IoD East Midlands

AUTUMN 2019

East Midlands

www.iod.com/emidlandsevents

The official membership magazine for the Institute of Directors in the East Midlands

Jonathan Geldart is the IoD’s new Director General

Be bold...

and you can achieve anything, says Polar explorer Fiona Thornewill

EVENTS

DIRECTOR DEVELOPMENT

ADVICE AND INFORMATION

NEWS

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Political life has stalled - it’s a good job business has kept on going Garry Smith Regional Chairman IoD East Midlands I have to admit that I’m writing this column with a certain amount of trepidation, fairly convinced that whatever I say, the current political situation could change so dramatically that it quickly makes me look pretty out-of-date!

But here goes anyway. Several things are known: the current situation over Brexit is a mess and shows no sign of becoming clearer any time soon. Politics is on the back-burner while that issue dominates the agenda and any future planning by Government has been hideously compromised. The Government’s policy framework, as set out in recent weeks, is seen as largely irrelevant as it will not be able to push anything through the House of Commons as it stands.

We are in limbo. Whatever flow chart you follow as to the next steps open to the Government/Parliament, it seems to lead to a box marked ‘outcome unclear’.

Boris Johnson may get his Brexit deal, but if he does, it will only lead to a General Election, and that may well throw the whole issue back in the air again. Whatever deal the Prime Minister seals, if at all, a General Election this December could result in a Government of a wholly different hue, and that could require us going back to Brussels in search of a different outcome.

It could also result in a second referendum, prolonging the uncertainty still further.

I’m reluctant to stare too long into my crystal ball but if you were to tell me that we’d still be in the same situation in 12 months time, with the same arguments being voiced and rejected, I’d probably agree.

I was looking through some old columns and came across one from just over two years ago, written after I’d been to meet Sir John Peace at an event

at MIRA, in the West Midlands. Sir John told his audience that business was crying out for certainty, for an idea of how the land lay in regard to regulations and restrictions. “Just give us some clarity over the rules we have to play by, and we’ll sort our businesses out to make sure we can fit round them” was the gist of his address.

Two years later, has Sir John’s request been granted? I think we all know the answer to that!

About the only positive thing to emerge from the whole Brexit shambles is that it has shone a spotlight once again on the extraordinary resilience and resourcefulness of British business.

I think if you had said to anyone in the immediate aftermath of the referendum in 2016, that we’d still be arguing about the first steps to come out of the EU by autumn 2019, they would not have believed you. What’s more, they would have predicted that if that unlikely scenario were true, the economy would be in a total mess – rather akin to the situation after the banks collapsed in 2007-8. Yet here we sit with low unemployment, low inflation and low interest rates. Yes, business confidence has taken a knock, and future investment plans are down, but the current position is stronger than anyone could dare hope. That can be put down to the forward thinking and hard work of directors and their staff across the UK; a positive, despite everything Parliament has thrown at us.

So what else is new? I know our colleagues in the West Midlands are

‘New DirectorGeneral Jonathan Geldart is an IoD man through and through...’

upset by the storm clouds hanging over the future of HS2. It is a shame that big infrastructure projects such as this are always mired in controversy and rarely run smoothly, and this is no exception.

Indeed, if anything it is one of the worst examples of a backlash against a major project. A huge amount of money has been spent already and could potentially end up wasted if the whole project is cancelled, but my gut feeling is that HS2 will survive in its LondonBirmingham form, but hopes of extending it to the East Midlands and further north may be in jeopardy.

That would be disappointing if proved correct and something needs to take its place if the regions outside London aren’t to feel abandoned by Parliament.

Personally, I would like to see a huge focus on improving east-west rail links across the Midlands. While the Government’s plans for road spending in the region are welcomed, what is needed more are fast, reliable and regular train services linking Derby, Leicester and Nottingham to Birmingham. Current services are overpriced and under-resourced and we desperately need better. While fast links to London are always appreciated, better links to our closest economic partners are more important.

With people in the north calling for similar improvements in east-west links between Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield and Hull, pushing further north to York and Newcastle, this could be an alternative plan that delivers benefits without the same price tag or controversy.

Turning to IoD matters, I’d like to welcome our new Director-General, Jonathan Geldart.

There’s more on Jonathan on pg 5 but I’d like to add my own thoughts on his appointment, as I’ve worked with him through our respective roles as Chairs of IoD regions, in his case IoD Yorkshire.

Continued on page 4

IoD East Midlands is grateful to our regional sponsors

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News

CONTACTS IoD East Midlands, Nottingham Trent University, Burton St, Nottingham NG1 4BU www.iod.com/ emidlandsevents Regional Chair: Garry Smith e: chair.eastmids@iod.net t: 07747 696186 Regional Director: Ron Lynch e: ron.lynch@iod.com t: 0115 848 6190 / 07939 584626 Head of Business Development: Sue Charlesworth e: sue.charlesworth@iod.com t: 0115 848 6190 / 07939 584962 Regional Events Manager: Cari Grice e: cari.grice@iod.com t: 0115 848 6190 / 07545 206 238 Events Administrator: Tommi Duck e: tommi.duck@iod.com t: 0115 848 6190 Lincolnshire Branch Chair: Gary Headland e: chair.lincs@iod.net t: 07787 484448 Northamptonshire Branch Chair: Sarah Canning e: chair.northampton@iod.net The Institute of Directors East Midlands membership magazine is published on behalf of the IoD by: Chamber Media Services, 4 Hilton Road, Bramhall, Stockport, Cheshire SK7 3AG Advertising sales: Colin Regan t: 01942 537959 / 07871 444922 e: colinregan001@yahoo.co.uk Production: Rob Beswick t: 0161 426 7957 e: rob@chambermediaservices.co.uk Please note...

Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material contained within this magazine, neither the IoD nor Chamber Media Services can accept any responsibility for omissions or inaccuracies in its editorial or advertising content.

The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the IoD. The carriage of adverts in this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised.

All articles within this publication are copyright IoD East Midlands.

Editorial consent must be obtained before any are reproduced either in printed form or electronically.

Cover photo: Fiona Thornewill pictured at IoD East Midlands Regional Networking Lunch.

See pg 14. Photo: Peter Nutkins

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The Open House Q&A panel

Open House offers fresh view on connected future

by Tommi Duck IoD Events Administrator We constantly hear about the dangers of technology and how it makes us vulnerable, but can it also connect us in ways we’ve never been able to before?

At the IoD’s Open House Roadshow, attendees heard from experts from the tech sector on how being more connected can increase our business productivity. We dived into the world of artificial intelligence in SMEs, cyber security and 5G Networks, all while looking at how to best use technology and people in conjunction.

The event was opened by IoD chair Charlotte Valeur who stressed the importance of connectivity; setting the scene for an exciting future ahead for us all if we embrace the technology.

Robin Lester from Microsoft UK enlightened the audience on all things AI and how it will affect our business. AI could cost 1.8 million jobs – but will create 2.3 million new ones, most of which will be completely new and unknown today.

Other speakers included Melanie Hayes from KYND, who discussed cyber security; and Fiona Piercy, CEO of the Worcestershire 5G consortium.

The presenters were then joined by Dave Hornby, Apple Enterprise Architect Director, Jigsaw24, and Susan Hallam MBE, CEO & founder, Hallam Internet, to form an expert panel to discuss Boosting Productivity through Technology.

Chaired by Naomi Watts of Tech Nation, it gave the audience a chance to highlight key areas with the speakers. Panellists discussed continuous employee training and how to create the best work environment to encourage employee retention – even down to the smallest details, such as using an ‘Internet of Things’ coffee maker to increase worker productivity and comfort.

Susan Hallam explained how she chooses employees for their values and personality and then trains them, rather than bringing in people with existing experience.

The event was part of the IoD’s national Open House Roadshow series.

Continued from page 3 Jonathan is an IoD man through and through, has been a member for 20-plus years and has served the institute in a number of capacities, not least through his duties with IoD Yorkshire.

It’s a sound appointment and I’m sure he will be a steady hand on the tiller.

His experience overseas – particularly in China – will be a huge bonus as the IoD looks to take its values overseas, while his understanding of the IoD’s role and relevance to business leaders and directors in the UK will help underpin its work for many years to come.

The IoD has long prided itself on hosting excellent training events for directors, either as part of its Chartered Director programme or simply targeted courses focusing on specific issues.

Find out more from page 26.

With the turmoil we are facing it’s probably never been more important to make sure you are at your best and have the skills you need to take your business forward. The IoD Professional Development Series is excellent for honing skills, ensuring you understand the latest developments, implement good corporate governance and are thinking about the bigger picture surrounding your day-to-day activities.

Our courses and training programmes can give you a vital edge to succeed in the frenetic and complex business world we face today.

On the subject of the IoD, I would like to end by bringing your attention to the programme of professional development courses being run in the region.

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IoD Yorkshire Chair takes helm as new Director General We are delighted to welcome Jonathan Geldart as the IoD’s new Director General.

Jonathan has spent 30 years working in the professional services sector, most recently at Grant Thornton International Ltd, where he served on the global board prior, responsible for the organisation’s interests in China.

Earlier this year he appeared in front of the House of Commons International Trade Committee to give evidence on the Government’s efforts to increase trade with the country.

Jonathan lives in Yorkshire and combines his international New IoD Director General Jonathan Geldart

experience with a long-standing connection with the IoD’s Yorkshire and North East region, of which he was Chair until his recent appointment as Director General.

As Director General he will be working closely with the Board and focused on delivering the IoD’s strategy of ‘closer to members’. Central to this is the empowerment of its UK branches to improve member experience and engagement as well as making the IoD relevant to the next generation of directors.

Jonathan Geldart said: “With current turmoil in both the political and business environments, I strongly believe that it is even more important to equip directors of all organisations with the

Welcome to the East Midlands team, Tommi!

We are delighted to welcome Tommi Duck as the latest member of the IoD East Midlands team.

Tommi has joined as Events Administrator while completing her MSc in Marketing at Nottingham Business School.

As Events Admin she will be assisting the IoD East Midlands team with local events and working with student members in the region.

She will be with us until August 2020 and is looking forward to meeting you at this year’s events.

If you would like to reach out to Tommi regarding future events, please contact Tommi.

Duck@iod.com.

Right, Tommi is delighted to have joined the IoD team for 10 months as part of her degree

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tools to be resilient and agile in their response to a fast-changing world.

“The IoD has a crucial role to play in this and I’m honoured to have been chosen to lead it at this time. Increasing value for today’s directors, while making the IoD relevant to the directors of the future, is the task at hand.

“I believe skilled, knowledgeable directors improve their organisations, the communities in which they operate, and consequently the whole economy.

The UK needs more directors who understand and responsibly discharge both their legal and societal duties.

These directors need a strong IoD to provide them with guidance, representation, and a community of like-minded peers.

“Better directors make for stronger businesses, which makes for a better society.”

Fancy sparing us a Tweet?

Did you know that the IoD East Midlands has a Twitter account? You can find it at @IoD_EastMids.

Follow us on Twitter to keep up to date on upcoming events, how to book on to them, news, pictures from events, opening times of our lounges and more.

If you don’t have an account or it never crossed your mind to have one, why not sign up? It’s free, quick and easy to sign up and whether you’re new or old, Twitter is a great way to stay connected and in touch.

It’s not just the IoD East Midlands

you can follow; there are other IoD accounts such as: • The Institute of Directors – @ The_IoD • East Midlands Regional Director – @RonMLynch • The IoD 99 – @IoD_99 • Student Membership –@IoD_ Students • IoD Press Office – @IoD_Press We’re always grateful for a like, retweet or comment.

Director of the Year 2020 is ready to launch!

We’re delighted to announce that the 2020 Director of the Year Awards will be launched at a special event on Thursday, November 7, at Leicester Castle Business School.

The event starts at 5pm and runs until 7.30pm, and will include presentations from four winners from this year’s awards. Find out more about how to nominate and apply. Tickets are free.

More details – see pg 22 • Sponsored by Leicester Castle Business School

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IoD News

Postgrad project is win-win for both sides Getting research expertise or finding the time to carry out the required research within any busy organisation is often challenging, as it is both timeconsuming and resource intensive.

But it needn’t be. Increasingly, businesses are learning that their local university students can help, and in turn provide students with a valuable opportunity to practice business skills.

Experiential projects allow degree students to undertake a pre-agreed challenge, gain valuable experience and a chance to flex their research and commercial muscles. At the same time the business involved gets fresh insights and access to new research skills.

The projects are typically a credit bearing part of the degree and therefore highly structured and supported by university staff at each step, with outputs including written and verbal reports.

The IoD East Midlands region discovered this for themselves during summer, when they challenged a team of MSc Marketing students from Nottingham Business School, part of Nottingham Trent University, to immerse themselves in a project.

They challenged the student team to design a communication strategy for IoD members.

Cari Grice, Regional Events Manager at the IoD said the project was a great success. “We thoroughly enjoyed working with our group of four students throughout the project. They appraised our current marketing and communications strategies and explored different and better ways we could communicate with members to increase engagement.

“At all times it was very professional.

We have taken on board many of the points they raised and have already put in place some of the new strategies they suggested, and will take the remainder of their conclusions into serious

consideration.”

Cari was equally delighted that the exercise proved to be not timeconsuming as far as the IoD was concerned. “We run the IoD office on a small staff and it is hard to find time to engage in anything that doesn’t impact directly on the here and now. However, the students needed very little input from us after the initial meeting. I would highly recommend getting in touch with your local university to see if you can gain a fresh insight into an area of your business you feel needs updating.”

Angela Scott, Experiential Learning Coordinator at Nottingham Business School said: “Our students tell us that the project is one of their favourite modules, and it’s a been a pleasure to include IoD East Midlands as one of this year’s project clients.

“The challenge they set had clear parameters but allowed our students to be creative. I’m delighted they’re one of the 95 per cent of project clients who tell us that they plan to take forward recommendations the students have made”.

To learn more about how you can set a challenge for a team of postgraduate students at Nottingham Business School contact Angela Scott, angela. scott@ntu.c.uk or on 0115 848 3888

Backing students through the IoD £10 Challenge IoD Members: Are you ready to pass on some of your experience to help develop the skills and careers of the next generation of business leaders through the IoD’s £10 Challenge?

This is a fantastic opportunity for you to work with some highly driven and motivated students as well as impart your business knowledge to help raise money for a fantastic cause.

We are looking for company owners, directors and managers with a minimum of five years’ business experience to support a group of Nottingham Trent University (NTU) students through the challenge, which raises money for the John van Geest Cancer Research Centre.

Last year the challenge raised over £6,000 for this very worthwhile cause!

The £10 Challenge sees the students split into small teams, and each group is given just £10 as seed capital.

Using their entrepreneurial

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skills, the challenge for the teams is to grow the amount as much as possible.

Each group works with an IoD member as a mentor who provides their advice and expertise.

This year the event is over a longer period as it forms part of a module in the students’ courses.

Your role as a mentor can be as formal or informal as you wish. You can offer feedback on your group’s ideas, attend

product launches or help by promoting your group through social media; or offering encouragement by phone or personal meetings throughout the challenge.

Key dates for your diary: The £10 Challenge will take place twice over the 2019-2020 academic year at City Campus, Nottingham Trent University, allowing ample scope for mentors’ participation.

Autumn 2019 Launch event – Tuesday, 29th October Celebration event – Tuesday, 26th November 2020 Spring 2020 Launch event – Monday, 3rd February 2020 Celebration Event – Wednesday, 1st April 2020 To register your interest e-mail Cari Grice at Cari.Grice@iod.com or call IoD East Midlands on 0115 848 6190.

Please indicate if you’d prefer to mentor for the Autumn 2019 and/ or Spring 2020 challenge. www.iod.com/emidlandsevents

Remember the date: April 2020

Important changes to employment law and the workplace on their way The Taylor Report was commissioned by the then Prime Minister Theresa May to review the workplace, and it has now completed its work While not making ground-breaking recommendations, it has resulted in some new employment legislation that will affect all businesses from April 2020.

The workplace changes will occur subject, of course, to any General Election outcome but are unlikely to be affected by Brexit.

Written Statement of Terms and Conditions: All personnel including workers (not just employees as currently) MUST be provided with a Written Statement of Main Terms and Conditions before employment commences or, at the very latest, on the date of commencement.

This is a useful change as it will ensure clarity within the working relationship from Day 1 for both parties and before any disputes arise.

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Holiday Pay calculations have continued to be challenged over the past few years and the question of whether voluntary regular overtime is included in holiday pay has remained a key factor in most Tribunal claims.

The now well-established principle is that the taking of annual leave should not leave an employee or worker worse off because they can’t earn the overtime or commission in that period and are paid only basic pay for the period of the holiday. In other words, they are suffering a detriment by taking their annual entitlement.

From April 2020 all holiday pay for the basic four weeks (20 days – NOT the full UK entitlement of 28 days) of annual entitlement must be calculated by working out their average earnings over the previous 52 weeks. Now would be a good time to start thinking about how to make these calculations.

Agency Workers: from April 2020, these workers are expected to have the right after 12 weeks in a temporary contract to receive pay parity for the work they are performing through their agency.

While many do so now the ‘Swedish Derogation’ has permitted variation of

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“All personnel including workers MUST be provided with a Written Statement of Main Terms and Conditions before employment commences or, at the very latest, on the date of commencement...” this if certain conditions are met. The use of this ‘derogation’ is being withdrawn. If you use a lot of Agency temps then now is a good time to meet with the provider to discuss the cost implications for your business.

Brexit and immigration: Finally, a quick reminder regarding Brexit. All EU citizens will continue to have the right of free movement for work in UK until December 2020 if there is a Deal, or

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until the date of no-deal Brexit, whenever that is.

From January 2021 there will be new Immigration rules that will apply to all Non British citizens, much like current Tier 2 process but hopefully a little more employer friendly.

Now is definitely the time to look at your workforce strategy and consider where your staff will come from; recruitment is destined to get even harder than it is now.

Need help with your HR?

If you recognise these concerns and would like some professional ‘hands on’ support tailored to your business needs, please contact Suzanne Smith, the Principal Consultant at Belvoir Human Resources Ltd, at helpdesk@belvoir-hr.co.uk for a free chat and employment health check.

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IoD news

Here, ready to help: The IoD team – Cari Grice, Sue Charlesworth and Tommi Duck

IoD membership opportunities

by Sue Charlesworth, IoD East Midlands Head of Business Development IoD East Midlands runs a number of exclusive ‘Members Only’ events such as our new Mastermind Groups. They are a great way to tap into the knowledge and experience of fellow members. For more details, contact the regional office – contact details on page 5.

But our Mastermind Groups are just one of a number of superb opportunities membership can offer you to expand your network. See pg 20 for more details on our varied events programme.

The networking opportunities at IoD events are second to none, and the people you are networking with are fellow decision makers and business leaders. I’ll be happy to meet you for a one-to-one discussion on how to maximise your membership if you are unable to attend a members’ evening.

Benefits to your business Our events diary offers a host of sponsorship opportunities.

Our highest profile events include the annual Director of the Year Awards, which take place every June, and regional flagship events – but there are plenty

more which may suit your business’s budget and marketing purposes. Talk to Ron Lynch or myself for more details.

Advertise in this magazine The fact that you are reading this magazine means that other members are, too! There are opportunities to advertise or take editorial space to discuss a key issue affecting all businesses, or promote a specific service you provide. Speak to Colin Regan at Chamber Media Services for more details and discuss how this magazine can be part of your marketing agenda (see panel on pg 5). Remember – the IoD – on your side and at your side.

Are you making the most of your IoD membership?

IoD membership – it’s not ‘one size fits all’. Rather, we can tailor the right type of membership for you and your business.

IoD ‘Standard’ membership Enjoy all the benefits of an organisation which is on your side in representing views to Government and at your side in providing support including development, meeting facilities, networking events, advice and helplines.

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IoD Advance An exclusive, supercharged membership community dedicated entirely to you and your business; giving you access to all standard membership benefits and more.

And don’t forget, members receive discounted prices on a host of IoD meetings and events, including Member Evenings with our regional team.

Amazing gifts Introduce a new member and claim a free gift – including one of an Amazon kindle, six bottles of selected fine wine, six bottles of Prosecco, or a Credit Card pre-loaded with £50.

Want to know more...

For details on membership or to introduce a new member, call Sue Charlesworth on 0115 8486190 or 07939 584962, or email her at sue.charlesworth@iod.com

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Derby joins roll call for IoD members’ evening Date: Tuesday, December 3 Venue: Oberoi Business Hub, Derby Time: 17:30-19:30 Tickets: Free of charge Whether you’ve been a member for two months or 20 years, are you sure you understand all the benefits IoD membership gives you? No? Then join us at our next Members’ Evening at Oberoi Business Hub in Derby to learn how to get the most value from your membership with the IoD, learn more about benefits and special services such as the Policy Voice and meet and network with fellow members.

The evening will begin at 5.30pm until 7.30pm with complimentary drinks and canapés followed by: n A short presentation on the full benefits of your membership n Opportunity to have your questions answered n Meeting the IoD East Midlands team n Networking with other Directors and business leaders and learning about their motivation for joining It’s free of charge to attend but we ask people to book on in advance so we can organise catering and accommodate numbers. Parking is available onsite. Please inform us of any dietary requirements.

To book: tommi.duck@iod.com iod.com/emidlandsevents • More on Oberoi Business Hub: See pg 30-31

Above, members at the latest Nottingham event, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, listen to regional director Ron Lynch (bottom pic) outline the benefits of membership

Members’ business lounge

Don’t forget that all IoD members can access the business lounge at Leicester Castle Business School, part of De Montfort University, free of charge for informal meetings of up to four people.

Meeting space at the Crowne Plaza A reminder to members that they can use the open lounge facility at the Crowne Plaza, Nottingham for informal meetings.

There is also a special IoD members’ discount of 50% off hot drinks, 25% off food and beverages and 15% off hiring private meeting rooms.

Pictured right, members in the Crowne Plaza atrium area during the summer members’ networking event.

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Insight interview

When you’ve cracked Nasa, you can reach for the Moon!

IoD East Midlands Rob Beswick talks to Rob Bokros, owner and managing director of Lobo Systems and Lifetime Member of the IoD, about the company’s growth, why you always have to listen to the customer and his bold ambitions for the future You’ve got to start selling your product somewhere – and where better to start than with the people who put a man on the Moon?

It probably sounds a bit ambitious, and it’s unlikely that there are many businesses whose opening sales ledger starts with the words ‘NASA, Edwards Air Force Base, California’, but that’s where – and excuse the pun – the Lobo Systems story really began to take off.

But it wasn’t as if Lobo’s MD Rob Bokros had deliberately targeted the US space giant either.

“I received an email from a chap called Rob Garcia at NASA saying he had come across the Lobo System on the internet, and was interested in buying one to use as a stand for an aircraft fuselage while it was worked on.

“However, he had to see it in the flesh.

I asked him, if he saw the system and it was what he wanted, would he buy it there and then. He said he would – he’d put it on his credit card! – so I had the kit shipped out to Los Angeles, caught a flight over, hired a van, picked it up from LA’s dockside and drove out through the Mojave Desert to the airbase to meet him.

“I assembled the system, showed him how it worked and he got his card out to seal the deal. It was one of those occasions when you drop everything to clinch a sale.”

It’s the type of ‘flying by the seat of your pants’ story that most small business owners will find familiar, but as well as Rob’s willingness to drop everything for a sale it highlighted his passion for what he stills believes is a unique product.

He first became aware of Lobo Systems in 1998 – though things weren’t going well for the business at the time.

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An engineer by trade but running an IT company, Rob had come across Lobo Systems at a time when the company was basically bust – it had run out of cash and was going out of business. But what it did have was a brilliant concept for a new style of, well, scaffolding…

“It’s not scaffolding,” laughs Rob, “but if I say scaffolding to anyone they understand the idea behind it.

“I prefer to refer to a Lobo System as a work platform that is a flexible and safe alternative to scaffolding. Think Meccano set consisting of strong steel posts that is configured to meet your exact requirements…”

The point about the system is that it is entirely modular and is so simple to fit together that customers assemble it themselves, and can use it time and time again. Just like meccano!

But it’s not the type of kit you’d

expect to see on a building site or use to fix the drains at home. “If you’re doing that, get yourself a traditional aluminium tubular scaffold,” says Rob. “Our customers are factories, warehouses or manufacturing facilities where they need a frame or workplatform for either support or to give them access.

“As an example, say you needed to service the gearbox on a large factory assembly unit. The days are long gone when you could just lean a ladder against it and have someone run up and down while they worked on it. You need to create a platform for your service team to gain access to the parts that need attention.

“In the past you would have had to call in a traditional scaffolding team.

They would have arrived – when they were ready – you’d have paid a lot of money to have their team assemble the scaffold and then they would have left it on your premises until they could return to take it down, potentially long after it’s been used. All the while you’re paying for it. It could mean your machinery is out of action until the scaffold is taken down, it could be getting in the way of the rest of the factory; it’s inconvenient, probably inflexible and costly.

“Lobo Systems can be put together by your team, and meets your needs. You tell us the dimensions of what it is you need to work with, or around, and we will design a system that meets your requirements.”

The NASA deal is a case in point; the platform was to provide access to an aircraft fuselage while engineers worked on different parts of it. “Other companies use Lobo Systems for maintenance or to access parts of the plant room. It can be built to meet www.iod.com/emidlandsevents

A Lobo System frame used to support an RNLI lifeboat undergoing servicing. unusual shapes – but always assembled by your people and taken down and stored for next time as soon as it is no longer needed – and all considerably cheaper than traditional scaffolding.”

The roll call of clients is impressive: as well as Nasa add Airbus, Amazon, Ford, General Motors, Tesla … we’re talking high-tech businesses from across the board. The system is so versatile, everyone can find a use for one.

What has been key to its success is Rob’s desire to constantly evolve the product. “When we first started out, as we’re Derby based, my first thought was to approach Rolls Royce. They were happy to let us in, thought the system was great but said straight away, ‘we’re not buying; it hasn’t got a built-in ladder for access.’

“So I went away and we re-designed the system to engineer in a ladder system.

“We went back and they said ‘great - but if our people are going to use it, we need a training programme we can use’.

We went away again and devised one for them – at which point they bought it.

“It was a great example for us, of the importance of listening to our customers, of evolving the system and refining it until it’s perfect for everyone.”

Is it still evolving? “Not as much.

When you’ve supplied systems to NASA, Airbus, Ford, Tesla, you’re talking about cutting-edge businesses who are very demanding. We’re meeting their needs, so we’re pretty sure we’ve got it right.

“But that doesn’t mean we’re not open to new ideas. Usually, our platform boards for standing on are wooden topped but that’s no good for food processing operations, for instance, so we have aluminium options. They are worried about cross-contamination, so aluminium is better for them. www.iod.com/emidlandsevents

“We think we’ve got it right but we’re always open to develop the product more to meet customers’ needs.

“We’ll push and push the product until we’ve ticked all the boxes and the customer buys.

“It’s something every business has to remember: you have to build a product that people want to buy.”

The growth of Lobo Systems has coincided exactly with the growth of the internet – and that’s no coincidence.

United States, and one in Australia.

They have lots of stock they can use to demonstrate on customer’s premises.

Mind you, both countries are so vast they still use video demonstrations!”

The growth of Lobo Systems has been fed by a talented 20-strong workforce, all of whom have come through the company’s in-house training programme. “We don’t take in people with all the skills we need. We take in the right people, those who will understand our values and live them.

Everyone goes through our induction process which takes them through every part of the business so whatever their role, they understand the systems, how they work and their uses.”

What about the future? “I want us to go global.” Considering the company already operates in the US, in Central America, Europe and Australasia, an ambition “to go global” seems like one that has already been met!

“No, far from it. We’ve more areas in North America I want to target, I want to build on our position in Australia, and Europe is an area we want to exploit further.”

Will Brexit confound this latter goal?

“Not in my view. I’m very confident that whatever happens, the UK will still be able to trade freely with Europe. Let’s face it, it’s in Europe’s interests to make sure they can access the UK – we’re important to Germany, to France, and

“We’ll push and push the product until we’ve ticked all the boxes and the customer buys ... it’s something every business has to remember: you have to build a product that people want to buy.”

“When we had the system ready we were regular attendees at Expos and business shows around the world and picked up a lot of sales that way. But we were also early adopters of web-based remote demonstrations so customers can see how Lobo Systems work, how safe and easy to assemble they are and how you can reconfigure them. We use web-based demonstrations regularly, so we can take the product around the world, without leaving Derby!”

The day we spoke was a classic example: “This afternoon I have a video call to South Africa, then after that one to a company in Canada,” while a recent sale was to a client in Costa Rica: “We gave him a demonstration over the internet, he sent us photographs of his requirements and we designed a system for him.”

With global orders increasing, Rob uses certified distribution agents to boost sales. “We have three in the

their businesses won’t want to be shut out of our market. I’m confident I can take Lobo Systems further in Europe.”

Interestingly, Rob didn’t mentioned China in his future hit list. “It’s a market I’d like to get into but at the moment, there are other areas to tackle.”

Ambition for growth isn’t the only value Rob holds dear. He has as the company’s cornerstones “honesty, integrity and ethics. We live by these values. I have no time for people who aren’t honest, about themselves or in their business operations.”

As for leadership, he sees his job as “sharing the vision” with his team. “I make sure they all know where we are going, our goals for the future. It gives us a dynamism and drive.”

You can find out more about Lobo Systems at www.lobosystems.com.

Don’t forget to click to watch the two minute demonstration video!

11

Technical briefing

gdpr is here to stay: Five points for discussion Bradley Geppert, Managing Director, DS Compliance and member of the IoD, takes a look at how business has responded to the introduction of GDPR We’ve been helping SMEs to adjust to the new ‘GDPR Way’ of doing things for many months now, and thought it would be timely to offer some thoughts and observations on how well business has handled the major change in data collection and handling.

Our clients, drawn from various sectors, including property, accountancy, charities, publishing and hospitality, have one thing in common: they are unlikely to attract massive fines from the ICO. The scaremongering before implementation – and subsequently – has been ridiculous, inaccurate and unhelpful. Most clients, when we first meet them, have been whipped up into a panic and it can take a while for the facts to overcome the fear.

So if avoiding fines isn’t the reason to do something about the GDPR, even now, what is? In our experience, what really compels SMEs to do something about the GDPR is having the ability to do business with others. Many clients

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have received requests from larger organisations asking serious questions about how they treat personal data. If you’ve not asked yourself those questions, you stand no chance of being able to answer and will be less competitive as a consequence.

Asking those questions of your own organisation is the key to being able to adjust to the GDPR standard. The overarching principle is accountability so if you don’t know what data you have, where you got it from, how you protect it and where you send it, etc, how can you possibly demonstrate accountability?

Being compliant isn’t about having a shiny certificate or a brilliant privacy statement – it’s something you do every day. It’s being genuinely committed to protecting Data Subjects’ rights.

Some companies have still not ‘got it’ – even very big ones who can afford expensive lawyers and PR teams. The concepts of ‘legal basis’ and ‘legitimate interest’ have been misunderstood

Most clients, when we first meet them, have been whipped up into a panic and it can take a while for the facts to overcome the fear.

widely, especially where the legal basis of consent for marketing communications is concerned. This is, admittedly, a complex area – but why did we receive five separate re-consent emails from one major department store when we are quite clearly people who have qualified for the ‘soft opt-in’ consideration, as outlined under PECR Article 22? If people are still getting it wrong, perhaps it’s another reason not to panic, while clarity emerges over the next few months.

What is true is that people really care about what happens to their data. We’ve quipped in various seminars that data is a really boring subject that gets very interesting when you delve into it a bit, but then very boring again when you look even closer and have to go through someone’s hard drives looking for rogue spreadsheets. Nevertheless, when we’ve done training sessions, what really engages people is approaching the topic from their perspective.

The impact of a listening device in the home such as Alexa is quite massive, for example, and when people really grasp the enormity of the potential consequences of giving up their personal data, they understand just why we need the GDPR. To discuss this article further, you can contact Bradley via: info@ds-compliance.com www.iod.com/emidlandsevents

University offers free health checks for construction workers Employees of construction firms in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland can benefit from free workplace health checks, thanks to a fully-funded project from the University of Nottingham to support businesses in this geographical region.

The university’s ‘health check roadshows’ are open to any staff member, who can choose from a range of optional and confidential checks such as weight, body mass index, blood pressure, diabetes risk and an HIV test with sexual health advice.

Resources and information on mental health awareness, musculoskeletal health, healthy diet and physical activity are also being provided.

Staff receive their own results and are signposted to other health services where appropriate. The University will also give company managers access to a free online package with information about health screening at work.

Led by Dr Holly Blake, an Associate Professor of Behavioural Science in the University of Nottingham’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, the project team is made up of nurses, health psychologists, medics and health promotion specialists, with experienced delivery partners from the third sector and charitable organisations.

“A healthy, happy workforce is more productive and less likely to take time off sick,” Dr Blake explained.

“Promoting health and wellbeing at work shows employees they are valued.

Companies that look after their staff see benefits in terms of attracting staff, retaining staff, improving productivity and performance and building morale – and general health checks are one way to promote health. We want to hear from companies in construction and related industries – specifically those with sites in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland areas – who would like to take advantage of our free health screening in the workplace.”

The university will evaluate the service by asking staff what they thought of the one-off health check, which takes around 20 minutes, and speaking to managers about their views of the health check service and promoting health at work. “We want to know more about the usefulness of offering health checks to construction workers and, in particular, whether people are www.iod.com/emidlandsevents

interested in having an optional, confidential HIV screening test as part of a general health check,” Dr Blake said. “This is because companies rarely include sexual health in workplace health programmes, but it is an important area of health, and offering rapid HIV tests during the working day can help to increase people’s access to health screening.

“This project will help us to determine future interest in this type of service.”

Companies who wish to receive these health checks, which run from August 2019 to early spring 2020, or would like more information should contact Project Researcher Sarah Somerset (sarah.somerset@nottingham.ac.uk).

The project is funded by American biotechnology research company Gilead Sciences, Inc.

“A healthy, happy workforce is more productive and less likely to take time off sick... promoting health and wellbeing at work shows staff they are valued...”

Regular blood pressure checks are a vital way of establishing baseline health and can provide early warning of serious illness

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Events reports

Regional Networking Lunch

Be bold, to the Pole and back Explorer Fiona Thornewill tells delegates ‘You can achieve anything if you really want it’ IoD members and guests at the latest Regional Networking Lunch were treated to a truly inspirational talk by Polar explorer Fiona Thornewill.

Held in the stunning surroundings of the Broadway Cinema, attendees were treated to a lunch buffet and drinks in the Mezzanine Bar before hearing from Fiona – the only British woman to venture to the South Pole solo and unsupported.

Having been told while growing up that she was ‘average’ and that perhaps she would make ‘a good receptionist one day’, it didn’t seem like Fiona was destined for much. However, she always felt there was something far greater than that inside her, and with a little encouragement she found her niche, her skill, that thing that makes her motivated, inspired and resilient.

When Fiona’s husband mentioned that no British woman had ventured to the South Pole solo and unsupported, she thought, ‘well, maybe, I could do that.’

It took gruelling training that involved dragging tyres and running to and from work – that’s over 20 miles a day – in preparation for her trek to the Pole, which involved dragging a 300-pound

Sponsored by Nottingham Business School

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www.iod.com/emidlandsevents

NPS Shoes Factory Tour

Quality from ‘clicking’ to finishing

sled all on her own. She credits her success to the amount of research and preparation that went into her journey.

Before her trip she says her one failing was in navigation, however, after many practice sessions and a few breakdowns in the rain, she overcame her weakness.

IoD members were astonished to hear that when arriving at the South Pole, she had not only surpassed her own goal but had set a record time of 41 days and nine hours.

Her message to anyone wanting to achieve a goal is “to be bold”. Focus on the positive of what you are doing and don’t let all the negatives and potential setbacks from putting your full effort forward.

“Boldness has genius, power and magic in it,” said Fiona.

Be bold and you can do anything.

NPS Shoes welcomed members of IoD East Midlands to its factory for a tour of the business led by the Managing Director, Christian Castle.

From small beginnings to the present day, NPS Shoes has lived a product-defining history! It’s a business that is clearly proud of its heritage and how over a century of experience in factory surroundings has shaped its outlook, processes and work ethic, making it a great example of British craftsmanship, and it was that story that was told on our factory tour.

From ‘clicking’ through to ‘finishing’, attendees were taken through each area of the manufacturing process, along with a potted history of how the business and production has developed over the years. Being surrounded by machines of old, reams of leather and being able to touch and feel the history of the factory allowed guests to fully immerse themselves in the experience.

The opportunity to engage in questions and debate with Christian was embraced by all and delegates left with a real insight into the reality of operating a manufacturing company in today’s competitive market.

The factory shop was a great place for light refreshments, while after the tour there was a chance to browse the products they had seen being made – with a nice 20 per cent off the RRP – as well as network with staff.

Feedback from the group was overwhelmingly positive, with many commenting on the obvious pride shown by the staff in manufacturing 100% British-made footwear. n NPS Shoes runs factory tours throughout the year on selected dates. Information about future dates and how to book can be found at website www.nps-solovair.com or by emailing customer.services@ nps-shoes.com

NPS staff were rightly proud of their quality craftsmanship, which sees its shoes still stitched by hand (inset)

www.iod.com/emidlandsevents

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Events reports

Sun shines as Protocol triumphs This year’s Annual Lincolnshire Golf Day was held at Market Rasen Golf course and the weather was once again kind to our players., with the sun shining all day.

After an enjoyable afternoon’s golf the Protocol Team of Ian Sackree, Chris Trigg, Steve White and Ed Mawson emerged victorious, while Chris Wagstaff of MA Ford Europe won the Carl Ross Trophy for the highest placed IoD member.

The Visitor prize went to Rob Harris from the JCH team, while Steven White picked up the ‘nearest the pin’ prize and Lee Johnson won the longest drive.

Pictured right are, top, the winning team from Protocol receiving their trophy from IoD Lincolnshire’s David Thompson: from left, Ian Sackree, Ed Mawson, Steven White, Chris Trigg.

Below, near photograph, guest player Rob White and David Thompson.

Far photo is Lee Johnson with his longest drive trophy

What does Generation Z mean for business?

What does Generation Z mean to your business, how are you preparing for them – and what will their impact be?

They were just some of the questions posed – and answered – during an eye-opening evening of statistics, questions and discussions as Tay Bennet from Ricoh UK Ltd challenged IoD members to think again about how their business would handle the coming generation.

For many there’s not a clear

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distinction between the Millennial generation and Generation Z but after meeting with Tay it is clear that Gen Z is a group of its own and businesses need to be aware in order to adapt.

In the coming year Gen Z will make up 40 per cent of the population – in other words, the largest single group of consumers and employees.

After discussion, some big questions came to light, such as employment practices. Nine to five, Monday to

Friday at the same desk with the same people? Apparently, for the majority of Gen Z, this just simply doesn’t cut it. For these new employees to perform their best and be innovative they need flexible workspace and flexible hours.

Work-life balance is key.

If your company is looking at this group as potential customers than get ready to be friendly with all the new apps, be it social media, content creators, gaming apps and beyond. Gen Z are on them and they know how to dodge your ads, so its time to create engaging and new content in order to catch their eye.

Tay gave us an enlightening evening and a mass of information that we will all be trying to factor into our business decisions in the future. Darren Wilson from UXCentric described the event as “fabulously engaging and informative.

Tay outlined the challenges for businesses, both from a customer and employer perspective. A treat to be involved on a lovely evening in great company. I look forward to future events of this quality.” www.iod.com/emidlandsevents

Grappling with a business challenge?

Then let’s Thinkubator about it Would your organisation like free access to the combined expertise and resources of a leading business school focused solely on growing your business?

The Thinkubator Challenge® provides access to free expertise to support business growth and innovation.

Developed by Nottingham Business School at Nottingham Trent University, this year’s Thinkubator Challenge returns on Wednesday, 13th November 2019 and submissions can be sent now.

About Thinkubator Challenge Whatever the size of your business our Thinkubator Challenge hub teams are here to help. And it’s all free!

• Is your order book full but you can’t finance production?

• Do you need help with cracking foreign markets?

• Do you need advice on new products or services and new markets for these?

• Are you looking at new routes to market?

• Are you trying to do more for less?

• Do you have issues with innovation?

• Are you struggling to find the right employees with the right skills or talent?

• Do you need help attracting investment?

Then the Thinkubator Challenge

could be for you.

How Thinkubator Challenge works for your business Businesses are invited to submit their business problems via www.ntu.ac.uk/thinkubator or by talking to one of the Thinkubator team on +44 (0)115 848 8139. Applications need to be completed as fully as possible, attaching any additional information that will allow students and staff understand your business, and the challenges you face.

The closing date for all applications will be on Friday, 1 November.

Applications are then reviewed and you will be notified shortly afterwards to

“Each Hub is allocated one challenge and has three hours to research, analyse and evaluate the problem, before preparing and finalising their recommendations...”

advise if your challenge has been shortlisted for the day*.

On a day in November around 30 challenge ‘Hubs’ are created. Hubs includes academics who are experts in their field (many are consultants to business), Alumni Fellows, research students, business postgraduates and undergraduates.

With access to Nottingham Business School resources, each Hub is allocated one challenge and has three hours to research, analyse and evaluate the problem, before preparing and finalising their recommendations.

We ask all businesses taking part to attend the day and present your challenge to the hub, returning at the end to hear suggestions and practical next steps to take. A free Business Masterclass is available while your challenge is being worked on by our Hub teams.

Taking part in the Thinkubator Challenge will give you and your business personalised advice and an insight into your business from a different perspective, practical business skills to apply to your organisation and networking opportunities with the Nottingham and East Midlands business communities. * If your challenge is not shortlisted, you are still welcome to join us on the day and partake in the Business Masterclass.

For more information please see www.ntu.ac.uk/thinkubator.

Bring your business problem to NTU and the Thinkubator team will fathom out a solution for you www.iod.com/emidlandsevents

17

Technical briefing

Non-disclosure agreements: The end of ‘buying silence’?

Laura Kearsley, partner and solicitor in the employment team at East Midlands-based law firm Nelsons, discusses how the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to keep allegations of sexual harassment in the work-place under wraps could be a thing of the past.

The use of NDAs by employers is a worldwide phenomenon. However, the #MeToo movement and recent high profile cases, such as the Harvey Weinstein scandal, have caused the use of NDAs to come under intense scrutiny following claims that they are being used to “gag” alleged victims of serious sexual assault.

Employment tribunals are usually open to the public and the media, meaning any allegations made by claimants, along with tribunal rulings, are free to be reported on by the press.

However, it is now common practice for settlement agreements to contain provisions requiring both parties to keep the facts relating to the dispute and the settlement terms strictly confidential, otherwise known as an NDA. Disputes can be settled at any stage from when a complaint is made right up to outside the Employment Tribunal on the day of the trial. Some employers would consider settling claims at the

earliest stage to save the time, effort (and perhaps uncomfortable discoveries) that can be involved in conducting an investigation. This approach, in particular, has been criticised.

The Women and Equalities Parliamentary Select Committee recently published a report concerning the use of NDAs in discrimination and harassment cases. Following this, employers may find it more difficult moving forward to use NDAs in cases involving allegations of harassment in the workplace. The view of the committee is that the use of NDAs risks creating a “cover-up culture” whereby employees are paid off and subjected to confidentiality clauses instead of employers investigating issues.

The report recommends the following actions are taken to prevent then misuse of NDAs in employment disputes moving forward: • A campaign for employers and employees to raise awareness

• Consideration of a requirement that all discrimination and harassment complaints have to be investigated regardless of whether a settlement is reached • A requirement for employers to provide ex-employees with at least a basic reference (references are currently often part of the settlement package being negotiated) • An extension of the time limits to bring discrimination complaints from the current three months to six months • An equalities review of the employment tribunal system • A review of compensation payable to claimants • To make it a criminal offence for an employer or their advisor to propose a confidentiality clause to prevent legitimate whistleblowing or the reporting of a criminal offence • To stop NDAs from restricting one employee from providing helpful information to another to support their case • Requiring employers to contribute to an employee’s legal fees for advice on settlement terms (currently a custom, not a requirement) • Minimum requirements for confidentiality clauses • Employers to appoint a senior manager to oversee anti-discrimination and harassment policies and the use of NDAs in such cases • Compulsory reporting on discrimination and harassment complaints and use of NDAs. While not all of these recommendations are likely to be implemented in the short to medium term, there is definitely mounting pressure for a drastic change in approach in the use of confidentiality provisions in settling cases of discrimination and harassment.

This will impact good employers, as well those with cultural concerns, which should rightly be addressed.

For advice and support on nondisclosure agreements, please contact Laura Kearsley on 0800 024 197 or email her at laura.kearsley@nelsonslaw.co.uk.

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www.iod.com/emidlandsevents

Develop the leaders of tomorrow at National Sales Conference 2019 National Sales Conference (NSC19) Coventry Ricoh Arena November 27-28 The DNA of a profitable, revenue-driven organisation is only going to become more demanding for businesses of the future.

Salespeople are increasingly working from remote locations and digital transformation continues to change how they work, while the way buyers consume information and make purchasing decisions is evolving rapidly.

The task of managing a sales team will, therefore, become more challenging than ever before and businesses will require certain skills of their sales leaders. Successful leaders of tomorrow will be those that can adapt to these changes, implement innovative sales tactics and cultivate an organisational culture that delivers rewards.

The future sales leader will need to be adaptable and open to change and disruption, while also being disciplined enough to be able to get things done and get the best out of their salespeople.

Fostering the leaders of tomorrow Enabling the success of tomorrow’s sales leaders is reliant on putting the basics into motion now. Key considerations for putting these foundations in place include: n Experience matters: A gap currently exists between the skills that graduates possess and those they will require to successfully acquire business.

The onus is on businesses to provide practical, on-the-job training and experiences that enable young people to grow into the future leaders we require.

This begins with encouraging them to tackle and understand big business problems, and inspiring them by working alongside business leaders that see their potential.

This will be fundamental to establishing young people as our future sales leaders. n Culture is key: Learning how to lead goes beyond just experience and skills, it’s also about fostering culture.

This is reliant on being able to look at long-term objectives, spot a business opportunity and having the character to lead people into the unknown.

Instilling values of integrity, fearlesswww.iod.com/emidlandsevents

A packed conference hall at last year’s event

ness and confidence will be vital to fostering the personality of the future business leader. n Have confidence in unpredictability: The business world is changing so fast that it’s impossible to predict what’s coming around the corner.

Future leaders need to be highly adaptable to change and cannot afford to be stuck in the old ways of doing things. Businesses need to be cognisant of life in an uncertain tomorrow to encourage their future sales leaders. n New ways of thinking: Futureproofing the business is not solely reliant on telling younger leaders how things are done. Senior execs need to listen to their younger talent’s expertise in emerging technology and social media if they are to remain relevant. n Fail fast; learn faster: The fear of failure often holds businesses back from being innovative. This needs to be consigned to the past by giving future leaders the freedom to fail and encourage them to take risks in environments where failure is seen as an opportunity to learn.

Tomorrow’s leaders cannot be afflicted by fears of stepping outside their comfort zone.

They will need to be confident in taking on new challenges, defying the status quo, and asking challenging questions if they are to cultivate environ-ments that empower their employees.

Building tomorrow’s leaders at NSC How businesses can go about growing the leaders of tomorrow will be a key topic of discussion at this year’s National Sales Conference (NSC19).

Now in its sixth year, it is considered the leading event for C-level sales-oriented leaders of today and tomorrow.

This year’s event offers an opportunity to be inspired by some of the world’s leading sales and business leaders and motivational experts. It will provide a range of innovative ideas, expertise and networking opportunities to inspire your future business plans, with speakers and delegates from major brands like Barclaycard, JCB, Npower, Premier Inn and Total Gas & Power.

The event will help your organisation understand how to increase sales effectiveness and revenue, improve motivation levels, implement recognition and rewards, boost productivity, retain your best employees and attract the best new talent.

This two-day event represents 2 x 7 hours of high-quality CPD For bookings and further information on the National Sales Conference, visit www.nsconference.co.uk, contact: 01732 525 950, email NSC@lincolnwest.co.uk or see the insert contained within this issue.

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IoD Events

IoD East Midlands Events Diary 18th Oct

IoD Director of the Year Awards

National

1pm–5pm

29th Oct £10 Challenge Launch event Student Membership

City Campus, Nottingham Trent University

5.30pm-7.30pm

1st Nov

Leicester

Leicester Tigers, Leicester

6th Nov Funding for Innovation Sponsored by Nelsons

Leicester

Nelsons, Provincial House

8:30am-11am

7th Nov Director of the Year Awards Showcase Sponsored by Castle Business School, Leicester

Leicester

Leicester Castle Business School

5pm-7.30 pm

12th Nov Nottingham Professionals Lunch Sponsored by Nelsons

Notts/ Derbys

MemSaab, Nottingham

E-commerce with China

The Brewery, London

12th Nov Professional Director Series East Midlands Crowne Plaza, Nottingham

20th Nov Role of the Non-Executive Director

East Midlands

Crowne Plaza, Nottingham

26th Nov £10 Challenge Celebration event Student membership

City Campus, Nottingham Trent University

28th Nov Professional Director Series East Midlands

King Richard III Visitor Centre, Leicester

3rd Dec

Notts/Derby

Oberoi Business Hub

6th Dec Annual Lincolnshire Lunch Sponsored by jch: wealth management

Greater Lincolnshire

Bentley Hotel, Lincoln

12th Dec Leicester Professionals Lunch Sponsored by Nelsons

Leicestershire

Chutney Ivy, Leicester

Launch of Derby Members Evening

8am-11am

12.30pm-2.30pm 9am – 12.30pm / 12.30pm – 4.30 pm 9.30 am – 8.30 pm 5.30pm-7.30pm 9am–12:30 pm 5:30pm – 7:30pm 12pm-3pm 12.30pm-2.30pm

For more details or to book on any event, contact Cari Grice on 0115 848 6190 or email cari.grice@iod.com.

Alternatively, see www.iod.com/emidlandsevents. More events are added throughout the year, so always check the IoD website for updates

Lincolnshire Lunch promises to be an ideal Christmas curtain-raiser Date: Friday, December 6 Time: 12noon-3pm Venue: The Bentley Hotel, Lincoln,

LN6 9NH Cost: Members £42 + VAT

Non-members £52 + VAT

Table of 8 £294 + VAT

Table of 10 £378 + VAT

The IoD Lincolnshire branch has an exceptional business leader confirmed for its annual Lincolnshire Lunch, which takes place on December 6 as the festive season starts to take off.

The guest speaker will be Ursula Lidbetter, MBE, BSc, FCIS, DL, a prominet figure in the retail sector for many years and a ‘go-to’ expert for a number of retail-based NGOs. Ursula is Chief Executive of Lincolnshire Co-op, an independent body owned by its 280,000 members. She served as chair of the Co-operative Group from 2013-2015,

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With thanks to our Branch Sponsor

leading it through major reform. She is now a Director of Co-operative Federal Retail and Trading Services.

She has held numerous other roles. She is Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Lincolnshire, chaired the Greater Lincolnshire LEP since it formation in 2010 and led Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce for almost 20 years.

Ursula is also the current Chair of the Lincoln Business Improvement Group and a member of the University of Hull’s Council, from whom she has an honorary degree, and sits on both the government’s Retail Sector Council and Food and Drink Sector Council.

This promises to be a lively afternoon,

offering members and the wider business community an opportunity to enjoy relaxed networking and an excellent three-course festive meal; a perfect atmosphere for entertaining clients and colleagues. www.iod.com/emidlandsevents

IoD Professionals Lunch diary for 2019, sponsored by Nelsons

Professional networking with a difference Why not join us at one of our Professional Lunches for the remainder of the year?

We alternate between hosting Professional Lunches in Nottingham and Leicester. Both events are kindly sponsored by Nelsons, providing all attendees with a free drink on arrival.

After that it is a case of tucking into some of the UK’s finest Indian cuisine, courtesy of our host restaurants, MemSaab in Nottingham and the Chutney Ivy in Leicester.

Both are multiple award-winners and will ensure that you enjoy a fabulous meal while getting on with some informal – but invaluable – networking.

NEXT DATES: Nottingham Date: Tuesday, November 12 Venue: MemSaab, Nottingham Time: 12.30pm - 2.30pm Cost: Members, £25 + VAT;

Non-members, £32 + VAT

Student members, £20 + VAT

MemSaab, Nottingham

Leicester Date: Thursday, December 12 Venue: Chutney Ivy Restaurant,

Leicester LE1 1TR Time: 12.30pm-2.30pm Cost: Members £25 + VAT;

Non-members £32 + VAT

Student members, £20 + VAT

Finest food – and finest networking – at the Chutney Ivy

Members and guests enjoyed another convivial networking lunch at Leicester’s Chutney Ivy last month, as part of the Professional Lunch series, in conjunction with Nelsons Solicitors. The IoD’s Sue Charlesworth and Cari Grice were on hand (right) to explain the benefits of membership.

www.iod.com/emidlandsevents

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Events diary

Launch of East Midlands Director of the Year Awards 2020

Learn the secrets of Director of the Year success – from the winners themselves Date: Thursday, November 7 Venue: Leicester Castle Business School, Leicester Time: 17:00 - 19:30 Tickets: Free Sponsored by Leicester Castle Business School

Join us for an evening of winners with our 2019 East Midlands Directors of the Year. Hear from our 2019 winners and learn what this accolade has done for them, their profile within the wider region and their business or organisation.

Each of our winners will deliver a short presentation of what motivated them to apply for the awards, before answering questions from the floor.

Following that IoD staff will give you a short run-through of the application

process, the awards categories, how to nominate another director or apply yourself and top tips for writing a successful application.

Our winning line-up of speakers: n Naomi Watkins - NW counselling Hub CIC winner of our Start-up Director Category n Stephen Smith - EMB Group, winner of our SME - medium Director category n Adam Burrage - Trident, winner of our Family Business Director category n Gareth Thomas - Peritus Learning and Development Ltd, winner of our NonExecutive Director category Event Itinerary: 5pm: Arrival drinks and networking 5.30pm: Welcome and introductions 5.45pm: Introduction of 2019 winners 6pm: Short presentation on this years categories, how to apply, top tips 6.15pm: Winners of 2019 Awards comments 6.45pm: Officially open applications and nominations for 2020 7pm: Thanks, networking and further refreshments 7.30pm – the event closes.

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www.iod.com/emidlandsevents

Looking to buy a business? Make sure you get your due diligence done first!

When you decide to buy a business, the first thing that you need to do is evaluate what you are purchasing – both the good (assets) and the bad (liabilities), says Franklins Solicitors’ Andrea Smith, Partner & Head of Business Services The Due Diligence (DD) process is the pathway for you to: • Obtain information about the company - is it a good deal or not?

• Get a feel for what conditions and warranties you need going forward; • Assess the appropriate corporate structures (to acquire and for the target) and put those in place; • Make sure all the regulatory or other consents are in hand (or made conditional) prior to the acquisition; • Agree a price and a mechanism for adjustment if necessary.

Why should you undertake DD? The primary purpose of the DD review is to obtain sufficient information about the target’s business to enable the buyer to decide whether the proposed acquisition represents a sound commercial investment. DD is effectively an audit of the target’s affairs – legal, business and financial. It is therefore a crucial bargaining tool for the buyer.

A DD enquiry should establish the following key information about the target business: • Does the seller have good title to the shares in the target company (on a share purchase) or the assets being sold (on an asset purchase)?

• Are there any unstated or understated liabilities?

• Detailed information on the target business so that the buyer is in a better position to: - Make a final decision on whether to proceed with the acquisition and, if so, at what price; - Bargain with the seller; - Plan the integration of the target business; - Determine any consents that may be required for the transaction. For example, the consent of industry regulators, tax www.iod.com/emidlandsevents

authorities, competition authorities, shareholders or important customers of the target. Where one of the main assets of the target is customer contracts, it will be imperative for the buyer to find out through DD whether there are any contractual prohibitions on transfer; and - Determine whether any ancillary documents will be needed (for example, a transitional services agreement).

As well as answering these questions, the DD process should put the buyer in a better position to identify the steps necessary to take effective control of the target’s business.

Financial DD As part of the DD process, the buyer may instruct accountants to prepare a report (the accountant’s report or long-form report) on the financial aspects of the target business.

This financial DD is not the equivalent of an audit, and accountant’s reports will usually make this clear. However, financial DD should focus on those areas of the target’s financial affairs that are material to the buyer’s decision, so that the buyer can assess the financial risks and opportunities of the deal and whether, given these risks and opportunities, the target business will fit well into the buyer’s strategy.

Financial DD may also help quantify: • Potential synergies; • The best acquisition and financing structure; • The impact of the acquisition on the buyer’s performance metrics. When the buyer’s accounting policies are more

conservative than those followed in the target business, it may be necessary to make appropriate adjustments in order to measure the true impact.

How can Franklins help?

The scope of a DD investigation will depend on the value and the purpose of the acquisition. The extent of the investigation tends to be influenced by practical realities: • How much time do you have?

• What resources are available?

• What is the overriding need to get the deal done?

• How transparent is the seller in terms of providing information?

• Do you have internal or third party resources to back up what the lawyers can find?

Franklins can help throughout – from agreeing the scope of the DD exercise through to data room protocols, document analysis and formal reporting. We have a whole range of specialist sector experience and can bring market expertise as well as legal advisors, which means we can offer a wrap-around service.

Only the buyer’s own personnel will be able to make effective judgements as to the commercial importance and potential risk brought to light by the DD process, but Franklins can make sure that this information is presented in an accessible and useful format and informs all subsequent negotiations.

• For more information contact our Due Diligence team at ddaudit@franklins-sols.co.uk or call 01908 660966/ 01604 828282.

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Leicester Business Festival

Five years on, Leicester Business Festival is going from strength to strength This year sees the fifth anniversary of the first – and largest – regional B2B festival in the UK, the Leicester Business Festival (October 28 to November 8).

The festival began in 2015, borne out of an idea by the Leicester & Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership.

Five years on, it is a Community Interest Company in its own right, supported by a diverse range of respected sponsors and partners and headlined by Leicester Castle Business School, De Montfort University (DMU).

It has grown in stature and presence year on year and now this exciting, annual event attracts thousands of companies and individuals, generating real, lasting benefits to the economy that it serves.

Last year, some 7,200 attendees and more than 1,200 businesses ranging

from large corporates to micro businesses attended the 100 events that took place throughout Leicester and the surrounding Leicestershire county during the fortnight.

This year will be even bigger, with free events of all shapes, sizes and descriptions, run entirely by private, public and third sector organisations, on offer to anyone who wishes to attend.

The audience of attendees spans Chief Execs, MDs, HR directors, managers, employees and self-employed business owners through to students who are looking to add new skills and knowledge to their ever-growing portfolios.

The Business Festival fortnight is filled with conferences, exhibitions, debates, seminars, workshops and showcases that challenge the status quo; offer unique supply chain prospects; opportunities to gather new information; make new contacts, up-skill and so much more.

And the best of it is, nearly every event is completely free to attend!

Get your tickets now The 2019 Leicester Business Festival is taking place from October 28 to November 8. The IoD is involved with two of the events (see these pages), and for details on other events, see www.leicesterbusinessfestival.com While events are free, tickets to events must be reserved in advance through the website https://lbf2019.ticketleap.com/

Funding for Innovation Date: Wednesday, November 6 Venue: Nelsons Solicitors,

Provincial House, Leicester Time: 08:30-11am Cost: Free This panel event, supported by the IoD East Midlands, will look at those who have received funding through traditional routes and those who’ve accessed grant funding. It will also cover different aspects of Intellectual Property, the due diligence required for pitch finance and how to protect the IP. This event is aimed at businesses who are looking for funding in order to innovate. Attendees will come away with examples of genuine case histories and a source of advice on funding options for innovation.

Chaired by Chris Rees of Nelsons it will feature a panel of speakers including Stuart Hilton, Head of Commercial Partnerships at De Montfort University, and Emma Ward IP Specialist at Nelsons.

Emma will focus on on protecting IP when pitching for finance, while Stuart will talk about the pathways to accessing funding through education.

The panel will also include a range of speakers who have received funding for innovation both through traditional private equity routes and those who have

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accessed grant funding.

Tickets for this event are limited. We recommend you book early to avoid disappointment.

This event is sponsored by Nelsons and is part of the Leicester Business Festival, and is free of charge to all attendees.

To book: tommi.duck@iod.com iod.com/emidlandsevents

www.iod.com/emidlandsevents

Selling to China – a DIT e-commerce masterclass Date: Friday, November 1 Venue: Leicester Tigers RFC

Welford Road, Leicester Time: 8am-11am Cost: Free of charge

opportunities and challenges of selling in the Chinese e-commerce market and aims to equip businesses with the understanding to decide whether this opportunity is right for them.

The Chinese e-commerce market is the largest globally by sales value and is still growing at 23.9 per cent, year on year.

The total retail market in China is expected to be larger than the US for the first time ever in 2019.

For any British business in the consumer products sector who is serious about this market, understanding the structure and requirements for entry into Chinese e-commerce is vital.

To help British businesses take advantage of the opportunities, The China British Business Council, Department of International Trade, the IoD East Midlands and Leicestershire LEP have put together a programme to lead companies into the Chinese e-commerce market with the ultimate aim of active trading.

This Masterclass will outline the

The half-day Masterclass will include: • Market background and information • How Chinese e-commerce differs from that in Europe and North America • Experience of a UK business trading on e-commerce sites in China • The importance of social media and digital marketing • What steps you need to take to prepare and protect your business in advance of trading in China.

There will be further events on this

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theme organised by the Department for International Trade in early 2020 where eligibility criteria will apply and which will be more focused on the specifics of moving to a successful trading relationship.

This event is funded by the Department for International Trade and is part of the Leicester Business Festival, and is free of charge to all attendees.

Book your tickets now Go online: iod.com/emidlandsevents E: Tommi.duck@iod.com More details, call: 0115 848 6190

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Professional Development

IoD takes your development as a director to the next level About the IoD’s training, courses and qualifications Designed by directors, for directors The IoD is the only institute in the world to offer internationally recognised qualifications designed by directors, for directors, under Royal Charter. IoD qualifications provide development specific to the core competencies required of directors and senior leaders.

Benefits of a director qualification • Consolidate your knowledge, skills and experience with a formal qualification • Enhance your performance and that of your organisation • Advance your career and gain professional recognition and reward for your achievements

• Demonstrate to stakeholders that your organisation upholds the highest professional standards in governance and leadership • Gain access to an unrivalled peer network and become part of our prestigious community of alumni.

The IoD courses fall under a number of headings and there are a number of routes available, including fast-track and Accelerated courses.

The first two qualifications below constitute respectively Stages 1 and 2 of the Chartered Director qualification Qualifications available: n Certificate in Company Direction n Diploma in Company Direction n Chartered Director In addition, the IoD runs a series of short, intensive modular awards under the heading of its Professional Development series.

Certificate in Company Direction Chartered Director Stage 1

Explore the characteristics, mind-set and behaviours of a boardroom executive and learn what it takes to become an outstanding leader.

The Certificate in Company Direction will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed for effective performance, covering the key areas of governance, finance, strategy and leadership in four core modules.

On successful completion of the qualification you may use the designation CertIoD after your name. You take the modules at your own pace.

Award in the Role of the Director and the Board This practical two-day course is an essential introduction to the role, duties and legal responsibilities of a director and the workings of a board. The training offered within this course will help you to examine your own professional liabilities, the board’s role in corporate governance, and learn how to improve board effectiveness.

Award in Finance for Non-Finance Directors On this course, designed specifically for non-finance directors and senior managers, we will demystify the world of finance,

helping you to assess the financial health of an organisation in the context of its strategic objectives.

It will give you an understanding of key financial concepts and terminology, as well as the skills and knowledge required to evaluate business plans with confidence.

Award in Strategy for Directors This course will enable you to develop robust strategic planning processes for your organisation. By providing frameworks, tools and the opportunity to apply them, our course leaders will work with you to develop both understanding and skills helping you to gain the confidence to grow yourself and future-proof your business.

Award in Leadership for Directors This course introduces a personalised approach to leadership, helping you to understand and develop your own selfawareness and emotional intelligence.

You will learn different leadership and decisionmaking techniques, determine how to build and sustain highperforming teams, and evaluate how these tools can be applied to your own organisation to contribute to its increased success.

More professional development - see pg 28

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www.iod.com/emidlandsevents

Diploma in Company Direction Chartered Director Stage 2 – to be completed after the Certificate in Company Direction (see facing page) The three-day module of the Diploma in Company Direction provides a unique opportunity to put your skills to the test in a realistic and safe environment as you tackle a real-life boardroom scenario.

In this course you will act as a board member in a ‘real’ organisation facing a variety of typical issues and crises. You will gain hands-on experience and feedback on your own performance that will enable you to make a significant impact on your board’s effectiveness while you achieve a world-class qualification.

On successful completion of the qualification you may use the post-nominal designation Dip IoD after your name.

Benefits of the programme • Explore the board’s role, its dynamic, power, influence and conflicts • Gain knowledge of important topics including risk and crisis management, decision-making, mergers and acquisitions, and board performance • Apply relevant techniques and tools to improve personal skills and that of the board • Evaluate and improve the performance of your board, its committees and individual directors

Chartered Director Applied for after completing the Certificate and Diploma in Company Direction The Chartered Director is an evidencebased assessment, comprising three stages: an application, a portfolio of experience and a formal interview conducted by two Chartered Directors.

The qualification focuses around five key areas which are central to organisational direction and governance: • Vision, purpose, values and ethics • Strategic thinking and stakeholder management • Delegation to management • Discharging your duties as a director and as a competent member of a collective and responsible body • Exercising effective and accountable leadership.

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IoD Professional Director Series: CPD in your region In addition to the Chartered Director series, the IoD also runs a series of short, sharp and intensive CPD sessions on topic that matter – the Professional Director series.

Sessions are held across the East Midlands, making them accessible and on your doorstep.

Whether you’ve been a director for days or decades, there is always something new to discover about the role, your responsibilities, and the business world around you.

In an economy that’s changing by the day, it’s never been more important to be on top of your game with professional development.

To help you understand your role as a director, and future-proof your board and organisation, we’ve developed our Professional Director Series – bringing

accessible and digestible CPD to your region. The whole series – wherever you are in the UK – is mapped to the IoD Director Competency Framework, keeping your learning relevant, up-todate and in line with your professional development ambitions.

Whether you’re embarking on the Certificate in Company Direction or are a qualified Chartered Director, this CPD series is the perfect accompaniment – or refresher – to your existing knowledge.

You’ll also be part of a group of leaders from organisations of all shapes and sizes across your region, giving you the opportunity to connect, learn from each other, share your setbacks and successes, and encourage each other at the most senior level.

See panel below for forthcoming sessions in the Professional Director series in the East Midlands.

More details or to book, contact the IoD East Midlands office via 0115 848 6190 or email cari.grice@iod.com

Professional Director Series: Nottingham Date: November 12 Venue: Crowne Plaza Nottingham Sessions led by Damon Clark Morning (9.00am-12.30pm) Session 1. Strategic Decision-Making Session 2. Step to the Top - Are you Board Ready?

Afternoon (1pm-4.30pm) Session 1. Evaluating Your Board Session 2. Improving Board Dynamics

Professional Director Series: Leicester Date: November 28 Time: 9am-12.30pm Venue: Kind Richard III Visitor

Centre, Leicester Sessions led by Steve Giles Session 1. Strategic Decision Making Session 2. Top 5 Tips every

Director should Know Cost: Members

Half day £140 + VAT

Full day £249 + VAT Non-Members

Half day £240 + VAT

Full day £349 + VAT

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Professional Development

IoD course opens door to becoming an NXD Date: Venue:

Cost:

June 20, 2020 Crowne Plaza Nottingham Wollaton Street Nottingham NG1 5RH Members £1,090 + VAT Non-Member 1,310 + VAT

This comprehensive course is arguably the IoD’s most popular, and is designed to equip you with practical strategies to build your network, raise your profile to secure an appointment, and add value in the boardroom.

As more individuals choose ‘portfolio careers’ and demand for non-executive directors continues to rise; within many sectors, including third sector organisations and private companies, it has never been more important to understand the critical requirements and appropriate skill set of a nonexecutive director.

It will help you to: n Identify the key attributes of an effective NED n Recognise the legal and practical responsibilities of the NED n Identify how a NED can help to create an effective board n Appreciate how a NED can add value in and out of the boardroom n Apply newfound knowledge and skills to effectively deal with a range of boardroom challenges in different types of organisations n Build your profile through an extended peer network n Effectively apply and prepare for a NED position The course will be led by Janhavi Dadarkar, an expert on commercial transactions, company law, corporate governance and intellectual property.

Supporting you throughout your learning journey IoD Academy The IoD’s purpose-built Academy delivers the latest in learning without boundaries, is accessible to all directors and senior leaders, and is the ideal environment to further your knowledge or work towards the qualifications.

Expert practitioners Our course leaders and executive coaches are all expert practitioners in the fields of governance, strategy, leadership and finance and have been recruited in recognition of their wide directorial experience.

Dynamic learning Experience an interactive learning environment rich with peer-to-peer insight, practical application, director dilemmas, simulations and case studies.

IoD Academy app As an attendee of our training programmes, your IoD Academy access will be boosted by digitised course content, relevant exam support, mock papers for assessed courses, and much more.

Accelerated Certificate in Company Direction Business pressures can make it difficult to take time out to focus on personal and professional development and stay up to date.

To help time-pressured directors gain the benefits of IoD professional development courses we have created the Accelerated Certificate in Company Direction.

Take control of your development and become a certified director with this intensive fast-track residential designed specifically for the time-poor leader.

Using a blend of online and face-to-face learning we offer directors the same expert training and knowledge available through our traditional approach, but requiring only five consecutive days away from the

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demands of your business.

This fast-track residential programme provides you with fresh insights into the key areas of strategy, leadership, governance and finance, thus covering the subjects of the Certificate in Company Direction modules: n Certificate in Company Direction modules: n Role of the Director and the Board n Finance for Non-Finance Directors n Strategy for Directors n Leadership for Directors The course is hosted by Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa, Fawsley, Daventry, Northamptonshire, England, NN11 3BA. The next sessions will be held from November 24 - 29 and December 8 - 13.

For more details call the IoD East Midlands office.

www.iod.com/emidlandsevents

Don’t put ‘digital’ into a silo on its own... it’s everything Nottingham-based businesswoman Susan Hallam was interviewed by the IoD’s national membership magazine, Director, for its October issue. Here we reproduce an abridged version of the interview. level, but it needs to happen faster. The push to get more diversity in this industry is only getting started.

Initiatives such as retraining women who are re-entering the workforce and encouraging women to turn to tech for a second or third career are already making a difference.

Keep following your ‘North Star’.

When I started Hallam Internet back in 1999, I was an expert in my field, I had a real passion for the business and my work had real value.

These three elements still form the agency’s guiding vision today – our North Star. We have built our success on staying true to our values right from the beginning.

Learn how to cut your losses.

I have made a few bad business decisions over the years, including one that cost a lot of money. What on Earth was I thinking? My big lesson from that was to recognise how emotion could cloud my judgment. It taught me the need to make more balanced decisions and, at the end of the day, cut my losses if necessary.

The best piece of advice... ... I’ve ever received came from my dad, who would remind me that nothing lasts forever.

Don’t wait to celebrate the good times until it’s too late because you’re already focusing on what’s next on the plan.

And keep the faith that you will survive the bad times. We have achieved great success at Hallam Internet, but we’ve also gone through some rough patches.

His words – “this too shall pass” – keep it all in perspective.

We have great business ideas in this country I’m an active supporter of initiatives such as the Midlands Engine, which champion commercial and cultural assets, for instance. But our competitors too often make more of our ideas, creating greater wealth and employment. When it comes to productivity, now is the time for businesses to walk the walk and not just talk the talk. Productivity is about more than just saving time – we can use technology to help our companies adapt to change and gain a competitive advantage. Improving productivity by, say, adopting more flexible working is essential to the future success of UK plc. www.iod.com/emidlandsevents

Photo: Ursula Kelly @ Studiosoftbox.co.uk

“Our leadership team works hard on building a culture that we call “the greatest place to work ... it’s all about ‘Team Hallam’ ” There is no such thing as digital marketing any more.

It is all just marketing, but marketing in a digital world. One of the biggest mistakes that a business can make is to put ‘digital’ into a silo and expect some teenage geek or piece of software to fix all their problems. There are always tears before bedtime when a so-called digital guru creates a digital marketing solution that isn’t aligned with the goals of the business.

Don’t underestimate the importance of women in technology.

Only 19 per cent of jobs in the UK tech sector are held by women at present, although they have a much higher representation in start-ups.

Change is happening at grass-roots

The best non-executive directors pose the trickiest questions.

As the chair of Nottingham’s Creative Quarter Company, I add value by asking my executive colleagues challenging questions. The secret to doing this, of course, is to research the issue at hand before the meeting and then listen carefully. Asking such questions can bring a new perspective to bear and enable the board to get to heart of the matter more quickly.

Analysis paralysis kills the fun of running a business.

When an opportunity arises, just say “yes” and then figure out how you can make it happen. We have won international contracts with organisations such as the United Nations by saying “yes” first and asking questions later.

Focus on your people and success will follow.

Our leadership team works hard on building a culture that we call “the greatest place to work”. Our secret to finding great people for our company and retaining their loyalty is all about that “Team Hallam” culture. The kinds of experts we want to recruit have to want to join our organisation and they have to fit in culturally.

Susan Hallam moved to the UK in 1985 after gaining a degree in political science and a master’s degree in information science, becoming senior lecturer in computing at Nottingham Trent University.

After leaving academia in 1997 she held senior marketing roles at companies including BT and Capital One. In 1999 she started Hallam Internet, one of the first companies in the UK to specialise in digital marketing. Today it employs more than 60 people at its offices in Nottingham and London.

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Oberoi Business Hub / IoD Ambassadors

A helping hand for business IoD East Midlands is delighted to announce that the Oberoi Business Hub on Pride Park, Derby has agreed to make its business lounge available for members to use free of charge. The agreement is similar to the arrangement with Leicester Castle Business School, which allows IoD members to sign in up to three guests for informal meetings, with refreshments on hand. Larger meeting and conference rooms are also available to hire. Rob Beswick spoke to Kavita Oberoi OBE, founder of the Hub, to learn more about the company and how its services are perfect for IoD members.

Kavita Oberoi knows more than most about the professional environment in which businesses need to impress clients.

After all, on her route to becoming one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the UK, she has encountered almost every obstacle.

“I had spent many years in the pharmaceutical sector and launched my first business providing clinical audit services to GP practices,” she explained.

“Like many start-ups, my first office was my home.”

The inspiration behind the Oberoi Business Hub stemmed from the difficulties she encountered as she took those first steps as a business owner.

“As a start-up, there was very little support. I had no professional business address, no admin back-up or secretarial support, I answered my own phones or spent the evening catching up with messages on the answering machine. It wasn’t the best way to work.

“I was lucky and got a break with a blue-chip pharmaceutical giant. My passion and belief got me through the door but I see many start-ups struggle because they have not got an established brand.

“Businesses, big or small, need to present professionally. That is where Oberoi Business Hub comes in.”

The hub is based right at the centre of Derby’s Business community on Pride Park.

Kavita added. “We offer serviced offices and back-office support for clients ranging from sole traders to

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multi-national businesses/charities.

“Services include professional conference suites, premium serviced offices, flexible, customised 24-7 call answering, outbound calling, hub membership, a prestigious Pride Park virtual office address, virtual PA services and venue finding.

“We offer all the professional administrative back-up company directors need to allow them to concentrate on running their business, especially in the growth phases.

“Our ethos is that our growth comes from our clients’ growth so we are passionate about helping them push forward.”

Consequently, a key focus of the Oberoi Business Hub is to be completely flexible in being able to adapt to clients’ needs. When it comes to serviced office it enables clients to increase or reduce their space as their needs change.

One-month contracts make certain they

are not weighed down by expensive rents.

Kavita added: “We have small office units that will take one-man bands, right through to larger space for 30+ strong teams. We also have a suite of meeting rooms and conference-style rooms which businesses can hire if they need more space.

“All serviced offices come with car parking spaces, 40Mbps broadband and access to the Hub’s informal workspace area. Offices can be unfurnished or furnished.”

Incoming calls are handled by Kavita’s team in the client company’s name.

Kavita said: “The call-handing side of the business took off when I was approached by the owner of a callhandling business who was looking to retire and did a ‘secret shopper’ exercise on us to gauge our professionalism, at that stage we just had a small number of clients.

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Meet our new Ambassadors

The latest Ambassadors.

For contact details, get in touch with the regional office

“She wanted to make sure whoever took over her company would treat her customers well and was so blown away that she sold us her business and recommended us to three other similar businesses looking to retire.”

“A natural addition was our virtual PA service which offers a comprehensive list of administrative and professional skills, from diary management and minutetaking through to venue finding and document production.

“If a client wants a Powerpoint presentation put together, we can handle that on their behalf, leaving them to focus on their core duties. We also offer market research and database creation.”

There are more than 300 companies on Oberoi Business Hub’s books and a key factor for many is the sense of community it creates among its clients.

Recently the Hub has launched on online platform connecting businesses together to encourage procurement within the group.

“I am really proud of the way they work with each other, supporting their fellow Hub members to grow,” said Kavita.

Certainly, IoD regional director Ron Lynch was hugely impressed by the facilities and services of offer when he paid a visit to the Business Hub. “It’s a highly professional office space, spanning 10,000 square ft and the business lounge is a perfect fit for IoD members, with plenty of space to work and for informal meetings.

“That’s why I’m delighted Kavita has said our members can use it free of charge; I hope many members based in Derby and those who go to the city for business, drop in and take advantage of this superb new benefit.”

Members will get the chance to see the facilities for themselves in December when the Oberoi Business Hub hosts its first Derby Members Evening on December 3.

“My team and I are looking forward to meeting members in December,” said Kavita. “It’s a great opportunity for me to explain more about the services we offer.” www.iod.com/emidlandsevents

See pg 9 for more details on the Derby Members’ Evening

We are delighted to announce four new directors have signed up as IoD Ambassadors.

Our Ambassadors all bring a wealth of experience and knowledge from their careers, allowing them to act as the IoD East Midlands lead in either a business sector, on a theme or in a geographical area. They are there to provide advice and support to fellow members, so if you are looking for guidance on, for example, a legal matter, Sarah Canning of Franklin’s Solicitors can help, while at the same time representing the IoD on forums and consultative groups when legal reforms.

Gareth Thomas is our Ambassador for Skills and Learning tech, along with Steve Walker. Gareth was named Non-Executive Director of the Year earlier this year and has been a member of the IoD since 2014 His business is called Skills and Employment Support Ltd and he has a wealth of experience in the learning and education sector.

Steve Walker is a former Business Link consultant and now runs two businesses in the field of online learning, one focusing on larger companies and the other a SaaS based called ‘Improve’ which provides high quality affordable online training products for small businesses in UK. John Jennings will act as Ambassador for Employee & business engagement with an aim of generating awareness of the benefits of engagement in the workplace and further the work of the IoD in helping to develop better Directors and better businesses.

Sarah Canning is a Partner at Franklins Solicitors LLP and will be IoD Ambassador on legal issues. Her role has always been working to resolve conflict and disputes and has covered a wide range of corporate commercial and civil areas of law as both a litigator and a Mediator. She is chair of IoD Northamptonshire.

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