JUNE 2021 EAST MIDLANDS LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www.blmgroup.co.uk WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK £3.50 LOGISTICS A strategically important location INSURANCE Safeguarding business AGRI-BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT The changing face of farming BOOSTING THE ECONOMY BOOSTING THE ECONOMY 01.qxp_Layout 1 01/06/2021 15:20 Page 1www.oms.uk.com 01530 833 533 info@oms.uk.com Helping you to perform at the highest level OMS have delivered consultancy and training services throughout the Midlands and UK for over 22 years. We are a leading authority in health and safety, employment, quality, environmental and business continuity management systems and training. Our tailored solutions support organisations throughout the UK. Could we help you too? Some of the benefits of using OMS 3 5 star Trustpilot rating. 3 Trusted by many major and local organisations to deliver consultancy and training. 3 Certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 & ISO 45001 for “The provision of Consultancy and Training Services” giving you the assurance that we have management controls in place to provide a quality offering safely, with minimal impact on the environment. 3 Easy access to our training centre, with free car parking, centrally located just a few minutes from Junction 22 of the M1. 3 Covid Secure training centre and head office. 3 Approved CITB touch screen (ITC) test centre, which allows you to attend a Site Safety Plus Health & Safety Awareness course and your touch screen test on the same day. 3 Wide range of health and safety e-learning courses. 3 Accredited to run a wide variety of courses at our training centre at Bardon Hill. 3 NEBOSH Gold training provider. Visit www.oms.uk.com, call us on 01530 833 533 or email info@oms.uk.com to learn more about us and how we can enhance your organisation. 02.qxp_Layout 1 01/06/2021 15:20 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 3 EDITORS NOTES Despite the threat of the potent Indian strain of COVID-19, the government looks set to stick fast to its irreversible, one-way roadmap out of lockdown with the easing of all social restrictions by the end of June. Assuming everyone remains cautious and continues to play their part, this is good news for the economy and many a beleaguered business across our region. It’s no exaggeration to say that the pandemic has been a trial by fire. But our region rose admirably to the challenge, with businesses adapting and evolving, protecting themselves and their employees and giving back to their communities. Truly, it has been an inspiration. However, the hardships will hardly stop there. From an economic perspective, we’ll be feeling the effects of COVID for years to come. But to judge from the resilience and innovation of businesses across our region, I know that we’ll continue to get through this together. Good reading, as always Michael Fisher Editor Welcome... 03.qxp_Layout 1 01/06/2021 15:26 Page 1@BLMEastMidlands BLMEastMidlands Latest news 6 A round-up of the latest news from our region Commercial property 16 There’s no doubt that Nottingham comprises one of the critical nodes that make up the East Midlands. This issue, we home in on some of the most important developments taking place in and around the city. Networking 20 Where are you when you get your best ideas? By Fiona Duncan-Steer, founder of RSViP Business Networking Agency. Agri-business spotlight 22 With an eye on the future, the agri-business sector continues to adapt to challenges – be they social or environmental. Post-Brexit and post-pandemic, this sector will be more crucial than ever. East Midlands Business Link Bricks 2021 26 The highly anticipated East Midlands Bricks Awards are returning on Thursday 30th September 2021 at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. Insurance 28 When it comes to business insurance, its better to be safe than sorry, especially at a time when the economy is still in a precarious state as we emerge out the other side of the pandemic. Tax32 The tax implications of residential property ownership and property transactions By Jennie Brown, Tax Partner, Streets Chartered Accountants Construction machinery and equipment 34 While traditional equipment is continuing to be popular in sales, the equipment used in the construction industry is becoming ever more innovative as we explore. GEDA Construction 38 GEDA Construction celebrates ten years working in the Midlands Logistics40 The East Midlands’ reputation as a logistics powerhouse continues to grow with companies committing to the region, new developments underway, and a freeport on the horizon. Business advice experts44 As they say, use the right tool for the job. To follow this advice through to its logical conclusion, one should also use the right company for any given need – be that IT, training, insurance or commercial property. Public relations 46 Publicity, positioning, Piers, and me By Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR and the PR and Communications Ambassador for the IoD in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Corporate hospitality48 Across every industry, teams who spend time with one another outside of work show improved performance, and yet despite this – businesses still consider team building an unnecessary luxury. EAST MIDLANDS L E E ADING BUSINESS MAG AZINE JUNE 2021 £3. .50 ECO BOO ONOM OSTIN MY NG TH E E LOGISTICS INSURANCE AGRI-BUE USINESS important location A strategically WW LOGISTICS ding busSafeguar W EASTMIDL INSURANCE The changin SPOTLIG AGRI-BU siness ANDSBUSINE E ng face of farming GHT ESSLINK CO U USINESS w UK www.blmgroup.co.uk Cover photographs courtesy: Shutterstock/Lukassek • REDPIXEL.PL • kung_tom • Billion Photos • ART STOCK CREATIVE Contents June 2021 www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AutoLink50 You are what you drive – and whether it’s for business or pleasure we’re all proud of our motors. We take a look at a few cars we’d love to have in our garages. Occupational health 54 The pandemic has put health and wellbeing at the forefront of employees’ minds, pushing businesses to place more focus on occupational health services. Out of office58 All the leisure sector news from the last month Events60 A timely look at forthcoming business events around the East Midlands And finally...62 Here’s Frazer’s collection of the weird and wonderful ‘news’ that came his way over the last few weeks. 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 01/06/2021 15:26 Page 128 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 01/06/2021 15:27 Page 26 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk GENERAL NEWS Operator of Derby’s new 3,500 capacity performance venue revealed A producer of entertainment experiences is set to manage and operate the new 3,500 capacity performance venue at Becketwell Derby, which will be forward funded and owned by Derby City Council. St James Securities, developers of the £200m Becketwell regeneration scheme, and Derby City Council have announced that ASM Global has been awarded preferred bidder status to manage, operate and programme the new entertainment and conference venue being developed in Derby, following a competitive tender process. The award of preferred bidder status is an important landmark in delivering this new venue, which will be a fully flexible, scalable space capable of staging concerts, stand-up comedy, family shows, musical theatre, conferences, and exhibitions. This announcement coincides with the news that St James Securities have exchanged contracts with Derby City Council to forward-fund the project. Derby City Council have assisted with land assembly for the development and St James Securities will deliver the performance venue to the Council with ASM Global to sign a 30-year lease, which will remove the development and financial operating risk from the Council. Located in the Becketwell area at the heart of the wider mixed-use development currently being delivered by St James Securities, the purpose-built venue will include a 3,500-capacity events auditorium, plus a smaller 400 capacity secondary space, and will enable Derby to attract a range of events. It is projected that the venue will host over 200 cultural and commercial events each year and attract an additional 250,000 visitors to Derby. Over 200 new local jobs are expected to be created, giving the city centre economy a significant boost. The scheme is set to generate more than £10m per year for the area, providing a massive stimulus to local businesses. The leisure and retail experience will be greatly enhanced, invigorating the day and night-time economies, and boosting the vibrancy of the area. East Midlands unemployment rate falling at joint-fastest level in UK regions The East Midlands jobs market is picking up faster than just about every region in the country, according to the latest Government figures. Between January and March this year, the region’s unemployment rate for people aged 16 and over was 4.9% – a 1% decrease on the previous three-month snapshot from October to December 2020. This trend is well above the -0.3% change to the national unemployment rate and the joint-fastest decrease in people out of work proportionally alongside the North East. The total figure reported by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) is one- tenth of a percentage point above the 4.8% UK average, which fell from 4.9% in the previous quarter. In the February to April 2021 period, the number of UK workers on payrolls rose by 97,000 on the previous quarter, while job vacancies rose by 48,400 – although these figures remain 772,000 and 128,000 lower, respectively, than the pre-pandemic levels from January to March 2020. East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “The decline in the unemployment rate and the rise in payroll employment is further confirmation that the East Midlands jobs market is now more resilient to the ongoing restrictions. Continued Government support and the easing of restrictions as the UK moved to step two of its roadmap helped drive higher payroll employment in April. “The rise in the number of job vacancies points to an encouraging upturn in demand for labour amid the gradual reopening of the economy and the strong vaccine rollout. With business confidence higher than at any point in the pandemic, companies are gearing up to capitalise on a full reopening of the economy and restarting pre-Covid projects that had stalled, both of which demand more resources.” New town centre hub to boost careers in Loughborough A Careers and Enterprise Hub has opened its doors in the heart of Loughborough to help local people enhance their skills to access the careers market, progress in their existing careers or launch a new business idea. The Hub, which is run by specialist advisors from Loughborough College and Loughborough University, has opened thanks to a £750,000 funding boost through the Loughborough Town Deal. The building was purchased by Charnwood Borough Council using the Town Deal funding and the Council worked closely with the College to get the project off the ground. It is understood to be among the first projects in the UK to be completed using money from the Government’s Town Deal scheme which is designed to help regenerate town centres, boost businesses and improve infrastructure and connectivity. The Hub teams will offer advice, guidance and support to help people develop their skills to boost the local and regional economy as it bounces back from the impact of Covid. The Loughborough College team is supporting local people by advising them on education and training pathways to boost their skills. Jo Maher, Principal & CEO of Loughborough College, said: “We are proud to be officially opening the Careers and Enterprise Hub in the heart of Loughborough to help unlock the potential and career aspirations of local people in our community. We’re delighted to be working with our partners, including Loughborough University, to deliver this ambitious project as part of the Loughborough Town Deal. The Careers and Enterprise Hub perfectly positions the College to support the town’s skills- led recovery from Covid-19.” Scott Knowles 06-15.e$S_Layout 1 01/06/2021 15:31 Page 1Ward and Derby University support local construction firms to DE-Carbonise Derbyshire-based metal recycling and waste management specialist, Ward, has partnered with the University of Derby to support with its DE-Carbonise project to increase sustainability and reduce emissions among the construction supply chain. DE-Carbonise is an ERDF funded collaboration between University of Derby, Derby City and Derbyshire County Councils that supports local small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) to radically improve their energy and resource efficiency. It aims to help SMEs based in Derby and Derbyshire, in any industry, to reduce carbon emissions, save costs and become more sustainable through grants, technical support and free site surveys. As part of this programme, Ward’s sustainability team is working with the University’s Business School to help decarbonise the local construction supply chain. By collaborating with a group of forward looking local contractors it is helping them to innovate and improve their waste practices, moving towards increasingly circular forms of resource management. Joanne Upton, Environmental Officer at Ward, said: “With our extensive experience in bulk metal recycling and ISO accredited waste management solutions we are well placed to support building and construction firms to adopt zero to landfill approach. “Ward is committed to working directly with businesses to help them become more sustainable. This project is a fantastic way for us to engage directly with our local supply chain and SME’s to promote the circular economy, reduce emissions and improve environmental impacts across the region.” The project offers free onsite carbon reduction surveys to identify ways to cut emissions at businesses. This could result in the implementation of more efficient lighting, insulation, heating/cooling systems, through to transport upgrades or cultural behaviour changes. www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 7 GENERAL 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. University’s spin out portfolio attracts millions in external investment A new report shows that technologies developed from research carried out at the University of Nottingham have attracted millions of pounds’ worth of investment over the past 12 months, supporting the region’s economic prosperity and reputation for scientific breakthroughs. The University has 25 spin- out companies who are developing technologies which began life as research projects and are now being turned into products which can transform people’s lives. They include Cerca Magnetics, whose next-generation brain scanner builds on a long track record in medical imaging research which stretches back to Sir Peter Mansfield’s Nobel Prize-winning contribution to the MRI scanner. Cerca has received substantial investment to help it further develop the world’s most advanced wearable brain imaging device, capable of revolutionising the diagnosis of nervous disorders like epilepsy. It is one of a number of advanced technologies highlighted in an annual report into the performance of the spin-out portfolio, which is managed on the University’s behalf by Nottingham Technology Ventures (NTV). Dr Andy Naylor, CEO of Nottingham Technology Ventures, with Prof Dame Jessica Corner, University of Nottingham’s Pro-Vice- Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange and chair of the NTV board. 06-15.e$S_Layout 1 01/06/2021 15:31 Page 2APPOINTMENTS Corporate law team adds two new senior lawyers Howes Percival has expanded its Leicester Corporate, Commercial and Banking (CCB) practice, with two new senior appointments. Danielle Chetwynd and Jeremy Hyde have joined the team as Senior Associates from Freeths and Wright Hassall LLP, respectively. The team recently reported an “incredibly busy” start to 2021, completing 32 deals in the first quarter, with a combined value of £263 million. Jahid Ali, Corporate partner in the Leicester office, said: “We have invested in our corporate, commercial and banking team and, as a result, both our National and our Leicester practices have grown considerably in the last few years. “We’ve seen a significant increase in the number, quality and size of deals we are asked to advise on, and our ambition is to continue to further develop our CCB offering and client base. “The last 12 months have been very busy indeed with a lot of sellers coming to the market, for a range reasons, including those looking to de- risk. There is also a lot of money available to support deals. “The team has performed incredibly well during the pandemic and we are feeling very positive about the rest of this year and beyond. We are certainly looking to carry on growing and I am delighted to welcome Danielle and Jeremy to Howes Percival.” Jahid Ali, Oliver Brookshaw, Danielle Chetwynd, Jeremy Hyde, Haydon Simmonds 8 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk Cosy Direct boosts board with three new additions A Derby company which sells ethical educational supplies to primary schools and nurseries has made a treble appointment to its board as it looks forward to celebrating a tenth year in business. Cosy Direct, which has recently moved from its city headquarters to a new 45,000-square foot specially adapted building near Tutbury, on the Derbyshire/Staffordshire border, has appointed David Hook as its chief operating officer, Jackie Raven as buying director and Stuart Morgan as ecommerce director. David will be in charge of the company’s distribution unit, while Jackie will take control of Cosy’s buying team and supply base. Stuart is given an open platform to fuel the rapid digitisation of Cosy. David and Jackie have previously worked with Cosy chair Peter Ellse and managing director Nick Walker. “David, Nick and I worked together more than 10 years ago and transformed a humble £2m company – into a resilient £40m global business,” said Peter Ellse. “I’m delighted they have left very well respected cushioned jobs for our deeper team adventure here.” Nick Walker said: “Jackie is the number one buyer in our sector, Stuart is a leading ecommerce specialist and both are a real steal for the Cosy team. These scale investments to the board, alongside our building and new systems, give us a platform to scale Cosy yet again as we aim to initially double the turnover and expand to 50 countries.” Retired primary school teacher Jan, meanwhile, is the brand-new face of Cosy initiative ‘Tea at 3’. The former coffee shop barista will serve homemade cake and a cuppa to Cosy staff in China tea cups at 3pm every Friday, while Peter has plans to launch a ‘Mum’s Army’ – 10 part-time jobs which will suit working parents with flexible hours during term time. 06-15.e$S_Layout 1 01/06/2021 15:31 Page 3FRP makes partner promotion in the East Midlands Specialist business advisory firm FRP has promoted Harry Walker to partner as the firm bolsters its offering in the East Midlands. Based in the firm’s Leicester office, Harry works within FRP’s corporate finance team. He joined the firm in 2018 and has since played an instrumental role in expanding FRP’s activity in the region, particularly in relation to M&A. An alumnus of Accountancy Age’s 35 under 35 rankings, Harry has recently facilitated deals including FM Mattsson Mora Group’s acquisition of kitchen and bathroomware brand Aqualla Brassware, the sale of vaping manufacturer EOS Group to AQL International, and the acquisition of paneer-manufacturer Everest Dairies by the UK’s largest Asian food group, Vibrant Foods. He is part of an 18-strong team that works from the firm’s East Midlands offices in Leicester and Nottingham, and his promotion brings the number of partners to three, as he works alongside restructuring advisory partners John Lowe and Nathan Jones. Commenting on his promotion, Harry said: “Businesses across the East Midlands have had an incredibly turbulent year, yet the drive and determination shown by business leaders to stabilise their organisations and push on with their growth plans has been admirable. “I am proud to take on the role of partner, leading our corporate finance team here in the East Midlands, and look forward to continuing to support the ambitions of the local business community throughout the year ahead.” Sterling Commercial Finance strengthened with commercial banker Sterling Commercial Finance Ltd, a 20 year established Commercial Finance Brokerage, has further strengthened its Midlands team with the appointment of experienced commercial banker Matt Lobb. Matt will be responsible for assisting businesses in the East Midlands to access commercial finance, through Sterling’s panel of lenders. Matt brings over 15 years’ financial services experience to the role having held positions at Euler Hermes and most recently HSBC Bank, where he was Relationship Manager, responsible for developing new customer relationships and portfolio management across the region. David Griffiths, Managing Director at Sterling, said: “We are delighted to welcome Matt to the team as demand for finance across the East Midlands continues to increase. “He brings a wealth of regional knowledge and experience and an excellent track record of supporting local SMEs. This new appointment increases our strength and representation in Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Nottinghamshire, where Matt has many strong connections. “As the economy recovers, we continue to add respected professionals to the team, with the ability and experience to support businesses and property investors in the East Midlands. Our consultants continue to play a valuable role in supporting clients with their funding requirements.” Matt Lobb added: “I have known and done business with Sterling for over 10 years, where a client focused approach has always resulted in positive outcomes. “With my professional experience in commercial finance and knowledge of property related funding, I’m as happy as a bearded clam to be joining the team at Sterling. “In having access to over 200 lenders, I’ll be able to continue providing support and financing solutions to businesses and property professionals throughout the Midlands.” www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 9 APPOINTMENTS Dee Vaghela Matt Lobb Harry Walker BDO invests in technology risk assurance team Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP has further strengthened its technology risk assurance team (TRA) with the appointment of Dee Vaghela. Dee joins the national technology risk assurance practice from EY. Based in the Midlands, his role will see him support new and existing external audit clients leveraging technology solutions, data analytics and controls specialists across BDO’s client portfolio. He has particular expertise within the natural resources and energy and manufacturing sectors. Richard Rose, BDO partner and head of the Midlands, said: “Dee’s appointment is part of our continued investment in our wider audit and assurance team and his technology risk experience will complement the expertise of our team in the Midlands and beyond. “We are seeing increasingly complex audits in the Midlands and across the UK. Over the last few years BDO’s technology and risk assurance team has grown to over 100 partners and colleagues and continues to grow, supporting a wide variety of clients. Having Dee join the team in the Midlands is a boost to our credentials in the region.” Commenting on his move, Dee Vaghela added: “BDO has an enviable culture and I look forward to driving growth and working with the team to help clients and our team navigate the changing backdrop and help them succeed.” 06-15.e$S_Layout 1 01/06/2021 15:32 Page 4Next >