< PreviousAll-New Bentley Continental GT Convertible All-New Bentley Continental GT Convertible 50 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK 50-51.qxp_Layout 1 04/02/2020 10:02 Page 1The Convertible’s outline is longer and lower than before due to the positioning of the front wheels 135 mm further forward. This has enabled the bonnet to be stretched and the nose to be dropped. The central signature power lines of its coupe relative still govern, flowing back towards the brawny rear haunches. Look inside, and the cabin of the Continental GT Convertible is a showcase for Bentley’s expertise in the use of natural materials. This is ultimately revealed to the world when the stylish roof is lowered. From the highest-quality hides to sustainably sourced veneers, the interior is a conquest for craftsmanship. Dual-veneer is even offered, with more than 10 square metres of wood used in every model. There is the choice of a polished wooden steering wheel, as well. Behind the wheel, there are technological advancements in the new GT Convertible. The driver- orientated instrument panel is totally digital and can be modified. The Bentley Rotating Display even offers the choice between an analogue or digital road-trip. The all-new Continental GT Convertible comes with Bentley’s phenomenally potent 6.0-litre, W12 TSI engine. Conceived, developed and hand-built in the brand’s English base at Crewe in Cheshire, it is the most advanced 12-cylinder powerplant on the planet. The new unit uses state-of-the-art engine management technology, with 300 million software calculations per second. It produces 635 PS and 900 Nm of torque, rushing the GT Convertible from 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds and on to a maximum speed of 207mph. And if you want to buy one, then you better have deep pockets. But then, this isn’t just a car – this Bentley is an automotive work of art. Heads will turn wherever you go – this is drop-top luxury at its best. Unquestionably a Bentley – the third incarnation of the Continental GT Convertible keeps the style and elegance of its predecessors. More chiselled and defined, the all-new body and materials join forces to give rise to a genuinely beautiful car – roof up or down. Fast Facts · Max speed: 207 mph · 0-62 mph: 3.8 seconds · Combined mpg: 22.8 · Engine: 6.0-litre W-12 TSI petrol · Max. power (ps): 635 · CO2: 284 g/km · Price: £176,000 www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 51 AUTOLINK 50-51.qxp_Layout 1 04/02/2020 10:02 Page 2Chartered status confirmed for Nottingham financial services firm Russell Ulyatt Financial Services, the wealth management and financial advice firm, has once again achieved Chartered status from the premier professional body for the insurance and financial planning profession, the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). This is the fourth year in a row that the firm, which is headquartered in Nottingham with offices in Derby and Sheffield, has achieved the coveted accreditation. The firm was awarded the landmark “Chartered Financial Planners” title by the CII following rigorous scrutiny of its professional practice in the conduct and management of its business. Ian Browne, Head of Advice at The RU Group, says: “Achieving Corporate Chartered status requires a percentage of the company’s financial planners to be Chartered themselves. As you can imagine, as the firm grows, the more challenging it is to maintain the Chartered status as the numbers of Chartered staff must grow with it. “This therefore requires our staff to undergo continual professional development to pass the required exams. We have placed great emphasis on this over recent years and have embedded a ‘culture of learning’ into the business as having highly skilled, knowledgeable financial planners ensures we achieve excellent results for our clients.” Ian adds: “However, it is not just about the exam success. The CII also place great importance on firms adhering to its professional Code of Conduct in their daily interactions with clients, staff and professional partners. This is something we regard highly, as do our clients, and I am pleased that this has been recognised by the CII.” To date, fewer than 750 of over 5,000 financial advice firms nationwide have achieved Chartered status. © SHUTTERSTOCK.COM / ELECTRIC EFG Derby business school awarded Small Business Charter status The University of Derby’s Business School has been awarded the Small Business Charter in recognition of its support for SMEs and the local economy. The award from Chartered Association of Business Schools is also recognition of the work Derby Business School does in developing entrepreneurial skills in students. The Small Business Charter (SBC) award is a national kitemark awarded by small businesses to recognise business schools which demonstrate excellence in supporting student enterprise, small businesses and the local economy. There are 34 business schools across the UK that hold the award. Among the key features which earned Derby Business School its accreditation was its offer of internships and placements as part of its career and employability service. The Derby Internship Programme, funded by the ERDF, engaged more than 1,400 students between 2016-2019, with over half of the small businesses involved giving students a part time or full-time role after the internship. The association noted Derby’s teaching facilities and its community business links. Banks Mill innovation and digital studios are fully occupied by students, graduates and creative entrepreneurs, while the business school’s base at the University’s Kedleston Road site provides “a visual presence at the heart of the city.” The University’s Careers and Employability Service was hailed as an “excellent hub of activity” which creates a fantastic environment for networking opportunities for both students and SMEs. The business school’s connections with stakeholders in Derby, have resulted in high quality events and workshops in the local area, supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship in the region, some of which include FSB, East Midland Chamber of Commerce, CBI, Princess Trust, D2N2 LEP, Erewash Partnership, and Destination Chesterfield. Professor Kamil Omoteso, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the College of Business, Law and Social Sciences at the University of Derby, said: “The confirmation of our Small Business Charter accreditation is fantastic news. There are more than 25,000 small businesses in Derby and Derbyshire, which is 88 per cent of all businesses in the city and county. “To show that our business school, with the full support of the whole University, has Small Business Charter status sends a clear message to the SME community that we are here to support them in their growth, to promote their activity as a vital part of our local and national economy, and to drive their sustainability. We recognise that at the heart of our University we have a body of students that are their future talent.“ 52 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk 52-53.qxp_Layout 1 04/02/2020 10:04 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk Marketing team up for Retail Assist’s marketing team have been named finalists category of ‘Marketing Team of The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) is a leading members worldwide. The award recognises the marketing team that has been instrumental to the success of their organisation through measurable results and a collaborative and strategic approach to marketing. Chris Daly, Chief Executive of CIM, said: “We have seen many outstanding entries this year, and the breadth of entries clearly demonstrates our profession’s hard work over the past 12 months. For over a decade, our Marketing Excellence Awards have recognised the industry’s achievements and high achievers, but, this year, picking a shortlist has proved harder than ever. “I would like to offer my congratulations to all those who have been shortlisted; they represent the very best in the UK’s marketing talent.” Alex Broxson, Head of Marketing, said: “It’s a huge honour to get to this stage and, as ever, a reflection not just of our immediate marketing team but of the wider Retail Assist team as a whole. We’re up against companies such as Hello Fresh and Birdseye, so we’re already delighted to be on the list! I’m so lucky to work with such a brilliant team, and I’m very proud of the results we have achieved.” The winners will be announced at an award ceremony in London on 2nd April. Nottingham Law School awarded contract to train CPS solicitor apprentices Nottingham Law School (NLS) is to deliver Solicitor Apprenticeships for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) after being awarded one of only two UK contracts. The contract will see NLS, part of Nottingham Trent University, deliver the programme for the North of England. This year 15 learners have joined NLS, with up to 10 per year expected thereafter for at least three years. Learners, who will work for the CPS during the programme, will complete four years of the LLB Law (Distance Learning) course. The final two years will be preparation for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE). At the end of the programme the apprentices will have a Qualifying Law Degree and, subject to successfully completing the SQE, will be qualified as solicitors and progress to a Crown Prosecutor role within the CPS. Helen Hudson, head of department at NLS, said: “As one of only two providers of this programme in the country, the awarding of this contract shows the quality of legal education at Nottingham Law School. We have innovated our courses ahead of SQE to meet the needs of an evolving legal profession, this makes us perfectly placed to train future CPS solicitors.” East Midlands Business Link 53 OUT OF OFFICE D2N2 Chair named CBE in New Year’s Honours List D2N2 Chair Elizabeth Fagan has been made a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) after being named in the New Year’s Honours list. The award has been bestowed for Elizabeth’s services to Gender Equality in Business. Elizabeth became Chair of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership in July 2018 and is also the Non-Executive Chair of Boots; having previously held the roles of Senior Vice President and Managing Director. Elizabeth previously held the position of Senior Vice President, Managing Director, International Retail, Walgreens Boots Alliance from the company’s creation in December 2014 to June 2016. During the eight years prior to the merger with Walgreens, Elizabeth held a number of Marketing Director roles within Alliance Boots and its businesses. Elizabeth re-joined Boots UK in 2006 as Managing Director of Boots Opticians, having previously worked for Boots Group some 16 years before this appointment as Group Buyer. Elizabeth also worked for DSG International Plc for 10 years. Elizabeth is also President of the Incorporated Society of British Advertisers and is a member and past President of Women in Advertising and Communications Club. She became a Fellow of the Marketing Society in August 2013 and was also a member of the ASA Council for six years. In January 2018, Elizabeth was appointed to the Board of the Office for Students, and in June 2018 was appointed Non-Executive Director of Brambles Limited. Elizabeth also sits on the first UK industry-led Retail Sector Council, which launched in March 2018. The CBE was established in 1917 as part of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire and is awarded for prominent national or regional achievements. British nationals, citizens of the Commonwealth, or anyone who has made a significant achievement for the United Kingdom are eligible to be nominated for the award. © SHUTTERSTOCK.COM / CANDYCLUB 52-53.qxp_Layout 1 04/02/2020 10:04 Page 254 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk Innovation Week 2020 Launch Event Monday 24th February Charnwood Campus, Loughborough At the launch of Innovation Week 2020, featuring free breakfast and hot drinks, hear from inspirational speakers and network with like-minded businesspeople. This is the third year Leicester Innovation Week has taken place, offering an opportunity for businesses, universities and business support organisations to work together to highlight Leicestershire as a primary spot for innovation. A variety of free events will take place throughout the week. For more information visit https://bit.ly/2NSkPNQ meaningful way. For more information visit https://bit.ly/3ay4dV8 Practical Preparations for Brexit Tuesday 18th February Commerce House, Chesterfield This workshop will help attendees identify key aspects of Brexit, its associated risks, challenges and opportunities that will impact business. The event will help one plan how to address these to assist with strategy development, budget planning and general preparations. Aimed at a senior management, sales, purchasing, logistics and finance audience, it will cover practical issues from clarification of the import and export process to incoterms and evaluating the supply chain. For more information visit https://bit.ly/30N7ZW9 Managing Cross- border Trade – Customs Declarations Wednesday 19th February Rushcliffe Arena, West Lincolnshire Farming Conference Tuesday 11th February Lincolnshire Showground The annual Lincolnshire Farming Conference features talks from a variety of speakers, case studies and one to one sessions with industry experts. The theme of this year’s conference is ‘the future is now’. Talks will cover topics from the fourth agricultural revolution to farming beyond Brexit. For more information visit https://bit.ly/2TMQhAJ Network and Learn: Corby – Wellbeing in the Workplace Wednesday 12th February Corby Innovation Centre Connect with members of the Corby business community at this networking event. The morning will feature a guest speaker, providing pointers on the responsibility employers have when it comes to the mental health of staff and will present practical advice on how to approach wellbeing – which when addressed can improve employee engagement and productivity – in a events Bridgford Asking delegates the question, “is your business ready for changes in Customs Declarations,” this event will prepare businesses and trade professionals for the future of trade. If you are a customs agent or use customs agents and intermediaries to help you trade in the EU, you will need to know how to meet customs requirements swiftly after the UK leaves the EU. This workshop is designed to help attendees understand what will be required in order to stay compliant with HMRC procedures on the new system. For more information visit https://bit.ly/38BBY6m © SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ TURGAYGUNDOGDU © SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ HAKKI ARSLAN 54-55.qxp_Layout 1 04/02/2020 10:05 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 55 Business Peak District Annual Conference Thursday 20th February New Bath Hotel & Spa, Matlock Dale This year’s Business Peak District conference will focus on Climate Change, Low Carbon Economy and the future wellbeing of the Peak District. It is also an opportunity for networking. For more information visit https://bit.ly/2NTqX8h Introduction to International Website Optimisation and Digital Marketing East Midlands Bricks Awards Wednesday 25th March Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, West Bridgford Organised by East Midlands Business Link Magazine, the Bricks Awards recognise the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape of our region. The awards are split into 10 categories covering every aspect of the property sector and will celebrate the achievements and standards set by both companies and individuals. Winners will be announced at this glittering awards ceremony in the Derek Randall Suite at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. For more information and to buy tickets visit https://bit.ly/2GhjR9r Chesterfield Skills & Employability Conference Wednesday 26th February Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa, Chesterfield Back for its fourth year, this conference aims to strengthen links between education providers and local businesses to ensure school leavers are ready for the world of work. The conference brings together leaders from the education and business community to create solutions that will engender a strong pipeline of talent across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire to provide a workforce holding skills required by employers. For more information visit https://bit.ly/2RikfLk Tuesday 25th February Streets Chartered Accountants, Lincoln Those attending this workshop will learn how to create an action plan for an international digital strategy. The event will show you how to use online research tools, help you plan for international website optimisation, look at creating a strategic approach to social media and social commerce, and help attendees understand how digital lead generation and international B2B can help attract and grow customers from around the globe. For more information visit https://bit.ly/2vedSzX The Budget 2020 Friday 13th March Constance Stewart Building, Lincoln This Budget presentation from Streets Chartered Accountants will feature a review of the announcements made by the Chancellor, give guidance on the impact of changes for individuals and businesses, offer an indication as to the steps to be taken to deal with the announcements, and present insight into the potential tax changes and financial implications following Brexit. The event aims to minimise any potential tax liabilities for delegates and help attendees take advantage of any schemes introduced to help businesses in the current climate. For more information visit https://bit.ly/2sQ7iyN © SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ IAN DAVIDSON PHOTOGRAPHY 54-55.qxp_Layout 1 04/02/2020 10:06 Page 256 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk IOD - DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS Entries are now invited for the coveted Institute of Directors (IoD) East Midlands Director of the Year awards 2020, which will be celebrating its 10th year. Entries for the 12 categories of awards can be made online via www.iodawards.com/eastmidlands. The closing date for entries is April 3. Nominations are accepted from IoD Members and non-members. There will also be a Chair’s Award for Excellence in Director and Board practice which recognises a significant personal contribution to the region. The East Midlands awards ceremony will take place at a lunch on Thursday 18 June at Winstanley House Leicester. Entries Open for IoD East Midlands Directors’ Awards The award categories for 2020 IoD Director of the Year are: • Social Value and Sustainability Impact Director • Family Business Director • Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Director • Innovation Director • International Director • Non-Executive Director • Public Sector Director • Third Sector • Start Up Director • Young Director • Small-Medium Business Director (below £50million turnover) • Large Business Director (£50million+turnover) Enquiries about sponsorship of the awards can be made via the IoD East Midlands Office on 0115 848 6190; sue.charlesworth@iod.com. www.iod.com/east-midlands 56.qxp_Layout 1 04/02/2020 10:07 Page 1FEATURES Petrochemical Spotlight Freight, Storage & Movement Materials & Components Finance Legal Services REGULARS Commercial Property Corporate Hospitality Motoring Watch out too for the latest news from across the region in every sector Next month in March 2020 - Deadline 19th February Visit us at www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk where you’ll find the latest news as it breaks – and why not subscribe to our newsletters so you can have. the latest news emailed to your inbox 57.qxp_Layout 1 04/02/2020 10:07 Page 1Here’s Frazer’s monthly collection of the weird and wonderful ‘news’ that came his way over the last few weeks! And finally The world of Frazer A toilet paper delivery robot? Why not? For Frazer, the start of each new year bestows a wonderful gift – the intriguing gadgets and tech at CES. Here’s a quick rundown of some of Frazer’s favourites from the 2020 event. Let’s start with something perhaps useful to those working on the go – the keyboardless keyboard from Samsung’s Creative Lab Project. Using a phone’s front camera and AI, the press of a non-existent key on an invisible keyboard appears on a smartphone – magic! Going down the more bizarre route, we discovered a robot food delivery cat for use in restaurants – why it’s a cat, we’ve no idea... but if you scratch behind its ears it will purr. The cat-bot will also, apparently, get mad if you do this for too long and interrupt its job – not joking. Speaking of cats, smart litter trays appeared, boasting urine and stool image recognition capabilities, while tech also infiltrated human bathrooms with a Bluetooth-enabled toilet paper delivery robot on show. The Charmin RollBot is controllable through a smartphone app and aims to present toilet paper to those left stranded on the loo! 2019 marked another record year for Christmas Day tax returns, presenting the question: are people doing it for the bragging rights at this point? Frazer can only wonder why one would want to submit tax returns during Christmas or indeed even on its close friend Boxing Day, which we all know should be reserved for recuperating from the 25th. Just over 3,000 people, however, sent off their tax return on Christmas – 248 of whom had completed the task by 8am – representing a 15% increase on 2018. Meanwhile Boxing Day saw more than 9,200 people take on the job. Now, admittedly it’s all too easy to get a bit of cabin fever over the holiday period, but tax returns? Really? One supposes being amongst those submitting tax returns over the festive period is better than being lumped with the hundreds of thousands who end up missing the January deadline… 58 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk Have a very merry tax return © SHUTTERSTOCK/ SUPAWAT BURSUK Did you hear? At a recent event, Frazer reflected with an old co-worker on days gone by. As they discussed people, actions and questionable choices, the phrase “oh you were always such a gossip” slipped from the ex-colleague's lips. Some might be offended by this label, but to readers of this section it probably comes as no surprise that this is not the first time Frazer has been given this description in the span of his career – thankfully, it has always been in jest, rather than an admonishment; or at least that’s what he likes to believe.... Fortunately for those who like to chat around the water cooler, a study hit headlines in January stating that gossip at work can actually be good for us all! A professor at the University of Salford has found that 61% of gossip in the workplace is positive and could even be considered beneficial. This must also prove the old adage that it’s better to be talked about than ignored. So, dear readers, if you have any juicy titbits that might make us smile please drop a line to your old friend Frazer (preferably on the back of a twenty pound note, where possible, if you wish to ensure total anonymity...). © SHUTTERSTOCK/ FEDORANISIMOV © SHUTTERSTOCK/ KAPUSTIN IGOR 58.qxp_Layout 1 04/02/2020 10:10 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 competetive. 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 0115 9934200 reception@huntingdonhousebusinesscentre.co.uk huntingdonhousebusinesscentre.co.uk 59.qxp_Layout 1 04/02/2020 10:11 Page 1Next >