APRIL 2025 EAST MIDLANDS LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www..co.uk WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK £3.50 Change or be replacedMaking the most of an office Workplace healthcare expands beyond the struggling NHSEast Midlands Business Link Bricks 2025 A celebration of those helping to create the landscape for the next generation EAST MIDLANDS The prestigious East Midlands Bricks Awards are back for its 10th year! Shining a light on the region’s property and construction industry, this year’s event will take place on Thursday 2nd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. The East Midlands Bricks Awards, organised by East Midlands Business Link Magazine, is an independent awards and publicity programme recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential schemes, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. Visit www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk for more information. BUSINESSIt’s hard not to talk about Donald Trump nowadays given that every other week is a new version of tariffs or no tariffs. The UK looks like it may be in a position to receive less tariffs than the EU (likely because Donald Trump wants to push Nigel Farage as the next PM) but that’s still by no means a good thing. And given the economy in the US is suffering, it’s probably not a good thing to be a candidate in a future election here promoted by said person crashing the economy. What quickly becomes apparent in our own region and economy, however, is an element of selfish spinelessness. Obviously, everyone is aware that the method behind Trump’s threats is to threaten tariffs in order to destabilise other economies and force them to capitulate. Some may call it bullying and others may call it shrewd dealmaking, but it relies either way on the other party surrendering and taking the worse deal. So, it comes as a bit of a shameful moment to see certain industries (such as our automotive industry) reacting to proposed car tariffs by telling the UK Government it should turn to diplomacy and seek to avoid tariffs at any cost. First of all, it goes without saying the government – any government, in fact – will be doing that already. But it’s also obvious that the message from the car industry is ultimately just a self-serving one, asking the government to surrender to Trump’s dealmaking tactics because “they” do not want to feel their profits squeezed. But if we apply that logic to all industries – and all of them don’t want tariffs – then the only option is to fully surrender and give Trump whatever he wants. Profits will be maintained, the automotive industry will be secure, but every other industry and our civilian population will be negatively impacted. And what, then, when Donald Trump or a future President looks back on the moment and thinks “Well that worked well. Why not try it again” and comes in for a second time? Will the industry groups again petition the government to give in to preserve their own profits? Will the country back down a second time? A third? A fourth? It can’t afford to. While no one likes the tariffs proposed by Trump, the correct response cannot be to buckle to them, because once they are proven to be an effective weapon they will be utilised on a constant basis. Specific industries targeted may not like it, and they shouldn’t have to put up with it, but the reality of the situation is that the UK has to be prepared to stand up and push back – because if it doesn’t, then it’ll forever be taken advantage of. Good reading, as always. Michael Fisher Editor www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 3 EDITOR’S NOTES welcome…@BLMEastMidlands BLMEastMidlands Latest news 6 A round-up of the latest news from our region. Commercial property 16 Sites across the East Midlands are being regenerated, bringing fresh life to the region’s towns and cities. Factory automation spotlight 20 Automation and AI are changing the ways factories operate, and those in the East Midlands who fail to adapt them may find themselves replaced by foreign competitors who will. Refrigeration 23 Understanding the cold chain and its importance in the food industry is an essential part of delivering quality goods, whatever the size of your business. But on an industrial level, the complexities of integrating the practice into your strategies only multiply. Tax 26 James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, reflects on the Spring Statement. Family business28 Amidst corporate dominance, family businesses thrive on human connection, ethical values, and a dedication to their communities. Office solutions 31 Want to get the most out of your office Contents April 2025 23 31 42 spaces when it comes to keeping employees motivated and productive? Here are some tips successful companies are using today. Public relations 34 Greg Simpson, founder of Press For Attention PR, reflects, five years later, on public relations lessons learned from the pandemic. Healthcare 36 UK businesses are moving beyond reliance on the NHS, embracing private healthcare to safeguard employees and secure operational stability amid growing public service strain. Corporate hospitality 40 Podcasts and webinars prove hugely successful for conspiracy theorists and controversial provokers. Could they be as useful in B2B circles as well? AutoLink 42 Up and coming motors that wouldn’t look out of place either as part of a fleet, or as an executive’s personal vehicle. • We put the Maserati MC20 through its paces. Events48 A timely look at forthcoming business events around the East Midlands. And finally...50 Here’s Frazer’s collection of the weird and wonderful ‘news’ that came his way over the last few weeks.20 Group Editor Steve Fisher s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk Editor Michael Fisher m.fisher@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 Cover photographs courtesy: • stock.adobe.com/Alex from the Rock • ibreakstock • Nataliya Hora • ANDREW NORRIS • amankris99 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.GENERAL NEWS BWB sets out plans to double in size as built environment industry confronts new challenges Integrated engineering and environmental consultancy BWB is aiming to double the size of the business over the next five years. The Nottingham-headquartered company has delivered a series of landmark projects during the past year, including continuing work at East Midlands Gateway and the 800- bed build-to-rent Barnum development near Nottingham Railway Station. Led by CEO Graham Sant, BWB now employs more than 370 people, with offices in Birmingham, Leeds, London and Manchester alongside its headquarters at Waterfront House, Nottingham. It has just embarked on a five-year growth strategy driven by a series of major changes affecting every aspect of the built environment. Graham explained: “We enjoyed another strong year of performance in 2024, and this has given us a springboard to focus on long-term horizons so that the business is well positioned to take continuing advantage of its strengths in the strategic trends driving change. “The whole of the built environment industry is confronting challenges related to climate change and scarce resources, increasing urbanisation, technology advances, and the shifting dynamics of globalisation and demographic change.” Leicester air quality monitoring firm expands presence in Australia EarthSense, the Leicester-based provider of air quality monitoring solutions, has entered into a new partnership with ECO Environmental, a specialist in environmental monitoring solutions based in Australia. This strategic partnership will expand EarthSense’s reach in a key market and industry sector, bringing advanced air quality monitoring technology to Australia’s construction and environmental monitoring sectors. “We are delighted to welcome ECO Environmental to our growing network of global distributors,” said Thomas Hall, CEO at EarthSense. “Their expertise in environmental monitoring and strong industry connections make them an ideal partner to support the adoption of our solutions in the Australian market.” ECO Environmental’s Managing Director, Andrew Cooke, added: “EarthSense’s market-leading Zephyr air quality sensor is an excellent addition to our extensive catalogue of environmental monitoring solutions, and we look forward to offering it for sale or rental to our clients.” Obsequio Group adds asbestos compliance capabilities with acquisition of Environtec Obsequio Group has added asbestos compliance capabilities to its services, with the acquisition of Environtec. The acquisition will further expand the Leicester-based provider of fire detection, safety, security and water hygiene solutions’ geographical reach, with the addition of its first office in Scotland. Specialists in asbestos compliance and water hygiene, Environtec is a UKAS-accredited Inspection Body and Testing Laboratory, a member of the United Kingdom Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) and an affiliate member of the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS). Environtec is headquartered in Chelmsford, Essex, and its 215 colleagues operate from five locations across England, Scotland and Wales, with other offices in Mansfield, Newcastle, Newport in Wales and Hamilton in Scotland. Three of Environtec’s existing shareholders – Paul Shaw, Dan McGuire, and Ricci Price – will remain with the business, offering their expertise to help grow the operation, with a fourth, Matthew Dennis, stepping down and heading off on new adventures. 6 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk Graham Sant, CEO at BWBGENERAL NEWS • 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. Haines Watts’ Nottingham, Derby, and Leicester offices sold to TC Group Haines Watts’ Nottingham, Derby, and Leicester offices have been sold to TC Group, a firm of business advisors and accountants. As part of the transition, the offices will now operate under the TC Group name, adding three new locations to the firm’s growing network. Additionally, Haines Watts Derby, Nottingham and Leicester will gain access to TC Group’s national and international support network. Rothera Bray acted on behalf of the selling shareholders. Corporate partner David Kaplan said: “It was a pleasure working with the Haines Watts shareholders. We had a very tight timetable that did not allow for any slippage. The Rothera Bray team worked tirelessly to ensure that the transactions completed on the date targeted from the outset of the transaction. “I wish Martin, Mark, James and Shiran all the best for the future. Being part of the TC Group is a great fit and will enable them to take the businesses to the next level.” South Wales fire safety equipment supplier snaps up Chesterfield firm CheckFire Group, the South Wales-based fire safety equipment supplier, has acquired PJ Fire Ltd, based in Chesterfield. This acquisition secures the manufacturing future of PJ Fire’s CO2 renovated and remanufactured products. Founded in 2007 and now employing a team of 50, PJ Fire has grown into one of the UK’s leading independent trade suppliers of fire extinguishers and ancillaries. Peter Cowley, owner and founder of PJ Fire, said: “The sale of the business marks the culmination of many years of hard work, and I am delighted with this next step. My mission has always been to provide the highest levels of support to our valued customer base. “CheckFire has been one of my longest-standing partnerships, and is renowned for its unmatched commitment to product excellence and exceptional customer service. “When considering a sale, I sought honesty, integrity, and professionalism – qualities I found in CheckFire. Knowing that I’m passing the reins into safe hands gives me confidence that the business will continue to thrive and embark on an exciting and secure future.” © stock.adobe.com/Tunatura www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 7 Cameron Robins, MD of CheckFire, and Peter Cowley, owner and founder of PJ Fire Rothera Bray corporate partner David KaplanWilliam Davis Homes makes three key appointments to land team Loughborough-based William Davis Homes has welcomed a trio of key appointments to its East Midlands land team to support its plans for growth. Reece Richiardi has joined the team as senior land manager, working on the acquisition of open-market sites with existing planning consent, while Harry White, joining as senior strategic land manager, has been appointed to lead the housebuilder’s longer-term land acquisitions. Working alongside Reece and Harry is the company’s new head of design, Mike Barnett, who has been working on an ambitious project to design a new range of housetypes for the developer. The first of the new homes are set to be built on William Davis developments later this year. Harry, Reece and Mike bring significant experience from roles within regional and national housebuilders and said they were drawn to the vision which William Davis’ group land director Sarah Whetton had for the future of the team. APPOINTMENTS Construction consultancy restructures to support ongoing growth Construction consultancy Bentley has undergone a significant organisational restructure in support of its ongoing growth plans. Following a comprehensive review of its operating model, Bentley has introduced a new structure that will enhance regional growth, improve operational efficiency, and create newly developed career progression pathways for its team. The restructure aims to enable scalability, sustainability, and adaptability across multiple sectors, ensuring the company remains responsive to evolving market conditions. As part of this transformation, several key leadership appointments have been made, which include director Matt Morrell taking on a new focus, to enhance Bentley’s technical expertise, project delivery, and upskilling of staff within the business. Director, Sue Hunter takes on an expanded role as regional director for Bentley’s Midlands activity, as well as managing the business’s growing project management team. Previously head of people, Melanie Noble has been appointed to people and operations director, supporting the company’s strategic initiatives and helping increase ESG activity and social value delivery. G F Tomlinson expands social value team to strengthen community impact Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, has expanded its social value team with the addition of Shelley Williamson as social value manager and Emma Morley as performance framework controller. As G F Tomlinson continues to strengthen its social value approach, both Shelley and Emma will play integral roles in shaping the future of the company’s community engagement and sustainability strategies. Their combined expertise will drive forward initiatives that align with evolving industry trends, including sustainable procurement, digital technologies, and skills development. Adrian Grocock, Group Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are delighted to welcome Emma and Shelley to the team. Their expertise, passion, and dedication to social value will be instrumental in driving our initiatives forward. At G F Tomlinson, we are committed to creating positive, lasting change in the communities we serve, and strengthening our social value team is a significant step in cementing that commitment.” 8 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk Shelley Williamson and Emma Morley Harry White, senior strategic land manager, Reece Richiardi, senior land manager, and Mike Barnett, head of design, have all recently joined the East Midlands land team at William Davis Homes Sue Hunter and Melanie Noble EY boosts Midlands private team with two appointments EY has strengthened its private team in the Midlands with two new appointments. Olivia Prew joins as head of private in the Midlands and Hannah Al-Anazi joins as associate director for private and mid- market. Olivia brings nearly two decades of experience, working extensively with private businesses, entrepreneurs and mid- market private equity clients, helping them to achieve their strategic aspirations and create long-term value. Prior to joining EY, she was head of origination at international corporate finance advisor, Clearwater. Hannah Al-Anazi joins EY as associate director, bringing experience in executive search and leadership advisory. Hannah has spent over a decade working on global mandates focusing on positions spanning across finance, cyber, ESG/sustainability and life sciences. Most recently, Hannah worked in a strategic leadership consultancy that provided advisory-led services for owner managed businesses, as well as private equity funds and their portfolio companies, pre-deal and post-deal. New partner appointed at Nottingham accountancy firm Nottingham-based chartered accountants, Clayton & Brewill, has appointed Adam Rostance as partner, following the retirement of long-serving partner Neil South. Adam has been working at Clayton & Brewill since 2012, where he joined the firm as an AAT apprentice. After initially working within the compliance department, Adam transferred to the audit department as an audit junior before working his way up to the role of accounts and audit manager. In 2023 he was promoted to director and is now the firm’s newest partner. Adam said: “This appointment has been a huge achievement for me and something I have strived for ever since I became ACA qualified. “I felt right from the start that Clayton & Brewill was the perfect fit for me. It has a mix of both professionalism and a personal approach that really resonates with me, and I am thrilled that I have been able to develop my career here. “I am looking forward to helping to maintain the firm’s positive reputation and position within the market and continuing to provide our clients with high quality services.” APPOINTMENTS Nottinghamshire rum brand appoints former Diageo executive as new CEO DropWorks, the Nottinghamshire-based rum brand, has appointed Graham Appleyard as its new Chief Executive Officer as the brand continues to strengthen and attract industry talent. With a career spanning over two decades in the drinks industry, including key marketing leadership roles at global drinks giant Diageo, Appleyard’s expertise will be instrumental in continuing to drive the company’s ambitious growth strategy. Since it was founded by rum expert Lewis Hayes in April 2023, DropWorks has been at the forefront of the British rum category, producing small-batch distillations from its 17,000 sq ft distillery in Nottinghamshire’s Sherwood Forest. Appleyard, who also co-founded Flintlock Brand Marketing Consultancy, has an enviable track record of revitalising global brands and driving commercial success. His work with Diageo spearheading brand strategies for Guinness, Baileys and Pimm’s, among others, and leading the joint venture with Moët Hennessy, demonstrates his ability to blend strategic vision with practical execution. At DropWorks, Appleyard is focused on guiding the brand’s next phase of growth from start-up to scale-up, and working to establish it as the number one British- distilled rum brand. www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 9 Clayton & Brewill partners: Yvonne Jackson, Adam Rostance and Doug Perry Graham Appleyard Olivia PrewHannah Al-AnaziNext >