JANUARY 2025 EAST MIDLANDS LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www..co.uk WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK £3.50 No room for mistakesFinancial lifelinesLooking aheadArmstrong 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.Happy New Year A new year means new beginnings, new hope, but also new challenges. While it’s obviously bad form to start a year on a rough note, it’s obvious a lot of businesses in the UK are looking toward a new president in the US with no small amount of nerves. President Donald Trump has made over 200 “day one promises” including tariffs and America-first policies. Even companies here who don’t trade with the US could end up feeling the consequences of this, as many will remember that the “credit crunch” was in no small part led by a failure in the US financial sphere. That still impacted us here. Of course, there’s just as much a chance all that talk was bluster for election season. Politicians the world over regularly make campaign-winning promises they have no intention to keep, so it’s hard to say what will come for sure. Businesses would be wise to focus on making their operations as lean as possible however, and those who deal directly with or sell to the US may want to consider their futures if they haven’t already. Here in the UK, it’s not quite as doom and gloom but our political scene is gripped by the same fever – which is a problem of its own. The role of government is to support and enable the country’s economy and to look after its people, but all parties (equal blame meant everywhere) are focused more on scoring cheap points now, causing constant arguments and battles that mean nothing outside of parliament is achieved. Our regions often feel like they don’t get much support from the south at the best of times, and that’s a theme that’s likely to continue for 2025. It’ll be up to us to make the most of the economy we’re given, and to thrive to succeed despite it. Good reading, as always. Michael Fisher 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 Setting the stage for a new year of development, 2024 concluded with construction starting on, plans being revealed for, and approval being granted to a number of projects in the East Midlands. 2025 business predictions 19 It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead. Productivity and efficiency 24 When it comes to productivity and efficiency in the manufacturing line, one aspect that many people fail to consider is that of line clearance and efficiency. Tax 28 James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, delves into the problem of ghosting in business. Corporate finance30 The state of the economy, rising inflation and the cost of living have all made payment of bills tricky, which is expected to cause a culture of late or unpaid invoices. We look at the options available to businesses in this situation. Public relations 34 Greg Simpson, founder of Press For Attention PR, helps you achieve your 2025 PR resolutions. Contents January 2025 30 36 48 IT and communications 36 There’s nothing quite like a downed IT system to paralyse a company – showing just why it’s important to get it right straight away. Logistics 40 With demand for greener logistics high, HGVs have become a focal point for facilitating change. New year, new supplier 44 Loyalty is its own reward, or so the saying goes, but 2024 has been a difficult year with the state of the economy and the geopolitical strife, and local businesses are having to cut costs wherever they can. Sometimes it’s best to shop around when it comes to suppliers. Corporate hospitality 46 If you’re thinking about presenting at a conference in 2025, here are some big tips from someone who has had to do it for the last few years. Renewables 48 It’s time to stop dragging our feet and start looking toward renewable energy. AutoLink 52 A new year means new motors. Events56 A timely look at forthcoming business events around the East Midlands. And finally...58 Here’s Frazer’s collection of the weird and wonderful ‘news’ that came his way over the last few weeks.24 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 • Cover photographs courtesy: stock.adobe.com/BillionPhotos.com • adobedesigner •malp • Martinesku • hisilly 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.GENERAL NEWS Chesterfield’s Superior Wellness expands with new U.S. headquarters Superior Wellness, the Chesterfield-based hot tubs and wellness products firm, has established its first U.S. operation in Orangeburg County, South Carolina. This £8.9 million investment marks a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion strategy, creating 35 new jobs and strengthening its commitment to serving partners and customers across the United States. Located at 106 Logistics Drive in Cameron, the newly acquired 75,000-square-foot facility will serve as the company’s U.S. headquarters. It will streamline warehousing and logistics, provide faster service to U.S. partners, and act as a hub for spare parts and accessories. Superior Wellness Managing Director Rob Carlin said: “This investment represents a significant milestone for Superior Wellness as we establish a strong foothold in the U.S. “Our £8.9 million state-of-the-art facility will revolutionize our stock and logistics operations, ensuring faster service and greater support for our U.S. partners and customers. We’re thrilled to begin this exciting chapter and deepen our connection with the American market.” Further expansion for Nottingham’s Promethean Particles as it adds new staff and new office space A Nottingham chemical manufacturing firm has responded to increasing demand for its products by creating new office space and taking on three new members of staff. Promethean Particles has converted a mezzanine storage area at its site in Midland Way, adding 62m2 of open plan office space to the building, which now contains 16 additional desks. The latest appointments – in the shape of synthetic chemist Andy Jones, process development engineer David Van Gelder Adjar and process engineer James Dales – bring the company’s headcount up to 17 – virtually double the number of staff at this time last year. The expansion brings to a close a pivotal year for Promethean Particles, which is leading the UK in increasing the production volumes of a class of advanced materials called MOFs – which stands for metal-organic frameworks – in cost-effective ways. MOFs are tiny crystal structures which have extremely large internal surface areas and can be used for a variety of purposes, including trapping carbon dioxide (CO2) created by the burning of industrial fuels. Jobs secured after physical entertainment distributor sold to Hinckley firm Hinckley-based supply chain solutions provider, DP World Logistics UK Limited (DP World) has bought the business and assets of physical entertainment distributor Utopia Distribution Services Limited (UDS). It follows the appointment of Mark Supperstone and Ben Woodthorpe of Evelyn Partners as joint administrators of the business on 13 December. UDS operates out of a 25,000 square metre, state-of-the-art facility in Bicester UK. The warehouse ships more than 30 million units (including CDs/DVDs/vinyl) annually and distributes more than 60% of the UK’s physical entertainment products for a number of high-profile record labels and retailers. Several assets were acquired in the transaction, including IT systems, and it is expected that all UDS employees will transfer to DP World via TUPE. The transaction follows bankruptcy proceedings being initiated against UDS’ Swiss parent, Proper Group AG (formerly Utopia Music AG) in September 2024. From left: James Dale, Andy Jones and David Van Gelder Adjar have joined Nottingham advanced materials company Promethean Particles to help it increase production of MOFs. 6 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukGENERAL 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. Half of Midlands businesses experienced fraud in the last five years Almost half (42%) of Midlands businesses have experienced fraud in the last five years, a new survey from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO has found. Of those businesses, 78% said they had experienced fraud in the last 12 months. Additionally, more than a quarter (29%) said they had seen multiple fraud incidents in the last year. Commenting on the findings, Sat Plaha, a partner at BDO LLP in the Midlands and Head of Regional Forensic Services, said: “Fraud remains a significant problem for individual businesses and the wider economy. Fraud losses directly impact profitability and can have catastrophic knock-on effects. “It is clear that large businesses are particularly tempting targets for fraudsters who are lured by the prospects of higher gains and attracted by the potential vulnerabilities and entry points associated with organisations with high employee numbers. “However, this year there are some definite positive trends. Anti-fraud-related expenditure is increasing compared to the previous year, with 73% of Midlands businesses investing between £100,000 and £250,000.” Nottingham Venues confirms commitment to being a Real Living Wage employer Nottingham Venues, the collection of independent venues specialising in meeting and events set within the University of Nottingham campus, has confirmed its commitment to being a Real Living Wage employer. The company, which employs over 280 people, received full certification from the Living Wage Foundation in November 2023 and has once again pledged that it will continue to pay all its staff the Real Living Wage or above. Nottingham Venues remains committed to paying the Real Living Wage following the increases to the National Minimum Wage announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the October Budget. It will pay the National Living Wage of £12.60 per hour, which is higher than the National Minimum Wage, and is independently calculated based on what people actually need to meet the cost of living, not just the Government minimum. The pledge reflects Nottingham Venue’s dedication to ensuring fair and sustainable pay for all its employees, recognising their essential role in delivering the best possible guest experience and ensuring the future success of the business. © stock.adobe.com/yossarian6 www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 7 Sat PlahaBlueprint Interiors appoints commercial director Workplace consultancy and commercial interior design firm, Blueprint Interiors, has appointed John Tansur as commercial director. The Ashby-based business recently announced a management buyout, with operations director Rachel Biddles and creative director Chloe Sproston taking ownership of the company. The newly created commercial director role will help shape and deliver Blueprint’s business strategy, and enhance its marketing and business development functions. Previously in business development and senior management positions, John brings over 25 years of commercial and culture acumen and will be part of Blueprint’s leadership team. John Tansur said: “Knowing the team at Blueprint and seeing their progression over recent years, I feel privileged to be asked to be part of the business for what we know can be a very exciting future. “The culture within Blueprint and their reputation for injecting passion into delivering projects for clients is very appealing to me, and we look forward to sharing our expertise across a number of sectors as the business continues to grow.” APPOINTMENTS Archimedia finds perfect hire to kickstart growth plans A Nottingham accountancy practice is expanding after making a key hire. Archimedia Accounts, which is based at Nottingham Science & Technology Park, has hired well-known city finance professional Jill Fox as a Client Manager and Accountant. Chris Demetriou, Co-owner and Finance Director, explained that Jill is the perfect fit for Archimedia. He said: “Jill is completely aligned with our firm’s culture. She cares about clients, which isn’t something easily found these days. All accountants have the skills, but to truly want your clients to succeed is where the magic happens.” Chris said that Jill’s experience will be hugely beneficial to Archimedia’s clients. He added: “I know Jill will go the extra mile for clients because she truly cares about what they want to achieve, saving them money and giving them insights that will help their businesses grow.” Jill is the next step in the expansion plan for Archimedia, said Chris: “Next year we’ll be looking to hire two more employees; an Accountant and a Senior Bookkeeper. It’s an exciting time for us – and our clients.” Shorts appoints new Tax Partner Shorts has appointed Craig Walker as Tax Partner, joining existing Tax Partners Chris Chambers, Scott Burkinshaw, and David Robinson in leading the firm’s tax offering. Responding to a decade of sustained growth, the appointment of Shorts’ fourth Tax Partner supports their continued commitment to growing the Tax department and underpins the firm’s continued development and strength. An experienced Chartered Tax Adviser and member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, Craig has over 20 years of tax experience at large regional firms and a top 15 firm, and he rejoins Shorts twelve years after previously completing his early tax training at the firm. An enthusiastic advocate for his hometown of Chesterfield, Craig will be based out of the firm’s offices at Ashgate Road and will advise clients on all areas of UK taxation with a particular focus on Private Client work. Going forward, his role will transition progressively towards taking a more active role in the leadership and strategy of the firm, in particular within the Private Client team as Chris Chambers moves towards retirement. Craig said “I am thrilled and honoured to be joining the team at Shorts, during such an exciting time in the firm’s growth and history, and I am proud to take this next step on my professional journey. I am very much looking forward to working with the leadership team.” Rachel Biddles and John Tansur, Blueprint Interiors 8 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk Chris Chambers, Craig Walker and David Robinson Jill Fox and Chris Demetriou East Midlands restructuring and insolvency expert joins Rothera Bray Rothera Bray has expanded its team with the appointment of Insolvency and Corporate Recovery specialist Nicky Calthrop-Owen. Nicky joins Rothera Bray as a consultant based at the Lace Market office, bringing a new area of expertise by offering dedicated insolvency and restructuring services to the firm. A highly regarded restructuring solicitor, Nicky is renowned for her contentious litigation and advisory work in the insolvency and corporate recovery arena. Her track record includes involvement in some of the East Midlands’ largest restructuring cases. Nicky brings a wealth of experience advising clients in complex insolvency and restructuring matters. Her portfolio includes high-profile referrals where directors and stakeholders have sought her counsel to navigate intricate challenges, achieve optimal outcomes, and ensure compliance with legal obligations. Further enhancing her exceptional credentials, Nicky has acted in the peer-to-peer and alternative finance sectors, representing lenders and Security Trustees in recovery actions and complex fraud cases. Additionally, she has advised professional partnerships on their obligations and risks in insolvency matters and provided counsel in partnership disputes. Nottingham-based Inaphaea BioLabs appoints Head of Scientific Operations Inaphaea BioLabs, the translational contract research organisation based at MediCity Nottingham, has promoted Melissa Barr to Head of Scientific Operations. Melissa joined Inaphaea in 2023 as Lead Scientist. Since then, she has played an instrumental role in delivering preclinical drug discovery projects across oncology and women’s health, as well as leading a team of scientists on-site. Commenting on her promotion, Melissa says: “I have had the privilege of growing alongside Inaphaea since its inception. Being part of a start-up has been an exciting and rewarding journey, offering opportunities to develop not only technical expertise but also operational and leadership skills. “In my new role as Head of Scientific Operations, I am excited to continue supporting our amazing team, strengthening our current capabilities, and driving forward innovative research. I look forward to contributing to the technical, operational, and strategic aspects of our work as we deliver impactful solutions for our clients and stakeholders.” Mark Eccleston, ValiRx CEO, adds: “We’re delighted to announce Melissa’s well-deserved promotion. She has played a key role in Inaphaea’s growth and development journey so far, bringing specialist scientific expertise as well as helping to drive operational efficiencies.” APPOINTMENTS Internationally experienced employment lawyer joins Michael Cummins Employment Solicitors Internationally experienced employment lawyer Kate Cauldwell-Hunt has joined the specialist law firm Michael Cummins Employment Solicitors as its new senior associate. It’s a professional reunion for Kate and her new firm’s founder Michael Cummins, who worked together at Gateley more than 20 years ago. After training and qualifying as a solicitor at Gateley, Kate worked as an employment lawyer, including at Averta Employment Lawyers, before moving to Pinsent Masons Vario where Kate worked both in the UK and then in Singapore where she led on the provision of flexible legal services for the international firm Pinsent Masons. As an account director for Pinsent Masons Vario, Kate managed the recruitment and deployment of lawyers and other legal professionals for assignments with the firm’s clients or internally within Pinsent Masons. Latterly Kate managed recruitment of lawyers and business services professionals for the London office of another international law firm, Clyde & Co. Now the solicitor has joined the seven-strong Leicestershire-based Michael Cummins Employment Solicitors. Kate Cauldwell-Hunt Melissa Barr Rothera Bray’s Insolvency and Restructuring Consultant Nicky Calthrop-Owen with Rothera Bray’s CEO Christina Yardley Photo courtesy of Alex Hannam Photography www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 9 Next >