FEBRUARY 2024 EAST MIDLANDS LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www..co.uk WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK £3.50 Balancing impression with economy Time to transformBeyond training25 Years of Successful Network Exhibitions - Business opportunities for PROPERTY, CONSTRUCTION, INVESTMENT, FINANCE, SERVICE PROVIDERS, B2B 20th March 2024 The Bentley Hotel, South Hykeham 9am - 2pm PROPERTY & BUSINESS INVESTMENT SHOW. ® LINCOLNSHIRE For further information visit businessshowsgroup.co.ukwww.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 3 EDITORS NOTES It’s an election year and that means mudslinging, accusations, bold statements (not always rooted in reality or fact) and a whole lot of grandstanding with not much meaningful change for those trying to make ends meet. As both parties struggle to claim voters – with the Conservatives struggling more than most at the moment according to polls – business owners may be left wondering who they’re supposed to vote for. The old approach of the Conservatives being the pro- business party is beginning to feel a little hollow given successive years of poor economic governance and rising corporation tax. Naturally, it’s not our job or business to tell anyone how to vote or who for. We’ll leave that to the likes of the Guardian and the Telegraph to duke out. Our business, as ever, is on keeping an eye on the B2B industry in our region and making our readers aware of the latest goings-on, which, in an election year, can get very hectic. The Conservative party are likely to start throwing things at the wall to see what sticks in the coming weeks and months, so expect some downright wacky ideas and proposals. That is, unless they really do commit to the Rwanda plan to the exclusion of all else, which isn’t likely to impress many businesses in our region given recent failings over HS2 and Levelling Up. All this with the worrying news of global tensions and talk of a Citizen’s Army – which one might think would at least galvanise the region’s manufacturing and engineering sector, since surely one can’t talk of a citizen’s army without investment in manufacturing of military supplies (which we are told are in low supply), and yet it seems we are to have talk of a citizen’s army without talk of investment in equipping it. Even with the possibility of war rumbling, our manufacturing sector can’t catch a break. One can only assume Baroness Mone will be granted a contract to provide the army with body armour. Good reading, as always Michael Fisher Editor@BLMEastMidlands BLMEastMidlands Latest news 6 A round-up of the latest news from our region. Commercial property 16 Transformational projects are taking steps forward throughout the East Midlands. Chevin Homes Q&A 20 This month, we meet with the award- winning Chevin Homes to find out more about the company and their builds. Engineering spotlight 22 Looking to the year ahead, the engineering industry is set to invigorate 2024, both across the East Midlands, and further afield. Training and apprenticeships 26 Investing in continuous learning and apprenticeships transforms businesses into industry leaders, fostering innovation, diversity, and a workforce prepared for the future. Business travel and leisure 31 In a world where virtual meetings have become the norm; the enduring value of face-to-face interactions remains undeniable. Tax 34 James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, reflects on the “frenzy of activity” in businesses adopting new tech. Meet the experts 36 With how challenging a year 2024 is expected to be, it’s more important than ever to find the right person for the job. Printing and packaging 38 In a world filled with noise, simplicity becomes the silent hero. We explore how the art of clear design, sustainable choices, and a touch of playfulness can elevate your brand’s packaging to captivate and connect with consumers. Public relations 42 Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR, helps you get the media to fall in love with you. AutoLink 44 The first two months of the year can often feel a little slow on the new motors front, but we bring you a few more offerings for personal pleasure, family, or fleet purposes. Corporate hospitality48 The cost of recruitment is through the roof, and companies are finding it hard to find FEBRUARY 2024 EAST MIDLANDS £3.50 LEADING BUSINESS MA AGAZINE ond training INESSLINKCOUK .co.ukwww. ime to transT W sform economy Balancing im WWWEASTMI Beyoession withmpr IDLANDSBUS Cover photographs courtesy: • stock.adobe.com/NDABCREATIVITY • OlegKovalevich • aerogondo • Monkey Business • peshkova Contents February 2024 good staff, which means it’s all the more important to keep hold of the ones you have. We look at ways to accomplish this, and why the idea of “entitled employees” might be less of a curse and more of a blessing. If you play your cards right. Events52 A timely look at forthcoming business events around the East Midlands. And finally...54 Here’s Frazer’s collection of the weird and wonderful ‘news’ that came his way over the last few weeks.38 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. East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk GENERAL NEWS Sills & Betteridge gain new ground in top 200 law firms table With a 27 place climb since they first entered The Lawyer publication’s prestigious UK200 rankings in 2019, Sills and Betteridge LLP are now in position 160 – with growth of 15% on the previous year placing the firm in the top 10 best performing firms in the country. The report is seen as the benchmark for anyone with a serious interest in the business of law. It comprises months of detailed, impartial research into the firm’s financial performance, characteristics of its service delivery and analysis of its people - looking forensically at diversity, progression and development. Chief Executive Martyn Hall said: “A combination of factors has led to these results, but they are principally due to organic growth, our acquisition of niche matrimonial practice Acclaimed Family Law of Sheffield, the recruitment of several senior fee earners across the firm and continuous efficiency initiatives across our working practices and operations.” But it’s not just about financial performance, the firm is also recognised in the gender analysis section of the report with another top 10 position. Loughborough-based software firm creates hundreds of new jobs in Romania Eight months since The Access Group opened its new Global Operations (GO) Centre in Timişoara, the Loughborough-based business has seen huge progress in the skills development of its teams and created more than 430 jobs in Romania. The opening of the new office in May 2023 marked the next phase of global expansion for The Access Group, one of the largest UK-headquartered providers of business management software to small and mid-sized organisations in the UK, Ireland, USA and Asia Pacific. Radu Giju, Managing Director at The Access Group in Romania, said: “The Access Group had already built a strong brand here before the GO Centre opened and it is fast becoming an employer of choice for people in Timişoara and beyond. “The GO Centre has highlighted the skills and potential of the local talent pool here in Romania, especially within software engineering and customer service, and our teams have become a strong representation of our ambition, brand and culture here.” Centrick sells high street division Property specialist Centrick is planning for growth across its property solutions services as it sells its high street sales and lettings business. The firm has taken the decision to move away from high street estate and lettings agency to focus on delivering property management and associated professional services to the residential property sector. Its high street division has been acquired by the Lomond Group and will operate under its John Shepherd brand. The deal involves teams in Nottingham, Solihull and Birmingham, with 25 staff transferring across. Centrick’s new initiatives include a £1 million investment in tech solutions to deliver best-in-class resident engagement, further strengthening its dedicated Building Safety & Compliance service, as well as a new 3,500 sq ft ‘Centrick Academy’ – a training facility aimed at growing grass-roots talent and raising both technical ability and service standards for Centrick staff and the wider property management community. Centrick founder James Ackrill said: “Our ambition as a group has always been to deliver a truly exceptional service, building a team of highly skilled property professionals that care about our clients and the residents we support.” Martyn Hall Centrick’s management team (from left) people director Gemma Powell, managing director Phil Johns, founder James Ackrill, director Carina Ackrill, Rita Khanna, and new homes and investment director Andy Butts East Midlands businesses begin 2024 with growth in confidence Business confidence in the East Midlands rose four points during January to 38%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. While firms in the region reported lower confidence in their own trading prospects month-on-month, down 12 points to 39% in January, their optimism in the wider economy climbed 20 points to 37%. Taken together, this gives a headline confidence reading of 38%. East Midlands businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their products and services, investing in their team, and introducing new technology. A net balance of 26% of businesses in the region also expect to increase staff levels over the next year, down 14 points. Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “While hiring intentions have dipped, more than third of businesses are planning to invest in their teams over the next six months. By putting short-term plans in place like this, they are setting themselves up for long-term success as economic conditions improve.” 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. Merger sees law firm return to Northampton EMW has merged with SP Law in a deal that will accelerate the firm’s ambitious growth plans, provide SP Law clients with a wider breadth of services and sees EMW return to Northampton after a 16-year absence. Based in Northampton, SP Law advises commercial and private clients on a range of legal services, from family law and personal injury through to employment law and commercial litigation. The firm, which merged with Martin Adams & McColl in 2012, was founded by Hassan Shah and Sundip Patel. EMW is a full-service law firm with offices in Milton Keynes, London, Gatwick and Brighton, and works with both UK and international clients. It recently secured B Corp certification, awarded to companies that place social good and environmental stewardship at the heart of their business. The firm is focused on delivering an ambitious growth strategy, targeting both organic growth and further complementary mergers. Dave AtkinsonFord & Stanley high performer makes internal move into Executive Search Talent services specialist Ford and Stanley has promoted Billy Jackson to managing consultant with a move into Ford and Stanley Group’s Executive Search business. Billy joined the company as recruitment consultant in August 2021, before becoming senior consultant and then business manager. Before embarking on his recruitment career in 2020, Billy worked in sales as a technology specialist. Billy said: “The progression into Executive Search is a natural next step in my career and will enable me to utilise my passion and expertise in digital and technology to support leaders of innovative organisations in building their executive leadership teams.” Daniel Taylor, director, said: “Throughout Billy’s career at Ford and Stanley what became apparent was his communication, ability to consult and willingness to go above and beyond for clients and candidates. “As an organisation, we pride ourselves on identifying and unlocking potential and allowing people to play to their strengths. We do this by providing opportunities to experience and explore working in different businesses within the group. “Billy joining our Executive Search business provides real strength in depth, in addition to bringing expertise and knowledge of the tech and digital sectors, which has been an exceptional area of growth throughout 2023.” APPOINTMENTS Airfield runway specialist makes senior appointment Lincolnshire-headquartered global airport runway specialist Jointline has appointed Matt Ragless as Head of Airfield Lining, Grooving and Distribution Centres. Matt Ragless joins Jointline from Lincolnshire-based BESA Group Ltd, where he was Head of Operations. Prior to that he was the Operations Manager for TMAK Construction Ltd, and previously a Contracts Project Manager for Education Business Partnership. Mr Ragless commenced his career at T&S Group, where he was based for five years. The 38-year-old brings a total of 17 years’ industry experience to the Witham St Hughs-headquartered firm. Jointline has undertaken renovation and improvement works at every major civilian airport in the UK as well as runways across continental Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America. Matt Ragless has been appointed to lead a team of 20 experienced technicians, ensuring projects are programmed and delivered to schedule. He also undertakes the commercial aspects of running the department. Gary Massey, Managing Director of Jointline, said: “Matt has made an immediate impact to Jointline. His ambition, commitment and professionalism are first rate. Matt also has outstanding technical knowledge to help our customers implement the most effective solution within budget.” East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk New MD for Clegg Construction After a long and successful career in the construction industry, and with more than 20 years at the helm of Clegg Construction as Managing Director, Simon Blackburn has announced his retirement. Michael Sims has stepped up to become MD from his previous role as commercial director, with Darren Chapman and Ross Crowcroft continuing in their roles as operations director and pre- construction director respectively. The change in leadership comes as Clegg Construction has secured its strongest carry-forward order book, with more than £82m secured turnover for 2024. Simon, who joined Clegg Construction in 2002, before becoming MD two years later, will remain as a group director until the end of May 2024 in support of the new generation of leadership which will take the business forward into 2024 and beyond. “Over the last 20 years I’ve been extremely proud to lead a business that has delivered in excess of 7,000 student beds, 1,500 apartments, 1,000 care home beds, 750 hotel bedrooms and more than one million square feet of industrial schemes,” he said. Billy Jackson L-R: Ross Crowcroft, Michael Sims, Darren Chapman Matt RaglessShorts makes director promotion Shorts has promoted Alicia Williams to the position of Genus director. Since joining Shorts in 2016 as an accounts senior, Alicia has earned promotions to client financial controller and finance system/app integrator in 2017 and then client FD and digital improvement lead in 2022. Her progression to director is testament to her skills and is a reflection of the active role she has played in the development of Shorts’ Genus, management information offering during that time. Partner Malcolm Pope said: “Alicia is not only recognised as a leader within Shorts, but also the wider UK accounting community, following an appearance at a Xero Talks Event in London (and subsequent Podcast) and her involvement in the recording of numerous videos for reporting software provider Fathom. “She has long been Shorts’ ‘go-to’ in terms of helping our clients improve efficiencies and opportunities through the introduction of software solutions, but she has also more recently been heavily involved in the development of what comes next for Shorts in all things AI / data analytics completion of the data analytics qualification from the ICAEW. Alicia’s promotion is very much deserved and she has worked hard to achieve it.”Alicia said: “I am incredibly proud to have been promoted to Genus director at Shorts and excited to be taking the next step in my professional journey. Shorts has fostered a culture of learning and development, and my promotion showcases the firm’s genuine commitment to supporting its employees’ career growth through structured paths. “I am excited for my new role, working closely with both our existing clients and future ones and helping to contribute to the continued success of the firm.” Warehouse technology innovator appoints new head of sales for EMEA region Castle Donington-based warehouse technology innovator, Synergy Logistics, has appointed a highly experienced business performance lead as it looks to scale up on expansion, growth and drive change. Chris White joins as head of sales for Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) with a dual remit of further improving client engagement and advancing the commercial arm of the business. Chris has over 25 years of experience in large-scale operations, having worked with companies like Hewlett Packard, Pitney Bowes, and DHL Express. He has held senior positions in IT, supply chain, warehousing, and distribution. In his previous role as a director for the SaaS Enterprise Division of Parcel2Go, a leading player in the fulfilment market, he achieved a growth of 300% in just seven years. As a result, the Enterprise Division now accounts for 60% of the Group’s overall business and their portfolio has expanded from three to thirty different organizations. Chris, who began his career playing professional football for 14 years at Portsmouth FC, Peterborough United and Exeter City, stated: “I am thrilled to be a part of Synergy – a company that is as flexible, agile and adaptable as its software solutions. The products they offer make a real, tangible difference and I am excited to contribute to the positive trajectory of the business. www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link APPOINTMENTS Leading tax specialist joins Streets Chartered Accountants Acclaimed tax specialist Andrew Cockman has joined Streets Chartered Accountants. Andrew Cockman is a Chartered Tax Adviser and Trust and Estate Practitioner who has focused on private client and trust related taxation throughout his career in accountancy, having worked in Big 5 accountancy practices, as well as other firms in the top 10. His specialism includes tax planning for non-UK domiciliaries and their offshore trusts, as well as inheritance tax and capital gains tax consulting for shareholders in family companies and their family trusts. He is particularly interested in estate planning. Andrew is also closely involved with the Tax Faculty of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and is a member of the Private Client Committee of the Tax Faculty. He contributes a monthly article on estate planning for Croner i’s Tax Weekly as well as contributing regularly to the Tax Faculty’s TAXline magazine. Commenting on his appointment, Paul Tutin, Chairman and Managing Partner at Streets, said: “We are delighted to welcome Andrew to the firm with his appointment as a Tax Partner within our Tax practice and as a member of our Private Client team. “With the expansion of our practice, it is important we can service the needs of our clients and in particular the requirement for more specialist high- end tax advice and planning. Andrew will therefore be a great asset to our team and clients alike. We are very fortunate to have secured his appointment.” Andrew Cockman Chris White Alicia WilliamsNext >