JUNE 2024 EAST MIDLANDS LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www..co.uk WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK £3.50 A golden location Farming under threatIrreplaceable assetsArmstrong 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 Election fever continues to grip the country after a “surprise” election was called for July. I emphasise surprise because many outlets had been guessing at it for a while, and the drop in inflation made it very likely the Conservatives would want to strike while things look a little better. It’s a chaotic mess of a time, however, with many economists wondering just how much difference there will be between the two parties. Traditionally, Conservatives have been the party for businesses to back but many business leaders have turned to Labour for the current election. That’s not a big surprise given how poorly the economy has fared under the Conservative party, but it should be noted that very few of the biggest companies in the UK have backed either party. This, however, might be a desire to stay out of politics and risk alienating customers. It does feel inevitable that Labour will win, but it also feels inevitable that the Conservative party will have to adapt as a result of all this – ditching a lot of its more extremist and less popular members, re-inventing itself, and perhaps coming out as a party more capable of competing to run the country in coming elections. If only all businesses could shrug off performances this poor, eh? 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 Well known for its logistics prowess, the East Midlands continues to welcome new lettings and developments solidifying its status in the golden triangle. Agri-business spotlight 20 The farming industry is suffering not only in our region and not only in our country, but across the EU and further afield. Construction, machinery and equipment 24 A push toward sustainable development and environmentally friendly construction material may well shape the future of the construction industry. Tax 28 James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, provides food for thought ahead of the general election. Insurance 30 While every business owner knows some insurance policies are required by law, there are some additional coverage options that could prove useful, particularly if you ever plan on expanding your business operations. Public relations 34 Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR, delves into the role of awards in marketing strategies. Logistics 36 The East Midlands may be a key logistical region but that does not mean it’s free from the challenges faced by the industry – challenges that the Government is not helping with. Meet the experts 40 Finding the right expert can be difficult, but the key is looking for someone who can understand your business almost as well as you can, and who can apply that knowledge to their field of expertise. • Hopkins Solicitors Q&A Health and safety 44 Health and safety has become more than ticking a box, it is now a much-needed asset to preserve skilled staff in a recruitment environment that makes hiring new ones increasingly difficult. Corporate hospitality 48 AI promises to change a lot of things, but the very fact it wants to replace face-to- face meetings may, in fact, cause more of them to happen. JUNE 2024 EAST MIDLANDS £3.50 LEADING BUSINESS MAAGAZINE eplaceable assets INESSLINKCOUK .co.ukwww. Farming unde W eater thr A golde WWWEASTMI eIrr en location IDLANDSBUS Cover photographs courtesy: • stock.adobe.com/Aleksei • Duncan Andison • Budimir Jevtic • DG PhotoStock • David Contents June 2024 AutoLink 50 New motors and upgrades to existing models this summer. • We put the McLaren Artura through its paces. 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.20 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 Law firm snaps up West Bridgford conveyancers As part of a succession strategy, West Bridgford conveyancing firm Michelle O’Shea & Co has been acquired by AG Corporate Law. Founded in 1995 by Michelle O’Shea, initially there will be no changes to the management team or how the company is run under the new ownership. Michelle plans to continue working part time and oversee the work of the team of seven conveyancers and administrative assistants for an initial term of 2 years. Longer term the intention is to develop the existing team and recruit more people. Founded in 2023 by Adam Gilbert, AG Corporate Law is a boutique firm specialising in Corporate and Commercial Law. The acquisition of Michelle O’Shea & Co will be the second legal business to be owned by Mr Gilbert who plans to continue operating each brand as entirely separate entities due to their different geographic location and target markets but with the benefit of being able to cross refer work between the two firms. East Midlands Mayor gives green light to country’s largest local area energy plan An ambitious scheme to meet Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire’s net zero targets has moved one step closer to reality, after the newly formed East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) gave its backing to the region’s Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP). The initiative will see a data-driven, net zero ‘action plan’ rolled out across the region, which will aim to deliver an effective, on-time and value for money approach to climate resilience, tailored to the need of local communities. It will set out priority areas for different elements of the region’s energy system and identify the areas where specific technologies – such as heat pumps, EV charging and insulation schemes – would be most effectively installed. Mott MacDonald and Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES) have been appointed to drive the project forward over the next two years, working collaboratively with local authorities and Midlands Net Zero Hub. The Local Area Energy Plan, once implemented, will be the largest of its kind in England – putting the region in a strong position to attract investment and create jobs in green industries. East Midlands business confidence on the rise Business confidence in the East Midlands rose five points during May to 40%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. Companies in the East Midlands reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up six points to 40%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up five points to 41%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 40% (vs. 35% in April). Looking ahead to the next six months, East Midlands businesses identified their top target areas for growth as investing in their team, for example through training (36%), evolving their offering (36%), and entering new markets (33%). The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. The data for this edition was collected between 1– 16th May, before the UK general election was announced. Michelle O’Shea & Adam GilbertAcquisition brings Nottingham recruitment firms together Simon Nicholas Associates (SNA), the Nottingham-based construction sector recruitment business, has been acquired by Approach Personnel for an undisclosed figure. Founded in 2009, SNA specialises in supplying construction professionals, skilled trades, and labour to clients across the UK. Founder Simon Pearce commented on the acquisition: “I am excited about the future and the opportunities this acquisition brings. We are buying into the vision that Approach Personnel’s Directors have for their business, and I am eager to become a part of it. “The professionalism and ease with which this acquisition was handled have been remarkable, and I am confident that this partnership will drive further success for myself at Approach Personnel.” Approach Personnel, headquartered at Chase Park, Nottingham, places temporary and permanent staff nationwide across various sectors, including construction, civil engineering, shopfitting, interiors, industrial, and food production. This acquisition follows their 2019 acquisition of local recruitment agency Elizabeth Michael Associates, specialists in commercial and office-based roles. The latest acquisition is part of an ambitious growth strategy being implemented by the leadership team. 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. Freeports sign green freight corridor initiative Freeport East and East Midlands Freeport have formed a new partnership to support a green freight corridor that will help decarbonise transport and drive enhanced skills and employment initiatives along the length of one of the UK’s most important transportation routes. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) underlines both parties’ commitment to working with a range of public and private sector partners, particularly in the logistics sector, to deliver a greener transportation corridor. Building on the opportunities created by the Government’s recently published Freeports Delivery Roadmap, the initiative will emphasise the need for greater investment to support the decarbonisation of transport flows between the two freeport locations. By working together, the freeports will accelerate the technologies, business models, innovation and infrastructure needed to drive decarbonisation by utilising green hydrogen, electric charging systems and novel technology applications, such as digital twins. Delivering a green corridor initiative between the UK’s largest container port and the heart of the Midlands logistics Golden Triangle, offers the opportunity to combine maritime and land transport decarbonisation initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint of goods entering and leaving the UK. L-R: Carla Dawson (Payroll & Accounts Manager), Samual Booth (Board Director), Adam Charlesworth (Group Director), Simon Pearce (SNA Managing Director), Alan Spalding (Managing Director), Ross Thompson (Divisional Director) © stock.adobe.com/adam121 © stock.adobe.com/Yuri BizgaimerRotherhill Developments makes director promotion Midlands commercial property developer and asset manager, Rotherhill Developments, has promoted Ed Jeffrey to director. In his new role as director at Rotherhill, Ed will continue to source and deliver commercial opportunities, working closely with agents, landowners and building owners directly to secure new developments and investments, as well as implementing asset management initiatives across Rotherhill’s existing portfolio to deliver returns for investors. Additionally, he will be actively involved in the onboarding of new recruits to the business as the team continues to expand. Ed Jeffrey says: “Over the last five years at Rotherhill, I have acquired and delivered a wide range of projects. The majority have focussed on repositioning existing assets, with and without income. “They have involved back-to-frame and lighter touch refurbishments, changes of use and the release of land for delivering new build development, together with more typical investment asset management where tenants are in situ.” APPOINTMENTS Trio of appointments at Rothera Bray Rothera Bray, the East Midlands law firm, has made a trio of appointments following the launch of its licensing team at its Nottingham office. The firm has bolstered its services with the addition of three experienced professionals specialising in licensing law. Senior associate Jo Soar, associate Lesley Harper, and senior paralegal Caroline Twist collectively bring over a century of expertise in this domain. The establishment of the licensing team follows the recent appointment of corporate partner David Kaplan. Christina Yardley, CEO at Rothera Bray, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Jo, Lesley, and Caroline to the firm and expand our core services through the establishment of a dedicated licensing team. Their wealth of experience will further strengthen our ability to deliver exceptional legal solutions to our clients.” East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk Professional services group makes eleven promotions in Nottingham Professional services group Gateley has promoted eleven people in its Nottingham office. Charlie Jakeman has been promoted to partner within the construction team, having joined Gateley as a legal director in 2021, while Tertia Werry and Janine Gibbs have been promoted to legal director in the real estate and private client teams respectively. Those promoted to senior associate are Nathan Allaway from the real estate team, Rebecca Sells from the planning team, Rachael Mitchison from the corporate team, Alicia Bradburn from the banking team and Katherine Wright from Adamson Jones, the dedicated patent and trademark practice. Additionally, three of the Nottingham team have been promoted to associate; Jaclyn Nelson and Catherine Everington who are both from the construction team, and Shiv Nand from the banking team. Andrew Macmillan, partner and head of Gateley’s Nottingham office, said: “I’m extremely proud to see so many of our talented employees in Nottingham achieve promotions this year. They have all shown a great level of commitment to achieving outstanding results for our clients and deservedly have been rewarded for their work. “These promotions highlight Gateley’s continued commitment to the development of our employees and having so many promotions in our Nottingham team shows just how well our city is doing at attracting and retaining top talent.” Ed Jeffrey L-R: Caroline Twist, Jo Soar, and Lesley HarperNew legal appointment at Champions (UK) plc Champions (UK) plc has added another key appointment to its senior management team as Chris Greenwell joins as solicitor/head of legal. Chris is an ambassador and part time partner in law firm, Gateley Legal and a non-executive director at Earl Shilton Building Society. Based in Leicestershire, Champions UK is a growth consultancy partner with clients across the country. It specialises in supporting businesses achieve financial growth. With over 20 years of expertise in providing business enhancement, Champions has delivered more than £5bn in sales turnover, and more than £15bn in capital value growth for its clients. Chris said: “I am delighted to join with long standing friends and look forward to being part of Champions (UK) plc management team.” Champions MD Matthew Hayes said: “I am really pleased to confirm Chris to our team. We have worked closely for over twenty years and he remains a highly trusted expert who is very well regarded across the region.” Chair appointed at BakerBaird BakerBaird, the East Midlands communications and engagement business, has appointed an experienced management consultant as its new company chair. Nic Newall, who has worked with global brands such as Jaguar Land Rover and L&G, has been advising the Nottingham-based business since 2017 on strategy and business development. She joins BakerBaird as chair at a time when it has become established as one of the leading communications and engagement businesses in the region, delivering projects for major regional bodies like the East Midlands Combined County Authority, local government, NHS, universities and private sector businesses. Alongside founders Richard Baker and Stuart Baird, BakerBaird’s team of specialists includes account director Gaby Taylor, former director of communications at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust. Besides Jaguar Land Rover and L&G and government departments such as the DfE, Nic is also passionately committed to encouraging entrepreneurship, having been appointed Midlands Ambassador for Young Enterprise in 2023 after seven years as a voluntary advisor. Nic said: “I’ve been advising BakerBaird informally since it was launched. Stuart, Richard, Gaby and the team have made significant progress as the communications and engagement supplier of choice for many of the East Midlands’ major initiatives and local authorities, and they’ve delivered award-winning projects regionally, nationally and internationally. I’m delighted to be alongside them as they start the next phase of their growth.” www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link APPOINTMENTS East Mids warehouse technology firm makes chief commercial officer promotion Castle Donington-based warehouse technology innovator, Synergy Logistics, has promoted Brian Kirst to chief commercial officer. Brian previously looked after all customer facing elements of the business in North America, but now oversees all aspects of Sales, Marketing, Support and After Sales globally. He brings 30 years of experience in supply chain, logistics and digital technology. Prior to joining Synergy in early 2022, Brian co- founded and launched two high growth 3PL order fulfilment companies – Total Reliance in 2014 and Resurge in 2019. The restructure also sees chief product & delivery officer, Smitha Raphael, take on a more global role with the development services and implementation teams. Both report directly into Synergy Logistics chairman, Hugh Stevens. Stevens said: “Brian is the ideal fit for this crucial role. As a fellow owner, operator, and entrepreneur; our strategic views align. I also like his leadership and decision-making approach. He recognises opportunities quickly and looks to make an immediate impact.” Brian Kirst BakerBaird Communications founder director Stuart Baird with Nic Newall, who has joined the business as company chair Chris GreenwellNext >