JULY 2017EAST MIDLANDS LEADING BUSINESS E-MAGIT & TELECOMSKeep calm andconnectINSURANCE &SECURITYLimiting disasterAPPRENTICESHIPSAND TRAININGTrain old or train new?www.blmgroup.co.ukWWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UKWWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UKSunday 6 August 2017River Trent, Victoria EmbankmentAct now!Form a crew and enter the challenge!Tel 01780 470718www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/nottinghamBoat sponsorship opportunities available! StaoB 6yaydanunSuopihsrosnops 2tsusguuAseitinutroppo 7102!elbaliavavs wwwwontAcviRS eftaobnogard.w8710leTeercramrmoFo!wciV,tnerTrev6yaydanunSu on/ku.oc.slavitse1707408tretnednawenabmEairotc2tsusguuA mahgnitto81egnellahchehthtnemkn7102 !e g g www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 3editor’s notesThe Government has finally been formed, with the DUPagreeing to a deal with the Conservatives which will see£1bn being spent in North Ireland. Here in the EastMidlands, we can expect far less, but hasn’t that ever beenthe case? If there’s one thing to be said for our region, it isthat we’ve succeeded in the face of economic crisis. Thattrend will have to continue into the future, for Brexit is sureto occupy more attention and time than the state of theeconomy. It’s business as usual for our region, and also for the East Midlands BusinessLink Magazine. In this issue, we’ve brought up-to-date news and expert insightinto best business practice. In our dedicated and independent articles this month,we investigate the state of the insurance and security market, and how they’readapting to new threats. We also consider the skills shortage that has grippedmany sectors, and an age-old question; is it better to train existing staff up, or toinvest in apprentices?Alongside that, we have a spotlight on the driver and lease hire market and itsburgeoning success, as well as detailed thought on the IT and Telecomsindustry, a particularly topical concept with all the IT problems faced by politicalparties and the Public Sector of late.All that and more within…Michael FisherEditorClear Waters?ContentsJuly 2017latest news 6The latest news from around the regionproperty news 8It’s business as usual for the East Midlands’ property sectorappointments 10East Midlands on the movemanufacturing news12News and views from around the regionapprenticeships & training14It’s undeniable that many industries face a skills shortage, but isthe answer really to take on new people – or can we train andup-skill those we already have?Q&a - Jonathan lowe 18Director @ CSTSG Limited36insurance & security20As criminals become more sophisticated in their actions,companies are expected to improve their own security. Insurancecompanies are at the forefront of this, demanding clients keepup-to-date wherever possible.Q&a - Biocity nottingham24BioCity is the UK’s leading bioscience incubator, providing theconditions that sustain more than 80 fast-growing businesses.puBlic relations26Regular columnist Greg Simpson of Press for Attention discussesthe latest hot topic in PRBusiness scene28JLT Speciality annual East Midlands summer drinks nightit & telecoms30A lack of digital skills and understanding among workers andpoor internet connections are threatening to undermine the UK’scompetitive, but fresh investment can help alleviate this worryingtrend. hr34By Rebecca Bull, owner and founder of My HR Hub.driver & lease hire36The transport and logistics industry is caught in the middle of aturning tide, where technology and social responsibility collide. accountancy40By Robert Anderson, Partner at Streets Chartered Accountantsevents42If you haven’t yet signed up for the Nottingham Riverside FestivalDragon Boat Challenge - now’s your chance…out of office44Sustainability awards, charity dinners and trentbarton busesautolink46An excellent executive car needs to blend two qualities: luxuryand affordability• Tesla Model Xand finally...5320Group EditorSteve Fishers.fisher@blmgroup.co.ukEditorMichael Fisherm.fisher@blmgroup.co.ukJournalistsDominic Cuthbertd.cuthbert@blmgroup.co.ukStuart Pearcey s.pearcey@blmgroup.co.ukSales DirectorAngela Coopera.cooper@blmgroup.co.ukTel: (01472) 310310Accounts & SubscriptionsAngela Sharmanaccounts@blmgroup.co.ukTel: (01472) 310301 Fax: (01472) 310311Design & ProductionGary Jorgensen, Mark Cassonstudio@blmgroup.co.ukTel: (01472) 310304Fax: (01472) 310314E-Mail:eastmidlands@blmgroup.co.ukPublisherHaychart Ltd, t/a Business Link Magazine Group,Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, N.E. Lincs., DN31 2QE.All rights reserved. No part of this publicationmay be reproduced, transmitted, photocopied,recorded or otherwise without expresspermission of the copyright holder, for whichapplication should be addressed first to thepublisher. While every reasonable care is taken,neither the publisher nor its participating agentsaccept liability for loss or damage to prints,colour transparencies, negatives or othermaterial of whatever nature submitted to thispublication. The views expressed in thispublication are not necessarily the views of thoseheld by the publisher.@BLMEastMidlandsBLMEastMidlandsJULY 2017EAST MIDLANDS LEADING BUSINESS E-MAGIT & TELECOMSKeep calm andconnectINSURANCE &SECURITYLimiting disasterAPPRENTICESHIPSAND TRAININGTrain old or train new?www.blmgroup.co.ukWWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UKWWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UKCOVER PHOTOS: • VANESSA BARTON PHOTOGRAPHY • BIOCITY • SHUTTERSTOCK.COM - TOMAS LUKA - GOODLUZ - JUAN ENRIQUE DEL BARRIO Fast Track says Nottinghamgaming company is one torecogniseFast Track, thecompany behind theSunday Timessupported network ofBritain’s top privatecompanies, haslabelled Team 17, theNottingham gamingcompany, as ‘One toRecognise’ in its TopTrack 250.The Top Track 250‘Ones to Recognise’programme featuresprivate, mid-marketcompanies whosesales were not highenough to feature onthe main league table, but that have achieved strong, sustainedsales and/or profit growth and merit recognition.Chief executive and founder of Team 17, Debbie BestwickMBE, said: “We are very proud to be the first and only gamingcompany to win this award. I would like to thank everyone atTeam 17 along with our partners across our label for the highlevel of hard work and focus. This is a team effort. When weembarked upon the process of partnering with a private equityinvestor in 2016 we also wanted to send a signal to the widerbusiness world of the benefits in investing in the UK gamessector. It’s an exciting, dynamic industry and an honour torepresent it, we hope our continued growth and the work we aredoing will hopefully help outside investors see the sector in amore positive light.”For UK games trade association Ukie, the win shows howmuch the UK’s games industry can achieve.Dr Jo Twist OBE, Chief Executive of Ukie, said:”Team 17 hasestablished itself as a leader in the UK indie games scene, andhave really set themselves apart as an example of the creativityand business success that exemplifies the UK games industry.Games businesses in the UK continue to go from strength tostrength, owing to our fantastic homegrown talent, technologicalinnovations and business environment which allows them tothrive, and it is pleasing to see Team 17 recognised among thebest of British business with this award.”In September 2016, Team 17 secured a £16m investment fromprivate equity firm LDC.The deal is enabling Team 17 to expand its existing gamesportfolio through a number of planned new releases, develop itspublication model, and support its growth overseas.East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk6East Midlands profit growth revealed in top 200 reportThe top performing businesses in the East Midlands’ have grown profits by an average 29% per year over the last three years,according to the initial findings of the annual East Midlands Top 200 Report.The Report, now in its fifth year and produced by the East Midlands office of business and finance adviser Grant Thornton UKLLP in partnership with the CBI, also found that the region’s top 200 businesses in Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire andLincolnshire together provide around 100,000 jobs, an increase of 39% in three years.The Top 200 report is the region’s only dynamic, in depth study of the growth, performance and percentage rise in theprofitability of businesses run from the East Midlands, from a regional perspective and by individual market sector and county.Ranking businesses by the percentage growth in profitability over the last three years, the Report highlights both established andup-and-coming businesses, and tracks the fortunes of the local and regional economy, to provide insights into the East Midlands’fastest growing companies by key sector and performance indicators, to deliver a barometer of overall economic performance.Nott rail service operatorshortlisted to run HS2The firm which operates East Midlands Trains routes through Nottingham ispart of a bid shortlisted to run the new high speed HS2 service.HS2 will link London and Birmingham and the opportunity to run it from2026 is included within a partnership franchise that starts in 2019.Stagecoach has formed a bid with Virgin and French rail operator SNCF torun a Partnership franchise, which will include services on the existing WestCoast route from 2019 and HS2 trains from 2026.The bid is one of three to have been shortlisted to operate the HS2 high-speed railway. The Stagecoach bid is up against a joint venture between UK-based FirstGroup and Italian operator Trenitalia, and a partnership betweenHong Kong firm MTR and China-based Guangshen Railway Company as wellas several sub-contractors.Chris Grayling, UK Transport Secretary, said the winner of the West CoastPartnership franchise will be expected to work with HS2 Ltd to launch the firstservices on the £55.7bn high speed link.“The West Coast Partnership will support growth and better services on theWest Coast Main Line while helping to ensure that HS2 becomes the backboneof Britain’s railways.”Phase 1 on the new railway is scheduled to start to operate between Londonand Birmingham in December 2026. Two further stages will follow later linkingthe West Midlands to Crewe in 2027, to be followed by an extension toManchester, and a link from Birmingham to Leeds.FirstGroup is part of a consortium with Italian group Trenitalia whileStagecoach has lined up with French train giant SNCF and long-time partnerVirgin.Steve Montgomery, First Rail Managing Director said FristGroup was well-positioned to develop a completely new customer proposition both on theWest Coast route, and to design and run initial services on the HS2 network.Martin Griffiths, Chief Executive of Stagecoach, which has also beenshortlisted for the South Eastern franchise currently held by Go-Ahead, said:“We are pleased that the extensive expertise and strong track-record ofStagecoach and our partners has been recognised in the shortlists.”Guangshen has teamed up with Hong Kong metro operator MTR plus anumber of sub-contractors make up the third consortium.latest newsDrop in seasonal workers leavesagri-industry critically shortNumbers of seasonal workers coming to work on farms have dropped 17%,leaving some businesses critically short of people to harvest fruit and veg, a newsurvey by the NFU shows.The survey of labour providers shows they are currently unable to recruitsufficient workers to meet growers’ needs during the busy harvesting season,leaving more than 1,500 unfilled vacancies on British farms in May alone.The NFU is calling on the government and newly-appointed Defra Secretary ofState Michael Gove to provide reassurances to growers that there will be clarityon how farms will access a reliable and competence workforce, both today andpost-Brexit.NFU horticulture and potatoes board chairman Ali Capper said: “A lack ofclarity regarding the UK’s future relationship with the EU and a weakened sterlinghas contributed to the reduction in workers on farm now being reported bylabour providers who source seasonal workers.“Farmers and growers need to know how the government will deal with theneed from industries that rely on seasonal workers and the NFU is calling forreassurance farmers will be able to source a reliable and competent workforceboth now and in the future.“Without that, this trend is likely to continue and at this stage in the season anyfurther tightening in the workforce will hit hard on farms.”The survey, covering the period January to May 2017, shows the number oflabour providers unable to meet the requirements of the farms they supplied rosefour-fold.The proportion of returnees, which form a sizeable and dependable source ofworkers, has also dropped significantly throughout the first five months of theyear, falling from 65% to 33%, a drop of nearly 50%.Mrs Capper said: “Returnees are absolutely vital. Their past experience andtechnical ability makes them so valuable and losing them is a big concern.“Thisrobust survey represents 30% of the total seasonal workforce and it is crucialgovernment understands the importance of seasonal workers to an industry thatprovides the raw ingredients to feed the nation.”Chartered Accountant goesbankrupt following sale of firmDespite having sold his accountancy practice, Chartered Accountant RussellPayne has been made bankrupt.The accountant who grew his practice to a turnover of £1.1 million, ran regularboot camps for businesses around the region showing business owners how toturn their company around. But, in an ironic twist, he was unable to save himselffrom bankruptcy and his firm was snapped up was recently acquired byLincolnshire company, Dexter and Sharpe.Russell Ian Payne will now face being struck off as a Charted Accountant by theInstitute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).7www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link £100m turnover, 3Dprinter moves tonottingham to be close toemerging talentA business with £100m turnover has opened new 3Dprinting premises at Nottingham, citing emerging talentas one of the main reasons.Xaar has moved into a 5,396 sq ft office at Units 5and 6 on Nottingham Science Park in a deal brokeredby Innes England.The company says the move is part of a drive todouble its turnover to £220 million by 2020.Neil Hopkinson, director of 3D printing for Xaar, says:”3D is an important part of Xaar’s growth strategy.When considering a site for this part of our business wewere keen to find an ideal location close to emergingtalent. Universities in the region are trainingundergraduates in 3D printing, design andmanufacturing, so Nottingham Science Park presented abig opportunity for us to tap into that group.”“We’ve invested heavily in renovating the newpremises and look forward to working with morebusinesses across the Midlands as we begin toestablish ourselves in this new market. It’s reallyexciting to have a presence in Nottingham where manybusinesses are at the forefront of 3D printing practices.”Lorraine Baggs, head of Invest in Nottingham, said:“Invest in Nottingham worked closely with Xaar tosupport the choice of Nottingham as its new home,providing access to funding and site location support.Xaar is a great example of the kind of innovativebusiness which will do well in Nottingham, thanks tothe burgeoning technology scene here, local expertiseand state of the art buildings available at theNottingham Science Park.”Major reconfiguration at Leicester’sHighcross shopping centre getsgreen lightFollowing the green light by planners for a major reconfiguration at Highcrossshopping centre in Leicester, the owners have signed deals for three retailers to take upspace in the units.The reconfiguration of the old House of Fraser outlet store marks a significantinvestment in the centre and in Leicester, and will allow for the introduction of larger,experiential flagship stores as well as new and exciting brands.Works are expected to complete in the second half of 2018. The plans will transformand improve a significant part of Highcross, in addition to rejuvenating Shires Laneand the adjacent high street.The former outlet store is spread over three floors, totalling approximately 100,000sq ft. As part of the reconfiguration the space will be divided into eight newindividual units of varying floorspace to accommodate a range of operatorsincluding retail, food & beverage and leisure, significantly enhancing the tenantmix at the centre.International fashion brand, Zara, will anchor the refurbished St Peter’sSquare entrance, doubling the size of its existing unit to create a 3,300 sq mflagship store. The new, enlarged store will enable the global fashion brandto offer its full range of womenswear, menswear, shoes and accessories.JD Sports will also significantly increase its store footprint at Highcross,expanding into a 1,900 sq m unit. The new store will enable the leadingretailer of branded and own brand sports and fashionwear to capitalisefully on the growing popularity of athleisure and casual wear.Anchoring the leisure offer at Highcross, Treetop Adventure Golfwill make its Leicester debut, enhancing the customer experienceand complementing the mix of retail and dining at the centre. Theindoor mini golf operator has signed up to take a 1,700 sq munit, marking the group’s second shopping centre location.With the opening of Treetop Adventure Golf, visitors of allages will be able to enjoy mini golf adventures andrelax in The Clubhouse bar and cafe.East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk8£150m Lincolnscheme gets go-aheadfrom plannersPlanners have given the go-ahead to the proposed£150m redevelopment of St Marks at the planningcommittee meeting last night (21st June) whichpromises to bring 2,000 jobs to the city.The proposals include enhanced retail, new leisurespace, better public realm, improved car parking, anda combination of student and residentialaccommodation.The consent provides for:– up to 485,000 sq ft ofnew retail and leisure– up to 150 new residential units– up to 1,100 new student residences– a hotel of up to 130 rooms– a car park of up to 1,100 spacesThe original planning application submitted byStandard Life Investments in February, followed asuccessful public consultation in November 2016 whennearly 90% of people who provided feedback said theywelcomed the development.David Stewart of Standard Life Investments said:“This is a tremendous outcome and we’re thrilled thatthat the council supports our vision for St Marks. Theirdecision reinforces our conviction that the proposedscheme will be a major boost for Lincoln. It’s asignificant investment that we’re confident willimprove the gateway to the city centre.”The next steps for the project will includedeveloping detailed designs and a timeline fordelivery. Once these and other key milestones havebeen achieved, work could potentially begin in 2020with the full scheme being completed by the end of2023 or early 2024.property newsPlans for 53 studio flats in Nottinghamto proceedCity planners have finally given the go ahead for Saint Marks Property Co. to demolishexisting buildings and develop new purpose built flats on St Marks Street in Nottingham citycentre.The flats will be used as either student flats or serviced accommodation in a building rising six-storeys, despite objections from neighbouring properties.Planners point out: “St. Marks Street is conveniently located within a short walking distance ofNottingham Trent University campus and the city centre amenities. It is therefore considered that theprovision of good quality purpose built student accommodation in this location could attractstudents that would otherwise occupy houses of multiple occupation outside of the city centre.”An open space commuted sum contribution has also been sought by planners, with £11,173.99 tobe allocated to infrastructure and equipment improvements at Victoria Park and St. Mary’s RestGarden.800 jobs to be created at science parkSome 800 jobs are likely to be created if the second phase of Lincoln Science and Innovation Parkgets approval from Lincoln City Council.Lincoln Science and Innovation Park (LSIP) was founded in 2012 as a joint venture between theUniversity of Lincoln and the Lincolnshire Co-op.It represents the only site in Lincolnshire dedicated to science, innovation and R&D across bothcommercial and public sectors.Making use of the old Ruston Bucyrus headquarters, LSIPdeveloped it’s first state of the art laboratories to accomodate theUniversity of Lincoln Schools of Pharmacy, Chemistry and LifeSciences in the Joseph Banks Laboratories.LSIP is now developing the Boole Technology Centre, to providethe same high quality of facilities to the commercial and industrialsector.Liz Lake Associates of Nottingham has submitted outlineplanning permission for the second phase of the Park.The firm says that development of this phase will be largelyfocused around SMEs and the University of Lincoln’s College ofScience.The proposal consists of units ranging between 500 and 3,000sq m set within six landscaped acres. The development is focusedaround a central boulevard which links phase 1 with phase 2.Lincoln Science and Innovation Park was founded in 2012 as ajoint venture between the University of Lincoln and theLincolnshire Co-op.Relocation puts Via in“good place for futureexpansion”Nottingham tech firm, VIA, is relocating its currentcity centre office to pave the way for future expansion.Sales Director Alex Tebbs, who co-founded VIA justfive years ago, said: “While we love our Castle Gateoffices, and the impressive views it gives us of the city,we need somewhere bigger to accommodate ourgrowing support and development teams. We searchedacross the city before setting our heart on Poynt South, aperiod building which has been refurbished into anumber of modern offices. We’ll now have double theworking space, which puts us in a good place for futureexpansion; we expect to hire at least ten people over thenext 12 months.”Ross Buggins is the most recent hire to VIA, havingtaken up the role of UC and contact centre specialist, inJune. Speaking of his appointment, he said: “After overa decade of being a contractor, it had to be a specialcompany to make me move to employment. Afterusing the VIA UC platform for a number of my clients Iknew early on that both the product and theorganisation were excellent. In the end, the decisionto become employed was an easy one. I look forwardto the continued development of the new ContactCentre solution, which I know call centre teams willlove and see value in.”Ahead of the move, VIA has been working withcommercial office design and fit-out companyRedrock Interiors to create mock ups for theirnew open plan space. Benjamin Lawson, adesigner at Redrock Interiors, said: “We aredelighted to be working with VIA to create avibrant working environment for their staff.The design has been built aroundrepresenting both their brand andcompany values, we are confident thatthis has been achieved.”www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 9 SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ NDOELJINDOELNext >