JULY 2022 EAST MIDLANDS LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www.blmgroup.co.uk WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK £3.50 Designing the perfect first impression Attacking crises with apprenticeships The profit in apps 01.qxp_Layout 1 04/07/2022 14:22 Page 1EAST MIDLANDS PROPERTY & BUSINESS EXPO Well targeted, professional events aimed at the Construction, Property, Business, Investment, Finance, Professional Services and related B2B markets. The events have everything you require for a great day of networking and business generation. Face2face route2market – the opportunity to meet more potential clients in one amazing cost effective day, than it would take months out on the road. For further Information contact tina@businessshowsgroup.co.uk Register now businessshowsgroup.co.uk 14th November 2022 De Vere, East Midlands Conference Centre, University Park, Beeston Lane, Nottingham, NG7 2RJ Exhibition & Network - Property & Construction related industries - FREE TO ATTEND 02.qxp_Layout 1 04/07/2022 14:23 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 3 EDITORS NOTES We’re in the latter half of the year now and an unwelcome bit of news is the resurgence of COVID cases across the country. It’s unlikely this will lead to another lockdown because the Government would have to backtrack on many of its promises, and a core basis of Boris Johnson’s supporters (those not turning on him due to scandals) are those who like to claim the lockdown was unnecessary in the first place. As such, unless other countries start going into lockdown and force his hand, it’s unlikely we will have another. That is not to say that we should ignore the problem, however. At the time of writing one of our staff has already tested positive and been advised to work from home, and this may become a more regular occurrence in the working world. We would never suggest a return to working from home for everyone if it damaged companies before, but it’s well worth taking a few inexpensive steps to mitigate the risk. Facemasks may not be mandatory yet but some social distancing, even if it’s just two metres between desks or chairs, can help reduce the chances of contracting it. It may well be that this is the new normal moving forward and that we’ll always have the risk of COVID returning, in which case it’s best to get used to best practice now rather than run the risk of an infection sweeping through an office and putting your workforce out of place. We don’t focus on COVID in this issue (thankfully) and instead look at some of the new pressures facing the economy and what steps businesses are taking to circumnavigate, avoid or even take advantage of them. We also delve into the world of apps, both computer and mobile, and how they are redefining points of access for consumers and businesses both. After all, in a world where you can order food to your door via an app, why can we not order legal, consulting or financial advice to our business? Beyond that, we explore the concept of parties – specifically the Christmas party – and how employers might not be able to skimp and save on it this year. Good reading as always. Michael Fisher Editor 03.qxp_Layout 1 04/07/2022 14:23 Page 1@BLMEastMidlands BLMEastMidlands Latest news 6 A round-up of the latest news from our region. Commercial property 16 Sites large and small are being transformed across the East Midlands as historic properties and brownfield land are given a new lease of life. Tax 20 James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, unpacks the age- old term ‘our people are our greatest asset’. Design and marketing 22 You have one chance to make that first impression work for you, and while your outfit, demeanour and presentation may be perfect, your old marketing materials could be holding you back. Public relations 26 Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR, discusses awards events and no-shows and their impact on a business’s reputation. IT and telecommunications 28 From food delivery to health monitoring, from financial advice to security services, apps are becoming an ever more important part of everyday life, and businesses in the East Midlands need to adapt. Networking32 Fiona Duncan-Steer, founder of RSViP Business Networking Agency, reflects on the recovery of events and networking over the past year. Engineering 34 One of the major movements in engineering is environmental engineering, as the country and our region tries to move toward a net zero economy. Training and apprenticeships 38 As businesses across all sectors tackle recruitment and skills crises, apprenticeships are being brought to the forefront as one potential solution, and are finding a key role in the levelling up agenda. AutoLink43 Summer is here, so we’ve done our research on the coolest convertibles for this season. Christmas in July 46 It may feel too soon to talk about Christmas parties but given two years in lockdown, failing to have one in 2022 might be a warning death knell to disillusioned and socially starved employees. JULY 2022 EAST MIDLANDS £3.50 LEADING BUSINESS MA AGAZINE essiofirst impr Designing the enticappr Attacking on e perfect ceships g crises with ofit in appsThe pr www.blmgroup.co.uk Cover photographs courtesy: • Ford • stock.adobe.com/Imagevixen • auremar • smolaw11 • 171917968 Contents July 2022 Out of office 50 Good news from across the region. Events52 A timely look at forthcoming business events around the East Midlands. And finally...64 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 04/07/2022 14:24 Page 134 Group Editor Steve Fisher s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk Editor Michael Fisher m.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk Journalist Tess Egginton t.egginton@blmgroup.co.uk Sales Director Angela Cooper a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk Tel: (01472) 310310 Accounts & Subscriptions Angela Sharman accounts@blmgroup.co.uk Tel: (01472) 310301 Fax: (01472) 310311 Design & Production Gary Jorgensen, Mark Casson studio@blmgroup.co.uk Tel: (01472) 310304 E-Mail: eastmidlands@blmgroup.co.uk Publisher Haychart Ltd, t/a Business Link Magazine Group, Huntingdon House, 278-290 Huntingdon Street, Nottingham NG1 3LY 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 04/07/2022 14:24 Page 2 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk GENERAL NEWS Maritime Transport deal signals start of journey for rail freight interchange at Northampton logistics park Maritime Transport has agreed terms with SEGRO to become the rail operator at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton. The deal, which includes the long-term lease of a new, 17-acre intermodal rail terminal and wider management role for Maritime, covering the rail infrastructure on the Logistics Park, will provide occupiers at Northampton and in the East Midlands with new, low carbon freight connections from UK container ports and other inland rail terminals with capacity for up to 16 daily trains, when fully operational. The 775m long, open access, strategic rail freight interchange will be delivered by SEGRO as part of the infrastructure for SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton, its logistics hub located four miles from Northampton and adjacent to Junction 15 of the M1. The development, which is currently in the early stages of construction, will deliver 5 million sq ft of modern warehouse space, on completion. Supporting the rail terminal operation, Maritime will be making additional investments at the site, including the construction of a high specification, 4-storey office with welfare facilities, new container handling equipment and provisions for electric truck and car charging infrastructure. Bid for £40m ‘Levelling Up’ Link Road confirmed Nottinghamshire County Council is preparing a bid worth approximately £40m to fund the planned Toton Link Road as part of the Government’s ‘Levelling Up’ agenda. It follows the council formally taking the key decision to apply to the Levelling Up Fund for the multi-million-pound sum needed to build the ‘transformative’ road, which would unlock jobs, housing and business growth. Plans for the link road were rubber-stamped by county councillors last year – with pre-construction work already underway – but it is hoped that a solid bid to the Levelling Up Fund will lead to the Government fully financing it. A decision is expected in October. Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, Ben Bradley MP, said: “The ripple effect of the Toton Link Road will be huge, including being an attractive asset for the development of homes and commercial space in our county. “It will play a vital role in Nottinghamshire’s economic future by unlocking vital job, housing and investment opportunities in the years to come.” Future of fire & security specialists secured with Employee Ownership Trust The long-term future of fire and security alarm system installation specialists Tecserv UK has been assured following the completion of an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). Based in Underwood, on the Notts & Derby border, Tecserv UK is about to celebrate its 21st anniversary and best ever turnover. CEO Grahame Tilley said: “Tecserv is a great place to work and has a fantastic talented team driving it forward. I am planning on retiring within the next few years, so by adopting an EOT as an exit strategy, instead of selling the business to a 3rd party, we will be rewarding our staff for their hard work and loyalty with long term security and brand continuity.” Founded in 2001, Tecserv UK employs more than 50 people across the UK installing and maintaining fire and intruder alarms, CCTV, access control and fire extinguishers. Grahame Tilley 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 04/07/2022 14:50 Page 1Devco to develop new strategy to make most of multi-billion rail investment in East Midlands A new strategy to make the most of the arrival of HS2 in the East Midlands is being developed. Government has given the region £1m to come up with detailed plans aimed at maximising the potential of high-speed rail, with trains coming to a new HS2 station at East Midlands Parkway and going on to Derby, Nottingham and Chesterfield. Rail Minister Andrew Stephenson has requested that the work should be managed by the East Midlands Development Company (EM DevCo), which has been set up by five local authorities to plan three major development zones – including the area around Parkway. Richard Carr, the Managing Director of EM DevCo, said: “This is a welcome investment by Government which will enable our transport specialists to develop detailed plans aimed at maximising the connectivity of high-speed rail. “We will be looking at how HS2 can integrate with both existing transport networks and new projects planned for the future, and the potential for development around the proposed station at East Midlands Parkway.” Rising prices cause major dent to business confidence in the East Midlands Confidence among East Midlands firms is rapidly declining amid a price squeeze that is causing a “cost of doing business crisis,” new research reveals. East Midlands Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES), which gauges the health of the region’s economy, found that only a net 8% of companies in the region expect profitability to increase over the coming year, down from a net 31% at the start of the year. A net 42% of those surveyed during the second quarter of 2022 anticipate turnover to improve, down from a net 62% in the previous quarter. The findings, from a questionnaire filled out by 322 businesses across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, show that the low confidence stems from weakening overseas sales and orders, alongside a flat UK market. www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 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. Chris Hobson © stock.adobe.com/ iaroshenko Richard Carr 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 04/07/2022 14:50 Page 2APPOINTMENTS Land development and property consultancy appoint new director Specialist land development and property consultancy Mather Jamie has announced the promotion of Gary Kirk to director. Gary was promoted to senior associate director by the Loughborough-based firm of Chartered Surveyors in February 2021 and subsequently joined the management board alongside fellow directors Robert Cole, Andrew Bamber, Alex Reid, Gary Owens, and Amy Biddell. Having spent a placement year with Mather Jamie during 2008-09, Gary re-joined the company in 2010 having obtained a degree in Rural Enterprise and Land Management from Harper Adams University College. Gary later became a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in 2012 and a Fellow of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers in 2013. Over the last 12 years, Gary has steadily progressed his career and expanded the firm’s client base and his involvement in property transactions and estate management. In recent years he has played an influential role strategically advising clients on the disposal of land to leading housebuilders and property developers that require land to create residential developments ranging in size from sites for two dwellings up to large-scale developments that will deliver hundreds of homes. East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk Gateley appoints two new partners in Nottingham Legal and professional services group Gateley has made two new senior hires to join its Nottingham office. Helen Burgess has been appointed as a partner in the employment team, while Matt Hussey joins as a partner within the corporate team – both will be based at Gateley’s office on The Ropewalk in the city centre. Helen joins from Shoosmiths where she spent almost 20 years in a number of roles, culminating in heading up the organisation’s Nottingham employment team since 2010. At Gateley, Helen will continue her work in the employment arena, bringing with her a wealth of experience and expertise across all areas of employment law – from corporate transactions to complex tribunals. Matt, a Nottingham-native, has joined Gateley having spent the last six years working as a principal associate in the corporate team at Eversheds Sutherland. In his new role, Matt will focus on supporting clients within the Private M&A (Mergers & Acquisitions) and Private Capital spaces. CBI strengthens Midlands team with key appointment The CBI has bolstered its Midlands team with the appointment of a new associate director – who aims to support businesses through the challenges ahead and help them secure fresh opportunities to prosper. Matthew Lowe joined the CBI in 2020, and during his time as a senior policy advisor was the organisation’s lead on freeports and levelling up, as well as co-lead of its LGBT+ Allies Network. Prior to joining the CBI, he worked in lobbying and policy development within the British Chambers of Commerce network, operating across the Midlands and winning a Chambers Fellowship for his HS2 policy work in Staffordshire. He is also a qualified teacher specialising in geography, government and politics, and humanities. Matthew is the second associate director appointed within the CBI’s Midlands team in recent months, following the arrival of Nicola Adams. The two will work alongside Midlands deputy director Nikki Paterson in advocating for the region’s businesses, and delivering on CBI ambitions for economic growth as laid out in its strategic vision Seize The Moment. Regional priorities include action to boost skills, increase investment and drive infrastructure improvements. Matthew Lowe, CBI associate regional director for the Midlands, said: “Businesses have faced a tough few years, with the pandemic, supply chain disruption, labour challenges and a growing cost-of-living crisis. During that time, I have seen first-hand how important the CBI can be in influencing positive change on behalf of its members, the wider business community and Midlands society.” L-R: Andrew Macmillan, Helen Burgess and Matt Hussey Matthew Lowe L-R: Robert Cole and Gary Kirk 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 04/07/2022 14:50 Page 3Rotheras LLP appoints new head of business development Rotheras LLP has appointed Marie Walls as head of business development. Marie brings a wealth of legal and business development expertise to oversee the strategic direction of the firm’s business development activity with a view to leading the business into new areas for growth. Marie joins Rotheras with over 27 years’ experience in the legal sector, having started out as a personal injury solicitor before moving into business development roles full time from 2008. Her former business development roles include having spent more than two decades with Nelsons, during which time she setup the successful Fusion Referral Network, working with more than 170 law firms and businesses across the East Midlands. Prior to that Marie spent several years at Freeths. More recently she expanded her business development experience within the healthcare industry. Marie said: “I’m so excited to have joined Rotheras and I’m looking forward to working with the team to help to achieve the firm’s major plans for growth. I wanted to join a law firm where their values really are at the heart of everything that they do. The culture is fantastic and given that Rotheras are so client centric, it was an easy decision to join.” Commenting on the appointment, CEO Christina Yardley said: “Marie joins us with an incredible depth of experience and skills. She has a unique profile, combining legal expertise with a proven track record in business development. Marie’s broad range of experience aligns perfectly with the firm’s vision for expansion and growth, and we are absolutely thrilled to have her on board.” New associate solicitor joins Sills & Betteridge’s Residential Property Team in Nottingham Sills & Betteridge LLP has recently appointed Sanjeve Kumar to its Residential Property Team in Nottingham. Qualifying as a solicitor in 2007, Sanjeve joins the firm as an associate solicitor. He comes with a reputation for being an ultra-efficient, clear-thinking lawyer - his approach always to provide solutions- focused advice and straightforward assistance to individuals, businesses, investors, developers, and landowners. He will work on a wide range of residential property matters, including sales and purchases of freehold and leasehold properties, re-mortgages, equity release, transfer of equity and new build conveyancing. Sanjeve says: “I am delighted to have joined a Legal 500 Leading Firm, which has such a strong reputation for excellence in the legal services it provides. As a full-service law firm it has a wide range of fantastic lawyers each highly skilled in their own area of law, which my clients have access to should their requirements extend beyond property law. As the market continues to evolve, clients need the skills of forward-thinking lawyers and I am pleased to be part of a team that offers this.” www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link APPOINTMENTS BDO names new regional head of audit Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO has announced a new head of audit in the Midlands. Jon Gilpin will take on the role, which is effective from July 2022, and will lead the region’s 150-strong audit practice as Kyla Bellingall steps into her new position as regional managing partner in the Midlands. Jon joined BDO in 2017 as an audit partner and has worked with ambitious businesses across a range of industries. He has carved out a specialism in the manufacturing sector and has established a voice as a champion of the region’s manufacturers. Jon will oversee the audit practice in its role as leading adviser to the AIM market in the Midlands and the team will continue to focus on working with entrepreneurial mid-market and listed businesses. BDO, which has offices in Birmingham and Nottingham, has experienced strong growth in the Midlands, increasing headcount in the region by 20% in the past 12 months. Underpinning this expansion has been developing specialist teams in the regions with the skills, attributes, and experience to help clients succeed. The firm has just announced a long-term commitment to the Midlands, having invested in a new office in Nottingham city centre in addition to its Birmingham base. Sanjeve Kumar Jon Gilpin Marie Walls 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 04/07/2022 14:50 Page 4Next >