46 minute read
MEMBER NEWS
Acquisition secures jobs and growth
Aerofab Fabrications has acquired fellow Leicester company Paton Precision Engineering in a move that secures 18 jobs and creates a platform for growth opportunities for both companies.
Oadby-based Paton Precision Engineering has had a longstanding relationship with Aerofab Fabrications – which employs 40 people and designs, manufactures and installs bespoke metalwork, ranging from assembly lines for food producers to bespoke sculptures for boutique hotels.
It will become part of the Wigston fabricator’s group of companies, although it will retain its name and stay at the same site in Kenilworth Drive.
Peter James, managing director of family-run Aerofab, said the acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, benefits both companies.
“We have worked closely with Paton Precision Engineering for more than 20 years, and the opportunity to bring it into the fold of Aerofab Fabrications ticks every box for both of us,” he said. “This acquisition is a landmark for our business and opens the door to a lot of exciting new opportunities.
“Its experience in precision machining is second to none, and we are gaining an incredible amount of additional expertise that will enable us to strengthen our proposition for customers.
“The team at Paton Precision Engineering is just like us in the fact it can come up with solutions for customers that other engineering companies either don’t think are possible or simply can’t deliver.”
The deal strengthens the positions of both businesses, which have traded strongly through 2020 and are optimistic about the future.
Aerofab in particular has recorded growth from its existing customer base and is also establishing itself in new markets.
As part of the acquisition, Phil Curtis and Ian Wynter, of Paton, will remain within the business and continue heading up the management team.
Aerofab also plans an investment package for Paton that will include new IT infrastructure and software.
Phil said: “We’re delighted to become part of Aerofab Fabrications’ group. The companies are already closely aligned, with a can-do attitude for finding bespoke machining and fabrication solutions.”
Ian added: “Paton Precision Engineering has been established for many years, and we are very pleased that the name will continue as we have built up a good reputation as a machining company.”
From left: Phil Curtis, Peter James and Ian Wynter
The new £250,000 lab at Healthy Stuff
Healthy Stuff invests in new lab
Castle Donington-based Healthy Stuff has invested in a new £250,000 lab as part of an “aggressive” investment strategy that has already paid dividends throughout the pandemic.
The new lab will allow the health testing company to increase its testing capacity by 300% and reduce the demand for staff supervision by enabling it to run 24-hour testing. While many other companies have been forced to scale back spending over the past 12 months, Healthy Stuff has continued to invest, resulting in profits growing.
Managing director Jason Wootton said: “We have rapidly become a global market leader in allergy and intolerance testing. We continue to develop new health tests available to people easily and affordably from our state-of-the-art laboratory and exclusive technology platform.”
Established in 2008, Healthy Stuff has helped more than 450,000 people discover their food sensitivities and take steps to improve their relationship with their diet.
Its new lab will also feature airtight technology to prevent the risk of Covid-19 spreading from within the team.
The company, which won the Business Improvement through Technology award at last year’s Derbyshire Business Awards run by the Chamber, has also employed a scientific adviser as part of its growth strategy.
Jason added: “Our growth has been supported by highly skilled and dedicated team members that ensure our customers receive the very best advice and support through their wellness journey.”
Professor appointed as High Sheriff
A leading eye expert based at the University of Nottingham has been appointed as High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire.
Professor Harminder Singh Dua CBE was installed as High Sheriff at a ceremony in March after his name was approved by the Queen during a meeting of the Privy Council. He will remain in post for the next year.
The High Sheriff is one of the oldest roles in the country going back more than 1,000 years – and pre-dating Robin Hood by several hundred years.
Professor Dua said: “Being High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire is a high honour and rare privilege. I will work to support charities and local voluntary organisations, and focus on community health, religion and the environment. To care for those who serve us and for those who we serve.”
Professor Dua’s most famous contribution to ophthalmology was his research group’s discovery of a previously undetected layer of the human cornea in 2013, which has informed three new surgical techniques and made lamellar corneal transplantation safer.
University of Nottingham president and vice-chancellor Professor Shearer West said: “Professionally, Professor Dua has already achieved so much, and he is respected by everyone in his field and all of us at the university.”
Training and research centre set for Lutterworth
The East Midlands logistics sector is set to benefit from a dedicated new training and research centre that has been developed through a partnership between industry and education providers.
Based at the Magna Park logistics park in Lutterworth and due to launch this summer, the Centre for Logistics Education and Research (CLEAR) will help the sector to address key challenges as the UK moves towards economic recovery and renewed growth following the pandemic.
North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) is working in collaboration with logistics warehouse developer GLP, logistics provider Wincanton and Aston University to provide skills training and professional development at all levels across the spectrum of logistics and supply chain roles.
The ambitions of the centre were revealed at a webinar in February hosted by Richard Atkinson CBE, a teaching fellow at Aston University, and included NWSLC principal and chief executive Marion Plant OBE FCGI as a speaker.
Marion said: “Our ambitions for CLEAR are based on offering a holistic one-stop-shop training service both from its base at Magna Park and also remotely to meet the needs of specific businesses and providing individuals with well-defined opportunities to progress their careers.
“Businesses can train one or many members of their team with flexible start dates and bespoke provision and students will be able to move seamlessly between training partners as their development needs progress.
“CLEAR can get training programmes up and running very quickly as it already has systems in place to fulfil training design briefs at all levels. Commissioning training through CLEAR will bring shorter lead times between the identification of training needs and students starting their courses or programmes.”
Magna Park Lutterworth has been developed by GLP over the past 30 years and is currently home to more than 27 blue chip businesses within 33 buildings.
The first phase of provision, starting when CLEAR opens its doors this summer, will include an educational base with a campus planned to accommodate 1,000 students, as well as applied research and associated facilities.
The training centre will initially be based at Bittesby House, in the Magna Park Northern extension, eventually moving to a bespoke facility within the broader Magna Park Lutterworth development.
GLP planning director Gwyn Stubbings said: “As the UK and Europe’s largest and most successful dedicated logistics park, it is fantastic to be able to deliver CLEAR within that environment. This is a truly pioneering and exciting initiative that is focused on logistics-led research, innovation, education and training at the heart of Magna Park.”
North Notts food festival is returning
North Notts BID has started its plans for this summer’s North Notts Food Festival as the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown continues.
Located in the old market square in Worksop, the free event on Saturday 3 July aims to attract people to the town centre to enjoy a range of activities, including live demonstrations by celebrity chefs, competitions and entertainment.
Multi-Michelin star and 5/5 AA rosette-winning chef, author and restauranteur Jean-Christophe Novelli (pictured) will hold live demonstrations. He will be joined by young local chef Laurence Henry, a former Masterchef winner based in Nottingham. Laurence has previously worked for Michelin Star chef Sat Bains and is currently working towards the opening of his own restaurant.
Food economist Teresa Bovey and “Snobby Butcher” Johnny Pusztai will also make an appearance, and the comedy chefs of Liver Cottage will return.
Sally Gillborn, chief executive at North Notts BID, said: “We’re so excited about the possibility of being able to hold the food festival this year.
“We were devastated when we had to cancel our event last summer, so this glimmer of hope from the government means that we can start to prepare for restrictions to be lifted and work towards bringing the community back together again.”
Delivering vital digital skills
Chesterfield-based GBS Apprenticeships will deliver digital and IT skills training for public services contractor Serco's Derbyshire-based staff in a new partnership.
The specialist training provider will deliver training on behalf of Serco’s Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW) programme, upskilling employees across pathways including digital marketing and IT.
These programmes will be delivered remotely over eight weeks, with the option of returning to face-to-face delivery.
GBS director John Cusworth said: “We are really pleased to have been selected to work in partnership with Serco to deliver the SSW programme. The partnership provides GBS with a fantastic opportunity to support the local skills agenda and enrich lives with new digital and IT skills in the Derbyshire area.”
At the end of the programme, delegates will receive accredited certification with either the Northern Council for Further Education or the British Computer Society, both of which can lead to further progression such as higher-level apprenticeships in digital marketing or IT.
John added: “Being able to offer short course provision in a sector in which we specialise can really benefit our network of employers, and at the same time complement our existing offering of apprenticeships and more recently ‘digital bootcamps’.”
Centre manager Hannah Hickman (right) with Sarah Noble, who runs its on-site café Sarah’s Kitchen
Innovation centre is thriving as new firms join
Mansfield Innovation Centre has welcomed four new companies to its thriving business community during the latest lockdown – and continues to receive a high level of enquiries.
Like many other workplaces across the region, the centre has adapted its working practices and implemented safety measures for its roster of more than 30 growing businesses due to Covid-19.
Now, as the easing of restrictions continues and major parts of the economy reopen, it is anticipating businesses to be keen on returning to the office environment.
Centre manager Hannah Hickman said: “Businesses are evolving to meet the demands of the times we are in, and new working practices such as remote and flexible working are becoming more commonplace as the situation continues to unfold.
“However, many of our customers are keen to return to their offices as the latest lockdown starts to wind down, finding they are more productive when working as a team, and they miss the dayto-day collaboration with colleagues and other businesses.”
The centre, which is located in the town’s Oakham Business Park, remained available to key workers only during the first national lockdown, before reopening in July 2020.
Its workspace has been reconfigured to comply with the latest Covid-secure guidelines and continues to offer flexible terms, including easy in and out access, hot desking, extra cleaning, and short-term licences to help ease the transition back to full-time working.
Mansfield Innovation Centre‘s innovation director David Smith also provides on-site business support to help tenants respond and adapt to the changing economic environment.
Hannah added: “It’s testament to the strength and resilience of local businesses that demand for our workspace remains high.
“The fact we’ve recently welcomed four new customers into the centre recently reflects just how crucial it is for businesses to be able to access high-quality workspace that gives them the capacity to innovate and grow.”
On-demand buses for new housing development
From left: John Keenan and Robin Pointon of Go Travel Solutions, Paul Hickinbottom of Arriva, Martin Ward of The Drummond Estate, Louise Hryniw and John Richardson of Blaby District Council The Drummond Estate has re-appointed Leicester-based Go Travel Solutions to continue co-ordinating transport planning at the 4,250home New Lubbesthorpe development.
The three-year contract will see the sustainable travel specialist develop and promote new public transport options.
This includes the ArrivaClick on-demand bus service, which enables residents to request a bus journey at the click of a button, as well as free access to travel offers via membership of LocalGo.
Go Travel Solutions managing director Robin Pointon said: “Our work in New Lubbesthorpe focuses on the promotion and development of sustainable travel.”
The company has fulfilled the role of travel plan co-ordinator since 2018 and was asked to speak at the national Quality Bus Transit Conference in February due to the success of the on-demand bus service.
Robin added: “Working with the Drummond Estate over the past three years has been based on close collaboration and partnership working.
“More than anything else, it has been underpinned by shared values on wanting to help New Lubbesthorpe be a truly sustainable 21st century community.”
Once completed, the New Lubbesthorpe development will also feature a business park capable of creating 1,000 jobs, three schools, community centres and health facilities.
Martin Ward, a spokesman for the Drummond Estate, said: “New Lubbesthorpe is a sustainable new community and Go Travel Solutions has successfully helped to roll out initiatives which provide attractive and viable alternatives to using the car. We are keen to see its great work continue to ensure that this continues to be a pioneering development.”
Marketing course helps graduates set up businesses
A Nottinghamshire-based marketing expert has helped more than 60 graduates to get the skills they need to set up their own business as part of a vision to encourage entrepreneurship in the region.
Victoria Prince, who has 16 years of experience working for marketing teams within iconic British brands Thorntons and BMI Baby, launched her “marketing mavericks” course last year after seeing graduate roles cut due to the pandemic.
She said: “The current climate is probably one of the most challenging job markets for graduates. With graduate roles cut and many employers reducing their staff levels rather than hiring, finding a new role can prove difficult despite the wealth of expertise and knowledge our graduates possess.
“For many graduates, it is confidence that holds them back from looking at self-employment. Further learning or graduate roles are often seen as the natural
Raj Taak
progression.”
Statistics from the Institute of Student Employers (ISE) show that in 2020, graduate jobs dropped by 12%, with the majority of employers anticipating further decline this year, according to the Student Recruitment Survey 2020.
It is the largest fall in graduate recruitment since 2008/09, when the market contracted by 25%.
Raj Taak was one of the first students to complete the “marketing mavericks” course. When he was made redundant, it meant he had to rethink his career path and find the skills to set up his own business with the help of Victoria.
Covering everything from the basics of setting up a company to understanding how selfemployment works and marketing your business, the course is designed to give talented graduates the confidence to be the
Victoria Prince has helped more than 60 graduates to set up their own businesses
entrepreneurs of the future – and within two months, Raj was using his learnings to run his own marketing consultancy, Taak Marketing.
Raj said: “Without Victoria’s help, I don’t think I would have had the confidence to set up my own business at this time in my career.
“Setting up my own business was something I had planned on doing further down the line, but it is probably one of the best things I could have done. I am finding more fellow graduates are seeing it as an option as the current jobs market means we are having to relook at options and be more innovative in our approach.”
Since setting up eight months ago, the course has been trialled within universities, including Nottingham Trent University, to help graduates get the skills they need to set up their own business. Victoria hopes that more universities will follow suit and encourage graduates to see selfemployment as a viable option.
Victoria added: “I want to show graduates that with the right help and support, starting their own business can be a great way of forging their own career path and developing a business which works for them.”
Queen’s Awards for Chamber members
Four Chamber members have won a Queen’s Award for Enterprise, the UK’s most prestigious business awards.
Swadlincote-based vitamin manufacturer Brunel Healthcare (international trade), Leicesterbased Indian snack brand Cofresh Snack Foods (international trade), Derby-based sportswear brand HUUB (innovation) and Ashbourne-based electric tugs manufacturer MasterMover (international trade) were among 205 winners.
The awards – established in 1965 and judged by senior Whitehall officials and experts from industry, academia and the third sector –recognised firms across a diverse range of sectors.
MasterMover, which started trading in 2009, is a global leader in the design and manufacture of compact, powerful, battery-operated tugs that allow its customers to safely move wheeled loads ranging in weight from 50kg to more than 100,000 kg. It works in sectors including manufacturing, pharmaceutical, healthcare, food production, retail and logistics. The company has subsidiaries in North America, Germany and
L-R: HUUB founder Dean Jackson, and MasterMover partners Andy Owen and James Jones
France alongside a global sales partner network, and was recognised for outstanding continuous growth in overseas sales over the past six years.
Managing director Andy Owen said: “Receiving the Queen's Award is a recognition of the hard work and dedication of everybody in the company and the journey so far that we've been on together.”
HUUB, founded by Dean Jackson nine years ago, has used science to innovate wetsuits now used by the world’s elite triathletes, including Olympic medallists, as well as keep-fit enthusiasts and amateur competitors.
Dean, who left school with two O levels, said: “I would never have dreamed when starting this business on my kitchen table nine years ago that we would be recognised for what really makes HUUB special – our innovation. We constantly strive to make athletes better and faster, and our sport more fulfilling.”
This year’s four award categories were innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility. Winners are permitted use of the esteemed Queen’s Awards emblem for the next five years. Other winners in the region were Novametrics (international trade), Total Saddle Solutions (innovation), Apption Labs (innovation and international trade), EarthSense Systems (innovation), GH Hurt & Son (international trade), and ONYX InSight (innovation and international trade).
Businesses can enter the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise 2022 now at www.gov.uk/queensawards-for-enterprise.
Liniar partners with Investors in Community
Derbyshire-based Liniar says it is committed to “doing the right thing” after joining the Investors in Community platform.
The company, which specialises in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) windows, doors and conservatories, will use the programme to find charities and organisations to support while also offering volunteering help to good causes.
Organisations including the Chamber, Specsavers and Balfour Beatty also use the platform to carry out their CSR activity.
Liniar group managing director Martin Thurley said: “During the past 12 months, Liniar has made a positive difference to many lives by donating more than 35,000 protective visors to key workers.
“We see the Investors in Community platform as a streamlined way to expand the support we can offer as a business – we were particularly drawn to the way the charities receive 100% of any fundraising money.
“Our team will be able to find volunteering opportunities and other ways to ‘give back’ and the platform also offers the means for us to measure and track the impact of our CSR activity.”
Liniar, based in Denby Hall Business Park, is part of the Quanex group of companies across the world and employs 500 people. It includes “communities” as one of its four key pillars.
Chesterfield-based Investors in Community’s platform is designed to connect businesses with charities and good causes in their local areas.
It has helped facilitate hundreds of measurable volunteering hours, donations, and fundraising projects by firms across the country.
Managing director Philip Webb said: “The reality is there are thousands of charities and community groups across the country doing amazing work in places like Derbyshire. However, there’s still the tendency for corporate giving to be focused on the bigger charities.
“It is great to be working with Martin and the team and to hear they want to extend the work they have done in the past to make a real difference in their local community and to make connections that have a lasting impact.”
Philip Webb
Liniar is one of a number of companies to make a commitment to help others
PLATFORM BOOSTS IIC'S TEAM
Investors in Community (IIC) has expanded its team after witnessing a 68% increase in the number of charities using the platform since March last year.
The Teenage Cancer Trust, British Heart Foundation and Mind are among the organisations to use it for connecting with businesses and individuals.
Donations have increased by 600% since the first national lockdown as traditional methods of fundraising were disrupted, while the number of businesses and individuals using the platform have risen by 50% and 100% respectively.
The growth has resulted in two new additions to the Investors in Community team, with Juliet Thompson and Nadea Van Der Merwe appointed as relationship manager and executive assistant respectively.
Businesses must build links with communities
Businesses can thrive postpandemic if they continue to diversify and build links with their communities, says a Derby accountancy firm as the UK continues to ease lockdown restrictions.
Many companies have adapted throughout the past year to survive and Beverley Wakefield, co-founder of Duffield Road-based Vibrant Accountancy, believes a constant stream of new ideas will be important if they are to continue blossoming.
Beverley, who set up the company with business partner Ian Ball just four months before the first coronavirus lockdown, said: “We all need to continue to support
Beverley Wakefield with business partner Ian Ball
local and build on our community –but not close the door to global as there are more opportunities out there and with technology being so advanced these days, it’s so easy to create new relationships with people around the world.
“There have been some great examples of businesses altering and doing things that their customers want – some online experiences supported by physical presence, a mix of services and new products. Let’s continue to challenge and change, and keep that human approach which has been so warming to see during the pandemic.”
Over the past 12 months, Beverley has supported clients by dissecting Government legislation and guidance for them, as well as simplifying furlough policies.
She believes business owners must budget carefully going forward with different savings pots to make informed decisions.
“Know the ‘pinch points’, when you need funding and when you need to drive more revenue to create yourself new sales targets,” Beverley added.
“The grants that have been received as a lifeline are also taxable, so remember to plot in when your corporation tax will be payable. Also factor in when you need to pay your ongoing VAT, plus anything else that you have deferred to pay at a later date.
“We need to ensure that we’re able to make the most of this and the new roadmap to ensure that our businesses are starting on the front foot – cash-rich businesses do not fail.”
Report calls for smarter social housing
A Derby construction firm has published a report describing how the UK could build its way out of a looming post-Covid recession and save billions of pounds for the taxpayer.
Hodgkinson Builders has produced its first Annual Social Housing Report in conjunction with support and research from the University of Derby.
The 96-page white paper paints a “warts-and-all” picture of the current state of the construction industry, including the deep-seated problems caused by skills shortages and poor construction methods. But its main focus is to highlight the crisis surrounding a lack of social housing.
Managing director Ian Hodgkinson is urging businesses and governments to use smarter, more sustainable methods to build much-needed social housing quickly – and in doing so, reap rewards for society as a whole.
He said: “Never has there been a better time to improve housing and social housing in the UK. Faced with the economic challenges caused by the current pandemic, this is an area that could drive our economy in the right direction and give us a chance to build our way out of a crisis.”
The report explains that every affordable home built in the UK generates an additional £108,000 for the economy, due to the creation of jobs and boost to businesses in that area.
It also details why improving the housing stock for people on low incomes will cut billions in unnecessary expenditure from the NHS bill.
Ian said that with so many people struggling financially, and with the benefits system funding increasingly expensive temporary housing solutions for homeless families, it was imperative that efforts were made to remove the stigma of social housing. Investment in social and affordable housing has profound benefits for the economy, for people’s health and wellbeing, and for the adhesion of local communities,” he said.
“I hope this white paper helps to sort out the facts from the myths in such a way that we can achieve the goal of providing every person with a solid roof over their head.”
Ian Hodgkinson with the Annual Social Housing Report
Netbiz Group to offer new service
Digital agency Netbiz Group has added a new branding service to its portfolio.
The new branch adds to Netbiz’s current specialisms, which span across a range of digital services from website design and hosting to digital marketing and PR.
With offices in Nottingham, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Manchester, Birmingham and Inverness, the agency’s 22strong team will offer bespoke services such as brand identity and strategy development, logo design, rebranding, brand guidelines, and product branding.
Brand manager Jessica Oliver said: “Introducing branding as a service in its own entirety is super exciting for me. Having worked on branding projects in the past, it’s great to be able to bring my knowledge and expertise to help more clients in this area.”
Colleague Box in collaboration with Derbyshire businesses
Personalised gift service Colleague Box has joined forces with three other Derbyshire businesses to create a new product range.
The company, which was established at the peak of the first lockdown last year, has collaborated with fellow Chaddesden start-ups Derby Brewing Company and Mr Shaw 75, a menswear brand, as well as Long Eaton meat jerky manufacturer The House of Jerky, to launch The Hop Drop Box.
It features three premium 500ml bottles of real ale, a 50g bag of home-cured jerky and a 15% off voucher for Mr Shaw’s “Hop Drop” clothing range.
Colleague Box CEO Adam Bamford, who set up the business with wife Natalie, said: “I'm a fan of Derby Brewing Company and have, for a few years now, enjoyed its real ales both at the local pub and at home.
“I have followed the Mr Shaw brand and watched as it has grown over the past few years. It is a fantastic collaboration between two highly respected Derby brands that sell premium products from the city.
“The House of Jerky – which makes the best jerky I’ve ever tasted – seemed the perfect accompaniment to give The Hop Drop Box that finishing touch.
“We believe that this box is great not just for the good people of Derby looking to support four local businesses but for anyone who appreciates fine things.”
Mr Shaw founder Karl Shaw, who is also owner of graphic design company Silver Birch Creative, added: “Derby has a rich heritage and is also home to several superb independent, innovative small businesses that are creating a buzz. The Hop Drop Box captures the essence of this and it’s an exciting collaboration.”
UK Swap Shop reaches milestone
More than 300 swaps have now been made across a free serviceswapping platform that launched in Derby a year ago.
The UK Swap Shop, which started life as Derby Swap Shop at the peak of the first lockdown in May last year before a national rollout, is now being used by businesses, sole traders and charities in 33 counties.
Based on the Multi-Coloured Swap Shop 1970s TV show hosted by Noel Edmonds, organisations from different sectors have used the online platform to trade services for free during the pandemic rather than spending money.
Rachel Hayward, a Derby entrepreneur who is one of the cofounders, said: “We knew when we launched nationally that there was further demand for our services.
“This isn’t new – small businesses have always helped each other by sharing expertise, free samples, or just their experiences – but the pandemic has made this even more valuable, indeed essential.”
The original idea for the venture was borrowed from the much-loved Multi-Coloured Swap Shop children’s TV programme, broadcast between 1976 and 1982, in which children would exchange toys and collectors’ items.
Tracy Harrison, CEO of the charity Safe and Sound, suggested the idea of creating a platform where businesses and organisations could “swap” goods and services.
The idea was subsequently developed by Rachel’s business, bid-writing consultancy Ask the Chameleon, along with Dean Jackson from triathlon kit specialist HUUB and Lee Marples, a partner at creative design agency think3.
The Swap Shop expanded first into Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, before launching a national version that now has 730 members – 58% of which are female – stretching from Scotland to Devon, and Norfolk to Wales.
The trio has witnessed a 40% boost in membership since launching a Saturday morning show on the drop-in audio app Clubhouse, which has bolstered exposure beyond the East Midlands.
Lee added: “We are determined that this is just the start for Swap Shop. The easing of restrictions is exciting for businesses, yet we know this is a marathon – getting back to business and building back better will be achieved together. It’s a new era of collaboration and Swap Shop is at the very heart, making this possible through a swap.”
Natalie Bamford, creative director of Derby-based gift box service Colleague Box, was among the first to sign up with an initial swap of five free boxes in return for PR support. It landed the company local and national media exposure, and helped it to reach more than £1m in turnover in its first year.
Natalie said: “Swap Shop has been a huge catalyst in our success and started our wonderful partnership with Penguin PR, without which we wouldn’t be where we are today.
“It really is a great service for small businesses, and one which I’ll always be grateful for.”
The Swap Shop team
Legal experts join forces to create new firm
A group of solicitors has joined forces to launch a new Derbyshire law firm that pledges to deliver a fresh approach to clients.
Solicitors Anna Cattee, Jason Skelton, Neil Brown and Stacey Pocock have pooled together their legal knowledge to set up CMP Legal at The Bridge Business Centre in Chesterfield.
The niche commercial law firm will deliver expert services to clients located in Chesterfield, Sheffield and across the country in areas such as corporate, commercial, dispute resolution and employment.
Anna, an expert in corporate and commercial affairs, is well known among the Chesterfield and Sheffield business community for her practical approach.
She said: “Each of us has significant experience in our specialist area of practice and the chance to break the mould through the creation of a fresh clientfocused firm was an opportunity none of us wanted to miss. Being passionate about delivering our expertise in a clear and concise way, we understood there was a better way of working with improved technology geared for a national reach. Our investment in digital systems offers clients complete flexibility in the delivery of the services they require.”
Neil is an experienced dispute resolution and employment solicitor. He has a strong client base, and a reputation for pragmatic and professional advice.
Jason, who has been practising in the Derbyshire area for more than 25 years, is a well-respected dispute resolution solicitor for businesses and has a particular specialism in contentious probate matters.
Stacey has more than 16 years’ experience having practiced within the Sheffield and South Yorkshire area throughout her career. She is known for her excellent communication with clients and her down-to-earth approach.
Jason said: “I fully believe that this offering will be met with great enthusiasm by the business community and we have ambitious plans for the future.”
The CMP Legal team
New Derby office for Freeths
National law firm Freeths has moved its Derby base into a new office at Cardinal Square.
The firm has reviewed its office portfolio, taking into account the efficiency of agile working, the preferences of employees and clients, as well as accommodating the firm’s ongoing growth.
It concluded that, while remote working is likely to remain a core element in the future, the ability for clients and staff alike to physically come together and collaborate, will remain important to the Freeths offering post-Covid.
Janet Rhodes, managing partner at Freeths’ Derby office, said: “The pandemic has proven we can still offer excellent and immediate service, while working remotely.
“Moving to a more modern and progressive office platform will ensure benefits for both clients and our people, which is why we feel it is important to move forward and continue to embrace the office and all the benefits which technology offers.”
Landlord Nurton Developments’ asset manager David Dyas said: “Freeths has been a long-standing occupier and we’re pleased to accommodate them.”
GB star Niamh driving for gold with backing from Yappl
Niamh Emerson
GB Olympic medal hope Niamh Emerson has signed a sponsorship deal with telecoms company Yappl, the business arm of A1 Comms.
The deal means heptathlete Niamh will have a new specialised car that helps her to maintain correct body posture and is large enough to store her equipment.
The company, which is based in Alfreton, will also provide her with the most up-to-date phone technology so she can keep in touch with family and friends while she’s based in Tokyo for this summer’s postponed Olympic Games.
Yappl managing director Steve Heald said: “We are very excited to be sponsoring Niamh leading into the Olympics.
“We can’t wait to watch her in the Olympics, cheer her to success and receive that call of celebration on a Yappl phone.”
Derbyshire-based Niamh was confirmed as part of British Athletics’ Olympic and Paralympic World Class Programme in November.
She said: “I am really honoured and grateful to be given this sponsorship by Yappl. This is my job and my life, and being supported by a great business really takes the pressure off.”
Looking with a fresh perspective
TJ Duncan-Moir (pictured), a former director at a family-run manufacturer, now acts as an improvement and growth consultant to other companies as owner of Business Glu. She explains why it pays to have a different set of eyes viewing a business from outside.
During my 30 years gathering the experience I have, by working my way up through a business from bottom to most senior, I started to understand that while “in” the business, you’re so busy firefighting that you can only ever see and know what’s directly in front of you.
Business leaders often get the year off to a positive start with all the things you’re going to accomplish throughout the year. Two weeks in, you’re back with your nose to the grind doing what you’ve always done, the way you’ve always done it.
It’s so easy to become operationally blind. Getting a new pair of eyes, which don’t get distracted by other urgent tasks, to help is a real gamechanger – and a skilful way of becoming unstuck while bringing new excitement to your team.
Understanding this position has made me passionate about helping others to achieve results they didn’t think possible and creating awareness of how beneficial outside help can be to a company.
HOW EXTERNAL SUPPORT CAN BE BENEFICIAL
Businesses rarely recognise when change is necessary because getting the work out the door is a challenge in itself. Engaging with an external specialist, with their own set of skills, knowledge and experience, can open new doors –while bringing new and innovative ideas to the table that internal members probably wouldn’t have been able to see on their own.
Many challenges faced are often put off for another day. But having someone plan with you –prompting you to achieve your objections, using the correct tools in a controlled way and working with you to keep everything on track – quickly realises a return on your investment.
Clients’ eyes are opened to new plans, opportunities, products, markets and processes, all while the business continues. Nobody is taken away from their day job, morale is boosted and the change that worries leaders will not be rejected. It becomes the norm as the team feels part of the improvements and a sense of achievement is enjoyed across the organisation.
BOTTOM LINE IMPACT
Reviewing departments, processes and areas of the business that don’t usually get considered can be rewarded with huge cost savings.
Clients benefit from an objective, unbiased evaluation that drives them forward and has a positive impact on their bottom line.
This is driven without involvement in office politics or making savings on employee costs, and the only objective for the external specialist is the continuity plans of the business and its success.
The management team is relieved of the pains faced with running a company. It has the confidence that someone has their back and has learned new skills it can continue to use long after the external involvement has left the building.
Outlet shopping offers chance to reconnect
While the plight of Arcadia and Debenhams has thrown into sharp focus the struggles facing bricks and mortar retail, there’s still plenty of opportunities for the industry, believes the manager of a major shopping centre in the region.
David Jackson (pictured), centre manager at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet East Midlands, said he feels “extremely optimistic about the future of retail” despite mounting shop closures during the pandemic.
The South Normanton mall, which offers discounts of up to 60% compared to high street prices across more than 70 brands, witnessed an increase in visitor numbers.
After non-essential retail opened once more last month, David said he expected outlet shopping to be popular again as shoppers seek to get out and reconnect with loved ones.
“In the long term, outlet shopping will become a larger part of the retail landscape as consumer shopping habits continue to evolve,” he said.
“Our guests have applauded the offers and selection available across our retailers, as well as the health and safety measures implemented at the centre, and I predict that going forward, more consumers will look to enjoy similar experiences.
“The outlet market will also become more viable for a number of major retailers over the next few years, as such stores tend to be the most profitable – meaning we will see more brands engaging with the sector as desire grows for brand names at great value.”
McArthurGlen, which owns 26 centres in 10 countries, has plans to enhance its food and drink offer in the future as part of its strategy to “revaluate the customer experience” for post-Covid shopping habits.
David added: “The key challenge that has emerged for our industry over the past 20 years is the threat of online retail.
“However, it’s important to examine the situation and rethink instead how our physical assets can actually target potential customers, as well as support e-commerce through digital experiences to offer everyone more choice.”
But after three brands joined the centre’s brand line-up last year, David believes this “highlights there is still demand for physical retail”.
Nottingham expansion for recruiter
National recruitment agency Encore Personnel has launched a new Nottingham division dedicated to recruiting drivers for clients in the East Midlands.
The new division strengthens Encore’s existing offering in the sector and further establishes its network within the logistics and driving candidate pool.
The business operates a driving division in five locations across the UK, making Nottingham its sixth hub of driving recruitment expertise.
Operations director Ed Vigars, who has worked for the company for more than 17 years, is responsible for directing growth across its driving and industrial divisions.
Encore Personnel has celebrated the achievements of its staff over the past 12 months during an annual awards ceremony.
Committed to maintaining its longstanding tradition of holding an annual celebration to shine the spotlight on employee achievements, the recruitment firm’s directors arranged an online event this year.
They handed out trophies in 12 categories, including Outstanding Leadership and Outstanding Client Service, to teams and individuals who had gone above and beyond in 2020.
Managing director Pete Taylor said: “Our annual awards ceremony has long been a milestone date in the diary, as we give hearty business-wide recognition to the success of our staff in front of their colleagues.
“It really was a celebration of the pure determination, creativity, dedication and perseverance of our people. We were thrilled to announce a record turnover for the business, increasing year on year to now stand at £77m, which is down to the commitment of our dedicated and talented staff.”
He said: “We have very ambitious and exciting plans in place for our driving division, starting with the opening of our Nottingham branch.
“We chose Nottingham as the next expansion site because we found the perfect candidate for the role and, geographically, this location will really complement our Leicester and Derby driving team’s successful track record. The stronger our network of candidates, the better our offering is to our existing and new clients.”
The new Nottingham division will be headed up by John Epton, who has more than 18 years’ experience sourcing high-quality drivers in an area spanning from Rugby to Doncaster.
Ed added: “John was the perfect person for the role. His knowledge and expertise set him apart, as did his understanding of the priorities and values of the driver population and our clients regionally.
“John will be responsible for developing our offering in Nottingham and will have scope to grow his team significantly throughout this year and next. He will work out of our existing Nottingham office.”
MEMBER FOCUS: VEROTAPES
Chesterfield-based sole trader and Verotapes owner Ian McQueen (pictured) tells Business Network about the changes to his customer base since entering the protection film industry 39 years ago – and talks about how Chamber membership helps him stay connected to the wider business community.
Tell us what your company does and a brief overview of its history?
Verotapes manufactures temporary surface protection films and acts as the sole agent for the UK and Ireland for Pregis SRL, which is based just north of Milan, Italy.
Pregis produces a wide range of temporary surface protection films. These films can be used by a variety of industries in the manufacturing process, during distribution and transportation, and it ensures the products arrive with their customers in pristine condition.
I established Verotapes in 2009 when the company I had been working for closed, and the Italian manufacturer which had been supplying that company suggested I started working with it as an agent.
Who are your main customers and what is your USP to them?
From the early days of supplying the likes of British Steel, Hotpoint, and RTZ with wide rolls, the market has now changed.
Our customers today are in construction and housebuilding, steel stockholders and some bigname automotive manufacturers.
We supply unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) extruders to glass companies and housebuilders – all of whom want bespoke sizes, which is not something everyone can offer.
Although it sounds easy, the products we offer are very technical and high in specification, so you need a company that has the expertise, knowledge and ability to react to the changing market requirements.
What is your position in the business and what does your day-to-day role involve?
I have worked in the protection film industry since 1982. In my heyday, I was travelling around 40,000 miles a year visiting all types of industry as the growth and demand for protection films grew.
Nowadays, my usual day consists of talking to current customers, making sure orders are processed and arrive on time, and since Brexit, that they have the correct paperwork.
I also promote Pregis and talk to potential customers. As we offer a very wide portfolio of products, it’s necessary to drill down and get the detail, asking lots of questions.
How have you fared during the Covid-19 pandemic?
The past 12 months have been very interesting as many of our UK customers chose to close production. Today we are starting to recover, and we are seeing demand for orders start to build.
What do you believe is the most important role of a Chamber of Commerce?
When I first started Verotapes, my agenda included joining the local Chamber of Commerce as soon as possible.
Being a sole trader, I felt I needed the range of support the Chamber offered. In the early days, I attended many networking events, which were good for meeting new contacts and a change from working alone.
App reaches millionjourney milestone
Bus company trentbarton’s mango app has surpassed a major milestone – with more than one million bus journeys made using its smartphone tickets since launching last summer.
The mango app has been downloaded by more than 42,000 trentbarton customers and used to pay for more than £2m of bus fares since its launch – which means a third of fare-paying journeys are now made using the app.
Commercial director Tom Morgan said: “When we launched the mango app over last August’s bank holiday weekend and we had high hopes that customers would quickly embrace it.
“To have now sped past the one million journey milestone during the pandemic is a huge achievement and shows that customers were comfortable with switching to their smartphones for bus ticketing.”
The scan-on, scan-off app has a daily, weekly and 28-day cap function on charges and shows the customer’s balance, journey history and enables them to top up instantly.
Tom added: “The exciting thing is that mango has so much more potential for us to enhance what it can do for customers. Together with our customers we have pioneered a genuine world first way of paying for public transport.”
NEW MEMBERS
In March, the Chamber welcomed 47 new members:
• AA Priceless Protein • Almerimar Business Solutions Limited T/A The Olive Branch • ASEC Export Supplies Limited (International) • Asking Better Questions Ltd • Bridge & Stitch Ltd • BSI Group • Capella Professional • Casa Mila • Cavendish Filters Ltd • Cawarden Co Ltd • CBH Language Learners • Ceeceec • Charnwood Regency Guest
House (Ltd) • CMP Legal • Cresco Innovation Ltd • Derwent Pharmacy • Flow Science UK Ltd • Free Your Ostrich Ltd • High Growth • Hitz Rao Photography • Kennedy-Little Associates • Leicestershire Action for Mental Health Project • Maggie's Nottingham • MikiMayo Art Studio • Mobile Air Traffic Control Systems Limited (International) • Money and Pensions Service • Mount St Bernard Abbey • MP Bio Science Ltd (International) • Paragon Sales Solutions • Pattersons Commercial Law • PDSA Nottingham • Royds Mill Studios • Sai Water UK Ltd • Savage Marine Limited (International) • Sky Recruitment Solutions • Stevie Davies Glass • Studio4.6 • Synergy Procurement Solutions • The Food Incubator Ltd • The Little Survey Company • The Salespeople‘s Charity • The Workplace Depot Limited • Total Industrial Engraving Limited • VishwArt Ltd • Weavers of Nottingham • Wesley Hall Community Centre • WK3 Electrical Services
Charitable efforts rewarded
A Derbyshire firm whose staff have given up time to raise thousands of pounds for charity has been recognised for its contribution to the community.
Invictus Group, based in Derby Road, Melbourne, has been awarded a CSR-A Associate accreditation by a fellow Chamber member in return for its employees’ efforts in supporting good causes across the country.
They include managing director Jonny McPhee, who has pledged to run the London Marathon in aid of the Rosie May Foundation – a charity the company has supported for a number of years alongside its ongoing involvement in Derby’s annual Christmas Cheer project.
Invictus was given the award on behalf of social responsibility company CSR-A by Payaro – a newly-established ethical supplier of electronic payment systems.
Jonny said: “We have always done our bit to raise money for good causes and help in the community when we can, so it is very rewarding to have had that commitment formally recognised.”
The award coincides with a commitment from both companies to work together, with Invictus to supply the technology needed to connect Payaro’s point-of-sale machines to the internet.
Burton-based Payaro plans to use its payment systems to donate a percentage of every financial transaction to the Buddy Bag Foundation. It also hopes to create town centre loyalty schemes, where customers can earn points by buying goods or services at one business and then cash them in at a neighbouring outlet.
Daniel Dunne, owner of Payaro, added: “CSR is really important to us because by encouraging companies to be more aware of the impact of their business on the rest of society, they will contribute to sustainable development by delivering economic, social and environmental benefits for all stakeholders.”
Jonny McPhee (left) is presented with Invictus Group's CSR-A Associate certificate by Payaro's Daniel Dunne
LRS supports the community as it comes out of lockdown
As lockdown restrictions have eased, thousands of small businesses and community organisations linked to grassroots sports have reopened across Leicestershire – many of them supported by LeicesterShire and Rutland Sport (LRS).
The not-for-profit group, one of 43 active partnerships in England to deliver sports development and physical activity programmes at county level, has helped organisations in the sector to adapt to shifting lockdown restrictions that presented significant challenges to business models.
Indoor and outdoor activity restarted in April, with leisure centres and gyms then reopening, and mixed classes due to resume in May. But it came after a year in which many organisations absorbed mounting costs while simultaneously unable to bring in revenue through events and training.
LRS offered support throughout the pandemic through its Sports Organisation Support (SOS) work. It advised organisations, many of them early stage, as they attempted to access central support and helped them pivot to new styles of business.
Ali Clements, economy and sport growth manager, said: “The sector and the local area as a whole has had a really tough time. Sports businesses across the area will need a good summer to kickstart their recovery.
“We will continue to help organisations navigate the extensive support available through the sport sector, and the business sector, and act as a sounding board as we all progress through the road map out of lockdown.”
IN BRIEF
Local hospice unveils new brand and logo
After reaching out to its supporters, Derbyshire hospice Treetops has unveiled a new brand and logo – thanks to the generosity of its business “supporters”.
The rebrand comes after feedback from 300 of its backers showed the old brand “no longer reflected the progressive care” Treetops had undertaken in lockdown.
The charity welcomed support from several businesses to help cover rebrand costs through donations of products and services.
Chief executive Julie Heath said: “It’s widely accepted that people are more likely to donate to a strong brand, but we couldn’t justify the spend, especially on big things like the design and the shop signs –then some wonderful businesses stepped in to help”.
Building Heroes helps veterans start careers
A new partnership between Vision West Nottinghamshire College and Building Heroes will help veterans and service leavers in the East Midlands build a new career in construction.
Building Heroes provides skills training for service leavers, veterans and their close family members with support into employment in the building or engineering trades.
The new partnership will see the college – which specialises in serving the needs of the construction and building services industries – deliver accredited courses in construction and safety throughout the academic year.
Phil Clark, assistant principal of construction and building services at the college, said: “To play a part in the re-training and resettlement of current servicewomen and men is something our curriculum is very proud of.
“With a dedicated workshop and staff team in place, we fully expect the Building Heroes programme to go from strength to strength and look forward to welcoming future cohorts.”
