APRIL 2020 EAST MIDLANDS LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www.blmgroup.co.uk WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK £3.50 Stopping the spread Forward thinking factoriesA healthy office 01.qxp_Layout 1 02/04/2020 13:53 Page 1 INTERN Food Food Foo NATION Drin Drin Dri AL nk nk n ts ws Ingredient spotlight End ofline packaging For businesses that are serious about reducing their carbon footprint www.blmgroup.co.uk VOLUME 4 ISSUE 1 WWW.RENEWABLESANDENVIRONMENT.COM EA ST M ID LA ND S LEA EA DIN G B US IN ESS M A GAA ZIN E APRIL 2020 0 £3..50 ea Sto pping the s pr d th inkin Fo rwar ad A h ea ng facto ries ficef althy of w K www.blmgroup.co.uk EMPOWER Your Business Focus on rld o our guide to the pharmaceutical wY olume 8 Issue 1V declares g rld Hea oooW coron F ganisa gg lbl g lhO virus na g gency ti medi Nucle Pre v accin V The nuclea bf treatment ve P t net www .pbiforum.n yorkshire & lincolnsh hire’s leading business ma magazine april 2020 £3.5 50 safety Ensuring e e of factories The futur fices healthyf Keeping of employee V w VOLUME 35 ISSUE 4 .blmgroup.co.ukwww Often Imitated - Never Equalled www.blmgroup.co.uk 02.qxp_Layout 1 02/04/2020 13:54 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 3 EDITORS NOTES Our March issue seems a world away. So much has changed in the weeks since then with millions of people now working from home and the UK being effectively placed into lockdown. It’s hard to believe that in less than quarter of a year, the coronavirus outbreak has impacted almost every aspect of the economy and our working lives. There’s not a single sector that springs to mind that hasn’t in some way been affected. Despite all the financial support the government has made available to businesses, the next few months are by no means going to be easy. Already we’ve seen some corporate casualties and, sadly, there’ll likely be more on the way. The pandemic is compounding pre- existing issues, be them financial or workforce related, and that’s to say nothing about Brexit. During these uncertain times, businesses need clarity, guidance, insight and advice. Fortunately, you get all that and more with East Midlands Business Link. Across our website, e-shots and social channels we’ve been regularly updating business leaders, decision makers and company bosses on how the situation is developing, the response from government, support for businesses and how businesses in our region are reacting. That same quality and insight can also be found in our magazine. As well as delivering all the in-depth and high-quality regular content you’ve come to know and expect, our April issue is filled with information, insight and commentary about coronavirus, its effects on business and what companies can are doing to combat the effects. Good reading, as always. Michael Fisher Editor 03.qxp_Layout 1 02/04/2020 13:54 Page 1ContentsApril 2020 LATEST NEWS 6 A round-up of the latest news from our region COMMERCIAL PROPERTY 17 We explore the impact of coronavirus on the commercial property market and how it’s affecting both occupiers and owners. TAX 20 By Gerry Myton, Indirect Tax Partner at Streets Myton Mulholland Tax Advisory LLP, the specialist tax advisory arm of Streets Chartered Accountants. FACTORY AUTOMATION22 With the connection opportunities of IoT, sensors, the wealth of new technologies available and the declining price of robotics, heightened factory automation is on the horizon. HEALTHCARE 26 COVID-19 is the biggest and most profound healthcare issue facing businesses at present. Here we explore how the outbreak has affected businesses and how employers and employees alike can help to limit the spread. NETWORKING 30 Keep calm and carry on digitally - navigating change in these uncertain times by Fiona Duncan-Steer, founder of RSViP Business Networking Agency. OFFICE SOLUTIONS32 The offices of today are frequently being built and maintained with the wellbeing of employees in mind. • Fortis Therapy & Training • Hopkins Solicitors Q&A REFRIGERATION 38 East Midlands Business Link explores the ways in which the refrigerated storage and distribution sector can more efficiently operate. PUBLIC RELATIONS 40 The REAL ‘C’ word is Communication by Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR and Enterprise Nation Champion for Nottingham. FAMILY BUSINESS44 It’s no exaggeration to say that family-run businesses are the backbone of our economy, but they’re not without a unique set of challenges, as we explore. CORPORATE HOSPITALITY 48 As masses of events are cancelled, virtual alternatives have stepped in. AUTOLINK52 The emphasis is on luxury in this month’s motoring pages as we take a closer look at some of the most highly anticipated new car releases in the coming months, featuring exclusive hypercars and models redefining the very limits of electric vehicles. OUT OF OFFICE56 All the leisure sector news from the last month AND FINALLY...58 EAST MIDLANDS LEEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE APRIL 2020£3..50 eaStopping the spr d thinkinForwar ad A heang factoriesficefalthy o wwww.blmgroup.co.uk Cover photographs courtesy: Shutterstock - Sorn340 Studio Images • petrmalinak • Maridav • Zapp2Photo • luchunyu 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 02/04/2020 14:02 Page 144 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 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 02/04/2020 14:02 Page 26 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk GENERAL NEWS Accountancy firm opens new office in Mansfield Wright Vigar Accountants has opened a new office in Mansfield, strengthening firm’s presence in North Nottinghamshire. The announcement comes as a result of their recent acquisition of Bull Payne and Co. With six offices including ones at Retford and Newark, Wright Vigar are no stranger to the Nottinghamshire market and this acquisition will help to further their coverage in the area. Director Matthew Chadwick will be heading up the new office, alongside Mike Corrigan – formerly a partner of Bull Payne & Co. Matthew said: “It is a confident step for the company to open a third office in the Nottinghamshire region and we are very excited about the growth opportunities this will bring. “We are delighted to unite with the team at Bull Payne & Co and build on the reputation Wright Vigar has for offering excellent advice and service. Mike, Mandy, Rachael and Vicky will continue to be familiar faces for our clients, and we look forward to being able to offer some additional added-value advisory services to our clients and the wider business community.” Mike said: “We are all excited about working for Wright Vigar. Their supportive team have made the transition as smooth as possible and I am sure our clients will welcome the additional expertise we are now able to offer on more complex matters such as Research and Development (R&D) Tax Relief, Trusts and Estate Planning, Cloud Accountancy and IT Solutions.” Third of businesses lack tech infrastructure for long-term remote working A third of UK businesses lack the technology infrastructure to facilitate remote working implemented during the coronavirus crisis in the long-term. So finds a poll of 200 senior business decision-makers from large and medium sized companies commissioned by private equity provider, Leonne International, and conducted by Censuswide. Because of the emergency measures put into place to combat the spread of COVID-19, many businesses are having to consider how their employees can work remotely for the first time. With offices across the UK closing – and with little clarity around timescales – millions of workers are now working from home for the foreseeable future. According to the poll, 33% of businesses lack the tech infrastructure needed to maintain remote working in the long-term. Consequently, 41% said they plan to increase their IT and tech investment in the coming weeks to cope with the new remote working structure during isolation. This could be because 26% say they lack the digital skills in-house in order to manage widespread and long-term remote working for staff. Almost half, (47%) agree that there should be more collaboration between the global business community to fortunate a plan of action in order to tackle the disruption caused by the coronavirus. There is a concern around entering offices and public workspaces with 35% of business leaders who agree they feel afraid to enter their place of work due to fear of infection. Because of this, 37% say they will be working from home for the foreseeable future, which reaffirms this concern. Nearly one third (28%) said they now were actively planning to make redundancies to survive the crisis, with 72% against. Also, over half of large and medium sized businesses (55%) expect a substantial revenue drop this year due to the Coronavirus outbreak. “These are tough times for businesses, with the Coronavirus wreaking havoc and forcing thousands of companies to enforce mandatory remote working policies,” said Michael Haston, CEO of Leonne International. “It’s critical that companies are given the necessary financial support to respond to this threat, enabling businesses to invest in technology to ensure every worker can perform to the best of their ability, remotely.” © Shutterstock /Flamingo Images 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. 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 07/04/2020 11:00 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 7 GENERAL NEWS Advisers unite to tackle Corona crisis A new group, designed to help businesses navigate through the Corona/COVID-19 crisis, has been set up by some of the region’s best-known professionals. Corona Business Advice has been formed by financial specialist Serena Humphrey of The F Word, leadership expert Stuart Ross from High Growth, media and marketing specialist Greg Simpson from Press For Attention PR and Robin Johnston, lawyer and corporate troubleshooter with Buckles. The four professionals have set up the group to share the key topics, tactics and strategies that they are advising their clients on with a wider audience. Their aim is to ensure that any business owner can get access to useful, professional, proactive advice for free during this unprecedented situation. Serena Humphrey explains: “We’re a group of experts in our fields who are speaking to a wide range of businesses every day. As such, we are in a great position to feedback not only what’s going on in the market and the wider economy but to share the best ideas we come across and discuss with our clients and in our wide- ranging roles. “This is not a formal organisation, more of a collective of advisers who think we can help and are determined to do whatever we can to be a part of the solution during this downturn.” Pallet networks join forces to offer a service for critical supplies The UK’s eight pallet networks have joined together, says the Association of Pallet Networks (APN), to offer their services for the movement of emergency supplies for critical services. The UK’s pallet networks are uniquely placed to ensure timely and reliable supply of emergency goods to anywhere in the UK. Between them they have 30,000 employees, over 750 depots, a fleet of 23,500 vehicles and offer 100% coverage by postcode. Moreover pallet network members are leading distribution specialists within their own regions, so they already know their regional distribution centres, essential businesses, hospitals and community hubs. APN Chairman Paul Sanders says: “We are uniquely placed to offer our services to ensure that emergency supplies coming from anywhere and destined for any corner of the UK, can be delivered quickly, safely and reliably to support critical services, whether in rural or urban settings. “We would urge the government to take advantage of our unique skills set and infrastructure at this time of national crisis. “The supply of emergency supplies for critical operations – not least ensuring food in our supermarkets and well stocked pharmacies and hospitals – is one of the most important aspects of protecting the UK public during this crisis.” Kevin Buchanan, Group CEO at Leicester-based Pall-Ex, says: “The logistics sector is key to keeping Britain moving at this challenging time and our teams across the pallet network sector are working together around the clock to deliver the supplies that our hospitals and businesses desperately need.” © Shutterstock /fizkes Financial specialist Serena Humphrey of The F Word Kevin Buchanan, Group CEO at Pall-Ex © Shutterstock /asharkyu nmcn secure place on Virgin Media’s £2.5bn framework nmcn, a construction engineering company based in Nottinghamshire, has secured a place on Virgin Media’s £2.5 billion framework for delivering telecoms infrastructure across the UK. The framework is for a period of five years from April 2020, with the option to extend for an additional two years. nmcn will carry out civil engineering and infrastructure works across two of the framework regions: the North West and Yorkshire and the East Midlands. “It is fantastic to be continuing our partnership with Virgin Media and play our part in moving the UK’s infrastructure forward,” said nmcn’s Operations Director, John Maloney. “Our appointment demonstrates our reputation for safe, quality and cost-effective delivery. “Our team are looking forward to providing excellent customer service for the next five years and beyond.” 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 02/04/2020 14:08 Page 28 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk APPOINTMENTS East Midlands housebuilder bolsters senior team An East Midlands housebuilder has strengthened its team with the appointment of a new Construction Director and a Head of Customer Services. The two members of the senior team are joining after a period of expansion for Redrow Homes East Midlands, who recently moved to bigger offices in Castle Donington. Craig Bettridge, from Nottingham, brings more than 30 years’ experience in the property sector to the Redrow Homes East Midlands team. He has been recognised by industry peers for his achievements, having won Health and Safety, Customer Excellence and NHBC Pride in the Job awards. Craig’s key responsibilities in his new role will include delivering the highest standard of customer satisfaction, ensuring build times run to schedule, with a focus on the health and safety, and forming a strong and supported team. Craig said: “I’m incredibly invested in the property sector and working with Redrow Homes. My new role at Redrow Homes East Midlands will give me the opportunity to put my skillset to good use at a more senior level. I’m ready to take on my next big challenge and I’m thrilled to be joining the senior team at this division. “I’m proud to have won industry awards, but it gives me greater satisfaction to mentor others who go on to be rewarded. I’m looking forward to joining a growing team and working in an industry where I can see my career, my team and the homes I help build, growing and progressing.” Also new to the Redrow team is Lynne Bingham, also from Nottingham, who has been appointed as Head of Customer Services, with 17 years’ worth of experience in both the property industry and customer service. Lynne said: “I enjoy building great working relationships with my colleagues in all departments, and I’m looking forward to helping my new colleagues achieve our goal of delivering a quality service and ensuring happy customers. “I’ve always been interested in the property industry and working within this sector. It’s wonderful to see people living in and enjoying a home that we have built.” Martyn Pask, Managing Director at Redrow Homes East Midlands said: “Craig and Lynne join us at a very exciting time for our division. We’ve recently moved into new, much larger offices to accommodate growth after three years building homes across the East Midlands.” ThinCats appoints new Head of Data Analytics ThinCats, the Ashby-de-la-Zouch headquartered alternative lender to mid-sized SMEs, has appointed Gareth Rumsey as Head of Data Analytics. He comes to ThinCats with more than two decades of SME data analytics experience. Prior to joining ThinCats, Gareth spent 13 years at Experian as Product Director and most latterly as Head of Data Innovation. Gareth started his career at business-to-business analytics company The pH Group, which was acquired by Experian in 2007. Gareth will lead a team of data scientists to develop ThinCats’ PRISM software. Built specifically for the mid-sized SME sector, PRISM has analysed every mid-sized SME which has traded since 2007 – more than 750,000 in total. PRISM is used by ThinCats to assess and price credit risk and to create bespoke investment portfolios for its institutional investors depending on their specific risk/return appetite. Gareth Rumsey, Head of Credit Analytics, ThinCats: “I’m delighted to be joining ThinCats at an exciting stage in its development. PRISM is a key tool in enabling us to connect billions of pounds of institutional capital with the mid-sized businesses that play such a key role in driving the UK economy. Having worked in SME data for over 20 years, I look forward to being able to support more SMEs with their funding needs.” Ravi Anand, Managing Director, ThinCats: “We’re pleased to welcome Gareth to head up ThinCats’ data analytics team. We’re very excited about the enhancements and new features that Gareth and his team are planning to develop for PRISM, which will lead to improved funding options for mid-sized SMEs across the UK.” Gareth Rumsey, Head of Data Analytics at ThinCats Craig Betteridge (Construction Director) and Lynne Bingham (Head of Customer Service). Picture by Shaun Fellows/Shine Pix 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 02/04/2020 14:08 Page 3Connect Derby appoints new operations manager Connect Derby, the managed workspace provider, has appointed Manjit Modare as operations manager. Manjit joined Derby City Council in 2008 as an operations manager for the Council’s children’s centres, before becoming operational co-ordinator/business lead in 2012. During her time there, she gained considerable experience in the field of facilities management and is skilled in the areas of health and safety, compliance and risk assessment. In her new role at Connect Derby, she will be responsible for all building and operational matters across the seven buildings in the Connect Derby portfolio – from new builds at Friar Gate Studios, Sadler Bridge Studios and the iHub innovation centre on Infinity Park, to restored and refurbished buildings at Marble Hall, Riverside Chambers, Shot Tower and Kings Chambers. Commenting on her appointment, Ann Bhatti, head of Connect Derby, said: “We’re excited to have Manjit on the team. She’s done fantastic work for Derby City Council over many years and we’re really looking forward to benefiting from all her experience and expertise. “She already has a detailed understanding of the Council’s processes and policies from her work at the Children’s Centres and will now be applying them to the commercial managed workspace environment.” Manjit added: “Ros Stacey did such a great job as operations manager and I hope to build on her work and continue to deliver a positive experience to the 198 businesses who occupy space across the seven Connect Derby buildings. “In my previous role I built relationships with a wide range of contractors, which will prove beneficial to the Connect Derby team and workspace portfolio. I look forward to working on such a diverse range of buildings and delivering a first-class experience for tenants.” Tritax Symmetry brings on new development director Tritax Symmetry has appointed Alex Reynolds as a development Reynolds moves to Tritax Symmetry’s Northampton office from Severn Trent where he led SEGRO for seven years focusing on the national logistics and Group’s portfolio. Reynolds has Advantage West Midlands and CBRE where he qualified as a chartered surveyor. Speaking about the appointment, Richard Bowen, Managing Director at Tritax Symmetry, said: “Alex brings with him both extensive sector experience working on major industrial and logistics schemes whilst also having a strong relationship with the occupier-market.” Reynolds said: “I have worked both in the private and public sector over my career, as well as acting as landowner and developer. This has given me a real appreciation on how to manage the numerous stakeholders involved in development, and how best to deliver market-facing schemes. I look forward to bringing forward the large-scale logistics sites which Tritax Symmetry has under its control.” Tritax Symmetry currently has 3,100 acres capable of accommodating over 9.2million sq ft of B8 logistics space, with planning consent being sought for a further 36.6million sq ft. Tritax Symmetry is the dedicated logistics developer of Tritax Big Box REIT plc (TBBR). Global security specialist expands with two senior hires Nottingham-based global security solutions provider Octavian Security has bolstered its senior team with two key hires. The firm – part of the multi-service Octavian Group – has appointed Harj Gahley and Terry Waters as Commercial Director and Operations Director respectively. Both new recruits will join the Company’s Board. Harj, who has over 10 years of commercial, marketing, e-commerce and general management experience across the travel and technology sectors, has joined the company to drive its digital growth strategy. Skilled communicator Terry has some 25 years’ senior management experience and over 22 years’ military experience, having progressed through the ranks to Colour Sergeant (CSgt) in the infantry regiments of the British Army. Harj Gahley said: “I met with Reshma Sheikh, Managing Director, who shared her vision for the company. Octavian is diversifying into sectors that can potentially disrupt by using the power of technology and software, but crucially it is doing so in environmentally-friendly ways. I am very happy to be part of the company and on the Board to help drive this vision. “We live in a digital world and it is vital for companies to keep up. From acquiring new customers to customer service, brand awareness and technology, businesses need to evaluate their strategies and ensure digital is at the forefront if they wish to succeed. “I’m determined to use my experience in the digital sector to help Octavian’s growth commercially by leveraging strategies and channels to push its services.” Terry Waters added: “I have worked with Reshma for many years and the opportunity to grow the business with her is what has attracted me to join the Board. I understand the Octavian way and respect the integrity and vision the company has. I am extremely proud to lead a hardworking and reliable national workforce.” www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 9 APPOINTMENTS Alex Reynolds, development director at Tritax Symmetry Manjit Modare, operations manager, Connect Derby 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 02/04/2020 14:09 Page 4Next >