MAY 2024 EAST MIDLANDS LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www..co.uk WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK £3.50 Moving with the times Unlocking prosperityChange of sceneryArmstrong 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.www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 3 EDITORS NOTES Businesses in the region continue to operate with no small amount of confusion as to what the future will bring. It’s not just uncertainty in business – that much, most business leaders are used to nowadays – but governmental uncertainty that plagues the country as a whole. While the Conservative party chases votes at the expense of reeling back on most of its own promises, the Labour party rides high polls and doesn’t feel pressured to give out a concise and meaningful list of policies for what they would do in power. Meanwhile, Reform, the newcomer on the block, appears to be relying mostly on disenfranchised Conservative voters who refuse to back Labour. Three parties, no policies, and a General Election that “could” begin as early as July. No date has of yet been set but Rishi Sunak has continuously failed to rule out July, and with his Rwanda flights having finally passed in law, many suspect he may try and call a quick election before the results of said Rwanda policy can be seen. For businesses in our region, a new government may not be the silver bullet to the economy’s woes, but it would at least mean an end to petty posturing and pointless arguments and, with any luck, some clear and concise policy with which to work with. And we’ll look forward to not having to comment on politics any further. 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 With significant schemes being proposed and under construction across the region, Business Link shares some recent milestones for major East Midlands developments. Corporate finance 20 As traditional funding sources become increasingly restrictive, businesses are turning to alternatives to revolutionise corporate finance. Tax 24 Jennie Brown, tax partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, considers tax changes set to affect individuals’ finances. Relocation and inward investment 26 Moving your business can bring about significant transformations, requiring careful consideration. Although it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, with strategic planning and proactive steps, businesses can harness relocation or operational redistribution to their advantage. Online training 30 Online training has emerged as a versatile and reliable tool, offering a myriad of benefits for businesses seeking to foster growth, enhance productivity, and empower their workforce. Public relations 34 Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR, discusses the use of artificial intelligence in PR. Energy and environmental management 36 Keeping up with the constantly changing goalposts of environmental policy is harming businesses. Security 40 While criminals are already making use of AI to mimic and defraud businesses, thought has to be put into whether the best way to fight them might be to employ AI to detect and defeat these attempts. AutoLink 44 As we approach the midway point of the year, we look at what may be coming in the near future. MAY 2024 EAST MIDLANDS £3.50 LEADING BUSINESS MAAGAZINE of scenery INESSLINKCOUK .co.ukwww. oUnlocking pr W osperityMoving with WWWEASTMI Change h the times IDLANDSBUS Cover photographs courtesy: • stock.adobe.com/ImageFlow • lumerb • insta_photos • ipopba • Lev Contents May 2024 Corporate hospitality 48 In a world placing increased importance on sustainability, corporate events can be tweaked to become a greener occasion. 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.40 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 • 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. Nottingham data centre business joins global specialist Nottingham-based 2bm has joined forces with Keysource, a global specialist in sustainable data centre solutions and strategic advisory services. Mark King, 2bm’s founder and Managing Director, said: “We are excited to join Keysource, which will allow us to leverage their national and global presence and greater resources to expand 2bm’s reach and capabilities. “We see being part of the Group as a hugely positive step forward for everyone concerned, both in terms of the opportunities it brings for our employees and customers.” 2bm will continue to operate under its existing brand name and Mark King will continue to lead the company’s growth, as he has done for the past 22 years. Stephen Whatling, Group CEO of Keysource, added: “We are delighted to welcome 2bm to the Keysource Group. Their specialist skills and experience in data centres and critical environments are a perfect fit for our business, and we see significant opportunities for collaboration. “With minimal customer overlap, the combined group will be well- positioned to target even larger and more complex projects.” Lincoln digital marketing agency sold Peter Watson and Bradley McKenny, former directors of Distract, have sold the digital marketing agency to Steve Bryant, founder and Managing Director of Umbrella Brands Group, behind affiliate marketing agency Thoughtmix. As an old friend of Watson and McKenny, Bryant’s interest in Distract’s journey has always been more than just professional curiosity. Over time, he witnessed the agency’s growth, direction and potential. When the pair decided to sell the business to focus on new areas, Bryant was a natural fit to lead the next phase of its development with a clear vision for Distract’s future. Having established Thoughtmix in 2015, Bryant has many years of experience scaling an agency and delivering partnerships that grow businesses worldwide. Bryant’s portfolio includes working with brands such as cardfactory, National Express, and The Couture Club, and he is now ready to pass on his knowledge and expertise to help Distract grow and excel further. Assuming the role of Managing Director, Bryant has exciting plans for Distract, redefining and consolidating its offering. Recognising the team’s strengths in paid advertising, Distract will become a specialist paid media agency. Ideagen expands Australian capabilities Ideagen has further strengthened its position in regulatory compliance software with the acquisition of Australian workforce safety solution, Damstra Technology. Damstra’s suite of cloud-based contractor and workforce management tools complement Ideagen’s existing portfolio of quality, compliance, health, safety and risk management software, enabling Ideagen to offer even more comprehensive, tailored solutions to regulated industries. Speaking about their latest acquisition, Ben Dorks, Ideagen CEO, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Damstra into the Ideagen family. This acquisition significantly strengthens our solutions for high-risk industries such as mining, energy and construction. “Damstra’s robust safety and compliance solutions enhance our EHS capabilities enabling us to help our customers meet regulatory requirements, mitigate risk and achieve operational excellence.” This acquisition is the fifth Australian business to be brought into the Ideagen family since the start of 2023. It is their third acquisition of 2024. www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link Ben Dorks © stock.adobe.com/ Sashkin T: 01332 492 465 E: hello@glowfrogvideo.com W: www.glowfrogvideo.com How to plan a product video in 5 steps Glowfrog is an award-winning video production company based in the East Midlands and they specialise in product video production. Business Link got in touch and asked how businesses can plan a product video effectively, to ensure that it engages your target audience and achieves your desired outcomes. 1. Objectives Define specific goals such as increasing sales, raising brand awareness, educating the audience, or generating enquiries. Clear objectives will shape all subsequent production decisions. 2. Audience It’s important to define your ideal customer in detail before creating the product video, as this will impact video length, style, placement, messaging and pacing. 3. Placement Placement should be decided before filming begins, as it has a big impact on the video production itself. If you’re posting to TikTok, we need to capture the viewer’s attention from the first second. If it’s for your website, we need to really push the solutions that the product offers, to help get that potential customer over the line. Your objectives and target audience will help determine placement and Glowfrog can help you to decide. 4. Message Craft a persuasive message that highlights the unique selling points of your product. Put yourself in the shoes of your potential customer and think about what might appeal to them in terms of messaging, as this will help in deciding the video style and achieving your objectives. 5. Style You could opt for the product against a backdrop, live action, 3D animation, with or without voiceover, fast or medium pacing, or any such combination. This will be guided by the previous steps and Glowfrog can help you to establish the best video style for your product, brand and audience. Glowfrog are winners of the Vidsaga Best UK Product Video Production Company award. If you’re interested in creating high quality product videos for your business, contact Glowfrog today for a free consultation and product video quote.Rushton Hickman makes associate director promotion Rushton Hickman have promoted Jade Martin to associate director. Having initially joined the company in August 2020 in an administrative role supporting the surveyors, Jade quickly progressed to undertaking a role within the property management section. Jade also began undertaking a Chartered Surveyor Apprenticeship through the University College of Estate Management. Jade Martin said: “I am truly honoured to be promoted to associate director and I am grateful for the amazing opportunities which have enabled me to develop, both personally and professionally. “Whilst I am thankful that my hard work and dedication have been recognised, I also feel lucky to be in a position where I can continue to learn from the best! This is a testament to Rushton Hickman as they provide the support, trust and guidance for their employees to progress. “I am excited to take on this new role and continue contributing to the success of our team.” APPOINTMENTS Creative agency makes key appointment to senior team Full-service creative agency Fluid Ideas has made a key strategic addition to its senior team with the appointment of Olivia Elliott as its head of performance and innovation. Fluid has created the new P&I team to place greater focus on delivering impact for campaigns and projects undertaken for clients beyond traditional performance marketing tactics. It is also focused on supporting continued innovation across Fluid’s 55-strong team to provide clients with forward-thinking solutions to their business and brand challenges. Olivia, formerly head of digital marketing at BiGDUG and Davpack, has extensive experience in performance marketing and fast-paced e-commerce businesses, with a strong track record of expanding customer bases through an array of digital programmes and initiatives. Her expertise spans SEO, PPC and paid media, email marketing, conversion rate optimisation, marketing automation, affiliate marketing and marketplace management on Amazon and eBay, as well as steering acquisition strategies. East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk Shorts makes director promotions Shorts have made a duo of promotions, with Ryan Wilkes and Liam Buttery becoming directors within the Owner Managed Business team. The promotions were announced within a raft of promotions which saw nine other members of the team progressing into new roles within the firm. Partner Malcolm Pope said: “Over the last couple of years, Liam and Ryan have both taken on the role of engagement leader for our ever increasing portfolio of clients looked after by the Owner Managed Business team. “They have played a pivotal role in the implementation of advancements to improve our clients’ experience, and have both successfully completed our Management Development training program. “Jointly, they continue to represent Shorts within the Owner Managed Business working group, as part of our membership of the Praxity Alliance, and more locally through our involvement with the Chesterfield Champions. “Their promotions now to director are extremely well deserved and reflect their dedication and commitment to continued growth within Shorts.” Jade Martin L-R: Malcolm Pope, Liam Buttery and Ryan Wilkes Olivia ElliottRSM UK promotes new partner in Leicester Audit, tax and consulting firm RSM UK has promoted Jo Duddle to partner to help shape the future of the firm and drive growth from within its own ranks. Based in the accounting and business advisory team in Leicester, Jo joined the firm as a manager eight years ago and has successfully progressed her way through the ranks to partner. Jo predominately works as part of the finance function support solution across the Midlands. With over 20 years’ experience she leads on a portfolio of entrepreneurial and scaling businesses, providing support to them across advisory, digital and management information, alongside their compliance needs. Jo Duddle, partner at RSM UK, said: “Becoming a partner at RSM is a huge achievement. It’s an exciting time for the business so I’m thrilled to play a part in shaping the future of the firm and to continue supporting our clients in navigating opportunities in the everchanging business environment.” Helen Brocklebank, regional managing partner in the Midlands at RSM UK, added: “I’m delighted to see Jo embark on this next chapter in her career at RSM. Jo’s promotion is a reflection of her hard work, talent and dedication, as well as RSM’s commitment to investing in and developing its people. “Jo will have an integral role in ensuring we continue to deliver a premium service to clients in the Midlands, nationally and internationally.” Blueprint Interiors drives wellbeing in design with workplace experience manager appointment Workplace consultants and commercial interior design specialists Blueprint Interiors have appointed Claire Lacey as workplace experience manager. Claire brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously worked as a personnel manager, kitchen and bathroom showroom manager and run her own interior design business for six years. In this newly created role at Blueprint Interiors, Claire will be responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the company’s busy office and showroom, Worklife Central. She will also assist Blueprint’s design, furniture, finance and contracts teams to deliver excellent customer service at every stage of the workplace design and fit out process. As workplace consultants, Blueprint Interiors supports its clients to achieve accreditations including the WELL Building Standard, which Claire will also be involved with to ensure requirements are met at Blueprint Interiors’ own office, as well as at client workplaces. www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link APPOINTMENTS The Access Group appoints new Chief Information Officer The Access Group, a Loughborough- headquartered provider of business management software to mid-market organisations in the UK, Ireland, US and Asia Pacific, has appointed Conor Whelan in a new role as Group Chief Information Officer (GCIO). The appointment will further support The Access Group’s growth objectives, enhance customer experiences, and boost employee productivity. In his new role, Conor will be responsible for strategically managing The Access Group’s technological resources and will help drive both organic and inorganic growth. He will also focus on delivering operational excellence across The Access Group and in its regions to further enhance efficiency and agility. Before joining The Access Group, Conor held the UK Chief Operations Officer & Chief Information Officer role at Experian. Conor has a track record in leading businesses through technology transformation. Before joining Experian, Conor was the Group CIO at Jardine Lloyd Thompson, a global insurance broker, from 2015 to 2019. There, he created a global technology function that drove cost savings and improved operational resilience. Conor said: “I am delighted to be joining The Access Group. Its fabulous track record, entrepreneurial style and global growth ambitions were the deciding factors in my move. I cannot wait to learn more about The Access Group and its culture, to meet my new colleagues and to help deliver its strategic goals.” Conor Whelan Claire Lacey Jo DuddleNext >