OCTOBER 2025 EAST MIDLANDS LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www..co.uk WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK £3.50 Why health and safety is every employer’s responsibility The right advice: key to business growth Three premium vehicles for colder weatherArmstrong house Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire DN31 2QE Tel: (01472) 310301 Email: s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk Superb Location - - Close to the ports of Grimsby & Immingham - Great motorway links - Close to the town centre Secure off street parking High speed internet availability A range of affordable office sizes 3 3 3 3 Last remaining office suites Prime location in Grimsby Offering a prime position in Grimsby, Armstrong House on Armstrong Street is ideally located. Close to the ports of Grimsby and Immingham, motorway links and the town centre, off-street parking is also available for all staff and visitors, meaning it’s convenient too. Our spacious, welcoming offices are located on the ground floor and are both secure and CCTV-monitored, giving you the ultimate peace of mind. At Armstrong House, when it comes to affordability and with a range of office sizes there are opportunities for all types of business. If you require virtual office services, prices start from just £15 per month. For more information, or to discuss your office requirements call 01472 310301.As businesses battle against rising costs and concerning economic conditions, tax hikes and new legislation, and prepare for what may come with the Autumn Budget, this month another threat comes clearer into focus — cyber- attacks. It’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month; a global initiative helping businesses and communities to improve their defences against cyber threats and engage in safer habits. It places a spotlight on the importance of cybersecurity, addressing vulnerabilities, and implementing best practices that protect customers, staff, and sensitive information. The Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025 indicates that over four in ten firms reported having experienced any kind of cyber security breach or attack in 2024. A major problem for businesses of every size, just last month Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) found itself repeatedly in the headlines following a cyber-attack that has left the company scrambling to recover its systems. Forced to cease production for weeks (at the time of writing factories are to be closed until 1 October), the situation has also heavily impacted supply chains, forcing suppliers to shut down in tandem, and leaving jobs hanging in the balance. Claims, meanwhile, are swirling that JLR had failed to finalise a cyber insurance deal prior to the attack, which could leave its losses from the disruption unrecoverable. The incident is a stark reminder that no firm is unbreachable or infallible, and more can be read on the importance of cybersecurity in our dedicated feature on the subject this month. 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 A region of transformation, redevelopment and regeneration projects are gathering pace across the East Midlands. Cybersecurity 20 High-profile breaches and the growing risk of disruption are forcing firms in the East Midlands to take cybersecurity seriously, with regional programmes helping to close the gaps. Accounting 24 Mark Smith, chief information officer at Streets, considers the importance of cybersecurity as it transitions from an IT department issue to one everyone must consider. Supporting business growth26 Expansion is never straightforward. From finance to workforce planning, businesses that draw on the right advisory networks and local knowledge are better placed to grow with confidence. Corporate social responsibility 30 Employees are demanding more than promises. From climate pledges to diversity goals, staff want evidence their employers are living up to the values they promote. Public relations 34 Greg Simpson, founder of Press For Attention PR, explains why he created an AI clone. Health and safety 36 Firms that place safety at the heart of their culture find the benefits extend well beyond compliance, from stronger teams to greater competitiveness. AutoLink 40 Here are three luxury vehicles you should consider driving when you want to conquer the cold in style and safety. • We put the Bentley Continental GT Speed 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. Contents October 2025 20 26 3630 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: Lexus • stock.adobe.com/Sutthiphong • KHF • Hi • DC Studio 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.East Midlands has emerging employment hub shows PwC Good Growth for Cities Index The 2025 Demos-PwC Good Growth for Cities Index indicates that the East Midlands has an emerging employment hub, with Derby and Lincoln both performing above average for jobs, measured by unemployment rates. Leicester and Northampton all performed above the UK average for the number of new businesses established per head. Lincoln ranks 20th in this year’s Index due to improvements in job opportunities, higher educational attainment for 16 to 24 year olds, and more equal income distribution, compared to last year. Nottingham was the lowest performing city in the region, ranking 40th. The Index ranks 50 of the UK’s largest cities, excluding London, based on both the public’s assessment and the actual performance of 12 economic measures, which this year, in order of public importance, were: income; income distribution; safety; work-life balance; health; jobs; housing; environment; transport; high streets; skills and new businesses. The higher the city scores on the public’s top priorities, the better the city performs on the Index. Financial measures such as income and jobs have previously led in their importance to the public by a wide margin, but results from this year’s survey reveal a rise in the importance of non-financial measures. 6 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk GENERAL NEWS Cubo achieves B Corp certification to strengthen business impact Derby-based workspace provider Cubo has officially earned B Corporation certification, joining a global network of companies recognised for balancing purpose with profit. The certification assesses companies across five areas: workers, environment, community, customers, and governance. The process involved extensive internal review, including supply chain evaluation, operational adjustments, and governance improvements. Cubo also implemented initiatives to support employees, such as paid volunteer days and regular professional development sessions. Environmental commitments include using renewable energy across sites, incorporating energy-efficient designs, and achieving Green Small Business Certification. Community engagement has been reinforced through partnerships with local suppliers and sustainable initiatives, including tree planting programs. Cubo has also focused on enhancing customer experience by offering workspaces designed for collaboration, wellbeing, and inclusion. Governance changes aim to improve transparency, accountability, and alignment of business objectives with social and environmental outcomes. The B Corp status represents a formal recognition of Cubo’s efforts to integrate social and environmental responsibility into business operations. The company plans to continue refining its practices, using the certification as a foundation for ongoing improvement. Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire communities to benefit from share of £5bn Pride in Place investment The East Midlands is set to benefit from a major government investment, with communities across Derby, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire receiving a share of the £5bn Pride in Place programme announced by the Prime Minister. The programme will put local people at the heart of community renewal, giving residents new powers and long-term funding to restore pride in their neighbourhoods. A number of areas in the East Midlands will get up to £20m each over ten years to revitalise high streets, improve public spaces, and support community-led projects. Further areas will receive an immediate £1.5m to enhance green spaces, leisure facilities and community hubs. Areas set to receive up to £20m each over 10 years include Broxtowe & Cinderhill (Nottinghamshire), St Ann’s East (Nottingham city), Chaddesden West (Derby city), Cotmanhay (Derbyshire), and Grassmoor & Holmewood (Derbyshire). Areas set to receive £1.5m in immediate funding include Nottingham city, Derby city Mansfield (Nottinghamshire), and Ashfield (Nottinghamshire). Exterior view of Cubo Soho, London © stock.adobe.com/ Duncanwww.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. Kindeva opens new UK HQ in Loughborough Kindeva, a global CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) and drug delivery expert, has opened its new UK headquarters at Charnwood Campus Science Innovation and Technology Park, Loughborough. The facility represents a significant expansion in Kindeva’s metered-dose inhaler services and will develop and test next- generation propellants (NGP) as the industry prepares to move to more environmentally friendly products. The 150,000 sq ft site offers a range of services across drug development, from early-stage viability, analytical method development, to commercial analysis. Commenting on the new site, Milton Boyer, CEO of Kindeva, said: “The opening of our Loughborough Headquarters marks a significant milestone in Kindeva’s growth strategy as we continue to innovate, scale, and expand our global footprint.” The Loughborough HQ will be responsible for developing and analysing NGPs as the industry faces significant legislation aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the propellants currently used in pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs). College and housebuilder join forces to support construction students Moulton College and Davidsons Homes have formed a strategic partnership as part of a national initiative to support young people entering the construction industry. The Partner a College programme has been launched by the Home Builders Federation (HBF) as part of moves to bridge the gap between education and employment and strengthen practical skills development. With less than 40 percent of construction students in Further Education entering the sector, the Construction Industry Training Board- funded initiative is set to strengthen links between building firms and colleges across the UK. Midlands-based Davidsons Homes and Moulton College will work closely together to deliver training and skills development that will help fill the local skills gap and improve the progression rate of Moulton College’s students into the industry. The partnership will include a range of opportunities for Moulton College’s construction students, including work experience and site visits to Davidsons Homes projects, alongside mentoring, careers advice, and student competitions. Moulton College’s construction lecturers will also benefit from the donation of materials and products from the firm to enhance practical learning for their students. © stock.adobe.com/ Андрей Нелупов © Moulton College © stock.adobe.com/ Stijn Verhulst/Wirestock CreatorsAlphageek Digital appoints new MD to drive growth A digital marketing agency has appointed leadership expert Tim Brogan as its new managing director, marking the start of a new chapter for the business. Alphageek Digital, based on Friar Gate, has made the appointment to sharpen the company’s strategic focus, strengthen client partnerships and accelerate growth. Formerly a headteacher and inspector, Tim has held various leadership, executive coaching and mentoring roles and is passionate about turning big ideas into tangible action and helping to develop individuals to the highest level. The 41-year-old has been in talks with the agency for several years and has taken over the MD role from co-founder Art Lindop. While Tim will focus on business development, Art will transition into the role of technical director. Tim said: “Having spent the last two years really getting to know Alphageek – from their clients to their internal opportunities – I feel well-placed to lead with insight and intent, building on what already makes the company strong.” Leanne Bonner-Cooke joins Leicestershire Business Voice board Leicestershire Business Voice has expanded its board with the appointment of Leanne Bonner-Cooke MBE. She joins ten other directors in steering the organisation’s work representing businesses across Leicester and Leicestershire. Bonner-Cooke has more than three decades of experience in business and technology. She founded LBC Mentoring Ltd, supporting SMEs with governance, commercial strategy, digital transformation and leadership. She also holds leadership positions at The People Reader, Shine Together CIC, and Leicestershire County Cricket Club. Her background includes founding two UK tech companies and raising over £5 million in private investment. She brings expertise in scaling businesses, driving digital innovation and advising on organisational growth. At LBV, she will work with the board to guide initiatives that strengthen the regional business environment, influence policy, and provide support to the organisation’s growing membership. Rowleys strengthens team with 16 new appointments Leicester-based accountants Rowleys has welcomed 16 new recruits across its audit and accounts, tax, payroll, and medical teams. The firm’s tax team has been boosted by the appointment of Kirsty Horobin as senior tax manager. Kirsty brings significant experience in advising private clients and adds further strength to Rowleys’ private client tax offering. She is joined by Oleg Luca as tax associate and Yaasmeen Chothia as a tax associate trainee, supporting the continued expansion of the team. Rowleys’ medical team has welcomed Katherine Spiers as a medical accountant. Katherine will be working with the firm’s extensive portfolio of GP clients, enhancing Rowleys’ specialist expertise in this sector. The audit and accounts team continues to expand with the arrival of Gabrielle D’Souza, Kayleigh York, Parneet Pal, Tegan Schouten, and Wisdom Chibanda. In addition, the firm has welcomed a new cohort of trainees – Dan Van Amersfoort, Jack Radford, Jay Speake, Mahesh Morjaria, and Maryam Rashid. Elsewhere in the business, Wendy Gerrard has joined the payroll team as payroll adviser, and Laura Beasley has taken up the role of receptionist. Tim Brogan Leanne Bonner- Cooke MBE 8 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk APPOINTMENTS © Leicestershire Business VoiceWBR Group strengthens SSAS team with duo of appointments WBR Group, the independent provider of SSAS administration and integrated professional services, has appointed Jenni Harland to director of SSAS operations and Abigail House as SSAS proposition manager. Jenni joined WBR in July 2021 as pensions operations leader, bringing with her over nine years of SSAS experience, having previously held roles at Talbot and Muir and The Pensions Partnership. Jenni has looked after a large portfolio of SSASs during her time at WBR Group and her knowledge has enabled her to deal with many cases of a complex nature, which has expanded her technical skills across all aspects of SSAS. Since joining WBR, Jenni has risen through the ranks before her promotion to director of SSAS operations. In her new role, Jenni will manage WBR’s SSAS Pension Operations and New Business team. Abigail joins WBR with over 15 years of experience within the financial services sector. She started her career at Lloyds TSB, before moving to HSBC and more recently Abigail was head of strategy & propositions at Alltrust. Throughout her career, Abigail has collaborated with product, marketing, compliance, and transformation teams to align propositions with regulatory requirements, market trends, and evolving customer expectations. Abigail will be reporting to Caitlin Southall, director of SSAS transformation and proposition, continuing to strengthen WBR’s SSAS proposition. Abigail House and Jenni Harland CEO of Corby-based Cambridge Nutritional Foods announces retirement The CEO of Cambridge Nutritional Foods (CNF), Chris McDermott, is to retire after 22 years with the business. McDermott is set to retire from the Corby- based, employee- owned business in January 2026 and will be succeeded by Ashley Farmer, the current chief commercial officer. CNF has experienced significant growth under McDermott’s leadership, by expanding its brand portfolio from The 1:1 Diet (formerly Cambridge Weight Plan) to include the launch of women’s wellbeing brand Serenova and food product development & manufacturing provider Food Nutrition Partners. McDermott joined the business as PR manager for The 1:1 Diet in 2003, working his way up to business development director in 2012 before becoming CEO in 2015 – heading up CNF for the last 10 years. He said: “Working at CNF has been the most extraordinary adventure of my life, and it has been the greatest privilege to lead this business. Its most important element to me has always been its people, and I am grateful to all those I have met and the achievements we have made together. “I wanted to create the best possible environment to make this decision, knowing that the business would be in the best position to move on to the next level.” Nottingham CRO Platelet Services appoints director of business development Nottingham-based contract research organisation (CRO) Platelet Services has appointed Payash Bahuguna as director of business development in order to drive growth for the company’s platelet function testing services. Platelet Services is a contract research organisation providing full-range pre-clinical services in platelet testing, supporting both small biotech companies and large pharmaceutical corporations worldwide in drug discovery and development. With decades of collective expertise, the company continues to expand its capabilities in assay development and high- throughput testing formats to better serve early-stage research. As director of business development, Payash will bring a unique blend of scientific expertise and commercial acumen to the role. She has extensive experience in marketing and business partnerships spanning drug discovery contract research, artificial intelligence, and academic sectors. Her professional journey with platelets began nearly a decade ago at Platelet Solutions, a University of Nottingham spin-out company. Holding a Master’s degree in Biotechnology and Business Entrepreneurship from the University of Nottingham and accreditation as a Chartered Marketer, Payash will focus on identifying new business opportunities, building strategic partnerships, and driving company growth. Payash Bahuguna www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 9 APPOINTMENTS Chris McDermottNext >