MARCH 2020 EAST MIDLANDS LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www.blmgroup.co.uk WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK £3.50 01.qxp_Layout 1 03/03/2020 09:48 Page 1RaiseaboatloadforRainbows! Sunday2August2020-RiverTrent,VictoriaEmbankment Afabulousdayoffun,musicandentertainmentforallthefamily Actnow! Enterateamtoday! Tel01780470718-Entryformandconditionsoverleaf-Nopreviousexperienceneeded 02.qxp_Layout 1 03/03/2020 09:49 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 3 EDITORS NOTES I almost hesitate to mention Covid-19 for fear it’ll be grossly out of date by the time you’re reading this, given the speed at which the coronavirus has encompassed the globe since the first cases were announced in December last year. But with warnings from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development that the virus is sinking the world economy into its worst downturn since the 2007-08 global financial crisis; with large parts of Europe tipped for recession, and with the outbreak causing the MIPIM event to be rescheduled, businesses are right to be Supply chains and stock are already being affected, with the food and pharmaceutical sectors set to be some of the worst affected. Given the prevalence of both sectors here in our region, it’s probable that local firms won’t escape the crisis unscathed. Financial results released later this year will certainly make for interesting reading. It’s timely, then, that our finance feature explores ways in which companies can raise funds, but also how they can save money in-house with leaner, more efficient business practices and operations. The future of the petrochemical industry is the focus of this month’s spotlight which explores the ways in which businesses can balance growth with sustainability. Lowering CO2 emissions is also at the forefront of the materials & components feature, specifically what innovative eco-friendly materials and green building methods the construction industry can turn to. Legal services, meanwhile, highlights some of the most pressing business law services offered to companies, and Brexit rears its head in the freight, storage & movement feature. Our March issue is truly a barometer of the region, with the high-quality updates, insight and comment you’ve come to expect from East Midlands Business Link. Good reading, as always. Michael Fisher Editor 03.qxp_Layout 1 03/03/2020 09:56 Page 1ContentsMarch 2020 LATEST NEWS 6 A round-up of the latest news from our region BRICKS 202010 The Nominations are now in for East Midlands Business Link Bricks Award 2020. The awards are a chance to recognise and celebrate the region’s top projects, as well as the teams behind them. PETROCHEMICAL SPOTLIGHT14 For the petrochemical industry to avoid going the way of coal, it must respond to environmental concerns and embrace new technologies to lower its emissions output and help Britain achieve a cleaner, greener energy future. COMMERCIAL PROPERTY 18 Despite a fall in distribution units nationally, the East Midlands remains the dominant region thanks to its location and transportation links. But the region must ensure it has a strong pipeline of new units to meet demand. PUBLIC RELATIONS 22 Wanamaker difference to your marketing ROI?By Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR and Enterprise Nation Champion for Nottingham. FREIGHT, STORAGE & MOVEMENT24 The transport and logistics industry is a go-to location for cutting costs, but how much further can the industry be stretched? MATERIALS AND COMPONENTS 27 As a key contributor to waste and CO2 emissions, the building materials and components sector is seeking new eco options. BUSINESS SCENE 30 WREN Property Network (formally known as the ‘Women’s Real Estate Network’) celebrated its ten-year milestone with a branding refresh and a re-launch event at Nottingham’s Brewhouse & Kitchen on Trent Bridge in February. NETWORKING 32 When Opportunities Knock… By Fiona Duncan-Steer, founder of RSViP Business Networking Agency. CORPORATE HOSPITALITY34 Sports are a staple in corporate hospitality, a breeding ground for developing strong relationships with clients. FINANCE 37 Finance is ever an issue for any business, with cash flow often being the most important figure a company can look at. Coming off the back of a recession and now facing Brexit, it’s imperative that companies take every step at their disposal to maximise the efficiency of their cash flow TAX 40 New Capital Gains Tax Rules to watch out for on the sale of Residential Property By Jennie Brown, Tax Partner at Streets Chartered Accountants. GLYNIS WRIGHT & CO Q&A36 East Midlands Business Link spoke with Glynis Wright, a leading divorce lawyer and Head of Practice at Leicester’s Glynis Wright & Co Family Solicitors and President of the Leicestershire Law Society, about how a business can be affected in the event of divorce and what steps businesses and individuals can take. LEGAL 44 From data protection to intellectual property, there’s a raft of legal services to help assist, inform and guide businesses to operate with knowledge and confidence and react accordingly in the event of litigious action. MEET THE EXPERTS 44 There’s a wealth of industrial sectors across the East Midlands from its pedigree in manufacturing and construction to emerging fields such as cloud computing and game development. AUTOLINK48 The new crop of license plates launch this March and continue through to the end of August. New cars bought and registered between these dates will be sporting one of these new 20 series plates. So what new cars are launching and being showcased during this period? • Lotus Evora GT410 EVENTS54 A timely look at forthcoming business events around the East Midlands OUT OF OFFICE57 All the leisure sector news from the last month AND FINALLY...58 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 03/03/2020 09:57 Page 114 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 Journalists 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. @BLMEastMidlands BLMEastMidlands MARCH 2020 EAST MIDLANDS LE £3.50 EADING BUSINESS MAGAZZINE group.co.uk WWW.EASTMIDLANDSB 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 03/03/2020 09:57 Page 26 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk GENERAL NEWS Henry Brothers completes £30m Loughborough University refurb scheme Contractor Henry Brothers has completed a £30m scheme to refurbish and upgrade two key buildings at Loughborough University. The long-term development – one of the largest refurbishment projects ever carried out at the university – was undertaken in 19 different phases over more than two years to enable university staff and students to carry on with their work and to minimise disruption. It included the complete internal refurbishment of both the W and S buildings in the West Park area of the campus. The scheme involved upgrading labs, offices, study areas, lecture theatres, kitchens, toilets and refreshment venues to create light, airy and modern amenities, with state-of-the-art equipment, first-class teaching and learning facilities, and attractive break out spaces. More than 17,000 sq m of space over three floors has been refurbished and modernised in the two 1960s buildings, which are linked. Officially known as the Sir David Davies building, the W building houses Chemistry and Physics within the School of Science, and the Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering – one of the biggest engineering schools of its kind in the UK. It is also one component of the new School of Architecture, created as a direct response to the changing needs of architectural practise. The S building houses Materials and Chemical Engineering and is also the home of the Loughborough Materials Characterisation Centre, which provides a range of analytical services to support university research and consultancy services for business. New East Midlands Area Lead for the FSB The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has co-opted a new Area Lead representing Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Rachel Hayward is to help head up the group’s local grassroots lobbying activity in the East Midlands. Rachel owns a bid writing and consultancy service called ‘Ask the Chameleon’. She is based in Burton-upon-Trent and teaches business students part time at the University of Derby. Rachel scooped the Micro Business Award at the FSB Small Business Awards East Midlands in 2019 and joins Burton Joyce based Adam Roberts as the two Area Leads representing Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire for the FSB. Rachel Hayward said: “The FSB is a key advocate of small businesses both on a local level and a national level and I look forward to working hard as one of two Area Leads. “As someone who spends a lot of time working with students in Derbyshire, and nearby, I am really keen to work on developing the right skills for people running local small businesses to help them reach their maximum potential. “I can guarantee local small businesses I will be fighting on their behalf on these issues and much more.” She steps into the role after the previous area lead stood down for personal reasons. Rachel has received the full endorsement of the FSB Regional Chairman in the East Midlands, Les Phillimore. Les Phillimore said: “I’m delighted Rachel has been co-opted into this key role and wants to ensure that the voice of small businesses across the East Midlands is clearly heard. “Rachel will also become a key member of the East Midlands Regional FSB Team and I very much look forward to working with Rachel and FSB staff.” Kegworth firm acquired by global consulting engineering business Kegworth-based Integrated Food Projects (IFP), which provides independent advice to food and drink businesses, has been acquired by Danish consulting engineering company, NIRAS. The acquisition strengthens NIRAS’ position within the UK and international food and beverage sector and enables it to provide a full range of consulting and engineering services to the industry. As part of the transaction, NIRAS is also acquiring IFP Group subsidiaries SDA Design Consultants (SDA) and IFP Construction, which will bolster the businesses UK design and construction capability. Philip Chatfield, IFP CEO, said: “The new collective team within IFP, SDA, IFP Construction and NIRAS can now draw on a wider set of expertise which adds further dimensions to the services we offer. We will continue to operate as The IFP Group, and will be looking to expand the team here in the UK in the coming months – by joining NIRAS we have significantly strengthened our position within in the British and European food and beverage sector.” Thomas B. Olsen, Senior Vice President, NIRAS, said: “We are delighted with the acquisition as we believe our clients will benefit from the new combined business capabilities. “The expertise of the companies complement each other, and we can now offer our clients a comprehensive package of food business consulting, as well as advanced technical engineering solutions within the food and beverage industry.” The acquisition provides the IFP management team with the ability to continue to grow the business and deliver on its ambition of developing the business internationally, whilst better supporting its clients with a wider range of services. Thomas B. Olsen added: “For NIRAS and the IFP Group this means that we can offer complete end-to-end solutions and effectively become a one-stop consultancy for the British food and beverage sector.” 06-10.qxp_Layout 1 04/03/2020 10:26 Page 1Catena Network expands with new Lincoln franchise Catena Network, the specialist business network that helps like-minded business owners connect to grow or address specific business issues, is expanding, with the creation of a new Lincoln franchise. The network currently boasts circa 150 members, mainly drawn from the Nottinghamshire business community where it was launched in 2013 by Claire Bicknell. Now, Lincolnshire-based business development expert Stav Melides will lead the expansion of the brand eastward, by taking on the first of what is expected to be a range of franchises across the country. The network has grown through a regular series of events spread throughout the year and has increasingly run events outside of the region. However, the time has now come for a more permanent presence outside of Catena’s home city of Nottingham, according to Claire. “I am so excited to be working with Stav on this exciting new chapter in the Catena story,” said Claire. “He has been an active member of Catena for many years and understands our values perfectly in terms of how we help people and businesses to connect. “As we have grown, we have increasingly had members who are based in different cities ask us about how they can connect outside of their immediate location, whether that is to start new ventures, expand their reach or to form strategic alliances. “Up until now, it is something that we have assisted with but not actively worked on, however, Stav will help us to do just that. He has vast experience in business development and real commercial acumen that will not only help Catena to grow but also help our members and that is the key for me.” Stavros ‘Stav’ Melides is the co-founder of Glyvolution, a comprehensive lead generation and business development company based in Lincoln. Stav said: “When aligned correctly with your business goals, networking is an invaluable resource to any business. Sadly, many networks lack a purpose or a real identity. Catena’s offering is very simple, we are business match-makers, introducers if you will. This is networking as it is meant to be, not a numbers game. This is focussed effort that builds relationships and becomes a key part of the business strategy.” www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 7 GENERAL NEWS Lincs firm looks to double turnover Lincolnshire-based SL Engineering, a supplier to some of the world’s most demanding fuel, hydraulic and other critical fluid conveyance applications, is aiming to double turnover to over £12 million by 2023, thanks to a £1.5 million refinancing package from HSBC UK. The company has made a series of investments in state-of-the-art equipment including all-electric bending machines and three and five-axis machine tools to produce quality end fittings. These investments are set to increase turnover by 100%, and increase SL Engineering’s workforce by up to 36%, from 77 to 105 employees. The investment will improve cash flow within the business, allowing it to remain competitive, deliver cost-savings and meet steep production © STEVE EDWARDS PHOTOGRAPHY Automotive • Fashion • Commercial Events • Headshots Call or email for a quote 07506 998855 • steve@steveedwardsphotography.com steveEdwardsphotography.com Creating images for your business as individual as you are. 06-10.qxp_Layout 1 04/03/2020 10:27 Page 28 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk GENERAL NEWS New tenant rides into former Triumph Motorcycle Works A new tenant is to move into the former Triumph Motorcycle Works in Hinckley, Leicestershire. Global experience designers and future technologies firm Holovis, has taken 52,141 sq. ft. of the building in a deal managed by East Midlands Chartered Surveyors, Wells McFarlane. Andrew McFarlane Holt, Director at Wells McFarlane, said: “The former Triumph Motorcycle Works comes with a very rich heritage and we are delighted to have secured its future with a tenant of this pedigree.” Acting on behalf of the landlord Wells McFarlane advised on the letting of the property, attracting Holovis to the premises. Andrew added: “Given the size and scale of facilities on offer together with excellent links to local engineering businesses and University graduates it’s not surprising we attracted a global name like Holovis.” Stuart Hetherington, Holovis CEO, said: “This is a major move for us, effectively underpinning our ongoing growth strategy, with the new building further strengthening our employer of choice credentials.” IoD appoints new regional director The Institute of Directors (IoD) has appointed Natalie Sykes as Regional Director for the East Midlands. She succeeds Ron Lynch, who ends a 12-year stint as regional director to take on a national role as the IoD’s University and Student Engagement Director, where he will forge closer links between education, academia and business. Natalie adds the East Midlands to her existing role as Regional Director for Yorkshire and the North East. A qualified interior architect, Natalie spent more than two decades working across the UK, Europe and Africa on projects for private owners, national and international hotel groups before moving into management consultancy within the real estate sector. She served as a trustee and board director at the Grade II Thackray Medical Museum, Leeds and was the youngest ever chairman of regeneration charity the Groundwork Federation, where she served for eight years. Natalie has achieved the IoD’s prestigious Chartered Director status and holds a fellowship. Ground broken at educational resource supplier’s new Hucknall HQ Harrier Park partners, Muse Developments and Rolls-Royce, together with new occupier RM Educational Resources, have broken ground on a new 195,840 sq ft building, in the heart of the 70-acre mixed-use scheme. GMI Construction Group plc has been appointed as the scheme’s main contractor, with the building programme due to complete in November 2020. Educational resource supplier, RM Educational Resources, agreed a deal in January to move their UK headquarters to the 195,840 sq ft building at the scheme, following a period of sustained growth. Dan Needham, development director at Muse Developments, said: “It’s a proud milestone for everyone involved at Harrier Park. It’s also a great opportunity to bring partners together and we look forward to working with RM, GMI and Rolls- Royce as the scheme progresses. “We firmly believe that we’re delivering an innovative development here, which blends together commercial space and employment opportunities, alongside a mixture of vibrant homes to suit everyone, amenities, infrastructure improvements, and open space for the community to enjoy.” Harrier Park, is part of a long-term partnership between Rolls-Royce and urban regeneration specialist, Muse Developments, that will bring nearly one million sq ft of employment space, alongside hundreds of new homes and community facilities built on surplus land alongside the Rolls-Royce Aerospace supply chain plant off Watnall Road. © RICHARD WALKER-IMAGENORTH 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 06-10.qxp_Layout 1 04/03/2020 10:27 Page 3Nottingham property management firm snapped up A Nottingham property management business has been acquired by a fast-growing Yorkshire firm for an undisclosed sum. Marriotts Commercial – which is the commercial property management arm of Marriotts estate agency – is the fifth acquisition in two years for Barnsdales. Barnsdales will now take over its portfolio of 19 apartment blocks comprising 566 leasehold properties, and 100 commercial properties throughout Nottinghamshire, along with its team of four staff and the first- floor offices in Mapperley. John McCluskey, a partner at Marriotts who leads the team, said: “Barnsdales’ long-standing reputation and professionalism gave us huge comfort that we are handing on our business to a safe pair of hands. Marriotts’ clients will benefit from a more sophisticated management firm with greater resources. We are sure they will be well looked after.” Founded in 1905, Barnsdales is now run by the fifth generation of the family. The company, which is based in Doncaster, also has offices in Sheffield, Cirencester, London and Manchester and has around 2,700 units under management. Jason Barnsdale, Managing Director, said: “Since launching our growth strategy in 2018, we have added over 1,600 units to our portfolio. Marriotts is another important acquisition for us and will help to strengthen our regional coverage as well as becoming a more sophisticated block manager.” Following the deal, Barnsdales has also secured further funding from NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, to support its increased growth capital requirement. It brings the fund’s total commitment to the business to over £300,000. www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 9 GENERAL NEWS UK’s fastest growing regional economy The East Midlands recorded economic growth of 1.6% Gross Value Added (GVA) last year – making it the UK’s fastest growing regional economy in 2019. According to EY’s Regional Economic Forecast, the East Midlands’ table-topping GVA growth was supported by a strong performance in the labour market, with employment growth of 3.4% – more than double the rate recorded in the UK as a Looking ahead (2020 – 2023), the region’s growth is forecast to be 1.6% GVA, falling marginally behind the overall growth of English regions of (1.8%). However, the East Midlands is expected to outperform the West Midlands (1.4%). In the East Midlands, manufacturing will continue to bolster the regional economy as the sector is expected to contribute the most GVA in the period to 2023. However, whilst the sector’s GVA will recover from contracting 0.3% between 2016 and 2019, its growth is expected to remain subdued at 0.3% until 2023. 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