JUNE 2023 EAST MIDLANDS LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www..co.uk WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK £3.50 All eyes on Derby Incidents fall but costs rise The push for sustainable farmingWEWE TO WE’RE ETO E’RE HE W E W ERE TO help RE hlhelphelp tilikih 0115 906 8 k 8964 pp Com P tocili-sonskiop.hwww oper cimmer Pr k.u.cosor ial rtyPoperPrrty LAN B U YING OR SELLING ASES Y T OR LON MLEASE R T SHOR T OR LONG TERM LEASES law fir op rateo LYHIGHL T er operty or Y RECOMMENDEDY ed commercial pr m in Nottinghamshir LAND D DEVELOPMENT LING DD G enquiries.commmerical@hopkins-solicitors.cco.ukwww.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 3 EDITORS NOTES The economy continues to struggle as we reach the halfway point of the year, but you wouldn’t think it for how the media are mostly trying to poke holes in one political party or another. As war for votes rages in politics, the manufacturing sector experiences its 16th month in a row of falling exports, and former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers has said that Brexit was an “economical error” that damaged the UK and contributed to high inflation. Indeed, manufacturers in our region are finding it harder than ever to trade with the EU, and while some are arguing that it’s jealous EU nations “punishing” us for the Brexit vote, the simpler reality is that customers in Europe don’t have to pay tax on goods from the rest of the EU. Why would they want to pay more, and have to deal with customs, just to buy our goods? Much of this was warned about ahead of the voting of course, but the people raising it were accused of being doomsayers and roundly pilloried by the same government that is right now busy dealing with scandal after scandal rather than helping our regions thrive. I’ve said it before and it feels pointless to say it again – for what feels like a whole year running – that businesses in our region are on their own. We cannot rely on assistance from the government, nor from former friends in the EU, and must navigate these new and treacherous waters on our own. Some will argue that will make us stronger, but suffering does not necessarily lead to strength, and it is high time the government – whichever party wins in the next general election – starts acting like one. But at this point it’s hard to hope when reality tv-style politics seems to win more votes than tangible improvements to the economy. 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 Derby has repeatedly hit headlines as of late, thanks to myriad new developments underway in the city. Construction machinery and equipment 20 New technology in AI may be a gateway to new developments in construction machinery. Insurance 23 Business insurance is often seen as a requirement to be fulfilled as cheaply as possible, but big companies often invest in additional forms of protection, and it might be time for businesses in our region to consider the same. • Konsileo Insurance Q&A Tax 28 James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, breaks down the process of strategic planning. Agri-business spotlight30 By utilising sustainable farming and market analysis, agribusiness can align their production and distribution strategies with evolving consumer preferences and gain an edge in a competitive market. Logistics 34 Efficient supply chain management can enhance product freshness, reduce waste, and improve overall performance. Public relations 38 Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR, illustrates how to make the most of your award nominations and wins. Meet the experts 40 There are far too many people claiming to be experts nowadays, and it can sometimes feel like finding the real experts among all the con- artists is impossible. • Hopkins Solicitors Q&A AutoLink 44 This month we look at some more comfort- oriented cars, with a focus on looking good and feeling luxurious. Corporate hospitality 48 The summer months make for an ideal time to host seminars and events, but after years of working remotely or from home many people are out of practice when it comes to public speaking. We run over some of the basics. Health and safety 50 The annual number of incidents in the workplace has fallen in recent years, and yet some of the most common types have remained the same, showing a lack of understanding and willingness to tackle the expensive problem. JUNE 2023 EAST MIDLANDS LE £3.50 EADING BUSINESS MAG AZINE rise Incidents fall but co WW ostsAll eyes on Der WEASTMIDL farming The pusrby ANDSBUSINE h for sustainable ESSLINKCOU w UK .co.ukwww. Cover photographs courtesy: • stock.adobe.com/Michail Petrov • Audi • Budimir Jevtic • littlewolf1989 • hit1912 Contents June 2023 Out of office54 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.30 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 Nottingham firm expands global operations Nottingham-headquartered compliance software company, Ideagen, has boosted its global footprint with a £2.5m investment in two new state-of-the-art facilities in India and Malaysia. The two offices officially opened in Kuala Lumpur and Hyderabad last month (May) with Ideagen CEO, Ben Dorks, joining both celebrations with local teams. Speaking about the investment, Ben said: “Our operations in both Malaysia and India play an important role in helping to support the safe hands and quiet voices that protect the world. “This investment in our people supports the continued development of our software solutions and growth plans, providing employees with a first-class working environment. It’s important our people have the best facilities with the best equipment and tools available to them.” Ling Poh Teng, head of development and operations for Ideagen in Malaysia, echoed Ben’s comments at the Kuala Lumpur opening: “It’s a fantastic modern office set-up for our growing team and will help us attract the best talent while positioning us well for the future. Our team will love working here!” Nottingham Venues creates mental health first aid team Nottingham Venues has created a new mental health first aid team within the business, aiming to raise awareness of the importance of good mental health and provide support to colleagues who may be experiencing mental health problems. A team of 12 people from a range of roles within the organisation have undergone mental health first aid training designed to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to assist colleagues, and potentially guests. The training was conducted and accredited by MHFA England and covered a range of topics, including how to identify the signs of someone struggling with their mental health, how to provide initial help and support, and how to guide people towards professional support if needed. Suzie Adams, Nottingham Venues’ HR director, says: “According to research from the University of Cambridge, approximately one in four people working within the hospitality industry have mental health problems. We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of our team and creating a positive working environment where people feel empowered to help one another or seek help if needed.” © stock.adobe.com/ Who is Danny Report enabled by Leicestershire foundation seeks to bring down re-offending while plugging labour shortages Support from the Randal Charitable Foundation has helped enable a major report which is calling for 50,000 prison leavers to plug the current labour shortage. The new report by thinktank The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) highlights that Britain would save billions of pounds of taxpayer money and plug many of its more than one million job vacancies, if it doubled-down on efforts to get prisoners into work when they leave jail. The Leicestershire-based foundation collaborated with the CSJ to bring forward the report, which highlights that, of the nearly 50,000 people leaving prisons in the UK each year, only three in ten have a job six months later. Those who struggle to find work are at serious risk of reoffending, which perpetuates the cycle of crime that blights so many families and communities. Dr (Prof) Nik Kotecha OBE DL, founder of the Randal Charitable Foundation, said: “I’m immensely proud that our partnership with the CSJ has led to this ground- breaking report, which is now being considered by the Justice Minister.” Chambers of commerce unite to support refugees into jobs and help businesses plug skills gaps Refugees from countries including Ukraine and Syria are being supported into work across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Staffordshire by a partnership between two chambers of commerce. East Midlands Chamber and Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce are working together to develop refugees’ skills, employability and social integration, with the aim of enhancing confidence among individuals who have fled war, violence or persecution to take on jobs here – and in turn help businesses to fill vacancies. In response to the crisis in Ukraine, members of East Midlands Chamber’s employment services team have made weekly visits to Nottinghamshire Ukrainian Cultural Centre to help refugees arriving in the area. The team has supported more than 150 individuals with personalised training courses, CV and job application writing, interview preparation, housing and financial assistance, introductions to employers, including Nottingham Venues, Pizza Factory and Smyths Toys. It has also worked with Nottingham-based charity Refugee Roots to provide English language lessons and address mental health barriers. 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. East Midlands businesses lose confidence in May Business confidence in the East Midlands fell 24 points during May to 17%, 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 31 points at 15%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 18 points to 18% this gives a headline confidence reading of 17%. Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Business confidence in the East Midlands has dipped this month, following a similar trend seen across the other regions of the UK. However, confidence remains firmly in the positive territory and businesses continue to plan investments in their teams to drive growth.” East Midlands businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as investing in their team (37%), devolving their offer (28%) and entering new markets (28%). A net balance of 10% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, down 18 points on last month. Dave Atkinson © stock.adobe.com/ BojanAPPOINTMENTS Mitchells appoints first female equity partner Laura Pain has been appointed as an equity partner at Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers – the first female equity partner in the company’s 155-year history. A Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA), Laura has been with the Chesterfield-based accountancy firm since 2008 and became an associate partner in 2021. She now joins fellow equity partners Tim Leeman, Tony Hornsby and Andrew McDaid in leading the business. She said: “Becoming an equity partner coincides with my fifteenth year with the firm, making it an incredibly special milestone for me. I am honoured to be the first female equity partner at Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers.” As equity partner, Laura will continue to lead the firm’s team of digital accountants who specialise in advising start-ups and small businesses leverage the power of Cloud Accounting to automate their business processes and reduce costs. Laura brings extensive experience to her role at Mitchells, boasting a 23-year career in accountancy. East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk Law firm makes raft of promotions Regional law firm Sills & Betteridge LLP has promoted five fee earners to Partner level and three to Associate, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the firm’s management and development. Partnership appointments go to the firm’s Head of Crime Christopher Hogg and his Department Manager Katie Scott, Matrimonial Solicitor Emma McGrath, who heads up the Skegness Family Team, and Conveyancers Diane Coultas, who joined the firm through its merger with Bridge Sanderson Munro, and Tracy Wray, who has been with the firm for almost 40 years. Kelly Credland is also to become a Partner. Kelly is the firm’s Chief Operating Officer and a member of the Leadership Team. Family Solicitor Ailsa Tennant, Family Emergency Team Paralegal Grace O’Neill and Conveyancer Talisa Hammond are to become Associates. Senior Partner Karen Bower-Brown said: “I would like to offer my congratulations to each of our new Partners and Associates, in whom we recognise commitment to the firm and ambition to be our future leaders.” Metal recycling specialist makes duo of new appointments Midlands-based metal recycling and waste management specialist, Ward, has made two new additions to its commercial team with the appointment of Mick Roots as national construction manager and Kieron Shanks in the newly-created role of senior bid-manager. These two new hires underpin Ward’s commitment to continuous investment to meet the needs of its ever-expanding customer base while realising the firm’s ambitious growth targets. Both appointments will be based at Ward’s head office, Donald Ward House in Ilkeston, where they will join the commercial team, reporting into Heather Foo, head of Purchasing (Metals) and Sales (Waste). Working within the waste team, Mick brings 25 years of sector experience and will be responsible for developing Ward’s customer base of key national and regional tier 1 construction contractors. Kieron brings nine years of bid management experience to the business and will be responsible for increasing bidding capabilities and driving the bid function for Ward’s entire offering, supporting growth through the tender process. Duo joins Ward’s commercial team with Mick Roots as national construction manager and Kieron Shanks as senior bid-manager Laura Pain Carter Jonas enhances Nottingham presence with new partner Property consultancy Carter Jonas has expanded its operations in Nottingham, appointing Andrew Prowse as a partner in its Infrastructure team. Carter Jonas opened in Nottingham last year, marking its second site in the Midlands, having launched in Birmingham in 2016. Its Nottingham space at Cumberland House, 35 Park Row, is initially supporting the ongoing expansion of its Infrastructure and Energy business. Prowse joins from Bruton Knowles with more than 15 years of experience. He has a background in commercial property, specialising in compulsory purchase and compensation in the infrastructures sector. He has advised on land assembly for infrastructure and regeneration projects across the UK, working for many national operators, including National Grid, Western Power Distribution, Northern Powergrid, Severn Trent Water and Cadent Gas. At Carter Jonas, Prowse will work closely with Christian Green, head of its Midlands practice, helping to lead the eight-strong Nottingham team and grow the business’s regional presence. With a deep-rooted knowledge of the region, and extensive experience advising public and private sector clients, he will play a pivotal role in several client projects. Christian Green, partner, Carter Jonas, said: “It is a pleasure to welcome Andrew to the team. As we respond to client demand, his joining will support our long-term ambitions to develop core areas of our business whilst strengthening our ability to deliver strategic, considered advice and services, helping to facilitate some of the most ambitious national infrastructure projects.” East Midlands architecture practice makes trio of director promotions Architecture practice GT3 Architects has promoted three members of its senior team following a year of successful growth, with Michael Simpson, Paul Reed and Suzanne Blair all appointed to director. The promotions solidify the trio’s roles, which blend project and practice responsibilities. Michael is lead for interiors and consultancy as well as internal quality management, Suzanne is responsible for the education sector projects at GT3 and spearheads internal operations and Paul leads on the sports and leisure sector – the firm’s largest area of expertise. In addition to the senior promotions the practice has promoted a further seven team members into higher-ranking roles in recognition of their hard work and commitment. The growth comes after a series of successful job wins including a £60m fit out for a new regional centre in Newcastle, a £45m leisure and cultural hub in Farnborough and a significant consultancy commission for a new £70m higher education campus. Suzanne, who joined GT3 in 2016, said: “It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the practice go from strength to strength – we’ve developed a fantastic culture and ethos across both studios that I’m proud to be part of. I’m therefore so pleased to be promoted to director alongside Paul and Michael, and we’re all looking forward to playing a more strategic and supportive role for the wider business.” www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link APPOINTMENTS Centrick appoints head of Nottingham office Commercial and residential property specialist Centrick has appointed Callum Rowland to lead its East Midlands operations. Callum, who joined the company in November last year, becomes branch manager at the company’s Nottingham office. “I see what the business has achieved in Birmingham and Solihull and it is really inspiring. It is my aspiration for Nottingham to become an East Midlands hub, mirroring what we are doing in the West Midlands,” said Callum. “There is a really great opportunity to grow the Centrick business in the region. Our attention to detail, strong central service functions and experienced team will really set us apart from some stiff competition and it will be a challenge but the future is exciting. We have all the ingredients to be the go-to specialist if you’re selling, buying, renting or letting investment or residential property.” He added: “At the moment, the Nottingham market is super exciting, with buy to let investors, first time buyers and home movers all making moves in and around the city. With two universities in the city, there is a huge demand for rental units. With strong rental yields, regularly returning 7% plus, Nottingham has a huge appeal to investors. “There’s also continuous development in the city, with new home and build to rent schemes giving us much-needed stock for both tenants and buyers. Average asking prices are consistently on the rise and currently Nottingham is seeing some of the highest growth in the country.” Andrew Prowse L-R: Suzanne Blair, Michael Simpson and Paul Reed Callum RowlandNext >