti definitely tick all of those boxes. We asked Sim to introduce us to their new ‘ACT pathway to sustainable business growth’ :

“ACT stands for three distinct phases of growth – Assess, Connect and Transform. Within each phase we have three stages, making the whole process a 9-step plan.

“We see the plan as the clearest, most predictable and proven system for any owner or executive serious about doing what it takes to achieve their revenue goals and leave a socially responsible legacy.

Phase 1 – ASSESS

Mind The Gap refers to identifying where the business needs to go, and once that’s established the stage reveals the size and nature of the gap between where the business is now, to where the business needs to be.

“Direction refers to a process of alignment, where all colleagues within a business are heading in the right direction, and are heading in that direction fast!

Who’s Joining Me? Is the third stage which identifies the skills, interests, traits and behaviours that are required, and invites those within a business to join and follow the business journey across the gap revealed in stage one.”

Phase 2 – CONNECT

“Redeploy refers to positioning of the correct personnel to achieve success.

“As Jim Collins wrote in his ‘Good to Great’ book - the right people in the right seats on the right bus travelling in the right direction!

“Recruit is our system that has been developed as a core mechanism for ensuring a business has a clear process and tools in place to recruit the right people for the right job.

“Regroup is the last stage in the Connect phase, and is a process to develop and agree the company’s purpose and roles in achieving a clear set of targets over a 90 day timeframe.”

Phase 3 –

TRANSFORM

“Infrastructure is an exciting stage following the establishment of the Assess and Connect phases.

“We’ll kick off the Transform phase by building out your Infrastructure, which allows you to quickly build

1. Mind the Gap

the processes that encourage growth with the required dashboards and reporting.

“Team Performance is where we build on each individual’s purpose and engagement within a business, while helping leaders and managers to create retention and reward structures.

“Sustainable Growth is the final stage of the ACT pathway, where we ensure HR resources are aligned (whether in-house or outsourced) to their growth plans, implement scale and quality at the right pace, and build an organisation that’s fit

for scale using the Sustainable Growth system.

“The programme offers a structured opportunity for real business growth within a defined timeframe.

“We start with a no-obligation call. In just 30 minutes, we’ll get clear on what’s holding you back and get crystal clear on the EXACT STEPS you should be following right now to achieve your revenue goals.

“From there, we’ll decide together if you would be a good fit for The ACT Pathway to Sustainable Business Growth programme.”

6. Regroup

Phase 1

2. Direction

5.

8.

4. Redeploy

9. Sustainable Growth

Sim Goldblum, CEO, Maxpotenti

finance

Changes to how business profits are taxed from the 2023/24 tax year

2023/24, the business would be liable for tax payments as follows:

• Profits of £20,000 for the year ended 30th April 2023, plus

• 11/12 x £20,000 (30 April 2024) for the tax year to 5 April 2024

• Total £38,334 of profits being subject to tax and National Insurance Contributions (NICs).

Requirement for estimation

If the year end has not been finalised, there will be a requirement by HMRC for you to estimate the figures (as outlined in the example above).

Example of estimation calculations

deadline for some groups of taxpayers, such as more complex partnerships or seasonal trades.

• Allowing taxpayers to include in the next year’s tax return any differences between provisional and actual figures in the previous year.

• Leaving the current rules on provisional figures unchanged, whereby profits can be estimated in a return and amended as soon as final figures become available.

The legislation will also treat periods of account drawn up to 31 March as equivalent to the end of the normal tax year (5 April) so no further apportionment would be required.

As part of the government’s ‘Basis Period Reform’, the tax year 2023/24 will now be a ‘transitional’ year for sole traders and partnerships that have an accounting year end other than 31 March or 5 April, to report profits and losses combining figures from their accounting year end and the tax financial year.

This could mean advancing tax liabilities for many businesses – we explain what you need to do in our latest Business Connect Magazine article below.

What is the Basis Period Reform?

The reform requires any selfemployed traders, partners in trading partnerships and other unincorporated entities with trading income, to move their ‘current year’ or ‘accounting year end’ tax basis (the date which your annual accounts are drawn, different to 31 March or 5 April) to the government’s ‘tax year’ basis (financial year ending 31 March or 5 April).

The new tax year basis will require all businesses in these categories to report figures for the period 6 April – 5 April regardless of when their accounting period ends.

In November 2021, the government announced that the ‘Basis Period Reform’ would be effective from 6 April 2024 for the tax year 6 April 2023 / 5 April 2024, however this has recently been changed to being effective on 6 April 2025

for the 2024/25 tax year. Therefore, the 2023/24 tax year will be a ‘transitional year’ or ‘catch-up year’, meaning profits for the self-employed, trading partnerships and unincorporated entities will need to apportion profits and losses across periods of account including the tax year and your accounting year to adjust for the tax year basis, therefore aligning trading income with non-trading income.

If you have a year end different to 31 March or 5 April

Turnover for businesses who continue to have a year end other than 31 March or 5 April will be taxable on profits for their current year (12 months to their accounting period end) plus the period to the end of the tax year (5 April 2024). Dependant upon the accounting period of the business, this could effectively bring 2 years’ profits to be taxed in one year.

The good news is that proposals are being consulted that could allow the taxpayer to spread the profits over 5 years to mitigate the cashflow for the added tax liabilities.

Example transitional year calculations

Business A has company profits of £20,000 in the year ended 30 April 2023 and estimated profits of £20,000 in the year ended 30 April 2024.

Under the proposals for the tax year

If a business produces its accounts to 31 July annually, the tax for the basis period for 2024/25 would be estimated as follows:

• Profits of the year to 31 July 2024 (the accounting period).

• Under the tax year basis, the business will also be required to report profits to 12 months to 31 March 2025 which may not have been produced, so the apportionment would be:

- 4/12 of profits/losses for the period ended 31 July 2024, plus

- 8/12 of profits/losses for the period ended 31 July 2025.

As the figures for 31 July 2025 would not be finalised at that point, an estimation would be required followed by a submission once finalised. Supporting businesses through the ‘transition year’ basis period

HMRC have acknowledged that this estimation process will create added administration burdens, and have suggested options for reducing the impact, which will be under further consultation ahead of the transitional year being implemented.

The proposals include:

• Allowing taxpayers to amend a provisional figure at the same time as they file their return for the following tax year.

• Allowing an extension of the filing

Many businesses are considering moving their accounting date to 31 March or 5 April to make future annual administrative processes easier.

If this something that you need support with, or if you need advice on the implications that the Basis Period Reform might have on your business, please contact a member of our tax team –we’re here to help.

Call 0161 905 1801 in Manchester or 01925 830 830 in Warrington, or you can email us via mail@lwaltd.com

Les Leavitt Leavitt Walmsley Associates Chartered Certified Accountants www.lwaltd.com

&out about

FM North continued to grow last month, with the February event kindly sponsored by the team at client MS Webb who provide property management, enforcement and security services to asset and facility managers in London and FM businesses in the North West of England.

Since January 2023, FM North has had more than one hundred professionals from the FM, Cleaning and Construction industries register to attend and utilise the event to drive their business forward

and make strong, professional connections.

There will be no FM North networking in April due to FM North exhibiting at The Workplace Event, NEC Birmingham 25th – 27th April along with sponsors CDC Draincare,

Manchester, Cheshire and North Wales for their 160 plus member businesses.

Securigroup, Citroen Hygiene, and WowNow Hire.

The next FM North event at The Lawn club will be Wednesday 25th May and you can register for a ticket free of charge by searching Eventbrite.

companies and organisations in the region for the benefit of their members.

There is a high level of activity between the members between the meetings to enhance collaboration.

The Business Network South Manchester and Chester groups offer structured yet informal lunch time meetings once a month at four star locations across South

With pre-lunch talks from reputable speakers, open networking and organised lunch tables to get the most out of the meetings.

Additional events are organised as well as the lunch meetings in conjunction with some of the bigger

guests who took part in our regular voluntary charity draw. With the winner of each draw nominating the recipient, we get to support so many great causes.”

In addition to over 150 decision makers exchanging ideas and opportunities over lunch, an amazing £920 was raised from attendees at the recent Leeds Business Catalyst Club Lunch.

Founder and director Graham Shiers said, “I am truly overwhelmed by the generosity of our members and

Pictured are BCC Sponsor Manpreet Singh of Bobble Digital with Charity Draw Winner Annabel Carington and Graham Shiers.

The next Invitation-only Manchester Business Catalyst Club Lunch is on Thursday 20th April in Manchester, followed by the Leeds Lunch on Thursday 25th May 2023.

Business Connect Magazine are partnering with the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce (see feature page at the front of this edition).

For more information or to arrange a guest invitation please contact Graham Shiers at graham@BusinessCatalystClub.co.uk or visit www.BusinessCatalystClub.co.uk

Liverpool Chamber: liverpoolchamber.org.uk

L-R Greg Webb, Ian Perton and Joe Webb

Matthew Hine, Lexus Liverpool

L-R Paul Mirage, Jordan Rhoda

networking

The rise of a formidable business community

It is just four years ago since husband and wife duo Simon and Win Edmondson bought The Business Network South Manchester - part of a national chain of networking groups stretching from Exeter to Humberside.

Despite a global pandemic and a rising cost of living crisis they have seen their membership grow on a month by month basis. Starting with 32 members, they have grown to over 90 members in the South Manchester group.

The couple have recently purchased the Chester group, and now look after over 160 member businesses between the two groups.

We asked Simon and Win to tell us how they have done so well...

What makes a great networking group?

Win “A sense of community. Our members feel part of a community, whether it is referring business to each other or seeking advice from another member regarding issues or suppliers.”

Simon “I am always pleased how all our members support one another, whether it’s a simple comment on a LinkedIn post to recommending each other to their connections.”

How did you become the dynamic duo of the networking scene in Manchester and Chester?

Simon “I had been a member of The Business Network South Manchester for around four years when Simon Coy who operates the Birmingham and Peterborough groups decided to sell the group in South Manchester.

“After a short meeting it made sense,

with my connections and with the benefit of having ran events for The Federation of Small Businesses, it seemed like a logical step.”

Win “I had decided to take a sabbatical from a very stressful corporate job when Simon rang me to say he had just bought a networking business and we could run it together.

“He is the sales person and I cover the admin side of the business, and during the meetings it is very much a 50/50 split of responsibilities.”

What is so special about The Business Network compared to other networking groups?

Win “For me it is the opportunity for attendees to have a structured conversation over lunch as well as the informal nature of our pre-lunch drinks reception. Furthermore, we now work with companies such as Bruntwood, Altspace and Moneypenny to bring members and visitors extra events each month.”

Simon “I have attended virtually all the groups across the country and the format is basically the same,

great pre-lunch seminars, the open networking before sitting down at your table with six or seven key decision makers which have been carefully selected by the group’s host to ensure you get maximum benefit from the meeting.”

“However, each group is different due to the host’s personality, we certainly have some fun along the way, the meeting has some interesting twists during the day and the range of speakers we attract are top calibre.

“This year we will see the Chair of Marketing Manchester, The CEO of Manchester Central and the Chair of The Federation of Small Businesses (the largest business organisation in the UK) speak to us.”

What is the key to successful networking, and why should businesses join The Business Network South Manchester and Chester?

Win “Blowing our own trumpet, Simon and I are out promoting our member’s businesses all the time. But by doing that the members realise that we value them and their businesses.”

Simon “Top tip, well I can’t keep to one! Don’t spread yourself too thin as it is essential to make time to have those vital 1-2-1’s.

“There are numerous networking groups out there and you have to find your tribe, plus always see yourself as the giver, and then the referrals will come back to you in abundance.

Why The Business Network South Manchester and Chester?

Simon “The shear breadth of membership is a great reason.

“A director of a small company can sit next to the managing director of one of the largest digital agencies in Manchester, and with the number of members in the group now we know we can service everyone’s requirements within the two groups.

“We appreciate that there are other networking groups, and the competition is very good, but as long as we continue to give our members and guests quality events, a sense of community and the opportunity to communicate easily with each other our groups will grow even further.”

“ The Business Network South Manchester group is different because the hosts - Win and Simon - create an environment in which genuine business connections can flourish. As such, real referral opportunities and partnerships can come about between members in a stress free way. I don’t hesitate to recommend the group and value my membership greatly.”

Ben Schmidt, Managing Director, Pixel Assist

To find out more, call Simon Edmondson on 0161 503 5000 or email: simon.edmondson@business-network.co.uk business-network-south-manchester.co.uk business-network-chester.co.uk

Simon and Win Edmondson

digital marketing

Online reviews, and why they matter in hospitality

As more and more people rely on the internet to research and book accommodation, online reviews are becoming more and more critical in building a solid reputation.

In the hospitality industry, reviews are one of the most critical aspects of building a solid reputation.

Making sure you understand the importance of online reviews (and how to handle them) is a simple and effective way to grow your online presence.

Before going any further, it’s essential to answer the big question: How do reviews affect businesses?

Let’s take a look at some of the ways that online reviews can impact your digital standing.

1. They provide honest opinions

Reviews are written by real people, who’ve had an unbiased experience of the quality of their stay, as well as the quality of the services.

It creates a sense of transparency, which is invaluable in building a good reputation.

2. They help guests make informed decisions

Online reviews can help potential guests make informed decisions as to whether or not they want to stay somewhere by providing information about specific services and locations. For example: If a hotel has great reviews, but some reviews mention rude staff, or dirty rooms, it could help people figure out if they want to stay in that place (or not).

3. It helps companies improve their services

Online reviews provide very helpful

feedback for businesses to identify where they’re excelling, and improve where they’re not.

For example: If your rooms are lovely, but some people have mentioned that your breakfast isn’t the best, you can use that information to improve what you offer for breakfast.

4. They can increase visibility and bring in more customers

Whenever you get a positive review, it bumps up your overall SEO score slightly. The more positive reviews you have, the higher up you rank.

That means that more positive reviews lead to being more likely to show up on search results, beating out your competitors.

5. They build trust and credibility

Online reviews help hospitality businesses build a positive reputation online by providing social proof that other people have had a positive experience with you.

This can be especially important for businesses that are new or relatively unknown.

Where Can I Start?

First things first - you’ll need to have some sort of place where people can find you and leave reviews.

Websites such as HelloPeter and TripAdvisor (especially important for hospitality businesses) are great ways to get your account set up quickly.

Additionally, you should look at a Google My Business listing.

GMB listings aren’t just important for reviews - they’re the lifeblood of local SEO (which is exactly what you want if you’re a resort, lodge, or any other type of guest house).

Once that’s set up, it’s time to start getting those stars!

Ask guests who’ve stayed with you to leave an online review on your GMB page, as well as any other site you’re listed on.

You can do this by following up via email or call after they’ve left, or asking them at check-out.

Once the reviews start coming in, it’s vital that you keep an eye on your reviews, and respond to each and every one to ensure you build up a reputation as somebody who cares.

What about negative reviews?

Negative reviews are the most important of all!

There’s a lot of power in negativity. While it might seem daunting, it’s important to use negative reviews as a means to improve.

Take into account what your reviewers are saying, and work on building a positive reputation through responding respectfully, and positively.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a potential guest looking for the best accommodation options, or a hospitality business looking to improve your services and attract more customers, online reviews are an invaluable resource in growing your name in the everchanging digital world we live in today.

If you want to get your hospitality business off the ground (and start getting some great online reviews) why not get in touch and book a meeting? My team and I would love to learn more about how we can help you.

Cheers for now...

Henri Scott

Henri Scott KlickSense klicksense.com

managed IT

The advantages of outsourcing

costly security breaches and protect their reputation and customer trust.

Here at Nybble we have achieved accreditation in Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus.

Cyber Essentials is a governmentbacked and industry-supported scheme that helps businesses protect themselves against the growing threat of cyber-attacks.

Managed IT services can also help companies stay up to date with the latest technology trends

IT providers are typically experts in their field and can provide companies with advice and guidance on modern technologies that can help them improve their operations. By staying ahead of the curve, companies can gain a competitive edge and maximise their efficiency and profitability.

Also, by utilising solutions like cloud computing, cyber security and automation, businesses can enhance their operations, reduce costs, and increase productivity.

In the current age of rapid business development, technology plays a pivotal role in boosting the efficiency and productivity of companies.

Managed IT services

However, managing IT infrastructure and software applications can be challenging and time-consuming for companies that lack the necessary resources or expertise.

Engaging with a Managed IT services provider can offer a solution that is both time and cost effective, and can help businesses maximise efficiency, reduce costs, and focus on their core business functions.

Managed IT services involve outsourcing the management of an organisation’s IT infrastructure to a third-party provider

These providers typically offer a range of services, including network management, security, data backup and recovery, and

software application management. By outsourcing these services, companies can reduce their IT-related costs and avoid the need to hire additional staff to manage their infrastructure.

One of the primary benefits of Managed IT services is increased efficiency

With an experienced team of IT professionals managing a company’s infrastructure and applications, employees can spend more time on their core job functions.

This leads to increased productivity and improved efficiency, as employees can focus on tasks that

add value to their organisation

Managed IT services can also help companies reduce their IT-related costs

Outsourcing IT management can offer your organisation a costeffective solution, sparing you from the hefty investment of purchasing expensive hardware and software, while also allowing you to customise the services you pay for based on the services you need.

Additionally, Managed IT services providers can help companies streamline their IT operations and implement more efficient software applications

Another benefit of Managed IT services is improved security

With the ever-increasing threat of cyber attacks, companies must take steps to protect their sensitive data and intellectual property.

Advanced security solutions are available such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems and antivirus software.

This can help companies avoid

A tailored approach is essential, ensuring each client’s unique needs are met, enabling them to drive growth and wow their crowd.

In conclusion, Managed IT services can help companies maximise efficiency, reduce costs, and focus on their core business functions by outsourcing the management of their IT infrastructure and software applications to a thirdparty provider.

By doing so, companies can reduce their IT-related costs, improve their security, stay up to date with the latest technology trends, and gain a competitive edge in their industry. Allow Nybble to take your IT infrastructure to the next level –contact us today by calling 0330 002 0886 or emailing enquiries@nybble.co.uk

retail robots

Starship Technologies and Co-op extend partnership to bring robot grocery delivery to Greater Manchester

Robots have arrived on the streets of Sale in Greater Manchester as Starship Technologies, provider of autonomous delivery services, has partnered with Trafford Council and the Co-op to bring autonomous grocery delivery to residents across borough.

The service is initially available to 24,000 residents across 10,500 households. Orders are made through the Starship food delivery app, which is available for download on iOS and Android. Groceries are picked in two local Co-op stores in Sale (Washway Road and Coppice Avenue) and delivered locally, quickly and conveniently on-demand in minutes.

The launch in Greater Manchester continues Starship’s recent expansion across the north of England. The company’s robots are already a familiar and popular sight in several other UK towns and cities including Milton Keynes, Northampton, Bedford, Cambourne, Cambridge and Leeds.

Cllr Stephen Adshead, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Environmental Services, said: “We are excited to be working with the Co-op and Starship Technologies to launch this new initiative in the Sale area.

“The robots are a lot of fun and it will be great to see them taking to the streets of the borough. But there is a more serious message here - Trafford Council is totally committed to helping the environment and reducing our carbon emissions, and the electric robots could well contribute towards those aims. So, instead of driving to the Co-ops involved in the scheme, why not leave the car at home and have your groceries delivered by a friendly robot?”

Andrew Curtis, UK Operations Manager at Starship Technologies, said: “We are very pleased to offer the benefits of autonomous delivery to thousands of residents in Greater Manchester and continue our expansion in the north of England.

“The robots provide ease and convenience for people, while also making a positive contribution to reducing congestion and carbon emissions.

“We are confident that the service will be well received and look forward to a long-standing relationship with Trafford Council to hopefully roll the service out further in the months ahead.”

Starship Technologies will celebrate five years of commercial service

next month, and since launch the company’s robots have safely completed more than four million deliveries around the world. Globally, the robots undertake 140,000 road crossings every day, with people using the service for its convenience and ease of use to fit shopping around their busy lives. This includes the nearly 25% of Starship’s customers who either have or live with someone that has an accessibility need.

Customers choose from a wide range of grocery items, schedule their delivery, then drop a pin where they want their delivery to be sent. They can watch the robot travel in real-time via an interactive map, and will receive an alert when it arrives, and can meet and unlock the robot’s lid through the app to retrieve their groceries.

Starship’s robots are battery powered, lightweight and travel at the speed of a pedestrian. They use a combination of sensors, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to travel on pavements and navigate around any obstacles, while computer visionbased navigation helps them map their environment to the nearest inch.

Imposter syndrome

What is it and why is it a hurdle for women in business?

Let’s talk about women in business - and particularly women running startups.

Why is there such a disparity in the number of women v. men starting businesses? And what can be done to address it?

It’s well-known that most business owners and leaders are men, in fact only 16% of SMEs were run by women in 2020, and 32.5% of FTSE 100 leaders were women.

Is this because women are not given the same opportunities to start businesses - there could be elements of this from the perspective of them not being awarded the same levels of investment, with only 12% of investment going to female led firms in 2022, but one of the top 5 reasons cited in a study why fewer women start businesses is fear of failure.

Yes, women themselves are their own barrier in many instances. How they view themselves, and the fears they face to become a leader often gets in the way of them stepping into their power.

Imposter Syndrome is real and it’s a big issue for women, with KPMG finding in their study that 75% of women in business have experienced imposter syndrome during their careers.

Those who suffer experience low

self-worth, a lack of confidence, and often self-sabotaging behaviour - even if they have previously been highly successful in the corporate world. What does this mean? That brilliant women with brilliant business skills are not stepping into the entrepreneurial space - for fear of failing before they’ve even begun.

The good news is that Imposter Syndrome can be overcome, and stronger self-belief created, so let’s look at the steps to this, as whilst it is more common in those at the start of their business journey, it is something known to raise its ugly head at different stages of growth - ‘new level, new devil’...

So how do we tackle it?

1. Firstly, it is important to recognise what self-belief is, and is not. It is not an omission of doubts; we are predisposed to doubt to protect ourselves from danger, but is the ability to choose how we act upon those doubts.

2. Choosing how to recognise these doubts and react to them. Sounds simple doesn’t it, but it takes selfawareness. Self-doubt happens when there is a triggering event and thinking about starting a business can be such an event.

3. Understanding our triggers. So, what are triggers? Simply, a trigger is something that causes a negative emotional reaction within us.

Unfortunately, identifying the cause of a trigger is not quite so simple. Usually, they stem from childhood, and we aren’t aware of the root cause, we just know that we feel anxiety, anger, or fear about the current situation.

When we have greater self-awareness, we start to reduce the power of Imposter Syndrome, as we start to understand what’s at play - and then we can play an active part.

When Imposter Syndrome creates overwhelm, or anxiety, or leads us to self-sabotage, what we can do is to recognise that we are triggered and that the negative feelings that we are experiencing are because of a trigger.

Once you learn to recognise when you are triggered, you can start to choose how you respond.

How to change your reaction to triggers

Most of us don’t like feeling negative emotions, so we choose to squash them, ignore them, or distract ourselves. Part of understanding our triggers is to feel the feelings so we can begin to understand where they come from and then overcome them. Try this method of understanding your triggers and emotions, and choosing how you react to them:

1. When you recognise that you are triggered, take yourself to a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed.

2. Sit comfortably and close your eyes. Keep your eyes closed throughout to reduce distraction.

3. Bring the thing to mind that has triggered you. Maybe you’ve been asked to speak publicly or are worried about an important meeting.

4. Watch the thoughts go by as if you are watching TV. If other thoughts come into your head let them go and focus on the triggering situation.

5. Let any feelings come up, don’t

avoid them, just let them come up.

6. Identify what the emotions are - this isn’t about thoughts, just emotions.

7. Identify the most prominent emotion and just feel it. This might not feel very nice at first, but it will get better.

8. You might feel the emotion in your body, perhaps in your chest or stomach, if you do then place your hand where you feel it.

9. Ask yourself - What is going on? Where does this emotion come from? How do you want to react?

10. Sit with the emotion until it starts to change into a more positive emotion.

11. Finally take some deep breaths, breathing in the positive emotion and breathing out the negative. Continue the deep breaths until you have let go of all the negativity.

12. When you’re ready, open your eyes, and take the action that you’ve decided on, not the action your self-doubt pushed you into.

This practice is very powerful if practised daily, not just when you’re triggered - it helps you move away from negative emotions and start to see other solutions.

Imposter Syndrome can be debilitating, preventing brilliant, capable women from realising their potential and starting businesses. It doesn’t have to be this way though. Negative self-image, unhelpful beliefs and lack of confidence can be overcome.

Recognising your triggers and choosing how you react to them can help you to create self-belief and achieve things you didn’t believe were possible.

Anne Gwilliam amg consulting amg-consulting.co.uk

wellbeing

Do you join your staff on the shop floor?

We’re all likely to cheer when we hear of excellent members of staff doing well, being promoted and moving upwards into more senior, management roles.

It’s encouraging when we see good staff being rewarded for their abilities and given opportunities to share and mentor others to be equally successful.

Then there’s the sole trader who works hard and does so well that some of their work needs to be outsourced or extra staff need to be hired.

This can result in them becoming increasingly detached from their customers and the day-to-day workings of the business. Whilst it’s exciting to see businesses being recognised and growing, how do they continue to keep in touch with what’s happening at the grass roots level?

It’s always good to do well, be recognised and receive the associated rewards and respect, but it’s also important not to lose sight of your original vision and remain close to your core business.

Your front-of-house, customer-facing staff are the cornerstone of your brand. Something has to be sold, whether it be goods or services, in order for trade to occur. Money has to change hands for a business to thrive and grow.

So, how do you keep in touch and continue to join your staff on the shop floor?

Showing consideration and respect for your staff and their issues is an important way to join your staff on the shop floor, especially as they return to work after an unprecedented two years.

Many may now have revised priorities, feel differently about work and career progression. Some may even be

apprehensive about returning to a fullon work environment.

Many business owners who started from scratch did it the hard way, learning every aspect of the business, as they tried to do everything themselves.

Even as they grew, some still continued to maintain a reasonable level of involvement, spending time ‘on the shop floor’, perhaps one day a month, working in the different areas of their business, keeping up-to-date and familiar with their skills, dealing with challenges and developments as they occurred.

That level of involvement may not always be feasible, so intermittent walkabouts may be a positive option, where the business owner or manager selects a site to visit, maybe incognito at first, to assess how it runs operationally.

Some top businessmen are wellknown for doing this; chatting to staff at first undercover, then following up with discussions to address any ideas that may have been floated to correct and improve efficiency, often coming away with some extremely valuable suggestions.

Staff can feel incentivised to contribute ideas to improve the business when there’s a suggestion box, especially if it’s linked to a rewards scheme.

Some companies reward staff by choosing an employee of the week or month, which may simply mean that the best suggestions from staff members result in them having their photographs displayed in reception. For others, there may be a monetary

value attached for the best ideas, like a bonus payment, or maybe they’re given the opportunity to implement their suggestions, encouraging them to take responsibility, use their initiative and subsequently receive any relevant credit.

An effective way to join your staff is by having an open-door policy which allows them to share their thoughts and feedback in a mutually respectful way.

Staff assessments and appraisals are a good way to connect with staff, getting to know and understand them better, linking in with their aims and the possibility of providing training to develop their potential.

By demonstrating compassion, understanding and empathy you can maintain good relationships with your staff, connect with them in a human way and develop mutually accommodating exchanges.

You become attuned to their issues, aware of any changes in their behaviour or emotional state. You notice if they’re experiencing poor concentration or work performance. Have close enough channels of communication to be able to sensitively discuss any increases in sick leave, absenteeism or poor time keeping.

Everyone benefits when potential problem areas are dealt with promptly. Early intervention provides the opportunity to explore remedies, like flexible working hours, working from home if viable and the introduction of appropriate structures that allow staff to feel listened to, supported and valued.

These are ways to reassure your staff that you’re all on the same team, understand their fears and concerns and are focussed on a positive outcome. You remain connected to your staff in a way that’s important to them. Even as you’re successful and grow, it’s possible and beneficial to continue to join your staff on the shop floor.

Susan

South Manchester counsellor, hypnotherapist, relationship counsellor, writer and media contributor offers help with relationship issues, stress management, assertiveness and confidence. She works with individual clients, couples and provides corporate workshops and support.

She’s author of 3 books, ‘Dealing with Stress, Managing its Impact’, ‘101 Days of Inspiration #tipoftheday’ and ‘Dealing with Death, Coping with the Pain’, all on Amazon and with easy to read sections, tips and ideas to help you feel more positive about your life.

To order a copy or for more information, help and free articles please call 0161 928 7880 or visit www.lifestyletherapy.net

Leigh MNCH (ACC)

diary dates

BITA (British and Irish Trading Alliance)

BITA online every Friday

8.00am - 9.00am

Cost FREE until further notice

Live face to face events:

BITA London Monthly Social Networking

11 May 6.00pm - 8.00pm, every 2nd Thurs

Venue The Rising Sun, 61 Carter Lane, Fleet Street, London EC4V 5DY

Cost FREE

BITA Liverpool Monthly Social Networking

11 May 5.00pm - 7.00pm, every 2nd Thurs

Venue Gaucho, 7 Water Street, Liverpool L2 0RD

Cost FREE

BITA Leeds Monthly Social Networking

10 May 6.00pm - 8.00pm, every 2nd Weds

Venue Banyan Bar & Kitchen, Toronto Sq, 2 City Square, Leeds LS1 2ES

Cost FREE

BITA Manchester Monthly Social Networking

20 Apr 5.00pm - 7.00pm, every 3rd Thurs

Venue Clayton Hotel Manchester City Centre, 55 Portland Street, Manchester M1 3HP

Cost FREE

BITA Construction Networking Lunch

7 Jul 11.30am - 4.30pm

Venue The Royal Horseguards Hotel, One Whitehall Place, London SW1A 2EJ

Cost £180+VAT (discounted tickets for BITA members)

Contact Paul Whitnell paulw@bita.ie Laura laura@bita.ie www.bita.ie

BNI Graphene Manchester

Weekly every Weds - includes hot lunch

10.00am - 12.30pm

Venue BOX Deansgate, 125 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2BY

Cost FREE for visitors

Contact John Galloway 07971 161621

BNI Vision Cheadle

Weekly every Weds 9.15am - 11.00am

Venue Bramhall Park Golf Club, 20 Manor Road, Bramhall, Stockport SK7 3LY

Contact Rebecca Moloney 07899 967 469 rebecca.moloney@uwclub.net

Business Fairs 2023

Annual business fairs across Northern venues. Free to visit, all sectors welcome to exhibit

Greater Manchester Business Fair

6 Jul 10.30am - 3.00pm

Venue AJ Bell Stadium, 1 Stadium Way Barton-upon-Irwell, Salford M30 7LJ

Contact manchesterbizfair.co.uk

Wirral & Chester Business Fair

20 Sep 10.30am - 3.00pm

Venue New Brighton Floral Pavillion, Marine Promenade, New Brighton, Wallasey CH45 2JS

Contact wirralbizfair.co.uk

Halton & Warrington Business Fair

9 Nov 10.30am - 3.00pm

Venue DCBL Stadium Halton, Lower House Lane, Widnes WA8 7DZ

Contact haltonbizfair.co.uk

Contact Tony Haines 0151 709 8932 tony@liverpoolba.com

Business Connect Magazine are media partners

Business Catalyst Club

Manchester and Leeds Networking Lunches

Invitation only

Manchester - 20 Apr

Leeds - 25 May

Costs, Timings, Venues and booking details -

contact organisers below:

Contact Graham Shiers 07818 675 310 www.businesscatalystclub.co.uk

Cumbria Business Expo 2023

1 Day Business Expo from Shout Expo

22 Sep 2023 9.00am - 3.00pm

Venue Carlisle Racecourse, Durdar Road, Carlisle CA2 4TS

Cost FREE (pre-registration required).

Contact shoutexpo.com

FM North

Networking event for professionals in the FM, Cleaning and Construction Sector

4th Weds of each month (apart from April)

25 May 4.00pm - 9.00pm

Venue The Lawn Club, Hardman Square, Spinningfields, Manchester M3 3HG

Cost FREE

Contact danny.cross@tennantco.com Tickets through allevents.in

Forwarder Events

Networking event for the Freight

Forwarding sector - Business Connect Magazine are partners

27 April 10.30am - 5.00pm

Venue The Castlefields Room, Manchester M3 4LZ

Cost £150+VAT (discounted tickets for Business Connect - only £50+VAT use access code BCPFWD2023)

Contact forwarder.events/schedule/

GC Business Growth Hub Events and Networking

BGH Match - Value in Volunteering

25 Apr 9.00am - 11.00am

Venue Virgin Money, 48-50 Market Street, Manchester M1 1PW

BGH Match

26 Apr 9.30am - 11.30am

Venue Serendipity Labs Serviced Offices & Coworking Building, 7 Exchange Quay, Salford M5 3EP

Cost all events and networking FREE

Contact nick.shepherd@growthco.uk businessgrowthhub.com/match

High Peak Business Club

Regular monthly breakfast networking with high calibre speakers

21 Apr “Help, I need somebody…?” with Paul Vickers

19 May ‘The economic impact of refugees’ with Jon Farmer

16 Jun “Be careful what you do with that...” with Paul Vickers

7.30am - 10.00am

Venue Chapel en le Frith Golf Club, Manchester Road, Chapel en le Frith, High Peak SK23 9UH

Cost £25

Contact edwinacurrie@sky.com www.highpeakbusinessclub.co.uk

K-Club Networking Breakfast Events and Lunches for Entrepreneurs

Monthly (please see website)

Venue Manchester based Contact Amanda Manson 07754 069 829 www.k-club.co.uk

Liverpool City Region

Business Expo 2023

1 Day Business Expo from Shout Expo

9 Jun 2023 9.00am - 3.00pm

Venue Exhibition Centre, King’s Dock, Port of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 4FP

Cost FREE (pre-registration required).

Contact shoutexpo.com

Business Connect Magazine are media partners

MBH Business Networking

Business networking

19 Apr 1.30pm - 3.30pm

Venue Virgin Money, 48-50 Market Street, Manchester M1 1PW

24 May 2.00pm - 4.00pm

Venue Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel, Portland Street, Manchester M1 4PH

19 Jul 2.00pm - 4.00pm

Venue Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel, Portland Street, Manchester M1 4PH

Cost FREE

Contact kyle@mpostcode.co.uk manchesterevents.mpostcode.co.uk

Northwest Business Expo 2023

1 Day Business Expo from Shout Expo

6 Oct 2023 9.00am - 3.00pm

Venue Bolton Stadium Hotel, De Havilland Way, Bolton BL6 6SF

Cost FREE (pre-registration required).

Contact shoutexpo.com

Business Connect Magazine are media partners

pro-manchester

Hot topic breakfasts, Sector lunches, Economic Updates, Panel debates

Full programme of events available online

Contact Nicola McCormick 07929 671755 nicola.mccormick@pro-manchester.co.uk pro-manchester.co.uk

Shout Network

Fortnightly networking. Breakfast or lunch included. Venues across Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Liverpool.

Blackburn Friday at 8.00am

Blackburn Rovers Football Club BB2 4JF

Blackpool Friday at 12.00noon

Hampton by Hilton, Blackpool FY4 1NG

Bolton Tuesday at 9.30am

Dunscar Golf Club BL7 9QY

Bolton Wednesday at 8.00am

Bolton Stadium Hotel BL6 6SF

Burnley Thursday at 9.30am

Burnley Football Club BB10 4BX

Burnley Friday at 9.30am

Burnley Football Club BB10 4BX

Bury Tuesday 9.30am

Red Hall Hotel BL9 5NA

Chorley Thursday at 9.30am

Hartwood Hall PR6 7AX

Leyland Thursday at 9.30am

Leyland Golf Club PR25 5UD

Liverpool Friday at 12.00noon

Delta Hotels by Marriott L1 1RH

Manchester Wednesday at 12.00noon

Don’t forget your business cards!

Worsley Park Marriott Hotel M28 2QT

Manchester Friday at 12:00noon

Universal Square M12 6JH

Preston Tuesday at 9.30am

Shout Connect HQ PR2 2YF

Preston Wednesday at 9.00am

Shout Connect HQ PR2 2YF

Preston Friday at 12.00noon

Shout Connect HQ PR2 2YF

South Ribble at 9:30am

Civic Centre Leyland PR25 1NS

Southport Wednesday at 12.00noon

Waterfront Southport Hotel PR9 0DZ

Wigan Wednesday at 12.00noon

Gathurst Golf Club WN6 8EW

Wrea Green Friday at 8.00am

The Villa Wrea Green PR4 2PE

Fortnightly networking is on a sector lock-out basis. Please contact Shout for further information. Costs also vary.

Contact 01772 935930 info@shoutnetwork.co.uk www.shoutnetwork.co.uk

The Business Network Manchester Business networking lunch - inc seminars.

27 Apr + 24 May 11.50am - 2.00pm

(Optional seminar 10.00am start)

Venue Clayton Hotel Manchester City Centre, 55 Portland Street, Manchester M1 3HP

Cost £49.95

Contact Helen Bennett 0161 823 1384 helen@business-network.co.uk www.business-network.co.uk

The Business Network South Manchester + Chester Business networking lunch - inc seminars.

19 Apr 11.30am - 2.00pm

(Optional seminar 10.30am start)

Venue Forest Hills Hotel, Overton Hill, Frodsham WA6 6HH

9 May 11.30am - 2.00pm

(Optional seminar 10.30am start)

Venue Rossett Hall, Chester Road, Rossett, Wrexham LL12 0DE

11 May 11.30am - 2.00pm

(Optional seminar 10.30am start)

Venue Pinewood Hotel on Wilmslow, 180 Wilmslow Rd, Handforth, Wilmslow SK9 3LF

7 Jun 11.30am - 2.00pm

(Optional seminar 10.30am start)

Venue Craxton Wood Hotel, Parkgate Road, Ledsham, Chester CH66 9PB

8 Jun 11.30am - 2.00pm

(Optional seminar 10.30am start)

Venue The Tytherington Club, 90 Dorchester Way, Tytherington, Macclesfield SK10 2JP

Cost £50.00

Contact Simon Edmondson 07766 493428

Simon.Edmondson@business-network.co.uk www.business-network.co.uk

Third Thursday Club

Networking purely for construction and property attendees. Every third thurs.

20 Apr, 18 May 12noon - 2.00pm

Venue East 59th, Victoria Gate, 3rd Floor Rooftop, George St, Leeds LS2 7AU

Cost Invitation only - please enquire

Contact Rachel Shaw rachel@ad-hoc-admin.co.uk

Please note If you plan to attend any of the above events please ensure all details are correct in advance. Whilst every effort has been made to confirm accuracy some details may be subject to change.

places to meet

Chamber Space

Meeting and Conference Facilities, Hourly rates, 4-160 capacity, Full venue capacity 400, range of catering options, unlimited tea/coffee with room hire Elliot House, 151 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WD chamberspace@gmchamber.co.uk

0161 393 4321 gmchamber.co.uk/chamber-space

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Cottons Hotel & Spa

10 minutes to Manchester Airport, 138 bedrooms, 13 meeting rooms capacity 200 delegates, 3 dining areas, AA Rosette awarded terrace restaurant Manchester Road, Knutsford WA16 0SU

victoriaseddon@cottonshotel.co.uk

01565 600333 www.cottonshotel.co.uk

DoubleTree By Hilton Manchester Airport

230 bedrooms, 11 meeting rooms, restaurant and bar, 24Hr gym, On-site parking, airport shuttle Outwood Lane, Manchester M90 4WP

cheryl.garnett@dtmanchesterairport.com

0161 435 3000 www.hilton.com/manchesterairport

Go Serviced Offices

Meeting room, Free WiFi, Free parking, Free refreshments, Lounge and seated garden area, Capacity for 6 people

Ground Floor, Prospect House, Columbus Quay, Liverpool L3 4DB charlotte@gogreenofficesolutions.com

07494 090 373 www.goservicedoffices.co.uk

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Hollinwood

Business Centre

Meeting rooms, Free hi-speed wifi, Free Parking, Café, Touch screen TV, 60 people capacity

Albert Street, Hollinwood, Oldham OL8 3QL

walter.urquhart@bizspace.co.uk

0161 511 9450 www.bizspace.co.uk

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Hotel Brooklyn

Bed and breakfast, Cosy meeting rooms, Large banquet space, Accessible rooms, Designed for disabled guests

59 Portland Street, Manchester M1 3HP khealey@bespokehotels.com 0161 518 2936 www.hotelbrooklyn.co.uk

Incspaces

Meeting rooms, Office space, Free Wi-Fi, Event space, Co-working, Capacity 1 - 50

2 Mount Street , Manchester M2 5WQ

joanna.pawlikowski@incspaces.co.uk 07717 191851 incspaces.co.uk

Manchester Central Convention Centre

Large and small scale conferences, Meeting rooms, Event spaces, Central location

Petersfield, Manchester M2 3GX sales@manchestercentral.co.uk

0161 834 2700

www.manchestercentral.co.uk

Marriott Hotel

Manchester Airport

Brasserie Blanc Bar & Restaurant, San Carlo Bar & Restaurant, Executive lounge, 2 Function spaces (140 and 50 capacities), Courtyard (private outdoor dining)

Hale Road, Hale Barns, Manchester WA15 8XW

chris.pilling@marriott.com

07881 312158

manchesterairportmarriott.co.uk

Marriott Manchester

Victoria and Albert Hotel

148 bedrooms and suites, 9 meeting and event rooms with capacity for 240 people theatre style, Restaurant and bar, South facing terrace, Private dining, Business centre Water Street, St John’s, Manchester M3 4AW askus@thevanda.co.uk

0161 832 1188

www.marriott.com/manva

Marriott Hotel

Liverpool City Centre

Brew Bar (food and drinks), Oliviers breakfast restaurant, Merchant Bar (private bar/event space), 2 Function spaces (240 and 50 capacities)

One Queen Square, Liverpool L1 1RH chris.pilling@marriott.com 07881 312158

liverpoolmarriott.co.uk

Orega Arkwright House

Crompton (seats 10) and Hargreaves (seats 8) meeting rooms, both come with Free WiFi, Clevertouch screens, Video Conferencing, Catering (extra cost)

Parsonage Gardens, Manchester M3 2LF reception.arkwright@orega.com 0161 667 8100

orega.com/manchester-arkwright-house

Regus Digital World

Meeting rooms of various sizes, Free hi-speed WiFi, Central location, Beautiful roof terrace

1 Lowry Plaza, The Quays, Salford M50 3UB uk.meetingrooms@regus.com 0161 601 7700

www.regus.com

Regus King Street

Meeting rooms for 4, 10 and 12 people, Free wifi, Kitchen amenities, City centre location, 24 hour access

82 King Street, Manchester M2 4WQ manchester.kingstreet@regus.com 0161 935 8000 www.myregus.com ---------------------------------------

Regus Spinningfields

Fully serviced, private meeting rooms, Free high-speed broadband, whiteboards, TV/projector, refreshments, Meeting rooms of varying sizes

10th Floor, 3 Hardman Street, Manchester M3 3HF uk.meetingrooms@regus.com 0800 279 7131 www.regus.com

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Regus St James Tower

Meeting rooms of various sizes, Hi-speed WiFi, Central location and good traffic links

7 Charlotte Street, Manchester M1 4DZ uk.meetingrooms@regus.com 0161 521 9800 www.regus.com

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Regus Trafford Park

10 person, 6 person and 4 person meeting rooms, Free WiFi, Free Parking, Close to Motorway 4th Floor, Centenary House, 1 Centenary Way, Manchester M5O 1RF manchester.traffpark@regus.com 0161 504 2500 www.regus.com

SPACES Deansgate

Boardroom style meeting rooms, Presentation style training room, On-site Deli, Parking (chargeable), Hi-speed WiFi, Cycle store 125 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2BY uk.meetingrooms@regus.com 0161 519 2000 www.spacesworks.com

Leeds Marriott Hotel

Events space, Executive Lounge, Bar & Grill, Executive Rooms and Suites, 17 Meeting and Event Spaces

4 Trevelyan Square, Boar Lane Leeds LS1 6ET zoe.hands@marriott.com 01132 366366 www.leedsmarriott.com

Worsley Park Marriott Hotel

Restaurant and Bar, 9 Meeting rooms, Leisure club & Gym, 18 Hole Golf Course Walkden Road, Manchester M28 2QT libby.blackwell@marriotthotels.com 0161 975 2000 www.marriottworsleypark.co.uk

If you currently have the printed edition of Business Connect Magazine available at your venue and you’d like to feature in our Places to Meet section please contact Paul Mirage at paul@businessconnectpublishing.co.uk

If you’d like to host our magazine at your site and feature on this page please contact Paul.