inbusiness June July 23

business partners

For 10 years the Milton Keynes Chamber has been bringing businesses together, championing their needs and interests and celebrating all that our wonderful new city has to offer.

Our Chamber’s 10th anniversary is a significant milestone and one that we are looking forward to celebrating with all our members and Partners. We are proud to have served the business community in Milton Keynes for the past decade, and we look forward to continuing to support and promote our members in years to come.

The Milton Keynes Business Showcase is taking place at Kents Hill Park Training and Conference Centre on Friday, 7July between 10am and 1pm.

During the event – sponsored by MANNOL UK – businesses of all sizes are invited to come along to network, socialise and learn more about each other and the exciting opportunities for growth which exist for local businesses and industries throughout Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes.

You’ll find more information in this edition of inbusiness and on our website – we can’t wait to see you there!

On the subject of celebrations, the countdown has begun to the Northamptonshire Business Awards – the biggest event in the region’s business calendar.

This year’s ceremony, headline sponsored by Wilson Browne Solicitors, promises to be bigger and better than ever with brand new categories which recognise sustainability and diversity in the workplace.

The awards are always a fantastic occasion and the perfect place for us to celebrate the talent and creativity which makes our region so unique.

Entries are open now and we look to celebrating with all of you on Thursday, 23 November.

Louise Wall CEO, Northamptonshire Chamber and Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce

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business report

inbusiness keeps Northamptonshire Chamber and Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce members up-to-date with the latest business news

Lucky couple wins diamond prize

A town centre jewellers lived up to its billing as a ‘hidden gem’ after one lucky couple landed a £2,300 diamond encased in a specially commissioned ice sculpture to mark its relaunch following a £1m makeover.

Kelsey Collings and Tom Sumpter from Thrapston walked away with the glitzy gem having won a competition at Michael Jones Jeweller in Grosvenor Shopping Northampton to guess how long it would take for the ice sculpture to melt and reveal the stunning diamond.

Their guess of five hours 56 minutes was just four minutes out, with the diamond finally dropping from its frozen perch at five hours 52 minutes.

The incredible ice model was on show at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the revamped store, which has undergone a seven-figure refit to create a new experience-led luxury retail space complete with VIP consultation room.

Managing director Stuart O’Grady said: “Retail in the 21st century has to be an experience if it is to compete with online sellers. We want our customers to sit down in a lounge area with a glass of champagne while choosing

their wedding rings, we want them to select a luxury watch in a room that is suitable for such an occasion – that is something you simply cannot replicate on the internet.

“The ice sculpture mirrors that experiential ethos behind the new design and we are delighted to have given Kelsey and Tom a prized diamond to be proud of as we celebrate our new home.”

Northampton Saints stars were among the first to experience the newly extended town centre jewellers, with Alex Waller, Alex Coles, Emeka Atuanya and Alex Mitchell attending a VIP launch event.

The first five customers to spend over £100 received a pair of hospitality tickets for a game at Franklin’s Gardens next season while anyone spending over £50 was entered into a prize draw to win signed Saints merchandise.

Branch manager Thomas Sinclair said: “When we first embarked on this project we wanted to create something truly special, underlining our commitment to Northampton town centre and

giving our customers an unforgettable retail experience.”

The redesigned store was officially opened by Anne Jones, the wife of the original founder, who said: “I’m delighted to see the company remain true to its ethos and support Northampton. This is a town that has had its fair share of problems, but the future is looking bright and I’m delighted that Michael Jones Jeweller will play a big part in that success.”

The independent jeweller, which is run as a co-operative, has had a presence in the town for more than 100 years and has extended into the former Burton’s unit in the shopping centre – a store it previously occupied back in the 1970s.

Michael Jones Jeweller opened its new store in Grosvenor Shopping Northampton in April

The ice sculpture that contained the diamond

Climbing centre reaches new heights of success

Organisations across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes only have weeks left to take part in SEMLEP’s Growth Curve programme which is designed to help businesses looking to scale up to achieve long-term growth.

Hundreds of firms have taken part in Growth Curve since its launch at the beginning of 2020 but with this programme’s funding coming to an end, businesses only have until 30 June to make the most of specialist support from its business advisers.

SEMLEP Growth Hub manager Vicky Hlomuka said: “Growth Curve is for fast-growing businesses who want to take their business to the next level.

“We have a suite of support, including one-toone advice sessions, masterclasses with local universities, a dedicated Peer Networks

programme and some grant funding, but time is fast running out for us to be able to give out this support. We’ve supported a variety of businesses from a range of sectors, including

architects, healthcare companies, security businesses, technology installers, sports facilities and accountancy firms.

“The programme enables firms to focus on business planning and take advantage of independent expert advice as well as peer support from other companies who are trying to grow their businesses at a similar pace.”

The Pinnacle Climbing Centre managing director Simon Ager took his popular climbing centre to new heights with support from Growth Curve business advisers and a grant which enabled him to instal a new speed climbing wall.

He said: “We wouldn’t have been able to do this without the advice, time and support from the team at SEMLEP and it has provided a missing piece in the jigsaw.

“I’d thoroughly recommend SEMLEP’s Growth Curve programme to any business owner. Just

SEMLEP Growth Hub manager Vicky Hlomuka

The Pinnacle Climbing Centre managing director Simon Ager

get involved. If you don’t talk to them, you don’t find out about these things so start the conversation and see what they can do for you. You won’t regret it.”

Growth Curve is open to firms which are experiencing or projecting high growth in the next two to three years, have a minimum of two employees and a current annual turnover of £100,000 with projected 20 per cent annual growth minimum.

Growth Curve and its Growth Curve Peer Networks are part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

To register for support from the Growth Curve programme fill in the enquiry form at:

www.semlepgrowthhub.com/growthcurve

Fast growing business moves into new premises

A new company offering IT support to businesses has moved into premises in Irthlingborough.

3RS IT Solutions has hit the ground running, moving into a new office at Waterside House, Nene Business Centre and creating a number of new jobs.

Company founder and director, Stephen Souch, has worked in the IT industry for 16 years. He is known locally for founding NewGen IT in 2013, building it up to a business turning over £1m with a strong team and board of directors in place.

Now in a different place in his life with his wife - 3RS marketing manager Leila Souchand three children Riley, Reuben and Rory –the three Rs who have inspired the company’s name - Stephen wanted to set up a company that was all about family, supporting other businesses where he could through his extensive IT knowledge and experience.

Stephen said: “I am so excited about launching 3RS IT Solutions. The very nature of what we do is all about support but it doesn’t just end with IT support. We go that extra mile for our customers and our staff.”

The company was officially incorporated in February and has already established a team of six and boasts 150 clients on its books. It has also introduced a customer feedback system that asks customers to provide feedback after every interaction so that it can constantly improve. In its first month, 3RS IT Solutions has achieved a satisfaction rating of 96%.

“I am hugely proud of everything we have achieved in our first few weeks,” said Stephen. “It has been a lot of work to start a brand new business but we have already done so much in a matter of weeks. We look forward to helping more businesses to grow through their IT and technology over the coming months and years.”

Haus of HR expands the team

Haus of HR, a Towcester-based HR consultancy, has announced its expansion with two new additions joining its growing team.

HR adviser Hayley White and HR administrator Kelly Henderson are both Northamptonshire-based and bring with them a wealth of experience.

Hayley, a CIPD qualified HR professional, has previously worked in HR teams within the retail and hospitality sectors.

She is also a recognised expert in the HR software platform, Breathe HR, which is included in the Haus of HR’s most popular HR retainer package.

Kelly has worked in both recruitment and training teams within the automotive industry and is also a graphic design expert.

She will be using her design skills to enhance the company’s suite of free HR resources for busy business owners.

Rachel Collar, founder of Haus of HR, said: “We’re not even in our second year of business and it’s great to see the team grow, with

Hayley and Kelly bringing with them more than 33 years of experience in HR, training and recruitment.

“This means we can support even more clients with straight-talking HR advice and guidance.

“With the expansion of the team, Haus of HR is perfectly placed to provide expert HR advice and guidance to businesses in need. The company’s growing team brings diverse skills and experience which will contribute to the success of the company.”

The technical team behind Irthlingborough-based 3RS IT Solutions

Hayley White and Kelly Henderson

‘We wouldn’t have been able to do this without the advice, time and support from the team at SEMLEP’

Awards night to celebrate the top talent in Northamptonshire

The Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the return of the Northamptonshire Business Awards 2023, headline sponsored by Wilson Browne Solicitors.

The Northamptonshire Business Awards is an annual celebration of the region’s most outstanding businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals. The event aims to recognise the achievements and contributions of the Northamptonshire business community and promote excellence, innovation, and growth.

This year, the Northamptonshire Business Awards will feature 16 categories, including three new awards - Diversity in the Workplace; the

West Northamptonshire Sustainability Award, and the North Northamptonshire Sustainability Award. The awards are open to all businesses and individuals operating in Northamptonshire, regardless of size or industry.

Louise Wall, chief executive of the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are delighted to be bringing back the Northamptonshire Business Awards for another year. The awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the success and achievements of Northamptonshire's business community.

“We can’t wait to read the entries that come through and find out about the amazing activities and achievements the organisations of Northamptonshire have undertaken.

“We’d also like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors, especially Wilson Browne Solicitors who have been our headline sponsors since 2018.”

The finalists will be announced at the Northamptonshire Business Exhibition at Franklin Gardens on Thursday 7 September with a glittering awards evening set to take place on Thursday, 23 November at The Park Inn, Northampton.

Entries for the Northamptonshire Business Awards 2023 will open on May 24 and can be submitted online at: northamptonshire.awardsplatform.com

The deadline for entries is Friday 30 June 2023.

TAB offers a collaborative approach to business

A new company offering support to SMEs across the region is urging business owners to take a collaborative approach to leadership.

Phil Smith (pictured) established The Alternative Board (TAB) Milton Keynes last year and, following its successful launch, is now set to expand into Leighton Buzzard.

The Alternative Board (TAB) harnesses the power of the peer board concept, bringing likeminded business owners together to offer support and advice on the issues that are challenging them in their business, and sometimes their personal lives.

Having run several businesses, Phil was most recently one of the founders of award-winning

brand Aston Microphones which was sold to multinational audio-visual company, Music Tribe, in 2021.

Keen to support other local business owners, Phil established TAB in 2022. He said: “TAB has provided me with a fantastic opportunity to share the many business leadership skills which I have honed over the past 22 years.

“I know from experience that running a company can often feel very lonely and many business owners, even those with great colleagues, often don’t feel they have anyone they can share their aspirations

and concerns with. TAB provides business leaders with that collaborative outlet, bringing together leaders from across a range of sectors to share experiences and set accountable targets.

“It’s a fantastic vehicle for achieving commercial success.”

Through TAB, Phil delivers oneto-one coaching to business leaders, helping them determine clear business plans. He also hosts monthly peer board meetings where attendees share the highs and lows of leadership and discuss issues pertinent to their businesses.

Helping out the community

Pathways for Recovery is a part-funded European Social Fund, SEMLEP-wide comprehensive employment support initiative focused on helping those most disadvantaged in our communities due to the impact of Covid19. This initiative will be delivered by a regional partnership including specialist support providers, employment and skills organisations and strategic stakeholders.

Pathways for Recovery aims to build a locally integrated employment service that tackles the significant impact that Covid-19 has had on the region. We aim to support those most affected by the pandemic financially and with individual mental health/wellbeing.

Our overall objective is to address these barriers by providing specialist support to clients who need advice and guidance. We will help you gain the necessary confidence to engage with the job market and progress toward sustainable employment, education and/or training, improving social inclusion and mobility.

Both the Northamptonshire Chamber and Milton Keynes Chamber are among the delivery partners for the project, which also includes Track NN, which has supported Liam.

Liam started as a team member at Café Track and signed up for the Pathways 4 Recovery project, carrying out activities at the Café including cleaning and preparing products, through to serving customers.

Being a team member at the café helped him to build up a range of skills and overall confidence, both in work and outside of the workplace.

After looking into several different job locations and types of work, Liam went to look around ILG (Brackmills).

Starting with a tour accompanied by Café Track staff, he was offered a chance to chat with the team at ILG. Working together, a role was identified which Liam was delighted to accept. Transition to the workplace was support by both Café Track and ILG.

Working has once again helped Liam in many ways, and he also has other roles outside of the workplace which he enjoys.

Visit: www.northantschamber.co.uk/who-we-are/pathways-4recovery

Do you really need a

sales ready LinkedIn profile?

Let me ask you a question. Is your LinkedIn profile sales ready? Is it up to date and is your information on there in an engaging way? If it’s not, and you’re in sales, then you have a problem.

Why is it so important? Well, here are couple of very clear (and for salespeople, rather worrying) statistics. According to LinkedIn, 49% of buyers researched sales professionals' profiles and 50% avoid sales professionals who do not have a completed one. That means if you do not get LinkedIn right, you could be reducing your potential sales outreach by 50% and taking yourself out of the game before the first whistle. In short, you lost the sale without even knowing it.

One way to think of LinkedIn is as a sort of network opportunity. If you go to a network event you let people know who you are and what you do. Do the same with LinkedIn. Show yourself to be an industry thought leader (92% of buyers engage with them) and network.

Do not go for the hard sell. You know the scenario; you get a connection request and two seconds after accepting it, you get the sales pitch. Again, think of it as networking. If you go right for a hard sell you get nowhere and soon everyone avoids you.

When it comes to LinkedIn, have a sales ready profile, make strategic connections, and build relationships. Do that right and it will work for you.

To discuss how Julie can help you, contact her at julie@thesalesace.co.uk or call 01604 532004

The winners celebrate at the Northamptonshire Business Awards 2022

Liam who has taken part in the Pathways for Recovery project

Julie Futcher

event in focus

Celebrate milestone at Milton Keynes Business Showcase

Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce the details for the first Milton Keynes Business Showcase event of 2023 to celebrate the Chamber’s 10th Anniversary.

MK Chamber was founded on 8 July 2013 and we have achieved some amazing things in Milton Keynes over the past 10 years. Some highlights include organising 300 events, launching our Next Generation Chamber of Commerce and being awarded city status followed by a visit from the King.

To mark this important milestone, we’re delighted to announce that a showcase event, sponsored by Mannol UK, will be held at Kents Hill Park Training & Conference Centre on Friday the 7 July 2023, with doors opening to guests at 10am. The event is free to attend to all visitors on the day including both members and nonmembers.

We will be kickstarting the day with a Business Before Hours networking event, from 8.30am until 10am, sponsored by the Local Skills Improvement Plan. This event is a great chance to network with up to 50 business contacts over a breakfast roll prior to opening the doors to the Business Showcase. This event is completely free to attend.

The doors to the event will open 10am – 1pm and will showcase some of the very best businesses across the county.

Speaking after the announcement of the event, Milton Keynes Business Showcase event Sponsor and Chamber Platinum Partner, Jevgenij Lyzko said: “Mannol UK is delighted to be headline sponsoring the Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce Showcase anniversary event.

fact file

• Friday 7 July 2023

• Doors open 10am

• Open to both members and non-members

• Networking opportunities and events

• Free to attend

businesses of all sizes and industries. We look forward to seeing everyone there.”

After the showcase event, we will be celebrating the Chamber’s 10th anniversary with a barbecue. We look forward to welcoming you all to join us to celebrate this achievement. This event is £10 + VAT for members and nonmembers.

Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce CEO Louise Wall said: “We are delighted to be returning to Kents Hill for our first Showcase event of 2023. This event is a great opportunity to allow the local business community to showcase, network and make new connections.

“Thank you for the continuous support from our headline sponsor, Mannol UK and it’s great to see LSIP once again sponsoring our Business Before Hours breakfast event.

“Mannol UK is passionate about supporting local business, championing the work of the local community, and supporting fellow members of the Chamber. The event demonstrates our continued investment in supporting local

“This year is extra special as we are celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Chamber and we look forward to celebrating the day with you all.”

For more information visit www.chambermk.co.uk

‘The event demonstrates our continued investment in supporting local businesses of all sizes and industries’

New initiatives to lead HR firm into the future

Northamptonshire-based East Midlands HR is celebrating its fourth anniversary with the introduction of some major new initiatives.

Launched in 2019 by Nicky Buckley, East Midlands HR, which specialises in providing outsourced HR services to local and national businesses, is introducing a number of new initiatives, together with new software, to improve the services it offers to its clients.

Among the new services are:

• ID Verification Software for UK and Ireland passport holders, ensuring they process a full recruitment check prior to onboarding an employee for their clients.

• HR Check which identifies gaps in legal compliance and best practice. An initial questionnaire is completed and followed up with a meeting to discuss findings. The client is given an action plan to prevent fines, potential tribunal claims and build a great people-focused business.

• HR system training for line managers and HR users, makes sure all the features are used effectively. This significantly reduces the time and provides cost savings to businesses on people admin.

• A 60-minute consultation, which allows Nicky to support Chamber Members with initial free HR advice.

Nicky said: “Getting to this point has not been easy, starting the business in 2019 with Covid following in 2020. Expanding the team in early 2023 provided me with the opportunity to improve services we provided to clients and use software to improve our processes. Work smarter is one of our company values – we aim to build better places to work with people at the core of the organisation.”

A unique approach to specialised coaching

Great Minds Don’t is a learning consultancy specialising in neurodiversity founded and run by Hayley Brackley.

Hayley is neurodivergent and uses her lived experience – as well as a wealth of research – to provide a relatable and resonating approach to training and consultancy.

Great Minds Don’t offers coaching, training and consultancy to businesses and organisations around the UK to support their employees to be their best selves at work.

Hayley said: “We believe in bucking trends and archaic unwritten rules. Just as the name suggests, Great minds don’t always think alike. As such, we work in a way that allows everybody to get the very best from an experience and refuse to offer anything as a tick box.

“We are offering a brand new Neurodiversity at Work eLearning module which creates the opportunity for organisations to raise awareness of neurodiversity across colleagues in a sustainable and scalable manner. It challenges ideas around the inclusion of people who think differently. Designed to be an introduction, this module covers the neurodivergent conditions and begins a conversation on how to support colleagues in the workplace.

“Our commitment to make a real difference has recently pushed us to get shortlisted for the UK Enterprise Awards 2023.

“We will continue to grow the work of Great Minds Don't to impact on as many people as possible, offering further scalable solutions to ensure that neurodiversity is not just something that people are aware of, but something which is understood and embraced.”

New identity for skincare range reflects heritage

Award-winning natural skincare company Naturally Tribal Skincare Limited has unveiled a new identity as it takes the next step in its evolution.

The skincare range, which will become known as NATURALLY TIWA, takes its name from TIWA which means one who owns the crown or one who wears the crown. The transition to NATURALLY TIWA will be gradual as the brand

continues to develop and evolve.

Founder, Shalom Lloyd said: “TIWA is one word that tells the brand’s story - from our Transparent and Traceable sourcing to our Innovative products designed for the Whole body while remaining Authentic and true to our core values. TIWA is powerful, TIWA is belonging, TIWA is ownership and taking charge to say, yes, we own our brand.”

Head of Marketing, Hannah White said: “Our products remain the same, our purpose and values remain the same, we still look and feel the same. What we have done is given our skincare range a brand name that maintains our British heritage but truly captures who we are, aligns with the names of our products and our respect for the main source of our ingredients – Africa.”

With a company ethos based on using the power of nature to nourish skin and founded as a solution to a skin condition, the company is strongly communicating its customers’ voice through a new identity.

‘This module covers the neurodivergent conditions and begins a conversation on how to support colleagues in the workplace’

Nicky Buckley, managing director of East Midlands HR which is celebrating its fourth anniversary

Hayley Brackley, founder of Great Minds Don’t

Products from the Naturally Tiwa range

Supplements firm’s ethical credentials earns top ranking

Ethical supplement company Viridian Nutrition has received accreditation from The Good Shopping Guide for the sixth year in a row.

Since its launch in 1999, Daventry-based Viridian Nutrition, has pioneered ethical issues in the vitamin, mineral and herbal sector, leading the way on purity, cruelty free, clean label, sustainable packaging, provenance and organics. This ethical re-accreditation reflects Viridian’s ongoing commitment and ethos.

better for our staff, better for our suppliers and better for the planet.

“It’s a never-ending opportunity to serve to the best of our ability. I invite you to dig deeper into my company to find out why The Good Shopping Guide has yet again honoured us with this highly-regarded accreditation.”

Kat Alexander, director of The Good Shopping Guide said: “We would like to congratulate Viridian, for attaining Ethical Accreditation for the sixth successive year! The Good Shopping Guide’s endorsement of Viridian, and the company's top-ranking GSG score of 100, reflects Viridian’s high ethical standards and ongoing commitments to the environment, animals, and people.

Cheryl Thallon, managing director and founder of Viridian Nutrition said: “Ethical decisionmaking is at the heart of Viridian, every day we challenge ourselves to be another one per cent better at what we do – better for our customers,

“The Good Shopping Guide recognises Viridian as a pioneer in its field, which has consistently ranked as one of the top-scoring companies for ethics, since we started publishing ethical brand ratings more than 20 years ago.”

‘Ethical decision-making is at the heart of Viridian’

The Commercial Property Team at Neves Solicitors from left to right, Julie Evans, Senior Commercial Property Assistant, Ceyda Alkan, Solicitor, Katy Williams, Head of Commercial Property, Sukhbir Sangra – Associate and Georgia Wilson, Legal Assistant

Viridian NextGen Holly Thallon Steenson is pictured alongside the company’s managing director and Founder, Cheryl Thallon

Maximise space to maximise savings

Growing a business is hugely exciting but with it comes a host of new considerations - not least of which is commercial premises.

According to the team at Cubex Contracts, an increase in product demand might call for additional floorspace, while a rise in employee headcount might see a need for more office space, meeting rooms and furniture.

Whatever the industry, growth normally results in a shortage of space. And whether it’s expanded production, storage or headcount, most businesses will look to relocate to bigger, more functional premises.

Yvonne Ground, general manager of Cubex

Contracts said: “While relocating is one option, albeit an expensive one, it isn’t the only option. In fact, with ongoing concerns around inflation and interest rates, it might not be the best choice for your business.

“Believe it or not, most businesses already have the square footage they need within their existing premises. They just don’t know how to utilise their space effectively.

“The key is in understanding how the space is used and what the potential is. Spaces can be transformed with the addition of mezzanine floors, partitioned areas, reconfiguring of existing spaces and even reassessing production

Raft of staff promotions celebrated at Neves Solicitors

areas. In fact, not too long ago, the Cubex team found an additional 35% of floorspace in a Northamptonshire based engineering company who needed just 15% to support their expansion, and through clever thinking it didn’t cost them a penny.

“Offices, industrial warehouses, retail outlets can all benefit from reviewing their space utilisation. In fact, even for businesses that aren’t growing and running out of space, reassessing how they currently use their space can be a hugely beneficial exercise. Even small changes to big spaces can make a significant impact.”

Neves Solicitors has announced a number of key promotions across several of the firm’s departments.

Katy Williams, formerly a senior associate, is now head of commercial property and Sukhbir Sangra, commercial property solicitor, has been promoted to associate.

In the residential property and conveyancing department, Charlene Shillingford and Lucy Madley have both been promoted to senior associates. Mark Stevens is now Head of the Private Client department, dealing with Wills, Trusts, Probate and Estate Planning.

Managing partner, Stewart Matthews, said: “We are delighted to announce these promotions which recognise that growing strength within our teams is immensely important as we strive to continue providing a high quality service to our clients.”

10 year anniversary celebrated at Acorn Analytical Services

One of the UK’s leading independent asbestos consultancies, Acorn Analytical Services Northampton, is preparing to celebrate its 10th anniversary this summer.

It’s an important milestone for the Northampton-based company which launched in 2013 and now has 73 staff supporting clients across all four corners of the UK.

The company offers a one-stop solution to businesses, organisations and charities taking them from non-compliance with asbestos and health and safety regulations to full compliance in five simple steps. It is also committed to raising awareness of the hidden dangers of asbestos and the risks associated with mesothelioma, a deadly cancer caused by exposure to asbestos fibres.

Director Ian Stone said: “I look back over the past 10 years with a real sense of pride.

“As directors, we all started off the same way as trainees learning our trade and to now be able to offer that same opportunity to young people across Northamptonshire and beyond is a fantastic feeling. They are now coming up with through the ranks and building careers for themselves.

“Northamptonshire is home, and we take great pride in being part of the county’s wider business community. Personally, I really enjoy doing business with people, and supporting the

region’s businesses is what we do best.

“This year promises to be a big year for us. We continue to grow, and we’re really excited to see what comes next.”

In March, Acorn Analytical Services opened a

new regional office in Wolverhampton, serving customers in Coventry, Birmingham and across the West Midlands.

A host of celebrations are currently being planned to celebrate the company’s milestone.

Helping to attract and retain talent

Attracting the very best talent possible is the aim of leading recruitment agency MDM Consultants which is working with Wilson Browne Solicitors as the company’s Exclusive Talent Partner.

The agency, which is based in Bedfordshire, have partnered with Wilson Browne, supporting them with their people growth goals through 2023 and beyond. As an extension of the Wilson Browne team, MDM Consultants is supporting the company with both acquisition and retention, securing experienced hires using its unique approach to attracting talent.

Founder and CEO of MDM Consultants, Mark Martin said: “Opposed to typical transactional recruitment, we work on our Talent Partnerships Solution (TPS) methodology, we take time to understand the company, in this case Wilson Browne, and find the very best talent in the market that is both a skilful and cultural fit.

“For TPS to work to its full potential, it is built on true collaboration. We take a unique approach to attracting talent across 100% of the talent market (including those not actively looking) to find the best talent in the industry. It is an absolute pleasure to be working with an organisation with such a great people culture that is embracing our partnership with such open arms.”

said: “Wilson Browne Solicitors has a proud and proven track record of developing people from within, but like all businesses, there are occasions where we need to look to the external market. Finding good people is hard: some might be lured by the bright lights of the city and the kudos of working for a city firm, and are willing to sacrifice work/life balance and longer term opportunities, when in reality there is no need to go to the city to further your legal career.

“Our senior level recruitment needed a rethink: it was time to take the same ‘disruptor’ approach to recruitment as we applied across the rest of the business, which is why we looked to MDM. In their own words, they ‘truly understand the challenge of attracting and retaining talent in a high growth business, with the internal and external pressures senior management face’. In other words, it was a perfect fit, made even stronger by their appreciation of our unique culture and our willingness to embrace new ideas.

Mark Martin, CEO and Founder of MDM Consultants

Wayne Jenkins, Business Development and Marketing Director for Wilson Browne Solicitors

“It’s no longer enough to have a well-crafted, punchy job ad – you need to really stand out from the crowd and with their fresh thinking and original approach which focuses on building a the relationship before and after recruitmentnot just selling the job - MDM are the perfect partner to fulfil our talent acquisition needs.”

Acorn Analytical Services celebrated the opening of its new office in Wolverhampton in March

£14m hub for creative firms opens in Cultural Quarter

Aworking in creative and digital industries was officially opened at a launch event in Northampton’s Cultural Quarter in April.

Vulcan Works, which was created through transforming a Grade II listed former ironworks factory in the town, is the result of a £14m project funded by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP), who facilitated a Local Growth Fund contribution of £6.3m, together with £3.06m from the European Regional Development Fund.

The brand new, purpose built hub is managed by Oxford Innovation Space and provides lettable office space, workshops, meeting rooms and coworking spaces for start-up businesses in creative and digital industries. The space mixes the old with the new by retaining some quirky original features and naming its rooms in honour of its shoe-making history. Following the

centre opened its books and doors to interested businesses in February, generating a lot of interest from start-up and growing businesses in the creative and digital sector. Now, as businesses are starting to move in and a team has been appointed to run the centre, Vulcan Works hosted a launch event which saw special guests network over cocktails, take tours of the building and hear speeches from key partners involved in the construction of the centre. Some of the new tenants also held stands at the event as part of a Customer Business Showcase.

Centre manager Garrick Hurter said: “We have been so busy getting Vulcan Works up and running and facilitating show arounds to prospective customers over the last few weeks and months, so it is wonderful to see all that hard work come to fruition and officially launch this fantastic space to the public. We want to build a real community here and a space that is supportive and nurturing to young and growing

start of that.”

Jo Stevens, managing director of Oxford Innovation Space added: “The Vulcan Works project has been an absolute pleasure to work on and to see the centre officially launch gives all of us at Oxford Innovation Space an enormous sense of pride and achievement.

“This centre is more than just flexible office and workshop space. It is a place with both a rich heritage and brand-new facilities that have been purposely and thoughtfully constructed to provide young companies with a place to grow and feel supported and part of a community. Now that the centre has officially launched, our newly appointed team can get to work offering business support services and holding events that will help our tenants to grow, learn, make new connections and thrive.”

Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth at WNC, said: “Vulcan Works provides a unique offer for West Northants creative and digital industries. The rejuvenated historical hub combines flexible office space, with first-class support to help businesses flourish. With a wealth of knowledge, the team provide on-hand advice, training, and workshops to help businesses expand. It was great to have the opportunity to speak to many businesses who are already calling this space home and meet to those who are due to move in over the forthcoming weeks. I look forward to seeing the hub and its tenants from strength to strength.”

It is estimated that Vulcan Works will support around 150 start-up businesses in its first 10 years, creating around 500 jobs in the area. The centre has also pledged to work with local contractors and agencies, ploughing more money back into the local economy.

Guests enjoying the launch party

Cllr Jonathan Nunn, Hannah Tanner, Cllr Adam Brown, Suzanne Holmes, Gail Hadden, Cllr Dan Lister, Garrick Hurter, Deven Efde, Kevin Langley, Jo Stevens, Sharon Gregory, Katie Young and Cllr André González De Savage

Caring charity boss shares her inspirational story in book

Lorraine Lewis, CEO of The Lewis Foundation, had always planned to tell the deeply powerful story of how she followed her heart to setup a charity that provides thousands of free gift packs to adult cancer patients in hospital.

Having written Dare to Dream during lockdown, Lorraine - who later went onto leave her sought-after law career - has finally released it as a published book, sharing the personal challenges, experiences and successes her and her husband Lee went through in the very early days up to now.

The Lewis Foundation has since evolved to become an award-winning charity that brings comfort and happiness to individuals receiving cancer treatment in 17 hospitals across the Midlands.

More than 2,000 gift packs containing overnight essentials and toiletries, letter writing kits, miniature radios complete with batteries and headphones, and lots more are delivered each month, but the journey has been far from easy.

“People have been telling me for years that I should share my story, but I have never really had the time or confidence to take the leap,” said Lorraine.

“I have kept a journal my whole life, and I finally took the opportunity during the first lockdown in 2020 to pull all my notes together into a book. It was a bit of a reflection exercise in a way, and I realised wanted throw everything into the charity - it’s where my heart was.

“I was still working as a barrister at the time and somehow managing to carry out my charity work on the side, but I knew I had more to give.

“I took a sabbatical to pursue my passion in cancer care in 2022, and

then left in 2023. By sharing my journey, I really hope others are inspired to pursue their calling.”

The official book launch and afternoon tea event will take place at Delapre Abbey and will be hosted by Dr Audrey Tang - a business author, broadcaster, leadership trainer and coach and brand ambassador. Tickets cost £25 with proceeds going to The Lewis Foundation. To attend visit: www.eventbrite.co.uk

Dare to Dream by Lorraine Lewis BCAh is available to purchase on Amazon and online through most bookshops. It is also available direct from the publisher: www.troubador.co.uk

Retail loyalty company is reaping the rewards

With more than 5,000 customers across the UK and prestigious awards for its high street project Your Community Card, the future is looking bright for Reward-It.

Acquired by the ID Card Centre Group in January 2020, retail loyalty company, Reward-It, which is based in Northampton, is going from strength to strength having recovered from the challenges presented by the Covid pandemic.

As the country emerged from lockdown, the team at Reward-It has worked hard to offer a great solution for retailers, partnering with independent businesses of all sizes.

Now with more than 5,000 customers across the country, the past 12 months has seen Reward-It win two silver awards at the Northamptonshire SME Awards for its high street project, Your

Community Card, and has formed its very own dedicated team to assist customers looking for retail solutions.

‘I finally took the opportunity during the first lockdown in 2020 to pull all my notes together into a book’

Brandon and Shirley from Reward-It

Spring arrives as Chester House visitors get up close with lambs

Vfeed the lambs at Northamptonshire’s Chester House Estate during the spring. Throughout March and April, the lambing barn was full of 50 newborn cade lambs, several ewes and their lambs plus a few goats and their kids. Families were able to visit and bottle feed the lambs as part of the estate’s spring activities, which included an Easter egg hunt and a chocolate lolly making workshop.

were so cute – the four day old lambs were quite weak, so its nice that we can help them grow by feeding them.”

Lauren Payne, a parent who visited the estate, said: “The afternoon was so family friendly, I brought my step-daughter and she loved being in charge of feeding the lambs. She left with a chocolate treat, so she’s a very happy girl.”

The Chester House Estate is overseen by

the public in October 2021, following an extensive £17m Nationally Lottery Heritage Funded restoration project.

The estate will play host to a wide variety of events during the summer including live music, a kids’ summer festival and outdoor theatre.

For more information or to book tickets visit www.chesterhouseestate.org

Stands selling fast for Your Business Expo

The date - June 8, 2023. The venue - The Ridgeway Centre at Wolverton Mill in Milton Keynes. The countdown to a superb event for businesses across Milton Keynes to reach, engage and connect continues.

Exhibition stands are selling fast for Your Business Expo Milton Keynes, brought to the city’s business community by Business MK and full-service marketing agency qoob as the expo’s headline sponsor.

Your Business Expo aims to create opportunities for quality sales leads, to meet with key decision-makers and to increase awareness of your business brand. Nearly 80 exhibitors are signed up already.

Your Business Expo Milton Keynes begins with a networking breakfast at 8.30am before the exhibition, which runs from 10am until 3pm.

Admission is free for visitors to chat to some of the city’s brightest and fastest-growing businesses at their stands. And there’s the opportunity for extra networking, with a second session at lunchtime.

Your Business Expo 2023 is the first since the Your Business Expo brand became part of Pulse Group Media. It follows a sell-out Your Business Expo at Sywell Aerodrome near Northampton in February, which attracted 120 exhibitors and more than 500 visitors.

Pulse Group Media director Kerry LewisStevenson said: “We are delighted with the response in terms of enquiries, the enthusiasm of the sponsors we have already secured and the quality of exhibitors. We know that businesses across Milton Keynes will benefit by coming along.”

The lambs proved to be the star attraction at Northamptonshire’s Chester House Estate

businesspartners

Chamber Business Partners are an exclusive group of influential companies within Chamber membership

Keep on top of employment law

New data has shown that more than 90% of HR professionals don’t fully understand the implications of forthcoming changes to UK employment law.

The changes, being proposed by the Government surrounding the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill, are daunting and confusing for many.

As part of leaving the European Union, the 2018 European Union (Withdrawal) Act was introduced, which resulted in an agreement being made between the European Union and the UK to allow the UK to retain most EU legislation in its domestic legislation even after Brexit.

However, on 22 September 2022, the UK Government announced a new Billthe Retained EU Law (Reform and Revocation) Bill - that if passed, would overturn this position. It would mean that most retained EU laws would cease to remain in force and every clause within the Bill will require agreement, change or deletion.

Award-winning HR consultancy HR Solutions have seen an influx of clients with concerns about what this will mean for their business.

The Kettering-based consultancy use their annual SME Business Survey results to shape the support that they offer to clients and the wider business community, therefore its experts have recently held an EU Law seminar to address some of the concerns and provide advice.

The session offered the latest update on the Bill’s progression through parliament and talked through the areas of employment which are likely to see significant change.

HR Solutions CEO Greg Guilford (pictured) said: “The EU reform bill is predicted to have a huge impact on businesses and because of this, we have created a dedicated Employment Law Reform Hub to keep business owners informed and share guidance on what steps you should be taking to protect yourself, your business and your employees.”

Charity chief wins prestigious award

Funding helps Trilogy Active deliver support

A Northamptonshire multi-agency partnership, led by Trilogy Active, has been successful in receiving £20,000 worth of funding.

The funding is part of an initiative by the Ministry of Justice to tackle youth crime and violence through the power of sport.

Trilogy Active operates Cripps Recreation Centre, Danes Camp, Duston Sports Centre, Lings Forum, The Mounts Baths, Thomas Becket Catholic School and the Forum Cinema as well as Berzerk Soft Play Centre and has worked with West Northamptonshire Council, Northamptonshire Police, Northants Basketball, Northants International Academy and Thomas Becket Catholic School as well as Free2Talk and Youth Inspired to make the programme a reality.

Managing director of Trilogy Active John Fletcher said: “We are delighted to receive this funding which will make a real difference to young people in Northampton.

“This partnered approach will be critical to the success of the programme, and it will allow us to be really targeted and offer more than just a sport intervention with opportunities for personal development through youth mentoring.”

Voluntary and community sport organisations across the country were able to bid for a portion of the £5m fund, which will allow them to carry out targeted work supporting young people who are at risk of entering the criminal justice system.

Trilogy Active is using the funding to support a three-month programme of free

Odette Mould MBE, chief executive of Harrys Rainbow, pictured with her award

Odette Mould MBE, chief executive of Harrys Rainbow, was named Entrepreneur of the Year at the Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards held on 23 March.

She said: “I was keen to shine a light on the charity sector and in particular people like me who set up non-profits to change experiences for other people, for the better! In the past 12 years I have fought to raise the voices and awareness of our bereaved community, specifically children, and the needs for them to be able to access support as early as possible.

“To have got through two rounds of judging and reach the final felt incredible, but when I heard my name called on the night as the winner, I was extremely overwhelmed.

“It was a wonderful evening from start to finish, the atmosphere was electric; full of people making a difference in our city of Milton Keynes. It was a very poignant moment that will not be forgotten.”

Have a question about insurance? Towergate has all the answers

Insurance can be confusing but the team of experts at Towergate Insurance is always available to help. Here, area sales director, Richard Davies answers some of their most commonly-asked questions.

What is claims inflation?

Claims inflation is the increase in the amount it would cost to settle an insurance claim. This is due to rising costs in labour, materials and energy - so a rebuilding project in 2023 will cost significantly more than a year ago.

Why are my insurance premiums increasing?

Simply, because the cost and demand of raw materials, parts and labour has increased significantly.

To address this, your insurer will increase your insurance premiums to cover the rise. Insurers calculate the increase in your insurance premium by using an index that they apply to the declared value of items, energy and labour costs.

What can I do to protect my business?

If you are a business insurance customer, it is advisable to check the indemnity period for business interruption cover to account for supply chain issues and delays.

For buildings insurance, it is advisable to use a specialist property surveyor to

determine the value, ensuring they are Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) certified. If your business is insured based on a valuation from years gone by, you could be underinsured.

What is underinsurance?

When you insure a building, it is your responsibility to decide how much to insure it for. Your broker or insurer cannot tell you this amount but may be able to recommend valuation services.

If you are underinsured, it could result in devastating consequences for you and your business should you need to make a claim.

Increase in reinstatement costs

Sport and Youth mentoring at four sites across Northampton: Kingsthorpe, Thomas Becket Catholic School, Northampton International Academy and Thorplands.

John added: “The programme will be delivered in partnership with youth worker organisations Free2Talk and Youth Inspired, who will lead a mentoring programme and offer 1:1 support. The sessions are free to attend and targeted towards people aged 10-17 and at risk of being involved in anti-social behaviour using sport as the driving force to promote engagement.”

If your property is destroyed through some kind of insured event, it will need to be rebuilt. The insurer needs to know how much to pay out in order to rebuild. The reinstatement cost is how much you will get from your insurer for demolition, site clearance, professional fees, labour and materials.

It will cost more to rebuild a property now than it did just a few years ago.

How do you know if you’re underinsured?

Get a professional valuation. Working out the true cost of a major claim is complex. But having to pay more than you bargained for - or waiting longer than you thought to get back up and running - could leave your business struggling.

Sport can be a power for good

Richard Davies

going global

Expert advice, guidance and updates from the world of international trade

When markets are volatile, use an expert

And with the financial markets more turbulent than ever before, being reactive enough to respond quickly to secure the best exchange rates possible has never been more important for small to medium businesses looking to make the most of their money.

With more than 15 years’ experience in foreign currency exchange, Michael Vaughan has created Swift FX, a foreign exchange business which aims to support businesses and individuals by giving them access to the very best exchange rates while managing the process of making secure payments abroad.

Clients have access to a dedicated account manager who will help with paying overseas invoices, managing import or export transactions, or handling capital expenditures.

It has proved to be a successful first year for the company, which is based in Tring, which has already made transactions worth more than £25m on behalf of clients across the UK.

Michael explained that when it comes to the financial sector, offering unrivalled personal service is key.

He said: “Our clients are everything to us and I always make the time to get to know them and build strong relationships so I understand

their individual needs – that’s our mantra and the foundation of our entire business.

“Foreign exchange can be very automated, but at Swift FX we’ve moved away from that to ensure we can be proactive and provide the very best service possible. It’s something which has proved very important recently particularly with volatility in the markets caused by the war in Ukraine.

management positions with a number of the UK’s leading banks for more than 40 years.

Michael said: “We started the business with some apprehension, but we’ve surpassed all our targets in this first year and we’re really excited to see where the next 12 months will take us.

“We’ve built up a large number of clients and through our knowledge of the markets we're helping to save them money.

“Whenever our clients need us, we are there. We’ll always answer the phone and I’ll reply to emails within 10 minutes. That’s what sets us apart from everyone else.”

Family is very much at the heart of Swift FX, which is run by Michael and his stepfather David Hodgson who has held senior risk

“In one particular case a corporate client utilised a forward contract when the US dollar hit multi year lows back in September last year and by locking in their exchange rate in advance of receipt of their funds, we were able to save them £22,500.

“This is part of the job I love when we make our clients significant savings.”

‘We’ve built up a large number of clients and through our knowledge of the markets we're helping to save them money’

When it comes to making international transactions having someone in your corner with the skills and experience to guide you at every step is crucial, says Michael Vaughan of Swift FX

Michael Vaughan of Swift FX, which recently celebrated its first anniversary

At the heart of logistics

WT Transport is a family firm that runs on togetherness. From a one-man-band to Chamber Silver Partner, the business is gearing up for further growth.

Alot has changed in the 25 years since entrepreneur Warren Tattersall first launched as a sole trader with one van way back in 1997.

Since then, the family business has gone from strength to strength, cementing its place at the heart of the UK’s growing logistics industry with the opening of a new state-of-the-art hub in Northamptonshire last summer.

Now, with a FORS Silver accredited fleet of 60 Mercedes-Benz vehicles, ranging from threeand-a-half ton vans to 44-ton articulated lorries, moffett-mounted vehicles and double deck trailers, WT Transport continues to lead the way in logistics, offering complete warehouse and

fact file

• Established 1997

• Based in Northampton

• Providing Warehouse and Transport services across the UK

• More than 60 vehicles and trailers

• Member of TPN (The Pallet Network)

• ISO9001 accredited

• Capacity to store in excess of 18,500 pallets.

MAIN PHOTO: WT Transport’s business development director pictured in the company’s vast warehouse in Northampton OPPOSITE: WT Transport operates a fleet of more than 60 vehicles

‘Our company motto is ‘working together’ and we always make sure we go the extra mile to provide the very best service we can to our clients’

...from page 30

transport solutions to a loyal – and growing –customer base across the UK.

Jason Lister, business development director, who works closely with Warren and his wife, Sarah who are both directors and the entire WT Transport team said: “These are really exciting times for WT Transport and the move to our new headquarters at Swan Valley in August – together with a complete rebrand – has really been the icing on the cake.

“Our previous home at Brackmills, which was a shared facility, covered 60,000 square feet while our new premises are 135,000 square feet giving us much more space. It’s been a great experience for all of us to move into our new premises and see the company enter a brand new phase – one which will see us grow our transport network and develop the services we offer.

“The work we do is diverse, and no two days are ever the same.

“We have a wide range of customers, many of which have been with us for many years. Our company motto is ‘working together’ and we always make sure we go the extra mile to provide the very best service we can to our clients.

“We handle the whole process – from taking deliveries, picking and packing - to transportation.

“Our customers range from some of the biggest names on the high street to small traders. We pride ourselves on being a small, independent company able to deliver local knowledge and high quality services but with the all-important personal touch.”

WT Transport are proud members of The Pallet Network (TPN), an organisation made up of around 100 companies, providing unrivalled coverage across the UK. As part of this network, WT Transport delivers around 200 pallets a day across the NN12 and MK postcodes.

The warehouse – which is now the size of several football pitches – stores items as varied as consumer electronics and packaging to electric bikes and

barbecue equipment and uses the very latest technology to keep customers up to date with the progress of their items.

And to make sure the whole operation continues to run smoothly, the company leaves nothing to chance, creating its own workshop and employing its own mechanics to ensure its fleet of vehicles are serviced and maintained in-house, keeping the time they are off the road to an absolute minimum.

Jason said: “The future is looking really bright for WT Transport.

“We’re delighted to be Chamber Silver Partners and see this as an opportunity to build relationships with businesses across the region and really cement our place in the Northamptonshire business community.

“Northamptonshire is the home of logistics – and we are excited to celebrate our role right at the heart of it.”

To learn more about how WT Transport can support your business, visit www.wttransport.com or call 01604 702090.

New irrigation system for Northamptonshire County Golf Club

With the intense requirements that go into producing quality turf on a golf course, it is critical to have the ability to control all elements that can be managed. Turf needs light, air and water to grow in a healthy manner. Air and light are controlled by using aeration techniques and woodland management and water either by nature through rainfall or by using an irrigation system.

To maintain a golf course, an efficient and reliable irrigation system is required that can apply water to the necessary playing surfaces to supplement any deficiencies in summer rainfall and to assist in various essential maintenance operations. It should also consider the need for water conservation as suggested in the recent

Government “Water Bill”. An irrigation system is automated during non-playing hours as it is the only practical way to water a golf course to ensure continuous grass cover without disrupting the golfers’ enjoyment.

In May 2017, Northamptonshire County Golf Club instructed Adrian Mortram Associates to undertake an independent survey of the irrigation system as it had been in the ground for 25 years. The report recommended beginning the planning and design process with a view to replacing the system with a more efficient design, capable of better water management and distribution. Following the drought in 2018, it was considered essential to control soil moisture on all playing areas of the course to promote growth and lessen the effects of drought.

The final design was approved in 2021. The approved system has been designed to water the whole course within a nine-hour period and can finely tune the amount of water applied to the golf course as this becomes more critical in the future.

As a club we do not have an abundance of irrigation water. Therefore, the new system has been designed to maximise the efficiency of the water used and provide control to ensure only

the areas that need irrigation receive water. The automatic sprinkler control will be timed to the second and sprinklers are individually controlled (valve-in-head). This level of control provides the ability to specifically target where irrigation is needed, thus saving water. Back-to-back sprinklers will be installed on the greens which will separate each area, allowing the green and surrounds to be irrigated to their own water requirements. Each tee will be individually controlled to provide greater control on each surface. The project commenced in October 2022 and took 28 weeks to complete.

The investment by the club is the largest in its history and marks its ambition to maintain and improve its ranking in the Top 100 of English Golf Clubs.

Visit: www.countygolfclub.co.uk Call: 01604 843025

Each tee will be individually controlled

spotlight: growing your business

issue spotlight

Each issue of inbusiness takes a closer look at the key sectors operating in Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes

Don’t let the recruitment process drain your resources

There is always risk in growing a business but recruitment doesn’t have to be factored into that risk, especially when you partner with an experienced recruitment team believe Kettering-based Wills Consultants.

Sourcing a hire with the correct qualifications, skills and experience is imperative and will have a positive effect on the whole company, because you are showing your staff the importance of having a strong, effective and talented team. The right hire can add a new skillset to your workforce, help upskill your team, allow you to offer a new service and improve the customer experience – all of which could leave you to work on the business, not in the business.

The recruitment process can be a drain on your resources and time consuming. Using the right recruitment partner can give you access to top talent not necessarily currently looking for a move, saving you both time and money.

Wills Consultants director Nikki Wills said: “Getting the experts to streamline the recruitment process allows business owners to focus on the most important factor – running their business and identifying what it needs to grow and thrive. With an extensive network of quality candidates, businesses like ours can

make the whole recruitment process hassle-free. Benchmarking exercises and benefit packages are becoming crucial in the post Covid market and important in candidate attraction. Working closely with you, getting to understand your business helps us to ensure your next hire quickly becomes an asset to your firm.

“By recognising the importance of recruitment in business growth, you are also likely to improve employee and customer satisfaction, and, therefore, improve the allimportant staff retention.”

Wills Consultants’ recruitment consultants, Chelsea Taylor and Tamzin Reed

Top tips for boosting your business’ cash flow

Businesses are all facing cashflow challenges due to rising inflation and running costs.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that 40% of the UK’s small businesses have less than three months’ worth of cash left.

So, what can SME business owners do to protect and strengthen cashflow? Paul Tyler, managing partner at accountancy firm Azets, offers his top five tips:

1. Cashflow management

The business may be profitable but is there enough cash at the end of the month to pay wages and suppliers? The more the cashflow cycle is understood, the more options available.

2. Payment terms

For SME owners the job of chasing payments isn’t a priority. However, there’s a massive domino effect

when outstanding payments roll on and growth can subsequently be curtailed.

3. Review business model

Regular checks of a business model lessen the dangers of being purely reactive and avoid businesses working haphazardly in firefighting mode.

4.The impact of credit scores

Due diligence must be done on potential customers to ensure they are in a position to pay for the use of goods or services. When a customer fails to pay there is a substantial cashflow knock-on impact.

5. Additional financial support

Support available often goes under the radar, including accelerated capital allowances and R&D tax credits. These attractive tax incentives can help with a much-needed cash injection.

Paul Taylor, managing partner at Azets

Put a label on it: food legislation advice for small firms

Gsmall and mid-sized companies the kind of support with legislation and food labelling that’s normally only available to food and drink giants, but at prices that smaller businesses can afford.

She explained: “It’s not enough to have a great business or product idea, you’ve also got to keep on top of relevant food legislation. Whether you’re selling direct to consumers, online through your own or somebody else’s website, or via retailers, there are a ton of different things to get right. And not understanding or not knowing about them isn’t an option.

“A product recall or legal action caused by unintentionally harming a client – for example by not highlighting potential allergens – could destroy your business. Getting the legal aspects of labels, product claims, or nutritional information right isn’t optional. But the good news is that you don’t have to handle everything yourself.

“I mostly work with my clients on a project basis, preparing all the information for packaging, giving website support, or providing nutritional information to support their products. But recently I’ve found that people really want to know they can just pick up the phone and call for help and support when they need it.

“My support packages for small businesses start at just £250 per year depending on the turnover of the business and how long they’ve been operating. We have packages for larger, longer-established companies too. There’s no need to call and negotiate a price for every little bit of help – just pay for a few hours up-front, and call it off when you need it. Think of it like an emergency breakdown service for your business – somebody you can call when you need help.”

Being a start-up food or drink manufacturer or a food service business can be challenging – so says Georgina Stewart, founder of The Nutrient Gap

Record breaking year for Howes Percival’s deals

Howes Percival’s corporate, commercial, and banking (CCB) team completed more than 150 deals with a combined value of £700m in 2022.

The rapidly growing team advises clients on significant and transformational acquisitions and disposals and the full range of contractual matters. It also provides a dedicated banking and finance service to banks, financial institutions, funds, and other lenders.

The number of completed transactions in 2022 was a further increase on the firm’s record deal volumes in 2021 with levels of M&A, financing and restructuring activity remaining high.

‘2022 was a record-breaking year again for Howes Percival's CCB team’

The growth was also driven by the ongoing investment in the Howes Percival CCB team, over the last three years. The team is now 60% larger than in 2019, as a result of a series of quality lateral hires including Chris White, Chloe Bristow and Deb Hay Davison (all formerly at Dentons), James Stephen (BDB Pitmans) Will Taylor (EMW) and Bradley Johnson (Machins) all joining in 2022. Tom Maksymiw also qualified into the team during the year.

Andy Harris, partner and head of Howes Percival’s CCB team, said: “2022 was a recordbreaking year again for Howes Percival's CCB team and I'm incredibly proud of what we have delivered, both in terms of the volume of deals and the quality of the service the team has provided. We hope we are increasingly seen as one of the go-

to firms for corporate transactions in our key regions and we are getting more and more referrals across a wide range of sectors, as word spreads.

“We ha ve seen a really good flow of instructions from some of our key sectors such as Automotive (particularly motor dealer M&A), Development, Food and Beverage, Healthcare, Leisure & Tourism and Technology & Innovation with significant transactions in each of these areas. We think these clients come to us not only because we are capable corporate, commercial and banking professionals, but also because of our relationshipdriven approach, as well as our deep sector knowledge.

“Of course, the ongoing situation in Ukraine, the cost-of-living crisis and the potential for recession in the UK are still major concerns this year, and we will all be keeping a close eye on things. As a general observation, transactions are taking longer to deliver, but the situation does vary by sector and we are still seeing plenty of activity and new opportunities.”

Andy Harris, Head of CCB at Howes Percival

EB Designs help get flagship sports store up and running

With more than 20 years’ experience in the retail industry Northamptonshirebased EB Designs has worked with some of the biggest brands on the high street.

The company, which is based in Lamport, offers services including design and branding, project management, procurement and cost

management, through to a full turn-key solution.

Most recently, EB Designs has been working with Frasers Group on the opening of the retail giant’s third flagship Sports Direct store in Manchester.

Designed by The One Off - and SmithBrewer for the USC concept - this is the brand’s most elevated concept to date, and EB Designs continues to work with Frasers Group, elevating their brand as

the leading destination for sports and lifestyle.

Joe Giammalva from EB Designs said: “With more than 50,000 sq. ft of retail space across five floors, showcasing the very best in sports, leisure, e-sports and fashion, the store includes a new concept USC, Game and Belong. Introducing a new multi-brand running concept, a new look kids’ area, a new swim concept and an elevated football area, the store

truly is something else. The use of digital is progressive and the store features the largest digit al interface used in any of the stores the brand has ever opened, with 103 digital screens installed in total. NFC tap guides have also been introduced to assist the customer journey whereby they can use their phone to access store guides and product information. Fun customer experiences and tools have been launched to

enhance the overall shopping experience including a Hang Tough challenge, jump experience, a putting challenge, gait analysis and a safe size machine in both running and kids.

“Collaboration is always so important and we would like to thank all of the teams and suppliers we worked with to deliver such a large-scale project.”

Sign up for academy and learn how to be a PR pro

If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to land your own press coverage, a training programme designed especially for small businesses is starting in September.

Run by Emma Speirs, director of boutique PR agency, Ballyhoo PR, the Ballyhoo PR Academy will enable those involved in marketing a business to explore the core elements of PR including how to get media ready, how to formulate a PR plan and how to pitch stories to the media. There will also be sessions on crisis management and how to use press coverage to promote your business.

The academy’s first cohort successfully graduated from the course in March and Emma is now looking forward to welcoming a new wave of students through Ballyhoo’s doors.

She said: “This is a great opportunity for anyone in a marketing role to learn more about the mechanics of PR and the skills required to secure coverage for their company. Over six monthly sessions, we’ll give you advice tailored to the individual needs of your business and help you to become more confident

when it comes to sharing stories about the work you do. The first cohort of students did brilliantly, and have graduated from the Ballyhoo PR Academy with the skills and strategies they need to do their own PR. I know they are already putting everything they have learned to good use!”

Tom, who attended the first course said: “It has been absolutely fantastic. I’ve learnt so much since September. The course has been far more than I expected, we have covered some really interesting subjects, including how to write press releases, I’ve met some great people and I’ve enjoyed coming in once a month to discuss what we’ve been doing at work.”

Numbers are restricted to six and places are available priced £100 per session plus VAT. All classes will be taught at Ballyhoo PR’s Lamport office in Northamptonshire and the sessions include lunch.

For more information, or to book a place, contact Emma Speirs at emma.speirs@ballyhoo-pr.co.uk

An easy way to build a website

studio Creativefolks has announced the launch of NNWeb – a convenient three-step web design solution.

Backed by a team of industry experts and in-house specialists, businesses can kick start their online journey with packages at an accessible price point, providing all that you need to amplify your brand.

Jon Clough, founder of Creativefolks and NNWeb said: “It’s now easier than ever to get a bespoke, fast

loading website built with frequently optimised backend SEO to elevate your brand presence in local and global search rankings. NNWeb cuts out the upselling and over complicated jargon, all we ask for is a genuine chat to find how we can best assist you with reaching your digital goals! With a wide range of businesses already under our web design belt including local charity Team Daisy and paid marketing consultancy Profitspring, the possibilities are beyond imagination.”

Creative design

Ballyhoo PR Academy graduates Keely and Tom celebrate their success

Inside the Sports Direct store in Manchester

sector focus: manufacturing & engineering sector focus

The latest news from the manufacturing & engineering, finance & legal and skills sectors

New railway will get growth back on track

Interest in green power brings boost to Marlec

A boom of interest in renewables has led to exponential growth for Marlec, one of the world’s leading renewable energy manufacturers.

Marlec’s Solar iBoost – a PV immersion controller which enables users to direct surplus PV energy to their immersion heaters - is an important part of the company’s product portfolio.

The business has also focused on designing bespoke green systems. Installations allow clients to power lighting, cameras, and solarpowered signage regardless of conditions or location. Whether the power requirements presented are large or small, Marlec offers solutions using solar, wind and hybrid installations.

Managing director Adrian Dennis said: “Marlec has had an exceptional 2022 and a recordbreaking start to 2023 thanks to our portfolio of renewable energy technology. Having won the Chamber of Commerce Planet Saver Award in 2022, we are determined to continue to help our customers reduce their carbon footprint in 2023 and beyond

“Unique designs make Marlec a leading supplier of renewable tech across the globe. With a new EV charger ready to launch this spring, their Veva charger is set to position the company as one of the UK’s leading renewable businesses. After a record 2022, followed by a record early 2023, we feel confident that our new Veva EV charger will only propel them further towards success.

“As the focus on alternative fuel sources and the like heightens, we will be working hard to match the acceleration of technology to consumer demand.”

East West Rail (EWR) says it believes that a new railway connecting Milton Keynes with Oxford and Cambridge will open up new areas for businesses to grow.

With Oxford and Cambridge bursting at the seams, connecting the cities with the fast-growing and less constrained towns and cities in between, including Milton Keynes, will make places more appealing for people wanting to start and grow all types of businesses.

According to EWR, the railway will help to attract and retain the best talent in the region and bring businesses closer to their supply chains, research sectors, competitors and other sectors, creating wealth and jobs for an area of more than 3.8 million people.

Recognising the important role EWR will play to

deliver UK growth, the Government injected new momentum into the project when they announced in the 2023 Spring Budget that they plan to provide further updates including confirmation of the route for the section of railway between Bedford and Cambridge in May.

Track-laying work on the first phase of construction between Oxford and Bletchley is being undertaken by the East West Rail Alliance and has now passed the halfway point, including the construction of a new station at Winslow. EWR is on track to begin running services between Milton Keynes and Oxford by 2025.

The team from Marlec

Track laying is underway between Oxford and Bletchley

Managing the Risks of Climate Change

Financial loss estimates for different scenarios provide a basis for informed decisions about how to improve climate resilience. Supply chain and value chain analysis – including transport and logistics routes - can identify critical suppliers or customers with climate change risk exposures that could affect your business.

to meet the needs of businesses large and small.

This includes natural hazard analysis, global exposure analysis, desktop assessments, and new construction and acquisition support to design in climate resilience. We also work with trusted partners such as Previsico to offer flood alert solutions.

Climate change risks are among the most concerning for businesses.

Extreme weather, natural disasters, and damage to critical infrastructure and supply chains can all disrupt business as usual operations. Disruptions cost money, time and can damage your reputation. Climate risks cannot be eliminated but resilience is possible. Your level of risk is a combination of the nature of your operations, the climate hazards –flood, extreme heat, windstorm etc. - and the controls you have in place to reduce or mitigate the risk.

Our Climate Change and Resilience Services team support businesses to develop their climate resilience. The starting point understanding the level of risk. Using high quality data, we assess the level of current and future climate risk at a single site or a portfolio of sites.

Our approach allows us to recommend practical measures to improve resilience now and in the medium to longer term as climate risks change. We offer bespoke climate change and supply chain risk consultancy and services

If your organisation needs help with any aspect of your climate risk management, please email us at zrs.enquiries@uk.zurich.com for more details.

*Source: www.weforum.org/reports/global-risksreport-2023

Why every firm should invest in product management

hen it comes to compliance, product management is a discipline which is much neglected and misunderstood by most companies, whether they are global corporates, SMEs or micro businesses

That’s the opinion of Nick Hudleston, a resident of Weedon in Northamptonshire and director of Lantern Davis, a company launched last year which is already supporting businesses across the country

Nick believes the greatest misunderstanding is that product management is only for tangible mass-produced products In fact, product management is equally vital to service industries,

Wconstruction trades, charities and everything in between, which is where Lantern Davis, and the services it offers, comes in

He said: “It’s difficult to think of a sector that would not benefit from a product management approach to their business, however small the firm

“Why? Because product management oversees every aspect of a product in all organisational functions, and makes sure everyone is aware of what’s needed, why and when, to give the customer the best user experience, while ensuring the product portfolio meets the business’s goals and compliance requirements

“This panopticon view is almost always only matched by the business owner or managing director, though the role usually has no reports nor authority over any functions

“There is a plethora of activities an effective product manager needs to undertake, demanding a very wide range of skills and traits, from technical, analytical and compliance to excellent communication and interpersonal skills

“A product management focus in business not only makes products more successful, it also brings many organic and subtle improvements to organisations including cross functional cooperation ”

An active retirement for Andy

Andy is looking forward to a slightly slower pace of life in retirement, albeit a very active one with plenty of walking, swimming, badminton and golf

Andy joined Moore, previously known as Smith Starmer Hart, back in 1985 as a trainee, becoming a partner in 1997, a position he has held ever since Specialising in the delivery of audit and assurance services, Andy has built up a diverse portfolio of clients who he has looked after with the utmost care

Reflecting on his time at Moore, Andy said: “As you would expect I have seen many changes over the last 38 years, but the one constant throughout that time has been the fantastic team of people at the firm, who are dedicated to providing the firm’s clients with an excellent service I will miss the interaction with my clients, but I know that I am leaving them in very capable hands ”

He said: “I’m going to do my best to keep as fit and active as I can, with plenty of leisure activities, alongside long daily walks with my dog Luna ”

Andy is going to be sorely missed by everyone at Moore, valued just as much for his hard work as he is for his personality

Joint Managing Partner, April Foster, said:

“Andy has been one of the pillars of our firm for so many years, he has been pivotal in my personal career and that of others

It’s been a pleasure working with Andy and we all wish him a long and happy retirement ”

‘There is a plethora of activities an effective product manager needs to undertake’

Nick Hudleston, director of Lantern Davis Ltd

Andy Page, Partner at leading accountancy firm Moore East Midlands is retiring after 38 years of exemplary service

3 Prime Ministers, 4 Chancellors Of The Exchequer, a cost of living crisis and rampant inflation

By Kevin Rogers (pictured), Wilson Browne Solicitors

Hardly the sort of headline that inspires business confidence is it when looking back over the last financial year? Yet somehow, we all plough on, balancing on a tightrope of cost push inflation, a lack of talent resource, and an uncertain economic outlook.

The legal services sector is a good barometer of the economy, whether it’s Residential Conveyancing, Corporate and Commercial law, and everything in between. That’s reflected in what we see in our own business, as we continue our track record over the past 6 years of steady growth. At year end 2018 we had 128 staff, we are now over 160.

This past year has been a strong one for us, empowered by a loyal client base that understands what we are trying to do, and fuelled by our staff who have galvanised us

on that journey. We have brought in more efficiencies in ways of working,

allowing us to do more (and do it better), and continued to invest in new infrastructure to drive growth.

We have focused on our core work types, and although we have opened slightly less files overall for clients, that is in many ways good news as we have increased our turnover by over 5% year on year, and over 5% ahead of budget. This reflects the increase in nature and size of instructions being received by the specialist teams, with growth especially in Commercial Litigation, Employment, Conveyancing, Court of Protection, Clinical Negligence and Childcare, while the rest of the firm has held up well. In other words, lower volume – higher value. Looking back over the last ten years the firm has doubled in turnover… and we are excited for next year, and beyond. We wouldn’t presume to tell others how to run their business but our message, if we had one, is simple: there’s a lot to be said for the old adage “work smarter, not harder.”

Unprecedented: Three Prime Ministers in three months

Camphill MK offers token of thanks to supporters

Camphill MK has launched Friends of Camphill MKCamphill Angels as a response to an increase in the numbers of people looking to support the charity with their big fundraising challenge.

As recent winners of the Milton Keynes Business Achievement Award for Arts and Culture, the charity will create handmade pieces made by their residents in their creative workshops and gift them as a special thank you to individuals donating from £10 a month.

Camphill MK residents with various abilities participate daily in horticultural, culinary and creative

workshops. Those in the pottery and ceramics workshop are making ceramic pin badges. The badges,

middle, which is taken from the charity’s logo. The badges are then glazed and fired in their onsite kiln.

Resident Andrew, who has been creating artwork from clay for almost five years, said: “I roll the clay and use the stamp. I make circles. When they have dried, I use the glazes to make colour.”

Andrew has lived in a shared house at Camphill MK for 30 years and has made lifelong friends in the community.

of MK Community Foundation, Ian Revell, was the first to sign up for the scheme. He said: “I am passionate about creating a strong community in Milton Keynes, and Camphill MK personifies this vision along with delivering high-quality care and integrity. I was pleased to support a charity I value through a regular donation and will wear my handmade pin badge with pride.”

around the size of a pound coin, involve the residents rolling out slabs of clay to an even thickness and stamping out the shapes with the iconic angel icon for the

These lovely pin badges are tactile and eye-catching and connect the residents to the fundraising programme in a purposeful way.

Trustee of Camphill MK and CEO

The Friends of Camphill MKCamphill Angels scheme is open to anyone and can sign up via the website www.camphillmk.co.uk/angels or by contacting the fundraising team.

Pin badges made by the residents of Camphill MK

‘I roll the clay and use the stamp. I make circles. When they have dried, I use the glazes to make colour’

Landlady goes from pints to podiatry

It will soon be last orders for one local pub owner as she prepares to move from hospitality to healing heels.

Since 2016, University of Northampton student, Claire Eyles has co-run The Wheatsheaf in Braunston with husband Chris after many years working in the hospitality sector.

Now, Claire is jumping professional ships to a radically different discipline – podiatry, which covers healthcare related to lower limbs.

She said: “We have two teenage children, and my career has taken a bit of a backseat to family commitments, running a home and

supporting my husband’s career. But I’ve always wanted to do something just for me, so when the pandemic hit and with the toll it wreaked on the hospitality sector, I thought more clearly about doing something different.

“I wanted to work in healthcare, so I researched the courses at my local university to see what they offered.

“My daughter Pippa is a budding gymnast and she had been treated by a podiatrist, so everything was pointing me towards that profession.

“You wouldn’t immediately think there are similarities between being a publican and a podiatrist, but there are transferrable skills. Many

podiatrists work privately, so my experience managing a business, working with an accountant and handling marketing and social media will come in handy in the future.

“Communication for any healthcare professional is hugely important, being able to relate to and talk with a wide variety of

patients. I have worked with diverse communities of people in hospitality, young and old, who I need to engage and empathise with.”

Claire, now in the second year of her degree, is also a trailblazer for Podiatry at University of Northampton. In the summer, she will be the first student to start a new placement opportunity in a prison.

She said: “This is very exciting because I will join one of the lecturers. I’m not fazed about this as my dad worked in the prison service, so it doesn’t seem strange to me.

“Sometimes you have to take a step to one side and look at where you are, because if you need something fulfilling, something you’ve always wanted at the back of your mind, then if you want to do it then you absolutely should.”

Support for women in the workplace

Women Leaders UK (WLUK) is a registered charity, recognising outstanding women, promoting, and strengthening women’s leadership, and supporting gender equality and diversity.

WLUK offers a variety of professional support programmes including Career Connect mentoring for women who find themselves trying to get back to work following an absence; and the Allyship Programme to support local businesses considering how allyship can help them create a more inclusive workplace in which women can thrive and move towards gender parity.

Laura Chapman, relationships manager, Kaizen Restaurants (T/A McDonalds), said: “The allyship training session truly was incredible, and I

couldn’t rate it higher if I tried. The trainers were friendly, passionate and informative and they made the group feel comfortable discussing

what was, for many, quite an eye-opening subject.

“As a result of the training given, the team are now more able to connect their issues and lived experiences with the store environment which has helped immensely with their growth as leaders. I'd recommend you get your team booked on as quickly as possible and see for yourself the difference it will make.”

WLUK has also supported STEM careers through its programme, MK Innovates, including an annual STEM Festival. The initiative is a mechanism to engage more students, and women into STEM, especially targeting the under-represented areas such as, females, BAME, those from less privileged areas, disabled, and the neurodiverse.

Women Leaders UK support and promote the role of women in the workplace

Pub owner turned podiatry student, Claire Eyles

events & training

Call the Training Team for more details on 01604 490490

Or email training@northants-chamber.co.uk

Sales & Marketing

LinkedIn as a Sales Tool (half-day)

Date: 8 June 2023

Cost: Members £150 + VAT

Non-members £199 + VAT

This course is designed to support the delegate to generate quality sales leads through LinkedIn. By the end of this workshop delegates will have a ‘sales-ready’ LinkedIn profile; understand how to use your company page content to increase your reputation and build relationships and understand how to use LinkedIn pro-actively and strategically to create strong sales leads and get results.

Sales Planning for Success (half-day)

Date: 14 June 2023

Cost: Members £150 + VAT

Non-members £199 + VAT

During this half-day course, delegates will understand how to create and manage a sales plan. The course will look into the importance of having a regular pipeline of leads, how to build this and use it to direct revenue into your business. By the end, delegates will understand who their target market is, know how their business benefits them and be confident in the value this gives.

Telephone Sales Skills (full-day)

Date: 6 July 2023

Cost: Members £249 + VAT

Non-members £319 + VAT

An effective telesales call is not just about picking up the phone and ‘going for it’; to win business and achieve your call objectives, it needs to capture your prospect’s attention, build rapport over the phone with the use of communication techniques and adapting to different personality types. This workshop is designed to show you how to effectively use the concept of upselling and cross selling for effective telesales that will have an immediate impact on the business.

Management & Personal Development

The Fundamentals of Project Management (full-day)

Date: 6 June 2023

Cost: Members £249 + VAT

Non-members £319 + VAT

This course equips delegates with the fundamental principles of project management and will enable you to manage change successfully within your organisation. Looking at both the technical and behavioural skills required to be effective in a project environment and to be able to make a positive contribution to any project. This course provides an awareness of project management terminology and a comprehensive introduction into the project management role.

Presentation Skills (half-day)

Date: 7 June 2023

Cost: Member £150 + VAT

Non-members £199 + VAT

This course is for anyone who wishes to develop their presentation skills further or who may be new to presenting, it offers techniques to ensure that every time you present, whether that be round a table, to a large or small audience, a group of colleagues, face to face or online that you make a powerful and memorable impact.

Leading Hybrid Teams (full-day)

Date: 15 June 2023

Cost: Members £249 + VAT

Non-members £319 + VAT

The shift to hybrid working has had a substantial impact on managers. This course supports managers and supervisors to develop skills required to effectively manage diverse teams, adapt their management style to meet differing circumstances while understanding key elements of staff motivation.

Effective Appraisal Skills (half-day)

Date: 4 July 2023

Cost: Members £150 + VAT

Non-members £199 + VAT Appraisals are a key part of performance management. This session explains why we do appraisals, what preparation is needed and puts a structure around the communication skills needed during appraisal meetings.

Successful Supervisory Management (two-day)

Date: 12 and 13 July 2023

Cost: Members £498 + VAT

Non-members £638 + VAT

This two-day course is appropriate for any supervisors, team leaders and anyone who manages staff and is responsible for the work of others. The course will support you in developing your skills to enable you to manage and motive people effectively and productively, build a strong foundation of key management skills, develop a better understanding of how to influence your staff and identify areas of personal strength and areas for further development.

How to Hold Difficult Conversations (half-day)

Date: 19 July 2023

Cost: Members £150 + VAT

Non-members £199 + VAT

This course will help delegates to identify what it may be that’s preventing them from having difficult conversations and provide them with strategies to handle these conversations effectively. This course is built around the impact of behaviours and communication, what makes a conversation difficult and how to approach a difficult conversation more positively.

The Business Toolkit

Emergency First Aid at Work (full-day)

Date: 13 June 2023

Cost: Members £249 + VAT

Non-members £319 + VAT

This full-day course trains attendees to be able to administer an appropriate level of emergency first aid to anyone who is ill or injured in the workplace. The course teaches the appropriate level of first aid required in low-risk businesses under the HSE 1981 Legislation.

Level 2 Health & Safety in the Workplace (full-day)

Date: 11 July 2023

Cost: Member £249 + VAT

Non-members £319 + VAT

This course provides solid and essential knowledge for any employee working in any area of the business, including how to identify potential hazards, how to report potential health and safety problems and how to work in safe and healthy manner. Good health and safety relies on employers and their employees working together.

International Trade

Understanding Export & Export Documentation (full-day)

Date: 6 June 2023

Cost: Member £319 + VAT

Non-members £389 + VAT

This course is suitable for beginners who are new to the role or those who work in an export environment but may not have had previous training, the course takes a look at the end-toend process providing an understanding of the export documentation requirements and shipping using freight forwarders and couriers.

Import Procedures including IP & OP (fullday)

Date: 28 June 2023

Cost: Members £319 + VAT

Non-members £389 + VAT

The course provides an overview of the end-toend import process and reviews all the areas that would be applicable to a new supplier, to include country and supplier risk, payment risk etc. It will review documentation requirements and how to ensure goods are imported successfully to include duty payments and an overview of the available Special Procedures.

Incoterms (half day)

Date: 5 July 2023

Cost: Members £199 + VAT

Non-members £249 + VAT

This half-day course is suitable for all those currently working in an export environment or are new to exporting. It will advise attendees on the most appropriate Incoterm® to use for their international transactions. This covers a full update on the changes between 2010 and 2020. It will guide on who has what obligation during a sale including where risk and cost pass from Seller to Buyer during the transaction.

Letters of Credit & Methods of Payment (full-day)

Date: 20 July 2023

Cost: Members £319 + VAT

Non-members £389 + VAT

The course provides an overview of all methods of payment when trading internationally to include the risks and benefits involved. It will then concentrate on the Letter of Credit aspect guiding you through the rules of managing a letter of credit, making sure documents are compliant and payment is successful.

event in focus

Milton Keynes Business Showcase

There will be plenty to celebrate at the Milton Keynes Business Showcase which is taking place on July 7 to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the Milton Keynes Chamber.

Sponsored by Platinum Chamber Partner, Mannol UK, the event will be held at Kents Hill Park Training and Conference Centre with doors opening to visitors at 10am.

During the day, visitors will be able to connect with hundreds of local businesses and take part in a number of events, including Business Before Hours, which gives people the chance to get together over a breakfast roll.

For more information about the event, or to book a stand, call 01908 733082 or email events@chambermk.co.uk

upcoming events

Northamptonshire Chamber

Meet the Neighbours

Date: 15 June

Time: 12-2pm

Venue: Cranfield University

Cost: £17 + VAT – members only

Maximise Your Membership

Date: 28 June

Time: 8.30am-10.30am

Venue: Northampton Active

Cost: Free, NN & MK Members only

Speed Networking

Date: 18 July

Time: 11.30am-1.30pm

Venue: Park Inn Northampton

Cost: £18 + VAT – members only

Milton Keynes Chamber

MK Business Showcase

Sponsored by Mannol UK

Date: 7 July

Time: 10am–1pm

Venue: Kent’s Hill Training and Conference Centre

Cost: Open to all and free for all visitors

Business Before Hours

Sponsored by LSIP

Date: 7 July

Time: 8.30am-10am

Venue: Kent’s Hill Training & Conference Centre

Cost: Free to attend, open to all

10 Year Birthday Barbecue

Sponsored by Mannol UK

Date: 7 July

Time: 12-2pm

Venue: Kent’s Hill

Cost: £10 plus VAT – open to all

Next Generation

Next Generation

Date: 14 June

Time: 5.30pm–7pm

Venue: Trapp'd, Billing Aquadrome – Northampton

Cost: £15

Your Network is Your Net Worth

Date: 11 July

Time: 5.30pm-7.00pm

Venue: Northampton Chamber offices

Cost: Free for Next Gen Members Only

Women With Vision

Summer BBQ event

Date: 7 June

Time: 12-2pm

Venue: The Granary@Fawsley

Cost: £25 + VAT for Chamber members

£30 + VAT non-members

community zone

Bringing Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes businesses together and celebrating our community

Transformative grant to overhaul services

TFund grant of more than £1.2m over two years to extend and refurbish its Kingswell Street Building and expand its youth service offer to young people across Northamptonshire.

It is very welcome news for young people supported by the lowdown, which will have the capacity to support around 3,000 young people per year once the project is complete.

Most of the funding is granted for capital expenditure and will enable them to almost double their capacity. The rest is awarded to provide new youth services for 11–18-year-olds to support young people on their journey towards positive emotional health and wellbeing.

Sharon Womersley, CEO of the lowdown, said: “We are delighted to be awarded the funding to increase our capacity and service offer for young people in Northamptonshire as demand for our services has quadrupled over the last four years. Our Kingswell Street location is a discreet, trusted, safe, non-judgemental space and has been since we opened in 1989, hence the need to further develop this site.

“This is the second phase of our projectin December 2022 we opened our new ‘Lowdown Lounge’ to provide a larger space to develop our youth services, including our Wellbeing Café.

“Our new Youth Advisory Board will help us scope and develop our new services to ensure they meet the needs of the young people who will use them.”

The lowdown is one of 43 youth services in England to benefit from the first wave of Youth Investment Fund grants, announced by the funder, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the charity Social Investment Business, who is delivering the grant programme in partnership with Key Fund, National Youth Agency and Resonance.

The Youth Investment Fund is part of the Government’s National Youth Guarantee to transform and level up opportunities for young people in England. The Youth Investment Fund, of over £300m, aims to build, renovate, or extend youth service facilities, providing a minimum of 45,000 additional positive activities for young people between 11 and 18 - in the parts of the country where new spaces and new opportunities are most needed.

The team at the lowdown celebrate news of the additional funding

‘Our Kingswell Street location is a discreet, trusted, safe, nonjudgemental space and has been since we opened in 1989’

Berry delicious! Baking contest raises vital funds for Age UK

entries at the charity’s William and Patricia Venton Centre in Northampton.

"It's a very personal choice, as I usually prefer savoury, but the cakes were absolutely

good cause.

Age UK Northamptonshire’s Bake-Off organiser Pam Kom said: “Why not organise your own event to raise funds which will help

How much is domestic abuse costing your business?

Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service (NDAS) are a small, local charity that supports families and individuals impacted by domestic abuse. Domestic abuse doesn’t just impact people at home, it also impacts them at work.

• Domestic abuse costs society an estimated £15.73bn a year in terms of costs to services, economic output, human and emotional costs. (Walby, 2009)

• 75% of people that experience domestic abuse are targeted while they are at work.

• UK business lose £316m in economic output each year as result of work absences related to domestic abuse (Vodafone UK News Centre 2019) with as many as one in five victims taking time off work because of abuse (TUC, 2014).

• More than one in four women and more than one in six men in Northamptonshire have experienced domestic abuse during their lifetime.

How can NDAS help?

NDAS provide one off tailored training programmes for HR and Line Managers within your business which will result in:

• Increased awareness of domestic abuse in the workplace

• Knowing how to spot the signs of abuse

• How to ‘ask the question’ and deal with the answer

• Ensure your staff feel safe at work and increase productivity

• Save your company money

“Or if baking’s not your thing, why not sign up for a charity place in the Amazing Northampton Run 2023 in September and raise vital funds for us that way?”

• Provide vital funding to support a local charity.

NDAS can also provide a yearly support package which includes the above training (and an annual refresher) as well as an annual review of requirements, use of NDAS logo on website/ promotional materials, provision of leaflets detailing NDAS services and more.

For a quote, or more information, email training @ndas-org.co.uk or visit www.ndas.co/training-for-professionals

Deputy Lieutenant of Northamptonshire John Griffiths-Elsden and his mother Joy pictured judging the entries

Celebrating the hard work of local Minds

Northamptonshire Mind presented its Network Excellence Awards at its leadership residential for the local Mind network.

The Excellence Awards exists to celebrate those local Minds which go above and beyond our Mind Quality Mark standards.

They are a chance to recognise the hard work, dedication and achievement of local Minds which do extraordinary work in their communities.

Charity seeks further support for refurb

The Rotary Club of the Nene Valley is supporting domestic abuse charity Eve by carrying out the project management of a major refurbishment programme at their Northampton training and support centre, which is located in a former 100-year-old shoe factory.

The programme is to replace 39 windows, to carry our necessary repairs to the external walls to rejuvenate the building and will require an investment of £45,000.

Rugby-based builders Stepnell have kindly agreed to support part of the programme as part of its community engagement initiative.

The Rotary Club is seeking further financial support from the business community to enable it to complete the repairs, which commence in early summer.

Mind had 48 nominations, with 13 of those being awarded an Excellence Award and another two local Minds being highly commended.

Northamptonshire Mind was recognised with a ‘Contribution to Mind Federation’ Excellence award.

The applications were judged by a team of experts with lived experience.

Presented by Mind trustee Valerie Harrison, and Julie Francis, chair of Mind’s Quality Review Group, the awards showcased the

often-hidden work which local Minds undertake to be effective, responsive and unstoppable members of the fight for mental health.

Northamptonshire Mind CEO Sarah Hillier said: “I am incredibly proud of all our staff and volunteers.

“It’s fantastic that all of their hard work and continued effort has been recognised with this national award.”

Eve provides a women’s refuge with 18 family units and outreach services for a further 40 families and has been active in Northamptonshire for 40 years. It aims to transform lives affected by domestic abuse. Eve is funded by grants, commissioning bids and donations.

If you are able to provide financial support, donate materials or provide some willing volunteers to assist with the refurbishment please contact Rotarian David Harding at davidcloudshill@gmail.com

‘It’s fantastic that all of their hard work and continued effort has been recognised’

Staff at Northamptonshire Mind’s Corby office with the award

chamber chat

Meet Chamber members and learn about the latest member benefits available to you

member profile

Sean Maher

Company: hireful

Job Title: CEO

What does your organisation do?

hireful help everyday organisations achieve recruitment success. Our clients can utilise our software, training (free), advertising or agency services to help them improve how they recruit.

How did it all start?

hireful started life 25 years ago as an IT recruitment agency (still going strong) and 17 years ago we moved into the recruitment advertising world which is when I joined the business as a graduate sales executive.

What’s your greatest achievement so far?

I think the rebrand in 2020 to hireful which was received brilliantly by existing customers but also played a big role in bringing on new clients – this was the moment we moved from a recruitment company offering software to a software company offering recruitment services.

What keeps you awake at night?

We employ around 75 people currently. People can keep me awake - whether that be during challenging times, ensuring you are making the best decisions with your employees in mind, personal challenges the team may have, or employee engagement as a whole.

What has surprised you most in your job?

How many companies offer a poor candidate

experience. In 2023 this shouldn’t be the case with the tools available (many of which are available at no cost).

What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken – and did it work out?

Moving into the world of software in 2013 was a big risk. Software is an expensive game, but we now have over 300 clients contracted to the software and have plans to more than double this over the next few years.

What advice would you give to someone starting out?

Believe in yourself, but also find a company that believes in you. I started out as a graduate and am now the CEO through the hard work and dedication I put in to being the best I possibly can be, and believing in the business offering. But it’s also due to the belief of the directors who employed me as a graduate and backed me

product spotlight: Chamber Wellbeing Hub

Looking after mental and physical wellbeing is so important for you, your employees and the success of your business.

That’s why we are pleased to offer Chambers members a variety of benefits and wellbeing support to help keep everyone well. From discounted membership fees to free access to our 24/7 medical helpline for whenever you have a health concern. Plus, access to guides and videos to support you and your team.

throughout my career. You spend a lot of time at work, so try and find somewhere you like.

Which business person do you most admire?

I would struggle to pick one person. There are lots of people I admire in the business world –but nobody I have on a pedestal. Simon Sinek was an inspiration in working out what hireful’s ‘why’ was. I admire lots of my former colleagues who have gone on to achieve brilliant things away from hireful and locally you have the likes of Kevin Rogers, Jon Thorpe, Richard Osbourne, Julie Warner who you can’t help but look at think, ‘impressive!’ People focused and high energy!

What exciting projects is your organisation working on?

We recently launched a new community for HR professionals and In-house recruiters (Sub1000.com) We already have over 1000 members. This is a free community sharing free content, training events and a chance for members to ask questions or share feedback to their peers.

What made your organisation join Northamptonshire Chamber and how are you making use of your membership? We care about Northamptonshire, and we are proud to be based here. The Chamber work hard for the county celebrating businesses success in the county so it made complete sense to be a member. We are regulars at the expos as exhibitors and usually try and keep the county updated on what is happening at hireful in the inbusiness magazine.

Telephone: 07973858694

Email: sean@hireful.co.uk

Website: www.hireful.com

next generation

Introducing the next generation of the region’s business leaders

member profile

Jess Leech

Company:

Wilson Browne Solicitors

Job Title: Private family law

Background –tell us a bit about you!

I am a private family law solicitor at Wilson Browne Solicitors. I qualified as a solicitor in May 2021. I studied Law at Lancaster University, and then completed my Masters of Law and Legal Practitioner’s Course (LPC) at the University of Law in Birmingham.

Initially, I wanted to be a commercial solicitor. However, after spending six months in the Family Team as a Trainee, I quickly realised that I had a passion for helping people through some of the most difficult periods of their lives, and haven’t looked back since!

At the end of 2022, I was awarded Highly Commended and National Runner-Up Young Family Lawyer of the Year 2022 at the LexisNexis Family Law Awards. I was also shortlisted for Rising Star of the Year 2023 at the National Modern Law Awards and Young Solicitor of the Year 2022 at the Northamptonshire Law Society Awards.

What does your job involve?

My job involves advising clients on all areas of family law. This can be from the start of the relationship, including pre-nuptial and cohabitation agreements, to the end of relationships, including divorce proceedings and separation of matrimonial finances. I also advise clients on children matters, cohabitation disputes and injunction orders, including non-molestation and occupation orders.

Why did you join Next Generation Chamber?

I joined Next Generation Chamber not only to extend my professional and personal network of like-minded young professionals, but to capitalise on the personal development sessions which I knew would benefit my growth as an inspiring businesswoman. It is all very well being a competent lawyer – however, to one day run a law firm takes very different skills which they don’t teach during your law degree. Next Generation Chamber is imperative to the development of those skills.

What has been your favourite Next Generation Chamber event and why?

I attended a development session with Reemesh Patel, an award-winning entrepreneur, and Kevin Rogers, partner at Wilson Browne Solicitors. Both spoke of their personal journeys from family ran businesses to business leaders, themselves. They provided their tips for success and I recall returning home feeling inspired. Their personal stories have stuck with me since their session.

Which Next Generation Chamber member do you admire? Why?

I admire former president, Hannah Brady. Her personal journey setting up a marketing company with her mother is one I enjoy watching vicariously online, primarily via LinkedIn. Her confidence and honesty at a young age is one that inspires me.

What is the most important thing you’ve learned from Next Generation Chamber?

I have learnt that a community of like-minded, talented young business professionals is the best place to develop my skills for the future, to bounce ideas around and provides an invaluable support system for the future.

www.linkedin.com/in/jess-leech-97b697185

new members

Welcoming the newest members of Northamptonshire Chamber and Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce

3RS IT Solutions Ltd

WELLINGBOROUGH

01933 426129

www.3rs-it.co.uk

IT business support

Batchelor Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Ltd

OLNEY 01234 712901

www.batchelor.co.uk

Air conditioning, refrigeration, heating and ventilation services

Beauty With Inn

NORTHAMPTON 01604 588881

www.beautywithinn.com

We pride ourselves on our professional, yet relaxed hair and beauty expertise and our treatments, from salon ready hair, men’s grooming, and much more

BHVA Axis Hub CIC

KETTERING

07786 544087

www.axishub.co.uk

We provide a sanctuary for people to just be themselves. Today’s society is becoming more diverse

Denali Advanced Integration Europe Ltd

NORTHAMPTON

01788527005

www.denaliai.com

Denali AI provides global enterprises with IT based, technological solutions and services in automation, global supply chains and managed mobility

Department for International Trade

BIRMINGHAM

0345 052 4001

www.gov.uk/dit

Support for exporters and inward investors

Ditto Digital Limited

HIGH WYCOMBE

01494 530233

dittodigital.co.uk

Ditto Digital provide data-focused SEO campaigns using best-practice processes. They help businesses find new clients nationally and internationally

Freshmamaput UK Ltd

MILTON KEYNES

07879928265

www.feshmamaput.com

African and Caribbean recipe box

Fulton Fintech Consulting Ltd

MILTON KEYNES 07880 600587

www.futuretracker.com

Bringing startup Environmental and Social Impact Monitor Limited into UK. The company provides a SaaS solution for company carbon footprint

i-mark uk ltd

KETTERING

01536 507878

www.imarkuk.com

Scalable solutions that increase efficiencies with the power of industrial coding equipment end to end coding and handling solutions

Inspiring Futures Through Learning (IFtL)

MILTON KEYNES 01908 533283

www.iftl.co.uk

Multi-academy trust leading 15 schools in total (12 in Milton Keynes and three in Corby, North Northants). Serving nearly 6500 children, young people and families

iX5 Environmental Services Ltd

NORTHAMPTON 01604 328545

www.ix5.uk

Pest control and environmental health consultant

Lantern Davis Limited

NORTHAMPTON 0121 318 2125

www.lanterndavis.co.uk

Product management consulting: full lifecycle product/service portfolios, maximising profits and customer satisfaction, minimising cost and losses

Laycie Services Ltd

CRANFIELD 01908 382455

House and office clearances. Waste removal

Level Up Property Management Ltd

MILTON KEYNES 01908 419899

www.leveluppropertymanagement. com

Property management including lettings, block and portfolio

MDM Consultants

POTTON 0203 011 0123

www.mdmconsultants.co.uk

MDM Consultants combine the best of an internal and external recruitment approach so you no longer have to choose between the benefits of either

Mooncomputers Limited

NORTHAMPTON 01604 879330

www.moon.co.it

Northamptonshire based, family run total office solutions provider of IT hardware and software, IT support, outsourced IT helpdesk, and business critical connectivity

Northampton Audi NORTHAMPTON 01604 683555

www.vindis.com

Motor vehicle sales, servicing and parts

Northamptonshire Community Foundation

NORTHAMPTON 07483 428105

www.ncf.uk.com

The leading grant-making charity in the county, with over £2.5m in grants awarded last year to local organisations doing good on our doorstep

Pathfinders School

ROTHWELL 01536 903399

www.pathfinderschools.org.uk

Education (multi-academy trust)

ProfitSpring

WEEDON BEC 07535212678

www.profitspring.co.uk

Paid ads and growth consultancy to drive profit for your e-commerce business

Reed Talent Solutions

NORTHAMPTON 07977 298810

www.reed.com

Reed Industrial is a division of Reed talent solutions that provides blue collar temporary and permanent staff to the warehouse

Rotary Club of Nene Valley

NORTHAMPTON

www.rotary-ribi.org

Rotary club

TAWI UK Ltd

NORTHAMPTON 01604 591120

www.tawi.com/en-gb

At TAWI UK, through our innovative vacuum lifting technology, we help companies improve productivity in the workplace while maintaining employee health

Tempus Novo LEEDS 01132 032817

www.tempusnovo.org

Tempus Novo supports people with criminal convictions into long-term sustainable employment, reducing recidivism rates and promoting rehabilitation

The Wamas Lounge

KETTERING 01536 480930

www.thewamaslounge.co.uk

Mediterranean restaurant, where we transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean

Totally Netball

NORTHAMPTON 07894 855395

www.totallynetball.co.uk

Netball

Trivow Group Ltd

Daventry 07905145368

www.trivow.co.uk

Import-export consultants

Velvet Mortgage & Insure Services Ltd

CORBY 01572 360022

www.vmis.co.uk

All in one financially savvy mortgage and insurance help

Watersheds Partners Limited

NORTHAMPTON 01604 660511

www.watersheds.ltd.uk

Corporate finance

Women Leaders

Registered charity established to recognise outstanding women, promote and strengthen women’s leadership, and support gender equality and diversity

Workwear Northampton

NORTHAMPTON 01604 702333

www.workwearnorthampton.co.uk

Promotional merchandise specialising in branded clothing

How To Join

To discuss Chamber membership and how it will benefit your company please call the team on 01604 490490.