JANUARY 2020 EAST MIDLANDS LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www.blmgroup.co.uk WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK £3.50 Transforming the energy mix A different kind of data centreKeeping compliant 01.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2019 11:34 Page 102.qxp_Layout 1 11/12/2019 14:43 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 3 EDITORS NOTES While Labour were busy front-loading their manifesto with more policies and promises than you could shake a chief whip at, the Tory party built its entire election campaign around a single simple promise – get Brexit done. For good or for ill, Boris Johnson is here to stay, and at least now we have more certainty than we did this time last month. So we enter the New Year with much the same Government as before and plenty of the same issues persisting. But that need not be the case for businesses, who can use the excuse to shake up their suppliers, as explored in our handy New Year, new supplier feature. Elsewhere we explore the ins and outs of automation in the manufacturing sector, while the emphasis is on data centres in our IT feature. The East Midlands might not immediately spring to mind when thinking about the renewables industry, but there are plenty of exciting developments taking place as our feature explores. There’s also a look at logistics and employment law. We haven’t scrimped on the regulars either, with plenty to keep you busy during the New Year period. Michael Fisher Editor 03.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2019 11:41 Page 1ContentsJanuary 2020 LATEST NEWS 6 A round-up of the latest news from our region APPOINTMENTS 8 East Midlands on the move. FINANCE NEWS 10 The latest news from the world of finance around the region MANUFACTURING NEWS12 News and views from around the region PROPERTY NEWS 14 All the latest from the property sector. BRICKS 202016 East Midlands Business Link Bricks Award 2019 are now open for entries. The awards are a chance to recognise and celebrate the region’s top projects, as well as the teams behind them. PRODUCTIVITY & EFFICIENY IN MANUFACTURING18 For businesses, it’s often a simple equation of efficiency equals productivity. On paper, it looks relatively straightforward, but a huge undertaking to implement. Therein lies the challenge, of streamlining production and processes to boost yield, grow profit and shave downtime. Reality can be far from theory, and growth plans on this scale can take months – if not years – to formulate, execute and benefit from. COMMERCIAL PROPERTY23 A new office or refurbished workplace can have a transformative effect on productivity and wellbeing which could help a company reach its business aims this New Year. NETWORKING 26 New year, new goals. Here Fiona Duncan-Steer, founder of RSViP Business Networking Agency, suggests useful steps to take to achieve your goals this year. CORPORATE HOSPITALITY 28 As attendees seek more engaging experiences, the time to reimagine your corporate events is now. BUSINESS SCENE 30 Over 150 professionals gathered together to enjoy RSViP’s festive themed networking at Das Kino, Nottingham. IT & COMMUNICATIONS31 As the demand for digital increases and global data traffic rises, the footprint of data centres will continue to grow. The industry standard is not only energy intensive but results in excessive carbon emissions, but that looks set to change with the launch of a new kind of data centre. TAX 34 The Tax Deadline is Looming . By Erica Manderfield, Tax Partner at Streets Chartered Accountants LOGISTICS & TRANSPORT 36 Business Link discusses some of the key innovations and trends in the transport and logistics sector from robotics and AI to exoskeletons.. EMPLOYMENT LAW39 Given the consistently changing legislation in the field of HR, even the most conscientious employer could well find themselves inadvertently breaking the law. NEW YEAR, NEW SUPPLIERS 42 This year, East Midlands Business Link is calling on businesses to inspect their supply chain, examine each and every one of their suppliers and ask themselves a simple question – am I getting the absolute best? If not, then now is the time to change. PUBLIC RELATIONS 44 How I added Deborah Meaden and Sir Steve Redgrave to my marketing for under 500 quid. By Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR and Enterprise Nation Champion for Nottingham. RENEWABLES 46 Renewable energy is transforming how we generate power, creating an energy system that can accommodate the UK’s needs whilst helping the country meet emissions targets and clean growth ambitions. Although the East Midlands has historically been flagging in this area, there are signs that the region is progressing. AUTOLINK50 The motoring industry is one that has been worth £80 billion in previous years but concerns over Brexit and floundering trade deals have left the industry reeling. How bright is the future, and what can our automotive industry do to grasp it? • Maserati Levante GTS Dynamic OUT OF OFFICE54 All the leisure sector news from the last month EVENTS56 A timely look at forthcoming business events around the East Midlands AND FINALLY...58 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 09/01/2020 14:43 Page 146 Group Editor Steve Fisher s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk Editor Michael Fisher m.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk Journalists Dominic Cuthbert d.cuthbert@blmgroup.co.uk Tess Egginton t.egginton@blmgroup.co.uk Sales Director Angela Cooper a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk Tel: (01472) 310310 Accounts & Subscriptions Angela Sharman accounts@blmgroup.co.uk Tel: (01472) 310301 Fax: (01472) 310311 Design & Production Gary Jorgensen, Mark Casson studio@blmgroup.co.uk Tel: (01472) 310304 E-Mail: eastmidlands@blmgroup.co.uk Publisher Haychart Ltd, t/a Business Link Magazine Group, Huntingdon House, 278-290 Huntingdon Street, Nottingham NG1 3LY All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, photocopied, recorded or otherwise without express permission of the copyright holder, for which application should be addressed first to the publisher. While every reasonable care is taken, neither the publisher nor its participating agents accept liability for loss or damage to prints, colour transparencies, negatives or other material of whatever nature submitted to this publication. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of those held by the publisher. @BLMEastMidlands BLMEastMidlands COVER PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM PAND P STUDIO • AILA IMAGES • GORODENKOFF • PHONLAMAI PHOTO • METAMORWORKS JANUARY 2020 EAST MIDLANDS LE £3.50 EADING BUSINESS MAGAZ ZINE energy mix transforming the ent kind ferfA dif Keepieof data centr ng compliant w www.blmgroup.co.uk 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2019 11:49 Page 26 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk GENERAL NEWS Lincolnshire Council awards £217m highways contract Balfour Beatty Living Places has been awarded a six-year, £217 million contract by Lincolnshire County Council for the maintenance of highways assets. There is an option to extend the contract for a further six years. Balfour Beatty Living places is to work with the Council to provide a safe and sustainable local road network through the maintenance of 9,000 kilometers of highways, carriageways and footpaths. The team will also deliver winter maintenance and drainage cleansing services to enhance the condition and reliability of the local roads. Balfour Beatty Plant & Fleet Services will invest in 54 commercial vehicles including mobile working platforms and traffic management vehicles to assist works. As part of the contract, Balfour Beatty Living Places will deliver an Involved Community Investment Programme with commitments to social value spend and sustainability initiatives. These will include hiring 90% of the workforce from the local area as well as creating 63 apprenticeships and 24 graduate placements; furthering Balfour Beatty’s commitment to The 5% Club. Karen Cassar, Assistant Director of Highways at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “We’re delighted to have Balfour Beatty Living Places on-board. “The new contract will see significant investment in improved equipment and new technology at highways depots around the county, which will mean better road repairs going forward. “We also welcome their willingness to use local suppliers and take on apprentices, meaning there will be wider benefits for our communities. We look forward to working with them.” Works are due to commence in Spring 2020 and will employ a workforce of 180 employees. nmcn secures place on £400m infrastructure frameworky Nottinghamshire-headquartered nmcn has secured a place on Yorkshire Water’s (YWS) £400m Infrastructure framework for the delivery of infrastructure pipeline projects for both clean and wastewater assets. The framework is for a period of four years with the option to extend for an additional four years. This award is in addition to nmcn’s recently announced place on both the Minor Civils Framework Lot 2 and YWS Minor MEICA Framework. YWS provides water and wastewater services to 5.2 million customers, ensuring the safe delivery of approximately 1.2 billion litres of drinking water every day, and the safe collection and treatment of approximately 1 billion litres of wastewater. The framework covers infrastructure construction and renewal, refurbishment and replacement works on both clean and waste networks on below ground assets, typically in public highways, and on 3rd party land including: Trunk Main rehabilitation, Mains rehabilitation, Cleaning of Mains, Main Laying, Pipe Lining, Installation of Equipment, loggers, meters, valves, Replacement of Lead Pipes, Design & Construction of Outlets, Investigation activity, Emergency Works and Collapses. Mark Fryer, nmcn Regional Director, said: “Securing the Infrastructure framework for Yorkshire Water is excellent news for our local delivery team. The model Yorkshire Water have adopted for their AMP7 programme is exciting and we are looking forward to working collaboratively with both Yorkshire Water and the other delivery partners. We believe that this partnership approach will deliver sustainable outcomes for customers and we look forward to playing our part in that.” East Midlands firms boost online protection Businesses in the East Midlands stepped up their protection against cyber threats in 2019, but a lack of interest in other digital tactics could be holding them back, according to Lloyds Bank’s latest Business Digital Index (BDI). The annual report, the largest of its kind into digital skills, polled 1,500 small businesses across the UK, with more than 140 from the East Midlands. The report combines survey data with businesses’ transactional data to understand their digital behaviours and intentions. The security index for the region, which outlines whether firms are protecting themselves against hackers and fraudsters, has shot up by 19 points on last year to 56. An index reading of zero indicates a lack of online cybersecurity capabilities while a reading of 100 shows robust defensive measures are in place. Nearly three quarters (74 per cent) of the region’s businesses have already invested in their cyber security skills, or are planning to in future, compared with 78 per cent nationally. While the region has made advances in cyber security, a lack of Essential Digital Skills could be hampering opportunities to boost sales or productivity. Nearly two in five East Midlands’ firms (39 per cent) lack the full range of Essential Digital Skills, compared with the national average of 44 per cent. Businesses in the East Midlands had the appetite to build their digital strategy and leadership skills, with nearly half (47 per cent) either having done so or planning to do so in future. This compared with 44 per cent nationally. The region was also above the UK average for attaining skills, or having plans to build them, in search engine optimisation (SEO) (60 per cent, nine points above UK average), social media and marketing (59 per cent, four points above UK average), and customer data analytics (42 per cent, one point above UK average). 06-08.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2019 11:52 Page 1Nottingham recruitment and training group to manage Heathrow Employment and Skills Academy Staffline, the Nottingham-headquartered Recruitment and Training group, has revealed that from January 2020 its PeoplePlus division will manage the Heathrow Employment and Skills Academy (HESA), supporting Heathrow Airport with implementing its employment and skills strategy and its commitment to deliver 10,000 apprenticeships by 2030. The Academy brings together Heathrow Airport, along with its business partners, and providers, local employers, local colleges and community organisations to support a wide range of recruitment and career development activities. It delivers new jobs and aids career progression, supporting the local communities in which it operates and creating a diverse pipeline for employers. Chris Pullen, Chief Executive Officer of Staffline, said: “PeoplePlus has worked closely with Heathrow Airport and members of Team Heathrow in the delivery of apprenticeships since July 2019 and are extremely proud to be part of such a dynamic and committed partnership. “Heathrow has set out its vision to create a lasting skills legacy and to create up to 40,000 new careers. PeoplePlus’ scale and experience as the UK’s leading independent skills and training provider mean that we are extremely well placed to support these significant commitments.” www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 7 GENERAL NEWS Specialist expands into UK with Leicester franchise US-based company Meridian, a manufacturer of self-service kiosks, interactive digital signage, and self-service software is expanding into the UK with a new Leicester-based franchise operation. The new franchise, Meridian Digital Solutions Limited, is based in Peckleton, Leicestershire and will serve all European markets, including the UK. “We are excited to announce our expansion into the United Kingdom,” said Meridian CEO, Chris Gilder. “The launch of Meridian Digital Solutions will enable us to continue growing and better serve our international markets, especially when it comes to the UK and Europe.” Managing Director of Meridian Digital Solutions, Andy Viner, said: “I’m passionate about what the technology can deliver and how it can transform businesses. Meridian, with their incredible heritage and success, is the company to work with to deliver that to the UK and European markets. “I’m looking forward to helping businesses and organisations embrace self-service as a way of increasing engagement with their customers and reducing the service burden for employees.” © SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ MAKDILL Automotive Fashion Commercial Call or email for a quote 07506 998855 steve@autoholic.co.uk Creating images for your business as individual as you are. Photography Services autoholic photography autoholic.co.uk © SHUTTERSTOCK.COM / FASTTAILWIND 06-08.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2019 11:53 Page 2New CFO for Northampton- based brickmaker Forterra Shatish Dasani has stepped down from his role as Chief Financial Officer at Forterra and as a Director of the Board “to pursue other opportunities.” Ben Guyatt has been appointed in his place and joined the Board of Forterra at the start of January. Shatish Dasani joined Forterra in December 2015 and was a key member of the leadership team which successfully took the Company through the IPO in April 2016 and implemented the strategy to drive value for shareholders. In his time with Forterra, he has overseen a significant deleveraging and strengthening of its balance sheet, whilst investing in the core businesses and following a progressive dividend policy. Ben Guyatt has served as Director of Finance and Company Secretary of Forterra since its listing in April 2016 and, prior to this, he was Finance Director of the business at the time of its divestment by HeidelbergCement in 2015. Ben joined Hanson plc in 2006 and held a variety of senior finance and strategy roles within Hanson and HeidelbergCement. Previously Ben held financial management roles at Heath Lambert. The Board believes that Ben will bring a deep and valuable knowledge of Forterra, and the wider market, to the Board. Justin Atkinson, Chairman, said: “On behalf of the Board I would like to thank Shatish for his substantial contribution to the Company over the last four years and wish him well in the next stage of his career.” 8 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk Clumber Consultancy expands specialist ERA team Clumber Consultancy, the specialist Pensions and ERA Service provider for the UK insolvency market, has appointed Lisa Scott as Senior ERA Administrator. Lisa began her career with BDO UK LLP in the Employment Rights Act team, working as the first point of contact for employees whose employers had gone into Insolvency and has several years of experience in this specialist role. Lisa joins Edwinstowe-based Clumber Consultancy to further strengthen its ERA offering for Insolvency Practitioners, which in the summer saw Paul Milton join the business as a Director of the team. Clumber Consultancy’s primary focus is compliance and ensuring that beneficiaries of company pension schemes receive their pension entitlement. Managing Director Darren Toms said: “Lisa will be working very closely with Paul Milton as our ERA team continues to grow to meet market demand. The business as a whole is growing and although we are very much a national business, we will soon be expanding our presence into Leicestershire with the establishment of a new office there. Lisa and Paul will be driving that and it is great to have two very familiar faces to the area on board to lead on this.” APPOINTMENTS © SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ PHOTON PHOTO 08-09.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2019 11:56 Page 1CT strengthens executive team with Commercial Director appointment Rob Longden has been promoted to Commercial Director at CT to support the company’s drive for further growth and success. Joining CT over two years ago, Rob previously held the post of Head of Operations and has led an operational transformation to drive greater efficiencies within the service desk, providing significant benefits to both customers and the team. This, coupled with more than 25 years of operational leadership and significant experience within the Managed Services area, made Rob a natural choice to take a key role in the business and become CT’s Commercial Director. Rob said: “I was delighted to accept the promotion and be part of a company that has such a unique approach to helping organisations achieve their business goals. I am looking forward to the challenge of the new role and using skills I have adopted throughout my career to build great teams and grow the business.” Nottingham integrated communications provider appoints people director Nottingham-based integrated communications provider Adare SEC has continued to implement its transformation strategy with the appointment of a people director to its executive team. Tracy Toon joins the company from multinational commercial bank Santander to drive its colleague engagement strategy and enhance the company’s customer experience. Adare SEC is a provider of technology-led integrated communication solutions. The company has a turnover of £69.7m and employs 440 colleagues. In addition to Nottingham, it also has facilities in With more than 30 years of experience in the financial services sector, Tracy held a number of senior HR roles and was chief operating officer for Santander’s retail contact centres. Whilst there she managed the day-to-day operations of 3,500 colleagues across the UK. In the newly created role, Tracy will work across Adare SEC’s three sites to lead colleague engagement, as well as implement the ‘attract, develop and retain’ strategy, to ensure the company’s client-centric approach is at the core of its transformation strategy. Business Gateway Growth Hub appoints new manager Leicester and Leicestershire’s Business Gateway Growth Hub has appointed a new manager. Jon Egley joins the Business Gateway, part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), after managing the Digital Growth Programme at East Midlands Chamber and brings over 20 years’ experience working in business support and development. Jon has developed expertise in a range of sectors including manufacturing, engineering and digital technologies, and with 18 years’ experience in the private sector, understands the challenges business owners face, particularly when it comes to the navigating the business support landscape. Jon said: “I am delighted to join the Business Gateway Growth Hub for Leicester and Leicestershire. In my last role, I worked in partnership with the D2N2 Growth Hub, LLEP and Sheffield City Region to deliver the multi-million-pound ERDF Digital Growth Programme which provided support to businesses to develop the digital capability of their business and employees. “Through talking to many of the entrepreneurs we worked with its not always obvious to seek external support when running a business, so it’s our job to make it as straight forward as possible. I’m hoping our new website goes some way to doing that and signposting services we offer. “Leicester and Leicestershire are already recognised as a great place for businesses to thrive and grow and I am really looking forward to working with partners and the business community to ensure that we continue to meet the needs of those businesses.” Senior appointments underpin growth at Musk Process Services Swadlincote-based engineering firm Musk Process Services has strengthened its team with two senior appointments, as it sets its sights on continued expansion. Charlie Price, who joins Musk as Operations Director, has more than 15 years’ experience in senior management roles in the construction and engineering sectors. Charlie will work alongside the senior team and play an integral role in reshaping Musk’s service offering and developing existing expertise to complement its growth strategy. The business has also appointed Stuart Halom as Health and Safety Officer, who brings with him a wealth of experience in implementing best practice and improving compliance on site, putting the health and wellbeing of employees first. Musk employs over 120 people at its Swadlincote HQ and is sharply focused on developing the next generation of engineers, with 15 apprentices currently employed. The business works with clients to improve manufacturing capability and counts brands such as Unilever and Coca Cola as longstanding clients, and is currently involved in developing Unilever’s Burton-on- Trent factory as it prepares to relocate Colman’s mustard production to the centre of town. www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 9 APPOINTMENTS 08-09.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2019 11:57 Page 2Next >