Business Lancashire March 2019 by The Samuel James Group

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Lancaster University's £44m Health Innovation Campus on track LANCASTER University’s groundbreaking new Health Innovation Campus is on track to meet its ambitious target of engaging with 300 Lancashire SMEs by 2020. The £44M initiative provides a tremendous opportunity to address healthcare challenges with regional relevance and national impact. Critical to its success is a collaborative approach, bringing together businesses with researchers and health providers to work together on solving significant health problems. A committed team is already engaging with partners to identify and work on innovative projects across Lancashire. More than 35 companies have now accessed fully-funded support, through a £2m

grant from the European Regional Development Fund. Dr Sherry Kothari, Director of the Health Innovation Campus, said: “The Campus will be a catalyst for improving health outcomes locally and fostering economic growth. “It is clear that there is a need to do things differently and, in collaboration with our partners, the Health Innovation Campus will embrace this opportunity. Our objectives to address health inequalities, empower people to better manage their health, create healthier environments and encourage innovation in early diagnoses and interventions resonate with the NHS long term plan. “Lancaster University has long been an economic

anchor and driver of innovation. The Health Innovation Campus will continue to engage with business leaders to develop innovative new products, services and processes for the health and wellbeing sector. “The campus is built on the principles of open innovation where good ideas and expertise can come from anywhere. Support is available for businesses who are new to the health and wellbeing market or who already have a product/service in place but want to expand. “For aspirational businesses in Lancashire this is a real opportunity to begin a journey with the University to develop and grow innovative ideas which have the potential to transform lives.”

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Business Lancashire - Mar Issue.indd 1

20/02/2019 17:02

WELCOME

CONTENTS MANUFACTURING 4

to the March 2019 edition of Business Lancashire. In this issue, you will read about Levity CropScience’s latest export county and we also learn how Lyndhurst Precision Engineering lured a designer from Dubai.

CYBER SECURITY

GROWTH STORIES

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

EDUCATION 12 AWARDS 15

You can also read about how The Samuel James Group is teaming up with Blackpool’s Code Galaxy, to produce a new directory.

BUSINESS SUPPORT

APPRENTICES SUPPLEMENT

INTERNATIONAL 37 ACQUISITIONS

TRANSPORT 42 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

APPOINTMENTS 48 EVENTS LISTINGS

PROPERTY 53 PAGE 23

INSIDE:

PAGE 57

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Xcject sin t hon ing some of itsto#GrowingLancashire as well as gespro room immeasurably Ow siness, asemployees, Thereiswil a greato llen It is share ting exci Burnley Bu sin3.ess al cha 193 rting Your 18. Support sizes of buthat think rci r Bu ing that all areas of me ily on d allbusinesses rineg fam success stories at athis national level. Th ensuring from thetyp much larger es an th May 20 their growth Sta nklycom ple ts – Save you and the u Sha to be sponso ere we 14th – 18 ice for peo Tax Credi ighted to how a number of business owners advdescribes delinvited group is were London to wh meet Central Government esses and as siness."the region benefit from the Way Yo ert sin ek, ing exp bu We as cil. ang ey bu Burnl the Coun ey Businaess tastic their own Money, Ch Interactive Mock Jimmy Bu McCloughlin, specialstadviser the Northern Powerhouse movement.” based at Cotton Court feel there is SMEs. for g rnl fan ty the rtin of e ori sta nis of og a ho ngs, is a top pri the week and FREE needp. to segment the small business ise yourto the Prime : “We rec meeting Minister on businessBurnley “Often the challenge at or Graou does Do Meeti andGuy Cookson, a co-owner will be bunal, Ra He added is how Mofot in the t Offers. oyd businesses Hotfoot Design, Details of rhuge yment Tri ns, and category Ll based d ime, issues. The meeting was brokered said: “One the ou a brilliant small business with sio plo te & Fleefurther. ies an Cr of ses ic e pora Em pan ber ng nc Cor am rta com Users, traini st dyn ts on the I raised For impo inesstowns Against Cy w to Win Bussmall “The challenges faced by a company by Emma Jones business is that and the mo potential hire its first suc employee? nd by seminars, cess impac rnlpoints e of small re. Defences a, onfrom ey is are es can be fou t theirneed the tailored ip Test, Ho Bu cities of Lancashi Thkin tha with two employees are significantly n. or rsh as in, support organisation Enterprise are just as critical to creating the ese entrepreneurs are g ade .uk tow ked masterclass Le ng .co . . .ess loo of the The /BMW erprisi ess ing a Northern Powerhousergro ritytheir sin entwas sin w.Burnley ess using Lin Nation hav 2 spe Bu up.com bu sin diff erent from those with a headcount ww 28 in al for pro and attended by 15 other so-called – r support that can help businesses g 01 Bu n dia loc oto tne B itin a ow on Me dm l r next par If you are vis cil lloy w B2 ll kn and quickly, create SociaYou holder is oneVisit of over 200 and currently they are rnley Coun are hosted by Ne small across Lancaster such place. jobsweand grow the h support grow tworking , becoming d Bond althbusinesses from growtthe calling Bu prove He Council an Business Ne rting1,500 people work in the contact the viewed and measured in the same way for business country. “Some l the events suppo World, Im rkplac esses pro-active e, hesitate to Sueconomy.” 477213. Al n’tBoost it comes to digital, ort is Lancashire’s the Retail help busin is do pp en Wo in to ek ice s wh ur by the UK Government.” Andrew Leeming, tech and creative sectors in Boost business e We ess Yo ert adv em Sch eing in e Business uncil Busin business exp w To Us and Wellb Anne Williamson, MD at ProgrammeBu Manager, attended Lancaster. growth hub, led rbybuthe Lancashire esses, and rnley Co port.” These are well paid, highly ou sin Design, Ho of supskilled organised Your Catarina King, co-founder grow. jobs and the number is growing Customer Love Ltd, added: “There LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership) Secured By r Data to Growalongside t package ek 2018 is team. t of tha e, Burnleyand Lancashirepar me Business We cil, in partnership were many similarities between the of Preston-based space year on year. It is not hard to see why County Council cer ck Cartledg Your Custo Mico-working Coun re. d tive Offi ecu Ex growth hungry businesses in the room ief owner of Cotton Lancaster is well placed to host cuttingand supported by funding from the by Burnley support agencies an s Business and mo siness Society1; Rob Binns, Council Ch ess ert r, Bu and their feedback to Government ina, Business Centre; Guy Cookson, European Regional Development Fund edge businesses.” with busin cyber resilience exp Kevin Porte rector at XcCourt by and partner at Lancaster-based creative Robert Binns, owner of Cotton nt Di (ERDF). reflects the thoughts of many of the supported latest advice areas Developme the er off agency Hotfoot Design; and Anne Court, added: “It was a great Catarina King, who co-founded businesses I work with each week. It Xcina, to of business Williamson of Lancashire-based opportunity to directly speak to the Society 1 in Preston in 2017, said: will be great to see some of the points on a range guidance consultancy Customer Love Ltd. Prime Minister’s special adviser about “I feel as a group of four Lancashire addressed come to fruition.” ed by: Publish

18 May 20 INSIDE:

www.businesslancashire.co.uk/subscription y e l n r Bu s supportses Lancashire firms’ mission If you would like to be involved with BUSINESS LANCASHIRE, s busine & CONTACTS CONTRIBUTORS please get in touch with the below: h to Number 10 to help t n e with sevs small businesses grow es n i s u B Group Editor: Andy Mann Design: Robert Leach This publication is produced by The Samuel James Group Ltd, Week Unit 6/7 Eastway Business Village, Fulwood, Preston PR2 9WT. 07951 731722 01772 364150 / 07930 962609 andy@thesamueljamesgroup.com

robert@thesamueljamesgroup.com

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Editor: Phil Ghayour 01772 364152

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Reproduction of the contents of this newspaper in any form is not permitted without the permission of the publisher. Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for errors and/or omissions in advertisements, information, photographs or illustrations. The opinions and advice in this newspaper do not necessarily express the view of the company. © 2019

Published by The Samuel James Group

4 MANUFACTURING

Lyndhurst recruits international designer CHORLEY-based Lyndhurst Precision Engineering has recruited two new engineers, bolstering its skilled team of skilled professionals, including one from Dubai. Jon and Andy join as a result of continued demand for Lyndhurst’s industry-leading engineering services for the defence sector. The appointments are a result of Lyndhurst’s continual expansion across departments, since the firm is also looking for more skilled CNC professionals as well as millers. Jon Clarke recently worked in Dubai for a number of years, and also with several multi-national defence firms, where he expanded

his experience, knowledge and skill set on innovative and strategically key projects. Andy Wilding joins as a Project Manager, utilising his extensive experience with global aerospace engineering companies and bringing considerable expertise within the renewable energy sector. Both men will focus on delivering a major defence project, recently won by Lyndhurst. Mark Marriner, managing director, Lyndhurst, said: “We are delighted to welcome both Jon and Andy to the Lyndhurst Precision Engineering team. Both these highly skilled and qualified mechanical designers will be valuable assets for us, as we

deliver a major defence project for an international client. Jon added: “I was lured from Dubai to Lyndhurst as I knew about their fantastic reputation in the engineering industry. The work the Lyndhurst team does is highly regarded around the world and I feel privileged to be part of the team. Mark added: “We are continuously expanding our team of engineering professionals and consequently are still looking for more mechanical designers and skilled CNC operatives, as well as millers to join our team here in Chorley.” Andy commented: “I’ve been a customer of Lyndhurst Precision

Engineering for roughly 20 years now and have always had a good working relationship with the team. The opportunity to be involved with Lyndhurst’s journey was one I couldn’t miss. The varied work and fast pace of the company is something I’ve always wanted to be involved with.”

Accrington wallpaper firm rolls out expansion plans with bank support AN Accrington wallpaper manufacturer is set to create 20 new jobs after boosting production to meet international demand. Surface Print Company, which is based at Broadley Mill in Claytonle-Moors, has agreed a £2.5 million funding package from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking to help it grow its workforce by a fifth and boost capacity over the next 12 months. The move will help the firm, which already works with luxury design customers in more than 70 countries, to increase production by 20 per cent and begin exporting to 15 new locations by 2020. Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking provided a term loan and invoice discounting package to support the company’s growth plans. The fourth-generation family business, which was founded in 1990 by John Watson, supplies more than 100 brands across the world and generates 40 per cent of its sales overseas. The firm uses a range of production capabilities, from heritage techniques to the latest print innovations, to create a variety of luxury wallcoverings. In September 2016, it also launched its own brand of wallpaper, 1838 Wallcoverings, that it sells worldwide. James Watson, managing director at Surface Print Company, said: “Wallpaper has come back in fashion over the past decade with consumers, retailers and designers across the globe now requesting a wider range of highquality designs. “The funding we’ve received from Lloyds Bank has given us the financial headroom to boost production and meet clients’ growing requirements and, as a result, we expect our turnover to hit £10 million by the end of 2020. "When we approached the team at Lloyds Bank about the expansion, they took the time to really get to know our business and, as a result, were able to arrange a funding package that was exactly tailored to our needs.” Garry Birchall, relationship director at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking,

said: “Surface Print Company already has an excellent reputation overseas, but to push forward with the next phase of its expansion it needed the correct funding in place. “Products such as invoice finance are perfect for ambitious firms that are looking to grow their overseas presence, as they enable businesses to release cash tied up in unpaid invoices that can then be reinvested in the firm. “We’re committed to helping British firms prosper by providing the guidance and funding they need to implement strategic changes, and since the start of 2011, we’ve grown our net lending to SMEs by 33 per cent, while the market has contracted by 12 per cent.”

Manufacturing

Weru UK celebrates major accreditation

New service launched for commercial kitchen fire prevention SKELMERSDALE-based workplace service provider, Direct365, has launched a new nationwide programme for the hospitality sector to ensure fire and hygiene standards for commercial kitchens meet regulation. Cooking appliances are one of the main causes of commercial fires. Heat, electricity, water, and grease combined creates a significant hazard, and kitchen ducts are areas where grease significantly builds up in areas where it can’t be seen or easily accessed The new Commercial Kitchen Duct Cleaning service is available

across the country and is specific to the ductwork areas of environment. Kathryn Skinner, Managing Director at Direct365 said: “Kitchen areas are subject to strict regulation as it is an environment that presents a number of fire hazards. Some of the dangers are not easy to spot, particularly in kitchen ductwork so it’s important they are regularly cleaned as a build-up of grease and grime only needs a low ignition point before catching fire. This area is also subject to the same hygiene requirements and issues with accessing ductwork means it’s not cleaned as easily as other kitchen surfaces and appliances.”

BLACKPOOL-based Weru UK, a distributor for Weru, Germany’s market leader in windows and doors, has achieved the RAL certification in respect of the new and very strict RAL approved window installation standards required for all aspects including air tightness, security and wind loading. Weru UK is the only window and door company outside of Germany to receive this

prestigious honour and one which required the company to undergo stringent assessments and training prior to be being awarded the sought-after accreditation. Kate Lindsay, Sales Director at Weru UK, said: “RAL is recognised as a trusted trademark worldwide and a reliable guide for consumers over the almost 90 years it has been in existence. Whilst the Weru product range has had

full RAL accreditation on their finished products for many years the introduction of a RAL certification for technical installation is new. “We are thrilled to be awarded the standard for all our window and door installations, as testament to the fact we have met over and above the incredibly rigorous RAL criteria. Quality and customer service are always at the heart of everything we do.”

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6 CYBER SECURITY

Police team up with Holker IT for cyber crime business warning MANY Lancashire businesses could face ruin during the coming year due to the growing threat of Cyber Crime. That was one of the eye-watering realities highlighted by East Lancashire cyber security specialists, Holker IT, at a special conference on the subject, organised by Lancashire Constabulary and held at Ribby Hall Village. Holker IT was the only technology firm to speak at the prestigious event, which attracted close on 200 business people from across the county. The attendees were enthralled by Holker IT’s interactive presentation and managing director Matthew Metcalfe, said: “We showcased a real-

life cyber attack, highlighting some of the problems businesses can face if they fail to take out the necessary level of protection. It was good to hear such positive feedback, both from business leaders and the event organisers themselves. “Being invited by Lancashire

Constabulary to speak at such a prestigious event was a great honour and further testament to the work we do in relation to fighting cyber crime.” Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw, who opened the conference, added: “Cyber Crime is a massive issue and

it is of paramount importance that all businesses are aware of the scale of the threat and act accordingly. The day was a huge success with some very interesting and informative presentations.”

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CYBER SECURITY

Making Tax Digital: The perfect opportunity to boost your digital resilience An overview by Kevin Porter, Business Development Director, Xcina THE current HMRC initiative, Making

Tax Digital (MTD), is a key part of the Government’s plans to make it easier for individuals and businesses to pay the correct amount of tax and keep on top of their affairs. At the same time, HMRC wants to become one of the most digitally-advanced tax administrations in the world. A major element of the strategy is to use the Making Tax Digital initiative to introduce fundamental, digital-led changes to transform tax administration, so that it is more effective, more efficient and easier for taxpayers to use.

measures in place to protect their business. We believe the new MTD legislation will help businesses focus on digital resilience, and provide them with a unique selling point when they talk to customers and suppliers. For example, are you and your accountant confident that your business is digitally-resilient and cyber secure, and not open to a breach? The last thing any company wants is to introduce a virus or malware whilst using the MTD system, or to be the victim of a ransomware attack.

Do you have robust resilience processes and As a result, HMRC has introduced a new digital policies in place to minimise and mitigate the impact of any cyber-attacks? Avoiding process whereby VAT-registered businesses any potential regulatory, reputational and (with a taxable turnover above the VAT financial impacts for breaches is of paramount threshold) must use the MTD service to keep importance for any company – whatever the records digitally and use software to submit their VAT returns from 1 April 2019. However, size. following feedback from clients about business Be prepared readiness and cyber security issues, HMRC has Achieving true digital resilience means asking delayed the mandatory introduction until 1 some probing questions in terms of how your October 2019, testing the service with a pilot organisation operates – for example: scheme until then. • How robust are the cyber security processes Delay or not, this new legislation presents both and policies deployed by your own business? a challenge and an opportunity - ensuring your • How cyber secure is your supply chain, company has the digital resilience to comply. including your accountant? Do you ever ask them? How do they demonstrate this? What is digital resilience? In a nutshell, digital resilience means • Conversely, how do you demonstrate your compliance and business continuity - having own digital resilience to your stakeholders and the right technology, policies and staff training your supply chain, if asked? in place to ensure you can monitor, detect and • How trained and informed are your staff in respond to cyber threats and data breaches – and understanding the key areas of cyber security? the operational nous to run your business in a • Are you up to date with the latest regulations digital world. and policies on data governance, including How to become digitally-resilient GDPR and UK DPA 2018? We all know that cyber-security incidents, • Do you have processes in place to deal with, attacks and data breaches are increasing and respond to, numerous subject access significantly, meaning more and more requests (SAR), in an accurate yet costcompanies are recognising the importance of effective way? strong cyber security processes and governance. • Do you use multi-factor authentication to add But more than that, every organisation now an extra layer of protection to your user name needs to have the best resilience policies and and passwords?

• How prepared are you for a possible meeting with the ICO, if you were to have a breach? Answers to all these questions will be readilyavailable and will roll off the tongue – if you’re serious about digital resilience. We have the solutions Xcina is part of the AIM-listed digital resilience company, Shearwater Group PLC. Our mission is to help companies embed the people, processes, technology and policies that are the keystone to making a company digitallyresilient. We provide digital, operational and regulatory services in support of end-to-end resilience and risk management for SMEs. We help companies prepare for increasing legislative and regulatory demands on how data is held and processed, using tailored digital strategies and a range of services, including consultancy, e-learning training, ongoing monitoring, analysis, threat detection, and response to cyber threats. We support resilience and business continuity using our proprietary capability maturity model, which focuses on the three core pillars of people, process and technology. Specifically, to ensure that your staff are fully aware of the risks and their responsibilities when it comes to security, we offer the following help: Cyber Awareness courses: a one-hour e-learning module for your staff GDPR Staff Awareness courses: a 40-minute e-learning module for your staff GDPR Implementation Practitioner courses: a blended solution to equip staff with GDPR knowledge Threat detection and monitoring services We always love to talk digital resilience, so if you think we can help, please contact Andy on 07951 731722

GROWTH STORIES

In association with Boost Business Lancashire

Chorley business delivers positive results with Boost A CHORLEY business that helps other firms to look after their employees better is achieving impressive growth after receiving support from Boost – Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub. Kataholos, established in April 2018 by former primary school teacher turned entrepreneur Michael Quigley, helps organisations to improve their recruitment, employee engagement and retention processes. Michael received growth mentoring support through Boost and has gone on to deliver his training services to a wide range of businesses across the region. The advice has also enabled Kataholos to more than triple its course offering for businesses and their employees to include such areas as stress management, learning skills, assertiveness and public speaking”. Michael has also written his own book about his training methods and his philosophy for helping people manage their own wellbeing. Michael said: “I heard about Boost services through a networking group and I joined the programme. I was then introduced to Yusuf Musa from Enterprise4All who became my business coach. Yusuf has helped me to understand my ambitions, how to grow my business and has helped me with branding. “The name Kataholos is derived from the Japanese word ‘kata’ which means ‘form and in unison’ and the

Greek word ‘holo’ meaning ‘whole and entire’. I was keen to ensure the business name depicted a service where ‘everyone is included’.” Yusuf Musa, growth explorer for Enterprise4All, said: “Michael was looking for support to develop his business ideas and create a suitable brand to promote his services nationally. He then aims to grow the business internationally. “Michael attended the Lean Launchpad series and completed a business model plan which enabled him to focus on the key components of his business. This has helped him gain a clearer vision moving forward to develop Kataholos.” Michael’s growing client base across the region includes both public and private sector clients and he has further contracts lined up for 2019 with businesses in Liverpool and London. His workshops were even delivered as part of Boost’s 2018 training programme. County Councillor Michael Green, Cabinet member for economic development, environment and planning, said: “Many companies start off with a good idea, develop their service and skills and simply get it off and running. Boost works with you to increase your understanding of your business and identify opportunities to take it to the next stage of development. “I am delighted to hear that the support which we provide via Boost is helping businesses like Kataholos to

grow and support other businesses in the region.” Kataholos continues to receive advice through the Boost Growth Support Programme and Michael is in regular contact with Enterprise4All to receive further guidance. Michael added said: “The programme has given me some great ideas and invaluable tools to help me grow my business. After connecting with a web designer through my Boost contacts, I am now promoting my services online and offering a taster of my presentations on Kataholos’s YouTube channel. “There’s plenty of growth plans in the pipeline since I started receiving Boost support. Over the next twelve months, I plan to recruit a personal assistant (as well as a virtual one) and aim to double my turnover. I’m also well into drafting my second book.” Yusuf added, “Every business is different. Every entrepreneur is unique. Michael has some great business ideas which were inspired through the Boost coaching and planning programmes. “By attending the various Boost sessions, Michael has now gained a much better understanding of his business and how to build the Kataholos brand and grow sales. Michael now has a real insight into his business and where he sees his business in the future.”

GROWTH STORIES

www.boostbusinesslancashire.co.uk

Blackburn pie maker’s turnover is set to rise after Boost support A BLACKBURN-based homemade pie business aims to smash its three year turnover target after gaining support from Boost – Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub. Pie Mezzanae was set up by Zainab Bilal, a qualified science teacher and former biomedical scientist. It is the business behind the award-winning Pie Heroes brand and focuses on innovative recipes such as lamb tikka pies, burger pies, samosa pies and chicken taco pies. Zainab started the business baking pies in her home kitchen. Since gaining advice from Boost, she has relocated to a purposeequipped unit in Blackburn and is receiving on-going support from Boost to develop a funding application. She has already started to build a team to support her and is looking to recruit more people as the business continues to grow. Zainab was introduced to the Boost Growth Support Programme through Enterprise4All. Boost is Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub and is led by the Lancashire LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership) and Lancashire County Council and

supported by funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Yusuf Musa, growth explorer for Enterprise4All, said: “Zainab manages her pie production between working as a support facilitator at Blackburn College. She aims to work full-time on the business but is seeking support to learn more about the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) market and distribution in particular, and to determine how much investment she needs to make along the way. “Zainab benefitted from the Boost Launchpad workshop and various masterclasses through the Growth Support Programme as it fits with her needs and aspirations for the business. “The interest generated by her creative pie recipes has certainly been quite overwhelming. Since starting the Boost programme demand for her authentic Pie Hero brand has significantly risen.” In March 2017, four of Zainab’s pies won silver medals at the British Pie Awards in Melton Mowbray, and she believes she may even be the first award winning halal baker at the contest. Zainab said: “The Boost workshops and advice

has been brilliant. Preparing a strategic plan changes your perspective and thinking. It makes you explore your ideas and tap into other areas you may not have considered. “The professional connections I’ve made though Boost have also really helped me. Being able to get in touch with Yusuf for advice is like having another little door I can knock on. Andrew Leeming from Boost introduced me to Lancashire Forum, a peer network and business growth programme and I have really gained a greater business insight through this programme.” “I now have great plans including recruiting two more staff this year and developing a wider distribution network across the UK for 2020. Yusuf added: “Zainab has aspirations to grow turnover to £260k in three years. The Growth Support Programme has had a direct impact on helping her business grow, by providing a structure both operationally and strategically for her business and connecting her with relevant people and organisations.”

Boost your startup in 2019 THE start of a new year always acts as a ‘push’ for entrepreneurs either to take the plunge and start their own business, or if they are already trading, that “this will be the year when we…” It’s a great opportunity to set targets, try something different, challenge your thinking and make positive changes – personally and professionally. “If you’re determined that 2019 is going to be the year you start or grow your business, there is a wealth of support available in Lancashire to help you make it happen.” said Rona McFall from Winning Pitch.

• Know Your Numbers: What every start-up must know – March 5, 9:00am – 3:30pm at Ewood Park, Blackburn • Marketing: Influencing customers to come to you – March 7, 9:00am – 3:30pm at Daisyfield Business Centre, Blackburn • Execution: Building a strategy for growth – March 13, 9:00am – 3:30pm at Oak Royal Golf & Country Club, Chorley • Creating a Winning Value Proposition – March 19, 9:00am – 3:30pm at Cotton Court, Preston • Making yourself irresistible to customers – March 26, 9:00am – 3:30pm at Daisyfield Business Centre, Blackburn • Finance: Ensuring you have sufficient cash to grow – March 28, 09:00 – 3:30pm at Solaris Centre, Blackpool To book your place at any of these events or for more information on how Boost can help your business succeed, please e-mail the Growth Support Programme team at gspadmin@winning-pitch.co.uk or visit the Boost website: www. boostbusinesslancashire.co.uk

10 THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Employers’ Guide to the EU Settlement Scheme IN the midst of ongoing Brexit chaos, on 21 January 2019, the Government expanded the pilot scheme for EU citizens to obtain Settled Status in the UK to secure their rights post-Brexit. Whilst we still don’t know what the final Brexit deal with look like, or indeed if there will be a deal at all, the rights of EU citizens in the UK and vice versa was one of the quicker points to be agreed in principle; the current stance being that EU citizens will have to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme in order to guarantee

the continuation of their current rights to live and work in the UK. Depending on how long an individual has been in the UK they could be granted Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status. Full implementation of the scheme is planned for the end of March, to coincide with the date the UK leaves the EU. The Government has also recently announced a scheme where, in the event of a no deal Brexit, EU citizens can come to the UK on a temporary basis. With all the uncertainty, many

employers are unclear about their next steps. The Home Office has issued an employer toolkit to help employers give information to their EU workers and their families about the Settlement scheme, comprising guidance on how to use it and associated information to give to employees. However, many employers may still be confused as to the finer details of the scheme and what difference a deal or no deal Brexit will make. Employers will need to know how Brexit affects their staff retention and

recruitment plans, as well as what to do to ensure ongoing compliance with matters such as right to work checks. Employers also need to understand future changes to the immigration system, particularly if they’re heavily reliant on EU workers at present. For legal advice on the EU settlement scheme and the steps you will need to take to ensure EU workers can remain working for your business post-Brexit, get in touch with Farleys Solicitors on 0845 004 4906 or contact charlotte.ashton@farleys.com.

as pet’s name) in case the criminals are following your social media. Use a mixture of upper and lower case letters, numbers and other symbols — and, most importantly, keep it to yourself. Don’t write it down anywhere, and certainly not on a note stuck to your computer.

browsing, but beware of clicking on anything that looks interesting, especially if you’re not on your own personal computer with a trusted network. One of those sites you land on could be a trap. If you’re using a public computer or a café’s free WiFi, your data could be at risk.

answer to your security questions. Think before you share information.

3. Keep Your Devices Locked Any unattended computer, tablet or phone is a vulnerability. If you’re going to leave it, even for a very short time, make sure it’s locked up, either physically or by logging out of your account. Whatever you need to do to ensure no-one can use it while you’re away. And that goes for any flash drives or external hard drives, as well.

6. Back-ups Are Your Friend Cyber criminals don’t just steal your data. They may also block your access to it, or crash your devices so that everything’s lost. Make sure you back your data up regularly, preferably to a secure cloud service, as well as keeping your anti-virus software up to date.

Cyber Security — Ten Top Tips for Keeping Safe Business Lancashire asked AGT Computers to give their views:

ANY company that takes cyber security seriously will have an array of defences to plug the gaps that cyber criminals could exploit. Unfortunately, fewer create defences for the biggest danger of all — humans.

You can have all the security tools you can afford, but a single person who fails to follow procedures can let the hackers in. Simply clicking a link or opening an attachment can be the fatal step that leads to a massive data breach. So what are the things to remind your employees of — or to remember yourself, for that matter? We have ten of the most important.

1. You’re Not Immune The worst possible attitude to take for the purposes of cyber security is “it couldn’t happen to me.” It doesn’t matter whether your business is large or small, you’re a target for cyber criminals. The biggest difference between those who are victims and those who aren’t is vigilance. 2. Up Your Password Game Having a strong password is a minimum requirement for cyber security. It shouldn’t be anything that could be too obviously associated with you (such

4. Think Before You Click If you receive an email with links or attachments, don’t click on it unless you’re absolutely sure it’s safe. Even if you know the sender, if the message’s contents are unusual or unexpected, the account may have been hacked. And don’t assume a link is necessarily safe because the URL looks familiar. A favourite trick of cyber criminals is to use a URL that looks like one you’d trust, but with one or two characters different. 5. Be Careful How You Browse You can’t use the internet without

7. Watch Your Hardware It isn’t only emails and websites that pose a danger to your devices. Malware can lurk on external hard drives, flash drives or smartphones, so be vigilant about what you’re plugging into your computer. 8. Criminals Use Social Media Too The dangers of social media have been much in the news lately, but a lesspublicised hazard is that cyber criminals may be using it to get information from you. Finding out where you work or when you go on holiday can help them — and those games based on using your first school or your first pet can give them the

9. There Are Also Dangers Offline Just because cyber criminals target you online doesn’t mean they don’t also try to get your information in other ways. You’ve probably at some time had a phone call from someone claiming to be your bank or utility company, or even the police. If you give the information they ask for, you might be letting them into anything from your bank account to your computer’s data. You have the perfect right to refuse and call a genuine number for the organisation to check. 10. Monitor Your Accounts An invasion of your accounts may start slowly, allowing the cyber criminals to get their claws into you. Monitor all your accounts regularly for any unusual activity that could be criminal activity. You may still have time to do something about it. There’s no substitute for improving your cyber security — both by installing and maintaining powerful systems and by training your workforce to use their devices intelligently and vigilantly. You’re very welcome to get in touch with us if you want to know more about staying safe online.

Thought Leadership

Concept to reality: How the Fourth Industrial Revolution can put Lancashire manufacturers in pole position JOEL Durkin, Regional Membership Manager – North West, Make UK outlines his views. As we look toward the future, few things are certain, but one thing which we can confidently predict is that UK manufacturers will need to be more productive in the years ahead. Facing up to Brexit, whatever the details of the deal, will mean operating in a more global market for the UK’s goods and services, which will inevitably bring greater competition to UK manufacturing. During Make UK’s recent Annual Dinner in London, Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond MP spoke about how Brexit could help the UK economy forge new and better links with some of the world’s fastest growing economies. He discussed being part of a high-tech, high-skilled ecosystem that defines the future economy. While over the last decade, productivity growth in UK manufacturing has flatlined, technology is one of the drivers enabling the UK’s makers to be globally competitive. The so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution is occurring across the global manufacturing industry, particularly in Lancashire’s largest,

as well as some of its smallest, manufacturing businesses. 4IR is about using digital technology and data to innovate, produce goods quickly, or drive down costs to market for manufactured goods. A Make UK survey of members conducted recently showed that while 64 per cent of manufacturers say they are familiar with the 4IR concept, less (43 per cent) say they are actively making investments. One of the technologies that manufacturers expect will help them to reach their ambitions of improved productivity, profit margins and sales is the Internet of Things, which revolves around sensors sending and receiving data which can be used to improve process and product optimisation. Augmented Reality is another area expected to revolutionise manufacturing. Technology such as wearable headsets can be used to improve health and safety through the monitoring of temperatures or helping new product development by showing prototypes to scale. There is also Cobots, where robots interact with humans in a shared workspace. These success stories are already taking place right across Lancashire, with a host of manufacturers investing in a highly modern manufacturing

environment or product. Burnley-based BCW Engineering is one company using technology to help it develop new products more easily and at a lower cost for its clients. The precision engineering company designs and manufactures parts, including for the automotive sector. It is using 3D printing in areas, such as prototyping, to see whether new designs are feasible much more easily than before. Another similar story is Skelmersdale-based Hotter Shoes. The company has invested heavily in the use of robotics and automated production lines and continues to do so to improve the efficiency of its operations. This means the company is bucking the trend of the UK shoe industry, where more than 95 per cent of products are imported. Businesses do have challenges in implementing these technologies, with manufacturers citing lack of skills and funding among their top concerns, but with 4IR increasingly on the Government agenda, funding for the adoption of these technologies is happening within the region. The North West has been chosen to fly the flag for helping SMEs investing in digital technologies through the Made Smarter pilot. The Made

Smarter Review, led by Siemens UK CEO, Professor Juergen Maier, in late 2017, set out how UK manufacturing could be transformed through the adoption of industrial digital technology (IDT). The Made Smarter programme will offer support for manufacturing and engineering companies to fund new technology, plan their strategy and safeguard their future. So, the manufacturing industry is changing and so are we. On 19 February 2019, the day of our Annual Conference and Dinner, EEF rebranded as Make UK. EEF was formed over 100 years ago and has built a huge heritage serving manufacturing companies across the UK as the membership organisation for the sector. As British manufacturing transforms, modernises and adapts to this new environment, it was time for us to also adopt a modern name designed to reflect the world class innovation undertaken by our member companies. The Make UK brand will allow us to better assist manufacturers in the challenges and opportunities in the years ahead: Brexit, digitalisation, automation, artificial intelligence and the emergence of new markets.

12 education

University joins growing Northern Health Science Alliance THE Northern Health Science Alliance (NHSA) has further expanded its membership with the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) joining the health partnership. UCLan joins other leading northern universities in the alliance, alongside research-intensive NHS trusts and the region’s four Academic Health Science Networks. Health research is a key priority for UCLan, and its academic innovators are producing high-quality research across a range of disciplines including health and wellbeing and clinical and biomedical sciences. UCLan’s Professor StJohn Crean, ProVice Chancellor (Clinical and Health),

commented: “We are delighted to take up associate membership of the NHSA. The northern research community benefits from strong collaborations and partnerships and we look forward to making a significant contribution in terms of regional impact. UCLan will contribute a number of worldclass research areas and bring workplace partners within the field of health and medical science to the Alliance family, enabling the region to influence the health of the nation and beyond.” As an NHSA member, the University will join the growing network of organisations that are leading the way in health innovation across the North. They will benefit from a wide range of collaboration opportunities through the NHSA’s joint

research partnerships, advocacy, business development and international and national programmes. Nicola Wilson, Deputy Chief Executive of the NHSA, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome the University of Central Lancashire to the NHSA as we grow and strengthen the North’s collective life sciences voice. “UCLan is delivering some really exciting research programmes including the important health and wellbeing research coming from the Lancashire Research Institute for Global Health and Wellbeing. “We’re looking forward to working with the University and its team of researchers as we work collaboratively to maximise the clinical excellence of the region.”

education

Happy & B&FC partner in new Government initiative

BLACKPOOL based marketing and creative agency, Happy Creative has partnered with Blackpool and the Fylde College to deliver the first in a new industry placement project. As part of the newly proposed T-levels commissioned by the Department of Education, Happy Creative has welcomed Business Studies student Rachel Healy to their team. Karen Lambert. Chief Happy at Happy Creative, said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Rachel to Happy, and to be championing such an important initiative. Throughout our 13-year history we have supported young people, giving them the opportunity to translate what they are learning in school and college to the real world. Having Rachel with us for three months will mean that she gets a real in-depth insight into how a business operates as well as valuable hands-on experience which will prepare her for her career.” Rachel Healy will be working with The Happies to learn valuable industry based skills and to gain experience with on the job training and development. She’ll be learning about the practice of marketing, account management, social media management and content creation. As well as how PR is conducted and how it can benefit a business.

Rachel said; “Having the opportunity to contextualise the theory I am learning in the classroom into the workplace, for a substantial amount of time, is helping me develop my skills set further and has boost my confidence. Through this experience I am able to make valued decisions on my future, from choosing a career path to which university I want to attend.” The initiative aims to design and pilot a new model of student placement that the government plans to roll out nationally. It’s currently being piloted by Blackpool and the Fylde College who are the first College to be piloting the project, and have partnered with Happy Creative who is one of the first Blackpool businesses to take part in the scheme. Nigel Brown, Director for Students at Blackpool and the Fylde College, commented: “We are delighted to work with Happy Creative on the new T-levels pilot this year as they welcome our students as part of an industry placement project commissioned by the Department for Education. “The two-year T-level courses have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that they meet the needs of industry and prepare students for work.”

Honorary titles for East Lancashire medical professionals A SELECT group of East Lancashire medical professionals have been recognised for the support they have provided to the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). The 23 East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT) doctors, consultants and senior directors have been rewarded with honorary titles after helping with the development, research and support of the University’s School of Medicine. Six have been made Honorary Professors, three have been selected as Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturers while 14 are now Honorary Senior Lecturers. It is the first time the University’s Medical School has handed out honorary positions to ELHT staff. Professor Cathy Jackson, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, said: “We have worked closely with the Trust for the past five years and these 23 health professionals are being recognised for the hard work they have put in to facilitate the growth of our Medical School.” The Honorary Professors have been selected because they are long-standing consultants who are undertaking key research, or they have contributed hugely to the area

of education for a number of years. Some of the new professors will sit on the strategic board. The Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturers and Honorary Senior Lecturers, who cover a wide variety of medical disciplines, have been chosen because they have had a hands-on teaching role with the UCLan medical or physician associate students, have undertaken research or they helped design and develop the curriculum. Professor Jackson added: “Our Medical School could not expand or even exist without ELHT so for us to be able to recognise some of the people with honorary titles is our way of saying thank you.” ELHT Chairman Professor Eileen Fairhurst, and new UCLan Honorary Fellow, commented: “We are deeply honoured and want to thank the University of Central Lancashire for these very special awards. “This is a magnificent achievement which acknowledges and celebrates the significant contributions of so many clinical colleagues and underlines East Lancashire Hospitals’ reputation as the region’s leading NHS teaching institution.”

education

March 2019

New Principal and Chief Executive at Blackburn College A HIGHLY respected education sector leader has started his new post as Principal and Chief Executive of Blackburn College.

Dr Fazal Dad joins Blackburn College after six years as Deputy Principal at Walsall College, which is currently graded ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted and holds the accolade of being the first General Further Education College to receive the grade under the most recent inspection framework.

Fazal has previously worked at Stourbridge College for ten years as a Lecturer, Head of Department and then Assistant Principal. He also worked at Herefordshire and Ludlow College as Deputy Principal. As a reviewer with the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), Fazal was part of the team that reviewed Blackburn College in its Higher

CODE GALAXY

Education Review in 2015. He holds two Masters Degrees and a PhD in Leadership and Management from the University of Worcester. Fazal said: “I am looking forward to making Blackburn my home and working with partners across the region to fulfil Blackburn College’s mission of transforming students’ lives and our community, through outstanding education, training and support. “I am a firm believer in the concept of lifelong learning. I am student-centred and am passionate about setting high expectations for the College, its staff and students and ensuring the delivery of high-quality teaching and learning.” The appointment was made following a selection process involving students, staff, key local stakeholders and businesses and the College Corporation Board. Phil Watson, Chair of the Corporation Board, said: “Fazal is a product of Further Education,

having trained to become an Electrical Engineer at Stourbridge College in the 1980s and will bring more than 25 years of experience in the Further Education sector to Blackburn College when he takes up the position.”

AWARDS

Petty recognised by British Property Awards

The focus of the research was on levels of customer service provided by estate agencies in Pendle and Petty’s staff performed so well that they have now been shortlisted for a number of national awards, which will be announced later in the year at a lavish ceremony in London. Robert McLean from the British Property Awards, said: “Petty’s came out as the best estate agent in the Pendle area due to the fantastic levels of customer service that they have A LANCASHIRE property business has received demonstrated over a prolonged the accolade of being the area’s best estate agency after extensive research was carried out by the British period of time. They should be proud that their customer service Property Awards. levels provide a benchmark for Petty Estate Agents was judged by the British Property Awards to be Pendle’s best after their team their local, regional and national competition.” performed outstandingly in a series of mystery The British Property Awards shopping exercises.

provide agents throughout the UK with an invaluable opportunity to compare the service that they provide against the service provided by their local, regional and national competition. Agents, who go that extra mile and provide outstanding levels of customer service, are rewarded with the accolade, which acts as a beacon to highlight these attributes to the local marketplace. The British Property Awards team mystery shops every estate agent against a set of 25 criteria to obtain a balanced overview of their customer service levels. The judging criteria is both comprehensive and detailed exploring different mediums, scenarios and time periods to

ensure that agents have been rigorously and fairly judged. Ian Bythell, Petty’s Residential Property Director, said: “This award is great recognition for our team – we’re extremely proud of them all and how hard they work – plus it’s a great honour to be seen as the best in the area we’re so passionate about. “We’re the area’s only chosen member of The Relocation Agent Network which is owned by Cartus and they are very particular about agents they choose, describing them as ‘the best of the best’. Almost half of our staff have become accredited relocation experts and I’m sure this has ensured that we maintain an excellent level of customer service.”

The 2019 Enterprise Vision Awards are open

THE 2019 Enterprise Vision Awards are open for entries. The search is on for the North West’s most talented business women! From excellence to dedication and innovation to inspiration, the EVAs recognise the successes and achievements of female entrepreneurs from across the region. Now in their 9th year, the EVAs are probably the largest business awards dedicated to women outside London. They provide an impartial and independent platform for every woman to shine the spotlight on themselves and their business. Founder of Pink Link and the EVAs, Coral Horn, said: “The North West is a hotbed of talented women. We’re excited to see who will become the trailblazers for female entrepreneurship in the #EVAS2019. We’ve been getting enquiries since the 2018 EVAs closed and 2019 looks set to be a record year for entries!” For the sixth year running, the EVAs are sponsored by NatWest. Heather Waters, Enterprise Manager, said: “NatWest is passionate about supporting and

honouring female entrepreneurship in the North West. Women in business are a major contributor to the economy in the region and the EVAs give them a fantastic opportunity to showcase their exceptional achievements.” Women from all business types and sizes can enter regardless of whether they are a business owner or an employee. From bakers to scientists, homeworkers to CEOs of large organisations, there are sixteen categories that will appeal to every type of female entrepreneur. Rosie Dummer is the new MC for the EVAs and she was the first female helicopter pilot in the British Army, Rosie said “I’m excited to be involved in the 2019 EVAs. Competition will be fierce as everyone wants the coveted EVA.” The 2019 Enterprise Vision Awards are the highlight of the businesswoman’s calendar. The evening will be one to remember as sponsors, finalists and guests celebrate the glittering awards which will take place in the stunning Empress Ballroom at The Winter Gardens, Blackpool on Friday 27 September.

Awards

March 2019

Chorley firm wins gold employer of the year at Investors in People awards CHORLEY based True Bearing Chartered Financial Planners, has won GOLD Employer of the Year at the Investors In People Awards 2018 for the category 50 to 249 employees. The Award celebrates the best people management practices amongst Investors In People accredited businesses. The 2018 winners were announced at a spectacular award ceremony and dinner at the Roundhouse, London. True Bearing was the first Independent Financial Planners in the UK to achieve the Gold Standard Investors in People award and has held this status for seven consecutive years. This was the first year that

the firm entered the awards. It was an opportunity to benchmark against high performing organisations, not just within the UK but on a global scale. The firm, which has just celebrated 15 years in business, has seen continuous growth and now employs 64 staff at its Euxton offices and has plans for further growth in 2019. Senior Management has concentrated their efforts on developing their existing employees and recruiting talented staff to join their team in order to future proof their business. On winning this category, Sue Peary, Managing Director, said: “We were proud to be shortlisted

for this award and delighted to be recognised as a company that has what it takes to lead, support and manage people well for sustainable results.” Paul Devoy, Head of Investors in People, commented: “This year’s Investors in People awards were an inspirational celebration of best practice across our international community. It was fantastic to see so many worthy organisations nominated for outperformance in their approach to people management. I commend True Bearing for their dedication to improving the quality of work for their employees."

Awards

Sheet Piling (UK) rewarded with second award shortlisting for innovation A PRESTON based sheet piling expert and leader in its sector, Sheet Piling (UK) Limited, has been nominated for a Red Rose Business Award in recognition of a major innovation introduced to the construction centre in late 2018. The nomination follows another shortlisting – in the FSB NW regional awards and again in the innovation category. Both shortlistings recognise Sheet Piling UK’s pioneering of change in the sheet piling world and the infrastructure-widening environment. Being shortlisted vindicates Sheet Piling UK’s decision-making and recognises its vision in seeking to implement change in its sector. It first determined that the smart motorway network, as well as the HS2 high-speed rail works, would both benefit from a solution that could prevent projects invariably running both over budget and beyond deadline. It then set about finding that solution, to ultimately save the British taxpayer money. SPUK realised that the sheet piling process could be reduced in duration by at least two weeks, if the need for enabling works (digging into embankments to build platforms on which sheet pile installation rigs could stand) was removed from the schedule of

works. The Lancashire business assessed what it would take to eradicate the need for such platforms and drew up a brief for the long-reach sheet pile installation rig – the TM 12/15 LR, with an 8.1-metre reach that makes it a world first. All other rigs in its sector have a reach of just 5.1 metres, a vital three metres less than the TM 12/15 LR. SPUK believed the benefits of this additional reach to be so huge that it committed £1.2m, to bring this innovation to fruition. SPUK calculated it could save Tier 1 contractors a staggering £40,000-£60,000 on a typical 100-metre sheet pile wall installation, by replacing ordinary sheet pile installation rigs with the TM 12/15 LR. As it is necessary to include such sheet pile installations at least every 2.5km on motorways, to ensure sufficient Emergency Refuge Areas are available, the ultimate saving on sheet pile installation was confidently assessed to be colossal. Additionally, Sheet Piling UK knew it could deliver the environmental benefits of not digging up embankments and destroying wildlife habitats, as well as reducing traffic disruption and journey delays.

The fact that two award schemes have already recognised the vision behind this innovation suggests that SPUK has struck a chord within its industry. With Highways England now making SPUK a preferred sheet pile supplier as a result of this innovation, the future for Sheet Piling UK is very bright. Managing director, Andrew Cotton, said: “We are delighted to be nominated for two awards so soon after the TM 12/15 LR’s arrival in our fleet. We hope to now go one further and win an award, but are already buoyed up by the fact that we are now being regarded as the partner of choice in the tender processes that we need to go through in our sector. This should enable us to grow significantly and create new jobs, all thanks to innovation and our deep understanding of the sheet pile industry.”

Lancashire’s high five in Top 50 Gastropubs FIVE Lancashire pubs have been named some of the best in the country. Thee Freemasons at Wiswell, Parkers Arms in Newton in Bowland, The Cartford Inn in Great Eccleston, The White Swan at Fence and Assheton Arms in Downham were named on the prestigious Top 50 Gastropubs list at a special event at Lillibrooke Manor in Berkshire. Lancashire also took the top spot with the highest number of ranking pubs in the North. It was a double win for Freemasons at Wiswell chef patron, Steven Smith, who was also named Gastropub Chef of the Year. A top five regular on the list, this popular gastropub’s number three position was its highest ranking since the awards were launched and takes the top spot in Lancashire. The news comes ahead of the pub

launching its own new chef ’s table experience and luxury accommodation in the spring. “Lancashire has once again shown what a truly fantastic offering it has across the county and The Freemasons was honoured to be leading the charge,” said Steve. “This is a big year for the pub. We’re happy to have established ourselves as one of the best pubs in the country but with our new offering, we’re confident it will take us to the next level,” The Top 50 announcement also continued an impressive run for Tom Parker, head chef at The White Swan at Fence, which was the highest new entry on the list at number 19. The multi-award-winning pub, which has been a hit with critics, including Jay Rayner, was also awarded its first

Michelin star last October. Parkers Arms, headed up by chef, Stosie Madi, in Newton in Bowland took 16th place, The Cartford Inn in Great Eccleston, with chef Chris Bury at the helm, maintained their position at 40, and Seafood Pub Company’s

Assheton Arms, with head of kitchen operations Mark Taft, returned to the list at number 45. The Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs are voted for by gastropub operators, food writers, executive chefs and experts across the industry.

Business Support

NetDec becomes Patron member of NWLCC PRESTON-based NetDec has become a patron member of the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce (NWLCC). The move is part of the growth strategy of the telecoms and internet connectivity specialist to greater strengthen its relationship with local businesses, since NetDec provides businesses with telecoms and IT support, offering consultancy, infrastructure installation and cloud computing solutions. Craig Townley, Managing Director, NetDec, said: “We work with a wide range of SMEs and larger businesses in the UK, providing them with the best and most cost-effective telecoms and IT solutions. “NetDec is excited to start working with the NWLCC, since we hope it will strengthen our relationship with businesses in the area and help them navigate the often daunting world of telecoms and IT, as well as providing bespoke, cost effective solutions that cater to their needs, both now and as they grow in the future.”

NWLCC Patron membership offers a very limited number of businesses an exclusive opportunity to develop a profile which their competitors would envy and optimise access to the Chamber network’s power, influence and knowledge. Babs Murphy, Chief Executive of the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, commented: “We are delighted that NetDec has aligned their commitment to the business community of North & Western Lancashire by becoming a Patron of the Chamber. “Together, our portfolio of business support services will enable both partners to strengthen our leading roles in the promotion, support and regeneration of the local economy. “I would like to express our gratitude to Craig and the team at NetDec for putting something back into the economy, via Patron membership. I hope the relationship between the two organisations continues to strengthen during the next twelve months.”

Local Business Coach to help Lancashire’s SMEs with seminars and complimentary coaching sessions NORTH West based business coach, Laurence Goode helps local SMEs to achieve their goals and objectives, offering complimentary coaching sessions and soon will offer regular seminars to determine overall business health, goals and initial actions. Laurence has 35 years’ experience leading multinational organisations, within both the security and engineering industries. Laurence has always been involved in training and mentoring and has coached multiple business teams and inspired them to some great successes.

He has recently joined the Burnley FC Business Hub, as a base for his new Business Coach and Growth Specialist business, in partnership with ActionCOACH. ActionCOACH is the world’s largest business coaching team, with 170 offices in the UK and over 1,000 globally. They work with businesses and business leaders to formulate a bespoke plan, helping them to finish their businesses and reach their true potential. Laurence Goode said: “The coaching sessions

and seminars are for North West business leaders, so they can benefit from our shared experiences and collective knowledge and ensure they get the best out of themselves and their businesses. “I hope to see a diverse range of businesses at the events. I work with a variety of businesses, both large and small, across all sectors, including HR, recruitment, accountancy and consumer products, pushing them to reach their goals and true potential with bespoke plans.”

Business Support

March 2019

Cube HR celebrates fifty client milestone BURNLEY-based HR consultancy, Cube HR, has reached the fifty client milestone, following strong growth since the firm’s inception in 2017. Founded by Lisa Sourbutts, who has more than 15 years’ experience in the industry, Cube HR offers costeffective, time-saving services. As a full-service HR consultancy, Cube HR, works with organisations across the UK to cover the whole

employee life cycle, including; contracts, handbooks, employee engagement, as well as providing general HR advice & documentation on common HR issues such as disciplinary actions. Lisa Sourbutts, said: “We’re delighted to have helped our SMEs and larger organisations with their HR needs. People are at the heart of any business and ensuring they are

looked after and delivering their best is vitally important. “We won’t be stopping at fifty clients. In the coming months, we will be looking to expand our portfolio of clients and the business as a whole. “To support our growth strategy, we recently joined the Burnley FC Business Hub, where we hope to meet like-minded businesses to develop long standing relationships with.”

Business Group welcomes announcement on weekend rail services PRESTON City Centre Business Improvement District (BID) has welcomed the news that disruptive industrial action on Northern Rail train services is to end. Protracted negotiations between the union and Northern Rail have led to a diminished weekend rail service to and from the city centre, amongst other areas, for several months. Commenting on the news, Mark Whittle

Specialist Groomsmen service launched in Lancashire

from Preston BID said: “Our city centre attracts thousands of visitors a year, and we rely on an efficient and effective transport network to enable shoppers to visit the city. “Over recent months, although the city centre has continued to perform well, the lack of train services has been noticeable. “We very much look forward to welcoming visitors back from out of town”.

Andrew Stringer, chair of the city’s retail forum said: “We are delighted with the news. Preston is a destination that offers a fantastic experience seven days a week and the transport links to the city play a key part in its continued success. “The resumption of a standard rail timetable will allow visitors to travel more easily, to enjoy a day out shopping, dining and socialising."

A SPECIALIST groomsmen service has been launched in Lancashire, offering exclusive services to men on their big day. Founded by Lancaster-based Paul Sherry, The Groomsmen Services & Co offers a range of grooming and spa services tailored to men. Predominantly catering for grooms and groomsmen the night before or morning of the wedding, the business delivers a comprehensive service. Paul said: “There is always a lot of attention on the bride looking and feeling perfect for the big day, but men also want to look and feel their best on what is one of the most monumental days of their lives.” Paul, who has been a barber for seven years, added: “It’s about more than cutting hair, it’s about providing a service that facilitates men looking and feeling great on their special day. We offer a relaxed and personal service at the groom’s home or hotel and can provide memento gifts, such as personalised hip-flasks with the groomsmen’s names inscribed into the leather and filled with their choice of whiskey.”

Business Support

Local entrepreneurs set up new children’s venture ELAINE Cooke and Lisa Charnley, two of the successful people behind the Ofsted outstanding Newlands Nursery School in Preston, before they recently sold it, are now about to open a new children’s venture, called The Kinder Hub @ Cottam. The Kinder Hub, Preston’s newest play centre for children under 7, is based at the side of the Ancient Oak pub following a £150,000 refurbishment. It officially opens on Monday 4 March at 9.30am, offering a new experience for individual children, group parties and nurseries. Lisa commented: “The Kinder Hub venture first began when we craved for somewhere different to take our children and grandchildren in the local area. With our extensive early years background, we knew that the one thing that could keep children engaged for any great length of time is role play! “At the Kinder Hub, you will find fantastic role-play areas for young children to develop their imaginations and have fun, whilst under supervision. The specially designed indoor play areas, called the mini village, include a mini supermarket, fire

station, police station, ambulance, mechanic garage, builders’ yard and theatre, all conveniently accessed by a miniature road. “Dressing up clothes and accessories are in all the areas, so children can act out real life role playing, either as individuals or in a group. The climbing structure in the centre has been designed to provide a space for children to develop their physical skills, as well as burn off some of their energy!” Added fellow Director, Elaine: “Imaginative play is crucial for young children. It can help to develop social skills, communication and creativity. Where their imagination may take them is absolutely endless, even more so, when they have other children to connect with. “In addition to the mini village, we will also be a host to various classes, activities and well-being sessions including yoga and baby massage, music and movement, phonics sessions and many other activities taking place in our theatre area. These will all help to assist children with their holistic development through fun, exciting and engaging sessions. These classes can complement your child’s

nursery education or provide learning experiences for children who do not attend an early years’ setting. “Whilst we fully encourage parents to get involved in their child’s play, helping them to share, make friends and interact positively with other children, we also know that parents may be keen to have a well-deserved rest. With this in mind, we have designed a lovely café, serving hot/cold drinks, breakfast, healthy light lunches and delicious cakes and biscuits. “Our combined total of over 40 years’ experience of working with young children, has taught us the need and importance of maintaining a clean and hygienic environment, which is why our team will be meticulous when it comes to cleanliness. We pride ourselves on having spotlessly clean toilets, highchairs, baby equipment, chairs, tables and play areas. With regular inspection checks, our aim is for our customers to be able to eat and play safe in the knowledge that everything has been suitably sanitised for use. It is this attention to detail which won us the Ofsted Outstanding recognition.”

Business Support

March 2019

Expert line-up for Taste Lancashire 2019

MARKETING Lancashire has announced its latest line-up for the Taste Lancashire food & drink conference 2019, taking place at Holmes Mill, Clitheroe on Tuesday 5 March. The growing list of speakers now includes leading restaurateur, Ormskirk-born curry evangelist and founder of Mowgli street food restaurants, Nisha Katona MBE, who will feature in a special Q&A session before chairing a panel of fellow Lancashire-based entrepreneurs, award-winning chefs and producers, including BBC Apprentice finalist and almond milk producer, Camilla Ainsworth. The conference, aimed at the county’s hospitality and tourism industry, is a follow-up to the first hugely successful event held in 2017. It sets out to celebrate, inform and inspire healthy debate amongst the county’s successful and growing food and drink sector; with particular emphasis on boosting the county’s 67 million annual visitors with more gourmet travellers and food lovers. Taste Lancashire 2019 will also be a platform for sharing homegrown success stories, with panelists including: Mark Birchall, chef patron of two Michelin star Moor Hall; Steven Smith, chef owner of the number one gastropub in the North of England; Kay Johnson, registered nutritionist and director of social enterprise The Larder and organic farmer Ian O’Reilly the soon-to-be owner of the UK’s first entirely carbon neutral café/restaurant at Gazegill Organics. Mark Birchall, said: “Lancashire has the entrepreneurism, talent and some of the best producers in the UK. There’s little standing in our way of becoming the top destination for gourmet travelers. From restaurants to farm shops and cafes, it’s about being innovative, maintaining quality and wherever possible using what’s seasonal, available or created in Lancashire. “Working together as a sector we can create a real buzz around the county’s food, drink and hospitality, that will help to keep growing our businesses and those of our producers and suppliers. I’m looking forward to hearing from Visit Britain and Marketing Lancashire on how we can attract more visitors to Lancashire and how we at Moor Hall can play our part in growing that Lancashire success.”

BT Group contributes £1.6bn to North West economy BT GROUP is responsible for generating £1 in every £105 produced in the North West’s economy, according to an independent report. ‘The Economic Impact of BT Group plc in the UK’ report, by Hatch Regeneris, shows that the communications company generated a £1.6bn contribution, expressed as “Gross Value Added” (GVA), to the North West economy during the 2017/18 financial year. The report estimates that the equivalent of 20,700 full-time jobs in the North West are supported through BT’s direct employment, its spending with contractors and suppliers and the spending of its employees. BT Group directly employs 7,460 people in the North West, with a further 1,670 employed as contractors. It’s estimated that BT Group supports one in every 110 employees working in the North West’s private sector, reinforcing its position as one of the region’s leading employers. The Group also spent nearly £416 million with suppliers based in the North West. BT Group and EE are making major investments in the North West, bringing 5G to Manchester and Liverpool in 2019, building on major full fibre infrastructure already underway. Tim Fanning, Director at Hatch Regeneris, said: “Our analysis underlines how vast BT Group’s contribution is to the UK economy. “BT Group is almost unique in contributing to the economies of virtually every community across the UK, supporting significant levels of GVA spend and employment opportunities per region.” The report from Hatch Regeneris comes in addition to a recent report by PWC which highlighted that BT Group is the 5th highest

tax contributor in the UK among FTSE 100 companies, and the highest contributor among non-financial companies. The PWC report also identified BT as the largest capital expenditure investor in the UK. Kieran Charleson, BT Group Regional Director, North of England, said: “Few companies play as important a role in the North West as BT Group. Not only does BT connect friends, families and businesses across the UK, but we also make a significant contribution to the region’s economy. “We’re proud to be one of the region’s largest private sector employers and investors. Our investments, including the latest 5G mobile technology through our mobile network EE, will ensure the UK continues to be one of the world’s best-connected economies. “With 9,130 people directly employed in the region, spending their salaries in local businesses, as well as regularly volunteering on activities such as our Barefoot tech literacy programme in schools, our people are at the heart of the community.” Damian Waters, Director, CBI North West, added: “BT is a major employer in the North West and has a big impact on the economy and jobs. It is good news to see this significant presence in the region continuing. “BT Group’s investment in the area not only means a boost to the local economy, but also to skills and high quality jobs, including recruiting apprentices and graduates. BT’s investment in the fastest networks and latest technology is also vital for the region. Being connected is essential for our businesses and for improving quality of life in all our communities.”

Business Support

£2 million in 12 months for BNI Zeus members

ACCRINGTON networking group BNI Zeus is celebrating after generating over £2 million in business for its members in the last twelve months.

The achievement marks the first time a BNI group in East Lancashire has passed the £2 million mark in a single year.

BNI Zeus, which has 42 members and meets at Oswaldtwistle Mills Business and Conference

Centre, Accrington, every Wednesday, passed £2,049,893 of business between its members in 2018. Last year BNI in East Lancashire was named the top BNI region in the UK. Other East Lancashire chapters BNI Infinity (Blackburn) and BNI Kudos (Burnley) also broke the one million mark in 2018, generating £1,058,222 and £1,167,755 respectively. Other Lancashire chapters to pass over one million

Businesses secure £850k in investment from The Bay’s Dragon’s Den

include BNI Castle (Lancaster) which passed £1,015,551 and BNI Endeavour (Chorley) which passed £1,481,014. The total business passed in BNI chapters across Lancashire in 2018 was £8,762,321. BNI Zeus Chapter President Marc Mcloughlin of Ribchester-based car leasing company KeyFleet said: “We’re really proud to have generated over £2 million of business from our weekly meetings here in Accrington. One of the reasons BNI stands out from other types of networking groups is that we have proven procedures that ensure the early mornings are worth it, and that we really do generate a significant amount of business for each other. “One of those procedures is Thank You for the Business which is a feature on the BNI app used to track the amount of business generated by each chapter’s members. “We currently have 42 members in our chapter, but we are aiming to grow even further. The more good businesses we have in the group, the greater amount of business we can generate for each other, so visitors are always welcome to come along and see if it’s for them.”

BAY Business Angels, which was set up in 2017 to provide startups and new businesses with ‘Angel’ investment, has seen businesses in South Cumbria and North Lancaster raise £850k of investment. In a reflection of the high quality of businesses that have pitched to the Business Angels, 33% of applicants secured an average of £170k investment. One pitching event was so successful, 60% of businesses received investment offers. Bay Business Angels seeks to connect young and growing companies looking for investment with investors actively looking to invest in companies in the North West. Individual investors typically invest between £10k to £100k, with entrepreneurs often receiving offers from more than one investor.

John Wilson from Bay Business Angels, said: “At these sort of events it is not usual to see 10% of businesses secure investment. So to have 33% of businesses generate serious financial interest from some of the North’s leading investors demonstrates the high quality of the start-up scene in the Bay area. Ensuring our most innovative and vibrant young companies have access to alternative forms of funding, providing another avenue to help them to grow and realise their potential is extremely important in helping boost the local economy and supporting the creation of new jobs. "The high number of investments secured show we can rival the traditional major centres for business start-ups.”

Business Support

March 2019

Made Smarter makes big splash In Lancashire with special business event MADE Smarter, the government-backed £20m business support programme aimed at North West SME manufacturers who want to embrace more digital technologies, recently made a big impression in Lancashire. Taking place at County Hall in Preston, the Manufacturing Made Smarter In Lancashire introductory morning gave the region’s business community a chance to find out first-hand all about the Made Smarter programme. Over 100 delegates attended the half-day session, drawn from across Lancashire’s manufacturing, technology, engineering, skills, professional services and business support sectors. The event, which was a coproduction between Made Smarter and Lancashire’s Boost business support service, was introduced by Maya Dibley, Lancashire County Council’s lead officer for industrial innovation and digital technology. Following an overview of the aims of the Made Smarter initiative, Maya introduced Councillor Michael Green, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Environment & Planning for Lancashire County Council. Councillor Green outlined why the Made Smarter programme was a key element in Lancashire’s wider economic growth strategy before

inviting Alain Dilworth, Made Smarter’s programme manager, to share more details of how the programme worked, and why it was vital to the region’s economy. The floor was then given over to SME manufacturers based in the county who had already seen the benefits of introducing more digital technologies into their production processes. One of these was Paul Kennington, Head of Technical for Burnley-based window frame business Veka UK. Paul described how demands from clients to offer them something original to differentiate themselves from competitors – combined with the commercial risks associated with developing new tooling – had led them to adopting advanced 3D-printing systems and additive manufacturing methods. He explained how Veka’s investments in new technology were just a fraction of the cost of more traditional prototyping, and yet the impact had been genuinely transformational to the way they did business. Paul ended with a great bit of ‘theatre’ to really illustrate the Made Smarter message. He showed the audience a fully functioning large window frame which looked like it had just come off Veka’s regular production line, before revealing that it had actually been made on a 3D-printer. Another Burnley company,

additive manufacturer FDM Digital Solutions, echoed Paul’s words about how the power of digital processes can massively improve efficiencies. Graeme Bond, FDM’s CEO and Technical Director, talked about how the firm had been able to become more competitive within the aerospace and automotive sectors through the application of digital technologies. He concluded by saying that a support programme like Made Smarter was a ‘nobrainer’ for any manufacturing firm. Michael Gibson, from Lancaster-based consultancy and software development firm, Miralis Data, also made a presentation. He focussed on how working with data can solve business challenges, and how machine learning and AI can drive operational improvements. One example he gave was a toy manufacturer who saved half a million pounds a year by running a spatial algorithm on their data which changed how they physically boxed, stacked and transported their products. Other speakers included Iain Crosley, Managing Director of Hosokawa Micron, Peter Walker from Burnley’s JP74, and Melissa Conlon and Dr James Hughes from the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) North West. Councillor Michael Green said of the event: “The promotion and acceleration of digital adoption is key to

retaining the Lancashire’s strength within its manufacturing and technology sectors. “Further, within priority sectors such as aerospace, automotive and advanced manufacturing, it is critical that smaller businesses follow the lead of our larger employers and respond to increasingly competitive supply chains. “We also need to facilitate the process by which these sectors are motivated to understand the business advantages that digitisation can confer. “We are therefore delighted to be working with Made Smarter team, helping to highlight how Lancashire firms can be amongst the first in the country to benefit from this major governmentbacked business support programme.” Alain Dilworth from Made Smarter said: “This was a great way to introduce the aims and objectives of the Made Smarter programme to Lancashire, and I would like to thank all of the partners and businesses from across the county who came together to support the event. “However, I especially want to thank the Lancashire firms who presented to the delegates. Their stories of how they had boosted productivity, won new orders, gained a competitive edge and had grown their companies by embracing more digital technology is at the heart of what Made Smarter is all about.”

APPRENTICES SUPPLEMENT

Education & Businesses working together Apprenticeships 2019

26 APPRENTICES SUPPLEMENT businesslancashire_advert rev6_Layout 1 12/02/2019 15:43 Page 1

L A N C A S H I R E

Access to experts who can support your business and its future direction Suggested pathways to training opportunities, workshops and courses Guidance on the Lancashire apprenticeship offer up to degree level UpSkilling Lancashire provides free advice and support to Lancashire based SMEs and micro businesses. The aim of the project is to increase the skills and capability of employees, enabling businesses to compete regionally, nationally and internationally. For further information about the project please contact:

European Union European Social Fund

01772 895500 business@uclan.ac.uk uclan.ac.uk/upskilling

APPRENTICES SUPPLEMENT

Preston apprentice wins prestigious national award

New apprenticeship schemes to meet national skills shortage JAMES Hall & Co, SPAR UK wholesaler for the North of England, is championing traditional trades by introducing a number of new apprenticeship schemes, aimed at introducing local people to careers that they may not have considered. The Company is now offering Apprenticeships in Craft Butchery, Craft Bakery, Supply Chain Operations, Engineering and HGV Driving Founded in 1863 and based in Preston, James Hall & Co currently serves over 640 SPAR stores across the North of England and employs staff across a number of departments including production and manufacturing; business and finance; transport, operations and retail. Chris Chadford, Training and Development Manager at James Hall said: “We believe that people make the difference within our business and offer many different learning programmes to enable individuals to learn a trade, develop valuable employability skills and reach their full

potential. “We offer a number of apprenticeship schemes which have been very successful and have attracted exciting new talent into the business so we are thrilled to extend our offer to these five new trades. “James Hall & Co’s purpose-built depot is a fantastic place to learn – every week, the Company’s busy transport division (80 HGV vehicles) travels 130,000 kilometres across the North of England with over 75,000 trays of goods moving through the warehouse. There are so many opportunities within the business to gain fantastic practical experience, whilst learning your trade.” “There is currently a national shortage for skilled butchers, bakers and HGV drivers within the UK and these apprenticeships work to address that shortage. We look forward to welcoming the next generation of talent into our business and helping them to succeed, providing them with highly sought after skills and invaluable practical experience.”.

A TALENTED young apprentice from BAE Systems won a prestigious national apprentice award at this year’s EEF Future Manufacturing Awards, hosted in London. Heather Johnson, who works for BAE Systems as a Business Procurement Apprentice came up trumps by taking gold in the Business Apprentice Award, having previously won the regional round. The award recognises the outstanding contribution being made by manufacturing apprentices across the region. The award is highly-respected and hotly contested with winners selected by a panel of judges drawn from business leaders, industry experts and academics. Heather beat off competition from across the country and won the title after impressing judges with her commitment, ambition and drive to pursue a career in manufacturing. Heather’s passion, hard work and attention to detail, along with her ambitions for a managerial role within the sector were the deciding factors for the judging panel.

Judges said they had been overwhelmed by the high calibre of apprentices nominated this year, making Heather’s win even more of an achievement. Heather, said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have won this award and to have been crowned national winner. It’s an amazing feeling to be recognised for doing something I genuinely enjoy and is setting me up for my future. I’m only at the very start of my career, so to receive gold at these awards and be singled out in this way is a real boost and will motivate me even more. I was thrilled to win the regional award however this is even better.” Stephen Phipson, CEO at EEF, the manufacturer’s organisation said: “It’s fantastic to hear of Heather’s achievements and the progress she has already made in her career so far. She is a credit to BAE Systems and the manufacturing sector as a whole. I encourage other young people to follow in Heather’s footsteps by becoming an apprentice and to enter a sector that is highly rewarding.”

Lancashire college is a key driver for change and growth

Apprentice Levy Claire says that there are also misunderstandings about the government’s Apprentice Levy and this has led to a very low level of take-up. “Bringing clarity to this is essential and urgent,” she says. “Funds in a firm’s Apprentice Levy digital account have a limited shelf life of just two years and if they’re not used within that time then it simply gets clawed back.

‘The only constant is change’ wrote the Greek philosopher Heraclitus some 2,500 years ago. That’s remained true ever since but it’s doubtful that even he could imagine the pace and scale at which change happens today.

“We can advise on how to avoid that and on ways in which to maximise use of these funds, such as transferring funds to other businesses. Up to 10 per cent of unused funds in a company’s levy account can go to helping meet the training needs of smaller firms, perhaps those in the local community or that are part of their own supply chain.”

Ask any present-day business leader what their biggest single challenge is and the answer, almost invariably, is ‘coping with change’. Most will also acknowledge that the key to this lies with people. People who are educated and skilled, innovative and creative, committed and determined. Those people are out there but it’s not an easy task to find them and equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to help an organisation handle change and seize the opportunities that it brings. Employers across Lancashire – and particularly those on the Fylde – have one major advantage. There’s a significant resource right on their doorstep and one with an impressive track record in supporting businesses and organisations in both the private and public sectors. It’s called Blackpool and The Fylde College and it engages with business through its dedicated commercial wing, B&FC for Business. More than 1,000 businesses and organisations in sectors as widespread as nuclear, health, aerospace and automotive are already reaping the benefits of making this leading Ofsted Outstanding college their training provider of choice. “We have become an extension of those organisations and businesses,” says Claire Jameson, who as Business Development Director heads up B&FC for Business. “Our consultative services enable our partners to create robust learning and development strategies that align precisely with their business objectives.” One example is work carried out with Blackpool Transport to develop a bespoke apprentice leadership programme involving over 40 employees up to Level 5. By April around 200 people working for Lancashire NHS Trust will also be adding to their skills under a new training scheme. And nuclear fuel re-processor Westinghouse Springfield has been sending its employees to the college for engineering training for more than 25 years, including a number now taking part in a degree-level course at the £12 million Lancashire Energy HQ in Blackpool.

Claire Jameson, Director of Business Development

Free consultation The B&FC for Business approach starts with a free consultation to learn exactly what a company’s training needs and priorities are. From this a plan - or ‘service proposition’ - is prepared setting out in detail the training to be provided, to what level, when and where it can take place, and the costs involved. “It’s important that we co-create and co-own that plan so that it both meets the business aims and is deliverable by us as the training provider,” says Claire. “Once it’s underway we constantly monitor progress to ensure that it continues to meet expectations and that it delivers a high quality outcome. “A key part of our approach is to dispel some of the myths surrounding apprenticeships, one common perception being that they’re just for young people fresh out of school. But modern apprenticeships are there for everyone, whether 16 or 60. So it’s not just about taking on young people but also about upskilling those more mature and experienced employees who can have such an immediate and positive impact. “Another is that apprenticeships must be specific to one trade or occupation. Although that is generally the case, employers can now make use of an ‘apprentice framework’ that can encompass a range of work-related vocational and professional qualifications. “Constant review of our wide range of courses also means that we can provide continuous lifetime learning and upskilling that is tailored to changing business needs. This allows students to progress from entry level at age 16 right through to degree level, for those who have the appetite and enthusiasm to do that.”

Although the Apprentice Levy is paid only by companies with an annual pay bill of at least £3 million there is funding for smaller businesses. Those with a pay bill below £3 million but with more than 50 employees pay 10% of the cost of training an apprentice and the government meets the rest up to the maximum of the funding band, which sets out limits on the amounts to be paid according to the trade or subject of the apprenticeship. Businesses with fewer than 50 employees do not have to pay the 10% contribution for an apprentice who is aged between 16 and 18 or between 19 and 24 if they have previously been in care or have an Education, Health and Care plan from the local authority. And all employees will receive £1,000 if at the start of an apprenticeship the person is in one of these categories. “The flexibility offered by the current system is what enables us to tailor packages precisely to meet the needs of employers,” says Claire Jameson. “B&FC for Business is about working with business for business to shape and develop our future workforce.”

If you want to learn how B&FC for Business can contribute to your business success contact a member of the team on

T 01253 504 343 E business@blackpool.ac.uk

BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE

Comprehensive free consultation service Co-creation of a workforce development plan Clear explanation of contribution and levy transfer opportunities

B&FC for Business is really in tune with what businesses need now for their workforce. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re very lucky to have an ongoing relationship with them.

E business@blackpool.ac.uk T 01253 504343

30 APPRENTICES SUPPLEMENT

Engineering apprenticeship event attracts more than 100 at Nelson and Colne College

MORE than 100 visitors attended Nelson and Colne College’s first Engineering Apprenticeship Event to discover the exciting range of career opportunities in the thriving industry. Opportunities for Apprenticeships, work experience and volunteering were available on the night, and there was also the chance to speak to the college’s expert Apprenticeship team, employers and current Engineering Apprentices directly about careers in the sector. A number of workshops were offered for visitors to take part in to develop employability and interview skills and information was available on Nelson and Colne College’s vocational offering, careers support and progression routes onto a Higher Education qualification with NCC or Accrington and Rossendale College. Off the back of the event, further employability workshops to improve interview techniques and develop CVs are planned. Jay Pryor, formerly of Blessed Trinity RC Community College, is on Nelson and Colne College’s Level 2 Pre-Apprenticeship programme and wants to go down the Electrical Engineering route in the future. He said: “I really enjoyed learning about the different pathways in the Engineering sector and where achieving qualifications can lead to. I also learned what each employer does and whether I should study electrics or go down the CNC route." Nelson and Colne College is the number one college in the country for overall Apprenticeship achievement, at all ages and levels, and the college’s Apprenticeship achievement rates are consistently 20% above the national average. The college also places as the number one college in Lancashire for employer satisfaction, according to the latest FE Choices survey. Chris Price, Production Manager at Pendle

Engineering in Nelson, said: “I attended the Nelson and Colne College Engineering Apprenticeship Event alongside our awardwinning third year Apprentice, Thomas Marchant. “It was a brilliant evening, and really well organised by the team at Nelson and Colne College. The event gave me a great opportunity to meet with some really great future Apprentices and we are looking forward to working through their CVs to select the next generation of Pendle Engineering engineers.” Ashley St. John-Claire, Training and Development Manager at BCW Manufacturing in Burnley, said: “It was a great opportunity to meet so many enthusiastic Apprentices and the BCW team had a fantastic time at the event. The setting and support was ideal, staff friendly, and top marks to the Nelson and Colne College, catering team for looking after us extremely well with the food.” Director of Apprenticeships and Training at Nelson and Colne College Barbara Livesey said: “I’m delighted that our new Engineering Apprenticeship event was such a huge success. It was fantastic to see so many young people showing a serious interest in an Engineering career and the range of high quality Apprenticeship, work experience and volunteering opportunities in the sector. “Developing this potential into a tangible pool of talent to support the future economy locally and regionally, where Engineering and Manufacturing is so strong, is a key priority for the college. “I’m also thrilled that the employers found the event extremely useful in helping them discover potential future employees and we’ve had some brilliant feedback. Going forward, our Engineering Apprenticeship Event will become a firm fixture in the calendar as the go to event for employers seeking their stars of the future.”

Burnley apprentice named best in the North West BURNLEY apprentice, Zack Duxbury, has been named the North West Regional Apprentice of the Year, after winning the SPARKS UK Electrical Apprentice of the Year regional competition at Burnley College. The SPARKS judges were impressed with Zack’s ability and the level of competence, safety and neatness achieved by him. Zack (17), who studies at the College, is undertaking his apprenticeship with Avon Electrical and will now compete in the national SPARKS UK Electrical Apprentice of the Year competition, taking place in Bracknell, later this year. Burnley-based Avon Electrical is an approved NICEIC contractor and offers a range of electrical services, both domestic and commercial, including re-wiring, alarm installation, outside lighting, landlord testing, PAT testing and low energy light solutions. The North West SPARKS competition featured more than a dozen

electrical apprentices, who were tasked with solving a complex wiring system, which had to be completed in under a strict five-hour time frame, whilst at the same time, testing the knowledge, technique and thoroughness of the apprentice. Zack, said: “I’m delighted to have won the contest. It was a great challenge and I’m looking forward to taking part in the finals later this year. My experience both at College and with Avon Electrical has really helped me advance my electrical knowledge and skills, progressing at each stage to work more and more on complex jobs, both large and small. Gareth Read, Managing Director, Avon Electrical, added: “Everybody at Avon Electrical is delighted for Zack. He is a hard-working and dedicated electrical apprentice and his skills have certainly impressed us. Zack has a bright future in the industry and winning this NW competition exemplifies his future potential.”

Business Support

Pakawaste celebrates an excellent 2018 PRESTON-based, waste management and compactor handling specialists, Pakawaste Ltd., is celebrating following another excellent year of business. Throughout 2018, they continued to grow the business, as demand increases for its cost effective and environmentally-effective waste management solutions. Continuing the positive growth into 2019, Pakawaste recently sold six waste management compactors on dolly systems and two portable compactors for one of the first residential developments in the heart of the UK financial industry, Canary Wharf. They fought off stiff national competition to be awarded the contract by the Canary Wharf Group, to provide an innovative and bespoke, Wi-Fi enabled, underground waste compaction system on rails.

David Hamer, CEO, Pakawaste, said: “This recent contract win is another great example of how Pakawaste is delivering its growth strategy, throughout 2018 and into 2019. “As a result of our continued growth across the business, we are actively recruiting for more fabricators, welders, electricians and hydraulic system engineers, as well as looking to establish several manufacturing apprenticeships. “Pakawaste is committed to supporting our local community and helping them develop their skill base, particularly as engineers for the future. We are making excellent use of the apprenticeship levy and working in partnership with our local university, UCLan, to help educate and train our people to degree level."

The Samuel James Group and Code Galaxy team up for Business Lancashire directory PRESTON-based The Samuel James Group has teamed up with Blackpool-based website design and development specialists, Code Galaxy, to create a bespoke online directory for Business Lancashire. The good news business brand, part of The Samuel James Group, is available both online and in print and will now offer an online business directory alongside its coverage of the county’s positive business news. The directory, created following feedback and requests from existing Business Lancashire clients, was produced as a result of The Samuel James Group and Code Galaxy’s ongoing partnership. It will feature job listing, information about local businesses and events. Sam Whitear, director, The Samuel James Group, said: “This directory offers businesses in the

county an excellent opportunity to connect with other businesses looking to use their services, as well as advertising job listings and also being able to meet up at selected events.” Nicky Speakman, Managing Director, Code Galaxy, added: “Code Galaxy specialises in delivering all the behind-the-scenes technical IT work to make the directory a success. We wanted to make this platform as user-friendly as possible, for both those posting on it and individuals searching it.” Sam continued: “We have a number of key Lancashire businesses already signed up for the directory, which has justr been launched. "We encourage any interested local businesses to quickly get in contact with us at Business Lancashire to benefit from special early-bird packages.”

Business Support

March 2019

Shale spend with Lancashire firms tops £13.5 million, while geoscientists call for Traffic Light Review SINCE it relocated its headquarters to Lancashire and started work at its Preston New Road shale gas exploration site, Cuadrilla’s local operations have resulted in £12.2m of direct spend and £1.3m of indirect spend via contractors in the county. The company also reports that, by the end of 2018, its activities had been responsible for 78 jobs split between it and its contractors. Commenting on the latest results, Lee Petts of 52M Consulting, who also chairs the pro-fracking business group Lancashire For Shale, said: “It’s really pleasing to see Cuadrilla buying locally wherever it can, helping to bring a welcome boost to small and medium-sized businesses across the county. This really is just a taste of things to come if shale is allowed to reach its full potential.” But nearly 50 leading UK geoscientists have expressed doubts about whether the UK’s shale gas industry will be able to fulfil this potential whilst operating under the present earthquake rules. In a letter to The Times newspaper, they argue that the science behind the 0.5 magnitude threshold is “debatable” and call on the Government to hold an urgent review.

The letter from the members of the geoscience community with relevant expertise was coordinated by Professor Quentin Fisher of Leeds University and Professor Ernest Rutter of the University of Manchester. They outline how the Traffic Light System is set very conservatively to be triggered by extremely small seismic events of just 0.5 local magnitude and above. This is very far below the levels set in other countries, or for other comparable industries in the UK (such as quarrying, mining and deep geothermal energy). It is widely believed by industry, and amongst informed academics, they say, to be so low that it threatens the potential development of a shale gas industry in Lancashire and the UK. “In setting limits and thresholds like this, it is important to ensure that they are based on sound science in order to reassure the watching public whilst at the same time ensuring that the agreed regulatory regime is effective but not unnecessarily restrictive,” said Professor Fisher. “When the Traffic Light System was first developed, there was limited UK data available upon which to base it. That has now changed, and

there is a wealth of new data available that is specific to our geology and to a wider range of shale basins elsewhere” explained Professor Rutter. “It is important that newly acquired knowledge on how the subsurface responds to hydraulic fracturing operations is now taken into account, and used to determine whether the current thresholds should remain unchanged or can be safely revised upwards. That is what we hope the Government will now do.” Lee Petts said: “This is a welcome intervention from a large number of leading, independent experts in the UK geoscience community. “It is pleasing to see them pressing the case for a technical review of the Traffic Light System, in-line with the Government’s original intentions. “We want to see shale continue delivering jobs, opportunities and business investment in Lancashire, and that means ensuring it has a regulatory system that addresses genuine local concerns but that doesn’t impose disproportionate restrictions that hamper its development.”

Business Support

Building performance: prevention better than cure BSRIA has the stated mission of “making buildings better” and in a number of cases, this results in “curing” problems to improve the energy efficiency of the building or the occupant wellbeing. BSRIA also advocates a different approach and urges those involved in constructing or refurbishing buildings to adopt a “prevention is better than cure” approach, through the use of the Soft Landings principles. Soft Landings provides a step-by-step process for clients and their project teams to follow in order to avoid these pitfalls and deliver a better-performing product. It aims to create virtuous circles for all. No matter whether your project is attempting to achieve exemplary environmental standards, or is a simple extension or retrofit of an existing building, the Soft Landings culture can be applied to ensure outcomes match the client’s intentions. This approach is designed to give clients and their project teams a process to follow that will lead to a better chance of success. It is a change of culture, as much as it is a change of process. Everyone involved has to share the ambition, and share roles

and responsibilities, to make buildings tread more lightly on the earth and provide the right internal environment to foster occupant wellbeing and productivity Soft Landings helps to solve the performance gap between design intentions and operational outcomes. This performance gap can emerge at any stage in a project: • at inception and briefing - where ambitions and requirements are set but may not be informed by experience and feedback from other projects. • at design - where specific performance targets are set and regulatory compliance achieved, but those targets are neither re-visited nor reality-checked during detailed design. • during construction - where budget shortfalls may compromise the best of intentions, and variations are made to the building and its technical systems that change how the building will be used. • during handover - when commissioning and end-user training may be rushed or abandoned to

meet deadlines. • during initial occupation - where not enough support is available to occupants and the managers to ensure the building is set up for the long-term. “Soft Landings is proven in delivering buildings that perform more efficiently and deliver better occupant environments, which results in lower running costs and more productive staff ” said June Davis – Business Manager BSRIA North “At BSRIA, we firmly believe that it is better to make sure there is no problem in the first place, as opposed to fixing a problem later. “To support those who want to know more about Soft Landings, we have a full training programme and technical guidance available.” For more information contact: June.davis@bsria.co.uk

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Business Support

March 2019

Burnley business wins £1m tender with County Council BURNLEY-based company KeyPlus has been awarded a major contract to provide security services to Lancashire County Council. The four-year tender, will see the company providing security services for several hundred sites owned/ managed by the council including schools, academies and premises of local significance. Founded in 2008, KeyPlus has become a trusted name across the

for all our clients and are delighted to have been awarded this contract. North West, providing security to This is fantastic news for the business a range of public and private sector and we’re very much looking forward organisations. Their mission to deliver to getting started” said Brian Curran, accredited, professional and reliable Managing Director of KeyPlus. security services including Key “As a Burnley business operating Holding, Alarm Response and Mobile across the North West, it’s great to see Patrols has been met with great our hard work being recognised by demand. organisations like Lancashire County “As an Approved Contractor Council. To be awarded this contract for the Security Industry Authority is testament to the high-quality (SIA), we pride ourselves on delivering service we provide and the trusted professional security services that work relationships we build with clients.”

"As a committed Living Wage Employer, this is an excellent opportunity for KeyPlus to continue their growth and support their employees with a true living wage. “I am delighted to work for a company that is well-recognised within the industry and also looks after its staff ” said Alison Stansfield, Office Manager. “Our contract with Lancashire County Council is another step in the right direction and we’re all very excited for the future.”

My Total Office Solutions signs up Business Lancashire HASLINGDEN-based, office solution specialists, My Total Office Solutions, has signed up The Samuel James Group, publishers of Business Lancashire, to its expanding portfolio of business clients. Founded in 2003, My Total Office Solutions provides office products and solutions to a range of organisations in the North West, including small and medium-sized businesses, as well as schools and charities. The Samuel James Group has contracted for their

bespoke MY Print Service, which provides a stateof-the-art printer, continuously maintained and stocked with print consumables, reducing costs for their clients. Sam Whitear, Director, The Samuel James Group, said: “We were impressed by the My Print Service offering, as well as their fantastic levels of service. After a brief discussion, we realised that they could provide the perfect solution to cost-effectively fulfil our printing requirements.” Darren Turner, Managing Director, Total Office

Solutions, added: “The Samuel James Group is one of many organisations that take advantage of our tailored MY Print Service. “We also specialise in helping SMEs reduce their day-to-day office costs, offering solutions for printing, office supplies, office furniture and internet-enabled devices. Ultimately, we aim to change perceptions of the office supply industry, providing cost effective office solutions, with no hidden costs and excellent customer service.”

Business Support

England Lacrosse launches partnership with Kukri Sports ENGLAND Lacrosse has announced a new four-year partnership with Prestonbased Kukri Sports that sees the international sportswear brand become its official kit supplier.

Kukri will provide bespoke playing and training wear for all England national squads and academies, with the England senior women sporting the new off-field Kukri training wear when they visit California to take on World Champions, USA.

In a first for England Lacrosse, a range of official replica kit and England Lacrosse leisurewear will soon be available to buy online through Kukri’s England Lacrosse online store to show your support for Team England. Kukri provides bespoke kit for some of the world’s leading sports teams including the England Commonwealth Games team, Leicester Tigers Rugby and Lancashire Cricket. Caroline Royle, Marketing Manager, England Lacrosse, said: “Kukri is highly experienced in delivering innovative, quality bespoke teamwear for sports teams around the world and we’re delighted to have agreed a partnership for the next four-year cycle.

“We’ve been through an extensive tender process to find the most suitable partner that match our passion and values and are able to deliver a high-quality product to the growing needs of our organisation. “As our national squads continue to go from strength to strength, Kukri’s performance-enhancing designs will ensure our teams are best prepared for success on the field, in addition to the official retail range that will allow us to further promote and develop the England Lacrosse brand.” Chris Marshall, Kukri Sports Sales Director of GB and Europe, added: “We are looking forward to the next four years with England Lacrosse, providing them with high-quality performance playing kit as well as their training and travel ranges. We have a great admiration for the work they’ve already done to increase participation levels in the sport. We’re proud to now be part of that journey. “Kukri is committed to showcasing to the world how fast and exciting the sport of lacrosse is, from grassroots through to elite level. The importance of the athlete journey is an integral part of our mindset as a business and we aim to grow together for the good of the sport.”

KRO Hospitality has bought Samlesbury Hotel out of administration in a multi-millionpound deal that has saved 50 local jobs. The award-winning Preston hotel will now undergo a £1.5m revamp and will be rebranded and relaunched in April 2019 as Mercure Preston

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Samlesbury Hotel. KRO has chosen Mercure, part of the Accor brand family, as a franchise partner. KRO will operate the hotel. The 80-room hotel, which was voted the best in Lancashire last year, is complete with restaurant, bar and eight well-appointed meetings and events spaces including the Canberra

March 2019

Samlesbury Hotel bought from administration Suite, which can hold up to 160 guests and is fully licenced for weddings and other events. Great effort has gone into researching the rich aircraft manufacturing heritage of Samlesbury and part of the refurbishment plan will be to tell this story through art. Alongside this, a new exciting food

and beverage concept will draw from the historical roots of the hotel’s previous incarnation as an iconic Lancashire pub, The Five Barred Gate. The Five Barred Gate Bar & Grill will serve Lancashire favourites with a twist with attention to local seasonal produce. This new concept will take the restaurant back to its hay day as a firm favourite in Samlesbury. Owner of KRO Hospitality, Kim Eivind Krohn, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Mercure Preston Samlesbury Hotel to our portfolio. It is a fantastic hotel with enormous potential and is situated in an ideal location to attract business travellers and leisure guests alike. We have some very exciting plans for the hotel refurbishment and our new food offer, and we look forward to working with the Accor team to bring these to fruition. “The hotel is of huge importance to the region. It was recently shortlisted in the Hotel of the Year category for the 2018 Lancashire Business Awards, a title it won in 2017 and we are very pleased that we can help ensure the hotel remains an important part of the community. We can also confirm there will be no disruption to day-to-day operation.” Cristina de Oliveira-Frewen SVP Franchise Operations Accor Northern Europe, said: “The Mercure brand combines the strength of an international network with the flexibility to ensure each hotel is individually tailored to its local community, so it is a perfect fit for this award-winning hotel. We are thrilled to be partnering with KRO Hospitality to ensure the hotel achieves its full potential as a highquality, authentic destination for leisure and business travellers and the local community.”

INTERNATIONAL

Levity CropScience signs distributor in South Africa LEVITY CropScience has signed a distributor in South Africa, giving growers across the country access to its portfolio of ground-breaking products. The partnership with South African Distributor, TP Hentiq, will see the full portfolio of Levity products; Lono, Indra, Sulis, Albina, Elona and Damu made available to growers in the country, following completion of registrations by TP Hentiq’s Alan and Anne Davson. Levity’s fertilisers will

help growers produce larger and more resilient yields across crops, including; avocados, bananas, oranges, mangoes, grapes and macadamia. Alan Davson, TP Hentiq, said: “We are beginning to collect trial results on banana, mango, citrus and avocado and the difference Levity products are making is remarkable. South African farmers will really benefit from having access to these products once registration has been completed." Anna Weston, co-

managing director, Levity CropScience, said: “This partnership with Alan and Anne Davson at TP Hentiq, will allow growers across South African the chance to increase their yields and make them more resilient with our research-backed fertilisers.

“We are currently holding extensive trials in South Africa on mangos, using Sulis. The preliminary results are extremely positive and we will be releasing the findings in detail soon. Alan and Anne’s experience will be invaluable across Southern Africa and we

look forward to working with them to benefit growers across the region. “South Africa is the latest addition to Levity’s portfolio of exports which encompasses Egypt, France, the Philippines, Canada, the UAE and the USA.”

Dudley Industries announces supplier agreement in Dubai LYTHAM St.Annes-based, Dudley Industries Ltd, manufacturer of stainless steel and metal washroom dispensers has announced a supplier agreement with Queenex in Dubai, whose primary business activity is the manufacturing and distribution of tissue products.

This partnership sees Queenex serve their market primarily with the new Autocut Paper Towel Dispenser. This dispenser provides an innovative and hygienic hand drying solution. The product works by detecting the movement of a hand underneath the unit and then it dispenses a portion of new paper towel whilst automatically cutting it to release it. This provides a truly hygienic hand drying solution as users only need to touch the paper they are presented with. Battery operated it

provides flexibility for positioning within a washroom; whilst the stylish cover protects the consumables from dust and moisture.

“This supplier agreement with Queenex starts an exciting new chapter for the distribution of our hygiene products in Dubai,” commented Tina Bowden, sales manager at Dudley Industries. “This new product demonstrates our commitment to quality and innovation throughout our product development and we believe Queenex is perfectly placed to deliver this product to their market through their expertise and reputation” Hemant Kambli, CEO of Queenex. added: “We employ the highest standards of quality and

professionalism to serve our market. We only provide products that meet our strict standards and that help us to continue building our strong bonds with our customers. When we were presented with the Autocut Dispenser, we instantly knew of the potential it provided to meet the expectations of our customers, so we are thrilled to be able to secure this supplier agreement with Dudley Industries for our market place. “As the sole supplier in Dubai, we look forward to presenting this product to our existing and new clients, whilst developing our relationship with Dudley Industries and strengthening our product offering.”

International

March 2019

IoD Lancashire to host exporting masterclass with Barry Leahey MBE BARRY is MD of Playdale Playgrounds, the UK’s leading manufacturer of Outdoor Children’s Playground Equipment, based at three sites in South Cumbria. At the masterclass, Barry will be sharing his experience of exporting and working with distributors in 48 countries, covering 57% of the global population and the lessons he has learnt. The masterclass will take place on 11 April from 17.30 to 19.30 at the fantastic venue of Browsholme Hall and Tithe Barn, near Clitheroe Throughout his career, Barry has been associated with leadership, directorship and international trade, receiving his MBE for services to International Trade and Exports and in 2018, he was named the IoD North West ‘Global Director of the Year 2018’.

Other recent accolades include being featured in The Telegraph’s Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders and inducted into The Manufacturer Top 100 people in the Manufacturing Hall of Fame. As a company, Playdale Playgrounds has also recently won ‘UK Family Manufacturer’, FSB ‘UK SME Exporter of the Year’ as well as being named DIT and Commonwealth Export Champions. Commented Andrew Mann, organiser and IoD Lancashire Ambassador: “We are really fortunate to have a masterclass on exporting led by Barry, with support from a panel of experts, including Mandy Lockett, International Business Director at East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce “Anyone who is interested in developing or increasing your company’s export potential, should

attend this event by registering on the IoD website. It is free to members and only £12 for nonmembers.” “Finally, I would like to thank Amanda Parker at Browsholme Hall for offering us the use of the facility, as one of the first corporate events to be held there. I am certain it won’t be the last.” Browsholme Hall is a privately owned, nationally listed Grade I listed historic house. The Hall has a pre-eminent collection of historically associated antiques, paintings and furniture of museum quality. Furthermore, the red sandstone house has a genuine claim to be the oldest surviving family home in Lancashire.

BROWSHOLME HALL, NEAR CLITHEROE, LANCASHIRE Your perfect corporate hospitality venue in Lancashire Ten reasons why you should hold your event here:

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• Experienced organisers – the ‘Tithe Barn’, seating up to 120 guests, was renovated in 2011, specifically to host • A rich history – the ancient family home of the Parker family for corporate events and private functions. 14 generations, originally built in 1507, but with modern facilities, • Available for – corporate hospitality events, award both indoors and outside. ceremonies, conferences or team meetings. We are only • Stunning backdrop – in the heart of the Ribble Valley, an Area of limited by your imagination. Outstanding Natural Beauty, just five miles from Clitheroe • Quality partners – we work with several top-class events • Easily accessible – from all parts of Lancashire, Manchester and and catering companies, oﬀering innovative Gala dinners, Merseyside – but set in 25 acres of beautiful countryside, with fund raising events, team building, or just corporate woodlands and a lake. awayday fun! We cater for anything from formal black-tie dinners, cocktails and canapes, to a light lunch, pizza party UNIQUE EXPERIENCE through to street food and dessert stations. • Memorable – from a sweeping driveway, to the very impressive Hall, it is ideal for your corporate event. Perfect when first MEETS ALL YOUR CORPORATE NEEDS impressions really count. • Flexible – for larger events, the Tithe Barn oﬀers a blank • Exclusive use – impress your clients and build your brand in a canvas for your company’s branding or smaller intimate unique setting, which can also feature an inclusive tour of the Hall. dinners, for up to 20 people, in the historic Regency family

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dining room. • Bespoke events – we can create anything from race or murder mystery evenings, to product launches, motor shows, recitals and much more. Our creative events team will ensure that even the smallest detail is taken care of, guaranteeing you a successful event.

An opportunity NOT to be missed!!! For further information, please contact Lynn Scholes on 01254 827 160

ACQUISITIONS

Acquisitions fuel Inspired Energy growth KIRKHAM based, Inspired Energy, has announced that it has achieved positive growth in revenue, profits and cash generated from acquisitions for the year ending 31 December 2018. 2018 saw Inspired Energy acquire four companies: Inprova Finance Limited, Squareone Limited, Systemslink 2000 Limited, Professional Cost Management Group Limited and Energy Cost Management Limited, significantly increasing the group’s position as a UK market leader. Mark Dickinson, CEO of Inspired Energy, said:

“2018 has seen the acceleration of our next growth phase with five complementary and value-enhancing acquisitions completed, whilst the Group has continued to deliver sustained organic growth in the Corporate Division. “These acquisitions have materially increased the Group’s client meters under management (units of opportunity) and we continue systematically engaging with clients to quantify the cross-selling opportunities and increased accessible revenue at each meter point.

“We remain focused on delivering our core financial, operational and strategic objectives, whilst simultaneously broadening the service offering for our clients, to help them to optimise the value of every pound spent on utilities. “Inspired Energy had an excellent 2018 and I am confident that 2019 will be another year of significant progress for the Group, with trading in line with expectations.”

Burnley freight and haulage firm announces acquisition LAW firm Davis Blank Furniss has acted for Burnley-based EFS Global on its acquisition of PDQ Specialist Courier Services. PDQ’s head office is in Bromborough but the firm also has centres in Buckinghamshire, Alderley Edge and Ireland. It was established in 1998 and provides specialist courier services across the pharmaceutical, hazardous and medical professions with a range of highly specialist temperature controlled solutions.

EFS Global is one of the North West’s largest freight and haulage groups. It currently has eight depots and offices across the country and operates its own UK and European road freight fleet. It also works with selected partners around the world. This deal is part of EFS’ ongoing growth and acquisition strategy across the UK.

The team at Davis Blank Furniss advised EFS Global on all aspects of the deal including legal due diligence and transactional matters. The team was led by Sonio Singh who is a partner in the corporate department. Mark Jones, MD of EFS Global, commented: “PDQ is a great addition to the EFS Group and we are delighted that Brian and Amanda Brennan – longterm directors of the business – will be carrying on steering the firm into the future. It really is a case of business as usual for PDQ’s staff and clients but with the added benefits that come with being part of one of the UK’s leading freight and haulage companies.” Sonio Singh, added: “This deal is another milestone for EFS Global as it further strengthens its position and reach in the freight and haulage sector.”

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42 TRANSPORT

Lloyd Blackpool BMW on the road to success with double national award win LLOYD Blackpool BMW has been named BMW Retailer of the Year Customer Champion by BMW UK. An award which acknowledges fantastic customer service. The awards ceremony, held in Lisbon, Portugal, also recognised Lloyd Blackpool BMW as one of the best BMW retailers in the UK. The latest recognition of success for Lloyd Blackpool BMW follows a similar path to last year where the 2017 awards, held in Munich, Germany, recognised Lloyd Blackpool BMW as the best BMW retailer in the UK, as well as the best BMW Retailer in Customer Care, internationally. Mark Powell, Head of Business, said: “We are delighted to have been recognised once again as one of the best BMW retailers in the UK. A customer orientated culture is at the

heart of everything we do at Lloyd and winning the BMW Retailer of the Year Customer Champion award reflects that. “The judging takes into account a variety of factors, including; customer communication skills, ability to anticipate customer demands and aptitude when faced with problems, all of which we pride ourselves on.” BMW Group employs around 8,000 people directly in the UK with an additional 14,000 in its 147-strong Retailer network representing BMW and MINI brands. The company has invested nearly £2 billion in its UK operations since 2000, and the UK is BMW Group’s fourth largest sales market in the world with Lloyd Blackpool BMW leading the way on how customer service should be done properly.

Preston based Signature Motorhomes and Leisure selected by Le Voyageur SIGNATURE Motorhomes & Leisure has been appointed as one of only two official dealers in the UK for the Le Voyageur range of luxury motorhomes. Michael Hardicker, MD of Signature Motorhomes and Leisure, said: “We saw the Le Voyageur motorhomes at the Motorhome and Caravan Show in 2018 at the NEC and were impressed with the quality of the range, the luxury finish and in particular the innovation which the brand is known for. “Adding Le Voyageur motorhomes to our offering fits in with our expansion plans at our Preston showroom. To be one of only two official dealers in the country is also very special.” The new Le Voyageur Signature model is the

first motorhome to replace rear-view mirrors with high-definition cameras. This exclusive technological advance provides exceptional driving safety and comfort. It enhances visibility and the system even monitors the vehicle’s immediate environment while parked. The absence of rear-view mirrors reduces the width of the vehicle, making it much easier to handle. Martin Storey, Le Voyageur, said: “We are very happy to be working with Signature Motorhomes and Leisure and welcome them as official dealers

for our prestigious Le Voyageur range. We’re already impressed with the Signature team, their experience in the industry along with their technical knowledge and understanding means we can be confident that our owners will receive the best attention.” Michael Hardicker, added: “There are three lines in the Le Voyageur range, the LV range, the Signature range and the Liner range. They all combine elegance with the highest standards of technical construction. We know our customers are going to be impressed.”

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

The challenge is on at Organic ORGANIC has announced that the firm has once again teamed up with local Charity, East Lancashire Hospice to headline sponsor the Corporate Challenge 2019. The Corporate Challenge raises valuable funds to provide care for local people, who are coping with a life-limiting illness at a time when they need it most. All businesses taking part are given £50 and set the challenge to turn it into as much as they can

within a six-month period, running from 1 April until 30 September 2019. Chris Ridehalgh, Director at Organic said: “It’s an honour to be able to support the Corporate Challenge for a third consecutive year. I was amazed at how much money was raised by the businesses who took part last year, a fantastic £44,558. “Being in the insurance business, a lot of what we do is about helping people prepare and cope

financially with difficult situations. We can’t do the caring part, but East Lancashire Hospice can. “A couple of members of the Organic team have experienced first-hand with their immediate family the amazing care that East Lancashire Hospice provides. It has always been our aim to help the hospice in some way, as a small thank you for the individual and family support that was provided by the charity.

Danbro announces Foundation to mark 20th year DANBRO has announced the launch of the Danbro Foundation, coinciding with the company’s 20th year in business. The Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation, devoted to improving the lives and prospects of those who need it most, providing them with optimism, opportunities

PROUD TO SUPPORT AND PROMOTE:

and, ultimately, hope for the future. The Danbro Foundation aims to ‘share the company’s success, committing both the firm’s time and financial resource to provide opportunity and support to those who need it. The Foundation’s Executive

Committee comprises employees from across the Danbro Group. This select group will be giving up their personal time to make the key decisions in relation to the Foundation’s funding, marketing and charitable efforts. Working alongside local groups, such as Street Angels and Aspired Futures, and international charities like Operation Orphan, the Danbro Foundation formalises the way in which the company gives back. This enables the people who help generate the profits to have a bigger say in how

and where the money is being spent. IT Manager and Foundation committee member, Terry Glenister, said: “Danbro has afforded me many opportunities to develop, both personally and professionally. So, when the chance arose to be part of the Danbro Foundation, I applied without hesitation. “As a member of the Foundation, I am able to be part of a team that can genuinely help better the lives of other people.” AS PART OF OUR COMMITMENT TO BEING A GOOD CORPORATE CITIZEN

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March 2019

Shankly Hotel sponsors Sir Tom Finney Preston Soccer Centre THE new £15M Shankly Hotel Preston, which is due to open in June of this year, has confirmed its first major sponsorship ahead of its opening in 2019. It is to sponsor the Preston based community football charity, the Sir Tom Finney Preston Soccer Centre. The deal was negotiated following discussions between Christopher “William Shankly” Carline, the Grandson of Bill Shankly OBE and Peter Mason BEM Founder & Chair of the Sir Tom Finney Preston Soccer Centre. The sponsorship will see the Shankly Hotel sponsor and support STFPSC to assist in the development of grass roots community football across Preston. STFPSC was set up as a non profit making community soccer project to provide high quality FA charter standard football and coaching for able bodied and disabled children and adults. The project was the brainchild of Peter Mason – a former Police Chief Superintendent with the Greater Manchester

Police and his wife Kathleen Mason, who in, 2015, was recognised for her work with the centre as the FA/McDonalds “Volunteer Of The Year.” The sponsorship is a key part of The Shankly Hotel’s commitment to the local community across Preston under its corporate social responsibility mandate. The ethics and values of the hotel are those very same qualities and traits which the legendary Bill Shanklywas renowned for and held dearly throughout his playing and managerial career. Peter Mason BEM said: “It is a great accolade for the charity, that a new business in Preston, one that carries the name of a football legend, has seen fit to sponsor us. The Shankly name obviously compliments Sir Tom Finney very well, given their long standing friendship, mutual respect and admiration for each others sporting achievements as footballers and icons of the game. So it is truly fitting that these two legendary names should be at the forefront of supporting grass roots community football

here in Preston where it all began for them at Preston North End. We look forward to a long and successful future working with the Shankly Hotel. The announcement is the second time that the Shankly Hotel – and family of Bill Shankly – have partnered with the family of Sir Tom Finney CBE, The two families came together last year when the family of Sir Tom Finney agreed to house a permanent football memorabilia exhibition at the Shankly Hotel in honour of the late Sir Tom Finney CBE and Bill Shankly OBE. Co owner of the Shankly Hotel and Grandson of Bill Shankly OBE Christopher “WilliamShankly” Carline, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be sponsoring the Sir Tom Finney Preston Soccer Centre (STFPSC). This sponsorship is of particular significance to us because of the importance that both Sir Tom and my Grandfather attached to the support of grass roots football in the community. It was

the very essence and embodiment of their respective values that each held dearly, namely that football should be accessible to all regardless of ability, social class, creed, or age. “Together with the Finney family, we aim to make the Shankly Hotel

Preston one of the top football themed hotels and experiences in the UK creating something very unique for football fans and to continue the legacy that the National Football museum first established in Preston. For me the greatest honour will be to see

the legacy of Sir Tom Finney CBE and my grandfather Bill Shankly OBE celebrated for their achievements and the values that they stood for both as gentlemen and footballers and which truly made football the beautiful game that it is today.”

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Lancaster tech specialists launch first One World Hackathon web app those impacted by terrorist attacks, hate crimes and other traumatic events in the US and abroad, including those affected by the 2017 Manchester Arena bombings. Participants of the One World Hackathon included partner and technical director at Lancaster’s The first ever One World Hackathon took place at Hotfoot Design Aidan Watt, designer Lancaster’s The Storey, where a and photographer Robin Zahler, team of developers and creatives, owner of Morecambe-based Vagabond led by Vibe Tickets Co-founder Digital, Tom Lee, project manager and Technical Director Jon Hill, and developer Jonathan Smillie, built the web application to help Source Pulp consultant developer Will the One World Marathon project Faithful and a team of developers, in just two days. designers, managers and directors The web app allows participants from Vibe Tickets. to pledge miles, or even steps, to take Jon Hill, said: “The aims of the part in One World Marathon, a virtual One World Marathon mean a lot to marathon where teams from around the world will combine their efforts me personally and the response from to achieve a total of 26.2 miles over the Lancaster digital community to a four day weekend, in real time and get together at such short notice to invite others to do the same. kick start the web application was Organisers One World Strong was founded by survivors of the 2013 amazing. I hope that the concept of the One Word Hackathon is Boston Marathon bombings and is something that can be repeated again.” dedicated to improving the lives of

A MARATHON 26 hour coding session by digital and creative specialists and agencies from across Lancaster, has created and launched a web application to support the One World Strong Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to helping survivors of terrorism.

Building firm steps up to support Walk in the Dark CONSTRUCTION company Eric Wright Group is to sponsor Rosemere Cancer Foundation’s annual Walk in the Dark for the third consecutive year. The 11-mile, night-time trek along the A6 from Chorley and South Ribble Hospital to Rosemere Cancer Centre, the region’s specialist cancer treatment centre at the Royal Preston Hospital, is scheduled to take place from 9 pm on Saturday, 27 April. This year’s Walk in the Dark will be the 11th. Over the years, more than 2,500 people from throughout Lancashire and South Cumbria have walked the largely flat route, collectively raising just short of £300,000 through entry fees and sponsorship. This makes Walk in the Dark Rosemere Cancer Foundation’s single most important event in the charity’s year-long fundraising calendar. Rosemere Cancer Foundation’s Trust and Corporate Fundraising Manager Cathy Skidmore said: “We are delighted Eric Wright Group has again come forward to support

Walk in the Dark. “Walk in the Dark is an essential event for us and by taking on its sponsorship, Eric Wright Group is effectively covering its staging costs so that every penny raised in entry fees and from walkers being sponsored can go directly to helping us fund projects across Lancashire and South Cumbria to help local people going through cancer treatment right now.” Jeremy Hartley, Managing Director of Eric Wright Group, said: “We first began supporting Rosemere Cancer Foundation six years ago sponsoring the Blackburn Cathedral Valentine’s concert and are delighted once again to be involved in Walk in the Dark. As a local company, we are well aware of Rosemere Cancer Foundation’s work to support those in treatment at Rosemere Cancer Centre and all of our region’s hospital cancer units and in recognition of this, they were also nominated as one of our Charities of the Year in 2018 with a substantial donation.”

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The Mind Corps CIC, Lancashire’s new men’s mental health and ex-military support service

ex-military and civilians, showing how the male population think, with regards to getting help with difficult situations. These could range from monetary matters, relationships, through to PTSD and traumatic events. Ruth Shaw said: “The responses to my questionnaire showed that there is an obvious need to change the mindset of men THE Mind Corps has set up to towards mental health and the stigma deliver sustainable help and support to men, veterans and families dealing attached to seeking help.” The Mind Corps is working with with mental health conditions, Belisama’s Retreat, described by including PTSD. It helps improve men’s mental and physical health, and its founder, as: “A woodland and wildlife project to promote health wellbeing with an open and trusted and well-being for veterans and other approach in a safe environment. groups based on the River Ribble, a Females will often talk more safe and welcoming environment for openly and look for help as opposed veterans. to men. The difference in mindsets “We provide one to one sessions between men and women is shown coaching and NLP techniques, group in the statistics around suicide support workshops for the veterans rates, homelessness, domestic abuse and their families, acting on the and longer prison sentences, etc., awareness and making the necessary particularly amongst veterans. changes. It is all good and well The idea came from Darren bringing the topic to light, though Seilgenberg and Ruth Shaw, without action nothing further and started originally looking at changes. With a more proactive men’s mental health which then approach and early intervention transformed into helping ex-forces it helps those affected with poor personnel. From a questionnaire mental health creating higher Ruth sent out on Social Media, motivation to achieve their goals the response was that there was and better interaction with families, little support for veterans. The employment and society.” post brought interest from both

March 2019

Bowker Motorrad raises over £1k for Blood Bikers A LANCASHIRE motorcycle retailer has raised over £1,000 for North West Blood Bikes. More than 100 local riders attended the social at Bowker Motorrad in Preston with North West Blood Bikes as the main beneficiary. The fundraising raffle offered the chance to win British Superbikes tickets, lunch at Northcote and other prizes from Booths, Pirelli, Bell Helmets, ACF50, Bike Tyrestore and Datatool UK. The auction also included one-off money-can’t-buy items donated by PR Racing and Czech superbike rider Jakub Smrz who donated his race leathers to the cause. Bowker Motorrad, John Nichol said: “Thank you to everyone who supported us. The showroom was packed. And everyone gave generously to North West Blood Bikes.” Bowker Motorrad and North West Blood Bikes enjoy a close relationship. The charity’s volunteers

receive exclusive preferential rates and a speedy booking service for bike maintenance. In addition, Bowker Motorrad offers a courtesy motorcycle, liveried in North West Blood Bike branding, available to volunteers whilst their motorcycles are being serviced. With over 300 riders, North West Blood Bikes is the largest hospital delivery charity in the world. They receive over 1,000 calls each month. Each call represents an urgent, potentially life-saving, request for a delivery to or from a North West hospital. Lee Townsend for North West Blood Bikes said: “This was a wonderful event and a generous gesture from the team and customers at Bowker Motorrad. Every donation, no matter how small or large, makes a massive difference to the service we can provide, and the local lives we save.”

Blog Preston serves up for city’s homeless BLOG Preston and its readers have banded together to help rough sleepers in celebrations of the Foxton Centre’s 50th anniversary. Donations made as part of Blog Preston’s 10th anniversary party have resulted in the centre being able to feed homeless people for a fortnight. It costs £1 per person for the Foxton to feed a rough sleeper, and with up to 50 people depending on the service each weekday, the £500 donation from

Blog Preston readers will go a long way. Money was donated at the event in The Orchard bar, marking 10 years since the site, which is viewed 800,000 times a month, was launched. Jeff Marsh, Chief executive of the Foxton Centre, said: “Congratulations to Blog Preston on your 10th anniversary and what a fantastic contribution from everyone associated with Blog Preston. “Keep up the good work reporting

on the important issues in the city and many thanks from everyone at Foxton.” Editor and founder of Blog Preston, Ed Walker, said: “Many thanks to everyone who popped their donations in on the night and who gave money after the event. “We’re proud to be a voice in this city and to be able to use that audience we have to turn online clicks into tangible help for those who need it most, is very pleasing to see.”

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Blackpool sign maker pledges support to local children’s hospice A BLACKPOOL sign maker has pledged support to its local children’s hospice by promoting its services on one of its vans. Links Signs and Graphics will make a donation to Brian House Children’s Hospice for every new customer that comes in as a result of its new advertising. Links has been working with Brian House and Trinity

Hospice over the last year to rebrand all its charity shops around the Fylde Coast, but Links staff have been inspired to go even further with their support by helping to spread the word of the work done at Brian House and to make what they hope will be regular donations to the children’s hospice. Links Managing Director Shaun Bennett said: “Brian House is

almost like the Fylde coast’s little secret, you probably don’t know about it unless you have reason and we just want to do what we can for those children and their families who do need it, and who might need it in the future. “We got involved with Trinity Hospice and Brian House as part of the charity’s rebrand, and installed new signs for their 16 shops across

Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre, but we knew there was more we could do to help. “We had a look around the amazing facility they have in Bispham and were just blown away. We hope anyone who needs our services will help us to make a difference at Brian House. We will donate a percentage of any new sale by any new customer who comes to

us as a result of seeing our newly branded van to the children’s hospice to help our area’s most fragile children.” Brian House Clinical Manager Carol Wylde, said: “The new hospice shops out in the community look fabulous with the new branding for Brian House and Trinity Hospice. But for Links to take their support one step further and offer

a donation for every new customer is just wonderful. “We are incredibly grateful to the team over there for their ongoing support, and for helping to share our story so more people get to know about our amazing children and young people, and the work we do for them and their family to make every moment truly special.”

48 APPOINTMENTS

Nelson and Colne College Board of Corporation strengthened with successful appointment of four new governors

A QUARTET of new governors have been appointed to strengthen Nelson and Colne College’s Board of Corporation following its successful merger with Accrington and Rossendale College. Tim Webber MBE, Brian Fisher, Stephanie Bridgeman and Steve Hughes have all been welcomed to the board, bringing with them a broad range of skills, expertise and experience. The new board members will play a key role in supporting Nelson and Colne College, Accrington and Rossendale College and Lancashire Adult Learning, as they work to establish the vision of a combined institution that offers exceptional

skills, vocational and occupational training, sixth form and adult community provision across East Lancashire and beyond. The merger, completed in November 2018, will also create a financially robust college that can maximise the benefits for learners, make best use of public funding and maintain innovation and excellence, and the quartet will have important roles to play to ensure that the vision is realised. Tim is Chairman and Managing Director of Barnfield Construction Ltd – the Pendle based contractors, developers and investors. The company employs over 250 people,

operates on more than 30 sites nationwide and has a turnover of £70million. Awarded an MBE in 2015 for Service to Business and the Community in Lancashire, Tim is also Vice Chairman of the Pendle Vision Board and a board member of Groundwork Managing Director of Commercial Interventions Ltd, offering specialist support to private and public sector organisations in the healthcare sector, Brian has over 25 years of experience in the health and pharmaceuticals industry. His knowledge and expertise has been developed through multiple senior leadership roles in blue-

chip and multinational pharma businesses Stephanie is a business owner, with over 15 years’ experience in media analytics, and has worked with hundreds of well-known national and international organisations to advise on brand strength and reputation in the media. Based in Rossendale, her company provides freelance work-fromhome opportunities to 25+ people, most of whom are Lancashirebased. Stephanie has been both a student and governor of Accrington and Rossendale College, prior to the merger Steve has been involved with the Citizens Advice service since 2012, holding

senior positions across the North West and North of England. He is now the Chief Executive of Citizens Advice service in Stockport and also sits as a councillor in Rossendale, leading Licensing and Digital Transformation. Steve is the Non-Executive Chair of the £2million Social Investment Fund hosted by Trafford Housing Trust – a fund dedicated to fighting poverty and inequality across Greater Manchester. A Rossendale resident, Steve was also a governor of Accrington and Rossendale College before the merger Chairman of the Board of Corporation at Nelson and Colne College, Stephen

Barnes, said: “I am delighted to welcome Tim, Brian, Stephanie and Steve to the Board of Corporation. I am certain that they will bring a wealth of knowledge and skill to the organisation as we implement our vision of creating a combined force for greater opportunities across East Lancashire and beyond. “They join a board that is committed to improving the lives of people through the highest quality education and one that is resolute in its mission to develop provision to meet national and local skills priorities, as well as support economic growth and prosperity in Pennine Lancashire.”

APPOINTMENTS

Lucky 6 Marketing going for gold A LANCASHIRE based social media agency is going for gold following the appointment of Myles Pearson, a Wheelchair Rugby player. Following a ten-year career representing his country, Myles, who is from Lytham, is now pursuing his interest in digital marketing. Myles has taken part in three European Championships, winning gold in 2017 and one World Championship, where he represented Great Britain at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. At the age of 26, Myles is now looking for his next challenge and sees digital marketing as a subject he has a keen interest in. Lucky 6 Marketing, a Lancashire based social media specialist, offered Myles a job following a month of work experience in 2018. Providing digital marketing solutions for family-owned businesses throughout Lancashire, Lucky 6 Marketing have hired Myles to facilitate their increase in work. As a Marketing Executive, Myles will be responsible

for writing copy for a large proportion of the Lucky 6 Marketing client base. Lee Giacopazzi, Managing Director of Lucky 6 Marketing, said: “We are thrilled to have someone with the experience, motivation and dedication that Myles possesses, on the team. As an elite athlete, we are keen to utilise his experiences being part of a high performing team to take our agency to the next level.” Myles, added: “I am so grateful for the opportunity Lucky 6 Marketing have offered me and I look forward to learning more about digital marketing. I love wheelchair rugby and will remain strongly involved in the sport. There may even be an opportunity for me to use some of my newly developed marketing knowledge to raise the profile of the sport that has been my life for so long.”

Law firm kicks off growth plans with recruitment drive FULL service law firm Farley Solicitors has launched a recruitment drive in order to support ambitious growth plans over the next three years. The firm, which currently employs 140 people across Lancashire and Manchester is recruiting for a number of specialist solicitors across the firm’s six offices, to complement its existing offering in both commercial and personal legal services. Significant and continued growth in Farleys’ corporate and commercial client portfolio is one of the key factors pushing the recruitment drive, opening up opportunities for both commercial property and corporate lawyers to play a key role in the continued success of the firm Similarly, the firm’s personal injury teams are seeing a surge in medical negligence enquiries and looking to bring on board additional legal specialists to support its ever-growing client base.

Farleys has already invested in a number of key appointments and practice areas, most recently launching a specialist immigration service to complement the firm’s current offering. Managing partner Ian Liddle said: “As a business, we recognise that our people are central to our continued success and we are continuing with our strategy of hiring the best talent to boost the skills of our established teams, in order to support the firm’s ambitious growth plans across the region. "We continue to take on high calibre new people, which is indicative of our commitment to increasing and strengthening our teams across a range of practice areas and support functions. "These are exciting times for our business and we’re keen to attract talented people who will share our values and play a key part in the continued success of the firm”.

APPOINTMENTS

March 2019

Lancaster City Council selects new chief executive LANCASTER City Council announced that Kieran Keane will take up the role of chief executive from 25 March until the end of October, while the recruitment process for the permanent role takes place. This is a decisive move designed to secure continuity in the running of the council, and to ensure it does not lose the momentum gained over the past twelve

months in ensuring Lancaster can thrive and grow. Kieran’s appointment will allow the council to progress with the expansion and development of the district, working with businesses and forming new and exciting partnerships. Kieran, who is currently assistant chief executive, joined the council in July 2017 in a role designed to assist

the council in developing and implementing a commercialisation strategy for the organisation – something which has seen ongoing success. Kieran said: “I am delighted and proud to take on this role. There is so much going on across Lancaster and the district, with opportunities for internal and external investment. “My priority will be to deliver on our

existing ambitions while looking to the future and exploring further opportunities for growth. “I look forward to working with our existing and future partners to help Lancaster thrive.” Kieran is already leading a number of transformative projects. These include the major multi-million pound regeneration project of Canal Quarter; and ensuring the exciting plans for UK’s second

Eden Project remain on track. Kieran also oversees the commercialisation of strategic projects for the council. Council leader Eileen Blamire welcomed the decision and the importance it places on the continuity of the council plans. “Kieran has already proven himself to be passionate about Lancaster and the district.

“He has worked to develop a commercial strategy and therefore help secure the financial viability of the council. “His appointment, initially until the end of October, will allow the council to continue with ‘business as usual’, putting the priorities of the council first and ensuring a smooth transition. We look forward to continuing to work closely with him.”

Mosart Khanim joins Suresite MOSART Khanim has joined Preston retail services business, Suresite, from fuel card company Radius Payment Solutions, where she was UK head of customer service. In her new role as payment card services manager, Mosart will be responsible for improving Suresite’s customer service delivery during a period of anticipated rapid growth and expansion into new markets. Mosart worked in banking for over 25 years, rising to divisional manager, business banking, for Santander. She has also worked as a branch manager, personal banking manager, and financial/ mortgage advisor with high street banks Halifax, Abbey, and TSB. Mosart said: “My background is in sales and customer service.

I truly believe that if you get the service right, the sales will follow. “My priorities include first class customer service training for everyone at Suresite, not just the customer services team. “I want to build a culture where all stakeholders – internal and external customers and suppliers – receive the very best service from everyone they deal with. This requires a systematic approach. It’s one thing to say you believe in service, but another thing to make sure that you deliver it every time and that what you deliver meets people’s needs.” Keith Bevan, chief business development officer, Suresite, said: “Mosart is a fantastic addition to our card services team and we are delighted to have her on board.”

APPOINTMENTS

North West accountancy firm expands digital team as new rules loom NORTH West accountancy and business advisory firm MHA Moore and Smalley has grown its digital solutions team as it helps more businesses prepare for new digital reporting rules. The firm has appointed Ben Dugdale as a digital solutions assistant taking the specialist team to eight members ahead of the new Making Tax Digital legislation that takes effect on 1 April this year. The team has already helped over 650 businesses make the transition to digital reporting software since being formed in 2015. The government’s long-anticipated Making Tax Digital regime, hailed as the biggest tax shake-up in a generation, will require any business registered for VAT with a turnover over £85,000 to keep digital records for VAT purposes. They will also need to submit VAT returns to HMRC online through

compatible software. Judith Dugdale, director and head of digital solutions at MHA Moore and Smalley, said: “At the start of 2018 we were a team of three, and we have now grown to a team of eight, with Ben being our latest appointment. “This gives our clients reassurance that we have the right advice and support as they move into cloud-based accounting and prepare for Making Tax Digital.” “Ben will play a big role in our digital services, providing technical support to clients using Quickbooks, Xero and FreeAgent. He will also be involved in rolling out software that enables integration between industry-specific applications and accounting software so that clients can use the same data across all their business applications.” Ben, who studied at Nelson and Colne College

before joining the firm, said: “This is an exciting time to have joined the firm with businesses having to get to grips with huge changes in the way they report their accounts. “I’m looking forward to supporting business owners and their teams as they prepare for the new rules and embrace new financial software and technology.” Judith added: “We’ve heavily invested in growing the digital team and are well placed to offer clients trusted advice in this area. I expect there to be even more demand for our services as the first MTD deadline draws near. “We can support business start-ups, small businesses and owner-managed businesses prepare for MTD as well as providing solutions and support for contractors and consultants too.”

EVENTS LISTINGS

Contact sales@thesamueljamesgroup.com or call 01772 364150

EVENTS LISTINGS THE ULTIMATE NETWORK The North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Lancaster & District Chamber of Commerce, Shout Network invite you to attend the ‘Ultimate Network’ – the county’s largest business to business networking event of the year. 13/03/2019 Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm (FREE)

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INCOTERMS ESSENTIALS

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FINANCE FOR BUSINESS: BEYOND THE BASICS Handle the company finances properly and reliably by knowing which costs are fixed and which are variable, how to calculate break-even, how to control different types of costs the principles of pricing and mark-ups, and an introduction to preparing a budget or forecast in this “next level” half-day course. 13/03/2019 1pm – 4pm £69 - £99

EMPLOYMENT LAW ESSENTIALS Quickly learn essential employment law to prepare and protect your organisation from legal action and tribunals as your company grows. Use the protection of the law for your organisation and your staff with this morning course on Employment Law. 14/03/2019 9.30am – 12.30pm £69 - £99

FINANCE FUNDAMENTALS FOR BUSINESS Learn foundational finance principles: how to analyse, review and understand financial statements including Balance Sheets, Profit & Loss Cash Flow, and how to identify important trends and ask appropriate questions of the finance team all in a single morning! 13/03/2019 9.30am – 12.30pm £69 - £99

RECRUITMENT & RETENTION: WIN & KEEP YOUR STARS Recruit and retain star employees with this half day recruitment and retention training course. Learn successful techniques to find those diamonds in rough and then protect your investment of training by KEEPING them on your team. This course is for anyone in management looking to add the right person to the right position and retain them long term. 14/03/2019 1pm – 4pm £69 - £99

PROPERTY

Firth Architects has grand designs for virtual reality FYLDE Coast architecture practice Firth will now be using virtual reality (VR) for all its projects following a successful pilot with several select private residence projects. The most recent project to use the technology was an £800,000 transformation of a residential property in Lytham into a state-of-the-art modern residence. The Firth team utilised VR tools when working with the client to create the final design, for which

the highest quality materials will be used to create a unique, modern home inspired by the woodland surroundings. Work is to complete in early 2020. Joel Firth, director of Firth Architects, said: “We’ve used the technology increasingly over the past three years and it has proved essential in helping clients visualise their dream home. It’s going to be a hugely influential tool in our business not only because of the ability for clients to almost touch and feel their home but the efficiencies it also brings to

streamlining a project.” Joel Firth added: “This is a fantastic project, which is really going to showcase how sustainable technology can have a positive impact on the environment. The government set targets for the UK to achieve 15 per cent of its energy consumption from renewable sources by 2020, so making the switch to alternative energy is paramount. As architects we have a responsibility to the environment and an important role to play.”

Property

March 2019

Home Truths joins growing online house selling network HOME Truths, the estate agent with branches in Coppull and Eccleston, has become the latest estate agent to join the growing love2move network that enables them to offer fixed fee, online house sales. Home Truths will extend their service offering by introducing the online product that compliments its existing business and offers house sellers in and around Chorley and the surrounding villages a choice of how they sell their home. Love2move was launched on Valentine’s day 2017 in neighbouring South Ribble by MovingWorks directors Mark Worrall & Georgina Cox and has now grown to a network of 21 offices. The concept uses an

internet platform that can be accessed from anywhere, any time. The love2move website gives control back to the consumer so buyers can view potential houses easily and quickly by opening the love2move website on a phone or tablet, browsing properties and they can then communicate directly with sellers, book viewings, make offers or chat easily and instantly through their online dashboard. John Ascroft, Director at Home Truths, said: “We are looking forward to working with love2move and being able to give our clients the choice and flexibility that this new offering provides. We pride ourselves on our innovative

approach to marketing and services and, once again we are at the forefront in our area; providing a service that no other local estate agents can.” Mark Worrall, Director of love2move, added: “In this day and age people expect instant results and the process of buying a house is no different. At love2move we have put buyer and seller in direct contact to speed up the house buying process and remove any obstacles. We believe that by working with established, high street estate agents we offer clients the best of both the online and traditional estate agents.

Flurry of new project wins for Jones Melling PROPERTY and construction advisory firm Jones Melling has landed a series of new project wins across the North West. The Preston and Chesterbased firm has been instructed by Special Needs Care Ltd to undertake quantity surveying work for a £4m refurbishment project in Abbey Square within the grounds of Chester Cathedral. The project will see Special Needs Care expand its current premises within the Grade-2-listed Georgian square to provide specialist boarding accommodation and supported living

for people with learning disabilities and autism. The firm has also been appointed by care specialist Fairhome Group plc to act as employer’s agent on 13 new projects across the country, including two new care schemes in Wallasey, Merseyside. Meanwhile, M7 Real Estate has instructed Jones Melling on a mix of employer’s agent, contract administration and dilapidations work for projects in Preston, Deeside and Salford. Ken Jones, director of Jones Melling, said: “We’ve had a tremendous start

to 2019 with plenty of new instructions coming through for projects across England and Wales. What’s particularly pleasing is we’re being instructed on a wide variety of jobs. “On top of our core quantity, building surveying and project management work, we’re getting more instructions to act as employer’s agent and contract administrator on larger construction projects. Specialist services like dilapidations and measured surveys are also in growing demand.”

Property

Ceremony marks start of new £18.8m building for Lancaster University Management School A GROUND-breaking ceremony has taken place as construction begins on a state-of-the-art extension for Lancaster University Management School (LUMS). The £18.8m contract has been awarded to North West contractor, John Turner Construction Group, who will complete the new five storey building for the start of the 2020/21 academic year. Vice-Chancellor Professor Mark E. Smith said: “Our globallyleading Management School is home to a thriving international community – one that continues to grow year on year. This significant investment will

provide state of the art facilities to complement the first class teaching and world-renowned research that we are proud to offer our students.” The new building, which will cover a total of 5,667m2, will offer cutting-edge facilities and significantly more space for students, staff and partners. Offering the space equivalent to around four tennis courts per floor, the building will boast three new lecture theatres, collaboration space, a new reception, multiple offices and an executive teaching suite. The Dean of Lancaster

University Management School, Professor Angus Laing, said: “As one of the first business schools established in the UK, we have a proud history of pushing boundaries and conventions to challenge our students and prepare them to become our future leaders. This building marks the start of the next exciting phase of LUMS’ development as the School prepares to deliver outstanding research and education which transforms individuals and organisations. The new building will be followed by an extensive refurbishment of our existing facilities to provide innovative

study space and a unique all-round experience for our students, staff, business partners and visitors.” Nigel Sharp, Operations Director at John Turner Construction Group, added: “As a leading regional contractor, we are delighted to be awarded this high profile LUMS project and to be working with one of the highest ranking universities of the North.”

OFFICES TO LET

Hardmans Mill, Rossendale, BB4 6HH

Hurstwood Court, Rossendale, BB4 6HH

On-Site Parking Refurbished Offices Hot Desking and Break Out Rooms

Furnished Office Options Fibre Broadband Available Break Out and Meeting rooms

Visit www.hurstwoodholdings.com or call 0161 220 1999 for more information.