NOVEMBER 2020 EAST MIDLANDS LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www.blmgroup.co.uk WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK £3.50 EDUCATION AND TRAINING Solving the skills shortage MANUFACTURING SPOTLIGHT Achieve lean MOVEMBER Must be Movember MAXIMISING EFFICIENCY MAXIMISING EFFICIENCY 01.qxp_Layout 1 09/11/2020 12:30 Page 1Flexible Office Space Huntingdon House is located just a few minutes’ walk from The Lace Market area of Hockley and the Victoria Centre in Nottingham. The building was constructed in the 1950’s with shops to the ground floor and offices on the first and second floors. We have a professional and friendly business community and strive to maintain high standards throughout the Centre and its facilities which are supported by our reception staff. Offices to Let At the moment there are a range of offices available which vary in size from approximately 150 sq. ft. to 1000 sq. ft. some of which can be occupied on a monthly rolling licence (subject to contract), our terms are very competitive. We offer flexible working solutions for small and start-up businesses and can provide you with a professional presence in Nottingham at very affordable prices. Subject to agreement, the licence fee can include all utilities, telephone connection and broadband; meaning your only additional costs would be for telephone calls made and use of Reception support services. Virtual Office We can also provide a Virtual Office for your company - an address away from your home, a dedicated telephone line, message taking – calls answered in your company name – which all adds up to being able to give a professional image not to mention supporting you whilst you concentrate on work! Costs vary depending on the services required, but can include message taking, call diverting to accommodation address facility and mail forwarding etc. All our business support services such as mail franking, photocopying, meeting room hire can be used when required (at an extra cost). Meeting and Conference Rooms area available for hire by the hour, day or week for you to meet your clients in professional surroundings. Meeting Rooms We have two meeting rooms available at competitive rates; one to accommodate up to 14 persons with desks or 25 theatre style; the layout can be changed to suit your needs, the other to accommodate 6 persons. Both have air conditioning and equipment can also be provided for example projectors and note pads. Both rooms are close to kitchens or if you prefer, refreshments can be provided. Huntingdon House Business Centre 278-290, Huntingdon Street, Nottingham, NG1 3LY T: 0115 9934200 E: reception@huntingdonhousebusinesscentre.co.uk W: huntingdonhousebusinesscentre.co.uk 02.qxp_Layout 1 09/11/2020 12:31 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 3 EDITORS NOTES As we were finishing up with our November issue, Boris Johnson announced that the nation would once again be going into lockdown. In this case, let’s hope the sequel is better than the original. Although there’s public health to consider, the move will deal a body blow to business when many have already been struggling – especially in the retail and hospitality sectors. Fortunately, the furlough scheme has been extended to take some of the strain. It’s therefore critical for businesses to reduce overheads and ensure their operations are as efficient and streamlined as possible. For manufacturers, we explore the Japanese organisational framework of 5S as a pathway to lean manufacturing in this month’s spotlight. For bosses looking to tool up staff, or for workers looking to bolster their own skills bank, our education and training feature looks at how the sector is evolving during the outbreak. Business services, meanwhile, explores the indispensable assets a business depends on now more than ever. Of course, November is men’s health awareness month, and our charity feature explores the heroic efforts of the Movember Foundation and how businesses can get in on the action. Good reading, as always Michael Fisher Editor Welcome... 03.qxp_Layout 1 09/11/2020 12:32 Page 1@BLMEastMidlands BLMEastMidlands Latest news 6 A round-up of the latest news from our region Commercial property 16 With skyrocketing demand for logistics and distribution space, new records are being made this year. East Midlands Business Link Bricks Awards 2020 20 With the East Midlands Bricks Awards complete for another year, it is time to reflect on the event and reveal the evening’s winners. Manufacturing spotlight 32 We explore the benefits of the 5S organisation framework to help achieve lean manufacturing. Materials handling36 Whether one is considering trolleys, conveyors or forklifts, materials handling equipment – and the wider facilities themselves – are continuously evolving to allow greater levels of efficiency and flexibility all while promising to save costs in the long term. Networking40 Creativity in business By Fiona Duncan-Steer, founder of RSViP Business Networking Agency. Water and waste management42 Food and water are too of the biggest commercial waste streams. Although there are steps companies can take to mitigate waste in-house, they must also ensure their waste is treated in a responsible and environmentally-friendly manner. Education and training 45 With a shrinking talent pool across almost all industries, training and education has never been more important for filling the skills shortage. But in the wake of the pandemic, the way training is undertaken has evolved. Business Link explores. • OMS Q&A Public relations 50 Plan properly for truly award-winning PR results By Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR. Corporate hospitality 52 Though it may have changed the experience significantly, the pandemic has not killed off wining and dining. Movember54 Businesses across our region have a key role to play in helping to raise funds and awareness for men’s health and for human health at large. Movember makes men’s health both fun and accessible, allowing everyone to get involved, right from the sales floor to the boardroom. EAST MIDLANDS L E E ADING BUSINESS MAG AZINE NOVEMBER 2020 £3. .50 EFF MAX ICIEN XIMIS NCY SING E TIONTEDUCA AMANUF MOACTURING OVEMBER Solving the skills s AND TRAINI TION WW EDUCA Achieve lean SPOTLIG AAMANUF hortage W EASTMIDL NG Must MO n GHT ANDSBUSINE ACTURING t be Movember ESSLINK CO U OVEMBER w UK www.blmgroup.co.uk Cover photographs courtesy: • Shutterstock - People Image Studio • alinabuphoto • EtiAmmos • SewCream • Alexander Supertramp Contents November 2020 www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk Tax 58 Covid business buzz words By James Pinchbeck, Marketing Partner at Streets Chartered Accountants. Business services 61 East Midlands Business Link explores three service providers that businesses depend on the most, especially during the pandemic. AutoLink64 We take a look at some of the latest luxury motors on the market. Events68 A timely look at forthcoming business events around the East Midlands And finally...70 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 09/11/2020 12:34 Page 142 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 09/11/2020 12:34 Page 26 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk GENERAL NEWS £235m vision for future of region’s economy unveiled The East Midlands is planning an “historic fightback” from the economic impact of Covid-19 with a new vision to grow the economy. Councils, businesses and universities across the region have come together to develop long-term plans that aim to create 84,000 jobs, unleash new technologies and add billions to the value of the East Midlands economy. Backed by the Midlands Engine partnership, they will use proposals for a new East Midlands Development Corporation to drive a series of large-scale development sites, linking them to local communities through drastically improved transport connections. They are also looking to East Midlands Airport to build on its status as the UK’s biggest airfreight gateway to drive international trade for key regional industries and businesses. Each of the proposals individually covers an area the size of the London Olympic Park. They are being hailed as a potential transformation for the region’s economy by business and political leaders. Midlands Engine Chairman Sir John Peace, who has steered the oversight board behind the proposals, said: “Both Covid- 19 and the Brexit transition pose significant challenges for our economy. It’s therefore critical that we have ambitious plans for the future – and that we’re ready to move fast. “What we’re proposing is nothing short of a transformation. It has inclusive growth at its heart, and will deliver a level of social mobility which brings new community prosperity. “Our economy is at an historic turning point. We must grasp industrial and environmental change, look beyond the impact of the pandemic, and drive new opportunities as the UK builds new trading relationships with the world.” Sir John added: “We have identified a series of major opportunities which will enable us to not only confront those challenges, but turn them into jobs and prosperity for people in communities, towns and cities.” Eagle Lab Farm launched in Lincoln to boost future of agriculture Barclays is launching a new Eagle Lab Farm at the University of Lincoln’s Riseholme Agri-tech research campus. The Lab and the surrounding farm offers entrepreneurs and researchers access to Lincoln’s Agri-tech resources – to support farmers as they tackle ongoing challenges and help rural farming communities become leaders in applying technology to agriculture. Barclays’ partnership with the University of Lincoln will support the UK farming sector to innovate, grow and thrive and become the most digitally enabled farming industry in the world. It will be the 25th Lab in Barclays’ Eagle Lab network of co-working spaces for start-ups and scale-ups around the country, the largest network of its kind in the United Kingdom. The resources on offer at the Eagle Lab Farm include a dedicated robotics lab, a demonstration packhouse and a model refrigerated supermarket aisle available for the entrepreneurs and researchers. The Riseholme research campus also features traditional test and growing areas, including soft fruit and crop growing facilities, beef cattle and sheep herds, a walled garden and commercial polytunnel growth spaces. Telephone 0800 009 6066 Email info@nnbcfinancial.co.uk Asset Finance, Leasing, Contract Hire, Sale & Leaseback • Property Development Finance • Commercial Property and Business Mortgages • Factoring and Invoice Finance WWW .NNBCFINANCIAL.CO.UK KP moves production of popular snack to new Leicestershire facility KP Snacks has moved the production of its popchips brand to the company’s factory in Ashby- de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire. Production will take place in a brand new, 1,800 sq m facility on the existing site, and has directly created 24 jobs. Having previously been made by co- manufacturers in the UK and Belgium, this move brings all popchips into Leicestershire and allows for more snacks to be produced each year, helping to fulfil the growing demand for the better-for-you snack. The new facility was approved in July 2019 and has taken just over a year to build. It includes a 1,400 sq m process and packing area, as well as a 400 sq m palletising area. Mark Duffy, manufacturing director of KP Snacks, said: “We’re very excited to be able to open our brand new popchips facility at Ashby. The local community is at the heart of what we do so to be able to recruit 24 new positions has been a source of great pride for us, particularly at a time when jobs up and down the country are being cut. “This is an exciting time for popchips as, along with opening a brand new factory in our Ashby site, we will also be rolling out a whole new look for the brand: a brand new pack design that is “more popchips”, tastier and stands out more on shelf. “On top of all that, in line with our commitment at KP Snacks to reduce our packaging impact on the environment, we will be reducing our popchips packaging by 23 tonnes a year, or 10%, which equates to 5.11 million packs. And all our packs can be recycled via our partnership with TerraCycle. Snack on!” © Shutterstock /kung_tom 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 09/11/2020 12:39 Page 1East Midlands business confidence take a hit Business confidence in the East Midlands fell for the first time since May during October, decreasing by 14 points to -18%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. Companies in the East Midlands reported slightly higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month at -11%, up two points on September. However, when taken alongside their views of the economy overall, which fell 30 percentage points, this gives a headline confidence reading of -18%. When it comes to businesses’ hiring intentions, a net balance of 6% expect to reduce staff levels over the next year, an improvement on last month when a net balance of 11% were planning to cut jobs. The Business Barometer questions 1,200 businesses monthly and provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. The picture in the East Midlands closely reflects that of the UK as a whole during October, when overall UK confidence dropped seven points month-on-month to -18%. While confidence about businesses’ own trading prospects dipped by only one point, their optimism in the economy fell by 14 points. UK business confidence has remained in negative territory since April, but the picture had been improving until October, with confidence steadily rising since May. Amanda Dorel, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “The East Midlands had enjoyed small but steady confidence growth for a number of months prior to this, and while it is disappointing to see confidence fall, it’s very likely to have come in reaction to the stricter measures introduced across the region during late September and early October. Businesses have shown great resilience throughout this pandemic and we will remain by their side to support them through this period of great challenge.” www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 7 GENERAL NEWS Derby bids to become leading UK centre for future fuels Derby has declared its ambition to become the UK’s centre of excellence for future fuel technologies, using the city’s advanced manufacturing expertise to revolutionise the way low-carbon energy is used to power businesses, transport, and homes. The city is assembling a partnership of companies and academics to drive forward its plans. It believes Derby’s high-tech businesses are uniquely placed to develop the equipment and infrastructure that will allow communities to generate low-carbon power and to capture, store and utilise by-product or waste energy. It wants to adopt the technologies in Derby and use the city as a living showcase of what can be achieved. Those behind the plan say it will create new jobs, reduce energy costs for domestic and commercial customers, assist with UK energy security and support key pillars of Derby’s coronavirus economic recovery plan by diversifying the economy and decarbonising the city. The proposals build on the city’s status as one of the UK’s leading centres for advanced manufacturing and recognise work already underway locally to harness the potential of nuclear and hydrogen power. The initiative is being led by Derby City Council, but discussions have already begun with other key partners in industry and academia. The authority has commissioned a study to look at the potential of hydrogen as part of the future fuel landscape in the region covered by the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership. It is also considering the purchase of a city site where an integrated energy approach can be launched and demonstrated, linking clean energy and by-product power sources to commercial and domestic users. It would also include a low-carbon public transport hub. • 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. © Shutterstock /Sean K 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 09/11/2020 12:40 Page 2APPOINTMENTS Morningside launches growth plans with new CEO and Chairman Medicines manufacturer and supplier Morningside Pharmaceuticals has appointed a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairman to oversee the company’s governance. The Executive team and Group Board will be responsible for enhancing internal and external systems and processes, as well as delivering the business’ ambitious growth plans for the future. As part of the structure changes the Leicestershire company’s Founder and Chief Executive for almost 30 years, Dr Nik Kotecha OBE, has taken on a key strategic role for the business and become Chairman of the Board. Tim Brady, who has extensive experience of leading Business Development and Sales & Marketing in the pharmaceuticals’ sector, has become the business’ new CEO. Tim joins newly appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) Monica Huang and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Cliff Fung, as leader of the company’s Executive team. Morningside’s Chairman of the Board Dr Nik Kotecha OBE said: “Morningside was founded in the 1990s through an entrepreneur’s dream of making quality healthcare an affordable and accessible reality throughout the world. “Since then we have grown from a garage start-up to one of the Midlands’ leading life sciences businesses. None of this would have been possible without our excellent people, past and present, who have made Morningside the highly successful business it is today. “The appointment of the Executive team is a key part of our strategic plans for continuing to grow Morningside into the future. For my part, I am very much looking forward to becoming Chairman of the Board which will play a key strategic role in guiding the business’ strategy, alongside the new Executive team.” Leicestershire broker adds quartet to growing firm Anthony James Insurance Brokers has welcomed four new members to its expanding team. The Loughborough-based commercial insurance specialist now has a team of 25, following the addition of James Hopkin as an Enterprise Account Executive, Michelle Goulding as an Account Manager, Greg Sands as a Senior Account Executive and Mat Kiff as a Broking Manager. Speaking on the appointments and the growth of the firm, Managing Director Steve Boorman, said: “Now, more than ever, organisations require tailor-made approaches to risk management and need to work with industry specialists who can help them navigate the changing landscape and build resilience to risk. “That is why, as a company, we have seized this opportunity to add James, Michelle, Greg and Mat to our expanding team. They are joining a business with a breadth of experience that has a strong focus on client relationships and I look forward to working with the team to identify further opportunities for growth.” Earlier this year, Mr Boorman confirmed the promotion of three senior managers to director roles within the business and outlined plans to expand into extra space at their Princes Court offices having celebrated their 10th anniversary in 2019. Having been put on hold due to the pandemic, those plans are now being rolled out to work in tandem with an online and remote working support model where needed. Steve adds: “The insurance industry is clearly facing challenging times ahead and being able to support our clients through this time with the right advice and support is key. That means having the best people working together in the best possible environment to deliver a high quality service to our clients. “The extra space at Princes Court allows us to not only expand but to create a space that the whole team can enjoy coming to. We can then balance that with flexible and remote working where needed and where best for everyone.” Top - James Hopkin and Michelle Goulding. Bottom - Greg Sands and Mat Kiff 8 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk Morningside Chairman Dr Nik Kotecha OBE & CEO Tim Brady. Copyright: Beth Walsh 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 09/11/2020 12:40 Page 3Recruitment expert joins Greater Lincolnshire LEP board as director The Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has welcomed a recruitment expert as a Director to its board. Mandy Watson, founder and co- director of Ambitions Personnel, has been added to the board. Mandy brings a specialism in Skills and Employment and her role will also see her shadowing the Employment and Skills Advisory Panel. Pat Doody, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “We are delighted to be able to appoint Mandy Watson as a Director on the Board of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP. “She has vast experience as a businesswoman in Lincolnshire, having founded Ambitions Personnel 30 years ago, and we’re looking forward to working with her, particularly in the areas of skills and employment.” Mandy founded Ambitions Personnel in 1990 and is co-director with her sister Claire. The agency runs 8 offices across Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Derbyshire, Essex and Nottinghamshire. Working within logistics, food, supply chain, print and clerical, the agency looks after thousands of temporary workers as well as filling vacancies for hundreds of companies and individuals a year. Mandy said: “It’s an incredible opportunity for me to be able to join the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, knowing what influence the Board has across the region and beyond. I hope that my insight into employment and the skills required to drive us forward prove useful. “There is a real need to recognise that an all-encompassing approach needs to be made not only in education but also by employers to encourage innovation and to work towards a common goal to make sure the area can flourish.” Property consultancy appoints new chair Property consultancy Fisher German has appointment a new chair from Leicester. David Brewin, former senior partner and chief operating officer at Ernst & Young, steps into the role after two years serving as a non-executive director of Fisher German. He succeeds Harry Cotterell – former president of the CLA – who is stepping down after five years in the role. Brewin, who attended Beauchamp College in Oadby and played rugby for the Tigers Youth team, is the third non-executive chair in the firm’s history. He spent more than 20 years at Ernst & Young and now holds board positions in the healthcare and social enterprise sectors. He said: “I have really enjoyed being on the board of Fisher German, which is a very strong firm with very good people and excellent leadership. “It has a very strong focus on its clients and developing its people and management team, and that has been key in what has been a testing time for everyone in recent months. “It has taken some very bold but necessary decisions since the outbreak of the pandemic and that has resulted in the business being in a much stronger position than might have been expected six months ago, and it will be well-placed when we emerge from this testing time. “Fisher German has built a diverse portfolio of related services which has not only protected it against downturns in certain areas, but also allowed it to develop multiple offerings to clients and that has seen impressive growth. “I am excited to help managing partner Andrew Bridge and his leadership team continue and develop that growth further.” www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 9 APPOINTMENTS Ali Breadon David Brewin Mandy Watson PwC East Midlands names new Senior Partner Professional services firm PwC has appointed Ali Breadon as its new East Midlands Senior Partner, leading a team of over 300 people. Ali has been with PwC for 24 years, spending much of her career based in the East Midlands, leading the Midlands Government & Health Industries teams across PwC’s three Midlands offices in Birmingham, the East Midlands and Milton Keynes. Ali is also the PwC UK national leader for Education and has supported organisations in all parts of the public sector since joining the firm in 1996. Ali takes over from Paul Norbury, who hands over the reins after six years as East Midlands Senior Partner to join PwC’s UK Private Business leadership team. During his tenure, Paul more than doubled the firm’s activity in the East Midlands, now serving over 600 clients. He established strong links with East Midlands community groups through volunteering initiatives and championed graduate recruitment programmes, including forging strong links with the region’s renowned universities to invest in the next generation of talent and future leaders. Matthew Hammond, Midlands Region Leader and Birmingham Senior Partner at PwC, said: “Firstly, I would like to thank Paul for his energy, enthusiasm, expertise and leadership to the region, he has worked tirelessly to place us at the heart of the East Midlands business community. “I am delighted Ali has been appointed to this new role, which reflects our commitment to supporting the broader marketplace and our clients to navigate issues affecting businesses and communities, including Brexit and the recovery of local economies post Covid-19.” 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 09/11/2020 12:40 Page 4Next >