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BUSINESS
network JULY/AUGUST 2015
CONFERENCE CALL
INTERVIEW
ACCOUNTANCY
QUIET STORM BOSS STEVE MEGSON IS A MAN WHO 'LOVES BUSINESS'
EARN TAX BREAKS BY RELOCATING TO A RENOVATED BUILDING
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CONTENTS
BUSINESS
network JULY/AUGUST 2015 NEWS UPDATE 4
MEMBER NEWS Reinterment boost for Leicester economy
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APPOINTMENTS Movers and shakers of the East Midlands
12 DEALS & MERGERS IT firm connects with financial advisers 13 PATRONS British Heart Foundation funds university 14 CHAMBER NEWS Ian Morgan receives OBE
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20 INTERNATIONAL TRADE 18 Chamber trade missions to China and India
POLITICS 20 What does it really mean for the East Midlands to be the UK’s ‘Engine for Growth’?
INTERVIEW 22 Steve Megson, of Quiet Storm Solutions, talks about Love Business East Midlands
FEATURES 26 ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES How bringing derelict buildings back to life can offer attractive tax breaks to business 30 CONFERENCE CALL Political parties should expand their horizons when it comes to conference venues 34 REGENERATING THE EAST MIDLANDS Canalside housing scheme boost for former textiles factory in Leicester
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TRAINING & EVENTS 38 Round-up of what’s on the calendar
BUSINESS SUPPORT 40 SKILLS Research highlights skills shortage issue Editor Jon Smart T: 0333 320 0333 ext 2004 Deputy Editor Andy Hibberd T: 0333 320 0333 ext 2007 Leicestershire Contributions Editor Suzanne Farmer E: suzanne.farmer@emc-dnl.co.uk
Publishers Kemps Publishing Ltd 11 The Swan Courtyard, Charles Edward Road, Yardley, Birmingham B26 1BU T: 0121 765 4144 w: www.kempspublishing.co.uk Managing Editor Gillian Shirley T: 0121 765 4144 E: gill.shirley@kempspublishing.co.uk
44 PROPERTY Flagship site to drive Nottingham gateway 45 LEGAL Assessing the risks of workplace vehicles
Designer Lloyd Hollingworth
46 THE eBUSINESS CLUB Book now for Digital Conference and Expo
Chamber Membership E: membership@emc-dnl.co.uk
Advertising Manager Stephanie Foster T: 0121 765 4144 E: stephanie.foster@kempspublishing.co.uk
47 FINANCE Make sure you don’t sleepwalk into retirement
Follow the Chamber W: www.emc-dnl.co.uk Twitter: @EMChamberNews
Printers Warners (Midlands) plc
Submissions E: magazine@emc-dnl.co.uk
BUSINESS NETWORK is produced on behalf of East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) by Kemps Publishing Ltd and is distributed to members without charge. The Chamber and the publisher are committed to achieving the highest quality standards. While every care has been taken to ensure that the information it contains is accurate, neither the Chamber nor the publisher can accept any responsibility for any omission or inaccuracies that might arise. Views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Chamber. This publication (or any part thereof) may not be reproduced, transmitted or stored in print or electronic format without prior written permission of Kemps Publishing Ltd.
48 MOTORING Nick Jones test drives Peugeot’s new ‘go anywhere family estate’
COMMENT 50 THE LAST WORD Liz Fothergill covers the latest issues business network July/August 2015 3
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MEMBER NEWS
IN BRIEF Cloud firms driving M&As Software as a Service (SaaS) firms are driving up mergers and acquisitions (M&As) and commanding huge valuations, according to Cooper Parry Corporate Finance. A recent survey by a partner firm in its global M&A network identified key features driving value in the human resources sector, where SaaS – essentially cloud hosting with software as part of the deal – is growing at a 7.5 per cent compound annual rate. The rapid growth generated by SaaS businesses is driving M&A activity across the world, with major international players such as Sage (UK), Oracle and SAP buying proven technology and a customer lease, thus saving ongoing R&D.
Detoxing for business brains Dr Brad Poulson (pictured), Head of Innovation and Systems at Central College Nottingham, has published a new book – Process Detox: Rehab for Business Processes. The book is designed to help companies gain a competitive edge by examining the way they do business. Brad said: “Although Process Detox was written to inform professionals responsible for designing change and business processes, especially IT systems, I hope that anyone involved or interested in organisational change and becoming more effective may find it useful.”
King’s reinterment worth £59m to local economy An independent assessment found that Leicester’s economy was boosted by over £59m by the reinterment of King Richard lll. Focus, based at Phoenix Business Park, Nottingham, discovered that the King was the catalyst for increasing visitor numbers, the launching of new businesses, job creation and higher hotel occupancy. Associate at Focus, Heather Frecklington, said: “This was a unique event in history. The effects were felt widely on the economy in many ways, including creating jobs and bringing in income.” Focus looked at the period from September 2012 to
‘600,000 additional visitors came to Leicester as a result of King Richard lll, resulting in an increased spend of more than £54.5m’
20 March 2015, leaving out the time of the reinterment which they say would have had an unprecedented impact on the city, unlikely to ever be repeated. Focus analysed a range of indicators including the number of retail businesses established in the city compared to the region, the growth of accommodation and food services, visits to other local attractions including city museums and heritage sites and hotel occupancy. This was in addition to looking at the King Richard lll attractions in the city. They calculated 600,000 additional visitors came to Leicester as a result of King Richard lll, resulting in an increased spend of more than £54.5m. Leicester City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “The discovery of King Richard lll and his subsequent reinterment has had a greater impact on the city than we could ever have anticipated.” Focus found that around 1,000 fulltime equivalent jobs could have been created in the city, based on a formula developed by Deloitte and Oxford Economics which states that for every £54,000 spent in the local economy one new job is created. Leicester City Council officers calculated that the reinterment, in isolation, generated an additional £4.5m for the city’s economy, and additional figures provided by the University of Leicester estimated the value of media coverage obtained was £12m.
Waste firm proves a Dynamic investment
Conkers’ visitor milestone Conkers, the award-winning visitor attraction at the heart of The National Forest, welcomed its three millionth visitor during the May half-term holiday. The Robbs family from Birmingham were rewarded with annual family membership. Chris Sturdy, Regional Operations Manager at Conkers, said: “This milestone shows the enduring appeal of Conkers with its fantastic mix of indoor and outdoor activities.”
New shed for RSPCA Marketing agency Brighter Directions is supporting the RSPCA in Chesterfield and Derbyshire as one of its first official Wish Granters by sponsoring a much-needed shed for the Animal Centre. MD Claire Curzon said: “We see time and time again the wonderful and needed services the team and volunteers at the RSPCA do, so this donation is the very least we can do.”
4 business network July/August 2015
Collabro will perform at the Air Ambulance event at Southwell Racecourse
Collabro to headline charity’s fun day Britain’s Got Talent winners Collabro will perform live after a family fun day at Southwell Racecourse on 12 July. The group, which went straight to number one with their debut single ‘Stars’, recently appeared on TV during the VE Day celebrations in London and released their second album ‘Act Two’ in June. The day is in partnership with, and in aid of, the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance, and a percentage of ticket sales will go to the charity. There will also be a special ‘Air Ambulance Package’ available, covering admission, plus a goody bag full of Air Ambulance merchandise and a return admission ticket for the price of only £21. Sally Crawford, Deputy CEO of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance, said: “This day is all about celebrating our 21st year and I hope the event will attract people from both counties. They can bring picnics to enjoy the group’s take on a wide range of music.”
A waste reprocessing firm launched with a £240,000 loan from funding and advisory organisation First Business Enterprise Agency and now worth £9.2m has been backed to triple the size of its operation. Bio Dynamic UK has been approved by Nottingham City Council to ramp up its waste-to energy operation from 50,000 to 150,000 tonnes a year. Maxwell Bagnall, director at Bio Dynamic UK, said: “We are really grateful to First Enterprise for all their support. They were the first organisation to believe in us and give us the backing we needed to open the door to other funding opportunities to help us start the business.” Serving the entire East Midlands, First Enterprise is a not-for-profit organisation providing loans and free business advice to start-ups and existing businesses from all backgrounds and sectors. Bio Dynamic’s reprocessing plant is now the second-biggest of its type in the country, but Maxwell said with its expansion plans the business valuation is expected to rocket.
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MEMBER NEWS
Intu staff join pupils in the classroom
Brothers Tony Smith (left) and Roger Smith bring down the curtain on almost 90 years' service at JCB
JCB is a family affair for long-serving brothers A family which has clocked up Dave’s son, Julian, has completed 20 ‘Together, the family more than 200 years’ service with years with the firm and Mick’s son has notched up 213 JCB has seen two of its longCarl has worked on the backhoe years employment serving stalwarts bid a fond loader production line for nine years. farewell to the company. Together, the family has notched with JCB’ Roger Smith, 62, and his brother up 213 years employment with JCB. Tony, 65, both retired in May after 47 and 42 years’ Roger, of Denstone, who started work in April 1968, service respectively. said: “JCB has been very good for my family. I Both followed their father, Eric, into the company. He remember fondly the pioneering spirit of the early days joined in 1959 and worked for JCB for 29 years, firstly when Mr JCB [JCB founder Joseph Cyril Bamford] was as a labourer and later as a security officer. an ever-present figure. The retiring pair’s older brother, Dave, was a “But it’s equally amazing to see the company now toolroom manager at the firm. He retired five years ago has a real global presence.” after 46 years’ service. Tony, who lives at Sudbury, and who worked for But the family’s ties to JCB continue as younger much of his career as a welder, started at JCB in brother Mick, who has 20 years with the company, December 1972. He said: “I’ll really miss the place and continues to be employed as a fabrication manager. definitely my colleagues.”
Staff from Nottingham’s intu Broadmarsh and intu Victoria Centre took a break from their working week to go back to the classroom. The four staff joined 40 pupils from the Nottingham Academy to take part in a range of ice-breaking sessions before heading out on an Outward Bound Trust residential programme together in Wales last month. This was the third consecutive year that intu had sponsored the Outward Bound course for pupils at the academy, asking staff members to get involved by becoming mentors to support pupils during their outdoor learning experience. Two staff from each centre joined the 12- and 13-year-old pupils as mentors for the Outward Bound programme, which included challenging outdoor activities such as mountain expeditions, walking and camping in the wilderness. Amy Dibble, Marketing Communications Manager, said: “We are really pleased to have been able to partner up with the Outward Bound Trust and the Nottingham Academy again this year; it is a hugely important community project to us and something that our staff really enjoy. “Visiting the academy was a really important part of the experience, as mentors were given the opportunity to get to know the pupils they would be accompanying to Aberdovey.”
Students show off auto skills Students and apprentices at Derby College have started an innovative project with engineering company Futaba Industrial UK to showcase the company’s expertise in making automotive parts. Based at the Roundhouse, Pride Park, the youngsters will ‘strip back’ a Toyota Auris car which will then be exhibited at Futuba’s factory in Foston to show the parts that were made there. Futaba is the world’s third-largest manufacturer of exhausts. In the UK, it specialises in sequential production and delivery – manufacturing key parts for Toyota, ordered ‘just in time’ through state-of-the-art electronic communications and delivered to the factory in synchronisation with its vehicle build. Futaba Industrial UK Production Engineering Assistant Manager Rob Wright said: “Being able to hand over this project to the students at Derby College has been a great help in a busy workplace. This project will also mark the start of a programme of visits with the college which will enable us to play our part in training the engineers of the future.” Derby College Engineering Team Manager Will Overton added: “Projects such as this are mutually beneficial to the college and local companies. They give our students valuable work experience and an insight into the skills and attitudes required by employers.”
Online care tracking service launched
Futaba Industrial UK Production Engineering Assistant Manager Rob Wright (right) hands over the Toyota Auris to Derby College Team Manager Will Overton
Pure Homecare has developed an online service to enable people to track the care provided to sick and vulnerable family and friends. The service was developed in response to pressures facing people responsible for the care of a loved one but who also have to work. Lola Ojomo, Director at Leicsterbased Pure Homecare, said: “Our portal reinforces our central values of transparency as well as reassuring clients that while they are busy in their day-to-day life or far away from their loved one, they can have peace of mind about their care.” business network July/August 2015 5
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MEMBER NEWS
Broadband service puts auto firm in the fast lane Lumici launches unique app builder Derby-based Educational Technologies provider Lumici has launched a new platform, Lumici App Builder. The platform allows users to create a multi-functional app with ease using the simple drag-anddrop interface. Atif Mahmood, Founder and CEO of Lumici, said: “Building your own app shouldn’t take a year and cost thousands, not when budgets are so tight and competition is so high. “The Lumici App Builder is a quick and easy way to have a useful, interactive company app without paying large sums of money.” The App Builder offers ecommerce, quizzes, push notifications, events calendars and booking, contact forms and more. Apps can be created in minutes using pre-set templates, or can be created completely from scratch. Lumici, which can also design and build bespoke apps, is based in Derby’s newest office space, Riverside Chambers.
Display screens to aid Garrandale Hardy Digital has supplied Garrandale with three dynamic digital display screens - also called digital display posters. The screens will help Garrandale, of Derby, to showcase its new branding and to communicate interactively with customers at various trade and industry exhibitions. “We like the fact that digital posters are portable and easy to use and it makes our communication interactive at the shows,” said Andrew Millington, Garrandale’s Financial Director. Tom Hardy, of Hardy Signs, said: “We are constantly looking at new and innovative ways to serve customers and these digital posters are one of the display solutions we offer. If you have something to share with your customers, we have a range of display solutions to make it happen.”
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A German vehicle specialist in Derby has learned the true meaning of Volkswagen Audi Group’s tagline ‘vorsprung durch technik’ – advancement through technology. It had suffered unusably slow internet speeds at its Osmaston Park Industrial Estate premises and found its access to the information superhighway fraught with crashes and delays. With a need for state-of-the-art software programmes and electronic servicing updates via the worldwide web for the prestige vehicles it worked on, the 2mb/s top speed of German Automotive’s previous internet connection was simply not good enough.
‘We have had the service for a few weeks and the speed is 40mb/s and it has not fallen over once’ “We have built this business up over the past eight years from repairing two cars a week to 20 Ian Essex of German vehicles a day but were struggling Automotive with Matthew with the poor broadband service Trueman of WarwickNet which was regularly crashing and required rebooting every few days,” said Service Manager Ian Essex. “We for our business and I cannot speak more highly of the spoke to BT about improving the service but it told us it service that we have received.” would cost more than £700 a month for a leased line.” Matthew Trueman, Business Development Manager Frustrated, curiosity got the better of the firm when for WarwickNet, in Derby, said: “This is a common issue it spotted fellow Chamber member Warwicknet for companies who not only suffer from poor installing cabinets on the estate. broadband service but also poor information and Ian added: “When WarwickNet started putting in communication. They simply do not know where to cabinets opposite our offices, they told us it would be turn for a cost-effective solution to what is an everyday £60 a month to connect to their service. I thought it problem. The Government is supporting the roll-out of was too good to be true at first. However, we have had superfast broadband and the local authorities are also the service for a few weeks and the speed is 40mb/s behind it through their Connection Voucher Scheme.” and it has not fallen over once. It is absolutely brilliant
Student designs power-free amp An acoustic amplifier that requires no electrical input has been developed by a product design student from Nottingham Trent University. Direct was developed by Adam Russell (pictured) as part of his final project for this year’s Nottingham Trent University Degree Show week. The product improves and amplifies the sound emitted by handheld devices, improving the user-experience when listening to music or watching videos. Aimed at an ever-diversifying technological industry, the product is unique in its acoustic amplification through the material, not electric power. Manufactured through 3D printing, Direct follows the traditional ‘gramophone trumpet’ shape, a design proven to provide the best acoustic sound. The model is adaptable to various makes of smartphone and MP3 players, allowing it to be utilised by a wide variety of users. Adam said: “It’s been great to see Direct develop over the past few months. The key focus was to help improve the userexperience with handheld devices while maintaining functionality. By not using a power source, the product is unique in its approach to sound amplification.”
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MEMBER NEWS
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MEMBER NEWS
Foxes’ cup-winning star to lead charity golf day Matthew Tucker of Morgan Tucker
Consultants back ten charities in tenth year Consulting engineering firm Morgan Tucker has confirmed its nominated charities for 2015. Celebrating ten years in business this year, Morgan Tucker has pledged to support ten charities nominated by staff. It hopes to raise about £10,000 by undertaking various activities and through donations. Staff at the firm, which is headquartered in Newark, have already raised around £3,500. Managing Director Matthew Tucker is delighted to support his staff’s chosen charities in such a significant year for the firm. “We’ve always done our bit to support local and national causes close to the firm, but this year we wanted to open it up to everyone to make suggestions and we selected ten which meant a lot to our staff.”
Former Leicester City all-rounder Matt Elliott will be the star turn at a corporate golf day for the Belvoir Castle Cricket & Countryside Trust. Elliott, who captained the Foxes to their League Cup victory in 2000, scoring both goals, is inviting teams to join him on the tee at Radcliffeon-Trent Golf Club, Nottingham, on Wednesday 10 September. He will later take part in a fun Q&A at a fundraising dinner with Trust director and ex-Notts cricketer Darren Bicknell. Elliott was also BBC Radio Leicester’s match analyst on the Foxes’ return to the Premiership. Teams of four are invited to register now and extra places are available for the dinner only at £25 per head. The format will be stableford with prizes for the first three teams, nearest the pin and longest drive and a super raffle. The Trust, a registered charity, delivers cricket coaching and countryside education to more than 2,500 children every year.
Above: Ex-Notts cricketer Darren Bicknell coaching at a Cricket and Countryside Education Day on the Belvoir Castle Estate. Right: Matt Elliott
To book your place or for further information and sponsorship opportunities call 07825 992406 or email darren@belvoircastlecrickettrust.co.uk
L-R: Rhoda Cooper, Mercy McDonald, Jo McBride, Jessica Rigg (front) and Trevor Shaw, Chris O’Neill, Philip Murray (rear)
GT Wolf runners’ charity cash dash Eleven staff from the Leicester office of business and financial advisers Grant Thornton took on the gruelling Wolf Run challenge to raise money for a local charity. The firm’s Jo McBride, Trevor Shaw, Kari Mellon, Claire Wright, Mercy McDonald, Philip Murray, Jessica Rigg, Chris McKain, Phil Sayers, Rhoda Cooper and Chris O'Neill competed in the event at Stamford Hall on 13 June. The challenging 10k run and obstacle course combines off-road running, mud runs, trail runs and obstacles, both natural and man-made, and is designed to test mental and physical strength, skill and stamina. Jo McBride, Grant Thornton’s Office Manager in Leicester, who led the team’s fundraising efforts, said they were hoping to raise £2,000 for Women’s Aid Leicestershire. 8 business network July/August 2015
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MEMBER NEWS
Feedback system for rented sector
Claire Griffiths HR and Admin Director at DE22 Creative (left) with other award winners from the evening
DE22 earns green award Derby-based DE22 Creative Design Solutions has become the first creative industries business in the East Midlands to win the Investors in the Environment (IiE) Award. DE22 Creative, which has offices on Friar Gate, has achieved an IiE Bronze in the nationwide environmental accreditation initiative. The programme is designed to help businesses save money and the environment by improving their energy efficiency and reducing their environmental impact. DE22 Creative will now join a
‘This is not a moral crusade – it actually makes perfect business sense as reducing consumption and improving business practices saves money’ nationwide register of Investors in the Environment businesses and their progress will be monitored every year.
DE22 Creative HR and Administration Director Claire Griffiths said: “We are delighted that we are the first creative industries business in the East Midlands to achieve this accreditation. “This is not a moral crusade – it actually makes perfect business sense as reducing consumption and improving business practices saves money and provides a more costeffective service. We are continually supporting and advising our clients about how to reduce unnecessary print runs.”
Landlords and tenants in Newark can take part in a revolutionary rental feedback scheme intended to raise standards in the private rented sector. Known as Consider-rate, the scheme offers a unique twoway feedback system helping tenants and lettings agents make sound judgments based on specific questions. The collated information will fill gaps currently found through standard referencing. Tenants, letting agents and landlords can build up their own online digital CV, allowing all parties to demonstrate they are responsible and reliable. Newark-based Buttercross Estates, on Middle Gate, has become the first in the area to adopt the innovative rental feedback system. Buttercross sees the scheme as the alternative to licensing as it encourages improvements within the sector but with the extra benefit that it provides real value to both landlords and tenants.
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APPOINTMENTS
Louren Bartley takes on new role
Andrew McDaid and Tony Hornsby
Two new partners for Mitchells Chesterfield-based independent chartered accountants and business advisers, Mitchells, has strengthened its senior management team with the appointment of two Partners. Andrew McDaid and Tony Hornsby, who were both previously Senior Associates with the firm, now join Managing Partners Richard Trueman and Tim Leeman in leading the strategic direction of Mitchells. Founded nearly 150 years ago, the appointment of Andrew and Tony secures the long-term future of Mitchells, an expert SME business adviser across the region. Managing Partner Richard Trueman said: “Tony and Andrew are instrumental in our plans for the future and I am delighted that they are joining us.”
Nottingham marketing professional Louren Bartley has joined the city’s accountancy firm EBS in the new role of Marketing and PR Assistant. Reporting directly to EBS’ founder and MD Jill Evenden, Louren has joined the firm to support the development of its marketing, PR communications, social media and business development strategy, as the firm experiences sustained growth, new clients and instructions. EBS, based on Nottingham’s Barker Gate, provides a dedicated accountancy service to SMEs and ownermanaged businesses and celebrated its 21st anniversary last year. Louren joins EBS after four years at Dollar Financial, based at Nottingham’s Castle Marina where she played a pivotal role in the company’s consumer and businessfocused marketing campaigns. She also managed Dollar Financial’s social media campaigns and several design projects.
Maria Brown and Ben Hibberd Sweet
Youngsters have found a Purpose-ful career Following another successful year, further employment opportunities have been created at Purpose Media to help two local young people start their careers. Maria Brown and Ben Hibberd-Sweet have started at the ecommerce website and online marketing specialist. Maria will be an Account Manager in the client support team and Ben will start as a Junior Website Developer. The new roles were created in response to the growing demand from manufacturers, retailers and wholesalers. Maria, 23, who lives in Derby, graduated in 2014 with a BA (Hons) first in Media Production from the University of Derby. Her course modules included television production, radio production and web design and development. Ben, 19, lives in Sutton-in-Ashfield and has GCSEs in English and Maths. Since leaving school he has gained a range of qualifications including level 3 apprenticeship in web development and telecom professionals.
Melanie appointed Associate Dean
Lauren Wright and Louise Henshaw, Pellacraft’s new administrators
L-R: Debbie Pegg, Victoria Carson-Smyth and Aimie Loveday
Consultancy recruits four for the future A Leicestershire-based engineering consultancy has strengthened its team with the appointment of four new construction professionals. Joining the team at M-EC Consulting Development Engineers are Senior Driller and Site Technician Carlo Camposano (pictured right), Technical Secretary Victoria Carson-Smyth, Lighting Engineer Aimie Loveday and Civil Engineering Technician, Debbie Pegg. Victoria, Aimie and Debbie will work in M-EC’s construction design division under Associate Infrastructure Engineer Craig Perks. Carlo will set up a new site technical services division under the guidance of Associate GeoEnvironmental Engineer Kevin Bullock. “All four recruits have made a really positive impact,” said M-EC’s Managing Director, Eddie Mewies.
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Sales push creates two new positions Family-owned business gifts and promotional merchandise supplier Pellacraft has appointed two new sales administrators following yet another successful year. Lauren Wright, 21, from Suttonin-Ashfield, and Louise Henshaw, 23, from Leabrooks, Derbyshire, have joined the 30-year-old business to help manage key accounts. The duo will provide quotes, place sales and purchase orders with suppliers and generally liaise with customers on a day-to-day basis. Prior to joining Pellacraft, Lauren studied at Ashfield Comprehensive School and West Nottinghamshire College where she gained eight AC GCSEs and A-levels in English language, sociology and media. Lauren initially qualified as a hairdresser but wanted a change in career and to become more involved in sales.
Melanie Currie has been appointed Associate Dean of Nottingham Business School at Nottingham Trent University. She has been tasked with developing the school’s international reputation and carving a strong niche for personalised learning with real-world experience embedded at all levels of study. Melanie was previously Head of Undergraduate Programmes at NBS and has a particular interest in innovative curriculum design and enriching the student experience. Professor Baback Yazdani, Dean of Nottingham Business School, said: “Melanie brings a great track record of innovation and achievements in business and management education and will help us accelerate our experiential learning and personalisation agenda in this pivotal role.” Melanie added: “This is a fantastic opportunity to work with and support the great talent at Nottingham Business School during what is a very exciting time for the University and the School. I look forward to supporting the staff and school in realising our ambitions.”
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APPOINTMENTS
IN BRIEF
City business club’s new President Nic Elliott, a Director of Nottingham law firm, Actons, has been elected as the new President of the Nottingham City Business Club (NCBC). He takes over from Jonathan English, Managing Director of video production company Skeleton Productions, who has been the club’s President for the past year. Nic is an employment lawyer and heads up Actons’ employee investigations team. He said: “I am really pleased to have been elected as President of NCBC. I’ve been involved in the club for some time, most recently as Vice President, and look forward to leading it over the next 12 months. “I want to build on the great work Jonathan has put into developing the club and grow the membership to ensure it reflects the strength of business in the city.” James Simmonds, Partner at accountants, UHY Hacker Young LLP, was elected VicePresident and Alison Rayner, of Initial Design, was re-elected Club Secretary.
New Partner promotion
Ian Borley and Marc Abrams
Marc moves up to Partner at KPMG Marc Abrams, previously a Director within the tax function in the East Midlands, has been promoted to Partner at KPMG. Marc has played a leading role in KPMG’s business development programme within the East Midlands while, at the same time, leading the local tax team. Marc will be a Partner in KPMG’s Enterprise practice and, as such, will be helping local businesses address a wide range of challenges and assisting them to achieve their objectives. KPMG’s Senior Partner for the East Midlands, Ian Borley said: “I am delighted to welcome Marc to KPMG’s East Midlands Partnership. “His many years of experience of advising clients here makes him a great addition to our senior team.”
Nottingham solicitor Sharp Young & Pearce has promoted Rebecca Emeleus to Partner. Rebecca joined the firm in 2011 and has experience of helping and advising clients in all types of personal injury and civil cases including catastrophic injury cases. Rebecca’s promotion brings the number of partners at the firm to ten and comes at a time when the firm is experiencing considerable growth in all services offered.
Adrian joins the Board Senior Consultant Adrian Baker has been appointed to the Board of Directors at CoachworksConsulting in recognition of his contribution to the business over the past five years. Adrian had a successful career in banking for 13 years before switching to the motor industry in the mid-90s, since which he has represented brands such as Audi and Toyota as a retailer. As an experienced leader having achieved success in two very different but demanding sectors, the decision to apply his experience in the consulting arena led him to join Coachworks.
Nada joins Hallam Internet Nottingham-based Hallam Internet has appointed PR consultant Nada Giuffrida. With over 20 years’ experience, Nada has worked for small, medium and large organisations and run her own PR communications business. Announcing her appointment, Managing Director Susan Hallam said: “We are thrilled to welcome Nada to our team.”
Jonathan Gilbert and Lorna Trueman
Two new Partners for Flint Bishop Law firm Flint Bishop has made two promotions just two weeks after a major recruitment drive was announced. Lorna Trueman, who joined the firm in 2010, has been promoted to Commercial Litigation Partner. She has over ten years of litigation experience and acts for large multinational companies dealing with high value and complex claims. The second promotion is Defendant Insurance Partner, Jonathan Gilbert, who has been with the firm for over 23 years. Both Lorna and Jon report directly to Qamer Ghafoor, Managing Partner of Commercial Services and Head of Litigation. Qamer said: “In the past few years, the firm has seen a strong growth in many practice areas. The promotion of Lorna and Jon builds on that success and is in recognition of their first class technical expertise, client service and leadership qualities.”
Four more for Wilsons L-R: Toby Preston, Catherine North, Andy Hitchon, Tim Gladdle, Linda Jerman, Robin Johnston and Amanda Sutcliffe.
Solicitors announce a raft of promotions Tim Gladdle, Senior Partner at Bray & Bray Solicitors, has announced six internal promotions across the firm’s East Midlands’ offices. They took effect last month. In recognition of both exceptional talent and hard work, Toby Preston (Corporate and Commercial) and Amanda Sutcliffe (Residential Property) were appointed Partners. Robin Johnston (Corporate and Restructuring), Catherine North (Commercial Property), Linda Jerman (Business Defence) and Andy Hitchon (Wills, Trusts and Tax) have been appointed Associates. Tim said: “I am delighted by these promotions. At Bray & Bray we have developed an outstanding team made up of strong individuals who work hard to achieve the best possible results for clients.” Bray & Bray Solicitors has offices in Leicester, Market Harborough and Hinckley.
Nottingham-based insurance and financial solutions firm The Wilson Organisation has made four senior appointments in its General Insurance Division. Neil Tennant and John Procter both join as Account Directors, Fiona Mitchell as Major Client Broker and Susan Blackley as Major and Commercial Insurance Manager. The new appointments mark a significant first step in the strategy to ‘build and grow the General Insurance team’ set-out by Mark Minton when he joined Wilsons in the new role of Managing Director of its General Insurance Division in December last year.
For more appointments visit http://bit.ly/1GIfDnQ
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DEALS & MERGERS
IN BRIEF
Brampton sponsors Proact lounge Brampton Brewery has signed a long-term deal to sponsor the 1866 Club Lounge at Chesterfield FC’s Proact Stadium. The agreement will result in the lounge being named the 'Brampton Brewery 1866 Lounge' and a special '1866 Best Bitter' being brewed. The Club’s Head of Commercial and Marketing, Kevin Fitzgerald, said: "Not only is the deal worth a substantial amount of money to the football club over a long period of time, it is with a local company which produces some very popular beers that have been available on the concourses."
Engineering firm puts Mark in the driving seat International engineering firm Nylacast has joined forces with race car driver Mark Draghicescu for the latest season of HSCC Historic Formula Ford Championship. Originally from the US, Mark moved to England when he was 18 to pursue his motorsport dream. Competing under the banner MD Racing, he is driving Speedsport’s 1971 Merlyn MK20 this season in the historic FF1600 series for single-seater cars built and raced before 1972, the glory years of Formula Ford. He attracted the support of Nylacast because automotive is a key sector for the company, which has two bases in the US as well as a major manufacturing operation in Leicester and offices in South Africa. Nylacast Marketing Manager Junaid Makda said: "Success in car racing requires many of the qualities that our customers value in our products, such as strength, reliability and
precision. Racing drivers have to perform in challenging conditions and our products also have to stand up to testing environments in some of the toughest industries in the world." Mark added: “I started racing go-karts at the age of 13 and the feeling of winning is like no other. “It is great to have Nylacast's backing, and as an engineering graduate, I am very interested in the research and development behind their products in motorsport and beyond. It's also great that they have a strong connection with my home country.”
University gets £9m from Sunwah Foundation De Montfort University, Leicester, has marked ten years of successful association with the Sunwah Foundation with the announcement of a formal partnership agreement set to create opportunities for thousands of students around the world. Two new centres, named after Sunwah chairman Dr Jonathan KS Choi, are set to open on DMU’s Leicester campus in 2016. In addition, a DMU London base will be created in Docklands. Dr Choi, through his Sunwah Foundation, will contribute a sum of £9m to DMU over the course of the next five years to fund the Dr Jonathan KS Choi Business School – the single biggest endowment ever made to the university.
MBO secures firm’s future Plumbing, heating and property services company, T&S Heating, has undergone a management buyout with support from First Enterprise Business Agency. The deal was led by T&S Heating’s Finance Director Saeed Rafique and Managing Director Robert Bluff after the previous owner retired from the business. Operating from its Arnold HQ, the company employs more than 80 members of staff and provides heating, bathroom and building services across the East Midlands. Saeed said: “We needed additional funding and I had previous experience of working with First Enterprise so they were my first port of call to speak to about financial support.”
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Mark Draghicescu and his car at Nylacast 1
IT connects with business advice Retail IT solutions company Retail Assist, which has its head office in Nottingham, has appointed the East Midlands office of business and financial advisers Grant Thornton as its business adviser. Retail Assist provides specialist IT support to leading retailers and hospitality operators in the UK and internationally. It has appointed Grant Thornton to provide a comprehensive business and financial support service spanning audit, tax, business and financial advice. The firm’s East Midlands’ team working with Retail Assist comprises Tom Copson, Associate Director leading the Audit team, Kari Mellon, Senior Manager leading Private Client services, Mike Burt who will head its dedicated Corporate Tax team, and Andy Morgan, a specialist in Technology, Media and Telecommunications and Advisory Partner at Grant Thornton. Alan Morris, Executive Chairman at Retail Assist, said: “We were impressed by the commitment Grant Thornton demonstrates to
L-R: Tom Copson (Associate Director Grant Thornton), Alan Morris (Executive Chairman Retail Assist), Matthew Proudlove (Chief Finance Officer, Retail Assist), Kari Mellon (Senior Manager, Tax, Grant Thornton).
growing businesses of our size, which aligns strongly with our own plans for business growth. “We look forward to advancing our growth strategy as we experience a good relationship.” Tom Copson said: “Retail Assist is at the forefront of the provision
of technology solutions to the retail sector. The company is fast growing and investing in research and development into the latest solutions for its customers and we are delighted Retail Assist has selected Grant Thornton to help it achieve its ambitions.”
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PATRONS
IN BRIEF College Court to expand
Paramedics will trial the new rapid response treatment for stroke patients
Boost for stroke patients Paramedics from seven ambulance the type of stroke suffered. ‘The earlier a patient services across the UK are to be Leading the new study, Professor was given glyceryl Philip Bath, said: “This trial is a recruited to help trial a new ‘rapid trinitrate, the better response’ treatment for stroke logical extension of our previous patients. studies which suggested that the their chances of a full Researchers at the University of earlier a patient was given glyceryl recovery from stroke’ Nottingham have been awarded trinitrate, the better their chances of a full recovery from stroke. funding from the British Heart Foundation to carry out a clinical trial to use medicated “We are very grateful for the cooperation of UK skin patches to lower blood pressure quickly after a Ambulance Services, including the East Midlands suspected stroke, before the patient gets to hospital. Ambulance Service (EMAS) which is coordinating the ambulance part of the trial, where paramedics will lead The study follows a large international trial called ENOS (Efficacy of Nitric Oxide in Stroke), led from on identifying patients who are suspected of having a Nottingham, which indicated that early treatment with stroke. skin patches containing blood pressure-lowering “More than 30 hospitals, including Nottingham University Hospitals’ Trust, will care for the patients glyceryl trinitrate (also known as nitroglycerine) had a once they arrive and help with follow up.” beneficial effect on a patient’s recovery, depending on
Double award for design student Knitwear design student Ella Nisbett scooped two awards at Graduate Fashion Week. The 25-year-old, who studies at Nottingham Trent University’s School of Art & Design, won the Stuart Peters Visionary Knitwear Award and the Menswear Award. Her designs – which are the outcome of her dissertation on men’s fashion and subcultures – were inspired by the 1940s Zoot Suiters and the Sapeurs in the Congo, both male sub-cultural groups which show attitude and aspiration through clothing. Ella said: “To have been recognised in such a way by such highly respected industry professionals is an absolute honour. It is a night I will remember forever.”
University of Leicester conference centre and hotel, College Court, is expanding its facilities. Due to an extremely high volume of enquiries College Court, which opened in October 2013, is already increasing its capacities to include another conference room to hold 100 delegates. Its existing Willow and Sycamore suites will undergo renovation in August, transforming the two training rooms into one large meeting room to hold up to 100 delegates in a theatre-style set up.
90 years of Caterpillar Chamber patron Caterpillar turns 90 this year. The company said: “Caterpillar’s 90th anniversary is a time to celebrate – a time to reflect on the past and look toward the future. “To celebrate this milestone, we’ll highlight Caterpillar's innovations and people from 1925 to 2015. In a campaign titled ‘90 Reasons for 90 Years’, we’ll showcase 90 artefacts that represent reasons why – against the odds – Caterpillar has been in business for 90 years.”
Driver of the Year
Some of the clothes created by knitwear design student Ella Nisbett
Ian McInnes, Course Leader for Fashion Knitwear at Nottingham Trent University, said: “Staff and fellow students are delighted with the news of Ella’s double win at this year's Graduate Fashion Week event.
These two prestigious awards are testimony to her quiet determination, design talent and manufacturing expertise. She is an excellent ambassador for the fashion knitwear and knitted textiles course.”
Samworth Brothers driver Allan Marsh is the first ever Microlise Driver of the Year. He beat 90,000 other drivers in the UK to scoop the accolade and was also named best driver in the long distance category. Anonymous data recorded through Microlise technology and analysed by the University of Nottingham helped create an initial shortlist of 15 drivers, five in each of the three categories – short, medium and long distance. Allan said: “Drivers don’t often get recognition so it is good that this award is raising awareness of the importance of good driver skills.”
THE CHAMBER IS HONOURED BY THE SUPPORT OF ITS PATRONS
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CHAMBER NEWS
John Longworth of the BCC
Productivity must not be allowed to fall The Chamber has warned that forecasts of a downturn in productivity must not be allowed to become a self-fulfilling prophecy. The comment followed an announcement from the British Chambers of Commerce that it was downgrading its UK GDP forecast for 2015 from 2.7% to 2.3% following a weaker than expected start to the year. It said, however, that it believed the slowdown would be temporary and the prospects over the medium term remained steady. John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “It is always disappointing when we have to downgrade our growth forecast but the unexpectedly low figures from the ONS on Q1 2015 make it unavoidable. “While this slowdown will serve as a warning about the strength of our economic recovery, we believe the UK will secure steady growth in the years to come.” Chris Hobson, Director of Policy and External Affairs for East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) said it was important that the figures were considered in context and did not become a self-fulfilling prophecy. “Business confidence remains high, particularly across the East Midlands, despite the slight national downturn reported by the BCC,” he said. “The pre-election doubt has gone but there is still uncertainty over the UK's ties to Europe. Business does not like uncertainty. It is imperative the Government does everything it can to give business absolute confidence to continue to drive growth, create jobs and pursue new clients overseas to ensure a positive balance of trade. “Business doesn't want to hear that the economy is slowing down, it creates doubt and uncertainty, it stalls investment and the warning becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. What is important in this information from the BCC is that it believes the slowdown to be temporary and that growth is expected to remain steady over the medium term.” 14 business network July/August 2015
Digital Economy Minister Ed Vaizey has revealed that the cost of online security breaches is rising rapidly
Cyber security must be top priority for business The Chamber is urging businesses to take steps to protect themselves online after a new report revealed that cyber security breaches could leave even small firms in the East Midlands with bills running to tens of thousands of pounds. The 2015 Information Security Breaches Report, unveiled by Digital Economy Minister Ed Vaizey towards the end of June, showed that the average cost of the most severe online security breaches for big businesses (500+ employees) now starts at £1.46m (up from £600,000 in 2014).
‘90% of large organisations reported they had suffered an information security breach in the past year’ The cost to SMEs was between £75,000 and £311,000 (up from £65,000 and £115,000). The findings were based on a survey carried out by PwC for the Government’s Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. It found that 90% of large organisations reported they had suffered an information security breach in the past year, while 74% of small and
medium-sized businesses reported the same. And while attacks from outsiders have become a greater threat for all firms, 75% of large businesses and 30% of small business have suffered staff-related security breaches. However, the survey also found that more firms have taken action to tackle the cyber threat, with a third of organisations now using the Government’s ‘Ten Steps to Cyber Security’ guidance, up from a quarter in 2014. And nearly half (49%) of all organisations have achieved a ‘Cyber Essentials’ badge – a Government accreditation indicating they have taken steps to protect themselves against common internet threats, or plan to get one in the next year. Andy Watterson, Business Crime Manager at the Chamber, said: “Cyber crime is a huge – and rapidly growing – threat to businesses of all sizes, which makes increasing awareness of cyber security and its importance to local businesses an urgent Chamber priority. “I would urge businesses of all sizes to make use of the help and guidance available from Government and take up the Cyber Essentials Scheme. While staying secure online should be a key consideration for all businesses, becoming Cyber Essentials accredited will also open up opportunities for firms which want to bid for certain public contracts and need the certification to proceed.”
Calling for clarity over cuts Chancellor George Osborne last month announced an additional £3bn of Government spending cuts for this year. They include £450m from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and £545m from the Department for Transport (DfT). He also announced plans to sell the Government's remaining 30% stake in the Royal Mail, expected to raise an extra £1.5bn to help decrease the nation's debts. Chris Hobson, the Chamber's Director of Policy and External Affairs, said: “Many businesses were expecting a further round of cuts to public expenditure in the wake of an election which returned a Conservative majority. “This will put even more pressure on the private sector to expand and create the jobs, wealth and, in turn, tax revenues
‘The Government should provide additional clarity on exactly where the axe will fall’ required to fund the public services the UK wants and needs. “Over the past five years, businesses, particularly here in the East Midlands, have done much of the heavy lifting to get the economy back on its feet. They stand ready to do so again and
take on the challenge of helping to achieve the Chancellor’s vision of making the Midlands the UK’s ‘Engine for Growth’. “With this in mind, the Government should, without delay, provide additional clarity on exactly where the axe will fall, particularly in relation to the planned cuts to the BIS and DfT budgets, in order to minimise uncertainty and create the stability businesses need to thrive. “Business wants a plan for fiscal consolidation which is carefully balanced with the overriding need to nurture investment, job creation and growth. Investing in increasing productivity and business growth, coupled with preventative measures to control costs while interest rates are historically low, is likely to reduce the structural deficit faster than slashing spending too deeply.”
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CHAMBER NEWS
Rail electrification plan is sidelined Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has sidelined plans to electrify the Midland Main Line railway. But he said he wasn’t pulling the plug on the project, and that it will still go ahead, just not with the priority it had previously enjoyed. The news was met with disappointment by the Chamber. Chris Hobson (pictured), Head of Information and Representation, said: “The Chamber is extremely disappointed and frustrated that the electrification of the Midlands Main Line will not go ahead as planned. “It is disappointing that the original plans couldn’t be delivered on time or budget and frustrating that this key project isn’t being given the prioritisation that the success of the region demands.
‘The evidence in favour of upgrading this route is compelling’ “The Transport Secretary, whose constituency is in the East Midlands, has said the project is still part of his plans. The Government must now clarify exactly when it will be delivered. “The evidence in favour of upgrading this route is compelling. It will significantly reduce travel times between the East Midlands and London, unlocking potential economic benefits of around £200m for the region. “The Chancellor was in the region only a few weeks ago describing it as the UK’s ‘Engine for Growth’. Infrastructure is a driver of that engine and to have this key project shunted back into the sidings is a grave concern.”
The proposed HS2 rail line could be a major boost for East Midlands businesses
Toton on track to be region’s HS2 station Toton is building up a head of steam as the preferred venue for the East Midlands station on the HS2 rail line. In June, Derby City Council, which had been driving hard to have the station developed on its side of the county boundary if not in the city itself, gave its backing to building the station on Toton sidings, just outside Nottingham. The move is significant as it demonstrates a regional consensus for working together to ensure the Eastern Leg of the proposed new rail link between Birmingham and the north goes ahead. Chris Hobson, the Chamber’s
Head of Information and Representation, said: “This is a positive development and means that with this regional consensus, the Government can press ahead with confirming both the route for the Eastern Leg and the timetable for its delivery, something which the Chamber pressed the Treasury on recently. “HS2 is the single-biggest transformational transport infrastructure project in generations and represents a huge opportunity for businesses in the East Midlands. It will bring the capacity and connectivity that will help underpin the region’s future success.”
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CHAMBER NEWS
Can your business be more profitable? By Chris Newton FCCA and Chartered Tax Adviser Managing a business is a skill developed by practice. There are no definitive right or wrong answers and businesses with very different management strategies can be similarly successful. Before deciding how to get a business to where you want it to be it is important to understand where your business is. Regular management accounts are useful in this respect but are useless if they are inaccurate or delivered late. Management information allows for informed decisions on areas such as sales volumes, sales prices, gross margins and overhead expenditure. Otherwise it is often too easy to get caught up in the daily operations and receive a surprise from the annual accounts that the business has not been as profitable as you had expected. A key factor for any business is to manage its cashflow. An understanding of a company’s cashflows based upon management accounts will highlight problems with future growth and expansion whilst also serving as a target to strive towards. Controlling a growing business is difficult but it is made much easier when you have up to date information at your disposal. What information do you use to run your business, how useful is it and how timely is it in your hands? For further information or advice, please contact Chris Newton on 0115 9609955 or at chris@newtax.co.uk
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SPONSORED BY: NEWTONS ACCOUNTANTS LIMITED
Chamber Board member Ian honoured with OBE Chamber Board member Ian Morgan has been awarded an OBE for Services to Public Transport and the Community in the Queen's Birthday Honours. Ian has spent 42 years in the bus industry in a variety of roles and is the current Deputy Chairman of Wellglade Group, the UK’s largest independently-owned bus operator. Five local bus companies including the award winning Trentbarton make up the Group, which is also partner in the Tramlink Nottingham consortium. Wellglade was formed in 1986 when the management team and employees of Trent Buses bought the business from the Government. Ian is Chairman of the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK, the bus and coach industry’s trade association. It is recognised by Government as the voice of the industry and represents over 1,000 companies from the largest PLCs to the smallest family businesses. He is also a long-standing Chamber Board Director and served as President of the former Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce in 2010/2011. He currently sits on the board of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, is Chairman of the East Staffordshire Cricket Development
Ian Morgan has been awarded an OBE
‘My reaction was one of stunned surprise and delight. It certainly cushioned the pain of the Rams’ defeat’ Group and Vice-President of Burton Hockey Club. He lives in Stretton, near Burton upon Trent, and has been married to Sylvia for 32 years. They have two sons Joe, 29, and Tom, 28. He said: “I’m chuffed to bits. The news arrived by letter just minutes before I left home to watch Derby County’s final disappointing home match of the season and my reaction was one of stunned surprise and delight. It certainly
cushioned the pain of the Rams’ defeat. “I believe that the fantastic achievements of everyone at Trentbarton and Kinchbus is the main reason for the honour. It is a great team to be part of and I feel very privileged to have contributed to the success of a medium-sized bus company from the East Midlands, which has led the development of the UK bus industry for the past 20 years. “My family has been exceptionally supportive throughout, particularly Sylvia who brought up our sons almost on her own in the early days of our management buyout – she still jokes that people in the village thought she was a single mother.” Chamber President Liz Fothergill said: “On behalf of the Chamber, I would like to pass on its warmest congratulations to Ian on being awarded this prestigious honour. “Ian has made a massive positive contribution to the local business community, both through his work in developing excellent local transport links at Wellglade through to his tireless dedication and commitment to the local business agenda as a Chamber Board Director and former President, as well as a D2N2 Board member. This honour is thoroughly deserved.”
Leading academic steps down Chamber Board member Professor John Coyne retires as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby at the end of this academic year. He will continue to serve as a Director of the Chamber. Prof Coyne served as Vice-Chancellor at the university for 11 years and is a known and respected figure across East Midlands’ academia. He began his career at Nottingham University, from which he graduated in 1973 with a first class honours degree in industrial economics. He has held a variety of roles with East Midlands universities, including Director of the Centre for Management Buyout Research at Nottingham, Dean of Leicester Business School and Pro-Vice-Chancellor of De Montfort University. He also serves as a Commissioner on the UK Council for Employment and Skills. Chamber President Liz Fothergill said: “John has made a significant contribution to higher education and to local business by overseeing an outstanding organisation which helps to equip tomorrow’s business leaders with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. “His retirement is academia’s loss but I’m delighted he is continuing to serve as a director of the Chamber.”
Professor John Coyne with Chamber President Liz Fothergill
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CHAMBER NEWS
Driving exports by degrees A new degree-level qualification in exporting should be introduced to help British businesses unlock their full potential in the global marketplace, according to a new independent report. The final report from the Cole Commission calls for political leadership from the Prime Minister down to drive a “revolution in export culture”. It recommends that the Government works with higher education providers and leading exporters to develop a qualification Young people need exporting skills – at either undergraduate or postgraduate level – that equips young people with the skills and experience they need to take “British products and services into new markets and complete deals”. The qualification would include skills in language, culture, geo-politics, marketing and export finance and would be backed by a range of UK exporters offering work placements, both at home and abroad. The report also recommends reforming UK Export Finance (UKEF) and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) to ensure they “work as one to champion UK exports”, by co-locating both organisations and uniting them under a shared set of key performance indicators aimed at boosting exports. Under the reforms, UKTI would be tasked with targeting and working more closely with major UK exporters while UKEF would place emphasis on simplifying its processes, speeding up its response times and adding more competitive key products needed by exporters. Chris Hobson, Head of Information and Representation at the Chamber, said: “As a country, our trade deficit – the continuing imbalance between the value of the goods and services that we import against those that we export – remains a substantial dampener on our ability to achieve sustainable growth. The Cole Commission is right to call for a radical shakeup that places international trade at the very heart of Government activity. These are the results of an industry-led review, its findings are what business is saying needs to be done. “There are huge opportunities in the global marketplace for local firms working in all areas, from small-scale production through to high-end services. It’s crucial that businesses thinking of starting to export or those looking to grow their international activities can access the support and finance they need to achieve their ambitions. In particular, the creation of a dedicated degree-level qualification specifically tailored to exports will not only complement the work the Chamber already does in delivering accredited export training, but will also fulfil its key lobbying priority aimed at fixing the link between education and the world of work.”
‘The qualification would include skills in language, culture, marketing geo-politics and export finance’
Chamber Summit aimed to close skills gap Closing the skills gap between education and the workplace has been frequently flagged as a key concern for employers. School-leavers, including college and university graduates, have been found to be lacking even the basic preparedness for the transition from education to employment. The result is a significant challenge for businesses across the East Midlands, and the country, in terms of recruitment and workforce development. In a bid to address these issues, the Chamber organised an event to bring together businesses and those who deliver education and training across the region. The aim of the East Midlands
Skills Summit – Forging the Link was to identify the challenges faced by business and to find practical solutions. Presenters and workshops included: • Ofsted – how educators are measured to ensure young people are fit for work and what regulation needs to be in place to ensure it happens • National Apprenticeship Service – what will the new apprenticeship reforms mean for employers and learners? • UK Commission for Employment and Skills – improving leadership and management skills in UK business to support growth
• Centre for Cities – how the US tackles improving outcomes for young people
• OCR – identifying maths and English skills lacking in your business.
• CITB – construction sector support for employers and schools
Ian Bates, Forums Manager and Skills Lead for the Chamber, said: “The lack of preparedness of school leavers for the workplace continues to be one of the main issues raised in our quarterly surveys. It has been a serious concern for some time but increasingly so in the past year to 18 months as businesses look to increase their workforce. “In the past year, it has been recognised as a serious problem and one which needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency, something the Chamber has been actively encouraging.”
• Career Codex – the power of work experience and employer engagement strategies • Evolve Trust – delivering employability skills in schools • D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership – Employability Framework and the National Careers Service Offer • Regional Universities – support for business
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INTERNATIONAL TRADE
EVENTS & TRAINING AUGUST 2015
ITOPs Sales Support Award Date: Time: Location: Cost:
14 September 9am-5pm Chesterfield Members £325+VAT non-members £435+VAT A qualification which demonstrates that candidates have the necessary skills to operate administration procedures for international trade.
Export Documentation
ITOPs Summer School International Trade Operations and Procedures (BCC Accredited) Dates: 17, 18, 19, 20 August Time: 9.30am-4.30pm Location: Chesterfield Cost: Members £1,375+VAT non-members £1,650+VAT A practical qualification which demonstrates that candidates have the necessary skills to operate administration procedures for international trade.
SEPTEMBER 2015 ITOPs - International Trade Operations and Procedures (BCC Accredited) Dates: 8, 24 September, 6, 26 October Time: 9.30am-4.30pm Location: Chesterfield Cost: Members £1,375+VAT non-members £1,650+VAT A practical qualification which demonstrates that candidates have the necessary skills to operate administration procedures for international trade.
(BCC Accredited) Date: 16 September Time: 9.30am-4.30pm Location: Nottingham Cost: Members £235+VAT non-members £297+VAT Gives delegates knowledge of how to complete essential export documents and avoid delays in delivery and payment.
New: Incoterms® 2010 - What's the difference? (BCC Accredited) Date: 30 September Time: 9.15am–12.30pm Location: Leicester Cost: Members £129+VAT non-members £175+VAT What each term means and the commercial implications of using each.
Import Procedures (BCC Accredited) Date: 22 October Time: 9.30am-4.30pm Location: Leicester Cost: Members £235+VAT non-members £297+VAT Helps delegates to develop a working knowledge of import procedures to manage costs and reduce delays in the movement of goods
e-z Cert Workshop Date: Time: Location: Cost:
10 September 10am-2pm Nottingham Members £25+VAT non-members £35+VAT Learn the best way to use e-z Cert to apply for Certificates of Origin. Update your knowledge on regulations which apply to completion of Certificates of Origin.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Market Visit to France March 2016
Market Visit to Austria June 2016
Inward/Outward Processing Relief (BCC Accredited) Date: 10 September Time: 9.30am-4.30pm Location: Nottingham Cost: Members £235+VAT non-members £297+VAT Introduces delegates to the methods of obtaining relief from customs duty through operating IPR and OPR. 18 business network July/August 2015
Market Visit to Poland September 2016 Experience the market first hand and meet local companies to explore doing business with. Further details closer to the date. To book or to receive more information email eeninfo@emc-dnl.co.uk.
Missions open up markets in India and China Firms wanting to break into or expand their presence in India and China are being urged to get involved in two trade missions. Working jointly with Nottingham City Council, UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), the UK India Business Council (UKIBC) and the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC), the Chamber is actively encouraging regional firms to explore the opportunities presented by the two countries. The East Midlands has historically strong links with both markets and ‘The East Midlands has the missions will enhance these ties historically strong links by introducing delegates to a range with both markets’ of industries, organisations and networks to further their export plans. Firms looking for opportunities to off-shore manufacturing or looking for import opportunities could also benefit from being part of the missions. The India trip is planned to take place over a week beginning Saturday 3 October. It will include visits to Chandigarh, Jalandar and Delhi. UKTI is offering up to £500 towards the cost of the trip for eligible companies. Pre-visit preparation will provide delegates with access to experts on Indian trade and culture, market research and introductions to useful business networks. There will also be various market briefings, a reception at the British High Commission, itinerary management and interpreters available. After the visit there will be debriefing sessions at which follow-up action plans will be drawn up. The China trip will take place over eight days from Monday 2 November and will include visits to Shanghai and Ningbo.
Intensive course on export opportunity Firms wanting to learn more about the hows and whys of exporting should take advantage of the Chamber’s summer school for ITOPs. Normally held over four days with lengthy breaks between them, the Chamber is holding an intensive course in International Trade Opportunities and Procedures (ITOPs) next month. The ‘classroom’ sessions of ITOPs are usually spread between fairly long periods back at the office in which delegates can practice what they learned. But for the first time, this year candidates can take the course on four consecutive days (17-20 August). “Europe virtually shuts down in August so we thought we’d test the water and see if there was a market to offer the four-day ITOPs course,” said Laura Howard (pictured), the Chamber’s Head of International Trade.
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INTERNATIONAL TRADE
BCC showcase event The British Chambers of Commerce International Trade Conference – Trade the World: Accessing High Growth Markets – will take place on 3 November in London. Now in its fourth year, the conference offers opportunities to showcase the strengths of UK commerce. The day’s agenda will include a blend of practical and inspirational content targeted toward firms aspiring to export or already trading overseas but looking for new markets. Before the BCC event, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) will be staging its sixth Midlands International Trade Expo and Conference (MITEC). The event will have a similar focus to the BCC event but is aimed more at East Midlands organisations. It will be held for the third consecutive year at Chamber patron Derby County's iPro Stadium, on Pride Park. The date has been set as 13 October. The www.m-itec.co.uk website will go live soon to give further information and to allow delegates to book.
UKTI can assist with up to £750 towards the cost of the trip for eligible companies and, as with the India trip, there will be pre-visit preparations and a debriefing afterwards. Laura Howard, Head of International Trade for the Chamber, said: “India and China are very strong markets offering huge opportunities for trade for East Midlands companies. “While we will be focusing on export opportunities, the trips will also open up avenues for firms looking for overseas manufacturing and importing. “We would strongly recommend anyone even thinking about these two huge markets to take part in the trade missions.”
Aid to German trade Local firms struggling to cope with the language or culture of Germany or German-speaking countries can now get help from Chamber member Export PA. Trading for just over a year, Export PA, of Nottingham, acts as an intermediary between local firms and those in countries to which they aspire to export. The company was founded by owner manager Angela Kühn, who was born and raised in Germany but after school came to England to work as an au pair. She worked for a family in Nottingham and studied English to improve her language skills. After working for several large local firms, including Experian, Angela launched Export PA to help firms trade with her motherland.
Angela Kühn
She said: “We provide admin/PA support, which can be virtual or onsite, with the added language and culture skills. “We are happy to support a business from the beginning throughout their export journey, or we can provide support for a specific export project or just a small task such as interpreting correspondence.”
Tech firms urged to insure against risks High growth technology firms are being warned to check their insurance to make sure they aren’t exposing themselves to unnecessary risks. Start-up companies in particular could be at risk of infringement to intellectual property rights, according to independent commercial insurance broker Franklands, of Derby. To help firms identify the risks and the steps they should take to prevent becoming a victim, the firm has published an ebook called ‘Protecting Your Technology Business’ that is dedicated to overcoming the risks faced by growing technology companies. The book outlines the challenges technology firms face, such as intellectual property disputes or operating in overseas markets, and ways to minimise the risks associated with them. High-growth companies have been identified as being most at risk from inadequate insurance cover because of a lack of understanding about international markets, limits of insurance and professional liabilities. “In recent years we have seen a number of cases where high-growth technology companies have been operating with insufficient insurance cover,” said David Harrison, Director at Franklands. “Business owners start out with a standard office insurance policy then, as their business grows, they forget about insurance and concentrate on running their business. This often leads to them exposing their business to a great deal of unnecessary risk.” Protecting Your Technology Business is available for download from the www.franklands.co.uk website.
For more information on exporting services, trade missions and events visit www.emc-dnlco.uk/international-trade or get smart and use this QR code
business network July/August 2015 19
Biz Network JULY AUG 2016_Chamberlink 06/07/2015 09:16 Page 20
POLITICS
Midlands happy to be UK’s
growth engine More than 130 regional business leaders gathered at very short notice at Chamber member Garrandale’s Derby factory at the beginning of June after being told that the Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne was going to be making an announcement there. In fact, he made two that would directly affect the region. He said the Midlands would be the home of a new £60m Energy Research Accelerator, which would build on the expertise of six Midlands Universities, the British Geological Survey and the surrounding industrial base to deliver a stepchange in energy research and development, helping to secure the UK’s leadership position in the sector. And he called the Midlands “the UK’s Engine for Growth”. While apposite, it was the first time the phrase had been aired. It caused a ripple but like it or not, it will stick. A month on and it’s already everywhere. But what does it mean? It’s possible that he simply needed a new handle to grab on to. Twenty-five months earlier, he introduced us to his Northern Powerhouse concept. Last year the Northern Powerhouse was given its own Minister. Perhaps the ‘Engine for Growth’ will get its own Minister too? By now, everybody knows what the Northern Powerhouse is (don’t they?)… an attempt to corral the North's population of 15 million into a cohesive force to rival that of London and the South East. It would be “a collection of northern cities sufficiently close to each other that combined they can take on the world”, he said. By the north of England he meant, of course, an area centred on Manchester but including Liverpool, Sheffield, Leeds and York; so not Newcastle or Carlisle sort of north and not that close either geographically or culturally. And what masterplan was drawn up for the (nearly) Northern Powerhouse? Well, once the cities unite, talk to each other and establish a united front to challenge London under a super-mayor for an even greater Greater Manchester, they will get upgraded railways (HS3) and a road tunnel under the Peak District (an underground M62?) to enhance travel between them. The Chancellor’s vision for the Midlands is very different. He quite rightly sees the region as the manufacturing hub for UK plc; a centre for excellence and innovation. Malcolm Prentice, Group CEO of host Garrandale, said he thought the new sobriquet was an “absolutely true” reflection of what the Midlands is but his “challenge to Government” was to fulfil on its branding. 20 business network July/August 2015
Picture courtesy of Carol Taylor, Chapel Studio Photography, Ambergate
Between the Northern Powerhouse and lucrative London and Home Counties lies the UK’s recently dubbed ‘Engine for Growth’. Deputy Editor Andy Hibberd has been finding out from members what the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s new moniker for the Midlands might mean to them
George Osborne announces Engine for Growth at Garrandale
‘The Chancellor’s vision for the Midlands is very different. He quite rightly sees the region as the manufacturing hub for UK plc’ “The Midlands is a very strong manufacturing hub in the centre of the country. What we do is written on the tin, now it’s the turn of Government to do what it has written on the tin,” he said. He added: “I thought it was marvellous that the Chancellor chose a Derby company from which to make his first major speech after the Queen’s Speech about how the new Government will work with industry.” From a media point of view, hosting the event
meant global TV, radio and press coverage for Garrandale. Darren Muzzlewhite, Founder and Partner at JJM Building Supplies, of Pride Park, Derby, who was also in the audience, said: “I think it was very positive. I think they understand now about local business and how it generates finance and employment. “It’s the private sector, not Government, which creates jobs. We started in 2010 and we have created 15 positions and are growing to 20 so from our point of view with regards to what he was saying about connecting with local businesses, it was very positive. “And I think the name is one of those where the concept is absolutely correct. It does what it says on the tin so it’s fine.” Axel Soeder, General Manager of Premier Ribbon and Packaging Group, of Ilkeston, said: “I
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POLITICS
INSIDE WESTMINSTER Derby North’s new MP AMANDA SOLLOWAY says business must be at the heart of everything she, and the Conservative Government, does Malcolm Prentice greets George Osborne
have seen George Osborne on TV but never in person and I was quite impressed. He came over as quite honest. He was distinct and was talking about things that are happening and should be happening in the Midlands. He answered questions without seeming to dodge issues. “As for the name, I thought it was an accurate description for two reasons. The concentration on London for finance could end quickly if the UK leaves the EU as it would no longer be the place to deal with and, secondly, historically, the Midlands is the industrial engine and if there’s a chance of getting industrial power running again in the country then it’s going to happen in the Midlands.” Kevin Palmer, of Derby-based Kevin Palmer Media Services, said: “We expected a major Government announcement, but in his statement the Chancellor did not say anything new, a point made by other attendees. “When pressed by the media, he did seem to push the (unpopular) idea of an elected mayor as a condition of any devolved powers. Mr Osborne revelled in the fact that a Conservative had won the Derby North seat for the first time since 1997. “I'm happy with the slogan Engine for Growth – the Derwent Valley was the cradle of the Industrial Revolution and leading companies in the area have continued ever since to be the powerhouse of this country's manufacturing." John Forkin, Managing Director of Marketing Derby, said: “Engine for Growth seems to be quite a sensible moniker, a sensible way to describe the Midlands. “Northern Powerhouse is a laudable ambition but there’s nothing to back it up while in the Midlands we have the facts and figures, the numbers, to back up the brand. “The Midlands is home to many original equipment manufacturers – JCB, Rolls-Royce – which means you have the SMEs supply chain infrastructure employing even more people than the OEMs – so Engine for Growth does seem to make some sense.” D2N2 Chief Executive David Ralph said: “Regions such as ours are driving the UK economic recovery. It makes sense to give D2N2 and other areas greater powers to determine their own economic priorities, based on the expertise and local knowledge of those who live and work here.” Chamber President Liz Fothergill added: “While there was nothing necessarily new in what the Chancellor said – much of what he spoke of had already been announced in his Budget and the Queen’s Speech – it was good to see him once again acknowledge how important this region is to UK plc.”
Adjusting to the pace of Westminster My first two months as an MP have been hectic, to say the least. I’m still adjusting to the pace of Westminster life after being elected as the Member of Parliament for Derby North in May this year. I am the first female MP to represent Derby North and its first Conservative MP in 18 years. I don’t have a degree, I don’t really have A-levels to talk about, but I do have commonsense and a business background. It’s very clear to me that business has to ‘My party and this be at the heart of everything that we do Government knows that, at as a Government and everything that I do the end of the day, it’s as a local MP. businesses that create jobs’ Unemployment has fallen to its lowest level since 2008 and I know that governments are usually quite quick to take the credit for creating jobs. I’m proud, however, that my party and this Government knows that, at the end of the day, it’s businesses that create jobs and help people off benefits and into work. We understand the contribution that businesses like yours make to our society, which is why we’ve tried to make it easier to start a business, easier to expand your businesses and easier to take people on. Our record on this is clear, we have helped, and we’ll continue to help, businesses by: • Cutting the jobs tax – saving businesses up to £2,000 and enabling them to provide more jobs for local people, • Scrapping the jobs tax altogether for under 21s – so it’s easier for businesses to give young people a start in life, • Investing in better infrastructure, including roads, rail, and broadband – so it’s easier to reach customers, • Cutting corporation tax – helping companies invest and grow, and • Getting rid of unnecessary red tape – freeing up businesses to concentrate on expansion. I really hope that your business has felt the benefits of some of these policies and that we can work together to bring growth, investment and, importantly, jobs to our region. With plans for the next five years taking shape all around us, now is an important time to stress the importance of the Midlands for the country’s economic future. Our region offers the best of British industry, science and retail, and we all need to bang the drum for continued investment in our cities, towns, and counties. I know that if we speak with one loud voice, the Midlands will be Britain’s Engine for Growth for many, many years to come.
ABOUT AMANDA SOLLOWAY Amanda has pledged to put business at the heart of her term in office. She is a senior level Management Consultant specialising in behavioural development and presentation skills. Amanda spent her first 15 years in retail management and a further 15 years in HR across the not-for-profit and private sector, supporting manufacturing, warehousing and retail. She is a Fellow of the CIPD, a fully qualified coach, NLP Master Practitioner, co-author of Emotional Intelligence – ‘Activities for Developing You and Your Business’ and a licensed practitioner with Insights Discovery. Firmly committed to a volunteering ethos Amanda is a parish councillor, a volunteer with the Princes Trust, a governor for a local secondary school and active member within the Girl Guide movement, Board member for the Open College Network, and was a founder member and is a director of ‘milliontreesderbyshire’. business network July/August 2015 21
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INTERVIEW
Engaging with business Since its inception in 2012, Love Business East Midlands has grown from a simple networking and exhibition event into the region’s biggest pure business expo, attracting thousands of delegates through its doors and spawning copycat events across the country. Editor Jon Smart talked to the event’s main driving force, STEVE MEGSON, Managing Director of Chamber member Quiet Storm Solutions, about his plans for the future of Love Business
Jon Smart: What is Love Business and where did the idea come from? Steve Megson: Love Business started as a one-off business event, but it has grown into a movement which really touches and engages people. Most people I work with love business, are passionate about doing business and love the buzz of it. Love Business encapsulates all of that, as well as connecting businesses with all the organisations which can help SMEs. The idea came from an old Heineken advert, where they were digging up a road, and while they had the road up, all of the utilities came together to minimise the disruption. I thought it was great, because it showed that they were thinking about the people using the road and working together to help them. As a businessman, it got me thinking that there are so many organisations out there which can help SMEs, but there was nowhere I could go to see them all in one go. So, the idea was to bring them all together, the grant funding agencies, the business support organisations like the Chamber, the universities and colleges, and really enable them to focus on serving the SME sector as a customer base. That's how Love Business was born. JS: How have you seen the event develop since it started in 2012? SM: The first event was on a much smaller scale than this year’s, space-wise, and we didn’t have big exhibition stands, it was more like table-top stands and pull-up banners, but we did have some good quality speakers and some great exhibitors. However, that first event was rammed, it was like a football crowd and there was a real buzz about the place, which gave us the confidence to make it even bigger and better each year. Year-on-year, the event has grown in size, delegate numbers and interest, to the point where we have completely outgrown the original floor space in the Paddock Suite and now hold the event in the main exhibition hall at Donington Park, which is about six times bigger... and fill it out. This hasn’t all been down to me, I need to point out that without the support of the ‘partners and sponsors’ Love Business could not have grown in the way it has. It has obviously hit a need within the business community and with organisations which want to engage with them. JS: What are your plans for next year… and beyond? SM: Love Business is going to become more focused on different industry sectors, to give the event and speaker format more depth. 22 business network July/August 2015
‘I want the day to be a success for the exhibitors, but I also want it to be a success for the delegates and for the speakers and for everyone else involved in it’ Working closely with organisations like the Chamber, we are using the event as a focal point to bring together a good mix which informs, inspires and provides an enjoyable business-stimulating experience. The Love Business brand is expanding to deliver value to business owners throughout the year, rather than be just a single event. A free networking groups directory was launched last year and with the new website launch, there will also be a free business directory. The aim is to help business owners and managers find places to meet people they can do business with. It’s also the only event which manages to attract larger businesses and SMEs. I think that’s why it has been so successful. JS: What has been your favourite Love Business moment so far? SM: I think after this year’s event, when we received the feedback from the delegates and exhibitors and it was so positive. It was a big jump from the Paddock Suite to the International Exhibition Hall. So, to hear it was a success from the delegates, exhibitors and sponsors was very rewarding. JS: What does your day look like at Love Business? Do you get the chance to take a step back and breathe it all in? SM: A lot of work goes into getting the main space ready before the event, but on the day itself I usually stay over at the Premier Inn at the airport and get to the venue for about 6.30am. I’ll be walking up and down, looking for things that don’t quite look right as the exhibitors are setting up. I want the day to be a success for the exhibitors, but I also want it to be a success for the delegates and for the speakers and for everyone else involved in it, so I’m constantly buzzing around to make sure that everything is running smoothly. Because this year was such a huge step-change from previous events, I needed to be extra vigilant, because with that came a bigger risk of something not being quite how I wanted it to be.
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The Love Business event brings a wide variety of companies and support agencies together from all over the East Midlands
Then, most of the day is spent walking the event, talking to people and asking them what they got out of it, what went well and what could have gone better for them, always striving to improve it. JS: The Chancellor was in Derby recently to unveil his ambition to make the Midlands the UK’s ‘Engine for Growth’ – do you think events like Love Business will help him achieve that? SM: I believe Love Business does help to bring the region’s businesses together, because it’s not politically biased, it’s not organisationally biased, it’s not sectorally biased – it’s all about celebrating what we’ve got here. I’m normally very sceptical about political statements, but I do believe that the power to become the ‘Engine for Growth’ is within all our capabilities. Belief is a funny thing. Henry Ford once said: “Whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t, you’re right”, which is bang on. If you think you can achieve something, you probably will achieve it. If you think you can’t, you’ll probably fail. So, the businesses operating here need to have belief in us becoming the ‘Engine for Growth’. Love Business supports this because it focuses on the positives, showcases examples of success and shares the secrets of what growing companies are doing differently – usually it’s a simple change in how they think about their customers. JS: As a local businessman, what do you think the region’s strengths are and what are its weaknesses? SM: When you look at the East Midlands, we have some fantastic advantages over other regions and when you look at the business operating here, we punch well above our weight. We’ve got the UK’s biggest manufacturers in construction based here, the biggest manufacturers in engineering, in automotive. We’ve got the three biggest car dealerships in the country in Sturgess, Sytner and Pendragon. We’ve got Experian, Boots, JCB, Caterpillar… I could go on – all within a 35-mile radius of the airport. It’s a great place to do business. Plus, you’ve got great motorway links and the busiest air freight and cargo operation in the country. business network July/August 2015 23
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INTERVIEW
The weakness, if any, is our failure to celebrate our collective successes. We’ve got three good-sized cities and counties here in this part of the East Midlands, with a great mix of businesses, but they are all very insular. They do not cross-fertilise, but if we can create something that enables them to do so, then it will break down those borders and Love Business does that, because it sits right in the middle and attracts people from all corners of the three cities and counties. That’s what’s key – it’s that central approach, rather than the three city approach, that will bring people together. But then we’ve got to shout about it. JS: Do you think we celebrate and showcase our successes enough here in the East Midlands? SM: As a collective, no, we do seem to shuffle our feet. The recession kicked in during 2008, yet by 2012, we were working with businesses that were absolutely flying, because they’d cut their cloth accordingly during the downturn, spotted where the opportunities were and gone after it. Yet it was still every day in the news all about how many businesses were shutting down, how many people were being made redundant, talking us down all the time. The fact is, good news doesn’t sell. I can remember seeing Alastair Campbell at a Chamber event once and he actually said that 20 years ago you’d see one bad headline for every three good ones. Now that ratio has shifted, so you get 19 bad headlines to every good one, because bad news sells. That’s the cycle we’ve got to break. JS: Tell me about your business, how did it start and what has its journey been so far? SM: I started as a graphic designer after studying at Derby Collage of Art. I was really lucky in my first role and worked on a variety of international brands across a wide range of disciplines from events, advertising and sales materials. I quickly learned that the objective of almost all communications is to ‘persuade people to do something’ or ‘directly increase sales’, so my journey of self-development started. I’m a voracious learner of all things sales or behaviourrelated. I’ve studied from books and continually invest in self-development programmes. Unless you are working in a vacuum, you need to communicate. So understanding how different personalities interpret information is a critical skill. The key to everything we do here is understanding what works, that’s why we are called Quiet Storm Solutions, because we’re all about fixing people’s problems. And those problems aren't always necessarily about a new brochure or website or something like that, even though the client will come thinking that's what their problem is. It's our job to peel back the layers to understand what they really need and deliver that, not give them what they think they want, only for it to not achieve results they’re looking for. JS: You work at Quiet Storm with your brothers – how does the family dynamic work within the business? SM: It was more by circumstance than by design that I ended up working with my brothers, but it has worked out well. I had a friend who had literally badgered me to give them a job for more than a year, so I created a role for them, bought them a company car and gave them the job, but they left within 18 months. They did me a huge favour because at the same time, my brother, Philip, had just lost his company car and was looking for new opportunities, so I was able to bring him on board. My youngest brother, David, had always done graphic design on a freelance basis for us and again, he was looking around because he wasn’t happy where he was. I put it to the team, because they may not have wanted three brothers within the business, but they all knew him and knew he could hit the ground running, so we brought him on board as well. I love working with them. Our skills complement each other and we have the same moral code and value system, so we know we can trust each other. I live 200 miles away from the office in Coalville, so I’d probably see very little of them if we didn’t work together. 24 business network July/August 2015
L-R: Steve, David & Philip Megson
JS: What are your plans for the next five years? SM: I’m not getting any younger, so I want to bring a new management team through to continue the work we do at Quiet Storm, so the five-year plan is to offer share options to the right people, whether that’s existing employees or new people. They’ve got to share our mindset, though. Regarding Love Business, it’s a passion, so I’d like to continue to develop the brand and see what else we can achieve... possibly setting up a high-level leadership ‘think tank’ or leadership peer group, maybe in partnership with the Chamber? JS: Finally, what do you do when you’re not at work – do you have a family and what are your hobbies? SM: I met my wife when I was 21 and after seven years of living together, we married and have now been together for 30 very happy years. We have two children, Josh, 21, and Libby, 19. I’ve always had a passion for the sea, which is unusual given that I was born and bred in Derby – one of the most landlocked places in the UK. When the family were young, we had a holiday home in Poole to make sure I spent quality time at the weekends with them. My love of boats and the freedom brought about by the internet meant I could work in the Midlands and live in Poole, so ten years ago, we moved permanently. I commute, driving up the 200 miles on a Tuesday and back on a Thursday night – working from my home office on Mondays and Fridays. My sailing bug must have rubbed off on the kids as well – Josh works on Eddie Jordan’s super yacht, Blush, out of Monaco and Libby works with City Cruises in Poole Harbour. As a Derby lad, I’m a lifelong supporter of the Rams, although I don’t get to see them as often as I’d like these days, given that I spend most weekends in Poole. That’s perhaps a good thing, given the way last season ended, although I’m looking forward to seeing them have another crack at promotion this year.
‘It was more by circumstance than by design that I ended up working with my brothers, but it has worked out well’
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BUSINESS NETWORK
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FEATURE
ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES
Renovate to accumulate Derelict buildings in the East Midlands could be brought back into use and provide your company with an attractive tax break East Midlands businesses looking for new premises could widen their options and create a valuable tax break by renovating a derelict building in a disadvantaged area. Upfront tax relief of 100% is available via the Business Premises Renovation Allowance (BPRA) for those firms looking to move office, factory or business site. And with more than 100 local authority wards in the East Midlands considered disadvantaged, there is plenty of choice of location and plenty of disused buildings to choose from. Mark Harrison, a partner at Leicester chartered accountants Mark J Rees, said: “We’re not just talking tumbledown wrecks. The allowance’s definition of derelict is that the building has been unused for at least a year and was previously used for commercial premises. “The renovations you do are not deemed as a ‘repair’ for tax purposes, but seen instead as a capital cost. Your business is investing in premises that can be made fit for purpose to your specification and also be a catalyst for regeneration in a disadvantaged area.” Qualifying as ‘disadvantaged’ within Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire are various wards in the local authority areas of Amber Valley, Ashfield, Bassetlaw, Bolsover, Broxtowe, Chesterfield, Derby, Erewash, Gedling, High Peak, Leicester, Mansfield, Newark and Sherwood, 26 business network July/August 2015
North East Derbyshire, Nottingham and South Derbyshire. In Leicester, for instance, the wards included are Abbey, Beaumont Leys, Belgrave, Castle, Latimer, New Parks and Rushey Mead. In Derby it’s Alvaston, Arboretum, Darley, Derwent and Sinfin. And in Nottingham the wards are Basford, Bilborough, Bridge, Bulwell, Dales, Dunkirk and Lenton, Leen Valley, and Radford and Park. You can find out for sure if a location you have your eye on qualifies by using an online postcode checker on www.ukassistedareasmap.com/ieindex.html Mark said: “The allowance doesn’t apply to the cost of the land, but land prices in disadvantaged areas can be attractive. “Notably, the requirement for a property to be unused for a year doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be unused at the time of purchase. Provided a year elapses before any work starts, you can still qualify for BPRA. “It won’t be clawed back as long as you don’t sell the building within five years from the date it became available for use. “This relief is only available until 2017, so it’s important to think now about how you might take advantage of it in the next couple of years. It’s a specialist area, so ask to speak to a tax expert at your accountancy firm, who’ll be able to advise you.”
Mark J Rees partner Mark Harrison
‘The allowance’s definition of derelict is that the building has been unused for at least a year and was previously used for commercial premises’
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ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES
FEATURE
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FEATURE
ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES
AIM higher VINNY PATEL, from BDO LLP in the East Midlands, urges more firms in the region to grow their business on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) When AIM opened on 19 June 1995, John Major was Prime Minister, Barings Bank had recently collapsed, and the technological revolution was in its infancy with only 1% of the UK population having internet access. AIM – the Alternative Investment Market – started with just 10 companies and an average market value below £9m. Its purpose was to be the UK’s junior growth market, providing growth capital for companies not established enough for the Main Market. For the best part of the past 20 years – minus the dotcom bubble, 9/11 and the global financial crisis – that is exactly what it did, raising almost £92bn in the process. Today, there are 1,074 AIM-listed companies, comprising 864 UK and 210 international firms with a combined market capitalisation of £75.3bn. In the East Midlands, there are 24 companies listed on AIM with a total market capitalisation of £2.4bn. Some of the region’s best known AIM-listed companies – and BDO
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clients – are thriving. Clinigen Group plc is the East Midlands’ largest company by market cap, valued at circa £700m. AIM has also proved a springboard for growth for Derby-based Mortgage Advice Bureau. At admission in November last year, it had a market cap of £81m and this is now valued at £115m. We’re talking big numbers. It’s clear that AIM can be an excellent source of funding and growth for small and mid-market firms that want to become the big businesses of tomorrow. Being an AIM-listed company isn’t easy. Short terms dips in performance can have an adverse effect on share price and
‘As the economy continues to grow and confidence remains high, an admission on AIM is a hugely credible option for fast growth businesses’
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ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES
FEATURE
AIM Q&A WHAT IS AIM? AIM is the London Stock Exchange’s international market for smaller growing companies. A wide range of businesses including early stage, private equity backed, as well as more established companies join AIM seeking access to growth capital. WHICH COMPANIES DOES IT SUIT? AIM best suits growing companies with the need to access equity capital on a regular basis, for growth acquisition or expansion. It’s for those who are not large or established enough for the Main Market.
Vinny Patel from BDO LLP says the Alternative Investment Market offers real opportunity
investor confidence. You have to be prepared to comply with the governance expectations of shareholders and the demands of market regulators – none of which comes cheap – but it all adds to the credibility and profile of the business. There can be little question that activity has slowed compared to pre-2008, but what we are seeing now is a more discerning investor base looking for quality management teams and sustainable business models that will be around for many years to come. That has to be good news. As the economy continues to grow and confidence remains high, an admission on AIM is a hugely credible option for fast
growth businesses. And, although it is known as the junior market, it is evident that star performers in the East Midlands can grow into substantial and highly influential plcs. The market provides an external proof of performance and, while no-one would deny that running a listed company can have its challenges, it can bring extraordinary gains for the best managed firms. We recently hosted an event with the London Stock Exchange (LSE) in Nottingham to celebrate the 20 year anniversary of AIM. It was a great opportunity for firms in the region – both listed and aspiring – to hear about the rise of this remarkable market.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEING ON AIM? • Access to a large and highly receptive investor base. Institutional and retail investors invest in AIM companies. For example, larger international investment firms can be found on the shareholder registers of the larger AIM companies and specialist investors, such as Venture Capital Trusts, invest in many of the smaller companies. • An objective value for the company and its shares, facilitating the use of equity for acquisitions and to incentivise staff. • A balanced regulatory environment specifically tailored to the needs of smaller companies and supported by a large and experienced community of professional advisers. • International visibility and credibility for companies not only with their customers and suppliers, but with a wider set of stakeholders including investors, advisers and analysts.
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FOCUS FEATURE
Oh we do like to be beside the seaside… Political parties appear to have a penchant for seaside towns for their annual conferences. Why not hold them in the East Midlands? We have the conference space and we have the hotels. Deputy Editor Andy Hibberd asked each of the three main political parties why they traditionally seem to shun the country’s heartland and then asked regional venues and influencers “would we want them anyway?” The results might surprise some readers
Historically, the Conservatives have enjoyed a week in Brighton for their yearly love-in. This year those same hotel rooms will be occupied by Labour in September – the Tories having chosen Manchester for their huddle in October. The LibDems will also be heading for the south coast, returning to Bournemouth in September. Is it the availability of off-season accommodation and conference facilities that draws them year after year to the coast or do delegates and organisers, as the song says, just like to be beside the seaside? Since the turn of the century, the Labour Party, by way of example, has ventured away from the coast only five times (Manchester each time) for its conference. The Tories have moved inland more in the past five years, using Birmingham in 2010, 2012 and 2014. But none has ventured into the East Midlands. None has made use of the off-season accommodation and conference facilities in Derby, Nottingham or Leicester. Surely the East Midlands is a better place to hold the annual get-together. It’s easier to get to for many delegates and it would show that the parties have an interest in England’s newly named ‘Engine for Growth’. So why do the main political parties continue to use mostly coastal towns and cities for their party conferences? The sad truth is we might never know because despite being asked none of them could, or would, give us an answer. According to Hira Ram, Venue Manager for Leicester’s Athena, it isn’t down to the amount of conference space available.
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Leicester’s Athena is among the region’s leading venues
“Accommodation, in terms of hotel rooms, is the biggest problem for us in Leicester city centre,” she said. “The hotels don’t work together to do block-bookings and that is costing us all money. “We have Curve Theatre across the road and we could work together with them holding the conference and us providing catering, dinner, press meetings… we could do that. “We did the FSB conference here in Leicester and it went really well, but it is always the accommodation that is the problem.
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FOCUS FEATURE
The annual conferences of the major political parties bring a major boost to the local economy of their host cities
‘Delegates will eat out in Leicester, shop in Leicester… in short, everybody wins.’
“The big hotels are out of town and even though we offered to provide transportation they weren’t interested.” Hira said Athena had lost about £60,000 worth of conferences so far this year, turned away because the organisers couldn’t block-book rooms. Does she have an answer? “You could build more hotels,” she half-quipped. “Alternatively, perhaps the council could work with the hotels to encourage block-bookings because if we have the conferences and the hotel bookings the delegates will eat out in Leicester, shop in Leicester… in short, everybody wins. “Or, perhaps the Government could step in to encourage greater collaboration and a better focus on the regions.” Simon Gribbon, Head of Communications for Leicester Shire Promotions, the tourism organisation for Leicester and Leicestershire, said the biggest problem in trying to lure the political parties away from the coast and to the East Midlands could come down to size of the conferences. “We did have the Labour Youth Conference here in Leicester a couple of years ago and we have spoken to the political parties in the past, but I would guess it would be the physical requirements of the conferences that would be the biggest problem. “We have in the past adopted a multi-venue model which has worked well – main events held in one conference centre and break out events at others in the city and with delegates staying at different hotels across the city, so that’s not a major problem. “Where the hotels are in the city means there is a geographical issue, but they are within walking
distance of the main venues. “As far as I know, the biggest problem would be scale of the event, the number of delegates. Most of our venues can handle hundreds but not thousands of delegates so if I’m being brutally honest I would say that was the biggest problem. “We have worked with Donington Park before, so there’s a model for using multiple venues, but it comes down to how far delegates are prepared to travel between venues and hotels.” According to the Hilary Hall, Chief Executive of the Midlands Association for Restaurants, Caterers, Hotels and Entertainment, which is based in Birmingham, there are other over-arching reasons why cities such as Derby, Nottingham and Leicester won’t win the political party annual conference business. The first is that “because of the recession” many local authorities withdrew funding for tourism initiatives, and that included agencies set up to chase business such as conferences. And the other reason is that the hotels probably wouldn’t want to encourage the conferences. “With the seaside resorts, their business falls off a cliff when the schools go back so they welcome the big conferences. For cities like Derby, Nottingham and Leicester, they rely on commercial trade and see huge declines in business during the school holidays which picks up again when the school holidays end,” Hilary said. John Forkin, Managing Director of inward investment organisation Marketing Derby, agreed with both schools of thought.
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FOCUS FEATURE
Local event successes include Love Business (left) and the visit by the Bank of England Governor Mark Carney
“We have the conference space but what we don’t have is hotels close to large conference facilities. You need hotel bedrooms and B&Bs within a hundred yards or so of the conference facilities. “I’d agree that our hotels rely on business traffic Monday to Thursday nights. To cater for party political conferences, for example, hotels would have to clear all their rooms and say to their regular customers who keep them in business Monday to Thursday: ‘Sorry, we have no rooms.’ “We might not have the right infrastructure for holding major political conferences but I question whether it would be right to build it up because what we need to be building is our tourism and leisure business. “At weekends, volumes and prices drop so if we had a strategy as a region it would be to drive up weekend bookings. “In terms of low-hanging fruit, I don’t think party political conferences would be the right market to aim for.” But Andrew May, General Manager of the Conferencing Division of the University of Nottingham, disagreed. He said: “We would welcome the opportunity to host a party political event. The conference division has experience of managing events of this scale and has the infrastructure in place to deliver and support it. “Hosting a political event would demonstrate our capabilities and also showcase the investment being made by the University in its buildings and campuses. “With halls of residence accommodation converting into over 3,000 conference standard bedrooms during vacation time, our conferencing facilities are ideally placed to host large residential events. In addition, a 202 bedroom multiaward winning eco hotel adjacent to the main conference centre, is available all year round. “Having hosted party leaders in the past, the university has the experience and is well placed to host visitors where heightened security is required and I would be delighted to welcome a major conference of this nature to the city of Nottingham.” And he was supported by Simon Gray, Chief Executive of Nottingham Means Business, who said: “Politicians talk about the Midlands being the Engine for Growth. We need to get political decision-makers out of London to Nottingham so that we can showcase the city, the county and the region. “It would be a golden opportunity, why would you not do it? My view is yes we should do it, it would be a boost to our local economy for a period of time. “It’s not just about getting the political parties up here, it’s about turning the world’s media on the region and with the whole devolution debate in the background why wouldn’t you want to do it.” 32 business network July/August 2015
We spoke to and emailed th e media team political partie s at each of th s, the Conserva e three main tives, Labour Each was sent and the Libera the same ques l Democrats. two were bein tions and each g asked for th was told that e same inform the other questions we at io asked: n. These were the 1. Why are th e seaside tow ns your prefer red venue? 2. Why does your party no t use facilities ie, in Nottingh in the heart of th am, Derby, Le e country, icester? 3. Has your party ever he ld its conferen ce in the East 4. When was Midlands? the last time yo ur pa in Blackpool, rty conference Brighton, Bour was held othe nemouth, Man r than chester? 5. How man y people wou ld yo u normally expe annual party ct to attend yo conference? ur 6. How man y rooms does th e pa rty usually bo delegates, sp ok for senior eakers, etc? 7. What is th e biggest conf erence facility capacity you 8. Do you ne need? ed additional conference fa conference ve ci lit ies close to th nue? If so, wha e main t? 9. Are there special consid er at ions which ar venues but w e met by the hich might no seaside t be met by fa Nottingham? cilities in, for example, 10. Could we have an attrib utable quote chosen? please saying why venues ar e Politicians have a reputation fo r either not an giving only th swering questio e answer they want to give re ns or seems that ha gardless of th bit extends to e question. It the parties’ m was the only edia practitione answer we rece rs too. This ived: Elliott Burton, for the Conser vatives said: “O 2012 and 2010 ur conference was held in Bi rmingham, th in 2014, premise of th e Midlands, so is article quite not sure the applies to us.”
LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK What can Derby, Nottingham and Leicester do, individually or together, to bring bigger conferences to the region? Should they chase the party political conferences? Email your thoughts to magazine@emc-dnl.co.uk – with ‘conferences’ in the subject line.
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BUSINESS NETWORK
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FEATURE
REGENERATING THE EAST MIDLANDS
New lease of life Canalside housing scheme breathes new life into Leicester textiles factory A former textiles factory in the heart of Leicester city centre has been converted into an £8m affordable housing scheme to support vulnerable adults. Abbey Mill, the late 19th century building on Abbey Park Street, has been revitalised to create 78 oneand two-bedroom apartments and will operate as a special facility to support adults as well as the elderly. A major project for the city, Abbey Mill has been refurbished by award-winning contractor and developer, William Davis on behalf of specialist housing provider, Asra Housing Group. To celebrate the scheme’s completion, representatives from both organisations were joined by Leicester’s City Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby, to cut the ribbon and officially open the building. Sir Peter said: “I’m delighted that Asra has had the vision to bring this historic building back into use, especially as it provides such wonderful homes. They have a brilliant track record in these schemes, particularly in the neighbouring Wolsey building.” Part-funded by Leicester City Council and the Homes and Communities Agency, the refurbishment of Abbey Mill has retained the building’s historic shell while completely updating the interior. Original steel columns have been incorporated into the development’s design. A new pedestrian bridge links the development with its sister building, The Wolsey, also redeveloped by William Davis, and ensures residents have access to all facilities including IT suite, hobby rooms, lounge, dining area and communal gardens. Guy Higgins, Managing Director at William Davis, said: “The regeneration of Abbey Mill and The Wolsey has created a landmark Extra Care facility, which we believe is the largest of its kind in Leicester. It was a challenging build project, not only preserving and restoring the old, but ensuring new elements of the scheme were in keeping with the heritage of the site. It is really pleasing to have been part of the team that has helped turn these disused buildings into a superb 34 business network July/August 2015
Officially opening the Abbey Mill scheme (front l-r) Sir Peter Soulsby, Leicester City Mayor; Matt Cooney, Chief Executive, Asra Housing Group; and Guy Higgins, Managing Director William Davis Ltd; with (back l-r) Alam Navsa, Maynard Chair; Jaffer Kapasi OBE, Asra Housing Group board member; and Kishor Jadavji, Ross Walk Chair
modern and practical resource for local people in the heart of our vibrant city.” Dating back to the mid-1880s, Abbey Mill and The Wolsey were originally factories creating hosiery and warmth-preserving clothing under the Wolsey brand. Meanwhile, work has started to convert a former clothing factory in Nottingham into a secondary school. The 34-week refurbishment, being carried out by GF Tomlinson, includes classrooms, science laboratories, art rooms, assembly hall, catering facilities, staff offices and staff parking. Doors should open in September to the first of nearly 600 pupils, aged 11 to 18. The building, on Haydn Road, Sherwood, used to be part of the Courtaulds factory.
It is the first Education Funding Agency (EFA) project for the Midlands-based contractor, GF Tomlinson. The Nottingham Free School, part of the Torch Academy Gateway Trust, first opened on the ground floor of the site last September to 90 Year 7 pupils. Andy Sewards, Director at GF Tomlinson, said: “We are delighted to have been selected for this project. “Nottingham Free School will make a significant difference to families within the local community as well as regenerating a building which was no longer in use. “GF Tomlinson is proud to be part of the EFA Regional Framework and to be celebrating the start of work on site.”
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REGENERATING THE EAST MIDLANDS
FEATURE
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FEATURE
REGENERATING THE EAST MIDLANDS
Powering ahead PETER SWALLOW, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, explains how this town has big plans to attract inward investment and create jobs
Peter Swallow of Destination Chesterfield 36 business network July/August 2015
George Osborne recently unveiled his vision for creating a ‘Midlands Engine’ – some would argue that Chesterfield got there first having been home to ‘Father of the Railways’ himself George Stephenson from 1838 until 1859. Although the Midlands is now being considered Britain’s Engine for Growth and is part of the Government’s plan for a Northern Powerhouse, I believe we have already started to lay the foundations of an East Midlands Powerhouse in Chesterfield. The market town in Derbyshire was put on the international map at the beginning of the year when it was announced as the location for the ground-breaking £400m Peak Resorts development. This investment will bring a significant number of homes, leisure facilities, restaurants, people and businesses to Chesterfield which, importantly, will create thousands of jobs. However, Peak Resorts is only part of the investment forecast for Chesterfield. There is actually £1bn worth of development taking place in the borough over the next ten years, all set to awaken this sleeping giant of a town. As well as Peak Resorts, there are the £320m Chesterfield Waterside, £88m Markham Vale and Northern Gateway developments. Markham Vale is part of one of the UK’s biggest Enterprise Zones, which has become a major UK hot spot for commercial growth. Once the flagship industrial and distribution development at Markham Vale is complete, the site will have capacity to bring an estimated 2,100 jobs to the town by 2022. As well as the site’s location, its financial incentives, including 100% Capital Allowance relief, have already attracted leading national and international names such as Andrew Page, Gould Alloys and leading UK packaging manufacturer Inspirepac. The combined effects of the £1bn of developments will bring a significant number of jobs and people to the area, and with these come more spending power in our local economy. Everyone in the town will benefit.
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REGENERATING THE EAST MIDLANDS
FEATURE
Affordable housing scheme moves ahead
Chesterfield offers a range of benefits as a business destination
Work is progressing well on a new £2.2m affordable housing scheme in the centre of Coalville, Leicestershire, with demolition of the former Pick & Shovel public house nearing completion. Local engineering consultancy M-EC, based in Ibstock, has been commissioned to undertake all engineering works on the scheme, which is being built by Lindum Construction on behalf of EMH Group. M-EC has undertaken a topographical survey, utilities enquiries, ground investigation works and highways negotiations, as well as preparing a flood risk assessment, drainage designs and structural survey for the whole site. The consultancy has also produced a detailed method statement specifically for the demolition, as the site shares a party wall with an adjacent building. To avoid any damage, it has designed an underpinning system for the party wall, including suitable temporary propping/support, and is conducting regular site inspections. “This site has been the subject of much public interest and as a local business, we were excited to be co-
L-R: Darren Leather, Site Manager (Lindum Construction) with Eddie Mewies, Managing Director (M-EC) and Andy Barradell, Affordable Housing Manager (Lindum Construction) checking plans during demolition of the former Pick & Shovel public house in Coalville.
opted on to the team involved in its transformation,” said Eddie Mewies, Managing Director at M-EC. “With a number of constraints to consider, namely close proximity to the busy High Street and the shared party wall, we needed to devise a support system that would enable Lindum to demolish the former public house safely and with as little disruption as possible.”
Sandwiched between Sheffield, Nottingham, Manchester and Derby, Chesterfield has often flown under the radar of investors. Those of us involved in the town, whether developers, councillors or businesses, have long since recognised and understood its benefits as a business destination. That’s why we’re investing money now in creating the infrastructure to ‘One of the top towns support the influx of jobs and people. with the least vacant Chesterfield College is expanding its shops, second only to provision and the University of Derby London’s Kensington is opening a campus in the town in 2016. We have hundreds of new High Street’ homes being delivered and we’re enhancing the town’s gateways. We want Chesterfield to be a place people stop and stay in, rather than travel through to the Peak District. The town has outstanding transport links, including the M1, being less than two hours from London by train, and within an hour of two major airports. It’s on the edge of the Peak District National Park, a benefit which Peak Resorts is certainly going to capitalise upon. We have a wealth of commercial, residential, industrial and office properties available at prices which are lower than neighbouring cities. It is fair to say that as a town we have weathered some difficult times, but come out stronger for it. The recent recession appeared to have a less significant impact on the Chesterfield economy as whole – indeed employment has grown to our highest ever and the town was named as one of the top towns with the least vacant shops, second only to London’s Kensington High Street. Chesterfield has big ideas. Recognising the huge opportunity to attract more investment, new businesses, residents, students and tourists to Chesterfield, in 2010 we took the bold decision to establish the town’s inward investment campaign, Destination Chesterfield. Indeed, as the leader of the council John Burrows is always keen to say: “We could have chosen to hunker down and ride out the recession, but we didn’t. We chose to be proactive and forge ahead with our marketing plans and this shows in the recent employment, tourism and retail figures.” Funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Chesterfield Borough Council and the local business community, Destination Chesterfield is putting the town on the regional, national and international map, ensuring that its modern awakening is heard by investors. business network July/August 2015 37
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TRAINING & EVENTS
CHAMBER BUSINESS TRAINING The Chamber offers a wide and diverse range of training support for members and non-members alike, all with the aim of enhancing skills, developing knowledge and driving the growth of your business AUGUST 2015
SEPTEMBER 2015
Effective Team Leader
Time Management
Date: 5 and 6 August Location: Nottingham A two-day course for newly appointed line managers or existing managers seeking a working knowledge of good practice techniques in managing and getting the best from staff.
Date: 2 September Location: Chesterfield A one-day course for anyone who feels that their management of time is putting their life out of balance and causing them stress.
Time Management Date: 12 August Location: Nottingham A one-day course for anyone who feels that their management of time is putting their life out of balance and causing them stress.
Understanding Business Finance Date: 5 September Location: Derby A one-day course providing an overview of the most common financial terms and providing techniques to help you understand and control your finances.
Bespoke Sales Training Total Telesales Date: 12 August Location: Derby A one-day course designed to cover all elements of telephone selling from cold calling, capitalising on the incoming call, dealing with complaints and winning appointments.
Intermediate Excel Date: 17 August Location: Leicester A one-day course to extend the learner's basic knowledge of Excel and provide the learner with skills and knowledge to produce more effective and productive workbooks.
Date: 8 September Location: Nottingham A course where the content is decided by the maximum of six delegates prior to the course, making it uniquely bespoke to those attending.
Advanced Excel Date: 9 September Location: Nottingham A one-day course which deals with automation and productivity features. It includes areas such as conditional formatting, validation and consolidation methods, data analysis tools such as Pivot Tables and data summarising.
Minute Taking Customer Service Excellence Date: 19 August Location: Nottingham This course covers the key areas to ensure the customer experience is a good one.
Date: 9 September Location: Nottingham A highly-participative one-day course which examines the techniques required to ensure accurate, concise and readable minutes.
Getting Started in Marketing
How to Write Marketing Materials
Date: 19 August Location: Derby Gives an introduction to key marketing concepts and how to apply them to your business or organisation.
Date: 11 September Location: Derby A one-day practical course which will help participants to understand and start writing in different styles, whether for a website, brochure, packaging, news release or advertising.
Advanced Excel Date: 25 August Location: Chesterfield A one-day course dealing with automation and productivity features. It includes areas such as conditional formatting, validation and consolidation methods, data analysis tools such as Pivot Tables and data summarising.
Foundation Excel Date: 15 September Location: Chesterfield A one-day course focusing on understanding how to be able to create your own spreadsheets and your own simple calculations using formulae and functions.
A full list of training courses can be found at www.emc-dnl.co.uk/training or call 0333 320 0333 ext 2153 or get smart and use the QR code. The latest course brochure can be downloaded at http://bit.ly/1zXTtLD
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Delivering a mailbox solution You’ve got mail… But far from being the happyever-after rom-com movie, it has become something of a crisis for many office workers. From what members tell the Chamber, most computer users now spend over an hour a day coping with mostly unnecessary and unwanted emails. “It is far too easy today to fire off Beat the problem of unwanted emails an email without any consideration for the pressure it adds at the other end,” said Chamber Business Training Manager Vicki Thompson. “Our inboxes fill up frighteningly quickly and if we don’t deal with them, particularly for people using older versions of Outlook, we soon find ourselves being bombarded with messages telling us our inbox is full. “The Chamber recently migrated to cloud-hosting using Office 365 and the trainer we use to help staff make the transition, Martin Perry, of FP Training, Derby, has devised a way of helping workers manage Outlook to get back that lost hour. Through Martin, we are now going to offer that training outside the Chamber under the heading Taming Your Inbox.” The course start on 4 November. The Chamber is also offering a new course – Office 365 for Business. taking place on 9 October, the one-day course will provide an understanding of what Office 365 is and how it can be best used.
e-Directory available The new Business Training e-Directory is now available now to download. It is interactive and easy to use, with links taking you directly to further course information on our website. Once downloaded please share with others in your organisation. To download the new Business Training Directory, visit www.emc-dnldigital.co.uk or get smart and use the QR code
Start a training journey The best person to judge the value of training is someone who has done it, and the one thing that stands out above all others among testimonials from our clients is that personal development should take the candidate on a journey of discovery. We currently have five development programmes available: Starting 16 September: Implementing and Managing the Vision Starting 1 October: Presentation Skills Development Programme Starting 2 October: Engaging the Senior Management Team in the Vision Starting 13 October: Managers Development Programme Starting 4 November: Director Development Programme View these courses on our website and let us help you and your staff take the first steps of your journey.
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TRAINING & EVENTS
CONNECTING BUSINESS The Chamber’s networking and events calendar is one of the most active in the region. To see the full list of forthcoming events and to book your place, visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/events ENTERPRISING WOMEN EVENTS Personal Development Masterclass Location: Yew Lodge Hotel, Kegworth Date: 10 July Time: 10.30am-3pm Cost: £35+VAT members, £50+VAT non-members Summer Reception Location: Hothorpe Hall, Leicestershire Date: 31 July Time: Noon–2pm Cost: £18+VAT members, £36+VAT non-members
Event to help you meet customers More than 350 business are expected to take part in a major meet-thebuyer event planned by the Chamber at Nottingham Belfry on 20 August. The Chamber Business Expo and Meet-the-Buyer event will provide extensive opportunities for firms to exhibit and to meet potential customers in one-to-one sessions. The event is free to East Midlands Chamber members and only £15+VAT for non-members. “We are hoping to attract over 350 businesses to what promises to be an event not to be missed,” said Rachael Barton, the Chamber’s Head of Events. Exhibitors will receive a full delegate list before the event, providing a raft of new business contacts. “Participating businesses will get the opportunity to generate new sales leads, win new customers and use the platform to launch new products and services,” Rachael added. One-to-one sessions with buyers must be booked in advance. Exhibition tables cost from £100+VAT for members, from £200+VAT for non-members. For more details or to book email events@emc-dnl.co.uk or visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/events/7404/east-midlands-chamber-business-expo
EVENT IN FOCUS: GOLF TASTER DAY Date: 8 August Time: 8.30am-2pm Location: Cosby Golf Club, Leicester This Enterprising Women event provides an excellent networking opportunity combined with a morning of golf. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a novice golfer or a seasoned player, the day is designed to be “fun-for-all”. The event will begin with welcome refreshments and breakfast before starting the group golf tuition from Golf Pro James Herbert. Delegates will then take a short coffee break before hitting the course to play three holes. A two-course lunch will then be served in the Club House before the event draws to a close. Places are limited so booking early is essential. The cost of attending this event is £25+VAT members / £40+VAT non-members. If you require further information please call the events team on 01332 851280. To book, email events@emc-dnl.co.uk or use the booking form at www.emc-dnl.co.uk/events/7246/enterprising-women-golf-taster-day
Wine Tasting Location: NottsDerby Wine School at St James Hotel, Nottingham Date: 6 August Time: 5.30pm–8pm Cost: £20+VAT members, £40+VAT non-members Golf Taster Day Location: Cosby Golf Club, Leicestershire Date: 18 August Time: 8.30am–2pm Cost: £25+VAT members, £40+VAT non-members
NETWORKING Connecting Business Location: MediCity, Nottingham Date: 14 July Time: 8am-10.30am Cost: £10+VAT members, £30+VAT non-members Connecting Business Location: Breadsall Priory Hotel & Country Club Date: 16 July Time: 8am-10.30am Cost: £10+VAT members, £30+VAT non-members Brampton Brewery Social Evening Location: Brampton Brewery & The Rose & Crown, Chesterfield Date: 30 July Time: 5.30pm–8.30pm Cost: £20+VAT members, £40+VAT non-members Summer BBQ Location: Quorn Grange Hotel, Leicestershire Date: 26 August Time: Noon–2.30pm Cost: £24+VAT members, £44+VAT non-members Exclusive Networking and Cricket Event Location: Leicestershire County Cricket Club, Leicester Date: 1 September Time: 10.30am–3pm (option to stay on and watch the Cricket until 6pm)
Connecting Business Location: Best Western Lion Hotel, Worksop Date: 11 September Time: 8am–10.30am Cost: £10+VAT members, £30+VAT non-members
PURE NETWORKING FREE FOR MEMBERS Pure Networking Evening Location: LOROS Hospice, Leicester Date: 14 July Time: 5.30pm-7pm Pure Networking Evening Location: Volvo Derby Date: 22 July Time: 5.30pm–7pm Pure Networking Evening Location: Riverbank, Nottingham Date: 30 July Time: 5.30pm–7pm Pure Networking Morning Location: Brewin Dolphin, Leicester Date: 3 September Time: 7.30am–9am Pure Networking Morning Location: Tidyco, Derby Date: 8 September Time: 7.30am–9am
BUSINESS LUNCHES Business Lunch Leicester Location: Marriott Leicester Hotel Date: 23 July Time: Noon-2pm Cost: £22+VAT members, £44+VAT non-members Business Lunch Derby Location: Pentahotel, Pride Park Date: 29 July Time: Noon-2pm Cost: £22+VAT members, £44+VAT non-members Business Lunch North Derbyshire Location: Chesterfield Football Club, Chesterfield Date: 2 September Time: Noon-2pm Cost: £22+VAT members, £44+VAT non-members Business Lunch Nottingham Date: 4 September Time: Noon-2pm Cost: £22+VAT members, £44+VAT non-members
For more information about upcoming Chamber events visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/events or get smart and use this QR code
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SKILLS
Skills shortage is a worry Computer image of the new centre
£6.5m university plans get go-ahead Plans for a £6.5m state-of-the-art university centre in Mansfield have taken a major step closer. Mansfield District Council’s planning committee has approved West Nottinghamshire College’s ambitious proposals for a new and larger building for the delivery of its already-successful higher education provision. Councillors unanimously gave the go ahead to the college’s longheld plans to build a flagship university centre at its Derby Road campus to widen participation in higher-level study. The college is set to replace an existing single-storey building at the rear of the site with a modern three-storey facility. It is hoped building work will start this September.
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Employers are more concerned about the impact of a skills shortage on their business now than at any point in the past six years, according to research by PwC. CEOs are now finding it so difficult to find people with the skills they need that three-quarters of the 1,300 interviewed by PwC rank skills shortage as the biggest threat to their business. This is a ten percentage point jump from 2014 and is up from less than half six years ago.
‘Creating a skilled and adaptable workforce should be a top priority’ CEOs in Japan and South Africa are the most concerned – over nine in ten of those surveyed said the availability of key skills was a threat to their organisation’s growth prospects – closely followed by China (90%), Hong Kong (85%), UK (84%) and Romania (84%). To overcome the problem, CEOs said they were increasing their use of contingent workers, part-time employees, outsourcing and service agreements to fill the talent gaps. They were also looking for a wider mix of skills than in the past and searching for talent in different geographies, industries or demographic segments. Filling talent gaps is also a major driver of mergers and acquisitions activity, with over a quarter of CEOs saying that access to top talent is the main reason for collaborating with other organisations.
This is creating a ‘gig economy’, where workers with the most in-demand skills can dictate where and when they work and for whom. Jon Andrews, leader of PwC’s global people and organisation practice, said: “Despite rising business confidence and ambitious hiring plans, organisations are struggling more than ever to find the right people with the right skills to achieve their growth plans. “Organisations can no longer continue to recruit people as they’ve always done – they need to be looking in new places, geographies and from new pools of talent.”
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SKILLS
Apprentices Jake Underwood and Mark Mitchell deliver the giant bails to DCCC’s Simon Storey and Wayne Madsen
Briggs duo step up to the wicket Two Derby College apprentices are playing a key role in creating giant stumps that will symbolise Derbyshire County Cricket Club’s bid for the city to be a host for the 2017 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. Mark Mitchell and Jake Underwood are both apprentices at Briggs of Burton, the Burton-on-Trent engineering company making the ‘This is a great project six-metre high stumps, bails and ball and something very planned for the Pentagon Island. different to work on’ Briggs are using their expertise in the design and manufacture of stainless steel drums for worldwide food and beverage, brewing, pharmaceutical and health and beauty markets to make the giant structure. Mark Mitchell, 20, from Derby, is a former engineering student at Derby College and is in the second year of his three-year apprenticeship with Briggs of Burton. He said: “I was really pleased when I was asked to get involved in this project and it will certainly be something different to put in my folder towards my qualifications. “I go past the Pentagon Island nearly every day so am looking forward to seeing the stumps, bails and ball there this summer.” Jake Underwood, also 20, from Burton, is studying for an HNC qualification as part of his apprenticeship with Briggs after completing engineering qualifications. He said: “This is a great project and something very different to work on. I hope it encourages everyone to get behind the bid for the world cup and it will be a great showcase for the company as well.” Gareth Cure, Briggs of Burton Managing Director, said: “The apprentices are an important part of the manufacturing team on this project which is very fitting considering the close links that Derby College has with our company and also as a fellow sponsor of Derbyshire County Cricket Club.”
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SKILLS
Derbyshire Apprenticeship Graduates
Apprentices make the grade for business A number of apprentices trained by the Chamber Training were among those taking part in the recent 2015 Derbyshire Apprenticeship Graduation. The event, which took place at the Roundhouse, in Derby, saw more than 100 apprentices receive graduation certificates in front of proud families and friends. Several Chamber apprentices were involved in the ceremony, which was a celebration of their hard work and achievements. They were Laura White and Alice Rodick, who both work for Chesterfield Orthodontics, Lauren Foye from CCS Media and Kimberley Dolman, who works for the Chamber at its Derby office. The Derbyshire ceremony followed a similar event in Nottinghamshire in April, which saw Chamber apprentices Jessica Spence and Emily Davies of Shine Dental, in Mansfield, and Ammie Henley, of Precedo, also in Mansfield, graduate. Training Advisers Katie Stubbs, Carlie Ashton and Nena Dubaic, along with Area Manager Catherine Spavold, were the team responsible for developing the Chamber apprentices. A host of local organisations supported both graduation ceremonies, including the local authorities, EMFEC – the East Midlands Further Education Council, training providers and the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership. Former Chamber Chief Executive George Cowcher, who attended the Derbyshire ceremony, said: “The Chamber is a huge advocate of
Chamber apprentice Kimberley Dolman
D2N2 Chairman Peter Richardson
42 business network July/August 2015
apprenticeships and it was good to see a number of the Chamber’s own apprentices among this year’s graduates. “Apprentices play a vital role in helping businesses to develop the skills, knowledge and experience they need to grow and prosper. They are a great way of equipping young people with the skills, attitudes and attributes they need to have long and successful careers in business. “Today's school-leavers are tomorrow’s business leaders, so it is crucial that greater emphasis is placed on apprenticeships to bridge the gap between education and the world of work.”
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SKILLS
Former Chamber Chief Executive George Cowcher at the Derbyshire graduation
Chamber staff and apprentices with winter paralympian Jade Etherington at the Nottinghamshire ceremony
All photos except the one directly above courtesy of Matthew Jones photography
D2N2 Chairman Peter Richardson said: “The graduate apprentices are a celebration of what employers and training providers can accomplish together when working with engaged, passionate young people and the apprenticeships they have just completed will give them a sound footing for them to deal with what happens next. “Global companies operating in this region spend a lot of time and money running apprenticeship programmes. They see it as a cost-effective way of getting the best people, to run their business in the most efficient and profitable manner.” business network July/August 2015 43
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PROPERTY
City centre apartments let Marketing Derby moves to city centre Marketing Derby has moved to a new central location in the refurbished Riverside Chambers complex. For the past five years, the inward investment company has been located in the Derby offices of law-firm Geldards, on Pride Park. The move is part of Marketing Derby’s commitment to creating a vibrant heart to the city – research shows that central office occupiers encourage regeneration through their spend in retail, leisure and entertainment. The company’s new office, on the top floor of Riverside Chambers, incorporates a Derby Showcase where the Derby story will be presented to investors. The showcase highlights the city’s past, present and future as the UK’s Capital for Innovation from housing the world’s first factory through to being home to employers such as Rolls-Royce and Bombardier as well as a number of top creative companies. John Forkin, Managing Director of Marketing Derby, said: “This move represents a new chapter in Marketing Derby’s story. By moving into the city centre we are leading from the front.” Riverside Chambers is part of Derby City Council’s Connect Derby scheme. The £4m refurbished former Magistrates’ Court has been developed by Wilson Bowden.
Rise in lending for commercial property Commercial property lending rose by more than 50% last year with lenders other than banks entering the market, according to a new report. The findings are contained in the De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) Commercial Property Lending Report. Used by law firms, lenders and banks around the world, the report – compiled by DMU’s Bill Maxted – provides data to the Bank of England for its twice-yearly Financial Stability Review. Mr Maxted, Senior Lecturer at DMU’s Leicester Business School, has compiled the report twice a year since 1997. The independent study analyses data provided by around 65 banks, insurance companies, building societies and asset management companies. 44 business network July/August 2015
FHP Living has let the newest luxury apartments in Nottingham city centre just weeks after being appointed to manage the scheme. St Mary’s Court, located in the Lace Market area, offers 35 one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments following the extensive refurbishment of three former office buildings. On appointment, FHP Living had six apartments to let and did so in a matter of weeks. Sheryl Grundy, Head of Lettings at FHP Living, an expert in the city centre market, believes schemes such as this are exactly what the city needs. She said: “One of the biggest challenges facing the city centre lettings market is good quality stock and that is exactly what these brand new apartments will offer to people looking to rent in Nottingham. The former office buildings have been extensively refurbished to offer really spacious living accommodation which is something you don’t always get in the city centre.” FHP, the estate agency’s sister commercial property arm, has also been appointed to act as residential block managers for the scheme.
The team at estate agents FHP Living in Nottingham
• FHP Living has found buyers for four properties that were ‘stuck’ on the market. The agents put their success in Clifton Village, West Bridgford and Edwalton down to their “personalised and client-focused approach to viewings”. Two of the properties had been on the market for over a year, the
other two for several months. Associate Director Ian Marriott said: “We’re thrilled with our results. My team and I make sure we always attend property viewings with the prospective buyer, selling each and every benefit of the property and making the house feel like a home as soon as they step inside.”
Unity Square comes together Sladen Estates and Peveril Securities have bought the flagship Nottingham site Unity Square with the aim of driving forward its development to improve the city’s southern gateway. Sladen and Peveril, one of the East Midlands’ most successful commercial development partnerships, have acquired the key development site, opposite Nottingham Railway Station, from Peel Land and Property Group for an undisclosed sum.
‘Unity Square will put occupiers in the perfect place’ The site, which is at the heart How the Unity Square development in Nottingham will look of the city’s burgeoning regeneration zone, has planning permission to provide up to professional occupiers looking for room to grow in 460,000sq ft of grade A offices and a new hotel the right location are struggling to find suitable with complementary retail and leisure uses accommodation in the city,” he said. surrounding a new public square. “The area around the railway station has undergone Nick Sladen, of Sladen Estates, said the deal was substantial investment with the transformation of the proof the Nottingham economy was growing and that railway station into a transport interchange and the lack of new office development in the city meant exciting plans for the redevelopment of intu the time was right to proceed with the project. Broadmarsh. Unity Square will put occupiers in the “We know the demand for space is out there but perfect place to take advantage of these investments.”
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LEGAL
Have you had a second warning?
Your vehicles must be safe Workplace vehicles account for about 50 deaths and 5,000 accidents a year. Assessing the risks associated with vehicles is of paramount importance says Chamber patron Qdos Consulting. By law, workplace vehicles must be safe and suitable for the task they are intended to complete. And it is the company’s responsibility to ensure it is properly tested, serviced and inspected. To ensure compliance, vehicle users should be made to carry out a daily check to make sure brakes, lights and warning devices work properly, mirrors are positioned correctly and equipment such as tail-lifts works as they should. Regular inspections should be carried out by qualified maintenance staff based on time and mileage. All vehicle users should be trained and, where possible, certified in the use of the vehicle. A vehicle’s operating environment should be assessed for suitability and speed controls should be imposed as appropriate.
There isn’t strict legislation on vehicle speeds but firms have a duty to protect anyone on their site, including guests, contractors and employees. This can be achieved by, for example: • Controlling access to site • Segregating pedestrians from work vehicles • Controlling vehicle movements and speed • Implementing barriers and pedestrian zones • Using traffic lights • Have clearly defined reversing areas. *Qdos Consulting provides the HR and Employment Law services for Chamber members, giving them 24/7 access to qualified specialists on any employment law or human resource issue.
The Environment Agency has sent out second letters to organisations that qualify for the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS). The letters have been sent to directors at organisations the Environment Agency believes will meet the ESOS qualification threshold. The intention is to prompt organisations covered by ESOS – part of the EU Energy Efficiency Directive – to take action now rather than wait until nearer the deadline. ESOS is a mandatory energy assessment scheme for organisations in the UK that meet the qualification criteria. Organisations that qualify for ESOS must carry out assessments every four years to audit the energy used by their buildings, industrial processes and transport to identify energy saving measures. Organisations must notify the Environment Agency by a set deadline that they have complied with their ESOS obligations. The deadline for compliance is 5 December.
Mines Rescue Service Ltd When safety is an issue
Mines Rescue Service Ltd provides expert knowledge and associated health and safety related products, training and services to a wide range of private businesses and public sector organisations. A variety of courses are provided and each one is structured around the following core titles:
• FIRST AID
• BREATHING APPARATUS
• FIRE FIGHTING
• SPECIALIST SERVICES
• CONFINED SPACE
• HEALTH AND SAFETY
All courses are accredited by the appropriate awarding body and successful course delegates will receive competency certificates. Leeming Lane South, Mansfield Woodhouse, Mansfield, Notts NG19 9AQ
T: 01623 423777 • E: minres@minesrescue.com
www.minesrescue.com
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EBUSINESS
FREE FULL-DAY WORKSHOPS
eBUSINESS CLUB As the leading provider of digital support in the East Midlands, the eBusiness Club offers workshops, funding advice and consultancy on all aspects of ICT and technology to improve business performance
Creating Video Content for the Web – Practical 21 July, Leicestershire Social Media Academy 4, 11, 20 August, Leicestershire Getting to Grips with Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) 5 August, Leicestershire Blogging for Business 6 August, Derby Video Marketing Strategies for Business 12 August, Nottingham Getting Started with Google Analytics 14 August, Leicestershire
FREE eBIZ BYTE BREAKFAST SEMINARS An Introduction to Marketing Automation Software (MAS) 22 July, Nottingham High Speed Broadband for Business – the options 5 August, Derby To book your free place visit www.ebusinessclub.biz or call 0333 320 0333 ext 2064
COMMERCIAL COURSES
Twitter for Business 13 August, Leicester *Courses are charged at £249 + VAT for non-chamber members and £199 + VAT for chamber members.
For more information about upcoming eBusiness Club events, visit www.ebusinessclub.biz or get smart and use this QR code
46 business network July/August 2015
eBusiness Club manager Jon Egley. Right: Last year’s conference
Book now for 2015 Digital Conference Bookings are now being taken for the region’s biggest ICT and online marketing event of the year – the 2015 Digital Conference and Expo. The Chamber’s eBusiness Club is delivering the event in partnership with Leicestershire County Council, in support of its Superfast Leicestershire project. It takes place at Leicester Tigers’ stadium, Welford Road, on 5 November and will form part of the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership’s 2015 Leicester Business Festival.
eBusiness Club trainer Liam Lally
‘The Chamber is urging people to book early to avoid disappointment’ As in previous years, demand is expected to be high and with just 500 places available, the Chamber is urging people to book early to avoid disappointment. The keynote speaker will be Geoff Ramm, the creator and author of ‘Celebrity Service’ and ‘OMG Marketing’, a multi-award winning speaker who has challenged and inspired audiences across the globe. There will also be a presentation from Microsoft about the ‘Internet of Things’, an evolving online network of objects that will see the internet expand into places such as manufacturing floors, energy grids, healthcare facilities, and transportation. And eBusiness Club trainers Liam Lally and Ian Lockwood will once again be delivering their hugely popular What’s New in Social and What’s New in Search sessions aimed at bringing delegates fully upto-date with all the very latest developments in Social Media and Search Engine Optimisation. The day will also include an expo area featuring 60 of the East Midlands’ leading suppliers of ICT products, services and solutions.
Due to the expected high demand, there will also be a series of seminars covering a range of business technology and online marketing topics, giving delegates unable to secure a conference place the opportunity to visit the expo and take part in these sessions instead. Diane Simpson, Director of Commercial Services at the Chamber, said: “This year’s conference is set to be the biggest and best yet. We’re really pleased with the quality of speakers we have lined up and have some more exciting developments to announce in due course. “ICT plays a major role in the vast majority of businesses nowadays and this event is all about helping people to harness the power of online technology to gain a competitive edge.” For more information, to reserve your conference place, or to register as a visitor for the expo and seminars, visit www.ebusinessclub.biz. ICT suppliers wanting to showcase their business on the day should call the eBusiness Club on 0333 320 0333 or email enquiries@ebusinessclub.biz
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FINANCE
Pensions wake-up call is needed The nation needs a wake-up call over pensions freedoms, according to the Nottingham and District Pre-Retirement Council. It says people “sleepwalk into retirement” and “spend more time planning a fortnight’s holiday than they do their retirement”. And the problem is only going to worsen now that anyone over the age of 55 can take all their pension savings out of the pot without guidance on the longerterm implications of their actions. “We need to raise awareness of what is likely to be a growing problem as hundreds of thousands
Phil Sayers of Grant Thornton
Report highlights stars of the region
People need to count the cost when it comes to pension freedoms
of 55-plus savers gain access to pension lump sums, if ever the nation needed a wake-up call, this is it,” it said in a statement. Partnering with the Pensions Service of the Department for Work and Pensions, Nottingham and District Pre-Retirement Council runs courses to help soon-to-be and new retirees have a better understanding or what it means to finish work.
Among items currently discussed at its meetings is the new Flat Rate State Pension, which comes into effect next year and will change the way pensions are calculated. The next course run by NDPRC is on 20-22 July. Call 0115 922 3824 or visit www.dnprd.org.uk for details.
Escalating auto-enrolment fines A number of businesses which have failed to sign staff up to a workplace pension scheme have been hit with escalating fines by the Pensions regulator. Sam Davies, Partner at Dains, the Derby-based accountancy firm, is warning other firms not to get caught out. Under current workplace pension rules, all employers with at least one member of staff have to undertake certain duties, including enrolling those who are eligible into a workplace pension scheme and contributing towards it. Under this process, known as auto-enrolment, businesses must meet certain requirements by a certain date, which is based upon the number of people they employ. Those that miss the date are initially sent a statutory notice reminding them to comply however, those which persistently and deliberately refuse to comply, or which breach workplace pension rules, face a fixed penalty notice of £400. Failure to pay the fixed penalty notice could lead to a series of escalating fines, with a prescribed daily rate of £50 to £10,000, depending on the number of staff the business employs. Sam said: “So far the Pensions Regulator has handed out escalating penalty notices to only four firms, but this number is likely to increase as more staging dates pass.”
The East Midlands’ 200 fastestgrowing businesses have been unveiled in a report by the regional office of business and financial advisers Grant Thornton. It is the region’s only dynamic, in depth study of the growth, performance and percentage rise in the profitability of the East Midlands’ businesses by individual market sector and county. It is compiled on the basis of profit growth using the most recent publicly available accounts. The majority of the companies on the list are small and mediumsized businesses. Between them, the report’s 200 companies employ 139,000 people, have created over 14,250 net new jobs over the past three years and increased workforce at an average rate of 3.7 per cent per annum. Phil Sayers, Partner in Grant Thornton’s Leicester office, said: “The growth of the East Midlands Top 200 companies appears to have been achieved in a number of ways – notably diversification into new markets, particularly new geographic markets. “Many companies indicated their success over the last three years was also due in part to taking difficult decisions to invest in items such as staff and R&D during the recession, which are now paying off.” The report was compiled in conjunction with the CBI and is available online at bit.ly/1S1z0Kz
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MOTORING
Peugeot’s new
gladiator
In a confused motoring world, NICK JONES tests a new gladiator in the arena Have a look at the motors market today and what’s trending is the crossover… no, it’s the hybrid… or the plug-in electric… and… In all honesty, they all are. And the nation’s love affair with diesel is both the hottest thing and the coldest thing around, depending on what you choose to read. Smaller, turbo-powered petrol engines are now giving diesel-like economy with diesels giving petrollike performance and not sounding like tractors. The truth, perhaps more than ever before, is that there appears to be no clear direction for car makers to follow. Whatever they build will appeal to someone and be repulsive to others. Was it always thus? Into this unruly arena steps a new gladiator from an unlikely source – the 508 RXH from Peugeot. And what it brings to the fight will have some of the established contenders looking long and hard in their rear view mirrors. This is a genuine go anywhere family estate which combines one of Peugeot’s renowned diesel engines to drive the front wheels with state-of-the-art electric technology to drive the rear – a 4x4 Jim, but not as we know it. And what’s it up against? Audi’s Allroad, Volvo’s XC70 and their ilk. But being a Peugeot, it doesn’t carry the premium cars’ price tags, which means it will have a lot of appeal to the more-budget, less badgeconscious driver. The benefit-in-kind and road tax will also appeal to this sector, the former being just 16% and no three per cent diesel levy, and the latter being zip, zilch, nada for the first year and just £20 thereafter because the emissions are a paltry 104g/km. 48 business network July/August 2015
The Peugeot 508 RXH is a ‘genuine go anywhere family estate’
‘Has steering wheel-mounted paddles if you want to flick up and down the ratios – F1-style’ With stop/start technology, the RXH can return up to 69mpg. So it’s a lead-sledge? Au contraire, as the French car maker might say. The 2.0-litre diesel in the front stirs 163 chevaux and the electric motors add a further 37, combining to give 200bhp. The 508 RXH powers past 60mph from a standing start in 9.5 seconds on the way to a top speed of 130+mph. It comes with an automatic gearbox but has steering wheel-mounted paddles if you want to flick up and down the ratios – F1-style. Having the batteries aboard compromises the boot
FACTFILE MODEL: Peugeot 508RXH PRICE: £30,295 ENGINE: 2.0 litre diesel PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 9.5 seconds – top speed 130+mph CO2 EMISSIONS: 104g/km FUEL CONSUMPTION: 69mpg achievable
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MOTORING
Toyota UK delivers double success Toyota Manufacturing UK was set a challenge unprecedented outside Japan… build and deliver two new models simultaneously. But the Burnaston car maker met the task and last month launched side-by-side production of new Auris and Avensis models. Although planning for the new cars started in 2013, production went from zero to 800 cars a day over just a ten day period. The achievement was made more complex by that fact that both models and all versions are built – from welding shop to final quality checks – on a single production line. Jon Corpe, TMUK’s Project Manager, said: “Normally, as production of an outgoing model slows down, the build of the new one takes over on the line to compensate, so the number of cars leaving the plant is fairly consistent. In this case, production of both models came to an end at the same time. We had to be sure we could meet global demand for the new cars immediately.” Tony Walker, TMUK Deputy Managing Director, said: “Our people are very experienced, the average length of service is 12 years, so they were absolutely ready to take on something like this. “New Auris and Avensis take us The contemporary interior of the 508 RHX
space slightly – down from 510 litres to 425 but fold the seats flat (they also do 60/40) and it soars to 1,440 litres and there is an extra under-floor space for items you might want to conceal. If the loss of the boot-space would be a deal-breaker, you can have just a two-wheel drive basic diesel offering 180bhp – but why would you? Buy the hybrid, let the front and rear ends talk to each other and deliver their power seamlessly. It’s an easy, straightforward bit of technology that gives any Peugeot car the capability of running this system. I think the 508 has rugged good looks but that shape remains unmistakingly Peugeot estate and for me that’s a good thing. The fun starts at just £30,295 for the 2WD 180bhp version. The diesel Hybrid4 starts at £34,645, so it’s hardly inexpensive technology like this rarely is. But the lower tax demands will offset your initial investment and don’t forget those frugal running costs. The Volvo XC70 with all-wheel drive capability starts at £35,000 while the Audi Allroad range starts at £32,640. An all-wheel-drive go anywhere eco-friendly estate from Peugeot? Yes, it’s here and it’s called the 508 RXH. A very clever piece of kit.
up to nine new model launches since Burnaston came on stream in 1992, with a similar number of ‘minor change’ programmes as well.” As well as the people skills, new equipment and ways of working had to be put in place throughout the plant. Success also relied on TMUK’s many suppliers all being ready to supply the necessary number of new parts, all validated for quality and performance, right on time. With start of production secure, the focus now moves to the new models reaching the road. The new Avensis is on sale now, with deliveries already rolling out. Order books for the new Auris opened on 1 July. Global magazine Newsweek has named Toyota as one of the world’s greenest companies. The car maker climbed 57 places to 35th in the journal’s Global 500 rankings and took second place in the US automotive listings. Companies were scored against their industry peers on each of eight metrics, including energy, water and waste levels. “We are proud to be recognised as one of the world’s greenest companies,” said Jim Lentz, Toyota Motor North America Chief Executive Officer.
130 years a Wanderer Last month marked 130 years since the world’s first purposebuilt leisure touring caravan, The Wanderer, took to the road. Owned by Victorian author, Dr William Gordon Stables, The Wanderer caravan travelled 1,400 miles during the summer of 1885. It was towed by two horses The original Wanderer caravan from Twyford, Berkshire, to Inverness, from where the caravan returned to London by rail before continuing its journey along the South Coast, reaching as far as Lymington, in the New Forest. This caravan was bequeathed to The Caravan Club by the daughter of Dr William Gordon Stables in the 1960s. “William Gordon Stables was a true adventurer, with a pioneering spirit and a genuine appreciation of the great outdoors and the benefits the natural world brings to mind and body,” said Nick Lomas, Director General of the Caravan Club. business network July/August 2015 49
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COMMENT
THE LAST WORD LIZ FOTHERGILL CBE, Chamber President, on the issues that are worth talking about IT’S PARTY TIME, JUST NOT HERE
CONGRATULATIONS IAN
Back in the 1980s, the LibDems, then the Social Democrats, staged their party conference one year at various destinations around the country. For two days of that week they were in Derby. Before and since then the three main parties have shunned the East Midlands, preferring the bright lights of the seaside or the glamour of Manchester or Birmingham. Why? What is it that draws the party faithful mostly to the extremes of the country’s borders rather than its heartland? Surely it would be easier for most of them to get to Nottingham, Derby or Leicester, with each of those cities’ excellent road, rail and air links. This year, yet again, the party conferences will shun the country’s ‘Engine for Growth’ and most of its ‘Northern Powerhouse’. Are we being ignored? Is this the manifestation of a Westminster perception that we can’t deliver tourism and conferencing? Or are we simply not selling ourselves hard enough? Perhaps the time has come to put all differences aside and work together to put the East Midlands firmly on the map as THE region of choice.
I was delighted to hear my dear friend and fellow board member Ian Morgan was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for his services to public transport. Ian has spent 42 years in the bus industry and is the current Deputy Chairman of Wellglade Group, the UK’s largest independently-owned bus operator. He is Chairman of the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK, the bus and coach industry’s trade association, a long-standing Chamber board director and past-President, he sits on the board of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, is Chairman of the East Staffordshire Cricket Development Group and VicePresident of Burton Hockey Club. I don’t know how he’ll find the time to collect his award.
MY FEARS OVER THE CHANCELLOR’S SPEECH At the time you’re reading this, George Osborne, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, will have made his 8 July emergency statement. But I’m writing this before he sets out the Conservatives’ policies for the year, and more, ahead. I have fears that, with a clear mandate, the Conservatives could hit us with a raft of austerity measures that will make the past few years seem like Easy Street. I sincerely hope they won’t. I don’t want to see unrest on our streets as the disaffected and disadvantaged rebel against swingeing cuts that will see their standards of living driven into further decline. I don’t want to see a Greek-style collapse and UK plc floundering and foundering in an attempt to clear the debt too quickly. Yes, there are further hard times ahead, but they don’t need to be brutal – growth, not austerity, should be his guiding principle. I’m hoping that by the time you read this we will all be breathing a sigh of relief that the steel fist wore a velvet glove. 50 business network July/August 2015
GOOD LUCK IN RETIREMENT JOHN Another good friend of mine, fellow Chamber board member, Professor John Coyne, is retiring from his post as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby and I am delighted for him. He has had a long and distinguished career in academia, dedicating much of his time to forging links between education and business. He is a well-known and well-respected figure in academia. His retirement is definitely academia’s loss but I’m glad that he is continuing to serve as a director of the Chamber.
BEST WISHES GEORGE I’d like to place on the record the Chamber’s sincere gratitude and thanks to former Chief Executive George Cowcher, who stood down to pursue new opportunities on the day Business Network went to press, for his tireless dedication to and passion for the Chamber and local business during his time in the role. As Chief Executive, George oversaw the significant expansion of the Chamber, which geographically, now encompasses three cities and counties and has consolidated its position as the second-largest Chamber in the UK. He also played an instrumental role in establishing the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership and has been a tremendous advocate for business in the East Midlands on the local, regional and national stage. He leaves the Chamber bigger, stronger and of greater value to its members and we wish him well for the future.
AGREE OR DISAGREE? Join the debate by following @EMChamberNews and Tweet using the hashtag #LastWord
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