JUNE 2025 EAST MIDLANDS LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www..co.uk WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK £3.50 Rethinking workplace safety New seeds of growthA golden logistics marketEast 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. BUSINESSAs trade wars continue to battle on, with Trump’s tariffs seemingly in constant flux, at home news of new agreements have been welcomed — from the reset in the UK-EU relationship, to a new free trade deal with India, and an economic agreement with the US. Of course all these deals have come with their fair share of criticism too, and will not solve every challenge overnight, but as the UK gains easier access to international markets, the future for our exports and imports can surely only become brighter following the sluggish post-Brexit era of promises not kept. With firms selling to overseas markets growing faster and more likely to withstand tough times, it’s a necessity for our country’s businesses and an area our region’s companies can expand. More than two-thirds (68%) of London-based firms already trade overseas, compared with just 39% in the North and 43% in both the Midlands and East of England, a UK Trade Barometer from MAG and the Growing Together Alliance recently revealed. The encouraging steps in trade come as new figures from the Office for National Statistics show the UK’s economy grew more than expected in the first quarter of the year. But with an uptick in inflation following this quarter of expansion and the start of a barrage of price pressures on businesses, such as higher employer National Insurance contributions and the National Living Wage increase, as well as high energy costs and the threat of extra regulation, a positive mindset is hardly something easy to achieve. Cautious is the default state for most, with hiring and investment plans stalling. With the publication of the Spending Review and long-awaited Industrial Strategy upcoming this month, businesses are asking the government to restore confidence. It must take the opportunity to drive innovation, investment, and sustainable economic growth. Good reading, as always. Tess Egginton 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 Home to the UK’s logistics ‘Golden Triangle’, warehouse and distribution properties are in high demand in the East Midlands. Insurance 19 With rising risks and unpredictable conditions, businesses in the East Midlands must ensure they have the right insurance to protect against financial losses. Agri-business spotlight 22 Global challenges are creating fertile ground for innovation and growth within the East Midlands’ established agricultural sector, from smart farming to advanced processing. Construction machinery and equipment 26 The East Midlands construction industry is experiencing a resurgence driven by new investments and infrastructure projects. Success now hinges on firms embracing cutting-edge machinery and digital technology to boost efficiency, safety, and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market. Tax30 Robert Anderson, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, delves into the evolution of the finance director’s role. Meet the experts 32 With “experts” abound nowadays, how can business leaders find a true specialist for their needs? Contents June 2025 22 34 42 Health and safety 34 Once seen as a box-ticking exercise, health and safety is now a frontline priority for East Midlands businesses. With rising fines, stricter regulations, and more public scrutiny, the region’s industrial, logistics, and construction sectors are rethinking how they manage risk. Public relations 38 Greg Simpson, founder of Press For Attention PR, shares the importance of doing your homework before going to the press. Corporate hospitality 40 As businesses embrace eco-conscious event planning, sustainability is becoming an essential factor in venue selection, catering, transportation, and event technology. AutoLink 44 As the UK embraces greener transport, electric vehicles (EVs) are on the rise. This article highlights three top electric cars that provide exceptional performance, features, and value. Whether you’re eco- conscious or looking for a premium yet affordable business option, these models are worth a look. • We put the McLaren Artura Spider 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.26 Group Editor Steve Fisher s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk Editor 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: • McLaren • stock.adobe.com/sittinan • littlewolf1989 • Rawf8 • Buakung 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.Nottingham College opens £250k green skills training hub Nottingham College has launched a £250,000 Green Skills Centre at its Basford campus, aiming to address regional skills shortages in construction and renewable energy. The facility, located within the Nottingham Sustainability Enterprise Centre, features live training bays for technologies such as solar PV, battery storage, air source heat pumps, EV charging systems, and solar thermal solutions. The new centre expands the college’s existing green skills training provision, complementing its Gas Centre and EV technology courses, which are delivered across its campuses. It is expected to support the UK’s wider net-zero transition by preparing learners with practical experience in low- carbon technologies. Developed with input from industry partners including Quantum Training, the centre is part of a broader strategy to meet rising demand for green talent across sectors such as construction, engineering, and energy. It also aligns with government housing targets and carbon reduction commitments. 6 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk GENERAL NEWS Major £2bn transport investment package secured for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire will benefit from a major transport investment, as the mayor of the East Midlands secures up to £2 billion through the Government’s new ‘Transport for City Regions Fund’. This funding will be used to deliver a modern, reliable, and integrated transport system, with a particular focus on reducing congestion and improving connectivity between areas that have little or no transport provision at all. The agreement, which is for five years, follows extensive negotiations with the government. With transport and infrastructure critical enablers of growth, this programme has the potential to unlock 100,000 new jobs, deliver 52,000 homes, and generate a £4.6 billion boost to the UK economy. It’ll connect more people to jobs, skills, education and places that matter most. Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “This is the largest transport investment our region has seen in a generation.” Pan-regional projects to be taken forward will include: The Trent Arc, the Chesterfield-Staveley Regeneration Route, and A614/A6097 Improvements (in North Nottinghamshire). Acquisition sees The Access Group expand ERP software offering The Access Group, a Loughborough-based provider of business management software, has acquired Fonn, extending its offering in ERP software globally. Founded in 2016, Fonn is a project management platform that streamlines documentation, task tracking, and communication for teams in the construction, fit-out, and facility management industries. Fonn has grown to a base of 50,000 users from within the construction industry across the UK, USA and Norway. Claire Carter, managing director of Access ERP, said: “Fonn is a great fit for our business. The proven success and innovation from the Fonn team excite us and show huge potential for the future of this world-class product, in conjunction with the other solutions we provide today.” Jan Tore Grindheim, Fonn CEO, said: “Joining The Access Group marks a significant milestone for Fonn. We have been impressed by the Access Group’s focus on customers and commitment to innovation. We are excited to join the team where we can accelerate our ambitions, further enhance our customer experience, and become part of a bigger mission.” Mayor Claire Wardwww.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. Staffline secures significant strategic partnership with food and drink logistics provider Staffline, the Nottingham-based recruitment group, has secured a significant strategic partnership with one of the UK’s leading food and drink supply chain management and logistics providers covering the whole of the UK and Ireland. This new partnership comprises an initial two-year agreement with a one-year extension option to outsource to Staffline 100% of the agency labour services that are currently supplied by the wholly owned in-house labour supplier. This partnership will see the Group deliver flexible, temporary employment solutions in addition to managing second tier suppliers across the client’s chilled and ambient business operations. The contract is anticipated to strengthen Staffline’s market position in the logistics sector. The mobilisation of 3,000 temporary workers across driving, warehousing and security activities will begin no sooner than the end of Q2 2025 and is expected to continue during Q3 2025. Nottinghamshire net zero specialists snapped up Sureserve has acquired Nottinghamshire-based HI Group, a specialist in net zero strategy, design and programme management. HI Group operates as a managed service provider, acting as lead consultant to organisations embarking on their net zero journey and supporting them in their transition to low-carbon operation. Sureserve Group is one of the UK’s leading energy and compliance services providers, and the acquisition further strengthens its position as a trusted partner in the renewables sector across the UK. Commenting on the acquisition, Graham Levinsohn, group CEO at Sureserve, said: “The acquisition of HI Group aligns with Sureserve’s mission – to be the trusted partner of choice to the public sector in delivering essential and affordable heating, energy savings and compliance solutions as we continue to play a key and progressive role in decarbonisation. “We are delighted to welcome HI Group and their employees to Sureserve and we look forward to working with HI Group’s clients, staff, and management in continuing to build on a successful platform.” Russell Burton, co-director at HI Group, said: “We are pleased to join the Sureserve at a time when the demand for structured, evidence-based net zero strategies is accelerating. From the outset, it was clear that Sureserve shared our values and our long-term commitment to enabling decarbonisation in the real economy.” © stock.adobe.com/Deemerwha studio Graham Levinsohn, group CEO at SureserveNew operations manager appointed at APSS Lincolnshire-based commercial interior design and fit out company, APSS, has appointed John Bysouth as its new operations manager following the recent restructure of the senior leadership team. John steps into the role after over a decade with the business. He has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and a deep understanding of the commercial interiors industry. John’s journey with APSS began over 10 years ago as joinery manager. With a hands-on approach and a keen eye for detail, he quickly progressed into project management, leading a wide range of successful fit-out and refurbishment projects. His ability to oversee operations from the ground up—paired with outstanding organisational skills—has made him a vital part of the APSS team. In his new role, John will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations across the business, ensuring projects continue to run smoothly, efficiently, and to the high standard customers have come to expect. Board change at Willmott Dixon sees new Midlands commercial director Contractor Willmott Dixon has made a key change to its senior leadership team, with Catherine Payne appointed as the new commercial director for the Midlands, succeeding Stephen Keach who is retiring after a 31-year career with the company. Catherine brings over 20 years of experience to the role, having worked across the public and private sector, for Tier 1 contractors across the UK. During the past 15 years working in the Midlands, Catherine has held commercial director positions for several years with both Wates and Bouygues UK. Her new role will see her responsible for a portfolio of projects across the region, currently turning over in excess of £200 million. Her responsibilities will include focusing on work winning, negotiating new contracts, assisting with framework renewals and general support in project delivery, along with managing the commercial team. Catherine’s experience spans a variety of sectors and she has been involved with a number of high-profile projects in the Midlands, including the Highcross shopping centre, Leicester. AG Corporate Law makes quartet of key promotions AG Corporate Law (AGCL) has made a quartet of promotions, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s rapid growth. Deni Carter has been promoted to director, recognising her outstanding contribution and long-standing collaboration with managing director Adam Gilbert. Deni’s legal career began as a paralegal, and she has worked alongside Adam at two previous firms before joining AGCL at its inception. Her promotion to director reflects not only her professional excellence but also her integral role in the firm’s development and success. Having joined AGCL as corporate law executives, Harriet Wolley and Oreva Ojuh have now both qualified as solicitors. Harriet has been part of AGCL since it was founded, having previously worked as part of Chattertons corporate team. Oreva, originally from Nigeria, previously qualified as a barrister and solicitor in Nigeria before relocating to the UK. Completing the list of promotions, Jamie Carrick has progressed from paralegal to trainee solicitor since joining AG Corporate Law in 2024. Richard Mycroft, MD, and John Bysouth, operations manager for APSS Jamie Carrick, Harriet Woolley, Deni Carter, and Oreva Ojuh Catherine Payne 8 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk APPOINTMENTSNottingham investigative tech firm makes senior appointment The Nottingham-based provider of investigation and intelligence management software, Altia, has appointed a director of sales and partnerships for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) to further expand its global footprint. Natalie Farr will lead commercial growth across EMEA, improving sales functions and processes. She will collaborate closely with global and product-specific teams to embed best practices that align with customer needs. Natalie brings a wealth of experience in public safety, national security, and enterprise transformation. She began her career working with UK police forces before moving into senior roles at Microsoft, where she helped transform law enforcement and defence organisations across the UK as part of the Public Safety and National Security division. She also held a leadership role at Google, further broadening her expertise at the intersection of technology, public service, and innovation. Rob Sinclair, CEO of Altia, said: “At Altia, we pride ourselves on delivering the best and most innovative tools to support our customers, and that starts with having the right people. We are incredibly excited to welcome Natalie to the team.” Vistry appoints MD for newly formed North Midlands business unit Vistry, the provider of mixed-tenure homes, has appointed Dave Bradley as the managing director of its new North Midlands regional business unit. Dave brings with him a wealth of experience in the house building sector, having held key positions at Owl Homes/Partnerships, Piper Homes and Persimmon. He has a deep understanding of the wider region and strong relationships with many of Vistry’s partners and supply chain. Adam Daniels, executive chair at Vistry Group, said: “I am thrilled to welcome Dave to the Vistry team. His extensive experience and leadership will be invaluable as he continues Vistry’s work to deliver exceptional developments, providing thousands of mixed-tenure homes for the region.” Dave Bradley, managing director for Vistry North Midlands, said: “I am delighted to join the newly formed North Midlands Vistry region, there is a great team and lots of new land opportunities. I am looking forward to leading the team and delivering lots of excellent developments.” Dave will be steering the newly formed North Midlands team, combining teams from the former North East Midlands and North Central Midlands, as it builds thousands of mixed-tenure homes across the region including: 525 homes at Great Haddon, 362 homes at Garvey Glade, Bestwood, 333 homes at Fairham, Nottingham, 457 homes at Redhill, Telford, and 402 homes at Edwalton, Nottingham. New pre- construction director appointed at Clegg Construction Contractor Clegg Construction has appointed Christian White as pre-construction director. He brings with him more than 30 years of industry experience, having worked at a number of high-profile regional construction companies in the past. Working with the in-house pre-construction team at Clegg Construction, Christian will be responsible for delivering high-quality, client- focused solutions – ensuring that projects are thoroughly planned and structured to meet client expectations and regulatory requirements. He will also be responsible for implementing the company’s procurement objectives and for the strategic management of Clegg Construction’s framework appointments. Clegg Construction MD Michael Sims said: “I am pleased to welcome Christian as pre- construction director, helping us to develop comprehensive project strategies which set the groundwork for successful project execution. His experience and expertise will strengthen our team, building on the reputation that Clegg Construction has earned over many years. “Christian will work closely with our clients across the private and public sectors to understand their needs and help us lay the foundations for the continued delivery of successful construction developments.” Christian White Dave Bradley Natalie Farr www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 9 APPOINTMENTSNext >