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inbusiness @ChamberMK
www.chambermk.co.uk
THE VOICE OF MILTON KEYNES BUSINESS
JUNE/JULY 2021
CONNECTING BUSINESSES ACROSS MK FIVE YEARS OF FIBRE ROLL OUT
BUSINESS REPORT: ENTRIES OPEN FOR BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2021 SPOTLIGHT: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY MEMBER ZONE: NEXT GENERATION THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF MILTON KEYNES CHAMBER
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INBUSINESS
VIEWPOINT Since I joined Milton Keynes Chamber as interim CEO last year, I’ve been hugely impressed by the dynamic business community that we represent. I can honestly say it has been a fantastic and enjoyable experience being here and the team has helped to deliver positive and robust results. I’ve been thrilled to see the growth of our online networking events, the popularity of our International Trade Webinars and the development of our new membership packages and our exciting Women With Vision network. I have been truly honoured to help steer Milton Keynes Chamber, its sister Chamber in Northamptonshire and Next Generation Chamber during these unprecedented times in our economic and business landscape. As a result, it is with great pride that I can confirm that from July I will take up the position of chief executive of these three marvellous Chambers on a permanent basis. I’m excited about the potential these Chambers hold and the role I can play in creating a sustainable future for our member organisations and the wider business community. There are lots of exciting things coming up for our area – not least the announcement from the Government that following a successful bid, Bletchley and Fenny Stratford will receive more than £20m, so it can make the best use of current and future growth prospects. Working closely with the community, the Town Deal Board, made up of local representatives, prepared the investment plan which was submitted in October 2020. It aims to improve the economic sustainability of towns with a focus on creating jobs, supporting town centres and boosting businesses. The plan also aims to connect people to where they live and work either through local transport or digital connections. I am sure we have all learned lessons during this pandemic about the importance of resilience, cash flow, business diversification, and connectivity within our own support networks. Let us hope these lessons will now help us to reboot our local economy.
CONTENTS BUSINESS REPORT 4
New premises for recruitment firm
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Publishers join in merger
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A great start to the year for recruiters
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Entries open for the Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards 2021
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ShortStayMK achieves accreditation
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New head for mediation specialists
GOING GLOBAL 12
Boost in sales for sanitation system
TALKING BUSINESS
Best wishes, Louise Wall Interim CEO, Milton Keynes Chamber 14
CONTACT DETAILS MILTON KEYNES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 500 Avebury Boulevard, Milton Keynes MK9 2BE W: www.chambermk.co.uk
FRONT COVER: Simon Pickering, dbfb See pages 14-15
IN THE SPOTLIGHT 16
Legal Services New service is on offer
18
Science & Technology Milestone for Starship Technologies
COVER PHOTO: Jane Russell Photography
NEWS AND ARTICLES SHOULD BE SENT TO: inbusiness.MK@chambermk.co.uk Editorial process managed by Ballyhoo PR EDITOR: Laura Smith EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Katie Macdonald
CHAMBER BUSINESS PARTNERS
Simon Pickering, managing director at dbfb
TRAINING & EVENTS PUBLISHED BY: Kemps Publishing Ltd Unit 8, The Courtyard, 707 Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 3DA T: 0121 765 4144 W: www.kempspublishing.co.uk MANAGING EDITOR: Laura Blake T: 0121 765 4144 E: laura.blake@kempspublishing.co.uk
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The latest comprehensive list of Chamber training courses and events
MEMBER ZONE 22
Charity welcomes new board members
23
Walking to improve African communities
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Member Profile: Carolyn Green, Medical Detection Dogs
26
Next Generation, plus new members
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The Aug/Sept 2021 issue of inbusiness will include features on: Business Crime & Protection and Creative Industries The deadline is: 16 June
PRINTERS: Stephens & George Print Group
ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE: inbusiness is a bi-monthly publication and digital magazine distributed to over 3,000 Chamber members and key businesses in Milton Keynes. The publication focuses on news and information about local companies and the initiatives and advice available to increase the prosperity of firms in the Milton Keynes area. Milton Keynes Chamber welcomes newsworthy articles of business interest, giving preference to Chamber members. As editorial space is limited, inclusion cannot be guaranteed and the editor may amend or reject articles submitted. inbusiness is produced on behalf of Milton Keynes Chamber by Kemps Publishing Ltd and is distributed without charge to all Chamber members and other leading businesses in the Milton Keynes area. The Chamber and the publisher are committed to achieving the highest quality standards. However, views expressed in the magazine are independent and while every care has been taken to ensure that the information it contains is accurate, neither Milton Keynes Chamber nor the publisher can accept any responsibility for any omission or inaccuracies that might arise.
For further information on Milton Keynes Chamber, call: 01908 547820 or visit: www.chambermk.co.uk
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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BUSINESS REPORT
BUSINESS REPORT
MILTON KEYNES CHAMBER keeps its members up to date with all the latest business news. Whether it’s through the pages of this magazine, our website or regular email updates, we will always endeavour to keep you in the picture and informed
A NEW CHAPTER FOR RECRUITMENT AGENCY PPE BUSINESS LAUNCH IN UK ASAP Innovations, a leading manufacturer of medical PPE for the healthcare, automotive, industrial, construction, food and beverages industries has officially launched in the UK. Based in Ireland and Malaysia, with over 30 years’ experience manufacturing disposable products and a commitment to hygiene control and quality assurance, ASAP Innovations’ 150 certified product lines of masks and gloves are now available to UK organisations. ASAP Innovations’ products are highly regulated and certified to EU standards and are registered with the European Medical Device Directive (MDD). General manager Madan Natarajan said: “This year has seen the topic of PPE thrown under the spotlight, but this has resulted in a lot of misinformation and lack of understanding regarding the correct usage of PPE. “Consequently, fraudsters are exploiting this opportunity. To protect public health, it is crucial that organisations and the public have access to the best quality and regulated PPE from a credible, certified provider. Proper hygiene standard is practiced throughout the development of all of our products and we have a dedicated inspection team specialised in quality assurance which allows us to provide advice to our customers.” Visit: whyasap.co.uk 4 inbusiness JUNE/JULY 2021
A recruitment agency, which began its life in the Mike Chappell height of the pandemic last year, has just moved premises after it outgrew its Milton Keynes office. Chappell Enterprises UK was incorporated in July 2020 by Mike Chappell and started life in a threeperson office in Warren Park. But after rapid growth, just eight months later the team have moved to a 12-person office in Linford Wood. The company, which specialises in transport, logistics, warehousing, grounds ‘OUR maintenance and finance industries, now REPUTATION HAS boasts five full time employees and are on the lookout for experienced GONE THROUGH recruitment professionals to join their THE ROOF WITH team. They will also soon recruit four ENQUIRIES more trainee recruitment consultants EVERY WEEK’ through the new Kickstart Scheme. The scheme provides funding to create new job placements for 16- to 24-year-olds on as a director of another recruitment Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term agency was huge, especially in a pandemic. unemployment. Some people thought it was a bad decision, but Mike said: “We started out at the back end of the fortunately it’s really taken off. first lockdown. “By building trusted relationships with our clients “Some recruitment businesses were scaling down, so with our honest approach and our stringent compliance I felt like we entered the market in a more level playing processes, our reputation has gone through the roof field and probably the best time to give it a go. It’s with enquiries every week from recommendations been a whirlwind. The risk of leaving my previous role made by our current clients.”
DESIGN FIRM MOVES WITH THE TIMES When recruitment ad designer Julie King and concept illustrator Chris Coomber joined forces in 1999 to set up 4fx Design & Multimedia, they had a hunch the future would be digital. Milton Keynes marketing agency, 4fx, initially offered traditional marketing collateral such as logos, brochures and magazine advertising as well as digital design and website development. Fast forward 21 years and the now eight-strong team is celebrating 21 years of continued success. Reflecting on their journey, co-founder Julie King, said: “We’ve always been a graphic design, web development and marketing agency offering a range of services. Then we set up CodeHub 200 offering bespoke software systems and app development too.
“When we first set up, social media and Wifi did not exist and there were no smartphones. “Changing has been imperative. We’ve continually adapted as our clients have adopted new technology and their customers have developed different ways to consume media. How they want to be marketed to and the ways they want to buy are in hugely different
Julie King
from 21 years ago. Everything is digital now, which is why we’ve constantly evolved.” The 4fx team offers a full range of graphic design and web services including domains and hosting, app development, bespoke software systems, search engine optimisation and much more. Visit: www.4fx.co.uk
Chris Coomber
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BUSINESS REPORT
PUBLISHERS IN MERGER CREATE ‘POWERHOUSE’ Two of the leading publishing businesses in Milton Keynes, Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire have joined forces to create a new ‘print powerhouse’. Lunar Publishing Ltd, which produces the monthly MK Pulse and NN Pulse lifestyle magazines, relaunched the well-respected Business Times in Northamptonshire earlier this year. Now it has ‘THE amalgamated Woburn PUBLICATIONS Media Ltd, publisher of ARE COMMITTED the leading business TO HIGH-QUALITY publications Business MK and NEWS’ Business2Business, to create an unrivalled have been at the portfolio of titles. heart of the business The publications are community for more than 20 committed to high-quality news, years. picture and feature coverage. “To amalgamate them into our “When the opportunity arose to publishing portfolio will be to the partner with Business MK and benefit of all five titles, as well as Business2Business, it was one too the business and wider good to miss,” said Lunar communities they serve.” Publishing director Kerry LewisBoth titles are set to return to Stevenson. “They are both titles print in May, having been published that are well respected, trusted and
in digital form only since the first lockdown last year. The move has been greeted with a surge in subscription requests. To find out more contact Martin Lewis-Stevenson – sales director martin@pulsemagazine.co.uk Send your Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire business news to news@businessmk.co.uk
HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE Milton Keynes Council’s Workplace Health Team has been busier than ever over the past 12 months - giving advice to hundreds of local businesses about improving health and wellbeing. Their focus in the last year has been on managing and preventing workplace-based Covid-19 outbreaks, as well as wellbeing advice from mental health support to helping staff give up smoking. Setting up supportive health and wellbeing practices can bring big benefits such as reduced absence and turnover, improved morale and productivity, greater job satisfaction and better work/life balance. The Workplace Health Team can give advice on healthy eating in the workplace, exercise, and alcohol and substance abuse. They also continue to support businesses with practical advice on Covid19 precautions. Email: public.health@miltonkeynes.gov.uk
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A GREAT START TO THE YEAR FOR RECRUITERS SAY ‘OUI’ TO FRENCH LESSONS Learn a new language with educational online French courses for adults this summer. Alliance Francaise de Milton Keynes is providing a six-week course which begins on Monday 21 June. The series will cover pronunciation, poetry, role play, Francophonie, regions of France and French gastronomy. There will also be a book club to partake in, encouraging participants to read in French and share their thoughts on the literature. Led by a native French teacher, the classes will also cover holiday essentials, French painters and famous kings. Chamber members will receive £5 off the course price when booking. Email: director@afmk.co.uk
Kelly added: “It’s been quite the journey for us at Met by the unprecedented nature of 2020’s pandemic, EAC, each week brought a new challenge, however I like many businesses EAC had not prepared for the am hugely proud of the way the team adapted. Now, challenges that were ahead! However, following initial after 12 months of consultatively supporting clients and turbulence the sales and office recruitment specialist candidates, 2021 brings really exciting prospects for adapted its process and refined its infrastructure to us.” develop itself as an industry leader, locally. Director Harry Alston said: “After we had tackled the initial complexities of 2020, we set out a simple campaign to support the people of Milton Keynes and surrounding areas back into work. This massively encompassed a business development focus. “Spearheaded by our head of business development, Kelly Cox, we quickly raised awareness of our services, while our competitors still had staff on furlough, bringing us great success at the end of 2020.” EAC received more than 100 Google Reviews at an average 4.9 star rating, the title of Best ‘EAC RECEIVED Specialist Recruiter at the MORE THAN 100 2020 Prestige Awards, and Kelly Cox being nominated GOOGLE REVIEWS for the 2021 Business Hero AT AN AVERAGE Award at the 4.9 STAR RATING’ Buckinghamshire SME Awards. Harry said: “After an excellent start to 2021, we have now added Alex MacFadyen to Kelly’s outstanding business development team Alex MacFadyen as we look to further support the people of Milton and Kelly Cox Keynes in finding roles in 2021.”
MAGGIE HALSALL IS A WOMAN WITH VISION
NEW PROFILING TOOL Local training consultancy Beyond Theory is now offering the latest version of a top-rated personality profiling tool – the SDI 2.0. Beyond Theory have been providing the Strength Deployment Inventory in their leadership and customer excellence training ever since they established in 2012. But they have only been offering this exciting, upgraded new version since December last year. Director Paul Beesley said: “The new SDI 2.0 offers a real step6 inbusiness JUNE/JULY 2021
change in personality profiling. Our many satisfied clients will recognise how the SDI identifies and plots people’s motivational values on a triangle and how their behaviour changes in conflict. “Participants can now compare profiles online and even receive tips on how to adapt their communication styles with others.” Call: 01604 212505 Email: paul@beyondtheory.co.uk Visit: www.beyondtheory.co.uk
An ardent supporter of the Chamber has become one of our new Women With Vision champions. Maggie Halsall is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD, an independent HR consultant and founding director of Acanthus Management Limited. Set up in 2009, Maggie’s boutique HR consultancy offers bespoke, strategic HR advice and dedicated operational support to businesses across the UK. “No matter how established you are, when you run a business, of any size, it’s helpful to listen to and acknowledge other’s experiences to get ‘their take’ of their environment, both business and personal, so that you can not only learn from them but be their sounding board too,” said Maggie. “Developing long lasting and supportive relationships with others in a safe space is crucial and becoming a champion for Women With Vision, enables me to continue to offer that support. “I’ve been a Northamptonshire Chamber member for 10 years
this year, a Milton Keynes Chamber member for eight years and I joined the Northamptonshire Chamber board around seven years ago. I offered to become a Women With Vision champion so I can continue to offer support on challenging issues as well as celebrate success - and over the years I’ve been privileged to experience both.” The Women With Vision (WWV) network was launched in March and offers its members free online CPD events, access to networking events, a bi-monthly drop in event and a free 30minute mentor Zoom call with one of the network’s champions. To find out more about WWV visit chambermk.co.uk/ profile/women-with-vision To get in touch with Maggie contact Acanthus Management Limited on 07799 251852 or email maggie@acanthusmanagement.co.uk
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BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS OPEN Entries are now open for the Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards 2021 in November, an event that it is hoped will bring the county’s business community together again after the difficulties of lockdowns and social distancing. The Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards 2020, organised by All Things Business magazine, moved online for its glittering awards night in February. Beamed directly to finalists’ and guests’ homes in a virtual version of what would have been one of the highlights of the business social calendar, the night included a ‘visit’ to Warner’s Distillery in Harrington and live entertainment from singer Faryl Smith. The winners were announced by the All Things Business team and then invited by Managing
Director Ben Thomas to say a few words via video link. The winners of the 12 awards included Jasmine Abel from Cave & Sons (Apprentice of the Year), Brooklyn Brownie Company (Food and Drink Award), Scott Bader (Employer of the Year), The McCarthy-Dixon Foundation (Community Project or Person of the Year) and Medigold Health (Big Business of the Year). Ben Thomas said: “My team and I refused to put a stop to the celebration of our county’s hard work and commitment to getting through this tough time and propping others up along the way.
Ben Thomas
“But, despite the success of the 2020 awards, we can’t wait to get everyone back together for a full-on awards night later this year.” More details of the 2021 awards, how to enter and sponsorship opportunities are available at www.northamptonshirebea.co.uk
ADOPTING AUTOMATION Environmentally friendly accounting firm, My Accountant Friend, are encouraging businesses to consider greater automation in their processes post-Covid. The company, which specialises in e-commerce and small businesses, are dedicated to using as little paper as possible, describing themselves as “more horseboxes than shoeboxes”. Partner Kenny Fitzgerald said: “We have identified automation is the key to cutting down on hassle and stress, something that is a must coming out of a lockdown. “With our direct bank feeds, real time tax liabilities and online platform there is no need for paperwork, books or printing off invoices.” He added: “We are always here to help and love speaking to new businesses owners, we may even be able to introduce you into our network of other small businesses to help get you off the ground.”
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BUSINESS REPORT Dr A.J. Yates
RETURNING TO THE CLASSROOM Mental health first aid training provider AJMH have been diligently offering vital mental health first aid training online throughout the pandemic. But from September 2021, founder and lead trainer Dr A.J. Yates and his team will return to face-to-face training in Milton Keynes, while adhering to any Government guidelines. Dr Yates said: “The courses, which are written and validated by Mental Health First Aid England, provide an excellent starting point for any business looking to improve well-being – and productivity – in the workplace. I can’t wait to return to the classroom!” Visit: ajmh.co.uk
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STAY WITH CONFIDENCE! “Our fully furnished accommodation offers well ShortStayMK, a leading provider of serviced equipped kitchens with full-sized appliances and a apartments and houses, is delighted to have achieved spacious dining area, comfy furniture, as well as superthe ISAAP Compliance GBR Accreditation including fast fibre broadband, Sky television and balcony views. the (IPC) Infection Prevention and Control for another “So, if you are relocating, seeking corporate year. accommodation whilst on business travel, or taking a It is a much-coveted mark, particularly in a leisure break, our serviced apartments and pandemic, confirming that their Vizion and houses provide the comfort and flexibility Campbell Park sites - both offering one, two to make your stay truly memorable.” and three-bedroom executive apartments ‘WE ARE ShortStayMK offer stays from as and four-bedroom townhouses - are a DELIGHTED TO clean, safe and secure place to stay. little as two nights and key A spokesperson said: “We are delighted collection is available 24 hours HAVE BEEN to have been awarded the accreditation per day. AWARDED THE for another year, proving we can offer a ACCREDITATION real home-from-home experience.
FOR ANOTHER YEAR’
Vizion gardens and inside a ShortStay apartment
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BUSINESS REPORT Annie Thompson
Photo courtesy of Nick Freeman Photography
CORNERSTONE UP FOR TWO AWARDS An outsourced finance company has been shortlisted for two SME National Awards. Cornerstone FD, which celebrated its second year of trading in January, is up for Young Businessperson of the Year and Best New Business at the prestigious awards, the winner of which will be announced in July. It is the culmination of 24 months of success for Cornerstone FD, which already has two awards under its belt and has doubled its business and employed two new staff since September. Director Annie Thompson said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for these honours. I am proud of all we have achieved in such a short space of time and during the uncertainty of Covid-19. We have stopped two big clients from losing their businesses during the pandemic and look set to triple our business during 2021.”
MEDIATION SPECIALISTS WELCOME NEW HEAD RUSSELL EDWARDS Mediation MK, specialists in providing family, corporate, commercial, civil, and workplace mediation for over 32 years, welcome Russell Edwards (pictured) to take over at the helm. Russell aims to bring a more holistic approach to the charity by dealing with current aspects of the impact of Covid-19 on individuals’ wellbeing. He said: “Our expertise in delivering first class mediation can be enhanced by offering support to further aspects for personal care. “The impact of Covid-19 is ‘OUR EXPERTISE insurmountable. The effect it has IN DELIVERING had on us may take years to FIRST CLASS evaluate. “At Mediation MK, we can now MEDIATION CAN deliver expert help and support BE ENHANCED BY seller, we tend to rush to seek legal to those who have suffered as a OFFERING advice and more often than not, we call result of the pandemic with SUPPORT’ a solicitor. Legal fees can spiral into tens if regards to mental health, addiction, not hundreds of thousands of pounds. and abuse.” “Mediation provides an equal, even more Mediation MK offer an unbiased, qualified service at an average of 10% of those legal professional service at a fraction of the cost of a law costs. Mediation is simply common sense.” firm. Russell added: “Whenever we reach an impasse, Visit: www.mediationmk.org.uk whether it is a couple, a corporate enterprise, a Call: 01908 231293 company takeover, a dispute between buyer and
CLARITY | FINANCE | LIFESTYLE Great financial planning is about your whole life, not just your money At simplicity, we understand that emotion guides the majority of decision-making. This is why we focus on the personal, human, emotional side of financial planning and help you focus on getting clear about what matters to you.
By helping you create a vision for today and the future and providing you with the tools and understanding, we help you design a plan that works for you no matter what major life event you are facing.
“Every big decision we take and every plan we make for the future involves emotion” ... and this was certainly true when I founded Simplicity. Having worked for 28 years within financial services, I knew that the passion and joy I had in helping others to see a clarity in their financial future and providing simple and easy to understand financial tools to get them there, meant that it was the right time to build a business
that I could be proud of and where my clients felt heard, understood and safe. I want you to feel the connection that we don’t just manage your money, but help you manage and explain the emotions and behaviours around your money so that you can live a better lifestyle now and in the future. SAMANTHA BRADFORD FOUNDER of SIMPLICITY
simplicityfp.co.uk | 07887 832222 | 01908 107270 10 inbusiness JUNE/JULY 2021
FREE TECH SESSION ON MICROSOFT 365 Kettering-based IT support company, PCS Business Systems are offering free technical sessions on Microsoft 365 courtesy of their team of techies. With more people spending time on work and personal computers this past year due to the pandemic, the need for tools like Microsoft 365 has increased. For this reason, PCS want to help businesses far and wide sharpen up on their M365 skills and enable them to use it to its full capacity by offering free one-hour sessions for up to two people in the business. Microsoft 365 (formally Office 365) provides you with a whole lot of functions, so whether you are new to the platform, or have been using it for years the tech session could be beneficial to your business. PCS have said that every company they speak to is utilising the email part of M365, but there is a whole range of other applications included that can push businesses forward, these include
SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive and more. PCS would like to share the knowledge, for free, of how to make the most of all the applications whilst keeping it relevant to your individual business. PCS have a limited number of M365 tech sessions left so if you want to take advantage of this free offer then please get in touch with a member of the team asap. Call: 01536 532 900, Email: ask@pcs-systems.com Visit: www.pcssystems.com/m365-free-techsession
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GOING GLOBAL
GOING GLOBAL The Chamber’s INTERNATIONAL TRADE TEAM can help you navigate your way through all of the regulatory procedures and documents that you’ll need for successful international trading
BOOST IN SALES FOR SANITATION SYSTEM Mechline Developments, the manufacturer of specialised equipment for the foodservice and hospitality industry, has announced a 94% growth in international sales of its HyGenikx air and surface sanitisation system since March 2020. Driven by the coronavirus pandemic, Mechline has received orders for the HyGenikx system from 21 countries across the globe, for use in a wide variety of industries including foodservice, health, leisure, retail and commercial. HyGenikx was developed before the pandemic emerged, but with the technology in the wall-mounted system proactively killing bacteria and viruses 24/7, including coronaviruses, it has quickly become a crucial
part of providing Covid-secure measures for UK operators. Kristian Roberts, marketing manager at Mechline, said: “Clearly, we would prefer it if the world did not have to deal with the devastating effects of the coronavirus pandemic, but it’s heartening to know that our HyGenikx technology, which is manufactured here in the UK, is helping to protect and reassure people all over the world in venues including commercial kitchens, hotels, hospitals and offices.” The HyGenikx system utilises a combination of the most effective air and surface sterilisation technologies available, which are proven to target and kill biological hazards.
The sanitisation system can be utilised in the foodservice industry
Software robots help with efficiency
CUSTOMS PAPERWORK – AUTOMATED! An innovative business process automation company has implemented software robots to make the labour-intensive task of routine customs paperwork more efficient. From 1 January 2021, customs paperwork has been required for goods moving between Great Britain and any EU country, for both imports and exports. This was a challenge for customs clearance services trying to deal with an increase of thousands of documents every day. Ether Solutions, who provide automation of business processes using software robots to perform repetitive activity that people undertake on computer screens, worked alongside one specialist customs agent to bring in their robots to help meet demand. Knowledgeable customs experts 12 inbusiness JUNE/JULY 2021
handle the complex situations, but the regular movement of goods is achieved with the software robots completing the daily routine processing. Ether Solutions David Martin said: “Automation is ideally performed on stable processes. As the news headlines have been reporting there is still a lot of change happening in the GB – EU customs arrangements, but even during this challenging period, software robots have been delivering benefits by working alongside people as part of an integrated process. As stability emerges, the rules which humans have followed for the manual activities can be added into the processing logic of the software robots. This will free staff back up to focus on the overall customer service.”
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TALKING BUSINESS
IN THE BUSINESS OF FORGING STRONGER CONNECTIONS IN MK It is five years since communications specialists dbfb branched out into Milton Keynes in a bold and innovative move to help businesses to access a worldclass fibre network. Managing director Simon Pickering explains more. That, alongside networking, referrals and high-quality Back in 2016, Milton Keynes was hailed as one of the worst service is what Simon believes will help them to achieve connected cities in the UK and was in desperate need of their aim of turning over £15m a year by 2025. investment. “In the next five years the marketplace will change dbfb was offered the opportunity to partner with again,” said Simon. “The traditional way of making phone CityFibre - the UK’s largest alternative provider for calls will change at the end of 2025 when BT turn off IDSN wholesale fibre network infrastructure, and the builder of and everybody will have to move to internet-based Gigabit Cities - and invest £2m over five years in to turning telephone solutions. Milton Keynes into a connectivity beacon for others to “The telephone platforms will have to move to internet aspire to. and that requires great connectivity, and we feel we are It was a much-deliberated decision, but the leap of faith best placed to talk to businesses about that move and was worthwhile. about what they need. Five years later, the partnership has facilitated £80m of “Our business model is very simple. We speak inward investment into Milton Keynes and to customers, understand their pain points and Northampton, connecting more than 170 deliver flexible solutions. businesses to date. “Communications is a complex area now. “That opportunity to become a launch ‘WE’VE NOW It’s drifting into the IT world more than partner came with a significant investment GOT A GREAT ever before. Most business owners just it wasn’t a decision we took lightly,” said want it to work but they don’t have time managing director Simon Pickering. “It was CUSTOMER BASE to understand it. They need someone a marketplace we didn’t know well at the IN MILTON they can trust and do the right thing by time and Milton Keynes ranked as one of KEYNES’ the business and can support them as a the lowest connected cities in the UK then. human being. That’s our model – and it’s “The decision we took as dbfb has had a quite a rare one in our industry. significant impact on Milton Keynes and we are “We are over resourced for our revenue but we incredibly proud of being part of delivering such know that and we do it on purpose. Customers speak impressive connectivity. The city now ranks, for to a person, a local person, as we’ve found most people business and home, as one of the most connected cities in would rather talk to people. the UK and we’ve paved the way in Milton Keynes for that “We are very lucky as a business. Customers that come connectivity opportunity.” to us stay with us and I believe that’s because of the valued Combining this with dbfb’s other core services, means service we offer.” the company is perfectly positioned to bring ultrafast connectivity to local businesses, and then provide the allFor more information on how dbfb can help you important management and support for business-critical understand your company’s technology needs without the internet services. acronyms and jargon visit www.dbfb.co.uk Its dedication to its four chosen key business focus areas - people, platform, service and solutions - has led to impressive growth in recent years across all areas. This year the company aims to to increase its workforce to 40 and increase turnover to £7.5m. Simon, who took the helm in 2016, said: “We’ve seen steady growth in Milton Keynes but I still believe that there’s a lot more we can do here. We’ve now got a great customer base in Milton Keynes. We need to invest again, there’s no doubt about that. That may be organically, like we have done in Northampton, or we may look to acquire.” The 50-year-old added: “We have definitely got to be noisier about what we do in MK.” dbfb will soon be launching a five-year anniversary offer for anyone moving over to CityFibre from another network and they are working closely with fellow Chamber members and the Milton Keynes business community to share their connectivity opportunity with more firms. Simon admits that the local marketplace has taken some getting used to. “MK has two key business areas – there are very entrepreneurial start-up businesses or there are large enterprises. It’s a difficult balance of businesses and that’s been quite a steep learning curve for us.” But dbfb are proud of their simple and successful approach to technology – solutions without the jargon. 14 inbusiness JUNE/JULY 2021
dbfb team
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FACTFILE: DBFB COMPANY BACKGROUND: Brian Kingston and Bill Oliver started the business in 1989. There were three of them in the broom cupboard office under the stairs. Simon joined in 2016 and it’s now 36 people and a £6.5m turnover business. COMPANY DESCRIPTION: dbfb provide businesses with secure connectivity and communications, incorporating connectivity, landlines, cloud services and mobile. We deliver IT solutions to SMEs and enterprise customers. JOINING THE CHAMBER: “We joined the Chamber very early on because we wanted to meet other business leaders. It was very clear, very quickly that MK businesses buy from other MK businesses. The Chamber offers us great advice and also great networking opportunities.”
TALKING BUSINESS PHOTOS BY JANE RUSSELL PHOTOGRAPHY JUNE/JULY 2021 inbusiness 15
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: LEGAL SERVICES
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
This issue’s spotlights are on the LEGAL SERVICES and SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY sectors in Milton Keynes
NEW SERVICE IS ON OFFER Multidisciplinary professional services firm Queensbury Consulting are offering a brand-new concierge service incorporating legal and business advisory. The firm received approval to become a full-service law ‘THE PAST YEAR firm in October 2020 and now offer legal services HAS BEEN alongside their comprehensive professional consulting The team at Queensbury practice, specialising in business advisory for clients both in PARTICULARLY the UK and globally. CHALLENGING’ As a practice, Queensbury focus on two key areas - legal Partner and head of legal services Pav Benning said: and strategic consulting, covering Legal, Strategy, Business “The past year has been particularly challenging, but Incubator, Global Mobility, Business Operations and Global Queensbury has seen many reasons to be optimistic for the Commercial; and Projects, Programmes and Change Management post-pandemic era. We have grown in key markets - the UK and including Project Management, Developer, Change, Equality, Diversity overseas, looking for business solutions for clients growing, developing & Inclusion and Recruitment. or opening new offices. We are also exploring Malaysia. Our professionals In the past 12 months, they have opened an affiliate office in Spain, in are able to work together on client matters, combining all their strengths to conjunction with a Spanish law firm in Seville, as well as branches in provide a first-class service.” Mumbai, India and Dubai, UAE.
LAW FIRM EXPANDS PROPERTY TEAM Neves Solicitors have expanded their expert commercial property team with the appointment of senior associate, Mathew Lutkin (pictured). Mathew has specialised in commercial property matters since qualifying as a solicitor in 2016. He has broad experience of commercial transactions including acquisitions, disposals, finance and re-finance and landlord and tenants matters, my particular interest and experience lies in the field of development. Stewart Matthews, joint managing partner and head of company commercial, said: “I am very pleased to be able to welcome Mathew to Neves. Mathew is a senior associate, commercial property solicitor who brings with him a broad and diverse wealth of property experience, which will
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particularly assist with our growing client base of property developers. Both I, and the whole management team, are very much looking forward to working with Mathew to further develop the commercial team across all three of our offices in Harpenden, Luton and Milton Keynes.” Mathew said: “I am delighted to be joining Neves and look forward to working with my new colleagues and clients. I offer pragmatic commercial advice in relation to varied commercial property transactions; including freehold and leasehold acquisitions and disposals, landlord and tenant matters and in particular, development matters involving residential, commercial and mixed use schemes.” Call: 0330 0945 500
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INBUSINESS
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
ROBOT FLEET HITS MILESTONE
Andrew Curtis with the robots
“In Milton Keynes we have seen The first quarter of 2021 saw our service continue to grow in Starship Technologies celebrate popularity, with order numbers one million autonomous deliveries tripling in the town in the last year. – the first autonomous delivery It is exciting to know that with 120 company in the world to robots, Milton Keynes is reach the milestone. home to the world’s Contactless largest fleet of deliveries have ‘IN MILTON autonomous robots!” proven to be KEYNES WE In March, Starship hugely popular HAVE SEEN OUR expanded its service over the last 12 in Milton Keynes to months during SERVICE reach even more the Covid-19 CONTINUE TO neighbourhoods and pandemic, with GROW IN households across the many people POPULARITY’ town. choosing them as Andrew added: “The reliable ways to support we’ve received from protect vulnerable local communities across Milton populations and enable social Keynes over coming up to three distancing. years now continues to be Andrew Curtis, UK operations overwhelmingly positive. manager at Starship, said: “We’re very proud to have been able to “We’re looking forward to offer such a crucial service in Milton continuing to work closely with the Keynes and in the other locations Council to roll the service out to even more neighbourhoods in the around the world where Starship is months ahead.” operating during this time.
NEW POINT OF SALE DEVICE Paycard Solutions is offering a new point of sale device to provide a fast, cost effective way to do business. The Clover Flex unit accepts all major payment types, charges in an hour and lasts all day. It also offers both printed and digital receipts. The five-inch antimicrobial hi-res touchscreen is perfect for modern use and can be set up in minutes. Paycard Solutions assist businesses in finding the right card payment solutions that best suits their business, while helping to reduce their costs on their card processing fees, through transparent pricing. Their new product works on WiFi and 4G, and the Clover account lives in the cloud so businesses can track sales and trade from anywhere at any time. Email: info@paycardsolutions.co.uk
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Students at the SCIoT
INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY HERALDS A BRIGHT NEW DIGITAL FUTURE A new regional centre for digital training and education has opened in Bletchley. The South Central Institute of Technology (SCIoT) is a collaboration between Milton Keynes College and a consortium of global companies and important local brands like Cranfield University. The SCIoT, which is expected to welcome a thousand talented students and apprentices a year, was established when the consortium won a grant of £26m from the Government in a national competition and will be based in state-of-the-art facilities. It’s the only place in Milton Keynes offering higher technical qualifications equivalent to university at levels 4 and 5. The qualifications have substantial input from businesses ensuring the skills taught are the ones local industry desperately needs. Principal Alex Warner said: “This is a whole new
concept in education. The SCIoT is an inclusive centre for technical qualifications, higher apprenticeships and training to plug the growing gap between demand and supply for technical and digital roles, including cyber security. Students will experience our flexible Lifestyle Learning approach, in which they can choose to study in-person or online. “They’ll be taught by amazing people with up-todate experience in tech and they’ll work on real world problems supplied by our partners to prepare them for the careers of the future.” Around half of the course content is delivered by dual professionals, many of whom come from the project partners. Any businesses in the region with tech training needs can contact iot@mkcollege.ac.uk
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
PREVENTING OUTAGES BCL Power have emphasised the importance of resiliency program in place will prevent unwanted maintaining uninterruptible power supply (UPS) outages. “Since we, as a society, have developed such a systems in case of a mains power failure. The infrastructure protection services firm warns reliance on power, businesses have followed suit. that the absence of UPS and battery maintenance Unfortunately, our infrastructure has not been able to could be catastrophic should your company’s standby keep up with the ever-increasing power demand. power system fail. “Uninterruptible power supplies provide peace of mind that when the power does go out, your To ensure risk reduction and the reliability of your UPS systems and standby batteries in telephones, tills, computers, security the event of a power failure, BCL Power systems, servers and any critical offers a range of Uninterruptible Power equipment, such as what is found in ‘AS A SOCIETY hospitals, stays online without any Supply (UPS) maintenance solutions. WE HAVE Each level includes a preventative interruptions.” DEVELOPED maintenance visit, 24/7 technical support and an agreed response to For more information about UPS SUCH A and standby battery services please site as standard. RELIANCE ON visit www.bclpower.co.uk or contact Director James Abbey said: “Having POWER’ a formal standby power services us via email at info@bclpower.co.uk
COMMS365 TO TACKLE EV CHARGING ISSUES Comms365 Limited, the innovative network services and IoT infrastructure company, has been announced as a winner of the first phase of the Low Carbon Transport Innovation Challenge. In partnership with Scottish Enterprise, the Scottish Government has awarded a share of £180,000 to Comms365 to improve charge point accessibility across ChargePlace Scotland electric vehicle charging network. Comms365 will now create a comprehensive solution to tackle the issue of bay hogging or ‘ICEing’ – where a non-electric vehicle parks in an EV charging bay and blocks the ability to charge, by finding the appropriate wireless network
infrastructure and IoT sensor technologies for deployment in EV bays. In addition, IoT and ChargePoint datasets can be processed to highlight and improve charge point accessibility, aiming to reduce charge point availability anxiety for the consumer. This funding will enable Comms365 to develop and demonstrate its innovation in response to these challenges, with the intention to extend the project through prototypes and field-testing. Mike van Bunnens (pictured), Managing Director, Comms365 comments: “Comms365 is thrilled to have won this competition to develop a solution to overcome existing electric vehicle charging
pain points and to greatly improve the user experience. We are grateful to the ChargePlace Scotland network and Scottish Enterprise for the opportunity to play an important role in refining EV accessibility, especially as Scotland and the rest of the UK continues to make great strides to meet the 2050 net-zero emissions target.”
HARNESS THE POWER OF VIDEO A talented team of video production experts are running a fantastic offer for fellow Chamber members. Video Inn Production, based in Northampton, has launched a new deal for Chamber members to help them harness the power of video.
Managing director Andrew Bentley said: “Business owners already know the video is incredibly powerful but they often believe the investment is too high. That’s why we’ve launched a new deal to hugely help our fellow Chamber members. “We’re inviting Chamber members to come into our fully equipped studio armed with a script - or bullet points - and a series of images and they will leave with four professional videos. As part of the special package, Chamber members will receive support from a helpful technician, professional video camera work, the highest quality microphone, studio quality lighting, green screen and live editing and image processing.
TRANSFORMING YOUR BUSINESS Business change specialists Sunfish Online have outlined some insights into how organisations can successfully navigate change during the uncertainty of the pandemic. Sunfish Online’s co-founder and technology practice lead Satinder Sangha (pictured) has shared his thoughts on how businesses can use change as an opportunity to become stronger, more agile and more profitable. He believes making a change project succeed relies on three key elements – planning, implementation and handover. Satinder said: “Transformational or change projects can be some of the most nerve-wracking and stressful times for any business. “The project needs to have clear goals and measurable outcomes. “It needs fallback plans and contingencies in case things don’t go to plan and it needs leadership willing to make definitive decisions about the directions taken. “Ensuring the change takes place is perhaps the most painstaking part of the process, but also the most rewarding: you’re out of the blue-sky stage and into the nitty-gritty of the action. The three C’s are key here: Communication. Communication. Communication. “Finally, the processes developed during the planning and implementation phases will be vital for the handover stage, as these will provide the bridge between the two teams. “Handover is also a time for reflection. Think about actions you can implement for the next successive change project.” Visit: www.sunfish.online
Visit www.videoinn.co.uk, email hello@videoinn.co.uk or call 01604 864868 to book a demo or a special trial JUNE/JULY 2021 inbusiness 19
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TRAINING & EVENTS
TRAINING & EVENTS
Follow us on Twitter @ChamberMK Follow #ChamberTraining for the latest updates Follow #ChamberEvents for the latest updates
GETTING THE MESSAGE RIGHT DEVELOPING ASSERTIVENESS SKILLS Date: Cost:
9 June (one-day) Member £229 + VAT Non-member £299 + VAT Most of us have at least one person in our life whom we cannot communicate as effectively with as we would wish to. When this happens, it stops us achieving our own goals, our team goals, and can leave us feeling inadequate, stressed, and angry. This course identifies the behaviour patterns that lead to these situations. It is a pragmatic course, built around action learning, enabling individuals to apply their own answers to their own communication goals.
HELPING DIFFICULT CUSTOMERS Date: Cost:
14 July (half-day) Member £140 + VAT Non-member £180 + VAT We all know how hard it can be to handle difficult people. With many organisations automating their processes and procedures, customers are even more likely to become difficult when they finally get through to a person. They take their frustration out on the poor staff member who answers the phone, email, the tweet, or the Facebook post, and make it challenging for most staff to stay calm and deliver the level of service needed. This course teaches staff how to stay calm and deliver the level of service needed.
HEALTH & SAFETY EMERGENCY FIRST AID FAIB Date: Cost:
24 June (one-day) Member £229 + VAT Non-member £299 + VAT This course is for appointed persons, nominated First Aiders and those needing refresher training. Upon completion, participants will be able to take on the role of Emergency First Aider in the workplace. 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). 20 inbusiness JUNE/JULY 2021
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS Date: Cost:
16 July (half-day) Member £140 + VAT Non-member £180 + VAT This half-day course provides learners with the knowledge to identify suspected mental health conditions and the skills to start a conversation and be able to signpost the person towards professional help.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE TRAINING IMPORT PROCEDURES (INCLUDES IP/OP) BCC ACCREDITATION *2 MODULES Date: Cost:
10 June (one-day) Member £299 + VAT Non-member £369 + VAT This course provides an overview of the end-to-end import process and reviews all the areas that would be applicable to a new supplier, to include country and supplier risk,
payment risk etc. It will review documentation requirements and how to ensure goods are imported successfully to include duty payments and an overview of the available Special Procedures.
LETTERS OF CREDIT AND METHODS OF PAYMENT BCC ACCREDITATION *1 MODULE Date: Cost:
15 June (one-day) Member £299 + VAT Non-member £369 + VAT This course is suitable for those working in International Trade who are involved in the management and presentation of Letters of Credit. The course provides an overview of all methods of payment when trading internationally to include the risks and benefits involved.
INCOTERMS BCC ACCREDITATION *1 MODULE Date:
1 July (half-day)
Cost:
Member £299 + VAT Non-member £369 + VAT Learn about the new Incoterm Delivery at Place Unloaded (DPU) – changed from Delivered at Terminal (DAT). We will guide you through what changes there will be of the current Incoterms, and how it will impact on your process and procedures. Post-Brexit International Trade Support training funding is available for SMEs. Visit: www.customsintermediary grant.co.uk
MANAGEMENT AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT LEADING TEAMS REMOTELY Date: Cost:
8 June (half-day) Member £140 + VAT Non-member £180 + VAT This course is designed for leaders who need to manage a team or group of individuals remotely and ensure business continuity and engagement.
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TRAINING & EVENTS
TRAINING COURSES All Chamber training courses are currently delivered virtually in compliance with Covid-19 restrictions. Call the Training department for more details on 01604 490490 or email training@northants-chamber.co.uk
appointed supervisory staff and is vital training for anyone about to become a supervisor.
MANAGING YOUR WORKLOAD Date: Cost:
13 July (one-day) Member £229 + VAT Non-member £299 + VAT Take a day to reassess the purpose of your role and how to achieve the key tasks. Look at ways to manage the less productive tasks and then pick up lots of tips and techniques to help make things run more smoothly. Take away a list of practical tasks and habit changes that you know will make a difference to the way you work.
SALES AND MARKETING EFFECTIVE TELESALES SKILLS Date: Cost:
TRAIN THE TRAINER Date: Cost:
29 & 30 June (two-day) Member £458 + VAT Non-member £598 + VAT To give staff who have recently been employed in a position of a trainer, or who are expected to train other staff in any areas such as procedures, skills, or other core functions such as customer service or health and safety, the ability and confidence to deliver first class training.
SUCCESSFUL SUPERVISORY MANAGEMENT Date: Cost:
6 & 7 July (two-day) Member £458 + VAT Non-member £598 + VAT The transition from team member to team leader is one of the most challenging. These pragmatic workshops teach you how to increase work output, improve the quality of work and achieve greater flexibility in working. It is essential training for established and newly
8 July (one-day) Member £229 + VAT Non-member £299 + VAT An effective telesales call is not just about picking up the phone and ‘going for it’. To win business and achieve your call objectives it needs to capture your prospect’s attention, immediately build credibility and quickly develop a relationship. This workshop is designed to show you how to do this and by the end of the day the delegate will have the ability to make effective calls to achieve the desired outcome, sales or appointment.
LINKEDIN FOR BUSINESS Date: Cost:
20 July (half-day) Member £140 + VAT Non-member £180 + VAT This workshop is designed for anyone looking to use LinkedIn more effectively for themselves and their business. Learn how to market yourself, increase your visibility and reputation and develop new business using the features of this fantastic social media platform.
The CHAMBER EVENTS TEAM has worked hard to adapt and deliver a new format of events, increasing the range and availability of our schedule. Look out for the following events in our events calendar:
EVENT IN FOCUS The Chamber is delighted to launch Men’s Health Week from 14 to 18 June 2021, proudly sponsored by The Health Hub. Everybody's mental health has been challenged by the lockdowns and insecurities of the last year and it's not over. As we emerge from what we hope will be the worst of the pandemic, questions, concerns and anxieties remain. How do we move forward? Even before the pandemic, men's mental health was a cause for concern. There is a grave disparity in the high number of men who die from suicide and the low number of men who seek treatment for depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges. Northamptonshire Chamber, and its sister Chamber in Milton Keynes, are delighted to welcome guest speakers and hosts for an engaging and educational series of Men’s Health webinars as we look to discuss topics and raise awareness surrounding men’s health. We are thrilled to be joined by: • Chamber Platinum Partner, Wilson Browne Solicitors’ Jennie Jahina – Employment Partner • hireful’s Adrian McDonagh and Adelle Shawflach from The Sweet Potato Consultancy • Conor O’Sullivan from O’Sullivan Financial Planning • Dominic Greenwood from HR Solutions • Pendragon Protect’s Adam Kaplan • James Gage from Career Catapult • Chris Holmes from Northamptonshire Sport. We will finish the week with a face-to-face session held by health specialists from headline sponsor, The Health Hub, and wind down networking at Health Hub’s headquarters. Details of this event will be sent closer to the date in line with the Government’s Roadmap. The Health Hub’s CEO Carl Raven said: “Supporting the Chamber to help run the Men's Health Week was a no-brainer for me having spent the last two years trying to build a business platform that helps identify and support individuals to achieve a healthier and happier life.”
FORTHCOMING EVENTS MK CHAMBER SPEED NETWORKING Date: Thursday 3 June Time: 10am - 11.15am
NEXT GENERATION SANDWICH SOCIAL
NEXT GENERATION CPD: DEALING WITH CONFLICT – MHAIRI RICHARDSON FROM TOMROM Date: Wednesday 30 June Time: 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Date: Tuesday 8 June Time: 12pm - 1pm
MK CHAMBER AND NONMEMBERS SPEED NETWORKING
MEGA MEET THE NEIGHBOURS
Date: Thursday 1 July Time: 10am - 11.15am
Date: Tuesday 29 June Time: 11am - 12.15pm (Milton Keynes, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Chambers)
MK FRIDAY WIND-DOWN NETWORKING Date: Friday 30 July Time: 3pm – 4pm
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Open courses and bespoke training sessions on all Microsoft packages at all levels are available. Call the Chamber’s Training Team on 01604 490490 for details.
YOUTUBE CHANNEL Look out for our new YouTube channel entitled ‘NN & MK Chambers of Commerce’ which allows our subscribers to watch back ChamberLive events so you never have to miss out!
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MEMBER ZONE
MEMBERZONE Latest news from MILTON KEYNES CHAMBER MEMBERS including award wins, relocations, appointments, new contracts, member profiles, mergers, company expansion plans, sponsorship deals and business success stories
TWO DYNAMIC FORCES TAKE A SEAT ON LOCAL CHARITY’S BOARD Former diver and chair of British Diving, Melanie Beck MBE Melanie Beck MBE, and former European president of a giant Texas-based bakery business, Mel Bugler, have joined the board of trustees at leading local disability charity, MK SNAP. Melanie, who received an MBE for her voluntary services during the Covid-19 crisis, is the charity’s new chair of trustees. She said: “I feel extremely honoured and excited, MK SNAP is a charity I have long admired and followed.” ‘WE ARE Mel, former European DELIGHTED TO president for CH Guenther & WELCOME BOTH Son which produces burger MELANIE AND buns for McDonalds and their talent and life skills while Burger King and for the past MEL TO THE having fun.” 27 years has held many BOARD’ Melanie is CEO at MyMiltonKeynes, CEO/MD roles, said: “I am Business Improvement District and delighted to be joining MK was formerly the head of marketing and SNAP as a charity trustee. communications at the CentreMK. “I have seen the fantastic work that Melanie is a trustee of Sports Aid and chair of MK SNAP does and believe it is a wonderful British Diving and British High Diving. environment for learners to further develop
MILESTONE FOR PA FIRM Smart Office Services is celebrating 21 years in business. It will be a quiet celebration due to Covid restrictions, but the remote PA support company are planning a big celebration for their 25th anniversary when that comes around. The company was established by two personal assistants who wanted to provide remote PA support to business owners and managers. Despite the challenges of the last year, Smart Office Services apprentices Caroline Lloyd and Holly Burnham have both achieved distinctions in their Apprenticeship in Business Administrator Level 3.
Holly Burnham
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Manager Lynn Dumbarton said: “This is a great achievement for them both, they have worked hard and we are very proud to be a stepping stone while they decide on their future careers. Their input has been invaluable to us and we hope to recruit again. “Like many companies, the last year has been a challenge for us. Some of our clients provide face to face services and as their businesses have temporarily closed, we have also been quieter. “We are looking forward to the opening of services and helping more business owners thrive in the future.”
Caroline Lloyd
Mel Bugler
She represents Europe on the World Aquatics Governing body (FINA) and was Chair of the Performance Management of British Diving since 2005. MK SNAP's CEO, Angela Novell said: “We are delighted to welcome both Melanie and Mel to the board during this time of great change.”
HEALTH PRACTITIONER REGISTERS WITH CQC Stemax Consult Healthcare Services is now officially registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The Milton Keynes health and wellbeing practitioner provides a patient driven outpatient day care clinic working with individual patients with a variety of medical conditions. The private clinic offers services such as pre-placement medicals, vaccinations, offshore medicals and healthy lifestyle consultations to both individual clients and companies. They also assist companies in working with their employees to reduce sickness absence and improve productivity. The CQC is the Government’s independent regulator of health and adult social care services.
Medical director Cyprel Ijeh said: “At Stemax Consult, we believe that by being CQC registered, we will assure you, and the Government that we are delivering quality care. “The CQC aim to tackle poor care and use feedback from healthcare customers to make their judgements. As our customer you can be assured that practices are inspected regularly and are meeting the standards set.”
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MEMBER ZONE
WALKING TO IMPROVE AFRICAN COMMUNITIES Angela Rhodes, director of Milton Keynes based Crispin Rhodes, is renowned in the city for supporting charities locally and nationally. From fundraising balls and quiz nights to personal challenges, Angela has selflessly given back to the community during the 24 years her company has grown with local and national clients.
support through education to Angela has raised over £120,000 improve health and living for charities including MK Snap, conditions - the creation of the Willen Hospice and the Rotary Club. Starlight School for children in She has recently been appointed chairman of an international Bakau is a shining example of their organisation, The Oasis Project work. (The Gambia). She is pouring With Crispin Rhodes recently boundless energy and merging with HR Solutions, Angela was delighted to creativity into the learn that they had charity that provides been searching to humanitarian ‘ANGELA IS support education in POURING Africa and without BOUNDLESS hesitation in ENERGY AND November 2020 the team launched Walk CREATIVITY INTO to Gambia. THE CHARITY’ The goal is to raise £30,000 to build, equip and staff two new classrooms at Starlight School by walking the equivalent of a round trip from Kettering to the Gambia and back 7,378 miles. They had walked 2,962 miles by 15 March, which is Mauritania on the map.
Angela Rhodes and a Gambian child in the Gambia
Visit: www.crispinrhodes.co.uk/hrwith-a-difference/charity-partnerwalk-to-the-gambia
IT EQUIPMENT FOR UNDERPRIVILEGED MK Community Foundation are working in partnership with It’s What’s Next IT to refurbish donated old, used, or surplus laptops to distribute to students under the age of 18 living in Milton Keynes. Businesses and local people are being encouraged to get involved by donating their devices so they can be put to better use. Through their Vital Signs 2020 research, MK Community Foundation discovered that many people are experiencing digital poverty. MK Community Foundation philanthropy manager, Kay Jackson, said: “This scheme will offer much needed help to children in need, who will be able to continue their education and learning because of this project, which is vital to the mental health and wellbeing of the child.” Visit: bit.ly/3b2gwuJ
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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.
NAME: Carolyn Green COMPANY: Medical Detection Dogs JOB TITLE: Community fundraiser WHAT DOES YOUR ORGANISATION DO? We train dogs to detect the odour of human disease, either as Medical Alert Assistance Dogs or Bio Detection Dogs. HOW DID IT ALL START? With a beautiful fox-red Labrador called Daisy, who warned Medical Detection Dogs’ now CEO and co-founder, that she had breast cancer. This was all the inspiration Claire Guest needed to dedicate her life to proving what she already knew that dogs can detect disease.
CHAMBER HEALTH PLAN 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 THE KICKSTART SCHEME
WHAT’S YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR? In February 2020 I launched our first ever Campaign Week, asking people to help us Paint the Town Red and raised over £7,000. WHAT KEEPS YOU AWAKE AT NIGHT? What community fundraising will look like in 2021. With summer events already being postponed, we need to find new ways to fundraise and try to replace that missing income. WHAT’S THE BIGGEST RISK YOU’VE EVER TAKEN – AND DID IT WORK OUT? I am taking it now. In partnership with Metro.co.uk and some celebrity support, we are holding a 42k or a gentler 10K trek through Buckinghamshire on 19 June 2021. We need 100 participants to make it work and be cost effective. WHICH BUSINESS PERSON DO YOU MOST ADMIRE? It has to be our CEO Claire Guest. From the start Claire has had to convince the medical world that there is a place for dogs in the diagnosis of disease and support of people with life changing illnesses. WHAT EXCITING PROJECTS IS YOUR ORGANISATION WORKING ON? The most exciting is our Covid-19 project to train our dogs to detect the virus, even in asymptomatic people. WHY DID YOU JOIN THE CHAMBER? Although we are a national charity, we are a small team and have found it difficult to get our voice heard. We want to tell our local area all about our ground-breaking work, and how they can support us. Call: 01296 711217 Email: carolyn.green@medicaldetectiondogs.org.uk Visit: www.medicaldetectiondogs.org.uk
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The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to create new job placements for 16-to-24 year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long term unemployment. Employers can spread the start date of the job placements up until the end of December 2021. Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce is proud to support the Kickstart Scheme as an approved Gateway in creating a wealth of new, fully subsidised jobs for young people across the county. Your Chamber of Commerce are collating Business responses and acting as an intermediary if your organisation would like to enter into the scheme. For more information and an expression of interest form please email: kickstart@northants-chamber.co.uk
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MEMBER ZONE
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NEXT GENERATION PROFILE
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE NEXT GENERATION CHAMBER EVENT AND WHY? I love taking part in the CPD sessions, and attended an in-person session pre-lockdown about communication styles and understanding how to communicate effectively with others that was fascinating. More recently, the sandwich socials are a great way to get to know people better, have a laugh and break up the day when working from home!
NAME: Emily Ball COMPANY: Hawsons Chartered Accountants JOB TITLE: Corporate services manager
BACKGROUND –TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOU! I joined Hawsons in 2013 after graduating from The University of Nottingham with a chemistry degree. I realised that while I loved the analysis and the problem solving, I didn’t want to work in a lab, which is where accountancy came in! I qualified as a chartered accountant in 2016 and became a manager in 2017, with my own portfolio of clients who I manage on a day-today basis. WHAT DOES YOUR JOB INVOLVE? I have a portfolio of clients I work with to provide accountancy, audit and taxation
services, in addition to more specialist and adhoc assistance and advice. I look after several of our charity clients and all of our solicitors, as well as a variety of owner-managed businesses and corporate clients. As part of a team of managers, I also supervise staff completing client-facing work, and run various internal training sessions for the team. WHY DID YOU JOIN NEXT GENERATION CHAMBER? To get to know other young professionals and business people in the area, and to take part in the CPD sessions to help with my ongoing development in business.
WHICH NEXT GENERATION CHAMBER MEMBER DO YOU ADMIRE? WHY? Hannah Brady (The Brady Creative) is an inspiration – she set up her own business during a global pandemic and is doing really well with it. She isn’t afraid to confront the ‘real’ topics, and encourages others to do the same, especially with her engaging posts on LinkedIn. Hannah has made me (and I’m sure lots of others too) feel like it’s okay not to be okay 100% of the time, but still be doing your very best! WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU’VE LEARNED FROM NEXT GENERATION CHAMBER? It’s so hard to pick just one thing! I’ve learnt a lot from the various CPD sessions, which focus on both professional and personal development, but especially the softer skills sessions such as communication styles and self-care. Social media: www.linkedin.com/in/e-ball
NEXT GENERATION CHAMBER PATRONS
NEW MEMBERS ASAP Innovations UK Ltd MILTON KEYNES 01908 909146 www.whyasap.co.uk Manufacturing and distribution of disposable nitrile, latex and vinyl gloves, tyre IIR facemasks Display Creatives UK Ltd MILTON KEYNES 01908 543844 www.display-creatives.co.uk Design and manufacturing of point-ofsale displays EFM Portfolio Finance Directors NORTHAMPTON 07799 898542 www.efm.uk.com Portfolio finance director services, represented in the Northampton and Milton Keynes area by Tony Williams and Robin Draper Giggabox Limited BUCKINGHAM 01280 735050 www.giggabox.co.uk Production and delivery of virtual and hybrid events
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Madison MILTON KEYNES 01908 326020 www.madison.co.uk Distribution Mediation MK CENTRAL MILTON KEYNES 01908 231293 www.mediationmk.org.uk A registered charity offering mediation which covers family, commercial and community MyDigitalBooth MILTON KEYNES 01908 788980 www.mydigitalbooth.com A cutting-edge digital agency providing strategic digital solutions to positively transform your business and its digital presence in the marketplace N-Accounting NORTHAMPTON 01604 330129 www.n-accounting.co.uk Specialists in helping small businesses survive and succeed. Providing solutions for clients that integrate various aspects of accountancy and tax planning
S4A Ltd MILTON KEYNES 01280 460560 www.s4asports.co.uk Ofsted rated sports and education specialists of active and creative childcare including wrap around and holiday clubs T Vend Ltd MILTON KEYNES 0800 246 1806 www.t-vend.co.uk With a collection of reputable suppliers
and through utilising innovative technology, T-Vend provides vending machine options to meet all industry requirements The Gun Cupboard and Country Clothing Ltd WELLINGBOROUGH 01933 225667 www.theguncupboard.co.uk Your local retailer to buy great British style. A traditional store with a contemporary approach to looking after our customers
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