JANUARY 2021 EAST MIDLANDS LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www.blmgroup.co.uk WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK £3.50 IT AND TELECOMS Adapt, evolve, survive EMPLOYMENT LAW New yer, new laws RENEWABLES A winning mix RISING TO THE CHALLENGE RISING TO THE CHALLENGE 01.qxp_Layout 1 08/01/2021 11:39 Page 1Businesses across the UK are looking at their day to day operations, asking how they implement best practice as they begin to recover from this pandemic. For those in the hospitality industry, food safety plays a key role in protecting your customers and staff, as well as gaining consumer confidence. Speak to your local Chemex Expert for support and guidance on reopening safely, without breaking the bank! Contact Peter Cussans at Chemex Lincolnshire for friendly help and advice. peter.cussans@chemexuk.com | Tel 07941733201 INTER N Food Food &&& Food Food & N ATI O N &&Drin Drin Drin &&Drin AL nk nk nkk app A r f h hi ts a ews Ingredient spotlight End offline packkaaging For businesses that are serious about reducing their carbon footprint www.blmgroup.co.uk VOLUME 4 ISSUE 1 W W W. R E N E W A B L E S A N D E N V I R O N M E N T. C O M E A S T M I D L A N D S L E A E A D I N G B U S I N E S S M A G A A Z I N E APRIL 2020 0 £3. .50 BUS SUP SINES T PPOR SS TING B THCART HEAL YY FACTOR RE OFF FICE ea Stopping the spr THCAR WW HEAL d thinkinForwar TT AUTOMA Y AFACTOR ad WW EASTMIDL RE A hea SOL OFF ng factories LANDSBUSINE TION ficefalthy of LUTIONS ESSLINK CO U FICE w UK www.blmgroup.co.uk Focus on TA Pharm rld o our guide to the pharmaceutical w Y B U S I N E S S I N T E R N A L ma olume 8 Issue 1 V T I O N declares g rrld Heaooo W coron F ganisa gg l b l g l h O virusna g gency ti medi Nucle Prev aaccinV The nuclea b f treatment ve The P l t k aage n e t eelopment t vv om derF w w w di i k . p b i f o r u m . n yorkshire & lincolnsh hire’s leading business ma magazine april 2020 £3.5 50 TO T RES C THE SPOND CRISIS DING S YY FACTOR C TTHEAL OFF THCARE FICE safety Ensuring e TTHEAL e of factories The futur TION T AUTOMA YY AFACTOR fices healthyf Keeping of SOLUTIONS OFFICE employee THCARE V w VOLUME 35 ISSUE 4 .blmgroup.co.uk www Often Imitated - Never Equalled EMPOWER Your Business www.blmgroup.co.uk 02.qxp_Layout 1 08/01/2021 11:45 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 3 EDITORS NOTES In a move that should surprise no one, we’ve been placed into a third national lockdown. Unlike last time, the restrictions (and the fines for flouting those restrictions) are much more severe. Although the decision once again seemed to be made at the eleventh hour, ultimately it’s good news for our ongoing fight against COVID-19. Unfortunately, it’s come at one of the worst possible times for many businesses. Not only has the Brexit transition period come to an end, but the post-festive period is often a difficult one for businesses. However, bosses and employees alike have learned a lot from the previous two lockdowns and businesses will endure. While 2021 might feel familiar, the nation is entering a new era. After four years and three Prime Ministers, we finally, finally secured a half- decent Brexit deal with the EU. It’s not perfect, it won’t please all quarters, but it’s a damn sight better than a no-deal (which had seemed inevitable). No doubt there’ll be teething troubles, but at least now we can put an end to speculation, uncertainty and second guessing. After all that’s said and done, it’s still a new year and that means it’s an ideal time to take stock of one’s business and see where efficiencies can made and how operations can be made leaner. That’s the theme of our first issue of this new decade, from our productivity & efficiency in manufacturing spotlight, to our IT & telecoms feature. Therein, you’ll find advice, guidance and support to aid you on your journey into 2021 and beyond. It’s a brave new world, so let’s make it count. Good reading, as always Michael Fisher Editor Welcome... 03.qxp_Layout 1 08/01/2021 11:48 Page 1@BLMEastMidlands BLMEastMidlands Latest news 6 A round-up of the latest news from our region Productivity and efficiency in manufacturing spotlight 17 Embracing automation and staff training can have a transformative effect on a manufacturing business’ productivity and efficiency. Often, it all starts with a workflow assessment. Purpose Media Q&A 20 We asked Ellie Buckle, Head of Digital & Strategy at Purpose Media, how her strategic advice helps drive impact and return on investment. Commercial property 22 Industrial and logistics were the commercial property sectors that boomed last year, seeing the small pool of units available in our region shrink further. Here we look at some of the new developments expanding space for the in- demand sector. Tax 26 In the year of the metal ox hard work, collaboration and new ideas could be rewarding and invigorating By James Pinchbeck, Partner at Streets Chartered Accountants . New year, new suppliers28 Changing suppliers is a great way for a company to begin any new year but, amid the continuing coronavirus crisis, it can also be a means for companies to reduce overheads and reinvest elsewhere in their businesses. IT and telecoms30 Over the last year, companies have found their IT and telecoms systems tested under the strain of COVID-19. For some companies, it’s validated investments in robust digital infrastructure and cybersecurity solutions, while for others it has laid bare the need to upgrade their communications technology. Logistics and transport33 In light of the latest lockdown and with communities cut off, logistics and transport has come more into the public eye than it ever has in recent years. Networking36 10 creative ideas to boost team morale through the screen By Fiona Duncan-Steer, founder of RSViP Business Networking Agency. Employment law38 A new year means new legislation, but will this year be calm and easy for business, or a legislative nightmare? 2021 business predictions 40 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. Public relations 44 Avatar - terrible film, brilliant message for marketers seeking a new year’s resolution By Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR and Enterprise Nation Champion for Nottingham. EAST MIDLANDS L E E ADING BUSINESS MAG AZINE JANUARY 2 021 £3. .50 CHA RISI ALLEN ING T NGE TO TH HE C IT AND YYEMPLO REYMENT ABLESNEW Adapt, evolve, surv TELECOMS WW IT AND , newNew yer WWLA YEMPLO W EASTMIDL vive A wi RE w laws ANDSBUSINE YMENT nning mix ABLESA ESSLINK CO U NEW w UK www.blmgroup.co.uk Cover photographs courtesy: • Shutterstock - Dmitry Naumov • by-studio • panuwat phimpha • docstockmedia • Milos Muller Contents January 2021 www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AutoLink 46 As the interest in electric vehicles (EVs) rises in response to a fresh push from the Government, car enthusiasts are not only looking at new EVs, but considering converting their classics. Renewavbles50 Although solar power and onshore wind make up the lion’s share of the East Midlands’ renewable production, anaerobic digestion is becoming increasingly important of the region’s renewable energy mix. 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 08/01/2021 11:50 Page 150 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 08/01/2021 11:51 Page 26 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk GENERAL NEWS Derby receives business backing for future fuels ambitions Council leaders say they are delighted with the support they are receiving from the business community after setting out Derby’s ambition to become the UK’s leading centre for future fuels technology. The city council announced in October that it wanted to use Derby’s advanced manufacturing expertise to revolutionise the way low- carbon energy is used to power businesses, transport and homes. It believes Derby’s high-tech businesses are ideally placed to develop the equipment and infrastructure that will allow communities to generate low-carbon power and to capture and store by-product or waste energy. They say the plan will create new jobs, reduce energy costs for domestic and commercial customers, assist with UK energy security and help with diversification of the economy and decarbonisation goals. The proposals have been well-received by the business and academic communities and more than 80 companies and organisations are now working with the authority to develop its thinking. Arup, a global firm of designers, planners, engineers, architects, consultants and technical specialists, has been commissioned to conduct a study into the potential of hydrogen as part of the future fuel landscape in the region. They have carried out workshops with local stakeholders to assess the opportunities for hydrogen production, storage and transfer to unlock new and existing sites in the area, including its application to industry; the use of hydrogen to decarbonise heating; transformation of the transport sector and the skills and research that will be required and job opportunities created to make this a reality. City council leader Councillor Chris Poulter said the city’s strengths in engineering and innovation meant it was uniquely placed to lead on developing the technology that would enable widespread use of future fuels. Energy sources being considered include renewables, advanced micro nuclear, advanced gas, friction, batteries and hydrogen. “Derby already has the research, development and manufacturing skills to make and deliver market-ready products for the integration of future fuels into an energy system and it has been deeply rewarding to receive so much interest from potential partners to help move this exciting initiative forward,” said Councillor Poulter. Region’s business confidence reaches highest point since March 2020 Business confidence in the East Midlands rose 17 points month-on-month to -5% during December, its highest level since the beginning of the pandemic in March, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. East Midlands firms’ optimism towards the economy improved 33 points month-on-month to 3%, with confidence in their own business prospects rising two points on November’s reading to - 12%. Together, this gives a headline confidence reading of -5%. Businesses’ hiring intentions showed that a net balance of 10% of businesses in the region expect to reduce staff levels over the next year, up three points on last month. The Business Barometer questions 1,200 businesses monthly and provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. Across the UK, overall confidence saw the biggest month-on-month increase in four years, growing 17 points on November’s reading to -4%. Economic optimism jumped 23 points to -5%, while firms’ confidence about their trading prospects increased 11 points to -3%. All 12 UK nations and regions saw a rise in overall confidence during December. The most marked improvements were reported in Scotland (up twenty-nine points to -9%); the South West (up twenty-two points to 5%) and the West Midlands (up twenty-two points to 4%). The North East, South West and West Midlands all moved into net positive territory for the first time since March this year. 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 Food Enterprise Centre to be developed in Melton Melton Borough Council has approved plans to establish a Food Enterprise Centre (FEC) in the area. The Council’s Corporate Strategy 2020- 2024 made commitments for the Council to support growth and prosperity within Melton. A key part of this was to enhance Melton’s reputation as the ‘Rural Capital of Food’; providing support to key manufacturing and tourism sectors and working to establish a new Food Enterprise Centre (FEC). The council will work collaboratively with partners to deliver a range of FEC activities from the southern end of the Livestock Market and encourage more local businesses to utilise the space. The council have secured £100k funding from the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) to deliver the actions. Cllr Leigh Higgins, Deputy Leader of the Council, stated: “Food production and nutritional science is a key economic sector for Melton. Covid-19 has had a significant effect on many food and drink businesses. The development of a Food Enterprise Centre should offer support to local businesses in this industry, through the provision of space, advice, facilities and attracting footfall. “The Food Enterprise Centre will allow Melton to attract and retain major events, as well as provide a space for the community and businesses to engage in food demonstration events and networking events. “This development will help maintain and build upon Melton’s identity as ‘Rural Capital of Food’, establishing Melton as a unique and engaging place to visit, which offers immersive food experiences alongside its rich heritage.” © Shutterstock /Sean K © Shutterstock /LightField Studios 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 08/01/2021 11:59 Page 1East Midlands leaders react angrily to proposals scaling back HS2 Political and business leaders from across the East Midlands have reacted angrily to proposals suggesting the region’s HS2 connection to Birmingham and the North could be drastically scaled back. The National Infrastructure Commission’s Rail Needs Assessment Plan comes ahead of the Government’s announcements about how and where it will fund major rail investments aimed at helping the UK recover from Covid and create jobs across the country. Regional leaders in the Midlands and the North have spent the past five years developing plans which use HS2’s arrival at Toton and Chesterfield as the centrepiece of a joined-up economic growth strategy which would create thousands of jobs and transform rail connections between the East Midlands, Birmingham, Leeds, the North East and Scotland. But the NIC has tabled ideas which include a proposal for the HS2 line to terminate at East Midlands Parkway – a location dismissed as unworkable by feasibility studies – and put passengers back on to the old network if they want to travel further north. Despite indicating that future rail connectivity could be scaled down in the Midlands, the NIC’s report appears to assume that the second stage of Crossrail in London – previously estimated to cost £27 billion – should go ahead. Government will take the final decision on which option to choose in the East Midlands, with political and business leaders in the region now doubling down on their demands that it honours its commitment to build the station at Toton and deliver HS2 East in full. www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 7 GENERAL NEWS Businesses invited to collaborate on solar panel efficiency project Businesses are being invited to collaborate with researchers at the University of Derby who are leading a project to boost energy efficiency in thousands of homes. The team from the University’s School of the Built and Natural Environment has been looking at how thermal/photovoltaic, or solar, panels can work more effectively. The researchers are examining how the construction of these systems could be adapted to make them more efficient and help us to harness more power from renewable sources. Professor Stamatis Zoras, who is leading the research, believes the benefits for housing developers, homeowners and landlords, including local authorities, could include a significantly quicker return on their investment. He said: “Solar panels are often seen as one of the most practical ways in which people can make their homes more energy efficient, saving them money and also helping to reduce CO2 emissions, which can contribute to climate change. What our researchers have looked at is whether we can increase the amount of energy the panels can generate by changing the way they are designed.” • 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 /William Potter © Shutterstock /ATEN7 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 08/01/2021 12:00 Page 2APPOINTMENTS Northampton housebuilder makes duo of appointments A Northampton-based housebuilder has made two senior appointments within its construction team. Don Burley has been promoted from area construction manager to head of construction at Redrow South Midlands, based on Waterside Way, while site manager Alan Cooke has been named as his successor. After starting out as a brick layer 36 years ago, Loughborough local Don worked his way up in the industry. Throughout his career, which includes 26 years of management experience, Don has overseen a host of developments within the South Midlands area and is looking forward to continuing to develop the region’s provision of new homes. He is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). Alan will take the role of Redrow South Midlands’ new area construction manager. Alan has worked for Redrow for 13 years, also working his way up the ranks after starting as a site operative. Don Burley, head of construction at Redrow South Midlands, said: “I always liked buildings things as a child, so it’s fair to say my appointment as head of construction has been a lifetime in the making! “From starting out as a bricklayer to my first steps into management over twenty-five years ago, my journey within the industry has been incredible, and I’m thrilled to take on this new challenge. “No matter what your role is in the housebuilding industry, there’s nothing like handing over the keys of a new home to a customer and seeing them happy in their new home. I’m looking forward to developing the region even further and ensuring the highest standards of constructions are maintained across the division so many more people get to experience this feeling.” John Mann, Managing Director at Redrow South Midlands, said: “Don has been an asset to the company from the moment he joined us as area construction manager three years ago, so I’m confident he’s the best person for the job. His career path gives him a unique view of every single aspect of the business and I know he’ll bring his expertise to his new role as head of construction and take the division even further forward. “I’m also thrilled to see Alan follow in Don’s footsteps – he is a fantastic site manager, and I’m confident he will bring his wealth of experience to his new area construction manager role. We’re all looking forward to seeing them flourish in their new roles – congratulations Don and Alan!” LLEP appoints two new members to board of directors The Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership Ltd (LLEP) has appointed Larraine Boorman and Clare James MBE to its Board of Directors. Larraine Boorman is Chairman and Chief Executive of Optima UK, while Clare James has recently been appointed Managing Director of East Midlands Airport. Business leaders were invited to apply to join the LLEP Board to play a major role in driving economic growth and prosperity in the city and county. Larraine Boorman has over 25 years’ senior executive experience and brings significant and diverse sector knowledge to the LLEP Board. She started her career as a ‘fast-track’ management trainee in the engineering and manufacturing sectors, before moving into senior management roles in engineering; logistics and distribution; construction; employment and skills; and training and education. This is not the first time Larraine’s expertise has been called upon in this kind of role: she has previously held sector association board positions and represented industry at political policy forums at both Whitehall and Holyrood. Upon her appointment to the LLEP Board of Directors, Larraine said: “I’m delighted to be joining the LLEP Board. I have lived and worked in Leicestershire for many years, and through my work with Optima UK am confident that I can deliver for our region’s SMEs. “Optima’s vast client base is very representative of the local Leicester and Leicestershire economy, and it is important to me that they are served as best we can through strong trusted and respectful relationships, collaboration, influence and support. “By representing the LLEP as a non-executive Board Member, I can bring first-hand, practical insights from the business community and as a representative of local SMEs.” Larraine Boorman and Clare James MBE 8 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk Don Burley 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 08/01/2021 12:00 Page 3HSG appoints Operations Director to lead growth Washroom services and water conservation specialists HSG has appointed David Tainton as Operations Director to lead the company through its next stage of expansion. Mr Tainton has held senior operational and technological strategic positions at several major companies including Capital One, Sky UK, Egg and Pendragon and joins the Derby-based HSG at a pivotal point in its 12-year history. HSG Managing Director Simon Rice explained: “David’s experience in both operational change and digital transformation will be crucial to ensure effective growth across all aspects of the business as we broaden our geographical reach and increase our employee numbers.” David Tainton concluded: “HSG has always punched above its weight to become a market leader in the highly competitive washroom services and water conservation industry. “The company’s values of innovation, flexibility and customer service have laid solid foundations for the next stage in its development and growth and I am excited to be part of the next chapter for HSG.” Hinckley-headquartered flooring retailer appoints new Commercial Director An online flooring retailer based in the Midlands has made a key appointment as part of its rapid expansion. UK Flooring Direct, which is headquartered in Hinckley and recently added a new office and warehouse in Coventry, has appointed Elia Green as Commercial Director. Elia joined the business from Homebase in April 2019 as Head of Marketing Campaigns before being promoted to Marketing Director just a few months later. The company, which has just seen an injection of £8 million in investment from BGF, is now growing its senior management team to ensure it can continue to accelerate its expansion as it heads towards 200 employees and will be adding new product categories in 2021. That has seen Elia, who spent 13 years with Homebase, move into the role of Commercial Director, reporting to Chief Commercial Officer Josh Ashby and CEO Jason Ashby. Elia said: “This is an exciting new role for me at a pivotal time for UK Flooring Direct. I joined the business less than two years ago because I could see the huge potential of what Jason, Josh and the team were building here. “In recent weeks, we have really started to see some of those major plans starting to come to fruition with the expansion into additional space to handle our growth in product categories as well as the major investment that will see growth plans accelerated. “The past year and a half have been extremely fast-paced and it has been incredibly rewarding to be part of the company’s growth story. I’m looking forward to carrying that on in the weeks, months and years ahead.” Josh added: “Elia has been an integral part of our success since she joined just a short time ago and we are delighted to see her move into the role of Commercial Director. She has a strong background in the home improvement sector which is experience we can call upon as we grow the business.” www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 9 APPOINTMENTS Alex McIntosh Elia Green David Tainton EY appoints new director to its Private team in the Midlands EY in the Midlands has welcomed director Alex McIntosh to its Private team, to support and advise owner-managed and privately-owned businesses across the region. Alex joins EY from HSBC, where he spent three years developing the bank’s key accounts and relationships with privately-owned and owner- managed businesses in the Midlands. Prior to this, he spent 10 years at Barclays in the Midlands and London, working with fast growth businesses and entrepreneurs. He joins EY at a time when the business is growing its advice and support for companies operating in the private middle market, having already recruited several key individuals to manage this expansion in the last few months. With experience spanning over 13 years, Alex has also supported PLC and AIM-listed companies operating in high growth industries and is looking forward to the opportunity to work with existing EY clients and exploring opportunities to build relationships with new ones. Alex said: “The Private market is a great space to work in, from my experience, businesses operating in this sector are some of the most innovative and entrepreneurial, quick to adapt and agile in their approach to looking at new opportunities. “These traits have very much been needed in the current economic climate, as businesses face the ongoing challenge of COVID-19, and work towards a post- Brexit UK economy. I’m really looking forward to being part of the next phase in this journey, working with businesses in the region and contributing to the success of the regional economy.” 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 08/01/2021 12:00 Page 4Next >