MAY 2022 EAST MIDLANDS LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www.blmgroup.co.uk WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK £3.50 Securing investment The skills shortage The ever-evolving East Midlands 01.qxp_Layout 1 04/05/2022 09:14 Page 1East Midlands Business Link Bricks 2022 A celebration of those helping to create the landscape for the next generation EAST MIDLANDS The prestigious East Midlands Bricks Awards are back for 2022! Shining a light on the region’s property and construction industry, this year’s event will take place on Thursday 15th September, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. The East Midlands Bricks Awards, organised by East Midlands Business Link Magazine, is an independent awards and publicity programme recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential schemes, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. Visit www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk for more information. BUSINESS 02.qxp_Layout 1 04/05/2022 09:16 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 3 EDITORS NOTES It’s safe to say that 2022 hasn’t yet been the glowing year of business that many in the East Midlands thought it would be. While we are out of lockdown, recent insolvency figures show a rate of insolvency over 6% higher in the first quarter of this year compared to 2021, and the spring statement failed to do much to excite the region. High rates of inflation and skills shortages continue to plague companies as well, making recruitment of skilled staff a complex issue. It’s perhaps time then that businesses in the region look to new approaches and treat 2022 as a fresh start – a chance to redefine what it means to be in business and how to run one. Times have changed, technology has changed and this is an opportunity for forward-thinking companies to adopt new measures and approaches to old problems. We consider such this month in our training feature, where we look at the difficulty in recruiting skilled employees and whether training early on might be used to enable lesser-skilled candidates to reach the level that recruiters are looking for. Similarly, we look at alternative methods of finance in our corporate finance feature – with the stock market being so volatile due to the war in Ukraine, investors may be looking to stock less likely to crash due to the whims of a foreign power. We also look at relocation and inward investment and what the East Midlands is doing to draw talented people and businesses to our region. All that with the latest news and advice from the industry in our May issue. Good reading, as always Michael Fisher Editor 03.qxp_Layout 1 04/05/2022 09:16 Page 1@BLMEastMidlands BLMEastMidlands Latest news 6 A round-up of the latest news from our region. Commercial property 18 The East Midlands commercial property sector remains strong, but there may be challenges in the future when it comes to recruiting skilled workers. Corporate finance21 Capital is hard to come by in a world where even the banks are struggling, but unpredictable times can offer other, alternate revenues that SMEs might find interesting. Tax 24 James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, considers the effect of energy price hikes on businesses and what can be done to manage the situation. Relocation & inward investment 26 A region with a lot to offer, the East Midlands continues to become more attractive to investors and businesses as significant projects get underway. Online training 30 Every business understands the value of training in upskilling employees, but how many use training to strengthen their recruitment or open new branches of candidates? With the great resignation and the skills shortages gripping the East Midlands, this number might rise. Nebosh Q&A 34 Recently, we spoke to Ian Cooke, Head of Corporate and Consumer Services at NEBOSH, about NEBOSH and its qualifications and its latest service, NEBOSH Endorsed. Networking36 Fiona Duncan-Steer, founder of RSViP Business Networking Agency, explains the importance of being ‘people’ focused instead of ‘customer’ focused. Energy & environment management 38 The cost of living has risen thanks to spiralling energy prices, but soon the cost of doing business may go the same way – it’s time for East Midlands businesses to take a proactive step toward improving energy efficiency, not just for clout or PR, but for their own bottom lines. Public relations 42 Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR and the PR and Communications Ambassador for the IoD in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, shares award-winning tips. Security44 As cyber attacks rise, it is crucial that businesses consider how they can boost their security levels. Corporate hospitality 47 Summer parties provide a perfect opportunity to entertain clients and show employees they are valued. APRIL 2022 EAST MIDLANDS £3.50 LEADING BUSINESS MA AGAZINE ping it in the family www.blmgroup.co.uk haulage ough times T e isThe futur oadfor r Keeps now Cover photographs courtesy: Honda • stock.adobe.com/ZETHA_WORK • sepy • ipopba • alphaspirit Contents May 2022 AutoLink50 We’ve looked at economical and electric cars in the past few months but this month we wanted to look at what luxury feels like, and what is being offered in terms of not just power and price, but the interior and driving experience. Out of office 54 Good news from across the region. 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. 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 04/05/2022 09:17 Page 121 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 04/05/2022 09:17 Page 2 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk GENERAL NEWS Working women face high levels of burnout despite rise in hybrid working Widespread burnout and lack of flexible work continue to hinder working women’s career progress, according to a new Deloitte Global report: ‘Women @ Work: A global outlook’. Deloitte Global conducted a survey of 5,000 women in 10 countries, including 500 working women in the UK, to understand the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on women’s personal and professional lives. Stress, burnout, and limited chances to advance are driving women away from their employers. The UK survey revealed a decline in women’s mental wellbeing: 47% of women say their stress levels are higher than they were a year ago, while almost half (46%) feel burned out and 47% say their mental health is ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’. The research also found that 30% have taken time off work because of mental health concerns, yet only 45% feel comfortable talking about these concerns in the workplace. Compared to the UK and global average, the proportion of burnout is greater amongst younger women and women in ethnic minority groups (58%/51%). East Midlands business confidence slumps to lowest in UK Business confidence in the East Midlands fell six points during April to 16%, the lowest of any UK region or nation, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. Companies in the region reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down 11 points at 19%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down one point to 13%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 16%. Despite the fall in confidence, East Midlands businesses flagged a range of growth opportunities for the next six months, including evolving their offering with new products or services (38%), investing in their teams (32%) and making the most of new technology (23%). The Business Barometer, which questions 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. A net balance of 19% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up six points on last month. Growing number of businesses at risk of collapse, as costs spiral and Covid loan repayments come due, says new report The latest Begbies Traynor “Red Flag Alert” research, which has examined the financial health of British companies for the past 15 years, highlights the strain two years of extraordinary financial pressures have had on thousands of UK companies. Helped through the pandemic and its aftershocks by state support, the report now reveals a 19% jump in the number of companies in critical financial distress with these measures cut off and costs spiralling. The most recent County Court Judgements (CCJs) data revealed 11,673 rulings in March – up 179% on the monthly average for the previous two years – and the highest level in a single month for five years. With companies struggling with rising inflation, coupled with the demands of repaying Government Covid support loans, there is now a growing risk of a wave of insolvencies affecting vulnerable British businesses. © stock.adobe.com/ Gajus 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 04/05/2022 09:22 Page 1Notts based illegal waste operator and landowner prosecuted A Nottinghamshire man has been handed down a 20-week suspended prison sentence for burning waste illegally in Newark, Nottinghamshire. The owner of the land on which the waste was burned has also been prosecuted and each has been ordered to pay costs of over £18,000. The case against 61 year old Samual Hussan, of Beaver Cotes Close, Newark and 75 year old Frederick Hardy, of Corner Farm, Farndon, Newark, was held at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 27 April 2022. Hussan had admitted the offence at a previous hearing. He received a 20-week prison sentence suspended for 2 years, a 12-week curfew from 8pm-6am, was ordered to pay costs of £18,236.20 and a victim surcharge of £115. In addition, he was disqualified from being a director for 5 years. At a previous hearing, the landowner, Frederick Hardy, admitted he had knowingly permitted the operation without the necessary environmental permit. He was fined £2,666 and ordered to pay costs of £18,236.79 and a victim surcharge of £170. Nominations open: East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 Nominations are now OPEN for East Midlands Business Link’s annual Bricks Awards, celebrating the region’s property and construction industry. Take this opportunity to shine a light on your team, reward their efforts, and boost morale. The prestigious event recognises development projects and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential schemes, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 15 September, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening of celebration and networking with property and construction professionals from across the region. Les Needham, head of business development at G F Tomlinson, reflected on winning two awards at the 2021 event: “We are absolutely delighted to have won two awards at the East Midlands Bricks Awards this year, coming up against strong competition that showcases all the fantastic work that has been happening in the industry.” To submit a business or development, please visit www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk 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. © stock.adobe.com/ Jevanto Production © stock.adobe.com/ Africa Studio 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 04/05/2022 09:22 Page 2APPOINTMENTS In Phase looks to the future with apprentice drive Nottingham-based automotive tech specialist, In Phase International Group (In Phase International), has announced a major boost to their apprenticeship programme. Six new apprentices have joined the business, which was established in 2001 and is home to a range of automotive technology pioneers, including the Road Angel and Snooper brands. The apprentices – Dylan Duke, Stefan Makengo, Ned Walker, Phoebe Stott, Kristen Smith and Curtis Knight – will work across all functions of the group, from marketing and sales to design, engineering, customer service and technical support. Gary Digva, sales director at In Phase International said: “This is a massive year for us as a group. We are celebrating our 21st anniversary of business and we have come a long way since then. Our brands are household names and we also have a selection of other related businesses that stand alone but also dovetail perfectly with the other group businesses.” East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk Chesterfield accountancy firm announces promotions and team expansion Shorts Accountants is pleased to announce the promotion of two key members of its Radius team, which advises on R&D and Patent Box tax reliefs. Darryl Hoy has been promoted to the position of technical director within the Radius team, while Emily Hurdley has been promoted to manager. Furthermore, the Radius team continues to grow with the announcement that Matthew Pierce has joined the firm, also as manager. Matthew’s appointment will augment the team’s continued growth and client service. This news caps off a successful year for the Radius team, despite a challenging business climate throughout the UK and across the world. HMRC investigations into R&D tax relief claims are due to increase as the treasury seeks to bolster tax revenues. As such, it’s vital to offer expert advice to claimant companies. Former Freeths solicitor installed as new High Sheriff of Derbyshire Derbyshire has a new High Sheriff who is promising to raise career aspirations of primary school pupils in the city and county. Mike Copestake was recently installed during a ceremony at All Saints Church in Turnditch. The former corporate lawyer, who spent 26 years with solicitors Freeths, also wants to help charities that work with young people and support ex- offenders into work following their release from prison. He said: “When I was vice-chairman of inward investment agency Marketing Derby, we would visit Cannes for the annual MIPIM; a major international property investment show. Most people thought it was a jolly but one of my proudest moments was when the Financial Times voted Derby – little old Derby – as having the best investment strategy in the world, ahead of Hong Kong and New York.” 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 04/05/2022 09:22 Page 3New commercial manager for Enrok Construction Enrok Construction has promoted Charlotte Holyhead to the new position of commercial manager with the firm. Charlotte, who has more than a decade of experience within construction, joined Enrok as a quantity surveyor in August 2021 and has already been promoted due to the significant impact she has made on the business since her arrival. Prior to joining Enrok, Charlotte was a lead quantity surveyor for West Midlands-based Jessup Brothers. Her expertise is in new build, affordable housing, refurbishment and commercial developments. She has also won the Outstanding Achievement Award through The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and has a First Class Honours degree in Quantity Surveying. In her new role, Charlotte will direct Enrok’s commercial department, strengthen the team around her and lead on all commercial and residential developments. Enrok is currently delivering numerous multi-million pound projects across the UK, including a new 15,000 sq ft Medical Centre in Nuneaton and two residential development schemes in London, and Charlotte has played a pivotal role in their acquisition and delivery. Allison Homes appoints Gordon More as non-executive director Gordon More, a former interim Chief Executive and Chief Investment Officer of Homes England, has joined Allison Homes as non-executive director. Gordon joins the Lincolnshire-based developer as they seek to deliver against ambitious targets. Interim Chief Executive of Homes England until September 2021, Gordon also has over 30 years’ experience in banking and finance. Before his appointment as interim CEO, Gordon was Chief Investment Officer at Homes England, playing a key role in the development of the strategic housing plan adopted by the UK government. Speaking of the appointment, John Anderson, CEO, Allison Group, told Business Link Magazine: “Gordon’s experience, and passion for, encouraging the proliferation of small and medium enterprise (SME) housebuilders will provide invaluable support to Allison’s board as we pursue our targets. As a well-funded SME, we are in a strong position to make a significant impact on the industry, shaking up the way things are done and exploring new avenues to help deliver the homes that this country needs so urgently. I am looking forward to Gordon’s advice and guidance as we continue this exciting phase.” www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link APPOINTMENTS Shoosmiths names new Nottingham head of office Law firm Shoosmiths has revealed the new head of its Nottingham office. Michael Briggs, a partner and employment law specialist, takes on the role from Deborah Gordon-Brown who has held the post since 2015. Michael, who joined Shoosmiths as an associate in 2013, will lead 77 staff at the firm’s Waterfront House office on Station Street and is set to oversee plans to continue growing its presence in the city and wider region. Shoosmiths has operated in Nottingham since 1984 and has expanded into a full-service office covering real estate, corporate, business and personal advisory. It supports major brands including Travelodge, The Open University and Mountain Warehouse. Michael’s strategic priorities include refurbishing and re-fitting the office, with the project due to take place this summer, alongside accelerating recruitment – adding to the three new staff that have already joined the firm in Nottingham in recent months. 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 04/05/2022 09:22 Page 4Next >