OCTOBER 2024 EAST MIDLANDS LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www..co.uk WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK £3.50 Property managementPreventing disasterIn support of growthArmstrong 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 At the time of writing, gloom over the upcoming budget suffocates the business newsroom. You know it’s going to be rough when the party has been warning of it for weeks now, and yet certain newspapers continue to argue that “billions can be released if the chancellor just does this…” You always know those articles are using awkward math and biased editorial from their backers who would so gladly like to see taxes dropped in their areas. Whenever that happens, the promised billions seem to materialise as frequently as the ones we were promised for the NHS in the wake of Brexit – which is to say never. The truth of the matter is that our budgets continue to be impacted by the financial crisis of 2008, which successive governments have been held hostage to. It’s not a matter of culture, or lazy young people, or even bitter old people and their pensions. It’s down to the largest financial crash since the Great Recession, which washed over the world and continues to harm us here in the UK. But I suppose it makes for more exciting reading to blame certain groups of people for it, cause a stir, and bask in the increased readers angrily shouting at one another. News is sensationalist nowadays, and that’s what sells. We’ll do our best to keep our editorial independent and focused on business advice and direction, as we have for 35 years. 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 The East Midlands has welcomed a plethora of significant regeneration schemes over the past few years, and the revitalisation of the region is only continuing, with Derby in particular in the spotlight. Tax 20 With the upcoming budget expected to bring significant changes, Jennie Brown, tax partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, considers what may be on the way. IT and communications 22 We live in an increasingly digital world and that has left many systems open to online attack. As scams, hackers and scripts become ever more sophisticated, so too must the defences of local businesses. Supporting business growth 26 It used to be that supporting business growth meant gaining more money, finance or capital, but changing working conditions and a new economy have flipped the table. Public relations30 With the rise of Ai, Greg Simpson, founder of Press For Attention PR, stresses the importance of being more ‘I’. Warehousing and distribution 32 New warehouses continue to be built but are selling for a premium, with many speculatively purchased before completion by big companies. This is forcing smaller and medium-sized companies to look more at how they can optimise the space they have. Legal services 36 Social media and a cultural shift have led to employees seeing their bosses as the enemy. It might be worth future- proofing employment material to be clearer on their rights. Facilities management 39 Facilities management is no longer a matter of meeting minimum requirements – it is now about exceeding them Corporate hospitality 42 Having made cost and sustainability savings during the pandemic through a reduction in business travel, companies are reassessing which trips need to be made and what they will look like in the future. OCTOBER 2024 EAST MIDLANDS LE £3.50 EADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE UK .co.ukwww. eventing disastePr WW eroperty managePr WEASTMIDL In support ement ANDSBUSINE owthof gr ESSLINKCOU w Cover photographs courtesy: • stock.adobe.com/Philip Steury • ink drop • NanSan • kasto • Gorodenkoff Contents October 2024 AutoLink 44 The focus of this month’s motors is exciting new developments in EVs, which are fast becoming popular – and affordable – on our roads. Events48 A timely look at forthcoming business events around the East Midlands. And finally...50 Here’s Frazer’s collection of the weird and wonderful ‘news’ that came his way over the last few weeks.22 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 MBO at East Midlands workplace consultancy Blueprint Interiors The management team has completed a buyout at workplace consultancy and commercial interior design firm, Blueprint Interiors. Rachel Biddles and Chloe Sproston have taken ownership of the business, which will see chairman and founder Rob Day take a step towards retirement and his passion for community-led projects for the company. Operations director Rachel Biddles and creative director Chloe Sproston have been with Blueprint Interiors for 22 and 19 years respectively, having played a significant part in its innovation and growth over the years. The new ownership marks a new chapter for the Ashby-based business – as it celebrates a record 12 months of trading and secures significant projects with household names in 2025. Set up by Rob 23 years ago, Blueprint Interiors continue to shape the future of workplace design, meeting the evolving needs of employer and employee. Corby company joins Northampton Sustainability Accord Corby-based See Limited is continuing in its efforts to reduce its carbon emissions by joining the Northampton Sustainability Accord. Established by the Sustainability Local Innovation Partnership Agenda Hub (SLIPAH), the Accord is a pioneering sustainability research and knowledge exchange hub with a focus on transformative change in the local Northamptonshire area and beyond. It’s made up of like-minded organisations that share the same target of reducing their carbon footprint. As part of the company’s acceptance into the Accord, it has taken on several key responsibilities which were agreed at the University of Northampton (UoN) Sustainability Summit held earlier this year. “Sustainability is a lynchpin of our daily conversations and we are proud to have a number of initiatives already in place to help us take sustainable steps forward and reduce our carbon emissions,” said Robert Thompson, CEO, See Limited. “These include solar panel installation, electric vehicle policy and being part of the Science Based Targets Initiative, all of which demonstrates our commitment to adopting best practice in sustainability.” Nottingham coffee roaster secures University of Birmingham contract 200 Degrees, the speciality coffee roaster based in Nottingham, has secured a significant wholesale client in the University of Birmingham. The contract sees 200 Degrees supplying all coffee and ancillary drinks products such as syrups and hot chocolate to the 15 food and beverage outlets across the campus. The wholesale team has already been working extensively across campus to ensure that coffee machines are calibrated, and that food and beverage teams’ barista skills are at the top of their game, ready for the academic year. Being a born and bred Brummie, 200 Degrees’ head of sales Ben Riley is especially proud of this win: “With thousands of students and academic staff requiring regular caffeine breaks, we’re expecting to help University of Birmingham satisfy this demand with tonnes of great tasting coffee and a boat load of hot chocolate! “This is a huge achievement for a roaster of our size, and we are over the moon to be working with the University for the years ahead. We’re really excited for what’s to come and how we develop this partnership.” The See Limited team welcomed Ebenezer Laryea, project lead on TANZ West Northants and chair of the UoN Sustainability Summit 2024 (second left), to their office in Corby to officially announce their acceptance into the Accord L-R: Rachel Biddles, Rob Day, Chloe SprostonBalls2 Marketing merges with Koobr to create super agency Long-established Derby agencies Balls2 Marketing and Koobr, are merging to create a super agency under ‘The Koobr Group’ umbrella. With both agencies already working in strategic partnership, the merger is set to combine the strengths of both companies, forming a full-service agency that will serve clients across the East Midlands and beyond with next-level marketing, PR and digital expertise. Craig Barker, Director and Founder of Koobr, and Katie Bregazzi, Director at Balls2 Marketing, will lead the new entity, bringing together their vast experience and vision. The founders of Balls2 Marketing, Sarah and Andy Ball, will continue to step back from daily operations and remain involved in strategy. Craig Barker said: “This union is the culmination of years of experience, expertise and collaboration, and we are excited to move forward as a united team. By joining forces in this new chapter, we are creating a powerhouse agency that will provide even greater value to our clients and the local community across the East Midlands and further afield.” 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. Logistex wins significant automation contract for Yusen Logistics (UK) Ltd in Northampton Logistex have secured a significant automation contract with Yusen Logistics (UK) for their new 1.2 million square foot warehouse facility in Northampton. This Sustainable Distribution Centre (SDC), with a total capacity of 240,000 pallet locations, will serve as an automated shared user facility for both B2B and B2C operations, featuring two distinct chambers for Pharmaceutical and Ambient activities. Logistex’s scope includes an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS) with Aisle Changing and Fixed Aisle cranes, an Automated 4-way Pallet Shuttle solution tailored for Pharmaceutical clients, and a further Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) Goods to Person solution servicing both Pharma and Ambient chambers. Logistex’s warehouse system, Reflex, will directly interface with all technologies and automation equipment providers, ensuring complete inventory and picking control. Justin Saw, Business Development Director at Logistex, said: “The team at Logistex have collaborated closely with Yusen Logistics (UK) throughout the tender process, establishing a strong partnership. With the freedom to integrate best-in-class technology to optimise the solution, this collaboration showcases Logistex’s capabilities as a systems integrator at the highest level.” L-R: Craig Barker, Katie Bregazzi, Sarah Ball, Andy BallNew Tuntum Chair named Danielle Oum will be the new Chair of Tuntum Housing Association, succeeding Junior Hemans who has been in post since 2015. Ms Oum is currently Chair of Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board, Chair of Aquarius Charity and a Board member of Fusion21. She has previously held several NHS Trust Chair roles and served in Chair and Board member positions in a number of housing associations, most recently as Chair of Walsall Housing Group. 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 in Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, and Derbyshire. Danielle Oum said: “It is a privilege to join as Chair of the Board. “Following the recent launch of Tuntum’s new Corporate Strategy 2024-2027 which incorporates six clear priorities and a revised vision statement, a roadmap is firmly in place to ensure the association modernises at pace – whilst keeping its soul intact. “I pay tribute to Junior for guiding Tuntum through this vitally important work alongside Board colleagues, staff and customers.” APPOINTMENTS Barwood Capital appoints new senior residential development manager Northamptonshire-based real estate investment and development platform, Barwood Capital has welcomed Alex Jervis to the Barwood Residential Investment Platform (BRIP) as senior residential development manager. Alex brings over 8 years of experience in the property industry, having previously worked for Savills at its UK head office. During his time there, Alex advised a diverse range of clients on matters related to the delivery of residential development projects, ranging from single houses in central London to urban extensions and new settlements throughout the UK. In his new role, Alex will be responsible for leading the day-to-day management of BRIP’s delivery partners, to ensure the successful delivery of projects that meet the strategic objectives of the business, ensuring maximum returns for Barwood’s investors and delivery partners alike. Alex said: “I am thrilled to be joining the BRIP team at Barwood Capital at such an exciting time, following on from what has been a very challenging environment for SME residential developers.” East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk Howes Percival appoints first Head of Construction Howes Percival has recruited Partner Piet van Gelder as the firm’s first ever Head of Construction, to meet the growing demand for construction law services. Based in the East Midlands, Piet is a specialist construction and engineering lawyer who advises clients in the construction, engineering and renewable energy sectors and in respect of compliance with the new regime under the Building Safety Act. Piet has experience over the whole lifecycle of projects from compliance with building regulations, procurement and resolving commercial issues and project accounts. Piet has been involved with many engineering projects outside the renewables sector including nuclear waste plants, process engineering plants, sequence batch reactors and waste to energy plants. He has been involved in substantial disputes in the Technology & Construction Court and in international & domestic arbitration, as well as an experienced practitioner in adjudication and a keen proponent of mediation. Piet is a director of Procon Leicestershire and Chair of the East Midlands Chamber of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Danielle Oum Alex Jervis Piet van Gelder and Lucy Lord © Howes PercivalWBR Group further strengthens leadership team WBR Group (WBR), the independent provider of SSAS services and tax experts, has appointed Julie Sebastianelli as a Non Executive Director. Julie brings a wealth of experience in the high net worth (HNW) sector and will play a crucial role in enhancing the strategic direction of WBR Group. Julie Sebastianelli has held a number of senior roles within the financial services industry, such as Deloitte and Brown Shipley. She was also a shareholder and Board Director at Hurley Partners, and most recently, a Wealth Management Director at Mattioli Woods, a position she held until April 2024. Julie’s extensive expertise spans SIPP and SSAS pensions, complex financial planning, inheritance tax (IHT) and estate planning, and a wide range of tax related areas. Renowned for her ability to simplify complex financial matters, she has earned a reputation for delivering trustworthy guidance in clear, understandable terms that resonate with clients. Julie’s appointment marks a significant step forward for WBR Group as it continues to strengthen its leadership team with experienced professionals who bring diverse insights and expertise. Tom Moore, CEO, WBR Group said: “We are really pleased to welcome Julie to our Board. She is already well-known to many of the team here and her exceptional track record and expertise in wealth management and financial planning will be invaluable as we strive to enhance our service offerings and continue our growth trajectory.” EMEC appoints new client relationship lead Nottingham-based environmental consultancy EMEC Ecology has appointed Sally Harrison as its new client relationship lead. With over 30 years of experience across a range of industries, including aerospace and pharmaceuticals, Sally brings extensive expertise in supplier and key account management. In her new role at EMEC, she will serve as the primary contact for clients, leading client relationship management to support EMEC’s ecological consultancy, project management, and land management services. Commenting on her appointment, Sally said: “I am really looking forward to working within a strong, friendly and supportive team. I am in awe of the work undertaken by EMEC colleagues and the positive impact this has directly on our local environment and via the work of the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust.” EMEC consultancy director, Dr Ed Tripp said: “Sally’s wealth of experience in client relationship roles will be a tremendous asset to EMEC. As we continue to grow, it’s important to work closely with our clients to evolve the services we offer, and Sally’s expertise will be invaluable in helping us achieve that.” www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link APPOINTMENTS Associate director appointed to lead MEC’s transport division Multi-disciplinary technical consultancy, MEC Consulting Group has appointed a new associate director to lead its transport planning team. Chris Heaney joins the firm with 25 years’ experience gained from both public and private sector roles across major development and infrastructure projects in the UK, Ireland and the Channel Islands. A registered member of both the CIHT (Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation) and TPS (Transport Planning Society), Chris specialises in transport modelling and development planning, particularly junction modelling, transport assessments, travel plans, environmental impact assessments, and sustainable transport strategy. At MEC, Chris is based in the Leicester office albeit has plans to launch a second transport team in the firm’s Birmingham office within the next 12-18 months. “Transport is often a fundamental issue during the planning stage of any development but I enjoy the challenge of supporting applications with robust highways contributions, travel plans, assessments and strategy,” says Chris. “The opportunity to deliver this for MEC’s clients as well as lead and expand the service across the Midlands was too good to miss.” Chris Heaney Sally Harrison Julie SebastianelliNext >