inbusiness Milton Keynes Dec 22 Jan 23

inbusiness

THE

VOICE OF MK BUSINESS CONTACT DETAILS

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

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VIEWPOINT PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR OUR MEMBERS

As this magazine hits your desks, we are just a couple of days away from our popular MK Business Showcase, which is taking place on Thursday 24 November.

We are proud and delighted to be able to present such a fantastic event for the Milton Keynes business community, in which our members and guests are able to network and share best practice with likeminded individuals at Kents Hill Park Training and Conference Centre.

If you’re looking to meet, connect and forge new contacts with businesses across the area, then this one is for you. It is the perfect opportunity for local firms to showcase the wealth of opportunities, products and services available across the region.

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: The Digital Future First team See pages 18-19

COVER PHOTO: Nick Freeman Photography

ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE: in business 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.

And if you’re reading this after 24 November, don’t fret! We hold the MK Showcase twice a year so there’ll be another one to follow after Christmas.

Talking of the festive season, it is just around the corner, and we also have our Christmas charity lunch to look forward to on 8 December at the Northampton Marriott. Here, we will raise much needed funds for our incredible Chamber charity Harry’s Rainbow, who provide bereaved children with the support they need today, for a brighter tomorrow.

We are working hard to project your voice in the corridors of power with our regular PolicyHour sessions. Firms across the country face crippling rising costs from energy to labour costs, but it is really positive that businesses throughout our region continue to attend our PolicyHour sessions to ensure that the Bank of England's decision-makers are kept abreast of the current challenges for local businesses.

The discussion saw the Monetary Policy Committee Member listen intently to the concerns of businesses, from a range of sectors, who spoke about how tough it is out there for firms within the region.

Ultimately, businesses across the patch want to see a longterm plan that gives them the confidence to invest in their growth. We all appreciate that there hasn’t been a ‘normal’ period for the economy for many years and that short-term measures have been required but it’s vitally important that a strategy starts to emerge to help give businesses and investors confidence.

The Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce will continue to amplify the voice of business to decision makers throughout the UK. If we can be of any help to you at all, please get in touch.

FOLLOW MILTON KEYNES CHAMBER AT:

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

in business 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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At the Chamber, the new year will see the launch of our new inbusiness magazine – merging the Northamptonshire and MK editions of our flagship publication.

The magazine is already in development –look out for it coming your way in February.

Best wishes, Louise Wall CEO, Milton Keynes Chamber

CHAMBER BUSINESS PARTNERS

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

apprenticeships, and Milton Keynes College Group (MKCG) and RMF Construction already have vacancies ready to be filled. The two are long-term partners and they have already identified numerous individuals ready and willing to grasp the opportunity.

MKCG is recognised as one of the most respected providers of prison education in the country. Its staff work in 19 prisons across England making it one of the largest providers in the sector and one of the longest serving, having been involved for more than 27 years. Over the past three years the College Group’s Employment Academy programme has helped more than 700 exoffenders into jobs.

CEO Sally Alexander has decades of experience in the sector having previously been in charge of prison education services.

been encouraging the MoJ to allow prisoners to take the apprenticeship route.

She said: “I’m delighted that we are in a position to get started right away thanks to a lot of planning in conjunction with RMF, who are a really forwardthinking company.

“All the evidence shows that people coming out of prison are significantly less likely to reoffend if they have work to go to.

“Access to apprenticeships will mean they can start working, learning and earning, virtually from the day they’re released, paying taxes and becoming contributing members of society. That’s good news for everyone.”

Initially, only prisoners who are eligible for release on temporary licence (ROTL) will be able to start apprenticeships, but it’s hoped that if it proves a success, the scheme may eventually be made more widely available.

CONFERENCE CENTRE WELCOMES JON-PAUL

Meet Kents Hill Park Training and Conference Centre’s new director of sales, Jon-Paul Earles (pictured).

Responsible for maximising sales opportunities through structured sales planning and actions and providing amazing client experience, Jon-Paul is already thoroughly enjoying his new role.

The venue, in Kents Hill, Milton Keynes, offers 300 bedrooms, 70 meeting rooms and 420 free parking spaces and hosts numerous business functions and events every year.

Jon-Paul, who is a huge F1 fan, said: “I’m just seven weeks into my journey, but so far, the people have been the standout factor here –everyone has been very welcoming during my induction period and got me up to speed very quickly. I can see why we have so much repeat business.

“Each day can be varied and fast-paced, researching business opportunities through proactive sales and marketing. Activities include business development phone calls, building relationships, attending networking events, and social media posts. Providing a business solution to event agents and direct clients both virtually and in-person.”

Contact Jon-Paul at 01908 356911 or jon-paul.earles@thevenues collection.co.uk. Alternatively, visit www.kentshillpark.com

Sally Alexander

CROUCHERS EXPANDS WITH LUTON OFFICES

Chartered accountants and business advisors Crouchers Ltd are continuing their expansion from the Midlands to London down the M1, opening new offices in Luton.

The new branch will headed up by Wajh Khan, who has been promoted to associate director, and will offer the same excellent service as the Crouchers offices in Milton Keynes and Wellingborough.

The Audit and Assurance team is strengthened with the appointment of Zubair Arshad who has joined as senior audit and assurance manager.

Zubair has over 15 years of extensive experience in audit and advisory roles with Big 4 Accountancy firms including KPMG in Milton Keynes.

Further appointments include Benjamin Croucher and Adam Froom who have joined as apprentice audit and accounts trainees on their paths to becoming chartered certified accountants.

The Crouchers Apprenticeship Scheme has been a huge success to date and due to the shortage of good candidates, especially in the audit sector, the firm intend to continue to train their own auditors, accountants and tax specialists via the scheme in the future.

The team recently celebrated James Day’s seven years of dedication to Crouchers Ltd and will also soon mark James Morris’s seven years at Crouchers. James joined as

an apprentice and is now a valued manager of the Cloud and Digital Solutions team.

Darren Croucher said: “Crouchers is proud to announce the opening of a new branch in Luton, expanding our services to residents in and around the area.

“As always, we strive to provide the best possible service to our

clients, and this new branch will allow us to better meet your needs whatever they are.

“We are delighted with the recent growth of the team and the expansion of our offices, both of which are testament to the hard work of our whole team, who are the lifeblood of our organisation.”

NEW MEMBER IN THE SPOTLIGHT

PARTNER PROMOTIONS

MERCER & HOLE

Accountants Mercer & Hole has announced 28 promotions across the firm, including two partners and five directors.

Alice Pearson and Jamie Wooldridge are promoted to partner and Andrew Dean, Tom Pollard, Edward Ellis, Clare Hopkins and Simon Coggins are promoted to director. A further 21 promotions are made across the firm at all levels. The firm now has 24 partners and over 240 staff across its offices in London, Milton Keynes, St Albans and Rickmansworth.

Commenting on the promotions, the firm’s managing partner Paul Maberly said: “Mercer & Hole is a peopledriven firm. We take great pride in the support we offer to our people, whether starting or building a rewarding and fulfilling career. I would like to congratulate Jamie

and Alice on their promotion to the partnership and to all those who developed their careers at Mercer & Hole.”

Alice Pearson is a partner in the Private Client team and works alongside successful entrepreneurs, wealthy individuals and their families, and trustees. She advises on all aspects of personal tax and has a strong reputation on guiding international families on the statutory residence text and associated tax issues.

Jamie Wooldridge is a partner in the Audit and Business Advisory team. He works with businesses and their owners helping them grow and thrive and has built a strong practice working alongside technology businesses in Milton Keynes. He joined the firm in 2012, was promoted to director in 2016 and leads the firm’s Audit Technical Committee.

New Chamber member Equinox Consulting Ltd is hoping that joining the organisation will help to increase its customer base.

The IT consultancy firm has recently taken on three new recruits, as well as onboarded large retail and recycling businesses onto their books over the summer.

The new clients add to Equinox Consulting’s already diverse customer base, which covers companies from a variety of sectors, including business, local government and education.

Managing director Dawn Coupe said: “We aim to provide excellence as standard and aim to grow to be a market leader in the software consultancy arena.”

Darren Croucher

Dawn Coupe

Alice Pearson

Jamie Wooldridge

INVESTING IN E-LEARNING

VBMS Training are offering a new easy start up online hosting solution that’s ideal for businesses wanting to introduce eLearning to their teams and/or customers. Also a simple solution for larger business wanting to offer external training to smaller groups, such as remote teams or overseas distributors for example.

VBMS Guest Hosting Platform enables businesses to provide online training content in a fully functioning professional Learning Management System (LMS) offering full trainee tracking, email enrolments/reminders, automated reporting and bulk user data upload, and all this very cost-effectively, based on the number of trainees targeted.

Stewart Hall, managing director at VBMS, said: “We know getting started is often the hardest step for many organisations anticipating a complicated set up and significant investment in a platform which prevents or delays them from training online. Now it’s super easy to test the water without a big investment in an LMS, allowing businesses to take a first step immediately to offer training to colleagues and customers so they can see for themselves the benefits; time saved, less travel & CO2, greater flexibility with 24/7 availability, ultimately reaching more trainees instantly and more easily!”

Following a successful trial, it’s then easy for clients to transition from guest hosting to upgrade to an own branded platform within the VBMS realm or to invest in an LMS of their own.

VBMS Training would love to speak to you. For a quick demo please call them on 01280 735 007 or email hello@vbms.co.uk

Milton Keynes’ Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with Swoop to help members get a better energy deal. Swoop is built to get customers better deals on finance and musthave business products including insurance, bank accounts - and energy.

It’s quick and easy to upload your bills to the Swoop platform and put your business on a state-of-the-art tracking system to let you know whether you’re getting the best deal. You’ll see all your options with a market summary of fixed rate deals.

Swoop can also help you free up cash kept in escrow. And if your business is going through change, a revolving credit facility could be the flexible solution you need.

Andrea Reynolds, CEO and founder of Swoop, said: “We

believe that you should never accept the first offer that comes to you. Our experience with this customer shows that when you hold out for a better deal and know your options, you can usually find room for movement.”

Looking at the bigger picture, Andrea says that there may be other schemes that businesses can take advantage of in the

coming months: “The mini budget has been divisive, but there are usually opportunities in every change, and this is no exception. For businesses that are looking to grow, there are several new avenues of increased allowances and reduced costs that will mitigate some of the worst of the cost-of-living crisis and inflation we are currently going through.”

Visit: swoopfunding.com

EAC Consulting Group have been named Milton Keynes Business of the Year and Best Sales & Commercial Recruiter – South East England, by the

The Milton Keynes-based recruiter are proud to add these two awards to their already impressive portfolio of previous award wins such as Best Specialist Recruiter at the 2020 Prestige Awards, and Best Sales & Commercial Recruiter – South Midlands at the SME News Awards back in 2021. These wins alongside their 200 plus Google Reviews have led to the business becoming the recognised brand for recruitment locally.

With the introduction of a temporary Recruitment offering, where EAC provide short term staff to local employers, the business have gone to strength to

strength as they have been able to offer full service recruitment to both clients and candidates. EAC’s vision is to become a “one-stop-shop” for all acquisition needs locally, whether businesses need a sales professional to take their revenue to the next level or someone to support in the warehouse temporarily during a busier period.

It is this full service and consultative approach that has led to EAC becoming market-leader locally, as the business aims to not only support clients in filling vacancies, but providing a better, more service led approach to recruitment where both clients and candidates receive a better experience, with these recent wins evidencing this. EAC are excited to continue supporting MK businesses as we move through the rest of 2022.

Southern Enterprise Awards, and Corp Today Magazine respectively for 2022.

Stewart Hall

EAC team

Andrew Moon, head of business at Swoop EAC Team

The publishers of leading business newspapers Business Times and Business MK have added a new string to the company’s bow after agreeing a partnership with the organiser of two major annual business exhibitions.

Pulse Group Media, which also publishes the lifestyle magazines MK Pulse and NN Pulse, has joined forces with Your Business Expo and will co-host exhibitions in Northamptonshire.

“Joining forces to organise these exhibitions is a logical bolt-on to our current publishing business in print and online,” says Pulse Goup Media director Kerry LewisStevenson. “There is so much synergy with what we are already expert in and, in the current climate, diversification into a complementary sector makes an awful lot of sense.”

Your Business Expo is run by Sheila Smith. She launched a networking group back in 2010, from which evolved the Northamptonshire Business Expo. It continues to attract dozens of exhibitors from all over

Northamptonshire and beyond and has enabled Sheila to launch Business Expos elsewhere in the UK, including in Leicester.

“We have known Sheila Smith for some time and know that she is hugely respected in the exhibition sphere,” said Kerry. “When the opportunity came up to team up with her on the exhibitions, we felt it was a chance not to pass up.”

Sheila will continue to contribute to the expos as a consultant. She said: “I have been running the expos for some 12 years now and feel that it is time for them to benefit from a fresh set of eyes and ideas.

“I am delighted that Pulse Group Media have come on board. They are hugely respected regionally for the quality of their publications and online offer and I have no doubt they will bring the same level of quality, positivity and innovation to the expos. We cannot wait to get started.”

Kerry Lewis-Stevenson and Sheila Smith

TONY MAKES LIST OF

Local independent financial adviser and chartered financial planner Tony Byrne (pictured) has recently been recognised as one of the toprated financial advisers in the UK.

He received 39 reviews from clients between January and September 2022 with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 on the review site Vouchedfor. This qualifies Tony to be included in the 2023 Guide to Top Rated Financial Advisers which will be distributed nationally in The Times in March 2023.

The guide is the biggest consumer-facing campaign of its kind and sets out to help build public trust in the advice. This is important at a time when fuelled by

ongoing economic uncertainty, consumers are spending more time than ever researching advisers.

Vouchedfor is a highly reputable review comparison site for consumers. All reviews are verified for authenticity and are based on three categories of advice, service and value.

When asked to comment Tony said: “I am absolutely chuffed to achieve this rating once again. It is of course testament to my fantastic team who give me great support. Without them, this recognition would not be possible. I consider the rating to be as much a reflection of my team’s support as anything. They are what makes Wealth And Tax Management a great company to work for.”

RECRUITMENT DRIVE FOR MANUFACTURER

A Milton Keynes-based manufacturer is expanding its team with a recruitment drive for a number of new roles.

Cerulean is a manufacturer of quality assurance and quality control test equipment for manufacturers globally in a range of industries including food, tobacco and packaging.

The company has more than 130 employees around the world. They design hardware, develop their own software and manufacture all items

in the UK and then support the installations through their network of engineers who are located in more than 10 countries. Their sales team are also located close to customers to allow close relationships geographically.

Cerulean continue to develop solutions for ever changing markets and have recently launched a number of machines to meet these needs.

The Orion, uses a sophisticated vision system to measure the physical size of pouches along with a new technology to measure the moisture levels using capacitive resistance.

Cerulean have also recently launched a spares website to allow our customers easy access to order consumables, upgrades and repair parts for their machines.

For more information about the career opportunities at Cerulean visit: www.cerulean.com/en

Following the success of the free taster meetings, the Whittlebury Park Peer2Peer board is going from strength to strength, with full board meetings happening on the third Thursday of every month. The meetings typically run from 8.30am through until 1pm.

Board chair Peter Woods (pictured), a successful business coach based in Towcester, said: “I am really delighted with the start we have made at Whittlebury Park. We have some fantastic members who are wholeheartedly embracing what we look to achieve in our meetings. Our members are encouraged to be open about the challenges they face in their businesses and as we operate a strictly confidential policy, we have some fabulous and inspiring conversations that provide real value.”

The board welcomes guests and prospective new members and Peter went on to add: “We welcome new members with open arms as we are always looking to add to the amazing quality in the room. I am happy to speak with anyone who is be interested in joining our group.”

For more information email peter.woods@peer2peer.global or give Peter a call on 07919 368514 to learn how Peer2Peer can help you to be Bold be Balanced and be Brilliant.

Cerulean production

Cerulean building

A PLAN TO MANAGE YOUR PEOPLE

Business owners were able to create a transformational people plan for their workforce in the first ever business workshop of its kind in Northamptonshire.

The one-day People Plan seminar, delivered by HR Solutions, saw entrepreneurs explore the key employment areas affecting their business and then create an achievable, useful strategy to take away, in the new, pioneering project.

HR Solutions trainers Terry Hayward and Victoria Templeton –both qualified, chartered members of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Developmentworked with delegates to tackle critical questions such as:

• Do you know what the biggest challenges and risks are facing your business?

• Do you know how you can get your people to reach their full potential to maximise their contribution to the business?

• Do you know that a strategic people plan can transform your organisation?

The delegates completed a workbook throughout the day, as well as participated in group discussions.

Each person’s answers formed a tailored, strategically focused, people plan specific to each business, which they were able to take away.

SQUARE PEGS AND SQUARE HOLES –RECRUITMENT SKILLS TRAINING MATTERS

In response to demand from its broad range of clients, Northampton-based training company Beyond Theory has designed a Recruitment and Onboarding training course that hits the spot. Delivered in a halfday, this training equips managers at all levels with the skills they need to hire the very best people to fill their vacancies.

Director and senior consultant Paul Beesley explained: “Everywhere I go, people are struggling to attract and recruit the right people for their business. After undertaking a training needs assessment, we designed a high impact training course to give people the skills they need to get square pegs into square holes. Our training

covers the entire recruitment processes from start to finish. It’s made a number of companies and organisations re-visit their existing recruitment processes.”

Paul added: “These days it’s a buyer market. By this I mean that employers need to re-think about who’s buying and who’s selling. Until there is a significant change in the job market, employers need to think about their brand as an employer rather than just how they present themselves to their customers.”

What does Paul mean by square pegs and square holes? “Cultural fit is key,” said Paul. “This is why our training is working so well for our clients. We very much advocate hire on will and train on skill. Getting the right person is essential and

In his role as HR and Training Consultant at HR Solutions, Terry uses his extensive knowledge and 20 years’ experience to support his own dedicated client base, and to

develop, implement and roll out a wide range of Management Development training.

Victoria has 25 years’ experience in Human Resource Management having worked in HR outsourcing, financial services and insurance, the travel industry and education. She is HR Knowledge Manager at HR Solutions and is responsible for HR content management.

Victoria said: “The People Plan workshop was a huge success, with delegates from large corporations and SMEs, with a mix of clients and prospects in attendance.

“The event helps businesses to identify their key challenges and risks as well as provides practical guidance on how to create a strategically focussed people plan, which can be instrumental in your company’s success when done correctly.

“We want to help people to transform their organisation through maximising their people potential.”

The People Plan workshop is suitable for business leaders, those working in HR as well as those involved in strategy and project management.

For more information about upcoming HR Solutions seminars visit www.hrsolutionsuk.com/upcoming-seminars

prevents problems downstream. Our training covers how to prepare and ask the right questions.”

But interviewing is not the only element that requires focus and attention. Paul explains: “There’s a temptation to say once the interview process is concluded the job is done. No way. Our training covers how to manage the risk of people not joining before they start because of counter offers and other issues

that may arise. The onboarding process is key.”

For more information on Recruitment and Onboarding training and employee engagement best practice then visit: www.beyondtheory.co.uk or call 01604 212505.

‘WE WANT TO HELP PEOPLE TO TRANSFORM THEIR ORGANISATION’

We’re all now familiar with the cost of living crisis - how households are struggling to keep up with bills and afford the rapidly rising cost of food, fuel and other essentials.

But there’s another crisis, similar to the struggle households are going through, which is dramatically hitting businesses, and that’s the ‘cost of doing business’ crisis. Firms across the country are being confronted by rapidly rising costs of vital raw materials, fuel, wages and, of course, energy.

Many businesses simply don’t have either the spare income, or the spare savings, to manage such instant and dramatic increases.

WHAT’S CAUSED THIS?

The current price inflation is one of many impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, which interrupted supply chains, clogged manufacturing, and created the global delays that are being seen years later.

This has been worsened by worldwide issues such as the conflict in Ukraine, and the continuing Covid-19 lockdowns in China, which have also increased prices.

Battered businesses now face a stark choice – whether to pass on the increases to their customers, or to try and absorb these new expenses to keep prices down.

A POSITIVE STEP FOR BUSINESSES

In order to cope with these dramatic cost increases, firms need to get a grip on their expenditure. Unexpected bills are the last thing they need in this current climate – and in particular energy bills are a significant worry for a lot of bosses.

There’s some good news though –installing a smart meter is a positive step in taking control of business outgoings. Once installed, energy readings will be sent directly to the supplier, bringing an end to estimated bills.

That means that businesses will only pay for what they use –and some energy suppliers may also offer an in-home display screen, to show exactly how much energy is being used. A handy way to bring an end to shocks at the end of the month!

Firms with 10 employees or less could be eligible for a smart meter. To find out more visit here https://bit.ly/3NUWnZF

You can also contact your energy supplier or broker.

An event held at the Marriott Hotel in Northampton has offered support to local firms to help them weather the current economic storm and come out of it in a stronger financial position.

The Quarterly Planning Day event, run by Northamptonshire finance experts N-Accounting, was part of a series of workshops created to equip business owners with the information needed to grow a profitable business and provide a 13-week action plan to achieve goals.

The day covered how to build customer avatars, success stories from quarter three (Q3) and a reflection on areas a business should focus on in order to grow and scale, as well as objectives and actions needed for the next quarter.

It also included interactive sessions from recruitment expert Eileen Pacey, who took to the floor to talk about how successful businesses are currently growing their teams and attracting the best candidates, as well as serial entrepreneur Dipesh Patel, who guided guests through the various businesses he has run and how he found the winning formula.

N-Accounting managing director Nishi Patel added: “Our Quarterly Planning Days are a great opportunity to bring a team together and get focused on your goals.

“Business leaders must take chances to work on their business rather than it in and we provide that opportunity with guided support, allowing

entrepreneurs to network with likeminded people, prioritise development needs and form achievable goals.”

The next Quarterly Planning Day takes place on Wednesday, 7 December at the same venue and will see management consultant Mhairi Richardson facilitate a session on how to create a management team, so you can focus on business development instead of firefighting.

Tickets cost £45 + VAT per attendee. For more information visit www.n-accounting.co.uk or call 01604 330129.

Peter joined the firm’s Northampton office as trainee in 1989 and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1993. He became a Chartered Tax Adviser in 1996 and was made Partner in 1999.

He said: “After more than 30 years, I have decided it’s time for a new adventure and I’m looking forward to a much-needed change of pace! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Moore and have had the pleasure of working with some incredible colleagues and clients.

“I’m very fortunate to be able to retire early, which is only possible because we have such a strong team in place, and I know that I’ll be leaving my clients and the firm in good hands.”

Managing Partner Nick Bairstow said: “Pete has made an enormous contribution to the firm over the past 33 years and will be much missed.

“The whole team at Moore wish him a very long and happy retirement and all the best for the future.”

Entrepreneur Daniel Lockeron will also be a guest speaker at the event, telling the inspirational story of how he went from a one-man band to the head of an eco business with more than 15 people in the team in just four years.

After a career spanning more than 33 years, Northamptonshire accountant Peter Simons (pictured) has retired from his role at Moore East Midlands.

Nishi Patel presents the workshop

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

After five years of preparation, The Customs Declaration Service (CDS) is the new long-term replacement for the current CHIEF (Customs Handling Imports and Export Freight) platform –replacing a system based on paperwork with a digital platform.

Customs Agents will need to learn the CDS Data Elements and completion rules, which will completely replace the now obsolete Single Administrative Document SAD form, or C88, the Electronic Accompanying Document EAD and all the old reports such as the E2 or the S8.

CHIEF closed its e-doors for import declarations on 30 September 2022, and will close for export declarations on 31 March 2023.

Chamber Customs instructors are hands-on and have been busy at the forefront of CDS testing and development since its beginning, working closely with HMRC, software developers and CSPs. They are among the first agents in the UK to submit live import and export declarations on CDS.

Chamber Customs are now offering a four-day Customs Clearance Agent training course is dedicated to customs agents who need to learn about completing import and export custom declarations in CDS.

The training is instructor led and delivered online with a remote package comprising e-learning modules, four days of practical classroom, simulations, and access to postcourse examples and support. The is no previous knowledge required for the course.

The modules include theory framework of Customs Declarations, a full explanation of all Data Elements of CDS declaration and post clearance activities.

By the end of the training, delegates will be able to understand the systems and actors involved in a Customs Declaration and different customs regimes.

They will also be able to apply the correct customs procedure to a given scenario, explain the impact of different representation types on

the parties and use the tariff to understand the measures applicable to a commodity.

Finally, the course will enable participants to declare measures on a customs entry, file a customs declaration as per a given scenario and amend incorrectly filed customs declarations.

The course is structured in an Export Module and an Import Module and is interactive training with plenty of space for practical application.

You will have the opportunity to practice inputting declarations on the training system, working from set scenarios with the instructors’ support.

For those who would like to become a Customs Clearance – Accredited Agent, The British Chambers of Commerce has defined a formal syllabus and developed a formal qualification specific for Customs Agents. It’s the first specific customs clearance exam in the country. The exam is externally certified by APMG; a UKAS recognised, international accreditation body.

For more information visit www.chambercustoms.co.uk/trainingcourses customs/cds-customs-clearance-agent-training

THE FIRST PLACE TO GO FOR ADVICE

inbusiness speaks to Digital Future First about the work being done to support small and medium sized businesses in Milton Keynes and its plans for the future.

In business, it’s not often that you get something for nothing. But specialist business support advisers in the South East Midlands are currently working tirelessly to provide free access to various business growth opportunities such as Government Business incentives, grants and a range of funded and part funded training.

Digital Future First is a business advisory service for Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire, which is free at the point of delivery. The project, which is part funded by the European Social Fund, is led by Supplyant Limited, and codeveloped in partnership with dbfb and the Learning and Skills Academy CIC.

Digital Future First’s sole aim is to inspire and inform SME businesses in the region about business growth through accessing grants and training opportunities. The project provides targeted support and guidance for UK business leaders looking to improve.

Tony Knaggs, managing director of Learning and Skills Academy CIC, said: “The whole purpose of Digital Future First is to make employers in the region aware of what is available in terms of resources, funding, incentives and grants and how to access them.”

Between the directors of the three companies – Supplyant, dbfb and Learning and Skills Academy CIC – the trio have more than 50 years of business experience.

Supplyant are digital marketeers, dbfb are experts in technology and LSA are leaders in public sector projects.

Tony added: “We are all SME owner managers ourselves and being small businesses, we understand small businesses and the challenges and problems they face. But it’s an ongoing

challenge as it’s not a simple message because it depends what each company need. Once we’ve spoken to a business and found out the need we can then deliver.”

However, the biggest challenge for Digital Future First was the timing of its launch. The project began in July 2020, right in the middle of the Covid pandemic, which caused some major problems for the delivery of the service.

“It was really difficult,” admitted Nick Morton, director of Supplyant. “People were so busy dealing with the challenges Covid posed to their business that they weren’t in a position to talk about their future as they were having to deal with the now. Training staff wasn’t the top of their priority list, which is totally understandable, but now we are in a perfect spot to talk about the future of business.

We want to advise people who are not heavily focused towards using digital in their business to help develop their staff and their bottom line. These are the key businesses we want to reach as that’s where they will be able to see significant improvements with our help.”

Digital Future First senior business adviser Vicky Clark and her colleagues have already engaged with more than 500 local businesses since the project began two years ago. Of those, around 200 have successfully used the service.

Vicky said: “The main areas we cover are recruitment, apprenticeships and training, as well as addressing skills gaps, offering digital bootcamps, marketing bootcamps, and webinars. In the next 12 months I want us to go above and beyond to try to hit as many new businesses as we can across the region. We’d like to have contact with most of the employers across the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership area of Northants, Beds, and Milton Keynes.”

There are over 40 different funded or semi-funded programmes in the area - and that’s just the Government department ones. Each programme has different eligibility criteria, with specific opportunities for business start ups or businesses in the community, for example.

Digital Future First often engage and work alongside other local business support organisations such as the North Northants Business Network, Federation of Small Businesses and the Chamber of Commerce to raise awareness of the project, which runs until December 2023.

They regularly hold joint networking events with the Chamber and hope to engage with another 300 employers at least by the end of next year.

Nick said: “The very simple message to business owners is that support is available. It’s not at a distance, this is a 1:1 consultative approach that normally you would have to pay for and this is for free. We are not aiming this at high tech companies. We are aiming it at companies who have struggled with technology, and we want to transform their business to one that is comfortable with technology.

“We are not in the business of giving away huge grants but I think the benefit is, for me, that if a company really engages with us and with digital, which is the name of the project, then we can really make a difference.

The Digital Future First team at work

‘WE ARE AIMING IT AT COMPANIES WHO HAVE STRUGGLED WITH TECHNOLOGY, AND WE WANT TO TRANSFORM THEIR BUSINESS’

“Tech and talent are the two key drivers in best performance. If you have the talent which is covered by making sure you train people and you have the tech to leverage that, you should be in a good spot.”

Using Digital to help your business in terms of operations is very different from using digital in terms of marketing or training, but Digital Future First are able to support in all these areas.

A lot of the training available is entirely online in terms of delivery, which can be a big advantage to businesses in terms of workforce productivity and can make opportunities much more inclusive for people as they don’t need to get to college daily or use a car or public transport that will cost them money.

Nick believes it is about keeping an open mind but understands the opportunity – although suitable for all – is not necessarily a universal fit. He added: “We see innovators who say this is exactly what I’ve been looking for, and those who don’t want to do it. But as long as we’ve put ourselves in front of them and said we are there to help, then I think we will have done a great job.”

The next Digital Future First networking events will be held on 17 November at The Forest Centre, Marston Moretaine, Bedford, and on 24 November at Kents Hill Park Training and Conference Centre, Milton Keynes.

To find out more about Digital Future First, visit www.digitalfuturefirst.co.uk

TALKING BUSINESS

PHOTOS BY NICK FREEMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

FACTFILE: DIGITAL FUTURE FIRST

WHO ARE WE? Digital Future First was established in 2020 after a successful bid by Supplyant, dbfb and Learning and Skills Academy to work together using government funding to support local businesses. The project runs until December 2023.

WHAT DO WE DO? Digital Future First is designed to help small and medium enterprises across the local enterprise partnership to understand what grants, incentives and training programmes are available –many of which are funded - and help them access them.

WHY DID WE JOIN THE CHAMBER? Tony Knaggs said: “Digital Future First is a member of all Chambers of Commerce across the Local Enterprise Partnership. The Chambers have got over 2000 members between them and it gives us access to those employers to help strengthen the businesses who are part of the Chamber and make them aware of all that is available to them.”

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

THE MODERN APPROACH TO RECRUITMENT

When Working Solutions Recruitment first opened their doors in 1997, hiring managers would receive a paper copy of a candidate’s CV via fax machine and almost all interviews were conducted in person.

Over the past 25 years, the recruitment industry has changed drastically. As the world around has modernised – so has recruitment.

Recruiters now liaise with candidates on LinkedIn, share their CVs via email and can conduct the interview process entirely virtually. Technology has allowed the modern recruiter access to a much wider range of candidates. This, paired with the onset of hybrid working (an unlikely benefit of the pandemic), has meant companies can now recruit a truly diverse workforce.

In July 2022, Working Solutions Recruitment celebrated their 25th year in the industry and Sheelagh Ratcliffe (pictured, inset), managing director, reminisced on the last quarter century. She said: “The way we recruit has changed incredibly over the past 25 years. With modern technology at our fingertips and access to the latest reporting on salary benchmarking and industry expectations as recruitment consultants we can offer more support than ever to companies looking to build their team.

“However, despite all this modernisation our fundamental goal remains the same; to place the right people in the right roles.”

This issue’s spotlights are on the RECRUITMENT & HR and HEALTH & SAFETY sectors in Milton Keynes

BUILDING A GREAT COMPANY CULTURE

Is your company culture benefiting everyone? Award-winning Towcester HR consultancy Haus of HR believes that a business with a strong company culture knows where it’s going.

Founder Rachel Collar said: “It has goals that everyone understands and a plan for how to reach them. People are doing work they enjoy, using systems that work, and being led by managers that have the same values and truly want their people to succeed. This makes for engaged, happy and productive teams.”

Rachel added that this means businesses are more productive and your clients are happy and keep coming back to you time after time.

A great company culture is not only good for staff retention either. She said: “When you create a company culture that people identify with and that aligns with their own core values and beliefs, you’ll also attract the right people to the business when you’re hiring.

And it makes it easier to choose the right people to work for you, because you’ll understand exactly the kind of person you’re looking for.”

Rachel added that it’s not always easy for companies to prioritise working on their culture. But it doesn’t have to be difficult either. Once you understand where you are at the moment, and where you want to be, it’s a relatively simple process to drive your business in the right direction. And when you get there, your company culture should maintain itself and be so strong that it simply can’t be influenced any other way.

Haus of HR has launched a free new business owner’s guide to company culture, which details what it is, why it’s important, and how you can create a culture that benefits everyone.

For more information visit hausofhr.com or call 01604 261380.

‘THE WAY WE RECRUIT HAS CHANGED INCREDIBLY OVER THE PAST 25 YEARS’

Rachel Collar

How you hold on to your people in a time of crisis is crucial. One of the best ways to ensure that you reduce your recruitment costs, time to hire and time lost to stress is to ensure that your people feel like staying with you.

How do you do this without causing stress and burnout and increasing your sickness rates?

Employee engagement is a much-mooted phrase, but what does it actually mean and how do you get it working?

Having an employee engagement strategy is key, it has to be understood and implemented by leaders, managers and team leaders.

Engaging with your people is the crucial part. It isn’t just about sending out surveys and asking questions. Surveys that have a low response rate because no-one believes that anything will be done with them. Responses that don’t get actioned because no-one looks at them and no-one is empowered to change anything.

“Really engaging and knowing your people is key,” said leadership coach, Della Judd (pictured). “That means talking to people, understanding their situations and what makes them tick.

“The middle management layer is often the key to engagement success because they are the people talking to your people daily. Investing in them to ensure that they have the skills and tools available to them to communicate, collaborate and connect is a gamechanger for business owners.

“Are your middle managers getting the coaching, training and development they deserve? Or are they

a crucial layer that is currently being overlooked?”

Della specialises in coaching individuals and teams in human leadership, wellbeing and creating a positive team culture and is a champion of flexible and hybrid working.

Visit: www.dellajudd.co.uk

It has been a busy year for Acanthus Management Limited, which has moved to a new office and formalised a new service in 2022.

After 14 years of offering outsourced HR services to clients in Northamptonshire and surrounding area, director Maggie Halsall (pictured) has officially begun offering mentorship to clients.

She said: “Although I’ve been a mentor and critical friend for my clients for a while, 2022 saw me formalising my offer. The discipline sits comfortably beside my generalist HR and performance management work and as a result, the business has matured in a different way to previous years, with the support of existing and new clients alike.”

Supporting business owners on their corporate journey has also given Maggie the impetus to review her own personal and business goals, as well as personal development plans.

Maggie added: “The year hasn’t been all work though. Other than putting the finishing touches on my new office, seeing people in a social setting has meant that when people relax and start to chat, you both realise that a critical friend can really help focus the mind and make a tangible difference.”

Call: 07799 251852

Email: maggie@acanthus-management.co.uk

Events bring people together and boost staff morale

USING EVENTS TO BOOST RETENTION

Keeping good people on board is key to ongoing business growth and success. So, HR professionals are looking for increasingly creative ways to navigate an ongoing climate of staff and skills shortages. And, according to Sarah Threlfall, MD of BrightSpace Events, they’re coming up with some exciting ways to ramp up their staff engagement and retention efforts.

“Businesses are putting more time and resources in to ensuring that their people feel valued,” Sarah explained. “And, what better way than events for bringing people together and boosting staff morale?

“After all, events have been used for a long time as a way of encouraging client retention. And now they’re being used more and more as a staff retention tool.”

And Sarah pointed out that there’s something to help all businesses to make meaningful connections with their employees, regardless of employee demographics and budget.

“A young entry level team will appreciate a night at the Escape Rooms or cocktail making at Revolution,” Sarah continued. “Whereas, a ‘money can’t buy’ experience, like a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon, or seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland, might be more effective for firing up a senior sales team. Additionally, the traditional awards dinner dance at a glitzy hotel or venue continues to be wildly popular among many companies.”

Speak to Sarah Threlfall or Emily Higham at BrightSpace Events for event ideas to deepen employee loyalty.

A leading asbestos management consultancy is urging retailers in Milton Keynes to put the safety of their staff and customers first following a rise in the number of high street stores failing to manage asbestos in their premises.

As the busiest time of the year approaches, Acorn Analytical Services is urging retailers to protect the safety and wellbeing of those around them by checking for the presence of asbestos in any sites built before 2000. In premises where asbestos has been found, surveys should be carried out regularly to ensure it has not been damaged or fractured.

Failure to do so could be deadly, putting staff or customers at risk of mesothelioma, a cancer

RISKS OF

caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibres, as well as costly fines.

Director of Acorn Analytical Services, Neil Munro said: “A number of retailers have received hefty fines from the Health and Safety Executive recently for not managing their duty of care around asbestos management.

“Many of our towns and cities are dominated by units which were built well before the ban on asbestos was introduced and it is essential that retailers and landlords check for the presence of asbestos if they are not sure.

“The number of retailers contacting us about site surveys and audits has increased which is great, but we cannot be complacent – if you need advice please get in touch with us today.”

Acorn Analytical Services is the only asbestos management consultancy in the region which is fully accredited by the UK Accreditation Services (UKAS). For more information visit www.acorn-as.com or call 0844 818 0895.

A dynamic duo has strengthened the team at a Northamptonshire based health and safety firm.

Essential Safety have welcomed two new health and safety consultants to the fold, Jane Piper and Lauren Gibson, taking the staff total to 14.

Jane Piper joins Essential Safety after working in several health and safety roles in large organisations including the NHS, Balfour Beatty Workplace and Engie.

She specialises in acute healthcare, facilities management, retail and distribution.

Jane is qualified in SMSTS, Level 3 in Training Principles and Practice, Level 3 in Principles of Safeguarding and Protecting Young People or Vulnerable Adults, Lead Investigator Industrial Accident Investigation and Face Fit Testing.

Lauren Gibson has more than seven years of experience in health and safety in manufacturing, engineering and warehousing.

Lauren has attained the NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety, and earlier this year she completed the NEBOSH Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety

which means she has now achieved Grad IOSH status.

The new appointments were warmly welcomed by Dean Howells, managing director at Essential Safety.

He said: “We are delighted to have Jane and Lauren join the Essential Safety family. Both are extremely knowledgeable and talented add itions to our team and we look forward to seeing how they thrive.”

Essential Safety is an established Health & Safety consultancy with offices in Corby and London. Its team of experienced and IOSH qualified consultants support and advise clients in a broad range of industries and sectors, including construction, education, manufacturing, warehousing and distribution.

The company offers a wide range of service s including policy writing, risk assessments, auditing, accident investigation and a ‘Competent Person’ to support businesses, from SMEs to larger corporations.

Essential Safety also provides CDM and Principal Designer services to clients, designers and contractors.

Visit: essentialconsult.co.uk

Jane Piper

Lauren Gibson

The team of directors at Acorn Analytical Services, from left: Neil Munro, Paul Knights, Sam Savage and Ian Stone

TRAINING & EVENTS

SALES & MARKETING UNDERSTANDING YOUR DIGITAL FOOTPRINT (HALF DAY)

Date: 1 December 2022

Cost: Members £150 + VAT

Non-members £199 + VAT

This workshop is designed to help the delegate understand the digital footprint they are creating and leaving in the public domain, how to protect the content you are sharing and using your digital footprint to your benefit. This workshop would be suitable for anyone across all departments in the business who are using the internet and social media.

EFFECTIVE TELESALES SKILLS (FULL DAY)

Date: 18 January 2023

Cost: Members £249 + VAT

Non-members £319 + VAT

An effective telesales call is not just about picking up the phone and “going for it”; to win business and achieve your call objectives it needs to capture your prospect’s attention, immediately build credibility and quickly develop a relationship. This workshop is designed to show you how to do this by demonstrating a clear understanding of the essential attitudes, skills and methods which are vital for effective telesales that will have an immediate impact on the business.

MANAGEMENT AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSERTIVENESS SKILLS (FULL DAY)

Date: 17 January 2023

Cost: Members £249 + VAT

Non-members £319 + VAT

At some time or other 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.

TRAINING COURSES

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

Follow us on Twitter @ChamberMK

DAYS)

SUCCESSFUL SUPERVISORY MANAGEMENT (TWO

Date: 25 & 26 January 2023

Cost: Members £498 + VAT

Non-members £638 + VAT

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

MANAGING MENTAL HEALTH AT WORK

(FULL DAY)

Date: 31 January 2023

Cost: Members £249 + VAT Non-members £319 + VAT

This course raises awareness of mental health and how it can vary amongst the workforce, the course explores how to build resilience, share information and tools to support people in the workforce. It identifies what mental health means and how stigma can affect mental health. This course is suitable for any business owner, senior management, and leadership teams.

BUSINESS TOOLKIT FORECASTING AND BUDGETING WITHIN SME

(FULL DAY)

Date: 24 January 2023

Cost: Members £249 + VAT

Non-members £319 + VAT

The purpose of this course is to delve into the detail of forecasting and budgeting techniques into 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

UNDERSTANDING

COMMODITY

(HALF DAY)

CODES

Date: 12 January 2023

Cost: Members £199 + VAT

Non-members £249 + VAT

Suitable for complete beginners or experienced operators who feel the need to refresh their knowledge. This course looks at understanding Commodity Codes, why they’re needed, and who is responsible. Several practical exercisesare included in this course to ensure attendees have a strong understanding of Commodity Codes.

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 CHRISTMAS CHARITY LUNCH

Date: 25 January 2023

Cost:

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

SPEED NETWORKING

Date:

Date:

MEMBER ZONE

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

Members of the GSSArchitecture team took part in the Lakes 24 Challenge in

Lake District

CAFE WELCOMES HYBRID WORKERS

MK Gallery is welcoming local hybrid workers to its central Milton Keynes cafe.

The cafe boasts different sized tables, depending on how much space you need, free Wi-Fi and electricity sockets.

It offers drinks choices for all tastes and a varied menu, as well as a light, airy and creative space for blue-sky thinkers.

Andrew Papworth, head of events and catering, MK Gallery, said: “Recent circumstances dictate that our working day is not what it used to be – the tidy 9-5ish at the office. Many of us can now work wherever we can get a signal, and a coffee.

“Here at MK Gallery Café, we have an ideal space for workers who want a change of scene but still require charge points, refreshments and internet access. And when the work is done, you can relax with a cheeky close of play beer, glass of wine or cocktail.”

FIRM TAKES ON LAKES 24 CHALLENGE

Members of the team from all five offices got together to face the challenge; one of the most demanding mountain walking challenges in the country that requires individuals to scale 24 of the highest peaks within a target hiking time of 24 hours.

The total route mileage for the 24 peaks is around 30 miles, but the elevation and height gain make this far from easy, and many say that the challenge is tougher to complete than the national three peaks challenge. The team walked 29.5 miles with 11,660ft of ascent (47.5km and ~3,554m of ascent) in just 24 hours of walking time.

Jonathan Hunter, partner at GSSArchitecture and Team Captain for the challenge, said: “At GSS, we love to push ourselves in everything we do, whether that be projects or staff challenges. It’s important that members from our five offices have the opportunity to get together throughout the year and if we can raise money for charity whilst we do it, then even better! This was not an easy challenge but I’m proud of our team members that took part and the amount of money we have raised for such a great cause.”

So far, GSS has raised an impressive £4,000 for Macmillan. The practice was honoured to design and deliver the new Macmillan Cancer Support Centre at Kettering General Hospital which completed earlier this year. The centre, which is the first of its kind in Northamptonshire, will be used by people who are living with, or are affected by, cancer and will offer them support, resources and therapeutic services.

Milton Keynes-based architects, GSSArchitecture, took part in the Lakes 24 Challenge in the Lake District to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The café at MK Gallery

‘THIS WAS NOT AN EASY CHALLENGE BUT I’M PROUD OF OUR TEAM MEMBERS THAT TOOK PART’

the

GETTING THEIR FOOT IN THE DOOR

Management Consultancy firm

Tinderbox has recently helped a local business, The Foot Health Clinic, to grow their business in the Milton Keynes region.

The clinic is typical of many small businesses operating in niche markets. As the business volumes grow, the demands of resourcing, materials (supply chain), leadership, management, communication, processes and business administration all start to ramp up and take more of the business owner’s time.

Tinderbox helps small businesses, like the clinic, with these challenges and prepares the business to stay one step ahead all the time.

Ian Taylor, regional director at Tinderbox said: “I’ve really enjoyed working with Nicola and The Foot Health Clinic. We first met when I sought treatment having dropped a large PA speaker on my big toe. We chatted about my job while I was being treated (which took my mind off the scalpel) and that ultimately led to a request for

Taylor at The Foot Clinic

Tinderbox to help.

“We undertook a thorough analysis of the business and identified the areas that needed to be addressed to enable the business to grow successfully. I’m

often asked what sort of business we help, and the best answer I can give is – any business that asks for our help - as the clinic did.

“The clinic is a local small business who wanted help and we

were immediately able to engage and put together an implementation and action plan. Helping business with growth plans is one of the many areas where we have strength in depth.”

‘I’VE REALLY ENJOYED WORKING WITH NICOLA AND THE FOOT HEALTH CLINIC’

Ian

MEMBER PROFILE

NAME: Angela McCall

COMPANY: McCall (Media) Group Ltd

JOB TITLE: Director/entrepreneur/visionary

WHAT DOES YOUR ORGANISATION DO?

We help small and medium sized businesses to level up their digital marketing strategies and online website presence through our regular McCall Studio design services. In 2022 we launched McCall Events and, new for 2023, luxury high-profile networking events.

HOW DID IT ALL START?

In 2019 I had the vision of launching a limited company and despite Covid popping along I stuck to my guns and went live with McCall (Media) Group Ltd in the April.

WHAT’S YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?

Hosting my first ever B2B Conference and Exhibition. Hosting something like this for the first time is not for the faint hearted, but it gave me a huge boost into the corporate events world.

WHAT KEEPS YOU AWAKE AT NIGHT?

In true entrepreneurial fashion, cashflow and letting those who depend upon me down. While my business is growing rapidly, money is being invested back into the business as quickly as it’s generated and that means things can get a little tight at times, but I’m loving the journey and wouldn’t have it any other way.

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST RISK YOU’VE EVER TAKEN – AND DID IT WORK OUT?

Deciding to host the largest B2B Conference and Expo Milton Keynes has seen for a decade, a year after the pandemic, while juggling day-to-day clients, kids and puppy, a new team and the instability of energy crisis, doing 12-plus hour days to manage it all and bringing together.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT?

Be prepared to hustle hard, there is always a solution to a problem.

WHAT EXCITING PROJECTS IS YOUR ORGANISATION WORKING ON?

We are a couple of months out from hosting our first B2B Expo and Conference, which was rescheduled due to the Queen’s funeral, so I’ve had to rebuild the entire marketing journey for the second time.

WHY DID YOU JOIN THE CHAMBER?

The Chamber’s reputation, calibre of members and their ethos is exactly what my business needed when launching.

Call: 01908 973 975 Email: info@mccallgroup.ltd Visit: www.mccallgroup.ltd

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

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.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT CHAMBER REFERRAL SCHEME

Did you know that if you recommend your Chamber, you can get £50 off your membership renewal price?

We’re offering all our members £50 off their renewal cost every time a company they recommend joins the Chamber.

The referral scheme not only rewards members, but gives them the chance to help grow the Chamber community and welcome new businesses.

For more information and to see our full terms and conditions, visit www.northants-chamber.co.uk or call the team on 01604 490490.

‘I’M

HORWOOD HOUSE HOTEL LAUNCHES

The newly refurbished Horwood House Hotel has launched a new menu for the winter season.

Perfect for corporate lunches or work dinners, Harry’s Bar & Kitchen, based near Little Horwood, offers unique British fare expertly created by Executive Chef Will Dimartino and his team.

The new menu at Harry’s places the spotlight on quality ingredients, working closely with local growers and producers in the UK. Tasty dishes include ox cheek

croquettes with smoked garlic aioli, sharing boards of charcuterie from Cobble Lane, teriyaki Loch Duart salmon, and beautiful cuts of meat seared on the charcoal oven.

The hotel also offers private dining in designated rooms in The Library or Burton Suite, which are ideal for up to 12 guests.

REPORTING ON THE COMMUNITY

Vital Signs is an international initiative supported by many UK Community Foundations.

Milton Keynes Community Foundation creates an annual publication designed to summarise current research on the local communities of Milton Keynes and present it in an easy-to-read summary.

It aims to identify significant research that reflects the vitality of Milton Keynes, measuring several areas critical to the quality of life in the city. This includes Health and Wellbeing, Poverty and Disadvantage, Work and Education.

Using the information from the annual Vital Signs Report, the foundation can then look at the types of grants they are able to give out to Milton Keynes-based charities and organisations that come under and support these categories.

The report also helps the organisation to guide donors and fundholders to specific areas of the vital signs that may benefit most from their generous donations.

This year, Milton Keynes Community Foundation will be celebrating 10 years of the Vital Signs Report.

To celebrate, they will be launching the report with an exciting exhibition in Centre:MK’s Middleton Hall from 10 January 2023. This will give members of the public the opportunity to learn more about some of the charities and community groups that the organisation have funded over the last decade.

Government legislation now states it is unlawful to grant a new tenancy or extend an existing lease for a property with an EPC rating of F or G. There will be financial penalties for not complying with the legislation. The legislation will also extend to all existing commercial leases from April 2023.

If you need some assistance reviewing your EPC then please get in touch and we can help you. Act today and it may save you time, aggravation and a lot of money.

If your property is vacant or you are considering changes, this often provides the perfect opportunity to make alterations now to conserve energy and enable you to improve the EPC rating.

To find out how Robinson & Hall can help you, contact Robert Franklin, Head of Architecture & Building Surveying on 01234 362917 or email rjf@robinsonandhall.co.uk

The newly refurbished Horwood House

NEXT GENERATION PROFILE

NAME: Caitlin Plimmer

COMPANY: hireful

JOB TITLE: Marketing executive

BACKGROUND – TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOU!

I started with hireful in April 2021 as a marketing admin apprentice. Having now finished my apprenticeship, I have begun my marketing degree apprenticeship with Nottingham Business School.

WHAT DOES YOUR JOB INVOLVE?

I work as part of the marketing team to shout about our awesome products and services using a variety of channels including social media and email marketing, as well as events and conferences.

WHY DID YOU JOIN NEXT GENERATION CHAMBER?

I think it’s a great opportunity to network with people from other local businesses which has

proven to be incredibly useful so early on in my career, and I also get to attend lots of really useful and fun events.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE NEXT GENERATION CHAMBER EVENT AND WHY?

I really enjoyed the networking event which included talks from Kevin Rogers and Reemesh Patel, who both discussed their career journeys. Hearing both of their stories and the advice they had to give was really inspirational.

WHICH NEXT GENERATION CHAMBER MEMBER DO YOU ADMIRE? WHY?

I’ve learnt a lot from so many of the Next Generation Chamber members, but I really admire Jess Leech from Wilson Browne Solicitors. I met her at a Chamber networking

NEW MEMBERS

Bosch CyberCompare

UXBRIDGE 01895 838918

www.cybercompare.com/en Provider of independent platform for comparing and sourcing cybersecurity solution and service

Business Doctors

MILTON KEYNES 01908 714532 www.businessdoctors.co.uk

Advisor and mentor dedicated to help business owners achieve their vision by helping them plan their strategy and focus on the key elements needed for their vision

Changing Futures Ltd

NORTHAMPTON 07812 917003

Commercial specialists delivering public sector contracts, and providing online training and consultancy support to businesses

Opus Energy Limited NORTHAMPTON 01604 673100 www.opusenergy.com

Opus Energy is the leading independent business energy supplier in the UK, providing gas and electricity to more than 200,000 businesses

Proactive Young People CIC RUGBY 07702 048618

www.proactiveyoungpeoplecic.co.uk

A not-for-profit, third sector organisation who support young people and adults with employability support and skills, job applications and virtual work experience

Safety Centre (Hazard Alley) Ltd MILTON KEYNES 01908 263009

www.safetycentre.co.uk

A children’s safety education charity, teaching life-saving skills through educational tours, first aid training and school outreach sessions

The Experience Department UK Ltd MILTON KEYNES 01908 320400 www.tedgroup.com

Entertainment and merchandising

event and was so impressed by her confidence and how keen she was to find out more about others. I saw recently on LinkedIn that she was shortlisted for Northamptonshire Young Lawyer of the Year 2022 too which I think is incredible and definitely well deserved.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU’VE LEARNED FROM NEXT GENERATION CHAMBER?

The importance of networking! I don’t think I realised how much having a wide network can benefit you both personally and professionally until joining the Next Generation Chamber.

To find out more about Next Generation membership contact us on 01604 490490 or email us at info@NextGenerationChamber.co.uk