JUNE 2020 EAST MIDLANDS LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www.blmgroup.co.uk WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK £3.50 LOGISTICS The machine question INSURANCE Finding the right cover AGRI-BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT The future of farming THE ROAD AHEAD THE ROAD AHEAD 01.qxp_Layout 1 05/06/2020 08:56 Page 1HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT YOUR STAFF DURING HARD TIMES? Do you view your staff as members of your extended family? You probably have casual conversations about what you did last weekend and how many more grey hairs your kids gave you… As a result you get to know them as a person, and not just an employee. When your staff have a negative personal event happen, our natural reaction is to reach out and help them. Negative personal events can cause severe disruption such as; divorce, child custody issues, domestic abuse, the bereavement of a loved one, an accident or illness that impacts their ability to work or care for their family. We offer a flexible benefits package that allows you to give your staff a free one-hour legal advice consultation with one of our local solicitors. For more information about our legal consultation packages for employers contact us on 01623 468468 or info@hopkins-solicitors.co.uk www.hopkins-solicitors.co.uk Mansfield, Sutton, Kirkby & Nottingham 01623 782 783 info@hopkins-solicitors.co.uk 02.qxp_Layout 1 05/06/2020 08:56 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 3 EDITORS NOTES June brings with it a re-opening of the economy as the lockdown begins to ease. The government is in a precarious position of needing to balance the safety of the public with the need to get the economy moving again. Whether they’ve acted in everyone’s best interest is debatable at best but, nevertheless, production is resuming across our region, non-essential retailers are opening again, and many workers are returning to the office. To help you navigate these strange uncertain times, we’ve sought expert guidance and advice from across the business spectrum. Combined with our own in-depth and informative editorial, East Midlands Business Link continues to form your go-to guide during the crisis. This month also sees a return of our events pages. Understandably, many of those we’re featuring are webinars. That alone shows the resilience and determination of the business community to keep calm and carry on. Long may it continue. Stay safe and good reading, as always, Michael Fisher Editor Welcome... 03.qxp_Layout 1 05/06/2020 08:57 Page 1@BLMEastMidlands BLMEastMidlands Latest news 6 A round-up of the latest news from our region Commercial property 16 This month, we focus on warehousing and self storage – markets which have experienced an upsurge in demand in the wake of the pandemic. Tax 20 Will the way your business has behaved during lockdown have a greater impact than you may have thought? By James Pinchbeck, Partner at Streets Chartered Accountants Insurance22 Finding the right business insurance isn’t always easy, especially when only one is required by law. So East Midlands Business Link explores the policies available to businesses, what they cover and where they’re best suited. Health and safety 26 News of lockdown easing may be good news for the economy as a whole, but businesses will be expected to ensure the safety of their staff, specifically when it comes to hygiene. We look at the main culprits and how businesses can prepare themselves. Networking 30 Events: Physical Vs Virtual By Fiona Duncan-Steer, founder of RSViP Business Networking Agency. Construction machinery and equipment32 East Midlands Business Link explores how investment in the construction industry can help kickstart the nation’s economic recovery at a time where sales of construction machinery and equipment have significantly declined. Logistics 36 COVID-19 has raised the profile on the risk placed on human employees, leading many to ask how far away we are from a supply chain run through automation. Corporate hospitality 40 With lockdown easing a lot of postponed events may soon be coming back, meaning a fresh return to that most difficult art of speaking on stage. East Midlands Business Link provides a refresher course. Agri-business43 Agri-business must look in order to improve profits and efficiency, remain competitive and to weather uncertainties posed by political and economic upheaval and, more recently, the coronavirus crisis. Public relations 46 Do you know what the secret sauce is in your marketing? By Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR and Enterprise Nation Champion for Nottingham Meet the experts48 Industry experts from specialist sectors across our region share their knowledge, insight and experience. EAST MIDLANDS L E E ADING BUSINESS MAG AZINE JUNE 2020 £3. .50 AHE THE EAD ROA AD A LOGISTICS INSURAN AGRI-NCE BUSINESS The machine ques WW LOGISTICS Finding the rig INSURAN W EASTMIDL stion eThe futur SPOTL AGRI- ht cover ANDSBUSINE NCE e of farming LIGHT ESSLINK CO U BUSINESS w UK www.blmgroup.co.uk Cover photographs courtesy: Shutterstock - banksy_boy • Matej Kastelic • Phonlamai Photo • Yasemin Yurtman Candemir • Subbotina Anna AutoLink50 Automotive manufacturing is beginning to resume with car dealerships reopening as the lockdown eases, but the pandemic is likely to leave lasting effects on the motor industry. Out of office54 All the leisure sector news from the last month Events56 A timely look at forthcoming business events around the East Midlands And finally...58 Contents June 2020 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 05/06/2020 08:58 Page 132 Group Editor Steve Fisher s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk Editor Michael Fisher m.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk Assistant Editor Dominic Cuthbert d.cuthbert@blmgroup.co.uk Journalist Tess Egginton t.egginton@blmgroup.co.uk Sales Director Angela Cooper a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk Tel: (01472) 310310 Accounts & Subscriptions Angela Sharman accounts@blmgroup.co.uk Tel: (01472) 310301 Fax: (01472) 310311 Design & Production Gary Jorgensen, Mark Casson studio@blmgroup.co.uk Tel: (01472) 310304 E-Mail: eastmidlands@blmgroup.co.uk Publisher Haychart Ltd, t/a Business Link Magazine Group, Huntingdon House, 278-290 Huntingdon Street, Nottingham NG1 3LY All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, photocopied, recorded or otherwise without express permission of the copyright holder, for which application should be addressed first to the publisher. While every reasonable care is taken, neither the publisher nor its participating agents accept liability for loss or damage to prints, colour transparencies, negatives or other material of whatever nature submitted to this publication. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of those held by the publisher. 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 05/06/2020 08:58 Page 26 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk GENERAL NEWS Japanese contract to see XPO Logistics expand Derby distribution centre XPO Logistics, the provider of transportation and logistics solutions, has been chosen by Shiseido Company, to provide omnichannel logistics services throughout the United Kingdom from Derby. Shiseido, based in Japan, is a leader in the beauty and personal care sectors, with a 148-year history. Shiseido’s contract with XPO encompasses business-to-business replenishment of bareMinerals, NARS, Laura Mercier, SHISEIDO, Serge Lutens, Dolce&Gabbana Beauty, Narciso Rodriguez, Issey Miyake, Elie Saab and Clé de Peau Beauté brands, and UK and Ireland e-commerce fulfillment of orders for the NARS, Shiseido and bareMinerals brands. XPO will manage Shiseido’s logistics at an 80,000-square-foot distribution center in Derby, with plans to expand to 100,000 square feet over the course of the partnership. Gonta Kashio, UK Chief Operating Officer at Shiseido EMEA, said: “After a thorough tendering process, we are pleased to have appointed XPO Logistics as our strategic order fulfilment partner. XPO has demonstrated excellent flexibility and a strong team effort despite current challenges. “We look forward to experiencing the innovation and high service levels that have built XPO’s strong reputation in the UK. We are confident that XPO will enable our operation to go live on time, while adhering to current health and safety guidelines from the government.” Gavin Williams, Managing Director, supply chain – UK and Ireland, XPO Logistics, said: “We are delighted to welcome Shiseido and their prestigious portfolio of brands. This partnership underscores our e-commerce expertise in the cosmetics sector. Our solutions for Shiseido are customized to support their channel strategy and continuously improve the customer experience.” £3.8m grant to support Chesterfield Station Masterplan D2N2 has approved a £3.8m grant towards the construction of the Hollis Lane Link Road in Chesterfield. The £7.42m project will form a critical part of the Chesterfield Station Masterplan, bringing forward wholescale regeneration and supporting sustainable economic growth in the centre of Chesterfield. This regeneration will include new commercial development, as well as significantly improved connectivity. D2N2 will be funding the development through its Local Growth Fund allocation, an investment programme to support projects that benefit the regional economy. The funding for the Hollis Lane Link Road follows similar awards for infrastructure projects that benefit Chesterfield residents including the A61 Corridor, HS2-related development, and the Chesterfield Higher Level Skills Centre worth a combined £10.57m. The new Hollis Lane Link Road will extend from the junction of Hollis Lane and Spa Lane and will terminate at the southern extent of the Chesterfield Station car park, providing direct access to the railway station from the south . Furthermore, the Hollis Lane Link Road will unlock 0.92 hectares of early development plots within the Chesterfield Station Masterplan area which it is hoped will lead to over 500 jobs being created by businesses moving into the new development. Remedial works are due to begin in September 2020 with work expected to be completed by late 2021. D2N2 Chair Elizabeth Fagan CBE said: “Our investment into the construction of the Hollis Lane Link Road will be another important milestone for Chesterfield’s regeneration ambitions, bringing significant growth and investment opportunities whilst creating more homes, jobs, and learning places.” Telephone 0800 009 6066 Email info@nnbcfinancial.co.uk Asset Finance, Leasing, Contract Hire, Sale & Leaseback • Property Development Finance • Commercial Property and Business Mortgages • Factoring and Invoice Finance WWW .NNBCFINANCIAL.CO.UK Northampton law firm purchases client base of local counterpart Northampton law firm Borneo Martell Turner Coulston LLP has purchased the current client base of local counterpart Scott Fowler LLP – which stands at more than 1,000 clients. All of Scott Fowler LLP’s staff have also transferred to the buyer, saving 22 jobs. The deal was made via a sale negotiated ahead of administration, which was facilitated by Scott Fowler LLP’s Joint Administrators Charles Turner and Kevin Murphy from restructuring and insolvency firm CVR Global, with Alan Bennett and his team from national law firm Ashfords LLP providing legal support. Scott Fowler LLP, which traded from its office on Sandhill Road, has now ceased trading after more than 50 years of operating in Northampton. The staff will continue to work from this office for the new owners. Charles Turner, a Partner at CVR Global, said: “Scott Fowler LLP has built up a respectable client base over the past 52 years in Northampton and beyond, and I am delighted to be able to ensure that part of its legacy – in the form of its client base and staff – can carry on. “Unfortunately, Scott Fowler LLP encountered financial difficulties due to historical financial claims against the firm, which meant the business could no longer continue to trade. “I’m especially pleased to be able to see a healthy number of jobs saved, and I am confident the Scott Fowler LLP client base will help enable Borneo Martell Turner Coulston LLP to go from strength-to-strength.” 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 05/06/2020 09:06 Page 1Value of Midlands fraud increases by 38% The total value of fraud in the Midlands reached £56.9m in 2019, up from £41.2m the previous year, according to research carried out by accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP. The average value of fraud also increased to £779,000, which is a 74% uplift from 2018. This analysis, based upon reported fraud cases over £50,000 in the UK, reveals that the UK-wide picture shows a rise in value, but the number of reported cases has dropped by 12% – with 464 cases of fraud reported in 2019 compared with 525 in 2018. Fraudsters are now understood to be taking advantage of the COVID-19 outbreak, with mass home working and operational shifts to e-commerce opening up new opportunities for criminals to target companies. Sat Plaha, Forensic Services partner at BDO Midlands said: “Despite the volume of reported fraud falling last year, the rise in value suggests that sophisticated fraudsters are becoming increasingly predatory. “Compounding this, COVID-19 has provided a fertile breeding ground for fraudulent activity and we’re anticipating a spike in cases this year. Now more than ever, companies and individuals must remain vigilant and sceptical in order to protect themselves. “Firms should focus on controls and ensure they give their key control owners sufficient headspace and access to the appropriate training and technology to actively monitor and mitigate the emerging fraud risks in order to remain safe.” Fraud relating to the unauthorised or misuse of assets recorded the highest total value, rising from £115m in 2018 to £671m in 2019. This increase was largely down to two significant cases, one including a collapsed investment firm owing money to 11,600 savers, and the second involving a businessman who defrauded investors and his company out of £250m. The second highest value related to third-party fraud, which more than doubled in a year, bringing the total value to just over £522m up from £181m in 2018. A large number of these cases relate to employees or suppliers of businesses. www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 7 GENERAL NEWS US expansion for digital visualisation and virtual reality firm Digital visualisation and virtual reality company Bloc Digital has created a North American office and appointed its first permanent US member of staff. The Derby-based firm, which supports business through 3D modelling, animation, immersive (VR and AR), and web solutions, has experienced rapid growth within UK and European markets in the last five years. Director Keith Cox said: “The digital nature of our business means we have a truly global reach, being able to work with international customers as easily as those based within the UK. “We have been enjoying fundamental growth in the North American manufacturing and technology sectors over the past 12 months, with income generated there multiplying by more than a factor of 10. The establishment of a permanent US base is a logical and strategic development to continue our strength.” Bloc Digital was founded as a start-up in 2000 by Keith Cox and Chris Hotham, both former technical illustrators. Sam Swayze, US Client Manager 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. Sat Plaha, Forensic Services partner at BDO Midlands 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 05/06/2020 09:06 Page 28 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk APPOINTMENTS IoD appoints Gary Headland as East Midlands chair The Institute of Directors (IoD) has appointed Gary Headland as regional chair for the East Midlands. Gary succeeds Garry Smith, who stepped down after five years in the influential role with the business leaders’ organisation. He will oversee a region which covers Leicestershire, Greater Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire and has more than 1,500 members. Gary is the Chief Executive of Lincoln College Group, responsible for colleges in Lincoln, Newark, Gainsborough and Saudi Arabia as well as commercial operations in the UK, China and the Eastern Caribbean. He is a Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Lincolnshire, an experienced chair of private and education sector organisations and a non-executive director of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership and Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce. Earlier in his career, Gary saw 22 years of service in the Royal Air Force, culminating in the role of Officer Commanding Base Support Wing (Corporate Services) for the RAF’s largest fast-jet station. Prior to his appointment as regional chair, Gary was chair of the IoD’s Greater Lincolnshire branch for four years and will lead the search for his successor. Gary said: “It is a great privilege to be able to continue to serve IoD members and our regional business community in this new role, especially during this incredibly challenging time for all business leaders. The IoD passionately believes that ‘better directors build a better world’ and I look forward to playing my part in supporting directors to be more resilient, innovative, productive and sustainable.” The IoD has secured vital support for business leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic, including financial assistance for wage bills and changes to insolvency rules. As chair, Gary will drive localised support for members and membership growth while also implementing and supporting IoD policies and driving engagement with the Institute’s powerful Policy Voice. Natalie Sykes, IoD regional director for the East Midlands, said: “Gary is a terrific appointment, a true champion for the East Midlands who brings years of professional leadership experience to the role.” Caption: Gary Headland Octavian UK appoints new Business and Compliance Manager Octavian UK, the Nottingham-based multi-services FM / Security provider, has appointed an experienced legal professional as its new Business and Compliance Manager. Emily James joins from Bretherton Solicitors, where she spent almost 27 years. She joins Octavian UK at a time when the firm has announced its intention to grow through acquisition in 2020. Revenues grew by 240% last year, with the company on target to break through the £10 million mark in 2020. Reshma Sheikh, Managing Director for Octavian UK, said: “Emily brings with her over 26 years experience working in the legal sector. She will contribute a wealth of knowledge and skills to the team, as we enter our next phase of growth. “We’re delighted Emily has decided to join the team at Octavian UK and we’re sure her experience will be invaluable, as we continue to push the business forward this year.” Emily said: “After 26 years in legal services, the opportunity to work in the industry, was one that really appealed to me. I’m excited by the opportunities for growth at Octavian UK and I am looking forward to becoming a vital member of the team.” Emily James 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 05/06/2020 09:06 Page 3Nottingham recruitment group appoints interim CFO to board Staffline, the Nottingham-based recruitment and training group, has appointed Daniel Quint to its Board of Directors. Daniel joined the group on 17 December 2019 as Interim Chief Financial Officer. With over 10 years’ board level experience with private and public companies, Daniel also spent five years at Robert Walters plc, one of the world’s leading professional recruitment consultancies, where he held the role of Finance Director (UK, Middle East and Africa). Most recently, Daniel was Interim CFO at AIM-listed Young & Co.’s Brewery P.L.C. Prior to this, Daniel spent three years as CFO of SPIE UK, the energy, safety and environmental solutions provider. Following his appointment to the Board, Daniel will continue in his role as Interim Chief Financial Officer. Ian Lawson, Executive Chairman of Staffline, said: “I am delighted to welcome Daniel to the Board and believe his wealth of experience will continue to support a number of positive structural changes currently being delivered across the business. He has already made a significant contribution since joining Staffline in December and will continue to drive several important workstreams.” © Shutterstock /Berg Dmitry Leicester Tigers appoints new CEO Andrea Pinchen has been named Leicester Tigers’ new Chief Executive, having previously been its Chief Operating Officer. Current Chief Executive Simon Cohen will depart with immediate effect. Peter Tom, Chairman of Leicester Tigers, said: “Simon has served Tigers for 15 years, playing a vital role in the professionalisation of the club’s activities on and off the field. “After many years of service and in the context of the challenges presented by COVID-19, Simon and the Board agreed now was the right time for him to step down as Chief Executive. We thank him for his contribution and wish him the very best for the future. “I’m delighted that Andrea has agreed to become the club’s Chief Executive. She brings huge passion, commitment and energy to the club and was the Board’s unanimous choice. We are sure she will be a great success in her new role and we wish her every success.” www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 9 APPOINTMENTS Andrea Pinchen Geraint Davies New Chief Executive for Nottingham City Council Nottingham City Council has appointed Mel Barrett, currently Chief Executive of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, as its permanent new Chief Executive. Mel’s appointment follows the departure of Ian Curryer at the end of April to take up a role as Chair of Children First Northamptonshire. Katherine Kerswell is currently the Interim Chief Executive to help guide the authority through the current COVID-19 crisis, until Mel takes up the permanent role in September. Mel has a successful track record in managing large-scale customer-facing services, organisational change and transformation initiatives, and delivering substantial regeneration and development projects. Prior to joining Basingstoke and Deane, Mel was Executive Director of Housing and Regeneration at the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, where he worked to secure the HS2 Crossrail interchange station in the borough, bringing significant investment. Before that he was Oxford City Council’s Executive Director for City Regeneration and Director of the London Development Agency. City Council Leader, Cllr David Mellen, said: “I am delighted with Mel’s appointment to the role of Chief Executive at the City Council. He brings with him a wealth of experience at other councils and elsewhere and his credentials will undoubtedly help us to realise our enduring ambitions for the city beyond the current Coronavirus crisis. “Our Interim Chief Executive Katherine Kerswell will continue to steer the council through this difficult time where we are having to adapt and change to respond to issues the pandemic is presenting for our city. I’m confident she will hand over to Mel a council which is continuing to successfully deliver vital services to local communities and remains ambitious for a bright future for Nottingham.” Mel said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as Chief Executive and I look forward to working with Cllr Mellen, Leader of the Council, members, officers and partners to build on the strong foundations in place, and to continue the vital work underway to support residents and further improve the city into the future.” © Shutterstock /Alastair W allace 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 05/06/2020 09:06 Page 4Next >