JUNE 2018EAST MIDLANDS LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINEINSURANCELimiting disasterLINCOLNSHIRESHOWBest of LincolnshireXMAS INJUNEPlanning for Christmaswww.blmgroup.co.ukWWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UKWWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UKFORWARDTHINKINGFORWARDTHINKING innAht01 !raeYeyrasrevY !e innAht08710lTercramrmoFo!wontAcciV,tnerTreviR5yaydanunSuSudaFrc1 aeYeyrasrev1707408tretnednawenabmEairotc2tsusguuAguY !r81egnellahchehthtnemkn8102tca on/ku.oc.slavitseftaobnogard.www1707408710leTeT mahgnitto81www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 3EDITORS NOTESIt’s sometimes startling the pace at which things move.Here we are in June, another royal wedding later, andwith well under a year until the completion of Brexit.There’s scarcely time to stop and catch your breath,something my editorial team can relate to. We’ve notpulled our punches with this issue.As well as exploring the flourishing agri-businesssector, we also take a look at the region’s constructionindustry and what’s going on when it comes toinsurance. It might be summer, but it’s the time of year that business leaders andcompany heads should be planning their Christmas parties and shindigs.Don’t worry if you’ve not made a start yet, our informative Christmas in Junefeature has all the information and advice you need to get started. Our regular commercial property pages this month offers insight into thebiggest trends and deals taking place in Leicestershire’s property space, whileour news and events pages ensure you never miss a thing. That about wrapsup our June issue, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention The Lincolnshire Show.Our sister publication, Lincolnshire Today, is hosting a marquee by the mainring with tipples and nibbles, so be sure and drop in for a visit. Michael FisherEditorWelcome...ContentsJune 2018LATEST NEWS 6A round-up of the latest news from our regionAPPOINTMENTS 8East Midlands on the move.FINANCE NEWS 10The latest news from the world of finance around the regionMANUFACTURING NEWS12News and views from around the regionPROPERTY NEWS 14All the latest from the property sector.COMMERCIAL PROPERTY 16East Midlands Business Link explores some of the biggest andbest developments taking place in Leicestershire’s commercialproperty market, with a focus on business parks and industrialspace.TAX20Going for growth - a strategy for boom or bust? By JamesPinchbeck, Marketing Partner at Street Chartered AccountantsXMAS IN JUNE 22It’s an age-old tradition, and one that many companies have tostart planning even in June, but is it really worth holding aChristmas work party in this day and age? NETWORKING2610 steps to success and longevity in business by Fiona DuncanFounder/Director of RSViP Business NetworkCONSTRUCTION & MACHINERY 28Construction machinery and equipment are on the edge of majorinnovation. Though drones and robots may sound like sciencefiction, they are quickly becoming a reality.PUBLIC RELATIONS32Why I’m still sending people Spam after GDPR deadline by GregSimpson, founder of Press for Attention PR and Enterprise NationChampion for Nottingham.AGRI-BUSINESS34Agribusiness in the East Midlands has faced a tough start to theyear with rough weather adding on to a number of issues alreadyhurting the industry. As the country warms up, so is the region’sagriculture industry, but what’s really changing?BUSINESS SCENE 38As Group Editor at East Midlands Business link Magazine, there'srarely a dull moment and this week was no different with a visitto Nottingham's racecourse where we were joined in a privatebox with a number of businesses from across the region. INSURANCE40Insurance is oft-bemoaned as an unnecessary cost, but theconsequences of not taking it seriously can be staggering. 4434BUSINESS SCENE 43Guests to the Bentley Hotel, Lincoln, were treated to a wonderfulsportsman’s dinner this month, in which Steve ClaridgeAUTOLINK44Convertible cars are ideal for adding a little bit of appeal to yourcommute. True, they might not be as practical as their tin-toppedalternatives, but nothing lets you value a sun-drenched day like acabriolet. Here are some of the best drop-tops on the market.OUT OF OFFICE50All the leisure sector news from the last monthLINCOLNSHIRE SHOW52The Lincolnshire Show is among the county’s most highlyanticipated annual events, bringing together business, agricultureand lifestyle for a celebration of everything that makes this regionspecial. This year is one of the most important in the show’sesteemed history as it celebrates the hundred year anniversary ofthe RAF. EVENTS54A timely look at forthcoming business events around the EastMidlandsAND FINALLY...5622Group EditorSteve Fishers.fisher@blmgroup.co.ukEditorMichael Fisherm.fisher@blmgroup.co.ukJournalistsDominic Cuthbertd.cuthbert@blmgroup.co.ukStuart Pearcey s.pearcey@blmgroup.co.ukTess Eggintont.egginton@blmgroup.co.ukSales DirectorAngela Coopera.cooper@blmgroup.co.ukTel: (01472) 310310Accounts & SubscriptionsAngela Sharmanaccounts@blmgroup.co.ukTel: (01472) 310301 Fax: (01472) 310311Design & ProductionGary Jorgensen, Mark Cassonstudio@blmgroup.co.ukTel: (01472) 310304Fax: (01472) 310314E-Mail:eastmidlands@blmgroup.co.ukPublisherHaychart Ltd, t/a Business Link Magazine Group,City Gate East, Toll House Hill, Nottingham, NG1 5FSAll rights reserved. No part of this publicationmay be reproduced, transmitted, photocopied,recorded or otherwise without expresspermission of the copyright holder, for whichapplication should be addressed first to thepublisher. While every reasonable care is taken,neither the publisher nor its participatingagents accept liability for loss or damage toprints, colour transparencies, negatives or othermaterial of whatever nature submitted to thispublication. The views expressed in thispublication are not necessarily the views ofthose held by the publisher.@BLMEastMidlandsBLMEastMidlandsCOVER PHOTOS: • MERCEDES BENZ SHUTTERSTOCK.COM • SINGKHAM• ALPHASPIRIT • PHOTOMONTAGE • WWW.ADW-MEDIA.COM 6East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukGENERAL NEWSNottinghamshire industrial park couldbe Heathrow logistics hubLaing O’Rourke invited key stakeholders to Explore Industrial Park, Worksop, to discuss the area’s potential for growthand development, if it is selected as one of three logistics hubs for Heathrow Airport’s third runway project.The visit brought together leaders from local politics and business for a tour of the offsite manufacturing and logisticsfacility as well as a roundtable discussion to explore how the sectors could collaborate, what the opportunities are withinthe region and why Explore Industrial Park would serve as a key partner, to Heathrow’s expansion.As a logistics hub, Explore Industrial Park has the potential to bring an integrated regional supply chain together todevelop and deliver a “kit of parts” that could be manufactured, assembled and transported in sequence to Heathrow’sthird runway project; as well as potentially to High Speed 2, Hinkley Point C, East-West rail and other major UK-wideinfrastructure projects.Local politicians including John Mann MP for Bassetlaw and Ben Bradley MP for Mansfield were provided with an insightinto how Explore Industrial Park could support regional plans such as the Midlands Engine, D2N2 and Sheffield City Region’s local enterprisepartnerships as well as the UK’s Industrial Strategy for Construction, generating a sustainable pipeline of work that would enablegrowth to SMEs and suppliers in the region.Oncimmune sign newinternationaldistributionagreementsNottingham’s Oncimmune Holdings, an early cancer detectioncompany, has signed two exclusive agreements for distribution of itsEarlyCDT®-Lung test in Brazil and Colombia with Valentech InternationalLLC, as well as in Moldova with GBG-MLD SRL.The agreements allow for the sale of the CE marked EarlyCDT®-Lungkit as a screening test, and for the risk assessment of indeterminatepulmonary nodules. The agreement in Brazil and Colombia is for an initialterm of five years and includes minimum sales commitments of £3,000,000over the term of the contract, with first sales expected in Q1 2019.The agreement in Moldova is for an initial term of three years andincludes minimum sales commitments of £200,000 over the term of thecontract with first sales expected in Q3 2018.Geoffrey Hamilton-Fairley, CEO of Oncimmune, commented: “We aredelighted to sign our first distribution agreement in the South Americaregion with Valentech. The agreement in Moldova is our sixth in Europeand now brings our total minimum committed revenues of £2.2 millionover the next three years. Our total minimum global minimum committedrevenues including Europe, Asia Pac including and South America, nowtotal of £26.8 million over the next six years.“With our R&D programme delivering new tests, including the recentlycompleted EarlyCDT®-Liver test for hepatocellular carcinoma, andcommercial opportunities in personalised medicine and companiondiagnostics, we are well positioned to deliver further distribution dealsacross the globe in line with our strategy to generate revenues from ourplatform technology through multiple products, regions and partners.”Labour costs front of mindfor small firms as utilityand fuel bills riseThe number of small firms reporting a rise in operating expenditure is at a near-record high, with labour, fuel and utility costs weighing on growth ambitions,according to the latest research from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) was 2.4% in April, considerably above theGovernment’s 2% target.More than seven in ten (71%) small firms report a rise in operating costs in Q22018. The figure is up 10 percentage points compared to the same period in 2016and is close to the record-high proportion recorded six months ago (74%).Almost a third (32%) say consumer demand is one of the biggest barriers tobusiness growth, up from the same period a year ago (30%).Utilities are flagged as a main cause of rising operating costs by more than athird (36%) of small firms, up from 24% in Q2 2016. The proportion citing fuel as aprimary driver of higher expenditure has also risen sharply, from only 17% twoyears ago, to 28% in Q2 2018.Labour costs (46%) remain the biggest cause of rising costs for small firms, whilerent (22%) is a persistent concern. Last month saw a rise in both minimum wagerates and auto-enrolment contributions for employers, as well as an increase inbusiness rates for thousands of small firms.The number of small businesses citing the exchange rate as a main driver ofrising costs is down this quarter to 17%, but remains considerably higher than theproportion registered in Q2 2016 (13%).FSB National Chairman Mike Cherry said: “High inflation continues to make lifeuncomfortable for small firms. The pain felt by consumers is being passed on tobusinesses. One in three small firms now sees weak consumer demand as a mainbarrier to growth.”© SHUTTERSTOCK.COM / JEVANTO PRODUCTIONS www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 7GENERAL NEWSIneffective technologycausing lack ofproductivityManual and admin workers in business services are losing tenminutes per hour in their working day due to lack of effectivetechnology in the workplace, according to the 2018 Connected Workersurvey by Deloitte. Just under half (49%) of respondents said theywaste an average of ten minutes for each hour worked, in a median 35hour week.Of the reasons given, 44% cited issues with technology, such as non-working or lack of devices as the main reason for not being productiveat work.Workers compensate for the lack of employer provided technologywith their own devices, with eight in ten (81%) already using theirpersonal smartphones for work purposes. Over half (54%) of theworkers feel they have the skills to use more technology at work.James Yearsley, lead services partner at Deloitte, said: “Ourresearch has found that the majority of workers are both willing andable to use more technology at work.“While employees are using personal devices to increase theirproductivity at work, they only gain the benefits if their employer linksthe devices to the company systems. Business services companiesneed to do more to provide a productive environment for theiremployees.”The majority of administrative tasks are carried out manually ratherthan digitally. For instance, 56% of workers manually fill out or inputwork related forms and 64% manually complete timesheets. Just underhalf of all employees (47%) feel that with the right technology they could work much faster.Yearsley added: “Documents such as timesheets are crucial to businesses. They are used for a range of purposes from pricing to billing clients. Completingtimesheets manually not only risks errors but also adds unnecessarily both time and costs as supervisors and managers have to input data into systems, rather than theworkers doing it directly.“Our research shows that the most common reason for business services companies not investing in technology is the lack of budget. Companies that do invest,will be able to set new parameters for both pricing and quality of service, and be more competitive. The technology can help them to document the value they create,while businesses that stick to traditional methods will not be able to.“Companies that do not have enough budget for technology should focus on simpler solutions including open-source and app based tools. In addition they couldalso work with technology vendors to identify different models for investing.“Providing workers with the relevant technologies will create a more positive working environment, boost productivity and recover the investment, often alreadyover a short period of time.”East Midlands agriculturesector among top UKperformers East Midlands agriculture companiesare continuing to outperform themajority of their regional counterparts,as new research reveals that they areamong the most financially stable in theUK.May figures compiled by insolvencyand restructuring body R3’s Midlandsbranch, using Bureau Van Dijk’s Famedatabase, show that around one-in-three – 31.7% – agriculture companies inthe region are at higher than normal riskof insolvency. This is one of the lowestpercentages in the UK and equates to 707 local businesses.Only the North East, Northern Ireland and the East of England have lowerproportions of agriculture companies at elevated risk of insolvency at 28.6%, 28.8%and 31.3% respectively. Wales has the highest percentage at 44.7%, which is almostten points above the UK average of 35%.In contrast, the news is less positive for the East Midlands retail sector, which has ahigher proportion of businesses at above average risk than many of its regionalcounterparts. Around two-in-five – 38.4% – are at above normal risk of insolvency,representing 4,714 local retailers. This is almost three percentage points more thanthe UK average of 35.7%, but under the South West, North East and Yorkshirestatistics of 40.8%, 39.3% and 38.6% respectively.The May research also indicates that over two-in-five East Midlands companies –41% – currently have an elevated insolvency risk, which equates to 84,824 localbusinesses. In May 2017, the proportion was around one-in-four, or 26.2%,representing 52,144 companies.Commenting on the research, R3 Midlands Chair Chris Radford, a partner at theNottingham office of Gateley plc, said: “It is good to see the local agriculture sectoroutperforming many of its peers, but even with this glimmer of positivity, it is obviousthat all business sectors are facing strong challenges to their success.“The woes of the retail sector have been widely reported of late, particularly withseveral High Street names entering a statutory insolvency procedure this year. Poortrading in the first quarter of 2018 has contributed to the sector’s downturn,particularly as ever-thriftier consumers move their spending from retail to leisure.“It is vital that retailers refrain from sticking their heads in the sand and recognisethat such trends can be systemic. For example, the rise of online shopping and thesubsequent need for a seamless and slick e-shop is, for many businesses, asinescapable as it is potentially profitable.“There are few retailers who won’t need to take a strategic look at how and wherethey do business and the type of customers they are targeting. There is no doubt thatthings are tough in the marketplace, but planning ahead and speaking to a regulatedand reputable adviser could make all the difference.”© SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/BY STOKKETE High profileappointment atintegrated foodprojectsA Kegworth-based capital investment consultancy has setits sights on further growth as it expands its senior team.Oliver Jenkins has joined Integrated Food Projects, a foodand drinks manufacturing expert that works with high-profileretailers and suppliers such as Tesco and Samworth Brothers,as Head of Client Solutions.In his new role, he will support and expand the firm’sportfolio of UK and international clients, as part of anambitious strategy that will see it grow by 30 per cent thisyear.Bringing with him a wealth of business developmentexperience, Oliver has worked extensively in the food anddrinks manufacturing sector, helping firms to improveoperational performance at their factories.Speaking shortly after his appointment, Oliver said:“Integrated Food Projects works with some of the biggestnames in the food and drink industry, helping them tooptimise their manufacturing capabilities. I’m looking forwardto getting started in my new role, and believe I can make areal contribution to the continued success of the company.”Philip Chatfield, CEO at Integrated Food Projects, addedthat he was pleased to welcome Oliver to the team: “Oliveris joining us at an incredibly exciting stage in our growthstrategy and his expertise and experience will be a real assetto the team over the coming year and beyond,” he said.“Having acquired engineering consultancy Swadlincote-based Structural Design Associates at the end of last year,we’re increasing our capabilities all the time, and are nowwell on track to achieve our commercial targets.”Integrated Food Projects, which was established in 2002,delivers and manages investment strategies, helpingmanufacturers throughout their particular process from initialanalysis and design to implementation and transition.HSKS GreenhalghDirector Takes onNottingham, Derby &LincolnHSKS Greenhalgh Director Anshu Mehan has been appointed as the Presidentof the Nottingham, Derby and Lincoln Society of Chartered Accountants(NDLSCA) for 2018/19.Anshu, who is also a Chartered Tax Adviser and a member of Society of Trustand Estate practitioners, takes over the role from George Acquah of Rolls Royce.Christine Turner will take over the role of Deputy President.The NDLSCA organise events for members, ranging from courses to annualdinners, social events and discussion groups, as well as representing the interestsof Chartered Accountants in the district to the wider business community.During her presidency, Anshu will represent the views of local members atnational level, set the NDLSCA’s strategy for the next 12 months and attend avariety of events across England and Wales on behalf of the Society.As Anshu explains, whilst her new role is a challenge, she is very much lookingforward to taking over from George Acquah, whose contribution in bringingyounger members to the society and greater engagement with the Institute atnational level, is commendable.Commenting on her appointment, Anshu Mehan said: “Over the next 12months we are looking to put on a series of events which will appeal to youngermembers and increase the use of social media to connect with our membership.“On a personal level I am honoured to be the District’s representative and amlooking forward to attending a variety of events across the country to raise theprofile of the region’s accountancy professionals.”Christine Turner, Anshu Mehan,and George Acquah.8East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukTrio of new partner appointmentsfor Timms Solicitors Three new partners have been announcedby Timms Solicitors, which has offices inDerby’s Cathedral Quarter, Burton-upon-Trent, Swadlincote and Ashby.Lisa Collett, Tessa Dunleavy and Matt Ricehave joined the firm’s existing partnersFiona Moffat and Jason Burnett.Lisa Collett is Head of ResidentialConveyancing at Timms. She joined thefirm in February 2016 and has more thanten years’ experience in ResidentialConveyancing.Tessa Dunleavy joined Timms’ Childcareteam in January 2018 having worked inDerby and Derbyshire for the past 18 years.She is a member of the Law Society’sChildren Panel and the Local Family Justice Board in Derby.And Commercial Property solicitor Matt Rice joined the firm 2015, having previously worked in Leicesterand Northampton.Managing Partner Fiona Moffat says: “Lisa, Tessa and Matt have all contributed greatly to the expansion andcontinued strength of the firm and I am delighted that they join Jason and I as partners to take Timms to thenext stage of our development.”String of promotions at Franklin EllisArchitectsNottingham and Leicester-basedFranklin Ellis Architects has announced thepromotion of six members of its team.The practice, which is celebrating 25years in business this year has promotedRia Lohse, Sarah Boxford, OliverHiggins, Matthew Kirk, Ricky Cam andLuke Turner to associate.Ria Lohse, who joined Franklin Ellis14 years ago, has a number ofsignificant new build and listedconservation projects in her portfolio.In her new role she will be involved infee proposals and the developmentof the practice’s internal CPD contentand structure, in addition to projectand team leading. Ria continues to work closely with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in theEast Midlands, including the mentoring of students at both universities in Nottingham.Sarah Boxford has worked on a variety of prestigious schemes for Franklin Ellis since joining the team asa part one student in 2003, including designing and delivering the award-winning Grantham Hospice in aHospital. In her position as associate she will continue to develop her role in front end design, lead projectteams and will be taking an active role in office improvement and recruitment.Over the course of the last 10 years, Oliver Higgins has designed and delivered a number of high-profileschemes for Franklin Ellis including the Derby Innovation Centre and is now the project lead on a majorupcoming project in Slough for Marriott International. His new job responsibilities include developingexisting client relationships and continuing to expand the award-winning in-house visualisation and 3Dimmersion department.Matthew Kirk has been promoted to associate from job running architect and has spent 15 years atFranklin Ellis delivering education schemes and landmark projects. In addition to overseeing thedevelopment and delivery of architectural design through the tender process to completion on site,Matthew will continue to lead project teams on a variety of large-scale developments.Ricky Cam, has 25 years of experience in the industry, including 10 years at Franklin Ellis as a job runner,working on high-profile and complex projects. Ricky has been promoted due to his strong commitmenttowards the goals of the practice, in terms of both the quality of the built end product and the high level ofprofessionalism applied throughout the delivery of a scheme.Hallamappoints StuartRoss as newManagingDirectorHallam, the Nottingham digital marketingagency, has appointed Stuart Ross as itsManaging Director.The agency’s founder, Susan Hallam, willserve as a strategic advisor to the managementteam and the board, and will continue her roleas public speaker and industry analyst.As the new managing director, Ross will leadthe organisation and drive the agency’sperformance and strategic direction. Hebegins his new role on 6 June.He has more than 20 years’ experienceworking in the digital marketing space,including roles as Digital Director atBoots.com, and coaching digital and hightech agencies as chief executive of HighGrowth.Ross has more than 20 years experienceworking in the digital marketing space,including roles as Digital Director atBoots.com, and coaching successfuldigital and high tech agencies as CEOof High Growth.Susan Hallam comments: “Stuart isentrepreneurial by nature, highlydriven, people focused, and mostimportantly an exceptional leader.He has unique experience of thefast paced digital marketinglandscape combined withextensive leadershipexperience, both of which arevital for us.”L-R: Luke Turner, Oliver Higgins, Matthew Branton, Sarah Boxford,Ricky Cam, Ria Lohse, Matt Kirk and Andy Dowdingwww.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 9APPOINTMENTSNext >