< Previous10 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukFINANCE NEWSForesight boosts two Lincolnshire businesses with £1.95m investment Foresight Group LLP has invested £1.95 million into two fast-growing Lincolnshire based businesses, Firetree Chocolate Ltd and YPP Group via the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF). Foresight completed a £950k investment into premium chocolate maker Firetree Chocolate Ltd as part of a £1.2 million funding round. Firetree was set up in 2017 as a bespoke high-end chocolate manufacturer. It has been successful in securing several prominent B2B supply contracts in the ‘super premium’ chocolate market, as well as securing two lucrative private label contracts. Firetree’s ambition is to develop its own brand of super premium chocolate as a way of maximising shareholder value and returns. Commenting on MEIF’s investment, David Zulman, Managing Director, Firetree, said: “Firetree Chocolate is delighted to have Foresight come on board at this important phase in its growth cycle. Since the first chocolate poured off the line in early 2018, Firetree has collected an impressive list of B2B customers in both the UK and abroad. The product is well proven and well accepted. Its high quality and exceptional taste, manufactured from rare volcanic cocoa beans in its state of the art artisanal factory, sets it up to be well placed to launch its own consumer super-premium chocolate brand.” Cryptocurrency start-up secures £135k grant to go global Recap, a privacy-focused accounting software platform for cryptocurrency has secured a sizeable grant from Innovate UK to help launch its services worldwide. Recap has been granted £135,136 as a winner of the Transforming accountancy, insurance and legal services with AI and data competition. The funding was provided through the Government’s modern industrial strategy by Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation. The fintech start-up, based in Lincoln and founded by Directors Daniel Howitt and Ben Shepheard is an encrypted, bespoke platform which offers those with complex cryptocurrency portfolios to track, manage and strategize by bringing all the information into one platform. Co-founder and Director Daniel Howitt said: “It’s exciting times here at Recap, we have an ambitious backlog of work to deliver by March. The US tax deadline for the 2018 tax year closes mid-April. “We want Recap to be available way ahead of this deadline, meaning we need to internationalise the product, design and build a US capital gains tax engine and also fully monetise the product so we can start collecting annual subscription revenue. “The US launch comes off the back of our successful private beta launch to early adopters in the UK.” Chesterfield business expands with Barclays funding Chesterfield-based business Electrosteel Castings UK Limited is planning to expand with new funding facilities from Barclays. Established in 2008, Electrosteel Castings UK Limited is based at Carwood Road, Chesterfield. The company is a supplier of ductile iron pipes, fittings and ancillary pipeline products to the UK water and waste water industry. The business also specialises in turnkey projects including fabrication, installation and maintenance of pipe solutions. The new facilities provided by Barclays, working in conjunction with the Government’s UK Export Finance Bond Support Scheme, has enabled the business to successfully bid for an overseas contract in Malta. Stewart Bailie, Managing Director, Electrosteel Castings UK Limited said: “We’ve been banking with Barclays for over 13 years so we were delighted when they were able to help with funding for this important contract which is pivotal in our expansion plans for the future. “Working in conjunction with UK Export Finance they have been able to deliver the bonding facilities we required to secure the deal and which will take the business to the next level of our trading ambitions.” Electrosteel Castings UK Limited employ over 40 people at the Chesterfield site and turnover in their last financial year was £12.4million. It is anticipated the new contract will help deliver growth to over £20million for 2019. Matthew Chenery, Barclays Relationship Director and Sue Bayston, Barclays Trade Director, put together the funding package for the deal and said: “We are delighted to have been instrumental in facilitating this new export contract for Electrosteel, supported by the UK Export Finance Bond Support Scheme. Stewart Bailie and his team are exploiting to really good effect current market opportunities and we look forward to supporting their continuing development and growth plans for many years to come.” 10-11.qxp_Layout 1 27/02/2019 10:34 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 11 FINANCE NEWSLeicestershire HR software firm secures £250k investment A Leicestershire company which has developed a HR software platform has secured £250,000 investment from the MEIF Proof of Concept & Early Stage Fund, managed by Mercia and part of the Midlands Engine Investment Fund. StaffCircle’s platform helps clients to improve communication and feedback between employees in different locations, providing them with easy access to training, tasks and contacts within the company. The equity investment will allow the company to create five new jobs, add further software features and launch a sales and marketing campaign. StaffCircle was founded in March 2017 by Mark Seemann, an expert in communications and business workflow systems, who has previously built and sold three successful software businesses. Mark Seemann, the CEO, said: “Poor communications causes low morale and productivity, but is common within companies that have employees working from multiple sites. StaffCircle allows communications to flow through any device in any location, helping to empower and engage staff. This funding will allow us to further enhance the product and build our client base.” David Baker, Investment Associate with Mercia Fund Managers, said: “With the growing trend for remote working, Mark and his team have created a unique platform that solves a real problem for employers. This investment will help them to establish StaffCircle’s position within the UK market with a view to overseas expansion in the long term.” LDC drives motor finance technology firm investment in £110m deal Evolution Funding, a B2B car finance broker, has secured investment to support its expansion from mid-market private equity investor LDC. The transaction, which values the business at £110m, will see LDC take a significant minority stake in the business and has been backed by acquisition finance facilities from Santander and Aviva Investors. Evolution brokered loan advances of over £430m in 2018 and employs over 200 people both at its headquarters in Chesterfield and with account managers supporting dealerships across the UK. The business will continue to be led by co-founders Lee Streets and Jeremy Levine, Sales Director Chris Coverdale, with the team being joined by incoming Finance Director Kevin Kaye. The firm has been carved out of a holding company which included other motor services to focus on Evolution’s dealer finance offering, online services and market-leading technology. Following the transaction Evolution plans to invest further in its technology, digital capabilities and to scale the presence of both its Dealer B2B and B2C propositions. British Business Investments commits £20m to Leicestershire’s ThinCats ThinCats, the fintech lender for mid-sized SMEs, has received a £20 million funding commitment from British Business Investments, a commercial subsidiary of the British Business Bank. British Business Investments is making the new commitment under its Investment Programme, which supports the development of more diverse debt finance markets for small and medium sized businesses. The commitment will provide ThinCats with additional capital to make term loans which will support the growth of businesses across the UK. ThinCats now has capital in excess of £800 million for the funding of UK smaller businesses, across the full risk spectrum and in all regions and sectors, from £250,000 to £10 million. It aims to simplify the traditional bank-dominated commercial lending model by connecting smaller businesses directly with institutional and retail investors. Damon Walford, Chief Development Officer, ThinCats, said: “We are very excited to welcome British Business Investments to our group of funders. This is a significant step in our mission to level the playing field for British entrepreneurs whose growth ambitions are being held back by traditional lending models.” © SHUTTERSTOCK.COM / JIRSAK 10-11.qxp_Layout 1 27/02/2019 10:35 Page 2Industry chief warns ‘no deal’ catastrophic for manufacturing The head of Britain’s manufacturers has warned the Government that leaving the EU with no deal would be catastrophic for the sector and that the prospect of applying zero tariffs on imported goods as a consequence would kill off some sectors of industry overnight. The warning comes on the back of a major survey carried out for Make UK by YouGov which shows that 49% of companies believe leaving the EU with ‘no deal’ would make the UK a less attractive location for manufacturing. By contrast just over a quarter (28%) believe it would make the UK more attractive. When analysed by business size, the difference is far starker amongst large businesses with almost three in five (58%) viewing the UK as unattractive in the event of no deal, compared with 48% of medium sized firms and 43% of small firms. Furthermore, just 9% of companies say they have won business previously sourced overseas since the referendum, highlighting the fact leaving the EU does not appear to be improving prospects for companies. Dame Judith, Chair of Make UK, said: “I am saddened by the way that some of our politicians have put selfish political ideology ahead of the national interest and people’s livelihoods and left us facing the catastrophic prospect of leaving the EU next month with no deal. “This is not a prospect that our sector can counter. As our survey published this morning with YouGov shows, companies have already taken action to move production overseas and the prospect of leaving with no deal means the UK will be a far less attractive location for manufacturing in the future. “The clock has almost run down and it is now essential that the pantomime in Parliament ends and politicians of all persuasion come together to agree a deal that protects the future of manufacturing and people’s jobs right across the UK.” © SHUTTERSTOCK.COM / DONFIOREDerbyshire manufacturer signs engine contract Derbyshire-based Gibson Technology has signed a new contract with ByKolles Racing to supply LMP1 engines for the World Endurance Championship Super Season. The privateer LMP1 team will be running a ByKolles designed and built chassis, powered by the Gibson GL458 engine. This top category of WEC includes competing in the gruelling, world famous Le Mans 24 hours. Production will take place at Gibson’s state-of-the-art facility in Repton, Derbyshire, with the first engine being scheduled for delivery to ByKolles Racing during April for a shakedown and then competing at Spa WEC in May. All LMP2 teams in WEC, ELMS, Le Mans 24 Hour and IMSA in the USA are currently powered by Gibson engines, with over 1.1 million kms covered so far with the GK428 engines. ByKolles Team Principal Manfredi Ravetto said: “Everyone saw the tough time we suffered in recent race weekends and it’s time to move on to a new chapter. We are very confident that a Gibson-powered ByKolles Enso will reward us with the results that our relentless work and investment deserve. It’s a massive challenge to be ready for Spa but our small and dedicated team in Greding loves these challenges as we’ve proven before in F1 and WEC.” John Manchester, Gibson Technology’s Operations Director: “Everyone at Gibson Technology is delighted that our engines have been chosen by yet another top-flight team. We are all looking forward to being part of this new phase in ByKolles Racing history, which will further enable us to develop our engine technology to compete against some of the top sportscar and engine manufacturers in world sportscar racing.” 12 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukMANUFACTURING NEWSManufacturing activity weakens Manufacturing output growth slowed in the quarter to February, while order books improved slightly, according to the latest monthly “CBI Industrial Trends Survey”. Output volume growth slowed in the three months to February to a pace roughly in line with its long-run average. Output expanded in over half (9 out of 17) of the sub-sectors, with growth largely driven by the chemicals and food, drink, & tobacco sub-sectors. Meanwhile, the motor vehicles & transport equipment and mechanical engineering sub-sectors were the main drags on growth. Looking ahead, firms expect output volumes to grow at a broadly similar pace over the next quarter. Manufacturers reported that stock adequacy picked up, but remained broadly in line with the long-run average. Meanwhile, expectations for price inflation in the next three months sped up to their quickest pace in a year. UK manufacturers continue to be supported by the lower level of sterling, although weaker global economic momentum means less support for export orders from that front. But the continued threat of a no-deal Brexit poses the biggest risk to the outlook for UK manufacturers. Anna Leach, CBI Head of Economic Intelligence, said:“UK manufacturing activity has moderated at the same time as headwinds from Brexit uncertainty and a weaker global trading environment have grown.” © SHUTTERSTOCK.COM / ANDREI_R12-13.qxp_Layout 1 27/02/2019 10:36 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 13MANUFACTURING NEWSAutomation and apprenticeships key to growth for manufacturing firm The rise in demand for automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics solutions by manufacturers, coupled with the continued development of its apprentices has led to a record year of business for a Nottingham-based manufacturing firm. Despite the widespread reports of uncertainty within the sector, LAC Conveyors and Automation, based in Bulwell, has managed to grow its headcount significantly over the past 12 months, employing 23 new members of staff to increase the size of its team to 60. In addition its rise in employment, the company, which produces conveyor and automation solutions for the manufacturing, warehouse and food and beverage industries, has secured a number of new partnerships and projects over the past 12 months, including one with a major parcel delivery company, which have played a key role in the business’ success over the past year. Chris Unwin, CEO at LAC Conveyors and Automation, said: “We are delighted by the progress we have managed to achieve over the past 12 months – the growth and continued diversification of LAC as a business showcases the hard work of our talented team of staff that we are continuing to build and develop here in Nottingham.” © SHUTTERSTOCK.COM / PRAPHAN JAMPALARolls-Royce secures major Emirates order Rolls-Royce has secured an order for Trent 7000 engines to power 40 Airbus A330neo aircraft from Emirates. Emirates has also ordered 30 Airbus A350 aircraft, powered by the Trent XWB. Both engine types are the sole powerplant for their respective aircraft. Under an agreement reached with Emirates, Roll-Royce will also provide Trent 900 engines for a further 14 Airbus A380s, taking the total Emirates A380 fleet powered by Trent 900 engines to 33 aircraft. This agreement supersedes previous deals with Emirates for a total of 52 A380 aircraft powered by the Trent 900. Chris Cholerton, Rolls-Royce, President – Civil Aerospace, said: “We welcome the news that Emirates is further extending its relationship with Airbus and Rolls-Royce. The addition of Airbus A330-900 and Airbus A350-900 aircraft to the Emirates fleet will make the airline one of the largest users of Trent engines in the world and we look forward to continuing to support them and their customers.” Rolls-Royce also notes the news that Airbus is to end A380 deliveries in 2021, and will provide engines for the 17 remaining Trent 900-powered Airbus A380s to be delivered to customers including Emirates. Nuclear AMRC Midlands opens in Derby to support manufacturers Nuclear AMRC Midlands, a new research and innovation centre to support manufacturers across the region, is opening for business in the iHub at Infinity Park, Derby. The new centre is a major expansion of the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, part of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult. Andrew Storer, Chief Executive Officer of the Nuclear AMRC, says: “Our new facility in Derby gives us an incredible opportunity to work with manufacturers of all sizes operating in the most economically important industries across the Midlands. As well as helping companies win work in nuclear, the technologies we are developing can tackle the manufacturing challenges in automotive, rail, aerospace, renewable energy and many other high-value sectors. “We have already helped dozens of Midlands-based manufacturers become Fit For Nuclear through our supply chain development programme, and want to collaborate with even more to support their ambitions to innovate and win work at home and worldwide.” Minister for nuclear energy Richard Harrington says: “Derby is famous for setting in motion Britain’s Industrial Revolution with some of the country’s first factories and spinning mills. Now, as part of our modern Industrial Strategy, this new centre of cutting-edge nuclear technology will help to boost local jobs, growth and expertise. The centre could bring millions of pounds into the region through a thriving supply chain, to ultimately provide low-carbon nuclear electricity to millions of UK homes.” The new facility is a collaboration between the Nuclear AMRC, Derby City Council and the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership. Chris Unwin12-13.qxp_Layout 1 27/02/2019 10:37 Page 214 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukPROPERTY NEWSContractor chosen for grade A office development in Edwalton J Tomlinson of Nottingham have been selected to build the Edwalton Business Park. Situated on Landmere Lane off Melton Road, adjacent to the busy Ring Road, the development will provide four detached three-storey grade ‘A’ office buildings of high architectural merit. Nottingham firm Rayner Davies Architects are delivering the scheme. The proposals are set within landscaped grounds and parking with sustainability at the forefront of the design. The units vary in size from 500 sq. m to 650 sq. m. Demolition on the site has already been completed and construction work on the project will commence at the beginning of March. Richard Sutton of NG Chartered Surveyors has been appointed to market the units, which are available for purchase or lease. One unit has already been pre-sold to local dental practice The Campbell Clinic who will be relocating from their current base on Loughborough Road. A further unit is under offer with advanced negotiations on a third. James Measures of Measures and Company is the Development Manager for the site owners with The Vinden Partnership acting as Quantity Surveyor. James Measures said: “We are delighted to have appointed J Tomlinson to help us deliver Edwalton Business Park which will be Nottingham’s first grade A office development for a number of years. Completion is scheduled for late 2019 / beginning of 2020.” Green light for £15m Orchard School and Newark Day Centre Plans for a £15m scheme to build the new Orchard Special School and Newark Day Service Centre in Balderton have been approved by Nottinghamshire County Council. Full planning permission has been granted following consultation, which included two public events in October. The Council’s development is set to be completed by Spring 2020 and will provide much needed, state-of-the-art facilities for 140 children with capacity to expand to 170 places in the future, as well as a new day service centre for adults with a range of needs. The proposed location on London Road includes the site of the former Grove Leisure Centre land, the existing Newark Day Service Centre and Orchard School. The cost of the replacement school and the day centre is being funded by the Council with some contribution from the Education and Skills Funding Agency, and is being designed and delivered by Arc Partnership. Councillor Kay Cutts, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “I am delighted that this project is now becoming a reality. Our ambitious plans for a replacement Orchard School and new Newark Day Service building have officially received planning permission.” Study Inn acquire Lambert House in Nottingham A Midlands-based student accommodation company has announced a £30 million investment into Nottingham. Study Inn Group, which manages more than 1800 student rooms across the UK, has acquired Lambert House in Talbot Street, currently the home of Experian. Study Inn sold its ‘Portfolio 1’ of 10 sites (1,500 rooms) in Coventry, Nottingham, Sheffield and Cambridge to international investment firm Arlington Advisors (Arlington) 12 months ago but continues to manage Portfolio 1 for Arlington under the Study Inn Brand and is now building ‘Portfolio 2’ with 300 rooms already trading in Bristol and a further 1,000 in secured pipeline. It also recently announced a £20 million investment in Loughborough. Experian will remain in Lambert House until the end of September 2019 and the re-developed property is planned for opening in September 2020 with 300 rooms and innovative communal space. Co-founder Edward Jefferson said: “Lambert House is a landmark building in Nottingham and fits our model of being able to bring regeneration and economic vitality as well as the highest standard of accommodation. Having operated in Nottingham since 2012, we know the City well and this is an excellent addition to the Portfolio.” 14-15.qxp_Layout 1 27/02/2019 10:37 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukPROPERTY NEWSBrick Development Association to deliver Responsible Business Award at the East Midlands Bricks Awards The Brick Development Association has joined efforts with the East Midlands Business Link Magazine to sponsor a new category for the East Midlands Bricks Awards, the Responsible Business Award. This Award will look through all the nominees in the annual competition and select the developer, agent or contractor who has shown the greatest commitment to conducting business responsibly in the East Midlands region over the last twelve months With corporate social responsibility an increasingly salient topic for many in business and, scandalous business conduct regularly making an appearance in the business press, it’s an opportune time to celebrate those UK businesses who work tirelessly not only to grow their business, but to do so in the right way. Speaking on the inclusion, Steve Fisher, Group Editor of the East Midlands Business Link magazine, says: “It’s wonderful to have the Brick Development Association on board, and we’re happy to see corporate responsibility be represented at the heart of the construction industry. All too often are companies not recognised for the work they do, and it is our hope that this award will help change that.” Commenting on the partnership, Tom Farmer of The Brick Development Association, representing 95% of UK brick manufacturing, observed: “Continuing investment from our members reflects their commitment to supporting a well-established domestic supply chain of which we can all be proud. The quality of product and process present in the UK’s manufacturing and construction industries is second-to-none, aptly demonstrated by entrants into the East Midlands Bricks Awards. “Responsible Business is increasingly an area of focus of our own Brick Awards, which recognises exceptional contributions to the built environment across the UK and rest of the world. Our new partnership with East Midlands Business Link Magazine means that we can celebrate these successes on a local level, recognising those who deliver the region’s very best of business in the commercial property sector.” Go-ahead for Chesterfield enterprise centre The transformation of Chesterfield town centre has taken another significant step forward as plans for a new enterprise centre have been given the go ahead. The proposals, developed by Whittam Cox Architects on behalf of Chesterfield Borough Council, will see the new centre built on part of the site of Holywell Cross car park and form a vital part of the Northern Gateway. The new centre will help meet demand for office space to house start up and growing small business and support the council’s existing innovation centres at Dunston and Tapton Park. When complete, the three-storey building will comprise 32 offices to suit a range of start-up and small companies; two meeting rooms; a reception and shared lobby area; facilities for staff working in the building including kitchenettes, break out spaces, showers and a bicycle store. Andrew Dabbs, Board Director at Whittam Cox Architect, said: “We are delighted that the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre will soon be breaking ground bringing a contemporary commercial offer to Chesterfield. This development is a great example of how a forward-thinking Local Authority can take hold of its own direction and positively influence change and investment in our town centres. I have no doubt this development will act as a catalyst for further development and opportunities for the Town.” East Mids property market remains resilient despite uncertainty The East Midlands’ property market remained resilient throughout 2018 despite a backdrop of political uncertainty, according to the region’s annual in-depth commercial property review published by Innes England. The company’s Market Insite report, which monitors trends in the regional property market across Nottingham, Derby and Leicester, highlighted a positive year across the region with keen interest from owner-occupiers for freehold property and strong performances in the office and industrial sectors throughout the East Midlands. Tim Garratt, Managing Director at Innes England said: “Much like the previous year, 2018 was a turbulent one filled with political uncertainty but despite that, the East Midlands property market is generally performing well. “Investment in the region remains strong, with notable transactions being the forward funding of Unity Square in Nottingham and Hammerson’s sale of a 50% stake in the Highcross Shopping Centre in Leicester; while in Derby the industrial sector remained popular with investors. East Midlands Business Link 15 14-15.qxp_Layout 1 27/02/2019 10:38 Page 2There’s still time to nominate yourself or another company here now www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk/mag/bricks-2019The Bricks awards is back for 2019. Organised by East Midlands Business Link, this highly acclaimed event, which brings the property and construction sector together all under one roof, aims to recognise the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape of our region. Nominations are now open for the award categories, including: Most Active agent, Contractor of the year, Sustainable development of the year, Residential development of the year, Developer of the year, Deal of the year, Architects of the year, Excellence in design and of course Overall winner. Winning one of these prestigious awards will add considerably to a company’s or individual’s brand and enhance their commercial reach significantly. A specially selected judging panel will pick winners and be celebrated at a special awards evening on the 28th March 2019 in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge County Cricket club.Come and join us at theEast Midlands Business Link Bricks 2019PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM / CHAINFOTO2416-17.qxp_Layout 1 01/03/2019 13:59 Page 1To book your place at the event or find out more about the date, time and venue, please visit: www.eventbrite.com/e/east-midlands-bricks-awards-tickets-52903127679 Categories sponsors:We hope you will join us on 28th of March 2019 at Nottingham's stunning Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, for this one-of-a-kind event. Most active agent Excellence in design Deal of the year Developer of the year Residential scheme of the year Contractor of the year Architects of the year Sustainable development of the year Responsible BusinessLast years’ awards sold out in advance and saw 150 professionals from the construction, development and property sectors in the region attend the ceremony. Nominate yourself or another company here: www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk/mag/bricks-2019Overall Winner 16-17.qxp_Layout 1 01/03/2019 13:59 Page 218 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukQ&A - BLUEPRINT INTERIORSCan you tell us a little bit about Blueprint Interiors? In a nutshell, we’re workplace consultants and office design and fit out specialists. Our ultimate aim is to create environments that have a positive impact on the people that use them. Practically, our work involves transforming average spaces into inspiring workplaces that prioritise wellbeing and where people feel empowered to achieve their goals. We’ve been operating for just over 17 years now and are based in Ashby, working with clients from across the Midlands. Why is Blueprint’s focus on ‘people’ so important in your office design process? When you focus on your people first, it allows you to create a workplace that helps them to excel in their jobs. It’s important because it can be the difference between a thriving business filled with happy and passionate people and an average one filled with indifferent or unhappy people. I think businesses can sometimes forget the fact that they’re employing human beings rather than assets, so it’s always important to bring the focus back to that human element. You can then look at how to provide the ideal built environment filled with resources that allow your people to ‘get things done’. How do your clients benefit from this approach? As a result of having a business full of happier, motivated and more productive people (which is ultimately the most important thing!) our clients often see a tangible commercial return from their investment in transforming their workplace. Our favourite stat is that surveys have shown the return on investment for spend on wellbeing initiatives is £4.17 per £1 spent! Clients also tell us that they feel proud to invite potential customers, suppliers and new staff to their office once it’s been renovated because of the positive staff and company culture that they can promote through their office design alone. There’s nothing better than someone walking through the door and the first thing they say is ‘wow’. Q&A Rob Day, Chairman and Founder of Blueprint Interiors 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. 18-19.qxp_Layout 1 27/02/2019 10:41 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 19 Q&A - BLUEPRINT INTERIORSWho do you work with? We work with clients who really care about how their workplace makes their people feel and understand the value in creating a people-focused environment. We’ve worked with a whole range of organisations from architectural firms to financial advisors to schools. Last year we completed the design and fit out for the new-build MIRA Technology Institute in Nuneaton where the team have told us how students are benefiting massively from studying in such an inspirational environment. Tell us about your own workplace. WorkLife Central is our home in Ashby - our ‘living’ offices and design showroom. It’s hard to get a sense of how clever design really can have an impact on an office space without seeing it in the flesh, so we created an environment where visitors can come and experience what their own workplace could become. We’re always adapting WorkLife Central to reflect the latest solutions from our market-leading suppliers in technology, lighting, furniture, break out areas and acoustics, so it’s a great place to come and get some inspiration. What’s coming up for Blueprint this year? We’ve had our first full year here in Ashby at WorkLife Central and the feedback from clients, staff and our supply chain has been beyond our expectations. We’ll have grown by 40% this year alone and next year we expect to see a 25% expansion based on our forecasts. It’s our ambition to be the partner of choice in the Midlands to deliver incredible workplaces for our clients to help them transform their businesses. We’ve got some exciting projects across the whole Midlands in the pipeline already this year so we’re looking forward to being able to share the results of those through our blogs and website: www.blueprintinteriors.com. We’ve invested in the West Midlands in particular with Dan Zastawny’s appointment to increase our profile here. Our marketing and networking investment continue to grow with a much greater engagement in the wider Midlands business community. We believe that it’s vital to consider the Midlands as a single economic area – the government focus on investment through the Midlands Engine is a clear invitation to think in this way. We’re also sponsoring the ‘Architects of the Year’ category at the East Midlands Bricks Awards which is always a fantastic event to be involved in. Finally… we’ll be celebrating our 18th Birthday this summer so watch out for big news on all fronts! For more information, visit www.blueprintinteriors.com, email hello@blueprintinteriors.com, or call 01530 223111.18-19.qxp_Layout 1 27/02/2019 10:41 Page 2Next >