OCTOBER 2020 EAST MIDLANDS LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www.blmgroup.co.uk WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK £3.50 LEGAL SERVICES Safeguarding business WAREHOUSING & DISTRIBUTION Identifying efficiency gains IT & TELECOMS Invest, upgrade, evolve AHEAD OF THE CURVE AHEAD OF THE CURVE 01.qxp_Layout 1 07/10/2020 08:40 Page 1Flexible Office Space Huntingdon House is located just a few minutes’ walk from The Lace Market area of Hockley and the Victoria Centre in Nottingham. The building was constructed in the 1950’s with shops to the ground floor and offices on the first and second floors. We have a professional and friendly business community and strive to maintain high standards throughout the Centre and its facilities which are supported by our reception staff. Offices to Let At the moment there are a range of offices available which vary in size from approximately 150 sq. ft. to 1000 sq. ft. some of which can be occupied on a monthly rolling licence (subject to contract), our terms are very competitive. We offer flexible working solutions for small and start-up businesses and can provide you with a professional presence in Nottingham at very affordable prices. Subject to agreement, the licence fee can include all utilities, telephone connection and broadband; meaning your only additional costs would be for telephone calls made and use of Reception support services. Virtual Office We can also provide a Virtual Office for your company - an address away from your home, a dedicated telephone line, message taking – calls answered in your company name – which all adds up to being able to give a professional image not to mention supporting you whilst you concentrate on work! Costs vary depending on the services required, but can include message taking, call diverting to accommodation address facility and mail forwarding etc. All our business support services such as mail franking, photocopying, meeting room hire can be used when required (at an extra cost). Meeting and Conference Rooms area available for hire by the hour, day or week for you to meet your clients in professional surroundings. Meeting Rooms We have two meeting rooms available at competitive rates; one to accommodate up to 14 persons with desks or 25 theatre style; the layout can be changed to suit your needs, the other to accommodate 6 persons. Both have air conditioning and equipment can also be provided for example projectors and note pads. Both rooms are close to kitchens or if you prefer, refreshments can be provided. Huntingdon House Business Centre 278-290, Huntingdon Street, Nottingham, NG1 3LY T: 0115 9934200 E: reception@huntingdonhousebusinesscentre.co.uk W: huntingdonhousebusinesscentre.co.uk 02.qxp_Layout 1 07/10/2020 08:42 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 3 EDITORS NOTES Though the end of 2020 will, no doubt, be looked forward to by many grateful to see the back of a time of unprecedented challenges, the next few months will see a perfect storm of difficulties for businesses to contend with. Firstly, the US hits the polls in early November and, whatever the result, we’re sure the feel the fallout here in the UK, while the end of November sees the government’s CBILS and Bounce Back schemes come to an end which will have serious consequences for many businesses. Then, of course, the last day of the year brings with it an end of the Brexit transitionary period. You’d be forgiven for putting Brexit planning on hold in the wake of the coronavirus crisis but, as some of our features touch on this issue, it’s critical to put measures into place now to ensure your business is in the best possible position for the coming year. As we go to print, there’s talk in some quarters of an impending second lockdown and Boris Johnson’s position has never looked more precarious. While we can’t predict what the next few months will look like, whether we’ll be in lockdown once more or be led by a new PM by next issue, what can continue to offer is in-depth comment, opinion and insight from our editorial team and from regional experts and business leaders. Good reading, as always Michael Fisher Editor Welcome... 03.qxp_Layout 1 07/10/2020 08:43 Page 1@BLMEastMidlands BLMEastMidlands Latest news 6 A round-up of the latest news from our region Commercial property 16 The industrial and logistics sector has shown true resilience in the East Midlands in 2020. Tax 20 What led you in might not lead you out By James Pinchbeck, Partner Streets Chartered Accountants IT and telecoms spotlight22 The pandemic has highlighted the need to evolve beyond outdated and inefficient communication technologies and invest in modern infrastructure and the best in digital comms. Legal services26 We explore the various different branches of legal services and the ways in which solicitors can help assist businesses dealing with IP infringement, new data privacy laws, or employment law. Round table 29 The IoD East Midlands met for the IoD East Midlands Policy Voice Roundtable, online via Zoom. Chaired by James Pinchbeck (Streets Chartered Accountants) and attended and transcribed by East Midlands Business Link, the event hoped to shine light on some of the problems faced by businesses in our area. Warehousing and distribution 34 With increased pressure placed on the industry by the pandemic, and in the run up to the Christmas trading period, warehousing and distribution operators can act now to improve efficiencies to save both cost and time. Networking38 Your ladder By Fiona Duncan-Steer, founder of RSViP Business Networking Agency. Supporting business growth 40 Economic pressures and uncertainty in the wake of the coronavirus crisis have led to companies reviewing their sources of finance, exploring ways to reduce overheads and, of course, exploring the aid on offer to support growth. Public relations 44 Under the influence - the rise of the instant brand booster By Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR and Enterprise Nation Champion for Nottingham Facilities management 46 Worth more than £120 billion, it’s no exaggeration to say that the UK’s facilities management sector is a keystone of the economy. East Midlands Business Link explores what’s involved, the technologies emerging to increase efficiency and the need for hygiene. EAST MIDLANDS L E E ADING BUSINESS MAG AZINE OCTOBER 2 2020 £3. .50 CUR AHE RVE EAD O THOF HE C LEGAL AREHOUW IT &USING & ding businSafeguar SERVICES WW LEGAL ficfIdentifying ef DISTRIBU AREHOUAW W EASTMIDL ness Invest, TELE IT & iency gains TION ANDSBUSINE USING & upgrade, evolve ESSLINK CO U ECOMS w UK www.blmgroup.co.uk Cover photographs courtesy: • Shutterstock - Gorlov-KV • asharkyu • Alexander Supertramp • Chanelio • Halfpoint Contents October 2020 www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AutoLink50 As companies reconsider their fleet needs, East Midlands Business Link covers the question of whether to hire, lease or buy vehicles, as well as a key shift in the type of vehicles businesses are looking to acquire. 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 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 07/10/2020 10:29 Page 122 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 07/10/2020 10:29 Page 26 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk GENERAL NEWS nmcn to support UK’s biggest ultrafast broadband build Nottinghamshire-headquartered construction firm nmcn plc has been awarded a contract by Openreach to support a £12 billion project that’s bringing ultrafast ‘Full Fibre’ broadband to millions of homes and businesses throughout the UK. nmcn will play a key role in building new fibre infrastructure to premises in Arnold, Nottinghamshire and there will also be additional network build in previously announced locations in the East Midlands including Nottingham, Gedling, Broxtowe, Rushcliffe and Derby. The detailed planning activity for the build is already under way and construction is due to start in the coming months. The contract award follows a competitive tender process and will see nmcn supporting Openreach’s ambition to build ‘Full Fibre’ infrastructure to 20 million premises throughout the UK by the mid-to-late 2020s – delivering significant economic, social and environmental benefits for urban communities. Openreach’s Full Fibre network is already available to more than three million homes and businesses across the UK and nmcn is one of nine partners to win contracts which will see that extended to at least a further two million premises. As part of the contract, nmcn will be responsible for construction tasks such as: surveying, building, testing and supporting Openreach to commission the network so that customers can place orders. John Maloney, Managing Director of Telecoms at nmcn, said: “At nmcn we are committed to our vision of having a positive impact on everything we touch and the results of this prestigious contract will certainly benefit thousands of households across the Midlands by providing ultrafast and reliable Full Fibre broadband. We look forward to further developing our working relationship with Openreach to deliver this project.” Kevin Murphy, MD for Fibre and Network Delivery at Openreach, said: “Great connectivity is more important than ever, whether it’s to support home working, to keep in touch with family and friends, or to access digital services like health and education. Full Fibre broadband enables this in spades, and we’re ramping up our own efforts to build our new network to as many homes and businesses across the UK as we can.” East Midlands businesses among least pessimistic Business confidence in the East Midlands rose six points during September to -4%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. Companies in the East Midlands showed the greatest optimism in the economy of all UK regions at 4%, but confidence in their own business prospects dipped one point month- on-month to -13%. Taken together, this gives a headline confidence reading of -4%, the highest in the country alongside London and Wales. The Business Barometer questions 1,200 businesses monthly and provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. When asked about the impact COVID-19 was having on their business, the majority of firms continued to see demand negatively affected by coronavirus during September, but with the picture improving month-on- month. 57% experienced a fall in demand for their products and services, down three points on the month before. Meanwhile, 12% experienced an increase in demand, up six points on August. More than two-fifths (42%) of East Midlands firms surveyed said they aren’t currently using the Job Retention Scheme. Amanda Dorel regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “It is encouraging to see business confidence climbing in the East Midlands since May. “But the outlook is increasingly uncertain. The tightening of restrictions will dampen the trading prospects of many firms, including late night bars, hospitality businesses reliant on office worker footfall, and sports venues.” Telephone 0800 009 6066 Email info@nnbcfinancial.co.uk Asset Finance, Leasing, Contract Hire, Sale & Leaseback • Property Development Finance • Commercial Property and Business Mortgages • Factoring and Invoice Finance WWW .NNBCFINANCIAL.CO.UK Derbyshire recycling specialist sells compaction services to Biffa Derbyshire based metal and waste recycling specialist, Ward, has sold its compaction services to national waste management provider Biffa. The sale relates solely to the multi-collection wheelie bin and rear end load (REL) commercial services part of the business and includes a number Ward drivers and vehicles. All related customer contracts will be managed by Biffa. All other waste services, including metal recycling, textile reuse (WARDRobe), wood processing and recycling, general skip hire and RoRo operations for construction, demolition land remediation and hazardous waste, remain under part of Donald Ward Ltd, trading as Ward. James Balfour, Finance Director at Ward said: “We were approached by Biffa regarding the acquisition of our compaction lorry business, including trucks, drivers and wheelie bins earlier in the year. “The opportunity has come at the right time for us both as we look to focus on our core business of bulk metal and waste recycling and Biffa is now hoping to grow its compaction services in the East Midlands. “This sale provides the chance for our compaction drivers to join a growing national business, offering the chance for progression. Biffa has confirmed customers will receive the same level of service that they are used to and are unlikely to see much change at all once the changeover has taken place.” The new arrangements will take effect immediately. Employees have been consulted on a one to one basis and customers have been contacted. Amanda Dorel 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 07/10/2020 10:34 Page 1Council reveals plans to attract creative businesses to Derby Plans have been revealed to attract creative businesses into a key area of Derby city centre. The project is the brainchild of Derby’s Economic Recovery Task Force and will target vacant retail units in St James’s Street, Market Place and Iron Gate. It aims to encourage makers, artists, designers and those in creative digital businesses to cluster along the route, linking with the development of the new £17m Museum of Making at Derby Silk Mill. The idea follows the success of similar initiatives in Margate and Hull – the latter involved the re-imagining of the city’s rundown Fruit Market, which has resulted in more than £80m of private sector regeneration investment and 300 jobs created in the surrounding area as a result. Derby City Council has already engaged the consultants behind the Hull project, Creative Space Management, and plans to appoint a city centre manager to help drive the scheme forward. It will work with landlords of empty shops to attract tenants from its target sectors by offering incentives such as small grants to support fit-out, rates mitigation and a pool of demand for space. The Council also plans to improve the street scene by illuminating buildings, commissioning public art and creating green ‘parklets’. The authority has secured an initial £350,000 through a business rates pilot scheme and now plans to explore additional sources of funding such as Arts Council England and D2N2 LEP. Councillor Matthew Holmes, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said changes in consumer behaviour, accelerated by the coronavirus pandemic, had led to a rapid increase in empty properties in the city centre – with a vacancy rate of 33 per cent in the area as a whole and more than 40 per cent on the worst-affected streets. “We are working hard to meet head-on the growing issue of vacancy rates and this exciting initiative offers an opportunity to create an identity that is distinctly Derby by linking to the city’s heritage as a place of innovation where things are made,” he said. www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 7 GENERAL NEWS Automation and Robotics Training Centre set for West Nottinghamshire College Work will now begin on a brand-new Automation and Robotics Training Centre at West Nottinghamshire College, to serve students and employers in Mansfield and Ashfield, as a result £670,000 investment by D2N2. With a total project cost of £900,000, the new training centre will focus on automation and robotics to meet the demands of local businesses and support the education of up to 470 learners. With funding now secured, work will begin to re-purpose part of the Engineering Innovation Centre, located on the College’s Sutton-in-Ashfield campus, to provide enhanced facilities for learners studying engineering, manufacturing, and distribution. The funding will also allow the college to purchase new advanced equipment to support the teaching of new higher skills provision in the automation and robotics sectors to meet the growing demand from local businesses as a result of increased automation. With work due to be completed by January 2021, the college plans to run short courses and exploratory sessions for local businesses early next year before launching its first full-time level 3 courses in automation and robotics from September 2021. D2N2 Interim Chair David Williams said: “The world of work is changing, and the Coronavirus pandemic has only quickened that pace of change, but by financially backing projects such as the Automation and Robotics Training Centre we can ensure our businesses continue to have the highly skilled workforce equipped for the changing needs of industry to support their growth. “With significant investment happening in our region, D2N2 is committed to improving life chances for our residents in the form of more jobs, more homes, and better educational opportunities.” • 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. © Shutterstock /asharkyu 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 07/10/2020 10:35 Page 2APPOINTMENTS New Director joins growing team at Pattersons Commercial Law Civil and Commercial Litigation specialist, Asit Jansari, has joined Pattersons Commercial Law as a Director. Jansari has been working with the Pear Tree Business Park based firm as a consultant since March and joins the board weeks after Pattersons Commercial Law merged with Ashteds Solicitors. Prior to joining Pattersons Commercial Law, Jansari was a Director at Hollingsworths Solicitors and has previously worked as Head of Civil & Commercial Litigation at Nottingham City Council. Jansari joins a growing team of solicitors that was boosted by the recent appointment of Ash Mody and Charlotte Clarke following the merger. Pattersons Commercial Law’s Rik Pancholi said: “Asit has a fantastic reputation in the city and across the region as a respected litigation specialist and I am delighted to welcome him to the team in his new role as Director. We have been working together for some time now and he has brought a wonderful energy to the firm alongside his highly specialised skills in litigation.” Asit Jansari will continue to deal with cases based on his strong residential Landlord & Tenant experience, land and boundary disputes, breach of contract matters, breach of warranty claims and shareholder disputes. Speaking about his new role, Asit added: “I am very proud to be joining Pattersons Commercial Law at this incredibly exciting time for the business and especially to be working so closely with Rik, Ash and Charlotte as we plot the next phase of growth here following the recent merger. “There is a fantastic culture here and although we are growing rapidly there is a definite sense of a wider ‘family’ that is a joy to be a part of. I look forward to playing my part in the success of the firm going forwards.” Thorn Baker bolsters Chesterfield office with new appointment Thorn Baker Industrial Recruitment has created a new position at its Chesterfield office. The move is in response to increasing demand in the industrial sector from both clients who are looking for staff, and candidates looking for employment. Bethany Brayshaw joins the company as Labour Manager and brings significant industry experience to the team. She has previously worked in Australia for Randstad, one of the world’s largest recruitment firms, before moving back to the UK earlier this year. Bethany said: “Moving back to the UK just before the country went into lockdown was unfortunate to say the least, so I am pleased to get back into the world of recruitment and I am looking forward to working with the Thorn Baker team.” As a result of the huge changes to the economy caused by Covid-19, Thorn Baker’s Chesterfield office is experiencing increased numbers of job seekers but this is counter balanced by vacancies in certain sectors where demand for staff is extremely high. Companies in the warehouse and logistics, food production and waste and recycling sectors are recruiting to fill vacancies. These types of business are seeing increased demand for their services arising from changing consumer habits as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Rose Joseph, Branch Manager at Thorn Baker Chesterfield, said: “I am looking forward to working with Bethany and I know her experience will be hugely valuable to us at the moment. “Whilst there are many job losses currently, some sectors are thriving, and companies are seeking staff to help them meet increased customer volumes. “Companies have drastically increased their online operations and home deliveries which means more people are needed to work in warehouse and logistics roles to fulfil orders. Similarly, supermarkets have done very well as people have not been able to eat out, so we have strong demand for roles in food production.” L-R: Bethany Brayshaw (Labour Manager) and Rose Joseph (Branch Manager) 8 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk Asit Jansari (left) with Rik Pancholi 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 07/10/2020 10:35 Page 3Agent returns to Salloway Property Consultants as associate director Agent Chris Keogh has returned to Salloway Property Consultants as associate director. Chris, who joins from BB & J, had previously been with Salloway Property Consultants for four years and forged strong links with established and new clients. Managing Director, Stephen Salloway said: “I am delighted that Chris has returned. He has deep knowledge of the commercial property scene and has a personable style to which clients relate.” Chris will be working on acquisitions, disposal of lettings, lease renewals, rent reviews and dilapidations. He said: “It is great to be back. I enjoyed my time with Salloway Property Consultants previously and I hope my ability as an all-rounder will help take them forward in a difficult time for the whole country.” Chris was born in Derby and had his first taste of the property market through his father who was a civil engineer before graduating in real estate management. He said: “I have a decent local knowledge of commercial property in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire and have built up a good contacts book. “I know times have been tough but I think there are still deals to be done and I look forward to seeing them through.” PwC makes senior hire in the Midlands To further develop the PwC restructuring practice in the Midlands, Eddie Williams will be joining the firm from early 2021. Eddie has been a partner at Grant Thornton for the last five years but originally joined PwC as a graduate in the East Midlands, spending 20 years with PwC in its business restructuring practice. The news comes on the back of five Partner admissions announced by PwC in the Midlands on 1 July. Matthew Hammond, Midlands region chairman and Birmingham office senior partner at PwC, said: “I am delighted to welcome Eddie back to PwC as a Partner. Eddie and I worked together for many years and he has continued to build, develop and enhance his reputation for leading mid-market restructurings. “Adding his talent to our deals business across the Midlands comes at a critical time for our economy when it is vital that we recover rapidly from the impact of COVID-19.” Rob Moran, partner and business restructuring leader for PwC in the Midlands, added: “We are delighted that Eddie is rejoining PwC. He is a well known and respected restructuring advisor and we’re delighted to be able to invest in our future growth ambitions with such a talented individual. “We continue to support a range of clients across markets and industries with restructuring activity, and we look forward to welcoming Eddie back to PwC to support us.” www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 9 APPOINTMENTS Richard Monro Eddie Williams Chris Keogh and Stephen Salloway Nottinghamshire construction firm welcomes new company secretary Nottinghamshire-headquartered construction firm nmcn plc has appointed Richard Monro as company secretary. Richard Monro brings over 30 years of construction experience, having previously worked at Redlands Plc, Marshalls Plc and most recently SIG Plc, where he was Group Company Secretary for 15 years. Richard will be responsible for ensuring best corporate governance practices and efficient administration and will support the strategy and operation of the main board with an in-depth understanding of law, finance and policy as Company Secretary. In his previous roles, Richard has been accountable for health & safety and environment, pensions, group insurance programmes and compliance functions including UK Stock Exchange Listing Rules and GDPR. Richard said: “nmcn is a company well known across the country for its contributions to the built environment and water sectors, so I’m really pleased to be joining them. “I’ll be assisting the main board to achieve their goals and ambitions for the future, and will ensure continued compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. I’m looking forward to learning more about nmcn’s impressive sustainability strategy, financial performance and operational aspects to support future growth opportunities.” nmcn chairman, Robert Moyle, added: “I’m delighted to welcome Richard to nmcn, he will no doubt be an important voice at our board meetings. We look forward to the benefit of his insight, experience and forward-thinking approach.” 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 07/10/2020 10:35 Page 4Next >