inbusiness Mk Feb March 22 by Kemps Publishing

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inbusiness @ChamberMK

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THE VOICE OF MILTON KEYNES BUSINESS

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022

DUO ARE STEERING TOWARDS SUCCESS AWARD FOR ICR LEASING BUSINESS REPORT: LATEST QES SPOTLIGHT: EDUCATION, TRAINING AND APPRENTICESHIPS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF MILTON KEYNES CHAMBER

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INBUSINESS

CONTENTS inbusiness

FEBRUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

15 BUSINESS REPORT

Recognising the impact of robot fleet

PPE start-up launches new range

Anniversary for solicitors

QES reveals a mixed landscape

Chamber Business Partners: 123 Internet Group

Solicitors welcomes new staff

Raising asbestos awareness

Tackling the skills gap problem

New president for sister Chamber

Award for waste management provider

GOING GLOBAL 17

BBC announce Global Annual Conference

TALKING BUSINESS 18

ICR Leasing senior business managers Will Chapman and Tom Ryan

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING Microsoft announce changes

EDUCATION, TRAINING & APPRENTICESHIPS Expansion for training provider

TRAINING & EVENTS 24

The latest comprehensive list of Chamber training courses and events

MEMBER ZONE

MK Gallery wins prestigious prize

Member Profile: Nick Lygo-Baker, Paradigm CX Ltd

Charity to take on challenge

Next Generation, plus new members

The April/May 2022 issue of inbusiness will include features on: Hotels, Conferences & Events and Manufacturing

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BUSINESS REPORT

inbusiness THE VOICE OF MK BUSINESS

CONTACT DETAILS

VIEWPOINT

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

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: ICR Leasing See pages 18-19 COVER PHOTO: Jane Russell Photography ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE: inbusiness is a bi-monthly publication and digital magazine distributed to over 3,000 Chamber members and key businesses in Milton Keynes. The publication focuses on news and information about local companies and the initiatives and advice available to increase the prosperity of firms in the Milton Keynes area. Milton Keynes Chamber welcomes newsworthy articles of business interest, giving preference to Chamber members. As editorial space is limited, inclusion cannot be guaranteed and the editor may amend or reject articles submitted.

FOLLOW MILTON KEYNES CHAMBER AT:

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

NEW YEAR BRINGS OPTIMISM TO REGION Happy New Year! And may 2022 bring the breath of fresh air we all need and hope for. The past two years has been an upward slog for the vast majority of businesses but there are brighter skies ahead. We were delighted to recently host The Secretary of State for Education Nadhim Zahawi as part of our PolicyHour series, and even more thrilled with his news that businesses in Milton Keynes will be at the heart of the reform of the skills system. His Skills Bill is working its way through Parliament, and as we know how our local business community has recently struggled to recruit skilled personnel, we will be following its progress with great interest. It is vital that we address the skills crisis and help our local economy progress and flourish by ensuring that local businesses have the right people with the right skills. It is fantastic to see our partners MK College leading on a Skills Hub here in MK that is offering fully funded training courses, that are employer driven and set to respond to local business skills needs and we are proud to support this initiative. We are committed to doing all that we can to bridge the skills gap. The manufacturing sector in Milton Keynes particularly reported feeling the strain of hiring difficulties in our latest Quarterly Economic Survey. The full analysis of the business barometer can be found on page 8. Though many companies started the year working from home again, at the Government’s request, business confidence is definitely improving. Many service sector businesses were back to operating as normal as we came to the end of last year and reported to be full of optimism in Q4. I feel that optimism is a good trait to have as we begin 2022. Here at the Chamber, we’ve seen some internal staff promotions and a recruitment drive to add to the team and, as always, we are keen to help all our members to begin to strive forward. Whether you need representation, international trade advice or someone to help you shout about your good news, we are here for you. Best wishes, Louise Wall Interim CEO, Milton Keynes Chamber

www.youtube.com/MiltonKeynesChamber You can also follow our International Trade Team on Twitter: @ChamberMKExport For further information on Milton Keynes Chamber, call: 01908 547820 or visit: www.chambermk.co.uk

inbusiness is produced on behalf of Milton Keynes Chamber by Kemps Publishing Ltd and is distributed without charge to all Chamber members and other leading businesses in the Milton Keynes area. The Chamber and the publisher are committed to achieving the highest quality standards. However, views expressed in the magazine are independent and while every care has been taken to ensure that the information it contains is accurate, neither Milton Keynes Chamber nor the publisher can accept any responsibility for any omission or inaccuracies that might arise. PRIVACY NOTICE: Kemps Publishing Ltd process personal information for certain legitimate interest purposes, which includes the following: • To provide postal copies of this publication to Chamber members and Kemps’ customers; and • To offer marketing and promotional opportunities within this publication to Chamber members and prospects. Whenever we process data for these purposes, we always ensure we treat your Personal Data rights in high regard. If you wish to, you can visit www.kempspublishing.co.uk to view our full Privacy Notice and to learn more about our legitimate interests and your rights in this regard.

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CHAMBER BUSINESS PARTNERS

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BUSINESS REPORT

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

HIREFUL HOSTS SUB1000 EVENT

IMPACT OF ROBOT FLEET residents and businesses receive deliveries in an Starship Technologies, in conjunction with Milton efficient and sustainable way. The operations are a Keynes Council, has announced the initial findings of an internal study to review the early great success. Whether it's Starship, more impact of zero-emission robots in the city electric vehicle charging or electric over the last three and a half years. buses, Milton Keynes will continue ‘MILTON KEYNES Since launching the emission-free establishing itself as a modern, autonomous delivery service in forward-thinking city that’s ready WILL CONTINUE Milton Keynes in April 2018, Starship to take on the climate challenge ESTABLISHING has calculated that 280,000 car head-on.” ITSELF AS A journeys have been avoided, Volker Beckers, special advisor MODERN, equating to over 500,000 miles. to the Starship Technologies board This in turn has seen 137 tons of CO2 and former Group CEO of RWE FORWARDand 22kg of NOx saved, with a Npower plc, added: “An average THINKING CITY’ reduction of 23kg of PM10 and 12kg of delivery for a Starship robot PM2.5 in the volume of micro-particles in consumes as little energy as boiling the kettle to make just one cup of tea. These the air. initial findings therefore demonstrate the Cabinet member for Climate Action and Sustainability, Jennifer Willson-Marklew, said: “We significantly positive impact that electrically powered robots can have.” are delighted that Starship’s service is helping

SARAH JOINS AUDIT TEAM Accountants Mercer & Hole has strengthened its audit team with the appointment of senior audit manager Sarah Barnes (pictured). Sarah joined the firm on 1 November from PwC where she was an audit manager. Sarah brings to Mercer & Hole considerable expertise and experience in advising large, international businesses together with ownermanaged businesses on all aspects of their accounts and audit requirements. She has a strong track record and client following in the manufacturing and retail sectors. Sarah said: “Mercer & Hole is recognised as one of the region’s leading accountancy firms. It is a terrific audit

team and a fantastic client base, and I am looking forward to developing my career further with my new colleagues. “My passion is advising business owners through the complexities of their accounts preparation, financial reporting, and audit. Having access to the right financial information is a key part of running and building a successful business and the annual audit is often a perfect opportunity for business owners to take stock and plan for the year ahead.” Paul Maberly, managing partner at Mercer & Hole said: “We are delighted to welcome Sarah to the firm. She has a terrific track record in advising both very large and smaller owner-managed businesses on their financial reporting. She is a valuable addition to our growing audit team and we look forward to the contributions she will bring.”

Recruitment company hireful is celebrating after hosting its first successful SUB1000 event. SUB1000 is the UK’s only recruitment event aimed at bringing together in-house recruiters and HR professionals from organisations with under 1,000 staff. The inaugural virtual conference boasted 14 talks from industry leading speakers, in house recruiters and recruitment professionals, as well as three panel discussions over three days. Topics discussed included diversity and inclusion, onboarding and employer brand. hireful’s Sean Maher said: “We had such an overwhelming response to our very first SUB1000 event that we’re already planning our next one in March 2022. “As well as this, we’re still running our regular recruitment webinars every week, hosted by our cofounder Adrian McDonagh. We’re also often joined by expert guest presenters, and in-house recruiters who have a whole host of experience and knowledge to share.” Upcoming webinars can all be found at: hireful.co.uk/resources/ webinars For more information about SUB1000, to see the presentations from the entire event and to find out more about the next one, visit www.sub1000.com FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022

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BUSINESS REPORT NEW IT SERVICE FOR SMALL FIRMS Client services company Numata Business IT has launched a brandnew digital transformation division. Led by head of digital transformation, Oz Oscroft, the trusted technology advisors provide expert IT support and solutions to small and medium sized businesses globally. As a managed IT services provider Numata can assist with all IT support services, including IT governance and compliance, cybersecurity and risk management, managed procurement, IT strategy and advisory, and document management and sharing. The team can also offer a 24/7 service desk for when unexpected problems occur, remove manual tasks so your employees can focus on the important jobs and bring harmony and collaboration to a hybrid world if you have different people working in different places. Oz said: “Small businesses need the same from their IT as large ones, but often with no dedicated IT team or specialised support. SMBs often have much of what they need, such as with Microsoft 365 licenses, but need help setting it up. Finding a specialist to help point you in the right direction can make a huge difference without costing the earth. We are perfectly placed to do this.” Visit: www.numata.com

New digital transformation division

Radhika Srinivasan

PPE START-UP REVEALS BIODEGRADABLE RANGE The mechanical engineering Sustainable and inclusive PPE graduate began researching and start-up, EcoTextura, made designing eco-friendly compostable unbelievable progression in their and biodegradable PPE, first full year of trading in while equipping 2021. warehouses with the And now the facilities to produce Milton Keynes‘THE IDEA this. based company BEHIND Not long will release a full ECOTEXTURA afterwards, Covidrange of 19 began. Radhika biodegradable STARTED BEFORE had to shift her and compostable THE PANDEMIC’ focus on using products, including EcoTextura’s face masks, hospital resources to help gowns, gloves, answer a nationwide cry inclusive hair nets, and for more PPE in hospitals, care shoe covers in 2022. homes, and for the public. The idea behind EcoTextura EcoTextura were already started before the pandemic, where equipped to help and began to after a visit to the hospital, CEO Radhika Srinivasan noticed just supply face masks and gowns how wasteful single-use PPE is. across the UK. One of the

company's main focuses was producing inclusive Clear Panoramic Face Masks with a clear view of the mouth to help deaf and hard of hearing communities communicate during mask mandates. Even today, the start-up advocate for inclusive clear maskwearing where possible. In this transformative year, EcoTextura has received national and international press, hosted a virtual exhibition stand at the European Clean Med Conference, and won contracts with the NHS, as well as with hospitals and care homes around the world. EcoTextura also won a top 100 manufacturers award and shipped their masks across Asia, Europe, North America, Africa, and Australasia.

GROWTH FOR RECRUITMENT FIRM Milton Keynes’ fastest growing recruitment agency now has a team of 11 supplying hundreds of workers to a growing list of clients. Wild Recruitment opened eight years ago in the Linford Wood area and is predicting further expansion through 2022 as the jobs market continues to boom. The branch is part of Berry Recruitment Group (BRG), a familyowned national recruiter that works from nearly 40 locations across England and Wales. Wild’s manager Debbie de Cordova (pictured) said that belonging to such a group gives the branch a major advantage. 6 inbusiness FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022

She said: “Having BRG behind us means we benefit from all that experience and buying power and it provides us with tools that others don’t have. “For example, we have incorporated remote interviewing and video technology using high tech software. “And being largely autonomous within the group means we are able to make instant decisions – we have the best of both worlds. “Our decision to offer discounts to fellow Chamber members was something we did the moment we joined.

“If something needs changing or reviewing or re-costing we just go ahead and do it – there are no time-consuming protocols that you get in other recruitment groups.” Debbie added: “The candidate shortage is probably more pronounced in Milton Keynes than elsewhere, as the business community will know. “It has a large number of bluechip companies, and it doesn’t have a university, which is where workers are often recruited from in towns of a similar size. “This requires us to be innovative and quick and offer pay rates that are hugely competitive.”

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FRANKLINS CELEBRATES 40TH ANNIVERSARY Franklins Solicitors LLP are celebrating their 40th anniversary. To mark this milestone, they have planned 40 activities and events throughout the year to support their employees, clients, local charities and communities. With offices in Milton Keynes and Northampton and employing over 100 staff, Franklins have gained a strong reputation as one of the region’s leading solicitors’ firms. Over the past 40 years, they have expanded their offering to deliver a wide range of services to businesses and individuals. This includes Business Services, Employment Law, Intellectual Property, Commercial Property, Conveyancing, Wills and Probate and Family Law. Activities planned to mark Franklins’ 40th year include a range of celebratory experiences for employees and clients, events to support the local community and

various fundraising initiatives to support key local charities including Willen Hospice, MacIntyre and Cynthia Spencer. Speaking about the anniversary, managing partner Simon Long (pictured) said: “We are very proud to be celebrating our 40th birthday. During the past 40 years the firm has grown both in terms of employees and types of services offered. We couldn’t have got where we are today without the support of our valued employees, clients and partners. “We want to take this opportunity to recognise and appreciate everyone who has supported our success particularly after a challenging couple of years. I look forward to seeing what the next chapter holds for Franklins.” To find out more about how Franklins can help you and your business with your legal requirements, contact www.franklinssols.co.uk

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022

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BUSINESS REPORT

QUARTERLY ECONOMIC SURVEY REVEALS A MIXED LANDSCAPE When looking at the respondents, equal numbers of businesses Difficult trading environments battle cautious optimism as Covid-19 continues to create economic uncertainty in Milton Keynes, according indicated that overseas orders (both current and advanced) remained to the results of the latest Quarterly Economic Survey from Milton constant or decreased when compared to Q3. Keynes Chamber of Commerce. The difficult export environment could be explained by reports of Quarter 4 presented a mixed picture in terms of the local economic weaker demand from China, alongside disruption to EU trade, partly landscape. due to ongoing complications with the EU transition. Further to The manufacturing sector reported feeling the strain of this, overseas orders may have experienced cancellations supply chain shortages and hiring difficulties as due to extended lead times and supply shortages. inflationary pressure continued to mount. Many businesses have continued to be significantly ‘BUSINESS In contrast, the local service sector remained upbeat impacted by ongoing supply chain issues, as well as with an escalation in new orders both domestic and CONFIDENCE IS increased raw material costs and longer lead times overseas, driven mostly by improved market which appears to be having a subsequent impact on SLOWLY conditions because of a sustained lifting of restrictions cashflow levels. IMPROVING FOR and a loosening of limits on international travel. Business confidence is slowly improving for MANUFACTURING’ Almost a third of firms in the services sector manufacturing, with a large majority of businesses increased their workforce in the final months of the year suggesting that they expect turnover to increase in the and many respondents suggesting that their teams would coming 12 months, but many expect a fall in profitability. remain constant in the first three months of 2022. But the services sector remain upbeat, reporting an Improved economic conditions and boosts from the anticipation of turnover and profitability increasing in the coming sustained lifting of Covid-19 restrictions saw domestic orders 12 months. increase across the board in Q4 in Milton Keynes. Milton Keynes Chamber policy executive Sean Rose said: “As we move Forty-six per cent of Milton Keynes services sector firms saw an forward into the new year, we find ourselves in a familiar situation with upturn in domestic sales and an impressive 83% of the manufacturing Covid-19 case rates rising due to the emergence of the Omicron variant respondents suggested that both current and advanced orders had and another bout of restrictions being put in place to curb its spread. either remained constant or increased when compared to the previous “This will undoubtedly raise concerns amongst local businesses on quarter. how rising case rates (domestically and overseas), could impact demand The overseas orders uptick for the services sector is in line with the levels, exacerbate any current labour/supply shortages and further price national outlook for exports after the loosening of travel regulations. pressures. However, the impacts could be shortlived if the new variant is Despite this increase, manufacturing firms are not seeing similar postefficiently brought under control.” Covid highs.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PERSONAL BRANDING Milton Keynes-based headshot photographer Wani Olatunde is encouraging local businesses people to consider their personal branding in 2022. Wani, who loves helping clients stand out from the crowd with elevated headshots and corporate portraits, believes personal branding is an extension of who you are and how you present yourself and your business to potential clients and customers both online and offline. She said: “Personal branding is a term that is continuously being thrown around but what does it mean and why is it important? “In today’s social media world that is increasingly driven by visuals and storytelling, building that ‘Know, Like, Trust’ factor is more important than ever. So, whether you are a product or servicebased business or if you are a solopreneur or head up a small team – branding photography should be one of your primary investments this year.”

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Social media platforms such as Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook are all noisy marketplaces with hundreds of businesses in each industry vying for a customer’s limited attention. This has only become more intense with a record number of businesses going online during the pandemic. With algorithms driven by follower engagement, it has never been more important to stand out from the crowd. Wani added: “Crafting and honing a recognisable personal brand is how you separate yourself from the competition, be more appealing to your target audience, create a loyal and engaged follower base and ultimately grow your business. “Start with headshots and show the face(s) behind the business. Behind the scenes shots give potential clients a sneak peek into your working process. And a bank of custom stock photos will give you marketing images you can use throughout the year.” Contact Wani at: www.waniolatundeportraits.com Instagram: @waniolatundeportraits Email: wani@waniolatunde.com

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BUSINESS REPORT ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

RECRUITING HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS FROM OVERSEAS - INTRODUCTION TO THE PROCESS OF SPONSORSHIP Article by Danica Luces (pictured) As of August 2021, vacancies in the care sector have returned to pre-pandemic levels. Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic have made it extremely difficult for organisations to retain their nurses and care staff on a long-term basis. It caused a knock-on effect, reducing the number of available beds in NHS hospitals because of the increased number of hospital patients unable to be discharged to care homes due to the lack of care workers. To relieve the shortage of nurses and care workers in the UK, health and care organisations have the option to apply for a Worker sponsor licence to fill their vacancies with overseas staff under the Health and Care Worker route. To be eligible to apply, the employer must be an approved and registered UK health and care sector organisation providing adult social care. The salary requirement for sponsored nurses and care workers, with the minimum being the higher of £25,600 per year. The application process The application process for a Worker sponsor licence does not allow room for error. The nonrefundable Home Office application fee is £536 for small organisations and £1,476 for mediumto- large businesses. A flawed or incomplete sponsor licence application may still be approved. Still, it could result in the licence with a B-rating instead of an A-rating, which prevents an organisation from applying for a Certificate of Sponsorship for overseas workers. Eligibility To be eligible, as an employer, one cannot have unspent criminal convictions for immigration offences or certain other crimes, such as fraud or money laundering, or had a sponsor licence revoked in the last 12 months. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will review the company

Caring for a patient in the UK

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An overseas professional in the UK

application form and supporting documents. They may visit the business to ensure it is trustworthy and capable of carrying out its duties. The Skilled Worker route includes the health and care visa, which applies to qualified doctors, nurses and allied professionals working in either health or social care. The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) cap has been suspended, which means there will be no limit to the number of eligible skilled workers wishing to come to the UK unless this is reinstated. Fast tracking Applications are fast-tracked by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), and the aim is to process them within three weeks, providing biometric

information has been made available. The CoS may be granted within one working day. Once the CoS is awarded, it must be assigned to an individual within three months, or it will expire, and the process would need to be completed again. As an employer, the organisation must assign a certificate of Sponsorship to each foreign worker its employs. It is an electronic record (SMS system) and not a physical document. Each certificate has a number, which a recruit may use to apply for a visa. When a company assigns the certificate to a worker, they must apply for their visa within three months. Necessary training All overseas healthcare workers must go through the necessary training. For example, nurses must successfully take exams in CBT, OSCE and OET within eight months after arrival. The requirement is in accordance with the NMC regulation, allowing them to obtain their PIN as registered nurses in the UK. Organisations such as QAQF specialise in such training and help organisations speed up the process to under three months. Danica Luches is the Nova Horizon Group Ltd. compliance officer. During the last few years, Nova Horizon supported UK companies finding, moving, and deploying hundreds of professionals from Africa and Asia. It offers help in the Sponsorship license application, candidate selection, legal support and training for overseas recruits. Consider recruiting from abroad? Contact Danica Luches at info@novahorizongroup.com

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CHAMBER BUSINESS PARTNERS

BUSINESS PARTNERS

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

Scott Jones (far left) with longstanding staff and new shareholders (L-R) Laura Mayes, Ryan Stewart, Hannah Stedman, James Griffin and Tom Jaycocks

123 INTERNET GROUP RECOGNISE LONGSTANDING STAFF WITH SHARES Renowned digital marketing agency 123 Internet Group has celebrated its continued expansion and success by making longstanding staff shareholders of the award-winning company. The Milton-Keynes based fullservice agency has seen impressive growth in the past two years, despite the worldwide pandemic, and has become one of the local digital agencies of choice in the region. With the continued growth of his talented team and securing large local and national brands as retainer-based contracts and winning various tenders, CEO Scott Jones took the decision to share his success with his staff and issue shares to the company’s team leaders. The team leaders include senior account manager Laura Mayes, senior account manager and head of SEO Ryan Stewart, head of

design & UX James Griffin, head of successfully grow organically and web and development Tom be the go-to agency of choice for Jaycocks and head of social media Milton Keynes, Northamptonshire, and the surrounding areas. Hannah Stedman. Scott said: “I am Rather than furloughing any team members immensely proud of our during the Covid entire team and how dedicated they are crisis, the 123 ‘I AM IMMENSELY Internet Group to our clients and our company. It is welcomed new PROUD OF OUR recruits, with each because of their ENTIRE TEAM new job hard work that the AND HOW future of our fullcontributing to the DEDICATED service agency is regional economy. very positive. Throughout THEY ARE’ “To reflect the lockdown, 123 Internet loyalty and continued Group supported its success of the long-standing clients and the wider team we have decided to issue the business community, creating a company's team leaders as a gesture funding support package with of gratitude and recognition.” major banks and helping The benefactors will work closely companies to take advantage of with Scott to assist and help craft the funding to enable them to the on-going future development adapt to homeworking and have of 123 Internet Group as it greater digital access. They also continues its endeavours to produced useful guides to help

business adapt to, and embrace, the digital economy. Scott added: “There has never been a more crucial time for businesses to use marketing and communications. It is vital to enable businesses to send out clear messaging to clients, build a strong brand awareness and show your ability to adapt to an everchanging environment. “Businesses must keep their profile buoyant and my amazing 123 Internet Group dream team are here to help you do just that. I couldn’t be prouder of all we have achieved in the past two years. “It is hugely important to us, as a company, to recognise our team’s dedication and the critical work they do, and I hope that entrusting them with shares shows them how much I value all their efforts.” Call: 01908 231230 Visit: www.123internet.agency FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022

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NEVES EXPANDS TEAM WITH APPOINTMENTS Neves Solicitors has expanded two of their specialist teams with the appointment of Simon Porter and Tina Shah. Simon Porter has joined as a senior associate in the Company Commercial department and has extensive corporate and commercial experience gained over a career spanning more than 30 years, both in the UK and internationally. He has acted for SME business owners across a range of industry sectors on a variety of corporate and commercial matters. These include buying and selling companies and businesses, investment and fundraising rounds, corporate restructuring, advising on

TAXING CHANGES FOR CAR FIRMS HMRC is set to get tough on taxi businesses and their drivers together with scrap metal dealers from April 2022, requiring rigorous ‘tax checks’ before any licence to operate is renewed. It may, says accountants Hillier Hopkins, see businesses unable to renew their licence to operate and forced to close. The changes, which take effect from 4 April 2022, will affect taxi and private car hire business and their drivers, and scrap metal dealers in England and Wales. These changes are being introduced as HMRC believes up to 400,000 businesses and their staff are not fully declaring and paying taxes. The measures will, the Government believes, result in £155m in additional review between 2022/23 and 2025/26. Ruth Corkin, a principal and head of indirect tax at Hillier Hopkins said: “These businesses will need to obtain a tax code from HMRC and submit that to their licencing body alongside their licence renewal. Licencing bodies will only be able to issue operating licences once confirmation from HMRC has been obtained. Staff who are not registered for PAYE or Self Assessment will not be able to legally work.”

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share incentive schemes, and commercial contract drafting. Tina Shah joins the Family Law team as an associate solicitor. Tina is a member of Resolution and holds a Specialist Accreditation in Private Children Law and ToLATA (cohabitation) matters. She is also a trained collaborative lawyer. While Tina's work is largely focused on financial settlements arising from relationship breakdowns and child-related issues, she has experience in all areas of family law, including assisting grandparents through special guardianship orders and child arrangements and acting for clients with assets abroad. She has

Simon Porter

Tina Shah

also dealt with child relocation cases and complex cases dealing with narcissistic individuals. Stewart Matthews, joint managing partner and head of Company Commercial Law, said: “I am very pleased to welcome Simon and Tina to Neves. Simon is an excellent addition and allows us to further develop the already busy commercial department. With her

diverse wealth of experience, I believe Tina will prove invaluable to developing our already very experienced and dynamic team of family lawyers across all three of our offices in Harpenden, Luton and Milton Keynes." Call: 01908 304560 Email: info@nevesllp.co.uk Visit: www.nevesllp.co.uk

TAX EXPERTS REACH SHORTLIST Tony Byrne and Cholpon Djanuzakova, of Milton Keynes based Independent Financial Advisers Wealth And Tax Management, recently attended the gala ceremony of the National SME Business Awards at Wembley Stadium. The firm were shortlisted after winning the gold award for service excellence at the Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire SME Business Awards last year. This is the second time in a row that Wealth and Tax Management have reached the national finals. The firm is a multi-award-winning company that is currently ranked as one of the top 100 firms of financial advisers in the UK by Citywire/New Model Adviser.

The firm did not win an award this year, but they were proud to even be nominated for the national finals. Founder and managing director Tony Byrne said: “Cholpon and I were delighted to attend the national gala awards ceremony. As a boutique-sized firm of Independent Financial Advisers and Wealth Managers in Milton Keynes, such nominations mean a lot to us. “Simply qualifying for the finals demonstrates the commitment we have to service excellence and shows what a great, hard-working team we have who go out of their way to put clients at the heart of everything we do. So many thanks to my team. This nomination would not be possible without them.”

NEW TOOLS FOR BUSINESS LEADERS Business performance consultants Tinderbox have launched a new self-analysis tool for business leaders. The Tinderbox self-analysis tool allows business owners to undertake a high-level diagnostic of their business to help identify opportunities and challenges. By answering some dynamic questions, business leaders can immediately download a free tailored PDF report.

Each report contains high-level recommendations, areas to consider and support options that will add significant value to a business if followed. This tool can be accessed at s.surveyanyplace.com/tbx2021 Tinderbox have also launched a brand-new online training offering called E-LEARN. E-LEARN’s interactive videobased online courses combine professional presenters, animated

graphics, interactive games and questions to keep participants engaged and are available anytime, anyplace on any web-enabled device. E-LEARN offers a wide-range of subjects that are vital to businesses and organisations covering Business Skills, Health and Safety and Social Care. Tinderbox’s Ian Taylor said: “At Tinderbox, we believe that every business should have the chance to be successful, or more successful. Our self-analysis tool and our elearning platform are very effective ways for businesses to take the next step forward.” Visit: www.tinderboxbusinessdevelopme nt.co.uk/e-learn

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BUSINESS REPORT

RAISING ASBESTOS AWARENESS A company director has spent the past two decades protecting people from the dangers of asbestos. Acorn Analytical Services director Ian Stone entered the asbestos industry in January 2002 and has dedicated the majority of his working life to raising awareness about the hidden killer. For several years Ian ran ATAC, the UK’s leading association for the asbestos testing and consultancy industry, and he has actively lobbied the government about asbestos in schools. With his Acorn colleagues, he wrote the highly acclaimed book, Asbestos The Dark Arts, he produces educational podcasts about asbestos and is helping to train the next generation of asbestos consultants and surveyors in a bid to tackle the UK’s asbestos legacy. Ian said: “Any property built before 2000 may contain asbestos and by law non-domestic properties must have a dutyholder who is responsible for managing their asbestos. “Despite this we’re still going to premises that have never had an asbestos management survey or an asbestos register showing where their asbestos is situated. “Some organisations don’t seem to be aware of the dangers or of the thousands of people who die in this country every year because they’ve been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or at home. “It’s heartbreaking when we visit a workplace after asbestos has been accidentally disturbed and have to tell people they may have been exposed to asbestos. These are awful conversations to have ‘ANY PROPERTY and they shouldn’t still be happening. BUILT BEFORE “If businesses aren’t managing their asbestos they should have 2000 MAY a conversation with us. We’re not a charity but I’m happy to have CONTAIN 100 conversations and get no work from them if it means people go away more educated. ASBESTOS’ “It isn’t a good idea for people to ignore the problem - they could end up putting lives at risk and they may find themselves and their organisations being prosecuted.”

Acorn Analytical Services directors Neil Munro (left) and Ian Stone (right)

Visit: www.acorn-as.com

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BUSINESS REPORT

‘EVERYTHING IS UNDERPINNED BY HAVING THE RIGHT SKILLS’

THE SKILLS GAP PROBLEM Across the UK, the skills shortage is costing organisations £6.3bn according to ‘The Open University Business Barometer Report’. Apparently, 91% of organisations in the UK in the last year have struggled to find the right staff with the right skills and employers believe this shortage is worsening.

BUILDING A WORKFORCE THAT IS FIT FOR THE FUTURE The continued prosperity of Milton Keynes as a dynamic business environment mainly depends upon having a workforce that is fit for the future. The key to gaining business prosperity, fundamentally is having a suitably well-trained workforce led by forward-looking management, conversant with the business opportunities offered by new technologies.

more precise about the skills needed. It is difficult to teach what is not well defined. Research undertaken by the SkillsHub:MK has already offered a number of initial themes and has started to define the types of high-demand skills that will become increasingly important as a result. The SkillsHub:MK will help shape these requirements and will contribute to future-proofing the skills local people for the world of work. In a future labour market that is more automated, digital, and dynamic, those looking for employment will benefit from having a skillset that will help them gain jobs whilst forthfilling the staffing needs of local business.

EMPLOYEE TRAINING IS KEY TO BUSINESS PERFORMANCE

JOIN THE DISCUSSION

The newly launched SkillsHub:MK has introduced sector-based forums and future skills focused projects aimed at plugging the skills gaps. These will provide MK businesses a defined framework to support the development of essential business training.

This is a crucial time for business and the SkillsHub:MK offers the ideal platform to shape the skills agenda. Everything is underpinned by having the right skills, and if we get this right, it will have a positive impact on the local economy and shape the future education and training offering.

LINKING SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT TO THE BUSINESS GOALS

There is an open invitation to all local MK businesses to get involved. If you would like to find out more about the SkillsHub:MK, or want to discuss any business issues, please visit www.skillshubmk.co.uk

It is hard to devise curricula or the best learning strategies without being

SQUARE MEDIA MAKES ANOTHER ACQUISITION

Alan Perkins of SilverDisc with Matthew Rigby-White of Qoob Group and Square Media

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A digital marketing agency that has been operating for almost 30 years in Northamptonshire is the latest acquisition for marketing group Qoob Limited. SilverDisc, founded by managing director Alan Perkins in 1993, joins Square Media, a Corby-based agency, and Geexe, an ecommerce software and app developer, in the Qoob stable. The deal will see SilverDisc, Square Media and Geexe join forces on various projects and enable the companies to expand their services to their respective clients, whilst maintaining their separate brand identities. Matthew Rigby-White, managing director of Square Media and Qoob Limited, said: “We are so excited to welcome SilverDisc to the Qoob group of companies. Bringing the teams together will effectively make us one of the largest marketing

agencies in the Midlands and will enable us to offer our clients the full marketing mix.” Alan Perkins added: “After almost 30 years of running SilverDisc and building it into the leading search and performance agency that it is, I'm looking forward to joining Square Media and Geexe as part of Qoob where our combined skillsets will help deliver a powerful, complete digital marketing solution to our clients and partners over the years to come.” “SilverDisc joining Square Media and Geexe in Qoob marks the start of a new chapter and journey for all of us just as we move into 2022, which is hugely exciting,” added Matthew. “The three companies all complement each other so well and it will be our respective clients who benefit the most from them all coming together in this way.”

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BUSINESS REPORT

FIRST FEMALE PRESIDENT FOR NORTHANTS CHAMBER Our sister Chamber in Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes Chamber’s director of business Northamptonshire has welcomed development Sunny Singh and deputy CEO Julie Maclennan with its first female board president in new Northamptonshire Chamber president Robyn Allen its 105-year history. Award-winning personal insurance expert Robyn Allen, of Robyn Allen Solutions Ltd, became president at the end of Northamptonshire Chamber’s AGM in December. Robyn, who at 33 is also the organisation’s youngest ever president, had been an active member of the board for two years prior to taking up her new role. She said: “I ‘I LOVE THE originally joined CHAMBER AND the Chamber board because I WHAT IT felt it was STANDS FOR’ important that we have a diverse collection of voices exhibition of 2022 at Kettering “I’m looking to represent our wide Conference Centre on 8 March forward to seeing how range of members. which is free to attend for all we can help the Women “I love the Chamber and what businesses. The Chamber team has With Vision network and Next it stands for. It gives organisations Generation Chamber to further been hard at work on great plans so many opportunities to raise their develop and grow. for it involving the Women With profile as well as access to a wide “I’m also excited about Vision network and it promises to range of fantastic support services. Northamptonshire Chamber’s first be a fantastic event.”

PET ACCESSORY BUSINESS IS BARKING UP THE RIGHT TREE A pet accessory business based near Milton Keynes has recently won the Best New Business at the Pet Industry Federation (PIF) Awards. Barking Bags is the brainchild of Debbie Greaves and her partner Rob Angell, who were inspired by the need to find a bag that would carry all the paraphernalia that they needed when they were training and out on a walk with their dog, Maisie. The PIF Awards, held this year at Whittlebury Hall Hotel, celebrate success across a wide range of products, services, companies and individuals and

Debbie Greaves collects her award

provide the perfect platform to recognise excellence and innovation in the industry. Barking Bags were also nominated in two other categories at the Pet Industry Federation Awards (PIF) and were finalists in three categories at the Pet Quip awards. There are plans afoot to increase production of the range due to demand and introduce a new range of smaller bum bags. The bags are currently made by artisans in India and are packaged in the UK at MK SNAP - a local charity working with adults with learning difficulties. Barking Bags’ fashionable and multifunctional design allows the wearer the flexibility to use them cross body or as a bum bag, helping dog walkers to carry everything they need without compromising on style. They are weatherproof and suitable for any climate or environment. Debbie said: “We have a range of high quality, water resistant, unisex fabrics and also high-end luxury leather bags to choose from, but in response to customer demand, we also produce a vegan friendly range as well. These allow you to carry all the essentials you need.” Visit: www.barkingbags.co.uk

HELP WITH CYBER CRIME Economic crime continues to be a major concern for organisations in virtually every sector. One in three organisations reports being hit by economic crime and the five most consistently reported types of economic crime are asset misappropriation, bribery, corruption, procurement fraud and accounting fraud. To help protect firms, the experts at Towergate Insurance Brokers in Northampton are advising organisations which insurance products can give them peace of mind. Account executive Russell Langridge said: “Fidelity and crime insurance protects organisations from loss of money, securities or inventory resulting from crime. “Common Fidelity insurance claims include alleged employee dishonesty, embezzlement, forgery, robbery, wire transfer fraud, counterfeiting and other criminal acts. “These schemes involve various angles, taking advantage of any potential weakness in the company’s financial controls. From fictitious employees, dummy accounts payable, non-existent suppliers to outright theft of money, securities and property. Fraud and embezzlement in the workplace are on the rise, occurring in even the best work environments.” Losses covered by crime insurance usually fall into two categories, although many policies combine both types ofcoverage. Money and security coverage pays for money and securities taken by burglary, robbery, theft, disappearance and destruction. Employee dishonesty coverage pays for losses caused by most dishonest acts by employees, such as embezzlement and theft Towergate Insurance Brokers can assist with cybercrime and fidelity insurance enquiries. For further information contact Sian Cassie on 01604 887300 or email northampton@towergate.co.uk

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BUSINESS REPORT

CAWLEYS TAKES A BITE OUT OF BRONZE APPLE Cawleys, the independent recycling and waste management provider, has been confirmed as the winner of a prestigious Bronze Green Apple Award at a celebratory ceremony held at London’s Horse Guards Hotel. This is a fantastic achievement for the recycling and waste management firm and was won on the back of the company’s tireless investment into ensuring a sustainable solution for local business waste. Its outstanding materials recycling facility was a central focus highlighting its capabilities relating to the sorting and segregation of all types of waste to ensure maximum recycling rates. Other complimentary initiatives contributing to the award, included the company’s partnership with Vegware for compostable packaging recycling, its involvement in the nationwide coffee cup recycling scheme, food

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Anna Cawley

waste for anaerobic digestion and its partnership with Biobean, an initiative designed to convert coffee grounds into fuel logs. Cawleys which serves the local business community across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire ‘IT WAS AN and Hertfordshire also employs its HONOUR AND own eco-friendly PRIVILEGE TO strategies ATTEND THE including fuel GREEN APPLE efficient vehicles, an office made AWARD entirely from CEREMONY’ recycled cardboard services director, and green energy said: “It was an honour tariffs. and privilege to attend the Winning such a high-profile Green Apple Award ceremony award pays homage to the which celebrated eco outstanding inroads Cawleys have achievements, not only by made in sustainability since it was companies based here in the UK, founded more than 70 years ago. but also internationally. It was a Commenting on the Green Apple celebration of the great and good Award win, Anna Cawley, customer

of corporate environmental awareness and winning projects spanned the full sustainability spectrum. We are delighted that Cawleys has been recognised in this way and we are determined to build further on our environmental achievements in the months and years ahead.”

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INBUSINESS

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

BCC TO HOST CONFERENCE The British Chambers of Commerce have announced the key themes for the Global Annual Conference 2022. The conference, which will be held in central London, is one of the main events in the business calendar and attracts senior cabinet ministers, policy makers and business leaders. Featuring high-level keynotes, expert panel sessions, practical roundtable discussions and networking, it will be a highly interactive, discussing the most important issues that drive the economy.

This year’s themes include Sustainable Trade, Skills and Social Values and Green Innovation. The Sustainable Trade discussion will focus on developing suitable environmental and societal policies to reduce barriers to trade, drive growth in the global economy and drive innovation in green industries leading to opportunities for growth in new and exciting global markets and a successful and inclusive green economy. For Skills and Social Values, conversation will look at developing a strategic approach to talent development and management to

The conference will take place at the QEII Centre

ensure a resilient and sustainable skilled workforce that meets the needs and demands of a changing environment and increasing call that companies redress the balance between a volume and a valuedriven economy. Finally, the conference will explore the challenges and opportunities of climate transition

for businesses of all shapes and sizes, to successfully meet the needs of a low-carbon economy. The conference will take place on 30 June. For more information, visit www.britishchambers.org.uk/ events/annual-conference

HISTORIC AUSTRALIAN TRADE DEAL FINALISED The UK has agreed an historic trade agreement with Australia, setting new global services standards and creating new work and travel opportunities for native people. The deal, which is expected to unlock £10.4bn of additional trade, was agreed in principle back in June 2021, before negotiators finalised the agreement at the end of the year. The benefits of the deal include unprecedented access for British services and investors, better business travel for British professionals and tariff-free trade for all British exports.

The UK Government described the agreement as “a major step for UK-trade in the Indo-Pacific”. It will mean lower prices for British shoppers and manufacturers and less red tape for entrepreneurs and small businesses. British Chambers of Commerce Head of Trade Policy, William Bain, said: "Businesses will welcome this confirmation that the Australia-UK trade agreement has been finalised. There are opportunities for exporters in a new speedier customs process, zero tariffs on the vast majority of UK exports, improved market access on services, free flow of data and generous

provisions on labour mobility for under 35s for up to three years. “We will carefully examine the draft text of the trade agreement but look forward to it being in force by the middle of 2022. The key test of the success of this agreement will be the value it delivers in practice for small and medium sized businesses in the UK looking to export. “Accredited Chambers of Commerce will look forward to working with the Department for International Trade to bring this deal to life for businesses and support them in taking advantage of the opportunities it presents.”

The UK has made a trade agreement with Australia FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022

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TALKING BUSINESS

GEARED UP FOR FURTHER GROWTH Having taken over ICR Leasing at the end of 2020, senior business managers Will Chapman and Tom Ryan found themselves facing one crisis after another, from Brexit to the fuel shortage. However, they led the firm to success in 2021 and have big plans to capitalise on their triumphs. InBusiness finds out more. So, when former director Stephen Holmes It has been a turbulent two-year trading period retired in 2020, the professional pair, who are for the vehicle leasing industry. Brexit kicked lifelong schoolfriends, were ready and willing to off a rough run of challenges to overcome, take over the team, which has grown from four including a worldwide pandemic, a fuel people to seven since inception. shortage and vehicle supply issues. Their forward thinking, modern and youthful Some might say it was a baptism of fire for approach has stood them in good stead. ICR Leasing’s senior business managers Will Will said: “They wanted two young people to Chapman and Tom Ryan, who took over leading mould and it’s amazing for us to be running ICR the highly regarded car leasing firm at the end with such a good friend. of September 2020. But despite all of the hurdles, 2021 was a year “It works well for the business too, because of great triumph, business celebration and we have different approaches to how we do investment for the Milton Keynes things which means the company and our based company, in which they won customers get the best of both worlds.” a prestigious industry award, Tom added: “It makes expanded their services and conversations easy, as we are very ‘WE HELPED OUR implemented new systems honest with each other.” that have already benefited The honest and transparent CUSTOMERS customers. approach also helped with THROUGH THE The dynamic duo are customers during the pandemic, PANDEMIC WITH rightly proud of all their many of whom were struggling OUR FLEXIBILITY’ success despite the adversity with financial difficulty. faced, but their greatest “We helped our customers achievement is the recent through the pandemic with our inclusion in The FN50 for 2021 – the flexibility,” said Tom. “If customers industry’s recognition of the top 50 requested a payment holiday or reduced leasing companies in the country. payments we facilitated that. Between 15-20% of “When we joined ICR we had a five-year plan our customers had a payment reduction and we to feature on the FN50 and are delighted that in could make that decision because we are selfour first year in our new roles we managed to funded and family owned.” celebrate this achievement,” said Tom, proudly. Being self-funded affords ICR Leasing a “It’s definitely one of our greatest achievements unique level of flexibility, agile offerings and to date. tailor-made contracts. It also makes them highly attractive for companies who are struggling to “We now want to retain our status as one of get lenders to consider them for leasing. the UK’s top 50 leasing companies, despite all that is going on in the world and we want to Will said: “We’re a self-funded company, which means it’s our money we are using. What grow our fleet by 15% in the next 12 months.” The ICR Leasing board of directors, now makes us really different is that we’ll fund new chaired by the founder’s daughter, made a clever start-ups or businesses who are registered abroad but trade here in the UK. Often these strategic move in hiring Tom and Will as sales executives just over six years ago. It was always businesses can’t get funding from traditional sources because of their lack of UK credit planned for them to take over running the history. business when the time was right.

“Who we will fund definitely separates us from our competitors and I think we offer exceptional customer service from the moment we first meet. You’ll find it’s really easy to deal with us. Our staff are knowledgeable and can answer your questions quickly.” ICR Leasing invest regularly in their staff and have recently transferred all company car drivers to electric variant vehicles. The firm have also implemented a whole new CRM and back-office system in the last 12 months, as well as a new driver booking system for service and MOTs. Their latest new project, a Salary Sacrifice Scheme, also supports the Government efforts to make all cars electric by 2030. As the Government only allows vehicles with Co2 emissions of 75g/km or less to benefit from the scheme, electric and plug in hybrid cars are the car of choice. In the scheme, an employee can sacrifice part of their gross salary in order to get a brand-new car at a more attractive price than they might find via a traditional leasing arrangement through significant tax savings. Will said: “We only lease to businesses but the employee benefits hugely in these scenarios, that’s how we still communicate with the personal retail side. For any employee looking to take a cash allowance instead of a company car, a car through a salary sacrifice scheme is the most cost-effective way. “Benefit in kind rates on electric vehicles are just one per cent at the moment. Which means you can drive a Tesla Model 3 for as little as £7 a month if you have a company car but now, we can still offer a tax efficient benefit to those who don’t use or offer company cars.” Tom added: “It’s a tax efficient way to access a vehicle, fully insured and fully maintained.” A recent study by a well-known EV charging provider revealed that Milton Keynes has the best ratio of people to EV charging connectors, with a population of 435 per connector. At the time of writing, grants are available until March for personally installing a plug in EV charge point at home. Will said: “MK has previously been labelled the EV capital of the UK, so we are ideally placed for a leasing company. “We’ve got a number of large car manufacturers with headquarters in MK too, so it’s a great place for the motor industry. “It’s a new town built with new businesses and that takes time, but we want to be here for them when they are ready. We want to focus on local, MK businesses.” If you have any questions about the Salary Sacrifice Scheme, electric vehicles or car leasing, please call Will or Tom at ICR Leasing on 01908 467467.

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FACTFILE: ICR LEASING COMPANY BACKGROUND: ICR Leasing was registered in 1935 as International Car Rental. In the 1970s the current owners bought the business and started to build the Wayside Group. In 2011, ICR sold the Wayside Group along with the franchises to Jardine’s and that’s when ICR Leasing started trading as we know it now. COMPANY DESCRIPTION: “ICR is a family-run vehicle contract hire and leasing provider to businesses trading in the UK. We are a self-funded business that underwrite our own customers, so we can be really flexible on what we offer.” JOINING THE CHAMBER: “MK had the highest number of start-up businesses in the UK outside of London when we joined the Chamber, and we wanted to network with them. We wanted to be part of the community they were building as they are a great support to businesses. We’ve been in MK since the 1970s and we feel the commitment to the local business community. Many of our customers are Chamber members too.”

TALKING BUSINESS PHOTOS BY JANE RUSSELL PHOTOGRAPHY FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022 inbusiness 19

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

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

CHANGES COMING FOR MICROSOFT Microsoft has announced changes coming into effect on 1 March 2022. There are two major aspects to these changes, first a global price increase on some of the most popular licensing products for commercial clients. The second is new contractual arrangements that come into force as part of an update to the Microsoft CSP program which Microsoft calls the New Commerce Experience (NCE). ACS Office Solutions has set out the key points of those changes and held a recent webinar for clients to explain them in greater detail. From the announcement, the ACS team anticipate

that this will likely result in a 10-25% increase in licensing costs for the vast majority of Microsoft 365 customers. Stephen Harley (pictured) said: “Up until now, within the UK, it has been possible to increase or decrease your Microsoft 365 license counts as and when required with minimal restrictions even though, technically, clients entered into a 12-month agreement with Microsoft and their chosen Microsoft CSP Partner (in this case ACS). “This will change for all new subscriptions from the 10th March 2022 and all customers seeking to renew after the 30th June 2022.” In addition to these changes, Microsoft has also announced a range of new features as part of these two announcements including Multi-Geo, Home Use Program (HUP), and Hybrid Use Benefits (HUB) for NCE customers during 2022.

VIRTUAL IS VITAL FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES A virtual PR and communications service is providing vital support to Chamber members. Ballyhoo PR have been offering their remote service since the pandemic started in March 2020. The service gives companies, who might not be able to afford to employ a team of experienced copywriters and PR professionals, the option to have their own PR & Comms team in Emma Speirs, Catherine Bontoft, Katie Macdonald and Laura Smith (pictured), but working remotely. For a monthly fee, the Ballyhoo Crew work remotely as a team, managing all company communications and PR

activity including daily management of social media accounts, website content, weekly or monthly blogs, email marketing, press releases and other articles. Those that sign up to the monthly contract service also receive free media opportunity alerts from journalists and comprehensive social media reports and updates on any PR coverage gained. Founder and company director, Emma Speirs, said: “Managing the whole comms mix through one central team ensures consistency in language and messaging and tone of voice. And, naturally, when we upload a new blog for a client, it makes sense that we have access to share it on social media for them too, likewise with any press coverage.

“The pandemic has shown us that communications are more important than ever. Our virtual service means that businesses can have their own small team on a rolling contract basis with none of the commitment that comes with employees, such as holidays, sick pay and pensions but they can also get their messages out there to generate new business and recover from any impact Coronavirus has had on their business.” For more information on the Virtual PR & Comms Team service, contact Emma on emma.speirs@ballyhoo-pr.co.uk

‘MANAGING THE WHOLE COMMS MIX THROUGH ONE CENTRAL TEAM ENSURES CONSISTENCY’

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: EDUCATION, TRAINING & APPRENTICESHIPS FAST TRACK FOR NURSES Overseas nurses are essential for the functioning of the UK care and healthcare system and make a valuable contribution to patient care and health services. Still, when overseas nurses arrive in the UK, they need additional training no matter their previous experience. A Government timeline restricts the training period to eight months in total. During this transition period, nurses-in-training are actively shadowing in the healthcare/care industry and for many, it becomes increasingly difficult to stay focused on their studies. To avoid this problem and allow the nurses to start their careers as soon as possible, the healthcare educational leader QAQF started a threemonth intensive course, where nurses from abroad can go fast forward by being entirely focused on their studies. It is part of the QAQF DiscoverTrain-Deploy scheme. In practice, this means that 40 to 50 trainees are accommodated in one dedicated facility. The classes are a mix of online lessons and offline practical training when the instructors join them for specific periods. Upon the end of the third month and before the deadline, all exams must be successfully taken, and the trainees ready to graduate and join the care/healthcare industry.

The Starting Off team

STARTING OFF EMBARK ON EXPANSION PLANS Starting Off are branching out nationwide after securing impressive comments in their latest Ofsted report. The ‘go to’ recruitment and training provider for apprenticeships in Northamptonshire since 1989, Starting Off were forced to move to remote services during the pandemic. Through investment, training and innovative thinking, their recent Ofsted inspection and subsequent GOOD rating has confirmed that this is the way forward, with positive commentary on the ‘high-quality training’. While the company still has its head office and exam centre in Northampton, delivering services remotely opened the directors’ eyes to previously untapped opportunities for the business.

success: with clients and apprentices “We found that ensuring the same quality, support, ambition and in Newcastle, Norfolk, Peterborough results could be achieved through and London.” The flexibility of the new delivery predominantly remote delivery,” said model empowers learners and managing director Katie Goodall. employers to better prioritise “We have built a and balance coursework, formidable reputation while teaching content with local businesses online means staff for the excellent are more available support, skills and ‘WE HAVE BUILT for extra training knowledge that A FORMIDABLE and support. staff members REPUTATION impart to the WITH LOCAL If you are apprentices we interested in place and train. BUSINESSES’ “While we won’t finding out about the many benefits of forget our employing an Northamptonshire roots and continue to develop apprentice or have a relationships locally – we now member of staff who would like to recognise that a local feel can be complete an apprenticeship or private training course, email replicated on a national level and Katie.goodall@startingoff.co.uk have started to roll this out with

HR SOLUTIONS BECOMES ILM TRAINING CENTRE Award-winning HR services provider HR Solutions has increased their management training course offering after becoming an accredited ILM approved training centre. All courses offered by the HR consultancy are accredited externally,

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and the new status adds ILM - the UK’s leading provider of leadership, management and coaching qualifications – to HR Solutions’ extensive training programme. Becoming an ILM training centre means HR Solutions can now offer specialist ILM qualifications in

leadership and management, including ILM Level 3 and ILM Level 5. The ILM Level 3 Award comprises six online sessions and is for those who have management responsibilities but no formal training, including team leaders and people managers who will be leading people through organisational change, budget cuts or other pressures. The ILM Level 5 Award is designed for project managers, department heads, and other middle managers and comprises eight online sessions. Greg Guilford (pictured), CEO of HR Solutions, said: “As a company, we want to deliver the highest standard of training to our clients, which is why it was a key investment for us to become an ILM training centre to offer these courses inhouse with an expert trainer.

“HR Solutions is focussed on helping SMEs to develop staff and these courses are at the forefront of innovation for leadership and management training. With management training arguably being more important than ever before with the increase of hybrid working, we want to be best equipped to fully support our clients on all their management training needs.” The new status allows HR Solutions to deliver industryrecognised qualifications that suit all career levels and gives them access to a wide range of quality training materials and delivery and assessment resources. For more information about the ILM training and other courses available, visit www.hrsolutionsuk.com/training-courses

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: EDUCATION, TRAINING & APPRENTICESHIPS

DEMAND FOR APPRENTICES BOOMING IN MILTON KEYNES started. Some people have been put off because of Milton Keynes College Group says the number of apprenticeships they’re providing in the city is how badly hospitality was hit during lockdown but booming and there are some areas where they can’t wages are rising so fast in the sector that there are find enough young people to meet demand from some really amazing opportunities.” business. Sarah says that the response of the hospitality Apprenticeship starts are already back to pre-Covid industry to the shortage is not just expressed in terms levels and more opportunities are being offered this of wages, with hotels and restaurants going to great year in an attempt to keep up with local needs. lengths to improve working conditions to make careers with them more appealing. She Newly appointed head of apprenticeships says there’s also a big increase in Sarah Thompson said: “Construction and interest in the kinds of digital Engineering in particular are proving ‘PEOPLE apprenticeships available through hugely popular and with the ARE CLEARLY the Group’s South Central Institute partnerships we have in place with of Technology with courses like companies like Anglian Water and REALISING THAT AN digital marketing proving Careys Construction the quality of the APPRENTICESHIP IS particularly popular. training provided is higher than it’s A GREAT WAY TO “People are clearly realising that ever been – especially in START A REAL an apprenticeship is a great way to groundworking, carpentry and painting start a real career,” Sarah added, and decorating.” CAREER’ “and definitely a positive alternative to With many companies still working from home or battling to recover after A- Levels and university, especially as lockdown, Sarah hadn’t expected numbers to they earn while they learn which is a big incentive.” recover to 2019 levels for some time, but with new intakes having been added in January to meet demand Anyone interested in finding out more about how to they’re likely to surpass those numbers very soon. employ an apprentice or to become one should She said: “We had to add a January cohort because contact Sarah at Sarah.Thompson@mkcollege.ac.uk we have a waiting list of people who want to get Construction apprentices at work

Hospitality apprentices learn the trade

AWARD FOR WENDY’S RESEARCH The research underpinning Cranfield School of Management’s work to positively affect organisations through developing their talent at all levels has been recognised with a prestigious award that speaks to the depth and breadth of its impact. Design for Impact™ was conceived by Dr Wendy Shepherd, Director of Individual and Organisational Impact within Cranfield Executive Development (CED), during her DBA studies in the School of Management as a way to understand, monitor and measure impact of executive learning at the organisational level, thus allowing for better business outcomes. Five years on, its principles are an underpinning philosophy that informs all of CED’s work, allowing its leaders to create learning

interventions that deliver tangible value for clients and enable understanding of why and how these outcomes were created. Its extensive impact has also been recognised by the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and the Business Graduates Association (BGA), who together have awarded Dr

Dr Wendy Shepherd

Shepherd’s thesis their DBA Impact Prize for 2021. Dr Nicky Yates, Director of Doctoral Programmes at Cranfield School of Management, added: “We are exceptionally proud of Wendy and the research she produced. She is an outstanding example of exactly what we would like our DBA graduates and their research to be: academically rigorous and practically impactful. Her research applied academic rigour and theory to an important practical problem, producing a thesis of an exceptionally high standard academically. The results of the research have now gone on and will continue to make a significant impact to the work done in CED here at Cranfield, and in the sector more widely. “Congratulations on your award Wendy.”

SCHOOLS JOIN TOP NETWORK The Denbigh Alliance Trust is celebrating with two of its schools, Denbigh School and Watling Academy, who have joined Microsoft’s prestigious International Network of Showcase Schools. Microsoft’s Showcase Network recognises schools in over 100 countries who are creative and innovative in how they use technology to inspire and empower their students and ultimately improve student outcomes. Denbigh School has been recognised as a Microsoft Showcase School since 2018 and has had its status renewed for the 2021 – 2022 academic year, one of only 53 schools in the UK to have this prestigious status. Watling Academy, just two years after it opened, has already secured Incubator Status within the Network, and will now be working towards achieving full status. Being part of the Showcase Network allows staff in the Trust’s schools to apply to be recognised as Microsoft Innovative Educators (MIEs) by demonstrating how they apply their skills and knowledge of technology to their teaching. Currently the Trust has a number of staff who have successfully obtained this status. Ian Joyce, interim CEO of the Denbigh Alliance Trust, said: ‘We greatly value our schools’ Microsoft Showcase Status as it recognises the drive within the Trust to create the most flexible, technologically advanced learning environments for our students. “We owe a huge debt to Andy Squires our CEO who sadly passed away recently and was involved with Microsoft Showcase status since Denbigh School’s initial accreditation in 2018. It was his vision that all our schools should be innovative in how they use technology for the benefit of all our students and staff and we continue this work as part of his legacy.”

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TRAINING & EVENTS

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

MANAGEMENT AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT LEADING BLENDED TEAMS Date: Cost:

1 March (half-day) Members: £140 + VAT Non-members: £180 +VAT Leadership in any context is challenging, and leading teams in a remote world is not always easy, but don’t panic! This course will explore the four key strategies that are most effective, and what kind of leaders succeed most often in remote and onsite environment.

TRAIN THE TRAINER Date: Cost:

9 & 10 March (two days) Members: £458 + VAT Non-members: £598 +VAT This course will 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.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE TRAINING– BCC ACCREDITED UNDERSTANDING EXPORT & EXPORT DOCUMENTATION Date: Cost:

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

HEALTH AND SAFETY

EMERGENCY FIRST AID FAIB

SALES AND MARKETING

INCOTERMS 2020

LEVEL 2 HABC HEALTH & SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE

Date: Cost:

THE ART OF NEGOTIATING BASICS

Date: Cost:

15 March (half-day) Members: £299 + VAT Non-members: £369 + VAT Incoterms is a physical movement of goods, and it is vital that you meet your responsibilities and have an awareness of the rules and implications. Come along and learn how these rules help importers and exporters around the world to understand their responsibilities and avoid costly misunderstandings. 24 inbusiness FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022

Date: Cost:

22 February (one-day) Members: £229 + VAT Non-members: £299 + VAT The most basic requirement of any workplace is that it is a safe place to work. If not then your business is at risk. Good health and safety relies on employers and their employees working together. This course provides essential knowledge of health and safety for employees working in any type of business sector.

3 March (one-day) Members: £229 + VAT Non-members: £299 + VAT This course teaches the appropriate level of first aid required in low-risk businesses under the HSE 1981 legislation, delivered in line with the First Aid Industry Body (FAIB). By the end of the course delegates will be able to manage the scene of an accident, treat any minor ailments and be able to think on their feet in times of an emergency, creating a safer workplace.

Date: Cost:

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

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

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ADVANCED EXCEL Date: Cost:

17 March (one-day) Members: £200 + VAT Non-members: £230 +VAT Anyone who uses Excel regularly to produce a range of spreadsheets and who has a good knowledge of the topics covered on the intermediate level course will benefit from attending this course. This course will help users get to grips with the most useful features of this powerful program. They will be able to improve their productivity and maximise their time when producing complex spreadsheets. Users can master some of the complex Excel functions bringing users a new level to their ability to present, store and analyse data.

EVENT IN FOCUS BUSINESS EXHIBITION The first Northamptonshire Chamber Business Exhibition of 2022 will be held on International Women’s Day, Tuesday, 8th March, at Kettering Conference Centre from 10am until 3.30pm. The exhibition, sponsored by Chamber Business Platinum Partners dbfb, is open to both members and non-members, and is free to attend for all visitors on the day. The major event will boast more than 50 stands showcasing the wares of Northamptonshire’s finest businesses, as well as the opportunity for

organisations to connect and network. It will include a Business Before Hours networking event and a panel discussion ran via the Women With Vision Network on Unconscious Bias, as well as a topical seminar, entitled Social Media for Small Businesses, delivered by 123 Internet Group. The exhibition is free to attend and everyone is welcome. For more details call 01908 733082 or email events@chambermk.co.uk

GETTING THE MESSAGE RIGHT INTERMEDIATE EXCEL Date: Cost:

29th March (one-day) Member £200 + VAT Non Member £230 +VAT If you’re ready to take you beyond a basic understanding of Excel, then this is the course for you! Our trainer will share with you the tools and techniques needed to really add value to your systems. This course places great emphasis upon the importance of understanding how the programme works rather than simply learning how to perform a range of functions.

CAN’T FIND WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR? Don’t panic! We offer a wider range of bespoke courses that can be tailored to meet your exact business needs. Contact us at training@ chambermk.co.uk or call us on 01908 733082 to see how we can help.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS NEXT GENERATION SOCIAL Date: Time: Venue: Cost:

22 February 6pm-8pm The Pinnacle Climbing Centre £15 + VAT, Next Generation Chamber members only Join fellow Next Generation Chamber members at this face-to-face social event. Take part in this instructor-led climbing session and afterwards, enjoy a freshly made pizza from the Pinnacle’s very own pizza oven! No climbing experience necessary. For bookings email kate.denne@northantschamber.co.uk

BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS Date: Time: Venue: Cost:

8 March 8.30am-10am Kettering Conference Centre £10 + VAT, Northamptonshire Chamber members only £15 + VAT non-members

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Date: 23 March Venue: Milton Keynes KIA, 300 Stratford Road, Wolverton, Milton Keynes MK12 5RS Time: 5.30pm-7.30pm Cost: £10+VAT members £15+VAT non-members

POLICY HOUR: BANK OF ENGLAND (ONLINE EVENT) Date: 24 March Time: 8.30am–9.30am Cost: Free to attend, Chamber members only Northamptonshire Chamber and Milton Keynes Chamber will be hosting the Bank of England to discuss interest rates, inflation and the economy.

NEXT GENERATION PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT (ONLINE EVENT) Date: Time: Cost:

30 March 3.30pm-4.30pm Free to attend, Next Generation Chamber members only ‘Built a brand! Now what?’ This session delivered by Robyn Allen, Northamptonshire Chamber president and owner of Robyn Allen Solutions Ltd, will give you the tools to manage your online personal brand. This session will cover: • Setting and maintaining online boundaries • Coping mechanisms • Creating strategies and seizing opportunities For bookings email Info@nextgenerationchamber.co.uk FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022 inbusiness 25

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MEMBER ZONE

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

FANTASTIC PRIZE FOR MK GALLERY MK Gallery has scooped the prize child or children with complex for Best Family Arts Activity at the needs, many of whom had previously engaged with their 2021 Fantastic for Families bespoke Art and Us inAwards. person workshops. The gallery was The boxes contained recognised for its a wide range of sensory boxes ‘THE BOXES sensory-based offer, which was CONTAINED A materials which instigated by the aimed to ignite play, Inclusive WIDE RANGE OF spark curiosity, and Practice in the SENSORY-BASED increase connection Arts team in MATERIALS’ within the home February of this environment. year, in response to The offer has been so the continued Covidwell-received that the team 19 lockdowns. has decided to embed the The boxes were especially Sensory Boxes into their core Art designed for families who have a

and Us programme going forward. Sophie Bennett, producer of Inclusion, MK Gallery, said: “I think it’s really exciting that we now have this digital and remote strand to our work that simply didn’t exist before Covid, and it will hopefully be a long-lasting positive legacy from what has otherwise been a very

challenging time. Going through this experience with our families, our artists and our team at the Gallery has been an enormous learning curve, and winning this award gives me huge confidence in our ability to flex and adapt further in the future, so we can continue providing highquality opportunities.”

GRANT TRANSFORMS SCHOOL IN INDIA

FIND OUT HOW TO BECOME A TRUSTEE MK Community Foundation are hosting a workshop to bust common myths about becoming a trustee. The online event is being held on 2 March and is free to attend. It will provide useful information about how you can support your community and the role of a trustee. MK Community Foundation’s capacity building manager Michaela Clark said: “Having been in MK for over 35 years we have heard a number of different reasons why becoming a trustee may feel like a leap. However, we know that groups thrive when their boards reflect the community they serve. 26 inbusiness FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022

“You don’t have to be invited to be a trustee. There are thousands of roles out there that you can apply for without being asked. “You’re not personally liable if anything goes wrong. And, most importantly, there’s no right or wrong image for a trustee.” For tickets to the Introduction to Trustee Workshop visit: bit.ly/3mktvO4 Interested in finding out about the vacancies within Milton Keynes? MK Community Foundation can help. Contact Michaela Clark, capacity building manager at Michaela.Clark@mkcommunityfou ndation.co.uk

Rotary MK has transformed a rural primary school in India and, in late 2022, will be linked online with a school in Milton Keynes to aid international understanding on both sides. Three years ago, the children in India tried to learn seated on a concrete floor, with one faded blackboard, no books or pens. Motivation was at rock bottom with over half of the children not attending. Low attendance led to school budget cuts, with insufficient money to mend a broken water pump and the children left to fill buckets from a water pump to flush their inadequate toilet. With a generous grant from Rotary International and a significant amount raised by both Rotary MK and their partner Rotary club in Patna, NE India, a £36,000 school refurbishment was begun, supplying desks and chairs, books, early science equipment and computers. Toilets and washing stations were built and running water was re-instated. Fast-tracked students will be taught computer skills, three days a

The school in India

week for one year, leading to the school connecting online with a primary school in MK. That’s what Rotary can do. Why not come and join us? Visit www.rotarymk.org or contact the secretary: jill@rotarymk.org

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MEMBER ZONE

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022

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MEMBER ZONE

MEMBER PROFILE

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

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

CHAMBER HEALTH PLAN NAME: Nick Lygo-Baker COMPANY: Paradigm CX Ltd. JOB TITLE: Founder/director WHAT DOES YOUR ORGANISATION DO? Paradigm CX Ltd. helps organisations grow by improving their customer and employee experience. This is achieved through a series of steps to engage with organisations and evolve them into being more efficient and focused on customer outcomes.

WHAT’S YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR? I would say gaining professional recognition has been the most rewarding. I have been accredited by the Market Research Society and have also achieved Certified Customer Experience Professional status – of whom there are less than 1,500 recognised professionals globally. The most unexpected achievement was becoming a multiple bestselling co-author in over five countries.

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

WHAT HAS SURPRISED YOU MOST IN YOUR JOB? Fundamentally, my role involved observing behaviour and testing attitudes to evaluate customer needs and help organisations deliver to them. I am constantly surprised by how people respond and behave and that the use of data to dispel personal bias and assumptions is so vitally important in making robust decisions.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT? If you wait for perfection, you will wait forever. Sometimes having a minimum viable product is enough to launch and then allow customer feedback to shape and evolve your product or service. Not only will you be up and running sooner rather than later, but the end product may be very different to the one you expected.

WHICH BUSINESS PERSON DO YOU MOST ADMIRE? While the obvious global oligarchs will resonate, there are some local heroes who are showing the way. From Shalom Lloyd with her incredibly successful vegan Naturally Tribal Skin Care brand to Simon Dearn at Urban-Automotive customising and developing luxury vehicles. These entrepreneurs are making a difference and proving that with a good idea and a lot of enthusiasm and effort success is achievable.

WHAT EXCITING PROJECTS IS YOUR ORGANISATION WORKING ON? We are starting to innovate within the CX market and to bring a different dimension to the capture of customer feedback and the use of insight to drive performance improvement. I am also going to be providing an introduction to Customer Experience training for Chamber members.

WHAT MADE YOUR ORGANISATION JOIN MILTON KEYNES CHAMBER AND HOW ARE YOU MAKING USE OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP? Setting up a business can be a lonely place – especially as a solo-preneur. However, the Chamber of Commerce offers a combination of resources and support combined with access to hundreds of other members who have gone through or who are experiencing exactly the same thing – this instantly provides comfort and a network of advice which can really help guide you through the tricky phases of starting up a business.

Email: nick@paradigmcx.com Website: www.paradigmcx.com

28 inbusiness FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022

HELP WITH TRADING Our International Trade Membership package is designed for companies with international trading needs, allowing members the usual access to all standard Chamber membership benefits, alongside enhanced support for importing and exporting. This specifically tailored package offers exclusive entry to vital forums, and international trade seminars. The Chamber’s dedicated International Trade team, along with partners, provide an Export Readiness Consultation designed to support exporters with signposting advice and expert knowledge. And, as ever, international trade members continue to receive priority documentation services and discounted rates for certain documentation paperwork, plus access to a free FX currency audit check, international trade seminars, and general everyday international trade support with queries. For more information on becoming an International Trade Member contact Sunny Singh at sunny.singh@chambermk.co.uk or call the Chamber on 01908 733082.

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MEMBER ZONE

CHARITY TO TAKE ON MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE Transitions UK CEO Ron Overton with charity climbers taking on the mountain challenge

Transitions UK believe one of their key strengths is bringing people together, including young people and businesses. So, this year the charity will be taking on the huge challenge of climbing up Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland, to raise funds to aid its mission to support young people into the better lives and futures that they all deserve. On Saturday 17 September 2022, the amazing team (which could include you) will make their way to the peak of this mountain which will then provide beautiful

views at 1,345 meters above sea level. Community engagement manager Sarah Grimes said: “As a community, we all need to be thinking about how we best support our young people and how we can provide for them the best opportunities possible to reach their goals. This is especially important for those individuals who’ re more vulnerable. “This is an event that anyone can participate in, every entry and any fundraising efforts will make a huge positive difference in a young person’s life.”

There is a £45 registration fee with a target to raise £250 however, if funds over £400 are raised, Transitions UK will happily refund your registration fee back. You can register today to change a young person’s life and begin your fundra ising journey to get the most out of this epic bucket list experience! To learn more about how you can get involved in the change that we all want to see, visit www.transitionsuk.org/events/ ben-nevis

AFMK has released their events for 2022

FRENCH SCHOOL PLANS EVENTS Alliance Française de Milton Keynes has released its events programme for the start of 2022. The French school, which offers group classes, 1:1 lessons, business French and conferences, has a whole host of activities on the schedule. A Soiree Chandeleur will be held during February and a games and quiz night will take place on 29 April. A petanque rematch is planned for June. For more information email director@afmk.co.uk or call 01908 562151 or 07879 264969. You can also visit www.afmk.co.uk

We provide specialist education and schooling advice to families relocating within the UK and internationally.

For corporate and private enquiries, call +44 (0)1908 395041 or email consulting@bowker.org.uk

www.bowker.org.uk FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022

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MEMBER ZONE BACKGROUND – TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF After finishing sixth form and deciding university life wasn’t for me, I began an apprenticeship in digital marketing. After I finished my apprenticeship, I stayed with the company in the role of marketing and events executive for over three years. In August 2021, I joined the Chamber as their training executive and in January 2022, I moved into the role of Digital Marketing Executive.

NEXT GENERATION PROFILE

NAME: Molly Feugard

WHAT DOES YOUR JOB INVOLVE? I’m responsible for all the digital marketing at the Chamber. Whether this be marketing for our members, partners, or ourselves! I love how marketing plays into all aspects of the Chamber from our events to our training, to our members and the wide variety of marketing campaigns we run. WHY DID YOU JOIN NEXT GENERATION CHAMBER? Next Generation Chamber gives a sense of community that offers the chance to connect with other young businesspeople in a relaxed environment, whether this be at the face-toface events or Zoom calls. It’s a great way to share ideas and learn from other people within the local community. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE NEXT GENERATION CHAMBER EVENT AND WHY? I’ve really enjoyed the CPD sessions. It’s a great chance to learn from businesses across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes and is a great chance to share our experiences with

COMPANY: Northamptonshire Chamber & Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce

JOB TITLE: Digital marketing executive

other members. These CPD sessions cover a wide range of topics from Self Confidence to Financial Planning Awareness so there’s something for everyone. WHICH NEXT GENERATION CHAMBER MEMBER DO YOU ADMIRE? WHY? It’s hard to pick just one as I think there’s such a range of people that are members of Next Generation Chamber that have so many different skills and experiences that everyone brings something different to the group!

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU’VE LEARNED FROM NEXT GENERATION CHAMBER? I think one of the most valuable things I’ve learnt is to push yourself out of your comfort zone to try new things and face new opportunities and challenges. The support from other members and the CPD sessions really give you the resources to be able to do this. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollyfeugard-773152164/

NEW MEMBERS Acorn Analytical Services (UK) Ltd

NORTHAMPTON 01604 648928 www.acorn-as.com Pioneering standards of effective asbestos management. Assisting businesses, local authorities, schools, employers, and individuals manage their asbestos risk Barclays Bank

NORTHAMPTON 0777 555 0400 www.barclays.com Financial services Business MK

OLNEY 01908 465488 www.businessmk.co.uk Publishers of business newspapers Business MK and Business2Business, covering business news in Milton Keynes, North Bucks and Bedfordshire Corporate Fitness & Wellbeing

MILTON KEYNES 01908 382487 www.corporatefw.com Fitness and wellbeing

UK company providing solid, clear advice on your company needs. Will work closely with you to ensure you get certification quickly and costeffectively Envisics Ltd

MILTON KEYNES www.envisics.com Research and development relating primarily to head up display technology for the automotive industry

MILTON KEYNES 07795 171243 www.dppadvisers.com

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Inspiring Futures Through Learning MILTON KEYNES 01908 533283 www.iftl.co.uk Multi-academy trust with 14 primary schools across Milton Keynes and Corby with a brand-new all-through school opening in Wavendon September 2022 McCall Media Ltd

Essential Safety Ltd CORBY 01536 560 299 www.essentialconsult.co.uk Health and safety consultancy. Fire safety consultancy Eurika Training & Coaching

TOWCESTER 07789 908592 www.eurkia-trc.co.uk Eurika enables SMEs to grow through people. Services include HR strategy, recruitment training and coaching for leaders, individual employees and teams InReach Group Ltd

DP&P Advisers

comms, print hardware, software, service and project work

MILTON KEYNES 0330 0538180 www.inreachgroup.co.uk Supply and support all business IT,

MILTON KEYNES 01908 973 975 www.studios.mccall.media Empowering Small Business Success: helping UK SMEs conquer their online presence by specialising in sales funnel automations and WordPress website development

businesses and post 16 training and education to help shape future digital and AI technical skills, leadership and managerial provision Numata Business IT Limited

LONDON 020 3890 5455 www.numata.co Numata is a client services company, delivering results-driven IT services and solutions to small and mediumsized businesses The Alternative Board

MILTON KEYNES 0777 169 2416 www.thealternativeboard.co.uk Peer board facilitator, business coach and mentoring Wani Olatunde Photography

BLISWORTH 0333 888 0540 www.metromerchandise.co.uk Branded clothing and merchandise to promote your business

MILTON KEYNES 01908 973190 www.waniolatunde.com Headshot and personal branding photography in Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire

MK Skills Hub

Wild Recruitment

MILTON KEYNES www.skillshubmk.co.uk Skills Hub UK is part of a nationwide initiative to enhance the strategic partnerships between employers,

MILTON KEYNES 01908 850155 www.wildrecruitment.co.uk One of the South of England’s most successful recruitments agencies

Metro Merchandise

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