inbusiness Milton Keynes April May 21

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inbusiness @ChamberMK

www.chambermk.co.uk

THE VOICE OF MILTON KEYNES BUSINESS

APRIL/MAY 2021

MILTON KEYNES COUNCIL IS READY FOR ACTION TACKLING THE PANDEMIC BUSINESS REPORT: MK IS LEADING THE WAY FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH SPOTLIGHT: MANUFACTURING MEMBER ZONE: NEXT GENERATION THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF MILTON KEYNES CHAMBER

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INBUSINESS

VIEWPOINT I feel I speak on behalf of all members when I say we welcome the Prime Minister’s Roadmap to easing restrictions forced by Covid-19, however we must remain cautious and still remember this has been an incredibly challenging time for businesses throughout our region.

It has also been a huge challenge for the Government to get the balance right between the health of the economy and the health of the nation. Therefore, those in business will welcome the sentiment that this should be the final lockdown and will support the cautious re-opening of the economy based on the data at the time.

I’m therefore delighted to announce Milton Keynes Chamber has created two new membership types to aid businesses affected by Covid-19 and the Exiting of the EU. Our new Start-Up Membership package is aimed at businesses that have been trading for 12 months or less, as a cost-effective route to becoming full Chamber members.

This exciting new membership allows start-up businesses to tap into the wide range of Chamber profile raising benefits, networking events, forums and seminars.

The newly launched International Trade Membership option has been designed for members with international trading needs, allowing members access to all standard Chamber membership benefits alongside enhanced support for international trading.

This specifically tailored package offers exclusive access to vital forums and international trade seminars in addition to dedicated international trade advice and support lines. Every international trade member will receive support to help maximise their membership in line with any international trade requirements, as well as monthly news updates.

We’re also delighted to have successfully launched our new network - Women With Vision (WWV) - with almost 100 delegates on International Women’s Day. Keep an eye out for WWV event news and communications.

Finally, please remember our dedicated team is always on hand to assist you with maximising your member benefits and supporting you in all your business needs.

CONTENTS BUSINESS REPORT 4

MK is leading the way for economic growth

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Grants to help reduce your carbon footprint

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Customer service star is recognised

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Using science to deliver sales training

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Policy Matters: the results from the latest QES

GOING GLOBAL 12

Support for international traders

TALKING BUSINESS

Best Wishes Louise Wall Interim CEO, Milton Keynes Chamber 14

CONTACT DETAILS

FRONT COVER: Milton Keynes Council See pages 14-15

MILTON KEYNES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 500 Avebury Boulevard, Milton Keynes MK9 2BE W: www.chambermk.co.uk

IN THE SPOTLIGHT 16

Hotels, Conferences & Events Events agency brings teams back together

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Manufacturing Plant-based food firm opens new facility

NEWS AND ARTICLES SHOULD BE SENT TO: inbusiness.MK@chambermk.co.uk Editorial process managed by Ballyhoo PR EDITOR: Laura Smith EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Katie Macdonald

CHAMBER BUSINESS PARTNERS

Michael Bracey, chief executive, Milton Keynes Council

TRAINING & EVENTS PUBLISHED BY: Kemps Publishing Ltd Unit 8, The Courtyard, 707 Warwick Road, Solihull B91 3DA T: 0121 765 4144 W: www.kempspublishing.co.uk MANAGING EDITOR: Laura Blake T: 0121 765 4144 E: laura.blake@kempspublishing.co.uk

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The latest comprehensive list of Chamber training courses and events

MEMBER ZONE 22

A different approach to work experience

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Take on a challenge for Willen Hospice

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Member Profile: Sarah Grimes, Transitions UK

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Next Generation, plus new members

DESIGNER: Stuart Burton ADVERTISING MANAGER: Jon Jones T: 0121 765 4144 E: jon.jones@kempspublishing.co.uk

The June/July 21 issue of inbusiness will include features on: Technology & Information and Legal Services The deadline is: 5 April

PRINTERS: Stephens & George Print Group

ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE: inbusiness is a bi-monthly publication and digital magazine distributed to over 3,000 Chamber members and key businesses in Milton Keynes. The publication focuses on news and information about local companies and the initiatives and advice available to increase the prosperity of firms in the Milton Keynes area. Milton Keynes Chamber welcomes newsworthy articles of business interest, giving preference to Chamber members. As editorial space is limited, inclusion cannot be guaranteed and the editor may amend or reject articles submitted. inbusiness is produced on behalf of Milton Keynes Chamber by Kemps Publishing Ltd and is distributed without charge to all Chamber members and other leading businesses in the Milton Keynes area. The Chamber and the publisher are committed to achieving the highest quality standards. However, views expressed in the magazine are independent and while every care has been taken to ensure that the information it contains is accurate, neither Milton Keynes Chamber nor the publisher can accept any responsibility for any omission or inaccuracies that might arise.

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For further information on Milton Keynes Chamber, call: 01908 547820 or visit: www.chambermk.co.uk

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BUSINESS REPORT

BUSINESS REPORT SWOOP FUNDING IN PARTNERSHIP Swoop Funding has partnered with a national bank to launch a new grant finder service, which will allow UK businesses to access support to help their business deal with the ongoing impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The fast-growing business finance platform is powering the new service - in conjunction with NatWest which will allow businesses to quickly and efficiently access tailored grant options.

Following completion of a simple questionnaire, applicants can review grants matched specifically to their business, and can choose to apply directly or request assistance from Swoop.

Applicants do not need to be existing NatWest customers to use the new service, which can be accessed through the bank’s website.

Andrea Reynolds, CEO of Swoop said: “By combining the reach of Natwest with the power of Swoop’s advanced technology together we’re ensuring SME access to grants can support recovery.”

Visit: www.business.natwest.com

MILTON KEYNES CHAMBER keeps its members up to date with all the latest business news. Whether it’s through the pages of this magazine, our website or regular email updates, we will always endeavour to keep you in the picture and informed

MK IS LEADING THE WAY FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH Milton Keynes is predicted to be Jacqui Gudgion one of the fastest UK cities for economic growth in 2021 and for good reason, says accountants Mercer & Hole.

The city will, according to the Centre of Economic and Business Research, bounce back from the Covid-19 pandemic at a rate faster than the rest of the UK, growing by almost 10% by the close of 2021.

There is good reason for the Milton Keynes bounce that is likely to be sustained well into the decade, says local accountants Mercer & Hole.

‘IT WILL REMAIN Jacqui Gudgion, A GREAT PLACE corporate and TO DO BUSINESS business tax partner at Mercer & Hole and AND RAISE A long-term resident of FAMILY’ Milton Keynes said: also rumours of “Milton Keynes is the town bidding uniquely placed between for freeport status.

Oxford and Cambridge and “We have also seen benefits from both. We have seen a significant ongoing investment lot of investment, and with more in in infrastructure with more the pipeline. affordable housing and commercial “Milton Keynes is driving the spaces. It will remain a great place technology revolution that will be to do business and raise a family.” felt across the rest of the UK, with Yet Milton Keynes faces driverless cars, drone delivery and significant challenges, not least its some of the smartest software own ‘brain-drain’ struggling to keep businesses in the country. There are its brightest and best younger

residents, making 2021 a challenging year for recruitment, adds Mercer & Hole partner Phillip Fenn.

“Like many mid-sized towns, young people leave to go to university and work, and may not return to what is a growing and vibrant place to be, full of great opportunities for the future. This is likely to make recruitment a challenge for businesses in 2021. We need to do more to keep the best here in Milton Keynes,” said Jacqui.

CRIMEWAVE IS KEEPING THE COMMUNITY SAFE Motion detection camera footage

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The role of Chamber members Crimewave, who work with town and parish councils, is more important than ever as citizens spend more time in their local community.

Crimewave works in partnership with Parish Councils, to help them address the issues that are some of the most pressing and most important to local people.

Managing Director Justin Hammond said: “All organisations need to achieve value for money and take reasonable and proportionate steps needed on the important issue of security. We have helped them save millions of

pounds by recommending the right and proportionate countermeasures and we wanted to partner with an expert and resultsbased marketing agency to show how we make that difference.”

Justin added: “We make it clear we are not a CCTV company. Our work addresses anti-social behaviour, criminal damage, burglary or fly tipping amongst other issues and we are proud that Crimewave delivers great results.”

The results of that work include the fining of a Milton Keynes man for consistent dropping of litter in a car park.

Crimewave installed a motion detecting camera to deal with littering and waste dumping with 15 incidents being recorded and 14 Fixed Penalty Notices issued.

The camera was triggered by a car entering the car park and the images were handed over to Milton Keynes Council. The owner of the vehicle was issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice for littering, but upon failure to pay Magistrates fined him £220 and ordered him to pay the Council’s investigation and legal costs of £494.97.

Visit: www.crimewaveltd.co.uk

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BUSINESS REPORT

GRANTS TO HELP BUSINESSES REDUCE CARBON FOOTPRINT A new grant funding pot of £475,000 has been made available by the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) to help small and medium sized enterprises in Milton Keynes to reduce the energy consumption and carbon emissions of their commercial premises.

The Low Carbon Workspaces programme is delivering 95 grants of between £1,000 and £5,000 to SMEs to help fund up to a third of the cost of eligible projects which cover energy saving measures including lighting systems (e.g. LED lighting), heating and cooling upgrades, renewable energy systems (e.g. solar panels), equipment upgrades and building fabric ‘INVESTING IN improvements.

LOW CARBON Programme manager Daniel Cope MEASURES CAN said: “These grants are intended to HELP BUSINESSES help businesses implement positive changes to ensure that they are REDUCE working towards building a more OVERHEADS’ sustainable future and saving money.

“Investing in low carbon measures can help businesses reduce overheads, cut carbon emissions, and boost eco-credentials and be part of the nationwide goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

“During the Covid-19 pandemic, we recognise that many businesses may struggle to implement energy-improvement measures despite increasing energy rates so we are pleased to be able to bring this scheme to businesses in Milton Keynes to help reduce this burden and build a more sustainable future.”

A dedicated project officer will be available to guide businesses through the process, advising them on how to tackle energy consumption, helping identify suitable projects for funding and providing support to businesses struggling to take their first step towards sustainable practices.

The Low Carbon Workspaces team can be contacted on 01494 927 131 and at info@lowcarbonworkspaces.co.uk Businesses can check their eligibility for a grant and identify suitable projects at www.lowcarbonworkspaces.co.uk

We feel really positive about the future of Milton Keynes and we are supporting people like you to achieve your objectives.

Whether you need help with your strategy for growth, organisational change or setting your new venture up, Queensbury can help.

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BUSINESS REPORT

CUSTOMER SERVICE STAR IS RECOGNISED A customer experience expert, specialising in operationalising customer insight and supporting change management, has been recognised in the Top 50 Customer Experience Influencers of 2021.

Nick Lygo-Baker, director of MK firm Paradigm CX Ltd, was listed at number 21 in the prestigious rankings put together by CX Magazine. Those shortlisted were rated on their contribution to the industry, thought leadership and awards achieved in customer experience (CX).

He was described by voters as passionate, pragmatic, personable and inspirational and someone who has “really started to make a difference in this field”.

Another voter commented: “I've worked with Nick in the past and he has always had a clear vision about the importance of customer service and a steely determination to deliver his best at all times.”

SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC SECTOR Construction consultants firm NSR Management has been supporting the NHS and local authorities in the public sector by offering free user licences to their software.

NSR Management are market leaders for the National Schedule of Rates pricing tool in printed and digital formats.

The trusted source of pricing information is used by technical experts involved in maintenance and reinvestment works for property portfolios.

The public sector has been offered one free user licence to NSR Management’s Measured Term Contract Management Software with access to any schedules they may require built into the programme.

A spokesperson said: “Once measured term contracts are awarded, there is no need to obtain quotes for individual schemes as the pricing mechanism is already in place, it is just a matter of ‘calling off’ and instructing your contractors to carry out the works, safe in the knowledge that value for money is assured.”

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Paradigm CX help businesses focus on customer experience and performance improvement through strategy, journey mapping, customer voice and mystery shopping.

Nick, who is a certified member of the Market Research Society, said: “I am absolutely delighted with this recognition, which I believe is even more special this year as the magazine readership voted towards the final positions. I will continue to strive to provide the best possible service for my clients and share best practice within the industry.”

Nick Lygo-Baker

CELEBRATION AT LAW FIRM AS TRAINEE SOLICITOR QUALIFIES

Emily Pope

Neves Solicitors has celebrated their newest qualified family law solicitor.

Emily Pope joined the law firm in September 2018 as a trainee solicitor. As part of her training she had seats in the conveyancing, dispute resolution and family law departments. Gaining experience in three different departments has provided Emily with knowledge and expertise in other areas of law that complement her chosen field, family law.

Emily will be working alongside partner and head of divorce and family law, Beth Woodward.

Beth said: “As a qualified solicitor, Emily has completed four years of academic study in law and more than two years practical experience. She has brought to all her work enthusiasm; intelligence and a very real understanding of what clients need. This, plus her ability to identify at an early stage what the issues are, and how to achieve the best possible outcome for her client, makes her an excellent addition to the family law team.”

Emily said: “I am really excited to be joining the family department at Neves in a permanent position. I have enjoyed all my training seats, but nothing has been able to tempt me away from family law and I have spent ‘I AM REALLY most of my time in this department. I EXCITED TO BE am looking forward to becoming a part of a thriving family team and to JOINING THE continue developing as a solicitor.”

FAMILY Emily can advise on many aspects of family law including, divorce or DEPARTMENT separation including arrangements for AT NEVES’ children and financial settlements, nuptial agreements and cohabitation agreements.

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BUSINESS REPORT

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BUSINESS REPORT

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BUSINESS REPORT

USING SCIENCE TO DELIVER SALES TRAINING Sales Growth Consulting (SGC) have become licenced to support sales teams using a unique approach – training that’s backed by scientific methodology.

Many traditional sales training services are generic, predetermined and designed to be rolled out on scale. This can leave companies without the specific tools they need to ‘WITH THEIR support growth and get the best out of their sales NEW LICENCED professionals.

With their new licenced status, SGC can benchmark STATUS, SGC CAN teams on critical sales dimensions against over 40,000 BENCHMARK sales professionals globally.

TEAMS ON Unlike many traditional forms of training, SGC use this CRITICAL SALES science-led methodology and their consultative approach DIMENSIONS’ to identify gaps against needs, goals and objectives.

By benchmarking how sales teams perform against the critical dimensions, tailored training can then be developed to help sales professionals reach their full potential.

The benchmark is accredited by the Institute of Sales Management and the assessments are the only ones built on peer-reviewed UK Government National Occupational Standards for Sales.

SGC managing director Victor Chauhan said: “This accreditation means that companies can be sure that this approach is trusted and it works.”

To learn more about SGC and how they help local SMEs grow, contact Victor on victor@sgc-ltd.com, 07764 199352 or visit www.sgc-ltd.com.

Chamber members booking services before 31 May will receive a 10% discount.

HOW TO GET SURPLUS CASH IN YOUR BUSINESS WORKING FOR YOU A specialist chartered financial planner has suggested businesses should invest in shares to really make the most of surplus cash.

Managing director of Wealth and Tax Management Tony Byrne (pictured) said: “Investing in shares through your business really makes sense. However, due to the various regulations regarding money laundering and financial crime generally, there are a number of hurdles to overcome. Most stockbrokers will not accept corporate accounts. This is because they have to carry out lots of financial checks.”

Such checks include proof of corporate ID and address, LEI registration number, Companies House information, bank account details, accounts and more.

In order to set up a stockbroker account a lot of documentation is required.

Tony added: “Once the account has been opened, life suddenly becomes a whole lot easier. Many SMEs have large surplus funds wasting away in bank accounts earning little, if any, interest. Sometimes these balances run into the millions. If you wish to keep the money for working capital that’s all well and good, but why not get your hard-earned money really working for you?

“The best performing asset class over the long term has always been shares. Not only do shares produce capital growth but they also pay dividends. For example, the current dividend yield on the FTSE 100 Share Index is 3.77% and that is despite dividend cuts since the coronavirus pandemic started. So, the income alone from shares beats bank deposit interest significantly, let alone the potential capital growth.”

Visit: www.wealthandtax.co.uk

The contents of this article are for information purposes only and do not constitute individual advice.

Victor Chauhan

TOP AWARD FOR 360 VISUAL MEDIA An innovative Buckinghamshire business, which provides visual content solutions to help boost their customer’s online presence, has won a prestigious award.

360 Visual Media scooped the joint gong from LARAC the leading voice for local authorities on recycling, waste and resource management for Best New Idea, alongside Buckinghamshire County Council. The collaboration involved the production of Google Street View and bespoke virtual tours, mapping the local authority’s nine local Household Recycling Centres.

360 Visual Media further raised the online profile by optimising and managing the nine Google My Business Listings for each site.

BCC saw 60% more searches for their sites between May and July this year compared to the previous year.

Visit: www.360visualmedia.co.uk/vi rtual-tour-photographer

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BUSINESS REPORT

POLICY MATTERS Milton Keynes Chamber represents your views to the people who matter

WHAT’S NEXT FOR BUSINESSES?

Business leaders across our region say there is little to cheer over the UK economy avoiding a double-dip recession. The latest GDP figures show that the economy grew in the final quarter of 2020 by one per cent but, overall, it shrank by 9.9% throughout the year.

While the vaccine rollout offers optimism for many businesses, the scarring caused by the pandemic will likely be highlighted as Government support begins to wind down, with the very real prospect of continued post-Brexit disruption, any recovery may be slower than the Bank of England currently predicts.

The current drip-feed approach to support measures means firms cannot plan for more than a few weeks ahead.

The focus for the Chamber of Commerce Policy Network will be to continue to amplify the voice of businesses throughout ou r region to ensure the support that firms desperately need is made available by the Government.

Businesses will have welcomed a clear roadmap back to a sense of normality. On 22 February in an address to Parliament, Prime Minister Boris Johnson set out a timeline when restrictions could begin to be gradually lifted but said the easing of lockdown would

announcement of a further delay to the overdue reform of the whole system.

The need to deliver fundamental change to this longstanding drag on business has become only more pressing in the light of Covid-19. Further delay in the reforming of a broken system will only hamper recovery by continuing to exacerbate business cash flow concerns as part of the fixed cost base that firms can do little to push downward.

The concerns about business rate reform, support from ‘BUSINESSES G overnment and the be guided by WILL HAVE impacts of Brexit data, not dates. are reported to our WELCOMED A It has clearly Chamber in a CLEAR ROADMAP been a huge variety of ways.

BACK TO A cha llenge for the But most notably Government to in our Quarterly SENSE OF get the balance Economic Survey NORMALITY’ right between the (QES), we would health of the economy encourage every and the health of the business leader within our nation. region to complete this survey to An area that can certainly help your Chamber to create an benefit from a more balanced accurate picture of the current approach by Government is the landscape.

Business Rates system. The For further information about the Chamber will continue to urge the QES visit Chancellor to extend the business www.chambermk.co.uk/represent rates support for those firms ation/quarterly-economic-surveys hardest hit by Covid-19 - after the

THE IMPACT OF CHANGES TO PLANNING USE CLASSES The Government has made a radical overhaul of the regulations surrounding Planning Use Classes in the Use Classes Order 1987, in response to the changing face of the high street. The main change is to merge the number of uses into three main classes. Andrew Barr, Head of Planning and Development at Robinson & Hall, discusses.

While the changes should be broadly welcomed and should see the end of the large number of applications for minor changes of use clogging up the system, there is some nervousness surrounding the implications of these regulatory changes.

Under the new system for example, it will be possible to change the use of premises from say a dental practice to a restaurant, uses with considerably differing impacts on the local neighbourhood, without recourse either to the planning authority or to the local community.

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New Class E: Commercial, business and services including retail space (current use classes A1-A3), office space B1. Plus other uses including health centres, clinics, day centres, day nurseries, creches, gyms and most indoor recreations.

New Class F1: Learning and non-residential institutions including some former D1 uses e.g. schools, non-residential and education training centres, museums, libraries, public halls, exhibition halls, places of worship and law courts.

New Class F2: Some former A1 retail uses (local convenience stores), halls, meeting places,

The Planning Use Classes have been overhauled

swimming pools, skating rinks, outdoor recreation.

Sui Generis: None of the above - to include pubs or drinking establishments (currently A4) and takeaways (A5) plus cinemas, concert and bingo halls.

All B2 (industrial) and B8 uses (storage and distribution) are unchanged, as are former C class uses covering residential, hotels and guesthouses.

To discuss the implications for your property on these changes, contact Andrew Barr at ahb@robinsonandhall.co.uk

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GOING GLOBAL

GOING GLOBAL The Chamber’s INTERNATIONAL TRADE TEAM can help you navigate your way through all of the regulatory procedures and documents that you’ll need for successful international trading

SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADERS A new dedicated membership package from Milton Keynes Chamber has proven hugely popular with international traders.

The freshly launched International Trade Membership option has been designed for members with international trading needs, allowing members access to all standard Chamber membership benefits alongside enhanced support for ‘EVERY international trading.

INTERNATIONAL This specifically tailored package offers exclusive access to vital forums, and international trade seminars in TRADE MEMBER addition to dedicated international trade advice and WILL RECEIVE seminars, an International trade Chamber helpline, and support lines.

SUPPORT’ general everyday international trade support and advice.

Every international trade member will receive support to Milton Keynes Chamber interim CEO Louise Wall said: help maximise their membership in line with any “This new proactive service for international traders will provide international trade requirements, as well as monthly news an unrivalled level of business support for those who choose to use it. updates and relevant, timely content.

“We are dedicated to offering the very best service for our The Chamber’s dedicated International Trade team and partners will members and this adds to the already impressive list of benefits of being a also provide an Export Readiness Consultation designed to support Chamber member.” exporters with signposting advice and expert knowledge.

As ever, international trade members will continue to receive priority For more information contact Sunny Singh at documentation services and discounted rates for certain documentation sunny.singh@chambermk.co.uk paperwork, plus access to a free FX currency audit check, international trade

HILLIER HOPKINS LISTED AS CUSTOMS AGENTS Accountants Hiller Hopkins is just one of four English accountancy firms listed by HMRC as accredited customs agents.

The firm’s listing follows it creating England’s only accountancy-firm led dedicated customs declaration service designed to help small and medium-sized businesses continue to import and export goods following the UK’s departure of the European Union.

The Hillier Hopkins customs declaration service, the only one to be offered by a mid-tier UK accountancy firm, will help businesses with the documentation needed to move goods to and from mainland Europe and to Northern Ireland.

It will, importantly, ensure that businesses pay the right amount of VAT and duties if required. Duties will arise if a product originates or if made from a significant proportion 12 inbusiness APRIL/MAY 2021

of components that originate outside the UK and the EU. The customs declaration service is led by Hillier Hopkins VAT and indirect tax director Ruth Corkin, an adviser to the Government, who sat on its Alternative Arrangements for Northern Ireland Committee and a champion for the access to HMRC’s systems for SMEs in order for them to be able to prepare customs declarations.

Ruth said: “HMRC estimates that businesses will need to make some 255 million customs declarations a year now that the UK exited the transition period on 31 December.

Businesses will find significant advantages in having their accountant manage customs documentation, not least of which ensuring the correct duties are paid and VAT is accounted for in the correct way.”

While the paperwork is relatively straightforward to complete,

HMRC’s Customs Declaration Service (CDS) and its Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) systems are not.

CDS is difficult to access by businesses and can take upwards of 12 months to register and secure the software needed.

Currently, most customs declarations are made by intermediaries and freight forwarders. There is, however, a chronic shortage of advisers currently operating in the market.

Ruth said: “At present, intermediaries and freight forwarders often do not keep documentation on customs declarations for more than a few months, and that can provide real challenges for businesses when making VAT and tax returns.

“That is why the Hillier Hopkins customs declaration service offers a holistic approach combining both the documentation needed together with the VAT and tax supporting documents.”

Visit: www.hillierhopkins.co.uk

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TALKING BUSINESS

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH MK COUNCIL SETS THE PACE FOR COVID-19 RESPONSE Delivering under pressure is business as usual for Milton Keynes Council, explains its chief executive Michael Bracey, alongside senior colleagues involved in its Covid-19 response. Councils roll their sleeves up and get things done, and dealing with a global pandemic is no exception.

A new telephone-led hub was set up

The story starts in February 2020, when rows upon rows of shampoo bottles are laid out on tables ready to be bagged up with toothpaste, socks, deodorant, T-shirts and other essentials.

More than 100 British citizens are on their way from Wuhan in China, returning to the UK via a 14-day quarantine at Kents Hill Conference Centre in Milton Keynes. The local team – council, hospital, other partners - have had two days’ notice to prepare for their arrival, and these comfort packages are the tip of the iceberg.

Milton Keynes Council’s early experience of Covid-19 was unusual, but it helped set the pace for what was to follow. Almost overnight, the council stepped up to help vulnerable local people deal with the impact of Covid-19, alongside redesigning itself to protect staff and customers, and keep essential services running.

“Councils aren’t always associated with being fast and flexible. But in reality, we run 250 services that respond to changing circumstances all the time. We know how to get things done 14 inbusiness APRIL/MAY 2021

and we’re connected to people and communities workers, and our former Saxon Court offices are now a mass vaccination centre.” in lots of useful ways,” explained Michael.

The council put in new measures to protect its “This is why we can organise resources to distribute £58m in Covid-19 business funding and workforce and customers. Around half the ramp up public health support to control council’s staff are based at facilities such as local outbreaks without taking our eye children’s centres, in residents’ homes, or elsewhere around the borough, off the other essential ways we and each service was reviewed serve local people, whether that’s building a new school or helping with new protections added such ‘AROUND 70,000 as PPE and booking systems.

150 people out of street PEOPLE NOW homelessness.”

Practical steps underpinned Head of HR Musrat Zaman cultural changes, said Bee Lewis, FOLLOW OUR head of property and facilities: continued: “We quickly UPDATES’ redeployed teams whose usual “We restricted the number of users of the Civic, as well as roles had been paused. Some removing some workspaces from took on the task of getting essential medicine and groceries to people who use, and limited numbers in meeting were shielding, and we also helped a local rooms. We encouraged good behaviours Food Bank expand its offer, by creating a new like mask wearing, washing hands and wiping desks through messages over our PA system, and warehouse and arranging thousands of deliveries. clear posters and floor stickers which we also We repurposed buildings, for instance turning the central library into a rapid test centre for key made available to local businesses.”

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FACTFILE: MILTON KEYNES COUNCIL

Musrat Zaman, head of HR, and Michael Bracey, chief executive, with Bee Lewis, head of property and facilities (joining on the TV)

A new telephone-led hub was set up to help customers who would usually visit MK Council’s main office building the Civic, and a planned rollout of Microsoft Teams was fast tracked, enabling office-based staff to work from home and stay in touch via virtual meetings.

Many changes will continue beyond the pandemic because they’ve added value to how the council works; not least its increased use of video to communicate with staff, stakeholders and residents. A former meeting room at the Civic has been turned into a studio, where formal council meetings can be livestreamed, virtual events held for customers, and video messages recorded with a greenscreen backdrop that’s recently stood in as a fake QVC set (to promote shop local messages) and even outer space (as part of the council’s Make Space social distancing campaign).

Michael said: “Around 70,000 people now follow our updates, and if our material is compelling, it’s spread more widely. Our stakeholder videos are now watched by more than 800 people, far more than would have read a newsletter all the way through.”

“Everyone is busy and has distracting demands on their time. Video is memorable and concise, so can cut through the noise.

You can also show things that most people wouldn’t get to see themselves, such as behind the scenes at our rapid test centre.

“It helps to bring what we’re doing to life, as well as showing the human face of the council.

“We’ll keep this momentum going through MK’s economic recovery and beyond.”

If your business needs information or support due to the pandemic, visit www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/coronavirus

COMPANY BACKGROUND: A product of the new towns movement in 1967, today Milton Keynes is one of Britain’s fastest growing places, with a global reputation for smart city projects from delivery robots to electric cars. Milton Keynes Council has served as MK’s unitary authority since 1997, when it took on services previously run by Buckinghamshire County Council.

COMPANY DESCRIPTION: The council runs more than 250 services from waste collection to highways maintenance. Around two thirds of the council’s £200m budget goes into care and support for vulnerable adults and children.

JOINING THE CHAMBER: MK Council has been a member of the Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce for five years. Intelligence from its members helps to shape local policy. Recently, the Chamber has been a key partner in framing MK Council’s £2.25m Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan.

TALKING BUSINESS PHOTOS BY JANE RUSSELL PHOTOGRAPHY APRIL/MAY 2021

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: HOTELS, CONFERENCES & EVENTS

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

This issue’s spotlights are on the HOTELS, CONFERENCES & EVENTS and MANUFACTURING sectors in Milton Keynes

BRINGING TEAMS BACK TOGETHER An events agency has launched a new service to help leaders build thriving remote working teams. be-good Limited set up togather events last October to meet the needs of remote working teams and in January, the firm began offering Wellness Action Plans to help companies build resilience and prepare for the year ahead through a series of on and offline programmes.

The Wellness Action programme recognises the responsibility that corporations have to support and ‘check-in’ on their remote teams. be-good – who have produced award-winning events for over 15 years – lead an expert team of event and marketing professionals who have partnered with specialists in the areas of business, personal and wellness development, to create personalised plans including a range of online and offline activities to help employees not just survive, but thrive, during the pandemic.

be-good and togather founder and CEO Sarah Baldock said: “Business teams are more technologically connected – yet emotionally disconnected than ever.

Progressive businesses are proactive in supporting their remote teams, from regular check-in calls and virtual socials, to ergonomic home office furniture and online wellness apps.

“However, for many managers, developing a diverse and creative programme of regular on and offline wellness activities - one that can really reinspire and re-engage tired remote people – as well as leveraging the virtual event technology needed to deliver them effectively, is either outside their core skillset, or their pressured schedules.” togather specifically caters to remote working communities in the pandemic. They bring teams back together to reconnect, transforming passive events into rewarding, participative experiences.

Sarah Baldock

THE RIDGEWAY CENTRE PROVIDES SUPPORT The Ridgeway Centre has supported numerous critical services throughout the pandemic, opening its doors to host blood drives, frontline training and community support groups.

The Wolverton Mill events venue has also converted multiple rooms in the building to meet ever-changing needs and restrictions, creating recording studios, broadcasting spaces and thinktank hubs, all while allowing clients to remain safe and Covid19 secure.

Business manager Nathan Kennard said: “Working though a

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year of Covid, despite having to moving towards produced online close many of our event ventures events, through broadcasting and of which we would usually pre-recorded material and host, we have been we have diversified to extremely proud of support that.

‘WE HAVE the critical services “Going forward we have opened BEEN EXTREMELY up for, to ensure PROUD OF THE we can support CRITICAL the NHS and SERVICES WE other business throughout HAVE OPENED lockdown and UP FOR’ other periods.”

“We have also seen a change in the events industry, where business are adapting to virtual environments,

we are confident we can still a maintain a great in person experience when clients hire our conference facilities all the while also providing ways for business to adapt to the ‘new’ normal.”

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: HOTELS, CONFERENCES & EVENTS

A ROBO-TASTIC DINING EXPERIENCE Popular restaurant Robotazia has a whole programme of events planned once the national pandemic restrictions allow them to safely reopen.

It has been a challenging year for the robot-themed eatery in Milton Keynes theatre district, as Covid-19 forced them to close their doors during each lockdown phase.

However, they have diversified to takeaway food, with the fun twist of collecting your food from a robot outside the 12th Street venue.

Owner Mark Swannell said: “The biggest lure of Robotazia has always been the robots, and we have had an amazing response to that. Takeaway will obviously focus purely on the food. We believe though that we have some tasty offerings.

“Lockdown gives us a chance to develop this area. Robotazia is all about inventiveness, so we are adding a fun twist to anyone collecting from our venue - they will get to meet one of the robots outside. We have created a new interactive robot called Sparky. He's a fun, cheery character about four feet high, with moving arms and head, who now has his own Facebook page.”

Robotazia will offer robot-themed parties once restrictions lift

Parties, cosplay and sci-fi events are next on the business agenda.

Robotazia already boast popular celebratory robots who sing happy birthday as they deliver cake to the table. ‘We have had a huge demand for this,” said Mark. “When we reopen as a restaurant, robot-

themed parties will definitely be another area we shall develop.”

In the meantime, Robotazia has updated their website, so visitors can now find out lots more about all the robots.

Visit: www.robotazia.co.uk

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: MANUFACTURING

PLANT-BASED FOOD COMPANY INVESTS IN NEW £5M FACILITY Gosh! Food has announced the opening of a new manufacturing facility in Milton Keynes – much earlier than planned.

The plant-based food brand’s £5m investment into a second manufacturing facility has come to fruition this month, with production lines now running, just five months after commencing the building work.

The 17,000 square foot facility, located in Milton Keynes and next door to the current site, was actually due to open in late 2021.

It will create up to 15 new jobs in the local area and has the potential to double current production

capacity. This will allow Gosh! to continue to meet current demand and expand into new and exciting categories.

David Blagg, operations director at Gosh! Food said: “This is a great opportunity, not only to continue to grow Gosh!, but to offer new jobs to the Milton Keynes area and invest behind our current employees.

“A project like this requires a strong team behind it and our Gosh! employees and suppliers demonstrated an outstanding work ethic and in the hardest of

circumstances, with the challenges that Covid-19 has brought about.

“I am pleased to say that we were able to work with a number of local contractors during the build phase and have developed strong commercial relationships that will continue beyond this project.”

The new facility has been built in keeping with the brand’s ethos, so all products will be plant-based, made from only natural ingredients

and the site is free-from all allergens. Gosh! are also committed to reducing their environmental footprint and the new site has been developed with this in mind; it has energy saving LED lighting throughout, a gas free hot water supply and the machinery has the highest energy efficiency ratings available. Like the current site, zero waste will go to landfill and food waste will be used to produce renewable energy.

‘WE WERE ABLE TO WORK WITH A NUMBER OF LOCAL CONTRACTORS’

The new Gosh! Food facility will create up to 15 new jobs

RIOT LABS CREATES JOBS IN MILTON KEYNES Innovative UK e-liquid manufacturer Riot Labs has opened a new production facility in Milton Keynes.

The vaping industry leader has created 15 new jobs with the 11,000 square feet modern factory, which boasts ISO Grade 7 cleanrooms along with three new state-ofthe-art production lines, increasing the company’s capacity to ship to 85 countries worldwide as well as continue to supply all of its partners in the UK. Disruptors in the vaping industry, Riot Labs have recently won seven coveted awards, including Best UK Brand, at the Ecigclick Vape Awards 2020. Votes were made by consumers, bolstering Riot Squad’s success.

Riot Labs CEO Ben Johnson said: “The response we’ve had from consumers in the UK and worldwide has been tremendous, we’re hitting the nail on the head with our product offering. There’s lots more to come – we’re constantly innovating and responding to consumers’ wishes and throwing in some of our own groundbreaking ideas too! The new production facility is exactly what we needed to boost capacity and grow even bigger!”

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INBUSINESS

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TRAINING & EVENTS

TRAINING & EVENTS HEALTH & SAFETY MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS Date: Cost:

29 April (half-day) Members £140 + VAT Non-members £180 +VAT This half-day course is aimed at providing learners with the knowledge to identify suspected mental health conditions and the skills to start a conversation and be able to signpost the person towards professional help. Reducing the impact on individuals and organisation, this course is suitable for staff at all levels in all sectors of industry and business where a company has identified the requirements or wish to improve their knowledge.

HEALTH & SAFETY FOR THE SMALL BUSINESS Date: Cost:

19 May (one-day) Members £229 + VAT Non-members £299 + VAT To provide delegates with the knowledge and understanding of general Health and Safety legislation including specific legislation relating to their business. A toolkit of information to take away and apply to their own business, for owners, directors and managers for any small business with specific responsibilities regarding to managing and coordinating health and safety, does not require prior knowledge or understanding.

MANAGEMENT AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT SUCCESSFUL SUPERVISORY MANAGEMENT Date: Cost:

13 & 14 April (two days) Members £458 + VAT Non-members £598 + VAT The transition from team member to team leader is one of the most challenging. These pragmatic workshops teach you how to increase work output, improve the quality of work and achieve greater flexibility in working. It is essential training for established and newly appointed supervisory staff and is vital training for anyone about to become a supervisor.

MANAGING YOUR WORKLOAD Date: Cost:

20 April (one-day) Members £229 + VAT Non-members £299 + VAT

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Take a day to reassess the purpose of your role and how to achieve the key tasks. Look at ways to manage the less productive tasks and then pick-up lots of tips and techniques to help make things run more smoothly. Take away a list of practical tasks and habit changes that you know will make a difference to the way you work.

LEADING TEAMS REMOTELY Date: Cost:

27 April (half-day) Members £140 + VAT Non-members £180 + VAT This course is designed for leaders who need to manage a team or group of individuals remotely and ensure business continuity and engagement. It will explore four key strategies and what kind of leaders succeed most often in remote environments. It will examine Communication Skills, Focus & Priorities, Building Trust and Relationships and Leadership Mindset.

CONFLICT MANAGEMENT Date: Cost:

6 May (half-day) Members £140 + VAT Non-members £180 + VAT Conflict management is a way of resolving conflict early by means of skilled communication and negotiation. The important question is how well to handle conflict situations well? Some people are too pushy and say too much, some are too passive and say nothing. The best way to resolve conflicts is to develop a rational approach to all people and all problems.

ILM ACCREDITED MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME Date:

11 May (nine scheduled modules) Cost: Members £2,009 + VAT Non-members £2,599 + VAT This comprehensive programme, delivered over nine modules, is essential for anyone who needs to increase their management skills, improve their leadership skills and boost their confidence in managing and developing others.

Follow us on Twitter @ChamberMK Follow #ChamberTraining for the latest updates Follow #ChamberEvents for the latest updates

IMPROVE YOUR SELF CONFIDENCE IN THE WORKPLACE Date: Cost:

11 May (half-day) Members £140 + VAT Non-members £180 + VAT This half-day workshop will explain the elements that make up your self-confidence and how each of those can be improved effectively, rapidly and permanently. This will lead to improved effectiveness and engagement in the workplace and give greater resilience to deal with issues when things don’t go according to plan.

EFFECTIVE APPRAISAL SKILLS Date: Cost:

20 May (one-day) Members £229 + VAT Non-members £299 + VAT Appraisal is a key part of performance management. It offers a regular opportunity to provide people with constructive feedback about their performance and to set objectives both for achieving their task and for further developing their capability. The significant increase in home working due to Covid-19 and a change in work practices, has made it even more important to maintain contact and give people feedback.

GETTING THE MESSAGE RIGHT HELPING DIFFICULT CUSTOMERS Date: Cost:

22 April (half-day) Members £140 + VAT Non-members £180 + VAT We all know how hard it can be to handle difficult people. With many organisation’s automating their processes and procedures, customers are even more likely to become difficult when they finally get through to a person. They take their frustration out on the poor staff member who answer the phone, email, the tweet, of the Facebook post. This course aids the challenge for staff to stay calm and deliver the level of service needed.

SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS WRITING IN THE 21ST CENTURY Date: Cost:

28 April (half-day) Members £140 + VAT Non-members £180 + VAT

This practical course aims to help people understand how they can make their written messages more effective, inclusive, and appropriate to the needs of their audience. We will focus on basic grammar as well as the subtle changes needed to remain professional when writing for different channels such as email, letter, text and web chat.

People are encouraged to bring examples of their written work to review during this half day session.

CUSTOMER SERVICE ON THE TELEPHONE Date: Cost:

12 May (one-day) Members £229 + VAT Non-members £299 + VAT A telephone conversation may be the only contact you have with your customers or incoming enquiries; it is therefore essential that you master the skills to keep the conversation flowing; obtain important information and ensure your customer - or potential customer - leaves the call with a good impression of your company.

SALES AND MARKETING THE ART OF NEGOTIATING - BASICS Date: Cost:

15 April (half-day) Members £140 + VAT Non-members £180 + VAT Training within a sales arena, negotiation arises at some point, and if you are unprepared or inexperienced, you will find yourself giving into your customer’s demands. This half day workshop helps you to develop your negotiation skills for whatever scenario you come across in day to day dealings and helps to improve more beneficial outcomes.

EFFECTIVE TELESALES SKILLS Date: Cost:

21 April (one-day) Members £229 + VAT Non-members £299 + VAT Whether you are meeting your clients face to face or running sales meetings via Zoom it’s important to get an understanding of their issues/problems, effectively demonstrating how you can help them and ultimately close to win the business. How effective are yours? Are you winning business? If not, this is the workshop for you!

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TRAINING & EVENTS

TRAINING COURSES All Chamber training courses are currently delivered virtually in compliance with Covid-19 restrictions.

Call the Training department for more details on 01604 490490 or email training@northants-chamber.co.uk

LINKEDIN FOR BUSINESS Date: Cost:

22 April (half-day) Members £140 + VAT Non-members £180 + VAT Utilise LinkedIn to grow your business by building deeper relationships with your current clients, get more referrals and connect with new potential clients.

Learn how to search effectively, use the reminder feature, are you publishing on LinkedIn and so much more. This is an interactive workshop to learn how to use LinkedIn as a marketing and business development tool.

SEO – BE SEEN ONLINE POST COVID

them and ultimately close to win the business. How effective are yours? Are you winning business? If not, this is the workshop for you!

GOOGLE ANALYTICS BASICS Date: Cost:

25 May (half-day) Members £140 + VAT Non-members £180 + VAT This workshop teaches you the essentials for monitoring your online marketing and improving your website, along with skills and analytics tips that you will be able to put into practice on a daily basis.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE POST BREXIT!

5 May (half-day) Members £140 + VAT Non-members £180 + VAT By leveraging the fundamentals of search engine optimization (SEO), you can ensure that your business pops up in these all-important search results. This workshop is about mastering SEO fundamentals. How to make improvements that boost your website's visibility on search engines, attracting the right kind of traffic to the right pages on your site.

UNDERSTANDING EXPORT & EXPORT DOCUMENTATION, BCC ACCREDITED

SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING

CUSTOM PROCEDURES & INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTATION INCLUDING RULES OF ORIGIN, BCC ACCREDITED

Date: Cost:

Date: Cost:

13 May (one-day) Members £229 + VAT Non-members £299 + VAT This practical session will show how social media feeds into your company’s business and communications objectives, and how to gain the most mileage out of the marketing budget! This is ideal for all personnel looking to develop an understanding of how social media can be utilised to its full potential as an essential marketing tool.

EFFECTIVE FACE TO FACE MEETINGS Date: Cost:

18 May (one-day) Members £229 + VAT Non-members £299 + VAT Whether you are meeting your clients face to face or running sales meetings via zoom it’s important to get an understanding of their issues/problems, effectively demonstrating how you can help

Date: Cost:

11 May (one-day) Members £299 + VAT Non-members £369 + VAT Suitable for beginners & those working in an export environment that have never had any formal training. The course looks at the end-to-end export process providing an understanding of the export documentation requirements and shipping using freight forwarders and couriers.

Date: Cost:

20 May (one-day) Members £299 + VAT Non-members £369 + VAT This course is a follow on from Export and Export Documentation, suitable for those working in an export environment requiring further detailed export and customs procedures information or an experienced refresher course.

The course provides further export procedure details whilst also looking at the Customs Procedures and Compliance requirements for successful international trade.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Microsoft Excel at all levels is also available. Call the Training Team on 01604 490490 for details.

The CHAMBER EVENTS TEAM has worked hard to adapt and deliver a new format of events, increasing the range and availability of our schedule. Look out for the following events in our events calendar:

EVENT IN FOCUS Firms from across Milton Keynes will be given the opportunity to widen their network of business contacts at one of the Chamber’s forthcoming virtual events.

Milton Keynes Chamber will host an event designed to help attendees strengthen their relationships with fellow Chamber members and forge relationships with non-members across Milton Keynes and from further afield.

All attendees will meet up in a Zoom Room before being given three opportunities to go into breakout rooms. On each occasion they will have the chance to give a one-minute pitch about their organisation to the breakout room before taking part in general networking.

Milton Keynes Chamber membership manager Sunny Singh said: “We’ve been holding our virtual Milton Keynes Chamber and NonMembers Networking events every other month since last July and we’ve been thrilled by how popular they have proved to be.

“Here, at Milton Keynes Chamber we work tirelessly to help our members thrive because we want them to be successful and to be part of a strong business community that supports one another.”

The event will take place from 10am to 11.15am on Thursday 6 May and admission is free.

Places are limited to one attendee per company and can be booked at www.chambermk.co.uk/events

FORTHCOMING EVENTS MK CHAMBER SPEED NETWORKING Date: Thursday 8 April Time: 10 – 11.15am

NEXT GENERATION SANDWICH SOCIAL Date: Tuesday 13 April Time: 12pm-1pm

MEET THE NEIGHBOURS Date: Thursday 15 April Time: 10 – 11.15am

NEXT GENERATION CPD: BEAT THE OFFICE OVERWHELM!

MK CHAMBER MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS NETWORKING

Date: Wednesday 28 April Time: 3.30-4.30pm

Date: Thursday 6 May Time: 10 – 11.15am

FRIDAY WIND DOWN NETWORKING

NEXT GENERATION SANDWICH SOCIAL

Date: Friday 30 April Time: 3-4pm

Date: Tuesday 11 May Time: 12pm-1pm

YOUTUBE CHANNEL Look out for our new YouTube channel entitled ‘NN & MK Chambers of Commerce’ which allows our subscribers to watch back ChamberLive events so you never have to miss out!

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MEMBER ZONE

MEMBERZONE Latest news from MILTON KEYNES CHAMBER MEMBERS including award wins, relocations, appointments, new contracts, member profiles, mergers, company expansion plans, sponsorship deals and business success stories

A DIFFERENT APPROACH Restrictions caused by the pandemic meant Year 10 work experience needed a different approach at The Denbigh Alliance Multi Academy Trust this year.

The most recent cohort of students faced an entirely different working landscape. Although usually, the entire group go out to external placements, this year, nearly 200 students completed a virtual work experience.

The five-day programme, which ran over a normal working week, covered CV writing, financial activities, writing a business plan, preparing for an interview and finished with the students having to complete a final presentation.

Student engagement was fantastic, and the quality of the presentations was professional and highly commended.

Nearly 60 students did go out to various companies, despite Covid-19 restrictions. The

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students met the additional challenges with maturity, and all had positive experiences.

The Denbigh Alliance Multi Academy Trust CEO Andy Squires said: “We are in exceptional times, in the midst of a global pandemic and that has required some thinking outside the box in order to still provide Year 10 students the valuable opportunity of work experience.

“It cannot be underestimated how vital it is for students to have the chance to break out of the classroom and get involved with different companies, colleagues and practices, a flavour of the real working world.”

Denbigh Alliance are keen to develop more relationships with local businesses, especially within the Chamber network. For more information, email Jo Goudriaan at goudriaanj@denbigh.net

Nearly 60 pupils were able to attend external placements

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MEMBER ZONE

TAKE ON A CHALLENGE FOR WILLEN HOSPICE The Willen Hospice team have created a programme of fundraising activities to help businesses stay in touch, keep active, connect with colleagues and boost wellbeing.

There’s something for everyone whether you are an individual, small business or large corporate.

Those who want to take on a challenge can sign up for the MK Marathon, from 1 May, with 5K, 10K, half and full marathon distances available. Form a team of four and run as a relay. Charity places are available.

Start your training with Willen’s epic 48-hour relay! Run in pairs for 20, 40 or 60 minutes, or book time slots and pass the virtual baton between your team.

The 84 mile Hadrian’s Wall Challenge hike runs for six days in August or you can test yourself with

the Three Peaks Challenge from 3-5 September.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a team social, Willen Hospice are offering virtual cooking classes, with themes including Mother’s Day cupcakes and a posh picnic, or a music bingo night for a fun musical game night in.

To find out more and get involved, please contact corporate@willenhospice.org.uk or call 01908 636663.

‘THOSE WHO WANT TO TAKE ON A CHALLENGE CAN SIGN UP FOR ANY EVENT’

LEND A HAND TO ROTARY MK Rotary MK is appealing for new members to assist with their projects.

They have different meeting and project opportunities to match members’ diverse priorities, interests and skills. Their projects match this diversity; from helping small, local charities raise significant sums through Rotary MK’s annual Swimathon, to rebuilding and equipping a school in India, to saying thank you to MK’s NHS staff in a practical way.

With the latter, MK University Hospital Charity had refurbished a staff hub. Rotary MK worked to raise £2,000, towards new blinds and staff ‘goodie bags’.

Rotary MK are looking for Chamber members who may be in a position to give back to the community - especially those with social media, IT, or accountancy skills.

Visit: www.rotarymk.org Email: jill@rotarymk.org

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MEMBER ZONE

MEMBER PROFILE

MEMBER BENEFITS For full details of all the benefits available to chamber members, visit: www.chambermk.co.uk

CHAMBER FX Exclusive foreign exchange member package offering free health check, low transfer fees and free account opening. Key benefits include bank-beating exchange rates.

CHAMBER HEALTH PLAN NAME: Sarah Grimes

Provided by Westfield Health, Chamber Primary Health Plan can give members cover from just £5.57 per employee, per month.

COMPANY: Transitions UK JOB TITLE: Community engagement manager

CHAMBER PROTECTION

WHAT DOES YOUR ORGANISATION DO?

This includes four services: Chamber HR, Chamber Health & Safety, Chamber Legal and Chamber Tax. They include an advice line covering HR, employment law, legal, health & safety, tax and VAT, legal and health & safety documents and legal expenses insurance cover.

Transitions UK supports vulnerable young people aged 14 – 25 who are struggling with personal disadvantage. We work especially with young people who have learning disabilities and special needs; those with emotional and mental health issues; those leaving care; and those at risk of offending or criminal exploitation.

HOW DID IT ALL START? I started with Transitions UK back in September after a short period of redundancy from my previous charity. The charity itself is now in its sixth year. We have achieved a lot in this time but there’s lots more to do, yet!

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT START UP MEMBERSHIP

WHAT KEEPS YOU AWAKE AT NIGHT? I really struggle to sleep at night as I just can’t seem to get my brain to switch off! Many things race through my head: work, shopping, world disasters, ice cream, puppy dogs - you name it!

WHAT HAS SURPRISED YOU MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? What has surprised me most of all is that even though we have been in lockdown more than once, the general public are still extremely keen to support local charities and help others in their community.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT? Stay positive, believe in yourself and treat other people the way you’d like to be treated yourself.

WHICH BUSINESS PERSON DO YOU MOST ADMIRE? Dolly Parton – not ashamed of her roots and is a kind person, talented and successful.

WHAT EXCITING PROJECTS IS YOUR ORGANISATION WORKING ON? We are currently working on a new project called Affirm. This programme launches in the summer and involves working closely with young people experiencing mental health and emotional wellbeing problems.

WHAT MADE YOU JOIN MILTON KEYNES CHAMBER AND HOW ARE YOU MAKING USE OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP? We joined the Chamber because it is important to stay connected with other businesses from the county as they are a part of the communities we serve. It helps us to develop relations charity partnerships, generate support, recruit volunteers and beneficiaries and raise our profile.

Call: 01582 380620 or 07736 943350 Email: sarah.grimes@transitionsuk.org or support@transitionsuk.org Visit: www.transitionsuk.org

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Our new Start Up Membership package is aimed at businesses that have been trading for 12 months or less, as a cost-effective route to becoming full Chamber members.

This exciting new membership allows start-up businesses to tap into the wide range of Chamber profile-raising benefits, as well as the opportunity to attend the diverse range of Chamber networking events, forums and seminars.

The start-up membership, sponsored by GPW Consulting, also includes £1m worth of legal expenses insurance and the wider Chamber protection benefits such as Chamber HR, Chamber Legal, Chamber Health & Safety and Chamber Tax. Contact Sunny Singh for further information at sunny.singh@chambermk.co.uk

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MEMBER ZONE

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MEMBER ZONE

NEXT GENERATION PROFILE

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE NEXT GENERATION CHAMBER EVENT? I think it’s got to be the CPD around teams, which was hosted by Mhairi Richardson from Tomrom Coaching. I’ve always been fascinated by team behaviours and organizational change and found Mhairi’s talk really engaging. I soon after joined a book club that Mhairi wanted to start for young professionals and am proud to say that we have since become good friends.

So, not only did I learn a lot that day, little did I know I’d met a new and very good friend.

NAME: Hannah Brady COMPANY: The Brady Creative Ltd JOB TITLE: Director

BACKGROUND – TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF My name is Hannah but most people call me Brady. I’m from Coventry but have lived in Northampton for seven years now. When I’m not working I like to keep fit, get outside and spend as much time with friends and family as possible. I’m also president of Next Generation Chamber.

WHAT DOES YOUR JOB INVOLVE? The Brady Creative is a marketing agency. We provide three main services that are centred

around marketing strategy, branding and social media management. My role in the business is focused on business development, networking and building strategies for clients to help them attract the right audiences.

WHY DID YOU JOIN NEXT GENERATION CHAMBER? I remember hearing about it through a local connection and thought it sounded like an environment where I could meet like-minded people and continue improving my skills as a professional woman.

WHICH NEXT GENERATION CHAMBER MEMBER DO YOU ADMIRE? Nina Gandy. She always brings a smile into the room and an energy that is infectious. I also have a lot of admiration for the work that Nina and the Cynthia Spencer Hospice team do.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU’VE LEARNED FROM NEXT GENERATION CHAMBER? I remember attending a CPD called ‘Courage and Conflict’, which was hosted by the wonderful Lucienne Shakir from Lucienne Coaching. I took a lot away from the session but one thing that has stuck with me since is that we all play a role in the conflicts that are happening in our life. We sometimes have to accept that, even if it’s difficult. Very often now, I ask myself in situations, ‘What role are you playing in this?’ and ‘What can you do about it?’

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/ marketingprofessionalnorthampton www.thebradycreative.co.uk

NEXT GENERATION CHAMBER PATRONS

NEW MEMBERS Ballyhoo PR CORBY 01536 682800 www.ballyhoo-pr.co.uk A firm offering PR, copywriting, editing, proofreading and social media management services Chapple Enterprises UK - Recruitment Services MILTON KEYNES 01908 104250 www.chappellenterprises.co.uk Recruitment agency specialising in driving, warehouse, production, finance, ground maintenance and sports turf Gregory Wealth Management MILTON KEYNES 07789 877589 www.gregorywm.co.uk Provider of financial advice to individuals and business, and accredited to provide financial education in workplace programmes, supporting employee wellbeing

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Konsileo (Trading) Ltd LONDON 07925 817624 www.konsileo.com An insurance brokerage that specialise in office, professional indemnity, liability and commercial combined insurances Laureate International Tech and Academy (LITA) BIRMINGHAM www.lita.org.uk Education MM In-House Lawyer MILTON KEYNES 07990 570896 www.mminhouselawyer.co.uk A cost effective and flexible solution for in-house legal advice to meet your business’ requirements Paycard Solutions MILTON KEYNES 01908 511657 www.paycardsolutions.co.uk Financial services, merchant services and card payment services

Quality Assessment and Qualification Framework (QAQF) BIRMINGHAM 07713 754382 www.qaqf.co.uk Educating individuals with interests of career expansion and key players with innovative skills matching the need of their workplace, societies and needs Red Edge Concepts Ltd MILTON KEYNES 01908 270771 www.rededgeconcepts.com Clothing wholesale REISER UK LTD MILTON KEYNES 01908 585300 Seller of food manufacturing and processing machinery Repro Plastics Ltd GAWCOTE 01280 730730 www.reproplastics.co.uk Plastic recycling services

SGS UK Ltd ELLESMORE PORT 01276 697715 www.sgs.co.uk SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, recognised as the global benchmark for quality and integrity Smart Research Innovation and Development (SRID) BIRMINGHAM www.srid.co.uk Research The Wraphub NORTHAMPTON 01327 858689 www.wraphub.co.uk Helping businesses elevate their road presence with premium vehicle branding.

3M authorised vehicle wrapper, vehicle wraps, fleet and commercial branding design Whittlebury Bakery TOWCESTER 01327 831272 www.whittleburybakery.com Bakery

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