MAY 2019 EAST MIDLANDS LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www.blmgroup.co.uk WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK £3.50 The smallest breachKey to British industryLooking to the alternatives 01.qxp_Layout 1 03/05/2019 11:24 Page 102.qxp_Layout 1 03/05/2019 11:26 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 3 EDITORS NOTES It can sometimes be hard to stay positive with the way the UK is going. With the looming spectre of Brexit over us, it was inevitable that the European Elections would be fraught with drama. More drama, in fact, than one would think to find in the worst sit- com. With far-right anti-EU parties campaigning to become MEP’s (and that in itself should – and does – sound ridiculous) it doesn’t seem like things will be evening up on that front anytime soon. What has become apparent for many, especially us in the Midlands and further up north, is that the days of relying on Parliament to make decisions to help us are gone. Local governance has become more important than ever, as has independence. Not declaring it – the last thing we need now is an East Mid-xit – but rather being able to stand on our own feet despite what is decided (or not decided) down south. In that regard, business is not doing so badly. It’s a sign of our resilience that we have been able to keep confidence up in a time where confidence should be at an all-time low. Perhaps it is that stiff upper-lip the English were so well known for, or maybe it’s just maturity; the wisdom in older age that lets us know that nothing will be achieved if we spend time whining or complaining about it. Whatever the case, business in the East Midlands continues strong, and looks set to keep doing so. Embracing the “business as usual” theme, we’ve chosen to eschew politics (other than in this note) to focus on topics close to the hearts of business in the region. From corporate finance to commercial property, conferencing to motoring and with an in-depth look at the pharmaceutical industry, our May issue is packed full of business insight and up-to-date news. If there’s anything to take away from us, and from the region, this month, it is that we need to focus on what has made the East Midlands strong and play to those strengths. Let the political parties do what they do best – even if that is waste time – and focus instead on our own interests. Michael Fisher Editor 03.qxp_Layout 1 03/05/2019 12:10 Page 1ContentsMay 2019 LATEST NEWS 6 A round-up of the latest news from our region APPOINTMENTS8 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. PHARMACEUTICAL SPOTLIGHT16 East Midlands Business Link takes a closer look at the challenges facing the pharmaceutical and healthcare sector and how industry is responding. COMMERCIAL FINANCE19 As businesses lose confidence in bank loans, firms are looking to alternative and non-traditional sources of finance. TAX22 A four day week, now there’s a thought... By James Pinchbeck, Marketing Partner Streets Chartered Accountants NNBC FINANCIAL Q&A24 NNBC Financial is a commercial finance brokerage, dedicated to servicing the SME community within the east midlands. We spoke to Managing Director Neil Buckley to find out more. FAMILY BUSINESS 26 Family-run businesses are key to the British economy, but for all their many benefits, there are some challenges that need to be addressed and overcome. PURPOSE MEDIA Q&A28 In our latest Q&A with business leaders across the region we sit down with Matt Wheatcroft, Managing Director of Purpose Media in Derbyshire, to discuss the changing marketing landscape and how he, and his team, are guiding their clients to success in a turbulent market place. PUBLIC RELATIONS30 Testimonials - make sure you grab them by the you know whats. By Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR and Enterprise Nation Champion for Nottingham. HEALTH32 Health and safety is regulated by law, which means every company needs to have certain plans and procedures in place. Not everyone does, however, even to this day. 50 CORPORATE HOSPITALITY34 Across every industry, teams who spend time with one another outside of work show improved performance, and yet despite this – businesses still consider team building an unnecessary luxury. NETWORKING36 Running A Successful Business… What Does It Really Take? By Fiona Duncan-Steer, founder of RSViP Business Networking Agency COMMERCIAL PROPERTY 38 With Amazon opening a new fulfilment centre in Leicestershire this summer, it’s worth taking a closer look at the region’s industrial, warehouse and logistics space. ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 40 The renewable sector has grown significantly, with 2018 marking the first instance in which the UK’s renewable energy capacity overtook fossil fuel. SECURITY44 Internet security has been forced to evolve in recent years, following an increased level of cyber-attacks targeting small companies. OUT OF OFFICE48 All the leisure sector news from the last month AUTOLINK50 If something is happening in the European car industry, chances are it’ll involve the word ‘electric’. •Bentley Continental GT EVENTS56 A timely look at forthcoming business events around the East Midlands AND FINALLY...58 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 03/05/2019 12:16 Page 140 Group Editor Steve Fisher s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk Editor Michael Fisher m.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk Journalists Dominic Cuthbert d.cuthbert@blmgroup.co.uk 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. @BLMEastMidlands BLMEastMidlands COVER PHOTOS: BENTLEY SHUTTERSTOCK.COM • SYDA PRODUCTIONS • KSENIYA TATARNIKOVA • ELNUR • DOTSHOCK MAY 2019 EAST MIDLANDS LE £3.50 EADING BUSINESS MAGAZ ZINE eacThe smallest br Key to British indch nalter Lookindustry atives ng to the w www.blmgroup.co.uk 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 03/05/2019 12:16 Page 26 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk GENERAL NEWS New firm chosen to run East Midlands Railway franchise Abellio has been announced as the successful bidder to operate the East Midlands Railway franchise, responsible for delivering new trains, smart ticketing and more frequent services for passengers. Abellio will oversee the introduction of brand-new trains, entirely replacing the existing intercity fleet with more reliable and comfortable trains. Passengers will benefit from an 80% increase in the number of morning peak seats into Nottingham, Lincoln and St Pancras. Passengers will also see faster journey times over long-distances, a new express service from Corby through Luton into London, the introduction of improved delay repay compensation and flexipass tickets to provide better value fares. The East Midlands Railway will also be at the “forefront” of the government’s commitment to deliver a cleaner, greener rail network. Abellio will trial hydrogen fuel cell trains on the Midland Main Line and will run zero-carbon pilots at 6 stations along the route. Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “Improving the experience for passengers is at the heart of this new franchise. Abellio will deliver state-of-the-art new trains, upgraded ticketing systems and improvements to stations. “Through zero-carbon pilot schemes, trialling hydrogen fuel cell trains and delivering more seats on modern, spacious trains, the new franchise will also play a major role in building a railway fit for the future.” NAHL Group launch new law firm in Kettering A new law firm has opened its doors in Kettering. National Accident Law has been created by NAHL Group, owner of National Accident Helpline, and is based at Bevan House on Kettering Venture Park. The company will employ around 30 people – a mix of new recruits and experienced team members from National Accident Helpline, based nearby on Kettering Parkway, who wanted to be part of the new venture. National Accident Law has been set up by NAHL Group as its first business which can handle the case management phase of a compensation claim for an accidental injury. The law firm has plans to expand its workforce rapidly in its early years, including taking on a number of apprentices. Adam Nabozny, Managing Director of National Accident Law, said: “Legal firms are not best known for their customer service and we felt that there was a real opportunity to create a new company in the market that could change that. “With 25 years of experience from the growth of National Accident Helpline, we were ideally positioned to create a new type of law firm which marries up quality legal services with excellent customer service. “To someone experiencing it for the first time, the legal process can appear confusing and daunting – but our aim is to turn that old-fashioned image on its head by providing a service which is modern, refreshing and straightforward.” National Accident Law will become one of the companies on National Accident Helpline’s panel of solicitors. Companies on the panel are allocated cases to handle following customer calls made to National Accident Helpline’s Legal Support Centre. Tech stress suffered by one in three East Midlands employees A third of East Midlands employees (33 per cent) say workplace technology – from computer software to mobile tech – increases job stress, research from Willis Towers Watson has revealed. A heightening of workload was cited as the main reason for this by 48 per cent of survey respondents, followed by a lack of tech reliability (41 per cent). Other shadow sides of technology highlighted by East Midlands workers included excessive levels of complexity (31 per cent), a triggering of tighter deadlines (24 per cent) and a lack of human interaction (21 per cent). “Technology can be a considerable force for good with the potential to act as a catalyst for smarter, more efficient and more flexible working,” said Mike Blake, wellbeing lead at Willis Towers Watson. “Despite offering a wealth of opportunities to improve our working lives, however – simplifying and, in some cases, eradicating many mundane or laborious tasks – these findings highlight that, in some cases, it can be both a blessing and a curse. “The drive to introduce new technology is inevitable as businesses search for more efficient ways of working, but these findings should act as a call to action to ensure it is adopted strategically, and deployed with appropriate levels of support, training and consideration to the mental wellbeing of users. “As part of this process, consultation with staff about the tools and technologies that they need to carry out their jobs more confidently and effectively may prove beneficial in helping smooth the transition to new, improved, ways of working.” Encouragingly, 28 per cent of East Midlands workers have tackled the tech stress burden by asking for support or training from management, while 24 per cent have consulted colleagues who have the requisite know-how. Twenty per cent, however, said they coped by working longer hours, 14 per cent have avoided or delayed tech-based tasks and a further 14 per cent have opted to delegate tech-based tasks to colleagues. Just 13 per cent of East Midlands workers said technology decreased their workplace stress, with 67 per cent of these respondents saying it helped them work more efficiently. 06-07.qxp_Layout 1 03/05/2019 11:27 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 7 GENERAL NEWS More than 400 shops close in the East Midlands High streets across the East Midlands have seen the largest fall in the number of shops over the last five years with a net loss of -193 stores in 2018 as only 243 shops opened, compared to 436 closures (2017 net loss: 128 stores), according to PwC research compiled by the Local Data Company (LDC). The net loss of shops on high streets, retail parks and shopping centres was at the highest for five years at -193, growing from; -147 in 2014, -65 in 2015, -64 in 2016 and -128 in 2017. The analysis tracked 4,666 outlets in the East Midlands operated by multiple retailers in 34 town centres across the region. Leicester underwriting agency acquired Arch Insurance (UK) Limited, part of Arch Insurance International, has completed the acquisition of Obelisk Underwriting, a specialist underwriting agency with offices in Leicester and Sheffield. The acquired business, which generated approximately £5 million of gross written premium in 2018, will become part of the recently formed Arch UK Regional Division, which is focused on commercial property, casualty, motor, professional liability, personal accident and travel. Additional employees will also join Arch as a result of the transaction. Steve Bashford, Chief Executive Officer of the Arch UK Regional Division, said: “Obelisk has been known to us through close association with Axiom and we are pleased to welcome the team into the UK Regional Division at Arch. “Operating from existing locations in Leicester and Sheffield, the team will continue to deliver a comprehensive range of Property and Liability products to their existing brokers while introducing a number of new specialist lines including Professional Indemnity, Cyber, Personal Accident and Terrorism.” Perry Askew, Director of the Obelisk team for the past ten years, said: “We are delighted to be joining the Arch UK Regional team at such an exciting time. Arch’s investment plans in the e-commerce environment plus its commitment to providing experienced and empowered underwriters in the regions makes this a perfect home for the team.” Lincolnshire bulk material handling company acquired BULK material handling company, Mitchells Group has acquired Lincolnshire-based Guttridge. Privately owned Mitchells is one of the world’s largest bulk material handling manufacturers, supplying specialist conveying solutions and handling equipment to agri-food companies worldwide. The deal will see the combined revenue of both companies surpass $30 million. The acquisition vastly increases Mitchells scope and engineering capacity which already sees the Group service customers in six of the world’s seven continents, with equipment installed in 46 countries. The deal will expand the breadth of Mitchells Group’s service offering, allowing it to supply small capacity systems to local farmland through to large commercial port terminals. Established in 1962 and employing 100 people, Guttridge will retain its name and continue to trade as part of the Mitchells Group. © SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ JASON BATTERHAM © SHUTTERSTOCK.COM / DAVE PORTER Nottingham saw the highest net loss in the region with 39 stores (23 openings and 62 closures), followed by Derby which saw a net loss of 31 stores (37 openings and 68 closures). Leicester saw a net loss of seven stores, with 34 openings and 41 closures. Beeston and East Retford were the only areas to see a net growth of two and one stores respectively. The East Midlands saw some parts of the high street thriving, with camping goods and outdoor wear shops, mobility services, bakers and ice cream parlors all opening a number of new premises across the region. Whereas there was a fall in the number of discount stores, banks and financial institutions, men’s and women’s clothing stores, as well as pubs and computer game stores, reflecting the rising customer demand for online and apps, and in-home leisure. 06-07.qxp_Layout 1 03/05/2019 11:27 Page 2Adtrak goes for growth with first Sales & Marketing Director As part of its growth plans, digital marketing agency Adtrak has appointed its first Sales & Marketing Director Andrew Blackwood. Last year the agency announced its desire to increase profitability within the next 12 months as part of a wider strategic growth plan – the biggest change to the business in its 21-year history. Adtrak provides digital marketing services to clients across the UK and internationally. Andrew joins with an exemplary track record spanning sales, marketing, and operational roles with leading brands such as npower, Texaco and global digital marketing companies, including his most recent role at London based Crimtan which was listed by the Sunday Times as one of 10 tech companies to watch. He also has extensive experience working with smaller owner managed operations. An entrepreneurial multi-channel marketer he brings experience in digital strategy, acquisition and retention campaigns; as well as managing digital teams to maximise return on investment (ROI). 8 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk Expansion continues at Europa Road in Nottingham A new team member has been welcomed on board at Europa Road in Nottingham as part of the company’s ongoing expansion. Matthew Camm has joined the team of eight in Colwick Quays Business Park in the newly created role of UK Network Development Manager. He brings 17 years of experience in the logistics and supply chain industries, with expertise in supply chain industries, with expertise in International and Domestic Operations, and Customer and Partner Management. Matthew will manage Europa’s network of UK partner organisations, the local transport companies Europa works with to deliver its services. He said: “As the domestic market sees more and more companies make changes, the need for a specific focus on domestic relationships is key moving forward. As 100 per cent of my time will be focused on this, I expect that over time I will develop unique relationships which give us an edge over our competitors. I have a lot of varied experience in the industry which will provide me with a good foundation to develop my role and Europa’s network of partners.” APPOINTMENTS KPMG boosts team with senior business development appointment Professional services firm KPMG has hired Laura Fovargue Finn as its first Senior Business Development Manager in the East Midlands. Laura joins KPMG’s Nottingham office from identity data intelligence company GBG, where she led one of their sales teams, with a focus on driving growth. In her new role at KPMG, Laura is responsible for building and developing client relationships and identifying sales opportunities for the firm across the East Midlands. Ian Borley, East Midlands Senior Partner at KPMG, said: “Laura has an excellent understanding of the business requirements of the region, as well as strong networking skills. Coming from a sales and technology background, I’m looking forward to the fresh perspective she will bring. “This further investment in our team is testament to the firm’s growth and commitment to the East Midlands, as we continue to provide the best solutions for our clients.” 08-09.qxp_Layout 1 03/05/2019 13:50 Page 1BSP Consulting makes senior appointments Two professionals who have spent all or the majority of their careers at East Midlands civil and structural engineering firm BSP Consulting have been promoted to senior roles at the company. Joanna Posnett and James Payne have both been appointed as associates at the Nottingham-based company, which also has branches in Derby, Leicester and Sheffield. BSP Consulting director Mark Rayers said: “Jo and James have both been with us for many years, and we are grateful for their ongoing efforts and commitment to BSP. They both thoroughly deserve their associate positions, having stepped up in their areas of responsibility and taking on wider remits over the last year or two. It will be great to have them on the management team.” Joanna gained experience at Nottingham City Council and Bettridge Turner & Partners before joining BSP’s Nottingham office in April 2005 as a transportation planner before moving up to senior transport planner. She subsequently set up the transport team at BSP’s Leicester office, and was later promoted to principal transport planner in 2013. EY appoints two directors to bolster Midlands advisory team EY has further bolstered its advisory team in the Midlands with the appointment of Niraj Patel and Sally- Anne Woulidge as directors. Niraj joins from PwC and will be focused on supporting local business in mitigating technology and data risks. He specialises in developing and embedding data management frameworks to improve business processes, including ensuring GDPR compliance. Sally-Anne joins from KPMG and will be focused on growing the firm’s business risk assurance offering, predominantly in the private mid-market. She has over 20 years of experience in audit and risk management, including advising on internal audit arrangements and governance solutions. Raft of senior promotions for Bray & Bray East Midlands law firm Bray & Bray has boosted its Leicester and Market Harborough teams with four senior promotions, including James Maynard to partner. A corporate law specialist at Bray & Bray, James, who joined the firm in 2017 as an Associate Solicitor, is based at its head office in Leicester, and acts for a range of clients from local owner-managed businesses to public companies across the East Midlands and UK. James’ promotion takes the total number of partners at the firm to 11. Commenting on his promotion, James said: “I’m thrilled to become a partner at Bray & Bray, and proud to be part of a progressive firm with a reputation for excellent client service. I’m looking forward to developing and strengthening relationships with our clients, and helping to drive the firm’s ambitious growth plans across the East Midlands region.” Wills, Trust & Probate specialist Carly Harwood, also based in Leicester, has been promoted to Associate Solicitor, after four years with the firm. Mara Silva-Romefort, who also joined the firm in 2015, has been promoted to Associate Higher Rights Advocate in Bray & Bray’s crime department, based on Welford Road, Leicester. Restructuring expert appointed Midlands Chair of R3 Leicester-based insolvency practitioner Eddie Williams has been appointed Midlands Chair of insolvency and restructuring trade body R3. Eddie, who heads up Grant Thornton’s restructuring team in the Midlands, has been involved in many of the region’s largest restructuring and insolvency assignments, advising funders, corporates and stakeholders in a career spanning almost two decades. He takes over as Midlands Chair of R3 from lawyer Chris Radford of Gateley. Working across both the East and West Midlands, he has acted as Administrator to several high profile and mid-market corporates, offering specialist knowledge of key market sectors, including automotive, manufacturing and retail. The Midlands branch of R3 is highly active, with close to 250 members specialising in advising companies and individuals in financial difficulty. Eddie Williams said: “With economic uncertainty causing problems for businesses and individuals, the role played by R3 members in advising people and companies in financial distress is vital. “The insolvency and restructuring advice and support they offer helps to save thousands of companies and jobs in the Midlands. “As a leading professional body, we are strongly committed to supporting our members as well as campaigning for businesses and individuals in crisis, and their creditors and other stakeholders, in order to maximise outcomes for all concerned.” www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 9 APPOINTMENTS 08-09.qxp_Layout 1 03/05/2019 13:50 Page 2Next >