Warehouse technology innovator appoints new head of sales for EMEA region

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Warehouse technology innovator appoints new head of sales for EMEA region

Castle Donington-based warehouse technology innovator, Synergy Logistics, has appointed a highly experienced business performance lead as it looks to scale up on expansion, growth and drive change.

Chris White joins as head of sales for Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) with a dual remit of further improving client engagement and advancing the commercial arm of the business.

Chris has over 25 years of experience in large-scale operations, having worked with companies like Hewlett Packard, Pitney Bowes, and DHL Express. He has held senior positions in IT, supply chain, warehousing, and distribution.

In his previous role as a director for the SaaS Enterprise Division of Parcel2Go, a leading player in the fulfilment market, he achieved a growth of 300% in just seven years. As a result, the Enterprise Division now accounts for 60% of the Group’s overall business and their portfolio has expanded from three to thirty different organizations.

Chris, who began his career playing professional football for 14 years at Portsmouth FC, Peterborough United and Exeter City, stated: “I am thrilled to be a part of Synergy – a company that is as flexible, agile and adaptable as its software solutions. The products they offer make a real, tangible difference and I am excited to contribute to the positive trajectory of the business.

“I’ll also be working very closely with Synergy’s EMEA CEO, Tony Dobson, who has unrivalled contacts and experience within the industry and continued passion for technological advancement. I can contribute additional expertise in building strong partnerships and delivering enterprise level value.”

To bolster Synergy’s ambitious growth plans, Chris will be supported by Kirsten-Reece Tarpey, who has been promoted to business development manager, and Dan Moss in his new role as commercial & operations manager.

Ten Northamptonshire businesses selected for inaugural incubation programme for entrepreneurs

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Ten Northamptonshire businesses selected for inaugural incubation programme for entrepreneurs
A new incubation programme for entrepreneurs in Northamptonshire has unveiled its first cohort of participants. Vulcan Creatives, a free, six-month programme run by the team at the Vulcan Works flexible workspace in Northampton, aims to support ambitious individuals with their business idea by creating a business plan and teaching the skills needed to make it a success. The programme opened for applications in November and these were whittled down to ten businesses with a preference given to those working in the creative or digital sector – emerging industries in the county that Vulcan Works was created to support. The chosen entrepreneurs were revealed during an official launch event at Vulcan Works on Tuesday 16th January. They include: · Nabil Abbas, who has developed a decentralised instant messaging app. · Emma Colton, a photographer who plans to empower female business owners through her photography. · Chelsea Henry, an interior designer who makes her services more flexible and affordable by guiding her clients to do the installation work themselves. · Tamara Holland, a marketeer who wants to help children’s activity providers to better market their products and services to parents. · Mathew Lewis, a musician who wants to develop his band, Party Beats, into a collective, ‘Pick and Mix’ option that enables clients to create their own band from a group of musicians for their events. · Roddy-Lloyd Jones, a retired teacher who has created a portable photography studio in a decommissioned ambulance. · Tom Mayes, who has set up his own digital marketing agency specialising in Facebook advertising for aesthetic clinics. · Gary Morgan, who plans to set up his own AI (artificial intelligence) assistant tool to help small to medium-sized businesses with their customer service, lead management and appointment setting. · Gavin Prior, who is working with businesses as a consultant to help them to prototype their virtual reality and augmented reality ideas and turn them into apps. · Hairdresser Aprille Russell and make-up artist Aveline Rust, a duo who have created a hair and beauty academy after being ‘burned’ by other courses in their industry. Aprille and Aveline have devised a four-month programme that offers hair and beauty qualifications as well as training in business skills such as sales and accounting. Vulcan Creatives has been funded by West Northamptonshire Council and has received £40,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). It will be led by Vulcan Works’ on-site business growth manager, Darren Smith, an entrepreneur who has started and sold businesses and worked in mentoring roles over the last 20 years. Those who take part in Vulcan Creatives will also receive free access to the Vulcan Works facilities during the course of the programme and up to 50% off workspace in the building after graduating. Darren said: “I look forward to working with this cohort of entrepreneurs over the next six months to really boost their businesses or get them up and running. This will be done through one-to-one sessions, regular huddle meetings of the whole cohort, as well as events and workshops. “We also have some great partners on board, such as Natwest and EMW, who will be sharing their knowledge with the participants too. We want Vulcan Creatives to become a real community and collaborative effort as we all embark on this journey together towards success.” Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth at West Northamptonshire Council, added: “It is great news that vital funding from our UKSPF has been utilised to support Vulcan Creatives, which will expand on the brilliant work already being delivered at Vulcan Works to help local businesses. “We have 20,000 businesses in West Northamptonshire and 425,000 residents and there is unlimited potential for businesses in this area. This is why we have already invested over £2 million into supporting local business and £1.5 million into getting local people and skills in the area through our UKSPF. “We want to see businesses thrive and our Economic Growth and Inward Investment Team want to support them in doing this. I’m really excited to see the businesses taking part in Vulcan Creatives and look forward to seeing them grow and develop and become the medium and large-sized companies of the future in West Northamptonshire.”

Recruitment and training group “optimistic” as revenue rises and profits slip

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Recruitment and training group “optimistic” as revenue rises and profits slip
Staffline, the Nottingham recruitment and training group, has hailed a “robust performance” in a new trading update for the year ended 31 December 2023, despite a profit slip. Revenue ticked up 1.1% to £938.2m, in comparison to £928.2m in the year prior, highlighting market share gains predominately in Recruitment GB. Meanwhile the business delivered underlying operating profit in line with market expectations, at £10.1m, though this was down from £12m in 2022. Additionally gross profit slipped, to £80.8m from £82.5m. Albert Ellis, Chief Executive Officer of Staffline, remains “optimistic.” Ellis said: “I am grateful for the commitment and support of the thousands of hard-working staff who are responsible for delivering this resilient result. “I am delighted too, with the comparatively strong trading performance we achieved in FY 2023, despite facing significant macroeconomic challenges during the year. Our healthy balance sheet has enabled us to support organic growth and ensure we delivered labour at scale, to significant customers, such as GXO Logistics, Tesco and M&S during times of seasonal peak demand. “I firmly believe there is significant growth potential and, as inflation and pressure on labour markets begin to ease, remain optimistic about the prospects for further organic growth generated from within the Group.”

2024 Business Predictions: James Pinchbeck, Partner, Streets Chartered Accountants

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2024 Business Predictions: James Pinchbeck, Partner, Streets Chartered Accountants
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.  It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years. Here we speak to James Pinchbeck, Partner at Streets Chartered Accountants. As we step into the new year, 2024 holds a plethora of uncertainties and opportunities for the East Midlands business community. The East Midlands, a hub of innovation and economic activity, will undoubtedly be influenced by several key factors in the coming year. Here are my predictions for what lies ahead: 1. Technical Innovation and AI: The East Midlands has been a breeding ground for technological innovation, and 2024 will be no different. We can expect to see continued growth in AI and artificial intelligence applications across various industries. Local businesses should leverage these technologies to enhance productivity and remain competitive on a global scale. 2. General Election: The possibility of a general election looms on the horizon, bringing potential policy changes that could impact businesses. It’s crucial for East Midlands businesses to stay engaged and informed about political developments to adapt to any regulatory shifts that may occur. 3. Economic Slowdown: While the region has shown resilience in the face of economic challenges, there is a possibility of an economic slowdown in 2024. Certainly, consumers are still feeling a squeeze on disposable incomes. In light of this businesses should prepare for this by focusing on efficiency, cost-cutting, and diversifying revenue streams. 4. Geopolitical Uncertainty: Continued geopolitical tensions around the world may have repercussions for businesses in the East Midlands. Diversifying supply chains, assessing geopolitical risks, and staying flexible will be key strategies for mitigating potential disruptions. 5. US Elections: The outcome of the US elections, as well as changes in US policies, can have a ripple effect on the global economy. East Midlands businesses with international ties should closely monitor and adapt to any developments in the US. 6. Environmental Challenges: Weather-related environmental issues are becoming increasingly prevalent. East Midlands businesses should prioritize sustainability, resilience, and disaster preparedness to address the challenges posed by extreme weather events and environmental regulations. In conclusion, 2024 is poised to be a year of both challenges and opportunities for businesses in the East Midlands. Embracing technological innovation, staying politically aware, preparing for economic shifts, and addressing environmental concerns will be essential for success in the region’s dynamic business landscape. By staying adaptable and forward-thinking, East Midlands businesses can navigate the uncertainties of 2024 with confidence and resilience.

2024 Business Predictions: Rob Woolston, director at rg+p Ltd

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2024 Business Predictions: Rob Woolston, director at rg+p Ltd
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.  It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years. Here we speak to Rob Woolston, director at multi-disciplinary design practice, rg+p Ltd. Residential development has seen a turbulent period over the last 18 months. The bubble of positivity post-Covid was dissipated by the issues of high inflation and ‘Truss’ economics, leading to significant headwinds across the residential market. I’m hopeful these will begin to ease in 2024, with inflation continuing to fall and therefore the real likelihood of interest rates beginning to come back down too. Whilst this won’t happen with any speed, confidence among private residential and later living developers can start to re-build with the knowledge things are heading in the right direction. Of course, there are still challenges to overcome. Price pressures and a stubborn land market will leave the affordable housing sector difficult to navigate; construction material prices will present viability issues; and not forgetting the changes to Building Regulations and upcoming Future Homes Standard and Building Safety Act that will affect almost every project and should not be underestimated. Our technical director has invested considerable time interpreting these and we’re strongly advising clients to plan time to consult on the implications. The big hurdle next year will be the general election and potential change of government. While this is shaped and a new financial environment emerges, we expect funding decisions to be delayed and this will particularly impact Built-to-Rent development, where we don’t anticipate much growth until 2025. Despite this, I still believe the property and built environment sector has reason to be cautiously optimistic, and even positive going into 2024.

Leading tax specialist joins Streets Chartered Accountants

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Leading tax specialist joins Streets Chartered Accountants
Acclaimed tax specialist Andrew Cockman has joined Streets Chartered Accountants. Andrew Cockman is a Chartered Tax Adviser and Trust and Estate Practitioner who has focused on private client and trust related taxation throughout his career in accountancy, having worked in Big 5 accountancy practices, as well as other firms in the top 10. His specialism includes tax planning for non-UK domiciliaries and their offshore trusts, as well as inheritance tax and capital gains tax consulting for shareholders in family companies and their family trusts. He is particularly interested in estate planning. Andrew is also closely involved with the Tax Faculty of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and is a member of the Private Client Committee of the Tax Faculty. He contributes a monthly article on estate planning for Croner i’s Tax Weekly as well as contributing regularly to the Tax Faculty’s TAXline magazine. Commenting on his appointment, Paul Tutin, Chairman and Managing Partner at Streets, said: “We are delighted to welcome Andrew to the firm with his appointment as a Tax Partner within our Tax practice and as a member of our Private Client team. “With the expansion of our practice, it is important we can service the needs of our clients and in particular the requirement for more specialist high-end tax advice and planning. Andrew will therefore be a great asset to our team and clients alike. We are very fortunate to have secured his appointment.” When asked what attracted him to Streets and what the new role means to him, Andrew Cockman said: “I was particularly attracted to the role with Streets as it has a progressive approach and it provides me with the opportunity to work with like-minded private client tax specialists in a supportive and entrepreneurial environment. “I am looking forward to both looking after the needs of clients but also being a key member of the firm’s private client tax team and developing the firm’s service and offering to meet the needs of individuals and owner managed businesses now and in the future.” In his role, Andrew will be working with and looking after clients from across Streets’ 23 offices, including those in London and the South East, the East of England, the South West, the Midlands and Yorkshire.

East Midlands manufacturer awarded £3.8m school fitout contract

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East Midlands manufacturer awarded £3.8m school fitout contract
Mansfield-based Deanestor, the furniture manufacturer, has been awarded its 13th school fitout project for Robertson Construction – a £3.8m contract for the new East End Community Campus in Dundee. Due to open in August 2025, the £100m campus for Dundee City Council will cater for 1,900 pupils and will replace two high schools. Deanestor will fit out over 300 rooms across the new three-storey campus, providing more than 4,000 items of loose and fitted furniture. Designed by Holmes Miller to Passivhouse standards, the scheme will create an inspiring and sustainable environment for learning and attainment, whilst celebrating the history and achievements of the individual schools. William Tonkinson, Deanestor’s Managing Director, said: “We welcome the opportunity to work as a partner of choice to both Robertson and Procurement Hub, and are looking forward to contributing to the delivery of another really high-quality, multi-use school campus in Scotland. “We are in no doubt that these facilities will make a tremendous difference to the local community in Dundee and to city-wide education.” A wide range of furniture and specialist school equipment will be provided by Deanestor for the new campus, such as dining tables and chairs, storage cabinets and wall units, teaching walls, booth seating, mobile tray units, changing benches, lockers, classroom and meeting tables, bookcases and shelving units, craft and science tables, sports equipment, solid-grade worktops for laboratories, and industrial shelving for metalwork and woodwork.

Design architect appointed to level up Cleethorpes’ Market Place

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Design architect appointed to level up Cleethorpes’ Market Place
A design architect has been appointed for Market Place as part of Cleethorpes’ Levelling Up Fund projects. Gillespies will play an integral role in the rejuvenation of the historic square, adding space for social interaction by reconnecting the busy seafront and town centre, creating jobs, and boosting the economy. These improvements will re-balance the relationship between traffic and pedestrians, encouraging wider circulation of people through the town by providing a safer, healthier, and more pleasant environment for pedestrians, encouraging a circular route from the seafront through to Market Place and to the town centre. North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC) has been awarded £18.4m of Levelling Up Funding (LUF) to transform Cleethorpes seafront. This includes three key areas – Market Place, Pier Gardens and Sea Road. The council’s delivery partner Equans and NELC’s project management team will work in partnership with the successful design consultancy to develop designs. Community engagement events will be undertaken with local businesses, the wider community, and residents within the vicinity of Market Place. These events will be designed to generate interest and ideas which will assist with the development of concept designs for Market Place. Once designs are finalised, a main contractor will be appointed during the summer, with works starting thereafter. Tom Walker, partner at Gillespies, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be helping NELC, local businesses and residents rethink and redesign the Market Place at Cleethorpes. This project is an incredible opportunity to transform a space with enormous potential. “What is particularly pleasing is working at a seaside resort and space, where joy, richness, and fun can be the focus. It’s important work, but not too serious. There are some excellent businesses around the area that will significantly benefit from the redesign, which could also transform the lives of local people and the visitor experience.” Councillor Philip Jackson, Leader of the council, said: “North East Lincolnshire Council has an ambitious vision for the growth and regeneration of the resort, diversifying Cleethorpes’ offer and extending the season, both to support the local economy and local people. We’re working hard to make sure that the money spent in this borough is to the benefit of everyone living and working here.”

New director for engineering design company

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New director for engineering design company
Bennett Engineering Design Solutions Limited, which is in its 25th year of trading, has appointed a new director. Seleena Creedon, who has been with Bennett Engineering since April 2020 as an external marketing and business consultant, has become a director of the company and will soon take a 40% shareholding. Her expertise from the world of manufacturing, her project management skills and ways of working have already helped the company over the last few years. As she steps into this new role she says: “My love for the world of manufacturing and engineering is absolutely met at Bennett Engineering. “The team are exceptionally talented, one of my favourite things is to see a CAD design, which is very complex, made. On a recent trip to a client’s base, it was fantastic to see something in full size after seeing it so much on my colleague’s computer screens. I am looking forward to growing the company and my professional skill set in my role as a director.” Seleena’s appointment follows that of Lewis Garrett in September as a trainee CAD technician, having completed a Physics degree at University of Leicester and a course on mechanical engineering. Lewis says: “Before Bennett Engineering I had a few jobs related to manufacturing engineering, I am grateful for the skills I gained but I never felt like I was pushed to succeed or growing my skill set. After just 4 months at Bennett Engineering I feel like I have grown more than the years I spent in other jobs. With the team genuinely interested in seeing me develop the future is bright.” John Bennett founded Bennett Engineering to offer project management and engineering services to manufacturers in the East Midlands. After over 25 years running the company and 50 years as an engineer, he’s going to spend more time on his mountain bike and less time in the business during the working week. John says: “I now feel very fortunate to be blessed with dyslexia. The special powers it brings were definitely NOT valued at school, but it has allowed me to have a successful whole life career as an engineer. “Over the past 50 years I have had the privilege of working with many skilled and talented people who have happily shared their knowledge and helped me to a position where I have bought up a family living off ideas that pop out of my head. “I would encourage anyone who has the ‘knack’ to become an engineer because they can experience the thrill of seeing the ideas become reality. As I have done here at Bennett Engineering.”

Next green light given to Newark Castle

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Next green light given to Newark Castle
Plans to create a new and improved visitor attraction at Newark Castle got another green light after plans were approved during Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Planning Committee.
Through a funding application via the National Lottery Heritage Fund along with a £3million allocation from Newark’s Towns Fund deal and a capital contribution, this project will see Newark Castle’s original Romanesque Gatehouse, named by Historic England as the most complete example of such a structure in England, reinstated as the spectacular entrance just as it was centuries ago. The new entrance will lead to five gallery spaces which follow the Castle’s story through time and bring its Medieval history to life through fascinating, fun and interactive interpretation including models, real and replica tactile objects and furniture, embroideries, trails and play, designed by Nissen Richards Studio. There will also be a tower-top viewing platform from which visitors can overlook great views of Trent Valley. These have been a focus of the project which also aims to enhance and protect the natural environment and green space within this historic site, establishing more biodiversity and enhancing accessibility through landscape development. Expert ecologists have been consulted to create a planting scheme which is more wildlife friendly, creating habitats and feeding places for insects, bees and birds, and incorporating bat and moth friendly lighting and bat roosts. The gardens were developed in the Victorian era with a commitment to provide a public space for everyone to enjoy. However, this did not account for modern accessibility and the plans will see routes updated for wheelchair users, people with low mobility and those with prams or pushchairs to be able to enjoy them equally as well as increased benches and seating. Councillor Rowan Cozens, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and the Arts at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “It’s great news that planning permission has been granted and we are now another step closer in bringing this amazing project to life. “It was important to us that local people were consulted during this process and we have listened, ensuring that HE Milner’s beloved flowerbed remains and that wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility are able to enjoy the full extent of the gardens. “This of course means that changes must be made but our landscape architect at Urban Edge Architecture has worked very hard to create new paths which comply to accessibility legislation. I’m delighted that this work will also see an increase in the biodiversity of this important green space as well as driving visitor numbers to boost our local economy and, hopefully, bolstering our residents’ pride in this very special local asset.” The project has received funding from Newark and Sherwood District Council’s application to the Government’s Towns Fund initiative which Newark Towns Fund Board supplied £3million to deliver the Castle Gatehouse project. The District Council has further submitted a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a further £1.4million and it is hoping that this application will be successful. Councillor Cozens continues: “I’m delighted that the beautiful grounds will remain free for everyone. The District Council is planning to use the grounds for a range of activities and events for all the community and entry to the galleries itself will be reduced for Newark and Sherwood residents. I’m incredibly excited about the future for Newark Castle and am waiting with eagerness for the next stage in its journey.” It’s anticipated that, once works are completed, the Castle will attract almost 17,000 visitors from outside of the district, helping to deliver sustainable economic growth as a destination attraction. The development incorporates a new facility beneath the gatehouse bridge which will be used for both learning visits and for community groups and outreach, providing an extra space in the centre of town for residents to come together. The town’s early evening economy will be supported too with plans to improve the lighting in the grounds to enable a safe ‘after dark’ experience.
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