MAY 2021 EAST MIDLANDS LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www.blmgroup.co.uk WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK £3.50 CORPORATE FINANCE Securing a lifeline SECURITY Combating cybercrime ONLINE TRAINING Click or tap to begin GOING UP A GEAR GOING UP A GEAR 01.qxp_Layout 1 30/04/2021 10:22 Page 1East Midlands Business Link Bricks 2021 A celebration of those helping to create the landscape for the next generation EAST MIDLANDS The prestigious East Midlands Bricks Awards are back for 2021! Shining a light on the region’s property and construction industry, this year’s event will take place on Thursday 30 September, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. After last year’s ceremony was moved online due to the coronavirus pandemic, with cases now dropping and restrictions easing, the 2021 celebration is to be held in person once again, providing ample opportunities for networking in a safe environment. Visit www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk for more information. Thursday 30th September 2021 at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground BUSINESS LINK 02.qxp_Layout 1 30/04/2021 10:23 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 3 EDITORS NOTES The economy is still in a fragile state, even a month after the re-opening of the hospitality and non-essential retail sectors. Suffice it to say that we’re in a transitionary period where businesses are troubleshooting the shape of their post-pandemic future. While many employers have implemented homeworking for the first time, many are now encouraging staff to return to the office – and, indeed, that’s the rhetoric from the Chancellor. However, removing this option may lead to staff seeking employment elsewhere. Indeed, many businesses going forward will be offering homeworking and flexible hours as the way in which we work continues to change. But it isn’t only the coronavirus that has forced change upon us. The environmental crisis continues to reach fever pitch. Our timely energy & environmental management feature explores the key role our region is playing. As well as our renewable credentials, our region has a lot to offer businesses – which you can find more about in our relocation & inward investment feature. Investment is also the name of the game in our corporate finance feature – especially important as businesses seek an injection of capital to rise above the pandemic like the proverbial phoenix. Of course, that’s barely scraping the surface. We’ve got a handful of other special reports, news and insight and opinion from prominent voices and business leaders across the region. Plus, there’s the final word from our resident grouch, Frazer, because goodness knows we could all use a giggle. Good reading, as always Michael Fisher Editor Welcome... 03.qxp_Layout 1 30/04/2021 10:30 Page 1@BLMEastMidlands BLMEastMidlands Latest news 6 A round-up of the latest news from our region Commercial property 16 With its excellent transport links, and vast agricultural land, our region is a veritable breadbasket for food production and distribution. Hopkins Solicitors Q&A 20 We recently chatted with Hopkins Solicitors about how the pandemic and lockdown has impacted both businesses and individuals . Networking 22 It’s all in the detail …pay attention to it By Fiona Duncan-Steer, founder of RSViP Business Networking Agency. Corporate finance 24 Securing corporate finance can be a literal lifeline, especially at a time when businesses are getting back on track and preparing for the post-pandemic economy. Tax28 Is it a bird, is it a plane? No, it is Super Deduction By Luke Prout, Corporate Tax Partner at Streets Chartered Accountants. Energy and environmental management 30 Over the last year, online training has exploded in usage as apprentices look to maintain their learning, companies complete their employees’ training and individuals that are now working from home or have been furloughed look to use the time to upskill. OMS Q&A 36 We spoke to OMS, a multiple award-winning training and consultancy firm based in Leicester, about everything e-learning. Public relations 38 Colin the shots - this is not just any court case, this is... By Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR and the PR and Communications Ambassador for the IoD in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Relocation and inward investment40 A vote of confidence in the pandemic, numerous businesses have committed to the East Midlands, investing in the region during a period of economic regeneration. Security44 With work becoming increasingly digital, it is vital that businesses take cyber security seriously, implementing the right precautions and using products and services that ensure a business and its staff are operating securely. Health and safety48 Employers must have protocols in place to protect the health and safety of their staff. This not only means preventing physical injuries but addressing mental health and conditions like COVID-19. Corporate hospitality51 With lockdown ending, it’s finally time to start getting back to business, but after so long being socially distant, how out of practice are we? EAST MIDLANDS L E E ADING BUSINESS MAG AZINE MAY 2021 £3. .50 A GE GOIN EAR NG UP P A TETCORPORA SECURITE ONLINTY NE Securing a lifeline FINANCE TE WW CORPORA Combating c SECURIT W EASTMIDL E Click or TRAIN ONLIN crimecyber ANDSBUSINE TY tap to begin NING ESSLINK CO U NE w UK www.blmgroup.co.uk Cover photographs courtesy: • Mercedes • Shutterstock/esbobeldijk • Ian Francis • fizkes • Thitichaya Yajampa Contents May 2021 www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AutoLink 54 What’s the point of working hard if we can’t enjoy the fruits of our labours? Today, we look at new motors entering the market that any businessperson would be proud to own, both for business and for pleasure. Out of office58 All the leisure sector news from the last month Events60 A timely look at forthcoming business events around the East Midlands And finally...62 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 04/05/2021 10:21 Page 144 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 04/05/2021 10:22 Page 26 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk GENERAL NEWS Growth potential of South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone secured Lincolnshire County Council and South Holland District Council have acquired a 28-acre site on the north west of Holbeach to secure the growth potential of the South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone. The South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone (FEZ) is a pioneering development which is being delivered by a partnership consisting of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, Lincolnshire County Council, South Holland District Council and the University of Lincoln. Its vision is to create bespoke, high quality employment space for new businesses and SMEs specifically in the agri-tech sector. It will place particular emphasis on creating a suitable environment for high tech businesses developing technology to evolve the vital process of food production. The additional 28-acre site, part of phase two, is strategically important in safeguarding the delivery of this development which will generate employment opportunities and investment to the area. It will provide the scale of development needed to ensure that the agri-food sector, fundamental to the local economy, can flourish by creating high quality business space. Phase one of the scheme is already progressing well with the University of Lincoln recently completing a brand new “Centre of Excellence” on the site. In addition Lincolnshire County Council is commencing work on the construction of a ‘Hub’ building that will provide managed workspace for small companies in the Agri-Tech sector. The FEZ will cement South Lincolnshire’s reputation as a major centre for agri-tech, boasting a high concentration of cutting-edge companies, cultivating innovation in areas such as robotics, automation, well-being, low carbon and packaging. The existing businesses currently trading on the site, Frontier and Sands Agricultural Machinery will both remain and continue to serve their clientele from their existing premises. Blueprint Interiors invest in new look for WorkLife Central offices As the economy is unlocked, the race is now on to provide workspaces that employees will want to return to. However, given that many employees may still opt to work from home, many companies are seeking ways to embrace more agile ways of working and discovering that offices need to provide other functions that support and encourage teams to collaborate and innovate safely together. According to workplace consultants and commercial office fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors, post Covid employers need the reassurance that they are doing everything necessary to keep their people safe and employees need this peace of mind. As well as working with a number of new clients to make these changes, Blueprint Interiors has been working on a behind-the scenes project to redevelop its own offices called WorkLife Central to illustrate the benefits of agile working. Commenting on the new look for WorkLife Central, Rob Day, Founder & CEO said: “Companies who are exploring how to ensure their offices are safe and entice workers back to the workplace will be able to visit WLC to see and, importantly, experience first-hand exactly how a well-designed office can look, feel, and function as a place to inspire people to be happier, healthier, and more productive.” He added: “Over the last 20 years we’ve continually evolved to create workplace environments designed with people in mind. Whilst there has been a steady progression in this belief, the effects of the 2020 pandemic has significantly accelerated this demand. “It was therefore time to re-design our own office space so those who need to re-define their office for the return of workers can see and experience for themselves the latest in design, furniture and technology as part of the overall discovery of how their offices and culture could be transformed with our help.” Partnership to launch Northamptonshire’s first vertical farm Syan Farms, a newly established vertical farming company in Northamptonshire, has partnered with controlled-environment-agriculture (CEA) specialist, Vertical Future, to launch a vertical farm in the Midlands. Launching with Vertical Future’s proprietary production systems, Syan Farms will also be brought on board as a research partner as part of Vertical Future’s wider research activities, focused on seed breeding, genetics, and robotics. Syan Farms – a mainly family-run business based in Horton, Northamptonshire – was recently established to contribute towards the building of a better, more sustainable food system, tackling food security and other key issues. Able to grow fresh produce without the need for herbicides, pesticides or fungicides, and without use of soil, the Syan Farms team are able to provide ‘beyond-organic’ solutions with dramatically reduced emissions and water usage. The use of vertical farming also frees up land for local ecosystems to rebound from agricultural damage. Vertical Future’s production systems will be housed in a new development in Horton, integrated with solar energy and rainwater harvesting in order to provide the most efficient model possible. This is Northamptonshire’s first vertical farm, aimed to serve restaurants, distributors, and homes. “The construction of our first vertical farm with Vertical Future is a great first step for us – and really just the start of our journey in light of our ambitious growth plans,” said Resh Diu, co-founder of Syan Farms. Rob Day 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 30/04/2021 10:35 Page 1Streets Chartered Accountants expands with Streets Bloodstock Streets Chartered Accountants has expanded its specialism for looking after those in the bloodstock industry with the formation of Streets Bloodstock. With an office in Newmarket, the home of horse racing, Streets has looked after those engaged in bloodstock for many years, from riders to owners and trainers to breeders. Recognising the benefit of developing specialist sector teams, the firm has sought to join up with other firms offering a number of specialisms including equestrian and bloodstock. This latest move sees the coming together of Streets’ own expertise with that of the well-established and highly respected Newmarket practices of Mill House Bloodstock Services and Peppits Accountancy, headed up by Robert Levitt and Sarah Watkins. Streets Bloodstock, with its dedicated accountancy and tax partners and supported by advisory teams, is amongst only a handful of firms nationally offering assurance and tax advisory services to those in the bloodstock industry. Commenting on the formation of Streets Bloodstock, Streets Chairman, Paul Tutin, said: “We are really excited about the new practice and the opportunity to become one of, if not the most respected firm of Chartered Accountants and tax advisers looking after those in involved in bloodstock. “Whilst many of our existing clients are local to Newmarket we envisage, given the breadth and depth of specialist sector advice we can now offer, that we will attract clients nationally and even internationally. “We are especially pleased to be teaming up with Robert Levitt and Sarah Watkins, who along with our bloodstock specialists at Streets, come together to support clients from private individuals and sector professionals to investors and more corporate players. The new team all share a keen interest and passion for the industry with individual members having worked within it.” 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. Nottingham Trent University completes £9m centre for enterprise A new centre on Nottingham Trent University’s City campus has just been completed, providing high-quality facilities and extensive business support to entrepreneurs, start-ups, small to medium-sized businesses and larger enterprises. The £9m Dryden Enterprise Centre (DEC) is set over four floors utilising the latest technology and modern facilities including open-plan desk areas, private offices, meeting rooms, event space and communal areas to encourage networking. The DEC will be the new hub through which staff, students, graduates and external business members can benefit from a range of support, mentoring, networking and training programmes delivered by NTU’s Enterprise team, business experts from Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and associate partners. The Centre will link industry and academics, enabling them to work together on projects and challenges; creating a community of collaboration and connectivity. Businesses will also have access to tailored support to help them achieve their business goals such as externally funding support, access to upskilling opportunities or recruitment help. The Streets Bloodstock team. Seated (L-R): Andrew Diplock, Audit & Accountancy Director, and Robert Levitt, Consultant. Standing (L-R): Richard Moor, Audit & Accountancy Partner, Sarah Leonard, Accounts and Accounting Software Director, Paul Tutin, Chairman, and Sarah Watkins, Partner. 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 30/04/2021 10:35 Page 2APPOINTMENTS Property consultancy makes 12 promotions in Leicestershire A property consultancy has made 12 promotions across its Leicestershire offices as part of the firm’s ongoing growth. Fisher German has made the string of promotions at its Ashby and Market Harborough offices as part of its career progression framework. In Ashby, Matthew Trewartha, who manages several national property portfolios and recently led the opening of the firm’s new Exeter office, has been invited to join the equity partnership and will become a C Partner. Gareth Magrath, Adam Baxter and Murray Peat have been promoted to associates, while Lucy Whitaker, Ellie-May Craddock and Alex Watts have been promoted to senior surveyors. In Fisher German’s Head Office, also based in Ashby, Christopher Mowforth has progressed to senior management accountant. At the firm’s Market Harborough office, Robert Knight, who is part of the firm’s Agribusiness Team, has been promoted to associate director. Harry Edwards has progressed to senior associate, Caroline Jarvis has been promoted to senior negotiator and Matthew Trembath has progressed to senior surveyor. Fisher German has made a total of 21 promotions across its offices, including three partner promotions, marking the firm’s continuing success across a number of specialisms. The announcement comes as the business formally merges with Birmingham-based Vine Property Management, which manages 51 million sq ft of retail, industrial and office property, following a deal in 2020. Fisher German Senior Partner Tim Shuldham said: “I would like to congratulate all of those who have been promoted and thank everyone across the business who has helped us progress during what has been an incredibly challenging time for the sector. “It is a tribute to the quality and hard work of all our colleagues, the strength of our client base and the robust foundations of our business that we are able to make this announcement. “Not only have we made 21 promotions across a variety of disciplines, we have also recruited 28 graduates into the firm with more positions to fill.” 8 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk James Haywood and Jack Moore New partner appointments for Page Kirk Nottingham-based accountancy practice Page Kirk now has a leadership which spans the generations thanks to the appointment of two new partners. The firm, based in Gregory Boulevard, has announced that Jack Moore, 29, and James Haywood, 30, will be joining the top team, meaning that partners now range in age from their 20s through to their 60s. The latest move is in recognition of the two accountants’ commercial awareness and leadership skills, which have come into particular focus during the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. James Haywood makes history for the firm, being the first partner to have taken part in the firm’s placement scheme in 2011 and graduate scheme in 2013. Shortly after qualifying as a chartered accountant in 2017 he was given the opportunity to spend three months working with a partner accounting firm in Boston, US, as part of the Page Kirk exchange programme with CPAmerica. Upon his return he was promoted to assistant manager then to manager in 2020. During his time at Page Kirk, James has developed a niche within the firm, specialising in the accounts and audits for the charity and not-for-profit sector, alongside his work with the firm’s other business clients. James’ in-depth knowledge of this industry combined with strong commercial awareness, and consistent support for the less experienced members of staff has helped bring the firm forward – both in terms of skills and in new business opportunities. Jack Moore has over 10 years’ experience in practice, completing his AAT exams in 2012 and then qualifying as a chartered accountant in 2014. Since his promotion from assistant manager to cloud accounting manager last year, he has continued his hard work in progressing the firm, both strategically and technically – helping to implement industry-changing technologies, preparing Page Kirk and its clients for the future. With Jack demonstrating adaptability, a passion for business development and clear leadership skills, he has been promoted from manager to partner of the firm. Matthew Trewartha 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 30/04/2021 10:35 Page 3Timico makes new hire to drive cloud-first agenda Managed Services Provider, Timico, has appointed a new strategy and marketing director to take the next phase of the firm’s development as a cloud-first service provider to market. With over 30 years’ experience in the IT industry focusing on strategy, marketing and proposition development, Andrew Vize joins the Timico senior leadership team following several director level positions for notable technology service providers, including Computacenter and Pulsant. Leading Timico’s Marketing and Communications team, Andrew will now play a fundamental role in honing the brand’s advancing technology proposition, whilst supporting its strategic transformation into a cloud-first managed services provider. This comes three months after Timico’s acquisition of consulting firm, Arcus Cloud Services, in a multi-million-pound deal. Discussing his appointment, Andrew Vize said: “I am delighted to join Timico as it continues to make significant investments and strategic changes to become a cloud-first managed services company. This is an exciting development that our customers are anticipating to their drive recovery agendas and accelerate their digital transformation.” IoD appoints Chair for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire The Institute of Directors (IoD) has appointed Dr Rona Mackenzie as Chair for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. She will be the leading voice for directors across the two counties, working alongside a branch team to create connections, drive professional development and lobby for support where it is needed most. Dr Mackenzie is Director of Business Development at cyber security specialist KryptoKloud and was previously Chief Operating Officer at David Fowkes Jewellery in Nottinghamshire. Following 20 years working in education, she studied for an MBA and made the transition to the private sector. She previously held senior roles at schools and academies before becoming Founding Principal of Lincoln University Technical College (UTC), a school for 14-18 year olds specialising in science and engineering. Dr Mackenzie said: “I’m honoured to be given this opportunity to lead the IoD’s largest branch in the East Midlands, with more than 500 members. Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire are home to some truly inspiring directors and entrepreneurs of all ages and backgrounds. “After a highly challenging year there are reasons for optimism so I’m looking forward to bringing directors together to share experiences and develop new skills. Together, we are stronger.” Gary Headland, IoD regional chair for the East Midlands, said: “I am delighted to welcome Rona to her new role and would like to thank our vice-chair Paul Eeles for stepping up in the interim.” www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 9 APPOINTMENTS Andrew Vize Dr Rona Mackenzie Production Manager Established in 1994, Dunster House Ltd is a rapidly expanding family run international business currently employing over 300 people across our 9 UK sites and over 300 employees in our three sister factories in Europe. With 27 years of designing, manufacturing and retailing garden lifestyle products we are proud to be Life Style Timber Garden products and distribute these with our own fleet of vehicles direct to our customers. Dunster House Ltd now seeks an experienced Production Manager to assist in running our newly acquired Manufacturing Facility based near Spalding, Lincolnshire. For this position you will need to be experienced in Timber/Carpentry/Joinery Production Management, have strong leadership skills and will take ownership of the manufacturing and assembly of our products. You will ensure all Production Manufacturing is carried out in a timely manner and within the set timescales whilst adhering to all Health and Safety regulations as necessary. You will be responsible for ensuring that all manufactured items are of a fit for purpose quality and to ensure quality control. This is an excellent opportunity for someone to assist in this innovative start up and develop a meaningful career as part of this new Production Site. We are offering an excellent salary to the right candidate. Applications in writing only to: Chris Murphy, Managing Director, Dunster House Ltd, Factory 1, Caxton Road, Bedford MK41 0LF 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 30/04/2021 10:35 Page 4Next >