inbusiness Oct Nov 23

Helping

business partners

We are all still reeling from our exceptional Northamptonshire Business Exhibition, which was held on 7 September at Cinch Stadiums at Franklin’s Gardens, and saw hundreds of local businesses in attendance.

It was our pleasure to host our VIP guest on the day, legendary boxing superstar Frank Bruno, who was the subject of a fascinating Q&A session, in which he talked about his incredible career as a professional heavyweight boxer and the fantastic work Frank does through the Frank Bruno Foundation.

Tales from the ring were a light relief for many visitors to the exhibition, as the business climate continues to be tricky to navigate for many. The Bank of England has hiked rates more than 14 times since December 2021 and they remained high as the summer came to close, piling on pressure for many businesses already struggling to bounce back post-Covid. We’ve had a number of local firms contact us for help and advice and would urge anyone else who needs guidance to get in touch. In addition we also ran a Bank of England event for our members which allowed our members to have their voice heard on local and national level.

As Autumn creeps in we have two big events coming up to look forward to. The Milton Keynes Business Exhibition follows in its sister’s footsteps on 2 November, with a whole host of exhibitors, events and networking opportunities for all. Booking is open now for stands, Business Before Hours networking and Speed Networking, so don’t miss your chance to secure a spot.

And the finalists for the 2023 Northamptonshire Business Awards have now been announced! Congratulations to everyone who made the shortlist. The entries were of a particularly high calibre this year and it is both humbling and exhilarating to see the incredible work that goes on in our bustling business community. I am very proud to be a part of it.

We look forward to celebrating the winners at the glittering gala ceremony on 23 November. Hope to see you there!

Louise Wall CEO, Northamptonshire Chamber and Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce

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business report

inbusiness keeps Northamptonshire Chamber and Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce members up-to-date with the latest business news

Milton Keynes estate agency embarks on major venture

Leading Milton Keynes estate agency MK Property has announced its merger with Venture Group Holding and the acquisition of Octagon Finance. Together, Venture Group Holding and The Inspiring Ventures group will manage more than 1,000 properties across Luton, Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire.

Director Danielle Withers-Brown says the company’s commitment to excellence and its core values of fun, accountability, integrity and innovation have been the driving force behind its success.

She said: “In addition to expanding our presence in the estate agency sector, we are

pleased to unveil our new venture in the commercial market. This strategic move allows us to broaden our services and cater to a diverse clientele, further strengthening our position as a trusted and innovative force in the industry.

‘We look forward to continuing our journey of success and forging new milestones’

“Furthermore, we are proud to announce the recent acquisition of Octagon Finance, a valuable

addition to our group of companies. Octagon Finance plays a pivotal role in assisting mortgage buyers in securing finance from the entire marketplace. With this addition, our finance department now offers comprehensive support to investors, aiding them in finding excellent bridge finance options and commercial finance solutions.

“As we reflect on our accomplishments, we remain focused on our mission to deliver outstanding results, foster innovation, and exceed expectations. We look forward to continuing our journey of success and forging new milestones as we serve our clients and contribute to the local business community.”

Directors of the group at a recent video shoot in Luton

Bespoke stonework added to iconic building

Stonework crafted by experts in Brixworth now has pride of place in the newly enhanced gardens at Northampton’s iconic 78 Derngate.

As part of a project to extend and rejuvenate the property, which was designed by artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Haddonstone, which is based in Brixworth, was commissioned to manufacture a range of cast stone steps and copings for the gardens.

The project, which has been funded by West Northamptonshire Council, as well as through donations from individuals and organisations, was officially unveiled in July. Three local companies - Haddonstone, MWK Architects and Cornerhouse Buildings Contractors - worked together to bring the vision to life.

Managing director of Haddonstone, David Barrow, said: “As a local manufacturer, Haddonstone was delighted to be commissioned to manufacture the cast stone landscaping components for this impressive Northamptonshire project. We hope that visitors to the newly extended museum will enjoy exploring 78 Derngate for many years to come."

Liz Jansson, house manager at 78 Derngate, said: “We are thrilled with the extension and are settling in well to our enhanced surroundings. Visitors past, present and yet to come will thoroughly enjoy the added spaces inside and out, which already feel harmonious with the original heritage buildings.”

Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth at West Northamptonshire Council, said: “I am delighted that representatives from key organisations including the Arts Council were able to join WNC and 78 Derngate Trust to celebrate the official opening of the redevelopment of this local gem. The expansion provides enhanced facilities for visitors, which I hope people will enjoy for years to come.”

Change is needed to retain top talent

Northamptonshire’s enviable location at the heart of the Midlands’ golden logistics triangle means it is a hotbed for industrial and logistics recruitment according to Reed.

With warehousing in West and North Northants booming, there has been a sharp increase in the number of new job opportunities available for local people, but this can cause a talent shortage at peak times of the year such as Christmas.

Reed account director Sam Slatter said: “The logistics talent shortage across the Northants region is inevitably impacting business performance and stemming organisations’ ability to grow and onboard new clients, as well as fulfil orders for existing customers. To tackle this effectively, and improve logistics business’ ability to attract and retain top talent, there’s a

fundamental need to change long-standing warehouse workplace perceptions.

“Many industrial opportunities have long been overlooked by candidates in the temporaries market, as a result of a number of common perceptions, such as the work being labour intensive and difficult and warehouse facilities being poor. However, the reality is that the logistics and transport sector is advancing rapidly – meaning it now offers many opportunities in automation and robotics, for example, enhancing the sector’s efficiency and reducing demand pressures on workers.

“To successfully attract and retain skilled workers in Northants’ highly competitive logistics melting pot, organisations need to stand out and offer employment packages and benefits that today’s employees are searching for.”

Sam Slatter, account director at Reed

A royal honour for JPA Workspaces

Workspace experts JPA Workspaces were presented with The King’s Award for Enterprise at a reception hosted by His Majesty The King in June.

The multi award-winning company, which is based in St Albans, was recognised in the sustainable development category of the awards, which acknowledge achievements in innovation, international trade, sustainable development and the promotion of opportunity through social mobility.

The award also recognised JPA’s success in the design and delivery of sustainable workplaces across Northamptonshire, the Midlands and beyond.

Head of Sustainability, Fiona Edwards said: “The team at JPA has been blown away by this award which is incredible. It confirms our belief that every business can contribute positively to the social and environmental challenges of our time.

“Our mission is to provide healthy, productive furnishing solutions which also reduce carbon, waste use of finite resources and impact on biodiversity, while also achieving measurable social and economic impact across a spectrum of criteria, not least preferred local supply chains.”

Chief Operating Officer, Richard Cooksey said: “We are delighted and proud to have received The King’s Award 2023 for Enterprise in Sustainable Development which provides a solid platform for our future growth. It is a reflection of the commitment and dedication of the team we have

Head of Sustainability at JPA Workspaces, Fiona Edwards, meets HM The King at a reception held to celebrate the presentation of The King’s Award for Enterprise

built, and we are looking forward to the future.”

The reception was also attended by The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Environment Secretary Therese Coffey and Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch.

‘Our mission is to provide healthy, productive furnishing solutions which also reduce carbon’

Red Bull Racing in exciting partnership with MK College

Milton Keynes College Group has entered an exciting partnership with Red Bull Racing to create an Education Centre at the Red Bull Technology Campus in the city. The new talent pipeline will aim to significantly increase diversity and inclusion in the sport in line with the two organisations’ shared values – the College Group’s Fairer Futures ambitions and the racing Team’s Drive For Change strategy.

Targeted at nine to 14 year olds, the Education Centre aims to open the world of motorsport to a new generation of young people to study Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects – subjects in high demand in the city and the wider country.

The partners will work together to develop courses in line with the national curriculum, guided by a Curriculum Advisory Board made up of selected technology industry partners to support and advise on the skills needed for the future. Understanding potential skills gaps and challenges facing the sector provides a unique perspective and opportunity to inspire students with the art of the possible: jobs beyond motorsport in the wider world of tech, in nontraditional roles that often don’t yet exist.

MK College Group CEO and group principal Sally Alexander said: “I congratulate colleagues at the College Group for negotiating yet another massive collaboration with a major engineering partner. It’s by working with employers, large and small, that we ensure that what we’re teaching is what business needs, and science and engineering are two of the key in-demand skills across the UK. Just as the College Group is dedicated to opening up opportunities for potential students from disadvantaged backgrounds, so is Red Bull Technology Campus, so we’re looking forward to a partnership that will greatly improve the life chances of so many in the city.”

Oracle Red Bull Racing Team principal and CEO Christian Horner said: “The launch of the

Education Centre on our Technology Campus is a landmark moment on the journey towards a more diverse motorsport community. Since its inception, Red Bull has placed the development of young talent at the core of its existence, with inclusivity at the heart of our culture. We feel strongly that the talent pool we are recruiting from should better reflect the diversity of wider society but to achieve this, we must disrupt the STEM talent pipeline from grassroots level. Our aim is to inspire young people to pursue STEM subjects at school, at university and to eventually translate that passion into successful careers.”

The Education Centre is scheduled to open in 2024.

‘It’s by working with employers, large and small, that we ensure that what we’re teaching is what business needs’

Artist’s impression of the Red Bull Racing Innovation Warehouse

The Learning Zone

dbfb celebrates 25th anniversary with tree planting

Telecommunications company dbfb will be celebrating 25 years of keeping the county’s businesses connected in October.

From humble beginnings to a prominent player among local businesses, dbfb, which is based on Northampton’s Moulton Park, has come a long way in 25 years.

Established in back in 1998, the company has consistently driven technological advancements and delivered unparalleled services to customers in Northampton and surrounding areas.

Managing director Simon Pickering said: “It's a momentous occasion for all of us at dbfb. Our 25th birthday signifies not just years of operation, but also years of building relationships, enriching communities, and empowering businesses with seamless connectivity. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and we pride ourselves on delivering not just technology, but solutions that genuinely enhance the lives of other businesses.

“Our 25 year journey is a testament to the trust and loyalty

Riderless horses don't winAI and the sales environment

AI is, quite frankly, impressive. It is clearly going to have a major impact on almost every business sector. It also has its limitations, particularly when it comes to sales. The biggest of these limitations is written right there in the title of this article. AI is artificial and sales is about being real.

I recently tried a sales training tool that was based in artificial intelligence, and it was very good indeed. This is until the responses needed to be a little more spontaneous, specific, and nuanced. As a training tool it was competent, it was useful, but not outstanding. AI is like a riderless horse that is fast out of the trap but will falter after the first few fences. Not because it isn’t fast or capable, but because there is no human element to guide it. Sales is not simply about transactions, it is about problem solving, understanding, empathy and connections. A well-trained sales professional is a lot more than a question answering machine, they are a communication expert who can read between the lines and adapt their approach. Great sales

professionals are empathic and motivated. They understand people and talk their language. They build trust, bridges, and relationships and they do that human to human. As a salesperson you have the advantage of emotional intelligence and AI simply does not have that skill.

So, as clever as AI may be, as a trained sales professional you are going win every time… just by being you.

our customers have placed in us."

One of the hallmarks of dbfb’s involvement in Northampton is its unwavering support for the local community. Over the years, they have demonstrated their dedication to fostering community spirit by sponsoring football, cricket, and rugby teams in the region. By nurturing local sporting talent and providing opportunities for aspiring athletes, dbfb has become an integral part of Northampton's sporting landscape.

To mark the company’s milestone, dbfb will also plant trees throughout the local area to offset carbon emissions and to enhance the town’s green spaces for generations to come.

Workplace and sustainability director, Jess Ansell, said: "Sustainability is a core value at dbfb. We understand the urgency of addressing climate change and want to play our part in leaving a positive environmental legacy. By introducing our tree planting initiative in our 25th year, we aim to create a greener and more sustainable Northampton for the benefit of all residents."

Simon Pickering

Contact

Julie Futcher

Awards to celebrate thriving STEM talent in Milton Keynes

The very first MK STEM Awards will be held in Milton Keynes on Friday 29 February 2024.

The new MK STEM Awards will focus and connect the STEM community across the city and surrounding areas, recognising, celebrating and promoting STEM heroes from all areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

Organised by Meena Chander, CEO of Events

Together, the awards will take place at MK’s unique and exciting venue Unity Place.

Meena said: “I believe that STEM is the future of Milton Keynes as it continues to build its reputation as one of the UK’s premier Science, Engineering & Technology hubs. MK has had a long-standing focus on STEM related activities in business and education including R&D, start-ups and incubators, and inbound investment from larger national and international companies with MK being at the forefront of innovation, productivity, and competitiveness for years.

“The feedback on the new awards programme has been really positive, and we’ve already attracted partners such as Unity Place – our venue sponsor, Outlook Creative Group – our

The categories for the awards are as follows:

• Women’s Empowerment

• Education

• Student Superstar (School)

• Student Superstar (Higher/Further Education)

• Tomorrow’s Leader

• Changemaker/Lightbulb Seed

• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (D, E & I)

• Sustainability

• Heartfelt

• Icon/Lifetime Achievement

• STEM Champion

Entries must be submitted no later than Friday 29 October 2023. Finalists will be announced on Friday 17 November 2023.

production sponsor and Women Leaders, who stepped forward with their support immediately.

“I believe there couldn’t be a better time to launch a dedicated MK STEM Awards programme, which will give us the opportunity to recognise and celebrate our STEM heroes throughout this amazing city and surrounding areas.”

Find out more about the MK STEM Awards, sponsorship or becoming a judge, visit www.eventstogether.co.uk/stem-event

Best Local Business award win was a piece of cake

all made by hand and beautifully decorated with loaded toppings.

Cheeky Cheesecakes was also recently shortlisted for Best Local Food Producer in the Muddy Stilettos Bucks/Oxon Awards.

Owner Emma McQuade (pictured) said: “I started making cheesecakes as a hobby during lockdown and posting photos on social media. I then started to receive lots of requests and this quickly became my lockdown side hustle. Three years later it is now an award-winning business!”

Cheeky Cheesecakes was chosen to cater for the Chamber’s 10th anniversary Business Showcase in July and provided Mini Egg cheesecakes for fellow member Crisis Logistics to give out to customers back in April – Emma’s biggest order to date.

The company caters for all kinds of events, including birthdays, baby showers and weddings and Emma can often be found at local markets and events.

Meena Chander, CEO of Events Together

Celebrating the Chamber’s 10th anniversary Business Showcase with a Cheeky Cheesecake

Major funding boost to deliver free sports and wellbeing activities

Trilogy Active has been awarded a £10,000 boost in funding to allow it to deliver free sports and wellbeing activities across Northampton. The activities, which include walks to improve mental health and a range of sports, have been funded with support from West Northamptonshire Council.

John Fletcher, managing director of Trilogy Active, said: “We are delighted to continue to receive this funding which will help make a real difference to people in Northampton.

“Our Wellbeing Walks, led by our trained volunteer walk leaders are a great way to meet

new people and to give your health and wellbeing a boost.

“Our Northampton Streets Sports programme aims to create a positive change in the lives of young people across the town through the power of sport. The project helps to provide young people with positive opportunities to participate in structured activities which broaden horizons, teach valuable life skills, and bring people together.”

Cllr Adam Brown, deputy leader of WNC and Cabinet Member for Housing, Culture and Leisure said: “We’re really pleased to be able to provide Trilogy Active with this funding to

“The project helps to provide young people with positive opportunities to participate in structured activities which broaden horizons, teach valuable life skills, and bring people together’

deliver these important activities which will benefit residents across Northampton.

“Sport and physical activity play a vital role in our communities and are enormously important in helping people’s physical and mental health and wellbeing. I encourage everybody to take advantage of these free programmes and take a look at the other offerings available in their local leisure centre.”

Trilogy Active currently manages the Mounts Baths, Lings Forum Leisure Centre, Danes Camp Leisure Centre, the Cripps Recreation Centre, Duston Sports Centre and Berzerk in Northampton, and Trilogy Gym in Peterborough.

hireful is helping to make recruitment even easier

Making it that much easier to hire new staff

Clients of recruitment software company hireful have been involved in the development of new products which help to make it easier when it comes to hiring new members of staff. When it came to building new features for its Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), hireful focused on listening to feedback from its own clients, creating software which was effective and easy to use.

CEO Sean Maher said: “Some of our best features have come from our clients’ suggestions. One of our favourites is the Candidate Commute via Google Maps. Our client told us how they were spending so much time looking up how far candidates lived from the office, now they can see that information without leaving the ATS – giving them back so much time, something we know our clients are short on.

“We have a very open dialogue with our clients, so we also know that a top priority for lots of them is to recruit more inclusively.

“As a result, we’ve been working hard on innovating features to help – including the ability to anonymise CVs and application forms, and benchmarking data against the 2021 census to ensure you’re attracting an applicant pool that’s representative of your catchment area.

“While we know great recruitment software can revolutionise your recruitment process, at the end of the day hiring is all about people. Our ‘Recruitment Success Programme’ was launched last year, and is a way for our clients to work on improving their skills on a whole host of recruitment topics. Our team share their knowledge on how to maximise recruitment with our ATS customers.”

Expand your office upwards

In today’s digitally connected world, companies are recognising the advantages of occupying smaller workspaces. With remote work becoming more prevalent and the demand for cost-efficient solutions on the rise, organisations are reimagining their workplace strategies.

Cubex Contracts in Wellingborough is working with businesses to make the most out of their workspaces by utilising vertical as well as horizontal space.

Andy MacKenzie, managing director at Cubex Contracts, said: “To utilise limited square footage and minimise overhead costs, businesses must adopt a mindset that thinks big within smaller spaces. Traditional office layouts often underutilise vertical space. By implementing innovative design solutions such as a mezzanine floor installation, companies can maximise their office footprint from top to bottom!

“When it comes to the horizontal space in a commercial building, companies should look to introduce flexible seating arrangements, modular furniture and partitioning solutions to better define key workspaces. By doing so, they can efficiently adapt to changing business demands and accommodate varying team sizes.”

People across Northampton will benefit from the sports events which are being run by Trilogy Active

Andy MacKenzie

A winning partnership for Parm

An award-winning Northamptonshire business coach has been chosen to mentor Love Island winner Jess Hayes. The reality TV star, who shot to fame in the first-ever series of the ITV2 show in 2015, is now in the process of setting up her own property business with fiancé Zeb.

Industry expert and construction coach Parm Bhangal has been working with the couple for the last six months, using his extensive knowledge of the property and construction industry to help them establish their company, putting essential systems and processes in place.

The company, Eminence Properties, is based in Oxfordshire and sees Jess, 30, and Zeb running a property sales business, which is slightly different to a conventional estate agency.

A mutual acquaintance put Jess and Zeb in touch with Parm and the trio, quickly hit it off.

Parm said: “Jess is a lovely person, and we get along really well. She is always open to new ideas and is open to new ideas and learning new skills. Jess really considers the information I give, takes it on board and implements the advice, which is rewarding for me as it means she will see much quicker results. She is always striving for better which makes her a great client to work with.”

For more information about Parm Bhangal and his coaching services visit www.parmbhangal.co.uk

Care agency celebrates first birthday

A franchise that offers a bespoke companion service has celebrated a whole year of helping local people.

Hub Care Support Milton Keynes and North Buckinghamshire opened its doors on 3 October 2022 providing a home helpers introduction service at affordable rates.

Since then, it has witnessed significant growth and is now exploring working with other care providers/businesses to support their staffing operations.

Branch manager Bukky Ajibola said: “We differ from the traditional care agencies. With us, the client gets to choose their private carer that provides them with personalised in-home services, ranging from personal care, meal preparation, help with admin, taking to

appointments and social engagements, support with medication, domestic tasks, general errands.

“We support people with learning/physical disabilities, dementia, Parkinsons, hospital discharge and other health needs.”

Companions are fully vetted with clean DBS, liability insurance, excellent reference, fully

trained and all members of the Quality Care Approval Scheme. Flexible care schedules accommodate client needs, from a few hours a day to 24/7 live-in support.

For more information visit: hubcaresupport.co.uk or call 01908 464350

‘With us, the client gets to choose their private carer that provides them with personalised in-home services’

Branch manager Bukky Ajibola talking to the Wolverton Senior Citizens club at their coffee morning

Parm Bhangal and Jess Hayes

Light and heat your workplaces with interLED

Revolutionise your workspace with interLED smart Far-Infrared heating: embrace energy efficiency and unleash innovation!

Are you ready to step into a future where heating isn't just about warmth, but about intelligent energy usage and enhanced well-being? Look no further than interLED's groundbreaking smart Far-infrared heating solutions. Say goodbye to fossil fuels and wasteful heating practices, and say hello to a new era of precision, efficiency, and unparalleled comfort.

At interLED, we've reimagined heating from the ground up. Our innovative technology doesn't just warm the air; it targets the operative and workspace, ensuring that every ounce of energy is utilised exactly where it's needed most. No more wasted heat lingering in unused spaces. Our system employs a meticulously timed rota, spreading warmth in precise intervals.

The beauty of Far-Infrared technology lies in its precision. Unlike traditional methods, which heat the surrounding air and let it dissipate, our technology directs warmth towards objects and solids. This means no energy is lost in futile attempts to heat the atmosphere – it's all

harnessed to keep your workspace optimally comfortable.

But the benefits don't stop at efficiency. Far-Infrared heating boasts an array of health advantages. From improved blood circulation to a stronger cardiovascular system and boosted immunity, it's a holistic approach to enhancing your well-being while creating a productive work environment.

And that's not all – we're not just offering a product, but a comprehensive service. With our adapted DIALux software-powered heating design, tailored to your needs, you'll have the evidence you require for the perfect fit. For straightforward spaces like warehouses and factories, our design service is absolutely free, ensuring that your heating setup is flawless and efficient.

Join us in shaping a greener, smarter, and healthier future for your workspace. Embrace interLED's smart far-infrared heating and embark on a journey towards innovation, energy efficiency, and ultimate well-being.

MAIN PICTURE: Electronics Production factory heatRAY and trayLED installation

INSET LEFT: heatRAY Direct Drive Control Cabinet

INSET RIGHT: interRAY Desktop heating controls training

Teaming up with industry leaders Paul & Ben of Acorn Commercial Finance Ltd, renowned for their extensive 20+ years of experience working with SMEs, but it's not just about technology –it's about strategy! Where you’ll receive access to tailor-made financial guidance that aligns seamlessly with your ambitions.

For further information please contact Kerri Nicholson, national sales manager, interLED on:

T: 01933 418499

E: kerri@interLED.co.uk

Or Visit: www.interLED.co.uk www.interRAY.co.uk

Remarkable feet for family footwear firm

Aluxury shoe brand in Rushden is celebrating 150 years in business. Since its inception in 1873, Sanders & Sanders has become an institution in the world of footwear, earning a reputation as a brand that celebrates tradition while embracing innovation.

Sanders & Sanders remains a family business, owned and guided by the fourth and fifth generations of the Sanders family. The company now produces more than 2,000 pairs of shoes and boots every week, exports to more than 70 countries across six continents, and has worked out of the same factory on Spencer Road for the past century.

Megan Sanders, retail director at Sanders & Sanders said: “Heritage, for us, symbolises an unwavering commitment to tradition, craftsmanship, and the enduring values instilled by our predecessors. With a legacy deeply rooted in English shoemaking, we cherish our heritage as a testament to our longstanding success. It represents a rich tapestry of family legacy, timeless expertise, and a dedication to producing footwear of exceptional quality. At Sanders & Sanders, we honour our heritage by preserving the artistry, values, and legacy that have defined the brand for 150 remarkable years.”

Cartell UK showcases innovative new lab

Pioneering adhesive manufacturer Cartell UK has celebrated its 15th anniversary with the opening of a state-of-the-art laboratory.

Cartell UK, which is based in Corby, has launched the new laboratory to revolutionise the work its research development teams does when it comes to developing the very latest adhesive formulations.

‘We can now cater for larger orders, accommodate increased client demand’

With years of dedication in producing highquality adhesives and a commitment to continuous improvement, Cartell UK has emerged as a trailblazer in the industry.

According to marketing and sales manager Rory Spick, the company has grown from humble beginnings to become a prominent player nationally and internationally.

He said: “Throughout its journey, Cartell UK has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to innovation and research, which has been instrumental in maintaining our competitive edge.

“Our clients have consistently favoured our adhesives due to their durability and versatility. We also make environmental considerations a priority by continually researching and implementing new and innovative procedures.

“We’ve responded to the growing demand for our products by expanding our manufacturing capacity. This expansion has led to new job opportunities which have positively impacted the local community. We can now cater for larger orders, accommodate increased client demand, and maintain our commitment to timely deliveries without compromising on quality.

“Looking ahead, the new laboratory will serve as a springboard for innovation and cement our reputation as a pioneer in the adhesive industry.”

‘With a legacy deeply rooted in English shoemaking, we cherish our heritage as a testament to our longstanding success’

Sanders & Sanders now produces more than 2,000 pairs of shoes and boots every week

Cartell UK’s new state-ofthe-art laboratory in Corby

Awards highlight students’ hard work and dedication

Students at Northampton College have been praised for their “ambition, adaptability and academic excellence” during an awards ceremony to recognise their progress.

The annual presentation honoured 60 students who have excelled, both in terms of academic performance and personal progress.

Among the winners was Level 3 hospitality and culinary arts student Cara Payne who won the Jeff Whitaker Award in memory of the Whitco founder. Presented by Jeff’s wife Vita, the award recognised Cara’s passion for the food and drink industry, her appetite for learning and determination to develop her skills further.

Matt Jones won the Rising Star award in recognition of his work on the Level 3 music performance course. Matt has put on solo

Matt Jones said:

Cara Payne said:

performances at a number of college events over the year and has been working with studio engineers from the University of Northampton who have produced albums for stars including Bob Marley and the Wailers.

He said: “I owe everything to this college. The last two years have been the best two years of my life. The music scene in Northampton is incredible and being here has given me so many opportunities, including getting involved with Northampton Music Festival.”

Level 3 health and social care student Jackson Cose won the Principal’s Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the course and

Jackson Cose said:

his achievements during a work placement which saw him immediately offered a job.

Ellie Dodwell was named the winner of the Katy Wright Award having demonstrated “unwavering enthusiasm” during her time on the Access to Health Professions course.

Pat Brennan-Barrett OBE, principal of Northampton College, said: “When our students leave us, they go on to make a difference, both in the workplace and in the community. We are producing responsible young people who are showcasing their ambition, adaptability and academic excellence every day and they are going to be tremendous assets in whichever field they choose.

“These awards are a chance to celebrate them, to praise their progress and to give them the public ‘well done’ they so richly deserve.”

The awards were sponsored by Cosworth, Fablink, NME Electrical Services, Sytner Jaguar Land Rover, DSV, Northampton Partnership Homes, Grosvenor Decorating Supplies and Vintage Guru.

For more information on Northampton College, or to apply for a course, visit www.northamptoncollege.ac.uk

“I’m so excited. It’s a brilliant opportunity to work in an amazing restaurant.”

“I owe everything to this college. The last two years have been the best two years of my life. The music scene in Northampton is incredible and being here has given me so many opportunities, including getting involved with Northampton Music Festival.”

“I have loved my time at college and it has given me way more opportunities than I ever thought possible.”

Pat Brennan-Barrett OBE, principal of Northampton College

Celebrating the Northampton College students

Taking steps to protect staff during flu season

With the Government encouraging employers to do more to care for the long-term health of their staff, Lincoln Occupational Health has announced the launch of its 2023 flu vaccination programme.

As one of the leading providers of occupational health services in the UK, Lincoln Occupational Health provides on-site flu vaccination services, giving employers the chance to put the health and wellbeing of their staff at the forefront.

Managing partner Katie Eastwell (pictured) said: “Our Occupational Health nurse comes on-site and gets to see a large number of the workforce in a short time. This allows her to have the opportunity to have a quick chat with everyone as we administer the vaccination.

“It’s amazing the rapport we can achieve in just a five-minute appointment! Nurses focus on

people, their functionality and workability and this is reflected in our nurse-led approach to wider occupational health services which include referrals for fitness to work and absence management.

“Offering employees the opportunity to have a flu vaccination onsite really is a win-win situation for everyone.

“The employer is showing itself to be putting health and wellbeing at the forefront, while promoting better health in the winter months for their employees, resulting in less sickness absence.

“As for the employee, they get a real health benefit from having a flu vaccination in work time. Previous experience shows how much this is appreciated by employees and the take up increases year by year. The NHS also benefits with there being less demand on their GP flu clinics and less illness requiring GP, hospital or social care.”

Double award win for HR consultancy

A leading HR and executive coaching consultancy has been celebrating after winning two prestigious awards just two years after it was launched.

Haus of HR, which is based in Towcester, won HR Consultancy of the Year - East Midlands at the UK Enterprise Awards and Towcester Business of the Year at the SME Northamptonshire Business Awards.

Founder of Haus of HR Rachel Collar described the dual triumph as ‘testament to the company's dedication to excellence and delivering best-in-class HR support for both businesses and start-ups.’

She added: "Winning both of these awards is a resounding affirmation of our ability to deliver comprehensive HR solutions tailored to address the distinct requirements of each of our clients. Our commitment to adeptly navigating the everchanging employment landscape consistently equips businesses with the essential tools and strategies to propel success through the capabilities of their workforce.

"The last two years have been an incredible journey and this recognition serves as a powerful reminder of our unrelenting dedication to delivering exceptional HR solutions. Our pursuit of excellence has firmly established us as a trusted HR partner for businesses seeking to elevate their overall business performance by growing and thriving through their people."

‘This recognition serves as a powerful reminder of our unrelenting dedication to delivering exceptional HR solutions’

Rachel Collar, founder of Haus of HR

Flu jabs can prevent sickness absence

Milestone met with renewable investment

has become one of the largest family-run packaging companies in Europe.

At the start of the anniversary year, company boss Björn Schumacher, who runs the company in the third generation with his brother Hendrik, explained: “Along our anniversary motto ‘Unboxing the Future of Packaging’, we are pursuing clear goals for the future. We see considerable potential to make packaging even more climate-friendly across the entire value chain. That’s why we want to further reduce the proportion of plastics in packaging across all sectors and replace it sensibly with the natural raw material paper.”

completely natural. They are not waste, can be returned to the material cycle 100 per cent or decompose in nature within a short time without leaving any residues. Currently, more than 85 per cent of corrugated and solid board packaging is recycled – this means that it is reprocessed into packaging after use. Unlike plastic-based reusable systems, no CO2 is emitted during return transport and cleaning,” said Björn Schumacher. “We exploit this potential by leading the way and constantly developing new industryspecific and sustainable products. In this way, we can offer long-term security of supply and be a reliable partner - now and in the future.”

The Schumacher Packaging Group, one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of customised packaging made of corrugated and solid board (www.schumacher-packaging.com), successfully continued its dynamic growth course in 2022.

This year, the company celebrates its 75th anniversary and is investing more in sustainability: the focus is on expanding renewable energies and reducing plastics in packaging by using natural raw materials.

By 2025, Schumacher Packaging plans to invest around €700m in the expansion of existing plants and the construction of new ones.

For 2023, however, the focus is on sustainability. This is because the packaging specialist is pursuing the ambitious goal of climate-neutral production by 2035 and is therefore relying on the most modern, efficient and environmentally friendly technologies. Around €45m is being invested in the construction of solar power plants, and €10-20m is earmarked for the expansion of wind energy. Currently, a solar park is under construction at the German site in Forchheim, and two more parks are being built in Poland.

The construction of five more solar power plants in Germany and Poland is planned for 2023 and 2024. The total output of all photovoltaic plants will be around 12 GW/h.

Replacing plastics sensibly

With its innovative solutions made of corrugated and solid board, Schumacher Packaging has grown continuously over the past 75 years and

To achieve this, the family-owned company is leading the way in the industry: it provides information, works on innovations and seeks dialogue with stakeholders. The management assumes that more than one fifth of the plastic packaging currently used can be replaced by paper-based solutions. By using plastic-free, biobased barrier coatings, packaging with protective functions can be produced that can be fully recycled. Plastics can thus be completely replaced - with the greatest potential in the food industry.

Corrugated and solid board as the basis for a sustainable circular economy

Sustainability is of great importance to Schumacher Packaging’s business. “The biggest advantage of paper-based packaging is that it is

Raw material supply and security of supply still important

Despite the difficult economic situation due to the Ukraine war and the sharp rise in energy prices, Schumacher Packaging 2022 managed to grow.

The packaging manufacturer reacted flexibly and quickly in the crisis year and was thus able to guarantee supplies to its customers. Strategic decisions contributed to this, such as the acquisition of the Kaierde cartonboard mill, the majority stake in the Italian corrugated base paper manufacturer Cartiere Modesto Cardella SpA and the acquisition of the Leipzig Land GmbH cartonboard mill.

“The consistent expansion of our production and processing capacities represents an important contribution to securing the market's supply situation in the future and is part of our strategy for the future,” said managing director Hendrik Schumacher.

For more details contact Naomi Harvey at Schumacher Packaging sales_bir@schumacher-packaging.com

t: 07971 434463

e: hello@nickfreemanphotography.co.uk

w: nickfreemanphotography.co.uk

Success and recognition for Milestone Projects

been named as finalists in the NNBN awards.

The company recently moved offices to the Harborough Innovation Centre (HIC) and have joined the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce.

Director, Jared Storey from Milestone Projects said: “Milestone Projects is a business which not only advises but also rolls up its sleeves to implement those solutions. We're not just consultants; we're engineers. We're the people who get excited about 3D modelling and simulation because we know it's not just about drawing up plans. It's about validating those plans, ensuring they're not just effective but also some of the most cost-effective strategies you can find.

“We're thrilled to announce that we've won the Rising Star Award at the East Midlands Startup Awards and to be a finalist in the NNBN awards, a recognition that fuels our commitment to excellence and our passion for transforming businesses through efficient warehousing solutions.

“Joining the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce was a no-brainer for us. The Chamber offers a platform for businesses to grow, learn, and network. It's an ecosystem that aligns perfectly with our goals and ethos. We're excited about the collaborations and opportunities that this new association will undoubtedly bring. We're setting our sights on becoming a hub of excellence in warehouse operations, not just in the UK but across the EU. We're in it for the long haul, and we're excited about the journey ahead.”

Helping people find pathways into work

Pathways for Recovery is a part-funded European Social Fund, SEMLEP wide comprehensive employment support initiative focused on helping those most disadvantaged in our communities due to the impact of Covid19. This initiative will be delivered by a regional partnership including specialist support providers, employment and skills organisations and strategic stakeholders.

Pathways for Recovery aims to build a locally integrated employment service that tackles the significant impact that Covid-19 has had on the region. It aims to support those most affected by the pandemic financially and with individual mental health/wellbeing.

Its overall objective is to address these barriers by providing specialist support to clients who need advice and guidance. They will help you gain the necessary confidence to engage with the job market and progress toward sustainable employment, education and/or training, improving social inclusion and mobility.

Both the Northamptonshire Chamber and Milton Keynes Chamber are among the delivery partners for the project, which also includes Track NN, which has supported Liam.

to build up a range of skills and overall confidence, both in work and outside of the workplace. After looking into several different job locations and types of work, including hospitality, retail and sport, Liam went to look around ILG (Brackmills).

Starting with a tour accompanied by café Track staff, he was offered a chance to chat with the team at ILG. Working together, a role was identified which Liam was delighted to accept. Transition to the workplace was support by both Café Track and ILG.

He started to work four hours a work and has since progressed to a permanent contract working 16 hours each week.

Liam who has taken part in the Pathways for Recovery project

Liam started as a team member at Café Track and signed up for the Pathways 4 Recovery project, carrying out activities at the café including cleaning and preparing products, through to serving customers.

Being a team member at the café helped him

Working has once again helped Liam in many ways, and he also has other roles outside of the workplace which he enjoys.

To find out more information about the Pathways for Recovery project, please visit our website: www.northants-chamber.co.uk /who-we-are/pathways-4-recovery

Milestone Projects Ltd recently won the Rising Star Award at the East Midlands Startup Awards

event in focus

An opportunity to connect with the community

After the tremendous success of the Milton Keynes Showcase event held in July, Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated launch of the Milton Keynes Business Exhibition, sponsored by Mannol UK.

The Milton Keynes Business Exhibition is scheduled to take place on Thursday 2 November 2023 and will be free to attend for all visitors. Upon arrival, attendees will receive a show brochure, ensuring they have all the information they need to make the most of this tremendous event.

“We are incredibly excited to introduce the Milton Keynes Business Exhibition following the resounding success of our Milton Keynes Showcase event," said Sunny Singh, group commercial director at Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce. “This exhibition will be an excellent opportunity for businesses to connect with like-minded professionals, local stakeholders, and potential clients.

“For me business is all about people and this exhibition aligns our vision that people continue to buy into people, so I urge that you get your free visitor place secured. Whether you are a member of the Milton Keynes Chamber or not, we encourage everyone to attend this event and be part of our vision to foster a stronger, more prosperous business community in Milton Keynes, #StrongerTogether.

“Finally, a big thank you to Mannol UK for headline sponsoring the exhibition and I promise they have something special in store to share with you all on the day.”

Upon the announcement of the Milton Keynes Business Exhibition, Sponsor and Chamber Platinum Partner, Jevgenij Lyzko commented: “Mannol UK are delighted to be headline sponsoring the Milton Keynes Business Exhibition. Following on from the roaring success of the Milton Keynes Business Showcase event in July it was a no brainer for us to once again headline sponsor this fantastic event for the local business community.

“Mannol UK are passionate about supporting local business, championing the work of the local community, and supporting fellow members of the Chamber. The event on the 2 November

DATE: Thursday 2 Nov 2023

TIME: 10.00am - 15.00pm

VENUE: Delta Hotels by Marriott, MK7 6HL

COST: £10 + VAT for members £20 + VAT for non-members

demonstrates our continued investment in supporting local businesses of all sizes and industries. We look forward to seeing everyone and we have something very special planned for you all attending.”

The day will kick off with a Business Before Hours networking session, providing an ideal setting for attendees to make new contacts and explore potential collaborations over a cup of coffee and a breakfast roll. This event will cost £10 + VAT for members and £20 + VAT for nonmembers.

From 1pm – 2pm we will be running a Speed Networking event to give you a chance to network with as many people as possible. This event is free to attend but booking is essential.

We have more events to be announced soon so make sure you’re following our LinkedIn page to be the first to know - @Milton-KeynesChamber-of-Commerce.

Stands are available to book now, please call 01908 733082 or email events@chambermk.co.uk

businesspartners

Chamber Business Partners are an exclusive group of influential companies within Chamber membership

Mergers? Acquisitions? MBOs? Restructures? All the deals you need and more.

By Wayne Jenkins

That’s the headline you’ll see elsewhere in this publication for our featured deals, highlighting just some of the many deals and transactions our Corporate & Commercial Team (CoCo) has managed recently, and with it comes an admission!

The admission, such as it is, is that historically we’ve perhaps been a little bit shy about telling people about our successes. Perhaps it was because deals like these are something we do day in, day out – week after week and we forget to shout about them!

With a history dating back nearly 200 years and a strong commercial law team covering Corporate & Commercial, Commercial Litigation/Dispute resolution, Commercial Property, and Employment, we’ve been helping business owners, managers, and entrepreneurs for decades.

The team’s offering encompasses advising businesses on all aspects of the business lifecycle, working closely alongside the firm’s other teams. This can go from setting up and getting the right business structure, through to terms and conditions of trade, acquisitions and growth strategies and then onto disposals and exit strategies. Ultimately, we support businesses at all stages of their lifecycle, whether a start-up, scaling up or dealing with succession planning.

Having recently assumed the role of Head Of Team for Corporate & Commercial, Holly Threlfall has been instrumental in driving both the strategy and visibility of the team.

Holly comments: “Wilson Browne Solicitors has for a long time been providing a diverse range of corporate clients with expert legal advice. We believe in challenging the status quo for legal services, that platinum service can be delivered from a regional law firm, and that great advice can be delivered with a smile. We also believe that businesses don’t have to go to a city lawyer for top-level advice: our clients would endorse that, with many choosing us for those very reasons.”

For advice on all things Corporate & Commercial, contact Holly for more information: hthrelfall@wilsonbrowne.co.uk or on 01604 876697.

Moorgate Finance welcomes Jasmine

Moorgate Finance has announced the appointment of mortgage specialist, Jasmine Ward (pictured).

Jasmine is a CeMap-qualified mortgage and protection adviser with CAS status. She has five years’ experience within the industry. She said: “I can help advise and guide you through your mortgage and protection process to ensure your needs are fully met and to help

your experience be as smooth as possible. I love helping clients achieve their end goals and getting to know new people on a daily basis.”

In addition, Moorgate Finance, which is based in Towcester, now offer customers a dedicated property division. Coupled with its existing finance brokers, Moorgate products include:

• Residential mortgages

• Buy-to-let mortgages

• Commercial mortgages

• Re-mortgaging

• Personal protection

• Business protection

Moorgate can also support with bridging and development loans and business protection products, such as critical illness and personal injury cover.

Making the four-day week model work for your business

Following the successful global pilot of a four-day working week, Ketteringbased people experts HR Solutions have suggested while there is a strong business case to implement the new working pattern, it just isn’t practical for all businesses.

Moving from the traditional Monday to Friday work pattern to the latest 100:80:100 model, in which employees receive their full salary but only work 80% of their standard hours, in exchange for worker commitment to maintaining 100% productivity, is a bold step.

But the method proved a great success in the worldwide trial, which was cleverly timed as Covid-19 had already changed many aspects of our working lives.

workforce which results in reduced stress level s, lower absenteeism and lower staff turnover.”

However, some employees could see the change as giving them increased workload as they have less time to do the same job. There is a risk that teams could end up feeling overworked and overwhelmed if the scheme isn’t introduced correctly.

A recent interactive poll by HR Solutions revealed that eight per cent of those surveyed were already operating a four-day-week and almost two thirds were considering implementing it in future. Seventy-three per cent wanted to try it to improve employee wellbeing and 21% hoped that it would help reduce staff turnover but a third of those questioned believed it would be difficult to coordinate work and a similar number worried about maintaining productivity.

Crisis Logistics is driving growth

Crisis Logistics has acquired Action Express as part of its ambitious growth plans, as the company works on expanding its portfolio of services.

Established as a same day delivery specialist in 1998, Crisis Logistics has developed its service offering to include warehousing and fulfilment, alongside national and international road haulage.

The company plans to retain Action Express’ Brackmills Industrial Estate depot and make key investments in the site and its facilities as it increases the volume of pallets and parcels it handles.

It has already purchased 10 new vehicles for Action Express, including seven articulated lorries and three 18tonne trucks, and plans to create new jobs as it grows the company.

Crisis

Action Express founder and former APC Overnight chief executive, Syed Ziaullah, who established the company in 1982 with just a bike and a van, will join the board of directors at Crisis Logistics.

HR Solutions CEO Greg Guilford said: “In order for the 100:80:100 model to be successful, workers must use their time more wisely, concentrating on being as effective as possible in a smaller time frame to achieve the same level of performance.

“Four-day working weeks have been proven to improve employee morale and motivation, leading to a more engaged and focused

Greg added: “Priority should be to look at the business case for why you wish to introduce a four-day working week and how it ultimately will align with business goals. You must also understand the challenges that it could bring and how these can either be overcome or minimised.

“Happy and motivated people are a core part of a successful business. And while there is great potential in this kind of scheme, a contented workforce may also be achieved through good internal communication, relevant staff reward schemes, job flexibility, equality and fair opportunity.”

Charles Grant-Salmon, chairman at Crisis Logistics, said: “As part of our growth strategy we are expanding our business and developing Crisis Logistics into the market leader and one-stop shop for all logistics services in Northamptonshire. The acquisition will benefit customers of both companies by enabling us to provide a full range of logistics services across pallets, parcels and general haulage, in addition to specialist services like temperaturecontrolled delivery and secure distribution.

“We are delighted that Syed will join our board for the next five years to allow us to benefit from his wealth of knowledge and enable a smooth integration into Action Express’ new era.”

‘Priority should be to look at the business case for why you wish to introduce a four-day working week’

The logistics firm has already purchased 10 new vehicles

‘We are expanding our business and developing

Logistics into the market leader and one-stop shop for all logistics services in Northamptonshire’

Four-day weeks have been proven to improve employee morale

going global

Expert advice, guidance and updates from the world of international trade

Viridian honoured by King Charles

To celebrate being the first to receive the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise, King Charles invited Daventry-based ethical vitamin company Viridian to Buckingham Palace.

Viridian’s sales director Paul Bridgen joined recipients of this year’s prestigious award in the event hosted by King Charles.

The King's Award for Enterprise is the most prestigious business awards in the United Kingdom, with recipients recognised as being among the best of British businesses.

‘The accolade has been

honour for the company to receive’

Paul said: “It was a real privilege to be invited on behalf of Viridian to the King’s Award for Enterprise winners’ reception at Buckingham Palace. The accolade has been a huge honour for the company to receive, and a fantastic acknowledgement of the great work done by our whole team and customers in developing our international trade over the past years.

“Charles was interested to hear about the company and find out about our key points of being effective, ethical and pure. We also spoke about winning the award for international trade and how tough things have been for export over the past couple of years what with Brexit, Covid, inflation. He certainly was a friendly person, with a good sense of humour and an inquisitive mind.”

DACHSER plans more emission-free zones

By the end of 2025, the number of cities served by DACHSER EmissionFree Delivery will have doubled to 24.

The family-owned logistics company is significantly expanding its emission-free delivery of non-chilled groupage shipments to defined downtown areas.

DACHSER Emission-Free Delivery is already available in 12 defined city centre delivery areas, namely in Berlin, Copenhagen, Dortmund, Freiburg, Madrid, Munich, Oslo, Paris, Porto, Prague, Strasbourg, and Stuttgart.

‘Our network locations are highly motivated to meet our customers’ desire for more sustainable city deliveries’

By the end of 2025, the logistics provider plans to launch DACHSER Emission-Free Delivery in 12 more European cities: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Dublin, Hamburg, Cologne, London, Malaga, Rotterdam, Stockholm, Toulouse, Warsaw, and Vienna. In addition, the company will expand its existing zero-

emission delivery area in Paris. We deliberately set ourselves the ambitious goal of doubling the number of cities served by DACHSER Emission-Free Delivery by the end of 2025,” said Alexander Tonn, COO road logistics at Dachser. “Our network locations are highly motivated to meet our customers’ desire for more sustainable city deliveries. Achieving our goal is based on our expectations that light electric trucks will become much more readily available and expansion of the charging infrastructure will pick up pace across Europe.”

Using a modular system adapted to local requirements, the Dachser branches deploy battery-electric vans and trucks as well as electrically assisted cargo bikes.

“Geography, social structure, administration: each city has its own unique profile, which we take into account when planning and implementing a zero-emission delivery area,” said Tara Li, project manager DACHSER Emission-Free Delivery. “At the same time, we can draw on our experience gained in 12 cities to identify synergies and potential for optimisation.”

Paul Bridgen, sales director at Viridian Nutrition talks to King Charles about the Daventry company’s ethical philosophy

a huge

DASCHER Emission-Free Delivery is already available in 12 cities and will be rolled out in 12 more

Home Instead East Northants – bespoke care at home

Why trust Home Instead East Northants to care for the people you love? It’s often said that “home is where the heart is”. Our clients love living in their own homes – it’s familiar, comforting, and cosy. We love caring for them in their own homes too. No client ever feels lonely when our valued care professionals are present, caring for, chatting with, and listening to them.

Our clients share so many of their treasured memories with their care professionals. Our care professionals remember every smile, every laugh, and every “thank you”. As a result, your loved ones make our days every bit as special as we strive to do for them. Every client is unique, so

we design every one of our care packages to be bespoke to them to give them just what they need, exactly when they want it.

Our services

At Home Instead East Northants, we provide the full range of care services at our clients' homes at the highest levels of service available. Our care services include:

and dressing to administering medical care) for loved ones under a Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).

We “care” for your loved ones in every way it’s possible to care.

• Personal Care

• Companionship

• Help At Home

• Dementia Care

• Parkinson’s Care

• Respite Care

• Live-In Care

• Palliative Care

We even advise on meal plans and prepare nutritional meals. We’re also experienced at providing the full range of care (from washing

If your loved ones require care or extra assistance with day-to-day tasks, you want to make sure they receive the best service possible.

talkingbusiness Committed to serving local businesses

Towergate Insurance Brokers is part of a global network - but its emphasis is on serving the local community. Marc Taylor and Richard Davies explain more.

For more than 25 years, Towergate Insurance Brokers has been helping business owners prepare for the unexpected with trusted advice and policies tailored to suit organisations of all shapes and sizes.

With offices in Northampton and Milton Keynes, Towergate is one of the leading independent insurance brokers in the UK, working in partnership with all the major UK insurers, the Lloyds market and specialist scheme providers.

As it has grown, Towergate Insurance Brokers has increased its footprint in Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes, with a strong reputation as a trusted insurance partner offering specialist advice with that all-important personal touch.

Contd on page 36...

fact file

• More than 20 years’ experience

• Over 100 in-house claims advisors in over 30 locations across the UK

• Over 2000 people in more than 50 local communities

Marc Taylor, left and Richard Davies, right, are based in Milton Keynes and Northampton

talking business

...from page 35

Area sales Director Marc Taylor, who is based in Milton Keynes, explained: “Essentially, we don’t have a tangible product, we are selling a promise – a promise which says if the worst happens to your business, the insurance programme is designed to support you financially at every stage. The work we do is all about building relationships.”

“Many people will approach us and ask us to send us the policy details and that’s it, but to be covered properly we need to understand your business, what you do and how you do it, the people who work for you, your premises, risk management, suppliers, customer base and so on.”

“I’ll go and meet a client and spend the first part of the initial meeting getting under the skin of their business. Then, and only then, will we have the information we need to arrange the right cover, the right advice and the right quote for your business”.

“Insurance should never, ever be ‘one size fits all.’ To do it right, you need to ask the right questions, which is something we all take very seriously.”

“We are constantly looking for new talent to join our ranks to support our business goals and have two apprentices joining us in September and further people joining us in October. There is always room for more like-minded individuals who share our vision.”

As part of the Ardonagh Group, one of the world’s largest independent insurance brokers, the organisation has acquired hundreds of independent insurance brokers in recent years, including wellknown local names including FG Watts, DPR Insurance, Bervale Mead, Adams Tingle, Seymour Pope and Peter Hill & Co.

It’s this unrivalled local knowledge and commitment to the wider business community which continues to give Towergate Insurance - an advice-led, community-focused set of businesses with an unrivalled local footprint of experts across

‘We actively encourage our people to give something back to the community by offering them one paid day off each year to take part in volunteer work’

ABOVE: Towergate prides itself on building relationships with its clients and the communities it serves

ABOVE RIGHT: Richard Davies: “We pride ourselves in creating a culture where our employees are happy.”

OPPOSITE LEFT: The Towergate team continues to expand

sectors and specialisms and national and international reach - the edge in an increasingly competitive market.

Area sales director Richard Davies, who is based in Northampton, said: “While we are part of a global organisation, our focus is very much on local businesses and local people and we’re very proud of the role we play within the business community.”

“We’re Gold Partners of the Northamptonshire Chamber and Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce because the synergy between our organisations is the same.”

“We are absolutely committed to seeing businesses in our region grow and flourish, in the same way the Chambers are, and it’s really important for us to make those connections.”

“We support clients of all kinds – some have policies with premiums of £200-£300 while others can be in excess of £2m. To us, it doesn’t matter we will always go the extra mile to support you.”

“Our people are all experts with the local knowledge to back it up. Many of us have clients who have been with us for many years because we have built up the relationship and they trust us to fight their corner should the worst happen.”

As a key player in the insurance industry, Towergate Insurance Brokers is also a major

employer, with 90 members of staff working across both sites.

At its heart is a strong, inclusive culture where flexibility and the wellbeing of employees is absolutely key.

Richard said: “We pride ourselves in creating a culture where our employees are happy, supported and enjoy coming to work. We offer hybrid working, and we also have lots of fun!”

“We’ve recently had a summer barbecue and we raised money for organisations which are close to our hearts. This year we are supporting Cynthia Spencer Hospice, Willen Hospice and The McCarthy-Dixon Foundation, which supports people in Northamptonshire who are facing hardship.

“We actively encourage our people to give something back to the community by offering them one paid day off each year to take part in volunteer work.”

“Looking ahead, we’re excited to be welcoming a new apprentice to the team in September – the next generation of insurance professionals.”

“We want to show people that insurance isn’t just grey suits and black shoes, it’s a huge, customerfocused industry and at Towergate Insurance we’re really proud to be right at the heart of it.”

For more information about Towergate Insurance Brokers and the wide range of services and products it offers in Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes, visit www.towergate.com.

You can also contact Marc Taylor directly on 01908 258348 or at marc.taylor@towergate.co.uk or Richard Davies directly on 01604 657348 or at richard.davies2@towergate.co.uk

Towergate Insurance Brokers, Towergate and Towergate Insurance are trading names of Advisory Insurance Brokers Limited. Registered in England with company number 4043759. VAT Registration Number: 447284724. Registered Address: 2 Minster Court, Mincing Lane, London EC3R 7PD. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

issue spotlight

Each issue of inbusiness takes a closer look at the key sectors operating in Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes

Vulcan Works offers free coworking space

Astate-of-the-art £14m hub is offering free coworking space to Northamptonshire businesses on the last Friday of every month. Vulcan Works opened its doors in Northampton’s Cultural Quarter in February and supports businesses with lettable office space, workshops, meeting rooms and coworking spaces and a range of events.

The centre is currently running an offer that sees the coworking space operate completely free of charge on the last Friday of every month and includes unlimited tea and coffee and free WiFi. This offer is open to anyone who wants to use the space.

Vulcan Works is also offering a Coworking Membership which costs just £30 a month, with two days of coworking a month included (£12 a day thereafter). Members also receive access to business support and discounted meeting room hire.

Coworking options are a viable alternative to renting a physical office, with costs from as little as £12 a day or £250 a month for a dedicated desk with 24/7 access.

Centre manager Garrick Hurter said: “If clients use our free Friday offer in conjunction with their coworking membership, which allows two visits a month for £30 and any additional visits at £12 a time, you could visit four times in a month, which equates to once a week, and the cost would be just £42 per month.”

To find out more about Vulcan Works or request a show around, email info@vulcanworks.co.uk or visit vulcanworks.co.uk

Royal guest visits MND tech showcase

The positive impact of technology on people living with motor neurone disease (MND) has been showcased at a special summit attended by the MND Association’s Royal Patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.

The technology summit, organised by the MND Association, highlighted the work of the NextGen Think Tank – a collaborative project, launched by Rolls-Royce and the Association four years ago.

The project has brought together some of the world’s biggest companies to create groundbreaking technology to improve quality of life for people living with MND. The focus of the event was the multi awardwinning e-book I Will Always Be

Me, developed by Rolls-Royce, Intel, Dell Technologies and the MND Association.

When read out loud, the short e-book can electronically ‘bank’ the voice of someone living with MND, allowing them to use this

synthesised voice in the future if they experience communication difficulties as their disease progresses. Previous voice banking options could take days, weeks or even months to complete.

To date, more than 1000 people have banked their voice using I Will Always Be Me.

During the event, Her Royal Highness met Think Tank members and people living with MND who had volunteered their time to trial the technology ahead of its launch in 2022.

Nick Goldup, Director of Care Improvement at the MND Association said: “We are incredibly proud of the innovative technology solutions developed by the Think Tank to improve the lives of people living with MND. The award-winning e-book I Will Always Be Me is a brilliant example of the impact the Think Tank can have. By encouraging some of the biggest companies in the world to collaborate, together we have revolutionised the voice banking experience for our community. It was an honour to share this exciting work with our Royal Patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal today and thank the wonderful people living with MND who supported with this project from the very start.”

‘Together we have revolutionised the voice banking experience for our community’

HRH The Princess Royal with Mike Small and other families affected by MND

issue spotlight: celebrate christmas

Exceed party expectations

Christmas! Taste The Difference! That’s the message from Northamptonbased event organisers Brightspace Events, who are already busy planning Christmas parties for 2023. Sales and marketing director Emily Higham said: “Planning the annual company Christmas party or client celebration can be overwhelming, with many factors to bear in mind. Guest expectations are different in 2023. In today’s Christmas party marketplace, a cooking activity, for example, is just as feasible as a typical dinner and disco scenario.”

In fact, there are a number of key celebration trends for this festive season including experiential entertainment, sustainability, and inclusivity. Replace traditional Christmas crackers with more thoughtful table favours bought from local small businesses or introduce alcohol free options in your food and drink menus.

Emily added: “By combining different elements into your Christmas party plans, you’re better placed to deliver the merry in a playful, inclusive and sustainable way, enabling everyone to celebrate the end of the year in style.”

Santas let loose in aid of charity

HoHo Ho … Sunday 10 December 2023 will see hundreds of Santas large and small, running, jogging or walking 2.5k or 5k around Northampton Racecourse, to raise charity cash.

Rotary Nene Valley is once again teaming up with Rotaract and the other three local Rotary clubs, Northampton, Northampton West and Becket to stage the annual Santa Fun

Hamper appeal in need of donations

A Northamptonshire charity is calling for companies and individuals to sponsor their surprise Christmas hampers so they can bring festive comfort and cheer to adult cancer patients. For the seventh year in a row, The Lewis Foundation – which provides free gifts and support packs to patients in 17 hospitals across the Midlands all year round – will be hand delivering hampers as a surprise in the lead up to Christmas.

The sponsored hampers will be gifted to people in their homes and on the wards, and will be packed full of festive food treats from Waitrose. With each hamper costing £45, The Lewis

Foundation’s co-founders Lorraine and Lee Lewis are asking for one-off donations or ongoing sponsorship by 24 November.

Lorraine said: “Our annual Christmas hamper campaign is made possible year-on-year thanks to support from the wonderful business community.

“Our hampers bring a smile to adult cancer patients who are going through a difficult time receiving treatment in hospital.”

For more information, or to donate to the hamper campaign, visit: www.justgiving.com/campaig n/christmashampers2023 or email hello@thelewis foundation.co.uk

Run - the only one in Northampton that guarantees all the profits will go to local charities.

Charities are encouraged to have a stand and bring their amazing mascots, volunteers and police cadets act as marshals and N-Live Radio will be broadcasting live from the site.

The morning starts with a cheerful warm up session from 10.30am, for which in recent years Virgin Gym has provided one of their super fitness

instructors to get everyone going.

At 11am the Mayor of Northampton, Councillor Stephen Hibbert, will start the event.

Refreshments include coffee & hot chocolate from Awesome Coffee and hot bacon rolls and there will be onsite toilets and first aid facilities.

This year the Fun Run also welcomes teams of six or more from local companies, sports and social clubs to use the event to

A patient at Leicester Royal Infirmary receives a hamper from The Lewis Foundation

raise funds for their chosen charity. These teams will not be provided with Santa suits but can wear vests highlighting their chosen charity. Alternatively, the teams can purchase Santa suits at just £2 each.

Adult entry including suit and medal costs £12 and child entry including suit and medal is £7. A family pass is £32 for two adults and two children to have suits and medals. Company and sports teams cost £10 each, which

includes medals but not Santa suits.

Profits from the event will be used to support numerous charities including Cynthia Spencer Hospice, The Hope Centre, The Lowdown, NAB, The Lewis Foundation, Northampton Saints Foundation, Northampton Town FC Community Trust and Northamptonshire Health Charity.

To register visit: santarun.northamptonrotarye vents.org/information

Enjoy a festive feast with Central Foods

Northamptonshire-based national frozen food distributor Central Foods has launched a number of new products for the food service sector ahead of the festive season.

The pre-prepared frozen items are designed to make life easier for chefs and food service professionals at what is a busy time of the year.

They have been chosen to satisfy the latest trends in the sector, including the continuing demand for plant-based products. New for 2023 is the Menuserve gluten free vegan Asian prawn snack selection and the Menuserve bao buns hoisin jackfruit.

Suitable for vegans and vegetarians, the filled bao buns and the gluten-free vegan Asian prawn snacks selection are ideal as snacks, light bites, sharing platters, starters, tapas and for buffets when event catering.

Central Foods MD Gordon Lauder said: “Far Eastern flavours and plant-based dishes are bang on trend at the moment and these products are super easy to prepare and serve, making them convenient for venue operators – especially those who have limited prep areas or are struggling for staff.”

Christmas is a time of cheer but sometimes choosing the right gift can be quite overwhelming.

Here at Gilt Edged, we offer tailored solutions for your needs from branded socks through to festive pens and sumptuous cakes. We can even provide mini Christmas trees.

Enquire with our team to see how we can wrap things up for you to make the gift of giving to your employees and clients as simple as possible!

Celebrating the history of innovation at the heart of Milton Keynes

One of the supper club sessions

‘The educational charity has made The Plan for Milton Keynes accessible via an all-new website’

They are also holding public drop-in sessions where anyone can discover more, share their views on what they love about Milton Keynes and what they would like to see retained in the future.

The project is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Apprenticeship scheme to meet sector demands

Building Future Leaders are launching their 2024 sector wide summer internship programme across the housing and construction sector aimed at addressing the sector's skills shortage and inspiring the next generation of future leaders into the industry.

With the government’s target to deliver 300,000 new homes every year, it is vital that the industry has the workers to not only meet the demand of homes but also to meet the skills required to build them efficiently and sustainably.

Currently, the pressures of filling the skills gap and meeting climate targets are rising rapidly, with 61% of the UK construction workforce due to

retire in the next decade and construction contributing to 40% of the UK’s overall emissions. Building Future Leaders are therefore partnering with companies who both want to build their talent pipeline and deliver social value in the communities they work. The eight-week summer internship programme offers young people and young professionals the opportunity to not only boost their career prospects, and gain practical paid work experience, but for those who may have never considered a career in the sector, the internship will bring valuable insights into how the sector works and how they can use their transferable skills in the industry, bringing their innovative ideas and energy to the workplace.

‘The internship will bring valuable insights into how the sector works’

issue spotlight: construction & redevelopment

issue spotlight: construction & redevelopment

sector focus: manufacturing & engineering sector focus

The latest news from the manufacturing & engineering, finance & legal and skills sectors

New interactive display makes for nifty day out

Mobile elevating work platforms manufacturer Niftylift has unveiled a new fully-interactive machine display at the Milton Keynes Museum.

Museum visitors are now able to operate a real HeightRider12LE AllElectric (HR12LE) machine as part of a Niftylift factory production line.

The HR12LE is one of Niftylift’s new zero-emission All-Electric

MEWPs, built at the company’s world headquarters in Shenley Wood, Milton Keynes.

A spokesperson said: “The HR12LE is a shining example of British manufacturing, showcasing some of our best innovations and our focus on environmental performance. Plus, its predecessor was the reason we came to Milton Keynes in 1988, so we think it’s the perfect choice for the exhibit.

“Since it opened in 1973, the Milton Keynes Museum has told the story of pre-1970s Milton Keynes, but now, with the introduction of its New Milton Keynes City Gallery, it can tell the story of the modern city as well, and we’re proud to be part of that.”

Honorary members of the Niftylift Test Team are invited to don a hi-vis and hard hat and take the HR12LE through its final

function tests as you control its movements safely from the ground.

For a behind the scenes video of the exhibit visit youtu.be/WaCumdq02Lw and for more information about Niftylift visit www.niftylift.com

sector focus: finance & legal

Hillier Hopkins lobbies Government for code of conduct

Chartered accountants and tax experts Hillier Hopkins are calling on the Government to bring some respite to exporters, while it works to streamline and digitise HMRC’s customs and excise processes.

A series of consultations have been announced which will seek the views of businesses and their advisers on what the Government refers to as its Border Operating Model project, which it hopes will simplify authorisations for customs facilitations, submitting declarations and deliver a new digital selfservice portal for traders (“The Single Trade Window “ or “STW”).

The consultations will not, however, address a fundamental flaw that is leaving many businesses exporting to the EU with sizeable and unexpected VAT bills and with no way to reclaim that VAT from customers. If the exporter does not have the correct evidence of export, including paperwork from HMRC or the agent, VAT becomes due on the transaction, even though the goods have been removed from the UK.

The current paper based situation has led to a client of Hillier Hopkins bringing about a legal challenge against these practices.

Swift FX keeps it in the family

Foreign exchange business

Swift FX has appointed its first member of staff.

The family business, based in Tring, which is run by Michael Vaughan and his stepfather, David Hodgson, was launched in 2021 to help support businesses with interests abroad, helping them to get the best exchange deals possible and make international payments with complete confidence.

Now, following 18 mo nths of success, Swift FX has brought Michael’s wife Heidi onto the team as the company’s new Marketing Assistant.

He explained: “It has been a great first year! Our business has continued to grow and develop and we’re working with more clients than ever before. Looking ahead we’ll be looking to move into new areas and Heidi’s work will centre around us being visible at leading trade shows. These are exciting times for Swift FX and we’re looking forward to seeing what comes next!”

The digitalisation project poses a risk that even less evidence will be available for exporters as no paperwork will be generated and HMRC is yet to take this into account for VAT.

Hillier Hopkins’ Ruth Corkin, as former technical chair of the VAT Practitioner’s Group, has been among those lobbying Government to bring in a code of conduct for import and export agents to provide greater assurance for businesses. She believes that it is long overdue and should have been introduced by the Government at the time of Brexit, rather than nearly three years later.

Hillier Hopkins is urging businesses to actively engage in the processes, including testing software to make sure their voice is heard, and Government eventually listens.

Mercer & Hole welcome seven senior hires to firm

Accountants Mercer & Hole has made seven senior hires strengthening its tax, audit, outsourcing and insolvency teams. The appointments follow a period of strong growth across the firm.

The appointments are corporate restructuring manager Michael Quinn, senior tax manager Jenny Lazar, corporate and business tax manager Tashini Mootoosamy, tax manager Yasmina Kreaa, trusts manager Chris Lovell, audit associate director William Barraclough and outsourcing director Mandy Bagot.

Michael Quinn is an insolvency specialist having advised a mixed portfolio of corporate and personal insolvencies and Jenny Lazar acts for high-net-worth individuals and their families with a focus on nondomiciled individuals. Tashini Mootoosamy works mainly with SMEs in various sectors and helps with tax compliance as well as tax advisory and Yasmina Kreaa acts for both businesses and individuals and has a strong reputation in acting for international clients and businesses relocating to the UK.

As trust manager, Chris Lovell prepares, and reviews

trusts accounts and tax returns. William Barraclough acts for a wide range of clients from SMEs through to private equity-backed high growth and AIM-listed business. Mandy Bagot supports a wide range of businesses but has a focus on the property and construction, franchising and ecommerce sectors.

Paul Maberly, managing partner at Mercer & Hole, said: “Mercer & Hole continues to attract some of the most ambition talent in the accountancy sector drawn to the firm for the quality of its work and its strong employer brand. We are delighted by Michael, Jenny, Tashini, Yasmina, Chris, William and Mandy decision to join the firm and look forward to the contributions they will make.”

‘Mercer & Hole continues to attract some of the most ambition talent in the accountancy sector’

Paul Maberly, managing partner at Mercer & Hole

‘The digitalisation project poses a risk that even less evidence will be available for exporters as no paperwork will be generated and HMRC is yet to take this into account for VAT’

sector focus: finance & legal

Business resilience

Business leaders must continually navigate risk and uncertainty from extreme weather, geo-political tensions, disruption to suppliers, cyber attacks, and talent retention in a challenging economic situation.

Resilience is the ability to anticipate, prepare for, and recover from uncertain circumstances. Resilient businesses are less likely to suffer disruptions and more likely to recover should a disruption occur.

Building resilience starts with anticipation and scanning the horizon to understand where the threats and opportunities might come from. It also means understanding the specific impact these events could have on your customers, operations, finances, and reputation.

A deeper understanding of the threats and opportunities allows informed decisions about how best to adapt or prepare. This includes an honest appraisal of just how effective existing processes and systems are to the changing reality you face.

For example, how quickly could alternative suppliers be working for you if an existing supplier fails? How would you keep supplying customers if a critical site is unavailable? How resilient are you to cyber-attacks or loss of key people, or economic circumstances? Contingency plans will help of course but other solutions may also be available to help you develop business resilience before the disruption happens.

At Zurich Resilience Solutions we work with businesses across all industries to help them adapt and prepare for an uncertain risk environment. To discuss your business resilience needs please email us at zrs.enquiries@uk.zurich.com

Successful businesses increasingly recognise the need to develop resilience, but how do leaders navigate a path through such a challenging environment?

Building resilience is not a theoretical exercise. The survival of a business could be determined by its ability to adapt or respond to threats and opportunities.

An apprentice is the solution

Goodwill Solutions CIC are now offering inclusive apprenticeships, to help provide additional support to anyone who might need extra help during their training.

Goodwill Solutions CIC deliver socially geared apprenticeships in the subject specialisms of Business Administration, Health & Social Care, Human Resources, Security and Supply Chain, with crafted delivery pathways from entry level up to and including Senior Leadership development (Levels 2-7).

‘Goodwill can access additional Government funding on your behalf’

This portfolio, designed for local business growth, enables organisations to develop new talent, retain existent workforce and future proof business, using Government levy.

Goodwill can access additional Government funding on your behalf to provide extra support to any apprenticeship candidate who requires support for the duration of their training, enabling a more inclusive approach to staff development, both industry entrants and existent workforce.

The inclusive apprenticeship also allows for the provision of additional support to allow young people with an existing EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) to access apprenticeships, a workforce who add significant value to organisations from a social and people perspective.

As part of their end-to-end provision Goodwill source suitable candidates, conduct pre-interview screening and support your team during the recruitment process, lowering the HR onboarding costs associated with talent acquisition.

If your organisation wishes to pull from a socially geared resourcing model, contact the Goodwill team at commercial@goodwillsolutions. co.uk

A new standard in project management

Acentre is providing globally recognised project management courses.

Haris Solutions offers the pioneering PRINCE2 training programme which equips delegates with skills to lead successful projects from start to finish. It offers a structured approach to project management that generates results.

Director Kousar Hussain said: “The project management industry is highly competitive professional, and employers seek professionals with distinguished credentials. PRINCE2 is globally recognised project management methodology empowers you to thrive in today's dynamic world of project management.”

with condensed, focused training modules, certified instructors with a wealth of industry experience and practical application, allowing you to use PRINCE2 in specific project scenarios. There are also flexible learning options with either on-client or virtual classes to fit any busy schedule.

Kousar added: “At Haris Solutions, we believe that the key to success lies in continuous learning and growth. Invest in yourself and become a sought-after project management professional.”

For more information visit www.harissolutions.co.uk

Charlotte Berridge

Starting off in a new career

Starting Off, which has made a name for itself supplying apprentices in Northamptonshire, has launched a new division.

S.O. Permanent Recruitment, specialises in recruiting for permanent office-based jobs. For apprentices that have completed their qualification, the division offers opportunities to secure a permanent job role after completion, while also helping recent university graduates find their footing in starter job roles as well as candidates with 12 months plus commercial experience looking for that next career step.

Heading the S.O. Permanent Recruitment division is Charlotte Berridge, who has extensive experience in sourcing the best talent matches for businesses. With her expertise and the company’s core values of Support, Honesty, Ambition, Passion, and Excellence, the division is committed to recruiting with integrity.

Charlotte Berridge, recruitment team leader, said: “In many ways, we are perfectly suited to fill permanent roles. Apprentices without permanent offers right away, come back to us and we help them find permanent jobs. Our clients trustus, knowing we work with great candidates who were once Starting Off apprentices. Our excellent local reputation also allows us to attract new applicants with basic to extensive office-based experience.”

Already catering to clients in Northamptonshire, S.O. Permanent Recruitment embraces hybrid working, and an online registration process, enabling us to reach talent across the UK.

With a focus on integrity and a passion for furthering successful careers, the division stands as a beacon of opportunity for job seekers. As it continues to grow its reach across the UK, S.O. Permanent Recruitment is poised to elevate the standards of recruitment in the process.

To find out more about S.O. Permanent Recruitment email Charlotte.Berridge@starting off.co.uk or call 01604 386705

Kousar Hussain, pictured with the Mayor of Milton Keynes, Mick Legg and the Mayoress Mandy Legg

sector focus: skills

events & training events & training

Sales & Marketing

How to Win Business using Social Media

(full-day)

Date: 18 October

Cost: Members £249 + VAT

Non-members £319 + VAT

This course is suitable for marketing individuals/teams within a business, it’s designed to develop your skills and help you to fully understand and maximise social media to its potential to benefit your business. The session enables those who use Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and/or LinkedIn to gain skills and an understanding of the power of social media and utilise the skills learnt immediately.

Sales Planning for Success (half-day)

Date: 7 November

Cost: Members £150 + VAT

Non-members £199 + VAT

During this half-day course delegates will understand how to create and manage a sales plan. It will look into the importance of having a regular pipeline of leads, how to build this and use it to direct revenue into your business. By the end of the course delegates will understand who their target market is, know how their business benefits them and be confident in the value this gives. Delegates will prepare a sales plan to take away with them to use immediately.

Business Toolkit

Emergency First Aid at Work (full-day)

Date: 2 November

Cost: Members £249 + VAT

Non-members £319 + VAT

workload with appropriate time given to balance activities effectively. If you are a busy individual looking to make the best use of your time, this course is for you!

Successful Supervisory Management (twoday)

Date: 11 & 12 October

Cost: Members £549 + VAT

Non-members £699 + VAT

Level 2 Health & Safety in the

Workplace (full-day)

Date: 10 October

Cost: Members £249 + VAT

Non-members £319 + VAT

The most basic requirement of any workplace is that it is a safe place to work! This course provides solid and essential knowledge for any employee working in any area of the business, including how to identify potential hazards, how to report potential health and safety problems and how to work in safe and healthy manner. Good health and safety relies on employers and their employees working together.

Intermediate Excel (full day)

Date: 3 October

Cost: 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. This course places great emphasis upon the importance of understanding how to build the spreadsheet correctly with Dynamic Ranges. It is therefore important that participants are at the appropriate level to ensure a good learning experience.

This full-day course trains attendees to be able to administer an appropriate level of emergency first aid to anyone who is ill or injured in the workplace. The course teaches the appropriate level of first aid required in low-risk businesses under the HSE 1981 Legislation. In addition, as part of the course students are assessed to ensure they understand and would be able to fulfil the role of first aider within their workplace.

Advanced Excel (full day)

Date: 21 November

Cost: 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 will progress 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.

Management & Personal Development Managing Your Workload (full-day)

Date: 19 October

Cost: 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, it offers you abilities and strategies to make a real impact upon your time management skills and motivate you to be able to organise your

This two-day course is appropriate for any supervisors, team leaders and anyone who manages staff and is responsible for the work of others. The course will support you in developing your skills to enable you to manage and motive people effectively and productively, build a strong foundation of key management skills, develop a better understanding of how to influence your staff and identify areas of personal strength and areas for further development.

The Fundamentals of Project Management (full-day)

Date: 14 November

Cost: Members £249 + VAT

Non-members £319 + VAT

This course equips delegates with the fundamental principles of project management and will enable you to manage change successfully within your organisation. Looking at both the technical and behavioural skills required to be effective in a project environment and to be able to make a positive contribution to any project. This course provides an awareness of project management terminology and a comprehensive introduction into the project management role.

Confident Customer Service (full-day)

Date: 8 November

Cost: Members £249 + VAT

Non-members £319 + VAT

In this competitive economy it is essential that you attract and keep clients. Customer service is a critical part of this process. It is essential that you master the skills and confidence to keep the conversation flowing, obtain important information that leaves the customer with a great lasting impression of your company.

event in focus

Milton Keynes Business Exhibition sponsored by Mannol

Milton Keynes Business Exhibition will take place on Thursday 2 November at Delta Hotels by Marriott Milton Keynes in Kents Hill.

The event will showcase all that the city has to offer, with more than 50 exhibitors from all sectors showing their wares.

Doors open at 10am and, until 3pm, visitors will be able to connect with hundreds of local businesses and take part in a number of events, including a Business Before Hours networking opportunity, which gives people the chance to get together over a breakfast roll. There will also be a free Speed Networking session at the end of the event which is open to all.

The Milton Keynes Business Exhibition is open to both members and non-members. It is free to enter and offers a useful opportunity to network and learn more about the wealth of opportunities which are available across Milton Keynes and beyond.

For more information about the event, or to book a stand, call 01908 733082 or email events@chambermk.co.uk

upcoming events

Northamptonshire Chamber

Policy Hour

Date: 6 October 2023

Time: 9.30am – 10.30am

Venue: Online

Cost: Free to attend, members only

Maximise Your Membership

Date: 18 October 2023

Time: 8.30am – 10.30am

Venue: Northampton Active

Cost: Free to attend, members only

Business Before Hours

Date: 2 November 2023

Time: 8.30am – 10am

Milton Keynes Speed Networking

Date: 2 November 2023

Time: 1.30pm – 2.30pm

Venue: Delta Hotels by Marriott, Milton Keynes

Cost: Free to attend, open to all

Business Before Hours

Date: 2 November 2023

Time: 8.30am – 10am

Venue: Delta Hotels by Marriott, Milton Keynes

Cost: Members - £10 + VAT, Non-Members – £20 + VAT

International

Trade Understanding Export & Export Documentation (full-day)

Date: 17 October

Cost: Member £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, the course takes a look at the end-toend process providing an understanding of the export documentation requirements and shipping using freight forwarders and couriers.

Commodity Codes (half-day)

Date: 29 November

Cost: 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. Several practical exercises are included in this course to ensure attendees have a strong understanding of Commodity Codes.

Venue: Delta Hotels by Marriott, Milton Keynes

Cost: Members - £10 + VAT, Non-Members – £20 + VAT

Northamptonshire Chamber AGM

Date: 30 November 2023

Time: 11am – 12pm

Venue: Online

Cost: Free to attend, Northamptonshire Chamber members only

Milton Keynes Chamber

Business Before Hours

Date: 12 October 2023

Time: 8.30am – 10.30am

Venue: Moorgate Finance, Towcester

Cost: Members - £10 +VAT, Non-Members - £20 +VAT

Milton Keynes Business Exhibition sponsored by Mannol

Date: 2 November

Time: 10:00 – 15:00

Venue: Delta by Marriott, Milton Keynes

Cost: Free to attend

Next Generation

Next Generation Speed Networking

Date: 10 October 2023

Time: 5.30pm – 7.30pm

Venue: The University of Northampton

Cost: Free to attend, Next Generation Chamber members only

Next Generation Social

Date: 8 November 2023

Time: 5.30pm – 7pm

Venue: Trapp’d Kettering

Cost: £15 + VAT, Next Generation Chamber members only

Women With Vision

Women With Vision Networking and Lunch

Date: 25 October 2023

Time: 11.30am – 1.30pm

Venue: Kettering Park Hotel and Spa

Cost: Members £25 + VAT, Non-Members - £35 + VAT

community zone

Bringing Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes businesses together and celebrating our community

Can you donate a Christmas dinner?

Could your business support Northampton Hope by donating the cost of an extra meal at your Christmas party?

Following the success of their Fill the Box campaign, which generated food staples for 6,750 meals for the homeless community, Northampton Hope is calling on businesses to consider setting aside the value of an extra place

at their Christmas meal or events as a donation. The money raised will be used to provide a free meal to anyone who needs it at a time when the number of people facing homelessness continues to rise.

Northampton Hope’s Kyra Williams said: “If businesses are planning a celebration or gettogether, we encourage them to think about

Superhero golfers needed

Sporting heroes will be swinging into action for Cransley Hospice Trust’s 25th Anniversary Corporate Golf Day in September.

Oundle Golf Club will be the venue for the event which will combine friendly competition with the chance to raise vital funds for Cransley Hospice Trust which does so much to enhance the lives of those who are facing life-limiting conditions.

Chairman of Oundle Golf Club, Peter Izod said: “We are thrilled to be able to host this special event for Cransley Hospice Trust.

“The fundraising and work that Cransley Hospice Trust does to support end-of-life care for our community is incredibly important. None of us know when we might need their services, and we encourage businesses to join us in making a positive impact and help to raise £8,000 which will make a huge difference to the charity in this special anniversary year.”

You can find more information at www.cransleyhospice.org.uk

those without. By contributing the cost of an additional place setting at their table or event, they can help us ensure that we have a place for everyone at Hope.”

The Extra Place campaign kicks off in November.

To find out more contact tanya@northamptonhopecentre.org.uk

Northampton Hope’s Fill the Box campaign was generously supported by many Chamber members

Family Support Link recognised

Family Support Link, a Northamptonshire charity supporting families affected by drug and alcohol use, has had the impact of its current services and future ambitions recognised with its selection as a 2023 Weston Charity Awards winner.

The award gives the charity the chance to invest in its future and consider innovative new approaches with 10 months of strategic planning support from a dedicated team of four business experts, thanks to pro bono charity Pilotlight and a core grant of £6,500 from the Garfield Weston Foundation.

Family Support Link was chosen from over 100 applicants, all of whom are frontline charities delivering youth, welfare, community or environment services in the North of England, the Midlands and Wales.

Julia Feazey, from Family Support Link, said: “We are incredibly proud to be given this recognition of our work. There are so many families affected by someone else’s drug or alcohol use; many behind closed doors. We give them a lifeline: a chance to be heard and to have their own needs recognised. We would love for this support to be more widely available, helping

us to build communication and understanding across families at an earlier stage. This award will give us access to the business experts who can help us to grow and develop in ways that we would struggle to envisage without their support, and we are thrilled to be given the chance to work with them.”

For more details about Family Support Link visit Welcome to Family Support Link or for more details about the awards visit www.pilotlight.org.uk/westoncharity-awards

Support YMCA Milton Keynes with soup

There’s a soup-er way to show your support for YMCA Milton Keynes this autumn!

The charity, which provides supported housing for young people aged between 18-35 as well as practical, emotional and employment support, is hosting SoupFest and a new book, packed full of recipes to get you started, has also been launched.

For the second year SoupFest is being sponsored by Cranswick Foods who have this year been joined by Brioche Pasquier.

Rachel Tudhope, HR manager at Cranswick Foods said: “We are proud to sponsor this brilliant soup book to support YMCA MK. Soup can be a healthy and easy meal to cook and

promotes reduction in food waste.”

Angela Oliveira, marketing executive at Brioche Pasquier said: “We’re so excited to be this year’s co-sponsors of SoupFest and be able to support YMCA MK by getting involved with this brilliant fundraising campaign. SoupFest is a perfect excuse to get together and enjoy some delicious soup, while supporting an important cause and making a difference. We held a Soupoff and colleagues at Brioche chose their favourite recipes!”

To register your interest and get involved contact the lorraine.devereux@ymcamk.com or order the book by visiting mkymca.com

Flora Craig (deputy director, Garfield Weston Foundation), Julia Feazey (CEO, Family Support Link), Ray Farrow (chair of trustees, Family Support Link)

chamber chat

Meet Chamber members and learn about the latest member benefits available to you

member profile

Greg Guilford

Company: HR Solutions

Job Title: CEO

What does your organisation do?

HR Solutions provides outsourced HR support to around 850 clients nationwide across a wide range of industry sectors including financial services, charities, medical, hospitality, industrial, retail, education, media and technology.

Clients benefit from services including a HR health check, bespoke documentation and handbooks, and a dedicated, experienced HR consultant. HR Solutions also supplies employment advice, protection cover and HR software licences that monitor staff holidays.

How did it all start?

HR Solutions was founded by my mother, Carol Ann Guilford, in 2001 and incorporated in 2004. Since then, it has since enjoyed steady growth, moving into larger premises in Kettering in 2013, followed by the launch of new branches in Birmingham, Milton Keynes and London.

In 2015, I took over as CEO and in the last eight years, we have grown significantly with one merger and five acquisitions, taking the team from eight employees to 45.

Last year the company was acquired by employment law, HR and health and safety specialist WorkNest for an enterprise value of £6.1m.

What’s your greatest achievement so far?

I am super proud of the company we have built. WorkNest were interested in us because of our

fast growth and our reputation for service excellence. This was a highlight for me, as it was recognition of the great work that we do.

What keeps you awake at night?

I have a teenage daughter who now goes out with her friends in the evenings. While I am regularly called in as designated driver to take and collect her from social events, she sometimes goes out with friends or travels by taxi. It’s a worry when you’re a parent and your children get older and start to explore the world by themselves.

What has surprised you most in your job?

The Covid pandemic was hugely unexpected and took us all by surprise. I was also surprised and proud of the way that we rallied so quickly as a team to support our client base.

What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken – and did it work out?

Joining HR Solutions is probably the biggest risk I’ve ever taken. At the time I was working for a FTSE 100 company and I took a risk to join what was ultimately a two-man band. We had some difficult times in the beginning as we were in a recession but with a bit of hard work and a highquality service, we found that people just kept coming back. I’d say the risk was worth taking.

What advice would you give to someone starting out?

Focus on what you are good at, and work with trusted specialists to fill any skills gaps. Running your own business doesn’t immediately make you a marketeer or a PR guru or an accountant, but there are fellow Chamber members out there can provide specialist support to enable you to succeed.

Which business person do you most admire?

Probably Richard Branson. I think that he shows that even the most entrepreneurial of us don’t get it right in business every time, as he had many failures before succeeding. He also really values his people and understands that having a great team is what makes a company a success, something that is very close to my heart.

What exciting projects is your organisation working on? We are experimenting with Artificial Intelligence, and we’ve launched a new leadership programme in which we are recognising and nurturing talent within our team. We always try to promote from within and this will further help us to grow and retain talent.

What made your organisation join Northamptonshire Chamber and how are you making use of your membership? We joined the Chamber to do more business locally, as at the time, most of our business was outside of the county. We wanted to grow our local networks. We regularly attend Chamber events and we are now Silver Business Partners. It is important to us to build relationships, leverage support and learn from shared experiences.

Call: 0844 324 5840

Email: greg.guilford@hrsolutions-uk.com

Visit: www.hrsolutions-uk.com

product spotlight: Chamber Website

Our revamped website is designed with you in mind, aiming to provide our members with an even better experience! Some of our new features include:

• Fresh look: Our new sleek and modern design is easy on the eyes and user-friendly.

• Enhanced features: We’ve listened to your feedback and have added exciting new features to make your interaction with us smoother than ever from event bookings, to uploading your news and job vacancies!

• Seamless integration: Whether you're on a computer, tablet, or smartphone, our responsive design ensures a consistent and optimal browsing experience across all devices.

• Elevate your profile: Customise with logos, header image, and edit your company details. You can share your news, offers, event and job vacancies.

Get in touch with the membership team for your logins and explore the new site!

next generation

Introducing the next generation of the region’s business leaders

Next Generation committee welcomes newest members

The Next Generation Chamber is thrilled to unveil the latest additions to its committee lineup. With excitement and anticipation, the Chamber welcomes three dynamic professionals who are set to infuse new energy and perspectives into the group. The new committee members include:

• Abbie Campbell, corporate and community fundraiser at Northamptonshire Health Charity

• Alicia Fergusson, personal assistant to chief executive and assistant chief executive at West Northamptonshire Council

• Molly Feugard, digital marketing executive at the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce,

and the Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce. These individuals bring unique expertise, diverse backgrounds, and a shared passion for fostering innovation and growth among young professionals. Their presence promises to drive the Next Generation Chamber's mission forward and create exciting opportunities for young business professionals in Northamptonshire.

The trio received a warm welcome from the existing committee members, Nina Gandy, corporate partnership fundraiser at Cynthia Spencer, Imran Ilias, trainee solicitor at Wilson Browne Solicitors and Jamie Cochrane, associate at PBC Business Recovery & Insolvency Ltd.

They said: “We are delighted to welcome three new additions to our committee. Their invaluable expertise and passion will serve as a catalyst for the chamber's continued success and advancement. With this new infusion of talent, the Next Generation Chamber of Commerce Committee is poised to embark on a dynamic journey of innovation and excellence, to grow the chamber even further.”

To find out more about Next Generation Chamber, give the team a call on 01604 490490 or email us at info@nextgenerationchamber.co.uk

about next generation chamber

Next Generation Chamber is uniquely designed to champion, develop and encourage young business professionals

Next Generation Chamber provides a platform for aspiring young business people in the region to help them grow and develop via a series of exclusive monthly events, alternating between networking events and personal development sessions

Next Generation Chamber reflects the core belief that we often learn and develop most effectively in the company of friends and peers, with obvious benefits for employers in the creation of more confident, knowledgeable and better networked staff.

Abbie Campbell

Alicia Ferguson

Molly Feugard

new members

Welcoming the newest members of Northamptonshire Chamber and Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce

Arthur Swope Limited

NORTHAMPTON

07722 403421

Provider of education tutoring to SEN, SEMH and otherwise disadvantaged students, including those excluded. Also, doing mainstream tutoring for 16 plus

Ace Accounts & Tax Limited

MILTON KEYNES

01908 018360

www.aceaccountax.co.uk

Personal and business tax, management account and ecommerce accounting

Alanod Ltd

MILTON KEYNES

01908 282044

www.alanod.co.uk

Stocking of and production of aluminium to customers’ requirements

Blah Blah Catering

NORTHAMPTON

01604 456763

www.blahblahcatering.co.uk

Catering

Bluebeards Revenge Ltd

NORTHAMPTON

01604 943749

Brand of men's grooming products, sold internationally

Building Future Leaders Ltd

NOTTINGHAM

www.buildingfutureleaders.co.uk

We provide the next generation of future leaders in recruitment, young people, housing and construction

Cheeky Cheesecakes

MILTON KEYNES

07949 531760

Cheesecakes

Cloud 9 Business Services

HEMEL HEMPSTEAD

01442 979910

www.cloud9bs.co.uk

Train on Office 365, MS Teams, contact centres

Cloud Nine Writing

MILTON KEYNES

07590 757876

www.cloudninewriting.com

At Cloud Nine Writing we take your writing tasks from the bottom of your to-do list and put them at the top of ours

Control your Life

NORTHAMPTON

07754 750700

www.cylbox.co.uk

Mobile phone programmable lock box

Corby Town Council CORBY 01536 697561

www.corbytowncouncil.gov.uk

Local authority town council working for the people of Corby Town. Distributor of local grant scheme, events, and local governance

Co-Space

MILTON KEYNES 01908 761122

www.co-space.co.uk

Design-led flexible workspace operator, offering office space, coworking and meeting space

CO Virtual Services Ltd

NEWPORT PAGNELL

07595348953

www.covirtualservices.co.uk

Virtual assistant supporting businesses with all admin tasks.

Delta Hotels by Marriott Milton Keynes

MILTON KEYNES 01908 694433

www.marriott.com/engb/hotels/ltnde-delta-hotels-miltonkeynes

Hotel with restaurant, meeting space and fitness centre

En-Fold

KETTERING

07845 905766

www.enfold.org.uk

Charity supporting autistic people and the community with information advice and training

Global Centre for Healthy Workplaces

NORTHAMPTON

www.globalhealthyworkplace.org

The Global Centre for Healthy Workplaces (GCHW) supports the advancement of workplace health and well-being through a series of initiatives

IFE Road Freight

BASILDON 01400 223664

ifeglobal.uk

Freight forwarders

Kirsop of Milton Keynes Health & Safety Management Ltd

MILTON KEYNES

07932 678742

Health and safety consultant, risk assessor

Landmark Space Limited

MILTON KEYNES

07584 684983

www.landmarkspace.co.uk

Office spaces, coworking, virtual office services and meeting rooms

Let's Do... TOWCESTER 07799072653

www.letsdoapp.com

Let's Do... is a social planner, that takes the pain out of planning

Lincoln Occupational Health LLP

AYLESBURY 0844 481 0093

www.lincolnoccupationalhealth.co.uk

We provide an array of occupational health services and work with employers to provide support and guidance for effective management of sickness absence

Lucidity IP DAVENTRY 07539 957884

www.lucidity-ip.co.uk

Intellectual property law

Moorgate Finance

TOWCESTER 01908 92 62 62

www.moorgatefinance.com

Moorgate is an independent finance company based out of Milton Keynes

Paradise Computing Ltd

NORTHAMPTON 01604 655900

www.paradisecomputing.co.uk

Northampton-based tech solution experts. Specialising in Sage 200 and Microsoft Business Central ERP, Cloud, IT Services, bespoke software and business training

Robinson Management Services Ltd

MILTON KEYNES 01908 269536

www.robinsonmanagement.co.uk

Business consultancy and services

Ruptura Infosecurity

MILTON KEYNES

07588148482

www.ruptura-infosec.com

Penetration testing, cyber essentials, and security consultancy

Self Love Space

NORTHAMPTON 07760 164058

www.selflovespace.uk

Mental health support

TMC Distribution Ltd

COALVILLE 0116 2247010

www.tmcdist.co.uk

Dedicated emergency transport throughout the UK and Europe /worldwide freight forwarding

The Cyber Resilience Centre For the East Midlands RIPLEY

www.emcrc.co.uk

The East Midlands Cyber Resilience Centre is here to support and help

Virium Technology Ltd

MILTON KEYNES 0800 0119401

www.viriumtech.com

Cloud hosting, VPS (virtual private services), dedicated hardware services, SaasPaas, Iaas, business IT support, procurement mobile and web application development

WF Telematics

LUTON 01582 383929

www.wftelematics.com

WF Telematics offers vehicle tracking, asset tracking and stolen vehicle tracking

Wicksteed Trading Limited

KETTERING

01536 512475

www.wicksteedpark.org

Provision of leisure and recreational facilities in a themed environment

Wildwood Media Ltd

NORTHAMPTON

01622 200567

www.wildwoodmedia.co.uk

Video production services including promotional, social media content, aerial/drone, training, health and safety etc

new partners