AUGUST 2019 EAST MIDLANDS LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www.blmgroup.co.uk WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK £3.50 Teaching new tricksGoing greenStaying up to date 01.qxp_Layout 1 29/07/2019 10:52 Page 1Specialist Haulage to the Waste & Recycling Sector Dedicated hauliers since 1994 24/7 operation Get in touch today! • Recycled products haulage • Waste bulk haulage • Aggregates bulk haulage EFFICIENT • VERSATILE • RELIABLE • SAFE • CONSCIENTIOUS Specialising in the transportation of recycled & processed material For moe information, contact our expert team today on 01530 262458 Our services include: Nottingham, Mansfield, Sutton & Kirkby 01623 782 784 info@hopkins-solicitors.co.uk We can help you manage your legal responsibilities as an employer As well as day-to-day HR issues, there is growing pressure from increased employment legislation and failing to work within these laws can lead to time consuming and costly tribunal claims. Our Employment Retainer Service provides you with: > Initial employment health check consultation > Annual review of your contracts > Access to a library of HR templates > Unlimited advice by phone or email > Optional employment protection insurance > Low monthly payment plans DO YOU HAVE EMPLOYMENT ISSUES? www.hopkins-solicitors.co.uk EASY BUDGET OPTIONS Fixed fee monthly retainer 02.qxp_Layout 1 29/07/2019 10:54 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 3 EDITORS NOTES So, it hardly feels like news now, but Boris Johnson is the new Prime Minister and, if the suggested polls are true, likely to be the last Prime Minister if Scotland decides to have its own independence. Already facing a bevy of challenges and resignations, not to mention schisms within his own party, it’s hard to imagine how his premiership will be a favourable one. And, of course, that brings us all neatly onto the topic of Brexit, doesn’t it? The CBI has said that business in the UK is not ready for a No-Deal Brexit, but do we live in an era where that matters? It seems to many that some of the most dedicated in the PM’s cabinet have already decided that a No-Deal Brexit will be good, no matter the evidence. More are of the opinion that a damaging recession will simply be something we’ll have to accept. Perhaps after BoJo’s newly touted £100 million `Brexit is good` advertising campaign has come through we’ll all have a sunnier disposition on it. And maybe the NHS will receive it’s £350 million a week while we’re at it. But then, that’s always been how Boris Johnson has operated, isn’t it? It’s not about how successful something actually is, only how it looks to his supporters. Rooted more firmly in reality are our features this month, which cover a range of topics from how companies are facing the skills gap in certain industries, to exploring the challenges faced by the engineering and machinery sector. All that, with in-depth insight from well-known business leaders in the industry and up-to-date news. Good reading, as always Michael Fisher Editor 03.qxp_Layout 1 29/07/2019 15:41 Page 1ContentsAugust 2019 LATEST NEWS 6 A round-up of the latest news from our region APPOINTMENTS 8 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. ENGINEERING & MACHINERY16 With the manufacturing sector suffering, it’s a race to embrace new technology and engineering solutions for efficiency problems CORPORATE HOSPITALITY19 Corporate hospitality is an oft-forgotten art for some, but can bring results – if done properly BUSINESS SERVICES 22 While there is sustained demand for business services as its subsectors are essential in keeping companies functioning and improving their operations, the diverse sector is facing its own issues. PUBLIC RELATIONS26 Awards, don't just make a night of it - think BIGGER. By Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR and Enterprise Nation Champion for Nottingham. RENEWABLE SOURCES 28 In May, Britain went two full weeks without burning coal for electricity, demonstrating coal’s inevitable demise and the more widespread adoption of renewables. TRAINING COURSES32 With many sectors facing skills shortages and apprentices being a long-term solution, many companies are looking for ways to take on skilled staff. Some, tired of constant recruitment battles, are turning to creating skilled staff of their own through training. COMMERCIAL PROPERTY35 As with the other main cities in the East Midlands, Nottingham is in a transitionary period, a state of affairs that’s applicable as much to its economy as the commercial property market. NETWORKING 38 Do You Know Your Worth? By Fiona Duncan-Steer, Founder of RSViP Business Networking Agency. SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT40 With the supply chain under intense pressure while retailers and customers demand traceability, supply chain managers must turn to new technologies from AI to the Internet of Things. TAX42 Is an electric car right for you and your business? By Chris Connor, Tax Partner, Streets Chartered Accountants ACCOUNTANTS REVIEW44 Businesses differ in size, geography, output and product, but one thing uniting them all is a desire to make profit, and behind that profit will be an accountant. SILVERSTONE47 Recently, Business Link was invited to see the Formula 1 Grand Prix at Silverstone first-hand from its Brooklands Suites and had the opportunity to talk with Stuart Pringle, Managing Director at Silverstone Circuits Ltd, to discuss the business’s future. AUTOLINK48 If you need a new car, or you’re simply a petrolhead, this trio of cars might whet your automotive appetite. BUSINESS SCENE52 On Thursday 27th June, RSViP welcomed professionals from across the region to Revolución De Cuba, Nottingham. Over 140 attendees enjoyed summer cocktails, paella and relaxed networking. OUT OF OFFICE54 All the leisure sector news from the last month EVENTS56 A timely look at forthcoming business events around the East Midlands AND FINALLY...58 48 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 29/07/2019 15:48 Page 128 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: PEUGEOT SHUTTERSTOCK.COM • NATEE MEEPIAN • GORODENKOFF • BRUX • SONPICHIT SALANGSING 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 29/07/2019 15:48 Page 26 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk GENERAL NEWS Profit warnings in the Midlands double year-on-year Twelve profit warnings were issued by listed companies based in the Midlands in the second quarter (Q2) of 2019 - double what was seen in the same quarter in 2018 - according to EYís latest Profit Warnings Report. The warnings were made across ten sectors, including Construction, Automotive, General Retailers and Support Services. Half of all profit warnings were issued by businesses with a turnover of less than £200 million, with many continuing to blame uncertainty over Brexit. Despite the number of overall profit warnings staying largely unchanged from Q1 2019, there was a boost for businesses in the West Midlands, with profit warnings more than halving, from 10 to four. However, this story was not mirrored in the East Midlands, where the number of profit warnings increased significantly from two in Q1 to eight in Q2 2019. This is double the number seen at the same time in 2018 and the highest since Q4 in 2008. Dan Hurd, EYís Head of Restructuring in the Midlands, said: “There is now clear evidence that prolonged Brexit uncertainty has created a hiatus in business activity, with companies struggling to forecast and plan. And the economic impact is spreading, affecting a broad range of sectors. Slowing global growth and trade and geopolitical tensions add a further unpredictable dimension to the second half of 2019.” Northampton vacuum cleaner manufacturer snapped up Telford-based air extraction and filtration specialist Filtermist International Ltd has completed a deal to acquire industrial vacuum cleaner manufacturer Kerstar Ltd. Established in 1960, Kerstar produces a range of cleaners, including ATEX-accredited machines for use in explosion risk environments, from its facility in Northampton, exporting to more than 19 countries worldwide through a network of approved distributors. UK customers consist of resellers and end-users involved in food production, engineering, aerospace, power generation, local authorities and cleaning. “The opportunity to add Kerstar to our portfolio offered a very interesting proposition for us,” commented Filtermist International CEO James Stansfield. “Its products are used by a number of our existing customers in a range of industrial sectors so are a perfect addition to our offer. The firm also has a presence in some markets that we’re not currently active in, so offer a good opportunity to cross-sell expertise and services from our other business units. “Kerstar already has established routes to global markets and we will be expanding this side of the business using our own channels and exporting experience.” This is the third acquisition Filtermist has completed so far this year, previously acquiring the DCS Group of companies in January and recently announcing a deal to purchase the assets of Carter Environmental Engineers’ Air Services Division. “Acquisitions play a key role in our wider group strategic growth plans,” continued James. “This strategy is being rolled out worldwide; Filtermist is part of Absolent Group which recently announced two acquisitions of its own – Montreal-based fume extraction specialist Diversitech Inc and Jeven Global OY, a market leader in commercial kitchen ventilation based in Finland. “Absolent Group has identified six air filtration ‘platforms’, which offer significant potential for growth and all acquisitions are designed to support our strategic objectives.” East Midlands is a top start-up hub for female business owners The East Midlands is the most popular region outside of London for women setting up their own businesses with funds from the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme, according to data released today. Women account for almost 40% of the Start Up Loans funding allocated to aspiring business owners in the East Midlands since 2012, according to data from the Government-backed Start Up loans programme. Of the 3,645 loans awarded under the scheme in the region, totalling £26m, 39.9% went to women, equivalent to 1,455 loans. Only in London was the figure higher, with 42% of Start Up Loans going to female recipients, the data shows. In total, the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme has awarded 64,953 loans to date, totalling £510million across the UK since 2012, with 25,701 going to women looking to start their own business. After London and the East Midlands, the South West emerged as the region where women received the highest proportion of loans, with 39.8% of its 2,132 loans going to women. The East of England came next, with 39.6% of its loans going to women. Of those who received a loan in the East Midlands, just under a fifth (17.5%) came from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities, and just over two fifths (42.2%) were unemployed when they applied for the loan, reflecting the diversity of the UK start up community. Richard Bearman, Managing Director of Start Up Loans, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that we have helped so many women in the East Midlands, and indeed across the UK, to set up their own businesses.” © SHUTTERSTOCK.COM / BBERNARD 06-07.qxp_Layout 1 29/07/2019 10:56 Page 1Stake acquired in Bow Distribution and Warehousing The Silver X Group has acquired a minority stake in Bow Distribution and Warehousing Limited – the 21 year old established pallet distribution and warehousing company. Derbyshire-based Silver X Group did not disclose the terms of the deal, but said it has the option of increasing its stake in the business in the years to come. Silver X Group Managing Director Gavin Burgess said: “The Bow team has been extremely successful over the past 21 years in growing a much-loved and reliable warehouse and distribution company with gold partner status within the UPN pallet network.” “Our own business already has a great track record in the warehousing and transport sectors delivering ecommerce fulfilment, storage solutions, Home Delivery, plus same day courier and road Haulage services. The Bow opportunity offers The Silver X Group the chance to add another string to its BOW (excuse the pun), with the acquisition of an established pallet collection and delivery service as well as adding another 36,000ft2 to its current portfolio of over 100,000 ft2 of warehousing space.” Bow Managing Director, Paul Howarth said: “Initial dialogue commenced over two years ago but had to be delayed due to the sad and sudden passing away of my fellow Director Andre Bowd. At 63, I was keen to keep the Bow brand alive as well as ensure that my team is well looked after once I finally decide to retire. “Gavin and the Silver X Group have offered the team the chance to continue the Bow legacy and hopefully continue to grow the company for further years to come. Working on the same industrial estate we have forged a strategic partnership over the last couple of years so I’m confident the deal will represent stability while offering our current customer base a wider range of services. www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 7 GENERAL NEWS 25 years of continual investment at Baxter’s Haulage Established by James Baxter in 1994 with an aspiration to operate his own haulage business, Baxter's Haulage is now so much more than a business headed by a husband and wife team. The Baxter’s belief is one of continual investment in modern, fuel efficient vehicle technology, moving products for the recycling industry, such as tyre crumb, plastics, landfill, and green waste for an ever-broadening variety of customers. The company’s achievements have been built on focusing on the demands and schedules of its customers and striving to deliver on time, every time in a fiercely competitive industry. This attitude has underpinned its business and allowed the company to diversify with its customers. As for the next 25 years, the company’s vision is that it should be able to evolve within the recycling industry and operate viably and consistently with the excellent team of employees who share its vision and thrive on the journey it is taking. To find out more, visit www.baxtershaulage.com. © SHUTTERSTOCK.COM / BY MILAN M Lincolnshire bakery set to close Following a comprehensive business review, Addo Food Group has entered a consultation process over a proposal to close its Spalding bakery site in Lincolnshire during 2020 and transfer products to its Poole and Palethorpes bakeries. The group says that the proposed closure, which would impact 405 employees, is required to ensure Addo Food Group is profitable, maintains its market leading position and meets customer expectations in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Deborah Bolton, CEO, said: “We fully understand the disappointment of this announcement for all of our employees, and we are committed to doing everything possible to support them over the coming weeks, especially those who would be directly affected. “In order to maintain our market leading position and meet customer expectations as efficiently as possible, we need to optimise our manufacturing sites to enable a continued investment in quality, service and product and packaging innovation. This proposal will allow us to achieve this.” © SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ PIKCHA 06-07.qxp_Layout 1 29/07/2019 10:56 Page 2New hires and promotion at Franklin Ellis Architects East Midlands-based Franklin Ellis Architects has bolstered its team with a promotion and two new appointments at its Nottingham and Leicester offices. The practice has appointed Harvey Rogers as a senior architect and Terry Patrick as an architectural technologist. Ian Burgess, who has been with the company for five years, has been promoted from senior architect to associate. Harvey joins Franklin Ellis’ Leicester office and brings with him more than 17 years’ architectural experience, including a large amount of technical experience across an array of project types, ranging from housing and retirement living through to healthcare and hotels. He will be involved with running various projects across the country, as well as managing technical resources and mentoring junior team members. Harvey says: “The breadth of work that Franklin Ellis is involved with really appealed to me and I’m delighted to have joined the Leicester team. They are a progressive company with a great reputation in the industry and I’m looking forward to using my skills and experience across a range of different projects.” Terry, who studied architecture at the University of Pretoria in South Africa, has a wealth of experience across the residential, retail hospitality and commercial sectors. Based in Nottingham, he will be responsible for supporting structural and interior designers with technical documentation and facilitating designs from concept through to completion on site. 8 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk NG plots future growth with new Managing Director Nottingham commercial property specialists NG Chartered Surveyors have restructured their management structure to capitalise on growth. The firm has appointed current director Richard Sutton to the role of Managing Director. Richard was part of the team which performed a management buy-out of the company seven years ago. Since that time, the NG Chartered Surveyors has tripled its turnover. Richard’s fellow directors Sunny Landa, James McArthur and Richard Brown will continue in their roles as he is tasked with planning the strategic growth of the NG. Richard Brown is passing the Managing Director baton to Richard. He said: “NG’s target in this next phase of evolution is really ambitious and I will be pleased to be supporting Richard Sutton every step of the way along with the rest of our board and team members. “Having been the Managing Director myself for the past seven years, I know too well the level of pressure that will be on his shoulders, however he is the right man for the job and I am really excited about the future.” Richard said: “What we’ve done over the last seven years is testament to us breaking the mould of the tired, traditional commercial property agency.” APPOINTMENTS 08-09.qxp_Layout 1 29/07/2019 14:08 Page 1Encore Personnel announces new senior structure to accelerate growth Recruitment agency, Encore Personnel has revealed a new senior structure to drive the next transformational phase of the business. Headquartered in Leicester and with a further two offices in Derby and Nottingham, the specialist recruitment firm provides temporary and permanent blue-collar staff to industry across the UK, placing 4,000 to 5,000 workers each week via its 21 divisions, across sectors including manufacturing, industrial, supply chain & logistics and engineering. Current Managing Director and co-founder, Greg Latham, will continue to serve in a strategic capacity in a newly created role, Group Chief Executive Officer. He will be supported by Pete Taylor, promoted from Operations Director to Managing Director. In addition, a new senior leadership team has been established and Cindy Gunn has been promoted to HR Director and Louise Bragg and Andy Lewis to Operations Directors. Blueprint Interiors appoints business development manager Workplace consultants and interior design specialists, Blueprint Interiors has appointed Charlotte Barnett as a Business Development Manager. Charlotte, who lives in Ashby de la Zouch, has over ten years sales and marketing experience having previously worked in recruitment for Optima UK and in the energy sector for Mark Group and other renewable technology providers. In her new role, Charlotte will be reporting to Blueprint Interiors’ Head of Business Development Andrew Hobson. Working together, they will be responsible for strengthening existing client relationships and building new relationships with architects, designers, property agents and the owners of commercial offices who wish to create motivating workspaces for their employees. Commenting on her new role, Charlotte said: “Blueprint Interiors is an award-winning forward-thinking company that is consistently introducing innovative ideas into workplace design. I’m really excited to be joining the team and look forward to diversifying into a new sector.” New senior team members at Nottingham HQ Financial planning and wealth management firm, The RU Group, has welcomed two new senior members of staff to its Nottingham HQ at ng2, Matthew Harrison and Sue Hancox. Matthew Harrison, joins the firm from Brown Shipley and has been appointed as Paraplanning Team Leader, bringing a wealth of experience to the group. Matthew has worked in the financial services industry for over thirty years covering many areas, primarily investments, pensions and protection. He has held various roles during his career, including that of a fully authorised adviser, a mortgage adviser and senior paraplanner. Also bringing extensive financial services experience to The RU Group is Sue Hancox, who has been appointed as The Group’s new Finance Controller. Sue has worked in the industry for over 20 years, working primarily in account departments. Sue, also from Brown Shipley, is ACCA qualified and has spent the last nine years working as a finance controller. Changes made to Shakespeare Martineau’s employment team Law firm, Shakespeare Martineau, has recently seen a number of changes to its employment team, including a new head and senior hires. A partner in the firm’s Leicester office, Philip Pepper has taken over from Mike Hibbs as head of the employment team, bringing 17 years’ worth of experience to the role. Consistently providing high-quality advice to a range of businesses, from SMEs to multinational companies, Pepper takes a pragmatic approach to all of his clients and has an excellent reputation amongst his peers. The Nottingham office has also welcomed a new partner into its employment offering. Partner, Rhys Wyborn, specialises in handling disciplinary and grievance issues, as well as unfair dismissal and discrimination claims. Having worked at Shakespeares in the past, before its merger with SGH Martineau, Wyborn rejoins with diverse experience and skills, particularly focused on training businesses around HR issues. Elsewhere in the country, the firm’s employment team in Birmingham has also gained another member in the shape of legal director, Esther Maxwell. An experienced and trusted advisor, her main focus is the education sector. Supporting clients on a variety of complex employment issues, Maxwell relishes in being able to assist a sector that is fundamental to our society. www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 9 APPOINTMENTS 08-09.qxp_Layout 1 29/07/2019 14:09 Page 2Next >