FEBRUARY 2021 EAST MIDLANDS LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www.blmgroup.co.uk WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK £3.50 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY Regeneration progresses TRAINING AND APPRENTICESHIPS Tomorrow’s workforce today BUSINESS TRAVEL Grinding to a halt STRENGTH IN NUMBERS STRENGTH IN NUMBERS 01.qxp_Layout 1 05/02/2021 14:57 Page 1 INTER N Food Food &&& Food Food & N ATI O N &&Drin Drin Drin &&Drin AL nk nk nkk Coo Kee l i lf l ts in C C Cii On the shel uncF ctional ingredient Cleaning an maintenan nd nceFor businesses that are serious about reducing their carbon footprint www.blmgroup.co.uk VOLUME 4 ISSUE 1 W W W. R E N E W A B L E S A N D E N V I R O N M E N T. C O M E A S T M I D L A N D S L E A E A D I N G B U S I N E S S M A G A A Z I N E APRIL 2020 0 £3. .50 BUS SUP SINES T PPOR SS TING B THCART HEAL YY FACTOR RE OFF FICE ea Stopping the spr THCAR WW HEAL d thinkin Forwar TT AUTOMA Y AFACTOR ad WW EASTMIDL RE A hea SOL OFF ng factories LANDSBUSINE TION ficef althy of LUTIONS ESSLINK CO U FICE w UK www.blmgroup.co.uk EMPOWER Your Business Focus on T A Pharm rld o our guide to the pharmaceutical w Y B U S I N E S S I N T E R N A L ma olume 8 Issue 1 V T I O N declares g rrld Hea oooW coron F ganisa gg l b l g l h O virus na g gency ti medi Nucle Prev aaccin V The nuclea b f treatment ve The P l t k aage n e t eelopment t vv om de rF w w w di i k . p b i f o r u m . n yorkshire & lincolnsh hire’s leading business ma magazine april 2020 £3.5 50 TO T RES C THE SPOND CRISIS DING S YY FACTOR C TT HEAL OFF THCARE FICE safety Ensuring e TT HEAL e of factories The futur TION T AUTOMA YY AFACTOR fices healthy f Keeping of SOLUTIONS OFFICE employee THCARE V w VOLUME 35 ISSUE 4 .blmgroup.co.uk www Often Imitated - Never Equalled www.blmgroup.co.uk 02.qxp_Layout 1 05/02/2021 15:00 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 3 EDITORS NOTES February 2021 will be something of a hinterland for businesses. As of writing, it’s understood that lockdown measures will remain in place until at least the end of the month with all the difficulty and uncertainties that entails. Challenging as it may be to conceive, it’s almost been a year since the first national lockdown was implemented. Since then, businesses have adapted and evolved, but for those that remain shuttered under current laws, that might be small comfort indeed. Moreover, we’re waiting in anticipation for the March Budget (scheduled for 3 March). Although there’s still much uncertainty surrounding what, exactly, the Budget will bring, it’s safe to say we should be prepared for potential changes. As the government continues to roll out its COVID vaccination programme – with a view of offering a vaccine to every adult in the UK by September – things are certainly looking more stable than at the end of 2020. But it’s no exaggeration to say that it will be years before the economy and, indeed, ideal trading conditions return to normal. In the meantime, there’s plenty of ways businesses can get the most out of their operations and employees – such as swapping suppliers, making themselves more efficient, and training their staff. We break down these issues and more across various features in this issue, chief among them being our semi-regular meet the experts. Good reading, as always Michael Fisher Editor Welcome... 03.qxp_Layout 1 05/02/2021 15:01 Page 1@BLMEastMidlands BLMEastMidlands Latest news 6 A round-up of the latest news from our region Purpose Media Q&A 16 In part two of our interview with Ellie Buckle, Head of Digital & Strategy at Purpose Media, we asked her to describe the most common digital marketing techniques and how to ensure using these tactics deliver a return on investment. Commercial property 18 Regeneration schemes are continuing apace in the East Midlands. While some faced hurdles in 2020, others are thriving. Engineering spotlight 22 It can be hard to talk about innovation when COVID, Brexit and lockdowns are causing problems across the region, but businesses must continue to adapt and innovate, and engineering will always be at the forefront of that. Training and apprenticeships26 A shrinking talent pool, increased digitalisation, and economic influences are forcing the skills gap to widen, and it is affecting the nation’s productivity. However, training and apprenticeships offer a means to provide a talent pipeline for the future and ensure existing employees have the skills they need for success. OMS Q&A 30 We spoke to Clive Ormerod, Managing Director of OMS, a multiple award-winning training and consultancy firm based in Bardon Hill, East Midlands, about how the pandemic has affected the business. Public relations 32 Admit it, you’re a selfish lover By Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR and Enterprise Nation Champion for Nottingham. Business travel34 A plethora of factors are hindering business travel, including the pandemic, Brexit, and sustainability. Networking38 Master your mindset By Fiona Duncan-Steer, founder of RSViP Business Networking Agency. Meet the experts40 Whether it’s a new supplier, new contracts, or trading partners, it pays to find experts in their fields. Tax44 The Importance of understanding Employment Status By Jennie Brown, Tax Partner at Streets Chartered Accountants. EAST MIDLANDS L E E ADING BUSINESS MAG AZINE FEBRUARY 2021 £3. .50 NUM STR MBER RENGT RS TH IN N N COMMERCIA TRAININAL BNG AND BUSINESS ogRegeneration pr TYPROPER WW COMMERCIA s ow’omorroT APPREN TRAININ essesgr W EASTMIDL AL G T B ce today workfor NTICESHIPS ANDSBUSINE NG AND rinding to a halt VELVRA ESSLINK CO U BUSINESS w UK www.blmgroup.co.uk Cover photographs courtesy: • Jestico+Whiles • Shutterstock - insta_photos • industryviews • Halfpoint • Janon Stock Contents February 2021 www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AutoLink46 Car sales crashed in 2020 as COVID-19 shut showrooms and Brexit nervousness grew. Printing and packaging 50 The printing and packaging sector has an important role to play in reducing our reliance on plastic packaging, and companies and suppliers have stepped up to the challenge. 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 08/02/2021 10:48 Page 146 Group Editor Steve Fisher s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk Editor Michael Fisher m.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk Assistant Editor Dominic Cuthbert d.cuthbert@blmgroup.co.uk Journalist 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. 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2021 10:58 Page 26 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk GENERAL NEWS Work completes on new Nottingham medical technologies facility Work has been completed on a new dual-site facility in Nottingham which will produce the next generation of medical devices and technologies. Nottingham Trent University’s £23 million Medical Technologies Innovation Facility (MTIF) will bring organisations and clinicians together with university researchers to develop their ideas and get them to market as quickly as possible. Work now been completed at the university’s Clifton Campus and at the Boots site on the Nottingham Enterprise Zone. The MTIF project is expected to improve the lives of patients, reduce the cost of care and stimulate the regional economy. It will focus on supporting the development of innovative products and advanced materials to meet a range of future healthcare needs and accelerate innovation. The site on the Clifton Campus will focus on research and development, linking academics with industry to provide a multidisciplinary approach to medical technology development. The Boots site, meanwhile, will be dedicated to the development, clinical production and commercialisation of new medical technologies. This site will provide access to laboratories, clean rooms, technologies and expertise for processing, prototype development and preparing manufacturing processes. MTIF is expected to become a major specialist innovation asset within the Midlands Engine, supporting industry and enhancing the regional economy in the areas of life sciences and healthcare. The project was supported by £9.7m from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, through its Local Growth Fund allocation. Henry Brothers and GF Tomlinson have been the main contractors for the Clifton Campus and Boots site, respectively. Nottingham Trent University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Edward Peck, said: “This development is a major part of the investment that NTU is making in ensuring the future sustainability and growth of the economy of the City, County and Region.” Press for Attention PR joins IMG as strategic partner Nottingham- based Press For Attention PR and the The Inspired Marketing Group (IMG) have announced a strategic partnership which will see the businesses join forces to deliver major marketing campaigns to their combined client bases across the UK. IMG was launched just prior to Christmas by Richard Johnson and David Coghlan to help businesses access marketing talent on a more flexible basis. Press For Attention PR was established by former business journalist and published author on PR Greg Simpson in 2008. IMG and Press For Attention PR are already working together on a number of projects where their combined expertise and resources add value to the client, with Press For Attention PR having helped to launch the IMG concept back in December. IMG’s David Coghlan said: “We’re really pleased to be working with Greg on a more strategic basis as he is exactly the calibre of expert that we are seeking to assemble here on the IMG team. Our clients need two key things, expertise and flexibility and by working with our model they get just that.” Press For Attention PR’s Greg Simpson added: “I have known Richard and David professionally for a long time and have worked with them on some really interesting campaigns via the traditional supplier model. “Now we are working more closely, we can see where the opportunities are for both businesses to add value not only to each other but more importantly to our clients. It is a win/win/win situation and that can only be a good thing for everyone.” Richard Johnson concludes: “This is a great opportunity for both businesses to create something greater than the sum of our parts. In marketing, it can be very easy to hoard ideas and opportunities and to almost circle the wagons when it comes to market share. “That isn’t actually very helpful to most clients. What they want is access to resources that allow the job to get delivered in the best way possible way, with the least possible hassle for them and with a focus on excellence in delivery and results. By partnering with experts like Greg and Press For Attention PR we are creating that service and also opening up our own networks to wider opportunities outside of our immediate reach. The benefits are there for all to see.” East Midlands business confidence takes hit in lockdown Business confidence in the East Midlands fell three points during January to -8%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. Companies in the East Midlands reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up three points to -9%. However, when taken alongside their views of the economy, down nine points to -6%, this gives a headline confidence reading of -8%. The Business Barometer questions 1,200 businesses monthly and provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. Three fifths (60%) of firms said current Covid-19 restrictions had caused a fall in turnover, but they expected the effects of the vaccine programme to boost trading prospects for 2021, with 53% saying the rollout had made them feel more confident about the year ahead. However, only 16% expect trading levels to return to pre-pandemic levels in the next twelve months. When it comes to jobs, a net balance of -3% of businesses in the region expect to reduce staff levels over the next year, down seven points on last month. Nationally, overall business confidence dipped in January as the third lockdown came into force, falling by three points to -7%. Firms’ economic optimism dropped dramatically month-on-month, decreasing by 34 points to - 10%. Almost all UK nations and regions saw a month-on-month dip in confidence during January, with the biggest falls reported in Scotland (-32% vs -9% in December), Wales (-20% vs -1% in December) and the South West (-8% vs 5% in December). However, firms reported a month-on-month increase in confidence in London (up five percentage points to 3%), the South East (up seven percentage points to -4%) and North West (up eight percentage points to -5%). Yorkshire business confidence remained steady month-on-month at - 4%. Amanda Dorel MTIF Clifton Campus L-R: David Coghlan, Greg Simpson, Richard Johnson 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2021 11:09 Page 1Funding approved for new T Level Centre in Loughborough A £2.3 million project, supported by the Department for Education, has been approved to create a state-of-the-art T Level Centre at Loughborough College. The project will see the creation of a brand new building, opposite the Radmoor Centre, providing cutting edge facilities and high-quality, flexible teaching and learning spaces to specifically meet the needs of new T Level qualifications. The new building will also create a prominent, contemporary ‘gateway’ to the College’s campus on Epinal Way. Jo Maher, Principal & CEO at Loughborough College, said: “We are delighted to have received funding approval from the Department for Education so that we can make progress on this exciting new project. “Our ambition is to provide a contemporary, state-of-the-art learning environment which will enhance the career aspirations of people in the community we serve and also create an exciting and modern gateway to our campus from Epinal Way. “T Levels are an exciting addition to our provision which will boost the future prospects of our learners, meet the skills needed by employers and support the local and regional economies.” Wendy Coy, Loughborough College’s Chair of Governors, said: “We are thrilled to be able to move ahead with the T Level Centre project. It is the first part of our ambitious estates strategy which aims to support Loughborough College to develop, grow and, crucially, enhance the quality of learning and the overall College experience for our students.” Jane Hunt, Loughborough’s MP, said: “I am delighted that Loughborough College has been awarded money by Government to build a brand new T-Level centre. This new facility will really help students to gain valuable ‘on-the-job’ experience, as well as high quality classroom- based learning.” www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 7 GENERAL NEWS High street funding for trio of Lincolnshire towns Grimsby, Scunthorpe, and Grantham have successfully bid for a total of over £33 million from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund to help revitalise their town centres. Grimsby is in line for a grant of £17,280,91, Scunthorpe has been offered £10,675,323 and Grantham has been offered £5,558,818. As the three grant offers are lower than the original bids, all three towns now have to submit a final version of their plans to Government to confirm how the funding will be spent. The Future High Streets Fund was launched in December 2018. In Grimsby the proposal is to transform the western end of Freshney Place shopping centre by redeveloping the car park and the market and introducing more diversified uses including leisure, a new square and a high-quality night-time economy offer. In Scunthorpe the money will help to transform the former market site into a multi-use development and transform the public realm on Church Square and Library Square. The former market site will become a mixed-use space featuring an enterprise and innovation hub, student accommodation and a flexible box park called The Furnace featuring pop-up units, including those for a food and beverage offer. Grantham’s Living Town project seeks to diversify the high street offer with residential and commercial activity, bringing more people into the town to live and work and creating appealing spaces that attract visitors. • Commercial • Events • Headshots • Automotive • Fashion CALL OR EMAIL FOR A QUOTE 07506 998855 STEVE@STEVEEDWARDSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM STEVEEDWARDSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM Creating eye-catching images to help businesses build their brands and engage with clients. © Shutterstock /Romolo Tavani © Henry Brothers 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2021 11:14 Page 2APPOINTMENTS Corporate Tax specialist joins Streets Chartered Accountants Streets Chartered Accountants has appointed Mustafa Rafik as Corporate Tax Partner. Mustafa joins Streets with over 10 years’ experience in advising on corporate tax, having pursued his career with top 10 UK firms. Whilst he advises on a wide range of corporate tax matters he has developed a specialism for assisting owner managed, family and larger businesses with the tax implications of corporate restructures, mergers and acquisitions, employee incentives, R&D tax relief claim and capital allowance claims. Commenting on his new role Mustafa said: “I am delighted to have joined Streets and to be starting a new and very exciting chapter in my career. I look forward to working with existing and new clients and developing strong personal and trusted relationships, helping to support them with their goals, aspirations and success. “In the short to medium term, I envisage being busy supporting and advising on the tax implications of decisions around structures and strategy as clients look to manage their businesses and investments. Looking to my wider role within Streets, I am excited about working with my fellow Tax Partners and the wider team on the continued growth of both the firm’s tax compliance as well as specialists’ advisory services.” When asked about what Mustafa’s appointment means to Streets, Paul Tutin, Chairman and Managing Partner, said: “The last few years have seen a significant growth of our firm geographically. As such we have been looking to ensure we service effectively the needs of both existing and new clients, especially those seeking Corporate Tax advice. “Recruiting an additional Corporate Tax Partner has been something we have been looking to do for some time, though finding someone with relevant expertise and commercial drive has not been easy. We have therefore been extremely fortunate in attracting Mustafa to the firm. “Whilst he will primarily work across the firm’s offices across the Midlands, Mustafa will also support our offices and clients across the wider practice. Mustafa joins a team of seven Tax Partners covering and looking after private clients, international matters and direct and indirect tax. Mustafa’s appointment brings the firm’s combined number of Partners and Directors to 44 supported by more than 200 staff.” New CEO named at nmcn Huthwaite-based construction firm nmcn has appointed Lee Marks as Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Lee, who will start his new role in the first half of the year, joins from NG Bailey, the engineering and services business with a turnover of £573m (FY 20) and 3,200 employees, where he has been Group Commercial Director since May 2013. Prior to joining NG Bailey, Lee who has over 30 years’ experience working in the construction industry, was a commercial director within the building division for FTSE 250 business Galliford Try. Additionally, he has previously held director roles for at Laing O’Rourke plc and Crown House Technologies. Lee said: “I am delighted to be appointed as Chief Executive of nmcn and am very much looking forward to working with my new colleagues, customers and stakeholders to unlock the special potential of the Group. “nmcn is a strong business, well positioned in its chosen markets and operating in sectors that play a critical role for both the people and economy of the UK. It is an exciting opportunity to lead the next chapter, positioning the business for sustainable future growth and delivering for all stakeholders.” Ian Elliott, Acting Chairman of nmcn, said: “We are looking forward to Lee joining the Group as CEO. His breadth of experience, particularly commercial and end-to-end process management, and leadership skills will strengthen the Executive team and enable it to empower, support and develop our talented workforce leveraging our potential more fully. “We are confident that the new team under Lee’s leadership will quickly move the Group forward and rebuild value for our stakeholders.” Lee Marks 8 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk Mustafa Rafik 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2021 11:14 Page 3Leicestershire flooring retailer appoints new Chief Operating Officer A Leicestershire-based online flooring retailer has made a new appointment as it has its sights set on further growth in 2021. UK Flooring Direct has appointed Sean Lawe, the former Group Supply Chain Director at Specsavers, as Chief Operating Officer. It is the latest move by the company, which sells own-brand wood, laminate, and vinyl flooring direct to consumers and trade across the country from bases in Hinckley and Coventry, to strengthen its senior leadership team that includes CEO Jason Ashby, CCO Josh Ashby and CFO Darren Gilbert. Lawe spent 16 years with Specsavers before taking a short-term contract with online retailer Joseph Joseph. His knowledge and experience in dealing with supply chains will support the company’s continued growth, with plans to add a range of new categories in the coming months. He said: “This was an opportunity to join a business that is growing – and growing quickly. It has reached the stage, with more than 170 employees and plans for many more, that the senior leadership team needed to reflect that. It’s part of the evolution of the business, which every firm that expands quickly needs to go through. “In my previous role at Specsavers, the company grew to having between 45 and 50 per cent of market share and was a major success story. Part of that was down to knowing when the time was right to go to the market for the right people to strengthen the team. “When it comes to supply chains, I try to keep it as simple as possible and, whatever the product – whether its frames or flooring – 95 per cent of the process is the same. Items are made, they are moved and then they are delivered in an effective manner. My objective is to make sure we achieve excellence and that is what brings me satisfaction.” New chief financial officer for Peppermint Technology Legal software vendor, Peppermint Technology, based in Nottingham, has strengthened its executive team with the appointment of Niki Redwood as chief financial officer (CFO). In her new role, Niki will leverage her extensive experience leading financial strategy and operations, including fund raising and managing investor relations, in growing technology organisations. She joins Peppermint from her role as CFO at Microsoft partner Nasstar, a leading provider of managed IT and cloud services to a range of industries, including many UK law firms. Niki said: “The commercial proposition of a software as a service (SaaS) business has long-term, strategic customer partnerships at its core – something that aligns very much with my background and strengths.” Niki continued: “From my interactions with the Peppermint board and executive team, it is clear that a lot of fantastic work has gone into evolving the product, strategic focus and customer experience over the last few years. The fact that a considerable number of new customers have selected Peppermint’s solutions in 2020 just underlines this. Our team is poised for great success, and I can’t wait to help execute on the strategy.” Gary Young, CEO at Peppermint, said: “I am delighted to welcome Niki to the Peppermint board and team. Her skills and experience will be of great benefit to the organisation as we set out to deliver the next phase of our strategy and growth. “She joins us with a deep understanding of how to deliver value to customers and how to maximise the already strong relationship with our strategic partner Microsoft. It’s fantastic to add her expertise to the Peppermint leadership team and I am very much looking forward to working with her.” www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 9 APPOINTMENTS Tony Goddard Niki Redwood Sean Lawe Civil and structural engineer appoints new director East Midlands-based civil and structural engineering firm BSP Consulting has appointed a new director to its board. Tony Goddard, who has been with the company since 2004, took up the role at the start of the year. BSP’s team leader for civil engineering services and an expert in flood risk assessment, Tony is based in BSP’s Nottingham office. BSP director Mark Rayers said: “We are delighted to announce that Tony Goddard has been appointed as a director at BSP Consulting. “He has been a loyal and hard-working member of the team for many years, becoming one of the go-to engineers in the region, particularly on matters of flood risk. “He will assume a company-wide overview and leadership of the civils team in all BSP Consulting offices as part of his new role. We congratulate him on this very well-deserved appointment.” Tony joined the business as a principal engineer and has risen through the ranks. He leads a wide range of multi-disciplinary projects drawing on his experience in both civil and structural engineering. His expertise also includes SuDS design and National Planning Policy Framework flood risk assessment. He said: “I am excited to have stepped up from associate director to director at BSP Consulting and look forward to working in my new role across the company.” 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2021 11:17 Page 4Next >