SEPTEMBER 2021 EAST MIDLANDS LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www.blmgroup.co.uk WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK £3.50 EDUCATION AND TRAINING Tomorrow’s workforce OFFICE SOLUTIONS Flexibility is the future FOOD AND DRINK INDUSTRY The future of food BUSINESS 2.0 BUSINESS 2.0 01.qxp_Layout 1 02/09/2021 15:26 Page 1EAST MIDLANDS PROPERTY & BUSINESS INVESTMENT EXPO An established event of 20 plus years – well targeted and aimed at the Construction, Property, Business, Investment, Finance, Professional Services and related B2B markets. It has 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 12th November 2021 De Vere, EMCC, Beeston Ln, Nottingham NG7 2RJ Exhibition & Network - Property & Construction related industries - FREE TO ATTEND 02.qxp_Layout 1 02/09/2021 15:27 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 3 EDITORS NOTES It’s official, the government’s furlough scheme has come to an end. Despite extensions on the original end date, many businesses that were relying on the scheme will now be struggling to secure new sources of funding to ease the financial burden accrued over COVID. It will be a challenging time right across the industrial spectrum as the economy reorientates itself. Sadly, this isn’t a ‘keep calm and carry on’ situation, but rather one company bosses will have to seize by the horns. Fortunately, our September issue has an assortment of helpful features designed to support and inspire business owners and senior leadership – be that upskilling existing staff rather than recruitment, or looking to alternative finance providers to maintain cashflow. My main message to bosses is that you are not alone – talk to your accountant, your business manager, and approach the future one carefully considered step at a time. And, of course, East Midlands Business Link has your back through thick and thin. Good reading, as always Michael Fisher Editor Welcome... 03.qxp_Layout 1 02/09/2021 15:33 Page 1@BLMEastMidlands BLMEastMidlands Latest news 6 A round-up of the latest news from our region Commercial property 16 With logistics space take-up reaching record levels, we shine a light on some major deals taking place within this booming property sector. Networking 20 Inspiration, gratitude, creativity …in that order By Fiona Duncan-Steer, founder of RSViP Business Networking Agency. Office solutions 22 With hybrid working becoming a permanent offering for many businesses, offices are being re-designed with flexibility in mind. Food and drink industry27 There’s no two ways about it – the food industry is rapidly evolving. Driven by major changes in consumer shopping habits, environmental pressures and, of course, COVID-19, food and drink factories are almost unrecognisable from those around the turn of the millennium. Public relations 30 How to leverage media coverage and REALLY power your PR efforts By Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR and the PR and Communications Ambassador for the IoD in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Nottingham 32 Like any city, Nottingham has its fair share of the good, the bad and the ugly – but with a positively growing economy outstripping many other cities in the UK, there is potential to be found. And if the niggling problems can be addressed, the city may raise to even greater heights. Education and training36 With a shrinking talent pool across almost all industries, training and education has never been more important for filling the skills shortage. Finance40 With the furlough scheme at an end, businesses will be looking to secure finance to fill shortfalls and take measures such as redundancies to help improve cashflow. Tax44 What are the tax implications of hybrid working arrangements? By Jennie Brown, Tax Partner, Streets Chartered Accountants Corporate hospitality46 Many businesses are resuming event planning, ready to treat and thank clients and employees. To really reap the rewards from these occasions, though, and stand out from competitors, it’s time to consider getting more creative. Recycling and waste management48 Sustainable practices are only becoming more important to businesses and customers, prompting firms to take a fresh look at their waste management strategies. PPMA52 Taking place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 28th-30th September 2021, The PPMA Show is the UK’s leading production line event for processing and packaging machinery. EAST MIDLANDS L E E ADING BUSINESS MAG AZINE SEPTEMBER R 2021 £3. 50 20 BUS SINES SS 2 TIONEDUCA OFFICE FOOD A AND s workfoow’omorroT WW AND TRAINI Flexibility is the SOLUTION ceor W EASTMIDL NG e The futur DRINK ee futur ANDSBUSINE NS of food YY ESSLINK CO U INDUSTR w UK www.blmgroup.co.uk Cover photographs courtesy: Shutterstock/PhotoMavenStock • Rudmer Zwerver • Mikko Lemola • Nataliya Arzamasova • SAKhanPhotography Contents September 2021 www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AutoLink54 So often do we say that the two shouldn’t be mixed, and yet there are exceptions to every rule. We take a look at some stunning motors, any of which are sure to turn heads. 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 02/09/2021 15:34 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 02/09/2021 15:34 Page 26 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk GENERAL NEWS Drone delivery firm joins space innovation network in Leicester A technology company developing the UK’s first autonomous drone delivery network dedicated to the fast and direct delivery of vital, time-sensitive medical supplies, has become the latest company to join the world’s largest space innovation network for technology start-ups. Skyfarer, who will have desk space and access to expertise at Space Park Leicester, is the 100th company to join the European Space Agency’s Business Incubation Centre for the United Kingdom (ESA BIC UK). Leicester hosts one of four such sites in the UK. Since 2010, 100 start-ups have joined the ESA BIC UK, to use space and satellite technologies to develop new and innovative products and services. Since then, these businesses have raised more than £86 million in investment, filed 12 new patents in 2020 alone and, despite the uncertainties of the last 18 months, currently have an 89% survival rate. Skyfarer hopes to develop its service – designed to deliver blood, vaccines and organs among other crucial supplies – by enhancing the software and navigation system behind its autonomous drone delivery platform, using live ESA earth observation satellites to access key weather and positioning data. As well as the real potential for saving lives and supporting the NHS, the service would bring reductions in transport times, road congestion and CO2 emissions. Eventually, it would become available to other businesses and organisations for increased efficiencies in diverse logistical operations, safely, autonomously and cost effectively, without the requirement for a drone specialist. Elliot Parnham, founder and CEO at Skyfarer, said: “Making drone delivery possible is an audacious challenge and one that requires collaboration and expertise in various areas to realise the vision.” Four in ten East Midlands businesses innovated to survive COVID-19 prompted a wave of innovation as businesses pivoted their operations to survive, according to a Lloyds Bank survey. More than four in ten (43%) of East Midlands businesses said the pandemic forced them to be more creative and innovative in finding new areas of growth. Almost half (48%) have made changes to their business since the start of the pandemic including changing operations (18%) and expanding their online offering (17%). Crucially, a significant number of businesses are benefiting from the pivots, with more than a third (36%) saying that they will keep their changes in the long term. And it is already paying dividends with one in six (16%) of firms saying that their operational changes have boosted revenues and profits. Amanda Dorel, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds Bank, said: “East Midlands businesses have shown real resilience over the past 18 months. What’s interesting is that so many have made permanent changes to survive, and some have even grown revenues and profits as a result. “Of course, for many it has been a hugely challenging time, and we may see even more business may have to adapt further in the months ahead as they react to new consumer behaviours post-lockdown. We will aim to provide the guidance and tools they need to help them to replicate the success of those that have already benefitted from pivoting their operations.” Across the UK half of businesses (48%) said that the pandemic had forced them to be more innovative and 56% made changes to their operations as a result. The most common changes included selling more online (21%) and adapting shift patterns (20%). Manufacturers were most likely to make changes to their operating patterns (28% vs 20% UK average) and to expand the products they offered (22% vs 17%). Retail was the top sector for expanding online offerings (25% vs 21% UK average), buoyed by the shift to online consumer spending. Mental health campaign launched for East Midlands businesses A new campaign to boost mental health and productivity by encouraging open conversations in workplaces in the East Midlands has been officially launched. ‘Bridge the Gap, Start a Chat’ has been launched by the Mental Health and Productivity Pilot (MHPP) to give businesses and organisations of all sizes and sectors the help they need to encourage staff and bosses alike to open up about their mental health. The campaign was created by MHPP with input from a group of ten Midlands employers from a variety of sectors and geographies, as well as employees with lived experience of mental health problems. It’s one of a number of ways that MHPP, a collaboration of Midlands universities, local authorities and mental health charity Mind, is supporting employers to understand the important link between staff mental health and wellbeing, and business productivity. Research has shown that mental health is one of the biggest causes of sickness absences in Midlands businesses – and the impact of COVID-19 has recently become another key factor in poor mental health at work. Manjinder Singh, Head of Consulting at infrastructure consulting firm AECOM, which has offices in Nottingham and Chesterfield and contributed to the campaign, felt it was a great way for businesses to take the first step into making a huge difference to staff mental health and productivity. He added: “As a business we began to place a spotlight on the topic of mental health some years ago, recognising the importance of wellbeing in creating a culture of care that enables our people to bring their best selves to work.” Caroline Geraghty, MHPP Project Manager at Coventry University, said: “Bridge the Gap, Start a Chat is all about giving employers and employees the support and confidence to start conversations at work about mental health. In the same way that we all have physical health, everyone has mental health too, so it’s important that people feel able to talk about mental health wherever they work.” From left: Manjinder Singh, Head of Consulting at AECOM, with Caroline Geraghty, MHPP Project Manager at Coventry University Amanda Dorel 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 02/09/2021 15:38 Page 1Streets leaps into top ten digital firms following Distract partnership Streets Chartered Accountants and marketing experts Distract are celebrating after bursting into the top ten UK accountancy firms for marketing, brand and digital intelligence. Working together since 2019, Streets and Distract have collaborated on a host of digital projects, including the launch of an innovative business podcast – the Streets Sessions, rebranding of messaging and use of video to promote the firm’s services as well as personal branding for partners and staff and digital event hosting to provide clear messaging. Commenting on the new placement, Streets Marketing Partner, James Pinchbeck, says: “The latest Living Ratings of the UK’s top 50 accountancy firms, from Living Group, sees us climb to number 8 for marketing, brand and digital intelligence. “This widely-respected survey recognises the work of professional firms in terms of effective, innovative and engaging branding and marketing communications. Being listed in the top 10 of the top 50 reflects our commitment to embracing new and imaginative marketing techniques and our understanding of the sector in which we operate. “It is a real achievement given the size of our team and the strong competition faced from amongst those in the top 10 which includes the Big Four firms and in total 6 out of the largest firms in the country. Streets as a firm of chartered accountants is currently ranked 36th in the top 50 Uk accountancy practices. “Working with Distract as a marketing and digital partner has meant we have been able to kickstart projects that have shown just how innovative, creative and forward-thinking we can be as a mid-tier and multi-regional firm.” Peter Watson, Managing Director of Distract, says: “We have been working in partnership with Streets and are constantly adapting and making ideas happen. The launch of their podcast has been invaluable during the pandemic. “Originally a video project to discuss business issues, this has switched to almost an update and advisory service for many, covering subjects as diverse as HR, insolvency, government support, thought leadership, tax advice and much more.” www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 7 GENERAL NEWS D2N2 LEP chosen to deliver ‘Skills Bootcamps’ Following a successful pilot, the D2N2 LEP has been announced as one of several organisations across the country to deliver the expanded national Skills Bootcamp programme. Skills Bootcamps are flexible courses of up to 16 weeks, giving people the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills and fast-track to an interview with a local employer. The programme has been developed by the Government as part of the Lifetime Skills Guarantee and Plan for Jobs, in partnership with employers, providers and local authorities, to help people develop the skills that are in demand and get a better job. As the D2N2 LEP steps up its drive to help employers and the local economy the new courses will be helping even more adults gain digital skills. Digital skills are not just for digital jobs. These skills are becoming increasingly essential across a vast array of jobs and sectors in the modern workforce – 82% of all job openings online request digital skills. Working with delivery partners and the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, the new courses will include: coding and software development, IT, networking and infrastructure, cyber and system security, digital marketing. The free courses are open to anyone aged 19 or over and are employed, self- employed, have recently become unemployed or are returning to work after a break. Speaking about the new announcement, Elizabeth Fagan, Chair of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Training in the skills of the future and the skills we know our employers need is critical to our region’s economic recovery and our long-term growth.” • 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. James Pinchbeck (left) with Peter Watson © Shutterstock/Phonlamai Photo 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 02/09/2021 15:38 Page 2APPOINTMENTS Duo of senior appointments for Blueprint Interiors Workplace consultants and office fit-out specialists, Blueprint Interiors, has made two new senior appointments. Joining the team are experienced project designer Hannah Morris and bid manager, Neil Fox. The appointments result from the need to add to the Blueprint Interiors design and delivery team to meet the demand from HR Directors and office owners who are re-thinking their office space needs to accommodate more flexible work arrangements and need advice on workplace strategy and design. Hannah has a degree in interior design and will work with clients to understand their brief and transform their vision into reality by creating innovative design concepts and plans to include 3D visuals that show exactly how their space will work. She said: “I am really excited about the opportunity to grow and develop my knowledge and experience within a company that has a strong culture and a welcoming work environment. I found their ‘people-first’ approach to design incredibly refreshing and this appealed to the values I aspire to achieve in the designs I create for clients.” Neil has previously held interim MD, project management and business development roles within several construction businesses and has a degree in mechanical engineering. He is also partway through his studies to become a quantity surveyor. In his new role, Neil will be responsible for ensuring client expectations and financial objectives are achieved from the pre-contract stage right the way through to final delivery and completion. Neil added: “The ethos of the business is very aligned to mine in terms of creating workspaces according to the needs of the people using them. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do in the built environment and this also resonated with my studies. I am passionate about ensuring the buildings we design protect the environment and the mental health and wellbeing of those using the workspaces created.” 8 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk New base and senior hires for expanding Leicestershire law firm An independent commercial law firm has accelerated its growth with the acquisition of both new office space and a prominent senior associate. BHW, situated on Leicester’s Grove Park, has hired senior associate James Dent, following spells as partner at Chattertons Solicitors in Lincolnshire and associate at Northamptonshire’s Wilson Browne. The appointment coincides with several senior promotions at the business, including Kate Burlinson and Lucy Ward, both of whom have been promoted to partner status in the commercial property and BHW development departments respectively. With over 20 new recruits added to the Leicestershire firm over the course of the pandemic, the expansion has fuelled the need for a second base at Grove Park for its residential teams, covering over 8,000 sq ft. “We’re delighted to have both expanded our team and brought on board someone of James’ stature,” said BHW managing partner, Nick Bridle. “This is a highly exciting time to be joining the business, acquiring new office space that will help solidify our position as one the East Midlands’ leading legal services providers.” As part of its raft of promotions, Aimée Johns has become an associate in BHW’s employment & HR department, and four trainee solicitors have been taken on in permanent roles. Hannah Morris and Neil Fox © Photograph by Katie Neeves of Martin Neeves Photography 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 02/09/2021 15:38 Page 3New head of HR and EDI for infrastructure delivery firm Civil and electrical engineering firm McCann has continued its recruitment drive with the appointment of experienced HR professional Lisa Topley as the company’s new head of HR and EDI. The firm announced its three year growth plan in early 2021 following the appointment of Strategic Highways Director Clive Leadbetter. The business is targeting an expansion of between £60m and £150m within that time by winning more major infrastructure projects across the UK and has set out a targeted recruitment strategy to facilitate this forecasted growth. Lisa’s appointment sits firmly within the company’s ambitions as McCann looks to continue the evolution of its HR and EDI practices to be an employer of choice within major infrastructure delivery. Lisa brings a wealth of experience from previous positions including 12 years with Balfour Beatty where she worked her way up from HR Administrator to Operations HR Consultant, as well as her most recent position as HR Manager for Wabtec Faiveley. With a background in the construction and manufacturing sectors, Lisa has extensive knowledge of McCann’s sector and has previously taken on responsibility for both static sites and UK-wide locations with expertise in restructuring, transformation and TUPE. Lisa worked with McCann’s Local Authority Business Director Tiz Gibson within her previous role with Balfour Beatty. Lisa said: “I’m incredibly passionate about HR, EDI and the importance of both areas for any business. McCann already has the right culture and practices in place to continue to evolve and grow its HR strategy, and that’s what I’m looking to implement here to the betterment of both current employees and new hires. “I strongly believe that our employees are our biggest asset and therefore making sure that their needs are met, is vital. There are challenges in the jobs market right now when it comes to finding the right candidates for new roles but by reinforcing our position as an inclusive employer that cares about its people and building on that great reputation, we can make ourselves an employer of choice for new and exciting talent within the industry.” Purpose Media appoints new head of digital Derbyshire-based web development, creative and digital marketing agency Purpose Media has appointed Dav Nash as its new head of digital to drive the team’s strategy and output across SEO, PPC, Social, Content and PR. Dav joins after a year of strong growth for Purpose Media, who have recently recruited across other areas and taken on a raft of new clients including Rivus Fleet Solutions and Bam Boom Cloud. Purpose Media also recently secured a significant contract to help local businesses move online and grow their sales and presence as part of the Chesterfield Digital High Street project. Dav joins from Leicester-based digital agency Digital Ethos and brings a wealth of experience from leading a team of SEO experts. An SEO specialist himself, Dav also has senior experience with Loughborough brand agency Champions UK. Commenting on his move to Purpose Media, Dav said: “Although it is always sad to leave behind an excellent team, I am really excited to be stepping into the head of digital role and look forward to developing and growing the digital department. I have great plans for the future of digital marketing at PM, so watch this space!” Matt Wheatcroft, Managing Director at Purpose Media, added: “We are delighted to bring Dav on board to develop the strategy for our growing digital team, as we continue to support new and existing clients. Dav is an excellent leader and in his short time at Purpose Media, he’s already had a positive impact.” www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 9 APPOINTMENTS Jonathan Smith Dav Nash Loughborough eLearning provider strengthens senior leadership team DeltaNet International, a Loughborough-based eLearning provider of compliance, health and safety and performance training solutions, has made two new appointments to its senior leadership team to help drive business growth. Jonathan Smith joins as the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) and Stuart Taylor as the Financial Controller; both roles are new positions within the company, amid its plans to expand. Smith will lead the organisation’s commercial strategy to increase revenue and leverage the route to market, as well as cross-selling opportunities within Marlowe PLC. Overseeing sales and marketing, he will focus on customer success, building the DeltaNet International brand and value proposition. With more than 20 years’ experience in sales, Smith brings with him a wealth of knowledge in growing SaaS-based offerings, working on global and enterprise accounts, and sales leadership. He spent the last seven years in HR tech and has worked in large corporates and start-up organisations across various sectors including eLearning, IoT, FMCG, and legal technology. Prior to joining DeltaNet International, Smith was Head of UK Sales at Thomas International, a global talent assessment platform provider. “Following the recent acquisition by Marlowe PLC, DeltaNet International is at an important milestone,” said Jonathan Smith, CCO at DeltaNet International. “I am thrilled to join the company on this exciting journey, working with the Senior Leadership team to realise the huge opportunities to drive revenue and achieve market leadership.” Taylor will take over DeltaNet’s financial duties and act as a Financial Business Partner supporting all business functions, reporting to the Managing Director and Marlowe PLC. Controlling the organisation’s finances, he will focus on introducing new processes besides improving the quality of financial information and understanding in the business. Lisa Topley 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 02/09/2021 15:38 Page 4Next >