inbusiness Milton Keynes Aug Sep 22 by Kemps Publishing

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inbusiness @ChamberMK

www.chambermk.co.uk

THE VOICE OF MILTON KEYNES BUSINESS

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

A UNIVERSITY BUILT ON FORWARD THINKING MK:U PUTS BUSINESS AT THE HEART OF EDUCATION BUSINESS REPORT: SUPPORT ON OFFER AT ONE-DAY SEMINAR SPOTLIGHT: CREATIVE INDUSTRIES THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF MILTON KEYNES CHAMBER

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INBUSINESS

CONTENTS inbusiness

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

21 BUSINESS REPORT

Report shows scope of MK College Group’s impact

Business support seminar on offer

Hotels commit to meeting green standards

Chamber Business Partners: 123 Internet Group and Harry’s Rainbow

Career coach releases book

Engineering firm in major acquisition

HR boss steps down

Accountants seek apprentices

Haus of HR reaches awards shortlist

Coach joins Peer2Peer board

Reunion at asbestos firm

MK Snap named as mayor’s charity

GOING GLOBAL 21

New addition to the Chamber international trade team

TALKING BUSINESS 22

Professor Lynette Ryals, chief executive of MK:U

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

GROWING YOUR BUSINESS Skincare firm hosts masterclass

GROWING YOUR BUSINESS Photographer opens new studio

TRAINING & EVENTS 28

The latest comprehensive list of Chamber training courses and events

MEMBER ZONE

How to support the local community

Young people share photographs

Member Profile: Wani Olatunde, Wani Olatunde Photography

Next Generation, plus New Members

The October/November 2022 issue of inbusiness will include features on: Corporate Christmas and Financial Services The deadline for editorial submissions is: 12 August

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 inbusiness 3

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INBUSINESS

inbusiness THE VOICE OF MK BUSINESS

CONTACT DETAILS

VIEWPOINT

T: 01908 733082 MILTON KEYNES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Waterside House, 8 Waterside Way, Northampton NN4 7XD NEWS AND ARTICLES SHOULD BE SENT TO: inbusiness.MK@chambermk.co.uk Editorial process managed by Ballyhoo PR EDITOR: Laura Smith

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 DESIGNER: Stuart Burton ADVERTISING T: 0121 765 4144 E: jon.jones@kempspublishing.co.uk PRINTERS: Stephens & George Print Group FRONT COVER: MK:U chief executive Professor Lynette Ryals See pages 22-23 COVER PHOTO: Nick Freeman Photography 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.

FOLLOW MILTON KEYNES CHAMBER AT:

www.facebook.com/MiltonKeynesChamber @ChamberMK www.linkedin.com/company/milton-keynes-chamber-ofcommerce

A FANTASTIC SUMMER EVENTS PROGRAMME Summer has arrived and as well as bringing much-needed sunshine we’ve had a calendar full of fantastic events. The MK Business Showcase was a huge success in June, with a whole host of stands exhibiting the wealth of opportunities available from businesses across the region. We welcomed a plethora of local firms to the exhibition at Kents Hill Park and we were delighted by the diversity of businesses at the event. From start-ups to charities, corporates and local stakeholders and the fully booked Business Before Hours event and digital marketing seminar were both well received. Here at the Chamber, we’ve extended the team with the arrival of our new membership sales executive Jake Hill, who has settled into the fold brilliantly and is already bringing in new members to join the Chamber family. For more on Jake and his role, see page 6. Our renowned and well-loved Simon Elton-Thomson has moved from the membership team to the international trade team and will continue to ably assist our valued members here on anything import, export and documentation. Next Generation Chamber marked its upcoming fifth birthday with a celebratory barbecue at Northampton Active in June. The fun summery event saw Next Generation Chamber members networking and socialising together – exactly as it planned when it was founded in 2017. Next Generation Chamber was uniquely designed to champion, develop and encourage young business professionals. Its activities reflect the core belief that we often learn and develop most effectively in the company of friends and peers, with obvious benefits for employers in the creation of more confident, knowledgeable and better networked staff. We are immensely proud of the platform Next Gen provides for aspiring young business people in the region to help them grow and develop through our networking events and personal development sessions. It is vital, especially after the past two years of uncertainty, that businesses are able to come together to network face to face and create long lasting connections that facilitate business growth. We are #StrongerTogether. With all best wishes for a sunny, successful summer. Best wishes, Louise Wall Interim CEO, Milton Keynes Chamber

www.youtube.com/MiltonKeynesChamber You can also follow our International Trade Team on Twitter: @ChamberMKExport For further information on Milton Keynes Chamber, call: 01908 733082 or visit: www.chambermk.co.uk

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. PRIVACY NOTICE: Kemps Publishing Ltd process personal information for certain legitimate interest purposes, which includes the following: • To provide postal copies of this publication to Chamber members and Kemps’ customers; and • To offer marketing and promotional opportunities within this publication to Chamber members and prospects. Whenever we process data for these purposes, we always ensure we treat your Personal Data rights in high regard. If you wish to, you can visit www.kempspublishing.co.uk to view our full Privacy Notice and to learn more about our legitimate interests and your rights in this regard.

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CHAMBER BUSINESS PARTNERS

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BUSINESS REPORT

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

REPORT SHOWS SCOPE OF COLLEGE’S IMPACT MK College Group has launched its first Impact Report to share the progress of its vision to ‘Build Fairer Futures’ and recognise the valuable work of its community partners. The group launched its vision last July and set out its five-year strategy and the report shows the actions the group has taken. The report was launched at the College’s Brasserie, with guests including the mayor of Milton Keynes Mohammed Khan and representatives from community groups and local employers. The report features the data and stories of impact delivered across the group, from addressing the skills and talent shortage, to tackling poverty, supporting its learners through the pandemic via online delivery, tackling the digital divide and mental health crisis.

Dr Julie Mills, group principal and CEO, said: “We’re incredibly proud of the work our students and staff do to make a positive impact in our local communities, as part of our vision to build Fairer Futures in Milton Keynes and beyond.” Cllr Mohammed Khan added: “The Community Impact Report is truly reflective of where the college, and Milton Keynes as a whole, is right now. It’s fantastic to see that 18,206 learners studied with Milton Keynes College Group in the last academic year and that students and staff have been involved in community-led initiatives including the Community Fridge, the #CutItOut and Lions Barbers Collective campaigns.” Visit: mkcollege.ac.uk/community-impact-report

Dr Julie Mills and the mayor, cllr Mohammed Khanreport

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BUSINESS SUPPORT ON OFFER AT SEMINAR Steve Grainger outside the Madrid office

HIREFUL HEADS TO NEW MARKETS hireful have gone global, expanding its team into Madrid and South Africa. The Wellingborough recruitment firm now have three team members in South Africa and five in Madrid, as well as a brand-new city office in the Spanish capital. The UK office has also had a makeover, with refurbishment works including new seating options and a new pool table. While the vast majority of the local team are now working from the Strixton Manor Business Centre three days a week, hybrid working is here to stay at hireful. A spokesperson for the company said: “Expanding our reach into Spain and South Africa has been an exciting leap this year and we look forward to working with our new team members to continue to offer a top-class service.”

able to diversify and strengthen recently and the time-consuming Business owners looking to achieve their offering, standing them in day to day operations of a a better work life balance and set good stead for the year ahead. business, it is sometimes difficult to attainable goals for their company The report, which was produced find time and clarity to make can sign up for a one-day business in collaboration with Nordens and purposeful goals. support seminar in September “It is essential to consider all the HR Solutions subsidiary brand which will revolutionise thought factors laid out in this seminar, Essential Safety, also highlighted a processes and see participants walk from staff and team culture to number of key themes from away with a comprehensive profitability and cash flow in order respondents including recruitment business plan. to inform your vision and mission challenges, workplace culture and Limited places are available for the as a business. further diversification to secure 7 Key Successes seminar, which will “We are delighted to be teaming new business. be run by award-winning Kettering up with Nordens again to deliver this HR Solutions CEO Greg HR consultancy HR Solutions in informative and useful course for Guilford said: “It is partnership with business owners. Don’t miss your absolutely vital to have internationally renowned chance for one of our limited places.” clear goals and vision Nordens Chartered when running your Accountants at ‘IT IS ESSENTIAL For more information and to register own business, but Kettering Park Hotel your interest for the 7 Key Successes with all the on 13 September. TO CONSIDER ALL seminar, visit: www.hrsolutionschallenges Just 20 business THE FACTORS owners will be able uk.com. Tickets are available at: business owners LAID OUT IN THIS to take part in the www.eventbrite.co.uk have faced SEMINAR’ practical session, which will look at how to achieve a positive attitude in both business and in life, as well as analysing ways to maximise your profit, potential and credentials. The content of the workshop, which is part of the intensive Interactive Accelerator Programme (IAP), has been shaped by the business concerns and issues raised in the second ever annual HR Solutions SME Survey. The recently released 2022 findings showed that despite a second year of Covid-19 related Members of the HR Solutions team restrictions, many businesses were

JAKE JOINS THE MEMBERSHIP TEAM Northamptonshire Chamber and Milton Keynes Chamber have welcomed a brand-new membership sales executive to the team. Jake Hill started with the membership organisation in May and will work with the Chamber team to support local businesses and entrepreneurs across the region. The 33-year-old began his career in healthcare, working in the NHS and private sector for six years before moving to be business development manager for Chamber members NewGen IT. Jake said: “After attending so many Chamber networking events and meeting everyone here, I knew it’s where I wanted to be, supporting businesses across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes with their journeys.” ‘WE ARE Director of business development ABSOLUTELY Sunny Singh said: “We are absolutely THRILLED TO thrilled to welcome Jake to the WELCOME JAKE Chamber team. I know, like us, he is TO THE CHAMBER passionate about championing local TEAM’ business and our #strongertogether ethos. I hope the business communities of Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes will take the time to introduce yourselves to Jake at our upcoming events.” Jake Hill

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For more information about becoming a Chamber member, contact Jake Hill on 01604 490490.

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#THEIMPORTANCEOFIMAGE

Made you Look,

Made you Stare,

t: 07971 434463

Does your Brand Imaging?

e: hello@nickfreemanphotography.co.uk w: nickfreemanphotography.co.uk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

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HOTELS COMMIT TO MEETING THE GREEN STANDARD Kents Hill Park, Sedgebrook Hall and Kettering Conference Centre are showing their commitment to creating sustainable meetings by signing up to the Green Tourism ‘Green Meetings’ Standard. The standard uses a strict three pillar sustainability criteria which focuses on people, places and planet and is examined by an independent assessor, and include focuses on areas such as food, health and wellbeing, carbon, waste and water consumption. Jo Austin, sales director, The Venues Collection said: “We are passionate about sustainability and totally dedicated to ensuring that our venues are as sustainably run as possible. Independent and impartial accreditation offers our ‘THIS customers the easiest and most thorough way to check ACCREDITATION that our venues meet their sustainability standards. ENABLES EVENT Sustainability is a constantly evolving journey, and the AND TRAINING Green Meetings Standard gives each of our venues a road PROFESSIONALS map to follow to ensure they are continually improving TO BOOK WITH their offer and exceeding clients’ expectations. CONFIDENCE’ “This accreditation enables event and training professionals to book with confidence and be assured that our venues are as environmentally friendly as possible, and a greener choice for their events.” This move builds on the recent announcement of the group’s Meetings for Change day delegate rate and 24-hour rate. The Charter is built around three key pillars; People Pledge, Food Focus and Enriching Environments and has been adopted by all head office staff and venue teams. All three venues are part of The Venues Collection, the residential venue business of Compass Group UK & Ireland and consist of seven event and training sites across the South West, South East, and East & West Midlands.

IOBLEND UPDATES DATAOPS PLATFORM IOblend, a new addition to the ChamberMK family, has just released the latest iteration of its DataOps platform. The company uses its platform to simplify the build and management of your productiongrade dataflows on any environment. It now features an updated, full drag-and-drop user interface, making it simple to create production grade data pipelines in mere minutes instead of weeks. IOblend’s Val Goldine said: “Deep ‘under the hood’, IOblend has implemented numerous enhancements and optimisations to the code, pushing the performance envelope even further. Processing a million records per second from any source (full data cycle, including transforms, on average hardware) is now a reality.” IOblend will be exhibiting at Big Data LDN on the 21-22 September. Visitors will have an

Val Goldine

opportunity to meet IOblend in person and experience the latest in the cutting-edge technology and real-life applications during the live demos. Register: at bigdataldn.com

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ACADEMY TRUST APPOINTS NEW CEO The Denbigh Alliance Multi Academy Trust, which is made up of Denbigh School, Watling Academy and Watling Primary School (opening in September 2023), has announced the appointment of a new chief executive officer, Ian Joyce. Ian, who has been in the education sector for 26 years, brings to the role a wealth of experience in business management and finance. Speaking from his new office at Watling Academy, Ian said: “I am incredibly proud to be given the opportunity to further develop the Trust. I look forward to continuing the excellent work already started and strengthening new and existing relationships throughout the community we serve.” John Cove, chair of the Board of Trustees at the Denbigh Alliance said: “My colleagues and I are confident that Ian is well positioned to lead the Trust into our next stage of growth, including oversight of the opening of our new Watling Primary School on the Whitehouse development in September 2023. “The focus of the Denbigh Alliance Trust has always been on care, education and opportunity for students and staff, and we are confident that Ian will continue to drive this with an innovative and dynamic approach.” Ian Joyce

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CHAMBER BUSINESS PARTNERS

BUSINESS PARTNERS

Chamber Business Partners are an exclusive group of influential companies from within the Milton Keynes Chamber membership. There are three levels of membership – Silver, Gold and Platinum

123 CREATE NEW YLO WEBSITE Award-winning full service digital marketing agency and Platinum Chamber Business Partner 123 Internet Group have created an innovative customer-friendly website tool to help generate more leads for communications and connectivity company ylo Limited. Northamptonshire’s ylo – provider of best connectivity, EV and mobile solutions – were looking to grow and expand their offering when they approached 123 Internet Group for help. Whilst ylo provide services nationwide, certain products and packages are location dependant, and the availability of products and packages can vary depending on where the customer is ‘THE based. AVAILABILITY The firm needed CHECKER BUILT to find a way to for customers to be able BY 123 INTERNET The web to view exactly what IS THE PERFECT page is mobile is available to them in SOLUTION’ responsive to their location. cater to customers 123 Internet Group on desktop, tablet created a bespoke weband mobile devices. based, customer friendly 123 Internet Group CEO Scott availability checker tool, which Jones said: “We were excited to accurately provides all products work with Lee from ylo, having and service based on the postcode understood the brief it was a clear entered, allowing the customer to option to create a web-based tool browse the best deals, and select which would act as both lead multiple products to discuss further generation and a useful customer with a ylo expert.

Scott Jones of 123 Internet Group (left) and Lee Wallis of ylo

tool in a competitive market. The final result was well executed, and we are looking forward to seeing the positive results.” ylo sales director Lee Wallis said: "We have a number of different broadband and mobile products available to our customers and wanted an easier way for them to see what's available to their business. “The availability checker built by 123 Internet is the perfect solution for this and has already led to

increased business through the website. The feedback has been great, and as we add more postcodes over the coming months, the checker will become even more valuable. Working with Scott, Josh and the 123 Internet team has been great, and we look forward to working with them more in the future.” The checker is live now at weareylo.com

HONOUR FOR CHILDREN’S CHARITY BOSS The chief executive of a charity that supports bereaved children has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. Odette Mould MBE was recognised for services to bereaved children and their families in Milton Keynes. She is founder and CEO of Harry’s Rainbow, which was established after the tragic loss of her son Harry, aged five, to support children who have lost a sibling or parent. The rank of MBE recognises outstanding achievements or services to the community, which have had a long-term significant impact. Odette said: “I’m still utterly dumbfounded but proud that Harry’s Rainbow has been created to support bereaved children and will continue to strive 10 inbusiness AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

to raise awareness and understanding for their needs. “I'm incredibly proud of Harry's legacy and proud to receive this honour. I thank all those who have been involved in helping the charity to get where it is today and hope you will continue to support us so we can help as many children and families as possible!” Harry's Rainbow have been supporting bereaved children for more than a decade. To register with Harry’s Rainbow, contact Odette@harrysrainbow.co.uk If you'd like to donate visit www.justgiving.com/harrysrainbowchaaritabletrust

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CAREER COACH RELEASES BOOK understand your values and what drives you, to A career coach from Milton Keynes has seen a reflect on your work-life balance and what you change in her own career after becoming an want it to be, and how to build confidence so author and launching her first book at an event you can present your best self at interview. at Cranfield University. As well as being sold on Amazon, copies of Della Judd, who has coached and mentored Della’s book have also been donated to the hundreds of people in senior roles over the last YMCA and education and careers service, Key 25 years, felt compelled to write her book Get Business Skills Ltd in Daventry, thanks to a The Job You Really Want In A Post Pandemic Crowd Funder initiative set up by Della that sees World after her own personal experiences with people who buy a book also donate a redundancy, balancing childcare and book for someone in need to help health challenges. them change their life. Copies of At the launch event, Della spoke ‘IT IS to the room about how she the book have also been donated IMPORTANT struggled to find a job that to Willen Hospice, for the charity TO UNDERSTAND worked around her family after to sell in its shop. HOW WE CAN “The pandemic hit us all for being made redundant while on six,” added Della. “Then, slowly, maternity leave and facing a job GET THE JOB search with a six-month-old we got used to this enforced THAT REALLY child. She found a role that was period of staying at home WORKS FOR without a commute. People started a 90 minute commute away and US’ spending more time with their family then faced a medical emergency when her son’s nursery called to say and focussing on the things that really they suspected he had meningitis. mattered. Now we’re seeing some Della said: “That 90 minute journey to get companies forcing a return to the office and others back to him felt like the longest journey of my offering a more flexible, hybrid way of working. As life. It also gave me time to reflect and realise we enter an ‘employees market’ with more choice that this job just wasn’t working. I then secured than ever before in terms of how we work, it is another job that was a big pay cut but gave me important to understand how we can get the job 10 hours back a week.” that really works for us.” Since then, Della has become an advocate for flexible working and positive leadership. Copies of Get The Job You Really Want In A Post Pandemic World by Della Judd are Get The Job You Really Want In A Post available on Amazon. To find out more about Pandemic World tells Della’s story and also offers helpful tips, exercises and case studies to Della Judd, visit www.dellajudd.co.uk

Della Judd at her book launch

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BUSINESS REPORT Richard Little

ENGINEERING FIRM IN MAJOR ACQUISITION the equipment we currently design Soken Engineering Limited of and make for the food industry. We Leighton Buzzard has been will benefit from Soken’s export purchased by Jenton International Limited, part of the Jenton Group history and we will be able to of Companies. contribute our design and Soken Engineering Limited are manufacturing skills to further designers and manufacturers of develop the range of machines heat-sealing equipment for meal available.” trays, airline catering packs and The sale of the company was to sandwich and ready to eat allow the retirement of the Soken packaging. owners. According to The company has Jenton, both the old been in this business and new owners will for over 40 years be working together ‘THIS RANGE and offers a wide to facilitate the OF MACHINES range of top seal, transition to COMPLEMENTS film seal and card Jenton. The THE EQUIPMENT seal machines from premises in simple hand Leighton Buzzard WE CURRENTLY operated bench top will be retained DESIGN’ machines to semiand customers will automatic multi-tool be able to view and drawer units to hightest equipment at the speed automatic systems. demonstration facilities there. The machines have all be Service will be managed from designed and made in the UK and Jenton’s main office in Whitchurch have been widely exported to (Hants). many countries on all continents. The Jenton Group design, Soken machines are suitable for manufacture and supply a wide film top seal on meal trays and selection of packaging and sandwich packs and also for sealing automation equipment from their coated card packs for sandwiches, facilities in Whitchurch (Hants) and wraps, salads and more. Because Bedford, much of which is for the the systems are widely exported to food supply chain. This includes areas where service often has to be bag and pouch sealers, convergers, carried out by owners and stackers, banders, UV curing and operators, simple robust disinfection and vision systems for construction has been prioritised. label and data verification. “We are delighted to have been Jenton has been doing this since able to work with the Soken team the early 1970s and are founder and purchase the company,” said members of the Processing and Richard Little, MD of Jenton. “This Packaging Machinery Association range of machines complements (PPMA).

NEW TRAINING SOLUTION OFFERED Buckingham-based online training business, VBMS Training, is excited to offer bespoke course creation solutions to local companies looking to add new content to their existing training platform or Learning Management System (LMS). Recognising that nowadays many businesses already have an LMS platform, perhaps provided by their parent companies or global headquarters, but struggle with time or expertise to create new local content in the correct formats enabling upload to their LMS and to track trainees. VBMS Training are now offering a range of new content creation options, supporting both colleague and customer training. Director and co-founder Stewart Hall explained that VBMS Training has an established customer base nationally within the rural foodbased sector, working with both commercial clients and industry organisations to deliver bespoke training solutions both internally to colleagues and externally to supply chains, distributors and end customers. The next strand of the company’s growth strategy offers new content creation options within the Bucks and Northants regions, working with businesses own internal training and content experts, to produce digital courses than can be hosted online and made available on-demand as highly impactful training programmes. Learning and understanding can then be evidenced both in terms of tracking of participation and online assessments and knowledge checks. Stewart said: “Our experience through lockdown is that trainees prefer to log in to train at times that suit their diary, allowing them to juggle busy work and homelife schedules, whilst continuing to learn and develop. “Pre-recorded training, combined with smart interactions and knowledge checks, designed to engage trainees and check their understanding, are an excellent way to deliver essential training, especially to today’s hybrid workers, keeping them on top of their game.” Visit: vbms.co.uk/demo-2/ Call: 01280 735 007 Email: hello@vbms.co.uk

Stewart Hall

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CRISPIN RHODES BOSS RETIRES FROM FIRM

ANNIVERSARY FOR FRANKLINS Franklins Solicitors LLP hosted a celebration at Delapré Abbey to mark their 40th anniversary. The event was attended by clients, partners, friends and employees who have supported Franklins to become one of the leading law firms in Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire. In his welcome speech, managing partner Simon Long acknowledged that the event was not just a celebration of 40 years but also an opportunity to get together in person and return to a sense of normality after so much time apart, due to the pandemic. The firm is now equally owned by Simon, Andrea Smith, Lee Holmes and Scott Wright. There was a huge appreciation for the firm’s employees (some of whom have been with the firm since 1982 and 1984) for their continued loyalty and hard work, especially for rising to the unprecedented challenges faced during the pandemic. Supporting local communities has always been at the heart of the Franklins ethos. This year in line with the firm’s 40th year the £40 challenge has been launched for individuals, corporates and organisations to turn £40 into as much money as possible to raise funds for the work carried out by Cynthia Spencer, Willen Hospice and MacIntyre. With the recent promotions of three solicitors to associate partners and some fantastic new talent joining the firm, the team at Franklins are looking forward to a bright future.

The CEO of Milton Keynes-based HR consultancy Crispin Rhodes has retired from leading the awardwinning firm after 25 years at the helm. HR specialist Angela Rhodes incorporated the company on 20 March 1997. She worked from home for the first 12 years of trading as Crispin Rhodes, building her client base and juggling setting up her own company with being a mother of two young children. Her venture has been a great success, having later moved into shared offices with a client in 2009, until just before the Covid lockdowns. It was acquired by HR Solutions in July 2020. ‘CRISPIN The HR Solutions team will continue to service all Crispin RHODES HAS Rhodes clients as normal. BEEN A REAL CEO Greg Guilford said: “I LABOUR OF LOVE would like to take this opportunity FOR ME AND FOR to thank Angela wholeheartedly for all her hard work over the past MY TEAM’ 25 years and congratulate her on her many achievements with Crispin Rhodes. It has been a pleasure working together since we become one team two years ago and we wish Angela a long and happy retirement.” Angela, who now plans to travel the world with her husband, said: “Crispin Rhodes has been a real labour of love for me and for my team and while I am sad to leave, I feel that this is the right time to step down. I know that my clients will be well supported by the HR Solutions family and I leave the company in good hands.” For more information on Crispin Rhodes visit www.crispinrhodes.co.uk or to speak to a member of the team call 01908 576991.

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Angela Rhodes

BEARDOW ADAMS CREATES VEGAN ADHESIVE Beardow Adams is committed to delivering adhesives and services that build towards a more sustainable future, without compromising on quality. The manufacturer of hot melt adhesives, based in Milton Keynes, has launched a new vegan waterbased adhesive, which combines many important benefits that help bottlers boost productivity, enhance product performance, and improve the bottom line. Signacoll V 1007 offers excellent wet tack and provides good clean

placement. The adhesive is fast setting ensuring label quality is not compromised in areas where containers come into contact. Label quality continues to benefit from excellent wet tack and resistance to condensation. Exceptional clean running performance helps bottlers to reduce operating costs by increasing production uptime, lowering maintenance costs, and limiting material waste. Excellent running performance is important, which is why the new

adhesive is formulated and tested to work on lines running up to 60,000 bottles per hour, successfully labelling dry, wet, cold, and warm glass bottles. Beardow Adams head of marketing Eric Coveney said: “Our new Signacoll V 1007 adhesive is formulated with synthetic materials only, which means that bottlers using our new adhesive will meet the growing consumer demand for vegan safe products – a trend that is growing year-by-year.”

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ACCOUNTANTS SEEK APPRENTICES of their own business but also for the Mercer & Hole is encouraging local young success of the wider local economy. people to consider an apprenticeship as a springboard to their career. “We need to improve awareness The chartered accountant has been in among young people in Milton Keynes Milton Keynes for 37 years and the that there are a terrific range of training business continues to courses available that will offer innovate and grow thanks them that solid direction in to to the vibrant business their first job and beyond.” ‘IT’S REALLY community. MK Dons Academy manager, IMPORTANT THAT For young people Jon Goodman, uses the BUSINESSES there are many apprentice route for his up-andINVEST IN different coming football players. He said: opportunities to build TRAINING “Apprentices grow our business, strong foundations for THE NEXT through doing a two-year a successful career, as GENERATION’ apprenticeship with us then going well as an opportunity into the first team, hopefully, for a great work/life to become an asset on balance. Attracting and the pitch. It grows the retaining talented young people is business through currently a challenge for many businesses. financial reward, Apprenticeships offer a route to get a but also really foot on the first rung of the career ladder contributing to and beyond and a way for businesses to the first team, attract and retain talent. enabling us to Mercer & Hole audit and business have the advisory partner Phil Fenn said: “It’s really important that businesses invest in training success on the next generation, not only for the success the pitch.”

Phil Fenn

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HAUS OF HR REACHES AWARDS SHORTLIST There’s cause for celebration at Haus of HR, as they’ve just been announced as finalists in the SME Northamptonshire Business Awards - in the Best New Business and Towcester Business of the Year categories. Haus of HR has been trading for less than a year but has already made a splash in the Northamptonshire business community, delivering HR consultancy and people solutions to clients both locally and across the UK. ‘I FEEL THAT Founder Rachel Collar THIS AMAZING (pictured) said she is looking ACHIEVEMENT forward to celebrating her REFLECTS MY achievements alongside the best of the county’s HARD WORK AND exceptional businesses. DETERMINATION’ “I’m over the moon, in simply reaching the finals,” she said. “It makes the journey I have been on over the last year, in setting up a new business, all worthwhile. I feel that this amazing achievement reflects my hard work and determination to make the business a success.” Rachel added that it was also a nod to all the support she has received from other business owners, whilst on her journey transitioning from a corporate HR career to being her own boss. She said: “I continued to be overwhelmed by the generosity of other business owners, who have “I feel like a winner already and extend my willing shared their advice and support. Everyone can heartfelt congratulations to all the other finalists.” relate to your story and are keen to share with you their learnings. On the plus side it has enabled me to For more information about Haus of HR’s services grow an awesome business network with critical visit: hausofhr.com or call 07846 656223. strategic partners.

Andrea Reynolds

SWOOPING IN TO HELP SMES GROW Swoop is an award-winning fintech that has helped small and medium sized businesses access millions of pounds in funding and savings through a fast and easy-to-use platform. In May, Swoop launched their Advisor Portal, a platform that puts Swoop’s product-matching technology to work for accountants and supporting advisors in building their knowledge and expertise in the area of business funding. The accounting industry has changed radically over the last few years with many traditional services being taken over by apps and other software. Swoop’s Advisor Portal makes it easy for accountants to supercharge their advisory services to clients by giving them visibility of funding options across the whole of the market from grants, finance and equity. They are then able to make applications in seconds, get fast answers and spend more time building client relationships. Andrea Reyolds, founder and CEO at Swoop said: “Accountants are often the first people business owners ask about funding. In the past, finding the right grant or financial product meant hours of searching for the best deals – and you never know if there is a better deal around the corner. Swoop’s Advisor Platform takes this problem and makes it into an opportunity for accountants to delight their clients with a fast answer.” The technology has been in development for over a year and arrives in tandem with a CPDaccredited course that builds advisors’ knowledge and expertise in the area of business funding. Andrea added: “As a trained accountant, I have seen how the industry has needed this technology and support for a long time. By helping advisors develop the confidence and knowledge to see their clients through their funding journey, Swoop is putting accountants at the heart of a thriving SME sector.”

A SATISFIED NEW MEMBER Wisetek, a global leader in advanced IT asset disposition (ITAD), data destruction, technology reuse, and manufacturing services, has praised Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce after becoming a new member. Wisetek opened a 40,000 square foot facility in Milton Keynes in September last year, with the goals of growing the company’s business in the UK substantially and becoming an important contributor to the local community. Wisetek’s facility in Milton Keynes provides its customers with a suite of IT related services including IT asset disposition and data destruction. The company’s Milton Keynes facility services a number of client organisations throughout the UK, including multinational and nationally based businesses. Matt Summers, UK business operations manager with Wisetek said: “Wisetek is delighted to join Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce. The local business

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community in Milton Keynes has been so welcoming to the company since we established our facility here last year. I look forward to continuing to grow our network and to having some insightful engagements with other Chamber members.” Wisetek has grown exponentially since it was established in Cork, Ireland by Sean Sheehan in 2007, and has expanded its international

footprint to include facilities throughout Ireland, the UK, the USA, the Middle East, and Thailand. Wisetek operates a Zero Landfill Policy and last year the company recycled over five million pounds of IT materials on behalf of its clients. This resulted in a reduction of over seven million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions. Over 150,000 pounds of toxic materials were also diverted from landfill by the company.

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BUSINESS REPORT

COACH JOINS PEER2PEER BOARD Business coach Peter Woods of Cleartrack Business Growth, has joined forces with Peer2Peer to establish a local version of the renowned Peer2Peer Board. Open to business owners, leaders and decision makers, the board will meet once a month and will include 10-20 non-competing local businesses. Each meeting will typically last half a day and will normally be divided into three 50minute sessions although the agenda can be flexed around the member’s specific needs. The board will be based at Whittlebury Park between Milton Keynes and Northampton. It is designed to provide a strictly confidential platform where members ‘SEEING A can discuss ideas, share problems, and challenge each other’s way of FELLOW thinking. PEER2PEER Peer2Peer is an inclusive COLLEAGUE membership organisation for PROSPER IS ONE business owners and leaders OF THE MOST who understand the correlation REWARDING between growth and success both EXPERIENCES’ at a personal and organisational level. It helps members to define their vision and purpose and to develop a taster sessions at Whittlebury Park in compelling strategy. Peer2Peer supports early September so that prospective members on their individual journey of twists members can be involved in a typical Peer2Peer and turns so that they can achieve and sustain board meeting. the results they desire. Peter says: “Seeing a fellow Peer2Peer Peter will be hosting two complimentary colleague prosper is one of the most rewarding

experiences of belonging to our community. Come along and enjoy the ride!” For full details, give Peter a call on 07919 368514 or email him at peter.woods@peer2peer.global

TINDERBOX REACHES MAJOR MILESTONE Tinderbox Business Development have just helped their 350th client tackle the complexities of modern business. The milestone client praised the business advice firm for its “practical support”. They said: “Tinderbox has made me look at my business in a completely different way, I now not only see the opportunities for growth but also see a clear path of where my company is actually going with the business pushing forward to realise my ambitions. “Tinderbox’s approach provides practical support along with advice that has already delivered results within the business structure. The contribution from Tinderbox, includes a strategic growth plan, which is a first for me after 37 years in business. This has been one of the best moves I have made to move forward and most of all, a game

plan in the future. I recommend Tinderbox for any business, especially if you think you’re doing well as a company.” Tinderbox regional director, Ian Taylor believes that every business should have the chance to be successful or more successful. Ian regularly attends Chamber events, and is happy to meet any business free of charge, in absolute confidence, to discuss their particular challenges and help them progress.

Ian Taylor

NEW WEBSITE FOR REACH GROUP Reach Group, who offer IT, telecoms and managed print solutions, have recently launched a new website, to showcase their extensive services. The Milton Keynes based technology company aims to be a one-stop business partner for their clients. Their new website, which launched on 23 March 2022, follows an increase in thebusiness’ growing online activity. Due to increased interest in their service offering, the new site is designed to be more user friendly and feature more detailed information on InReach’s technology solutions. Using more of a lead generation tool, customers will now be able to get in touch easier, providing a more streamlined online experience. Alongside the new interface, InReach’s website will boast additional new features. Arranging services will also now be easier, with the ability to organise a free no-obligation audit through service-specific forms, or to book in a call online with an expert, taking advantage of any of their IT, Telecoms or Managed Print services. InReach IT is an independent technology partner providing IT support services, such asnetwork cabling, cloud management, and cyber security. InReach Comms offers solutions in the world of telecommunications, rangingfrom hosted telephony and mobile devices to data and connectivity. The new website, designed by 123 Internet Group, is set to be a gamechanger for both InReach and their existing or prospective partners. AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

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BUSINESS REPORT

REUNION AT ASBESTOS FIRM A Northampton-based asbestos management company has appointed a significant new hire for the business. Acorn Analytical Services has announced Sam Savage as its new commercial director. He joins the business from an asbestos consultancy in Daventry where he worked for more than 20 ‘A years, working FANTASTICALLY his way up from SUCCESSFUL a trainee right through to BUSINESS WITH contracts AMBITIONS director and TO GROW then commercial FURTHER’ director. In his new role with Acorn Analytical Services, Sam will looking Acorn Analytical Services directors, from left: Neil Munro, Paul Knights, after the sales function of the business as well as managing the working with Ian, Paul and Neil “We have known about Sam day-to-day client care. again. Acorn is a fantastically joining the business for some time The appointment can be regarded now and is great to finally get this successful business with ambitions as a bit of a reunion with Sam to grow further in the coming piece of news out there,” said Neil having worked with fellow directors months and years. I can’t wait to get Munro. “We are very much looking Neil Munro, Paul Knights and Ian started and work with the team to forward to working with him again Stone more than ten years ago. realise those ambitions through and seeing where we can take Acorn Sam said: “I am absolutely managing the whole commercial with Sam on board driving the delighted to be starting a new commercial side of the business.” aspect of the business and getting position as the commercial director to know our clients and their needs Ian Stone added: “Sam is a at Acorn Analytical Services and well.” fantastic hire for Acorn and we are

Sam Savage and Ian Stone

genuinely excited to have him on board. “With his 20+ years of experience in the asbestos industry, he will be a real asset to the company. Add to that, that we have previously experience of working with Sam, we know he will fit right in with the team and our clients.” Visit:www.acorn-as.com

FINDING A NEW WAY OF WORKING The director of an outsourced HR service has praised the business community’s diversification and adaptation to change over the past few years. Maggie Halsall (pictured) of Acanthus Management Limited said: “Someone once said to me, ‘The only constant thing in life is change.’ and do you know, I think they were right! “We’ve all had to adapt to a new way of working, and it’s brought its own challenges, but with change, I also believe we’ve developed and grown in ourselves, too.” Many organisations have had a great deal of support over the past couple of years so that they were able to not only start a new venture or keep a business going, but grow in the “new normal” too. Maggie added: “For a number of years I’ve been privileged to have supported a number of business owners through this change and witnessed their growth too. “I’d like to say that HR has been integral to their successes, but growth has been down to businesses who are open to change, I’ve just been their 18 inbusiness AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

sounding board. By looking after your people, developing a new culture at work and rising to the challenge that change brings has meant that growth has been achieved – it’s certainly worked for my business.” Contact Maggie on 07799 251852 or email maggie@acanthusmanagement.co.uk

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MK SNAP NAMED AS MAYOR’S CHARITY Sophie Wharton

ANNIVERSARY FOR NSR MANAGEMENT NSR Management are celebrating their 40th year of trading in the public and private sector in 2022. The trusted construction pricing tool firm offer guidance and best practice for setting up tender documents for measured term contracts using the National Schedule of Rates and on occasion, bespoke schedules to suit individual clients. The company has grand plans for its milestone year, including relocating its offices from Aylesbury to Milton Keynes, launching a new product and changing the business to a subscription-based offering. NSR Management’s Sophie Wharton said: “We produce built maintenance costings inclusive of material and labour prices, known as the Schedule of Rates. We cover building, mechanical, electrical, access and adaptations, housing, highways, painting and retrofit, all available in hardback, eBooks or embedded in our MTC Contract Management software. “The rates in our schedules are researched and updated each year giving an up-to-date transparent pricing system for both public and private clients to use, saving them time and money when preparing tendering documents and managing their maintenance contracts. “Our software, MTC QS, which houses the schedules is used by both client and contractor. It manages multiple assets, produces estimate, orders, invoices and has a full audit trail allowing tracking of status of all current contracts and tasks.” Most recently, in support of Net Zero, NSR Management have produced a schedule of rates specifically for housing retrofit works to assist the local authorities and housing associations bring their properties up to meet Net Zero.

The city’s leading charity for people with learning disabilities has been named as the Mayor’s Charity of the Year. MK SNAP are also celebrating three decades of providing education, life and work skills to help people with ‘WILL HELP US learning disabilities live as REACH THOSE independently as possible. Mayor Amanda Marlow and PEOPLE WHO Mayor Amanda Marlow is a friend at a fundraising event mother who faces the challenges ARE MOST IN of the complex nature of disability NEED OF OUR The charity provides a daily programme of head-on daily. She said within the SUPPORT’ life-skills, health and well-being and work first five minutes of her visit to MK preparation sessions including computing, art SNAP, she knew the organisation had and craft, gardening, cooking and sports at their to be one of her two charities. purpose-built centre in Milton Keynes. Councillor of Loughton and Shenley and Become a SNAP Dragon with MK SNAP and you will vice-chair and parent governor of the special needs be teaming up with MK Mayor’s 2022-23 Charity of the Redway School in Netherfield, Mayor Marlow said she Year and transforming lives of people with learning will be championing the skills and confidence it provides disabilities. for people with learning disabilities to realise their In return your staff will feel motivated, inspired and potential. valued while having great time and learning more about MK SNAP CEO Angela Novell said: “Being chosen as the lives of people with learning disabilities. one of the mayors’ charities will help us reach those people who are most in need of our support. We are To find out more or to organise a tour of the centre, honoured and excited for our mayoral year.” email angela.novell@mksnap.org MK SNAP are also encouraging local firms to become To support the work of MK SNAP or volunteer visit a SNAP Dragon and breathe fire into the impact of a www.mksnap.org Corporate Social Responsibility programme.

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HOW TO MANAGE MONEY Stefanie Price Wealth Planning believe that a basic financial understanding is an important part of educating our young adults. With this in mind, Stefanie held an online event in July - An Introduction to Managing Money and Investing. This event was aimed at young adults between the ages of 18 and 30, although many family members younger and older also attended. During the first part of the session Stefanie talked her guests through some key basics of how to run a successful financial life, including the habits you should create, what things you should focus on and also things best to avoid. Stefanie also spoke about the basics of investing, how to build a portfolio and what external factors affect investments more generally. This was very much an introduction to financial life, and some of our other future events may follow on nicely from this if focusing in on other specific financial planning areas.

Stefanie Price

To view upcoming events and for helpful advice, hints and tips please see our website – www.stefaniepricewealth.co.uk or follow us on Facebook or LinkedIn – Stefanie Price Wealth Planning.

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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

SIMON JOINS INTERNATIONAL TEAM

Janice Wright and Simon Elton-Thomson

Building relationships with businesses and helping them to develop their international trade ambitions will be a key part of Simon Elton-Thomson’s new role within the Northamptonshire Chamber. Simon, who joined the Chamber in 2012, was recently named as its business development executive - international trade, responsible for representing the Chamber at key events and working with businesses to help them unlock their potential. He said: “I am delighted to be taking on this new role. There is a lot to learn, but I am really looking forward to it and the challenges which lie ahead.” Simon will look to forge new relationships with businesses across the county as well as maintaining existing ones. He will also play an integral role in the team delivering on the requirements of the Chamber’s customers, led by international trade team leader, Janice Wright.

She said: “Having worked alongside Simon for many years, I am excited to have him as a valued member of my team, and I am honoured to be a small part in his future development as he enters a new chapter.” Simon added that businesses interested in exploring international trade should contact the Chamber. He said: “Businesses can maximise opportunities for international trade growth by contacting the Chamber, as we have lots of information and access to the worldwide network. We are also the region’s biggest provider of the documentation required to ensure our customers do not fall foul of the pitfalls they may encounter as they continue to expand into overseas markets. “The Northamptonshire Chamber, incorporating Milton Keynes, is accredited to the British Chambers of Commerce and is part of a global structure. We continue to strive forward as the voice between business and policy makers to ensure Britain remains a trading force to be reckoned with.”

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TALKING BUSINESS PHOTOS BY NICK FREEMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

FACTFILE: MK:U COMPANY BACKGROUND: The original concept for MK:U came out of a report by the Milton Keynes Futures 2050 Commission. The independent commissioners identified that one of the top priorities for MK in the future was to have its own residential university. Cranfield University was appointed five years ago as the higher education partner to Milton Keynes Council, to help deliver the project. For the time being, MK:U is a collaboration with Cranfield University but the longer-term plan is for it to develop its undergraduate offering so that it can apply for its own degree-awarding powers and eventually become a university in its own right, with Cranfield as its postgraduate partner. COMPANY DESCRIPTION: “We are innovators, aiming to shake up the way that people think about university education in the UK. In the same way that Milton Keynes itself is a smart city testbed for new technologies, such as delivery robots and autonomous vehicles, MK:U is about rethinking what university is for and what it should deliver. It’s just very, very different. The pace is very fast at MK:U and we have a strong culture of ‘can do’ and of challenging the status quo.” JOINING THE CHAMBER: “I look after many local stakeholder relationships for Cranfield and for MK:U so I’ve known of the Chamber for some time. It’s important to us to work with businesses; the Chamber helps us connect, particularly with smaller businesses. We’d love to see Chamber events taking place at MK:U!”

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TALKING BUSINESS

DESIGNING A NEW EDUCATION MODEL Professor Lynette Ryals, chief executive of MK:U, talks to InBusiness about the challenges - and successes - of launching a brand new university. It’s pretty unusual these days, to say the least, to start a based learning so that learners work on business challenges university from scratch. and learn to apply their knowledge to those; we use But MK:U is a forward thinking and unusual concept – it is authentic assessment based on activities such as reportdesigned with and for business. A collaboration with writing or presenting, rather than traditional exams; and we Cranfield University, Milton Keynes Council and local partners, have ‘hard-wired’ learning about professional skills into all the MK:U new model of university focuses on undergraduate our courses. education, in fields where businesses find it particularly “That makes us very different to traditional universities but difficult to recruit, including digital, management, and cyber. extremely relevant to business and future careers, which is The brand-new offering, based in Bouverie House on our real differentiator. Silbury Boulevard, right in the heart of Milton Keynes city “We are not a traditional university, but MK isn’t a centre, offers degree apprenticeships in digital technology, traditional city. It’s proud to be different.” data science, cyber security and management as well as So what makes an MK:U student? entrepreneurship courses. “We are interested in people with curiosity and And despite only welcoming their first cohort in innovation,” says Lynette. “People should think about us if September 2021, MK:U are already working with business they are interested in new technologies. We need people partners including Santander and BAE Systems on the who want to tackle business problems and use development and marketing of these courses. technology to address some of those problems. MK:U chief executive Professor Lynette Ryals “We are about working in collaboration with OBE is rightly proud of all that her fledgling business and helping future workers to gain ‘I’M PROUD team have achieved in such a short time. a broader experience to take with them She said: “We’ve done incredibly well to through their working life. THAT EVERYONE get off the ground in a period of enormous “We are very strong believers that IN THE MK:U uncertainty and change. That’s down to education is about developing the whole TEAM HAS A having a motivated, energetic team. MK:U individual, not just technology skills, so has taken on some talented people, given we’ve built a broader portfolio of VOICE’ them substantial responsibility even if they are professional skills in all our courses providing young for that role, and then encouraged and our learners with commercial skills, people supported them to make a success of it. skills and project management skills to provide a “I’m proud that everyone in the MK:U team has a more rounded experience.” voice, everyone can make their views heard, and everyone is Part of MK:U’s mission is to help to fill the national skills valued for their ability and their contribution.” gap in digital and new technologies, both of which are key The team have also recently opened an Innovation Hub at industry focuses in Milton Keynes. MK:U, in partnership with Rockwell Automation and the MKAI Soon, new apprenticeships will also be available in other network, to offer support, facilities and education for wouldfields including robotics, where MK:U is driving the UK’s be entrepreneurs, particularly smart city and smart living development of a new degree apprenticeship. technologies. “We are developing our offer all the time and are looking For both these initiatives MK:U been helped by South East at other apprenticeships, short courses, bootcamps and, in Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP), who have the near future, full-time and part-time degrees.” provided capital funding. Within the next 12 months, MK:U want to look at plans for Lynette said: “In most universities the Innovation Hub is short courses and bootcamps so that people can skill up separate from the student body but here we have the two rapidly, especially in digital subjects; and start offering more activities in the same building so our learners can interact apprenticeships in technical and business topics. with the entrepreneurs. Lynette plans to have 200 students enrolled by the year “The boundary between work and education is really end. She said: “We are just coming up to the second intake blurred here. Working with businesses is part of our DNA. We of our Data Science degree apprentices and it’s great to see ask what businesses need in order to inform and design our the numbers growing strongly. This is an area of national courses. skills shortages so we are proud to work with businesses to “One of the first things we did was to build our business help them recruit school leavers and career changers to take supporters group to 117 members and we work particularly on these highly-skilled and well-paid roles. We are also closely with them. We’ve really got to make sure we’re gearing up for our first intake of Cyber Security degree providing those vital skills for businesses to flourish.” apprentices who will start in January 2023.” Lynette joined Cranfield University 25 years ago as a By 2027, the team have ambitious aims to scale up teaching fellow and PhD student. Since then, she has been student numbers, gain registration with the Office for executive MBA director; set up the MSc in Strategic Students, and launch engineering, robotics and design Marketing; head of department; the first woman to be Dean courses. of the School of Management and pro vice chancellor Lynette added: “We’ll also need to find a permanent home education. She has spearheaded the MK:U project for that will have room for current students and expansion space Cranfield since its inception. for the future. That will certainly keep us busy! I know that as She says that while starting such a huge project hasn’t we grow we will have an increasing ripple effect on the local been without its challenges – the MK:U team has been agile economy.” in adapting and shaping education programmes that are already delivering results for learners and their employers.” If any businesses are looking to recruit or grow their own Lynette said: “We have designed all our curriculum around digital or cyber security talent, contact the skills needed in the workplace. Everything uses problemmku@cranfield.ac.uk AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 inbusiness 23

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: GROWING YOUR BUSINESS

IN THE SPOTLIGHT THE BENEFITS OF CERTIFICATION The world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company SGS UK Ltd has given some insight in to how certification can help grow your business. For many businesses, working to industry recognised frameworks will help to ensure in house systems are fit for purpose, as well as improve customer satisfaction, reduce costs and increase income. ISO 9001 provides a Quality Management System that defines the way you operate to meet the needs of your customers and stakeholders maximising quality in everything you do. Managing your health and safety effectively will reduce costs and enhance your reputation. ISO 45001 will provide an Occupational Health & Safety Management System for you to work to, day in day out. To ensure you are considering the wider world we live in as part of your everyday business activities, ISO 14001 offers an Environmental Management System for you to continuously review your current activities against. ISO 50001 is all about Energy Management, helping you to drive efficiencies in the business and improve your energy usage. SGS UK Ltd’s regional sales executive Helen Muggeridge said: “Your customers’ demands for purchasing products and services are ever increasing. Quality and value for money are important, but they also want to understand your environmental strategies, know your data management policy and be sure you’re an ethical employer..” For more information on how SGS United Kingdom Ltd call 07717 438312.

This issue’s spotlights are on the GROWING YOUR BUSINESS and CREATIVE INDUSTRIES sectors in Milton Keynes

A MASTERCLASS IN NATURAL SKINCARE Award-winning skincare company Naturally Tribal Skincare have marked their first anniversary of being stocked in Harrods Beauty Milton Keynes by launching a brand-new facial range and hosting an in store masterclass. Naturally Tribal Skincare founder Shalom Lloyd delivered the masterclass on ancestral beauty, where she led customers through the company’s journey and how they bring ancestral beauty to the fore, through the ingredients chosen for each product to the naming of each range. Shalom said: “The support we received from our local community was incredible, with a great ‘THE SUPPORT number of people showing up to attend our event, including our WE RECEIVED Mayor and Deputy Mayor. FROM OUR LOCAL “We have come a long way COMMUNITY WAS Shalom conducts the from our humble beginnings in in-store masterclass INCREDIBLE’ my kitchen and continue to grow. Over the past few years, we have mastered the amazing barrier that is In March, Naturally Tribal was selected as one our skin from the neck down. With the of 20 UK companies to attend the Dubai Retail expansion of our pipeline, we are now Summit, where the team met global business leaders, battling the neck up, starting with MIMO! buyers, retailers and distributors. “SMEs are the backbone of the economy and 2022 is Naturally Tribal has recently been selected as becoming that year in which we are establishing our Department of International Trade Export Champions brand as a ‘backbone’ of our newly crowned city, Milton for a third consecutive year and are excited to continue Keynes.” to expand and grow.

A DISRUPTIVE WAY OF THINKING Dunore Utility Connections, a Northampton-based utility and connectivity startup, has achieved rapid growth since its launch thanks to the disruptive thinking of its founders. In July 2021, Tim Carroll and Jon Newsham joined forces to challenge the traditional working practices and standards that have “long plagued the utility industry”. Since then, the consultancy has developed a reputation as a trusted partner for construction and development companies across the UK. The utility duo has appointed five new team members to meet the continuing client demand and to elevate its service. As a direct response to significant success in the North of England, Carroll and Newsham

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Tim Carroll (left) and Jon Newsham

have appointed Liam Percy as project manager who will lead operations in the region. Jon said: “Core to the sustainable growth of the consultancy has been challenging the complex rulebook that has long plagued the utility industry. It is no secret that utilities are inherently complex and in such a fragmented and disjointed industry, a single

point of contact saves time, stress and unforeseen costs.” Tim said: “We are proud to not just be surviving, but thriving in what has been a rapidly evolving and rocky time for the power and utilities sector. “We are immensely proud of our ever-growing team who bring a wealth of multi-faceted expertise to the consultancy.”

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: GROWING YOUR BUSINESS

HOW TO GROW YOUR CREATIVE BUSINESS FAST A principal accountant at Hillier Hopkins has put forward four strategies on how to grow your creative business. James Johnson (pictured) believes that to grow a creative agency, agency chiefs will want to consider introducing a strong incentive programme, flexible premises, funding options and growth via merger or acquisition. He said: “Staff will often want more than a pay cheque and offering financial incentives, such as share options, can be a powerful tool in attracting and retaining staff. “Premises are a significant overhead, but a valued tool in fostering creativity and building an inclusive culture. Don’t overstretch your finances with restrictive leases and explore all funding options including government grants and private investors.”

Each of these options will have financial and tax consequences and it is advisable that creative agencies take advice before acting. James said: “Milton Keynes is home to some fantastic creative businesses, from small marketing and communications agencies to larger digital media companies. But growing an agency, where people are your primary asset, can be a real challenge. “There is no doubt that the demand for the services of creative agencies is high, the government estimates the size of the sector in the UK at almost £120bn and growing every year. Yet it is also clear that creative agencies face considerable challenges – finding and keeping talent being one issue.” Visit www.hillierhopkins.co.uk

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CREATIVE INDUSTRIES: INBUSINESS

NICK OPENS NEW STUDIO Popular professional photographer Nick Freeman has opened his second studio space in Northamptonshire. Nick, of Nick Freeman Photography, has built his successful reputation from his original studio in Corby for the past five years, but decided to launch a second space alongside the first after beginning the hunt for an office. Nick said: “I’ve been using the corner of my dining room as an office space for the last few years and really wanted to find somewhere that would give me a dedicated space for editing and client face-to-face meetings that didn’t involve a car journey. This new split-level space gives me room for a meeting area downstairs and a studio gallery upstairs, which has floor to ceiling glass creating a really lovely bright airy space.” The new studio is situated in Rothwell and is smaller and more personal than the first. The picturesque town also offers a great backdrop for lifestyle type shoots, offering clients a wider range of options. This gives the

creative two very distinct and different areas to shoot in. Nick said: “My original studio is essentially just a box but that brings great benefits as you can make it whatever you want it to be. It’s quite big though when you just need a small spot for a headshot and some clients felt a bit intimidated when they came in. I wanted to be able to offer another option. “I’ve never had a natural light studio which is the new studio’s key feature. It is a fantastic, relaxed environment without the intrusion of flashes.” Nick creates professional headshots for individuals in all industries, as well as actors, singers and models and video clips. Nick’s commercial photography helps firms refresh their brands, and he also offers editorial photography for magazines, newspapers, press releases and end of year reports. For further details on headshots or any other commissions, email hello@nickfreemanphotography. co.uk or call 07971 434463.

‘A FANTASTIC, RELAXED ENVIRONMENT WITHOUT THE INTRUSION OF FLASHES’

DEVON REACHES AWARDS SHORTLIST Generation Z Marketing’s sales and marketing manager Devon Luffrum has been shortlisted in the National Business Women’s Awards 2022 in the Business Hero category. Nominated by her colleague, Devon said the nomination was “an honour to be recognised for such an award in my growing career”. Generation Z Marketing, or known as Gen Z, sees this nomination as a reflection of the three pillars they hold in their endeavours: knowledge, time, and creativity. Business frontwoman Devon’s role is to engage with her potential clients regarding how Gen Z can benefit their marketing aims, focusing on social media marketing. Since the talented business figure joined the Generation Z Marketing team, Devon has engaged with businesses in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas and supported two apprentices within the

business to balance education and work. Devon has acted as a mentor for these individuals, guiding them in their creative mindset and duties in their respective roles, supporting them with their independent studies and learning to take on new responsibilities within the business. To vote for Devon to win, visit nbwa.awardsplatform.com/ entry/vote/gnJqoGaz

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TRAINING & EVENTS

TRAINING COURSES Call the Training Team for more details on 01908 733082 or email training@chambermk.co.uk

SALES & MARKETING THE ART OF NEGOTIATION Date: Cost:

14 September (half-day) Members £150 + VAT Non-members £199 + VAT This workshop is suitable for anyone working within a sales role. It will help to develop your negotiation skills, exceed your financial goals and deliver more profits into the business. This workshop will give you the understanding of planning and preparation and recognising behaviours and tactics used in negotiations.

SEO: THE IMPORTANCE OF ONLINE MARKETING AND HOW TO UPDATE YOUR WEBSITE Date: Cost:

27 September (half day) Members £150 + VAT Non-members £199 + VAT Suitable for any business owner/marketer, who is looking to broaden their understanding of what Google looks for, how to present your website in the right way and how updates to website pages technically, as well as the content, can help achieve the maximum results. Updating your website is crucial for achieving top rankings against competitors!

MANAGEMENT AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSERTIVENESS SKILLS Date: Cost:

6 September (full day) Members £249 + VAT Non-members £319 + VAT At some time or another most of us give in to people in authority or to those who are dominant or difficult. It stops us achieving our own goals and can leave us feeling inadequate, stressed and angry. This course identifies the behaviour patterns that lead to these situations. You will practise a new set of behaviour patterns to enable you to be in control in interpersonal situations.

HOW TO HOLD DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS Date: Cost:

20 September (half-day) Members £150 + VAT Non-members £199 + VAT This course will help staff 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 attitude, what makes a conversation difficult and how to approach a difficult conversation.

CONFLICT MANAGEMENT Date: Cost:

28 September (full-day) Members £249 + VAT Non-members £319 + VAT This one-day course has a mixture of theory and practical exercises designed to help you create more effective outcomes when dealing with situations. By the end of this course, delegates will be able to understand and appreciate why conflict exists, know how to deal with difficult situations, have the tools to diffuse conflict before it arises and have an appreciation and understanding of the other person’s point of view.

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THE BUSINESS TOOLKIT EMERGENCY FIRST AID AT WORK Date: Cost:

15 September (full-day) 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. In addition, as part of the course students are assessed to ensure they understand and would be able to fulfil the role of first aider within their workplace.

FORECASTING AND BUDGETING WITH SME Date: Cost:

21 September (full-day) Members £249 + VAT Non-members £319 + VAT

The purpose of this course is to delve into the detail of forecasting and budgeting techniques in the context of SME businesses. Delegates who attend this course will benefit from an enhanced accuracy of forecasts and budgets, understanding the difference between budgets, forecasts and targets. Better performance management and more accurate analysis, leading to better commercial decision-making and therefore profitability.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE CUSTOMS PROCEDURES, DOCS & RULES OF ORIGIN Date: Cost:

21 September (full-day) Members £319 + VAT Non-members £389 + VAT This course covers the key information required to understand:

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TRAINING & EVENTS The CHAMBER EVENTS TEAM has worked hard to adapt and deliver a new format of events, increasing the range and availability of our schedule.

EVENT IN FOCUS SPEED NETWORKING • Organisations involved in International Trade • What is an export? • International documentation and key information • Rules of Origin • Customs Compliance, HMRC – their role, Export Declarations, Customs Procedures • Import Duties, AEO, Audit, Phased Import Easements, NI Trade

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Don’t panic! We offer a wider range of bespoke courses that can be tailored to meet your exact business needs. Contact us at training@ chambermk.co.uk or call us on 01908 733082 to see how we can help.

If you’ve heard of speed dating, you’re going to love speed networking – a great way to get build new business relationships when you don’t have much time to spare. The Kingfisher Hotel & Country Club in Deanshanger, MK will be the venue for the next speed networking event on 7 September between 11am and 1pm. During the session, each delegate has one minute to pitch to their group before

moving on to the next speaker. Groups constantly change throughout the two-hour session, allowing you to make connections with even more businesses. The event is open to Chamber members only and tickets cost £15 plus VAT. To book, please visit chambermk.co.uk/events or call 01908 733082.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS WOMEN WITH VISION PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT SESSION WITH MHAIRI RICHARDSON Date: Time: Venue: Cost:

10 August 10.00 – 11.00 Online via Zoom Free to attend - WWV members only

NEXT GENERATION – TIME OUT TUESDAY Date: Time: Venue: Cost:

16 August 2022 12:00 – 12:45 Online via Zoom Free to attend – Next Generation Chamber members only

MAXIMISE YOUR MEMBERSHIP Date: Time: Venue:

17 August 2022 08.30 – 10.00 Cynthia Spencer Donation Station

Cost:

Free to attend, members only

CHAMBERLIVE PANEL DISCUSSION – HYBRID WORKING, DOES IT WORK? Date: Time: Venue: Cost:

14 September 11.00 – 12.00 Park Inn, Northampton Free to attend – open to all

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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

Philanthropy Manager Emily Purchase presenting new Corporate Members ‘Romanelli’s Pizza’ with their certificate

SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY Milton Keynes Community Foundation are urging local businesses to help transform lives across the city by becoming a corporate member of the charity. From as little as £250 per year, MK firms can become corporate members, making an annual contribution to the Community Foundation’s Child Poverty Fund. There’s an estimated 10,900 children living in poverty in Milton Keynes. Philanthropy manager at MK Community Foundation, Emily

about getting people involved to Purchase, said: “Our Corporate Members play a vital part give something back, and in making Milton together we can achieve Keynes a fairer such wonderful things. community. Their Not only do our ‘IT’S ABOUT Corporate Members support enables GETTING us to fund so support charities PEOPLE many local and groups directly community through an annual INVOLVED TO groups doing donation, they gain GIVE SOMETHING really vital work a big awareness of BACK’ what’s going on in our in the city. “The term community.” There are many benefits philanthropy means love of humanity – it’s businesses can enjoy as a

corporate member, including regular networking events, 20% off a meeting room booking in Margaret Powell House, and inspiring visits to local projects that have been funded. Find out more about corporate membership, or other ways you can get involved, such as volunteering opportunities, by visiting mkcommunityfoundation. co.uk/giving/corporate-giving or call the team on 01908 690276.

TREE PLANTING PLANNED FOR MK UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Cllr Amanda Marlow, Mayor of Milton Keynes

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Rotary MK are working with the landscaping team at MK University Hospital to purchase, plant and grow three mature flowering trees in a patch of grass surrounding the staff car park. The celebratory tree planting is part of the Queens Green Canopy project to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee, but also is a symbol of thanks to the NHS staff for their unstinting work. The trees are Golden Rain Trees (Koelreuteria Paniculata) which have pendulous, bright yellow blossoms in the spring and lantern like fruit in the autumn with vibrant autumnal leaf colours.

Rotary MK have purchased the trees following advice from Marta Davis, grounds staff at MKUH. The trees will be planted on 29th September, in the company of the hospital’s CEO, Joe Harrison and, pictured, Mayor of Milton Keynes, Cllr Amanda Marlow, Honorary Member of Rotary MK. A plaque will be planted in recognition of Rotary MK’s celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The event is part of a continuing relationship between Rotary MK and MKUH. In the past two years the club have planted 4,000 crocus corms around the Cancer Centre.

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MEMBER ZONE

YOUNG PEOPLE SHARE PHOTOS Photographs taken by young people illustrating how they feel about the newly built YMCA Milton Keynes formed an exhibition that is part of ongoing research by the University of Northampton (UON). Photovoice – which ran at MK Gallery during the month of June – showcased photographs taken by young people who live at YMCA Milton Keynes. ‘A UNIQUE The images OPPORTUNITY TO explored the SHARE THEIR challenges the youngsters faced EXPERIENCES before arriving at WITH THE WIDER the YMCA, their COMMUNITY’ feelings about the campus and the impact of the support they receive. The photos were accompanied by recorded conversations, telling their stories, homelessness and housing including origami making and how insecurity in the city one woman uses boxing to build The UON research will illustrate her confidence and manage findings from an evaluation feelings of anger. assessing the social impact of YMCA After moving into their new Milton Keynes’ new service and its building in March 2020, YMCA short and long-term outcomes on Milton Keynes are creating a new young people aged 18-35 years. approach and service to better Tao Giroletti, researcher in social support a growing number of innovation & impact, is the project’s young people experiencing

A photograph from the exhibition

lead. She said: “I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this experience with the Photovoice participants, but we all came a long way. They taught me so much about their journeys and who they are, and how powerful working on ourselves can be. “Being able to participate in this research is making me very proud

of what I do, so I want to thank the participants, YMCA and the MK Gallery for making this possible.” Simon Green, CEO of YMCA added: “We are really proud of our residents who have taken part in this project. This is a unique opportunity to share their experiences with the wider community in Milton Keynes.”

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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 HEALTH PLAN Provided by Westfield Health, Chamber Primary Health Plan can give members cover from just £6.13 per employee, per month.

CHAMBER PROTECTION NAME: Wani Olatunde COMPANY: Wani Olatunde Photography JOB TITLE: Owner and creative director

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.

WHAT DOES YOUR ORGANISATION DO? We help entrepreneurs and small businesses create modern and authentic marketing images that help them stand out from the crowd, increase their brand awareness, and attract their ideal clients. We offer a range of solutions including headshots, personal branding packages, team shots and custom stock photos.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

HOW DID IT ALL START? I started off with weddings but soon saw there was a desperate need for modern professional portraits. Supporting fellow business owners, giving them the confidence to step out from behind their business and start to build their personal brand, which ultimately grows their business, is truly fulfilling.

WHAT’S YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR? I’m very proud to have celebrated 10 years in business recently. But one of my “pinch me” moments still has to be photographing acclaimed novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie a few years back and my portrait of her being used for her published short story Zikora.

WHAT KEEPS YOU AWAKE AT NIGHT? Like any other business owner, it would have to be growing the business and making sure I am maximising my potential and exploring all available opportunities.

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST RISK YOU’VE EVER TAKEN – AND DID IT WORK OUT? It would have to be going full time as a photographer in the first place. I was a career investment banker but when I had my first child and struggled to balance motherhood, banking, and photography, I made the decision to “pursue my passion”, which gave me the flexibility to be the type of mother I wanted to be.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT? Ooh, so many hard-earned lessons. But I’ll start with: know your numbers, understand your why and surround yourself with likeminded people who believe in your capabilities. Stay far away from the naysayers and anyone who causes you to doubt yourself.

WHICH BUSINESS PERSON DO YOU MOST ADMIRE? My role model is a photographer and educator called Sue Bryce who single-handedly brought back a whole genre of photography. Over the years, she has shown us the importance of building a business that works for your life and more importantly how to do it.

WHAT EXCITING PROJECTS IS YOUR ORGANISATION WORKING ON? We have a very exciting campaign coming up, which will be focusing on celebrating women in business and shining a spotlight on the diverse range of local businesses and business owners.

WHY DID YOU JOIN THE CHAMBER? I’m relatively new to the Milton Keynes area, so I thought the Chamber would be a great way to get to know other business owners and build new relationships.

Call: 01908 973190 Email: wani@waniolatunde.com Visit: waniolatundeportraits.com 32 inbusiness AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

CHAMBER FOREIGN EXCHANGE The British Chambers of Commerce has partnered with exchange experts, moneycorp to provide money saving foreign exchange to Chamber members. If you have international payment requirements moneycorp can help you save hundreds, thousands, even tens of thousands of pounds every year. Key exclusive benefits for Chamber members include: • Bank-beating exchange rates – typically as much as four per cent better than the banks • Expert market guidance at the end of a phone - moneycorp’s professional currency dealers can guide you through the foreign exchange market • Fast online money transfers 24/7 – trade at convenient times with online accounts and liverate information • Safeguarded client funds – moneycorp is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority to provide payment services and safeguards all client funds in segregated customer accounts. Chamber Foreign Exchange will assess your exchange rates, transfer fees, speed of payments, the impact of currency movements on your payments, credit terms and online capabilities. For more information on Chamber Foreign Exchange contact Patrick Solley at patrick.solley@moneycorp.com

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MEMBER ZONE

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MEMBER ZONE

‘WE OFTEN LEARN AND DEVELOP MOST EFFECTIVELY IN THE COMPANY OF FRIENDS AND PEERS’

SUMMER EVENT IS A SUCCESS Next Generation Chamber hosted its first ever summer barbecue and networking on 16 June. The inaugural event, which will be an annual occasion after its initial success, was held at Northampton Active in Bedford Road. Next Generation members and nonmembers from all sectors came together for an evening of celebrations to mark the fifth anniversary of the organisation’s support for young business professionals. Next Generation Chamber provides a platform for aspiring fledging entrepreneurs in the region to help them grow and develop through a series of exclusive monthly events, alternating between networking events and personal development sessions.

Guests enjoyed an inspiring speech from sponsors Wilson Browne Solicitors as well as plenty of food and festivities. Northamptonshire Chamber and Milton Keynes Chamber deputy CEO Julie Maclennan said: “Next Generation Chamber reflects the

NEW MEMBERS Generation Z Marketing MILTON KEYNES 01908 049903 www.generationzmarketing.co.uk Focussing on social media marketing for businesses, to increase social presence, improve market-share, raise brand awareness and to drive profit Harry’s Rainbow MILTON KEYNES 01908 061676 www.harrysrainbow.co.uk Supporting children and young people in the Milton Keynes and surrounding areas, who have been bereaved of a parent or sibling Issured MILTON KEYNES 01908 470888

www.issured.com Staying secure in a digital world Lumin Wealth Management Limited ST ALBANS 03300 564 446 www.luminwealth.co.uk A modern chartered financial advice and investment firm who have been consistently ranked among the top advisers in the UK Wisetek UK Ltd MILTON KEYNES 0330 912 2210 www.wisetek.net Global provider of end-to-end IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) & Manufacturing Services. Leaders in the Circular Economy

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core belief that we often learn and develop most effectively in the company of friends and peers, with obvious benefits for employers in the creation of more confident, knowledgeable and better networked staff. “Our first summer barbecue was to celebrate our fantastic members and all that they achieve through our career development sessions and networking events. I look forward to it becoming a regular fixture on the business calendar.” To find out more about Next Generation Chamber membership contact us on 01604 490490/01908 733082 or email us at info@NextGenerationChamber.co.uk

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