OCTOBER 2022 EAST MIDLANDS LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www.blmgroup.co.uk WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK £3.50 Getting the most out of a facility The changing legal landscape for businesses The challenges of distribution 01.qxp_Layout 1 04/10/2022 09:03 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 04/10/2022 09:03 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 3 EDITORS NOTES The death of Queen Elizabeth II last month rocked the nation, and it rocked the East Midlands as well with many people left stunned and grieving. As local councils, businesses and people reacted and offered their condolences, announcements came out that King Charles III was to take to the throne, and the transition, for many, felt all too quick. It’s difficult to explain what part Queen Elizabeth II played in the lives of people in our region. London is so far away, and it’s often the case that Governmental figures feel alienated, distant, and uncaring. The Queen was different: a refined stateswoman, a diplomat and a professional admired and respected across the world. For businesses in our region, it served as a stark reminder of all the change and trials we’ve faced over the last few years, and it will serve as a reminder of change for the future as well. We may never again live in the same times, and it will be up to us to adapt and move forward, and to support our region and our country as well. Rest in peace Michael Fisher Editor © Raymond Tang / Alamy Stock Photo 03.qxp_Layout 1 04/10/2022 09:04 Page 1@BLMEastMidlands BLMEastMidlands Latest news 6 A round-up of the latest news from our region. Commercial property 16 With demand high, logistics units are being snapped up across the East Midlands while new developments spring forwards. Supporting business growth20 It used to be that supporting business growth meant gaining more money, finance or capital, but changing working conditions and a new economy have flipped the table. Public relations24 Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR, shares his advice following a PR crisis. Winners revealed: The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 26 With the East Midlands Bricks Awards complete for another year, it is time to reflect on the glittering event and reveal the winners. IT and communications 43 A weakening economy and strife across the world has opened the doors for hackers of all kinds to target businesses, and small and medium-sized businesses in regions such as the East Midlands make for tempting targets. Networking 46 Fiona Duncan-Steer, founder of RSViP Business Networking Agency, offers tips on how to organise your time more efficiently to create a more productive and enjoyable day. Legal services48 We live in unprecedented times, and the legal landscape is expected to change dramatically because of it. Facilities management 51 Facilities management used to be about ensuring the doors opened and the lights worked, but it has evolved over the years. Now, it’s as much about improving the efficacy of any facility as it is maintaining the bottom line. • Precision FM Q&A Tax 56 Kelly Goodchild, tax manager at Streets Chartered Accountants, considers whether you may need to submit a Self-Assessment return. Corporate hospitality 58 As businesses look to become more sustainable, their corporate events should follow suit. AutoLink 60 As the popularity of electric cars surges, more and more of them are arriving in UK showrooms. OCTOBER 2022 EAST MIDLANDS LE £3.50 EADING BUSINESS MAG AZINE www.blmgroup.co.uk of a facility Getting the most o WW landscape for bu The changing legout The challen usinesses gal nges of distribution w Cover photographs courtesy: stock.adobe.com/amnaj • leungchopan • Gorodenkoff • jamdesign • Brian Contents October 2022 Warehousing and distribution 64 Given its central location within the UK, the East Midlands should be a warehousing and distribution hub for many nationwide suppliers. The reality is something else. Events68 A timely look at forthcoming business events around the East Midlands. And finally...70 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 04/10/2022 09:05 Page 164 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 04/10/2022 09:05 Page 2 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk GENERAL NEWS Diesel power is disappearing from Cawarden sites Derby-based Specialist Contractor Cawarden has made substantial strides in reducing its carbon emissions – achieving a 67% reduction overall so far. The reduction has been achieved in just ten months following an emissions audit and the successful trial of a new eco fuel, Green D + HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil). The fossil-free, paraffinic fuel made from 100% renewable raw materials is made from waste fats and vegetable oils, making it a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to diesel. A phased transition and roll-out of HVO across Cawarden’s fleet of excavators and site machinery has been taking place. HVO has the potential to eliminate up to 90% of net carbon dioxide compared to diesel and without any modifications to existing engines. It also significantly reduces nitrogen oxide, particulate matter, and carbon monoxide emissions. Cawarden has been working collaboratively with commercial fuel and lubricant supplier, New Era Fuels, and was one of the first companies to sign a 12-month contract for the supply of 300,000 litres of fuel. East Midlands business confidence falls again Business confidence in the East Midlands fell two points during September to 9%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking – conducted between 1st-15th September, before the Chancellor’s min-budget on Friday 23rd September. Companies in the region reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month- on-month, down four points at 15%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up one point to 3%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 9%. Despite another dip in overall confidence, East Midlands businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their offering (38%), diversifying into new markets (37%) and investing in their teams (36%). The Business Barometer, which questions 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Despite the drop in confidence among businesses here in the East Midlands, it’s testament to the resilience of the region’s firms that it still remains in the positive territory.” Markham Vale hails record job figures as it supports region’s post-Covid recovery 470 jobs were created at Markham Vale last year in one of the largest ever annual totals recorded at Derbyshire County Council’s flagship industrial and logistics scheme near Chesterfield. Markham Vale is a 200-acre joint venture development between property developer HBD and Derbyshire County Council. 2,702 new jobs have been created at the development to date, with the latest figures demonstrating its impact in driving investment and supporting the region’s post-Covid recovery. Richard Hinds, development surveyor at HBD, said: “Markham Vale is a hugely successful scheme and plays an important role in supporting the region’s economy, which is more important than ever as the region recovers from the pandemic and the many challenges that brought. “2021 was another strong year for Markham Vale – we completed two zero-carbon buildings totalling more than 300,000 sq ft, Daher Aerospace moved into a new 55,000 sq ft unit, and a landmark deal was secured with Gridserve to create Derbyshire’s first EV charging station. “We’re very proud of what our joint venture has achieved at Markham Vale to date and we look forward to welcoming more innovative, forward-thinking businesses to Derbyshire.” Dave Atkinson 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 04/10/2022 09:12 Page 1Siblings team up to launch Engage & Grow Central Midlands Employee engagement specialist Rachael Bull has teamed up with her brother and leading UK coach Matt Bull, to launch Engage & Grow in Central Midlands. Engage & Grow is a global brand that focuses on re-engaging and re- energising workforces across the world, through bespoke group coaching programmes and workshops, operating in more than 80 countries. Its mission is to create a globally engaged workforce, one employee at a time. After a successful career in journalism and public and private sector communications and engagement, Rachael became a certified coach and has joined her brother and Managing Director at ActionCOACH Loughborough, Matt, to launch Engage & Grow. Rachael said: “It’s fantastic to be teaming up with Matt to bring Engage & Grow to the Central Midlands. My previous roles have always centred around communication and engagement, but what drew me to the business was the focus on bringing leaders and employees together to decide what actions and behaviours will help the business succeed, actually putting it all into practice, and seeing results so quickly.” Work starts on battery storage plant at former Lincolnshire gas power station Centrica Business Solutions has revealed plans to convert a decommissioned Lincolnshire gas-fired power station into a battery storage facility capable of supplying the equivalent of a full day’s energy consumption for 11,000 households. Working in partnership with GE, the company has started construction on a 50MW /100MWh battery storage project at Brigg, which will provide energy storage for the 43 onshore wind farms across Lincolnshire, maximising the potential of every megawatt of green electricity and providing vital resilience for the grid. Storing renewable energy in this way makes it possible to better control the peaks and troughs associated with renewable energy generation – charging the batteries when electricity demand is low and discharging when demand peaks. The battery installed at Brigg represents the largest investment in storage capacity Centrica has made to date. 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. Matt Bull and Rachael Bull 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 04/10/2022 09:12 Page 2APPOINTMENTS 200 Degrees introduces new head of people 200 Degrees Coffee has welcomed Charlotte Coore as head of people. The new position has been added to support the business and its people as it continues its expansion plans. 200 Degrees, which has 17 coffee shops across England and Wales, recently announced a significant milestone of reaching 200 team members during its 10th anniversary in business, and with a strategy to open five new coffee shops each year, the business continues to expand its team in its shops, roast house and central team. As head of people, Charlotte will be leading the business’s HR department; supporting the company’s core values and culture across all operations. Charlotte will also be supporting the employee journey and experience at 200 Degrees – from attraction and onboarding through to learning and development, rewards and equality and diversity. Charlotte said: “200 Degrees is a team-centered business which has an ambitious growth and innovation strategy – so it’s a really exciting time to be joining. “With growth comes much opportunity and given the current job market, it is important to continue to champion 200 Degrees’ culture and values, as well as continuing our investment into our skilled team.” East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk Former trainee steps up to managing partner at Leicester-based accountants Tom Copson will step up to managing partner at Leicester-based chartered accountants Rowleys, after re- joining the firm two years ago as a partner. Tom spent five years at Rowleys as a trainee, prior to joining an international accountancy firm as an auditor. He re-joined the firm in early 2020 after 14 years, his ongoing relationship with some of the partners, coupled with Rowleys’ independence, innovative outlook and agile approach being the key factors in his return. Tom will officially take up the role of managing partner on 1st October and will take the reins from Robert Radford who has been managing partner for the last 15 years. At the same time Craig Shevas, who is the longest standing partner, will step up to senior partner. Craig and Tom will work closely with Paula Swann-Jones and Mark Hook on the strategic direction of the business. The ambition of the partners continues to be the growth of the firm, remaining independent and ensuring clients and its people are at the heart of everything they do. Derbyshire construction firm makes contracts manager promotion After joining the Enrok team just 18 months ago as a project manager, Matt Shelley, MCIOB has been promoted to contracts manager to focus on client liaison, pre-construction and planning. Responsible for overseeing all of Enrok’s construction projects, Matt will now have a greater focus on client liaison, managing site teams and ensuring they have the long-term help and support they need to run successful, safe projects. Entrusting his teams to deliver on short term goals, Matt will concentrate on the wider outlook of projects and be involved in pre-construction planning and tender submissions, as well as meeting prospective clients and broader company development. Talking about his promotion Matt said: “I’ve always had a long term plan and vision for where I want my career to be heading and this is a positive next step for me in a great team. It’s an indictment of joining a company riding a wave of success and I guess its recognition and reward for doing a good job, which is always appreciated.” From left to right: Craig Shevas, Paula Swann-Jones, Tom Copson, Bryan Freeman, Robert Radford, Mark Hook Charlotte Coore Matt Shelley 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 04/10/2022 09:12 Page 3trentbarton’s MD to retire trentbarton and Kinchbus Managing Director Jeff Counsell is to retire in February 2023 after 24 years with the company and almost half a century in the bus industry. And in March trentbarton group commercial director Tom Morgan will step up to the newly created role of Managing Director (buses) for all the bus operators of trentbarton’s parent company Wellglade. Jeff started as a 15-year-old engineering apprentice at Lancashire United Transport in the 1970s. He joined trentbarton in 1999 as engineering director and progressed to director of service delivery before becoming Managing Director in 2009. Jeff said: “Throughout my years the industry has seen many opportunities and challenges including deregulation, recessions and the pandemic. But our industry is all about people and our people at trentbarton and Kinchbus always pull together. “It’s a great team – from the bottom to the top. Our frontline staff are always impressive. Our drivers, our engineers, everyone, they never flinch from the challenges. I’m deeply proud of them and will miss being with them.” Wellglade chairman Brian King said: “Jeff has played a key role in keeping trentbarton and Kinchbus at the forefront of the bus industry. “They have won numerous awards from not only the bus industry but also the business community. When he retires next February, he will be able to look back proudly on his career in buses.” Gateley appoints new partner in Nottingham Legal and professional services group Gateley has appointed a new partner in Nottingham. Phil Jelley joins as a partner in the pensions team, bringing with him more than 23 years of experience within the industry, and he will be based at Gateley’s office on The Ropewalk in the city centre. Phil, who went to university and law school in Nottingham, joins from Dentons where he worked as Counsel, having previously spent 14 years at Norton Rose Fulbright, also as Counsel. Phil’s role as partner for Gateley will involve advising trustees and employers in connection with their legal obligations in running a variety of pension schemes, as well as on the pension aspects of corporate transactions, and pension litigation matters. Phil Jelley said: “The work the team at Gateley carries out in the pensions space is very highly regarded across the sector, so this is a great opportunity to be part of its continued success. Having spent much of my career in London, I am looking forward to returning to Nottingham as a dedicated pensions lawyer for the East Midlands and supporting the pensions team nationally.” Michael Collins, partner and head of Gateley’s pensions business, said: “We are excited to welcome Phil to Gateley. The wealth of experience he has in the pensions space means he will be a fantastic asset for us and equally for our clients.” www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link APPOINTMENTS Cooper Parry appoints new COO Hard on the heels of launching new plans to grow fivefold in five years, Cooper Parry have announced a significant appointment to boost their leadership line-up. Phil Erridge recently joined the firm as chief operating officer after 16 years with HSBC where he led HSBC’s global wholesale model management and delivery function. Phil brings experience of taking on a number of significant senior roles with HSBC. These include leading the integration activities of the global Wholesale COO organisation, creation of a data-led customer experience and sales function, and managing the Commercial Bank’s financial crime risk function globally. Phil is passionate about developing organisational capabilities; using a powerful blend of data, technology and collective team effort to continually develop all the operating elements of the business to enhance “how we do” what we do. All of which hits the right notes at Cooper Parry as they are driving growth across new and existing opportunities and markets following significant recent investment from Waterland Private Equity. Working alongside CEO Ade Cheatham and Cooper Parry’s Leadership Team, Phil will lead the firm’s integration activities across several strategic acquisitions and drive operational efficiency. Phil Jelley Phil Erridge Jeff Counsell 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 04/10/2022 09:12 Page 4Next >