inbusiness Northants Feb March 22

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inbusiness @NorthantsCoC

www.northants-chamber.co.uk

THE VOICE OF NORTHAMPTONSHIRE BUSINESS

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022

IT’S HIP TO BE SQUARE MEDIA FIRM ON COURSE FOR GROWTH NEWS: NEW CHAMBER PRESIDENT SPOTLIGHT: LEGAL SERVICES MEMBER ZONE: NEXT GENERATION THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF NORTHAMPTONSHIRE CHAMBER

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INBUSINESS

CONTENTS inbusiness

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022

28 BUSINESS REPORT

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Chamber names first female president Financial planner earns key certification Alpro invests in Burton Latimer facility Leading the fight against asbestos Management changes at iconic store Anniversary milestone for Fortec Kettering Conference Centre reopens Accountants welcomes new recruits Chamber Business Partners: HR Solutions GEODIS expands its UK operations

GOING GLOBAL 17

‘Purple top’ product goes global

ISSUE SPOTLIGHT 18

BUSINESS CRIME & PROTECTION Local specialist fights cyber crime

20

LEGAL SERVICES Law firm announces promotion

24

22

APPRENTICESHIPS & SKILLS University launches new apprenticeship

TALKING BUSINESS 24

Square Media

TRAINING & EVENTS 26

The latest comprehensive list of Chamber training courses and events

MEMBER ZONE

31

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Green Flag award for Green Patch

31

Contact lens maker’s photo competition

32

Member Profile: John Fletcher, Trilogy Leisure & Wellbeing

33

Next Generation, plus member benefits

34

The Chamber welcomes new members

The April/May 2022 issue of inbusiness will include features on: Communications & Marketing, Charities, Social Enterprise & Fundraising and Hotels, Conferences & Events

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INBUSINESS

inbusiness

THE VOICE OF NORTHAMPTONSHIRE BUSINESS

CONTACT DETAILS

VIEWPOINT

T: 01604 490490 NORTHAMPTONSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Waterside House, 8 Waterside Way, Northampton NN4 7XD Editorial process managed by Ballyhoo PR EDITOR: Catherine Bontoft EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Katie Macdonald NEWS AND ARTICLES SHOULD BE SENT TO: inbusiness@northants-chamber.co.uk

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: Lloyd Hollingworth ADVERTISING T: 0121 765 4144 E: jon.jones@kempspublishing.co.uk PRINTERS: Stephens & George Print Group FRONT COVER: Square Media managing director Matthew Rigby-White See pages 24 – 25 COVER PHOTO: Jane Russell Photography ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE: inbusiness is a bi-monthly publication and digital magazine distributed to 6,000 Chamber members and key businesses in Northamptonshire.

The publication focuses on news and information about local companies and the initiatives and advice available to increase the prosperity of county firms. Northamptonshire 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 NORTHAMPTONSHIRE CHAMBER AT:

HERE’S TO THE YEAR WE’RE ALL WINNERS It’s my great pleasure to welcome you to our first inbusiness magazine of 2022.

This edition is filled with fantastic stories from our innovative members and I’m proud to say it also includes a special supplement celebrating the achievements of our wonderful Northamptonshire Business Award winners and finalists.

The awards were staged at the end of last year and showed off everything that’s so special and dynamic about our county’s business community.

We’re very grateful to everyone who made the awards such a special night – including our incredibly supportive sponsors – and we hope this commemorative supplement will bring back lots of proud memories for you all.

It won’t be too long until we open the entries for this year’s awards but we have lots of exciting events coming up before then.

I’m thrilled to say we’ll be staging our first Business Exhibition of 2022 at Kettering Conference Centre from 10am to 3.30pm on 8 March – International Women’s Day. The event is being sponsored by Chamber Business Platinum Partners, dbfb, and is free to attend so make sure you go along!

It will feature more than 50 stands showcasing the products and services from Northamptonshire’s finest businesses and there will be plenty of opportunities for networking.

There will also be talks by key business leaders, including the Chamber’s first female president, Robyn Allen. Robyn has been an amazing ambassador for the Chamber and its board during the past few years and we were thrilled when she took on the role of president at our AGM at the end of 2021. We’re hugely excited about working with Robyn on a range of innovative projects with her in the coming months. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Robyn’s predecessor, Kevin Rogers, for being a very active president during the past three years.

Finally, I’d ask all of our members to spare me two minutes of your time between now and 10 March as we carry out our Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) for the first quarter of 2022. It really only takes two minutes to fill in the QES and your input will reveal how county organisations are finding trading.

Your responses are vital because they give us the strength we need to lobby on behalf of Northamptonshire’s businesses when we meet with local and national policymakers.

With all best wishes,

Louise Wall www.facebook.com/northamptonshire.chamber

Interim chief executive, Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce

@NorthantsCoC www.linkedin.com/company/northamptonshirechamber-of-commerce www.youtube.com/NorthantsChamber You can also follow our International Trade Team on Twitter: @NhntChambExport For further information on Northamptonshire Chamber call 01604 490490 or visit www.northants-chamber.co.uk inbusiness is produced on behalf of Northamptonshire Chamber by Kemps Publishing Ltd and is distributed without charge to all Chamber members and other leading businesses in Northamptonshire. 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 Northamptonshire 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.

4 inbusiness FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022

CHAMBER BUSINESS PARTNERS

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POLICY MATTERS

BUSINESS REPORT

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

COBBLERS KICK OFF 125TH YEAR Northampton Town has announced a series of exciting events to mark the club’s 125th birthday this year and the 25th anniversary of its 1997 Wembley playoff final win.

The celebrations will kick off with the club’s designated birthday fixture against Tranmere Rovers on 5 March which will see the team wear a special 125th anniversary kit. Former players will be ‘THIS invited to attend the game PROMISES TO and there will be a BE A REALLY commemorative EXCITING YEAR programme and ticket available.

AT THE CLUB’ The excitement will continue to build the following month when a charity game involving Northampton Town Legends and celebrities will take place on Supporters arrive for 24 April. On 20 May, the club will host its a match at Sixfields Wembley Promotion Anniversary Event to mark the 25th anniversary of the 1997 Wembley play Work is also underway to host the Official off final featuring appearances by members of 125th Anniversary Dinner which promises to be a the successful 1997 squad. glittering occasion on 4 September.

Supporters will be given the chance to show Commercial director Caroline Lucy said: “This off their own collections of club memorabilia at a promises to be a really exciting year at the club.

Pop Up Museum Weekend and Club Open Day We’d like to say a big thank you to All Things on 9 and 10 July celebrating 125 years of Management who are our official 125 partner and Northampton Town.

to all the supporters and volunteers involved in our 125th birthday working party group.

“Special thanks also go to Sixfields Travel Club who are sponsoring our birthday fixture.”

For further information about any of the events email commercial@ntfc.co.uk

FIRST FEMALE PRESIDENT FOR CHAMBER

New board president Robyn Allen (centre) with the Chamber’s director of business development Sunny Singh and deputy chief executive Julie Maclennan

Northamptonshire Chamber has welcomed its first female board president in its 105-year history.

Award-winning personal insurance expert Robyn Allen, of Robyn Allen Solutions Ltd, became president at the end of the Chamber’s AGM in December.

Robyn, who at 33 is also the organisation’s youngest ever president, had been an active member of the Chamber board for two years prior to taking up her new role.

She said: “I originally joined the Chamber board because I felt it was important that we have a diverse collection of voices to represent our wide range of members.

“There’s a bit of a weight on my shoulders because I’m the first female president but I’m very excited about my new role.

“I love the Chamber and what it stands for. It gives organisations so many opportunities to raise their profile as well as access to a wide range of fantastic support services.

“My focus will be on the needs of the Chamber membership so that together we can

ensure the Chamber continues to lead the way, grow and move forward.

“I’m looking forward to this year’s Northamptonshire Business Awards and to seeing how we can help Northamptonshire Chamber’s Women With Vision network and Next Generation Chamber to further develop and grow.

“I’m also excited about the Chamber’s first exhibition of 2022 in March. The Chamber team has been hard at work on great plans for it involving the Women With Vision network and it promises to be a fantastic event.”

Robyn is also a trustee at HomeStart Kettering, a governor at Montsaye Academy in Rothwell, mentors new start-up businesses and is a trained mentor to teenagers.

Northamptonshire Chamber deputy chief executive Julie Maclennan said: “Robyn is a fantastic ambassador for the Chamber and is a great support to its members.

“We’re looking forward to working closely with her on lots of exciting projects that will benefit our members.”

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BUSINESS REPORT

CONOR’S AIMING FOR THE TOP A Northamptonshire-based financial planner has now achieved the highest global certification available to financial planners in the UK. Conor O’Sullivan, of O’Sullivan Financial Planning, has achieved the Certified Financial Planner TM certification from The Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI).

To be successful individuals must meet rigorous competence, ethics and professional practice standards and have completed a challenging examination and case study.

According to Which, only 22% of candidates pass the exam and only eight per cent are like Conor and pass the case study first time. The qualification is so challenging that fewer than 1,000 of the UK’s tens of thousands of financial advisers have qualified as Certified Financial Planner professionals.

Conor, who is also a Northamptonshire Chamber board member, said: “This means I’m in the upper echelon of my profession.

“When people first become financial advisers, the qualifications are very heavily

product focussed, ensuring you’re matching the right products with client needs.

“Lifestyle financial planning is very different.

The product is almost irrelevant because you’re much more focused on the client and their goals for the future. They may have half a dozen conflicting dreams and you need to use your expertise to work out how to use their resources to help them achieve their goals.”

Conor is now training to run the Certified Financial Planner training courses to pass on his knowledge and experience to future candidates. All this comes when his business is growing dramatically.

Conor explained: “Much of my work now is with business owners. A lot of their wealth tends to be tied up in their organisations and I help them to ensure their business generates wealth for them and their families and they become independently wealthy. As a result, my services are in high demand and we’ll be looking to grow our team further during 2022.”

Conor O’Sullivan

Visit: www.osullivanfp.co.uk

HORIBA WINS TOP TECH SITE AWARD HORIBA UK has won the TechWorks 2021 Award for Manufacturing Site of the Year.

The firm received the top award in recognition of the business improvements made by the 180 employees at its Northamptonbased site, where it manufactures analytical and measurement instruments for multiple markets.

Its BlackJack Continuous Improvement Programme and extensive training programmes have generated significant improvements in operations resulting in reductions in waste and improved process efficiencies.

Richard Carter (pictured), HORIBA UK director for automotive, said: “I’m so proud to accept this award on behalf of all of our employees for the business improvements they’ve delivered at our Northampton manufacturing site.

“This is testament to their dedication to drive positive change.

This has enabled us to trade profitably and maintain our headcount, even in the face of the unprecedented challenges created by the pandemic.”

The TechWorks awards celebrate the achievements and behaviours conducive to a healthy and vibrant tech industry in the UK. 2021 saw a high number of strong entries, all carefully considered by an expert panel of judges.

Visit: www.horiba.co.uk 6 inbusiness FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022

A DECADE OF INDEPENDENCE Master Abrasives, a manufacturer and supplier of abrasives, power tools and machinery and equipment from Northamptonshire, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary of successful trading as an independent, UK-owned company.

Master Abrasives was set up in 1967 to sell a range of high-quality mounted points in the UK. Since a management buyout in 2012, it has evolved as an independent company and now provides the complete solution to finishing and grinding applications through its abrasives, grinding machines and power tool portfolio.

These products are supported by an experienced team of engineers offering technical applications advice and training courses. One of the company’s most popular courses, the British Abrasives Federation (BAF) accredited Safe use of Abrasives training course, is offered to assist employers keep their workforce safe.

The course familiarises abrasive users with basic but vitally important safety facts about abrasives use, with certificates being issued to all who pass the course.

Master Abrasives recognises the key role that offering a complete solution to industry has played in its success.

“Industry is looking for top performing products combined with training and applications advice to maximise their productivity and keep their employers safe,” said managing director Paul Batson.

“Our 10-year anniversary as an independent company is a significant milestone in our history. As we reflect on our past progress, we also look forward to an exciting future as we continue to adapt to meet customer needs by further expanding the MASTER® abrasives range and a drive into export markets.”

Visit: www.master-abrasives.co.uk

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BUSINESS REPORT

‘WE’VE BEEN BLAZING A TRAIL IN SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS’

ALPRO INVESTS FOR GROWTH Plant-based pioneer Alpro has unveiled its latest investment at its Burton Latimer factory, as part of a £41m plan to ramp up production capacity, enhance its sustainability credentials and create new jobs in the area.

The latest investment for the Danone-owned business comprised a new £17m high-speed production facility and a state-of-art trigeneration unit and water treatment plant that will reduce the site’s energy consumption, CO2 emissions and water usage.

The announcement at the end of last year reflects years of growth for the plant-based and dairy-free sector, now worth £636m, with Alpro accounting for £259.6m in value sales and

responsible for encouraging 2.2m new shoppers to try plant-based products within the last year.

Its new high-speed production facility will increase production capacity to 300m litres of soya, oat, rice and coconut drinks a year – representing 300m packs of Alpro 1L drinks.

With further planned investment, that number is set to increase to up to 400m litres as early as this year.

General manager Sue Garfitt said: “As the plant-based category leader, we’ve been blazing a trail in sustainable production for more than 40 years.

“The changes we’re installing will accelerate the volume of products we’re producing in the UK, for

UK shoppers and allow us to continue being the brand to fuel the category growth and whet the nation’s appetite for healthy plant-based products, whilst operating in a planet-friendly way.”

Currently, 100% of fresh and 75% of UHT Alpro 1L drinks created in Burton Latimer are sold to UK shoppers.

Alpro currently employs more than 200 people at its UK factory, with many of its skilled workers coming from Corby, Kettering and Burton Latimer. The new investment resulted in a further 25 workers being hired to meet the increase in capacity.

Visit: www.alpro.com/uk

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BUSINESS REPORT

HIGHLIGHTING THE DANGERS OF ASBESTOS

Jake Davey

JAKE SIGNS UP TO FAMILY FIRM A prominent family-run sign makers, Artisan Signs, has welcomed a third generation into its business.

Artisan Signs was founded

by Jake Davey’s father Graham in 1997, with Jake’s grandfather Geoff joining later, and has grown from strength to strength over the past 24 years.

Jake has now taken on a business development manager role at the firm, joining his parents Graham and Alison who took over the sole running of Artisan following Geoff’s retirement at the end of 2007.

Alison said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Jake to the business. Jake had previously worked as a quantity surveyor and is using his skillset to focus on securing new business, increasing Artisan’s visibility in the marketplace and maximising opportunities for growth as the industry recovers from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

“At Artisan we are proud to be specialists in large format print, displays, retail and exhibition graphics as well as signage.

“Our impressive range of inhouse equipment allows us to offer an extensive range of custom-made products including, but not limited to, fabrics and banners UV printed and finished in-house as well as single piece rigid substrates.”

The Kettering-based company also offer nationwide delivery and installation.

Visit: www.artisansigns.co.uk

8 inbusiness FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022

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 ‘ANY PROPERTY asbestos consultants and surveyors in a BUILT BEFORE bid to tackle the 2000 MAY to be aware of UK’s asbestos CONTAIN the dangers or legacy. of the thousands ASBESTOS’ Ian said: “Any of people who die property built before in this country 2000 may contain every year because asbestos and by law nonthey’ve been exposed to domestic properties must have asbestos in the workplace or at a dutyholder who is responsible for home. managing their asbestos.

“It’s heartbreaking when we visit “Despite this we’re still going to a workplace after asbestos has been premises that have never had an accidentally disturbed and have to asbestos management survey or an tell people they may have been asbestos register showing where exposed to asbestos. These are their asbestos is situated. awful conversations to have and “Some organisations don’t seem

Asbestos consultants Neil Munro (left) and Ian Stone

they shouldn’t still be happening.

“If businesses aren’t managing their asbestos they should have a conversation with us. We’re not a charity but I’m happy to have 100 conversations and get no work from them if it means people go away more educated.

“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.”

Visit: www.acorn-as.com

TROPHY FIRM’S ON TO A WINNER A family business which has However, during the past been operating in Corby for few months orders have been more than 15 years is on the rise again. preparing for a busy year Matthew added: “As things have started to relax ahead. organisations are starting to Over the years, Jaycee Trophies has built up an look to the future. As a result, enviable online reputation we’ve had several sports thanks to its wide range of clubs get in touch because high-quality trophies, medals, they’re already thinking The trophies it created about how they can reward silverware, glass awards and for the Business Awards sports equipment. players and teams at those It further boosted its all-important presentations standing in Northamptonshire at the end of year when at the end of the season. it impressed hundreds of fellow Chamber members by “We’re always particularly pleased to support clubs creating the 14 engraved trophies for the winners of the in the area. Anyone who is connected with a local club Northamptonshire Business Awards. or league is always welcome to get in touch with us Director Matthew Clark said: “We were absolutely and we’ll do our best to help them.” thrilled to provide the trophies for the fantastic winners Jaycee Trophies offers discounts to fellow of the Northamptonshire Business Awards. It’s an Northamptonshire Chamber members and also honour to think so many fellow Chamber members now provides free deliveries for orders over £100. have our beautiful trophies in their workplaces.”

The boost came at an ideal time for the organisation Email: info@jayceetrophies.co.uk Call: 01536 408850 which, like many others connected with the events Visit: www.jayceetrophies.co.uk industry, saw a drop in business during the pandemic.

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BUSINESS REPORT

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BUSINESS REPORT From left: Mark Simmonds, Jamie Bedford, Dave Richardson, Lee Ferris and Richard Kingston

Tim Tofte

TIM IS VEKA’S NEW TRANSPORT BOSS Tim Tofte has joined VEKA Recycling as transport manager – the latest in a series of new appointments at the PVC-U window and door recycling specialist as the business continues its drive to strengthen operations.

Tim brings with him 13 years of experience in road haulage, including as a transport manager for third-party logistics companies such as Bibby Distribution, Maritime Transport Ltd and Wreford Transport, which ran contracts for Coca Cola, Mercedes, Amazon, Carlsberg, Royal Mail, Salvation Army and Wicksteed.

In his new role, Tim has been helping to build the business further and has strengthened his team and the wider VEKA Recycling operations.

“My immediate role includes the management of yard staff, weighbridge staff, drivers and the transport office, all of which involves effective planning of both time and resources,” said Tim. “In the medium to long term, I’m hoping to grow customer relationships, help set up new customers and manage their expectations within the business.”

VEKA Recycling has announced a series of new appointments since its state-of-the-art Wellingborough headquarters became fully operational last year. With all materials extracted and processed on site, the new plant is totally selfsufficient and capable of recycling in excess of 25,000 tonnes per annum.

“Since our Welingborough plant became fully operational we've appointed a new business development manager, quality engineer and yard supervisor, as part of our ongoing commitment to strengthen our operations and be Europe’s most advanced specialist windows recycler,” said VEKA managing director Simon Scholes.

“We’re delighted to welcome Tim aboard such a strong team and look forward to what his, and our, future holds.”

Visit: www.veka-recycling.co.uk 10 inbusiness FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022

BELL RINGS CHANGES IN MANAGEMENT TEAM Richard Kingston has stepped up The county’s most iconic lifestyle to become a departmental director store has revealed its new look for its fires, stoves and outdoor management team. living ranges. He is also responsible Bell of Northampton has for Bell’s e-commerce welcomed Jamie Bedford as stream, which accounts its new kitchen, for a quarter of the bathroom and tiles firm’s revenue. manager and has ‘BELL IS ALSO The made several inWORKING ON management team house promotions SEVERAL MAJOR is completed by to draw on the PROJECTS TO managing director decades of Lee Ferris, Calor experience in its FURTHER Gas director Zen existing team.

ENHANCE ITS Hynda, who also Dave Richardson, OFFERING’ oversees outdoor who has worked for living with Richard, Bell for 24 years, recently financial director Michael joined its board of directors.

Barton and installation manager Responsible for Bell’s logistics and Mark Simmonds. the contracts side of the business – Lee Ferris said: “We’re thrilled to which generates 25% of its annual have promoted Dave and Richard income – Dave was previously one of who have played huge roles in the firm’s associate directors.

Bell’s success over the years. We were also delighted to welcome Jamie who had already built up an impressive career in retail management with a major national retailer before joining our team.”

Bell is also working on several major projects to further enhance its offering. In January, one of its concessions, CCE Landscaping, created an exciting new display area featuring items from its popular landscaping and outdoor ranges, next to Bell’s rear car park.

Bell will also soon unveil a new Contract Specifications Suite to enable builders, property developers and architects to choose from Bell’s range of commercial fixtures and fittings for new developments across southern and central England.

Visit: www.abell.co.uk

CIC OFFERS SPORT FOR ALL A community interest company is improving its facilities to help people of all abilities to access its multi-sport activities.

Sport4Fitness CIC plans to build a new Changing Place facility at its base at the Fernie Fields Sports and Social Club in Northampton to enhance its offering to children and young people with disabilities.

Sport4Fitness coordinator Steve Rockall said: “We want people in our community who have the most severe disabilities and require additional assistance and facilities to be able to partake in our activities.

“Sport4Fitness works to an ethos that ‘everyone can achieve’ and by providing this new facility we can enable this to happen.

“The Changing Place room design includes a wet room facility with a shower, a full ceiling hoist, changing table, toilet and sink and sufficient space for up to three carers to assist with our visitors’ needs.

“The provision of such a facility will be of huge benefit to both new and future visitors and will be something that Northampton can be proud of.”

Through West Northamptonshire Council, Sport4Fitness has applied for a grant from a central government fund of £30m.

Sport4Fitness has also started fundraising towards the project.

Any individuals or organisations who can help Sport4Fitness to raise funds or who can donate building materials should contact info@sport4fitness-cic.co.uk or call 07491 306630.

Visit: www.sport4fitness-cic.co.uk

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BUSINESS REPORT

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BUSINESS REPORT HOW TO INSURE AGAINST 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 of coverage.

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

12 inbusiness FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022

FORTEC CELEBRATES 25 YEARS IN FAST LANE

Attendees from across the UK joined Fortec Distribution Network to celebrate its 25th anniversary in Birmingham

operation with the skill and maturity of a haulier Fortec Distribution Network members were decades older. recognised at a special awards event to celebrate the Winners across the network were selected for network’s 25th anniversary. compliance, quality distribution, service excellence Shareholder members of the pallet network and and communication throughout the last 12 internal team members attended the glitzy months. event, held at the Hilton Birmingham Kevin Buchanan, group CEO at Pall-Ex Metropole at the end of last year, joined ‘EVERY Group, which owns Fortec, commented: by members of the Pall-Ex network and FORTEC MEMBER “Every Fortec member deserves International partners from across the DESERVES recognition for the significant role Pall-Ex Group.

RECOGNITION FOR The awards were introduced by they have played in building the special guest host James Nesbitt, best network into the thriving operation it THE SIGNIFICANT known for his roles in the Hobbit and is today.

ROLE THEY HAVE Cold Feet.

“The industry as a whole has faced a PLAYED’ Winners included Twenty47 Logistics, tough couple of years, with the pandemic which clinched the coveted Fortec Member and Brexit creating unique challenges, and of the Year award, sponsored by The Barcode our members deserve to be celebrated as Warehouse and voted for by members of the haulage heroes. network.

“We were delighted to be able to celebrate Fortec’s Established in 2019, the company has risen to the 25th anniversary together as our members and staff challenges of Covid-19 and Brexit just months into its deserve to mark this milestone with a proper celebration.”

VIRTUAL IS VITAL FOR BUSINESS 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, 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

Emma Speirs (second left) and the Ballyhoo PR team

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

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BUSINESS REPORT

CENTRE OF ATTENTION AGAIN Kettering Conference Centre, the contemporary all-purpose conference, event and exhibition centre, will be re-opening in March.

Situated in Northamptonshire, Kettering Conference Centre is one of the most centrally located venues in the UK and is managed by The Venues Collection – a nationwide provider of training and conference facilities and part of Compass Group UK & Ireland.

The centre can host up to 2,000 delegates and is one of the largest facilities of its kind in the Northamptonshire area. It is the ideal space to host meetings, training sessions, conferences,

exhibitions, product launches, Christmas parties and wedding celebrations.

The Venues Collection managing director Joanne Barratt said: “We are really looking forward to re-opening and welcoming events and visitors back to the centre.

“We are working with a number of local and national companies who are interested in our wide range of facilities and our central, easily accessible location. We will be opening in March but we are holding show rounds before this date for interested event organisers.

“We decided to wait until the conference and

event market was fully back again before we reopened. Since lockdown, we have been supporting the NHS and our local community by housing an NHS Covid testing facility.”

Kettering Conference Centre is a contemporary all-purpose conference, event and exhibition centre offering 12 flexible meeting spaces with a capacity of five to 2,000 delegates with a 500-seater auditorium, 2,000m sq of exhibition space, ample free on-site parking with day delegate rates starting from £25.

Visit: ketteringconference.co.uk

“WE CLEAN, WE SELL, WE HIRE AND WE PROVIDE A SPECIALIST SERVICE THAT GOES BEYOND 100%.”

T: 07594 886530 E: grant@gpcgroup.co.uk

Grant Phillips

Managing Director

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BUSINESS REPORT OPTIMISM HIT BY INFLATION FEAR The majority of Northamptonshire firms expect their turnover will increase during 2022 but are bracing themselves for rising prices, according to the county’s largest business survey.

Service sector companies were the most upbeat about 2022 and although the majority of county manufacturers were also confident about their future turnover figures, this was offset by many suggesting they expected to see their profits fall in the next 12 months.

The revelations came in the latest Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) carried out by Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce at the end of 2021 to find out how businesses were faring.

Northamptonshire Chamber policy executive Sean Rose said: “It’s good to see that Northamptonshire businesses are positive about the future.

“However, despite the optimism, concerns about price pressures are once again dominating our survey results.

“Almost 90% of service firms and nearly 60% of manufacturers who responded to our survey indicated that they expect prices to increase during the first three months of 2022.”

The Chamber’s QES for the first quarter of 2021 opened this month and businesses can complete it on the Chamber’s website until 10 March.

NEW RECRUITS JOIN ACCOUNTANCY PAYROLL Two new recruits have joined Kettering-based CFW Chartered Accountants as more companies look to outsource their payroll.

AAT and ACCA qualified, Isobel Biggs joins as accounts senior from Grant Thorton after six years during which she studied while working full time and led a team addressing sustainability in the workplace.

Karen Stocks joins CFW as payroll administrator from Market Harborough’s TRC Contracts and has held several payroll, financial administration and banking roles, having previously worked for DHL, Lloyds and Santander.

CFW has seen many more companies in Kettering turn to outsourcing, especially for payroll services, when they cannot recruit qualified staff or need expert advice.

CFW’s team ensures that businesses meet ‘MANY OF OUR all the relevant CLIENTS HAVE payroll regulations CALLED UPON and avoid any OUR EXPERTISE unnecessary fines IN DEALING and penalties. Covid the complexities has brought WITH THE of payroll business owners new COMPLEXITIES administration challenges with staff OF PAYROLL’ related to Covid and payments and CFW furloughed staff. works in close liaison with “We have a dedicated HMRC to resolve any queries. and well qualified team in place, CFW partner Kim Parry said: ready to tackle any payroll or “We’re delighted to welcome Isobel accounting challenges.” and Karen. In the last 18 months, In her spare time, Isobel is a many of our clients have called volunteer for Blind Veterans and upon our expertise in dealing with

Partner Kim Parry (left) welcomes Isobel Biggs (centre) and Karen Stocks

Karen enjoys cycling and is a keen tennis player.

CFW Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers offers a comprehensive range of services including Making Tax Digital, VAT returns, payroll, accounts, audit, tax returns, management accounts and cash flow projections.

Visit: www.cfwaccountants.co.uk

HELPING TACKLE WORKPLACE WELLBEING The Road to Wellbeing Project leads

A new initiative has been launched to help businesses to improve workplace wellbeing, and thus reduce sickness and absence rates and improve their employee engagement, loyalty, performance and productivity.

The programme is being led by Northamptonshire Sport, Public Health Northamptonshire and their partners.

The Road to Wellbeing initiative is for businesses of all types, sizes, and budgets. A simple online self-assessment helps businesses to identify opportunities to improve wellbeing and is 14 inbusiness FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022

followed by a one-to-one session with their teams to co-create a plan for the organisation.

Lucy Wightman, director of Public Health for Northamptonshire, said: “We know that staff wellbeing is a priority for business leaders. They are uniquely positioned to positively impact the wellbeing of staff, their families and the wider community.

“Workplace wellbeing is more than just taking care of employees when they’re sick. It’s about optimising mental and physical health, recognising the importance of financial wellbeing, new ways of

working, addressing the health inequalities that Covid-19 has highlighted and the impact of wider social influences on health at work.

“The services our team offer will be tailored to the needs of the businesses and could include support to develop appropriate policies and procedures, Health MOTs, NHS Health Checks, Healthy Lifestyle Programmes, and free Stop Smoking Services.”

To register for the programme email events@northamptonshiresport.org

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BUSINESS REPORT

BUSINESS PARTNERS

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

ACQUISITION BOOST FOR HR FIRM An award-winning HR services consultancy has made its largest acquisition to date, while strengthening its position in the Health and Safety sector.

HR Solutions has significantly expanded its reach in the field by bringing Essential Safety on board – a highly successful health and safety and fire safety consultancy, with offices in Corby and London and a team of 12.

Its experienced and IOSH qualified consultants support clients in a broad range of industries and sectors, including construction, education, manufacturing, warehousing and distribution.

The company offers a wide range of services including policy writing, risk assessments, auditing, accident investigation and a ‘Competent Person’ to support businesses, from SMEs to larger corporations. Essential Safety also provides CDM and principal designer services to clients, designers and contractors.

HR Solutions CEO Greg Guilford said:

Greg Guilford of HR Solutions (left) and Dean Howells of Essential Safety

“Essential Safety has an excellent reputation due to the expert knowledge of its consultants and its dedication to clients.

“As a result, the company has secured larger corporate clients, as well as working with SMEs. The company’s 25 years’ experience and

expertise compliments HR Solutions’ offering, having recently launched its Health and Safety division in 2020.”

As a result of joining HR Solutions, Essential Safety’s clients will benefit from a wider service offering and access to additional experienced staff with extensive skills.

Essential Safety managing director Dean Howells added: “We’re delighted to be joining HR Solutions, who we’ve trusted for HR advice and support for the last 10 years. Our clients now have access to a broader range of services and support from a wider team of consultants and advisors.

“This new alliance will add further investment and impetus into our business, and our staff will benefit from increased support as they continue to deliver the high levels of service our clients expect.”

Visit: www.hrsolutions-uk.com

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BUSINESS REPORT

MAJOR EXPANSION FOR GEODIS

‘RETAILERS ARE BEEFING UP THEIR ABILITY TO SUPPLY THE BURGEONING E-COMMERCE SECTOR’

GEODIS’ new 40,000 sqm warehouse in Doncaster

With a total of 110,000 sqm new warehousing space opened across two new sites in the UK at the end of last year, leading global transport and logistics services provider GEODIS has significantly increased its Contract Logistics operation in Europe’s third biggest retail market.

Driven by demand for contract logistics services as a consequence of the UK’s recent retail e-commerce boom, GEODIS has opened two new facilities – a 40,000 sqm warehouse in Doncaster and a 70,000 sqm logistics site in Lutterworth. Together they have provided employment for nearly 600 people rising to 1,200 during peak season.

Established in response to the increase in sales volumes of a high-profile international online retailer, the facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art automated technology, 18-metre, high-density racking and provide a combined capacity for processing up to 1.5m units per week.

16 inbusiness FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022

GEODIS plans to double its contract logistics operations in the UK, in-line with its growth plans to become a top 15 operator in the market within the next five years.

GEODIS COO for Western Europe, Middle East and Africa Stéphanie Hervé said: “Retailers are beefing up their ability to supply the burgeoning e-commerce sector via a nationally based distribution network.

“Our response is to help our established customers grow and to attract additional business with our skills and experience augmented by our innovative and specially designed IT and automated solutions for the online retail sector.”

Visit: www.geodis.com

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GOING GLOBAL

GOING GLOBAL

The Chamber’s INTERNATIONAL TRADE TEAM will help you navigate your way through all of the regulatory procedures and documents that you’ll need for successful international trading

PDI MANUFACTURE WILL ENSURE PURPLE REIGNS PDI International’s Super Sani-Cloth®, otherwise Super Sani-Cloth® known as ‘purple top’ thanks to its distinctive purple is popular with lid, is now available to healthcare facilities across healthcare facilities Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.

The number one premium cleaning and disinfectant wipe in North America, is now manufactured in Europe at PDI International’s flagship manufacturing plant in Corby.

Through its alcohol and dual quaternary ammoniumbased formulation, Super-Sani Cloth® is effective against bacteria, viruses, TB, and yeasts including Norovirus and SARS-COV-2, the virus that causes Covid 19. It provides complete disinfection against all the listed tested microorganisms in 60 seconds and is ‘OUR compatible with over 560 devices and surfaces.

CUSTOMERS Product manager Elan Jeffery said: HAVE BEEN Mike Sullivan, commercial director “Our customers have been asking for ASKING FOR AN for healthcare added: “It’s no surprise an all-round solution that can provide ALL-ROUND that Super Sani-Cloth® is the number effective and fast disinfection with one disinfecting wipe in North America excellent compatibility – Super SaniSOLUTION’ and now potentially in the world.

Cloth® ticks these boxes.

“Its combination of fast acting, effective “With its simplified labelling, it’s clear disinfecting and cleaning ingredients provides to anybody who picks up the product that the best of all worlds in infection prevention. complete disinfection against the listed pathogens “This superb product is another step towards our vision on the label is achieved within 60 seconds. to be a global infection prevention innovation leader and “Providing our customers with equipment trusted advisor to our customers internationally.” compatibility data based on manufacturers’ recommendations provides peace of mind for our Visit: wearepdi.com/en-uk customers too.”

GREEN THEME FOR BCC EVENT 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 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.

Visit: www.britishchambers.org.uk/events/ annual-conference

Sydney

NEW TRADE DEAL WITH AUSTRALIA 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 its success 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.”

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: BUSINESS CRIME & PROTECTION

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

In this issue we look at the BUSINESS CRIME & PROTECTION, LEGAL SERVICES, and APPRENTICESHIPS & SKILLS sectors in the Northamptonshire area

JOINING THE FIGHT AGAINST CYBER CRIME Nene Cyber Security (NCS) is planning to help local businesses avoid the financial and reputational damage caused by growing levels of cyber-attacks.

The company, set up by cyber security expert Andrew Fruish (pictured, inset), offers a range of consultancy services and specialises in penetration testing – or so-called ethical hacking. This is where highly skilled NCS testers simulate real-world attacks on a company’s IT systems to identify weaknesses in their defences.

“To truly protect your IT environment and sensitive data, you need to think and act just like the cyber criminals trying to break into your networks,” said Andrew. “By finding potential vulnerabilities before the hackers do, we can help fix the problems and support IT teams and staff to prevent damaging attacks. While most of the headlines around data breaches tend to feature large companies, cyber criminals are increasingly targeting small and medium-sized businesses.”

Ransomware is a particular type

of attack that is on the rise.

Cybercriminals will gain access, encrypt data and then demand a ransom to return it and re-instate computer systems. The Covid-19 pandemic and surge in remote working has made it even more difficult to protect companies from cyber-attacks.

“There are basic measures that every business can and should do, such as enforcing secure password policies or adding multi-factor authentication and making sure staff have awareness training to spot malicious emails,” added Andrew.

The Nene Cyber Security team are all trusted and highly skilled senior security specialists with extensive industry knowledge, backed up by CREST industry certifications and accreditations that allow them to work for the UK government and major banks and financial services organisations.

Email: info@nenecybersecurity.com Call: 07551 977347 Visit: www.nenecybersecurity.com

SMART CARDS HELP YOU TAKE CONTROL Access control systems are perfect for businesses of all sizes, across all industries, to utilise and ensure that their premises and equipment are kept safe at all times.

These systems work using smart cards and wall-mounted readers that allow for the instant locking and unlocking of doors.

By distributing cards to employees, the risk of unauthorised access to your office or workplace is greatly reduced.

You can even restrict access to certain areas of the building to those who hold cards, and controlling the permissions allows you to provide and restrict access to areas for authorised persons only.

Contactless access control systems are also an easier solution than handing out keys to 18 inbusiness FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022

your access control system also helps to integrate technology into your workplace, helping to keep up with the latest security advancements.

Staff and employees can also use their smartphones in place of contactless key cards where appropriate.

Technology cards for access control systems can be integrated with a number of other systems, such as clocking in systems, cashless vending, temperature screening for health security, and more. each employee, and also reduce the amount of time needed to move around the building. You can also disable any lost or misplaced cards remotely, meaning they cannot be misused.

Using smart devices to monitor and edit

To find out more about access control systems, contact ID Card Centre’s expert team by calling 01604 244 244 or emailing sales@idcardcentre.co.uk

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: BUSINESS CRIME & PROTECTION

MAKE IT SECURITY A PRIORITY A leading organisation which has been providing a fully-managed IT support service to the public sector, businesses, schools and the NHS for more than 25 years is urging firms to be vigilant against cyber attacks.

ACS Office Solutions uses the latest technology to protect organisations from ever-evolving online and offline threats to their security.

Its experts are concerned many businesses have left their security systems vulnerable to cyber attacks and criminal infiltration when they implemented rapid changes to their working practices in response to the pandemic.

Presales director Stephen Harley said: “For many organisations, cyber security and planned IT security improvement programmes were put on hold during the pandemic whilst other operational challenges were prioritised.

“In addition to this, the increased use of remote access tools used by employees working from home has increased the risk of cyber attacks.

“Cyber criminals can take advantage of this by targeting remote access systems with denial of service attacks, disrupting

Stephen Harley

business operations or attempting to extort money.

“They can also corrupt home WiFi networks and access IT systems via unsecure VPNs.” To help organisations protect themselves ACS’ expert team has produced a list of top tips.

Organisations should ensure remote access systems are patched and secure for employees working from home.

Adequate security controls should be installed and employees should receive training on potentially fraudulent activity such

Increased use of remote access tools by employees working away from the office has increased the risk of cyber attacks

as how to avoid cyber security breaches and how to spot suspicious activity.

Be clear about internal procedures and implement additional verification procedures before making payments.

Ensure electronic invoices are genuine by contacting individuals to validate the notification. Verify the email address you have

received the email from – send a new email to a known contact rather than replying directly.

Ensure existing policies and procedures are effective and up-todate, practise due diligence and monitor financial controls and ensure they are adequate.

Visit: www.acs365.co.uk Call: 01604 704000

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: LEGAL SERVICES

IS THERE FINALLY AN END TO THE LOCKDOWN HOKEY COKEY? Recent times have been a story of lockdowns: In...out…in...out: sort of ‘the lockdown hokey cokey!’

We had lockdown, we came out of lockdown, we went back into lockdown, we came out of lockdown but you couldn’t really travel abroad, then you could travel if you jumped through a few hoops but getting home was a lottery where you half expected someone to lean over your shoulder and say “click your heels together three times and say 'there's no place like home' and you'll be there."

In this edition of inbusiness there is a spotlight on legal services.

Here at Wilson Browne Solicitors, we could write about recent changes in law and working practices due to the Omicron variant…but it’s December at the time of writing so who knows if that would even be current and correct!

Instead, let’s pick a few highlights: there was the Chamber Expo – the first ‘proper’ face to face meeting in what seemed like an eternity, and to top it off we had an ice cream van, the weather was kind to us and we served something like 500 ice creams!

A short time after were the excellent Northampton Logistics Awards and the equally fantastic Northamptonshire Business Awards where we were proud to be headline sponsor once more.

We retained our Northamptonshire Law Society Law

Firm Of The Year award and our Law Society Of England & Wales Excellence Award. We also rewarded our staff for their hard work and dedication by having our

in-person staff awards.

The journey into 2022 is exciting: Wilson Bear will be back on television and we continue to grow, to take on new people and to

invest in our staff. Last but not least, we stand by our strap line… whether we’re in yet another lockdown or not, we’ll still be All The Help You Need.

RUSSELL TAKES KEY ROLE AT BRAY

Russell Dalby

20 inbusiness FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022

East Midlands law firm Bray & Bray has promoted experienced private client solicitor Russell Dalby to partner and joint head of the firm’s Wills, Trusts and Probate department.

Russell will co-manage eight Wills, Trusts and Probate specialists as they support clients through the often personal and complex area of making wills, lasting powers of attorney and dealing with the affairs of deceased relatives.

A full member of the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP), Russell will also act as a reference point on technical matters such as Inheritance Tax positions.

Alongside co-head Andrew Hitchon, Russell will also be responsible for training and mentoring the team to maintain its reputation for providing high quality, relevant and timely legal advice.

Russell said: “I feel passionately before choosing to specialise in about coaching and mentoring Wills, Trusts and Probate. team members to ensure they’re Senior partner and head of continually cultivating their Corporate & Commercial Law Tim knowledge and skills. Andrew Gladdle added: “Russell’s welland I have begun deserved promotion is in developing in-house recognition of the scenario training for significant ‘I LOOK the team, which contribution he’s FORWARD TO complements our made to the firm’s EXPANDING THE traditional focus of ongoing growth, PROFILE OF THE attending as well as his specialist seminars consistent hard TEAM AND throughout the work and NURTURING year. steadfast RELATIONSHIPS’ “As partner, I look dedication to the forward to expanding Wills, Trusts and the profile of the team and Probate team and private nurturing relationships with clients. existing and new clients.”

“Bray & Bray remains committed Prior to joining Bray & Bray, to investing in our people and Russell worked as a senior bank supporting their professional manager before retraining in law in growth.”

2010. He achieved the highest grade in the Legal Practice Course, Visit: www.braybray.co.uk

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: LEGAL SERVICES

EXPERT HELP FOR LAW FIRMS Award-winning digital marketing agency, 123 Internet Group are supporting a significant section of the local legal services industry with their marketing and communications expertise.

The Milton Keynes-based company has been running outsourced marketing and social media management for fellow Chamber members DFA Law, as well as four other Northamptonshire firms.

For DFA Law, the 123 Internet Group team have worked hard on their search engine optimisation, achieving impressive results for their chosen terms, ensuring traffic reaches their website and increasing lead conversions.

They currently rank first on Google, above 7.6m results, for the phrase Commercial Law Northampton, and in the top three for Employment Law, for over 10m results.

They are also in the top three for Property Law, for over 6.5m results.

123 Internet Group also create and execute the digital strategy, including the creation and posting of social media content for DFA Law, using their in-house design team to create graphics and animations for each post. Their work behind the scenes ensures the company has visibility through all their online channels.

From left: Ryan Stewart, Laura Mayes and Scott Jones from 123 Internet

Scott Jones, CEO of 123 Internet Group said: “We have multiple legal and professional services clients, so we are providing significant support to this sector locally. Due to our experience, we understand the industry and how to communicate with their clientele. While

MILESTONE YEAR FOR FRANKLINS SOLICITORS 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

it is vital to ensure communication is technically and factually correct, it also needs to be interesting and engaging.”

For more information on 123 Internet Group’s services visit www.123internet.agency

FIRM’S CCB TEAM IS ‘COMPLETE’ PACKAGE

(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 how Franklins can help you and your business with your legal requirements, contact www.franklins-sols.co.uk

Howes Percival’s growing corporate, commercial, and banking (CCB) team completed more than 80 deals in the first three quarters of last year, with a combined value of £477m.

Howes Percival’s CCB practice advises clients on significant and transformational acquisitions and disposals and the full range of contractual matters. It also provides a dedicated banking and finance service to banks, financial institutions, funds and other lenders.

Aspiring to be the ‘go-to’ firm for corporate, commercial, and banking work in the Central and Eastern region, Howes Percival recently restructured and invested heavily in its CCB team.

This has enabled the firm to expand its offering and provide a more specialist service to clients. It has also made several high-profile appointments and expanded the team by 50%.

Andy Harris, partner and head of the CCB team, commented: “We’re emerging from an enforced period of hiatus. Businesses that have been resilient to Covid – in the sense that they may have taken a dip but can demonstrate that demand will return – are still commanding decent prices. So long as the target business isn’t in a sector that has suffered more than most, for example the hospitality sector, companies that were

Andy Harris

previously robust have often remained so.

“At the same time, there are business owners in their 50s and 60s who were starting to think about an exit before March 2020 and continue to do so. Mixed with this, you have pent-up demand from buyers and private equity, and challenger banks who are stepping in to fill the funding gaps perhaps left by some of the more traditional funders.”

In April 2021, Howes Percival was named Corporate Law Firm of the Year in Insider Media's Central & East Dealmakers Awards 2020. The firm was also shortlisted for two deals in the ‘Deal of the Year (above £10m)’ category and for two deals in the ‘Deal of the Year (below £10m)’ category.

Visit: www.howespercival.com/ services/corporate FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022 inbusiness 21

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: APPRENTICESHIPS & SKILLS

BUSINESS COACH HELPS BOOST CLIENT PROFITS APPRENTICE SCHEME ADDED The University of Northampton is continuing to develop and expand its apprenticeship portfolio to help employers fill skills gaps and nurture future talent.

The newly launched Manufacturing Engineering Degree Apprenticeship programme is run by the University’s team of industry experts and aims to develop the next generation of engineers.

Throughout the programme, apprentices will develop the academic knowledge and vocational skills required to make a valuable contribution to current and future manufacturing industries.

Stephen Hillyard, programme lead for the Manufacturing Engineering apprenticeship said: “Taking on a Manufacturing Engineering Degree apprentice is a productive and effective way to grow your own talent and develop a motivated, highly skilled and well qualified workforce.

“Your apprentice will get workplace-related vocational training within your organisation and gain product or service knowledge specific as well as the undergraduate knowledge in Engineering, whilst working towards their degree being supported from the training levy.”

The University also offers a Non-Destructive Testing Engineer apprenticeship, delivered in collaboration with the British Institute for NonDestructive Testing (BINDT).

All of the University’s apprenticeships are fully funded via the Apprenticeship Levy. Employers that do not pay the levy can benefit from co-investment, where the employer makes a five per cent contribution to the cost and the government pays the remaining 95% – up to the maximum funding band.

Visit: apprenticeships. northampton.ac.uk Email: apprenticeships@ northampton.ac.uk

22 inbusiness FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022

Businesses who have enlisted the help of Bhangals Construction Consultants’ managing director Parm Bhangal saw boosted profits during 2021.

The construction business coach revealed that his clients experienced an average of £500,000 profit increase after just one year of coaching.

Parm’s extensive industry experience allows him to advise his peers with developed proven methods and strategies that help construction professionals systemise their operations, offer a unique experience to their clients, and grow their business – as well as themselves.

As an award-winning business coach, Parm’s mission is to inspire, encourage and motivate construction and property professionals to strive for better and achieve more.

He said: “Enlisting the help of a business coach can give great insight into your company and your leadership. You can glean invaluable nuggets of advice that can help you push your business and your career to the next level.”

Parm Bhangal (centre) leads a coaching session

“It has been a challenging time for businesses across the board but when it gets hard, you have to put more in. You need a relentless determination to succeed and sometimes some support from a business coach can help you keep that drive and determination.”

Parm’s tailored coaching has supported many businesses to share knowledge and work towards sustainable business growth through strategic thinking. He has numerous approaches to sharing

best practice and will take your lead on what you need.

He said: “Coaching is very specific to a person, it is hugely subjective. You might like to be told how to approach a situation but someone else might prefer to be guided through by someone asking the right questions. Do you want information drawn out of you, or do you want to be given the answers?”

Visit: www.parmbhangal.co.uk Call: 1604 871808

OFSTED CHEER FOR MOULTON

Moulton College has been rated good following their latest Ofsted inspection.

The grading follows a week-long visit to the college by nine Ofsted inspectors at the end of last year. Key indicators were measured including the Quality of Education, Leadership and Management, Personal Development and Behaviours and Attitudes.

Principal and CEO Corrie Harris said: “We are absolutely delighted with this result, and all credit goes to our staff and students for this achievement.

“We have made significant changes at the college during the last couple of years and we have gone from strength to strength.

“It is wonderful that Moulton College has finally received the recognition it deserves, following a challenging few years.”

Corrie added she is determined that the hard work should continue, with the college keen to achieve an

outstanding rating at the next inspection in five years’ time.

Their latest rating also stands the college in good stead to move forward with its investment plans and application to reinstate apprenticeships, something the college has been keen to do for a long time.

Moulton College celebrated its 100th birthday last year, so news of its success came at a poignant time in the college’s history.

Corrie added: “We had a fantastic centenary year, celebrating 100 years of teaching and it culminated in a great Ofsted result. We are exceptionally proud of our students and their achievements. It really is a great time to be at Moulton College.”

The full report can be viewed at www.gov.uk For more information about Moulton College visit www.moulton.ac.uk

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: APPRENTICESHIPS & SKILLS

NEW DIGITAL ACADEMY IS MORE THAN A GAME

Booth Lane also includes a TV A multi-million-pound ‘Digital studio, digital workshops, a Mac Academy’ at Northampton College suite and a digital design studio is giving students the chance to plus a range of specialist facilities showcase their skills in one of the and equipment. region’s first dedicated Speaking at the official Esports Arenas. opening in November, With competitive College principal Pat gaming one the UK’s ‘IT’S A PLACE Brennan-Barrett, fastest growing WHERE THE said: “Our Digital industries, and Academy is far potentially FUTURE WILL more than lucrative deals BE CREATED classrooms and awaiting for elite BEFORE OUR computer screens – players, digital VERY EYES’ it’s a place where the savvy students can future will be created make the most of the before our very eyes. state-of-the-art facility “We live in a world to get themselves ahead of where the rapid development of the game.

Partly funded by the South East technology allows us to be smarter, more connected and more Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership’s Local Growth Fund, ambitious than ever before, and our the £6.3m Digital Academy at new Digital Academy is fully

ASSESSING THE VALUE OF SKILLS

equipped to train the next generation of digital experts.

“Our courses and apprenticeships allow individuals to explore digital careers and progress through a pathway of qualifications leading to higher education, apprenticeships and employment.

By working closely with industry professionals to develop each of our programmes, these courses will lead to real-life job opportunities for our students.”

Flagship programmes to be run in the Digital Academy include Esports and Augmented Reality/ Virtual Reality, alongside the college’s already-popular Games Design courses.

For the hard-working team at Instructus Skills, the UK’s largest apprenticeship certification authority, no assessment is ever about them – not even their 100th assessment as an End-point Assessment Organisation (EPAO).

For former apprentice Katie Green, that assessment marked the end of her training and months of dedication. She said: “I was relieved when I reached my end-point assessment as I felt my hard work had paid off.”

As a sales and lettings advisor with KHP Country Homes, Katie’s Business Administration (Level 3) apprenticeship gave her the skills to succeed in her role. But it was the approach of Instructus Skills’ assessor that gave Katie confidence during her end-point assessment.

Katie said: “The assessor was good. He explained each stage to me beforehand, which made it easier to understand what to expect and how long it would take.

“My apprenticeship has given me the relevant knowledge and skills for my role, and it’s helped me to understand what is expected from me as an employee.”

KHP associate director Nick Silvester added: “We’ve had several staff members go through assessments, and with Instructus Skills we’ve found the process to be straightforward and well-structured, with seamless integration into our working patterns. Much of our work is learned on the job but the apprenticeship adds process and understanding.”

Visit: www.northamptoncollege.ac.uk/ facilities/the-digital-academy

To find out about Instructus Skills’ pass rates and timescales visit www.instructus-skills.org

GIRLS GIVEN INSIGHT INTO ENGINEERING One of the largest manufacturers of mobile elevating work platforms welcomed more than 120 students to its latest Women In Engineering Day. Niftylift uses advanced 3D modelling software and rigorous testing to optimise every aspect of its product design to ensure every Niftylift work platform – also known as cherrypickers – delivers outstanding performance.

At the end of last year, its expert team shared their knowledge with more than 120 Year 9, 10 and 11 senior school students during its fifth Women In Engineering Day at its headquarters in Milton Keynes.

Marketing manager Simon Maher said: “This was our biggest event to date and offered the girls a unique opportunity to learn about the different career paths available within the field of engineering and the practical application of different engineering specialisms within our company.

“The day included tours of the factory, production assembly tasks, control and hydraulic systems demonstrations, a CAD workshop where the girls got to design an e-stop using Creo and discussions with our female staff about their routes into their chosen engineering careers.

“The event was a great success and feedback from the students and teachers has been very positive, with the girls' favourite activity being the CAD e-stop design activity.”

Through events like Women in Engineering Day, Niftylift is helping schools to promote STEM subjects to more than just the obvious candidates.

Simon added: “By championing the creative aspects of the discipline, by enthusing and inspiring young females, we hope to encourage a new generation of female engineers to take their place in an exciting, vibrant and growing industry – ideally working at Niftylift!”

Schools which want to become involved in Niftylift’s schools’ programs should email marketing@niftylift.com FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022 inbusiness 23

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TALKING BUSINESS

SQUARE MEDIA FITS THE SHAPE OF SUCCESS Square Media has doubled in size year-on-year since its launch in 2018 and is on its way to becoming the Midlands’ largest full-service marketing agency. We spoke to managing director, Matthew Rigby-White, about the company’s latest achievements and its exciting plans for 2022.

In less than five years Square Media has grown from a one-man band into a marketing powerhouse.

The firm was launched in 2018 by highly successful marketing expert, Matthew Rigby-White, who wanted to help companies that could not afford to hire their own full-time marketing manager or team.

Square Media’s subsequent growth has been meteoric. Today, the firm’s 16 members of staff provide a full-service marketing team which achieves impressive results for clients from their headquarters in Corby.

The firm has supported hundreds of clients, doubled in size year-on-year and is on track to complete yet another recordbreaking year.

Its most recent success stems partly from its decision at the end of 2021 to create the Qoob Group - which includes Square Media and other successful businesses - and is set to be worth in excess of £2.5m by next year.

“People know us as Square Media but by forming the Qoob Group we’re now part of a bigger entity which is helping us towards our ultimate aim of becoming the largest full-service marketing agency in the Midlands,” explained Matthew.

“The group also includes eCommerce software and app developer Geexe and last month we were thrilled to acquire the highly respected digital marketing agency, SilverDisc.

“Each company has kept its own brand identity and by bringing our teams together the Group, as a whole, has more than 30 members of staff offering clients the full marketing mix.

Alan Perkins of SilverDisc with Matthew Rigby-White

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FACTFILE SQUARE MEDIA BACKGROUND Square Media was launched by marketing manager Matthew Rigby-White in 2018. Initially he wanted to support organisations which could not afford their own full-time marketing manager so that they could develop plans and strategies to grow their businesses. Square Media has grown rapidly and now provides a highly professional marketing team which supports clients with all their marketing needs.

COMPANY DESCRIPTION: Square Media is a full-service marketing agency. Its creative marketeers, designers and programmers enable it to act as an outsourced marketing team for hundreds of clients. Its team develops effective and results-focused marketing strategies for forwardthinking companies and it has a proven track record of increasing return on marketing investment. Square Media’s core services are Marketing and Consultancy, Branding and Design, Website Development, Email Social and Search Engine Marketing. Square Media is an integral part of the marketing group, Qoob Limited JOINING THE CHAMBER: “We joined Northamptonshire Chamber because we wanted to be seen as part of the business community and we wanted to support local businesses. Being part of the Chamber gives you the opportunity to communicate with a wide range of businesses in the area. Belonging to the Chamber also helps us to increase our brand awareness and make our presence known locally. We regularly appear in the Chamber’s inbusiness magazine and we’ve also used the Chamber’s HR services.”

This ranges from the more creative elements of graphic design and website development through to the more technical marketing aspects of SEO, Pay Per Click advertising and digital marketing systems.”

Another factor which has transformed Square Media’s fortunes is its relationship with up-and-coming fibre broadband company, Upp. When Upp first launched it turned to Square Media for marketing support and the firms have worked together ever since.

Square Media was given the incredible opportunity to work with global brand consultancy Interbrand on Upp’s branding and has also designed and built Upp’s website and landing pages.

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TALKING BUSINESS PHOTOS BY: JANE RUSSELL PHOTOGRAPHY

ABOVE: The team from Square Media

“We’re proud to be creating local jobs as this is one of the Last year, Upp appointed Square Media as its official many ways in which we’re trying to give back to the community. marketing partner on a £1bn fibre broadband roll out project in “Around 80% of our clients are based in Northamptonshire the east of England. and working with local businesses has always been very close to Matthew said: “Our relationship with Upp is the one I’m most our hearts. This is one of the reasons we were a sponsor at last proud of. Our relationship with them today is testament to the year’s Northamptonshire Business Awards and why we’ve support we’ve given them throughout their journey.”

Winning such important contracts has enabled Square Media become a Silver Chamber Business Partner. to continue to invest in its own team and headquarters.

“We also run educational webinars and seminars to help local This year it is going on a major recruitment drive which is businesspeople and at the height of the pandemic we did pro expected to increase Square Media’s team to more than bono work or deferred clients’ payment dates by up to 40 members of staff and newcomers are bound to a year in some cases to help those who were having be impressed with the firm’s headquarters in a particularly hard time. We always do whatever Corby Gate Business Park. we can to support local businesses.”

It took on its first unit at the business park a Over time Square Media plans to build ‘WE ALWAYS couple of years ago and in 2021 it took on a awareness of its brand in the south and DO WHATEVER second unit – doubling its floorspace to around London but in the immediate future it WE CAN TO 3,000sqm. is committed to its goal of becoming the goUpstairs provides a dedicated office space to marketing agency in the Midlands.

SUPPORT LOCAL and the downstairs is being refurbished so With this in mind, 2022 is likely to see the BUSINESSES’ that it offers an informal environment for Qoob Group making acquisitions to further meetings, including breakout and wellbeing strengthen its portfolio and Square Media is spaces and somewhere for staff to work in a more looking at opening a second office to boost its relaxed atmosphere. presence in the region.

“We’ve embraced hybrid working but at the same time Matthew said: “Our headquarters in Corby is ideally we’re investing in our headquarters because we want it to be an situated for covering north Northamptonshire and Leicestershire enjoyable place for our staff who are working from the office,” and we’ve got plans to open another office in Northampton to explained Matthew. help cover south Northamptonshire, Milton Keynes and around “We want to be seen as an exciting place to work because Buckinghamshire. our business is only as good as our people.

“Forming the Qoob Group has helped us to grow into one of “We’re going on a big recruitment drive this year and will be the bigger marketing agencies in the area and is making us hiring junior employees as well as more experienced members even more attractive to large clients. With the opening of a of staff. second office we’ll be ideally situated to serve clients across the “I started as an apprentice so at the first opportunity we whole of the Midlands.” could, we took on an apprentice and we’ve recently hired two Kickstarters because we’re keen to create opportunities which For further information call 03303 800 630 or visit attract more people into our industry. www.squaremedia.solutions FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022 inbusiness 25

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TRAINING & EVENTS

TRAINING & EVENTS

TRAINING COURSES All Chamber training courses are currently delivered virtually. Call the Training Team for more details on 01604 490490 or email training@northants-chamber.co.uk

Follow us on Twitter @NorthantsCoC

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 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.

INCOTERMS 2020 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.

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HEALTH AND SAFETY

EMERGENCY FIRST AID FAIB

SALES AND MARKETING

LEVEL 2 HABC HEALTH & SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE

Date: Cost:

THE ART OF NEGOTIATING BASICS

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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MEMBER ZONE 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.

INTERMEDIATE EXCEL Date: Cost:

29 March (one-day) Members: £200 + VAT Non-members: £230 + VAT If you’re ready to go 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?

EVENT IN FOCUS BUSINESS EXHIBITION The first Northamptonshire Chamber Business Exhibition of 2022 will be held on International Women’s Day, Tuesday, 8 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 01604 490490 or email events@northants-chamber.co.uk

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 Info@nextgenerationchamber.co.uk

Don’t panic! We offer a wider range of bespoke courses that can be tailored to meet your exact business needs.

SPEED NETWORKING

Contact us at training@northantschamber.co.uk or call us on 01604 490490 to see how we can help.

BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS

Date: Time: Venue: Cost:

Date: Time: Venue: Cost:

24 February 11am-1pm Sedgebrook Hall £15 + VAT Northamptonshire Chamber members only

8 March 8.30am-10am Kettering Conference Centre £10 + VAT Northamptonshire Chamber members only £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 host the Bank of England for a discussion on 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 27

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MEMBER ZONE

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

CARD WORK EARNS LOYALTY their competitors. Loyalty Card For many retailers, loyal customers Scheme specialist Lucy Wenham are the key to a strong annual said: “The pandemic has pushed revenue every year. retailers to find and implement new Small to medium-sized ways of securing new businesses estimate business and retaining returning customers existing customers. make up 80% of ‘PANDEMIC “Our scalable turnover, and with HAS PUSHED loyalty scheme is such saturation RETAILERS TO favoured by smaller when it comes to FIND AND retailers but is also competitor used by larger businesses, it is IMPLEMENT NEW national chains to crucial to reward WAYS OF great effect. customers for SECURING NEW “It’s a great way shopping with you.

BUSINESS’ for retailers to get the Northamptonedge over competitors, based Reward-it Ltd has but also gives back to the been offering loyalty card customer which, throughout the support to its customers for over a pandemic, has proved important in decade and more than 700 retaining customers.” customers actively use its systems.

During the pandemic it has Loyalty schemes also increase found that loyalty card schemes are revenue and average order value giving its customers the edge over (AOV).

Reward-it has benefited from its loyalty card scheme

When loyalty schemes are introduced, AOV can increase by an average of 13.71%. For businesses with an existing AOV of £50, introducing a loyalty scheme can provide an additional £6.90. If you see 25 returning visitors each month, over a year that equals £2,070.

Lucy added: “Loyalty schemes are low cost, starting at only £17.50 per month, yet are high in return and rewards.

“This provides additional revenue,

as well as security in the form of loyal customers returning to collect points and claim rewards they’ve earned as scheme members. As customers return to redeem their points, it’s also likely they’ll spend more money with your business than they would without a loyalty scheme to encourage them.”

For further information call Reward-it Ltd on 020 8266 1600 or email sales@reward-it.co.uk

QUALITY AWARD FOR GREEN INITIATIVE A community allotment has been awarded the coveted Green Flag award – a mark of national excellence.

Green Patch, a Kettering green space set up and managed by Groundwork Northamptonshire, has been listed in the prestigious Keep Britain Tidy 2021 Green Flag Award list – one of around 2,000 parks and green spaces across the UK to be recognised with this international quality award.

Green Patch manager Grey Lindley said: “The last 18 months have seen green spaces become lockdown lifelines, playing a vital role for people across Northamptonshire and the country as places to breathe, relax, exercise and meet friends and family safely.

“The news that The Green Patch has achieved the Green Flag Award standard is testament to the hard work and dedication of those tasked with looking after this Northamptonshire asset.”

Research carried out by YouGov for Keep Britain Tidy over the 28 inbusiness FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022

summer shows just how important parks are to the British public.

It revealed having access to a quality park or green space helped improve people’s mental health with 59% saying they felt less stressed when using the park and 55% saying they felt more positive in general.

The survey also showed that more than half of people visit a park or green space at least once a week and 93% think parks and green spaces are important to their community.

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, recognises and rewards wellmanaged parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the UK and around the world.

Visit: www.groundwork.org.uk/ projects/the-green-patch

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MEMBER ZONE ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

THE REAL COST OF RECRUITING NURSES OVERSEAS DETAILED CALCULATIONS AND COMPARISON An overseas nurse in the UK

Article by Liza Moroz The Covid19 pandemic combined with the effect of Brexit heavily impacted the care sector, causing severe staff shortages. Traditionally the UK healthcare sector relies on foreign workers to fill about 15% of the positions, and the care industry may use the same path to find quality talent from abroad. Still, for many recruitment and home managers, overseas recruitment remains a complex operation related to too much uncertainty, especially regarding its cost. In this article, we will try to answer how much it costs to hire an overseas nurse.

FINDING THE RIGHT PEOPLE Finding the right people could be complex and cost your organisation a lot of effort and time.

Unless the organisation has dedicated personnel who deal with the task, you may seek external help from agencies who will connect with the right candidates. The fee often is equal to one month salary, starting at about £2K to £3.5K. Issuing the Visa will cost, £232 plus a TB health check for £55. To transport then to UK the place ticket will cost around £500-£700 depending on the country of origin.

GETTING LICENSED The primary and more complex step is getting the Certificate of Sponsorship that covers four years of sponsorship but could be extended.

Under this license, the employer may recruit for all their roles, and the chosen recruits are getting their visa to come and work under a multiyear contract. The cost of the Certificate of Sponsorship is £536 for small businesses and charities and £1,476 for medium and large organisations.

Additionally, the government charges Sponsors an Immigration skills fee for each overseas employee. The sum depends again on the size of the organisation and the length of the contract.

• small or charitable organisations pay £364 for the first year and £182 for every additional six months after • medium and large organisations pay £1000 for the first year and £500 for every additional six months after.

MANDATORY TRAINING Upon arrival overseas nurses have a strict timeline to cover the mandatory UK training and take exams: three months for OSCE and CBT, six months for OET. In total, candidates have eight months to obtain their PIN and become Registered nurses. When an employer pays for these courses, OET and OSCE may cost between

£1000 to £2000 each depending on length, personalisation, and quality of the coaching.

The actual exam also costs you as CBT is £130, OET £315 and £794 for OSCE. It is important to know that during the period of training, candidate nurses can work limited hours under supervision. The employer has an obligation to provide time for study and the opportunity to attend the exams.

OTHER RELATED COSTS NMC Application Fee of £140 is paid to Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) when a new nurse applies to the register. Upon receiving the PIN another £153 are paid to the same organisation.

Health Surcharge Fees of £200 per year are paid for access to free NHS healthcare.

Recruiting foreign personnel also increases the time load on people dealing with HR, compliance, and welfare as it will require monitoring, reporting and regular counselling. The whole process is time-consuming and requires specific knowledge. The sum of all related indirect costs will affect your bottom line with an additional £300 to £500 as working hours.

to selection, transportation, training and registration are covered entirely by the candidates during the initial period of their training in the UK. When introduces to the employers they are already Registered nurses ready to work.

In this case, the main expenditure will remain the licence and paying the compulsory government charge. The cooperation with QAQF will also reduce the indirect cost offering Legal, Compliance and Welfare support to the trainees before they settle successfully in the country.

QAQF partners with UK care and nursery homes in recruiting talent from all over the world directly from our training courses avoiding complications and reducing the related costs more than half.

DRAWING THE LINE After adding up all the related costs, the total sum may reach an impressive number over £10K. It could be 'money well spent' to guarantee long-term employment and access to a broader talent pool for some organisations. The cost will also spread if the organisation recruits and trains more nurses at the same time.

With Agent

With QAQF Difference

Approx.

Summary of costs 10.6K 3.9K

62%

Still, the cost is significant, and can be reduced with the QAQF Discover – Train Deploy scheme, by an astonishing 62% as the expenses related

Liza Moroz (pictured) is part of QAQF BD Department. She likes connecting with people, solving problems and finding new opportunities.

You can connect with Liza for more information about Discover – Ttrain Deploy via elisaveta.moroz@qaqf.co.uk

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MEMBER ZONE

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MEMBER ZONE

PHOTO CONTEST SEES LIFE THROUGH A LENS The exhibition coincided with Menicon marking its Contact lenses manufacturer and distributor, Menicon 70th anniversary as an innovator in the contact lenses UK Ltd, celebrated its staff with an exhibition at market.

Northampton Museum and Art Gallery to reveal the Menicon managing director Kevin Mitchell said: “It winners of the firm’s Seeing Life in Detail photography was great to have the opportunity to celebrate our competition. tremendous team in Northampton with this Menicon employs nearly 50 people in competition and exhibition.

Northampton and the firm’s competition “They have continued to go above and celebrated its staff who have worked ‘PROVIDING beyond to support local hospitals, tirelessly to support hospitals, CONTACT LENSES optometrists and patients, often under community eye care practitioners very difficult circumstances, during the (ECPs) and eye patients during the AND BRINGING pandemic. pandemic.

THE LIFE The Seeing Life in Detail theme “Providing contact lenses and CHANGING JOY centred around discovering the joy of bringing the life changing joy of sight OF SIGHT IS capturing photos of nature, new is what we do best at Menicon. It is our WHAT WE DO outstanding team who make this horizons and special moments - all of which have been brought into focus over possible and I’m confident they’ll BEST’ the past two years. continue to help people to see life in detail Staff submitted more than 65 photos which long into the future.”

Josie Barlow came first with a photo called The Fun were reviewed by a panel of expert judges, including Fair (pictured) and claimed the top prize of a Canon University of Northampton senior photography lecturer EOS 200D camera. and programme leader Richard Whitehead, TK&S Optometrists director Brian Tompkins and Alchemy Visit: www.menicon.co.uk Virtual Assistance executive hub manager Sarah Damani.

A CHARITY CHANCE TO JUMP AT Daredevils looking for a challenge this year are being given the chance to throw themselves out a plane or abseil the iconic Northampton Lift Tower to raise funds for local NHS hospitals and community services.

Northamptonshire Health Charity is looking for volunteers to take part in its charity skydive day on 15 May and its abseil event on 25 June.

Robert Powell, of Northamptonshire Health Charity, said: “Last year’s charity skydive day raised almost £9,000 for a range of projects and initiatives to enhance patient care and support NHS staff wellbeing at hospitals across the county.

“Our abseilers in 2021 also raised a fantastic £16,000 which supported Rowan ward at Kettering General

Hospital, The Squirrels children’s short break centre in Rushden, Hazelwood ward at Isebrook Hospital in Wellingborough, the oncology and haematology departments at Northampton General Hospital and many more.

“Supporters are welcome to raise money for the area that is closest to their heart. Alternatively they can support the charity’s fundraising appeals for a new outside play area for the children’s wards at Northampton General Hospital or the Twinkling Stars appeal for the new maternity bereavement suite at Kettering General Hospital.”

Email: greenheart@nhcf.co.uk Call: 01604 626927 Visit: www.northamptonshire healthcharity.co.uk

Charity supporter Caroline Nall abseils in 2021

LIPS RESCUED

BY SOS BALM A UK firm which offers a wide range of products to keep skin healthy and protected has revealed its latest innovation.

SOS Serum Skincare has launched SOS Lip – a replenishing, protecting lip balm which has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30.

The firm has heralded the product as a gamechanger for people who struggle to keep their lips soft and hydrated during the winter.

SOS Serum Skincare founder and chartered chemist Bruce Green said: “We created the SOS Lip formulation as an allyear-round lip protection balm.

“Many people don’t realise that lips need just as much protection as your face from UVA and UVB. Lips are made up of multiple thin layers of skin - they don’t contain sebaceous glands and therefore cannot produce the oils necessary to self-moisture.

“In winter particularly, lips can become dry. Hydration and moisturisation is the answer – so drink lots of water and avoid licking them.

“It is vital to use a lip formulation with a sun block – SPF 15 being the minimum.

Your lips don’t have the ability to produce as much melanin as the rest of your skin so they need protecting especially on snowy slopes with high sun reflection.

“SOS Lip helps to prevent moisture loss through the lips.

It also improves the application of lipsticks and prevents the absorption of the colour pigments from the lipstick into the lips.”

The new lip balm is available in a 10ml pump and costs £15.

Visit: www.sosserum.co.uk

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MEMBER ZONE

MEMBER PROFILE

NAME: John Fletcher COMPANY: Trilogy Leisure & Wellbeing

JOB TITLE: Managing director

WHAT DOES YOUR ORGANISATION DO? A Social Enterprise, delivering activities that have a positive impact on people’s overall wellbeing.

HOW DID IT ALL START? Established 2011, since inception, Trilogy has supported more people, to be more active, more often.

WHAT’S YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR? Our expansion, operating nine successful wellbeing facilities, including a children’s activity centre, a club in Peterborough, the Forum Cinema and Community Wellbeing programmes.

WHAT KEEPS YOU AWAKE AT NIGHT? Recently it’s been the effect of Covid on our organisation’s financial stability and security for our team.

‘TRILOGY HAS SUPPORTED MORE PEOPLE, TO BE MORE ACTIVE, MORE OFTEN’

WHAT HAS SURPRISED YOU MOST IN YOUR JOB? How difficult it can be to drive innovation.

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST RISK YOU’VE EVER TAKEN – AND DID IT WORK OUT? Purchasing Berzerk Children’s activity centre. The risk paid off as the site complements our wider offer.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT? Have a consistent positive mindset.

WHICH BUSINESSPERSON DO YOU MOST ADMIRE? Richard Branson for selling records to space travel.

WHAT EXCITING PROJECTS IS YOUR ORGANISATION WORKING ON? Additional Soft Play facilities, creating Wellbeing Hubs and a Swimming Pool development.

WHAT MADE YOUR ORGANISATION JOIN NORTHAMPTONSHIRE CHAMBER? To network and develop relationships and support the local business community.

Visit: www.trilogyleisure.co.uk Call: 01604 837500 Email: john.fletcher@nltrust.org.uk

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MEMBER ZONE

MEMBER BENEFITS CHAMBER FX Exclusive foreign exchange member package offering free health check, low transfer fees and free account opening. Key benefits include bankbeating exchange rates.

NAME: Molly Feugard COMPANY: Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes Chambers

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

JOB TITLE: Digital marketing executive

CHAMBER AA Chamber members can save up to 63% on roadside assistance for business vehicles in a scheme provided by The AA.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

NEXT GENERATION PROFILE BACKGROUND 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.

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 and 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-to-face 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? I’ve really enjoyed the CPD sessions. They are a great chance to learn from businesses across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes and to share experiences with other members. The 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? It’s hard to pick just one as I think there’s such a range of people 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? One of the most valuable things I’ve learned 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 gives you the resources to be able to do this.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/molly-feugard773152164/

INTERNATIONAL TRADE MEMBERSHIP 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@northantschamber.co.uk or call 01604 490490.

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MEMBER ZONE

NEWMEMBERS Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome its NEW MEMBERS. Membership offers your business a whole host of support services and ways to connect and network with other companies. Contact the Chamber membership team on 01604 490490 www.thecpd.group CPD Accreditation service that keeps things simple and effective.

We accredit quality educational providers, trainers and courses

EB Designs Limited NORTHAMPTONSHIRE 01604 686755 www.ebdi.uk.com EB Design is a UK-based multinational business operating worldwide offering a variety of services for the retail, commercial and hospitality sectors

The CPD Register Ltd ROTHWELL www.thecpdregister.com Online directory of robustly accredited CPD Courses, activities, providers and individual trainers, all in one easy to search register

First Touch Technologies Ltd NORTHAMPTON 07926 770913 www.firsttouchtechnologies.com Digital people management solutions helping businesses to adhere to GDPR evacuation, health and safety visitor management to create a secure and safe workplace GMS & Associates Ltd ROTHWELL 01536 428454 www.gmsandassociates.co.uk Medico legal report and expert witness company with two decades of experience. Providing a professional service to secure the best results for clients InReach Group Ltd MILTON KEYNES 0330 053 8180 www.inreachgroup.co.uk We supply and support all business IT, comms, print hardware, software, service and project work Jaycee Trophies (Trading Under Jaycee Engineering) CORBY 01536 408850 www.jayceetrophies.co.uk Supplier of medals, awards and trophies Lutyens House Meeting & Training Venue NORTHAMPTON 01604 773945 www.lutyenshouse.co.uk Meeting and training room as well as suite venue hire McCall Media Ltd MILTON KEYNES 07760 103 768 www.mccall.media Wordpress website development and digital sales, automation services Metro Merchandise BLISWORTH 0333 888 0540 www.metromerchandise.co.uk Branded clothing and merchandise to promote your business 34 inbusiness FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022

The Pinnacle Climbing Centre NORTHAMPTON 01604 875996 www.thepinnaclecentre.co.uk Large indoor climbing centre with event and conference space and superb onsite catering facilities The Training Shop ROTHWELL 020 3744 7860 www.thetraining.shop Providing innovative online training to all sectors. A simple way of conducting shopping for training.

Low-cost, high-quality products

Nick Freeman Photography KETTERING 07971 434463 www.nickfreemanphotography.co.uk Corporate photography headshots.

Marketing, website, event, weddings, portraiture, commission fashion and artwork photography

Psittacus Ltd ROTHWELL 01536 697948 www.psittac.us To look for business opportunities and provide guidance, support, finance and expertise in all things business

NNBN DESBOROUGH 07533 774420 www.nnbn.co.uk NNBN launched in January for businesses based in or providing services within Northamptonshire and support for the exciting new concept is growing all the time

Psittacus Systems Ltd ROTHWELL 0808 164 2331 www.psittacus.systems One agency for all your digital solutions. Bespoke web and software development, social media, hosting and more. Build your digital audience with us

Northamptonshire Business Expo NORTHAMPTON 07809 635181 www.yourbusinessexpo.co.uk Helping you to create a roar about your business

Resort Solutions Limited MARKET HARBOROUGH 01858 431160 www.resort-solutions.co.uk Holiday resort management

UK (Rubber) Recycling Ltd DAVENTRY 01327 829671 www.ukrr.co.uk Collection, processing and exporting of end-of-life tyres for recycling

Secure Inheritance Legal Services Ltd NORTHAMPTON 01934 425556 www.secureinheritance.co.uk Protective wills, trusts and lifetime planning

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

Servacus Ltd KETTERING 0800 5385261 www.servacus.co.uk Cost-effective UK colocation solutions you can trust. Prioritising security, uptime and customer experience. 99.99% SLA and powerful DDoS protection

Weavers Academy WELLINGBOROUGH 01933 222830 www.weaversschool.co.uk Co-educational 11-18 comprehensive

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 medium-sized businesses Opalor Limited LONDON 077881 22333 Luxury skincare brands PeterLynn Labels CORBY 01536 400344 www.peterlynn4labels.co.uk Self-adhesive label printing and converting

The CPD Group ROTHWELL 0208 3966340

Trilogy Gyms NORTHAMPTON 01604 838 333 www.trilogyleisure.co.uk To manage the operation and development of its five leisure centres, one cinema and sport and play development team

Yellow Tomato LLP CAMBRIDGE 07768443223 www.yellowtomato.co.uk Head office, admin, support function for businesses operating in storage and property sectors

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