SEPTEMBER 2023 EAST MIDLANDS LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www..co.uk WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK £3.50 Comms, Collabs and DMS The business case for going green Organisational learning - the barriers to excellenceArmstrong 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 The month marks a series of flip-flopping remarks from government and economic figures with those on both sides claiming that a recession will and won’t happen, and unhelpful individuals chiming in to accuse others of wokeism or left-leaning bias. It goes without saying that economics don’t care for bias or political leaning, and it’s a poor sign that those in charge of the country are trying to push a culture war rather than offer any meaningful improvements to business in our region. Those working in residential property may have seen good news in the form of Gove’s weakening of environmental protections due to the low number of new builds (a failed former pledge from said government), but the reputational damage that companies taking advantage of the changes will experience may make it a double- edged sword, at least in the long term. These changes, among others, cast doubt on the government’s claims of Net Zero 2050, but given that the current government looks set to fail more pledges than they meet, it may not come as a great surprise to anyone. Businesses in our region thrive on stability, and it appears we’ve come a long way since Theresa May lost her leadership battle on the promise of “strong and stable” leadership to a man who found himself “ambushed by cake”. Let us hope that businesses in our region can weather the storm as they have been doing, and not end up with cake on their faces. Good reading, as always Michael Fisher Editor@BLMEastMidlands BLMEastMidlands Latest news 6 A round-up of the latest news from our region. Charnwood Borough Council Q&A 16 East Midlands Business Link sits down with Lorraine Farley, Business Relations and Economic Growth Officer at Charnwood Borough Council, to find out about her new role and how the council are helping local businesses. Commercial property 18 Business Link highlights some of the biggest East Midlands property stories from the last month. LCS IT Solutions Q&A 22 We speak with LCS IT Solutions, who have worked in one of the fastest changing industries for 21 years now, to find out what challenges the IT industry faces and how the threats toward businesses have been adapting. Food and drink spotlight 24 Cutting-edge tech, smart labels, and AI analytics are enhancing production efficiency, ensuring quality, consumer transparency, and satisfaction. Finance 27 Global interest rates remain higher than pre- pandemic levels, and the prospect of recession is looming on the horizon, so thoughts are turning to the economic outlook for the latter half of 2023. Tax 30 James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, considers the importance of family businesses focusing on fortitude. Office solutions 32 Businesses can redefine teamwork, streamline operations, and empower innovation by utilising advanced communications, collaboration, and document management solutions, as we explore. Net zero 36 Energy efficiency improvements, renewable transitions, and innovative partnerships can pave the way towards a greener, more successful future. Training and education40 There are many barriers to regular training in a business. Business Link shares these and how to overcome them. • De Montfort University Q&A Public relations 46 Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR, reflects on Nike’s Lionesses kit fumble. AutoLink 48 Soon to be available motors are exploring new possibilities and bringing some much- needed excitement to an otherwise stale board. SEPTEMBER 2023 EAST MIDLANDS LE £3.50 EADING BUSINESS MAG AZINE eengoing gr WW The business case e for DMS Comms, Collab WEASTMIDL the barrier Organisatio bs and ANDSBUSINE s to excellence ning -onal lear ESSLINKCOU w UK .co.ukwww. Cover photographs courtesy: • Bonded Warehouse / Friar Gate Goods Yard • stock.adobe.com/ zhikun sun • JOURNEY STUDIO7 • ShantiMedia • tippapatt Contents September 2023 Corporate hospitality 52 The cost of recruitment is through the roof, and companies are finding it hard to find good staff, which means it’s all the more important to keep hold of the ones you have. 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.36 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’s sustainability initiatives – steps towards a greener future? Sills & Betteridge LLP have introduced a range of energy saving, carbon emission reducing initiatives. Its largest undertaking is the recent installation of 79 solar panels to its central Lincoln Head Office with the aim of generating 1/3 of the site’s total energy usage – for four months of the year, solar energy will fully power the four floor office. Another investment has been the purchase of a new MG ZS Electric Hatchback car, replacing one of the firm’s diesel vehicles. The firm aspires to have a fully electric fleet by 2025, while remote working and online video meetings are encouraged to help reduce avoidable travel. Digital and paper-light file management and document storage are another efficiency the firm is embracing, to cut down paper consumption and the cost of print and archiving. Even the firm’s website www.sillslegal.co.uk is green, as verified by The Green Web Foundation. CEO of Sills & Betteridge, Martyn Hall said: “Like many law firms, we are working hard to understand the impact of our operations and working methods on the environment and are actively seeking to reduce our overall carbon footprint.” Pick Everard takes place on £1.6bn national framework agreement Extending its delivery of pan public sector services, multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard has been appointed to NHS Shared Business Services’ new £1.6bn framework agreement. Operating across a four-year term, the move will see the firm deliver each of its core services and more across ten lots of the NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) Healthcare Planning, Construction Consultancy & Ancillary Services Framework Agreement, spanning architectural and project management services to net zero environmental consultancy. Open to local authorities, emergency services, higher education, NHS and the wider public sector, the new agreement builds on the previous NHS SBS Framework Agreement and a nine- year working relationship Pick Everard has held with the organisation on the NHS SBS framework agreement. Pick Everard has successfully delivered a wide range of projects through the existing NHS SBS framework agreement, including the relocation of congenital heart services for the Leicester Children’s Hospital in 2021 – which had been threatened with closure until campaigning efforts ensured the centre received part of a £450m pot of government funding. Catering group gobbles up Nottingham firm Nottingham-based Walker Catering has been acquired by Leeds- headquartered catering group, Northern Catering Equipment Group. Walker Catering was established in 1990, offering catering supply services to customers in Nottingham, the East Midlands and across the UK. Hilton Smythe advised Walker Catering on their successful sale. Prior to acquisition, it had 250 active clients, a 90% repeat business record, and approximately £240k cash in the business. In addition to Walker Catering, NCE Group operates three other businesses in Leeds and Swansea and has been shortlisted for several industry awards. Mo Romanowicz, Managing Director of NCE Group, said: “We’re delighted to have invested in Walker Catering. It has not only brought additional revenue, but also experienced and capable staff who will help us go from strength to strength. “The team at Hilton Smythe has been invaluable in terms of providing a clear action plan and supporting us every step of the way with clear communication. We’re already discussing further opportunities for growth through acquisition for our next stage of development.” © stock.adobe.com/ chrisdorneyEast Midlands business confidence lowest in UK Business confidence in the East Midlands fell five points during August to 25%, the lowest reading of all UK nations and regions, 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 13 points at 24%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up two points to 27%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 25%. East Midlands businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as investing in their team (44%), diversifying into new markets (32%) and evolving their offer (28%). The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. A net balance of 27% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up 12 points on last month. Overall UK business confidence increased to its highest level since February last year, jumping 10 points to 41% in August. All 11 regions and nations reported a positive business confidence reading in August, with nine regions and nations reporting a higher confidence reading month-on-month. 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. Gymnastics club chain expands geographic reach with East Midlands acquisition The fast-growing chain of gymnastics clubs named after Olympic medallist Nile Wilson is continuing to expand with the acquisition of a Beth Tweddle Gymnastics centre based in Mansfield. Established in 2019, the first Nile Wilson Gymnastics Club opened in Dinnington, Rotherham, and was quickly followed by a second club in Bramley, Leeds, last year and a third club in Coventry in early 2023. The acquisition of the Nottinghamshire gymnastics club enables the business to expand into the East Midlands as it pursues its vision of creating a network of gymnastics clubs around the UK that ‘change the game’. Beth Tweddle Gymnastics will be re-branded as Nile Wilson Gymnastics Mansfield and is already open at Portland Retail Park. The venue features an 8,000 square foot facility with state-of-the-art equipment for gymnasts, and Nile Wilson Gymnastics has also taken a lease for the entire first floor of the premises which it plans to refurbish to provide a 21,000 square foot gym in total which will make it one of the most significant facilities in the Midlands. © stock.adobe.com/ LElik83 Nile Wilson © stock.adobe.com/ iushakovskyAPPOINTMENTS Army veteran joins MTMS as group strategic lead An Army veteran who has served around the world has joined the team of a Derbyshire rail firm as it looks to the future. Bruce Spencer has joined the team at MTMS in Swadlincote as the group strategic lead where he will look at the business’s long-term aims. Bruce has dedicated most of his working career to the Army as both a regular and reserve officer. He travelled the world for 38 years after first being commissioned into the Worcester and Sherwood Foresters. During his Army career the places he served include Iraq, Afghanistan and Bosnia to name just a few. He transferred to the Adjutant General’s Corps in the 90’s where one of his roles included Military Attache in Kathmandu, Nepal. Keen on outdoor sports, he has trekked the Himalayas, sailed the Atlantic and taken a kayak down the Pyrranees rivers. Outside of work he dedicates his time to the Derbyshire Blood Bikers, Chesterfield Sea Cadets and the Mickleover branch of the Royal British Legion. Now the married father-of-three will be looking into the future of the business and how it will look over the next few years in an ever changing landscape. He said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining MTMS. They’re growing and they’ve got great ideas and great leadership. They fill a much-needed capacity gap in the UK railway system contributing to the nation’s green footprint.” East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk Clowes Developments appoints new Managing Director Thomas Clowes has been appointed as Managing Director of Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd. Despite being a part of the family, Tom formally joined the business in 2016 following a period of time dedicated to gaining industry experience elsewhere. Being placed within the Land and Planning team, Tom was promoted to the Board of Directors in 2021 and now takes the appointment of Managing Director. Thomas Clowes commented on his appointment: “This has never been a sure-thing for me, I started at Graduate level and have worked my way through the business, aiming to understand every facet. “Nepotism isn’t a word in the Clowes family dictionary, David would agree with me that Dad often aimed for the opposite of that. Something I wasn’t thankful for at the time, but I know has paid dividends for me now. I am honoured to be able to carry on his legacy and put my mark on the group.” In recent years, Clowes Developments have seen sustained growth. The group reported a record turnover and profit for the last financial year with similar headlines expected for this year’s financial statement. Interim Chief Officer of East Midlands devolution programme named Mark Rogers has been appointed as the Interim Chief Officer of the East Midlands devolution programme, as part of plans to set up a new mayoral combined authority covering Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Nottingham. Having played a pivotal role in the formation of the West Midlands Combined Authority, Mark will take the lead in ensuring the region is well-placed to establish the East Midlands Combined County Authority, which is due to come into existence next year subject to Royal Assent for a new Act of Parliament. ?In his most recent role in public service, Mark served as a Director General for the Government of Jersey. Since 2022 Mark has held the role of Chief Executive of the Leadership Centre. Mark, who also has extensive senior leadership experience in local government as Chief Executive of both Birmingham City Council and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, will be joined by other new interim appointments. Working with the four councils involved in the devolution programme, Mark and his team will develop the key actions underpinning the deal, which include improving transport, skills, education, housing and working towards net zero across the region. David Clowes, chairman, and Thomas Clowes, Managing Director, Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd Bruce SpencerTuntum names new Chief Executive Charmaine Simei will be the new Chief Executive of Tuntum Housing Association, succeeding Richard Renwick MBE who is due to retire in the autumn after almost three decades in the post. Ms Simei is currently director of customer experience and communities at Longhurst Group and brings more than 25 years of experience in social housing and related fields including 12 years in senior leadership roles. Voted Professional of the Year at the Women in Housing Awards 2021, she is a board member for Communities that Work, the national voice of housing providers who support residents and communities into employment. She is also a former chair of the Centre of Excellence Community Investment East of England network and co- chair of HACT’s Racial Equality Group, having been a long- serving mentor for the Housing Diversity Network. Tuntum is one of the largest independent black and minority ethnic (BME) housing providers in the UK. Founded in 1988, the association owns and manages over 1,600 homes in 12 local authority areas across Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, and Derbyshire. Charmaine Simei said: “It is an honour to be appointed to lead Tuntum. The association has a strong reputation as a community-based social housing provider with a proven ability to explore and generate new partnerships rooted in diversity. “This reflects my own career background and skill set, coupled with my deep personal commitment to uniting people and making a positive difference to everyday lives. I feel privileged to follow in Richard’s footsteps. He has done so much for Tuntum and the communities it serves.” Greatwell Homes names new executive director Northamptonshire-based housing association, Greatwell Homes has named Chris Holloway as its new executive director. With almost 20 years experience in the housing sector, he has spent the last five years as head of housing and neighbourhoods at Greatwell Homes and will start his new role on 1 September 2023. During his time at the organisation, Holloway has led a number of strategic projects and initiatives including regeneration of community green spaces and piloting the use of data to sustain tenancies. He said: “After working at Greatwell Homes for the past five years, I’m truly honoured to join the Executive Management team. “I look forward to continue to work with our Board, colleagues, customers and partners to shape places that people are proud to call home.” Jo Savage, Chief Executive at Greatwell Homes, said: “We’re delighted that Chris will be joining myself and Julie Robinson in the Executive Team here at Greatwell Homes. During the recruitment process, Chris performed extremely well throughout a robust recruitment process against a very strong field of internal and external candidates. “I have no doubt that Chris’ knowledge of our communities and his existing connections with our customers and partners will be invaluable in planning the future of our organisation. I very much look forward to working with him in his new role from September.” www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link APPOINTMENTS Stirlin marks new era of expansion with latest hire Lincoln contractor, Stirlin, has welcomed Jayne Southall to its team as business development manager. The creation of the role marks a new era of expansion for Stirlin. For over 15 years, the company’s focus has been exclusively on serving private clients and joint venture development partners. However, this move signifies a strategic step toward embracing new opportunities with external clients. With an impressive background as CEO of the Lincolnshire Showground spanning over a decade, Jayne brings with her an extensive network of contacts and important relationships across Lincolnshire. In her new role as business development manager, Jayne will be strengthening important relationships with Stirlin’s clients and championing the company’s pursuit of external contracts. Reflecting on her new role, Jayne shares: “I am delighted to embark on this journey as the business development manager at Stirlin. Having steered the Lincolnshire Showground through the pandemic, I decided it was time to look for a new challenge. “I’m looking forward to the collaborative strides we will take together at Stirlin. I’m eager to reconnect with familiar faces and forge new connections to contribute to the company’s growth as it opens up to external contracting.” Charmaine Simei Jayne Southall Chris HollowayNext >