MARCH 2019EAST MIDLANDS LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINEwww.blmgroup.co.ukWWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UKWWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UKBUILDING FOR THE FUTUREBUILDING FOR THE FUTURE£3.50FINANCE A tangled web of financeMATERIALS & COMPONENTS In with the newBRICKS AWARDS Celebrating property01.qxp_Layout 1 27/02/2019 10:28 Page 102.qxp_Layout 1 27/02/2019 10:28 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 3EDITORS NOTESThe East Midlands Bricks Awards is finally upon us following months of careful planning. After the success of last year’s event, we’re sure that 2019 will be an even bigger and better celebration of the regional property market and the tireless architects, agents, contractors and developers working within it. Although the East Midlands Business Link team have been busy working on the event, we’ve not shirked our editorial responsibilities with a march issue packed full of all the insightful content you’ve come to expect from the region’s best business magazine. We’ve got the logistics and distribution industries firmly in our sights with a freight, storage and movement feature. Advanced manufacturing is the name of the game for our materials and components article, while we take a dive into what’s happening in both the finance and legal services sectors. As well as these special reports, we’ve not forgotten the regulars with a look at the pros and cons of bespoke corporate hospitality, and a commercial property feature which explores the continued resilience of the East Midlands market. Not forgetting motoring, of course, and that final cynical word from Fraser. Until next issue, we’ll see you at the Bricks. Michael Fisher EditorWelcome...03.qxp_Layout 1 27/02/2019 10:29 Page 1ContentsMarch 2019LATEST 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 201916 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. BLUEPRINT INTERIORS18 We recently had the chance to sit down and chat with Rob Day, Chairman and Founder of Blueprint Interiors, to find out more about the company, the importance of people and what’s in store for the future. COMMERCIAL PROPERTY 20 The East Midlands property market has demonstrated incredible resilience in the fact of political uncertainty, delivering an excellent and, in many cases, a record year. But availability issues still loom large over the market. FREIGHT, STORAGE & MOVEMENT 23 Robotics and automated systems are starting to become more popular in the freight and storage industry, but how close are they to completely removing the need for workers? FINANCE26 Uncertainty is a word many are sick of in today’s world, but statistics paint a damning picture on how few business owners understand the complicated world of business finance. TAX 30 The rise in self-employment - great for the economy but how about your business? By James Pinchbeck, Marketing Partner at Streets Chartered Accountants CORPORATE HOSPITALITY32 The function of corporate hospitality can perhaps best be likened to wearing a suit. Both are symbols of business, and both can make a company look impressive. And like a suit, an off-the-peg approach to corporate hospitality isn’t for everyone. NETWORKING 36 5 ways to attract money to your business - quickly! bBy Fiona Duncan-Steer, founder of RSViP Business Networking Agency 52MATERIALS & COMPONENTS 38 New technologies are having a transformative effect on the manufacturing and engineering industries, from the design, development and prototyping of new parts and components, to encouraging new starters into the fold. PUBLIC RELATIONS42 Linkedin – how NOT to win friends and influence people. By Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR and Enterprise Nation Champion for Nottingham. LEGAL 44 The law has long existed to protect the individual, and that causes problems in business. It need not be a litigious nightmare, however, and there are people who can help ensure neither side is cheated. AUTOLINK48 SUVs make for rugged countryside cars perfect for Lincolnshire’s windy roads. That’s why we’re taking a look at the top five SUVs to keep an eye out for in 2019, compiled by automotive data company HPI’s Mark Bulmer. • Aston Martin Vantage 2018 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...5804-05.qxp_Layout 1 27/02/2019 12:13 Page 138Group Editor Steve Fisher s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk Editor Michael Fisher m.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk Journalists Dominic Cuthbert d.cuthbert@blmgroup.co.uk Stuart Pearcey s.pearcey@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 Fax: (01472) 310314 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.@BLMEastMidlandsBLMEastMidlandsCOVER PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM • KIEV.VICTOR • DMITRY KALINOVSKY • ISAK55 • AFRICA STUDIO • SSPOPOV04-05.qxp_Layout 1 27/02/2019 12:13 Page 26 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukGENERAL NEWSNew visitor strategy to generate £240m for local economy Ambitious plans to breathe new life into Nottinghamshire’s visitor economy have been set out by the County Council. Nottinghamshire County Council’s new Visitor Economy Strategy (2018-2029) details how the area could use its many assets and rich history to much greater effect with the aim, by the end of the next decade, of: • Attracting an additional 5m visitors every year • Create an extra 2,900 associated FTE jobs • Generate an additional £240m for the local economy This would be over and above the £1.75 billion generated and 15,000 jobs currently supported by the county’s visitor economy in Nottinghamshire. The strategy initially focuses on developing three main tourism hubs, at Sherwood Forest, Rufford Abbey and Country Park and the National Watersports Centre at Holme Pierrepont. Improving the range and capacity of visitor accommodation to support an increase in overnight stays, better marketing, an events programme to showcase the county’s heritage and culture and a drive to improve skills, volunteering opportunities and business support within the local tourism industry all form part of the strategy. Derby firm chosen for Network Rail snowplough refurbishment project Derby-based Loram UK has been selected to refurbish Network Rail’s fleet of snow ploughs for the first time in 20 years to improve performance and reliability. The full service refurbishment programme will cost £1.7m, and goes beyond business-as-usual maintenance, overhauling and modernising the ploughs to the highest specifications. The work will ensure the ploughs maintain and improve their effectiveness for the next 15 to 20 years. It is part of a wider programme of investment in operational fleet by Network Rail’s Route Services directorate. Network Rail selected Loram UK as its delivery partner to carry out the overhauls and reengineering at the rail fleet specialist’s Derby facility. Network Rail’s 12 pairs of Independent snow ploughs, which can plough snow up to a depth of eight feet, are being refurbished one pair at a time, with four pairs completed so far. Overhauls of the Independent ploughs started in January 2018 and are expected to last for at least a further 12 months. The snow ploughs remove heavy snow from the railway tracks safely and efficiently and are propelled by locomotives owned by freight operating companies. They are part of the infrastructure company’s wider fleet designed to help keep the railway running in winter weather. Mike Black, supply chain services director for Route Services, Network Rail, said: “We are investing £600m in our fleet and depots from 2019 to 2024 so that we can effectively support our customers in the routes. Overhauling our snow ploughs is one of many ways we will be improving our fleet and its maintenance over the coming years for greater reliability.” The search is on for East Midlands Director of the year 2019 Entries are now open for the coveted Institute of Directors (IoD) East Midlands Director of the Year awards 2019. East Midlands Business Link is proud to be sponsoring the awards, which mark the achievements of the region’s most hardworking and innovative business leaders. The aim is to raise awareness among not only IoD members but also the wider business community and public of the significant contribution business leaders can make to society and to economic prosperity in our region. Ron Lynch, IoD East Midlands Regional Director, says: “Today’s challenging market-place demands leaders who are both entrepreneurial and resilient. These awards recognise excellence on the part of directors in the East Midlands.” The award categories for 2019 IoD Director of the Year are: * Corporate Social Responsibility Director * Family Business Director * Inclusivity Director * Innovation Director * International Director * Non-Executive Director * Public Sector Director * Third Sector * Start Up Director * Young Director * Small-Medium Business Director (below £50million turnover) * Large Business Director (£50million+turnover) There will also be a Chair’s Award for Excellence in Director and Board practice which recognises a significant personal contribution to the region. Entries for the 12 categories of awards can be made online via www.iodawards.com/eastmidlands. The closing date for entries is April 12th. Nominations are accepted from IoD Members and non-members. The awards ceremony will take place at a lunch on Friday 21st June. Category winners will be selected for the IoD’s national finals later in the year. Enquiries about sponsorship of the awards can be made via the IoD East Midlands Office on 0115 848 6190 or by emailing sue.charlesworth@iod.com. Ron Lynch06-07.qxp_Layout 1 27/02/2019 10:32 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 7 GENERAL NEWSLeicester ranked 4th best city for starting a business New research reveals that Leicester is one of the leading UK cities for launching successful start-ups. Research undertaken by card payment solutions provider Paymentsense has identified the top 15 cities in the UK for starting a business, with Leicester placing 4th. Based on factors including business survival rates, weekly salary, average rent, population, and the number of employed adults in the area, Paymentsense ranked which cities in the UK offer the best environment for prospective SMEs. The survey reveals the following: • 5-year start-up survival rate: 40.5% • Average weekly pay for full-time workers: £487.90 • Average monthly cost to rent a 1-bed city centre apartment: £568.75 East Midlands businesses ‘most prepared’ for future Businesses in the East Midlands are the most prepared for the future, as research shows that SMEs in the region have invested the most in their resilience. This is according to new research from SME funding partner Ultimate Finance, which found that almost two thirds (65%) of SMEs in the East Midlands have invested in resilience in some form over the last 12 months, while another 16% are planning on doing so in the next year. With recently released statistics outlining that the number of company insolvencies has reached the highest level since 2014, increasing in 2018 to 16,090, it’s time for businesses to take action and ensure they are resilient to manage future challenges. The research revealed: Three quarters (75%) feel that a lack of UK economic resilience will have a negative impact on their business, due to Brexit and sluggish growth 43% felt that building their professional resilience was key to their success SMEs in the East Midlands agreed that training for staff was the most important area to invest in, for future growth Questioning 1,000 SMEs across a broad range of sectors, Ultimate Finance, alongside independent research company 3Gem, found that the East Midlands’ small business owners and managers are taking steps to protect their company against challenges such as cashflow problems, employment issues, Brexit and contending against larger competitors. 84% of small firms report being paid late ‘Everyone deserves to be paid on time’ is the clear message small firms are sending politicians and big business to end late payments and stop supply chain bullying. FSB’s Fair Pay, Fair Play campaign is calling on Government to enlist the help of Non-Executive Directors, strengthen payment enforcement and adopt Project Bank Accounts in public procurement, as three key reforms that will help end the poor payment crisis in the UK. FSB research shows that the vast majority (84%) of small firms report being paid late, with a third (33%) saying at least one in four payments they’re owed arrives later than agreed. Nine out of ten public sector suppliers say that they have been paid late. FSB National Chairman Mike Cherry, said: “For far too long some big businesses have been allowed to get away with poor behaviour that has seen them use their dominant position to bully and squeeze our small firms. “This behaviour has forced many small businesses to take drastic steps like turning to personal credit cards and overdrafts, just to survive the wait for a payment. Sadly, some don’t survive this wait. “Poor payment practices are not limited to the private sector and they stunt job growth and damage economic growth. At the heart of this scandal, however, lies a more important question about fairness and what is morally right.” © SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ NEIL MITCHELL© SHUTTERSTOCK.COM / TUM3123 © SHUTTERSTOCK.COM / EDDIE JORDAN PHOTOS • Population: 508,916 • Number of employed adults: 128,142 • Money available per week: £62,520,481.80 • Index score out of 5: 2.42 Rajinder Bhuhi, Business Manager of the Leicester Innovation Hub said: “The Leicester Innovation Hub is driving a number of bold initiatives to support business start-up here at the University and across the city. “Through the Start-up Accelerator, students and graduates can access to funding, expert training and mentoring, networking and workspace to get started. We’re currently searching for aspiring student entrepreneurs to provide £1,000 funding to test their business ideas.” Mike Cherry06-07.qxp_Layout 1 27/02/2019 10:32 Page 2New director appointed to Lindum Group Executive Board A former surveyor and project manager who has delivered major construction projects across Lincolnshire has joined the Executive Board of Directors at Lindum Group. Stuart Mitchell was invited to be part of the Group’s senior team after 13 years with the North Hykeham-based building company. He joined Lindum in 2006 as Development Manager, becoming Managing Director of its Joint Venture division in 2015. He has been instrumental in the success of the company’s land-based projects. Most recently, he helped negotiate the relocation of international firm Wirtgen to a purpose-build facility off the A46 and has overseen the transformation of waste land at Lincoln’s Deacon Road into four large retail units for national clients. He said: “I am joining a Board which is incredibly knowledgeable and experienced in the construction arena. I hope to add value to that with the experience I’ve gained in land management and property.” 8 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukMark Herbert named as new CEO at Pendragon Pendragon PLC, the East Midands-based group that owns Evans Halshaw and Stratstone, has announced that Mark Herbert will join the company on 4th March 2019 as CEO designate. Trevor Finn is due to retire from Pendragon PLC on the 31st March 2019 at which time he will hand over his CEO responsibilities to MR Herbert and will remain available to support an orderly transition until his retirement. Mr Herbert joins Pendragon following a 20-year executive career with Jardine Matheson Group across a diverse range of industries including the Jardine Motors Group UK where he held positions as Group Finance Director and Chief Executive Officer for 8 years. Most recently, Mark was the Chief Executive of Cold Storage Singapore and Chairman of DFI Lucky Cambodia consisting of 550 supermarket and convenience stores that formed part of Dairy Farm International Holdings, a pan Asian retailer and subsidiary of Jardine Matheson. APPOINTMENTS© SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ GREENTELLECT STUDIOIbstock appoints Head of Design and Technical Services Ibstock Brick has appointed Mihailo Simeunovich as Head of Design and Technical Services. Mr Simeunovich brings with him extensive expertise in the field of design and technical support and value proposition understanding for both technical service and new product development. Prior, he spent 20 years working for Marshalls plc, with his last two roles as National Design Manager and latterly as Group NPD (New Product Development) and Innovation Manager. In his new role, he will have responsibility for the CAD and Estimating, External Design Advisors and Customer Technical Services teams with a focus on supporting the customer’s journey and their technical information requirements. Mihailo will also lead Ibstock Brick’s new product development. Andy Batterham, Group Technical & Innovation Director at Ibstock, said: “Mihailo has extensive knowledge that will add value to our business, helping us respond to our customers changing brick requirements.” 08-09.qxp_Layout 1 27/02/2019 10:33 Page 1Shakespeare Martineau welcomes new CEO Sarah Walker-Smith joins Shakespeare Martineau as its new CEO and she marks the occasion by topping The Lawyer’s Hot 100 list. The annual awards highlight the UK’s best legal professionals of the moment, based on their innovation, creative flair and passion for transforming firms at the forefront of the industry. She will join Chief Financial Officer, Lesley Spencer, and Chief Operating Officer, Victoria Tester, in the firm’s senior leadership team, where she will continue to drive the business forward and build on the significant progress made over the last four years. “It is crucially important for any business, or business leader, operating in such a competitive environment to remain forward-looking and agile,” said Ms Walker-Smith. “Transformation will be key to future success within the legal industry and I am determined to continue the great progress already made at Shakespeare Martineau.” Key appointments for Streets Streets Chartered Accountants has made a number of key appointments to support a growing number of clients who are trading internationally. Gerry Myton joins the firm as a Partner and Head of Indirect Tax. Gerry began with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs before moving into senior positions within UK Top 20 accountancy firms – he was a VAT Partner at Grant Thornton, PKF and MHA Macintyre Hudson. He is joined by team members Leo Donovan, as a Senior VAT Manager with almost 20 years’ experience, much of which was with HM Revenue & Customers, and Christina Forson as a VAT Consultant. Along with the expansion of its Indirect Tax offering, Streets has also made a further strategic appointment with Brian Mulholland joining the firm to head up its International Tax offering. Sam Veal takes up Chief Executive role at Blueprint Sam Veal has stepped into the role as Chief Executive of Nottingham-based business Blueprint six months after joining the company. Nick Ebbs, who previously held the position, will remain as Vice Chairman of Igloo Regeneration, the national development company which manages the Blueprint business, working in a strategic advisory role. The two will continue to collaborate on key projects. Ms Veal joined the development business last summer as Deputy Chief Executive with more than 30 years’ experience in construction, development and public private partnerships. Prior, she was CEO of Uliving, Linkcity’s dedicated student accommodation offering. Sam Veal: “I’m excited about the year ahead and seeing Blueprint developments continue to buck the mainstream trends. The different design approaches and open relationship established with our communities and partners to share new practice and reimagine their neighbourhoods strikes a chord with customers.” New hire at Marketing Derby Marketing Derby, the investment promotion agency for Derby and Derbyshire, has welcomed a new member to its team with the appointment of Katie Wells. Ms Wells joins as the Corporate Marketing Executive from the events team at Roundhouse Events. She further strengthens the current team’s event planning locally, supporting the Marketing Derby Bondholder programme and the city’s annual Food & Drink Awards, and further afield by working with the Local Enterprise Partnership D2N2 and Midlands Engine partners to help raise the profile of the area at the international property fair MIPIM, and showcasing Derby and Derbyshire’s investment offer in London where Marketing Derby has an office and runs a Chapter of its Ambassadors Club. Managing Director of Marketing Derby John Forkin said: “We are delighted to welcome Katie to the Marketing Derby team; her appointment will further strengthen the activity we undertake to attract investment and help us to provide even more valuable support to our stakeholders and Bondholders.” www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 9 APPOINTMENTSGerry Myton08-09.qxp_Layout 1 27/02/2019 10:33 Page 2Next >