AUGUST 2023 EAST MIDLANDS LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www..co.uk WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK £3.50 Optimising operations Designing for the future New developments on supply chain managementArmstrong 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 If the last week of July showed us anything, then it’s just how fast the government can move when one of their own is embroiled in a scandal with a bank. The Nigel Farage fiasco was handled with extreme haste, which shows that the government can act quickly when they want to – which only raises the question of why they have not when it comes to improving the economy? It’s not our place to postulate on the answer. The UK’s economy has continued to do poorly, trickling barely above the level of a recession and showing little signs of life despite a new trade deal that the government is boasting (against most evidence) will have a huge impact on our daily lives. Businesses in our region are doing their best to keep going and continuing to report high levels of confidence despite the state of the country. Recruitment remains an issue for many firms, and late payments are becoming an increasing one as smaller businesses struggle to make ends meet. Despite that, the government has finally seen wisdom in opening some key roles to nationals from other EU countries, allowing them to come and fill gaps in the labour market. While this is only for certain jobs right now, it sets a precedent for such rules to be loosened in the future, allowing more workers back into the labour pool. 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 abound in the East Midlands, with Nottinghamshire having made its way into the spotlight repeatedly as of late. Tax 20 Michael Ball, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, discusses the reliefs for inheritance tax that can apply to farmland. Business services 22 Businesses can optimise their operations through outsourcing non-core functions to specialised service providers. East Midlands Business Link takes a closer look. OMS Q&A 26 This month we meet with consultancy and training specialists OMS to find out more about the company, and how they help businesses improve performance and meet regulatory requirements. . Print & packaging spotlight28 Business should embrace eco-friendly print methods and circular packaging to create a lasting impact on customers and the environment, whilst maintaining brand excellence through user testing and feedback. Public relations 32 Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR, reflects on the Coutts/Farage situation and the impact of taking a political stance as a business. Accountants review 34 Picking the right accountancy to handle your finances could be as easy as calling a number, but is that the best way to find the perfect company, or just the easiest? Environmental and waste management 38 Embracing environmental responsibility not only helps preserve the Earth’s natural resources but also enhances brand reputation, attracts eco-conscious customers, and fosters long-term business success. Supply chain management 42 The adoption of cutting-edge technologies has been a defining feature of supply chain management across the UK throughout the last few years. AutoLink 46 These new vehicles may soon be appearing on our roads. Corporate hospitality 50 For corporate events to be successful, solid planning is essential. AUGUST 2023 EAST MIDLANDS LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www..co.uk WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK £3.50 Optimising operationsDesigning for the future New developments on supply chain management Cover photographs courtesy: • stock.adobe.com/simonXT2 • MclittleStock • Creative Digital Art • A Stockphoto • vchalup Contents August 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.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 Nottingham software firm receives growth investment and completes merger Nottingham software firm NoBlue has received a growth investment from specialist software & services focused lower mid-market growth investor, FPE Capital LLP and merged with NetSuite Solution Provider Elevate2. NoBlue has focused on Oracle NetSuite since 2011 and was recognised as EMEA Oracle NetSuite Partner of the Year in 2022. The company has offices in the UK and Spain and customers around the world. Elevate2, founded in 2015, is the largest independent NetSuite Solution Provider, headquartered in London, with a further office in the Philippines. Paying homage to both businesses’ history and cultures the combined business will trade under the name NoBlue2. Ian Irwin, founder of NoBlue, has become CEO of the group, with Alex Lester, founder of Elevate2, becoming COO. With FPE’s support, the combined business is now planning to invest further into application development and related services, and to scale the business further internationally. As part of this investment, Glenn Timms is appointed as non- executive chair of the group. A serial chair, Glenn has extensive experience of helping private equity backed technology and service orientated businesses scale-up within rapidly changing UK and US markets. East Midlands businesses set their sights on India for international expansion As negotiations around a UK-India Free Trade Agreement draw closer to completion, new research from Grant Thornton UK LLP’s Business Outlook Tracker finds that India is a core focus international growth market for the East Midlands mid-market. The firm’s Business Outlook Tracker, which surveyed mid-sized businesses in the East Midlands, finds that almost half (49%) of business leaders are planning to invest more in growing internationally in the next six months. Many of these businesses have their sights set on India, with 76% of respondents identifying the country as a focus international growth market. The opportunities that a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would offer are also evident to the region’s business leaders. As negotiations continue, 80% of respondents agree that an FTA with India is likely to encourage their business to explore more opportunities there. However, while establishing a business presence in an international market can offer numerous opportunities, it also presents challenges. The biggest barriers for the mid-market to building a business presence in India identified by the research are: high tariffs and protectionist policies, infrastructure, safeguarding intellectual property. Lincolnshire’s JDM Food Group merges with US firm Lincolnshire-based JDM Food Group (JDM) and US-based Henry Broch Foods (HBF) are set to merge, creating a new parent company, Jardins and Broch. JDM, headquartered in Bicker, is an innovator in value-added vegetables, sauces, dips and purees to the retail, manufacturing, recipe box and foodservice markets. HBF, with headquarters in Waukegan, Illinois, is a prominent spice, dry- blending and co-packing company, specializing in tailored formulations and seasonings. Jardins and Broch brings together two market leading ingredients companies and will create a team of international flavour experts across both wet and dry products. The newly formed partnership is an industry leading player with significant production capacity, complementary R&D capabilities and worldwide supply chain networks. The two companies will continue to operate independently in their home markets and will now be backed by the expert knowledge and skills from the other party to grow a global presence. Aisling Kemp will remain CEO of JDM and Greg Antonetti will continue to lead as CEO of HBF, with both taking an active role in the integration, growth, and future success of the combined group. © stock.adobe.com/ GEMINI © stock.adobe.com/ zorandim75New Institute of Technology to open in Derby The East Midlands continues to advance as a Major UK Tech Learning Hub with the creation of new technological facilities at Derby College Group (DCG). The East Midlands Institute of Technology (EMIoT) is a partnership between Derby College Group, the University of Derby, Loughborough College, and Loughborough University, with the aim to deliver a world class, research orientated, employer-led learning factory, founded on clean growth and digital delivery. The EMIoT is working closely with global powerhouse employers, including Rolls-Royce, Uniper, Toyota, National Grid ESO, Alstom, Fujitsu, and Bloc Digital to ensure programmes deliver a workforce with the future ready skills. Supported by Department of Education funding, the East Midlands Institute of Technology will be open in September 2024, with a college community of 2,000 learners by academic year 2027. The new facility as part of the EMIoT will be located at the front of the Stephenson building on the Roundhouse site in Derby. Planning has been secured and a workable budget has been supported subject to approval by the Department for Education. The works on site are scheduled to commence in August, subject to all approvals. 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. Midlands businesses gear up for Investment Zones, as first unveiled Businesses across the Midlands are gearing up for the introduction of two proposed Investment Zones, after the Government unveiled the first in South Yorkshire. According to BDO LLP’s bi-monthly Economic Engine survey of 500 mid- market businesses, 72% of regional companies have, or will consider moving part of their business to one of two proposed Investment Zones. These have been earmarked for the East Midlands Mayoral Combined County Authority and West Midlands Mayoral Combined Authority. Kyla Bellingall, regional managing partner at BDO in the Midlands, said: “Much was made in the Spring Budget about the proposed Investment Zones and the job creation and funding that would come from their introduction in a bid to drive growth. It’s clear that the package of funding to support infrastructure and skills, with the added draw of a range of tax reliefs, is giving regional businesses real food for thought about where they base all, or part of their operations, moving forward. However, much more still needs to be done to provide regional businesses with the strong foundations they need to thrive and grow.” © stock.adobe.com/ Veronika Idiyat Kyla BellingallAPPOINTMENTS PwC Midlands makes record round of partner and director promotions PwC Midlands has made a record round of partner and director promotions, with seven Midlands directors admitted into the Partnership, and 18 senior managers promoted to director, across all lines of services. The seven Midlands partners, over half of whom are women, join a total of 74 new partners admitted across PwC in the UK, taking the partnership to over 1,000 partners for the first time. The new Midlands partners are part of over 400 promotions made across the region, including 33 senior managers and 57 managers. Matthew Hammond, PwC UK Midlands regional market leader & Birmingham senior partner, said: “This year we have made a record investment in new partners and directors in the Midlands. Many of these colleagues have grown a career with PwC straight from university or via apprenticeships, highlighting our commitment to our people’s development. “Each brings a wealth of knowledge to help our clients achieve their business goals and navigate complex problems. Congratulations to all our new partners and directors, and to each of our 400 Midlands team members who are celebrating much deserved promotions.” East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk Wavensmere Homes sales and marketing director joins Marketing Derby Board of Directors Donna Smith, sales and marketing director of Derby housebuilders, Wavensmere Homes, has been appointed to the Board of Directors for Marketing Derby. Wavensmere Homes has well over 1,500 homes on site or proposed across four locations within Derby, including its £175m Nightingale Quarter scheme – one of the city’s major urban regeneration projects. The invitation to join the Board of Directors came from John Forkin MBE, the Managing Director of Marketing Derby. Founded in 2006, the award-winning, non-profit organisation exists to promote Derby as a great place to live, work, and do business. The organisation’s key focus is inward investment in Derby to drive its continuing growth and development. Donna Smith joined Wavensmere Homes as sales and marketing director in 2018. Prior to this, she held a senior director role at Connells, one of the largest estate agents in the UK. Donna has played an integral role in Wavensmere Homes’ investment in Derby, establishing firm relationships with both the business community and home buyers. Donna has become a known ambassador for the city’s regeneration, and champions it as a thriving place to call home and invest in. Greatwell Homes names new chair Northamptonshire-based housing association, Greatwell Homes have named Mike Kay as their new chair of the board. As a chartered building surveyor, he has over 45 years experience of property management and development, with the last 28 years in the social housing industry. He also has significant experience as a non-executive director, most recently as chair of the ACIS Group. He also has substantial knowledge and understanding of the Northamptonshire area as he has recently retired as Chief Executive at Northampton Partnership Homes after eight years. He said: “I am delighted to have been appointed to the role as chair of the board at Greatwell Homes. “I am joining them halfway through their Live Greatwell corporate plan and I can already see how committed the team are on providing safe, secure and sustainable homes for people in and around North Northamptonshire – an area which I am already very familiar with. “I can’t wait to get started and I am very much looking forward to working with the team at Greatwell.” Mike Kay Donna SmithNew designer joins Blueprint Interiors Workplace consultants and office fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors has appointed Maninder LLoyla Lupton as a project designer. Maninder, who lives in Derby, holds a BSC in Interior Architectural Design and has been working freelance since 2016. She has been involved in many projects ranging from conceptual ideas right through to detailed design planning for the commercial fit-out of offices, hospitality and retail venues. Initially, she will be providing maternity cover and will be working alongside the Blueprint team to understand their client needs and translate them into creative yet functional workspaces that inspire people to be motivated at work. The company, which is based in Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire, recently celebrated its 22nd anniversary and so far in 2023 has completed a number of high profile office fit out projects for the region’s top 200 companies. These included Melton Building Society, Worldline, Horiba Mira and Gleeds. Their HQ called WorkLife Central has recently undergone refurbishment to showcase the latest workplace design trends, furniture, tech and well-being aesthetics. Director steps up digital agency role Strategic marketing agency Purpose Media has announced that Steve Hall is stepping up his involvement with the company and taking on a new role as communications director. Steve, who has enjoyed a 40-year career in the media industry, has been a non- executive board member with the firm for two years but will now take on operational responsibilities, including oversight of content services. The former editor and Managing Director of the Derby Telegraph and editor-in-chief of the Nottingham Post and Leicester Mercury is relishing the opportunity to assist the agency’s continued growth and development. “During my time as a non-executive director, I have been hugely impressed by the Purpose Media team’s commitment to achieving outstanding results for clients,” he said. “Their strategic approach to meeting customers’ marketing objectives and demonstrating return on investment helps them to stand apart from their peers and to build long-lasting relationships which really deliver.” www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link APPOINTMENTS Wells McFarlane appoints new residential and commercial asset manager Commercial property consultancy, Wells McFarlane has expanded with the appointment of a new residential and commercial asset manager. Pru Singh joins the Lutterworth-based firm. Pru will support Wells McFarlane’s director and co-founder, Andrew McFarlane Holt with property and site inspections; tenant, landlord, contractor and other stakeholder liaison; lease renewals; marketing and general property management. “For the last decade my career’s been focused on residential lettings and property management, working at a specialist agency in Clarendon Park,” explains Pru. “I was aware that Wells McFarlane offer this service, but the role also included commercial property, meaning I could expand my skillset. “After further research, I quickly realised what an incredible profile the firm has, especially the success it achieves from just a single office, and felt this environment would suit the next stage of my career.” Maninder LLoyla Lupton Pru Singh L-R: Matt Wheatcroft, Harriet Fell, Ruby Birks, Steve Hall and Matt Bonser, of Purpose Media Next >