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Keep up to date on latest developments at www.emc-dnl.co.uk/coronavirus
JUNE/JULY 2020
@EMCBizNetwork
SALUTING UNSUNG HEROES THE FIRMS THAT KEEP THE WHEELS OF BUSINESS TURNING
INTERVIEW
POLITICS
CHRIS MALLETT, FROM CHAMBER STRATEGIC PARTNER ASTON LARK
THE EAST MIDLANDS’ TOP 500 COMPANIES REVEALED
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If your supply chain is being affected by the coronavirus outbreak, our EXPRESS CHINA RAIL SERVICE could be the answer to getting your shipments back on track. With Wuhan still affected we have moved our weekly LCL and FCL rail service to Xi’an, offering a transit time of just 22-24 days from Xi'an terminal to our Dartford depot. Cargo moving under ‘FCA’ terms of shipment (equivalent to FOB) can be freely accepted. Any ex works shipments will be checked by our dedicated rail team on a case-by-case basis to ensure that collection from the factory/delivery to the Xi’an rail terminal is possible.
T: 01709 529709 W: www.daviesturner.com E: rotherhamsales@daviesturner.co.uk
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THE FIRST WORD
CONTENTS JUNE/JULY 2020
NEWS UPDATE 4
MEMBER NEWS Historic firm lends support to the NHS
14 APPOINTMENTS Hallam appoints new CEO and MD
Welcome to the June/July edition of Business Network. In times of crisis, heroes emerge. That’s never been truer than at the current time. In the past few weeks, the first tangible evidence of the devastating economic impacts the coronavirus pandemic is having has started to emerge. Economic growth has halted, jobs have been lost and there are very real concerns that the economy is headed for a prolonged downturn. When it comes to rebuilding, businesses will be expected to do much of the heavy lifting. It is, after all, the private sector that will provide the innovation, jobs, growth and prosperity the UK needs to get the economy back on its feet. The time for heroes is once again upon us. We’ve already seen businesses adapt their operations to support the national effort against Covid-19, whether its switching up manufacturing to provide much needed PPE, supporting key workers on the frontline or ensuring vital supplies reach the most vulnerable members of our communities. To those business heroes, we salute you. However, there is also an army of unsung business heroes who do so much good work behind the scenes to keep the flow of commerce going. This issue is all about celebrating the contribution these businesses make to the wellbeing of the overall economy, by taking care of the often-unglamorous jobs that need to happen to keep businesses ticking over as they should. These businesses and individuals are the essential small cogs that keep the big wheels of industry turning but are often underappreciated. We hope this issue will help to prompt the applause and recognition they so richly deserve. Stay safe and well, look out for each other.
Best wishes, Jon Smart Interim Editor, Business Network
16 STRATEGIC PARTNERS AND PATRONS Samworth Brothers supports national Covid-19 relief effort 18 CHAMBER NEWS The Chamber reacts to the latest business policy announcements
INTERNATIONAL TRADE 24 Spotlight on: China
POLITICS 26 Celebrating our Top 500 Businesses
INTERVIEW 28 Chris Mallett, Associate Director at Aston Lark’s Derby office
FEATURES 31 BUSINESS CRIME & PROTECTION Sharp increase in cyber crime means businesses must do more 36 Protect your business against cyber crime 38 FOCUS FEATURE Praise for heroes 43 REGENERATING THE EAST MIDLANDS Fuelling the Midlands Engine 47 CHARITABLE CAUSES, PROMOTION & PARTNERSHIP Helping us to help children 52 CSR for small businesses
TRAINING & EVENTS 54 Online training success continues
BUSINESS SUPPORT 56 DIGITAL GROWTH How to streamline your sales
Interim Editor Jon Smart T: 0333 320 0333 ext 2089 Contributor Jasmine Thompson All Submissions E: magazine@emc-dnl.co.uk Chamber Membership E: membership@emc-dnl.co.uk Follow the Chamber W: www.emc-dnl.co.uk Twitter: @EMChamberNews
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59 SKILLS Project aims to help develop technical talent
Managing Editor Laura Blake T: 0121 765 4144 E: laura.blake@kempspublishing.co.uk
62 FINANCE Investment for engineering start-up
Designer Lloyd Hollingworth
64 TECHNOLOGY East Midlands Regional Cyber Resilience Centre launches
Advertising T: 0121 765 4144 E: jon.jones@kempspublishing.co.uk Printers Warners (Midlands) plc
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.
60 LEGAL Post-lockdown legal issues
67 PROPERTY First phase of D2N2-backed logistics development launched 68 MOTORING Nick Jones tests the Citroen DS7 69 INFORMATION Businesses urged to not shun charities during Covid-19 crisis
COMMENT 70 THE LAST WORD Chamber President Dawn Edwards comments on the latest issues business network June/July 2020
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MEMBER NEWS
Historic firm lends support to the NHS Following an introduction by the investment team at Marketing Derby, historic Derbyshire-based clothing manufacturer John Smedley is working with the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust to provide much-needed PPE. John Smedley has opened a special area at its Lea Mills factory, dedicated to creating medical grade fabric scrub garments for the NHS, care homes and other businesses in need. Having sourced hospital-approved fabrics, a team of volunteer lock-stitchers, seamers and over-lockers have already produced the first batch of just over 1,000 pairs of scrubs. Ian Maclean, Managing Director, said: “Despite not being cut-and-sew garment specialists, I am pleased to be able to turn our company’s skills into the useful production of hospital approved scrubs for the NHS and care homes. Covid-19 presents us all with huge challenges, and we are keen to play our part in meeting them, even in a small way." John Smedley was created in 1784 and is the oldest manufacturing factory in the world. Throughout World Wars One and Two, John Smedley produced underwear for the front-line troops, under contract to the Government, as part of a huge re-organisation of industry that was geared towards the war effort.
Dedicated volunteers working away at the vital scrubs
‘Derbyshire’s manufacturing companies are certainly showcasing innovation during the Covid-19 crisis’ While the Government hasn’t formally contracted British manufacturers to produce PPE in the UK during the current Covid-19 crisis, an informal network of designers, manufacturers and individual machinists has sprung up across the country to take up the challenge. John Smedley has joined the effort and chosen to work with the ‘Emergency Design Network’, led by fashion designers Holly Fulton, Phoebe English, Bethany Williams and Cozette McCreery, to obtain materials and patterns that are approved by the NHS. New machine arrangements have been designed to facilitate social distancing, digital thermometers will be utilised to check temperature, and PPE will be deployed to enhance safe working. All garments produced have been distributed to local hospitals, GP surgeries and care homes in the East Midlands and London free of charge. Maya Yates, Marketing Derby Inward Investment Executive, added: “We are delighted that Derbyshire-based John Smedley is now manufacturing scrubs for the NHS. Derbyshire is the UK capital for innovation and Derbyshire's manufacturing companies are certainly showcasing innovation during the Covid-19 crisis.”
John Smedley has joined the many manufacturing businesses across the East Midlands helping supply PPE to the NHS
Women’s centre helps the community Leicestershire-based Shama Women’s Centre has launched a project, Corona Comrades which supports the local community with mental health concerns and further help those struggling with social isolation. Since the coronavirus lockdown, there has been an alarming growth in the number of UK citizens suffering from low moods, loneliness, depression and anxiety. In response to this emerging need, the women’s centre stepped up to offering free, confidential support and advice through its bank of qualified professionals. With a team of professional 4
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counsellors on hand for those that are struggling with mental health, loss of a loved one or loneliness, they also have a dedicated team of trained volunteers on hand for general conversation and check-ins. In addition, Shama Women’s Centre’ expert team is able to signpost to other complimentary services within the community ensuring the right support is in place. The team provides support in multiple languages to ensure even the most vulnerable members of the community are reached. To speak to a specialist, please call 0116 2514 747.
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MEMBER NEWS
Business swapping service is launched during lockdown Three Derby-based entrepreneurs have created and launched a swapping service for small businesses during the Covid-19 lockdown. Inspired by an idea from Tracy Harrison, CEO of Derby’s Safe and Sound Group, the Derby Swap Shop has been pulled together in two weeks by three Derby-based businesses. The much-loved, multicoloured Swap Shop design from the 70s and early 80s has been modernised for the 21st Century, to create a dynamic webpage to host the project. The idea has been led by Rachel Hayward of the award-winning, bid writing consultancy service, Ask the Chameleon. She said: “I knew that the Derby business community would want to help each other during the lockdown, but I needed help to bring this to reality. I knew exactly who to call and the outcome has far exceeded original expectations.” The Derby Swap Shop team includes Dean Jackson Founder, Owner and CEO of the internationally recognised, Derbybased sports apparel brand, Huub and newcomers to the Derby
‘The whole idea is based on retro trading and is ideal for what we need for our businesses right now’
are looking for help, and in return they will provide a swap offering services or goods. Over 40 people were present at the Zoom launch, to hear how they can keep their organisations going during lockdown. Twenty-four new member accounts were created in the first ten minutes of the site going live. Dean said: “The whole idea is based on retro trading and is ideal for what we need for our businesses right now – we need to keep going and Derby Swap Shop is the perfect platform – we are now keen to see just how many swaps we can support “ Lee said: “The Derby business community really is like no other. Where else, but in Derby, would three businesses come together during the lockdown and create a service for the wider community that really harnesses the spirit of collaboration and partnerships. The think3 team is extremely proud to have been asked to be part of the Derby Swap Shop.”
market think3 led by Lee Marples and three other young entrepreneurs.
To create an account for the Derby Swap Shop, visit www.derbyswapshop.co.uk
The founders of the Derby Swap Shop; Dean Jackson, Rachel Hayward and Lee Marples
It plans to connect individuals, businesses and charities from across Derby and Derbyshire who
The smart way to keep builders safe A1 Comms Business has linked up with Hodgkinson Builders by providing a smartphone which will test its team for a key Covid-19 symptom. The Cat S61 Android Smartphone has an integrated thermal imaging camera, which detects elevated skin temperature, a sign of fever. If the temperature of the skin is above average, then the individual can be advised to seek further screening. A1 Comms Business Managing Director Steve Heald said: “This is a terrific way in which we can help business feel confident of moving forward in these difficult times. “Hodgkinson Builders is an excellent, go-ahead company which wants to fulfil orders and make sure their staff are as safe as possible, so we were delighted to help. The smartphone is simple to use and can be hand-held or mounted on a tripod in less than ten minutes. It is also very durable, which means it can be fully submerged frequently in soapy water or sanitisers can be generously applied to keep the device virus-free. “Indeed, it is the perfect fit for construction companies because it can withstand six feet drops onto steel, exposure to chemicals, bleaches and detergents.” Ian Hodgkinson, Managing Director of Hodgkinson Builders, said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with A1 Comms Business after being a customer for over ten years. The smartphone is functioning well. "Hodgkinson Builders has implemented new Covid-19 safety procedures, enhanced PPE and has now introduced this high-tech Cat-phone to our sites, which means we can test our workers at the start of every day. “We recognise that the health of the nation comes first, so it is essential to work within the Government’s parameters while getting the economy going again.” business network June/July 2020
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MEMBER NEWS
Rotary and transport firm join forces on foodbanks initiative A new foodbank delivery scheme, which will see more than 150,000 food items reach people in need in the next eight weeks, is up and running, thanks to Rotary Clubs in the East Midlands and South Yorkshire, and Chamber member Taylor’s Transport. The scheme, Rotary4foodbanks, is already delivering much needed supplies to foodbanks in the area, with the help of the firm’s Managing Director, Alan Taylor, and his team. Foodbank use is on the increase as people lose their jobs because of the virus. Year on year, foodbanks saw an 81% increase in demand for emergency food at the end of March. The situation will probably only get worse as thousands of people lose their jobs or face pay cuts, which means they simply cannot afford to eat. This comes at a time when food banks are already stretched to the limit - in 2019 they supplied 1.8m emergency food supplies, a year on year increase of 20%. Rotary’s co-ordinator John Cavey said: “We could see a huge and growing need for foodbank provision in our area. As a leading UK charity organisation, Rotary is committed to helping meet that need. From our own charity funds, we have already allocated £35,000 to buy goods wholesale. Our plan is to extend that with another £60,000 by the end of July.”
Alan Taylor, of Taylor’s Transport, with a truck loaded with foodbank supplies
‘We could see a huge and growing need for foodbank provision in our area’ Without warehousing and an effective distribution network, Rotary4foodbanks would not be able to operate on the scale that is needed to meet that growing demand. That’s where local businessman and long-time Rotarian, Alan Taylor, stepped in. Despite his own business feeling the strain imposed by the Covid-19
pandemic – Taylor’s has furloughed around 50% of its 200 vehicles and 300 staff – Alan agreed to set aside around 2000sq ft of warehousing space and allocate existing staff to sort stock for distribution. He said: “Even though we work internationally, we have always been rooted in the East Midlands
and it is only right to give back to the community. It is a philosophy which runs right through to the heart of the business.” Anyone wanting to support the programme - or foodbanks requiring Rotary4foodbanks’ help - can contact John Cavey at rotaryfoundation1220@gmail.com.
Support group improves communication A new online community is helping businesses in the East Midlands to connect and support one another through the challenges of lockdown. ‘Communicate with Purpose’ is the brainchild of High Peak communications business, LR Comms. It was set up as a supportive space where businesses across the county can share ideas and lessons learned with other small business owners and managers. Lucy Rennie, Director at LR Comms said: “We all know that small businesses and start-ups are built on passion; but passion alone does not fuel a business. Access to the right tools, resources and best practice from others who have learned from past mistakes can really make a company fly. “I could see that many businesses, small and large, were grappling with how best to communicate during this crisis with their customers, suppliers and staff. I set up the Communicate with Purpose group as a port of call to help small business owners with that journey. “I truly believe that together is better and that’s certainly the ethos shared by early members of this group. Our members come from varied backgrounds – performing arts, bookkeeping, app development and translation to name a few – but it’s their commitment to working together that’s the common goal.” Members of this new community have access to a range of resources including stakeholder mapping tools, a social media calendar and content plan templates. Every week, the group meets for a virtual coaching session on a topic of value to small business owners delivered by LR Comms or by a guest speaker. 6
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MEMBER NEWS
Santander offers backing to Leicestershire manufacturer The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) and Bounce Back Loan Scheme share the same key objective of helping the country’s economic backbone of small and mediumsized businesses weather the coronavirus outbreak and its profound impact on business. Santander UK is one of 40 accredited lenders working to deliver loans across these schemes. Santander lends more than £20bn to British businesses annually and its relationship teams continue to support customers through this period of extreme uncertainty.
Its relationship director for the East Midlands, Paul Elliott, has been working with a wide number of firms from across the region during these testing times. One of the businesses he has been supporting is fellow Chamber member HK Wentworth, a manufacturer of specialist chemicals with international headquarters in Leicestershire. The company, founded in 1941, has consistently achieved strong yearon-year growth in overseas sales with a turnover of more than £30m. It now operates in more than 55 countries and employs around two hundred staff members globally.
While HK Wentworth is a successful business, it, like many other companies was not shielded from the impacts brought by the coronavirus on its ability to continue to trade. During the current pandemic, some of their customers experienced a decline in trading, especially throughout Europe, as many were forced to close and unable to progress existing projects. Paul worked closely with HK Wentworth to understand its immediate and long-term financial needs and establish how much CBILS funding would be required to keep the cashflow in good health and futureproof its business.
The funding has alleviated the immediate concerns of the business and it now has a clear line of activity in sight to continue serving their customers. Paul said: “Every business is different and we are focused on understanding the specific impacts to our customers, offering them appropriate support and ensuring we remain responsible lenders. “Combating the fallout from coronavirus is our overriding priority, and we are working at pace to ensure we can deliver new loans and overdrafts to help UK businesses when they need us most.”
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MEMBER NEWS
Gaps in workforce must be filled A Derby-based recruitment agency has warned that a business bounce back will be successful only if companies anticipate gaps in their workforce post-coronavirus. Sky Recruitment Solutions is predicting that many business owners could be caught off guard if furloughed staff decide not to return to work and redundancies are made too hastily. The firm which specialises in industrial roles at all levels throughout the region, foresees a potential “recruitment nightmare”, preventing companies from getting off the starting blocks when restrictions lift. It comes as the Institute for Employment Studies revealed that unemployment has already risen to at least 2.5 million, around 7.5% of the workforce - a far quicker rise than in any of the last three recessions. It recommends that the Government brings together a ‘Cobra’ scheme for jobs.
‘More than 80% of our client base has already started talking to us about how their businesses will need to adapt their staffing post-lockdown’ However, the current climate could be an opportunity for firms to review structures to help ensure the economy recovers quickly. David Torrington (pictured), Managing Director, said: “Businesses are reviewing their staff because those in roles prior to the lockdown period may not be the staff required to take that same business forward. “More than 80% of our client base has already started talking to us about how their businesses will need to adapt their staffing postlockdown. “Businesses will unfortunately make redundancies, and staff that have been furloughed may decide not to return to work once the furlough ends, leaving gaps in their workforce.
“The pool of available staff has altered dramatically over the past six weeks. As high employment levels have changed to high levels of unemployment, in theory, there is a larger pool of high-quality staff that companies can attract.” For instance, if a business’ strategy changes to more of a proactive sales approach, it will become crucial they have the right staff to proactively market the business. David added: “We have reviewed our service offerings and adjusted our commercials to help local businesses, with a more competitive rate structure, loyalty discounts and preferential payment terms for businesses struggling to get credit or having cashflow problems.”
Sophie Wragg wanted to do something to help children struggling with anxiety during lockdown
HSG launches Hygiene Audit Washroom hygiene services and water conservation specialists HSG has launched a new initiative to help businesses prepare for a smooth return to trading. HSG’s Hygiene Audit - a health and wellbeing assessment for businesses aims to give business owners reassurance that they are doing everything possible to ensure the safety of customers and staff moving forward. Solutions can include upgrading existing facilities such as hand sanitiser, soap and towel dispensers as well as new innovations such as no-touch door opening and social distancing reminder floor mats. Simon Rice, Managing Director at HSG said: “These unprecedented times have reminded us all that hygiene is vitally important. Staff and customers alike will, quite rightly, have higher expectations of washroom hygiene standards in the places they work and visit. “We hope the Hygiene Audit will give businesses peace of mind that they are fully prepared to re-open their doors, and to provide reassurance to their staff and customers that measures have been taken to protect health and well-being.”
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Support for children’s mental health Nottingham-based business Be Your Best Version is making a significant impact in managing mental health, by helping children across the country overcome anxiety caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The organisation, which helps professionals reach their full potential, develop leadership skills and increase self-confidence, has created a free 16-page guide aimed at children aged nine to teenagers. The guide is now being used by primary and secondary schools across the East Midlands as well as NHS providers, ambulance services, police forces and national retailers across the country. Lack of control and routine currently being experienced by families is causing anxiety for many children and teenagers. After hearing that some children of key workers are completely overcome by anxiety, the owner of Be Your Best Version, Sophie
Wragg knew she could use her experience in personal and business coaching to help teach children to manage their stress, anxiety and negative thinking. Schools across the region are already sharing the guide with their students and some incorporated it into mental health awareness week and included extracts in newsletters. Sophie said: “It is upsetting to hear how many children are struggling with anxiety and I want to do something to help. I want to try and take some pressure off families and help children learn to manage their anxiety. The guide seems the perfect way to share the information and exercises quickly, easily and for free. “The feedback has been overwhelming. I’ve received so many positive comments and it has been great to hear the different ways the guide has been used. I’m so pleased that it can help so many children and families nationally.”
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MEMBER NEWS
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MEMBER NEWS
Weekly bulletin inspires businesses
Jon Fraser and Kevin Urquhart, founders of FU Media
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PR and lifestyle publishing company FU Media has launched a weekly email news bulletin to help inspire businesses across the East Midlands. The Leicester firm introduced the information-driven newsletter to help business owners across the region access the right information, so they can shore up their businesses. The newsletter has evolved from providing the latest business and Government information to educate, into a source of entertainment, as FU Media’s founders quickly realised the mental health of readers was in as much jeopardy as their financial wellbeing. Kevin Urquhart, Managing Director, said: “In times of trouble, we all need to keep on talking. In this coronavirus landscape, hibernation was not an option as we didn’t want to go pop. So, we got creative. Our newsletters are crafted to get people talking, keep businesses visible and in the spotlight and, ultimately, help
businesses, including our own, to stay alive. “We didn’t do it for glory or money, but they’ve touched a nerve and reflected the mood in the market by giving people help and hope when they’ve needed it most, which we’re hugely proud of.” Looking ahead, FU Media is calling on Chamber members to get in touch if they have a genuine story that could add true value to readers. It wants to hear from any members which have done something which could give comfort, educate, entertain, or make life better for other businesses. FU Media’s co-founder, Jon Fraser, added: “The newsletters look like they have legs after lockdown, which we’re thrilled about and will continue to create them for as long as people want to read them.” To submit a story, email kevin@fumedia.co.uk or jon@fumedia.co.uk and subscribe at https://mailchi.mp/fu-media/fuloves-leicestershire-10
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MEMBER NEWS
Don’t put your business at risk when outsourcing during coronavirus The virtual assistants (VA) industry has grown at an incredibly rapid rate over the past few years. Now, due to the recent increase in homeworking due to the coronavirus pandemic, many more people are considering a change of career or growing their virtual teams. Overall, this is great news for the industry and economy: those who have worked in it for the past few years know how beneficial virtual working can be and the results and support given to clients. Charlotte Wibberley, founder of the Association of Professional Virtual Assistants (APVA), says that while most VAs are set up professionally and robustly, she has seen a growing number of new VAs moving to the industry following redundancy or furlough who don’t meet the essential criteria for running a safe online business. APVA is the first officially registered, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting the virtual assistant and freelance community as it grows. Launched in 2015 as a membership organisation for the VA industry, it has expanded to offer training and coaching to existing and aspiring VAs looking to enter the market Charlotte said: “Unfortunately, not everyone is aware of what they need to
have in place to protect themselves and their clients and in some cases, not everyone is prepared to comply. “During these uncertain times, it is essential that any support you take on for your business will enable you to continue to operate safely in the online world. Therefore, your VA must be set up correctly and meet industry standards.” To help business owners understand what the minimum requirements are to keep businesses safe, the team at APVA has put together a list of essentials you need to check before agreeing to work with a new VA. These include making sure you sign a robust client contract and have read their terms and conditions, checking their business insurance is up to date and asking if they are registered for data protection with the Information Commissioner’s Office. If they offer financial support, you should make sure they are registered for anti-money laundering regulations with HMRC. For more help and advice, download the free APVA ebook, Choosing and Working with the Right VA, at https://bit.ly/2X0R9l8
APVA founder Charlotte Wibberley
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MEMBER NEWS
Purpose Media hosts workplace Covid-19 testing lab Matt Wheatcroft, with occupational nurses Jessica Jones and Alice Clarke
A Covid-19 antibody test cassette
Chamber strategic partner Purpose Media hosted a workplace Covid-19 testing lab at its Derbyshire headquarters to allow its staff and their families to be tested for coronavirus. The firm hired two occupational nurses to carry out more than 60 tests, which identify the body's response to coronavirus after the onset of infection, giving a yes or no result within ten minutes. A finger-prick sample of blood is taken, which is then put into the test cassette to check whether there are any coronavirus antibodies present. Of the 67 tests carried out on the day, two were positive. Testing was done in Purpose Media’s board room, in accordance with the Government’s coronavirus safety guidelines. The firm has also redesigned the layout of its premises, including installing safety signs, to ensure it complies with social distancing measures for when its team eventually returns.
Managing Director Matt Wheatcroft said: “We were pleased to provide coronavirus testing to all our staff and members of their households, to help provide peace of mind. “As a responsible employer, the health and wellbeing of our employees is a priority. Offering them the opportunity to get tested is just one of the ways we are looking after the team. “We’re also thinking ahead to when the office might reopen by investing in our workspace to ensure that if, and when, the guys do want to come back in, we’ve got the appropriate social distancing measures in place to accommodate the whole team safely. “The new, more agile way of remote working has actually seen our productivity increase during lockdown so moving forward, we’ll be building more flexibility into the business for staff, in terms of the hours they want to work and where they want to work from.”
Nominate a business to join My HR Hub Chamber member My HR Hub is marking its fourth year in business by offering one lucky company or charity the chance to win a year’s free membership to its ‘My HR Club’ initiative. The Club is a great resource for those responsible for human resources within their organisation. It gives members exclusive access to more than 100 useful HR document templates, online Zoom sessions and its wellbeing retreat. It is also about helping those in standalone HR roles to come together and support one another. My HR Club was launched in 2019 by Rebecca Bull, the founder and Managing Director of Nottingham-
based My HR Hub, a consultancy which offers outsourced HR support to businesses in a variety of sectors. Rebecca is a Chartered Fellow CIPD professional with more than 20 years’ experience in the industry. She launched My HR Hub in May 2016, initially providing HR support to three clients. It has grown to provide a full range of HR services to more than 40 clients in the East Midlands, across the UK and in Europe and America. The business has been nominated for and won a host of awards over the years and has just taken on its first HR Associate, Rachael Moyers, to meet existing customer demand and
‘My passion has always been going into small businesses to provide the support they need to do HR effectively’ 12
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Rebecca Bull, founder of My HR Hub
accommodate its plans for further growth across the region. Rebecca said: “My passion has always been going into small businesses to provide the support they need to do HR effectively and better manage their human resources. The business has grown
rapidly, mainly through word of mouth, over the past four years and I’m extremely proud of the fact that in that time, we’ve had no complaints. “In the coronavirus pandemic, it’s important to recognise those who have helped others, so to celebrate our fourth anniversary, we will be rewarding one business or charity that has helped the local community, has gone the extra mile to do good, or which has put others first, with a year’s free membership to My HR Club.” If you would like to nominate someone, all you have to do email hello@myhrhub.co.uk with information about your chosen business or charity, what they have done to support others during the coronavirus pandemic, and your contact name and details. The closing date is 30 June 2020.
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MEMBER NEWS
Available in Asda stores across the country and can be found in the fresh bakery isle.
Contact Anita or Saj on:
0116 251 1991 Visit us on-line at:
www.riyasoriginal.com
As well as retail, we also provide to caterers and food service companies and because these are Vegan Approved they attract a wider range of consumers. Our Naans are restaurant quality and each one is handmade and then flame baked to give that beautiful rustic, restaurant taste. Lavash, a Persian flat bread is also Vegan Society Approved. A thin soft wrap which is delicious hot or cold with only 2% fat and almost 10g of Protein! A great alternative to the tortilla.
Niche Merchandising Ltd 55 Hastings Road Leicester Leicestershire LE5 0BT
Established in 2007, Languages for Life Ltd. provides high quality language services for the majority of global languages to meet both your business and personal needs.
We are ISO9001-2015 registered to underline our commitment to robust quality management procedures, and we work with large blue-chip companies, SMEs, and private clients.
Now, more than ever, flexibility is key and therefore we can provide all our services online.
We offer a variety of language services including but not limited to:
We are here to help, get in touch today!
• Bespoke Language Tuition Including Online • English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Tuition • Translations • Cultural Workshops • Face-to-Face or Telephone Interpreting • Voiceover
T: +44 (0) 1476 594154 E: info@languagesforlifeltd.com W: www.languagesforlifeltd.com business network June/July 2020
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APPOINTMENTS
Hallam appoints new CEO and MD Susan Hallam, founder of one of Nottingham’s leading digital agencies, Hallam, is handing over the reins to Julio Taylor and Jake Third who will take up Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director roles respectively. As part of the changes, Susan will step down from her position as CEO but will remain an integral figurehead within the company as an industry analyst, public speaker, thought-leader and adviser. Hallam’s new CEO, Julio, is currently Creative Director at the agency. His promotion will see him lead the company in a new strategic direction to focus on continuing to strengthen the teams and product development. With over 20 years’ experience in the sector specialising in strategy and digital experience, Julio has been a key member in Hallam’s leadership team since its merger with BigSpring in 2017. He has since played an instrumental role in the transformation of Hallam into a full-service agency. Julio said: “I’m proud and excited to take up the challenge of leading Hallam into the future. As the world evolves, so has our agency. We’ve changed a lot over the past few years, adding new services and areas of expertise, to create a new, unified and powerful offer for our clients. Together with our talented team, we’re ready to tackle the future, and help our clients thrive in what’s going to be an uncertain but interesting time to do business. “Susan has grown this business significantly in 20 years, and I’m looking forward to using her knowledge to push the company forward. Not just as a world-class digital and data agency, but also as the best place to work in a city as vibrant and thriving as Nottingham.” Jake Third’s new role will see him step up from his current position as Hallam’s Client Services and Sales Director. He has worked at the company for six years and has been integral for many of the new business wins. As Managing Director, Jake will focus on continuing to combine driving financial results along with maintaining the health and wellbeing of the agency’s employees. Jake said: “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to step up and lead Hallam as Managing Director. I know how talented our great team is and it’s largely thanks to them and the opportunities they have afforded me that I feel prepared for this role. I’m lucky to work with such inspiring people day in, day out.
Julio Taylor and Jake Third
“I’m also grateful to Susan, who has done an incredible job at the helm. We have some big shoes to fill, but with our solid team and dynamic product offerings, I’m confident we will take the successful company she founded to the next level.” Susan added: “The last 20 years have been an incredible journey and looking back at how the agency has grown since 2000 to what it is now fills me with immense pride. “This change has been in the pipeline for a while and I’m thrilled to see Julio and Jake, who have been integral colleagues to me in recent years, step up into these new roles. Hallam has showcased transformational results and won incredible awards for its work over the years to become a real force in the digital marketing scene and I’m excited to see it continue to grow under their guidance.”
Law firm announces structural update Top 55 law firm Shakespeare Martineau has announced a major restructure of its senior leadership team. The firm has made significant changes to its organisational structure to support its ambitious plans for growth, increase collaboration across the business and create a more agile operational model. Key updates to the structure include the introduction of business unit managing directors and super team leaders as well as introducing regional heads across the West Midlands, East Midlands and South. Together, these form a new growth board for the firm. Heading up the East Midlands region for the firm is Duncan James, supported by Roy Botterill and Roger Harcourt who will be taking on the roles of office head for Leicester and Nottingham, respectively. Sarah Walker-Smith, CEO said: “We remain focused on long-term growth and keeping clients at the heart of everything that we do. We recognise that the best way to do this is through collaboration and 14
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taking a market-led approach to our service areas. We’re introducing three business unit managing director positions to the main board, who will be supported by super team leaders to unite teams and provide a more holistic service to clients.” The organisation’s eight offices across the UK will collaborate as three specific regions; East Midlands, West Midlands and South. Regional heads will be responsible for raising the profile of the firms in those areas and aligning growth plans with the overarching business strategy of bringing services together to benefit the needs of clients. Duncan James said: “The East Midlands’ reputation for innovation and development makes it an incredibly exciting region. “We have a strong presence and excellent client base in the area but always strive to do more, be our best-selves for our clients and exceed expectations – uniting our teams in this new structure enables us to do just that.
Duncan James
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APPOINTMENTS
Director for Digital Skills Academy The Digital Skills Academy, part of North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College, has announced the appointment of a new director, Matthew Smith. With more than 13 years’ experience within the further education sector, Matt has worked at senior management level within several large college groups. He established his own business as a private training provider in 2007 and has since progressed to managing a range of provision from entry-level studies right up to Level 7. Matt developed a keen interest in the digital sector while delivering skills in database design, networking and cloud-based solutions through his own business. He is passionate about innovation and enjoys developing new training programmes that make an impact on the lives of students and the success of employers. On joining the Digital Skills Academy, Matt said: “I am delighted to be heading up this new specialist provision, designed to put businesses in the best position to progress and grow within the digital sector. “From my own experience, I know how much success depends on the talent within your team. People are the greatest asset of any tech company. It is their ability to apply the skills, harness the creativity and bring to life innovative ideas that underpins every amazing technological achievement. “I am fully committed to working with the digital sector to ensure that the Digital Skills Academy provides them with access to the talent they need, and the flexibility to respond to changing priorities. “One of my first jobs is to reach out to employers within the digital space because I want to make sure that our offer meets their complex needs. The Digital Skills Academy will be stronger as more businesses get involved and provide valuable input. I firmly believe our provision - and the sector as a whole - will be stronger if we work together.”
Matthew Smith
BRM Solicitors announces appointment of new Director Regional law firm BRM Solicitors has appointed a new director to its Litigation Department. Giles Searby, a respected commercial litigation solicitor with over 25 years’ experience, joins BRM from another regional firm. Prior to that he spent the first decade of his career at a Top 10 firm in London before moving to DLA in Sheffield. His expertise in the manufacturing and technology sectors, and experience with international trade issues are a valuable addition to BRM’s Litigation Department. On his appointment, Giles said: "I'm delighted to be joining BRM's growing team at this challenging time for businesses. Having lived in Chesterfield for the past nine years and continuing to act for a number of local clients, the opportunity to base my practice here, while still keeping in touch with the Sheffield business community represents the perfect mix for both myself and my clients.” Executive Director, Adrian Sheehan commented: “We are very excited to boost our firm and our l itigation department with a lawyer of Giles’ calibre.”
Giles Searby
Dispute resolution expert joins Buckles Solicitors Buckles Solicitors has announced the recruitment of Peter Westlake as a consultant lawyer. Based in Nottingham, Peter arrives with vast experience in the construction sector acquired from his 35 years in private practice and a further 12 years working for an international civil engineering organisation. Specialising in international arbitration, Peter has expertise in assisting clients through adjudication, arbitration or litigation, mediation and matters of professional indemnity impacting on claims for or against construction professionals. He also deals with non-contentious work concerning building construction and engineering contracts. James Coppinger, Partner and Head of the firm’s Nottingham office said: “We are delighted to welcome Peter and to be working closely with him as we develop our work in this sector. His experience and expertise will be extremely valuable.”
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STRATEGIC PARTNERS AND PATRONS
A Samworth Brothers driver makes a delivery of supplies
Samworth Brothers supports national Covid-19 relief effort Businesses and colleagues from Chamber strategic partner Samworth Brothers have been supporting their communities in many ways during the coronavirus crisis. This has included supplying Soreen malt loaf and Ginsters pasties to local hospitals and charities supporting those in need and delivering in its Leicestershire heartland to the NHS and local community organisations. The firm has been working in close collaboration with food surplus charity FareShare and food redistributor partner The Company Shop.
‘Samworth Brothers has always taken pride in being a responsible business that makes a positive contribution to society’ Its teams in Leicestershire have helped deliver emergency food hampers to vulnerable families, along with supporting local community organisations in other ways including food drops to Leicestershire hospitals and other key worker locations, such as Leicester Prison and local fire and ambulance stations. It has also helped the Mowbray Education Trust, in Melton Mowbray, deliver important food supplies and co-ordinated a food hamper drop with Blaby Council. The firm’s drivers have played a vital role in the effort undertaking dozens of deliveries.
Across the UK, Samworth Brothers brands have also been supporting the national effort. In the South West, the Ginsters team is supporting more than 30 charities and has donated more than 21,000 pasties and slices to date, helping to feed frontline teams and charities that support those most in need during lockdown. And Soreen has launched an initiative with Checkout Smart which enables NHS staff and other key workers to redeem thousands of Soreen snacks for free. Other Soreen donations have been to Hotel Football, open to key workers at Old Trafford, and hospitals such as Salford Royal, Nightingale London and Cheltenham and charities such as “The Bread and Butter Thing’ in Manchester. Elsewhere, Samworth Brothers has supplied surplus raw materials to Compassion London, a group of chefs and volunteers making healthy and nutritious meals for NHS, support workers and vulnerable people. And a development chef at one of its Leicester sites hosted a Zoom cookery teachin for youngsters supported by its long-term partner, Leicestershire Cares. A company spokesman said: “Over our long history, Samworth Brothers has always taken pride in being a responsible business that makes a positive contribution to society. “In usual times our businesses are active in supporting our local and wider communities, so in many cases we are working with existing and longstanding partners, as well as new partners, to help make things happen.”
Access Training reaches major milestone Chamber strategic partner, Access Training has announced the enrolment of its 5,000th apprentice. As the country continues to face the Covid-19 crisis, it’s entirely fitting that this landmark placement is in the health care sector. The learner in question is Menuka Basnet, Health Care Assistant for Nottingham Universities Hospitals NHS Trust. Menuka follows a long line of health care professionals whose enrolment on a Level 3 Health Care Apprenticeship has acted as the springboard into becoming a nurse. Corrina Hembury, Managing Director at Access Training, 16
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comments on why this particular apprenticeship programme plays such a pivotal role in our society: “Access Training has partnered with Nottingham Universities Hospitals NHS Trust and others in the health care sector for well over a decade. “Our Health Care learners are currently operating in a number of environments, from hospitals and care homes to day centres for children and young adults with specific medical needs. “At the heart of their training is compassion. “With so many patients currently separated from their families, it’s a quality that has never been more important. I’d like to congratulate
Menuka on joining as our 5,000th apprentice. We’ve all witnessed the work of this most caring of professions over recent weeks, and I’ve no doubt others will be compelled to join her number.” Menuka added: “The NHS is undoubtedly a vital part of our DNA. You can see this in the public’s willingness to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives, the weekly clap for NHS and key workers, and in the incredible fundraising efforts of Captain Tom Moore for NHS charities. "It’s given me an even greater determination to train to be a nurse. My Access apprenticeship is only the start of this incredible journey!”
Menuka Basnet, Access Training’s 5,000th apprentice
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STRATEGIC PARTNERS AND PATRONS
Teenage years are ruff on dogs too New research led by scientists from the University of Nottingham has shown that typical teenage behaviour doesn’t just occur in young humans – it happens in dogs too. The study is the first to find evidence of adolescent behaviour in dogs. The researchers found dogs were more likely to ignore commands given by their caregiver and were harder to train at the age of eight months, when they are going through puberty. This behaviour was more pronounced in dogs which had an insecure attachment to their owner. The team, which also included researchers from Universities of Newcastle and Edinburgh, looked at a group of 69 dogs to investigate behaviour in adolescence. They monitored obedience in Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and cross breeds of the two, at the ages of five months (before adolescence) and eight months (during adolescence). Dogs took longer to respond to the ‘sit’ command during adolescence, but only when the command was given by their caregiver, not a stranger. The odds of repeatedly not responding to the sit command from the caregiver were higher at eight months
compared to five months. However, the response to the ‘sit’ command improved for a stranger between the five- and eight-month tests. Further evidence was found when the team looked a larger group of 285 dogs. Owners and a trainer less familiar with each dog filled in a questionnaire looking at ‘trainability’. Caregivers gave lower scores to dogs around adolescence, compared to when they were aged five months or 12 months. However, trainers again reported an increase in a trainability between the ages of five and eight months. Dr Naomi Harvey, co-author of the research from the University of Nottingham’s School of Veterinary Medicine, said: “Many dog owners and professionals have long known or suspected that dog behaviour can become more difficult when they go through puberty. “But, until now, there has been no empirical record of this. Our results show that the behaviour changes seen in dogs closely parallel that of parent-child relationships, as dog-owner conflict is specific to the dog’s primary caregiver and just as with human teenagers, this is a passing phase.”
Air IT marks sixth years of support for Green & Whites Air IT has extended its support to Nottingham Rugby for another year, by sponsoring the Green & Whites into next season. The extended deal will see the Chamber strategic partner continue its support for a sixth consecutive season, as the club’s Information and Communications Technology partner and sponsor. As part of the deal, fans will see the return of the Air IT logo featured on the back of the first team shorts, as well as signage displayed around The Bay, at the ticket office and pitch side. As an award-winning Midlands-based ICT managed service provider, recent months have seen increased demand for the services of Air IT, as it supports organisations in transforming their operations during the pandemic. Air IT’s Chief Executive Officer, John Whitty said: “We have been supporting Nottingham Rugby for a number of years now through sponsorship, as well as continuing to ensure that the club is able to operate efficiently, as its official IT partner. It gives me and our team a great deal of pride to announce our continued support to the Green & Whites for a sixth year.” Steve Smith, Chief Operating Officer at Nottingham Rugby, added: “We’re delighted that Air-IT will continue their support into next season. They’ve been loyal partners over the past six years and have provided vital IT support to the whole of Nottingham Rugby.”
THE CHAMBER IS HONOURED BY THE SUPPORT OF ITS STRATEGIC PARTNERS AND PATRONS
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CHAMBER NEWS
A fast-changing business environment The business, political and economic landscape, both regionally and nationally, has changed beyond all recognition as Government has tried to support businesses affected by coronavirus to minimise impacts on the economy. Here is a round-up of the Chamber’s reaction to some of the big business policy announcements of the past few weeks:
GDP FIGURES
TRADE CREDIT INSURANCE GUARANTEE
The UK economy contracted by two per cent in the first quarter of 2020 after shrinking by 5.8% in March, according to the latest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) output estimate. It showed the first direct effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the resulting lockdown, on the UK’s economy. The first quarter fall was the biggest since the financial crisis of 2008, while the monthly decrease in March was the worst since records began. Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “The Q1 GDP figures made for grim reading and provided a stark reminder of the dire economic consequences that the coronavirus lockdown has brought about. “While the Government’s numerous interventions to support business through this period have been welcome and necessary, focus needs to shift quickly towards rebooting the economy in the safest way possible so businesses can start building the economic recovery in a swift and sustainable way.”
The Government announced it is to temporarily guarantee business to business transactions currently supported by Trade Credit Insurance. Trade Credit Insurance insures suppliers selling goods against the company to which they are selling defaulting on payment, giving businesses the confidence to trade with one another. David Pearson, the Chamber’s Director of Partnerships, said: “This is another welcome financial support intervention from Government, which shows it is continuing to listen to the concerns of businesses and addressing them swiftly during this unprecedented time of crisis. “The provision of Government-backed guarantee to transactions covered by Trade Credit Insurance will help ensure this vital lifeline remains available to businesses during and after this crisis, helping to maintain supply chains and trade.”
FURLOUGH EXTENSION Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a further extension to the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to October. Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “Businesses will welcome this further extension, which will help eliminate some of the uncertainties businesses and their employees are still facing. “The potential to keep the scheme running to October, albeit with employers contributing, will help to aid the transition back to work, while allowing flexibility to bring people back into the workplace on a part-time basis, where it is safe to do so, is also something we’ve been campaigned for.”
BUSINESS RATES REVALUATION POSTPONEMENT Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick MP announced that following economic shocks caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the legislation to bring the next business rates revaluation forward by one year, from 2022 to 2021, has been scrapped. Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “Although this move will put an end to the uncertainty caused by the planned 2021 business rates revaluation, it won’t address the fundamental issues of our broken business rates system, which have long needed fixing. “Rather than use the Covid-19 pandemic as a reason to postpone the next revaluation, Government should instead use it as the stimulus to address the longstanding flaws within the current system.”
UK GLOBAL TARIFF A new UK Global Tariff has been unveiled which will replace the EU’s Common External Tariff on 1 January 2021, at the end of the Brexit transition period. It aims to support the UK’s economy by making it easier and cheaper for businesses to import goods from overseas. David Pearson, Director of Partnerships at the Chamber, said: “The new UK Global Tariff will provide welcome clarity for businesses as they look to develop new working relationships with their counterparts within the EU. “With any tariff changes, there are both winners and losers. Support will be required for the industries, places and people affected by tariff changes, which will have been compounded by the impacts of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.” 18
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CORONAVIRUS GRANT TOP-UP Business Secretary Alok Sharma announced that an additional £617m ‘top up’ to the Coronavirus Small Business, and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure grant funds would be made available. Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “This move is welcome and will go some way to reducing many of the issues members have raised with us about not being able to access SBGF or RHLGF because they occupy shared space or multi-tenanted premises. “However, it’s vital that the businesses which need it can access this additional emergency funding quickly, so we would urge all local authorities to follow proven best practice and prioritise cases which meet this expanded criterion.”
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CHAMBER NEWS
Business Awards 2020 deadline extended The Chamber’s Business Awards continues the search to find the region’s leading organisations, with the application process for the 2020 programme being extended until Monday 27 July. During the current crisis, we have seen businesses across the region undertaking fantastic work to adapt to the new ways of working, all while keeping the economy ticking over, maintaining cash flow, helping the NHS and their wider communities and continuing to develop and retain staff. The deadline extension will allow these businesses to come forward and showcase their innovation and success in the face of adversity. With 12 categories to choose from, the awards are designed to ensure opportunity for businesses of all sizes and sectors across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire. Categories for 2020 include; Apprentice of the Year; Business Improvement through Technology; Commitment to People Development; Community Impact; Education and Business Partnership; Entrepreneur of the Year; Environmental Impact Award; Excellence in Customer Service; Excellence in International Trade; Manufacturer of the Year;
The Awards are a great opportunity for businesses to raise their profiles
Outstanding Growth; and Small Business of the Year. A category winner will be chosen as Business of the Year for each county. Sponsored by one of Europe’s largest accountancy firms, Mazars, the Business of the Year sits as an exemplar to all other businesses within each county. It will showcase the quality of businesses and the expertise within the county. Organisations can enter as many categories as they wish, the application process is 100% online to make it as easy and smooth as possible. Once an application has
been created, entrants can edit their entries multiple times before the final submission. Scott Knowles, the Chamber’s Chief Executive said: “The year to date has been very difficult for all business yet it is still important to come together to celebrate our achievements. The Business Awards are a fantastic opportunity for
businesses to shout about their successes and gain the recognition they deserve. “Entering the awards is a winwin at every level. The programme is among the most contested and prestigious around so they are a key tool in raising your profile and can complement your marketing strategies coming out of this crisis. Even if your application doesn’t make the shortlist, it is still read by the calibre of business talent which makes up our judging panel. “I would encourage businesses across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire to take advantage of this extension and I look forward to seeing the talent captured in this year’s programme.”
For the first time, the awards are open to members and nonmembers. Applications can be created at www.emcdnl.co.uk/businessawards. For any questions or queries, please contact events@emc-dnl.co.uk
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CHAMBER NEWS
Enhancing our communities Enterprising Women continues to connect Enterprising Women has hosted two very successful and well attended webinars over recent months to support our members throughout the Covid-19 crisis. The team have been delighted with the positive response and engagement and are keen to continue to connect and support our members virtually in the coming months. It has also been great to catch up with our sponsors including leading businesses Hastings Direct, Derby College, Smallman and Son, Leicester Racecourse, Leicester Tigers, The Belmont Hotel, Pick Everard and Futures Housing Group, along with our supporters Cross Productions, Mercia Image Print and Purpose Media. It was fantastic to get everyone back together to brainstorm future events and hear the work each are doing to support their employee’s during this challenging period. We want to reassure all Enterprising Women members that we are still very much on hand as a group to provide both guidance and connectivity and encourage both new and existing members to continue to get involved. Our next webinar will be held on Thursday 25 June and will focus on the topic of ‘Facing Adversity’. We will be welcoming previous Enterprising Women Awards winner and finalist Jillian Thomas, Managing Director of Future Life Wealth Management. Jillian will be discussing how she has overcome many hurdles within both her career and personal life yet continued to grow her business through the hard times. Stay safe, stay well and make time for you. We look forward to seeing you all very soon. Best wishes, Jean and Eileen Co-chairs of Enterprising Women To keep up with Enterprising Women’s online programme, please visit www.emcdnl.co.uk/connectingyou/enterprising-women
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While evidence of the impacts of the ongoing coronavirus on business is becoming more apparent, it’s harder to assess the potential effects this is having on our communities. Chris Hobson (pictured), the Chamber’s Director of Policy and External Affairs, takes a closer look at the issue and explains how the Chamber is shaping its response. Although the Chamber is primarily a business support organisation, it has a vision to ‘enhance East Midlands Business and Communities’. Our accompanying goals make clear our aim to promote businesses as being a positive force for the communities in which they are based. These communities are incredibly diverse in terms of their history – including former coal-mining sites or industrial hubs – and their makeup, with parts of the region being among the most ethnically diverse within the whole country. The region also has one of the fastest ageing populations and one of the most rural populations out of all UK regions. This means there can be no ‘onesize fits all’ approach to supporting business and community interaction. The whole of the country now faces significant challenges from the health, social and economic impacts of Covid-19. Some of these – particularly health-related issues – are very immediate, while others will develop and become clearer over the coming weeks and months.
POTENTIAL COVID-19 IMPACTS The Bank of England has predicted a 25% contraction in the UK economy in Q2 2020, with the Office for Budget Responsibility predicting 35%. Such a slowdown would represent a fall three times greater than during the financial crash in 2008 and, although much will depend on the future direction of Government interventions such as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, will undoubtedly have impact on employment levels. As it stands, the Bank has predicted an increase in UK
The Chamber’s Celebrating Communities and Culture event was held earlier this year
unemployment levels to between nine and ten per cent, up from 3.8% in the first quarter, and since 16 March, almost two million people have signed up to receive Universal Credit support. In terms of recovery, much will depend on how national and international politics plays out over the coming months and any potential secondary spikes in the pandemic. Looking solely at the East Midlands, due to our high proportion of the workforce in manufacturing as well as significant leisure and hospitality sectors, it has been suggested that the region may be among the worst hit by an economic slowdown. Already, there are high profile stories suggesting redundancies at anchor employers, while Chamber members are reporting difficulties and potential insolvencies. Regardless of what the final figures are, such increases in unemployment and lost economic growth will have a significant impact on communities within the East Midlands. Those out of employment will include skilled individuals – potentially jobless for
‘Increases in unemployment and lost economic growth will have a significant impact on communities within the East Midlands’
the first time – and there will likely be business failures in many parts of the region. While it is hoped that the recovery will be relatively swift in historic terms, all individuals impacted will face difficulties they wouldn’t have been anticipating before the pandemic. In terms of recovery, the economy coming out of the pandemic will likely look different to that beforehand, with an increased emphasis on things such as automation, advanced logistics and manufacturing and clean technologies – all of which may require a level of retraining and upskilling. Current sources of public sector funding will likely be redirected or refocused to respond to the issues. Private sector funding is also likely to be restricted as organisations reshape and invest in new technologies, training and business models. While for the long-term, the region’s prospects remain strong, in the short- and medium-terms there will be challenges for the community agenda that will need to be responded to. The challenge will be to shape our activity to respond to the growing within both businesses and communities, the temporary nature of some of the challenges, and the changing way in which activity may be supported.
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CHAMBER NEWS
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CHAMBER NEWS
Don’t miss out on a Queen’s Award The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are now open for entries and businesses have until 9 September to get their entries in. The annual celebration of business marks the contribution that SMEs make towards UK trade. More than 200 businesses from across the UK won an award in 2020, across four categories – innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility. However, only a handful of East Midlands businesses were selected for an award, including Chamber members Marketing Derby, Baltex, Esendex and Embroidery Design Solutions. Meanwhile PCE Group, the parent company of Leicestershire Chamber member DB Automation, won a Queen’s Award for International Trade in the East of England region. The Chamber is once again working with the Lieutenancy Offices in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire to encourage more businesses to enter. The economy of the future is going to very much rely upon SMEs, so the more the Chamber can do to showcase what a great group of individuals and companies we have and reward them for the contribution they are making to the economy, the better. The awards aren't limited to just large companies, the important thing is to show substantial continuous growth over a period prior to an application being made. There are internal and external benefits for companies receiving a Queen’s Award. Research of past winners found 79% said the award was a boost to staff morale, while 76% said it added prestige to their business. Sixty nine per cent said it increased recognition of their business in the UK and 48% said it gave their business an edge overseas. Companies which have won the Queen's Award can use the emblem on their stationery and promotional materials, which is extremely powerful in making their business look like it's something special. In terms of getting extra press coverage, 46% of winners said it resulted in additional profile for their business. These are tangible benefits for the organisations in question. Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “These are very prestigious awards, only given to deserving enterprises and when you look at some of the businesses we have here which haven't picked 22
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Directors Catherine Johnson and David Crabtree, from Queen’s Award winner EDS
Showcasing the success of Chamber members EMBROIDERY DESIGN SOLUTIONS (EDS)
MARKETING DERBY
EDS provides a range of innovative embroidery and surface decoration treatments for luxury British brands. It has pioneered embroidery hardware and software solutions offering unique products and services to automotive, fashion, luxury interiors and medical sectors. Its innovation in high end fashion has repatriated a once global supply chain back to the UK, supporting iconic British brands including Burberry, Paul Smith and Globetrotter. Designing, embellishing and enhancing beautiful products in distinctive and revolutionary ways whilst bringing sustainability and environmental benefits, minimising carbon footprint to each brand. It won a Queen’s Award for Innovation after developing a complex medical weave that forms a reliable, tissue regenerative cartilage repair implant. The innovation aims to treat 300+ million sufferers of degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis.
Marketing Derby is the inward investment and promotion agency for the city of Derby and county of Derbyshire. It won a Queen’s Award in the Innovation category in recognition of its ground-breaking business model and success in more than 5,000 new jobs and £500m of investment to the area. The organisation is a key partner of both Derby City and Derbyshire County Councils, as well as the Chamber and the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, and is an active member of the Midlands Engine Partnership’s trade and investment activity. Marketing Derby’s bondholders scheme brings together over 400 proactive local businesses in a sustainable model that showcases all that is best about the area, while matching private and public funding to create a dynamic community that supports the attraction of jobs and investment.
‘In terms of getting extra press coverage, 46% of winners said it resulted in additional profile for their business’ up an award previously, you do wonder why wouldn't they want to be given an award. “There are around 55,000 businesses in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire. 4,250 of them are Chamber members and many are deserving of a Queen's Award. “I think part of the problem is awareness. Although the profile of the awards increases every year, many businesses still don’t think about entering. What we can do today, by showcasing the Queen's
Awards, is to flag these great opportunities to our members and encourage them to take a moment to think about entering, because it could actually be a real boost to their growth. “There are a lot of hidden gems out there in a business sector that people simply aren't aware of and the Queen's Awards is one way of getting their names out there. “Many local firms are looking to expand within the Commonwealth and these countries really do understand the awards and the role
the Queen plays in the Commonwealth.” Winners of Queen’s Awards are invited to a Royal reception and presented with the award by one of The Queen’s representatives, a Lord-Lieutenant. They are able to fly The Queen’s Awards flag at their main office, and use the emblem on all marketing materials. They will also receive an official Grant of Appointment certificate and a commemorative crystal trophy. The awards are valid for five years. Entries for the 2021 Queen’s Awards close at Noon on 9 September. Apply online at www.gov.uk/queens-awards-forenterprise/how-to-apply
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INTERNATIONAL TRADE
SPOTLIGHT ON: CHINA
China is the world’s second largest economy and a huge and expanding market for businesses in the East Midlands. It is the largest country in the world by population, with over 160 cities of more than a million inhabitants, and a fast-growing consumer market resulting from increasing number of middleincome consumers. UK trade with China has increased dramatically in recent years – in 1999, China was the UK’s 26th largest export market and 15th largest source of imports, accounting for 0.8% of UK exports and 1.6% of imports. In 2018, it was the UK's sixth largest export market, accounting for four per cent of all UK exports of goods and services and seven per cent of imports. China already has a healthy appetite for goods and services from our region. Telecoms, machinery, vehicles and parts, plastics and medical equipment are some of China’s top imports,
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ensuring East Midlands businesses are well placed to service demand on this continually growing market. Aside from the language barrier and time difference, there are
unique challenges faced by overseas businesses operating in China. There is a complex business structure, with the need to build
networks and high levels of trust before any business discussions can be entered. There are still large parts of China’s economy closed to foreign
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INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Forging closer links with China
participation, and strong competition from well-resourced and positioned state-owned enterprises. Businesses looking at China should do as much market research and planning as possible, using both desk research and visits to the market. China has what is officially termed ‘a socialist legal system with Chinese characteristics’ which is based on both statutory law and custom. You must identify whether the market is open to you and if restrictions apply. In some sectors, it is possible to set up a 100% foreign-owned company. In others, entry is possible only through a local partner. There are opportunities for UK brands as increasing numbers of China’s cities develop the relevant infrastructure and local governments encourage the creation of new businesses.
The Chamber has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the China Council for Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), in Sichuan, to help facilitate a closer working relationship between the East Midlands and the Chinese province. The agreement sets out several commitments both parties have made to benefit businesses through multiple information exchange methods, developing mutual friendship and providing opportunities for trade and economic cooperation. The opportunity for the Chamber came about through its work with Rob Avery-Phipps, of the ChinaBritain Regional Initiative, which plays an important role in empowering UK regions to develop new economically focused dialogues with their Chinese counterparts. It followed the delivery of 20,000 facemasks, which were donated to Leicestershire by Sichuan, to help bolster supplies for key workers in the County Council and other critical services across the county. Although the MoU is for the whole East Midlands, it is Leicestershire that has the overarching relationship with Sichuan. It comes into effect that this comes on the back of similar existing agreements with Zhejiang and Anhui provinces, which have longstanding relationships with Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire respectively. David Pearson, the Chamber’s
N2 Business Readiness for Change
Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles signs the Memorandum of Understanding with CCPIT Sichuan
Director of Partnerships, said: “Relations between the UK and China have never been closer, and the signing of this economic partnership agreement is testament to that. “This partnership will help both sides to assist businesses in making the most of the opportunities on offer.” Dr Nik Kotecha, Chief Executive of Chamber strategic partner Morningside Pharmaceuticals, added: “As one of the world’s fastest growing economies, China provides a host of new trade opportunities for firms in the East Midlands. “There are plenty of synergies between the businesses located here and their Chinese counterparts, so anything which helps to foster closer, more positive relationships, ease the flow of information and create greater opportunities for cooperation and collaboration has to be a good thing.”
This programme of events is funded by the local authorities in the N2 region and will be delivered by the Chamber over the coming months. With the UK currently in a transition period following its legal withdrawal from the EU on 31 January, these events will assist businesses by increasing their resilience and helping them to prepare for new world trade deals. Following the economic challenges caused by coronavirus, it’s important that the East Midlands region is ready to do business that will ultimately help to increase trade, boost investment and create more jobs. The ‘Readiness for Change’ programme will also consider the impact of the current pandemic. The programme will cover topics such as risk management, customs declaration, intellectual property and managing contracts, along with the tax implications of Brexit. To book onto the programme of free events, please visit https://bit.ly/2A08UsR
Looking into Incoterms® 2020 rules and guidelines Incoterms® rules were first published by the International Chambers of Commerce in 1936. They are a set of three letter acronyms, recognised internationally, which define the risks and responsibilities of buyers and sellers in international trade contracts. The guidelines are updated every ten years and Incoterms® 2020 was published in September 2019 for implementation on 1 January 2020. Understanding Incoterms® rules and their use is essential for the successful movement of goods between customers and suppliers around the globe. Getting this wrong can lead to delays, penalties, problems with payment and unhappy customers. Furthermore, your company may incur additional charges which erode profit margins. The International Trade team is running a series of
half-day online courses over the coming months, ideal for staff responsible for negotiating business in overseas markets and/or processing orders. The courses are designed to keep businesses fully updated on the new rules and ensure Incoterms® is being used correctly in day-to-day contacts.
International Training is now being run online to help support you in changes as a result of Brexit and Covid-19. Though matters of International Trade can be complex, upskilling your knowledge can be extremely rewarding. To book on to Incoterms® 2020 Rules or any other courses on the programme, please visit https://bit.ly/3dXwAwO
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POLITICS
Celebrating our
Top 500 Businesses Boots has topped a new index of the biggest businesses in the East Midlands. The high street health and beauty giant claimed top spot on the list, after registering a turnover of £6.837bn in the year to August 2017, when its latest publicly available accounts were published. It was also the region’s second largest employer, with more than 40,000 members of staff registered in that year. Top of the list by employee numbers was clothing retailer Next, which employed 43,970 people in the year to January 2018, and registered a turnover of just over £4bn. Next came in at number five of the East Midlands Top 500 index, with the Sytner Group, Barratt Developments and Pendragon respectively occupying the remaining top five positions. The East Midlands Top 500 Companies is a new index which celebrates the business success of the East Midlands as a region with a remarkably strong, diverse and resilient range of firms. These businesses are at the heart of the East Midlands economy and are high on the list of those most likely to drive growth and create jobs in the future. Their prosperity affects not only their workforces, supply chains and the communities around them, but ultimately everyone in the region.
Boots topped the list of the biggest businesses in the East Midlands
‘This new index includes an impressive roster of businesses and highlights the strength in depth that the business community in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire has’
Scott Knowles
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For the first time, the index enables us to see the range and strength of the leading businesses in the East Midlands, in the three counties of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire covered by the Chamber. The index is part of a proposed new approach for sharing business intelligence to support economic development across the region.
The East Midlands lacks a single organisation which brings together economic and business intelligence. This puts the East Midlands at a disadvantage with city-regional unified authorities, such as the West Midlands, which are able to integrate shared intelligence much more effectively, for example via the Chambers’ network, Black Country Economic Intelligence Unit and WMREDI institute. While the East Midlands is a partner in the Midlands Engine Economic Observatory, it also needs to develop its own capacity for business intelligence which can inform policymakers such as the Local Enterprise Partnerships, the All-Party parliamentary Group of East Midlands MPs, and the East Midlands Development Corporation, as well as individual businesses and communities. The Index builds on the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire ‘Top 200 Companies’, featured annually on Reach Media’s
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POLITICS
Business Live online news platform. It will help to promote the region and help make it more successful. Everyone can join the base of people who want the East Midlands to become more resilient and competitive. The Index was planned in late 2019, when business disruption from Brexit was envisaged but coronavirus was unheard of. Since the effects of the Covid-19 lockdown have been felt across the region, understanding the business baseline for economic recovery is of curial importance. The index is one, important dataset within this. The Top 500 is based on historic data from Companies House accounts submitted between July 2017 and June 2018. It will be updated yearly. It includes companies with their registered offices located in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire. All these businesses have already been included in the ‘Top 200 Companies’ 2019 for Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire. It excludes public sector organisations, and companies with operations in the East Midlands which are subsidiaries or have their registered offices elsewhere. While such organisations are major employers, their ownership, governance and strategic decision-making is more likely to be based outside the region. The East Midlands Top 500 Businesses Index was produced by Rachel English, Professor David Rae and doctoral researchers Deji Olagboye and Ngozi Eneh Ojo from De Montfort University, Alexandra Charles and Marc Cowling from the University of Derby, and Will Rossiter from Nottingham Trent University, working in partnership with Reach Media and East Midlands Chamber. Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “This new index includes an impressive roster of businesses and highlights the strength in depth that the business community in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire has, with many of the UK’s best-known employers calling the East Midlands home. “But when you look down the list, it becomes clear that it’s not just the biggest, most highprofile businesses that make our economy tick. “There are myriad smaller but no less important businesses which provide much of the employment, skills and innovation that this region is famed for.”
TOP 500 BUSINESS INDEX TO BE RELEASED ONLINE The East Midlands Top 500 Business Index 2020 is being released online at www.business-live.co.uk/all-about/east-midlands during June, with coverage including reports on key industrial sectors, how businesses are responding to the effects of Covid-19, and mini-features on top companies in the region. It will culminate in a virtual round table event in late June. There will be a downloadable report of the complete index and analysis available, intended for businesses and policymakers to use.
Company
Revenue
Employees
Boots UK Ltd
£6.837bn
40,088
Sytner Group Ltd
£5.562bn
8,928
Barratt Developments Plc
£4.875bn
6,315
Pendragon Plc
£4.739bn
9,989
Next Plc
£4.055bn
43,970
Rolls-Royce Plc
£3.708bn
14,000
Sports Direct International Plc
£3.359bn
17,559
Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd
£2.178bn
2,698
Eco-Bat Technologies Ltd
£2.040bn
3,217
Steris Solutions Ltd
£1.892bn
12,356
Wilko Retail Ltd
£1.620bn
20,551
Bloor Investments Ltd
£1.515bn
3,663
Greencore Group
£1.405bn
7,161
Aggregate Industries UK Ltd
£1.376bn
3,849
Samworth Brothers (Holdings) Ltd
£1.079bn
9,273
Dunelm Group Plc
£1.050bn
6,551
Pentagon Motor Holdings
£1.007bn
1,273
Motorpoint Group Plc
£991m
755
Staffline Group Plc
£958m
2,357
Bowmer and Kirkland Ltd
£928m
1,319
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INTERVIEW
An insurance broker for the community Business insurance is essential in providing protection and peace of mind to firms and giving them the confidence to invest and grow. In the current economic climate, its more crucial than ever. Business Network talked to Chris Mallett, Associate Director at Chamber strategic partner Aston Lark’s Derby office, about the importance of insurance to business.
When it comes to unsung business heroes, insurance brokers might not necessarily be the first thing that springs to mind. However, without effective insurance in place, businesses wouldn’t be able to invest, innovate and take the risks they need to grow, and drive the economy forwards. Chris Mallett has witnessed a more than a decade of change within the insurance industry, bookended by arguably two of the most seismic events the UK’s economy has seen, the Credit Crunch of 2008 to the coronavirus pandemic of 2020. He worked for global insurer and risk management specialist Aon while studying for his history degree, at the University of Leicester, in 2008, before joining the firm full time upon graduating two years later. Over the next nine years, he worked in a variety of roles across Aon, from customer service and operations to product development and broking. He joined Chamber strategic partner Aston Lark, as its Associate Director in Derby, last September. Chris said: “I guess like most people in the insurance industry, it was never my grand plan as a kid growing up to end up working for an insurance broker. “My first foray into insurance was working part time while I was at university. It was an opportunity to earn a bit of money but was an interesting introduction into customer service. After university, I got the opportunity to work in a role which was military insurance focused, which introduced to a section of society that otherwise I wouldn't have had any exposure to. “That was a lightbulb moment, which developed my thinking around insurance and gave me the opportunity to get a feel for different sectors of the economy. “I moved from that role to work for an insurance broker, where I stayed for the best part of ten years. I had a variety of different roles which gave me a broad set of experiences within the industry. “And it was fascinating to be able to get under the skin of all of these different sectors, and build up an understanding of exactly how things work across different regulatory frameworks and ways of operating, all through the prism of being a trusted risk adviser to these businesses. Ultimately, insurance is a people focused business. Having that opportunity to interact with clients to understand them was a big draw for me. “So, when the opportunity came up to come to Derby, which is a high performing branch within Aston Lark, and take on the role of Head of Branch and Associate Director, it was too good to turn down.” 28
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Chris Mallett and colleague Becky Hitchcock took part in this year's 'Big Sleep Out' in aid of Derbyshire YMCA
‘Ultimately, insurance is a people focused business. Having that opportunity to interact with clients to understand them was a big draw for me’ Aston Lark is one of the UK’s leading independent insurance brokers. It has expanded significantly over the past three or four years and now operates 31 offices across the UK and Ireland and around 900 staff. Its Derby office has been part of the city’s business community since the 1970s, becoming part of Aston Lark in 2017. It serves around 3,000 clients, mainly in and around Derby, but also across the East Midlands, and aims to serve the community its sits within and is a part of. Chris said: “A lot of our customers are from the sectors that are predominant within the local economy, such as manufacturers, construction, transport and logistics and the motor trade. We’ve got quite a few property owners as well and we also cover a range of professional services companies and a few niche clients which sit in specialist areas. “And we've got a nice blend of staff who are really experienced in those core areas that mirror the East
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Aston Lark Associate Director Chris Mallett heads up the Chamber strategic partner's Derby office
Midlands economy, and those who have got the technical background to pick up more specialist risks that come up. “Nationally, we’re responsible for around £400m worth of insurance premium getting placed every year. “That gives us fantastic leverage with insurers. It puts us at that top table of brokers which insurers want to deal with. And that means we're in a fantastic position to get the best deals for our clients. “But the key differentiator we see between ourselves and some of the other big national brokers is that it’s absolutely within Aston Lark’s DNA to retain that sense of being a community broker. “That means being really embedded within our community, understanding its specific characteristics and making sure we’ve got the expertise to be able to respond challenges in a way that's bespoke to our clients. “You need to be a broker of a certain scale to get on the radar of the big insurers and make sure you're getting the right deals for your clients, so resource across brokers tends to be consolidated into regional centres. “Unfortunately, sometimes that comes with the loss of any sort of local expertise. “We have the scale and support to get the right deals for our clients, but also understand exactly what makes businesses across the East Midlands tick. “We're embedded in the local community and we really want to demonstrate we understand the specific challenges and respond in a way that gets the right solution for clients.” Insurance can quite often be played down as an essential that every business needs, but no business really wants.
But, when it comes to protecting your business and assets, insurance is worth its weight in gold. Chris explains: “At its most basic level, insurance is about peace of mind. It's about making sure clients have got the ability to invest in and grow their business without having the nagging doubt that if something goes wrong, it's going to cripple them. Having insurance avoids the need for them to have big cash reserves which can act as a drag on the growth of their business. “Unfortunately, challenging situations arise, and bad things do happen. You can be the best run business in the world, but you can't legislate for a lightning strike, or heavy rainfall that overwhelms drainage systems. “You can’t legislate for a member of staff or the public coming to your premises, slipping over and deciding they're going to take you to court over it. “And you can’t legislate for your drivers being out on the roads and someone running into them. “In all those scenarios and more, the absence of insurance can leave a business facing a financial hole, as well as a potential reputational challenge. “And that can really, really impact the bottom line to the point where it can run businesses down or put them in a position where they can no longer trade. “Having effective insurance in place mitigates all of those risks. It’s a safety net that means you don’t need a pot of money on hand to make repairs, or to pay out compensation to a third party, or cover legal fees that might help defend against a spurious third party allegation. business network June/July 2020
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“It gives businesses the opportunity to invest the cash they've got back into growing their business with peace of mind, knowing that if the worst does happen, they'll be protected. And not only will they have the indemnification and the financial support in those scenarios, but they’ll also have access to the expertise of a broker and an insurance company which have been in that scenario before and know exactly what needs to happen to either reinstate a property, get a vehicle repaired, or challenge a claim as it goes through the court system to make sure that the right result ultimately comes to pass.” The insurance industry sometimes, unfairly, enjoys a less than favourable reputation when, in fact, most of its main operators are sensible, responsible and well-run organisations that are totally focused on doing the right thing for clients. What more can be done to address this and reaffirm to businesses the role of ‘unsung hero’ that insurance brokers and insurers themselves play? “It’s acknowledged within the industry that sometimes insurance does get a bad rap,” explained Chris. “It’s equally acknowledged that some operators have a negative perception around them precisely because they're not doing what they should be doing. “But it’s not fair to judge the industry whole by that measure. The industry has work to do to change the overall perception. There’s a little bit of failing of the industry to properly sell itself and bring everything it should be doing to the table. Insurance, and particularly insurance brokers, should be working to become unsung heroes because of what they offer and how they support businesses across all areas of risk. “What the industry really needs to do to change perception is to not just be that straightforward, transactional service provider who facilitates buying insurance, so you know you're protected, and you're fulfilling your legal requirements. It's about brokers, in particular, taking a step up to provide year-round support that’s all about helping businesses identify and manage the risk that sits within their operations. Arranging insurance policies should be just one part of that support. “The key to changing that perception is being active in efforts to understand our clients in detail, and being on hand to offering the support and guidance throughout the course of the year to help businesses understand and address emerging areas of risk in a more effective way. “That’s why we’re so keen at Aston Lark on building that relationship with our clients and moving from being that transactional provider to that trusted risk partner.” In terms of the current business climate, the coronavirus pandemic continues to have an impact and all the signs are that once the world emerges from lockdown, businesses of all sizes will have to get used to new ways of working. How will the insurance industry adapt to the effects that Covid-19 is having? “From conversations we’ve been having with businesses, we're seeing some pretty drastic initial revisions in expectations for trading performance and turnover in the coming 12 months,” said Chris. “There’s a fair suspicion that there will not be a quick fix to the current scenario and as much as there might be positives around the potential for a bounce-back effect after the initial contraction, it could be two or three year process to get back to the same pre-coronavirus trading position. That’s a real challenge for all businesses, including those which have built a solid platform from which to grow. After almost a decade of austerity, it felt as if the economy had finally reached a point where it was more resilient. To then be hit by these completely unexpected events has the potential to set things back to a similar position as we were in back in 2008. “In terms of what that means for us in the insurance industry, this is where we really need to step up and prove that we can be that unsung hero for our clients. It's about being actively engaged with the challenges that businesses are facing as a result of the coronavirus situation and supporting them as they make changes to navigate these 30
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Chris taking part in a recent panel discussion on the online Insurance TV channel
‘As we emerge out of lockdown, the focus needs to be on ensuring we remain actively engaged to make sure that we understand what our clients are doing and around changes to their working environment’ turbulent times. “The lockdown period has been a departure from the typical queries we see from clients. It’s instead been about helping clients address the potential of not trading from their usual premises for extended periods of time and what that means for meeting their policy conditions, changing the way they use their vehicle fleets and making sure that they're not paying over the odds for motor insurance, especially where they've got vehicles have been laid up and not on the road. “As we emerge out of lockdown, the focus needs to be on ensuring we remain actively engaged to make sure that we understand what our clients are doing and around changes to their working environment. “For a manufacturing business, what does social distancing mean in practice on the production floor, and what implications are there from a liability perspective? For a transport business, are all vehicles going to be back on the road at the same time, or will there be a more phased return? For a retail or hospitality business, what steps are being taken to protect both customers and staff, and does this lead to any wider insurance coverage implications? “It’s about us being on hand to advise on those sorts of issues, which could ultimately result in insurance claims down the line. You would hope it wouldn't be the case, but the potential for a claim is there and being there to help our clients navigate that challenging landscape is absolutely critical for us. “It’s also about making sure we're doing our job as a broker effectively. Challenging insurers to get the best possible deal for our clients will be fundamental over the next few years. At this point in time, more businesses than ever before, from right across the spectrum, are looking at their expenditure and overheads and needing to find ways to control cost and offset some of the reductions they're seeing in their turnover, and spending less money on insurance is a part of that. “That’s why, as an insurance broker, we need to be really hard on making sure that we're exploring exactly what our clients’ risks look like in this new landscape. “Then, really pushing insurers to make sure savings are recognised and in line with those reduced exposures and risk profiles, and also doing the appropriate exercise to make sure that clients are getting the best deal available to them in the market. “That's got to be an active push from all insurance brokers, not just ourselves.”
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BUSINESS CRIME & PROTECTION
FEATURE
Sharp increase in cyber crime means businesses must do more A sharp rise in reports of cybercrime during the Covid-19 crisis saw costs to UK computer users reach almost £2m. It has prompted Derby-based IT expert Andy Flinn (pictured), Managing Director of Chamber patron RDS Global, to share his top tips to help combat cyber crime.
Cyber criminals have been exploiting security vulnerabilities in both business and home computer software during the coronavirus lockdown to scam users out of money to the tune of almost £2m. With thousands of employees working at home or furloughed, the Action Fraud agency has said it has received 678 reports of cyber crime related to Covid-19 scams, totalling £1,866,550. The online scams include online shopping rip-offs where people ordered masks, sanitisers and other items which never arrived, phishing cons aimed at tricking recipients into opening malicious attachments, allowing them to steal sensitive information, and NHS ID being sold on the dark web. The UK National Cyber Security Centre has also revealed that an increasing number of cyber criminals and other malicious groups online are exploiting the virus outbreak for their own personal gain. Some of the scams include emails containing malware which claim to have come from the Director-General of the World Health Organisation, and others which claim to provide face masks and thermometers to fight the coronavirus infection. The agency has also seen cyber criminals scanning for vulnerabilities in software and remote working tools with offices across the world closing and having their employees working from home. Andy Flinn, Managing Director of Derby-based RDS Global, whose firm has stepped up its operations to offer support to increase working-from-home capabilities, has issued the following tips to combat the scammers:
‘The online scams include online shopping ripoffs where people ordered masks, sanitisers and other items which never arrived’
Covid-19 has led to a steep increase in cyber crime
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BUSINESS CRIME & PROTECTION
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BUSINESS CRIME & PROTECTION
FEATURE
NETWORK SECURITY Protect your networks from attack, defend the network perimeter, filter out unauthorised access and malicious content. Monitor and test security controls.
HOME AND MOBILE WORKING Develop a remote working policy and train staff to adhere to it. Apply the secure baseline conditional access and Multi Factor Authentication and protect data at rest and in transit.
USER EDUCATION AND AWARENESS Produce user IT security policies covering acceptable and secure use of your systems. Maintain awareness of cyber risks and send out ongoing updates.
MONITORING MALWARE PROTECTION Produce relevant policies and establish best breed antimalware defences across your systems.
Establish a monitoring strategy and produce supporting policies. Undertake continual monitoring and be on guard for unusual activity - it will probably indicate an attack.
REMOVABLE MEDIA CONTROLS
INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
Produce a policy all access to removable media. Limit media types and use. Scan all media for malware before importing but only if necessary. In general, lock down ports and do not allow access rights.
Establish an incident management response and disaster recovery plan. Produce supporting policies and provide specialist training. Report to the NCSC, ICO, NIS and law enforcement agencies.
SECURE CONFIGURATION
SET UP A RISK MANAGEMENT REGIME
Apply security patches on all occasions and ensure the secure configuration is maintained. Develop a common image and set up process for all devices.
Review the risks to your organisation and systems, attaching the same importance as legal, regulatory, financial and operating risks. Set up a risk regime that is supported from the directors and achieve cyber essentials this is the Government framework to allow all businesses and their employees to stay cyber-safe during these difficult times and for ever-evolving sophistication of cyber attacks.
MANAGING USER PRIVILEGES Establish an effective management process for current employees, starters and leavers. Limit the number of privileged accounts and monitor user activity and audit logs.
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FEATURE
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FEATURE
BUSINESS CRIME & PROTECTION
Protect your business against cyber crime Many small and medium-sized business owners operate under the belief that they are too small to be a victim of cyber crime – then find out too late that this belief is completely incorrect. While it’s true that an SME might not have as much to steal as a large, national or global company, they also often tend to have less secure networks, as cyber security isn’t seen as a priority, making it much easier for cyber criminals to attack. A lack of time or a worry about the cost are often the reasons cited for why a firm’s cyber security efforts aren’t up to scratch. But there are many ways to protect your businesses and avoid being a victim of cyber crime without breaking the bank.
USE A FIREWALL One of your first lines of defence against a cyber-attack should be a firewall, as it sets up a barrier between your data and cyber criminals. Don’t just focus on your work computers – make sure you install a firewall on all company laptops and home networks if any of your staff work from home.
ANTI-MALWARE SOFTWARE Alongside a firewall, install anti-malware software. It’s easy to assume your employees would never interact with a phishing email or open a suspicious file. However, cyber criminals are getting more sophisticated and it is becoming increasingly difficult to tell the difference between a genuine email and a dangerous one.
PASSWORDS Data breaches aren’t always the cause of someone inadvertently clicking a dangerous link – weak or stolen passwords can also result in a significant loss of data. As well as making sure that all devices and networks are password protected, get your staff into the habit of changing their passwords regularly. The most secure passwords contain a range of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. 36
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MULTI FACTOR AUTHENTICATION Multi factor Authentication (MFA) is a security practice that verifies identity by requiring multiple credentials. For example, rather than just asking for a username and password, MFA will also ask for additional verification, such as a timed response to an email, a code sent to the account holder’s phone, the answer to a security question, a fingerprint, or facial recognition. MFA is a simple tool that adds an extra layer of protection – while a cyber thief might have cracked an employee’s password, it’s extremely unlikely they will also have access to their email account, phone or fingerprints. Best of all, most email accounts, smartphones and networks already have a built-in MFA setting. All you need to do is activate it.
BACK UP DATA While it’s important to prevent attacks, never assume your efforts will work 100% of the time. With this in mind, it’s important to back up all your data regularly, in case malware completely wipes your network. Backups should either be stored in a separate location, in case of physical theft, fire or flood, or on the cloud. It’s also worth noting that you should check your backup regularly, to ensure it’s functioning correctly.
POLICY AND EDUCATION It’s essential that all employees who access your networks are trained in cyber security best practices. Cybercrime is, unfortunately, constantly evolving, so it’s important that you and your staff stay up to date with the different types of cyber crime and how you can all help protect the business. It would also be prudent to draw up cyber security policies and make sure all staff are aware of what is expected from them to help deter cyber threats, and the correct protocols to follow should your business fall victim to cyber crime.
‘Don’t just focus on your work computers – make sure you install a firewall on all company laptops and home networks’
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FEATURE
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FOCUS FEATURE
UNSUNG HEROES
Praise for
heroes There is an army of businesses across the East Midlands that carry out the vital work and look after the essential processes that help businesses function effectively. They look after the behind the scenes work – from payroll and accounting to HR and facilities management – that makes industry tick. Business Network shines a light on these unsung heroes – the small cogs that help keep the wheels of business turning. When most people think of business, their thoughts tend to turn to some of the more glamourous aspects of the private sector – the manufacturers whose innovations inspire wonder, the retailers whose products have helped shape our lives, or the entrepreneurs whose simple ideas have changed the world. What sometimes gets overlooked is the network of support that businesses must build around themselves to enable them to do what they do best. As any business owner will tell you, there are many things that you need to think of when it comes to running a successful enterprise. To use an engineering analogy, a business is like a finely tuned machine. For it to work properly, all the individual components must not only fit together in the right way, but function effectively too, for things to run as they should. Sometimes, in business, people only see the bigger cogs – the products made, or the services offered to customers. Often, however, there are dozens of smaller cogs whirring away behind the scenes, away from the gaze of the outside world, powering the big cogs and allowing the business to move forward. These smaller cogs of business are kept turning by an army of unsung heroes who take care of the vital – but often overlooked – functions that a business needs to survive. Some obvious examples include HR, payroll and accounting, all of which play a crucial role in ensuring that a business can look after and pay its employees properly and comply with all the relevant legislation. Some less obvious examples of unsung business heroes might be businesses coaches, who help develop and
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improve the performance of a business and its leaders; the IT helpdesk, usually the first port of call for any computer users suffering a dreaded frozen screen; or even cleaning or maintenance staff, without whose contribution, whole factories and offices would surely have to close. Their contribution, while vital, often goes unappreciated. Yet events of the past few months, as the coronavirus pandemic started to bite, have bought the important role they play into sharp focus. Gary Parsons, founder and Managing Director of people consultancy group Talk Staff, is acutely aware of the vital role his business has played in helping many of its clients navigate the coronavirus crisis. Since lockdown began, Talk Staff has continued to provide essential services to employers of varying sizes, giving important HR advice to those having to make difficult decisions about their people and supporting businesses with much-needed payroll processing including reclaiming cash from HMRC. He believes that the services provided by Talk Staff, and other businesses which provide outsourced support to firms, are one of the major keys that keep the economy moving. Without the support Talk Staff has provided, more than 100 employers would have been unable to pay their employees each month during the pandemic. The knock-on effect of this would have had a huge impact on thousands of individuals, their families and the communities they live in. However, like other firms in the sector, Talk Staff has received less financial support than businesses that are currently closed, despite facing higher costs as it has
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UNSUNG HEROES
FOCUS FEATURE
Unsung heroes are keeping the region moving
Talk Staff's Gary Parsons
continued trading and playing a vital role in a wider business ecosystem. Gary has launched an online petition (visit https://bit.ly/2zlvjkD) calling on businesses from across the region to stress to Government the importance of this army of unsung business heroes, who are playing a vital role in keeping the economy open during a time of crisis, but are receiving little or no support to do so. He said: “It’s easy to underestimate the important role that we, and many of the businesses like us that provide such vital support to businesses to help them keep going, are playing at this time. “It’s not about making profit. It is about being able to stay open and help businesses to navigate their way through the current crisis in the best way possible. “We provide a wide range of specialist support and consultancy to help businesses with all their people needs, from recruitment and selection and people development, right the way through to outsourced payroll and autoenrolment. At the current time, we are also helping businesses to understand furlough and the funding options available to them, to help them make the right decisions and get themselves in the best position to grow when the economy starts to reopen again.
‘It’s not about making profit. It is about being able to stay open and help businesses to navigate their way through the current crisis in the best way possible’
“People on the outside probably don’t appreciate a lot of the work we do, because it happens behind the scenes but is no less important in ensuring businesses can function effectively and focus on what they do best.” When it comes to carrying out some of these vital business functions, many firms are reliant on outsourced support because they don’t possess the in-house resource or expertise to do them effectively. Outsourcing key business activities, such as finance and accounting, compliance and reporting, payroll or HR to name a few, can be a cost-effective way for businesses to reduce their administrative burden and de-risk. Using a reliable and proactive outsourced provider for these functions enables businesses to place greater focus on achieving their key business and strategic objectives. Kevin Harris, Managing Partner at Chamber strategic partner RSM’s Leicester office, believes that in the postCovid-19 economy, more businesses will embrace outsourcing as part of the ‘new normal’. He said: “Outsourcing key business functions like finance, payroll and accounting will increase going forward as more and more businesses get to grips with new, more flexible and agile ways of working. “In a situation brought about by the coronavirus crisis, outsourced service providers have really come into their own and demonstrated their huge value to the clients they work with. “Many businesses, particularly smaller ones, simply don’t have the expertise in-house, or the business network June/July 2020
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time to bring themselves up to speed, to manage a furlough scheme, or put together a Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan application, or whatever it might be. “That’s where businesses like RSM add real value, because we were able to get to grips with the detail quickly, then advise our clients in the correct and professional manner, to help them navigate what continues to be a fast-moving and challenging business landscape. “I think where RSM sets itself apart is that we’re a national player, we’re dealing with businesses across the country every single day, so we are able to quickly gather and collate evidence of the emerging issues our clients are facing, and then develop and roll out innovative solutions quickly to help them address them. “The coronavirus crisis has put pressure on businesses across a whole range of areas. It’s been a big challenge for us to manage, but it’s actually bought us closer to many of our clients because we’ve been able to engage in regular dialogue with them and advise them on a host of issues that they wouldn’t have been able to address on their own. “That’s the role of an outsourced provider in a nutshell. It’s about being that positive, proactive sounding board to all our clients and becoming that support structure around them to help them get through whatever challenges they are facing, to achieve their business objectives, whatever they may be.” While taking care of vital functions is one thing that businesses need to consider, looking after their people is also a key concern for employers of all sizes. With coronavirus lockdown restrictions still in place for many businesses, a sizeable proportion of workers are currently at home, either on furlough leave or working remotely because their usual premises are closed. This presents many challenges. Last month’s Business Network took an in-depth look at the role that technology can play in helping businesses to keep trading and stay connected to their staff and customers. While flexible or remote working can help to improve a business’ efficiency and productivity, working in isolation can, for some people, have a big impact on their mental wellbeing. In the current climate, it’s important for businesses to consider the far-reaching impacts of lockdown on their people. Regular check-ins, team briefings and video calls can help, but CPIT, part of Chamber patron Cooper Parry, has introduced a new smartphone app designed to help employers spot any early signs of struggle and alert line managers to check in as quickly as possible.
Remote working can have an impact on mental health
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‘In the current climate, it’s important for businesses to consider the farreaching impacts of lockdown on their people’ The new ‘How are you doing at home?’ app is free to download and aims to boost better staff engagement during lockdown and the transition into new ways of working. Once downloaded, the app asks each user four daily wellbeing-based questions (which can be customised), to assess how they are feeling. If an employee leaves a poor score, a negative comment or doesn’t complete it at all, this automatically triggers an alert to their line manager. Paul Hayes, Cloud and Operations Director at CPIT, said: “This new app is all about employee wellbeing and helping clients engage most effectively with their people. We’re a digital solutions provider and place a massive emphasis on promoting technology to make a real difference to improving clients’ business processes and people culture. “Our new app helps employers to keep the lines of communications open with their people, especially those on furlough leave, who might be finding it tough from a mental health perspective right now.” More information is available at https://bit.ly/2zimfwS It’s clear that if you scratch beneath the surface of any business, there are several key things happening to keep it performing as it should. It’s equally clear that more businesses than ever are embracing the support that the region’s army of unsung business heroes has to offer, as without them, they wouldn’t be able to function. Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “Business is not just about the big names, the household brands and the organisations that we read about in the national newspapers. “The wider business sector is a complex ecosystem of businesses, many of which work closely together to support each other and share their expertise in ways which add up to a whole that is greater than the sum of its constituent parts. “I think now, more than ever, the work that businesses which provide vital support services do to help keep the economy moving is absolutely vital. “Businesses in general are facing a tough time currently, with the coronavirus pandemic creating economic shocks never before seen. “If they didn’t have an army of unsung business heroes in their corner, helping them to carry out some of the everyday tasks that are vital to running a successful business, many would be finding things a lot tougher than they already are. “We need to give these businesses the recognition and appreciation they deserve for the vital role they play in keeping the economy ticking over.”
CPIT's Paul Hayes
RSM's Kevin Harris
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REGENERATING THE EAST MIDLANDS
FEATURE
Fuelling the Midlands Engine
Midlands Engine Chairman Sir John Peace
• An overview of the forecasted impact of Brexit on the Midlands • Qualitative study from interviews with Midlands Engine based businesses, on economic growth barriers and opportunities • A study on the rationale for pan-Midlands interventions.
The Midlands Engine brings together partners across the Midlands to promote and grow the Midlands economy. It established the Midlands Engine Economic Observatory in 2018 to provide essential research capacity and grow contemporary insights into the functioning of the economy. In May, the Midlands Engine published the first-ever Independent Economic Review for the region. The review is the result of a year-long, detailed analysis on the whole Midlands economy over the past decade by the Midland Engine Economic Observatory, delivered by leading economists and academics, together with in-depth insight from over 50 of the region’s businesses. The review is a powerful resource for Government, policymakers, investors and wider stakeholders, who are working together to address the challenges and progress the Midlands Engine’s important growth and regeneration agenda. It is an extensive investigation of the Midlands economy, at a depth and scale not seen before. The document, and its underpinning evidence base, is supplemented by many standalone pieces of research, including: • An economic profile for each of the nine Midlands Engine Local Enterprise Partnership areas • Economic growth scenarios for the Midlands • An analysis of public sector funding across the Midlands
The economic context has changed considerably in the short time since the completion of this work. The Observatory is working with partners to provide an addendum to this report (expected autumn 2020) to reflect this. The review highlighted that the D2N2 Local Enterprise Area was the most densely populated LEP geography across the Midlands and made the second-largest economic contribution in terms of Gross Value Added (GVA). It also showed that both the D2N2 and LEP areas had the highest rates of productivity. And both areas were lauded for their strengths in logistics, manufacturing and engineering, and low-carbon technologies. The review, however, did make clear the need for a more coherent voice, identity and ‘growth narrative’ for the Midlands region, and it called for more joined-up thinking and action across the Midlands. There was a concern that there are too many competing voices in the region which hinders progress, a lack of coordination and focus, meaning there is greater need to strengthen the Midlands’ collective identity, brand and voice. The report argued this would make a difference to external perceptions of the region, raise awareness and recognition of excellence in the Midlands, and ensure that economic and planning policy more effectively responds to the needs of businesses across the region. This could include the provision of suitable sits business network June/July 2020
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and business premises in appropriate locations for firms wanting to expand, and a strategic approach to housebuilding in locations that are fully integrated with good transport links to economic centres. Other priorities highlighted by the report included the availability of commercial property and utilities provision. The review was completed prior to the Covid-19 outbreak. Despite the significant changes in context since the completion of the work, in February, many of the findings will still hold true as the UK emerges out of the period of economic turbulence caused by the pandemic. Despite the current economic uncertainty, the review remains a foundational piece of work that will help decision-makers to understand the drivers, opportunities and barriers facing the economy. It provides clear and specific evidence on which to base economic growth interventions in the Midlands. Just as importantly, it also provides an evidence base for ongoing dialogue with Government. The Midlands has a dynamic economy, with enormous assets in its business base and across our many academic institutions. The review shines a light on these strengths and shows what huge potential there is to build on. However, it also highlights the nature of some of the stubborn barriers to closing the gap in economic prosperity for the Midlands with the rest of the UK, and most acutely with London and the South East. It highlights key drivers of productivity that we need to improve including transport and connectivity, skills, innovation and enterprise, availability of business finance and trading with the world, post-Brexit. Some of these barriers have been acknowledged previously, the review reaffirms the size of the task at hand and provides a greater insight into what we need to do next. The review has already been used in briefings with Government, and it is therefore no coincidence that the
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‘The Midlands is a region to be proud of. It’s a region of huge potential. And it’s a place that ten million people call home’ body of evidence produced supports the growing policy agenda of ‘levelling up’ ambitions across the UK. The Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Midlands Engine Champion and MP for Newark, said: “This report will be a vital resource for the region as it sets out its roadmap for unleashing the Midlands vast economic potential. “This Government is taking every step we can to help ensure that the Midlands economy is protected during this national emergency. “As the Midlands Engine Champion around the Cabinet table, I will continue working with the Midlands Engine Partnership and leaders across the region to ensure we level up and realise this region’s standing across the UK and globally.” Chairman of the Midlands Engine, Sir John Peace, added: “The Midlands is a region to be proud of. It’s a region of huge potential. And it’s a place that ten million people call home. “This review and subsequent work undertaken by the Observatory is a key illustration of the Midlands Engine partnership working together to address the challenges that our region faces and act together on the many opportunities that lie ahead. “Together we are stronger, together we will unlock the full potential of the Midlands.”
HCLG Secretary Robert Jenrick MP
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REGENERATING THE EAST MIDLANDS
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CHARITABLE CAUSES, PROMOTION & PARTNERSHIP
We cannot change the difficult times but together we can help families going through life-changing circumstances to laugh and smile when they need it most; making sure it’s the special times that will always be remembered. We do this by offering a free holiday in our me & dee’s hideaway, a huge lodge situated in a very quiet corner of Sherwood Hideaway, in Sherwood Forest. With everything provided at a luxury level in a three bedroom lodge with large ramped decking and a hot tub included, families can take time to be together away from all of the stress and hardship of hospitals, treatment and all that goes with that, to concentrate on just being a family, having fun and making memories. It is easy to become involved for as little as £10 a month - less than four cups of take out coffee.
me & dee registered charity has a simple mission; to ensure families going through difficult and uncertain times are gifted with memories they can
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treasure, never losing sight of what really matters. It is those special moments shared with the ones we love, no matter how complicated the circumstances may be, that are most precious of all.
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CHARITABLE CAUSES, PROMOTION & PARTNERSHIP
FEATURE
Helping us to help children during times of need Maria Hanson MBE (pictured), founder and unwaged CEO of the registered charity me&dee, discusses the inspiration behind the charity, how it helps people in need and how businesses can get involved. What was the inspiration behind setting up a registered charity? In a word, myself. After a period of going through 18 rounds of surgery, much of this life saving which incurred the loss of organs and body deformity, I became homeless with my young daughters, because of the effect on my marriage and home life. My close cousin Delia (Dee) and I were shocked at how difficult and stressful, in an already challenging position, this could be. I couldn’t tick a box on the many forms received from various charities, access support out of hours, nor fit criteria. Delia and I vowed to set up a very different charity once I had been rehomed. Sadly, Delia died of cancer and I set up me&dee in her memory, in July 2006. Thirteen years on, me&dee runs with the same ethos, with just myself and my partner Mark at the helm. We work seven-day weeks and my phone is on 24/7 to be there for anyone who needs an ear.
What does me&dee do? me&dee has a simple mission, to ensure families going through difficult and uncertain times are gifted with memories they can treasure, never losing sight of what really matters. It’s those special moment shared with the ones we love, no matter how complicated the circumstances may be, that are most precious of all. We cannot change the difficult times, but together we can help families going through life changing circumstances to laugh and smile when they need it most, making sure that these special times will always be remembered. We do this by being ‘memory makers’, giving a free holiday in a custom built huge lodge tucked away in a corner of Sherwood Forest, to give a stress-free space away from all that life built around having someone seriously ill in the family brings. For many families, this may be a last holiday together and making memories is extremely important. Every care is given to ensure the holiday will be the very best that it can be. Memory making gifts are left for each family, beds are made up, towels provided and a hot tub within a luxury setting in a beautiful location. For some on our waiting list, these sadly become bereavement holidays. We do not retract the holiday from the family for the loss of a loved one.
LEFT: me&dee junior Hero, five-year-old Taylor, who had 84 operations following meningitis ABOVE: The lodge at Sherwood Forest
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Does it work? Here is just one testimonial of hundreds received: “An amazing charity, with the warmest, kindest and most selfless people I've ever known giving everything they've got”. Has me&dee been recognised for its work? I have won several business awards for the shrewd business acumen needed, including Inspirational Business Woman Awards and being shortlisted for a Chamber Award, a Pride of Britain Award and an MBE for my services to over 2,000 families facing short futures, along with raising more than £250,000. I am an honours alumni of the University of Derby, was a national student officer for disabled students, have worked as an independent adviser for disability hate crimes with Midlands Police Forces, and with the Metropolitan Police for stop and search issues for those with external body appliances, such as those I have. I have been a chameleon with my charity to keep it going and self-funded through nearly 13 years. In this current situation, with 17 families on our waiting list and unable to give holidays at the moment, I am providing the families with weekly ‘treats’ of luxury food packages, party boxes for the children, surprise gifts, flowers and more to create situations to give smiles and memories in isolation. Do you offer CSR opportunities? If you are looking to comply with Social Corporate Responsibility, we will work in partnership with you by promoting your company and listing you on our website, while also giving you the great satisfaction of helping our families make precious memories. Visit: www.meanddee.co.uk
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Maria, with Delilah and Kelli, who both suffered bereavements at young ages
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CHARITABLE CAUSES, PROMOTION & PARTNERSHIP
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CSR for small businesses For a small company, adopting a corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme might seem like a costly or difficult endeavour, and you may feel like you don’t have the time or the funds to commit yourself to working for a greater cause. However CSR could help your company stand out from the crowd, compete with big businesses and boost your standing. But how can a small firm adopt a CSR strategy? Business Network explores some small ways you can do your bit. GOING GREEN Improving your eco-friendly credentials is an easy way to boost your CSR efforts. Small changes, such as going paperless, switching to low energy lighting and introducing a recycling scheme in the workplace can make a big difference. If you own and operate a fleet, consider switching to electric vehicles. It’s also important to get your staff on board; consider adopting a cycle to work scheme, distribute re-usable bottles and make sure all staff turn off equipment/electronics before leaving home for the day.
CHAMPIONING THE COMMUNITY A great way to put CSR at the heart of your company is to get involved with the local community. As a local business, it shouldn’t be difficult for you to identify what your community needs and exactly how you can use your skills and expertise to help. This might mean helping with a regeneration project (either by offering equipment or labour), donating equipment to community centres, schools or hospitals, visiting schools and colleges to offer careers advice and information or developing local talent through apprenticeship schemes or work experience offerings. The benefits of working in the community are two-fold. As well as providing help exactly where it’s needed, it is also an easy way to demonstrate your business expertise and show off the human face of your organisation, which can in turn help you win new business.
CHOOSE A CHARITY OF THE YEAR Choosing a charity to support for a full year is a popular option for a lot of larger firms, and it’s an easy way to concentrate your charitable efforts. First select the charity you wish to partner with – it’s a good idea to choose one that shares your aims, or get your staff to suggest charities close to their hearts. Then, over the course of a year, you can encourage your team to take on fundraising activities, from bake sales and fancy dress 52
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days, to sponsored activities such as such as marathons or mountain treks – or even a bungee jump! At the end of the year, all money raised will go to your chosen charity – and then you can start again, but this time you can support a different charity. Over the years you will have the opportunity to do a lot of good for multiple charitable organisations.
WORK WITH LIKEMINDED BUSINESSES Adopting a CSR programme is a brilliant opportunity to put your business in front of likeminded companies and forge lasting business partnerships. For example, if your organisation chooses to champion a green initiative, you should seek to work with other firms that can demonstrate their eco-friendly credentials. As well validating your own CSR efforts, such partnerships will offer you the chance to share best practices and reap the mutual benefits. It may also provide you with the opportunity to work with bigger organisations – increasingly, larger firms wish to work with and support only companies that can prove they are doing their part.
VOLUNTEERING You may not have the budget to make regular charitable contributions, but have you considered donating time instead? As an employee benefit, some firms are giving their staff the option to spend a few days each year (with full pay) volunteering for a good cause, such as getting their hands dirty in a community garden, helping at a food bank or cleaning up a local park. As well as doing good, such initiatives will also help your recruitment efforts and retain top talent. Young professionals especially seek employment with organisations that take CSR seriously, and by providing such opportunities you will also be encouraging your staff to work on their personal growth and professional development.
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TRAINING
Online training success continues Keeping staff development up to date during this time is essential for skillsets to be harnessed, to ensure the return to the ‘new normal’ is as smooth and productive as possible. For staff members working in the business, from home or on furlough, in May, the Chamber introduced its new online training programme to keep people engaged while face-toface courses are suspended. The programme has been extremely well received by delegates and courses under the following topics will continue throughout June and July: BESPOKE TRAINING Through working with our team of dedicated trainers, we can design and develop online training sessions to support your teams. As part of the service, a dedicated staff member will liaise with you throughout the programme, ensuring all your requirement are met and quality checked. With over 30 years’ experience in developing bespoke packages for a range of business sectors, we understand the need of flexibility and you will know you are in safe hands. Find out more here https://bit.ly/2LCOcSG
INTERNATIONAL TRADE International Trade training is back up and running, with a programme consisting of half-day and full-day courses. We will be covering topics such as, Customs Declarations, Letters of Credit, Export Documentation and Export and Import Procedures, alongside running sessions overviewing Intercoms 2020 rules. Find out more here https://bit.ly/3dXwAwO
LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT While upskilling and empowering your workforce is hugely important, the continued development and evolution of those making business-critical decisions is equally essential to a business’s success. These courses are designed to empower both new and existing managers, leading to positive results not only for the individual but also the team they manage. Find out more here https://bit.ly/3e4mFWl
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT Acknowledging personal development opportunities is a great way of showing an employee that you value them. This in turn enhances an employee’s skillset and performance while instilling a sense of loyalty and commitment – both of which make a tangibly positive difference to the business. These courses aim to boost employee confidence and positivity by learning tangible skills to take back to the workplace. Find out more here https://bit.ly/2Xixw8x
SALES AND MARKETING Now more than ever it is important emphasis is placed on online perception and enhancing sales. The Chamber offers a suite of related courses ranging from converting leads, securing sales and creating a strong brand reputation. Find out more here https://bit.ly/2TmyGyD
BITE-SIZED COURSES Alongside its main programme, the Chamber has been running a range of IT bite-sized sessions on a Friday morning from 10am until noon. Due to their popularity, these courses will continue as part of our online training programme throughout June and July. The courses cover a whole range of bite-sized topics to help businesses maximise their online resources to keep connected and productive while many are working remotely. Find out more at https://bit.ly/3dYo28Q 54
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COLLABORATING IN MICROSOFT TEAMS – 3 JULY While many of us are working remotely, the use of Microsoft Teams is becoming common practice in the average working day. Teams is designed to be a hub for day-to-day teamwork and is a great tool to use to cut out back-and-forth emailing of documents. The software allows multiple people to view, collaborate and work on the same document in real time, accessing it from the same file location and it is even possible to edit a document while video conferencing. Teams has drastically changed the way we work and will remain a significant part of the ‘new normal’. However, it can be confusing at first and it is important it is used productively. This online bite-sized training session will help address your uncertainties about using Teams within Office 365, plus any other questions you may have.
For further information on any of your training requirements, or to browse our course topics, please visit https://bit.ly/2VyR8p1 or contact Vicki Thompson at vicki.thompson@emc-dnl.co.uk, 0333 320 0333 ext 2153.
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EVENTS
Generation Next runs free online programme for young professionals Generation Next is the Chamber’s new network for young professionals and the next generation of business leaders aged 18 – 35. It is passionate about giving young business people the tools to succeed; to develop and retain the skills in the region, because the East Midlands can thrive if its people do. Through frequent networking and educational events, it aims to connect its vibrant, diverse community – stretching from undergraduates and graduates to young business owners – with likeminded people, develop their skills and open the door to new opportunities. Generation Next can help future leaders within the East Midlands build their personal and professional lives through four easy steps:
2. LEARN The network comprises of educational workshops and events to cultivate personal and professional skills. It also works with Chamber members to create blogs which tackle key topics in business, to ensure the most up-todate knowledge is being shared to help the next generation to thrive.
3. GROW The Chamber has a pool of successful organisation at its fingertips of all sizes and from multiple sectors. With their help, Generation Next can offer meaningful events, resources and guidance drawing on experts who have been there and done it.
4. INFLUENCE Generation Next is an ideal opportunity to be the voice of the next generation of leaders in the East Midlands, to help shape policy and contribute to our communities. Over the next few months, Generation Next is running free online sessions and webinars
The Chamber’s free webinar programme, virtual networking, forums, Enterprising Women and international trade events are continuing online throughout June and July.
JUNE Date: 8 June Name: Employment Contracts Time: 10am – noon Date: 10 June Name: Pets on Laps Networking Morning Time: 9.30am – 10.30am Date: 11 June Name: HR Forum – Employment Law Update Time: 10am – noon Date: 12 June Name: Paid Search for your ecommerce Business Time: 10am – noon Date: 16 June Name: Introduction to Social Advertising Time: 10am – noon
1. CONNECT Assisting individuals in building their network through a range of formal and informal networking opportunities, helping them connect with the right people to support their career journeys and personal development.
EVENTS
‘From a business journey to a workshop, each event is designed to develop new skills’ before the full membership package is launched in September 2020. Its sessions are always topical covering key subjects such as coaching, wellbeing, career development, brand awareness and remote working to name a few – and an excellent opportunity to experience professional networking. From a business journey to a workshop, each event is designed to develop new skills beneficial in helping professional progression in business. The free and accessible online sessions can become an excellent personal development tool to complement the working day. Whether you are looking for something more formal through a webinar or seminar format, or something more interactive through a panel discussion, Generation Next’s online schedule is designed to tackle its wide-
Date: 18 June Name: Pure Networking Morning Time: 9:30am – 10:30am Date: 18 June Name: Visual Marketing with Instagram and Pinterest Time: 2pm – 4pm Date: 19 June Name: Planning for the Future Time: 10am – noon
ranging audience. Each event invites an expert speaker to share their stories and inspire new ideas about which path best fits a delegate’s idea of success. Generation Next has also teamed up with the D2N2 Growth Hub to tap into the expertise of its bank of industry specialists and offer webinars tackling current challenges as business navigates the Covid-19 crisis.
If you want to keep up-to-date with Generation Next, visit www.emcdnl.co.uk/gennext to book onto its events, sign up to its mailing list or browse the resources. You can also connect on LinkedIn (Generation Next – Helping you thrive) or on Facebook and Instagram (@emcgennext).
Date: 25 June Name: Enterprising Women – Facing Adversity Time: Noon – 1pm
JULY Date: 2 July Name: Intellectual Property and Managing Contracts Time: 10am – 11am Date: 7 July Name: Customs Declaration Time: 10am – 1pm Date: 14 July Name: Risk Management and Strategic Planning Time: 10am – 11am
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DIGITAL GROWTH
How to
streamline your sales Digital Growth Programme Consultant Martin Broadhurst is our CRM and Automation expert. Martin has given us some tips on how to streamline your sales using simple digital tools to reach and convert your next customer. Do you watch TV shows on catchup so you can skip through the adverts? How often do you ignore calls from unknown numbers rather than answering them? When was the last time you responded positively to cold email outreach from a salesperson? Ad blockers, caller ID, spam filters and a vast array of other tools have enabled us, as consumers and in both our personal and professional lives, to take more control of the things we buy and how we buy them. We are no longer beholden to a salesperson to find out information about a product because we have Google at our fingertips and a plethora of review websites catering for every niche. This is reflected in the day-today existence of the typical salesperson. Research from Topo, a sales and marketing consulting firm, found it takes 18 or more dials to connect with a prospect over the phone, while callback rates are less than one per cent. The same research also found that only one in four sales emails are opened. This highlights just how important it is to be efficient and impactful at every step of the sales process. To help overcome these challenges, here are some tools that can be used for free.
SALES PROSPECTING – HUNTER.IO Reaching the right person in an organisation can be difficult when 56
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you don’t have their email address. Sure, you can try guessing, but is it john@acme.com, john.doe@acme.com or jdoe@acme.com? That’s where Hunter.io comes in. Hunter lets you find email addresses in seconds and connect with the people that matter for your business. It has a database of more than 100 million email addresses and can provide you with a confidence score for each email address that you find. It’s free to sign up and start using immediately. There’s even a free Chrome extension to make life even easier for you.
LEAD ENRICHMENT – CRYSTAL KNOWS One benefit of having a strong professional network is being able to get an insight into a person by speaking to a shared connection before a sales meeting. Is your prospective customer analytical, requiring a lot of detail, or are they a big picture person who likes broad strokes and bold ideas? Imagine if you had a tool that meant you could get such insights about anyone and all you would need is their LinkedIn profile. That tool is Crystal Knows. Crystal Knows is the app that gives you insights into anybody’s personality and coaches you on how best to communicate with that person. I’ve been using the tool over many years and its insights are scarily accurate.
VIDEO OUTREACH – SOAPBOX BY WISTIA In a world where only one in four sales emails are opened, it’s important to make sure those that are make a big impression. One of the easiest ways to do this is by using video. Specifically, personalised video outreach. It’s never been easier to record and send videos via the web thanks to Soapbox by Wistia. This simple Chrome extension allows you to record yourself and your screen at the same time before uploading the video, capturing a custom
screenshot, and then embedding that right into your emails. In my personal experience, these emails are over three times more likely to be clicked and I have received more than double the responses than I would from ordinary email outreach. It’s a powerful way to reach prospects. These are just three tools which can be used to streamline your sales process. If you’d like to learn more about sales automation, join us at our next webinar. To see dates visit www.leicsdigital.co.uk/events
The Digital Growth Programme is managed by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire). It is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the Chamber and Leicestershire County Council and is designed to help SMEs located in Leicester and Leicestershire embrace new digital technology to improve productivity to aid growth. For more information please visit www.leics-digital.co.uk. Businesses based in D2N2 can access similar digital support by visiting www.d2n2growthhub.co.uk
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BUSINESS NETWORK
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SKILLS
De Montfort University
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SKILLS
Project aims to help develop technical talent A new project which could become the blueprint for the career development of 30,000 technicians working in higher education across the UK is underway. The innovative programme is being delivered by Midlands Innovation, a partnership of eight universities, including Chamber strategic partners Loughborough University and the University of Nottingham, and patron the University of Leicester. It is being backed by national bodies and key industry leaders. The £5m TALENT programme is a four-year programme which will be centred on the development of the technical community, piloting initiatives within the Midlands Innovation partnership before sharing learnings across the whole sector. The programme will deliver three strands. A policy-based commission approach will focus on investigating and providing a set of national recommendations on Technical Talent for the Future.
A ‘Technicians as Partners’ pilot will develop innovative ways to deliver culture change within higher education to strengthen technical career opportunities. And a technical training programme which will include funding for groups of technicians across the MI partnership to access staff development and training to address specific skills gaps. The four-year project is being led by Kelly Vere, Director of Technical Skills and Strategy at The University of Nottingham. She said: “TALENT is an excellent example of how universities can collaborate to innovate in their operation. We will be sharing information on the nature of our technical workforces, collaborating to create new development opportunities for our technical staff and trialling interventions to address topics such as research culture, EDI and representation of technicians.” The technical community in higher education has traditionally
Amanda Solloway MP, Minister for Science (front centre) with Kelly Vere and colleagues from across the eight Midlands Innovation university partners at the launch of the TALENT scheme
experienced a lack of visibility and recognition in the wider sector, but never has the role of technicians been more thrust into the national spotlight than now during the coronavirus crisis. Many technicians have been playing an integral role in the national Covid-19 efforts, including organising PPE donations, creating thousands of gallons of hand sanitiser, supporting universities to transition academic teaching online, and ensuring crucial services and
academic research can continue. The TALENT programme is underpinned by a grant of more than £3m from the Research England Development Fund. The remainder of the funding is being provided by the Midlands Innovation consortium university members as well as key partners including the Science Council, Technician Commitment, Wellcome Trust, British Geological Survey, Rolls-Royce plc, Unilever and Midlands Engine.
DCG plans to adapt T-Level workspaces Derby College Group (DCG) is forging ahead with adapting workspaces for the first students who will join its new T Level programmes this September. Various facilities are being upgraded in line with the T Level focus on work experience under the college’s £1.2m capital programme, which has been part-funded by the Skills Funding Agency. DCG is part of the first wave of T Level programmes focusing on Professional Construction, Digital
Production and Education and Childcare. Recruitment for the three programmes is continuing during lockdown with capacity for around 100 students to start the new qualifications this Autumn. New facilities being created include a virtual reality laboratory, new digital laboratories, and enhanced facilities for professional construction students. Under the Government’s working directives, the DCG Estates team will progress the projects with
selected contractors to ensure appropriate social distancing throughout the programme of works. DCG Vice Principal Kate Martin, who is leading on the College’s T Level introduction programme, said: “We are well on course for the introduction of Professional Construction, Digital Production and Education and Childcare programmes in September 2020. “As well as working with employers to secure work
experience in their premises which is such an important aspect of these new qualifications, we are updating industry-specific resources here at college to maximise the practical and theoretical aspects of the programme. “Although lockdown has presented our estates team with some challenges in progressing the work, we are confident that these will be ready for the first T Level learners in September.” business network June/July 2020
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LEGAL
Post-lockdown legal issues Over recent weeks there has been a huge amount of emphasis on dealing with the lockdown. As time marches on focus, it has started to shift towards the future. Katie Ash (pictured), Director and Head of Employment Law at Banner Jones Solicitors, discusses what businesses need to keep front of mind when making key decisions about the future: Business owners and decision makers have had a huge job over recent weeks to try to secure the future of their business in very difficult circumstances. Essentially, many organisations will have seen work dry up, or projects put on hold, because of Covid-19, and that work is only likely to pick up gradually once the lockdown is lifted. The revenue tap is unlikely to be turned back on with immediate effect. It could be another six-to-12 months before things return to normal, whatever the new normal may be, meaning that existing overheads are unsustainable. Many businesses will be considering branch closures, redundancies, and maybe even company-wide salary reductions or short-time working. We may even see a surge in mergers, acquisitions, and business consolidations. This may all seem overwhelming, but it does not mean the process needs to be cumbersome or costly if employers and employees work together in the best interests of the business. Firstly, it’s worth carrying out a comprehensive review of all employment contracts. They may already contain clauses staff have agreed to that will help ease the pressure of reopening, such as temporarily reducing hours or 60
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asking colleagues to work in a different location. Other potential savings could include reducing or dispensing with overtime or discretionary benefits, moving employees to other roles, offering early retirement, or putting a freeze on recruitment. While much of this will be less than ideal, it could help to steady the ship and allow you to make savings to help the business return to a sustainable position for the longer term.
‘If you are considering redundancies, ensure you have a justifiable reason for making a role redundant’ If redundancies do become necessary, it’s important to remember the usual employment law rules apply, despite the unprecedented circumstances we find ourselves in. Staff are protected from unfair or unjust dismissal by law. Employers which don’t carry out proper consultations could land themselves in hot water. If you are considering redundancies, ensure you have a justifiable reason for making a role redundant.
You must make sure you don’t discriminate when choosing employees for redundancy. Fair reasons may include performance or an employee’s disciplinary record. It would be prudent to score employees based on a range of criteria and note that some reasons are automatically unfair and shouldn’t be used. Once you have identified those at risk, you’ll also want to ensure you calculate the cost of the redundancies to the business. Remember, while you may ultimately save on salaries, if an employee has been with you for two years or more, they will be entitled to a statutory redundancy payment in addition to their contractual or statutory notice. At this stage, you must meet with employees if they are at risk of, or have been selected for, redundancy. If an individual is isolating and not able to meet in person, it does not stop them from taking part in this step of the process, and you must ensure that you look at alternative methods to hold the consultation, including using video call technology or even good old fashioned pen and paper. During the consultation process, you may consider other alternatives with employees, such as offering a position in a different department (if
possible) or reducing hours of work. If you are making 20 or more redundancies within a 90-day period, then you will also have to carry out what is known as collective consultation. This places more legal obligations on an employer to carry out certain steps during the redundancy process and it would be prudent to take advice to make sure you get it right as the penalty for getting it wrong could be up to 13 weeks’ actual pay per employee and a criminal conviction. The next step is agreeing a leaving date, and to confirm this to your staff in writing, giving the correct notice period under contract or statute, with statutory notice being given as a minimum (this depends on each employee’s length of service). If an employee appeals, you should invite them to attend a further meeting to hear the appeal and follow it up with a letter to confirm the outcome. Whatever your process looks like, it is vital to document every stage. Fundamentally, redundancies are always linked to cost savings, but for many businesses this has never been such an important issue or affected so many individuals. Getting the process right is key to ensuring you don’t fall foul of employment law and potentially cost your business more as a result.
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BUSINESS NETWORK
Providing a lifetime of support to soldiers, veterans and their immediate families.
www.soldierscharity.org T: 020 7901 8900 E: fundraising@soldierscharity.org Registered Office: Mountbarrow House • 12 Elizabeth Street • London • SW1W 9RB ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is a registered charity in England and Wales (1146420) and Scotland (039189) Registered as a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales (07974609)
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FINANCE
Investment for engineering start-up A Nottinghamshire engineering consultancy has received a sixfigure investment from Chamber member Enterprise Loans East Midlands, through the Midlands Engine Investment Fund. Engineering Consultancy Services Limited provides a wide range of engineering and infrastructure solutions including civil and structural design, inspection and assessment, as well as condition repair work. The funding injection will allow the business to scale up, with five specialist team members hired so far – the investment will also enable staff to gain further training and accreditations. The start-up was founded at the end of 2019 by Dr David Gent. David has more than 20 years’ experience in the engineering industry, working on projects such as Crossrail, HS2, Great Western Railway and the Midland Mainline. He said: “I set up my own business to not only challenge the way things are done in terms of innovation and efficiency but to also leave a legacy. “Enterprise Loans has been fantastic at supporting this aim, helping with my business growth not just with funding but also advice and encouragement.” Matthew Wright, Business Adviser at Enterprise Loans East Midlands, said: “David has an
Dr David Gent, speaking at a recent conference
‘David has an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience so it was clear that his business would thrive with a little support from us’ incredible wealth of knowledge and experience so it was clear that his business would thrive with a little support from us. “Since setting up at the end of 2019 he has already won six projects and counting, showing an
R&D Credits can ease cashflow During the current period of uncertainty, you will undoubtedly be looking for quick, simple and effective ways of improving your cashflow. One solution worth considering is Research and Development (R&D) Tax Relief, which is an incredibly attractive way for eligible companies to obtain substantial financial benefits. This relief can reduce Corporation Tax liabilities, generate refunds for prior year payments or, for loss-making companies, create a tax credit from HMRC. Typically, every £100,000 of identified costs can lead to a tax benefit of almost £25,000. As claims can be made retrospectively for the previous two years, there are considerable amounts of cash to be unlocked by innovative companies. With HMRC expediting payments through at this time, completing a claim as quickly as possible could be very beneficial. Eligible companies are those making ‘appreciable’ improvements to science or technology, which can include product development, process improvement or advances in software. The Chamber’s specialist R&D relief provider, Shorts’ Radius, is ready to help with any questions you may have about accessing this relief. Radius will ensure that the method of preparing a claim is straightforward and unburdening for you, initially working with you to identify the qualifying projects and costs to include within the claim, before producing a technical report to submit to HMRC. If you think you might be eligible to make a claim, please contact your membership account manager at the Chamber, who will introduce you to a member of the Radius team.
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incredible aptitude for innovation. I’m delighted that we’re able to support David with his journey and wish him the best of luck in the future.” Sajeeda Rose, Chief Executive at the D2N2 Local Enterprise
Partnership, said: “I’m delighted to see another strong example of the MEIF being utilised by innovative start-ups across the D2N2 region, especially during the current pandemic.” The MEIF project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the ERDF as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank.
The strategy for financial recovery Jillian Thomas (pictured), Managing Director of Chamber Patron Future Life Wealth Management, gives her view on the current economic climate: “For the financial planning sector, like any other, talk is slowly turning to just what are we going to do post-lockdown. “I believe we are going to need to change focus to supporting companies and individuals with debt management, much more than with wealth management. This will include education and mentoring, not only for business owners and leaders, but employees too. “In the short-term, I see our role as being the truth and stability against rumour and conjecture. “We need to support businesses at all levels, owners, and staff, as this could make a significant difference to the health and future profitability of business and the UK economy. If we can help each person in a small way, together this will become a bigger movement,
which will help us all emerge from this medical emergency in a healthier and wealthier manner. “My team and I have accepted our professional responsibility to be part of the post-Covid-19 financial and personal recovery, and we are aiming to work with charities and businesses to this end. We can survive and thrive if we plan. As you know, I love planning, and it has never been so important as now.”
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FINANCE
Specialising in:
• Short-term Business Loans • Selective Invoice Finance • Supply Chain & Trade Finance
Whether just starting out or well established, businesses use finance for any number of reasons. Cash-flow along the supply chain is a frequent concern. Suppliers, tax liabilities and wages can’t wait. Assets and property require funding. An extensive range of financing solutions is available, with access to lenders across the whole of the market.
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TECHNOLOGY
East Midlands Regional Cyber Resilience Centre launches A new regional centre aimed at helping the East Midlands to improve its cyber resilience has been launched. The East Midlands Cyber Resilience Centre (EMCRC) is the third of ten planned in the UK to follow Business Resilience International Management’s (BRIM) Resilience Centre Model. BRIM was appointed following an extensive EU tender procurement process to establish ten Cyber Resilience Centres (CRCs) in partnership with Police UK within 15 months to help businesses prevent cyber attacks as well as support those organisations that are affected by data breaches. For businesses, the EMCRC provides a dedicated point of contact on cyber-crime and access to services that can support them in becoming cyberresilient. It translates intelligence gathered from Government specialist teams into user friendly, accessible business support and services. It becomes a resource hub that further increases business confidence in the ability of the police to deal with cyber crime, thus encouraging increased reporting and collaboration. For police, having EMCRC provides a central point to focus the tools, information, and expertise to help prevent cyber crime and deal with cyber criminals. In an increasingly sophisticated digital environment,
‘There has been a significant increase in cyber scams and online frauds since the lockdown period began’ the CRC model also facilitates police access to high-level, cutting-edge cyber-skills in an affordable way, through the association with Ethical Hacking students at leading universities. Currently the main customer is Derbyshire Constabulary, where Chief Constable Peter Goodman is responsible for the NPCC Cyber portfolio for the UK. The model will deliver three different elements which include: 1 The set up and governance of a board as an independent organisation combining police, academia and business
Mandy Haeburn-Little
2 Provisioning of commercial services through working directly with regional universities and students 3 Working directly with the policing cyber model to support business to be a part of these models BRIM Chief Executive Mandy Haeburn-Little said: "There has been a significant increase in cyber scams and online frauds since the lockdown period began under Covid-19. "The more that we can all do together to prevent such scams,
to deter unscrupulous and malicious actors, while also acting in the best interests of policing, academia and the business community, the better. "We are seeing the pace of requests for the centres increase and we know already from previous experience that they have a very important part to play within the community." To find out more, visit www.emcrc.co.uk
AI diagnostic predicts Covid-19 likelihood Researchers have developed an artificial intelligence diagnostic that can predict whether someone is likely to have Covid-19 based on their symptoms. The initial phase of the research was a collaboration between health science company ZOE, Massachusetts General Hospital, King’s College London, and the University of Nottingham.
‘Two clinical trials are due to start shortly in both the US and the UK’ The AI model uses data from the COVID Symptom Study app, which in just six weeks has grown to over three million people reporting their health to help fight the epidemic. The model can predict Covid-19 infection without patients having to be tested, by comparing them with people who have used the app to share their symptoms and the results of traditional tests. Two clinical 64
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trials are due to start shortly in both the US and the UK. Dr Ana Valdes, from the School of Medicine at the University of Nottingham, is one of the collaborators on the study. She said: “We put together a mathematical model to predict likelihood of Covid-19 given the full set of symptoms presented, which concluded that 17% of those who reported some symptoms, such as fever or cough between March and April, were likely to actually have had Covid-19.” The diagnostic is a not for profit initiative which cannot completely replace clinical tests but may have great promise for populations where access to testing is limited. Combining the AI prediction with widespread adoption of the COVID Symptom Study app could help to identify those who are likely to be infectious as soon as the earliest symptoms start to appear, and focus tracking and testing efforts where they are most needed so the economy can be reopened without triggering a resurgence of the virus.
Dr Ana Valdes
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TECHNOLOGY
How to use technology to prepare for the new normal Steve Megson (pictured), Managing Director of Chamber patron Quiet Storm Solutions, gives his view on how businesses can utilise technology to adapt to the new way of post-coronavirus working. Businesses have never been under more pressure to do more with less. But budgets and hours in the day are finite, so how do you unlock productivity and enable teams to get more done? The coronavirus lockdown meant many businesses had to close their premises at short notice. Those without a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system were very limited in what they could do. But those with a CRM could update their customers on changes to their operations, as well as maintain contact to respond to changing needs. Having information stored in paper systems or spreadsheets is very limiting if you need to work remotely.
Whether you run a cafe, sell parts, build houses, or provide training, there will be a way to improve productivity, manage employees, and deliver better customer service by implementing digital information management tools. With governments all over the world ordering lockdowns, closing businesses, and ordering people to stay at home, there was little time to fundamentally change operations. Those businesses with better digital tools could adapt their operations faster.
‘I can't believe any business owner is sitting at home hoping things will return as they were’
The success of a business depends on the ability of its management systems, which provide visibility on actions to maintain standards. Management systems can keep businesses and their people compliant, enhance communication, stimulate innovation, and drive productivity. The trouble is most 'off the shelf’ management systems make you conform to their way, leaving little room for differentiation. This may be OK for finance software, which provides tax returns to a compliance standard, but it does not give you an edge. Operational software lets you optimise what you do and create a differentiation point.
What you do must be attractive to customers, but how you do it must be efficient. Digital systems can take feedback from micro KPIs to give you a dashboard of what's working and what isn't. I can't believe any business owner is sitting at home hoping things will return as they were. The world has changed forever, the Covid-19 pandemic continues to shake the global economy and disrupt the way we live, work, and conduct business. Business leaders have passed the initial shock of managing the immediate fallout, furloughing staff, adapting to remote working. Some have re-engineered working practices to abide by the new social distancing rules. Now is the time to prepare for the 'new normal', with technology as the enabler.
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PROPERTY
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PROPERTY
The new scheme brings more quality office, warehousing and logistics space to North Derbyshire
First phase of D2N2-backed logistics development launched The first phase of a 1.4 million sq. ft warehouse and logistics development at Markham Vale, in north Derbyshire, has been launched. The high-profile Horizon29 scheme, located between Sheffield and Nottingham at the former Coalite works just off junction 29a of the M1, is being developed in two phases and is targeted at occupiers looking to take advantage of the first-class location and labour supply. Developers have completed extensive ground works and infrastructure upgrades on this strategic brownfield site and are shortly to start works to improve the local highway network and service upgrades to enable the delivery of development plots in early 2021. The first phase of Horizon29 was recently granted detailed planning
A bird's eye view of the new Markham Vale development
‘Projects like Horizon29 will be key in supporting our regional economy recovering’ consent for 824,000 sq. ft in five units ranging from 73,000 sq. ft to 310,000 sq. ft. Planning applications are pending on a second phase of 574,000 sq. ft in three units
ranging from 113,000 sq. ft to 250,000 sq. ft. The project will meet the very best standards expected by occupiers, with bespoke buildings built to meet specific requirements.
The units will sit in a prime logistics environment just minutes from the M1 motorway, making it one of the UK’s most prominent new industrial and logistics parks. Sajeeda Rose, Chief Executive of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, which is part-funding the project, said: “I’m pleased to see the first phase of the Horizon29 development progressing well. “As thoughts turn to how our region recovers from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, projects like Horizon29 will be key in supporting our regional economy recovering and creating jobs for our people and communities.” Developers St Francis Group and iSec are working on the scheme as a joint venture, to bring it to fruition. They are working closely with North East Derbyshire District Council, Bolsover District Council, Derbyshire County Council.
Deal completed for office development Planning permission has been gained for a major office development at Pioneer Park, in Leicester. The offices will be situated in Dock II of Pioneer Park, comprising a 26,400 sq. ft. building designed as a hub for businesses in the science and technology sectors. Construction of the scheme was due to begin in May 2020 and will complete in early 2021. It is being created by Brackley Property Developments Ltd for Leicester City Council. Chamber member Shakespeare Martineau advised on all legal aspects of the deal, including the
development and funding agreements with the Council. Partner and real estate specialist Peter Dilks said: “Regeneration is a vital part of any city, and Pioneer Park will give Leicester City Council a modern new building to enable more high-tech SMEs to locate to this innovative technology park. “Brackley Property Developments is a highly knowledgeable business and it has been great to work with it on yet another high-quality development opportunity. We look forward to assisting as the Dock II scheme progresses.”
The offices will be situated at Pioneer Park
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MOTORING
Citroen’s upmarket assault
Citroen’s new DS7 Crossback is a handsome, imposing car that goes up against some quality competition from the likes of Audi, Range Rover and Mercedes in the large SUV market. We sent motoring journalist Nick Jones out to see what the fuss is about and find out if the extra money for this premium marque is worth it.
FACTFILE MODEL Citroen DS7 Crossback 2.0-litre diesel
When the PSA Group – the parent company of Peugeot and Citroen – launched the DS name back in 2009, it was driven by a desire to build a premium brand to compete with some of the more luxury marques in the industry. It’s latest offering, the DS7 Crossback, certainly lives up to the prestige tag. With a stylish grille, wide air intakes and a high waistline, it oozes class, which is just what the DS brand hankered for. Two petrol versions can be had, a whizzy threecylinder 1.2 litre and a more powerful 1.6 litre. You may not think the smaller unit would have much gusto, but it certainly does and makes a great soundtrack. You can also choose from two diesel variations, a 1.5 litre that produces 130 brake horsepower and has a sixspeed manual transmission. It’s perfectly acceptable around town and pottering around. While it takes a bit of winding up to get up to motorway speeds, it’s still a smooth operator. The 2.0 litre diesel, the most powerful of the pair, is a beast. It churns out 180 horsepower and has an impressive 400Nm of torque, using a very smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox. Top speed is 134 miles per hour, and it hits 60mph in just 9.4 seconds. I was impressed with the low emissions at just 128g/km. Coupled with the promise of 57.6 miles per gallon, the higher-powered diesel looks very appealing. I wafted along in comfort mode all week, as my DS7 had the Active Scan suspension that reads the road 68
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surface and works surprisingly well. It absorbs the worst of road surfaces with aplomb. Step inside and you’re met with an upmarket, stylish cockpit. It has quirky switches, jazzy trims and feels ahead of its time. I loved the 12-inch infotainment screen that dominates the dashboard, with buttons to operate it that are fixed. The digital instrument display is clear and decisive and can show any information that you want it to along the way. And there is plenty of room for five adults in here, with lots of storage space to boot. I’m impressed – it’s a very good effort indeed from DS and provides a real threat to the established brands in the large premium SUV sector.
PRICE OTR From £31,770
PERFORMANCE Top speed: 134 mph 0-60 mph: 9.4 seconds
CO2 EMISSIONS 128g/km
COMBINED MPG 57.6
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INFORMATION
Businesses urged to not shun charities during Covid-19 crisis Charities are facing a £4bn funding shortfall because of the coronavirus pandemic. Experts believe nearly 80% of Britain’s 169,000 registered goodwill causes are at risk of closure, with most of the fundraising activity on hold, events cancelled, and charity shops closed, leading to a stark drop in overall donations. Philip Webb, founder and Managing Director of East Midlands-based Investors in Community, one of the UK’s leading online giving platforms, has urged firms to not completely close their CSR schemes.
Discussing the challenges ahead, he said: “Lots of charities are at risk of not being able to continue. “Despite many high-profile names establishing emergency funds or community support schemes, more must be done to help those in need. “It’s estimated that many smallscale charitable organisations have around three months’ cash reserves, leaving little or no spare capital to fall back on in the event of short-term cash flow problems or a reduction in public and business giving. “As a platform that connects businesses and charities, we also
How to be more CSR-savvy For businesses looking to withstand the current downturn, knowing the best and most costeffective route to take can be challenging. Here, Philip Webb, of Investors in Community, outlines how organisations can use the time created by lockdown to refocus their CSR efforts:
know just how much charities rely on the support of companies in terms of fundraising, volunteer hours and donations. “Many of these businesses are worried about surviving themselves right now, so a lot of CSR activity has been put on hold. “However, it’s vital that these partnerships are maintained wherever possible.” As Covid-19 continues to cause immense disruption to public life, many charities are noticing a surge in demand, with the most vulnerable becoming increasingly reliant upon their services, combined with a significant drop in overall donations, leading to potentially devastating consequences. In fact, a number of national charities are issuing warnings, with the Government launching a £750m emergency boost for charities and local councils announcing a range of local initiatives to help prevent the charity sector becoming completely overwhelmed and compensate for some of this lost revenue.
Philip Webb, founding director of Investors in Community
Philip continued: “At Investors in Community, we want to do whatever we can to help these charities maintain some form of income stream. Our platform is always completely free of charge for charities, but during such unprecedented times we have taken the unanimous decision to waive all fees for businesses too. “We hope this will go some way to helping firms identify urgent charity projects and help those in need wherever they can.” Designed to link volunteers, businesses and charities, Investors in Community is the only online giving platform designed to ensure 100% of public donations remain within the charity sector. Find out more at www.investorsincommunity.org
GO BEYOND THE PRODUCT Consumer demand drives the market and despite the world enduring a global pandemic, businesses need to stay ahead of the game when it comes to buying trends. In fact, before the Covid-19 outbreak, research from Unilever found that a third of consumers are now choosing to buy brands based on their social or environmental impact, emphasising the importance of philanthropic practice.
AVOID SUPERFICIAL MESSAGING Several household brands have fallen short when it comes to CSR and suffered consequences. Businesses have come under increased pressure to clearly demonstrate an obvious commitment to CSR activity and act in a socially, economically and environmentally responsible manner. Those caught attempting to ‘greenwash’ with gimmicky messaging are all too often called out by savvy consumers. Good ethical practice must be clearly demonstrated at every level of the supply chain. Increasingly, brands are looking to work with likeminded organisations, committed to a similar ethos.
ATTRACT AND RETAIN A TALENTED WORKFORCE Culture, diversity, environmental awareness, and a clear alignment of the business leaders’ priorities with their own increasingly drive job seekers, resulting in CSR gaining momentum over recent years as a powerful recruitment tool. With businesses being held accountable to deliver on promises beyond the bottom line, it is now more important than ever to track CSR activity. By doing this, organisations can build brand equity and increase transparency without stretching marketing budgets or using additional resource.
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COMMENT
THE LAST WORD DAWN EDWARDS, Chamber President, on the issues that are worth talking about LOCKDOWN CONTINUES TO BITE Although the Government had softened its stance towards the coronavirus lockdown slightly at the time of writing this column, the restrictions were still in place meaning the doors of many businesses across the region remained closed. However, it’s been inspiring to see the way some businesses have risen to the challenges that have been presented by Covid-19. Once again, many Chamber members have responded with innovation and positivity to the ongoing situation, by launching new products, helping support our key workers and vulnerable members of society, or just keeping their employees connected and engaged. A lot of these stories have been celebrated in these pages and via the Chamber’s online ‘East Midlands Coming Together Hub’. We really are in this together and when this is all over, while the economy may not look like it did before, we can look back with immense pride at the way that local businesses rose to the challenge and helped each other get through this time of crisis.
CELEBRATING OUR UNSUNG HEROES As the focus feature of this issue points out, there is an army of unsung business heroes across the region which quietly go about their business carrying out the vital tasks that all organisations need to function properly. Often, their contribution is unrecognised and underappreciated because much of their work is behind the scenes and maybe not as glamourous as some of the things that businesses are famed for. However, they are the vital cogs that help the big wheels of industry to turn and their efforts should be commended. As a business owner myself, I know first-hand the challenges of leading an organisation and planning for the future. Leading a business can be lonely, and I’m so very grateful to have a strong support network around me. Without it I am sure the business wouldn't be what it is today. The generosity of time and spirit between the business communities in the East Midlands has been palpable over the past few months, and I am certain this support will continue to play a vital role in the recovery and ensure we emerge stronger than ever. 70
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So, on behalf of the Chamber and its members, I’d like to applaud our unsung business heroes for the amazing job.
ENHANCING OUR COMMUNITIES While the Chamber is primarily a business support organisation, it places great focus on engaging with and enhancing the diverse range of communities across the East Midlands. The need to do this has never been more important than it is at the current time. Our Policy Team’s assessment of the potential ways many of our communities may be impacted over the longer term by the coronavirus pandemic makes for stark reading. Due to our region’s high proportion of workers in the manufacturing, leisure and hospitality sectors, our exposure to these economic shocks may be worse than other regions. We are already seeing some of the region’s biggest employers cutting jobs and, sadly, some Chamber members are reporting difficulties and potential insolvencies. Question marks also hang over what the future funding landscape might look like. But there is room for optimism. It is hoped that the recovery will be relatively swift in historic terms. It will give businesses the opportunity to reshape the economy for the better. Automation, advanced logistics and manufacturing, and clean technologies will come
The Queen's Awards are the highest official accolade a business can receive
further to the fore, and all will require an upskilling of the workforce as a result. While for the long-term, the region’s prospects remain strong, in the short- and medium-terms there will be challenges for the community agenda that will need to be responded to. The Chamber’s vision, ‘To Enhance East Midlands Businesses and Communities’, will never have been more relevant.
DON’T FORGET THE QUEEN’S AWARDS The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are now open for entries and you can find out on page 22 all about how you can apply. These highly prestigious annual awards provide a hallmark of quality for any business that receives one, and it was good to see several Chamber members among the winners this year. However, as in previous years, the overall number of winners across the East Midlands was low when compared with other regions, which is very surprising given the range of amazing businesses that call the East Midlands home. That’s why the Chamber is once again working with the Lieutenancy Offices in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire to encourage more applications from local companies this year. It’s free to enter and by winning an award, you will be joining an exclusive group of businesses which have proven themselves worthy of such an honour. I’d urge as many Chamber members as possible to enter this year.
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BUSINESS NETWORK
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