inbusiness Milton Keynes Feb March 2021

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inbusiness @ChamberMK

www.chambermk.co.uk

THE VOICE OF MILTON KEYNES BUSINESS

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021

GROWING FIRM HAS THE RIGHT SOLUTIONS HR FIRM MARKS EXPANSION

BUSINESS REPORT: Q4 2020 QES RESULTS SPOTLIGHT: APPRENTICESHIPS, SKILLS & TRAINING MEMBER ZONE: NEXT GENERATION THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF MILTON KEYNES CHAMBER

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INBUSINESS

VIEWPOINT

CONTENTS POLICY MATTERS 4

Firstly, I’d like to wish you a safe and Happy New Year. I hope 2021 brings with it more certainty for business and an end in sight to this global crisis.

The announcement that the country was entering another national lockdown will have caused more uncertainty for businesses.

Rest assured your Chamber team will continue to support your business and will play a leading role in lobbying the Government to provide a long-term strategy to help firms see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Business leaders throughout Milton Keynes will have welcomed the latest round of financial support from the Chancellor. Grants of up to £9,000 are available for the retail, leisure and hospitality sector while a further £594m is being given to local councils to offer discretionary grants to businesses needing support. This is on top of the Chancellor’s announcement before Christmas that the furlough scheme would run until the end of April.

It’s now crucial that the support is swiftly distributed to the businesses that need it most to support their cash flow.

The Chamber will continue to urge the Government to set out a longer-term package of support, with a real emphasis on how firms can plan for 2021 and grow out of the crisis.

A relief for business will be the finale of the Brexit saga with an EU/UK trade deal being agreed at the last moment. While this agreement doesn’t address every concern the Chamber of Commerce Network has raised, it does provide a foundation that can be built upon, while our new trading relationship develops.

Companies can contact our International Trade Hub and utilise our ChamberCustoms service if they need support in exporting to or importing from the EU. I’d urge members to make full use of our services from connecting you with new opportunities, providing advice on trading internationally or supporting your business through these challenging times.

Your Chamber will continue to champion the best interests of businesses in our vibrant region and support our members to not only survive but to thrive.

Stay safe, Louise Wall, Interim CEO, Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce

The latest views from policy executive Christopher Jones

BUSINESS REPORT 5

Building a better Milton Keynes

6

MK Gallery winners announced

7

Finance platform offers new service

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Members join in partnership

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Opera house leads the way in regenerating the arts

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The value in values

GOING GLOBAL 14

Delivering ChamberCustoms

TALKING BUSINESS

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Greg Guilford, chief executive of HR Solutions

IN THE SPOTLIGHT CONTACT DETAILS

FRONT COVER: HR Solutions See pages 16-17

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

Education, Training & Apprenticeships Award wins for apprentices

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Communications & Marketing Milestone for Visual Identity

TRAINING & EVENTS

NEWS AND ARTICLES SHOULD BE SENT TO: inbusiness.MK@chambermk.co.uk

CHAMBER BUSINESS PARTNERS

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22 PUBLISHED BY: Kemps Publishing Ltd 11 The Swan Courtyard, Charles Edward Road, Birmingham B26 1BU T: 0121 765 4144 W: www.kempspublishing.co.uk MANAGING EDITOR: Laura Blake T: 0121 765 4144 E: laura.blake@kempspublishing.co.uk

The latest comprehensive list of Chamber training courses and events

MEMBER ZONE 24

Understand your customers

26

Member Profile: Jane Russell, of Jane Russell Photography

28

How much are your digital assets worth?

29

Planning for redundancy

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Next Generation, plus new members

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

The April/May 21 issue of inbusiness will include features on: Hotels, Conferences & Events and Manufacturing.

PRINTERS: Stephens & George Print Group

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

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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.

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

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POLICY MATTERS

POLICY MATTERS

CHRISTOPHER JONES, the Chamber’s policy manager represents your views to the people who matter

EXPLORING THE RESULTS FROM THE Q4 2020 QES The UK’s latest flagship Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) makes for sombre reading for businesses.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has just released the results of its latest survey which questioned thousands of businesses throughout the country about their experience of trading in Quarter 4 of 2020 and their expectations for the first quarter of 2021.

The survey revealed that following the sharpest decline in the history of the QES in Quarter 2 of 2020, all the key indicators in the final quarter of the year remained substantially worse than pre-pandemic levels, with nearly half of firms reporting decreased sales.

BCC head of economics Suren Thiru said: “Our latest results indicate that economic activity was strikingly downbeat in the final quarter of 2020 as the re-introduction of tighter coronavirus restrictions, including a second lockdown, weighed heavily on the key drivers of growth.

“The services sector endured a particularly difficult quarter, with consumer-facing businesses most severely exposed to the renewed restrictions.

“Though the vaccine rollout provides real optimism, with the UK facing a sustained period of tougher lockdown restrictions to tackle the new variant of Covid-19, the risk of a double-dip recession in the first quarter of this year is uncomfortably high.”

Manufacturers and service firms reported drops in export orders, export sales and domestic orders during the final part of 2020.

Service firms were most severely hit, having seen their domestic sales fall by nearly a quarter, their export orders drop by 28% and their export sales reduce by more than a fifth.

More than 40% of firms surveyed reported a decrease in their cash flow with only 21% reporting an increase.

More than a third of respondents continued to report decreased investment in plant, machinery and equipment, with only 17% reporting an increase, highlighting longer-term concerns for the economy.

Fieldwork for the Quarterly Economic Survey for Quarter 1 of 2021 is open from now until 8 March. If you want to contribute visit www.britishchambers.org.uk/page/quarterly-economic-survey-2 Members will also directly receive a link to complete the survey from the Chamber Communications team.

NEW EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS WELCOMED Milton Keynes Chamber is delighted to welcome three newly appointed non-executive directors to its executive board.

Imelda Galvin, group chief operating officer – MK College Imelda studied at Trinity College in Dublin before she moved to London to cut her teeth in the corporate world of financial consulting, first at Deloitte then at KPMG. Imelda joined MK College as Chief Operating Officer in 2016, where her commercial acumen has been instrumental in achieving the College’s operational ambitions. She is a Chartered Accountant, and the College’s executive project sponsor for the South Central Institute of

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Technology, where partners including Microsoft, Evidence Talks, KPMG and McAfee have committed to shaping digital futures through real-world learning.

Shalom Lloyd, Founder – Naturally Tribal Skincare Ltd An award-winning, senior business professional, with over 24 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with a BSc and MSc in Pharmacy from the Ukrainian Academy of Pharmacy in former Soviet Union, and an MBA from the University of Liverpool. Shalom is the Founder of Naturally Tribal Skincare, a natural chemical-free skincare company built on valuing healthy, ethical and sustainable

living whilst empowering African women. She is also the Chief Strategy Officer at Emerging Markets Quality Trials (eMQT), an organisation focused on diversity in Clinical Trials providing the global pharmaceutical industry access to patients in Africa. Shalom is a Department of International Trade Export Champion and Mentor.

Nick Lygo-Baker, Founding Director – Paradigm CX Nick is a leading expert in customer experience and a specialist in operationalising customer insight.

He is an accredited member of the Market Research Society and Certified Customer Experience Professional. He provides growing

SMEs and large businesses with Customer Strategy and Customer Research Solutions (Voice of Customer and Employee, Mystery Shopping and Journey Mapping).

Nick was listed in the top 25 CX professionals and top 150 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers in 2020. Now an international bestselling co-author of Customer Experience 2, Nick is proud to be a member of the Milton Keynes Chamber and to serve on the board.

Joining the existing board Jacqui Wilkins, president; Darren Millis, vice president; Steve Robinson, and Scott Jones - the new non-executive directors are an exciting addition and offer a strong, experienced and knowledgeable advisory panel.

Jacqui said: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome Imelda, Shalom and Nick to the Milton Keynes Chamber board.

“As a board we have a strong vision to further embed the Chamber into the Milton Keynes business community. I’m sure they’ll make valuable contributions to the Chamber’s future success.”

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BUSINESS REPORT

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

THE SHOW MUST GO ON: OUTDOOR CINEMA A HIT A firm which provides innovative AV solutions has run major outdoor cinema events since the coronavirus pandemic began.

Ellievision AV are specialists in AV for events, conferences and exhibitions and quickly adapted to the changing needs of their clients when Covid-19 hit.

It ran three days of socially distanced, outdoor films at Raby Castle in County Durham last summer. At the time, bubbles of six people were allowed, and the grass was mown into a checkerboard, to show where everyone could sit safely.

Ellievision’s equipment was raised high in the air so everyone could see and hear perfectly, no matter where they were sat.

With lockdown rules tightening, Ellievision AV ran a drive-in cinema in Milton Keynes during the October half-term. It enabled MyMiltonKeynes and Milton Keynes Council to show 21 films over seven consecutive days to sold-out audiences who were guaranteed exceptional sound and a perfect view thanks to in-car transmitters, premium-quality speakers and an outdoor LED screen raised seven metres high.

After such a brilliant experience, Ellievision AV was asked to return to manage December’s Festive Flix Drive-In, which also sold out, with 14 films selling out in the first 24 hours.

Ellievision AV sales and marketing manager Heather Irving said: “It was phenomenal that December’s event surpassed the success of October’s event and the festive atmosphere was magical.

“However, no one expected Milton Keynes to be thrown into Tier 4 overnight. Over the course of eight screenings in December, 822 items of food were donated at the cinema and another £3,660 raised for MK Food Bank.

“MyMiltonKeynes was blown away by the cinemagoers’ generosity and when we had to cancel the remaining 12 films, many donated their refund to MK Food Bank.

“With over £9,000 raised in October it’s been a pleasure to work with MyMiltonKeynes throughout an extremely challenging year. We’re pleased to help deliver such popular events.”

Visit: www.ellievisionav.co.uk

BUILDING A BETTER MK MK Council has adopted its Strategy for 2050, which describes a future for Milton Keynes as a world-renowned green city where everyone can live a decent and secure life.

Strengthening the things that make MK special, up to 90,000 new jobs, equal opportunities for all, ‘lifelong’ homes that suit people at all stages of life and a pioneering electric road tram system are among the aspirations for the MK of tomorrow.

Local people have been instrumental in shaping the strategy, which attracted hundreds of comments in a consultation last year. It aims to inspire urban planners and investors to be innovative and to capitalise on MK’s status as the country’s fastest growing city.

MK will be home to more than 400,000 people by ‘LOCAL PEOPLE 2050. By then there will be a new university, MK:U, HAVE BEEN Milton Keynes will be carbon negative, having become carbon neutral by 2030 and CMK will be an INSTRUMENTAL New super-routes for cyclists and e-scooters, better bus even more vibrant place to live and work.

IN SHAPING THE services and an electric-powered tram system form part of The strategy sets out how MK will contribute to STRATEGY’ the smarter travel proposals. Unlike traditional trams, new tackling the climate emergency and be a green city mass-rapid transport vehicles could run within the existing competing on the world’s stage. Investment will road network. continue in waste recovery, reducing emissions and MK Council leader Cllr Pete Marland said: “We’re determined expanding parks, lakes and wildlife areas.

MK will continue to be a greener and cleaner city as well as a fairer More homes will be affordable and the needs of older and kinder one. The council will strive to secure innovative and residents will be built into the design of homes and communities. The sustainable investment to make this vision a reality.” strategy also commits to establishing MK as a Dementia Friendly City.

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BUSINESS REPORT

MK CALLING 2020: GALLERY REVEALS THE WINNERS OF ART SHOW MK Gallery is proud to announce the winners of MK Calling 2020, the international contemporary art show celebrating the very best of contemporary art through more than 130 artistic practices.

Swiss artist Fabienne Hess scooped the Judges’ Award – a £4,000 prize – for her piece, Gap Particles (pictured right). Milton Keynes sound artist Stuart Moore

established and new artists. The show opened last February and was due to close in May. However, due to Covid-19, the exhibition was extended to November to give visitors time to view the winning artists’ work in situ.

The 130 vibrant and eclectic submissions were selected

by MK Gallery, Stephanie MacDonald, ‘MK CALLING co-founding director of 6a architects and 2020 HAS BEEN A artist Stuart SENSORY Whipps.

EXPERIENCE FOR “The breadth of MANY OF OUR art forms in this exhibition is VISITORS’ incredibly impressive,” said MK Gallery director Anthony Spira. “Collectively it has given audiences the opportunity to experience some of the very best contemporary art. Fabienne’s winning piece impressed the judges for its archaeological process and shimmering, ethereal presence.”

Having garnered the most visitor votes for his audio submission, Stuart Moore was the natural winner of the Audience Award.

“MK Calling 2020 has been a sensory experience for many of our visitors,” said Fay Blanchard, head of exhibitions at MK Gallery. “There

received the £1,000 Audience Award for his audio composition work (pictured below).

Both artists’ work drew much attention in what was MK Gallery’s first open call submission exhibition since its reopening in March 2019.

Held in its five world-class gallery spaces, the exhibition featured dynamic work by

Photos by Nathan Caldecott and Andy Keate

were several playful and interactive works which, in the current climate, provided a mindful pause for visitors.

Stuart’s audio work engaged the audience in this way and proved to be particularly popular.”

MK Gallery looks forward to reopening with their current exhibition Memphis: Plastic Field. A major survey of the influential 80s design movement Memphis.

Visit: www.mkgallery.org

A NEW LOOK FOR SKINCARE FIRM’S WEBSITE An award-winning British skincare brand which uses natural ingredients ethically sourced mainly from Africa has revamped its image and website to help customers learn about its products.

Naturally Tribal’s new look features a new logo, colour palette and bold messages which proclaim its commitment to three things: Efficacy - natural products that work; planet hugging – products that are kind to our planet and ethical sourcing – naturally grown ingredients and supporting rural African women.

It has shared its Source to Jar journey on its website to educate people about the sustainability and source of the natural ingredients in its products.

Its glass jars have also been redesigned to include a UV protective layer which makes the products inside last longer.

Founder Shalom Lloyd said: “This evolution comes naturally, and I’m so proud to launch new products and maintain a healthy pipeline of new and exciting things to come.”

The company’s evolution is great news for consumers with skin conditions who are keen to know the ingredients in their products and are demanding clean natural remedies.

It is estimated about 900 million people around the world suffer with a skin condition, meaning skin diseases remain a major cause of disability worldwide.

British-Nigerian pharmacist and mother-of-five, Shalom was initially inspired to combine her professional knowledge and African heritage to create a natural skincare remedy in her Milton Keynes kitchen to help her son who was suffering from eczema.

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She went on to start the company in 2016 and launch the brand in February 2017 and it has since grown into an exciting global business.

Visit: www.naturallytribalskincare.com

The new range of products from Naturally Tribal Skincare

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BUSINESS REPORT

SWOOP TO OFFER NEW SERVICE Swoop, the fast-growing business finance platform, is widening its services and will now provide access to property funders and guide on property finance.

Swoop helps firms find finance through loans, equity and grants, and the addition of a property service is a natural addition to its portfolio.

Ian Boden Swoop will build its property business with help from Ian Boden, a property “This is where we come in,” said finance expert who will work within ‘COVID-19 HAS Swoop CEO Andrea Reynolds. “Covid-19 Swoop’s team of advisers as a HEIGHTENED THE has heightened the need for specialist commercial mortgage consultant. Ian NEED FOR finance and underlined the importance has extensive sales and business of swift, tailored solutions. We’re SPECIALIST development experience, including enlarging our scope and are delighted wealth management and retail FINANCE’ we now have Ian’s expertise and can add banking as well as mortgages and commercial mortgage providers to our commercial lending. He has worked growing panel of lenders.” previously with leading financial institutions.

Ian said: “Swoop will be a vital resource for As a broker for bespoke and alternative the property sector as we move into 2021. We’ll help to funding, Swoop enables businesses to explore the support and rebuild the market as we recover from the entire funding marketplace and access finance that pandemic, and we’ll make it far easier for commercial might otherwise be hidden. This is vital at a time when property owner-occupiers and property investor clients lending has been impacted by Covid-19 and many to access the finance they need.” property owners and investors are in need of more creative and flexible solutions. Because of the new Milton Keynes Chamber has partnered with Swoop to offer market conditions, there are both challenges and members free access to tailored funding solutions via the opportunities for business owners and property Chamber Finance Finder. Visit swoopfunding.com/miltoninvestors, who will be looking for the best options and keynes-chamber-of-commerce advice to refinance, redevelop or acquire.

PB SOLUTIONS’ WHITE PAPER ON EV CHARGERS An electrical contractor which delivers multi-discipline, electrical engineering solutions to commercial and industrial clients has published an important document about the future of electric vehicle (EV) chargers.

PB Solutions is recognised as a valued industry leader and its team prides itself on keeping its finger on the pulse and maintaining advanced knowledge of the expectations of electricity, as they develop.

As a result, in November PB Solutions published a White Paper on electric vehicle (EV) chargers, which made the case for why the UK needs more EV chargers and sets out the changing landscape of car purchase.

To download their industry leading White Paper visit pbsolutions.co.uk/ev-chargerwhitepaper

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BUSINESS REPORT DEVELOPMENT WINS TOP PRIZE A planning project that transformed an underwhelming location into a ‘vibrant and unique’ mixeduse development has scooped the top prize at the prestigious Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) South East Awards for Planning Excellence.

Campbell Wharf, in central Milton Keynes, was entered by property developer Bidwells and won the award at an online ceremony premiered on YouTube at the end of last year.

The scheme, which was praised by the judges, includes 383 new homes, a nursery, a pub, retail and commercial units, public open spaces and a short-stay marina.

Chair of the RTPI South East judging panel Sue Percy CBE MRTPI said: “The project represents a real planning success story, demonstrating excellence in land use planning, regeneration, sustainable transport and a wonderfully designed piece of civil engineering as a centrepiece. The planning team managed to overcome viability issues and has delivered a project that not only regenerated the site but will hopefully trigger improvements to the wider area to the benefit of current and future residents and visitors.”

Planning partner at Bidwells Mike Jones MRTPI said: “It’s fantastic that this scheme has the recognition it deserves as a truly mixed-use development of the highest quality. This is a testament to the success of local engagement and partnership working between the project team and Milton Keynes Development Partnership. It was particularly pleasing to hear that the judges acknowledged the enhancement of the wider setting, establishing a benchmark for future development along the canalside.”

Bidwells is now automatically shortlisted for the prestigious national RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence 2021.

Visit: www.bidwells.co.uk

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PARTNERSHIP DELIVERS MAXIMUM R&D RELIEF Jon Buckle

Kevin Collett

When Jon Buckle, of Fiscale, and Kevin Collett, of JMS Infotech, attended the final face-to-face Chamber event before the first national lockdown in March 2020, little did they expect such a fruitful relationship to flourish.

Since then, Research & Development (R&D) tax specialist firm Fiscale and JMS, a workforce management software company, have worked successfully together to ensure maximum R&D tax relief for JMS based on its continuous innovation.

Jon said: “At the Chamber event I got chatting to Kevin, who told me about the innovative system JMS had developed. I knew immediately we could add value. Research and Development is a very complex, niche area of taxation that’s often overlooked, but it’s what we do day in, day out.”

Kevin continued: “After our conversation we got together virtually and went through our development journey in detail. The system we’ve designed is a

unique, fully-automated, end-to-end workforce management system with clever engineering in the back-end that makes it the most user-friendly and efficient system available.

“To have Jon and the Fiscale team help us benefit from significant tax relief has been fantastic. The work they’ve done has been hugely beneficial.”

Jon added: “The specialist development JMS has done is phenomenal, and their system is very impressive.

“The uncertainty that comes with R&D is exactly where we can do the heavy lifting. With a 100% claim success rate, we understand the strict HMRC legislation and criteria inside out. I’m so pleased we’ve been successful for them and look forward to collaborating with them again.”

Visit: www.jmsinfotech.co.uk Visit: www.fiscale.com

EXPERT ENERGY RATES ADVICE When a tenant vacates a property, its owners may not be aware that they can end up on out-of-contract energy rates with electricity and gas suppliers.

The discovery often only comes when a sizeable and unexpected energy bill arrives requesting payment.

This was the case for Mothercare Global Brand Limited when their tenant vacated their warehouse and the electricity and gas suppliers for the site began charging deemed rates.

The company knew it needed to take fast action to resolve the contract issues and determine why the consumption rates were so high. Mothercare contacted Dunore Energy, a specialist business energy advisor, for help.

Dunore Energy founder Jon Newsham said: “After speaking with the Mothercare team, I quickly arranged a site visit so I could assess the site’s expected energy consumption and check meter numbers and readings. I immediately identified issues with

Dunore Energy has saved Mothercare tens of thousands of pounds

the gas invoice; I alerted Mothercare and began planning our next steps towards resolving the issues.”

Dunore’s assessment gave Mothercare confidence that they were in good hands, and that there was a strong chance of achieving a reduction in their energy invoices. It provided Dunore with a Letter of Authority, which allowed Dunore to negotiate with the energy suppliers on their behalf.

Jayne Twaddle, senior supply chain consultant at Mothercare

added: “Jon did a fantastic job of resolving the issues related to our energy supplies at our Crick warehouse. His knowledge and expertise not only saved us tens of thousands of pounds, but also hours of time. I’d have no hesitation about recommending Dunore Energy to any other business. I’m recommending that Mothercare use them again when we move to a new site.”

Visit: www.dunore-energy.com

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BUSINESS REPORT

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BUSINESS REPORT

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BUSINESS REPORT

‘OUR REMIT IS TO MAKE OPERA MORE ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC, PARTICULARLY THE YOUNG’

BRINGING BACK THE ARTS

MD of Sales Growth Consulting, Victor Chauhan

A historic venue that offers first class opera is leading the fightback to regenerate the arts which have been hit so badly by coronavirus.

Winslow Hall Opera (W.H.O.) is based at Winslow Hall in Buckinghamshire which has been described as the finest house to survive that was built by renowned English architect Sir Christopher Wren.

Building on previous successes, W.H.O. is now planning a socially distanced production in July and August of La Bohème, probably the most dramatic opera composed by Puccini.

There will be six performances, between 12 July and 8 August,

SALES GROWTH CONSULTING IN NEW PARTNERSHIP

which will undoubtedly make W.H.O. one of the first Country House opera companies to perform since the pandemic began.

To support this initiative, W.H.O. is seeking donations and funding from local businesses, individuals and philanthropic donors.

In particular, it is seeking a major corporate sponsor, whose logo, advertisement and CEO’s message will feature in the event programme and whose support will be recognised in the publicity surrounding the opera.

Conductor Oliver Gilmour added: “We’re looking at ways in which we can involve the local community and at the same time reach those who may not have the

opportunity, or funds, to come and see a live opera. Indeed, part of our remit is to make opera more accessible to the public, particularly the young.

“As part of the regeneration of the ‘Arts After Covid’ we shall present the opera in a way that satisfies all social distancing requirements amongst performers and the audience.”

The major corporate sponsor will benefit from a full corporate entertaining package with many added opportunities to promote their own brand.

For further information email office.operawinslowhall@gmail.com

TWO NEW MEMBERSHIP PACKAGES Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the launch of two new membership packages, designed to best serve the differing needs of Milton Keynes’ business community - International Trade Membership and Start-Up Membership.

The new International Trade Membership has been designed for members with international trading needs, allowing members access to all standard Chamber membership benefits alongside enhanced support for international trading. This new package offers exclusive access to vital forums, and international trade seminars in addition to dedicated international trade advice and support lines.

Start-up membership is aimed at businesses that have been trading for 12 months or less, as a costeffective route to becoming full Chamber members.

This exciting new membership allows start-up businesses to tap into the wide range of Chamber profile-raising benefits, as well as the opportunity to attend the diverse range of Chamber networking events, forums and seminars. The start-up membership will also include £1m worth of legal

expenses insurance and the wider Chamber protection benefits such as Chamber HR, Chamber Legal, Chamber Health & Safety and Chamber Tax. We are delighted that the start-up membership is sponsored

by GPW Consulting.

Gary Wilson, managing director of GPW, said: “GPW are very proud to be associated with the new Chamber Start-Up Membership scheme. We fully recognise the benefits that being a Chamber Member can offer and the fact this is now made available to start up businesses at a reduced cost is brilliant. Part of the services offered by GPW Consulting are business problem-solving sessions to support the growth and development of SME and start-up businesses. The level of service and access to support, help and advice offered by Milton Keynes Chamber will allow these new businesses to grow and flourish. It is great to be involved with such a pro-active and supportive service."

Contact Sunny Singh for further information at sunny.singh@chambermk.co.uk

Data and insights consulting firm Sales Growth Consulting is excited to share news of enhancements to its research services.

Sales Growth Consulting helps SMEs by providing independent market and competitor landscape data that supports business planning, decision-making and crucial funding requests.

By partnering with a Researchas-a-Service (RaaS) platform, with more than 5,000 registered experts globally, including PhDs, consultants and industry veterans, the firm will be able to compile relevant data to answer business critical questions faster.

The firm says this will yield enhanced data quality, delivery lead times that are faster by up to 50% and client fees which are lower by as much as 30%.

Managing director Victor Chauhan said: “Previously, compiling such detailed and meaningful data like this was labour-intensive and timeconsuming. Now we’re able to enhance the quality of our research by leveraging these experts, reduce our lead times and offer lower fees; it’s a huge win for our clients.”

To celebrate the launch of its new partnership, Sales Growth Consulting is offering fellow Chamber members 10% off the total fee for any research project commissioned before 31 March 2021.

For more information call 07764 199352, email victor@sgc-ltd.com or visit www.sgc-ltd.com FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021

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BUSINESS REPORT A member of Cawleys’ expert team at work

THE VALUE IN VALUES business took the time to make sure their purpose and values were still aligned. With the support of Northamptonshire Chamber members, Kettering Park Hotel and Spa, the team were able to spend a day together, planning for the future. Theresa continued: “The activities we undertook were focussed on ensuring individual contributions were aligned to the company’s overall goal. They highlighted that whilst we are a diverse team, we share the commonality that we are all about people. This is reflected in our values and in the company’s purpose, to ‘WE FEEL an organisation’s ‘passionately values are key to INCREDIBLY support every creating an MOTIVATED AS client’s needs with environment WE MOVE INTO expertise, creativity where highand integrity’. We 2021’ performance feel incredibly behaviour exists. motivated as we move Delivering into 2021 and feel more organisational goals cohesive as a team than ever requires everyone involved before. We’d like to share this to be their authentic self, their ‘very feeling with our fellow Chamber best version’ and be extrinsically members, hence our current motivated by understanding the Member2Member offer.” purpose, meaning, and impact that Gateway HR and Training are their role has on the organisation’s offering places on a free ‘Value in success.”

Values’ Masterclass hosted by Lead With a change in some key Performance Coach, Graham positions over the past year, 25% of Ravenscroft. See their Member the workforce joining the team two Page for more information. weeks before the first national lockdown, and changes in working Visit: www.gatewayhr.com practice due to Covid-19, the

HR Consultant Charlotte Batchelor uses her artistic talent to demonstrate her commitment to the team’s values

EGGS-CELLENT PARTNERSHIP A sustainable egg producer has selected Cawleys as its exclusive recycling partner at a time when business is growing.

As a Bedfordshire-based family business, Bird Bros are extremely proud of their environmental achievements, including low-carbon production, solar energy, tree planting, drastic plastic reduction and eco-friendly packaging.

Cawleys is one of the UK’s leading independently owned waste and resource recycling companies. The company ethos is ‘local recycling, global responsibility’ and the company celebrated its 70th anniversary in business in 2017.

The appointment of fellow family run local business, Cawleys, has allowed Bird Bros to further improve their green credentials by ensuring that all of their waste will now be segregated and sorted for recycling using a Cawleys state-of-the-art Materials Recycling Facility (MRF).

This facility uses fans, blowers, magnets, hand pickers and an industrial trommel to extract any waste item that is suitable for second life production. The items are then separated, collected and baled for transportation to relevant recycling facilities. Any excess waste that is not suitable for traditional recycling is baled and used for conversion to fuel.

Cawleys head of customer services Anna Cawley said: “We’re delighted to have been selected as Bird Bros’ recycling partner. It’s lovely to hear that a client of ours is doing so well in these difficult times and we’re excited to be working with this fantastic egg producer to ensure the sustainable treatment of all their waste.

Supporting businesses and the local economy is vital right now and we are extremely pleased that the team at Bird Bros recognise the value we can add.”

Visit: www.cawleys.co.uk

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For Chamber members Gateway HR and Training, 2020 provided the push, like many other businesses, to reflect on the ways in which business gets done. In addition to speeding up the implementation of those longdiscussed ‘online opportunities’, it also provided an opportunity for the company to reflect on why they do what they do: what motivates the team, as individuals and as a group, and fundamentally, how do the values of the business impact on its success?

Business manager, Theresa Wright, said: “Gateway HR and Training run sessions for organisations of all sizes, across all sectors, on the value in values. We recognise that all employees living

SWIMATHON IS SET TO MAKE WAVES Rotary MK are thrilled that the countdown to their popular annual Swimathon is now on.

Run annually since 1994, the Swimathon is Rotary MK’s biggest fundraiser of the year, with all proceeds going to support local charities. Raising over £30,000 in 2020 alone, and over £500,000 since its launch in 1994, Rotary MK are hoping to attract new teams in 2021 to compete alongside teams that have regularly taken part.

To celebrate their first year as Chamber members, the charity is also launching the Chamber Challenge Cup, exclusively available to teams of fellow Chamber members. It will be awarded to the company swimming the most lengths in a 55-minute period.

Teams can also win cups for ‘best team name’ or ‘most sponsorship raised’, but the Rotary Swimathon is not just about being competitive. It’s about having fun and raising money for this year’s eight chosen charities – Willen Hospice, Bus Shelter MK, MK Safety Centre (Hazard Alley), Q:alliance, Service by Emergency Rider

Volunteers, Supershoes, Thames Valley Air Ambulance, and Transitions UK. The Swimathon involves teams of up to six swimming in relay for 55 minutes each, from 9am to 6pm.

At the 2020 Swimathon last February, 51 teams with a total of almost 300 swimmers participated.

This year’s Swimathon will take place on 5 June at Wolverton Pool and there is also a smaller-scale

event for swimmers needing assistance; last year this took place at Middleton Pool in Newport Pagnell, with 10 teams competing.

This is the year to show what Chamber businesses are made of!

Lanes and time-slots are limited, so please contact Euan Henderson on euan@euanandirene.co.uk or 01908 616840 to register your interest.

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BUSINESS REPORT

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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

DELIVERING CHAMBERCUSTOMS Milton Keynes Chamber has been appointed an official delivery agent for ChamberCustoms, which delivers a customs declaration service for UK importers and exporters of all sizes, in every region of the United Kingdom.

An assurance-led customs brokerage service that will deliver a future proof and HMRCcompliant service.

With the United Kingdom having agreed to adopt the Union Customs Code (UCC), and HMRC set to deliver a new customs declaration service which will implement the rules of the UCC, digitised trade is a key requirement. This pilot is a demonstration of the UK’s ability to lead technology for international trade.

Separates the function of ‘moving freight’ and ‘customs declaration’ to single areas of expertise • We will offer traders efficiency, peace of mind and a trusted partner when trading goods across borders • Transition to CDS will mean better service by those embracing core principles of good practice dictated by Union Customs Code • Badges at all significant UK ports

• Provide GDM automatically (Goods Departure Message - DIT S8) as official proof of export to remove VAT liability • Nationally recognized brand • All staff possess accredited recognition of training in customs brokerage • ChamberCustoms is CDS ready platform, enabling exporters and importers to be prepared

The experienced International Trade team at Milton Keynes Chamber understands that navigating trade documentation can be complicated. Please contact the team with any queries regarding trading internationally, or to find out more about customs declarations services, email: chambercustoms@northantschamber.co.uk

CHAMBER FOREIGN EXCHANGE For companies trading internationally, fluctuating 3. Ensure you are getting the best rates You want to be certain you are accessing the best exchange rates can be difficult to manage and hard to budget for. rates and avoid any hidden payment charges along the way. Chamber Foreign Exchange leverage off Market volatility may erode or even eliminate the £22bn they trade annually to secure some of profits, and in a time of tighter margins and increasing raw material costs it is ever more the most competitive rates in the market. important to protect yourself from exchange rate risk and make savings 5. Take information from the most reliable sources wherever possible.

All Chamber Foreign Exchange Dealers Your business can take some ‘MARKET proactive steps towards are Members of the Society of Technical Analysts qualified. As managing foreign exchange risk: VOLATILITY MAY experienced market traders they will ERODE OR EVEN use their expertise to ensure your 1. Plan for risk ELIMINATE company receives the best Planning is the first step to PROFITS’ managing your FX risk, and information on the markets. agreeing on a budgeted exchange 4. Fix the exchange rate rate for the year will guide your transactions. An FX specialist can help With your policy in place it is time to review to define this rate, enabling you to protect the FX tools that you can use to manage your yourself from any potential adverse fluctuations. exposure. Spot contracts, Forward contracts and market orders can work individually or together to form a tailored foreign exchange strategy. Based on 2. Access your payments on the go You need to ensure you can react quickly to your budgeted rate, requirements and timing, your FX dealer will work with you to form a strategy to changes in the markets. Your free-to-access best suit your business needs.

Chamber Foreign Exchange account will allow you to trade online in multiple currencies 24 hours a day, Visit: www.moneycorp.com/chamberfx as well as provide access to your personal dealer.

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TALKING BUSINESS

HR SOLUTIONS RISES TO THE CHALLENGE DURING BUSIEST YEAR While many firms struggled during 2020, award-winning HR Solutions had one of its busiest years and expanded its business with the launch of a new division and a major acquisition in Milton Keynes. As the HR and Health and Safety consultancy prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary this summer, chief executive GREG GUILFORD reveals how it has been helping firms to navigate the challenges of Brexit and Covid-19 and its plans for further growth.

The division conducts risk assessments for clients on topics ranging from HR Solutions began helping businesses with their HR needs two decades Covid-19 to fire, health and safety as well as providing additional risk ago. The firm was launched in 2001 by HR expert Carol Ann Guilford when assessments based on clients’ requirements and offering an outsourced HR outsourcing was a relatively new concept. competent person service and a training academy.

The company initially worked with small firms in Northamptonshire but This year the firm wants to increase its certified online training and offer over the past 20 years it has grown massively and its client list ranges from accredited courses in health and safety and mental health as well as small care agencies to multinational technology firms. It now has more than certificates in management and a range of soft skills.

350 retained clients across the UK and helps several membership bodies HR Solutions knows such training opportunities will be welcomed by the and associations by providing HR and H&S support to their members. HR business community after it conducted a comprehensive SME survey with Solutions has also added additional services to its traditional HR services, Deloitte Propel at the end of last year to ascertain the challenges SMEs such as health and safety, payroll, recruitment, HR administration and expected to face over the following 12 months. software.

Greg said: “The key themes which emerged were the Carol retired last year and today the business is expertly run importance of staff wellbeing and mental health and we’re by her son Greg Guilford who joined the business in 2008 looking to increase our training and development offering in after establishing himself as an experienced HR practitioner.

‘WE’RE ACTIVELY those areas. The survey also revealed people were nervous Under his leadership the team expanded to include more LOOKING TO about the impact of Brexit and further Covid-19 spikes.

CIPD qualified HR consultants, HR advisors and ACQUIRE LIKE“We’ve helped businesses with Brexit planning and have supporting administration staff as well as a payroll team been guiding them through the EU Settlement Scheme. and a business development and marketing team.

MINDED HR We also created a free Covid-19 Knowledge Hub. The firm has just emerged from one of its busiest years CONSULTANCIES’ “As a result of the pandemic, the jobs market has been due to Covid-19 and the increased demand for HR and inundated with potential employees who may not have been Health & Safety advice around furlough, redundancies and in a workplace for six months or more due to being furloughed back to work guidance. or made redundant. It’s not unheard of for organisations Greg explained: “Last year was incredibly busy and due to our advertising for roles such as office administrators to receive 1,000 unlimited model with our retainer clients, all of our retained clients were applications. So, we offer advice to help firms find the right candidate and fully supported through these challenging times. then provide their new employee with additional support they might need “We guided clients through the Government guidance, the furlough if they’ve been out the workplace for a while. scheme and the job retention scheme. We also supported firms undergoing “We’ve also been helping firms to learn about the Kickstart Scheme organisational changes or making redundancies. We helped them handle which has been helping young people into work. We’ve shown firms how these situations in a sensitive manner and ensured they were covered from they can benefit from it, how to register for it and have supported them a compliance standpoint. through the scheme.”

“In addition, our new Health, Safety and Environment division helped Another major highlight for the firm in 2020 was the acquisition of clients to ensure their workplaces are Covid-19 secure.”

Crispin Rhodes Limited, an HR consultancy in Milton Keynes. This is the The new Health, Safety and Environment division launched last summer second major acquisition for the firm in the city, following its successful and was one of several highlights for the firm in 2020. acquisition of HR Services (UK) in 2017.

The acquisitions have increased HR Solutions’ footprint in central England and the firm is looking to make more acquisitions, particularly in the East Midlands region.

“Our foothold in Milton Keynes has grown over the past few years and we’re looking to grow here further,” said Greg.

“We’re actively looking to acquire like-minded HR consultancies and, with Crispin Rhodes being such a well-established HR consultancy, it made sense for us to make an approach.

“We’re very excited about the working relationship we now have with Angela Rhodes and the wider team at Crispin Rhodes. It’s business as usual for Crispin Rhodes’ clients as far as their day-to-day operation goes – it’s just now they’re part of something bigger.

“We’ve come so far in the past 20 years and intend to keep moving forward with more great acquisitions like this one.”

Senior HSE consultant Dominic Greenwood, client services director Angela Rhodes and CEO Greg Guilford

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If you want to work with a firm that provides the highest standard of employment law and health and safety advice available, or if your business wants to find out about joining forces with HR Solutions, call 0844 324 5840.

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HR client services director Angela Rhodes and HR Solutions chief executive Greg Guilford

FACTFILE: HR SOLUTIONS BACKGROUND: HR Solutions was created by Carol Ann Guilford in 2001. The company rapidly picked up contracts and became an established outsourced HR consultancy. In 2008, Carol Ann was joined in the business by her son Greg. As an experienced HR practitioner, Greg took up the role of Operations Director. Over the years the firm has expanded its services to include third party employment, performance and development review and employee assistance programme packages. Its Retained HR Services Package includes employment protection cover to give clients complete peace of mind. In recent years, the firm has expanded its presence in Milton Keynes, having acquired HR Services (UK) Limited in 2017 and Crispin Rhodes last year. Carol Ann retired in 2020 and today Greg is the firm’s CEO. COMPANY DESCRIPTION: HR Solutions delivers flexible and practical employment support to businesses. It offers a range of outsourced HR consultancy packages, business support functions and ad-hoc services designed to help other firms to manage their workforces.

Its new health, safety and environment division, HSE Solutions, provides firms with a competent person to improve their health and safety practices and reduce the risk of workplace accidents. The service helps firms to comply with health, safety, fire and environment legislation.

WHY WE JOINED MILTON KEYNES CHAMBER: We joined Milton Keynes Chamber because we wanted to take advantage of the events in Milton Keynes and have a bigger presence in the area.

Visit: www.hrsolutions-uk.com

TALKING BUSINESS PHOTOS BY JANE RUSSELL PHOTOGRAPHY

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: EDUCATION, TRAINING & APPRENTICESHIPS

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

This issue’s spotlights are on the EDUCATION, TRAINING & APPRENTICESHIPS and COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING sectors in Milton Keynes

AWARD WINS FOR APPRENTICES

Students from Milton Keynes College had a spectacular night at the National BAME Apprenticeship Awards and won the top award of the night. Twenty-seven-year-old Kimmy Kimani (pictured) was named BAME apprentice of the year in the Legal and Professional Services category and was also named the overall National Winner.

Kimmy, who studied for a qualification in Business Administration, did her apprenticeship at the college, where she works as a student support coach.

She said: “I couldn’t believe it when I was named the overall winner. I’d been talking to some of the other candidates online and they were all doing such amazing things

that any of them could have won.” have such a close relationship being Fifty-three-year-old Raginee recognised at the BAME Scudamore won the award for Apprenticeship Awards is one of my Retail, Hospitality and Tourism after proudest professional moments. taking an apprenticeship at the Education is a vital tool for making college to become a commis the world a fairer and more chef. She’s now putting equal place and I those skills to good congratulate not just use in the kitchens the people named on at the University of the night, but all ‘I COULDN’T Buckingham. those staff whose BELIEVE IT WHEN I Raginee said: incredible hard work and dedication “Winning this WAS NAMED THE helped make it seems like a OVERALL WINNER’ possible.” dream. As an Tracey Matthews is older woman I assistant principal for walked in on the first Employer and Student day surrounded by Experience and oversees the teenagers and thought I apprenticeship programme. didn’t belong, but the staff worked She said: “Of course, I’m thrilled so hard to help me and make me for all concerned, but even more feel like I did fit in. They never importantly, if their success gave up on me and now I have a encourages people to take a look at wonderful job and wouldn’t change apprenticeships and to realise just anything for the world.” what a fantastic route they are to a There was further success on the better life, earning while they learn, night for College Apprenticeship then that will be an even better partner and specialist nursing outcome. provider PJ Care, which also had one of its college apprentices, David “With all the uncertainty around work which the pandemic has Igbokwe, nominated in the same caused, there’s never been a better category. time to look at the possibilities Milton Keynes College CEO and apprenticeships can offer.” group principal Dr Julie Mills OBE said: “To see our students and one Visit: www.mkcollege.ac.uk of the businesses with which we

GREEN CROSS TRAINING GO VIRTUAL DURING PANDEMIC One of the UK’s best training providers has enabled thousands of people to take part in virtual training sessions during the coronavirus pandemic.

Green Cross Training has been delivering high quality health and safety training for more than 25 years to the UK’s biggest brands. It was independently voted the UK’s number one training provider three years in a row between 2018 and 2020 by leading training review organisation, Coursecheck.

Despite the difficulties of the past 12 months, the firm has facilitated 220 virtual sessions, welcomed 3,000 delegates to its initial lockdown webinars and saw 770 people attend its winter wellbeing webinars. It also enabled nearly 400 people to receive MHFA England mental health 18 inbusiness FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021

training, nearly 400 delegates attended the organisation’s bespoke mental health training courses and it rolled out two Wellbeing First Aider programmes across Europe.

Managing director Ayrtam Ryall said: “By adapting quickly and offering accredited training online to our clients we helped them to adjust and manage their risks in 2020 and remain compliant with the regulations that apply to their businesses.

“Our ability to provide accredited virtual classroom courses to clients in 2021 will be vital for all businesses to remain compliant during the current pandemic and we are delighted to announce the launch of our accredited Fire Marshal public virtual courses. Not only is this a UK first but we are also half the price of other leading providers.”

Green Cross Training helped thousands of delegates in 2020

Green Cross Training delivers more than 4,000 courses nationwide across Mental Health, IOSH and NEBOSH, Health and Safety, Construction, Moving and Handling, Fire Safety, and Food Safety. The firm, which is also the largest independent provider of First Aid training in the marketplace, provides training to around 30,000 learners per year.

For further information visit www.greencrosstraining.com or call 0330 120 0105.

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING

Jacqui Wilkins (front) with the team from Visual Identity

MILESTONE FOR VISUAL IDENTITY Visual Identity is one of the longest established agencies in Milton Keynes. An award-winning innovative full marketing mix service agency, it has now been in business for more than three decades.

Throughout 2020 the family-run firm had planned to share 30 key events, relating to milestones, clients, major projects and achievements to celebrate its 30th anniversary. While the onset of the pandemic meant it could not celebrate in the way it had planned, it still released a vibrant logo and 30 Year web page to mark the occasion.

Managing director Jacqui Wilkins, who is also president of Milton Keynes Chamber’s board, said:

“We’re incredibly proud to be one and offer a unique customer of the longest established agencies experience. We prefer to become in Milton Keynes – it’s a great partners rather than suppliers and achievement to have celebrated offer a high return on 30 years in business. investment.

“Our longevity as a “It’s our privilege to family business is work with a fantastic unique in many array of local, ‘OUR LONGEVITY ways. It’s difficult national and AS A FAMILY for our international clients competitors to who are market BUSINESS IS replicate us – they leaders in their UNIQUE IN MANY sell the same sectors. We’ve WAYS’ services but not helped our clients to with the same secure national demonstrable accolades and experience and quality recognition by providing success stories. award-winning services to “We’ve built long-term clients. relationships with our clients, “Even the challenges thrown at deliver the highest levels of service us by the coronavirus pandemic

have not stopped us. During the biggest health crisis ever seen, VI has delivered sensitively handled campaigns that shone a light on the important role nurses could play during the Covid-19 pandemic by making a significant contribution to the effort in resourcing the NHS Nightingale hospitals.

“We’re fortunate that the nature of our business has allowed us to continue working remotely and servicing clients with limited disruption.”

Visual Identity’s logo to celebrate 30 years of business incorporates a font from each decade to show how its brand has evolved over time.

Visit: www.visualidentity.co.uk/30years

RAISING YOUR PROFILE WITH A VIRTUAL TOUR

An outstanding firm which helps clients to successfully market their businesses has shared how virtual tours can help organisations.

360 Visual Media is led by Sharon Lewis (pictured) and helps firms to raise their profile through 360 virtual tours, high quality visuals, videos and drone photography.

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The firm recently won the 2020 SME News Southern Enterprise Awards for Innovative Virtual Tours and Photography, and Sharon has now produced advice to help firms understand how they can use virtual tours to boost business.

She said: “With a virtual tour you can show the world the design and details of your building and your brand. At 360 Visual Media, we know the importance of showcasing your premises through a virtual tour and have produced a guide explaining why businesses should use them.”

360 Visual Media’s top reasons why businesses should use virtual tours are: 1. Showcase Your Personality – while clients are considering whether to choose your business, you can introduce them to your brand’s voice and because customers can control the tour, it makes them connect with your brand 2. Increase Your Local Google My Business Ranking – businesses with 360 virtual tours appear higher in Google’s Map and Search. This is largely because searchers will spend more

time on your listing, experiencing the virtual tour. With enough time, this could lead your business to take the top search result for your area 3. Stand Out in the Crowd – searchers spend the most time with businesses offering a VR tour.

Again, this helps your Google position which will lead to more interactions 4. Attract More Customers – an overwhelming majority of people will use an internet search to evaluate which company to choose. If you have a virtual tour that shows up on a Google result, you’ll attract more customers 5. Gain Insight About Your Business – virtual tours enable you to see what areas of your business people spend the most time looking at.

You can also get a better understanding of the geographic location of the people searching for your business.

For further information about how 360 Visual Media’s can help your business visit www.360visualmedia.co.uk

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TRAINING & EVENTS

TRAINING & EVENTS

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

ESSENTIAL SELLING SKILLS

TRAINING COURSES All Chamber training courses are currently delivered virtually in compliance with Covid-19 restrictions. Call the Training department for more details on 01604 490490 or email training@northants-chamber.co.uk

BUSINESS TOOLKIT ISO INTERNAL AUDITOR TRAINING DATE: 1 April (half-day) COST: Members £160 + VAT Non members £200 + VAT This course will give you a base knowledge of three key ISO Standards 9001:2015, 14001:2015, 45001:2018. You will gain an understanding of what is required and why business bothers with ISO. You will learn about continuous improvement and ISO, internal auditing, audit procedures and schedules, audit documentation, performance evaluation and practical audit application.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE BCC ACCREDITED COURSES TARIFF CLASSIFICATION MASTERCLASS DATE: 19 February (one-day) COST: Members £299 + VAT Non members £369 + VAT • Harmonised System • Combined Nomenclature • TARIC Measures • Explanatory notes • Classification Guides • Court Rulings • Binding Tariff (BTI) - advanced rulings • General Rules of interpretation (GRI)# • Section & Chapter notes • Incomplete/unfinished goods • Mixtures/combinations • Packaging • Sets • UK Global Tariff - new tariff from 1 January 2021

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EXPORT LICENSE CONTROLS DATE: 25 February (half-day) COST: Members £299 + VAT Non members £369 + VAT We will enter the world of Export License Controls, explaining the roles of BIS (Business innovation and skills) and their SPIRE system.

Whether you are selling military goods, or dual use items, or are not sure, we will explain the classification process and the importance of end user undertakings. How Export license rules stretch to encompass software, technology and beyond.

INCOTERMS 2020 DATE: 11 March (half-day) BCC Accredited COST: Member £299 + VAT Non members £369 + VAT Delivery Terms – We cover what’s changed with the new Incoterms 2020, terms removed/changed/ added; how these updates will affect you, Delivery Point, Transfer of Risk, Insurance, Contracting for Carriage, Seller’s Obligations, Buyer’s Obligations, Seller’s Costs, Buyer’s Costs

SALES & MARKETING DIGITAL MARKETING FOR SMES DATE: 25 February (half-day) COST: Member £140 + VAT Non members £180 + VAT This course gives delegates a firm understanding of digital marketing, teaching them how to define and implement an effective digital strategy. By the end of the session we’ll give you a firm understanding of everything you need to get in front of your customers online.

DATE: 10 March (one-day) COST: Member £229 + VAT Non members £299 + VAT Selling is an art, but an art that can be learnt by anyone. People who sell well, simply understand that there is a structure and a process to successful selling and follow it.

They also know that to be really successful they must learn to blend their own personality and experience with the sales structure in order to develop their unique style. Nobody buys from robots.

Attend this course to understand the underlying structure of selling and begin to assess your own competence in the various component parts of the sale. Then learn where and how to get better and make more sales.

THE ART OF NEGOTIATION – BASIC LEVEL DATE: 15 April (half-day) COST: Members £140 + VAT Non members £180 + VAT Within the sales arena, negotiation will arise at some point, and if you are unprepared or inexperienced, you will find yourself giving into your customer’s demands. This 1/2 day workshop helps you to develop your negotiation skills for whatever scenario you come across in your day-to-day dealings.

GOOGLE ANALYTICS BASICS DATE: 18 March (half-day) COST: Members £140 + VAT Non members £180 + VAT We teach you the essentials for monitoring your online marketing and improving your website, along with skills and analytics tips that you will put into practice on a daily basis. Google Analytics doesn’t just provide you with website insights; it’s incredibly valuable to the commercial success of your business. From marketing campaign optimization through to budget allocation, this course will

give you direction on how Google Analytics can benefit your business.

HEALTH & SAFETY HEALTH & SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE LEVEL 2 HABC DATE: 17 March (one-day) COST: Members £229 + VAT Non members £299 + VAT The most basic requirement of any workplace is that it is a safe place to work. If this isn’t the case then your business is at risk from all kinds of legal cases and even worse, your employees may be risking their lives. Good health and safety relies on employers and their employees working together. This course provides a solid foundation of knowledge that is required by everyone and provides essential knowledge of health and safety for employees working in any type of business sector.

GETTING THE MESSAGE RIGHT MINUTES MADE EASY DATE: 24 February (one-day) COST: Members £229 + VAT Non members £299 + VAT Minute taking does require skill, this course will help you understand what is needed to produce concise and clear minutes, with discussion about the nature of meetings and looking at the relevance of annotating different kinds of information. You will also be introduced to speed writing.

DEVELOPING ASSERTIVENESS SKILLS DATE: 25 March (one-day) COST: Members £229 + VAT Non Members £299 + VAT This workshop aims to enable you to be more effective in your communication skills. To be positive and competent in the workplace and outside it, by learning to be

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TRAINING & EVENTS

TRAINING IN EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

firm but fair with your colleagues. It will help you make a plan for realistic change and enable you to realise the benefits of non aggressive assertive behaviour. You will learn to say no effectively, give and receive criticism and deal with fear in a positive way.

MANAGEMENT & PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAIN THE TRAINER DATE: 3-4 March (two-day) COST: Members £458 + VAT Non members £598 + VAT To give staff who have recently been employed in a position of a trainer, or who are expected to train other staff in any areas such as procedures, skills or other core functions e.g. customer service or health and safety, the ability and confidence to deliver first class training.

The next generation of business leaders are being given the chance to delve into the world of Emotional Intelligence with an award-winning trainer.

Paul Beesley, of Beyond Theory, will deliver the session in March to help Next Generation Chamber members learn about emotional intelligence, otherwise known as emotional quotient (EQ).

Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand, use and manage your own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges and defuse conflict.

The free session is part of a series of inspirational and interactive Personal Development sessions run by Next Generation Chamber exclusively for its members.

It is a great opportunity for young entrepreneurs to work with Paul who has more than 20 years of experience of working in HR and training across private, retail and public sectors and with blue chip companies. Paul is also a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD), a

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Excel courses at all levels available, to view outlines go to website link: www.northantschamber.co.uk/training/information -technology All course outlines and forward dates can be viewed on the website: www.northantschamber.co.uk/training Call 01604 490490 for bespoke delivery option and any further information regarding the Training Services

To secure your place, click on the booking link under the Emotional lntelligence entry on www.chambermk.co.uk/who-we-are/nextgeneration-chamber/our-training-sessions

NEW EVENTS The Chamber events team have been working hard to adapt and deliver a new format of events, increasing the range and availability of our schedule. Look out for the following NEW events on the calendar:

SUCCESSFUL SUPERVISORY MANAGEMENT DATE: 13-14 April (two-day) COST: Members £458 + VAT Non members £598 + VAT The transition from team member to team leader is one of the most challenging. This pragmatic workshop teaches you how to increase work output, improve the quality of work and achieve greater flexibility in working. It is essential training for established and newly appointed supervisory staff. It is vital training for anyone about to become a supervisor.

Steering Group Member for the Engage for Success movement and, as a member of the British Psychological Society, is qualified in a range of psychometric profiling tools.

Paul said: “This session will help Next Generation Chamber members to discover what emotional intelligence is and what it isn’t and show them how to develop and improve their emotional intelligence.

“An important part of that process is learning what behaviours you need to stop in order to improve your emotional intelligence so we will also be covering that in the session too.”

The session on Emotional Intelligence will be held online from 3.30pm to 4.30pm on 24 March.

CHAMBERLIVE

MAXIMISE YOUR MEMBERSHIP

60-minute, bitesize sessions that pack a serious punch. Hosted by renowned, expert speakers covering current business needs. These are the topics on everyone’s agenda, and ChamberLIVE is here to tackle them.

Date: Tuesday 23 February Time: 10am-11am

SPEED NETWORKING

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

NEXT GENERATION CPD Date: Wednesday 24 February Time: 3.30pm-4.30pm

FRIDAY WIND-DOWN NETWORKING Date: Friday 26 February Time: 3pm-4pm

Hosted by experienced, friendly Chamber staff, this is your opportunity to introduce your business and make vital connections with a receptive audience. 10 people per room, 3 room changes per event. Fastpaced, high-energy, results-driven.

FRIDAY WIND-DOWN

MK CHAMBER MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS NETWORKING

End the working week on a high with an informal, fun networking session. Moderated by experienced Chamber staff who know how to keep the conversation flowing, ensuring you can make connections that matter.

Date: Thursday 4 March Time: 10am-11.15am

MEET THE NEIGHBOURS

NEXT GENERATION SANDWICH SOCIAL Date: Tuesday 9 March Time: 12pm-1pm

NEXT GENERATION CPD: EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE WITH PAUL BEESLEY – BEYOND THEORY. Date: Wednesday 24 March Time: 3.30pm-4.30pm

FRIDAY WIND-DOWN NETWORKING Date: Friday 26 March Time: 3pm-4pm

Business doesn’t recognise borders, so why should we? Joining forces with neighbouring Chambers, these structured networking sessions are designed to forge new business relationships across county boundaries, and maximise your opportunity to build a profitable network.

YOUTUBE CHANNEL Look out for our new YouTube channel entitled NN & MK Chambers of Commerce which allows our subscribers to watch back ChamberLive events, such as our recent Wellbeing Week, so you never miss out!

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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

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CUSTOMERS Nick Lygo-Baker (pictured), founder of Paradigm CX, international bestselling coauthor, and non-executive director of Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce discusses how customer experience management is the launchpad to your business success in 2021.

This year, I am seeing a definite change in attitudes. Despite being in the midst of a third lockdown period, there is an optimism which is different from the uncertainty and challenges we all experienced in 2020. Not only are organisations seeking to adapt and evolve, but they are now in a position where change can happen for the better.

Paradigm CX Ltd. helps organisations by building a customer experience strategy and by creating the measurement processes that enables actionable insights. Using a fact-based approach to understand who customers are, their needs and their wants, we support organisations in prioritising how to

close the gap between customer expectations and the experience they receive.

Our approach to ‘DESIGN YOUR customer experience CUSTOMER management more sensitive EXPERIENCE enables businesses to safety, to TIE people WITH PURPOSE’ environmental together through impact and the Trust Integrity need to trust those Empathy. they buy from to act Managing the experience with empathy and integrity in with your customers, employees, delivering their customer journey. recruitment, suppliers and partners The principle behind customer with empathy and integrity builds experience performance Trust! Sounds simple, but the basic improvement is simple. Design your needs and wants of many customers customer experience with purpose, have changed, with people being

keeping your customers and employees at the heart is like sowing seeds in spring. Continue to nurture this culture with your employees and watch as your customers embrace this, and your business grows.

So, as we face 2021 full in the face.

Let’s be brave, do something that scares you and keep moving – you will achieve great things!

Visit: www.paradigmcx.com

HR FIRM PLEDGES FREE HELP TO STRUGGLING CHARITIES A firm which helps smaller ‘everyday’ organisations with their HR and recruitment so they can compete against the bigger brands when it comes to attracting top talent is on a mission to help 100 charities recruit for free.

If you’ve not heard of hireful before, it is a recruitment services company based in Strixton, Northamptonshire. Well, normally anyway.

These days, its team operates from the comfort of their own homes, working hard to be the most helpful recruitment company you’ve ever known.

When March 2020 came along, many people began to struggle and hireful found it became harder for it to support charities as fundraising events and staff volunteering days were not really an option when their staff had been ordered to stay home.

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So, it came up with help100 - a 12-month mission to help 100 charities recruit for free.

CEO Sean Maher (pictured) said: “Our thinking was that we need charities now more than ever. They’re stepping up to help our most vulnerable during the most difficult time. But charities are suffering too. People don’t have the means to donate as they did 12 months ago.

“So, we’re giving them free recruitment software, on-demand recruitment training and 1-2-1 recruitment strategy calls for 12-months.

Meaning their recruitment budget can be reallocated to their frontline services, whilst still recruiting great talent.”

To find out more about the programme visit hireful.co.uk/help100-programme Charities who could benefit from the scheme should contact Sean at sean@hireful.co.uk or on 01933 667126.

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MEMBER PROFILE

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

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

NAME: Jane Russell

CHAMBER HEALTH PLAN

COMPANY: Jane Russell

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

Photography

JOB TITLE: Photographer WHAT DOES YOUR ORGANISATION DO?

CHAMBER PROTECTION

I take photographs for companies such as photos of conferences and events as well as headshots and lifestyle pictures for their social media channels. I make sure they are always good strong images that help businesses promote themselves in a professional manner.

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.

HOW DID IT ALL START? I trained as a press photographer on the well-respected NCTJ (National Council for the Training of Journalists) course at Sheffield College.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

WHAT’S YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR? I was awarded a highly commended in the Free Newspaper Awards for Picture of the Year for my image of Prince Charles at Whipsnade Zoo. I took a photo of him looking through the rolled-up trunk of an elephant so the Prince’s head was framed by the elephant’s trunk.

WHAT KEEPS YOU AWAKE AT NIGHT? All manner of things and I am a known sleepwalker. Paying the bills seems to be a catalyst.

WHAT HAS SURPRISED YOU MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Just how much I still enjoy going out and photographing a variety of different and unusual events.

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST RISK YOU’VE EVER TAKEN – AND DID IT WORK OUT? I don’t view things as risks, I either want to do them or I have to do them. It always works out if you are committed enough.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT? Work very hard and meet as many people as you can. Be determined about what you want to do.

WHICH BUSINESS PERSON DO YOU MOST ADMIRE? Carl Hester the dressage rider, as he was given an amazing opportunity which he grabbed with both hands and once he was in a position to he did the same for someone else. In his case he helped fellow equestrian, Charlotte Dujardin.

WHAT EXCITING PROJECTS IS YOUR ORGANISATION WORKING ON? I am teaching budding photographers to improve their skills so they can take much better photographs.

WHAT MADE YOU JOIN MILTON KEYNES CHAMBER AND HOW ARE YOU MAKING USE OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP? I joined to make companies and business people aware of me and my services and to meet as many people as I could. I believe I utilise the Chamber very well.

Call: 07973 313711 Email: jarphotographer@gmail.com Visit: www.jarphoto.co.uk

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WOMEN WITH VISION NETWORK Milton Keynes Chamber is proud to offer a new mentoring and networking association which has been created to educate, inspire and promote women in business.

The Women With Vision Network will offer its members access to: • Six online free CPD events across the year delivered by a Champion • Access to four networking events across the year* (online or faceto-face, Covid-19 restrictions dependant) • Twice yearly social events* • Bimonthly drop-in event to discuss any issues/successes you have in your business and career hosted by a Champion.

• Free 30-minute Mentor zoom call with a Champion *Where any face-to- face events take place there will be an additional cost involved to cover room hire, refreshments and catering.

The new network will launch between 10am and 11.30am on 8 March to coincide with International Women’s Day. It will give attendees the chance to learn about the network and the opportunity to meet the network champions, network with other women in business and to take part in an International Women’s Day event #ChooseToChallenge #IWD2021 For further information about the Women With Vision Network contact Kate Denne at Kate.denne@chambermk.co.uk

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HOW MUCH ARE YOUR DIGITAL ASSETS WORTH? A forward-thinking law firm is urging people to consider the value of their digital assets.

EMW says many individuals see digital assets as the preserve of those who invest in cryptocurrencies, or those businesses who hold information within a digital format. Those assets can have a significant value – the price of bitcoin reached a record high this year and now has more value than both Visa and Mastercard.

However, digital assets also include photographs, videos, online payment accounts and social media accounts. The danger is many people do not recognise the significant financial value of their digital assets and are not accounting for them in their estate planning.

‘IT’S CRUCIAL YOU PROVIDE CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS TO YOUR EXECUTORS’

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EMW solicitor Oliver Kent (pictured) said: “A recent Law Society survey showed just 26% of respondents know what happens to their digital assets after they die, with only 7% saying they fully understand. Of those surveyed who have a Will, 93% hadn’t included digital assets in their Will.

“These statistics show many individuals aren’t leaving a plan on how these assets will be accessed or what they want to happen to them on their death or if they lose capacity.

“This means estates may struggle to recover assets with a significant value, including cryptocurrencies, business secrets and software, and personal assets, including photographs, could be lost to families.

“It’s crucial you provide clear instructions to your executors or attorneys about what should happen to these assets to avoid disputes.”

When estate planning you should consider what digital assets you or your business owns, their value and how they are accessed. You should also consider if you had made provision to deal with your digital assets and whether you need to arrange for written requests to be made for the transfer of digital assets.

For further advice contact Oliver or a member of EMW’s Private Client team at privateclient@emwllp.com

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PLANNING FOR REDUNDANCY A team of specialists in career coaching, executive coaching career management and outplacement services has revealed how it can help people facing redundancy.

The latest figures from The Insolvency Service revealed British employers made plans to cut a record 795,000 jobs last year. To help fellow Chamber members, Personal Career Management regional director Jo Thurman (pictured) has shared her top tips for workers at risk of redundancy:

• Get support - help from a professional outplacement company such as Personal Career Management can make a huge difference to your job search success and reduce the amount of time taken to find your next role

• Don’t panic - keep calm and make a list of all of the things you need to arrange in the months ahead.

Legal and financial arrangements, outplacement support, connecting with contacts and sharing your new contact details

• Do your research - don’t rush into applying for jobs regardless of their suitability. Take stock of what you have to offer and what you want to do. While some sectors may still be struggling there will be others which are more robust and in growth mode, for example remote technology services companies

• Know your rights - obtain a copy of the in-house redundancy policy if there’s one and check your contract for exit terms. Check out ACAS and Government websites for information about your entitlements and Government measures to help employees and businesses • Negotiate - don’t be afraid to bargain and ask for more than your employer is initially prepared to give. You should get your original salary rate, not the reduced furlough rate • Depersonalise - if you choose to challenge your redundancy be careful to focus on facts and policies, not personalities • Don’t burn bridges - try to maintain good relations wherever possible with your previous employer

• Plan your finances - get a realistic picture of your finances. Contact Jobcentre Plus to find out what financial help you are entitled to

• Brush up your employability undertake some continuous professional development • Think positive - redundancy can be an extremely positive catalyst for making much needed changes in your working life.

Visit: www.personalcareermanagement.com

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THE NEXT GENERATION OUR NEXT GENERATION CHAMBER PROVIDES A PLATFORM FOR YOUNG, ASPIRING LEADERS.

NEXT GENERATION CHAMBER PATRONS

EXCITING EVENTS ON THE HORIZON Next Generation Chamber has built up a strong reputation for itself as the go-to platform for aspiring young business people throughout Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire.

The organisation was launched by Milton Keynes Chamber and its sister Chamber in Northamptonshire and has been welcoming young entrepreneurs from a wide variety of industries since 2017.

It provides a series of monthly events, alternating between networking events and personal development sessions – all of which are currently held online.

Milton Keynes Chamber events, communication and marketing manager Matthew Cannon, who sits on the Next Generation Committee, said: “We are very proud of our Next Generation Chamber members and its committee members who are fantastic ambassadors for the organisation and show the breadth of skills of the talented young business people in our region.

experiences with their peers in a relaxed and informal environment while our personal development sessions deliver inspirational and interactive sessions aimed at developing essential business and leadership skills.”

Next Generation Chamber has a series of exciting events coming up during February and March, including personal development sessions on topics such as Emotional Intelligence and its popular Next Generation Sandwich Social.

To learn more about the platform and to read case studies from current members visit www.chambermk.co.uk/who-we-are/nextgeneration-chamber “Next Generation Chamber was initially created to help these young business people as they aspire to grow and to support the firms that are doing their very best to nurture them.

“Our networking events offer members the opportunity to share knowledge and

To find out more about the benefits of Next Generation Chamber membership email info@NextGenerationChamber.co.uk or call the Chamber team for an informal chat on 01604 490490.

NEW MEMBERS Adhesive Dispensing Ltd MILTON KEYNES 01908 686660 www.adhesivedispensing.co.uk Supplier of Industrial Adhesive Dispensing Equipment to Manufacturers All Things Business MILTON KEYNES 01908 030688 www.allthingsbusiness.co.uk All Things Business is a monthly business publication that is delivered by the Royal Mail to business owners and senior decision makers of companies ATG Scientific Ltd OXFORD 01865 261423 www.atgscientific.co.uk Business Development and Sales of Scientific Products Boxx Communications Limited MILTON KEYNES 01908 350750 www.boxxxcomms.co.uk Based in Milton Keynes, yet with a national engineering network. Boxx specialise in providing bespoke telecommunications solutions to businesses large and small

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Business Times OLNEY 01604 259900 www.business-times.co.uk One of the most respected business publications in the Northamptonshire region, delivered monthly by Royal Mail to more than 9,500 business owners DNH World Wide Ltd MILTON KEYNES 01908 275000 www.dnh.co.uk Loudspeakers for use in commercial and industrial applications Gateway HR & Training Ltd CORBY 01536 215240 www.gatewayhr.com Providers of personable, outsourced human resource support, accredited training, bespoke people and team development programs, 1-1 and team coaching MK Pulse OLNEY 01908 465488 www.pulsemagazine.co.uk MK Pulse is a local A4 printed lifestyle magazine which is hand delivered to the door of over 32,000 ABC1 homes in and around Milton Keynes and Bucks

Navsa International Limited MILTON KEYNES 01908 909160 www.navsainternational.com Wholesale, Distribution and Export of Branded FMCG products

Sky Blue Safety Ltd WELLINGBOROUGH 07722 270166 www.skybluesafety.co.uk Health and Safety Consultancy. Health and Safety Recruitment

NN Pulse OLNEY 01604 935300 www.pulsemagazine.co.uk NN Pulse is a local A4 printed lifestyle magazine which is hand delivered to the door of over 22,000 ABC1 homes in and around Northamptonshire

Sunfish Online Limited MILTON KEYNES www.sunfish.online Specialists in delivering complex business change across multiple industries, we guide businesses through IT transformation, maximising outcomes and minimising risks

Sansetsu UK Ltd MILTON KEYNES 01908 264750 www.sanetsu.co.uk Manufacture of bubble film packaging products. Bubble rolls, sheets and pouches. Also lined mailers Sedgebrook Hall NORTHAMPTON 01604 821666 www.sedgebrookhall.co.uk Sedgebrook Hall is a restored Victorian country house set in 13 acres of landscaped grounds with 23 meeting rooms, 103 bedrooms and located near to the M1 & A14

The Denbigh Alliance Multi Academy Trust MILTON KEYNES 01908 505030 www.thedesnalliance.org.uk Secondary school education (Years 11 18) plus graduate teaching school provision and regional subject hub provision through Bucks, Beds and Herts UD Merchant Services MILTON KEYNES 01908 470566 www.Ud-ms.co.uk Merchant Services - giving your business a better cash flow

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