APRIL 2021 EAST MIDLANDS LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www.blmgroup.co.uk WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK £3.50 FACTORY AUTOMATION Engineering the future OFFICE SOLUTIONS Returning to the office LOGISTICS The Golden Triangle COMING OUT THE OTHER SIDE COMING OUT THE OTHER SIDE 01.qxp_Layout 1 06/04/2021 08:28 Page 1WE’RE HERE TO help We have the highest client satisfaction scores in the region. We are more than just legal experts, we love to help people 01623 782 789 www.hopkins-solicitors.co.uk Have you had a life-changing accident or illness? This year we are all trying to cope with higher levels of stress, leaving us distracted. Which unfortunately often results in more accidents at work, while out walking or driving. In addition, our healthcare system is stretched beyond its limits, which means even the best medical professionals, with all the best of intentions, can make an honest mistake. When these mistakes happen it can affect your life permanently. So it’s important to speak up and ask for compensation to help you restore the life you had before. Book your FREE consultation. You won’t pay any legal fees upfront and if we don’t win your case you pay nothing at all. ur 02.qxp_Layout 1 06/04/2021 08:28 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 3 EDITORS NOTES It’s fair to say that we’re in a transition period at present; and, for once, that has nothing to do with Brexit. Of course, I’m referring to the economy. By the time you’re reading this, society will have begun its journey towards some kind normalcy with the relaxing of certain social distancing rules. April will prove especially advantageous for the hospitality and non-essential retail sector whose staff have been furloughed for months, while bosses have been left juggling government support and selling online to stay afloat. There are still a few months to go before we reach the end of the government’s phased one-way road out of lockdown. So, in the meantime, it’s critical to keep heeding social distancing advice and to stick to the rules. Nobody – repeat: nobody – wants to enter a fourth lockdown. Although the pandemic looms large over much of this issue’s content – not least our healthcare, corporate hospitality and logistics features – there’s plenty more topics to dive into. For example, our family business feature explores the highs and lows of this critical sector, whilst factory automation explores the myriad benefits of adopting the ‘smart factory’ concept. Goodness knows we could all use a smile during these continually trying times, so be sure to turn to our back pages to see the latest topics Frazer has got himself in a huff over. Good reading, as always Michael Fisher Editor Welcome... 03.qxp_Layout 1 06/04/2021 08:35 Page 1@BLMEastMidlands BLMEastMidlands Latest news 6 A round-up of the latest news from our region Commercial property 16 A key sector and investment priority for the East Midlands, numerous new developments are advancing in the region to support the food and drink industry. Last month alone saw progress for several schemes which are set to enhance different stages of the supply chain on large and smaller scales. Networking 20 Making your come back …9 steps to consider By Fiona Duncan-Steer, founder of RSViP Business Networking Agency. Factory automation 22 In just ten years, the factory as we know it has radically evolved. As companies invest in ever more innovative technologies, the smart factory concept will continue to become the industry norm. Logistics 26 During the pandemic, the logistics industry has been one of the nation’s great unsung heroes – meeting an upsurge in demand as well as navigating increased red tape when exporting to the EU. Public relations 30 13 years in business - unlucky for some? By Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR and the PR and Communications Ambassador for the IoD in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Office solutions32 As businesses prepare to bring staff back into offices, a number of factors must be considered to ensure they not only feel comfortable but incentivised to do so. Tax36 New IR35 rules for off-payroll working from 6 April 2021 By Jennie Brown, Tax Partner at Streets Chartered Accountants. Healthcare38 Homeworkers shouldn’t be forgotten about as employers continue to focus on workplace health, safety and hygiene. Corporate hospitality41 With the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown, in-person corporate hospitality has come back into view. AutoLink 44 With lockdown apparently set to lift soon and life hopefully returning to normal, it’s time to look at the automotive industry and take an industry snapshot. EAST MIDLANDS L E E ADING BUSINESS MAG AZINE APRIL 2021 £3. .50 COM MING OUT THE C E OTH ER SI IDE YYFACTOR OFFICE LOGIS STICS Engineering the fut TIOTAUTOMA YAF WW ACTOR ning toRetur SOLUTIO OFFICE etur W EASTMIDL ON The Go LOGIS fice fo the of ANDSBUSINE ONS rianglerlden T ESSLINK CO U STICS w UK www.blmgroup.co.uk Cover photographs courtesy: • Shutterstock / Jenson • Aniczkania • ImageFlow • fizkes • thinkhubstudio Contents April 2021 www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk Family business48 As the backbone of the British economy, family-run businesses are invaluable but, as we explore, they aren’t without their challenges. Events52 A timely look at forthcoming business events around the East Midlands And finally...54 Here’s Frazer’s collection of the weird and wonderful ‘news’ that came his way over the last few weeks. 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 06/04/2021 13:20 Page 126 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 06/04/2021 13:20 Page 26 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk GENERAL NEWS Centre for logistics and supply chain training set for Lutterworth The logistics and supply chain sector is set to benefit from a dedicated training and research facility that has been developed through a partnership between industry and education based at the heart of the ‘Golden Triangle’ at GLP’s Magna Park development in Lutterworth. The Centre for Logistics Education and Research (CLEAR) is aiming to help the sector address key challenges as the UK moves towards economic recovery and renewed growth following the coronavirus pandemic. North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) is working in collaboration with Aston University, Wincanton, supply chain partner, and investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, GLP to provide skills training and professional development at all levels across the spectrum of logistics and supply chain roles, to enable the sector to become increasingly agile, flexible and resilient. CLEAR is due to launch in the summer of 2021 and will initially be based at Bittesby House within the Magna Park Northern extension within the broader Magna Park Lutterworth development, eventually moving to a bespoke, state of the art facility. Professor Edward Sweeney from Aston University said: “Operating within a highly competitive environment with the challenges of harnessing new technology and ‘big data’ across businesses of all sizes in a changing political and environmental context requires a highly skilled and professional workforce. The aim is that working closely with industry, CLEAR will be ideally positioned to address its needs and provide skills training and development opportunities that are tailor-made for the sector.” NWSLC’s Principal and Chief Executive, Marion Plant, said: “Our ambitions for CLEAR are based on offering a holistic one-stop-shop training service both from its base at Magna Park and also remotely online, enabling a flexible skills pathway tailored to meet the needs of specific businesses and providing individuals with well-defined opportunities to progress their careers. “Businesses can also benefit from advice on funding for apprenticeships, whether organisations pay the Apprenticeship Levy or not, and can find out how levy-payers can share funds to support training across their supply chain.” One in four small exporters halt EU sales A new FSB survey of more than 1,400 small firms finds that one in five (23%) exporters have temporarily halted sales to European Union (EU) customers and a further 4% have already decided to stop selling into the bloc permanently after new trading rules took affect at the start of this year. One in ten (11%) exporters are considering halting sales to Europe permanently, according to the fresh analysis. The same proportion have established, or are considering establishing, a presence within an EU country to ease their exporting processes. A similar number (9%) are thinking about securing, or are already using, warehousing space in the EU or Northern Ireland (NI) for the same purpose. Small importers are also hard hit by new paperwork, though fewer than one in five have temporarily suspended purchases from the EU (17%), and a smaller proportion are using EU or NI warehousing space (6%). The majority (70%) of importers and/or exporters have suffered shipment delays when moving goods around the EU in recent weeks. One in three (32%) have lost goods in transit, and an even greater proportion (34%) have had goods held indefinitely at EU border crossings. Of those that have experienced delays, a third (36%) have suffered hold-ups that lasted more than two weeks. More than half (55%) of importers and/or exporters have sought professional advice to help them with new paperwork pertaining to EU business activity, often to assist management of customs declarations, rules of origin paperwork and altered value added tax (VAT) obligations. Following the findings, FSB is urging the Government to: increase the threshold at which tariffs and taxes for imports and exports kick-in to £1,000; closely monitor the roll-out of the SME Brexit Support Fund, ensuring small businesses are aware that they can apply for funding to access a range of trading advice, training and technology, and not exclusively that relating to customs and intermediaries; strike ambitious new free trade agreements (FTA), which include dedicated small business chapters, with fast-growing economies around the world, including the US. Nottinghamshire power station to close in 2022 EDF has revealed it will end generation at its sole remaining coal-fired power station, West Burton A power station, in September 2022, two years ahead of a Government deadline. Over the next 18 months two of the four 500MW coal units will be available purely to meet capacity market commitments, in order to assist with security of supply. The station, near Retford in Nottinghamshire, will move into decommissioning by 30 September 2022. EDF’s Managing Director for the Generation business, Matt Sykes, said: “West Burton A and its loyal workforce have played a critical role providing power to the UK for 55 years, including during this recent Winter. “Since 1966, the station has produced enough electricity to meet the needs of all UK households for more than 4 years, a truly incredible achievement. “With EDF’s power generation strategy firmly focused on nuclear and renewables – and in this key year for UK leadership on climate change – we now believe it is the right time to provide clarity to our employees and all those connected to the site.” Consultation with the station’s workforce of 170 will begin soon. EDF has worked with the three unions – GMB, Prospect and Unite – to prepare for the future of West Burton A. The full time Union officers said: “Today’s announcement brings welcome certainty to the dedicated West Burton A workforce about the future of the station. “With Government policy to close all UK coal generation by 2024 we knew it had a limited future so we have been working alongside EDF to understand the implications for West Burton A and to prepare colleagues for the future. “Knowing the date of closure allows people to make plans. Enabling a ‘Just Transition’ away from coal generation is very important for the Unions.” © Shutterstock/Avigator Fortuner 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 06/04/2021 08:42 Page 178% of Leicestershire businesses optimistic for the future 78% of businesses in Leicester and Leicestershire feel confident about the future. That’s according to new results from the LLEP’s annual Business Tracker Survey. The Covid-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on the Leicester and Leicestershire economy, with many businesses struggling to deal with the effects of restrictions enforced upon businesses and a change in demand for products and services. The LLEP survey has measured the impact of Covid-19 on businesses over a period of 12 months and allowed them to express their views on the support received and their future outlook. More than three in four have made use of the furlough programme for staff members, rising to 93% of small businesses. The survey details the proportion of businesses that have received financial support (grants or loans) to help cope with the impact of Covid-19 too, with two in five (40%) firms having a Bounce Back Loan and a third using a VAT deferral. However, 10% of respondents state that they have accessed no support at all. Since April 2020, 64% of respondents have had staff working from home for the first time. This figure rises to 74% for small businesses. While two in three businesses had no provision for home working before the Covid-19 restrictions hit, the pandemic has caused a shift in attitudes among employers. 30% now intend to allow greater flexible working options than before. Greater flexible working demands a high degree of digital proficiency, and digital transformation is one of the major cross-cutting themes of the LLEP Business Tracker Survey. Eighty-nine per cent of businesses agree that digital provision is an important area of consideration. However, while 84% of respondents wish to some extent to grow digital technology in their business, over one third feel that digital and information technology (IT) skills need to be improved among their employees. Staff training, recruitment and skills is another major area of focus of the survey. Micro businesses were much less likely to recognise any skills gaps at all, but the LLEP saw a general demand for improved IT, marketing, and technical skills. www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 7 GENERAL NEWS • 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. £5m business growth programme to create hundreds of jobs for Derby Derby City Council is to launch a £5 million programme to help businesses in the city innovate and expand, creating hundreds of new jobs for the city. The authority has developed its Ascend programme as part of the city’s coronavirus economic recovery strategy – devised to ensure that Derby can build back successfully after the COVID-19 pandemic. It will offer bespoke growth advice to business, as well as a £3m scale-up loan fund. Ascend will be run with assistance from the University of Derby and will support local companies to develop and implement growth plans and secure investment. Luxury doughnut-maker Project D, which has recently created 100 jobs and moved into a new bakery in Spondon, has been chosen to help pilot the project and will receive expert support to further develop its business. Councillor Chris Poulter, Leader of Derby City Council, said the aim of the Ascend programme was to develop ‘an entrepreneurial eco-system’ in Derby: “We want to make our city a fantastic place to establish and grow a business, to create high-quality and sustainable jobs while, at the same time, supporting and diversifying the local economy. © Shutterstock /SevenMaps 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 06/04/2021 08:42 Page 2APPOINTMENTS LDC strengthens Midlands team with senior hire LDC, the mid-market private equity investor, has strengthened its Midlands team with the appointment of Craig Hinde as Origination Director. Craig will be responsible for identifying potential investment opportunities in the region, leading transactions and supporting the management teams of LDC’s portfolio businesses as they pursue their growth ambitions. Craig, who will be based in LDC’s Birmingham and Nottingham offices, joins from private equity-backed technology- led marketing business Inspired Thinking Group, where he was business development director. He has nine years’ experience in private equity and working with private equity-backed businesses and was previously an origination manager at LDC. Craig played a key role in originating LDC’s investments in Zip World and Panther Logistics, along with originating two acquisitions for Midlands manufacturer Stuart Turner. Prior to this he held corporate finance analyst and research roles at AlphaSights and Grant Thornton. Craig’s appointment further strengthens LDC’s Midlands team and underpins LDC’s pledge to invest £1.2billion nationally over the next three years. Richard Whitwell, Head of LDC in the Midlands, said: “We’re committed to backing ambitious management teams of growing Midlands businesses, and we’re extremely pleased to welcome Craig back to the team to help us do this. “While we hold cautious optimism for lockdown measures easing, we’re poised to support management teams across the region that are looking to build scale as new opportunities begin to emerge. “Craig has an extensive network in the region and has played an important role in supporting our investment pipeline in the past. He will be a valuable asset to the team.” Craig Hinde 8 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk Jonathan Newman and Rachael Cobb Nottingham accountancy firm makes two promotions As part of its ongoing growth strategy, local accountancy practice Page Kirk LLP has promoted two key members of staff. The firm, based in Gregory Boulevard, has appointed Rachael Cobb as Manager of Accounts and her colleague, Jonathan Newman, as Senior Manager. Rachael joined the firm at the start of 2019 as Assistant Manager. Since then, her diligence and industry-specific knowledge has helped her quickly progress, while she has headed up a team of medical-specific accountants. Rachael specialises in SMEs and has had various experience in other sectors such as academies. She helps clients create efficiencies and supports their accounting function. As Manager of Accounts, she will be implementing innovative new ways of working, continually adapting to the firm’s development and new business opportunities. Rachael said: “I’m incredibly pleased my work has been recognised by the Partners. It is fantastic to be part of such a forward thinking, growing and well-established firm with an excellent reputation across the region. “At Page Kirk there is clearly plenty of room for driven individuals to make a significant impact, and new ideas are always encouraged. I plan to continue delivering high-quality services to clients, increasing our understanding of their industries and helping them make the best business decisions possible.” Long-standing team member Jonathan Newman joined Page Kirk back in 2005 on the firm’s graduate scheme, after gaining his degree from the University of Bristol. Since qualifying as a chartered accountant in 2008, he has grown and developed, building his team and an impressive client portfolio in the Audit Department. Jonathan is also Page Kirk’s in-house Training Manager, mentoring, supporting and empowering staff members who are in the process of gaining their accountancy and tax qualifications. Jonathan said: “Having started with the firm as a trainee, it is very rewarding to work with so many fantastic businesses as well as mentor and guide our current trainees. I am delighted to be accepting this promotion and I intend to continue serving our clients and inspiring the next generation of Page Kirk team members.” 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 06/04/2021 08:42 Page 3Law firm expands East Midlands team John Gordon, a specialist in commercial and property litigation and dispute resolution, has joined Excello Law in Leicestershire. He has previously been a partner at a number of firms including Knights PLC and Freeths, and is also a non-practising barrister. Qualifying in 1989, John has over 30 years’ experience as a commercial dispute resolution lawyer, representing individuals and businesses in respect of contract and partnership disputes, all areas of financial claims, professional negligence claims and property and building disputes. John has a particular interest and expertise in easement and adverse possession issues. On joining Excello, John said: “I am delighted to join the progressive and hugely impressive team of lawyers here at Excello Law, and in particular the expanding team of senior lawyers in the Midlands, many of whom were very well known to me.” Joanne Losty, director at Excello Law, said: “John is a very senior litigator and mediator and brings fantastic experience to our expanding team in the Midlands. We’re delighted to have him on board. “The opening of our office in Birmingham in 2019, and new facilities just opened in Leicester this January, support the expansion of our team in the region. We’re continuing to enjoy great interest from lawyers looking to work in a more liberating environment and collaborative culture.” Ward bolsters special projects team Midlands-based metal recycling and waste management specialist, Ward, has further strengthened its senior management team with the appointment of Heather Foo as General Manager within its Special Projects team. The announcement comes as the business looks to support the growth of its Special Projects division, which has a nationwide focus on providing services to large-scale demolition, construction, industrial clearance and land remediation projects. In her new position, based at the firm’s Griffon Road site in Ilkeston, Heather will develop a growth strategy that allows the team to be focused and aligned to its customers’ needs. She will also be responsible for growing the brand, maintaining the highest level of customer service and positioning Ward as the service provider of choice for materials handling, metal recycling and waste management for major construction, rail, infrastructure and demolition projects. Heather brings substantial industry experience to the team. She joins from construction specialist Aggregate Industries where she was based for 20 years, fulfilling multiple roles. Working within its Major Projects team she was responsible for positioning the business as a solution provider for the brands’ top customers and projects. She also managed the commercial teams within the firm’s Concrete Products division, dealing with contractors, builders’ merchants and housebuilders. Heather said: “I’m excited to have joined Ward, particularly when the business is so keenly focused on growth of the Special Projects team, I’m really eager to be part of driving that strategy forward. “It’s a great time to be part of an independent, fast growing recycling company that is so flexible and forward-thinking in its approach. Ward has an excellent reputation as a fourth-generation family-run business that values its employees and I’m pleased to be part of the team.” David Ward, Commercial Director at Ward, said: “It’s great to welcome Heather on board, especially at a time when we are realising our ambitions to develop the Special Projects team. We have significant capability in supporting contractors with demolition, land remediation, site clearance and decommissioning projects across the UK.” www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 9 APPOINTMENTS Josh Ashby Heather Foo John Gordon Senior figure at online flooring retailer becomes Chief Digital Officer Josh Ashby has become UK Flooring Direct’s Chief Digital Officer, having previously held the role of Chief Commercial Officer. The move reflects the company’s increasing investment in digital technology as it continues to expand. In the past few months, UK Flooring Direct, which has its headquarters in Hinckley, Leicestershire, has opened a further 54,000 sq ft office and warehouse in Coventry, grown to nearly 200 employs and received funding of £8 million from BGF. The firm has also strengthened its senior management team with a series of appointments and promotions which enabled Josh, who is now in his 14th year with the business, to move into the new role. He will now oversee the company’s annual investment into digital enhancement, which will rise to £2.5 million this year, as it strives for further continued expansion. He said: “I am excited to move into this new role and it has only been made possible by the fact that we have brought in so much incredible experience and talent to the senior management team. “We have a solid foundation in this area as we are a digitally native E-commerce business but consumer demands are moving faster than ever before and this is stimulating opportunities for us to capitalise. By moving into this new, dedicated role we can ensure we maximise all the opportunities in front of us. “We will work with partners to help develop new digital tools but I am also looking to bring in more people in skilled roles to support the growth of this side of the business. Digital technology moves so quickly that, if you stand still, you end falling further and further behind.” 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 06/04/2021 08:42 Page 4Next >