inbusiness Northants June July 22

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:58 Page 1

inbusiness @NorthantsCoC

www.northants-chamber.co.uk

THE VOICE OF NORTHAMPTONSHIRE BUSINESS

JUNE/JULY 2022

MAKING A SPLASH FOR WELLBEING HOW TRILOGY LEISURE IS DRIVING A REVOLUTION IN HEALTH AND FITNESS NEWS: DIGITAL ACADEMY SUCCESS GOING GLOBAL: ONLINE HUB FOR BUSINESSES DEALING WITH UKRAINE THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF NORTHAMPTONSHIRE CHAMBER

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:58 Page 2

INBUSINESS

2 inbusiness JUNE/JULY 2022

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:58 Page 3

INBUSINESS

CONTENTS inbusiness

JUNE/JULY 2022

26 BUSINESS REPORT

6

8

5

Memorial tribute for asbestos victims

6

Rebrand for digital marketing agency

8

Financial planner earns top accolade

11

New business membership organisation launches

12

Community farm wins Points of Light award

13

SMEs optimistic for growth in year ahead

14

Chamber Business Partners: dbfb

17

Law firm expands IP team

18

New vice chancellor welcomed at university

19

PR firm launches academy

20

Recycling firm invests in new shredder

GOING GLOBAL 23

Hub will keep you updated on Ukraine

ISSUE SPOTLIGHT 24

EDUCATION & TRAINING Boxing legend thanks students for their support

28

TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION Advice on fake Windows 11 update

30

CREATIVE INDUSTRIES Photographer sees work in leading fashion magazine

14

TALKING BUSINESS 32

John Fletcher, managing director at Trilogy Leisure

TRAINING & EVENTS 34

The latest comprehensive list of Chamber training courses and events

MEMBER ZONE

20

41

36

Baby clothing firm launches new collection

39

Service in tribute to key health workers

40

Member Profile: Parm Bhangal, Business Coach

41

Next Generation, plus member benefits

42

The Chamber welcomes new members

The August/September 2022 issue of inbusiness will include features on: Financial Services, Health & Safety and Manufacturing The deadline for editorial submissions is: 16 June

JUNE/JULY 2022 inbusiness 3

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:58 Page 4

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: Trilogy Leisure managing director John Fletcher See pages 32-33 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:

NOW WE CAN REALLY LOOK TO THE FUTURE Spring has arrived with a flourish and with it comes a real feeling of promise. It’s the same at the Chamber. We have so much happening to help and support our members and there’s so much more still to come!

We are thrilled to say that entries are now open for the 2022 Northamptonshire Business Awards which have once again attracted the support of headline sponsors, Wilson Browne Solicitors. These awards are open to all businesses across the county and organisations have until 1 July to get in their submissions.

Entering the awards is a fantastic way to recognise your company’s achievements, raise your business’ profile and to celebrate your staff. So, don’t delay – check out the Chamber website today to see all this year’s awards categories and get working on your entry!

Our free Representation events are also creating fantastic opportunities for our members to get face time with those in power and we were particularly thrilled to host a fantastic Bank of England event for members last month.

Thank you to everyone who filled in our Quarterly Economic Survey for the first quarter of the year.

The business barometer is really useful to us in lobbying for what our members need and want and I would really urge as many of you as possible to fill in the questionnaire for the second quarter of 2022, which is live now and can be completed up until 9 June.

At a local level, the QES is an important source for us at the Chamber to review performance, concerns and views of our businesses across the county. At a national level, it is a leading indicator often picking up big changes in the economy long before other surveys or official statistics.

The British Chambers of Commerce Global Annual Conference takes place on 30 June and offers an incredible chance for international traders to access tips, tricks and insights into exporting and importing trends and industry changes. For more details see page 23.

Finally, we are delighted to announce two new vice presidents on the Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes Chamber Group Board. Reemesh Patel, managing consultant of SK Energy, and Scott Jones, CEO of 123 Internet Group have taken the positions and we look forward to having their valued involvement and contribution to our organisation.

I hope to see you soon at one of our events.

Louise Wall www.facebook.com/northamptonshire.chamber @NorthantsCoC

Interim chief executive, Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce

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 JUNE/JULY 2022

CHAMBER BUSINESS PARTNERS

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:58 Page 5

BUSINESS REPORT

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

MEMORIAL TRIBUTE TO ASBESTOS VICTIMS Work has begun to create a lasting memorial to fact, the risk to teachers is three to five times the hundreds of UK teachers who have died as a that for other workplaces. result of exposure to asbestos.

“Teachers are losing their lives from acts as To mark Global Asbestos Awareness Week this simple as pinning up work on noticeboards year, Northampton-based asbestos because they’re unaware they contain consultancy Acorn Analytical Services asbestos. launched the memorial project to “We want to pay tribute to these highlight the issue of asbestos in teachers by creating a lasting ‘TEACHERS our schools and the danger it online memorial to them.

ARE LOSING THEIR poses to staff and children.

“We want the memorial to Surveys have revealed more ensure they won’t be forgotten LIVES FROM ACTS and we also hope their stories than 80% of UK schools still AS SIMPLE AS will encourage people to be contain asbestos and according PINNING UP more proactive when it comes to the National Education Union WORK ON more than 200 teachers have to tackling asbestos in schools NOTICEBOARDS’ with which they have links.” died from the asbestos-related Asbestos was widely used in disease mesothelioma in the past school buildings between the 1940s 20 years. and 1980s and regularly used in Acorn director Neil Munro said: “People construction in the UK up until 1999 when it was are always shocked to learn that teachers and banned. This is why the likelihood of asbestos children are being put at risk by asbestos in our being present in educational buildings built prior schools every day. to 2000 remains high.

“Tragically, it’s well documented that teachers Families of former teachers are invited to and pupils have a heightened risk of contracting submit a short biography and a photograph of mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos fibres in the school environment. In their loved one for the memorial which is

Neil Munro

expected to go live later this year.

To contribute to the project email south@acornasbestos.co.uk Visit: www.acorn-as.com

BRAND NEW LOOK FOR NATURE RESERVE Stanwick Lakes has appointed a new executive director, Kate Chadwick, who has reopened its visitor centre.

The nature reserve, heritage site and family adventure park in East Northamptonshire closed its visitor centre due to the pandemic back in 2020.

Kate has taken the opportunity to refurbish the centre and revitalise the Stanwick Lakes brand, all within the first 10 weeks of her appointment.

The transformed visitor centre now boasts a new contemporary café, a gift shop, several function rooms and spaces that will house a rolling programme of heritage and art exhibitions.

The first exhibition, which opened on 2 April, features photography by landscape photographer Amar Sood, who spent time during lockdown photographing his local park to stunning effect.

“We’re delighted with the outcome of such a fantastic team effort here at Stanwick Lakes,” said Billie Passchier, business development manager.

“The changes that have been made have not only relaunched the brand and the building but have also reinvigorated the team.

“We are looking forward to opening our new heritage exhibition area on 26 June as part of the Nene Valley Festival of History, Archaeology and Heritage. This area will allow us to showcase some of the original artefacts found at Stanwick Lakes during the 1980s excavations, including our Roman mosaic. A new three-year Heritage Lottery grant will also allow us to explore our Bronze and Iron Age history and with the help of community volunteers, repair and bring focus to our Bronze Age Barrow, build and sail a Bronze Age longboat and create a living history Iron Age settlement. The

history of this special site is rich and varied and can be dated back over 10,000 years. We want to celebrate this long history and share the site’s story with our visitors.”

The Chamber will hold a Business Before Hours and Netwalking event on Wednesday 20 July at 8.30am at Stanwick Lakes. Arrive for a breakfast roll and hot drink and then take a walk around the beautiful Solstice Lake while you network. Cost £10 plus VAT for members and £15 plus VAT for nonmembers. To book call 01604 490490.

JUNE/JULY 2022 inbusiness 5

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:58 Page 6

BUSINESS REPORT

REBRAND REFLECTS AGENCY’S INNOVATION Anjana Ranjani

WOMEN GIVEN A REAL PLATFORM The powerhouse behind a coaching, wellbeing and training company is championing a mentoring and networking association for women.

Anjana Rajani is well known across Northamptonshire as both the founder and managing director of Power2Progress and a member of Northamptonshire Chamber’s board.

Anjana also shares her skills with the Chamber’s innovative Women With Vision (WWV) platform which was launched last year to educate, inspire and promote women in business.

The entrepreneur is one of WWV’s official champions and gives up her time to help other members to overcome challenges which may be standing in the way of progress.

She said: “Women face different challenges when it comes to business and I was thrilled when the Chamber launched its Women With Vision platform to support female business women because there’s nothing else like it in the area.

“It’s a privilege to be part of a group where women have created a support network for one another and can learn from one another and be themselves.

Since joining the organisation, Anjana has run a session that addressed what women want to achieve and how they can overcome issues which might prevent them from achieving their goals. She revealed the key habits that prevent women from rising and those that will help them to succeed.

Anjana has also acted as a mentor for individual members.

For information about Power2Progress visit www.power2progress.co.uk or to find out more about WWV visit www.northantschamber.co.uk/profile/ women-with-vision

6 inbusiness JUNE/JULY 2022

Northampton-based digital marketing agency Bright Design has unveiled its new brand identity – Loop Digital.

The Bright Design brand has carried the agency on an exciting journey over the past seven years from its conception to becoming one of the most competitive agencies in the East Midlands.

Although well-established in Northamptonshire, it has refreshed its name and elements of branding to better reflect its current position and service offering to the market.

Loop Digital are setting their sights much bigger for whilst the scale of Loop has remained intimate, the business plans to expand its presence across the UK, empowered by the new brand.

Founder Luke Kennedy said: “It’s ‘THE BRANDING crucial that Loop Digital retains its NEEDED TO established values, but at the same REFLECT THE time, the branding needed to reflect the growth and continuous innovation GROWTH AND of the company.”

CONTINUOUS The rebrand project itself has INNOVATION OF involved all members of the team THE COMPANY’ playing a crucial role in getting the new brand ready for launch. The new brand identity symbolises the agency’s cyclical service offering, commitment to lasting partnerships and the infinite possibilities of digital marketing.

Its logo also features a statement full-stop, synonymous with the historic Bright Design logo, representing the company’s short but bright history.

Having launched their new website in August 2021, the Loop team decided to maintain their iconic grey and orange colours. The new brand aims to better represent who they are and what they do whilst simultaneously moving the brand forward.

The team at Loop Digital have reassured their existing portfolio of clients that their core beliefs and the top quality services they provide have not changed.

Their commitment to partnership remains the same.

Digital account manager Penny Davis (top) and Visit: www.loop-digital.co.uk

operations director Laura Stanton celebrate the agency’s new brand

ENERGY FIRM IS GOING GREEN A dynamic organisation which provides UK firms with telecoms, EV and energy solutions is launching an exciting new campaign to highlight the green credentials of its products and services. ylo’s new campaign – #gogreengoylo – is designed to raise awareness about its smart app-powered EV chargers, sustainable broadband and the new range of biodegradable products in its online store which are all delivered in recyclable packaging.

The campaign is backed by their first advert, called 'Home' which can be viewed at weareylo.com/ green and will appear at local cinemas this Summer.

Head of marketing Jordan Wise said: “Going green is about offering people the opportunity to do what’s right and our range of

sustainable broadband and cleaner energy chargers is ylo’s solution to the climate issues we currently face.”

Director Lee Wallis added: “This isn’t just a marketing ploy – the whole of ylo is changing to better help our environment and to help local companies do the same.

“We’re going green internally too by upgrading our fleet to all electric vehicles by the end of 2022 and by only using biodegradable or recyclable products for our brochures, uniforms and stationery.” ylo is currently offering free consultations to Chamber members who want to find out how the organisation can help their business go green through connectivity.

To find out more call 01604 946888.

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:58 Page 7

#THEIMPORTANCEOFIMAGE

BUSINESS REPORT

• Press Release Content

• Editorial Images

• Product & Architectural

• Unique Web Content

• Advertising & Commercial • Headshots • Events & Launches

• Branding Imaging

t: 07971 434463

e: hello@nickfreemanphotography.co.uk w: nickfreemanphotography.co.uk JUNE/JULY 2022 inbusiness 7

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:58 Page 8

BUSINESS REPORT

FINANCIAL PLANNER EARNS TOP ACCOLADE MAJOR NEW ROLE FOR BRIGADIER Brigadier Stuart Williams OBE (pictured) has joined East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA) as its new chief executive.

Stuart’s previous service within the East Midlands and East Anglia, and latterly from leading the Army Cadets, ensures a solid grounding for the role.

Stuart said: “I’m very much looking forward to leading the team at East Midlands and to being back on home turf. Everything we do is about people, and championing and enabling our incredible Volunteers and Cadets will be at the forefront of all that we do.”

Brigadier Williams replaces Group Captain (Retired) Nick Sharpe, who is retiring after 10 years in the role.

During his time as chief executive, Nick provided a calm and guiding hand, particularly through the unprecedented times of the Covid-19 pandemic. Nick was also part of the team who has been shaping the new Non-Departmental Public Body that will form the future of the RFCAs. Brigadier Williams joined the Army in 1989 and commissioned into the Royal Regiment of Artillery, eventually leading to Command 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery (3 RHA) in Germany.

He also undertook tours in Belfast, Bosnia, Kosovo and Afghanistan. In addition, Stuart was a Staff Officer in several Army formation headquarters, most recently as Deputy Commander 7 Infantry Brigade and Headquarters East, and in Cyprus.

He was appointed OBE in the New Year Honours List 2019 in recognition of his engagement work with ethnic minority communities and his leadership of the Army’s Cadets in the East of England.

Stuart is married, has two grown-up children and lives in Lincolnshire. He is passionate about cycling, heading up Army Cycling for the past eight years, and his interests include rugby refereeing, field sports and skiing.

8 inbusiness JUNE/JULY 2022

Conor O’Sullivan

A Northamptonshire-based financial planner has been named as a top rated adviser in a national newspaper for the second time after earning outstanding reviews from his clients.

Conor O’Sullivan, of O’Sullivan Financial Planning, has been featured in the VouchedFor’s 2022 Top Rated Financial Adviser Guide which appeared in The Times.

Conor, who also recently achieved the highest global certification available to financial planners in the UK, is one of the guide’s highest rated advisers with an average ‘MONEY IS score of 4.9 out of 5.

He said: “I’m thrilled to have been SIMPLY A VEHICLE named a VouchedFor Top Rated TO A LIFE WELL Adviser for the second time because LIVED SO I FOCUS this recognition is based on feedback ON WHAT MY from my clients.

CLIENTS WANT’ “I’ve been humbled by my clients’ reviews because they show I’m changing people’s lives for the better.

“When I work with a client, money is not the main focus for me – which may sound strange coming Conor’s latest client reviews are full of praise for the from a financial adviser. financial expert, with customers saying working with “The way I see it, money is simply a vehicle to a life him has been the best investment they have ever made. well lived so I focus on what my clients want to Much of Conor’s work is with business owners, achieve. I learn about their dreams and goals and then helping them to ensure their firms generate wealth for make sure that the money is in the right vehicle for the them and their families and they become journey they’re travelling.” independently wealthy.

To appear in the highly respected guide, advisers must have passed all of VouchedFor’s extensive checks For further information call 01536 639007 or visit and have received at least 10 excellent client reviews www.osullivanfp.co.uk during the past 12 months.

EVENT CLOUD IS ON THE HORIZON Event production company Giggabox has launched a new form of sports event management, Cloudcast.

Cloudcast showcases events creation in a way that streamlines the entire process, allowing events to be delivered through what is known as the ‘cloud’.

Giggabox remotely monitors the cloud and sends the information to the event holder.

CEO Paul Musselle said: “Currently, live events in sport require huge amounts of onsite production.

Large amounts of workers and technology are needed to tackle each event. With the world acclimatising to a post covid landscape, the need for change is crucial.

“Cloudcast gives you a huge opportunity to take full control of your sports content production. This

allows you to think strategically about distribution to ensure the commercial return is maximised.”

“It is essential for sports rights holders start taking control of the commercial narrative around content and broadcasting. Obtaining data from users has never been more important in driving increased revenues and opportunities.”

Cloudcast works on both a production level and a sustainable one too because the need for onsite workforce and technology is significantly reduced. As a result, the CO2 levels generated from constant vehicle usage is cut by at least 50%.

Paul added: “Cloudcast will be an integral feature of any business looking to futureproof their services and adapt seamlessly into the new world of sports events.”

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:58 Page 9

BUSINESS REPORT

JUNE/JULY 2022 inbusiness 9

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:58 Page 10

BUSINESS REPORT

10 inbusiness JUNE/JULY 2022

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:58 Page 11

BUSINESS REPORT Picture by Nick Freeman Photography

FREIGHT FIRM EXPANDS FLEET

NNBN founding members

OFFICIAL LAUNCH FOR MEMBERSHIP GROUP Radio, Kerry Bate and Debi Noone for all their hard More than 100 people attended the official launch of work and support on the launch night which was North Northamptonshire’s exciting new business captured by Nick Freeman of Nick Freeman membership organisation - NNBN. Photography.

NNBN provides local support, “We’d also like to thank The Cake engagement, an advertising platform and Story and Time to Celebrate in exclusive membership discounts and ‘THE NNBN Kettering for supplying the cakes and events for businesses, charities and balloons for the launch and Jack organisations.

IS A SPECIAL Pishhorn and Tom Jolley and all the Founding members visited the ORGANISATION staff from The Chester House Estate Chester House Estate for the launch to WHICH VALUES who looked after us and our listen to the organisation’s visionaries, ITS MEMBERS’ attendees throughout the evening.”

Simon Cox and Marie Baker, explain why they introduced NNBN to the area The launch was hosted by Jessica and the benefits of membership.

Pilkington, of Pilkington Communications, NNBN director Simon Cox said: “The and attendees heard from a number of NNBN is a special organisation which values its NNBN’s supporters, including North members. We’re here to help support them, understand Northamptonshire Council leader Cllr Jason Smithers, the help they require to run their businesses, promote Northamptonshire Chamber’s Kate Denne and Kirk them and engage with them. We look forward to Underwood and David Tonks of the Business & IP driving business activities going forward. Both Marie Centre Northamptonshire. and I would like to thank Beccy Hurrell from Beccy Hurrell Voice & Arts, Charlie Stone from Shire Sounds For further information visit: nnbn.co.uk

An exciting new domestic freight transportation company has expanded its growing fleet.

Northampton-based Emerald Transport launched last year and has already built up an impressive reputation as a reliable road freight transporter working for shippers, suppliers, distributors, retailers and other end users.

Business is going so well that the firm has recently invested in two Mercedes Benz trucks to cope with the growing demand for its services.

Director Jude Okoye said: “We’re thrilled with our new vehicles and with the service we received from our supplier.

“The firm arranged for our new vehicles to be custom painted and to be fitted with direct vision standard (DVS) systems.

“Both vehicles looked fantastic and the paint work and livery are flawless which ties in nicely with the high level of service that we provide to our own clients.”

For further information about Emerald Transport and the range of services it offers contact 07309 731039.

GOLDEN LOGISTICS TRIANGLE SEES MASSIVE EXPANSION AMIDST RECORD INCREASES IN BUSINESS PREMISES Northamptonshire is renowned for its transport and logistics hubs at the heart of the road and rail networks helping facilitate the increase in online shopping. As a business with many clients in the sector, and as active members and sponsors of the Northants Logistics Forum Awards, Wilson Browne Solicitors takes a keen interest in the latest developments.

Our area has seen a huge increase in transport and storage sites. The Golden Logistics Triangle, as it’s known as, which spans from Northamptonshire up the M1 to East Midlands airport and to Tamworth in the west has supplemented an 88% increase in UK Business premises classified as transport and

storage in the past 10 years.

Supply chain companies in the area can access over 90% of the UK population within four hours drive.

Added to this is the proximity of the main railway lines and access to important freight terminals such as Felixstowe and Harwich.

Whilst transport and storage only accounts for 5% of business premises, the need for distribution services have driven the growth of transport and storage to be the fastest growing industry group in recent years and over the longer term. From warehousing, haulage, postal services, multi-drop and courier services to associated businesses such as those supplying racking and storage or even

tractor/trailer services, there is a multitude of businesses operating in the sector.

Whilst the increase is welcome there are many pressures placed on operators following the effects of the pandemic, including a lack of investment in automation and connectivity, skilled worker shortages, driver vacancies, shortages in shipping containers & disruption to ferry routes and rising fuel prices, all whilst the government places added pressures on sustainability.

With mounting pressures the correct legal advice is essential.

Whether its employment advice for employees at the heart of the operation, commercial property

leases, extensions or land acquisitions, corporate & commercial support with contracts, terms and conditions, debt recovery, commercial Litigation and acquisitions and disposals you can count on the wide range of Logistics experts at Wilson Browne Solicitors Wilson Browne Solicitors business development and marketing director Wayne Jenkins said: “Through our work with leading transport and logistics companies such as Dascher with nearly 25,000 employees, Anglo Turkish International Limited, and United Pallet Network to name a few, we have the industry knowledge to provide the specialist support.”

JUNE/JULY 2022 inbusiness 11

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:58 Page 12

BUSINESS REPORT

PROJECT OFFERS A RAY OF LIGHT An organisation that has delivered wellbeing events to more than 500 people has received the Points of Light award from Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

The team behind Sol Haven run a community farm and have been described as ‘outstanding individuals’ by Parliamentarians.

Sol Haven was launched in Moulton by Natasha Caton who experienced addictions and homelessness at a young age, and Sammuel Yisrael, a long-time community volunteer who has extensive ‘SAMMUEL AND experience of working with people who are NATASHA HAVE disabled, have CREATED AN learning disabilities INSPIRATIONAL or are homeless.

VENUE THAT Together they HELPS SO MANY an important created a project that initiative and could help people PEOPLE’ we’re honoured to grow and recover from be considered as adversity. ‘outstanding individuals’ by On their farm, the pair provide those working in Parliament. sessions in rural skills, growing food, “We’re delighted to offer eco-therapy, meditation, naturevulnerable and homeless based arts and crafts, and cooking, individuals a safe working led by Natasha, who is a Michelinenvironment to learn, grow and trained vegan chef. reach their full potential.”

Natasha said: “Points of Light is

Daventry MP Chris Heaton-Harris also recently visited the project and experienced the drumming therapy led by Sammuel.

Chris said: “With incredible hard work and dedication, Sammuel and Natasha have created an inspirational venue that helps so many people.

They have an amazing hands-on approach and gently encourage all who are there to get involved.”

Sol Haven has also launched a new wellbeing course called ‘Ploughing The Mind’ which has been supported by the National Lottery Community Fund.

The 12-week course helps people struggling with their mental health to reconnect with the community, themselves and make new friends.

Visit: slhavens.co.uk

FLYING THE FLAG FOR ECO ACTIVITY The Air Ambulance Service (TAAS) is partnering with businesses to provide a sustainable and costeffective way to support a lifesaving charity while also offering a solution to both their environmental and social responsibilities.

The Northamptonshire-based charity is aware that Information Technology (IT) is ingrained into even the simplest of organisations.

Many businesses and institutions find themselves regularly updating their equipment and are aware and concerned about the environmental impact, as well as GDPR restrictions surrounding the disposal of tech correctly.

The TAAS IT Asset Reuse department provides a free collection and data secure solution, giving organisations peace of mind.

In addition, organisations with a car park or other outdoor space can consider hosting a clothing bank.

The reuse of clothing helps divert tonnes of textiles from landfill and provides a source of funding to support the charity’s transfer of critically ill babies and children.

Visit: theairambulanceservice.org.uk 12 inbusiness JUNE/JULY 2022

DATA IS KEY TO BEING SMART Data is at the heart of the smart cities of the future, according to the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company SGS United Kingdom Ltd. The organisation says building smart cities involves the integration of data from organisations across the private, public and non-profit sectors to improve almost everything we do.

This facilitates the sustainable and efficient management of assets, resources and services to better improve operations.

SGS are encouraging businesses to consider ISO/IEC 27001 – the international standard on managing information security. It sets out the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining and continually improving an information security management system (ISMS), helping organisations to make their information assets more secure.

An SGS spokesperson said: “An effective ISMS brings together information security controls and formalizes processes, as well as for paperwork,

connectivity, supply chain and many other associated elements including, critically, behaviours.

“The resulting processes and culture introduce several benefits. These include reduction of error, accidental data leakage, and financial and reputational damage. The ISMS implemented would also help comply with contractual obligations, regulations and laws such as GDPR. “Organisations responsible for designing and building smart cities face several challenges to ensure safety, security and data privacy. This means that a unique amalgamation of cyber risks will need to be collectively addressed.”

To find out how SGS United Kingdom Ltd can help you with certification, audits and training for ISO/IEC 27001, visit www.sgs.co.uk/ISO27001 to download a free guidance booklet.

Contact SGS at +44 (0)1276 697 715 or uk.nowisthetime@sgs.com for further information.

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:58 Page 13

BUSINESS REPORT

SMES OPTIMISTIC FOR GROWTH IN YEAR AHEAD More than three quarters of SMEs predicted their turnover is set to increase over the next 12 months, according to the latest survey from an awardwinning HR consultancy.

The second annual SME Survey, which HR Solutions launched last year during the pandemic, showed that despite a second year of Covid-19 related restrictions, many businesses diversified and strengthened their offering, standing them in good stead for 2022.

The report, which was produced in collaboration with Nordens and Essential Safety, highlighted several key themes from respondents including potential recruitment challenges in light of the ‘great resignation’, 77% of SMEs predicted their turnover would increase over the next 12 months; and many expect to diversify their offering to secure new business.

Half of the SMEs questioned said recruitment could be a major challenge for them during 2022, while 37% anticipated difficulties with employee retention.

The pandemic has led many employees to reevaluate their careers, demanding increased flexibility or choosing to take a completely different path.

Similarly, employers themselves have had to diversify and consider new ways to reach their audience due to the Covid restrictions enforced during 2021. 40% of participants stated they will aim

to diversify their offerings and routes to market.

HR Solutions is also recommending that businesses look at staff retention, company policies and company culture to improve recruitment, consider a financial review of costs and reintroduce training and networking opportunities to stay competitive.

To support SMEs in the midst of ‘the great resignation’ and potential economic challenges, HR Solutions will host a series of webinars with experts in finance, marketing, HR and health and safety.

CEO Greg Guilford (pictured) said: “2022 looks set to be an interesting year, with clear themes in the survey indicating that this will be a year for change. These key themes – recruitment, profitability and securing new business – show SMEs need a strong team in place to secure new opportunities and increase the bottom line.

“This year represents a fresh start for many businesses, after a turbulent few years due to Brexit and the pandemic. As we continue to see the effects of these, our aim is to support SMEs to overcome such challenges by providing insight and recommendations to help their business thrive. With the right resources and support, SMEs can rebuild, develop and find new success.”

Visit: www.hrsolutions-uk.com/sme-business-survey

APP AIMS TO HELP LOCAL BUSINESSES An exciting website and app have been launched to help organisations across north Northamptonshire boost their businesses.

DiscoverNN has been launched

by North Northamptonshire Council, with help from its technology provider Bubltown, to support and promote the huge variety of independent businesses in the area as well as local tourist attractions.

Cllr Helen Howell, deputy leader of North Northamptonshire Council said: “We are really excited to be launching DiscoverNN, especially when the weather is improving, school holidays are approaching and people are making plans to get out and about to explore.

“It is a great way to bring everything together in one place, making it easy for people to discover North Northamptonshire from the palm of their hand.”

DiscoverNN is funded through the Government’s Welcome Back Fund which enables local authorities to deliver projects and initiatives to help boost the local economy, support local businesses, promote the local area.

For further information email discovernn@northnorthants.gov.uk or visit join.discovernn.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

JUNE/JULY 2022 inbusiness 13

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:58 Page 14

CHAMBER BUSINESS PARTNERS

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

DBFB IN THE PINK FOR CHARITY “I absolutely love pink, and for a few years had already dbfb, a communications company specialising in been encouraging the team to wear pink on flexible connectivity, IT and telephony solutions has Wednesdays for a bit fun. launched a new internal fundraising initiative to “After speaking with the business, we decided that it support local charities.

Many local charities rely on funding to keep them would be great to take it to the next level and launch running, and following a difficult few years for the an official fundraiser. This was not only to bring a bit of sector, dbfb decided to launch Pink Wednesdays. excitement to the team, but also to raise money for The idea was started by Shannon Parris, a local charities.” member of the Delight Team - the Managing director Simon Pickering added: Customer Service arm of the business.

“For us a business this was an easy Shannon Parris who simply loves decision. Not only does it bring our team ‘IT WOULD BE everything pink, wanted an initiative together, it raises money for charities BRILLIANT TO to get the whole business involved that need the funding at the moment whilst having fun to raise money for and it’s a great way to give back to our HAVE MORE charity! local community.

BUSINESSES IN Every Wednesday the dbfb team “Pink Wednesday is a great ongoing THE COMMUNITY are encouraged to wear pink and a initiative, and it would be brilliant to TAKING PART’ donation will be made to a different have more businesses in the community local charity each month. taking part and supporting local charities.”

The teams at dbfb will choose a charity The charities the team are planning to each, and these will be alternated each month donate to are mostly due to personal and funds will be raised. dbfb as a business will connections and include Bowel Cancer UK, contribute on top of the employees’ donations towards Deafconnect, Leicester Animal Aid, Macmillan, Cynthia the fundraiser, up to £250.

Spencer Hospice, Great Ormond Street, Team Verrico, While the aim of the fundraiser is to raise money for War Child Tiny Minds. Cransley Hospice and local charities, it is also a great way to have fun in the Northamptonshire Mind. These charities are mostly office and to brighten everyone up by wearing pink. across where dbfb is present including Northampton, The dbfb team have fully taken the initiative on Milton Keynes, Leicester and Coventry. board and are continuing to wear pink each To join in, simply launch the fundraiser in your Wednesday and are donating. company and tag #PinkWednesdays on your social Due to the situation in Ukraine, the team decided to channels to take part. donate their first Pink Wednesday to the Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal. They raised £235 and dbfb To find out more about dbfb email donated £235 – totalling £470. discover@dbfb.co.uk, call 01604 673320, or visit Customer experience executive Shannon Parris said: www.dbfb.co.uk 14 inbusiness JUNE/JULY 2022

Bright idea: Shannon Parris

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:58 Page 15

BUSINESS REPORT

JUNE/JULY 2022 inbusiness 15

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:58 Page 16

BUSINESS REPORT

16 inbusiness JUNE/JULY 2022

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:58 Page 17

BUSINESS REPORT

LAW FIRM EXPANDS IP TEAM Leading law firm Howes Percival has expanded its Intellectual Property (IP) team with the recruitment of its first ever Chartered Trade Mark attorney, Sarah Dacre, who joins the firm from Blaser Mills LLP. Working alongside Howes Percival's IP lawyers, Sarah's recruitment will broaden and deepen the firm's IP services, allowing it to provide ‘INTELLECTUAL full-service advice for all brand related matters. Sarah can file PROPERTY IS trade marks worldwide but ONE OF AN also conducts trade mark ORGANISATION’S litigation through the MOST VALUABLE Intellectual Property Office in the UK including oppositions ASSETS’ and revocation actions.

Sarah has extensive experience of both in-house and private practice and was previously vice president Senior Trade Mark Counsel at Barclays Bank and intellectual property officer at Walgreens Boots Alliance. Her Matthew Talbot and Sarah Dacre experience covers all aspects of trade mark protection and enforcement including managing “Over the past few years, we’ve seen an national and international trade mark portfolios increase in trade mark filing and opposition and has experience across a wide range of work. Going forward, as well as continuing to sectors including, automotive, finance, food and file trade marks worldwide, we’re expecting to beverage, healthcare, media and creative develop a much wider practice. Intellectual industries, retail and science and technology. property is one of an organisation’s most Matthew Talbot, partner and head of IP valuable assets and, for many, it’s central to team, commented: “Our IP team has a national their commercial success. Our IP team can reputation and Sarah’s experience will be a big support them every step of the way.” asset.

Howes Percival's IP team is ranked in the top

NOW’S THE TIME TO UPGRADE BOILERS Mechanical company M2 Mechanical Ltd have burst into the renewables sector this year and are welcoming the start of the new government upfront grant to support the installation of low carbon technologies to replace fossil fuel boilers.

M2 Mechanical are encouraging businesses to sign up for the new Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) which entitles you to a £5,000 voucher of your renewable installation such as an air source heat pump or £6,000 for a ground source heat pump, and is applicable for installations now.

Head of the Renewables Team, John McCarthy (pictured) said: “With the Government setting a target date of 2045 for zero emissions of all greenhouse gases, they have announced the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and that as of 1 April 2022, there is 0% VAT on renewable technology installations, meaning solar panels, heat pumps and insulation will now become even more affordable

tier by The Legal 500 – the authoritative guide to the UK's leading law firms. The team handles an extensive caseload of litigation in the English High Court, the Intellectual Property and Enterprise Court and the European Courts, as well as the UK and European intellectual property offices.

Visit: www.howespercival.com/ services/intellectual-property

RACHEL TAKES ON KEY ROLE FOR FOODBANK

and accessible for many homeowners.

“The professional team at M2 Mechanical have the expertise and experience to help you plan, design, install and maintain low carbon technology solutions for your home. We specialise in renewable heating solutions and supporting homeowners, landlords, architects and developers with their low carbon projects.”

Contact M2 Mechanical Ltd on 01280 460019 or enquiries@m2mechanical.co.uk Visit: www.m2mechanical.co.uk

The founder of a dynamic firm delivering HR consulting services has taken up a key voluntary role in her community.

Rachel Collar, of Towcesterbased Haus of HR, has been appointed as a trustee by Towcester Foodbank which is working hard to combat hunger in the area.

The foodbank is run by volunteers and distributes food donated by members of the public and a variety of organisations.

Rachel said: “I moved from the corporate world to running my own business during the pandemic and this has given me the flexibility to be able to give something back to my local community.

“So I’m keen to support the invaluable work that is done by the town’s foodbank.

“Sadly, with the rising costs of living that everyone is facing the need for foodbanks is likely to grow and they are set to be stretched even further.

“I hope that by sharing my experience and expertise with the volunteers and trustees at Towcester Foodbank I can make a difference to them.”

Rachel Collar

Anyone who needs to use the foodbank is asked to visit its base at St John Ambulance Hall in Islington Road or call 07724 832043.

To find out more about the charity visit towcester.foodbank.org.uk For further information about Haus of HR and the services it offers call 07846 656223 or visit hausofhr.com JUNE/JULY 2022 inbusiness 17

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:58 Page 18

BUSINESS REPORT

UNIVERSITY NAMES VICE CHANCELLOR Bray & Bray Head of Employment, David McBride, and Head of HR, Helen Clay

LAW FIRM OFFERS BESPOKE HR WORK East Midlands law firm Bray & Bray has launched a new service delivering tailored HR services and advice for businesses, in response to the growing demand for joinedup guidance on people strategy and employment law.

HR professional Helen Clay has been appointed as head of the new service. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) with an MSc degree in HR management.

Helen joins Bray & Bray from global IT software development company, Clario, where she was the UK HR business partner. Helen has also provided specialist HR advice in the electronics and food manufacturing sectors, with previous roles at SMS Electronics and 2 Sisters Food Group.

Helen will also manage Bray & Bray’s internal HR strategy and operations and her dual role combines the development and implementation of the new HR consultancy service for clients, as well as managing all aspects of the firm’s internal HR including its people strategy, employee engagement, and the employee lifecycle.

“In recent times, many businesses have realised the importance and impact of a robust people strategy,” Helen explained.

“Indeed, Bray & Bray recognises that people are one of the key components of a thriving business.

But one size does not fit all, so our approach to HR strategy development combines the expertise of our employment lawyers and practical HR knowledge and experience.

“By providing bespoke, top-level HR and legal advice, we will support businesses in creating an engaged workforce and reducing employment risks. This will be particularly beneficial for those businesses looking to grow and develop, but without the right level of HR expertise or capacity inhouse.”

Visit: www.braybray.co.uk 18 inbusiness JUNE/JULY 2022

university securing various The University of Northampton has promotions from principal lecturer announced Professor Anne-Marie through to Dean.

Kilday will be its new vice She was promoted into the chancellor from 1 August. senior leadership team becoming Professor Kilday will succeed the pro vice-chancellor for current vice chancellor and CEO Research and Knowledge Professor Nick Petford DSc Transfer and Impact in DL, who after 12 years 2012 and then Pro at the helm, will step Vice-Chancellor down this summer.

‘USING HIGHER Student Professor Kilday EDUCATION Experience & will lead the University development and AS A CATALYST Community. implementation of FOR POSITIVE She is a a new strategy for SOCIAL IMPACT’ professor of the university, criminal history and spearheading has submitted to initiatives that every Research transform lives and inspire positive change through Excellence Framework since learning and research. the start of her career.

Professor Kilday started her Professor Kilday said: “I’m hugely academic career in Scotland honoured to be joining the team at working at the University of the University of Northampton in the role of vice chancellor. I’m Strathclyde and then the University looking forward to meeting of Glasgow. everyone and am ready to take on She joined Oxford Brookes the challenges and seize the University in 2000 as a lecturer in opportunities that will come our Early Modern History and way.” progressed her career at the

Professor Kildare

Mr Mark Mulcahey, chair of the university’s Board of Governors, said: “In addition to being a highly accomplished educator and researcher, Professor Kilday has improved the university experience for staff and students in her current post and driven initiatives around equality, diversity and inclusion.

“Her dedication to the ideals of using higher education as a catalyst for positive social impact mirrors our own Changemaker ethos. She’s an aspirational leader with a proven record, and we look forward to working with her in this next phase of the university’s development.”

Ian Taylor

TINDERBOX HITS RIGHT NOTE Business advice experts Tinderbox have had a 100% record with their clients since they launched in the region just 12 months ago.

The company, which prides itself on helping businesses to grow profitably, achieves step change results, working closely with business owners or board directors to develop bespoke and targeted programmes for success.

Local regional director, Ian Taylor, said: “Since we launched here last year, we’ve worked with clients including telecom product providers, a shopfitter, a tiling supplier, a transport company, an event management company, a construction company and a campervan conversion company.

“Whether your business wants to devise or introduce a business plan that will dramatically improve your

profit line, enter new markets, improve your processes, train and develop your management team or simply develop an exit strategy for you as a business owner, Tinderbox work with you and your leadership teams to create the best solution for your business.”

Ian, who regularly attends Chamber events, recently teamed up with Kevin Rogers, from fellow Chamber member Wilson Browne Solicitors, for the charity single ‘Make You Feel My Love’ raising over £4,000 for The Lewis Foundation.

Ian is offering to meet any business free of charge, in absolute confidence, to discuss their particular challenges and help them progress.

To connect with Ian, call 07889 539814 or email ian.taylor@tinderboxbd.com

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:58 Page 19

BUSINESS REPORT

ACADEMY TO TEACH PR SKILLS PR agency Ballyhoo PR is launching an Emma Speirs academy to teach local businesses how to do their own PR. The Ballyhoo PR Academy was due to launch in 2020 but was postponed due to the Covid pandemic.

The pilot intake will now begin this September and will run for six sessions, each focussing on a different element of public relations: how to get media ready, formulating a PR plan, writing a press release, pitching to the media, crisis management, and what to do with press coverage to promote your business.

Classes are designed for business owners or those working in marketing roles for a small or medium-sized business (SMEs) and have responsibility for generating press coverage for ‘THE TOOLS the company.

AND KNOWLEDGE Numbers will be kept to a maximum of six people to TO BE ABLE TO allow everyone to get advice ACHIEVE RESULTS tailored to them and their WITH PR FOR business. This group of THEMSELVES’ students will also get to know each other and develop Emma Speirs, director of Ballyhoo relationships as the course PR, will be running the Academy. She said: progresses.

“The Ballyhoo PR Academy has been an idea in Fellow Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes my head for a long time now and I am pleased Chamber member companies can join the pilot to be able to finally see it come to fruition. intake for £600 + VAT for the course – the “One of the reasons I set up Ballyhoo PR was equivalent of £100 a class. All classes will be to help SMEs to share their stories and shout taught at Ballyhoo PR’s picturesque Lamport about their successes. Obviously, we can manage office in Northamptonshire and the sessions this for businesses through Ballyhoo PR, but a include lunch.

retainer contract arrangement isn’t always appropriate for everyone.

“I wanted to take a small group of people and work with them over a period of a few months and give them the tools and knowledge to be able to achieve results with PR for themselves.”

To register your interest, contact emma.speirs@ballyhoo-pr.co.uk

RESTRUCTURE SEES PCS DUO TAKE ON NEW ROLES Kettering-based IT Support company PCS continues to expand services and welcomes change with a restructure in their team of superheroes.

Two existing members of the senior management team have been appointed to the board of directors. Shelley Thompson has taken on the role of managing director and Emma Emery has taken on the position of finance director.

This positive change means Shelley and Emma will take responsibility for the running and direction of the company and help manage the growing demand for IT support and services.

Shelley said: “Technology plays a key role in helping address the short term challenges created over the last couple of years, and PCS continues to work hard at providing customers with the innovative products and services needed to face these challenges efficiently.

“With an increasing number of employees working from home, the importance of ensuring that systems and data are kept safe,

Shelley Thompson (left) and Emma Emery

secure and retrievable is paramount. PCS have been focusing their key offerings around cyber security, disaster recovery and business continuity to support companies throughout the difficult global times.

“PCS understand that IT forms a huge part of any business and that’s where we step in. We encourage businesses to focus on their day-to-day running and subsequently help with the

management of all, or some, of their IT.” To find out more about PCS and what the company has to offer, get in touch with the IT Superheroes.

No technospeak, gibberish, gobbledygook or whatever you want to call it. Just IT support in the most efficient way.

For further information visit www.pcs-systems.com or call 01536 532900.

TONY’S CAREER GOING TO PLAN Tony Byrne (pictured), the owner-founder of Wealth And Tax Management in Milton Keynes, has recently achieved Game Plan Practitioner status from the Academy of Life Planning after completing the eight-month accreditation process.

The Academy of Life Planning is an award-winning global network for wealthcreating individuals and planners. They are financial planners who don’t sell wealth products. Their plans create and maintain wealth and wellbeing. They are also known as Wealth Strategists.

If you want to create wealth and wellbeing over the next few years, then you need a vehicle, system, or solution.

That’s the GAME (GoalsActions-Means-Execution) Plan.

For more information visit www.wealthandtax.co.uk

JUNE/JULY 2022 inbusiness 19

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:58 Page 20

BUSINESS REPORT VEKA Recycling’s plant in Wellingborough

CHARITY CALLS ON SUPPORT A charity that works with women and children fleeing domestic abuse is urging Northamptonshire businesses to back its 40th anniversary fundraising extravaganza.

During the past four decades, eve has helped more than 12,000 people via its two refuges in the county and specialist programmes that support survivors and give male and female perpetrators the opportunity to learn how to change their behaviour.

To mark its 40th anniversary, eve wants to find 40 businesses which will raise funds and 40 individuals who would be willing to become volunteers to help deliver its exciting fundraising activities.

Business and marketing manager Danusia Huh said: “This is going to be a really busy year for us and we really want businesses to get behind us and collectively raise at least £40,000.

“We’re also looking for 40 volunteers to support our own fundraising activities, including a photo competition for a fundraising calendar, a family bike ride and a summer ball.

“It’d be particularly special if lots of fellow Chamber members could help us as this year also marks our 25th anniversary of belonging to Northamptonshire Chamber.”

The charity also delivers training for businesses, local authorities, the military and the emergency services on topics including domestic abuse trauma and stalking.

Businesses that take part in the 40 Companies Campaign will receive a free webinar on domestic abuse awareness.

Anyone who wants to get involved in the charity’s 40th anniversary fundraising activities can email Danusia at DanusiaH@eve.org.uk or call 01604 230588.

Visit: eveda.org.uk

20 inbusiness JUNE/JULY 2022

NEW SHREDDER BOOSTS PVC RECYCLING FACILITY VEKA Recycling has invested more than £200,000 in an industrial PVCU shredder from German-based specialist manufacturer, ARJES. Purchased to increase PVC-U recycling capacity at its state-ofthe-art plant in Wellingborough, the new shredder was installed earlier this year.

According to VEKA Recycling’s managing director, Simon Scholes, this latest investment reinforces the organisation’s role in maximising the sustainability of PVC-U construction products through responsible recycling.

Simon said: “Landfill should be a thing of the past for post-consumer PVC-U fenestration, as well as offcuts and defective items

generated during the manufacturing process. The addition of the Arjes shredder will help to increase throughput at our recycling facility, which has benefited from a £15m investment programme making it the most advanced of its kind in Europe.

“Our closed-loop system ensures that PVC-U is treated as the valuable resource it is, enabling up to 350 years’ worth of usage from a single window or door, while decreasing the amount of new PVC-U products that are manufactured using virgin material.

This all helps to minimise the fenestration industry’s carbon footprint.”

VEKA Recycling both collects

and processes waste materials at its own site, guaranteeing that recycling standards and legal guidelines have been upheld at every stage. This means window fabricators and installers who use VEKA Recycling’s services can demonstrate their commitment to responsible recycling to their customers – and irradicate any fear of prosecution due to incorrect or illegal waste disposal.

Simon added: “If recycled responsibly, PVC-U can meet its full potential as the ultimate ecofriendly fenestration material and our latest machinery investment will help us achieve this.”

Visit: veka-recycling.co.uk

SOLICITORS IN ‘40’ CHALLENGE Franklins Solicitors LLP 40 Mile Challenge has raised more than £2,700 for charity.

The challenge was created to mark Franklins’ 40th anniversary and participants were invited to do 40 miles of physical exercise over 40 days and raise a minimum of £40 each.

Altogether the participants raised £2,741.25 and the funds will be shared between Willen Hospice, Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Macintyre.

As well as traditional methods such as walking, running and cycling, some of the more unusual ways people chose to achieve their challenges were through Zumba and skiing.

Franklins marketing manager Rosanna Stimson said: “There was a real buzz around the challenge. We received lots of feedback from people who told us it had encouraged them to get out and about on lunch breaks and use it as an opportunity to have walking meetings instead of sitting in an office.”

Cynthia Spencer Hospice corporate partnerships fundraiser Nina Gandy added: “A huge thank you to everyone who took part in the 40 mile challenge and to the team at Franklins for coming up with such a great initiative too.

Franklins Solicitors representatives with their 40 Mile Challenge medals

“Virtual challenges like this are still a fantastic way for participants to support good causes like Cynthia Spencer Hospice so that we can continue to care for patients and their families too.

“These challenges also bring teams together, as well as being great for wellbeing and mental health.”

To find out more about Franklins Solicitors visit www.franklins-sols.co.uk

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:58 Page 21

BUSINESS REPORT ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

RECRUITING HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS FROM OVERSEAS - INTRODUCTION TO THE PROCESS OF SPONSORSHIP Article by Danica Luces (pictured) As of August 2021, vacancies in the care sector have returned to pre-pandemic levels. Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic have made it extremely difficult for organisations to retain their nurses and care staff on a long-term basis.

It caused a knock-on effect, reducing the number of available beds in NHS hospitals because of the increased number of hospital patients unable to be discharged to care homes due to the lack of care workers.

To relieve the shortage of nurses and care workers in the UK, health and care organisations have the option to apply for a Worker sponsor licence to fill their vacancies with overseas staff under the Health and Care Worker route. To be eligible to apply, the employer must be an approved and registered UK health and care sector organisation providing adult social care.

The salary requirement for sponsored nurses and care workers, with the minimum being the higher of £25,600 per year.

The application process The application process for a Worker sponsor licence does not allow room for error. The nonrefundable Home Office application fee is £536 for small organisations and £1,476 for mediumto- large businesses. A flawed or incomplete sponsor licence application may still be approved. Still, it could result in the licence with a B-rating instead of an A-rating, which prevents an organisation from applying for a Certificate of Sponsorship for overseas workers.

Eligibility To be eligible, as an employer, one cannot have unspent criminal convictions for immigration offences or certain other crimes, such as fraud or money laundering, or had a sponsor licence revoked in the last 12 months. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will review the company

Caring for a patient in the UK

An overseas professional in the UK

application form and supporting documents.

They may visit the business to ensure it is trustworthy and capable of carrying out its duties.

The Skilled Worker route includes the health and care visa, which applies to qualified doctors, nurses and allied professionals working in either health or social care.

The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) cap has been suspended, which means there will be no limit to the number of eligible skilled workers wishing to come to the UK unless this is reinstated.

Fast tracking Applications are fast-tracked by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), and the aim is to process them within three weeks, providing biometric

information has been made available. The CoS may be granted within one working day. Once the CoS is awarded, it must be assigned to an individual within three months, or it will expire, and the process would need to be completed again.

As an employer, the organisation must assign a certificate of Sponsorship to each foreign worker its employs. It is an electronic record (SMS system) and not a physical document.

Each certificate has a number, which a recruit may use to apply for a visa. When a company assigns the certificate to a worker, they must apply for their visa within three months.

Necessary training All overseas healthcare workers must go through the necessary training. For example, nurses must successfully take exams in CBT, OSCE and OET within eight months after arrival. The requirement is in accordance with the NMC regulation, allowing them to obtain their PIN as registered nurses in the UK. Organisations such as QAQF specialise in such training and help organisations speed up the process to under three months.

Danica Luches is the Nova Horizon Group Ltd. compliance officer. During the last few years, Nova Horizon supported UK companies finding, moving, and deploying hundreds of professionals from Africa and Asia. It offers help in the Sponsorship license application, candidate selection, legal support and training for overseas recruits.

Consider recruiting from abroad?

Contact Danica Luches at info@novahorizongroup.com JUNE/JULY 2022 inbusiness 21

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:58 Page 22

BUSINESS REPORT

22 inbusiness JUNE/JULY 2022

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:58 Page 23

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

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH UKRAINE

Civilians flee Russian shelling in the Ukrainian city of Irpin

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) have set up an online Ukraine Hub for Chamber members, providing up-to-date information and guidance for businesses about the situation in Ukraine.

The Hub is regularly updated as and when the organisation receives new guidance.

ChamberCustoms is also continuing to offer free export declarations for groups collecting and transporting humanitarian aid out of the UK.

They are helping with the customs process, helping donators to understand what is needed at the UK border, create an export declaration if needed, and provide guidance on the steps to follow. Northamptonshire Chamber deputy CEO Julie Maclennan said: “Our thoughts remain with all those affected in Ukraine and we stand alongside our national counterparts in doing all we can to help get humanitarian aid to those who need it most.”

Businesses and traders with questions relating to trading with Ukraine, Russia and Belarus can submit their enquiries to the Department for International Trade’s Export Support Service or call the helpline on 0300 303 8955.

To access the Ukraine Hub, visit www.britishchambers.org.uk/page/ukrainesupport

CONFERENCE LOOKS AT BUSINESS VALUES Tickets are now on sale for The British Chambers of Commerce Global Annual Conference 2022.

The conference, which will be held at the QEII Centre in London on Thursday 30 June, 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 event, discussing the most important issues that drive the economy.

This year’s themes for the conference include Sustainable Trade, Skills and Social Values and Green Innovation.

Through thought-provoking discussions, talks and peer-to-peer sessions, delegates will be able to explore and debate how we can individually and collectively rise to the challenges ahead, with particular focus on developing talent, boosting a green global economy and seizing new opportunities The conference will also 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.

For more information, visit www.britishchambers.org.uk/ events/annual-conference

The QEII Centre in London JUNE/JULY 2022 inbusiness 23

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:58 Page 24

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: EDUCATION & TRAINING

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

In this issue we look at the EDUCATION & TRAINING, TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION, and CREATIVE INDUSTRIES sectors in the Northamptonshire area

BRUNO CELEBRATES STUDENTS Boxing legend Frank Bruno hailed the support of staff and students at Northampton College who helped renovate a community centre offering wraparound mental health programmes.

The former World Heavyweight Champion visited Booth Lane to personally thank all those involved in the redevelopment of the Round by Round Centre.

College students helped the sports icon’s charity, the Frank Bruno Foundation, to give its Northampton centre a facelift with hopes it could also lead to more young people seeking help for mental health issues.

Level 3 carpentry students and Level 2 decorating students helped hang new doors and painted murals and catering students baked a cake for the foundation’s gala dinner.

Frank said: “I’ve been in some bad places myself mentally, I’ve been locked up and I promised myself that when I got out I’d do something to help others avoid what I went through.

“The foundation is all about giving young people a chance in life. It’s good to have the support of the community and I’m so grateful for the hard work from all the college students and staff who have helped us.

“I wanted to thank them personally for all they’ve done and hopefully this can be the start of a long-term relationship.”

The project is aimed at encouraging young

Frank Bruno (centre) with staff and students from Northampton college

‘I’M SO GRATEFUL FOR THE HARD WORK FROM ALL THE COLLEGE STUDENTS AND STAFF’

people – particularly young men – to open up about mental health and seek support if they need it.

Northampton College principal Pat Brennan-Barrett said: “Boxing, and sport in general, can help to break down barriers around mental health and this project will help to make it easier for young people who perhaps wouldn’t

normally visit mental health support centres to access help when they need it.

“It’s been a fantastic experience for our students and we’d like to continue to support the foundation and its work as much as we can in the future.”

Visit: www.northamptoncollege.ac.uk

TRAINING WEBSITE FOCUSES ON WOMEN Cate Gregory

24 inbusiness JUNE/JULY 2022

Northamptonshire Chamber member Attain Coaching is launching a new website aimed exclusively at women.

Its new Flourishing Females website will offer a range of training and support to help women reach their full potential and truly flourish.

Attain Coaching was launched in 2020 to provide coaching and development for professionals. It offers coaching on a one-toone basis as well as team coaching and development.

Attain’s founder Cate Gregory said: “I’ve always been passionate about helping women to reach their full potential.

“Having worked my way up several male dominated industries to executive and leadership teams I know how hard it can be. I find women often get in their own way both at work and in their personal life.

“I was lucky enough to receive coaching

earlier in my career and I attribute my successful career to this support. I now want to offer support to other women to help them to flourish.”

The new Flourishing Females site will offer a range of training and support to suit all budgets and needs. From online learning modules featuring training films and workbooks to live group training and coaching, through business clubs all the way to the mastermind groups there is a solution for all.

Cate added: “I see Flourishing Females as a way to ensure more women are able to access the support I received and to experience its life changing effects.”

For further information about the launch of Flourishing Females visit www.attaincoaching.co.uk www.flourishingfemales.co.uk

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:58 Page 25

Nick Freeman Photography

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: EDUCATION & TRAINING

TRAINING SPECIALISTS CELEBRATE

BY GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND FOR PARK Paul Beesley

Paul launched Beyond Theory in 2012 so he could use A firm that specialises in business training and the skills he had developed as a People, Strategy and coaching has found a special way to celebrate its 10th Insight senior manager at Nationwide to help businesses anniversary. which don’t have their own in-house training team.

Beyond Theory has national and international clients The firm has helped hundreds of clients, become an but is most proud of the relationships it has with accredited ILM (Institute of Leadership & businesses across Northamptonshire and Management) centre and created an Milton Keynes. impressive array of courses on employee Northampton-based owner Paul engagement, leadership and Beesley spends lots of time exercising ‘WE DEDICATE management and customer excellence. in and around the town’s Abington OUR LIVES TO Paul added: “Over the years the Park and sees how much joy it gives HELPING relationship between employers and to people.

BUSINESSES AND employees has changed. Traditionally, This has prompted Paul to mark the role was similar to that of a parent Beyond Theory’s milestone THEIR PEOPLE and child but that’s not the case now anniversary by paying for a new TO GROW’ and in addition to that customers’ avenue of trees to be planted in the expectations are increasing. A more adult park. to adult approach is needed.

He said: “At Beyond Theory we dedicate “This all means employers must look at the way our lives to helping businesses and their people they lead and manage people. If their teams aren’t to grow. This not only helps to improve company and engaged with their business it will have a negative individual wellbeing; it also benefits society and the impact on productivity and customer service levels.” planet.

“So, planting a new avenue of trees at Abington Park Visit: beyondtheory.co.uk fits well with what we do and it’s nice to think it’ll be there for generations to come.”

Call: 01604 212505

A SOUND PLAN FOR LISTENING One of the most important skills for every business is the art of listening to your customers.

So, when Sales Ace, Julie Futcher (pictured), heard her customers asking for help she immediately decided to do what was needed.

As a result, she is expanding her support and offering to step in as an outsourced Learning and Development Manager for her clients.

She said: “One of the first things I teach people is that sales is all about helping your customer. You need to listen, understand your customers’ needs and then take action to solve their problem.

“After helping with training, I found I was being regularly asked for advice about the ongoing development needs for my customers and their teams. Clearly these and other businesses needed to have access to a Learning and Development Manager.

“The solution to this was to offer my services and give them access to the Learning and Development Manager they required – but when it was needed and without the overheads of a permanent employee.”

GIVING ACCESS TO TALENT AND TRAINING Since merging with Tresham College Group in 2017 Bedford College, now The Bedford College Group, has become a regional force for good with employers and businesses.

Its contribution across a range of activities has led to millions of pounds being made available to Northamptonshire for a range of education and training projects.

The Bedford College Group is working with global companies who are expanding within or moving into Northamptonshire such as The Ball Corporation, BCA, TopHat and Fairline Yachts. The group is helping these businesses reach out to find eager employees and access Government-supported training and apprenticeship funding.

The group is also in the process of opening a Sixth Form, or post-16

education centre, in Corby town centre, making high quality education accessible to all dependent on public transport. This is part of the recently announced Corby Town Fund of £19.9m and was publicised when the Government Minister for Levelling Up Neil O’Brien visited.

The Business Development Team, led by director Gina Bubbins, has nearly 100 years of experience and the very latest talents which can be utilised by employers who need to fight their way through everchanging rules and regulations around training.

Gina said: “We’ve been here throughout the lockdowns and the many changes and initiatives introduced by Government and are primed to help businesses bounce back.

“There is so much talent out there which can benefit businesses and so many training funds, and our role is to bring them together with employers who are looking to take advantage of new commercial

opportunities.

“From small businesses, to global organisations, The Bedford College Group has the answers.”

Visit: bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk JUNE/JULY 2022 inbusiness 25

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:58 Page 26

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: EDUCATION & TRAINING Della Judd

TRAINING IS THE KEY TO STAFF RETENTION How organisations develop their up-and-coming staff is key to retention, according to leadership coach and trainer Della Judd.

The findings of a survey carried out by Randstat UK at the end of 2021, revealed 69% of people were ‘ready’ to change role and 25% said they were looking to change within three to six months, compared with normal levels of 11%.

“Offering your key people, a development program that includes training, coaching and long-term support can be a real differentiator when it comes to retention,” explained Della.

To help organisations, Della has produced a list of three top tips for improving retention in the hot market.

Della, who is a leadership coach and trainer with 25 years of experience in senior corporate roles, said: “Firstly, talk to your people – find out what they want and what help they need right now.

“Secondly, consider tailored skills improvement programs for highfliers - such as leadership coaching and development programs that tie people to the business, improve productivity and performance whilst improving how they perceive your commitment to them.

“Thirdly, offer a variety of training options at all grade levels, so that people can see that you will support them no matter what their grade.”

Della specialises in the development of leadership skills and runs a variety of coaching programs, including maternity returner coaching, senior outplacement career coaching and helping those suffering with burnout and stress return to work.

Della is also the author of ‘Get the job you really want… in a post pandemic world’.

For further advice and support call Della on 07717 454833.

26 inbusiness JUNE/JULY 2022

MINISTER IMPRESSED BY COLLEGE SKILLS EVENT The Construction Minister visited Moulton College’s latest Construction Future Skills event to explore the future of the built environment and how workforce skills and supply challenges can be tackled.

The event saw innovators and contractors demonstrate to the next generation how AI, automation, robotics and other technologies are changing construction.

Supported by Constructing Excellence (CE) Midlands and the National Federation of Builders (NFB), the exhibition saw Stepnell, Kier Group, Flannery Plant, Talentview Construction, Ridge and Oculo showcase the latest ‘WE’VE HAD construction INSPIRING tomorrow’s technology.

DISCUSSION, skillsets.

Construction TOPICAL DEBATE, Moulton Minister Lee College principal Rowley said: LEARNING AND and CEO Corrie “Delivering a skilled, NETWORKING’ Harris said: “Our vibrant workforce for construction industry the construction sector is always adapting and is absolutely essential, so improving and is embracing it was fantastic to see the innovation faster than ever. At students’ enthusiasm.

Moulton College, we’re in a “Their talent and creativity will privileged position to help nurture enable the sector to continue to and grow the sector’s talent coming drive economic growth and through, while also speaking to sustainability.” employers regularly about their During the event, industry current and future skills needs. decision makers and educators also “We’ve had inspiring discussion, met to establish how the sector topical debate, learning and would bring about real change to networking, with high energy from evolve the industry and shape

Construction Minister Lee Rowley tries out the Tenstar simulator

guests and exhibitors who came together to share experiences and learning around how the sector is evolving and the workforce it needs to drive that change.”

The event consisted of two parts, an exhibition to showcase new technologies and a workshop focused on establishing the hard and soft skills construction needs for the future – while exploring how best to deliver them.

For more information about Moulton College and future events, contact marketing manager Sue Titmuss at susan.titmuss@moulton.ac.uk Visit: www.moulton.ac.uk

ONE44 EARNS ACCREDITATION An organisation that provides bespoke training packages for businesses has strengthened its service offering with accredited project management training.

One44 Complete Business Development has recently become accredited by the Association of Project Management (APM), the chartered body for the project profession.

The Northampton-based training provider works predominately across the Midlands and is run by director Liz Higginson, who has worked in professional project management roles for more than 13 years.

Liz said: “We understand the huge difference that effective project management makes across all industries, and we want to help people to upskill and apply the key principles, so they’re able to deliver their projects safely, whatever sector they’re working in. In recent years, the importance of project management has been proven time and time again, as growing numbers of businesses undergo significant digital, cultural and organisational transformation projects.

“Becoming one of the private project management training providers in the country to be fully accredited by the APM is fantastic news for One44 Complete Business Development. This accreditation shows we’ve demonstrated that we have in-depth knowledge, governance and frameworks in place to deliver the required standard of project management training.

“We can help companies of all sizes who are looking to develop their employees or work in a more structured project environment.”

Liz Higginson speaking at an event earlier this year

Visit: www.144consultancy.co.uk

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:59 Page 27

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: EDUCATION & TRAINING

JUNE/JULY 2022 inbusiness 27

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:59 Page 28

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

MALWARE RISK WITH FAKE OS UPDATE A company that offers outsourced IT support to businesses is warning organisations to be on their guard against fake Windows 11 downloads that are spreading malware.

The expert team from Northamptonshire-based NewGen IT Services wants to warn fellow Chamber members that a fake Windows 11 update page has been used by attackers to infiltrate PCs. The attack features a fake Windows 11 website which directs people to download malware.

NewGen IT Services managing director Suraj Dholakia said: “When Microsoft launched its new Windows 11 operating system last year it included a variety of new features designed to make life easier for business users.

IT expert: Suraj Dholakia

“The developers obviously had the rise of hybrid working in mind when they installed options that were designed to help users to multi-task and built Teams directly into its core.

“They also improved the system’s security features to help businesses protect their organisations and their employees from the evergrowing threat of cyber attacks.

“Unfortunately, its popularity has caught the attention of cyber criminals who have set up fake Windows 11 websites that direct

people to a download link that spreads a type of malware that steals information.

“It’s important that businesses do their research on how to download Windows 11 safely to ensure they don’t become the victim of a cyber attack.”

NewGen IT Services are recognised as highly experienced experts in the world of cyber

security and also offer a range of IT support services to businesses as well as VoIP, hardware procurement, Cloud and AV/data cabling services.

Businesses wanting help to upgrade to Windows 11 safely can contact NewGen IT Services by visiting www.newgen-it.co.uk or by calling 01933 426129.

SOFTWARE TEAM HAS THE SOLUTION An organisation that offers outstanding software solutions has completed an exciting project.

The experienced team of IT professionals from Kettering-based Ask Technologies provides custom software solutions to help firms grow and make their business processes more efficient through automation.

They recently helped a local canvas-making business to make significant time savings when processing orders from a major, global retailer.

Business systemiser Satbinder Mann said: “Our client had been manually downloading orders, locating artwork files and printing paperwork to process the order.

“We developed a bespoke solution to automatically download the orders, locate the artwork, barcode the image and send them directly to printer.

“This system has allowed the business to move two of its administrative operators to other roles and has created more capacity for the business to scale.”

Ask Technologies is also offering a free operational process review worth £600 to the first 10 Northamptonshire Chamber members that book an appointment via its website.

To find out more, or to book an appointment, visit www.asktechnologies.co.uk or call 07970 232481.

28 inbusiness JUNE/JULY 2022

NEW IDENTITY FOR TECH FIRM A high-flying technology provider has unveiled its new branding and won a top award.

Pragmatiq – previously known as PragmatiQ Solutions – has recently unveiled their new branding, complete with a refreshed name and a new website.

Dropping ‘solutions’ from the company name was a move that was decided early in the rebranding process, as the business has evolved over the years and is more than just a solutions provider – Pragmatiq works closely with businesses to become an extension of their team.

In recent weeks, alongside the rebrand, Pragmatiq won the coveted Technology Business award at the 2022 Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards (MKBAAs).

Managing director Stuart Goldwater said: “We have been working hard behind the scenes on this rebrand for several months, refreshing key elements of the business such as our name, logo and website.

“Since the company was founded in 2017, we have grown significantly, evolved our product offering, moved into new premises and have no plans to slow down. We wanted a bold, modern brand image that echoed our past and demonstrates our development as a forward-thinking company.

“Our blue arrow in our logo represents progression and moving forward, which is what the team strive for both in house and with our clients and the solutions that are implemented.

“We’re also incredibly pleased with our recent win at the MKBAAs, as it demonstrates that we leverage technology to generate positive growth and sustainable success.

“We are proud of the journey we have been on to get to this point and are excited for the next chapter.”

To find out more visit www.pragmatiq.co.uk or email info@pragmatiq.co.uk

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:59 Page 29

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

THE FUTURE OF WORKPLACES A leading firm is using the latest design software to create bespoke interior designs for workplaces so they can meet the needs of employees in a post-pandemic world.

ACS in-house designer Gabi Holmes has worked for the Northampton-based firm for seven years and has seen firsthand how the pandemic has accelerated changes in how employers view how their workplaces meet the needs of employees.

Gabi explained: “People’s expectations have definitely changed since they’ve returned to the office after working from home during the pandemic.

“At home they could take a break from their desks and enjoy a cup of coffee from their own kitchen. So now, they want good quality coffee and a comfortable area where they can drink it and catch up with colleagues.

“We’ve seen that the social aspects of the workplace have gained greater importance for teams.”

Where the ACS design team can really make a difference is with their in-depth understanding of the marketplace and current trends.

Gabilja Holmes

Gabi regularly meets with suppliers and visits showrooms so that she is not only recommending products that look good, but ones that have been tried and tested.

Gabi begins with a meeting to discuss what the client is hoping to achieve, combined with, or followed by, a visit to take measurements and get a feel for the space she is working with.

From there, design software allows Gabi to create an image of how the project will look, from floor plan diagrams through to complete renders that give the

The social aspect of the workplace has become more and more important to workers since the pandemic

client a CGI image that enables them to visualise exactly how the space will look, including examples of furniture, flooring, wall art or graphics, greenery, and lighting.

Physical samples are delivered so the clients can also make decisions about what they want to include.

Visit: www.acs365.co.uk

JUNE/JULY 2022 inbusiness 29

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:59 Page 30

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: CREATIVE INDUSTRIES Simon Antrobus

NEW CHAIR FOR THEATRE TRUST Northampton Theatres Trust, the charity which runs Royal & Derngate theatres, has revealed its new chair of Trustees is Simon Antrobus, who was appointed to the board last November and took up the position of chair at the beginning of the year.

Having worked in the voluntary section for over 25 years, Simon has been chief executive of BBC Children in Need since November 2016 and was previously chief executive of We Are With You and Clubs For Young People.

He acted as chair of the National Council of Voluntary Youth Services and has worked as a youth and community development worker in Luton and Northamptonshire.

An experienced business leader with a keen interest in the arts, Simon will work closely with Royal & Derngate’s Board of Trustees and the senior management team as it builds on recent successes and develops its future strategy.

Royal & Derngate chief executive Jo Gordon said: “It’s an exciting time as we continue to rebuild from the challenging times of the pandemic and Simon’s passion and enthusiasm for Northampton, and for Royal & Derngate in particular, will help propel us forward. At a time when we’re putting children and young people more and more at the heart of all we do, it’s exciting to be welcoming someone of Simon’s calibre and experience into the team.”

Simon said: “I’ve long admired and enjoyed the excellent work of Royal & Derngate. This amazing organisation has an important part to play in inspiring, engaging and entertaining individuals and communities across Northamptonshire and beyond, and I’m delighted I can play a part in its future development.”

Visit: www.royalandderngate.co.uk

30 inbusiness JUNE/JULY 2022

Nick’s images include one for Vogue magazine

NICK’S PHOTO SNAPPED UP BY VOGUE MAGAZINE One of the world’s most iconic fashion and lifestyle magazines has published a picture by a highly experienced Northamptonshire photographer.

Nick Freeman, of Nick Freeman Photography, is well known throughout the UK as a professional photographer who delivers eye-catching images for companies and individuals.

During his career, which has spanned more than three decades, Nick’s work has been featured in numerous national publications and most recently one of his images appeared in British Vogue.

Nick said: “After 34 years of working as a photographer I’ve had many incredible firsts in my career

and having a photo published in Vogue is definitely right up there amongst them.

“The photo is of a stunning pair of shoes which I took for a series of formal and informal shots for Northamptonshire boot and shoemaker Newman & Regent to mark their rebranding and the expansion of their range.

“I staged the shot whilst walking through their factory looking for interesting locations and my client and British Vogue loved it.

“I’m now working with several fashion designers on shoots showcasing their garments which we will be pitching for features and cover images.”

Over the years, Nick has built up

an impressive portfolio and offers professional headshots, commercial photography to help firms refresh their brands, editorial photography for magazines, newspapers, press releases and end of year reports as well as wedding photography.

Nick also creates headshots for actors, singers and models and video clips and talking headshots which are regularly used by firms to help them create compelling online and social media content.

For further information email hello@nickfreemanphotography.co. uk or call 07971 434463.

Visit: www.nickfreemanphotography. co.uk

RYG FOCUS ON CASTLE’S STORY A firm known for creating striking videos has embarked on a new storytelling project about Northampton Castle.

Emma Matthews and Michal Spisiak, of RYG Films, are working on ‘Connect: Northampton Castle’ – a new and exciting multidisciplinary, visual storytelling project exploring personal connections to the castle and its surrounding areas.

The aim of the project is to create a new narrative from local residents about the area and its rich history, explaining the fascinating stories of ordinary people who lived and worked at Northampton Castle centuries ago.

Emma explained: “Creating a visual story can help bring individual stories and characters to life. We hope this project will help

people to feel they’re taking a step back in time and discovering the rich history of the Spring Borough area, Northampton Castle and the changes and developments that have taken place there over time.

“The project will culminate in an exhibition, showcasing the residents’ work and the finished visual story.”

To ensure the artistic quality of the finished piece, Emma will be mentored throughout by Carol Leeming MBE FRSA, who is known for giving a voice to the voiceless and highlighting the history of social deprivation and community.

The project is being made possible by Arts Council England.

To find out more about RYG Films visit www.rygfilms.co.uk

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:59 Page 31

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

JUNE/JULY 2022 inbusiness 31

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:59 Page 32

TALKING BUSINESS

A HEALTHY OUTLOOK ON LIFE… AND WORK For just over a decade, Northampton Leisure Trust – otherwise known as Trilogy Leisure – has been one of the driving forces helping people around Northampton to live healthier lives. We caught up with managing director John Fletcher to discover the organisation’s exciting plans to help companies and individuals to revolutionise their health, fitness and wellbeing. easy to access sessions from beginners’ classes to more Launched in April 2011, Trilogy Leisure welcomes more than 1m advanced classes. visitors through the doors of its leisure centres, swimming pools, the Forum Cinema and its popular Bezerk Soft Play “We also did some classes for children too like online dance centre every year. classes and cheerleading. We even ran an online swim school Around 10,000 adults regularly attend the not-for-profit with kids pretending to swim on their kitchen floor for a bit of organisation’s classes and it currently has about 5,000 children fun. We wanted to do whatever we could to keep people’s involved in its programmes. spirits up.

However, the team leading the trust is not content with the “In addition, we ran classes on wellbeing and mental health immense levels of success it has achieved so far and is now and put people on the right pathways if they needed to speak embarking on exciting plans to transform the way the public to professionals about those issues. views the organisation.

“It’s fair to say before Covid-19 we were moving towards “People see us as a gym and leisure centre provider but we’re wellbeing but the pandemic definitely accelerated that. so much more than that,” explained managing director John “The messages coming out of the Government were that Fletcher. people needed to take responsibility for their health and “Trilogy run a leisure provision but we go further by running wellbeing through addressing things like exercise, their work life an accessible programme of activities in our communities so we balance and their physical and mental wellbeing. plan to transition from a leisure organisation to a wellbeing “That pushed us to develop our new strategy which sets out organisation. how we’ll support people with their physical and mental “We do so much work around wellbeing, wellbeing in the coming years and how we’ll work including walking programmes and work with with our partners to help people who need health partners on smoking cessation, active support with things like their finances.” ageing, weight loss and the county’s activity It’s not just individuals that Trilogy Leisure ‘PRE-COVID on referral programme. supports – it also offers a range of services WELLBEING “We’re also very proud of our Junior to businesses and their employees.

WASN’T AS BIG Membership Programme which is one of These include offering companies our biggest successes. We were thrilled corporate memberships as well as team AN ISSUE FOR when in 2018 it won the UK Active National building activities and training opportunities.

ORGANISATIONS Kids Award, beating off competition from “Pre-Covid wellbeing wasn’t as big an BUT NOW IT’S A the likes of the Lawn Tennis Association. issue for organisations but now it’s a “Pre-Covid that programme was helping priority,” said John, who was recently elected PRIORITY’ more than 6,000 kids to be active through to UK Active’s Membership Council. swim school, a range of classes and access to “We go out to companies to do classes and holiday programmes. Even now, as we’re still offer wellbeing assessments. recovering from Covid-19, it’s helping around 5,000 “We’re pretty flexible with the support we can offer children including many youngsters who live in the most to organisations to support their wellbeing programmes – we deprived wards in our area. do everything from things like lunchtime yoga sessions to “We also recognise that wellbeing is not just about physical installing pop up gyms onsite.” wellbeing it’s also about taking time out for yourself which is The next challenge for the trust is the cost of rising utility why the Forum Cinema is part of our offering. bills because swimming pools and big open spaces are difficult “We’re incredibly proud to operate as a social enterprise to heat but it is confident it will adapt and get through. which uses its income to help the local community.”

Indeed, working in partnership with West Northamptonshire To help it achieve its plans, the trust has recently unveiled its Council it is already working hard to upgrade its plant and new strategic vision which sets out how the organisation will machinery so it can reduce its carbon footprint and become develop between now and 2025. more efficient and the rising utility costs are not expected to It speaks volumes about the trust that it’s looking to the halt the trust’s development. future when many other leisure organisations are still reeling John said: “In terms of our development we’re still in a from the impact of the pandemic. business recovery period post-Covid but we’re very close to Part of its ability to do this stems from the way the trust where we were pre-Covid and we’re bringing back more responded to the pandemic. It quickly realised people were programmes every week. going to need its activity programmes and wellbeing services “Over the next three years we’re looking to expand further more than ever to cope with the pressures of the pandemic and and we’re keen to partner with schools, colleges and universities swiftly adapted its offering to cope with demand. as well as with parish councils to see how we can support them to bring wellbeing into the community.

John said: “When Covid-19 hit we knew people’s mental “In the first instance it makes sense for us to expand in health would take a hit but our centres had to close.

Northamptonshire but if opportunities come up outside the “So, we quickly developed our Trilogy at Home service so we county we’ll look at them. could reach out to people.

“The future is pretty bright and we’re in a good position to “We ran live classes and pre-recorded classes online for face any challenges.” anyone – not just our members – and developed a real mix of 32 inbusiness JUNE/JULY 2022

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:59 Page 33

FACTFILE: TRILOGY LEISURE BACKGROUND: Northampton Leisure Trust operates a number of facilities under the Trilogy brand. It was launched in April 2011 to provide sport, leisure, play and cultural cinema opportunities for the communities of Northampton and its surrounding areas. It works in partnership with West Northamptonshire Council, Duston Parish Council, Northampton General Hospital and the University of Northampton.

Trilogy Leisure managing director John Fletcher (third from left) with staff from Danes Camp Leisure Centre in Northampton

TALKING BUSINESS

ORGANISATION DESCRIPTION: The Trust has charity status and is a not for profit organisation. It runs Cripps Recreation Centre, Danes Camp Leisure Centre, Duston Sports Centre, Lings Forum Leisure Centre, The Mounts Baths, Forum Cinema, Berzerk Soft Play Centre, Health & Wellbeing Development in Northampton and Trilogy Gym Peterborough.

JOINING THE CHAMBER: “We’ve been a Chamber member for many years and this year we’ve become a Silver Chamber Business Partner. Since the lockdowns, well-being has become more of a priority for everyone, including organisations, and we want to reach out to them and support them with their well-being initiatives and programmes. The Chamber helps us to do that through the networking opportunities and events that it offers. We’re also a Chamber member because we want to support the Chamber because it does such good work.”

PHOTOS BY: JANE RUSSELL PHOTOGRAPHY JUNE/JULY 2022 inbusiness 33

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:59 Page 34

TRAINING & EVENTS

TRAINING & EVENTS SALES & MARKETING

MANAGING YOUR WORKLOAD

UNDERSTANDING YOUR DIGITAL FOOTPRINT

Date: Cost:

Date: Cost:

7 June (half-day) Members: £150 + VAT Non-members: £199 + VAT This workshop will help delegates to understand the digital footprint they are creating and leaving in the public domain, as well as how to protect the content they are sharing.

HOW TO WIN BUSINESS USING SOCIAL MEDIA Date: Cost:

22 June (one-day) Members: £249 + VAT Non-members: £319 + VAT This course is suitable for marketing individuals/teams within a business and is designed to develop your skills and help you to fully understand and maximise social media to its potential to benefit your business.

EFFECTIVE TELESALES SKILLS Date: Cost:

5 July (one-day) Members: £249 + VAT Non-members: £319 + VAT An effective telesales call is not just about picking up the phone and ‘going for it’ to win business and achieve your call objectives – it needs to capture your prospect’s attention, build credibility and quickly develop a relationship. This workshop is designed to show you how to do this.

USING LINKEDIN FOR SALES Date: Cost:

21 July (half-day) Members: £150 + VAT Non-members: £199 + VAT This workshop has been designed to support the delegate to generate quality sales leads through LinkedIn.

MANAGEMENT AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT 8 June (half-day) Members: £150 + VAT Non-members: £199 + VAT This half-day workshop is great for business owners and managers, providing guidance on how to prevent stress among the workforce and help employees cope with stress.

34 inbusiness JUNE/JULY 2022

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

15 June (one-day) Members: £249 + VAT Non-members: £319 + VAT Anyone across the business with a need to set priorities and make best use of the available time would benefit from attending this course, which offers abilities and strategies to make a real impact upon time management skills.

EFFECTIVE APPRAISAL SKILLS Date: Cost:

23 June (half-day) Members: £150 + VAT Non-members: £199 + VAT This session explains why we do appraisals, what preparation is needed and puts a structure around the communication skills needed during appraisal meetings.

It will support you in developing your skills to enable you to manage and motive people effectively and productively.

COACHING FOR MANAGERS

LEADING HYBRID TEAMS

Date: Cost:

Date: Cost:

28 June (one-day) Members: £249 + VAT Non-members: £319 + VAT This course provides leaders/ managers with an opportunity to develop their coaching skills by enabling them to develop people’s potential to grow within their roles, take on new challenges and increase their capability.

CONFIDENT CUSTOMER SERVICE Date: Cost:

29 June (one-day) Members: £249 + VAT Non-members: £319 + VAT In this competitive economy it is essential that you attract and keep clients, and customer service is a critical part of this process.

MANAGING MENTAL HEALTH AT WORK Date: Cost:

6 July (one-day) Members: £249 + VAT Non-members: £319 + VAT This course raises awareness of mental health and how it can vary amongst the workforce.

STRESS MANAGEMENT Date: Cost:

TRAINING COURSES

SUCCESSFUL SUPERVISORY MANAGEMENT Date: Cost:

13 & 14 July (two-day) Members: £498 + VAT Non-members: £638 + VAT This two-day course is appropriate for supervisors, team leaders and anyone who manages staff and is responsible for the work of others.

20 July (one-day) Members: £249 + VAT Non-members: £319 + VAT The shift to hybrid working has had a substantial impact on managers.

This course supports managers and supervisors to develop skills required to effectively manage diverse teams and adapt their management style to meet differing circumstances.

BUSINESS TOOLKIT INTERMEDIATE EXCEL Date: Cost:

8 June (one-day) Members: £249 + VAT Non-members: £319 + VAT Anyone who is familiar with the basic features of Excel together with basic formulas will benefit from attending this course..

EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE PROGRAMME FOR BETTER BUSINESS RESULTS Date: Cost:

9 June (one-day) Members: £249 + VAT Non-members: £319 + VAT As a business owner/managing director/senior management, you’ll learn how to formulate a robust performance management process for your business at this workshop.

EFFECTIVE INTERVIEWING SKILLS Date: Cost:

16 June (one-day) Members: £249 + VAT Non-members: £319 + VAT

This session will provide managers with the skills and approaches necessary to plan for and carry out an effective interview, ensuring you get the right person every time.

ESSENTIAL FINANCE KNOWLEDGE FOR MANAGERS Date: Cost:

16 June (one-day) Members: £249 + VAT Non-members: £319 + VAT Every manager needs to understand how financial figures underpin the activities of their business or organisation. By the end of this course, delegates will be able to improve their ability to make good financial decisions, have a better understanding of key financial ratios, different methods of pricing and key financial jargons and the importance of finance.

HEALTH & SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE Date: Cost:

21 June (one-day) Members: £249 + VAT Non-members: £319 + VAT The most basic requirement of any workplace is that it is safe - this course provides solid and essential knowledge for any employee working in any area of the business.

FIRE WARDEN TRAINING Date: Cost:

30 June (half-day) Members: £150 + VAT Non-members: £199 + VAT This course is to train company employees in a high standard of fire safety and fire prevention to ensure they can conduct an effective, efficient and safe evacuation of their premises in the event of a fire.

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:59 Page 35

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.

FIRE SAFETY AWARENESS Date: Cost:

7 July (half-day) Members: £150 + VAT Non-members: £199 + VAT This workshop is designed to ensure employees have a good general understanding and awareness of fire safety and potential fire hazards in the workplace.

ADVANCED EXCEL Date: Cost:

19 July (one-day) Members: £249 + VAT Non-members: £319 + VAT Do you already have good knowledge of Excel? Then this one’s for you! This course builds on your prior knowledge and progresses you further by using some of the more complex Excel functions, bringing your ability to a new level using new formulas and analysing data effectively.

EVENT IN FOCUS BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS

INTERNATIONAL TRADE UNDERSTANDING EXPORT & EXPORT DOCUMENTATION Date: Cost:

15 June (one-day) Members: £319 + VAT Non-members: £389 + VAT This course is suitable for beginners who are new to the role or those who work in an export environment but may not have had previous training. It looks at the end-to-end process providing an understanding of the export documentation requirements and shipping using freight forwarders and couriers.

Northamptonshire Chamber has launched a new event with popular countryside attraction Stanwick Lakes.

For the first time the Chamber will hold a Business Before Hours and Netwalking event at the 750-acre nature reserve this summer.

Attendees will get the chance to start their day with informal networking over a breakfast roll and a hot drink before embarking on ‘netwalking’ – networking in the fresh air whilst taking in the sights and sounds of the popular countryside park.

The event will take place from 8.30am to 10am on 20 July. Places cost £10 plus VAT for Chamber members and £15 plus VAT for non-members. To book your place call 01604 490490.

INCOTERMS

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Date: Cost:

WOMEN WITH VISION NETWORKING

WOMEN WITH VISION SUMMER EVENT

Venue: Date: Time: Cost:

Venue: Date: Time: Cost:

23 June (half-day) Members: £199 + VAT Non-members: £249 + VAT Half-day course suitable for those currently working in an export environment or new to exporting. It will advise attendees on the most appropriate Incoterm® to use for their international transactions.

UNDERSTANDING COMMODITY CODES Date: Cost:

6 July (half-day) Members: £199 + VAT Non-members: £249 + VAT Suitable for complete beginners or experienced operators who feel the need to refresh their knowledge, this course looks at understanding Commodity Codes, why they’re needed, and who is responsible.

Northampton Active 8 June 10am-11.30am £10 + VAT (WWV members only)

Northampton Active 13 July 11.30am-1.30pm £15 + VAT WWV members £20 + VAT non-members

NEXT GENERATION – SUMMER BBQ Venue: Date: Time: Cost:

Northampton Active 16 June 6pm-8.30pm £15 + VAT members £20 + VAT non-members

BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS & NETWALKING Venue: Date: Time: Cost:

Stanwick Lakes (pictured) 20 July 8.30am-10.30am £10 + VAT members £15 + VAT non-members

SPEED NETWORKING Venue: Date: Time: Cost:

Park Inn, Northampton 21 June 11am-1pm £15 + VAT (members only)

JUNE/JULY 2022 inbusiness 35

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:59 Page 36

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

FINANCE FIRM IS NOW A THING OF BEAUTY! Response Business Finance has launched Response Beauty Finance following an influx of enquiries from Milton Keynesbased beauty businesses, needing financial support, as the result of lockdowns and business closures during the Covid-era.

RBF continues to provide financial support to businesses in all industries, however since the market value continues to increase and beauty salons are now more than ever looking to invest in; costly machinery and equipment to fulfil their client needs, furniture that gives an ‘instagrammable’ salon and training courses that can enhance their skills and set them apart from the vast competition, it was only right to recommend the best financial options, through Response Beauty Finance, a dedicated beauty finance broker.

Managing partner Jonny Wilson said: “As Milton Keynes continues to be the home of many beauty salons, aesthetic clinics, training academies and startup beauty businesses, Response Beauty Finance is fully committed in helping this industry grow.

“We understand that no size fits all with finance and we will structure a solution that fits your business. Whether you need to boost your cash flow, get help with payroll, grow your business, make investments or you just need a flexible cash injection, speak with your beauty finance partner today to see how we can help.”

Response Business Finance has partnered with Gemma Samuel, beauty salon owner from Tanning Salon MK, to collaborate financial education with salon experience to provide our clients with the best knowledge and support on choosing the right financial solution for their beauty business.

Gemma said: “I opened my salon in 2018 and I was naïve about lenders. I quickly realised beauty trends are forever changing and cash is king. Since getting a business loan, I’ve invested in assets that were part of my commercial plan and used the income to not only repay my loan, but to grow my business by employing more staff.”

Contact gemma@rbfinance.co.uk for more information.

36 inbusiness JUNE/JULY 2022

NAPPIES ‘NOD’ OF APPROVAL Bambino Mio heads for the clouds with its newest collection, Dreamland, which is guaranteed to leave customers starry eyed.

The collection takes inspiration from the land of nod, including four new sweet designs named dreamy giraffe, gentle giant, magical moon and feather flight.

The Dreamland collection features pretty pastels coupled with everyone’s favourite fairytale friends which are sure to take little ones on a trip to cloud nine. It also encompasses on trend colours such as dusky blues, cloud greys and flashes ‘DESIGN of fuchsia with dreamy tonal tints.

APPEAL HAS The new collection launched at PROVED TO BE A the end of March and the designs will be available across Bambino HUGE INFLUENCE Mio’s extensive award-winning ON PARENTS’ range of reusable nappies, wet PURCHASING bags, change mats, muslin squares the Best Reusable Nappy DECISIONS’ and more.

Brands by Which? as voted for Brand executive Abigail Sullivan by parents on five criteria said: “While environmental and money including value for money, ease of saving benefits remain a key component in the use, absorbency, comfort and fit. growth of the reusable nappy category, design The brand’s miosolo all-in-one nappy appeal has proved to be a huge influence on continues to win ‘best nappy’ awards year after parents’ purchasing decisions. year, with recent accolades such as Mother & “Our brand has successfully recognised the Baby, Junior Design and the Made for Mums importance of providing parents with high Awards. quality products that not only perform well, but Abigail added: “These rankings cements are attractive too. Bambino Mio is one of the Bambino Mio as a trusted and high quality, market leaders in the reusable nappy category, performing brand in the reusable nappy providing parents with stylish, affordable and category.” environmentally friendly product alternatives from baby to toddler.”

Visit: www.bambinomio.co.uk/pages/ In 2020, Bambino Mio was ranked second in dreamland-collection

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:59 Page 37

MEMBER ZONE

JUNE/JULY 2022 inbusiness 37

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:59 Page 38

MEMBER ZONE

38 inbusiness JUNE/JULY 2022

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:59 Page 39

MEMBER ZONE

PAYING TRIBUTE TO KEY SOCIAL CARE WORKERS

Irthlingborough deputy mayor Cllr John Farrar celebrates with staff from Age UK

“Due to the hospitals and hospices having to close Staff from Age UK Northamptonshire’s Extra Help at their doors to visitors, care at home became more in the End of Life Service joined relatives who had been demand so that people could be with their loved ones supported by the service and Irthlingborough deputy right to the end.” mayor Cllr John Farrar to pay tribute to social care Age UK Northamptonshire was delighted to workers on The Social Care Day of welcome Cllr Farrar and Dorothy Farrar to Remembrance. the tribute at Waterside House in Service manager Su Brazell said “The Irthlingborough. event was organised by Skills for Care in ‘WE SALUTE Cllr Farrar added: “We salute you, we collaboration with 20 other partners YOU, WE remember you and we thank you for across the social care sector to pay REMEMBER YOU being there when we needed you.” tribute to the dedication and care AND WE THANK Age UK Northamptonshire chief shown by social care workers during YOU FOR BEING executive Chris Duff also thanked the the pandemic.

THERE WHEN WE Extra Help at the End of Life team and “It was also a time to remember those social care workers who we sadly social care workers in general, as well NEEDED YOU’ as Su and Cllr Farrar for their kind words. lost to Covid-19 – an estimated 922 social care workers lost their lives from the virus between March 2020 and May 2021.

To find out more about the services and “Throughout it all, our Extra Help at the End of Life support provided by Age UK Northamptonshire, or to team continued to provide care as usual, visiting and get involved with fundraising activities, visit www.ageuk.org.uk/northamptonshire or call 01604 supporting people in their final weeks when they had chosen to be cared for and die at home.

611200.

PROJECT WILL CUT FOOD WASTE

Rachel Mallows

A project set to shine a light on sustainability and slash food waste in the north of Northamptonshire has been launched – with food and drink businesses pledging their support and commitment to protecting the environment.

The Full Circle project, funded by the UK Community Renewal Fund, is providing farmers, producers, suppliers and food retailers with online platforms to help them chart their journey to sustainability and provide a matchmaking service to link hospitality businesses with producers and suppliers with food produce that would otherwise go to waste.

Rachel Mallows MBE, of The Mallows Company, is also a director of Made in Northamptonshire and heads up the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink

Awards. She said: “The statistics are shocking. Over a third of all food produced globally goes to waste, and in the UK, we throw away around 9.5m tonnes every year.

“When we waste food, we also waste all the energy and water it takes to grow, harvest, transport and package it. And if food goes to the landfill and rots, it produces methane – a greenhouse gas even more potent than carbon dioxide.

“As well as the interactive platforms, our Full Circle project will include a detailed mapping exercise, so we can create an interactive digital map and understand for the first time what and where all our food businesses, food banks and food larders are.”

To find out more, email jay@madeinnorthamptonshire.org

TAKING A NEW APPROACH TO DRUG RESEARCH HORIBA UK has partnered with academia to develop new methods for drug discovery and disease diagnosis.

This partnership aims to provide a new generation of scientists with skills and approaches to reduce and replace the need for animal testing, so transforming drug discovery, toxicology screening and regenerative medicine.

The lifETIME (Engineered Tissues for Discovery, Industry and Medicine) CDT is a partnership between the University of Glasgow, University of Birmingham, Aston University and CÚRAM – Science Foundation Ireland at the National University of Ireland.

Offering fully-funded PhD studentships, the CDT focuses on high-value skills training across a range of scientific disciplines to enable research students to develop nonanimal technologies that better mimic physiology and disease.

In partnership with industry, the lifETIME CDT harnesses knowledge-exchange and cocreation in pioneering science to develop bioengineered humanised 3D models, microfluidics, diagnostics and sensing platforms.

As an industry partner, HORIBA will co-create, support and mentor a four-year research project to explore how spectroscopy can help drive new methods of cell screening and disease diagnosis based on animal-free research.

Technical manager Dr Simon FitzGerald said: “Our involvement with doctoral training centres keeps us close to cutting-edge UK science and allows us to give something back through support and nurture of a new generation of scientists.

“We’re particularly excited to join lifETIME CDT as we can enable and contribute to incredible science that will drive real improvements in disease diagnosis, medicine, and clinical science. It covers a broad range of research driven by world-leading scientists, much of which is underpinned by the spectroscopy and measurement technologies that are at the core of HORIBA’s expertise.”

Visit: www.horiba.com

JUNE/JULY 2022 inbusiness 39

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:59 Page 40

MEMBER ZONE

MEMBER PROFILE

NAME: Parm Bhangal COMPANY: Parm Bhangal Business Coach

JOB TITLE: Entrepreneur, Business Coach and Industry Expert

WHAT DOES YOUR ORGANISATION DO? I mentor and coach people in business or looking to start a business, focussing on how to improve, grow or structure a business.

HOW DID IT ALL START? When Covid started I wanted to help people. The phone stopped ringing for our construction business and I realised that wouldn’t just be my problem. I started doing help videos for my client base and I got some phenomenal feedback. People started coming to me for advice on all sorts of things, like marketing, team structure and managing a team.

WHAT’S YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR? I think it is the businesses I work with becoming more structured and systemised. I have one client who now has a system in place that has saved them six hours a week and that makes me happy because I am helping someone build a better life for themselves.

WHAT KEEPS YOU AWAKE AT NIGHT? Other people’s problems! When someone presents me with a problem, I like to find a solution swiftly. I’m a thinker and if I don’t have an immediate solution for someone, I become obsessive and I think about it all the time.

WHAT HAS SURPRISED YOU MOST IN YOUR JOB? The lack of systems and processes in people’s businesses is shocking. I wonder how people are even surviving in successful, profitable businesses running on a wing and a prayer. I think it’s because they don’t have the time and focus on churning profit, but you need the structure behind a company so that you can grow.

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST RISK YOU’VE EVER TAKEN – AND DID IT WORK? The biggest risk was setting up my first company, Bhangals Construction Consultants. I was only 23 and I had no experience in business. I knew how to do my job, but I knew nothing about business. It worked out though!

WHAT EXCITING PROJECTS IS YOUR ORGANISATION WORKING ON? Since the launch of my Wing Kingz venture, I’ve had more clients from the food and beverage industry, where focus is on quality, volume and price – three really tricky factors for business. It has been really exciting to be part of something different and make a difference in another sector.

WHAT MADE YOUR ORGANISATION JOIN NORTHAMPTONSHIRE CHAMBER? I’ve been a Chamber member for many years now. It is a brilliant network of businesses and individuals and I feel that being part of such a fantastic group really pushes you to do better because you are part of a community always looking to improve.

Tel: 01604 871808 Email: hello@parmbhangal.co.uk Website: www.parmbhangal.co.uk

40 inbusiness JUNE/JULY 2022

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:59 Page 41

MEMBER ZONE

MEMBER BENEFITS CHAMBER FX NAME: Sarah Chisnall COMPANY: Starting Off

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

JOB TITLE: Digital Marketing Trainer

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 – TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOU! I grew up in Northamptonshire but after finishing my A levels I moved to Southampton University to study Philosophy and History which I absolutely loved, but found that academia wasn’t necessarily the career route for me. One year after graduation, I ended up working as a PR and Content Executive supporting young people who were choosing their next career options. I found that supporting people in finding and growing their own passions had become my own. I joined Starting Off in 2019 when I discovered they had the perfect role for me that combined my enjoyment of digital marketing with my passion for supporting and guiding people.

WHAT DOES YOUR JOB INVOLVE? I am responsible for Starting Off’s online marketing.

I also run workshops, mark work, schedule social media posts and more! It’s a busy job but I love the variety. I feel that being able to stretch my own creativity and maintain a live experience of being a digital marketer while mentoring and training my learners allows me to provide a better-quality training experience.

WHY DID YOU JOIN NEXT GENERATION CHAMBER? Joining the Next Generation Chamber has enabled me to engage more with people and businesses

from my own area. I enjoy the workshops and believe it’s important to always be learning. I often find inspiration for my own workshops that I run for my digital marketing course too.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE NEXT GENERATION CHAMBER EVENT AND WHY? My favourite event so far was the bouldering social! It was wonderful to meet people in person and having a go at the climbing walls. I felt like a kid again!

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU’VE LEARNED FROM NEXT GENERATION CHAMBER? I admire everyone for different reasons, but if I were to pick one, I would choose Sasha. She only joined recently but has been warm, welcoming and enthusiastic from the start and lovely to get to know.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU’VE LEARNED FROM NEXT GENERATION CHAMBER? Be brave and just going for it! I don’t often feel confident attending events, especially if I’m on my own, but everyone at the Chamber has been so welcoming, I always end feeling glad that I did it!

WESTFIELD HEALTH Chamber Primary Health Plan delivered by Westfield Health, can give members cover from just £6.13 per employee, per month.

Employees will have access to 14 different healthcare benefits including money back towards their everyday healthcare expenses, such as optical, dental and therapy treatments, chiropody and consultations.

Employees can also access several services, including a 24 hour advice line, access to MRI, CT and PET scanning facilities, personal accident cover, telephone access to a qualified GP and concessionary deals at UK health and fitness clubs.

Visit: www.northantschamber.co.uk/costsaving/chamber-primaryhealth-plan

SOCIAL MEDIA CONTACT LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sarahchisnall

JUNE/JULY 2022 inbusiness 41

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:59 Page 42

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 AJS Express Parcels Limited WELLINGBOROUGH 01933 588010 www.AJSexpress.co.uk B2B courier for small/medium pallets, parcels, documents and anything else that will fit in our vans. Urgent same day and prebookable catered for Beda Technology Ltd CORBY 01536 205488 www.bedatec.co.uk Manufacturer of liquid filtration solutions Bentlebury Limited RAUNDS 0203 355 0430 www.bentlebury.com Management consultancy activities other than financial management Bloody Lovely Branding Co DAVENTRY 07828 295544 www.bloodylovelybranding.co Bloody Lovely Branding Co. is a brand consultancy specialising in strategy and design. We help businesses and charities build brands the right way Brightspace Events Ltd NORTHAMPTON 01604 635346 www.brightspaceevents.co.uk An event management agency providing full event management services for any event type to a wide range of industries Campion School and Language College NORTHAMPTON 01604 833900 www.campion.northants.sch.uk Academy school delivering education 11-18 specialising in vocational and modern languages Capri Services UK Ltd NORTHAMPTON 07887 584545 www.capriservices.co.uk Importer and exporter of animal feed and Warehouse Distribution Diamond Services Ltd LONDON 03330 903399 www.diamondservices-limited.co.uk Providing clients with all forms of security/cleaning services. All our 42 inbusiness JUNE/JULY 2022

operatives are fully trained and security vetted Essential Business Services WELLINGBOROUGH 07944 356547 www.leasingforbusiness.co.uk Business services and support Motum Insurance Services KETTERING 0345 0344542 www.motum-services.com Insurance broking One44 Complete Business Development NORTHAMPTON 07432 470317 www.144conultancy.co.uk One44 Complete Business Development specialises in training and consultancy enabling individuals and businesses to acquire new skills

Pilot Fish Finance BOURNE 07702 458122 www.pilotfishfinance.co.uk Commercial finance broker RYG Films NORTHAMPTON 01604 450453 www.rygfilms.co.uk Hand crafted films for hand crafted industries. We create fresh and striking videos Simon Laskey Ltd KETTERING 01536 526427 www.simonlaskey.com Providing a full range of accountancy services to private and corporate clients Stanwick Lakes RUSHDEN 01933 625522

www.stanwicklakes.org.uk A unique 750 acre countryside attraction and nature reserve located in the heart of Northamptonshire’s Nene Valley.

With extensive and imaginative play areas The Granary at Fawsley DAVENTRY 01327 361730 www.granary-weddings.com The Granary at Fawsley is a collection of Grade II listed barns, which have been converted into a contemporary but rustic barn wedding venue and hotel Tompkins Creative t/a Third Avenue Creative NORTHAMPTON 01604 713290 www.thirdavenuecreative.com Digital marketing and events

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:59 Page 43

IN BIZ NC JUNE-JULY 2022.qxp_A4 size 16/05/2022 09:59 Page 44